Effigy & vero Ritratto di Masianiello, comandante, in Napoli.    

AN EXACT HISTORY OF The late REVOLUTIONS IN NAPLES; AND OF Their monstrous Successes, Not to be paralleled by any Ancient or Modern History.  
Published by the Lord Alexander Giraffi in Italian; And (for the rareness of the subject) rendered to English, By I. H. Esqr.  

Non est quòd mireris praeterita,  
Praesentia te reddent attonitum.   Liv. 

Leave off admiring what before hath past,  
This present Age will make thee more aghast.   
London: Printed by R. A. for R. Lowndes. 1650.   

To the Right Worshipful the Governor, the Deputy, and the rest of the worthy Company trading into the Levant▪  
SIRS,  
THe Scene of this ensuing Story, was that Country where Princes are Merchants, and with which you hold most correspondence; This, with those high respects I have always professed to that Noble Society, and the employment which by Royal Commission I once had to serve some of them, induced me to this address.  
The Original was very lately compiled by an Italian Nobleman, and though it be a small volume, yet it contains as stupendous passages, as ever happened on Earth since Discord first entered into the World; And indeed were they not fresh, and acted, as it were but yesterday, it would stagger any one's faith to believe, that in so well a policed City as Naples, commanded by a Viceroy, and three praesidial Castles, so full of Nobility and Gentry, as no place more, abounding with so many sober and politic Heads, I say, it would stumble any one's belief, that a young fellow, a petty poor barefooted Fisherman, should draw after him in less than three days, above forty thousand armed men, and shaking off his linen slop, blue waistcoat, & red bonnet, should the fourth day ride triumphantly upon his Coursier in cloth of silver, command all Naples, and consequently near upon six hundred thousand souls, as absolutely as ever Monarch did; and all this by his own single Orders, which were of force enough to plunder or burn any house, to banish the proudest Lord, or chop off any head, without judicial Proceeding.  
In this Narration, though short and small, you may see all the circumstances hereof related with much exactness: Moreover, as in a little Ring embossed with some precious Stone, one may behold the effigies of a great Castle, or Mountain (by a rare contraction of the object) so in this small History of 
* A Ring.  Anello, which I present unto your eyes, you may discern the greatness of my desires, that the world should witness how much I am  
X. May 1650. Your humble and ready Servitor, james Howell.   

NEWS FROM NAPLES.  
The Proem.  
THat brave Napolitan Courser, no less generous than undaunted, who for excess of mettle, (prancing and triumphing in his own liberty) would not suffer either bit in mouth or saddle on back by any barbarous Nation or Foe for so many Ages.  
He, who in so many warlike assaults full of Martial spirits did by his proud neighing kick down the pride, and broke the courage of the great Hannibal, giving him such thumps on the breast that drove him back to the banks of Carthage after his glorious victories against the Romans, and other Nations by him de●elld.  
He who stopped that formidable Army of three hundred thousand Combatants under King Gens●erious the Goth, after he had sacked and burnt Rome, forcing him to bid a farewell to fair Italy.  
He who with a bold tooth did so irreparably strike Bellisardus the Greek, that he constrained him to take counsel of his feet, and betake himself to a shameful flight.  
He that with a mortal kick struck Alboinus the Pagan, King of the Longobards, with an innumerable Army, having had the dominion of Italy six hundred years and upwards.  
He who triumphed o'er three most potent barbarous Kings, di Fontana King of Afric, di Esdione King of Boe●ia and Carthage, and of Marchinato King of Syria and Persia, taking pleasure to swim in the blood of two and forty thousand Saracens, and never rested or drew back his foot till he got them all the spoils of that fearful Army.  
He who after three months of straight siege did force Henry the Germane Emperor to retire himself shamefully.  
He who being gamesome and full of heat, delighted chiefly to prance among arms and armed men, and to whiten the sands with his foam, being already stained with the blood of the enemy, and to trample upon unburied carcases.  
This brave Napolitan Courser came afterwads by his misfortune (his ancient liberty and innated bravery being lost) into the possession of strangers, sometimes of the Normans, sometimes of the Swevians, sometimes of the French, with the expense of a world of blood: At last he fell into the hands of the Arragonians, and the most renowned House of Austria their Successors, who looking upon him with a gentle look, and whether he was stroked with some magic hand, or switched with some enchanted rod, he received from them the bridle into his mouth, the saddle upon his back, and willingly took up the Cavalier to manage him ever since.  
These afterwards by their natural sagacity feeding and nourishing him with grains of many graces, and concession of privileges, made him ready to obey, and delivered him to the government of their Hors-coursers, that being well guided and instructed by them in the art of war, they might quickly make use of him upon occasion of any enterprise.  
Naples for the space of 203. years served the Majesty of this House with no ill-minded gratitude and fidelity; she succoured Alphonso the first with a voluntary imposition of ten Carlines upon every fire throughout the whole Kingdom for ever; they added five carlines more to Ferdinand for ever, and so by degrees it mounted to 66. Carlines, which she pays to this day, and comes to three millions of gold yearly.  
She served the House of Austria afterwards with more readiness, having supplied Charles the fifth in ten donatives with five millions, Philip the second with thirty in three and thirty donatives, and Philip the third and fourth, from the year 1628. to this day with a hundred millions and more, for which free donatives 'twas necessary to impose many taxes and gabells upon all edible commodities, to the end that he might completely satisfy his desires.  
And poursuing the same affection towards her King now regnant in the year 1646. and being desirous to present him with a new donative, without having any regard to her own forces now much enfeebled, a new design was found out to put a new gabelle upon fruits, which comprehended all sorts as well dry as green, as far as Mulberries, Grapes, Figgs, Apples, Pears, etc. depriving her of her ordinary nutriment: But making her live so seven months continually, she fell down at last flat upon the ground by mere weakness, and then feeling her deplored estate, and of the whole Kingdom, she took a new resolution to disburden herself not only of this, but of all other insupportable exactions formerly imposed, and this she did not without wel-grounded reasons: For it is a clear case that there is engraven in the breasts of men by nature herself a detestation of slavery, and how unwillingly they put their necks into the yoke of another, specially when it becomes intolerable, when exorbitant exactions are imposed upon Subjects whereby they are reduced to extreme fits of desperateness. Ad extremum ruunt populi exitium, cum extrema onera iis imponuntur; People ru● to extreme ruin, when extreme burdens are laid upon them, as Tacitus truly taught.  
Hence it came to pass, that in the royal City of Naples, that Mass of numberless people with their families being among other gabells much aggrieved for that upon fruits, and not being able to endure it, & having made it often known unto the most excellent Lord the Duke of Arcos Viceroy of that Kingdom, by the public cries and lamentations of women and children, and the men of Lavinaro, and other popular quarters, as he passed through the Market place to the devotion of the most holy Mother of Carmine in the Church of the Carmelites, situated along the said Market, and having petitioned him by the means of the most eminent Cardinal Filomarino the Archbishop, and others, to take off the said gabelle; upon a Sunday as his Excellency went to the said Church he heard a great buzz among the people, and little less than threatenings, presages of the following commotions which succeeded afterwards, and promising to take quite off the said gabelle, he returned with such apprehensions of fear into the Palace, that he not only went no more to the Carmine, but he would not suffer the most solemn Feast of S. john Baptist to be celebrated, which was used to be yearly in Naples; and this was done of purpose for preventing such an infinite crew of people should not assemble in one place.  
In the interim the people much grumbling and muttering that the promised grace was delayed, put fire one night to a baracca of powder in the Market place where the said gabelle was exacted, which was afterwards repaired after this had twice happened.  
There wanted not from day to day most pungent and bitter invectives full of popular grievances and of fiery protests against the public Officers, fixed up in the most public places of the City.  
This boldness increased afterwards, and with this boldness an envy upon the report that was had of the good success the revolutions of Palermo, and a good part of Sicily, Messina excepted, had for their grivances by force of Arms from the most excellent Lord the Marquis of Velez Viceroy of that Kingdom, who took off, or moderated most gabells, and gave afterwards a general pardon for all excesses, as for opening of prisons, murders, thefts, arming in the Country, and all other offences, &c, the tenor whereof was as followeth:  
The first Ban, or Act of Grace in Sicily.  
HIs Excellency in relation to the royal Patrimony by this present Act to be always in force, doth take off, and abolish to perpetuity the gabelle of meal, wine, oil, flesh, and cheese throughout all this City and Territory of Palermo for ever, and that the Consuls for the Master ships are to have two popular Jurats to perpetuity from this day forward, for the service of the people. In Palermo this 21. of May, 1647.  
The Marquis of Velez.  
Subscribed by all the Ministers of the Patrimony, as also by the Civil and Criminal Court, and by the Master Notary of the Kingdom.  
The second Ban in Sicily.  
BEcause that this night the prisons of the Vicaria were broken open, and the prisoners made to go out that were found therein, and his Excellency knowing the said prisoners to be faultless, by this present Ban he pardoneth all and every one of the said prisoners: And likewise his Excellency doth acquit and pardon them who were found left in the said prisons, and did not go out; moreover his Excellency doth give grace and pardon Sub verbo & fide Regia, by royal Word and Faith to all the said prisoners, as well for the Delinquency of flight, as for all other Delinquencies for which they were imprisoned. In Palermo this 21. of May, 1647.  


The Marquis de los Velez.  
Don Livio Penned Precedent of Justice.    
The people of Naples being thus allured and encouraged by the example of the neighbour Kingdom, grew very envious to attain the same freedom, saying, And what? are we less than Palermo? is not our people peradventure if they unite, more formidable and warlike? Have not we more reason far, being more burdened and oppressed? On, on to Arms, time is precious, 'tis not good to delay the enterprise, etc. These, and like complaints made in divers Conventicles became now public: Whereupon the Lord Viceroy in high wisdom being very desirous to prevent mischiefs, caused the six Quarters or Precincts of the City to meet oftentimes, viz. The fifth part of the Gentry, and the sixth of the people, that by all means there might be ways found out to take off that gabelle or tax upon Fruits. Which design though 'twas pleasing to all for the satisfaction of the people, yet because it was prejudicial to some of the Farmers, there were secret ways found to hinder the happy effect of the said business, but they went about to dissuade the Vice-King from the accomplishment of his promise made to the people, and either to please him, or for their own private interest (which is more probable) they represented unto him, that a few poor Tatterdimalians had made all that noise: therefore they induced him to repair the Toll-house for fruit that was burnt, which he did, but with a purpose to take it quite off, or find some temperate way to satisfy the discontented people on the one side, and the Napolitans, Nobles, Gentry and Merchants on the other side, who had advanced upon the said gabelle above six hundred thousand Crowns upon the account of the Capital million, and eighty five thousand Crowns of annual rent.  
This way of temper was buzzed abroad to be some new Tax that was to be put upon Corn and Wine; whereunto th'enraged people replied, and protested that they would never give way thereunto, but they reiterated their instances to have the said gabelle upon Fruits to be quite taken off, and not to put any other in compensation of it.  
As matters were thus perplexed, behold, an occasion did suddenly present itself in an instant, the 7. of July, 1647. which made way to the total execution of the desired purpose, as it shall be clearly declared very punctually from day to day, and that with as much fidelity and truth, as any pen can possibly promise upon this subject.   

Sunday the 7. of july, 1647. The first Day.  
A Young man about twenty four years old happened to be in a corner of the great Market place at Naples, a spriteful man, and pleasant, of a middle stature, black-eyed, rather lean then fat, having a small tough of hair; he wore linen slops, a blue waistcoat, and went barefoot, with a Mariner's cap, but he was of a good countenance, stout and lively as could be, as the effects will show. His profession was to angle for little fish with a cane, hook and line, as also to buy fish, and to carry & retail them to some that dwelled in his quarter; & such men are called in Naples Pescivendoli. His name was Tomaso Anello of Amalfi, but vulgarly called Masaniello by contraction. This man dwelled in the Market place, and under the window of his house there were the Arms and name of Charles the fifth, very ancient, towards the left side of a fountain hard by, which might be attributed to a mysterious presage that he should renew, and set afoot, as he himself would say often very pleasantly, the privileges which that unconquered Monarque granted to the City and People of Naples. Besides there's a true observation, and 'tis about a hundred years since, just in the year 1547. but in the month of May, as john Antonio relates in the History of Naples▪ when there was another commotion in the government of Don Petro de Toledo, by reason of the Tribunal of the holy Inquisition which Philip the second would have introduced; another Masaniello, a Sorrentine and Bandito Captain was chief of that tumult. But although the Nobility was then joined with the people, that sublevation was not very hurtful, nor lasted any long time. And if such an union had now been, so much ruin had not happened to King or people; for what greater contagion can there be to a City than a disunion 'twixt her inhabitants? What destroyed Carthage? the two Factions of Barchiniani and Hanoniani: What maintained war in France for 60. years, but the dissension of the House of Burgundy and Orleans? What brought so much desolation to England▪ and caused seven fearful battles, wherein 80. Princes of the illustrious blood were slain, but the faction of the Houses of Lancaster and York? And what ranversed and confounded the tranquillity of the Florentine Republic but the faction of the Bianchi and Neri? In sum, the same that a Fever is to a natural body, the same is disunion in a City or Kingdom. A City is a ship, and divisions are the leaks, through which, while the Mariners fight one with the other, the water enters and drowns all: The wise Pilot who steers aught to stop those leaks, and make up the breaches of division, and reserve himself without trusting any other for the helm, and specially not to place there any capricious heads, or factious spirits, and to be sure to keep himself still Lord and Patron of the vessel.  
This Masaniello out of a kind of natural craft having observed the murmurings up and down the City, took hold of the following occasion.  
One day (which was some four days before the most holy Feast of Corpus Domini) he went very angry towards his house, and passing by a Church where the famous Bandito Perrone had fled for refuge with a companion of his, being asked by these, what ailed him? he answered in great choler, I will be bound to be hanged, but I will right this City; they laughed at his words, saying, a proper Squire to right the City of Naples, Masaniello replied, Do not laugh, I swear by God, if I had two or three of my humour, you should see what I could do: What would you do? (said they) he answered, Will you join with me? why not? answered they; give me then your faith, replied Masaniello, and you shall see what we we have to do, so they having plighted their faith unto him, he departed.  
A little after he fell into a great choler, because his fish was taken from him by some of the Court, because he had not paid the gabelle, he thought then to make use of the occasion of the murmurings the people had then for the gabelle upon fruit, and being departed from Perrone he went up and down the fruit-shops that were in that quarter, advising them that the next day they should come all united to the Market with a resolution to tell the Countrey-Fruiterers that they would buy no more gabelled fruit.  
In the interim that this noise diffused itself up and down the shops, the Elect of the people Andreas Anaclerio being chosen that very day, betook himself to the Market place where the fruits were distributed to the shopkeepers, they cried out, they would buy no gabelled fruit, the Elect persuaded that at that time the gabelle should be paid, and it should be speedily taken off, so the tumult ceased for that time. Masaniello seeing nothing was done then, he went up and down those quarters, crying, avant gabelle, avant gabelle, for which some laughed at him, but others considered well of his words.  
Moreover, about this time a great number of boys being gathered together in the Marketplace he told them, say as I do, Two tornese, to wit a baiocco for a measure of oil, six and thirty ounces the loaf of bread, two and twenty the pound of cheese, six granas for beef, six granas for pulse, nine granas for veal, four granas the Greek, two granas the pint of wine; these words he made them repeat divers times, and being taught and bearing them in memory they cried them up and down all the City, and in the face of the Viceroy, for then there was paid for every thing as Masaniello had taught the children. Besides, he gave them another lesson, which was this: Viva Dio, viva la Madonna del Carmine, viva il Papa, viva il Re di'Spagna, e la Grasica, e muora, muora il mal governo. Let Let God live, let the Lady of Carmine live, let the Pope live, let the King of Spain and Grasica live, and let the ill government die, let the ill government die. This and such like Doctrines being taught by Masaniello to his Scholars, and cried up and down; caused much laughter ●nd jeering at the Master, they held him to be mad and foolish; but he told them, ye laugh at me now, but you shall see shortly what Masaniello can do, let me alone, if I do not free you from so many slaveries, let me be held infamous for ever, which words increased their laughter the more. But he not caring for that, tended his business, whereupon he enrolled such a number of those boys 'twixt seventeen and sixteen years old, that they came to be five hundred, and at last two thousand, insomuch that he could not only, make a Company, but whole Regiments: He thus prepared them against the great feast of our Lady of Carmine, which was near, of which Militia he made himself General, giving every one of them in their hands a little weak cane.  
The seventh day of July being come, which was a Sunday, upon which day the Festival of our Lady of Grace was used to be in a Chapel hard by, and commonly the feast was made by all the boys and common people about the Market, with the meaner sort of the dwellers in the neighbouring quarters, they erected there according to custom a castle of wood, which was to be battered with sticks and fruit, upon this occasion there assembled there abundance of people of the meaner sort, and although the hour was come that fruits were used to be brought to the Market to pay gabelle, and the boys used to be there to gather such fruit that fell upon the streets; but it chanced there came no fruit at all, because the shopkeepers had mutined and agreed not to buy any fruit, of purpose not to pay the gabelle, as they were used to do, telling the Fruiterers, that they should pay the gabelle if they would, for the Shopkeepers would pay none: this seeming very strange, they came from words to blows with the Shopkeepers: And in regard of this difference there was no fruit then in the market which were fresh, but a few of the day before; A tumult did arise among the people, which being told the Lord Zufia Grassi●ro Regent of the City, he ordered the forenamed Anaclerio the Elect of the people, that he should apply himself to remedy that commotion; which he attempted to do, but all in vain, in regard of the first and obstinate quarrel that was 'twixt the Fruiterers and the retailing Shopkeepers; wherefore the Elect, not to displease the people and Shopkeepers, gave sentence against the Fruiterers as Forreners, (most part of whom were of the City of Puzzuolo) reviling them with words, and threatening to bastinado them, and have them condemned to the Galleys.  
Among those of Puzzolo there was a cousin of Massianello's, who, according to the instructions given him, began more than any to incite the people, who seeing that he could sell his fruit but at a low price, and after he had paid the gabelle, there was scarce left as much as would pay for the Bark and quit cost, he flew into such a rage, that throwing two great baskets upon the ground, he cried out, God gives plenty, and the ill government a dearth; therefore I care not a straw for this fruit, let every one take of it. The boys eagerly ran to gather and eat the fruit. Masaniello, all this falling out according to his expectation, rushed in among them, crying out, Without gabelle, Without gabelle. But Anaclerio threatening him with whipping and the Galleys, not only the Fruiterers, but all the people threw Figs, Apples, and other fruits in great fury into his face. But this seeming but little to Masaniello, he hit him upon the breast with a stone, and encouraged his militia of boys to do as he did; which they did: But Anaclerio breaking through the crowd in a coach, made haste to the Church of Carmine, where finding a felluca, he embarked himself therein, and so got towards the Palace, otherwise he had been torn in pieces, or stoned to death by the boys.  
Upon this success the people flocking in greater numbers as well in the said Marketplace, as elsewhere, they began to exclaim aloud against those intolerable grievances under which they groaned; so a mighty rumour ran up and down the streets protesting to pay no more gabelle, and crying out, Let th● King of Spain live, but let the ill Government die: The fury still increasing, Masaniello being followed by an infinite company of boys and all sorts of loose people, some with sticks, others with pikes and partisans taken from the Tower of the Carmine, he leaped up upon the highest table which was among the Fruiterers, and with a loud voice cried, Be merry dear companions and brothers, give God thanks, and to the glorious Virgin of Carmine, that the hour of your redemption draws near; this poor barefooted fellow as another Moses, who freed the Israelites from Pharoahs' rod, shall in that manner redeem you of all gabells, from the first time that they were ever imposed: A Fisherman, who was Peter, reduced with his voice from Satan's slavery to the liberty of Christ Rome herself, and with Rome a world: Now, another Fisherman, who is Masaniello, shall release Naples, and with Naples a whole kingdom, from the tyranny of Gabells. From henceforth ye shall shake from off your necks the intolerable yoke of so many grievances, which have depressed you hitherto: Nor to effect this do I ●are a rush to be torn in pieces, and to be dragged up and down the gutters of Naples: Let all the blood in my body spin out of these veins, let this head skip from my shoulders by a fatal steel, and be perched up in this market upon a pole, yet I shall die contented and glorious; it will be triumph and honour unto me, to think that my blood and life perish in so glorious a conquest.  
Masaniello repeating often these and such like words inflamed marvellously the minds of the people, who were disposed in their hearts to cooperate with him to this effect, and to begin the work there was fire put to the house that was next the Toll-house for fruit, both which were burnt to the very ground with all the books and accounts, with divers of the Farmers of the Customers goods who were there put up.  
This being done, the common people increased in such numbers up and down the streets that every one did shut up his shop, every one being astonished at such a sudden garboil seeming rather to dream of such a one then see it: Whereupon many thousand people uniting themselves went to other quarters of the City, where all the gabell houses were as those of fruit, of corn, of flesh, of fish, of salt, wine, oil, cheese, silk, and all other either edible, or wearable comodities and spared not one of them, but taking out of them all the writings and books of entrance or issues appertaining to the said gabelle; as also all the furniture as well of the Farmers as others, and all things that were there in pawn or otherwise, as Hangings, Chairs, Arms great quantities of moneys with other rich moveables all was hurled into a great fire of straw; benches, forms, sedans with other stuff were burnt all to ashes upon the streets, In which actions one thing was very considerable, that in plundering those household stuffs and moneys not one durst meddle with the least piece of any thing, because all should be dedicated to the fire, being the quintessence as 'twas said, of their blood, therefore they would not have a jot of any thing preserved from the fury of the fire. The people taking hereby more and more boldness and courage because they found no resistance or obstacle, and the number still increasing to the number of about 10000 they made towards the Palace of the Viceroy, many of them holding upon the tops of staves, and pikes loafs of bread, which was then sold very dear scarce weighing 22. ounces: The cry still continued more louder than ever, Let the King of Spain live, and let the ill government perish.  
So the first Militia of Masaniello consisti●g of 2000 boys marched on, every one lifting up his cane and tying a clout of black cloth on the top went along the streets and cried out with delorous and loud voices, which moved many to tenderness and tears. Have compassion upon these poor souls in Purgatory, who not being able to endure the grievous burden of so many grievances seek how they may scape away: O brothers cooperate with us! O sisters help so just so necessary an enterprise, and so profitable for every body; In such doleful tones going on from one street to the other, they came at last to St. james his prison, where freeing all the prisoners they admitted them to their society.  
But being come before the Palace and under the window of the Viceroy, they began to cry out amain, that they would not be freed of the fruit-gabell only, but of all other, specially that of corn. Hereupon the Viceroy came out into the Balcone, and told them that the said gabelle should be abolished, and part of the corn gabelle also: but the people bawled still that they would not be relieved in part, they would have the whole taken off, yet they cried out may the King of Spain live, and the ill government die: And a good number of them thinking to go up the stairs of the Palace to notify unto the Viceroy the rest of their grievances, his Excellency commanded the Germane and Spanish guard that they should not stir, but suffer them to pass and repass freely, ne'ertheless the Viceroy being not altogether obeyed, because he was not heard by them, some resistance was made by the soldiers but the people with canes, and clubs only (a thing incredible to believe) and with huge cries made their entrance demanding audience of the Viceroy, but he was got away, and they did so revile and affront the Dutch and Spanish guard who were at the gate, that they abandoned their ports, and took a fair pair of heels to their quarters: Thereupon the people entered the Palace, and being come to the Hall door though shut they burst it open, entering there without any rub, than they would have entered into the great Chamber, but a guard of Dutch and Halbardeer were there, as also some Spaniards who did what they could to resist their entrance, but all in vain, because the people still thrusting on they were constrained to yield their halberds and other weapons; Then going on at leisure they found easy entrance into all the rest of the rooms, until they came to the last chamber where the Viceroy was hid in a closet, and though they found the door doubly bolted, yet by force of halberds and other instruments they forced their passage, and the Viceroy hardly scaped killing, but the Duke di castle di Sangro Don Ferrant Corraciolo conveyed him away and so saved him from the mortal blow which was intended. The Viceroy with a few gentlemen that were about him finding they were not secure there, thought good to retire into the Castle, where the Duchess of Arcos had withdrawn herself a little before with her Ladies, children and kindred; but understanding at that hour that the Ladies had taken up the draw bridge, the Viceroy took a resolution to sly into the next Church dedicated to St. Lewis, where there was a Friary of Saint Francisco de Paola, but he would first spy out of a window where the gross of the people was, to let them know that he was willing to give them content, dispersing little cedules up and down to that purpose signed by himself, and sealed with the King's seal, wherein he absolutely took off the gabel of fruit, and part of that of corn; But the people being not satisfied hereat, they made signs with their hands, and cried aloud that he would come down and speak with them face to face; Hereupon the Viceroy went unto them to take off all ombrages of distrust.  
In the mean time that part of the people which remained in the Palace ran up and down with much fury, they sacked the chambers every where, putting fire to the Sedans, Balcones, Tables, Travesses, Windows, Scrines, and every thing they found, yet they would not meddle (which was a thing to be wondered at in the middle of such a fury) with the quarter of the most eminent Cardinal Trinultio, who dwelled in the same Palace.  
The Viceroy being come down to the rabble rout procured to put himself in a Coach with two horses, and to secure himself within the said St. Lewis Church, and he was already got into the Coach, but many of the people spying him they stayed the Coach, and opening it with two naked swords in hand, they threatened him unless he would take off the gabells, he promised he would if they would be quiet, but this would not serve the turn unless he came out of the Coach and show himself to the people, which he did, and then some respect was shown him, and some kissed his hands, and upon their knees cried out most excellent Sir, for the love of God disburden us once of these gabells, let us have no more slavery, let us breath, His Excellence having confirmed unto them their request, was devising how to get from out of their hands, for although he was honoured by many, yet he held himself not secure in such a confused multitude; Therefore to divert the people, he threw among them some hundred of Zecchins of gold which he carried about him for that purpose, this took good effect, though many cried out aloud we have no need to be relieved with a little money, but to freed from the gabelle, but while most of them were greedy to take up the gold, his Excellence got safe and sound into the said Church where he caused all the doors to be shut, and of the Monastery also.  
The people perceaving this, and being much disdained that the Viceroy had scaped from their hands, they went incontinently to the said Monastery, and the first great gate being battered down they thought to do so to the rest, crying out still to be released of the gabells, therefore they desired his Excellence would consign them a paper in writing under his hand and seal, wherein he should promise so to do: And because the people should not pass further to do violence to the Monastery notwithstanding that they still increased, he looked on them from a window, and desired them to be quiet, for he was disposed and ready to content them; but because the incredulous multitude had a conceit still fixed in them that they should be deluded, they went still on to batter down the other gate whereby they immediately entered the Monastery. While business was carried thus, the most eminent Bishop Filomarine, who being very zealous in his pastoral charge showed often to his Excellence for the service of God and his Church, endeavoured to appease the people, for the avoiding of those irrecoverable losses which by his high wisdom and perspicacious wit he saw hanging o'er the City: Hereupon he made a sign unto them with his hand, that they would be quiet; but they replying, that they would have the instrument for release of the gabells from the Viceroy, specially those upon corn and fruits, his Eminence answered them, that he would make it his care to obtain it, and so going out of his Coach he went in person to the second gate of the Monastery, to hinder the pulling of it down by the furious rabble, and he had his intent, for out of the great reverence they bore to their Archbishop the fury ceased, but still they prayed that the gabells might be abolished; the Bishop promised to bring them the Instrument signed and sealed, but least if he parted from among the people the fury would recomence, he sent to that purpose to the Viceroy being not able to come himself to mingle speech with him, that he would send him the said Instrument, which he did, desiring him to deliver it with his own hands to the people: The Bishop having received the said written Instrument coached himself, and showed it to all the people which he drew after him all along Toledo street, every one being greedy to know what it contained: but what? The said written Instrument was no sooner read with a loud voice by the Bishop, but the people cried out again that they were cheated, for that Instrument contained only the taking of the fruit-gabell, and seven Carlins upon wheat, but they would have divers other gabells to be abolished: The Bishop having delivered that written Instrument to the Capo del popolo to the chief of the people, retired to the Palace peaceably.  
Thereupon the people ran to the great Market place to give notice of the said Bill to the rest who were met there more in number than they; and finding that this was but satisfaction in part, it was necessary for the common defence of the faithful people of Naples, to enrol some armed men to procure to a total discharge of gabells: And many returning to the Palace, thousands of men and boys, they would have again have attempted an entrance into the Church and Monastery of St. Lewis, and being resolved to burst open the doors of that part, where divers Lords and Ladies were, the Spanish soldiers opposed them, and in particular one very valorous Captain entertained the rabble with his sword, and the soldiers with their Muskets till divers of them were killed, but in the mean while the Ladies had time to retire into the Friar's cells, and the Viceroy by the help of the Abbot of the Convent scald the walls till he came to pizzo fulcane into the Monastery of Jesuits, whence putting himself in an old Sedan carried by Spaniards, he transferred himself to the Castle of St. Elmo.  
Thereupon it being known for certain that the Viceroy was gone from the Monastery, the people returning to the Palace resolved to disarm all the Spaniards who were there in guard, but they delivered them drums and half pikes, and all other instruments their swords and Muskets excepted; They went to all the other Courts of guards dispersed up & down the City; disarming all whom they met withal; Then went they to the Suburbs of Chiagia to the Palace of Don Tiberio de Caraffa Prince of Bisignano who was Field master, and Colonel General of the Battalion of Naples; desiring that great Cavalier, who by his innated benignity had made himself beloved of all, and to be adored also by all Naples; they desired that he would be pleased to be their Defender, and an intercessor 'twixt them and the Viceroy for a total extinguishment of the Gabells, according to the favourable privileges granted them, specially by Charles the fifth: As they were expecting the Prince of Bisignano, some of them going to the place where they exacted the gabelle of fruit at Chaggia; they put fire to the house, and burned every thing that was in't, as they had done in other places: And the rabble still augmenting in that most populous suburb, they divided themselves into two Squadrons, or rather into two Armies: The lesser sort of boys did put in the middle the foresaid Prince who was a horseback, and desiring them to be orderly, he said, let's go to take off the Gabells, being conducted by the palace, and so along the Castle, and thence through all the popular places till they came to the great market: The Prince seeing there the people wonderfully increased to above fifty thousand persons, he endeavoured to quiet them; and to do this the more conveniently, he went to the Church of the most holy Lady of Carmine, which is situate in that place; and being got up in a high place, with a crucifix in his hands, he prayed, exhorted, and conjured the people for the love of God, and of the most blessed Virgin his Divota, to be quiet a while, promising them by oath to obtain from the Viceroy what they desired: But finding that all this would do no good, he entertained himself a while in that market, to have the more opportunity to negotiate with the cape leaders of the people, and to persuade them to a good accord, assuring that he would make it his own task to procure them complete satisfaction. In the mean time many other new recruits of people coming from other parts of the City, they went to break open the prison of Santa Maria d'Agnone, and of S. Archangelo; whose guards not being able to resist, were necessitated to yield and fly for't; the gates being thrown into the midst of the streets, they made all prisoners go out, burning and turning to ashes all the Books and Processes of prisoners which were found in the Offices. The same they did in the prisons for the arts of wool and silk, and divers other, as that of the Archbishops, the Nunciatura, and of the great Court of the Vicaria, to which two last they said to bear reverence as to royal prisons, and because they had been in times passed Kings palaces; the said Prince being their protector, and being come near those prisons, 'twas feared they would do some mischief; but the Warders had time enough to fortify and strengthen their gates, besides some being earnest for it, were dissuaded by the Prince of Bisignano, that setting them at liberty being all foreigners, murderers and thiefs, they would draw upon themselves great inconveniences.  
They steered their course towards the Dogana or toll-house for corn, with faggots on their backs, and fire and pitch in their hands, and the gates being wrenched, the said Prince being not able to take them off, though he laboured earnestly, they entered there with such a fury, that they put fire on all sides; nor were they satisfied till they saw all not only burnt, but reduced to ashes; as much corn, with great store of householdstuff, and much money, which the Ministers of the Dogana had in bank, being either their own, or in deposito, or pawned, all was consumed in the flames.  
This sacrifice being performed, they went up to the piazza of S. Laurence Church, the Prince not leaving their company all the while, in regard of the violent desire he had by degrees to quiet and o'ercome them; but being come thither, and entered through the Church into the Cloisters to go up to the steeple Tower to sound the great bell, that all men should put themselves in arms; The entrance was at first denied them by some who had fled thither for sanctuary, who feared they had come to find them out, but two of them were presently killed. Now, some of the people began to apprehend divers fears; but there was among them a Sicilian, who (as a person of good credit affirms that was there present) appeared to be rather a Devil in humane shape, and one of the greatest Furies that hell could have: 'Tis incredible with what boldness and with what ardour this fellow animated all to battle, he reproached them of their fears, he jeered their cowardice, he called them Cravens, Geese, Hens, and poor spirited men; truly, the body and tongue of that wretch seemed to be possessed by a whole Legion of Devils: but the justice of heaven found him out, for h● was killed from the said Tower by a Musket bullet in the forehead.  
The said Prince finding himself weary after so many hours, and after so much mischief done to the City, and being weak in regard of an infirmity which he had, and grown fainty by reason of the heat of the season, and half choked by the swarms of the common rabble about him, and casting about how to disengage himself from the Labyrinth of that popular tumult, by a wise stratagem he distributed the said people into divers quarters of the City, with strict prohibition that they should not sack nor assault any one's house: And his plot took; for being thus divided, he might retire afterwards when he pleased to a kinsman's house of his hard by, whence having refreshed his spirits a while there, he betook himself about the evening in a close Sedan into castle nuovo, blessing God that he found himself free from the tempestuous gulf of of that implacable people.  
The report afterward being dispersed abroad of the retirement of the Prince Bisignano, and the people finding themselves without a head, cried out for their leader and conductor Masaniello, who accepting of that charge began more than ever by sound of Drum to suscitat the people through all the City and Suburbs: But for the evident danger of the infinite hurt that was like to ensue, specially the day beginning already to darken, and night to approach, 'twas thought fitting that some religious men should go out in procession through the City, not only to appease the unbridled people, but to implore divine help: The first were the most reverend Fathers the Teatins, out of two of those six Churches they have in the City, viz. from S. Paul, and S. Apostles, there being a hundred in every one of those to pass first through Toledo-street, and so before the Palace to S. Lewis Church, wherein the most pure milk of the most blessed Virgin is kept; and the other passing through other streets to the Piazza of the great Market, went in to make long Prayers in the Church del Carmine, and then retired, which offices of the holy Church was much acknowledged by the Viceroy, who sent effectual relation thereof to the Conde d'Ognate than Catholic Ambassador in the Court of Rome.  
The Viceroy and the whole Nobility doubting that the rabble of the people which elsewhere were increasing in great numbers, should go to St. Laurence Church, and seize upon divers things which belong to the City, and among the rest of sixteen pieces of Ordnance, and other Arms kept in the Tower of that Church, besides the sounding of the great bell to arms which hangs in the steeple of that Church, and which useth to ring upon such occasion, therefore there were sent thither some Compagnies of Spaniards well armed, as also others for the guard of the said Church and Cloister of S. Laurence.  
At two a clock after midnight, the Vice-King accompanied with much soldiery, removed himself from S. Elmos Castle to castle Nuovo, which sticks to the Royal Palace, there being a bridge to pass between, there went also thither Cardinal Trivultio, with many Officers and Cavaliers; and although it seemed high time for them to think of chastising the Rebels, yet the Viceroy, like a wise Prince, put back his thoughts to satiat the hungry people with bread: Whereupon he caused most even Orders to be published that night, and to be performed the next Monday, That bread should be at 33. ounces, 4. grains, whereas before 'twas scarce 24. ounces; That the Gabel of Fruit should be absolutely taken off: He ordered notwithstanding, That considerable guards should be put about the Castle. The people did not flag a whit in their former fury that night, but caused the B●ll of our Lady of Carmine to ring out thrice for arming, and consequently great Companies flocking together, they divided themselves into divers quarters: Some went out to put fire to all the out houses of Naples, where the Gabels were exacted, with Drums beating before them; Others staying behind to prepare arms for the day following, they gave themselves over to plunder the shops for Swords and Muskets, for Bullet, Fire and Match: Others went among the Merchants and Lanciens, who without any resistance furnished them with all sorts of Arms: And because one Master of a shop would foolishly have made opposition with noise and threats, and which was worse, by discharging a Mortar piece out of a window, which killed one of them, they were kindled with such high disdain and fury, that putting fire to his house, wherein there were divers barrels of powder, did not only fly up into the air itself, but carried with it eighty seven persons besides, and forty four were hurt: To prevent such a disorder some other time, his Excellency commanded, That all the powder in other places through the City should be wetted: So the unbridled people passing every where with such an imperious authority through the City, began to put an Army in order, and provide all things necessary for it.   

