ITalie conteigneth in length from Augusta Pre­toria vnto Otranto .1020. miles: and in breadth from the riuer Varo in Prouance, to the riuer Arsia in Friuli (whiche is the brodest place) 410. miles: and in the na­rowe places, as frome the mouthe of Pescara to the mouthe of Tyber .126. miles. The circuit of Italie. So that to compasse it by sea from Varo to Arsia, are .3038. miles, whiche with the .410. miles by lande, maketh the whole circuite to be .3448. miles. Thus it appeareth, that it is al­most an ilande, closed on the east side with the sea Adri­aticum, and on the southe and weast with the sea Tir­rhenum, whiche is a parte of the great sea Mediterra­neum. And from the North it hath the mightiest moun­taines of all Europe called Alpes, whiche diuideth it from all other regions.

¶The facion (as Plinie descriueth it) is like vnto an oken leefe with the stalke: The facion of Italie. but it endeth in maner of the Amazones targatte.

¶It hath a verie temperate and wholesome ayre, Tempera­ture of I­talie. fer­tile fieldes, pleasaunt hilles, batfull pastures, shadow­yng wooddes, plentie of all kinde of trees and groues, haboundaunce of corne, vines, and oliues: good wouliꝭ, [Page] fayre cattaile, and so many springes, fountaines, lakes, riuers, and hauens, that it is an open lappe to receiue the trade of all countreys: and as it were to offre all men helpe it semeth willingly to put it selfe into the sea.

¶It lieth betwene the .vi. houre and the first of the winter in maner halfe waie betweene the Equinoctiall and the Pole: The site of Italie. betwene (I saie) the heate of the sonne and the colde of the northe. For the citee of Bono­nia (where the great resorte of scholers from all naci­ons is wonte to be) standeth almost in the hert of Ita­lie, and hath in his eleuacion .44. degrees: so that di­uidyng the quarter from the Equinoctiall to the Se­ptentrion into .90. accordyng to the rule of Cosmogra­phie, and takyng the one halfe therof, whiche is .45. the difference is little, to proue that Italie is in the middest betwene the extremitees of heate and colde. And seyng than, that temperature is it that most of all other com­forteth, nourissheth and mainteineth nature: it must ne­des folow, that this beyng one of the moste indifferent regions, must be verie pleasant delicate and aboundant.

¶This little discourse I haue made to the entent the wise maie the better vnderstande the cause of those thin­ges, that to my purpose I must hereafter treate vpon.

AFter the generall floudde remaigned no moe but Noe, his .iii. soonnes and theyr wifes, betweene whom it shoulde seeme the whole worlde was diuided. Sem toke the easte parte, Cham, the southe, and Ia­fet the weast. Some write, that Iafet was the same Ia­nus that fyrst reigned in Italie, and some that Ianus was Iafettes soonne. But whether so it be, this Ianus was euer taken for father of the gods, and was peinted with two faces, either because he was father of two na­cions, the Greekes and Italians, orels because the mo­neth of Ianuarie (whiche hath two respectꝭ, one to the beginnyng, and an other to the ende of the yeere) toke name of hym. While this Ianus reigned in Italie, Saturne beyng chased out of the realme of Candia by his soonne Iupiter, came in a maner naked vnto hym: and Ianus not onely receiued hym: But also gaue him the halfe of his dominion. For memorie wherof either of theim builded a citee to his owne name, that is to wete Ianicula and Saturnia, from Ianus vnto Nu­mitor [Page] were .xxi. kyngꝭ of the latines, whose names, with the yeres of theyr reigne, hereafter folow.

1 Ianus.

2 Saturnus.

3 Picus, beyng a great talker, was therfore feigned of the poetes to be conuerted into a pie.

4 Faunus, was after woorshipped for a God of the wooddes.

5 Latinus chaunged the name of his people from Lau­rentini to Latini, and gaue his daughter Lauinia to E­neas the Troiane, promised before vnto Turnus, sonne of kyng Daunus.

These .v. kynges reigned about .200. yeres.

6 Eneas maried the daughter of Latinus, and after his death, reigned .iii. yeres, and builded the citee La­uinia.

Ascanius, sonne of Eneas and of Creusa, kyng Pri­amus 7 daughter, reigned .38. yeeres, and builded Alba longa, to the whiche he brought his fathers idollꝭ cal­led the gods Penates, but they of theim selfes tourned, iii. tymes backe againe to Lauinia.

8 Siluius Posthumius seconde son of Eneas, and be­gotten on Lauinia, reigned .xxix. yeres. Of whom all the latine kynges afterwardes surnamed theim selfes Siluij: and after some authours he was father to Brutus, that first named this realme Britaine, and that slewe his owne father by mischaunce: whiche thyng Polido­rus Virgilius doeth not grau [...]t.

9 Eneas Siluius reigned .31. yeres.

10 Latinus Siluius reigned .50. yeres.

11 Alba Siluius, reigned .39 yeres, and builded Alba, [Page 9] whiche he made his royall citee: but after it was de­stroyed by Tullus Hostilius. Of that citee descended those that to this daie are called Albanesi, though they of their owne originall holde diuers opinions.

Athis or Egyptus Siluius, reigned .24. yeres. 12

Capi Siluius reigned .28. yeres. and builded the ci­tee 13 of Capua.

Carpentus reigned .13. yeres. 14

Tyberinus reigned .9. yeres: of whom the riuer that renneth through Rome was first named Tyber: by rea­son 15 he was drowned in the same: for before it was cal­led Albula.

Agrippa reigned .40. yeres. 16

Remulus reigned .19. yeres, and was slaine with a 17 thunderbolte.

Auentinus, reygned .38. yeres, and was slaine in 18 battaile on the hill Auentine, and buried there: wherof that hill toke his name, though Varro saieth that the [...]ame proceded of the sight of certaine birdes.

Proca reigned .23. yeres, and ordeined by testament, 19 that of his two sonnes the one shoulde haue his realme, and the other his treasure, so that theldest toke the trea­sure, and the yongest the dominion.

Amulius reigned .24. yeres, and chased his elder bro­ther 20 Numitor out of his realme, because he had learned by diuinacion, that one of his brothers descent shoulde expell him out of his astate. Wherefore he slewe his nephewe Sergistus, and put his neece Rhea into a religi­on of virgines called Vestales, where at the ende of .vii. yere she was gotten with childe by an vnknowen man, and brought foorth at one burden two sonnes Romulus [Page] and Remus with the whiche Amulius was so offended, that he not onely caused the mother to be buried quicke, accordyng to the law, but also commaunded the two children to be throwen into Tyber, so that thei were left on the banke, and there fed by a she woulfe (as the poe­ [...]es feigne) but the trouth of the historie is, that they were founde by a shepherde, whose wife (for hir beauty and licenciouse liuing) was called Lupa: and so taken and nourished till thei grew vnto suche yeres, that they reuenged theim selfes, slew Amulius, and made theyr graundefather Numitor kyng.

21 ¶Numitor reigned not fully one yere til Romulus and Remus together founde the meane to slea him, and than builded the citee of Rome. The edifi­cacion of Rome. Before whiche tyme these Latine kynges had reigned in all about .620. yeres.

4450 ¶After the citee was builded, the two bretherne so contended for geuyng the name, and for the dominion, that Remus was slaine.

1 ROmulus than reigned .38. yeres, and created .100. senatours for the rule of the common wealth. The fyrste king of the Romains. And within .4. yeres after the edificaciō of the citee, be­cause the inhabitauntꝭ (beyng men assembled of diuers nacions) had no women to mainteine succession, he de­uised sacrifices and plaies, to the whiche the Sabines aswell men as women resorted. So that by ordre of Romulus all the Sabine maydens, that came to the feast, were taken and maried amonge the Romaines. Whervpon the Sabines made warre against Romulus, and procured diuers other of theyr neighbours to dooe the like: but the Romaine preuailed against theim all. Finally as he perused his souldiers on a daie in a great [Page 10] tempest, he was stricken with a thunderbolte: and be­cause he could neuer more be hearde of, the Romaines i­magined, he was ascended to heauen: and therfore wor­shipped hym as a God.

¶ Numa Pompilius reigned .41. yeres, and kepte the 2 citee in peace: and because the people thoroughe theyr passed continuall warres were become in maner wilde, he therfore entroduced religion and Gods among them: and so brought theym to ciuilitee.

¶ Tullus Hostilius reigned .33. yeres, and conquered the 3 citee of Alba, whiche he rased to the earthe, and at last bothe he and his house were burned with thundre.

¶Ancus Martius reigned .xxiiii. yeres, and subdued 4 the Latines, with diuers other people about Rome.

¶Tarquinus Priscus reigned .37. yeeres, he doubled 5 the noumbre of senatours, and after he had vanquisshed the Sabines, entred triumphauntly into Rome: but at last he was slaine by the sonnes of Ancus Martius.

¶Seruius Tullius reigned .34. yeres, he ordeined first 6 the paiment of taxes, and therby founde that he had at that tyme in Rome fourescore and foure thousande per­sons: and was slaine at last by the procurement of his sonne in law Tarquine the proude.

¶Lucius Tarquinius reigned .35. yeeres, he was the 7 fyrst that inuented prisons and tourmentes, and by rea­son of the odious acte that his sonne didde in enforsyng the chast Lucretia, wife of Collatinus (who therefore slew hir selfe) he and all his were exiled out of Rome, The ende of the Ro­maine kin­ges. and the astate chaunged from kynges to Consules, after that the kynges had reigned aboue .230. yeres. Consules.

¶Than did the Romains ordeine two Consules remo­ueable [Page] from yere to yere. The fyrst were Lucius Iu­nius Brutus, and Lucius Tarquinius Collatinus, hous­bande to the dead Lucretia: vnder whiche ordre of Con­sules (a few chaunges excepted) the Romaines main­teigned theyr common wealth, well nere .500. yeres: and so preuailed in conquestꝭ ouer the worlde, that none other monarchie is to be compared vnto theyrs: nor al­most so many other woorthy men to be read of in all the histories written, as were founde in that citee for the time: as he that readeth Liuie shall see. But because the onely writyng of their names wold occupie a great­ter part of my boke than should be requisite to my pur­pose, I shall beseche all gentill readers to be contented that I referre theim ouer vnto the Romaine histories, whiche are common to the whole worlde.

¶Finally, about .700. yeres after the edificacion of Rome, and .47. before the comyng of Christ, the liber­tee of the Romaine common wealth ceased, by reason that Iulius Caesar, The firste emperour. after the death of Pompeius, ha­uyng quieted the ciuile contencions, tooke on hym by force the whole empyre, and had at his commaunde­ment the greatest part of all the worlde. From whom vnto the tyme of Constantine the fyrste, there reigned, 38. emperours, as by theyr names hereafter it appea­reth, and they all kepte theyr principall seate in Rome, as the head citee of theyr monarchie.

1 IUlius Caesar, reigned in all not fullie .v. yeres. for Brutus and Cassius, with diuers other senatours con­spired against him, and slew him in the senate house.

2 ¶ Octauianus Augustus reigned .56. yeres, and .vi. monethes, but the fyrst .xii. yeres he had Marcus Anto­nius [Page 11] & Lepidus as parteners of the empire, till by force, with consente of the senate, he subdued them bothe: and because he was happie in his enterprises, the senatours surnamed him Augustus. In the .42. yere of his reigne, our Sauiour Christe was borne.

¶Tyberius, son in lawe vnto Octauian, reigned .xxiii. 3 yeres. In the .xviii. yere wherof Christe suffred his passion, and Pilate wrote vnto Tyberius of the miracles that he had doen, wherfore Tyberius commaunded he shoulde be woorshipped as a God: but the senatours woulde not graunte vnto it, because he had proclaymed it without theyr consentes.

¶Caius Caligula reigned .iii. yeres and .x. monethes. A 4 man of so yll liuyng, that he shamed not to companie flesshely with his owne sisters, and was flayne by his owne souldiours.

¶Claudius reigned .xiii. yeres and .viii. monethes, and 5 was poysoned. Some write, that the seconde yere of Claudius reigne, Peter the apostle came to Rome, and there continued .xxv. yeres after. Whiche other some doe disallow, groundyng them vpon Peters age, that reckenyng the time it was impossible Peter should liue so longe after Christes passion.

¶Neroe reigned .xiiii. yeres and .vii. monethes, whose 6 customes were odiouse to the whole worlde. He killed his mother, his wife, his maister Seneca, and dyuers other excellent men: so that his owne souldiers rebelled agaynste hym, and the whole Senate condemned him: wherfore he fledde, and because he coulde not escape, desperately slewe him selfe.

¶Galba Sergius reigned but .vii. monethes, by reason 7 [Page] that his next successour laie in waite for hym, and slew hym in the baines.

8 ¶Otho Lucius reigned scarsely .iii. monethes, till he was ouercome by his nexte successour, so that throughe despayre he slew hym selfe.

9 ¶Uitellius reigned but .vii. monethes. For the Ro­maine armie, that than was in the east parties, elected Uespasian emperour. so that in despite therof Vitelli­us chased Sabinus Uespasians brother with dyuers in­to the capitoll, and there set fyre on theim. Wherfore Uespasian came streight to Rome, toke Vitellius, made hym to be drawen through the stretes, & hewen to peecꝭ.

10 ¶Uespasianus reigned .x, yeres, and reduced the custo­mes and lawes into a better ordre amonge the people, whiche by Nero and the other emperours after hym were muche corrupted, and beganne the Amphitheater, now called Colliseo. And this was he that destroied Ierusalem in fulfillyng of Christes prophecie.

11 ¶Titus, sonne to Uespasianus, reigned .ii. yeres and ii. monethes after his father, and was a verie graciouse prince.

12 ¶Domitianus reigned .xv. yeres & .v. monethes. he was brother vnto Titus, but lyke Nero in condicions: for he delited in vnnatural vices, and in cruel death of men▪ so that he slew diuers senatours, persecuted lerned men and Christians, had ill successe in his warres, and final­ly through conspiracie was slaine.

13 ¶Nerua reigned one yere and .iiii. monethes, and was the fyrst straunger (that is to wete no Romaine borne) that euer was made emperour.

14 ¶Traianus adopted son vnto Nerua and a Spaniarde [Page 12] borne, reigned .xix. yeres and .vi. monethes: so benigne and courteise a prince, that for a prouerbe, men vsed to saie: God make the happier than August, and better than Trai­ane. For beyng sometime aduertised of his friendꝭ, that he vsed hym selfe to muche familiarly, he aunsweared, that a prince ought to be vnto his subiectes suche as thei should be to hym: and geuyng the swoorde to a Pretor, that he had newly made, he saied, vse this against mine enemies, but see the cause be iust: and if I deale vniust­ly, than spare not me: He prospered muche in his war­res, and greatly augmented the Romaine empyre.

¶Adrianus reigned .xxi. yeres, the most part in peace, 15 for that was his studie. He was well learned, and yere­ly wrote a pronosticacion: he builded a notable sepul­chre: whervpon Castell. S. Angelo now standeth. And in his tyme there rose vppe a false Messias amonge the Iewes, whiche Adrian ouercame with muche a dooe.

¶Antonius Pius adopted sonne vnto Adrian reigned 16 xxiii. yeres, so gentill a prince, that all the worlde loued hym. For he was wont to saie: he had rather preserue one of his citesins, than destroie a .1000. of his enemies.

¶Marcus Aurelius Antonius reigned .xix. yeres and 17 one moueth. At the first his brother Lucius Verus was ioigned with him: but he liued not longe. This Mar­cus was an excellent philosopher, wrote dyuers good bokes, & prospered in the warres, where finallie he died.

¶Commodus, son to Marcus Aurelius reigned .13. yeres 18 more lyke in condicions vnto Nero, than to his father: so that at last he was both poysoned and strangled.

¶Helius was surnamed Pertinax, because he toke the 19 empire on him in maner against his will, and reigned not [Page] vi. monethes, but that his nexte successour caused hym to be slaine.

20 ¶Didius Iulianus reigned not fully .vii. monethes: for his next successour came against hym, discoumfited his armie, toke hym, and caused hym to be beheaded.

¶Seuerus reigned .xviii. yeres, and restored muche the 21 Romaine empyre from the decaie that it was fallen in by his predecessours tyme, prospered muche in his war­res, and died in the citee of Yorke: where (it is writ­ten) he made a diche with a walle full of toures and bastilions from one sea to the other .132. miles of length.

22 ¶Antonius Caracalla reigned .vi. yeres. he caused his brother Geta to be slayne, maried his stepmother Iulia, vsed muche tyrannie, and was at laste slaine by one of his owne souldiours.

23 ¶Macrinus with his son reigned one yere, and were bothe slaine.

24 ¶Uarius Heliogabalus reigned .iiii. yeres. so abhomi­nable a man of liuyng, that after he had tried all the waies of carnall vice, he caused his owne membres to be cut of, in hope to chaunge his kynd. Wherfore his owne souldiours slewe him, drewe his carcasse a longe the stretes, tied a stoue about his necke, and so threw him into Tyber.

25 ¶Alexander Seuerus reigned .xiii. yeres, full of vertue and good gouernaunce: but because he was seuere in punysshyng his souldyours offences, they rebelled a­gaynst him, and slewe him.

26 ¶Maximinus reigned .iii. yeres, and because he was created of the armie, without the Senatours consente, therfore did the senate ordeine newe Emperours against [Page 13] hym, so that his owne souldiours slewe him.

¶Gordianus reigned .vi. yeres, and prospered muche in 27 his warres, but at last for lacke of vittayles, the armie rebelled against him, and elected his next successour em­perour, by whose order Gordianus was slaine.

¶Iulius Philippus with his sonne reigned .vii. yeres 28 and were both christened. but finally they were slayne by procurement of theyr next successour.

¶Decius with his sonne reigned .ii. yeres and .iii. mo­nethes, 29 a great persecutour of the Christian religion. In his time the Gothes first assailed the Romayne empyre, and passed the riuer of Danubie, where Decius and his sonne mette with theym, and in the battayle were bothe slaine.

¶Uirius Gallus with his sonne reigned .ii, yeres and were slaine bothe of theyr owne army, as they were go­yng 30 against Emilianus, that than woulde haue vsurped the empyre.

¶Ualerianus with his sonne Galienus, reigned .xv. ye­res. 31 But Valerian in the .v. yere was taken in battaile against Sapor kyng of Persia, who put out his eies, and vsed hym alwaies for his foote stoole whan he went to horsebacke: and Galienus became so viciouse, that he was faine to flee from Rome, and finally was slaine of his owne men.

¶Claudius elected by the senate, reigned one yere and ix. monethes, fought against the Gothes and Germai­nes, 32 and discoumfited bothe theyr powers: but he sicke­ned shortly and died: Whervpon the armie elected his brother Quintilianus emperour, who within .xvii. daies after was slaine.

[Page] 33 ¶Aurelianus reigned .v. yeres and .vi. monethes, reco­uered a noumbre of regions that his predecessours had lost, and was so prosperouse in the warres, that Eutro­pius compareth hym vnto Alexander the great, or Cae­sar. But at last he was slaine through crafte of one of his owne souldiours.

34 ¶Tacitus reigned not fully .vi. monethes, but died of the feuer. And than was his brother Florianus elected, but he liued little more than .ii. monethes.

¶Probus reigned .vi. yeres .iiii. monethes, he reco­uered 35 France, ouercame Saturninus and Proculus, that had made theim selfes emperoures, and finallie was slaine of his owne souldiours.

36 ¶Carus with his two sonnes reigned .ii. yeres, and achieued diuers worthy enterprises. But his son Cari­nus became so great a tyranne, and so viciouse withall, that he was compared to Nero, and at last slaine of his owne souldiours.

¶Dioclesianus reigned .xx. yeres, a great persecutour 37 of the Christian religion, because reason persuaded him, that whereas diuersitee of opinions continued, there coulde be no peace, but perill of commocions. And because he thought not him selfe able to rule the whole empire alone, he ioygned Maximianus with him: and either of theim made a deputie, Dioclesianus toke Ga­lerius, and Maximianus toke Constantius. Finally whan thei had brought the empire to a good staie, Dio­clesian and Maximian both renounced their astates and became priuate, though Maximian woulde gladly haue taken it vpon him again, to haue exalted his son Maxen­tius. Wherfore his son in law Constantine caused him [Page 14] to be slaine.

¶Galerius with Constantius reigned together .ii. ye­res, 39 and deuided the empire betwene theym: Galerius had the east parte, and Constantius the west. Constan­tius, husbande to the Queene Eleyn, died in Yorke: and Galerius, beyng fallen sicke, slew him selfe. Neuer­thelesse er he dyed Maxentius had gotten the Romaine souldiours called Pretoriani on his parte, and so vsur­ped the name of emperour. Against whom Galerius first sent his capitaine Seuerus, and afterwardes Lici­nius, but thei preuailed not, for Maxentius continued til the comyng of Constantine to Rome, who fought with him, and so discomfited him, that in fleing he was drow­ned in Tyber.

CONSTANTINVS the first, reduced the Ro­maine astate to tranquillitee, and toke Licinius as compagnion in the empire: to whom he gaue his 309 owne syster in mariage. But as discorde is common amonge princes, so it happened, that Licinius rebelled against Constantine, and beyng ouercome, was deposed, and (as some write) slaine. So that Constantine rei­gned alone, the tyme of whose reigne in all was .xxx. yeres and .x. monethes. He was conuerted to the Chri­stian faieth by bisshoppe Siluester, vnto whom (as the 318 clergie holde opinion) he gaue his roiall seate in Rome, with auctoritee to vse all the imperiall rites and ho­nours, and made him head of the Christian churche: and thervpon remoued his imperiall seate from Rome to Constantinople: whiche citee he than had newly reedifi­ed. And though authours agree that he in deede buil­ded Constantinople, and chaunged it from the auncient [Page] name, which was Bizantium, yet many allow not Con­stantines donacion to Siluester to be true: but saie, that some one of those bisshops of Rome longe after Silue­ster, that vsurped the name of Peters successour, to en­large theyr creadite and auctoritee, and to mainteigne theyr pompe, Donacion of Constā ­tine. inuented this donacion. So that though Constantine or his successours remoued theyr dwellyng from Rome to Constantinople, yet did thei neuerthelesse reteigne continually bothe the dominion of Rome and also the name of the Romaine empyre, vntill the takyng of Rome by Alaricus kynge of the Gothes, betweene whose comyng and the reigne of Constantine were these ix. emperours folowyng.

COnstantinus, Constantius, and Constans sons of 1 the first Constantine, and had the empire deuided betwene thē. But Constantine, not contented with 339 his part, moued warre to Constans, and was slaine, and Constans at length was also slain by treason of one of his owne capitaines named Magnentius: who vsurped the empire, and after many battailes, beyng ouercome by Conctantius, at last slew him selfe. So that Con­stantius remaigned emperour alone: the time of whose reigne, with his brethern togethers, was .xxiiii. yeres.

2 ¶Iulianus surnamed Apostata, because beyng borne a 363 Christian he became a painem, reigned .ii. yeres. First he rebelled agaynste his vncle Constantius, that had made hym Caesar, and after his death (beyng made em­perour) he persecuted cruelly the Christian religion, and at length was slaine in battaille against the Persians.

3 ¶I [...]m [...]nus reigned .vii. monethes, restored the faieth 365 of Christe, and was constreigned of necessitee to graunt [Page 15] vnto the kyng of Persia a great parte of Mesopotamia. Whiche was the fyrst tyme that euer the Romaines or any emperour consented to diminisshe the Romaine do­minion.

¶Ualentinianus reigned .xii. yeres, and was a good 4 Christian. 366

¶Ualens reigned .iiii. yeres, fauoured muche the Ar­tian 5 secte, and makyng warre agaynst the Gothes in 378 Thracia, was discoumfited, besieged, and burned.

¶Gratianus reigned .vi. yeres, and he with his sonne 6 were bothe slaine by treason of Maximus and Arboga­stus 382 theyr owne capitaynes.

¶Theodosius reigned .xi. yeres, subdued the Gothes, 7 and discoumfited the traitours Maximus and Arboga­stus, 388 that vsurped the empyre: the fyrst of theim was slaine in the fielde, the other for despayre slewe hym selfe: and so he reuenged his predecessours death.

¶Archadius and Honorius reigned together .xiii. ye­res, 8 and than died Archadius. 407

¶Honorius after his brothers death reigned .xv. yeres. 9 in whose time Alaricꝰ, beforenamed king of the Gothes, 411 prouoked through treason of Stillicon themperours ca­pitaine a Uandale borne, tourned his armie, that than was goyng into Fraunce, against the emperour: and so ouerrennyng all Italie, at length besieged Rome, and 412 toke it rather by famine than force. And here beganne the manifest decaie of the Romaine empyre. For from this daie forward those Septentri [...]nall nacions, Gothes. Uandales▪ Hunes Lumbar­des. that is to wete, the Gothes, the Vandales, the Hunes and Lum­bardes, with dyuers others, triumphed not onely ouer Italy, but also ouer Fraunce, Spaine and part of Af­frike, [Page] in suche wyse, that though many of theyr armies were discoumfited by dyuers of the emperours capitai­nes and others: yet in processe of tyme they myngled theim selfes so with the other nacions, that they were no more knowen for strangers, but became Italians, Spa­niardes, Frenchemen, and so foorth.

¶After this first destruction of Italy, with the takyng and spoylyng of Rome, the common people beganne to crie out, saiyng: that syns they lefte the woorshippyng of theyr auncient gods, and had embraced the new faith of Christ, all these afflictions through vengeance of the gods were fallen on theim: so that many doubted whe­ther it were good to beleue or not. But surely, the remo­uyng of the imperiall seate from Rome to Constantino­ple, was the greatest occasion of the Romaine empyres decaie. For whan the emperours beganne to dwell in Greece, Diuidyng of the em­pyre. and to leaue Italy, now and than diuidyng the empyre, one to rule in the orient, and an other in the oc­cident, theyr auncient reputacion declined so muche, that theyr owne priuate capitaines enterprised many tymes not onely to rebell, but also to vsurpe the name of empe­rours▪ By reason wherof it came to passe, that with­in the space of . [...]0. yeres there entred .vii. straunge kin­ges into Italie, with so puissaunt armies, that thei put eyther the whole countrey, or at least a great part ther­of to swoorde and fyre.

1 FYrst Alaricus, kyng of the Gothes before named, after he had gotten Rome by suche famine, that ma­ny 402 mothers did eate theyr owne children, ouerranne all Campaigne, the realme of Naples, and the lande of Brutij, and finally died in the citee of Cosenza.

[Page 16]¶After whom succeded his kynsman Athaulfus, that maried Placidia sister of the emperour Honorius, taken amonge the prisoners of Rome, so wise a woman, that whan hir husbande folowyng the trade of Alaricus, de­termined to goe to Rome, and to rase it to the earthe, she with faire wordes dissuaded hym, and brought hym to accorde with hir brother, in suche wise that throughe the emperours procuremente, he with all his nacion of Gothes lefte Italie, and wente to conquere Spayne, where in the citee of Barcelona he was of his owne folke traiterously slay [...]e.

¶The seconde was Attila kyng of the Hunes, who with 2 an infinite numbre of people entred into Italy, and put­tyng 447 all to fyre and swoorde, passed ouer the countrey now called Lumbardie vnto the Appenine hillꝭ, and as farre as Florence, which he rased to the erth, not with­standyng it was yelded vnto hym without resistence. But finallie as he was goyng to Rome, entendyng to do likewise there: Leo the first, than bishop of the same, met him by the way, and so entreated him, that ceasyng from further crueltee, he withdrewe hym and all his into Hungarie, where not longe after he died of a so­deine death.

¶Thirdlie Gensericus entred into Italie with a great 3 numbre of Vandales through this occasion, 458

Theodosius the .ii. assigned his cousen Valentinian to rule the weast parte of the empire, who died within few yeres: so that Maximianus a Romayne, by force toke on him the occidentall empie [...], and maried Eudossa late wife of the same Valentinian: who disdeigning this Maximian, practised secretly with Gensericus then rei­gning [Page] in Affrica, and did so much, that he came to Rome, toke it by force, slewe Maximian, spoyled and burned the citee, and finallie for a worthy rewarde, led Eudossa and hir doughter prisoners with hym at his retourne into Affrike.

4 ¶The fourthe was Biorgus kyng of the Alani, after­wardes called Alemani, who entred into Italie by the 463 way of Trent, and ouerran all Istria, La Marca Triuisa­na, and a great parte of Lumbardie, till at last by Seue­rianus one of the emperours capitaines, he was fought withall, slaine and his host discomfited.

5 ¶The .v. was Odoacrus kyng of the Eruli, that some­time 471 were of the countrey of Valachia beyonde the riuer of Danubie, who with an infinite numbre of men twise in .xiiii. yere ouerran all Italie, callyng him selfe kyng therof, till the emperour Zenon sent Theodoricus kyng of the Gothes against him, who fought with him, dis­comfited all his hoste, and finally slewe him.

6 ¶The .vi. was this Theodoricus him selfe, who by the emperour Zenon was inuested kynge of Italie, in 481 the title wherof he caused muche slaughter and destru­ction er euer he vanquisshed Odoacrus, but at laste he establisshed his royall seate in Rauenna, where he rei­gned .25. yeres, and died of the fluxe, leauyng behynde hym a perpetuall fame of his worthynesse and vertue.

7 ¶The .vii. was Gundebalde kynge of Gorgoyne, who with a great multytude passed the Alpes, ouerranne a 486 great parte of Lumbardie, and with an infinite numbre of prisoners, and a wonderfull pray of richesse returned into his owne countrey.

¶Nowe ye shall vnderstande, that after Theodoriche [Page 17] was made kyng of Italy by the emperours consent, his doughter Amalasuntha folowed in succession of the do­minion, who after the deathe of hir owne son Atalari­cus, accepted hir cousin Theodatus for companion in hir kyngdome, but he rendryng yll for good, founde meanes not onely to exile hir, but also to make hir die: to the entent he myght reigne alone. Whiche vnkynde dea­lyng so muche offended his owne Gothish nacion, that they elected an other kynge in Rome, named Vitigius, who shortlie caused Theodatus to be slaine by treason, and yet he hym selfe prospered not longe after. For er he had fullie reigned .v. yeres, Bellisarius, a capitaine sent by the emperour Iustinian, recouered all Italie, be­sieged Vitigius in Rauenna, and finallie toke hym pri­soner, and so led him to Constantinople.

¶Whan the Gothes had a litel renewed their strength, they made Totila theyr kyng, ouerranne all Italie, and 543 twise toke the citee of Rome by force, reignyng ouer the whole countrey .ix. yeres, till Narses, an other of the emperours capitaines came puissantly into Lumbardy, and in a sore foughten battaile slew Totila, with a great numbre of his nacion.

¶Notwithstandyng that discoumfiture the Gothes a 553 fresshe chose theim an other kyng, called Teia, a veraie valiaunt man, that wonderfully defended his domini­on against the power of Narses: but finally in plaine battaile Narses slew hym, and so discoumfited his ar­mie, that the Gothes were constreigned to submitte theim selfes vnto the emperours obeisaunce, and from that tyme foorthe (beyng borne of two or three descen­ [...]es in Italy) they were no more knowen for Gothes, [Page] but taken for Italians, and there ended the Gothishe name: Whiche from the comyng of Theodoricus, be­fore named, had reigned in Italy the space of .72. yeres.

¶A meruailouse mattier to see the instabilitee of these worldely thynges: that the Romaine empyre, whiche so many yeres before had triumphed in richesse & welth ouer the whole worlde, should now be subiecte vnto all calamitee and affliction. Rome it selfe .iiii. tymes taken by force within the space of .140. yeres, Rome de­stroied .iiii. tymes. the wal­les in many places throwen to the earth, the inestimable goodly buildynges of temples and palaices burned and spoyled, the infinite treasures of money, iewelles, and other ornamentꝭ put to sacke, or hidde vnder the ground by the owners, where it could neuer be founde: neither man woman nor childe spared of the enemies furiouse swoorde, and finally brought to that case, that it was more than an whole yere desolate without any creature to dwell in it, other than the wilde beastes. And not Rome alone, but also the most parte of all the notable citees of Italie were thus afflicted for the tyme.

¶But whan the Gothish nacion was thus subdued, I­talie returned to the obedience of the empyre: and was gouerned by the forenamed Narses, by the space of .17. yeres: till after the death of the emperour Iustinian, Iu­stine the secounde of that name succeded, whose wyfe Sophia, thorough instigacion of some gentilmen of the 566 court (that enuied the vertue and glory of Narses) kend­led hir housband the emperour so muche, that he reuo­ked Narses from the rule of Italy, with iniurious wor­des of the empresse, that had bosted, she would set hym amongest hir women to spinne and to make clothe, whi­che [Page 18] she saied was meeter for hym than to rule suche a countrey. But the noble hert of Narses conceiued so great an vnkyndnesse of this, that (after he had an­sweared hir) he woulde spinne suche a clothe, as nother she nor hir vile housbande should be hable to weare out, he secre [...]ly sent into Pannonia to Alboinus kyng of the Longobardi, now called Lumbardes, exhortyng him to come into Italie: how be it, ere he came, Narses repen­ted hym, and did what he coulde to haue let [...]ed it: but as he trauailed therin (being come to Rome) with Iohn̄ the thyrde bisshop of the same, hauyng now delaied the Lumbardꝭ coming a few yeres, he died, had his body ca­ried to Constantinople, and there was honorably buried.

¶This Narses with Bellisarius before named, were two of the noblest capitaines that euer serued the Ro­mayne Emperours.

¶Incontinently after the death of Narses, the forena­med Alboinus, with an infinite numbre of men women 569 and childern, entred into Italie, and occupied all the countrey betwene the Alpes and the Appenine hilles, naming it after theyr name Lumbardie. And not with­standyng that the emperours for the space of .180. yeres, made continuall warres agaynste theym by theyr gene­ralles, whom thei called Exarkes, yet coulde they neuer so abate and vanquishe the glorie of those Lumbardes, but that sometimes they wolde right well be reuenged: so that in effecte they reigned ouer Lumbardie aboue, 200. yeres, till the comyng of Charlemaine, who in fa­uour of the Romayne bishops, Deside­rius. warred agaynst Deside­rius last kyng of the saied Lumbardes, toke and ledde him prisoner into Fraunce.

[Page]¶In all whiche tyme of the Lumbardes prosperytee, there reigned amongest theym .23. kynges, whose names hereafter folow.

1 ALboinus, slaine by procuremente of his wife Ro­samunda.

2 ¶Dapho, slayne of his owne people for his ty­rannie. After whose death the Lumbardes wolde haue no kyng, but in maner of a common wealthe elected .30. Dukes, who occupied all Italie, Rome and Naples ex­cepted, and so contynued the space of .xii. yeres, till the Lumbardes, beyng weery of theyr gouernaunce, retur­ned againe to the election of a kyng.

3 ¶Antharis surnamed Flauius, toke to wyfe Theodo­linda, the kynges doughter of Bauarie, a woman that by persuasion of Gregorie the fyrst, bisshop of Rome, se­cretly embraced the Christian faieth, and after conuer­ted hir nexte housdande to the same.

4 ¶Agilulphus Duke of Turine, maried Theodolinda af­ter the death of hir other housbande, and so beyng made kyng, through his wifes procurement, he became a Chri­stian.

5 ¶Adoaldus, sonne of Agilulphus, beyng very younge, reigned about .x. yeres, vnder the gouernaunce of his mother Theodolinda, and after hir death, was driuen out of his realme.

¶Arioldus, of whom I fynde nothyng notable.

6 ¶Rotharius, a valiaunt warriour, and so well learned 7 withall, that he prescribed lawes vnto the Lumbardes, who from theyr coming into Italy till that time (whi­che was about .70. yeres) had no written law.

8 ¶Rodoaldus sonne of Rotharius was slain by one that [Page 19] founde hym in adoultrie with his wife.

¶Arithpertus, through feigned flight obteyned a no­table 9 victorie against the frenchemen.

¶Gundibertus, sonne vnto Arithpertus, contended so 10 longe with his brother for the dominion, that at last thei were bothe chased awaie.

¶Grimoaldus, toke the astate from the children of A­rithpert, 11 and helde longe warre with the emperour Con­stantine the thyrd, and so ouercame Theodorus the Ex­ [...]rke, that the emperour in a great rage came hym selfe with a myghty armie into Italie, and after he had o­uerranne the countrey of Puglia, and taken the citee of Luceria, whiche he put to fyre and swoorde, at laste he besieged Beneuento, where hapned one notable thyng woorthy the rehersall.

¶ Romoaldus sonne to the king Grimoaldus was than within Beneuento, and [...]aliauntly defended the citee a­gainst the Greekes, sendyng woorde by a foster father of his named Gensualdus, [...]nto his father, that vnlesse he wolde shortly sende succours, the citee must needes be taken. Gensualde did his message, and retournyng with answeare was taken of the enemies, and brought before the emperour. Where beyng straightly exami­ned, he confessed, that Grimoalde withall the power of Lumbardie was departed from Pauia, and came to reise the siege: and that he hym selfe was the messenger of his comyng. Wherfore the emperour hopyng incon­tinently to haue the towne, and so to departe before the comyng of Grimoalde, partely with thretenyng, and partly with fayre offers, persuaded Gensualde, that be­yng brought before the towne, he should shewe Romo­alde, [Page] how his father through other businesse of impor­taunce coulde not than succour hym. Gensualde promisyng so to dooe, was brought to the walles, and called for Romoalde, who foorthwith appeared. Ro­moalde (saied he) thy father is here at hand, with a pu­issaunt armie to succour the. I lefte hym passyng the riuer of Sanguine: be good to my wife and children, for I am but dead, and so it proued▪ for his head was stri­ken of, and for despite with an engine throwen into the towne. ¶Whervpon Constantine with his ar­mie retyred to Naples, and from thense to Rome, where he was most honourablie receiued of bishop Vitellian, withall the clergie and nobilitee. But he in recompence of that honour, fell to robbyng and spoylyng of all the goodly thynges that he founde there, aswell marble, brasse and peinture, as other richesse, insomuche that he toke the tile of brasse, wherwith the temple of Panthe­on was couered, and shipped all that he gotte. So that Rome in a maner suffered more hurt and spoyle in .vii. daies that he remaigned there, than it did by any ouer­throw from the fyrst comyng of the Lumbardes. And yet he enioyed not, for retournyng towardꝭ Greece he was slaine by his owne men in the citee of Syracusa: and all those preciouse thynges taken afterwardes by the Sarasines, and caried to Alexandria in Aegypt: where many of theim maie be seen at this daie. But to retourne vnto my purpose. Grimoaldus died of to muche streignyng his arme after he had been letten bloudde.

12 ¶Garmaldus, sonne of Grimoaldus, reigned .iii. mo­nethes onely and died.

[Page 20]¶Partharus, soonne of Arithpert before named, that 13 from his youthe had been in continuall exile, retourned home, and was restored to the kyngdome.

¶ Iunipertus or Compertus, sonne of Partharus succe­ded 14 after the death of his father.

¶Laimpertus, or Luitpertus, sonne of Iunipertus, be­yng 15 a childe, had not reigned vnder the tuicion of A­sprandus fully .viii. monethes, but that Raimpertus Duke of Turine rebelled, and in plaine battaile ouer­came Asprandus, and so vsurped the kyngdome.

¶Raimpertus reigned not fully a yere. 16

¶Arithpertus, son of Raimpertus, was muche distur­bed 17 by the forenamed Luitpertus, but at laste he slew [...] him in plaine battaile, and in maner destroyed the whole house of Asprandus. Neuerthelesse in the .xi. yere of his reigne Asprandus, with helpe of the kyng of Baua­rie, retourned puissantly vnto Italy, fought with Arith­pert, and so discomfited him, that in his flight passyng the riuer of Tesino, he was drowned, by reason he had ouerladen him selfe with gold.

¶Asprandus reigned but .iii. monethes and died. 18

¶Luitprandus, son of Asprandus, was a great warri­our, 19 insomuche that after he had gotten Rauenna, and many other citees from the emperours Exarke, at laste he besieged Rome. Neuerthelesse at the intercession of his gossippe the frenche kyng, he leauied his siege, and restored to the Romains those castels and townes that he before had taken from theim.

¶Aldeprandus, nephewe of Luitprandus, liued not 20 fully .v. monethes, and died without issue.

¶Rachis or Lachis, as some call him, Duke of Turine, 21 [Page] was next kynge, who after manie gyftes made to the churche of Rome, whan he had reigned .vi. yeres, lefte his crowne, and became a monke.

22 ¶Aristolphus, brother to Rachis, contrarie to his bro­thers maners, made so sharpe warre to the churche of Rome, that Stephen then bishop, called Pepine the Fren­che kyng twise into Italy against him, and constreigned him to obey the Romayne See, and at last beyng on a day a huntyng, he died sodeinely of an appoplexi.

23 ¶Desiderius laste kyng of the Lumbardes, prospered longe tyme in his warres, and specially agaynste the churche of Rome, which he so constreigned, that Adrian the first than bishop there, was faine to call kyng Char­lemaine 779 of Fraunce into Italie to succour hym: who at his comyng not onelie restored vnto the churche all those citees that were taken awaie, but also led Deside­rius, his wife and children prysoners with hym into Fraunce, furnyshyng the whole regyon of Lumbardie with officers and rulers of his owne nacion.

The ende of the Lumbardes rei­gne.¶Thus ended the reigne of the Lumbardes, which had continued more than .200. yeres.

¶It is nowe to be vnderstanded, that shortly vpon the comyng of Alboinus into Italy, diuers citees & prouin­ces of the same (as theyr strength and tyme dyd serue theim) vsed theyr owne libertees, and leauyng the im­periall lawes, made newe orders and officers amongest them selfes. Wherfore the emperour Iustinus sent a generall of his into Italie, named Longinus, ordeinyng him to be called Exarke, whiche shoulde be chiefe ouer all other officers.

¶This Exarke passyng by Rome, came to Rauenna, and [Page 21] there kept his astate, appoynctyng the gouernaunce of Rome to a Duke: so that many yeres after there were no mo Consulles made: whiche office together with the most parte of all the other Romayne magistrates, kept theyr auncient forme vnto that tyme, not withstandyng that the emperours had taken from theym all maner of auctoritee, except the onely gouernaunce of the citee.

¶From Longinus vnto the comyng of kynge Pepine into Italie, the emperours helde in maner contynuall warre with the kinges of Lumbardy by theyr Exarkes: but after Pepine had ouercome the kyng Aristolphe (who before had subdued the Exarke of Rauenna) he gaue the landes of that Exarcate to the churche: A great part wherof the bishoppe of Rome holdeth to this day.

¶And because that from the tyme of Honorius hither­wardes I can not finde that any emperour had quiete dominion ouer Italy, or was at any time resident there, I therfore omitte to reherse the emperours names that haue reigned syns, and woull conclude, how by Charle­maines time, the empire that before had none other title than of Rome, (wherof it toke originall) was vtterlie diuided in two, Oriental [...] and Occidentall, the occasion wherof was this.

¶ Leo the .iii. successour vnto Adrian bishop of Rome, was chased awaie by the Romaines, and fledde to kyng Charlemaine for succour, who not onely restored hym to his bishopriche, but also for a more terrour to the Ro­maines, with a great power came to Rome in his owne person: where on Christmas daie, for a rewarde of his trauaile, the bishoppe and clergie proclaimed hym em­perour. 801

[Page]¶Some write, that Charlemaine was very loth to take it vpon him, till he had practised first with Hirena, than Empresse of Constantinople, and after with Niceforus nexte emperour folowyng, and obteygned bothe theyr consentes.

¶In effect Charlemaine was crowned, toke on him the empyre: and his son Pepine was entitled king of Italy. And after they had attempted to chase the grekes cleane out of the same, they accorded with Niceforus to diuide the easte empire from the weast, limittyng the Duchi [...] of Beneuento to be as a confyne or bounde betwene theim both.

¶And thus, sens Charlemaine, the occidentall empyre continued vnder the Frenche dominion, Elecion of the empe­rour. till Gregorie the .v. bishop of Rome transported the election of the emperour vnto the princes of Germanie, whi­che to this dai endureth. Like as on the other syde the Orientall empyre continued in Constantinople in the handꝭ of Christians, till Ma­chome [...] the second of that name emperour of the Turkes, toke the citee by force, slew the em­perour Sigismonde, and consequently enioyed the whole Greekish em­pyre, as his successours dooe vnto this daie.

THynkyng to finde a great contentacion in the sight of Rome, be­cause that amōgest al the citees of the worlde none hath been more famous than it, I disposed my selfe to goe thither. But whan I came there, and behelde the wonderfull maiestee of buildynges that the onely rootes therof doe yet represent, the huge tem­ples, the infinite great palaices, the vnmeasurable pil­lers, moste parte of one peece, fine marble, and well wrought, the goodly arches of triumphe, the baines, the cunductes of water, the images as well of brasse as of marble, the Obeliskes, and a noumbre of other lyke thynges, not to be founde againe thoroughout an whole worlde: imaginyng withall, what maiestee the citee myghte be of, whan all these thynges flourished, Than didde it greeue me to see the onelie iewell, myr­rour, maistres, and beautie of this worlde, that neuer had hir lyke, nor (as I thynke) neuer shall, lie so de­solate and disfigured, that there is no lamentable case to be harde, or lothesome thyng to be seen, that maie be compared to a small parte of it. Neuerthe­lesse whan I remembred againe the occasions, wherof these gloriouse thynges haue growen, what noumbres of warres the Romaynes haue mainteygned, with in­finite bloudsheddyng, destructions of whole countreys, rauishmentes of chast women, sacke, spoyle, tributes, op­pression [Page] of common welthes, and a thousande other ty­rannies, without the whiche the Romaines could neuer haue achieued the perfection of so many wonders as mine eye dyd there beholde: Than perceiued I, howe iust the iudgement of god is, that hath made those anti­quitees to remayne as a foule spoyle of the Romaine pride, and for a witnesse to the worldes ende of their tyranny. So that I wote not whether of these two is greater either the glorie of that fame, that the Romai­nes purchased with theyr wonderfull conquestes: or their present miserable astate, with the deformitee of theyr antiquities.

BEcause my principal pur­pose tendeth to descriue the astates of Italie, I neede not to vse muche cir­cumstance, either in mattiers of reli­gion, or yet in writyng all the liues of the bishops of Rome. Wherfore entendyng to beginne at Siluester, the fyrst bishop there that had any thing in perpetuitee, I haue thought good to declare the diuers opinions of theyr originall.

