Parthenopoeia, or, The history of the most noble and renowned kingdom of Naples with the dominions therunto annexed and the lives of all their kings : the first part / by that famous antiquary Scipio Mazzella ; made English by Mr. Samson Lennard ... ; the second part compil'd by James Howell, Esq., who, besides som [sic] supplements to the first part, drawes on the threed [sic] of the story to these present times, 1654 ; illustrated with the figures of the kings and arms of all the provinces. — Descrittione del regno di Napoli. English

Parthenopoeia, or, The history of the most noble and renowned kingdom of Naples with the dominions therunto annexed and the lives of all their kings : the first part / by that famous antiquary Scipio Mazzella ; made English by Mr. Samson Lennard ... ; the second part compil'd by James Howell, Esq., who, besides som [sic] supplements to the first part, drawes on the threed [sic] of the story to these present times, 1654 ; illustrated with the figures of the kings and arms of all the provinces. — Descrittione del regno di Napoli. English

Table of contents

Title page

§

TO THE READER.

The chief Ingredients that go to the Composition of this Historicall Survey.

Upon the CITTY OF NAPLES, FIRST CALL'D PARTHENOPE, OR THE VIRGIN-CITTY.

A Table of the most notable things that are contained in the first part of the HISTORY of NAPLES.

A Collection of the prime Materials that go to the structure of the second part of the History of the Kingdom of Naples, with the additions to the first.

THE DESCRIPTION OF THE KINGDOM OF NAPLES.

The Land of LAVORO, The First Province of the Kingdom OF NAPLES.

The PRINCIPALITY On this side the second Province of the Kingdome OF NAPLES.

The PRINCIPALITY On the other side the third Province in the Kingdom OF NAPLES.

BASILICATA, The Fourth Province of the Kingdom OF NAPLES.

CALAURIA, On this side the Fifth Province of the Kingdom OF NAPLES.

CALAURIA, On the other side the Sixth Province of the Kingdom OF NAPLES.

The Countrey of OTRANTO, The seventh Province of the Kingdom of NAPLES.

The Countrey of BARY, The eighth Province of the Kingdom of NAPLES.

ABRUZZO On this side the ninth Province of the Kingdom OF NAPLES.

ABRUZZO On the other side the tenth Province of the Kingdom OF NAPLES.

The County of MOLISE, The eleventh Province of the Kingdom of NAPLES.

CAPITANATA. The twelfth Province of the Kingdom OF NAPLES.

A DESCRIPTION OF THE Kingdom of Naples The second Book.

The REVENUES of the CROWN in the noble and most happy Kingdom OF NAPLES.

The Donatives which have been made at sundry times by the Noble City of NAPLES and the KINGDOM to their KINGS.

A Description of the Rivers, Lakes, Fountains, Baies, Mines, Hils, and Woods, which are in this Kingdom.

Of the Hils which are in the Kingdom.

FENNS.

Of LAKES.

Of the WOODS.

Of the Mines in the Kingdom.

In the Province of the Country of Lavoro, called in old time Campania felix.

In the Province of the Principality on this side.

In the Province of the Principality on the other side.

In the Province of Abruzzo on this side.

In the Province of the Country of Otranto.

In the Province of Calauria on this side.

In the Province of Calauria on the other side.

The Castles and Forts of defence which are in the Kingdom of Naples, with the number of Souldiers which remain in every Guard, and their monthly pay.

A CATALOGVE Of the Earls and Dukes of Puglia and Calauria; and of all the Kings of Naples, Normans, S•evi, Angioini, Durazzeschi, Aragonesi, Castilliani, & Austriaci.

The Kings of NAPLES.

[Figure] Ruggieri 1. King of Naples.

[Figure] William the wicked, the 2. King of Naples.

[Figure] William the good, 3. King of Naples.

[Figure] Tancred the 4. King of Naples.

[Figure]

[Figure] Frederick 2. Emperor, and 6. King of Naples.

[Figure] Conrado the 4. Emperor, and 7. King of Naples.

[Figure] Manfred the 8 King of Naples:

[Figure] Charls of Angio, the 9 King of Naples.

[Figure] Charls the second, 10 King of Naples.

[Figure] Robert 11. King of Naples.

[Figure] Ioan 1.12 Queen of Naples.

[Figure] Charls the 3. of Durazzo the 13 King of Naples.

[Figure]

[Figure] Ione 2, 15 Queen of Naples.

[Figure] Renato of Angio the 16 King of Naples.

[Figure] Alfonsus 1. of Aragon, called by his surname, The Magnanimous, 17 King of Naples.

[Figure] Ferdinando 1. of Aragon 18 King of Naples.

[Figure] Alfonsus 2. the 19 King of Naples.

[Figure]

[Figure] Ferdinando the second the •1 King of Naples.

[Figure] Frederick the 22 King of Naples.

[Figure] Lewis the 12 King of France and 23 King of Naples.

[Figure] Ferdinando the Catholick 24 King of Naples:

[Figure] Ione the third, 25 Queen of Naples.

[Figure] Charles 5 Emperour, and 26 King of Naples.

[Figure] Philip of Austria 27 King of Naples.

The Titles of Dignity which all the Kings of this Kingdom have used.

INTERREGNO. Consilium, & Gubernatores Republicae Regni Siciliae ordinatis per clarae memoriae Serenissimam & Illustrissimam Dominam, nostram Dominam Joannam secundam, Dei gratia Ungariae, Hierusalem & Siciliae reginam.

The Title which Charls used afterward, when he was absolute King.

Of the Coronation of the Kings of NAPLES.

A brief Discourse of the Kings of IERVSALEM; Beginning from Godfrey, where is shewed the true cause, why the Kings of NAPLES are intituled to that Kingdom.

Manner of writing used by the Arragonian Kings of Naples writing to divers Princes.

The subscription was thus,

And so in the Occurrences he used to write.

To the Emperour of Constantinople.

To Prester Iohn of India.

To the great Turk.

To the great Soldan of Babylon.

To the King of France.

To the King of England.

To the King of Cyprus.

To the King of Castile and Leon.

To the Queen of Arragon.

To the King of Portugall.

To the King of Navarre.

To the King of Granada.

To the King of Tunis.

To the Dolphin of France.

To the Prince of Austria.

To the Duke of Cleves.

To the Duke of Osterlich.

To the Duke of Brittannie.

To the Duke of Burgundy.

To the Duke of Burgundie his eldest son.

To the Duke of Savoy.

To the Earl of Foix.

Names of all the Vice-roys of Naples ▪ which began in the year 1505.

The seven principall Offices of the KINGDOM.

High Constable.

High Admirall.

Chief Iustice.

High Chamberlain.

Grand Protonotary.

High Chancellor.

High Steward.

A Discourse of the order and the fashion or form of the Crowns of the Nobility of the Kingdom of Naples.

§

[Figure]

[Figure] THE LIFE and RAIGNE of PHILIP the Second, 27th KING OF NAPLES.

[Figure]

[Figure] PHILIP The Fourth of AVSTRIA, xxix. King OF NAPLES.

Accusations wherewith the most faithfull Citie of Naples doth charge the Duke of Ossuna.

A Catalogue of Mr. Howells Works in severall Volumes. Printed by M• Humphrey Mosely.

More of Mr. Howels Works Printed by other Men.

§

[Page]

[Page]

PARTHENOPOEIA, OR THE HISTORY OF THE Most Noble and Renowned Kingdom OF NAPLES, With the DOMINIONS therunto annexed, and the LIVES of all their KINGS.

The first Part By that Famous Antiquary SCIPIO MAZZELLA, MADE ENGLISH By Mr. SAMSON LENNARD, HERALD of ARMES.

The Second Part Compil'd By IAMES HOWELL Esq

Who, besides som Supplements to the First part, drawes on the Threed of the Story to these present Times, 1654.

ILLUSTRATED WITH THE FIGURES OF the Kings, and the Arms of all the Provinces.

— Vidi sub Rupe micantem

Parthenopem Egregiam —

LONDON, Printed for Humphrey Moseley, and are to be sold at his Shop at the Princes Armes in S. Pauls Church-yard, 1654.

§

[Page]

[...]

And as we read of one of her Princes, Alphonso Duke of Calabria, came and obtaind of Henry the Eight (your Progenitor) to be made Knight of the English Order of Saint George, that thereby he might have protection from him, being Soveraign of the Order, against Charls the 8th. of France (as the Laws of the Garter tyed Henry unto) so She comes to install herself in your Lordships Favor, to be protected and sheltred against any blasts of Obloquy that may chance blow upon Her in this more bleak and colder Clime.

Lastly, She coms with commission to inform the World, how much (for such frequent noble Favors) I am

London Calendis Maij 1654.

MY MOST HIGHLY HONORED LORD,

Your obedient and truly devoted Servitor, Iam: Howell.

TO THE READER.

[Page]

WHEN Rome shrunk into a Pigmies Skin from that Gigantic stature she was once of, (in those dayes when the Tyber did out-swell the Ocean) Naples may be sayd to have stuck closest to Her of any, and continues so still; for to this day she ownes Her for her Mistress, and Lady Paramount, In recognition wherof the Spanish King payes Her a Heriot, with a Rent of seven thousand Duckets every Saint Peters Eve, till which be done he lyeth under the Curse of the Church which is quickly on and off.

Now the Kingdom of Naples being so delicat a peece of the Europaean Continent, and having had such vicissitudes, and various turns of Fortune, may well deserve for those two respects, to have a Chronicle of it self in one entire peece, which was not done yet under this Meridian.

Touching first, all do acknowledg that for delicacy of all things, either for common use, pleasure, or wonderment, Naples may be call'd Natures Darling, who seems to study how to make her self admir'd in divers places; Ceres and the God of Wine strive there for Mastery; She abounds with Silks, Oyles, Fruits, Flowers, Roots, Fowl, Fish, and Flesh, with an incomparable Race of Horses, as also with such a choice of fragrant Wines, that She may be call'd Bacchus his Inner Cellar: It is also the Country where Manna is gather'd, and She hath the best Medicinall Baths that the Earth affords.

Now this rare fertility may be impted, not so much to the heat of the Air, as to the Sulphureous quality and heat of her Soyl also, which though it be over-violent in som places, causing Incendiums and Earthquakes, (the one if the irruption of the fire be deep, the other if it be neer the Superficies) yet this fire dilating it self up and down through her bowels, it [Page] makes the Womb of the Earth more prolificall. Touching the Territories annexed to her Dominions, som of them as Apul [...]a may contend with Her for fecundity, but others not▪ specially Calabria which compard to Naples may be sayd to be a course List at the side of a peece of fine Scarlet.

Now, for the Inhabitants (wheron the second reason depends) they may be sayd to have much of Vertue and no less of Vice, and were they cast into a Balance one could hardly discern which Scale wold be traboccant and over-poising; They are magnificent both in Houses and Habit, they are free and full of Complement, yet though the Hall be commonly open, the Closet is shut, though the face be unclouded (Viso sciolto) and free, yet the Heart is close and reservd: The same may be sayd of the Mouth and the Hand, when the first open's widest the other is closest shut; They are in their Method of Devotion, pious and charitable, their stately Temples, and Monasteries demonstrat the one, and their Lazarettos, or Houses for the Poor do verify the other, specially that of Monte de pietà, an Hospital of 60000. Duckets of yeerly Revenue, whose Officers upon som Festivals go in Gowns of white Sattin. Now, for the mass of ordinary peeple, as there is a common Saying of England, Inghilterra buona Terra, mala Gente, England is a good Country, but the people are bad; so there is a worse Saying of the Napolitan, that it is Vn Paradiso piantato da diavoli, It is a Paradis peepled by Devils; Indeed the Napolitan according to the quality of the Soyl is of a fiery boyling Nature, which makes the Spaniard ride him with a Bitt and a Martingall, he hath as many Whirlwinds in his Brain and quicksands in his Brest, as the French or any other Nation; Witness else their sundry Innovations, for Naples had in two yeers no less then five Kings of severall Countries, Insomuch that I have not read of any Politicall Instrument so often out of tune, having had forty popular Revolutions in less then four hundred yeers, yet none that brought a Ruine with it.

Touching this last Revolution in the yeer 1647. it was the violent'st of all, it was like a Candle burning at both ends, the common peeple were all as mad as if they had bin bit by a worse thing then the [...]: In which Revolution there were so many prodigious things happend, that were they not [Page] recent, and don as it wer but t'other day they wold be held for meer Romances; For it requires a strong faith to beleive that in so well a policed Christian Citty, so replenishd with Nobility, Gentry, and Gown-men of all Professions as Naples is known to be, there shold be such horrid Barbarismes committed; That this Tumult from a small spark shold com to be so huge a fire, from a little source shold com to be such a rapid Torrent, that from a weak blast it shold so suddenly com to such an impetuous Whirlwind, that it shold begin with a score of Boyes, pursued and ended with so many thousands of Men; That a young barefooted Tatterdemalian Retaylor of Fish, shaking off his blew Wascot and red greasy Bonnet, shold so suddenly com to have such an ascendent upon the spirits of the peeple, as within three or four dayes to govern Naples in chief, and being clad in Cloath of silver to ride so triumphantly with naked Sword in hand (and his brother as despicable a thing as he in Cloath of gold) attended with an Army of fifty thousand men, and so march up to the Castle where the Vice-roy kept his Court, where he forc'd him to grant whatsoever he proposed; That in so short a tract of time he shold mount to such a despoticall, or rather Imperiall power for nine dayes together, as to give the Law to Nobility, Gentry, and Comminalty, that his single Warrant shold have Authority enough to chop off any mans head, to plunder and burn any Palace, wherof there were above sixty that became Sacrifices to Vulcan by the fury of the Peeple, which was more raging then the flames of the Fire; Insomuch that it may well be sayd the Napolitan Courser never foam'd so much at the mouth before: 'Tis true he was galld with Gabels, which found way from the roots under ground to the tops of Trees upon all sorts of Fruits; Masanello got all those Gabels and Taxes to be utterly damn'd, with all other that were impos'd upon the Citty of Naples, and other places above a hundred years before; which being done the fickleness as well of Fortune as of the common peeple, was never more confirm'd then in the handling of this man, for having Lorded it and Signoriz'd in Naples more then ever the great Turk did in Constantinople for nine daies (for he prov'd but a nine dayes Wonder) the tenth day he was slain by the same peeple that rais'd him, his body was dragg'd up [Page] and down the streets and hurl'd into a Ditch, his head chop'd off and put upon a Pole, which yet the same peeple took out the next day, and washing it clean, they sow'd the head to it again, and perfuming both, they carried him in a solemn procession up and down the Citty, with thousands of Torches and so buried him in the honorablest way that could be in the great Cathedrall Church.

Now in this prodigious Revolution ther wer many things of extraordinary remark that are considerable; First, it was prophesied by the fiery Mountain Vesuvius hard by, and by Rutilio Bennicasa an Astrologer; Vesuvius gave warning of it som yeers before, for the great Vorago or fiery Gulph, of about a mile and a half circuit which rageth in the head of that Mountain, did belch forth greater flakes of fire then ordinary, the ashes wherof fell thick on the streets of Naples, and besides caus'd such an Earthquake, that the Vice-roy thought it safer to ly som nights in the fields at the sign of the Moon, then in his Castle: Now these unusuall motions and expectorations of fire in Vesuvius or Mount Summa, hath bin alwayes held a presage of som popular Insurrection; Besides, as these propheticall effects surpass any humane brain, so did the naturall causes of those horrid Vesuvian fires transcend the capacity of Pliny, who in searching the causes therof was stifled by the smoak, as Aristotle, another of Natures Secretaries, was swallow'd by the Sea as he was diving into the causes of the ebbs and tides therof. Touching Bennicasa's prediction, his book is extant wherin he punctually fore-tels that ther shold be a horrible popular Sollevation in the year 1647. now, this number seven had much to do with this tumult, for it happend in the seventh month of the yeer, on the seventh day of the month, on the seventh hour of the day, in the seventeenth month of the Duke of Arco's Government, Masanello had seven Secretaries, and as before, it happend in the year sixteen hundred forty seven. Moreover it is remarkable how when this Convulsion happend in Naples, it diffus'd it self by a miraculous suddenness to the remotest parts of that long Kingdom, as if it had bin done by intercourse of Spirits, and the news therof transported by a supernaturall way; insomuch that this Commotion may be sayd to be like a great Pond frozen over, where if the Ice break in one place it will commonl [...] crack all over.

[Page]Another thing of remark is, that Doctor M [...]iello the Kings Protophysitian in Naples shold make such an operative Figg for the Fisher-man that shold so infatuat him, and by a strange kind of Intoxication make him act Orlando Furioso.

Moreover it is remarkable, how before this, Masanello having done the work for the peeple, was so modest that he threw away and toar his Cloth of silver Suit, and taking his Fisher-mans Habit again, sayed, that That Profession was less troublesom unto him, as we read of the Metemphycosist Pythagoras, who sayd, That he did lead a merrier life when he was a Frog, then when he was a Philosopher: This of Masanello's may be sayd to be such a Metemphychosis, and as there is a trick by subtilty of art to blow up a small Pill of Past to the bignes of a Canon bullet, so by the puff of popular Air, Masanello may be sayd to have swell'd to that hugeness. Furthermore it is remarkable, that a shower of Musket bullets shold be shot by the Banditi at Masanello, and none shold have power to penetrat his body.

Lastly, it is to be admir'd that in so few months after (for the Convulsion did not cease with Masanello) there shold be so perfect and bloody a civill War twixt Naples and her own Castles, wherin there happen'd above an hundred Skirmiges, above 80000. bullets were shot off from Sea and Castles, & above 2000. from the Citty. It is also worthy of admiration what Reverence the peeple in the rough of their fury did alwaies bear to the Arch-bishop of Naples the Common Father of the Citty, for had it not bin for him, the whole Town in all probability had bin turn'd to a heap of ashes, which (as a world of examples more might be produc'd) may serve for a pregnant instance to prove, how avaylable to a state the Reverence of the chief Governors of the Church is, for suppressing of Uprores; Now, this Reverence is to be supported by a stately Gravity and large Revenues accordingly, to oblige the peeple, and draw an aw from them by works of Charity; And where this Revenue with other kind of Gartuitie ▪ fayls; farewell all Reverence to the Church.

In the ensuing Story the Reader shall find all these passages related, as also an accurat view of the whole Country; He also shall be acquainted with their Kings, amongst whom he shall meet with two more memorable then others; [Page] which were Charles the Fift, and Philip the Second; The first among various Exploits he atchiev'd, both in Europe, America, and Afric, at last he invaded and conquer'd himself, in Resigning by a free Spontaneous Act all his earthly Power, Possessions, and so many Crowns to gain One the more easily in the other world, by making himself of a mighty Monarch an obscure Monk, that therby he might not only with more convenience study the Theory of Mortification, but put it in practise. The second is memorable for his close and abstruse method of Government, for by his own hand-writings, and out of his privat Closet in Madrid (where he alwaies mov'd as in his Orb) he communicated the beams of his power and commands to the old and new World, as far as the Antipodes, like the Sun, who though he never stir from the Ecliptic, yet out of his luminous Sphere doth use to disperse his Rayes through the whole Universe.

To conclude this late Motu [...] Trepidationis in Naples, as also that of Sicily, with the utter Revolt of Portugal and commotions in Catalonia, as also the loss of so many Towns about Flanders which were given in ransom for Francis the French King, as likewise the rending away of the county of Rossillon, hath given so shrewd a [...]heck to the Spanish Monarchy, that she is still a branling ever since, having made her so thin of men at home, and mony abroad, and plung'd her in such a bottomless Gulph of debt, that the whole Revenue of Naples which is above three millions per ann: is scarce able to pay the Genoways, and other banks, their yeerly interest; And the Spanish Monarchy is like to continue still in this shaking aguish posture while this fiery Cardinal sits at the French Helm moving upon the principles of his Predecessor, who may be sayd to be two fatall [...]ngins raisd up to unhi [...]ge the World.

I. H. Sen s [...]o, non Segnesco.

The chief Ingredients that go to the Composition of this Historicall Survey.

[Page]

I· THe Scituation of the Citty of Naples.

II. The names of the severall Provinces, and the quality of the Country.

III. The Customes of the Peeple, and the famous men Naples hath producd.

IV. An account of the Revenues, Imposts, Donatives, and other Perquisits of the Crown.

V. A History of the Kings of Naples with their Titles and Stile.

VI. The names of the Barons with their Armes as also of the spirituall power

VII. A discourse of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, and how it is appropriated to the Kingdom of Naples, &c.

VIII. An exact relation of the procedures of the Spanish Match with England, &c.

IX. The Revolt of Catalonia.

X. The Revolt of Portugal.

XI. The severall pretentions of Right and Title to the Crown of Portugal.

XII. The Tumults of Sicily.

XIII. The three late horrid Revolutions of Naples.

XIV. Of the Duke of Ossuna Vice-roy of Naples, of his Extravagancies and the strange Articles exhibited against Him.

XV. The Catastrophe of Olivares the great Spanish Favorit, and the causes of his downfall.

XVI. A true Relation of the suspectfull death of Don Carlos Prince of Spain never yet so much discovered to the World.

Upon the CITTY OF NAPLES, FIRST CALL'D PARTHENOPE, OR THE VIRGIN-CITTY.

[Page]

Salve Parthenope, Decora salve.

PArthenope, a Citty bright as Gold,

Or if the Earth could bear a richer Mold,

Is com to greet Great Britain Queen of Iles,

And to exchange som Silks for VVooll, she smiles

To find that Cloath shold wear and feel so fine

As do her Grograns, she doth half repine,

That Lemsters Ore, and spires of fallow'd Grass

The leafs of Mulberries shold so surpass

Which so abound in Her, with every thing,

Which Pleasure, VVealth, or VVonderment can bring

That Nature seems to strive whom she shold please

Herself, or Vs, with rare Varieties.

There, her own Bawd to be, she may be sayed,

As if the VVanton with Herself she played.

Let England then strow Rushes all the way

To welcom in the fair Parthenopey;

For I dare say She never yet came o're

In such a Garb to visit any Shore.

I. H.

A Table of the most notable things that are contained in the first part of the HISTORY of NAPLES.

[Page]

ACerra, a City, and why so called 16

Acidola, a spring of an admirable nature 8

Adria, a City in Apruzzo, now called Atri 74

Alphonso the first of Aragon 17 King of Naples 160

Alphonso the second, 19 King of Naples 162

Amalfia, a City 23. by whom it was built 26

Annibal the Carthaginian falls in love in Apulia or Pugl [...]a 89

Apruzzo citra, the ninth Province of the Kingdom 69

Apruzzo ultra, the tenth Province of the Kingdom 73

Aquila, Metropolitan City in Apruzzo, 76. how many Churches are in it, ib. Nature and custom of the Aquilans, ib. how many armed men it can set forth upon occasion ib.

Adriatick Sea, why so called, and where it ends 89

Arms of Terra di Lavoro 21

Arechi, Dukes of Benevento 22

Arms which the Province of Principato citra carries in its colours 36

Arms of Principality ultra 43

Arms of Basilicata 47

Arms of Calabria citra 52

Arms of Calabria ultra 60

Arms of the Land of Otranto 65

Arms of the Land of Bari 68

Arms of Apruzzo citra 72

Arms of Apruzzo ultra 81

Arms of the County of Molise 84

Arms of Capitanata 93

Ascoli in Apruzzo, restored to the Church by Queen Giovanna 80

Asturno, a Hill where the Royal hunting is in the Land of Lavoro 9

Aversa, a City, by whom built, and famous men of it 15

B

BAsilicata, fourth Province of the Kingdom 44

Barletta, a famous Town 67

Benevento, a City, by whom it was built 38 how it came into the Churches hands 40

Basignano, and other Towns and Cities in the Province of Calabria 51

Bitonto, a City in the Land of Bari 68

Boiavo, a City in Capitanata 83

Borrello, and other Towns in Calabria ult. 54

Brutii, whence called, 53.

Brindisi, and by whom it was built, 63.

Body of St. Nicholas in Bari, 67.

Bodies of Saints found in the Province of Bari, ib.

Body of S. Thomas Aquinas, 71.

Bounds of the Land of Apruzzo, 70.

C

CAlabria citra, the 5 Province of the Kingdom, 47.

Calabria ultra, the 6 Province in the Kingdom, 52.

Capitanata, the 12 Province, 85. why so called, ib.

Charls the 1 of Anjou, 9 King of Naples, 152.

Charls the 2. 10 King of Naples, 153.

Charls the 3 of Durazzo, 13 King of Naples, 155.

Charls the 4. 20 King of Naples, 162.

Charls the 5 Emperor, & 26 King of Naples, 168.

Catanzaro, chief city of Calabria, 59.

Campania the happy, why so called, 4.

Castle of Vovo, 10.

Casasana, a most delicious place, built by Charls the second, 11.

Capua a city, 13. sackt and rebuilt, 14.

Casetta, a city, by whom it was built, 17.

Capre of Partivento, 56.

Castle at Mare Volturno, 8.

Campo Basso, a chief town in the county of Molise, 83.

Cava, a City, and its beginning, 24.

Caliph King of Egipt, friend to the Amalphitans, 26.

Charles the great disguised to see the Princess Arrechi, 39.

Capa of Palinuro and Molpa, 45.

Calabria citra, a Province, why so called, 49.

Calabria ultra, a Province, 52. its fertility, ib.

Cardinal Pascasius his soul, 10.

Cape of the Pillars, 60.

Crickets and their properties, 56

City of Chie [...]i Metropolitan of Apruzzo, 70

Counts and Dukes of Puglia and Calauria, 136.

Coronation of the Kings of Naples, 174.

Coast of Amalfi, 25.

Cosenza, chief city of Calabria, 50.

Cotrone, a city in Calabria, 60.

County of Molise, 11 Province, 82. its bounds, and things whereof there is plenty, ibid.

Conradus the fourth Emperor, and seventh King of Naples, 150.

Cuma, a city, 9.

Custom of the sheep of Puglia, and the Revenues of it, 91.

Country-house of Scipio and Lelius, 7

Cicero his country-house, where the Emperor Adrian was buried, 9▪

Charls 2 King of Naples drives out the Saracins 92

D.

DIscourse of the Kings of Ierusalem 176

Donatives given by the kingdom of Naples to their Kings Court 106

Dukes of Benevento, 38.

Dukedom of Benevento usurped by the Greeks, ibid.

Death of Alexander King of the Molossians, 50.

E.

EFfigies & lives of the Kings of Naples, 139

Euoli a famous town in the Principality Citra, 34. The noble Families of the said town, 35.

F.

FRederick the second Emperour, and sixth King of Naples, 148.

Ferrante the first of Arragon, eighteenth king of Naples, 161.

Ferrante the second, the one and twentieth king of Naples, 161.

Frederick 22 king of Naples, 164.

Ferdinand the Catholick 24 king of Naples, 166.

Flora and its riches, 20.

Fertility of the Province of the Prinpality Citra, 23.

Fairs and noble Families of Salerno, 33.

Female become male, 34.

Fountains, Rivers and Lakes in the kingdom of Naples, 111.

Fondi a City in the land of Lavoro, 6.

Fens and Marshes of the kingdom, 127.

Fishes bred in the sea belonging to the land of Lavoro, 5.

G.

GAeta a citie and its gulf, 17.

Giovanna the first, twelfth Queen of Naples, 154.

Gelasius the second, the fifth Pope. 6.

Giovanna the second, 15 Queen of Naples, 157▪

Giovanna the third, 25 Queen of Naples, 166

Giacomo Sanazaro, 10.

G [...]avina a citie, why so called, 67.

Gulfs and Capes of the sea in the kingdom. 45.

Gulf of Salerno, 28.

Gulf Adriatick where it begins, 63.

Gulf of the famous citie of Venice, ibid.

Great Constable, 184.

Great Admirall, ibid.

Great [Page] Justice, 185.

Great Chamberlain, 186.

Great Protonotary, ibid.

Great Chancellor, ibid.

Great Steward, 187.

H.

HEnry, the sixth King of Naples, 147

Hunting of Swordfishes, 55.

Hills in the kingdom of Naples, 1 [...]5.

How long the Samnites warred against the Romans, 69.

I.

ISland of Capri, 12.

Ischia, ibid.

Islands of Eolia, 54.

Ionick sea where it begins, 60.

Iohn of Procida caused the Sicilian vespers, 12.

L.

LAdislaus fourteenth king of Naples, 156.

Lakes of the said kingdom, 128.

Lewis the 12 king of France, & 13 King of Naples, 16 [...] ▪

Lake of Celano, 60.

Lake of Averno, 9:

Lanciano a Citie in Apuzzo, 71.

Land of Lavoro its praises, 6.

Lewis king of Italy, 30.

Land of Otronto seventh Province of the kingdom▪ 61.

Land of Lavoro why so called, 4.

Land of Bari, eight Province, 66.

Lives & portraitures of the Kings of Naples, 139.

M.

MAnfredi eighth king of Naples, 151.

Massa a citie, 11.

Marigliano, 16.

Manna what it is, and how it is ingendred, 57.

Matera, a citie in the land of Otronto., 64.

Mines which are in the kingdom, 132.

Misenus, Aeneas his Trumpeter, [...]0.

Miracle of Saint Pantaleon his blood in Ravello, 28.

Martian water brought to Rome, 80.

Mines in Calabria, 48.

Mine of Bolearmonick in the said citie, 64.

Mines and Bathes in the land of Lavoro, 5.

Manner of writing used by the Kings of Naples to divers Kings and Princes, 181.

Mount St. Angelo and its description, 87.

Mount of Somma ▪ 11.

Mount Casino, 19. destroyed by the Saracens, 39.

Mount Virgin a famous Monastery, 42.

Mount of salt in the said Province, 50.

Mount Leone a place in Calabria, 53.

N.

NAture of the territory of the land of Lavoro, 4.

Nature and qualities of the inhabitants, 6.

Naples faithfull to the Romans, and its praises and Arms, 10, 11.

Nisita an Island why so called, 13.

Names of the Viceroys of Naples from the year 1505. 183.

Nola a noble citie and its Citizens, 21.

Of the cattell which had custom paid for them in the kingdom of Naples in the year 1592. 91.

Nucera, 24.

O.

ORigine and difference of the crowns of the Noblemen of the Kingdom of Naples, 188.

Otho the sixth Emperour seeketh to take away the body of St. Bartholomew of Benevento, 40.

Otranto a citie of the Kingdom, 61.

How far it is distant from Greece, ibid.

P.

PAtria a Lake, 8.,

Piacenza a citie, why destroyed by the Romans, 34.

Principality Citra, second Province, 22.

Principality Vltra, third Province, and why so called, 37.

Procida, why so called, 12.

Philip the second, 27 king of Naples, 170.

Philip the third, 28 King of Naples, 171.

Physicians famous in Salerno, 32.

Q.

QValities of the inhabitants of Basilica [...]a, 46.

Qualities of the Inhabitants of Calabria, 60.

Qualities of the inhabitants of the land of Otronto, 65.

Qualities of the inhabitants of the land of Bari, 68.

R.

REnato of Anjou, 16 king of Naples, 159.

Reggio a citie of Calabria, 55.

Revenues the crown of Spain hath in the kingdom of Naples, 97.

Rivers in the kingdom of Naples, 111.

Rock of Mondragone, 8.

Rhodes how it came into the hands of the knights of St. Iohns order, 26.

Ruggiero first king of Naples, 139.

Robert the 11. king of Naples, Robert Guiseard Duke of Puglia, 76.

S.

SAracens gain a great number of places in Capitanata, 87.

St. Thomas Aquinas, 18.

St. German why so called, 19.

St. Paulino inventes of Bells, 20.

Sanseverino, 24.

Salerno why so called, 29.

Saracins come over into Calabria, 30.

Sarno, a River, 33. St. Antony, Abbot, of whence he was, 34.

Saint Vito and his body within the demains and Territory of Evoli, 35.

S. Bartholomew Apostle in Benevento, 39.

Scituation of Calabria in ancient times, 49.

Saint Thomas Apostle, and his body, where they are, 71.

St. Erasmus which appears to Seafaring men, ibid.

Sessa a citie, and why so called, 8

Siccardo Duke of Benevento, 29.

Sea-compass, whose Invention, 27.

T.

TAncred fourth King of Naples, 145.

Taranto a chief citie, 62.

Temple Floriano, 20. Temple of Iuno in Basilicata, 45.

Titles of dignity used by the Kings of this kingdom, 181.

Tower of the Grecian and of the Annunciata, 11.

Totila King of the Gothes, 19.

Troy of Puglia, by whom built, 92.

Tremiti, anciently called the Diomedean Islands, 93.

Traietto, 7.

Tranie, a citie. 67

V

Vlesti a destroyed citie, 89.

Volturnus a River, 8.

Vniversity of Salerno by whom founded, 32

W.

WInes and Oyls made in the land of Lavoro, 5.

Woods which are in the Kingdom.

A Collection of the prime Materials that go to the structure of the second part of the History of the Kingdom of Naples, with the additions to the first.

[Page]

A

ALphonso Duke of Calabria, made Knight of the English Garter in policy In Epist. ded.

A strange Prediction of Benincasa before the last tumults in Naples, In proem.

A rare observation in the number seven ib.

The Advantage which a due reverence to the Church carrieth with it to a State, In proem.

An Abridgment of the expeditions and exploits of Charls the fift fol. 2

Of Don Antonio of Portugal 8

Of Antonio Perez. ib.

A cross Alliance betwixt France and Spain, 25

A relation of the marriage betwixt them at the confines ib.

A Letter from the last King of France to his new Queen, with her answer 26

A Treaty of a match betwixt Prince Charls and the Infanta of Spain

The Arrival of the said Prince in Spain, and the circumstances ib.

A high Speech of Olivares at the Princes coming ib.

Another Speech of Gondamars 27

An Appearance of the Infanta two daies after in publick, with a blew ribond about her arm that the Prince might distinguish her ib.

A censure of the English that came with the Prince ib.

A notable saying of Archy ib.

A high passion shewed by the Prince to the Infanta ib.

A civil answer by the Prince to the Popes complement 28

A discreet answer to another Speech of the King of Spain's 28

The Amorous parting of the King of Spain and the Prince ib.

An Inscription thereupon 29

A Rupture of the Spanish match 31

A Libel against Spain 34

A pithy, but punctual Relation of the late prodigious Revolutions in Naples, and how it was suppressed 44

Arettus Jest, of the Neapolitan 62

B

BAcchus hath his Inner-Cellar in Naples In proem.

The Battel of S. Quinten on S. Laurence's day 7

The Battering Canons heard from Calais to Antwerp 6

Boccolini had his bones crushed by baggs of sand, whereof he died 24

Buckingham the breakneck of the Spanish match 29

Buckingham, Olivares, and Bristol clash one with another ib.

Buckingham makes use of the Parlament to break the match 37

Buckingham not beloved in Spain 30

By what reasons one may conclude the Spaniard did really intend a match with England ib.

Bristol and Ashton like to clash about a Letter sent from the Prince ib.

The Bold spirit of young don Carlos, Philip the second's son exemplified 17

Buckinghams parting speech to Olivares 29

Olivares his Answer ib.

Olivares forced to part covertly from the Court of Spain betwixt two Jesuits 59

C

THe Cause of the Dedication of this work to the Marquis of Hartford, in Epist.

Ceres and Bacchus strive for mastery in Naples in proem.

Comparisons of the last tumults in Naples, in proem.

A Comparison of Philip the second, in proem.

A Character of Charls the fifth 1

Charls the fifth, first of the Austrians, who mounted the Neapolitan courser ib.

Some Critical censures upon Charls the fifths resignations 4

The Conquest of Portugal, the last great exploit of Philip the second 12

The Close illegible countenance of Philip the second 18

A Comparison betwixt them of Milan and Naples 24

A Contract betwixt Rome and Naples at Delphos ib.

A Character of the Count of Olivares the great favorit 60

The sad Catastrophe of him ib.

[Page]His witty Speech touching the Queen of Spain ib.

A Character of the Neapolitans 61

Conde de Castrillo, present Viceroy of Naples, helpt to put down Olivares 60

D

THe Dutchy of Calabria compared to Naples in point of fertility in proem.

The Duke of Alva, though in disgrace, yet employed for the conquest of Portugal by Philip the second 7

Don Alonzo de Vargas reduceth Saragoza 9

The Duke of Parma's protestation at his entrance into France ib.

A witty Dialogue betwixt Almansor, King of Granada and Naples 22

Of the nature of the Neapolitan horse 122

The difference betwixt Rome and Naples 24

Don Gaspar de Gusman, first favorit of this King of Spain

Don Philip the second thought to be accessary to Escovedos death 18

An Apology for the extraordinary actions of Kings ib.

Don Lewis de Haro, the present favorit of Spain, Olivares nephew 60

Donna Maria the Infanta caused Mass to be sung for the Prince his good voyage to England 30

Don Balthasar the young Prince, helped to put down Olivares 59

Donna Anna de Guevara her wise speech with another of the Queens 58, 59

E

EArthquakes and incendiums in Naples, and their cause in proem.

The Expeditions of Charls the Emperor 2

The Exploits of Charls the Emperor ib.

Examples produced of the admirable temper of Philip the second 1 [...]

Examples of his piety 16

Examples of his charity 1 [...]

Of Escovedo, Secretary to don Iohn 18

The Expulsion of the Moors from Spain 20

The motives which induced Philip the third to banish them ib.

The English Ambassador gave the first advice of an intended insurrection of the Moors ib.

An Epitaph put on Masanello 53

Eraso, a great wise man, Secretary to Charls the fifth 3

An Elogium of Charls the fifth 4

The Extraordinary policy of Philip the second, to suppress the dangerous insurrection of Saragoza 8

F

FRench compared with the Neapolitan in proem▪

Five Kings of several Nations in Naples in 5 years in proem.

Forty several Revolutions in Naples in a short time in proem.

Fortune being a woman, loves youth best 3

France the greatest one knot of strength aagainst Spain 9

The Fleet 88. 11

The Four Acts for which Philip the second was censured 18

The Fare betwixt Naples and Sicily 44

Filomarin [...], the Archbishop of Naples, from utter destruction 49

First Foundress of Naples was a young Grecian Lady 60

The Formidable insurrections of Naples suppressed principally by young Don Iohn of Austria 56

G

GReat works of charity in Naples, in proem.

The greatest conquest Charls the Emperor made, was of himself in proem.

Of the Gout 2

The Guysards take Calais on Christmas day from the English 6

Genovino, an old Priest and cunning fellow, made Masanello's chief privy Counceller 47

The Duke of Guise comes from Rome to Naples, the people entertain him for their General, and is treated with highness 55

Young Don Iohn of Austria takes him prisoner, and sends him to Spain 57

The Duke of Guise breaks out of prison in Madrid, and is taken again at Victoria, but released by the mediation of Conde 55

The Lord Goring doth notable service in Catalonia 57

Grandees of Spain curbed by Olivares ib.

Gennaro the next great Rebel to Masenello executed ib.

H

THe Heriot and Rent which Naples paies yearly to the Pope in proem.

The History of Naples never brought to England till now in proem.

How Francis the first was taken prison in Italy 3

The Hearts of Kings, as their waies should be sometimes inscrutable 18

Henry the sixth of England compared with Philip the third of Spain 21

Henry the fourth of France compared to a barber ib.

How he shaved Philip the second while Q. Eliz. held the basen ib.

How Philip the second rid the Neapolitan Courser off his leggs ib.

The Hazardous night-plo [...] of Don Iohn, and how it took wonderfull success for reducing of Naples 56

Henry the eight, Protector of the Duke of Calabria, in Epist. ded.

Henry de Gusman, Olivares bastard, his legend 59

I

INhabitants of Naples have the face open, the heart shut in proem.

The Inconstancy of the vulgar in proem.

The Insurrection of Aragon 8

The Insurrection of Sicily under the Marquiss de los Velez 44

The hideous Insurrection of Naples a little after ib.

D. Iohn of Austria arives at Naples, where he doth notable exploits, and reduceth the City 54

Don Iohn composeth the tumults of Sicily 57

He takes Barcelona with the help of the [Page] Lord Goring 57

An Inhuman piece of vilany discovered in Naples ib.

Iulian Valcasar, Olivares Bastard 59

Inducements to believe that the Spaniards did really intend a match with England 30

An Italian libel englished 36

Iulian Valcasar, base son to Olivares, changes his name to Don Henry de Gusman 59

K

THe Killing of Masanello in proem.

King of Spains vast expences in the Belgians wars 7

Kings of Spain might have fild their Palaces with gold, had it not been for those wars 7

King Philip the second's wise speech in his sickness 12

Another to his son when he left him the bloudy whip ib.

Another when he took the extream unction 13

Another when he was expiring ib.

King Philips Epistles called el prudente, by the Conclave ib.

King Philip the third was the first Prince of all Spain 15

Of Ratscini de Medice 60

The King of Spain excommunicated every year by the Pope 62

The King himself clears Olivares of any fault 59

The Kings Phisician, Mayello, gives Masanello a figg at a banquet 50

King Philip a great reverencer of the Church 16

King of Spain and Prince of Wales take mutual oaths for performance of Articles 28

L

THe Lazaretto in Naples that hath 60000 crowns in annual Rent, in proem.

The Legend of Philip the second's life 6

The League of France, a Hydra of many heads 9

The Legend of Philip the third of Spain 19

A clash betwixt him and Critoval de Mora, when his father was a dying 13

A notable Libel against the Spanish government in Italy 23

The Lamentation of Naples for the tyranny of the Spaniards 34

The Letter which the King of Spain writ to the Duke of Braganza, upon the revolt of Portugal 42

The Letter which the Duke of Braganza writ in answer ib

Of the Duke of Le [...]ma 90

Lemsters Ore compared with Naples Silk in proem.

In Luniginiana three Marquisses were found upon one tree eating figgs to preserve them from starving 62

D. Lewis de Haro Olivares his Nephew, now favorit of Spain 59

M

MAnna, and excellent medicinal baths in Nap [...]s in proem.

Masanello as po [...]ent in Naples as the Turk in Constantinople in proem.

Masanello a nine daies wonder in proem.

Masanello shakes off his cloth of silver suit, and takes again his fishermans habit in proem.

Masanello compared to puff-past in proem

The Meditation of heaven the best Philosophy 3

The Marriage betwixt Mary of England, and Philip of Spain 6

Mary of England thought to be pregnant, being sick of a Tympany ib.

Mary a dozen years older then Philip ib.

The wise motives induced Q. Eliz. to refuse part of France 9

The main policy of the Spaniards in Italy, is to joyn Naples and Milan 23

The mighty losses the Spaniard hath received by the revolt of Portugal 43

Masanello first followed by the boyes 45

Then by men ibid.

He shakes off his fishers slop, and goes clad in cloth of silver, his wife, brother, and children in cloth of gold 48

He prognosticates his death 52

More Nobles in Naples then any where else 62

N

NAples the darling of Nature in proem.

Of the Neapo [...]itan horse in proem.

A notable saying of Severus the Emperor at York 2

A Notable saying of Henry the fourth of France ib.

A Notable saying of Charls the Emperor, when he took Francis prisoner 3

The Notable speech of Charls the Emperor at his resignation ib.

Another Notable saying of Charls about his Secretary Eraso ib.

A Notable saying of Ferdinand the Emperor ib.

Naples the first Kingdom passed over to Philip from his father 5

A Notorious saying of Philip the second ib.

A Notable saying of an old Captain to Charls the Emperor ib.

A Notable saying of Philip the second 7

A Notable Letter of King Philip to Aragon 8

The Notable speech made upon the news of King Philip the seconds death 14

Notable Speeches of Massanello to the people and Viceroy 45

Naples a bawd to her self in proem.

Naples called first in Octavians time 60

A Notable Story of a Neapolitan Courser sent Henry the fourth 61

Naples fendetary to Rome 62

The Neapolitan full of noble friendship 61

O

THe Ocean outsweld once by the Tyber in proem.

The strange operation of an Italian fig upon Masanello in proem.

Of the two French Cardinals in proem.

Oran reduced by Mendoza 9

Ossuna, a little man, but of a mighty spirit, Viceroy of Naples 31

The Odd Articles exhibited against him 32

How he used the Courtesans of Naples ib.

How he made a frivolous expencefull war against the Venesians 31

How he used a Barber shaving his wife the [Page] Dutchess 33

How he kept a Morisco Courtesan, and got a bastard of her 34

How he was outwitted by Cardinal Borgia, who succeeded him 31

How he was sent prisoner to Spain, his wifes high language, and his own to the King 33

The C. of Ognate, Viceroy of Naples 54

He comports himself with extraordinary prudence and success ib.

Of Olivares his bastard 59

Of a horrid Tragedy in the City of Nocera 61

Olivares never gave audience to women 60

Free from corruption, and indefatigable in the Kings service ib.

P

St. Peters eve the King of Spain a Heriot, and an annual rent to the Pope in proem.

A Proverb of Naples in proem.

A Proverb of England in proem.

A Philosophical digression 2

Our Passions our greatest foes ib.

Penion de Velez conquered by Mendoza 10

A Punctual relation of the education of the Prince Don Carlos 16

Another of his sickness 17

Another of his death 17

The Pope prejudiced by the nearness of so potent a neighbour as the Spaniard 23

The Prince of Sanza beheaded at Naples 40

The subtile way how he was surprised in Rome at Mass ib.

Puzzolo the great Bandito is rewarded for the Act ib.

A Portentous accident hapned in & about the Tercer [...]s, how a new Island popp'd up out of the Sea 43

Perrone, the notorious Bandito hanged by Masanello 51

P [...]rthenope, the first name of Naples 60

The Parlament of England cryed up by the people in the streets of Naples 53

A Parallel betwixt Rome and Naples 24

Q

A Question whether vertue or vice reigns most in Naples in proem.

Queen Eliz. offered a part of France in the time of the League 9

Queries made into the life of Olivares the grand favorit of Spain 41

The cross winds which blew upon Spain all the time of his Government, with a recapitulation of all her losses 40

His way to endear the Duke of Braganza unto the King ib.

The too much confidence he had of Portugal, and the high answer he sent the Dutchess of Savoy, then Vice-Queen there 41

A Question made by Braganza, whether he should accept of the Crown of Portugal, but excited thereunto by his wife ib.

Her notable Speech ib.

The Quarrel betwixt the Spaniard and Portugal, stated in point of right of succession 43

The Queen the greatest cause of Olivares downfall 58

A clash betwixt the Queen and the said Olivares ib.

Queries how the Spaniard got first footing in Italy 23

R

ROme shrunk into a Pigmie's skin from what she was in the proem.

Rome still Lady Paramount of Naples in the proem.

The Resignation which Charls the Emperor made to his son 2

Of the Retiredness of Philip the second of Spain 4

The Reward which Spain gave a Polititian 24

The Restitution of those Jewels the Prince left in Spain for the Infanta, notwithstanding the breach of the Treaty 31

The Reign of this King of Spain less succesfull then of his Predicessors 58

The first Race of the Neapolitans 60

A Remarkable story of the Marquiss Oliverio 61

A Remarkable story of the Neapolitan revenge ib.

The Revenues of Naples above three millions yearly in proem.

Not able to pay the King of Spains interest to Genoa ibid.

A Relation of the revolt of Portugal 41

Rome hath more men, and Naples more people; Rome hath more Comendams, and Naples more Cavaliers 24

S

THe Sulphurious quality of the Soil, cause of the fertility of Naples in proem.

A Saying of Pythagoras in proem.

The Shaking condition of the Monarchy of Spain in proem.

Self-conquest the greatest victory 2

The Strange carriage of a Spanish Captain towards King Philip the second 15

A Strange opinion the Spaniards had of the English since they dserted Rome 20

The Spanish Ambassadors plot against Buckingham in England 37

The Subtil information which they gave King Iames against him 37

The Solemn complaint which Sir Walter Ashton made in Spain against the said Ambassador 38

The whole plot detected in the said complaint 39

The Spanish Ambassadors instead of punishment, are rewarded ib.

Spain and England break out into a short war ib.

Seven Secretaries attended Masanello 50

A Strange Tale of a Neapolitan horse towards his rider 61

A strange Story of Olivares his bastard 59

A Saying of Olivares at his fall 60

T

THe Tumults of Masanello like a candle burning at both ends in proem.

The Conquest of the Philippine Islands by Philip the second 10

The successes of this world compared ib.

The disasters of Philip the second ib.

The ill successes of Mestogan ib.

[Page] The ill success at los Gelues ib.

The ill success at Granada 11

The ill success at Goletta d' Tumi ib.

The notable temper of Philip the second ib.

The grounds that Philip the second pretended for invading of England ib.

The ill offices which Q. Eliz. did Philip of Spain ib.

The disaster of the invincible Spanish Armada 88 12

The taking of Cales by the Earl of Essex ib.

The tragical end of Masanello 52

Two pound of brains found in Olivares skul when he was opened 60

A huge Tempest role when he was going to be buried ib.

V

MOre Vicissitudes in Naples then in any other Country in proem.

Ve [...]vius fires prophetical in proem.

De Valdes gets Florida from the French 10

The Vow made by Philip the second to build the Escurial 7

The Vastness of that building being called the eight wonder of the world 14

A Very great clash in Naples betwixt the Duke of Matalone, and the Prince of Sanza 40

Vasconcellos the Portugal Secretary murthered

Viceroy Ognate did notable service in Naples 60

Viceroy of Naples, the Duke of Arco's reproached by young Don Iohn of Austria 55

An Vniversal sadness in Spain for the breach of the match with England 31

W

THe Wonderfull progress of Masanello in a few daies in proem.

The Witchcraft of the Mahumetan 10

Wise sayings of Philip the second upon sundry occasions 14

His Wise comportment towards an insolent Captain 15

His Wonderfull temper ib.

Of the four VVives of Philip the second 16

His Wise comportment and sayings upon the death of his eldest son 17

A Wise Speech of Charls the Emperour, concerning Kings 16

Another touching Spain and England 20

A Wise Speech of this King of Spains Nurse [...]8

Waies extraordinary that Olivares had to enrich himself 57

Waies extraordinary to raise the King money ib.

Sir Walter Ashtons memorial to the King of Spain for the miscarriage of his Ambassadors in England 37

Wise waies which Philip the second had to decide controversies 16

THE DESCRIPTION OF THE KINGDOM OF NAPLES.

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THe Kingdom of Naples, otherwise called the Great Sicilia which from Faro lieth as it were almost an Island inclosed with three Seas, the Tirren, Ionian, and Adriatick, hath in circuit a thousand four hundred and twenty miles,Vfent is a River near the City of Ansure, now called Terracina for the roughness thereof: It was builded by Ansurus the son of Iupiter. being accounted only by land from the mouth of the River Vsent to that of Tronto, a hundred and fifty miles. These two Rivers, the one runneth into the Tirren, the other into the Adriatick Seas, where are contained, besides a little part which there remaineth of Latium, many Regions which the people of the Country call for their greatness, Provinces, the which (according to the division made by the Emperor Frederick the second, by King Charls the first, by King Alfonsus the first, by the Catholick King, and by Don Ferdinando the Catholick King) are these, The Land of Lavoro, the Principality on this side,The Provinces of the Kingdom of Naples. the Principality on the other side, Basilicata, Calauria on this side, Calauria on the other side, the Land of Otronto, the Land of Bary, Abruzzo on this side, Abruzzo on the other side, the County of Molise, and Capi [...]anata: There are also adjacent unto the said Kingdom, under every Province, certain Islands very near lying round about, as in the Tirren Sea, directly against Terracina, and at Gaeta are Ponza, and Pandaria, now called Palmarola, by Pliny called Pandatena, and by Strabo, Pandria and Pandaria, and directly against Mola Palmosa is Parthenope, so called by Ptol [...]my, [Page] now commonly called Bentetiene, and against Pozzuolo is Ischia, which anciently had three names, Inarime, Pitacuse, and Enaria. There are near Ischia, Prochita, and the Isle Nessi, See Virgil in the end of the fifth Book of Aeneid [...]s, where he saith, Iamque adeo scopulos syrenum, &c. the one now called Procita, and the other Nisita. There is against the Cape of Minerva, the Isle Capri, and Sirenusse directly against Passitano, which are two little Isles, the one called Gale, the other St. Peter. Opposite to Tropeia, and to Ricadi, are the Isles Eolie, which were only inhabited by the Lipari, which compasseth sixteen miles, all the rest are solitary and desert, and retain also the ancient names of Stromboli, and Vulcan, from whence continually ariseth fire and smoke▪ In the Adriatick Coast are Rasato, and Gargano, directly against Varrano, and the four Isles of Diomedes, The Isles of Diomedes, called by Cornelius Tacitus in his 4 book Trimerus. which now by one name are called Tremite, which are but little; but of the two greater, the first is called St. Mary of Tremite, the other St. Doimo, and the two lesser, the one Gatizzo, and the other Capara. These are the Isles of any name, except the Rocks which are comprehended in the Confines of the Kingdom of Naples. This fortunate and great Realm exceedeth all other Kingdoms,The praise of the Kingdom. not only by reason of the situation, lying in the midst of the fifth Climate, which is held the most temperate part of the world, but also for the great abundance of all good things, being not any thing to be desired, which is not there to be found, of so great perfection, and in so great plenty. It is Inhabited by people so warlike and generous, that herein it gives place not to any other Country, I will not say only of Italy, but of all the world besides; being a thing well known to all men, that the most valiant Nations, the Piligni, the Samniti, the Marsi, the Frentani, being so well known in the Wars of Archidamus, and of Cleonimus the Spartan, of Agatocles the Sicilian, of Alexander the Epirote, of Pyrrhus of Molossus, and Hanniball of Carthage, and in the civil Wars of Iulius Caesar and Pompey, and other Romans, these People have valiantly demeaned themselves, and in latter times have also declared their prowesse, and manifested every one their noble acts in the Wars which they had against Alericus and Totila, ancient enemies of these noble Provinces. This happy Kingdom hath also produced excellent wits in all Learning and wisdom,Men and women endued with divers Sciences. as in Philosophy, Aistossenes, Architas, and Euritus of Tarentum, Filolous, Aremeones, Tela [...]ges, Aristeus, and Rodippus, born at Cotron, Androdamus of Reggio, Parmenides, Zenon, and Leucippo of Scalea, Hippasus of Metapont, Pythagoras, Timeo, Xenon, Filodamus, and Euetus of Locris, a Country worne out with antiquity;St. Thomas Aquinus, see lib. of Metheora. Ocelus of Lucania, Stratonicus of Cuma, St. Thomas of Aquin: Nearest to this our age, the light of all Learning was born at Naples; and of a more later time Augustin, Nifus of Sessa, and Simon Portius a Neopolitan ▪ neither will I conceal the glory of the Poets and Orators which have honoured this Kingdom. Ennius, an ancient Poet was of the Country of Puglia Rudia, Lucillus of Arunca, near to Benevento, Pacuvius a Tragical Poet of Brindese, Venosa may boast for bringing forth Horace, as also Sulmona Ovid, Regio of Theagenes, Ibicus, Cle [...] mines, Turia is a Country of Calauria, anciently called Meta [...]tos. Marinus florished in the time of the Emperor Hadrian, and writ many questions of Philosophy, as Suida noteth. and of Lodwick Parisetus a youth, Croton of Orpheus, Turia of Stesicorus, a Lirical Poet, Nola of St. Paulinus Bishop, Napes of Achias the Master of Cicero, of Pub. Statius, of Marinus, and excellent Orator and Philosopher, Disciple of Proelus, of Porcellus, of Iohn Pontanus, and Iacobus Sannazaco, Amiternus of Salust, Capoa of Vittor Bishop, an eloquent Orator, and learned Astrologian, Aquin of Iuvenal, and of Marcus Tullius Cicero the very lightning of eloquence. This said Noble Kingdom hath brought forth not only men, but also learned women, which have been very excellent in Philosophy, as Themistoclea the sister of Pithagoras, of whom she learned many notable things, and Damea the daughter of the same Pithagoras, who sufficiently expressed her learning in expounding the difficult opinions of her Father; no less Myan and Arignote her said daughters, have been excellent in the same profession. Artea the daughter of Aristippus, after the death of her Father, maintained while she lived, most gloriously the School, and held the Chair of Philosophy. In the Art of Poetry have been very excellent, Perilla the wife of Ovid, See Stasius in the end of his 3 Book to Claudia. Claudia wife of P. Statius Papinius Neapolitan, Violentilla, wife of Aruntius Stella Neapolitan Consul, and a famous Poet; Luscina the daughter of Stesicorus, a Poet of Metaurus in Calabria. And those that were not born in this Kingdom, have esteemed it a place worthy of their life, of their leisure, and of their [Page] studies, as Plato, Vergil, Livy, and Plotin, which had their habitations in Villages in divers places of the Kingdom, and there composed their Works holding famous Schools; for which cause it may truly be accounted a happy Kingdom. But since these few things are touched in general, but as it were passing by for the knowledg thereof, I will now endeavour to handle them in particular, and with a very distinct order, whereby every one shall clearly understand how many good and beautifull things that whole world containeth in it; and that through the excellency thereof, have repaired thither so many and so strange Nations, as never the like have past into any other Kingdom or Province, as well to inhabit, as to sack and ransack the same. And to speak of the most ancient, thither have come the Coni, the Sicli, the Morgeti, the Enotri, the Pelasgi, the Ausoni, the Etoli, the Arunci, the Etrusci, the Osci, the Opici, the Cimerii, the Lapigi the Liburni, the Illirii, and other people which are of later memory, even continuing to this our time, as the Greeks, Goths, Lombards, Saracins, Normans, Germans, Frenchmen, Spaniards, and also the Turks have attempted to overcome it. But leaving to discourse any more in general, I will proceed with a particular narration of every Province in this Kingdom.

The Land of LAVORO, The First Province of the Kingdom OF NAPLES.

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THe Fortunate and happy Province of the Land of Lavoro, called of the Latines, Terra Laboris, hath on the East the River Silare, on the West Garigliano, now called Liris, on the North the Apennin Mountains, and on the South the Tirrene Sea: the length thereof wanteth little of a hundred miles,The length and breadth of the Land of Lavoro. and the breadth thirty: It hath been inhahited by the Osci, the Arunci, the Volosci, the Ausoni, the Cimerii, the Samniti, the Cumani, and the Picentini. It hath four principal Rivers, Garigliano, Vulturno, Sarno and Sele, which as they are between them, little wanting of an equal distance, so alwaies in most places they cannot be waded. This Country was also called of the Latines, Campania felix, it was called happy for the fertillity and fatness of the earth,Campania Felix, why it was so called. which is so much, and in such sort, that here Ceres and Bacchus strive together for the greatest Soveraignty: It attained the name, of the largeness of the fields, it was also called the old Campania, as a difference from the new, that is, Campania of Rome, and now from the Leborine Fields, which are near Capoa, it is called the Land of Lavoro. The Fields of this Province,The nature of the Land of Lavoro. lie under moist and mistie hils, and are all, as it were, in a plain, and the benefit of this Land (briefly to declare the nature of the Earth) is, that the superficial or uppermost part thereof is very drie and dustie; but within, so spongeous and moist, like to a pomice that sucks in the water, whereby no small profit ariseth also from those Hills, for that the showers descending from them, are dispersed over all the Valley, and so not over-watering the earth, nor making it too soft, but apt and [Page] easie for tillage; the same ground sendeth not out that received moisture in any Springs or Fountains, but temperateth it, and concocting within it, holds it as nourishment unto it. Corn is sowed once in a year, and Oats and Flax twice every year. Dionysius of Alicarnassus saith, That in his time was successively gathered in one year, three sorts of Fruits, that is, one in the Spring, another in Summer, and the third in Autumn. In this most plentifull Region the Trees flourish twice in a year,Trees flourish twice a year in this Province. and there is found all delights for the pleasure of men. In this Noble Province, are large and fertile Fields, pleasant and fruitfull Hils, thick and delightfull Woods, fresh and clear Springs, and pleasant Lakes: Moreover there are places in the manner of spacious Amphitheaters wrought amongst the Hils, by that great Workmaster Nature, to yield delight in the hunting of wild. Beasts that are inclosed therein; and to declare the great abundance that is there, I will begin with flying fowles, whereof there are great plenty, that is to say, Pheasants, Partridges, Goodwittes, Woodcocks, Snites, Quails, and divers others. In like sort there are of four-footed Beasts,The great plenty both of fowls and wild beasts in the Land of Lavoro. as wild Boars, Harts, Goats, Hares, Conies and Foxes; of ravenous creatures there are Wolves, and of those that are fatted it is very plentifull. There are also in places near the Mediterranean shore, great Vaults and Caves, with the Foundations of sumptuous Buildings, which yields no small wonder to every one that beholds them, with other strange works wrought, as well by the wonder of Nature, as also by curious Art and the emulation thereof, which procures no small admiration to all that knows not the powerfulness of Art and Nature. The Sea of this most happy Province aboundeth with divers sorts of excellent Fishes, as Sturgions, Mullets, Tonnies,The fishes which the Sea of this Province bringeth forth. and sundry other fishes. Neither is there less abundance in the kinds of Shel-Fishes, as of Oysters, Muscles, Cockles, Periwincles, and infinite others. Of Minerals it is very rich in Gold, Silver, Alume, Brimstone. Besides this, it is endued with so many medicinable and wholsome Bathes, which in the Spring, and other times of the year,Mines and Baths. heals infinite people of many strange and incurable diseases. So that that great Grandmother Nature, hath bestowed so great abundance of her benefits, that it seems she is delighted therein. The which the writer Polybius considering, which was the Master of Scipio Africanus, wrote these words near Sipontino, Est enim Campanus ager copia rerum, & fertilitate regionis, ac amaenitate & pulchritudine loci excellentissimus, nam in littore maris positus est, & ex eo universo terrarum orbe venientes in Italia innumerae gentes consunt. And Hannibal, that great Carthaginian Captain, beholding the delightfulness of this happy Region, and the beauty thereof, purposing to assemble his Army, which he caused to winter therein, returned from thence nice, dainty, and full of the delicacie of Campania, said, as it is written in Strabo, in the end of the fifth Book, Victor ipse periclitor, ne host is praeda siam: quippe qui milites viros dederim faeminas recipiam. The Campanians (saith Cicero against Rullus of the Law Agraria) Superbi bonitate agrorum, magnitudine fructuum, salubritate aeris, & pulchritudine regionis This Province doth likewise deserve great praise for the diversity of Wines which it bringeth forth,Of the Wine. Oyle, and living creatures which are in this Province. so much esteemed both in ancient and later times, as the most delicate of Sorrento, which Tiberius Cesar, and Physitians so much commended; the Wine Massico, now called Massaquano, brought from the Mount Massico, which is near Carinola, in the Territory of the people Equani, among which is Massa and Vico: the most excellent Falerni so much pleasing to the Roman Emperors, of whom Iulius Caesar, as Pliny writeth, honoured his Feasts and most sumptuous Banquets which he made in Rome and principally that wherewith in two and twenty thousand Chambers he feasted all the Romans. See Plutarch. There are the tears and Greek Wines so much celebrated by Pliny; the most odoriferous Wine Nolano, and that of Vico no less wholsome then pleasant in taste, with others very excellent and delicate Wines, which are preferred before all others in the plentifull Tables of the greatest Lords. The Oyles are in no less esteem, which are there made, and chiefly those of Massa, of Sorrento, of Vico, of Gaeta, and of the Isle of Capre. And no less fruitfull is this fortunate Country of the best Cattle, as Oxen, Cowes, fat Weathers, Hogges, and Calves, whereof the most excellent are those of Sorrento. There is also made the finest silks, which Merchants buy more then any others, for the goodness thereof. It is very plentifull in Heards and Droves of Cattel, and serviceable Horses for Warr. And to conclude, this Province worthily [Page] deserveth all praise for the excellent things that are therein, wherefore it is no marvel if ancient Writers call this the most beautifull and excellent Region of the world,The praise of this Province. having a most temperate and delicate air, and so fruitfull a Country, that in all times of the year there are heard divers and sundry birds to sing. Here in the Spring time, and even in the Corn, where are not sowed, do grow Lillies, Violets, and Roses of excellent and delicate savour, so that the earth never ceaseth to bring forth; for which cause it is commonly said that Campania yieldeth most Oyntment, others say most Oyle, being also made in Naples the best and most excellent Conserve that may be found,

The excellent Conserve of Naples.

The nature & condition of the people of this Province.

through the great goodness of the Roses. This Country bringeth forth people of an indifferent stature, and of a fair complexion, valorous minded, and very wise both in Councel, and the managing of worldly affairs, ingenious and apt for learning, and more then measurably warlike both on foot and horse, from whence generally appeareth a certain mind to command.

Having now declared the sundry benefits and celestial favours of this most noble Region, I will now handle in particular, where I left at the City of Ansure, now Terracina, in a part of Latium, was founded the City of Fondi, standing placed in the way Appia, Fondi. twenty miles distant from Terracina, of Strabo, Pomponius, Mela, Silus an Italian, and of Ptolomy called Fondi; but of Antonius Fonde, the Territory whereof bringeth forth excellent Wines, which are much commended of Pliny, and of Strabo, and Martial writeth, that by any means the Wines of Fondi must not be suffered to wax old.Pliny lib. 14. cap: 6.

Haec fundana tulit felix autumnus opimi

Expressit mulsum Consul, & ipse bibet.

Soterus, Bishop of Rome, was born in this City, who governed the Church of God 7 years 11 moneths, and 18 daies. This City suffered much loss by Ariadeno, Barbarossa the Turk, Captain General of the Navy of Soliman Emperor of Turks in the year 1534. at which time all the Citizens that were found therein were made slaves. Passing along towards Formie, on the left side, is Villa Castello, from whence descended the Roman Emperor Galba, on the right side appeareth the Lake Fundano, The Lake Fondano. called by Pliny, Fundano, although it be written Fandano by some corrupt writers: This said Lake is full of Fishes, and very great Eeles. Five miles from thence remaineth the foundations of the City Mamurri, Mamurry. of whom Horace saith, ‘In Mamurranum lassi deinde urbe manemus.’ Passing hence by the rough and stony way Appia, near the most high steep Mountains is the Land of Atrio, now called Itro, the Country of the Lamury Citizens of Rome, five miles almost, but somewhat out of the way Appia, on the right hand is Gaeta, Gaeta. upon the shore so called (as Strabo and Virgil affirm) of the Nurse of Aeneas, which died and was there buried; and although the Gulf of Gaeta, and the strong Rock thereof be sufficiently known, and much renowned, especially in ancient time, yet was it not a City untill the Saracins destroyed Formie, which was in the year of Christ 856. and then was the reliques of the worthy St. Erasmus transferred from Formie to Gaeta, and it was by Pope Gregory the 4th made a Bishops Sea. This City was very faithfull to King Ladislaus, from whom for this cause it attained many priviledges, and so strong was the Castle thereof, that it was held one of the Keys of the Land, and therefore was there alwaies held a strong Garison of Soldiers, Gaeta hath alwaies the best Haven: which as Spartianus writeth, was repaired with great cost by Antonius Pius. This City had great honour by Galasius second,Galasius second, Bishop of Rome Bishop of Rome, by that famous Thomas of Viao, of the Order of Preachers General, and after Cardinal of the Church R. this excellent man past to a better life at Rome the 9 of August in the year 1534. And moreover about our time Iohn Tharcagnota hath been very famous, whose History is generally known to all. Following on the said way, there are seen even to Mola (which are five miles) delightfull Gardens near the crooked shore of the Sea under Gaeta, full of green flourishing Oringes, Lymons, and other pleasant fruits, environed with delightfull [Page] Christaline streams, yielding much content to the beholders thereof. Proceeding somewhat forward, in following the aforesaid pleasant way on the sea-side, is seen the beautifull City Mola, Mola. built by the ruines of the ancient City Formia, now called Ormia, which a little distance are seen the Foundations of Formia, Formia. built by the Laconi (according to Pliny) and was so called by the conveniency of the Haven (as Strabo writeth) this ancient City was the habitation of Antiphate King of the Lestrigoni, most cruel Tyrants. Mola hath very fair and fruitfull Territories, some think that Mola was so named of the Wharfs, or rather of the Mills which are therein turning by the continual course of water which plentifully riseth from the bottom of the Hils. In this Country was the fair and delightfull Village Formiana of Scipio and Lelius the true and faithfull friends; which afterward was purchased by Cicero, and throughout all this Country,The Village of Scipio and Lelius. which is from Mola to the River Garigliano, are seen the ruins of great buildings, whereby it may be thought that those places in ancient time were much inhabited, being the most delightfull, pleasant, and fruitfull that the Roman Empire had. After Mola, three miles upon a little Hill,See Martial, lib. x. epig [...]a. The Castle Honoratus. is the Castle Honorato, in the way Hercolantea, builded by Honoratus of Gaeta, County of Fondy: Not far off is the Hill Cecubo, which stretcheth to the Gulf of Gaeta; this Hill is much renowned for the excellency of the Wines thereof, which are much commended by Horace, by Martial and Strabo, following that way towards the mouth of the River Garigliano, where it runneth into the Sea before Clanino, Horace, lib. pr. is Liris,

The River Garigliano.

The overthrow given to the Saracins by Pope Iohn the 10. Consalvus Ferrandus, grand Captain of Cordova. Tratetto. Minturne.

so much celebrated for the overthrow which the Saracins had by Pope Iohn the 10th, and for the Victory obtained by Consalvo Ferrando, of Cordova against the French, to whose only valour was attributed the Victory of them, and the flight of the Turks, whereby he gained the glorious sirname of Great Captain, a favour vouchsafed from heaven, whereof the world hath so few. This said River riseth from the Appennine Mountains, and passeth by the Territory of Vestino, near to the Country of Fregelle, now a famous City, and goeth by Luco, or rather the Sacred Wood, sometimes honoured of the Minturnesi, which was near the said City. On the left side of the said River is seen upon a little Hill the City of Traietto, builded near to the place where was the City of Minturne, the ruines whereof are now to be seen, and almost the whole Theatre, and the ancient aquiducts; Minturne was builded by the Ausoni, and was afterward a Roman Colony, and was divided by the River, near the mouth thereof. It was in the time of Pope Marcellinus, honoured with a general Councel, and it was one of the Cities▪ which for the grievance of the air, was priviledged by the Romans both from the Wars and other burthens and Impositions. Cai. Marius flying hither secretly, hid himself in a moorish or fenny place, and beholding an Asse to go very pleasantly to the water to drink, took it for a good presage, or a token of good fortune, re-inforced his Army, and putting to Sea, entred Rome victoriously.

From thence leaving the Confines of this Region of Latium, we enter on the right hand into the Land of Lavoro, and the Hill which is in the entrance of the Land of Lavoro, very near to the mouth of Garigliano, hath many famous names,The Land of Lavoro. Garigliano. for in some place it is called Gauro, in other Massico, and in some other Gallicano; that part thereof that is nearest to Garigliano, is called Gauro, from whence the River hath been called Gaureliano. Pliny saith that this Gauro, as also the Hill Vessuvio, near Naples, yieldeth Sulphur or Brimstone, which the hot-waters sufficiently declare, which at this present are seen to issue and boyle, where now is the Tower of the Bathes, and the Bathes themselves. After Minturn the first Land that is nearest in the Land of Lavoro on this side, was Trifano, Trifano. situated by Livy between Minturn and Sinuessa, the next following was Sinuessa, five miles (as Strabo saith) from Minturn; but it is ten miles, as it now appeareth; Livy saith that there were two Colonies brought about the Territory Vestino and Falerno, one at the mouth of Garigliano, which was Minturn (as is said) and the other in Vestino, which confineth with the Territory of Falerno, where first there was a Greek City called Sinope, Sinope, called Sinuessa. Turpillus the Comical Poet. which was builded by the Sinopesi, and was by the Roman Colony called Sinuessa, because it joyned near to the City Sessa: Here died old Turpillus that comical Poet; many ruines of this City are to be seen on the land, but more in the Sea, and the Haven thereof had a large Key or Wharlf made by mens labour, at the top of the [Page] Hill called Dragone, saith Livy, that Fabius Maximus led his Army by the top of the Mount Massico, forbidding passage to Hannibal, and that the Souldiers of Hannibal sackt the Country even to the water Sinuessano, The Hill Massico. from whence it seemeth that the Mount Massico, whereon Fabius Maximus held his Army, is a part of the same Hill which reacheth from Sessa to Carinola. In the place of Sinuessa two miles from thence upon the Hill, is the Fort of Mondragone honoured with the dignity of a Dukedome,The Fort of Mondragone. the Town whereof stands in the Plain less then a mile from the Sea; where Sinuessa was, is nothing seen but the Baths, which as Strabo saith, doe cure many diseases, and especially help women that ate baren. After the Fort of Mondragone upon the Hill Massico which is full of Villages,The Villages of Sessa. from the part towards the Sea there is no land or Castle; but from that part which is towards Garigliano, between the Sea, Garigliano, the way Appia, and the Mount Massico, is no more plain then eight miles every way, and is manured and inhabited with much people, and is now called the Villages of Sessa, which Plain in the happy time of the Romans, was very fruitfull, three full Meadows abounding with much Grass, as Martial affirmeth: Near Cascano one of the said Villages, is a Vein of Gold, which King Alfonsus the first made use thereof, but now it is fallen to decay, because they say it yields not sufficient profit into the Kings Exchequer; yet the Reverend Majesty of the Roman Commonwealth did not so, for that they respected no other end then the common utilly, caused the Mines to be digged, for the relief of those poor people that laboured therein.

Now turning us into the way Appia, as it passeth by the foot of the Hill Massico, is the ancient City Sessa, called of the Latines Suessa, anciently named Pometia, and sometimes Arunca, The City Sessa. builded, as some say, by Hercules, it hath been inhabited by sundry people, the first was said by the Arunci, and the Ausoni, and the Seclecini, and after by the Volosci, and last of all the Vestini, as it appears in sundry places of Livy, the Territory whereof is very fertile of all sorts of Fruits, but particularly Corn, Wine, and Oyle, which for great abundance, the Citizens thereof say proceeds from the excellency of the air, and that Sessa was so called, as it were Suavis Sessio being so well and so excellently situated,Why it was called Sessa. and therefore the Emperor Claudius growing sickly and weak, went thither to recover his health. Sessa was a priviledged City of the Romans, that worthy Philosopher and Phisician Augustine Nifo hath in these our daies much honoured this City.Augustine Nifo. The Arms of this City is a Lyon Rampant gules in a field or, it hath the dignity of a Dukedome, the Lord whereof is Don Antonio of Cordova, Duke of Somma, Nephew to that Noble Lord Consalvo Ferrando of Cordova. Going from Sessa by the way Appia, on the right hand of Massico eight miles is Carinola, sometime called Cal [...]no, an ancient City, joyned on the one side to the Territory of Falerno, Carinola. The Fields Falerni, what they were, and how far they stretched. The Fields Stellato. Calvi. Cajazza. Tiano. Caianello. Vulturno. and on the other to the Hill Massico, the Fields Falerni stretch from Carinola to Cassilino, which was afterwards called Casteluccio, and was here joyned with the Field Stellato, more pleasant then any other part of Italy, as Livy writeth.

The Hill Massico stretcheth beyond the City of Tiano, and of Calvi, called long since Cales, even to Cajazza, which the Ancients have called Calatia, this Hill is extended with a back on the left hand from Calvi to Venafro, and from thence directly to Volturno, another part boweth on the right hand, full of Woods and Caves, and goeth to Caianello, sometime called Calicula: And to Vulturno on the right hand of the mouth of Vulturno was sometime a City called also Vulturno, as Livy witnesseth, and was where we now see the Land called Castello, to the Sea of Vulturno; not far from the Sea is to be seen Patria, Patria. builded upon the ruines of Linterno, which was the Town of Scipio Africanus, where he made choice to live when he betook himself to a voluntary exile, and where he spent the latter part of his life: It is said that he caused to be written on his Sepulchre, Ingrata patria non possidebis ossa mea. Of the Fountain Acidula, and the property thereof. There is near Linterno, among the ruines thereof, the Fountain of water Acidula, which water is said to make a man drunken as wine; and the Shepherds report▪ that whosoever drinketh of this water, is delivered from all pain of the head; and we having a desire to make trial thereof, found it to savour well as all other, and although a certain fume ascendeth up the nose in smelling it, as Wine useth to doe; yet drinking but a little we could not perceive the effects thereof, which it procureth [Page] in drinking. Five miles from Linterno is Cuma, between which two places where the shore is crooked between the Pool and the Sea,The City Cuma. was the Town of Servilio Vacia, of whom Seneca speaketh. Cuma was builded by the Galcidesi, and the Cumei; the leaders of the Colonie which came thither to inhabit, were Hippocle Cumeo, and Megastene Calcidese, which agreed between them,The Town of Servilio Vacia. that from the one it should take the inhabitants, and from the other the name; although some say it was named Cuma from the waves (for Cuma is as much as to say Onda) for being near the stony shore it is full of mighty Rocks, continually beaten with the waves of the Sea. Near Cuma is the Promontory Miseno, where was buried Misceno the Trumpeter of Aeneas, and between these two is the Lake Acherusia, which is a Moor or Marsh of the Sea very muddy, leaving Miseno, Miseno ▪ Trumpeter of Aeneas near under the Promontory is the Lake: From thence the shore fetcheth a compass making a gulf where is the Castle Baia, and the Baths of warm water, no less profitable for health, then delight. Baia was so called by Baio the Companion of Vlisses, which was there buried. Near Baia is the Lake Locrino (in the time of the Romans) within it was the renowned Lake Averno. Bana, the Lake Averno, and Pizzolo, why they were so named. The Lake Lucrino was so called by the profit of the Fishes and Oysters that were taken there. Following the shore is the City of Pozzuolo, which in former time was the Harbour of the Ships of Cumani, builded upon the Hill. In the time afterward of the Wars of Hannibal, the Romans replenished it with people; and of the Ditches named it Pozzuolo. Others affirm that it was so named by the ill savour of the water; which from Bale even to Gumeo is generally felt. Following then that shore from Pozzuolo, are seen many Springs of wholsome and medicinable water on the shore near the Ruines; departing from Pozzuolo, and going by the way which leadeth to Naples, are great ruines of buildings on every side for the space of a mile. At the end of these ruines is the Court of Vulcan, now commonly called Solfatara, which is a Plain inclosed round about with smokie Hills,Soffatara. in the manner of fiery Fornaces, from whence out of divers places arise very stinking exhalations, and the Plain is all full of Sulphure, and sometime it boileth out more then eight hand breadths in height, and being mixed with the earth it seemeth black, and in in such sort that it may rather be called dark clay, then water. Here amongst those natural things that is worthy consideration, it seemeth that the watry humour preserveth the Sulphure in such manner, that during all the time it continually burneth it consumeth not, and the fire abideth in the same holes, the water issuing by the same passage. This place was also called of ancient writers Campo Flagro, as it were a burning field from whence the Poets feign, that there was the battel of the Giants with Hercules, and that the flashing of their wounds, and the Conquest of the Giants, do cause such and so great ebolitions of fire and water. Bending afterward to the North a little from thence is the Hill Asturno very high, in the midst whereof is a Plain very low, reduced into a circle,The Hil Asturno. being two miles in circuit, where is a little Pool with Sulphure water, which issueth out on every side very beneficial to those which are diseased. This Plain is compassed with a Hill which every carrieth an equal height; in one side whereof is a very thick Wood, planted in such sort that all Italy yields not a place more beautifull and more pleasant for hunting. This Wood hath great plenty of Acorns and other Fruit and Food for Cattel, and is full of wild Hoggs, Goats, Harts, and other kinds of wild Beasts which entring in of themselves, or forc'd by others, can come no more out again. The top of this Hill is very large, for it reacheth more then the space of five miles; this place is commonly called Listroni, Listroni. a place reserved for the Kings hunting.

Returning to the way which goeth from Pozzuolo to Naples, is seen the place where was the Village of Cicero, so named at this present, where was buried the Emperor Adrian, The Village of Cicero, where the Emperor Adrian was buried. which died at Baia (as Spartiano writeth) where the temple was afterward consecrated by Antonio his successor in the place of the Sepulchre. Following yet the said way is seen great ruines of the Village of Lucullus, which he had near Naples (according to Plutarch) where likewise he caused to open the stony Hill with the Iron, which carried the water of the Sea into the Lake Agnano, which was included in those Hils. On every side of this open Country appeareth high Rocks, near which are the ruins of stately Buildings. Passing by the said [Page] way to the Lake are the Baths of the Lake Agnano, which are certain little close [...] vaulted Rooms, from whence there riseth certain hot vapours, in such sort, that a man entring in naked presently falleth into a sweat▪ and therefore they are called Sudatorii. They dissove the raw and crude humours in man, they lighten the body, comfort the weak,Hot-Houses. heal the intrails, drieth the Fistula and the ulcer in the body, and easeth the pain of the Gout; Here St. Germano Bishop of Capoa, is said to find the soul of Pascasio Cardinal,

The soul of Pascasio Cardinal.

See also Iohn [...]ki [...] in his 2 book of Purgatory.

as St. Gregory relateth in the fourth Book of his Dialogues. A little farther on the right hand, at the foot of the high Rock (which compasseth in the Lake) very near to the same is a hole not very deep in the Rock, nor very large nor high, where any living creature being cast in, dieth sudden [...]y, which afterward being presently taken out and cast into the water of the said lake, reviveth again. Pliny maketh mention of this hole in his second Book, where he saith, Alii spiracula vocant, alii Charoneas scrobes mortiferum spi [...]atum exalentes. The said Lake bringeth forth no other thing but Frogs; and in the Spring are often seen many heaps of Serpents, which are there drowned and stifled in the water by the providence of God, which suffereth them not to encrease, being so hurtfull and venomous to the nature of man.

Pausilipo, a most delightfull place which according to Dion, was possessed by Vedio Pollione, a Roman, a man famous for no other cause then his wealth and cruelty, because in that place he had certain Fishponds, wherein he used often times to cast in men, as food for his fishes; and dying, le [...]t Augustus his heir of Pausilipo. Virgil his Sepulchre. Chiaia Giacomo Sanazaro.Afterward we come to Pausilipo, which had that name for the pleasantness of the air, which so well agreeth with the situation, helping much the infirmity of weak minds for the expelling of melancholy: Here Cesar had a Fish-Pond, wherein a Fish lived sixty years. And the bottom of this pleasant Hill was all full of Gardens, and Fruits and delightfull Villages; and that part towards the Sea, was not far from the City of Naples, near the shore whereof were an infinite number of Habitations which time hath utterly ruinated. After followeth the Cave of Cocceio, which some attribute to Lucullo, and others to Basso, made after the fashion of that of Cuma, whose entrance is open, and with so great largeness, that three Carts may there pass in rang, and by little and little the light entreth at the windows in the top, which in many places are cut out in the upper part of the hill, and in the right side from the passage of the Cave in the way towards Naples is the Sepulchre of Virgil, and by that which doth appear, this was a Chappel compassed and vaulted with Arches, and smoothly walled about with Marble, and within were places for Images to stand in, without, opposite to the Chappel is an Epitaph in white Marble, with these modern Verses,

Qui cineres tumuli haec vestigia? conditur olim

Ille hoc qui cecinit pascua, rura, duces.

Going then towards Naples appeareth the little Hil Olimpia, now Piaggia, called of the Neopolitans Chiaia where are so many goodly Buildings, among the which there is one made by M. Giacomo Sanazaro, so great a friend to the Muses, as any in these our daies, called Merguglino, and in Latine, Mergeline, celebrated by him in his Book De partu Virginis. A little farther near unto the City is the little Isle of Megary, now called the Castle of Vovo, where remaineth a good Garison of Souldiers.The Castle of Vovo.

Last of all is the fair and Royal City of Naples, at the first called Sirena, where Parthenope arrived carried by the fortune of the Waves, who changed the name, being newly re-inhabited, according to the Oracle of the Cumani, which before they had destroyed; it flourished and increased again by the union and amity of the Palepoli, being alwaies faithfull to the people of Rome, under whose Empire it continued with great glory and renown,

Naples alwaies faithful to the people of Rome.

The praise of the City of Naples.

untill it sell together with the rest of Italy into the hands of the Goths, and other Barbarians, who expelled by the Normans, was governed by them, and made the Head of the Kingdom, from whose Dominion succeeded the House of Suevia, by means of the Queen Constance the only Heir; from whence it came to pass, Charls having killed Tancred, and subdued Coradine under the French, and after succeeded by means of Queen Ione of Arragon, now it remaineth in peace and tranquility under the protection of the Catholick King Philip, and so populous, that it is not inferior to any other City whatsoever, excelling in Nobility and riches, all other in the world; there continually repaireth sundry [Page] Nations from all parts of Europe, there are assembled the most part of the Noble Families, and there also florisheth the study of the Laws, and all good Learning. It standeth at the bottom of little Hils, which compass it in the manner of a Bow or Arch. The Gulf Cratera is directly opposite unto it,The Gulf Cratera. so called in ancient time, for that Miseno, and the Promontory of Minerva, now called Campanella, with the Isle of Capri, compasseth it in the fashion of a Cup. A Cup which may be truly called a Cup or Goblet of Silver, since the purity and calmness of the water resembleth in outward shew, quicksilver. Naples hath on the East side, Fields, which in length joyn to the Plains Acerram, and in breadth pass to the foot of Vesevo, now called Somma. Strabo saith, that in his time did spring at Naples, hot waters very commodious to make Baths, little inferior to those of Baia;The Arms of the City of Naples. but that they were of less quantity. The Arms of this City was a Field per fesse or. and gu. which Arms were given by great Constantine the Emperor.

Near Naples is the Greek Tower, first called Herculea of Hercules, The Tower of Greece, and of Nuntiata. which came thither with many Ships, after he left Nontiata near the ancient Stabie. At this place standeth aloft that famous Hill of Somma, called Vesevo, and Vesuvio, about which are situated many pleasant Villages, except in the top where the Poets feign remain the shoulders of the Giant Porfirius. In the time of the Emperor Titus, with a general fear to all those in the fields, and destruction of them which were nearest, it cast out from the top thereof great flames of fire,

The Hill Somma casteth out fire.

The death of Pliny.

and Balls of Sulphure Mine, and burning stones, where Pliny died, the great preserver of the Latine tongue, whilst he desired to see the great exhalations of that Hill, which cast the ashes even into Africa.

Going a little farther is the City of Castel, by the Sea of Stabia, so named by the City Stabbia, which was not far off, which had been destroyed by L. Silla ▪ this Castle is situated in a corner of the Mount Gauro, where it beginneth to stretch towards the West, which maketh the Promontory of Minerva. Here, about the distance of a mile, through the delight of the place, King Charls the second builded a Royal Palace, calling it for the sweetness of the air, the Wholsome House; which afterward King Rubert enlarged, giving it greater beauty and ornament; which place is now possest by the Noble Family Nocera, The Wholsome House, a most delightsome place builded by King Charls the second. King Ferrant the first having bestowed it on Pietro Nocera, his chiefest favorite, which for his great valour, was afterward by King Ferrant the second made General of the Gallies. This Country aboundeth with great plenty of clear water, and great store of the best Fruits; and for the facility and easie access of the place, hath much Traffick: According to the division of Strabo, of Ptolomy, and of Sempronio, this City should be placed in the Country of the Picentini, which is now called the Province of Principato; but we have thought best to confine it in the Land of Lavoro, because it is situated in the Gulf of Cratero. Within a little is the beautifull City Vico, builded by the people Equani, then followeth the City Sorrento very ancient and Noble, situated on the top of the Hill, whose prospect is the Sea: Although it be not of that greatness as formerly it hath been; it hath a very fertile and delightfull Territory, garnished with Vines and Oringes, and other fruitfull Trees. This City was builded by the Greeks, and was called Petra Syrenum. In this City lived Antonio the Abbot, a most holy man, and famous for his miracles, whose body remaineth even now as a testimony of his divine Miracles (as they say) towards those which are oppressed with Spirits. Then from Sorrento a mile▪ is the City of Massa, newly named,

The City Massa.

The Temple of Minerva. The Isle of Sirenuse, see Virgil in the end of his 5 Book of Ene [...] dos; now these Islands are called under one name Gallo ▪ where is the Isle of Capri.

to the which Paolo Portarello, that excellent Poet, and great Humanist hath now, and alwaies giveth everlasting glory. From hence then is seen the solitary Hill Atheneo, the which because it joyneth not with any other Hill, passeth along towards the West, and is otherwise called the Hill Massa, it was also called Prenusso, Sirreo, Minervio, and the Hill Equano; in the top of the Promontory is to be seen a great part of the Temple of Minerva builded by Vlisses. Under the side of the said Promontory are certain desart and stony Islands, called the Sirenes; in one whereof, from that part which lieth towards Surrento, in ancient time, was a rich Temple, where were certain very ancient gifts, long since presented by the Inhabitants of the Country for the worship and reverance of that holy place, the Reliques whereof are now to be seen.

[Page]Here endeth the Gulf called Cratera, included within two Promontories, Miceno and Ateneo, which lie towards the South; which Gulf is almost wholly planted with Houses, and goodly Gardens, opposite to the which riseth out of the Sea, the Isle of Capri, the first delightfull place of Tiberius Caesar, but now ordained for Exiles and banished people: Here twice in a year are Quails taken. Directly against Miseno is the Isle of Prochita, Procita, why it was so called. now called Procita, the which (according to Strabo) is a part of Pitecuse, Procita was so called (as Pliny saith) by the depth thereof; for by miracle the said Isle rise of it self out of the bottom of the Sea. But as Dionisius of Alicarnaseo affirmeth,Dyonisius of Alicarnaseo, in the first of the Histories of Rome. that it was named by a beautifull young man, a Trojau, called Procita, which came thither to inhabit. Whereof Servio upon these Verses of Virgil saith, in his 9 Book, ‘Tum sonitu Prochyta alta tremit, &c.’ Saith that it had that name from Protheus, which signifieth spread or dispersed, to the which opinion agreeth the Greeks, and almost all the Latines. Silio the Italian in his 12 Book, speaking of Procida, saith thus,

Apparet Prochyta saevum sortita Numanta,

Apparet procul Inarime, quae turbine nigro

Fumantem premit Iapetum: flammasque rebelli

Ore rejectantem,

Iohn of Procicla, Author of the Sicilian Evening.

& si quando evadere detur

Bella Iovi rursus, superisque iterare volentem.

Within this Isle is a fair Country well replenished with people, which hath the same name, and is very famous for the abundance of Corn that is gathered within it, and for the taking of Partridges and Pheasants,Ieronimo Zurita in the History of Arragon. whereof there is great plenty. The Lord of this Isle in former time was Iohn of Procida a Phisitian, a man very famous, who fearing not the power of King Charls of Angio, to revenge a great injury, took Sicilia, with that famous slaughter of the French, commonly called the Sicilian evening;The Family of Procita in Catalogna. and he had done greater matters if he had been permitted. This Iohn was in great esteem with Iames King of Arragon, after whose death King Peter his son knowing the valour of Iohn: Le dio (dice il Zurita) en el Reino de Valencia para el, y sus successores las Villas, y Castillos de Luxer, Benyzano, y Palma, con sus alquerias. He gave him (as saith Zurita) in the Kingdom of Valentia to him and his successors, the Towns and Castles of Luxer Benyzano and Palma, with their bordering Villages.The Isle Ischia. Of the Giant Tipheo the Poets speak diversly: for Virgil in the 9 of Aeneidos saith, that here he was strucken with lightning by Iupiter, in the which opinion agreeth Lucan, but Ovid saith it w [...]s in Sicilia. Alfonsus King of Arragon and Naple, was of the House of Medina, so saith Laonico. Calcondile Athenian in the History of the Turks, in his fift Book. From this man descended the Family called Procita, which are now very great in the Kingdom of Catalogna, and enjoyeth the Countie of Almenare. In the said Isle in a fair Church, with great reverence is preserved the body of St. Margarite the Virgin and Martyre, which was carried thither from Antiochia. Salvo Selano the Phisician honoureth much this Isle, now living in Naples with great renown, who hath written upon the Aphorismes of Hyppocrates. The said Isle is distant from Naples twelve miles, and in composs seven. A little from Procita lieth the Isle Ischia, formerly called Inarime, Pithecusa and Enaria, very famous not only for the Fable which the Greeks feigne of the Giant Tipheo, strucken with Iupiters Thunder-bolt, but also for a Fortress there, being so great that it is held the second Key of the Kingdom. The said Castle was builded by Alfonsus of Medina, King of Arragon, first of this name, King of Naples, who because it was so well fortified, caused it to be called Ischia, which hath given the name to the whole Island, especially because all the other ancient names were forgotten. This Castle is very strong by the natural situation thereof, and is built upon a very high Hill, and the passage thereto very steep, and the way for the most part is cut out of the Rock with mens labour, and the entrance is so difficult and streight, that two Souldiers may easily guard it. Hither Ferdinando the son of Alfonsus the second of Arragon, King of Naples retired himself for his security, when Charls the eight King of France had victoriously entred Naples. In the year 1301. the said Island sustained great hurt, for being therein certain veins of Sulphure (whereof the Island is very full) the fire kindled, and running through it, burnt a great part, even to the City of Ischia, [Page] now called Gironda, and the fire continued one month and a half, burning many men and other living creatures,Gironda, an ancient City of the Isle. whereby the Inhabitants were inforced to abandon the place, flying out of the Isle, some to Procida, some to Capri, some to Pozzuolo, and some to Naples. And of this fire the marks yet appear, where neither grass nor any other thing doth grow, and that for the space of more then two miles, which place the Citizens call the Cremata. This Isle is in compass 18 miles, where is a fair City, to the which are subject eight Hamlets, or small Villages. This said Isle is very fertile, and bringeth forth all so [...]ts of Corn and there is made excellent Wine, and hath Mines of Gold, which were together found with the Sulphure, in the year 1465. by Bartholmew Perdice Genoway. It is every where full of Villages, very thick and close adjoyning, there is one very high Hill, which is very difficult for a man to climbe, in the top whereof riseth a Spring,Bartholmew Perdice Genoway. called the Fountain Aboceto, all the rest of the Isle hath great scarcity of water. The Shores of this Isle are rather crooked then streight, the air there is very healthfull and pleasant, and in it are many and sundry Baths, with those so marvelous sands, all things fit to heal divers sorts of infirmities, and many incureable, of the which we have sufficiently written in the Book of the Antiquities of Pozzu [...]la, The Book of the Antiquities of Pozzuolo, written by the Author of this Work. The body of St. Restituta Virgin. by me not long since published, to which I refe [...] the Reader. This Isle was first inhabited by the Licii, which after the death of Oroute their King, were driven out by Eneas. Afterward came thither the people Arimni, and within a while the Calcidii. There lieth with great reverence in two honourable Churches of this Isle, the bodies of St. Restituta, Virgin and Martyr, and of St. Olivata her sister (which, as is said) do infinite miracles. Of this Isle was Fabius, Seleucus, Oronre, that excellent Cosmographer and singular Poet.

Sailing from hence more forward towards Naples, near the Mount Pausilippo, The Isle Nisita, why it was so called. is the Isle of Nisita, of the Latines called Nosium, and Nesis, which had a fair and goodly Fortress made by the Dutchmen of Amalsi, with a most secure Haven called Agliono, very commodious. Nisita was so called (as the Poets feign) by a Nimph of the Sea, the daughter of Nereus and Doride, Gods of the Sea▪ for the truth is, that Nesis in Greek, is an Island, it was in ancient time the Town of Brutus, that worthy Roman; and in our daies there was found in a Sepulchre a dead body of wonderful greatness, imbalmed, which had about the neck a Chain, with a Jewel of Gold, with this Inscription, M. A. Acilius, C. F. I.I.I. R.