Monday, July 8. 1647. The second day.  
THe vigilant and great Preparations that the night before the people had generally made, caused, that although the day was not yet grown clear, and that the glorious Sun was not come out of the womb of the vermilion morn, yet up and down the City nothing was heard but drums and Trumpets, and clashing of Arms, nothing then but Colours displayed, choice Soldiers, furnished Swords, cocked Muschets, Archibuzes, Lances, Targets, and that which was of more terror and astonishment, besides the Citizens themselves, the Country Swains appeared from the Villages about with Plowshares, Pitchforks and Shovels, and ranged themselves in a military way for common defence to plow glebes of flesh, and water them with blood: In fine, the women were seen in great numbers armed with fireshovels, and iron Tongues, with Spits and Broaches, and their children with little staves and canes, encouraged the young men to battle: Now let it be considered what such an infinity of Citizens, all armed, could do, who being invipered as it were with blood in their eyes, cried out, Let the King live, let the King our Lord live, let the ill Government die: Out Gabels, out Gabels; Let the Dogs die, who being transformed to Wolf's, have devoured the flesh of innocent Lambs: Let them vomit the blood they have sucked into the cinders of their burnt wealth, the domestie and insatiable Leeches of the City; Let these Wasps fly away, which have hitherto sucked the sweet honey of the Bees.  
With such, and such like cries proceeding from the bottom of their breasts, so that they stounded the very air, and were enough to soften the hardest Marble, draw tears from the very Pummies, and sighs from Ice, they did animate one another, they reinforced the streets, guarded the Passages, they did unbowel themselves to provide furniture for the War; Horror, Blood and Amazement reigned in every corner; the Keys were consigned from Minerva to Mars, Books were neglected, Studies were abandoned, the Bar was solitary, the Chairs were silent, the Ecclesiastiques sing Lachryma, the Law was quiet, Patronages were despized, Advocates were dumb, the Judges were idle, Tribunals were shut up, the Arsenaths were only open, the Pikes had got the better of the Pen, force of wit, boldness of wisdom, the hand of the tongue, Atages of the Gown. The whole City did burn, and was inflamed with martial fury; Amongst which places there raged with most implacable and warlike heat, being fullest of people the places about the great Market, about Lavinaro, Porta Nolana, Convaria, Sellaria, the Piaz of the Elm, preparing formed Squadrons with fireworks: Order was given to all the other Precincts of Naples, which are 36. in number, to arm in like manner, under pain of an irremissible burning down of their houses, which was punctually performed: And there being want of powder, they went to a house where some was sold to buy some, they sellers refusing to sell any without Order from the Viceroy, they raged with such a fury, that throwing fired matches into that house, they blew up the power into the air, and within above 60. Inhabitants, who were afterwards numbered, in regard their bodies remained many days unburied: This success happened at Porta della Calce del molo picciolo, and it caused such an Earthquake, and so fierce a one, through all the City, that 'twas like that terrible shake which divers weeks before that great Galeon made, which was burnt, being not known to this day whether 'twas by chance, or pure malice, in the very Port of Nables. But they were not a whit disheartened at this disaster, but going to the King's powder house out of the City, towards Cap de Chino, in greater numbers than before, they went about to seize upon all that Magazine of powder, had they not been prevented by the Labourers, who had put the said powder in water for hindrance of the like mischance that happened in the Port della Calce.  
While the people made all these preparatifs the Viceroy was not wanting by his wounded prudence to acquit himself exactly of his duty, although he was retired into castle nuovo with Spaniards, dispersed up and down for guards all along that Castle, and in St Francisco Xaverio's street to the number of 400. He shut up in the Royal Palace for his guard 1000 Almains, and at the gates 800. Spaniards, with 1000 Italians. He fenced all Pizzofalcone, which lieth above the Palace, and all the neighbouring streets with good Fortifications, making Ramparts of faggots, and raising other Trenches of earth about the gates of the old and new Palace, and at the end of the street looking towards the said Palaces. He commanded a great Piece of Ordinance to be put at the end of every street towards the Stanto Spirito, the father Dominicans, and the Father Minims', another against the Cross of the Palace, another upon the assent of Santa Lucia, and two before the great gate towards the middle of the new Palace. And because the people knew there came a new Regiment of Germans from Pozzolo by Order of the Viceroy, they went to meet them, and killed part who made resistance, and the rest who willingly rendered themselves were made prisoners, all bound and lead into the City: The like was done to two Companies of Italians, but by order of Masaniello they were released, and armed for the defence of the City, and he sent the Germans to the Viceroy into the Castle all loaden with bread, fresh and salted meats, cheese and wine, with other comodities; and 'twas a pretty sight to behold, that people go along the street dancing with meat in their hands, and bottles at their mouths, making mows all along.  
It happened upon Monday morning, that the Spanish guard, for some insolences they had received imprisoned two mean fellows, and the people fearing they should be executed, they rise up in such a manner, that by Archibuz and Muschet shots hurting many, and killing some of the said guard, they threatened, with howl, and unusual schriches, to tear in pieces all the Spaniards which were in Naples, if those prisoners were not delivered them; wherefore to avoid such an inconvenience which certainly had happened, they were yielded up safe, sound and free.  
That morning bread of a very handsome fashion, and of unusual weight, was sold, insomuch that whereas before a loaf of bread was but little more than 22. ounces, 'twas now 11. ounces more, in all 33. Therefore one may well conjecture what joy the people conceived at that: All people, both men, women and children, Citizens and strangers, went crying up and down the streets; Let the King of Spain live, let the most faithful people of Naples live; let Grassa, let Grassa live, and let the ill Government die.  
It seemed expedient for the Viceroy, being retired as was said before into the Castle nuovo to dispatch that Monday morning, by some Lords of the Collateral Council, and others of the Council of State, a Note unto Masaniello, who was then Cape or Head of the people, wherein he granted as much as was demanded the day before, which was the taking away of all kind of Gabells: But the people would not be satisfied with this, but sent to tell him, that they would have further contentment, viz. a Restitution of the privilege granted them by King Ferdinando, and Frederic, and by the Emperor Charles the fifth, all which by a public Act, the Viceroy, the Collateral, and Council of State, with all the Nobility, should oblige themselves to observe.  
They would that the Votes of the Gentlemen of the Piazza's should equal them of the people: That the people should nominat the chief Clerk of the Market or Grassiero of the City, all which was promised; and mean time there was chosen by the people the Lord Cornelio Spinola for Grassiero. It should pass for a Law, that never any new Gabells for the future should be imposed without the intervention of the Capo popolo, who should be a Lord by Title, as it was anciently, when the Prince of Salerno was Capo popolo; That he should be named by the people, and the Elect likewise made by the Capistrada to be all chosen by the people, without any dependency, or having any recourse to the Viceroys for the future.  
They stuck not to demand, that the Castle of Sant Elmo should be put into their hands, but they proceeded not very far in that proposition.  
His Excellency perceiving the Treaty of Peace to be still delayed, and the people to be so implacable, and pleasing themselves with that kind of loose living, would lend no ear to any accommodation of Peace, he judged it expedient to do some favours to the Duke of Mataloni, and Don joseph Caraffa his brother, and make them go out, the one out of the Castle of Sant Elmo, the other by making him come from Benevento, that joining with other Lords and Knights they might go up and down the City to persuade the people to conformity and quietness, which was done, for many Lords did ride up and down the streets in divers quarters, and in particular the Prince of Bisignano, Caraffa di bell nuovo, Il principe di Monte Sarchio of the house of Avalos, the Prince di Satriano Ravaschiero, the Duke di castle di Sangro Don Ferrante Carraciolo, the Prince della Rocella, the Lord Don Diomedes Caraffa, the Lord of Conversano, with other Lords, dwelling in the Piazza of the great Market, where there were infinite store of people: They signified unto them, that his Excellency the Viceroy was very ready to give them all satisfaction.  
But they answered, That they desired no more, but that the Privileges of King Ferdinando should be made good to the City, which was confirmed by Charles the fifth of happy memory, who by Oath promised the City of Naples, at his Invectiture to the Kingdom had from Pope Clement the 7. to impose no new Taxes upon City or Kingdom, as well He, as all his Successors, without the consent of the Apostolical Seat, and being so imposed, they should be well imposed, otherwise the City might rise up with sword in hand, without any mark of rebellion, or irreverence to the Prince, for the maintenance of her Liberties: Now in regard that most of the Gabels ever since, some few of small consequence excepted, have been laid without his holiness consent, it was just that they should be all taken oft, and that the people should have the Original of the said Privilege, which was within the Archives of the City, which is in the Church of S. Laurence: Those Lords and Gentlemen understanding all this, they went back to castle nuovo to impart all this to the Viceroy, who presently convoked the people Collateral Counsel, with that of State, as also the sacred Council of Santa Chiara to consult what Answer should be returned unto the people.  
In the mean time the Archbishop, according to his accustomed vigilance and paternal zeal to spiritual peace, as also to the temporal quietness of the people commited unto him; as likewise for the Devotion and Vassalage he professed unto the Catholic King, to the Service of his Royal Person and State, Ordained, That the most holy Sacrament should be openly exposed in many Churches, to invite all comers to implore at such an exigent divine assistance. This was done nella Capella del Tesoro, where the Dome is, where the miraculous blood, and the holy head of San Gennaro, the glorious Protector of Naples, was laid out: Moreover all orders went in solemn Processions up and down the City as the Dominicans, Franciscans, those del Carmine, the Augustins, the jesuits, Capucins, Teatins, and others, who gave some general edification.  
That day mighty diligences were made by the people who should be their Chief, that by their authority they might make their address to the Viceroy, and obtain what they desired; and in regard that among others which rid up and down the City the Lords della Rocella were of the chiefest, & in regard they also had their Palaces in the great Market; Therefore they made motions to the said Lords, That they would please to employ themselves in behalf of the people to find out the foresaid Original Privilege of Charles the fifth: The said Lords did promise to do so, and for the execution thereof they went to castle nuovo, accompanied by many people, where his Excellency commanded them to be admitted, and to enter, the concourse of people remaining without all the while, expecting not without much anxiety an answer from the Viceroy.  
At the same time, and to the same purpose, the Lord Prior was sent for from S. Laurence, with a great train of people, and the multitude was so great, as if his horse had been carried in the air, out of the lively hopes they had to find the said Privilege: But the Lord Prior finding it would prove a difficult thing for him to find it, as also to be suffered to enter into the Stanzas of S. Laurence, by a turn which he gave in a strait street, going off his horse, and feigning to withdraw himself upon some business, he got away in the twinkling of an eye, with some of his servants, by an incredible way of art and velocity, retiring himself into the Church of the holy Apostles among the Father's Teatins: This administered cause of extraordinary murmuring and discontent to the people, who thought themselves baffled and deluded by him, who they expected should have been their kind of defender and Advocate, although there want not some who affirm, that the Lord Prior had brought them a kind of Paper in a sheepskin, giving out, 'twas the Original out of a mind of the great Charter of Charles the fifth he had to quiet them: But because when the people showed it to their Satrapons and Council, and being told them that it was a counterfeit one, they fell into such a fierce disdain, that if he had not fled, that good Lord had met with death, as they write, it happened some hours before to the Prince of Monte Sarchio.  
The Duke de Roccella in the mean while was returned from the Castle, attended by much people, to the great Market place, where the gross of the multitude was, carrying with him a Copy of of the Privilege desired by the people: and because he had heard of the dangerous success the Lord Prior was like to have, he durst not say it was the very Original, but he clearly told them it was a true and real Copy, the Original not being to be had for the present. Hereupon it was received at the beginning with some applause, but being read, and read again, and found imperfect, it raised a mighty discontentment in the hearts of the people, who cried out they were mocked, cozened and betrayed by the said Duke, as they were by the Prior, and so falling into a mortal hatred of all the Nobility, they raged against them, threatening them ruin and revenge, and having the said Duke della Roccella in their hands, they clapped him in prison in the Monastery del Carmine, by appointing a famous Bandito called Perrone to be his Keeper, who finding himself once chained in the same Church, was put at liberty by the people; but this man being an ancient friend and a Confident of the Dukes, did labour the business so effectually with the people, that he obtained the Duke's freedom, obliging himself to restore him into their hands upon all demands; so the Duke having remained a day or two in his Palace, retired afterward to his Country houses.  
There was appointed for one of the principal Heads of the people to be about the person of Masaniello a Priest, by name julio Genoino, an old and well tempered man, who had been the peeples Elect during the Government of the Duke of Ossuna, a person well practised in the Affairs of the Court, and who always endeavoured the advance of the peeples good, but he could not bring it then to pass, in regard the said Duke was revoked to Spain. This man found himself at the beginning of these Tumults in the prison of S. james, which was opened partly for his sake, therefore to gratify his good will always towards them, they exalted him to this charge; To him they added for a companion the foresaid famous Bandito Perrone. These two being joined with Masaniello gave out a list of 60. and odd houses of such Ministers and others, who had meddled with the farming of the Gabells, or had sold, let out, advised, or cooperated any way in the Custom Houses of the said Gabells, having enriched themselves, as was given out with the blood of the people, therefore they deserved to be made examples to future ages, therefore their house and goods shall be burnt to the ground; which was done accordingly, as more shall be said, and with so much order, integrity, and neatness of hand, that he hazarded his life who should touch any the least thing to carry it away: Thereupon one taking but a little Towel was killed, another for the Crupper of a horse had 50. lashes on the back, & divers others for stealing but small trivial things, after they had made their confessions to their ghostly fathers, were hanged by the public Executioner in the Market place by the Command of Masaniello. He was held unworthy of pity, and to be no wellwisher of the peeples good, who commissiated the ruining or burning of any of those men's houses or goods, and who seemed to rescent it, were esteemed no better than Complices to those public Thiefs: Whereupon one man having unadvisedly, and by natural compassion, only pitied the burning of the rich furniture, house and goods of the Duke of Caivano, calling them by chance, povere rob, poor goods, as they were a burning, he had much ado to scape away through a little wicket, while the people cried out, Where is this infamous Rogue? where is he? Let him be found out, and we will bray him in a Mortar.  
But to proceed more orderly in the Relation of the burnt Palaces, let it suffice to know, that the first was Gieronimo Fetitias, one of the Farmers of the Corn Gabel, situate in the quarters of Porta Nuovo, near the houses of the Lord Mornili: There the people being flocked with faggots and pitch, and getting into the house, they threw out of the windows all kind of household stuff, as all sorts of Plates, Dishes, Stools, Tables, Chairs, Carpets, Tapestries, and all sorts of Utensiles, with great store of Money, Chains and Bracelets, breaking the windows wider for that purpose; all which were brought to the Market place, and hurled into a great fire, where they were all burnt to cinders, with huge out-cries of the people round about, who said, These goods are our bloods, and as these bourn, so the Souls of those dogs who own them deserve to fry in hell fire.  
This first act of the fiery Tragdy being ended, they went next to the house of Felice Basile; This fellow at first was a poor Baker, who carried bread up and down the streets of Naples, but in a short time, tampering with the Gabells, he became very rich, and having friends at Court; He dwelled ne'er the Spirito Santo, where the people being met, and having plunderd his Palace from top to bottom, they hurled out at the windows and bulcones all the household stuff, Writings and Books, with other rich Curiosities, and there were 23. great Trunks nomberd to be thrown out into the streets, and some of them being broke open, there appeared wondrous rich things, as clothe of gold, and Tissues, with costly Embroideries, that dazzled the eyes of the beholders; all these they took, with a Cabinet full of Perl, and other precious stones, which were all hurled into the devouring Element, without saving as much as a rag, nor durst any take up as much as a pin, unless it were to help the throwing of it into the fire.  
These two burnings lasted five hours, than they passed to the Palace of Antonio de Angelis, a Counsellor, who had been Elect of the people in the time of and he concurred with that Viceroy to impose many new Gabells: This man being admonished by many of his friends to secure his goods, and his Palace from firing, he neglected their advice; And because the day before they had ta'en down his gate only, he thought that their fury had terminated there, as being a sign they had no further malice unto him; besides he made account that they would bear some reverence to his long robe: But he reckoned without his ●ost, his infortunate destiny blinded him so, and so stopped his ears, that he would not listen to wholesome cautions. Whereupon the rabble being come before his house, they furiously entered, and finding ●t full of all kind of costly furniture to admiration, they presently destinated all for the fire, leaving not a jot unburnt, and that which was of extraordinary consideration, and the more to be pitied, was, that the Pleas, Writings, Charters, Patents, and Processes of divers poor and rich men were all consumed; there was a Library of curious Books, and many thousand Crowns found therein, there was two Coaches, four beautiful horses, and two mules, all burnt, and they threw bottles of oil into the fire to make it flame with more violence: In his Pantry, Larder house, and Kitchen, there were delicate provisions, and divers Chests of sweet meats, and a boy having ta'en but a piece of Bacon which fell by chance, he was ready to be torn in pieces by the multitude; there were 10000 Crowns in good silver burnt, besides vessels of Plate, double gilt. The fire of this house was so great, that though it was in the night time, yet every corner of the street was as clear as if it had been noon day.  
Thence they ran to the house of Antonio Mirabella, another Counsellor, and a Napolitan Cavalier, in the suburb of Maids, and they did the like to him, where they left not one stone upon another, but consecrated all to the voracious flame, which lasted above three hours.  
At six a clock they passed to the Palace of the forenamed Andrea Anaclerio, who had been affronted and stoned by the boys at first, being the Elect of the people, but finding no great matter there, because he had wisely removed his goods the Sunday before, presaging some violence, they in a furious disdain applied fire to all the four corners of the house, which made a horrible flame, to the terror of all the beholders, which lasted four hours, till Monday night being passed, the Sun returned to enlighten the following morn of March.  
But while the people consumed with fire the houses, goods and wealth, beforesaid, of those public Thiefs, as they termed them, there burnt in the breast of the Viceroy an ardent desire to put a period to these fearful Combustions, and to hasten an accommodation of all things: Hereupon the Collateral, and Council of State and War had a sad serious discourse of these calamities, and 'twas resolved at last, that his Excellence should command four Companies of Foot to reinforce that squadron which was already in the Castle all along, and 'twas done accordingly. Hereupon there was a legal Instrument printed, wherein there was an abolition of those Gabels, and a general pardon granted: As soon as this Instrument was printed 'twas sent into the great Market, that all people beholding and reading it, might return to quietude and conformity: But it took no effect, because that the general pardon being found imperfect, nor specifying as much as the people would have, but containing divers matters subject to cavillation▪ Therefore all went off the King's Ages again, and the Treaty was dissolved, to repair which, because the Viceroy perceived the Nobility to be already hateful to the City, and therefore unfit to quench the fire, but rather make it greater, therefore he purposed to make use of two of the prime Advocats of the people, and much esteemed by him, who were Andrea Martellone, and Onosico Palma, therefore the Viceroy having commanded them to come unto him, he commited unto their care and prudence, and that with a great deal of heat and earnestness the appearing of the people with large promises of Remunerations. They executed what was imposed upon them with much efficacy, but it produced no fruit, and being returned to the Viceroy, they said 'twas impossible to assuage the fury of the people, unless they had delivered them the Original of the gran Privilege that Charles the fifth granted: This being understood by the Viceroy, as from the beginning he had ardent desire to content the people, specially in this point so much importuned, he caused all diligence to be used, that the said Charter of Privilege should be found out: Thereupon he dispatched some of the Nobles, Elect of the City, together with Don joseph Maria Caracciolo a Teatin, to the Church of San Lonuzo to this effect, which joseph was a Subject of great valour, and learning, besides his high birth, and a most earnest Co-operator at all times, specially at the conjuncture of these Revolutions, and much devoted to the Service of his King and Country.  
In the mean time Masaniello made it known to all the Merchants in the name of the people, and Corporations in the City, That they should be ready with arms▪ in hand for the service of the people; a great part of his Train went a horseback, and some a foot, to the houses, as well of Gentlemen, as other persons, of what estate or quality soever, to search for arms, which were delivered him, though with an ill will, both by all Noblemen and Officers, there being found in all places many thousands of Archibuzes, Carabins, Muskets, Pistols, and such like arms, as also nine pieces of Artillery which a Merchant had in his house, and which were given him in pawn from the Court for some thousands of Ducats, whereof he was Creditor; They took two Canons more out of a ship, assaulted by them in a new Galley, which was disarmed in the Mole, which being armed, was sent to the said vessel to deliver those Pieces, else they would set her a fire; so the Captain being forced, delivered seven Canons, all which they placed at the mouths of the principal streets of the City: And having understood that Mazzola a Genua Merchant had in his house good store of arms, they entered his house, where they found 4000 Muskets, which they distributed up and down the Populass, who dwelled in the quarters of Santa Maria il Parete.  
The Archbishop seeing, that notwithstanding all proffers of accommodation the Comotions advanced every hour with more fury, it came into his head that he himself would go abroad in procession, accompanied with the Teatins, and those of S. Hieroms, of the Congregation of the Oratorio, the the same Monday; but doubting it would not be so pleasing to the people, he would first feel their pulse, doing this with a great deal of prudence; the grounds of his doubt was this, that when the evening before, and the same morning the said religious Orders went out in a procession at way, the people did not much like those processions, in regard, that notwithstanding they were made with a good intent to appease the tumults, yet this being for no other end then to establish the ancient Grassa in the City, they seemed to marvel, and did tacitly grumble, to what purpose should so many processions be made now, that they were busy to take off the Gabels, and rid the City of all excessive Impositions, and such Processions were not made then, when, generally against the consent of the people, they were imposed: Therefore the Archbishop, before he would put in execution his designs, sent to the Impositers of S. Paul, and of the Apostles, both of them being Teatin Churches, who coaching themselves with some conspicuous secular Priests, eminent for their lives and birth, who were particular Elect, viz Don Carlo de Bologna, and Don Diego de Mendoza, they all went to the Piazza of the great Market to observe the humour of the people, how they would like such a procession, the Bishop having no other aims herein, but the service and satisfaction of the City, yet he would know their inward inclinations herunto. The said Fathers and Lords being gone to the Market place, they put in strict execution what they had in charge from the Archbishop but they found true what his Eminence had formerly doubted, as 'twas told them by some of the chief of the people, who yet thanked very much the Archbishop for his pious Endeavours to favour them, not doubting a whit of his zeal and love to the City: But touching such a solemn extraordinary procession, they humbly advised his Eminence not to do it, because the Priests and religious men in those broken times might haply receive some encounter or disturbance, which might prejudice the reputation of the Church, by reason of the great multitudes of armed men which were every where, yet for no other end then the advancement of the public good: Therefore they pray his Eminence that he would expose in the Church the holy Host, and inorder public Orisons for 40. hours.  
The Fathers and Gentlemen being returned to the Cardinal Archbishop, related unto him what they had proposed, and what answers they had, therefore his Eminence not thinking it expedient to put his former thoughts in action against the will of a tumultuary people, he inordred the said Prepositors, and all chief Heads and Rectors of Churches, as well secular as regular, that the blessed Sacrament should be exposed, and public and private Prayers made, to recomend unto his divine Majesty the woeful condition of City and Kingdom; which was punctually performed every day until the death of Masaniello.  
When the Archbishop had sent out those seasonable Orders, it being now night, his Eminence went to Castle Nuovo to confer with the Viceroy, and try whether any accommodation could be pitched upon to free the City from those imminent dangers which hung over her, doing this with the greatest efficacy that could come out of the breast of a Cavalier Patriot, and of a zealous Pastor, associating unto him a little after to the same purpose the most illustrious the L. Altieri, Apostolical Nuntio, for the time in that Kingdom. There retired into the said Castle likewise towards the evening divers Ministers, as well of the Gown, as other Officers, Lords and Cavaliers as well to treat with the Viceroy concerning the same business, as also to withdraw thither for their greater security than they could be in their own habitations. And this is as much as happened the second day, which was Monday.   