Peter the [...]postle.¶Some auncient authours affirme, that Peter one of [Page 42] Christes Apostles, after that he had sufficientlie confir­med the churche in Asia, and confuted the errour of those Christians that allowed circumsicion, came to Rome the seconde yere of Claudius Empire, and there was recei­ued of the congregacion as bishop. In whiche office he ministred .25. yeres, and at last was crucified with the heade downewardes, the same daie that Paule the apo­stle was beheaded, the laste yere of Neros reigne, and the 37. yere after Christes death.

¶Contrariwyse manie learned men at these daies are of opinion, that Peter neuer came in Rome, groundyng them selfes vpon diuers reasons, as this. If Peter had commen thither, it coulde not haue been vnwriten in the holie scriptures, either by Luke in the actes of the apo­stelles, or elles by Paule in some of his epistelles. Or if Peter were of that age, that it shoulde seme he was at Christꝭ death, and after continued in Antioche and other places so manie yeres as is to be proued, it semeth im­possyble he shoulde come to Rome, and there liue .25. ye­res. Wherfore they saie, the ambiciouse bishops of Rome, to couer theyr vsurped auctoritee, haue feygned this comyng of Peter thither.

¶But this is clere, that from Peter to Siluester they recken .33. bishops: whiche for the moste parte were per­secuted, and many of theym martyred by the emperours officers. So that in maner they alwaies kept theim selfes out of sight, preachyng and ministryng secretlie without pompe astate or solemne ceremonie. But from the tyme of Siluester hitherwardes, as they grewe in wealthe, so encreased theyr worldely maiestee and ambi­cion, as hereafter more plainely appeareth.

[Page]¶As for the bisshops names, the tyme of theyr reygne, and the date of our Lorde, because that in a table I haue put theim all togethers, I neede not perticulerly to re­herse euery one of theim, but suche as the occasion of my purpose shall necessarily requyre.

Siluester .1 SIluester the fyrst of that name, after he had been a certaine space in the hill Soratto, now called Monte di San Siluestro, where for feare of persecucion, he hydde hym selfe, hearyng of the good inclinacion that the emperour Constantine the fyrst was of, towardes Christian religion, came to Rome, and so discretely be­haued him selfe that the emperour was conuerted to the right faieth, and baptised.

¶Some write, that the occasion therof proceded of a myracle doen on Constantine, in recoueryng his health from the leaprie. But Platina thynketh that to be a fable, and in maner proueth it, thynkyng rather it proceded of the signe of the crosse, that Constantine did see in the firmament, vnder whiche he was promysed victorie, and so cariyng a redde crosse in his standarde before hym, he ouercame his enemie Maxentius, where­vpon he gaue eare to Siluesters preachyng, and was con­uerted. But what so euer the occasion was, it is agreed, that Siluester baptised Constantine, who being christened, turned many of the gentiles temples to Christian chur­ches: enduyng theim with ornamentes and possessions.

¶Not longe after, leauyng Rome to Siluester and his successours, as the clergie saie, Constantine wente to dwell at Bizantium, whiche he had than newly reedifi­ed, callyng it Constantinople after his owne name. So that from thensfoorth the Christian faieth began to [Page 43] flourishe ouer all the worlde: and therfore most part of all Christian churches sent to the bishops of Rome to learne of them the cerimonies and ordres necessary to be vsed in the churche, by reason wherof the emperours beyng residente elswhere, the Romayne bishops grewe in such reputacion, that at lengthe they became empe­rours theym selfes.

¶And there is an auncient writyng in the Vaticane li­brarie, called the Donacion of Constantine, The dona­cion of Constan­tine. whiche is so vehement liberall, that it shoulde seeme the emperour spoyled him selfe of all his glorie and honour, and of a great part of his dominion, to geue theim to the churche of Rome: by aucthoritee wherof the Romaine bishops haue taken vpon theim the imperiall vestementes, maie­stee, commaundementes and dominion ouer some coun­treys.

¶In deede Laurentius Valla, an excellent learned man, Ualla a­gainste the donacion▪ and a Romaine borne, hath written a boke to confound this Donacion of Constantine, and proueth by so many rea­sons, that it hath been feigned by some bishop of later tyme than Siluester, that I am persuaded rather to be­leue hym than the Donacion. In effect this Siluester was the fyrst that prescribed a direct ordre of ministers in the churche, and how they shoulde be knowen in theyr degrees from the highest to the lowest: by whose tyme there spronge dyuers sectes amongest the Christians, as the Arrianes, Photines, Sabellianes, and others: for whose reformacion the Nicene counsaile was called, Nicene counsaile, but for all that those errours ceased not many yeeres after.

¶Next vnto Siluester Marke succeded, Marcus, who made his [Page] clergie like vnto a common wealth, exemptyng the same from all temporall iurisdiction, and further established a certaine ordre for the solemne consecracion of the Ro­maine bishops, that before vsed no pompe at all.

Iulius.¶Iulie the fyrst contended with the churche of the O­rient, partely for the Arrian sect, but most of all for the supremacie of the churche. For this Iulie was the fyrst that claimed the inheritaunce of Peters keyes, for the whiche Constantius, the sonne of Constantine, banished hym out of Rome. But ere he had fully been awaie .x. monethes the emperour died, and than retourned he from exile.

Liberius.¶Liberius the first was bishop after him, who by the power of the Arrianes, after the counsaile holden at Myllaine, was banished, and Felix the second chosen in his place. But at length through the emperours dis­pleasure, Felix .2. Felix was deposed, and Liberius restored, who from that time forwarde fauoured the Arrianes, and or­deyned that euery bishop should be resident on his bene­fice, and applie him selfe to fede his flocke.

Damasus.¶ Damasus succeded Liberius, who contented with Vr­cisinꝰ, one of the decons of the church, that was likewise elected vnto the bishoprike. For the Romayns at that tyme were diuided into sectes, so that a numbre of either side were slaine, but finally Damasus preuailed: and Vrcisinus was confyned to Naples.

¶This Damasus was afterwardꝭ accused of adultery: and therfore called .40. bishops together, and cleryng him selfe of the cryme, not onelie punished his accusers, but also made a decree, Sub poena tallionis, that none of the clergie from thensefoorth shuld be accused: whiche [Page 44] Poena tallionis condemneth the accuser to the payne of the accusacion, in case he prouet it not.

¶At this tyme lyued sainct Hierome, Hierome. that than hadde newelie translated the bible out of Hebrue into the la­tine tonge, and had set it foorth to the edificacion of the churche, whiche before had none other but the .70. inter­pretours.

¶ Syritius was next bishop, in whose tyme, Syritius, the secte of the Manichees encreased muche: of all other most pe­stilent to our Christian religion. It beganne thorough one Maneph, a Persian borne, who named hym selfe Christ, chose vnto him .12. apostles, reproued the olde te­stament, folowed the new, and saied, that Christ had but a fantasticall and a feigned body: and with wonders gate hym suche creadite, that in maner all the east par­tees were corrupted with his heresies.

¶Finally Syritius, to refourme this and other lyke se­ctes, called a generall counsaile in Constantinople of 1350. bishoppes, where these opinions were vniuersally condemned: though they could not be clerely extingui­shed many yeres after.

¶But because it apperteygneth not to my purpose, to write of sectes and opinions, seyng that till the time of Gregorie the seconde, about the yere of our lorde .720. the Romaine bishops trauailed most in mattiers of reli­gion, beyng alwaies obedient and ruled by the empe­rours without peculier dominion: I woull passe theim ouer for that space.

¶True it is, that in the tyme of Phoca the emperour, vppon controuersie moued betweene the Patriarke of Constantinople and the bishop of Rome, for the supre­macie 605 [Page] of the churche, Suprema­cie of the churche. Boniface the .iii. obteined a pri­uilege of the emperour, that he and his successours from thensefoorth shoulde be taken for Primates and chiefe of all Christian bishops. By reason of whiche pre­ferrement not longe after the Romaine bishops, not one­ly toke on theim the direction of all other bishops, with grauntyng of Dispensacions, Iubilees, and Pardons, but also wold put foorth their feete to be kissed of prin­ces: yea and of emperours theim selfes, as appeareth by the example of the emperour Iustinian, who kissed the feete of bishop Constantine the fyrst, as Platina affir­meth: like as other emperours sens haue accustomed to dooe. But for all that I fynde not, that any bishop o­penly contended with the emperours till the time of this Gregorie the seconde.

Gredori­ [...]s .2. Images put out of churches.¶ Leo the .iii. emperour commaunded throughout his dominion, that all maner of images shoulde be cleane had out of the churches for auoydyng of Idolatry, but the most parte of the people disalowed this ordinaunce. Through comfort wherof this Gregorie so contended a­gainst it, that in most partes of Italie, the emperours of­ficers executyng their princꝭ commandement in this be­halfe, were hewē to peces: as the exarke of Rauenna with his son, Marinus Spatarius duke of Rome with his son, and diuers other. Insomuche that Gregorie not onely sequestred from the emperour the customes and taxes due vnto hym out of Rome and manie other citees in I­talie, but also called a counsaile, and excomunicated the emperour as an heritike, and leauyng the churche in that astate died. Blondus saieth, that the doer hereof was Stephen the secounde, who was bishop before this Gre­gorie: [Page 45] but by agreement of most authours it shoulde not seeme to be so.

¶Than succeded Gregorie the .iii. who folowyng the example of his predecessour, Gregori­us. [...]. called a counsaile in Rome of a .1000. bishops, wherin the emperour was not onely excomunicate againe, but also by decree depriued of his imperiall title and iurisdiction, and the Italian nacion procured to rebell against him.

¶By reason whereof whan Luitprandus kynge of the Lumbardes, had besieged the citee of Rome, the bishop could not for shame requyre succours of the emperour, but was faine to sende to Charles Martell, Charles Martell▪ than beyng chiefe ruler in Fraunce: by whose fayre meane and en­treatie, the Lumbarde withdrew his siege, the rather because Charles Martell had made hym his gossippe. And here beganne the fyrst amitee betweene the kynges of Fraunce and the Romaine churche.

¶ Zacharie succeded Gregorie, Zacharias▪ who to encrease the re­putacion of the Romaine churche, at the intercession of Pepine, sonne vnto Charles Martell, than great mai­ster of the frenche kyngꝭ house, Chilperike deposed. deposed Chilperike than beyng kyng, and made hym a monke closed vp in a cloy­ster, and afterwardes inuested Pepine kyng of Fraunce. For whiche acte the heyres of Pepine were euer after earnest friendes to the Romaine See.

¶This Zacharie vppon occasion wente to Narnia to Luitprandus kyng of Lumbardes, and there partly with makyng a sermon, and partly with his hūble behauiour, entred in suche grace with the kyng, that he gaue to the churche of Rome .iii. citees, Narnia, Ancona, and Huma­na, with a great valey in Sutri: whiche were the fyrste [Page] notable possessions that the churche of Rome obteined. For vntill this tyme if the churche had any temporal­tees, thei were so small, that they serued scarcely to the necessarie findyng of the ornamentes and ministers. But after this they encreased so muche, that they passed princely astates.

Stepha­nus .2.¶After Zacharie folowed Stephen the secounde, in whose tyme Aristolfus or Aistolfus, kynge of Lum­bardes, troubled all the astates of Italie, by reason he had gotten Rauenna, with diuers other citees, and was like to haue subdued the reste. Wherfore the bishop, that than had taken vpon hym to rule the Romaines, sent for ayde vnto Constantine the .v. than emperour. From whom he receiued so small coumfort, that for his last refuge, he repayred to Pepine kyng of France, and procured hym to come into Italie.

¶ Pepine to gratifie the Romaine churche, vsed all his power, and two seuerall times passed the Alpes against Aristolfe. At the first he besieged Pauia, and there constreigned Aristolfe to promise more than he perfour­med in deede: and at the secounde tyme, for breache of that promyse, to forgoe the exarkate of Rauenna, whi­che he had before taken by force from the emperours ex­arke there: so that Pepine at his last viage gaue vnto the Romaines, although the bishop vnder that name re­ceiued it as his owne, all the territorie of Pentapoli and Aemilia, from Placentia to Pesaro, liyng betwene the Appenine hillꝭ, the Po, and the Adriatike sea: whiche are at the least .xi. or .xii. citees, with the countreis a­bout theim. Through the gifte wherof the Romaine bishoprike encreased no lesse in power than before tyme [Page 46] it had dooen in aucthoritee.

¶True it is, that the emperour sent his ambassadou [...]rs vnto Pepine, to claime this exarkate, wherof he and his predecessours had ben in possession .170. yeres: but those ambassadours could not be heard.

¶ Blondus saieth, that these thynges happened in the time of bishop Gregorie the .iii.

¶Of this Paule I finde nothyng notable, Paulus. sauyng he did his beste to dissuade Constantine the .v. emperour from the defacyng and hurlyng of images out of the christian churches: but Constantine, folowyng the ex­aumple of his father Leo, Images. not onelie extirped the ima­ges, but also put diuers to deathe that wente about to resist it.

¶After the death of Paule, Desiderius, king of the Lum­bardes made Constantine bishop by force, Constanti­nus .2. but within a yere, the clergie of Rome deposed him, and elected Ste­phen the .iii. in his place, Stepha­nus .3. in whose tyme happened no no­table thyng in the churche, sauyng that he with all the clergie immediatly after his election, in token of humi­litee, wente barefoote in procession from the Laterane churche to Saint Peters.

¶This Adrian was so haulte of courage, Adrianus. that whan Desiderius the kyng sent ambassadours to congratulate his election, and to enter in amitee with him, he answea­red theim, howe maie I trust him, that so ofte hath bro­ken his faith? wherwith Desiderius toke suche displea­sure, that he inuaded the churches dominion, and tooke by force Faenza, Ferrara, Comacchio, Montefeltro, Vr­bino, Senegalia, and was come as farre as Spoleti, en­tendyng to goe to Rome, had not .iii. bishops mette hym [Page] there with an excomunicacion: for feare wherof he re­tourned to Pauia without anie more adoe. But because he helde still in possession the foresaied citees, the bishop of Rome procured Charlemaigne, than frenche kyng, to come into Italie, who with a mightie power besieged Pauia, tooke Desiderius with his wife and children pri­soners, restored to the churche all that his father Pe­pine had geuen, with more, and reserued vnto him selfe the dominion of Lumbardie.

¶In this bishops time Tyber rose so high, that Rome was in maner cleane drowned.

Leo .3.¶After Adrian succeded Leo the .iii. who because the Romaines conspyred against him, fledde vnto Charle­maigne, and by hym was restored with great pompe into his astate, & for pacifiyng this Romayn furie against the bishop, Charlemaigne him selfe with a great army came to Rome, where for the high seruice he had doen to holie churche, the Romaine bishop annointed and proclaimed him emperour August: Thempire diuided. and his sonne Pepine kyng of Italie. So that from this time forewardes the em­perours of Constantinople were no more reputed Ro­mayne emperours: but emperours of Greece. For Charlemaigne did so muche, that at lengthe the empires were deuided by confines, and the Greeke Emperours consented to suffer the Frenchemen in quyette bothe with the name and dominion of the Occidentall empire.

¶After the death of Charlemaigne and of Pepine, this Leo remembryng the olde conspiracie made against him, caused many of the chiefe Romaines his enemies to be put to death. For the whiche at laste he was faine to withdrawe him from Rome, and liyng at Blera, the Ro­maynes [Page 47] in a sodayne rage spoyled and rased to the earth all the buildynges that he had made or procured to be made in Rome. And because the bishop died shortelie thervpon, Lewys the frenche kynge and emperour, sent his cousin Bernarde as kyng into Italie, to be a staie against the inconueniences that of this furie might haue folowed: whiche Bernarde within few yeres after re­belled, but at last he was constreigned to yelde him selfe, and so beyng brought into Fraunce, was beheaded.

¶This Stephen went into Fraunce, Stepha­nus .4. and there crowned the forenamed Lewys emperour, who for his great cur­tesie and gentilnesse was called Lewys the meeke: and at his retourne to Rome, this bishop brought many Ro­mains home with him, that his predecessour had exiled.

¶After Stephen succeded Pascall, Pascalis▪ who crowned Lo­tharius, sonne of Lewys the meeke, kyng of Italie, and successour to his father in the empyre: and with faire persuasions obteined of Lewys the election or confyr­macion of all bishops, whiche before that time depended onely vpon the emperours pleasure. And further pro­cured the confines and limites of the churches dominion to be made certaine, and that with the largest.

¶But Gregorie the .iiii. woulde not take vpon hym the bishoprike, Gregori­us .4. till he had receiued his confyrmacion from the emperour Lewys before named.

¶In his tyme, the Sarasines in great noumbre landed in Italie, besieged Rome, toke it, spoyled it, and all the countrey about: but at last they were repulsed by the Marques Guido of Lumbardie, with helpe of the fren­chemen.

¶Sergius the secounde, Sergius▪ [...] fyrst gaue president to all his [Page] successours to change theyr names: by reason that his owne name Bocca di porco that is to saie, swynes­mouth, was so vnseemely, that he thought it not agrea­ble to his dignitee. He repayred the walles of the Va­ticane, and builded Castel Sant' Angelo vpon the tombe of Adrian.

Iohannes .8.¶Iohan the .viii. was an englishe woman, that in hir youthe disguised in a boies apparaile was brought to Athenes in Greece, where she profited so muche in lear­nyng, that whan she returned to Rome, for hir good be­hauiour and singler reputacion she was elected bishop: and so continued more than two yeres, till at last goyng in procession towardes sainct Iohn Lateranes, she fell in trauaile of childe in the high waie, and there died. For whiche cause the bishops to this daie dooe forsake that waie, and (as they saie) whan any new bishop is e­lected, he is brought to sainct Iohn Lateranes, and there set in a chayre with an hole, that the eldest Deacon of the Cardinalles maie feele vtrum habet testiculos.

Adrianus .2.¶Adrian the seconde was elected and establisshed bi­shop without the emperours consent, wherwith the em­perours ambassadours, than resident in Rome, beganne somewhat to be moued: but at length the emperour him selfe was so contented withall, that from thensefoorth the clergie in maner esteemed not the emperours.

Iohan­nes .9.¶Iohn the .ix. succeded Adrian, and willyng to crowne Lodouicus Balbus frenche kynge emperour: the Ro­maines (that fauoured more Charles the .iii. kynge of Germanie, who than was entred into Italy with an ar­mie) put the bishoppe in prison: but he was shortly con­ueighed out, and fledde into Fraunce, where he annoin­ted [Page 48] the kyng emperour. Neuerthelesse within a while after the frenche kyng dyed, and than was the bishop re­consiled to the foresaied kyng Charles, whom he after­warde crowned emperour.

¶Adrian the .iii. bishop made a law, Adrianus [...] that from thens­foorth the emperours shoulde haue naught to dooe with his successours elections.

¶Stephen the .vi. bearyng malice in his hert against his predecessour Formosus, Stepha­nus .6. caused hym to be taken out of his graue, to be spoyled of his pontificall vestemen­tes, his fingers to be cut of, and his body to be throwen into Tyber, as an excomunicate and damned person. For whiche act there grewe heynous contencion amon­gest the Romains, that ceased not many yeres after.

¶At this place Platina began to lament the tyranny of the Romaine bishops, because from hense foorthf there reigned no more humilitee, temperance, religion, trouth nor charitee amonge theim: but in stede therof ambici­on, disdeygne, auaryce, falshead, and tyrannie. For shortly after Leo the .v. was by force deposed, and put in prison by Christofer the fyrste, one of his owne bryn­gyng vp: who continued scarcely .vii. monethes, but was likewyse serued by Sergius the .iii.

¶Here, I haue thought good to make a litle digression, because of the notable chaunge of the empire.

¶About this time began the contencion betwene Lewis the Frenche kyng, and Berengarius Duke of Friuli for the empire and dominion of Lumbardie.

¶The Italians wolde not, that the bishops of Rome shoulde crowne any other emperour than one of theyr owne nacion, wherupon Berengarius tooke on hym the [Page] name of emperour and kyng of Italie, and in that qua­rell fought twise with Lewys. The first battaile he lost, but the second he wan: in the which Lewys was ta­ken prisoner, and one of his eies put out. And thus ended the empire in Charlemaignes descent, Chaunge of the empire. for the which was no smal contencion awhile betwene the .iii. nacions, Ita­lian, Frenche and Douche.

Berenga­rius .1.¶Fyrste this Berengarius reygned with the name of emperour .iiii. yeres, and had no small warres, speciallie with the Conte Guido di Spoleti: who at the laste was discomfited and slayne in the fielde. And as some write, the bishop Lando gaue Berengarius the crowne.

Berenga­rius .2.¶After him reigned Berengarius the secound .vii. yeres, who suffred the Hungariens to passe into Italie, vpon condicion they shoulde not offende his subiectes: but they kepte not theyr couenaunt with him.

Raulfe Duke of Burgoyne▪¶And than came Raulfe Duke of Burgoyne, and draue him out of Italie: whiche he ruled for the space of .iii. yeres, till Berengarius, with helpe of the Hungariens recouered it againe.

Hugo C [...]nte d' Arli.¶Than came Hugh, Conte d' Arli, and reigned after Be­rengarius .x. yeres askyng of Italie.

Berenga­rius .3.¶The last of the Italians was Berengarius the .iii. who reigned about .xi. yeres, and was expulsed, as you shall here afterwardes.

Iohan­nes .11.¶Iohn the .xi. (a better warriour than churchman) with the helpe of Alberico Marques of Tuscane, gathered an armie, and fought with the Sarasines, that than had ouerronne Puglia and Calabria, and were comyng to Rome, and in effecte so discomfited theim, that they fled to Monte Gargano, where thei fortified them selfes, and [Page 49] did muche hurte afterwardes in the realme of Naples. Finally he fell at variaunce with the forenamed Mar­ques, who therfore called the Hungarians into Italie, and scourged the whole nacion, aswell his owne subie­ctes as others: So that the Romains to be auenged toke Alberico and beheaded hym, and the souldiours tooke the bishop and strangeled hym.

¶Agapet the seconde, Agapi­tus .2. seeyng the puissance of Berenga­rius the .iii. and fearyng to come vnder his subiection, with consent of the Romains procured Otho, than new­ly chosen emperour in Germanie, Otho. with a great armie to come into Italie. Where he fought twyse with Be­rengarius, and at either tyme toke hym and his soonne Albert prisoners. The fyrst tyme he restored hym to the astate of Lumbardie vpon condicions. But the se­counde tyme he and his sonne bothe were ledde awaie, and confined the one to Bamborough in Almaigne, and the other to Constantinople: where thei died miserably.

¶Iohn the .xii. not by free election, but by the power of his father Alberico than chiefe of the Romaines, Iohan­nes .12. was made bishop. For though the bishops had longe time continued like kynges, I meane for theyr astate and temporall possessions: yet for all that the Romaines created yerely certaine Consules and other officers af­ter theyr olde facion, and had belongyng to theyr com­mon wealth diuers townes neere vnto Tuscane, betwene Vrbeuentano, and Tudertino, and all that is betwene Naples, Marsi, Riete, and Rome, so that the chiefe Ro­maines bare a great stroke in the bisshops elections.

¶This bishop crowned Otho beforenamed fyrst empe­rour of the Germaines. For neither Henrie Duke of [Page] Saxonie last emperour before him, nor yet Conrade suc­cessour to Lewys before named of Charlemaignes de­scent, were euer crowned: though they bothe toke vpon theim the imperiall aucthoritee.

¶This Iohn was a man of so ill liuyng, that two of his Cardinalles complained on hym to the emperour: besechyng hym to see a reformacion for an exaumple to the worlde. But the bishop hearyng of this, was soone euin with theim. For he cutte of the ones nose, and the others handes: and afterwardes receiued the emperour with so good a countinance, that he seemed nothing gil­tie, till the clergie with one voyce accused hym, where­vpon he fledde into the mountaines and hidde him selfe: so that the emperour with consent of the clergie chose Leo the .viii. But assoone as the emperour retourned home, Iohn by force of his friendes expulsed Leo, re­couered his bishoprike, and so continued till he died.

¶Some write, that this was Iohn the .xiii. For amon­gest the aucthours is some confusion in the numbre of these Iohns, specially because some recken the english Iohan for one, and some recken hir not: but how so euer it be, this Iohn succeded Agapet the secounde: and as some write, was taken in adoulterie and slaine by the womans housbande.

Iohannes .13¶Iohn the .xiii. elected by the clergie against the Ro­maines will, was taken by Geffroie Conte di Campania and exiled, till this Geffroie and his sonne were slaine by an other lorde of Campania. Insomuche that the emperour Otho, hearyng of this bishops exile, made an armie, and came to Rome, where after a solemne en­trey, he toke all the senatours and put theim in prison, [Page 50] sent the Consules prisoners into Almaigne: and one Peter that had been chiefe of the conspiracie against Iohn, was drawen througe the stretes, whipped naked, hanged by the heare of the head, and finally in maner halfe dead sent prisoner into Germanie, where he fini­shed his daies. For whiche courtesie this Iohn crow­ned Otho the secounde (sonne of this fyrst Otho) em­perour, by the fathers consent, and his wyfe Theophi­la empresse.

¶Benedict the .vi. was taken by Cinthio, Benedi­ctus .6. a noble man of Rome, and beyng laied in prison in Castel Sant' Ange­lo, was either strangled or famished to death.

¶Boniface the .vii. beyng constreyned to forsake Rome, Bonifati­us .7. toke all the richesse of S. Peters churche with hym to Constantinople, and there solde it: and at length retour­ned to Rome, where after he was well receiued, he put out one of his Cardinalles eies.

¶Gregorie the .v. by reason of a commocion in Rome, Gregori­us .5. fled first into Tuscane, and afterwardes into Germanie, because he wolde not consente to crowne Crescentius emperour: who beyng the noblest amongest the Romai­nes, was prouoked by the Italians to take the empyre vpon hym. So that whan Gregorie was fledde, they made one that had been bishop of Placentia bishop of Rome, and named him Iohn the .17. but Otho the .iii. than emperour, with a puisant armie came to Rome, and wolde haue besieged it, had not the Romayns receiued him, so that Crescentius and the bishop Iohn both fled into Castel Sant' Angelo, and there helde them till thei had so faire offres made on themperours behalfe, that vpon trust therof they came foorthe and submitted theim sel­fes. [Page] But for all that they were both turmented, and at last put to death. Wherupon it folowed, that this Gregorie, who was a Saxon borne, transferred the electi­on of emperours vnto .vii. princis of his owne nacion, that is to wete, The kyng of Boeme, cupbearer, the Marques of Brandenburgh chamberlayne, Electours of the empire. the Conte Palatine sewer, and the Duke of Saxonie swoordbearer, with .iii. Archebishops of Mentes, Treue [...]e, and Coleyn. And ordeyned further, that from the emperours election to his coronacion, he shoulde be called none other but Caesar and kyng of Romayns, Cesar. and after that the bishop of Rome had crowned him, he shoulde be called Empe­rour and August, Augustus. whiche order by consent of the forena­med Otho, was established about .200. yeres after Char­lemaignes coronacion.

Bene­dictus .8.¶Benedicte the .viii. crowned Henrie the secounde, em­perour: who was the fyrste that accordyng to the order of Gregorie the .v. was elected by the princis of Germa­nie. Some call him Henrie the fyrste, because Henrie Duke of Saxonie, that succeded Conrade, neuer came to Rome to be crowned.

Bene­dictus .9.¶Benedict the .ix. for his naughtie behauiour was ex­pulsed, and Siluester the .iii. placed in his roume, who helde it .40. daies, and than was Benedict restored. Neuerthelesse Benedict mistrustyng that he coulde not kepe it longe, solde his iurisdiction vnto Gregorie the vi. but the emperour, Shiftyng and poy­sonyng of Romayne bishops. Henrie the .iii. came to Rome, depo­sed these .iii. bishops, and created Clement the seconde, who liued not fullie .x. monethes, by reason that his next successour Damasus the seconde founde meane to poyson him, beyng after so serued him selfe the .23. daie nexte [Page 51] folowyng his election.

¶ Leo the .ix. beyng sent as bishop to Rome, Leo .9▪ at the Ro­maines request, that desired the emperour to sende theim a good man, mette with .ii. monkes by the waie, who per­suaded him so muche, that he put of his pontificall ha­bite, and priuatelie came to Rome, saiyng that he repen­ted hym to haue taken of the emperour, that whiche ap­perteined to the clergies free election. For whiche humilitee the clergie embraced him, and neuerthelesse made him their bishop.

¶He made an armie against the Normains, than rei­gnyng in the realme of Naples, to recouer Beneuento, that they had wonne from the churche, where his army was discoumfited, and he with diuers of his Cardinal­les taken prisoners. But the Normaines freely deli­uered hym, and honourablie sent hym home.

¶In his time was the counsaile of Vercelli called a­gainst the opinion of Berengarius for the sacrament of communion.

¶Stephen the .ix. brought the churche of Myllaine to the obedience of the churche of Rome, Stepha­nus .9. whiche for .200. yeres before would neuer knowlage Rome for hir supe­riour.

¶Nicolas the .ii. after the clergie had deposed Bene­dicte the .x. was elected, who made a decree, Nicola­us, 2. that from thensefoorth the Cardinalles onely shoulde choose the bishoppe.

¶He created Robert Guiscarde Duke of Calabria and Puglia, and made hym lieutenaunt of the churche, by whose power he subdued to the churches dominion the Prenestini, Tusculani, and Numentani: with diuers o­ther [Page] territories about Rome.

Alexandre .2.¶Alexandre the .ii. in the beginnyng of his astate was disturbed by Gadolo bishop of Parma: for the whiche they fought two battailes, but finally Alexandre pre­uailed, by reason that at a counsaile holden in Mantua, where the emperour was present, the whole clergie a­greed vppon Alexander, and exempted from all empe­rours the aucthoritee of confyrmacion of the Romaine bishops: whiche afterwardes was occasion of many in­conueniences.

Gregori­us .7.¶Gregorie the .vii. incontinently vpon his election beganne to proue maistries with the emperour Henrie the .iii. Fyrst he woulde not be confyrmed of the em­perour, and afterwardes, where the emperour before tyme had vsed to geue bishoprikes, Gregorie would geue theim hym selfe. So that whan a bishop died, the emperour woulde name one, and Gregorie an other. Wherof folowed excomunicacions as thicke as hayle, so that at laste the emperour hym selfe was not onely excomunicate, but also by the ecclesiasticall power de­posed of the empyre. And yet had religion so muche power in hym, that whan he was come into Italie, and had besieged his enemie Gregorie within the towne of Canosso, the emperour hym selfe went barefooted to the towne gates in the harde frost and snow, to aske for­geuenesse of the bishop: who for all that stode styfe .iii. or .iiii. daies ere he woulde assoyle hym. At lengthe they agreed vpon condicion, that the emperour shoulde obey the bishops commaundementes.

¶But the bishop not yet contented, within a whyle af­ter so offended the emperour againe, that he came to [Page 52] Rome, and was there receiued of the Romaines. Wherfore Gregorie fled into Castel Angelo, and there kepte hym, till he was rescued by Robert Guiscarde, for feare of whose comyng the emperour retyred into Ger­manie. Where by the bishops procurement the princes had elected Radulphus de Sueuia emperour, betweene whom and Henry were many blouddy battailes fough­ten, and not onely Radulphus him selfe slaine at length, but also the emperours owne sonne so suborned, that he warred against his naturall father, and besieged hym in the towne of Mentz. Neuerthelesse (muche against the bishops will) nature and friendes wrought a peace betwene theim at last.

¶And though Guiscarde deliuered this bishop out of themperours handꝭ, yet he was so hated of the Romai­nes, that he durst not abide in Rome, but went with Gu­iscarde into the realme of Naples, and there died.

¶Some write, Priestes mariage. that this Gregorie was the fyrste that prohibited matrimonie vnto priestes.

¶Uictor the .iii. was poysoned by the emperours pro­curemente, as some write, Uictor .3. but some holde that he died of a naturall infirmitee.

¶Pascall the .ii. fell at varyaunce with the familie of Colonna in Rome, by reason wherof, Pascalis▪ whiles he was at the gettyng of Beneuento (which by the helpe of Roger Duke of Puglia he obteined) the Colonesi by force toke the towne of Caua apperteinyng to the churche. But the bishop at his retourne both recouered Caua, and also toke from them Zagarolo, and Colonna their owne en­heritaunce. Wherupon folowed so muche busynesse, that almoste no man coulde passe in quiete anie where [Page] through Campania.

¶This Pascall went into Fraunce to reforme the disor­dinate life of the clergie there.

¶After his retourne into Italie, he condemned the do­ynges of Henry the .iiii. emperour, so that whan the em­perour him selfe was come as far as Sutri, with a great armie, the bishop forbade hym the comyng to Rome, till he had promised not to medle with the churche matters: and further to cause those bishops that he had made, to renounce their bishoprikes.

¶But whan the emperour had kyssed the bishops foote at the heade of S. Peters staiers, and was receiued with solemne procession into the churche, than he requyred Pascall to confirme his bishops, who refusyng so to doe, he with diuers of his cardinals and prelatꝭ, were taken, spoyled of their myters and copes, and so ledde into the armie that laie without the citee, and from thense into a stronge holde, till the bishop so consented to the empe­rours will, that he not onely crowned him there, but also confyrmed his bishops. How be it, shortlie after the emperours retourne into Germanie, Pascall called a counsaile in Laterano, and reuoked all his doynges to the emperour, because they had ben doen through com­pulsion and not of free will. Wherfore the emperour with a puisaunt armie retourned to Rome, and findyng that Pascall was withdrawen into Puglia, for feare of displeasure, he caused him selfe to be crowned a newe by the archebishop of Barcare, of whom he also toke aucto­ritee to dispose the bishoprikes at his pleasure.

Matilda.¶Aboute this tyme died the Countesse Matilda, that gaue vnto the churche of Rome all the territorie from [Page 53] the riuer Pissea and San Quirico vpon the Senese, vnto Ceperano betwene the Appenine hilles and the sea, with the Feodariship of Ferrara.

¶And in this bishops tyme was the great viage made of the Christians into the holy lande, U [...]age into the holy lande, where Hierusa­lem was wonne, and Godfrey of Boloigne crowned kynge.

¶Gelasius the .ii. succeded Pascall by the clergies e­lection, but the familie of Frangipani in Rome, Gelasius .2 which were of the imperiall faction, toke hym by force: and put hym the fyrst nyght in prison, but there was suche a commocion of the people the nexte mornyng, that the chiefe of his enemies was faine to kysse his feete, and to let hym goe. Wherfore shortly after the emperour came so soddeinly to Rome, that no man knew thereof, till he was in sainct Peters churche, so that the bishop in­continently fledde, and by boote escaped downe Tyber vnto Ostia, and so into Fraunce, where he died. Af­ter whose departure, the emperour created the abouena­med bishoppe of Bracare in his place, callyng hym Cle­ment: and so committyng hym to the protection of the Frangipani, retourned into Almaigne.

¶Calixt the seconde, before archebishop of Vienna, Calixtus. [...] was elected successour vnto Gelasius by the Cardinallꝭ that than were resident in Fraunce: how be it, he would not take the dignitee vpon hym: till he had woorde from Rome, that the clergie there were contented withall. Upon good aduertisement wherof he repayred thither: and findyng the imperiall bishop to be fledde, settled his astate there: sendyng to the emperour for peace and fa­uour, whiche he easilie obteined.

[Page]¶And hearyng that the imperiall bishop was gone to Sutri, and there had fortified, he made an armie, went thither, besieged Sutri, toke his aduersarie, brought hym to Rome, made hym ride about the stretes on a ca­mell, with the taile in his hande: and at last closed him vp in an abbey. He trauailed muche for William Duke of Puglia in the defence of his countrey against Roger Erle of Sicile, but it auailed not.

¶Innocent the seconde immediately after his corona­cion, Innocen­ [...]ius .2. sodeinly reised an army, and went against the fore­named Roger that than wrote him selfe kyng of Sicile: whom he founde so vnprouided, that he made hym flee to Castell Galuzzo, and there besieged him: till his son William with a great power came to the rescue, fought with the bishops armie, and toke the bishop withall his Cardinalles prisoners. Neuerthelesse they were af­terwardes courtesly let goe, and accompanied towardꝭ Rome, where in the meane season was a newe bishoppe made, named Anaclete. And this new bishoppe vsyng the iewelles of sainct Peters as his owne, made so ma­ny friendꝭ, that Innocent was faine to flee from thense to Pisa, from Pisa to Genoa, and so into Fraunce. Fi­nally he went vnto Lotharius the .iii. than elected Cae­sar, and by his meanes was restored to his bishoprike a­gaine. For the whiche he rewarded Lotharius with the imperiall crowne as the custome was, causyng hym afterwardes so to inuade the realme of Naples, that Roger, who than called hym selfe kyng therof, forsoke Italie cleane for a tyme.

¶The emperour was no sooner retourned into Germa­nie, but the bishop, thinkyng hym selfe in peace, fell at [Page 54] variaunce with the Romains for chosyng of senatours, because somewhat before that tyme the other bishops his predicessours, had taken all temporall power clere­ly from the citesins, and vsed it priuately as theyr own. In the heate of whiche contencion Innocence died.

¶Eugenius the .iii. incontinently vpon his election for­soke Rome, Eugenius .3. because the Romains were resolutely deter­myned to mainteigne theyr Senatours: and he to the contrarie, vsyng his vttermost power, constreigned them to crie him mercie, and to committe the ordre of all ma­gistrates vnto him. Neuerthelesse after his retourne, the people (that coulde not brooke the losse of theyr ly­bertees) so rebelled agaynste him, that he was faine to flee, and went into Fraunce: where declaryng his case vnto Lewys the kyng, he obteined suche succours, that in maner by force he retourned to Rome, and had his owne will.

¶Adrian the .iiii. an englishman borne, Adrianus▪ 4. constreigned the Consulles and Senatours of Rome to depose theym selfes, and to committe all theyr rule vnto the churche. He crowned Frederike Barbarossa emperour, thoughe afterwardes he did excommunicate hym. He also graunted the title of kyng to William the third, descen­ded of the Normaine bloud, beyng than lorde of Sicile, and of the realme of Naples. He encreased not a litle the Churches territorie, but he was muche hated of the Romains for takyng awaie of their libertees. Finally before his death he repented the excōmunicacion of the emperour, saiyng, that there coulde be none so mi­serable an astate, as the Romaine bishoprike gotten with bloudde.

[Page] Alexan­der. [...].¶Alexander the .iii. had vnto his election the voyces of 22. Cardinalles, and Octauian had but .iii. as moste au­thours agree. Neuerthelesse betwene theim two grewe so great a Schisme, that the emperour Frederike was faine to call diuers counsayles for the mattyer: cityng both the parties there to appeare, that the mattier might be rightuously iudged. Octauian came at the emperours callyng, but Alexander wolde neuer appeare. Wherfore the emperour became so muche his ennemie, that he was fayne to flee from Rome into Fraunce and other regions, to procure helpe of other princes. So that there happened much bloudde, fyre, and destruction for this mattier manie yeres together.

¶Some write, that Alexander was so pursued of the emperour, that in a cookes apparayle he was fayne to flee vnknowen, from place to place, till at laste he came to Uenice, and there in a monastarie toke a gardeyners wages, and serued in the kitchin. Where he was dis­couered by a pilgrime, and therupon apparailed, and brought in Pontificalibus with procession to S. Markes churche, remaignyng there honorably enterteigned, till after fore feight by sea, betwene the emperour and the Uenecians, Otho the emperours son was taken prisoner, by whose meanes a peace was made betwene Alexander and the emperour. Some writers make no mencion of this historie: but saie, that by appoin [...]tment Alexander came honorablie to Uenice, to mete the emperour for a treatie of peace, wherby the other historie of the cookish apparaile shoulde seeme vntrewe. In effect howe so euer it were there they mette, and the emperour in pre­sence of all the people kneled downe to kisse the bishops [Page 55] foote. At whiche kissyng, some affyrme, that the bi­shop vsed these woordes: Super aspidem et Basiliscum ambulabis et conculcabis leonem et draconem: And the emperour aunsweared, Non tibi sed Petro. wherunto the bishop replied: et Petro et mihi. Neuerthelesse there they concluded suche a peace, that the bishop retourned to Rome and enioyed his place. Immediately wher­vpon he called a counsaile in Laterano, in the whiche iiii. bishops (that sens his fyrst election had been crea­ted by the emperour) were condemned body and soule.

¶In his tyme Thomas Beckette, Thomas Beckette▪ bishop of Caunter­burie, was slaine. And the kynge of Englande (as some write) sent ambassadours to this Alexandre, pro­testyng the same to be doen vnknowyng to hym. But the bishoppe not credityng the ambassadours, sent two Cardinalles into Englande to examine the trouth: who compelled the kyng to sweare, that he was not giltie of Beckettes death: and neuerthelesse they enioigned him in penaunce, to sende .200. souldiours to serue an whole yere in Hierusalem: and within the terme of .iii. yeres to goe against the infidelles hym selfe, to mainteine all the libertees of the churche, and to permitte mattiers to be appealed to the courte of Rome.

¶Lucie the .iii. would haue depriued the Romaine Con­sules of theyr dignitee, but the people so resisted, Lucius .3▪ that he was faine to flee, and as many as were taken of his partie, had theyr eies put out. Wherefore the bishop went to Verona, called a counsaile, and there died.

¶Celestine the .iii. enuiyng the succession of Tancredi, Celesti­nus▪ 3▪ bastarde sonne of Roger, brother to the good kyng Wil­liam of Sicile, called into Italie Henrie the .vi. than [Page] elected Caesar ▪ And after he had crowned him empe­rour in Rome, toke Constantia a Nonne out of hir cloy­s [...]er: and because of the Normanes royall bloud, ma­ried hir to this emperour: endowyng him and hir bothe with the titles of the realmes of Naples and Sicile: and so transferred the Napolitane astate from the Nor­man succession to the Germains, wherof there folow­ed great bloudshedyng.

Innocen­ [...]ius .3.¶Innocence the .iii. because Philip Duke of Sueuia, sonne vnto Barbarossa, was chosen emperour against his will, not onely excommunicated him, but also caused Otho the .iiii. to be elected, and crowned hym in Rome.

¶This bishop contendyng with the forenamed Philip was wont to saie, either shall Philip take from me my myter, or I from hym his crowne.

¶ Otho had not longe enioyed the crowne, but the bi­shop with his excōmunicacions made his princes to for­sake hym, and he the emperour hym selfe to forsake I­talie: because he had moued warres against the church, and gotten Montefiascone and Radicofano, entendyng also to inuade the realme of Naples, than belongyng to younge Frederike sonne of Henry the .vi. who by his parentes was committed to the bishops protection.

¶Finally he deposed Otho, and named this Frederike emperour. Wherof there folowed so sharpe warres, that at length, whan Frederike had afterwardes recei­ued the crowne of Honorius the .iii. the Romaine bi­shops persecuted Frederike, and he them.

¶This Innocence beeyng of the familie of Conti in Rome, builded a notable fayre toure of bricke there, whiche yet is to be seen, called La torre d' i Conti.

[Page 56]¶Honorius the .iii. crowned Frederike the .ii. empe­rour, and after excōmunicated him, Honorius .3. for what cause I can not tell.

¶Gregory the .ix. did likewise excōmunicate the empe­rour, Gregorius 9. because he wolde not at his appoinctment goe into Asia againste the infidelles. Afterwardes he ass [...]yled him vpon his humble submission at Anagnia, for .120. thousand ounces of golde payed by the emperour.

¶Than fell he in contencion with the Romayns for the tribute of the territories about the citie, whiche the Ro­mayns alledged that the bishops vsurped vpon theyr cō ­mon wealth. And because Frederike fauoured the Ro­mains cause, the bishop did excommunicate him againe, wherof folowed cruell warres betwene the emperour and the confederate citees of Lumbardie, with the bat­tail besides Corte noua, where the Mylanese and Lum­bardes were so miserablie slaine, and theyr Caroccio taken.

¶Than began also the ciuile sedicion of the two par­ties in Italie, Guelfi and Ghibellini, that caused so muche mischiefe.

¶The Romayns after they had ben ones by force sub­dued of this bishop, began to rebell agayn: For the pa­cifiyng wherof the bishop caryed about saincte Peters and Paules heades in procession, and so quyeted the people.

¶Finallie beyng hardly handled by the emperour Fre­derike, who had taken diuers legates, cardinalles, and prelates prisoners, in theyr comyng to Rome, he died for sorowe.

¶Innocence the, iiii, before he was elected bishop, Innocen­tius .4. was [Page] verie friende to the emperour Frederike, but after he became so mortall enemy vnto him, that they ceased not the one to persecute the other as longe as they liued: not withstandyng that principally for respecte of his olde amitee with the emperour, Innocence was elected bi­shop. And the emperour againste this election set at libertee diuers cardinalles, that he had taken prisoners in the warres, betwene hym and Gregorie the .ix.

¶This Innocence was occasion of the great discomfi­ture that Frederike had before Parma, and yet was the auctoritie of the Romains so great in his later dais, that he durst not come in Rome.

Cardinall hattes.¶He firste ordeined the Cardinalles to ryde with redde hattes: and went to the citee of Naples, entendyng to haue conquered the realme, where trauaylyng to sette foorthe an armie he died.

Urba­nus .4.¶Urbane the .iiii. seyng the armie prepared of Inno­cence, discomfited by Manfredo, than gouernour of the realme of Naples, and him selfe vnhable to resist bothe Manfredos power and the Romayns also, Manfre­do. that newelie had recouered theyr libertee, practised with the Frenche kyng, that Charles Duke of Angiowe might come to con­quere Naples and Sicile: but he died er his purpose coulde take effect.

Clemens 4¶Clement the .iiii. folowyng the practise of Vrbane, re­ceiued the forenamed Duke Charles, that came with .30. galeys from Marsiles to Rome, and there created hym Senatour. Whiche office he exercised for a tyme. Afterwardes he inuested him kyng of Naples and of Sicile, vpon condicion, he should holde it of the churche in fee, paiyng tribute yerelie .40000. ducketes: and by [Page 57] this meane broughte the Frenchemen to warre agaynste Manfredo. In whiche warres Charles preuayled, and the Germaine bloud ceased: not onely by the deathe of Manfredo slayne in the fielde, but also by the death of Corradino the ryght heyre, who beeyng taken pri­soner, through this bishops counsayle was beheaded.

¶After longe contencion amongest the Cardinalles, and two yeres vacacion of the see, Gregorius 1 [...] ▪ Gregory the .x. was elected bishop. He incontinently pacified the warres betwene the Uenetians and Genowaies, and called a counsayle in Lyons, vnto the whiche the emperour of Greece came with a noble companie: and amongest other certaine in­fidell Tartares, who there receiued baptisme.