Leaving this Isle is another much less, which is rather a Rock, I may say it was and is commonly called Gaiola; but in my opinion it should be called Gaia, Gaiola, why [...]t was so called. if yet that particle ola, were not adjoyned thereto for a diminutive, signifying the smallness and beauty thereof at an instant, for being very delightfull and pleasant, and made in the fashion of a Theater, where also appeareth the marks of an inclosed Park for the keeping of wild Beasts, and the Temple of Neptune which was there in old time, so that to every one that comes thither, it seems a place of great delight. These then are the Cities upon the Sea of happy Campania, and the Isles that are thereabout.

But in the Land of Naples the principal City is Capoa, The City Capoa. situated on the side of Vulturno, upon the way Appia, twelve miles distant from the Sea▪ it was in former time as great as any in Italy, except Rome, the first and chiefest, the Senat of Rome once purposed to go to inhabit there. The opinions of the building of this City are divers, and first Cato and Sempronius saith, that it was builded by the Osci; others, as Virgil, Lucan, Silius, Dionisius of Alicarnassus, and Suetonius say that it was builded by Capi, the companion of Aeneas, and that by him it was afterward so named. Others say that Remus, the son of Aeneas builded it, and called it Capoa, from Capi the Father of his Grandsire. Strabo is of another opinion, saying it had this name from the large Fields wherein it standeth, whose first Inhabitors were the Opici, and Ausoni, and the Osci, which were driven out by the Cumani, and afterward these by the Toscans, by whom Capoa was made the Head of twelve Cities builded by them in these places, and of this opinion seemeth to be Eustaccius, Livy, Pliny, and Annius Diodorus and others say that it was so called for the great capacity and largeness which it hath to produce and bring forth necessary things for the sustenance of living creatures; and in truth the Territory [Page] thereof is most excellent above all other Countries of the world. This City, as Livy declareth particularly in many places, was of great Wealth and Authority, and in the time of the great prosperity and delights thereof, was the seat and habitation, and as it were a second natural Country to Hannibal, and in the time of the siege of Casilino, wintred there with his Army, which became corrupt, effeminate, and lazie through the many delights and pleasures thereof: But coming afterward into the power of the Romans, it was as it appeareth to some, that Capoa was by them utterly ruinated,Capoa destroyed. for being strong, a near neighbour, and alwaies their enemy: But the utility and most fertile Territory was the safety thereof, that it was not ruinated, because the multitude of Colonies might have a place and a dwelling in this Country and Territory, and the houses themselves were builded of the common Treasury of Rome: Yet nevertheless there was not left any signe, or any body of a City or Councel, or any Authority, the which Marcus Tullius declareth more largely in one of his Orations, calling the Capoans proud and arrogant, through the bounty of the earth, and the abundance of all things which they had. But there was since (contrary to the opinion of Tully, by Iulius Caesar in his first Consulship) carried to Capoa one Colony of Romans, and those new Inhabitants undoing and pulling down certain ancient Sepulchres to build little houses in their Villages, purposing to imploy those stones, and using therein much labour and diligence, passing up and down discovered certain Vessels of antick work, found in a little Table of Brass, wherein was written, Capi, The Sepulchre of Capi, the builder of Capoa. the builder of Capoa to be here buried, with Letters in Greek words to this effect, That whensoever the bones of Capi shall be discovered, at the same instant one of the kindred of Iulo must be slain with a sword by the hands of his own friends and kindred, and after be revenged with grievous afflictions and the ruine of Italy.

Capoa destroyed by Genserico King of the Vandals.

Capoa newly builed.

The Lombards destroy Capoa. Capoa re-edified.

Conradus King of Naples cast the Walls of Capoa to the gr [...]und.

Capoa sacked by the French.

This same Capoa was by Gensericus King of the Vandals razed and destroyed, with sword and fire six hundred years after it had been subject to the Romans; but since the Goths & Ostrogoths being chased away by Narsete Eunuco Captain to the Emperor Iustinian, was newly inhabited again. And about a hundred years after was destroyed and ruinated anew by the Lombards; but with the reliques builded of the Inhabiters again, two miles distant from the ancient place. Since by Conradus King of Naples, son of the Emperor Frederick the second, the Walls thereof were thrown to the ground, because the Capoans were known to be contrary to the Manfredi, with the Neopolitans; wherefore he ransackt and sackt it, and did therein harm enough. It sustained great calamity in the time of Pope Alexander the sixth, being sacked and robbed by the French sent by Lewis the twefth King of France, to the Conquest of the Kingdom of Naples, against King Frederick of Arragon; now it remaineth well fortified by the providence of Philip of Austria, the most puissant Catholick King, under whose protection it resteth most secure. Pliny in the description of Italy, speaking of Capoa, saith that there is the Field Leborino, much more pleasant and delightfull then any part of all Italy; and he in another place calleth Leborino the excellent Territory of Capoa; and to declare what it is, the Territory thereof is all plain, which stretcheth from Tifata (which is the Hill above Capoa) even to Naples and Pozzuolo; and from Capoa to the mouth of Vulturno, where it entreth into the Sea. Capoa being so hated and defaced by the Romans, and twice ruinated, the people near adjoyning disdained to be any longer called Campani, desiring to avoid this infamy,The Land of Lavoro, why it was so called. and this danger to be hated and undone for this name, changed the name, being called by their ancient name, Leborini, and so much their constant perseverance prevailed, that that which before was wont to be called Campania, was called the Land of Lebore: But since the word being corrupted by people, was called the Land of Labore; from whence grew the opinion, that this should be because, as it were all pains (for so the word Labore signifies) should there be well bestowed; and some others have said, that it should be so called from the great and difficult pains that is required in the subduing of it.F. L. Sosipatro Charisso. F. L. Sosipatro Charisio, a most ancient Gramarian was a Citizen of Capoa, whose works have been found by Iano Parasio. Victore, Vittore Bishop. called the Capoan, Bishop, and a famous [Page] Astrologian, and an excellent Orator▪ hath given great honour to this City, who lived in the year of Christ 480. Likewise Pietro of Vineis, was also a Citizen,Peter of Vineis a learned Lawyer, which was in great favour with the Emperor Frederick the second, King of Naples: but the Emperor had afterward a certain suspicion of him for a conspiracy that was de [...]ised, banished him, where through grief he died, having first composed a Book of Consolation: Of this Pietro, Dante maketh mention in the first part of the 13 Cant. saying, I am he which holdeth both the Keys.Iohn Antonio Campano. Iohn Antonio Campano hath also given no small reputation to this noble City, of whom Raffaello Voluterano writeth, that he know him, being a child, attended the keeping of sheep, and being apt and urged by nature, endeavoured by all means to attain learning, wherein he so much profited, that he was esteemed worthy to read in the Schools of Paris, being entertained by the Paragians with a large stipend, and so much he increased in fa [...] and learning, that Pius the second afterward made him Bishop of Apruntino. This learned man left behind him many Works, of the which was the book of the Acts and famous deeds of Braccio of Montone. He writ the life of the worthy Prince Frederick Duke of Vrbin, and the life of Pope Pius the second. Moreover in these our daies Camille Pellegrino ▪ and Beneditto of Vva, excellent Poets, whose Works are well known, have, and alwaies give everlasting honour to this noble City. And with these hath also been very famous Iohn Battista, an eloquent Orator.

Afterward from Capoa, eight miles distant is Aversa ▪ a noble and a rich City, builded upon the ruines of the ancient Attella, often remembred by Livy and Marcus Tullius. Atella was the well-spring of lascivious Verses,The City Atella. and wanton and effeminate behaviours; whereupon the compositions, and lascivious Comodies and dishonest, were called Atelliane. Boyes and girls were taught certain lascivious Verses, and to that purpose did come with a certain composed measure, and wanton carriage of the body, and roling the eyes to pronounce them with so great immodesty and lascivious behaviours, at the Tables of dishonest persons, and on the Stages, that there wanted nothing but the dishonest and carnal conjunction together.

But of better discipline was the beginning of Aversa, the which by Averso the Norman, a famous Captain, was first built,The City Aversa, by whom it was built. and afterwards was beautified by Robert Guiscardo, a worthy and a valiant man. This City was ruinated and defaced even to the foundation by Charls the first of Angio King of Naples, for the Rebellion of the House Rebursa: But it was afterward newly re-edified and beautified by Charls the second, King, his son. This City is great,Aversa destroyed by Charls of Angio, King of Naples. and much inhabited, and is one of the principal in the Land of Lavoro, as well for the vicinity and neighbourhood of the City of Naples, from the which it is not distant more then seven miles, as also for the fertilty of the pleasant and beautifull fields thereof, the which being inclosed in six miles, spread between Naples and Capoa: And a little more towards Linterne, compassing a great part of the Leborine fields, sometime very famous, and now called Gaudo. Moreover this City is very honorable for the Bishoprick, which yieldeth eight thousand Crowns yearly, and is now under the Authority of the worthy and reverend Lord Don Pietro Orsino, a Prelate (as it is commonly said) of great clemency and wisdom,

Don Pietro Orsino.

The famous men of Aversa.

whereby he is loved and honoured of all. This City had many famous men very expert in the Law; as Cavello Barnado President of the Kings Chamber, Felice Barnada, Tomaso Grammatico, a famous Councellor for the deciding of controversies, Scipio Cutinar [...]o, Regent of the Councel of Italy in Spain, Marc. of Mauro, President of the Summaria. In Philosophy have been many learned, as Bartholmew of Donato, which writ a discourse de Corporeitatis Luca Prassitio, which subtilly and wittily writ ten Disputations against Augustine: Nifo of Sessa, very learned are these Treatises, De immortalitate animae: and de prestantia literarum supra arma, wherein he exprest great learning, and in these daies together with these the reverend Father Alfonso of Marco, of the reformed Order of Preachers, who for his good and examplary life, shineth as the Sun in darkness, he hath learnedly writ upon Logick, natural Philosophy, the soul, Metaphysick, and de ente rationis, and he is now commenting the same of St. Thomas, and if God permit him life, we may [Page] expect other learned Works to proceed from him. In the aforesaid City are these Noble Families, Altimaro, Cutinario, Gargano, Grimaldo, Landulfo, Pacifio, Scaglione, Silvestro, Simonello, Tufo, Ricardo, Della Valle, and others.

Not far from Aversa is Marigliano in a good Soil, and is wholly walled about, and by the Ancients called Merlianum Marigliano. and Marianum, the Citizens whereof say, that it was so called by C. Marius the Founder thereof, and it is now indued with the dignity of a Marquiss, under the jurisdiction of the House of Montenegro▪ Innocentius the third, Bishop of Rome, hath much honoured this Land, being born there; and at this present R. D. Iacobo Marotta a learned Philosopher, who hath written upon the predicables and predicaments of the Logick of Scotus, & de triplici intellectu, Humane, Angelical, and Divine, and read in the common Schools of Naples, the Metaphisicks with a wonderfull concourse of Students.

Afterward appeareth the City Acerra, called by Strabo, Acerrae, which was burnt by Hannibal the Carthaginian: The City Acerra, why it was built. But was again newly re-edified by the Romans, whereof Livy often maketh mention, and Virgil calleth the Territory thereof very good and fertile. Near to which City runneth the River Glanio, very hurtfull to the Country through the continual inundations, and therefore is almost disinhabited. Acerra was builded by the people Nasamoni, who in honour of Iupiter Feretrio made a high Altar after the fashion of a little Ship,Acerrr, why it was so called. whereupon they burnt great abundance of sweet Odours, wherefore it was called Acerra by the Nasamoni, which opinion Alexander of Alexandro Neopolitan confirmeth in the 7 Chapter of his third Book, speaking of their Gemali: Acerra erat ara constituta ubi odores incenderet, The Temple of Iupiter Feretrio. quae acerra dicta erat à Nasamonibus populis. Some are of opinion that an Altar so called, was only devised by the Nasamoni, but that Numa Pompilius erected the Temple of Iupiter Feretrio. Festo believeth that Feretrio was so called by bringing of peace, although Plutarch saith that he should be so named by the wounding of enemies: whereupon Propertio writeth a learned Elegy of Iupiter Feretrio thus,Propertio in 4.

Nunc Iovis incipiam causas aperire Feretrii,

Armaque de ducibus trima recepta tribus.

To which Temple the Ancients when they obtained victory of their enemies, consecrated all their best and richest spoils.

Departing from Acerra, is the River Glanio; which springeth from the Hill above Sessua, The river Glanio and the originall thereof. by ancient Writers named Clanius, whereof Virgil maketh mention in two of his Georgicks thus,

Talem dives arat Capua vicina Vesevo.

Ora jugo & vacuis Clanius non aequus Acerris.

Probus writeth that the River Clanio took that name from the Giant Clanio. Afterward is seen Sessula, Sessula distant from Acerra four miles, called by Strabo, Suessula, and by Livy in many places, and in his seventh Book sheweth that in this City was a great battel between the Romans and the Samnites, where the Samnites were put to flight by M. Valer. This City is almost now ruinated. Afterward appeareth from the North part, the Hils of Capoa, called by Livy, Tifata, these Hils are above Capoa, and above all this Country, the which pass along even to the Territory of Nola. The river Isclero. Afterward is the River Isclero, and the River Sorritello; and not far off upon a fair Hill is the Aierola, an excellent Country, honoured with the dignity of a Dukedom under the Family Caracciola. Aierola. From Aierola five miles is in a fair Plain, Arienzo, a Country full of worthy and honourable people, called of the Latines, Argentum, the Territory whereof is very fertile and full of Fruit, and especially of Percope, where they grow more common in this Country then any other, verily these fruits are to be preferred before all others for their delicacy and great goodness these said Trees live not above five years, and it is necessary that the seeds or carnels thereof be sowed towards the East, in a place where the cold cannot hurt them, for cold is a great enemy to these Trees; the Fruit thereof [Page] is of the colour of Gold with red spots, and a slender rine, and weighs a pound and more according to the place where they be planted. Not far off upon a steep and pleasant little Hill is the City of Caserta, replenished with worthy and honourable people, the original whereof is uncertain,The City Caserta, by whom it was built the Citizens of it affirm by ancient tradition, that it was builded by the Sessulani and Galatini, others believe from the reliques of the second Capoa in the Hill Trifisco, and last of all others say that it should be builded by the Longobards, and was made a Cathedral Church by Alexander the fourth, Bishop of Rome. The Lords of Aquino ruled this City a long time; afterward it came under the Counts of Tilesia, of the Noble Family Siginulfa, and lastly Giulio Antonio Acquaniva, a noble Lord, possest it with the Title of a Prince. The noble Family of Santori hath much honoured this City, of which that excellent Doctor of Law, Lonardo, Lonardo Santoro. hath been much renowned who left to the world a worthy and honourable issue, from whom descended the famous and reverend Giulio Antonio Santoro, Cardinal of the Church of Rome, and Francesco Antonio, Archbishop of Severin [...] his brother, men no less famous for Learning, then for sincerity of life. Going a little farther is Mataloni, Mataloni. of some called Magdaloni, and of others Metalionis, which hath the dignity of a Dukedome, subject to the noble Family of Carrafi. Near which upon a Hill is the fair City of Venafro, named by Strabo, Venafrum, Venafro. the Plain whereof Pliny calleth fertile and full of Olives: whereupon Martial praising the Oyle, saith,

Hoc tibi Campani sudavit bacca Venafri

Vnguentum quoties sumis, & istud oles.

This City in the time of our Ancestors had the Title of a County under the Pandoni Gentlemen of Naples, after the which it came under the Dominion of the worthy Lords of Lanoia, Princes of Sulmona, but now it is in the Kings hands. Going a little farther is the noble & ancient City of Sora, so called both now, and in old time,The City Sora. which in the time of the Romans was the principal City of all Sannio▪ Pliny placeth it in the first Region, and Ptolomy in Latium, and Strabo describeth it in happy Campania. We following the division of the Kings Court, place it in this Province of the Land of Lavoro, or happy Campania.

Livy saith that the said City was made at one and the same time a Colony of the Romans, with Alba, which was of the Territory Vestino; but possest by the Samnites. This which Livy saith, that Sora should be of the Territory Vestino, is true, for this reason, that the City Vestina being near Garigliano, in the Plain of Sessa, that which was from the mouth of the River even to Sora, by the River Garigliano, all under one only name of Vestini became so called, and Garigliano and Sessa were comprehended under the self-same of Vestini. Livy saith that the Sorani becoming rebels and joyning with the Samniti, went against them with all their force, and saith that in this rebellion the Sorani cut in pieces the Roman Colonies that were there; which stirred so great desire of revenge,The Sorani cut in pieces the Roman Colonies. that at length the City was taken by Treason, one of Sora bringing in ten Romans secretly into the Castle, whereupon the Citizens broke up the Gates in the night and fled away, and the Roman Army freely entred in, and there were taken 325 of the Sorani, Authors of the Rebellion, and the death of the Roman Colonies,The Romans take Sora. and were carried bound to Rome, and cruelly beaten in the Market-place, and afterward put to death to the great contentment of the people,

The Romans send another Colony to Sora.

Sora destroyed by the Emperor Frederick the second.

The River Fibreno, and the beginning thereof.

which desired as their proper interest, that in their Colonies their Citizens might be secure. But within awhile following the Romans sent another Colony to Sora under the Consulship of L. Genutio, and of Servio Cornelio, the which for a long time remained there peaceable: But in the time afterward of Gregory the ninth, was destroyed by the Emperor Frederick the second; and for all this, was by the same Citizens repaired, and in process of time increased in much honour and riches, and is now reputed one of the best Cities in all that Province, and is adorned with the Title of a Dukedome. The said City on the one side is compassed with a stately and strong Wall, and the other is defended with the River Fibreno, which hath its beginning under the Mountains of Capistrello, which is a Country in the Apennin, eight miles above Sora, The River Liris, now called Garigliano. which River entreth into Garigliano (called in old time Liris) near the Monastery of St. Dominico of Cisterniensi. This River aboundeth with [Page] water, and seemeth to be that which according to Pliny cometh from the Lake Fucino, which in the beginning is divided into two branches, whereof that on the left hand, by means of the high and steep Mountains is very swift, but that on the right hand running by a Rock, and falling not from that hight as the other, passeth with a pleasant current very calm and beautifull. These two branches being joyned again together under Sora, make an Island very delightfull, and of much traffick,An Island, a most beautiful Country, called by the Ancients Interamnia. which the Ancients have called Interamina. Following the course of these Rivers, are these Countries following Torre, Campolato, Isoletta, and Colledrago. Now above the Isle before named, which with those two Arms makes Garigliano, there are very high Hils, and almost wholly disinhabited; and on the right hand there is a Country above those rough and cragge Hils, very pleasant, called Comino, which is invironed with very high Hils, and hath seven Countries wel inhabited that is,Comino, a pleasant Country was [...]o called by an ancient City of the same name. Vicalvo, Alvito, Santo Donato, Settefrati, Piacinisco, Gallinaro, and Casalviero. This Country was in old time called Comino, of a City which was there so called, whereof Livy speaketh in many places, and chiefly in the tenth Book, where he saith, that it was taken by Spurio Carvillo Consul, being entred within it, and his Souldiers retired, which had the Guard of the Market-place, there was given to Papirio the Consul eleven thousand and thirty men, the first being killed by four thousand three hundred and eighty. In this same Country on the right hand under the Hils is Atina, an ancient City, which was one of those five which made Arms for the aid of Turnus, The City Atina. against Aeneas, according to Virgil in the seventh of Eneidos,

Quinque adeo magnae positis incudibus urbos

Tola novant, Atina potens, &c.

At the side of the said City runneth the River Melfa, which riseth in the Apennin Hils,The River Melfa. and entreth into Garigliano, near Pontecorvo, a City whereof Virgil and Livy make mention. Coming down into the bottom of this Country on the side of the said River, under the Castle of Casalviero on the left hand, is a little Country which they call Schiavi; and yet lower upon a very rough and craggie Hill is Arpino, a famous City, whose stately Walls yet standing declare the greatness thereof;The City Arpino. and although it hath been the natural Country as well of Caio. Marius as of Marcus Tullius, the one the mirror of Chivalry, the other of Eloquence, yet that preferring Learning before Martial Affairs, used for the Arms M. T. C. Under Arpino on the left hand near the River Melfa is Fontana, a little Country; and hard by is Arce, The Arms of Arpino. a worthy City, the Territory whereof aboundeth with great store of excellent Fruits, and hath a goodly Fortress, and is beautified with the Title of a Dukedom.The City Arce Not far off followeth the City Aquino, called in old time Aquinum, which is almost ruinated, whose Reliques manifestly declare what great estimation it had in former times,The City Aquino. where apparently are seen the ruines of stately Buildings, with goodly Statues of Marble. Both now and ever Aquino hath received much honour by Giovenale a Satyrical Poet, and Victorino an excellent Geometrician,Giovenal, a Satyrical Poet. who flourished in the time of Leo the first (according to the opinion of some) he found the computation of Easter, according to the course of the Moon,Victorino, a Geometrician. at the perswasion of Pope Hillary. Moreover Pescenio Negro Emperor of Rome, hath honoured this Country, as Herodian declareth in his second Book of his Cesars. Pescenio Negro, Emperor. And although the said City be almost ruinated, nevertheless it hath the dignity of a County. Here Robert Guiscardo the Norman was created with great solemnity Duke of Apuglia and Calauria,

St. Thomas of Aquin.

Gio Menardo, in the 6 book of epistles, in the 5 epistle.

Adinolfo, Count of Aquino, and Duke of Gaeta.

by Gregory the seventh, Bishop of Rome, in the year 1073. as Biondo writeth in his Histories, and Platina in the life of the said Gregory. But above all, that Angelical Doctor St. Thomas, hath most honoured Aquino, the which though born in Naples, is sirnamed of Aquino, because his Ancestors possest that Country, with other Cities and Lands. Iohn Menardo saith, that the said Angelical Doctor was of the House of Frangipane; others say that he was of the Noble Family of Sammacula, and that afterward from that Seignory (as we have said) which they had of Aquino, they were sirnamed of Aquino, the which Family was much advanced by Adinolfo, [Page] County of Aquino, for as much as by the common consent of the Gaetani, he was created Duke of their City; among the ancient Poets, Rinaldo of Aquino hath been very excellent, of whom Monsignor Pietro Bembo maketh mention in his Epistles.

Now coming again into our former order, leaving the ancient City of Aquino, there is on the left hand Roccasecca, and on the right hand upon a high Hill is the famous and worthy Monastery of Monte Casino, Monte Casino. builded upon the ruines of the noble City of Casino, an ancient Colony of the Romans, and a worthy City of the Lat [...]nes, which (as Livy writeth) had a Colony brought together with Minturn, the which in the time of the Romans was very famous, for that noble and stately Temple of Apollo, which had a hundred and fifty high and mighty Pillars. The said Monastery was builded by St. Benedict Norsino, for his Monks, in the year of Christ 5 [...]0 where Totila King of the Goths going to visit him, understanding he had a spirit of Prophesie, and purposing to make tryal,Totila, King of Goths ▪ if that which had been reported were true, put on Lackies apparel, causing another to go before him, cloathed in Kingly Ornaments, which feigned himself to be Totila; but the Saint knowing of God the deceit sent unto him with a cheerfull countenance to stay with the rest of his company, and pointing to the King which was basely appareled, requesting him to come into the Monastery. But neither this, nor other the like signes of sanctity, which St. Benedict declared to the Lombards, were sufficient to restrain the unbridled fury of these Barbarians, that they might not destroy this Monastery, the which was foretold to the Monks by their Father St. Benedict. It was afterward repaired again upon the first foundations, and also enlarged 112 years after by Petronio Petronasso Bresciano, through the perswasion of Pope Gregory the second, as Paulo Diacono writeth, and Elia Capriolo, in his third Book of the Brescian Histories. The Revenue of these Monks yearly,Paulo Diacono in his 6 book of histories▪ was more then fifty thousand Crowns. There lieth with great devotion in the said Monastery, the bodies of many Saints and blessed people, especially that of S. Benedict Norsino, the Founder and Head thereof, and of St. Scolastica his sister, whose holy bodies were there found in the year 1443. whereby it seemeth that that cannot be true, which Paulo Diacono writeth of them, saying, that in the year 694, in the time of Gisulfo, Prince of Benevento ▪ the said holy bodies were carried by certain Frenchmen into France, where to the honour both of the one and the other, were builded two Royal Monasteries. The which opinion is so much the less true, as that Pope Zachary affirmeth to have seen the bodies of these two Saints with his own eyes in the Mount Casino many years after; wherefore we will give more credit to the report of a chief Bishop, and to the bodies which were found and seen in the year 1443. then to the opinion of Paulo Diacono. Pliny declareth in the fourth Chapter of his seventh Book, that in the said City of Casino in the time of the Consulship of Licinio Crasso, and of Caio Cassio longo, a girl in a certain house b [...]me a boy, which by commandment and advice of their Southsayers was carried [...] left in an Island abandoned. At the foot of the Mount Casino is Saint Germano, a new City, so called by the name of a holy Abbot which built it. Going farther is Theano, called by Pliny and Strabo, Theanum Sidicinum, a City whether Augustus sent a Colony; and not far off is Calvi, The City Theano. an ancient City which was builded by Calai, the son of Borea, which came into these places after the return of the Aragonanti, as Silio declareth in his eight book,The City Calvi. although Livy and Festo affirm that the first Inhabiters were the Ausoni. Afterward we come to Piedemonte of Alife, a good and a plentifull Country, and full of worthy people, where through the commodity which they have of the water, is made good Cloth of Wooll; out of this Country hath risen many excellent men, indued with much Learning, among the which these are of the greatest note, Philippo Francisco of Piedemonte, which commented the Poetry of Horace, Lodovico Paterno, an excellent vulgar Poet; but in these our daies the said Country is much renowned, by means of certain Gentlemen which being contented with their retired estate, live vertuously, employing the time in the exercise of Divine Learning, and some of them in giving councel to others in the profession of the Laws. Of the same Country was Nuntio Tatiaglia, which composed the practice of the Civil and [Page] Criminal Lieutenantship.The City Lauro, by whom it was built. Following the same way is Lauro, situate in a pleasant and delightfull place. This City was builded by Ruberto Orsino, Count of Nola, as Cantalitio the Poet writeth in his fourth Book, where he saith that the said Count built it, because that great Captain Consalvo Ferrando of Cordova received in the said place the Crown of Laurel, after he had the victory of the French. This Country hath the title of a Marquis, the Lord whereof is Don Scipio Pignatello, a most worthy man, and of very honourable and vertuous qualities. A little farther is Palma, which belongeth to the said Marquiss, the which Castle was also builded by the said Count of Nola, Palma The Plain of Palma. and to this intent I will not omit to speak of the Plain of Palma, so much commended for the hunting there, where that great Alfonsus the first of Arragon, King of Naples, built to this purpose a sumptuous Palace, which afterward was destroyed by Charls the eight, King of France, although the reliques are yet to be seen. Hard by is the ancient and noble City of Nola, The City Nola. so called by Strabo in his fifth book. This City was builded (as Trogo affirmeth) by the Giapigii; but according to Solmo by the Tirii. It was very great in old time, this City, as Ambrogio Leoni declareth in his first book of Nola, that the Wals thereof (as he saith) were in compass 2017 paces, having twelve parts, and was built round. Nola may boast, that the Emperor Octavius Augustus the Monarch of the world died therein,The death of the Emperor Octavius Augustus. in honour of whom, Tiberius his successor in the Empire, builded in the said City a stately Temple, the reliques whereof are yet to be seen: There are also to be seen in this place, many reliques of ancient and stately buildings; now it is not so great; though it be very populous. The amorous Flora was of this City, who dying, left her only heir of all her Jewels and Riches the people of Rome, and so much money was there found in her house, with the Iewels which they sold,Flora and her Riches. as were sufficient to build the Walls of Rome, and also to redeem the Commonwealth: Wherefore the Romans, because she had her beginning at Rome, and also had left all her goods to the Commonwealth, built a most sumptuous and stately Temple in memory of her, from whose name they called it Floriano, The Temple of Flora. wherein every year, on that day which she died, they celebrated the Feast of the Goddess Flora. Suetonio Tranquillo saith, that the first Feast which the Emperor Galba celebrated in Rome, was the Feast of amorous Flora, in the which all the Romans, both men and women might lawfully commit any lascivious dishonesty, which then was accounted the most holy, that which that day was most dishonest.St. Felix Bishop. St. Felix Bishop hath given great honour to this City, whose body lieth in it, and as they say, there riseth continually Manna out of his holy bones, whose life was written by St. Paulino Bishop of this City. St. Paulino was the inventor of the use of Bels,St. Paulino the Inventer of Bels. an Instrument utterly unknown to the Ancients, which is now so necessary in the Church of God: He gave it the name of Campane, because he invented it in Campania, where is the aforesaid City of Nola, of the which he was Bishop; and that the Citizens ever since glorying therein (as rightly they may) have alwaies used to give a Bell for the Arms of the City.The Arms of Nola.

And to say something of the famous Counts of Nola; Monsignieur Guido da Monforte was the first thereof,The first Counts of Nola. a most noble and valiant Gentleman of France, which came with Charls the first of Angio to the Conquest of the Kingdom, with whom he was in great estimation, and having one only daughter, called Anastasia, married to Romano Orsino, chief Justice of the Kingdom, who by the death of his Father in Law,Romano Orsino was the first of that Family that had Lordship in the Kingdom. succeeded in the County, which was the first of the Family of Orsina, which had Seigniory in the Kingdom. The posterity of this man have proved all worthy men and very valiant; but the matchless Paragon of all was Ramondo, which florished in the time of Charls the second, for being chased away and forsaken by his Father, went into Soria, after he had in a journey into the Holy Land, done many valiant exploits against the Moors, and overcome in a private combate,Wherefore the Rose was adjoyned to Arms of the House of Orsina. a most fierce and mighty Saracin, who carried a Rose upon the top of his wreathed Turbant, returned home into the Kingdom with great honour, and for a token of that Victory, joyned it with much glory to his Arms, whereupon through his great magnanimity and valour, was made Prince of Taranto. That Principality hath been continued even to this present, one of the most important [Page] Members of the Kingdom, for it contained very much land, and Cities of greatest importance, which for brevity I omit to name; so that Ramondo being a very mighty and great Lord, the House of Orsina was very famous through all Italy. R [...]mondo married the Lady Mary of Eugenio ▪ of an honourable proginy in France, who after the death of her husband; having the tuition of her children, became Queen of Naples, at such time as King Ladislao besieged her in Taranto, who being not able to subdue her, resolved to take her for his wife, and so by that means to possess the Inheritance of the children of Ramondo, of whom the first was Iohn Antonio, who redeemed the Principality of Taranto with money from Iames, husband of Queen Ione. This Iohn Antonio increased much his Patrimony with Lands of great importance, and was highly favoured by Alfonsus of Arragon, Iohn Antonio Orsino, Prince of Tarento. King of Naples, who made him great Constable, which is the chiefest of the seven Offices in the Kingdom, with a hundred thousand Duckets yearly for a Pension.

And to return to the Counts of Nola, they were great L [...]rds, for they possest Sarno, Tripalda, Palma, Avella, Lauro, Forino, Ascoli, and other Lands.Counts of Nola. But afterward Felice Orsino, Prince of Salerno succeeded in the County, who having little experience in worldly affairs, through the d [...]ension and division of the Kingdom, lost his State in [...] time after the death of his Father. And King Ferrant the first gave Salerno to Robert [...], and Nola, Tripalda, Ascoli, Lauro, and Forino, to Orso Orsino, [...] great Chancellor of the Kingdom, and partner with him in the Wars against Iohn Antonio Orsino; whereupon the line of Romano Orsino, which had ruled Nola almost two hundred years, was extinguished, and the Principality of Salerno, rose of the House of Orsino 24 years after he had it. But this line afterward of the Count Orso, continued but a small time, for the Lady Santola, a Citizen of Nola, by whom he had two sons, the one Duke of Ascoli, and the other a Knight, lost all their Inheritance through the wicked means of their mother, who lewdly justified of her own accord, that they were not begotten by the Count Orso, were deprived of all their right by King Ferdinando, who gave the County of Nola, with Cimitino, Avella, Monforte, Lauro, Palma, and Ottoiano, to the Count Nicola Orsino of Pitigliano, whose successors possest it untill the year 1528. the which Don Arrigo, in serving the French, lost his life and his state also; and so ended the line of the Counts of Nola, which were so famous in this Kingdom.

Now returning to our former order, I say, that from the City of Nola are also sprung many other famous men, as well adorned with Learning, as with Military Discipli [...]e, which would be too teadious to repeat, and therefore I re [...]er the reader to Ambrogio Lione, who very exactly nameth and describeth them all. But for us it shall be only sufficient to name the Noble Families, which the said Leone writeth of, which are in the said City, and are these following, Albertino, Alfano, Barone, Capos [...]rosa, Candido, Cesarini, Coriale, Carmignano, Campobascio, The names of the Noble Families of Nola. de Ferrariis, de Elia, Freccia, Fellecchia, Fontana, Rosa, Del Iodice, Ioseph, Infante, de Gennaro, Maffei, Marifeulo, Morra, Mastril [...]o, Mazzeo, Notariis, De Palma, Perarii, Perrigioanni, Rehi, Risi, Santori, Sassolani, &c. and at this present the Bishop of this City, Fabritio Gallo Neopolitan, a Prelate (besides his learning) a man of sincere and pure life, who with much diligence composed a Sinodal Book of his Diocess. There are many other places, the which I think not fit to recite all, but the greatest and most important I have not omitted any, but the small and little, as those which are thought to be of little or no account, I have neglected, assuring you, that to the integrity and soundness of the Work, it shall not fail in any momentary matter.

The Arms of this Noble Country is in a Field Asur [...] Cornucope in salter thorow the middle of a Crown the first of [...]eres, the other Bacchus or;The Arms of this Province of Lavoro. the which Arms signifie the great fertility and abundance of the Country, which as it were Queen of every other Province, exceeds them in all the benefits of Nature. Whereupon in confirmation of what I have said, I will concluded with L. Floro, who speaking thereof, thus writeth, ‘[Page]Omnium non modo Italia, sed toto orbe terrarum pulcherrima Campaniae plaga est: Nihil mollius coelo; nihil uberrius solo, nihil hospitalius mari. Denique bis floribus vernat, ideo Liberi, Cererisque certamen dicitur. Hic illi nobiles portus Caieta, Misenus, & tepentes fontibus Baiae, Lucrinus, & Avernus, qu [...]dam maris otia. Hic amicti vitibus montes [...]aurus, Falernus, Massicus, Pulcherim [...]s omnium Vessuvius, Aetaeni ignis imitator. Vrbes ad mare, Formiae, Cumae, Neapolis, Herculanium, Pompei, & ipsa caput urbium Capua, quodam inter tres maximas, Romam, Carthaginemque numerata, &c.’

The PRINCIPALITY On this side the second Province of the Kingdome OF NAPLES.

THe ancient Inhabiters of this Province were called the Picentini: But Arechi the second, 14th Duke of Benevento, in the year 755.Arechi, Duke of Benevento, in the year 755. much enlarged his Dukedom, for as much as he not only subdued by force of Arms the Picentine people, but also the Irpini, whereupon growing proud, usurped the Title of Prince, and was the first in Italy that attributed to himself that Title, and so commanded that his State should be no more called a Dukedom, but a Principality. And from hence perhaps it so came to pass, that within a while after from that new Title of Prince,The Confines of the Picentini ▪ all that part of the Picentini, and of the people Irpini, by one only name were called Principato. The Confines of the Picentini, [Page] according to Strabo, Ptolomy, and Sempronius, hath on the West the happy Campania, on the North the Irpini, on the East the River Silaro, and Basilicata ▪ and on the South the Tirren Sea. This said Country was within the said limits in breadth 16 miles, and in length, beginning from Sirenuse even unto the mouth of the River Silaro 260 furlongs, which is 33 miles. But according to Pliny only 30.

Where the Picentini dwelt.

Why the Picentini were driven away by the Romans.

The City Picentia.

the circuit of which Country contained a part of old Campania. The Romans brought these people from Adria to inhabit here about the borders of Pestano. But afterward being Confederate with Hannibal the Carthaginian, the Romans for this cause became afterwards their enemies, who in disdain drove them out of the Country, and were forced to dwell elsewhere, as some report, their principal City was Picentia, as Pliny testifieth, the which are also so named by Pomponius and Silius in his eight book, from the which these people derive the name Picentia, of the Picentini, as some say. Others affirm that the Sabines having chosen of a new people, ce [...]ain Colonies, sent them under the Conduct of Pico, which brought them into the borders of Pestano, and there built the City of Picentia, Sundry opinions of the Picentini. from whence they were afterward called Picentini. Others say that they were so called of Piceno, from whom their fore-fathers draw their first original, and that from their City the people were so called. And last of all others say from Pico, their Captain, they had that name, which led the first Colony of Sabines into a part of Pestano. The Territories of this Province are very fruitfull in many places of all sorts of Corn, and have sufficient store of Cattel;The fertility of the Province. and where there is not that abundance of these things yet that great Mother Nature yieldeth other things very plentifull, which in time of Harvest sufficiently appears, that even among themselves there seems a certain emulation. Besides this, the Sea, which every where with great abundance of divers sorts of Fishes, both shel-fish and others, furnish it, as it were glorying it self comes nothing behind the other. To conclude, the greatest part of this Region bringeth forth Corn, Wine, Oyl, Rice, and all other sorts of pulse. And those places which are any thing scarce of these things, besides divers excellent Fruits, yield Hony, Silk, Bombace, and Saffron: whereupon many say this Region is seasoned and tempered with all the graces. It is also adorned with pleasant Woods, and thick and shady Groves, and hath high and stately Mountains, and delightfull Hils, with great plenty of Springs and sweet waters. On the Sea-side it hath many secure & safe Havens, and goodly Shores, and the places much inhabited; it hath besides all sorts of fruitfull Trees, and particularly those which were transported by Hercules unto us out of Media, as Citrons, Limons, and Oringes, which the beautifull Nymph Amalfi planted in the pleasant Vallies of this Country, a place which seemeth to the beholders thereof, a most beautifull Embrodery or Arras work, where the nearer a man cometh, the more pleasure increaseth both to the eyes and the nose, besides the Mirtle Trees, the Bayes, the Gelsomine, the Roses, the Rosemary, and Flowers of sundry kinds, and other the like Plants, from whence proceeds such a fragrant smell, which mingled with divers odours, yields an admirable sweetness. Who can be able to declare the ornament and furniture of the Vines, from whence are had such sweet and delicate Wines? Verily the places of this Region are so delightfull and pleasant, that they are worthy to be numbred among the most beautifull and most delicate of all Italy. And here the air is temperate and wholsome, and through all the year excellent hunting▪ both for fowls and beasts. In truth the Territory of this beautifull Region is such, that all Italy hath not almost the like, wherefore it may be called a perfect work of Nature. In praise whereof that learned Iulius Cesare Scaligero composed these Verses,

Quae Borcae g [...]lidas furias contemnit ovantis:

Torva procellosi despicit arma Noti

Medorum, & silvis foecundas provocat auras,

Fundit, & à biseris Indica dona jugis.

Protinus Autumnus veris cum tempore certat,

Et ver cum Autumni tempore certat item

[Page]Huc accessit hyemes venerantibus uda capillis,

Et peperit mirans, & sibi poma legit.

Tuta mari fruitur: terrae dominatur amarae,

Et coeli mutat jura. quid ergo? Dea.

But having now made a description of this Country, which beginneth at the mouth of the River Sarno, leaving the Castle of Stabie, going by the Mediterrane, four miles distant from the said River, is the City Noceria, whereof M. Tullius and Livy makes often mention;Noceria. now called of the Pagans Nueera, because the Saracins held it a certain time, their Army being overthrown at Garigliano by Pope Iohn the tenth. This said City is indued with the dignitie of a Dukedom under the Family of Carrafa. And in this City among others, are these Noble Families, Pagano, Rinaldo, and Vngro. On the right hand of Nucera are certain Hils, in the midst whereof lieth the Land of Tramonti, so called because it is situated between the Hils. At the side of these Hils on the left hand, near to a very pleasant Valley, is Sanseverino, Sanseverino. a good and an excellent Country, from whence (as some affirm) the noble Family of Sanseverino derive their original, whereof have descended more excellent Warriers then were in the Trojan horse, of whose noble deeds Histories make sufficient mention, and whereof we have also discoursed in the noble Families of Naples, whereto I refer the Reader.

But returning to the said Country (although it be of a later time) nevertheless is very famous for the excellent Wines that are had out of the fertile Valleys thereof, which the Latines call Amineum vinum, whereof Virgil saith, ‘Sunt & Animeae vitis firmissima vina.’ Some had opinion that from the ruines of the ancient City of Aminio, Sanseverino should be builded, in which noble Country are many worthy Families, as the Curiale, Capacini, Caiano, Folliero, dell' Abbadessa, Pandone, Pescara of Sarno, Sambarbato.

The water of Mela.Somewhat lower into the said Valley is a Country called the water of Mela, of the Latines named Aqua Malorum, where died Queen Margarite of Durazzo, wife to Charls the third, King of Naples. Near to the said Country is a certain River which passeth a few miles, but dives under the earth, running through certain holes and Channels in the ground unseen, the space of a hundred paces, and then riseth out again so great and clear as at the first. On the right hand of the Valley, and of the River, upon a hill, is the City of Cava, so named by the situation where it standeth. For that Adalferio Pappacarbone, a noble Salernitan in the year 910.

Cava and the beginning thereof in the year 910.

Adalferio Pappacarbone.

drawn with holy zeal to do penance for his sins, retired himself into this place, abiding in a certain Cave. The fame of his vertuous and holy life, encouraged many to do the li [...]e, whereupon in process of time it came to pass that place was much frequented for the worship and reverence of the sacred Hermitages and Churches that were there; for the which Guaimaro the sixth, Prince of Salerno in the year 940.Guaimaro, Prince of Salerno, the 6. an. 940 built for the benefit of the Monks of the Order of S. Benedict, a sumptuous and stately Monastery, and indued it with great Revenues. In process of time following, the said Monastery was given in commendum to certain Prelates, but came afterward into the possession of the Cardinal Olivero Carrafa, who understanding the good life of the said Monks restored it to them again, Pope Leo the tenth agreeing thereto; at which time the Cavaioli desired of the said Pope a Bishops Sea, which they obtained, and moreover was ordained that for maintenance of that Pastoral Charge, the Monastery aforesaid should give yearly to the Bishop a thousand and eight hundred Duckets of Revenue; and so it appeareth that the Cavaioli had made a great beginning to their Cathedral Church. Thus much concerning the original of this City, where are these Noble Families, Anna de Curtis, Gagliardo, Longo, Ponza, Rocca, and Tosone. The Cavaioli are ingenious men, and of great Traffick; but above all, full of spirit and courage, wherein generally appeareth in them a ready inclination to fight, and are very obstinate in their opinions, and [Page] therefore very litigious, and full of contention with every one. Returning to the shore of the Sea, from Nuceria eight miles, leaving the Castle Amare, and on the left hand also passing by a great and mighty high Hill, where from the side that lieth towards the North is Gragnano and Littere, small Countries,Gargano. Lettere. in the Plain going by the side of high and spacious Mountains, which pass along to the Terrene Sea, makes the Cape of Minerva or Ateneo, called also Pren [...]sso, Sirreo, The Cape of Minerv [...]. and the Hill Equano, which is now so called by the Amalfi, in which arm of Land are these Cities, Vico, Sorrento, and Massa, which we have described in the Province of the Land of Lavoro, being so divided by the Kings Court. In the aforesaid arm of Land endeth the Haven of Crattera, or rather the Gulf of Surrento, made of two Promontories, that is by Miseno and Ateneo, which lieth towards the South. Now all the circuit which is in that bending, which is of this Promontory towards the East even to the nearest places of the Territory of Salerno, now belonging to old Campania (as Strabo affirmeth) is called (as [...]ath been said) the Coast of Amalfi, from the City of Amalfi, The Caost of Amalfi. where lieth a pleas [...]nt and an excellent Country to the South, which is in length little less then twenty miles▪ Here between the stony and craggie Rocks and steep Hils, lieth Pasetano, Praiano, Trani, Pasetano. Praiano. Trani. Amalfi. The body of St. Andrew the Apostle: Pietro Capoan ▪ Cardinal, in the year 1208. The Church of the Capucines. and the noble and pleasant City Amalfi, in the which in a most sumptuous and stately Church, is preserved with great reverence the body of St. Andrew the Apostle, where continually attendeth a Priest which hath charge thereof, which (they say) accustometh to bestow on every one that comes thither, certain Viols full of clear and sacred liquor, by the Citizens called Manna which (as they say) continually issueth from that holy body, the which was brought thither by Pietro Capoano of Amalfi, and Cardinal of St. Marcel, which was in the year 1208. The head of the said glorious Saint in the time of Pope Pius the second, was transported to the worthy City of Rome in the year 14 [...]4. where now it is most religiously kept. There is also the Church of the Capuocini, called the Canonica, the way whereof is very rough and difficult, where is a Reliquary made by the said Cardinal, wherein is preserved a great number of the Reliques of Saints. When I was there, I repuested the Keeper of the place to give me a Note of them, the which because he could not instantly do it, he sent it me afterwards to Naples, written by that good religious man in Verse, which followeth; the which pleased me so well, as to impart unto posterity those reverend and holy Reliques,

Religio, vel casus si huc te duxerit hospes,

Condita Sanctorum cernere corde kara

Clauditur, ô, tectis,

A Note of the holy reliques which are in Canonica.

quantus thesaurus inistis

Accedens sacris, collige, sisquo memor

Lumine nam tremulo spectabis brachia Cosmae

Carne, cruore, cute, & cum unguibus illa simul.

Sanguis inest Christi: quo dura ex morte redemptus

Es mortalis homo? respice, plange, geme.

Emicat hic ligni pars sancta ex cruce recisi:

Et tumuli sacri, spinaque morte Dei.

Nam caput hic Dioniedis adest venerabile cruce:

Ictu, Iacobe, alto est saucia calva tua.

Basilii caput est: Romani signa colenda:

Accedunt mentes Eustachii [...]ssa pias,

Hic Stephani, hic Zacheriae fulgentis, & ossa,

Insontis turbae frustula mult [...] jacent

Pangratii cerebrum est: Catharinae, ac optima mala:

Vrsula jamque suo sanguine corde movet.

Ossa hic Marci adsunt. Grisostomi, & ossa Ph [...]lippi;

Qui moveant nostras, excipiani que preces,

Plurima sanctorum monumenta hic deinque fragrant:

Quae carvere suo, haud, nomine, nota mihil

Haec ut scuta potes miserae tutamina vitae

Voce vocare diu, quaerere mente pi [...]i

[Page]Haec tibi succurrent posituro morte dolores

Namque sodalis eris, dum soci usque comes

Namque dies aderit supremi transitus orbis;

Qua potes istorum scandere laetus ope.

Nunc calamum sumpsi, nunc haec tibi scripta notavi

Vive praecor felix, & memor ipse mei.

Of what great Power and Authority the said City hath been, the stately Buildings that were therein sufficiently testifie, where at this present a great part of the sumptuous Arsenal or Store-House is yet standing,

By whom Amalfe was builded, and why it was so called.

Amalfo a Roman, Captain of the Emperor Constantine.

Amalfa the d [...]ughter of M. Marcello Ruffo, Roman. The Calife of Egipt, a great friend to the Amalfi, anno 1020.

Churches builded by the Amalfi in Ierusalem.

The Hospital of St. Iohn Baptist in Ierusalem. Pope Honorius 2 in the y [...]ar 1127.

Ramondo of Poggio, first great Master of the Knights of the Hospital.

How Rodes came into the possession of the Knights of St. [...]ohn The Amalfitani the founders of the Religion of the Knights of St. Iohn See the History of Henry Pantaleon de rebus memor [...]bilibus ordinis Johanitarum, Rhodiorum, ant Melitentium equi [...]um terra malique fortiter gestis. lib. 1. f. 3

wherein the Amalfitani kept their Arms and Weapons. In what time, or by whom the said City should be builded, there is no certainty; for some believe that in the year 520. certain worthy Romans which departed from the City of Melfi, and here residing, should build the said City, calling it Amalfe. Others attributing a more ancient original, say that it was builded by Amalfo a Roman, and Captain of the Emperor Constantine in the year 335. And finally others say, that a certain worthy Roman Lady called Amalfe, the daughter of Marco Marcello Ruffo, builded it, and that by her name it was named Amalfe. It increased in process of time with much people, and was govern'd many years as a Commonwealth under Dukes, and oftentimes made War with the Salernitani, and others which sought to trouble them, and often had the better, and especially of strangers, it became very famous for the Traffick of the Citizens thereof, the which for the great number of ships which they had sailing every where, had great Merchandize, whereupon through the Traffick which they made in the year 1020. obtained the favour of Calife King of Egipt, whereby they got safe conduct freely to Traffick into all his Territories, through the which favour, with large and bountifull gifts which the Merchants of Amalfi bestowed upon him, bound him in such manner, that they obtained what they would, and in particular had licence to build in Ierusalem a Church, with a house near to the holy Sepulchre of Christ, to receive the Latine Passengers which came to visit those holy places, the which Church was consecrated to St. Mary, commonly called the Latine, for a difference of the other places which they had near about the Greeks and Sorians; whereupon in a while after they built another house under the title of St. Mary Magdalene, where they received with all true charity and courtesie, all women that came to visit that Sepulchre. But so great a number of people repairing thither, and the place being little and narrow, they made an Hospital under the name of St. Iohn Baptist, and with the alms which was gathered of other devout people, maintained the Hospital, in which place they constituted a Head, which they called a Governor or Rector, whereupon after a certain time, a Governor of the said place named Gera [...]do in the year 1099. having a long time govern'd the aforesaid Hospital, began to bear together with his associates, a white Cross in the midst of the brest, on a black garment, and instituted and established a rule of life after the Order of St. Augustine. The same did Agnesa, which was Prioress of the Monastery of women. The said Religion was afterward approved by Pope Honorius the second, in the year 1127. The rule which was confirmed, went so well forward, that through the liberality of Princes they got great riches, and Ramondo of Poggio was created great Master thereof. Ierusalem being afterward taken in the year 1187. by Salandine Emperor of the Turks, the said Knights in the year 1189. had for their habitation the Isle of Rodes of Isancio Angelo the second, Emperor of Constantinople, whereupon by means of their habitation they were called Knights of the Rodes.

All this we thought good to say, for to declare that this Noble and Sacred Religion of the Knights, sometime of St. Iohn of Ierusalem, afterward of the Rodes, and now of Malta, have had their beginning from the said Amalfitani. Arrigo Pantaleon speaking hereof, in his History thus writeth,

Anno 1020. Interea Amalfitani celebris, ac pia gens Italiae varias merces, easque in solitas, & turcis gratissimas in Orientem navibus devexerunt, est autem Amalphia[Page]civitas exterioris Italiae, inter mare & montes eminentissimos sita, ab Oriente habet Salernum, ab occidente Surrentum, & Neapolim, ab Austro Siciliam Tyrrheno mari sejunctam. Ob has ergo novas merces Caliphae Aegiptio, caeterisque praefectis ac incolis Syriae erant acceptissimi, ita ut magistratuum licentia omnes regiones, & urbes circumire, atque merces distrahere omni metu se posito libere poterant. Illi autem Christianae religionis, & paternarum traditionum memores quoties occasio dabatur loca sancta visitabant. Quia verò Hierosolymis nullum haberent domicilium, ut in aliis maritimis civitatibus, amicis collectis, Calipham Aegiptium adeunt, ac per ejus proceres oblato scripto impetrant ut praesidi Hierosolymorum nunciaretur; quo Turcarum amicis in ea parte qua Christiani habitant locus amplissimus ad aedes oportunas construendas designetur. Hac occasione oblata, pecuniam passim à mercatoribus colligunt, & ad lapidis jactum ante januam Ecclesiae Dominicae resurrectionis, in honorem Dei, & Virginis Mariae monasterium erigunt; quinetiam alias aedes adjungunt, quae ad usus monachorum, atquae suae gentis hospitium satisfacerent. Hoc fundamento jacto, ex Amalphia monachos, & Abbatem [...]o transferunt, & locum ritu Romanae Ecclesiae Deo, & matri virgini consecrant: unde locus ille monasterium de Latina semper dictus fuit. Cum autem eodem tempore etiam sanctae viduae omnibus laboribus & periculis contemptis ea loca invisirent, nec inter se, mulieribus oratorium, & propriam domum extruxerunt, ubi postea monasterium Mariae Magdalenae peccatricis fuit constitutumut certus monialium numerus ibidem peregrenantibus foeminis inservirent. Paulò post etiam debet Caliphae filius cum Romano Argiropilo [...]mperatore Constantinopolitano foedus iniit, atque Christianis facultatem concessit templi Dominicae resurrectionis recuperandi, itaque Ecclesia illa circa annum salutis millesimum quadragesimum octavum restaurata fuit, Constantino Monaco sumptus suggerente, &c. In Amalfi the year 1300. was found to the glory of the Amalfitani by Flavio di Gioia the Mariners Compass by the vertue of the Adamant stone,Flavio di Gioia, the inventer of the Sea-card in the year 1300. with the Sea-card so necessary for Pilots, and Sea-men, the which invention was wholly unknown in former time, having no other help then the shadow of the Sun, and the North Star, as it appeared in that Voyage of Lucano, when Pompey after his discomfiture in Thessalia, going to Lisbone to fetch his wife Cornelia, making a journey afterward by Sea towards Egipt, demanded of the Master of the Ship,How they sailed in old time. and the Mariners, in what manner they guided their Bark in a direct course to perform their Voyages, where they knew no other way then what we have said. In old time Pilots and Sailers were accustomed every year to offer in the chiefest Church thereof, bountifull and rich gifts,Pilots and Sailers came every year to Amalfi. in a gratefull remembrance of so great a benefit; since the beginning of this excellent invention, they found out not only the longitude of the distance of every place, and the direct way from one place to another, but also to avoid contrary winds, the traversing of the waters, the fear of shipwrack, the danger of Rocks, and the incounter of Rovers and Pirats, whereupon Iohn Pontano calleth the said City Magnetida, and Antonio Panormitano in praise thereof made this Verse following, ‘Prima dedit nantis usum magnetis Amalphis.’

The said City is very pleasant for the beautifull Gardens that are there, and for the great plenty of water, which yieldeth great commodity in the making of wollen Cloath, and Iron, and Paper, which are there wrought. There are in this City these Noble Families, Alamagni, Amallano, Afflitto Austericcio, Bembo, Brancia, Bonito, Capoano, Cometurso, Comite Castello, Corsari, alias Don Musco, Cappa Santa, D' Arco Dentice, del Iodice, de Domio Marino, De Fusolis, De Platamono, Favaro, Molignana, Marramaldo, Petrarca, Pisanello del Barone Guglielmo. The Arms of this City have been a field per fesse gu. and Ar. plain crosses counter-changed, the which signifie no other then a unity and consort of things, which we have declared of the said City.

Not far from Amalfi is the beautifull and rich Country of Mairue, Mairue. full of honourable people, called by the Letterati, Maiorium, which was builded by Sichinolfo Longobard, Prince of Salerno in the year 842. although some affirm that it had its beginning of Sicardo Duke of Benevento, brother of the said Prince. The [Page] Citizens thereof were almost all Merchants, and very ingenious; it hath had at sundry times men of great worth, as Vinciguerra Lanario, which was Lieutenant of the Kings Chamber, Iohn Antonio Lanario, Councellor, and afterward Regent of the Councel of Italy in Spain with King Philip, by whom through his worthy merits he was created Count of Sacco. And moreover in those daies, that worthy and learned man Farrante imperato hath much honoured that Country, an excellent and most diligent searcher, and conserver of all the riches of Nature, and is very learned in the experience of simples, whereupon to his great charge hath collected so many divers things, and procured them from sundry parts of the world, which yield no small wonder to every one that sees them, for the which cause many learned men come from far Countries, allured through the same of this man, to see in Naples his admirable and rare studie. He hath composed two learned Works, the one a History of natural things, and the other of Treacle, the which Works are sufficiently known to the world. He maintains how in Naples his most honourable house, with great courtesie and kind entertainment, of the which the City of Scala may well boak, that the said Family descended from it, which florished with Military men.

Going a little higher, appeareth Minori, a little City which is very delightfull for the pleasant Gardens thereof full of Oringes, Citrons and Limons, and other Fruits.The City Ravello. Afterward in the top of a Hill is the City Ravello, full of goodly buildings, and the seat of Nobility, where in the principal Church thereof is preserved within a grate,The miracle of the bloud of St. Pant [...]eon. the miraculous bloud of St. Pantaleone, which being black, and hard as a stone, the day before and after its Feast (as they say) is liquid and moist, as it was at the time when it was first spilt. The Noble Families of the said City are these following, Acconciaioco, Alfano, Bove, Campanile, Confalone, Citarella, The noble Families of Ravello. Castaldo, Curtis, de Vito, de Insola, Fenice, de Foggia, Frezza, Fusco, Grifone, Iusti, Longo, Muscetola, Marra, Peroto, Rogadei, Rufula, Rustico, Sasso, Sconciaioco, and others. In these daies Paolo Fosco Bishop of Sarno, hath much honoured this City,Paolo Fosco. who writ two learned Books, one of Visitation and Church-Regiment, the other de Singularibus in jure Pontificio. Going a little farther is Scala, re-edified by the Longobards, The City Scala. in which City were these Noble Families, Afflitti, Alfani, Marini, Atrara, Bondello, Bonito, Cavaliero, Frisaro, Grisone, Mansella, Pando, The noble Families of Scala. Rufola, Samnella, Sasso del Cardinale, Staivano, Sebastiani, and others. The said City was burnt at the same time with Amalfi, by the Emperor Lotharius the third, because they had been very favourable to Ruggiero the Norman, King of Naples, which was in the year 1125. but was afterward by the same Citizens newly repaired.

Descending after towards the shore of the Sea, going from Amalfi, and sailing towards the East,The cape of Orso. is a little Promontory called the Cape of Orso, very memorable for the Victory Count Philip, Lieutenant to Andrea Doria had there, then Admiral of the King of France, against the Empereal Army, where were taken prisoners, the Marquiss of Vasto, and Ascanio Colonna, with the death of Don Vgo de Moncada Viceroy of Naples, and of Don Pietro di Cardona, and others; which thing was the cause that Andrea Doria left the service of the French King, and joyned with the Emperor Charls the fifth. The occasions that moved Doria to leave the French party, we have discoursed at full in the lives of the Kings of Naples, and besides in the Annals of the said Kingdom. Going along by the Continent of the Land, you come to Vieteri, called of the Latines, Vicus Veterum, and Vetus Vrbs, where are many delightfull and pleasant Villages, and going a little farther a mile distant from the Sea, appeareth the most ancient and famous City of Salerno, the Head both of this Region, and also of Basilicata, builded near the River of Silare, The River Silare, and Drumento. which riseth from the Apennine, where also springeth Drumento, which runneth down into the Adriatick Sea, the said City is situated at the foot of an arm of the Apennine, it hath in the front or fore-part, fertile and spacious fields, behind and on the left side high Mountains, on the right side the T [...]rrene Sea,The Gulf of Salerno, by Strabo called Sinus Pestanus. which is so near, that the wals are watred therewith; and from which a Gulf very perilous is so named, which Mariners now call the Gulf of Salerno: which by the Latines is named Sinus Pestanus, from the ancient City of Peste, which is now [Page] wholly ruinated, as is to be seen in the midst of the shore. Through all the Territory of Salerno, are seen pleasant Garden [...] ful of Oringes, Limons and Citrons, and other excellent Fruits, and al the year there are Flowers, which seem as a perpetual Spring, through the happy influence of the heavens, wherefore Horace saith, ‘Quod sit hiems veliae, quod coelum valla Salerni.’ and therefore all the fruits that grow there are of singular perfection,Horace in his Epistles. and especially Pomgranates, and the Appian Apple, whereof is written, Omnia mala, mala, preter Appia Salernitana. The Grain Rice, which is there in great abundance, is very excellent and worthy praise; there are also precious Wines, and most pleasant in taste. Salerno was so named by the River Silare, whereof Lucan speaketh in his second Book, Radensque Salerne tecta Siler. But who should be the Founder thereof, no Writer hath made any mention. Yet the Citizens say, that Sem, the son of Noe built it, and for authority thereof,Salerno, why it was so called, and by whom it was built. alleadg an ancient Hymn which their Clergy were wont to sing the 15 of May, in celebrating the Feast of the Translation of St Fortunato, Caio, and Anthe, the which Hymn thus beginneth,

O Salernum civitas nobilis

Quam edificavit Sem Noe filius

Non tuis sed sanctorum meritis collaudaris.

It is true that it was an ancient Colony of the Romans, who fortified it, and put therein a strong Garison of Souldiers, for the doubt and distrust they had of the Picentini, Lucani, and Brutii, which were assembled together with Hannibal, Salerno, a Colony of the Romans. whereof Strabo in the end of his fifth Book thus vvriteth. Picentum vero Metropolis erat quòndam Picentia, nunc verò per vicos vitam agunt, ab Romanis expulsi propter initam cum Annibale societatem. Quo quidem in tempore, pro militari officio, Strabo, lib. 5. & viatoris publici aut tabellaris operam explerent assignati sunt, quem adm [...]dum, Lucani, & Brutii easdem ob causas. Paulum autem supra mare Romani Salernum custodiae gratia in eos munierunt, &c. Afterward under the Triumvirat of Ti. Sempronio Longo Consul, and of M. Servilio, and of C. Minucio, Thermo;Salerno a Colony of the Romans. was made a Colony at the same time with Pozzuolo, Vulturno, Linturno, and Buxento, and from that time following was that City confederate with the Romans, and govern'd as their Commonwealth, nor ever was it unfaithfull unto the reverend Majesty of the Roman Empire, by which means it increased in honour, and grew very populous; but alwaies defended it against the fury of Barbarians. But Italy being afterward overrun by the Longobards,

Salerno under the dominion of the Longobards.

Sicardo, Duke of Benevento slain.

Salerno came also under their Dominion, and so in the year of Christ 839. Sicardo the 18. Duke of Benevento, and fifth Prince, being slain by Naningone Radelchi the Treasurer took the Principality of Benevento, all things being then in hurly-burly: The Salernitans grudging at that Election, and to be alwaies subject to the Beneventani, with secret practises attempted to wring the Seigniory from the hand of Radelchi, and to give the same to Sichinolfo, the brother of the late slain Sicardo, who was then in prison at Taranto; but they perceiving so great an enterprise could not be well undertak [...]n without the help of the Amalfitani, made league with them, and so by common advice sent a Bark well armed, under shew to buy certain earthen Vessels, which with great secricy they sent to Taranto, where the Bark arived, and they landed those to whom the charge of so great affairs were committed, so ordered the matter that they came thither by night, and not knowing where to remain, were received by the Gaoler, under whose custody that miserable Sichinolfo continued, whom they corrupted with money, and made so drunk with wine, became therewith so drowsie, that easily they brake up the prison, and released Sichinolfo, wherewith they merrily entred their Bark and came to Salerno, where the name of Sichinolfo being advanced by his partakers and favorites, they drove away and killed the Officers and adherents of Radelchi, Sichinolfo, Prince of Salerno, An. [...]. and proclaimed him Prince and Lord in the year 840. there joyned with Sichinolfo, Landolfo, Count of Capoa, and likewise in favour of him came Orso, and Radolmondo, the one Lord of Cou [...]a; [Page] and the other of Agerenza. Radelchi seeing so dangerous a conspiracy at hand, and fearing though he delayed no time, they would notwithstanding gather greater force, with an incredible courage caused his people to be assembled, and got together a goodly Army, wherewith he came against Salerno, whom Sichinolfo deferred no time to incounter; having all these people united together, Salernitani, Capoani, Argentini, and Conzani, and coming with him to hard strokes, remained conqueror, having put the Beneventani to slight, and many of them cut in pieces, won their Quarters, and took from them many Ensignes. Whereupon with plenty of spoil and glory, entred Salerno with great triumph; and having got so great strength, which was not only sufficient to defend, but also to assail the enemy in his own quarter, with a mighty Army came against Benevento. But the Beneventani being not able to indure, that to the ill-fortune of the first overthrow should be annexed new ignominy, became so desperate to be thus disparaged, charged the back of Sichinolfo with the uttermost of their fury, forcing them to retire, and turn their back, having put to the edg of the sword not a few of those which were not speedy for their own safety. The Saracins of Sicilia understanding these stirs,The Saracins of Sicilia enter Calauria. unwilling to omit so good an occasion, incontinently entred Calauria, and overcame Taranto, going against Puglia, a City of the same Province, put it to sword and fire.

In the mean time Lodovico King of Italy being invited by Londone, Count of of Capoa, son of Landolfo, to yield some redress to the afflicted state of the Longobards,Lodovico King of Italy maketh a division of the State. having cut the Saracins in pieces, made division of the Principality between Sichinolfo and Radelchi, who remaining Prince of Benevento, with the bounds of that State, and Sichinolfo possessing the rest, with title of Prince of Salerno, which was in the year 847. and so was made the division of the Principality of Benevento between these Lords; and now began the title of the Principality of Salerno. Anno 847. The Arms of these Princes now laid aside▪ Sichinolfo no long time after enjoyed the fruits of his great labours, being assailed with a grievous sickness, departed this life,The death of Sichinolfo. Sicone. having by Itta his wife left one only son, by the name of his grandsire called Sicone; who being also a child, left him to the tuition of Pietro his Gossip. Sichinolfo reigned little more then ten years with fame and the reputation of a liberal and a valiant man, to whom Radelchi was not much inferior, who having reigned twelve years lacking one month, died the year 8 [...]0. leaving heir of his estate his son Radelgario.

Lodovico King of Italy being gone, the Saracens that held the City of Bari, began by little and little to spread over Puglia, and to prey and spoil the Country,Lodovico, King of Italy recalled by the Longobards. Adamario 2 Prince. Danserio 3 Prince. Guaiferio 4 Prince. Guaimaro 5 Prince. Gisulfo 6 Prince. The body of St. Matthew the Apostle brought to Salerno. Landolf 7 Prince. Guaimaro the 8 Prince. The Emperor Currado entreth Italy. the which thing proceeding happily, partly encouraged them to spread even to the Tirrene Sea, forraging and miserably spoiling Calauria, and partly to run thorow all the Principality of Benevento, whereupon the Longobards being unable to resist so many evils, recalled Lodovico again into Italy, who delayed no time to come, and having with many battels brought the Saracins to extream misery, conceiving indignation against Sicone, banished him from Salerno, and constituted Prince thereof Ademario son of Pietro. To Ademario succeeded Danferio, and to him Guaiferio, and next after Guaimaro, who died the year 950. by whose death his son Gisulfo succeeded in the Principality, in whose time things were in some quiet.

In the year 954 the body of St. Matthew the Evangelist was brought to Salerno, which had been first in Ethiopia, where he suffered martyrdom; and after in Brittain, was found by revelation of the same Saint, the Authors of that age write, that three years after were seen two Suns, and that in the Month of Iuly, two daies together, all the Sea which is between Naples and Cuma, became sweet. Gisulfo was a mercifull and valorous Prince, and began in the honour of the said Saint, a magnificent and stately Church, beautified with high and mighty Pillars of Marble, and under the Alter bestowed the sacred body of the said Saint, (where they say) is seen much Manna, which alwaies issuing from his reverend bones, are often the occasion of admirable effects. Gisulfo dead, the Principality fell to Landolfo, who being possest with zealous and holy devotion, continued Monk, and in the year 998 resigned his State to Guaimaro, the son of the other Guaimaro. [Page] In the year after 1038. the Emperor Corrado entring Italy for the displeasure he conceived against the Archbishop of Millan, and understanding the injuries and tortures which the Prince of Capoa had do [...]e to the Monks of Casino, being very dishonest and wicked, the Emperor came with his Army to the Mount Casino, and again understanding the lamentations and complaints of the Fathers, incontinently went to Capoa. The Prince fearing him, retired into the Fort of St. Agata ▪ the which he one day doubting his ill dealings, had caused to be very strongly fortified; whereupon the Emperor being not able to lay hold of him▪ deprived him of the Principality, and gave the same to Guaimaro, Prince of Salerno. Guaimaro being now become a mighty Prince, through the uniting together of so many great possessions, received Ambassadors from Mainace, Lieutenant of the Emperor of Greece, desiring him to give him aid of his Normans, he being with a mighty Army of Grecians, and many Calaurians, and Puglians, in expedition to expell the Saracins out of Sicilia. To whom the Prince sent Guglielmo, Dragone, and Vnfrido, the sons of Tancred with 300 other Normans, a small number, but valiant people, with the which they recovered a great part of Sicilia.

Now the Prince Guaimaro growing proud with so great felicity ill intreated the Salernitani, whereby becoming odious to all, they took one day occasion, that as he went to recreate himself upon the shore of Salerno, to assault him, and gave him 36 deadly wounds; and afterward in contempt of him,Guaimaro slain by the Salernitans. they drag'd him a long time about the Walls of the Fortress and the City. But Guido Lord of Surrento inviting the Normans to aid him, neglected not the revenge of his brothers death, having recovered the City, and put Gisulfo his son into his Fathers Seigniory, executed 40. for the death of the Prince.

But within a few years following, Gisulfo grew into controversie with Ruberto Normando, Duke of Puglia his Cousin,

Ruberto Normando Count▪ of Puglia, and Prince of Salerne.

King Charls 1 made Prince of Salerne.

the Duke with a strong siege begirt Salerno, where finding the Prince grievously sick, died not long after, and so came the Principality of Salerno under the Normans, who after with the title of King, governed the whole Kingdom, from whose dominion in the year 1195. it fell into the House of Suevia, by the right of Queen Constance, the only heir thereof, from whence it came to pass in the year 1265. that Charls of Angio having slain Manfred, and overcome Currandine under the French, created his first begotten son, cal'd Charls the lame, Prince of Salerno, who succeeding in the Kingdom, was the second of that name. Afterward the Kingdom came under the Durazze, which Queen Ione the second having a desire to recompence in some measure the services which Antonio Colonna had done for her, created him Prince of the said City, which Seigniory retained certain years, untill Alfonsus of Arragon the better to settle his foot in the Kingdom, having with large promises drawn unto him Raimondo Orsino, Count of Nola, a puisant Lord, to bind him the more unto him,Ramondo Orsino Count of Nola. made him Prince thereof, which dignity remained no long time in that house, for that it fell into the Kings Exchequer by rebellion of Daniel Orsino, the which Principality King Farnando in the year 1463. gave to Ruberto Sanseverino Count of Marsico, his great Admiral.Ruberto Sanseverino, Prince of Salerno, 1463. Salerno a R [...] gal City. Notwithstanding that Seigniory continued not long with them, for that Ferrant the third, Prince, made rebellion against the Majesty of Cesar, whereby all his estate was confiscate; and so from thenceforth the said City was made a part of the Kings demesnes; now it remaineth peaceable under the protection of the most potent Catholick, King Philip.

All this I thought good to declare, the better to satisfie the Reader, how this famous City came under Princes, and last of all their Kings.

But now returning to speak of other things, which give no small ornament to this City; one thing is the publick and famous School, which for a long time hath alwaies florished in every faculty, and especially in Philosophy and Phisick, for which it was called the City Hippocratica; Francisco Petrarea speaking thereof in his Commentary, thus writeth, ‘Fuisse hic Medicinae fontem testator antiquitas,’ [Page] And although it be a most ancient famous Uniuersity; nevertheless it is said, that in the year of Christ 802. Charls the great instituted it, at which time two others were founded by him, the one in Paris, and the other in Bologna. This City is very plentifull of all necessary things for the sustenance of living creatures, and in it is the Kings Audit, and the Treasury of the Province. The Citizens thereof are very ingenious and nice,The University of Salerno founded by Charls the great, an 8 [...]2. and very much inclined to the exercise of weapons, and learning, and to all vertuous indeavours, they are also very courteous and modest, and generally in all appeareth a certain natural civility: the Nobility is divided from the people in three Quarters or Courts, which they call Seggi, and are these, Portanova, Portaretese, elo Campo, in the which Seggi are these Noble Families following.The disposition of the Salernitans. In Portanova are Aversani, Capograssi, Comiti, dello Iodice, Grillo Longo, Mazza, Morra, Pagano, Pinto, Santo Mango, Salernitano, de Stafano del Barone d' Accadia, Scattaretichi, Serluchi, & Vicarii. In Portaretese are these, Aiello, Coppola, Capoano, Curiale, del Pezzo, Guarna, Pagliari, Pantoliano, Prignano, Manganaro, Porta, Rascichi, Rugiero, and Vivaldo. In the Segge of Campo, Castellomati, Cavaselice, David del Regente, del Pezzo, Granito, Guardato, Grillo, Ruggio, Sciabichi, Solimeni, and Trentacapilli. There are also many other ancient and Noble Families, the which for that they are not comprehended in any of the said Seggs, I think it not amiss at this time to make no mention of them.

The [...] of SalernoAnd therefore you are to understand, that although of the Family of Pezzo there is mention made in two of these Seggs, yet for all that are they not two different Families, but one and the same, being a thing very manifest, that their original came from Collen, a famous City of Germany, where at this present is a branch of the ancient stock, and descended from Iohn del Pezzo, a valiant and famous Captain, which wandring along time, served in the Wars both here and there, whereupon by means of the Wars which were in Italy, came hither, following the faction of the Arragonese, and as he was very expert in military discipline, shewing much maturity of wit, and invincible courage of an excellent mind, and incomparable wisdom to resolve the difficulty of the affairs of Warr. He was in great estimation with Alfonsus the first King of Arragon, from whom he obtained many bountifull and rich gifts. Of the valour and magnanimity of the said Iohn, a certain large priviledg maketh sufficient mention, which I have seen, made by the same King, under the date of Castiglione of Peschiera, in the year 1448. and 23 of Ianuary, in the which priviledg was decreed that one Pietro de Biscolis should not presume to bear for his Arms, a Lion se [...]ant or. with the tail through his legs, and turning up towards the head above a fesse ar. in a field gu. declaring that these Arms were the ancient Ensignes and Coat Armor of the said Family. Besides, the said Family prospereth in many other Corporations, in divers places, as Pietro de Pezzo descending of Iohn, went to Amalfi to the Government of that State, was comprehended in the number of the Nobility of that City, and Luke his brother serving the Duke of Amalfi, Marquiss of Guasto, in the Wars of Lombardy, being a Captain of much renown, in his return, passing by Rome, was by the Decree of the Senate made with his successors of the race and line of the Roman Senators, the which line is now to be seen, in the Segge of the Nobility of Campo, in Salerno. And Francesco del Pezzo the son of Pirro, being by the favour of King Philip created Auditor of the same Province, was reckoned among the Nobility of the Segge of Portaretese. This Family hath alwaies had excellent men, both in Learning and Military affairs. And among others, Don Ieronimo del Pezzo, a noble man, well qualified, which for his excellent parts was by the favour of King Philip, honoured with the Order of the Knights of St. Iames. And among the rest Iohn Andrea, Knight of St. Iohn of Malta, which valiantly fighting in the enterprise of Zara died there; and now liveth with much honour, Silvio, Knight of the same Malta, and of sincere life and singular learning besides the Lord Cesare del Pezzo Bishop of Sulmo. What they were in old time their royal issue sufficiently declares; the men of this Family have been Lords of many Castles and great revenues. But in these daies they possess the Barony of St. Mango in Cilento, and the Barony of Prato ▪ St. Pro in the County of Aquila [...] the one is Baron Tiberio del Pezzo descending of Luke, a Lord of [Page] most pleasing behaviour, and a great lover of vertue (which is one of the rarest Noble men of these daies) the other possesseth Hortenzio del Pezzo Doctor of Law, and descended from Pirro before said.

Now returning to Salerno, in whose reverend Churches the bodies of many Saints are in rest, whereof Marc. Antonio Marsilio Colonna, Arch-Bishop of the same City, very largely discourseth.Marc. Antonio Marsilio Colonna, Archbishop of Salerno. Famous men in Phisick. Matteo Silvatio Trotula. Abella. Mercurial. Rebecca Guarna. Boccuccio Grillo. Iohn de Proeida ▪ Author of the Sicilian Evening. Paolo Grisignano Francesco de Alfano. Antonello di Rugiero. Pietro Bailardo. Many ingenious and learned persons have given great ornament to the said City, as in Phisick Matteo Silvatio, who at the instance of King Rubert writ Aphorisms, of Phisick: Trota, or Trotula de Ruggiero, a woman of great learning, which composed a book De morbis mulierum, & eorum cura, and another de compositione medicamentorum. Abella which very learnedly writ two books in Verses, the one de Atrabile, the other de natura seminis humani. Mercurial composed four books, the first de Crisi, the second de febre pestilentiale, the third de cura ulcerum exteriorum, and the last de unguentis. Rebecca Guarna writ de febribus de urinis, & de Embrione. Boccuccio Grillo writ de differentiis pulsuum, & de febrium causis. Iohn of Proeida, although he were Lord of the Isle of Procida, notwithstanding he was an excellent Phisician, and composed a learned Work of Phisick, and was the Author of the Sicilian Evening against the French. In the same profession there have been in these latter daies very excellent men, as Paolo, Grisignano, Francesco d' Alfano, Antonello, and Iohn Cola di Rugiero. In the faculty of the Law were very famous Pietro Bailardo, of whom the Gloss maketh mention in L. quinquepidum, C. finium regendorum. Iohn Cola de Vicario, an expert▪ Doctor, which is much commended by Iohn Vincenza, in the deciding and defining of freedoms and priviledges, Charls de Ruggiero for his learning was a Counceller of great estimation, of whom Afflitto testifieth in his definitions. Tomaso de Simeone, whose Works not long since were committed to the Press by Sebastian Maffa. Iohn Angelo Papia, a most worthy and famous Doctor now liveth, and hath read 26 years continually in the publick Schools of Bologna. Pirro Alfano, a man of excellent fame, whose writings are a sufficient testimony. No less famous have been Iulio Pomponio Lieto, Masuccio Guardato, Iohn Andrea Longo, and Andrea Guarna, Iohn Cola di Vicario. Carlo di Ruggiero. Iohn Angelo Papia. Pirro Alfano. Pomponio Lieto Andrea Guarna Benedetto Ruggio. which composed that excellent and learned discourse, entituled, Bellum Grammaticale▪ Benedetto Ruggio being a very famous Rhetorician, was sent by King Alfonsus, Ambassador to the State of Venice, where he died, whose funeral Marc. Antonio Sabellico performed in the behalf of the said State, extolling his singular vertues. Moreover this City hath no little fame for the two mighty Fairs, which are there every year, the one the third of May, and the other the 21 of September, the first continueth eight daies, and the other ten, where Merchants come almost from all parts of Italy, Sicilia, Schianonia, Graecia, and Asia, and other Nations to sell their Wares. This City contended with Capoa for the precedence, and in the general Assembly of the States in the publick Parliament at Naples, which could not be finished for the obstinacy and wilfulness of the Factions,The Fairs of Salerno. the claim and contention, the Catholick King Ferdinando, moderated so the matter▪ that he appointed Capoa to speak, saying, that it should speak before Salerno. The Arms of this City is in a field Azur under the Evangelist S. Matthew the protector thereof, fix barrs Ar. and gu. the which Ensignes are the Arms of Hungaria, Which Charls the second of Angio King of Naples gave to the said City, because his wife Mary the only daughter of King Stephen, succeeded in the aforesaid Kingdom of Hungary, the said King Charls being before (as hath been declared) created Prince of Salerno.

Leaving Salerno and Sanseverino, twelves miles off, upon the side of a Hill is Sarno, the Town lieth beneath in the Plain, and the Castle is seated higher upon the Hill, which overlooketh both the Town and the Country.Sarno. From hence walking towards Naples, about a mile and half, we encounter the head of the River Sarno, over the which is an entrance or passage guarded with a Tower, naturally fortified by the River and the Hill;The River Sarno. the which place by the Inhabitants of the country is named the mouth of Sarno: The said country is adorned with the dignity of a Count, subject to the Family Tuttavilla. There are in it these Noble houses, Abbignente, Alteda, Balzerani, Lupo, Pandone, Mont [...]oro, Romandia, de Specchio, [Page] and others. Six miles after we come to Montoro, and not far off is the worthy Country of Montecorvino, Montoro. Montecorvino. built in a beautifull valley at the foot of a Hill, near the which, in a place which they now call Pattipaglia, are seen the ruines of the stately and ancient City of Picentia, called by Strabo, Picentum, which was destroyed by the Romans, because it was confederate with Hannibal the Carthaginian.Picentia, a famous City, why it was destroyed by the Romans. Acerno. The City Campagna. Eight miles off, near Acerno is seen among the Hils, Campana, a City so called because it is situated in the borders of the Province of happy Campania, and the said City is invironed by two little Rivers, the one called Atro, and the other Tempsa, the which are full of fish; and the Territory thereof is part plain, and part hilly, where are thick Woods of Oak, and therefore very good hunting both for Fowls and Beasts, the plain thereof is almost all full of Olive Trees, and Vines, and in the desert Hils are often taken goodly airs of strange Falcons. Of this City was the holy man St. Antonio a Monk of the Order of St. Benedict, St. Antony the Abbat, an. 625. who in the year 625, being created by his Monks, Abbot in the Monastery of the City Sorrento, went thither, where living godly, there died afterward, whereupon in token of his good life, God shewed after his death many miracles, and in particulars towards those which are visited with evil spirits, whose holy body the Sorentini with great reverence keep within their City, neither stick they to say that he was their Citizen. There are in the said City, these noble Families, Bernalla, Campanino, Ciminello, Greco, Guerrieri, de Nigris, Viviano, Tercasia, and others. Now liveth with much honour to this City▪ Augustino, and Detio Bernalli, both Doctors of the Law, and very learned, and great lovers of vertue. The said City was in the time of the ancient Kings indued with the dignity of a Count; but in the year 1530. the Emperor Charls the fifth advanced it to the Title of a Marquiss, in the person of Honorato Grimaldo Genoway, Lord of Monaco, under the enstalement (to speak like a Lawyer) to hold it as a feuditory liegman, and not with the succession of inheritance, whereby he that is Lord of the Castle of Monaco, and shall defend it at the pleasure of the King of Naples, doth succeed to the said Marquiship.Conturso. Eight miles distant is the Country of Conturso, the which is compassed with the Rivers Sele and Negro, it hath a most pure Climat, and a plentifull Territory; of the said Country was that excellent and learned man Antonio Pepi, called by his sirname Peperone, which was judge of the great Court of the Vicaria in Naples, and writ a book de omni vero officio. Iohn Cola Pepi was very inward with the King Farnando, which for his great skill and experience in the Laws, was by the said King made his Counceller, and to Iames his brother he gave the Bishoprick of Capaccio. No less learned in these daies is Sertorio Pepi, a man singularly qualified and very faithfull. This Noble Family hath for a long time ruled the said Country, with other Castles.

Going then four miles is Quaglietta, a little Castle; and no more then 12 miles distant,Quaglietta. Evoli. but from Salerno 18. we come to the fair and ancient Country of Evolo, by Ptolomy called Ebulum, which was builded by the people Eborini, so naming it by the first son of Iupiter King of Athens, the said City stands not far from the River Sele, and the River Tusciano, the current or stream passeth along by the Walls thereof, named by the Country people, Toliero, which Virgil calleth Tanagro, Virgil in the 3 of his Georg. when he saith, Sicci ripa Tanagri. The River Sele called by Strabo, Siler, riseth in the Apennine, where the River Aufido hath his beginning, which runneth by Apulia, and falleth into the Ionian Sea, near Barletta three miles; but Sele runneth towards the South, and leaving Campania by Basilicata, in the end falleth into the Tirrene Sea. The said River (according to Strabo, Pliny, and Sillio Italico) hath the property to change into a stone whatsoever is put therein keeping the colour, and the first form thereof. It is reported by grave and credible Authors, that in the time of Ione of Angio, the first of that name, Queen of Naples, took the Scepter of the Kingdom,A woman changed to a man. Anno 1460. a woman of Ev [...]li, having brought forth a son, became her self a man. It is also verified that in the year 1460▪ in the same City, a woman called Emilia, maried to one Antonio Sponsa, after she had lived 12 years with her said husband, was changed to a man, and Pontano which knew her, testifieth that afterward she exercised the office of a man, and besides took a wife, and that allowing her a dowry, by commandment of King Ferdinando, the Judge [Page] inforcing the said Antonio to yield it her. The same Iohn Pontano, Iohn Pontano, Li. 10. [...] a man rather divine then mortal, witnesseth in his tenth book of Celestial things, which Antonio Panormita reciteth, that a woman of Gaera, after 14 years she had been used by her husband, her natural member suddenly altered, and she became a man, wherefore to avoid the scorns that were made thereof both by men and women, became a Frier, and so lived all the remainder of her life, where the said Pontano affirmeth to have known her, and that she was buried in Rome in the Temple of Minerva: Therefore that seemeth not so wonderfull which Pliny writeth in the fourth Chapter of the seventh Book of his natural History, which things,Pliny, lib. [...] a woman may turn to be a man. with all that appertain, seem rather impossible then miraculous; nevertheless for my self I cannot deny the authority of such persons, and especially that which Philosophy cannot only not deny, but also approve, for that according to Philosophers and Phisicians, the man differeth not, nor is known from the woman by any member, but by being either too hot or too cold, because the nature of man without all doubt is more hot then that of women, and by the power of this heat it so falleth out, that nature driveth out that member in men, which in women by reason of their coldness, remaineth inward, whereupon it may be, that after some certain time, or by some meat, or the air, or by some other occasion that coldness may be so inflamed and heated, that it may now do that, which in the birth it could not.

But returning to Evoli, the said City hath very fertile Territories, and spacious fields, abounding with all good things beneficial for the use of living creatures, whereof the said City glorying, beareth for Arms, the four Elements. The bones of St. Berniero lie with great reverence in it, in a glorious Church, dedicated to St. Peter the Apostle, at whose Sepulchre (as they say) God sheweth wonderfull miracles towards those which are possest with evil spirits.The body of St. Bernier [...]. The body of St. Vito. From the said Country eight miles, near to the River Silare is the reverend Church of St. Vito, where resteth his said holy body, together with Modesto and Crescentia the Nurse; whereupon all those which are bitten with mad-dogs repair hither, and by the intercessions of the said St. Vito (as they say) are presently healed.

There are in the said Country these noble Families, Caravita, Clario, Corcione, Christophero, Crispo, Fulgione, Fiorenza, Gentilcore, Granato, Giuliano, The noble Families of Ev [...] ly. Ligoro de Loisio, Malacarne; Marcancione, Mirto, Monaco, Millone de Novellis, Orso, Della Porta, Perretta, Ragoni, Raghi, Russo, Saceo, Troiano, and others.

Going from Evoli no more then twelve miles, is Aquaro, a good Country,The Country Aquario. Matthia Iuono. so called for the abundance of water which invironeth it round about. That R. Padre Matthia Iuono, sirnamed Aquario, of the Order of Preachers, hath given great honour to this Country, of the learning of this man, many Works written by him are sufficient testimony, that is to say, certain learned discourses upon all the principles of Logick, natural Philosophy, Metaphisick, and the Soul, upon the four Books of Sentences, and another book in particular of the exquisite learning of the controversies between St. Thomas and all the other Doctors and Philosophers, with a brief discourse de memoria artificiali,

The Country of Olivito.

The Country of Agropoli.

The air of Agropoli, and the effect therof.

The Castle of Abbate.

The Cape of Licosa.

The Castle of Bruca.

The River Electe.

The Isles of Enotrie, Isacia and Pontia.

The Country of [...].

& de significationibus terminorum juxta doctrinam Sancti Thomae. The said learned man died in the year 1591. Walking a little forward is the Country of Olivito, the natural Country of Camillo Borrello, an excellent Lawyer. Olivito was so named because the Territory thereof is full of Olives.

But leaving these Mediterranean places, and walking the ruinous way by the shore, we come to Agropolo, where is reported, that through the delicacy of the air, women at twelve years of age are capable of husbands, like to the Cipriots, which at that time lose their virginity. After we come to the Castle of Abbate, is the Cape of Licosa, first called the Promontory of Possidoniate; hard by is the Castle of Bruca a relique of old Velia, with the River Electe, which taketh the name from the City of Elea, and hither the Romans sent to celebrate their accustomed sacrifice to Ceres their Goddess. Before the Country of Elia are the two little Isles of Enotrie, which have two little artificial Havens, the one called Isacia, and the other Pontia. Afterward appeareth upon a high hill▪ Cammerota, in a small circuit of ground, builded (as some affirm) by the reliques of the ancient [Page] City of Molpa, The City Molpa destroyed. The Haven of Saprico, now called the gulf of Pulicastro. which standeth but a little distant. Going afterward some few miles is a goodly Fortress▪ Near Policastro, with the Gulf which the Ancients call the Haven Saprico, is the City of Sapri, now named Bonati. Within the Land is Capaccio, Novi, and the Valley of Diano, a litle from whence upon a hill is a Country called Atane, on the other side is Polla, Tito, and Sala, so called because the hils are full of Sage, whereupon because in this Valley riseth a great Spring of water which the City of Diano takes the name from, Atane of Atteone, Tito of Titan, which is the Sun, Apolla of Apollo, it seemeth from the resemblance and near affinity of these names, and from the pleasantness of the Country the Fable might here have had its beginning of Atteone, the son of Aristeo, with Diana. After followeth the Fenn with the rich Monastery of St. Laurence, possessed by the Carthusian Monks,Saponara. Marsico. The disposition of the people of this Province. and not far distant is Laurino, Saponara, and Marsico, with many other places.

But to conclude, touching this Province it remaineth that I now declare the disposition and nature of these people, which are of a strong constitution, and naturally merry, ready in arms, desirous of learning, wary in their affairs, and given both to pleasure and profit, they are also painfull and industrious, and inclined to Traffick; the Gentlemen are comely and neatly attired, nothing differing from the manner of the Neopolitans; but the common people respect not so much civility, for as much as they cloth themselves with cloth made of course wooll, and base attires on the head. All the men in general are very jealous, both of their honour and their wives, whereupon proceeds the old Proverb, Picentinorum Zelotypia. In bargaining and contracting their affairs, it behoveth a stranger to be very wary,A Proverb. for what with deceitfull and flattering speeches and many oaths,The Arms of this Province. they easily deceive those that buy any thing of them. The Arms of this Country is per fesse ar. & Sa▪ unto a Sea-compass, four wings extended and fixed in Salter, with the North-star in chief sinister or. The which said arms declare unto us that in this Province was found (as hath been said) the Mariners Compass, with the vertue of the Adamant stone and the Sea-card, by Flavio di Gioia, whereupon the two fields, the one signifieth the day, the other the night; the four wings which are joyned to the Sea-Compass, declare the four Cardinal Winds, and chiefest in the world, that is to say, the East, the West, the North, and the South; the shining Star signifieth the North Star, wherewith through that excellent invention, Pilots and Mariners might sail both day and night with any wind.

The PRINCIPALITY On the other side the third Province in the Kingdom OF NAPLES.

[Page]

THe people of the Principality on the other side, are part of the ancient Irpini, and derive this name from Lupo, which conducted them into this Province to inhabit,Strabo in his 5 book. for so much as the Sabines call Lupo, Irpo, the which Strabo declareth in the end of his first Book, saying, Ordine de hinc sunt Hirpini, & ipsi Samniticae gentis. Qui quidem ex Lupo nomen adepti fuerunt, The ancient limits of this Principality. qui eis in deducenda Colonia Dux oblatus est Samnites enim Lupum vocant Hirpum. The limits of these people were on the East Lucania, at this present called Basilicata, on the South a part of the said Basilicata, with the Picentini,The Vale of Beneventana, the principal part of Sannio. and the happy Campania, on the West the Sabines and the Vestini, on the North the Apennine Hils, and the Plain Apuglia, now called Capitanato, with the Saracins and the Peligni. There is also contained in this Province a Country, now called the dale of Beneventana, the principal part of all Sannio, The length of the Valley of Beneventana. where have been done greater exploits, and more in number then in any other part of Italy. This Country hath higher hils then the Apennine, from whence proceed in certain places little brooks, and from almost immeasurable Cliffs and Rocks,The Rivers Sabato and Vulturno. which is the cause of many Rivers, Streams, Lakes and Springs, it stretcheth in length (going along by the Apennine) 80 miles from the head of Vulturno, to the beginning of the River Silare in Basilicata, Matese, a Promontory of the Apennine. and of so many Rivers which water this Valley (except some few) all first fall into the River Sabato, and afterward into Vulturno, so that from the lower part, Sabato seemeth a snag, or a branch of a Tree, among all the other boughs thereof. In Matese, which is a Promontory of the Apennine, did inhabit [Page] the most valiant people of all Sannio. Of these people which remained upon these hils,The City Benevento, by whom it was built. Livy saith that they were alwailes faithfull to the Sannites, neither could the Roman Army go much before them. The principal City of this Region is Benevento, edified (as Servio affirmeth) by Diomedes the Greek▪ and Livy saith that it was first called Malvento, and that it was made a Colony of the Romans at the same time with Arimino, under the Consulship of P. Sempronio, and Ap. Claudio. The said City was maintained many years in great peace under the Government of the Romans, untill the coming of Tottila, King of the Goths into Italy, who destroyed it with great slaughter, and so remaining ruinated for certain years, was afterward repaired and possest by the Longobards more then two hundred years,Benevento possessed by the Longobards more then 200 years. at which time they became Lords of Italy, and established their siege or [...]ea [...] in the said City, and named it the Dukedom of Benevento ▪ the which Dukedom contained all happy Campania, which we now call the Country of Lavoro, except Pozzuolo and Naples, the greater part of the Sannity, of Benevento, Isernia ▪ and Guasto, even to the River Pescara, which of the Ancients was called Aterno; and all that which was contained under the name of Feligni, of Marsi, and of Marrucini, now commonly called Abruzzi. The Dukedom of Benevento, how much it contained.