Tuesday, July 9 1647. The third day.  
THe Nepolitan people were so heated in their desires, and so animated to battle, and to the destroying of the houses of public Ministers and Partisans of the Royal Court, as also of Lawyers and Farmers of the Gabels, that no bounds were sufficient to stop their arrogance and fury: As a strong currented River having burst down the banks and dikes which kept her within her channel can hardly be brought in again to her wont regular stream, in the mean time, while the fearful Countryman labours with earth, stones, clay, wood and iron to mend her banks, she pursues her raging exorbitant course, dilates herself o'er fields, spoils the corn, undermines the trees, enters boldly into house and cellar without controlment, and so doth a world of mischief. The numerous people of Naples might be said to be such a River, swelling with disdain and choler against the public Officers of the Gabels, and rushing o'er the wont banks, which were the Laws and Royal Authority of her Prince, the reverence to the holy Church, the fear of Justice: But she was not only like an unruly mounding River, but like a tempestuous Sea, figured peradventure by the Evangelist S. john, in his book of divine Mysteries, where he saith, That with the waters of the Sea there joined living waters of fire, whence 'tis called by him, Mars mixtum igne: The Viceroy, the Archbishop, the Nobility, the Lawyers laboured to make up these banks and breaches, yet all would not do, but the River was as impetuous, extravagant and violent as ever.  
Hence it came to pass, that the glorious Sun scarce appeared in the Orient to illuminat the City the third day, but the furious people ran with swift pace to the Palace of one Valenzano, formerly a very poor Plebeian, and afterwards from a Petty Clerk in the Do●ana came to be a Farmer of the Gabel of Corn, and so enriched himself extremely; He dwelled out of Saint Carlo, and 'tis incredible what a world of goods, very precious both for the quantity and quality, were found in his house, which were all reduced to ashes; there were two boxes full of gold found in the cupboard of a window, which were taken and dispositated upon account in the King's bank.  
Hence they passed to the Palace of the Duke of Caivano, towards the little gate of Santa Chiara, where all his Writings, and public Books, he being Secretary of the Kingdom, with all his Library, and infinite store of rich Movables and Utensils were found, all which were burnt in two great fires, and the Palace harassed to the ground: What rich Coaches, Sedans and Couches, with rare vessels of Argentry, and Jewels of all kinds, were consumed in this Palace? There were also great store of curious pictures found there, the profane were burnt, but some holy pieces were sent to divers Churches, but reserving for the flame the frames of them, although they were very gallant and rich, which course they observed in all other places: The flame of this fire was so great, that it reached to a Monastery of Nuns hard by, of the Order of S. Francisco, so that they cried out they were all destroyed; It took in a Library of Books, the leaves whereof flew up aloft, that some words were legible in the air, among which there happened one leaf to fall upon the ground from the said Cloister, which treated of the Nobility of the ancient Dukes of Milan.  
I should be over tedious if I should describe all the desolations and ruins which those fires did cause, with the quantity and quality of the goods; I will briefly tell you, that the same cruelties, termed by the people just revenges, were used in all those houses whereof Masaniello gave a Catalogue to destroy and ruinat: These were Bartolome d' Aquino, the Duke john de Caivano, Gio: Battista Bozzacarino, all three of Chiaia, john Andrea Tuonavoglia, who dwelled out of the gate of San Gennaro, the Precedent Cinnamo Sopra Gresu Maria, the sons of Mastrodatti, juseppe Sportello Farmer of the Corn, Precedent Gieronimo Cacciotolo, Cesar Loprano against the little Hospital, john Zaralios, who being an Officer of the Pen, came by his favour at Court to such huge wealth, that he made himself Duke of Osturis, a principal City in Puglia, with sixty thousand Crowns annual rent, dwelling in Toledo street, whose Palace was one of the proudest and most magnificent of any in Naples, built by himself from the very foundation; Francisco Pallavicino alle Mortelle, Geronimo Nacatella of Polysippo, and Andrea Capano his son in law, Agostin de julijs, Giacomo Frezza, Petrillo di Florio, Bartholome Balzamo, Donado de Bellis Cashier of the Gabel of Corn, and many other persons had their rich Movables and Furnitures, with their Argentry and Jewels of great value, all consumed to ashes.  
In the Palace of Aquino a Chiaia there was an inestimable Wardrobe found proportionable to a Kings, which was all destroyed: And Luprano having conveyed all his goods which were most precious to the Monastery of the Hospital of the Padri Zoccolanti, and Basile brought his Jewels and Moneys to the Conservatory of Santa Maria di Constantinopoli, and Zavaglio brought the flower of his goods to the Monastery of the Nuns of the conception near his Palace, yet Masaniello came to know of all this, and therefore commanded the said Monasteries to 〈◊〉 and bring forth all those Furnitures under pain of burning, but being terrified by the peremptorines of the command, they brought all forth, which were immediately consumed to ashes, and some Coaches with the horses alive, which were found out by the rabble, having been hid out of the way in sundry places by their owners.  
While the people went thus revenging themselves of their pretended adversaries, those two Original Privileges of King Ferdinando, and Charles the V. both which the people did so earnestly thirst after, were found out, and so they were brought to the Viceroy by the chief Elect of the Nobles, and by the foresaid Don Giuseppe Caracciolo a Teaten, which laboured extremely in the business: Hereupon the Viceroy did not let slip one moment of time, or the least advantage to come at last to an accord with the people, promising them still all possible satisfaction, the Cardinal Archbishop of Naples did the like, who, with all his might and main, and by the help of his Gentlemen, by going also often himself in person to divers places did not spare pains o● fear danger; But the people finding that the Treaty for a peace went still on with delays, did begin to declare, That they would be masters of San Lorenzo, and of the Tower thereof to sound to a War at any time the great Bell, as also to secure a Port which they suspected might prove very offensive to their Quarters in the great Market by Canon shot, besides they would have the use of the Artigliery, and other Arms of the City, which were stored up therein; To which effect about 10000▪ people being got before the place all armed, and having begirt the Monastery of the Friars on all on all sides, they put themselves in a posture to fight ranging themselves in Files, being resolved to do something: The Convent was then forsaken by the Friars, some Novices being only left, and some of the ancientest, the Duke of Siano son to the Regent Capece Latro, Gio: Baptista Cicinelli, Don Tomas Aquaviva son to the Earl of Conversano with other few Gentlemen being there retired with 60 Spaniards sent the Evening before by the Viceroy, for guarding the steeple, were there shut in.  
The assault was given, and some Archibuses flew off, and a great many faggots were set afire, and they prepared themselves to batter down the Tower in the first place with a huge piece of Ordinance brought thither of purpose: The people within and the Spanish guard itself apprehending some fear made signs that they would yield upon Articles, whereupon the Gates were opened and the Soldiers sallied forth which were there for a guard as well Spaniards as Italians, with express order to leave behind them their arms, granting them only their lives and clothing which they carried about them; so that the people entering there, they seized upon all the arms, as P●ques, Muskets, Archibusses, with 18 pieces of Ordinance, put in there for the service of the City To the Militia that came forth Masaniello ordered, that after they had eaten they might be at liberty, and presently he commanded the great Bell to sound to arms, but with a public protest without any intent of rebellion, but for the service of the people, which sound lasted a good while, as well to show the victory they had obtained, as also to assemble the people to new attempts. And seeing that the Charter of Charles the V. did not yet appear neither in that place where it ought to have been kept, which was among the Archives of the City, where all ancient Writings are used to be preserved, they grew very furious, and drew forth other goods to be burnt, among which was the present King of Spain's picture, which they not only preserved, but bringing it forth they exposed it to public view, under a rich Canopy, with much reverence, crying aloud, Let God live, let our King live a thousand years, and let the ill Government die: They placed one great Canon at the little gate of S. Laurence, and another at the greatest gate of S. Paul, levelling at that Piazza of S. Laurence, they placed to under the Piatza of S. Biaggio, two alla Selleria, two upon the Market place, two at the Port of Capua, two more at Porta Nolana, and the rest in other places, designing a sufficient number of men for the guard of those places; and to secure themselves from the assault of all enemies, they distributed in every place a sufficient proportion of powder, of bullets, of match, and other instruments, to serve the Artillery, and other sort of fireworks if need required.  
Among those Companies of Combatants which went abroad that day, there were a great many women with Archibuzes upon their shoulders, and other sorts of arms, with their she Captains, Alterezes' and Sergeants, they appeared like so many Amazons, and 'twas a rare sight to behold, so that the ancient time of Nero seemed to be renewed when he besieged Rome. The Companies went on, and in the midst of two Soldiers a woman well clad, and not ill favoured, went with the Arms of his Majesty upon her head, and with a writing in great letters round about it, Viva il Re, & il fidelissimo popolo di Napoli; Let the King live, and the most faithful people of Naples; she went with a naked sword in her right hand, and a Poniard in her left: There followed after an incredible number of she Archibuziers, and others armed with Pikes, Lances and Halberds, others with clubs and staves, with faggots upon their backs, to put fire to the houses of Traitors and public Thiefs of their Country▪ lastly the little wenches of four or five years of age went with little batoons and sticks in their hands, a spectacle strange to behold. There came other Troops of women from divers parts of the City in good order, carrying wood and sulphur upon their back to fire where occasion required: And because there were Citizens enough in the gross of the Army about Masaniello able to make their party good against any power, the rest were ordered by him to go to defend their own quarters and homes: There were some Banditi that had mingled themselves with these Companies under a pretext to serve the people, but their design was, as 'twas found afterwards, to take Booties, or to plot some Treason.  
The Viceroy was not furnished with provision, nor would they suffer any eatable thing to pass to the Castle, a Felluca was taken, which thought to have brought him provision; The Couriers were stayed, who brought him Letters from divers places; and he might be said to be in a manner besieged with all the Gentlemen in the Castle, the people having both Land and Sea in their absolute possession.  
The Archbishop being returned to the Castle to confer with the Viceroy, and the rest of the principal Ministers, the last remedy by means of that reverend Bishop was applied to make a final Agreement: So the Viceroy delivered into his hands the Original Charter or Privilege of Charles the V. with a Promise in writing, subscribed with his own hand, to observe it firmly, desiring him to go to the great Market place to have it seen, and published in the Church of Carmine.  
When the Bishop had the true Privilege in his hands he felt an extraordinary fit of comfort, not doubting but his beloved sheep would be now altogether quieted, which certainly had happened, had not a secret Treaty of Matalone, and Don Gius●ppe Caraffa his brother, against Masaniello, and his followers, been discovered, which put all things again out of square.  
The Bishop therefore being come to the great Market place, and received by the people with mighty reverence and honour, he entered into the Church of Carmine, complemented by multitudes of people more than the said Church could hold: The said Charter was read with a loud voice, and understood by all with a kind of Jubilee of contentment; yet there wanted not, by the secret practice of the Devil, some who, having still rebellious spirits, suspected the truth of that Charter, and that it was not the Original, but a suppositious one: wherupon suspecting themselves to be deluded by the Bishop, they began to cry out, yea to threaten him by telling him, Will your Eminence also deceive us? At which instant the Bishop stood in evident danger of his life: The Bishop desiring to penetrate the cause of those whisper, asked Masaniello what was the matter, who told him. Most Eminent Sir, this people suspect that this Charter is not the true one, and that your Eminence goes about to baffle us, but I do not believe it, and I will turn against them in your defence, or kill myself, knowing well how punctually honourable your Eminence is. The B●shop answered, My dear son, these Privileges and Charters are the very same which Charles the V. subscribed, and which the people desire▪ But because you may be sincerely satisfied of the truth of my proceedings, let us do this, find me an intelligent man whom you will▪ and I will deliver it him, leaving it in his hands, and for a sign of the truth I will not stir hence, till this business clearly appear, that you may know, that I hold you my sons as much as the Gentry, and as your Pastor and Father; I would spill my blood most willingly for my people, as also for the peace and quietness of my dear Country. At which words Masaniello grew very quiet, and with him the tumultuous people: So they sent for D. julio Genovino a most sagavous man, who knew as much as can be known of the affairs of the City and Kingdom by his long experience, being 80. years old, and having been 19 years a prisoner, during the time of another Revolution happened in the Government of Ossuna. Masaniello therefore made the Privilege to be delivered to that man, that he might study and review it, as he did all the night following with most exact diligence, all which time the Bishop departed not from the Church of Carmine: And it was by the disposition of God Almighty, and the most blessed Virgin, that this happened, for that very night there were 36. Houses of Cavaliers to be burnt, amongst whom in the first place was the Duke of Mataloni, the Duke of Medina las torres, the Prince and Prior della Rocella, the Prince of Cellamare Chief Postmaster of the Kingdom, Cornelius Spinola, Carlo Spinelli, Don Ferrante Caracciolo, Carlo Brancaccio the Counsellor, Don Francisco Capece Latro, Francisco Tomacello, and the Houses of divers other were to be a Sacrifice, and by the sole endeavours of the Bishop they scaped it: Though these forenamed had been the principal heads and Authors of the disorder happened the year before in the procession of the relics of San Genaro, yet the Bishop as a pious Pastor, and common father, rendering them like a perfect Christian good for evil, prayed more in the behalf of these than any other, specially for the Houses of Medina, and Mataloni. Wherefore Masaniello perceaving the goodness and integrity of the Bishop, and sounding out his praises with full mouth to all the people, it made them desist from the firing that was intended, declaring that he had absolutely forborn it at his instance.  
It happened, that the same day and time that his Eminence was to reason with the people in the Church of Carmine, another general whisper was or'e-heard: For after the Charter of Charles the V. was read, that which the Viceroy did subjoin was also read, which was, That he confirmed all the said Charter by abolishing all the Gabells and Impositions, and that he pardoned all the people for whatsoever they had done, and acted in that Commotion, and he promised to obtain such a pardon from his Catholic Majesty for any act of rebellion that might have happened: When this was heard, you would not believe how greatly the people were moved, whereupon they began to cry out with a loud voice, That they never commited any act of Rebellion, but to have always been most faithful Vassals, and would die so towards his Majesty, who (and they raised their voices to a great height) they prayed to live a thousand years: The thing they only desired was, that the Privileges made good unto them by King Ferdinando, and Charles the Emperor, might be made good unto them now: Thereupon thinking they were gulled and betrayed, they would give ear no longer to any accord, as also because in the said Confirmation his Excellency did not specify, that the whole Kingdom should be so disburdened, without the necessary Clause of the Apostolical Assent, as they had made instance; and therefore, without being a whit satisfied, they desired that the War might be prosecuted, until they might have complete satisfaction; yet the Bishop laboured still to divert them from such thoughts, by reading unto them the Note following sent him from the Viceroy.  
My most Eminent and Reverend Lord,  
THe most faithful people of this most faithful City prayed me to confirm their Privileges, and in regard of the affections and high love which they have always showed to his Majesty's Service, I granted their Petition; and because instances have been made unto me, that for the greater authority it should be published in a pontificial way, I desire your Eminence so to do, and it will be a favour unto me, and a comfort unto the people. God guard your Eminence many years, according as I desire. Datum 6 July, 1647.  
The Privilege is a dispatching, and those of the most faithful people shall bring it to your Excellence. So I rest the greatest Servant of  
Your most Reverend Eminence, El Duque de Ercos.  
But the people not lending an ear to all this, thinking the Bishop's promises to be lame and imperfect, and being earnest to pursue the War as is said already, till there be a Condescension to all their Reasons, they went on in engrossing their Militia through all the parts of the City, and by putting in order divers Companies which very numerous, having 400. or 500 in every one. The dominion was such, that the very women, armed in great numbers, some with batoons on their n●cks, some with naked swords in their hands, some with a sword in the right, and a dagger in the left, and with knives on their sides, went strutting up and down the streets as so many Amazons, before the Royal Palace, and elsewhere, having one man before for their Van, and another behind for their Rear, crying out still, May the the King of Spain live, but the ill Government die.  
Upon the report of these Comotions in Naples the Spaniards which were quartered in the near adjacent Villages were coming to Naples, which being known by the people, by 〈◊〉 Scouts which they kept abroad, they sent a party to meet them, where they disarmed them all, and sent them back: There came also 500 Germans sent from Capua, who were billeted there by the Governor of that City, but when they came ne'er the gates the people rushed out, and stripping them of their arms for their own use, they brought them in, and giving them some refreshment, they kept them a good while in the Court of Guard, making very much of them for the innocence they found in them. Such a terror was struck into every one, that if a boy said to a shopkeeper, For how much sell you the quart of wine? for example sake sell it but for so much, and no more; and so for fruit, and all other things, all obeyed: They went at first to put fire to the goods of Cornelio Spinola a Genoese, who had resided in Naples above 20. years, negotiating with the Court, and having farmed the Gabels, and much people being found within for his defence, they went to him by way of stratagem, saying, They were come to treat with him to make him their Grassier: He excused himself at first, saying, that he was not proper for so great a Trust, being a stranger▪ and they assuring him, that by long habitation he was become a free Denizon of the City, he accepted of it, whereupon he said, I have a million for the service of the King of Spain, and the most faithful people of Naples. An Order came forth that day from Masaniello, That in all those houses where there were Pieces of the King and Queen of Spain, they should be thrown out, and the Arms of the most faithful people of Naples set up under Canopies.  
The Bishop about the evening dispatched to the Viceroy Father Francisco Maria Filomarino, a Capuchin, who was his brother, with other Gentlemen, praying him that he would by all means yield to all Pretensions, and give entire satisfaction unto the people, if he desired to prevent the mischiefs that were like to ensue. When the said Filomarino was come into the Castle, he began to treat with the Viceroy in the Bishop's name, with a great deal of affection and earnestness, in so much that by little and little they went overcoming all difficulties, so there were high hopes that an absolute Accommodation would ensue.  
In the mean time Masaniello gaining power more and more over the people, because he was found to be of a great spirit and hardiness, he rendered himself by degrees the most beloved, the most respected and worthy of esteem by all that possiby could be, notwithstanding that in such a confused multitude of so many thousands of people there were so many Doctors, Merchants, Notaries, Scriveners, Proctors, Physicians, Soldiers, and very worthy Artisans, and an infinite number of others that were men of Judgement, Wit, Wealth, Valour and Experience, and the meanest of them superior to him in Condition: But from Tuesday, and all the time forward, when he went in the name of the people to negotiate with the Bishop touching the present Affairs, his Eminence remained astonished at his Spirit and Parts, which got him daily more and more credit amongst the people, who cried him up thereupon the Chieftain, or Captain General, so that all were willing to transfer unto him solemnly, as absolute Patron, the Supreme Command o'er all the people, and to obey him accordingly. Whereupon in the middle of the Market place there was a stage erected b● him, where from that time forward the said Masaniello clothed in white like a Mariner, and in his Company other Counsellors of the people, among whom Genovino, and that famous Bandito Domenico Perrone, taken out of the Church of Carmine, as formerly said, by order of the people, had the first places; They gave public audience, receiving indifferently from all sorts of people, as well Laics as ecclesiastics, who adhered unto the popular party, Petitions and Memorials, pa●sing Orders, and decreeing Civil, Criminal, and Military Sentences upon all Causes, by arrogating to themselves the sole Supreme Authority, and Despotical Command o'er all the City, Villages and Families, making account that all the armed men that were ready at Masaniello's beck were no less than 150. thousand Souls, without inclusion of women, boys and children, who were of an incredible number, among whom one would come to visit her husband, another his Father, some their sons, others their kinsmen or friends, declaring that if need were they would raise another Army for the defence of the Peeple and City. And this is as much as happened the third day.   