¶He confyrmed Radulphus Erle of Holsatia emperour, though he came not to Rome to receiue the crowne.

¶Nicolas the .iii. depriued Charles kyng of Naples of the vicarage of the empyre, Nicolaus .3. that Clement the .iiii. had geuen hym in Tuscane: and toke from him also the Senatourship of Rome, takyng the vse of that office in­to his owne handes: and made a lawe, that no prince from thensfoorth shoulde be Senatour of Rome. He repulsed the Uenetian ambassadours with foule woor­des, because of the siege that they had laied to the citee of Ancona. He toke many citees in Flaminia by force and practise, and brought theim from obedience of the emperour to the churches subiection. He went about to make two of his owne kynne of the house of Vrsina in Rome kynges, the one in Tuscane, and the other in Lumbardie: but he coulde not bringe it to passe.

¶Finally he procured Peter kyng of Aragon, to cha­lenge the realmes of Naples and Sicile, as the inheri­taunce [Page] of his wyfe Constantia, doughter to the kynge Manfredo. Wherof there folowed sharpe warres.

¶Martine the .iiii. a frencheman borne, after longe con­tencion amongest the Cardinalles was elected bishop, Martinꝰ .4. who incontinently restored vnto Charles than kynge of Naples, the office of Senatour of Rome, against the Ro­maines will. For the whiche there hapned muche bloud­sheedyng: But at last the frenchemen so preuailed, that Richarde Hanniball, chiefe of the Romaines, was faine to come with an halter about his necke to aske pardon at the bishops feete. Wherupon the bishop made two new Senatours, and so ruled Rome at his will.

¶He excommunicated king Peter of Aragone, and cried the croisie against him, because he had preuailed in win­nyng of the realme of Sicile against kynge Charles of Naples: and the excommunicacion was suche, that all men myght lawfully take his landes and goodes, where or how so euer they could come by them. But this let­ted not kyng Peter of his purpose.

Honorius .4.¶Honorius the .iiii. confyrmed the excommunicacion of Martine against king Peter: entitlyng the Frenche king to the realme of Aragone, and the Erle of Arras, the Frenche kynges sonne, to the realme of Sicile. Whi­che bothe with seuerall powers enforced theim selfes to occupie bothe those realmes, accordyng to the bishoppes gifte: but in effect they preuailed not.

Celestinus 5.¶After longe contencion, at length the Cardinals chose Celestine the .v. beyng an hermite, who was so simple a man, continuyng still the olde maner of his abstinent life, that the Cardinalles could not well supporte hym.

¶Wherfore the Cardinall Benedicte Gaietane beganne [Page 58] a new practise, and fell at composicion with his bre­therne, that if he could make Celestine resigne, thei shuld electe hym. So he made one with a caue thorough a wall crie to Celestine in the night, as he laie in his bed: that God commanded hym to resigne his bishoprike vn­to Benedict. Whervpon this simple man, beleuyng the voyce to come from heauen, gaue ouer his dignitee, and caused Benedict to be chosen in his place, namyng hym Boniface the .viii. who for rewarde, fearyng least Celestines life myght be a trouble to his glorie, caused the poore man to be taken by the waie as he retourned towardes his heremitage, and laied in prison in Castel Fumone: where shortly after he was famished to death.

¶Boniface the .viii. cleauyng earnestlie to the Guelfe part, Bonifa [...]i­us .8. persecuted cruelly two Cardinalles of the house of Colonna, that than were chiefe of the Ghibellines: and did so muche hurt to that family, that after he had rased theyr townes and houses to the earthe, none of theym durst appeare. For Sarra Colonna, chiefe of that house, fled so muche the persecucion of this bishop, that after he had liued a certain space in the woddꝭ poorely amon­gest the sheeppeherdes, at last he was taken of Pirates vpon the sea costes, and made a slaue to the ore in the galeys.

¶This bishop giuing asshes on ashewednesday to Por­chetto archebishop of Genoa, saied to him in latine, re­membre man that thou arte a Ghibelline, and with the Ghibellines shalt retourne into asshes, and therwithall threwe the asshes in his eies.

¶He also was the firste that ordeyned the yere of Iu­biley amongest the Christians, yere of Iu­bili [...]. which caused wonderfull [Page] resorte from all parties to Rome.

¶He excommunicated Phi [...]ip the frenche kyng, because he wolde not goe into the holy lande at his appointment, and deposed him of his crowne, entitlyng Albert Duke of Austriche to the same. To the entent the Almaines might auenge his quarell agaynste the Frenchemen. But at length Sarra Colonna happened to arriue in the porte of Marsicles in Fraunce, where disclosyng hym selfe, he was taken out of the galey, had to the frenche court, and finally sent so strongely into Italy with .200▪ men of armes, that he came sodeynlie on a nyghte to Anagnia, toke the bishop in his bed, and led him to Rome prisoner: where within lesse than .24. daies he died for sorow. So that there folowed a saiyng of hym: he entred like a foxe, reigned like a woulfe, and died as a dogge.

Benedictꝰ .11.¶Benedict the .xi. assoyled the frenche kyng, reconsi­led the two Cardinalles of the house of Colonna, and condemnyng the actes of his predecessour, did neuerthe­lesse excommunicate the authours of his death.

¶Clement the .v. a Gascoygne borne, and bishoppe of Burdeux, Clemens .5 was after .xii. monethes contencion amon­gest the Cardinalles elected bishop of Rome: who for affection to his countrey, transferred the see of Rome to Lyons in France: and called all the Cardinals thyther to his consecracion. Wherat the frenche kyng, with ma­ny other princes was present: and the Duke of Britaine, and diuers other slaine, with the fallyng of a wall. For feare wherof Clement fell from his horse, and lost a carboncle of his myter: esteemed to be woorthe .vi. thousande duckates.

[Page 59]¶Than incontinently he made .xii. frenche Cardinal­lee, three of the whiche he sent to Rome, with senatours aucthoritee, to rule the citee and all Italie. He op­pressed the secte called Fratic [...]lli: that were than newly risen in Lumbardie, who woulde haue had all thynges in common, without magistrates or rulers.

¶He interdited the Uenetians, because they succoured the house of Este against the churche.

¶The Cardinall Orsino, than legate in Tuscane, excū ­municated the citees of Florence and Luke, because they woulde not be ordered by hym, but the Florentines pro­uided a speedie remedie. For they laied suche taxes on the spirituall men, that the bishoppe, for his membres sake, was glad to assoyle theim.

¶The Frenche kynge practised with the bishop, to re­duce the imperiall astate vnto hym: but at length they agreed so ill, that Clement caused the Germaines to [...] ­lecte emperour Henry the .vii. of Luxemburgh, who by the bishops procurement passed into Italie with a migh­tie armie, streigned sore the Italians, was crowned of the Cardinalles in Rome, and finally waxed so great, that the bishop, mistrustyng his power, threatned to ex­communicate hym, if he departed not the rather out of Italie. Wherfore the emperour fortified hym selfe and his armie in the Theatres and Thermes of Rome, resistyng the bishops fauters, and specially theim of the house of Orsina: but at length for lacke of victualles, he was faine to forsake Rome, and to retyre into Tus­cane: where beyng at Arezzo, he somoned Robert king of Naples, to appeare before hym, and for lacke of ap­paraunce deposed hym of his realme by imperiall sen­tence, [Page] whiche was by Clement disanulled.

¶Finally the emperour by meanes of the bishoppes le­gate was poysoned in receiuyng the sacrament of com­munion, in the towne of Bonconuento. After whose death the bishop hym selfe liued not longe.

¶Whan Iohn̄ the .xxii. had receiued the myter in Ly­ons, Iohannes .22. he went streigthe to Auignion and there created viii. Cardinalles, of the whiche two onely were Ita­lians.

¶Shortly after he degraded a frenche bishop, and put hym cruelly to death for a conspiracie that he was accu­sed of.

¶In this tyme the electours of Germanie, not agree­yng togethers, chose two emperours, Lewys of Baua­rie, and Frederike of Austriche: eche of theim hauyng iii. voices: but the bishop allowyng Frederike, did ex­communicate Lewys. Wherfore Lewys after he had fought and taken Frederike prisoner, wente with a po­wer into Italie, and receiued in Rome the imperiall crowne at the handes of the Cardinall Colonna, bothe by assent of all the clergie there, and of the Romaines: who than had recouered to theim selfes a maner of li­bertee, to chose theyr owne officers, and vsed yerely to take for theyr rulers two presidentes of theyr owne no­bilitee, namyng theim vicars of the empyre. And be­cause the emperour had dyuers waies sought to the bi­shop for his absolution, and could not obteine it: ther­fore immediately after his coronacion he created a new bishop in Rome, namyng hym Nicolas the .vii. who toke it vpon hym, gaue bishoprikes, and graunted dispensaci­ons, till after the emperours departure out of Italie, [Page 60] he was taken by the Conte Bonifacio of Pisa, and sent prisoner to the bishop Iohn̄ in Auignion, where he was laied in a stinkyng prison, and miserablie died.

¶This Iohn̄ condemned theim as haeretikes, that wold haue had the churchemen liue poorely, as Christes disci­ples did, and burned diuers of the .iii. ordre of saincte Fraunces, that than folowed this profession.

¶Finally he died in Auignion, leauyng to his friendes muche more treasure, than euer any of his predecessours had dooen.

¶Benedict the .xii. confyrmed the excommunicacion a­gainst the emperour Lewys of Bauarie, Benedi­ctus▪ 12▪ not of his owne will (as some write) but in maner by constreinct of the kynges of Fraunce and Naples. And the better to mainteine his quarell, he assoyled all the astates of Ita­lie of theyr feaultie to the empyre, confyrmyng theim free princes in the same as vicars of the churche. So that euer sens, the Dukes of Mylaine, with the houses of Este, of Gonzaga, and the common wealthes, of Florence, Lucca, and others esteemed themperours lesse than they did before.

¶Besydes this he made the Senatours of Rome con­fesse theim selfes subiectes to the churche onely, and not to any other power. Frauncis Petrarke▪ And by his tyme Frauncis Pe­trarke, as a Laureate poete was crowned with Laurell in the Capitoll of Rome, by Orso Erle of Anguillara than Senatour there.

¶Finally this bishop died verie riche in Auignion, and lefte his gooddes to the churche.

¶Clement the .vi. chaunged the Iubiley, Clemens Iubiley▪ that was first ordeined to be but ones euerie hundreth yeres to be kept [Page] euerie .50. yere, and to holde the astates of Italie in a­mitee with him, he confyrmed eche lorde as vicare of the churche in his owne astate, Visconti in Mylaine, Ma­latesta in Rimino, Pes [...]ro, and Fano, Feltrano in Vrbi­no, and a noumbre of other.

¶In his tyme the Romains recouered theyr libertee againe, and created theyr officers without the bishops consent: so that one Nicolas Renzo, a Romaine, be­yng entred into a wonderfull fauour and credite with the people, toke vpon hym the name and aucthoritee of emperour, writyng hym selfe Nicolaus Seuerus et Cle­mens, Tribunus libertatis pacis et iustitiae, et liberator illustris sacrae reipublicae Romanae. At whose begin­nyng all Italie was in suche admiracion, that euerie prince sent to salute him as emperour: thinking he shuld restore the Romaine empyre to his auncient astate. But his owne folie destroied hym. For he toke part with one of the factions that were than in Rome: so that where before he had no man against hym, now had he a great noumbre, whiche brought hym at last into suche a feare, that sodeinly he disguised hym selfe, and fledde from Rome to Charles the .iiii. than emperour in Al­maine, who toke hym as a lewde person, and for a pre­sent sent hym to bishoppe Clement to Auignion: and he cast him in prison, sendyng certaine Cardinallꝭ to Rome to settle the astate there: whiche by meanes aforesaied had been a certaine space disobedient.

Iubiley.¶In this bishops tyme fell the yere of Iubiley, whi­che caused great noumbres of people from all countreis to resorte to Rome, Plague of pestilence, by reason wherof there fell suche a plague of pestilence, as the like hath not been heard of. [Page 61] For (as some aucthours affyrme) it endured continual­ly the space of three yeres throughout all Italie, and in most partes of the whole worlde, so vehemently, that of euery hundred there remaigned not .x. persons aliue: and in many countreys not .x. of a thousande. Some write, that this plague began in the east partes of Asia.

¶Finally this Clement procured the restitucion of the realme of Naples to Queene Iohan the fyrst. For the whiche, and for his other good practises at hir be­yng with hym in Auignion, she solde the citee of Aui­gnion with the dominion apperteignyng to the same, to the churche: and was contented to accept for paiement therof, the arrerages of suche tributes, as the bishoppe pretended, that she and hir predecessours did owe vnto the churche, for the realme of Naples: wherof they claimed to be lordes in chiefe.

¶Innocence the .vi. was more geuen to religion than diuers of his predecessours. Innocen­tius .6. For he reformed the court­ly pompe that the Cardinals and prelates before tyme vsed, and commanded spirituall men to be resident vpon theyr benefices, with diuers other good ordres, whiche toke litle effecte.

¶The Romaines in his time toke on theim theyr liber­tee: creatyng a Senatour of theyr owne: so that the bi­shop, to recouer his astate, deliuered Nicolas Renzo out of prison, and sent hym to Rome, where on the bi­shops behalfe he preuailed. But through parttakyng he was againe constreigned to flee disguised, and beyng mette, was knowen and slaine.

¶This Innocence trauailed muche to haue appeased our kyng Edwarde the .iii. with the frenche kyng Iohn̄ [Page] in the tyme of the sharpe warres betwene theim, trust­yng alwaies to haue brought theim to some good ende: till he hearde that kyng Iohn̄ was taken and ledde pri­soner into Englande.

¶He caused Charles the .iiii. to be crowned emperour in Rome, and woulde haue quieted the Christian princꝭ and powers, and vnited them in an enterprise against the Turkes: but his purpose could not take place.

Urbanus. [...] ▪¶Urbane the .v. sent Giles a Spaniarde, as his legate into Italie, whiche Giles, with helpe of the other Ita­lian princes, so sore oppressed the house of Visconti, that it was lyke to haue been destroied, had not the kin­ges of Englande, Fraunce, and Cypres by theyr ambas­sadours procured a peace.

¶This Urbane withal his court went to Rome, where after longe serche (as they write) he founde the heades of saincte Peter and Paule.

¶Finally returnyng into Fraunce, he died by the waie, of poyson as some thynke.

Gregorius 11.¶Gregorie the .xi. remoued the seate of his bishoprike from Auignion to Rome, after it hadde been holden in Fraunce .70. yeres. 1 [...]76. Some saie he did it because of the cruell warres that were amonge the princꝭ and lor­des of Italie: whiche was ascribed to the bishoppe of Romes absence: for theyr residence there staied the I­talian nacion in peace.

¶Some saie he did it vpon a checke geuen hym by a bi­shop, that was his familiare: whom he asked, why he was not resident vpon his bishoprike, as the Canon la­wes commaunded? Wherunto the bishop answeared: And why holy father are not you resident vpon yours? [Page 62] But what so euer the occasion was, he conueighed hym selfe with all his court from Auignion to Rome: where of the Romaines and clergie, he was receiued with Iu­bilate.

¶After whan he had pacified most parte of the Italian princꝭ, because the Florentines would neither be entrea­ted, nor refourmed by excommunicacion, he made warre against theim: and duryng the same died of the stone.

¶In his tyme Iohn̄ Acton, Sir Iohn Acton▪ with .v. or .vi. thousande englishe horsemen, sought the aduenture of the warres in Italie, and fyrst serued the citesins of Pisa against the Floren [...]nes, than the Visconti against the churche, in whiche seruice he was taken prisoner, but afterwar­des the bishop of Rome made him his generall, whilest the bishop laie in Fraunce. And than did Iohn̄ Acton gette the townes of Faenza and Bagnacauallo, wherof he sold one to the Marques of Este for .20000. crownes, and the other he kept to hym selfe. But whan the bi­shop was come to Rome, and had not so rewarded hym as he deserued, he forsoke the bishop, and was made ge­nerall of the Florentines. Under whom he serued ve­rie honourablie, with suche a numbre of our nacion, both horsemen and footemen, that all Italie feared him: and glad was that prince that myght reteigne hym. For in all his enterprises he behaued hym selfe so woorthy­ly, that the Florentines after his death buried hym ho­nourablie in theyr cathedrall churche, as a singuler de­fender of theyr common wealth.

¶Urbane the .vi. was elected by .xvii. Cardinalles, Urbanus .6. wherof .xiii. were frenchemen, that would faine haue chosen a bishop of theyr owne nacion. But for feare [Page] of the people that cried a Romaine or an Italian, they consented to this election: and did honour Urbane the space of .iii. monethes and more.

¶The season than waxyng hote, they desyred licence to goe abroade into the realme of Naples: where by maintenaunce of Queene Iohan .viii. of the frenche Cardinalles elected a new bishop of their owne nacion, namyng hym Clement the .vii. wherof folowed a great Schisme. For Germanie, Italie, and Hungarie, held with Urbane, and the other realmes with Clement. So that Urbane, beyng of nature a cruell man, to make his partie the stronger, called Charles Durace out of Hungarie to conquere Naples from Queene Iohan.

¶This Clement vpon displeasure depriued Charles, & gaue the title of the realme of Naples to Lewys Duke of A [...]giowe, who with a puissant armie of frenchemen entred into Italie, purposyng not onely to expell Char­les, but also to take Peters mantel from Urbane: but he prospered not. For after he had made warre in Puglia about .xii. monethes, at last he was slaine in battaile. Wherof Urbane waxed so proude, that because Charles kyng of Naples wolde not consent to make his nephiew prince of Campania, he did excommunicate hym, and if his power had been equall to his will, had deposed him of his crowne. But Charles handled the bishop so streictely, that he was faine to flee to Genoa: In whi­che iourney he sacked .v. of his Cardinalles, and threw theim into the sea, Cardinals sacked and baked. and caused two other to be baken to poudre: cariyng theyr asshes in sackes vpon moyles be­fore hym for a terrour to the rest.

¶After this Charles death, he retourned to Rome, and [Page 63] did as muche as in him laie to destroie Charles children. Wherin he preuailed not: but rather procured him selfe a great daunger, if he had not preuented his mischiefe with creatyng of .xxix. Cardinalles, wherof .xxvi. were Napolitanes. And finally by most opinions he was poysoned and died in Rome, to the peoples great con­tentacion, that for his crueltee muche abhorred hym.

¶Boniface the .ix. of .xxx. yeres of age succeded him, whiche had not ben seen before. Bonifa [...] ­us .9. And because he woulde bridle the Romaines from the libertee that the people had vsed many yeres in chosyng of theyr officers, he ab­sented him selfe with his courte from Rome, and laie at Ascisa: so that whan the yere of Iubiley came, the Ro­mains could by no meane get him to Rome, till thei had promised to renounce theyr libertees vnto hym, whiche sens that time thei could neuer recouer. For incontinent­ly as he was entred into the citee, he made Castel Sant' Angelo so strong, that it hath ben and shalbe a continuall bridle to the people: and a great staie against emperours.

¶This bishop ordeyned the Annates, that all spirituall promocions shoulde paie to the churche of Rome, Annates. halfe a yeres value at euery chaunge: whiche decre toke place in all realmes, sauyng in Englande. For the kynge and his barons woulde suffre none other but bishops to be bounde to this Annates.

¶In his tyme the yere before the Iubiley, a certaine priest passed the mountaines into Italie clothed in lyn­nen, who drew a worlde of people after hym, called the white company: persuadyng them, that a certaine cru­cifixe, whiche he caried before theim, did many tymes weepe. All the daie longe they shoulde trauaile on [Page] theyr iourney, and at nyght lyke beastꝭ lie theim downe, wheras the daie light failed theim. But the bishoppe, fearyng this multitude, as they were comyng towardꝭ Rome, sent men of warre against theim, dispersed the company, and brought the priest to Rome: where for his abusion he was burned. After whose death partely through this fonde assemblie, and partely throughe the great resorte of people to Rome for the Iubiley, there folowed a wonderfull great pestilence ouer all Italy.

¶About this tyme Crisolora a Constantinopolitane, reuiued the Greeke letters in Italie, where thei had not been vsed .500. yeres before.

¶And like as this Boniface succeded Urbane in Rome, euen so did one Peter Luna succede Clement in Auigni­on, and was called Benedict the .xiii.

¶Innocence gouerned the Romaines with so muche ti­rannie, Innocen­tius .7. that they openly murmured against hym, and at length sent .xi. of theyr chiefe citesins to requyre theyr libertee, with the fortresses that he helde, as Campidogli­o, Castel Sant' Angelo, and Ponte Molle, but all in vaine. For he kendled with yre thoroughe the message, caused those .xi. citesins to be put to death, and throwen out at the wyndowes of his nephiewes house. So that the Romaines assembled, and not onely caused the bishop to flee to Viterbo, but also sacked and spoyled the hou­ses and richesses of all his prelates and Courtisanes, and the Capitoll with Ponte Molle, and woulde haue gotten Castel Sant' Angelo, had it not been impregnable.

¶Than called they Ladislaus kyng of Naples to ayde theim, but Paulo Orsino, with the bishops power, dis­coumfited Ladislaus, and so constreigned the Romains [Page 64] to aske mercie, to receiue theyr bishop home againe, and to obey hym as he woulde. Whervpon the bishoppe made his nephiew Lewys Marques of Ancona, and prince of Fermo, and so died.

¶Gregorie the .xii. was than chosen vpon condicion, Gregorius 12. that if Bennet the .xiii. than resident in Auignion, for the vnion of the churche, woulde consent to be deposed, he also shoulde depose hym selfe. Whervpon a coun­saile was called at Pisa, in the whiche they two were deposed, and Alexander the .v. elected. But for all that the Schisme ceased not till the counsaile of Constance.

¶Whilest this Gregorie was absent, Ladislaus kynge of Naples came to Rome, and there was receiued of the Romains as their soueraigne lorde. But he enioyed it not longe. For Paolo Orsino fought with hym to so muche aduauntage, that Ladislaus was faine to retyre into his owne realme: and diuers of the princi­pall Romaines were for this cause beheaded.

¶Alexandre the .v. gaue the title of the realme of Na­ples to Lewys Duke of Angiowe, Alexandre .5. and by his ecclesia­sticall aucthoritee deposed Ladislaus, and did what he coulde in helpyng Lewys to subdue hym: but it preuai­led not.

¶Iohn̄ the .xxiii. succeded Alexandre, Iohannes .23. more by force than by free election, by reason that he, beyng legate in Bo­nonia, where Alexander died, and hauyng the men of warre at his commaundement, threatened so the Cardi­nalles, that they durst chose none other.

¶He in deede resembled more a man of warre than a prelate.

¶He moued warre against the kynge Ladislaus, but at [Page] lengthe he was repulsed, and constreigned to forsakē Rome. And beyng by the whole consent of the asta­tes of Christendome called to the counsaile of Constance, where diuers crimes were laied vnto hym, he fledde a­waie thense: was taken, laied in prison: and finally he with Gregorie the .xii. and Benedict the .xiii. all three than liuyng, deposed of theyr pontificalitee, and Mar­tine the .v. elected in theyr place.

Martinus 5.¶Martine the .v. rested .xii. monethes after his ele­ction at the counsaile in Constance, the better to establish his owne aucthoritee, and than went into Italie, where he pacified the warres betwene the Duke of Mylaine and the Uenetians. By force he constreigned Braccio di Montone, a notable man of warre, to humble hym selfe at his feete: and to restore certaine townes that he before had taken from the churche: and finally so be­haued hym selfe, that he was ouer all quietely accep­ted for supreame bishoppe: so that the Schismes, that had so longe continued ceased. And comyng to Rome, whiche was greatly decayed, he so disposed hym selfe to the repayryng of it, that in shorte tyme it became in­different fayre and pleasaunt.

¶Eugenie the .iiii. had so great prease of people at his consecration, Eugenius .4. that the bishop of Senegalia was styfled to death. And shortly after, beyng persuaded, that his predecessour Martine, had lefte a great treasure hydde, he caused Oddo Poccio, that had been Martines vice-chambrelaine, to be sent for, by his capitain Stephen Co­lonna: who onely of the house of Colonnesi fauoured the bishop. And because the seruauntes of this Ste­phen sacked Oddos goodes, and brought hym like a [Page 65] theefe to the bishop, wheras he commaunded no violence to be vsed: therfore the bishop fell out with Stephen: so that Stephen fledde to Preneste to the prince Co­lonna, enformyng hym, that Eugenie purposed the de­struction of theyr whole name and familie. Where­vpon the Colonnesi made an armie, came to Rome, en­tred in at the gate called Appia, and goyng foorthe as farre as sainct Markes without hurt doyng, mette there with the bishops power: and fought a sore battaile: so that at length, contrary to all mens expectacion the Ro­maines toke the bishops part, and constreigned the Co­lonnesi to withdraw. In whiche retyryng they toke prisoners and praies as in open warre: and after that vsed suche practises for poysonyng of the bishop, and betraiyng of Costel Sant' Angelo, with other lyke featꝭ, that Eugenie was glad to entreate them for peace: whi­che he easily obteined.

¶Than came Edmonde sonne of Charles the .iiii. em­perour to Rome, and there with great solenmitee and pompe receiued the imperiall crowne of Eugenie, and retourned into his countrey without attemptyng any thyng of importaunce.

¶Not longe after the Duke of Mylaine made warre against the bishop, and sent Nicolas Fortebraccio with a great noumbre of chosen men to Rome: who arriued there with so muche diligence, that he passed Ponte Molle, and came to the gate Flaminia, ere euer the bi­shop was ware of hym.

¶This Nicolas Fortebraccio had serued the bishoppe before in a certaine enterprise that was made at Vetra­la and Ciuita Vecchia: and because he had gotten there [Page] many fayre booties, therfore at his retourne the bishop refused to paie hym his wages, saiyng, that his fayre gayue ought to suffise hym. For the whiche Nicolas departed: and now retournyng vnder the Duke of My­laine, with helpe of the Colonnesi, encouraged the Ro­maines so to chalenge theyr libertee, that Eugenie was faine to disguise hym selfe in a monkes habite, and to take his bote towardes Ostia. And yet ere he were farre onwardes on his waie, the people hearyng of his departure folowed hym downe the riuer, with hurlyng of stones and shotte of arrowes: and than created new magistrates after theyr owne maner, deposyng and cha­syng awaie all suche as had ought to doe in the bishops name: and laied siege vnto Castel Sant' Angelo, whiche was all theyr vndooyng. For the capitaine therof wrought this policy, he sent his mē foorth daily to skyr­mishe, and ordeined certaine of them to suffre them selfꝭ to be taken: who for theyr libertee and money withall, shoulde promyse to slea theyr capitaine, and to betraie the castell. It came to passe as it was deuised, so that after theyr returne to the castell, A wittie policie. thei shewed out a dead mans head, and requyryng theyr money offered to deli­uer vp the castell. Whervpon certaine of the principall Romaines entred, and so beyng taken, were occasion that within the space of .v. monethes after the Romai­nes returned to theyr former obedience: the bishop than beyng at Florence.

¶This meane while the princꝭ and prelates of all Chri­stendome beganne to assemble for kepyng of the generall counsaile at Basile: and by one agreement cited .iii. ti­mes Eugenie to come thither, with his Cardinalles. [Page 66] And because he came not, they threatned to depose hym. Wherfore he sent his apostolicall bulles thyther with certaine Cardinalles to confyrme all thynges there de­termined.

¶Than sent he the Patriarke Vitelesco to Rome, who there vsed many cruell tourmentes and deathes against the enemies of Eugenie: and after went into the realme of Naples: pretendyng title therunto in the churches right. In whiche quarell he fought with the prince of Taranto, and toke hym prisoner with two thousand horse: and missed little of takyng the kyng Alfonse vn­der colour of truese.

¶In his retourne to Rome he vtterly destroied Prene­ste, the chiefe towne belongyng to the house of Colon­na: but at last his chaunce was to be betraied and slain hym selfe.

¶After this Eugenie called a counsaile in Ferrara, wherunto Iohn Paleologo emperour of Constantino­ple, with the principall of the greeke churche came, and disputed certaine articles of religion, whiche were a­greed vpon in the counsaile folowyng at Florence. And all be it, that Eugenie had great assemblies at both these counsailes, yet were there a noumbre of bishops, that sate still at Basile, alwaies sommonyng Eugenie to repayre thither: and at last for lacke of apparance (part­ly through instaunce of Philip Duke of Mylaine, than enemie to Eugenie) the counsaile of Basile deposed him, and created in his place one Amideus, than beyng an heremite, that before had been Duke of Sauoie: na­myng hym Felix. By reason whereof Christendome was diuided into .iii. partes: Two helde with these .ii. [Page] bishops, and the .iii. with nother of bothe.

¶Than retourned Eugenie vnto Rome, where he was ioyfully receiued of the people, and lodged the fyrste night at the gate Flaminia: but the seconde daie, as he went in Pontificalibus towarde sainct Peters, because the custome of the citee was reysed double, the people beganne to crie, downe with the customes, and with the inuentours of theim: so that the bishop was faine to promyse theim it should be no more leuied.

¶Shortly after he made warre in the Marke of Anco­na, and recouered it out of the handes of Francesco Sforza: and finally prouoked Charles than Dolphin of Fraunce, by plaine force to driue awaie the bishops that helde the counsaile at Basile: and so remaigned in his a­state till he died.

Nicolaus .5. Amideus.¶Nicolas the .v. succeded Eugenie, vnto whom Ami­deus renounced his title by compulsion of the emperour Frederike. For whiche renunciacion Nicolas created hym Cardinall and legate in Germanie. He crowned the same Frederike and his wyfe with the imperiall crownes in Rome, and trauailed muche, partly by fayre meanes, and partly by threatningꝭ to appease the warre betweene the princes and states of Italie: but his ex­communicacions could not rule theim.

Calixtus .3¶Calixt the .iii. incontinently after his election prepa­red an armie against the Turkes, armed .xvi. galeys of his owne, and vnder the leadyng of the patriarke of A­quileia sent theim into the Leuant seas: and ceased not to persuade all Christian princes, as muche as in hym laie, Alfonse. to that expedicion. Amongest whom Alfonse kyng of Naples, and Lewys Duke of Burgoyne, toke [Page 67] ones the crosse on theim towardes that viage: but tho­rough some occasions they chaunged purpose.

¶Not longe after the kynge Alfonse died. Wherv­pon Calixt, vnder pretence of title to the realme of Na­ples, made great preparacion of warre against Ferdi­nando sonne to Alfonse: but beyng preuented by death, bothe the rumour and feare therof ceased.

¶Whan he died, he lefte .150. thousande dukates in his coffers, whiche he saied he had prepared for the warres against the Turke.

¶Pius the secounde, Pius .2 [...] shortly after his election called a counsaile in Mantua: Unto the whiche came ambassa­dours from all Christen princes. And all be it, that through the bishops persuasion, who was hym selfe an excellent Oratour, it was there concluded, that to the expedicion against the Turkes, at the bishops deuise, euery prince and astate shoulde be contributour, as well for sendyng of men and municion, as also for mainte­nance with money, yet whan it came to the poinct there was nothyng dooen.

¶Duryng this counsaile, manie rumours were reised in Tuscane, yea and in Rome: that one Tiburtio, sonne of Angelo Massiano with certaine companions, had taken the temple of Pantheon, and there fortifiyng him, disturbed the whole citee.

¶The partie called Auersana, enemies to the bishop, had also taken Viterbo: whiche the bishoppe at his re­tourne recouered.

¶All whiche thynges, with a noumbre of commocions in the Marke of Ancona, in Vmbria, and in the confi­nes there, at length the bishop appesed either by policie or by force.

[Page]¶He caused Lewys the frenche kynge to renounce cer­taine exactions, granted him of the churche in the coun­saile at Basile: and defended Ferdinando kyng of Na­ples against Iohn̄ sonne to Raynolde Duke of Angiow.

¶Finally disposyng hym selfe altogether to the enter­prise against the Turkes, and beyng arriued in Ancona, to meete with the Uenetian galeys and capitaine, na­med Christofer Moro, for the same purpose, he died of a continuall feuer.

¶And leauyng behynd hym .40000. dukates, with cer­taine ships and galeys prepared for that viage: the Car­dinalles deliuered bothe the one and other to the Uene­tian capitaine. The money to be sent to the kynge of Hungarie, to relieue his neede, and the shippes to serue on the seas with the Uenetian armie.

Paulus .2.¶Paule the secounde so muche abhorred learned men, that he accoumpted all theim that were of Platos Aca­demie, to be heretikes: and depriued a noumbre of ver­tuouse and learned men of suche offices and promoci­ons as his predecessours had called theim to: amongest whom was Platina. And beyng entreated to be more graciouse vnto theim, consideryng thei were olde men, had folowed the courte all theyr daies, and many also had bought theyr liuynges deere, so that neither by law, nor yet by reason, he ought to depriue theim: he aun­sweared, that forasmuche as the law and reason rested in his brest, to allow or disallow what he thought good: his will being so, it was bothe sufficient law and reason.

¶Than picked he a quarell to the familie of Auersa, and with helpe of certaine men of warre, sent to him by Ferdinando kynge of Naples, he assaulted theim, and [Page 68] toke .9. of theyr castels. Of the whiche [...]ame were so stronge, that they seemed impossible to be wonne. And because the bishop, through the kynges helpe, had atteined these fortresses and possessions, the kyng requi­red certaine small benefites at his handes: but the vn­courteyse bishop would graunt nothyng: wherfore thei squared a little: and than agreed againe.

¶After this, the bishop gaue hym selfe to idlenesse and plaies, and in the shrouyng tyme deuised a noumbre of games & prices to be won, and distributed muche money amongest boies, the better to mainteine his pastyme. In the ende wherof hapned hym suche a feare, that he wist not what to dooe. For it was tolde hym, that certaine younge men had conspyred against hym by the procure­ment of one Calimaco a simple man. And further, that one Luca Totio a banished Romaine had ben seen with a noumbre of banisshed men in the wooddes there by. Upon whiche enformacions he caused diuers men of reputacion to be taken, aswell courtiers as o­ther, and without any matter or good grounde of suspi­cion, put theim to suche terrible tourmentꝭ, that it wold greeue and gentill hert to heare it.

¶He attempted the winnyng of Tolfa, fyrst by trea­son, than by siege, and lastly, whan he could not so get it, he purchased it for .7000. dukates.

¶Likewyse he assaulted the citee of Rimino, to haue taken it from the familie of Mala [...]esta, but he failed of that enterprise.

¶He vsed verie great Symonie: and whan any bishop­rike fell, he would translate the bishops from one see to an other for the gaine of theyr fyrst fruites: by reason [Page] wherof he gathered a great treasure, and delited verie muche in iewelles.

¶Finally he persuaded all men to kepe their children at schole till thei could write and reade: and no longer: and died sodeinly.

Sixtus .4.¶Sixtus the .iiii. was bothe learned and eloquent, and contrarie to his predecessours nature delited in learned men.

¶He did his beste to succour the princes that were driuen out of theyr countreis by the Turke, as the quene of Bossina, the Paleologi, the Despoti, and diuers o­ther. And yet did he vniustly bothe reise warres him selfe, and also cause other princes to dooe the lyke.

¶Fyrst he beganne with the Florentines, because they had emprisoned his nephiew a Cardinall, and had han­ged the archebishop of Pisa for killyng of Iuliano di Medici.

¶He made warre to Ferdinando kyng of Naples, be­cause he had not ayded the Duke of Ferrara against the Uenetians.

¶He made warre also to the Uenetians, and gathered all the astates of Italie into a leage against theim: lea­uyng theim excommunicate whan he died.

¶He leuied many dismes and subsidies of the clergie through all Christendome, and was verie beneficiall to his owne kynne and friendes.

¶Finally by his tyme Macomet the .ii. emperour of the Turkes had taken Otronto in Puglia: and prepa­red hym selfe to the conquest of Italie. Wherfore the bishop made hym readie to flee into France, and had fledde in deede, if God by preuentyng of that enterprise [Page 69] had not set a staie to the Turkisshe furie with Maco­metes death.

¶Innocence the .iiii. assoyled the Uenetians, and tra­uailed muche to agree the Christian princes together. Innocen­tius .4. Neuerthelesse because his last predecessour had released to the kyng of Naples certaine pretended duties of the churche: therfore, procuryng fyrste certaine astates of the realme to rebell, he moued warre against Ferdinan­do, and at length constreigned him to agree at his owne appoinctment.

¶He pacified also a great contencion betweene the fa­milies of Colonna and Orsina, whose variaunce had been cause of no small fyre, bloudde, and spoyle. He had a sonne and a daughter, whom he left verie riche: and was neuerthelesse reputed bothe liberall & pitifull.

¶Alexander the .vi. was a Spaniarde borne, Alexander .6. and a great philosophier. He entred in league with Alfonse king of Naples against Charles the .viii. Frenche kynge, who than prepared hym selfe to come into Italie. Neuerthelesse Charles power was suche, that the bi­shop not onely gaue hym passage, but also receiued hym in Rome honourablie. And yet mistrustyng the fren­che kynges hygh courage, seyng he feared but little the ecclesiasticall power, the bishop withdrew hym selfe in­to Castel Sant' Angelo, though by fayre entreatie he came out againe, and yelded all his dominion at the kynges will: and besides that deliuered hym Zizimo, brother to the great Turke, that before was the bishoppes pri­soner.

¶But ere euer Charles retourned out of the realme of Naples, which was within lesse than halfe a yere after, [Page] the bishop had wrought a new league against him, wher­in the emperour Maximilian, the kyng of Aragone, the Uenetians, and the Duke of Mylaine were his collegꝭ. So that Charles in his retourne towardes France was fought withall, and sore handled.

¶Finally Charles beyng thus departed, this bishop be­ganne to waxe hygh, and imaginyng how to extoll his owne name, he created his son Valentino Borgia Duke, causyng hym fyrst to renounce his cardinall hatte, whi­che at his fathers creacion was geuen hym, and than made he hym capitaine of an armie sent into Romagni­a: where fyrst he warred against Katherine ladie of I­mola and Furli, and not onely toke hir iust possessions from hir, but also sent hir prisoner to Rome: and than proceded further against the other lordes theraboutes. So that hauyng chased awaie the families of Manfre­di, Ordelaffi, Malateste, Feltrani, Veranei, and diuers other, in maner of no lesse astate than princes, he gatte into his possession the countreis of Romagnia, and Mar­ca d' Ancona, with the dukedomes of Vrbino, Came­rino, and Spoleti. Of all the whiche his father en­titled hym Duke, and entred into so great a pride with his sonnes prosperitee, that he woulde saie to hym, ey­ther a Caesar or nothyng.

¶Through coumfort wherof, beyng geuen to ouermu­che couetousenesse, in hope of empyre, he poysoned di­uers riche Cardinallꝭ to haue theyr goodes: and amon­gest his other practises he appoincted poysoned coum­fettes for a Cardinall that dined with his father, but the father hym selfe was serued of the wronge boxe and died. And the sonne not longe after slaine in the mid­dest [Page 70] of all his glorie: notwithstandyng that by his fa­thers tyme he was coupled in mariage with the daugh­ter of the Duke of Ferrara.

¶Pius the .iii. died within a moneth, Pius .3. not without sus­picion of venim.

¶Iulie the .ii. beyng a man more geuen to armes than to praier, more like Iulius Caesar, than Symon Peter, Iulius .2▪ was wont to saie, that Maximilian had been meete to be bishop, and he emperour.

¶Fyrst he procured suche a league against the Ueneti­ans, that they had neuer a foote of grounde lefte theim on the maine lande: so that he had for his parte Rauen­na, with the other citees of Romagnia.

¶He destroied the familie of Borgia: and quieted mu­che the ciuile sedicion, that had longe time reigned in the Romaine nobilitee.

¶He made warre against the Bentiuogli, that thā were lordes of Bononia, and hauyng chased theim awaie, en­tred into that citee with lyke triumph, as the auncient Romaine conquerours were wont to dooe into Rome.

¶Many tymes he woulde goe armed hym selfe, speci­ally in the enterprise against Lodouicus Picus of Mi­randula.

¶Finally fearyng the frenche kyngꝭ to muche prospe­ritee, he entred in league with the Uenetians, and the kyng of Spaine against the Frenche kyng, whiche was occasion of the notable battaile of Rauenna, fought on Easter daie: where on bothe sides were slaine aboute 30000. men. For as I haue been crediblie enformed, whā both battailꝭ were ioigned, Spaniardes on the one syde, and frenchemen on the other, the Duke of Ferrara [Page] that came on the frenche parte, shotte of his artillerie amongest the thickest, and slewe a multitude aswell of his friendes as enemies: but thei were all straungers to hym.

¶In conclusion the Frenchemen toke Rauenna, with diuers other citees of the bishops, whiche they enioyed not longe. For the bishop immediately gatte into his league the emperour, the kyng of England, the Germai­nes, and the Suizers. So that the Frenche kynge, beyng vexed on all sides, was easily constreigned to for­goe his conquestes and dominions in Italie: specially through force of the Suizers, that vnder the leadyng of theyr Cardinall Sedunese, came in great numbre to the bishops seruice: who rewarded theim with the title of defendours of the churche, and gaue them a gilt sword, and an hatte of maintenaunce.

¶Somewhat before his death he established his cousin Francesco Maria Duke of Vrbine.

Leo .10.¶Leo the .x. of the house of Medici, a Florentine borne, was a pleasant man of nature, and gaue him selfe more to humanitee and pleasures of this life, than either to religion, or to encrease of dominion.

¶He encreased muche the reputacion of his house, but because he expulsed by force Francesco Maria, Duke of Urbine out of his astate, and placed in the same, fyrst his brother Iulian, and after his nephiew Laurence, the worlde accused hym of tyrannie. For he attempted to dooe the lyke vnto the Duke of Ferrare, but he preuai­led not.

¶Some ill was suspected of hym for his to muche de­licatenesse in bringyng vp of children, and for his opini­on [Page 71] of immortalitee.

¶Adrian the .vii. by contencion amongest the Cardi­nalles happened to be elected, Adrian .7. reputed of theim for an ignoraunt man, though some other had a good opinion bothe of his vertue and learnyng. But because his life was nothyng courtely, or agreable to the Cardinalles, either through gods visitacion, or (as most men thinke) thoroughe theyr poyson practises, he was soone dis­patched.

¶Clement the .vii. brother, Cleme [...]s▪ 7▪ vnto Leo the .x. immediately after his election, toke parte with the Frenche kyng a­gainst the emperour. So that, whan the frenche king was taken before Pauia, the family of Colonna, which hath ben alwaies imperiall, through helpe of Don Hu­go Moncada, beganne to warre with the bishop: and after diuers subtill practises and persuasions, so hand­led the mattier, that they entred into Rome, and missed but a little to haue taken the bishop: who hearyng the rumour, sodeinly fled to Castel Sant' Angelo. Wher­fore after the bishop had drawen Don Hugo Monca­da to his parte, the Colonnesi endured cruell warre to theyr great domage.

¶Than came the Duke of Bourbone, who was slaine with the shotte of an handgun from the wallꝭ of Rome▪ but the emperours armie, wherof he was capitaine, toke the citee by assault, sacked, spoyled, and burned it: and for the space of .xv. daies vsed suche triumph, that for theyr passetyme thei woulde make suche Cardinallꝭ and prelates as were theyr prisoners, ride scornefully about the towne vpon asses, with theyr faces to the tayle: and so streictly besieged Clement, that he was faine to geue [Page] theim .400000. dukates for his raunsome, and to yeld the castell into the emperours handes.

¶But within lesse than .iii. yeres after, the emperour came him selfe into Italie, and hauing made peace with the bishop, receiued of hym the imperiall crowne in Bo­nonia, with so great triumph and pompe, that the like hath not been hearde of in our daies. Duryng the whiche there came ambassadours to Clement with let­ters from Preter Iohn̄ of great commendacions, desyre of amitee, and vnion of religion.

¶Before theyr departure from Bononia, the emperour graunted the bishop his armie against the Florentines, and concluded the mariage of his bastarde daughter to Clementes nephiew, Alexander di Medici, that after­wardes was Duke of Florence. But ere the Floren­tines would lose theyr libertees, they susteigned a nota­ble warre for the space of .xii. monethes.

¶And lyke as by force he oppressed the Florentines, so by treason he subdued Ancona. For vnder pretence of amitee and counsaile, persuadyng them that the Tur­kes armie by sea, was comyng against theim, he sent a capitaine of his, called Bernardin, who with certaine men of warre was receiued into the citee, and so vsur­ped the dominion for the churche.

¶In this bishops tyme happened suche a sodeine rage of water in Rome, that the high toures were drowned, and a great numbre of people, with infinite richesse lost: so that the bishop hym selfe had muche adooe to escape it: whiche maie well be thought a plage of god, sent for the abhominacion that reigneth there.

¶Finally Clement mette with the frenche kynge at [Page 72] Marseiles in Prouaunce, and there concluded the ma­riage that folowed betwene Katherine Clementꝭ neece, and Henrie now frenche kyng, than but secounde sonne to the frenche kynge. Shortly after whose mariage Clement died.

¶Paule the .iii. that now is bishop, Paulus .3. before the tyme of his election, helde hym selfe so indifferent betwene the factions imperiall and frenche, that no man could know to whether part he was most inclined.

¶In the beginnyng of his tyme he procured all Chri­stian princes to warre against the Turke, so that the em­perour, that Uenetians, and he made an armie by sea vn­der the leadyng of Andrea Doria, who mette with Bar­barossa besydes Corfu, but they foughte no battaile, though the Christians were more in noumbre and better furnisshed than the Turkes: whether Andrea Doria were blame woorthy I can not tell. But ones the Ue­netian Galeon, a notable shippe, was lefte alone in the middest of the Turkishe nauie, that assaulted hir .iiii. or v. houres, and yet at length came cleane awaie in des­pite of theim all.

¶This bishop went to Nisa in Prouaunce, where by his procurement the emperour and frenche kyng mette, and concluded a peace, whiche dured not longe.

¶Than died the Duke of Urbine. Incontinently v­pon whose death, the bishop made warre to the younge Duke Guido Vbaldo for the state of Camerino, and constreigned him for a little summe of money to geue o­uer the astate. In in whiche the bishoppe establisshed his owne sonne Pietro Aluigi Duke.