The first Duke of Benevento which began to reign in the year 573: was Zotone, which reigned twenty years, to whom succeeded in the Dukedom, Arechi, sent thither by Agisulfo, King of the Longobards, who ruling 50 years, died, left his successor Aione his son, which died in the year 645. Aione dead, Rodoaldo five years quietly possest the Dukedom,The names of all the Dukes of Benevento. who died in the year 649. and left Grimoaldo his brother to succeed him, a worthy Warrier, who became King of the Longobards, the year 666. whereupon Romoaldo his natural son remained Duke of Benevento, which reigned 16 years, and died in the year 681. whom Grimoaldo the second,Arechi the second of this name, Duke of Benevento ▪ Who first undertook the dignity of a Prince in Italy. his son, succeeded, which reigning three years, and died the year 694. and left the Seigniory to Gisulfo his brother, who having reigned, as Erechemperto saith, 24 years, died the year 707. and left Romoaldo the second, his son, successor and heir of the Dukedom, which held that Seigniory 26 years, and died in the year 733. By the death of Romoaldo, Gisulfo the second, his son succeeded in the State, and died in the year 750. After Gisulfo, Luitprando took that Dukedome, which reigned 5 years, died the year 755. and Arechi the second succeeded him, which was a valiant and a worthy Prince, and as we have elsewhere said, was the first of all the Dukes of Benevento, which caused himself to be entituled Prince, and perhaps Lord of all others, which untill that age had but the particular title of Lordship. He would also wear a Crown upon his head, and caused himself to be anointed by Bishops, and in the end of his priviledges and Letters Papents, and other writings, caused this to be added, ‘Scriptum in nostro sacratissimo Palatio;’ the which dignity, in what manner he obtained it, is not known▪ except it were granted by King Desiderio, whose son in-law he was. Great were the Wars of this King which he made with the Romans,Pope Adrian. and the Bishops that lived in those daies in Rome; so that Adrian which at that time ruled the Apostolick Sea▪ was inforced for his refuge to slie to King Charls for aid of the French,Charls the great. in such manner that Stephen the second his predecessor, through the to [...]l and travel which King Astolfo urged him unto, was constrained to submit himself unto the power of King Pepin the second, father of the said Charls, who for his great enterprises was afterward sirnamed the great.

Then came King Charls in the aid of Adrian, and overcame King Desiderio, and took him prisoner in the year 774. in the month of May, The end of the Kingdom of the Longobards in Italy. and absolutely took the Kingdom of Italy from the hands of the Longobards, the which for the space of 2 [...]6 years possest the same; but he thought himself no absolute Conqueror unless he subdued the Prince Arechi, especialy for that by the right of his wife he pretended a title to the Kingdom of Italy, he made War against him. But the Prince knowing his power unable to resist the puissance of so mighty a King, which was now come to beleaguer the City of Benevento, was constrained to accept such Conditions as were offered unto him, acknowledging himself from thence forward to be under the Crown of France.

[Page]Many notable things are written by the Longobards of this Arechi;Charls the great was disguised as an Ambassador to see the Prince Arechi. for because that when Charls sent unto him Ambassadors from Salerno to perform the Covenants agreed between them, disguised himself through the fame of his great renown into the habit of a Royal Ambassador, to see himself the Prince Arechi, and having seen the Magnificence and splendor of his Court, the number of Knights that attended him, his great abundance of Plate, his Stables full of excellent Horse, and the majesty with the which he gave audience, and the wisdom wherewith he answered, returned to his people with great admiration, often times saying, that the Prince Arechi and his Court was far more excellent then the fame thereof. He bestowed much labour and great cost to repair, and newly to fortifie Salerno, that he might have one secure Fortress upon the Tirrene Sea.The City of Salerno fortified by Arechi▪ Arechi died the year 78 [...] ▪ There repaired unto his Court, Paolo Diacono when he fled to St. Mary of Trimiti, whether he was confined by Charls the great, and was by him and his wife well entertained. Finally, Arechi being of the age of 53 years, died the 26 of August, in the year of our Lord 787. having reigned Prince 29 years and 5 months. Arechi dead, Grimoaldo the third, his son, succeeded in the State, which with King Charls and Pepin, made great Wars, and died the year 807. having reigned 19 years and 6 months.

By the death of Grimoaldo, was created Grimoaldo the fourth, son of Delrico which was Treasuror of Prince Grimoaldo; but making himself odious to some, was slain in the year of our Lord 820. having reigned 12 years lacking 5 months. Great contention suddenly arose among the Beneventani about the Principality: but in the end Sicone, a noble Lord, was created, which died in the year 832. and reigned 12 years and 6 months. Sicone dead, his son Sicardo succeeded in the State, which made great wars with the Saracins that molested the Kingdom: But perceiving afterward they had set foot in Sicilia, and therefore doubting left in time they would overrun all the Islands of that Sea, sent through all those places to search out the bodies of Saints, which were there found, and caused them to be brought to Benevento with great reverence. Among which the most excellent and worthiest work he did, was, that he caused the body of St. Bartholmew the Apostle, to be brought from Lipare. The Saracins in Sicilia. S [...]. Bartholmew the Apostle. Sicardo was slain the year 839. having reigned 7 years wanting 2 months. After the death of Sicardo, Radelchi his Treasuror got the Principality of Benevento, which reigned 12 years, and died the year 850. in whose Principality succeeded Radelgano his son, which died the year 853. and left his successor Radelchi his brother, though by some Writers he is called Adelgisio, which fled into Corsica the year (as Regione saith) 873.Monte Casino destroyed by the Saracins in the year 884. Afterward Gauderi the son of Radelgario got the Principality of Benevento, who held it but two years and half, and to him succeeded the year 876. Radelchi his Cousin, son of the Prince Radelchi, and held the Principality 3 years lacking 9 months. The Principality of Benevento came into the possession of Aione, Leone Emperor of Cons [...]antinople. the year 879. under whose Regiment, and the ensuing Lords, the Saracins being almost the space of 40 years setled in a place called Garigliano, committed infinite evils through the Country of Lavoro. Among other mischiefs which were done in the year 884. they burnt the Monastery of Monte Casino. Not long after departed Basilio, The Dukedom of Benevento possest by the Emperor of Greece. Castaldo was a certain dignity which the Empero [...]s of Greece were accustomed to bestow on their favorites; which some say signifieth a Lieutenant▪ o [...] President. Emperor of Constantinople, the year 886. to whom succeeded Leone his first begotten son, in which time the Prince Aione taking occasion by the death of the Emperor, the greatest part of his State revolted; whereupon Leone having endured this injury certain years, at length in the year 891 he sent against him a strong Army, under the command of Simbatizio Patrizio, who being three months encamped about Benevento, happily subdued it 318 years after it had been possessed by the Lombards, beginning from Zotone the first, Duke of Benevento untill to this time. Simbatizio Patrizio having possest the Dukedom of Benevento, used the Authority of a Prince; after whom came Giorgio Patrizio, by whom the said State was Governed 3 years and 9 months. Coming afterwards in the year 895 Guido, Marquiss of Toscana drove away the Greeks, and held the Seigniory about 2 years, to whom presently followed Radelebi, the which held it two others, untill it was possest by At [...]nolfo Castaldo of Capoa, in whose house the Principality of Capoa was joyned with that of Benevento, who maintained it a long time in great [Page] prosperity. Atenolfo being now made Castaldo of Capoa, was afterward in the year 899. entituled Prince of Capoa and Benevento, in the which house for the space of 163 years that Seigniory remained. Atenolfo died the year 914. and Atenolfo and Landolfo his sons succeeded him in the Principality. Atenolfo died about the year 946. and the Principality only remained to Landolfo, which by that most valiant Prince Luitprando, received many overthrows, and died the year 951. and left that Principality to his son Pandolfo, which was sirnamed Iron-head. The Prince Pandolfo departed this life the year 966. and left eight sons,

Anno 996.

The Emperor Otho the 3 goeth about to take away from Benevento the body of St. Bartholmew the Apostle.

whereof Landolfo his first begotten had the Principality, and died the year 982. and Landenolfo took the Government of the State, which was slain the year 991. The Prince Landenolfo dead, his brother Laidolfo succeeded in the Seigniory, which continued not long in the Principality, in whose place was in the year 996. created Prince Pandolfo of St. Agata his son, in which year the Emperor Otho the third was Crowned in Rome, under whose Principality Historians recite, that the Emperor going about to take away from Benevento the body of St. Bartholmew, the Apostle, there was given him instead thereof the body of St. Paolino, Bishop of Nola; of which deceit being informed, made War with the Beneventani, but growing grievously sick, raised his siege, and as he much desired, returned into Germany, little regarding the heat of Summer; being come into his natural Country, departed this life the year of our Lord 1001. and so the Beneventany were delivered of so grievous a War.

Henry the 2 Emperor, by many named the first▪ Henry the second succeeded in the Empire by the election of the Princes of Germany, who in the year 1022. levying a mighty Army came into Italy to the prejudice of the Greeks, and understanding the ill demeanor and most wicked proceeding of the Prince Pandolfo, took the Prince prisoner, and carryed him along with him into Germany, and the Principality of Capoa he bestowed upon Pandolfo Count of Tiano. Henry the Emperor having builded in Bamberg, a City of Germany, Benedict the 7 by some called the 8. a noble Church in the honour of St. George, and desiring that the same might be consecrated as a Cathedral Church, Benedict the 7 consenting thereto obtained with condition, that the said Church should give by way of tribute yearly to the Bishop of Rome, a mark of silver with a white horse well furnished; but within a while the Bishop receiving in gift from the Emperor Benevento, How Benevento came under the dominion of the Church. Ruberto Guiscard created Duke of Puglia and Calauria. the tribute from the Church of Bamberg was discharged, by this means then Benevento came under the dominion of the Church, which we have declared in our History of the lives of the Kings of Naples, and after we have declared how Ruberto Guiscard having possest Benevento, being desirous to expell the Saracins out of Italy, came to the Parlament in the City of Aquila in the year 1060▪ with Pope Nicolas the second, which was much laboured by the Roman Barons, and Guiscard having with great humility adored the Pope made peace with him, and he restored the City of Benevento, and all other places which he held belonging to the Church, whereupon the Pope did not only receive him into grace and favour, but created him Duke of Puglia and Caulauria, and so Ruberto was now made a vassal of the Church.Ruggiero the Norman, King of Naples, possest Benevento. Benevento being afterward possest by Ruggiero the Norman, King of Naples, William his son who succeeded in the Kingdom, restored it to Pope Adrian the fourth, as a thing properly belonging to the Church, whereupon he was by him confirmed in the Kingdom, the Emperor Frederick the second, and King of Naples, having been excommunicated by Gregory the ninth, disdaining the same, ruinated and made spoil of the said City, and threw the Walls even to the ground; being afterward repaired by the Citizens thereof, was by Charls of Angio, the first of this name, sacked, because they were known to be favourable to King Manfred; and although this City sustained so many spoils, yet the Citizens thereof alwaies repaired it. St. Gianuario Martyr, was Bishop of Benevento, whose body lieth with great reverence in the principal Church of Naples,

Bishops of Rome.

Orbilio Grammatico▪

Rofredo, and Odo [...]redo, famous Lawyers.

where (as they say) are seen many miracles of his holy blood. There was born in Benevento, Felix the fourth, called the third; Victor the third, and Gregory the eight, Bishops of the holy Church of Rome, which were of exemplary life, and indued with learning. Orbillio Grammatico was very famous in the time of Cicero, which for his austerity and severe speech, was by Horace called the wonder. Rofredo and [Page] Odofredo, Lawyers of great fame were thereof,Angelo Catone Marino Bilotta. Mercurio of Vipera. from whence afterward descended the house of the Odofredi in Bologna, Alberto Morra Cardinal, and Dionisio which was also a Cardinal, Angelo Catone, a learned Philosopher was Count and Arch-Bishop of Vienna. Marino Bilotta was President of the Chamber under King Ferrant the first. Mercurio of Vipera was dearly beloved of the Roman Bishops, and imployed in divers affairs, and afterward made Auditor of Rota▪ Pietro of the worthy Family Candida, was Councellor of State, and Captain of the principal Fortress of the Kingdom under King Ferrant the first. Bartholmew Camerario, a famous Lawyer,Pietro Candido▪ Bartholmew Camerario. having been from the beginning in most honourable imployments in the service of the Emperor Charls the fifth, was made Lieutenant of the Kings Chamber, with Title of Keeper of the Patrimony. He was in great account with Pope Paul the fourth, by whom he was created in Rome Purveyor of the Store, and General of the Army; he was afterward entertained by King Francis in France, and made his Councellor.Leonardo Grifo. Leonardo Grifo most expert in the affairs of the Church of Rome, whereupon he was created Arch-Bishop of this Country. Thomaso Controviero, a man of Princely behaviour, was in great account with Paul the sixth, by whom he was created Bishop of the City of Penna, Gabriel de Blasio. Iohn Camillo. Bilotta. S [...]ipio [...]. and Vice-Legat of Bologna, and had been advanced to greater honour if the death of the Pope had not hindred it. Gabriel de Blasio, being a man of great vertue, was made Judge of the Vicaria, and of the Kings Councel. Two men of the Family Bilotta have carried great honour in their Country, which florished in the time of our fore-fathers, the one called Iohn Camillo, the other S [...]ipio, of whom the first being a man much learned in many Sciences, was by the King imployed in divers honourable affairs, and was created the first Exchequer-Advocate of the Vicaria, and afterward of the Sommaria. And the second was a most vertuous and a good man, and was general Commissary of the Kingdom against Malefactors, which through his good Government brought them into peace and tranquility, and in reward had the Office of Exchequer-Advocate of the Vicaria, which his brother held, and had enjoyed, if untimely death had not prevented it.

Hec [...]ore Savariano. Andrea Candido.

The noble Families of Benevento.

This famous City hath also brought forth many excellent men in Arms, of whom omitting to speak, I refer the Reader to the Histories which largely discourse thereof, among whom two have been very famous in the time of our fore-fathers, as Hectore Savariano a valiant Souldier of his age, of whom Giovio in the life of Leo the tenth maketh honourable mention. And Andrea Candido, Prior of Barletta, Knight of the Rodes.

There are in the said City these Noble Families, Aquino, Avolos, Bilotti, Bottini, Candidi, Capassi, Calendi, Capobianchi, Caraccioli del Leone, Contestabili, Controvieri, Del' Aquila, Di Blasio, Di Enea, Del Sindico, della Vipera, Egittii, Filingieri, Grisi, Laurentii, Leoni, Mascambroni, Mazzei, Mazzilli, Monforti, Morri, Pesci, Sallaroli, Savariani, Tu [...]i, Vico, Vintimiglia, Vitro, the Arch-Bishop of this City hath 24 Bishops his Suffraganes, which number no other place of Christendom hath equalled. This City is situate in a plain place, near a Plain full of little brooks of water, with many hils round about very plentifull, and distant from Naples 30 miles. Writers affirm that in the division that was made of the Roman Empire between Charls the great, and F.L. Nicesero the Greek,

Charls the great, and F.L. Nicesero divided the Empire the year of our Lord 800.

The quality of the Province▪

the Dukedom of Benevento, and the City of Venice were appointed as the limits and confines between the one and the other▪

Now because we have sufficiently discoursed of Benevento, we will declare the quality of this Country, the which although it be full of hils, is nevertheless very pleasant through the variety of the situation, high, low, plain, and very commodious for tillage, because the Country is wholly inhabited, and aboundeth with all good things. The Hils are covered with Vines and fruitfull Trees, the Dales and Plains with Corn, and Gardens, there are also thick Woods, and watered with many Rivers, and store of Cattel, of Corn, Wine, Oyle, Flax, Apples, Chesnuts, both great and small Nuts, Pears, and other fruits of great goodness and perfection; whereby in time of Harvest it doth appear that it contends in equal comparison with other plentifull Provinces, and above all there is excellent hunting both for fowles and beasts. The Aire is subtle and wholsome although cold; [Page] There are moreover in this Country in the Territory of Prata, Mines of Gold and Silver, which for that they yield no great profit, are not much regarded. Distant from Benevento little less then ten miles, is the Valley of Caudina, where was the ancient City of Caudio,

The Valley of Caudina.

The City Caudio.

Hirpio, now called Arpaia. The Gallows of Caudine. St. Martino. St. Angelo on Scala. Attavilla. Montefredano. Avellino.

the reliques whereof yet appear; and not far from thence is the ancient Harpino, now called Arpata, which is very near to the Gallows of Caudine, very famous for the overthrow which the Romans had there, where the Consul and the Roman Army by deceit inclosed, were constrained by the Sannites to pass shamefully under the yoke, the which place the Country-people now call the streit of Arpaia, which stands but a little distant from the City, the which is indued with the dignity of a Marquiss, subject to the house of Guevara. On the other side of the Valley Caudina, are these Countries, St. Martino, St. Angelo a Scala, afterward cometh the same River, which joyneth with the River Sabato, which riseth from Montevirgine, a high and spacious place, in the Valley whereof, the first Country which is there is Altavilla, afterward is the Castle of Montefredano, and near the Valley is the ancient City of Avellino, which is now written in the Exchequer Roll Avellinensis, but in the Books of the Roman Court, Avellinus Episcopus; and the Territory thereof aboundeth with great store of small Nuts, and therefore by the Latines they were called Avellanae nuces. The said City is dignified with the Title of a Prince, which the family Caracciola the Red possesseth. Then followeth Mercuriale, now called Mercugliano, the Country of the holy Hospital of the Annunciation of Naples;Mercogliano. Montevirgine. and above that Hill is the noble Church and Monastery of Montevirgine of white Monks, of the Order of St. Benedict, which was builded in old time in honour of Cibele, mother of the Gods; but changed by the Christians into the honour of the glorious mother of God our Saviour, the Virgin Mary, a place of so much beauty and sanctity, which not only excelleth in fame through all this Kingdom, but through all Italy, and beyond; whereupon at two several times of the year, that is to say at Whitsontide and our Lady day in September, there concurs and flocks together from far and near places, innumerable people bringing all sorts of Presents. This Monastery is the head of the said Congregation of Montevirgine, and therein are continually resident 200 Monks. In the Church there is a Reliquary, which the Monks of the same place say, that a greater is not in all Christendom, for so many bodies of Saints, and other reliques that are therein, among which there are to be seen (as they say) the entire bodies of the three children which were put into the flaming furnace. There are other notable things, as the Sepulchres of Kings, and other Princes. The Founder of this holy place was William of Vercelli, of whose life, manners, and miracles, and of the things abovesaid, who desireth to have a full and true satisfaction thereof, he may read the History of the Original of the notable things of Montevirgine.

Six miles from Benevento upon a very high Hill, is seen the Country of Montesuscolo, Montesuscolo. where resideth the Kings Audit of the Province, and every Sunday is held a Market with great concourse of people. And a little distant is the Castle, and Montemileto, which hath the Title of a County.

Afterward we come to the Hils of the Apennine, which are called Monti Tremoli, Monte Tremoli. The River Sabato. where ariseth the River Sabato, which passing by low places, in the end is joyned with the River Vulturno. Antonio in his book of remembrance, calleth this River Sabbatum; but the people of the Country name it the River of Benevento, because it runneth near the said City. Afterward we come to these Countries,Montefalcione. Candida. Serpito. Vulturara. Montefalcione, Candida and Serpito; but above the high and difficult mountains, called Monti Tremoli, above named, appeareth the City Vulturara. Above Benevento little more then the third part of a mile, runneth the River Calore into the River Sabato; on the right hand whereof, which bendeth towards the Hils and Mountains, which we have said to be above Benevento, are these Castles and Countries, Pia, Chiusano, the old Castle, and a little above Montella, an excellent and goodly Country,Pia. Chiusano. Castello vetere. Montella. Apice. indued with the Title of a Count. Over the River Calore two miles from Sabato, the Emperor Valentine made a great and magnificent Bridg, joyning with the way Appia, which was therefore called Valentino, which is now all ruinated. On the left side of the said River are these Countries, Apice, [Page] where was another goodly Bridg, which was joyned with the said way Appia, and then Mirabella, Tauraso, Cursano, Bagnulo, Cassano, Nusco.

Mirabella. Tauraso. Cursano. Bagnulo. Cassano. Nusco.

The River Calore.

The River [...].

The River Tripalto.

Bonito. Grottamenarda. Flumari. Vico. Melito. Amando. Zuncoli.

The Hill Crepacore.

The River M [...]scano. Corsano. Montecalvo. Ariano. Montemale. Casulalbor [...].

The Freemens Castle. Padula. S. Iorio. Molinara. Reino. S. Maria del Colle. Cercello. Cassano. St. Croce.

And afterward beginneth the Apennine to rise, where springeth the River Calore, and on the other side of the Hill in like sort riseth the River Ausido, which the Country people call Lofanto, which passeth through Apuglia, and runneth into the Adriatick Sea. Then cometh on the right hand of Calore the River Tripalto, which is near the populous Country of Tripalta, which hath the honour of a Dukedom, in the principal Church whereof lieth with great reverence the body of St. Ipolistro Martyr and Priest. On the right side of the said River is a long and spacious Wood, called by the same name Tripalta, near the which on the side of this River are situated these Countries, Bonito, Grottamenarda, Flumari, and Vico. On the left side of the said River is Melito, Amando, Zuncoli, and then up towards the Apennine is a great back of the Hill called Gr [...]m [...], which through the great difficulty to climb up, is called Crepacore, upon the which Hill springeth the River Moscano, which runneth into Calore, in the same place where entreth the River Tripalto. On the right hand of Moscano is Corsano, and Montecalvo, and in the distance which is between the said rivers upon a pleasant hill is the City of Ariano, called in old time Ara Iani, of a famous Temple which was there, and dedicated to Ianus. On the right side of Moscano are these Countries and Castles, Montemale, Buon, Albergo, Casalalbore, and the Freemens Castle. Afterward is to be seen the mouth of the River Tamaro, which runneth into Calore, and hath as great plenty of water as any other above named; and between the said two Rivers; as it were in the midst, is Paluda, a populous and principal Country, and somewhat higher on the right side of Tamaro are these Countries and Castles, Sain [...] Iorio, Molinara, Reino, Santa Maria del Colle, where died Iacobo Caldora a famous and a valiant Captain, Cercello, Cassano, and Santa Croce.

Here beginneth a mighty great Wood which incloseth on both sides the Apennine Hils, so that one part stretcheth even to Fortore, a River of Puglia, the other to Tamaro, the which Wood is four miles in breadth, and twenty in length. On the left hand of Tamaro are these Countries, Pietrapulcina, Pavoni, Pestolo, Fragnito, Campolottara, the Monastery of Giulietto, Morcone, and in the Apennine, Supino, an ancient Country, whereof Livy maketh mention. Then followeth Altavilla before named, which hath the dignity of a Count, subject to the noble house of Capoa, above the which, in a hill of the Apennine is to be seen Castellovecchio, near which riseth the River Tamaro.

Having now described this Region▪ The quality and nature of the people of this Province. it remaineth that we now discourse something of the Inhabitants therein, the which are very sturdy and strong, and of healthfull complexion, and all are exercised and expert in arms, and in learning they grow excellent which apply themselves unto it. But in Merchandize they are little imployed, which so falleth out because every man is contented with his own goods. Those in general which dwell in the Country are attired after the fashion of the Neopolitans, but not the women, the which go diversly apparelled, and very few use to wear a mantle upon their gown, they dress their heads with base attires, only covering them with a broad linen cloth, neither do they wear pantosles, but shooes and chopineos. The natural colour of the people inclines more to white then a swart colour, in reasoning and discoursing they are very stately and disdainfull, and great braggadochios, but very obedient to their superiors. The arms which this Region have used is a field per fesse gu. and argent, a Crown in chief or▪ the which Arms I think signifie no other then that new title of Prince, which the valorous Arechi the second,The Arms of this Province▪ the fourteenth Duke of Benevento gave in the time that he subdued the Picentine people to his dominion, whereupon by the field gu. and ar. would manifest the vertue and courage of this Country, which was in the said Arechi, and for the Crown of Gold, which little or nothing differeth from a regal Crown, I think signifieth the new Lordship, as hath been declared.

BASILICATA, The Fourth Province of the Kingdom OF NAPLES.

[Page]

A Part of Montagna, sometimes named Lucania, and another of Puglia, were in ancient time called by one only name Basilicata, but from whence the said name should proceed is not certainly known: But some think, although they have it not from any great authority, that this Province was by an Emperor of Constantinople, given in dowry with one of his daughters. Others affirm, and more probably, that it was so called by Basilio, a man very valiant in Arms, which in those daies possest all these places, and from this Province, and from the Country of Otranto, with his industry and valour drove away the Greeks and Carthaginians that were established therein. The River Silare divideth this Province from Vestini, The limits of the Province of Basilicata. and from happy Campania. It hath on the South the Tirrene Sea, on the East the River Lavo, with the Brutii, and part of Magna Gretia, and on the North the Pugliesi, the Pecutii, with a part of the Irpini.

These people Lucani had their original, according to Pliny, from the Sanniti, which are now called Abruzzesi;

The Lucani and their original.

Elephants brought into Italy, see Pliny lib. 8. chap. 6. The fertility of the Province.

but first the Possidoniati inhabited there, a people of Magna Grecia, afterward the Morgeti, Seculi, Italiani, Enotri and Pelasgi, and at length the said Sanniti were afterward called Lucani, the which were a long time popularly governed by themselves, and were so called by Lucano a Captain, which with a Colony of Sanniti came into this place to inhabit. The first Elephants that were ever seen in Italy, were brought hither in the Wars of King Pyrrhus, and were called Lucan Buls, in respect of Lucania, which was in the year after the building of Rome 47 [...]. This Province is for the most part mountainous and [Page] hilly, but yet very fertile in all sorts of grain, and yieldeth excellent Wines, for the Vines grow to a wonderfull greatness, which proceeds through the perfect temperature of the air, and the ground where they are planted, and for the most part were joyned to the Oppi, and embracing and taking hold of them, stretch out their boughs on every side, and in time of Vintage is often seen one only Vine to be able to make a But or Hogshead of Wine. Moreover this excellent Country yieldeth in abundance Corn, Oyl, Hony, Wax, Annis, Corianders, Saffron and Bombace, of which things the Country of Tursi, called in old time Tarsia, doth most exceed. In this excellent Province through the delicacy of the air the Trees and Roses florish twice in a year, where in every place is seen great abundance of divers sweet and pleasant fruits; there are also most beautifull Gardens, the which for so much as they are watred with pleasant Rivers, bring forth excellent Citrons, Oringes, and Limons. On that part which stretcheth towards the Sea, the pleasant fields yield no small delight to the beholders thereof, and all the year there is excellent hunting both for fowls and beasts. And it is no less plentifull in heards of Cattel and Hoggs▪ wherewith the people of the Country make great store of Sausages, and Sopressate, very excellent and good, which the Lucan Latinists so call because they were invented by the Lucani, whereupon Martial thus saith,

Filia Picenae venio Lucanica porcae,

Martial lib. 1▪

Plutibus hinc niveis grata corona datur.

The Sea thereof aboundeth with excellent Fish, and yieldeth shel-fish of a delicate and pleasant taste, which have within them an excellent Pearl.

But in describing the Country of this Province, I will begin from the mouth of the River Sele, where it runneth into the Sea, that is to say, here from it I will follow along the shore of the Sea, even to the River Lavo, where it runneth into the Sea, afterward I will describe the places of the Medeterrane.

Departing then from the mouth of Sile, and walking along the shore of the Tirrene Sea we come to a place where was the Temple of Iuno the Argive built (as Strabo affirmeth) by Iason; and going from thence seven miles,The Temple of Iuno the Argive. Possidonia. is the place where was Possidonia, by Strabo called Pesto, which was built near the Sea by the Doresi, and afterward magnificently inlarged by the Sibariti. Servio reciting the authority of Virgil in the fourth book of his Georgicks, saith thus, Biferique rosaria Peste. He placeth the said City in Calauria, wherein he was deceived, it standing in Basilicata. Also Ovid maketh mention of this City in his first book de arte Amandi, saying, Caltaque Pestanas vincat odore rosas. The Ancients call the Gulf of the Sea which lieth hereby, Sinus Pestanus ▪ but now Mariners call it the Gulf of Agropoli, and others of Salerno, The Gulf of Agr [...]poli. the which Gulf beginneth at the shore of the Picentini, and so compasseth even to the Promontory of Possidoniato. Peste was called by the Greeks Possidonia, the which City the Ancient ruinated buildings are now to be seen half in the Sea: little more then eight miles farther on the shore is to be seen Agropoli, and Castello del Abbate, where is made the best Malmsie: directly against it is a little Isle called Leucosia, by the name of a Sirene which did there inhabit; and going no more then nine miles appeareth Castello amare of Bruca, with the large and spacious Wood, where was the ancient Hyela, by Virgil called Velia. Opposite to the place where Velia stood,Velia. are in the Sea to be seen two little Islands, called Enotrie, the one is named Pontia, the other Isacia. And for as much as I have written of these six places in the Province of the Principality on this side, I will speak no farther thereof, and especially having counted them among the places of the said Region, though perhaps they rather belong to Basilicata.

A little farther is to be seen Pisciotta, by Strabo called Pyxuntum oppidum. Pis [...]iotta. And from thence two miles appeareth the Cape of Palinuro, named by the Ancients, Promontorium Palinuri, which was so called by Palinuro the Pilot of Aeneas ship, of whom Virgil writeth in his sixth book.The Cape of Palinuro. Molpa. Having past the Cape of Palinuro, there is to be seen upon a Promontory the ruines of Molpa, which was by Bellisario [Page] Captain of the Emperor Iustinian destroyed.The Imperial Rock. Francavilla. Noia. St. Arcangelo. Roccanova. Castellonova. Episcopia. Claramont. Senisi. Tursi. St. Mauro. Ferrandina. Pesticcie. The River Vaisento. Metaponte. Entring now into the Land from the Sea a mile on the side of the hill is to be seen the Emperial Fortress, and among the hils standeth Francavilla, where is a sumptuous Monastery of Cathusians. Afterward at the foot of the Mountain is Noia; and farther within the hils is St. Arcangelo, Roccanova, Castelonova, and Episcopia, a Country very fertile, whereof the ancient Lord is Francesco Antonio of Porta, a Gentleman of Salerno, whose worthy Family was much ennobled by the Kings of this Kingdom. Then followeth Claramont, Senisi, and the City Tursi, distant from the Sea fifteen miles, and from the River Acri two; and the said City hath the dignity of a Duke, which lately King Philip gave to Don Carlo d' Oria, the son of Iohn Andrea Prince of Melfi, Admiral of the Sea. A little farther among the hils is St. Mauro and Ferrandina, in a populous Country made by Ferrandino the son of Alfonsus the second, King of Naples, being Duke of Calauria. Walking yet among the hils, appeareth Pesticcie; and returning by the shore of the Sea is the mouth of the River Vaisento, where it falleth into the Sea; going a little farther we discover a large and a goodly Plain, and half a mile from the Sea is to be seen the ruines of the noble City of Metaponte, built by the Pilii, which came hither from Troy with Nestor. Metaponte was destroyed by the Sannites. In the said City dwelt Pithagoras a long time, where he died, which after his death the Metapontini made of his house a Temple, and there adored him as one of the Gods. To the which City Ippaso, a most excellent Philosopher, Disciple to Pithagoras, hath given much honour. Now upon the said ruinated City is Corn sowed, and in the end of the Territory thereof (as Strabo declareth) ended the limits of Grecia Magna.

Leaving the place where stood Metaponte four miles, and from the Sea but one, upon a place somewhat elevated, is to be seen twenty high and mighty Pillars of Marble placed in two ranks, which the Country people say that there was the School of Archita the Tarantine, and passing within the Country is the River Vasente, Pomarico. Miglionico. Grott [...]la. Montescagioso. The River Bradano. Tricarico. Montepeloso. Venosa. and two miles from the said River, at the foot of the hill is Pomarico a good Country, and the hill Miglionico, and six miles distant stands Grottola, adorned with the dignity of a Marquisat, the Lord thereof is Alfonso Sances Decano, one of the Councel of State; and going not far is Grassano, and Montescagioso. Within a mile of Bradano. Descending towards the Sea at the foot of the Hils appeareth Tricarico, a very honourable and beautifull City; and ascending up the Hils is the City of Montepeloso.

And ten miles from hence following the right side of the River Bradano, is the City of Venosa, called by Pliny, Venusia; Patercolo writeth, that it was a Colony of the Romans,Can [...]sa. the which Livy confirmeth, which was in the year 552. under the Consulship of P. Galba, and C. Cotta, Horace that eloquent Lirical Poet hath given much honour to this City, it is adorned with the dignity of a Prince, subject to the Family Gesvalda. From it fifteen miles appeareth Canoso, whether Terentio Varonne the Roman Consul did retire with fifty of the remainder of the Cavaliery at that famous overthrow which Hannibal gave to the Romans at Canna, Lavello. where L: Paulo Emilio the other Consul was slain.Potenza.

Six miles after appeareth Lavella, which hath the Title of a Marquisat, subject to the Family of Tufo; then cometh Potenza, a populous and rich City upon the Apennine, to the which Sebastian Barnaba a Neopolitan Gentleman the Bishop thereof, now giveth no small ornament, a Prelat of sincere life, and indued with great learning. The said City hath been a long time possest with the Title of a Count by the House of Gevara, Melfi. which through defect of issue male, is now conveyed to the Family of Noia Prince of Sulmona. Going on the left side is seen the noble and rich City of Melfi, Stigliano. from whence Iohn Andrea d'Oria Admiral of the Sea by the grace and favour of King Philip hath the Title of Prince, a Noble man, well experienced in Sea affairs, and very honourable. And following the same way is Spinazzola, and not far off is Stigliano, which hath the Title of a Prince,The condition of the Inhabiters of this Province. which Lewis Carrafa Duke of Mondragone enjoyeth, a very rich Lord, and much affected to Poetry.

Coming now to a conclusion of this Province, the which produceth tall and [Page] strong men, with black hairs, azured eyes, and of a white complexion, and generally all are accustomed to cut their beards very short, and also the hair on their heads, their manners and conditions are divers, and in their Apparel somewhat base and rude, except those which inhabit in the City, which go very civil, and have good behaviour and conversation, but the common people are very rustical and barbarous, they imploy themselvs to nothing but tillage and hunting, and wrestling, and all practice Arms, in so much as there is not a child that knows not how to discharge a Pistol and Caliver. They little apply themselves to learning. The women are not fair, and basely attired without any ornament or handsomness, but very painfull, and carry great burthens upon their heads. The Arms of this Province is or, a fesse, counterindented asure voided of the field,The Arms of this Province. in chief an Eagles head arrached proper and crowned of the first, which arms signifie the victory which the Lucani had, having expel'd and driven away all the Greeks out of their Country, whereupon the Lieutenant of the Emperor of Constantinople flying with other Captains, were drowned in the River Bradano.

CALAURIA, On this side the Fifth Province of the Kingdom OF NAPLES.

TOwards the South in the utmost Confines of the Kingdom, lieth the ancient Province of Calauria, in the South part of Italy, included within the Terrene, Sicilian, and Ionian Seas, like the figure of a beast with six heads, and is in circuit 544 miles. In this excellent and fruitfull Province grows almost all things, not only necessary for the sustenance of living creatures,The fertility of Calauria. but also for the delights and pleasures thereof. It is all full of pleasant and fruitfull Hils, Mountains and Vallies: the fields are like those of Campania felix, they are watred [Page] with Springs and Christaline Fountains. Here is had all sorts of Corn, sundry Wines,The divers Mines in Calauria. and in great abundance, all kinds of Fruits, Oyle, Sugar, Hony, Wax, Saffron, Bombace, Annis and Coriander seeds. There groweth Gum, Pitch, Turpentine, and liquid Storax. In former time it was never without Mettals, but at this present it doth much abound, having in most places divers sorts of Mines, as Gold, Silver, Iron, Marble, Alabaster, Cristal, Marchesite, three sorts of white Chaulk, Virmilion, Alume, Brimstone, and the Adamant stone, which being in the fifth degree, draweth not Iron, and is in colour black. There groweth hemp and slax of two sorts, the one called the male, the other the female: There falleth Manna from heaven, truly a thing very rare; and although there is not gathered such abundance of Silk, yet I dare say there is not had so much in all Italy besides. There are also Bathes, both hot, luke-warm, and cold, to cure many diseases. Near the Seaside, and likewise on the Mediterrane are goodly Gardens full of Oringes, Citrons, and Limons of divers sorts, it is watered with many Rivers. There are on the hils of the Apennine, thick Woods of high Firrs, Holms, Platanes, Oaks, where grows the white odoriferous Mushrome which shineth in the night. Here is bred the soft stone Frigia, which every month yields a delicate and wholsome Gum, and the stone Aetites, by us called the stone Aquilina. In this Province there is excellent hunting of divers creatures, as wild Hoggs, Staggs, Goats, Hares, Foxes, Porcupines, Marmosets. There are also ravenous beasts, as Wolves, Bears,The excellent hunting in Calauria. Lyzards, which are quick-sighted, and have the hinder parts spotted with divers colours. This kind of Beast was brought from France to Rome in the sports of Pompey the great, and Hunters affirm this Beast to be of so frail a memory, that although he eateth with hunger, if he chance to look back, remembreth no more his meat, and departing searcheth for other. The Sea then which lyeth upon this happy Country, aboundeth with great store of excellent fish, and in many places grows both white and red Coral, and near the shore is found the Touch-stone which trieth Gold and Silver from all other Mettals. This Province is of greater antiquity then any other in all Italy, because it was begun to be inhabited before the floud by Aschenaza the son of Gomero, the Nephews of Noe, into which place being come where now is Regio, through the amenity and temperature of the aire very delightfull, made there his habitation, and founded a City which by his own name he called Aschenaza, and the inhabiters thereof were called Aschenazei; which that it may seem true, Iosephus which lived in the time of the Emperor Titus, in his first book of Jewish antiquities testifieth saying, Aschenaz inslituit Aschenazeos, qui nunc Rhegini vocantur à Graecis. The same also St. Ierome confirmeth in his Hebrew questions upon Genesis saying, Aschenas Graeci Rheginos vocant. The like name of a City was not heard of among any other people except that in Calauria, the which City was afterward by the overthrow called of the Greeks Rhegium; Sicilia being in the same place divided from Italy through the violence of an Earthquake.

Calauria was called by sundry names, at the first it was called Ausonia by the valiant Ausonii,The sundry names of Calauria. the inhabiters thereof, or as some affirm by Ausono the son of Vlisses, it was afterward by the Oriental Greeks called Hesperia, because it is situate in the West. Five hundred sixty seven years before the destruction of Troy it was called Enotria by Enotro of Arcadia, which with a Colony came to inhabit in the middle of Ausonia,

The City Pandesia.

King Italo:

where he builded many Cities, the principal whereof was Pandosia: This name of Ausonia continued many and many years, untill Italo was by the Enotri created King, from whom they named the said Region Italia. This Italo being a man very ingenious, taught the Enotri the manner to till and ear the ground, and to shear their sheep, and lived but nineteen years, and left Morgete his son heir of the Kingdom, the which ordained that by his name Italy should be called Morgetia. King Morgete. Morgete dead, and the people not contented to continue his name, in as much as he was odious unto them, the name of Italy was renewed again,Why it was called Magna Grecia. and they called the Country Italia, the which name continued a long time untill the Greeks came to inhabit there; and then they called it Magna Gretia, for the frequency of the great number of learned Scholars which came thither to hear the Philosopher Pithagoras; but as the Poet Archilao saith, [Page] t [...]was so called through the great multitude of Greeks which inhabited there, being drawn through the fertility and pleasures of this Countrey; whereupon Ovid in his fourth book de factis thus saith, ‘Itala nam tellus Graecia major erat.’

It was afterward by the latter Greeks, which came thither to inhabit called Calauria, which in our tongue signifieth abundance of all good things,Why it was c [...]lled Calauria. and truly so is it, because there is no place, I will say not only in all Italy, but in all Europe, that may contend with this, there being not any thing necessary for the life of man, or which may yield delight, that is not in great abundance, and with all perfection: so that corresponding in every part, the effects agree with the name thereof, as plainly appears, that nature it self cannot be more delighted in it self, yielding so many benefits as any Country whatsoever. All this Country was devided by the Apennine into two parts,The ancient situation of Calauria. and that part which was toward the Ionian Sea was called Magna Grecia, the which also contained a part of Lucania (now called Basilicata) and did stretch from Regio even to Taranto. The other part was by the Greeks called Bretia, from Bretio the son of Hercules, and of the Latines Brutia, Bretia. The river Laus and stretched from Regio to the River Laus, now called Laino. It hath lately been divided by the Kings Court into two Provinces▪ whereof the one is called Calauria on this side, the other Calauria on the other side; that on this side containeth a great part of Magna Grecia, and of the Brutii, and endeth with Basilicata; and from the one side where is the head of the River Acri, and of the other where runneth the River Lavo, stretcheth from one sea to the other, except that part which lieth in the East, and is joyned with Calauria on the other side. As touching those people which dwell upon the Tirrene Sea, where the Brutii in old time inhabited, are both in nature and manners more temperate and staid then those near the Ionian Sea, who are more fierce and craftie, as also their colour bewraieth, for the other are white and red, these dark and brown. And for so much by the Kings Court it is divided into two parts (as hath been said) in the superior and inferior, in the one is the Cape Cosenza, in the other Catanzaro; the one hath 30 Cities, the other 16. and in all three hundred sixty seven with Countries and Castles.

But entring into the particular description of Calauria on this side, having past the River Turbolo, the ancient bounds of the people Lucani, there appeareth Turture, in the Territory whereof grow many Sugar Canes; almost opposite standeth the Isle of Dimi, Scalea, and the River Lavo,

The River Turbolo.

The Isle of Dim. Scalea. Lanio.

even where the ancient Lucani did arrive: Then followeth Cerella, Belvedere, Bonifati and Citracro, where are often made many Vessels through the great commodity of Timber, and Pitch, whereof that Country doth much abound; within upon the banks of Lavo, is the City of Lanio, built upon the ruines of the ancient Lau, and the said City is honoured with the dignity of a Marquiss, subject to the Family of Cardin [...]s: Not far off is Campotenese, which had this word from the ancient Temesini; having been their Territory. On the right hand is the Hill Apillonio, where is such plenty of excellent Pasture, that the best Cheese is there made in all those parts;The Hill Apollonio. on the left side is Morano, a populous and a rich Country, which Antonio Pio, in his Commentaries calleth Summuranum, where is made excellent Cloth,Morano. and every year there is a Fair with great concourse of people there about; the Territory thereof is very fruitfull and fertile, and there is made very fine Silk, and Manna gathered, and on the Hill there are infinite store of excellent simples.

Not far distant from the said Country springeth the River Sybari, where was the ancient Syphei, the ruies are to be seen, whereof Livy maketh mention.The River Sibari. Going thence four miles is Saracena, in a good Country, called by Stefano, Sestium, which was built by the Enotri, in whose Territory is made singular Wine,Saracena. and excellent Oyle; it hath besides Mines of Gold, and of Lead, of Alabaster and Cristal. Near hand about five miles distant is to be seen the ancient Country of Altemonth, called Balbia, which is not certainly known, whether it was built by the Ausoni, or Enotri. Altomonte. The Wines which are there made have a very delicate taste, whereof Pliny in his 14 book much commends, and prefers before all the Wines of Calauria, from whence in their most costly and sumptuous banquets [Page] was alwaies the Wine of Balbano. And Atheneo making mention thereof in his first book, thus writeth, Vinum Balbinum generosum, & admodum austerum, & semper seipso melius nascitur. In the principal Church of this Country lieth with much reverence the body of St. Paolo of Malta, brother of St. Dominico. There are in the said Territory natural Hils of white salt,Hils of Salt. and they are no otherwise cut then if they were stones, and there is Alabaster, and two rich Mines of Gold, of Silver, and Iron, and the Azured Lazul stone. And at the foot of the Apennine in the Territory thereof groweth Cristal, and white Chalk; and the River Grondo passeth through the said Territory, being very full of Eeles and Trouts. This Country was given with the Title of a Count in the year 1462. by King Ferrant of Arragonia to Luca Sanseverino Prince of Basignano, which now in the said house is maintained. Next after followeth the City of St. Mark, called by the Latines Argentanum;St. Mark. and a little distant is the ancient City Meluito, so called for the plenty of Vines which grow there; but in old time it was called Temesa, in which place by the providence of God haunted an evil spirit a long time for the death of Hippolitus the companion of Vlysses, which was there slain against all humanity;A Proverb. whereupon rose the Proverb among the Ancients, Aderit genius Temeseus. Noting hereby that Gods vengeance never faileth to reward such wickedness, if by humane means it be not punished. The said City was built by the Ausoni, which Strabo affirmeth in his sixth book, saying, Alao prima urbs Brettiae Tempsa, quam Auxonii condiderunt, nostrae autem aetatis homines Tempsam etiam vocitant. Temesa was a Bishops Sea, as appeareth in the Councels, when Hillary the Bishop thereof came to the fourth Roman Sinod under the Popedom of Agathon. And the Territory thereof is very fat and fertile, and yieldeth excellent Wine, Oyle, Hony, fine Silk, Grain, and other Corn, and all kinds of Fruits, and from heaven descendeth Manna,Foscaldo▪ and there is made great store of Bird-lime and Glue. Hard by is Foscaldo, where is great abundance of Sugar, Hony, Wine, Corn, and other Fruits. The said Country is honoured with the dignity of a Marquiss. A little higher is the Country of Lattarico, which by Livy is called Hetriculum;Lattarico. Torano. Regina. hard by standeth Torano, and Regina, called in old time Herinium, built by the Enotri, in whose Territory is made great abundance of Oyle, there is also Mines of Brimstone, Saltpeter, and Alabaster; and a little farther is situate the City Montalto, by Barrio called Vffugium, it had sometimes a Bishops Sea,Montalto. which dignity was joyned to Cosenza. It hath a good Territory, which yieldeth Grain, Oyle, and other Fruits, and there is made great abundance of Silk, there is also Alabaster, and Brimstone, and every year there is a very great Fair. It hath the dignity of a Dukedom, the Lady whereof is the Lady Mary of Arragon, in whom endeth the line of old Alfonsus of Arragon, King of Naples, the which State by marriage fell into the Family of Moncada.

Going now towards the Sea we may behold Paula, a name corrupted, derived from ancient Patycos, Paula. very famoms for being the natural Country of St. Francis, the Author of the Order of the Minimi; hard by is St. Nocito, very famous for the excellent sweet Wine;St. Nocito. then cometh Castellofranco, with the River Campagnano, Castellofranco. called in old time Acheronte, where was slain (even as he was foretold by the Oracle) Alexander, King of Molossi, mean while he not understanding the cautions of the devil,The death of Alexander King of Molossi foretold by the Oracle. rested secure, having avoided another River of the same name in Epiro. The words of the Oracle were these,

Aeacida cave accedas ad aquam Acherusiam,

Et Pandasiam, quod ibi tibi laetum decretum est.

Near hand is seen Cerisano, called in old time Citerium; and upon the side of the River Crati, and of Basenta is the famous City Consenza, full of people, rich, and very ancient;Cerisano. Cosenza. it was a Colony of the Lucani, in old time it was the chief City of the Brutii, but now the head of this Province. The said City is situate between hils and dales, it hath before it a great Plain which stretcheth very near forty miles, and is called the Villey of Crati, it is compassed with 85 Hamlets or Villages, which for the most part are very great. It aboundeth in all things [Page] which may be desired either for profit or humane pleasure; it hath brought forth many excellent men, and among others, the Abbot Giacchino, indued (as Dant saith) with a prophetical spirit, who was of one of the Villages of Cosenza, called Celico. St. Thelesphoro, Iano Parassio, Antonio Telesio, Iohn Baptista d'Amico, Coriolano Marticano, and Berardino Martirano, which was also Secretary of the Kingdom, Pi [...]tropaolo Parisio, a famous Doctor of Law, which was made Cardinal by Pope Paul the third, Borardino Telesio, which writ against the Philosophy of Aristotle, Iohn Maria Barnauda, Sertario Quattromani, Giovanpaolo d' Aquino, Prospero Parisio, and Iacobo of Gaeta. In this City are these noble families, Abenante, Aquino, Andriotto, Aloe, Amico, Arnoni, Alimena, Arduino, Barono, Bernando, Beccuto, Bombino, Bonconto, Britto, Bovi, Bonaccursi, Cavalcante, Ciacci, Caputo, Casella, Cozzi, Cicala, Caroleo, Curatore, Celso, Clavelli, Dattil [...], Donato, Domanico, F [...]rrao, Farrao d' Epaminonda, Farrao d' Antonello, Fera, Favoro, Figlino, Franza, Gaeta, Gaeta d' Marc. Antonio, Garofalo, Giannochiri, Gaeli, Gioanni, Giaccino, Gadi, Longo, Longobuccho, Migliar [...]se, Marano, Monaco, Martorano, Maurello, Minardo, Moyi, Materi, Massaro, Mirabello, Mangoni, Nero, Poglisi, Peloso, Pellegrino, Pascale, Passalacqua, Poerio, Parisi di Ruggiero, Parisi di Mario, Pantuso, Quottromani, Roccho Ruggiero, Rangi, Russo, Scaglione, Spatasora, Ser [...]alo, della Motta, Sersale di Guido, Sambiase, Spirito, Sirisanto, Spina, Sanf [...]lice, Stocca, Tilesio, Testo, Toscano, Tarsii, Tirello, Velle, and others. The Arms of this City is seven Hils vert, in a field or. From hence on the right hand lieth the Wood Brutiana, which the people of the Country call for the excellency thereof Sila, not so hideous and terrible in Winter through continual snow and ice, as it is pleasant and delightfull in Summer,The Wood Sila. where the fresh and cheerfull air, with many Rivers full of excellent fish, and the divers sports of fowling, and hunting of wild beasts, and the infinite heards of Cattel which there seed upon the plentifull fruits thereof, represent in effect that which the Poets feign of their Arcadia. Not far distant lieth Carolei, called by the Latines Ixias, built by the Enotri. And walking a little farther appeareth Bisignano, Bisignano. a good and plentifull City, much inhabited, which hath the Title of a Principality subject to the Family Sanseverina. Stifano calleth this City Besidia, which according to Barrio was built by the Ansoni; and very near lieth Tarsia, called Capresis.

Returning towards the Sea we come into these Countries, Fiumefreddo, Bellomonte, Tarsia. Fiumefreddo. Bellomonte. Amontea. and the City Amontea, which was an Episcopal Seat, but now united with the Church of Trop [...]ia. A little farther is Aiello, called by Bario, Tylesium, which hath a strong Castle, and a fruitfull Territory, with a Wood where is great sport in the hunting of divers living creatures. This Country holdeth the Title of a Marquiss, and the Lord thereof is Alberico Cybo, Prince of Massa, Aiello. no less worthy of honour for his Learning then his Chivaldri. Near to Aiello is the Hill Cocuzzo, where it seemeth that the Apennine exceeds it self in height. Then followeth Martirano corrupted from the ancient name of Mamerto, whose Citizens shewed themselves no less faithfull to the people of Rome, then valiant in Arms,Marti [...]an [...]. they only fighting with Pyrrhus, one of the best Souldiers of the world, the which they performed so couragiously, that Pyrrhus being mindfull of the valour of the Brutii, and of the death of his Alexandro, durst not any farther hazard his fortune. From thence afterward lieth on the side of the Sea, Nocera, Nocera. the reliques of the ancient Terinia, which was destroyed by Hannibal, they being not able to defend it: and here runneth (according as the Ancients affirm) Ligia, one of the Sirenes upon the mouth of the River Saccuto. Then followeth Castiglione, Castiglione. the Cape of Subero, where Pyrrhus disbarked himself coming from Sicilia; after cometh St. Eusemia, which Stephano saith is called Lametia, where is a Gulf so named, very full of Coral, and the best Tunny; and a little distant lieth Nicastro, and here the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa made for delight and pleasure,St. Eusemia. Nicastro. convenient Baths, and excellent hunting both for wild beasts and fowles, the first which began in Italy to be delighted in hauking with Falcons, which in former time was unknown, although some write that Anasilao was the first. Not very far is Tiriolo, the reliques of old Tirio, Tiriolo. where the Apennine is drawn into so narrow a point, that the rain-water which descendeth from the ridg of some one [Page] house, falleth on the left side into the Terrene Sea, and on the right into the Adriatick.

And coming now to an end of this Province, which hath for the Arms thereof, a Cross bastonesa, in a field Ar. the which Ensignes and Arms had its original in the time that Boemundo the Norman,The Arms of this Province. Duke of Calauria came with twelve thousand choice souldiers in aid of the holy Land, whereby through his prowesse and valour was afterward made Prince of Antioche, and forsomuch as the enterprise was very famous and honourable, therefore I believe the said Province gave these Arms, representing thereby the great Voyage which the said Duke made.

CALAURIA, On the other side the Sixth Province of the Kingdom OF NAPLES.

CALAVRIA on the other side, is a Province which containeth a good part of Magna Grecia, and of the Brutii, and passeth from the one and the other side of the Apennine, to the Ionian and Terrene Seas, and is divided from Calauria on this side by the Mediterrane above Cosenza, going by a direct line to the one and the other Sea, into the Ionian near Stromboli, and into the Terrene at the Gulf Ipponiate, which is the Gulf of St. Eufemia, and these are only the Confines of the said Province where the Brutii sometimes inhabited: From that part which lieth towards the North, except a little, is wholly compassed with the Sea; on the East is the Ionian, on the South Sicilia, and on the West the Terrene, which is the utmost limits of the Kingdom. It is partly plain,The fertility of this Province. and partly mountainous; it hath fair and fruitfull Hils, Woods, Rivers, and Fountains, great plenty of Corn, Vine, Olives, and every other thing necessary [Page] for the sustenance of living creatures: There are horses and heards of cattel very plentifull, and great abundance of woll, and of the best and finest silk. In this Province are pits of gold, of silver, and great plenty almost of all mettals; it hath many hot baths which cure divers infirmities, and to conclude, it is a Country indued with all good things, for the which it may be called a most happy Region. The men of this Country▪ as also of all Calauria, after other ancient names which they had, were called Bretii,Brutii, why they were so called. and they were so called from Brettio the son of Hercoles, as Stephano writeth in his book of the City, and Ermolao upon Stephano; and as it appeareth by many Greek Monuments, which are declared with great Learning by Pierio Valeriano, and by many Antiquaries. Iustine and Trogo say that they were called Brutii, of Brutia a maid. Iohn Annio affirmeth that they were so called by Bruto Ombrone a most valiant Captain.The error of some writers about the name Brutii: Calepino and Nicholas Perotto say they are called Brutii, A Brutis moribus; but this is a vain thing, and an idle conjecture of them. Guarino not well understanding Strabo, addeth to his translation many things of his own conceit, Strabo saying that Brutii fuerunt rebelles Lucanorum, he addeth here that they were fugitives, a name which was given to servants; but we finding in Histories, and principally in Iustine, that these were children, and not servants of the Lucani, forsomuch as the Lucani were accusto [...]ed to bring up and foster their children in the field after the manner of the S [...]ar [...]ans; but their children misliking that manner of education, opposed themselves against their fathers, that is to say the Lucani, and went to inhabit in Calauria. These people in process of time became so mighty, that they feared not any, whereby (for as much as their Country was not well able to contain them) they made spoil of the places near unto them, and expel'd the natural inhabitants, the which they often attempted, being allured through the sweetness of the booty.

The ancient limits of the Brutii were the River Lavo, or Lao, now called the River Laino (measuring along the shore of the Sea) and the streight of Sicilia, the space between these bounds is according to Strabo 1350 furlongs,The bounds of the Brutii. which contains 169 miles; but according to the description of Ptolomy, these were the limits, on the West the River Lavo with the Lucani, on the South the Terrene Sea with Faro of Messina, on the East part of the Ionian Sea, on the North Magna Grecia, with the River Chrati.

And to make a description of this Province, I will begin from the Cape of Subero, where Pyrrhus King of the Epirots coming from Sicilia, disbarkt himself. Not far off is Triolo, the reliques of old Tiro, where the Apennine Hils are very narrow; and then is Malda built by the Saracins,Triolo. Malda. which hath a very fruitfull Country. From hence on the Sea at the mouth of Amato, is Angitola, where Dionisius often desired to unite the said Haven with that of Squillia. Afterward appeareth Pizzo in a very spacious and pleasant place, with the little Islands Itacensi, which perhaps had this name because Vlysses arrived there.Pizzo.

Then cometh Bevona planted with goodly Gardens of Citrons and Oringes, the ancient Harbour of Hipponio, which the Countrey people now call Monteleone, which lieth in a pleasant prospect with many fields round about; the said City was founded by the Greeks, and they called it Hipponium, Bevoua. Montel [...]one. because it was builded according to the likeness pnd similitude of a horse, for that [...] in the Greek tongue signifieth a horse, the which City (as the Histories thereof recite) was in compass eight miles, wholly built with bricks, the ruines whereof are at this present to be seen; this noble City had very pleasant and delightfull fields which compast it round about. Poets have feigned that when Ceres travelled in search of her daughter Proserpina that was stoln away, remained here that Winter to gather Roses and other pleasant Flowers, where also continues the three Festival daies which the Tyrant Agatocles so long since ordained. Pestino a famous Writer was of this City, which is celebrated by Macrobio in his sixth book de Saturnali, in this word Transmicto, Dominico Pizzimetti a learned Philosopher was also of the same City, which translated out of Greek into Latine the predicaments of Archita Tarentino. The ancient Vibo was destroyed by the Agareni in the time of blessed Nilo, and the like ruine sustained Terino, Tauriano [Page] and Trischene. And this noble Territory is very fertile, for it bringeth forth Grain, Barley, Beans, Fitches, and other Corn; there are also planted great store of Sugar Canes, a thing very rare in Italy. This Country is adorned with the dignity of a Duke.

After followeth Soriano, whch hath the Title of a Count. Then cometh Arena, Soriano. Arena. and ascending up the Apennine is the goodly Monastery of St. Stephen del Bosco, built by Rugiero the Norman, where is kept (as we have said) with many other reliques the body of St. Bruno. From hence on the right hand appeareth Borrello, and Melito an honourable and an ancient City which was builded by the Milesii, B [...]rrello. Melito. a people of Asia; for as Herodotus writeth in his sixth book, Mileto a City of Asia being conquered and overcome by Darius, the inhabiters which departed from the ruine thereof, being deprived of their natural Country, came with their wives and children together with the Sanni into Regio, where they were received by Anasilao Lord of the Country, to whom he gave so much Territory as they built therein a City to inhabit, the which they called (as we have said) Melito; these in process of time, the Country being too little, many of them went into Messina, but being expel'd by the inhabiters of the Country, went to the Isle of Malta. There is to be seen in the said City of Melito, a stately and magnificent Church under the name of the Trinity, which is beautified with stately Pillars of Marble, which the Duke Ruggiero the Norman caused to be transported from the ancient Hipponio; the said Church was by the mediation of the said Duke consecrated by Pope Calisto the second, in the year of our Lord 1122. where at this present is to be seen the fair and costly Tomb of Marble of the Duke Ruggiero. That holy Paolo of the Order of Preachers was of the said City.

B [...]iatico. Tr [...]pea.Walking towards the shore of the Sea is Briatico, which hath the Title of a Marquisat, and Tropea hath this name from the Greek word [...], for that ariving there, the Current of Faro is turned back, very dangerous to Sailers, near which Hercoles arived coming from Spain, whereupon that place was afterward named the Harbour of Hercoles. Here butteth out into the Sea the Cape of Vaticano, and near at hand is Ioppolo, and Nicotera, augmentned by the ancient ruins of Medama, Nicotera. and Rosarno; there is the River Metramo, in whose waves, according as the Ancients were accustomed, feeling themselves opprest with any sin, were freed by their washing themselves therein, as Orestes who thought hereby to be purged from the murther of his mother; a little farther was the ancient Metauro, which boasted much of Stesicoro, though with little right the Sicilians challeng him to themselves;Metauro. Tauriano. Gioia. Seminara. and after is discovered Tauriano: and from hence on the Sea is Gioia. A little distant remaineth Seminara, a Countrey well inhabited, in whose Territory the Frenchmen were overcome by Consalvo Fernandes of Aghilare in the time of Lewis the 12 King of France. And near the Mediterrane under a great descent of the Apennine, called by the country-people Aspromonte, riseth as it were a rock between two Rivers: the Country of Sinopoli is adorned with the ancient dignity of a Count,Sinopoli. the jurisdiction whereof is from the house of Ruffa. There was born in this Country that holy man Paolo of Sinopoli, Fryer of the Order of Saint Francis, called the Minori of Osservanza, whose reliques are reverendly preserved in the City of Nicotera. Going a little farther is Oppido, which hath the Title of a Count, and Terranovo, Oppido. Terranova. Polistena. The Isles Eoli. Lipare. a populous City, which is adorned with the dignity of a Dukedom. Not very far is Polistena; against the Castle whereof lie the Isles Eolie, the which have this name from Eolo, which the Poets feign to be the God of the winds, knowing by the nature of the place their change and alteration; of these Isles Lipare was only inhabited, whose circuit is 16 miles, sometimes a Colony of the Gnidii, which were very strong at Sea, and made long resistance to the improvident assaults of the Toscans, and of their first fruits they oftentimes consecrated to the Temple of Apollo at Delphus. The said Isle is distant from Sicilia 20 miles; Strabo and Pliny call this Isle Meligone, which is very famous as wel for the fruitfulness of the ground, as also for the delicacy and sweetness of the fruits, and the great plenty of Alume which it yieldeth; the said Isle was at the first [...]nhabited by Lipareo the son of Ausonio King of Italy, who being at discord with his [Page] brothers, came hither with divers soeldiers to remain, and here built a City, which by his own name was called Lipari, the which City was alwaies faithfull to the Kings of Naples, from whom in recompence it obtained many priviledges and freedoms; but finally in the month of Iuly 1544 it was destroyed with sword and fire by Ariadeno Barbarossa, Captain of the Turkish Army; but it was suddenly repaired again by the Emperor Charls the fifth. The other Isles are not manured nor inhabited, whereby their ancient names yet continue, that is to say Stromboli, and Vulcano, from whence continually riseth smoke, and sometimes flames of fire with horrible noise and thundring. Here we may see Bagnara, where the women for their beauty and comliness appear like Nymphs;Bagnara. and here is the general fishing for the Sword-fish, called by Pliny Xiphia, the which is done (as Strabo declareth in his first book of Geography) in this manner following, which manner is also recited by Polybius. First of all one is appointed as a spie to stand in a high place,The taking of the sword fish, how it is done, and by whom it was invented. being as a common guard or defence for all the fishers, the which are dispersed into many little boats of two oars, remaining in every one two of them, one which guideth the boat with two oars, the other to wound the fish with an armed Sphear, which he standing on the fore-deck, or head of the boat, holdeth in his hand; so soon as the spie maketh a signe that the fish is discovered rising with the third part of his body above the water, he with the oars roweth near the boat, and the other preparing his blow wounds him with a wonderful agility, then snatching out the sphear, the iron remans behind, which being broad-headed, and so wel accommodated, that easily a man may wound with it, and as easily leave it in the wound; to the iron is tied a long little cord, which goes so far with the wounded fish, that beating himself and labouring to escape, becometh weary: Then they draw the fish to the shore, or get him into one of their little boats, if he be not over-great; and if it so fall out the sphear be cast into the Sea, it cannot therefore be lost, because that being made part of Oak, and part of Firr so well joyned together, the weight of the oak drawing one end under the water, the lightness of the firr causeth the other end to rise up, so that it may easily be taken. Moreover it falleth out sometimes, that he which roweth is wounded in the boat, so great is the sword of the fish and his fierceness, that this labour is no less dangerous then the chasing of the wild Boar. Some say that this fishing was learned in the time of Vlysses, which came into these places.Sciglio.

Afterward appeareth upon a great Rock, Sciglio, by Pliny called Scylleum Oppidum, which also holdeth the name of Scilla the daughter of Forco, which while the Ancients say should be turned into a Rock, according to the Fable, was a horrible and hideous Monster which devoured ships, noting that great danger of Pharaoh, where the roaring and terror of the waves, and the fearfull aspect of the sands, represent very often to passengers which there sail, the great horror and dreadfull fear, oftentimes bringing death it self. This place was fortified by Anasilao against the Tuscans, where Spartaco was overcome by Marco Crasso, he in vain purposing to escape in the dead time of the night: And the said City is adorned with the dignity of a Prince.

Continuing the beautifull Coast of this Country, we may behold the ancient Cemi, now called Coda della Volpe, and Catona, with Fiumara di Muro, and Regio, Coda della Volpe. Fiumara di Muro. Regio. called of the Latines Regium Iulium, which is one of the most ancient Cities of all Italy, builded (as hath been said) by Eschenes the Nephews son of Noe, to whom the Greeks gave this name because from that place Sicilia was separated from Italy through the violence of an Earthquake, the which Virgil confirmeth in his third book of Eneidos, saying,

Haec loca vi quandam vasta convulsa ruina▪

Tantum aevi longiqua valet mutare vetustas.

Dissiluisse ferunt, cum protinus utraque tellus

Vna foret, venit medio vi pontis, & undis

Hesperium Siculo latus abscidit, arvaque & urb [...]

Lictore deductas angusto interluit aesto.

[Page] This City maintained the Commonwealth thereof a long time, and was destroyed by Dionisius of Siracusa, but being afterward repaired and beautified by Iulius Cesar, suffered many ruines, and last of all by Ariadeno Barbarossa that famous Captain of the Turkish Navy. In the Territory of this City on the right side,Grashoppers & their natures. the Grashoppers make a wonderfull noise, and on the left they are still, the which by Poets is attributed to the cursings of Hercoles, being therewith disquieted in his sleep; but more truly it so hapneth by the dew which falleth there in the night, because those creatures receive not so much heat to make a noise, although some affirm they have another kind of voice then the other, where also they declare the Fable which chanced to Ariston and Eunamo, the Musician of the Grashopper, supplying to the one the sound of the string which he brake in his Citaren, the which the Ancients kept in remembrance a long time. In Regio is made the best silk, and excellent Wine, whereof Atheneo in his first book thus saith, Vinum Rhegium cum Surrentino pinguius sit, usque ad annum quintumdecimum est utile. The earthen Vessels that are there made are much commended, and in old time also were made excellent dishes and vessels, as Pliny reporteth in his 35. book, saying, Rhegium inquit siglina, & plastice nobilitatur. And in another place saith, nobilitatur Rhegium patinis. This City had in old time many excellent Philosophers, and learned men, as Aristides, Aristocrates, Demostenes, Athosione, Calais, The worthy men of Regio. Eurchyde, Eliacone, Hipporco, Mnesibolo, Obsimo, Phytio, Selinusio, and Theocle, of the which Eliacone Hipparco and Phytio, were excellent Philosophers; to Hipparco Plato entituled a book de studio lucrandi. Androdamo and Theetheo were also of Regio, two Philosophers and Lawyers.

Now going a little further we come to the Promontory of Leucopetra, so called by the shining stones that are there, which Mariners now call the Cape dell arme. Afterward appeareth the Promontory of Hercules, The Cape of Partivento. which the Countrey-people at this present call the Cape of Partivento: A little further is Mendalaia, afterward Brancaleone, Bruzzano; this Cape in old time was called Zeffiro, where the Moors arived in the year 1126. which afterward destroyed a good part of the Kingdom. Strabo speaking of this Cape thus saith, Zephirum Promontorium agri Locri à quo Locrenses Zephiri dicti sunt: Pliny saith that in this Promontory is included the first Harbour of Europe, from the which the Seas have their name. Then follows Bianco, from whose Country is had great store of Wine; going a little further is discovered Potamia, which aboundeth with great store of the best hony; and a little below is Motta Bovalina, whose Territory is very fertile, yielding good Wines, and there is gathered no small quantity of Manna, and in the pleasant fields do naturally grow great plenty of medicinable hearbs; here through the amenity of the air is seen as it were a perpetual Spring, and in every place is excellent fowling for Partridges,Potamia. Motua Bovalina Quails, and other Fowls. Gismondo Loffredo possesseth this Country, which by the grace and favour of King Philip, hath besides it, newly obtained the Title of a Marquiss. Not farr off is to be seen Condoianni, called in old time Vria, the which Country hath the dignity of a Count. And a little distant from hence is the ancient and noble City of Geraci, called in old time Locri. By whom the said City should be built, Writers hold divers opinions, for Dionisius Aphro in his book de situ orbis writeth that Locri was builded by the Queen of the Locresi, and thus saith,

Hinc ab boream Zephiri, quae summa vocatur,

Sub qua sunt Locri celeres, qui tempore prisco.

Illuc Reginam propriam venere secuti

Ausoniamque tenent, qua currit slumen Halecus.

Others hold opinion that it was built by Aiace Oileo, or by the Naricii his companions, confirming it with the words of Virgil in his third book of Eneidos, saying, ‘Hic, & Nariiti posuere moenia Locri,’

[Page]This first City used of all others, the written Laws of the Greeks, and were a long time governed by that commonwealth, and grew very famous for the Government of Zeleuco their Lawgiver, who was so severe against Adulterers,Of Zeleuco the Law giver, & his [...]everity that he refused to pardon his own son taken in adultery, he would to the end the rigor of his Laws should be observed, which commanded that the proof of this crime should be deprivation of both the eyes (he reputing these two as it were one thing) was himself first deprived of one eye, and his son of another: This City also was very famous through Timeo the Philosopher, and Eunomo the Musician,Timeo the Philosopher. Eunomo the Musician. Eutimo atleta. The Temple of Proserpina. and Eutimo Atleta, who was so strong that he did bear upon his shoulders a stone which two Oxen were scant able to draw. Likewise this City hath been very glorious for the sumptuous and admirable Temple of Proserpina, whereof Livy maketh such honourable mention in his 29, and 31 book. The said Temple was spoiled for the riches therein by Pyrrhus, and by Dionisius the Tyrant; and last of all it was robbed by P. Plemnio the Roman Legat. Nevertheless they all sustained the punishment of Divine vengeance, the one whilst he went up and down the shore, through fear restored the sacriledg, was afterward slain by Argus; the punishment of the other was imposed upon his son, being therefore deprived his Kingdom by God, which often punisheth the sins of fathers in their children, and the other by authority of the Senate died miserably in prison. There are in the Territory of the said City excellent Baths of brinish and sulphure water, which help and cure many diseases, and are very good for barren women. Here are made very fair earthen dishes, and great abundance of the best and finest silk, excellent oyl, capers, corianders, and most delicate manna. But to the end the Reader may be well satisfied, I will say somewhat of the said manna which is so much commended by Phisicians. Manna then (as that learned Mattiolo saith) is a certain dew, or sweet liquor which falleth in the night from the air upon the leaves,What Manna is and how i [...] cometh. and the boughs of trees, and upon the grass and herbs, and upon the stones, and likewise upon the earth, the which afterward growing very thick within a certain space of time, becometh grainy like gum, and this is properly called manna on the leaves, and is a small grain transparent and heavy, like to a little grain of white mastick, and of a sweet and pleasant taste. After this, that on the boughs holds the second place, and the third is that on the stones, and on the earth, the which hath a bigger grain, and nothing so pure a colour, and this is gathered in the morning before the heat of the Sun, forasmuch afterward as the Sun dissolving it, it is easily converted into air, and therefore some of them use, which gather it when any great plenty falls, to cut off the boughs of the trees in the morning betimes, and to carry them into the fields in the cold air, where through the hardness they gather it wi [...]h the greater ease. Averroe was of opinion, and many other besides him, that the Ancients, and especially Galen, knew not this manna. Manna falleth in the nights in the Summer season when the air is coldest, and the day before very hot and dry, for the learned interpreters of nature say this proceeds of the light vapours from the earth and the water. Forasmuch as being first purified and concocted by the Sun; it is to be thought that by the cold of the night following it becomes thick. And besides it is to be understood, that that Manna which falls upon fig-leaves, and the Ash is whitest and most gummie; but that which falleth upon the leaves of peaches, of almonds, or oaks, is liquid, and in taste and colour like honey. Therefore we may easily believe, that not by its own nature, or of it self, Manna becommeth gummy, and is made thick like unto mastick; but these accidents cause these effects upon the leaves and trees where it chanceth to fall. Neither is that to be believed which many report thereof, that manna before the canicular daies, sweateth in Calauria, without falling from the air, even from boughs, and likewise from the bark of the bodies of the ash and plum-trees, and to be ingendred naturally of it self in these trees, and to sweat out of them, in like manner as gum sweateth from divers other trees, wherein they are much deceived; forasmuch as that which sweateth from these trees in the canicular daies, is no other then the celestial manna descending there in the next succeeding months of May and Iune, sucked up by the bark, and drawn out again in such manner as a man draweth a drop of oyl out of a piece of woollen cloath that is fallen upon it, and so it afterward [Page] comes to pass, being incorporated with the rine of the tree, issueth out again, drawn by the violent heat of the canicular starr, and is there thickned, and becomes grainy in the manner of gum. It is evidently seen, that that which falleth from the air is better preserved by the ash and the plum-trees, then any other kind of Tree or Plant whatsoever; and therefore it is not to be admired if the most sottile and thin part entreth and penetrateth through the pores thereof,The temperature of Manna. being there preserved, doth not corrupt in a long time. Manna is (according as Avicenne and Mesue relates) of an equal temperature, more inclining to heat then otherwise. But according to Averroe, it is hot and moist, it loosneth the body, although but weakly by it self alone, and therefore it is given to women with child, and to little children without any hurt or fear; being mingled and wrought with medicines, it increaseth their vertue. It gently and easily purgeth choler, taketh away thirst, openeth and mollifieth the parts of the brest, and of the throat; but it cannot be preserved in the true perfection thereof above one year. Leaving the said City two miles, we come to the River Buthroto, whereof Livy maketh mention;Livy, lib 9. Siderono. Grotteria. and not far off is the little Castle of Siderono, with the River Locano which is full of fish; and a little above is Grotteria, which is six miles from the Sea, and from Ieraco ten. Barrio is of opinion that the said City was builded by Idomeneo, King of Candia, called by the Ancients Castrum Minervae. The Territory thereof is very fruitfull and fertile, because that besides the great abundance of fruit, of oyl, of almonds, of silk, and of the best hony; it hath very delectable and pleasant Gardens full of Oringes, Citrons, Limons, and Pomgranates, and in it are Mines of Gold and Lead. The said Country is adorned with the dignity of a Marquiss subject to the house of Aragona d' Ayerbe. Departing from Grotteria we come to Mottagioiosa, called by Pliny and by Mela, Ministra, where is made good Wine, Oyle, and Silk, and there is also Mines of Salt.Mottagioiosa, Roccella. Near the Sea is Roccella, called in old time Amphissia, whereof Ovid in the 15 book of Met. maketh mention, saying, ‘Levibusque Amphissia remis saxa sugit.’ This Country hath lately been honoured with the dignity of a Prince, by the favour of King Philip. Following the same way, we come to the mouth of Alaro, which the Ancients called Sacra;

Mottapaganica. The Promontory of Cocinto, now [...] called the Cape of Stilo.

The Ionian Sea, where it beginneth to be so called▪ Stilo.

after we incounter Mottapaganica, we come to Monesteria, very famous for the excellent Cheeses, and Flax that are made there; a little higher appears the ancient Promontory of Cocinto, which is now called the Cape of Stilo, which according to the opinion of some, is the longest in all Italy, there are digged round about it many Mines of Gold, of Silver, and Iron, and of Steel. From the point of the abovesaid Cape beginneth the Ionian Sea; and afterward is Stilo, a good and populous Country, whose Territory is very rich of Mines of Gold and Silver, and other Mettals. And there is also made very excellent Flax, Capers Saffron, Bombace, and it standeth from the Sea five miles. Tomaso Campanella of the Order of Preachers, was born in this Country, and Telesiano the Philosopher, the which hath learnedly writ eight books of disputations against the Peripateticks in favour of Berardino Telesio, and is now at this present writing De sensu rerum, where he shews he understands all things. A little distant is Santa Caterina, and Badolato, a Country very delightfull, where is made excellent Wines, Oyl, Hony, and very fine Silk, and also is gathered great store of Manna, to the which Country Giulio Berlingiero, and Giovandomenico Greco, excellent Lawyers, at this present yield much honour. After followeth Satriano, called of the Ancients Caecinnum, Badolato. Satriano. from whom the River taketh the name, which runneth but a little from thence, of the which Thucidides in his third book maketh mention, saying, Laches, & Atheniensis egressi è navibus nonnulla loca locridis juxta caecinnum amnem Locrenses ad arcendam vim occurrentes cum Proxeno Capatonis silio circiter trecentos caeperunt, detractisque armis abierunt. Afterward is to be seen Petrito, Petrito. Soverato. a little Castle situate in a pleasant seat, where is made excellent good Wine; not very far is Claravalle, which for the goodness of the Flax, contends with Alexandria for the precedence. Then followeth Soverato, whose Territory [Page] is garnished with beautifull Gardens of Citrons, Limons, and Oringes, where near to the Fountain Meliteo, is to be seen an Oak whose leaves never fals. And afterward is Squillaci, a noble and an ancient City, built, as some affirm, by the Ausoni, or by the Enotri. Of this City thus writeth Strabo, Squillaci. Scyllaceum Atheniensium Colonia, qui Menestei comites fuere: From the name of this City, the Gulf of Squillaci taketh its name, so perilous to Sailers, whereof grows the Proverb, Naufrag [...] Scyllaceus. Squillace was a Colony of the Romans, as C. Velleio Patercole writeth in his first book; to the which City Cassiodoro, A Proverb. Munk of the Order of St. Benedict hath given great ornament, which writ many books upon divers matters; and among others, composed the Tripartite History in 12 books, and a book de ratione animae, and another upon the Canticles; he writ another book of Etimologies, with a Catalogue of all the Roman Consuls. He lived in the time of Iustine the old Emperor, and died in the year of our Lord 575. The said City is honoured with the title of a Prince, subject to the house of Borgia, wherein with much reverence is preserved the body of St. Agatio. Here leaving the River Crotalo, and Roccella, upon a high Hill is Catanzaro, a noble and populous City, the which was builded by Fagitio, Lieutenant in Italy for the Emperor Nicephero. And Catanzaro was so called of the Greek word Catizo, which in Latin signifieth sedeo, to which the excellent situation and the workmanship of Silk,Catanzaro. and Cloath bringeth great profit, it is one of the fairest and principal Cities of Calauria; and at this present it is the head of this Province, and in it resideth the Kings Audit.

In the chiefest Church thereof lie with great reverence, the bodies of St. Vitaliano, and Theodoro, Martyrs, whose holy lives are written by the reverend Paolo Regio, Bishop of Vico.

Hard by is to be seen the City of Taverna, which standeth near the Wood Sila. This City had its original from the ancient Treschinesi, Taverna Treschinesi. the which being in the year 1068. ruinated by the Saracins, was afterward reedified within the land in a most strong and inpregnable place; but sustaining afterward divers calamities, was again newly built by the Citizens thereof two miles distant, under a most delicate temperature of air. In the Territory of this City groweth the odoriferous Turpentine which Macedonia, Damasco, and Syria so much esteemed the having thereof. This City hath received much honour by Iohn Lorenzo Anania, an excellent Divine and Cosmographer, which hath writ the Universal Fabrick of the world, and a learned discourse of the nature of devils.Simari.

Towards the Sea-side is to be seen Simari; and a little distant is the City Trichenesi, which had very stately buildings in the old time;Trischenesi. but at this present the reliques are scant to be seen.

Then followeth the City Belcastro, which some say was the ancient Chona. This City boasteth much of St. Thomas of Aquin, Belcastro. The Calaur [...]si say that S. Thomas of Aquin was born in Belcastro Mesuraga. affirming that he was there born, where they say he did the miracle of the Roses, for which they cease not to contend with the Neopolitans, saying he was of their City; this worthy Saint died in the Monastery of Fossanova, in the Territory of Terracina, in the year of our Lord 1274. Near unto it is Mesuraga, called in old time Reatinum, builded by the Enotrii, of the which Country was the worthy Matteo Vidio, of the Order of the Minori, whose body with honour lieth in the City of Taverna. Not far distant standeth Policastro, called by the Ancients Petilia, which was builded by Philotete, the son of Piante, companion of Hercoles: Of this City Virgil in the 3. book of Aeneid, saith thus,Policastro

Hic illa.

Dulcis Melibaei parva Philoctetae subnexa

Petilia muro.

This City was a Colony of the Romans, the which was many times defended with much valour against the assaults of Hannibal, by whom being at length taken, was destroyed.

[Page]Then follows Siberna, an ancient and an honourable City, now called Santa Severina,

S. Severina, Cutro.

The Cape of Pillars.

Castra Hannibalis.

which is situate on a high Hill in the mids between two famous Rivers, very strong by nature; and after is the Rock where are digged great hils of Salt. From hence leaving the River Tacina, appears Cutro, which aboundeth with excellent Flax; and a little above is the Castle, which some say should be the place named by the Latines, Castra Hannibalis. Then appeareth the Isle and the Cape of Pillars, before called the Promontory Lacinio, and was so called of Lacinio a famous Pirat which went robbing up and down, and was afterward slain by Hercules, who built there a sumptuous Temple to Iuno, which Eneas honoured with a Cup of Gold; this place was very famous for the School of Pithagoras, and for the ashes of Filotete, which laid upon the Altar, was not dispersed with the wind. This Cape of Pillars in these latter times was so called by the many and great Pillars which are there standing of the said ruinated Temple.

Leaving this Cape, where beginneth the second gulf of the Mediterrane, is the famous City of Cotrone, in old time one of the greatest and chiefest Cities of Maegna Grecia. Cotrone. The opinions of Writers are divers, by whom the said City should be builded, for some affirm that it was built by Lacinio Corcireo. Ovid, and Strabo say it should be Misilo; Pithagoras more ancient then these, writeth that Hercules built it. This City was very famous because the Philosopher Pithagoras was a Citizen thereof,See Plutarch in Communio, and St. Thomas in the 1 book of the Methe [...] ra: of Aristotle. from whose School proceeded more Philosophers then were Captains in the Trojan horse, and also for Orpheus the Poet, and Democides the Phisician, so much esteemed of the King of Persia; besides the beauty of the women have been much commended, for Zeuxses portraying Images in the Temple of Iuno, took them for his pattern, and for the sports and exercises of Atleta, where was Milo, so strong that he used to carry a Bull; and Egone which in running overtook the young Heifers, cutting from them their hoofs, and making afterward a present thereof to his Amarillis.

Walking along we come to the City Cariati which hath the dignity of a Prince; and not far off lieth Calopizzato, Crusia, and the noble and ancient City Rossano, built by the Enotri; Rossano. Iohn the 7. Bishop of Rome, which was born there, honoureth much this City.

A little farther within the Land, is Longobucco, where are sound certian Mines of Silver;Longobucco. from thence descending towards the Sea, we may see Corigliano; and not far off is Cassano, in so fair and temperate a Country, as it is not inferior to the best part of all the Land of Lavoro; and here within the circuit of this pleasant Country was the ancient City of Turio, Turio. which at this present the people of the Country call Terranova: Trogo writeth in his 20 book, that the said City was builded by Filottete, the which was much ennobled by Herodotus, having writ therein his Histories, in which City he also died, as Pliny saith; from the same City Octavius Augustus had his beginning. And this City hath also been the natural Soil of many Roman Bishops. Then appears towards the sea-side, Trebisazze, Albidona, Amendolara, and the River Semio, called in old time Siri, by the City of Siro, which stood very near, which was afterward named Heraclea, to whom the Statue of Minerva bred great wonder, in turning and rouling the eyes against the Ionii, which sacking and spoyling the City, respected it not. The men of this Province are of a white complexion,The quality and disposition of the men of this Province. of indifferent stature, and strong, crafty, firm and resolute in their opinions, hardy and stout, much inclined to Learning and Arms; they use Daggs, Swords, and Pikes. The Gentlemen attire themselves after the Neopolitan fashion, and likewise the women; but those which live in Villages are very rude and barbarous. The Arms of this Province are per salter or .4. pates gules; and on the second partition or so many crosses bastone Sa. The which two Crosses signifie the two Calaurias; and the other partitions are the Arms of Aragon. These Arms were invented by Don Ferdinando of Aragon, Duke of Calauria, the son of Alfonsus the first, King of Naples, for that he would not otherwise express them, that although the Region of Calauria was divided by his Father into two Provinces, nevertheless he was Lord of them both.

The Countrey of OTRANTO, The seventh Province of the Kingdom of NAPLES.

[Page]

THe fair and rich Province of the Country of Otranto, called in old time Iapigia, as Solon saith, of Iapige the son of Dedalus, which came thither with many people to inhabit. These people had their original from Latii, and as others say, from the Cretians, which with the Illerians came into this utmost bound of Italy. This Province was also called Salentina, from the Promontory Salentino, at this present named the Cape of Santa Maria; but as Festus saith, of Salo, which is to say the Sea which compasseth it almost round about, except a little part which joyneth with the firm land; others affirm that it was called Salentina of the people Salentini, which came with the Cretians hither to inhabit. It was afterward called Messapia, of the Captain Messapo, which came from Peloponesus with a Colony into this Region. And not long after it was named by the Creeks, Calauria. And finally from the City of Otranto, all this Region is called the Country of Otranto. The figure and form of this Province is an out cape of land, which is one of the three angles or corners of Italy, wherein endeth one of the two principal capes, wherein is a part of the Apennine,

The form and figure of this Province.

The circuit of this Province. The quality of the earth.

and here as is commonly thought, ends the Adriatick Sea, and is united with the Ionian. Verily this Province seemeth as another Chersonesus, lying under a pleasant air. The circuit thereof is little more then 200 miles, whose Istmus is between Taranto and Monopoli, not exceeding the space of 40 miles; in the which Peninsula, although the superficial part of the earth for the most part be rough and stony, [Page] nevertheless being ploughed up, discovereth excellent mould, and although there be little store of water, it yields good pasture for Cattel, and bringeth forth Wheat, Wine, Barley, Oats, Olives, Citrons, excellent Musk-millions, Figgs, Apples, Pears,The great plenty of fruit in this Province. Limons, Oringes, Oxen, Asses, Mules of the best breed, and such abundance of Saffron, that it seems to be rather the proper fruit of this Country, then of Carthage. The great plenty of O [...]l which is there made, seemeth a thing incredible to those which have not seen it, whereby all the Kingdom doth not only abound therewith, but also the greatest part of Italy; and every where is excellent fowling, and hunting both for Conies and hares. And although the air be very wholsome, yet the leprosie is very common, by the means, as I think, of eating Pork, and drie Figgs, the ordinary food of the common people. The springs of water are partly sweet, and partly gross and brackish. In this Country is bred the Tarantola,Why the disease of the leprosie reigneth in this country. whose venom is driven away with sound and singing, the which Galen also affirms, with the authority of Theofrastus, of certain other creatures. There are also bred the Chersidri, and there is no part of Italy more troubled with Grashoppers, which devour all things where they come, and in one night consume the ripest fields. But nature hath provided a remedy by the means of certain Fowls,Chirsidri. which they call Ganie, which destroy this vermin. The Hail also much hurteth this Province, which almost every year doth some spoil. The Thunder is there felt, as in the Country of Lavoro, both in Summer and Winter. But coming to the description of this Province, beginning at the River Bradano, is Taranto, a worthy and an ancient City, which some say had that name from the River Tara, and others from Tara the son of Neptune, and others impute the original to Hercoles. This City so increased by the means of Falanto the Spartan, who governing under the Democratical Regiment, contended sometimes with the Lucani,The description of the country. Taranto. and sometimes with the Senate, being alwaies aided by strange Captains, having sometines the help of Alexander, and sometines of Pyrrhus, became so rich, that there was no City except Siracusa, that brought greater riches to the people of Rome; it glorieth much in her Archita, that admirable Mathematician, which caused a Dove of Copper to fly round about the City, and of Aristosseno the Musician. Taranto lieth between two Seas, whereof the one is called the great,Archita the Mathematician. the other the little; in the lesser which is in compass 18 miles, there runneth in many springs, and the River Galeso, by means whereof, and the calmness of the water, there are many fishes, and no less then in the Sea of Constantinople.

The river Galesio.

The situation of the city of Taranto.

The City standeth in an Island like unto a ship, having bridges to pass over into the Continent; here the ebbing and flowing of the Sea is very violent; on the other side with a ditch made by mens labours, is joyned the little sea with the great, the which ditch is able to receive a gally, where at this present is the City, esteemed one of the strongest Forts of the Kingdom, where was the first Fortress which Fardinando of Aragon King of Naples repaired.Cesaria. Gallipoli. Of this Country there is no more to be said, then that which Horace saith, ‘Ille terrarum mihi praeter omnes, angulus ridet.’ Coasting from hence is Cesaria, a place ruinated by those of Gallipoli, with the lower sea, full of great skuls of fishes; not very far is Gallipoli, a City very fair and populous, which Pliny calleth Anza, but Pomponius Mela nameth it Gallipolis, the said City was built by the Greeks, which being afterward droven out by the Gauls, called it Gallipoli. The said City is situate in a narrow piece of Land, running into the Sea in the fashion of a Frying-pan, in whose utmost part is that most impregnable City, both for the situation, the Wall, and the Castle, because the steep and craggy Rocks rampire it; where in the Wars between the Aragonesi and the French, defended it self in the behalf of Aragon, with great commendation. That excellent Philosopher Iohn Baptista Crispo, hath much ennobled this City, who hath writ 23 books De Ethnicis philosophis caute legendis, and three others de Animarum statu ex hac vita migrantium. Departing from thence is Vgento, Vgento. and the Cape of Luca, called in old time the Promonto y of Iapigio; and in this place was the famous Temple of Minerva, where was kept the Arms and the [Page] Chain of Diomedes; this cape is now called the cape of Santa Maria, in the end of the country, so named at this present by the sumptuous church here builded in honour of the glorious mother of our Lord, called of the Ancients Promontorium Iapigium, and of Pliny, Ara Iapigia. This cape riseth out as a front or brow of Lacinio, compassing on both sides the gulf of Taranto. Then followeth Castro, a place to be noted for the ruines it sustained by the Turks, in the time that Soloman attempted the enterprise of Italy. Castro. Not far from thence is the cape and the famous City of Otranto;Otranto. here Acomat Bascia first mustered his souldiers in Italy, having destroyed this City according to the manner of Mahomet 2. his Prince, he made new fortifications in the city, whereupon were afterward made by our ancestors so many fortresses through all Europe, that they seemed invincible. And this city is so near to Greece, that it is scant distant 50 miles,The distance between Otranto and Greece. and therefore in this place I think first Pirrhus, and after M. Varro purposed to joyn Italy with Greece by a bridg of ships. Here also begins the Adriatick Gulf, which is divided from the Ionian sea, as it were by a line or path,Where the Adriatick Gulf beginneth. although many say it hath its beginning from the Mount St. Angelo; or rather according to some, from Ancona. This great gulf had its name from the city of Adria, the which lying crooked as it were a horn, more then any other gulf of the Mediterrane, even to Tieste, separating Italy from Sclavonia, being on the right side full of Havens, and having very few on the left, and oftentimes so tempestuous, whereupon grew this Proverb amond the Ancients, Adria furiosior; it is now called the gulf of Venice, that famous City giving the name by a Ring of Gold, which the Duke casteth in on the Ascention day, the Popes Legat being present.Why it was called the Gulf of Venice. The Lake of Liminiti. Brindesi. And continuing this course are to he seen near the Lake of Liminiti certain ruins, which declare the greatness of the Emperor Adrian. After comes the Haven of St. Cataldo, and Brindesi, which was sometimes one of the chiefest cities in Italy; for all the shipping from the East arived here; and now through discord and dissention it is half desart. And therefore the aire is very unwholsome, a thing which hapneth to all great cities, why the air is no better, is the want of inhabitants (because they dry up the moist and moorish places with their tillage, and cut down the woods that are too thick, and with fire purge the ill air, and with high buildings have that which is good) so contrarily there is nothing worse then the solitude of great cities, because not only they are deprived of the abovesaid helps, but of the houses themselves, and their ruine is the receptacle of corruption, which appeared in Aquileia, Rome, Ravenna, Alexandria in Egipt, and also Bagdel. For the which cause the Greeks did not too excessively inlarge their cities.Plato and Aristotle, how great they would have a City to be. The Haven of Brundesi. Plato would not that his should exceed five thousand Families; Aristotle, that all his people at one instant might hear the voice of the Crier. The Haven of Brindesi is like to the head of a hart, whose horns compass the city within it, because it is divided in two, it is barred up with a chain, the outward part is guarded by two rocks, and an Island, the mouth of it is very deep, but in the Wars between K. Alfonsus and the Venetians, a ship sunk to the bottom, which choked it in such manner, that hardly a Gally can pass. Here we incounter two Vallies digged by hand, which brings in the sea on the right hand, and the left side of the city lieth in such sort, that it makes almost an Island. It hath two fortresses, one within the two horns, built by the Emperor Frederick the second of square stone, very beautifully built; the other in the [...]sle of St. Andrea. At the mouth of the outward haven, built by King Alfonsus of Aragon. Strabo cals this city Brundusium, By whom Brindesi was built. and others write that it was builded by the Etoli, and afterward inhabited by the Cretesi, which came with Theseus and Gnoso, and at last it was a colony of the Romans, and in old time was of so great power, that L. Floro saith it was the head of the Salentini. M Pacuvio, the Tragical Poet, the nephew of Ennius on whose Tomb saith A. Gellio, was ingraven this Epitaph.

Adolescens, temetsi properas, hoc te saxum rogat,

Vt se aspicias; deinde quod scriptum est, legas.

Hic sunt poetae Pacuvii Marsi sita

Ossa; hoc volebam, nescius ne esses: vale.

[Page] There lieth with great reverence in the principal church thereof, the bodies of St. Theodoro and Pelino, Martyrs, and there is to be seen all the whole tongue of St. Ierome. The noble Families that are in this city, are these following, Balzo, Bove, Caracciolo, Catignano, Cuggio, d' Eredia, Fornaro, Pando, Pascale, Pizzica, Ramondo, Scomafora, Sasso, Tomasino, Villanova, Vacchedani, and others. Between Brindesi and Otranto, every place is full of Olives; but from Brindesi to Ostuni (for the space of 24 miles) there is nothing but bushes and woods. Brindesi is distant from Rome 360 miles,Matera. and from Durazzo 220. On the Mediterrane lieth in a corner of the River Bradano, Matera, the which some say should be Acheronitia, Matera is distant from Gravina twelve miles, and is very famous for the strangeness of the situation thereof, and for the multitude of people, and in it is a Mine of Boalarmonack,

The Mine of Boalearmonack.

The Poet Eustachio.

which is of excellent nature to heal a wound, and the bloudy flux, and the biting of venomous creatures; and moreover there is a Mine of Saltpeter. Eustachio, said to be of Materea, was a citizen thereof, a Phisician which in verse writ of the vertue of the Baths of Pozzuolo, and also M. Vito of Matera, a very learned man of the Order of St· Dominick, was a citizen thereof, as the Chronicle of the Order of Preachers makes mention, saying, Nec defuit Italia dare nobis fratrem vitum de Matera sydus, atque alterum longe clarius. Following that way,Motola. Misagne· Otra. we come to Motola, Misagne, and Otra, which hath the title of a Marquiss: and a little farther appears the ruines of Baleso, but without that famous fountain, being either lost, or otherwise having changed its course. Afterward is to be seen Leccie, Leccie. where resides the Councel of State and the Nobility of the Province, which hath such a residence, such buildings, and the precinct of such a country, and so great civility, that it seems as a little Naples. Carlo Sigonio cals this city Aletium, and others Licium, which as some write was built by Idomeneo a Greek, Captain of the Cretian souldiers, and called it Litio, of his own country. Others say that it was not Idomeneo, but Malennio King of the Salentini that built it; but howsoever it is not to be doubted but it is ancient. Afterward it increased in people by the ruine of Lupia, The Epitaph on the Tomb of the Poet Ennius. and of Rudia the natural place of the Poet Ennius, which as Cicero writeth, upon his Tomb were ingraven these verses,

Aspicite O cives senis Ennii imaginis urnam,

Hic vestrum panxit maxima facta patrum.