Wednesday, the tenth of July, 1647. The fourth day.  
THe Napolitan people did not seem satisfied to publish unto the world the extreme disdain they had taken against the chiefest Authors of the Gabels by outward firing and Combustions, but they did still ruminat in the night, what further revenges were to be taken in the day.  
Hence it came to pass that upon Wednesday betimes, when Aurora had hardly ushered up the Sun into the Orient, Masaniello ordered That upon pain of death the Brigade of his lifegard, which were in number about 7. or 8000. persons, that they should repair to the Palace of the Duke of Caivano, who was thought by the people to be one of their chiefest Enemies, therefore command was given to pass through the street of the little gate of Santa Chiara to plunder again the said Duke, because notice was had of goods of far greater value which were not yet discovered, the Soldiers herupon as swift as lightning went, in obedience to Masaniello's command, and reentered the house, where battering down a door, they found two chambers full of the richest Tapestry that could be seen, with sundry sorts of other costly Movables, than they descended into the gardens, and battered divers marble statues and fountains, grubbed up the flowers and trees, broke down the balcones, and put fire to every thing both in house and garden.  
There went some hundreds of that Soldadesca to the Palace of the Duke of Mataloni to burn it also, and destroy it from top to bottom, purposing to sow the ground with salt afterwards; but finding it well fortified with one hundred armed Banditoes, who were within, they went back to have a recrent of strength, and to return thither towards the Evening to execute their design: So passing again to Chaia to the Palace of the young Duke of Caivano Don Francisco Barile to get the residu of his father's goods, preserved haply by him, they rushed also into that house, and did miserable spoil to every thing that came in their way And as they were doing this, people of all sorts, men, women and boys brought them faggots, with pitch, oil, sacks full of straw, and other helps, making hideous noise up and down the streets, as if they had been stark mad, and crying, There is but this little straw left in our houses, and it shall serve to put fire into the kennels of these dogs, who have imposed, sucked, and swallowed such Gabels from us, and saying this, they would let down the sack of straw, and throw all into the fire▪ Other women would bring in their arms their children, and putting little fired matches into their hands, they would make them throw them into the fire, crying out, These poor lambs shall also take vengeance of these Thiefs for the bread they have taken out of their mouths, so with hurling exclamations and cur●es they went up and down▪ yet sometimes with these interjections of prayer; Viva Iddio sem●re, & il nostro Re, & ruvoiano questi carri: Let God live for ever, and our King, and let these dogs die the death: The sight of all which things would have mollified an Adamant, and drawn compassion out of the very Rocks.  
While the people went thus to evaporate their high discontentments and deep hatred against the pretended enemies of the public good, the Bishop did very strictly negotiate with the Viceroy for a final accord, by the intervention of some choice instruments whom he had sent thither of purpose, for 'twas not fitting he himself should remove from the Church del Carmine, because he prevented thereby the horrible firings and spoils which were threatened to be also made thereabouts; he employed besides into the Castle three Gentlemen of special parts, who were Caesar Gerardini à Luquese, a Gentleman who was Master of his Chamber, one of a lovely conditition, of much vigour and prudence; the second was Don Gennaro Quaranta, and Guiseppe de Rossi, both Neapolitan Gentlemen, whereof the one was Vicar-general of the Nuns of Naples, a Subject of high learning and goodness of life: And that Wednesday morning the business was at so hopeful a pass, that a motion was made to make a solemn Cavalcata to the Church del Carmine by the Viceroy, and where all the Nobility should attend him, that the capitulations of peace might be publicly read there, and afterwards a Te Deum solemnly sung, to give God due thanks for his graces: This was intimated to Masaniello, who consented thereunto, yet he commanded the people to be still vigilant, and to stand upon their guard, and every enrolled soldier to have his Arms ready, and to stand firm to his post and not to stir thence upon pain of death: As these things were in agitation and fully intended, the Viceroy ceased not to send messages ever and anon unto the Bishop, desiring him to assure the people that they should have all possible satisfaction, and it lay in his Eminences hands in chief to maintain the Crown of that Kingdom, with the lives and being of all the Nobility throughout Naples; therefore he had sent him the day before the ancient Charters of King Ferdinand, and of Charles the fifth, confirmed by the Royal Council Collateral, and the Council of State held of purpose for that effect, wherein there was a general indulgence or pardon granted unto the people of Naples for any offence whatsoever committed, the tenor whereof was as followeth.  
Philip by the Grace of God, King, etc. Don Roderigo Ponce de Leon, Duke of Arcos.  
WE by an everlasting privilege do grant to the most faithful people of this most faithful City of Naples, that all Gabells and impositions be extinct and abolished which were laid upon the City of Naples, and the Kingdom, from the time of the Emperor Charles the V. of happy memory until this hour. Moreover we grant a general pardon for any offence whatsoever committed, since the beginning of this present revolution to this point of time, as also for every offence and inquisition passed that related to the said revolution.  
Given in castle nuovo 10. of july 1647. 

El Duque de Arcos.  
Donato Coppola Secretary of the Kingdom.    
This being received by the Bishop, he procured suddenly by discreet ways to induce Masaniello to convoque all the Captains, and chief commanders of the people together to hear the reading of the said Capitulations of the accord so much desired by them. The Charter of Charles the Emperor being already acknowledged by Don Giulio Genovino, and presented unto them by the Bishop, as true and original, therefore there were more than hopes, nay 'twas held a thing beyond all doubt that an agreement would follow: But mark, while the people were all assembled in the Church de● C●●mine there being infinite multitudes which stayed without not being able to enter, because the Church was full already, being there come to hear the Articles read which they seemed to desire with that anxiety, behold a new chance happened (and God forgive him who was the cause thereof for he bore the punishment a little after) which put all things out of square, and was able to put the whole City to fire and sword: The chance was that there entered into the gate del Carmine which leads to the Market place, a great number of Banditi at least 500 all armed a horseback, giving out that they came for the service of the people sent for by the forenamed Bandito Perrone as he attested himself before Masaniello, and the substance of the fact was true, but the end whereunto it tended differed much, because that he confederating with the Duke of Mataloni and D. Guiseppe Caraffa his brother, had an aim not at the service, but the destruction of the people, which was first to kill Masaniello their leader, with divers others of the principal mutineers about the great Market place, and other circumjacent precincts, as 'twas afterwards discovered and shall be told hereafter.  
The said Banditi being made to come before Masaniello, they were receiv●d with great demonstrations of love, but while they were there in his presence, Perrone made a motion, which was, that the said Banditi should go a horseback through the City, and take their quarters a part, which things he held to be very essential, and conducing much to the service of the people, whereunto Masaniello replied, that 'twas bootless to do this, ●ut 'twas sufficient if divided they stood a foot ready at his commands: Perrone persisting in his opinion said often that by all means the Banditi should be a horseback: Masaniello suspecting some sinister practices of Perrone in giving this same counsel, caused that he ordered more peremptorily they should go a foot, and that they should not budge from one corner of the Market which he would assign them for their quarter. The Banditi being much disquieted in mind, because they had not their intent towards the execution of their design, as they parted there were seven archibuz shots made at Masaniello, yet they missed him all, but some bullets burnt part of his shirt and so fell to the earth, all which was esteemed a miracle of the most holy Lady del Carmine, whose medail he carried about his neck hanging down to his breast. Every one may imagine how much this act might have moved the people to fury, but there only happened confused dark rumours and whisper for the present; but afterwards they fell upon those Banditi and discharged 300. musket shots at them, wherein they killed about thirty, two whereof fell down before the great Altar, three in the Vestry, one under the very seat where the Archbishop was, and thither he had fled for safeguard; and the rest in divers parts of the convent, divers also were hurt, but the heads of the slain were set up upon poles in the Market place; and some of them scaping away into divers places from the crowd, fled into Monasteries, but most into Maria della Nuova de Zocolane. Perrone was presently apprehended, and fettered by Masaniellos order, and to be proceeded against as shall be told speedily. Then they went in quest of one Antimo Grasso a man as notorious as facinorous, who was one of the chiefest of the plot, who was found, and murdered in the same chamber where the Bishop was, which was one of the stands of the General. He received the shot in the window of the said chamber whilst perceiving himself to be pursued by death, he sought to fly into the cloister, which precipitat flight confirmed the jealousies the people had of him. The Bishop was at that time in most evident danger of his life, nevertheless without being a whit moved or losing one crumb of courage, he confessed and gave absolution to the said Antimo Grasso before he breathed his last.  
The noise was so great, and the shots so many, and the tumult so high in the Monastery, the gates being opened and pulled off the hinges, that all the Friars trembling with fear thought they were all dead men, and many of them confessing one to the other with crucifixes in their hands, and other images, expected no other than sudden death; yet nevertheless the Archbishop did not give over, but with a notable magnanimity worthy of a Prelate did encourage them, distributing his pastoral benedictions among them up and down with many sweet words of comfort.  
The people were much moved to see the holy Church so polluted with blood, and profaned with slaughters, therefore those dead bodies were carried out into the Market; and the people went to find out the rest of the Banditi who were hid in divers places, whereof divers were killed, and the rest got o'er the walls to save their lives. Some were ta'en alive who revealed the treason intended against Masaniello set afoot by the Duke of Matalone, either for revenging of the affront he had received the monday before, or to perform his promise made to the Viceroy, hoping thereby to disanimate and so disunite the people, their head being cut off.  
Here upon the people not only dwelling about the Market place, but in other places, having notice given them that the said 500 Banditi came of purpose by the machinations of the Duke of Mataloni to make away Masaniello, and that Perrone was a chief instrument to bring this about, Masaniello commanded the said Perrone to be killed, but to be first put to the torment to draw out of him the trace, order and manner of the plot, with his complices, which being done, many things were discovered tending to the prejudice and lives of the people. He confessed in particular, that he and the rest of the Banditi were sent by order of the Duke of Mataloni, not only to murder the said Masaniello, but also by a mine already made to blow up the I'll of the House of Masaniello, with the contiguous Houses under which there were already twenty eight barrels of powder put; and therewith the whole Convent of Carmine, under which there were also a mine laid with great store of gunpowder, having to this effect received from the said Duke a bill for himself and his complices, who were engaged in the plot of fifteen thousand crowns, which accordingly was found about him: so much Perrone confessed and no more, and though 'twas enough, yet he confessed not all, which was discovered afterwards by others: Having confessed all th●s, his head was chopped off with a brothers of his, and they were pitched upon pikes in the Market place to be a spectacle to the world.  
'Twixt the Banditi who were taken alive, and not shot, one of them desired his life of Masaniello, and he would discover unto him some conjurations far greater and more general than Perrone confessed, or Grasso either, which if he detected, his life was promised him, provided his discoveries proved true: Hereupon he revealed that the night following, presupposing that the foresaid five hundred Banditi horse had formerly had good success, there were many Troops of Horse to second them, and they were to set fire to certain mines under the great market place, at such a time when it was fullest of people, and trod by armed men, which commonly according to their former custom▪ was used to be about three hours in the night, at the striking of which hour they were to give fire to the mine, which consisted of fifty cantaras of Powder and more, amounting to fifteen thousand pounds, or thereabouts, and spread up and down through the bowels of the said Market place, which had made fly into the air all the people then present, and blown up the edifices circumjacent, with the Monastery and Church del Carmine, insomuch that there had perished at lea●t besides the destruction of the holy buildings and profane, about one hundred and fifty thousand souls: A case of infinite compassion, justifying any other bloody revenge which the people might have taken for such a barbarous and unheard of cruelty: when the mines had taken effect, the Banditi were to disperse up and down, joining with some of the Gentry whom they had brought in with them, and fall upon the rest of the common people, and put all to the sword; this being understood by Masaniello, he ordered that with all possible diligence those subterranean places should be searched that were revealed by the said prisoner, which being found true and real, he pardoned him his life, but with perpetual banishment from the City and Kingdom under pain of life; the said powder being taken up from all those places under ground, did serve for provision to the people for many days, for they had scarcity thereof.  
It was discovered also by the confession of other Banditi, being put upon the rack, that by the machinations of Duke Matalone, and his brother Perrone and Grassa, having the chief hand therein, that the waters which by aqueducts served the City of Naples were poisoned, as also the corn, which after much diligen●● being found to be true, specially in those Cisterns which receive the rain water, as in the Sellaries, the public Markets, and other places inhabited by the meaner sort of people, for it was proved that two poor children had died by those waters; therefore the Aqueducts which conveyed those waters being broken open, notice was given by sound of Trumpet and Drum, with Bills fixed in all quarters of the City, that none should drink of those waters that passed through the Formale, which was the common Aqueduct. At the same time by order of Masaniello were dispatched many companies of armed foot and horse through all the City, and the Suburbs, to take the rest of the Banditi, who were retired for sanctuary to divers Churches and Monasteries, specially in Sancta Maria della Nuova, where a great number got shelter, and it was bruited abroad, that Don Guiseppe de Caraffa was come also thither for favours which he had received from the Viceroy from Benevento to Naples: He placed also at the same time divers guards at the gates, that the Cavaliers should not get out to join in bands against the people, which was much feared, out of the confessions which were drawn from the foresaid Banditi; therefore an exact search was made for these in all the Monasteries throughout the City, where divers were found, and being dragged out they had their heads chopped off, and put up upon poles up & down the streets. And because there was a report ran that the Duke of Matalone himself was hid at St. Efrem, one of the Capuchins Churches, a great squadron of armed men went thither, with ravenous resolutions to drag him out and execute him; But a little before having got timely advice by a spy, he got out in the disguise of a Capuchin Friar; and although the people went all the ways to overtake him, yet they could not do it, in regard that he was got before upon a swift Coursier towards Benevento; the people being much enraged at his escape: But whosoever of his servants, pages, laquays, music boys, or any other that belonged unto him came into their hands, they presently murdered them. And because the rage of the people after the said Duke of Mataloni, was bend next against D. Guiseppe Caraffa his brother, there went 4000 persons all armed to the foresaid Monastery of Santa Maria della Nuova of the Zoccolanti, where he had secured himself, as also his brother Father Gregorio Caraffa Prior de la Roccella, who being assisted by God for his innocence and innated goodness, became a Prophet to himself, and to his brother Don Guiseppe, of the approaching danger that did menace their destruction, he exhorted & conjured him to get away with him, and to transfer themselves to a place of greater security: But he, not giving ear to the exhortations of the Prior, but yielding to his hard destiny, he remained alone in the said Monastery, the Prior taking leave of him with tears in his eyes; who being scarce gone, the foresaid rabble surprised the place, and rushing in with extreme rage, though a great while they could not find him, he being hid in the secretest place of the Monastery; whence he got means to give notice to the Viceroy of his desperate condition; and therefore to amuse or divert the rabble, he desired him to let fly two pieces of ordnance (but without bullets) among them; and it might be, that being so terrified, they might return to the town to take new counsels, and so he might have opportunity to make his escape. This note being sowed 'twixt the sole and the shoe of a poor converted Friar, he gave him a good reward to go with it to the Castle: But what? the bearer had scarce put himself upon his way, but being stopped by some malicious spies, he was searched from head to foot, where they found the said note, and so they fell upon him most furiously, and chopped off his head.  
Caraffa hereupon having lost all hopes of preserving himself, for the certainty the people had got that he was in the said Monastery, and for the hot eager malice wherewith they pursued him, he resolved to attempt an escape, being told by the Friars, that the brutish people would search all the cells, dormitories, with any other places public or private within the Monastery, as also the altars themselves, Churchyards, and every corner of Church or Convent: having done so in sundry places, and chop't off the head of whomsoever they found; But to do this with less danger he put off his Friar's weeds and apparelled himself with a secular habit, wherein leaping out of a window of the Monastery over against a shop where a Silkweaver dwelled, he recovered himself with four of his confidents all habited like Friars into the next house where a mean woman dwelled, and hiding himself there under a bed, he prayed her (with large promises of reward) to conceal him; but the ill-natured and base woman promising herself a greater reward from the promiscuous crew, discovered him, and delivered him into their hands, with the other four of his retinue, among whom when they had seized upon him, they dragged him along the little Piazza of Ceriglio, notwithstanding that he had promised twelve thousand Crowns in good gold if they would suffer him to escape: and although some began to hearken to such a proffer, yet the greater number would not, but barbarously cried out with loud exclamations, kill him, kill the Traitor; at which words, among others which slashed him with daggers and stillettoes, a young fellow, son to a Butcher hard by, with a great knife cut his throat, and chop't off his head; which being done, 'tis incredible what exultations of joy and triumphing there was among them, as if they had taken off the head of the great Turk, and cut to pieces the whole Ottoman Empire: so his head being fixed upon the top of a pike, and under it one of his feet and half a leg, with this inscription underneath, which was written in huge characters that they might be the more legible: Questo é Don Peppo Caraffa rebelle della patria, & traditore dell fidelissimo popolo. This is Don Peppo Caraffa, a rebel to his country, and traitor to the most faithful people. And because at the same time the heads of the other four who were of his train were chopped off, and put also aloft upon poles, though lower than that where Caraffa's head was, to make it appear the more eminent; and having put his Porter in the midst of four more, and tied about his temples a royal crown of lead, in this posture they made him go up and down the market place, dragging all along the bodies of those five, till at last they threw them upon a dunghill among stones and filth. This being done, they cried out, Viva Dio, & il nostro Re mill' anni, & muoiavo gli traditori del fidelissimo popolo. Let God live, and let our King live a thousand years, but let the traitors of the most faithful people die the death. With such funestous preparatifs, and in such an ignominious procession was the body and head of Caraffa presented to Masaniello, who was there present all the while, & commanding his head to be brought nearer unto him, he plucked him often by the hair of his mustachoes, disgorging many base opprobrious words, and making a kind of speech unto the people touching the justice of God, which comes surely, though slowly, to punish the guilty, and useth to make a compensation for the slowness with the greater security, making application of the doctrine of that wise man, who without studying could by the mere light of nature say; lento quidem gradu divina procedit ira, & tarditatem supplicii gravitate compensat.  
Masaniello having terminated his speech unto the people, commanded that all the heads of the Banditi, and other facinorous traitors that were taken in the Monastery of the Zoccolanti, and in the Ceriglio, should be distinguished from others, and placed by themselves, and fixed in the great Market place, but the carcase of Caraffa should be tied to a beam athwart, and his head should be put in a grate of iron with his foot nailed underneath, and fixed without the porta di Gennaro, through which the passage was to the Palace of Mataloni, putting above that grate of iron, and under his carcase in the market place the foresaid words in large legible Characters. Don Peppo Caraffa Rebelle della patria, & traditore del fidelessimo popolo, all which was punctually executed, the people still bawled aloud let traitors die, let traitors die; and nothing was heard up and down the streets in every corner, but shriek, and howl with horrid curses, which made a hideous noise in the air.  
At this spectacle of Caraffa the fear of the Cavaliers increased somuch, that they expected no other thing then to be torn in pieces, seeing them lay hands so inhumanely upon such that were used to make that City tremble at other times, as also the whole Kingdom of Naples: And the foundation of their fears was the greater, because that after the discovery of the plots made by the Banditi, the people rise up and multiplied more fast than ever, for that very night there were numbered 114000. armed persons, without black caps, and the gentletlemen that adhered to the people, with divers other, as the Catalogue was seen in the hands of Don Georglo Sersale. As also of the doubts they had that the Viceroy himself had a hand in that conjuration of the Banditi, and to make him resolve to grant them whatsoever they desired, Masaniello commanded that no refreshments or provision should pass into the Castle, where he and his Duchess▪ with the Collateral Counsel, and Counsel of State, with the greatest part of the King's Ministers, servants and Officers resided, as also into those quarters where the Spaniards were billeted, where they permitted neither bread, or wine, or snow to be carried, but only a few roots, and herbs.  
He commanded also, because he intended to choke them with thirst, as well as to famish them with hunger, that all the Aqueducts should be cut off: Whereupon the Viceroy seeing himself in so scurvy a condition, dispatched a letter to the Archbishop, that he would make known to the people his sincere intentions towards them, and that he was not only a mere stranger, but most averse to the practices of the Banditi, and their abominable conjurations; For proof whereof he might assure them that he used all humane industry that could be imagined, to apprehend those Banditi, and deliver them to the hands of the people, to do with them what they pleased; such were the protestations of the Viceroy to clear himself of those ombrages he found the people began to have of him. The Tenor of the General to the Archbishop was as followeth:  
Most Eminent, and most Reverend Lord.  
THe news of the distrust of the people, with that accident of the Duke of Mataloni, put's me in a great deal of care, for I desire no other thing but the satisfaction of the people, and the contentment of the City; therefore I thought good to let your Eminence know that if I had any of the Banditi in my hands, I would deliver them to the power of the most faithful City, or any other that disturbed our quietness. Your Eminence may please to let this be known, and command that notice be sent me of what passeth, and how your Eminence fareth, whose most Eminent person God preserve for many years. From the Palace this 10. of july 1647. Your Eminence may please to perform whatsoever I offered the most faithful City in the behalf of his Majesty and myself. My Lord, what, hath lately happened leaves me full of wonder; I offer to your Eminence by the life of the King, that any of the Banditi whom I can lay hold on I will immediately send them to the most faithful people, to whom I would be right understood▪ for I desire nothing else but quietness.  
So I am the greatest servant of your Eminence▪ El Duque de Arcos.  
The Archbishop did acquaint the people by virtue of the foresaid letter, with the right intentions of the Viceroy towards them, which helped to mitigate in part the ill talon that was conceived against him; yet notwithstanding Masaniello did publish a rigorous Ban, that all as well people, as Cavaliers, should be ready at the sound of the public Bell under pain to have their houses fired; for the suspicion continued still, that there was a plot for more Banditi to invade the City, and to join with the Spanish and Germane Militia to surprise her; but whereas Cavaliers were mentioned in that Ban, 'twas to make an ostentation of their power, rather than to make use of any of them, for they did not confide in them. There were vessels full of earth and stones placed at the head of every street, and upon the approach at night Masaniello commanded for the watch of the City, and to prevent all robberies, that Forts and Bastions should be raised at the mouth of every street, not only where the people, but where the Nobility did inhabit, which was performed with such speed that 'twas marvellous, for before half an hour of night all that vast City was found barricadoed and fortified, with barrels full of earth, faggots, timber and stones, so that but one could pass at a time, and that with some difficulty: He commanded also that all the houses and Palaces, as well of Cavaliers, as of Citizens, as also of Monks and regular Orders, under pain of having their Monasteries burnt, should put out lights towards the streets out of their windows and corners, as also that stubble, and other combustible things should be put on fire to clear the streets, that in case the Banditi entered the City, they might be more easily discerned by the light of those fires dispersed up & down the streets: all this was executed with punctual and exact celerity by all, as far as the Regent's of the Chancery, as by all the Gownsmen, Nobles, Cavaliers, Regulars, and by all conditions of people, being all very much affrighted by the sad tragedy of poor Caraffa, and 150. heads of the Banditi, all which was done in less than the space of 6▪ hours, which were seen fixed upon divers poles up & down the streets; They were also terrified at the huge number of 150000. men all armed, and being ready to obey the beck of Masaniello, who as he had been another Cola di ●enza, did no sooner signify his pleasure, but it was done in a minute, in such a manner, that if he said bring me the head of such a one, or let such a Palace be burnt, & the house of such a Prince be plundered, or any other the least thing commanded, at the very instant without any doubts or replies 'twas put in Execution, a glory that no King or Emperor yet enjoyed: And to put a period to the tragical acts of this day, he declared by the dreadful noise of Drum and Trumpet the Duke of Mataloni to be a rebel to his King and Country; and whosoever should bring him in should have thirty thousand Crowns in gold, and his head should ransom one hundred and fifty Banditi, and ten thousand Crowns were were added for a reward to him that should bring him alive; so he sent Companies up and down to find him out, but Masaniello employed his own brother to find him out at Benevento with a considerable strength of Horse and Foot.   