¶After this vppon a light occasion the bishoppe made [Page] warre to Ascanio Colonna, thiefe of that familie: and Peter Aluigi, beyng generall of the bishops army, handled Ascanio Colonna and his adherentes so cru­elly, that they were faine to abandone theyr owne tow­nes and castelles, and to liue in exile as banished men, till by the emperours meanes they were restored to the bishops fauour and absolucion.

¶This Paule, to exalte his owne bloudde, by consent of his Cardinalles exchaunged the Duchie of Cameri­no with the churche, for the citees and territories of Placentia and Parma. Wherof he inuested his fore­named son as Duke: whose behauiour was suche, that he continued not fully two yeres: for the nobilitee of the same, detestyng his wicked life and tyrannie, con­spyred against hym, and slew hym in his owne house in Placentia: yeldyng that citee the next daie into the em­perours handes.

¶The bishop sent a fayre armie bothe of horsemen and footemen, to succcour the emperour in his enterprise a­gainst the Germaines: and made his sonnes sonne, cal­led the Duke Ottauio generall.

¶Finally he is a great astronomer, and so olde a man, that (as thei saie) for the most part he is nourished with the sucke of a womans breastꝭ: and to helpe his colde nature, hath two younge girles to lie by hym in his bedde a nightꝭ.

BEcause the meruailouse Situacion of the citee of Uenice, a­mongest other thynges seemeth vnto me moste notable, I therefore haue thought good fyrst to treate therof: and than consequently to procede vn­to the declaracion of the Uenetians astate, theyr custo­mes and procedynges.

OMittyng the diuers opi­nions of many men, touchyng the be­ginning of the Uenetian name, I will recite that whiche most writers agree vpon, (that is to saie) either they are descended of certaine people called Heneti, (whiche after the destruction of Troie came with Anthenor into Italie: and landyng in those mari­shes of the Adriatike sea, enhabited the countrey ther­aboutes) orels of certaine Britons called Veneti, parte of those Frenchemen that fyrst passed the mountaines, whose habitacion in Britaine, at that time called Vene­ti, is supposed to be now called Vanes. So that whe­ther it be of Heneti, or of Veneti, at length they were called Venetiani.

¶Now to come to the foundacion of theyr citee, I find, that betwene the yeeres of grace .422. and .456. (a­bout the tyme that Attila plaged the whole region of Italie) the gentilmen and citesins, principally of Pa­doa, and generally of all the countrey about, betwene the Alpes and the Uenetian Goolfe (to flee the furie of the Hunni, that with fyre and swoorde consumed all [Page 86] thynges before theim) resorted with theyr gooddes and richesse into the marishes, where Uenice, with hir other membres now standeth: and perceiuyng what a com­moditee or sauegarde those marisshes were against the enemies rage (Italie beyng so ofte scourged with war­res at that tyme) they vpon agreement bega [...]ne the e­dificacion of that citee, in the place Riuo alto, now cal­led Rialto: where was builded the churche of saincte Iames, that yet vnto this daie remaineth. And all be it, that before this tyme the bankes within those mari­shes had been occupied and enhabited: yet because the inhabitauntes were poore fisshermen: the place merited not to be writen of or mencioned, vntill suche tyme as those gentilmen and citesins resorted thither. Wher­fore I saie, that the Padoanes (moste of auctoritee a­mongest the rest) after this fyrste buildyng of the citee, ordeined certaine consules for the gouernyng thereof: who for a few yeres, now one, now other ruled the same: vntill the citee beganne to waxe great and populous: and that (because the situacion of the places in the wa­ter, woulde not suffre the citee to be one whole thyng to­gether, but diuided into diuers ilandes, as the water did geue) they were faine to appoincte yerely ouer euery i­lande one Tribune to gouerne theim: and for mattiers concernyng the whole cōmon wealth, thei ordeined a ge­nerall counsaile, wherunto all the Tribunes, with cer­teine of the chosen citesins, should repayre. And so vn­der these Tribunes beganne theyr common welth to en­crease, theyr citesins to make shippes, as well of warre as of merchandise, and so to trafficque abrode the world. But principally the diligence of theyr fisshers yelded [Page] theim no small gayne, by reason that theyr saltfishe, ca­ried into other places, was bought as a speciall mer­chaundise. So that in processe of tyme theyr repu­tacion, wealth and force began so muche to grow: that in the defence of Italie, and fauour of the emperour Iustinian (whose capitaine Bellisario had besieged the Gottishe kyng Uitige in Rauenna) they made out cer­taine ships and botes, and vpon the riuer of Pò, mette with parte of the Gottisshe armie, fought with theim, and discomfited them. Againe, in company of Valeria­no, gouernour of Rauenna, thei were part of those .40. ships, that discomfited other .40. saile of the kyng Toti­la before Aucona: taking and drowning the most part of them. For the whiche doynges they were both embraced of themperour, & also much honored of his capitains: in so muche that the famous Narses, being sent of the em­perour to defend Italy against the foresaid Gotes, what to thanke the Uenetians, and to see the maner of theyr citee, went in person vnto Uenice, where he commended muche the diligence of theyr goodly buildyng: and in that meane while sent his armie by lande to Rauenna: in whiche iourney at the passage of the Pò, the Uene­tian shippes did hym great seruice.

¶Thus whyle Narses was in the Rialto of Uenice, the Padoanes sent ambassadours vnto hym, complai­nyng, how the Uenetians had vsurped vpon theim those ma [...]ishes, whiche tyme out of mynde had been theirs: together with the hauen of the riuer of Brent. Wher­vnto the Tribune of the Rialto made suche an answere: that Narses curtesely tolde theim, the mattier required longer debatyng, than his hastie iourney wolde as than [Page 87] permitte: wherfore exhorting the Pad [...]anes to take pa­cience for the tyme, he desired theim, in the defence and fortifiyng of their countrey, to shew like diligence, loue, and faieth towardes the empyre, as the Uenetians had dooen: and than so muche the more should he be gladde to aduaunce theim.

¶And so vnder the fauour of diuers emperours those ilandes of Uenice, as Grado, Eraclea, Equilo, and Ma­lamoco were gouerned of priuate Tribunes, & by a ge­nerall counsaile for the space of .200. yeres and more, without any great incident, woorthie to be mencioned: excepte that betwene the bishoppes (afterwarde made Patriarkes) of Aquileia, whiche standeth in the maine lande: and of Grado, that lieth in the marisshes, there was muche warre, strife, and feyghtyng for the interest of theyr iurisdictions.

¶Finally in the tyme of Constantine the .iiii. after I­talie through diuers warres had been sore afflicted, and that from all partes the persones that were of power (for theyr sauegarde) fledde thither: Uenice encreased so muche, that Luipandro, Duke of Friuli, either for enui, or for feare of their towardnesse, prouoked cer­teine of his neighbours to oppresse Uenice. And se­cretly on a night made out a certeine noumbre of botes downe the water, and sodeinely assaulted Grado, Era­clea, and Rialto: where they toke certeine shippes, la­ded with merchaundise, lately comm [...]n out of the easte partes. But incontinently as the rumour was reysed, these assaulters fledde, and were so pursued, that many of theim were slaine, many hurt, and the most parte of theyr praie recouered. Neuerthelesse the noyse of the [Page] people continued, and specially the lamentacion of them that had lost theyr friendes or goodes. Wherfore in Eraclea they called a counsaile, and muche adooe there was through diuersitee of opinions: because the people laied all the fault in the ill gouernaunce of the officers. But at last the Patriarke of Grado, an ancient learned man, of auctoritee, was praied to saie his minde. Who with a longe oracion persuaded, that without concorde it was impossible to liue surely or quiet, and that wher­as were dyuers heades, there coulde be no concorde. Wherfore his opinion was, that they should chose them one onely prince, to gouerne theyr common wealth, and preserue theyr vnitee. For where any astate (saied he) is not gouerned with one consent and will, there nother haboundaunce of money, strength of place, noumbre of people, woorthinesse of capitaines, nor helpe of friendꝭ or neighbours can auaile. So the whole counsaile a­greeyng to his opinion, resolued vpon the election of a Duke: that shoulde haue auctoritee and charge ouer all mattiers of importaunce, to call the counsaile, and to haue priuate thynges referred vnto hym by the Tribu­nes: that the counsaile of the clergie shoulde not assem­ble, but by licence of the Duke: and that the benefices geuen by the people and clergie, should be confyrmed by hym.

¶To whiche dignitee they fyrst elected a woorthy cite­sin Paolo Lucio of Eraclea, Paolo. Lucio. geuyng hym an othe for the administracion of iustice, and for the quiete rule o­uer theim without tyrannie.

¶Thus whan Paolo had taken the gouernaunce into his handes, he beganne to agree those persons, that be­fore [Page 88] contended: whiche was so muche the more easie to dooe, by as muche as at that time there was almost con­tinuall warres betwene the Lumbardes, and some of the Dukes, either of Friuli, Spóleti, or Beneuento: that in maner all theyr neighbours were in armes.

¶Whan he had thus well quieted his citesins, he ordei­ned watche and warde to be kept at the mouthes of the riuers: fortifiyng some of theim with castles, as tyme and place would serue hym.

¶He commaunded euery towne to haue a certaine num­bre of botes in a readinesse, whan the Duke shoulde geue theim any token: and restored the Uenetian dominion vnto his olde lymites, now called La piaue Secca.

¶He maynteined amitee with the kynge Ariperto, and made peace with Luipandro, with condicions of ad­vauntage. But amongeste all his other doynges the worthiest of memory, was, that he refourmed the lawes, Lawes. and broughte theim into suche a playne and briefe order, that eche man mighte be his owne lawyer: Affirmyng, that nothyng can more hynder a man, than the folow­yng of longe suites and greedy lawyers. Wherfore in those daies they vsed none imperiall lawes: but be­sides those theyr fewe lawes written, if there happened any doubte, incontinentely they resorted vnto the lawe of nature, chosyng that, whiche semed vnto theim moste iust and honest.

¶After Paolo, an other citesin of Eraclea, Marcello. named Mar­cello, a very sobre and wise man, was elected Duke, but in diligence he was nothyng comparable vnto Paolo.

¶In the tyme of this Marcello (except the stryfe and contencion betwene the patriarkꝭ of Aquileia and Gra­do, [Page] whiche I esteme not woorth the writyng) I fynde no worthy mattier of memorie.

Orso.¶Nexte hym succeded Orso, a man not onely noble of bloudde, but also worthie of dedes.

¶He firste vsed to bryng vp the youthe of Uenice in the exercise of armes. He augmented the numbre of soul­diours in the shippes of warre, and thorough his valy­auntnesse restored Paolo, one of the Grekish emperours capitaines, vnto the astate of Rauenna. In whiche enterprise Perendio, Duke of Vicenza was slayne, and Ildepandro, nephew of Luipandro taken prysoner: who by commission of the same Luipandro, had (by syege) gotten the saied citee from the foresaied Paolo.

¶This victorie was one notable thyng that firste exal­ted the Uenetian name.

¶Finally vpon contencion spronge betweene the Era­cleani and Equilesi, for the lymites of theyr confynes, for the whiche was dayly feightyng betwene theim the space of two yeres: This Duke Orso supposed to be the authour of that sedicion, in a tumulte of the people was slayne.

¶Surelie a lamentable ende, of the gloriouse and hap­pie begynnyng of so worthie a man. The more be­cause of an other inconuenience that folowed, that the Patriarke of Aquileia toke from the Uenetians the townes of Mossone and Centenara: though afterwar­des thorough the menaces of Gregorie, bishop of Rome, he restored Mossone, whan he had vtterlye destroyed Centenara.

737¶After the death of Orso, there beganne a new rumour for chosyng of the Duke, and many grudged, that Era­clea [Page 89] alone had so longe tyme enioyed the honour therof. Wherfore now bothe the seate and election was trans­lated vnto Malamoco, whiche at that tyme was verie muche encreased bothe in people and richesse. Neuer­thelesse the counsaile in this election coulde not agree amongest them selfes, and therfore at length concluded, to chose a newe maner of officer, namyng him, Maister of the souldiours, whose authoritee was remoueable from yere to yere.

¶The firste was Domenico Leone, and succedyng hym was Felice Cornacchino, the .iii. Deodato sonne of the Duke Orso, who continued in that office, as some saie, two yeres. The fourth Iuliano Ipato, and the v. Giouanni Fabritiaco, who before the end of his yere, was put out of his office, and lost bothe his eies. In whiche meane tyme the olde strife, betwene the Equi­lesi and Eracleani, renewed, in so muche that meetyng together, neere vnto the chanell, now called dell'arco, so many on both sides were slain, that almost thei came to naughtes.

¶The Uenetians (weried with these and suche other businesses) retourned to theyr olde gouernance, Deodato .737. electing the forenamed Deodato to theyr Duke: who finallie beeyng occupied aboutes the fortifiyng of Brondolo, was assaulted by Galla, a citisin of Malamoco, and be­yng taken prisoner, had his eies put out. The naugh­tie dooyng wherof so muche offended the Uenetians, that ere the yere passed, thei toke Galla, put out his eies, depriued him of his vsurped astate, and at last toke from hym his life: chosyng Domenico Menicaccio or Mo­nagario, in his place.

[Page] Domenico Menicac­cio .747.¶This Domenico had not so great auctoritee as his predecessours, for to abate the power of their Duke, whi­che by the passed experience the Uenetians thought to be ouerlarge, they ioygned in company with hym two of theyr Tribunes: whiche so muche offended this Do­menico, that at length he openly contended, to recouer the w [...]nte absolute power. And therfore was not one­ly depriued of his dignitee, but also for a punisshement his eies put out.

Mauritio .7 [...]2.¶And than in his place was created a woorthie riche man called Mauritio of Eraclea: who in his tyme pa­cified muche bothe the secrete grudges, and also the o­pen contencions betwene his priuate citesins: and ob­teined the see of a bishop to be placed in Uenice, in the churche of sainct Peter. Whiche bishop was after­wardes exalted vnto the degree of a Patriarke, by Ni­colas the .v. bishop of Rome.

¶Duryng the rule of this Mauritio the Uenetians (after great debating of the mattier in counsaile to and fro) graunted to ayde kynge Charlemaine with .xxv. vesselles well armed and paueysed, whiche did Charle­maine great seruice in the assaulte of Pauia, whan he toke Desiderio kyng of Lumbardie prisoner.

¶Finally Mauritio obteining of the Uenetians to haue his sonne Giouanni, ioygned in the astate with hym, and hauyng ruled .xi. yeres alone, and .vii. yeres ioynct­ly with his sonne, he died.

Giouanni .768.¶ Giouanni likewyse ruled alone a certaine space: and obteined his sonne Mauritio to be ioygned with hym: who bothe togethers bare them selfes verie ill towar­des theyr citisins. And amongest other thynges Mau­ritio, [Page 90] beyng sent of his father vnto Grado, caused the Patriarke of that place to be throwen downe out of a toure: because he was wont to warne bothe the father and sonne of theyr ill behauiours. Wherfore thei be­came hatefull to their citisins: so that a conspiracy was wrought against theim, the chiefe wherof was named Obelerio, that before tyme had been Tribune of Ma­lamoco.

¶This conspiracie came so to passe, that the people pro­claimed Obelerio Duke: and the rumour was such, that Giouanni, with his sonne, and one Christofer a bishop theyr friende, fledde all thre vnto Mantua.

¶Than was Obelerio placed in the astate, Obelerio▪ 78 [...]. who shorte­ly obteined his brother Beato to be ioigned with him. In theyr tyme the auncient malice betwene the Eraclea­ni and the Equilesi renewed, in suche wyse that it made a fowle slaughter amongest theim. Wherfore it was finally concluded, that bothe the one and other towne shoulde be destroied, and the inhabitauntes reduced vnto Malamoco and Rialto. And so was it quickely done, the rather because euen than kynge Pepine, sonne of Charlemaine was determined to assayle the countrey and hauens of Dalmatia, against the Grekish emperour Niceforo: towardes whiche enterprise Pepine requi­red passage and vitailes of the Uenetians. But they wolde not consente therto though Obelerio their Duke fauoured the frenche parte. For in consultyng vpon this matter were great disputacions, and many reasons laied bothe for the one parte and the other: but finally this opinion of Agnolo (a woorthie citesin of Eraclea) was best allowed: that for the neweltee of kynge Pe­pine, [Page] they shoulde not shewe theim selfes vnconstaunt to breake theyr auncient amitee with the Grekysh em­perour: not withstandyng that Pepine by reason of the hauen of Rauenna, might in maner vndooe their traffic­que by sea.

¶So Pepine to be auenged, made an armie at Rauen­na, and costyng towardes Uenice, toke Brondolo, Chi­ozza, Pelestrina, Albiola, and came so neere, that he con­streigned the Duke and senatours of Malamoco, to flee vnto Rialto with theyr richesse and children. Finally Pepine was discomfited by the imperiall capitaine Ni­cea, sent as well to succour the Uenetians, as also to de­fende Dalmatia: so that incontinently there folowed a peace betwene all three, that is to saie, the imperiall ar­mie, kyng Pepine, and the Uenetians, to their great con­tentacion. For if Pepine in that voyage had preuay­led, thei had bene in a daungerouse case.

¶This meane while the Uenetians had banished Obe­lerio and Beato as parciall of the frenche parte: and elected to theyr Duke Angelo Particiaco, Angelo▪ Particia­co .792. that before had dissuaded theim from Pepines amitee. Who ob­teined of the Frenche kyng a confirmacion of the passed peace: and after reedified the towne of Eraclea, where he was borne, callyng it Citta nuoua, and in it beganne the palaice of the Signoria, that the Dukes hitherto vse to dwell in. And obteinyng his sonne Giustiniano to be ioigned with him (after he had builded dyuers fayre churches, and doen many good deedes) he died.

Giustini­ano .810.¶ Giustiniano thus confyrmed Duke, incontinentelie called home his brother Giouanni, that for his yll be­hauiour had been before banisshed, and toke hym as his [Page 91] companion in the astate. In whose time at the instance of the Greekishe Emperour, the Uenetians sente an ar­mie by sea against the Turkes, to defende Sicilia. And certaine merchauntes of Uenice comyng from A­lexandria in Aegypt, brought with theim (as thei saie) the bodie of. S. Marke, vnto whose honour the saied Giustiniano began the churche of Sainct Marke before rehersed: and the whole citee euer sens haue taken him for their aduocate.

¶Finally, vpon his death bedde, he toke an order for the continuance of that buyldyng and died, Giouanni▪ 813. Leauyng his brother Giouanni alone in the astate, who ioygned the churche of Sainte Marke vnto the Dukes palaice: and founde prouision for priestes to synge and serue in the same. And the warre beyng begunne betwene the Ue­netians and the Narentani, he made an armie, and wente vnto Veglia in the Ile of Corcia, and toke it with Obe­lerio before named in it: who had begunne a prepara­cion there to recouer his olde astate. Wherfore Gio­uanni caused hym to lose his head, and afterwardꝭ bur­ned Malamoco, because certeine of Obelerio his olde friendes fledde thither for refuge.

¶Finally this Duke Giouanni had two conspiracies made against hym: the fyrst was occasion that he fledde into Fraunce: the secounde (after he was reconsiled o­nes againe vnto his astate) made hym to forsake the worlde, and become a friere in Grado, where he died.

¶After Giouanni succeded Peter Gradenico, Pietro Gradenico▪ 82 [...], who ioi­gned his sonne Giouanni in the astate with hym: and at the request of the Greekishe emperour sent .60. sayle armed, against the Moores, that were than newly lan­ded [Page] besides Rome. Whiche .60. saile were all taken or drowned. In folowyng the victorie the same Moo­res scoured all the Adriatike seas euin to Caorle: and in [...]eyr waie toke certaine Uenetian shippes, laden with merchaundise, comyng out of Soria. So that whether it were for this ill lucke, or through sedicion that than reigned in the citee, a conspyracy was made against this Pietro, and was finally slaine in the churche of saincte Zacheria, hearyng of euensong. Whiche sodeine death troubled not a little the citee, and caused the office of the thre Auogadori to be made, Auogadori to pursue the triall of man­slaughters and murders. An office vnto this daie of no small auctoritee amongest the Uenetians.

Orso Particia­co. [...]65.¶Than was Orso Particiaco made Duke: who with helpe of his sonne Giouanni, discoumfited the Sarasi­nes, that a little before had gotten Candia, robbed alon­gest all the costes of Dalmaria, and had ronne euen vn­to Grado. For the worthie and valiant dooyng wher­of the Greekish emperour Basilio rewarded Orso with muche honour: who for his parte againe not to seeme vncurteyse, Belles. sent .xii. brasen belles vnto the emperour for a present: beyng (as they saie) the fyrst belles that euer were vsed amongest the Greekes.

Giouanni. [...]84.¶After Orso, his son Giouanni as well for his fathers merites, as for his owne woorthinesse, was confirmed Duke. In whose tyme the Rauennates receyued ex­treeme damages by the Uenetians, and the citee of Comacchio was gotten. Finally this man beyng fal­len sycke, and hauyng his brother ioigned with hym in the astate (a man not the me [...]est to rule suche a common wealth) deposed both him selfe and his brother, remit­tyng [Page 92] the counsaile to the election of a newe Duke. An acte surely not onely rare and meruailouse, but also worthie of high commendacion.

¶Than Pietro Candiano was elected, Pietro. Landiano 890. who proued so worthy in armes, that twyse he fought with the Schla­uone armies, and ouercame theim, althoughe in the last battaile he was slayne.

¶After whose deathe Giouanni Particiaco, before na­med, was ones again called vnto the dignitee, and con­tinued in the same till the Schlauone warres were ful­ly quieted, and than agayne was contented that Pietro Tribuno shoulde be chosen in his place.

¶This Pietro discomfited the Hungariens, Pietro Tribuno .893. that before had ouercomen themperour Berengario, and ouerranne all Lumbardie, & approched so nere to Uenice, that thei wanne Eraclea, Equilo, and Capo d'aggere, and were mynded to passe vnto the Rialto: geuyng suche cause of feare to the Uenetians, as afterwardes both doubled the glorie of Peters victorie, and exalted highly the Uene­netian name.

¶Some write, that after this enterprise Pietro fortified the citee with a wall from Santa Maria in Zubenico, vn­to the Rio del Castello, and that he cast chaines of yron o­uerthwart the Canale grande, but at this daie there re­maineth no memory therof.

¶After Pietro folowed Orso Baduaro, Orso Baduaro .915▪ that fyrste coy­gned money in Uenice, a man so muche geuen to religion that at length, renouncyng his astate, he became a frier, and so died.

¶Than succeded Pietro Candiano, Pietro Candiano 938. who conquered ma­ny townes of Istria, and other places: and ouercame [Page] Alberto sonne of the emperour Berengario, which beyng lorde of Rauenna, vsed to spoyle and take the Uenetian shippes in their passage.

¶He recouered certain gorgeous damselles rauished by the Schlauons at a feaste in the churche. S. Peter Di Castello, and for memorie of that victory ordeyned yerely certeine plaies, called Le Marie. And (as some write) in his time the Schlauons were made tributaries to the Uenetians, to paie theim yerely an hundreth barelles of wyne.

Pietro. Baduaro .956.¶After his deathe folowed Pietro Baduaro, In whose tyme no notable thyng happened.

Pietro. Candiano .958.¶Than was Pietro Candiano, sonne of the other Pie­tro, reuoked from exile: whiche for his naughty lyfe was before banished by his father. And albeit that in the helpe of Alberto di Rauenna he had shewed him self enemie to his owne countrey (the vnkyndenesse wherof was cause of his fathers deathe) yet did the Uenetians create hym their Duke. But finally his procedyn­ges were suche, that the people rose againste hym, sette fyre on the palaice: and as he fledde with his sonne in his armes they slewe hym. Wherwith theyr furie was sooner appeased than the kendeled fyre quenched. For ere it ceased, it burnte a great parte of the churche of. S. Marke, with two other churches, and aboue three hundreth houses.

Pietro. Orseolo .973.¶This rumour beyng pacified, Pietro Orseolo, a man muche geuen to religion, was elected Duke. The no­tablest thyng in his tyme was, that the Uenetians suc­coured the citee of Bari, than besieged of the Sarasines. Finally, after he had dooen many charitable deedes in [Page 93] Uenice, he was persuaded by a pilgrimme monke of Gascoygne to forsake the worlde. And so habandonyng wife, children, and friendꝭ sta [...]e awaie: and died a frier in Gascoygne.

¶Than folowed Vitale Candiano, who fallyng sicke, Uitale Candiano .97 [...] renounced the astate, became a friere, and so died.

¶After whom Tribuno Memmo succeded, Tribuno Memmo▪ 975. whiche ei­ther for feare of the emperour Ottone, or throughe the great debate betwene the families of Morosini, and Ca­loprini (than the chiefe of Uenice) forsoke the digni­tee, became a friere, and within .vi. daies after sicke­ned, and died for sorow.

¶Than folowed Pietro Orseolo, Pietro Orseolo .9 [...]7. who conquered Dal­ma [...]ia, with the ilandes ioygnyng therunto. And ther­fore obteined the fyrste title of Duke of Dalmatia and Venetia.

¶The emperours Basilio and Alesso graunted hym free passage for the Uenetians throughe theyr domini­ons, without custome paiyng. And the emperour Ot­tone helde his sonne at the crisme, and for his sake gran­ted many libertees vnto Uenice.

¶After whose death, Ottone Orseolo .1007. as a recompense of the fathers merite, Ottone Orseolo his sonne, of the age of .18. yeres, was elected Duke, who ouercame the Adrianesi, with the kyng of Coruatia: and so retournyng victori­ousely out of Dalmatia, fell into the handes of Dome­nico F [...]abenio, with others, that had conspyred against him, who shau [...]d his bearde for despite, and finally con­fined hym into Greece: where shortly after he died.

¶Than folowes Pietro Barbolano, Pietro Barbola­no .1026. who endeuoured hym selfe to pacifie the rumour of the people, offended [Page] for the oultrage dooen vnto Ottone: but all in vaine. For at length, by meane of Orso Patriarke of Grado, brother vnto Ottone, Barbolano was taken, his beard cutte of, clothed in a friers weede, and banisshed.

Orso Orseolo .1030.¶And because the death of Ottone was than vnkno­wen, the Patriarke Orso supplied the place as his liue­tenaunte. But incontinently vpon knowlage of his death, the Patriarke called a counsaile, and after a long Oracion, lamentyng the iniurie dooen vnto his brother, surrendred the astate.

Domenico Orseolo .1031.¶Wherupon craftily and in maner by force, Domeni­co Orseolo toke the dignitee vpon hym. But finally beyng expu [...]sed of the people, he fledde vnto Rauenna, and there miserablie died.

Domenico Flabenico 1031.¶Than succeded Domenico Flabenico, who made a a law, that from thensfoorthe no Duke shoulde take a companion to hym. He was the principall cause of Ottones exile, as it well appeared after. For he found the meane, that the familie of Orseoli was clerely put besydes the counsaile. And finally, hauyng well paci­fied and refourmed all thynges, he died.

Domenico Contarini .1042.¶After whom succeded Domenico Contarini, that in his tyme recouered Zara, whiche before rebelled, by returnyng vnto the obedience of the kyng of Coruatia. He ouercame Roberto Guistardo in Puglia, and ree­dified the citee of Grado, that was halfe destroyed by Pepo Patriarke of Aquileia: and after died.

Domenico Siluio .1068.¶Than was chosen Domenico Siluio the greatest man of reputacion that thitherto had ruled Uenice. He maried the syster of the emperour Niceforo, and at his requeste sente an armie vnto Durazo, against Roberte [Page 94] Duke of Puglia and Calabria: whiche armie fyrst pre­uailed, but at length was so discoumfited, that Dome­nico was therfore deposed. Though some write that he died in the astate. His wife was so delicate a woman, that she woulde haue dewe gathered to make hir vaine withall, with many other curiouse perfumes and trickes, to longe here to reherse: and yet ere she di­ed, hir fleshe did rotte, that no creature could abide hir.

¶ Domenico beyng thus deposed Vitale Falero was e­lected, who in fauour of Alesso, the Greekish emperour, Uitale Falero .108 [...]. renewed an armie against the forenamed Duke Robert: whiche armie was also discoumfited. Neuertherlesse he caused the Uenetians to be called lordes of Dalma­tia, because he valiauntly conquered the same bothe by sea and lande.

¶After whose death succeded Vitale Michele, Uitale Michele .1095. a worthy warriour on the sea, in whose tyme the Uenetian nauie was rekened .200. saile armed of shippes and galleis. whiche beyng sent into Asia, with Michele his sonne, fell out with the Pisani a littell besydes Rodes, and fought with theim, and toke .22. of their galleis.

¶After whiche victorie he and many other Christians, went against the Infidels, and gatte Smirna, Soria, and Ierusalem.

¶Finally this armie beyng retourned vnto Uenice, was agayne sente out into Puglia, and there toke Brundizi, and ouerranne all those seas about, and so retourned lo­ded with glorie and riche praie.

¶After hym Ordelaffo Falero was created Duke. Ordelaffo▪ Falero .1098. In whose tyme the Uenetians sent an other armie into Soria to succour Bawdewyne kynge of Ierusalem to [Page] gette Ptholemaido, otherwise called Acres.

¶About the same seasone the emperour Henrie the .iiii. agreed the Uenetians and Padoanes togither for theyr confines: after the Padoanes with great slaughter had ben ones discomfited.

¶There chaunced also a fyre, begun in the house of one Henry Zeno, that burned a great parte of Uenice. Whiche fyre was no soner ceased, but newes came, that Calon [...]ano, kynge of Hungarie, had passed the mountai­nes of Coroatia, and constreigned the citee of Zara to rebell. Wherfore an armie was made out, vnder the leading of Ordelaffo, who not onely recouered Zara, but also passed the mountaynes, and conquered the countrey of Coruatia, and so victoryously retourned to Uenice: where he rested not longe, but woorde came, that the Hungariens were comm [...]n againe before Zara. To the succour wherof he sped hym, and there in the fighte was slayne with a darte, and his armie discomfited, so that the Uenetians were fayne to sue to the Hunga­riens for truce, whiche for .v. yeres (with muche adoe) they obteyned.

Domenico Michele .1115.¶Nexte folowed Domenico Michele, who at the inter­cession of Calixto bishop of Rome, with .200. sayle toke his waie into Soria ▪ to rescue Ioppe, that tyme besie­ged with .700. saile of Infidelles: againste whom he obteined the victorie. And folowyng the same, went vnto Tyro, toke it, and gaue it vnto Ualmondo Patri­arke of Ierusalem.

¶The prosperouse successe of whyche victories was occasion, that Emanuell emperour of the Greekes sent and forb [...]dde him, to proc [...]de any further. But he beyng [Page 95] offended with that commaundemente, bent him selfe against the emperour, and by force toke from hym the ylandes of Sc [...]o, Rodes, Samo, Metellino, and Andro, and so with great honour retourned to Uenice, where he died.

¶Than was Pietro Polano chosen his successour, Pietro Polano .1130. who broughte the citee of Fano vnder the Uenetian obedi­ence, and fought first with the Pisani, and after with the Padoani, bothe whose armies he ouercame: so that of the Padoani he brought .35 [...]. prisoners vnto Uenice, and after released theim without raunsome.

¶This Duke fauouryng the parte of the emperoure Emanuell against Rogier Duke of Puglia, wente in his owne person vnto that enterprise, recouered Corfu, and ouerronne and sacked all Sicilia. And thorough his great trauayle syckened and died, was broughte to Ue­nice and buried.

¶After hym Domenico Morosini entred into thastate, Domenico Morosini▪ 1147. who besieged Pola, because the inhabitauntes had hin­dered the Uenetian passingers: and at laste vpon agre­ment, ordeyned, that in maner of a trybute the Polani shoulde yerely paie to the churche of Sainte Marke a thousande weight of oyle. The like wherof he con­strei [...]ned theim of Patenzo to doe. Finally, hauyng made a leage with William kynge of Sicilia successour vnto the forenamed Rogier, of whom he obteined diuers priuileges for the Uenetian merchauntes commoditee, he died.

¶Than entred Vitale Michele: Uitale Michele, 1 [...]4▪ by whose daies the Vero [...]si, Ferraresi, and Padoani, through prouocaci­on of the emperour Federico Barbar [...]s [...]a, did no small [Page] domage to the Uenetians. For the reuengeyng wher­of they made out an armie, and toke the Patriarke of Aquileia, with .xii. of his canons (of the imperiall fa­ction) prisoners: who were after set at libertee, vpon couenaunt to paie yerely tribute vnto the Uenetians at shroftyde, a fatie bull, and .xii. hogges.

¶This meane whyle the emperour Emanuell, entryng secretly into affinitee with kynge William of Sicile, toke Spalato, Trau, and Raugia from the Uenetians. Wherfore thei armed, and Vitale in person went foorth: recouered Trau, threw it to the earth, with part of the walles of Raugia, and so went to Negroponte: where by counsail of the gouernour, he concluded a peace with the emperour. Notwithstandyng, the emperour had a little before taken Scio. For concludyng of whiche peace, and for the pestilence that his infected souldiours brought home with them, the Uenetians at his retourne slew hym.

¶Muche adooe was made for his death, but nothyng to effect: saue a certeine noumbre were than appoincted vnto the election of the Duke: some write .x. and some xl. but how so euer it were Orio Malipiero was cho­sen, who refusyng it, preferred Sebastian Ziani, for his auncientee, richesse, and wysedome. So his refu­sall was accepted, his modestie highly commended, and Sebastiano accordyngly elected.

Sebastian Ziani▪ 1171▪¶This Sebastian erected the two notable pillers of marble, that are yet seen in the markette place of sainct Marke: whiche with an other greatter than either of them, were brought out of Candia: but the biggest fell into the water (and for his vnmeasurable weight) can [Page 96] not be gotten vp againe.

¶The emperour Emanuell, who secretely hated the Uenetians, Emanuel▪ constreigned Henry Dandolo their ambas­sadour, to stande so longe daryng in an hotte basen, Crueltee, that he lost his sight. For what cause he wrought this, I finde not. And though it muche offended the Ueneti­ans, yet the tyme serued not to reuenge it. For they had taken part with Alexandre bishop of Rome against the emperour Federike Barbarossa: and with an armie by sea Sebastian in person toke Ottone the emperours sonne, with certaine galeis, and brought him prisoner to Uenice. So that through the practise of Ottone there folowed a peace betwene Federike, the bishop, and the Uenetians. And the Duke was rewarded of the saied bishop with licence for hym and his successours to seale in leade, to haue a canopie borne ouer hym, a wa [...]e ta­per before hym, with trumpettes and standardes, and fi­nally ones a yere to espouse the sea, with throwyng a golde ringe into it. All whiche ceremonies the Uene­tian Dukes vse vnto this daie.

¶After the deathe of Sebastian the forenamed Orio Malipiero was created Duke, Orio Malipiero 1180, who went vnto the enter­prise of Zara, that lately had rebelled.

¶He also sent an armie into the holy lande, that reco­uered the citee of Ptholemaida, with those other placꝭ, that the Uenetians before tyme had gotten there. Fi­nally he became a frier, and so died.

¶Than succeded Henry Dandolo, Arrigo Dandolo▪ 1194, who banished the Veronesi from the trade of Uenice, so that the Verone­si for theyr parte wolde suffer nothyng to passe downe the ryuer of Adice ▪ But at length they were faine to [Page] agre with the Uenetians, and to restore certaine goodes that they before had taken.

¶The Pisani also enuiyng the Uenetian glorie, made an armie against them, and gatte Pola, whiche by the Ue­netian army was incōtinently recouered, the w [...]llꝭ ra­sed to therth, and the enemies ships burned: and before Modone they toke two other Pisane ships, laden with merchandise: and made Trieste and all Istria, tributors.

¶After this they recouered Zara also, and semblablie rased the walles therof to the earthe, in so muche that many of the inhabitantes (beyng fled before) with the helpe of the Hungariens, renewed an armie, and ouer­ron all Dalmatia. But at lengthe they were constreig­ned to make peace with the Uenetians, geuyng theyr children in ostaige, submittyng theyr churche vnto the Patriarke of Grado, and bindyng theim selfes to geue yerelie three thousande conie skinnes to the Duke for a present.

¶This meane while came Alesso, sonne of themperour Isaac (than lately expulsed out of Constantinople) vnto Uenice for succours: who obteined, that the Duke with an armie, ioignyng hym selfe with an other armie of Frenchemen, wente to Constantinople, and after manie prosperouse successes by the waie, toke it, and restored bothe Isaac and his sonne vnto the empire. But the emperour liued not longe after: and his sonne, couetyng to kepe his promyse with the Uenetians, was betraied and strangled by Mirtillo or Murcifone one brought vp by his father from lowe degre, vnto so great reputaci­on, that after he had murdered Alesso, he toke the empire vpon hym. Wherfore the Uenetians and Frenchemen [Page 97] abhorryng this vnnaturall crueltee, enforced theyr po­wers of new, reuenged the death of Alesso, toke Con­stantinople by assaulte, and diuided the dominion be­twene theim: so that of the Frenche part Baldewine a Flemmyng was made capitaine or emperour, and of the Uenetians, Thomas Morosini was made Patriarke: adioignyng vnto the Uenetian dominion the ile of Can­dia, with the other ilandes of the seas Ionium and E­geum.

¶So whan they had recouered Raugia, and established the Greekishe empyre, this Duke Dandolo died. And was buried in Constantinople.

¶The Uenetians beyng thus entred into an empyre, be­ganne to contende amongest theim selfes, whether they were better to remoue theyr common wealth to Constan­tinople, for the encrease of theyr name and power: or to remaine still in Uenice. But finally it was conclu­ded, that better it was to trust to the perpetuitee of the Site of Uenice, than to the brittell chaunge of Constan­tinoples glorie.

¶Than was Peter Ziani elected Duke in Uenice, Pietro Ziani .1203. and the armie in Greece on the other syde elected Mari [...]o Ziani Potestate of Constantinople: on condicion that he shoulde receiue his confirmacion from Uenice.

¶This Peter proued an excellent man: he encreased the armie in Greece: by meane wherof Corfu, Modon, Coron, Galipoli, Nasso, Paro, Molo, Erma, and An­dro were gotten: Negroponte was made tributarie▪ and the Genowaies armie fought withall, and discom­fited.

¶He sent also a Colonia of Uenetians to enhabite [Page] Candia, with officers accordyng: whiche many tymes after rebelled.

¶He ouercame the Padoanes, and brought .400. of theim prisoners to Uenice: Finally he waxyng veraie religiouse, renounced the astate, and withdrew him selfe into the monasterie of sainct George, where he died.

Iames Tiepolo .1225.¶After hym succeded Iames Tiepolo, who with the helpe of Marke Samuto, rescued Candia, than molested by the Greekishe Corsales.

¶Twyse he reysed the siege of Constantinople ( Teofi­lo Ziani beyng Potestate there) and gatte many of the enemies shippes. And after makyng truce with the Genowaies, in the fauour of Gregorie the .ix. bishop of Rome, he sent an armie against Federike Barbarossa, gatte Terma, Campo Marino, and Bestice: and in the hauen Manfredonia, burned the Cetea: a notable shippe that the emperour had made for his owne person, and there slew a thousand men of warre.

¶About this tyme Ezelino di Romano gatte Padoa from the Uenetians, and entred into the Uenetian ma­rishe as farre as saincte Ellero and the Bebbe.

¶This Duke vnder the gouernance of his owne sonne, sent .60. galleis to Durazo to succour the Genowaies against the emperour and the Pisani: who in his returne recouered Pola and Zara, and than peace was made with the kynge of Hungarie, vpon condicion, that from thensfoorth he should neuer pretende title to Zara.

Marino Morosini .1247.¶Nexte this Iames folowed Marino Morosini, who was chosen of the counsaill called Pregadi, and beyng prouoked by the Romish legate, made warre vnto the forenamed Ezelino, and recouered Padoa, wherof Ause­dino, [Page 98] nephew of Ezelino was capitaine, whilest Ezeli­no laie at siege before Mantua. For whiche losse and for his labour spente in vaine before Mantua, Ezelino retournyng to Uerona, fell in suche a rage, that he cau­sed .12000. Padoanes, part of his armie, to be hewen to peeces. Suche a crueltee as hath not ben heard of, Crueltee, sens the tyme of Silla, who did the like vnto .12000. pre­nestines, friendes of his ennemie Marius.

¶Of this name Ezelino were foure, one after an other, that caused no small trouble in Italie.

¶The fyrste Ezelino, a Doucheman borne, came into Italie with the emperour Otho, the thirde, and by hym was made Conte di Onara, a towne of the Marca Tri­uigiana. But afterwardꝭ he gate him selfe the lordship of Bassano vpon the riuer of Brent, with maine faire ter­ritories theraboutes, and so became great, both of domi­nion and also of aliance by mariages.

¶His sonne was called Ezelino Balbo, and the .iii. Eze­lino Monaco, all three crowell men of nature. But the .iiii. Ezelino di Romano passed all thother, and died rather for choler and despite of the discomfiture, Ezelino di Romano. geuen hym by the Vicentines, than for the hurte that he recei­ued in his legge. Whom Peter Gerardo a Padoan writer, descriueth thus: He was harde of fauour, terri­ble in worde and dede, scarce of laughter or speche, full of despite, suspiciouse, takyng euerie thyng to the worse, daungerouse to enterprise, prompte to all euill, cruell to all personnes, and out of measure delited in their death and tourmentes, prisons, yron, hunger, corde, fyre, and other suche. So that to extirpe the whole stocke of so [...]uell a generacion, after his death there was no crea­ture [Page] of his bloud suffered to lyue.

Rinieri Zeno .12 [...]0.¶After the deathe of Marino succeded Rinieri Zeno, who sent an armie into Soria againste the Genowaies, that discomfited them betwene Ptholemaida and Tyro: besides .vi. other Genowaie shippes, that were loste in Candia, and nere vnto Tyro in the secounde and .iii. bat­tayle.

¶In this meane tyme Baldewyne the capitaine, and Pantaleon Iustiniano patriarke of Constantinople, were betraied of the Grekes, and constreigned to flee to Ne­groponte, leauing the citee & empire vnto Mighell Pa­leologo, that afterwardes through helpe of the Geno­waies, gatte many Ilandes: trauailyng to extende his dominion vnto Morea. Wherevpon the Uenetians made foorth moe galeys by .30. at a tyme, to encrease their armie, that than was commen out of Soria, in hope to finde theyr enemies about Sicilia: But all in vayne, wherfore retournyng into Soria, they toke the Cetea of the Genowaies, and began to assaulte Tyro. In which businesse, the Uenetians loste a notable shippe, called Castell forte, with .x. others laden with merchaundise. Neuerthelesse renewyng their armie with parte of their staple, that laie in Candia and Dalmatia, they mette a­gaine with the Genowaies in Sicilia, where after a longe fight, they toke .24. Genowaie galleis, burned the reste, slew aboue .1200. men, toke, 1500. prisoners, and drowned all the reste.

¶This notable victorie brought the emperour Paleo­logo in suche feare, that he sued for truce to the Ueneti­ans: and obteined it for .v. yeres.

¶This meane while was a great mutteryng in Uenice [Page 99] for the treasure spent, because the chambre was founde emptie, and that for the maintenaunce of those warres, thei were about to leuey subsidies. So that the peo­ple assembled, and furiousely assaulted the Dukes pa­laice, hurlyng stones at the wyndowes, with other de­spitefull deedes.

¶Finally the armie was renewed, and in an other con­flict with the Genowaies, they toke .v. of theyr shippes▪ About whiche tyme Rinieri died.

¶Than folowed Lorenzo Tiepolo, Lorenzo Tiepolo .1267. in whose tyme happened a wonderfull dearth of corne in Uenice: by reason theyr neyghbours, for enuie of theyr prosperitee, woulde suffre no corne to come to theim. For remedy wherof the Uenetians made a law, that all merchaunt­shippes, passyng betweene the Goolfe of Fano, and the mouthe of the ryuer Pò, shoulde paie theim custome af­ter a certaine rate of theyr merchandise. Wherby to their great gaine, they reuenged theim selfes vpon their ennemies. But the Bologniese moste of all others, being offended with this law, made out an army against the Uenetians, and were ouercomen, constreigned to aske peace, to ouerthrowe a castell that they had made at Primano on the Pò, and to graunt the Uenetians free entrie into theyr riuers at all tymes.

¶About this time, by meane of Philip the frenche king, who trauailed to succour the Christians in Soria against the infidelles, the Uenetians, Genowaies, and Pisani made a league together for .v. yeres.

¶After Tiepolo, Iacopo Contarini was Duke, Iacopo Contarini▪ 1275. in whose tyme the warre was well neere renued betwene the Uenetians and Genowaies, for certeine goodes that [Page] the Genowaies had taken: whiche beyng restored, the armie prepared for them, turned against Istria, that than newly rebelled, through the prouocacion of the Patri­arke of Aquileia: who by force were reduced to theyr wonted obedience.

¶They of Ancona beyng offended with the foresaied law of custome paiyng for theyr merchaundise, beganne to robbe and spoyle alongest the costes of Istria: so that the Uenetians, to correcte theim, besieged the citee of Ancona: whiche dured not longe: for the bishoppe of Rome entreated the Uenetians, to agree with theim, and breake vp theyr siege.

¶Finally this Contarini perceiuyng hym selfe veraie sickely and vnapte to rule the astate, did willyngly re­nounce it.

Giouanni Dandolo .1281.¶Than succeded Iohn Dandolo, in whose tyme the water in Uenice swelled so hygh, that in maner the citee was drowned: and after that folowed a wonderfull earthquake.

¶He also fyrst coygned duckates of golde. And at the request of Nicolas, than bishop of Rome, prepared a new armie to saile into Soria: but it went not foorth: so that the kyng of Babylone in Aegypt, toke and sac­ked Ptholomaida, and after rased it to the earth.

Piet [...] Gradeni­go .1290.¶After Dandolo, Peter Gradenigo was elected Duke. At whose entryng the truce with the Genowaies expi­red: so that a new armie, vnder the leadyng of Roger Morosini proueditore, was sent into the east partes: Where thei toke Pera, and Castello delle foglie vecchie: and abode there so longe, that the yere folowyng Iohn Zoranzo, with .25. fresshe galleis, was sent thither: [Page 100] who toke the citee of Cafa in Chersonesso.