Nemo me Lacrimis decoret, nec funera fletu

Faxit? cur? volito viva per ora virum.

This City hath an excellent fruitfull Territory with pleasant Gardens, and about it is a Grove of Olive trees of forty miles, which yields a very fair prospect. Within the said city besides many goodly churches, there are also 13 convents of Friers, 8 of Munks, and two honourable and worthy Hospitals. The citizens thereof are generally given to Arms and Learning, and all apparel themselves very costly. This city hath brought forth among others, excellent men of War, as Leonardo Prato Knight of Ierusalem, Bailief of Venosa, which as Bembo writeth, was one of the best Captains of his time,Bembo in the [...]. book of the History of Venice. and in the enterprise of the Rodes kild in a single combat a Turkish Giant, which very often had overcome valiant Christian Captains, he being very expert in the Wars, served the Commonwealth of Venice with such general applause, that after his death the said Commonwealth erected a Statue of Marble, which at this present is to be seen in the Church of St. Iohn and Paul, with this subscription,

Leornardum Pratum militem fortissimum, & ex provocatione semper victorem. Praefectum Ferdinandi junioris, & Frederici Regum Neap. ob virtutem terrestribus, navalibusque preliis foelicissimum magnis, This Leonardo Prato Guicciardino, and others say, was of Naples, but it is not true. clarissimisque rebus pro veneta Republica gestis, pugnantem ab hoste cesum.

Leonardus Loredanus Princeps, & amplissimus ordo Senatorius prudentiae, a [...] sortitudinis ergo, statua haec aequestri ‘donandum censuit.’

Scipio Ammirato, an excellent Historian, liveth at this present with much honour to this city, which for his rare qualities is much esteemed by the Duke of [Page] Tuscan. Going a little forward through this pleasant and delightfull country, is situate upon a hill the City Ogento, by Ptolomeo called Vxentum, which hath the title of a Count subject to the house of Orsina; and walking certain miles appeareth the fair country of St. Pietro in Galatina, Ogento. St. Pietro in Galatina. the natural country of Marc. Antonio Zimara, and of Theophilus his son, an excellent Philosopher. Departing from thence, and walking a mile appeareth Soleto, called by Pliny Soletum, of which place was Matteo, called of Soleto, the famous Nigromant. Hard by is the worthy country of Galatena, to the which Antonio (called the Galatean) hath given great honour, a Philosopher, Orator, Poet, and an excellent Cosmographer,Galatena. whose Works are well known, he was dearly esteemed of King Fardinando of Aragon, and of King Frederick, from whom he obtained many bountifull gifts; he departed this life with much honour in the year of our Lord 1509. in the city of Lecce, on whose Tomb remaineth this Epitaph:

Qui novit medicas artes, & sydera coeli

Hac Galateus humo conditus ille jacet

Qui coelum, terramque animo concepit Olympum

Cernite mortales quam brevis urna tegit.

The fields of this country are fruitfull, and yield all sorts of corn, wine, and oyle▪ the Marquiss thereof is Cosmo Pinelli, the son of Galeazzo, Duke of Acerenza, a Lord warthily qualified, very vertuous and kind, and as he hath an honourable presence, and a Princely port, loves not only Arms, but Learning also,Cosmo Pinelli, Marquiss of Galatena. wherein is added further perfection in the full felicity of a flowing wit, graciously to express his noble and high magnanimity, whereby he doth not a jot degenerate from his worthy progenitors. Walking along we may discover certain small Villages and Castles here, and there near these places, which being of no great importance, I think best to omit. Going from Galatena six miles, appeareth Paravita, Paravita: Nardo. and Nardo, a city very fair and ancient, which Ptolomy calleth Neritum, where is often seen in the air, the southwind blowing, as it were in a glass, the likeness of those things which are round about, the common people that knows not the reason or cause thereof, imputeth it to a diabolical illusion, whereas the reason is the disposition of the place, and the quality of the air, which is made thick through the superfluous and excessive humidity opposite unto it: hard by are to be seen the ruines of Veste, where not long since were discovered certain Epitaphs of the ancient Letters of Messapie. Afterward we come to Casalnuovo, edified by the ruines of the ancient Mandurio, which hath a very fruitfull Territory.

But coming now to an end of this Province,Casalnovo Mandurio. The nature & quality of the inhabitants of this Province. it remaineth that we declare something of the Inhabitants, the which generally are very strong, and of a comely constitution, simple in behaviour, and more neat then those that dwell near unto them, their proper language seems to be divers, for some speak with the pallat, others with the pallat and the brest, and in all appears a strong and ingenious wit, and in their apparel very decent and comely. They apply themselves much to Arms, and those that are exercised in Learning prove very excellent. Whereupon I do believe that which a wiseman feigned, that here Mars and Minerva should incounter, only for that it seemeth that the most part of men therein are imployed in Learning and Arms. The Arms of this Province is or. four pales gu. a Dolphin proper, in his mouth a Cressent argent.The arms of the region of Otranto. The original of the which Arms was in the year 1481. At the time that Alfonsus of Aragon Duke of Calauria, the son of Ferdinando the first King of Naples, drove away the Turks from the city of Otronto, and other places; whereupon the men of this Province willing to shew that great service which the King had done for them, in delivering them from the hands of the wicked Tyrant Mahumet the second, Emperor of the Turks, for this cause devised the said Arms, declaring by the four pales gu. in the field or. the Arms of the King Fardinando of Aragon. The Dolphin was no new invention, but very ancient, for so much as the monuments declare, that the Dolphin with Neptune were the proper ensignes of the country of the Salentini; but only they added the half-moon in the mouth of the Dolphin, noting thereby that the new [Page] Seigniory which the Tyrant Mahumet endeavoured to hold in this worthy Province, was by the care and diligence of the valiant Alfonsus, and the vertue of the Inhabitants thereof taken from him:

The Countrey of BARY, The eighth Province of the Kingdom of NAPLES.

THe fertile and fruitfull Province of the Country of Bary, was in old time called Apulia Pucetia, of Pucetio the brother of Enotrio, and son of Licaone, which with many followers departed from Greece 375 years before the Wars of Troy, and setled themselves in this place, the which people were sometimes called Pucetii, and sometimes Pedicoli, and were the first men sent out of Greece to dwell elsewhere. Also the said people which inhabited between the Territory of Taranto, Brindesi, and the River Aufido, were named Etoli, of Etolia of Greece, the people whereof came into these places to inhabit, as certain Writers affirm, the Pediculi being droven from thence, remained therein. What these Pediculi were, Strabo declares in his sixth book, and Pliny in the third; and say that they were nine youths, and as many wenches which departed from Illiria, and here inhabited, from whom descended 13 people, and to the end they might dwell the more securely, built many Castles, and were called Pediculi, that is to say, boys or children. At this present it is called the Land of Bary, from the city of Bary, anciently called Iapigia, and Baretum, the head of this Province, in the which city in a stately church wherein with great reverence is [Page] preserved the body of St. Nicholas, sometimes Bishop of Licia, from whom continually issueth (as is said) a certain liquor, called by the Citizens Manna, which is an admirable thing, and the Priests which have the keeping thereof use to bestow on those that come thither, little viols of glass full of the said Manna. The said Church is served by a hundred beneficed Priests. The bounds of this Province was according to Strabo and Pliny, from the Territory of Taranto, and of the Brindesi, along unto the River Fortoro, from thence by the Mount Gargano, The limits & fertility of this country of Bari. and towards the Adriatick Sea, or rather Ionian (according to Ptolomy) even to the Lucani, and the Irpini, and the Sanniti, and so the said bounds have on the South the Salentini, Lucani, and Irpini, on the North the coast of Ionian, and Adriatick, on the West the River Fortoro, the limit of the Caraceni, and Ferrentani, now called Abruzzo. The goodness and fertility of this Province is very great, for it yields Grain, Wine, Oyl, Barley, Beans, Fitches, Annis, Comin, Coriander, Saffron, and Bombace. There are great Woods of Almons and Olives, so bigg-bodied and so high, that it seems that nature hath brought them forth as a wonder unto men. And to be brief, so great is the difference of these Trees, from those which grow elsewhere, as is between the wild Olives and those which are planted, and also of the greatness of the bodies, and their admirable height, with the fashion of their boughs, whereupon the Ancients have said that they were dedicated to Minerva, The fable of the nymph Fillida. and have also feigned that in these places was hanged Filida the Nymph; and is no less plentifull of Oringes, Limons, and other the like fruitfull Trees, as well for the benefit of living creatures, as for pleasure; besides there is excellent hunting, both for fowls, and also wild beasts. The Sea thereof hath great store of good fishes, the air is very chearfull and temperate, but the waters are otherwise, for they are gross and brackish.Barletta. There are on the side of the Sea these Cities and Countrys following, Barletta, of later Latinists called Barolum, a worthy City, rich and full of people, built by the inhabiters of Canusio, but inlarged by the Emperor Frederick the second. In the midst of the Market-place of this noble City is a great Statue of Mettal of ten yards high of the Emperor Frederick, although the Barletani affirm that it is the Image of the Emp. Heraclio, nevertheless the first opinion is truest. There is also a very strong castle, which is accounted one of the four that are so famous in Italy. Presently follows the fair,The city Trani Don Ferrant Gonzaga, Prince of Molfetta. Nicola di Giovenezzo companion of St. Dominick. city of Trany, named by Pliny, Trinium ▪ built by Terreno the son of Diomides and repaired by the Emperor Trajan. Hard by is Molfetta, a city full of civility, which with the title of a Prince is possest by the Lord Don Ferrant Gonzaga, chief Justicer in the Kingdom. Nicolo, sirnamed of Giovenazzo, companion of St. Dominick, gave the name to this City, to whom was revealed the manner of conveying his bones, as is to be read in the book of the famous men of the Order of Preachers. Walking along we come to Mola, Saint Vito, Polignano, St. Stefano, and Villanova. Farther within the land are these cities, Monopoli, Monopoli. built by the ruines of Egnatia, to which City hath grown great honour by Bartholomeo Sibilla of the Order of Preachers, an excellent Philosopher and Divine, and C [...]millo Querno, a singular Poet who lived in the time of Pope Leo, Ostuno, Ceglie, Conversano, Gioia, Rotigliano, Altamura, Acquaviva, Cassano, Monorvino, Modugno, Terlizzi, Rutigliano, Quarato, Pulignano, and Biseglia, called in old time Vigile, a noble city and full of Traffick, wherein was found the bodies of St. Mauro Bishop of Sergio, and Pantaleone, martyred for the Christian faith, being revealed to Francesco del Balzo d' Andri, Lord of this city, who caused them to be put with great reverence in an honourable Sepulchre,The city Gravina, why it was so called. from which riseth (as they say) continually a precious liquor called Manna. After follows Bitetto, Ruvo, and Gravina a great city, very fair and civil, the which with the title of a Duke is anciently possest by the worthy Family Orsina, Don Antonio Ors [...]no is the present Duke thereof, a young man, which is very likely to imitate the honourable steps of Duke Ferrant his father of worthy memory. And the said Gravina was the Garner and Store-house of Puglia, for the inestimable quantity of corn which was gathered in the Territory thereof; and there is one notable thing which is there done every summer by the Stork, whereby the country receiveth no small benefit by the destruction of Serpents which breed there too plentifully▪ which the Storks feed [Page] upon; whereupon I will not conceal the manner observed by this bird in killing that venomous creature,The batel which the stork makes with the serpent. as the people of the country report, and is at all times to be seen. The Stork hath a very long beak, bigg and sharp pointed, and making one of his wings to serve as a buckler, which is very great among the bigg quils thereof, thrusteth his beak in and out, being accompanied with a very long neck, so fiercely pricketh and gripeth his enemy, untill he kill him, and afterward taking him in his mouth carrieth him to his nest, oftentimes flying within the view of the city. And it is to be noted that in this combat was never seen any stork killed by the serpent; whereupon the Dukes have alwaies observed by a penal Act to punish whomsoever killeth any stork, and therefore they live familiarly with them. The Arms of Gravina are certain ears of Corn, and bunches of Grapes, to declare how much the Territory thereof aboundeth with these two sorts of fruits, that is to say Corn and Wine, whereupon some think from thence it taketh its name. In this Province is Bitonto, so called as it were bonum totum, it is a rich and a populous city;Bitonto. the Territory thereof is very fertile, for so much as it yields besides Wine, Oyle, and Corn, Almons, and Oringes, and Limons in great abundance. Iulius Acquaviva Duke of Atri was Marquiss of Bitonto. This country is famous by the means of Antonio the Divine, an excellent Preacher, and Mariano likewise a Divine of great name in his time.Cornelio Musso Bishop of Bitonto. Adri. Canosa. Cornelio Musso the Bishop doth also increase the honour of this city, an admirable and incomparable Preacher, whose Works are generally known. There is Andri the renowned and beautifull City, and likewise Canosa, near ancient Canna, where Maherbal Captain of the horse said unto Hannibal, Vincere scis Annibal, sed victoria uti nescis, because he obtaining the victory of Canna, went not presently to Rome, as he was advised. In this Province are bred a great multitude of venomous serpents, called the Tarantole, which Latinists call Phalangi, The tarantole and their nature, see Alexander of Alexandria in the 2 lib. of thes. Geniale. cap. 17 The quality and condition of the men of this Province. which are certain living creatures little differing from the likeness of a frog, which with often biting, so envenometh that the infection cannot be cured, but with musick, dansing, singing, and colours, and without these means they cannot live. The men of this Province are generally of great courage, and very forward in military affairs, but very frail, and unable to incounter adversity, whereof grew this proverb, That in the beginning of the battel they are more then men, but in the end less then women. They are for the most part of a swart complexion, and of a tall stature, in conversation courteous, and painfull in their affairs, they abstain marvelously from stealing, in taking parts, and in bargaing they are very honest, and seldom is any contention among them, the women are beautifull, loving, and compleat. Some have thought, because there is no Iron in this country, they had in old time little use of swords, but only a long staff pointed with a little iron, which served them to fight and defend themselves; but having the enemy in a streight, or a little distant, the footmen cast darts and other weapons, going to skirmish, they wore only one coat, they had their Targets painted with divers colours, and very few used any mail; but at this present it is otherwise; for there is not a boy that knows not how with good aim to discharge a peece,The arms of this Province, and the signification thereof. and almost every one is trained up in the practice of military affairs. The Arms of this Province is per salter azur and argent, a crosier or Bishops staff or. These Arms as I think, signifie by the corners, the bounds thereof, which divide it from the other Provinces, and by the Bishops staff, should seem to declare the devotion of St. Nicholas, and so much the more we may believe it, in so much as the body of the said Saint lieth in the principal City of this City.

ABRUZZO On this side the ninth Province of the Kingdom OF NAPLES.

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ABRVZZO is the coldest part of all the Kingdom, but the Province is very famous, for the puissance and glory of the ancient Sanniti, which are the Pentri, Amiternini, Precutini,The Sanniti & their inhabiters. Marci, Caraceni, Vestini, Marracini, and Irpini; although Pliny also addeth the Frentani, and Peligni. All these people descend of the Sannity, from the City of Sannio, called in old time Samnum, where the Sabines remained, being arived in these places, from whom the said Sannity derive their original. Of what power and authority these people have been, would be a thing no less difficult then tedious to recite, insomuch as their Empire became so great, that they overan, sacking and spoyling even to Ardea of the Latines, and also to Campania felix, How long the war continued between the Sannites and the Romans. whereby they held War in these countries the space of 80 years, oftentimes incountring the Romans with victory, and after divers fortunes both on the one and the other side, in the end they became so subject by the means of the Fabii and the Papirii, both the fathers and their sons, that they could never any more strive against them. The History is well known of the famous exploit at the gallows of Caudine, when under the Consulship of Vetturio and Posthumio, the Romans being there intrapped,The valley of Caudine. were afterward inforced by Pontio Captain of the Sanniti, to pass dishonourable under the yoke, the which being indured by the Romans with a silent disdain, within awhile after was revenged with a notable overthrow given unto them under the most valiant Cursor L. Papirio, the which is discoursed at large by Titus Livius. At this present (as is elsewhere [Page] declared) where is named the Gallows Caudine, is called the streight of Arpaia, and where the Romans past under the yoke, is the yoke of St. Mary, and the Valley Caudine is eight miles distant from Benevento. Strabo speaking of the Sannity, thus saith, Sannites postremo à Sylla deleti sunt, quos cum caeteris Italis bello fractis, solos arma retinentes, ac Romam oppugnantes, vide [...]et, alios in fuga cecidit, alios abjectis armis se dedentes ad quatuor millia in villa publica, quae in Campo Martio est trucidavit, fractisque proscriptionibus, non ante destitit, quam universum Sannitium nomen deleverit, aut Italia fugarit. The Region of Sannio was more in length then in breadth, for it had on the North the Ferentani and Pugliesi, on the South the Campani and Lucany, on the West the Ausoni with Piligni, and on the East the same Lucani and Pugliesi.

The confines of the country of the Sannites.

Who were the worthiest people of the Sannites.

Why it was called Abruzzo The limits of Abruzzo

Where Abruz [...] hath its beginning.

The worthiest people of all the Sanniti were the Pentri, Caraceni and Hirpini; from whom this country of Abruzzo derived its name, there are sundry opinions, for some say, they were called by the Latines Aprutium, because it is mountenous and full of wild hoggs. Others affirm that a part of Abruzzo being sometimee inhabited by the Precutini, time having corrupted the word▪ instead of Precutio, was called Aprutio. I name this Province Abruzzo, as it is by the Kings Court, and as at this present it is commonly called, changing the letter P. into B.. The bounds of Abruzzo had on the East the River Fortore, Tronto on the West, on the North the Adriatick Sea, and on the South the Apennine Hils, and moreover also it had on the East the Plain Puglia, with the River Fortore, on the West part of the Sabines, Picentini, and Campani, with Latium, the Equicoli along the Apennine, as much on the one side of the said Hill, as is on the other. It now taketh its beginning from the mouth of the River Pescara, and goeth along the shore of the Adriatick sea, even to the mouth of Fortore, where it ends with Capitanato, leaving by that Province the City of Teramo, and between the Land with Abruzzo on the other side, and that branch of the River Pescara, which rising from the streight of Valata, passeth by the foot of the Apennine against the Land of Popoli, and near it entreth into the Valley called Itramonti; leaving all the country which hath the River on the right side; and a little higder above the Marsi are the Apennine Hils, where the River Sangro springeth, which riseth from that obscure Valley of Barrea, which they call the Kings Valley, in the Plain near the castle of Sangro, which divides this Province from the county of Molise. This Province is partly plain, and partly mountainous, and hath great plenty of Rivers, and great and thick Woods, and the Territory thereof is very fertile, for it bringeth forth Wine, Grain, Oyle, Rice, Barley, and other Corn, and everywhere is gathered great abundance of excellent Saffron▪ And although the air be somewhat cold, nevertheless the amenity of the country is sweetned thereby with so good a temper, and such plenty of fruits, and heards of cattel, and abundance of wild beasts, besides ravenous creatures, as wolves and bears. Some think that the Frentani were the most valiant people of all Italy, but (as I think) they were much deceived, having not first well considered the words of Pliny, who describing the Region of the Frentani, saith it makes the fourth, which from the River Tiferno beginneth the fourth Region of the Frentani, so that by these valiant people he meaneth the Frentani themselves, and the Marrucini, which came afterward, and the Peligni, and the Precutini; and who readeth the Roman Histories, may know that the squadrons of the Peligni were preferred before all the Latine Nations. The principal city of this Region is called at this Present Civita di Chieti,

Peligni the most valiant people of all Italy.

Civita di Chieti ▪ the chief city of this Province. Pepin the s [...]n of Charls the g [...]eat, for what cause he destr [...]yed Civita di [...].

named by Ptolomy Teatea, and of Pliny Theate, and also of Strabo, Theate, and was so called by Theata the mother of Achilles. Both these said Authors write, that this city was the chief and principal head of the Marucini, as likewise Silio affirms the same, saying,

Marhucina simul Frentanis aemula pubes,

Corfini populos, magnumque Theate trabebat.

This city is situate upon a very high hill, distant from the Adriatick Sea no more then seven miles, it was destroyed by Pepin the son of Charls the great, for taking part with the Longobards; but it was about two hundred years following repaired [Page] again, and became so pleasing to the Normans for the most pleasant situation thereof, that Gotfredo the brother of Ruberto Guiscardo, in the time of Pope Nicholas the second possessing this Province, made the said City the head of all the Country of Abruzzo, the Territory thereof is very excellent, and bringeth forth all necessary things, as well for profit as pleasure. beyond the River Sangro among the Peligni is the ancient City of Orton upon the Sea, being by Strabo called Ortonium, and of Cato, Ortonum; but Ptolomy nameth it Orton.

Gotfredo the the Norman made Civita di Chieti the principal city of Abruzzo. Orton.

The body of St. Thomas the Apostle.

The light of St. Heramo, which appeareth to sailers when they are in great danger.

The city Ferentana, now called Francauilla. Lanciano.

And Strabo writeth that it was in old time called Petra Piratorum, because the Rovers and Pirats retired hither when they had robbed at the sea; in the which City is to be seen in a very stately Church, where with great reverence is preserved the body of St. Thomas the Apostle, with his ancient Tomb, in which Church appeareth alwaies upon the Steeple when any ship is in danger at sea, the miraculous light of St. Heramo, which the Ancients attributed to Castor and Pollux, although Philosophers affirm that it naturally proceeds from the repercussion of the air through the winds and water, which seemeth very unlikely, because there is not so much as the leaf of a tree that moveth without the providence of God; how should this light casually chance, the sea presently becoming calm, and the sailers in safety, which in that perilous state called faithfully upon the name of God? Neither can it be by the means of any evil spirits, for never is shewed any deed of piety but by some celestial and divine means, and especially towards the faithfull. Not far distant from Ortona, is to be seen Ferentana, at this present corruptly called Francavilla, because it was often possest by the French; this City was (according to Razano) the head of the Frentani. From the River Sangro, or Sanguine, called in old time Saro, four miles distant; and as far from the sea is Lanciano, a noble City, called by Pliny, Anxium, and of Ptolomy, Anxanum: Here at two several times in the year, that is to say in the month of May and August, do Merchants assemble almost from all parts of Europe, Asia, and from other parts, where is a principal Mart or Fair very famous through all the world: on the right hand of Lanciano, at the foot of the Hill is Maiella and Palumbaro; and on the right hand of the River Sangro, near the Sea, is the Monastery of St. Iohn, where sometimes was the famous Temple of Venus; and above are these Countries, Fossaceca, and the Fort of St. Iohn; and a little higher on the side of Sangro are seen the great ruines of the City of Bica, which the country people call Seca; on the right hand cometh the River Aventino, and joyneth with Sangro, and near the foot of Maiella are these Countries, Civitella and Lama, and on the right hand of the River Aventino is Palena, the word being corrupted in place of Peligno, near the which appears the ruines of the ancient City sometimes the chief and head of the Piligni, called Superequani. This Country is ennobled with the dignity of a Count, the Lord whereof is Matteo of Capoa, Prince of Couca, a very rich Lord, and a great lover of Learning.

But returning behind Lanciano, going along the shore of the sea, we come to the mouth of the River Foro, which riseth from the Mount Maiella,

The river Foro. Tollo. Miglionico Fara Rapino Penna

The river Lento Villamaina Petrono The sort of Montepiano Castel Menale Bucchianicho The city Sulmona, the natural place of the Poet Ovid.

where it entreth into the Sea, near the which is the Castle Tollo, and on the left side thereof near unto it is Miglionico; and a little higher is Fara, and before it is Rapino, and near to Maiella is Penna. After the mouth of the River Foro, is to be seen on the sea the mouth of the River Lento, which also riseth from Maiella. On whose right side (but yet very near) distant from the Sea but five miles, appears Villamania, above the which (nevertheless under Maiella) is the Castle Petrono, near to the which is the Fort of Montipiano, and above the fountain from whence the River Lento springeth, is Castel Menale. And somewhat lower upon the Mediterrane is Bucchianico, a civil Country, honoured with the dignity of a Marquisat, the Territory whereof is very fertile, and hath great plenty of Olives; going a little farther we come to the noble and fair City of Solmona, by Strabo called Sulmo, and likewise Ptolomy and Cato so name it; the said City was built by Solemo of Frigia the companion of Aeneas. That eloquent Poet Ovid Nasone, was here born, as he witnesseth in the 4 book of de Tristibus, in his tenth Elegy,

Sulmo mihi patria est gelidis uberimus undis,

Millia qui novies distat ab urbe decem.

[Page] And the Poet Martial in the first book of his Epigrams declares the same, saying,

Mantua Virgilia gaudet, verona Catullo,

Pelignae gentis gloria dicar ego.

This City hath the dignity of a Principality, the Lord thereof is Don Horatio of Noia, a most generous Knight. Departing from Sulmona we come to the River Aterno, The River Aterno, now called Pescara. now called Pescara, from the City of Pescara, which is very near, built by the ancient City of Aterno, from whence the River hath its name. The said City is ennobled with the dignity of a Marquisat, possest by the Family Davolo. Going a little farther towards the Mediterrane, is the little Castle of Cantalupo, situated at the foot of a Hill, under the which most miraculously doth flow a liquor called the stony oyle,

The stony oyl which riseth in the territory of Cantalupo Caramanico. Cusano.

The mines of pitch which are in Manupelli.

The nature & condition of the people of this Province. The arms of this Province, and what they signifie.

the which is very carefully gathered for the vertue and medicinable operation. Afterward appears Caramanico, a noble Country, the Territory whereof is very fertile; and a little beneath is to be seen Cusano, in whose higher parts the River Librata endeth in Pescara, in old time called Albula, into the which runneth two little Rivers, which also descend from Maiella, in the midst whereof is the Country of Lietto Manupello, in whose Territory is a Mine of Pitch, which was found the year 1577. And it is in the manner of Tarr.

Being now come to an end of this Province, it remains that I declare somewhat of the Inhabitants. The people of this Country are very tall and strong, and in countenance not much unlike the French Nation; in bargaining with strangers they are simple and courteous, full of courage, and much affected to the profession of Arms, wherein they grow to great perfection; they are not very costly in their apparel, but much given to hunting, they are also well inclined to Learning, and apply themselves much to the study of the Law, and Phisick. The Arms belonging to this Province, is or. a wild Boars head couped in pale on bas, a yoke in chief gu. noting as I think thereby, the great abundance of wild Hoggs that are therein, and with this, that memorable exploit that chanced between these people and the Romans, as it is before recited; moreover it may be said, that these two charges should signifie the same service, placing the head of the Boar as a fierce and cruel beast, for the arrogancy of the Romans put under the yoke. But I refer my self to better judgment.

ABRUZZO On the other side the tenth Province of the Kingdom OF NAPLES.

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THe worthy and renowned Alfonsus of Aragon, the first of this name, King of Naples, willing to take away the continual strife which fell out among the Collecters of the Impost and Custom of Abruzzo, divided the said Province into two parts, and so that which is included in Aterno, and the Hills of Marsi, is called Abruzzo ulteriore, The limits of Abruzzo on the other side. which I am now to handle. This part contained the Marrucini, Piligni, and Ferentani, and part of the Sanniti: Abruzzo is now divided from Campania of Rome between the Region of the Equicoli, and a little River of obscure name, having on the one side certain Vaults and Caves, and on the other a high Hill. It is divided from the Province of Abruzzo on this side by a branch of the River Pes [...]ara, running from the foot of the Apennine above Raiano, and directly against Popoli endeth its course: and a little higher by the Apennine Hils, near the head of the River Sangro, between Pesco and Sarli, and Gioia, and above the Lake Fucino, in the utmost parts of the Marsi. By the same Hils which lie towards the South it is also divided from the Country of Lavoro, by the River Garigliano, even at the spring which riseth by the Valley of Orvito under the Fountain, near to Balzorano, cometh Abruzzo on this side to joyn with the Territory of Sora. And these places end not only with the Marsi, the Marrucini, the Peligni, the Ferentani, the Vestini, the Sanniti, and the Preguntini of Abruzzo, but also with the Territory of Naples.

This Countrey is both in men and situation very strong,The fertility of this Province. it hath great plenty of Corn, heards of Cattel and Wine, it hath many Rivers, and an excellent air, there is great variety both for hunting and fowling, there are also Bears, and great store of Wolves.

[Page]But now coming to describe in particular the Rivers, and the Cities which are in this Province, I will begin from the shore where is a Castle called Montepagano; and going along twelve miles upon the Sea-side, is to be seen the River Viciola, which springeth from the Apennine near the Mount Corvo,

Montepagano. The river Viciola.

The river Tordino. Teramo. Campio. Bisigno. Rugnano. Murro. Locaristo. Guardia di Vomano. Caste Vecchio. Transmondo. Cautiano. Forcella. Miano. Rapino. Montorio. Compotosto. Poggio. [...] Monteverde. Montegualco.

The river Piomba. Porta d'Adria. Silva. Hadria, now called Atri, where the Emperor Adrian was born. From whence the Adriatick Sea had its name. Celino. Schiarano. Civita St. Angelo. Ilece.

The river Salino. Porto St. Angelo.

The river Sino. Cassilento. Pignano. Serra.

The river Tavo. Civita di Penna.

and running along, entreth into the River Tordino, by Pliny called Iuvan [...]o, which also floweth from the Apennine, near to the foot of the said Hill Corvo. Among the said Rivers appears Teramo, a City full of civility, the Bishop thereof is ennobled with many Titles of dignity, and the Lord is called a Duke. The said City is the head of all this Country, named by Pliny and Ptolomy, Interamnia, the which name it had because it is situated among the Rivers, for a little above it runneth into Tordino, a swift stream called Fiumicello, near the which are three Countries so near, that they are all called by one only name Campio. Above the Fountain of the River Vicola, are these Castles, Bisigno and Rugnano, from the River Tordino to the River Vomano, by the sea-side are only six miles, and between the one and the other are many Countries and Castles, some in the midst, and others nearer to the one then the other, because the Rivers in their courses make many turnings.

It were requisite to declare with what order all these are placed from the head to the feet, and first is Murro, Locaristo, Guardia di Vomano, the old Castle, Transmondo, Cauti [...]no, Forcella, Miano, Rapino, Colle Vecchio, Forna [...]olo, Montorio, Poggio, Vmbreco, and Rosseo: and where Vomano springeth from the Apennine, are many Villages well inhabited, as Compotosto, and Poggio, which is a Castle, and Massione on the left hand of Vomano; and within the Country are situated these Castles, Motola, Monteverde, and Montegualco; and here endeth (as Pliny saith) the Precutini. And following the same course, we come to speak of the Marrucini, which Livy saith, caused themselves voluntarily to be enrolled among the Souldiers that went with Scipio into Africa. Now then after the River Vomano, comes another River called Piomba, where is another Castle which is called Porto d'Adria; and a little higher is a Country called Silva; five miles within the Land, and almost in the midst between the said two Rivers, upon a high Hill is the City of Atri, called in old time Hadria, which was a Colony of the Romans. Here was born (as Celio the Spartan writeth) the Roman Emperor Adrian. P. Vittore believeth that the Adriaetick Sea had its name from this City, the which also Sesto Aurelio affirms in his book of Cesars. Above Atri, or Hadria, upon the right hand of the River Piomba, is the Castle of Celino, and above where this River springeth, is the Country of Schiarano, on the left side of Piomba, two miles within the Land, is Civita S. Angelo, which Pliny and Ptolomy names Angolo; above the said Country, near the River, is the little Country of Hece. From Piomba, three miles from the Sea, is another River called Salino; on the right hand whereof on the shore is a Castle called Porto S. Angelo, and a little above within the Country entreth into Salino another River called Sino, which floweth from the Apennine, at the foot of the Hill Corvo, on whose right side are eight Countries and Castles, the which shall be named the one after the other, Cassilento, Montesicco, Pignano, Bisento, Corvignano, Serra, and Valviano; and a little below the mouth of the River Sino, doth also run into Salino another River called Tavo, which riseth near Corvo in the Apennine. In the midst of these Rivers, five miles distant from the Sea, is Civita di Penna, an excellent Country, and very famous in old time, Pliny calleth this City Pinna, and placeth it among the Vestini. Of this City was the most valiant young man Pluton, of whom Valerius Maximus maketh mention; but much more it is honoured for bringing forth that famous Lawyer, called Luca of Penna, who learnedly writ upon the three books of the Code wherein appears his great knowledg both in Divinity and the Law,Valerius Maximus de pietat [...] erga parentes. Luca de Penna. and particularly of the constitutions in the municipial Laws and customs of this Kingdom, as he sheweth to be very judicious and skilfull in divers places, and especially in Law-Causes, de senten. advers. fiscum latis retractandis lib. 12. In the Rubrick C. de Magistris sacr. scrinioruus lib. 12. where he teacheth the Office of a principal Secretary of the Kingdom. And in the l. à palatinis, C. de privilegiis corum qui in sacro palatio militant, where very diffusedly he disputeth of one of the prin [...]ipal constitutions of the Kingdom, alleadging Andrea of Isernia, Prince of [Page] the Feudists. All this I thought good to declare, what a worthy man hath been of this City, although otherwise modern writers have fasly christned him for a Frenchman, defrauding his Country, where at this present in the Hall of the publick Palace is to be seen his ancient Picture, with the late named young Pluton,

Laureto. The [...] Corvino.

The river Aterno, now called Pescara. The river Nuria. Montesilvano. Moscuso. Pianello. Capogatto. Rossano. Alendo. Castiglione. Offena. Busso. Capistrano.

and besides yet standeth his house where he dwelt. Afterward not much distant from the River Tavo, appears above the Hils the pleasant country of Laureto, and the Hill Corvino. Then cometh near upon the shore the mouth of the river Aterno, now called Pescara, which is one of the principal rivers of the country; and near the Monastery of Casanova, runneth into it another river which riseth on the right hand on the side of the Apennine called Nuria, on whose right side are Montesilvano, Spotorio, Moscuso, Pianello, and Capogatto, all Castles; and under the fountain of the said river is the noble Monastery of Casanova, of the Order of Cistello, which is not only beautified with sumptuous buildings, but with great riches. Above Nuria on the right hand of Pescara, are Rossano, Alendo Petranico, the Towers of Antonello, and a little above is Castiglione. And coming down from thence we incounter a river called Capod' acqua, who hath a very great spring, and near the fountain is Offena, and on the left hand is Busso, between the which two Castles, but two miles distant is Capistrano, the natural place of the holy Iohn Capistrano of the Order of the Minors of St. Francis, who in his life did many miracles. Above Capistrano within the Land is Carapello, and at the ascent of the Hils near to the river Pescara, is Vetorito, and Raiano;Carapello. Vettorito. Raiano. Amiterno. and going but a few miles higher upon the ridg of a Hill is to be seen the ruinated City of Amiterno, by Strabo named Amiternum, whose magnificent buildings both of the Theatre, and certain great Churches, and mighty Towers declare what greatness it was in old time, and Livy writeth that Spurio Cornelio Carvilio the Consul, took Amiterno, and there were cut in pieces 2800 Citizens, and 4280 made prisoners, and notwithstanding the same Livy addeth, that L. Scipio going into Africa, they voluntarily offered themselves to go with him in that action with the Umbri, Norcini▪ and the Reatini; Amiterno is called by Virgil, full of Towers.Livy lib. 10. There are to [...] among the ruines of the said City, graven in Marble, the triumph of the Sannites, when they caused the Roman Army to pass under the yoke at the Gallows of Caudine, and the Sepulchre of the daughter of Druso, Virgil. lib. 7. and near to the Theatre is the Temple of Saturn the founder thereof. This City had among other famous Citizens Caio Crispo Salustio, Proconsul for Cesar in Africa, Crispo Salustio. and the first writer of the Roman History, and the Bishop Vettorino, who died for the faith of Christ, as Ptolomy and Lippomano saith, in the Empire of Nerva, whose name remaineth in a Castle built [...] the stones of those ancient ruines, where are his bones and 83 Martyrs; by whom the said City was destroyed I cannot yet understand.

Going from hence two miles [...] Civita Tomassa, a little Castle,Civita Tomassa. in whose circuit are to be seen many ruines of ancient buildings, with many inscriptions,Foruli. which apparently shews that here was the ancient City of Foruli, celebrated by Virgil in his seventh book of Eneid. and of Silio Italico in his eight book, and Strabo maketh also mention thereof, and placeth it among the Sabines. And following that way about three miles there are to be seen great foundations of square stones, which the country-people call Furconio, whereupon it is not to be doubted that there stood the City of Furconio, the which was not so ancient nor populous, nor so rich as Amiterno, Furconio. but of greater dignity and honour in the time of the Christians, for in all the Councels for the space of 800 years following, which had been in Rome or any other place of Italy, we read the Bishop of Forconio. Here was thrown down from a high Tower, that young and holy man Massimo, whose miracles moved Pope Iohn the 16. and the Emperor Otho to visit his reliques, giving to the Bishoprick twenty thousand crows yearly, of the which it is almost wholly deprived, and by Alexander the fourth bestowed upon the City Aquila. In this place is the Furnass wherein Giusta, a most holy Virgin, was condemned to be burnt, but by the providence of God was delivered by an Angel, and inclosed in the Mount Offido, which is now called Bazzarano. The said City was destroyed by the Longobards, the people whereof being dispersed,The hil Offido. were united with the [Page] Amiternini, Abiensi, and the people Duronii, which likewise fled the wrath and fury of the Longobards; and so under the conduct of an Amiternin their Captain called Aquila, they built in a pleasant place upon the ridge of a plain and low Hill, a City called by the name of their Captain,The City Aquila. Aquila; which in process of time increasing with people, was beautified, and afterward inlarged by the Emperour Frederick the second King of Naples, to the greatness which now it seems, a City truly very worthy,Robert Guiscard the Norman created Duke of Puglia and Calauria. 1060. famous and rich, and the head of this Province. Here Pope Nicolas the second, being much molested by the Roman Barons, came to the Parliament with Robert Guiscard the Norman, who restoring Benevento, and all that which he held of the Church, was by the said Pope created Duke of Puglia and Calauria; the which (as we have also declared in the lives of the Kings of Naples) was in the year 1060. The said Citie is in compasse four miles, and without the walls it hath a very pleasant vally of excellent pasture, compassed with trees, and watred with crystalline and fresh Springs, besides the profit which proceeds from the river Aterno, which dividing it with a pleasing current, yeelds also a great commodity by the Mills. The length of this plain is not above four and twenty miles, and three in breadth; but every where fruitfull. It hath great abundance of all sorts of wood, and plenty of corn, wine, oyl, and every other thing which serveth for the use of living creatures: their Orchards are such as neither through cold, or the heat of Summer they ever fail in yeilding their fruits. Whereupon Martial saith, ‘Nos Amiternus ager, felicibus educat hortis.’

The wares and Merchandise wherein this Citie most abounds, are very fine flax, saffron, silk, cloth, wooll, great plenty both of great and small cattell, that it serves the most part of Italy with flesh:The number of the Churches of Aquila. the horses are excellent coursers and very swift. There are in this City an hundred and eleven Churches all richly beneficed; and besides, they have many Reliques of Saints, among the which are the four Protectors of the Citie, carefully and richly kept, and faithfully worshipped. And within a Coffin of silver▪ of the value of 1800 crowns, is to be seen the body of St. Bernardino Senesi of the order of the Minors of St. Francis, the first reformer of the regular life of that religion. And in the Church of Collemaggio are to be seen the bones of St. Pietro of Marrone, called Celestino the fifth. The other two Protectors, that is to say, St. Massimo in Duomo, and St. Equitio in St. Lorenzo, and every one of these had a statue or Image from the middle upward, of their naturall bigensse of pure silver. Moreover, there is besides the said Churches twelve magnificent and stately Monasteries of religious Nuns.

This Citie is much commended for the Conserves and Preserves that are there made: The Citizens thereof for the most part, exercise merchandize, and making of cloth,The nature [...] ▪ and manner of the Aquitani. and in every thing shew prompt and ready wit: In Arms they are fierce and cruell, and very costly and magnificent in civil matters; they are courteous, & in their apparell and conversation very civill. The Lady Margarite of Austria, the naturall daughter of the Emperour Charls the fifth, governed this Citie many years, the Citizens for the benefit they received by her, made her a stately palace in length 256 hands breadth, and in breadth an hundred and sixty, with an hundred windows round about, a very costly building. But it is not fit that I should omit the remembrance of the strong & wel fortified Castle which is in the said Citie; for to them that know it▪ it seems one of the goodliest Forts in all Italy. This Citie by the tolling of a Bell is able to arm 15000. men. It hath a great county, rich and much exercised in Arms, the situation is for the most part mountainous and strong. Pontano speaking of this Citie, thus saith:Pontano de bello Neapolitano. — Auctus post civibus, at (que) opibus prolatis etiam confinibus, facta est Aquila urbs quidem ipsa civibus, auctoritate, & opibus clara, regionisque totius caput. And in another place speaking thereof, saith the like words; Nam & populus ipse, quamquam lanificio deditus, ac texture, maxime tamen bellicosus est, finitimis (que) undique formidini, nec minus regibus qui Neapoli imperant. And Iohn Albino in his 5. book de Bello intestino, Alphonsi 2. Aragonei Ducis Calabriae, declaring the riches and great power thereof, thus writeth, Reges praeterea urbes, caeteros (que) primores, per tot annos tributo exaustos, veteri quodam odio in regem, Apostolicae sedis signa intrepide secuturos, populis[Page]insuper quotidianis injuriis supra modum lacessitis invisos, rerum omn ium egenos, undi (que) bello cintos, brevi regno ejici posse praesertim, quod ditissima, ac populosissima urbs Aquila▪ totius regionis caput, Apostolicae sedis Imperium datis obsidibus subire deposcit, cujus urbi [...] defectionem ad Aragonci nominis internecionem satis esse putaret, &c.

Aquila was made (as we have said) a Bishops Seat by Pope Alexander the fourth, in the year of our Lord 1257. the which Bishop, besides many other prerogatives which he hath, acknowledgeth not any other Metropolitan, or any other superior, except the Bishop of Rome. Basilio Pignatell, a Neopolitan Gentleman, is now Bishop of this City, a most carefull and vigilant Prelat, and of great sincerity of life.

There are in this City many noble Families, which are these following, Angisili del Cardinale Antonelli, Alfieri, Angelini, Baroni, Baroncelli, Branconii, The noble families in Aquila. Bucciarellis, Camponeschi, Caselli, Carli, called Cardicchi, Caprucci, Castiglioni, Colantonii, Crispo, Dragonetti, Emiliani, Eugenio de Matteis, Emiliani, Franchi, Gigli, Lucentini, Piccolomini, Legistis, Lepidi, Lepori, Maneri, Mariani, Mattucci, Micheletti, Nardi, Oliva, Orsegli, Pasquali, Porcinarii, Prati, Pica, Paoli, Perelli, Rustici, Rosis, Rivera, Simconi, Vgolini, Salvati, Trentacinque, Valla, Vetusti, Vinio, Zechieri.

The Families extinguished are these following, Bonaginiti, Findazi, Roiani, Pretatti, Camponeschi, Gaglioffi, Mozzapiedi, Todini, Miraluce, Cocci, and Orsegli. There are besides many other honourable Families of strangers, indued with all true nobility, which being more then we purposed to speak, we will at this time omit.

The said City hath brought forth many excellent men, and famous as well in Arms as in Learning, as Ansalda of Aquila, General of the Army of William the evil, King of Naples and Sicilia, Antonuccio Camponesco, General of King Ladislao, and Captain of the Venetians, and was afterward by Pope Eugenio the fourth, created General of the holy Church, Minicuccio Vgolino, Captain of King Alfonsus of Aragon, Guelfallione Fonticulano, was General of the Perusini, against Braccio, and took in battel Nicolo Piccinino, and to his great honour defended Padova from the fury of the Venetians; Geronimo Gaglioffa was a Colonel of Charls the eight King of France, and Master of the Camp of King Lewis the twelfth in the Conquest of the Kingdom of Naples; Francesco Rustico was Captain of the Crossbow-horsmen of King Ferdinando the second. In Learning there have been very famous men, as Pietro, called Scotello of Aquila, a religious Frier of the Order of St. Francis, which learnedly writ upon the four books of the Master of Sentences. Iohn Aquilano, a Frier also of the Order of Saint Francis, a famous Preacher of his time; he composed a book which he entituled, Viti [...]rum lima. Francesco Vivio, a most famous Lawyer, who now liveth, and hath lately publisht the Forest of divers opinions, and hath done many things besides, and of the decisions of the Kingdom, of the Audience of the Country of Bary, where he was the Kings Auditor, whose works are very profitable to the professors of the Law. Giovanni Crispo, called de Monte, writ three books of Law, one de Gradibus, the other de Haered. qui ab intest. de. and the last de actionibus. Gioseppo Rustici, a Doctor of great account, which is now a Counceller of the great Duke of Tuscane, hath written and published a Treatise, An, & quando liberi in conditione positi vocentur, and very shortly he is to publish another discourse. De utraque conditione si sine liberis decesserit, ad L. cum avus, F. de cond & demonst. Iacopo Carli, a learned Doctor, hath written in Law a book entituled, Gemmatus Pavo in quo juris canonici, & civilis materiae tanguntur. Alexander Trentacinque, a most noble and renowned Doctor of Law, writ de Substitutionibus, with other subtile and witty advisements. Iohn Aquilano, a famous Phisician, writ a discourse de sanguinis missione in pluritide. Bernardino Cerillo writ the Annals of the City of Aquila, his natural Country, and the History of his time. Serifino Aquilano was the mirror of his time for Poetry, whose Works are well known, over whose Sepulchre Aretino caused these Verses to be ingraven,

Qui giace, Serafin Partirti hor puoi,

Sol d' haver visto il sasso, che lo serra

Assai sei debitore a gli occhi tuoi.

[Page]Here lieth Serafin depart in peace,

Enough thou art indebted to thy eyes

To have seen the stone under which he lies.

Sebastian Aquilano ▪ a Phisician, hath published a discourse de Morbo Gallico, and another de febre sanguinis. Cesar Campana, which now abideth at Vicenza, hath writ with an eloquent stile in the vulgar tongue the History of the World. Iohn Angelo Contecelli hath published a discourse de differentiis febrium, and another de Sanguinis missione. Blasio Pico a Phisician hath writ the contemplative Grammer. Angelo Fonticulano, a worthy Historian, writ very eloquently in the Latin tongue the Wars of Braccio of Montone with the Aquilani.

There remain many other noble and learned men, which have much ennobled this City, as I have understood; but because I have no true information thereof, I think it not amiss to omit them.

The Territory of this City brings forth besides other things, great abundance of Saffron▪ which as the Aquilani themselves affirm, there is made thereof every year more then [...]0000 crowns.Monte Reale. Above Aquila in the Apennine under the River of Pescara ▪ is Monte Reale, called in old time Monte Pireo, but inlarged and beautified by King Charls the second of Angio, abandoning the first name, it is a city very fair civil, and rich, compassed round about with a very strong Wal; here with great reverence lieth in the church of St. Mary of Piano, the body of Saint D [...]minick, of whom the Chronicle of St. Francis maketh mention; and in the church of St. Augustine is to be seen the body of St. Andrew, which in token of his holy life it pleaseth God (as they say) to shew many miracles. There now liveth with much honour to this country, Pe [...]tio, Pompeo, and Iohn Circii, all three Doctors of Law, and great learned men, of whom there is much commendation by Vivio in the Forest of common opinions. The Territory of this country is very fertile, for the spacious vallies and pleasant hils yield grain, wine, fitches, beans, slax, hemp, and other fruits. A little distant from the said country is the River Pescara, and at the mouth thereof on the left side is the city called Pescara, The river Pescare. Pescara, called in old time Aterno. named by Pl [...]y and Ptolomy, Aterno, a most ancient city, which they also so called the said River, which according to the common opinion was held the swiftest and cold [...]st of all the Rivers in Italy. The said country is honoured with the dignity of a Marquisat subject to the house of Avolo.

Somewhat higher in Pescara runs another River called Alba, and into Alba cometh two little streams, which flow from the Mount Maiella, between the which is Manopello;

The river Alba.

Manopello. The foot of M [...]lise. T [...]rre.

and a little higher on the side of Maiella is the Fort of Molise ▪ and undernea [...]h is Cosano, and upon the bank of Pescara is Torre, a little country; and on the side of the River Pescara is Lucolo, a populous country; and not very fa [...] is Caramanico, a very good country, and hard by lieth Cantalupo, in whose Territory riseth under a Hill, a quick spring of Petronical Oyl. Near the bank of Pescara is the country of Tocco, which hath an excellent Territory, wh [...]re is made the best Oyl in all Abruzzo, and the purest Wine; and four mile [...] Popoli ▪ Luculo. a most noble and populous country which hath the title of a Dukedom, it is very strong every way, partly by the Rivers which cannot be past as a pl [...]sh of water,Caramanico. and also by the Forts which guard it as a Wall. And going certain miles we come to Tagliacozzo, Cant [...]lup [...]. a country well inhabited, and very rich; but not very ancient,

[...] B [...]n [...]face, the 4 Pop [...]

When the n [...]me of the M [...]rsi were changed.

The Marruvii.

it hath the title of a Dukedom, governed by the Family Colonna

But we are now come to the country of the Marsi, destroyed long since by Hannibal, with all the other people round about; in this country was a city called Valeria, the natural country of Pope Boniface the fourth, who obtained of the Emperor Phocas the Temple Pantheon in Rome, dedicated to all the gods of the Gen [...]iles, which he dedicated to all the Saints. This city in the time of the Longobards, had the name of Marsi changed into Valeria; Pliny saith that Marsi was a city from whence all the country took its name. These people were also called Marruvii of Virgil, when in his seventh book he saith, ‘[Page]Quin, & Marruvia venit de gente sacerdo [...].Virgil lib. 7.’

The which words Servio declaring, saith, that they were the people Maruvii, which inhabited neer the Lake Fucino, as it were Inhabiters about the Sea, so called for the greatness of the Lakes which were in those dayes, although others affirm it was so named by Marro their King, the companion of Marsia. And the said Servio saith, that Medea which followed Iason, came at length into Italy, and taught certain people which inhabited neer the Lake Fucino, the way to charm Snakes and Serpents with words, and likewise shewed the remedies against the venom of these creatures, whereupon it was by these called Medea Angitia, as if it vexed and afflicted the Serpents with their charms: the which people were also named Agnitii, The Agnitii. of which Virgil in his seventh book thus saith,

Et Marsis quaesitae in montibus herbae,

Virgi lib. 7.

Te nemus Angnitiae, vitrea te Fucinus unda.

Pliny saith, that in his time this generation of Marsi also continued, descended (as he supposed) from the son of Cerces and therefore had this vertue against Serpents. Guilio Capitolino writeth, that the Emperour Heliogabolus gathered a great company of Serpents with the incantations of the Marsi, the which he caused on the sudden to be thrown in the place where the people assembled, to see their publique sports; whereupon many being bitten, fled with great terror. Neither is it to be held as a fable which is written of these Incantations, because the Prophet David singing his Psalms, makes a similitude of the deaf Adder which stoppeth his ears to avoid inchantments. And St. Augustine expounding it saith, That that similitude was meant of the Marso, which maketh his charm to draw the Adder out of his dark obscure hole into the perfect light; and the serpent which loveth darknesse to avoid the sound of the charm, which he knoweth will inforce him, layeth one of his ears to the ground, because he would not hear; and the other he covereth with his tail. Livy writing the wars of Italy beginneth from the Marsi, calling it Marsica, and among the people that rebelled against the Romans,Livy lib. 2. here he nameth the Marruci, and the Marsi, and in another place saith, that the Marsi being overcome by L. Murena, and Cecilio Pina, desired peace of Silla. In the which war M. T. Cicero, being a follower and fighting therein,M.T. Cicero abandoned the wars, and applied himself to the study of learning. grew into so great a mislike of the Romans cruelty, that he utterly abandoned his military profession, and wholly imployed his time to the study of learning: Whereupon it so fell out, that Rome had yet a wit comparable to the greatnesse thereof. Silio Italico speaking of the Marsi, thus saith,

Marsorum novit terra gens nota per omnes

Et bellare manu, & chelydris cantare saporem

Vipereumque herbis hebetare, & carmine dentem.

Aeaetae prolem; Angitiam mala gramina primam.

Monstravissae ferunt, tactuque domare venena.

Et lunam excussisse polo, stridoribus amnes

Frenantem, ac sylvis montes undasse vocatis,

Sed populis nomen posuit metuentior bospes,

Quum fugeret Phrygios trans aequora Martiarenos,

Migdoniam Phochi superatus pectine loton

Marruvium veteris celebratum nomine Marri

Vrbibus est ille caput interiorque per udos

Alba sedet campos, pomisque rependit aristas

Caetera in obscuro famae, & sine nomine vulgi,

Sed numero castella valent, & milite forti.

[Page] Now ten miles distant from Tagriacozzo is the fishy Lake of Celano, or rather of Alba, The lake Fucino, now called Celano. or of Marsi, named by Strabo the Lake Fucinus, and likewise of other writers, the which for the length thereof seemeth as a Sea, being thirty miles in compass; and hath in it great plenty of fish, and excellent fowling for Mallards, Wygens, wild Geese, Swans, and Moor-hens. There is in this Lake a fish (according to Pliny) which hath eight pair of fins, all other fishes besides having but four.The water Martia brought to Rome. The water of this Lake was brought to Rome by Martio being Edile; whereupon by his name it was called the water Martia, which was reputed the best water of all the conduits in Rome. Gallano a grave writer reherseth, that in the said Lake was drowned Archippa, a very goodly city, which was builded by Marsia King of the Lidi. And Suetonius writeth that the Emperor Claudius maintained eleven years continually 30000 men to damm up the said Lake. There entreth into the said Lake the River Giovenco, The city Archippa drowned in the lake Celano. and runneth upon the water, to be discerned in such manner, that as it cometh in running upon it, so it returns without mingling it self therewith, as Pliny testifieth, and Vibio Sequestre, by whom it is named Pitornius, thus saith, Pitornius fluvius, per medium lacum Fucinum Marsorum ita decurrit, ut aqua ejus non misceat stagno. Round about it are these castles, Paterno, Transaco, S. Apetito, Giaiano, Avezzano, S. Iona, Magliano. Pliny lib. 2. Vibio Sequestre. Paterno. Transacco. Giviano. Celano. Celano is under the title of a Count very rich, and a populous country, and the bounds of the country of the Latines. There was of this country (as is read in the book of the conformity of St. Frances in the rubrick de Provincia Pennensi) St. Thomas which writ the first legend of St. Frances, and composed the sequence of the dead, which was sung in the Mass, that is, ‘Dies irae, dies illa Solvet seclum in favilla, &c:’ This city was destroyed by the Footmen of the Emperor Frederick the second King of Naples, because the citizens thereof were confederate with Otho Duke of Saxony, Wherfore the Emperor Frederick destroyed Celano. yet it continued not long but the said citizens newly repaired it. Three miles distant from the Lake upon a high hill towards the Apennine, appears the ancient ruines of the city of Alba of Marsi, which was made a colony of the Romans at the same time with Sora, whither were brought six hundred inhabitants: L. Genutio, The city Alba. and Servilio Cornelio being Consuls, as Livy declareth. This city was one of the twelve colonies that refused to aid the Romans in the time of Hannibal. This city was accounted by Pliny in the fourth Region, wherefore Silio maketh mention in the eight after this manner,Livy lib. 10. Cesa. ‘Alba sedet campos, pomisque rependit aristas.’ From Alba four miles distant at the foot of the hils is Cesa, a little castle, the natural place of Pietro Marso, a man very learned, as his works do well testifie, and especially his commentaries made upon Silio Italico. Pietro Marso. The river Castellano. The river Tronto. Ascolo. And going up certain miles into the region of the Pregutini is the river Castellano, which descendeth from a valley of the Apennine, named the valley Castellana, and runneth for a little space towards Ascolo, and after a while endeth in Tronto, which compasseth the said city on the other side. Strabo, Pliny and Ptolomy, placeth the city of Ascolo in Piceno, but to me it seemeth better to account the said city in this present Province of Abruzzo on the other side, not only because it is on this side Tronto, but also for that in former time it was under the jurisdiction of the Kings of Naples, Ascolo restored to the church by Queen Ione the second. Bettutio Barro, a famous Orator. but Queen Ione the second restored it to the church. The said city is situate upon a very strong place, fortified with a good wall, and compassed with high hils; it aboundeth with all things necessary for the sustenance of living creatures. Bettutio Barro, a most eloquent Orator was born in Ascolo, to whom Cicero gave the honour of the victory above all the Poets of that age, as it appears in Bruto, and Ventidio Basso the victorious Captain of the Romans, which went with an Army against the Parthians, of whom were written these words, but too nipping, Now he is made a Consul, which lately was a Mule-keeper (forasmuch as before he had [Page] the command of Mules) of whom the Satyrical Giovenal saith in the seventh Satire,The famous men of [...] Ventidio Ba [...]

Si fortuna volet, fies de Rhetore▪ Consul,

Si volet haec cadem, fies de Consule Rhetor.

Ventidius, quid enim, quid Tullius? an ne a [...]iudque

Sydus, & occulti miranda potentia fati.

Ascolo had also Pope Nicholas the fourth, a learned, wise, and a vertuous man, as Petrarck and Platina among the Pontifical Bishops declares;Pope Nicholas the 4. although Biondo saith he was the third; likewise Cecco de Ascolo was a Citizen thereof, an Astronomer, a great Philosopher, and a famous Negromancer. And Enoc, an eloquent Orator indued with the Greek and Latine tongues, through whose diligence were found out Marco Celio Apitio, and Pomponio Porfirione upon Horace in the time of Pope Nicholas the fifth. The same City hath also brought forth Gratiadio of the Order of Preachers, an excellent Divine and Philosopher, which writ the Commentaries upon the old art, eight books of natural Philosophy, and three of Aristotle, de anima, wherein he sheweth his great learning. Afterward going along from Vallecastellana, we come to the rich and populous country of Amatrice, situated under the fountain of Tronto. Then followeth Civitella, Amatrice. Civitella. lying not far off among the hils, in a country very strong through the nature of the place, and the strong wall that compasseth it round about, which country was valiantly defended by the Duke of Guise. Now being come to Tronto, in the which place are not only the bounds of the Pregutini and Sanniti, which are in Abruzzo, but also of the Territory of the Kingdom of Naples, I am now forced to finish the description of this Province, somewhat noting the nature of the inhabitants, which are of a bigg and tall stature, strong bodied, of a white complexion, fierce countenance, and a resolute mind, courteous towards strangers, in bargaining simple, accustomed to the mannaging of Arms, and much inclined to Wars,The nature & quality of this Province. and very cruel to their enemies. They are also very forward in learning. The men which inhabit in the city are seemly and civilly apparelled; but those that live abroad in the hils and mountains are very barbarous and unhandsom, for they cloath themselves with very course and base cloath. The Arms of this Province is Azure upon three mounts united and fixed in bass or, an Eagle displayed ar [...] crowned of the second. The which Arms some think, that the Eagle signifieth the Standard which was taken in battel from the Romans; although others suppose it signifies the Emperor Adrian, which was born in Hadria a city of the Province,The arms of this Province. and say that three Hils or declares the fertility and riches of the country: neither are their opinions to be mistaken which say that the Eagle signifieth the city of Aquila it self, the head and principal of all the country.

The County of MOLISE, The eleventh Province of the Kingdom of NAPLES.

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THe County of Molise is the least Province in the Kingdom, for it is part of Sannio, wherein is Esernia, and Boiano. This Province was so called from the city of Molisia, from whence they also had their name which governed this country,Pontano. lib. 5. and Pontano witnesseth that in his time there was also standing the noble house of Molisia, the which he setteth down in his fifth book of the History of the Neopolitan War; Cui adjungitur ab iisdem quaestoribus: Sannii quoque pars ea, in qua est Bovianum, & Aesernia, qui ager recenti nomine est Molisius, The ancient bounds of this country. Molisio ab oppido, à quo originem duxere qui agro quondam imperaverunt. Qua re familia quoque Molisia hodie agnoscitur. The inhabiters of this country are the Sanniti, Frentani, and Caraceni, the confines of the which people anciently were (according to Ptolomy) the river Fortoro on the East, the river Sanguine on the West, the Adriatick Sea on the North, and the Apennine Hils on the South. At this present the bounds thereof extend not so far in respect of the new division made by the Kings Exchequer, of which country now a great part is under Capitanato, the Principality on the other side, the country of Lavoro and Abruzzo. Pliny declaring the confines of the Frentani, writeth thus, Flumen portuosum Frento, Teanum Apulorum, itemque Larinum, Cliternia, Tifernus amnis, Plin. lib. 3. c. 11 inde regio Frentana; and in another place saith, In ora Frentanorum à Tife [...]no flumen Trinium portuosum. Oppida Histionium, Buca, Ortona, Aternus amnis. Intus Anxatini cognomine Frentani, C [...]rentini supernates & infernates, Lanuenses. [Page] These people were so named of the Citie Frentana neer to Teano of Puglia, the which Citie at this present is called Francavilla. These people becoming very puissant, made war against the Romans; but being overcome, (as Livy writeth) by the Consull Q. Aulio in the year 433. with one battell, were sworn to the keeping of their faith, and so obtained peace from the Senate. Caesar maketh mention of the Frentani in the first book of his Commentaries, and also Polybius. And Cato writeth, that these people had their originall from the Liburni, and Dalmati,

The originall of the [...] The things most plentiful i [...] this countrey.

The description of this Province.

Campobasso. Campo di pietra Macchia▪ Celentia, Riccia, Gambatesa.

The Castle of Motta. St Iulian, Colletort▪ Gel [...]ono. Circo.

The river Fortorio. Vinchiaturo. Baronello, Busso, M [...]rrone. Gerione, Livy lib. 2 [...]. Montenegro, Riofredo, Forolo, Fornello.

The vally Porcina, Esernia, Andrea of Esernia, a famous Doctor of th [...] law, Supino, Guilliniaco, Lupara, Catabuttaccio Lucito, Limosano, Castelpignano, Rocchetta, Casal reparande Lespinato,

and afterward from the Toscous, and their principall Citie was Larino. This Province is almost wholly plain, and hath a very plentifull Territory; for it yeildeth grain in great abundance, and all other sorts of corn, there is also flax, silk, bombace, saffron, annice, corianders, hony, and good wines, and very fruitfull trees, and great plenty, the air is temperate and healthfull, sweet rivers, and great store of cattell; there is excellent hawking and hunting, but no ravenous creature is therein except Wolves. I will begin to describe this Countrey from Campobasso, a City built in the midst of the Hills, on this side the Apennine, from Boiano twelve miles distant, for here begins the first countrey of Puglia. The said countrey is very populous and rich, from whence the counties of Campobascio have had their originall and surname. Going from this countrey towards Luceria four miles, is Campo di Pietra, which hath a good Territory; and following that way no more then six miles, appears upon the top of a high hill the Castell Pietra; and from hence five miles is Macchia, which hath the title of a County. And from Campobascio sixteen miles, is the Castle Celantia, and from hence seven miles is Riccia. opposite to whom is Gambatesa, and after eight miles, is the Castell of Motta; and a litle higher are these Cities and Castles, St. Gintiam Coletort, Geldono, and in the top is Circo the great, where the river Fortore springeth: six miles from thence is Vinchiaturo, afterward is Baronello, Busso, Ratino, Rocchetta, Montesaggiano, and following that way neer the river Fortore are these Countries and Castles, Petrella Castel de Lino, Morrone and Giovenisso. Then we come to very large and spacious fields, which continue the space of eighteen miles, even to the sea, and therein are to be seen the ruines of the ancient Gerione, so often named by Livy, neere whose walls he writeth that Hanniball made his stay. Upon the Hills which joyn with the Apennine, and are above the fountain of Vulturno, on the right hand, are these Castles, Montenegro, Riofreddo, and a little below is the Castle Forolo, so called also in old time: then coming down by the course of the river three miles, neer Fornello is a new countrey, but very populous and rich, which yeilds the best wine in all the countrey: Directly against Fornello, there belongs to Vulturno a vally called Porcina, and then somwhat lower there entreth into Vulturno, a River which comes from Esernia, an ancient Colony of the Romans, to which City that learned Lawyer Andrea of Rampino, called by the Surname of Esernia, hath given much honor, whose works are of great estimation with learned men: he was a man of great account, and of the counsell of Queen Ione the first, and (as Liparulo writeeth) was slain by Currado of Gottis, a Dutch Baron for giving judgment against him. This Citie hath a very fruitfull Territory, and the Citizens for the most part are imployed in merchandise. Not far off is Supino, a fair and an ancient citie, called in old time Sepinum; of whom Pliny calleth the Inhabiters Sepinates. Ascending then towards the Mediterrane, within a mile of the river Fortore, and eight miles from the sea, is the noble Castle Guilliniaco, and as much more higher is Guardia Alferes, so named, above the which is Lupara, Cartabuttaccio, and Lucito which hath a fair and fertile Territory, the Lord thereof is Alfonso Pescicello a Neapolitane Gentleman, a generous young man, and wise, and much inclined to learning. And keeping on that way, there is to be seen Limosano, Castelpignano, Rochetta, Casal reparando, and Lespineto which was repaired by Queen Ione the first, by the mediation of Pietro Cardillo a Neapolitan, her Favorite.Reg [...]st Reginae, anno. 134 [...], litera A, f [...]l. 117, Boiano. Livy lib. 9, & 10. Of the which mention is made in the Register of the Exchequer Rolls of the said Queen; of which Family there remains at this present a branch of the old stock, even that learned Ottanio Cardillo, a man indewed with much knowledge, and liveth with great renown.

Then a little forward appears Boiano, a City once esteemed the richest, & as it were the principall of Sannio, whereof Livy maketh oftentimes very honorable mention, [Page] and sometimes saith, that it was sack't and ransack't by the Romans, and was more prey'd and spoyl'd then ever was all Sannio besides. Moreover, Silio Italio maketh mention thereof when speaking of the Samnits, he saith,

Affluit, & Samnis, nondum vergente favore

Ad poenos,

Slio lib. 8.

sed nec veteri purgatus ab ira

Qui Batulum, Mucrasque colunt, Boviana quique

Exercent lustra aut Caudinis faucibus haerent.

Et quos aut Rufrae, aut quos Aesernia, quos ve

Obscura incultis Herdania misit ab agnis

Brutius haud dispar, animorum (que) una juventus

Lucanis excita jugis, Hirpina (que) pubes.

In the Book of the Colonies is thus written, Bovianum oppidum lege Iulia, milites deduxerunt: sine iter Colonis populo iter amplius non debetur quam pedes Ager ejus per centurias, & Scâmna est designatus. Ptolomy calleth the said Citie Bucianum. The said Citie is adorned with the dignity of a Duke. Not very far from Boiano is the Hill Fiterno,

The hill Fiterno.

The river Fortore.

The river Trinio.

Roceavivara. Trivento. Iacobo Caldora. Salicito. Fossaseca. Bagnulo. Civita nova. The nature and condition of the people of the countrey.

which proceedeth from the Apennine, from whom the river Fiterno, now called Fortore hath the name. Passing from thence towards the sea, and going towards Termine, is the mouth of the river Trinio, which Pliny calleth Trinium Portuosum, on whose left side five miles off, is Castelluzzo Roccavivara, and the noble citie of Trivento, honored with the title of a County, possessed in the time of the King of Aragon by Iacobo Caldora, a most valiant Captain, but it is now governed by the house of Afflitto. The most reverend Bishop thereof Iulius Caesar Mariconda a Neapolitan Gentleman, and a Prelate of no lesse learning then sincere life, graceth now this citie with his great vertue. Then follows Salicito, Fossaceca, Bagnulo and Civita nova. And coming now to an end of this province, I will speak of the Inhabiters thereof, which are very strong and valiant, and much inclined to Arms; they are also obstinate in their opinions, and in bargaining with strangers very crafty and subtile, for the most part they exercise merchandise and husbandry, they apparel themselves more for their own ease, then with any decent or comely civility, although the women more respect strait lacing then seemly attire.

This Province useth for the Arms thereof in a field gu: a star of 8 points ar: within a border of Ceres:The Armes of this Province, and what it signifieth. What the said Arms doth signifie, I do not well understand, yet thus much I may say, that the garland of Ceres signifieth the great plenty of corn which this countrey yeilds; and by the star argent, noteth the great good will & love of the people which they have to retain the memory of the family of Balzo, which in former time governed almost all this whole countrey, with other places of great importance in the kingdom; whereto I give so much the greater credit, insomuch as the house of Balzo gave in their Arms a star ar: in a field gu: Therefore I think it very fit not to neglect this opinion in the present description of this province, although some think that the Star signifieth the prosperity of the countrey, whereof the Poet saith,

—subitoque fragore

Intonuit latuum de coelo lapsa per umbras

Stella facem ducens multa cum luce cucurrit.

Among the Romans the star was placed above the heads of Romulus and Remus, which sucked the teat of the Wolfe, signifying the custody of their proper Genio or good spirit, who preserved them being children.

CAPITANATA. The twelfth Province of the Kingdom OF NAPLES.

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THis noble and fruitfull Province of Pugliapiana, which at this present is called Capitanata, was anciently named Iapygia, The bounds of Capitanata. Daunia, Mesapia, and Apulia. The said Province stretcheth from the river Lofanto, where the country of Bary endeth, and passeth to the river of Frontone (now called Fortore) containing in breadth all between the Apennine hils, where are the Irpini and the Sanniti, and the Adriatick, or rather Ionian Sea,Why it was called Capitanata. so that on the East it hath the country of Bary, with the river Lofanto, on the South the Apennine with the Irpini and Sanniti; on the West the Ferentani and Carraceni, with the river Frontone, and on the North the Adriatick or Ionian Sea. Iohn Pontano in his second book of Histories handling many things, saith that in the time of the first Normans▪ and afterward the Greeks, this Province was called Catapaniata, because those that were sent to rule here by the Emperors of Constantinople, were called in the Greek tongue Catapini, and that afterward by corruption of the word,P [...]ntano lib. 2. de bello Neap. it was called the Province of Capitanata, and those that governed it Capitani. The words of Pontano are these. Apuliae pars ea, que ab [...]rentone flumine, hodie Fortorium est, ab Aufidi ripas, sua nunc appellatione est Capitanata: quae Normanorum prius, ac Graecorum temporibus fuerat Catapaniata: quòd qui ejus moderatione esset ab Imperatore. Constantinopolitano praepositus, diceretur Graeco nomine Catapanus: quae vox contractis, atque immutatis literis recentioribus, versa, est in Capitanatam, quique Catapanus fuerat in Capitinium. Quae verò Calabriae pars olim fuit, in qua Tarentum, Brundusium, ac Salentinorum maritima est ora, ea ab Hydrunto oppido, Te [...]r [...] Hydruntina. ad quod est ab Macedonia Epiroque, quam brevissima ad navigatio Hydruntina hodie terra dicitur. At qui est ab Au [...]ido tractus ad Calabriae, hoc est, Hydruntinae fines terrae:[Page]quo intractu sunt ad mare posita Barolum, Tranum, Vigilae, Melficta, Iuvenatium, Barens [...]is regio. Barum, Polygnanum, Monopolis? ab urbe Baro, quae caput olim regionis fuit Barensis vocitata est terra: regiorum quaestorum constitutione ac jussu. Post eam montana loca, quaeque olim fuere illinc Lucaniae, hinc Apuliae, iisdem illis temporibus vocari coepta Basilicata. Quae appellatio unde potissimum ducta sit, jure anceps est, B [...]silicatata. ac dubium. Sunt enim qui existiment, haud satis tamen certis auctoribus, Constantinopolitano olim ab Imperatore regionem eam filiae, ac genero traditam dotis nomine: veri autem aliis videtur esse similius, à Basilio quodam fortissimo viro dictam: qui per illa tempora loca ea tenuerit, deque regione ipsa, tractumque omni Salentino, Graecos industria sua pepulerit, atque Poenos, &c.

This Province (as is said) was in old time called Iapygia, of Iapyge the son of Dedalus, as Herodotus affirmeth; but as Servio saith upon this verse of Virgil, ‘Victor Gargani condebat Iapygiis agris.’ He saith that Iapygia was a part of Puglia wherein standeth the Hill Gargano, Why it was called Iapigia Mesapia. which reacheth even to the Adriatick Sea. It was also called Mesapia of the people Mesapii which inhabited in a part thereof; although others say that it was so named of King Mesapo, the son of Neptune. Being afterward possest by Dauno the son of Pilumno, and of King Danae, the Grandsire of King Turnus, all that country was called Daunia. Daunia After him Diomedes coming with a great number of the people Etoli there to inhabit, he divided the country between himself and Diomedes. Apulia Afterward it was named Apulia of Apulo, a most ancient King of these places, which came hither to inhabit a long time before the Wars of Troy Ptolomy divideth Puglia, the one part from Ti [...]erno to the city of Bary, called Daunia, and from thence unto the Salentini (which are the people of the cou [...]try of Otronto) called Peucetia·

Puglia came to the knowledg of the Romans rather through Wars then friendship, for (as Livy writeth) with the rebellion of the Sannites the Romans had also Puglia their enemy,

How Puglia came into the hands of the Romans Hannibal did much harm to Puglia, Strab. lib. 6.

The things which are most plentiful in Capitannta The nature of the earth

whose Territory was laid waste and spoiled by them, and at sundry times after (as it appears in Livy) came into the power of the Romans. All this region was from the beginning in great prosperity: but Hannibal and other Wars that succeeded him, destroyed it and left it desolate, the which Strabo confirms in his sixth book, when writing thereof he saith, Priori tempore universae hujus terrae secunda fortuna florebat, postea vero, & Annibal sequentia bella desertam illam reddiderunt. This most fruitfull Province bringeth forth great store of wheat, barley, and other corn, and more plentifull then any other part of Italy, although many fields are reserved for the pasture of sundry flocks of sheep which are brought from Abruzzo. The earth or soil although it be sandy and light, and the grass which grows thereon be small and slender, it is nevertheless very fruitfull, and storeth Naples, Slavonia, Venice and Tuscane, with plenty of flesh. This region indureth much water, whereupon the Poet Horace saith that Apulia is full of silk, and in some places it wanteth trees: the air is temperate, but in the summer season it is so much [...] [...]ith heat, that it is not only hurtfull to strangers, but even to the natural [...] of the country. All this region is very plentifull of every thing, both horses and excellent sheep, the wool is softer then that of Taranto, The number of the cities, countries, and castles that [...]re in the said Provinces The [...] of [...] hil Garga [...] ▪ but not so fine, the hony there is much commended, the vallies which lie by the plains, makes it a very pleasant country, whereby all the Province is much inhabited, so that it hath in all ten cities, and 52 towns and castles; the cities are St. Angelo, Manfredonia, Siponto, Lesina, Vieste, Ascoli, Bovino, Volturara, Te [...]mole, Troia. This Province containeth the Hill Gargano with the appurtenances thereof, which stretching out as it were an arm of the Apennine towards the Adriatick Sea compasseth in the lowest descent thereof, which ends in the plain [...]00 miles, where appears all the ri [...]hes of Puglia with plenty of water; it is also very well garnished, and also richly furnished with trees, and phisical herbs▪ for the which there repairs from far countries i [...]finite Herbalists and Simplis [...], whereupon it seem [...] that nature hath indued it with so great perfection [...] [...]or the p [...]e [...]den [...]e and p [...]ima [...]y with all [Page] the other Hils of the Orient. Diomedes purposed to make the said Hill an Island, because the Istmus thereof is no more then two miles broad, but this and other works he undertook, were left imperfect, because he returned home to his own house where he ended his life, although some write that he remained here during his life. Others feigning, report that he vanished into the Isle of Diomedes, and that his companions were transformed into fowls.

In this Country is bred the Tarantola, whose venom (as is before declared) is cured with sounds and singing. Here also breeds the Chersidri, or the Cavalette, which the country people call Brucoli, which being dispersed here and there, do feed and wholly devour all the fields with infinite hurt and spoil.The city of S. Angelo. In the top of the said hill is the famous and noble city of St. Angelo, from the which at this present for the most part the hill is so called, for the Archangel St. Michael which appeared there, where is to be seen the most devout and honourable Cave, and holy Temple dedicated in honour to the Archangel St. Michael, which (as every one knoweth) is one of the most famous Oratories in all Christendom, and is at all times visited and frequented with great superstition of infinite people. The said city is very populous, and strong by nature, and exceeds in the plenty of all things necessary for the sustenance of living creatures.

This place being possest by the Saracins, they fortified it and held it a long time, untill Grimoaldo the fifth Duke of Benevento, The Saracins possest th [...]se places, and when they were driven away. and 11 King of Italy went with an Army against them, and almost slew them all, which was in the year 652. Grimoaldo being dead, the Saracins newly possessed it again; But the Emperor Charls the great and King of France coming into Italy, after he had overcome them, put them all miserably to death with the edg of the sword.

But now seeing a fitting occasion is presented unto me to declare what the said Church was, and the beginning of the building,The description of the holy cave of S. Angelo. and the great devision thereof.

Here is a cave or vault in a main rock in the aforesaid hill, which descendeth many steps very low, before the which descent are in the same rock certain buildings wrought by hand, where are Tables written of infinite miracles and favour [...] by God vouchsafed unto men through the intercession (as they say) of that Saint. Below in the cave is a great dore of brass very curiously wrought, which entreth into that wonderfull vault, the house of the most holy Archangel St. Michael, which standeth towards the East, and round about it is alwaies to be seen to distill a pure liquor. In the midst is a little quire, which is ascended by four steps; but as a man approacheth near to the holy Altar of the Angel, he is suddenly strucken with great devotion in the contemplation of high and celestial things. There is to be seen the little Altar consecrated by the holy Archangel St. Michael, where he hath left the print of his foot, the which little Altar stands upon another Altar curiously wrought, where the Priests commonly say Mass. On the left side are certain other Altars cut out of the rock, all very commodious to say Mass. The floore of the cave is paved with white and red Marble well mixed and divided. Without above the vault there is a very fair and pleasant Wood, very strange and wonderfull to those that behold it, because that through a great brow of the hill not any tree can be discerned, and that which yields the greatest wonder of all is, that so many great trees grow upon the main rock.

The cause why this place was dedicated to St. Michael,

The cause why this church was dedicated to St. M [...]chael the Archangel.

An. 1 [...]4.

our Ancestors say grew by this accident: In the year of our Lord 494. in the second year of Pope Galasio the first, and the third year of the Emperor Anastasius, there was a citizen of Siponto, called Gargano, a man far richer in cattel then any one in the country, the which under the custody of many heardsmen gras [...]ing upon the Hill Gargano, had a Bull which was strayed among the Woods, and seeking him a long time through those parts, in the end, one day found him feeding before the dore of the said cave, wherewith Gargano being offended, put an arrow into his bow, and shot to kill him; but scant had the arrow touched the Bull, but it rebounded back, and with the point strook Gargano, the which being held as a great miracle by the Heardsmen that were there present, perswaded Gargano to find out some holy man of sincere life and great authority▪ to whom he [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] this accident. The which Lorenzo hearing (which was accounted so religious a man) admiring at so great a miracle, caused the people to fast three dayes, and with many prayers reconciling themselves unto God. The Fast ended, and divine Service solemnly celebrated, the night following St. Michael appeared to Lorenzo, said unto him: By the will of God, and through my means, it is so come to passe, O Lorenzo, that the Bull hath discovered this place chosen by my self, where I desire a Church should be made to my name, that I might have a dwelling upon the earth amongst men: Declare to the Citizens, that in this place I am to pardon in the name of God the sins of the people which repair hither. The which vision, after Lorenzo had rendered due thanks unto God, he declared it. Then with generall procession and many ceremonies, they went very religiously to the holy cave, where with great devotion they said solemn service, and so to the honor of St. Michaell the Archangell, the place was dedicated.

The Pope understanding thereof sent three Bishops to consecrate the Church, and the Angell appeared again saying, that needed not to be consecrated by humane means, which was consecrated by divine providence, and that in token and sign thereof, they should find the print of his foot upon the Altar. The morning following they went in procession, and so finding it, after they had all yeilded due thanks unto God, consecrated another hill hard by, which at this present is called the holy Hill, whither repair infinite people with great devotion on every side. Now not long after the Neapolitane Army coming to Seponto, after it had sack't Benevento, the people betaking themselves to prayer, after they had fasted three days, the night following the Angell appeared in sleep to Lorenzo, admonishing him, that the next morning he should cause all the people to arm themselves, and to assail their enemies Camp, and he would aid them therein The people beleeving the words of Lorenzo, marched with their army into the Fields, and invaded their enemies, upon whom came from heaven even at an instant, so horrible a tempest with lightning and thunder, that the enemies army was not onely scattered and disperst, but most of them cruelly slain.

Now the faith and devotion of the people greatly increased, and with much alms and great gifts of gold and silver, the Church was very richly beautified and inlarged. All this which is rehearst, his own legend testifieth (which you may believe if you please, and also the learned Iohn Pontano in the second book of the Neapolitane war,Pontano lib. 2. writeth, whose words are these, Nec vero alienum fuerit (quoniam in templi mentionem maxime augusti incidimus: ad cujus antrum ab ultimis terrarum finibus annis singulis plurimi mortales selvendis votis accedunt) de ejus initiis: quaeque ab antiquis auctoribus habeo comperta, pauca pro meo instituto referre. Est nativa specus durissimo è saxo, in quam multis gradibus: caeterum non lato admodum aditu descenditur: specularibus quibusdam lumen praebentibus. Vestit cam parte superiore, qua nativa ipsa quidem, Templum S. Michaelis in monte Gargano. ac perimosa testudo est, è quercu vasta proceritate lucus, muris tamen circundatus, pecori nequa pateat ingressus. Ante vero antrum in imum descenderis, qua specus diffunditur, mira animum religio subit, loco ipso sub obscuro, & horrido, solaque natura constituta. Admonent religionis tabellae, votaque passim suspensa, titulos indicantia. Vbi vero arae admotus ad numinis procumbes statuam, loco solo, & ab hominum accessu s [...]moto, repente inhorrescit tacito metu animus: atque in divinarum tantum rerum cogitationem versus, in preces suppliciaque effunditur. Augent venerationem aliae item arae nullo sumptu, nullo artificio factae, quibus natura ipsa videtur locum statuisse. Cur autem Michaeli potissimum dedicata specus fuerit, haec à majoribus tradita comperior, annos quidem supra noningentos, atque amplius repetita, qua quidem tempestate Heruli, Goti, Barbarae (que) aliae quaedam gentes per Italiam bacchabantur. Garganum quendam civem Sipontinum cujus praegrande armentum Gargano pasceretur in monte, à quo & ille nomen duxisset cum armentalem taurum, qui oberraverat, per silvas suis cum pastoribus quaeritaret, inventum tandem eum ab ejus, de qua dictum est, speluncae hostium pascentem animadvertisse, itaque ira percitum, contento arcu, summis in illum viribus sagittam emisisse, eamque ubi tauri tergus attigisset, retro flexam è vestigio, recurvataque spiculi acie sagittatorem p [...]tiisse. Quae res inter pastores in religionem, cum esset versa, tum Garganum rem hanc sacerdoti expositurum, Laurentio an [...]sio. Laurentium adiisse, probatissimae vitae antistitem, ibi illum recognita, factique admiratione ductum, dierum trium jejunio indicto,[Page]multis etiam adhibitis precibus Deum esse consulendum: Gargano respondisse. Ita (que) absoluto jejunio, re sacra rite facta, noctu dormiente Laurentio astitisse Michaelem Angelorum principem admonent [...]m his verbis. Mea opera, ac Dei jussu factum Laurentii, qui taurum indicem esse voluerim b [...]silicae hujus, quam mihi ad inhabitandum cum hominibus in terris paravi. Haec mea est basilica, meum hoc sacrarium apud mortales futuro. Enuntia haec civibus, in monente me, per te intelligant, ea in spelunca, iis in adytis aboliturū esse me mortalium peccata, qui ad eam confugerint. Quo accepto oraculo antistes somno exitus, ubi Deo gratias egisset, re populo indicata, summa civium cum frequentia venerabundus, indictis supplicationibus pontisicis habitu amictus, ascenso monte ad speluncam procedit, sacra (que) ibidem peracta re, non tamen ut ingredi antrum ausus esset quisquam multis cum precibus decantatis rite divinis laudibus, Deo gratias egit— nomen (que) Michaelis per omnes laudes celebratum. Ritique rebus his peractis Sipontum rediit, Sipontum. magna civium laetitia, ingenti (que) vrbis universae gaudio. Nec vero multis post dicbus. Neapolitanorum exercitus, quorum opes profligatis Beneventanorum rebus abunde tum pollentes erant: Sipontum obsedit. Igitur solicito de populo suo antistiti, post indictum dierum trium jejunium, quo triduo fuerant etiam indutiae ab hoste impetratae, astitit rursus dormienti Michael, admones, & pie, & rite factum, quod per jejunium, ac preces à Deo auxilium implorasset: Michaelem se Angelorum principem jussu Dei illa dicere, imperareque uti insequenti dio de quarta hora, populus▪ universus arma caperet, in hostemque repente irrueret, se ipsum armatum in acie civibus affuturum. Haec igitur populo tuo experrectus dissere, ac bono animo esse jube. Hora igitur dicta, armatus atque ad pugnam instructus civis hostem negligentius agentem improvisus invadit, fundit, sugat validis adeo repente exortis procellis, summoque è montis jugo prorumpentibus terrifico impetu fulminibus, uti maximè foeda tempestatis vi, ac fulgurum sescenti ex hoste examinati referantur. Fugatis igitur, ac caesibus hostibus, sacris Deo optimo maximo; ac Michaeli rit [...] factis, cum antistes decrevisset speluncam ipsam (uti moris est: Christianique ritus) dedicare Gelasium Pontificem Maximum, per id tempus Soracte agentem de ea dedicatione consuluisset: Astitit illi tertio inquiens, mihi egomet nulla adhibita hominum aut arte, aut opera vacuum feci hoc saxum, mihi egomet desertum humano cultu montem dextra hac subaperui, mea ego in lapide hoc vestigia infixi, mihi ipsemet aedem hanc statui, sacrarium feci, basilicam dedicavi. Quaecunque igitur ab hac aede basilica, sacrario humana dedicatio absit, ritusque omnis abesto humanus, Michael ego sum, qui hoc excavato saxo, hoc antro, hoc habitaculo: his assidue manantibus stillis ablaturus sum, ac deleturus, mea ad aram consugientium mortalium errata. Age eaepergiscitor sacerdos, civibusque haec tuis disserito, cumque iis simul rem divinam illic facito, ne (que) adesse antro meo sacrario meo, meaeque basilicae, tuque poplusque tuus mortales denique omnis placatum atque propitium sciunt, &c.

On the side of this Hill, which lieth towards the East, is the Citie Vieste ▪ in old time called Vestice which hath a very fair Haven,Vieste▪ from whence Pope Alexander the third, aided by William the second, King of Naples, departed towards Venice with thirteen Gallies to be reconciled to the Emperour Frederick Barbarossa. This Citie was destroyed in the year 1480 by Acomat Bascia, Generall of the Army of Mahumet, the second Emperour of the Turks, whilst he attempted the subduing of Italy. Vieste destroyed by the Turks. Among other Captains and men of special note which valianty fighting died in the defence of the said Citie, Diu Giaime of Aierbo of Aragon, Innico de Vera, Guilio Acquaviva, Carlo Stella, Diomedes of Tolfa, and Francisco son of the famous Doctor Paris de Apuzzo Councellor of King Ferrant, King Ferdinando repaireth again Vieste. whose Nephews sons of the said Paris, I know in Naples, and are my very dear friends, neither do they any jot degenerate from their worthy progenitors, for Iohn Iacobo and Iohn Carlo are Doctors of the law and very learned, and Iohn Baptista de Apuzzo his Brother,The end of the Adriatick sea. is imployed in the Kings affairs.

The said Citie was suddenly repaired by King Ferdinando, at the intercession and mediation of Antonio Miroballo Lord thereof. Ptolomy saith, that here being the second head of the mount Gargano, endeth the Adriatick sea, and beginneth the Ionian. Neer the Sea side passing over the river Lofanto appears the place where was the ancient Citie of Salapia built by Elsia Rodiano, but according to Varro by Diomedes;The Citie Salapia where Hannibal was inamored. and here Hanniball the Carthagenian being at the first so fierce a Warrior, became inamored of a woman, which made him so effeminate as impaired much his reputation. [Page] Not very far is the Lake of Andoria, The Lake of Andoria. Mansredonia. by Pliny called Mandurium; hard by is Mansredonia augmented by the ruines of Siponto, where at this present is a great concourse of Merchants, conveying from thence great plenty of corn; this City is very populous and civil, and in it are these noble Families, Beccarini, Gentile, del Avantaggio, Caverletta, Minadois, Nicastro, Visco, Tontoli, and others. But first before I proceed any farther to declare what the Monte Gargano is here towards the sea, I will finish that which lieth upon the River Fortore: Above Sanseverino four miles is Torre the great, which is a Country that hath the title of a Dukedom subject to the house of Sangro, Castelluccio. which lieth from Fortore twelve miles; and as much above Torre the great is Castelluccio; and a little from thence is Monte Rotano, Monte Rotano. Celenza. and somewhat higher is Celenza, which hath a very fruitfull Territory, and is adorned with the title of a Marquisat, the Lord whereof is Carlo Gambacorta a Neapolitan Gentleman, a very famous and worthy Lord, whose honourable actions are well known, having many years with so much wisdom and valour governed through the grace and favour of King Philip, the two Povinces of Principato, and Basilicata, and at this present with great honour ruleth and governeth this present Province.

Not far from Cilenza is a country called St. Marco, and near that is Volturara, which hath a good Territory, and the Lord thereof holdeth the title of a Marquiss;St. Marco. Volturara. St. Gaudio: Rosseno. Montefalcone. Lesina. The Lake of Lesina. and not far off is the country of St. Gaudio, and a little above is Rosseno, and beyond that, near the river of Fortore, is the Castle Montefalcone.

The River Fortore runneth into the Sea near the Lake of Lesina, which contains 40 miles in compass; and a mile from this Lake, and four from the Sea, is the city of Lesina, from whence the Lake hath taken its name, the which city was built by the men of the Isle of Lesina of Slavonia, some say that the Saracins spoiled the said city.

Leandro Alberti believeth that the aforesaid Lake is named by Pliny in the 10. chapter of his third book Lacus Pantanus, which breeds good fishes, and great Eels, and at all times there is good fowling for wild Geese, Mallards, and Swans. Within the land four miles above Lesina, and within a mile of Fortore upon a high hill is Cerra Capriola, Serra Capriola. in a populous and a civil country, the which is well known through all the Kingdom for the toll or custom of cattel, which pass through it from divers countries to winter in Puglia, and for the custom of sheep, where they pay in that place so much for every beast by the head.

St. Martino. Colletorto. St. Iuliano. Macchia. Campo di Pietra▪ Geldono. Circomaggiore▪ St. Nicandro.Somewhat higher are these countries and castles, St. Martino, Colletorto, S. Guilian, Macchia, which is adorned with the dignity of a Count subject to the house of Regina; and not farr off is Petra di Cratello, Campo di Pietra, Geldono, and in the top is Circomaggiore, near the which springeth the river Fortore; then on the left hand of Fortore is St. Nicandro, five miles from the Sea, and near the Lake of Cesina on that side which is nearest the Mount Gargano; then farther within the land is Porcina, a populous and a civil country, where is also a very stately magnificent Palace made by the Emperor Frederick the second, for a retiring house of pleasure after his sports of hunting in those parts.

Going six miles forward we come to St. Seniero, a country very rich, noble, civil,Porcina. St. Seniero. Strabo. lib. 6. and populous, whose Territory is so fertile that it is not inferior to any in this Province; the said country hath lately been innobled by the Kings favour with the dignity of a Prince, which the Family of Sangro possesseth.

Strabo writeth in his sixth book, that in the Territory of Daunio (although that imperfect and corrupt book nameth it Saunio) at a hill named Drio, in the manner of a Wood, was in his time two Temples, the one in the very top, assigned to Calcante, The Temple of Calcante, & of Podaliero. that whosoever came to demand any thing of the Oracle, sacrificed a black ram, lying down themselves upon the skin. The other Temple was dedicated to Podalirio; below at the very foot of the Hill, distant from the Sea a hundred furlongs. From the which Temple did spring a little brook very wholsom and comfortable to cure the infirmities of cattel▪ therefore it may the better be believed, that such Temples have been in these places hereabout, for Strabo saith, In agro Daunio circa tumulum, quem Drion nominant, basilicae monstrantur? una quidem Calchantis in summo [...]erti [...]è, & cui petentes oracula ingrant [...]m im [...]lant arietem,[Page]& strata in pelle dormiunt. Altera Podalirii in insima montis radice posita, abest à mari stadiorum circiter C. Ex ea rivulus manat, ad omnis p [...]corum morbos salutaris.

Now it is time to return to the Mount Gargano, or rather St. Angelo, to the end I may the better describe certain places which are there.

In the midst then of the said hill, where is the fair and spacious plain of [...]lorishing and pleasant pasture, is to be seen the country of St. Iohn Ritondo, St. Iohn Ritondo. where every year on the 11 of Iune are assembled the Bailiffs and Officers thereabout, a chief and principal magistrate coming thither in the name of the King, the which after they have well considered the store of grain, barley, and other corn, with a general consent they proclaim a price of all victuals.

Not far from the said place are Cagnano, and Carpino, which have a fruitfull Territory; the Baron thereof is Antonio Nava, Cagnano. Carpino. St. [...]. Arign [...]no. St. Nicandro. so honourable and worthy a Lord, and so vertuously given, as he is generally honoured and loved of every one, and hath been the special occasion that this work is published the second time. At the foot of the said hill near Manfredonia is St. Vito, a very great country, but wholly abandoned for the great abundance of Serpens that are therein. Not far off is the Castle Arignano, and St. Nocandro.

Departing then from the foot of the Mount Gargano, and leaving the places near adjacent, we come to Foggia in a populous country, which hath a very fertile and fruitfull Territory, yielding great plenty of grain, barley,Foggia. [...] ▪ and other sustenance. Some say that it was built of the ruines of the ancient city of Argirippa, the which (as Strabo [...]aith) was in old time one of the greatest cities in Italy, and was first called Argostippium, afterward Argyripa, and at the last Arpe, and saith that it was builded by Diomedes.

At this present liveth with great honour to the said city, Giovanbattista Vitale, a very plausible and pleasant Poet of our age.