Thursday the 11. of july, 1647. The fifth day.  
'TIs well known, by that which Pliny and Tiraquello do affirm, that in the Olympic Games, it often fell out the Judges did give the palm and prize in doubtful combats, not as much according to the virtue and valour of the combitant, as for the favour and applause of the people; one may deservedly think then that Masaniello, although but young, and of a very low birth, but having the empty gale of popular applause blowing upon him, and of such a huge mass of people as are in Naples, obtained the truncheon of general command over them: But the wonder is the greater, that so base a creature (I will not say, a Fisherman, but a fisherman's boy, nor a complete man, but a youth in a manner) should draw after him such swarms of people, and the second day to be attended by the civilest and discreeter sort of men; the third to make himself absolute Commander o'er them, and the charge of Generalissimo, every one showing obedience to his commands accordingly; the fourth and fifth day by his sagacious orders, ready dispatches, and opportune expedients: and above all, by his spiritfulness, efficacy and capacity in negotiating businesses of so great importance; he was held to be of such wisdom and counsel, that he raised a kind of admiration in all men, and particularly in the mind of the Archbishop, who more than any other had occasion to try his capacity and treat with him, and by the rigorous justice from the first day of his reign, to the last end of his usurped dominion which he exercised, as also for his precipitated barbarismes, as we shall touch anon, the ugly horrors and astonishments he struck into the whole City; he had with an unspeakable boldness which seemed wonderful to the present, and will seem incredible to the absent, not as a Plebeian, or some abject fellow, but like a kind of great martial Commander, having threats in his looks, terrors in his gestures, and revenge in his countenance, subjugated all Naples: Naples the head of such a Kingdom, the Metropolis of so many Provinces, the Queen of so many Cities, the Mother of so many glorious Hero's, the Rendezvouz of Princes, the Nurse of so many valiant Champions, and spiritful Cavaliers, this Naples by the impenetrable judgements of heaven, though having six hundred thousand souls in her, saw herself commanded by a poor abject vile Fisher-boy, who raised a numerous Army amounting in few hours to one hundred & fifty thousand men; he made trenches, set Sentinels, laid Spies, gave signs, chastised the Banditi, condemned the guilty, viewed the Squadrons, ranked their Files, comforted the fearful, confirmed the stout, encouraged the bold, promised rewards, threatened the suspected, reproached the coward, applauded the valiant, and marvellously incited the minds of men, by many degrees his superiors, to battle, to burnings, to plunder, to spoil, to blood and to death: The whole City, yea, the Spaniards themselves stood astonished, that in so great and so confused a multitude of infinite numbers of armed people, he could proceed so regular in his orders, and that they were so exactly observed, that there was never seen nor known the like, that he should be so observant to Ladies, so respectful of the holy Church and her Officers, that all the while he would not suffer any outrage to be offered them, except only in Sancta Maria della Nuova in the quest of Mataloni, that among such a world of tempting rich goods which there were burnt up and down, he would not suffer the value of a pin to be converted to private use.  
The first order that was published by Masaniello upon Thursday morning betimes, was, that all men should go without Cloaks, Gowns, wide Cassocks, or such like, which was generally obeyed not only of the common sort, but of all the Nobility, of all the Churchmen, & Religious Orders, & 'twas a marvellous thing, if not rather ridiculous, to see the Dominicans, Carmelites, the Regular Canons, jesuits, Teatins, Priests, and all sorts of Regulars, yea the Canons and Dignitaries of the Cathedral Churches, the Chaplains of the Archbishop Filomarino, of Cardinal Trivultio, of the Viceroy, the Apostolical Nuncio, and of all the Bishops residing then in NAPLES, and if we give credit to the relation of many, their Eminences themselves went without upper garments all the while that Masaniello reigned, every one submitting to so vile a fellow.  
He commanded also that all women, of what degree or quality soever they were, should go without farthingales, which was also obeyed; and that when they went abroad they should tuck their petticoats somewhat high, that it might be discerned whether they carried any arms underneath; it having been discovered, that under such long robes sundry sorts of arms have been brought to the Banditi and other enemies of the people: And besides, the night before there were many papers thrown up and down, wherein there were inklings given of some notable design against the people. That morning also all the streets were entrenched, and the Cannons from the Magazing of San Lorenzo were brought down, and set upon carriages, and placed in divers parts of the city which lay most advantageous, and companies both of foot and horse were dispersed up and down, well armed, to be able to withstand any force.  
Masaniello commanded also that all Cavaliers under pain of life should deliver their arms, as also all noble personages, to the hands of such Officers as he should send with commission accordingly; and that all their servants should also give up their weapons for the service of the people; which they did, though with a very ill will; for, they plainly perceived the design of this disarming, which was not only to make them unable to make any opposition, but to expose them to the mercy of the furious people their enemies.  
There was also that day an Excize put upon all edible commodities, and at what price they should be sold: There was also by command of the said Masaniello in sundry of the most eminent places of the City, divers frames of pictures set up of Charles the Emperor, and of his Catholic Majesty Philip the fourth, now regnant, with the Arms of the City of Naples drawn underneath; and when the soldiers passed by any of those places, they cried out, Viva il Re di Spagna, & muoia il mal governo, let the King of Spain live, and let the ill government die.  
While that morning the commands of Masaniello were published and executed every where throughout the City, the Archbishop who from Tuesday morning kept himself within the Monastery of del Carmine, to be able to negotiate with more conveniency with Masaniello, and with other heads of the people, he was not wanting to publish the true intent of his meaning, and of that of the Viceroy, and the fervent desire he had to put in execution the last accord thereby to appease this high popular fury, which every day, every hour, yea, every moment, was the cause still of greater hurt and ruin; therefore having sent into the Castle Father Filomarino his Capuchin brother to that effect, he employed that morning Caesare Gherardini the Master of his Chamber to induce the Viceroy to satisfy the people, and to give his assent to what was demanded, assuring him of the inclination that the said people had to a peace, so that all depended upon him, otherwise going thus arming daily more and more, and madding up and down the streets, he could not but prognosticate a total and irreparable ruin to City and Kingdom: The Viceroy received the Embassy of the Archbishop with unspeakable contentment, and to show his readiness and uniformity of thoughts with the said Archbishop, he writ unto him again a most affectionate Letter, wherein demonstrating the ardent disposition he had to public tranquillity, he referred himself to every thing that his Eminence had done, and would ratify whatsoever he would promise, ex nunc pro nunc, to the end, that all delays might be cut off by carrying and returning Propositions and Answers from one side, and the other, so much in prejudice of the public good of the City: the Letter was in effect as followeth.  
Most eminent, and most reverend Lord,  
THe News which the Master of your Eminencies Chamber brought me, have administered to me much contentment, and they were conformable to the hopes that I have always had to see all matters occommodated by the operations of your Eminence, to whom all shall be attributed; I pray continue your wont diligence that hitherto you have used, that we may see this mighty business come to perfection: and because we may not be subject that what is once agreed upon may be entangled, the only remedy will be, that whatsoever you shall promise to this most faithful people, I will make good; and as I desire that nothing may be credited but what shall be sent from your Eminence, so I shall not give faith to any thing, but what shall come from your hands: God guard your Eminence for many years.  
From Castelnuovo this 11. of july, 1647. I kiss the hands of your most reverend Eminence, and rest, The greatest of your Servants, El Duque de Arcos.  
The Archbishop having received from the Viceroy this ample Commission and faculty to do what he held expedient, he caused to be called unto him into the Church del Carmine, Masaniello with his Counsellors, Genovino, & Arpuia, and reading unto them the said letter, with much dexterity and eagerness he forced himself to represent unto them the tenderness of the Viceroy's affection towards the people, and his own most ardent desires to give them all possible satisfaction that might afford them a plenary contentment: Therefore they by a reciprocal correspondence of affection, and for the universal quietness of the same people were bound to condescend unto, and consummate the whole business, by conforming themselves to an accommodation; On these persuasions twenty of the chiefest Rulers of the people being present in the Church del Carmine, and a great number of the most civil sort of people, they all promised by firm asseverations to his Eminence, that for his love, and to correspond with the love of the Viceroy, they were most ready to finish the accord: Therefore there should be a care taken forthwith to make the Capitulations. The Bishop rejoiced extremely for the assurance the people gave him that day to conclude the accord so much breathed after; and to give beginning to distinction of Articles, the Viceroy thought it expedient to put them together, who also did so greedily thirst after an accommodation; and this he did by the agency of Guiseppe de Rossi a Minor his conventual Theologue, and such advice being very grateful to the Viceroy, he answered the Bishop with another letter, recommending unto him with the hottest tenderness that could be, the expedition of the business, which could permit no longer delay, referring (to which end) to the substance of the letter formerly sent him by the master of his chamber; the copy of the last is this, wherein he touched at the detension of certain Galleys arrived at the port, but it should be far from prejudicing or distracting the Treaty any way; or to hinder the satisfaction that was intended to be given the most faithful people, as hereafter shall be mentioned.  
Most Eminent, and most Reverend Lord;  
THe Theologue whom your Eminence sent unto me, told me that to day should be put in execution in the behalf of the most faithful people that which is capitulated, and that I would detain the Galleys: I send this order open, because they may be detained in any place where they shall be found, to day we hope we shall get out of this care by the intercession of your Eminence, whom I return to pray, that no a●●aies be admitted, but that matters be transacted according to the paper which the Master of the Chamber brought from your Eminence, whom God preserve many years. From the Palace 11. of july 1647. So I rest,  
Of your most eminent reverence the greatest Servitor, El Duque de Arcos.  
The Theologue brought this general Commission just at the time when the Archbishop was very busy in distending the Capitulations of the people for an accord; which being dispatched with greater celerity than was believed, wherein there easily aypeared a concurrence of divine assistance, by the intercession of the most glorious Virgin del Carmine, they were sent forthwith by the hands of Father Filomarino the Capuchin by his Eminence unto the Viceroy, that his Excellence should sign them with his own hand, which was done, and it being notified by the said Father, that the desire of the people was to have the said Capitulations legally authorized by public act, and subscribed not only by the Viceroy's hand, but the Collateral Council royal, together with the Counsel of State, all was readily assented unto. Therefore another letter was sent in more earnest terms then any of the former, wherein the Archbishop by efficacious instances did desire his Excellence would operate to bring to a period that solemn ceremony so much panted after by the desires of the people, representing unto him the imminent dangers that otherwise would ensue, and were visibly hanging o'er City and Kingdom, to the disservice of God and the King, the holy Church, and the Citizens, to the discomfort of women, and whereon depended the lives of so many innocent babes, as also for the advantage and boldness the enemies of the Crown would take for to undermine it, and to embroil (as in former times was practised) so flourishing a Kingdom, notwithstanding its fidelity and constancy of loyalty known to all the world, specially to the always sacred and Catholic House of Austria: The Viceroy replied, that he would willingly and most cheerfully ratify and confirm all things in the name of his Majesty, and not any their privileges, but the general Indulgence or pardon already promised, with assurance that for the future he would most rigorously punish all the Banditi, or any other perturbers of the public peace, esteeming all that most faithful people for his Majesty's dear children, and the most beloved vassals of all his crowns, and should be respected so always by himself. I thought good to display this in Italian for such who do not well understand the Spanish, but the letter of the Viceroy's wa● punctually to this following effect.  
Most eminent, and most reverend Lord;  
BY the hand of your Eminence the pretensions of this most faithful people of Naples have been settled; I have granted them the great Charter or privilege which they desired that was in the time of Charles V. which I dispatched in form, and I again approve and ratify whatsoever that privilege of his Cesarean Majesty contains in the name of his now Catholic Majesty Regnant: And touching the general pardon, let it be drawn up according to their own fancy, I will confirm it, both touching matters passed; as also for the the future: Moreover I will punish the Banditi wi●● all severity, who were called in by any one whatsoever, and with greater rigour then formerly, as the chiefest pertubators of the public peace; but finding that the conclusion of this business still suffers delays, and inconveniences arise thence every instant, I thought good to represent again and again unto your Reverence all this, that as being the Father of the whole City you would intimate unto the most faithful people, that from these protractions may arise, that the enemies of his Majesty may lay hold on an occasion to disquiet this flourishing Kingdom, and sow new divisions in every corner, a thing which this most faithful people must needs be sensible of, and it behoves them so to be; which people have showed them always so zealous in his Majesty's service; I earnestly desire that all consultations may tend to their good: Moreover your Eminence may please to intimate, that all the inco●vences that shall grow by not taking speedy resolution to the service of God, to that of the Kings, to the holy Church, to the Citizens, to women and innocent children, all this shall be put to their account who shall delay the accomplishment of that which is already pitched upon, since for my part I am ready night and day in the name of his Majesty to put every thing in execution: besides I ●ave done all things that were possible in the behalf ●f this most faithful people, whom his Majesty doth esteem for his sons, and the most beloved of all his Monarquie, and I would treat them so, desiring their ease and quietness. I put all things in your eminences hands, whom God preserve many years. 11. july, 1647.  
Since I had written this letter I understood ●our Eminence is not in the Carmine, I pray be pleased to return thither, and treat with the most faithful people accordingly, and by our grave authority to let them fully understand, how infinitely 〈◊〉 imports to put in Execution what is agreed up●●, and to cut off all delays, it will be a work worthy of your Eminences care; I will add no more but that I am the greatest Servitor of your Reverence,  
El Duque de Arcos.  
As soon as the present Letter, and the subscribed Capitulations were delivered unto Father Filomarino, and brought back by him to the Bishop, they were consigned by him to the power of the people, it being solemnly appointed, that after the said Capitulations had been publicly read in the Church del Carmine in the presence of the whole people, Masaniello should go in company of the Archbishop to the Castle to speak with the Viceroy.  
About ten a clock the same day the report being dispersed that the Accord was finished and that Masaniello was to transfer himself t● the Castle to speak with the Viceroy in per●son, 'twas incredible what a multitude o● people gathered together in the great Marke● place, besides those numbers that filled the Church of Carmine, where the Archbishop sitting under a great canopy of sta●● hard by the great Altar in a stately chair, t●● Capitulations were read from the Pulpit by Notary, where stood also on foot Masani●ello apparelled in cloth of silver, together with his Counsellor Genovino, and Arpa● the new elect of the people: This was o● Don Iulio, Genovino's old acquaintance the time of the Duke of Ossuna, who at the b●●ginning of these tumults found himself the government of Teverola, an inhabitant of th● City of Aversa, and was sent for purposely by Masaniello.  
The Capitulations being read and understood, and received with ●nexpressible joy and applause, Genovino went up the Pulpit, and with a loud voice said these words: My people, these are the things which you have so long desired, and endeavoured to be procured ever since the Government of the Duke of Ossima, but could never be had; but now by God's special grace, and the blessed Virgin of Carmine our Lady, we have ●btained them; Let us jubilize for so high ●nd signal a blessing, let us triumph for so glorious a victory, let us give Heaven due ●hanks for so dear a trophy, thundering upon ●his blessed occasion Te Deum; to which ●ymne he himself giving the beginning, he ●ame down from the Pulpit, and the mu●●c was pursued by two Quires, accompanied with the deep sound of Organs, ●nd the sweet quavering of divers musical Instruments, which filled with such ● jubilee and joy the hearts of all people, that a good part of the Spectators out of tenderness did fall a weeping for excess of contentment.  
Te Deum being sung with that ravishment the Bishop did prepare himself to accompany Masaniello with his company toward the Palace to visit the Viceroy; but 〈◊〉 make this Caval●ata more splendid, and wit● greater magnificence and decorum, Masaniel●lo had commanded before under pain of firing that all Masters of Families should hang the●● windows, walls and balcones with the riche● silk-pieces and tapestries they had; besides, tha● care should be taken to have all the street● cleanly swept which lead along to the Castle 'Twas marvellous that this thing was 〈◊〉 sooner spoken, but executed by all sorts 〈◊〉 persons, as well Nobles, Cavaliers, Ecclesi●●sticks, as Merchants, Citizens and Artisans: 〈◊〉 one Gentleman disdaining to obey the co●●mands of such a base fellow, he was persw●●ded by a well-weighed discreet friend of 〈◊〉 to conform, and not contract with so powerful and popular a man, urging unto him 〈◊〉 examples of some Spanish Grandees 〈◊〉 complied with the time, and so became co●●queror as it were of the fury of Masan●●●●lo, from whom by his disobedience had happily brought fire and ruin 〈◊〉 himself.  
Masaniello dispatched presently a 〈◊〉 of his to the Castle, to acquaint the Vice●●● of his intention to come to parley with 〈◊〉 desiring to know his pleasure therein; the Viceroy made show to like the message and the visit, therefore he answered, that he might come when he thought good, for he would gladly see him.  
Masaniello having shaken off his Mariner's vest, which was no other but a shirt, a waistcoat, and a linen pair of breeches, he clad himself with cloth of silver, with a toting plume of Feathers in his hat all white, with a naked sword in his hand, and mounting in this posture upon a prancing ginet, he marched towards the Castle, he went before the Bishop's Coach, attended by fifty thousand of the choicest of the people, whereof the●e were ●om Foot Companies, some Troops a horseback; upon the right side of the Bishop's Coach did ride Mateo d'Amalphi Masaniello's ●rother clad in cloth of gold, with rich sword ●nd dagger suitable, and upon the left side ●here rid the new Elect of the people, Fran●isco Antonio Arpaia, and immediately near ●he Coach came in a Sedan the prime Counsellor of the people, Don julio Genovino: the ●urther the Cavalcata advanced, the more did people increase of all degrees, ages, sexes, and occupations, wherewith all the streets were thronged, great acclamations and applauses were sent up to the air, wherewith every one's ●eart did overwhelm for the different state of plenty and freedom which they were like to have from that condition of penury and subjection they were formerly plunged in; the cry was in every corner, Viva il Re di Spagna, viva il Cardinal Filomarino, viva il fidelissimo popolo di Napoli: Let the King of Spain live, live Cardinal Filomarino, let the most faithful people of Naples live: with such acclamations they entered the Castle, where before the Fountain Medina there went to meet Masaniello in the Viceroy's name the Captain of his gar● a horseback, but without arms, saluting him i● the name of his Master, and giving him the welcome to the Palace, where his Excellenc● expected him with much desire: Masaniell● returned him the salute, and 'twas observed though not with as much courtesy, yet with a● much gravity and few words, which being done, Masaniello stopped, and made signs th● people should go no further, there being twen●ty thousand people already entered, and 'twas admirable to see how immovable they a● stood, and with what incredible silence: The Masaniello lighted off his ginet, and bega● to speak in a loud, yet gentle tone as followeth:  
My deer and much beloved people, 〈◊〉 us give God thanks with eternal sound of Jubilee, that we have recovered ou● former liberty; who would have thought we should have come to so fair a pass? they seem dreams or fables, yet you see they are truths and real story; let infinite thanks be given to heaven, and to the most blessed Virgin of Carmine, and to the paternal benignity of the most reverend Bishop our Shepherd; Well my people, who are our Masters? answer with me, God: and the people answered accordingly, and with ready echoes took the sound from their General Masaniello; this being done, he took out of his bosom the Charters of King Ferdinand, and of Charles the Emperor, with the new Privileges confirmed by the Viceroy, by the Collateral and Council of State, and with a louder voice than before, redoubling his words, he said; Now are we exempted and free from all gabels, we are eased of so many weights, impositions are taken away and extinguished; now, now is restored that dear liberty in which rests the happy memories of King Ferdinand, and of Charles the Emperor: I for my own particular desire not any thing, I do not pretend any thing but your public good; the most reverend Archbishop knows well, my right intentions told him often, and confirmed by Oaths, and as from the beginning of our just resentments for the desire his Eminence had to see the people quieted, I was offered 200 crowns a month out of his own purse, all the time of my life, provided I should proceed no farther in the pretensions desired by us, but should be an instrument to accommodate all things; I ever, though with many thanks, refused that offer. Moreover, if I had not been tied by the strong tie of a precept to his Eminence, and terrified with the thunder of Excommunication, I would not have apparelled myself as you see me, I would nev●r have shaken off my mariners weeds; for I was born such, such a one I lived, and such a one I mean to live and die. After the fishing of public liberty which I have made in the tempestuous sea of this afflicted City, I will return to my Hook and Line, not reserving to myself as much as a nail for my own dwelling: I desiring no more of you, but that when I am dead, you would every one say an Ave Maria for me: do you promise me this? Yes, yet every one answered, we will do it but 100 years hence: Masaniello replied, I thank you: And let me desire you not to lay down your arms till a confirmation come from Spain of all these privileges from the King our Liege Lord. Trust not the Nobility, for they are Traitors, and our enemies; and upon this theme he enlarged himself in such spiteful and acrimonious terms, that for modesty's sake I omit them. He went on saying, I go to negotiate with the Viceroy, and within an hour you shall see me again, or at least to morrow morning; but if to morrow I be not with you, put to fire and sword the whole City; do not you pass your words unto me to do so? and why not? Yes that we will, they answered all resolutely, you may be sure of that. Well, well, replied Masaniello, though what hath hitherto passed hath not much pleased the Viceroy, yet his Majesty will find that he hath not lost any thing by it; only some of the Nobility our enemies have lost by it, who will return to their former beggary, ravenous wolves, who bought and sold our bloods, never regarding the glory of God, the service of his Majesty, or the common good of City or Kingdom. Now the temples of the Spanish Monarchy shall be adorned with the most precious Crown that ever she bore upon her head; that which shall be given him by us hereafter shall be all his, and not as in former times; for when we gave him any treasure, it vanished away, and was half drunk up by his Officers.  
Having spoken thus much and more, he turned at last to the Bishop, saying, Most eminent Lord, bless this people: The Bishop reached out his cap out of the coach, and making two signs of the cross on both sides, he gave them his pastoral benediction.  
And thinking to go on with his Cavalcata, the number of people was so great, that it filled the whole Castle, and so hindered the passage. And because going to treat of peace, 'twas unseemly that such a confused company of people should go along, Masaniello upon pain of life and of rebellion, commanded that no body should make one step farther; whic was inviolably observed with marvellous obedience. He advanced therefore a horseback first, and the Archbishop in his coach with Arpaia, and Genovino, and Masaniello's brother: Being come near the palace, where there was a strong trench guarded by companies of Horse and Foot, and all the Balcones and windows being lined with armed men, Masaniello passed furiously into the trench, and the Bishop after him with other horses and coaches; and being entered into the Court, as they went up the stairs the Viceroy was there ready to meet the Archbishop, who brought in Masaniello to do him reverence, which he did, and putting himself at his feet, he kissed them in the name of the people, thanking his Excellence for the grace he had done them touching the Capitulations granted them, saying he was come thither that his Excellence might dispose of him as he pleased; whether he would hang him, break him upon wheels, or put him to any other kind of death: But the Viceroy made him rise up, saying, he never knew him to be culpable, or that he had offended his Majesty in any thing; Therefore he might be merry, for he should be always well regarded by him, and with these words they say he often embraced him; whereunto Masaniello replied, That he never had any ill designs in all his life, but all were bend to do his Majesty service, and unto his Excellence, whereof he called God to witness, and saying this, being come up to the innermost rooms of the Palace they discoursed a little alone; Then came in the Archbishop, and they all three consulted about the affairs of the City then current, and the present estate whereinto 'twas fallen.  
In the mean time there were divers whisper in the Court below, among that huge concourse of people which was gathered together in such numbers, from all parts and corners of the City, besides those that were first assembled in the great yard of the Castle, which were so thick, that one might have trilled a bal upon their heads: the murmur did arise from some jealousies that Masaniello might be arrested, or at least some hurt done unto him, therefore the Viceroy thought it expedient that he might be publicly seen in an open Balcone with the Archbishop and himself, which was done accordingly, whence Masaniello facing the people said, lo, I am here, I am alive and free, Peace, Peace; at which words the people exceedingly rejoicing cried also Peace, Peace; a little after all the bells rung in the Churches circumjacent, as in the Churches of St. Lewis, of the holy Spirit, of the Cross, and Santa Maria del Angeli, but he not liking that ringing, commanded they should ring no longer, which was obeyed accordingly; Masaniello told the Viceroy, now my Lord you shall see how obedient the Napolitans are, so he bade them cry out, Viva Dio, Viva lafoy Madonna del Carmine, viva il Re di Spagna, viva il Filomarino, Viva il Duca de Arcos, viva il fidelissimo popolo di Napoli: Let God live, let the most holy Virgin of Carmine live, let the King of Spain live, live Filomarino, and the Duke of Arcos, with the most faithful people of Naples, and with every Viva that he cried, the people followed him, and at last he cried Muo●a il mal governo, let the ill government die: This being done as the first proof, he tried a second upon the people, and putting his finger upon his mouth there was a profound universal silence, that scarce a man was seen to breath; afterwards, for a last proof of his authority, and the obedience of the people, he commanded with a loud voice out of the Balcone wherein he was, that every soul there present under pain of rebellion and life should retire from that Court, which was punctually and presently obeyed, as if they had all vanished away, not one remaining behind, insomuch that the Viceroy was amazed at such a ready and marvellous obedience.  
Many discourses being passed in the Palace 'twixt the Viceroy, the Bishop and Masaniello, they appointed among themselves that the Capitulations should be printed which were demanded of the people, and subscribed by the Viceroy, as also by the Collateral, and the Council of State and War, and that the Sunday next following the Viceroy accompanied with all the Tribunals should go to the Dome in person, where the said Capitulations should be publicly read, and sworn unto by solemn oath, to observe them for ever, as also to procure that they should be confirmed by his Catholic Majesty: After this the Bishop went down with Masaniello▪ having taken their leave of the Viceroy to take Coach: So afterwards the Viceroy did ratify all, as desiring nothing more than that by his moderation and prudence the confusion should cease, and the City freed from Bandits, from plunderers and facinorous men; Hereupon he commanded his Commissary general of the field, to be always at hand to receive his Orders, which was obeyed exactly.  
After this parley Masaniello swayed with more dominion than ever he did in quality of absolute Monarque o'er the City, as well in civil as warlike affairs ad modum belli, with uncontrollable independent authority till his head was chopped off. When he parted from the Castle the Viceroy bestowed on him a rich chain of gold of 3000. crowns value, putting it about his neck with his own hands, although he had refused it divers times, but afterwards receiving it by the advice of the Bishop, he was declared at the same time by the Viceroy Duke of St. George, by a renunciation made him of that title not long before by the Marquis of Torrecuso: and for the last seal of compliment, Masaniello prostrating himself at the feet of the Viceroy, he kissed his knee, after which embracement, he said, Son go in peace, & God bless thee; whereupon having taken his last leave, and going down, the Archbishop brought him into his own Coach, going thence to Toledo street where the Archipiscopall Palace stood, in which journey 'twas a pleasant sight to behold every window hung with rich tapestries, carpets, curtains, and hangings, and the streets full of great wax candles and torches, it being now one hour in the night, and the bells ringing out in every Church that had ●ny through all the City.  
As they were come to the Archbishop's Palace, while he was in discourse to entertain Masaniello, a noise was spread abroad, that a great number of Banditi were come against the people; the Marquis of St. Ermo, who was of the Family of the Caraccio●●, entering the same time into the Town, being returned from his Country Houses with some horsemen, which made the jealous people think they were Banditi; so that there wanted but a little that the Marquis had not been torn into pieces with all his company: But discovering himself what he was, and being known by divers, they went to acquaint Masaniello with all, who was yet with the Archbishop in his palace, and the first that went was the marchioness of Saint Ermo, Aunt unto the said Marquis; which she did as well to speak with Masaniello, as to desire the Archbishop to interpose and inform him of the truth for the security of her Nephew; Masaniello had scarce understood the substance of her desires, ou● taking her by the hand he told her, Lady Marquis, the least hair of his head shall not suffer; so he commanded some of the people who were there present, to acquaint the Commanders and Captains of the Militia up and down the City with his pleasure herein.  
After this Masaniello thinking to return to his house in the Market place, the Bishop desired to make use of his Coach, wherein putting himself with Genovino and Arpaia, together with his brother, they departed.  
By reason of the rumours which were spread that night, as is said already, that a great number of Banditi should invade the City, all the people remained armed, and very vigilant, for by command of Masaniello divers bells were sounded to that purpose, specially that of St. john of Carbonata, that of the Market, and that of St. Augustine; the lights were also doubled that night in all the windows, and fires kindled up and down in most streets, which made the City as bright as if it had been at noon day: there were also triple guards placed at every gate, who asked the names of all such that passed and repassed, and examined them strictly.   