¶The Genowaies this meane while prepared an army of .70. galeys, and vnder their capitaine Lampado d' oria, entred into the Adriatike seas, entendyng to come to Uenice. But the Uenetian armie (beyng the greatest that euer they made) caused them to retyre: yet metyng together vpon the coste of Dalmatia, they foughte, and the Uenetians were discomfited, and Andrea Dandolo Proueditore taken prisoner, who so muche despaired, that beatyng his head against the galey bordes, he slewe him selfe. And albeit that the losse of this armie was of great importaunce and peryll vnto the Uenetians, yet incontinently they renforced theyr power, and in the streict of Gallipoli, sometime called Hellespontus, mette with the Genowaies againe, and were there again ouer­comen. But the Genowaies for all their victories were so weried, that they graunted the Uenetians peace, and laied warre aside for a season.

¶Thus the thynges ferre of, beyng appeased, their bu­sinesse at home beganne to awake. For one Marino Bocconio conspired against the Duke and Senate, whi­che beyng discouered, he and dyuers of his complices, were put to death betweene the pillers of. S. Marke.

¶The Padoanes began than also to fortifie at a certain place, betwene Chiozza, and Albano, called Petabubula, whiche was no littell trouble vnto the Uenetians, for the tyme, howe beit at length they remedied it.

¶After this they made out an other armie by sea vnder Belletto Iustiniano, who prospered muche in Greece. For after he had ouerronne all those costes, he returned home with .15000. prisoners, and with a great summe of [Page] money recouered of the Greekish emperour, that before tyme the Uenetians had lente him. Whiche was no small coumforte to the common wealth that longe time had suffered.

¶Shortely after Clement bishop of Rome excommuni­cated the Uenetians, for aydyng of Azo da Este vnto the astate of Ferrara, and wrote his letters thoroughout all Europe, condemnyng theim as enemies of the churche, and geuyng their gooddes as a laufull praie vnto all men, whiche caused theim to susteine great losse.

¶Besides this, Baiamonte Tiepolo, their owne citesin, entendyng to make him selfe lorde of Uenice, enterprised to assaulte the Duke and Senate in the palaice, where after muche bloud shed, at laste he was slayne, and his parttakers accordynglie punysshed, parte in Uenice, and part at a place there besides, called Malpasso.

¶ Zara about this tyme rebelled againe, and shortelie after this Duke died.

Marino Giorgio .1312.¶After whom succeded Marino Giorgio, that lyued but .x. monethes, in whose tyme an armie was made out to besiege Zara.

¶Than folowed Iohn Soranzo, who recouered Zara, and brought Noua, Iohn. Soranzo .1313. Spalato, Trau, and Sibenzani, townes of Dalmatia, vnder the Uenetian dominion.

¶This meane tyme Fraunces Dandalo, ambassadour with bishop Clemente, vsed suche humilitee, that Uenice was not onely assoiled, but also priuileged to be no more on that wise accursed.

¶These thynges finished, they sente out .50. galleys against the Genowaies, because they had taken the Ue­netians goodes. But after thei had besieged Pera, [Page 101] and were promised amendes and restitucion of theyr goodes, the armie retourned without other expedicion.

¶Than was Iustiniano, that had been capitaine therof, sent Proueditore into Candia, where with his wyse­dome he quieted the countrey, that beganne to rebell.

¶Finally, after the Uenetians had preserued the Pa­doanes from the furie of Mastino della Scala, that wold haue oppressed theim, this Duke Soranzo died.

¶After hym entred Fraunces Dandolo, Fraunces Dandolo .1329. in whose time hapned a great dearth of corne in Uenice: whiche was reliued afterwardes with prouision brought out of Si­cilia by Nicolas Falero: for that purpose sent thither.

¶This Duke accepted the Polani and Valesi vnder the Uenetian dominion: and euer after defended them from the power of the Patriarke of Aquileia.

¶He caused Thomas Viaro Proueditore of the armie against the Genowaies, to die in prison: because he had not borne hym selfe prudently in that enterprise.

¶He sent Peter Zeno with an armie against the Tur­kes, that than had newly chased the Christians out of Soria. Whiche Turkes were foughten with, and fi­nally discoumfited.

¶Than beganne the warres against the Signori della Scala, the chiefe wherof was Mastino before named: who chasyng the Rossi from Parma, gotte Feltro, Bel­luno, and Ceneda, before tyme taken by the saied Rossi from kyng Iohn̄ of Boeme. This Mastino thus growyng great, attempted to trouble the Uenetians with buildyng of fortresses and bastilions about Peta­bubula. Wherfore the Uenetians entred in league with the kynge of Boeme, and with the most parte of all the [Page] states of Italie, specially with the Florentin [...]s, against this Mastino: and made P [...]er Rosso generall of that league: who (assemblyng an armie, of the Uenetians, Florentines, Bologniese, Ferrarese, and other theyr col­leges) after many skyrmyshes, takyng of fortresses and townes: finally did discomfite Mastino in two seuerall battailes, and brought hym by force to requyre peace: whiche was graunted on this wise, that he should leaue Feltro, Ciuidale di Belluno, and Ceneda vnto Char­les sonne of the kyng of Boeme: Bergamo and Bres­sa vnto the Visconti of Myllaine: Treuiso, with the appurtenaunces, Castelbaldo, and Bassano, to the Ue­netians: and .iiii. castelles to the Florentines.

¶After the happie successe of these warres, Dandolo dyed.

Bartholo­meo Gradeni­go .1340.¶Than Bartholomeo Grandenigo, succeded, in whose tyme, the water in Uenice for the space of three daies, did swell foure yardes higher than his wonted course: so that they thought to haue been all drowned: but at laste sainct Nicolas, sainct George, and sainct Marke came into a poore fisshers bote, and in the mouthe of the hauen drowned a shippe of diuels that wrought all this mischiefe. For proufe wherof, this poore fissher the next mornyng after the water ceased, presented vnto the Duke and senate a golde rynge that sainct Marke had geuen hym. This was taken there for a myracle, though I thinke no man woulde beleeue it.

¶The feare of this water was no sooner ceased, but newes came, that the Candians rebelled. Wherfore a power sent thither, assaulted theim on three sydes, and with the correction of the principall rebelles, reduced [Page 102] theim to their former obedience.

¶Shortely after happened a great dearth of corne, and Gradenigo died.

¶Than folowed Andrea Dandolo, Andrea Dandolo▪ 1343. a man for his wise­dome and ciuilitee muche commended of Petrarcha. In whose time Peter Zeno (in company of other Chri­stian princes) was sent with an armie againste the Tur­kes, whom at the firste they discomfited, and toke Smir­na: but afterwardes the Turkes assembled againe, and with great slaughter ouercame the Uenetians, the Cy­priotes, and the Rodianes.

¶This Duke procured licence of the kynge of Baby­lone, that Uenetian merchauntes might freely traffic­que in Aegypt, and sent an army vnto Zara ▪ than yelded vnto the kynge of Hungarie, who beyng come thither with .120000. men, was fought with by the Uenetians discomfited, and Zara recouered.

¶This duke ordeined the office of the three Auditours, for the better expedicion of matters, because the Auo­gadori had to muche charge on theim to dispatche well: and he him selfe wrote a worthie historie of the Ueneti­an astate and lawes for the tyme than passed.

¶He sente .vi. shippes into Sicilia for corne, wherof two peerished by the waie, the other .iiii. releeued the citee in their great dearth. After folowed such an earthquake, that .iii. or .iiii. steples, with diuers other buildynges in Uenice were shaken to the earth: and than suche a pesti­lence that in maner Uenice became voyde. Neuer­thelesse a newe armie was made out against the Geno­waies, that fought with theim at Caristo besides Ne­groponte, where firste the Genowaies were discomfi­ted, [Page] than the Uenetians, and thirdelie in Sardegna the Genowaies againe: and therby brought so lowe, that they became subiectes to Iohn Visconti, archebishop and Duke of Myllaine, who sente the famouse Petrarcha ambassadour to Uenice, to obteine peace for him and the Genowaies. But the Uenetians wolde not graunte it. Wherfore the Visconti sente his armie into Dalmatia, sacked the townes of Faro and Corfu, toke Parenzo in Istria, and spoiled a Uenetian shippe, goyng into Candia, of value (by reporte) of .800000. duckates.

¶Thus while the Uenetians for ease of this trouble were makyng a leage with the kyng of Boeme, to bryng him against the Uisconti, this Duke Dandolo died.

Marino. Falerio .1354.¶ Marino Falerio succeded him, in whose daies the com­mon wealth lacked littell of vtter vndoyng. First their armie was sore discomfited by the Genowaies, Pagano Doria beyng capitaine, at the Ile of Sapientia, besides Morea. After this, the Duke him selfe conspired a­gainste the citees libertee, entendyng to make him selfe absolute lorde therof, by puttyng the nobilitee and se­nate to death. But his purpose was discouered by Bel­trame a skinner, one of the confederatꝭ, so that the Duke was beheaded, and diuers other punyshed, besydes a noumbre that fledde, and were banished.

¶Finallie this Beltrame for his rewarde, was made a gentilman of Uenice, with a thousand ducates of yerely reuenew. But after a certaine space, thinkyng his re­warde ouer littell in respecte of so great a seruice, he la­mented him selfe vnto the senate, and was so importu­nate, that they not onelie toke from him his foresaied reuenew, but also depriued hym of the gentilmans dig­nitee, [Page 103] and made hym a skinner againe, as he was before.

¶After this Marco Cornaro as Vice Doge, ruled for a certeine space.

¶Than Iohn Gradenico was elected Duke, Iohn Gradenico .1355. who sen­dyng out .vii. galleis against the Genowaies, was oc­casion of the peace, that immediately folowed betwene theim.

¶In his time Lewis kyng of Hungarie entred in leage with certeine princes and nobles of Lumbardie against the Uenetians: so that after he had been before Zara, Spalato, Trau, and Nona, with other places in Dalma­tia: he besieged Treuiso: duryng whiche siege Grade­nico died.

¶Than Iohn Delfino was chosen, Iohn Del­fino .1356. who being that time besieged within Treuiso, and aduertised of his electi­on, requyred the kynges saueconducte to passe: whiche woulde not be graunted. Wherfore at last in compa­ny of certeine men of armes, he secretly departed, and came to Uenice: and was no sooner in the auctoritee, but he reuoked the Potestate of Padoa, and toke from the Padoanes the trade of salte. A mattier vnto them of great importance. This did he to be reuenged on Carraro, a principall of the Padoanes, who was entred into intelligence with the Hungariens.

¶Finally this king prospered so muche against the Ue­netians, that thei were constreigned for a peace to grant hym all Dalmatia, from the goolfe Fanatico, to Dura­zo, with certeine other townes about Ceneda and Tre­uiso, that he had than newly gotten.

¶To this peace the Uenetians at that tyme, were glad to agree, for eschewyng of more daunger. And not [Page] longe after this Delfino died.

¶Whom Lorenzo Celso, than capitaine of the army vpon the goolfe, Lorenzo Celso .13 [...]0. was elected, who being aduertised ther­of, incontinently repayred vnto Uenice: where he was receiued with suche pompe as the Uenetians vse. But his owne father, woulde in no wyse goe against hym: thinkyng it vnmeete, that the father should vse any re­uerence to his sonne.

¶In his time, fyrst the Duke of Austriche, and after the kynge of Cyprus came to see Uenice for theyr passetime, where they were receiued and honoured accordyngly.

¶Than of new Candia rebelled, for the great taxes that the Uenetians leuied of theim. Wherfore fyrst one, and than an other army was sent thither: whiche with muche adooe (by reason of the Greekes defence) at last recouered it: and so with triumph retourned to Uenice.

¶About this tyme the kyng of Cyprus toke and sacked Alexandria in Aegypt, from whens he retourned laden with a wonderfull praie. And not longe after this Duke Celso died.

Marco Cornaro .1365.¶His successour was Marco Cornaro, who foorthwith had worde that Candia again rebelled. Against whom a newe armie was prepared, with priuilege obteined of the bishop of Rome, of clere pardon and remission of synnes, for all theim that shoulde beare armes in that enterprise.

¶Finally the Candiottes were so oppressed, that they were constreigned to aske peace, and with sharpe puny­shementes were broughte to their wonted obedience.

¶The businesse of Candia beyng thus well quieted and reformed, Cornaro lyued not longe after.

[Page 104]¶Than entred Andrea Contarini, Andrea Contarini▪ 1367. notwithstandyng that he oftentymes refused the dignitee, perchaunce through foresighte of thynges to come. For fyrste they of Trieste through succour of the Duke of Austria, rebelled, and beyng in a sharpe battaill ouercommen, were con­streigned to retourne to the Uenetian obedience.

¶Than beganne a new bickeryng betwene the Carrari, lordes of Padoa, and the Uenetians, for the interest of certeine confines, betwene whom were many skirmishes with variable fortune on both sides. But the Uene­tians had euer the better, vntill the Carrari had gotten in leage the kynge of Hungarie, the Duke of Austria, the Genowaies, and the Patriarke of Aquileia, who on all sides by lande and sea, oppressed the Uenetians sore. For notwithstandyng that in this meane while, with helpe of the kyng of Cyprus on the one side, they fyrste discomfited Andronico sonne of the emperour Caloi­anni with the Greekes in the Ile of Tenedo, and after that diuers of the Genowaies by sea. And than on the tother side with the helpe of Bernabo Visconti, by lande discomfited the Carraro on the Padoan territorie, with gettyng of some townes: yet fortune tourned so against theim, that at Pola they lost .xv. galleis at one tyme, and by littell and littell loste Vmago, Grado, Caorle, Chiozza, Loreo, Le Bebbe, Capo d'aggere, Malamo­co, and Pouiglia: lokyng euerie foote, whan they shuld be assaulted in Uenice. Insomuche, that they sent a blanke Charter vnto Peter Doria, than capitaine of the Genowaies armie, besechyng him to prescribe them what condicions he woulde, and they gladly would ac­cept them: but as it hapneth commonly in prosperitee, [Page] men are not contented with reasonable aduauntage: he woulde not haue theim but at his owne descrecion. And so droue foorth the tyme till Carlo Zeno, with the Uenetian armie, scoured all the leuaunte seas, toke many riche shippes, of theyr ennemies: and with the slaughter of .300. Genowaies, restored the fortresse of Constantinople vnto Caloianni emperour of Greece, be­sieged Pera, and finally after many woorthy victories in those parties (aduertised of the perill that Uenice was in) retyred homewardes: ioigned with Vettorio Pisani capitaine of the rest of the Uenetian armie, and neere vnto Brondolo, Chiozza, and th [...]se other pla­ces theraboutes, fought diuers tymes with theim, with dyuers fortune, and at last slew theyr capitaine before­named, recouered Chiozza through famine, and toke [...]0. Padoan botes, with .19. Genowaie galleis, besides certeine shippes laden with salte, and a noumbre of pri­soners.

¶This great victorie thus obteined by Vettorio Pisani and Carlo zeno, was not yet enough to ende this warre: For the rest of the Genowaies armie discoumfited at Chiozza, departed to Trieste, causyng it to rebell. And than leauyng Istria in gouernaunce of the Patri­arke of Aquileia, retourned againe to attempte the get­tyng of Brondolo and Chiozza. But findyng the passages closed against theim, they made towardes Pi­rano and Parenzo, dooyng theyr best to gette theim: wherin thei preuailed not, and so at last withdrew them into the hauen of Marano.

¶This meane while the Uenetians endeuoured theim selfes to recouer againe Bebbe, and the other placꝭ nere [Page 105] about theim. All whiche they obteined, Capo d'agge­re onely except, that was holden by the Carraro.

¶Than came newes, that Pola was taken, and that the Genowaies, renuyng theyr armie, had also taken Arbe in the ile of Scardona. Wherfore a new power was made out, which passing into Istria, sacked Iustinopoli, and besieged Zara. In whiche enterprise Vettorio Pi­sani died, so that Carlo Zeno rested capitaine alone: who with .viii. galleis of new, scoured all the costes of Dalmatia, toke .xii. Schlauon shippes, and went foorth into the riuer of Genoa, where he wrought wonders: whilest the Genowaies and theyr colleges on the other syde sacked Capo d' Istria, toke Conigliano, Nouale and Treuiso before yelded to the Duke of Austria: be­sides .xiiii. Uenetian shippes, that the Genowaies toke in the porte of Pesaro.

¶And so longe contended they thus warryng one vpon an other, that at laste both parties were weried, and by meane of the Duke of Sauoie, accorded. In the conclu­dyng of whiche peace the Uenetians rendred the Ile of Tenedo vnto the Genowaies (that by the meane of the emperour Caloianni, came before to their handes.)

¶Finally, after the Carraro of Padoa had gotten Tre­uiso by force from the Duke of Austria (the kynge of Hungarie beyng dead) this Duke Contarini finished his life.

¶Than folowed Michele Morosini, Michele Morosini .1383. that liuyng but .4. monethes, made a newe lawe for the triall of murders and manslaughters.

¶Next succeded Antonio Veniero, a pleasaunt wise man, that in the gouernaunce of Tenedo, Antonio Ueniero▪ 138 [...]. had behaued [Page] him selfe prudently.

¶He bare so earnest a zeale to Iustice, that hearyng a complainte against his owne sonne, for certain dishonest partes plaied about a gentilmans dore, of whose wife he was en [...]moured, caused hym to be laied in pryson, where he miserablie died of the plage. And though he knewe, that the infection was entered into that prison, yet wolde he not at no friendes intercession remoue his sonne into any other. Whiche acte one waie semeth commendable▪ an other waie vnnaturall and cruell.

¶About this tyme the Uenet [...]ans entred in leage with Giangaleazo Visconti, Duke of Myllaine, and with the marchese Da Este of Ferrara, against Carraro of Pa­doa: so that betwene these three the territorie of Car­raro was diuided.

¶Fyrste the Uenetians had Treuiso, the marchese of Este had certain ca [...]lles, that he had before lost, and the Visconti had Padoa, Feltro, and Ciuidale di Belluno: which with Vicenza and Verona, that he had also got­ten a littell before, sette the Uisconti of Myllaine on such a height, that immediately he moued warre against the Bologniese and Florentines, whereby he began to be had in Ialousie and mistruste, of all the other astates, about him. Wherfore the Uenetians, with those other two beforenamed, the Manroan, the Ferrarese, Carlo Ma [...]atesta, and Robert Duke of Bauiera (vnto whom the yonge Nouello Carraro was fled for succours) entred all into a leage against him: by reason wherof Verona was sacked, Padoa besieged, and the Visconti at length in suche wise discomfited, that he was faine to requyre peace, whiche was graunted for .x. yeres folowyng.

[Page 105]¶After the death of Veniero succeded Michele Steno, Michele Steno .1400. in whose tyme .iiii. Uenetian galleis, laden with mer­chaundise were loste in the Arcipelago.

¶Than Zeno, with .xi. galleis was sent out against the Genowaies: who had been in Soria, sacked Baru [...]ti, and taken certeine Uenetian shippes. But in theyr re­tourne, betweene Modone, and Giunchio, Zeno dis­coumfited theim: notwithstandyng that in maner they were double as many.

¶This meane tyme the younge Carraro beyng (part­ly through the Uenetians fauour) restored vnto the do­minion of Padoa, besieged Vicenza, and streigned it so sore, that in despite of hym they yelded theim selfes to the Uenetians: who toke occasion of vnkyndnesse to­wardes Carraro, because he had ben the principall mo­uer of the Genowaies against theim: and that also he had counsailed william Scala to take on hym the domi­nion of Verona. Insomuche that the Uenetians ar­med, and fyrst chastised Alberto da Este of Ferra [...]a for parttakyng with Carraro, and finally by plaine force, gattebothe Pad [...]a and Verona: and ledde this Nouel­lo Carraro, with his two sonnes prisoners to Uenice, where by nyght they were all three straungled.

¶And albeit, that the Uenetians were esteemed to haue spent in those Padoane warres better than two milly­ons of golde: yet this victorie ouer theyr approued ene­mie was so gratefull vnto them, that forgettyng all ex­pences, they triumphed with feastes and bon [...]fiers so longe, that they sette the toppe of saincte Markes ste­ple on fyre: whiche afterwardes (to theyr coste) was made vp againe and cleane gilte ouer.

[Page]¶Thus the Uenetians rested not longe, but that Ladis­lao, kynge of Naples and of Hungarie, warred on them in Dalmatia, and toke Zara: whiche they redeemed of hym for the summe of an .100000. duckates, takyng al­so truce with hym for .v. yeres. And than died Steno.

Thomas Mocenigo 1413.¶Next folowed Thomas Mocenigo, that reformed certaine offices in the Rialto.

¶He also recouered certaine townes in Friuli, that one Pippo, a capitaine of the kynges of Hungarie had in the last warres before taken from theim. And was authour also of the renewyng of the palaice of Sainct Marke, for the mocionyng wherof, he willyngly paied a thousande duckates, forfaited by an ancient law made against him that shoulde firste mocion the alteracion of that palaice from his olde facion.

Fraunces Foscaro .14 [...]4.¶Whan Mocenigo was deade, Fraunces Foscaro en­tered into the astate▪ who beyng praied thervnto, entred in league with the Florentines, againste Philip Duke of Myllaine: and sente Carmignuola theyr capitaine to Bressa, whiche by meane of intelligence was soone got­ten: though the forteresse helde a certeine space. On the other syde the Florentines toke Nicolos da Este, mar­chese of Ferrara for their capitaine, and sente hym into the territorie of the Genowaies, where was gotten no small booties. So that Duke Phillip thus troubled, fearyng leaste the countrey of Romagnia shoulde re­turne to the Florentines dominion, yelded vp the fame to the vse of the churche of Rome, into the handes of the legate of Bononia, and for aduoidyng of further incon­uenience, caused the same legate to procure him a peace, whiche was sooner obteined than well obserued. For [Page 107] Phillip encouraged with the money and large offers of the Mylanese, wolde not suffer the articles to be ob­serued▪ and inuadyng the Mantuane territorie, prouoked his ennemies the colleges, to renewe their power, with whiche, and by the power of the generall Carmignuola, the Duke receiued such a discomfiture, besides Terenti­ano, with losse of his cariage, plate and money, that if Carmignuola had folowed the victorie, he had ben lyke enough to haue driuen Phillip out of his Duchie.

¶Finally after sundrie conclusions and breaches, at last a full peace was concluded, that Bergamo and Bres­sa, with their apportenaunces, shoulde remaine to the Uenetians, Cremona, with his territory should be geuen to Sforza for the dower of his wife Bianca, doughter to Phillip Romaningo, with the fortresses of Gieradadda to be restored to Phillip by the Uenetians ( P [...]schiera and Lanado onely excepted) that Conzaga shoulde haue the reste of the Mantuane confines, and that in those quarters Legniago, Porto, Riua, Torboli, Penetra, and Rauenna, shoulde remaine to the Uenetians. That within the terme of two yeres Nicolas Piccinino should restore Bononia to the churche. That Astorre di Fa­enza shuld deliuer vnto the Florentines their fortresses, and finallie that Phillip shoulde no more meddle with the Genowaies.

¶This peace satisfied, all the colleges (the bishop of Romes legate onely excepted) whose parte in Bononia semed nothyng honourable in this behalfe.

¶Duryng these businesses in Lumbardie, the Turkes assaulted Thessalonica, a citee of the Uenetians in Ma­cedonia, and by force toke it▪ with Iames Dandolo, and [Page] Andrea Donato, gouernours of the same.

¶Not longe after Andrea Dandolo was sent ambas­sodour vnto the Soldan of Aegypt, to excuse the senate of Uenice, for the takyng of certaine of his vesselles, without theyr consent.

¶In this time the water in maner drowned all Uenice, so that whan the floudde was past, the hurt that it had doen, was esteemed aboue a myllion of golde.

¶The daughter of the kynge of Arragon, wife of Lio­nello da Este of Ferrara, came to see Uenice: and the furie of the people was so great to see hir, that they brake the bridge of the Rialto: in the fall wherof .xx. men were slaine, besides a noumbre maimed and hurte.

¶Eugenius the bishop of Rome, impacient that Picci­nino shoulde so longe kepe Bononia, entred in league with Alfonso kyng of Naples, and with Duke Philip, against Sforza: and so renuyng the warres in Italie, the Bologniese, thorough helpe of the Uenetians and Florentines, recouered theyr libertee, and for aduaun­tage, gatte diuers of theyr enemies castels. By meane wherof Phillip fell in hand againe with the Uenetians and Florentines, that came to theyr succour: so that theyr capitaine Michelle Attendulo fought with hym besides Casale Maggiore, put hym to flight, toke foure thousande horse of his, ranne to the gates of Myllaine, and brought Phillip so low, that besides Myllaine he had no more lefte, but Crema and Lodi. Wherfore he sought peace of new: but it woulde not be graunted hym.

¶This meane time Iames Foscaro, son vnto the Duke, for certeine his ill demeanours, was twise confined into [Page 107] Candia, and there died.

¶Than Sforza takyng parte with Duke Phillip loste Casale Maggiore, and the Marca d' Ancona, that the bi­shop of Rome toke from him, but finally Phillip disea­sed bothe with a feuer and the fluxe, died.

¶Incontinently vpon whose death Lodi and Vicenza, submitted theim selfes to the Uenetians. Wherfore Sforza, capitaine of the Milanese, came with an army to Vicenza, toke it, and sacked it. And A [...]tendulo on the other syde wasted a great part of the Milanese, vn­till suche tyme as Sforza agreed hym with the Uene­tians, to haue .4000. men, and .13000. duckates of ye­rely prouision, vntill he myght gette the state of Myl­laine: promisyng theim, whan he were Duke, he would be contented to renounce to theim all that, that Phillip had gotten on that syde the riuer of Adda. So that whan Sforza obteined the state of Myllaine (whiche happened shortly after) he obserued his promyse, and peace folowed.

¶About this tyme a certaine Greeke, called Stamato, robbed the trea [...]ure of sainct Markes churche, after he had been two yeres in cuttyng an hole through a verie myghtie stone wall: but beyng bewraied through a tai­lour, that he trusted, the treasure was recouered, the Greeke taken, and for his longe pacience and woorthie thefte, hanged with a golden halter.

¶Than came newes out of Sicilia, that Loredano, capitaine of the Uenetian armie, had foughten with the Genowaies and Sicilians: and had burned .47. of their shippes. After whiche victorie a generall peace folow­ed for a tyme.

[Page]¶The kyng of Bossina sent for a present to the Uene­tians certaine vesselles of siluer .iiii. goodly horses, and many Faulcones.

Liberalitee¶Federike the emperour, retournyng from his coro­nacion at Rome towardes Almaine, passed by Uenice, where the Senate presented to the Empresse a ryche crowne, sette with iewelles, wherof some one stone was estemed at .3000. duckates, and besides that gaue hir two couerynges for a cradell, richely embrodered with stone and perle: because she was at that time great with childe.

¶A newe leage made betwene the Uenetians, and the Senesi, the Duke of Sauoie, the marques of Monferra­to, and the lordes of Correggio, againste Sforza, than newly made Duke of Myllaine. For defence wherof Sforza had secret helpe of the Florentines: so that the Uenetians, with their colleges, procured Alfonse kyng of Naples, against the Florentines: who after made warre vpon them in Tuscane, whilest the gentill Leone­sio, capitaine of the leage on the tother side, toke Lodi, Gotolengo, Manerbio, Pontoglio, and ranne euen to the gates of Myllaine.

¶About this tyme the Turke wonne Constantinople, in the takyng wherof the emperour of Grece, with diuers gentilmen Uenetians, valiauntelie resistyng their enne­mies, both by sea and lande, were slaine, besides a num­bre of others taken prisoners, with the lo [...]se of theyr nauie and substaunce. Wherfore the bishop of Rome toke vpon him the appeasyng of the Italian warres: agreyng the parties on this wise: that Sforza shoulde restore vnto the Uenetians all that that he had taken [Page 108] from them in those warres (the castelles of Gieradadda onely excepted) that the kynge of Naples shoulde do the like to the Florentines ( Castiglione excepted) and the Florentines to doe the lyke to the Senese. And that whan anie controuersy shoulde happen of newe betwene them, the bishop of Rome should order the mattier with­out any businesse of warre.

¶The Genowaies were left out of this peace, by meane of the kyng of Naples.

¶Federike emperour of Almaine requyred ambassa­dours from all the princes of Europe, to make a newe league against the Turke.

¶But this meane whyle Bartholomeo Marcello re­tourned from Constantinople with an ambassadour of the Turkes, that brought certeine articles of agreement to the senate, whiche the Uenetians accepted: and ther­vpon was confyrmed amitee betweene the Turke and theim.

¶After the death of Foscaro succeded Pasquale Mali­piero, of whom I fynde nothyng of importaunce, Pasquale Malipiero 14 [...]7. sa­uyng that in his time hapned the terrible earthquake in Italie, that specially in the realme of Naples did so muche hurte: and that emprintyng was than fyrste in­uented.

¶After him succeded Christofero Moro, Christofero Moro .14 [...]2. in whose time the Turkes wanne by force, and rased to the earth the Uenetian walle, made vpon Istmus of Morea, and after didde in maner what they woulde thoroughout all that region.

¶This Morea, aunciently called Peloponnessu [...], Morea. is the chiefe parte of Greece, a verie riche countrey, com­passed [Page] about with the sea, except in one narow place, that it seemeth racked vnto the maine lande: in whiche place beyng about sixe myle ouer, was suche a walle made, as with reasonable furniture had been sufficient to resiste a wonderfull power. But the Uenetians (be­cause they fyrste of Christian princes, entred in amitee with those infidelles) trustyng to muche in theyr newe friendship, attended more to the vndoyng of theyr neigh­bours at home, than to the earnest prouision that so wor­thie a countrey, agaynst so puissaunte an ennemie, the Turke, requyred. So that shortly after the losse of that wall, thei were shamefully discoumfited at Patras­so: Iames Barbarico beyng theyr Proueditore. And than also they loste Negroponte, where was suche a slaughter of Christians, as woulde make any Christian herte wepe to heare it. Besides a huge summe of mo­ney, that they were constreigned to geue to the kyng of Hungarie, to resist the Turkes passage, that with an o­ther armie by lande was than comyng towardes Dal­matia.

¶Than succeded Nicolo Trono, who was cause of the establishemēt of Ercole da Este in the duchie of Ferrara. Nicolo Trono .1471.

¶He entred in league with Vsnucassan kyng of Persia (whose successour is nowe called Sophie) against the Turke.

¶In his tyme the Uenetians gatte the realme of Cy­prus by this meane. Iames, last kyng of the same, for the great amitee betweene his forefathers and the Uenetians, came vnto Uenice, and requyred the Signo­ria to adopte one of theyr daughters, as daughter of theyr common wealth: and than woulde he be conten­ted [Page 109] to accepte hir vnto his wyfe.

¶This large offer was soone accepted, and Katheryn Cornaro, a goodly yonge gentilwoman espowsed to the kynge, who therupon retourned into his realme conti­nuyng in peace the tyme of his life. At his deathe, (leauyng his wife great with childe) he ordeined, that she and hir childe not yet borne, shoulde enioy the realme▪ But the childe after the birth liued not longe. Assoone as the Uenetians hearde of the kynges death, Cyprus wonne. they ar­med certaine galleis, and sent them with Georgio Cor­naro, brother to the Quene into Cyprus, to comforte hir on the Signorias behalfe: with this wile, that whan Cornaro shoulde arriue before Famagosta (the princi­pall citee of Cyprus) he should feigne him selfe so sicke, that he might not goe out of the shippe, and whan his sister the Quene, with hir barons shoulde come to visite hym, than shoulde he kepe theim sure from retournyng, and sodeinelye entre the citee, subduyng it with the whole realme, vnto the Uenetian obedience. As it was deuised, so it happened from poinct to poinct, albeit that the Quene was counsailed not to go abourde the galey, and that some businesse was made after for it, yet in ef­fect the Uenetians preuailed, & the Quene was brought to Uenice, where she passed the rest of hir yeres.

¶Some esteme this doing treason, but many men allow it for a good policie.

¶After Trono folowed Nicolas Marcello, in whose tyme happened no notable thyng, Nicolo Marcello 147 [...]. other than the victori­ouse defence of the towne of Scodra in Albania against an infinite numbre of Turkes.

¶Next hym succeded Peter Mocenigo, Pietro Mocen [...] go .1474. whiche at the [Page] tyme of his election, was capitaine of an armie by sea, wherwith he had in Cyprus quie [...]ed a great rebellyon, preserued Scodra from the Turkes furie, and restored the kynge of Carramania to his astate.

¶For these woorthie deedes, and for his other vertues was in his absence first made Proctour of. S. Marke, and than (as I saied) created Duke. And beyng called home from the armie, to gouerne the dominion, Antonio Loredano was sent foorth in his stede: who deliuered Lepanto fr [...]m the Turkes siege, and vsed great dili­gence in the conseruacion of the countrey of Morea.

Andrea Vendra­mino .1476.¶After Mocenigo, Andrea Vendramino was elected Duke. In whose tyme the Turkes retournyng into Al­bania, came fyrste before Cro [...]a, and after ouerran all the countreis betwene that and the riuer of Tagliamento in F [...]riuli: so that the Uenetians were faine to call backe the capitaine Carlo Montone, who not long before put out of wages was than gone into Tuscane.

¶This Duke attempted a peace with the Turkes, but his purpose was interrupted by meanes of the kynge of Hungarie and of Naples.

Iohn Mocenigo 1478.¶After Vendramino folowed Iohn Mocenigo, brother to Peter beforenamed.

¶This man agreed with the Turke, after they had warred with him .17. yeres. The articles of accorde were, that the Uenetians shoulde yelde into the Turkes handes Scodra, the principall citee of Albania, with the ilandes of Corfu, Tenaro, and Lemno, and besides that shoulde paie him .8000. duckates a yere. In conside­racion wherof the Turke for his parte graunted theim safe passage for trafficque of merchaundise into the sea [Page 110] nowe called Mare Maggiore, and auncientlie named Pontus Euxinus: and that the Uenetians shoulde haue power to sende an officer of theirs vnder the name of Bailo to Constantinople, to iudge and order all their mer­chauntes businesse.

¶Not longe after this agreement, the Ile of Corritta in Dalmatia, was broughte vnder the Uenetian domi­nion.

¶And in the .iiii. yere of this mans rule, warre was moued against Ercole Duke of Ferrara, for the breache of certeine articles betwene hym and the Uenetians.

¶After that Robert of. S. Seuerino was sente with an armie against Ferrando kyng of Naples, in whiche en­terprise the Uenetians discomfited Alfonse Duke of Calabria, sonne of the foresaied kynge. But those warres, by meane of the other Princes of Italie, were soone appeased, whan the Duke of Ferrara (besides the losse of Comacchio) had susteined verie great damage, for his parte takyng.

¶Nexte to Vendramino succeded, Marco Barbarico, Marco Barbarico 1485. who neuer seking to be auenged on his enemie, woulde saie, It suffised a discreate prince, to haue power to reuenge, wherby his ennemie shoulde haue cause to feare him. Ther­fore he vsed seueritee against the transgressours of the common wealth, and not against theim that priuately offended hym. In his daies hapned littell adoe.

¶The contrarie wherof folowed in the tyme of his successour Agostino Barbarico. Agostino Barbarico 1486.

¶Firste by reason of the warres with Edmonde Duke of Austriche, for the interest of certain mynes of yron: in whiche enterprise the Uenetian capitaine Robert of. S. [Page] Seuerino died: than thoroughe the comyng of Charles the .viii. Frenche kynge into Italie, who at lengthe, partely through the Uenetian force was constreigned to retyre into Fraunce: but most of all they were troubled with the Turkes, who fell out with theim, oueranne all their countreis as farre as Tagliomento, slew aboue. 7000. persons of the Uenetian parte, and toke from theim Lepanto, Modone, Corone, and Durazo. Neuerthelesse this meane whyle the Uenetians gatte Cremona, and diuers other townes in Italie, whiche is rather a reproche to thē, than an honor that wolde lieffer warre vpon their christen neighbours, than bende their power to resist the Turkes.

¶After Barbarico, Leonardo Loredano was elected to the astate: Leonardo Loredano .15 [...]1. in whose tyme all Christian princes about the Uenetians, conspyred by one accorde vtterly to de­stroie theim. And the league was suche, that in one selfe tyme the emperour Maximilian, Lewys the .xii. Frenche kynge, Ferrando kyng of Spaine and of Na­ples, Iulius bishop of Rome, with the Dukes of Man­tua and Ferrara, should warre vpon theim, beginnyng a­bout the yere of grace .1509. So partly by force, af­ter many discoumfitures of the Uenetians power, part­ly by accorde: in maner all the Uenetian dominion with in the maine lande was diuided amongest these princes. The frenche kyng had Bressa, Bergamo, Cremona, and Crema: the emperour Maximilian, Verona, Vicenza, Padoa, and parte of Friuli: The kyng of Spaine, the citees and portes in Puglia, that the Uenetians before had gotten: The bishop of Rome, Arimino, Faenza, Ra­uenna, and Ceruia, with the rest of Romagnia: and the [Page 111] Duke of Ferrara the Pollisene di Rouigo. So that the Uenetians had so little dominion lefte on the maine lande▪ that the emperour Maximilian came to Maestie: v. little myles from Uenice, as neere as the sea would suffre hym to approche: and there for a triumphe or de­spite, shotte of his artillerie to Uenicewardes: though he coulde dooe it no hurt. Wherfore the Uenetians, prouoked in maner by despayre, and through an oracion made by theyr Duke, that encouraged theim rather to die lyke men, than to suffre theim selfes thus vilie to be eaten by and despysed, renued an armie by lande, reco­uered Padoa, than negligently kept, fortified it and Treuiso, fought dyuers tymes with variable fortune a­gainst theyr enemies, fought to be reuenged on the Duke of Ferrara, against whom they sent .xvii. galleis and 400. botes to assaile the Ferrarese dominion by the ri­uer of Pò: and finally behaued theim selfes so man­fully, that the kyng of Spaine, and the bishop of Rome, made a new leage with them against the frenche kyng: who at that tyme, besydes the state of Myllaine, had gotten Bononia, and was become so great in Italy, that they were all afearde of hym. Upon conclusion of whiche league the citesins of Bressa retourned to the Uenetian obedience, so that for defence of that citee a­gainst the Frenchemen, Andrea Gr [...]tti, with certeine o­ther noble Uenetians and capitaines, and a conuenient noumbre of souldiours, were sent thither: where after a sore conflict with the Frenchemen, they were all dis­coumfited, slaine or taken, and the principall prisoners sent to Myllaine to Mounser du Foys, than gouernour there, who s [...]nt Andrea Gritti, as a singuler presente, [Page] prisoner to the Frenche kyng.

¶The Uenetians not a little troubled for this losse, cau­sed the campe of the league, that than laie before Bono­nia to draw towardes Ferrara: and in succour of that campe, made a new armie by water, wherwith they sac­ked Argenta, toke Mirandula, and did muche hurte to the Ferrarese dominion, till at laste the Vice Roy, of Spaine generall of the saied campe, came before Bono­nia, and from thense to Rauenna for feare of the Fren­che host, that from Myllaine pursued him. Unto whi­che Frenche armie the Duke of Ferrara vnited his po­wer, and so together folowed the armie of the league to Rauenna: where on Easterdaie in the mornyng was fought the blouddiest battaile betwene theim, that hath ben heard of in our daies: and so many thousandꝭ slaine on bothe sydes, that it coulde scarcely be iudged who had the better: Sauyng that the Frenchemen obtei­ned the victorie, toke Rauenna, put it to sacke, and af­ter gatte diuers other townes in Romagnia.

Douche­mens hall in Uenice.¶Whilest these thynges were doyng, the Douchemens hall in Uenice, called il fondago di Tedeschi, was reedi­fied: a very faire and great house: and of a meruailouse rent. For they affyrme, that it yeldeth to the Uene­tians aboue .100. duckates a daie: whiche after our old reckenyng amounteth aboue .7000. pounde sterlyng by the yere.

Antonio G [...]imani.¶After Loredano succeded Antonio Grimani, who be­yng in exile, was called home, made proctour of sainct Marke, and finally Duke.

Andrea Gritti.¶Than Andrea Gritti, before named, newly retourned out of Fraunce, was elected Duke: by whose meanes [Page 112] the Uenetians entred in league with the frenche kyng: and so recouered Bressa, redeemed Verona for a great summe of money, and ayded the Frenchemen to recouer Myllaine, and to doe many feates in the realme of Na­ples: how be it, the frenchemen not longe after, lost all againe through theyr ill gouernaunce and tyrannie.

¶Finally practisyng now with Fraunce, now with the emperour, now with the bishop of Rome, as best serued for the common wealth: this Duke left it in good ordre, tranquillitee and peace, and so died, greatly bewailed of his citesins.

¶Than folowed Peter Lando, in whose daies the Turke made warre to the Uenetians, Petro Lando. because they ioi­gned with the emperour against him: so that thei to ob­teine peace, were faine to geue hym the stronge and no­table citees in Napoli, and Maluagia in Greece: and be­side that the summe of .300000. duckates.

¶It was thought, that the Turke woulde haue been appeased with a muche lesse gifte, but beyng secretely aduertised by the Frenche ambassadour, how the Uene­tians had geuen theyr Bailo or ambassadour commissi­on, that rather than the warre should continue to make this offer: he woulde none other wise agree with them.

¶This knowlage came through intelligence, that the frenche ambassadour had with one of the Uenetian Se­cretaries, who through corrupcion of money, disclosed all the procedynges of the priuie counsaile: whiche at length beyng discouered, the same Secretarie fledde in­to Fraunce, and .ii. other Uenetians of his confedera­cie were taken and hanged.

¶By this mans time Andrea Doria, with a great nauie [Page] of the emperours, of the bishop of Romes, and of the Uenetians together, enterprised a iourney against Bar­barossa, admirall of the Turkish nauie: and yet metyng with him at great aduauntage, both of power, and place, Doria retyred: for what cause no man can tell. He lefte the Uenetian Galeon, the notablesse vessell of the worlde, in the middest of the Turkes nauie. And yet after she had been assayled .v. houers on all sydes, she came hir waies safe, in despite of theim all, leauyng an infinite numbre of hir shotte in the Turkish beten ship­pes and galleis.

Francesco Donato.¶After Lando Francesco Donato was elected vnto the astate, about two yeres and an halfe before the writyng hereof. And because in his tyme hitherto hath not hapned anie woorthie thyng to the Uenetians, I woull referre the reste to theim that hereafter shall finde occa­sion to write.

THe citee of Naples (some time called Parthenope) is one of the fayrest citees of the worlde, for good­ly streetes and beautifull buildyng of temples and houses, Castell Nouo. specially the Ca­stell Nouo, wherin the kynges were wonte (as the Uicere now is) to be moste commonly re­sident: beyng one of the rarest buildyngꝭ for greatnesse and strength, that any where is lightly to be founde. The countrey about is so pleasant, that in maner eue­rie village deserueth to be spoken of, aswell for sumptu­ouse buildynges and noumbre of commoditees, namely haboundaunce of delicate fruites, as also for the hole­some ayre. For in most places it semeth alwaies (yea at the deadest of the winter) to be continuall springe time. Tempera­ture of Naples. In deede the heate of sommer doeth somewhat greeue them, but they are so prouided of large and open buildynges, that it dooeth not muche annoye theim.

¶And one thyng amongest all the rest is to be meruai­led at, wherof it shoulde procede, that many tymes the fyre breaketh out of the earth in dyuers places vpon the sea costes, like to the flambes of Mongibello, auncient­ly called Ethna in Sicile, as in the fyrst yere of the em­perour Titus, it hapned besides Naples in the hill Ve­seuio, now called Summi, Plinies death. where Plinie the same tyme (seekyng the cause therof) ended his life, not by violence of the fyre (for he approched not so nere) but by the ve­hement opilacion of the sulfure, that stopped his breath. It is true, Hotte baynes. that the naturall hote baines (wherof there [Page] be many in Italy, and namely, in the realme of Naples) come of the naturall heate that is in the sulfure, tho­rough the veynes wherof the water maketh his course: but what shuld be cause of this flambe, that (as it were against nature) ascendeth out of the cold earth? almost no man can make any reason. In deede, the best opi­nion that I gather, Fire brea­kyng out of the erth. is, that the veyne of sulfure in the earth, receiuyng sometymes through the extreme heate of the sonne, a certaine kynde of fyre, kendleth: and as the veine is great or small, so worketh it the effect. If it be nere the vpper part of thearth, and haue vent, it brea­keth out in fyre or smoke: if it be so deepe, that for the great weyght of the earth, it can not issue, than dooeth it cause thearth to quake: as in those parties (most sub­iect to the sonne) earthquakꝭ are common, and sometime whole townes and countreys ar destroied withall.

Fertilitee of Naples¶Some thinke the fertilitee of the realme shoulde pro­cede muche of the heate that this sulfure geueth the ground (seyng there is more plenty than elswhere) but whereof so euer it cometh the countrey is surely reple­nished of all thynges necessary for mans life, and so ple­saunt withall, that Pandolfo Collenuccio (a notable writer of the Neapolitane histories) thinketh, the won­derfull mutacious that haue happened in the same, to procede of the desire that men had vnto the pleasers and commoditees of the countrey. And further speakyng of the inconstancie of the people, he saieth these woordes: It seemeth, that the realme of Naples is predestinate to haue in it continuall tyrannies, sedicions, falshead, rebellions, warres, destruction of citees, rauishementes, and flambe, with all the other calamitees that of aua­rice [Page 114] and ambicion (true mothers of suche plages) maie grow. And allegeyng the auctoritee of diuers aunci­ente writers, affirmeth, that the prouinces of the realme, whiche he calleth Regnicoli, doe perseuer without re­bellion as longe as thei finde none to rebell against. Neuerthelesse Titus Liuius, and the auncient Romaine histories shewe, that Naples it selfe was of all other citees moste constante in their faieth towardes the Ro­maines, aswell in tyme of daunger as of prosperitee. And for the space of these .30. yeres and more they haue perseuered in quiete obedience vnder their princes. Neuerthelesse in this the abbridgemente of their histo­ries ye shall see, that sens the decaie of the Romain em­pire, no realme in al the worlde hath ben so much subiect to alteracions and warres, principally through occasion of the inhabitauntes theim selfes, who alwaies were diuided in partetakynges to their owne confusion. And you shall yet to this houre see, that the Neapolita­nes are scarcely trusted on their wordes. Not that I thynke thei deserue lesse credite than other men, but because the wonted generall ill opinion of their vnsted­fastnesse, is not taken out of mens hertes. Yet is the Neapolitane for his good enterteimente reckened to be the varaie courtesie of the worlde, thoughe moste men repute him to be a great flatterer and full of crafte. What woll you more? Thei are riche, for almost euery gentilman is lorde and kynge within hym selfe, they haue veray fayre women, and the worlde at will, in so muche as Naples contendeth with Uenice, whether shoulde be preferred for sumptuouse dames. Finally the court about the Vicere, was wont to be very prince­ly, [Page] and greatter than that of Myllaine for trayne of gentilmen: but now it is somewhat diminished as you shall perceiue in the ende of this history.