But it is not fit I should smother in silence the custom of the sheep of Puglia, The custom of the sheep. which is one of the greatest revenues that the King hath in the Kingdom, and consisteth in the rents of the herbage, which cometh every year into the Kings Exchequer by the Officers for the pasture of sheep, and greater cattel, of the which rents in truth, some pay 13 duckets for a hundred sheep, and some 12. and some 10 and a half, and some 9. and some 6. and some 3. and some 15 carlins for a hundred, and others 12 crowns for a thousand. But of greater cattel some pay 37 duckets and a half for a hundred, and others 22 and a half, and some 18 duckets and three quarters the hundred; whereupon the said receiver satisfieth to the Masters of the herbage, according to the quality and goodness of the pasture; as it falleth out.

The number of the cattel that were customed in the year 1592.

The custom of the revenue of the sheep made in the year 1592. The payment for sheep hath bin very ancient in the Kingdom.

Alfonsus of Aragon, King of Naples [...] to the c [...]stom of sh [...]p.

As in the year 1592. there was allowed to the said custom four millions four hundred seventy one thousand and four hundrey ninty six sheep; and of greater cattel nine thousand and six hundred. Of which sheep and cattel in general is paid unto the Kings receit six hundred and two and twenty thousand and a hundred seventy three duckets and seven carlins, of the which sum is abstracted 380492 duckets for the payment of the herbage to divers particular persons, with the alms bestowed upon the poor, and other charges, yielding to the Kings Exchequer 241264. the which sum of money was carried into the Kings general Treasury.

This kind of payment of custom hath been very ancient, for the like was paid in the time of the Romans, as it appears by Varro, and other ancient Writers. But this Kingdom being invaded by divers Nations, the custom decayed through the extremity of long wars, untill the time of the worthy and renowned Alfonsus of Aragon, first of this name, King of Naples; who newly restored it in an excellent order, and constituted Francisco Malubre, Commissary for the reformation thereof, and was the first receiver, to whom he allowed for his pains 700 duckets with the pasture of a thousand sheep, as Marino Trezza in his second book de sub. feu. the which the excellent Lawyer Carlo Tapia Neapolitan, relateth with great learning and eloquence, in the first book of his Commentaries in the Rubrick and final Law, F [...]de constitutionibus Principium num. 98. This worthy man liveth with much admiration for his vertue and honourable qualities, and at [Page] this present with general applause exerciseth the office of the criminal Judge of the great Court of the Vicaria.

Luceria of the the Pagans.Departing from Foggia 12 miles, appears upon a little hill, situated in a Plain, the fair City of Luceria, in the which city in the time of Strabo, was the stately Temple of Minerva, where were many and rich gifts, the which city was the ancient seat of the Daunii, and was also built by Diomedes. It is true, that it was destroyed in the time of Strabo; whose ruines even at this present declare how great it was, and what power and authority it had; it was afterward repaired with the fragments of the old ruinated buildings, and so continued even to the time of Constantius the son of Constantine the third Emperor of Constantinople, who destroyed and spoiled it in the time of Vitaliano Bishop of Rome, as Paolo Diacono writeth in his fifth book, and Biondo in his ninth book of Histories. Where having slain all the Citizens,Paolo Diacono, lib. 5. sackt it, and afterward burnt it; yet within a little time following it was reedified, but nothing so fair and magnificent as at the first. The which city being given by the Emperor Frederick the second, to the Saracins, was so strongly fortified that it became very powerfull, commanding and domineering over all the bordering places; neither was any man able to expel them untill the year 1271▪ Charls the second King of Naples after many conflicts confounded them,Charls the 2 King of Naples drove the Saracins from Luceria, and from all the Kingdom. The body of St. Augustine in Luceria. and inforced them to forsake their hold. The Territory of the said city is very plentifull, and yieldeth all sorts of victuals. To the which city twice in the year do assemble almost all the Merchants of Italy, Grecia, Sicilia, and Slavonia, and from other countries to traffick and sell their wares; and this city is the head of the whole Province, for there resides the Kings Audit with his Vice-roy. In the Church of St. Dominicho, which is therein, lieth the body of St. Augustine the Hungarian, of the Order of Preachers, sometime Bishop of the City, where he is highly reverenced by the people, and was canonized by the holy Church, naming him St. Augustine, by consent and agreement of the Apostolick Colledg; God shewing to his creatures (as they they say) how acceptable the merit of this man was unto him, in the bestowing upon them infinite favours by the means of his Sepulchre.

By whom Troia was built.From Luceria eight miles upon a small hill is the noble and rich city of Troia, which hath a fertile and plentifull soil; under the North side of this little hill runneth the river Chilone, which flows from the Apennine, this city was builded by Bubagano Catapano of Greece, and not a Captain of the Greeks, as Frier Leandro affirmeth. Of the original thereof Leo Bishop of Ostia maketh mention, after whom Carto Sigonio a diligent writer of Histories in our time, following, accounteth the building thereof about the year 1016. Some hold opinion that it was the ancient Esana, which was beaten down by the Emperor Constantine. There are in the said city these noble Families, De Claritiis del Vasto, Lombardo, Palonibo, de Tucciis, Gioioso, de Rubeis, Sangro, Saliceto, Silvei, Sassone, Tancredo, and others. Here was held a Councel in the year 1092. by Pope Vrban the second,

The Councel of Troia.

The bodies of Saints in Troia.

for to reform certain customs of the Clergy, as Biondo and Platina declare in the life of the said Bishop. In the principal Church that is therein, lies the bodies of Eleutherio Martyr, St. Pontiano Bishop, St. Secondino, and of St▪ Anastasio.

Walking along by the fields, we may see the castle Carignola, where the French men were overcome, the Duke of Nemors their Captain General and Vice-roy of Naples; for Lewis the twelfth King of France and Naples being slain, by Consalvo Ferrando of Cordova, Captain of Ferdinando the Catholick King of Spain, having in his company the valiant Captains, Fabritio and Prospero Colennesi, Romans, in the year 1503. as we have written at large in the lives of the Kings of Naples.

Going a little farther in the descent of the Apennine, appeareth Orsara, and afterward the city of Bovino, the Lord whereof hath the title of a Duke. Four miles farther is Dellicito; and from hence seven miles is the ancient city of Ascolo, innobled with the dignity of a Prince.Ascolo di Satriano. And this city is sirnamed by Writers, Ascolo Satriano, as a difference from that of Abruzzo. This city was ruinated by Ruggiero the Norman, having understood they purposed to rebel against him, [Page] his father being then in Dalmatia, the which was afterward repaired again by his father, but not with that greatness. Walking then towards the Sea,The Church of St. Leonard given to the Knights of St· Mary of Prusia we come to the sumptuous and stately Church dedicated to St. Leonard by the Emperor Frederick the second, where is a worthy Monastery assigned to the Dutch Knights of the Order of St. Mary of Prusia, allowing them great revenues, who governed the said holy Temple a long time with great religion and devotion. In the [...]nd they decaying, the said Monastery was given in commendum, whereby at this present it is very ill governed. This worthy Church is in great reverence not only with the people near inhabiting, but also among all the Italians; and there are to be seen great heaps of iron pieces of sundry fashions, as chains, shackles, collers, and others of like sort to hold prisoners, and to inchain men, the which were all (as they say) miraculously delivered, and the persons set at liberty through the prayers and intercessions of that worthy St. Leonard, both from prisons and the Gallies, in the Church resteth his said body. Directly against this Province are situate the Isles of Trinity, which was in old time called Diomedes, which had that name for the Fable which the Greeks feigned upon the companions of Diomedes transformed into fowles, being of the bigness of the Magot-a-py, seeming also in their tune to imitate a humane voice, but not so pleasing, according to the fixions of the Poets in the ancient time of the forein Greeks, the which declared with their singing and flying, the content of their arival,The Isles of Diomedes. now called Trinity. being shunned and despised of all others, bewraying by the clapping of their wi [...]gs, and their pittifull scrieking, the contempt of their company; but now in truth they are much available, and do great good by their fatness, to those which are benummed, or swoln in any member with any cold humour. There is in this Isle a Fortress, and a very fair Monastery of Canonical regular Priests. The women of this Province are all in general very fair, the men great and well proportioned, but inclining to a brown complexion,The quality & condition of the people. which proceeds of the great heat. Their proper language is all after one manner, but somewhat rude and impolished. They have very strong arms, wherefore they often exercise wrestling, and the managing of weapons. They are not very neat and curious in their apparel, but very ingenious and sharp witted, they follow not the affairs of the Sea, for almost all employ themselves in the profit of the fields. They inhabit in Castles and Cities, and in the time of tillage, and the gathering in of their fruits they go to the fields with carriages of bread and wine, and other necessary things for so many daies, and with their oxen they remain day and night untill they have tilled and sowed, or gathered in their grain, barley, and other corn; that being done, they fire the straw, and returning with the rest home to their dwellings, where they continue till time requires again to manure and sow their ground. They are all rich and very courteous and carefull to keep their word, and in bargaining very free. The Arms of this Province is azure on a mount of Ceres fixed on bass St. Michael or.The Arms of this Province. the which arms signifie the apparition of the Angel Saint Michael upon the Mount Gargano, and the ears of corn the great plenty of the Province.

A DESCRIPTION OF THE Kingdom of Naples
The second Book.

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WE having finished the first book of the description of the Provinces of this Kingdom, it were requisite to speak more particularly as we have promised; to the end the reader may be the better satisfied of so much as he desires to know thereof.

The Kingdom then of Naples (as hath been said) is divided into 12 Provinces, the which contains 2700 popularities, of which there are 20 Archbishops, and 127 Bishops, and 1464 Countries; in which places live at least two millions of people; for in the Province of the Country of Lavoro was taxed in the Kings Schedule by Families

58152

The Principality on this side by Families

47562

The Principality on the other side by Families

30535

Basilicata by Families

38747

Calauria on this side by Families

50878

Calauria on the other side by Families

55457

The Country of Otronto by Families

50874

The Country of Bary by Families

39141

Abruzzo on this side by Families

27046

Abruzzo on the other side by Families

48689

The County of Molise by Families

15693

Capitanata by Families

20804

Whereupon the abovesaid number of Families being collected together, make in all 4834 [...]8. and this is the number at this present of all the Families in the Kingdom; in the which number the City of Naples is not comprehended, nor the hamlets belonging thereto, for the freedom and priviledges which the Neapolitans hold. The revenue of the Crown both in the ordinary and extraordinary, ariseth very near to three millions of Crowns, yet excepting the donative: which is now reduced into an ordinary revenue. The dignified or titular Barons of the Kingdom in this year 1596. are 155. whereof 20 are Princes, 34 Dukes, 40 Marquisses, and 53 Earls; but the Barons without title are about 1400. the which are all bound to serve personally for the de [...]ence of the Kingdom. The Duke of Alba in the year 1556. in the War against Pope Paolo the fourth, had 20 thousand footmen, 7 hundred armed men, and a thousand seven hundred light-horsemen. Now at this present the King maintaineth ordinarily for the defence of the Kingdom, 4000 Spanish footmen under many Captains, with a Master of the Camp, and an Auditor; and this Corporation of people is called the third of Naples. In the Castles [Page] of the Kingdom, and Fortresses made for the guard and defence of the Sea are held 1608 footmen ordinarily Spaniards, comprehending also the Officers which remain in the Castles for the service of them. There are also 1020 armed men ranged into 16 companies, that is to say five Spanish, and eleven Italians, 60 men in a company; there are besides reserved for the Viceroy-General of the Kingdom a hundred men, and 80 for the great Constable. But for light-horsmen there is not above 450 ranged into five companies. And for the guard and service of the Viceroy he hath an hundred Almain Holbardiers, besides a hundred Gentlemen, that is to say 60 Spaniards, and 50 Italians, that are continually attendant, whose duty is to frequent the Court, to accompany the Viceroy in time of peace and war, and therefore they are bound to have their arms and their horses. Moreover for occurrences in defence of the Kingdom, there is maintained in exercise of the war an Army of 24078 footmen of the Kingdom, the which hath not been very long since it was ordained, for because that in all the Provinces of the Kingdom there are ordinarily limited five footmen for every hundred Family; these footmen in every Country of the Kingdom are chosen by the Electors of that Country; therefore if the souldiers named do not please their Captains, they ought to chuse others that may content them; these footmen are bound both in the occurrences of the Kingdom, and out of the Kingdom to serve five years, and then in change of them to chuse others. And in the same manner is paid to the said souldiers, to Captains, Ensigns, Sargeants for that time which they serve, the same pay that is given to Spanish footmen and their Officers. These souldiers of this new Army (which together are so named) enjoy certain priviledges of freedom. The strength of the Kingdom consisteth also in 30 Gallies, with their helps which are 27. but the principal Fortresses are Naples, with three Castles, Gaeta la Mantia, Trani, Cotrone, Gallipoli, Monopoli, Taranto, Bary, Brindesi, with the Fortress of St. Andrea, Barletta, Otranto, Manfredonia, Monte de St. Angelo, and towards the Mediterrane, Capoa, Cosenza, Catanzaro, Civitella, Aquila. All the men in general are strong, valorous, painfull, well made, and comely, ingenious, courteous, inclined to piety and vertue, desirous of novelty, litigious, given to pleasure, religious aad devout, the which the many and great magnificence of the Churches, and riches of the Clergy do testifie. In the wars they declare their valour and courage. The Nobility are liberal, magnanimous, warlike, and make particular profession of policy and chivalry.The nature & disposition of the people.

Now forasmuch as we have spoken somewhat of the Revenues of the Crown in this Kingdom, it will not be amiss to discourse more particularly thereof.

The REVENUES of the CROWN in the noble and most happy Kingdom OF NAPLES.

[Page]

BEfore I discourse of the Revenues which the king of Spain hath in this noble kingdom of Naples, it were requisite for the better satisfaction of the Reader, first to declare in what manner the kings in former time have received it.The Royal revenue under the Kings of the Normans was received by a price. Therefore to let you understand that under the kings of the Normans the Revenues pertaining to the king was received by a price, that is to say for every twelve marks of Revenue was paid three fiorines. The which continued untill the time of the Emperor Frederick the second, who disliking that kind of payment, called a general Parlament, where assembled all the Barons and Feuditarie persons of the kingdom, subject unto him, and thither also repaired all the chief Magistrates of the Cities and Countries, after the king had made an excellent Oration in commendation of the kingdom, he exhorted them all, that for a general benefit, and aid, and confirmation thereof, should be decreed and ordained a certain and ordinary Revenue, to the end that the poor might not be oppressed by the rich and mighty; but that every one might pay so much as were fit and requisite.

[Page]This Proposition of the King seemed unto all just and convenient, and so willing to satisfie the desire of the king, desired eight daies respit to consult thereon, which was gently granted unto them. After which time expired they met the 16 of April 1218. at the Parlament in the Castle of Vovo, where was decreed and concluded by all the Barons, Feuditaries and Burgises of the Cities and Countries, that the Regal Revenues for the aid and defence of the Kingdom, should be received by collections per aes, & libras, that is to say, he that had most wealth should pay most, and who had not should pay least, the which payments because they were not sufficient for the supply and succour of the Kingdom, they increased it to the number of six collections, and these were called ordinary Exchequer payments, as Luca da Penna testifies in the L. 1. num. 3. C. de indic. lib. 10. and Antonio Capece in the invest. ver. feudorum clausulae ver. collectis colum▪ 5. in fi. & in prin. and Andrea of Isernia in c. 1. & extraordinaria, in prin. & [...]um. 62. quae sint reg. The which likewise Fabio Giordano Neopolitan in his Chro [...]ele thus writeth, Post quam Neopolitanum Regnum in Federici secund. Imperatoris [...] ionem veuit, noluit ille, ut redditus, ad fiscum pertinentes licitacione exiger [...]t [...] quemadmodum à superioribus Regibus factum erat, nam usque ad ej [...]s tempora [...] [...]odenis Marchis, t [...]es argentei flor [...]ni solvebantur, hinc animadvertus provi [...] [...]mperator pauperes haec ratione nimium vexari, & opprimi, anno millesimo [...] ducentesimum decimum octavum, octavo Kalendas Maias in arcem Lucullia [...], Castellum Normandiacum etiam dictum; publica comitia haberi voluit, quò convenientibus omnibus fere Regni hujus Regulis, & feudatariis, sic dictis, oppidorism dominis, atque etiam nonnullis urbis praetoribus Fredericus ex excelsa sede, regalique solio elegantem, ac doctam in Regni laudem orationem habuit; universos abhortatus, ut pro publico omnium commodo stabilique Regni quasi praecidio praecipuus, ac certus quidam per singulos annos censu [...] designaretur, ne singuli nimis, ac ultra modum vexarentur. Imperatoris oratio universis placuit, à quo satis humaniter octo dierum spacium his fuit concessum, ut ea de re inter se maturius deliberarent, quo dierum curriculo elapso cuntis Regulis visum fuit, ut Regni census post hac non licitacione, sed per collectas colligerentur, ut qui plura possideret bona, plus solveret; qui verò pauciora, minus, hic exactionis modus ad breve duravit tempu [...], [...]am cum non esset satis ad Regni necessitatibus subveniendum, procedente tempore crevit usque ad sex collectas, quae ab omnibus solutiones siscales vocabantur.

This manner of receiving of Collections continued untill the time of the most famous and renowned King Alfonsus of Aragon, who purposing better to establish the affairs of the Kingdom, assembled in Naples the 28 day of February 1442 a general Parlament, and required that in place of the six Collections, should be levied on every Family ten carlines. And although Matteo de Afflitto in the cap. & plaustorum num 6. quae sint reg. saith that that Parlament was held in the City of Benevento, nevertheless in the chapters of the Kingdom, cap. 1. Regis Alfonsi appears the contrary, because he saith that the said Parlament was held in Naples in the Church of St. Lorenzo. In the year following 1449, the 20 of September (as it is noted in the Register intituled Literarum curae secundi anni 1451. fol. 133▪ which is preserved in the Royal Chamber of the Summary) the said King being in the Greek Tower, caused there a general Parlament to assemble, where the King so propounded, that he maintaining so great an Army, as well by land as sea, to no other end and purpose but to secure and defend the Kingdom from the incursions and invasions of enemies, which neglected no oportunity to prejudice and indanger it, the Royal Revenue of the Kingdom being not sufficient, he was inforced either to increase it, or to give way to the enemy, therefore he had considered that for an universal benefit, it would do well that there should be imposed five other Carlines on every Family besides the ten, the which payment being not grievous nor heavy but lawfull and honest, may be easily supported of all: And to the end they may know, it is not our purpose to impose new Taxes, nor through a covetous and greedy desire to heap treasure together, but only to secure them from the Tyranny of others, and therefore at this present I promise to give to every Family of the Kingdom a bushel of salt.

The King having finished this Speech, they all cryed out with a loud voice, [Page] saying, Whatsoever your sacred Majesty commands shall be done, and in token of faithfull Subjects, since that you have vouchsafed to bestow salt on your most loyal Kingdom, we humbly desire that your sacred Majesty will accept of us in behalf of the whole Kingdom, two grains more for a Family, as a gratification for the said salt, which shall be at the appointment of your Majesties Officers, the which was accepted of the King; the number of which Families as it then appeared in the Royal Taxation, with all the Cities and Countries of the Kingdom (except 58 [...]4 families of the exempted and disburthened Countries untill this new and last numeration, which was in the year 1595.) were 475727 families, and the sum of money which was gathered of these payments amounted to 719095 duckets, under which number of Families the Albanesi, and Illirici are not comprehended, which under one only name are called Slavoni, the which payed no more then eleven Carlins the year, therefore they had no salt given them, and every year were numbered, being lawfull for them to go from one place to another in the Kingdom, the number of which extraordinary families were 4451. and payed according to the said taxation every year 4896. duckets and ten grams. There are also exempted from the said usual and common payment the Companies which have perpetual free priviledges, which import 41510 duckets, two carlins, and seven grains, the which with the noble City of Naples, are in all the Provinces of the Kingdom (as we have before said) in number 54. There are also exempted the Universities which are free for some prefixed time, which pay not the said payments, which import 2609 duckets, eight carlins, and eight grains, the number whereof are but four. They are also excepted which pay by covenant and agreement, which import 23794 duckets eight carlins and three grains, and are 25 companies. Moreover there are exempted many particular men which hold priviledged immunities, which import 1203 duckets, two carlins and five grains. So there is received clearly, exempting the priviledged Universities, those that are free for a time; and the Universities which pay by covenant, and the priviledged men 654873 duckets, six carlins, and seven grains. This then is the ordinary payment which the King receiveth every year of all the families of the Kingdom.

There is likewise another ordinary payment called Adogo, which signifies royal service, this is payed by the Feudaries in place of personal service, because every one is bound to present himself personally before the King when he goeth to war. At the which service the feudary was bound personally to be ready with his only person, when he possessed an intire fee. It was held an intire fee, when the revenue thereof did amount to 20 ounces, the ounce is 6 duckets,

What a whole intire fee was Andrea d' Isernia. Capece.

A feudary was bound but to 3 months service.

The Chap. of King Charls.

by the which intire fee the said feudary was bound to continue his said service the space of three months at his own charges with three horses and arms, as Andrea de Isernia affirms in C. 1. similiter potest, nu. 14. ver. in Reg. Sici. de cap. qui cur. vend. and Capece in the cap. Imperialem, praeteraea si quis in feudatus 10 col. ver. item nota quod quando de prohib. feu. alie. per feder. And in the decision 10. nu. 14. Neither was the feudatary inforced to serve longer then the said time, unless the King would have him near unto him for his service, and then the King ought to give him pay, the which appears in the Chapters of King Charls the second, which begins Item statuimus quod Comites, Barones, &c. The which three months of service which the said feudist ought to do, should begin to be counted from the day that the muster was taken, the which that great feudist Andrea d' Isernia thus declareth in consti. Hostici. 3. Col. ver. sed quaero quando, & à quo tempere. But if the feudist serve not personally, he ought to provide another fit to send in his place,The feudary when he served not personally to what he was bound. that may content the King, as was ordained by the Emperor in Cap. Imperialem, firmiter de probib. feu. alien. per Feder. And this was when the feudist did possess the said whole entire revenue; for when the revenue did not arise unto the said quantity of 2. ounces, then more fees or tribute were joyned together, that might make up the whole fee of 20 ounces, and so amongst them sent one souldier with three horses and arms, which for three months followed the Kings service, from the which conjunction of feudists, as Andrea d' Isernia saith in cap. 1. num. 9. Versi & quantum adoha [...]entum de contro. feu. apud par. term. This said royal service [Page] was called Adogo, as it were a uniting. And in very truth, although the said feudists contribute their money to the said service of the King, at that time which they paid for the said whole fee of 20 ounces the half, and somewhat more, that is to say ten ounces and a half; yet for all this they shall pay at this present, that is for every hundred duckets of revenue he payeth the half, which are 50 duckets and five graines besides for a ducket more, which are in all 52 duckets and a half, and this payment is meant when the fee consisteth in slaves. But if the fee be without slaves, because the feudist could not have aid or assistance, he ought only to pay six ounces. And if the fee consisteth in money, that is to say in penal payments, or alienated revenues established, he payeth only five ounces because that revenue may be augmented, as Isernia saith in cap. 1. fin. quis dicatur dux, Marchio, and in the cap. Imperialem. firmiter in 2. col. ver. idem videmus quod solvitur. So in like manner to do that royal service when the feudists have not the whole fee, they are to joyn together in the manner abovesaid, and to pay for one souldier, according to the said sum of ten ounces and a half, the which the said Isernia saith in the said cap. 1. nu. 9. de contro feu. apud par. ter. di vers. & quantum ad adohamentum. And moreover also it standeth in the election of the feudatory, if he will personally serve, he cannot be inforced to pay for the Kings service; but if the feudist be not fit and able, or not in health, he ought then to send another in his place of sufficient strength and ability, the which the aforeleadged Author writeth in the said Chapter Imperialem, firmiter, nu. 32. For these services then which belong to feudists, are certain slaves, or rather lands to help towards the moyety of the said service held by the Barons at the rate of five carlins a Family, for these Families which the Universities are taxed, if the land consist not of so many Families, which at the rate of five carlins a Family, comprehendeth not the moyety of the payment of the said taxation of the Baron, that University or Countrey is not bound to any further charge, but for so many families as are taxed, paying at the rate of five carlins a family, and for that which wanteth the Baron is enjoyned to pay together with some other moiety which he hath. But if the number of Families be so many that the payment of every family at the aforesaid rate of five carlins exceed the moity of the contribution which belongs to the University, then that overplus which groweth is to be divided among the Families, to the end that the only moity which belongs to the aid and help of the Baron may be received. Of which Afflitto doth very largely discourse & in cap. Caroli 2. which begins Comites Barones, Afflitto. sub rubr. de subven. Vassall. The which help of Vassals was thus devided by Charls the second, as it is noted in the said Chapter.Charls 2. Comites, Barones, & feudatarii, sub rubr. de subven. Vassal.

Afterward the Kingdom came into the Jurisdiction of Ferdinando the Catholick King, who understanding the many contentions and strifes which were in the Kingdome between the Barons and Vassals for the payment of this Imposition of the Adogo, to settle things in order, appointed that all the Barons and feudists, with their revenue should be noted, and that all the Cities, and Countries, and Families of the Kingdom should be newly numbred, and ordained that the helps of the moity of the taxations which the vassals paid to the feudists by reason of the Kings service, should be no more received by the feudists, but by the Kings Treasurers and Officers. The sum at this present did amount, which was paid every year by the feudists into the Kings Exchequer to 75616 duckets, and as many more were received of the vassals. But the whole intire Adogo which every Province paid, wherein the Barons and feudists of the Kingdom were taxed, appears here under-written.

The Country of Lavoro duckets

18346

The County of Molise, duckets

3152

The Principality on this side, duckets

12489

The Principality on the other side, duckets

10348

Basilicata, duckets

14671

Calauria on this side, duckets

6962

[Page]Calauria on the other side, duckets

7317

The Country of Otranto, duckets

13495

The Country of Bary, duckets

8 [...]42

Abruzzo on this side, duckets

7280

Abruzzo on the other side, duckets

8651

Capitanata duckets

9669

The sum of the duckets,

12056

When it hapneth in the Kingdom to bestow a Donative upon the King, the Barons use to examin what every one of them holds, deviding the payment by the rate which they pay of the Adogo, the which Adogo (as we have said, which at this present is present is paid) is 52 duckets, [...].10. for the hundred, if the fee consist in vassals; but being without vassals, he payeth for his Adogo 26 duckets and a quarter, which is the moity of the whole fee; but if the Baron possesseth a fee that is disinhabited, he payeth for the Taxation of the Adogo 30 duckets for a hundred.

And it is also to be understood, that when the Baron or Feudist dieth, the heir of the dead doth not pay for the first year the Adogo into the Kings Exchequer; but the year ended, after the death of the said Baron, the heir payeth his Livery, which payment is half the revenue which the Baron hath by the year; and if it so fall out that the heir do not reveal the death of the Baron, the year being past he forfeits nine times the value, which the Livery of the Baron importeth, therefore when the Livery is paid, all the Countries and debts are levied which the dead Baron is found to have.

The Cities also and Lands of Demains pay the Livery to the King every fifteen year, even as at the death of a Baron,

Places of Demains which yay the Livery.

Extraordinary payments, on whom, and when it is imposed.

The imposition of 3 grains made by Don

Thus have I briefly declared the ordinary Impositions which the Families and Feudists of the Kingdom pay. Now remain eth to declare the extraordinary payments which every Family paieth yearly into the Kings Exchequer.

First of all every Family payeth four grains, the which payment is received every month. This Imposition was made by Don Pietro of Toledo Viceroy of the Kingdom the second of May 1542. the which first imposed three grains upon the Spanish Footmen to pay, and appointed the said payment to be received every fourth month, as it appears by a Letter of the said Don Pietro, inserted in the Letters of the Kings Chamber, under the date of the 22. of May 1542. In the year after 1544. in the month of September, the said Imposition was increased to four grains, as it is expressed in a Letter of the said Viceroy inclosed in a Commission of the Kings Chamber, dated the third of September 1544. At the last in the year 1566. Don Perasenno de Rivera Duke of Alcala ordained that the said Imposition should be received of all the Families of the Kingdom according to the former Order, th [...] which even at this present is received.

The Imposition levied on the free Companies, the which pay no other Impositions then above written, containeth yearly for the number of ordinary Families 215216 duckets six carlins, and six grains; and for extraordinary Families 1019 duckets and 8 carlins, the which sum joyned together are 216236 duckets 4 carlins 6 grains.

There is also an Imposition paid for the wages of the Barigelli of the fields, which are those that guard and keep the high-wayes, and goe against Outlaws.

This Imposition was made by Don Pietro of Tolledo the third of August in the year 1550. only in the Provinces of the Principality on this side and the other, and the County of Molise, Capatanata, and Basilicata, to avoid the robberies which were daily committed, for which cause were appointed the Universities to pay all those losses which were there committed. It was afterward ordained that the said Imposition should be gathered of all the Provinces except the Land of Lavero; but for the service which the said Barricelli did in that Province, they [Page] should be payed out of the Kings Exchequer. The said Imposition was received of every Province diversly, the which we have declared in their places. This Imposition riseth to 18506 duckets, seven carlins and two grains yearly.

There is another Imposition which is paid for the guard and defence of the Towers and Castles, the which Imposition was instituted by Don Perasanno de Rivera Duke of Ascala, to the end the Kingdom might be secure from Rovers, by the which imposition all the whole Kingdom payed for every Family seven grains,The sum of the imposition for the Castles and the twelfth part of a grain. But the Countries which were distant twelve miles from the Sea payed the half of the said payment, the which amounted to 25348 duckets yearly.

There was likewise gathered of the Universities the payment for the building of the Castles, when they were builded, and there was received according to the payment which they paid for the guard of the said Castles. And because at this present there are not any Castles builded in the Kingdom, therefore that payment is no long [...]r continued:

There was also gathered another Imposition of three grains of every Family of the Kingdom for the repairing of the streets and high-waies of the Kingdom. This Imposition was instituted by the Duke of Alcala the 20 of Iuly 1539. as it appears by a Letter inserted in a Commission of the Kings Chamber of the Summaria, The sum of the imposition for repairing the highway [...]. dated the first of Iuly, registred in the Royal Register, Litterarum Curiae xxi. fol. 93. the which payment containeth 41640 duckets yearly.

The Families also of the Kingdom payed 17 grains for to pay the souldiers and men of arms which guarded and defended the Kingdom, this payment in the year 1555. was received 45 grains for a Family, in the year after 1559. the Kingdom being augmented by the means of Don Iohn Manriquez Viceroy of the Kingdom,The sum of the payment for the soldiers and men of arms. the said payment was deducted to 36 grains. And last of all because the number of Families were very much increased, it was brought to 17 grains a Family, the which payment amounteth yearly, excepting the free Universities 74900 duckets two carlins and eight grains.

Finally the Universities and Families of the Kingdom pay two grains through the decay of 5804 Families. These are extraordinary payments, which the Families of the Kingdom pay into the Exchequer.

Also the Kings Exchequer receives from the said Kingdom other Revenues and Rents, which consist in divers things, which are these following,

The custom of the sheep of Apulia, which is one of the principal Revenues which the King hath in the Kingdom,The custom of the sheep of Apulia. the which consisteth in the herbage, which the Kings customer renteth every year to the husbandmen for the pasture of sheep, and greater cattel, whereof some pay thirteen duckets and eight carlins for a hundred sheep, and some twelve, and some ten and a half, and some six, and some three, and some fifteen carlins for a hundred, and some twelve crowns for a thousand; but for greater cattel there are some which pay thirty seven duckets and a half for a hundred, and others twenty two and a half, and others eighteen duckets and three quarters. Therefore the receiver satisfieth to the Masters of the herbage according to the goodness and qualitie of the pasture: As in the year 1592. there was assigned to the said custom four millions, four hundred seventy one thousand, 496 sheep, and of greater cattel nine thousand six hundred, of which sheep and greater cattel is paid into the Kings Exchequer 622172 duckets and seven carlins, from the which sum is deducted 380492 duckets and five carlins and two grains, for the payment of the herbage given to divers particular persons, with the alms bestowed upon the poor, and other charges, returning into the Kings Exchequer 241264 duckets,The custom of Puglia very a [...]cient. four carlins, and five grains and three quarters, the which sum is carried into the Kings Treasury. This customary payment hath been very ancient, for in the time of the Romans the like was payed, as it appears in Varro, and other ancient Writers. And as we have before said, the Kingdom being invaded by divers Nations, the custom decayed through the long wars,The custom of Puglia newly instituted by King Alfonsus. untill the coming of the worthy and renowned Alfonsus of Arragon, first of this name King of Naples, the which newly restored it, in the year 1447. with excellent orders, and made Francesco Maluber Commissary for reformation thereof. [Page] In the year 1501. Lewis the twelfth King of France, having devided the Kingdom with King Ferdinando the Catholick King, and Apuglia and Calauria being alotted to King don Ferdinando, he created Frederick Menidois Neopolitan cust [...] mer of the sheep, who received by means of the rents of the herbage 83280 duckets. The French King perceiving so great a revenue, challenged the custom, saying it belonged unto him, through which discord after long wars, the Frenchmen were driven out of all the Kingdom. Leaving as an example for others, that who seeks all, commonly loseth all.

The second revenue is the custom of Silks▪ which is one of the best revenues in the Kingdom, and this is in the Province of Calauria, for all the silk which was there made, and in other places, they anciently paid five grains in the pound. This custom was in the year 1483. by King Ferdinando the first, sold to the Prince of Bisignano for eighteen thousand duckets.The cus [...]om of silk sold to the Prince of Bisignano. In the year after 1541. Don Pic [...]ro of Toledo Viceroy of the Kingdom, imposed five tornese more upon the pound, and assigned it to the said Prince, because of the right which he pretended unto the County of Milito. This revenue now yields seventy thousand crowns yearly. In the same year the said Don Pietro in the name of the Emperor Charls the fifth imposed five other grains more upon a pound of silk, and this he did because of the fortifying of the Castle of Cotrone. In the year 1555. Don Berardino of Mendozza, being Viceroy of the Kingdom, ordained that of all the other Provinces should be gathered one carlin for a pound of silk, and appointed that that imposition should be paid in the time that the silk grows. Afterward Don Francesco Pacecco, Cardinal Saguntino, Viceroy of the kingdom, imposed in the year 1557▪ upon all the silk which went out of the kingdom another carlin in the pound. Last of all in the year 1580. Don Iohn Zunica, Prince of Pietra Pertia, purposing to take away the deceits which by means of the said extractions were committed, with the will and consent of the kings collateral Councel, ordained that even as in the Province of Calauria was received fifteen grains on the pound at sund [...]y times, he would have the same at one entire payment, that is, to be paid in the time that the silk grows; and also he would that in the other Provinces should be received two carlins on the pound. By the which order the said revenue was much augmented. To the which Imposition is also annexed Saffron,The sum of the imposi [...]ion upon s [...]k and saffron. of which is paid one carlin the pound. The receit of this revenue ariseth yearly to the summe of 148003 duckets.

The third revenue is the custom and profit of Iron, the which Imposition was ordained by the Emperor Frederick the second,The custom or Iron▪ and by whom [...] w [...]s [...]s [...]ituted. who made it unlawfull for any man to bring iron into the kingdom to sell, except to the kings Paymasters or Tenants, and the price was rated throughout all the Provinces. The which custom although at sundry times it was diversly received, nevertheless at this present for the most part, the third part thereof is paid, which is the half of the price, which is paid for the iron brought into the kingdom to the paymasters. Therefore the said price is imposed by the kings Chamber of the Summaria, over which before the price was established, it caused to be taken in Naples a diligent information of [...]hat it stood the Rentmaster in. And so goes the fourth part of steel, and the fifth of pitch, the which revenue amounteth to the sum of 61836 duckets: And according to the same rent go the custom of the mercerie wares of Calauria.

The fourth revenue is the regal custom,The great custom of Naples and the revenue thereof. and the greatest storehouse of the City of Naples, because there is received 18 grains by ounce of all the merchandize which are sold by the Merchants, by reason of the custom there are received also divers other payments, that is to say 15 grains by the ounce by reason of the storehouse: the which custom amounteth to 115025 duckets.

The fifth Revenue are the Royal Customs of the Merchandize of the Provinces of the Countries of Otranto, Bary, Basilicata, and Capatanata, The sum of th [...] [...] r [...]venue. the which revenue ariseth to 97300 duckets.

The sixth Revenue is the Regal custom of the thirds of Wine, which is half the price of the Wine which is paid to the king,T [...]e reven [...] of [...] cu [...]om of [...]. being called the Custom of the thirds of Wine, as a difference from another which is paid to the City of Naples [Page] The revenue of this Royal Custome amounteth to 970013 duckets:

The seventh Revenue is the new Impost of Oyl and Sope, which is paid at the rate of one carlin for every stare,Of Oyl and Sope. which is the measure of oyl in Naples so called, the which revenue containeth 10400 duckets.

The eighth Revenue is the new Impost of Wine which is transported out of the Kingdom,Of Wine conveyed out of the kingdom. The custom of Cards. the which Revenue ariseth to 104000 duckets.

The ninth Revenue is the custom of playing Cards, this new Custom was Imposed in the year 1578. and for every pair of Cards the customer received a carlin, which yielded 15310 duckets.

The tenth Revenue is the Custom of the Marketplace of Maiure, called otherwise the place of Small-Wares, the Revenue whereof ariseth to 9390 duckets.

The eleventh Revenue is the Custom of Eggs, Kidds, and Birds, which are brought into the City of Naples, Of eggs, birds, and kidds. Of Manna. which ariseth to 2300 duckets.

The twelfth Revenue is the Impost of artificial or inforced Manna which is payd at the rate of one carlin the pound, which contains 700 duckets.

Of the race of Horses.The thirteenth Revenue are the two Races of Horses which the Kings Court maintains in Puglia and Calauria, which is received by the sale which is made of the said horses, and other things, 5670 duckets.

The fourteenth Revenue are the profits, forfeitures, and compositions which proceed from the Kings Chamber,Of forfeitures to the King and from the great Court of the Vicaria, and from the kings Audit of the Provinces of the kingdom, which yearly amount to the sum of 34000 duckets.

The fifteenth Revenue is the Custom of Horses which are bought of strangers in Naples, Of horses that are bought. which importeth 500 duckets.

The sixteenth Revenue is the due of Ius salmarum for the conveying of Grain, Barley,Of the conveying of corn. and Pulse, which is transported into the kingdom, the which Revenue ariseth to 4000 duckets.

The revenue of times, why it was so called.The seventeenth Revenue are the Customs which are commonly called the fines of the Annunciata, which consist in a certain duty, and is received at the four Gates of the City of Naples And in the Market-place of the said City is received the kings due for the slaughter of Cattel. And this Revenue of the Fines of the Annunciata, was so named because the king Don Frederick of Arragon, having taken up a certain quantity of money at Interest of Merchants, he agreed with them that they should be paid out of those duties, therefore he appointed that they should alwaies be paid by the Masters and Governors of the Hospital of the Annunciata, to the end every one might be satisfied his due. The which even to this present with great diligence is received by the said Governors, paying it to the said Creditors, and the overplus of the said Revenue they return into the kings general Treasury. This Revenue ariseth yearly to 247001 duckets, which dischargeth the said debt, the which doth amount yearly to 2247 duckets, three carlins and three grains, so there remain to the king no more then 2339 duckets.

The eighteenth Revenue are the helps and aids of Tuscan, which do amount to 13000 duckets.The aids of Tuscan.

The ninteenth are the Revenues of the City of Vesti, of St. Severino, and of the Fee of Tacina,

The revenue of the City of Viesti and others.

A new imposition upon Brimstone. The new imposition on hemp.

A new imposition on the infidels.

and many others, the which sum imports 24577 duckets.

The twentieth Revenue is the new Imposition upon Brimstone which is digged in the kingdom, and is paid at the rate of three carlins for a kintal, the which commodity is now omitted.

The 21 revenue is the new Imposition of Hemp, which is paid at the rate of 15 carlins for the kintal, the which commodity is also omitted.

The twenty two revenue is a new imposition upon the Infidels, which are ransomed and are received in this sort, from two hundred crowns downward is paied eight duckets by the poule, from two hundred to five hundred is paid ten crowns by the poule, from five hundred to a thousand is paid fifteen crowns by the poule, and when the ransom is of some quantity, the more is paid in respect of the said taxation.

The due of Salnitro.The twenty third Revenue is the custom of the extraction of Salnitro, which is [Page] received at the rate of a crown for a kintall, the which commodity is omitted.

Twentifourth Revenue is the industry and labour of Salt, and Salt-Pits of the Kingdom; and although at this present there is not any commodity thereby, nevertheless the King hath a Rent, and according to the charge of the said Rent,The industry and labour of Salt. they are constrained to fetch salt out of the Kingdom, to maintain their Storehouses furnished, and for the provision of Officers and other occasions, the Kings Court payeth to the Rent-Masters by the year 17700 duckets, and receiveth no profit or benefit by the sale, but they are bound to deliver to the Universities of the Kingdom bay salt at the rate of a bushel for every Family by the year, and when they give white salt, they are bound to give the more according to the rate that the bay salt is valued. And so they are enjoyned to give to all the Officers and servants of the Kings Chamber, salt answerable to the rate of the charges which they are above enjoyned.

The twentififth Revenue are the duties for the custom of Grain, Barley,The duties of the commodities of grain and others. and Pulse, going out of the Kingdom, the which is laid up for the store of the Kingdom, but being brought out, there is great abundance.

The twentisixth Revenue is the devolution for the dead, and the end of the lines of Barons of the Kingdom,

The end of the lines of Barons, and the Kings Offices that are void.

The revenue of Liveries of heirs and forfeitures and others.

and of Offices that are void by the death of them that held them; but because these things are extraordinary, there is no particular account kept of the Revenue thereof.

The twen [...]iseventh Revenue are the Liveries of heirs, profits of penal amerceaments, forfeitures of Statutes, Incroachments, and other extraordinary Revenues which falls to the King, through many and sundry causes; which being no certain nor constant revenues, I make no distinction of them. But as it is judged by Iohn Baptista d' Assaro, Cesard d' Acampora, and Alfonso Crivella, the most diligent and reasonable Arbitrators of the Kings Chamber, say the revenue is worth 150000 duckets.

Moreover the King hath in this Kingdom 24 Cathedral Churches, the which held more then fifty thousand crowns yearly.

The Cathedral Churches of the Kingdom.

The Abbats of the Kingdom.

He hath also profit from many Abbots, which are the ancient patrons of the Kingdom, the which yield ten thousand crows yearly.

The sum of the Revenue which the King hath in all the Kingdom (except the donatives) is two millions, nine hundred ninty six thousand, nine hundred thirty seven duckets, seven carlins and four grains 2996937.

Thus have I briefly discoursed, only to note the greatness of his noble Kingdom the which is not to be wondred, that at sundry times there have repaired so many sorts of barbarous Nations from farr, and even remote parts of the world (as is well known) to make spoil thereof. But now through the providence of God, it remaineth in much peace, and secure under the protection of the puissant King Philip 2d, the people having never enjoyed so peaceable a times, with the great benefit and abundance of all things.

The Donatives which have been made at sundry times by the Noble City of NAPLES and the KINGDOM to their KINGS.

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AMong other Priviledges which the faithfull City of Naples and the Kingdom holdeth, one is, that the King cannot for any occasion demand a Donative or assistance; nevertheless it hath been known that in times of calamity and the great necessitie of their Kings▪ they have been succoured and assisted with all their strength, their money, and their men. Therefore for these worthy deeds they have deserved to be called no Vassals, but faithfull friends.

I now purposing to discourse of the Donatives which have been made unto the Kings, beginning from the year 1507. and having a desire for no other cause there to begin, but because from thence I have had a true information of writings, being alwaies a more laudible thing to declare few things and true, then many and ambiguous.

In the year then 1507. the last of the month of Ianuary, was held a general Parlament by the Deputies of the noble City of Naples, in the Monastery of Mount Olivet, where met (according to the custom) the Princes, Dukes, Marquisses, Earls, Barons and Feudists, and Burgises of the Cities, and free Towns in the Kingdom, in which general Parlament was concluded, that to the Catholick King Ferdinando, in respect of the former Wars, and the present affairs, and to maintain the Kingdom in peace, should be given a donative of three hundred thousand duckets the which being propounded, the speaker or advocate of the Cities and Commonwealth, after he had used some few plausible words, desired that besides that day, they might have three daies respit to consult thereon. And the time being come, it was generally concluded, that it should be paid in this manner, that is to say, by the rate thereof, the Barons should pay fifty thousand duckets, levied by the rate o [...] the Adogo, and that the said sum should be all paid by August 1508 and the remainder the people of the whole Kingdom should pay, as well landed men, as [Page] he Barons, eleven carlins a family, that is to say three carlins the next months of April or May, and three the months of October and November of the same year 1507. and two in the months of February and March in the year 1508. and three in the month of October the same year. Of which donative was no man exempted, except the noble City of Naples, and the Hamlets belonging thereto.

The 26 of November in the year 1520 was held (according to the custom) a publick and general Parlament, in the which the Barons of the kingdom considering the great charges which Charls the fifth had been at, then king of the Romans, about his Coronation in Aquisgrane, they gave him thirty thousand duckets, and concluded that it should be paid within the time of three years, levying the first payment of the three, at the birth of our Lord next ensuing, in the year 1521: and was levied in the selfsame manner, which was paid to king Ferdinando, neither was it permitted that any person should be exempted, except the City of Naples.

In the year 1523. the first of September was held in the Monastery of Mount Olivet, a publick Parlament, where was concluded that to the Emperor Charls the fifth, for the necessity which he had to pay his Army, should be given him two hundred thousand duckets, which should be received at three payments, that is to say, at Easter, the birth of our Lord, and in August, and it was decreed that of this Donative not any person, though priviledged, should go free, except the City of Naples and the Hamlets belonging thereto.

The 16 of the month of Iuly 1524. in the Monastery of Mount Olivet (according to the accustomed manner) was held a general Parlament, and concluded that to the Emperor should be given 50 thousand duckets by reason of his Army which he had in Lumbardy, and of this payment were only freed the venerable Churches, and Hospital of the Annunciation, with the City of Naples, and the Hamlets.

The 19 of May 1531. was held a general Parlament, where having a principal respect to the Wars which the Emperor made with the Turk, and although the kingdom had been much exhausted through long wars, dearth, and pestilence, nevertheless the Barons shewing a generous mind to serve the Emperor, made a donative of six hundred thousand duckets, of which the Barons paid an Adogo and a half, not by the way of an Adogo, but a pure and free Donative, and the remainder the people paid. This Donative was levied and paid in four years, and thereof was only free the City of Naples, and the jurisdictions of the Annunciation.

The 20 of August 1534. was held (according to the accustomed manner) in the Monastery of Mount Olivet a general Parlament, where with a general consent was agreed, that there should be given unto the Emperor one hundred and fifty thousand duckets to the end to chace away the Fleet of the Turks, which had given out to invade the coast of the kingdom, and this Donative was levied at three payments, that is to say at September next ensuing, at the birth of our Lord, and at Easter 1 [...]35. and the Barons contributed for the aforesaid donative fifty thousand duckets, the which payment they paid not by way of an Adogo, but as a simple donative, and the remnant of a hundred thousand duckets were paid by the people. From the which payment was not exempted any person, though he were priviledged, except the famous and renowned City of Naples, and the Hospital of the Annunciation.

In the year 1536. on the eight day of the month of Ianuary, in the Church of St. Laurence was by the Deputies of the renowned Citie of Naples, held a general and publick Parlament, at the which (according to to the usual manner) met the Princes, Dukes, Marquisses, Earls, Barons, Feudaries of the kingdom, and also the Burgises of the Cities and free Towns, in the which Parlament considering the charge of the Emperor to return into Spain, it was concluded there should be given him a donative of a million, and fifty thousand duckets, and this donative was the greatest that ever was made to any king whatsoever of the said kingdom, and was enacted with these Conditions and Covenants following, that is to [Page] say, that the quantity which was to be paid by the Barons might be so much as would amount to the sum of three Adogoes, but yet not by way of an Adogo, but as a free donative, according to the taxation which at this present is to be seen in the Royal Chamber of the Summaria, and the remainder was appointed that the people, Cities, Countries, and Castles of the kingdom should pay. Of which donative fifty thousand duckets were levied in a year, and the Barons payed thereof one Adogo; but for the contribution of the million, which was agreed to be paid in five years, the two Adogos were not paid, and the people discharged the rest. The Emperor seeing the great affection which the kingdom did bear unto him, purposing in some measure to remunerate their good will towards him, granted both to the Kingdom and Cities, many priviledges.

In the year 1538. and the 27 day of March, according to the accustomed order, was held a publick Parlament in St. Laurence, where was decreed that there should be given to the Emperor a donative of 360 thousand duckets, and that of it the Barons should pay so much as did amount to the quantity of half an Adogo, not by way of an Adogo, but as a simple donative, and the remainder to the complement of the said sum, the people should pay. The which donative was levied and paid in five thirds, and the City of Naples was exempted, and the Lands of the venerable Church and Hospital of the Annuntiation.

In the year 1539. the 15 of March was held a publick Parlament (according to the accustomed manner) in St. Laurence, and was concluded, that in regard of the Occurrences which the Emperor had to pay his Army, should be given him a donative of 260 thousand duckets, with condition that the Barons part should be so much as would amount to half an Adogo, not by the way of an Adogo, but as a free donative, and the rest the people, Cities, Countries, and Castles of the Kingdom should pay. The said donative was received in three thirds, and payd.

In the year 1540. the 27 of November was held (according to the usual manner) a publick Parlament in St. Laurence, where was agreed that it were requisite to sustain and succour the great necessity, and charge which the King was at for the defence and security of the kingdom: but the kingdom being greatly exhausted, there should be given a donative of the quarter of an Adogo, but not by way of an Adogo, but as a simple donative, and the Cities, Countries, and Castles should pay 16 grains for a Family.

In the year 1541. the 29 of Iuly was held (according unto the accustomed manner) a publick Parliament in St. Laurence, wherein seeing the necessity of the King, and the great preparation of the Turk to invade the Kingdom, to the end souldiers may be entertained, and also to fortifie and provide that the Cities and Countries may be able to resist the said invasion, it was concluded that there should be given a donative to the Emperor of 800 thousand duckets; of which the Barons paid an Adogo and a half, yet not as an Adogo, but as a simple and free donative, and the remnant the people of the Kingdom paid.

In the year 1543 was held (according to the accustomed order) a publick Parlament in St. Laurence, wherein was agreed that a donative should be given to the Emperor of a hundred and fifty thousand duckets, and fifty thousand more to make the compleat sum of 200 thousand, and it was ordained that it should be given by reason of the want of money.

In the year 1545. was held (according to the usual manner) a publick Parlament in St. Laurence, wherein was decreed that to the Emperor should be given a donative of 600 thousand duckets, to pay the Spanish Footmen, the repairing of the Streets and Lakes.

In the year 1546. was held (according to the accustomed order) a publick Parlament in St. Laurence, wherein was concluded, that to his Catholick Majesty should be given a donative of 240 thousand Duckets.

In the year 1548. was held (according to the ordinary manner) a publick Parlament in St. Laurence, wherein was decreed, that for the marriage of the Lady Mary of Austria the Emperours daughter, should be imposed five carlins on a Family, the which sum importeth a hundred and fifty thousand duckets.

In the year 1549. was held (according to the accustomed manner) in St. Laurence, [Page] a publick Parlament, wherein was decreed that there should be given to his Majesty, a donative of 600 thousand duckets, of which donative the Barons paid 200 thousand duckets, and the rest the people of the Kingdom.

In the year 1552. was held (according to the wonted manner) a publick Parlament in St. Laurence, wherein was concluded that there should be given unto his Majesty a donative of 800 thousand duckets, and 22 thousand duckets was granted, which was given unto the Viceroy, because he was a great favourer of the Kingdom with his Majesty.

In the year 1553. was held (according to the accustomed manner) a general publick Parlament in St. Laurence, wherein was decreed, that there should be given to his Majesty a donative of 30 thousand duckets.

In the year 1554. was held▪ according to the accustomed order, a general publick Parlament in St. Laurence, where was concluded that there should be given to his Majesty for the payment of his Army, 30 thousand duckets.

In the year 1555. was held (according to the wonted manner) a publick Parlament in St. Laurence, where was decreed that there should be given to his Majesty a hundred and six and fifty thousand duckets to pay the Companies.

In the year 1556. was held (according to the accustomed manner) a publick Parlament in St. Laurence, where was concluded that there should be given to his Majesty 400000 duckets.

The which sum of money was devided in this manner, that is to say, the City of Naples should pay 1000 duckets, and the Barons 225000 duckets, and the rest the people should pay.

In the year 1557. was held (according to the usual manner) a general publick Parlament in St. Laurence, where was concluded, that for the great necessity which his Majesty had to pay the Spanish Footmen, and the Dutch Companies, there was granted unto him a hundred thousand duckets, and this payment was devided between the Barons and the people of the Kingdom.

In the year 1558. was held a general Parlament in St. Laurence, where was decreed that there should be given to the King a million of gold, and 25 thousand duckets to the Viceroy of the Kingdom, and besides nine thousand and two hundred duckets to Signor Marc. Antonio Colonna, the which donatives were paid by the Barons and the people of the Kingdom.

In the year 1560. was held a publick and general Parlament in St. Laurence ▪ where was concluded, that to the Kings Majesty should be given a million and 200 thousand duckets, and to the excellency of the Viceroy of the Kingdom 27 thousand and five hundred duckets, the which sum of money the Barons and people of the Kingdom paid.

In the year 1562. was held a publick and general Parlament in St. Laurence, where was decreed that to the Kings Majesty should be given a million of gold, the which donative the Barons and people of the Kingdom paid.

In the year 1564. was held a publick and general Parlament in St. Laurence, where was given to his Majesty a million of gold, and sixty thousand duckets to the renowned Prince of Spain, and Duke of C [...]lauria his son, the which sum of money the Barons and people of the Kingdom payed.

In the year 1566. was held a publick and general Parlament in St. Laurence, where was given to the King a million and two hundred thousand duckets, the which donative the Barons and people of the Kingdom paid.

In the year 1568. was held a publick and general Parlament in St. Laurence, where was decreed that to his Majesty should be given a million and 200 thousand duckets, the which donative was paid by the Barons and people of the Kingdom.

In the year 1572. was held a publick and general Parlament in St. Laurence, where was concluded that to the Kings Majesty should be given a million and 200 thousand duckets, the which donative the Barons and people of the Kingdom paid.

In the year 1574. was held a publick and general Parlament in St. Laurence, where was given to his Majesty a million and 200 thousand duckets, the which [Page] donative was divided between the Barons and the people of the Kingdom.

In the year 1577. was held a publick and general Parlament in St. Laurence, where was concluded that to the Kings Majesty should be given a million and two hundred thousand duckets, the which donative was devided between the Barons and the people of the Kingdom.

In the year 1579. was held a publick and general Parlament in St. Laurence, where was decreed that to his Majesty should be given a million and two hundred thousand duckets, the which donative was paid by the Barons and people of the Kingdom.

In the year 1581. was held (according to the accustomed manner) a publick and general Parlament in St. Laurence, where was concluded, that to the Kings Majesty should be given a million, and two hundred thousand duckets, the which donative was devided between the Barons and people of the Kingdom.

In the year 1583. the second day of Ianuary was held a publick and general Parlament, and was decreed, that to the King should be given a millon and two hundred and fifty thousand duckets, the which donative was paid by the Barons and people of the Kingdom▪

In the year 1585. was held (according to the usual manner) a publick and general Parlament in St. Laurence of Naples, where was concluded that to the Kings Majesty should be given a million and two hundred thousand duckets, the which donative was paid two parts by the people of the Kingdom, and one by the Barons, of which payment only the City of Naples, and the Territories of the Annuntiation were free:

In the year 1587: according to the custom, was given a donative to the King, of a million and two hundred thousand duckets.

In the year 1589. was given, according to the usual custom, a donative to the King of a million and two hundred thousand duckets.

In the year 1591. was given by the Barons and people of the Kingdom, a donative to the King of a million and two hundred thousand duckets:

In the year 1593: was given, according to the accustomed manner, a donative to the King of a million and two hundred thousand duckets:

In the year 1595. was given a donative to the King of a million and two hundred thousand duckets:

A Description of the Rivers, Lakes, Fountains, Baies, Mines, Hils, and Woods, which are in this Kingdom.

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A

THe River Acida runneth near Niceto, now called Donato.

The River Amaseno runneth near Abbadia.

The River Alabro runneth near Supino

The River Albula, otherwise called Matrino, runneth near Musignano.

The River Aterno, now called Pescara, runneth near to Civita di Chieti

The River Avinio runneth near Fratte

The River Aventino runneth near the Fort of Rasino

The River Alandra runneth near Sala

The River Acheronte, now called Campagnano, runneth near Castello Franco, called in old time Pandosia, where was slain (as he was foretold by the Oracle) Alexander King of Molossus, whilst he understanding not the deceits of the devil, remained secure, having escaped another River of the same name in his own Country of Epire.

The River Ancitula runneth near Francica

The River Alaro, called in old time Sacra, runneth near Roccella

The River Aesaro, called also Aesano, runneth near St. Severina, and the City of Cotrone

The River Alex runneth near the City of Alesio

The River Areus runneth near Cosenza

The River Arentho runneth near Cosenza

The River Abuceto hath his original from the Hill Abuceto, which is in the Isle of Ischia

The River Angitula runneth near Angitula

The River Agatha runneth near Regio

The River Aterno, now called Pescara, runneth near Pescara

The River Alba runneth near Manupello

The River Asinella runneth near Vasto

The River Ag [...]ra, is in Calauria, and runneth into Faro of M [...]ssina

The River Alore in Calauria

The River Au [...]ido hath his original from the Hils Hirpini, and runneth by Canosa, and after into the Adria [...]ick Sea▪ by some it is called Canne, in respect of a City of the same name, not far off, which is very famous for the great victory of Hannibal, by the overthrow which he gave to the Roman Army, by which victory Hannibal had from the hands of the Roman Knights three bus [...]ls of Rings of gold; the said River is now called Lofanto

The River Anfure, now called Ufente, runneth near the City of Terracina, called in old time Ansure

The River Acri runneth near Saponara

The River Arnone runneth near Castelluccia

B

THe River Bathino, called in old time Tordino, and Juvatino is near Montepagano

The River Basento runneth near Cosenza, which River is very famous for the Sepulchre of Alaricus the Goth▪ with certain treasure that is there hid, and the [...]light of the Emperor [Page] Otho, which was overthrown by Basilius the Greek.

The River Bato runneth near Scalea. The River Bradano runneth through Basilicata

C

THe River Calore runneth near Benevento, and riseth in the Mountains of Crepacore

The River Cervano runneth into the Haven of Taranto, called the little Sea

The River Coraco runneth near Roccella

The River Croccia runneth near Simari

The River Crate runneth near Cosenza, the water whereof maketh hair yellow, and woll white

The River Cratallo runneth near Catanzaro

The River Cacino runneth near Seminara

The River Cardono runneth through the territory of Cosenza, and is full of golden sand

The River Cato Castro runneth near Mantea

The River Cochile, called in old time Sibari, whereupon Sicel [...]o in the year of the world 2409. saith, the ancient City Sibari was builded, the which increased through the amenity of the Country in such greatness, that it could arm sometimes three hundred thousand men; this River runneth near Cassano

The River Coloneta runneth near Rossano

The River Calabrice entreth into the River Sibare, and runneth near Pagiano

The River Clanio, called also Glanio, runneth near Cerra

The River Canne runneth three miles distant from the City of Venosa, and entreth into the River Lofanto, near the which Rive was in old time the beautifull City Canne, called of the Latines Canusium, the which place is so famous (both by Poets and Historians so much named) for the great overthrow which Hannibal gave to the Romans, thorough the tim [...]rity and presumption of Terentius Varro, as Livy apparently declares in his 21 book, and Sillio Italico in his 9 book, Plutarch in the life of Hannibal, and of Scipio, with many other Writers, in the which overthrow was slain the Consul, P. Emilio, L. Ascilio, L. Furio Bicacculo, Treasurers of the Wars, 21 military Tribunes, and many Pretors, Councellers, and Ediles, whereof were Gn. Servilio, and Gn. Minutio Numantio, the which had been the year before Master of the Cavaliery, and 80 Senators. There was slain in this great overthrow 40000 footmen, and 2700 of the Roman Cavalry, and as many of their friends and con [...]ed [...] rates and many prisoners taken. Ptolomeus otherwise nameth this place Canusium, and Martial making mention of Canne, thus saith,

Haec tibi turbato Canusina simillimamulso

Munus erit gaude, non fiet cito anus▪

The River Clanto runneth near Loriano

The River Cosano runneth near Asserolo

The River Casinio now called Sanguino, runneth near Venafro

The River Cales runneth near the ancient City of Cales, now called Calvi

The River Cerbalo runneth near Civitella in Puglia

The River Calabrice runneth near Fagliano, and entreth into the River Sibare

D

THe River Diama passeth near to Cerella

E

The River Esaro runneth near the City of Corrone

The River Eterno passeth near Teano

The River Evoli passeth near Evoli

F

THe River F [...]miceilo runneth near the City of Termole

The River F [...]umiculo runneth near Civitella

The River Fiterno, now called Salino, passeth near the City of S [...]lino

The River Freddo passeth near the City of Freddo

The River Frento, otherwise called Fortore, runneth near Larino a [Page] ruinated City

The River Furore passeth near Vieteri

The River Fanes, called also Siris runneth near the City of Benevento

The River Fineto passeth near Regina

The River Fibrena runneth between the City of Arpino and Sora

G

THe River Glanco passeth near Valerosa

The River Gineto, called also Thieto, runneth near the said Country

The River Gronde passeth near the territory of Balbino in Calauria

The River Garga runneth two miles distant from the Country of Summoranno

The River Grande runneth near Altomonte

The River Galesso runneth into the haven of Taranto, called the little Sea

The River Garigliano, called in old time Ganicus, and now Liris, passeth near the ancient City of Minturna, destroyed long since

I

THe River Isauro passeth near the City of Nieto, now called Donato

The River Isclaro passeth near the City of Caserta

The River Isauro runneth near the City of Agatha

The River Ispica passeth near the City of Pietra Fitta

The River Ipoleto passeth near Nicastro

L

THe River Lite, called in old time Liris, and sometime Glanicus, is now called Garigliano; the said River runneth between Arce and Sora; Pliny saith that this River hath its original from the Lake Fucino

The River Librata, of the Ancients, and among others, Pliny calleth it Albula, for the whiteness thereof; the said River passeth into Abruzzo, and runneth not far off from Civitella of Tronto. This River springeth from the Apennine

The River Leudo runneth near the Country of Paolo

The River Lavo, called also Laino, runneth near Scalea

The River Lento passeth near the Monastery of St. Liberatore, and the City of Frantana, now called Francavilla; this River springeth from the Hill Maiella

The River Lucinio passeth near Rossano

The River Linterno passeth not very far from the River Vulturno

The River Lofanto called also Aufido, runneth near Canosa, by Pliny it is named Aufidus, and it is also so called by Strabo, by Pomponius Mela, and by other ancient writers. This River riseth from a little Fountain of the Apennine hils, among the Irpini, not far distant from the City of Nosco, and from hence descendeth as a little brook of water, which in summer, the course or current thereof can hardly be perceived to run 30 miles; but in the winter season it is so much augmented by other Rivers and streams which pass into it, and besides through the showers and dews that are very often in that season, it overfloweth the greatest fields of Puglia, so comforting and watering the Country, that it seems a large, long, and great sea

The River Larasca springeth in Taranto

M

THe River Melpi runneth near the City of the ancient Atinagia, now ruinated

The River Moscano passeth near Piesco

The River Metauro runneth near Maida

The River Mesina runneth near Policastro

The River Moro passeth near Ortona to the Sea

The River Moncata runneth near Lacania, and Maida in Calauria, in the Territory of which Country grow the Plantane Trees, a thing very rare in Italy

The River Medama passeth near Belloforte

The River Metauro passeth near Nicotera

The River Marno passeth near Terranova

The River Melfa runneth near the ancient City of Atina, which was one of the five Cities which were built for the defence of Turnus against Eneas, as Virgil saith in the seventh book of his Eneidos

[Page]The River Musanio springeth in the mountains of Crepacore

N

THe River Nursa passeth near the Abby of St. Clement

The River Neta passeth near Torana and Regia

The River Neeto passeth neere Crotrone

O

THe River Ocinaro, called also Sabatio, passeth near Martorano

The River Obvio passeth near Capestrano

P

The River Piomba runneth near Toritto

The River Paola runneth near the City of Paola

The River Pratello passeth near Piedemonte

The River Petrace runneth near Gioia

Lhe River Pesipo runneth near Nicastro

The River Panopleto passeth near Maida

The River Pitornio runneth near the Lake Fucino

The River Plumba passeth near Hadria

R

THe River Rufeo runneth near Caramanico

The River Raino runneth near Paleno

The River Reatio runneth near Messuraca, called in old time Reatium

S

THe River Sabuto passeth near Nocera, and the ancient City of Teberina, which was destroyed by Hannibal of Carthage (and as the Ancients do affirm) Ligia, one of the Sirenes inhabited upon the mouth of the said River

The River Sebeto, called by the Latines Sebethos, is a little River which passeth without the walls of the noble City of Naples, which the Neopolitans call the River Magdalena, by reason of a Church dedicated to the said Saint, near which the said River passeth, Papin. Statio makes mention of the said River u [...] his first book de Selve, saying, ‘Et pulchra tumeat Sebethos alumna’. It is also named by Virgil, by Statio, and by Colomella, and by many other writers

The River Senno, called in old time Siri, runneth near Amendolara, and the ancient City of Sino, which was afterward named Heraclea, where the Statue of Minerva is very famous, which rouled the eys against the Ionii which sackt the City, not respecting it

The River Sapre runneth near the ancient City of Sapri, now ruinated

The River Semiro runneth near Squillace

The River Seminara runneth near the said Country

The River Sebatio, called also Ocinaro, passeth near Abatio

The River Salinello, called also Suino, passeth near Villanto

The River Sino runneth near Corvignano

The River Sarno, called also Scafato, passeth near the City of Sarno

The River Soricella runneth near Grotta

The River Sabaro, called by the Latins Sibaris, runneth near the ancient City of Turia, in Calauria, the water whereof being drank by oxen, sheep, and other cattel, makes their skins to become black, where very near is the River Crate, which worketh the contrary effect

The River Saro, now called Sangro, passeth near Fossa Ceca

The River Sento runneth near the hill Zalario

The River Scosa passeth near Niceto

The River Sagara, very famous in Calauria, for the cruel battel between the Locresi and the Crutonesi

T

THe River Targine passeth near Crotone

The River Tauro passeth near Civita di Penna

The River Tara riseth under Massafra near Taranto

The River Tordino, called by Pliny, Vivantium, runneth near the ancient City of Flaviano, now called Castello nuovo

The River Trinio runneth near Vasto aimone

The River Tamaro passeth near Castello franco & the City of Morcone

[Page]The River Tiro runneth near the Territory of Baldino in Calauria

The River Trero passeth near Ceccano

The River Tavo runneth near the City of Tavo

The River Tinnaria runneth near Paola

The River Turbido passeth near Torano

The River Triferno, called also Piferno, passeth near Termole

The River Tropoalto runneth near Ariano

The River Trigno hath his beginning from Vasto, and fetching a compass, divideth Puglia from Abruzzo.

The River Tronto, called by Ptolomy in his third book Truentinum; and by Strabo Druentum, and by Pomponius Mela is named Truentium; this River riseth from the Apennine. Strabo and Pliny saith that in old time was builded the Castle Truento, near the mouth of the River, by the people Tiburni of Dalmatia, and called it Truentium, which at this present remains not any mention thereof, neither can it be known whether the River was named from it, or it from the River; this River runneth within 5 miles of Crapolle

V

THe River Ufente, called in old time Ansure, from the ancient City of Ansure, now called Tarracina

The River Viciola runneth near Canzano

The River Vomano, called also Homano, runneth near Calvano

The River Volturno passeth near the ancient Volturno, now it is called the River of Capua, because it runneth by the said City

The River Variano passeth near Cusano

The River Verre runneth near Bellomonte

The River Vado runneth near Sinopoli

The River Verde springeth in the Hill Maiella, between the Monastery of St. Martine, and the Castle Faran, of the Peligni (now called Abruzzo) the said River runneth near the City of Casale, and of Colle Macine. Vpon the bank of the said River was the body of Manfred, King of Naples, buried by the commandment of the Pope, and upon his Tomb was ingraven this Epitaph,

Hic jaceo Caroli Manfredus Marie subactus,

Caesaris haerede non fuit urbe locus,

Sum patris ex odiis ausus confligere Petro

Mars dedit hic mortem, Mors mihi cuncta tulit.

Of the Hils which are in the Kingdom.

ABuceto is a very high Hill in the Isle of Ischia, called in old time Enaria, Inarime, and Pithecusa, upon the which Hill springeth a River of the same name.

Aburno is a Hill in the Province of Lucania, now called Basilicata, which was a part of Calauria. This Hill is called of the Latines Alburnus, because it is all white. Virgil makes mention of the said Hill in the third of his Georgicks, saying, ‘Primus Alburnum Volitans.’

Atheneo, a Hill called in old time Prenusso, Sirreo, Minervio, and the Hill Equano, and now it is called the Hill of Massa, from the City of Massa which stands but a little distant from the City of Surrento. There is to be seen on the said Hill towards the Sea, a great part of the ancient Temple of Minerva.

Astruno is a high Hill, which standeth but a little distant from Pozzuolo, in the midst of which Hill is a Plain very low, reduced into a circle, two miles in [Page] compass, where is a little Pool with Sulphure-water which issueth out on every side, very comfortable and wholsome for those that are diseased and feeble. Savonarola maketh mention of the said Baths, calling them Astrana. Vgolino cals them Struna balnea.

Circello, named by the Latines Mons Cerces, and Circeus, and of Ptolomy, Girceum promontorium. Circes the daughter of S [...]le, and Perse. This Hill lieth near to Gaeta, and was so called of Circes, the daughter of the Sun, and the Nymph Perse, sister of Aethe, King of the Colchi, the great Magitian, who being married to the King of the Sarmatians, poisoned him through the desire she had to domineer and bear rule her self, the which was the cause that she was chased away by all the people, and so she came to inhabit in this Hill, which did abound with great plenty of excellent hearbs, and there made her residence, with the which hearbs the Ancients have feigned that she transformed men into beasts. There was upon the said Hill in old time a very beautifull and goodly City of the same name, with the Temple of Circes, and the obscure Cave of Minerva, where was shewed in the time of Strabo for the truth thereof, a Cup wherein Vlisses drank. Into the said City Tarquin the proud brought many inhabitants, because the fields Pometini very large and fair were near the Sea, subject to the said Plain, as Dionysius of Alicarnassus writeth in his fifth book, and Livy in the first. Much is written of the said Hill in many places, both by Dionysius, Strabo, Livy, Pliny Pomponius, Mela, Solina, Procopio, and also Virgil in his seventh book. The said City being afterward ruinated, in place thereof was made a very strong Castle, which was a secure passage for many Roman Bishops.

The Hill Carcino, now called Capo di Stilo, and by Ptolomeo named Promontorium Carcinum, is the longest Promontory in all Italy ▪ as Pliny writeth by opinion of others. Barbaro in the corrections of Pliny, saith that it ought to be called Cocintum, as the ancient books of Pliny declare, and also of Polybius; Barbaro besides saith, that the book of Pliny was corrupted when he saith the Castle of Carceno was near to Petilia, because he should have said Caecinum, of which speaketh Filisto saying thus, ‘Caecinum est oppidum non multum à Sicilia distans.’

The Cape of Squillace is a Hill upon the which in old time was the City of Squillac [...] called by Pliny, Scyllatius, and by Strabo, by Solinus, and by Pomponius, Mela Scyllatius. The said City was builded by the Atenesi, the companions of Menestro, which arived there.

Crepacore is a great back or brow of the Apennine, the which for the steepness and difficult ascent hath been so called, yet in old time it was called Grumo, from the which flowes the River Moscano. The said Hill is near to the Cave Menarda.

Cecubo is a Hill which joyneth to the Gulf of Gaeta, and near Castellone; the said Hill is very famous for the excellent Wine it yields, for it bringeth forth the strongest Grape, the Wines of Cecubo are accounted with the best, as the Fondani and Setini, whereof Martial saith,

Caecuba fundanis generosa coquuntur Amydis

Vitis, & in media nata palude viret:

Casino is a high Hill, which is not very far from the City of Aquino, and the Castle Secca, both being in Campania felix. In the said Hill was in old time the City of Casino, a Colony of the Romans, as Titus Livius writeth in his ninth book, declaring that thither was brought a Colony at the same time with Minturn. And also Antonio in his Commentary speaketh likewise thereof in his 36 book; And Strabo saith that in his time there was the glorious City of the Latines. And Sillo nameth it thus in his twelfth book, ‘Nymphisque habitata Casini, rura evastantur:’

[Page]Here was the Temple of Apollo, where was afterward builded the Stately Monastery of Casino, so named by the ruinated City. The said Monastery was built by St. Benedict for his Monks, although the buildings of the Monastery at this present are not those which the Father St. Benedict builded,Totila King of the Goths apparelled like a Page. for not long after his death all things were ruinated by the Longobards, Totila King of the Goths moved by the sanctity of St. Benedict, went up into the said Monastery, purposing to try if that were true which he had heard say of him, that is to say, that St. Benedict through a prophetical spirit did know any secret or hidden thing, apparelled himself like a page, causing another to go before him cloathed in Kingly attire, who feigned himself to be Totila, but the Saint knowing of God the deceit, requested him with a cheerfull countenance to come in with the rest of his followers, and pointing to the King which was so basely attired to come foremost into the Monastery. But neither this, nor any other signes of sanctity which St. Benedict shewed to the Longobards, were sufficient to bridle the fury of these Barbarians from the spoil of this Monastery, the which had been foretold to the Monks by the Father St. Benedict. It was afterward reedified upon the first foundations, and also enlarged about a 112 years after by Petronio Petronasso Bresciano, through the perswasion of Pope Gregory the second,Petronio Petronasso reedified the Monastery of the Hill Casino. as Paolo Diacono writeth in his sixth book of the Histories of the Longobards, and Elia Capriolo in his fifth book of his Brescian Histories. The Monks thereof have more in revenue every year then fifty thousand duckets. In the said Monastery do lie the bodies of many Saints, and chiefly that of St. Benedict the Founder and Head thereof, and of St. Scolastica his sister, whose bodies were found in the year 1543. Pliny declares in the fourth chapter of his seventh book, that in the said City of Casino, in the time of the Consulship of Lucinius Crassus, and of Caio Cassio Longo, a certain girl was converted to a male kind,A girl converted to a male. which by advice of the South-sayers was carried away into a desert Island.

Caulo, called in old time Caulon, is a high Hill in Calauria, upon the which is situated the City of Caulonia, near Locri, the said Hill is very full of Vines, whereupon the Ancients consecrated it unto Bacchus. Virgil speaketh of this Hill in the third of the Eneidos saying, ‘Caulonisque arces, & naufragum Scyllaceum.’ Pliny in the third Book and tenth Chapter also discourseth of the said City, Strabo in his sixth Book, Pomponius Mela in his second, and Stephano of the City cals it Caulonia.

Christs Hill is a high Hill, which is near the City of Pozzuolo, in the very same place which was called the Bath of Trepergole. It is said that in the time that our Saviour Jesus Christ arose from death to life, and descended into Hell, at his resurrection he took the said great Hill and stopt the hole or mouth of Hell which he made coming from thence, and for this cause (they say) it was called Christs Hill; whereupon the Poet Eustasius thus saith,

Est locus Australis, quo portam Christus Averni

Fregit, & eduxit mortuus inde suos

Haec domus est triplex, hinc jure Tripergula dicta.

Vna capit vestes, altera servat aquam,

Vtilis unda satis multum sudantibus aufert

Defectum mentis, cum gravitate pedum.

Haec stomachi varias facit absentare querelas,

Flebile de toto corpore tollit onus.

Debilis, atque piger, quibus est non multa facultas,

Consulimus tali ut saepe fruatur aqua.

Hujus amator aquae symptomata nulla timebit,

Incolumi semper corpore laetus erit.

[Page] But I believe with the holy Catholick and Apostolick Church,The belief of the Au [...]h [...]r. that our Saviour Jesus Christ the son of the omnipotent God, descended into Hell, as all the Prophets and holy Apostles have said; and I also believe that he arose the third day from death, as the Scriptures verify unto us; but that he should rise from this place, or any other, I am not so foolish to affirm it, or say that which I know not: For which thing I think better (as St. Augustin saith in the 8 upon Gen) to doubt, de occultis quam litigare de incertis.

The Hill Cibele, now called Monte Virgine. Cibele is a Hill near the City of Mercogijacono, on the top whereof was in old time a stately Temple dedicated to the honour of Cibele, Mother of the Gods. Antonio Pio in his Commentary maketh mention of this Hill, describing the way from Benevento to the Pillars; he placeth first Mercuriale, and afterward Cibele ▪ Mother of the Gods. The said Temple was afterward dedicated by St. William unto the Virgin Mary; the which hill after the consecration above-said, the name of Cibele was changed into the name of Virgine, as it is called at this present, and the Congregation of the Fathers which are there is called de monte Virgine. This high Hill is separated from the Apennine, and also from the other Hils, except they touch a little at the bottom.

In the great Altar of the said Church are preserved the bodies of the three children which by the commandment of Nechadonozor King of Babylon were put into the burning Oven,The bodies of Sidrack Mesheck, and Abedneg [...] preserved in Monte Virgine. because they would not adore the golden Image. In the said Church is a Reliquary of so much beauty and ornament for the gilding of the place, and for the many Reliques put in fair Vessels of silver and gold, that it would be very difficult to find a better, and perhaps not the like in all Christendom, as all strangers say which come thither from far Countries. In the said hill, whether by the will of God,The admirable [...] in Monte Virgine. whom it pleaseth many times to work marvailous effects in sundry particular places, or by any other accident, neither within the Monastery, nor the distance of 500 paces round about, can be eaten or carried any flesh, or eggs, or milk, or any white-meat whatsoever, but presently it corrupts and becomes full of worms, although it be powdered, boiled, baked, rosted,Flesh and milk carried into Monte Virgine, become [...] full of worms. or howsoever, the which thing is so manifestly known to all men, that of all those which come thither at all times of the year, none dare carry any thing, and if any w [...]ll carry, it will not be without that aforesaid signe.

Epopon was a Hill in the Isle of Ischia, from whence fire ascended with great fury, but is now become plain.

Falerno is a Hill near to Pozzuolo, the which was so named of a man, as Servio writeth, The Wine took its name of Falerno, which is very excellent that is had from this Hill, whereof Sillio speaketh in his seventh book:

Gravidae cui nectare vites,

Nulli dant praelis nomen praeferre Falernis.

And Pliny in the sixth Chapter of his fourteenth Book doth largely discourse of the said Wine. Whereupon Varro in praising Italy, thus saith, Quid in Italia utensile non modo non nascitur, sed etiam non egregium non fit? Quod far comparandum Campano? Quod triticum Apulo? Quod vino Farlerno? Quod oleum Venafrano? Many Writers make mention of the Wine Falerno, among whom Tibullo thus saith, ‘Nunc mihi fumosos veteris proferte Falernos.’ And the same saith,

Non tibi si pretium Campana terra daretur:

Non tibi si Bacchi cura Falernus ager.

Martial also speaketh of it saying, ‘Resinata bibis vina Falerna.’ The said place is now called the Fort of Mondragone, and the Territory thereof [Page] passeth along even to Volturno. In the Plain of the said Hill is Campo Stellato, now called the Territory of Carinola, and also by the common people it is called Mazzone. Of what excellency this field Stellato was, may easily be understood by the words of Cicero written in his Orations against the Laws de Campi, forasmuch as in it he was forced to perswade that the field Stellato by no means ought to be sold by the Magistracy of ten men, when he saith, At enim ager Campanus, hac lege amittitur, orbis terre pulcherrimos. Whereupon Cicero declares that it was the proper ground of the people of Rome. Suetonius writeth that Cesar divided the field Stellato between 2009 Citizens of Rome, to get the good will of the people.

Guaro, or Gualdo, called by the Latines, mons Guarus, & Gauros, but now commonly called the Hill Barbaro, the said Hill is not very far from the Lake Averno, the foot whereof stretcheth even to Cuma, and to Baia. This Hill bringeth forth very fruitfull Vines, the which three times in a year yield excellent Grapes, and very precious and pure Wine,The fertility of the Hill Gauro. for which cause the Poets feigned that here was the habitation of the Nymphs. Ausonius makes mention, Idyl. 8. Pli. 14. cap. 6. and 3 book, cap. 5. Lucan lib. 2. Floro. in lib. 1. cap. 16. Giovenal, in the 8 and 9 Sat. Galen 12. Methodi, de cib bonis, & malis suc. cap. 13. & 1. de Antidot. Gioviano Pontano in the 2 Partheniae, Cicero against Rullo. Statio lib. 3.

Gargano is a famous Hill, and standeth in the Plain Puglia, now called the Province of Capitanata. There are in the said Hill some pleasant Woods, and although for the most part it be without Trees, nevertheless there are gathered many kinds of medicinable herbs for divers infirmities▪ This high and famous hil proceeeth from the Apennine, and the circuit round about even to the lowest dissent, contains [...]00 miles, and on the top of the Hill is the renowned and noble City of St: Angelo, from the which all the Hill is now so called, and there is a very fair and goodly Church in the honour of St. Michael the Archangel, whether infinite people resorts from sundry places of Christendom, with great superstition and frequency at all times. Many ancient Writers make mention of this Hill Gargano, among whom is Strabo, Pliny, Pomponius Mela, and Virgil in his 11 book, saying, ‘Victor Gargani condebat Iapygis.’ And Lucan in the 5. ‘Apulus Adriacas exit Garganus in undas.’ And Horace in the second of his verses saith, ‘Querceta Gargani laborent.’

Hermete is a pleasant Hill which approacheth even to the City of Naples, and is commonly called the Hill of S. Hermo, because in the top thereof there is a Castle of the same name, made by King Charls the second of Angio. That excellent Poet Pontano saith in his Lepidinia, that the said Hill was so called by the fair Nymph Hermete which dwelt in the eminent and highest part of this Hill. Galen and Martial call it Trifolius mons of the three-leafed grass, which grows there every where.

Hidro is a high Hill which is in the Province of the Country of Otranto, the which hill is called by the Latinists Hydruntum, and by Pliny and Strabo, Hydrus, and Hydruntis.

The Hill Miseno, or the Promontary of Campagna felix, stands but a little distant from Cuma, it is named Misenus by Strabo, Dionisius of Alicarn. Pliny▪ Antonino, Virg. Tacitus in his 5, 14, and 15 book, and by Ptolomy it is called Promontorium Misenum. Likewise Sillio makes mention in his 8. It was so named according to Dionisius in his first book by Miseno, a worthy man, and a follower of Aeneas which died there, the which Virgil affirms in his 6 book of Eneidos, Why it was called the Hill Miseno. when he reciteth that Miseno being dead, Eneas wholly discomforted, demanded [Page] of Achate, what they should do, and where they should bury him. And at the last was here buried,The hill Miseno, called in former time Aereo. and of him was called Miseno, for before the coming of Eneas the said Hill was called Aereo. For Virgil saith in the sixth of the Eneid. ‘Praeterea jacet exanimum tibi corpus amici.’ And somewhat lower,

Quem socium exanimum vates, quod corpus humandum

Diceret▪ atque illi Misenum in lictore sicco

Vt venere vident indigna morte peremptum:

Misenum Aeolidem, quo non prestantior alter

Aere ciere vos, Martemque accendere cantu,

Hectoris hic magni fuerat comes.

And a little farther,

Nec minus intereà Misenum in lictore Teucri

Flebant: & cineri ingrato suprema ferebant.

In describing the manner of his grave after a few Verses saith,

At pius Aeneas ingenti mole sepulchrum

Imposuit, suaque arma viro, remumque tubamque

Monte sub Aerio, qui nunc Misenus ab illo

Dicitur, aeternumque tenet per secula nomen.

Pomponius Mela, and Solinus say, that this Miseno (from whom the said Hill taketh its name) was the Trumpeter of Eneas. And Servio upon the third and sixth of the Eneid. saith that Eneas being desirous to raise the souls of the dead which remained in Hell, out of the Lake Averno, but being unable to do it, unless he first kil'd some man,

Aeneas kild his Trumpeter Miseno, and sacrificed him to the Gods of Hell.

The Tower of Faro.

and after sacrificed him to the Gods of Hell; to this effect he killed his beloved Trumpeter Miseno, and after the sacrifice ended he obtained his desire. Upon the said Hill was in old time a Tower called Faro, on the which both day and night did burn a continual light, as a signe for Marriners to sail with the more security. The said Hill is streightned in the manner of a Promontory of three breadths compassed with the Sea, and in the said Cape where it begins to be narrow, although it be naturally full of Caves, it is so hollow and vaulty by means of the buildings that are thereon, raised and supported with Pillars, and built with Marble, that it seems as a Hill down-hanging, and within there was (as is to be seen) Baths, and very delicate banqueting places, among the which there was one called the Cave Traconaria, so named of Traconibus, for that [...], signifieth water-courses, as Francisco Titelmanno noteth in 148 Psalm. The said Cave is very large, long, and high, built in an admirable manner, and part of it is standing, and part half ruinated, and also some part wholly gone. That part which is to be seen lieth in this sort, It hath in the midst an entrie of 200 handsbreadth in length, and 18 in breadth, having on both sides four lodgings vaulted in largeness some 12 and some 16 hands breadth, being between some of them the space of 12 hands breadth, and between others 18. In these spaces are 4 dores, every one the breadth of 12 hands, the one distant from the other 16, except the first distance, which is in the entrance 18. but the other distances between the said dores are equal. The Arches are supported and made with cross interlacing. It is a thing very certain (as it is commonly judged of all) that the said Caves were made to preserve water. On that side of the Hill which lies towards Cuma, the said Hill hath a poole of the Sea called Mare Mortuum, and round about upon the brow and edg of the main-land appear the ruines and goodly foundations of ancient buildings, and this was the place where Suctonius saith that Octavius Augustus kept his Army by Sea near Miseno, for the guard and defence [Page] of the Terrene Sea, of France, Spain, Mauritania, and of Africa, and of the Isles which lie in the midst thereof,Octavius Augustus kept his Fleet in Ma [...] Morto, for the defence of the Tirrene Sea. of the which Army Plinio Veronese was Captain at the time that the Hill Vesuvio burnt, where he died whilst he attempted to see the great exhalations of that Hill, which cast the ashes even into Africa, Siria, and Egipt, Afterward within the land appears Foundations, incredible to those that have not seen them, where they now say is a wonderfull Lake, for these being (as it seems) the foundations of a goodly Palace that was in this part, which remaineth there standing, supported with very high Pillars, being a hundred and sixty paces long, and in breadth 250. and so fair that it seems new, and I believe it was the Palace of L. Lucullus, which he had near Baia to dwell pleasantly in the time of Winter, because it stands in a very warm place. Whereof Plutarch maketh mention in the life of the said Lucullus, declaring that L. Lucullus having invited Pompey in the Summer season to his house Frascato, which is near Rome, seemed to jest and flout at him, saying he was not well advised,Pompey flouteth L. Lucullus. to build so goodly and stately a house as that was, being full of so many open Galleries, and broad Windows, and exposed both to the winds and cold; that though in Summer he might well inhabit, yet in Winter time it was utterly to be abandoned. To which he saith, that Lucullus also scoffingly, answered him,The answer of Lucullus. that Pompey was deceived in him, because he had better played the wise Crane, then he had done, for that house he only built for the Summer-season, having another as fair at Baia for the Winter, where was a continual Spring. The Tombs and Reliques of this Palace, and other ancient Monuments, which are half standing and half ruinated, which are to be seen in these places, are such, that it seems as if there had been an absolute City, rather then a House. Of the said Hill Miseno, Strabo makes mention in his fifth book, Cicero in the second of his Filippice, Antonio in his Commentarie, Ptolomy in his third book,The Authors which make mention of the Hil Miseno. Suetonius in the 2 cap. 49. Plin in the 3. cap. 16. Tacitus in the 19 book, Sill. in the 8. Proper. in the 3. and in the 18. Statio in the 3 Sat. 1. and of modern Writers Iohn Pontano in his 6 book of the Warrs of Naples.

Massico is a famous Hill which stands in Campania felix, The Hil Massico. and is now called the Fo [...] of Mandragone, of a certain City that is there, which hath the title of a Duke. This excellent Hill is very famous, as well in old time as in these our daies, for the singular and delicate Wine which it yields, being of a golden and amber colour, of a sweet and odoriferous savor, and of a most delicious and pleasing taste; these Vines grow in the top of the Hill The Territory thereof in old time extended even to the Walls of Sinuessa, a Colony of the Romans, and with the back and ridg thereof the said Hil stretcheth to Cali, now named Calvi, even to the left side of the Territory of Venafro, so that it confined on the one side with the Territory of Falerno, now called Gaudo, which in like manner brought forth these precious and excellent Wines of the colour of gold, which were so pleasing to the Roman Empero [...]s, and of whom Iulius Cesar, The wine F [...] lerni in great estimation with the Romans. as Pliny in the 15 cap. of the 14 lib. writeth, honoured therewith his Feasts, and most renowned Banquets which he made in Rome. Of this Hill Massico, Virgil maketh mention in many places, and chiefly in the second book of his Georgicks, saying, ‘Sed gravidi fruges, & Bacchi Massicus humor.’ And in the 7 of Eneid. The Author [...] which make mention of the hil Massico. ‘Verunt soelicia Baccho Massica.’ Sillio Itallico in his 7 book, ‘Massicus uviferis addebat nomina globis’ And the same saith in another place, ‘Massica sulcabit mulcere Falernus in aevo.’ [Page] And Horace in his first book of Verses, ‘Est qui nec veteris pocula Massici.’ Of the Wine Falerno, Galen makes mention in his second lib. de ar. cur. de san: tuen. cap. 6,The Authors which make mention of the Wine of Falerno. and in cap. 5. and in many other places; and if any man desires to know more, he may read Persius in the third Satyr, Giovinal in the Sat. 8. Sillius in the 7 lib. Tibullus in the second; Horace in the second book of Verses, Ovid in the fourth de Ponto, Titus Livius in the first, Plin. the 14 book cap, 3. Macrobio the third de Saturnali, L. Floro in the first book, and of modern Writers, Iacobo Perfetto, and Iohn Baptista in the book of the nature of Wines.

Minervio is a Hill, or rather a Promontory which standeth directly against the Isle of Capre, Minervio. where upon an arm of the Hill are situate these Cities, Surrento, Massa, and Vico. The said Hill by Pliny and Pomponius Nola, is called Promontorium Minervae, and by Strabo it is named Sirreum Atheneum & prenussum. Now it is called the Cape of Campanella, because there stands a Tower as a guard which with the sound of a Bell makes a signe of the discovery of such Ships and Gallies as sails upon the Coast.

Maiella. Maiella is a very high Hill which is separated from the Apennine, and standeth in the Province of the Peligni, and Sanniti, now called Abruzzo, the said Hill is discovered very far through the great height thereof, whose top is almost continually covered with snow; it is very rough and craggie▪ and the passage very difficult to the top on every side, near to the which are many Cities and Towns, many Rivers flow from it, and there are many Woods full of wild beasts, and chiefly Bears and Wolves. St. Peter of Morovo the Hermit, inhabited in this high Hill, being afterward called Pope Celestine the fifth, from whom the Religion of the Celestini had their original. Olibano, now called the Hill Libano. The said Hill stands but a little distant from Pozzuolo, Olibano. and is full of very hard flint-stones, and therefore very barren and without Trees, it was called Olibano, because in Greek [...] is as much as to say, all, and [...] barren. Suetonius saith in his fourth book, c. 37: that the Roman Emperor Ca. Caligula caused the said Hill to be cut and digged, and commanded that all the Streets in Italy should be paved with the flints thereof.The Emperor C. Caligula caused the hill Olibano to be cut. Antonino Panormita makes mention of the said Hill in his fifth Epistle, directed to Nicolo Piscicello Archbishop of Salerno. At the foot of the said Hill, on that side which lies towards the Isles of Nisita, are two Baths, the one called the little Bath, and the other the stony Bath; it was called the little Bath, for the little Fountain thereof, nevertheless it is of so great vertue and efficacy, that the weak and diseased think that here is not only water▪ but even God himself, because it comforteth the head, the stomack, and all the other parts of the body, it cleareth the cloudie thickness of the eies, and restoreth a weak sight, it drives away the Quartane, continual and quotidian Feaver, and to conclude, it cureth any grief, caused by what disease soever. The Neopolitans were wont to make use of this water before any other. Whereupon the worthy Poet Eustasius of Matera speaking of this Bath saith,

Inter aquas Pelagi proprè littus sub pede rupis,

Magnus in effectu fons breve nomen habet.

Balneolum dictum tantae virtutis amicum,

Vt patiens illic sentiat esse Deum.

Nam morbo quocunque dolet, seu rheumate quovis,

Lotus aqua tali tempore liber abit,

Et caput, & stomachum, renes, & caetera membrae

Comfortat, tepidam si renovabis aquam.

Haec prodest oculis, oculorum nube fugata,

Consumptos reficit, quos tenet aegra fames.

Materiamque rudem consumit, & amphimerinen.

Plus aliis hoc gens Parthenopaea sovet.

[Page]Of this Bath Savanarola, Vgolino, and Franciotto makes mention, calling it Balneum foris crypte; Mengo saith that the Mine thereof is Alume, Copper, and Iron.

Under the Rock of the said Hill Olibano (as we have before said) is the stony Bath, and is so called because the said Fountain springeth from a Rock;The bath of the rock, and the vertue thereof. this Bath breaketh the stone in the bladder, provoketh urine, purgeth the sand, and expelleth gravel, it healeth the pain of the head, cleareth the sight, maketh the deaf to hear, and driveth the sound and noise from the ears, it greatly comforts the heart and the stomack. The water of the said Bath drank luke-warm, purgeth the intrails and inward parts. Of this stony Bath thus writeth Eustasius,

Cui Petra dat nomen, mirum reor esse Lavacrum,

Quod lapidem possit frangere, nomen habet.

Infestos capiti solet hoc arcere dolores.

Auribus auditum praestat, & addit opem.

Lumina tergit, nebulis maculosa fugatis,

Pectoris, & cordis esse medela potest.

Vesicas aperit renes expurgat arena,

Interiora lavat potus, & hujus aquae.

Quam pluries vidi calidam potare petrosos,

Queis Vrina fuit post lapidosa satis.

Vos igitur, quibus est durus cum pondere mictus,

Assiduus talis liberat usus aquae.

From that part of the Hill which lyeth towards Pozzuolo, at the foot thereof is another Bath called Ortodonico, The bath Ortodonico, why it was so called. and is so named because it springeth in the Bishops Garden, the passage into it is to be descended by certain stairs, and the dore thereof standeth towards the South, and therefore it is very dangerous for a man to enter into it, because the South wind blowing, the heat of the exhalations inclosed, seeking to get out, easily stisleth whosoever is within it; but the water being carried out, it reviveth and comforteth the bodies which are made faint and feeble through feavers, helpeth the stomack, and taketh away the nauseousues and desire to vomit, and cureth the feaver. Alcadino writeth of this Bath in this sort,

Haec manet absconso telluris lympha meatu,

Hanc via sub terris plena timoris habet.