Friday the 12. of july, 1647. The sixth day.  
THe condition of the coward is so vile and abject, that he trembleth at every thing that suddenly hap'neth, the least puff of wind that bloweth, the least bird that chirpeth, the ●east bough that shakes, the least leaf that wags, the least vermin that stirs doth so affright him, that it fills his members with fears, his face with paleness, and he seems to have a fit of an ague, or is like one shaking with extremity of ●old, and oftentimes if he hear any noise, or ti●eamar, he betakes himself to his heel●▪ his feet proving his best Counsellors.  
Such apprehensions of fears seemed to have been got into the hearts of the Napolitans, both of the Gentry and Commonalty, the one ●earing enemies from abroad, the other those within the City; The one stood in fear of the ●ate usurped power the people had got, the people did fear designs, plots, and stratagems from the Nobility & Gentry over whom they ●ad so much insulted. Every troop of popular Squadron seemed to the gentry to be a whole Army, on the other side any strange face that entered into the City seemed unto the suspecting jealous people a Trojan horse, that would vomit out arrows and thunderbolds, and close entrapping enemies: Hence it came to pass that so many of the Nobles and Gentry abandoning the town, and getting into the Country, made the Country all over to appea● like a flourishing populous City, for not prostituting their honours and reputation, with the●● rich moveables to the diabolical fury of a tu●multuous unbridled rabble: But the people drew sinister arguments from this retirement of the Nobility, for they suspected that the withdrew into the Country out of a dangerous design to join with the Banditi, whereo● they had an ill-favoured example upon Wed●nesday before, in the person of the Duke o● Mat●loni, and his brothers, besides the publ●● noise which flew up and down upon th● wings of fame before that project was disc●●ver'd. God forgive them who introduced 〈◊〉 pestiferous an abuse.  
There was taken that Friday morning a Fe●luca with six Mariners, and four short▪ coat● completely armed, one of them carrying great packet of letters, who being bound 〈◊〉 brought before Masaniello where his Squadron was, the ●ayed letters being carried upon 〈◊〉 top of a pike, and 'twas found they came from the Duke of Mataloni to his Secretary, and though nothing could be inferred out of them in prejudice of the most faithful people, yet nevertheless in regard of the mode of writing which was dark, and in cyphers, and because of the former practices and malevolence of the said Duke, Masaniello caused those six to be dragged to the rack, thinking they would detect some new stratagems: the Mariners also were strictly examined, but upon their innocent answers they were released, but for the other, after they had been tortured with the ●ack most piteously their heads were chopped off.  
It being blazed up and down every where ●hat Masaniello did exercise the office of Captain General of the people, and that it was confirmed unto him the night before by ●he Viceroy, he was therefore the more feared ●nd obeyed: he elected another Tribunal in Toledo street, with provision of all instruments that were required to execute Justice, and he placed there a Lieutenant for him, who ●●at very day condemned four Banditi more ●ith short cassocks, such as the Coursers of the ●unciatura use, which four were beheaded up●n the new Scaffold which he had commanded ●o be there erected, which struck a great terror 〈◊〉 the Coursers called in Naples Sco●●otelle.  
The same morning though Masaniello had put off his cloth of silver suit, and taken again the habit of a Mariner, yet was he obeyed and feared by every one: he began betimes to give public audience in the Marketplace, not upon a bank, but out of a window of his own house which looked into the Market, whither they used to reach him memorials and Petitions upon the ends of Pikes which were infinite, he being with an Archibuz in his hand ready cocked, which was o● great terror to every one who came to negotiate with him; and the more, because the●● were eight or ten thousand men in continual watch before his door: there were also thousands from other places, who came 〈◊〉 receive their commands from him, and to publish his Orders, which ran all in these word● under pain of rebellion and death; insomuch that it was a thing beyond all wonder to 〈◊〉 so many Commands, Bans, Commissions, an● Orders published and affixed to posts an walls, subscribed Thomas Anello, d' Amalp● Capo, & Capitan Generale del fidelissimo pop● di Napoli, Thomas Anello of Malphi Cap● and Captain General of the most faithf●●● people of Naples: All which Orders 〈◊〉 executed with marvellous promptitude 〈◊〉 exactness, a thing incredible to the absent and scarce credible to the beholders who we●● upon the place, that a wretch extracted out of the dregs of the people should in five days make himself Patron of five hundred thousand souls, that he should bridle such a spiritful City as Naples, and have at his beck of all sorts two hundred thousand Combatants, who all acknowledged him for their Generalissimo, that he should have absolute dominion both by night and day, with the disposing of all things according to his pleasure and fancy: Among other Orders issued by him the said Friday morning, these following were of the number. Under pain of life every one should cut off his great lock, and wear no Periwigs, declaring he had commanded this, because many Banditi were found habited like women with Arms underneath; he renewed the Orders of the day before touching Priests and religious men that they should not wear their upper habits; That all Friars or religious men that were found not to be of the City should be brought before him, to be examined whether they were true Friars, or Banditi so habited: That upon the sounding of two a clock within night every one should retire to his lodging, and after that time whosoever was found upon the streets should die irremissibly without mercy. That that Friday being passed, every one should rerire to his own shop, and that at every post four men should be for a guard, who should have a Carlin given them, 2. measures of wine, & 20. ounces of bread every day, & that they should change every other day, by which reckoning in City and Suburbs the guards might amount to thirty thousand men.  
And because from the beginning of the revolution many Lords, Cavaliers, and Officers were retired with great prudence to divers Monasteries and Convents, as also sundry Ladies to the Nunneries, one of the first Friday Orders by Masaniello was that every one upon pain of life should return to their houses, and incontinently every one was constrained to submit unto, and obey this command as far as Duke, Counts, and Marquises, Regent's and Officers, else they had exposed themselves to the fury of the merciless rabble.  
There was another command issued out, which was a most rigorous one, that not only the Natives, but Forreners should set upon thei● gates the Arms of the King of Spain on th● right hand, and the Arms of the people on th● other, and 'twas suddenly put in execution by foreign Lords, and Ministers, and Spanish Regent's, as well as by Napolitanes.  
Besides the hundred and odd Banditi heads as was said before, which were exposed t● to the public view of the world in th● common Market place, divers other Delin●quents were put to death this day, and acco●●ding to the quality of their offences, some were hanged, some beheaded, some set upon wheels, and others shot to death. The Friday morning betimes he caused one to be baked alive in a furnace, bacause he made his bread lighter by some ounces; and in the evening he caused another being culpable of the same offence to be shaved close head and beard, and so sent him to the Castle to receive the rest of his punishment, by the Viceroy: He caused a Vintner to be hanged because he had killed a Sentinel: He caused a Sicilian to be beheaded, because he had taken fifteen Carlines to murder a man: He caused a boy to be apprehended, who brought news that there were four thousand foot, and sixteen hundred horse upon their march towards Naples, which boy he sent to the Viceroy, who remanded him, and so was hanged for an Impostor: He had seven Secretaries, and ten Ministers to punish whom he pleased; In so much that he was feared, obeyed, and served with as much exactness, readiness & terror, as ever any vassal obeyed the Gran Turk.  
All the Banditi, and Priests of a lewd life, who by his order were taken, were suddenly slain; and if his commands were not instantly performed, he stood with a musket in the window, which he did make show to discharge often, but would not. There was a good horse sent him of the value of 400. ducats, and he he sent presently to the King's stables, saying, 'twas a horse fitter for his Majesty. He sent also the Viceroy with the said horse all sorts of provisions for his stables. He found hid in an odd place in gold, silver, and other money near upon a hundred thousand crowns, which he commanded should not be squandered by any means, but reserved for the King; He offered the Viceroy five millions if need were: There were mighty presents made unto him by Cavaliers, but he would not receive the value of one farthing, saying, God deliver me from the Cavaliers, that I may have neither peace nor truce with them. He sent a Spaniard who had murdered one, to the Viceroy, that he would see him punished; the Viceroy remanded him, and desired that he might be hanged in the market place. He caused the same day two Banditi to be shot to death at Porta Medina, for being complices with the Duke of Mataloni, who though he hated him in perfection, yet he would not put his palace a fire, fearing there might be some mine underneath, as also for an intention he had to make it a conservatory for poor maidens.  
By command of Masaniello many armed men were dispatched through all the city and suburbs, to do their diligence to apprehend any servant, or any of the family and kindred of the Duke of Mataloni, and of Don Guiseppe his brother: Hereupon divers complices were brought before Masaniello, whereof some were put presently to death, others imprisoned, that being well examined, and put on the rack, there might be knowledge had where the Duke was, and where he had hid his goods; for none were left in his palace; as also to know other particulars. Among these a slave of his was lighted upon, who was leading two horses very fair ones, who fearing he should have been suddenly slain, said that he would say what he knew or could if they spared him his life, which being promised him he discovered, that touching the person of the Duke he went at first to Benevento, and afterwards to Calabria he knew not whither, but touching his goods and furniture they were hid in certain Churches, as Santa Maria de Miracoli. Santa Maria della Stella, as also in the Monastery of the Augustine's; whereupon the said slave was not only pardoned, but well rewarded, well clad, and feasted by command of Masaniello, unto whom he gave also the staff of a Captain.  
All this being known by Masaniello, he caused the said Churches and Monasteries to understand, as also all other religious places and Nunneries, that whosoever had any of the goods of the Duke of Matalini, who was such a traitor to the most faithful people of Naples, they should without any excuse whatsoever, or any delay produce them all under pain of having their Monasteries set a fire: Hereupon the Superiors of those Churches and Convents being shrewdly terrified, they took out all the goods of the Duke of Mataloni which were conserved in those places, amounting to a vast quantity, and of high prizes and value, for they were rated at five hundred thousand Crowns, so that three hundred Porters were employed to fetch them out▪ Moreover, there was found there four thousand Crowns in ready money, and all being brought before Masaniello, he commanded that all his movables and goods should be put in a Magazine apart hard by the great Market place, and that none under pain of life, should touch the least rag, but the moneys should be employed to pay the soldiers; afterwards from the Monastery of the Conception of our Lady (amongst which Nuns were hid the goods of Zavaglius) were taken by 70. Porters all the said goods of very great value.  
He commanded also that a research might be made in those houses that had their goods and furniture burned formerly, to see whether any more were remaining peradventure, nor was it in vain that he fell upon this design, for there were much more found when the second inquisition was made, that were hid in sundry dark places: nor did it avail a whit the infortunate Masters of those goods to have thrown them into wells, privies, grotzes, and other places under earth; but they searched all those subterranean places, and found out great quantities, specially Zavalios house, where they lighted upon many vessels of silver, and bags of gold and silver, which they took out, as also out of the Palace of the Duke of Caivano; they searched the least corner every where both above and below ground, as they did likewise in the house of the Counsellor Navarreta, who had hid his treasure under an Altar: they pried into the very privies and jakes in the house of Counsellor d' Angelis: they rushed into Churches, Convents, and Hospitals to find out the goods of Caesar Lubrano; in some they set a fire their friends and kinsman's goods and spared none whom they thought had enriched themselves by farms of any kind of gabelle.  
Masaniello also commanded a band of armed men to go to the Country, and demolish also there the house of the Duke of Caivano, and burn to cinders all the furniture and goods that were there depositated, which was done accordingly; the Palace of Mataloni which was in Cha●a, with whatsoever there was therein, was pitifully set on fire; nay, the ●abble took his picture, with that of his Fathers, and made them both pass the flames; but first they mangled them most horribly, thrusting them thorough with their swords, plucking out their eyes, and cutting off their noses and heads; and being returned to the great Market place, they hung another picture of the Duke of Mataloni under the body of Don Peppo Caraffa beforesaid, which was tied about a great beam, and writ a Motto underneath, This is the Duke of Mataloni, Rebel to his Majesty, and Traitor to the most faithful people; and the beam was supported with new pillars, whereunto the body of Don Peppo was tied, and the effigies of the Duke, with his brother Don Guiseppe, who was also hung up in picture, and this was in the same place where the infortunate Prince de Sanza was beheaded, of whose so much lamented death, procured him by the Duke of Medina de la● Torres, the said Mataloni and the house of Caraffa was thought to be the chiefest cause; but afterwards when the innocence of his cause was known, his Catholic Majesty reestablished his son in all his possessions, renewed his Titles and Honours, with all the Demeans, Rents, and Heriots, which son dying without children, and the estate falling to the Count of Castillano his Uncle and Father's brother, he was so far esteemed by his Catholic Majesty, that he gave him a Company of Spanish Infantry, which is a very rare favour to an Italian Cavalier; and now he hath the fourth office of Trust, except the Vicegerencies of Naples and Sicilia, with the government of Milan, that any man hath in Italy, which is the Stradico of Messina, which is a most honourable charge; that town being the cape of the Sicilian Kingdom and Metropolis thereof, and withal a Fort of much jealousy, being the key of that Island, and the outer wall of all Italy, which Office is executed by the said Prince with much praise and emulation to his enemies, for his sincere remarkable fidelity, and rectitude in matters of justice.  
After this, further commands were given by Masaniello to burn the goods of divers other Officers, and particularly of the King's visitor; yet this command was revoked by the effectual intercession of the Archbishop Filomarini; as also it being ordered that Regent Zuffias should run the same fortune, but the execution was suspended, and no man knew why, unless 'twas because certain Troops of Horse were quartered at his house, which was entrenched round about.  
The Viceroy all this while seeing himself ●s it were, beleaguered in the Castle, and deprived of provision, and all sorts of victuals and refreshments, he sent to make instances ●o Masaniello, that he might be furnished accordingly, whereunto he condescended very readily, thereupon fifty Porters were sent unto him laden with bread, wine, snow, fruit, flesh, Poultry, sweetmeats, and all other things that were eatable. All people went up and down the streets with as much security, & all kind of shops were opened with as much freedom, and as little fear both by night and day, as if there had been no soldiery at all in the town, or occasion of outrage, so great were the apprehensions of fear and terror, which were imprinted in every one's heart, of the rigorous and inflexible justice exercised by Masaniello.  
There arrived in the port at that time thirteen Galleys of the squadron of Naples, and the General Gianettino Doria having sent notice thereof to the Viceroy, with desire t● land some men there for provision of refreshment for the Galleys: the Viceroy inordered that he should make his address to Masaniello which being done, he immediately commanded all sort of fresh victuals, with a supply of moneys also to be sent the General, but with this proviso, that the Galleys should go farther 〈◊〉 the port, and that none should set foot ashore▪ either soldier or passenger, no not the General himself, because he intended to freight and send a Felluca of purpose to this end.  
Because the night before Masaniello sent to the Viceroy, that he much wondered he could not see Cardinal Trivultio all this while; a petulancy which was held ridiculous in him. The said Cardinal was advised by the Archbishop to give him a visit, for Masaniello was come now to that height, that he expected observance from every body, yea from the Princes of the Church; Therefore to prevent some rude affronts and outrages peradventure which vulgar brains are subject to offer, the Cardinal transferred himself from the Castle to the great Market place to visit Masaniello, which he did, by giving him the title of illustrissimo, the most illustrious; but the first words which Masaniello told him were laughed at, which were, The visit which your Eminence gives me, though it be late, yet 'tis dear unto me. Immortal God, what could a crowned Prince say more! 'tis true, that height of honour and power, with the pride of authority and command, will raise the spirits of the vilest man. So his Eminence having complied with his respects to his most illustrious Lordship, when he departed, he commanded two files of Musqueteers to guard and conduct him to the Castle. The Cardinal Trivultio was scarce gone, but divers gentlemen came from the Castle with divers Regalos, and presents to Masaniello from the Viceroy; much thanking him for the refreshments that he had sent into the Castle, and they brought him some compliments also from the Duchess the Vice-queen, who desired to know how he did, and that for her sake he would make use of those things which were sent, and among other things there was a rich suit of apparel sent him▪ a strange Metamorphosis of Fortune, and so capricious and rare, that these things will seem incredible, and mere Romances to future ages, though all be a true and real story.  
This is as much as happened the sixth day, which was Friday.   