¶The saiyng (of theim that best can gesse) is, that it yeldeth the emperour .iii. millions of golde by the yere, whiche after our reckenyng is about .700000. pounde. A great parte wherof is consumed in mainteignyng the Uiceres astate, and keping of many fortresses, and in the wages of .300. men of armes, continuallie mainteigned there, that muste kepe euerie one his .iii. horse, for the whiche he hath as good as .50. pounde stipende yerelie, and many of theim haue more. And one great faute there is, for almost no straunger can trauaile the realme vnrobbed, speciallie betwene Rome and Naples. It is in maner closed about with the sea, except .150. myle, that is cutte ouer from the mouth of the riuer of Vfen­te nowe called Maseno, vnto the mouth of Tronto, and is of compasse in all, measuryng it by the banke, about .1400. miles, hauyng vpon the sea costes suche a numbre of hauens and good townes, as fewe realmes christened haue the like.

AFter Charlemaine had taken on him the occidentall empire, and agreed with Niceforo emperour of Constantinople for their confines, leuing (as I saied before) the Duchy of Beneuēto for a mere betwene both, wherein he placed Grymoalde a noble man descended [Page 115] of the Lumbardes nacion, the realme of Naples rested in peace aboutes the space of .27. yeres, till the comyng of the Sarasines into Italie, 829. who landed at Ciuita Vecchia, rased it to the earth, went to Rome, spoylyng and burnyng there what they wolde, The fyrste comyng of the Sara­sines into Italie. passed by Monte Casino and by the monastary of. S. Bennet, destroiyng all before theim, and laded with wonderfull rychesse, re­tourned to their nauie in the riuer Garigliano, and so passed home into their owne countrey againe.

¶Not longe after the Sarasines vnder their Capitaine Sabba, retourned into the realme, and besieged Taranto, 845. to the succours wherof the Greekish emperour sente his capitaine Theodosius, with a great army by sea, of the whiche .60. saile were Uenetians, who metyng with the Sarasines, fought with theim, were discoumfited, many taken, slaine, and drowned: and finally Theodo­ [...]ius hym selfe put to flight.

¶Than the Sarasines toke the ile of Candia, 864. and the more parte of them arriuyng in Italie, toke all the tow­nes on the sea costes from Ancona to Otranto, and so about to Taranto, spoylyng and burnyng ouer all, vn­till at laste, the Uenetian armie mette with theim, dis­coumfited theim, and droue theim cleane awaie.

¶Within a while after Constantine a childe, sonne vnto Leo late emperour of Constantinople, was depriued of his astate by one Romano, generall of his fathers [...]. And this Romano (beyng also a Romaine bor [...]e [...] condicion) vsurped the empyre by force▪ whiche [...] muche rufflyng, & namely the [...] Puglia rebelled against hym. [...] on theim, caused the Sarasines [...] [Page] who not onely ouerronne those two countreys, but also all the rest of the realme of Naples, and Campaine almost to Rome: entendyng to assaulte and sacke it, had not Iohn the .x. than bishop of the same made a great armie, that so fought with, and discoumfited them, that they were faine to flee vnto the mount of Gargano, now called sainct Angelo: where they fortified theim selfes and dwelled many yeres, rennyng now here now there through the realme, burnyng, spoylyng, and killyng in suche wyse that whan they came before any towne, and promised, not to kyll the people nor to burne the houses, incontinently the inhabitantes woulde yelde them selfꝭ: because they had been so often beten, that they thought resistence naught auayleable.

¶And thus triumphed the Sarasines in one parte and an other of the realme, but most in Calabria and Pugli­a, Otho the firste. till the comyng of Otho, the fyrst of that name, em­perour of Almaine, into Italie. Who beyng arriued at Rome (for pacifiyng of certaine rumours moued a­gainst Iohn the .xiii. than bishop there) was persuaded by Pandolfe, prince of Capua, to sende the armie he had brought out of Germanie into the realme: it shoulde be an easie mattier for hym to driue all the Sarasines a­waie. And so it proued: for the emperour had no soo­ner sent his sonne (also named Otho) with his power into those partes, but incontinently the Sarasens made what they coulde to carie with theim, 964. and so departed. By reason whereof, Otho the ii. this Otho the secounde, helde the realme as his owne certeine yeres, till the Greekish em­perour Basilio, sent a mighty armie of Greekes and Sa­rasines into Puglia, and there discomfited Otho in su­che [Page 116] wyse, that if the Greekes had knowen how to haue vsed theyr victorie, they myght easily haue recouered Rome and all Italie. But thei contented with the re­couerey of Calabria and Puglia, fortified the same and kepte it, not without warre, sometime of one prince, sometyme of an other, and many tymes of the Sarasi­nes, that (still enioiyng the ile of Sicilia) wold by stelth, here and there, be doyng mischiefe against their Christi­an neyghbours.

¶Finally Henrie the fyrst emperour of Almaine, Mi­ghell Catalaico emperour of Constantinople, 100 [...]. and Ser­gius the .iiii. bishop of Rome, the realme of Naples stode thus diuided into sundrie dominions, Calabria and Puglia (as I haue saied) was in possession of the Gree­kes: the Romaines some here, some there in Campaine and theraboutꝭ, had theyr partes, and some other vnder the name of princes, occupied the rest.

¶Than one Tan [...]redi, Conte d' alta villa, Tanered [...] the Nor­main. a Normain borne, came into Italie, who hauyng .xii. sonnes of his owne, and a certaine noumbre of other Normaines be­sydes, toke wages of Pandolfe prince of Capua, to serue in his warres against Guaimaro prince of Salerne: in whiche warres the Normains serued so well, that Pan­dolfe preuailed as he would wishe him selfe. But be­cause he seemed to set little by those Normaines, after he had obteined his purpose, therfore whan the tyme of theyr appoinctment was expired, they lefte Pandolfe, and wente to serue Guaimato, whose astate by theyr helpe was shortly after muche encreased.

¶Finallie Tancredi beyng dead, his sonne Guglielmo Ferrabach, was made generall ouer the Normains, Guglielmo Ferrabach that [Page] were than a great noumbre: insomuche that the empe­rour of Constantinople determinyng vtterly to dryue awaie the Sarasines, that than occupied the ile of Si­cile, required his helpe, promisyng for his rewarde, the iiii. parte of all that shoulde be gotten. But whan the Sarasines were all dryuen awaie, Molocco the empe­rours capitaine, toke the whole realme of Sicile into his owne handes to the emperours vse, and wolde assygne no parte therof to the Normains. Whiche wronge Ferrabach dissembled for the time, and so withdrew him withall his into Puglia, takyng the moste parte of the countrey by force, and entryng into Melfi (a veraie stronge place before fortified by the Normans, for safe­garde of their goodes, wifes and children) he prepared all thynges necessarie for the warre. And taried till the forenamed Molocco came to besiege him with a no­table armie, and than (as an expert capitaine) conside­ryng the Grekes to be werie of their great trauaile from Sicile thither, incontinently yssued out againste theim, and discomfited Molocco, slewe the moste parte of his armie, and draue hym in maner cleane out of Puglia, takyng the possession of it into his owne handꝭ, and na­ming him selfe Erle of Puglia, and so continued the rest of his life, whiche was not longe.

¶This Guglielmo Ferrabach than beyng deade, his brother Drogone, Drogone. succeded in the dominion of Puglia, who had diuers conflictes with the Grekish armies, and diuers fortune withall, but finally in a great battile, be­twene the ryuer Ofanto and the castell Oliue [...]o, the Grekes were ouerthrowen, and from that tyme foorth, the Normains enioyed the whole countrey of Puglia, as [Page 117] their owne quiete possession.

¶After the deth of Drogone, Hunfredo. folowed his brother Hun­fredo, who continued .vii. yeres in the astate without any notable thyng that happened in his tyme.

¶Than succeded Godfrey an other brother, Godfrey. in whose tyme the prince of Salern happened to be slayne of his owne men, and Gisulfo a Normaine made prince in his place. This Gisulfo had diuers tymes attempted the gettyng of Beneuento, and now of newe made prepera­cion for the same, wherfore Leo the .ix. than bishop of Rome, required succours of Henry the .ii. emperour of Almaine than beyng in Rome. So the emperour sent for his Germaines, that laie at Uercelly in Lumbardie, and deliuered theim to the bishop, that in his owne per­son, with the reste of those Italians he coulde make, en­tred into the realme, entendyng vtterly to expulse the Normans. But Gisulfo, heryng of his comyng, hasted to Beneuento, toke and fortified it, and afterwardes a­byd the bishoppes armie at a place called Ciuita, where in conclusion was stricken a sore battayle, but the Nor­mains gatte the victorie, takyng the bishop with certain of his Cardinalles prysoners, whom (after veray gen­till intreatyng they lette goe without raunsome. For rewarde of whiche courtesie, the byshop afterwardes confirmed vnto the Normaines, all that they helde in Italy, to be their laufull possessions.

¶Not longe after this died Godfrey, and left the Erle­dome of Puglia to his sonne Bagelardo. Bagelar­do. Wherwith Roberte (surnamed Guiscardo) brother vnto Godfrey, was so muche offended, that by force he chased his ne­phew out of the astate, and than occupied both the coun­treys [Page] of Puglia and Calabria, adioignyng also vnto it, the citee of Troia, whyche vnto that daie perteined to the Romaines.

Robert Guiscardo¶This Robert was a man strong, hardy, and wise, who perceiuyng the great contencion betwene the Romaines and Nicolas the secounde their bishop (the better to esta­blisshe his dominion) he sente his ambassadours to the bishop, who in company of those ambassadours came to the citee Aquila, and there mette with Robert: and had suche communicacion to gethers, that Robert was con­tented to restore to the bishop, the citees of Beneuento and Troia, with those other landes, that he before had taken from the churche, Roberte created Duke. for the whiche the bishop crea­ted him laufull Duke of Puglia and Calabria, and in­uested him in the same duchy, with gifte of the standarde of the churche, so that Robert became liege man and vassaile of the Romain see, and by the bishops commaun­dement broughte his armie to Rome, where he so chasti­sed the Romaines, that they gladlie obeied theyr holie Romaine father.

¶Not longe after, leauyng his brother Guglielmo in Puglia, he passed into Calabria, and fortified the towne of S. Marke, and departyng thense encamped besides the riuer Moccato, nere to the baynes, and shortly after gatte Cosenza and Martirano. Than went he to Squil­laci and so a long the sea costes to Reggio: whiche he be­sieged, and finally did so much, that he gatte whole Pu­glia and Calabria, the lande of Brutij, and the reste of the whole realme of Naples, geuyng vnto certaine of his brethern suche part as pleased hym. By reson wherof the same bretherne (who a little before had ben his con­traries) [Page 118] consented wholy to call him from thensfoorth Duke of Calabria and Puglia.

¶And though I couet to be briefe, yet I woull not passe ouer one thyng that happened in the tyme of this Ro­berte.

¶There was found in Puglia a certeine image of mar­ble, with a cercle of brasse in maner of a garlande about his heade, in whiche were written these wordes Kalen­dis Maijs Oriente Sole aureum caput habebo, the ex­posicion or meanyng of this sentence was diligentlie sought for by Robert, but none coulde declare it, tyll at last a Sarasine, learned in artemagike came foorth, and (beyng prysoner) required his libertee for the intrepre­ting of it, which beyng graunted, incontinently he saied: The first daie of the kalendes of Maie, at the risyng of the son, marke where the end of the shadow of this head shalbe, and diggyng there, you shall know the meanyng of these wordes, whiche time was obserued, and ere thei had dygged depe, they founde a wonderfull treasure▪ Treasure founde vnder grounde. that afterwarde did no small seruice vnto Roberte in his warres.

¶Than was the realme of Sicile vnder the Moores, whose prince Bestauetto, made one Bettimino his ad­myrall or chiefe capitaine ouer the same. This Bet­timino came secretely into Puglia to Roger, Duke Ro­bertes brother, and shewed hym, how Sicile was in poincte to rebell, so that for a rewarde and other agree­mentes betwene theim, he finally opened to Roger the meanes, how he might get it. Whiche Roger by the helpe of his brother Robert, immediatly enterprised, and passyng with a power into Sicile, the fyrste towne he [Page] toke was Messina, and at length chased awaie all the Sarasines, [...] conquered by the Normains the whole ilande became subiecte vnto hym and his brother, so that for a token of this victorie, Ro­ger sent vnto Alexandre the secounde: than bishoppe of Rome .iiii. camelles laden with part of the praie of the Sarasines, for a present. And wonder it was to see the speede of these victories, for Robert Guiscardo and his brethren, had brought all these dominions before re­hersed vnder theim within the space of .xviii. yeres.

¶Not longe after, Gregorie the .vii. bishop of Rome, fyrste fell out with Robert, but afterwarde beeyng sore persecuted by Henrie the .iii. emperour of Almaine, he agreed with Roberte, and receiuyng of hym onely the marke of Ancona, he confyrmed to him all that Nicolas the .ii. had before graunted with rather more. For the whiche, whan the same Gregorie was after besieged in the castell. S. Angelo at Rome, by the forenamed em­perour, Bishoppe of Rome besieged. Robert Guiscardo came thither with an armie, and reysed the siege, leadyng the bishop (who was mu­che hated of the Romaines) with him to Salerno for his more suretie, where he shortly after died.

¶Thus Robert, after many woorthie feates dooen in Italie and Sicile, by occasion at last minded to driue A­lessio, emperour of Constantinople out of his astate, and to be emperour hym selfe, so that he passed the sea with an huge armie, conquered Durazo, Valona, and dyuerse other citees in Dalmatia, Albania and Gre­tia: fought by sea with the Greekishe and Uenetian ar­mies bothe, and ouercame theim: and was lyke to haue preuailed in his enterprise, had not death preuented him.

¶Finally as he was goyng into Greece at Cassiopoli, [Page 119] in the ile of Corfu, he sickened and died, 108 [...]. ledyng a glo­riouse and victoriouse lyfe .60. yeres.

¶Than succeded him in the duchie of Calabria and pu­glia Roger his yonger son, Roger. who in the coūsail holden at Melfi, was confyrmed by Urbane the seconde bishop of Rome. But Boemonde the elder brother (who euer had folowed the father, and at that tyme remained ca­pitaine ouer the armie in Grece) heryng that no part of the dominion in Italie was reserued for him, waxed so wrothe withall, that (habandonyng all his fathers en­terprise) passed the sea with his armie, to driue his bro­ther out of the astate: and did so muche, that after mu­che feyghtyng, by agreement parte of Puglia was assi­gned vnto hym, though he enioied it not longe. For immediatly after folowed the great viage into the holy lande vpon the conclusion of the counsaile made in Chi­aramon [...]e d' aluerina in Fraunce. 1094. In whiche viage a­mongest the other princes, Boemonde hym selfe woulde nedes goe, and so woorthily behaued him, that by assent of all men he was made prince of Antioche, and so con­tinued honorablie till his laste daie. By reson wherof his brother Roger remained quietely Duke of Puglia and Calabria, from the beginnyng of his reigne aboute xxv. yeres.

¶Next hym succeded his sonne Guglielmo, Gugliel­mo .2. that thyn­kyng to marie one of the daughters of Alessio emperour of Constantinople, [...]oke shippyng to goe thither: and commended his astate to the protection of Calixt the se­conde than bishop of Rome. But while Guglielmo was absent, Roger than Erle of Sicil [...], sonne vnto Ro­ger brother of Robert Guiscardo, without any regarde [Page] of the bishop, assaulted Calabria, and gotte the better parte ere euer Calixt coulde succour it. And albeit the bishop reised suche an armie as the hastie tyme woulde serue, and came foorth as farre as Beneuento, sendyng a Cardinall before with exhortacions and excommuni­cacions, yet wolde Roger nothyng decline from his pur­pose: but was rather more hotte in his enterprise, and fortune so muche fauoured hym, that after a noumbre of the bishoppes armie were fallen sicke, and many of his deere friendꝭ dead, the bishop him selfe sickened so sore that he was caried in a horselitter backe to Rome, and all his people desperpled. By reason wherof Roger in maner without resistence, in short time gatte all Pu­glia and Calabria into his owne possession, and so kepte it, that whan Guglielmo retourned, deceiued of his pre­tended mariage (findyng him selfe also spoyled of his dominion) he was fayne to repayred to his cousen the prince of Saern, where not longe after he died, leauing none issue.

Roger .2.¶So Roger remaignyng successour by inheritaunce, woulde no more be called Duke, but entitled hym selfe kynge of Italie, whiche Calixt and Honorius (next bi­shop after him) dissembled, because thei could not chose: but Innocence the seconde, theyr next successour would not abyde that name, and therefore moued of disdeine without measuryng his force, sodenlely assembled suche people as he coulde make, and went against Roger with so great a furie, that ere euer Roger coulde make any preparacion, he draue hym from. S. Germaines, and out of all the abbey laudes (where Roger thought to [Page 120] haue defended hym selfe) and finally constreigned hym to flee into the castell Galuzzo, and there besieged hym, till William Duke of Calabria, sonne of Roger, coming with an army to succour his father, discoumfited the bi­shops power, & finally toke the bishop him selfe, withall his Cardinals prisoners: whō Roger the father entrea­ted very courtesly, and at last licenced them to depart at theyr pleasure. In consideracion wherof the bishop graunted Roger all his owne requestes, the title of kyng onely excepted: The citi [...] of Naples gotten by the Nor­mains. and amongest other thinges the citee of Naples, whiche till that tyme had alwaies ben the em­perours. For ioye wherof Roger at his entrie made an hundreth and fiftie knightes. But Innocence retur­nyng to Rome, founde a new bishop made in his absence, one Peter, sonne of Pierleone, and was called Anacle­tus. Wherfore Innocence fledde with certaine ship­pes of Pisa, into Fraunce. Roger en­titled kyng of Sicile▪ The meane whyle Roger visityng this other bishop Anaclete, obteined of him the title of kyng of bothe the Siciles, on this syde and be­yonde the Faro. But within three yeres after, Inno­cence by helpe of the Pisani returned, and brought with hym Lothayre Duke of Saxonie, whom he crowned em­perour. After whiche Coronacion they bothe with a puissaunt armie went against Roger, and toke from him all that he had gotten in Italie, as farre as the Faro di Messina, but within fewe yeeres, whan Innocent was dead, Roger recouered againe all that they toke from hym, and did afterwarde many notable feates against Emanuell emperour of Constantinople, whose ilandes and townes he toke by force, as Corfu, Corinthe, Te­bes, and Negroponte, and burned the suburbes of Con­stantinople, [Page] assaulted the emperours palaice, and for a memorie of his beyng there, gathered apples in his Or­charde.

¶He also fought with the Sarasines and rescued Le­wys the .vii. Frenche kynge out of their handes, taken by theim by the waie, 11 [...]9. goyng into the holie lande. And so reigning .24. yeres lorde of Sicile, he died in the citee of Palermo.

Guglielmo iii.¶Than succeded his sonne William before named, who immediately ouerran the churche landes, and was ther­fore excommunicated, insomuche that many of his owne barons conspired with Adrian bishop of Rome againste him. But finally after muche a doe he humbled him selfe to the bishop, of whom he was assoiled, and inuested kynge of [...]ewe in the dominion of bothe the Siciles. And after that made an armie into Barbarie, where by force he toke and sacked the citee of Tunyse: In his re­tourne from thense he vanquished the Grekish armie by sea, though they were manie moe in numbre than he. But because he waxed afterwardꝭ somewhat couetouse, and burdeined the people with taxes and subsidies, his barons rebelled, toke him in his palaice at Palermo, and put him in prison. Than toke they his eldest sonne Ro­ger, and made him ryde through the streetes. After whom the people went criyng: William deposed. Life to kynge Roger, and death to the tiranne kyng William.

¶But the inconstante people repentyng theim of their errour, or fearyng leste Roger woulde reuenge the in­iurie done to his father, retourned to the palaice with a new rumour, and findyng it closed, began to assaulte it, so that Roger thinkyng to appease them, came to a win­dow, [Page 121] and as he wolde haue spoken, was shotte in to the heade with an arrowe, wherof he died.

¶Than was William taken out of prison and restored to his kyngdome, William restored. wherin after he had reigned in all .21. yeres. he died, [...]euyng his sonne also named William in the astate.

¶This William for his good and peasible gouernance was surnamed, The good kynge William. Guglielmo iiii. For in 26. yeres reigne, he neuer had warre with any christian prince, excepte that littell, that (moued onelie of a noble courage) he made againste Andronico, who beyng lefte tutour to Emanuell the seconde, a childe, vsurped his em­pire of Constantinople. But the Constantinopolitans theim selfes arose against him, and hewed him to peeces, creatyng Isaac emperour in his place.

¶Manie worthy feates did this William with his gal­leis against the infidelles: 1191. specially in the v [...]age that the two kynges Phillip of France, and Richard of Eng­lande made into the holy lande. Duryng whose beyng at the siege of Acres, the good kynge William died in Palermo, without issue of his body.

¶Than the barons fearyng the bishop of Rome should subdue theim (whose subiectes thei wolde in no wise be) incontinently elected Tancredi (bastarde soonne of the last Roger before named) to be their kyng. Tancred [...] ▪ But short­lie Celestine the .iii. bishop of Rome, founde meane to trouble him on this wise.

¶He crowned Henry the .vi. emperour on condycion, that he at his owne charges should conquere the realme of both Siciles, to hold it in fee of the churche, restoryng certain citees, and paiyng a certaine tribute. And to [Page] make his mattier the better, he secretlie toke out of the monastarie of Palermo Constance a nunne, doughter of the forenamed Roger, and (dispensyng withall) gaue hir in mariage to this emperour Henrie, crownyng them both with the title of the foresaied realme. And so folowyng that title the emperour besieged Naples, 1191. but by reason of a great plage in his armie, he was faine to leaue his siege and retourne into Almaine. Before whose retourne (whiche was .iiii. yeres after) Tancre­di dyed, not reignyng fully .ix. yeres.

¶Immediately after, his wife Sibile caused William their sonne to be crowned. Gugliel­mo .5. But the forenamed empe­rour (pretendyng title in the right of his wyfe) with a puissaunt army entred the realme, 1195. and in maner without resistence obteined the whole, driuing the Quene and hir son William from place to place so long, that at length he besieged theim in a stronge holde, where fallyng to composicion, it was agreed, that William should enioie the principate of Taranto, with the Erledome of Leccio, yeldyng therefore due obedience to the emperour, who was sworen to obserue this couenaunt. But contrary to his promyse the emperour assoone as he had the mo­ther and sonne in his handes, sent theim bothe into Al­maine, and made William to be gelded, to the entente there should folow no more issue of that bloudde. And so ended that noble house of the Normaines miserablie, End of the house of Normains that about the space of .200. yeres had prospered, and at length reigned in Italy & Sicile, as you haue heard.

Henrico .6 Imperato­ [...]e.¶After Henrie the .vi. emperour of Almaine (borne of the house of Sueuia) had thus extinguisshed the domi­nion and power of the Normaine bloudde in Italie, he [Page 122] obteined the realme of Naples and Sicile, and reigned ouer them well neere .iiii. yeres, and died. 119 [...] Leauyng the realme by testament vnto his sonne Federike, whom his wife Constance bare after she was .50. yeres olde: whi­che being but a baabe, he committed to the protection of his mother Constance, of Innocent the .iii. than bishop of Rome, and of his brother Phillip Duke of Sueuia.

¶So Federike not fully .iii. yeres olde was crowned kyng in Palermo: Federike▪ shortly after whose Coronacion his mother Constance died, commendyng the tuicion of the astate wholly to the bishop of Rome, that accordyngly mainteigned the same to his power: notwithstandyng that duryng the no [...]eage of Federike, diuers businesses hapned in the realme. Fyrst by Marquarde an Almain, made Marques of Ancona: by Henry the .vi. after by Gualtiero di Brenna a Frencheman, who in the right of his wyfe, one of the systers of the last kyng William the Normain, pretended title to the realme. Finally by Ottho Duke of Saxonie, whiche after he had obtei­ned the imperiall crowne at Rome, disposed hym selfe wholly to conquere Naples and Sicile: till the forena­med Innocent by waie of excommunicacion had made so many of his nobles and prelates to forsake hym, that he was faine to leaue his enterprise. At last Federike beyng grewen sufficiently in yeres, was called into Al­maine, and there elected emperour after the deathe of Ottho, so that returnyng to Rome, he was triumphant­ly crowned by Honorius the .iii. than bishop: 122 [...] ▪ in recom­pence wherof he gaue the Erledome of Fondi, with cer­taine other landes to the churche: but shortly after Ho­norius excommunicated Federike, the cause why I find [Page] not: so that Federike to annoy the landes of the church, gathered together a noumbre of disperpled Sarasines, placyng theim in Luceria: and did so muche hurte, that neither Honorius, nor yet Gregorie the .ix. that was bishop after hym .xiiii. yeres, had in maner any good daies rest. Some holde opinion, that Gregorie died onely for sorow. Neuerthelesse this Federike was a woorthy man. He had .iii. wyfes, the fyrst named Constance, syster to the kyng of Castile, by whom he had a sonne named Henry, that afterwardes for rebellyng a­gainst his father died in prison: the seconde was Iolante, daughter of Iohn di Brenna, the kynges of Naples entitled kynges of Ierusalem kyng of Ierusalem, with whose maryage the tytle of the realme of Ierusalem was geuen him, whiche title all the Napolitane kynges haue kepte euer sens, as the emperour doth at this daie: the thyrde was Isabell, daughter to the kynge of Eng­lande. This Federike went into the holy lande with a puissaunt armie, and there behaued hym selfe so vali­auntly, that the Soldane sued to hym for truce, and vpon agrement deliuered to him the citee of Ierusalem, with the whole realme thereunto belongyng (a fewe small fortresses onely excepted) insomuche, that in the myddest of Lent, 1229. he was in Ierusalem crowned, and be­fore his retourne reedified the citee of Ioppa, now cal­led Zaffo. And after a notable victorie had againste the Milanese, with other their confederates of Lum­bardie, he entred into Cremona in maner of a triumphe, leadyng after hym a noumbre of prisoners with theyr Carroccio, on the whiche Piero Tiepolo Potestate of Myllaine was hanged by one of the armes with an hal­ter about his necke. Carroccio. This Carroccio was a carte dra­wen [Page 123] by certeine oxen, trimmed about with greeces or steppes in maner of a kyngly seate, and decked with or­namentes of tapestrie and silkes of the beste sorte, with the standardes and baners of all the confederate citees and nobles. Unto whiche as to the principall place of iudgement or of audience all men vsed to resort. And whan so euer the Carroccio, in any battaile was loste, than was the fielde wonne, for about it was alwaies the strength of the battaile.

¶Of this battaile and triumph one wrote these wordes, Hae occisis non sufficiunt sepulturae, nec Cremonae pala­tia multitudinem non capiunt captiuorum, whiche is as much to saie, To theim that are slaine sepultures suf­fise not, nor the palaices of Cremona are not able to re­ceiue the multitude of prisoners.

¶Than Gregorie lette crie the Croisie against him, and so muche prouoked hym, that all the priestes he toke, he caused their shauen crownes to be cutte a crosse, with a number of other despites. And beyng at siege before the citee of Faenza (whiche he toke at last by compositi­on) wantyng money to paie his souldiours, [...]eather [...]oygned for money▪ he coygned leather, and valewed it, whiche for the tyme serued as well as siluer or golde. Afterwardes beyng returned into the realme, he receiued the lether and gaue the va­lewe in golde for it again.

¶Entio kyng of Sardegna, and sonne of this emperour Federike, by his fathers commaundement, fought with the Genowaies by sea, and ouercame .40. saile of theim, in whiche .iii. of the bishop of Romes legates, with a numbre of other prelates (goyng to the counsayle at Rome made against Federike) were taken prisoners. [Page] And Entio writing to his father, to know what he should doe with theim, was aunswered thus in two verses.

Whiche is as muche to saie,

¶Finally Gregory the .ix. (as I sayd before) seyng he coulde by no meane preuaile against Federike, sickened for sorowe and died.

¶Than succeded Innocent the .iiii. who before beyng a Cardinall, was faste friende to the emperour. But assoone as he was bishop he became his mortall enemy: as Federike him selfe saied, whan the newes of his ele­ction was brought hym: nowe of a good friende shall I haue an ennemie. For in dede Innocent all his daies ceased not to woorke against Federike all the mischiefe he coulde imagine. He fledde into Fraunce: and cal­led a generall counsaile in Lyons, where Federike was double accursed: but he esteemed it not, answearyng al­waies, that as longe as the bishop went about tempo­rall persecucion, he would defend him selfe temporally.

¶Finally after many notable battailes and victories, he finisshed his life in Fiorentino, 1250▪ a little towne of Pu­glia, leauyng generall heyre of the realme of Naples, his sonne Conrado, borne of his seconde wyfe Iolante, who by election of the princes of Germanie, succeded his father in the empyre. One other laufull childe he had named Henry borne of Isabell his .iii. wyfe, to whom he assigned the ilande of Sicile from the Faro di Messina forewardes. Than of bastardes he had [Page 124] Entio beforenamed, kynge of Sardegna, Manfredo prince of Taranto, and Federike Prince of Antioche, with diuers others not so notable.

¶As soone as Conrade beyng in Almaine, Conrade. heard of his fathers deathe, he came with a great armie, fyrste into Lumbardie, where he recouered many citees that newly had rebelled: and after passed into the realme, reducyng also vnto his obedience those townes that before his co­myng were in a rumour, of whiche some he destroied and put to sacke, as Capua and Aquino, and so finally besie­ged Naples, whiche at length he toke by famine: ouer­throwing the walles and principall houses therof, with banisshement of diuers of the nobles. Thus whan he had gotte Naples, the whole realme was clerely his owne: so after he gaue him selfe altogether to huntyng and ha [...]kyng with other lyke pastymes. And beyng so in peace, his mother Isabell sent his brother Henry, than tendre of yeres, to dooe reuerence vnto him, whom Conrade caused secretely to be murdered by the waie. A childe in witte and beautie very towarde. Crueltee▪ But the crueltee was not longe vnpunished. For Conrade him selfe, by procurement of his bastarde brother Manfre­do (as it was saied) was poysoned within .v. mone­thes after.

¶Now it is to be vnderstanded, that Henry the eldest sonne of themperour Federike, Corradino neri heire vnto Conrade. who (as I saied before) died in prison, had a laufull sonne named Corradino, to whom after the death of Conrade all the dominion of Federike descended. But Innocent the .iiii. yet liuyng, and cōsidering Corradino being but a child in Almaine, made an armie, and withall speede wente to Naples, [Page] where he was receiued, and (as it was thought) had in short space obteined the realme, 1254▪ had he not died imme­diately.

Manfredo¶By reason of whose death, Manfredo by title of tu­tour of the younge Corradino (yet still in Germanie) sodeynely assaulted and discoumfited the bishops army, and within very short space brought the whole realme to obedience, ere the ryght tutours of Corradino in Al­maine, knew of this victorie.

¶Than craftily he hyred certaine Almaines to feigne, that thei came streight out of their countrei with newes of Corradines death: wherfore Manfredo with all his, clothed in blacke seemed greatly to lamente the thyng, insomuch that he caused the funeralles honorably to be executed.

¶Not longe after appered him selfe in kyngelie habite, and was saluted and called kyng. Wherwith Alex­ander the .iiii. than bishop of Rome was sore offended, excommunicated Manfredo, and sente an armie againste him, whiche was discomfited. For Manfredo gathe­ring into his handes the treasures of his predecessours, waged so many Sarasynes, and banisshed men of the Florentines and Lumbardes, that he was alwaies to stronge for the bishop.

¶After Alexander succeded Urbane the .iiii. who to ouercome Manfredo lette crie a Croysie, vnder colour to expulse the Sarasines out of Italie and Sicile. But the armie of that Croysie was not sufficient to fur­nish the enterprise. So that Urbane of newe began to deuise a better waie, callyng Charles Duke of Angio and erle of Prouance, brother vnto Lewys the .x. French [Page 125] kynge vnto Rome, where firste he made him Senatour, and after crowned hym kynge of Sicile and of Ierusa­lem, vpon condicion, that he shoulde paie yerelie to the churche .48000. duckates. Pursuyng the title, Charles with his frenche armie inuaded the realme, and at laste in plaine battaill fought with Manfredo besides Bene­uent [...], where Manfredo was slaine, 1265. and his power dis­comfited, so that Charles findyng after in maner no re­sistence, gatte the dominion ouer the whole realme, Ende of the house of Sueuia in the do­minion of Naples. Carlo Du­ca d' An­gio. and at lengthe toke the wife and sonne of Manfredo pryso­ners, whiche sonne bad his eies put out, and after died miserablie in prison in the castell De Louo.

¶Than went Charles royally to Naples, where he founde an infinite treasure that Manfredo had gathe­red, the thirde part wherof he destributed amongest his souldiours: and waxed so great, that Clemente the .iiii. who succeded Urbane, made him vicare of the empire in Italie: so that at his pleasure he rode about to Utterbo and into Tuscane vntill the comyng of Corradino be­forenamed, righte heire by title of the house of Sueuia vnto the crowne of Naples, who hauyng certaine intel­ligence in Italie, came with a mightie power out of Al­maine to recouer his enheritaunce. But Charles ouer­came him more by policie than strength in the plaine of Palenta. 1268.

¶And albeit Corradino and his cousen the Duke of Austriche veray yonge men, Corradino beheaded▪ fledde in the discomfiture of the battail, and did disguise them selfes in vile appara [...]l, trustyng to escape: yet their yll fortune at last disco­uered them, so that they were taken, brought to Naples, and there after a yeres imprisonment (against all law of [Page] armes or reason) openly beheaded: some saie, through counsaille of the bishop of Rome. For whan Charles had asked counsaile of the bishop, what he shoulde doe with Corradino, he aunswered these wordes, Vita Cor­radini mors Caroli, mors Corradini ui [...]a Caroli.

¶But surely Peter, than kynge of Aragone, iustly re­proued this crueltee in a letter written to Charles with these wordes, Crueltee. Tu Nerone Neronior, et Sarracenis cru­delior, that is to saie, thou arte more Nero than Nero him selfe, and more crewell than the Sarasines. For in dede Charles wente into the holy lande with his bro­ther Lewys the Frenche kynge, and there beyng taken prisoners of the Sarasines, were courteisly entreated and sette to theyr raunsome. Whiche thyng gentil­nesse and reason wolde he shoulde haue vsed towardes Corradino.

¶But see what folowed. The frenche officers and souldiours in Sicile, behaued them selfe to proudly with a certaine kynde of tyrannie, as well against women as men, that the Sicilians conspyred against them, through the instigacion of one Iohn di Procida, sometyme phi­sicion to the kyng Manfredo, who after he had obteined promyse of maintenaunce by kynge Peter of Aragone, wrought this conspiracie the space of .xviii. monethes (a wonder it coulde so longe be kept secrete) and so well it came to passe, that at the daie appoincted, with the fyrst ringyng of a bell to euensonge, the Sicilians be­yng armed, slew all the frenchemen, where so euer thei founde them, Rebellion in Sicile. Slaughter of French­men. they left not in all Sicile one frencheman on liue, nor one woman that was knowen to be with childe of a frencheman. Wherof yet vnto this daie, the [Page 126] Sicilians euensonge, is vsed as a prouerbe in Italie.

¶And than by accorde came the kynge of Aragone and receiued Sicile vnto his dominion, Peter kynge of Aragone. the rather because he had a certaine title thervnto, as in the right of his wyfe Constance, daughter to the late kyng Manfredo. Un­to whom also the bishop of Rome graunted his consent, and in deede inuested hym kyng therof by his ecclesiasti­call power.

¶Many thynges happened betwene kyng Charles and kyng Peter, & amongest other a defiance to feight hand to hand with the place appoincted at Burdeaux, before our prince Edwarde, than ruler of Gascoygne: where bothe kynges kepte theyr daie: but nother mette, nor fought. And ere euer kynge Charles retourned, Ro­ger di Loria, admyrall to kyng Peter, had foughten by sea with Charles prince of Sal [...]rn, onely sonne of king Charles, before Naples, and taken hym prisoner, Charles sonne take prisoner. with a numbre of the Neapolitane barons and gentilmen, that were all sent (except Charles with .ix. of the chiefest) into Sicile, Crueltee. and there for a reuengement of Corradinos death .200. of those nobles and gentilmen were behea­ded on a daie.

¶Finally kyng Charles vpon his reiourne, made exce­dyng great preparacion to inuade Sicile, but er he could bringe it to passe, he died for anger and melancolie, 1274. after he had reigned .xix. yeres.

¶And for as muche as some holde opinion, that this Charles was the fyrst Neapolitane kyng, Title of the kyng­dome of Ierusalem 1276. that obteined the title of kynge of Ierusalem, it is necessarie to de­clare, by what meane.

¶The ladie Marie, doughter of the prince of Antioche, [Page] resigned into the handes of this kynge Charles all hir tytle to the realme of Ierusalem, whervpon be caused him selfe to be crowned kynge of Ierusalem, and with helpe of the Uenetians, sente Roger Di San Seuerino to be gouernour, to receiue feaultee and homage of the christen barons there. Thus and not by the interest of Federike, the kynges of Naples vsed the title of Ieru­salem: though I fynde not who was Maries father, by name, nor yet by what reason that realme shoulde ap­perteine to hir.

¶Whan kynge Charles was deade, his onely soonne and heire, Carlo 2. Charles prince of Salerne remained prisoner in Sicile, vnder the kepyng of quene Constance, wife to kyng Peter of Aragone: and was by consente of the ba­rons condemned to die, as it were for a full reuengement of Corradinos death: but the noble hert of Constance, woulde not suffre it: Excusyng the mattier, that before she knew hir housbandes mynde, she would not attempt so great a thyng. Wherefore she sent hym into Ara­gone, Prince Edwarde of Eng­lande. where he continued prisoner till kyng Peter died: and than by procurement of prince Edwarde, lorde of Gascoygne, he was deliuered and restored to his realme of Naples. Who was raunsomed at .30000. markes: and for perfourmance of couenauntes .iii. of his sonnes, and .100. gentilmen laie in hostage.

¶Here is to be noted, that within the space of one yere died .iii. kynges and a bishop of Rome, that is to we [...]e, Phillip kyng of Fraunce, Charles kyng of Naples, Pe­ter kyng of Aragon, and Martine the .4. bishop of Rome.

¶After Peter succeded in the realme of Aragon his el­dest sonne Aufus, in Sicile his sonne Iames, that helde [Page 127] in prison the forenamed Charles the secounde.

¶Finallie Aufus the elder brother beyng dead, Iames, to haue the kyngdome of Aragon in peace (sore vexed at that time by the Frenche kyng) fell at composicion with Charles, to renounce Sicile vnto hym, and so did. But Federike yonger brother to Iames, Federike kyng of Sicile. assoone as he heard therof, gotte a certain power, went into Sicile, and gatte it to hym selfe: by reason wherof betwene Charles and Federike was continuall warre manie yeres, till at last Charles to haue Calabria in peace (the most parte wher­of Federike had gotten by force) consented, that Fede­rike duryng his life, shoulde quetlie enioy Sicile.

¶So Charles bringing all his thinges to a quiet, 1309. reig­ned .24. yeres, and died, leauyng issue by his wife (Mary doughter of kyng Stephen of Hungarie) ix. sonnes and v. doughters. The eldeste named Charles Martell, afterwardes kynge of Hungarie by the mothers title, Lewis the secounde sonne bishop of Tolouse in Spaine, Robert the thirde sonne kynge of Naples. As for the reste, though they were princes, Quenes and princesses, yet I passe theim ouer, and will onely speake of Lewys Duke of Durazzo, because Charles Da Durazzo (who was next kyng after the firste quene Iohan) descended of him.

¶At the death of Charles, Robert. Robert his .iii. sonne beyng in Auignion, was called from thens to the dominion of Naples, and confirmed kyng by Clemente the .v. than bishop of Rome, howebeit not longe after Caronumber­to kynge of Hungarie, and sonne of his elder brother Charles, pretended title thervnto: but after longe deba­tyng therof, the lawiers finallie determined, that Ro­bert [Page] shoulde continue, and Caronumberto shoulde con­tente hym with the realme of Hungarie. And though Robert was muche troubled by the comyng of the em­perour Henry the .vii. into Italie, yet (after the empe­rour was poisoned by a blacke frier, in ministryng hym the sacrament of communion at Bonconuento besides Siena, by order (as thei saie) of the Romish legate, king Robert prospered so well in Italie (by reason he was taken as heade of the Guelfi) that he subdued Genoa: and the Florentines with their whole astate submitted them selfes vnto him, and accepted his sonne Carlo sen­za terra to be their lorde. Whiche Charles not longe after his establishment in that dominion, retourned to Naples and died.

¶Finally Robert hym selfe sickened and died, without heyres males. 1342. And so the inheritance remained in the iii. daughters of his forenamed sonne Charles. Un­to the eldest named Iohan, he by his testament lefte the realme, vpon condicion, that she shoulde marie with his nephew Andrew, younger son of the abouenamed Caro­numberto. In whose tyme liued Petrarcha and Boc­chacio, Petrarcha Bocchaciꝰ the one for verse, and the other for prose, fa­mouse in theyr Italian tongue: and for theyr vertues muche cherisshed of this kynge Robert.

¶Accordyng to the testament of kyng Robert, his ne­phiew Andrew came out of Hungarie, Giouanna prima. Quene Iohans. Husbande strangled. and maried Que­ne Iohan, with whom he reigned scarcely .iii. yeeres: but that she caused hym to bee hanged out at hir cham­bre wyndow, because (as the same wente) he was not cockie enough to satisfie hir appetite.

¶Than maried she Lewys prince of Taranto, an excel­lent [Page 128] beautifull man. But Lewys kyng of Hungarie, elder brother to Andrew, to reuenge his brothers deathe, came with a puissaunt armie into the realme, insomuch that the Queene and hir husband bothe fledde to Auig­nion in Prouance, leauyng Charles da Durazzo, sonne of Lewys da Durazzo beforenamed, theyr lieuetenant to defende: but the Hungarien so muche prospered, that in short space he gatte the whole realme, and toke this Charles da Durazzo, with his son Charles prisoners. The father was beheaded, as giltie of the death of An­drew, being of secrete faction in armes with the Quene: the sonne was ledde prisoner into Hungarie. Finally kynge Lewys, after he had been .iii. monethes in the realme, leauyng a stronge garrison of Hungariens at Naples, retourned into his countrey.

¶Than Clement the .v. bishoppe of Rome entreated a peace betweene kyng Lewys and the Queene, in suche wyse, that Iohan retourned into hir state, with coue­naunt, that hir housband shoulde in no wyse beare the title of kyng. But what auailed that: for she was no sooner in possession of the realme againe, but she by fa­uour of Clement, caused hir husband to be crowned king in Naples, and by Clementꝭ procurement, 135 [...]. gotte the con­sent of the kynge of Hungarie therunto. For the whi­che she gaue to the bishop the citee of Auignion, that the churche euer sens hath kepte. But Lewys couetyng to satisfie hir flesshely appetite, fell in a consumpcion, and died, within .iii. yeres after.

¶Than she mari [...]d Iames of Ta [...]racone, a young gen­tilman borne in Maiorica, than reputed the goodliest fe­low in the worlde: But to hym she graunted not the ti­tle [Page] of kynge. Within fewe yeres he died: some saie by naturall infyrmitee: other saie, she caused his head to be stricken of, for companiyng with an other woman.

¶After she maried Ottho, Duke of Brainswich in Sax­onie▪ who than at that time serued in the warres of Ita­ly, reteigned with the bishop of Rome.

¶Finally, Queene Iohan, who fauoured not Urbane the .vi. elected bishop, immediately procured certain Car­dinalles to electe one of the Frenche faction: so they elected Clement the .vii. by reason wherof grew a great schisme in the churche. For Italy, Hungarie and Al­maine fauored Urbane: Fraunce & Spaine fauored Cle­m [...]nie. And Urbane to be reuenged on the quene, made an armie, and did so muche, that he constreigned bothe Clement and the quene, to flee from Naples to Auigni­on: where the quene consideryng she had no chylde, ad­opted Lewys Luke of Angio secounde sonne to kynge Iohn of Fraunce to be hir heire of the realmes of Na­ples and Sicile, [...]itle of the se­conde lyne of the house of Angio. and therof made sufficiente writyng: whervpon the secounde line of the house of Angio haue euer sens mainteigned their tytle that they haue to the realme.

¶Shortly after the quene retourned to Naples. But Urbane this meane while, had inuested Charles da Du­razzo (who as you haue herde before, was ledde priso­ner into Hungarie) kynge of Naples, and wroughte so well, that Charles by helpe of the kynge of Hungarie (that than fauored him muche) broughte a great armie with him, and inconclusion toke Naples and the quene with hir husbande prisoners. 1 [...]1.

¶The husbande Ottho was sette at libertee vpon con­dicion [Page 129] he shoulde departe out of the realme. But the quene by sentence of the kyng of Hungary, Quene Iohan hanged. was hanged at the same wyndowe, where she caused hir firste hus­bande to be hanged. Hir sister Marie (of hir coun­saill in that mattier) was beheaded.

¶This Marie was she, Marie. of whom Boccace was ena­moured, and for whose sake he wrote the two bokes, F [...] ­amme [...]a and Filocolo. And amongest other verses writen of this quene Iohan, I finde .ii. veraie notable.

Whiche in english are of this effect,

¶Quene Iohan beyng thus dyspatched, Carlo .3. Charles re­meigned peasablie in possession of the realme, till Lewis Duke of Angio beforenamed (heire adopted) came with a gre [...]t armie out of Fraunce to recouer the realme as his enheritaunce: and by the helpe of certaine princes of Italy, passed through Lumbardy, La Romagnia, and La Marca, and so entred into Puglia, where many townes yelded vnto hym: continuyng so a yere and more, and to strengthe his armie, Mounser de Couci was sent after him with .12000. h [...]rsemen from the Frenche kyng. But he not folowyng the Duke, passed through Tuscane, and besiegeyng the Castell of Arezzo taried so longe, that er [...]u [...]r he coulde come to the succours, the Co [...]e Alberico, gen [...]rall of the kynges armie, had discomfited the frenche armie, and slayne the Duke in the fielde. [Page] For whose death Charles withall his courte, mourned in blacke a moneth, Mounser de Couci hearyng of the Dukes death, solde the towne of Arezzo to the Floren­tines for .40000. ducka [...]es, and immediately retourned into Fraunce: so Charles had the realme in peace, till Urbane the bishop, who called him vnto the realme, fell out with him, because Charles wold not cōsent to make Butillo the bishops nephew, borne of a vile stocke, prince of Capua. Upon which breache Urbane cursed him: and because he had not power to reuēge him vpon Char­les, he tourned his wrath vpon .vii. Cardinalles that he suspected. Of whom he put .v. into sackes, and threw theim into the sea, and the other two he putte to deathe at Genoa, and dried their bodies in a furneise, cariyng theim afterwardes on moyles before hym for an exam­ple to the reste.