Tu cave ne subeas thermas spirantibus Austris,

Ne calor inclusus sit tibi causa necis.

Haec aqua mira nimis consumptis est bona valde,

Restaurat corpus nobilis usus aquae.

Infirmos sicubi febris tenuaverit artus,

Et putat extremam tristis ad esse diem.

Has fidens intrabit aquas, & sepe frequentans,

Sentiet in robur se rediisse vetus

Phthisis, ephermerine febres & nausea turpis.

Pellitur his thermis, hectica victa fugit.

Palinuro is a Promontory so named in the Province of the Principality on this side, and of the Ancients was called the Promontory of Palinuro, Palinuro. from which a little distant was in old time the ancient City of Hielia, The City Hielia. which was afterward called Velia, and (as Strabo saith) was endued with excellent Laws and Statutes, and invironed with a strong Wall, and valiant people, and contended a long time with the Lucani, and Possidoniati. Of the which City the ruines are to be seen, and was distant from Possidonia, (as Strabo saith) 200 furlongs; Writers affirm, and especially Pomponius Mela, and Servio upon this Verse of Virgil. in 6. ‘Nigens crudelis, &c.’

[Page] Why it was called Palinuro.That the said Province of Palinuro was so named of Palinuro of Phrigia, a Stiler of Eneas ship, which was there buried of which mention is made in many places, and among others in the seventh book, where he doth describe very particularly his death, and his grave, much commending him.

The Promontory Poss [...]untio of the Province of Principato on this side, is now called the Cape of Pisciotta; Strabo calleth the Country, the River, and the Haven Possiuntum.

Pausilipo is a very pleasant and fruitfull Hill of Campania felix, wholly manured and adorned with goodly Towns and Villages,Pausilipo. and is but a mile distant from Naples, and stretcheth towards the South even to the Sea, making many dales, which is the cause that all the discents and banks are very pleasant and delightfull through the many Va [...]lies. There are also many Gardens full of fruitfull Trees, and especially Oringes, Citrons, Limons, and other fruit. Pliny saith in his 9. book, and cap. 53. that in this pleasant Hill Cesar had a very beautifull house with Fish pools, wherein was cast a Fish by Pollione Vedio ▪ which lived 60 years; Pollione was Lord of the said place, and dying, bequeathed it (as Dion saith) to Augustus. This house was near to the highest part of the said Hill, in the place which is now called the fatal Cave, where at this present are to be seen the Baths which Cesar had there, whereupon by this it may be judged how pleasant this excellent Hill hath been, and especially for the banishing of sadness and melancholy from frail and feeble minds; for which cause it hath that Greek name, for [...] signifieth in Latine queis, and [...] is as much as to say sadness. Near the side of this pleasant and delightfull Hill, are to be seen round about infinite buildings of Antick stately workmanship, which time hath utterly defaced; and on the side towards Naples, is the fair Village of the Prince of Stigliano, called Serena, and towards Chiaia at the foot of the Hill is the pleasant place of Morgilino, so named by the swimming of the fishes, where the learned Iacobo Sannazaro the darling of the Muses composed his divine Eg [...]ogues, and reedified a Church to St. Mary of the birth, in whose honour he composed Latine Verses, a most excellent and rare work of the deliverance of the said Virgin, in which Church in a goodly Tomb of Marble, with his picture carved thereon is he buried, on the which Sepulchre the Cardinal Pietro Bembo caused this Epitaph to be ingraven,

D. O. M.

Da sacro cineri flores, hic ille Maroni

Syncerus Musa, proximus, ut tumulo:

At the foot of the Hill on the side towards the Sea, is the delightfull place of St. Mary of Piedigrotta, and on this side lieth the Cave of Cocceio, which some attribute to Basso, and some to Lucullus, made after the manner of that of Cuma, the which is wholly cut artificially out of the Rock. Upon the hill in the right side towards the entrance of the Cave, in the way towards Naples, is Virgils Sepulchre, the which neither Biondo nor Razzano could find. But being found in these daies, I went to see it with that excellent Lawyer Fabio di Giordano, a worthy Poet, and a great Herbalist, and a searcher of Antiquities, and with us also went the Lord Geronomo Colonna, and Paolo Portarello, persons of great judgment and wisdom: Being come to the place, we found upon the said Cave a Chappel smoothly vaulted round about with Marble, and within were places for Images to stand, in the midst was a Tomb of Marble with four little Pillars likewise of white Marble, the which supported a Coffin whereon were ingraven these Verses,Virgils Sepulchre.

MANTVA me genuit, CALABRI rapuere, tenet nunc

PARTHENOPE, cecini paseua, rura, Duces.

Opposite thereto without the Chappel, was an Epitaph of white Marble, with these modern Verses ingraven,

[Page]

Qui cineres tumulo haec vestigia? conditur olim

Ille hoc qui cecinit pascua, rura, Duces.

After we had well considered the place, and among other things worthy to be noted, which we beheld looking up to the top of the said Chappel, was a great Bay-Tree naturally growing,A Bay-tree that grew naturally over the Sepulchre of Virgil. for the roots thereof took hold through the chinks and crevises of the Wall. Whereupon I presently thought that this was the very true Sepulchre of Virgil, and that nature had caused that Bay-Tree to grow as a signe to discover unto us that here lay the ashes of that great Poet▪ So Seignieur Colonna said▪ my masters, this requi [...]th matter for us to do something worthy memory, and he would not de [...]ert from thence till every one of us had made certain Verses; and because I was the youngest of the company▪ he said unto me, Seignieur Scipio ▪ by the rule of the Law, you ought to begin first. And so presently we made those Verses.

Quod sacr [...] Va [...]is cincres, tumulamque Maronis

Sponte sua hic viridis laurus adulta t [...]gat.

Indicat, & musis, & di [...]is s [...]iper amicum

Virgilium, speret cui fore nemo parem.

Then said the worthy Fabio,

Busta ubi grandi loqui s [...]eterant▪ tumulumque Maronis,

Vastaque saculorum pondera saxa ruunt:

Delphica formosis increvic frondibus arbor:

Atque injussa sacras explicat alta comas

Ne tanti cineres vati [...] sine honore jacerent,

Ossicium praestat laurus amica suum.

Seignieur Fabio having ended, D. Paolo began to say,

Quod super hunc tumulum crevit Parnasia laurus

Sponte sua manesque pios atque essa Maronis

Atque loci genium viri [...]ant [...] protegat umbra

Divini vd [...]is signat reverenter honores

Vt quoniam nemo ante illum▪ nec post erit unquam

Qui sid ruris opes, tali vel carmine reges

Diceret, illius vigat per secula nomen

Laurus ut haec tumulo foliis frondentibus extat,

Observatque memor sacri monumenta poetae.

Sarno is a Hill so called of the City of Sarno, Sarno. which is situated at the foot of the Hill, where also a River taketh its name which runneth hard by, near to the mouth whereof was Pompey, and not far from the Hill Vosco [...]o, as Pliny saith, they were named the Pompeians (as Solino affirmeth by Hercoles) which brought thither his oxen with great pomp from Spain. The Pompeians had a long Country full of goodly Villages. The said Country began at the point where is now the Tower of the Annuntiation, and stretcheth even to Castello à mare, The Country of Pompeians one of the beautifullest parts of Campagna spoiled by fire of the Hill Vesuvio. See Corn Tacitus in 15 book of Histories. beyond the River Sarno. In old time (as Strabo declares) in these places did first inhabit the Osci, and after the Toscani, the Peligni, and also the Sanniti, the which were driven out by the Romans. This pleasant Country yieldeth excellent Wines. Pliny writeth in the 6. cap. of the 14 book, that the said Wines grew still to their greatest perfection and goodness even till ten years, age not any thing impairing them. This fair and pleasant Country of the Pompeians, was for the most part destroyed by an Earthquake in the time of Nero, which was one of the best parts of the Province of Campania felix.

[Page] Taburo is a high Hill near Capoa; in old time it was called Mons Taburnus, as Virgil declareth in the 2 of the Georgicks,

Neu segnes jaceant terrae, juvat Ismara Bacco

Conserere, atque olea magnum vestire Taburnum.

And elsewhere of the said Hill, and particularly in the twelfth book is made mention, saying, ‘At velut ingenti Sylvae summoque Taburno.’

Trifolino is a Hill which joyneth even with the City of Naples, and called by the common people, the Hill of St. Hermo, and sometimes of St. Martino, because upon the top of the said Hill there is a very fair Church, and a Monastery of Carthusian Monks, under the name of St. Martin; the other Church of St. Hermo stands within the Castle, which was builded by Charls the first of Angio King of Naples, for a defence and guard of the said City. The said Castle was newly fortified by the Emperor Charls the fifth. All this Hill is beautified with goodly buildings,The Wine of Trifolino. and other worthy edifices; this pleasant Hill yieldeth excellent Wines, which are much commended by Galen 5 Salubrium. & 1 de antid. and Martial in Xenia speaking of the Wine Trifolino, thus saith,

Non sum de primo fateor Trifolina Lyaeo

Inter vina tamen septima vitis aero.

It is called the Hill Trifolino by reason of the three-leafed grass, which growes there very plentifully.

Tifata is a Hill which lies above Capoa, whereof Sillio speaketh, ‘Lib. 13.Tifata umbrisico generatum monte Calenum.’ Titus Livius likewise nameth it in the seventh and twentisixth book, describing that Hannibal departing from the Brutii, came into these places to relieve Capoa, besieged by Q. Fulvius, and Appius Claudius, the Roman Consuls, and pitcht his Camp in a Valley but a little distant from the said Hill, with the greatest part of his Army, and with 30 Eliphants.

Vesevo, or Vesuvio, is a hil that stands over against Naples, and opposite to the Pompeians,Why it was called the Hill Vesevo. divided on every side with high hils, and hath at the foot thereof round about many pleasant Woods, but in the top is very dreadfull, hideous, and unpassable, in the midst whereof is a great hole made with fire, which seems as a Theatre digged even out of the bowels of the Hill, from whence in old time did ascend great abundance of fire. Of these flames Beroso the Caldean in his fifth book of Antiquities maketh mention, saying, that in the last year of the King Arli, the 7 King of the Assirians, the said Hill burned. Suetonius in the life of Titus saith, that in the time of the said Emperor it yielded also great abundance of fire. Of the like fire in the same manner relateth Dion the Greek; the said fire burned two Cities that stood near unto it, that is to say, Erculanio, and Pompey. After the fire had continued three daies and three nights, it cast so many ashes with so great violence, that they were carried with the force of the wind even into Africa, into Syria, and into Egipt; whereupon Pliny being desirous to see the cause of these fires, went even to the Tower Ottavi, and there was stifled with the smoke which rose from the said hill. This burning was the cause that the Curati were created in Rome for the Country of Lavoro, whose office was to provide for those inconveniencies in all that Country. Vesevo is now much tilled, and yieldeth excellent Greek Wine, and great store of Corn, and there is also gathered great plenty of good fruits; it is now called the Hill of Somma, because it standeth over against Naples. On the one side it hath the Fields, on the other the Sea; at the foot of the hill is the fair City of Somma, which is adorned with the Title of Duke. Of the said Hill thus saith Sillio Italico in the 12 book,

[Page]

Monstrantur Veseva juga, atque in vertice summo

Depasti flammis scopuli, fractusque ruina

Mons circum, atque Aethnae satis carentia saxa.

And Martial in the 4 book of his Epigrams,

Hic est Pampineis viridis, vesuvius umbris

Praesserat hic madidos nobilis uva locus.

Haec juga quam Nysae colles plus Bacchus amavit

Hoc nuper satyri monte dedere choros.

Haec veneris sedes Lacedaemone gra [...]ior illi

Hic locus Herculeo nomine clarus erat

Cuncta jacent flammis, & tristi mersa favilla

Nec superi vellem hoc licuisse sibi.

Some say that Vesuvio was so called for the sparkles of fire which in old time it cast out, as it were full of sparkles, for in old time a sparkle was called Vesuvia. Others say that it was also named Vesbio, of Vesbio Captain of the Pelasgi, which did domineer and command the said Hill. Servio was deceived in expounding those words of Virgil in the 7. saying, ‘Et vicina Veseva ora jugo.’ because he saith that Vesevio is not the same that is Vesuvo, and that the first standeth in Liguria, from whence the River Po floweth, and that the second is in Campania felix. Nevertheless by the authority and testimony of excellent and grave Writers, that hill of Liguria hath been called Vesuvio.

FENNS.

THe Fenn Pontana, called of the Latinists Palus Pontina, was so named (as Strabo saith) from the City of Pometia, sometimes a Colony of the Romans, made at the same time with Suessa, according to T. Livi [...]s in his 9 book. It proceedeth of two Rivers, the one called Aufido, the other Vfente; of the first Virgil maketh mention, saying, Et in mare volvitur Vfeus. And in the 7. Vfeus insignis fama. Now it is vulgarly called Aufente, and also Baudino. This Fenn is so large, that as Pliny saith, with the authority of Mutiano, that there were 24 Cities. Titus Livius writeth in his 47 book, that the said Fenn was dried up by the Consul Cornelio Cethego, and the ground became solid and firm to sow corn.Cornel. Cetego, the Consul dried up the Fen Pontina. But in process of time, care being not had thereof, it returned to its pristinate state, and was all filled with water; the which Theodorico King of the Goths noting, caused it to be made drie another time. At this present the said fields are become for the most part so moorish, as well by the means of the said Rivers, as the great flowing of the waters, which spring from the bottom of the bordering hils round about, and there settle and remain, their ancient passages being stopt, whereby they were wont to depart and pass into the Sea. So by this means there is to be seen a great Moor: Upon this Fenn or Moor was the City of Terracina, called in old time Ansure, which was the chief and head City of the Vlosci. Strabo saith that in former time it was called Trachina, which is to say sharp and rough, by reason of the stony [...]ils where it is situate. Servio saith, that in Terracina was adored a little Iupiter called Ansur [...], Iupiter Ansure. which in Greek signifies as it were not shaven, [Page] because he had no beard by reason of his youth; whereupon Martial in the 10 of his Epigrams, writing to Faustine, thus saith,

O nemus, ò fontes, solidumque madentis arenae,

Lictus, & aequoris splendidus Anxur aqueis.

And Horace in h [...]s Poetry saith,

Sterilique diu palus, aptaque remis

Vnicas urbes alit: & grave sentit aratrum.

Servio also saith, that not very far from Terracina, was a City called Satura. Suetonius Tranquillus writeth that Tiberius being invited to a Feast at Terracina, in a place called Pretorio, suddenly fell from aloft many great stones, which kild many of his friends and followers, and himself hardly escaped. Spartiano saith, that Antonino Pio repaired the Haven of Terracina. This City had also the immunities and priviledges of Anzo, and of Hostia, the which were likewise suspended at the coming of Asdrubale into Italy.

Acherusa is a Fenn or Moor, which is now called Coluccia, and are certain waters of a rusty iron colour, which amaze whosoever see them, and overspread much ground between Capoa and Aversa, infecting the air, and making the earth unfruitfull, through the great abundance in that Plain, whereby the Country becomes altogether unprofitable. It stretcheth even to Cuma, overflowing every place, the which is so plain, that the water runneth not, but in summer is accustomed to be drie. Of the which water none in old time would taste, believing it was an infernal water, which distilled from the near adjacent waters, through the great heat of Fl [...]giton; whereupon they builded there a Temple to Pluto the God of Hell. The Ancients have also said that Hercules at his departure from Hell, took the Crown from the head of Oppius, and planted it for a memorial on the side of the said Moor; whereupon the Poets afterward feigned that all the Poppies that grew there had black leaves. Pliny makes mention of this Moor in his 3 book, Strabo in the 5 book, Sill. in the 8. Virgil in the 6 of Eneid. saying,

Vnum oro, quando hic Inferni janua regis

Dicitur, & tenebrosa palus Acheronte refuso.

Of LAKES.

ANsanto, of the Latinists called Amsanctus, is a Lake which lieth between Lucania and the Irpini, the water whereof yieldeth a stinking savour like Brimstone, and therefore all the fowles that fly over it fall down dead to the earth. Cicero nameth this Lake in the 1 of Divinat. saying, Mortifera quaedam pars est, ut Amsancti in Hirpinis, & in Asia Plutonica, quae vidimus. And Virgil in the 7. of the Eneid.

Est locus Italiae in medio sub montibus altis,

Nobilibus, & fama multis memoratus in oris.

Amsancti valles.

Agnano is a Lake which lieth near Pozzuolo, and is invironed with high Rocks, the said Lake is very deep, and yieldeth not any thing but Frogs. In the Spring time there are often seen many heaps and bundles of Serpents, which are smothered [Page] and stifled in the water by divine providence, the which permitteth not that they multiply and increase, being so pernicious to humane nature.

Averna is a deep Lake which is three miles distant from Cuma, and is called of the Latinists Avernus, The Lake Averno. it was so named (as Nonio Marcello saith) for the mortal and deadly savour of the water against birds and fowles, which incontinently die if they fly but over it. It is compassed round about with high Hils, except at the entrance. Round about it are very delightfull and pleasant places; in this Lake were men sacrificed, and here also, as Homer declareth, was Elphenore slain by Vlisses, and sacrificed, and likewise Miseno by Eneas. The water of this Lake hath a brackish and salt taste, and a black colour. In old time the said Lake was invironed with thick Woods, through the shadow whereof it was alwaies obscure and fearfull; whereupon Augustus caused all the Woods to be cut down: On the left hand in the turning of the Lake, is the Cave of Sibilla; and a little farther near the water is the Temple of Mercury, the ruines whereof are yet to be seen. Of this Lake Aristotle maketh mention, de admirabilibus mundi. Valer. Flac. lib. 2. Seneca in Troade. 9. Curt. lib. 8. Dion. in 5. of Antiquities, Vibio Sequestre, Nonio Marcello, Strabo, Pontano, in the 2. and especially Virgil in the 6▪ saying.

Inde ubi venere ad fauces graveolentis Avern [...]

Tollunt se celeres.

And a little farther,

Quam super [...]aud ullae poterant impune volantes

Tendere iter pennis, talis sese halitus arris,

Faucibus effundens supera ad convexa fetebat,

Vnde locum Grai dixerunt nomen Averni.

Very near the Lake Averno is the Lake Lucrino, whereof we will speak in its place.

Andoria is a Lake in Puglia, and named by Pliny, Mandarium, and by Boccas in his book of Lakes Andurium, from a Castle very near unto it, called Andurio, Plin. lib. 2. cap. 106. the said Lake is not very far from the shore.

The Lake Fucino, named by Strabo, Lacus Fucinus, and likewise by other Writers, the said Lake is commonly called Celano. This lake is in the Country of the Marsi, now called Abruzzo on the other side; it is in compass 30 miles, and is very full of excellent fishes, where is also great fowling for Mallards, wild-Geese, and Swans. Round about the Lake are the Castles of St. Apetito, and St. Iona, and these other places and Cities also Paterno, Transaco, Giagano, Avezzano, Magliano, and Celano, is under the title of a Count, a very rich and populous Country, from whose name this Lake was also called Celano. The River Giovento entreth into the said Lake, and runneth upon the water easily to be perceived, in such manner, that as it entreth in, and runneth upon it, so also it returns without mingling it self with it. In the said Lake was swallowed up the magnificent City Archippa, built by Marsia, King of the Lidi. Iohn Pontano declareth in his book de Magnificentia, that the Emperor Claudius maintained eleven years continually 30 thousand men to dam up this Lake, the which water Martia in his Edileship conveyed to Rome, and called it by his name, which was esteemed and commended before any other water that was brought thither; Martial besides makes mention of this Lake, saying, ‘Fucinus, & pigri taceantur stagna Neronis.’

Lusina is a Lake so called of Lusina, a City of Capitanata ▪ this Lake is distant from the said City little less then a mile,Plin. lib. 3. cap. 10. The Lake Lucrino, why it was so called. near to the which the River For [...]ore runneth into the Sea. This Lake is forty miles in compass, and by Pliny is called Lacus Pantanus, which breedeth excellent fishes.

Lucrino is a Lake near the Gulf of Bain, in Campania felix, directly against [Page] Pozzuolo, it is commonly called the Lake of Licola. This Lake Lucrino was fortified by Hercoles to keep his oxen he brought from Gerion: It was afterward much better amended and ordered by Agrippa. Strabo saith that he made it in that sort that boats might pass into it; some say that this Lake Lucrino was so called de Lucro, that is to say from the gain and commodity that arise of the fishes that are therein taken, and from this Lake there goeth a way to Averno. In this Lake Lucrino, there is plenty of Oysters, whereof Martial speaketh,

Non omnis laudem, preceumque Aurata meretur

Sed cui solus erit Concha Lucrina cibut.

And in another place saith,

Ebria Baiano veni modo Conca Lucrino

Nobile nunc sitio luxuriosa Garnum.

Pliny writeth in the 9 lib. cap. 8. that in the time of Augustus, there was a Dolphin in this Lake Lucrino, and that a poor mans son which daily went to school to Baia by Pozzuolo, The History of a Dolphin. seeing him, began to call him Simon, and very often with pieces of bread which he carried for this purpose, so inticed and allured him, whereupon the Dolphin grew greatly in love with him; by which means being called by the boy at any time whatsoever, though he were hid, and in the bottom of the Lake, nevertheless he would presently come and take the meat from the boys hand, and afterward suffer him to mount upon his back, laying down his sharp fin, and so take him up and carry him to Pozzuolo, playing with him through a great part of the water, and in like manner would return with him, and this he continued for many years, until the boy died; and the Dolphin coming to his accustomed place, and missing him, so lamented and sorrowed, till in the end he pined away; and also died with very grief.

The Lake of Patria is a very great Lake, and full of fish, and i [...] near to Linturno in Campania felix. On the right hand of the said Lake, not very far from the Sea is to be seen at this present, a Tower not very ancient, called Patrio, built upon the ruines of Linterno, The Sepulchre of Scipio Africano. which was the Town of Scipio Africano, for Ptolomeo, Pliny, and Mela, and Livio, placed Linterno between Vulturno and Cuma: Scipio Africano made choice to live rather in Linterno, as a voluntary exile, then to abide in Rome among such ungrateful people, because he had experience of that true Proverb, That a benefit is seldom rewarded but with ingratitude. Scipio dying,A Proverb. left in his Will, that this Epitaph should be ingraven upon his Tomb,

Devicto Hannibale capta Carthagine, & aucto

Imperio, hos cineres marmore tectus habes,

Cui non Europa, non obstitit Africa quondam

(Respice res hominum) quam brevis urna praemit.

The Lake Fondano, named Fandanus through the error of Pliny, instead of Fundanus, as the learned Barbaro noteth. The said Lake is in the Province of the Country of Lavoro, near Formia, and Villa Castello. There are very good fish had from this Lake, and especially great Eels.

The fame and report being every where spread, that S [...]ipio remained at Linterno, thither repaired certain notorious Pirats to visit and honour him,See the Elegy of Giovio in the life of Scipio Afr. drawn by the fame and renown of his many victories. By this clearly appears the force of vertue, how powerfull and puissant it is even amongst all people, that it inforceth not only the good to love it, but also the wicked and reprobate to honour and embrace it.

Salapia is a Lake in Pugli [...] Daunia, which is now called the Province of Capitanata:

The Lake Varrone, called in old time Gerne, lieth in the Province of Capitanata ▪ [Page] and is thirty miles in compass, where are these Cities, Cappino, Cognato, and Iscitella. The said Lake breedeth very good [...]ishes and Eels.

Of the WOODS.

AGnitia is a Wood which standeth near the City of Alba in the Territory of the Marsi, now called Abruzzesie, of it Virgil maketh mention in the seventh book.

The Wood Hami, called in old time Sacer Lucus, this sacred Wood is three miles distant from Cuma, a City of Campania felix. The said Wood, with the Temple standing upon a high Hill, was within a mile and half of the Baths of Tripergota; the which Hill was planted on every side with sumptuous buildings even to the top. Of this Hill Livy maketh mention in his third book ab urbe cond. saying that they sacrificed there in the night. We have written at large thereof in the book of the Antiquities of Pozzuolo, whereto I refer the Reader.

Lusilla is a Wood in length three miles, where are very goodly pastures for droves and heards of Cattle. It is distant from Lusilla two miles, and a little more from the ancient Lavo, called Laino, a City of Calauria on this side.

Daunia was in old time a very fair Wood all of Oaks, in the midst whereof was a stately Temple dedicated to Iupiter Dodon [...]o, whose Statue was very much honoured, because it revealed things by the means of a Pidgeon. This Wood stood in Puglia, and was so called of Dauno the son of Pilumno, and of Da [...]ao the Grandfather of Turnus, which ruled Puglia, the which Province was afterward called Daunia.

Sila, called for the excellency thereof, Sila Brettiana, is a very fair Wood, which contains 200 miles in compass, and standeth near Cosenza, a City of Calauria on this side; this famous Wood is not so hideous and loathsome in Winter, through the continual snow and ice, as it is pleasant and delightful in Summer, where the fresh air with delicate streams of water full of fish, the sundry parts in fowling and hunting, the infinite droves and heards of cattel which plentifully feed, represent in effect that which the Poets feign of their Arcadia. In this Wood are Trees which yield Pitch and excellent Turpentine, whereof Strabo in his 6 book thus saith, ‘Est Syla picis, ferax optime Brettiana dicta proceris arboribus & aquis recentibus r [...]ferta ad 97 longitudinis.’ Of this Sila, Virgil maketh mention in the 12 book, saying,

Ac velut ingenti Syla, summove Taburno.

Cum duo conversis inimica in praelia tauri

Frontibus incurrunt, pavidi cessere magistri

Stat pecus omne metu mutum, mussamque juvencae

Quis p [...]cori imperiet, quem tota armenta sequantur.

Dioscorides in his first book doth much commend the Pitch which comes from thence, and Galen also doth greatly praise it in his book de Antido. and in the 3 de copia medicamentorum, and in other places; it is also commended by Paulo Agineta in the third book de arte medendi, of Aetio in the fifteenth book of Pliny, Phil. lib. 14. Columella lib. 13. Vegetio. l 4. of Columella, of Vegetio, and of Scribonio an excellent Physician, which florished in the time of the Emperor Tiberius

Of the Mines in the Kingdom.

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In the Province of the Country of Lavoro, called in old time Campania felix.

IN the Isle of Ischia, called in old time Enaria, is a Mine of Gold, and of Alume, the which Bartholomeo Perdice Genoway found in the year 1465.

In the Territory of Pozzuolo is a Mine of Alume, of Brimstone, of Copper, of Iron, and of Saltpeter.

In the Territory of Sessa is a Mine of Gold and Silver.

In the Hill of Somma, called Vesevo, and Vesuvio, are Mines of Gold, Brimstone, and Alume.

In the Province of the Principality on this side.

In the Territory of Olibano is a Mine of Silver.

In the Province of the Principality on the other side.

In the Territory of Prata is a Mine of Gold and Silver.

In the Province of Abruzzo on this side.

In the Territory of Lietto Manupello, is a Mine of Pitch in the manner of Tarr, and is of the same operation that Pitch is, this was found in the year 1577.

In the Territory of the Country of Cantalupo, at the bottom of a Hill doth flow a certain Liquor called Petronical Oyle, which is very soveraigne and medicinable.

In the Province of the Country of Otranto.

In the Territory of the City of Matera, are Mines of Bolearmenick, and of a certain earth called by the Latinists terra Lennia, and terra Sacra, it is much commended by Galen, and many other Physitians, as an excellent remedy to heal wounds, and the bloudy flux, and pestilent diseases, and the biting of venomous creatures, and to preserve a man from poyson, and to vomit poyson already taken, and for other infirmities. There is also a Mine of natural and artificial Saltpeter.

In the Province of Calauria on this side.

In the Territy of the Country of Martorano, is a Mine of Steel.

In the Territory of the City of Cosenza, near the River Iovinio, are Mines of Gold, and Iron; and in a place commonly called Macchia germana, is a Mine of Gold, of Lead, and Brimstone; and a little farther in another place called Miliano, is a Mine of Salt and Alume.

In the Territory of Pietr [...] fitta, near the River Ispica, are Mines of Steel, Lead, and Salt.

In the Territory of the Country of Regina, are Mines of Alabaster, of Brimstone, and of Coperas.

In the Territory of the Country of Longobucco, are Mines of Silver, and Quicksilver.

In the Territory of Rossano are Mines of Salt, and of Alabaster, and the Marchesite stone.

In the Territory of Alto monte are Mines of Gold, of Silver, of Iron, and of Alabaster, and there grows Cristal, and there also mighty Hils of white salt.

In the Province of Calauria on the other side.

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In the Territory of the City of Regio are Mines of Alabaster, of Brimstone and Saltpeter.

In the Territory of the City of Taverna is a Mine of Antimonium, which is a stone of the colour of lead, and very brittle, like that which grows in Britany.

In the Territory of the Country of Agata is a Mine of Iron, and Steel, and of the Adamant stone.

In the Territory of Belforte, is a Mine of Gold, and of Iron, and there grows Coprass and Cristal.

In the Territory of Calatro is a Mine of Iron.

In the Territory of Belvedere are Mines of Silver, of Iron, of Brimstone, of Alume, of Salt, and of white and black Alabaster, and there grows a stone which shineth like Silver.

In the Territory of Soriano, is a Mine of Quicksilver.

In the Territory of Nicastro is a Mine of Quicksilver, and there are also goodly Hils of mixed Marble

In the Territory of Mesuraca is a Mine of Earth, which yields a colour called of Latinists Giluus.

In the City Cotrone grows a Thistle which yieldeth Mastick, and also it grows in Castrovillare, and in many other places of Calauria. And to conclude, Calauria is a very goodly Region, and yieldeth plenty of all good things.

The Castles and Forts of defence which are in the Kingdom of Naples, with the number of Souldiers which remain in every Guard, and their monthly pay.

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The names of the Castles | The number of souldiers | The pay, what it monthly imports
In Naples are these 3 Castles, |  | Duckets:
1. The new Castle. | 167 | 775.2.12
2. The Castle of Eramo. | 110 | 452.2.9
3. The Castle of Vovo. | 25 | 90.4.11
The Castle of Baia. | 69 | 233.0.13
The Castle of the Isle Ischia. | 34 | 116.
The Castle of Gaeta. | 86 | 322.3.3
The Castle of Capoa. | 51 | 200.1.13
The Castle of Aquila. | 53 | 197.1.13
The fortified Castle of Brindesi. | 56 | 175.3
The Castle of Leccie. | 54 | 201.1.13
The Castle of Otranto. | 86 | 144.1.13
The Castle of Civitella. | 94 | Duckets, 321.0.13
The Castle of Pesara. | 62 | 303.2.10
The Castle of Viesti. | 36 | 247.1.13 [...]
The Castle of Momfredonia. | 34 | 137.1.13
The Castle of Barletta. | 52 | 194.1.13
The Castle of Bary. | 28 | 118.1.13
The Castle of Monopoli. | 29 | 140.
The Castle of Brindesi. | 41 | 151.
The little Castle of Brindesi. | 63 | 223.4
The Castle of Cosenza hath only a Capt. with the pay of 10 crowns monthly | 1 | 10▪
[Page]The Castle of Gallipoli | 30 | Duckets: 125.1.13
The Castle of Taranto | 46 | 176.0.4
The Castle of Cotrone | 39 | 136.3.6
The Castle of Bi [...]eglia hath but only a Captain | 1 | 10
The Castle of St. Germano hath only a Captain with the allowance of 200 duckets yearly | 1 | 17
The Castle of Trani hath only a Captain with the pay of 10 crowns monthly | 1 | 10
In the Isle of Nis [...]ta the Court maintain [...]th a Ga [...]ison |  | Duckets.
The Fort of the City of Aman [...]e [...] maintaineth 6 souldiers | 6 | 20.4
The Fort of St. Cataldo maintain there | 6 | 262.
In the Isle of Tipare are two Gunners | 2 | 2

A CATALOGVE Of the Earls and Dukes of Puglia and Calauria; and of all the Kings of Naples, Normans, S [...]evi, Angioini, Durazzeschi, Aragonesi, Castilliani, & Austriaci.

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ALthough I have more at large written in another book of the lives of all the Kings which have ruled the Kingdom of Naples; but being now to speak of the same subject, I will handle every thing with as much brevity as may be, hoping that as it will be no small ornament to this work, so it will give no little contentment to the Reader.

It is then to be understood, that in the year of our Lord 987. the last year of the reign of Lewis the fifth King of France, avaliant Norman souldier, and of great magnanimity, called Tancred, having twelve sons which he had by two wives, that is to say, of Moriella Lucha his first wife, he had Frumentino, Gotfredo, Sarno, Tancred, Malugero, Dragone, Godfredo, and Alberedo; of the second wife, called Fresanda Rotaria, the daughter (or as some write) the sister of the Earl of Altavilla, he had Guglielmo Feraback, Vnfredo, Ruberto, Guiscard, and Ruggieri Bosso, with these twelve sons Tancred determined to seek out some new Country to inhabit, and to try some new and better fortune, with hope to find some other place to live better, and more richly, through his industry and wit; and coming into Italy, first arived in Romagna, and perceiving that Landolfo Prince of Salerno, was much opprest through the excursions and outroads of the Saracins, sent in his aid six of his sons, who being well provided by the Prince, both of horse and arms, in three battels wherein they incountred the enemy, made an admirable slaughter of them, whereupon they returned as it were in triumph to Salerno, and were by the Prince and all the people received, and with much intreaty were sollicited to remain in that Court. But they declaring that what they did was not for any human pomp, nor for any other end but the service of God, refusing all gifts, returned to their own habitation. But within a few years following, there fell certain controversies between Pandolfo of St. Agata, and Guaimaro Prince of Salerno, Pandolfo sent Ambassadors into Romagno, requesting Guglielmo, Dragone and Vmfrido, three sons of Tancred, with many promises and offers to serve under his pay; which that he might the better do, in the manner of another Narsetes, sent them [Page] not only rich furniture for horses, and costly apparel for themselves, but great store of money. These worthy men made no delay to come to the Prince Pandolfo, through whose assistance the enemy being foild, was forced with shame and sorrow to retire; but Pandolfo being brutish and ungratefull, made no great account of them, which they perceiving, for this cause, the time of their service being expired, took part with Guaimaro, who by their worthy deeds, in a short time recovered much. Through these famous atchieuments the Normans gained the reputation of valiant Warriers with every one. In the mean time died Tancred their Father, which was Earl of Altavilla, the which Count descending to Gugli [...]lmo Ferrabach his eldest son, omitted no time to go into Normandy to take possession thereof, where after he had setled the affairs of his State, returned afterward into Italy, bringing with him no less then fifteen thousand Normans into Romagna, and in process of time got not only the dominion thereof, but also the most part of Tuscan.

Things resting in this manner▪ the Saracins possest all Sicilia, and Sardinia, and many times did much prejudice the Coast of Italy, The Saracius possess Sicilia. whereupon Pope Sergio the 4 fearing, and much suspecting they would overrun all Italy, demanded aid of Guglielmo Ferabach. Guglielmo through the perswasion of the Pope, went in this expedition with eleven thousand of his souldiers, together with Maniace, Captain of Michele Paslagone the Greek Emperor, to the recovery of Sicilia, and with much valour and courage expeld the Saracins▪ out of all the [...]sle; but Maniace not observing the agreement, that what was gotten should be equally divided between them, Farabache growing wrathfull, past with his Normans into Puglia, making a mighty slaughter, subdued the greasted part, and finding a fit and secure place builded the City of Melsi in a difficult place, and well fortified by nature. The which Maniace understanding, came upon him with a strong Army; but Ferabach braving the enemy, which besieged him, being wearied with travel,Ferabach maketh Warr with the Greek [...]. came out against them, and encountring them, gave them a mighty overthrow near the River of Lofonte in Puglia, the Normans remaining Conquerors, and so rich both of reputation and spoil, mounted mightily in state, indeavouring both by might, and other Military means to obtain other places and Cities in Puglia, the which atchieuments succeeding with so great felicity to the Normans, it followed that all Puglia came into the possession of the said Guglielmo, who through his valiant acts, had the name of Ferabach, that is to say, strong-arm, of which dominion he afterward took the title of an Earl. Afterward Guglielmo died in the year of our Lord 1042. and because he left no child,

Guglielmo Ferabach Count of Puglia.

The death of Guglielmo 1042 [...], Count of Puglia.

his brother Dragone succeeded in the County, which was Lord of Venosa, who had at his beginning a great overthrow by Melo, Captain of the Greek Emperor, and lost a great part of Puglia; but being aided by Guaimaro, Prince of Salerno, he oftentimes fought with the Greeks, without any advantage; yet in the end in a great conflict he overthrew and dissolved the Greek Army, and not only recovered that which he had first lost, but also got many Castles and Holds, which the enemies possest upon the Sea-coast of Puglia. At this time the Emperor Henry the second came into Italy, and having pacified the affairs of the Church, went into the Kingdom, and confirmed to Dragone the County of Puglia, from whom he received not only much money, but had also the best and fairest horses that were in all the Kingdom.The Count of Puglia consumed by the Emperor Henry the 2 to Dragone. 1051. Vm [...]rid [...] Count of Puglia. Anno. 57. Baielardo, Count of Puglia. Roberto Guiscard ▪ Count of Puglia.

The Emperor departing Italy, the Earl Dragone moved the Beneventani to War, and in two battels which he made, his Army was overthrown, and he flying, was slain by the enemies. His brother Humfrido took the possession of the Earldom, at which time Guaimaro Prince of Salerno was cruelly murdered by his own people, and his son was made Prince, with the help of the Normans, which the said Count laboured with long War; in the end the Count ill demeaning himself with the Pugliesi, was for his cruel nature slain in the year 1057. Baielardo his son succeeded in his fathers Dominion, the which being chased away in the same year by Ruberto Guiscard his uncle, this Ruberto became the fourth Earl of Puglia, who being a valiant man at arms, and of a great spirit, suddenly besieged Reggio, and having taken it, went with prosperous victory subduing other parts and Cities of Calauria to his dominion. Afterward he returned into Puglia, took Troia, [Page] and in such manner never rested, taking from hand to hand many Cities, and brought all the Normans of that Country under his Empire;Ruberto Guiscard attributeth to himself the title of Duke of Puglia and Calauria. and being fully resolved to continue no longer an Earl, with a general consent caused himself to be called Duke of Puglia and Calauria. At this present Nicholas the second, Bishop of Rome, being much incumbred with the Roman Barons, came in the year 1 [...]59. to the Parlament with Guiscardo, in the City of Aquila, and Guiscard having with much humility adored the Pope, made peace with him, and restored unto him the City of Benevento, Nocolas the 2 Bishop of Rome, came to the Parlament with Guis [...]a [...]do, an. 1059. and all other places that he had belonging to the Church, for the which the Pope not only received him into grace and favour, but confirmed and invested him with the Title of Duke of Puglia and Calauria. The which act was registred and confirmed with a solemn Oath, and so Ruberto was now made a Vassal and Liegeman of the Church. Sigonio writeth two Acts of the Oath which Ruberto at this present made to the Pope,Robert Guiscard invested with the Dukedom of Puglia and Calauria. the one to pay the yearly tribute, the other loyalty and homage, the which two Acts I thought good to insert in this place, to the end the Reader may know how the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction began in the Kingdom of Naples:

The first is in this sort.

The oath of loyalty and homage of Duke Robert [...].

Ego Robertus Dei gratia, & St. Petri Dux Apuliae, & Calabriae, & utroque subveniente futurus Siculis ad confirmationem traditionis, & ad recognitionem fidelitatis de terra S. Petri, promitto me quotannis pro unoquoque jugo boum pensionem duodecim denariorum Papiensium persoluturum B. Petro, & tibi D. meo Nicolao Papae, & omnibus successoribus tuis, aut tuis, aut tuorum successorum nunciis ad S. Resurrectionem obligans me, & meos haeredes, sive successores tibi, & successoribus tuis. Sic me Deus adjuvet, &c.

The second is thus: ‘Ego Robertus Dei, & S. Petri gratia Dux Apuliae, & utroque subveniente futurus Siciliae ab hinc in posterum fidelis [...]ro S. Romanae Ecclesiae, & Apostolicae Sedi, & D. meo Nicolao Papae.The second oath. Neque ero auctor, aut adjutor, ut vitam, aut membrum amittas, aut capiaris mala captione, consilium quod mihi credideris, & ne enunciem imperaris, non enunciabo in tuum detrimentum sciens S. Romanae Ecclesiae ubique adjutor ero ad tenenda, & acquirenda regalia S. Petri, ejusque possessiones pro viribus meis contra homines, & adjuvabo te, ut securè, & honorifice tenens Pontificatum Romanum, terramque S. Petri▪ Et Principatum nec invadere, nec subigere tentabo, nec praedari contendam sine tua, tuorumque successorum licentia. Pensionem de terra S. Petri, quam ego teneo, aut tenebo, sicut statutum est, recta fide studebo, ut quotannis Ecclesiae Romanae persolvam, omnes Ecclesias, quae in mea consistunt ditione cum earum possessionibus in tua potestate dimittam, & defensor ero earum ad fidelitatem Romanae Ecclesiae. Et si tu, vel tui successores antè me ex hac vita decesserint, pro ut monitus fuero à primis Cardinalibus, clericis, & laicis Romanis, opem feram, ut Pontifex erigatur, & ordinetur ad honorem S. Petri. Haec omnia suprascripta servabo S. R. Ecclesiae, & tibi & successoribus tuis ad honorem S. Petri ordinatis, qui mihi firmaverint investituram à te mihi concessam. Sic me Deus adjuvet, &c.’

Afterward by commandment of the Pope, Ruberto went with his Army against the Roman Barons, and never ceased untill he had subdued them all, and made them obedient to the Pope. Having then a purpose to expell the Saracins out of Sicilia, made many progresses into that Isle, took Messina, surprised Rimeto, built in the Valley of Demona, the Castle of St. Mark; and from hence returning into the Country of Otranto ▪ took Taranto by assault, four years after it was besieged, through the faction of Argirizo of Bari, returned again into Sicilia, and with a puissant Army besieged Palermo, the which City when he had taken, committed the Government of that Isle to his brother Ruggieri Bosso, determined for a difference risen between him and the Prince Gisulfo his brother in law,P [...]terno taken by Robert Guiscard. to subdue Salerno, whereupon with a mighty siege he begirt the said City, into the which he entred by a breach in the Wall, and easily obtained it, as he had done many other places, and so became Lord of Salerno in the year 1076. and without any delay followed the conquest of the rest of Campania, Salerno taken by Guiscardo in the year 1076. and forsomuch as he had an ingenious and deep conceit, took advantage by the dissention and ill government of the Grecian Princes, purposing to make war upon them, because many years before they attended [Page] no other thing but the chasing and dispossessing the one the other. Then he past the Sea with an Army of 15 thousand [...]ighting men, and meeting with the Army of Alessio, gave him a mighty overthrow. Not long after Pope Gregory the 7 being afflicted with cruel war by the Emperor, Henry the 4. requested aid of Ruberto Guiscardo, and for to induce him the rather to his desire, they met together at Aquino, and after at Ceperano, and there the Pope confirmed to Roberto the same things which Nicholas the second, and Pope Alexander had first granted unto him. And so Roberto was again made a Liegeman of the Church,Pope Gergory the 7 con [...]emed to Ruberto the Dukedom of Puglia and Calauria. and took his Oath in this manner, ‘Ego Robertus Apuliae Calabriae & Siciliae Dux, post [...]ac ero fidelis tibi Domino meo Gregorio Pontifici, neque auctor ero, aut operam dabo, ut vitam, aut membrum amittas, aut dolo malo capiaris consilium, quod mihi communicaveris, in tui damnum sedens non enunciabo. S. Romanam Ecclesiam. & te adjuvabo, ut teneas, acquiras, & desendas regalia Sancti Petri, ejusque, possessiones pro meis viribus contra omnes homines, praeter partem Firmanae, Marchiae, & Salernum, & Amalsim de quibus adhuc non est decretum, & adjuvabo te, ut tutò, & honorificè teneas Pontificatum. Terram S. Petri, quam nunc tenes, vel habiturus es, post quam sciero tuae esse potestatis, nec invadere, nec acquirere conabor, nec praedari audebo, sine tuo, tuorumque successorum permisit: pensionem de terra S. Petri quam ego teneo, aut tenebo, quot annis bona side persolvam S. Romanae Ecclesiae, omnes ecclesias, quae in ejus sunt ditione, tuae potestati dimittam, easque desendam. Si tu, aut sucdessores tui ante me ex vita ingraverint, pro ut monitus fuero auxilio ero, ut Pontifex eligatur, & ordinetur.’

Guiscardo having finished his saying, Gregory thus replyed,

Ego vero Gregorius Pontifex investa [...]e Roberte de terra S. Petri, quam tibi concesserunt antecessores mei Nicolaus & Alexander.The investing made by Pope Gregory. De illa autem terra quam injuste tenes, Salernum dico, & Amalsim, & partem Marchiae Firmanae, nunc te putienter sustin [...]o in considentia Dei omnipotentis, & tuae bonitatis, ut tu postea ad honorem S. Petri ita te geras, sicut & te gerere, & me suscipere decet sine periculo animae tuae, & meae. Presently Ruberto answered in this manner,

Ego Robertus Dux ad confirmationem traditionis, & recognitionem fidelitatis, de omni terra, quam ego teneo propriè sub Domino meo, promitto, me quotannis pro unoquoque jugo boum pensionem duodecim denariorum Papiensium soluturum B. Petro, & tibi Domino meo Gregorio Pontifici, & omnibus successoribus tuis, aut tuis, aut successorum tuorum nunciis, ubi dies Sanctae Domini Resurrectionis advenerit.

Within a while after the Emperor Henry begirt Pope Gregory with a very dangerous siege, the which Guis [...]ardo understood, being in Grecia with one part of his Army, leaving the other to his son Boemund, came with all celerity to relieve the Pope, and entring in by the port del popolo, drove the Emperor away by force,Ruberto delivereth Pope Gregory being besieged. & deliver'd the Pope from the siege, and conveyed him to Montecasino, and afterward to Salerno, where he liv'd the remnant of his life. Guiscard afterward returned to his enterprises beyond the sea, where having done many worthy exploits beseeming a most valiant Prince, died in Corfu of Grecia the year of our Lord 1085. in the month of Iuly, being 62 years of age, his body was afterward conveyed into Italy, and buried in the City of Venosa in Apulia. Ruberto was of a high spirit, provident,The death of Duke Ruberto Guiscardo an. 1085. and very ingenious, whereupon he was called by the Normans for his sirname, Guiscardo, which signifieth subtile and witty. He had successively three wives, the first was Albereda, sister to the Prince of Capoa, which brought him Ruberto, who died young, and Boemundo. Sigelaica his second wife, sister to the Prince of Salerno, by whom he had Ruggieri, Sivardo, and Eria. Of his third wife, named Isabella, the daughter of Vgone, the first of this name, King of Cypris, he had not any child. After the death of Ruberto, Boemundo his eldest son was altogether imployed in the war which he had in Grecia; in the mean time Ruggiero his younger brother, with great cunning,Ruggieri the Norman, Duke of Apulia and Calauria. took upon him the Government of the Dukedom of Apulia and Calauria, and obtained of Pope Vrban the second, the confirmation of the State, in the Councel which was held in the City of Troia, the which Boemund understanding, came with his Army to drive him away; but forune offered him the opportunity of a more glorious enterprise, forsomuch as in he Councel held in France, in Chiaromonte of Alvernia, the voyage beyond the [Page] Sea to recover the Sepulchre of Christ from the hands of the infidels was made manifest, whether went so many Christian Barons, French, Germans, and Englishmen; Boemond being of a generous mind, and full of magnanimity, animated by emulation of the glory of so many honourable men which went in this noble enterprise, leaving all things to his brother, went with these to the Conquest of the Holy Land, where having streightly besieged Antiochia, took it, and was therefore by the general consent of the Army,Boemund created Prince of Antiochia. for that enterprise, made Prince, and Earl of Tripoli: he afterward married Constance, the eldest daughter of Philip King of France, which brought him a son named Boemund, which succeeded in the said Principality.

But returning to Ruggieri, who having held the Dukedom of Calauria and Apulia 25 years,

Ruggieri died in the year 1110.

VVilliam the Norman, Duke of Apulia and Calauria in the year 111 [...]. Ruggieri, Count of Sicilia, the son of Ruggieri Bosso, possesseth the Dukedom of Puglia and Calauria.

An. 1123. The death of Duke William.

died in the year 1110. and left William his eldest son, his heir, born of Adelandra his wife, daughter of Robert Frisone Earl of Flanders. This Duke William peaceably possest his State, and made Pope Galasio his special friend, by whom he was invested in the said Dukedome of Apulia and Calauria in the year 1118. The year following the Duke thinking to marry the daughter of Iohn Comneno, Emperor of Constantinople, being promised unto him, imbarked himself to go thither, and committing the tuition of his State to Pope Calisto the second. In the mean time the year 1123. Ruggieri Earl of Sicilia his Nephew, the sonne of the aforesaid Ruggieri Bosso, following so fit an oportunity, nothing esteeming the Pope, invaded Calauria, and before the Pope could well bethink himself how to relieve it, he had got the possession of all Calauria and Apulia.

The Duke William being deceived, and returned without his wife, retired himself to the Prince of Salerno his kinsman, where not long after, without leaving any issue, he died in the year 1127.

The Kings of NAPLES.

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Ruggieri 1. King of Naples.

RVGGIERI by force of arms, and by the right of inheritance, being Lord of so great a State,An 11 [...]8. with whose power the Pope Honorius the second being not able to contend, made peace with him, and received of him an Oath of Loyalty and homage, and so created him Duke of Apulia and Calauria. The said Act was solemnly done and registred in Troia, a City of Puglia, in the year 1128.Ruggieri entituleth himself King of Italy. Afterward Ruggieri began War with the Prince of Capoa, and so afflicted him, that in the end he usurped his Principality, but growing proud with this great prosperity, would be no longer called Duke of Apulia and Calauria, and Earl of Sicilia, Innocent the [...] warreth upon Ruggieri. but entituled himself King of Italy; the which thing Honorius seemed to dissemble; but Innocentio the second which succeeded him, could not by any means indure, being moved with rage, without measuring otherwise his strength,

Duke Ruggieri besieged in the Castle Galluccio.

Ruggieri delivered from the siege.

raised a sudden tumultuous Army, and with all expedition and violence came against Ruggieri, which knew nothing of that preparation, that he chaced him from St. Germano, and through all the Country of Abadia, and besieged him being within the Castle Galluccio, above Sessa, where flying, was forced to retire back again. The other William, son of the besieged Ruggieri understanding thereof, with great celerity came to relieve his father, and did a very admirable exploit, in breaking their forces, and taking the Pope prisoner, with many Cardinals,The City of Naples given by the Bishop to Duke Ruggieri. and at the same instant delivering his father from the siege. Ruggieri through his great courtesie and reverence used to the Pope, obtained without the Title of King, particularly the City of Naples, which till this time had been under the Greek Empire. Ruggieri perceiving the good will of the Neopolitans, created 150 Knights. Innocentio being set at liberty, returned to Rome, and found that in his absence had been created one Pietro an Ante-Pope, the son of Pier Leone, a very powerfull and factious Citizen of Rome, which was called Anacleto the second.Ruggieri created King of both the Ci [...]ilies An▪ 1130. Innocentio having no doubt thereof, with the help of the Pisani, past into France. Ruggieri went to Benevento, and visited Anacleto, and obtained the Title and Crown of King of both the Sicilies, which was done the 25 of Iuly 1130. and was the first that in this part of Italy had the Title of King,Sig [...]nius in his [...] book of Histories An 1130. and was made a Liegeman and Vassal of the Church,: the which Instalment (as Sigonius noteth) was the same that the aforesaid Pope Innocentio afterward confirmed in the year 1139. declaring him [Page] lawfull King of Sicilia, Duke of Apulia and Calauria, and Prince of Capoa ▪

The death of King Ruggieri, anno 1153. Ruggieri having performed many noble enterprises, died in the year 1153. being 59 years of age, his body was laid in a Costly and stately Tomb of Porphery in the Church of Monreale of Palermo, where these Verses are ingraven,

Si fastus homines, si regna, & slemmata ludunt,

Non legum, & recti sit norma Rogerius ist is

Est lusus rebus, comite à quo nomine natus

Virtutem his splendor situs diademàque Regum,

Vixit ann. LIX. Regnavit an. XXIII.

Menses V. obiit an. MCLII.

Ruggieri had four wives, the first was Airolda, the daughter of the Earl of Caserta; the second was called Albira, daughter of the King of Spain; the third named Sibilla, sister of the Duke of Burgony; the fourth was called Bettrice, which was the daughter of the Earl of Resta; of his two first wives he had not any children, Sibilla brought him Ruggieri, which was Duke of Apulia and Amalso, and Guglielmo which was Prince of Capoa and Salerno, which died both in their fathers time. Of Bettrice his last wife he had William, Prince of Taranto, which was afterward King of Naples, and a daughter named Constance, who by the advice and Councel of the Abbot Giachimo Calaures, the King put her into a religious house of Nuns. He had a base son called Tancredi, who was Earl of Leccie, and King of Naples.

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William the wicked, the 2. King of Naples.

WILLIAM, called by his sirname the wicked William, the first begotten son of Ruggiero his father,An. 1153. William excommunicated by Adrian the 4. succeeded in the Kingdom, and in the beginning of his State usurped by force of arms Ceperano with the Suburbs of Benevento, and Banco, with other places belonging to the Church; for which cause he was excommunicated by Pope Adrian the fourth, and deprived also of the title of King, and discharged his subjects of [Page] their obedience towards him. William conceiving a most violent hatred against the Pope, raised a mighty Army with a purpose to go for Rome, but being for his perverse nature hated of his Barons, many of them rebeld against him, and called the Pope into the Kingdom.The Pope is called into the Kingdom. The which was the occasion that William changed his purpose, and converted his fury against the Prince of Capoa which had been the Author of that conspiracy. The Pope which saw all the Kingdom in Arms, with admirable celerity made a mighty Army pass to Benevento, and without any resistance took a great part of the Kingdom, by the which victory the Barons which called him, did swear unto him loyalty and homage. William understanding that Emanuel, Emperor of Constantinople, and Frederick Barbarossa, the first Emperor of Germany, made expedition to aid the Pope, therefore he thought it his best way to be reconciled with the Church, sent an honourable Ambassage to the Pope, wherein much humbling himself, desired to be restored to the grace and favour of the Church, and possession of his Kingdom, and promised to restore whatsoever he wrongfully detained from the Church.William maketh peace with the Pope The Pope willing to extinguish the War, went to Benevento, and expected William, who prostrate at the Popes feet, desired absolution, and took an Oath of Loyalty and homage, and first restoring whatsoever he had taken from the Church, was invested in the Kingdom the year 1156. William afterward lived alwaies in peace with the Church, but was ever much troubled and molested by his Barons, and hated of the people, and sirnamed for his evil conditions, William the wicked. He departed this life the year of our Lord 1167. and lived 47 years, and in the principal Church of Palermo, near his fathers Tomb was buried. He had by his wife Margarite the daughter of Garzia, the second King of Navar, Ruggieri, Anno 1156. which was proclaimed King by the Sicilians. William Prince of Taranto, which succeeding in the Kingdom, was called William the good, and Henry Prince of Capoa.

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William the good, 3. King of Naples.

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WILLIAM Prince of Taranto, called the good, as differing from his father, was after his death Crowned King at eleven years of age,Anno 1167. and presently pardoned all those which had been Rebels to his father, and took away all the grievances imposed by him upon the people; defended alwaies the affairs of the Roman Church, against whosoever sought to molest it; and especially in the time when the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa strongly besieged Pope Alexander the 3: within Anagni. Whereupon Alexander ignorant of the coming of William, not only with great courage and stoutness maintained the Pontifical dignity, but many times foiled the Imperial Army. But being afterward perswaded by Philip King of France to retire with his honour from the said siege, had from King William a Gally, which for that purpose he had secretly sent, wherein he being imbarked with certain of his Cardinals, went to Clarimont in France, for his better security, where he excommunicated and deprived the said Frederick of the Empire, and aggravated likewise the censure against Octavian the false usurping Pope.

William strongly armed himself both for Sea and Land against Andronico the Emperor of Constantinople, for the injuries done in Italy. He afterward defended the City of Tire, and with his Navy foiled the Forces of Salandine, and afterward cleared the Sea from Rovers:

And this good King having honourably ended all his actions, after he had reigned 21 years, and lived 32. died in Palermo in the year of our Lord 1188. his body with great honour, Ione his wife, sister to King Richard of England, caused to be laid in a Tomb of Marble, curiously wrought and embossed, upon which caused this inscription to be ingraven. ‘Hic situs est bonus Rex Gulielmus:’ The said Sepulchre being ruinated and spoiled through the injury of time, hath newly been very magnificently repaired and renewed with fair Marble by the Archbishop of Torres, where this new Epitaph is to be read.

In [...]lita quas verbis, sapientum turba recenset

Virtutes solus factis, hic praestitit omnes,

[Page]Egregius quare bonus est cognomine dictus

Vtque bonus magno longe est praestantior illo.

Major Alexandro sic Rex Guillielmus habetur,

Artibus ipse etenim pacis, bellique fuisti,

Clarus, ut semper justa, ac pia bella gerebas,

Sic quoque laeta tibi semper victoria parata est:

Et nunc ne vilis, jaceas Rex optime, praesul,

Te decurat tumulo hoc Ludovicus Torrius

Hoc ipso in templo quod tu Guillelme dicasti.

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Tancred the 4. King of Naples.

TANCRED Earl of Leccie, the natural son of King Ruggieri, Anno 1138. and Unkle to the good William, was by the death of his Nephew, which had not any child, created King of both the Sicilies in the year 1188: Pope Celestine the third being desirous to bring the Kingdom under the jurisdiction of the Church,

Henry the 6. Emperor, by some called the 5. Constance a nun, given for wise to the Emperor, Henry the 6. The coronation of the Emperor Henry, & Constance, an. 11 [...]1. [...]ples besieged.

The death of Ruggieri, the son of King Tancred.

as feuditory of the Apostolick Sea, invested in the year 1191. Henry the sixth Emperor, the son of Frederick Barbarossa, with these conditions, That he should recover at his own charge the Kingdom of the two Sicilies, with acknowledging the Church, and to pay the accustomed Tribute; and to the end it might seem more colourable, and be the better done, he gave under a pretence of Inheritance, as a dowry for his wife Constance, the lawfull and natural daughter of the aforesaid Ruggieri, whom secretly he caused to be brought from the Arch-Bishop of Palermo, from the Monastery of St. Mary, in the City aforesaid, where she was Abesse, being now 52 years of age, very unfit for the procreation of children, dispensing with her, although she had been a profest Nun, and Crowned them in Rome, of both the Sicilies in the year 1191.

The first thing then which Henry did, he went to besiege Naples; but in the beginning of the third month, the Plague growing very hot, he returned into Germany without any more adoe. The Emperors Army being departed Italy, Tancred having recovered his Kingdom at the same time, among these affairs, his [Page] son Ruggieri died, which was also Crowned and proclaimed King, and had married Irene, King Tancred died in the year 1194. the daughter of the Emperor Isacio; and within a little while after him, Tancred his father, conceiving so passionately the death of his son, growing grievously sick, died. His body was buried in the principal Church of Palermo, and in the same Tomb they laid his son Ruggieri. Tancred departed this life in the end of the month of December, the year of our Lord 1194. having reigned little more then eight years. He left behind him three daughters, and one son called William, The wife and children of Tancred. whom Sibilla his mother caused instantly to be crowned King of Sicilia.

The Emperor Henry understanding of the death of Tancred, pretending that the Kingdom appertained to him,The Emperor Henry entreth the Kingdom, and taketh it. as before is recited, returned from Germany in the year 1195. and with a mighty Army entred the Kingdom of Naples, which he finding full of civil discord, easily obtained without the loss of much bloud, and took prisoner Magarito, King of Albania, which was come thither in the aid of Tancred. He had afterward Sibilla in his hands, the late wife of Tancred, The wife and children of Tancred made prisoners. together with his son William, and three daughters, that is to say Alteria, Constanza, and Modonia, and sent them all prisoners into Germany, and afterward caused William to be gelded, to the end he should be unable to beget children, and afterward blinded him, and then released the said daughters. Alteria was married to the Earl Gualtiero of Brenna, son of the Earl Girardo of Brenna, and brother of Iohn of Brenna, which was afterward King of Ierusalem. Modonia was married with Iohn Sforza, Frangipane, a Roman Lord, which was Earl of Tricarico. Constanza was the wife of Pietro Ziano, Earl of Arba, and Duke of Venice, who being old, with the consent of his said wife, became a Munk of the Order of St. Benedict, which was in the year 1229.

Thus ended the ancient and noble masculin race of the Norman Guiscards, in the Kingdom of Naples and Sicilia, which from the time of William Ferabach continued 188 years, and governed the Kingdom of Naples and Sicilia, with much honour and renown.

SVEVI.

Henry the Suevian, sixth Emperor, and fifth King of Naples.

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HENRY the Emperor having extinguished the male-issue and progeny of the Normans,Anno 1195. and remained absolute Lord of both the Sicilies, caused Frederick his son to be Crowned by the Electors of the Empire, King of Germany. Afterward purposing better to establish the affairs of the Kingdom of Naples, sent thither a Lieutenant one of his Barons called Marqueredo d' Amenueder, whom within a few months following he created Duke of Ravenna, and Romagna, and Marquiss of Ancona; and at the same tine gave to Philip Duke of Suevia his brother, the Dukedom of Toscane, with the Lands of the Countess Mattilda. So Henry being carefull to range his Army to invade England, for certain hatreds conceived against Richard the first King of that Land, altered his mind in Messina, through his delight in hunting, being in the time of Harvest, whereupon the Feaver growing grievously upon him, ended his life the 8 of May, in the year 1197 having ruled the Empire 9 years,Henry the Emperor [...] in the year 1197. and governed in peaceable possession the Kingdom of Naples and Sicilia four years and one month. His body with the stately pomp of solemn obsequies, was buried in the Church of Monreale in Palermo, in whose sumptuous Tumb of Porphyrie is ingraven this Epitaph.

Imperio adjecit Siculos Henricus utrosque,

Sextus Suevorum candida progenies.

Qui monacham sacris uxoris duxit ab aris,

Pontificis scriptis hic tumulatus inest

Imperavit an. 9 men. 1. obiit Messanae

Anno 1197.

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Frederick 2. Emperor, and 6. King of Naples.

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FREDERICK the second Emperor, the son of the aforesaid Henry, succeeded in the Kingdom of Naples and Sicilia, and because he was a child,An. 1197. The coronation of Frederick the 2 Emperor, an. 1198. and but three years of age, Constanza his mother, caused him to be Crowned King of both the Sicilies, and with him, in his name began to govern the Kingdom, and had the enstalment of the Kingdom from Pope Innocent the third, in the year 1198. Frederick being of perfect age, married Iola, the only daughter of Iohn Count of Brenna, and of Mary the daughter of King Conrado of Montferrato, and for her dowry among other things, had the title and the right of the Kingdom of Ierusalem, and hereupon Frederick, and all the rest which succeeded in the Kingdom of Naples, were called Kings of Ierusalem. Why the Kings of Naples are intitled Kings of Ierusalem, Anno 1220. In the year 1220. two years after his Coronation of the Empire, Frederick being in grace and favour with the Pope Honorius the third, and with the Church, made and published in Rome that Law which beginneth, Ad decus seu nos Fredericus, the which Law is registred in the book of the feuds, under the Title De statutis, & consuetudinibus contra libertatem Ecclesiarum, the which Law the said Pope confirmed and approved.A Law made by Frederick. Frederick also made at the same time the constitutions of the Kingdom, which afterward the learned Doctor Afflitto expounded. Frederick having ordered his affairs in Germany, went in the time of Gregory the 9 into Soria, Frederick the Emperor crowned King of Ierusalem, An. 1229. and after much wars, made peace with Salandine for 10 years, and for that cause had Ierusalem, and all the Kingdom thereof, except a few certain Castles, whereupon on Easterday in the year 1229. he took the Crown of that Kingdom in the City of Ierusalem. Afterward there grew between him and Pope Honorius great discord, because he took upon him to bestow the Bishopricks in Sicilia, and Frederick pretending he might lawfully do it, and dispose at his own pleasure by reason of a Bull,Discord between the Pope and the Emperor Frederick. which by Pope Vrban the second was granted to Ruggieri the Norman, concerning the Monarchy of the said Isle, the Pope misliking the presumption and ostentation of Frederick, excommunicated him, and deprived him of the Empire and the Kingdom, the which censure Pope Innocent the fourth confirmed in the year 1245. Frederick lived five years after in continual trouble and vexation, and at length having ruled the Empire 33 years, and [Page] the Kingdom of Naples and Sicilia 51. and that of Ierusalem 28. died of an infirmity that grew in his throat, the 13 of December, in the year 1250. in the Castle of F [...]orentino in Apulia, having lived 54 years.The death of the Emperor Frederick. Manfred his base son caused his body to be carried with great pomp and honour into Sicilia, to the stately Church of Monreale in Palermo, and there buried him in a sumptuous Tomb of Porphiry, whereupon these Verses were ingraven.

Qui mare, qui terras, populos, & regna subegit,

Caesareum fregit subito mors improba nomen,

Sic jacet, ut cernis Fredericus in orbe secundus,

Nunc lapis hic totus, cui mundus parvit arcet.

Vixit an. 54. Imperavit an. 33.

Regni Hierusalem an. 28.

Regnorum utriusque Siciliae 5 [...].

Oblit an. Domini 1250.

He left of six wives which he had, many children; of the first, which was Constance of Aragon, The wife and children of the Emperor Frederick. the sister (or as others write) the daughter of Don Ferdinando King of Castile, he had Conrado, which died young. Henry and Giordiano; Henry was King of the Romans, who in the year 1236. he put to death because he favoured the Popes faction. Of Iola his second wife, the daughter of Iohn of Brenna King of Ierusalem, he had Conrado, which was Emperor of Germany, and afterward King of Naples. Of Agnese his third wife, the daughter of Otho Duke of Moravia, he had not any children. Of Ruthina the fourth wife, the daughter of Otho Earl of Vvolfferzhausen, he had Frederick, which died in his infancy. Of Elizabeth his fift wife, the daughter of Lewis Duke of Bavaria, he had Agnese, which was married to Conrado the Landtgrave of Turingia. Of Matilda his last wife, daughter of Iohn of England, he had Henry, which was King of Sicilia, and Constance, who was married to Lewis the Landtgrave of Nescia; Frederick had also by Blanca Anglana of Aquosana his concubine, these children, Manfred Prince of Taranto, and usurper of Naples, Enzo King of Sardinia, Anfisio, of whom he made small account, and Frederick Prince of Antiochia. Of daughters he had Ann, which was married very young to Iohn Dispote of Romania. The natural children of the Emperor Frederick. Of Henry, and of Margarite the daughter of Lupoldo Duke of Austria, was born Frederick, which was Duke of Austria, and Henry. Of Conrado and of Elizabeth the daughter of Otho Duke of Bavaria, came Coradine, which coming to the conquest of the Kingdom, was taken by Charls of Angio King of Naples, and beheaded. Of Manfred his natural son, which married Helena the daughter of Michel Dispote of Romania, came Henry, Godfrey, Aufisio, and Elena.

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Conrado the 4. Emperor, and 7. King of Naples.

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CONRADO the son of Frederick understanding the death of his father,Anno 1251. came with a great Army into the Kingdom, and was received with great joy and honour by Manfred, in Barletta of Apuglia; and being informed that Naples, Capoa Aquino, and the whole Abby of St. Germano, were become Rebels through the instigation of the Earl of Caserta, and dinoted to the Church, conceived thereat so great indignation and ire, that with his Army he wasted and overrun the Country, and made Tomaso Earl of Cerra to come and submit himself to his mercy, and had by agre [...]ment St. Germano, and all the State of the Earl of Caserta. He afterward besieged Capoa, and having spoiled and destroyed all the Country, took the City, and threw the Walls thereof to the ground: he did the like to Aquino, the which he sacked and burned.Capoa, Naples, and Aquino t [...] ken by the Emperor Conrado. Afterward he besieged Naples both by Sea and Land, and after eight months had it by agreement; but they not observing their Covenants, he caused afterward the Walls to be ruinated, and the Fortresses of the City, and many Noble houses of Gentlemen and Citizens he banished. Conrado having Naples, at the same instant had the rest of the Kingdom. He now remaining in peaceable state, and given to his pleasures, being inhumane and of a cruel nature, caused Henry his Nephew to be slain upon the high-way, the son of Henry, Henry slain. King of the Romans, which was come from Sicilia to visit him. But that revenge was not long delayed, for Manfred his natural brother, which endeavoured by all means to become King, with a poysoned potion upon a light occasion kil'd him, which was in the year 1254. and the 3 of Iune, having held the Empire 3 years and 5 months,the death of Conrado. Anno 1254. and the Kingdom of Naples and Sicilia 2 years and 19 daies. His body was buried in the principal Church of Naples, under a little narrow Marble stone. Conrado before his death made his Will, and ordained his youngest son his heir general, born of Elizabeth the daughter of Otho Duke of Bavaria.

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Manfred the 8 King of Naples:

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MANFRED Prince of Taranto, An. 1263. Anno 1295. For the better understanding of the Reader, the said Bettrice of Aragon was the daughter of Don Raimondo Berenguer of Aragon, Earl of Province, and of Bettrice the daughter of Thoma [...] Earl of Savoy, which was married with Charls of Angio .245. the which Bet [...]trice as the eldest of all the other sisters, inherited the said Count of Province. Berenguer is as much as to say Berengarius in Latine, and was a name of honour among the Spaniards for the many victories which the most valiant Berenguer obtained. the natural son of the Emperor Frederick the second, having usurped the Kingdom, was by Pope Alexander the fourth excommunicated. The said Pope died within a while after, and Pope Vrban the fourth, a Frenchman, was created in his place, who fearing the threatnings of Manfred, called unto the conquest of the Kingdom Charls of Angio, Earl of Province, brother of St. Lewis the 9 King of France, to whom he gave the oath of both the Sicilies, with the right and title of the Kingdom of Ierusalem, and at his own charge should maintain the War, and conquer it. Charls being animated by his brother and others of the Nobility, with a valorus courage undertook this famous enterprise. In the mean time Vrban died, leaving the Papacy to Clement the 4. in whose Popedom, Charls with a most glorious Army came to Rome in the year 1265. and was then with Beatrice Berenguer of Aragon his wife, in the Church of S. Iohn Lateran, by Pope Clement again invested, with solemn ceremony, and Crowned with an Imperial Crown, King of both the Sicilies, and of the Kingdom of Ierusalem, and made exempt from the Empire, with Covenant that neither he nor his successors that should be chosen Emperors, should by any means accept thereof, the which was done with solemn oath, and so Charls was made a Liegeman and Feudary of the Church, and promised to pay for tribute a yearly Rent of 40 thousand mark [...] to the Bishops of Rome. Charls towards the end of February in the year 1265. came into the Kingdom, and incountred with Manfred, and after divers fortunes, both on the one and the other side, Charls remained conqueror, and Manfred was overcome. Manfred reigned 10 years 4 months, and 16 daies.

ANGIOINI.

Charls of Angio, the 9 King of Naples.

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CHARLS remaining Conqueror, was received by the Neopolitans with royal pomp, and proclaimed King, and having ordered the affairs of both the Kingdoms, was made by Clement the 4. Deputy of the Empire of Italy. Understanding afterward that Corradine the Suevian,Anno 1265. the son of the Emperor Conrado, sometime King of Naples, was come with a mighty Army to recover the right of inheritance of his Kingdoms, made great preparation of War. Corradine entreth the Kingdom, and after divers and sundry skirmishes, at length Corradine was overcome, and flying disguised, was taken in Asturi by Iohn Francipane Lord of that place, which sent him to Charls, who after he had kept him more then a year in prison, caused him to be beheaded in the midst of the Market-place of Naples, which was in the month of October 1269. and so Charls with little labour recovered all the Kingdom. He made afterward great Wars with the Saracins, and especially with Arageno King of Tunis, because that barbarous King refused to pay the Tribute, which was accustomed to be paid to the Kings of Naples, Charls did in such wise afflict him, that he inforced him not only to pay the charges of that War, but also doubled the Tribute. In the year following, 1276. Vgone Lusignano the 11 of this name, King of Cypress, and Mary the daughter of Melisenda, and of Raimond Rupini, Prince of Antiochia, contending about the inheritance of the Kingdom of Ierusalem. Mary being at variance with Vgone, came to Rome, and caused the said King Vgone to be convented before the Pope; the Pope by his decree commanded that the examination and decision of the cause should be determined by the Barons of the Holy Land, and the Master of the Hospital and the Temple, who were accustomed to have a voice in Councel in the election of the Kings of Ierusalem. The which the Princess Mary considering, being a woman very aged▪ faint, and wearied with travel, and the dangers of so long a journey, being advised by her friends▪ and by Pietro Manso knight of the Temple his Ambassador, compounded with King Charls, Mary resigneth to King Charls the Kingdom of Ierusalem. and receiving of him a great sum of money, resigned all her right and Title which she had unto the said Kingdom. Whereupon Charls afterward by means of the Pope, obtained a favourable sentence, and was declared lawfull and absolute King of that Kingdom, as well by the ancient right of F [...]ederick, as also by that of Mary.

[Page] Charls afterward for the more security of things,See the Register of King Charls 1. of the year 1268 [...]d. 6. li [...]era A. [...]ol. 55. sent the Earl Ruggiero Sanseverino Governor into Soria, who in the name of Charls, received the faith and oathes of homage of the Knights and Barons which were in the kingdom. By these aforesaid reasons, all the posterity of the said Charls, and also all the other Kings of Naples, as heirs, are always intitled Kings of Ierusalem. Charls reigned 19 years, 2 moneths, and 26 days.

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Charls the second, 10 King of Naples.

CHarls the second, son of Charls of Angio, reigned 25 years and 17 days. Charls was also King of Hungary by the right of Mary his wife,Anno 1285. the daughter of Stephen, the 5. of the name, the King of that kingdom, who being slain by the Cumani, Ladislao the fourth son of the aforesaid Stephen died without any heir. Whereupon Charls, as husband of Mary, was crowned King of that kingdom, together with Charls Mart [...]l his son.

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Robert 11. King of Naples.

RObert the third begotten son of Charls the second, reigned 33 years,Anno 1309. four moneths, and 24 days. This Robert was a wise and prudent King, he made honorable [Page] wars with Henry the seventh Emperour, with Frederick King of Sicilia, & in Tuscane in behalf of the Florentines, where in the famous overthrow of Montecatino, between the Guelfi and Gibellini, he lost Philip Prince of Taranto, and Pietro Earl of Graunia his brothers. He sent his son Charls, sirnamed Without land, against Frederick King of Sicilia, and went against Castruccio Castricani the head of the Gibellini in the time that the dominion of Fiorenza was given to Charls Without land. Robert was a religious King, and a lover of the learned, whereof two things do sufficiently witnesse; the marvellous stately Church, and other things which he builded in Naples, and the great familiarity with the two Tuscane lights of learning, Petrarke and Boccace had with him. Robert died the 20 of Ianuary, 1343.

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Ioan 1.12 Queen of Naples.

JOan 1. of this name, Neece to Robert, and daughter of Charles Without land, Anno 1343. called also Famous for his prowesse and valor, succeeding in the kingdom, was married with Andreasso of Hungary, her Cousin germain once removed, to whom she gave herself and kingdom in Dowry. But afterward she being not able to endure the insolency of her husband, oftentimes falling into discord, caused him unawares to be hanged by the neck in a Gallery, in the year 1346. The which being done, was married again to Lewis the son of Philip Prince of Taranto, the brother of King Robert. After whose death was married anew with Giac [...]mo of Aragon, the Infant of Majorica, who living also but a small time, Joan in the year 1376. was married once again, and took for her husband Otho of Este, Duke of Brunswich in Saxonie. She afterward favouring the part of Clement Antipope, was by the censure of Vrban the sixth deprived of her kingdom, and Charls of Durazzo invested therein, and so through fear she adopted for her son Lewis Duke of Angio, the second begotten [Page] son of Iohn King of France. Charles of Durazzo being come with a most puissant Army into the kingdom, had Ione in his power, and caused her to be hanged. Ione reigned 39. years 4. months and 12. days.

DVRAZZO.

Charls the 3. of Durazzo the 13 King of Naples.

CHarls of Durazzo, the third of this name, King of Naples, Anno 1 [...]81. remained absolute possessor of the kingdom; he had great wars to preserve and defend it, and especially with Lewis of Angio: And being afterward called into Hungary to take the possession of that kingdom, went thither, and was solemnly crowned in Alba Reale; but afterward by the means of the old Queen Elizabeth, was kild in a Parliament, which was in the year 1386. Through the right that Charls had in the aforesaid kingdom, all his successors, and the other Kings which succeeded in the kingdom of Naples, were called kings of Hungary. Charls reigned four years, three moneths, and nine dayes.

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Ladislao the fourteenth King of Naples.

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LAdislao after the death of his father had great troubles by Lewis of Angio. Anno 1386. In the year 1403. being requested by the Barons of Hungary to take the Crown of that kingdome, as belonging unto him by lawfull inheritance, went thither; and coming to Zara, was received with great joy of all, and the fifth of August by the Bishop of Strigonia (according to the accustomed order) was crowned King of Hungaria, Dalmatia, Croatia, Servia, Galitia, Lodomeria, Comaria, and Bulgaria. He returned into Italy, and after he had setled the affairs of the kingdom, being desirous to enlarge his Dominion, dominiered even to Rome, wherein he entred in triumphant manner, being called with the cries and clamors of the Soldiers, Emperour of Rome, which was the 25 of Aprill in the year 1408. And having in the end disquieted Italy, and himself, died the sixth day of August in the year 1484. without leaving any child, having reigned eight and twenty years, eight moneths and thirteen days.

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Ione 2, 15 Queen of Naples.

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JOne the second of this name, after the death of Ladislao her brother, succeeded in the Kingdom.Anno 1414▪ But growing afterward into discord with Pope Martin the 5. was deprived of her Kingdom; and Lewis the 3. of Angio, Duke of Lorain and Bar, the son of the second Lewis, was proclaimed King. The which thing was the only foundation and ground of all the mischiefs which for a long time afterward followed to the miserable and unhappy kingdom.This Alfonsus was the [...]. [...]f that name K. of Aragon and [...] in the history of the Tu [...]ks in the 5. Book w [...]ites that that K. [...]lfonsus of Aragon was of the House of Med [...]na. For the Queen was constrained, being not able to defend herself against the power of Lewis and the Pope, to adopt for her son Alfonsus King of Arragon and Sicilia, the son of King Ferdinando. Alfonsus being called by the Queen, abandoned the assault and siege of the Castle of Bonifatio, the principal Fort, and of greatest importance in the Isle of Corsica, and provided 28 Gallies well furnished, and other Barks, and led with him many valiant Captains, and came to Naples in the year 1621. Now began the Queens affairs to appear, which before was trod under foot, and to change countenance; and what through counsel, courage, and the aid of King Alfonsus, the Queen was at liberty, and her affairs increased with much reputation. But the year following, 1423▪ the Queen growing contentious with him, under colour of ingratitude, sought to annihilate and disanull the said adoption,Anno 1423. and adopted for her son, calling to her assistance the same Lewis, thorow whose war she was constrained to make the first adoption, and chased away Alfonsus by force of arms from all the kingdom, and so lived peaceably all the rest of her life. The year 1434. Lewis dyed; and before a year was expired from the time of his death,Anno 1434. the Queen received continual molestations and prejudice by Iohn Antonio Orsino Prince of Taranto, and by Giacomo Caldora, and other followers of the Aragonesi, thorow the vicinity and neighbourhood of Sicilia, where Alfonsus maintained a great Army. So partly being oppressed with a feaver, and troubled with a discontented mind, in the year 1434. the second of February, the life, the line of Charls. 1 of Angio, & the house of Durazzo of the French blood, which only rested in her, ended all regality, having reigned 20 years, 5 moneths, and 26 days. And because she had no child, she made her heir (as was reported) Renato of Angio Duke of Lorain, and Earl of Provence, the brother of Lewis her adopted son.

After the death of the Queen, the Neapolitans created sixteen men of the principal in the City, which they called Governors, because they should have care and charge of the City, and of the Kingdom. These sixteen Governours, in all the business [Page] and affairs they dispatched, writ thus the Title of their government, Concilium & Gubernatores Reipublicae regni Siciliae ordinati per clarae memoriae Serenissimam & illustrissimam Dominam nostram Dominam Ioannam secundam, Dei gratia Hungariae, Hierusalem, & Siciliae reginam, &c.

Within a little time after rose in the Citie divers contentions, because Pope Eugenio the fourth understanding the death of Ione, sent a Legate to Naples the Bishop of Recanati, and Patriarch of Alexandria, giving the Governors to understand, and the Councell of the Citie, that the kingdom of Naples was fallen to the Church as his Feud or Fee, willing them not to bestow the dominion upon any but him whom he shall nominate and invest King. The Governors answered, that they would have no other King but Renato Duke of Lorain, whom their Queen had left as her successor. By this means the kingdom understood the admonition of the Pope, and the answer of the Governors, wherewith many of the Princes and Barons of the kingdom much misliked the succession of Renato; and being published that that Will and Testament was falsly forged by the Neapolitans; one part of the Barons, and people which were of the faction of the Aragonesi, called King Alfonsus of Aragon: Whereupon through contrary consents and inclinations rose the sactions of the Angioini and Aragonesi. The Governors being likewise at discord among themselves, the whole kingdom was divided, and put into great trouble and molestation. In the mean time the greatest part of them sent Ambassadors to Marseli [...] for Renato. That part of the Duke of S [...]ssa, the Earl Venafro, and many other Barons, called Alfonsus, who being full of military courage, and inflamed with an incredible desire of glory, having his Army ready in the year 1436. came to Gaeta, and was received by the Duke of Sessa, and besieging the said Citie, came with his Navy to battell with Bai [...]gio Captain Generall of the Fleet of the Genowayes, and Alfonsus valiantly fighting, was at length overcome, and taken prisoner, and carried to the custody of Philip Duke of Miltane, who afterward knowing the singular vertue of Alfonsus, King Alfonsus taken prisoner being desirous to hold, him his companion and friend, made a league with him, and suffered him to go at his own pleasure, together with the other Lords which were also prisoners.

ANGIOINI.

Renato of Angio the 16 King of Naples.

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REnato of Angio being at that time prisoner to Iohn Duke of Burgonie, Anno 1381. the Neapolitane Ambassadors deprived of all hope to have Renato, caused Isabellae his wife to come in his stead, a very wise and worthy Lady, who made great wars with Alfonsus. Afterward Renato being set at liberty by the Duke of Burgonie, in the moneth of May 1438. came to Naples, whose coming gave great hope and expectation to the Angioini, and was royally received, and presently prepared all necessary things for the wars, and retained many principall and, excellent Captains, through whose valour he obtained all Calauria, and the Dukedome of Mel [...]i, in Abruzzo he had at his command many places. In the moneth of Iune, 1438. he had from Pope Eugenius the instalment of the kingdom of Naples and Ierusalem. Many actions and battels fell out between Renato and Alfonsus; but at length the party of the Aragonesi prevailed. Alfonsus in moneth of Iune 1442. by the way of an Aquaduct, which brought water into the City, took Naples, and the third day with the will of Renato he had the Castle of Capoa and other forts. Renato growing into despair not to be able to recover the kingdom, with Isabella his wife, and his children, returned into Provence, where he past all the rest of his life in peace, having held Naples, and part of the kingdom in an uncertain and troublesome possession four years and ten days. Being come to the age of 64 years, married Ioan della Valle, a noble French Lady, with whom too excessively satisfying his pleasure, became weak and feeble, and so died the 19 of Fbruary in the year 1481. and was buried in Nansi, a plentifull place, and a principapll City of the Dukedom of Lorane, and upon his Tomb these four verses engraven.

Magnanimum tegit hoc saxum, fortem (que) Rhenatum,

Mortales heu, qua conditione sumus,

Invidia factis hujus fortuna subinde

Ne tanti, & tanto celsus honore foret.

ARAGONES I.

Alfonsus 1. of Aragon, called by his surname, The Magnanimous, 17 King of Naples.

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ALfonsus King of Aragon and Sicilia, after many dangers and infinite travell,Anno 1442. entred Naples in triumph upon a golden Chariot; and by the means of Francesco Orsino President of Rome, made peace with the Pope Eugenio, and obtained a very large instalment of the Kingdom, for he was also invested in the Kingdom of Hungary, by the right of Ioan his mother: And besides that, obtained from the said Pope, that faculty and power, that Ferdinando his naturall son was ordained his heir, and to succeed after his death in the instalment and possession of the Kingdom: the which investing was likewise afterward confirmed by Pope Nicolas the fifth. Alfonsus was very magnificent in buildings, he reduced the new Castle in Naples into the form it now appears, truly a very Royall and stately piece of work. He enlarged Mola, and caused the Fens about the City to be made dry. He took the Isle of Zerbi, overcame in battell the King of Tunis and made him tributary, and subdued certain Cities in Barbary; he oftentimes sent Armies against the Turks, and at the instance of the Pope, chased away Francesco Sforsa della Marca. He was very studious in learning, and made great account of learned men, whereof he kept very many in his Court. And to conclude, he was a Prince of great magnanimity. He reigned sixteen years, one moneth, and one and twenty days. He died the 28 of June in the year 1458. being 64 years of age: He had for his wife, Mary the daughter of Henry the third King of Castile, surnamed the Weak, by whom he had no Childern. The Neapolitans buried the body of Alfonsus with a stately Funerall, and laid him in a Coffin covered all with cloth of gold, the which at this present is to be seen in the Vestry of St. Dominick in Naples, and at the foot thereof are these Verses,

Inclytus Alfonsus, qui Regibus ortus Iberis

Hic, regnum Ausoniae primus adeptus adest.

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Ferdinando 1. of Aragon 18 King of Naples.

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FErdinando the first of this name, after the death of his Father,Anno 1458. succeeded in the Kingdom, and was by the Institution of Pope Pius the second, anointed and crowned King by Latino Orsino the Cardinall. But very often was like to lose it through many wars, and espe [...]ially by Iohn of Angio, the son of Renato, which had a great Train and Troop of the Barons of the Realm, which drew unto them a great number of Rebels. In the year 1481 died. (as is declared) Renato of Angio, who having no male children, made heir of all his state and inheritance. Charls of Angio Earl of Main his brothers son, who dying within a while after without children, bequeathed his inheritance to Lewis the 11. King of France, to whom not onely descended, as supream Lord, the Dukedom of Angio, but also of all Provence. Ferdinando having afterward intelligence, that Charls the 8. King of France, made preparation with a mighty Army to recover the Kingdom of Naples, by the right of the Angioini, who by the death of King Lewis his father was interessed therein, began to make provision of men; and being very carefull in the preparation of the war, growing sick, died the 25 of Ianuary in the year 1494. having reigned 35 years, 5 moneths, and 25 days.

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Alfonsus 2. the 19 King of Naples.

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ALfonsus the second of this name, after the death of Ferdinand his Father,Anno 1494. obtained the kingdom; and in the beginning of the fourth moneth was crowned in the Cathedrall Church of Naples by Iohn Borgia Cardinall of Montereale, Legate of Pope Alexander the sixth, with greater pomp and majesty then was ever used to any King of Naples, But understanding that Charls the 8. K. of France, gave order for the pretended war, fearing because he was become odious to the people of the Kingdom, through his austerity, resigned the Kingdom to Ferdinando his son Duke of Calauria, a young man much differing from him in nature, which every one loved, and retired himself into the countrey of Mazara in Sicilia, being before time given unto him by Don Ferdinando the Catholique King of Spain, where he spent the remainder of his life, having reigned one year and three days.

FRANCES I.

Charls the fourth the twentieth King of Naples.

CHarles de Valois the eighth of this name King of France, and fourth of the same name King of Naples, Anno 1495. came in the beginning of Ianuary 1495. to Rome with a mighty Army. Pope Alexander full of incredible fear and anguish, fled into [Page] the Castle of St. Angelo. But the King having no purpose to offend the Pope, met with him, and concluded friendship, and a perpetuall confederacy for the common safety & defence. Charls was invested conditionally by the Pope of the kingdom of Naples, [...] and obtained also from the said Pope Zizimo Gemni Ottoman [...] the brother of Bajazeth, Emperour of the Turks. After Charls had re [...]ined a moneth in Rome, he past into the kingdom, and although some small resistance was made by Ferdinando, at length he got the dominion of the whole kingom▪ Ferdinando after that the C [...] stles of Naples were yeelded, departed with fourteen Gallies ill [...]rmed into Sicilia. Charls after he had pacified the kingdom, demanded of the Pope the [...]ree installment of the Realm of Naples, the which although it were at Rome granted him, yet it could not be thought sit in respect of the Aragon [...]si, whereupon the Pope refused to give it him. Charls afterward being departed to return into France, many of the Barons rebelled through the severity and cruell demeanor of the Frenchm [...]n. Whereupon Ferdinando was recalled, who chased away the adversaries. Charls reigned ten moneths and 26 days, he died a sudden death the [...]ight before the 8 of Aprill in the year of our Lord 1497. being returned f [...]om playing at Tennis. He was buried in the Church of St. Denis of Paris in France, and on his Tomb this Epitaph was engraven.

Hic Octave jaces Fran [...]orum Carole [...],

Cui victa est forti Brit [...]nis [...]

Parthenop [...] illustrem tribuit capti [...]a t [...]iumphu [...],

Clara (que) Fornovio pug [...] pera [...]a sol [...].

Caepit Henricus regno depulsus ajuto

Bellare auspici [...]s sceptra Britan [...] tuis.

O plures longinqua dies si futa d [...]issent

Te nullus toto major, in orbe foret.

ARAGONES I.

Ferdinando the second the [...]1 King of Naples.

FErdinando the second of this name, a valiant man,Anno 1495. endued with Princely qualities of liberality and Clemency, who for to strengthen and corroborate his affairs with a more firm conjunction with Ferdinando the Catholique King of Spain, took for his wife (with the Popes dispensation) Ioan his Aunt, born of of Ferdinando his Grandsire, and Ioan the sister of the aforesaid King; and at the same time had of Pope Alexander the sixth, the instalment of the kingdom. And being placed in great glory, fell sick and died the 8. of October in the 1496. He reigned one year, 8 moneths and 14 days.

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Frederick the 22 King of Naples.

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FRederick Prince of Taranto, the son of Ferdinando the first, by the death of his Nephew succeeded in the kingdom, & in the year 1497. obtained of Pope Alexander the sixth, the instalment of the kingdom. And being much troubled with continuall war, because Charls the 8. King of France, died without leaving any children, the kingdom fell to Lewis Duke of Orleans, as the neerest in blood by the masculine line, and was the twelfth of this name. This Lewis came upon him with a mighty Army; but Ferdinando the Catholique King being confederate with Lewis to his own prejudice (for a displeasure conceived against Frederick) yet conditionally, that Lewis should divide the kingdom with him. Frederick that was not able to make head or resist the puisance of so great forces united against him, especially finding his kingdom exhaust, and ill provided, retired into the Isle Ischia neer to Naples with all his Family, and afterward gave his kingdom wholly into the possession of King Lewis his enemy, not bequeathing any thing to the Catholique King Ferdinando, reputing himself to be ill dealt withall by him, that in stead of a friend and defender, he was come to the contrary to dispossess and deprive him of his kingdom. Frederick was very courteously received by Lewis, and he assigned unto him the Dukedom of Angio, and so much revenue as amounted yearly to thirty thousand Crowns; and the French King obtained in recompencee from King Frederick all the right and interest which he had in the kingdom. Within a little time following Frederick fell sick at Torse in France, where his pain increasing upon him, died the ninth of September in the year 1504. He had to his wife being Prince of Taranto, the Lady N. della valle Bertania, Anno 1504. of the worthy Family of Alibret, blood in Gasconie, the kinswoman of the father of Charls the eighth, King of France, by whom he had one onely daughter called the Lady Carlotta, which was brought up in the French Court, and afterward succeeded in her mothers inheritance. Of his second wife Isabella the onely daughter of Pirro del Balzo Prince of Altamura, and Duke of Andry, he had six children, that is to say, three male and three female; the male children were Don Ferdinando Duke of Calauria, and Prince of Taranto. Don Cesar and Don Alfonsus, the which two last died in their Fathers time. The women kind, the first named the Lady Iulia, was married in the year 1533. to Giorgio Paleologo Duke of Montferrato, and Marquis of Sanluzo, of the noble blood of the Emperours of Constantinople. The Lady Isabella and the Lady Caterina were never married. The Queen Isabella after the death of King Frederick, seeing herself deprived of all humane comfort, because that being discharged of that kingdom by the King of France, by reason of the Articles of peace concluded between the Catholique Ferdinando and the said King, returned with her children to Ferrara, where she [Page] was very courteously received by Duke Alfonsus of Este her kinsman, where she died in the year 1533, her children remaining desolate: and much persecuted by Fortune, went to Valentia in Spain, where was the Duke Ferdinando their brother; and no long time following, the one after the other died. And in the year 1559. the fifth of August, the aforesaid Duke ended his life, without leaving any issue. And so in him was extinguished the Progeny of the old King Alfonsus of Aragon.

FRANCES I.

Lewis the 12 King of France and 23 King of Naples.

LEwis the twelfth of this name King of France, divided with the King of Spain, according to their covenants, the kingdom of Naples, Anno 1501. and obtained of Pope Alexander the sixth the instalment, according to the tenor of those conditions which he had made. But in the year 1502. their Lieutenants growing into difference about the Confines, fell to Arms, and at last the Frenchmen were driven out of that kingdom, through the valour of that worthy Captain Consalvo Fernando; and Ferdinando the Catholique King remaining absolute possessor thereof. King Lewis held the Realm of Naples one year and ten moneths; but in France he reigned sixteen years, and died in the beginning of the year 1514.

ARAGONES I.

Ferdinando the Catholick 24 King of Naples:

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FErdinando the Catholique remaining absolute Lord of the kingdom, maintained it in great peace all the time of his life,Anno 1503▪ and obtained of Pope Iulio the second the investing of all the kingdom. Finally, after many victories atchieved in divers parts, he died in Madrigaleio a City of Castile, the 22 day of Ianuary in the year 1516. having been King of Naples twelve years and three moneths. His body was buried in the Royal Chappell of the City of Granata, and upon his Tomb this Inscription was engraven ‘Mahometicae-sectae prostratores, & haereticae pravitatis extinctores Ferdinandus Aragonum, & Helizabetha Castellae, vir, & uxor unanimes Catholici appellati, marmoreo clauduntur hoc tumulo.’

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Ione the third, 25 Queen of Naples.