Saturday the 13. of july, 1647. The seventh day.  
HE who desires the true way to overcome and to conserve what he hath o'ercome let him procure by all means the obedience o● the people subject to his command, and let hi● observe that memorable a●t of Epaminondas: most glorious Captain among the Thebans who being counselled by the Oracle not to attempt a war against the Greeks his enemies because the stars were conjured against him fo● them; He being as sagacious as he was generous, by an ingenious stratagem he escaped the influxes of heaven, and advanced himself in despite of the malignant stars, to victory and triumph. The Stratagem was this; He writ in a table these words, Si ducibus obedietis, haec sunt Oracula, Victoria. If you obey your leaders these are Oracles, Victory. Upon the other table he caused to be engraven, Si ducibus non obedietis, exitium, if you obey not your leaders destruction. These Oracles being presented to his soldiers, and finding thereby that their victories depended upon their obedience to their Captains, with an unwonted courage and extraordinary obedience, bursting into the enemy's quarters, they came back triumphant.  
It is no wonder then that Masaniello already pronounced and sworn Captain General of the Napolitan people, was advised that there was no other means more effectual and sure to overcome, and triumph over any Projects traced against his person or the people, than a punctual obedience, which was showed him from the first instant of his command, and which he so exacted, that the least act of disobedience was punished with death, as being ●eld a capital crime and irremissible; judging ●hat at the beginning of his government, this obedience was more necessary unto him than ●he bread that he did eat, for the maintaining and continuance of his new authority: Hence i● ca●e ●o p●sse, that it being come to the ears o● Masani●llo, that upon Friday night before som● went up and down the streets to sound the Shopkeepers, and compose them to see thei● slavery, the first thing he did at break of day was to publish by sound of drum and trumpet▪ and fasten orders upon posts and walls through the principal streets, that upon pain of life those seducers should be revealed; and some of them being found out and appeached, they were all hanged upon gallows, set up before those shops where they committed the offence. The● were gallows set up also in divers other places of the City, whereon divers were executed that day: among others two vassals of the Duke of Mataloni, who were discovered to have brought some letters in the soles of their shoes, which because they were written i● cyphers, were imagined and adjudged to contain matter of rebellion, or some sinister Counsels and incitements to sedition, merely upo● these suspicions only, for no body could understand the said letters, or prove any thing ou● of them; they were hanged up near porta Capoano. In fine his commands were executed without any expostulations or examination at, which transformed all men to wonder, to se● such a vulgar fellow so suddenly crept up to be so reverend, they knew not for what, no● what would be the end of his usurped dominion.  
It was told him upon Saturday that there was a great burglary and theft committed in the Palace of the Prince del Colle Cavaliero di Casa di Somma, at first they were thought to be some of Masaniello's Squadron, but after a diligent examination they were found to be some of the Banditi, who had taken sanctuary in a little Church, where they were dragged out, and executed in the public Marketplace.  
The same morning there came before him for justice a poor wench whose father had been killed, and the brother of him that had killed him being there present, he cried out, that if the fact were pardoned, he would ●ake her for his wife without any dowry; but ●hat kind of Marriage did not please Masaniello, because the young maid abhorred it in regard of the blood of her Father: therefore he obliged the brother of the murderer to find out two hundred Crowns within four and twenty hours for the young maid's dowry, and so the offence should be remitted; be●●des, he should have the place of a Captain in the Soldadesca: so all parties being agreed, t●e sentence Masaniello gave did terminate t●e business. A little after this, a murderer was brought before him, who had been a friend to Perrone, and giving him time of confession, he sentenced him to death, and that his head and his feet should be chopped off, and his body dragged up and down the streets; another Bandito was used likewise just in the same manner.  
It was intimated the same Saturday morning, that two Squadrons joined with seven hundred Spaniards, should go abroad that morning to find out the Banditi which (as advice was had) were in bands together in divers places ready to invade the City: H● caused a Proclamation of Grace to be published, that what Bandito soever could discover any such plot, should be absolutely pardoned, provided he was not depending upo● the Duke of Mataloni. He commanded tha● all Artisans should work openly in their shop● and not within their houses, as also that 〈◊〉 Merchants should follow their business, 〈◊〉 be ready within half an hours call to tak● Arms.  
About dinner time a Message was brought him from a Cavalier upon some business 〈◊〉 consequence; but he answered, I have nothing to do with Cavaliers, for God hath put 〈◊〉 here for the people, and turning himself to th● people, he said, My people pray for me, and pr●●serve me well; for if you lose me, woe be 〈◊〉 you.  
There came down the same morning from the Countries about Naples innumerable people, and among them there came women with staffs upon their shoulders, and naked swords in their hands, bringing with them their children armed also with something or oother, proportionable to their bigness, and they came all to the great Market place to do homage to Masaniello, and to be redressed by him for divers grievances.  
But while Masaniello was busied in such exercises, Genovino and Arpaia, accompanied with the brother of Masaniello, went to the Castle to put the Viceroy in mind of his former engagement of promise made upon Thursday night, that he would come upon the Sunday following to the Archepiscopall Church, with all the Tribunals of the Chancery, the Council of State and War, with the royal Chamber of Santa Chiara, accompanied with all the civil and criminal Judges of the great Court of the Vicaria; in presence of whom and of the whole people an Oath should be taken to observe with all punctuality the Capitulations of the grand Accord to perpetuity, which Oath was to be taken by the Viceroy, and all the said Tribunals.  
The day following after dinner, Masaniello being to go to the Castle to take the Viceroy and conduct him to the Archbishop's Palace, he first commanded a Proclamation to be published, that under pain of firing, every one should cause the streets to be swept clean before their doors respectively, where the Cavalcata was to pass, as also to adorn all the windows, Balcones, and walls with their best sort of furnitures, all which was obeyed and done.  
In the mean time the Viceroy sent two of his best horses with rich furniture, and led by two of his servants to be at the service of Masaniello and his brother, who being mounted upon them, and apparelled both in cloth of silver, Masaniello carried in one hand a naked sword, in the other the Charter of Charl● the Emperor, and his brother carried the capitulations made with the Viceroy, to be read publicly, and sworn unto in the Archbishop's Palace▪ There rid in their company the new Elect of the people Francisco Arpaia, and julio Genevino, besides divers others of the civilest sorts among the people: And in regard of the huge multitudes of people which innumerably increased through all the streets, and compassed them on all sides, so that they could not pass forward or backward, Masaniello with a loud voice commanded that none upon pain of life should make a step further or else go back, which was accordingly obeyed▪ so they rid with a Trumpet still sounding before them towards the castle, & being arrived thither, and brought to the Palace of the Viceroy, having entertained themselves a while with him, they came down with the Collateral, the Council of State, and other prime Officers of Authority, who all coaching themselves did advance before towards the Archbishop's house: ●i●st of all in the said Cavalcata there were many Trumpeters a horseback, than a choice Troop of one hundred horse, than Masaniello and his brother, after them the Elect of the people, and old Genovino, who by reason of his great age was carried in a Sedan; after these came the Captain of guard to the Viceroy, & immediately after the Viceroy himself, with his Pages, ●●quayes & spare horses, & his guard of Germans, with a 〈◊〉 number of Gentlemen and Cavaliers, domestic and adventitious, and encompassed with a numberless throng of pe●ple, who together with the Viceroy, cried out with loud 〈◊〉, Viva il Re●i Spagn●, which voice 〈◊〉 and re-ecchoed al● th● way, & all 〈…〉 out for joy in ●v'ry Church as they 〈◊〉, which ●●ll'd every one's heart with 〈◊〉 & pleasure: all in general, final & 〈…〉 cried out, Viav il Re, but ma●y 〈…〉 Resenza gabell●, let the King 〈…〉 gabel; & 〈◊〉 Spaniards 〈…〉 cry, Viva el Rey▪ que ya pued● 〈…〉 the King live, for now he may say he is King. In passing through the piazzo of St. Lorenzo, Masaniello stopping there a while, & with him the whole Cavalcata, turning himself to the people he cried out with a very loud voice, Viva Iddio, Viva il Re di Spagna, Viva il Cardinal Filomarino, Viva il Duca de Arcos, Viva il fidelissimo popolo di Napali: whereat all the people took the word, and with strong Echoes cried out Viva, Viva, doubling and redoubling the sound with incredible exultations.  
Being come in this order, and with these applauses to the Bishop's Palace, and being all dismounted, than the Viceroy with all his gentlemen came: upon the entrance into the Church he was met by the Archbishop with all his Canons, Chaplains and Officers, which made a splendid equipage; Then they went to the great Altar, where the Archbishop being set in a kind of Throne, as also the Viceroy, and all the Tribunals who were there attending Cavalier Donato Coppola Secretary to the Kingdom, did read with an audible voice the Capitulations desired by the people for a final Accord, which being signed by the Viceroy, the Collateral, the Counsel of State & War, Masaniello standing all the while afoot upon the steps of the Archbishop's throne, who to the wonderment of all added, and took away corrected and interpreted all things as he pleased, no man interrupting or replying unto him: So after the Articles were read, a solemn oath was taken by the Viceroy, and all the forementioned Ministers and Officers of State, to observe and accomplish the said Capitulations to perpetuity, promising also, and swearing to procure to have them confirmed by his Catholic Majesty: all this was done when two quires of music sung all the while with most exquisite voices, Te Deum laudamus, which while 'twas a singing, Masaniello was observed to swell with a kind of glory to have attained his ends, with so much felicity and applause, yet he carried still in his hand a naked sword, and sent divers arrogant and ridiculous messages to the Viceroy: The first was, that from thence forward, he would continue to be Captain Geneof the City: The second was, that by virtue thereof he intended to go with a guard, and to give Patents to all Officers of War and Arms: The third, that he would dismiss from the Castle all Cavaliers. These and such like messages he sent the Viceroy singly and severally, and there were affirmative answers brought back, for not to disturb things with Negatives; But the gentleman that delivered these messages, made an apology for himself privately in the ear of the Viceroy, for indeed most people there did blush, or laugh, or jeer the impertinences and malapartness of Masaniello.  
While these messages were a sending, Te Deum was ended, than Masaniello began to reason sometimes to good purpose, sometimes senselessely. He said that the most faithful people of Naples were naturally spiritful and vivacious, and were so esteemed by all Netions, but they had almost quite lost their wont magnanimity and courage, by the heavy weight of so many exactions and Gabells which were imposed upon them from time to time, not by their Catholic Majesties, but by ill Ministers and their own Compatriots. And although for the loyalty which he always bare, & will ever profess unto his King, he hitherto tolerated every thing, to avoid all stains of disobedience, yet considering the benefit of those impositions redounded rather to satisfy the ravenous lusts of Officers and Courtiers, and of others as well Forreners as Natives, whereby they became excessively rich, and thrive by sucking the very blood of the people, yet finding the City generally inclined thereunto, he took a resolution to cure her of this malady, as also the whole Kingdom of such a contagion, which was hurtful not only to the most faithful people, but to his Majesty also his liege Lord, insomuch that of the bread they gave him he scarce had the crust, they themselves reserving the pith and substance to fill their insatiable appetites; Hence it came to pass, that the more they gave the King, the more his wants still increased, though in sixteen years he had given him above one hundred millions, which had been sufficient not only to have conquered Flanders and France, but to have put under his feet the unlucky Moon of the Ottoman Empire: therefore for the future all the public Donatives that should be given the King, care should be taken that his Majesty should have the true benefit thereof, and not be misapplied to enrich others: and hereof your Excellency (meaning the Viceroy) may be well assured; insomuch that all these things considered, and cast into a true balance, he was well assured, that he should not only not receive any blame from the King his Sovereign Liege Lord, or any mark of disobedience, but he should gain the reputation and applause of a most faithful vassal, seeing that whatsoever he had done was for the further service of God, of his Catholic Majesty, of your Excellency his Vicegerent, of the whole City, of the Peeple, and of all the Kingdom. During this discourse he so heated himself, and protested with such a fury and excess of zeal, that the words proceeding from him so heartily and emphatically, made all the people to stand amazed, and surprised with a kind of dumb astonishment: at last all that were within the audience of these words up and down the Church, which was as full as it could thwack in thick multitudes, gave a loud general applause.  
Then he said, that now he had brought his honest intents home to his aim, he would return to his former calling to be a Fisherman again, to demonstrate unto the world, that 'twas not his own interest he levelled at, but that of his King, Country, Peeple, City and Kingdom, had induced and pricked him forward to undertake so dangerous a tas●; therefore he fell a tearing that cloth of silver suit he wore, with a great deal of fury, going to the Archbishop and the Viceroy, taking some of the pieces thereof and laying at their feet; but he was hindered to tear all: So all being terminated at this solemn meeting, and nothing left undone, taking his leave of the Archbishop and Viceroy, who betook themselves to their Coaches, but Masaniello with his brother Genovino and Arpaia, with all the rest of the Foot and Horse, re-accompanied them to their homes; and the Viceroy being brought to the Castle, caused all the Ordnance to fly off: so Masaniello with all that huge brigade of people returned to the great Market place, and with high ceremony ended the seventh day, nothing having occurred remarkable that night, but the exact diligence of all guards in all the principal posts of the City, and the splendour of the lights that were put in every window.   

Sunday the 14. of july, 1647. The eighth day.  
IT is a thing impossible to express the rejoicings of the people of Naples for the Capitulations of peace which were signed and sworn unto the day before, which ended not that day, but they continued upon Sunday following: The Articles were printed, and fixed through all places of the City, that all things might be manifested to the world: every one did contend who should express greater contentment, such a kind of general jubilee was among them, insomuch that it drew tears from some, which falling upon the ground, made those flowers of joy to spring up which the heaviness of former times had caused to fade.  
And because the beginning of this Reformation, and consequently of this joy, proceeded from Masaniello, and from his stout undertake, therefore was he extolled with highest praises by every one, and cried up to be L●b●rator Patriae, to be the freer of his Country, and the asserter of public liberty, from the tyranny and gripes of so many ravening Wolf's both in City, Court and Kingdom; yea, of King and Crown, who glutting themsel●s with the common blood of the people, increased their wealth by the beggary of others▪ and all this was effected (not by the hand of some invincible Emperor, or some warlike Prince, but) by a poor young fellow, by a barefooted Fisherman: This made it fa● more admirable, and to attribute it the more to God, qui infirma mundi eligit, ut fortia queque confundat, who chooseth the weak things of the world to confound the strong.  
With the praises which the common people gave generally to Masaniello, concurred also the just acclamations of divers of the Nobility and Gentry, of many sorts of Officers, of Ecclesiastics, and all Religious Orders; ther● were many thanks and much honour given also to the Archbishop, who took so much pains to atone, to sweeten, and accommode al● things, and had overcome so many difficulties▪ therefore there were special acknowledgements made to him, next to Masaniello.  
After the publication of the said Capitulations and general agreement, being affixed every where, that they might be exposed to every one's eye and knowledge, the City of Naples seemed to have a new face, so that there was no more fear of any war, of further combustions, & consequently no need of any armed bands, or cautions for the maintenance and defence of the people from the insultings of enemies, yet nevertheless it seemed expedient to Masaniello, to continue still a military power a foot, therefore he commanded that every one should stand firm to his post: Nor was it unnecessary or superfluous policy, because the City after so general a convulsion could not presently recover her former health, nor after so many combustions could she be secure till the fire had been quite extinguished.  
Hence it came to pass, that the Soldadesca remaining still up and down the ●ity, Masaniello went on to command more like an absolute master or Tyrant then a Captain General▪ He commanded that under pain of life every one should discover if any goods were depositated in their hands, of those men whose houses were burnt: whereupon much wealth was yielded up out of Churches, Monasteries, Hospitals and Nunneries. It being known that that Sunday morning four Banditi were fled for Sanctuary to the Church of Carminello among the Jesuits; he sent a considerable band of armed men to encompass both cloister and Church, whose gates being shut, the assaulters made their way in by pickaxes so that a great hole being made in the wall, they rushed in, and took one of them, chopping off his head presently, as they did afterwards to the three other: And because one of those Fathers being zealous of the Church immunities, had made some resistance for the preservation of those miserable men, he was so mortally wounded that he died within a few days after.  
Notice being also had that within the Monastery of Nuns called della Croce di Lucca much of the goods of Caesar Lubrano were depositated, because he had two daughter's tha● were Nuns there, Masaniello commande● some Captains to extract thence, and to bring into the public Market place the said goods with order that if the Nuns made any resi●stance, to threaten them with the firing of th● Monastery: This was put in speedy execution and the soldiers repairing thither, unhinged th● gates of the Religious House, because they were denied to be opened; which struck such terror into them, that one of them was like to have breathed her last, which being related by a flying messenger unto the Archbishop, his Eminence was moved, and therefore sent about it to Masaniello, who to excuse himself answered he knew nothing of it, but that it was don● without his order, therefore he would give condign punishment to those Captains, as he did, and commanding them unto him, he inordered they should be examined, and so executed: notwithstanding that, he was resolved to have those goods, which were accordingly delivered him by those holy Sisters, being so much affrighted.  
An act much like this Masaniello acted the same morning upon Sunday, which was thus; He had given strict command that under pain of life none should dare to go out of the City without his express licence, and because the most illustrious Caffarelli Archbishop of San●a Severina had necessary occasions to remove himself from Naples, where he resided then, to Calabria, to visit his own Church▪ he went in a ●hort habit, and without a cloak (there having ●een such an order in force, and yet most strictly observed) to the house of Masaniello to obtain leave of him. When he beheld him, he ●aid, Che vuoi monsignore mio bello? What wilt ●hou have my fine Lord? he answered, that I may safely pass to my Church of Santa Seve●ina in Calabria, with your good leave: my ●ord, answered Masaniello, crying ola, let ●our hundred of my men go to accompany, ●nd serve my Lord as far as his Archbishopric▪ Th' Archbishop thanked him, saying that he ●ent by sea; By sea said he? then let 40. Pellu●ucas be provided to attend my Lord Archbishop, he answering there was no need, because he had already taken four for the transport of himself and his family, which were sufficient, and to have more would be an encumbrance unto him, and incommodious. Well, well, your Lordship may do what you please, replied Masaniello. A● leastwise you shall not refuse to accept of this small bag of double pistols, which he presented unto him, saying, Take this to defray ●he charge of your voyage; The prelate thereupon 〈◊〉, and giving him many thanks, he refused them a good while, saying he wanted them not; but he was constrained with threats to receive five hundred, which he did fo● fear of hazarding his head with denial to suc● a capricious and frantic man: And giving him a licence in writing, he told him, and embraced him, my Lord, go with safety. A little after ● gentleman of A●versa upon a business of hi● own came to sp●ak with him, who was of the Family of Tufo, and having dispatched him, and given him a kick, he said, Go thy ways, 〈◊〉 make thee Prince of Auversa.  
He commanded that morning the house of a widow Baker to be burnt, because she had made light bread, being six ounces less in weight of the thirty six which were established, that every loaf should weigh. He caused also the head to be chopped off of an Abbot called Nicola● Ametrano, to Carlo Vitale, and to Spiritell● Musico, as being dependants of Mataloni; likewise he commanded a little after the like to be done to another, who was Comrade to Ame●rano. He gave out order that it was his pleasure that the Jesuits, the Certosini, the Benedictans, the Friars of Mount-Olivet should pay ● great sum of money for the service of the ●eeple; He commanded also to call b●fore him ●o the same effect many rich men, and ask ●hem first if they were loyal to their King, and ●hey answering that they were, he made them subscribe to a writing, wherein every one bound himself to pay him so much every one a part, ●elling them he did that for to observe the ●ord given the day before to his Excellency, 〈◊〉 make a Donative of six millions of gold to 〈◊〉 Majesty; towards whom being desirous to ●ew himself the more devoted and faithful, 〈◊〉 put out a proclamation, that none under ●in of life should go for the future habited according to the mode of France, and that every ●e should have care to put the King's arms, and ●at of the people on his doors, and that every ●e should tend his shop, yet with arms ready on all occasions.  
The same Sunday morning Pizzicarolo a ●●sen of Masaniello, went to the Palace, say●●● openly, that he began to dote, and that he 〈◊〉 told him if he did not give over his fyring 〈◊〉 burnings, his throat would be cut by his own friends: This Pizzicarolo had more power over him then any other, for he took no meat from any hand but from his: he obtained of Masaniello in behalf of the Count of Conversano a guard for his person, goods, and families, and Palace; he restored unto him two great Hampers full of money and Plate, which he had taken away from him, and it was sent to the Castle of S. Elmo, where he gave Pizzicarolo twenty Zecchins, and so the Count went suddenly with divers other Cavaliers into a galley to preserve themselves.  
The same day towards the evening Father Rossi a Theologue of the Archbishops, wen● with a message to Masaniello, desiring hi● that the people might lay down their Arme● for he was secure enough now without so●●diers, and that he might retire himself a whil● to Posilipo to recreate himself, or any when else his Excellence would please: This Message please him well; so all things necessary we●● provided, and divers bands of superfluous soldiers were disbanded, which was done without any grumbling, or questioning whatsoe●ver he did: But at last he grew odiously prou● he would will, and unwill a thing at the sam● instant, and his head began to turn, bein● mounted so high, and from a simple Fisherman made himself a kind of Monarch. All people obeyed him, Viceroy, Bishops, and all, who him the swinge, and humoured him all the while, not doubting but he would at last break his own neck, as it happened right; thereupon when the Squadron of Napolitan Galleys came from Genoa, the Viceroy left to him the giving leave of letting them arrive at the Port, he saw all the City armed, and depending on his beck, acknowledging him to be their absolute Commander, and Captain General, by an exact and a strange kind of implicit blind obedience, so ●ha● no King whatsoever could desire more Allegiance from his own vassals.  
Hence it came to pass, that from an humble, judicious, and zealous spirit which reigned ●n him, he became proud, a fool, and a tyrant, putting out such rigorous Proclamations, commanding so many heads to be chop't off, so many Palaces to be burnt, merely sometimes ●o please his own capri●nio, and to make himself formidable; he would go a horseback alone, and fetch the round of the City, imprisoning and torturing whom he pleased, shutting up of shops, preaching, and railing against the Nobility and Gentry, not sparing the Viceroy himself, but threatening to take off his head; yet when he spoke of the King he named him with a great deal of reverence, taking off his hat, and bowing his body; but one thing made him very ridiculous, that he made boys, very mean fellows Captains, Campmasters, and other Officers of War.  
In the afternoon divers of the people, and some Commanders, made by Masaniello himself, sent to complain to the Archbishop, that they were clap't in prison for small matters, for a thing of nothing, and some were commanded by him to have their heads severed from their bodies, and taken off as so many capons.  
Thereupon his Eminence spoke unto him by way of advice, and because he saw him obstinate, he desired him at least to defer the execution of those men till the day following▪ it being not fitting to shed humane blood upon a Sunday, and slain the holy Sabbath wit● such sacrifices of cruelty: The Bishop spoke to him with that candour and winning affability▪ turning his discourse to other facetious stories, that he obtained of him a deferring of the execution, and to recreate his tired spirits, he wished him to go to take the refreshments and pleasure of Posilipo for a while: He embraced his counsel, but desiring that his Reverence would accompany him, he in scorn of such a companion, desired him to go before, and he would quickly follow.  
A little after Masaniello went from the Market, accompanied with a huge company of Plebeians to the Castle all the way a foot in a loose habit, having one stocking on, and the other off, without band, hat, or sword, but running on like a mad man; he made a sign to the Sergeant Major of the Spanish Guard, that they should make no noise; so he entered and spoke to the Viceroy that he must eat, for he was ready to perish for hunger. The Viceroy looking upon his servants, said, Traigan da comer all Senor Masaniello: Bring something to eat for the Lord Masaniello; no Sir, (he replied) let us go take fresh air at Posilipo, and let us eat together there; for I have provision already: and saying this, he caused divers Mariners to come in with divers baskets of fruit. The Viceroy did excuse himself as well as he cold, praying him to excuse him, because he was troubled with a great pain in the head, and he would be very glad of his company at any other time; so he gave order presently, that his own Gondola should be made ready to wait upon Senior Masaniello, where when he had embarked himself with divers Mariners, he was attended at least by forty Fellucas full of Musicians, and other sorts of men fit to give him some recreation: There ran to the mole of Chiaia many thousands of people to see the spectacle: in his way he gave order that some should go to the regular Canons of St. Lateran, to draw thence such goods that he had understood were conveyed and depositated there, which was done and brought to the market pl●ce: As he went along he threw pieces of gold into the sea, which the Mariners swom after, and ducked to take up, to afford him pleasure and pastime.  
Then he fell to eating, or r●ther to feasting, for he had very choice provision ●n the Gondola, and they said that before he came back he had drunk twelve bottles of wine called Lachrymae Christi, but the operations of that wine you shall read in the next day's work, which was Monday: when he was returned to Naples, that evening he gave all those of the Gondola, and Fellucas which attended him, ten measures of wheat every one.  
The comedy of this day had not been complete, if the wife of Masaniello had not also acted her part; who about the evening went to the Castle clad in cloth of silver with a chain of gold and other jewels and gallantries, which the Duchess of Arcos had formerly sent her: She went in a very stately Coach of the Duke of Mataloni's, which was made for the day of his marriage, and it was a very rich and magnificent piece, valued at least at eight thousand crowns: she was accompanied with divers gentlewomen of quality, who complied with the times, and they went also richly adorned: But these were no other than Masaniello's mother, and two sisters, and other kinswomen of his, all fisher-men's daughters; a little boy his sister's son bare upon his sleeve a kind of arms, which showed that his Uncle was Captain General of the City of Naples: When she came to the Viceroy's Palace, there were Sedans sent for her and her company, with a guard of Halberdiers, Pages and Laquays to attend them: Then were they brought into the Duchess, where they found a great deal of welcome, and dainties. The Duchess presented her with a rich Diamond, and the Visitor General took the young boy often in his arms and kissed him: Masaniello's mother meeting upon the stairs with Cavalier Cosmo Fonseca the grand Engineer, who used to make Epitaphs, she told him that he should tell the Viceroy that her son feared no body but God, and his Excellence; therefore he should do well to send unto him to refrain from so much fire and blood.  
Masaniello being returned from his recreations at Posilipo, was so heated with the abundance of wine that he had drunk, and with the heat of the Sun, that he fell into a kind of dotage and foolishness: He sent presently to speak with the said Fonseca, and inordred him to make divers Inscriptions engraven in marble to this effect; Tomas Anello of Malphi, Perfect, and Captain General of the most faithful people of Naples, did order, that his command should be no longer obeyed, but only those of the Duke of Arcos: And thus ended that Sunday.   