¶Finallie kynge Lewys of Hungarie deceasyng with­out heire male, the barons of the realme called kynge Charles to the dominion therof, who at laste wente thi­ther, and was crowned in Alba, but afterwardes goyng to Buda, he was frendely called to a supper by the olde quene and hir doughter, Murder. 13 [...]6. and there traitelously slaine at the table.

¶This Charles had geuen to hym to wife by Lewys kynge of Hungarie, Margarete yongest sister of quene Iohan before mencioned, on whom [...]e begatte two chil­dren, Ladislaus and Iohan. But assoone as the Napo­litanes hearde of Charles death, they toke their owne libertee vpon theim, so that quene Margarete, with hir children, was faine to flee to Gae [...]ta, where she remai­ned in muche care and trouble .iiii. yeres, why lest the [Page 130] whole realme was tourned and tossed: firste by Ottho late husbande to quene Iohan, who gatte a great parte therof, and died at Foggia, than by Lewys the secounde Duke of Angio, who folowyng his fathers title, sente certain galle [...]s to Naples to mainteigne those Napoli­nes that toke his parte.

¶Finallie Boniface the .ix. than bishop of Rome, admit­ted the excommunicacion made againste Charles: Ladislaus▪ 1370. and caused Ladislaus to be crowned kyng at Gaetta. And albeit the forenamed Lewys of Angio, came to Naples with an armie by sea, and was there receiued: yet Ladis­laus by littell and littell so allured the barons to hym, that he not onely constreigned Lewys to withdraw him into Prouance, but also brougte Naples and the reste of the realme obediente to hym. Thries he attemted the gettyng of Rome, whiche the fourth tyme he obteigned, Rome gotten .1408. insomuche that entryng tryumphantly, the Romain no­bilitee did him homage. But what folowed? Alexan­der the .v. beyng made bishop of Rome in the counsaill at Pisa, receiued the forenamed Lewys of Angio that than was newely comen thither to doe hym honour. For the which he obteigned of Alexander the inuestiture of the realme of Naples, and prouision was made for recouerey of Rome and thother landes of the churche, whiche within shorte time was broughte to passe.

¶Finally Lewys conducted an army out of France, and augmentyng it with the Florentine and bishop of Romes powers, entred the realme: where in plaine battaile he so discomfited Ladislaus, that if Lewys had knowen howe to vse his victorie, he mighte haue had Ladislaus in his handes, and also the whole realme: as Ladislaus, [Page] talkyng of this battaile was wonte to saie, the firste daie (saied Ladislaus) if thei had folowed it, thei might haue been lordes bothe of my realme and person, the se­conde daie of the realme, but not of my person, and the thyrde daie nother of my realme nor person. For the leysure that Ladislaus had after this discomfiture, ser­ued hym so to fortifie the passages, that Lewys not­withstandyng his victorie, was faine to retyre to Rome, and so backe into Fraunce. By reason wherof, Ladis­laus remainyng quiete in his astate, Rome the secounde tyme gottē by Ladis­laus. disposed him selfe of new, to recouer Rome, and partly by intelligence, partly by force did so: puttyng to sacke onely the Florenti­nes gooddes, that he founde there. And at last sickened in Perugia, some saie of a feuer, some saie of poyson: so that he died, 1414. whan he had reigned .29. yeres. And le [...]uyng none issue of his owne body, the realme descen­ded to his sister Iohan Da Durazzo.

Giouanna [...].¶Thue Iohan, late Duchesse of Sterlich, atteined the realme, without impediment, by reason of .xvi. thousand horsemen that serued hir brother at his deathe, with good capitains, as Sforza da Corigniola, gli A [...]endo­li, lacopuccio, and diuers others. But beca [...]se she was somewhat noted for keepyng companie with a goodly yonge man named Pandolfello, whom she made hir chā ­berlaine, hir barons persuaded hir to marie: so that she toke to husbande Iames of Nerbona in Pro [...]ance, than Erle de La Marca in Italie, vppon condicion, that he shuld in no wyse take on hym the title of kyng. But he was not longe maried till by comfort of the barons: he toke the kyngly name vpon hym, and caused Pandolfel­lo to lose his head: vsyng Sforza v [...]raie hardly, and [Page 131] all thoroughe the instigacion of Iulio Caesar da Capua [...] who therfore by the quenes policie lost his heade.

¶And thoughe the Erle Iames (suspectyng his wyfes courage) woulde not suffre hir to goe out of the Castell where thei laie: yet at last with lowly behauiour, grow­yng out of suspicion with hir housbande, she had liber­tee to goe so often abroade into the towne of Naples, that finally she made a conspyracie against him, and gat hym into prison: reignyng afterwardes hir selfe alone. Than toke the Iohn Caracciolo to be hir hygh steward, whom she loued more than enough: so that by hym all thynges were gouerned. And vpon contencion betwene hym and Sforza (who was in maner as a generall a­mongest the men of warre) the Queene defied Sforza. Muche a dooe there was, but at length Sforza was re­consiled, and the stewarde banished. And partly tho­rough the bishoppe of Romes intercession, the Erle Ia­mes was deliuered out of prison, & restored to the Que­nes fauour. But for all that, not long after the Erle Ia­mes beganne to worke against Sforza, who (perceiuing it) founde the meane to bringe the steward home againe, and therby not onely purchased the Quenes fauour, but also brought the mattier so to passe, that the Erle Ia­mes fledde into Fraunce, 141 [...] ▪ became an heremite and there died. After whose departure, by commission of the bi­shop of Rome, Queene Iohan was crowned in Naples: but er the yere was ended, the Queene loste the bishops fauour and banished Sforza: who by the bishops pro­curement, became capitaine vnder Lewis, the .iii. Duke of Angio, than newly entitled kynge of Naples) and reysyng an armie, camped before Naples, abydyng the [Page] comyng of Duke Lewys: who with an other armie arri­ued there.

¶This meane whyle, Queene Iohan (seeyng the power of hir enemy Duke Lewis, Alfonse adopted heire to Quene Iohan. to be to stronge for hir alone) practised with kyng Alfonse of Aragone, to accepte hym as hir sonne, to enherite the realme after hir: and ther­of made sufficient writing, with deliuerey of two strong Castelles in Naples, Castell Nouo, and Castell di Lo­uo, that in king Alfonse name were receiued as a pledge of possession. Whervpon kyng Alfonse in person, with a great armie by sea came to Naples, and th [...]re fought with the Duke Lewys and his Capitaine Sforza. And though fortune for a tyme was fauourable to Duke Le­wys, yet at length through practise and lacke of money, Sforza became the Queenes man: so that Lewys was fayne to leaue the enterprise, and drawe to Rome: by reason wherof the Queene with Alfonse remained in peace: Discorde till discorde fell betweene theim. The fyrst oc­casion was because the proclamacions were made in the Quenes name, without any mencion of Alfonse: which moued the barons of Aragone to conceiue a great disho­nour, that a kyng of suche reputacion, shoulde lie there in that astate. So muche grew this mattier, that at last kyng Alfonse toke the Quenes best beloued steward prisoner, and besieged the Queene. How be it, Sfor­za hauyng receiued hir letters, came streight to Naples, fought with Alfonse power, had the better hand, entred into Naples, and conueighed the Queene awaie with hym: Wherfore kyng Alfonse augmented his power, and after harde feight with Sforza, recouered Naples, streignyng the realme so muche, that by counsaile of [Page 132] Sforza, the Queene finally agreed with Duke Lewys, and adopted hym for hir soonne and heyre: by whose meanes Naples was recouered againe to the Queenes vse. And so .x. yeres after, 1424. the Quene and Duke Le­wys reigned in peace, and than died bothe. 1434. The queene by hir testament, Ende of the house of Du­razzo. Alfonse. lefte the realme to Raynolde Duke of Lorraine, brother to the foresaied Lewys. Thus ended the successiō of Charles of Angio first king of that hous.

¶Whether the Queenes testamente were feygned or true, it was vncerteine: For incontinently vppon hir death, the citee of Naples, ordeined amonge theim a common wealth, and made no mencion of any testament, vntill they saw plainely, that the bishop of Rome went about to bringe theim vnder hym. Than they not one­ly publisshed Raynolde to be theyr kynge, but also sent for him, to come and receiue the possession of the realme.

¶This meane while in the warres betwene Englande and Fraunce, Raynolde hapned to be taken prisoner: so that he coulde not come to Naples. Than kynge Al­fonse came into the realme through intelligence that he had with many of the nobles, and besiegeyng the towne of Ga [...]erra (than defended by certaine Genowaies, sent thither by Duke Filippo Maria of Myllaine) at last fought with the Genowaies army by sea, Kyng Alphonse taken pri­soner. in whiche con­flicte were slaine of the kynges part, about .5000. and the kynge hym selfe, with his .ii. brethren, the maister of sainct Iames in Galice, dyuers of the greatest prin­ces and barons of Spaine, and of knyghtes to the num­bre of .200. taken prisoners: and all brought to the fore­named Duke Phillip to Myllaine: who after very gen­till enterteinment, deliuered theim without raunsome. [Page] So Alfonse beyng restored to libertee, & wa [...]yng strong through the amitee of the Duke of Myllaine, disposed hym selfe to recouer the realme, and came thither im­mediately with his power, obteined Gaietta, and wente to Capua, whiche had been alwaies kept for him: how be it, during the time of his imprisonment, the Neapoli­tanes seeyng they coulde not haue Raynolde, fette his wyfe Isabell Duchesse of Angio vnto Naples, and did theyr best by waie of assaulte to winne Capua. But now that kyng Alfonse was reiourned, the parte of An­gio so muche declined, that Isabell was faine to resort for helpe to Eugenio than bishop of Rome, who sent the Patriarke Vitellesco to Naples.

¶This Patriarke was a stoute man, meter for the fielde than for the churche. Patriarke Uitelesco. For firste he discomfited the armie of the prince of Taranto, and toke the prince him selfe prisoner, and longe tyme valiauntely bare him selfe in the warres againste Alphonse, one while with force, an other while with policie, so that beyng fallen with his armie in the daunger of the kyng (through be­settyng of the streictes and lacke of vittaile) he handled him selfe so humbly, that the kyng (embracyng his faire offers) graunted hym truce, and vnder coloure of the same truce, he (beeyng armed, and the kynge vnarmed) came to Villa Giuliana, and so narowly besette it, that with muche adoe the kynge escaped his handes. Lea­uyng all his baggage and cariage for a praie to the Pa­triarke. Finally Raynolde beforenamed, beyng putte to his raunsome, Rainoldes comyng to Naples. came with .xii. Genowaie galleys to Naples, where with kyngely honours he was tryum­phantlye receiued: and so muche encreaced his power, [Page 133] that it was doubted, whether of the two partes were the better. Raynolde defied Alfonse bodie to bodie, whiche Alfonse refused not. Howbeit at the daie and place of battaill appointed, Raynolde appeared not. And albeit that Raynolde for a time prospered and gatte into his handes the castell Nouo, and castell Di Lo [...]o, that kynge Alfonse had alwaies kept sens he receiued theim at quene Iohans handes, till that tyme, yet at last (after the death of Iacomo Caldora, one of the princi­pallest of the Angioyne parte) Alfonses power so muche encreased, what by battaile, and change of diuers of the barons affections (who leauyng the Angioyne parte be­came Aragonese) that he recouered Naples and all the whole realme: entryng into the citee in maner of tri­umphe: where for a perpetuall memorie of his victory, the Napolitanes before the castell gate, erected a nota­ble faire arche of marble.

¶Thus Alfonse, obteignyng the quiet possession of the realme▪ vsed newe meanes of amitee with Eugenio than bishop of Rome: and did so muche, that Eugenio confir­med him in the astate, and inuested his bastarde sonne Ferdinando successour to the crowne. For whiche in­uestiture, kynge Alfonse vpon couenaunte inuaded the countrey De La Marca, and taky [...]g it by force from Francesco Sforza (afterwardes Duke of Myllayne) restored it to the churche. And than in recompence of the great courtesie receiued of Phillip Duke of Mil­laine, he made warre in his fauour againste the Floren­tines, and atchieued manie worthie enterprises, beyng in maner the onelie staie of Duke Phillip in his later daies: so that the Duke by his testament made hym his [Page] heire of the astate of Myllaine, but he enioyed it not, as in the history of Myllaine appereth.

¶Finallie, after a generall leage made in Naples be­twene all the astates of Italie, excepte the Genowaies, Alfonse made an armie, and besieged Genoa for breache of certaine articles concluded longe before at the making of a peace betwene theim: whiche the Genowaies were bounde to geue to the kynge yerely in maner of a tribute a bason of golde, and the cause of their witholdyng, was for that the kynge woulde neuer receyue it otherwyse than sittyng in his maiestee, as thoughe he triumphed o­uer theim.

¶The prouision made for the continuance of that siege was so great, that by common opinion the citee muste nedes haue ben his, 145 [...]. had he not died, the .66. yere of his age, and the .22. yere of his reigne in Naples. Leauyng for successours in the realme of Aragone and Sicile his brother Iohn, and in the realme of Naples his sonne the forenamed Fernando.

¶Of this kynge Alfonse a [...]e written manie great prai­ses, for his valiauntnesse his temperaunce his learnyng, his liberalitee and other like vertues.

¶Ferdinando, bastarde sonne to kynge Alphonse, succe­ded his father, Ferdinan­do. in the beginning of whose reigne Calisto, than bishop of Rome, pre [...]endyng the title of the realme to be fallen to the churche for lacke of laufull heires, excommunicated Fernando: and made great preparacion to inuade: but deathe preuented hym. So that Fer­nando (warned therby) vsed suche meanes of frendship with Pio his nexte successour, that he was not onelie confirmed in the astate, but also crowned by certaine [Page 134] Cardinalles sente to Naples for the purpose.

¶Newe assoone as the newes of Alphonse deathe was knowen, Duke Iohn, sonne of the forenamed Raynolde (in hope of mutacion in the realme) made an armie by sea, with helpe of the Genowaies, and landyng within the territorie of the Duke of Sessa, oueranne diuers pro­uinces, and gotte daielie townes and friendes, so that Fernando was like to be put to the worse, had not the bi­shop of Rome and the Duke of Millaine taken his parte: by whose helpe Duke Iohn at length was by force con­streigned to leaue his enterprise, and most parte of those barons that toke his parte came and submitted theim selfes vnto Ferdinando, who graciously pardoned them, and restored theim to their astates.

¶Than died Pio, and Paule the secounde succeded, who oftentimes troubled the realme.

¶After the death of kyng Iohn of Cyprus, Ferdinando coueityng to conquere that realme, was re [...]isted by the Uenetians: betwene whom happened crewell warre, so that the Uenetians toke truce with the Turke, The Turke in Italie. and (as the fame wente) were occasyon that he assaulted and toke Otronto in Puglia by force: whiche shoulde haue caused greater mischiefe in Italie, had not the Turke (than Mahomet the .ii) died.

¶Immediately vpon whose deathe kynge Ferdinando sente his eldest sonne Alfonse Duke of Calabria, to con­quere Otronto, whiche after longe siege and sore feight, was (for lacke of succours) recouered.

¶Next Paule the secounde, succeded Sixte the .iiii. bi­shop of Rome, and after hym Innocence the .iiii. who both wonderfull inconstantly one while were friendes, [Page] and an other while foes to the kynge.

¶Finallie this Ferdinando was noted to be veray coue­touse. Couetous­nesse .1489. For, callyng a counsaile of his barons in the ci­tee of Chieti, he wolde haue encreased his subsidies and taxes. And because diuers of his nobles dissuaded him from it, he put some of them to death, & some he impriso­ned: from some he toke their goodes, and some willyng­ly rebelled against hym: in which trauaile and tirannie he continued till he died, 1494. leauyng issue males .ii. sonnes, Alphons and Federike.

Alfonse .2.¶After the deathe of Ferdinando, his sonne Alphonse, than Duke of Calabria, with consente of all the barons and nobles, was admitted kynge, and sendyng to Rome to Alexander than bishop, for his confirmacion, the Car­dinall Borgia, with a numbre of prelates was sente to Naples, where by auctoritee of the Romish bulles, he inuested and crowned the kyng.

¶Than the kyng fell at variance with Lodouico Sfor­za, Duke of Myllaine, because he vsurped the astate that of right apperteined to his nephiewe Giangaleaz­zo, sonne in law to kyng Alfonse, so that Lodouico (mi­strustyng the kynges power, that in deede was bent a­gainst hym) founde the meane to bringe Charles the viii. Frenche kynge, into Italie, who pretendyng to goe against the Turkꝭ, founde no resistence: by reason wher­of he not onely ouerronne Tuscane and toke thastate of Rome from the bishoppe, but also conquered the whole realme of Naples: although he enioyed it not long: For all the princes of Italie immediately so colleged theim selfes against hym: that he was faine to retyre with spede, and was neuerthelesse ouertaken and fought [Page 135] with besides Parma, where he lost the greatest parte of his c [...]t [...]ages, and dyuers of his nobilitee were taken prisoners.

¶Now assoone as kyng Alfonse heard, that the frenche kynge was arriued in Lumbardy, consideryng him selfe to be hated of his barons, and his son Ferrandino con­trariwise welbeloued, incontinently renounced the astate vnto his soonne, toke his treasure with hym, and say­led into Sicile, where for the tyme of his shorte life (that dured scarce one yere) he disposed hym selfe to studie, solitarinesse, and religion.

¶Than Ferrandino was embraced of all men, Ferrandi­no. in suche wyse that he was thought hable to resist the Frenche kyng. Yet notwithstandyng that the streictes and pas­sages were kept, and the Neapolitanes armie great in the fielde, the frenche men preuailed not onely in the con­quest of the realme, Morb [...] Gallicus. but also in the gettyng of that dis­ease, that for euer shall be a memorie vnto theyr name.

¶In effect kyng Ferrandino, seeyng his owne debilitee in respecte of Charles force, determined with pacience to ouercome his aduerse fortune: and so with .vii. gal­leis departed out of the realme, and went into the ile of Procida, where he remained till he heard of the Frenche kynges departure, and than beyng reuoked by the Nea­politanes, not onely Naples, but also diuers other ci­tees theraboutes expulsed the Frenchemen, 1496. and raysed theyr owne kynges standardes.

¶Upon this, Ferrandino sent for succours to the Uene­cians, offeryng theim Brundusio, and .iii. other hauen townes in Puglia, to helpe hym to expell the Frenche­men out of the realme. Whiche offer was accepted, [Page] and Frauncesco Gonzaga, Marques of Mantua, with an armie sent thither: who together with the Neapoli­tane power, within the space of one yere, draue the fren­chemen cleane awaie. Not longe after recouerey of his whole astate, Ferrandino (without issue) died of the fluxe: Leauyng his vncle Federike inheritour to the realme.

¶Note here, that within the space of .xvi. monethes were .iiii▪ seueralle kynges of Naples, that is to wete, Ferdinando, Alphonso, Ferrandino, and Charles.

Federike.¶Finally Federike, brother to the laste Alfonse, succe­ded to the crowne, but er he had fully reigned .iiii. yeres, hearyng of the Frenche kynges comyng Lewys the .xii. and consideryng hym selfe destitute of money, friend­ship, and abilitee to resist, he solde his armures and mu­nicion for .30000. duckates to the Duke Valentino Borgia, sonne to the bishop of Rome: and with the rest of his treasure and implementes, went into France, and there yelded bothe hym selfe and his realme into the Frenche kynges handes: who receiued hym, and ap­poinctyng hym an honourable prouision, Ende of the house of Ara­gone in Naples. Lewys the .12. of Fraunce. kepte hym in Fraunce till he died. And thus ended the reigne of the house of Aragone in the realme of Naples.

¶And though vpon the surrendre of this Federike (whō many charge with cowardise for the vile submittyng of him selfe, without any proufe of force) the frenche king obteined the whole realme: 1501. yet he died, not lōge enioiyng it, either by reason of the intollerable proude behauiour of the Frenche gouernours, or els through the inconstant nature of the Neapolitanes, Ferdinando king of Spaine (commonly called Il Re Catholico) coumforted there­vnto [Page 136] vnto by many of the barons, and specially by the cite­sins of Naples, sent a puissaunt armie into the realme against the Frenchemen: Who within lesse than two yeres, partly by force and partly by treatie, were cleane expulsed: so that in fine, the realme rested wholly in pea­sable possession of the Spanishe kyng.

¶Ferdinando the .v. of that name, kynge of Spaine, Kynge Ferdinan­do of Spaigne. chasyng awaie the Frenchemen, enioyed quietely the realme of Naples vnto his death: and easily recouered of the Uenetians the foure portes in Puglia, that Fer­randino had geuen theim. By reason that whan all the Christian princes were entred into a league at Cam­bray against the Uenetians, thei at that time made none offer of resistence: but rather consented vnto the rende­ryng of theim: lyke as in hope of peace they graunted vnto all the other princes what they woulde axe, Uenice onely excepted.

¶Finally Ferdinando deceasyng, Charles the .v. Emperour 1515. Charles the .v. now emperour of Almaine (sonne and heyre of Phillip Duke of Burgoyne, and of Iohan his wyfe, eldest daughter and heyre of the forenamed kyng Ferdinando) suceeded in the realme of Naples, as he did in all the other real­mes and dominions that Ferdinando had: and hitherto enioyeth the same.

¶It is true, 1528. that the Frenche kynge sente Mounser de Lautrech his generall, with a puissaunte armie to con­quere the realme. Where betwene the parties Frenche and Spanish were done manie worthy deedes of armes, Naples it selfe was besieged by sea and lande, vntill An­drea Doria, generall of the frenche kynges armie by sea, reuolted from the Frenche kyng to the seruice of the em­perour. [Page] From whiche tyme the hope of the Frenche armies prosperitee began to abate: and fortune so much to goe againste theim, that what through extreme plage, and through the hardinesse of the imperialles, that be­gan to take courage, the Frenchemen were constreigned to reise their assi [...]ge, Mounser de Lautrech, with many other of the best Frenche capitaines beyng deade, some of the plage, and some of the sworde: so that of .60000. whiche vnder the Frenche standarde came thither to the siege, escaped not fullie .2000. on liue. From whiche tyme hitherwardes the emperour hath had no notable trouble there, 1547. sauyng that now of late is begonne a little striefe betwene the Vicere Don Diego di Tolledo, and the barons of the realme, for makyng of certain lawes, and some bicketing and slaughter hath hapned betwene the Spaniardes and theim, and manie gentilmen are fledde to Rome and other places for feare of punish­mente. But because the thyng is not of suche impor­taunce as should seeme to moue warre, I shall not nede to make further rehersall.

Florence, an excellent faire citee, standeth at the foote of the Ap­penine hilles, in a little valey named Arno of the riuer Arno, that renneth through it. Comyng to it (excepted by the riuer syde) the descendyng is suche, that a man maie easily beholde euery part of the citee: without the whiche, downe alonge bothe sides of the valey are so many fayre palaices and sumptuouse houses, that for the space of .viii. or .x. myles it see­meth in maner but one towne.

¶The citee it selfe is estemed to be .vii. myles in com­passe, The circuit of the citee. walled with square stone in maner as harde as flynte, and of a great heighte, with a numbre of goodlie toures after the auncient buildyng, stronge enoughe to defende, but nothyng apte for artillerie to offende after the maner of these daies: For they were builded before the inuencion of gunnes.

¶Ouer the riuer within the citee are .iiii. verie fayre bridges of square stone, on the furthest downe the riuer, Bridges, hath ben a little marble image of Mars, which was sette there by an astronomer about the firste buildyng of the citee, in suche a coniunction of the celestiall bodies, that it promised prosperitee to the citee aslonge as that image should stande: thretnyng the decaie of the same, assoone as it were gone. And as I haue ben credibly enformed, within lesse than these .20. yeres, it fell, and is gone no man can tell howe. Shortelie wherupon the empe­perours armie besieged the Florentines, and toke their [Page] libertee from theim.

Arno.¶The riuer Arno is not lightlie bigge, but ones a yere, whan the sonne hath power to dissolue the snow on the mountaines, it swelleth so, that it maie in maner be com­pared to Thames at London, sauyng it serueth not for vessell to come from the sea: by reason of the swyfte streame. Wherfore the Florentines are faine for the most parte to fetche their merchandise that come by sea, from Pisa .40. miles of by lande.

Edifices.¶Within the citee are manie goodlie temples and other edefices, amongest the whiche the cathedrall churche is an excellent faire buildyng. For the walles without are all couered with fine white and blacke marble, won­derfullie well wrought, and ouer the queere is an whole vaulte called Cupola, facioned like the halfe of an egge, risyng betwene .iii. iles and the body of the churche: so artificially made, that almost it semeth a miracle. For it is so high, that the pomell on the toppe beyng able to conteigne .vii. persons, seemeth a verie small thyng to theim that stande by lowe. And the compasse of it by the base, is about .160. paces. Besides that the floore vnder this vaulte rounde aboute the quiere is laide with fine marble of diuers colours so faire, that it yeldeth a delite to theim that walke vpon it.

¶The steple standyng besides the churche, is likewyse of fine marble a verie faire and square tower, equall in height to the circute of the base, with diuers stories and thynges grauen in it, so artificiall and costlie, that it de­serueth singuler praise.

¶The temple of. S. Iohn, called Il Battesimo, is lyke­wi [...]e of fine marble bothe within and without, hauyng a [Page 138] numbre of goodly pillers and .iii. [...]rasen gates very sum­piuouse and faire. Manie other goodlie churches there be, whiche should be to longe here to reherse.

¶The Dukes palaice, with the place before it, repre­senteth a verie stately and aunciente maiestee. Wilde beastes, On the backeside therof, is the house, wherein the wilde beastes are kepte, as lions, tigers, beares, wolfes, apes, egles, grypes, and suche other, wherof there be not a fewe.

¶The .ii. principall houses of Strozzi and Medici seeme rather the buildynges of princes than of priuate men. And generally the citesins houses for their beautie are worthy of muche praise. Howbeit, thei may make them good cheape, because thei haue marble and stone plentie in the mountains there by, insomuche that all their stre­tes: whiche are verie faire, large and streight, are paue [...] with flatte stone. But amongest all other thei haue diuers goodlie hospitallles, Hospi­talles▪ for relieue of the sicke and poore, and one verie faire, so well ordred, that it receiueth a great number of men and women, but into seuerall houses: where they are applied with good phisicke, and their beddes, their shetes, and euerie other thyng so cleane, that manie tymes righte honest men and women be not ashamed to seke their health there. For that hos­pitall alone maie dispende yerelie aboue .20000. crow­nes: by reason wherof they haue excellente phisicions, good poticaries, dilygente ministers, and euerie other thyng necessarie.

¶Finallie there is a verie faire and stronge cas [...]ll, cal­led Ci [...]tadella, more than a mile and halfe in compasse, builded by the laste Duke Alexander, for a bridell to the Florentines, because he had than newelie taken their [Page] liberties from theym: they beyng for the moste parte so variable and inconstant, that the other Italians haue v­sed to call thē Bizzari, whiche signifieth wilde headed.

¶Thre myles without the citee, the Duke hath made a gardein at a little house that was his fathers. Wher­in is a laberinth or mase of boxe full of Cypre trees, ha­uing in the middest one the fairest cōduite of white mar­ble, that euer I sawe: besides that it hath dyuers other conduites, and suche conueighances, that in maner euery flowre is serued with renning water: and al the chanels are of white marble so fayre, that it is in my iudgement at this presente, one of the excellentest thynges in all Europe.

COnferryng the discourse of diuers authours togethers, touche­yng the Florentine histories, and fin­dyng the effectes of theim all gathe­red in one by Nicolas Macchiauegli, a notable learned man, and secretarie of late daies to the common wealthe there: I determi­ned to take hym for myne onely auctour in that behalfe.

¶It is manifest, that from the auncient citee of Fieso­le (the olde rewines wherof are yet to be seen, on the toppe of an hill two myles from Florence) the citee of Florence had hir beginnyng principally. For by reason Fiesole slode hyghe, and was painefull for mer­chantmen to bringe theyr cariage vnto, the citesins kept their market on the side of the riuer Arno in the plaine, where Florence now standeth: and buildyng there shop­pes for theyr wares, from shoppes thei grew to houses, and from a fewe to many, so that at lengthe it became a towne, whiche encreased muche through certaine Colo­nies of the Romains sent thither fyrst by Sylla, and af­ter by those three Romaines, whiche after the death of Caesar diuided the empire betwene theim.

¶And albeit, that some haue contended vpon the name, affyrmyng, that it was fyrst called Fluentia, and after corrupted Florentia: yet myne opinion agreeyng with Macchiauegli, is, that from the beginnyng it was called Florentia. Under the Romaine empyre, and about the beginnyng of themperours, it semeth to take fyrst name [Page] and reputacion. For whan the empyre beganne to be afflicted of barbarouse nacions (as the Italians calle theim) than was Florence also destroied by Totila king of the east Gotes .250. yeres after it was reedified by Charlemaine, Florence destroied and reedi­fied. and so continued as one of the principall citees of Italie, vnto the yere of our lorde .1215. alwaies as subiectes, fyrst to the succession of Charlemaine, af­ter to Berengarii, & lastly to themperours of Almaine, by whiche tyme the Florentines coulde dooe nothyng woorthy of memorie, for the power of them whose sub­iectes they were: Neuerthelesse in the yere .1010. they toke Fiesole and destroied it vtterly, either by the empe­rours consent, orels betwene the death of the one empe­rour and the election of the other.

¶But whan the bishoppes of Rome beganne to growe great, and the emperour littell, moste parte of the citees of Italie ganne to gouerne theim selfes with smalle regarde towardes their prince: 1080. so that in the tyme of the emperour Henrie the .iii. all Italie was deuided be­twene him and the churche. Notwithstandyng the Florentines in all those troubles kept them selfes vni­ted togethers, and obeied the strongeste. Untill the yere .1215. But lyke as after longe health sickenesse is more perillouse, so the longer Florence forbare to folow the sectes of Italie, the more affliction they suf­fered, whan they fell to diuision amonge theim selfes. The firste occasion wherof was.

¶Amonges their noble families were two principall, Bondelmonti, and Vberti, next them were Amidei and Donati. In the familie of Donati was a ryche wy­dowe, that had a wonderfull faire doughter: which she [Page 141] purposed to bestowe on a yonge knyght, chiefe of the fa­milie of Bondelmonti. But he, not knowyng either the faire doughter or the wydowes purpose, was be­trouthed to a maide of the house of Amidei. Wher­with the wydow was wonderfully offended. And thin­kyng with the beautie of hir doughter to breake that mariage, on a daie as the gentilman passed alone by hir doore, she called him, and hauing hir doughter with hir, saied: I reioyse at your good marige, notwithstandyng I haue a great while kepte my doughter here for you. At whose beautie the gentilman beyng astonied, and con­sideryng hir dower shoulde be greatter than the others, without respecte to his trought geuen, or to the inconue­niences that might folow for the breache therof, foorth­with aunswered, that syns she had kepte hir for hym he shoulde be muche vnkynde to refure hir, and so inconti­nentlie maried hir. Whiche iniurie the fami­lie of Amidei, with helpe of the Vberti, determined to reuenge. So waityng their tyme on Easter daie in the mornyng at the foote of the brydge Ponte Vecchi­o, as maister Bondelmonti was ridyng to churche, they slewe hym. Diuision. Whereupon the whole citee was deuided in two partes, the one with Bondelmonti, and the other with Vberti. And because these two fami­milies had manie stronge houses and towers, speciallie in the countrei, thei warred togithers many yeres with diuers fortunes. And although they neuer concluded a full peace, yet manie times thei toke truce: In which astate Florence continued vntill the tyme of the empe­rour Federike the .ii. who beyng kynge of Naples, and at variaunce with the churche of Rome, to make hym [Page] selfe the stronger in Tuscane, toke parte with the Vber­ti: by reason whereof the Ubertine parte preuailed, and chased cleane out of the citee the Bondelmonti.

Guelfi and Ghibelli­nes faction¶Here is to be noted, that in the cōtencion betwene the emperour and the bishop of Rome, the whole Italian nacion was so diuided in two partes, that in many hou­ses you should haue the father against the sonne, brother against brother, and commonlie one neighbour and one house against an other. And to encrese the mischiefe, ii. brethern Dowchemen dwellyng in Pistoia (20. miles from Florence) fell out for this matter, and oftentimes openlie fought in maintenaunce of their diuision. Wherupon it folowed, that all the imperiall named theim selfes Ghibellini, after the name of Ghibell, one of those brethern, and the churche part Guelfi, after the name of Guelfe the other brother. So that the parte of Bondelmonti were Guelfi parte: and they that were with Vberti were Ghibellines. Betwene whom not onely the nobilitee of Florence, but also the moste parte of the commons were deuided. Thus by the emperours fauoure the Guelfes were chased out of Florence, and lyued in theyr fortresses and castelles in the vale of Arno, defendyng them selfes as well as they coulde against their ennemies, vntill Federike died: and than by meane of certayne of the citee that were new­ters, both parties were reconsiled, and the Ghibellines brought home to Florence. Where (laiyng all suspi­cion aparte) they framed theim selfes to procure a li­bertee vnto their citee, ere the newe emperour shoulde haue power to oppresse theim. Florētines common wealthe constituted And so deuided the citee into .vi. partes, appointyng .xii. citesins (ii. vnto [Page 142] euerie parte) to gouerne the same, namyng theim Anti­ani: chaungeable euerie yere. And to eschew occasi­on of variaunce, that might happen betwene the parties for iudgment geuyng, they chose two straunge iudges, one named capitaine of the people, and the other named Potestate, to iudge all mattiers bothe ciuile and crymi­nall. And because there is no certaine order, where no defendour is, they ordeyned .20. standardes or ban­des in the citee: and .76. in the countie, wherein were written all the youthe and able men to be readie in his appoincted kynde of armure whan so euer they shoulde be called, either of the capitaine, or of the Antiani. And the better to establishe the thynge, they deuised a carte drawen of two oxen. to carie their baners and ensignes, couered with white: vnto whiche, as to the maiestee of their common wealthe, or as it were to the generall of their armie, the men of warre shoulde alwaies resorte. For whan so euer thei set forth any army into the field, than was this carte or chariote drawen foorthe into the strete called Mercato Nouo, and there by the people committed to the charge of the chiefe gouernours of the armie. Besides that they had a bell called La Mar­tinella, whiche before the settyng foorthe of anie armie shoulde rynge a monethe, to the intente their ennemies mighte prepare to defende theim selfes. This bell did thei also carie into the fielde with theim, to set their watche, and to call the souldiours together.

¶Theyr procedynges herein were so commendable and so well handled, that in short space they grew to a won­derfull auctoritee, so that Florence became the head of all Tuscane: and had (no doubte of it) atteined suche [Page] reputacion, that it myght haue been well compared to the notable citees of the world, if the new and often di­uisions within theim selfes had not hyndered theyr pro­speritee.

¶After this maner they endured .x. yeres, in whiche tyme they enforced the citesins of Pistoria, Arezzo and Siena to entre in league with theim: and in the re­tourne of theyr campe from before Siena, thei toke Vol­terra, and destroyed certaine other Castelles, the inha­bitauntes wherof they caried with theim to Florence. All this was dooen throughe counsaile of the Guelfes, whiche were of greater power in Florence than the Ghi­bellines, as well because the Ghibellines through theyr proude and ill gouernaunce had prouoked the hate of the people, whan they ruled in tyme of the emperour Fe­derike: as also because the commons fauoured more the churche parte than the imperiall, trustyng with the helpe therof to haue theyr libertee mainteined, whiche at the emperours handes they feared to lose.

¶Wherfore the Ghibellines, seeyng theyr reputacion decaied, disposed them selfes to recouer it, thinking their occasion to be good: whan Manfredi sonne of Federike: had taken the realme of Naples vpon him, and had sore troubled the churches power. Than practised they secretly with hym, to recouer theyr libertee. But their practises were discouered to the Antiani, who inconti­nently sent for the Vberti to appeare before them: and they not onely disobeied, but also fortified theim selfes in theyr houses, and so prouoked the furie of the people, that at laste the commons arose, and with helpe of the Guelfes chased the Ghibellines out of Florence, and cō ­streigned [Page 143] theim to withdraw to Siena. From whense they sent to kynge Manfredi for succours, and through the diligence of Maister Farinara delli Vberti obteined suche ayde, that the Guelfes shortly after were discom­fited vpon the riuer of Albia: with so great a losse, that they whiche escaped, fledde not to Florence (thynkyng it to be lost) but vnto Lucca. The generall of the kin­ges men in this iourney was one Conte Iordano, a man in armes muche renoumed, who folowyng his victorie wen [...]e streight to Florence, and reduced it to the obedi­ence of the kynge Manfredi, adnullyng all magistrates and lawes, with euerie other thyng that semed to serue the citees libertee: the iniury wherof bredde double ma­lice agaynst the Ghibellines in the hertes of the com­mons, and was occasion of theyr vndoyng, as after shall appeare.

¶The Conte Iordano setlyng Florence after his owne facion, was reuoked by the kynge to the seruice of the realme: and therfore appoincted as lieuetenaunt gene­rall there, the Conte Guido Nouello, lorde of Casen­tino, who immediatelie called a counsaile of Ghibelli­nes at Empoli, and there concluded, that (to mainteine theyr parte in Tuscane) it was necessary to destroy Flo­rence: but Maister Farinata Delli Vberti principall of the Ghibellines, onely amongest all the reste withstode this opinion, allegeyng the perilles that he had suffered were in hope to enioy his countrey, and thinkyng hym selfe no lesse hable to defende it than to gette it, as he had dooen, he professed openly to become no lesse enemy to theim that shoulde take the contrary, than he was al­ready to the Guelfes: and so with his onely reason and [Page] auctoritee dissuaded the rest from theyr purpose.

¶This meane while the Guelfes, whiche were fledde to Lucca, were commaunded thense by the citesins, who feared sore the thretnynges of the Conte: and so went to Bolognia, and from thense vnto Parma to helpe the Guelfes of Lumbardie against the Ghibellines there. Where after dyuers victories, they grewe to so muche wealth and reputacion, that the bishoppe of Rome toke theim as his, and gaue theim the ensigne of the churche, whiche they vse in Florence to this daie.

¶Than went the Guelfes with Charles of Angio a­gainst Manfredi, and were partetakers of the victorie, whyche soo muche encreased theyr reputacion that the Conte, with the reste of the Ghibellines, that than ruled Florence, deuised how to gratifie the commons, to gette theyr fauour (whiche before they had vtterly lost) and therfore diuided the citee into artes, appoinctyng officers of the commons vnto euerie arte, so that in all there were .36. citesins called to rule againe, and to make new lawes as before. And where the Conte with the Ghibellines thoughte by these meanes to drawe the peoples fauour towardes theim, the contrarie immedi­ately folowed. For whan the Conte Guido had set a taxe vpon the people, for paiement of his souldiours, they not onely refused the paiement, but also withstode his force and the Ghibellines bothe, in suche wise, that with losse of dyuers men slaine in the bickeryng, the Conte with the Ghibellines (through cowardise of the Conte) forsoke the citee, and went to Prato: and wil­lyng to retourne, was more easily kepte foorth, than he coulde haue been expelled, in case he had fortified hym [Page 144] selfe whyle he was within. Thus the people recoue­red libertee vnto theyr citee, and (in hope to make all thynges well) reuoked aswell the Ghibellines againe as the Guelfes. But all in vaine, for the Ghibellines rested still in the auncient mortall hate of the Guelfes, for dyuers iniuries, and the people loued theim not, as ofte as they remembred theyr passed tyrannie: besydes that the Ghibellines, whan they heard of the puissaunt comyng of Corradino out of Almaigne, to winne the realme of Naples, began to deuise how to recouer theyr astate againe. Wherfore the Guelfes sent to the forena­med Charlꝭ than king of Naples for helpe to defend thē selfes, whilest Corradino shuld passe. And vpon the co­myng of ayde from the kyng, the Ghibellines .ii. daies before fled. And so had the Guelfes libertie to make new lawes and new magistratꝭ, which thei did immediatly. Fyrst deuidyng the Ghibellines goodes in .iii. partes, one to the cōmon wealth, an other to the chiefe magistrates, and the .iii. to theim selfes, in recompence of theyr owne hurtes. And the bishop of Rome the better to main­teine Tuscane Guelfe, made kyng Charles imperiall vi­care of Tuscane.

¶After this Gregorie the .x. passyng through Florence towardes Fraunce, deuised with the Guelfes for recon­siliacion of the Ghibellines, and did so muche, that cer­taine men for the Ghibelline parte came into the citee, and after longe communicacion agreed therupon. But because the thing toke no effect, therfore Gregory excom­municated the citee. Whiche Innocent the .v. his next successour assoyled againe.

¶Thus the Guelfes forgettyng theim selfes in theyr [Page] prosperitee, became so proude, that they regarded ney­ther magistrate nor people, but for euery lyght occasion woulde feyght, and many tymes kyll without abidyng any iustice: whiche moued the people to murmour, and gaue occasion to the bishop of Romes legate to practise the reuocacion of the Ghibellines vnder pretence of v­nitee, and brought it to passe in deede: and than was there new orders of magistrates appoincted, and the ci­tesins so vnited, that for verie werinesse of longe striefe bothe abroade and at home, the names of diuision began to decaie, so that Ghibellines and Guelfes were almost forgotten, whan there beganne a new diuision, betwene the nobilitee and the commons, in suche wyse that they armed them selfes, and had tried the mattier with the swoorde, if certaine religiouse and other indifferent men had not taken vp the mattier.

¶In effecte the pride of the nobilitee was abated, and parte of the commons will bridled, so that they agreed again, and were quiet a while.

¶There were two notable families in Florence Cerchi and Donati, betwene whome had ben an olde grudge, but no fightyng of a longe tyme. In Pistoia also two yonge gentilmen Lore and Geri at plaie fell out and foughte: so that Lore hurte Geri. The father of Lore beyng offended therwith, and thinkyng to pacifie the mattier gentillie, sent his sonne to the father of Ge­ri, to submitte him selfe and aske forgeuenesse: But the father of Geri toke hym and cutte of his hande, saiyng, that woundꝭ were healed with yron, and not with wor­des. This mattier so grew, that the whole citee of Pistoia was deuided in two partes, the one callyng them [Page 145] selfes Bianchi, that is to saie, the white, and the other Neri, that is to saie the blacke. After longe strife within them selfes being weried, the blacke bande went to Florence, and fell in fauour with the Donati: the like wherof did the white bande with the Cerchi: so that the aunciente grudge betwene those two families en­creased, and at laste vpon a lighte occasion fell out and foughte in Florence. By reason whereof the whole citee aswell nobles as commons were deuided, and of­tentimes armed, so that the rulers (as newters) were faine to streigne their power, and partely by force, parte­ly by auctoritee, causyng the parties to vnarme theim selfes, they banished certaine of the chiefe, speciallie of the Neri: whiche beyng exiled, resorted to the bishoppe of Rome: and obteined of hym that Charles of Ualois, brother to the Frenche kynge (than beyng in Rome for certaine practises of the realme of Naples) shoulde be sent to Florence: by whose meane the Neri recouered the citee, and by force expulsed the Bianchi. And like as the Neri were firste by the bishops meanes restored, so also the Bianchi at the bishops intercession were re­ceiued home, but not to rule: whiche greued theim so muche, that vpon newe contencion (their intente beyng discouered) they were vtterly expulsed.

¶Thus Charles of Ualois (atcheiuyng his purpose in Florence) departed thense, leauyng the Neri in quiete possession. But it endured not longe: for Corso Do­na [...]i, chiefe of that parte (thinkyng his astate very small to remeigne as a priuate man, of the common wealthe) moued businesse in the citee, in hope to haue all the rule him selfe. Wherin he preuailed not, for the commons [Page] sente for the Lucchese to succour theym, and by theyr helpe did so ouermatche Corso and his partetakers, that thei remaigned still in their libertee: and procured a le­gate from Rome, to stablishe an order amongeste theim. Who in stede of order (thinkyng to brynge certain pur­poses to passe) sette theim further out than euer they were, and departyng in great anger excōmunicated the citee.

¶Thus as the Florentines were daylie at stryfe and warre within them selfes, there chanced so great a fyre, that it burned .1300. of theyr houses: so that what through the wonderfull blouddeshed, and great losse of the fire, for veray werinesse thei laied downe their wea­pons, and though the legate had craftely gotten .xii. of the chiefe citesins to Rome, in whose absence he so com­forted the Ghibellines and Bianchi (that than were in exile) that folowyng his aduise, they sodeinelie entred the citee. Yet the commons so resisted them, that thei were repulsed. Not longe after perceiuyng the pur­pose of Corso prepensed against their libertee assaultes his house, put hym to flighte: and in fleyng toke and slewe hym. 1308.

¶After that the Florentines lyued in quiet tyll the co­myng of Henrie the emperour, who comyng from Rome (where he was crowned) besieged Florence on the one side, and at length departed without doyng muche hurt, the rather because the Florentines had receiued suc­cours from Robert kyng of Naples, to whom they had submitted their citee for .v. yeres.

¶Not longe after Vguicione della Faggiola, with helpe of the Ghibellines, became lorde of Pisa and of Lucca, so [Page 146] that the Florentines for dread of hym, requyred kynge Robert of Naples to sende his brother Peter to succour theim. Betwene whom and Vguicione was a battaill stricken in Vale di Nieuole, where the Florentines were discomfited, loste .2000. men, and the kynges brother slaine in the fielde.

¶And though the kynge did his beste to succour theim, yet of their naturall inconstancie, thei beganne a newe diuision amonge theim selfes, parte with and parte a­gainst the kynge. And for lacke of other the kynges aduersaries gatte one Lando d' Agobio to be theyr ca­pitaine, who with the multitude folowyng hym, wolde kyll and murder as he wente by the stretes suche as the people appointed: so that the citee was no lesse afflicted with bloudshedde within, than scourched without by Vguicione, that euen than ouerranne all the countrey about.