IOne the third of this name, daughter of Ferdinando the Catholique King, being now the widow of Philip Archduke of Austria, Anno 1516. succeeded in the kingdom, and having fourteen moneths governed all her kingdoms, substituted her heir Charls her [Page] eldest son; who had scant accomplished 16 years of age. Charls remaining at Brussels in Flanders & being much exhorted by the Emperour Maximilian his Grandsire, reformed in the year 1516. the order of the Knights of the Golden Fleece, and so reduced them to the number of 31. And because many through death were void, he elected to the said Order amongst others, these Lords, Francis 1. King of France, Don Ferdinando Infant of Spain, Emanuel King of Portugal, Lewis King of Hungary, Frederick Count Palatine, Iohn Marquis of Brandenburgh, Charls de Lannoi Lord of Sanzelle. Moreover, Don Lodovico of Vaimonte, great Constable of the kingdom of Navarre, took in Naples the possession of the kingdom for the said Queen. Charls so soon as he was invested by the Queen his mother, sailed into Spain, and was received of all the people with infinite joy; but yet many of the greatest Nobility, and principall of the kingdom, would not accept him as King, but onely as Prince, for offering wrong to the Queen Ione, since by Testament of the Catholique King her father it was decreed, that after the death of Ione, Charls of Austria should succeed: Upon the which succession grew great tumults and contentions; but in the end things were well qualified, admitting him for King, together with the Queen his mother, to be done with this condition, That the affairs of the kingdom should be governed in both their names, the money stampt, and so all other business whatsoever. And so once again on the 25. of March, in the year 1517. the said Queen confirmed to Charls the former endowment. The year ensuing the 13 of April, Charles was proclaimed King together with his Mother:Anno 1517. And the 18 of the moneth of May Prospero Colon [...]a took in Naples the possession of the kingdom in the name of Charls, which was done with all solemnity. Charls then being received to the Administration of Spain, sent also to the administration of all the other kingdoms. In the year 1519. Charls elected into the number of the Knights of the Golden Fleece, in place of Gismondo K. of Polonia lately dead,Anno 1519. Christerno K. of Denmark, and Frederick of Toledo, Duke of Alva. In the mean time died the Emperour Maximilian, and the Electors of the Empire assembled according to their ancient custome, at Francford, a Citie of low Germany, for the election of a new Cesar; and by a general consent the 18 of June in the year 1520. they chose Emperour Charls of Austria King of Spain. Anno 1520. Ione having reigned (as we have said) absolutely 14 moneths, and together with Charles the 5 Emperour her son 38 years, and four moneths, retired herself to Tordezilla a Citie of Spain; where within a little while after she ended her life the thirteenth of Aprill in the year 1555.

AVSTRIACI.

Charles 5 Emperour, and 26 King of Naples.

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CHarls the fifth Emperour, after the death of Ione his mother, remained absolute Lord of all his kingdoms;Anno 1526: Charls 5 marrieth Isabella of Portugall. and being (as is said) elected Emperour, the same year past the Sea from Spain into Flanders, and from thence into Germany, where he was received in the moneth of October in Aquisgraue, a noble City both for the ancient residence & the famous Tomb of Charls the Great, with a mighty concourse of people was first crowned. In the moneth of January 1526. Charls celebrated his marriage in Hispali with Isabella of Portugal his wife, the sister of King Iohn of Portugal. Afterward he went into Spain, where being arrived, proceeded very severely against many who had been authors of sedition; all the other he pardoned and discharged. And to joyn with justice and clemency examples of gratitude and remuneration in the acknowledging of that wherein he was ingaged to Don Ferdinando of Aragon, Duke of Calauraia, (who having refused the Crown and the kingdom of Spain offered unto him by the States thereof, though he were a prisoner) set him at liberty, and with great honor called him to the Court, and married him to the richest Princess then living, even the Widow of the Catholique King Ferdinando, by which means he much gladded the people, and the Duke received honor, liberty, and infinite wealth, and was created for his life time viceroy of Valentia. The Emperour without any charge, or the expence of a peny, got the friendship of the Duke, the love of the people, and great security to his State. The year ensuing 1527. on the 21 of May the Emperess Isabella was delivered of her son Philip in the Citie of Castilia, Anno 1527. The birth of Philip King of Spain. Anno 1528. through whose happy birth was made every where generall seasting and triumphs. In the moneth of October 1528. the Emperour by the death of Don Carlo de Lannoi, sent for his Viceroy into Naples Don Hugo Moncada, a man very expert in Arms, and a valiant Captain, in the which year Monsignor Odetto Fois Lotrecco went with thirty thousand Footmen and six thousand Horsmen into the kingdom of Naples, in the name of King Frances, and overcame Melfi, Venosa, and many other places in Basilicata and Apulia,

Monsig. Lotrecco besiegeth Naples.

This siege was the 29 of April 1528.

and with the success of victory besieged Naples, the which siege continuing certain moneths, in the mean time Andrea d'Oria sent the Count Philip d'Oria his Nephew with eight Gallies to annoy the Gulf of Naples; wherewith Moncada being much discontented, seeking to remedy the same, he caused [Page] to arm six Gallies and two Foists which were within the Haven, and putting therein the very flower and principall of the people that were in the Citie, he in his own person, with the Marquis of Vasto, Ascanio Colonna great Constable, Cesare Ferramosca, and many other worthy men, with a resolution to encounter the enemy,The battell of the Emperours Gallies with the Genoways. and confidently to overcome, were imbarked there. The Count which suddenly perceived the Imperiall Gallies to go forth of the Haven, retired himself presently to the sea, and encountring together at the Cape of Orso, the Imperiall Forces were overcome, and there dying with many others, Don Vgo, and were taken prisoners the Marquiss Vasto, and Colonna the great Constable, with other worthy men. The Count obtaining the victory,The victory of the Count Philip d'Ori [...]. presently victoriously went to Genoway to find the Admirall Andrea his Uncle, who disdaining the dealing of the French King, because he had taken from him the office of the Admiralty and Generall of the Sea, and given it to Monsignor Barbigios; he agreed by the means of Vasto with the Emperour, and brought Genoway and Savona under his Crown.Andrea d'Oria ▪ leaveth the service of the French King, and the cause why. Whereupon he went with all expedition into the kingdom in the behalf of the Emperour, and discharged the French Army which lay at the siege of Naples. Afterward Charls made peace with the French King, and gave him for wife the Lady Elinora: and the King forsook Barletta, and that which he held in the kingdom of Naples, and payed to the Emperour for a fine, one million and two hundred thousand crowns,Peace made with the French King, and yeilded up unto him all the right and possession that he held in the Dukedom of Millane and the kingdome of Naples. The Emperour having ended his peace, went by Sea to Genoway; from thence he past to Bolonia, where in the moneth of February 1530. was by Pope Clement the seventh, which was come thither with his whole Court to that effect,Anno 1530 and was solemnly crowned with the Imperiall Crown. Afterward the Emperour departed from Bolonia, & went into Germany, and what he afterward did there, is written in Histories.

Charls the fifth crowned Emperour.

Anno 1535. The enterprise of Tunis.

In the year 1535. Charls having made a voyage to Tunis, & there subdued M [...]leasson the lawfull King of the Moores, and made him his Feudary with certain conditions. went into Sicilia. From whence afterward he departing, came to Naples the 23 of November in the same year, and entred in, in triumphant manner; where were made him by the Citie many triumphant Arks and huge Colosses,Charls the fifth goeth in triumph through Naples. Novem. 23. 1535. with divers and learned Inventions. Charls remained with great delight in feasting and tilting all that Winter in Naples; where understanding that the French King was entred into Italy with his Army, and not knowing to what end and purpose, was much moved and displeased with him, went to Rome, and so proceeded in his journie. But at length the Emperour becoming a mortified man, and growing into contempt of the world, being unwiliing to sustain any longer the heavy burthen of the Empire, wisely determined to renounce it: And to that end having caused all the Knights of the order of the Golden Fleece to assemble at Brussels, and all the States of the Low Countries, the first thing he did the 25 of October in the year 1555. he made King Philip his son head of the Knights of the Golden Fleece, The resignation made by Charls 5. of his kingdom to Philip his son. and after dinner solemnly resigned unto him all Flanders, with the other States, and Titles, and right of Burgony, descending unto him from his predecessors. Not long after the Emperour continuing his determination, resigned and renounced in like manner in Brussels to the forenamed King Philip, the kingdom of Spain, Sicilia, Majorica, Minorica, with the new Countries called America, and the new world, reserving onely certain rents and revenues to sustain himself and his family, reduced to a small number of servants. His Majesty also giving not onely full and absolute power to the King of the Romans his brother, to govern and rule (as some write) the Empire in his place,The resignation of the Empire made by the Emperour Charls 5. but also freely resigned the Title, the Scepter, and Imperiall Dignity. So Cesar voluntarily deprived himself of his Monarchy, a thing truly worthy of consideration, that from the Emperour Lotharius till this present, never in so many ages chanced the like, although Amurath the great Turk resigned the Empire of Constantinople to Mahume [...] his son.Anno 1556. In September 1556 Charls departed from Brussels with a great Fleet towards Spain, carrying with him Queen Elinor and Queen Mary his sisters, and so sailing with fair weather and a prosperous wind, they soon arrived in safety. Charls constantly persevering in his purpose, retired himself to the Monastery of of St. Iusto, neer to the village called Sciarandiglia eight leagues from the Citie of Piacenza in the Realm of Castile, where living godly, and with great devotion, he ended his [Page] dayes the 21 of September in the year 1558, being of the age of 58 years. having ruled even to the time of his renunciation 37 years,The death of Charls the 5. Anno 1558. 2 moneths, and 3 dayes the Empire, and 37 years and 8 moneths the kingdom of Naples, which he resigned to his son Philip. He was married (as is before declared) to Isabella of Portugall, the sister of Iohn King of Portugall, by whom he had the Catholique King Philip, and two daughters, the one called the Lady Mary, which with the Popes dispensation was married to Maximilian King of Bohemia,The wife and children of Charls. the son of the Emperour Ferdinando his brother. The other called the Lady Ione, was espoused to Iohn the King of Portugals son. He had children by another naturall means, as Don Iohn, and Margarita, which was first married to Alexander de Medici Duke of Florence, and afterward to Octavio Fernese Prince of Parma and Piacenza. Upon the Supulcher of this invincible Emperour, are engraven these two Epitaphs.

1.

LIquisti exuvias gelido sub marmore, sed non

Quantum eras Caesar marmor, & urna capit.

Pro tumulo ponas orbem, pro tegmine coelum,

Pro facibus stellas, pro Imperio Empireon.

2.

Non aurum, non marmor erunt, non gemma, sed omnis

Carole terra tui corporis urna decens,

Conteget immensum quantum patet undique coelum,

Sol tibi funerea pro face lumine erit,

Proque tua memori fama, pro nomine stabit

Aeternum tempus, quod tua facta notet.

Natura effundat lachrymas, elementa gemiscent.

Persitient tumulum vix satis ista tuum.

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Philip of Austria 27 King of Naples.

Anno 1554. PHilip of Austria, the most puissant Catholique King, which reigneth with all Triumph and Honor, after he was invested in the kingdom, and the Title of the kingdom of Ierusalem by the Emperour his Father, by reason of the ensuing [Page] marriage between him and Queen Mary of England, he sent in his name to Naples the Marquess of Pescara, to take the possession of the kingdom.

Afterward in the year 1556. Pope Paul the fourth entring in, invaded Marc Antonio Colonna of Paliano, and spoyled the rest of his estate, and ministred occasion of War to the King. Whereupon the Duke of Alva the Kings Lieutenant, with an Army of twelve thousand Footmen, and fifteen hundred Horsmen, invaded the Dominion of the Church, and the war ensued, called War of Campania of Rome, which continued a year.

Afterward peace was concluded between the Pope and the King. In the mean time Queen Mary the wife of King Philip died, without leaving any children.

The King after many controversies had with Henry the second King of France, made peace with him in the year 1559. And for a greater confirmation thereof, and true reconciliation, the Catholique King married Isabella the daughter of the most Christian King, who died in child-bed in the year 1568.

The King fearing the want of issue in the year 1570 married Anna the eldest daughter of the Emperour Maximilian, Anno 1570. who died in the year 1580. and left behinde her a Son called by the Fathers name, Philip the second, which liveth, and is now King of Spain.

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[Page] The Titles of Dignity which all the Kings of this Kingdom have used.

PSALM 19.

Domine salvum fac Regem, & exaudi nos in die qua invocaverimus te.

1. ROgerius Dei gratia Siciliae, & Italiae Rex, Christianorum adjutor, & clypeus Rogerii primi Comitis haeres, & silius.

2. Gulielmus Dei gratia Siciliae Rex, & Christianorum defensor.

3. Gulielmus 2. Divina favente clementia Rex Siciliae, Apuliae Dux & princeps Capuae, religionis Christianae adjutor & defensor, &c.

4. Tancredus D. gratia Siciliae Rex, ac Aletii Comes.

5. Henricus 6. Dei gratia invictissimus Romanorum Imp. semper Augustus ac Siciliae Rex.

6. Imperator Fredericus 2. Romanorum Caesar semper Augustus Italicus Siculus, Hierosolymitanus Arelatensis foelix victor, ac triumphator.

7. Conradus 4. Divina favente clementia electus Romanorum Imperator semper Augustus, ac Siciliae, & Hierusalem rex.

8. Mansredus D. G. Siciliae & Hierusalem rex, ac Tarenti princeps.

9. Carolus Dei gratia rex Hierusalem, Siciliae, Ducatus Apuliae, & principatus Capuae, almae urbis Senator, princeps Achaiae, Andagaviae, Provinciae, Forcalquerii, & Corciadoni Comes, ac Romani Imperii in Tuscia per sanctam Romanam Ecclesiam vicarius generalis.

10. Carolus 2. D. G. rex Hierusalem, Siciliae, Vngariae, Ducatus Apuliae & principatus Capuae, Provinciae, & Forcalquerii, ac Pedimontis Comes.

11. Robertus D. G. rex Hierusalem, & Siciliae, Ducatus Apuliae, & principatus Capuae, Provinciae, & Forcalquerii, ac Pedimontis Comes.

12. Ioanna D. G. regina Hierusalem & Siciliae, Ducatus Apuliae, & principatus Capuae, Provinciae, & forcalquerli, ac Pedimontis Comitissa.

13. Carolus 3. D. G. rex Vngariae, Hierusalem, & Siciliae, Provinciae, & Forcalquerii, ac Pedimontis Comes.

14. Ladislaus D. G. Vngariae, Hierusalem, Siciliae, Dalmatiae, Croatiae, Romae, Serviae, Galitiae, Lodomeriae, Comuriae, Bulguriae (que) rex, Provinciae, et Forcalquerii, ac Pedimontis Comes.

15. Ioanna 2. D. G. Vngariae, Hierusalem, Siciliae, Dalmatiae, Croatiae, Romae, Serviae, Galitiae, Lodomeriae, Comuriae, Bulguriae (que) regina, Provinciae, Forcalquerii, ac Pedimontis Comitissa.

INTERREGNO. Consilium, & Gubernatores Republicae Regni Siciliae ordinatis per clarae memoriae Serenissimam & Illustrissimam Dominam, nostram Dominam Joannam secundam, Dei gratia Ungariae, Hierusalem & Siciliae reginam.

16. Renatus D. G. Vngariae, Hierusalem, & Siciliae rex, Andagaviae & Bari, Lotharingiae Dux, Pontis Marchio, Comitatum (que) Provinciae, Forcalquerii, Cevoviam ac Pedimontis Comes.

17. Alfonfus D. G. rex Aragonum, Siciliae citra, & ultra Farum, Valentiae, Hierusalem, Vngariae, Majoricarum, Sardiniae, Corsicae, Comes Barchionis, Dux Atenarum & Neopatriae, ac etiam Comes Rossilionis, & Ceritaniae, &c.

18. Ferdinandus Aragon, D. G. rex Siciliae, Hierusalem, Vngariae, Valentiae, &c.

19. Alfonsus 2. Aragoneus D.G. rex Siciliae, Hierusalem et Hungariae, &c.

20. Carolus 4. D.G. rex Francorum, Neapolitanorum et Hierusalem.

21. Ferdinandus 2. Aragoneus D. G. rex Siciliae, Hierusalem, &c.

22. Fredericus Aragoneus D.G. rex Siciliae, Hierusalem, &c.

23. Ludovicus D.G. Francorum, Neapolitanorum et Hierusalem rex, dux Mediolani.

Ferdinando the Catholique King having divided the kingdom with Lewis King of France, did intitle himself so long as he so continued, Duke of Apulia and Calauria.

[Page] 24. Ferdinandus et Elizabeth Dei gratia rex et regina Castellae, Aragonum, Siciliae, Granatae, Toloti, Valentiae, Galitiae, Majoricarum, Hispalis, Sardiniae, Cordubae, Corsicae, Giennis, Algarbii, Gibraltaris, et Insularum Canariae Comes, et Comitissa Barchinonae, Domini Viscayae, et Molinae, Duces Calabriae et Apuliae, ac Athenarum, et Neopatriae, &c. After the said King had chased away the Frenchmen from all the Realm, and made himself absolute Lord thereof, he used this title,

Ferdinandus D.G. rex Catholicus Castellae. Aragonuum. utrius (que) Siciliae. Hierusalem. Granatae. Toleti. Valentiae. Galitiae. Majoricarum. Hispalis. Sardiniae. Cordubae. Corsicae. Giennis. Algarbii. Gibraltaris. Insularum Canariae▪ Comes Barchinonae Dominus Vizcoyae et Molinae. Dux Athenarum et Neopatriae. Comes Rossilionis et Ceritaniae. Marchio Oristanii et Gotiani.

25. Ioanna 3. D. G. regina Castellae▪ Aragonum. utrius (que) Siciliae. Hierusalem. Granatae. Toleti. Valentiae. Galitiae. Majoricarum. Hispalis. Sardiniae. Cordubae. Corsicae. Giennis. Algarbii. Gibraltaris. Insularum Canariae, Comitissa Barchinonae. Domina Vizcayae et Molinae. Ducissa Calabriae. Athenarum et Neopatriae. Comitissa Rossilionis et Ceritaniae. Marchionissa Oristanii et Gotiani.

26. Carolus 5. Divina favente elementia Romanorum Imperator semper Augustus rex Germaniae, et Ioanna ejus mater, et eidem Carolus Dei gratia Reges Castellae. Legionis. Aragoniae. utrius (que) Siciliae. Hierusalem. Vngariae. Dalmatiae. Croatiae. Navarrae. Granatae. Toleti. Vulentiae. Galitiae. Majoricarum. Hispalis. Sardiniae. Cordubae. Corsicae. Murtiae. Giennis. Algarbii. Alzezirae. Gibraltaris. Insularum Canariae. Indiaram. et terrae Firmae. Maris Oceani. &c. Rex. Archidux Austriae. Duc Burgundiae. Lotharingiae. Brabantiae. Stiriae. Corinthiae. Carniolae. Lymburgiae. Lucembargiae. Geldriae. Calabriae. Athenarum. Neopatriae. Virtembergae. &c. Comes Flandriae. Habspurgi. Tirolis. Barchmonae. Archois et Burgundiae. Comes Palatinus. Hannoniae. Hollandiae. Selandiae. Ferretti. Kiburgi. Namurei. Rossilionis. Ceritaniae et Zutphaniae, &c. Lantgravius. Alsatiae. Marchio Burgoniae. Oristani. Gotzani. et sacri Romani Imperii. princeps Sueviae. Cathalaniae. Asturiae. Dominus Phrisiae. Marchiae Sclavonicae. Portus Naonis. Biscayae. Molinae. Salinarum. Tripolis et Mechliniae. &c.

The Title which Charls used afterward, when he was absolute King.

Carolus 5. Divina favente clementia Romanorum Imperator semper Augustus, rex Germaniae. Castellae. Legiones. Aragoniae. utrius (que) Siciliae. Hierusalem. Vngariae. Dalmatiae. Croatiae. Navarrae. Granatae. Toleti. Valentiae. Galitiae. Majoricarum. Hispalis. Sardiniae. Cordubae. Corcicae. Murtiae. Giennis. Algarbii. Alzezirae. Gibraltaris. Insularum Canariae. Iudiarum et Terrae Firmae. Maris Oceani. &c. Rex Archidux Austriae. Dux Burgundiae. Lotharingiae. Brabantiae. Stiriae. Corinthiae. Carniolae. Limburgiae. Lucemburgiae. Geldriae, Calabriae. Athenarum. Neopatriae. Virtembergae. &c. Comes Flandriae. Habspurgi. Tirolis. Barchmonae. Archois et Burgundiae. Comes Palatinus. Hannoniae. Hollandiae. Selandia [...]. Ferretti. Kiburgi. Namurci. Rossilionis. Ceritaniae et Zutphaniae. &c. Lantgravius. Alsatiae. Marchio Burgoniae. Oristani. Gotzani. et sacri Romani Imperii. Princeps Sueviae. Cathalaniae. Asturiae. Dominus Phrisiae. Marchiae. Sclavonieae, Portus Naonis. Biscayae. Molinae. Salinarum. Tripolis. et Mechliniae. &c.

27. Philippus D. G. Catholicus defensor fidei, Hispaniarum, utrius (que) Siciliae. Hierusalem. Portugalliae. Vngariae. Dalmatiae. Croatiae. Sardiniae. Corsicae. Majoricarum. Insularum Canariae. Orani. Insularum Indiarum. Terrae. Firmae. et Maris Oceani. Archidux Austriae. Dux Burgundiae. Mediolani. Lotharingiae. Brabantiae. Limburgi. Lucemburgi. Geld [...]iae. Calabriae. Athenarum et Neopatriae. Marchio sacri Romani Imperii Oristani [...] et Gotiani. Comes Barcinonis. Ruscinonis. Ceretaniae. Flandriae. Artesiae. Hannoniae. Hollandiae. Selandioe. Namurci. Zutpheni. Burgundiae. Haspurgi. et Tirolis, Dominus Cantabriae, Molinae. Phrisiae. Mechliniae. Vltrajecti. Transisalanae. & Gruningae, &c.

Of the Coronation of the Kings of NAPLES.

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I Have thought it a thing very fit and convenient, having declared what the Kings were of this noble and renowned kingdom, to receive also the manner and the ceremony which is used in the time of their coronation. But before I proceed any further, it is to be understood, that there are but only four Kings that are crowned and anointed by the order of the Pope, as is noted in the Records of the Roman Church, the which Alberico de Rosato also confirmeth, which are these following, the King of Ierusalem, the King of France, the King of Naples, commonly called Sicilia, and the King of England. All the rest are crowned by their Archbishops or Bishops by a certain custome. The Emperour is anointed and crowned in the same manner as are the said four Kings, and therefore all the other Kings are called by the name of Highness, and not Majesty, except those that are annointed by the order of the Pope, as is said. In the coronation then of the King of Naples the Pope sendeth a Cardinall his Legate, or a Patriarch, but he must have holy Orders, because the said Legate not having the said holy Orders, another ought to come which hath the said dignity. There also assembles (according to the accustomed manner) all the Archbishops of the kingdome, which crown this Prince with the greatest pomp [...] and state that may be done to any Christian King. The principall thing before the King taketh this dignity, the seven Officers of the kingdom, which are seven principall secular Lords, that meet together at this coronation, are cloathed in Purple, lined with Ermins, with very rich attires upon their heads, and repair together with the Recorder of the Citie into the Cathedrall Church of Naples, where is the ancient Tomb of Charls of Angio, which was the first that was crowned with an Imperiall crown,Charls of Angio was the first that was crowned with an Imperiall Crown, King of both the Sicilles. and invested King of both the Sicilles and Ierusalem; and there the Apostolike Legate, with the other Archbishops pontifically clothed with Miters and Rochets, and the other Prelats in Purple Vestments, attend the Kings coming at the Church Dore. Afterward when the King cometh that is to be crowned, he entreth into the said Church, accompanied with all the Princes, Dukes, Marqueses, Earls, Barons and Lords of the kingdom, and the Legat suddenly kissing his forehead, receiveth him, and saith unto him with an high and intelligible voyce these words,The Kings of Naples are written sacred Royal Majesty. See the Gloss in the Preambles of the Constitution of the kingdom in the second colum. I am come by the appointment of the supream Bishop Pope N. to crown thee King of Naples and Ierusalem. After the Archbishop with the other, that have charge to say Service in the said Church, receive the King at the Altar, and there causing him to kneel down, and after is made by the Archbishop of Naples, of Capoa, and of Salerno, devout prayers for his Majesty, one of the Bishops demandeth of him in Latin, if he will promise to maintain always the Faith and Christian Religion? Defend the Widows, the Fatherless, and the Poor? Establish the kingdom, and minister justice to every one? And last of all, if he will always yeild due honor to the supream Bishop? To all which things the King answering, He will, two Archbishops take him by the arm, and lead him to the Altar, where he solemnly sweareth to observe all that which the Archbishop hath demanded of him. This done, the Archbishop of Naples demandeth with a loud voyce of all the Princes, if they will promise loyalty and service to his Majesty? Where being answered by all, That they will very willingly. Then two Archbishops lead him into the Vestry, and being there apparelled with Sandalles, richly set with Jewels and Pearls, with a Surplice like a Minister, and a Cope, lead him again to the Altar, and saying certain prayers, the Cardinall Legate accompanied with the Archbishops, rising from their seats with Miters on their heads, go unto him, and finding the King kneeling, with a loud and solemn prayer recommend him unto God, in whose hands are all Empires, that it would please him to make his kingdom stable and perpetuall, replenished with victory, piety, and honor. The King remaining on his knees, one of the Archbishops goeth to the Altar, and beginneth the Letany, and devoutly prayeth for his Majesty, the Archbishop of Naples, with the rest of the Bishops [Page] undoing his Surplis, with certain zealous prayers, anoint his shoulders and his right arm, to signifie, that he sustaineth the burthen of the affairs of the kingdom,What the annointing of the Kings shoulders and right arm signifie. and draweth his sword for the conservation thereof: And moreover, the Royall purple Robe reaching down even to his foot, lined with fables, and richly embrodered with gold and pearl, signifieth Charity. That done, he still remaining in devout meditation, the Apostolick Legat standing, the King kneeling before him, delivereth into his hand the golden Scepter, all wrought in the top with Pearls and Jewels, wherewith religiously he commands the people.The Royall purple Rob [...] signifieth Charity. Then he puts a naked Sword into his right hand, wherewith he pursueth his enemies in the name of Christ. After that he puts a Ring on his finger, and a Bracelet upon his arm, to the end he may be faithfull and pure in good works.Tullius Hos [...] u [...] King of Rome after he had overcome the [...], was the best King that use [...] the purple robe. Then he presenteth unto him the golden Apple, to figure the kingdome, which he ought to govern with singular piety, vertue, and perseverance. And finally, he putteth upon his head the Imperial Crown, divided into two parts, garnished with many Jewels, to signifie honor and glory, The King religiously remaining on his knees, the three Archbishops lifting him up, lead him to the Altar, where again the Lords that have the 7 offices of the kingdom, cause him to swear to do the duty of a good Prince, and to observe the priviledges & immunities of the Citie and Kingdom. Afterward they lead him to sit on the left hand not far from the Legate in a chair of state covered with cloth of gold,The Golden Scepter & the sword, the one signifieth that he commandeth the people, and the other that he pursueth the enemies in the name of Christ. and the Legate with a loud voyce proclaimeth him King of Naples and Ierusalem: And the seven officers of the kingdom, with the Recorder, in token of obedience kisse his hand, and the like is done by the Princes and Nobility of the kingdom

These ceremonies finished, the King receiveth the Communion, where begins to sound the Organs, Trumpets, Cornets, and other Instruments, discharging the Artillery, and making great triumph and joy; and so Mass being ended, the King useth to invest many Lords into their States. The King being mounted upon his horse, entreth under the Canopy embrodered with gold, in the top whereof gently wave up and down the Kings Arms, both of the Kingdom, of the Citie, and of the Provinces, carried by men of dignity and honor,The Ring and the Bracelet signifie faith and purity. which at one and the same time succeed in their honors and in their labours. Then beginneth the order of the pomp and state to march forward; the which I will omit to declare, lest I should seem too tedious, leaving it to every one to consider thereof.The Apple signifieth the Kingdom.

And this great King is exempted from the Empire▪ neither acknowledgeth he any superior being a feudist of the Church, the which Andrea d' Sormia confirmeth in his Preambles concerning tribute in the ninth column: and likewise Mattheo d' Afflitto, The Crown declareth glory. & many other worthy Lawyers discourse thereof, the which the most say, that the King of Naples is one of the aforesaid four Kings that are anointed, and crowned by the order of the Pope. Besides, he goeth before the elected Emperour being not crowned;The King of Naples is crowned with an Imperiall crown. because that before his coronation he is called King of the Romans: but being anointed and crowned, he is then called the Roman Emperour. Moreover, the said four kings do not follow behind the Emperor, as other kings that are subject to him, but go by his side; whereby it appeareth, that the King of Naples is one of the great Kings of the world, as well in dignity as honor of the Empire, therefore I think it not much expedient to take any great pains in expressing it, since the reputation thereof is well known to all that have any experience in learning. Sufficient is said hereof, for the Emperour Charls the 5. in the year 1554. marrying his first begotten son Philip Prince of Spain, to Queen Mary of England, would not invest him with any other Title, then the kingdom of Naples and Ierusalem, to the end he should not be inferior to so great a Queen. And so much concerning the coronation of the Kings of Naples.

A brief Discourse of the Kings of IERVSALEM; Beginning from Godfrey, where is shewed the true cause, why the Kings of NAPLES are intituled to that Kingdom.

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THe subject of this Discourse we have here to handle, requireth that I also shew and declare the reason and cause by what right all the Kings of Naples have been intituled to the kingdom of Ierusalem, a discourse both for the greatness and excellency of the matter, worthy to be known, from the true understanding whereof, every one may evidently see and perceive the great dignity and honor of the Kings of Naples, and by what right and title the said kingdom more justly belongeth to them then any other. For the better knowledge whereof it is necessary I briefly begin from the first Christian King of that kingdom.

In the year of Christ 1099. the Christians having begirt Ierusalem with a strong siege,

Anno 1099. Godfrey of Bullen conquereth Jerusalem.

Baldwin the brother of Godfrey. Godfrey created King of Jerusalem. The wonderful vertue and magnanimity of Godfrey. The death of Godfrey.

after the thirtieth day took it with a great effusion of the enemies blood, and and the first that mounted the walls was Godfrey of Bullen, Duke of Loteringia and Loven, the which he valiantly conquering, gave the spoyl thereof to Baldwin his brother, Count of Bolonia, who assailing one of the Gates, surprized the enemies therein. This being done the 15 of July, the Christians bestowed eight whole days in visiting the holy Sepulcher, and other sacred aad religious places. After this they advanced the said Godfrey by a generall consent and decree to the Royall Throne, who accepting the dignity and government of the said citie, yet utterly refused to be crowned, saying, It was not fit for him to wear a crown of gold, when the King of Kings had but one of thorns. This good King reigning but one whole year, what through the toil and labour of the passed war, or the distemperature of the air, died of a Fever, and was buried with generall lamentation in the sacred Temple of that most holy Sepulcher, in that very place of Calvary where Christ our Redeemer was crucified. This Godfrey was the first who for his Ensign or Arms of the said kingdom had not a Cross, (as commonly it was supposed) but a name abbreviated by two great Letters in a field Ar▪ which letters were an H with this letter

[figure]

I, which being joyned together, made this Mark or Character, which signified the name of the Citie and kingdom of Ierusalem, The Arms of Jerusalem [...] by Godfrey. and the four corners of the said letters or name abbreviated, were charged with four Crossets Or, the which Arms though they were compounded of metall upon metall▪ that is to say, of gold and silver, yet they were onely priviledged amongst all other Arms whatsoever, [Page] because Godfrey with the consent and generall agreement of all the Nobility that were with him at the conquest of the holy Land, did wholly condescend to bear the same, expressing by these two letters of gold the name of Ierusalem. Wherefore it is no marvell if (now-a-days) they fail in the true form of these Royal Armes, and the proper signification, being ignorant of the meaning and mystery thereof, besides age altering the use, and ignorance increasing, they knowing them no otherwise but by the outward shew of the figure, taking it to be a crosse, not marking the truth thereof, nor to what purpose Godfrey put the other four Crossets, if one onely would have sufficed?Baldwin de Burco Earl of Edissa, 2 King of Ierusalem. Therefore we may think these Arms were not invented of so wise a King by chance and adventure, but resolved upon with great judgment and discretion. Having now made a little digression, though very necessary for the purpose, I will return where before I left.

After the death of Godfrey, was Baldwin beforesaid Count of Edissa his brother made King of Ierusalem in his place, which was a man of great valor,Edissa a City of Mesopotamia, from whence Tobias sent his son to Gabellus, and where Thaddeus the Apostle was converted to the Christian faith. for he wan the Citie of Tiberiade in Galile, Sidon, Accaron, and many more upon the Seacoast, and with the help of the Genoways and Venetians afterward overcame the strong Citie of Tolomaida, he had also the Castle of Soball, which stands upon the river of Iordan, and did much increase his dominion. At length having reigned 18 years, ended his life without children, and was buried in the same Sepulcher with his brother. By the death of Baldwin, was Baldwin the second of Burges. in France, made King by the generall consent of the Christians, who was cousin germain to the two aforesaid Kings of Ierusalem; and in the second year of his reign, the Prince of the Turks in Asia minor, coming upon Gaza with a mighty Army, he valiantly encountred, overcame, and took him prisoner. And in the year following,The victory of Baldwin. the King of Damasco suddenly besieged the gates of Ierusalem with fifteen thousand fighting men: Baldwin couragiously issuing out, and valiantly charging them, at length put them to flight, and slew two thousand of them, and took their King with a thousand prisoners, and lost but onely thirty men. Not long after,Baldwin taken prisoner Balach King of the Parthians arriving with a mighty Army, encountred with Baldwin hand to hand, overcame him, and carried him prisoner to Cairo, with many Christian Noble men. But at length Baldwin with the said Christian Nobility, were released with the payment of a great sum of money, and the King returned to Ierusalem, where reigning thirteen years, died without issue Male; and Fulk Count of Anjou his son-in-law,Fulk of An [...]o [...] King of Ierusalem. succeeded him in the kingdom, who had married his daughter Melesina, against whom the Barbarians durst never move any war, because of his two sons Baldwin and Almerich, expert and valiant souldiers, who being imployed as Deputies in his affairs, executed many great slaughters on the Turks. After this valiant King had reigned 11 years, running in hunting after a Hare, his horse falling with his head downward,The death of Baldwin the 2. died presently. Whereupon his son Baldwin the Great, and third of this name, was made King, who took Ascalon and Gaza, ancient Cities, and gave them to the Knights of the Temple. Baldwin performing other famous and worthy deeds of Arms, after he had reigned 24 years, died, and was buried in the holy Temple with the other Kings, and Almerich his brother succeded in the kingdom,Almerick succeeded Baldwin. a valiant man, who had many conflicts with the Turks, and took the Citie of Alexandria in Aegypt. Afterward he went against the great and mighty Citie Cairo, called in ancient time Carra, and besieged it; and being very likely to win it, notwithstanding through the instigations of the Citizens, received a great sum of money, left the siege, and returned again to Ierusalem, and not long after died, having reigne 12 years,The death of Almerick. leaving behind him three children, Baldwin, Sybilla, and Isabella; to whom succeeded in his kingdom Baldwin the fourth of this name, his first begotten, who though he had the leprosie, notwithstanding he did very valiantly and politickly govern the kingdom, and having no wife, yet because the Realm should not want a sufficient heir to succeed him, he married his sister Sybel to William Longspath, Marquess of Montferrato; and Isabell his youngest sister he promised with Jewels & Treasure to Erfrando of Tours, Governor of the Rhodes. Marquess of Monferrato the Governour of Ierusalem. This Marquess William had the government of Ierusalem; but being a weak & impotent King, did notwithstanding many famous and worthy deeds; but he little enjoyed the benefit of his victories, for that in the beginning of the second year of his reign he died, and left after him one onely [Page] son, called Baldwin: Baldwin the King being desirous to provide for his Nephew, married again his sister Sybell to Guy of Puite Lubrun, son of Hugh Lubrun Duke of Merchia and Governor of Lusignon in France, with this agreement, that after his death the said Guy should govern the kingdom till Baldwin his Nephew were of sufficient age. But Guy carrying himself haughty and over-proud in the government of the said kingdom, was dismist again by Baldwin the King: This was in the year 1183. Moreover, he procured Pope Lucius the third to annoint and crown his Nephew King Baldwin the fifth being but a child, and appointed him Bertrand Count of Tripoly his Governor and protector of the kingdom. Thus King Baldwin the fourth reigning 6 years died,The death of Baldwin the 4. leaving Count Tripoly Tutor (as is said) of young Baldwin the fifth; but he resigning his charge, being withstood by Sybel the mother of the Boy,The death of Baldwin the 5. and Guy her husband: But in the beginning of the eighth moneth the little king Baldwin died; whose death the mother concealed so long, as the effecting of her intended purpose required, insomuch that what with flattering and fair words, and with large gifts she wan the Patriark Eraclio, with the Nobility and principal men of authority in the kingdom, to create Guy her husband King. The Count understanding this, fuming thereat, being incensed with rage, and envying the prosperity of Guy, made peace with Salandine King of the Sarasins, promising to aid him against King Guy. The Salandine being now at peace with the Christians, found opportunity by the discord of these Princes to break it; because the Christian Prince of Montreale, which governed the countrey from that to the river Iordan, being on every side inhabited with Sarasins who continually carried their commodities to Ierusalem without the Kings knowledge, suddenly brake the truce; for the Salandine saw the time was now come which he long expected, assembled together fifty thousand Horsmen, and an infinite company of Footmen without number, and got many cities of the Christians, and increasing their Army with the people of the countrey, took Ierusalem by covenant after they had besieged it one moneth. This was done the second of October 1187 in the third yeare of King Guy, Jerusalem taken by the Soldan. having been in the possession of the Christians 89 years. Salandine entring Ierusalem, caused first the steeples and bells to be thrown down, and of the Churches he made stables for his horses, onely he reserved the Temple of Solomon, which was washed with Rose-water at his first entrance. Afterward he went to Tolomayda and besieged it, wherein was the King and Sybel his wife, with four children, who with the children died together of a bloody flux. Now (as we have said before) was promised to Erfrando of Turon Master of the Rhodes, a noble young man, Isabel to wife, the sister of Sybel, a virgin, and also the daughter of Baldwin the fourth, and sixth King of Ierusalem, who now by the death of Sybel was next heir to her Fathers kingdom. This expectation increased a better regard of the Barons and Christian Princes towards Erfrando. But Conrado Longspath Marquess of Monferrato understanding the sudden death of Sibel and her children, being desirous of Soveraignty, and also enamored of Isabel his neer kinswoman, secretly stole her away, but with her own consent, and conveyed her to Tyre, Conrado Longa [...]patho Marquis of Monferrato made King of Ierusalem. and there privatly married her. And so all the right of the kingdom of Ierusalem came to him by his wife Isabel; whereupon he was intituled King of that kingdom. The year 1190 after Philip King of France had sollicited Richard King of England to go into Soria; but King Richard defer'd his going till the year following. Richard afterward observing his promise, came to Messina in the moneth of September, where Philip also was, from whence they departed having a prosperous wind.Cyprus surprised by the King of England. Philip in a short time arrived at Tolomayda; but Richard by a tempest was driven to Cyprus, where Chirsack Duke of the Island, denied him harbour; whose discourtesie he took with such discontent, as by meer force surprized the Island, and sacking it, planted a strong guard of his own people, and from thence passed to Tolomayda to joyn with the Christian Army.The Knights of the Temple made Governors of Cyprus. Not long after he sold the said Island to the Knights of the Temple for a hundred thousand crowns, who ill governing the same, were forced by the power of the Cypriots to depart thence, and so the Knights restored it again to Richard, who likewise returned them their money; and with the same conditions the year 1193,Guy of Lusignon first [...]ing of Cyprus. gave it to Guy of Puite Lubrun Lusignon in France, husband to Isabel, sister of King Baldwin, who before was enforced to flye Ierusalem, in consideration whereof he resigned unto him all the Title and Interest he had [Page] to the kingdom of Ierusalem; and for this cause the King of England began to be called King of Ierusalem; and King Guy took the possession of Cyprus, and was called King of the said Isle. The which right to the kingdom of Ierusalem was nothing, because the same by all law now justly belonged to Isabel the daughter of King Baldwin, wife of Conrado Marquess of Monferrato; therefore can no right or title be attributed to the King of England herein. Not long after the King Conrado of Monferrato was slain in Tyre by two Sarazins called Arsacides, The death of King Con [...]do. not leaving any male children, but one onely daughter called Mary. The Queen Isabel married again, and had to her husband Henry Count of Campania, who indowed her with the Signiory of Tyre: but that unhappy young man,The death of Henry Earl of of Ciampania. living not many years with his wife, unfortunately sell from a loft or chamber in his own Palace, and so died, leaving three daughters, Agnesa, Melisina, and Alicia. Queen Isabel remaining thus a widow, married again the third time with Almerick Puite Lubrun Lusignon, Almerick King of Cyprus, the third husband of Isabel. King of Cyprus, who by the death of Guy his brother, succeeded in the said kingdom, and was second King of Cyprus; and in the right of Isabell his wife was also called King of Ierusalem, by whom he had three children, Amarin, Sybilla and Melisenda, but Amarin died young. King Almerick married Sybil to Livon, King of Armenia; and Melisenda the youngest daughter was married to Raymond Rupini, Nephew of the said King of Armenia, and his successor in the kingdom; the which Raymond was then Prince of Antioch. Of this Melisenda wife of Prince Raymond Rupini, was born that Mary, who in the year 1276, resigned to Charls of Anjou King of Naples the claim and Title she pretended to the kingdom of Ierusalem. At length King Almerick died, leaving his kingdom of Cyprus to Hugo his son, whom he had by a former wife, the which Hugo not long after the death of his Father, married Isabell the daughter of Henry Count of Ciampania, and of his stepmother; and not long after the death of Almerick died also the Queen Isabel his wife, who by her will and testament bequeathed the kingdom of Ierusalem to Mary her daughter, whom she had by Conrado of Monferrato her first husband, recommending the tuition of her to the society of the Hospitalers and Templers, whom she appointed her Guardians or Overseers. Afterward in the year 1222 Iohn Count of Brenne coming to Rome, having the title of King of Ierusalem, by the right of Mary his wife,Iohn Count Brenne was made Companion of the Empire of Constantinople. daughter (as is beforesaid) of King Conrado of Montferrato, being much honored, and presented to the Pope, going to Pisa to procure aid for his enterprise into Soria, gave to the Emperour Frederick the second King of Naples lately excommunicated (but now reconciled to the Church) his onely daughter called Iole to wife, whom he had by Mary his wife, and in dowry with her all the right and title he had to the kingdom of Ierusalem. Whereupon Frederick, and all other that succeeded him in the kingdom of Naples, were called Kings of Ierusalem. And this is one of the reasons why all the Kings of Naples are invested with the title of Ierusalem. Afterward Frederick in the time of Gregory the ninth, in the year 1228, being as it were inforced, went into Soria, yet managed his affairs with such power and authority,The Emperour Frederick taketh Ierusalem. that he agreed to conclude a peace with the Soldian for ten years, who restored unto him Ierusalem, with all the territories and kingdom thereof, except some few little Castles: Whereupon the Easter following in the year 1229. he was crowned in Ierusalem, and caused the Citie of Ioppa now called Zaffo, to be repaired and newly reedified. The Emperour setling and securing all things to his content, returned home into his kingdom; and in glory of so great triumph and victory, brought with him Elephants, Panthers, Dromedaries, Leopards, white Bears, Lyons, Linxes, or spotted beasts. After this the kingdom of Naples and Sicil came into the power and jurisdiction of Charls of Anjou Count of Provence, for the right and title that his predecessors had, descended to him as lawfull King thereof.Anno 1269. But Fortune willing to confirm and establish his right, without any crosse encounter, it came to passe that Hugo Puite Lubrun Lusignon the second of this name King of Cyprus, married Alicia the third daughter of Isabel Queen of Ierusalem, and of Count Henry of Ciampaania; the which thing discontenting the Princess Mary daughter of Melisenda and Raymond Rupini, Prince of Antioch and Borgne, complained much of King Hugo, This Hugo for his vertue and valor was called the Great. that being her kinsman, would usurp the title which was her right by Melisenda her mother being the second daughter, and not Alicia his wife, who was the third begotten. [Page] Hugo not onely little esteemed her complaints, but also otherwise did ill intreat her Whereupon the disdainfull Princess Mary came to Rome, pretending her right to the aforesaid kingdom of Ierusalem as the Neece of Queen Isabel the daughter of Almerick naturall King of the said kingdom, summoned King Hugo before the Pope, and so began the stir and contention of the title and possession of the said kingdom: The matter being much debated by the Ambassadors of King Hugo, who knowing it to be far more available for them to have the deciding and determining of the cause committed to the Barons and Nobility of the holy Land; The Pope at the first instance referred the judgement and deciding of the matter to the Patriark of Ierusalem, the Masters of the Hospitall and the Temple, and other the Barons and Nobility of the holy Land, who were wont to have a voyce in Councell, and election of the Kings of Ierusalem; the which the Princess Mary perceiving, being a woman of great age,Mary the daughter of Melisenda, and of Raimond giveth her right to K. Charls. weary and irksom of travell, and the perils of so long a journey, being advised by her friends, agreed with Charls of Anjou, receiving of him a great sum of money, renounced all her right and title, and resigned wholly unto him all her interest whatsoever to the kingdom of Ierusalem, confirming the same by authentick and solemn writings, which was in the year 1276. Whereupon Charls afterward by means of the Pope, was proclaimed by lawful sentence, King of that Realm, as well by the ancient right of the Emperour Frederick, King Charls of Angio is proclaimed lawfull King of Jerusalem. as also that of Mary; Insomuch that by the reasons aforesaid it plainly appeareth, that the right and title of the kingdom of Ierusalem lawfully belongeth to the Kings of Naples, and to none other; and so the supposed titles both of the King of England, and also of the King of Cyprus, are little or of no worth. Wherefore I do not a little marvell that this last right and title was unknown both to Pandolfo Colennuccio, that writ a brief Epitome of the kingdom of Naples, and also to Iacobo Mainolda, who composed that Book of the title of Philip King of Spain, Naples and Ierusalem, seeing the History is so apparent. But to return to the matter, Charls for the better security of his affairs, sent suddenly the Count Ruggier Sanseverin Governor into the holy Land, who took an oath of the Knights of the Temple,Ruggieri Sanseverina sent to govern [...]erusalem. and Barons of the Realm, of [...]ealty and homage in the name of Charls: and so King Charls enjoyed not onely the said Realm, but also by the means of Ruggier and other Captains, held a great part of Aegypt. And we have often understood of many brethren of St Francis, and other persons worthy credit that have been in Ierusalem and in other places in Aegypt, that in many stately buildings in those places, there is yet seen the Arms of King Charls ▪ the which doe manifestly shew the great power and valor of that good King. But since occasion is now offered me, it will not be amiss if I shew what the Arms of the kingdom of Naples are, although we have writ thereof, at full, in the book of the life of the Kings of Naples; but being rather enforced through the envy of some who have written concerning the Arms of the said kingdom,The Arms of the kingdom of Naples. and briefly discourst thereon. The Ensign or Arms then of this most noble kingdom, is a Field Azure, replenished with Flour de lices Or, which at first was charged with a Labell of four points gules, being carried as the impress of Charls the first of Anjou, with this Motto or Emblem, Noxias Herbas, what time he came to the winning of the kingdom of Naples, and to expell and drive away King Manfred enemy to the Church, whom he overcame and slew. Charls in remembrance of so happy a victory, beautified the kingdom with these Arms, holding that field and flour de lices with the Labell for a particular Arms in memory of the said happy victory.

Stopping the mouths of those envious backbiters, who say the Arms of this Noble kingdom, was an Ass devouring his old furniture or trappings upon him, looked backward for new, meaning thereby the instability of this happy kingdom, loving always new Governors like the Asses figure, which was devised by gross Asses, to dishonor and discredit this noble kingdom; but it is certain this little kingdom hath sustained great oppression, they imputing it to no other sense, have feigned this Asinine simplicity; which saying the envious have not stuck to publish in books.

Manner of writing used by the Arragonian Kings of Naples writing to divers Princes.

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KIng Alphonso to the Emperour of Germany, was wont to write in parchment in th'infrascribed manner.

To the most renowned Prince, and most excellent Lord, Frederick Emperour of the Romans, for ever Royall.

The subscription was thus,

Alphonsus by th'grace of God King of th' Aragons, Sicilie on this side and beyond the Pharos, Valentia, Jerusalem, Hungaria, the Majorcas, Sardinia, Corsica, &c. greeting, and increase of prosperous successes.

And so in the Occurrences he used to write.

Most renowned and most excellent Prince, we would intreat your Soveraignty, or your Mightiness.

To the Emperour of Constantinople.

To the most renowned and most excellent Lord Drage Paleologo, Emperour of the Romans, for ever royall, our most dear kinsman. The subscription was as above.

To Prester Iohn of India.

To the most eminent and most unconquerable Monarch, Lord Isaack Prester Iohn, sonn of David, Lord of the Tables, Mount Sinai, Aethiopia, King of Kings, our most dear brother. The subscription in the manner aforesaid.

To the great Turk.

To the most renowned Prince Amorat Bechi, great Lord of the Theucrians, our most dear friend.

To the great Soldan of Babylon.

To the most Illustrious Prince Abuysac Iamac, great Soldan of Babylon.

To the King of France.

To the most renowned Prince Charls King of the French, our most loving kinsman and friend.

To the King of England.

To the most renowned Prince Henry, King of England, our most dear kinsman and friend.

To the King of Cyprus.

To the most worthy Prince Iohn King of Cyprus, our most dear kinsman and friend.

To the King of Castile and Leon.

To the most renowned and Illustrious Prince, Don Henrich King of Castile and Leon, our very dear and very loving Cousin.

To the Queen of Arragon.

To the most illustrious Queen, our most dear and most beloved Wife, and Lieutenantess generall.

To the King of Portugall.

To the very Ilustrious Prince Don Alfonso King of Portugall and Algarue, our very dear and well-beloved Cousin.

To the King of Navarre.

To the most Illustrious Prince Don Iohn King of Navarre, our very dear and much beloved Brother and Lieutenant Generall.

To the King of Granada.

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To the high Prince Don Machand King of Granada, our very dear and much beloved friend.

To the King of Tunis.

To the most Illustrious Prince Don Octunne King of Tunis, our very dear and much beloved friend.

To the Dolphin of France.

To the most illustrious Prince Lewis, Dolphin of Usania, our most dear kinsman.

To the Prince of Austria.

To the most Illustrious and our very dear and much beloved Cozen, Henry Prince of Austria, first born in the kingdoms of Castile and Leon.

To the Duke of Cleves.

To the most illustrious Prince Iohn, Duke of Cleves, our most dear kinsman and friend.

To the Duke of Osterlich.

To the Illustrious and mighty Albert Duke of Osterlich.

To the Duke of Brittannie.

To the Illustrious and mighty Peter Duke of Brittannie, our most dear kinsman and friend.

To the Duke of Burgundy.

To the most Illustrious Prince Philip Duke of Burgundie, our most dear kinsman and friend.

To the Duke of Burgundie his eldest son.

To the most illustrious Prince Charls, first born of the most illustrious Duke of Burgundie and Lord Charlois our most dear kinsman.

To the Duke of Savoy.

To the Illustrious and mighty Prince Lewis Duke of Savoy, Chablays our, most dear kinsman.

To the Earl of Foix.

To the respected and excellent Gascon Earl of Foix, our most dear kinsman and friend.

Names of all the Vice-roys of Naples ▪ which began in the year 1505.

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Year of Christ. | Number of Vice-roys. |
1505 | 1 | COnsalvo Fernandes of the House of Aghilar a Cordonese by Nation, Duke of Terranova, who for his famous victories was called the Great Captain.
1507 | 2 | Don Iohn of Arragon, Duke of Ripacursa.
1510 | 3 | Don Raimondo of Cardona Count of Albento.
1514 |  | * Don Bernardino Villamarino. * 1517. Don Francis Remolinis Cardinall of Sorrento were both Lieutenants.
1523 | 4 | Don Charls della Noia.
1526 |  | * Andrew Carrafa Count of St. Severina was a Lieutenant.
1527 | 5 | Don Vgo of Moncada.
1528 | 6 | Philibert of Chalon Prince of Orange.
1530 | 7 | Pompey Colonna Cardinall.
1532 | 8 | Don Piedro de Toledo, Marquis of Villafranca.
1553 | 9 | Don Lewis of Toledo was Lieutenant.
1554 | 10 | Don Pietro Pacecco Cardinall Seguntine.
|  | * 1554 Don Bernardine of Mendoza was Lieutenant.
1555 | 11 | Don Ernandez Alvarez of Toledo Duke of Alva.
1559 | 12 | Bartholomew Cardinall of Cuova.
|  | * 1559. Don Frederico de Toledo. * 1559. Don Iohn Marique were Lieutenants one after the other.
1559 | 13 | Don Perafan Duke of Alcala.
1570 | 14 | Antony Perrenotto Cardinall of Granvela.
1577 | 15 | Don Innico of Mendoza Marquis of Mondesela.
1579 | 16 | Don Iohn Zunica Prince of Pietra Precia.
1582 | 17 | Don Peter Giron Duke of Ossuna.
1586 | 18 | Don Iohn de Zunica Count of Miranda.
1596 | 19 | Don Henry de Gusman Count of Olivares.
1599 | 20 | Don Ferdinand di Castra Count of Lemos and of Andrada: Marquis of Sarria and Count of Villalua, went Ambassador to Rome, sent by Philip the second, and left in the kingdom for Lieutenant Don Francisco his son, who governed with great wisdom.

The seven principall Offices of the KINGDOM.

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High Constable.

THere are seven principall or chief Offices in the kingdom, The first whereof is, the Great or High Constable, who stands in place of Generall, or the Kings Lieutenant in the wars which happen in the kingdom; and in such a case orders and provides for all such things as belong to the Militia. This Office lasts as long as the war: And when the King creates such a one, he puts a golden Truncheon in his hand saying, Take this sacred Truncheon in thy hand to drive away and keep back the enemies and opposers of my people. And this word Constable, much used amongst Tuscan Writers, did anciently signifie a Captain of a quantity of Cavallery. But in process of time by Constable was meant a Commander of Foot-Soldiers, the Captains of Horse beginning to be called Conductors. Bembo in his Latin History calls the Constable Centurion of Soldiers. In the kingdom of Naples the office of Constable signified not onely a Captain, but one of far greater authority, it being of the seven offices the greatest: And as it hath been always conferred upon great Lords, so we see it at this day setled upon the person of N. He by right commands all Martiall persons, as well afoot as on hors-back; And in Royall Parliaments sits next the King on his right hand. Pontanus in the fourth book of his History of Naples speaking of the office of the Constable, refused that word as too base and abject, and not Roman, and so named him in Latin Magnus militiae Magister, the great Master of the Militia. Some would liken the office of great Constable to the Praefectus Praetorio, yet there seems to be a difficulty in it, seeing the Praefectus Praetorio was always created out of the Knightly order, which Rule is not observed in the High Constable who is alwayes selected from among the greatest and most illustrious Barons of the Kingdom, I believe their opinion was grounded upon this, that the Praefectus Praetorio was next to the Prince a supream office, depending upon none else, over all the Militia, just as the high Constable is amongst us; he hath 219 [...] Duckets a year pay, and pretends in time of service when the war is without the kingdom, he ought to have it double: Whereupon there is a consultation depending in the Royall Chamber, which is yet undecided.

High Admirall.

THe High Admirall is the second Office of the kingdom: And though the Great Iustice have pretended to have the second place; yet there arising many years ago, a controversie for precedencie between the Duke of Somma, high Admirall, and the Duke of Amalfi chief Justice, and the question being, which of them should at that time precede, it was thus judged, That for the present the Duke of Somma as high Admirall, should precede the chief Justice, and this was done in a summary kind of judgment: for the Viceroy who was at that time, having called together the Regents before he went to the Chappell on a Sunday morning, he caused this question to be resolved standing, so far that the Usher was commanded to say, That his Excellency commanded the High Admirall should go before the chief Justice, not debarring howsoever the chief Justice of any reasons which he might hereafter alledge for himself. Signior Agnolo of Costanzo told me that one of those [Page] Regents being called by the Viceroy that very morning wherein he had commanded the Usher to publish that Order, had told him they were moved to give sentence on the high Admirals behalf; because there was a very ancient Record sound in the Kings Chancery, by which it plainly appeared, that in a Parliament held in the time of Charls the third, King of Naples, Thomas Marzano Count of Squillace, high Admirall, preceded Rogger Acclocciamuro chief Justice. And this Record is likewise made mention of by Martin Frezza in his first book de Subseudis pag. 54. num. 35. And though in the Parliament held by King Alphonso in Benevento, they seemed to sit in another order, yet because there was no authenticall Record thereof extant, as of that of Charls the third, judgement was given on the high Admirals side; and so much the rather, because it seems to be very just, that the Generall of the Sea, who is the Admiral, should immediatly follow the Land Generall, which is the Constable. This Office alone, of all the other seven, retains to this hour its jurisdiction, which all the rest have lost. And from this also hath been taken away the Generalship of the Gallies of the kingdom, though there yet belongs unto him a very large jurisdiction both in Naples and elswhere through all the kingdom; over all those which any way by industry live upon the trade of the Sea. The great Court of Admiralty hath its name of Great, even just as that of the Vicaria, and its Tribunall is governed by one or more Judges, according to the high Admirals pleasure. He chuses his Lieutenant, who carries in his hand the staff of Jurisdiction, as the Regent of the Vicaria doth: And he as well as the Judge, hath a place in the Royall Chappell, next to the last Judge of the Civill Vicaria, as Frezza saith, lib. 3. pag. 432. num. 23. He may likewise appoint fifty men for the guard of his person, with fifty Constables on Horseback, and 25 Commensali, or fellow Boorders, and other persons, as is contained in his priviledges, which may go armed in the Citie of Naples, and all the kingdom over with any manner of Arms, though they be prohibited by the law. He hath also all his houshold Officers, and such Officers also as belong to his Court. He appoints in every Sea-town a Vice-Admirall, a Register, and two Marshals: and in every Province a Provinciall Vice-Admirall with six Marshals, and all subject to his jurisdiction. All shipwracks either of Infidels or unknown masters are his. When he purposes to keep Court for execution of justice, he sets up his Flag, hath a Captain of the guard, and his Marshals. His stipend is, besides six Duckets a day, which all the other six Officers have, which comes every year to 2160 Duckets; every moneth a hundred Duckets as he is Generall of the Sea: He hath for every Bark or Boat, a Carline, by reason of their Pennons which are certain little Flaggs with the high Admirals Arms upon them, which every master of Boat or Bark is bound to carry by his Lanthorn, none can put any vessels to sea against the Infidels without his license, for which he is to pay a certain rate; and of the prizes also when any are taken, there belongs a share to the high Admirall▪ He hath also all the bodies of the vessels which are taken, with other pledges, and those which by chance are sunk in the sea; he hath also I know not how many barrows of Salt of the old measure for his house provision. He pays no Custome or Toll, nor gives no account for any thing he exports out of the kingdom by sea, though others pay for such things. He hath moreover very many other prerogatives and preheminencies, which may be read in the Orders of the Office of the high Court of Admiralty, which for brevity I omit, of which to this day the high Admirall is possessed.

Chief Iustice.

THe third Office is that of Chief Iustice, which hath the supream place of exercising Justice, as well Civill as Criminall in the whole kingdom of Naples. His Lieutenant is called the Regent of the Vicaria, and hath his Judges both Criminall and Civill, and his Tribunall is the Court of the Vicaria. The Chief Iustice his stipend is two thousand one hundred and ninety Duckets; and the Regent hath [Page] six hundred Duckets, he hath also the profits of the licenses of the Sword, which are two and twenty grains and half, for every license, which may come every year to two thousand Duckets.

High Chamberlain.

THe fourth Office is that of High Chamberlain, & is so called by reason he hath partciular care of the Royal Chamber, and every thing else therby belonging to his King. His Lieutenant hath his Tribunall, called the Chamber of the Summaria, where there is nothing treated of neither by his Lieutenant nor by the Presidents but of such differences as arise between private men, and the Kings Treasury or Exchequer. His stipend is two thousand one hundred and ninety Duckets; and hath moreover Ius Tappeti of the Captainships which are given within the lands of Demains of the kingdom for the administration of Justice, and for some he hath six Duckets a year, for some three, and for some twelve, when they are dispatched: He receives also of Barons which pay homage to the Royall Court eight Carlines for an ounce, for any such sum the said homages amount unto, which one year with another are judged to amount to two thousand Duckets a year. He hath moreover from the Royall Court 24 Bushels of Salt, and 36 fine Sugar-loaves every year. Has Lieutenant hath one thousand Duckets a year stipend, and the Presidents six hundred, and they also have their emoluments.

Grand Protonotary.

THe fifth Office is that of Grand Protonotary, to which Office at first belonged to read before the King, and keep all his writings. Then the Catholick King transferred the care of that to the Secretary of the Kingdom, and to the Clerks of Commissions; so that whereas this Office was at first of great authority, so now there remains nothing to the Vice-protonotary, but the creating of Notaries and Judges of Contracts, and legitimating of Bastards. The stipend he hath is according to the rest. He hath moreover the emoluments of Notaries, and of Judges of Royall Contracts which are made within the kingdom, & the legitimations which are granted, the dues of which emoluments belonging to him, are these: For a Notariship two Duckets, and six for the judgement when it is all over the kingdom; but when it is for a Province, four Duckets, and for every legitimation a Ducket; which emoluments are thought to be worth to him yearly 1 [...]00 Duckets.

High Chancellor.

THe sixth Office of the kingdom is that of High Chancellor, which serves both for Secretary and Chancellor in occurrent businesses, and he keeps the Royall Seal. He takes care also when any one will take the degree of Doctor, to have him examined by the Colledge of Doctors; by which being approved for sufficient, in the Kings name he gives him his degree. This Office was wont to be given by our French Kings to Prelats. His stipend differs not from the other. He hath moreover the emoluments of the Students which come to the Doctors of the Law, and of Physick, which are worth some 2000 Duckets a year. He hath power to chuse and appoint his Vicechancellor, who paticipates of his emoluments.

High Steward.

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THe seventh Office is High Steward, who hath particular care of providing all things which concern the Kings daily ordinary diet, and his Court. The name of such an Office is thought to have come out of France, from whence came also that of Marshall, which as we may perceive, seem to have a kind of conjunction and affinity together. Athenaeus a very subtile indagator of Antiquities, calls the Steward Elatrus: He saith moreover there was such an Office very much respected amongst the Ancients; he hath two thousand one hundred and ninety Duckets a year.

A Discourse of the order and the fashion or form of the Crowns of the Nobility of the Kingdom of Naples.

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FIrst of all, before I declare how many, and who be the intituled Lords of this famous kingdom, I esteem it a thing very convenient briefly to set down (forasmuch as the quality of the matter so requireth) the differences of the Crowns which they use: And although many excellent Lawyers have written thereon, nevertheless (as I have said) the subject thereof so requiring, I think it fit to discourse something thereof, the better to satisfie the Reader, and to leave nothing unperfect.Athenaeo of the invention of the crown. Athenaeo then writeth that the Crown was invented by our Ancestors as a badge of honor for the ornament of the head, wherein the beginning and foundation of the senses being placed, nature hath put as it were in a rock and fortresse of the whole body, that power of the soul which we call Reason or Understanding. Aristotle was of opinion that the Crown was first invented by quaffers and drinkers, to repress the force and inflammation of wine;Aristotle of the crown. which ascending with the fume into the head, moveth some pain in that part; the which thing being found to be true, it might be then (because it gave also ornament and comeliness) the means to increase the wonderfull estimation thereof: whereupon by some were added certain little birds, because pinching another mans forehead suffered him not to sleep, it was also in great use among Lovers. The Greeks in the solemnity of their sports, used a crown of the Pine tree, the Achaians Smallage, the Cappadocians Mugwort. Pliny affirmeth, that the first that was crowned was Libero, Libero according to Pliny, was the first which was crowned. after whom the use of that ceremony so much increased among the Greeks and the Romans, that in the end it was brought upon the Altars in sacrifice in victory, and in their sacred contentions; whereupon ambition always increasing, men used to sit with crowns on their heads in their feasts and Bankets. At last crowns entring in among Souldiers and men of war, Armies began to give it to their Captains to honor them, and very often Generals were crowned therewith, which carried themselves valiantly in any honorable act, either by valor or manhood; and the like honor was also done to others by the people and the Senate. Whereupon the Lawyers reasoning to this purpose of the crown, have written, that it was granted sometimes in token of Empire and honor, sometimes for industry and military reward, and sometimes in sign of spirituall victory. Theophrastus describeth three sorts of [Page] Crowns,

Three sorts of crowns according to Theophrastus.

The crown of Crassus.

one of sweet odoriferous flowers, another of flowers that have no scent, the third of leaves and green boughs of trees, the fourth which was added by the rich Crassus, was made of gold & silver by the imitation of leaves, which he did expose to the view of other men in his sports and games. But passing over this ancient barbarous rudeness, and resting in the now last use of Crowns, which are made of massie gold and silver, intermixed with beautifull ornaments of pearls and pretious stones, transforming the leaves into sharp poynts, and other curious work, which yeild a pleasant and beautiful object to the eye. The custome of the Athenians was to crown their worthy and vertuous Citizens with a wreath of two Olive boughs:Of the distinction of the crowns of herbs. But we speaking again of the first crowns, which take their names of the effects for which they are imployed; for that of Bayes is given to him which goeth in triumph, and is called the Triumphale, Posthumio Tuberto used a crown of Mirtle. for the Bayes is a token of Joy and Victory. Posthumio Tuberto in his triumph for overcoming the Sabins, with little blood, wore a crown of Mirtle. Likewise the Ovale crown was given to him which had got a Citie not by force but by friendship and covenant. Moreover, he that had delivered a Citie from siege, had given him a crown of the grass growing in the territory wherein they were besieged, and this crown of grass was called Ossidionale. Who first mounted upon the walls of the enemy, to him was consecrated a crown of gold, with the form of battlements of the wall; and this kind of crown was called Murale, and the Emperour did give it with his owns hands. Who first entred into the enemies camp, to him was given the crown Vallare, which was also called Castrense, which was of gold in the form of a Bulwark. Who first in battell at sea boarded the enemy, to him was presented the crown Navale, which was of gold in the fashion of a ship: The first that had this crown was M. Varro, for overcoming the navy of Pirats and Rovers, and this En. Pompeius gave him. The crown which was given to those which had preserved any Citizen in battel,

The crown Civica was of Oke.

The crown Vallare.

The crown Murale.

The crown Navale.

received in token of safety from him, a crown called Civica, which was first of Oke, and afterward of Holm. Finally, those which were accustomed to be made of metall in recompence of worthy deeds, were the Vallari, or Castrensi, the Murali, and the Navali, These were of gold, as were also those in process of time of Bayes, whereupon it was called crown gold, which was given to those who had the crown made them for triumph. But none among the aforesaid crowns was ever more noble or more glorious with the Romans then that of grass, after which the Civiche, the Tirumphale, and those of gold were the next in estimation,The crown of grass among the Romans was held most glorious. Fabius Maximus. because that all the other crowns Captains did give to Souldiers; but this of grass was presented by the whole Army, as to the preserver thereof. And sometimes the Senate did give it, and the people of Rome to some particular person, as to Fabius Maximus when Hannibal departed Italy, and which was also given to Augustus when he shut the Temple of Ianus, and made peace both by sea and land.

The Royall crown not used in old time. What the Kingly ornaments were in old time.

The purple robe as Martial declareth, was the ornament of a Magistrate, whereupon he thus saith, Divisit nostras purpura vestra togas. And in another place saith, Purpurate foelix te colit [...]nis honos.

Now concerning the Royall crown according to the use in these days, was by the Ancients in no such sort observed, athough the Priests of Persia, and the Kings did wear a round wreath of Linnen, and the Meonii, the Syrians, the Phrygians and the Lydians the Miter, the which is now used by our Bishops as an ornament over the Scutchions of their Arms, signifying thereby the Nobility of their House, and their divine profession: But in exchange of the crown the King had the Scepter, the Chair of State, the purple Robe wrought with gold, and carried a Diadem, upon their heads, which was a roll of white linnen, which the Kings were wont to wear upon their heads, an invention (as I think) of the Egyptians and the Hebrews, who using to anoint their Kings upon the Temples or sides of the head, did roll a veil round about, that the sacred oyntment might not be wip'd away. Whereupon to this purpose we find, that Alexander the Great took from his head the Diadem, to put it upon Lysimacus, who whas therewith wounded in the forehead, the which accident was prognosticated by the future reign of Lysimacus. And that Pompey surnamed the Great, was envied because he did wear a wreath upon his knee, for a certain hurt that did much offend him, as though he would aspire to the kingdom of Rome.

Now concerning the use of this crown according to the modern custome, the Emperours and Kings which descended from the Romans, were wont to send to those whom they exalted to any Royall dignity, a crown in token of honor. And moreover [Page] the invention came from them;From whom the use of the crown descended. for it is not long since this ceremony was exercised by the chief Bishops & Emperours, forsomuch as it was not honor enough for the Pope, as election should be made of that supream degree, to sit in St. Peters Chair. But this ceremony gathering daily greater force, was introduced, that between the solemnity of the Masse he should be crowned by the hand of the Bishop of Ostia. The Bishop of Ostia crowneth the Pope. And likewise the coronation of the Emperours was unknown in the first Ages of the Empire; for the first of the Roman Emperours that put a golden crown upon his head, was (as Aurelius Victor declares) the Emperour Aurelianus, Aurelianus was the first that wore a c [...]own of gold. who ruled the Empire in the year of Christ 271. and used apparrell embrodered with gold and pearl, and full of pretious stones. Afterward Dioclesian (as Eutropias writeth) begun the fashion of the Royall state of a King, because that not onely in his apparell, but even in his shooes had pretious stones embrodered,Lamp [...]idio a grave Author writeth, that the first of the Roman Emperours, which wore apparell of Silk, was Heliogabalus. causing others to do him honor and reverence, and was the first that would be adored. But the first of all the Emperoers which received the crown of the Roman Empire from the Pope, was Charls the Great, who having setled the affairs of Italy, of France and Germany, came to Rome, & with all the honor that might be, was placed in the seat of Pope Leo the third, which through the envy of some men was deposed from the Papacy. Charls the Great was crowned in the year of our Lord 801. The Pope having celebrated the [...] upon the Reliques of St. Peter, by the consent and desire of the p [...]ple of Rome, declared Charls Emperour of the Romans, and put an Imperiall crown upon his head,

Charls the Great the first that was crowned by the hand of the Pope.

Three crowns belong to the Roman Emperours, the first is of silver, which is taken of the kingdom of Germany in the City of Aquisgrain. The second is Iron, of the kingdom of Lombartly in Medina neer Millan, the which crown is of ancient workmanship without flowers, or points, made within as a plain hoop of Iron, which binds in the temple; but without is beautified with gold, and pretious stones, the which sheweth that the Roman Empire hath the strength of Iron by military power. The third Crown is then of gold, of the Empire of Rome, which the Pope giveth in the Church of St. Peter.

the people making great applause and acclamation, and proclaiming with a loud and high voyce three times, To Charls August crowned by God, the great and peaceable Emperour, Life and Victory. And the Pope anointed him with oyl and balm consecrated to this effect, together with Pepin his son, whom he pronounced King of Italy; the which things were all done in the year of our Lord 801. And so Charles began to Occidentall Empire of Germany, which to this present hath continued with great honor and glory. Whereupon the Emperours which succeeded him, imitating Charls, either because that action seemed unto them worthy observation, or perhaps because they desired by that means to maintain the title of the Empire, which Leo gave to Charles, as is said, they followed from time to time the custome to be crowned. In this manner also were together with the power annexed the demonstrations of Regall or Princely fortune, of the which demonstrations of honor they participating more or lesse, the which did participate more or lesse of Kingly fortune, from thence proceeded the use of Crowns and Chaplets, signifying Royall or Princely dignity, or the honor of a Duke, or Lordly power & authority, because that the Roman Empire being fallen from the greatness therof, and Barbarians coming into Italy, who like the inundation of a mighty river, carrieth with it infinite damage, replenished unfortunate Italy with their brutish manners; whereupon miserably fell to the earth, not onely the beauty of the Roman tongue, and the perfection and propriety thereof, but all that semblance and similitude of the ancient customes, and new titles, new fashions, and new lawes were intruded: the word Prince was taken for a new kind of dignity, which being inferior to a King, and Imperiall preheminence, taketh the precedence of Dukes,Arechi Duke of Benevento, was the first that was called Prince Marquesses, and Earls. The first which used this name in Italy, was, as we have declared (and according as Leone Cardinall and Bishop of Ostia saith in his History Casinense) about the year of our Lord 755, Arechi the second, 14. Duke of Benevento, who having inlarged his Dukedom, would have his said State no longer called a Dukedom, but a Principality, and caused himself to be anointed and crowned by his Bishops; and in the end of his Letters and Charters of Priviledge, caused them to to be thus dated, Scriptum in nostro sacratissimo Palatio. Afterward his successors continuing, used to do the like. Whereupon by their example the Princes of Capoa, of Taranto, and of Salerno being allured thereunto, caused themselves also to be annointed and crowned by their Bishops. These titles at the [...] of the Kings, were given unto their children, nor any except the blood Royall [...] partakers of these [Page] titles. Whereupon of the children of Ruggiero, the first King of the kingdom of Naples and Sicilia, Ainulfo was Prince of Capoa, and Gulielmo which afterward succeeded in the kingdom, was Prince of Taranto. Charls of Aujou the first of this name,The dignity of the principality of Salerno. King of Naples, ordained, that his eldest son should be named Prince of Salerno; whereupon Charls the second in the time of his father was intituled Prince of Salerno, and Charls the son of Charls the second, before he came to the kingdom of Hungary, was also called Prince of Salerno. But because his brother Ruberto, and not he, succeeded in the kingdom of Naples, which was then called Duke of Calauria, How the kings elde [...] son was intitled Duke of Cal [...]ria. from thence it so came to pass, that from that time forward they were no more Princes of Salerno, but the Kings first begotten son was called Duke of Calauria. So was Charls called his father living, the worthy son of Ruberto; so was Ferdinando the son of Alfonsus King of Arragon, who first conquered Naples; and so was Alfonsus the squint-eyed the son of Ferdinando; but it so falling out, that old Ferdinando alo living, to Alfonsus his son was born a son whom he also named Ferdinando, to him (because his father Duke of Calauria lived) was given the title of the Principality of Capoa. The first Prince of Capoa. The first which was called Prince of Taranto, not descending of the blood Royall, was Iacobo del Balzo the son of Francisco, which was also the first that of no Princely family was called Duke of Andri. And so much concerning the title of a Prince, which signifying the Dignity, Signiory and Jurisdiction which [...] holdeth, so it is lawfull for them to place over their Scutchion, or Coat, Armour, o [...] [...]heir Family, a crown made after this fashion,

The crown belonging to a Prince.

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In this kingdom after the dignity of a Prince, the next is the state of a Duke, which taketh place before a Marquess and an Earl. These Dukes have above their Arms a round hoop without any points or work above: But in place of the points there are certain pearls, and round about are certain pretious stones, after the manner which here underneath appears.

The crown of a Duke.

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See Luca di Penna in l. 1. c. de auro coronario, lib. 10. & in l. 1. c. de Authle.

Cassaneus in catalogo gloriae mundi, in 1. par. Concl. 9.

The which fashion, although it be now decayed, I have thought good to declare, to the end the truth thereof may be known, The first title of a Duke in this kingdom, was that of Benevento, instituted in the year 573. But after they came under the jurisdiction of the King, the first being not descended of Princely blood, was Francisco del Balzo (as hath been said) made Duke of Andri, by Queen Ione the first. Not long after was Iacobo Marzano, made Duke of Sessa by King Ladislaus, and so others from time to time, whereof the number at this present is very great. This dignity of a Duke increased to a very high and eminent degree, the which chanced not to any of the other aforesaid dignities, because Charls the 8. King of France being possest of this kingdom, created Giliberto of Borbona Earl of Montpensier his Lieutenant Generall of the kingdom Archduke of Sessa, Archduke of Sessa. and so the said Borbana afterward caused to be set upon his Arms a great purple cap, garnished with a golden hoop, set full of pretious stones, with certain points without pearls in the top, but onely put in the sides thereof, to the end the dignity of a Prince might have its place, and that he also might be known for an Archduke.

The crown of an Archduke.

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[Page]The which crowns as well of the Archdukes as the Dukes, are to be used in the manner abovesaid, that whosoever ascendeth to that dignity, ought not to augment it with flourishing, or otherwise with the ornament of Jewels or pretious stones, for in so doing, they seem to usurp a greater dignity then belongs unto them, for which as the Lawyers say, they ought to be punished. And here it is to be noted, that they are not pointed in that manner as some of them have formerly used, that is to say, after that fashion, as their ancestors have had them, because they as they were free Lords, and acknowledged not any superior, (as before hath been declared in the discourse of the principality on this side) might lawfully do it; the which is now otherwise, the kingdom being under the dominion and jurisdiction of Kings.

After these the next in degree are the Marquesses, the which are adorned with a hoop set with pretious stones, without any thing above, and with a very small appearance thereof above the Arms, after this manner.

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The crown of a Marquess.

Bi [...]ndo and Pietro Razzano say, that the word Marquess signifieth in the Lombard tongue a perpetuall Magistrate, or a perpetuall Lordship; but according as Mario Equicola saith in his Commentaries of the Marquesses of Mantua, signifieth in the I [...]alian tongue, a President. Alciato that excellent Lawyer, saith that the word Marquess is a Dutch name, and that it signifieth a Master of the Horse, forasmuch as the Germans call a horse Marca, and in the French tongue Marcare is as much as to say, to ride. In this kingdom as the name of a Duke and an Earl came the soonest, and that of a Prince first, before in any other place, so that of a Marquess appeared long after; for the first was Cecco dal Bargo that was made Marquess of Pescara by King Ladislaus.

Then follow the Earls, called in Latine Comiti, because they were sent from the train and followers of the Emperours to rule and govern some province,Luca de Penna in Rub. c. de Comitibus, lib. 12. or some part thereof. Also an Earle, according to Luca de Penna, may put upon his Arms, in place of a crown, a plain hoop, differing nothing from that of a Marquess, save onely the want of Jewels and pretious stones, as the Earls of Altavilla, of Aquino, of Conza, of Marsico, of Nola, of Isernia, of Milito, of Potenza, of Troja, This dignity was by Charls the Great, & his son, bestowed on those which were their Deputies. Afterward under the German Empire that title was of a proper power and authority. and others anciently have used.

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The Earls had their precedence in the Parliaments of all the other Lords and Barons which had no title;Marino Frezza in 2. lib. de suffendi in the chap. Quis dicatur Comes, nu. 54. being created by the ancient Kings with great state and solemnity, as appears in Vgone Falcando, where he speaketh of the promotion of Riccardo di Mandra, Constable of the County of Molise, Comes creatus tubis, tympanis, cimbalis (que) de more solenniter prae untibus.

FINIS.

§

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CHARLES The fift Emperour, and the 26th. King OF NAPLES.

FOR compleating the History of Naples, I will take my rise from a High-ground,, from that Heroick Prince that Top of men, CARLOS Quinto; who was the first of the Austrian Family, that saluted in person the fair Parthenope, and mounted the Napolitan Courser. From him we will go regularly on, and draw the thred of the Story to his Great Grand-child Philip the fourth now Regnant.

THE Emperour Charles the fift, is famous for divers high Feats of Magnanimity and Prudence, but the greatest and difficultest Exploit that ever he did, the most signal Victory that ever he obtained through-out the whole course of his life which had bin so active, was that Conquest he made of Himselfe, when he brought his passions and height of spirit to be so succumbent and co [...]chant, and to stoop unto Him in so low a posture, that stripping himself of all his Imperial and Royal Robes (which he had worn in so much glory the first 36. yeers, the other 40. from sixteen to six and fifty) he reach'd them with his own hands, the one to his brother Ferdinand, to put on, the other to his son Philip, denuding himself thereby of all earthly power, command, and wealth; and pulling off, as it were, all his clothes therby before he went to bed, and burying Himself (in a dark Cloyster) [Page] before he was dead: An act without controversy most heroick, and discovering a high Soul; For as while we sojourn here among these frail and mutable Elements, the Conduct of our passions is held by the Philosophers to be the principall busines of Vertu, so the Conquest of them is the noblest part of Valour; A man need no [...] go abroad to seek Enemies, wheron to exercise his Courage, if he descend into himself he shall find Foes enough at home; I mean those Inmates and innated rebellious appetits, those tumultuous irregular humors which lodg within him, and to give Them the check, is the hardest part of the Play we are to act upon this worldly Stage.

Charles the Emperour did this, when he had but newly finished the eleventh Lustre of his Age, being then not 56. yeers old; nor did he thus controll himself, by abandoning the pomp and glory of this life, and avoiding publick care, that he might retire to a Country House of pleasure, to hawk and hunt, or use such pastimes, but he remov'd from so many Thrones to enter himself into a Monastery (or Hermitage rather) that by that reclus'd life he might sequester himself from all mundane negotiations and delights, to have more vacancy, not only to study the Theory of Mortification, but put it in practise: Besides this reason he declard at his Resignation, that he was now weary of the incombrances of worldly affairs, wherewith he had bin laden so many yeers, for which he was becom now unweldly in regard of Age, as also being afflicted with frequent fi [...]ts of the Gout, which made him so crazy and unapt for Government, having us'd Tassata stirrops for divers yeers. One of his Predecessors, Severus the Emperour was of an other humor, for he being very sick of the Gout at the Citty of York, as the story tells us, one of his Nobles attending him at that time, told him, that the world did admire how he could govern so many separated Nations, and make such remote Expeditions, being so subject to that Arthriticall lame disease, whereunto the Emperour with more vigor then ordinary, answer'd; Sir, I would have you know, that I rule the Empire with my head, and not with my feet, with my temples, not with my toes. Hereunto may be not impertinently answer'd, that memorable answer which the late Henry the Great of France gave to a Spanish Ambassador, who coming to visit him when he was sore sick of the Gout, and condoling his indisposition, he suddenly rise up off his Couch, and told him, Ventre de saint Gris sil y avoit ocasion Vostre Maistre n [...] auroit pas plustost le pied dans Lestrier, qu'il ne me trouveroit monte a cheval non obstant la g [...]te. By the belly of Saint Gris, if there were ocasion your Master (meaning Philip the 3d. of Spain) shold not have his foot sooner in the stirrop, then he shold find me on hors-back, notwithstanding the Gout.

But touching Charles the Emperour, whereof we have spoken; it is much that he shold be so subject to the Gout, if stirring and motion be a Supersedeas against it as the Physitions hold, because few Princes had bin so active as he from his very youth; for he made nine journies into Germany, seven to Italy, ten to Flanders, four to France, two to England, and two expeditions to Afric; He had made eight Voyages on the Mediterranean Sea, and three on the Ocean.

And what a world of Achievements did he perform in these Expeditions? He sent away the great Solyman weeping from before the Walls of Vienna, and so stoppd that huge torrent of destruction, which was like to have overwhelm'd all Germany, and quickly after the rest of Christendom; He made Barbarossa that formidable Pyrate, and his Dragon the Admiral Gal [...]on wherein he sayl'd, to [...]ly before him; what notable Conquests were those of Goletta and Tunis, where the Roman Eagles had not flown since the time of Scipio and Hannibal, and had not the Emulation of som Christian Princes found him work at home, and diverted him, he in all appearance had conquered and civiliz'd all Barbary. To return to Europe, he took the Duke of Cleve with all his Towns and Territories, he quash'd the Duke of Sax: who was head of the Lutheran party, he imprison'd the Duke of Milan, he subdued and sack'd Rome, he tam'd the mutinous City of Gant, where he first breath'd aire and had bin rock'd in his Cradle; he pierc'd the very heart of France, forcing that King to fly to the Turk for his assistance against him, whom he afterwards took prisoner (being the day he was born upon) yet touching that action (as he himself confess'd) though Charles had more of [Page]Fortune therein, yet Francis had got as much of glory, considering all circumstances, being taken with naked Sword in hand, among a throng of fighting Enemies, all about him weltring in blood, Colours flying, and Victory fluttering on both sides with doubtfull wings: The full discovery of the new World was made in his Raign, with the Mines of Peru; In fine, he had such a continuall tide of good success, that it seems that Age was design'd for his glory. He had twenty pitcht Battels, and above three hundred Sieges; nor did he know what a Repulse was, but only at Algier, Marseilles & Mets, where the wind blew strongly in his face, insomuch that among the Caesars, Charlemain may be sayd to be only parrallell to Charles le Q [...]int. All this he intimated in a fluent and vigorous swelling Oration before the two Queens, Elianor of France, and Mary of Hungary Dowager his Sisters, divers Knights of the golden Fleece, and a great confluence of Nobles at the Act of Renuntiation, in Bruxells; but now he sayd further, he wold court Fortune no longer (who being a Female loves young men best) and therefore he would recommend his Son unto her. He wold no longer hold those Scepters which he could not sway, nor, a Sword that he could not draw out, yet he said, that by this Surrendry he did not retire himself from either Imperial or Regal power, out of any apprehensions of any fear of future dangers, or revolts, or the power of any Potentates upon earth, nor out of a resentment of any ill success pass'd, or the least distrust of the Divine providence, and any disaffections of his Subjects, but soly to wean himself from the World, and have better opportunity to make his account with Heaven.

After such generous Expressions and a little pausing, he concludes thus in Spanish. Que porsus indisposit [...]ones a que le avian reducido los traba [...]os del espiritu estava resuelto de pouer todo el peso de los negocios sobre los ombros de su Hijo, y Hermano, y assi desde [...]atonces renunciava en el uno el Imperio, y en el otro las Coronas d' Espana, y de las diez y siete provincias de Flandes, y desobligava a todos sus sudditos del juramento de fidelidad que le avian hecho. In regard of those distempers which the agitations of his spirit had reduc'd him unto, he was resolv'd to pass over the weight of all businesses upon the sholders of his Son and his Brother; therefore from that time forward he renounc'd and transferr'd the Empire to the one, and the Crowns of Spain with all the seventeen Provinces to the other, disobliging and absolving all his Subjects from that oath of alleagiance which they had sworn unto him; whereupon his Son Philip kneeling before him bare-headed, his Father melting all into tears (with divers of the Spectators) he put the Crown upon his head giving him his benediction & therewith the Soveraignty of all his Dominions, that being disburden'd hereof he might the more easily go on in his journey to the Port of happiness, and dispose himself to the meditation of the supream Good, which is the best Philosophy, the highest wisdom, and most consummated felicity. As he was doing this he presented to the young King his Son, Don Francisco Eraso, who had bin Secretary, and a most loyall Confident of his many years; Insomuch that at parting, he sayd, Quanto os he dado este dia no es [...]anto [...]emo daros mi Eraso. That which I have given you my Son at this day, is not so much as the giving of my Eraso unto you.

A little after he sent the Imperiall Crown to his brother Ferdinand, by William Prince of Orenge who was slain afterwards, contracting with his Sons; Ferdinand shew'd himself shy at first in accepting of it, because twas too heavy for his sholders, at last he took it, saying, No ac [...]tara si no convini [...]ra a la conservation de [...]s salud, pero procuraria imitar sus virtudes en parte, ya que en todo era impossible a la mayor capacidad. He wold not accept of such a Crown, did it not conduce to the preservation of his Majesty his brothers health, but he would endeavour to imitate his Vertues in part, for to imitate them all was impossible for the greatest capacity.

The Criticks of those times did pass various censures upon this rare transaction, upon this high affair of State, the sound whereof quickly pass [...]d to both the Poles, som taxt Charles of a kind of (laschete) of pusillanimity and desection of spirit in doing this, others of too much indulgence of himself, and for his corporall ease, others gave out he did it because he fore-saw those fearfull tumults [Page] which happend afterwards in the Low Countreys by the Lutheran party: But the soberst sort of impartiall men did impute it soly to his indisposition of health, and that this retirednesse might tend to the advantage of his body and soul, which those multiplicities of cares, that attended so many Crowns as he wore, debarrd him of. It was a saying of one of our English Kings, That if one did but know the weightines of a Crown he wold not take it up, though he shold stumble at it in the high way: If this may be a caveat to those who are in health, much more shold it be to those that are indisposd and of crazy wasted constitutions: As the gifts of Nature are more excellent then those of Fortune, so are they, by a well regulated soul to be preferrd before them. The Ensignes of Majesty, as the Scepter, the Diadem, the Throne, are glorious objects to behold, but when the rackings of the Gout, the Colick, or other infirmities wholy distemper him that hath them, a healthfull Peasan is farr more happy, then such a Prince, if placed in opposition; such a King may be sayed to be Tantalizd all the while, for though he have an a [...]luence of all things about him, yet he cannot tast of any with a true relish; so that what shold procure his happines, encreaseth his punishment, for though he can comand all, yet he cannot convert any thing to his own comfort, when the agonies he suffers make those which are gustfull to others to becom gall to him.

The pangs of the Gout alone are able to convince Zeno and his senselesse sect of Stoiks, who deny all pain and passion; For all those pleasing Ideas which the conceit of Majesty and greatnesse use to instill into the brain, cannot countervail those torments which som diseases use to inflict upon the body; Therfore doubtles Charls the fift had more reason to preferr his health before his Crowns, it being a jewell so precious, that all the Diadems on Earth have not the like inchacd in them: It was the speech of Valentinian, That an Emperour ought to dye standing on his feet, now if he ought to be found dying in that posture, much more ought he to appear so living: Tis true we read of som Generalls who have commanded in their Litters (as Sir Francis Vere was carryed in a Chaire at the battail of Newport to direct the Army) but these examples are very few.

But we will return to take leave of Charles the fift; A little after, this once mighty Monarch, and now mortified man, removd to Flushing, to embark himself with his two royall Sisters for Spain (the foresayd Mary Queen of Hungary, and Leonora Queen Dowager of France) and thence to the haven of eternall rest; being there, he was so thin attended, that one night he had not a Servant to light som who came to visit him down the staires but did it himself: Thence he hoisd sayl for Castile, where he cloysterd himself in the Monastery of Saint Iusto, and that small remnant of time he livd there (which was not above two yeers) he imployd in divine seraphicall speculations, in divers sorts of penances, concurring with sundry acts of piety and pitty.

Thus this great H [...]ro became a Hermit, this glorious Monarch became an obscure M [...]nk, and certainly he well deservd to have worn so many Crowns who did so freely quitt them, obeying therin onely the motions of his own soul, without any shew of constraint, or the lest appearance of suspecting the alleagiance of his pe [...]ple.

Now touching that Arthriticall torturing disease which afflicted the Emperour Charles, his Son and immediat Successor had much more cause to be subject therunto, in regard of his sedentary and reposefull life, in regard that he kept for the most part in his Closet, wher he wold write himself his own letters, dispatches, and instructions: There he might be sayed to have a Prospective, through which he beheld what was a doing in the old and new World, yea as farr as the Antipodes: His Closet was the center whence the lines of his comands were drawn to the circumference, of so many vast remote Regions, as will appear in the History of his life, which in regard he was a Prince of a strange mould, of a close dark nature, that his thought could seldom be penetrated, I will spend more oyle then ordinary to illustrat his Raign.

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THE LIFE and RAIGNE of PHILIP the Second, 27th KING OF NAPLES.

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PHILIP of Austria (second of that name) succeeded Caesar his Imperiall Father in all his Hereditary Dominions by a voluntary free Resignation, wherin he might be sayed not to be beholden to death, as other Heirs apparant use to be, but to his Fathers free designe: But touching the Kingdom of Naples, it was transferrd unto him before▪ to countenance his second marriage with Mary Queen of England and Ireland: There wanted not som Critiques that wold have derogated from the worthinesse of that spontaneous Act of the Emperours, saying, That King Philip was overheard to say a while a [...]ter that The second day after the Resignation was the first day of his Fathers Repentance: But sure that could not be, if the Historians who were then contemporaries may be beleevd, for this was don by a long moulded preceding resolution, as they write, in regard that the Emperour had a design to do it six yeers before, when he was but fifty yeers of age; the ground of which proceeded from the speech of an old Captain of his, who desiring a Passe to retire from Armes, told him, Sir, he who hath a care of his soul must put an Intervall twixt the affaires of the World and Death. And now to the intended task.

[Page] Philip the second was born in Valladolid upon a Tuesdey the 21. of May 1527. in the Chair-ship of Clement the seventh, a little before that his Fathers Armie had assaulted and sackt Rome, but without the knowledg of the Emperour himself, and the consent of his Viceroy of Naples at that time, which was the cause that Philip was not baptiz'd with such Ecclesiasticall Pomp and Solemnity that is usuall; at ten months and twenty dayes old he was declar'd Prince of Castilia and Aragon in the Monastery of Saint Hierom in Madrid, his Parents being present: when he had arriv'd to seven yeers of age (wherin Nature doth use to make som visible change, in the progresse of humane life) his Father commanded a house and family to be settled for him; At which time Doctor Siliceo (who was afterward Bishop of Toledo, and Cardinal) was appointed to be his Preceptor, who taught him to know, to love, and fear God, to read, and write, to understand the Latin, Italian, & French tongues, and to have som knowledg in the Mathematiques: His Mother the Empresse, Daughter to Emanuel King of Portugal, dyed a few yeers after at Toledo where Philip was bred, leaving him about twelve yeers of age, at which time he began to rule Spain in the absence of his Father, being assisted by Cardinal Tabera, the Duke of Alua, and others: At fifteen yeers of age he was sworn Prince of Aragon, where he was intitled Governour according to the custom: At sixteen yeers of age he maried the Lady Maria Infanta of Portugal, Daughter to Iohn the third, a Creature of exquisit bewty, being of the same age with Philip.