Monday the 15. of july, 1647. The ninth day.  
THe thoughts of Masaniello began to grow so vast and extravagant, as also so instable and unquiet, that not containing himself within the compass of his sphere, and those huge honours and authority he had climbed unto, but he would be more than the sea, who though a raging element, yet is contented to hold himself within his bounds; he would be more than the Heavens, who pass not their circumference; more than the Sun, who never goes out of the Ecliptic; He had an ambition (had it been possible) to enslave the whole earth, to tame the ocean, to debel the world, to confine the stars, and see the rising and setting of the Sun.  
He was so blinded with arrogant desires, that they took from him the solace of his sleep, they kept him from seeing the precipices wherein he was like to fall from the top of his arrogant designs, and the miseries which attended his greatness. The stairs whereby we ascend to honour, are of glass, the top is an earthquake, the descent a precipice, and authority doth commonly discompose, and stound the mind of man, specially one of a base carat▪ and low extraction, like a Monkey clad with scarlet; Honours serve some men only for their ruin, as long hair served Absalon to hang himself: He that is far from jupiter need not fear his thunderbolts.  
If Masaniello that Saturday on which a Te Deum was sung in the Cathedral Church, had renounced all his usurped authority and power into the hands of the Viceroy, and returned, as he said and swore he would, to his former vocation of selling fish, he had deserved that the Napolitan people should have erected him Colosso's, and statues of gold, to the eternal memory of his magnanimous undertake, brought to such a marvellous perfection: but a boundlesssse ambition did cast such a mist before his eyes, that breaking the reins of reason, upon the Lord's Day itself his brain began to turn, doing so many acts of foolishness and cruelty.  
Yet many reasons were urged for the continuance of his command: Some say that he was willing to resign it, but that by the instigation of his wife, and others of his kindred, he took a resolution to keep it still. Others say, as having heard himself say, that he continued still his power, because if he left it, he was to expect no other but death, he was so generally hated by the Nobles and Gentry for having burnt and destroyed so many palaces, and wealthy substances, put to death so many of all sorts, etc. Others say, that he continued still his authority, because sense opposed reason, being allured with the sweetness of rule and power.  
Yet if his said usurped dominion had been attended with that humility, discretion and judgement wherewith he began his reign, he might peradventure have continued longer, from that precipice whereinto he tumbled in so short a time. His ruin befell him, because he had broken out into a thousand deliriums and fooleries, which were the causes of his tyrannical comportments, and consequently of the universal hatred at last of the people, which for many days depended totally upon him, as upon an Oracle, and obeyed him as a sworn and natural King.  
But if one be curious to know the reason why he fell into that stolidity, I could tell him, that it was a fatal drink given him by the Viceroy to this effect, which had an operative virtue to work upon his brain, and distemper his pericranium, that so by becoming odious and ridiculous, the people might do him away. This is the opinion of many, which whether it be true or no, I suspend my opinion. It may be well thought also, that that sottishness and foolery which befell him, proceeded from excess of vigilance, care, watchings, and not eating; for he seldom slept, and he did eat more seldom; his head being so full of thoughts, and new businesses coming like heaps upon him continually, whereof his little narrow understanding (being exercised before to sell little fish only) was not capable: The extreme joy likewise which possessed him, to become from a petty Pleb●an▪ Monarch of such a city as Naples is, might have distempered a greater and more seasoned brain then his. Hence it came to pass, that (putting himself upon his bed) he hardly could close his eyes, but he would suddenly rise up again, telling his wife, Let us be Lords of Naples, and then let us sleep: Up, up, let us put our authority in practice: then going to the window he would face the Guard, and call upon them, employing them always upon some design or other, that his usurped dominion should not be idle; what marvel then is it, all these things being well considered that he should fall into such foolish extravagances; such are the rewards of ambition, wherewith she useth to recompense her followers.  
Domitian the Emperor fell into such a foolish humour, being haunted by this Spirit, that he would be reverenced and adored by the Senate and people, as a kind of God. Primus Domitianus se Dominum, & Deum appellari jussit. Domitian was the first who would have himself called a God, sayeth Eusebius, therefore a parasitical Poet of that age, to comply with his Genius, said and sung of him, 
Edictum Domini Deique nostri,  
Quo subsellia certiora fiunt.  Alexander being tyrannised also by this fury of ambition, was not ashamed to call his mother whore, in saying that he was begot by jupiter Hamon.  
What shall we say of Xerxes, who being moved thereunto by the vastness of his thoughts, and capricios of his unsettled aspiring brain, threatened darkness to the Sun, and a yoke to the Ocean; who will not tax Caius Caesar of foolishness, and being not inferior at all to Xerxes in rashness, when being angry with heaven he invented a certain engine, whereby he thundered against thunder, and lightened against lightning, persuading himself that that distic did very fitly quadrat with him; 
jupiter in caelis, Caesar reget omnia terris,  
Divisum imperium cum jove Caesar habet.  Such an extravagant passion as this did predominate and discompose Masaniello, and more easily, being a creature of so low a degree: Upon Monday morning he appeared upon the market place a horseback, with a naked sword in his hand, striking many men, and driving them before him, though no cause offered.  
Being thus domineering in the Market place, an old and well qualified Captain called Caesar Spano of Don Prospero Tuttavilla's Regiment, told him, that he would be pleased to command that the soldiers of that Regiment might be consigned unto him, who were Germans and Walloons, which was done accordingly; but he struck and wounded the old Captain, giving him two cuts in the face, saying, be gone when I bid you. Turning then his horse head he went towards Toledo street, who meeting with one that was told him was a spy, he suddenly without forming of any process caused his head to be chopped off; He met with another, who complained that his wife was suborned, and carried away by an old bawd, & ask where she was, said in such a house, he went thither presently, and found her there with another man; he commanded her to be hanged, and him to be broken on wheels, which was presently done.  
Afterwards he met about the Church of St. joseph with the Prince of Cellamare, chief postmaster of the Kingdom, a discreet and well tempered Prince, and complemented very much with him, saying, if he knew any, though he were the greatest potentate in the world, who favoured Mataloni, he would chop off his head: A little after there passed by the Duke de castle di Sangro Don Ferrante Caracciolo, a Cavalier of high esteem in Naples, and not using any compliment towards him, he ran a great hazard of his life; for he made him come suddenly out of the Coach, telling him, that a new Elect was to be made o'er the five Piazzas of the Nobles, & he would publish an order that they who deserved that degree should go decently habited, and that the Cavaliers who were sellers of Votes, should retire to their dwellings barefooted, and so he dismissed him: This being done, he transferred himself to the King's Stables; and there being many horses there, he said these are particular men's horses, but the grooms told him, they were his Majesties, and that the Lord Carlo Caracciolo the chief Master of the horse in the Kingdom, had the charge of them: he asked what Carlo? what master of the Horse? am not I every thing, not acknowledging any body, and saying this, he took for himself and his friends six of the best horses, but before he had half brought them to the Market place, recollecting himself and thinking better on't, he sent them back to the King's Stables. The same time he dispatched a band of armed men to the Hospital, and to the Church of the Zoccolanti, commanding them to deliver up the goods of the Visitor General of the Kingdom, Don john Ponze de Leon, and carried them to the Market place, but returned them again when he was told of the kisses he had given his Nephew in the Castle the day before: yet he told him there would be now no necessity of a Visitor General, because he himself would look well enough to the abuses of things, and to the public thiefs of King and Country.  
In regard of these, and sundry other high insolences, which were too tedious to insert here every one a part, the whole City tremble, yea the Viceroy himself, when he understood of such extravagances and innovatious, because he thought that now all things were terminated by that message which was sent him by Masaniello the day before by the Archbishop's Chaplain, that he would make a full resignation unto him of all authority, besides the agreement solemnly made and sworn unto upon Sunday before, with the stipulation of the Articles in the Dome, so that apprehending more fear then formerly he retired into the inner Palace, causing it to be fortified, and increasing the guard: And it was held convenient by all to come to some galliard resolution, considering how that foolish and phrantic fellow pursued his authority and tyranny, to dispose of all things according to his own fancy, both in the Courts of Justice, as also in the Council of War, in the Grassa, and all other Tribunals, as if he were an absolute Prince, or some imperious Monarch.  
After dinner he sent a peremptory order to Don Ferante Caracciolo, before mentioned, that under pain of life, and the burning of his Palace, in regard he had not in the morning come out of his Coach to do him reverence, that he should come to speak with him in the Market place; he sent also another message to Don Carlo Caracciolo Master of the King's Horse, to do the like. They answered prudently and with sleme, that they would do what he desired; but holding it a diminution to their honour, instead of going to the Market place, they went to the Castle, having settled their houses and goods, to complain to the Viceroy, and deplore the abject and sad condition wherein they were plunged, with all the rest of the Napolitan Nobility and Gentry, and so related unto him the arrogant Propositions that were sent them by Masaniello, so they concluded to die sooner, and to be torn by wild horses then to live, so vituperiously in such a baseness & servitude, therefore 'twas high time for all the Napolitan Cavaliers to awake, to rid the City of this intolerable ugly Monster; for it was a great blemish to their reputation to suffer him to sway so long.  
The Viceroy was extremely vexed to hear such pungent reasons and grievances, but he durst not apprehend the fool, being so fortified and backed by the besotted people all in Arms; and while they were discoursing of the means how things might be remedied, behold Genovino and Arpaia came into the Castle, who bitterly complained also against Masaniello.  
The first spoke very despitefully of him, saying that he could not prevail any thing with him, but he found himself every moment in no small danger of his life (for he threatened to take off his head) more than he was in the time of the Duke of Ossuna, and they say that he had often given him some blows, yet he was constrained to dissemble and mollify things. Arpaia also had his mortifications and da●gers, he had publicly received a box from him, and all people were terrified by him, and affronted, yet they knew not how to right themselves, he having at his devotion a hundred and fifty thousand Combatants well armed, although the major part, and the most ●ivill sort of these did hate him, specially since ●he Sunday evening, by reason of his inhuman cruelties; therefore 'twas determined by the advice of Genovino and Arpaia, that all the people should make their addresses to the Viceroy, and assure him, that they not only misliked, but hated the carriage of Masaniello, and not to obey him any longer, but every where, and in all things to depend upon the commands of his Excellence, provided that they might be well assured of the observance of their Privileges and Infranchisements already granted and sworn unto, whereunto the Viceroy condescending very readily, declared by public Band the confirmation of them; so they were to meet at the Piazza of St. Augustin, which they did, but a great number, fearing the frowns of Masaniello came not thither, but he was gone again in the Dutchess' Coach to Posilipo: afterwards two resolved to chain him, and keep him in safe custody all the residue of his life in some Castle, for they were not inclined to put him to death for the good things that he had operated for the public good.  
When Masaniello was returned from Posilipo, he went to the office of the Galleys, and provided Captains and other Commanders for them, though they were far from the Port; and thence transferring himself to his house in the Market place, he threatened divers Captains to take off their heads, as also to Genovino and Arpaia, because they had not attended him that day: nay, he threatened fire to the whole City, because he perceived they had lost the former respect and obedience which they did use to show him.  
Being extreme hot, he threw himself into the Sea water in all his clothes, and being come out again, he began to shake his sword up and down, and do divers mad pranks, nor could any, no not the Archbishop himself, bridle him, or keep him within any bounds, insomuch that the Captains of the people were constrained to apprehend him, and put him in ho●d, with a band of soldiers for his guard in his own house; and while all that night most part of the people did confederate and take Arms in behalf of the Viceroy, an unlooked for accident did cooperate to conclude this Tragecomedie by means of Marco Vitale, a hardy young man, who was Secretary to Masaniello, who under colour of remedying, did rather foment those tumults and firings, as shall be read in the passages of the ensuing day.   

Tuesday the 16. of july, 1647. The tenth day.  
THe foresaid Marco Vitale being early got out of the Castle where the Viceroy kept his Court, and where he slept that night, and going about nine a clock to Chiaia the next gate to the Castle, and royal Palace, this Vitale knowing not any thing of what was intended in the behalf of the Viceroy against his Patron Masaniello, and meeting with some armed bands in the way confederated and ligued together, he proudly asked them, why, and by whose authority and licence they had taken up Arms? one of the Captains answered him stoutly, 'twas by order of the Viceroy, Vitale impertinently replied, Well, well, I am going now to the Market, and thy head shall pay for it: The Captain drew out his sword, and gave him a shrewd slash, which being seconded by a Musket shot, the infortunate wretch fell down dead, and being put in a sepulchre in the next Church of S. Lewis, among the Minims, the people now adhering to the Viceroy, dragged him forth, chopped off his head, and putting it upon a pole, they dragged his body up and down the gutters of Naples.  
That day was the feast of the glorious Virgin of Carmine, a holy Day of very much devotion among the Napolitans, specially among the common people, that Church being situated near the great Market place.  
Masaniello entered into this Church, having a little before scaped out of his irons, where he attended the coming of the Archbishop Filomarino to sing Mass, and celebrate the day as he used annually to do, and he was scarce come to the Church door when Masaniello meeting him full butt, said, Most eminent Lord, I perceive now that the people will abandon me, and go about to deprive me of life. I desire that for my consolation, and of all this people, a solemn Cavalcata be made, together with the Viceroy, with the Collateral, and all the Tribunals of the City to this most holy Lady, for being thus to die, I shall die contented: Therefore I beseech your Eminence to address this letter of mine to the Viceroy, the Bishop embraced him, and much commended his devotion; and suddenly dispatched a gentleman to the Palace with the said letter to the Viceroy, and going afterwards to the great Altar of the Lady of Carmine, he leaned there, intending to sing Mass, the Church being full, and replenished with people as much as it could hold: Masaniello going up the degrees of the Altar, and taking a Crucifix in his hands, he recommended himself with much tenderness unto the people; that they should not forsake him, commemorating what he had done for them, he aggravated the difficulty of the design, the danger he encountered withal, the hatred of so many thousands by reason of his fiery punishments, and the conclusion at last of the whole business in that very Church. Then a little while he fell a doting, and accused himself of the badness of his life past, exhorting every one to make the like confession before the feet of his ghostly Father, that God's anger might be appeased, and because he fell into many ridiculous expressions, and some savouring of heresy, his guard forsook him; And the Archbishop not enduring to hear him, being in the very act of celebrating the Mass, he wrought so much that he got him down, which being done, he did prostrate himself before the Bishop's feet, praying his Eminence that he would please to send his Chaplain to the Castle, to advertise the Viceroy, that he was willing to renounce his command unto his Excellence; which the Bishop promising to do, he caused him to be conducted to a Dormitory to be dried, for he was all in a sweat, and to repose awhile, thinking him worthy of compassion: so the Bishop returned to his Palace.  
In the mean time Masaniello being refreshed, and gone out into a great Hall, he was leaning over a Balcone to take the fresh air seaward, some hardy gentlemen rushed in, accompanied with much people, who having first entered into the Church of Carmine, cried aloud, Let the King of Spain live, and let none hereafter under pain of life obey the commands of Masaniello: and going thence to the Cloister under pretext to speak with Masaniello, and negotiate with him, they found him almost all alone, and hearing some body crying Masaniello, the unfortunate wretch meeting with those who were conspired to dispatch him, he told them, Ye go perhaps in search of me; Behold me here my people: So they discharged four musket shots at him every one apart: the first were Salvador, and Carlo Cataneo brothers, Angelo Ardizzone, and Andrea Rama, who were four of the principal that slew him: so he fell presently upon the earth, crying after the first shot, Ah ingrateful traitors! And so he breathed his last. Hereupon a butcher came and cut off his head, which being put upon a lance, they went into the Church of Carmine, where there were ten thousand people, and thence to the market place, crying out, Let the King of Spain live, and under pain of life let none henceforth name Masaniello. Masaniello is dead, Masaniello is dead; and discharging many archibuzzes, ad terrorem without ball, the common people were so affrighted that they lost their spirits quite; and seeing themselves headless, they skulked here and there, not daring to do the least outrage unto them who flew their Captain General, that was so much feared, obeyed, and reverenced: Insomuch that they went securely up and down the streets, with his head upon a pole, and the boys dragging his body up and down the channels and public ways, where there was money thrown to them that drew him, by many, specially by the Gentry, who all this while durst scarce peep out of their houses, or appear abroad publicly: So they got a horseback, and went to the Castle to attend the Viceroy, and give him the joy, who entertained them with infinite demonstrations of contentment. The Archbishop went also thither, who after he had come from the Carmine, had scarce reached his own palace, but the tidings of Masaniello's death was brought him, which made him go directly to the Castle to acquit himself of those duties of congratulation which were due to the Viceroy, who sending very strict Orders abroad that the street Captains should be in a perfect equipage and readiness at his command, and that upon pain of life they should not obey any body else whatsoever. He commanded to apprehend the complices of Masaniello, as was done; as his wife, his sisters, his kindred; and being all made prisoners, they were brought up to the Castle. And because his brother Matteo was gone abroad to Benevento with more company, to take (as 'twas given out) the Duke of Mat●loni, there were armed bands dispatched thither to apprehend him, and conduct him to Naples, which was done, and he was committed to the Castle, though afterwards to please the people, he with others were set at liberty, as shall be delared hereafter.  
There were armed bands sent also to the market place to bridle the people, and guard the goods that were there depositated, belonging to divers owners.  
These good Orders being given, the Viceroy was exhorted by the Bishop, and by all the Nobility, and Ministers Royal, to show himself publicly up and down the streets; Whereupon the Bishop and he mounting on horseback, attended by all the Counselors, Ministers, Officers, Nobility and Gentry, with all the Tribunals, being well guarded with Horse and Infantry, they went to the chief Church to give God thanks, and the most glorious protector of Naples S. Gennaro, whose holy head and blood was taken out and put upon the high Altar, where extraordinary thanks were given for the tranquillity which was re-obtained by the death of so base a fellow, who by the secret judgements of God, had made himself so formidable, that he terrified the whole City: a clear instrument, it cannot be said otherwise, of the just indignation of God, being offended with the sins of that City, who (as sometimes he punished the Egyptians with small contemptible creatures, as flies, and frogs) did correct, humble, and chastise the City of Naples by so vile a Plebeian.  
From the Church the Cavalcata passed to the Market place, where the Viceroy did again by sound of Trumpet confirm the Privileges granted by Charles the fifth, together with the Capitulations; he was received with extreme exultances of joy by all the people, who loudly cried out, Viva il Re, viva il Duca d' Arcos; Let the King live, live the Duke of Arcos, whereunto others added, Let Filomarino live, the restorer of his Country's peace: they gave also thanks to the most holy Mother of Carmine, and so they returned into the castle very joyful, and afterwards every one unto his own home.  
The shops were suddenly opened, the Spanish Soldiers took their arms again, and the dispersed guards up and down returned to their former posts, but that in the castle was redoubled with Walloons, and every one did with exact reverence submit unto the Viceroy, to whose prudence, patience, and dexterousnesse, joined with the vigilance and indefatigable assistance of the most reverend Archbishop, the preservation of that City may be attributed; for if his Reverence had not strongly and industriously interposed in the business, the whole City had been like to have been destroyed with fire and sword, as it will appear by a copy of the following Letter, written by a Napolitan Cavalier, one of the prudent'st Patriots of the whole Town, sent to a Gentleman a friend of his, resident at Rome, wherein also there is a relation made how San Gernnaro, the Protector and Patron of Naples, did appear, which did prognosticate peace, tranquillity and happiness to the Napolitan people: The tenor of which Letter was as followeth:  
Dear Sir,  
THis morning I was to do my observance to the L. Cardinal the Archbishop Filomarino, and I have reverenced him as much as possibly I could, as Liberator of his Country, who after he had done me sundry favours, told me, that yesternight the popular tumult ceased, conducting with himself Tomas Anello the Captain General of the people, and all Capitulations were subscribed and sworn unto, whereof I will send you a copy by the next. This quietness was miraculous in a manner, for the many circumstances that attended it, whereof you shall have distinct advice; that which I can say now unto you, is that from the mouth of the Lord Cardinal himself the glorious San Gennaro was seen over the great Church of Carmine, with a sword in his hand, and there were many persons examined upon Oaths about this Vision. His Reverence also saw as he went to the Church of Carmine a most bright star, which gave him undoubted hopes of peace and quietness, which God hath pleased to restore to this place by his Intercession, for he kept all the while the will of the said Masaniello in his fist, as it were, insomuch that he did few things but what his reverence pleased and commanded; and he was so prudent, as not to propose any thing, but what was fit to be obtained for the universal good. In sum, he hath given unto his Catholic Majesty our Sovereign Lord the Kingdom, and hath so confirmed it, that for the future there is no fear of any combustions, and this people is so well contented with the abolishments of the gab●lls, that they will be able to defend themselves against all the world. The said Lord Bishop may be said to have given life to all the Nobility, because the enraged people would have taken away their lives, he hath given quietness and sustenance to the poor, because bread is made here at thirty seven ounces, and all other things are in mighty great abundance, and very cheap: To conclude Sir, a new heaven, and a new earth appears here, and it evidenly appears that the Lord would have it so.  
Your most devoted, and most obliged Servitor. Astorgio Agnese.  
In conformity, and by virtue of the p●ace aforesayed, many Nobles and Cavaliers were seen to pass every day along the streets to the Castle in their Coaches, showing themselves unto the people, from whose sight they had kept themselves hugger mugger before. The Ladies also went up and down with their farthingales, which formerly they durst not do, by reason of Masaniello's order to the contrary, yet they moderated their expenses, and train, specially those who were used to gain by the Gabells.  
The same time that Masaniello was slain, there happened two accidents, the first was, that the head and foot of Don Peppo Caraffa remaining still, exposed to public view in an iron grate, upon the gate of San Gennaro, with an inscription, Th●s is the head of Don Peppo Caraffa di Mataloni, Traitor to his Country, and of the most faithful people of Naples, which was done by the command of Masaniello, as was said before in the successes of the fourth day. There was scarce news had of the death of Masaniello, but that in that confusion of people, four gentlemen adventured, being kin to the family of the Mataloni, to go boldly to the said gate, and in a commanding way, though there were 1000 soldiers thereabout, they got a ladder, and climbing up, they broke the Iron grate with the Inscription, and took out the head, which they carried in a fair silver basin, covered with a silk towel, and brought it to the next Parish Church, called San john de Porta, delivering it to the Curate of that Church, john Baptista julino, and caused it afterwards to be put in a leaden box, and that an authentic Instrument should be made, ad futuram rei memoriam, by a public Apostolical Notary authorised by the Court of Rome, called Don Maria de juliis: within the said Church there were for eye-witnesses, Erasmo Mastello, Gennaro de Pece, Gio. Baptista Piccirillo. The four gentlemen who did this hardy act, were Girolamo Laudata, brother to the Duke of Marzano, and Cavaliers, Gastani sons to a Carrafesca mother, Don Scipion, Pietro Antonio Rastaldi; Gio. Baptista d' Afflitto, whose names are inserted in the said Instrument to perpetuity.  
The second accident was, that Masaniello a little before his death began to feel the pulses of the richest men up and down the City, demanding of them many thousands of crowns, because he purposed, as he gave out, to make five millions of gold for the King, which he had promised to his Excellence already by way of Donative: which millions were effectually to be made up out of the moneys found in the burnt houses, and a contribution of the Cape Merchants & Citizens of Naples, which he had effected within a few days, had he not died, therefore 'twas questioned whether his death tended more to the service or disservice of Spain.  
Amongst those rich Merchants he had sent to one Gaspar Roomer, a most rich Flemin, who to prevent the firing of his house, sent twelve thousand crowns unto Masaniello, and so retired to a very fair house, four miles out of the City, a place called lafoy Barra, carrying with him all his best moveables, and goods he had in Naples. To this Merchant he sent Savino Converso of the Carmine, a great confident of his the same Tuesday, the day that he was slain; with an order of his in writing, at sight whereof, he was to consign unto him 5000▪ Zecchins, for the service of his Catholic Majesty, since that he had grown so rich out of good bargains he had from the Viceroys from time to time; Roomer could not tell how to avoid the complying with his desires, and obey them; so he delivered so much money in ready gold to the messenger, who leaving a receipt behind him, and returning to Naples, he understood, as he passed by a little Church hard by the Carmine, of what happened to Masaniello, so he embarked himself in a Felluca, and went away with the moneys to Rome; thereupon the Merchant sent spies up and down to find him out: at last by the help of those of his Order, for he was a Friar, he had notice where he was, and so recovered much of his money.  
That Tuesday in the evening, was brought to Naples the brother of the said Masaniello, and committed prisoner to the Castle, together with his mother, and as they passed, all cried out room, room for the Lady Duchess of Sarda; With the brother of Maesaniello were brought four heads of his companions, who would not yield themselves, but make resistance with musket shot, and nine were taken alive, the rest mortally wounded, or put to flight.  
In this manner ended the life and Empire of Masaniello, having foretold it himself the ninth of July, the week before, being the third day of the Revolution, when going up to the Market place, he told the people, that what he did, was for the public benefit of the City, and he knew well, that when he had finished the work he should be slain, and dragged up and down the streets of Naples; yet he desired the people should remember him, and they answered we will all die with thee. And so it happened, that having confirmed the interests of the City upon Saturday, and caused their privileges, and the confirmation of them, to be subscribed and sworn unto by the Viceroy, and all the Counsels, he was the third day after assassinated, and haled up and down the streets; his head was thrown into a ditch, called the corn-ditch hard by the house of Ardizzone, and his body cast into another ditch between the gates of Nolana and Capoana.   

THE MANIFESTO Of the most Faithful people of Naples.  
THe most faithful people of this City and Kingdom of Naples, saith, declares, makes known, and manifests to all people of what dignity, state, degree, or condition soever they be in Christian Religion, that this most faithful people having professed, and professing still true fidelity to the Catholic Majesty of their King, and finding themselves laden with divers excessive burdens of heavy Impositions and Gabells, equalling almost the prizes of the commodities themselves, and there being no cessation of new ones every year by the Ministers of the said Catholic Majesty, the greatest part whereof were imposed by the voices of the Nobility and Gentry, and with violence of penal mandates and imprisonments: having also within these few years of War (which his Catholic Majesty hath had) levied from them one hundred millions, whereby this most faithful people was, and is reduced to such an extreme necessity, that the greater part of them were ready to famish, and the Fathers, Mothers, and Husbands were constrained at very low rates to expose the most dear treasure of honesty, and chastity of living, by reason of those hard and violent exactions of the said Gabells, for which, people of all sexes were cast into prisons, executed, and forced to pay under pain of excessive punishments, there being promised on the contrary to the Nobility, and powerful persons, an exemption from the said Gabells and Impositions; whereby many of them became extremely rich, by renting and farming the said Impositions; The said Nobles and royal Ministers and Officers being permitted further to offend the persons, and possess the goods of the said people, insomuch that a company of poor and little children to whom these pressures were revealed, with weak canes and sticks did appear before the most excellent the Duke of Arcos Viceroy of this Kingdom and City, upon the 7. day of July of this present year, 1647. for to have the people eased of the said onerous exactions, with whom this most faithful people concurred with Arms in hand for the defence of their Privileges, and were permitted without incurring any punishment to resist those that were the Authors of these burdens and damages: And his Excellency the Viceroy having taken notice hereof, together with the Collateral and Council of State and War, was pleased to abolish the said Gabells and Impositions of this City and Kingdom, and also in remuneration of the perfect and lively fidelity of this people, demonstrated so often by their acclamations, Let the King of Spain live, as also by their actions, affixing the effigies of their said King in all the principal places of the City, whereby their Privileges were confirmed, and promised to be also confirmed within the space of three months by his Catholic Majesty, giving leave in the interim to this faithful people to keep their Arms still afoot, and all this being solemnly sworn unto by public stipulation in the great Cathedral Church of Naples, and in the presence of the most Eminent her Archbishop Filomarino: And this being concluded, and agreed upon, it was treated by some of the royal Ministers, and other male-contented persons, for their own private and particular interests, to make it appear that this was done against the will of this most faithful people: And whereas when they would have represented all this to his Excellence the Viceroy in the royal Palace, they were suddenly assaulted by Musket shot and Archibuzzes from the King's Soldiers, thereupon they were constrained to take Arms again for the defence of this most faithful people the 21. of August last passed, but always with these cries, let the King of Spain live, with other demonstrations of love and Loyalty towards his Majesty. Whereupon his said Excellency granted new graces and privileges, remedying also those things, which were the causes of grievance to this most faithful people, and so reduced again this City to peace and universal tranquillity, by the mediation of their most reverend Archbishop aforesaid, who went up and down this City on horseback, assuring this most faithful people of the said peace and quietness, another solemn oath ensuing thereupon from the said Viceroy, within the Church of Santa Barbara, which is in Castlenuovo, the seventh of September, 1647. Now expecting the confirmation of all the said Graces and Privileges from his Catholic Majesty, on the first of September, the report being going abroad suddenly, though doubtful at first, that his Highness, Don john of Austria his Majesty's Son was to arrive at this Port, with a royal Army, this people did run with an universal applause, thirsting to see so noble a personage, being of the blood of her most beloved King, and when from day to day they hoped to see him, it was represented unto them that he would not dis-imbarque, if this most faithful people would not lay down their Arms, which was suddenly done, although according to their Privileges they might have refused to have done it; insomuch that upon Saturday in the morning the fifth of the same month, there appeared not one armed person throughout the whole City, but there was an universal quietness; And as they were greedy to see such a Prince from whom they expected graces and favours, upon a sudden about midday this City was occupied by the royal Soldiers by force of Arms, entering into many Monasteries and Conservatories, violating Virgins, and committing other exorbitant excesses; and at the same time the City was assaulted, and battered with above 8000. Cannon shot from the three Castles on every side, and by above forty vessels and Galleys for many days and nights continually, and since that time to this, whereby so gentle, and noble a City, the garden of Europe, was like to be made even to the ground, with all her most noble Edifices, Churches, Monasteries of both Sexes, with other places of piety, and her Inhabitants extinguished against all piety and Religion; but the blessed Lord did not permit that such cruel and fierce acts of his Catholic Majesties Ministers should have the effect of their desires.  
Wherefore this most faithful people hath been constrained to have recourse to the natural remedy for their own preservation, and having no hopes otherwise of quietness, or that the royal Ministers would perform what they promised so often; 'twas thought therefore necessary to fly first to the divine Majesty, to the most glorious Virgin his Mother, and to the blessed San Gennaro, and to all the other Saints, who are Protectors of this noble City and Kingdom, supplicating and invoking them to assist her in her just defence, praying also with entire zeal the holiness of Christ's Vicar, the sacred College, and Prelates of the Church, the Majesty of the Emperor, of other Kings and Republics, of Princes, Dukes, Marquesses, Counts, Barons, with all other Dignities and Titles whatsoever, or degrees constitututed, and every faithful Christian, that as well by prayer, as all other means they can and shall know to be necessary, they would please to afford their help and fafavour, for the protection of this most faithful people in their said defence, and besides the remuneration which they may expect from the goodness of God in an Act of so much Justice and Piety, this most faithful people shall be ever bound to do the like or greater courtesies unto them according to their power in all occurrences.  
In Naples, Septemb. 17. 1647.  
FINIS.