¶Net longe after Castruccio Castracani, a citesin of Lucca, gatte the dominion of Lucca and of Pisa, and be­came so great, that he was made chief capitain of al the Ghibellines in Tuscane, so that folowyng his good for­tune, he attempted to gette Prato, which the Florentines prepared theim selfes to defende, so makynge out an armie, and promisyng reconsilement to their banished men, Castruccio retired to Lucca: wherof folowed two inconueniences: one, the commons and rulers were de­uided▪ for the people woulde haue pursued the ennemie, but the rulers wolde not: the other, by reason their en­terprise toke small effecte, they refused their promyse concernyng their banished men, who therfore diuers tymes attempted by force, to haue their promise kepte.

[Page]¶Finallie makyng out a newe armie against Castruc­cio vnder the leadyng of Raimondo da Cardona, the Florentines a little besides Alto Pastio were discomfi­ted, and Raimondo slaine: in suche wise that the Flo­rentines were no more able to holde vp their heades, but suffered Castruccio to ouerronne all their countrey, spoilyng and burnyng what he wolde. Wherfore the Florentines were faine to sue to king Robert of Naples for helpe: who enforced them to take his sonne Charles, Duke of Calabria, to be their lorde, and consequentelie sent the Duke of Athens, as his liuetenaunt to gouerne the citee, [...]326. vntill the comyng of Charles.

¶And like as the coming of Charles was a stay against Castruccio: euen so it was in maner as painefull to the citesins. For within lesse than a yere, he leuied of the citee .400000. Florines, notwithstandyng he had coue­nanted before, not to take of them aboue .200000. besi­des that, after thei had gotten Pistoia, Castruccio laied siege therunto, so longe, that at last he gatte it from the Florentines: how be it, he immediately therupon died. and about the same tyme, the forenamed Charles, lorde of Florence died also. So that the citee was at ones deliuered bothe of the tyranne (as they call hym) and of the enemie: and therupon recoueryng theyr libertee, thei retourned to a new ordre of theyr common wealth.

¶Not longe after themperour returnyng from Rome, and passyng towardes Lumbardie .800. horsemen of his retinue taried behind him, and sodeinly toke Lucca, whiche they offred to sell to the Florentines for .20000. Florines, and beyng refused, solde it to a Genowaie for [...]0000. pounde, wherwith the Florentines were so of­fended, [Page 146] that they made open warre to gette it, but all in vaine, though they spent yet a great quantitee of money more than the summe that quietely they might haue had it for.

¶As for ciuile contencion within the citee hapned none from the death of Castruccio, 1328. vntill the yere .1340.

¶Certaine of the chiefe of the citee, the better to main­teine theyr owne auctoritee, called strangers to gouerne some offices, whiche apperteined to the election of the commons. Amongest all other one Iacomo Gabriel [...] da Gobbi was made capitaine of a warde, and did dy­uers iniuries, namely to some of the nobilitee, as to Pie­tro Bardi, and Bardo Frescobaldi. So that they (not well supportyng the wronge, specially at a straungers hand) conspyred with dyuers other against the rulers: mindyng not onely to be reuenged, but also to reforme the astate of the whole citee. And as it hapneth moste commonly, the deferryng of the mattier was occasion, that some fearefull conspiratour disclosed it: so that the larme bell being ronge, and the people armed assem­blyng in the markette place, the houses of Bardi and Frescobaldi were assaulted in such wise, that thei (with the moste parte of theyr friendes) forsoke the citee, and were banished: some that remained were taken and be­headed.

¶Not longe after the Florentines and Pisani practised with Mastino della Scala for the purchase of Lucca, that than was in his possession: so that the Pisani (seing theyr bargaine ouerdeere through the offers of the Flo­rentines) disposed theim selfes, with helpe of Visconti than lorde of Myllaine, to gette it by force, and so laied [Page] siege to it. That notwithstandyng the Florentines went foorth with theyr bargaine, and bought it duryng the siege. Wherin the Pisani perseuered with suche force, that in despite of all the Florentines succours, at last they gatte it: so that the Florentines not onely lost theyr money, but also purchased theim selfes dishonour.

¶This meane while the Florentines, seyng theyr owne debilitee and ill fortune, procured succours of the kyng of Naples, who sent the Duke of Athenes to be theyr capitaine. But he in steede of a capitaine that should defende and preserue theyr common wealth, contrary­wyse to get into fauour with the commons, and by dis­pleasyng and persecutyng of the nobilitee, toke vppon hym selfe the absolute power, and vsed the whole as his owne. He prohibited the rulers any more to assemble in the palaice, toke the ensignes from the Gonfaloners, brake the orders of iustice, deliuered all prisoners, re­consiled them that were exiled, ordeined new taxes, and waged straungers, so that the citee was full of Fren­chemen, who forbare not to violate all sortes of wo­men.

¶Thus he continued .x. monethes, encreasyng daiely in tyrannie, to the hygh offence of the chiefe, and great hate of the people (who before fauoured hym) that at last the whole citee in .iii. dyuers partes, nobles, peo­ple, and artificers conspyred against hym, and in conclu­sion assaulted and discoumfited his men, and besieged hym in the palaice. Out of the whiche they enforced him to sende Guglielmo da Scesi and his sonne. Whom they hewed and gnawed to pe [...]ces in the market place.

¶Finally the Duke fell to accorde, and renouncyng his [Page 148] astate and title to the dominion, departed with bagge and baggage. Whervpon not onely Florence but al­so Arezzo, Volterra, Pistoia, and other citees therabou­tes toke on theim theyr libertees: though they within short space after, yelded to Florence theyr wonted obe­dience. Than the citesins deuised a new ordre in their common wealth, wherin the nobles had so great aucto­ritee, that they vsed theyr libertee in all thynges ouer the people: but that endured not longe: for the people rebelled, and by force depriued theim, erectyng magi­strates of theim selfes. And though the nobles openly practised with theyr frendes abroade for succours, and fortified theyr houses withinfoorth, in suche wise, that Florence was full of armes: whervpon thei attempted to recouer theyr astate. Yet at length after many skyrmi­shes, muche bloudsheed, and fyre, the people preuailed, and brought the nobilitee so low, Nobilitee suppressed. that they neuer durst arme theim selfes more, but became in maner vile and abiecte: so that from that tyme foorth Florence decaied bothe in courtesie and chiualrie.

¶Thus they rested in quiete, till the yere .1353. In whiche tyme happened that notable plague, that Iohn Boccaccio so pitifully mencioneth in the beginnyng of his Decamerone, thoroughe whiche died in Florence 96000. persones. And thoughe the nobilitee was than oppressed, yet fortune wanted not meane to reyse new discencion amongest theim againe.

¶Two families in Florence, Albizi and Ricci, fell at variaunce, betwene whom the whole citee was no lesse deuided, than it was firste betwene Bondelmonti and Vberti: or betwene Donati and Cerchi. And where [Page] as longe before this time the names of Guelfe and Ghi­belline was in maner extincted and forgotten, Vguici­one de Ricci (thynkyng to abate the reputacion of the Albizi) renued the olde law, 1357. that no Ghibelline should enioie magistrate within the citee. But the purpose of Ricci was cleane disapoincted. For where he thought to proue the Albizi to be Ghibellines, they contrary wise not onely proued them selues Guelfes, but chiefe of the Guelfes: and became so great in the citee, that at length they determined to vsurpe the dominion, whiche beyng discouered to the people, was occasion, that their hou­ses were sacked, and some burned, and they for the moste parte fledde: and those lawes, that the Guelfes had made before in preiudice of the other citesins, were re­uoked. So that those whiche were noted for Ghibel­lines, findyng them selfes recouered in credite, not con­tented to be partetakers, but rather desiryng to rule their whole common wealthe, practised a newe meane, howe by force they myghte a [...]chieue their enterprise: and persuadyng the multitude to rebell against the lor­des, they did so muche, that (notwithstandyng the con­spiracy was discouered before) yet the people so assem­bled out of all order, rennyng vp and downe here and there, spoilyng and burnyng, where as liked theim beste, that the power of the rulers coulde not refourme the mattier, and at length it grew to so great inconuenience, that the lordꝭ wer constreigned not onely to habandone the palaice, but also the whole dominion vnto the peoplꝭ furie, so that Michell di Lando a carder of woull, bare legged and all to torne, mounted vppe in to the hall of the palaice, with the standarde in his hande, and findyng [Page 149] no man there, tourned hym towardes the people, saie­yng: Now you see this palayce, with the whole citee at your commaundement, what woull you due? wherunto the multitude aunswered, they wolde haue hym theyr Gonfalonere and lorde: whiche incontinentlie he toke vpon him: and disposyng him selfe to quiet the rumour, to finde the people occupied, he sente theym straighte to seke one Nuto, that had been minister of iustice before: whom he caused to be hanged by the legge in the market place, and there torne to peeces: and consequentelie proceded to other reformacions and lawes, as it seemed beste to him. But because the commons perceiued, that he preferred the chiefe men to dignitees and offices, and dyd not so muche regarde the commons as they lo­ked for, thei rebelled againe against him, and drew them together to the churche of Santa Maria di Nouella, where they beganne to erecte newe officers, and to make newe lawes after their owne maner. The meane while Michell makyng him selfe stronge, departed out of the palaice to mete theym: but missyng one an other by a wronge waie, Michell at his retourne founde theym in the high streete: assaultyng of the palaice. Where he sette on theim, and so discomfited them, that part he constreigned to flee out of the citee, and part to caste a­waie their weapons. And (notwithstandyng his vile birthe) he was a man him selfe of a righte good nature, wise, and able to gouerne, yet coulde not his auctoritee so muche bridell the communaltee, but that thei deuided theim selfes in partes, the one of men of estimacion, whiche called theim selfes the people, and the other of the meane craftes, whiche called theim selfes the com­mons.

[Page]¶Thus as thei liued fightyng and braulyng togethers, newes came to the counsaill, that Giannozo da Salerno (a capitaine of Charles of Duras, than bente to con­quere Naples) liyng at Boloigne, determined, with helpe of the banished men, to assaulte the citee beyng promised by theim of the citee to haue a gate deliuered vnto theim. Wherupon diuers were accused, amongest whom Piero, the chiefe of the Albizi was taken and put to execucion, and Charles Strozi fledde.

¶The Florentines the better to mainteine theim selfes, reteigned Iohn Sharpe (surnamed Acuto by them) an english capitaine, Iohn Sharpe. than abidyng in Italie with a great retinewe, whose reputacion was suche, that well was that prince in Italie, that mighte haue his seruice in tyme of neede. For his power was so great, that whan he was out of wages, he woulde take one citee or an other, and vse it as his owne for the tyme, till occasion of seruice happened againe, and than wolde he sell it to that prince or common wealthe, that wolde geue moste for it.

¶About this tyme two the chiefest citesins in Florence, George Scali and Thomas Strozzi, with their auctho­ritee and credite amongest the people, dyd what they wolde righte or wronge, so that whan the capitaine of iustice wolde haue put to execucion a certaine offender their friende, they by force assaulted and sacked the ca­pitaines palaice, and deliuered the giltie: whiche acte offended not the capitaine alonelie, but also the ma­gistrates, so that George Scali was therfore taken, and against the common opinion (notwithstandyng the great [...]auour of the people, Common people. whiche euermore proueth incon­stante) [Page 150] was beheaded: and diuers of his deerest frien­des with him. Upon occasion of whose death moste parte of the citee was armed to strengthe the iustice. But whan he was deade, thei were not so soone vnarmed again. For the parties betwene the people of reputa­cion and the commons did so kendle, that for the space of a whole yere, there was daielie fightyng betwene theim: in suche wyse that at lengthe by agreement of bothe partes, the Guelfes were reconsiled and restored to their wonted honour and rule ouer the citee, 138 [...]. and the other magistrates and rulers were deposed, amongest whom Michell Lando before named, was one, whose vertues and merites (beyng so notable as they were) coulde not yet saue hym from the peoples fury.

¶Thus the Guelfes being in auctoritee, and fearing no man but Benedetto d' Alberti (a good man, riche, and of great auctoritee) because he was not of their secte, they found the meane to banish hym, and dyuers others that they thoughte contrarie to theim: and so settled the common wealth after their maner, and kepte it in quiet till the yere .1387. At whiche time Giangalcazo Vis­conti, Duke of Millaine toke his vncle Bernabo priso­ner, and made sharpe warres to the Florentines, 1390▪ so that (notwithstandyng their valiaunte resistence) gettyng all the countreis about, as Bolognia, Pisa, Perugia, and Siena, he was in so great towardenesse to winne Florence, that he caused a crowne of golde to be made, to the intente to crowne him selfe kyng of Italy, and had done it in dede, if death had not preuented him.

¶Not longe after the commons vpon light occasion, re­belled of new, and in great noumbre ranne to the house [Page] of Veri di Medici, offeryng hym the rule of the astate: but he leadyng theim with hym to the high streete, and leauyng theim there, ascended into the palaice amongest the lordes, excusyng him selfe, that the people made him to come by force, and so with thankes of theim returned to the people, and persuaded them, that thei should haue theyr willes, so that thei woulde laie downe theyr wea­pons. Whiche at his request they did. Immediat­ly wherupon the rulers secretely armed theyr power, and establisshyng the ordre of the citee, putte dyuers of those commons to death, that had been causers of this disorder.

¶Not longe after certaine of theim that were banished, beyng at Bolognia, determined vpon hope of the peo­ples inconstancie, to attempt the recouerie of theyr coun­trey, and to alter the astate of theyr citee: and so tho­roughe coumforte of one Piggiello, and of Barroccio Cauicci [...]li, than dwellyng in Florence, secretly thei en­tred the towne, and slewe one or two: to the rumour wherof the people beyng assembled, they declared, how theyr comyng was to deliuer theyr countrey from the ti­rannie of theim that ruled. &c. But for all that, there was none that woulde assist theim. Wherfore they withdrew into a churche, and there some in the ta­kyng were slaine, and the rest taken, examined and put to execucion.

¶Besides this the Duke of Myllaine, whilest he war­red with the citee, practised secretly by meane of the ba­nished men, to winne it, but the thyng beyng discouered, was occasion of the banishement of a noumbre of cite­sins, 1400. and than within two yeres died Giangaleazzo, af­ter [Page 151] he had warred with the Florentines .xii. yeres. So that the Florentines being peaced outwardely, and in­different quiete within theim selfes, made out theyr po­wer against Pisa, and valiauntly gatte it. 1409.

¶Than had they warre with Ladislaus kynge of Na­ples about the citee of Cortona, whiche the Florenti­nes had before purchased. And that warre was so pe­rillouse, that (as most writers affyrme) they procured a phisicion of the kynges to poyson hym. By reason of whose death, they recouered her [...], 1414▪ beyng before in maner desperate of the astate of theyr common wealth: because the kynge hauyng already taken Rome, Siena, La Mar­ca, and Romagnia, wanted no more but Florence onely to make his full waie into Lumbardie. Where he de­termined with his power to proue his fortune. So that the death of these two princes, the Duke of Myl­laine and the kynge of Naples, was more auailable to the Florentines, than theyr owne force. But they (whose nature coulde not well beare any rest) liued not fully .viii. yeres in peace, but that not onely the par­ties within them selfes renued theyr wonted contencion againe, but also the citee attempted warre against Phi­lip, than Duke of Myllaine: in whiche warre theyr ar­mie at Zagonara was discoumfited, and consequently all theyr holdes in Romagnia lost, Castracaro and Mo­digliana excepted. Whervpon they made suite to the Uenetians, and obteined them in leage against the Duke. By whose meane at length they recouered theyr townes in Romagnia: notwithstandyng the charges of that warre had ben so great (amountyng to the sūme of thre millions and .500000. duckates) and that the Floren­tines [Page] fell out amongest theim selfes about the paiement thereof, whiche they called Catasto: and the citee of Uolterra rebelled against theim, though thei were soone brought to obedience againe. 1428.

¶After this beganne the Florentines to make warre a­gainst the towne of Lucca, whiche endured .iii. yeeres with wonderfull domage on bothe sides: specially on the Florentines, whose armie was discomfited by Nico­lo Piccinino, sent by the Duke of Myllaine to succour the Lucchese.

¶Than beganne contencion within the citee betweene Cosmo de Medici and Rinaldo degli Albizi. Not that Cosmo (who was a iuste and a vertuouse man) gaue any occasion thereof. But vpon a consaite that Ri­naldo suspected: seeyng that Cosmo with his liberali­tee and vertue had gotten the loue of the people, he ima­gined streight waie, that he went about to be lorde of al. Wherfore he so conspyred, and wrought against hym, that Cosmo was taken, laied in prison, and in daunger of death. But finally he was confined vnto Padoa: where he remaigned the space of a .xii. moneth, till by meane of his friendes he was reconsiled home, and his enemies some put to death, and the reste banisshed, and finally the whole astate of the common wealth refour­med after his owne maner. Duryng whose tyme the Florentines endeuoured theim selfes muche to conquere the citee of Lucca, to the entreprise wherof they enter­teined Francesco Sforza (that afterwardes was Duke of Myllaine) to be theyr generall. But because he than practised mariage with the daughter of Myllaine (whose father Duke Philip was enemie to the Floren­tine [Page 153] astate) he so coldly proceded, that whan it came to passe, that he myght haue streigned Lucca, he neuer­thelesse was occasion of peace be [...]wene the Florentines and the Lucchese, 1432. in suche wyse that Lucca still remai­ned in theyr libertee.

¶Not longe after folowed the counsaile of Florence: at whiche the emperour of Greece, with the chiefe of the Greekishe churche assembled, and agreed with the Ro­maine churche, though they stode not by it longe.

¶Than arose Nicolo Piccinino, and without any iuste grounde moued warre to the Florentines, wherin he did theim no small displeasures. But finally he was discoumfited at Anghiari: and immediately after the Conte di Poppi (who before had assisted Piccinino) was besieged in his owne towne: and his whole astate, with the towne of Poppi taken from hym by the Flo­rentines.

¶And though the warre, whiche Piccinino made, was as well against the churche as the Florentines, so that the bishop of Rome, of the victorie of Anghiari, enioied as well his parte as the Florentines: yet the charge be­fore, and the cost that the bishop was at in pursuyng the victorie, was suche, that for verie neede of money: he solde Borgo san Sepolchro, vnto the Florentines for 25000. duckates. All this whyle were the Florenti­nes in league with the Uenetians against the Duke of Myllaine, in suche wyse that the better to disburdeine his owne charge, the Duke steered kyng Alfonse of Na­ples against the Florentines, who entred vpon Tuscane and did theim muche hurt, though at last laiyng siege to the towne of Piombino (through sickenesse that fell in [Page] his armie) he was constreigned to remoue his siege, and vtterly to habandone his enterprise. But after Duke Phillip of Millaine was deade, and Francesco Sforza in possession of the astate, the Florentines (by meane of Cosmo di Medici) did enter in amitee with hym: for whiche occasion, whan the Uenetians were out with Francesco, they procured kyng Alfonse to warre of new on the Florentines, whiche warre was not so sharpe, but that the Florentines at length did passe it ouer with out any great losse.

¶Than died Cosmo di Medici, whan he had gouerned the citee about .31. yeres. 1464. Cosmo di Medici. He in his tyme was one of the notablest men of the worlde, the richeste priuate man that hath ben hearde of manie yeres, and so lyberall withall, that he relieued a number of his citesins, not onely with lo [...]e, but also with the gifte of large summes of money: and many times he wolde him selfe consider who had neede, and helpe them vndesired. His wise­dome was suche (and was vnlearned) that he ruled the vnruliest citee of the worlde in peace without ciuile se­dicion, whiche before his tyme was neuer in quiete. And though he might haue taken on him selfe the abso­lute power without difficultee, beyng in suche auctori­tee, yet ledde he still a priuate life: nor for all his great richesse, neuer soughte other mariage for his doughters, than amongest his owne citesins. He builded .v. prince­ly houses, one within the cite, and .iiii. without, besides iiii. monastaries .ii. churches, and dyuers chappelles: so that he that well considerith his doynges, shall iudge theim rather mightie kynges than citesins.

¶Finally his factions were suche in Uenice, in Naples, [Page 153] in Rome, and in other chiefe citees of trafficque, that whan he was so disposed, he wolde make them all bare of money: so that with his onely reputacion many times he wroughte suche quietnesse and commoditee to his citee, that all the Florentine power was not able to doe.

¶The rule that he bare was not grounded on force or tirannie, but vpon suche a loue to the people, that whan he died, the commons bewailed hym as a father of the countrey. The profe wherof was well seen, what tyme through the yll procuremente of Diotisalui (one that he helde as his dere and secrete friende) a conspi­racie was made against his sonne Peter.

¶Whan the olde Duke Francesco Sforza was deade, and his sonne Galeazo established in the astate, the am­bassadours of Millaine came to the Florentines for con­firmacion of their former amitee, which Peter the sonne of Cosmo, persuaded, was necessary to be mainteigned. In debatyng of whiche mattier Peter beganne to per­ceiue the intente of his aduersaries, and at length fully ascertained therof, he wrought so, that all the citee ar­med theim selfes in his fauour, in suche wise that beyng verie weake of bodie, and sicke on his bedde, the chiefe magistrates of the citee were faine to resorte to hym, and to offer theim selfes at his pleasure. Wherupon it folowed, that the pryncipall of his ennemies were some banished and some slaine, and his reputacion suche, that (though he ruled not in office him selfe) yet might be at all times commaunde and doe what he wolde, and folowyng alwaies the steppes of his father in the same reputacyon died.

¶After whose deathe Italy happened to be deuided, [Page] betwene the kynge of Naples and the bishop of Rome on the one parte, the Uenetians, the Duke of Millaine, and the Florentines on the other parte: and amongest all the reste the bishop of Rome hated the Florentines, speciallie the house of Medici, whereof two vertuouse yonge men, Iulian and Laurence, sonnes of the forena­med Peter, were than rulers, and in maner (though thei liued priuately) princes of Florence, and this hate was not secret, for the bishop openlie in Rome fauoured the Pazi, and hindered the Medici, so that after the death of Phillip D' i Medici, archebishop of Pisa, the bishop of Rome placed in his steede Francesco Saluiati, a mortall ennemie to the house of Medici, who notwithstandyng the Romish election, coulde not be receiued of the Flo­rentines. Practise of a pre­late. Wherfore with the holy fathers consente this newe archebishop beganne a practise, to alter the astate of Florence, and consultyng on the mattier with diuers of his friendes, speciallie of the families of Sal­uiati and Pazi, concluded, that without the deathe of Iulian and Laurence D' i Medici, it was impossible to bryng the mattier to passe. Wherfore they procured the Cardinall of saincte George (nephewe vnto the bi­shop of Rome) to come to Florence, to the intente that in visityng of him, they mighte haue bothe the brethern to­gethers, and so slea theim. Of this their purposed in­tente twise they missed. The therde tyme they deuised a solemne masse to be songe before the Cardinall, vnto the which bothe the brethern came, and at the eleuacion tyme Iulian was slaine, and Laurence hurte, but he es­caped.

¶This meane while the archebishop crately gotte into [Page 155] the palaice with certaine men with him, priuily armed, in hope that whan the rumour shoulde ryse he mighte haue not onely the palaice but also all the chiefe rulers of the citee in his handes: but his purpose beyng espied er he coulde atchieue it, he with certaine of his compli­ces were immediately hanged and throwen out at the wyndowes of the palaice. This foule ende had theyr cursed conspiracie: for whan Iulian was slayne, and Laurence returned to his house, it was a wonder to se [...] howe soone the people were armed, rennyng vp and downe the stretes, and criyng, Medici Medici, killyng and drawyng as many as they coulde know of the con­trarie parte. And almost there was no citesin of any reputacion, that came not vnto the house of Laurence, to offer him selfe and his goodes to succour him, in case he neded.

¶Finallie the tumulte beeynge quieted, as manie as coulde be founde of the Saluiati and Pazi, and of the other conspiratours, were put to execucion: and the rest that fledde, were banished.

¶But for all this theyr trouble ceased not. For whan the bishop of Rome sawe that this pryuie treason toke not effect in alteracion of the astate, he attempted open­ly the destruction of the citee, not vnder pretence of hate to the Florentines, but to the house of Medici onely. Fyrst he excōmunicated the citie, and after sent an army of his owne againste theim, and procured the kynge of Naples to inuade them with an other armie: protestyng alwaies, that he desired no more, but to haue Laurence D' i Medici in his handes; whiche done, he offered to be at peace. Wherfore Laurence, to be the better assured [Page] of his citesins, called .300. of the best of them togethers, and resonyng the mattier with theim, founde theim wholy bent to his defence, and therupon made prouision of resistence, doyng all Italie to vnderstande, that the bishop of a shepherde, became a wolfe, and not onelie practised this secrete treason, but also openly mayntei­gned it.

¶These warres continued so longe, that the Florenti­nes beeyng destitute of all succour, and werie of theyr great charge and losse of men, determined to fall into the armes of the tone of theyr enemies, and esteemyng the kynges amitee more auailable and more durable of the bothe, Laurence Di Medici went hym selfe to Na­ples, and so behaued him towardes the kyng, that where most men suspected, he should neuer retourne, he not one­ly retourned, but also brought a perfite conclusion of peace with hym. Wherat the bishoppe of Rome was out measure wroth, but at last the Florentines sent their ambassadours to hym. Who beyng brought to audi­ence in Pontificalibus, at length obteined his absoluci­on. The rather because euin than newly the Turke had assaulted and taken Otronto in Puglia, and mynded to conquere Italie: whiche occasion caused all the princes of Italie to vnite theim selfes together, more for feare than loue, as afterwardes did well appeare. For the Turke was no sooner dead, and the feare of his inuasi­on paste, but they fell out againe as farre as euer they were. For betwene the bishop and the kynge grew hote warres, and the Florentines in helpe of the kynge as­saulted the bishop on the other side, and besides that the cam [...]e of the league was lyke to haue taken from the [Page 156] Uenetians all theyr dominion in Lumbardie: so that I­talie was full of warre, 1486. vntill by procurement of the kynge of Spaines ambassadours, a generall peace tho­rough all the astates of Italie was concluded (the Ge­nowaies excepted). By meane wherof the Florentines with theyr more ease warred vpon the Genowaies, and gatte Pietra Santa, with other townes from theim, and gaue them a notable discoumfiture besides Serezana.

¶Finally the moste renoumed priuate man of his tyme Laurence D' i Medici died, Laurence d' i Me­dici▪ leauyng one of his sonnes a Cardinall (who was called therunto beyng not fullie 13. yeres old) and his eldest sonne Peter in great repu­tacion, and his doughters also verie well maried.

¶He fauoured cunnyng men, specially theim that were learned: he was eloquente in reasonyng, quicke of in­vention, wise in determinyng, and hardie in doyng. Be­sides the conspiracy wrought against hym, whan his brother was slayne, he was twyse in peryll of death by treason, and yet preuented theim bothe to the confusion of the conspiratours. All the princes of Italy honou­red hym, the kynge Mathew of Hungarie shewed hym great signes of loue, the Soldan of Aegypt sent hym presentes and ambassadours, the Turke deliuered Ber­nardo Bandini, that slewe his brother Iulian, into his handes: and his owne citesins so muche loued him, that I thynke of his tyme died no man happier than he. Contrary wise his sonne Peter di Medici, who notwith­standyng his gentle enterteigment of all men at the be­ginnyng (whiche made the worlde to hope well of him) did at length proue so ambiciouse, so wilfull and so vn­discrete in his procedynges, that neither the magistrat­tes, [Page] the citesins, nor yet the people could well beare him, to the encrease wherof, 1495. whan Charles the .viii. Fren­che kynge, passed by Florence towardes Naples, Peter mette hym on the waie, and saied to him, that his father commaunded hym .iii. thynges, the fyrst to honour God, the secounde to worship the frenche kyng, and the thyrd to defende his countrey. So that Charles seeyng hym thus well disposed, entreated hym so fayre, that he de­liuered into his handes Serezana, Pietra Santa, and fi­nally sette Pisa at libertee, whiche was so great a hin­deraunce to the Florentine astate, that the magistrates and commons, moued of iuste disdeigne, draue him out of the citee, toke his goodes and patrimonie as forfaicte, and condemned him to perpetuall exile, with a noumber of his friendes and partetakers: and the furie of the people was suche, that they brake and defaced all the armes that coulde be founde of the Medicies in Flo­rence.

¶And albeit that he attempted manie waies to recouer his countrey, yet was his fortune so yll, that the more he sturred, the more was he hated, whiche at lengthe was the vndoyng both of him selfe, and of a great many mo [...] as well of his adherentes, as of his aduersaries.

¶Thus the familie of Medici loste reputacion and cre­dite for the tyme: so that the astate of Florence retour­ned vnto the common rule of the magistrates and cite­sins, 1495. that endured till the tyme that Leo the .x. of the fa­milie of Medici was made bishop of Rome, who though he restored not his house vnto the full rule they had be­fore in the citee, did neuerthelesse so muche, partely with auctoritee, and partely by friendship, that diuers of that [Page 157] name were receiued and made partetakers of the com­mon wealth: whiche by little and little so encreased a­gaine, that in the tyme of bishop Clement the .vii. who also was of the Medici, whan the Duke of Burbon pas­sed by Florence to Romewardes, the commons of the ci­tee made a commocion against Hippolito di Medici, then gouernour of the same: he than beyng departed out of the citee in companie of the Cardinall of Cortona, to goe visite the Duke of Urbine. But assoone as he re­tourned, he did so muche, that they yelded theim selfes againe vnto hym, vpon couenant he should hurt no man for that mattier.

¶Than bishop Clement made this Hippolito a Cardi­nall, whervpon he lefte the administracion of the com­mon wealth, and so was the citee at libertee againe. But Clement beeyng determined to make it perpetuall subiect to his owne famili [...], handled hym selfe so well towardes the emperour at his coronacion at Boloigne, that he obteigned the imperiall power to the oppression of his owne naturall countrei, and brought to passe, that the prince of Orenge, 1530. with the emperours army besieged Florence.

¶This siege, endured a whole yere, which for the many enterprises and battailes fought on bothe partes, maie be compared to the best Troiane, Greekish or Romaine warres, namely because the common wealth alone, with out helpe of any other prince or state, susteigned the vio­lence of two so mightie powers as the emperours and the bishops of Rome, vntill famine and not force ouer­came theim.

¶Finally the prince of Orenge, and dyuers other no­table [Page] capitaines beyng slaine in the often battailes and skyrmisshes, at last the Florentines for lacke of vittail­les, were faine to fall to composicion, and yelded vpon these condicions, that the citee should continue in hir li­bertee, referryng the reformacion of thastate to the em­perour, who within the terme of .iiii. monethes should thervpon declare his pleasure. That all banished men should be reconciled without remembraunce of any in­iurie before passed. That the Medici should be resto­red to theyr goodes taken from theim by violence of the magistrates. That the citee shoulde paie .80000▪ crownes to the dispatche of the armie, with other coue­nauntes of lesse moment. Upon whiche accorde Bar­tholomew Valori, commissarie for the bishop of Rome, entred with dyuers of the imperiall capitains, and there behaued theim selfes so stoutely, that (notwithstandyng the couenauntes of peace) they founde the meane with­in lesse than a moneth to behead .vi. of the chiefest cite­sins, and to confine .150. besides a noumbre of others that habandoned and fledde the citee of them selfes: so that theyr promysed libertee was tourned into a moste cruell seruitude.

¶Shortely after came Alexander Di Medici, nephew to bishop Clement, sente by the emperour out of Flaun­ders, who at his first comyng made a shew of sobrietee, in goyng priuately vnto his house, and receiuyng the ci­tesins amiably: but yet at lengthe by little and little he vsurped the offices and magistrates, and finally dispo­sed theim all at his pleasure, 1532. causyng him selfe openlie to be called Duke.

1534.¶Than died Clemente the Bishop, whervpon the Car­dinalles [Page 158] Di Medici and Saluiati, with the principall of the other banished Florentines (couetyng the recouerie of their citees libertee) sent ambassadours to the empe­rour, besechyng hym to consider the tyrannie of Duke Alexandre (who than newly had builded the Cittadella) and to regarde the condicions of peace. Whiche am­bassadours arriued at Barcelona euen as the emperour was takyng shippe towardes the enterprise of Tunise: so that beyng returned to Rome, the Cardinall Hippo­lito di Medici disposed hym selfe to goe vnto Tunise therfore. And takyng his iourney towardes Naples died at Itri by the waie: poysoned (as the voice wente) by procurement of Duke Alexander.

¶This Duke Alexander was yet but yonge, who by bi­shop Clementes procurement had maried the emperours bastarde doughter, he was so stoute, that without any respecte he wolde haue his will in all thynges, and namely in feates of loue and chaunge of women was his speciall delite. And amongest all other he delited more in the company of Laurence di Medici (that should suc­cede him in the astate) than of any other man. But Laurence in steede of that loue hated the Duke, and had longe time determined to slea him, whan he might finde occasion, whether he did it in hope the rather to atteigne to the dominion him selfe, or to restore to the citee hir auncient libertee, be diuers opinions.

¶In effecte without makyng any man priuie to his en­tent, other than a seruante of his owne, the Duke beyng on a nighte all alone in Laurences house, and slepyng on a bedde, Laurence and his man slewe him: and ther­vpon counsailyng with certayne of his friendes, and [Page] seeyng no man disposed to stande with him in pursuyng of his purpose, the selfe same nighte he fledde, and went straight to Uenice, where in company of the S [...]ozzi he liued, till of la [...]e certaine persons, in hope of the Taglia (a reward [...] pr [...]claimed for the kyllyng of notable offen­ders) he was also slayne

¶Immediately vpon knowlage of the death of Duke Alexander, the three Florentine Cardinalles, that were than in Rome, departed thense, and makyng all the men they coulde by the waie, come with an armie towarde Florence. Wherfore the Medici, with their friendes in Florence (to make their party good, that the banished men shoulde not preuayle to their destruction) el [...]cted Cosmo di Medici to be their Duke, a yonge man of .20. yeres of age, wh [...]se father Iohn Di Medici had ben a man righte valiaunt in armes. And therupon sen [...]e to the Cardinalles, praiyng theim to state their armie by the waie, and to come them selfes priuately to Florence, where they shoulde finde so muche reason offered them, that they shoulde neede to vse no force. So thei staied their power besides Cortona, and beyng come to Flo­rence were entreated with so faire promises, that thei licenced theyr men to depart. By reason wherof the Duke that n [...]we is, with his friendes had time to make theim selfes stronge, and than wolde consent to nothing that the Cardinalles loked for: so that with a playne mocke they departed, lamentyng their folie: that they had chaunged the suretee of their force, for the vnsure­tee of fayre wordes.

¶This chaunge in Florence, and the mocke that the Cardinalles receiued, [...] so muche encreased their malice, [Page 159] that they with the helpe of Phillip Strozzi and Bar­tholomew Valori, assembled and waged the number of 4000. men: whiche by Peter Strozzi (that yet liueth and serueth the Frenche kynge) shoulde haue be con­ducted to Monte Murlo, and from thense to Florence, had not Phillip and Bartholomew (who with a smalle companie came before to Monte Murlo) ben sette vpon by Alexander Vitelli, taken and ledde awaie pr [...]soners to Florence, where the whole conspiracy of those confe­derates, that were in the towne was discouered, and di­uers taken and put to execucion: and so the whole en­terprise broken and destroied. Amongest the rest onely Phillip Strozzi was preserued from deathe: notwith­standyng he was kepte in prys [...]n in the Cittadella, and there died. Some saie he killed him selfe rather than he wo [...]e vndoe his children by paiyng the raunsome that was required of him, beyng in dede one of the ry­chest priuate men that was in his time, as it dothe well appeare by the wealth of his sonne Peter, and of his other children, whiche beyng banished men, and hauyng nothyng in their owne countrey, doe neuerthelesse lyue abroade in so muche reaputacion, that fewe brethern of christendome vnder the degree of prynces doe the like.

¶I haue spoken before of Cittadella buylded by Duke Alexander for the more suretee of his dominion, Cittadella. whiche at his deathe remaigned in the kepynge of one of the Dukes capitaines. But assoone as Alexander Vitelli (one that had serued well the emperour in his warres) hearde of the Dukes deathe, he came to Florence, and entred into the castell to speake with the capitaine, where he handled the matt [...]er so well, that he excluded [Page] the capitaine and kepte it him selfe. And thoughe he made many faire promises to Duke Cosmo, yet at length he deliuered it to the emperour: who therfore rewarded hym with fayre possessions in the realme of Naples.

¶This Duke Cosmo sued first to marrie with the wife of Duke Alexander the emperours doughter, but the bi­shop of Rome that nowe is, purchaced hir (to his no small coste) for his sonnes sonne, Duke Octauio. For the whiche there hath ben mortall hate betwene Duke Cosmo and the bishop. And beyng thus preuented, the Duke to obteigne the more stay towardes the emperour, maried the doughter of Don Diego di Tolledo, Uice Re of Naples, by whose meane he hath redeemed the Cittadella of the emperour for the summe of .400000. duckates, and is nowe absolute lorde and kynge within him selfe.

¶He hath diuers faier children by his wyfe, and loueth hir so well, that in maner he neuer goeth abrode (vnlesse it be to churche) without hir, and is reputed to be a very chaste man. Duke Cosmo▪ He is learned and wyse, he vseth fewe wordes, and is neuerthelesse in his owne tounge elo­quente. In the administracion of iustice he is so sin­cere, that syns the tyme of his reigne, whiche is nowe aboue .x. yeres, I haue not hearde, that he hath pardo­ned any person condemned to die. He hath restreigned the Uice of Sodomie (which heretofore reigned more in Florence than elswhere in Italy) with paine of death: and hath broughte his astate to suche quietnesse, as it hath not ben this .300. yeres past: so that Florence may well saie, that in hym she hath founde hir longe desired libertee. For though he absolutely hath the whole reue­newes [Page 160] to his owne vse, yet the suretee that the Floren­tynes haue in their owne thynges (whiche heretofore they neuer had) is muche more worthe to theym, than the common reuenew was beneficiall to the citee.

¶Finally the vertue of this Duke Cosmo, besides the woorthinesse of his dominion, hath brought hym in suche reputacion, that he is now numbred as one of the rarest princes of our tyme, and fea­red also, as one in whom there be hydde thynges of greatter moment than the rule of that onely astate.

GEnoa standeth in maner betweene the Alpes and Appenine hilles, and hath his prospecte toward the southe. For it hangeth so on the descent of the hyll, that beyng in the sea vnderneth, a man maie almost dis­cerne euery part of the citee. It hath no plaine coun­trey neere it, but on the one side hilles and mountaines, and the sea Mediterraneum on the other. And yet those hilles that renne alonge the sea costes, bringe forth many kyndes of pleasaunt fruite, with muche wine and oyle, for the moste parte not thoroughe fertilitee of the grounde, but thoroughe the inhabitauntes peinefull di­ligence.

¶The circuite of Genoa is little lesse than .v. myles, the walles about are very new, fayre and stronge: spe­cially the .ii. gates Di San Thomaso and Del L'arco are so large, that they seeme almost .ii. fortresses.

¶The hauen that cometh into it, is excedyng fayre and bigge enough to receiue any nauie, beyng forced some­what narowe at the mouthe, with a wonderfull costely pie [...]e of stone made out into the sea: at the ende wherof is a stronge toure, called Il Mole: Wherby the hauen is defended from all wyndes, the southweast excepted.

¶Within this hauen they haue an Arsenale, hable to receiue .xviii. or .xx. galleys.

¶Theyr churches are verie fayre and sumptuouse, spe­cially the Cathedrall churche of. S. Laurence, whose fronte of white and blacke marble seemeth a verie rare peece of woorke.

[Page 161]¶Their houses are excedyng fayre, the frontes two stories hygh, for the most part of fine marble curiousely wrought: For theyr law alloweth none to decke his house any higher with that kynde of worke, (vnlesse it be in respecte of some notable seruice) because it would requyre an infinite charge to garnishe theim of that sort to the toppe, their houses beyng for the most part .vi.vii. and some .viii. stores hygh. And yet are they so faire, that I wote not vnto what citee I maie compare theyr buildynges. And not onely within the citee, but all alonge the sea costes, called La Riuiera, euerie village is so furnished with gallaunt and sumptuouse houses, that it is a worlde to beholde.

¶Amongest all other the palaice of Andrea Doria, with out the gate of. S. Thomas, is a notable thyng, verie fayre, sumptuouse and large: And aboue his house (a thyng wonderfull) he hath made his slaues to hew out of the hard rockie mountaine, as muche space, as hath made .vi. gardeins one aboue an other: and hath cau­sed so muche earth to be caried vppe, as suffiseth for the growth of all maner fruites and herbes, verie pleasant to beholde.

¶Lykewyse within the towne, Andrea Doria hath the goodliest house that any priuate man hath builded in our daies.

¶But the stretes of the citee for the most part are so na­row, that it is a great defacyng to the rest. Whiche I thynke the stipe descent of the hill causeth, that they haue not roome enough to make theyr stretes large.

¶Halfe a myle without the towne Weastwardes, thei haue a verie fayre watche toure, called Torre della Lu­minaria, [Page] wherin nightly burneth a great lyght: for a marke to theim that be on the sea, because it maie be dis­cerned verie farre of.

¶Finally thei haue a very fayre conduite of water con­ueighed on arches, muche after the auncient Romaine facion, for the space of .v. myles or more, out of the va­ley of Bisagnio: notwithstandyng that thei haue diuers fayre springes, and one specially that can not be drawen drie.

AMongest other perticuler astates of Italie, the Duchie of Myl­laine hath been one the most notable.

¶For while the hous of Visconti rei­gned, the same valiauntly maintened warres of great importaunce against most puissaunt princes and powers. And for the in­terest therof, the notablest warrꝭ of our daies haue hap­ned betwene the emperour and the Frenche kyng: inso­muche that Fraunces the fyrst of that name, feightyng before Pauia against the imperiall armie (ledde by the Marques of Pescara, and the Duke of Bourbone) was taken prisoner, and conueighed into Spaine: where for his raunsome, after a yeres imprisonment, he was faine to pledge his two sonnes, and consequently to marie the emperours syster, with other couenauntes to longe to reherse.

¶And no meruaile, though these two most mighty prin­ces of Christendome so muche contented for his onely astate. For though in name (beyng but a Duchie) it shoulde not seeme great: yet in very deede bothe for the wealth of the countrey, and for the quantitee, the thyng hath been of as great reputacion as some realmes of Europe. Out of doubt there haue been some Dukes of Myllaine muche greatter in territorie, wealthier in reuenewes and treasure, more puissaunt in warres, and finally more honourable in peace, than diuers of theim that had kyngly titles.

¶As for the richesse and beautie of the countrey, I am [Page 188] afearde to speake of, least to hym that neuer saw it, I shoulde seeme ouerlarge in the due praisyng of it: and least vnto hym againe that hath practised there, I shuld seeme vnwise to treate of that, that my knowlage is not hable woorthily to set foorth, Neuerthelesse betwene feare and shame this muche woull I saie, that suche an other peece of ground for beautifull citees and townes, for goodly riuers, fieldes and pastures, and for plentie of fleshe, foule, freshewaterfishe, graine, wine and frui­tes, is not to be found againe in all our familiar regions.

¶I thinke the emperour, that now is lord therof, woull confesse, that he draweth more money yerely to his purse [...]ut of that onely astate, than out of some of his real­mes. And yet his Mylanese dominion is not halfe so muche at this present, as that that diuers Dukꝭ of My­laine haue had. For wheras the emperour, besides the citee of Myllaine hath now .vii. or .viii. citees, as Pa­uia, Lodi, Cremona, Alexandria, Vercelli, Nouara, and Como: Dukes of Myllaine haue had, some .xx. and some .xxx. citees, and vpwardes. Yea and some so great, that they haue aspyred to the dominion ouer all Italie: as in the briefe historie folowyng more plainely appeareth. Neuerthelesse he that now shall happen to see the company of noble men and gentilmen, that ar in maner continually attendaunt on themperours lieue­tenaunt or deputie in Myllaine, shall saie, that the same representeth rather the courte of some puissaunt kynge, than the traine of a deputie.

¶And I thynke verily, that Don Ferrando Gonzaga, now lieuetenaunt there, rideth many times more honou­rably accompanied, and with a greatter presence of ma­gistee, [Page] than the emperour him selfe dooeth in Germanie.

Wiues of Millaine.¶The like wherof with rather the more is to be saied of the Mylanese gentilwomen, who in sumptuouse ap­paraile maie compare with the best: specially in the or­namentes of theyr Chariottes, with coueringes of cloth of golde, of veluettes, of silkes, and a thousande sortes of embroderies. There is almost no craftesmans wife in Myllaine, that hath not hir gowne of silke, and hir chaine of golde. A thyng that shoulde seeme rather meruailouse than credible. But the craftesmen there are so excellent in theyr dooynges, and the women so ex­perte in silke workes, that it is no wonder though their gaine grow to the biyng of gaie geare.

¶Finally the citee of Myllaine standyng in the herte of the pleasauntest and fayrest plaine of all Christendome, Millaine S [...]ate. is serued of all delectable and necessarie thynges that are to be desyred for mans sustentacion. Honourable for the courte, gallaunt for gentilmen, herborough for souldiours, delicate for dames, riche for merchauntes, and wealthy for artificers. But for notable or sum­ptuouse buildynges, it maie not be compared with Ue­nice, Rome, or Florence. For all be it, the houses be great and fayre within, yet outwardely it is nothyng of that beautie and pompe, that those other citees be: by reason that for the most parte the Mylanese buildyng is all of bricke, because harde stone and marble is not to be had by a great waie of.

¶Neuerthelesse the Domo of Myllaine (beyng theyr Cathedrall churche) is one of the rarest woorkes of our tyme: built all of fine marble, so well grauen and cutte, that the woorkemanship is a wonder. But it is of so [Page 189] vnmeasurable greatnesse, that most men doubt, whether euer it woull be finished or not: thoughe it haue many thousande duckates of yerely reuenew in good land to­wardes the continuaunce, and a noumbre of woorkemen daiely labouryng theron.

¶But what speake I of the churche, Castell of Millaine. the castell of My­laine being so neere? whiche in mine opinion is the wor­thiest and strongest of all Europe. For it hath warde within warde: fortresse diuided from fortresse, that one maie holde against an other, walles of endlesse strength and large dyches well watered, as fayre built ouer all as nedeth to be, and so well fortified, that without fa­mine it is impregnable. And this concernyng the countrey, citee and people of Myllaine in generall, shall suffice.