Som few yeers after he was call'd by his Father to Flanders, leaving the Government of Spain to Arch-Duke Maximilian his Cosen, and King of Bohemia and Hungary. He pass'd over to Italy in a Fleet of thirty eight Gallies, under the command of Andrea Doria, and landing at Genoa, he pass'd through Milan and Mantova to Germany and so to Brussels; Having their receiv'd divers good Documents from his Father, taken a survey of the Nether-lands, Italy and Germany, whither he attended the Emperour his Father to a Diet at Auspurg, having purchas'd all this experience, he went back by his Fathers order to Spain, having receiued a new Commission to govern there in chief, and in the Indies also: A while after there was an ouverture of marriage made twixt him and Queen Mary of England, which was quickly agreed upon, therefore he embark'd himself at the Groyn (Corunnia) in a Fleet of sixty eight Ships, wherein was a Regiment of four thousand Spaniards, among whom were divers Noble men and persons of quality: Being arriv'd in England and royally attended to London, the Nuptials were celebrated in great magnificence; hereupon King Philip took share with his wife in the Government, by the title of King of Naples, Hierusalem, England, and Ireland, but afterwards the Parliament (when he was departed) began a Cavil and wold not have him stil'd King of England, but Husband to the Queen of England, during his abode in England, his Queen and he liv'd in a sweet way of conjugall love, notwithstanding their disparity of yeers, she being above a dozen yeers elder; It was thought once she was with Child, therefore she was prayed for at Saint Pauls Cross, but in lieu of a Pregnancy it prov'd a Tympany, a Tumor, or Mole, proceeding from indisposition of body: All the while he liv'd in England he advanc'd the Roman Religion, but being call'd away by his Father to Flanders, the reform'd Religion began to take footing again; After he was departed from England, Calais was taken by the Duke of Guyse, who in the dead of Winter did suddenly sit before her and began his Batteries so furiously, that the noyse of his Canons were heard as farr as Antwerp neer a hundred miles distant: King Philip while he cohabited with his Wife often advisd her to have a speciall care of Calais, and afterwards upon a Treaty of peace twixt Spain and France, one of the Articles were that Calais should be surrendred to the Queen of England, but she dyed in the interim.

The Family of Caraffa, who were neer allied to Pope Paul the fourth, wold needs advise his Holines to recouer the Kingdom of Naples for the Apostolicall See, the times being propitious to such a work: their counsail prevaild in regard that France obligd her self to assist him, but though the attempt went very far, yet it could not take effect; That clowd being scatterd in Italy, and the [Page] truce being expird with France, a new War began wherin he gaind that famous Victory of Saint Quintin, which he took upon Saint Laurence day, and for the advantage of his advenues he was forcd to batter down a Monastery of Fryers, but with a resolution and vow, that if it would please Heaven to give him the Victory he wold erect such a house of Religion to the honor of God, and of the Martyr Saint Laurence that the World had not the like, which he performd accordingly at the Escuriall.

A peace being concluded afterward with France, and having put all things in a settled and good posture in Flanders, leaving there his Sister the Dutchesse of Parma to govern, he made sayl for Spain, but as he landed at Laredo, a furious tempest did rise wherin divers of his Ships perishd who were very richly laden. Not long after this his return to Spain, the Moores of Granada did cutt him work to do, and it provd a tedious and difficult task to subdue them, which yet he atchieved at last after many traverses of Warr: In the greatest fury therof, King Philip marryed the Arch-Duchesse the eldest Daughter of the Emperour Maximilian, who was brought in great pomp from Germany to Spain.

At the earnest sollicitation of Pope Pius the fift he entred afterward into a league with his Holines, and the Republic of Venice against Selim the great Turk, who a little before had taken the Ile of Cyprus from the Signiory; he writ [...] back to the Pope, that he held his request therin to be equivalent to a command, and so he sent order to his Viceroys of Naples and Sicily to levy Forces accordingly; which they did, sending Don Iohn of Austria his naturall Brother, to be his Generalissimo, therupon happend that famous Naval fight in the Gulph of Lepanto, upon the successe wherof the incolumity of all Italy depended, but it pleasd God to affoord the Christians a most triumphant and blissefull victory▪ which if they had pursued, they might in all probability have overmasterd all Greece, but their own dissentions hinderd the work: The Neapolitan Squadrons did most signall services in this great Expedition, for which King Philip sent a Letter full of grace and thanks, with an inlargement of som priviledges, to the most faithfull City of Naples.

Philip had now waded through sundry sorts of difficulties, having putt a period to the War with the Caraffa's and the Pope, made peace with the French, and debelld the Mahumetans; therfore he addicted himself to erect works of piety, and among other, that stupendous Fabrique at the Escuriall, but as he was most busy about it, newes came to him of the troubles of Flanders, and it was the unluckiest newes that ever was brought to Spain, considering what a long lingring War they brought, wherin all the Princes of Christendom were directly or col [...]aterally engagd, it is as impossible to beleeve as to write the strange and various traverses of those Warrs, the multitudes of men who lost their lifes therin, so that those Provinces were calld Sepulchra Hispanorum, the incredible masse of treasure which was expended, for the Mines of Mexico and those of Potosi were almost exhausted to feed these Warrs, which had they not happend, the Kings of Spain might have pavd their Courts and tild their Palaces with Gold and Silver; yet in the greatest brunt and fury of these Warrs, Philip made a conquest of Portugall, for se [...]ing his title wold not be accepted, wherby he alledged right of Succession, he made it good with his Sword, and subdued the whole Kingdom, wherin as he sayed he verified t [...]e saying, that

— Arma tenenti

Omnia dat qui justa negat —

To atchieve this mighty exploit, whom shold Philip employ but the Duke of Alva, who had so trampled upon the Belgians, and though he was then in disgrace with the King, and in Prison by his immediat command, yet he had studyed his humor so well, how ambitious he was of glory, and how many proofs he had made of his fidelity and courage, that though he would not admit him to his presence and to kisse his hands, yet he sent him a Commission to be his Generalissimo in that Expedition: Nor was Philip out of his account, or deceavd in his judgment of the genius of the man, for he executed his Commission with such an exactnes of fidelity, with such rare successe, and in so short a compas of [Page] time that one must have a strong faith to believe, with what facility he reducd all Lusitania, which provd a mighty addition to the Spanish Monarchy, for therby the East Indies, so many Islands in the Atlantic Sea, with divers Territories in Afric fell under the Castilian yoak: But as Henry the seventh of England was hanted with walking Spirits (who sayed they were Edward the fift) whom he chasd away by sprinkling of blood, so was Philip the second troubled with two Hermits, who one after the other sayed they were Don Sebastian, and so drew a considerable party after them, but they were found to be Counterfeits, and so executed accordingly. Moreover Don Antonio naturall Son to Lewis one of the Uncles of Don Sebastian, pretended right to the Crown (as he had had, had he bin legitimat) therfore he fled to Queen Elizabeth of England for succour, who accordingly furnisht him with considerable Forces by Sea and Land, under Drake and Norris, but all wold not do.

No sooner had Philip thus securd and quieted the Kingdome of Portugal, with the vast Territories therunto annexed, but new work was cut him out in Aragon, where a hideous Insurrection happened, which grew from the imprisonment of Antonio Perez, the famous Secretary of State, King Philip left him to the ordinary course of Justice, and being accusd of Homicide to have slain Escovedo, Don Iohn of Austria's Secretary, and according to the Lawes of Spain being rackt therefore, he confest the Fact, but he alledged, he did it by the King his Masters command; and being pressd to discover the causes, he answerd, they were so secret that they were not fit to be publisht. Tis true that Philip did not much resent the death of Escovedo, because he had buzzd odd councels into the eares of Don Iohn of Austria, as to marry without the Kings privity Elizabeth Queen of England, to conquer Algier or Tunis, and crown himself King afterwards. Antonio Perez by his wives subtlety made an escape out of prison, and posted away to Aragon with two Confidents of his, where he found such potent and popular Friends that gave him Sanctuary and protection; and they drew a considerable party after them to this purpose. Now as one insolency drawes on another, they took opportunity hereby to say, that it was a breach of their priviledges to have a stranger to be their Vice-roy, as also to introduce the Inquisition wherunto Perez was like to be put over. This Commotion was like to be of very dangerous consequence, for the common people of Saragossa began to be very violent in it, King Philip raisd an Army of 10000. foot and 1500 horse, under the command of Don Alonso de Vargas, a Veteran and a great experiencd Captain; they of Aragon having notice hereof, were preparing another Army in opposition, but the King with his own hand writ to them a gracious Letter in these words.

No aver levantado aquel Exercit [...] si no para passar a Francia, que el era mejor Aragonez, que los que aconse javan se le estorvasse el passo, y se maravillava mucho se creyes cosa que a el aun no avia passado por el pensamiento, y menos romper l [...]s privilegios a un Reyno a quien amava tanto The Army which he was a raising was to no other end but to pass to France, he was a better Arrogonian then those who gave advice that this Army shold be stopd in the passage, and he wonderd much that credit shold be given to things that never entred into his head, where he never habourd the least thought to infringe the priviledge of a Kingdome, which he lovd so well. This Letter was like a gilded Pill with strong Drugs within, for no sooner was the Letter sent, but Don Alonso followd with his Army and came to the gates of Sarogosa, his Soldiers crying out for France, for France, Don Alonso being entred, the chief Justice of Aragon thinking to fly away was apprehended, and according to a private order Don Alonso had from the King to dispatch in the first place Don Iohn de Nuza, y que a un mismo punto le avisasse de su prision y de su muerte who shold have notice at the same instant of his imprisonment and death: Don Iohn being thus apprehended was hurried into a Coach, and two Jesuits to prepare him for death, he askt by vertue of what Sentence, hereupon they shewd him that short order, which Philip all of his own hand-writing had delivered Don Alonso. That Don Iohn de Nuza was the prime Officer of the Kindom of Aragon; a goodly fair young man, and of a gallant presence, therfore his death was very much lamented, specially being descended of the [Page] most illustrious and ancientst Families of that Kingdom; many other persons of quality and the chief Ring-leaders of this Tumult were executed, and their heads and members set up in quarters upon the gates of the City; Antonio Perez had made his escape from Saragosa two daies before towards France, to the Country of Bern, where Katherine Queen of Navarr and Mother to Henry the fourth, gave him protection and entertainment, whereupon a publick Ban was proclaimd that whosoever could bring him alive, or dead should have 6000. crowns, therfore not finding himself secure so neer Spain, he fled to England, and thence removd to Paris, where he did lead the remainder of his life▪ gazd upon as he passd the streets as a strange Monster of Fortune, but cryed up for a person of notable sound parts, and politick Speculations.

A little after King Philip, his Generall Don Alonzo having already dispatcht the principalst part of the business before him, made a kind of progress to his Kingdom of Aragon, and convokd a Parliament to meet at Tarasona, but a generall pardon preceded his summons, only the Town of Tervel and Albarracin excepted with 145. persons besides, which he afterwards forgave, so he confirmed unto them such priviledges as he thought; he enacted new Lawes, and repeald many old, so the Kingdom gave him a present of about four hundred thousand crowns, so he returned triumphantly from Aragon to Castille, having thus deprest the courage of that high crested people; And if ever that Aphorism was verified; viz. That Rebellion supprest makes the Prince the stronger, surely it was in this great Action, as may be inferrd out of the former transactions in that Kingdom.

Upon crushing of this Aragonian Cocatrice in the shell, there was a monstrous strange Hydra engendred in France with I cannot tell how many heads: The Huguenots began to be potent and turbulent there, the Queen-mother Katherine de Medicis, with the Guisards were great Bigots, and abhorring that faction, being most fervent in the advance of the Roman cause, they made war against the Huguenots, upon those grounds; Therupon Philip being the Catholick King, could do no less in the quarrell of the holy Church then reach his Arme and assist them which he did, by sending order to the Duke of Parma his Governour in Flanders to that end, who accordingly rusht into France and pursued his march as far as the walls of Paris: At his entrance into France he repaird to the Cathedrall Church of Meaux where he protested and solemnly swore, that he came to France with that Army (which consisted of 10000. foot and 3000. horse) to no other intent but to deliver the oppressed friends of the King (then under minority) from the violence of Rebells and Heriticks, in which quarrell he wold expose his person to any perils whatsoever, and he knew every soul under the Banners of his Catholike Majesty which were in this Army wold do the like: Having receivd this speciall command and knowledg of his sayd Majesties pleasure accordingly: This intricat and mysterious War calld the Ligue lasted by intermissions in France above thirty yeers, and it came to such a multiplicity of Interests that every Province became Frontire to one another, insomuch that that gallant & entire compleat Kingdom was like to be cut into fragments & cantonizd. Queen Eliz: of England was offerrd by the Hugonots a good part, but fore-seeing what confusion it wold bring, and how much it wold enfeeble the power of that Kingdom, which is the greatest one knot of strength and entire power that is able to counterbalance that of the Monarchy of Spain, she refused the proffer, and rather assisted the preservation of the Regall power in that Kingdom.

King Philip having don such signall Services for the Roman Catholicks in France, & having wownd himself out of the Ligue from warring against Heritiks (as he calld the Hugonots) he turnd his Sword against Infidels, he sent a puissant Army both by Land and Sea, under Don Francisco de Mendosa, who was Commander in chief for the Conquest of Oran upon the Coasts of Barbary, which design provd so succesfull that it took effect, yet not without much expence of blood and treasure, which made the triumph more glorious for —Turpis sine pulvere palma: Having thus reducd Oran, and som Territories circumiacent from [Page] Mahumetismie, and the half Moon to be under the Standard of the Cross, he pursued his good Fortunes and assaulted another Fort in Barbary, calld Penion de Velez which he also carried but not without som difficulty.

After a little breathing from beating the Turk in Barbary, he had opportunity to meet him at Malta, which being besiegd by Solyman, he sent to his Viceroy of Naples and Sicily to make what strength they could to assist the great Master and Knights of that noble Order; The Siege provd very obstinat for four months and the Canons played upon the walls of Malta incossantly, which batterd som of them down to the ground, destroyed multitudes of houses, killd within the Town 7000. of all ages and Sexes, with 2000. Cavalliers, and Commanders of all Nations, who had sacrified their lives for the preservation of Malta, and therby transmitted their Fame to Posterity. Don Garcia de Toledo hereupon returnd triumphantly with his Fleet to Naples, where the three Castles and the Church of Carmine saluted him, with sundry Volleys of great Shot. The next Design was no less succesfull to Philip, for he made himself absolut Master of Melilla, notwithstanding that the Mahumetans added witch-craft to their Stratagems of War to over-throw the Spaniards.

A little after Philip understanding that Florida which belongd to him by right of discovery, being part of new-found World, was colonied and usurpd by a Plantation of French Hugonots, whom he abhorrd as Hereticks in his opinion, the chief wherof was Iohn Riblaut, King Philip commanded eight Galeons with 1500. Soldiers to be made ready at Ca [...]es, & appointed Pedro Melendez de Valdez Commander, in chief giving him the title of Adelantado or Governour of Florida, after a prosperous Navigation thither, he assaulted a Fort which the French-men had built, and he pursued the point of his Design with that vigor, that he subdued it with the loss of a 150. men, and so driving the French into the Mountains and Desarts, he made himself Master of the Country upon Michaelmas day.

The next yeer he sent Sea and Land Forces towards the Luzones Ilands which ly the South-east, which had bin discoverd by Magellan before. And he imployed upon this Service Michael Lope de Legaspe, who had such prosperous success, that arriving at the Ile of Zebu he was receivd with much humanity and frendship by Tupas who ruld ther as King; so he built ther a Town calld Saint Michel with a strong Fort, and having som Fryers aboard he raysd ther the Standard of the Cross, and many of the Indians were reducd to Christianity in a short time, acknowledging the Catholic King for their Lord Paramount; many Iles more (wherof ther is such an infinity) rendred themselfs, and in honor of the King they were Christned las Philippinas, making a Town calld Manila the chief, wher afterwards the Christian Vice-roys resided: and much about that time the Frontire Town twixt Champagne and Germany took his name, and is calld Philipsburg to this day.

All this while King Philip had the wind in the Poupe, and Fortune on the Fore-castle, but now growing old that inconstant Female fell from him, and turnd her back, and as commonly one good Success coms not alone, so disaster and misfortunes when they once com they com like the Surges of the Sea, and one wave upon the neck of another: And indeed the affairs of this instable World are nothing but Vicissitudes composd of good, and bad events.

The first frown tha [...] Fortune did cast upon King Philip was under the Command of the Conde of Alcaudete at Mostagan in Barbary, wher the said Conde was slain by the Forces of the Xariphe, a petty Morisco King; and so the enterprizd fayld.

Not long after the Napolitan Gallies with other Christian Forces had very lamentable success at Los Gelves neer Tripoli, wher most of the Christian Fleet perishd: Don Alvaro Commander in chief was taken prisoner and presented to Piali the Turks General; but ther was a great deal of rashness and imprudence usd in the conduct of that expedition, which hapned in the yeer 1570. For had the Christian Army set upon Tripoli, which was a place not so strong in the ey of reason and all humane probability, they might have taken it, having a competent strength to do it, for the Army consisted of 12000. Soldiers besides Commanders, [Page] 38. Galeons and 26. Gallies, but as Marriages, so Victories are decreed in Heaven.

Another disastrous Accident hapned in the Port of Herradura in the Kingdom of Granada, wher Don Iohn of Mendosa son to Bernardin de Mendoza Vice-roy and Captain-Generall of Naples, who having a considerable Fleet wherin ther were 3500. land Soldiers, which were to be quarterd in the Kingdom of Valentia wher an Insurrection was feard, there blew upon a sudden such a furious gust of an East-wind, that most of the Fleet perishd, and above 5000. Souls.

But this mis-fortune was inferior to that which hapned three yeers after, which was in 1574. when Aluch-Ali that famous Turkish Generall came with a formidable Army to the coasts of Barbary, wherwith he made himself Master of Goletta and Tunis, wher above 200. peeces of Ordinance were found, which the Enemy made prize of with other rich Booties; they destroyed all the Churches and Monasteries, except the great Church which was preservd by a ransom of money.

This crowd of Disasters ushering in one another, besides that costly and remote War in Flanders, might in any mans judgment, have daunted the spirits of King Philip, who before had bin so long habituated to good success, for as the morall Philosopher tells us, Miserum est fuisse felicem, One of the worst kind of unhappiness is to have bin happy; but he was a Prince of a marvailous aequanimity and temper, one who had long studied the mutable condition and lubricities of this world, insomuch that these crosser traverses did rather heighten his mind then depress it; for not long after he riggd a mighty Fleet upon a great Dessign, no less then for the conquest of England, which he thought to swallow at a bit, which shews that neither his spirits nor treasure was wasted, notwithanding the vast expences in the Flemmish Wars, and so many millions that he buried in building the Escuriall.

The ground of this hardy Enterprize upon England, was that he had receivd divers Indignities and his Subjects much damage from his Sister Queen Elizabeth, though for his part he ever since the death of his wife Queen Mary, forbore to do any thing that might displease her, during his aboad in England, he had don her such signall and high favors, as to preserve her head from the Scaffold, to have her allowance enlargd, to divert her Sister from a design she had to send her beyond Sea to be a Nun; and at his departure from England he desired not to carry with him but one Ring of 100 l. price, nor demanded he any thing of his wifes moveables after her death: And lastly he had shewed no small love for comprehending the surrendry of Calais to the English in his treaty of peace with France; But in lieu of these Plums he gave her, she threw the stones at him, by assisting Don Antonio the Bastard, against him about the Title of Portugal, by fomenting his own naturall Subjects against him, in the revolt of the confederat Provinces, as far as to send a Governor of her own amongst them, by giving commissions to rob him in the Indies, by intercepting som of his treasure in her own Seas going to Flanders, by wronging som of the Haus Towns who were under his protection: These with sundry lucitements more, causd Philip to prepare this powerfull Fleet to be quit with her at once for all old Scores, and if all things had fallen right in the intended conjuncture, ther was proportion enough of strength (to speak without flattery) that might in all probability have subdued England; for ther were 130. Galeons, and Gallies; ther wer 20000. fighting men aboard, neer upon 3000. Canons with Bullets, Amunition, and all things requisit; The Duke of Parma was to cross over from Flanders with 2000. fighting men, more horse and foot, but he wanted a Fleet to transport them, which was the greatest over-sight the Spaniards committed in the tracing and conduct of this business; But this mighty invincible Armada vanisht away into smoak, by contrary winds and horrid tempest which attended the Fleet, from beginning to ending; for many ill-favord accidents happened at the very beginning, which might presage the Disasters following: The Generalissimo the Marquess of San-Cruzd, a long experienc'd and fortunate Captain dyed a [...] he was ready to set sayl for the expedition; the Duke of Medina being chosen in his place, as soon [Page] as he launchd out, he was beaten by an impetuous storm in the Bay of Biscay upon the coasts of France, where he lost divers bottoms, and the winds were so cross, that wheras they thought to visit England in May they came not till Iuly, wher they had such rough welcom that 10000. of their men were made food for Hadocks, three parts of four of their Navy were sunk, burnd, or taken, and those which scapd could not return the same way they came, but coasting by Denmark and Norway fetcht a compass about Ireland, and so came home pittifully shatterd, torn, and tatterd.

This provd a heavy loss to Spain which she could not repair (as they say) twenty yeers after: The English push on their good fortune, and the next yeer take Cales, which they sackt and plunderd; divers ill successes did consecutively happen divers yeers to King Philip, so that his Fortune made him som amends, with his Age, but the reduction of Portugal under the Crown of Castile, which in modesty he calld an Vnion rather then a Conquest, though it was a tru one: He seald all his Exploits with this, and it was the last great action of his life, for ever after he meddled little with public business, but transmitted them to his Son who usd to sign and seal most dispatches. King Philip was now entring upon his 71. yeer (but a good while before he grew valetudinary and weak) for twelve yeers before his death he drank not a drop of Wine, nor did he eat b [...]t at set hours, and then by weight and sparingly to starve his Gout, wherwith besides other indispositions he was tormented many yeers, insomuch that death did not surpize and assault him upon a sudden, but she gave him fair warning beforehand; ther wer divers incisions made into one of his legs, and he was content to have one of his fingers sawd off to stop a Gangrene that happened ther; at last it grew to be the pediculary disease, all which he endurd with much humility and wonderfull courage; It might be sayd that his body was the field wher his foes wer incampd, and he the Combatant, they wer both quarterd together; he billited and fed his own Enemies who wer all his Inmates: During his sickness he had frequent symptomes of mortification which encreasd with his Agonies. The last 50. daies before his death he took the Communion fourteen times, and confessed so often; He began to put his house in order, and to prescribe the mode how he wold be buried, causing them to open his Fathers Coffin, and to take the mesure of it, for he wold be buried in the same posture, which was in the Frock of a poor Fryer: The Chirurgeons being lancing of his knee one day, the Prince his son askt him whether it did not pain him much, he answerd, mucho mas me duelen mis pecados, My sins pain me much more: In the height of his anguishes his speech usd to be, Padre Eterno tu voluntad se haga y no la mia; Eternall Father thy will be done and not mine.

Som daies before his last he calld for the Prince his Son, and told him, No se sentia con fuerças ni capacidad para advertirle lo que era necessario para el govierno de tantos pueblos que dexava a su cargo, mas que dexava un papel en poder de su confessor, en que hallaria los mas saludables consejos de sus experiencias, y los mas justos avisos que su conscientia le dicto My Son, I do not find my self now to have strength or capacity enough to communicate unto you what is necessary for the government of so many peeple which are to fall under your Government, but I have left in the hands of my Confessor a paper, wherin you shall find the wholsomst advise that my experience and conscience could dictat; so he causd him to read what Saint Lewis of France sayd to his Son Philip before his death; Afterwards he commanded an Ivory Cabinet to be brought, whence he took out a plain Crucifix of wood, and a penitentiall Whip all blooded, saying, wheras others use to leave Rings and Jewels at their death to them whom they love most, I leave you, my Son, this Discipline (meaning the Whip for so they call it in Spain) which he conjurd him upon his blessing to make often use of, for as he sayd, Con esta disciplina podria mesclar su sangre con la de su padre y su abuelo In using this you may mingle your blood with that of your Fathers and Grand-fathers: And touching that plain Crucifix, he told him that his Grand-father dyed having it in his hands, and so would he, wishing his Son to do the like. The next day he took the extream Unction at nine of the night, desiring first to be informd [Page] by the Arch-bishop of Toledo how it was usd to be usd, for he had never seen it don before; he had the Prince his Son ther present, to whom for all his spirits were so much wasted, he made this rare Speech.

He querido, Hijo mio, os hallassedes presente en esta hora, y viessedes como yo he recebido la santa Vnction lo uno porque no os suceda lo que o mi, y tengais la ignorancia que yo, lo otro paraque veais en que paran las Monarquias deste mundo; ya veys, Hijo mio, como Dios me ha despojado de la gloria y Magestad de Rey para daros a vos esta investidura, a mi me pondran dentro de pocas horas una pobre mortaja, y me ceniran con un pobre cordel, y a se me ca [...] de la cabes a la Corona, la muerte me la quita para daros la a vos. Dos cosas os encomiendo mucho la una que permanescais siempre en la obediencia de la santa Iglesia Catolica; la otra que hagais justicia, y ameis a vuestros vassallos, pues vendrá tiempo en que esta corona se os cayga de la cabeca como aora a mi, vos sois mancebo yo lo he sido, mis dias estavan contades, ya se han acabado, Dios sabe los que tendreis de vida, y tambien han de tener fin, y assi es menester no desany daros en lo que tanto importa, sino mirar como vivis, porque la muerte os halle en buen estado siempre que os llame My Son, I was willing you shold be present at this hour, now that I am taking the holy Unction for two respects, first, that you might be not so ignorant hereof as I have bin; Secondly, that you may be an Ey-witness what becoms of worldly Monarchs; you see alredy, my Son, how God hath disrobd me of the Glory and Majesty of a King, to transfer this investiture to you, they will very speedily wind me up in a poor sheet and gird me about with a poor girdle (meaning Saint Francis Cordon) The Crown is upon point of falling off my head, death takes it from me to give it you; I recommend unto you two things, first, that you wold continue constant in the holy Catholic Church: Secondly, that you wold cause Justice to be don to your Subjects, and that you wold love them, for the time will com that the Crown will also fall from off your head, as it doth from mine; you are young and I am old, my daies wer reckond, and the Score is onw striking off, yours also must have an end, therefore it behoves you not to be careless how much it imports you, but be heedfull what life you lead, that death may find you in a good condition when he summons you away.

Afterwards he much recommended unto him a War against Hereticks, and Peace with France,; The Prince thinking that he was now expird, and to settle the Marquess of Denia his Favorit, afterwards Duke of Lerma, he demanded the golden Key of his Closet of Don Christo val de mora, he answerd, that he could not do it while the King was living; the Prince being a little movd therat Don Christoval complained to the King, who although he likd not his Sons demand por ser algo temprana, because it was somwhat to early, yet he commanded Don Christo val to deliver it him, and aske him pardon; Now, the King had a year before turnd his face to the wall towards death, and his back to the world, from all troublesom businesses, so that the Prince signd most Commissions all the while.

So on Sunday about five in the afternoon upon the day of rest, Philip went gently to his last, and he fell with the fall of the leaf in September, being seventy one yeers of age, to which age none of the Austrian Family ever arrivd, as it was observd. The last words which he breathd were these, yo muero como Catolico Christiano en lafe & obediencia de la iglesia Romana, y Respeto al papa como a quie [...] trae en sus manos las llaves del cielo como al principe de la iglesia, y Teniente de Dios sobre el imperio de las almas. I dy a Catholic Christian, in the faith and obedience of the Roman Church, and I respect the Pope as him who carries in his hands the Keys of Heaven being Prince of the Church, and Gods Lieurenant over the Empire of Souls.

Thus Philip el prudente Philip the prudent (for that Epithet was given him afterwards by a Parliament in Spain, and confirmd solemnly afterwards in a Consistory at Rome) took his last farewell of this World, wherin he had bin salted, as it were so long, by so many incumbrances and sicknesses. The report of his death made a great sound up and down the world, specially in Rome wher it was much resented; For the Pope calld an extraordinary Consistory the next day, [Page]wherin he declard that if ever the Apostolick See had cause of grief and affliction, it was for the decease of this Prince, because the holy Church had left her greatest Champion, and her Persecutors their potentst Enemy, whose life was no other then a continuall combat against Apostacy and Error; so he compard him to David in his hatred of Gods Enemies, to Salomon in wisdom, to Josias in reformation of holy things, to Jacob in patience, to Augustus in valour, to Trajan and Theodosius in obedience to the holy Church; but ther wer two things that comforted him for so great a loss, his so immutable and rocky perseverance in his religion, his admirable resignation of his will to God, and his incredible patience in his suffrances which wer so many. By this pathetic Speech did Clement the 8th. as it wer canonize King Philip, and endear his memory to the Catholic world: In Spain the condolement for his death was so universall, that every one did put himself in mourning for him, which they wore so long, that finding a kind of gravity as well as conveniency in black the Spaniards are more addicted to that colour then any Nation ever since; and questionless he was a Prince of a rare temper, of a large soul, and extraordinary intellectuals; he was devoted to his Religion in an intense degree, for he wold often say, si el P [...]incipe su hjjo fuera hereje, scilmatico, diera el mismo la lenapara quemarle; If the Prince his Son wer a Heretick or Schismatic he wold himself find fuel to burn him: What a world of pious works did he erect, first, he founded the Church of Saint Barnaba ▪ the Apostle in the Escurial, he built half the Convent of Saint Philip in Madrid, he added a Cloyster to our Lady of Hope in Ocana, another to the Lady [...] wher he also built a royall Chappel; he gave seven thousand Crowns to Saint Hieronimo, seven thousand more to Saint Benet in Valladolid, with a perpetuall rent of eight hundred Crowns per an: to the great Church there, eighteen thousand Crowns to the Minorits of Madrid; he made a large Colledg of Antonio Perez house, endowing with large Rents and calling it Saint Isab [...]l: He sent mighty presents to Loreto, he contributed much for erecting the Monarchy of the Mintins in Madrid, he founded that of Saint Paul in Arevalo, he gave our Lady de Gu [...]dalitire twenty thousand Crowns, and so much to the Lady of Monserrat, he erected many Bishopricks, augmented the number of Prebends in Granada, and not long before his death he founded a Monastery of Augustins in Huesca, he founded also divers Hospitals up and down in Spain; But what shall we say of the royal Monastery of Saint Laurence in the Escurial, it is better to let it alone, because it is impossible to speak enough of it, being the eighth wonder of the world; let it suffice that it cost above twenty millions the building, and after it was finishd the Founder had the T [...]uition and pleasure of it for many yeers: It wold require a Volume of it self to relate what religious houses he built beyond the Seas in his severall Dominions; ther wer forty Convents erected in the Indies by his speciall Order and charge, and if other Kings are prayed for as being great Benefactors, if they built a Colledg or a Church or an Hospitall; what prayers and prayses did this King deserve? Moreover he causd the holy Bible to be expurgd and to be printed in eight stately Toms upon his own charge. Much more might be spoken of his inclinations to piety in his way; now touching his Iustice which next to Religion is the greatest colman that supports a Kingdom, ther be divers examples therof, for he was the common Arbiter of difference betwixt Princes, he ended the contest between Ferrara and Luca, betwixt the Venetians and the Malteses, twixt Genoa and Savoy, twixt Savoy and Mantova.

He was also very munificent, and an exact rewarder of Services, insomuch that old Commanders, knowing his disposition that way, wold com and boldly demand Ayuda de costas, or a speciall reward from him, notwitstanding that they were payed all their arreares before: One day there happend a facecious passage twixt an old Captain who had servd him long in the Belgian Warrs, and being delayed by the Councell of State, he went to find the King, who was then at the Escuriall, where it happend he was a hunting; the Captain takes his Mule and meeting the King single by himself in the field, the King began to discourse with him, and askd him what he was, the Soldier thinking he had bin som privat man▪ told him all, how he had servd Don Philip so many years in the Netherlands, [Page] and now he was com to demand his reward from him, the King replied, asking him whether Don Philip owd him any thing in point of pay, No, answerd the Captain; then sayed the King you can demand nothing of right, being satisfied all your arreares, and I beleeve Don Philip having so many Irons in the fire, and being deeply in debt himself will hardly give you any thing, the Captain broke off abruptly and sayed, Pues que me bese la mula in el culo, Then let him kisse my Mule in the tayle; the King calld him again, and askd him what addresses he had made, he told him that he had often attended the Councell of State and Warr with his memorialls, but he could do no good, for he could never light upon the King there; well, sayed the King, the Councell of State and Warr sit to morrow and I shall be there, for I am an Officer in that Councell, therfore if you com I shall let you in, and you shall see Don Philip himself to whom you may make your own tale; the King presided himself the next day in the Councell, and gave speciall order that if such a man came, giving a description of him, and his name which he had learnt of him, he shold be let in; the Captain being entred, and seeing the King there and all the Councel bare-headed before him, though he knew him to be the same man whom he hed met the day before in the Escurial, & knew him also now to be the King, yet he was not much out of countenance; the King askt him whether he rememberd what discourse had passd betwixt them in the field the day before, yes Sir, sayd the Captain, then you remember you sayed, That if the King would not give you a reward he might kiss your Mule in the tail, Sir, answerd he again, Senot lo dicho dichio▪ mi Mula esta debaxo a la puertu, Sir, what I sayd, I sayd, and my Mule is below at the Court gate; The King was not awhit movd hereat, but gave him his hand to kiss, and commanded a good reward to be given him; Yet King Philip gave another kind of answer to another Soldier who petitioning him for som act of bounty, he told him▪ si a todos los que me piden daria, presto pediria yo, If I should give to all those that petition me, I shold com to beg my self: And it is a rule in Government, that he who knows not how to deny knows not how to raign.

He had a marvailous equality of mind, and constancy of disposition, which rendred him a great Master of his passions, and to have an absolut Empire over them: Neither good or bad news could move him, or make him go from home, or depart from his wonted self, neither the one could transport him to extraordinary fits of joy, nor the other to dumps of sadness, he was of such an admired temper, I will produce a few instances; The worst newes that ever came unto him was the dismall ill successe of his fleet in the yeer 88▪ and when the Courtier that brought him the first tidings came puffing & blowing with a halter about his neck, he was then looking upon a Mason settling a corner stone in the Escurial but before he wold ask him a question or receave the packet, he stayed till the Mason had don his business, then reading the letter of advice from the Duke of Medina with all the circumstance of tha [...] deplorable expedition to England, without the least motion or change of countenance, he sayed onely, welcom be the will of God, I sent my Cosen the Duke of Medina to fight with men not with the Elements: Two of the most comfortable tydings that ever came unto him, wer those of the Battail in the gulph of Lepanto, the other of the conquest of Portugal; when the maiden news of the first was brought him, being heightned with much Eloquence and exaggeration of speech, yet nothing could move him to go from himself, but without the least motion of extraordinary joy, he gravely answerd Mucho ha aucenturado mi Hermano Don Iuan, my brother Don Iohn last venturd very far, and it was the first time he stild him brother: Touching that of Portugal, when the fi [...]st intelligence was brought how the Duke of Alua had discomfited the Forces of Don Antonio, and made himself Master of Lisbon, and so of Portugal, one of the greatest additions that ever befell the Spanish Monarchy, he calmely sayed el Duque de Alua es un gran capitan, y muy hombre de bien. The Duke of Alua is a great Captain, and a very honest man; He was usd to have a saying often in his mouth el tiempo y yo para otros dos, Time and I will challenge any two in the world: Indeed he was mighty deliberat and cautious in all his undertakings and somwhat slow in councell, remembring the saying of his Father [Page] the Emperour, That Kings shold be like Saturn, which as it is the highest so it is the slowest of all the Planets in point of movement; now slowness carrieth with it commonly a stately kind of gravity which he affected much, and therin was a tru Spaniard, who will hardly change his pace though it be with a whip.

He very much honord the Sacerdotall dignity, esteeming that reverence which he did to Gods Ministers to reflect upon his own divine Majesty, A gentleman of Toledo shott a Musket at a Canon of the Church, though it missd him yet he causd the gentleman to be beheaded, and another for giving but a cuff to a Capuchin Fryer; Ther was a process of fower and twenty yeers standing in Valentia, who shold give the Pax at Mass to the Priest, the Vice-roy or the Arch-bishop, the Duke of Naiara had contested much for it; not long after King Philip came to his City of Valentia upon som signall ocasions, and being at a conventuall Masse in a Monastery, he commanded him who carried the Pax to give it first to the Arch-bishop, & so the suit was ended; he held that a reverend aw to the Governors of the Church was the prime support of piety, they having charge of the noblest part of man which is his Soul: And herein he was much in the right, for wher this awfull Reverence is lost, nothing but Sacriledg, confusion, and Heresy will follow, as we find by late woful experience, besides this reverence to Church-men is often very available to compose tumults: As he did put a sudden end to that church contestation betwixt the Arch-bishop and Vice-roy, so he had a Magisteriall and Majestick way of reconciling differences and emulations among his Nobles: In a Parliament he had once summond ther fell a high debate twixt the two great Cities of Toledo and Burgos (the one being the head of old Castile, the other of the new) who of them shold speak first, and the debate grew very high, Phillip hearing of it came with all the Ensigns of Majesty to the Parliment-house, and ended the difference by this witty way, hable Burgos, que por Toledo hablare yo, let Burgos speak, for Toledo I will speak my self, so they did acquiesse, but which of them had the better, I leave it to the judgment of the Reader.

Thus the practise of this King may be a pattern for all Princes to govern by, his way of ruling may be a rule to raign by, the manner of his living and dying may be a rule to dy and live by; yet a little before his death he commanded Christoval de Mora to burn all his privat papers.

Philip the second had four Wifes, the first was the Infanta of Portugal Donna Maria, the second was Mary Queen of England, the third Isabel the eldest Daughter of France, and the fourth, Anne the Emperours Daughter (his Neece) of whom he had Philip the third who succeeded him; he had in all five Sons and three Daughters, Don Carlos was his first begotten, who dyed in the flower of his age, but because ther have bin and continue to this day divers dark discourses of the cause of the Princes death, I will be more large in the relation according to the Manuscript I had from a person of knowledg and honor. Don Carlos eldest Son to Philip the second of Spain, was born in Valladolid somtimes the Court of the Catholic Kings: In his Fathers absence he was, being com to the age of foutteen yeers, bred under the King of Bohemia his Uncle, who then governd Spain, with his Ant Donna Iuana, during that charge they had of him, they wer more carefull of the conservation of his health and growth, then of his Education, shewing herein too much indulgency, and suffering him to have his will too much; His Father at his return to Spain observd in him som wildish humors which he connivd at thinking that time wold correct them; At sixteen yeers of age he was sworn Prince in the City of Toledo, with the greatest solemnity that ever was seen in Spain; his Father then sent him and his Uncle Don Iohn of Austria, together with Alexander Prince of Parma, to Complutum or the University of Alcala to get somthing of the Latin Toung, and som knowledg in the Mathematicks; It happend that in a waggery climing up a Ladder as he came down he fell so unluckily, that he was mortally hurt in his skull and back-bone, the King went instantly to see him, when he found him in a swown, all the Churches prayed for him, and the body of Saint Diego which is the greatest relique they have in Alcala was brought, and put upon him a good while, he then began to com to himself again, so a while after by the care and skill of Andria Basili he [Page] was cured, but to make vent for som congeald corrupted blood that was within, he was forcd to open part of the Pericraniu [...], which made him ever after to be of a weak brain, subject to extravagancies; he wold somtimes go up and down his Fathers house and abuse his Servants, he wold hurl out som out at the windows, kick and cuff others: One time he made his Shoomaker to eat a peece of his Boots, because they wer too streight for him; Cardinal Espinota coming one day to Court he grappld him by the Rocket, and threatned him by the life of his Father. These and such like exorbitances did much afflict Don Philip his Father, who once intended to have sent him to Flanders, upon the beginning of the commotions there, and withal the Emperor Ferdinand seemd to invite him, offring the Infanta Dona Anna to him in marriage, but the Prince continuing in his maddish fits, the King alterd his resolution and sent thither the Duke of Alua, who coming to kiss the Princes hands before his departure, he told him in a great fury, that he shold not go to Flanders, for the voyage belonged unto him, and if he contradicted him he wold kill him: A little after he writ to divers of the Grandees, that they wold assist him in a business which much concernd him, they returnd a respectfull answer, that they were ready to serve him in any thing, so it were not against his Father: These Letters were sent to King Philip, and Don Iohn of Austria being then at Court discoverd unto him the extravagant designs of the Prince, which was to steal away to Germany, to marry his Cosen the Emperors Daughter, having for his jorney sent him from Sevill 150000. Crowns, and he exspected [...]50000. more; King Philip being then at the Escurial, and having timely notice hereof, came presently to Madrid, whither he sent for the Duke of Feria with others of his privy Counsellors; In the dead of night he went with them to the Prince his Quarter, the first who entred was the Duke of Feria, the Prince [...]aring upon him from his bed, sayed, Duke what do you here this time of night? presently after appeard his Father wherat the Prince started, saying, que es esto quiere me matar vuestra Magestad, Whats this, will your Majesty murther me? the King answerd, no, si no poner orden en vuestra vido quietaos, no, but to take order for the preservation of your life, be quiet; so he took his Sword which was by his beds-head, and causd a steel Cabinet to be carried away, telling him it shold be returnd him again, after som papers of his were perusd; so the King departed leaving a guard upon him: There was a huge murmur the next day all the Court over, that the Prince shold be thus made a Prisoner, being the greatest heir in the world, but the King the next day writ to all his Vice-roys and chief Officers, that they shold not much wonder at this sudden action or be too inquisitive to know the cause of it, or trouble themselves to intercede for the Prince, let it suffize for them to know that it tended to the common good, that he was his Father, and knew what belongd to things: He sent also to all the Ambassadors at Court, not to intermeddle, or trouble themselvs about this business; the Prince being thus restraind, and his humors being as fiery as the season, which was the Dog-daies, he drunk much water coold with snow out of an artificiall Fountain he had, which with som other excesses and disorders made him fall into a double Tertian, he afterwards fell a vomiting, and to a dysentery proceeding from the extream cold water he usd to drink so much: The Kings Physitians did carefully attend him, and usd what Art cold do; but the Disease provd mortall, and beyond cure; hereupon the Councell [...]at to advise whether it was fitting for the King to go visit him, som wer of opinion that the Prince was well disposd to dy a good Catholic, and the sight of his Father might happily discompose him, yet the King went in and gave him his benediction, but stayed not, and so returnd with more grief and less care: A little after the Prince expird being twenty three yeers old, he had made his Will before, which he deliverd his Secretary, wherin he desird his Father to forgive him, and to give him his blessing, to pay his debts and give his movables to Churches and Hospitals, and that his body shold be buried in Toledo, which was performd: His Funerall was prepard the same day he dyed, for at seven in the evening the Grandees carried his body out to the Court-gate, wher the Nuncio with other Ambassadors and a great concours of Noblemen were ready to attend the Herse.

[Page]The hard destiny and death of this great young Prince with the extraordinary circumstances therof may teach the world this lesson, that the love of a Father must give place to the office of a King, and that jealousy among Princes works more powerfully then naturall affections.

1. This was one of the four Acts for which King Philip made himself so subject to be censurd abroad in the world, for papers flew in many places that h [...] had poysond his Son.

2. The second was in the transaction of the business of Aragon, where he was taxd to have falsifyed his own manifesto, wherin he declard that the Army under Don Alonso de Vergas was intended for France, wheras it proovd afterwards to have bin expresly raysd to surprize Saragosa.

3. The third was the business of Portugal, for wheras he had declard that he was willing to refer the right of Title to that Crown to the decision of the Pope, he invaded and conquerd the Country before the Nuncio cold com to the Spanish Court, though he knew he was upon his way and already landed in Spain to that purpose; but he sent speciall Commission to the Towns through which he was to pass, that they should entertain and regalar him som dayes, while in the interim he did his business in Portugal.

4. The fourth was the conniving at the Murther of Escovedo Secretary to Don Iohn of Austria which was perpetrated with his privity, as Antonio Perez confessd upon the Rack, which made this Character to be given of him, that there was but a little distance betwixt Don Philips risa y el cuchillo between his smile and the Scaffold, his prudence somtimes turning to excess of severity. But as the hearts of Kings are inscrutable, so their waies shold be, their actions somtimes must be attended with politicall cunning▪ and extraordinary power to crush Cocatrices in the shell to prevent greater inconveniences, as God Almighty, whose immediat Vicegerents they are, doth use sometimes his omnipotence in exceeding the Rules and common course of nature.

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PHILIP THE THIRD, XXVIII KING OF NAPLES.

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PHILIP the third of Austria fift Son to Philip the second, by Donna Anna the Emperors Daughter, and his fourth Wife succeeded his Father in all his Dominions, both in the new and old World; He was born the 14th. of April, 1578. in the Palace of Madrid, and was Christned upon the Feast of Philip and Iacob, the first of whom may be sayed to be his God-father, six yeers after he was created Prince of Castile in the Monastery of Saint Ieronimo; the next yeer after he was created Prince of Aragon in Monson, the next yeer after he was created Prince of Navarr, in the Cathedrall Church of Pampelona, and lastly Prince of Portugal, which made him to have this priviledg above all his Predecessors, to be the first who was Prince of all Spain, in regard Lusitania had not bin before under the Crown of Castile till the Raign of Philip his Father; he was a weakly sick Child for many yeers at first, yet he survivd his four brothers; (viz. Don Carlos, Don Fernando, Don Carlos Lorenzo, and Don Diego) so easily is humane judgment deceivd.

The first thing he did was the sending of a new Vice-roy to the Kingdom of Naples, then, after that long destructive War in the Nether-lands which had so ragd in his Fathers time, he made a Truce with the Hollanders, but in these ambiguous words son contento de tratar con vos otros como con Estados libres, I am contented to treat with you as with free States, wherby according to the Spanish exposition of those words, he intimated they were no free States, by vertu of this [Page] word As, for it is a rule in Logic, that Nullum simile est Idem. No thing that is like a thing is the same thing; therfore if he treated with them as with free States, they were no free States: This Truce afforded much matter of discourse for the Criticks of those times.

He did this by the advice principally of the Marquess of Denia afterwards Duke of Lermanhom whom he took for his Privado or his Favorit, to whom he transmitted the guidance of all great affairs being conscious of som imbecillities of his own, wherin he discoverd a great point of wisdom, whose chiefest part is for one to know his own infirmities and incapacities.

But I should have spoken first of the peace he had made with England, which preceded this, and was the first great action he did, when he began to sit at the Healm of that mighty Vessell; I mean the Spanish Monarchy, which in his Fathers time had b [...]n tossd and weather-beaten by so many impetuous and fierce Tempests: to conclude this peace, he imployed the chiefest Officer of Spain, the Constable of Castile in a very high and magnificent equipage, in correspondence wherof England sent her high Admirall; herein he followd the counsell of Charls the fift his Grand-father, who had this saying often in his mouth,

Con todo el mundo guerra,

y puz con Ingalat jerra,

With all the World have War,

But with England do not jar.

Before this Embassy to England the common people of Spain were made to believe by their preaching Jesuits, that english-men since they receded from the Roman Church were strangly transformd, som had f [...]ces like Hogs, som like Dogs, som like Munkies, but the Constable at his return did rectifie his Country-men in this point.

Philip being now in peace with all Christian Princes, and being addicted to devotion in a high degree, he thought it a work acceptable to God Almighty, and agreeable to the office of a Catholi [...] King to cleer Spain of the Mahumetan Moriscos who had planted themselves [...]her above seven hundred yeers: He put the business to many serious deliberations, the result wherof at last was, that it wold be a high act of Christian Piety, and gratefull to Heaven, so there was a royall Ban of banishment publisht against the Moriscos who were dispersd up & down specially in the Maritime parts of Spain, which border upon the Mediterranean Sea in great multitudes, to the number of many hundred thousand souls, who were all hurried over to Barbary, but permitted to carry with them all their movables, and make sale of their other goods, the King providing Ships, and paying for their transfretation; the motive that inducd Philip to this Act was, that he thought it a thing unpleasing to God, that so many Infidels and Mahumetans shold mingle so thick with Christians, that many thousands had bin bapti [...]d, but they apostatizd and grew greater enemies to Chrsts then before, that there were sundry plots and machinations discoverd, as also the intelligence they kept with the Turk the common enemy of Spain. The first advice whereof was given by the English Ambassador the Earl of Notingham, who brought Letters with him that had bin sent King Iames, how the sayed Moriscos had a secret design to introduce the great Turk, and so to joyn with him for the conquering of Spain, as the Conde Don Iulian did with the Moors. Henry the fourth of France sent him also intelligence tending to that end. So in a short time the Country was rid of them, as it was formerly of the Jewes, in the time of Ferdinand and Isabella; But there were som incommodities followd, for Spain was much depopulated and impoverisht hereby, specially for Corn and other Vegetals, for those Moriscos were an industrious people, & wold grub up Corn and Pulse with other things, out of the tops of those craggy Hills wherwith Spain is bunchd in most places, so that the Spaniard who naturally is slothfull unless it be in the Wars (as the Turks are) had nothing to do, but having put on his Sword and swelling [Page] ruff, but go with his Ass to the Market, and buy corn of the Moriscos, who usually fed upon bread made of Maiz, or some other Pulse, so that the Spaniards for the most part did eat by the sweat of other mens brows.

Philip the third having as formerly it was spoken, concluded a peace with England, and a Truce with the Dutch, passd most part of his Raign in quietness, which suted best with his disposition, he being a Prince wholly devoted to exercises of piety, being alwaies fingring his Beads; He sympathizd in nature much with Edward the sixth of England, but was not so infortunat as he, for he preservd what his Father left him, wheras the other lost France where he had bin Crownd King in his Cradle. And this happiness of Philip may be imputed to the sage conduct of the Duke of Lerma, who was a sound and well-weighd Minister of State, of a Debonnair and affable deportment quite contrary to the genius of his Successor Olivares who was of a rough rigid humor.

Philip the third after he had reignd 23. yeers died, as he lived in a sweet peaceable way, and he was called Philip el Bueno, Philip the good, as his Father was calld Philip the prudent.

Philip the third to pay his Fathers Creditors, and disburden the Crown of those vast Arrears wherwith it was most heavily laden, in regard of so many Irons he had to beat all his life-time, was forcd to inhance the Gabels, and lay new impositions, as in other places so specially in the Kingdom of Naples: Now those who cut out Philip the second most work to do, were Henry the fourth of France, and Elizabeth Queen of England, the one was sayed to play the Barber and shave him, which Harry did so nimbly and dextrously as if he had bin born to the Trade, and old Bess held the Bason while he washd Philips head and face, but it was given out that he did this without Camphire Ball, or any Soap at all, but with stale Ly and strong standing Urine.

There was about that time a witty Italian Author, whose fancies are fresh to this day, who being no friend to the Spaniard, writ many things by way of drollery against his mode of Government in Sicilie, Milan and Naples, specially in the last; And as he descants upon the Servitude which that wavering and wanton people were reducd unto, for their so frequent Sollevations and Revolts, he sayeth, that to punish with som severity the Napolitans for thier infidelity and murmurings against their former Kings, it pleasd the Majesty of the heavenly Judg to deliver them into the hands of Pharo to receive law from him, meaning the Spaniard, who having felt the pulse of that luxurious people, by his interior Cabinet councell, was advisd that there was no better way to preserve Naples in a constancy of obedience, then to bring down the flesh, and tame that hot metteld, and spirited Horse or Courser which she gave for her Ensign: therupon there were appointed Riders, Grooms, Smiths, and others to look to him, and break him, they found that he was so wanton that he wold hardly receive Bit, Bridle, or Saddle, that he was of a mighty strength, therfore it was fitting so pamperd an Animal shold be brought low and mortified: Somthing was don in Charles the fift's time to this purpose, but his Son Philip did finish the work, who had almost rid him quite of his legs; insomuch that at the beginning of Philip the thirds Raign, there was a speciall [...]unta appointed to meet in the Piazza at Naples to take a view in what case he stood; The poor Beast was brought forth, and he was grown so feeble that his legs could hardly serve him to be softly led into the Market-place: It was a most pittifull object to see how that generous Courser who had once so much spirit and strength as to carry two Kings at once, shold becom now so weak and meagre that he could not bear a Pigmey, one might now tell his ribs, his back also was miserably gald by carrying of Panniars, and withall he was found full of bunches, his feet foundred and one of his nostrils slit, yet those who had the chief care of him, kept locks on his feet, and a strong halter about his neck and face, with dark Spectacles on his eyes; now there was exquisit search made in the Junta how he was grown so poor, answer was made, that though he be low in flesh, yet he is as high in spirit as ever he was, and was ever and anon ready to kick and winch, therfore it was fitting that the allowance of Provander which he hath now shold be rather diminisht then mended; [Page] Therfore the grave members of the Junta appointed that the Rack shold be raisd a span higher, and that the third part of his Provender shold be taken off.

When this hapned, their chancd to be present in the Piazza, som learned men and Philosophers, who resenting much, and taking to heart that wofull Spectacle, out of pure pitty askt the Junta how they could find in common compassion, which obliges every one to be good to his beast, to diminish the Nutriment of that poor Animal, who was so wasted and worn away, that there scarce remained any thing of him but flesh and bone; The oldest man of the Junta gave a short answer to the sayed Philosophers, telling them that they shold do better to attend their own calling, to dispute of Entities and Quiddities, then to intermeddle with politicall matters, wherin they seemd to be such Simpletons: For in case that Caprichious beast were usd better, he wold quickly repay their mildness with biting & kicks, as he had most ingratefully usd som of his former Riders who were so open handed unto him, divers of whom he had thrown of into ditches, by his excess of mettle, and if one shold mend his commons that instable Animal wold foam at the mouth as much as ever, and raise tumults and seditions against his benefactors and keepers: Therfore whosoever will enter into an exact and judicious ponderation of things and of the tru Mode wherby that flouncing Animal shold be kept, he must not look upon the meagernes of his belly, or buttocks, but upon the mischievous quality of his genius, who is still as caprichious a lover of novelty as ever he was: Therfore wo be to the Catholic King if that ferocious Napolitan Horse shold have strength and opportunity to put in execution what he doth incessantly cast and chymerize in his own brain against the present government; Therfore if any thing be to be complaind of it proceeds from the ill nature of the beast, rather then the severity of the Spaniards; nor can any deny but it is a high point of wisdom, & no less of charity with well weighd councels and prudent artifices to take of by way of prevention the means of doing ill from him who alwaies intends mischief, and is not capable to judg when one doth use him well and do him courtesies, insomuch that there is no medicament can cure the chanchrous humours of the Napolitan, then by applying therunto som corrosives of the Spanish severity.

The same Author proceeds further▪ and fains that Almansor King of Granada, meeting casually with the Kingdom of Naples, they joyntly condole their calamitous condition of servitude causd by the tyranny of the Spaniards, as they walkd and mingld speech a good while together, Almansor observd the fashion of that Chain which the Kingdom of Naples carried on his legs, because it lookd like a Morisco Manufacture, and surely he had seen and handled that Chain before, so looking neer upon it, he struck his breast in a kind of astonishment, saying that he was well aquainted with that Chain, for it was the very same wherwith he and his Antecessors the Morisco Kings had kept most of the Kingdoms of Spain the space of seven hundred yeers and upwards in obedience and servility, therfore he earnestly desired to know how, by whom, and when Naples had got on that Chain.

The Kingdom of Naples answered, a most excellent memory hast thou King Almansor, for this unhappy Chain which I carry was brought first from Spain by Gonsaluo de Cordova calld the great Captain, therfore it is very likely that it is the same you speak of; and now it is above an age passd, I mean a Century of sad Winters that I am fallen into such a deplorable kind of slavery, wherof I know not whether I shall ever rid my self, because I find that the Spaniard is mounted to such a height of power that it hath made me loose all hopes I should have in the arme of man for recovery of my lost liberty, it is the only omnipotent hand of God can do it, by doing such another miracle as he did in the Red Sea.

Almansor replyed, the calculation falls pat you speak of, for it was about the very same time that the Spaniard shook off the Chain wherwith you go now bound; but let it not be uncouth unto thee most noble Naples, to relate how it was possible that the Spaniard shold impatronize himself so easily of a Kingdom so far distant from him by Sea and Land: Naples rejoynd, It was by fraud that the Spaniard introducd himself to Italy, for by pure force he could never [Page] have made such acquests so far beyond the proportion of their strength; therefore listen well to me, and you will be astonisht of the large conscience which one King of Spain carried about him, though he made himself appear to the world like another Saint Macarius-painted upon som wall.

Alphonso my King to draw on his last, and my principall ruine, gave Isabel his Neece (for I will take the rise of my Relation from this unlucky Marriage) to Iohn Galeazzo Duke of Milan in marriage; In regard of the stupidity of Iohn Lodwick Sforza occupied the state of his Nephew, King Alfonso as nature obligd him thought to prevent that usurpation, Lodwick knowing well that he could not com to the end of his aimes without the destruction of my Kings, took a precipitat resolution to call in the French for the Conquest of me, an action which afterwards prov'd so funestous to all Italy: My Kings therupon to counterbalance France, had recourse to that holy Soul Ferdinand King of Aragon their Cosen, who shewd himself so loving a Kinsman, and faithfull Confederat, that in lieu of chasing away the French he parted stakes with them, and divided me amongst them, but afterwards they fell out like Dogs about a bone, and Ferdinand made the French find their way again ore the Alps to repass shamefully to their Country; so Ferdinand made himself my absolute Soveraign, and without any scruple of conscience▪ and for my kind invitation he was the first who gave me this Chain you see, which as you say is of the Manufacture of Barbary: And this the holy Ferdinand did so a little after that he had receivd the Title of Catholic King from the Apostolicall See; nor do I think King Almansor that you ever heard or read of an Act of more infidelity and ingratitude, by Saracen, Infidel, or Pagan.

Almansor went on, and sayed, truly I have conversd with divers Chronicles, wherin I have met with many odd foul traverses of State done by ambitious Princes in hope to raigne, But touching this Act of Ferdinand, I do not remember to have read any that can parallell it.

Naples sayed again, but O King Almansor if your Nation kept fast Spain so many yeers in that Chain, what way did they use to shake it off? Almansor sayed, that cursed Union which was made twixt Castile and Aragon by the nuptials of Ferdinand and Isabella, was the cause of my ruine, and of my Successors after me, as also of the servitude wherof you complain, a most fatall union, which all the Potentates of Europe, specially of Italy, have as much cause to curse to this day, as I have; for the jealousies twixt the Castilians and Aragonians securd alwaies my Kingdom of Granada: Add hereunto that the countenance and succours which the Popes gave to Ferdinand did accelerat the work.

Hold there, King Almansor, sayed Naples, for since you were cast out of Spain, the Popes have sufferd more by the ambitious designes of the Catholick Kings then they did before; for nothing could be so disadvantagious to Rome, as to have so potent a Prince so neer a Neighbour unto her, witness that Siege and lamentable sack which she sufferd so soon after my servitude by the Spaniard Bourbon being his General, wherby he hansomly payed her for that assistance she gave him for the Conquest of Granada; since which time the ambition of Spain hath bin felt in Italy, and in other places so that it had bin more for the tranquility of Europe that the Moors had still continued in Spain. Add hereunto that these new additions of power to Spain have tended much to the disorders ever since that have hapned unto you in matters of Religion; The jealousies that Germany had of the growing greatness of Charles the fift, were the cause that many Princes revol [...]ed from him and Rome; but since the Spaniards have taken such firm footing in Italy, the main reach of their policy is to joyn me and Milan in one entire peece, by subduing all the interiacent Territories, which if it happen, farewell the freedom of all Italy as well as mine.

But sayd Almansor, how are the Milaneses usd your Conterranean fellow Subjects?

Naples answerd, that they of Milan were washd only with dashes of Rain water, but a whole deluge hath over-whelmd me: Moreover the disposition of the Lombard differs from mine, for the Noble-men and Gentry there are more free [Page] and resolute, and more far from vice, they are better Patriots and carefull of their Countries liberty, insomuch that I dare say, if there were but one tru Cremona brain among my Napolitan Barons it wold be enough to dash that forcd Donative which is exacted of me ever and anon, which brings me often to feed upon bread and Onyons: Add hereunto that the confines of the Grisons, of the Duke of Savoy, and the Venetian who are all jealous of the King of Spains growing power makes him proceed with more discretion and caution in his Territories in Lombardy.

This dialog twixt Naples and Almansor being ended, the same Author faignes all the States of Europe to be summond before the oracle at Delphos to be weighd in a great balance held by Lorenzo de Medici, where the Monarchy of Spaine making her apparance in a high majestic garb, among other passages, there was a Book presented unto her by one of the Witts, the substance wherof was to discover a way for Spain to reduce to her ancient splendor and freedom the most noble Parthenope, and the once most florishing Kingdom of Naples, wheras by plundrings of the Soldiers, the corruption of the Iudges, the fleecing of the Barons, the rapacity of the Viceroys, who are sent thither as Hoggs to a sty only to fatten, the former lustre of that delicate Countrey is quite decayd. The Author receavd twenty Crowns of the Spanish Monarchy for a guerdon for this Book, promising that she wold deliver that discours and avisos to her Confessor to consider of: Another pure Polititian presented Her with a Treaty clean contrary, shewing her a way how the Napolitan Courser might be brought to bear a Pack-Saddle of a heavier burden, and to be made so docil, that he might be fitt to draw her Coach upon ocasion: To the Author of this discours the Monarchy gave 12000 Crowns, and a little after he was Grandee of Spain.

At this great Assembly in Delphos ther was a Contrasto happend twixt Rome and Naples, who shold have the precedency; it was decided, that for the Majesty of a Citty, Naples must eternally vayle to Rome, and Rome to Naples, for a delicat situation; that Rome must confesse there are more people in Naples, but that Naples must acknowledg ther are more men in Rome: Moreover it was necessary that the Witts and Wines of Naples shold be transported to Rome to receave perfection; it was also decreed that Naples had more skill to break Colts, and Rome to tame Men; It was confessd further that ther were more Cavaliers in Naples, and more C [...]mendums in Rome: That among the Romans they were only calld Knights who carried a red Crosse upon their Garments, but in Naples all men indif [...]erently might be calld Knights, because the Spaniard made them carry Crosses upon their very skins.

Thus this ingenious Italian doth descant upon the comportment of the Spaniard in Italy, and his Book kept a great noise in the World, but the Spaniard owing him a revenge, and after a strict and long inquisition, not lighting upon him in any of his own Dominions, there were two Valentones, two Banditi, two Hirelings for bloud, found him out in Verona, and watching their oportunity, they went to his Lodging, under colour of a visit, and every one of them having a bagg of Sand in his pockett, they so crushd his bones, that they rattled within his skin, and having so dispatchd poor Boccolini out of this World, they fledd, having stoned him to death with Sand.

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PHILIP The Fourth of AVSTRIA, xxix. King OF NAPLES.

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PHILIP the third left behind three Sons and two Daughters: the Sons were Philip (who succeeded him in all his Dominions) with Charles and Ferdinand, who was Cardinal and Arch-bishop of Toledo; they both dyed young in the Meridian of their yeers, one in Spain, the other being Governour of Flanders; The two Daughters were Anna of Austria, and the Infanta Donna Maria; the first was married to Lewis the thirteenth King of France yet living, the other to the Emperor Ferdinand now Raigning; King Philip was but young when he took the Reins of the Government, being but sixteen yeers of age: There was a Treaty commen [...]d a little after for a cross mariage twixt Spain and France, which took [...]ffect though there was much opposition in France about it made by them of the Religion and their party; The Ceremonies of these reciprocall Nuptials were performd the one at Burgos in Spain, the other at Bourdeaux in France. In the first the Duke of Lerma married the Infanta by commission from King Lewis ▪ In the second the Duke of Guyse married Isabel Daughter of France by proxy from King Philip; the exchange of the two Princesses was made upon a River calld Bidasso hard by Saint Iohn de Luz which separates the two Nations: There were two stately Barges provided to transport them, with divers sorts of inventions of wit: the Spaniards on their side had a huge vast Globe, representing the world raisd upon a Pavilion very high, which made an ostentous shew; the Duke of Guyse [Page] took exception at it, protesting that he wold never bring ore the Princess till the sayd Globe was taken down, which was done accordingly; the next day the young Queen came to Bayon, where Luynes then Favorit to the French King attended her with a Letter all written with the Kings own hand, in these words.

Madam,

SInce I cannot, according to my desire find my self neer you at your entrance into my Kingdom, to put you in possession of the power I have, as also of my entire affection to love and serve you; I send towards you Luynes one of my confidentst Servants to salute you in my name, and tell you that you are expected by me with much impatience to offer unto you my self, I pray therfore receive him favourably, and believe what he shall tell you: Madam from your most deer Friend and Servant,

LEWIS.

Luynes delivered her also from the King two rich Standerds of Diamonds▪ which she receivd and kissd, and from her own Table she sent him a dish of meat▪ In the morning she returnd the King this answer.

Sir,

I much rejoyced at the good news Luynes brought me of your Majesties health, I com therwith, being most desirous to arrive where I may serve my Mother, and so I am making hast to that purpose, and to kiss your Majesties hands, whom God preserve.

ANNE.

THe Kingdom of Naples to congratulat the Kings Espousals, presented him that yeer with a Donative of two millions.

Not long after there was a Treaty set on foot for a mariage twixt the Prince of Wales, and the Infanta Donna Maria the Kings second Sister, but there had bin an ouverture made before by the Duke of Lerma, for a match twixt our Prince Henry of England and the eldest Infanta Anne now Queen of France, as hath bin spoken.

This Treaty with England was above ten yeers in agitation, it was a Web that lay long upon the Loom of Policy, and afterwards was torn off being just wrought to the point of perfection: By the endeavours of Count Gondomar in England, and the Earl of Bristol in Spain, matters were brought to such a hopefull pass, that it inducd the Prince of Wales to undertake that hazardous youthfull journey to Spain, traversing the whole Diameter of France under a disguise, being accompanied with the Duke of Buckingham, who was not only his Companion but had bin his chiefest Counsellor herein; they came both in an advantagious time to Paris, for they were admitted to see a Mask, being Carnival time, wher the Prince had a full view of the Lady Henri [...]tta Maria, who was designd by Heaven to be his wife afterwards, though he little dreamt of such a thing then; Thence by the name of Iac and Tom: Smith: they posted to Spain, but two daies after twas discoverd in the French Court what they were, therefore being sent after withall possible speed, if they had stayed but three hours longer at Bayon Monsieur Gramond had had order to stay them.

Being arrivd at the Earl of Bristols House in the Court of Spain at the close of the day, in the evening he was struck with amazement to see such objects there, having no fore-knowledg at all of the Plot, saying, I am afraid we are all undone; The next day there was a buz abroad that som great man was com from England, but none imagind he could be the Prince: In the evening of the next day, the Duke of Buckingham went in a close Coach to the King of Spain, where he had privat audience, and he was returnd no sooner but Olivares was sent to visit the Prince, which was done with extraordinary expressions of joy and complement, Oliuares saying, that Spain and England wold divide the World betwixt [Page]them; The next day, somwhat late at night the King himself came in a close Coach to visit him, but the Prince having notice of it met him half way, so they greeted one another with mutuall embraces, there were divers great Lords appointed to be the Prince his Officers and a part of the royall Pallace was preparing for his Quarter, whither the next Sunday he removd and rod in triumph, under a large Canopy of State, the King accompanying him all the way, and giving him still the upper-hand, all the Grandees, Noblemen, and Officers attended them in the same manner as they usd to do at a Coronati [...]n: Now it seems that Gondamar was the chief man who tracd this journey, for the next day after the Prince his arrivall he was made Privy Counsellor, and suddenly after coming to visit the Prince, he told him, that he was com to tell him strange news, which was, that an English man was sworn that morning Privy Counsellor in Spain, meaning himself in point of affection: The third day after the Prince had bin there, the King of Spain with the Queen and the Infanta, who wore a blew Ribon about her left arme, that she might be distinguisht, came abroad in an open stately way, of purpose that the Prince might see his Mistress, which he did out of a close Coach▪ wherein Count Gondamar attended him, with the English Ambassadors.

So much for matter of Ceremony; now touching the substance of the business it self, when the Prince came thither, matters had bin brought to that perfection by the activity of Ambassadors, that there wanted nothing for the consummating of all things but the Popes dispensation, which upon news that the Prince was com to Spain, was retarded, and som advantages taken to clog it with further clauses; The Pope demanded caution for performance of such Articles that were granted, in favor of the Roman Catholicks in England upon this match; hereupon Sir Francis Cotington rid Post about it from Madrid, Touching that point King Iames answerd, that he wold take his oath upon the Evangelists to accomplish the said Articles, and his Son the Prince shold do the like; His privy Counsellors also shold firm and subscribe the sayed Articles, and this was all the security King Iames cold give: Now wheras the Pope demanded that som Roman Catholic Prince should undertake for him and his Son in point of performance of Articles, he answerd, that he had not such an interest in any such Prince, so matters began to gather ill blood, and were allmost quite off the hinges, insomuch that there was a dark rumour abroad, how the Prince had a design to get away privatly, and in a disguise as he came; The English-men that were then attending the Prince, wherof there were a good number that were dyeted at the Kings house, and waited upon by Spaniards, wold often times break out into bold speeches, by disdaining the Dyet and barrenness of Spain, and jeering their processions, wherat there were exceptions taken, and the main business receivd som prejudice by their indiscretions: Archey the Fool, being then in Madrid, was admi [...]ted one day to see the King of Spain at Dinner, where he [...]ell a tal [...]ing and strutting up and down, The King asked what he sayd, an Interpreter told him that the Fool sayed, King Iames his Master was likest to God Allmighty of any King upon Earth, the King asking him his reason, he replyed, That God Allmighty had but one s [...]n, and he sent him to be Crucified among Iewes, So the King of England had allso but one S [...]n, and he sent him to be Crucified among Spaniards.

In the interim the Prince shewd himself passionatly in love with the Infanta ▪ and courted her in a very high way; He had the sight of her often in public, and at Comedies, which are once a week in the Kings Court, where he wold fix and fasten his eyes upon her immovable a long time, without looking upon the Action of the Stage-players, to the wonder of the Spectat [...]rs. The King had the other side of the River Man [...]mares, wheron his Royall Pallace stands a Somerhouse of pleasure, where the Infanta was usd to go betimes in the morning to gather May dew, the Prince got up betimes one morning, and taking Mr Ed: Porter only with him, he got into that Somer-house, and was let in into the fore-Garden, but no further, because the Infanta was in the other, therupon the Prince got on the top of the Wall, and leapd down where the Infanta was, she espying him gave a kind of s [...]rich, wherupon the old Marquess who attended [Page] her (with som women) came and kneeld before the Prince, desiring him to advance no further, because his life lay upon it, for he was to admit no man breathing to the company of the Infanta who was then his charge, so the Prince retird, the Marquess waiting upon him to the door of the Garden, and opening it with much humility, wheras before he had com ore the Wall.

As matters were thus at a doubtfull stand, because of the Popes demand in point of caution for the performance of those Capitulations which were stipulated in favour of the English Catholicks, by vertu of this match, The King of Spain gave the Prince a visit, and told him, that rather then a Treaty of so many yeers agitation shold fall to the ground, and that those noble affections which he had shewd his Sister (for whom he had put hi [...] person to so much hardship and hazard by that heroik journey) shold be now quite frustrated, he himself wold undertake to satisfie the Pope in this point▪ and offer himself to be a Pledg and Bail for the King of great Britan, and his Highness to perform the sayed Capitulations; the Prince thanked him in the highest degree that could be, saying, that this Favour transcended all the rest wherof he had receivd such multitudes from his Majesty: Hereupon the Pope being thus contented, there were Bonefires of joy, baiting of Bulls with men, and other Actions of triumph in the Court of Spain; So the dispensation being compleatly com a little after from Rome, the Desposorio's, or the day for a contract betwixt the Infanta and the Prince was nominated. In the interim the Nuncio was privatly admitted with a Letter from the Pope to visite the Prince, who made him this civill answer by an Interpreter; That he kissd his Holyness feet for the Favor and Honor he did him, which was to be so much the more esteemed, by how much the less it was deserved by him, but his Holines shold see for the future what he wold do, and he doubted not but his Father wold do the like, so that his Holines shold not repent himself of what he had done.

A little after the King and the Prince had a solemn enterview in the privat Gallery, for signing, sealing, and swearing unto the Articles. The King had the Patriarch of the West-Indies, the Duke of Infantado, Oliuares, and Gondamar with him; The Prince had the Duke of Buckingham, the Earl of Bristol, and the Lord A [...]hton with him: so the Patriarch administred the Oath upon the Holy Evanglists unto King and Prince, which they interchangeably took. But as Heaven would have it, Som few daies before the betrothing day was com, it chancd that Pope Gregory the 15th. dyed, and Vrban the 8. who succeeded him fell suddenly sick; hereupon the King of Spain gave the Prince another visit, telling him that he had received ill news from Rome, for his holy Father the Pope was dead, who was so good a friend to this Match, & now he cold proceed no further for the compleating of the work without a Ratification of the former dispensation by the present Pope, whom he was to obey as his Spirituall Father, which task he wold undertake to do by his own Ministers without puting his Highness to any trouble, and the busines was of that consequence that he feard it wold require som time, in regard of the indisposition of the new Pope, therfore he desired his Highnes patience in the interim, and now that he had stayed so many yeers for a wife, he shold not think it much to stay a few months longer; the Prince answerd, That he was sorry for the news from Rome, and wheras his Majesty had a Spirituall Father, he himself had a Naturall Father to obey, who was now becom crazy and indisposd in his health, which encreasd by his so long inexpected absence from him being his only Son, therfore he had sent him a peremptory command to be in England in such a month because Winter came on a pace, to which purpose he had sent a royall Fleet for him under the command of the Earl of Rutland; besides, he had intelligence that there were some murmurings in England for his so long abode in Spain, which might break out into dangerous consequences, and hazard the rupture of the Match which had there so many Enemies among the Puritans: Moreover he sayed, that when he came to Spain he thought he came not to treat of a Marriage, but to fetch home a wife whom he was loth to trust with any but himself; the King replyed, then your Highnes may please to leave [Page] a Proxy behind you to do the work, and I shall take it for an honor if you make me your Deputy to perform the Rites of the Espousals, which upon the faith of a Catholic King shall be performd the same week, after that the Ratification shall com from Rome, to which purpose he wold engage his Contratation house in Sevill, if need requird. The Prince shewd himself to be mightily taken with this proposall, so he left two Proxies behind in the Earl of Bristols hands, one for the King and another for Don Carlos his brother, to be his Substitutes the wedding day; so the Prince put himself in an Equipage for his return to England, and the King with his two brothers and Grandees accompanied him beyond the Escuriall on his way, and wold have done it to the Sea-side, had not the Queen bin then big with Child: At their parting King and Prince often embracd one another, but Oliuares and Buckingham did not part so kindly, for the Duke told him that he was infinitely beholden to their Majesties of Spain for many royall Favors, as also to the Lady Infanta, and that he wold live and dy there Servant, and continu to do his best Offices for continuance of peace twixt tht two Crowns, but for your self Count Oliuares he sayed, I must tell you plainly you have disobligd me so far, that I cannot make further profession of friendship unto you without flattery; Oliuares turnd about and made this short answer, aceto lo diesto, I accept of what you say, and touching the first part of your Speech, if you perform what you promise you will do well, and I must tell you that your own safety depends upon it, but for any particular correspondence of friendship twixt you and me, it matters not much, and so I bid you farewell.

Thus the King of Spain and the Prince of Wales parted with many interchanges of endearment, in a field calld el Campa de Balsain ▪ not far from the Escuriall at the bottom of a great Hill, upon which departure this monumentall Inscription was erected.

In campo Balsain.

HEic; ubi fausta sors tulit, ad praerupti montis radices in latè patente campulo, solenni Regum venatione nobili, sed in solenni Rei e ventu longè Nobiliori; Philippus Quartus Hispaniarum Indiarumque Rex Catholicus, & Carolus seremissimus Wallie Princeps pactis cum Maria serenissima Infante Nuptijs, ad quas petendas (—) It Fama per orbem) in Hesperiam properabat, dextras dederunt, & in amplexus mutuo ruentes pacis & Amicitia aeterna faedera nodo astrinxerunt Herculeo: O magnum & invictum Regum Par, sine pari, Nullus mehercule Hercules contra duos, Ipsi potius contra omnes, perfidia fremente duo Aleydae solo & salo Iusuperabiles; siste Fama, non plus ultra; viderunt, suspexerunt, stupuerunt duo Austriacae sobolis Incrementa maxima Carolus & Ferdinandus serenissimi Infantes, Gasper Oliviariorum excellentissimus Comes, a Belli Statusque Concilijs, Sacri Cubiculi, & Regis stabuli summus Praefectus, Didacus Carpentis Marchio cui fas per sacratioris Aula limen; Ex Britannis Johannes Comes Bristoliae Orator Extraordinarius, Gualterus Astonus eques & Legatus ex munere Baro Kensingtonius praetorianae militiae Angliae Dux

Posteritati sacrum.

In the field of Balsain.

Here by the conduct of a propitious Star at the foot of a craggy Mountain in a spacious field, ennobled by the common hunting of Kings, but grown more noble now for the solemn event of the Thing; Philip the fourth Catholic King of both the Spaines and the Indies, and Charles the serenissim Prince of Wales, Nuptials being agreed upon with the Lady Mary the serenissim Infanta, to seek which (sa the Fame of it flies through [...]he world) he posted to Spain, the said King and Prince plighted their Troths, and running into mutuall embraces they tyed with an Herculean Knot, an eternall league of peace and friendship: O mighty and invincible peerles pair of Kings, no Hercules can be against these two, and they two enough against all; let disloyalty rage never so much, two [Page] Alcides insuperable both by Land and Sea. Fame stop thy mouth, for thou canst go no further; Two of the Royall branches of the Austrian Tree Don Carlos and Don Ferdinand saw, beheld, and stood astonisht hereat, as also Gaspar the most excellent Count of Olivares, chief Gentleman of the sacred Bed chamber, and of the royall Stables, as also Didacus Marques of Carpio who had the golden Key, among the British Heros Iohn Earl of Bristol Ambassador extraordinary, and Walter Ashton Ambassador ordinary, with the Baron of Kensington, Captain of the English Praetorian Bands.

Sacred to Posterity.

In this Inscription the Duke of Buckingham was not mentiond, though he was there present all the while, which shews that the Spaniards did not so much affect him, yet was he at first much esteemd, in regard of the charge and trust he had being the Princes Gardian, but afterwards he began to grow out of request by his French carriage, and over familiarity with the Prince &c. Insomuch that his Commission being examind it was found to be signed only by King Iames and the Prince, wheras the Commission of Bristol and Ashton was signd also by the privy Councell, and exemplified under the great Seal of England. Therfore the King of Spain being instructed by Olivares, sent him word that he shold not trouble himself any further in point of audience about the match, for he was resolvd to treat only with the two Ambassadors, who had a more plenary power, and understood the busines better; so il blood began to engender betwixt Olivares, Buckingham, and Bristol. The Prince was attended by som of the Grandees, and Count Gondomar to the Sea-side, where being com not without som danger, aboard the Prince-Royall, he sent Mr. Clerk a Creature of Buckinghams to Madrid, with a privat Letter to Bristol, not to proceed in the busines of the Match till further order from England notwithstanding that the Ratification shold com from Rome; Clerk lay in Bristols house, but was not to deliver him the sayed Letter till the Ratification shold com, the Earl of Bristol suspecting such a thing, causd a rumor to be spread that the Ratification was com, hereupon the Letter was deliverd him, so he went to confer with my Lord Ashton about it, who was in joint, Commission with him to conclude the Match; he askt him whether upon that Letter he wold suspend the busines of the Match, and Ashton answering, that the Letter was to be obeyed, Bristol replyed, that then he wold protest against him, telling him that they had a royall Commission under the broad Seal of England, signd, and seald by King, Prince, and Councell, therfore he conceivd that a privat Letter from any other could not have power to suspend the Kings immediat command but his own counter-command; he alledgd also that if when the Ratification came, they shold delay a moment of the time in point of proceeding, the Infanta wold hold her self disparagd in point of honor; He subjoynd that this Match tended to the restitution of the Palatinat, and settling of an eternall peace in Christendom, which he knew wel the King their Master did desire with that vehemency, so he brought Ashton to joyn with him in pursuance of the busines, which was at so fair a pass, that they both made of them a great number of rich Liveries against the wedding day, the Infanta went by the name of Princess of Wales, and the English Ambassadors wold not be coverd before her, she had got som extraordinary Masses to be sung for the Prince's safe return to England: She had divers new Sutes made for the Prince of rich perfumd Cordovan, som embroyderd with Perl, som with Gold, some with Silk; She studied the English language, and wore Chapins or high shoos, which no young Ladies usd to do in Spain, till they are either betr [...]thd or married: Moreover the King of Spain had a purpose to make a Daughter of his a Christian, and his Sister a Wife the same day, and to that end had commanded that the Baptism and the Marriage shold be solemnizd together; to which end a long Tarass was raysd from his Royall Palace to the next Church, all coverd with rich Tapistry; All the Grandees were summond to be then at Court, and the great Ordinance were ordered to be discharged in all the Maritime Towns upon such a day: So the long wishd for Ratification came at last compleat and full, but (as the Stars wold have it) [Page] as the busines was upon its last period there come four Posts from England within the space of 24 hours with a new Commission from King Iames to the Earl of Bristol, intimating that wheras he treated before singly of a match, he shold now joyn the Palatinat with it, and have a categoricall conclusive answer from the King of Spain for the restitution of it; for he wold not marry his son with joy, and leave his daughter in tears; This struck a strange kind of consternation in the hearts of all men at Madrid, who wishd that the Postillions which brought the new Commission to Bristoll had all broke their necks on the way: the Infanta retird her self, and wore a kind of mourning for som daies, and an universall sadness appeard in all faces.

Hereupon the Earl of Bristol going to the King of Spain to demand a surrender of the Palatinat, He answer'd that it was not in his power to do it, for hee could not command an Emperour in whose hands it was, with whom if England would entertain a Treaty, if the Emperour and the Duke of Bavaria wold not com to terms of reason, the same arm which got the sayd Palatinat for his Oncle (the Emperour) shold joyn with the King of England to reconquer it for his son in law; But this not satisfying, Bristol receiv'd Letters of Revocation, and so going to take his leave of the King, he pulld off a ring of 1500 l. price off his finger and gave it him, sending him afterwards a Cup-board or old Plate valued at 20000. duckets.

The Prince at his departure left a great rope of Pearl and many boxes of Jewels more for the Infanta, valued at 400000. crowns; but she would not receive any till the Nuptiall day, so they were kept in the custody of one of the Secretaries of State: But notwithstanding that intelligence was sent how the two Treaties of Match and Palatinat were dissolv'd by act of Parlement in England, and that they were preparing for a War, yet the Spaniard comanded the sayd Jewels to be deliverd up to the English Ambassador, which after were sent safely to England: Out of the premisses it may be inferrd that the Spanyard did really intend a match with England, which he saith he hath not broken to this day: In Spain the King was young and his Favorit old, it was clean contrary in England which made the world abroad to wonder that King Iames shold be transported by the Councell of a young Favorit, as to suffer him to strain the conscience of his son so far as to break the Match; now, most remarkable it is, that as the Parlement serv'd him for an Instrument to do it, so the Parlement was the chief instrument afterwards of his ruin.

Thus the Spanish Match which amus'd the world so long, and assorded such matter of discours was suddenly dashd, that Fabrique which was a rearing so many yeers, and brought to such a point of perfection that it only wanted a cover, fell down in a moment.

A little before these times the Duke of Ossuna a little man, but of a mighty spirit, was Vice-roy of Naples, where he had comitted more extravagances then any Vice-roy ever did; He raisd a War against the Venetian for a property of Dominion in som part of the Adriatic gulph, wherin he causd the Signory to spend much treasure, but afterwards it was found that this War was grounded rather upon the Capricio of his brain, then any just reason: Therupon the King of Spain sent the Cardinall Borja to seize upon the government of Naples, and send home the Duke prisoner if he found cause; The Cardinall carried the busines very privatly, and being com to a little Iland neer Naples, the sagacious Duke smelling somthing, sent a Bishop to entertain and wait upon him, but it was indeed to serve as a Spy to observe his motions. The Cardinal made a shew to go a hunting one day in a Sedia, wher he had appointed one to be habited just like him in another Sed [...]a, the Bishop being in the Field all the while, and seeing a man like him in the Sedia, he thought the Cardinal was still there, but the Cardinal had privatly got away to the Marine, where he had a Soldiers habit for a disguise, and a Felucca ready for transporting him to Naples, leaving the Bishop waiting stil upon the counterfeit Cardinal in the Field, & having divers confidents in the Castle where the Duke was, he got thither at the close of the day, over a small draw-bridg, and surprized the Duke: so signal being given to the Town the [Page] Bells rung, and the great guns went all suddenly off, so the Collaterall Councell came to salute the new Vice-roy, and Ossuna was sent prisoner to Spain, with these severall accusations.

Accusations wherewith the most faithfull Citie of Naples doth charge the Duke of Ossuna.

I. THat against his Majesties will he entertained a great number of Soldiers, who by their miscarriages have committed many outrages, rapes and robberies, and if any complaind against them, the Plaintiffs were sent away with threatnings and checks insteed of satisfaction from the Duke.

II. He did put his Majesties patrimony in distribution, as it appeares by the accounts of the Kings Chamber, besides he wasted much of the common treasury of the Town, depriving her of many priviledges.

III. When he sent Soldiers to be billeted in divers parts of this Kingdom, the poor people to rid themselves of the trouble & charge, us'd to resort to the Marchiones of Campolataro, whom they were forced to bribe with presents to do them good offices.

IV. He causd divers of his Majesties Subjects to be taxd with som enormous offences; which he did, because they shold stand in the more awe of him: and being convinced by subordination of false witnesses, they were us'd afterwards to compound the business by bribes.

V. He entertaind the sayd Marchioness de Campolataro publiquely for his Concubine, to which he us'd to send the Marquis out of the way upon remote employments.

VI. When Gabriel Sanchez his chief Chaplain left him, he sayd that hee would have never gone from the Duke if he had gone duly to Masse, and observ'd other divine Exercises, besides he never saw him confess, or come to the Communion.

VII. He tooke out of the Church of the Annunciation the box wherein the Holy Sacrament was kept, and never restor'd it again.

VIII. He committed rapes upon many young Mayds, he committed with a woman before the holy Alter, and with another in the Chancell of St. Maries Church

IX. He frequented Nunneries to profane sacrilegious ends.

X. He made a Feast of Flesh for all the Courtisans in Naples upon Maundy Thursday, and was never us'd to observe fasting dayes.

XI. He made another Feast to som of the principall Courtisan [...] of Naples in Don Pedro de Toledo's Garden, whom he made to confes with how many Church-men they had traded, commanding an Inventory of their names to be taken.

XII. He would often take Juana Maria a common Courtisan into his Coa [...]h and goe abroad with her.

[Page]XIII. He had always a Morisco Slave in his house, of whom he got a Bastard, which hee sufferd to be brought up in the Mahametan Religion, and being dead, he was buried after the rites of Turky.

XIV. He did his utmost endeavour to put debate between the Gentry and Cominalty that they might both make their recours to him.

XV. As the holy Eucharist was a elevating, he took a piece of gold out of his pocket, and stood adoring it.

XVI. The same time as Cardinall Borgia came to Naples, he attempted to make himself Master of the two Castles, and intended to besiege them.

XVII. Hee procurd many blanck papers of the Gentlemen and Nobles with their hands and seals underneath, whereby he made levies of great summs out of the Duana by way of donation.

XVIII. He wastfully and unprofitably spent a masse of money against the Republic of Venice, transported therunto meerly by an extravagant humor, to revenge his particular quarrels.

XIX. He had suspectfull intelligence with the Grand Visier, and som of the Turks Bashas.

XX. He did many other acts of obscenity and wantonnes, as inviting so many of the fairest Concubines into his Garden, where he had provided a luscious banquet for them; after which he commanded them to strip themselves stark naked, while he with a hollow trunk shot Comfets at their naked bodies, which they were to take up standing upon their high Chapins.

XXI. That he causd a Barber to strip himself stark naked, and shave his Duches below being also naked, and he all the while standing with a great knife to cut off his privy parts if he found any motion in them all the while. Moreover having extraordinary Forces by Sea and Land, he grew so insolent that he began to chop logic and capitulat with the King his Master, proposing unto him that he shold continue in this Government four yeers longer, that he shold send him Commission to pursue the War against the Venetian for dominion of som part of the Gulph, with other extravagances.

The former accusations were sent to Madrid with the Duke of Ossuna, with sundry more, yet was he admitted to kisse the Kings hand; but coming with his Sword like a Cane in his han [...], because he was troubled with the gout, the King observing his posture, and turning his back upon him, went away to his private Gallery, whereat the Duke was over-heard to mutter Esto el tratar con muchachos, This it is to treat with boyes ▪ A little after he was confind to a Countrey House hard by, whence at last he was permitted to com prisoner to his hou [...]e in Madrid, being grown so weak that he was carried in a Bed upon the sholders of men: so he died a little after, and at his death he protested, That the worst thing that ever he had done against Spain, was, when he made his eldest son whom he could never ab [...]de.

The Duchess his Wife came one day and presented a printed memorial in a very high language, to sollicit the King for her Husbands release, and among other motifs in her Petition one was, that som of her ancestors ha [...] brought more Lands & Lordships to the Crown of Spain, then som of his Majesties Progenitors wer worth.

Ther were two Cardinals, Borgia & Sapata who consecutively succeeded the Duke of Ossuna, but neither the taxes lessened, nor the times mended any thing under their government, but the people were still pittifully peeld up and down, which made one to drop down this Satyre in divers Copies up and down the streets.

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Lamento de Napoli.

Pletá, pietá che ogni speranza e vana

Porgi remedio a i miei Christiani

Accio non sian strutati da Marani

Pater noster.

Questi son quei che sua dura Croce

Sempre t' han fatto, ed anchor ti farcen guerra,

Et peggio ti furan se fosse in terra

Qui es in Caelis.

Quando son questi in nostre case intrati

Con le coron [...] in mano humanamente

Ne van devoti, e pajan certamente

Sanctificetur

Dal primo giorno in poi si san patroni,

Ne pensan de acostarti a loro intorno

Perche renegan mille volte il giorno

Nomen tuum

La prima cosa che fá lo Spaguuolo

Per tutti lati latua casa squadra,

Et quando vede cosa che gli agrada

Adveniat

Dicendo ad patron traes a ca de todo

Co' l petto gonfio; & con il viso altiero

Che non gli bastarebbe un giorno intiero

Regnum tuum

Traes aca pollos, y de gallinas

Si non os matare con un cuchille,

Che convien dir a tal con basso ciglio

Fiat.

Credo che sia per nostri gran peccati

Che sotto posti siamo a tal gente,

E certamente ognun crede che sia

Voluntas tua

Signor ti prego per la tua passione

Che libera rarei voglia di questi cana

Et fa che non ne sia tra nostre mani

Sicut in caelo

Anchor ti prego per la tua bonta

Che questi che non credon nel vangelo

Maledetti si sian sempre in cielo

Si cet in terra

O Dio del Cielo e pur gran cosa questa.

Son tanto Rei, perfidi & prophani

Che vogliono ancho dar a lor cani

Panem nostrum

Vn pover huomo che va a guadgnare

In caepo dell' anno non fá alcun profitto

Perche questi mangiano il suo vitto

Quotidianum.

[Page]

Et se qual cosa habbiamo da mangiare,

Che servar vogliam per l' altro giorno

Subito si stan dicendo intorno

Da nobia▪ hodié.

Et se di questi noj ci lamentiamo

Vengono sopra noj con tanto ardire

Che senza dubbio siam forzati a dire

Dimitte nobis

Et se in tutto no li contentiamo

Metton tutta la casa in disbaratto

[...]i [...]ando contra noi non haver [...]att [...]

Debita nostra

Appresso a questo ogni male e poco

Per voler contentar tutte lor voglie

[...]oglion anchor dormir con nostre moglie

Sicut & nos.

Et se qual cosa noi gli diciamo

Voto a Dios os dare de cuchi lladas

Tal che por nollevar de bastonadas

Dimitti [...]s

Vn altra cosa mi manoava a dire,

Son tanto rei, perfidi ed avari

Che voglion anchor riscuoter j danari

Debitoribus nostris

Gran Dio dacci nostra libertade

Anticha, & da qui avanti

Sotto il jugo de usurpanti

Ne nos inducas

Sotto il Francese piu franchi vissimo,

Má so questi remanemo tutti

Diventati pur schiavi, & per forza indutti

In tentationem

Che habbia haunto piu variabil fato

Che noi non e's nation nissuna

No vengi frá noi altro com Ossuna

Sed libera nos a malo

Mentre che di noi tenghin [...]il governo

Questi maluaggi altieri popoli

Non possiamo dire que di Napoli

Nam tuum est Regnum.

The Lamentations of Naples.

[Page]

PItty, O pitty, for all hopes are vain,

Releive my oppressed Christians

That they be not torn to peeces by Barbarians,

O our Father;

These are they who under the hard Cross

Have made and will make war against Thee

And they wold use thee worse if thou wert on Earth,

Which art in Heaven.

When these Scabbs enter our houses

Devoutly with their Beads in hand

They seem so holy as if their mouths were

Hallowed

They make themselves Masters the first day,

And look about what things are fit for Prey

Then they prophane a thousand times a day

Thy name:

The first thing a Spaniard doth

He skulking goes in every part of the house

And if there be any thing that like's, he sayes,

Let come

Bring hither Sirrah, he sayes unto the Master

With a swelling breast and such high looks,

As if with the Giants he wold assault

Thy Kingdom

Sirrah, bring here those Hens and Capons

Or els I will hurl thee out of thy window,

So he obeys, saying with a trembling voice

Thy will be done.

O Lord I implore thee for thy passion

To free us from these ravenous Wolfs,

And grant that justice may be done

In Earth as it is in Heaven.

And if perchance we have any thing in store,

And reservd for another time

They presently cry out and bawl

Give us this day

A poor man who goes to gain a living,

At the yeers end can scarce put up a penny,

For these Spanish Dogs continually devour

Our daily bread

And if by chance they go upon the score,

Which they too often use to do,

With swelling words and threats they say

Forgive us our debts,

[Page]

And we must do it with speed

Wiping off their Scores in their presence,

So that we must forgive them not

As we forgive our Debtors

Great God restore us our liberties,

With our ancient Laws and Customes,

Under the Iron yoak of Usurpators,

And lead us not

We livd far better under the French

But under this half-moorish people

We are becom pure Slaves, and daily brought

Into temption.

There is no people hath had and felt

More miseries and chances then we,

Lord let there not com among us another Ossuna,

But deliver us from evil,

While these Tyrants sit at the Healm

And grind our face ni this manner,

Lord, it cannot be sayed that Naples

For thine is the Kingdom.

IT hath been formerly related how illfavoredly matters went betwixt England and Spain after the return of the Prince of Wales, for the Treaties both of Match and Palatinat were dissolvd by Act of Parliament, where the Puritan bore the greatest sway, and the Duke of Buckingham made use both of Parli [...] ment and Puritan to bring that work about, but there being at that time two Ambassadors extraordinary in England, and finding that it was chiefly by the practises of Buckingham that the Match was broken, they practisd also how they might break his neck, and demolish him; likewise King Iames was old, and they knew the least thing wold make impressions of jealousie in him, therfore by a notable way of plotting they gave him intelligence at a privat audience, of a dangerous conspiracy against his Royall Authority, by the Duke of Buckingham and his Complices; The manner of which Conspiracy may be best understood out of the following memoriall or information that Sir Walter Aston, remaining still Ambassador in Spain, did present unto that King, which was as followeth, and being so remarkable a passage, I thought it worthy to take place here.

To the King

SIR,

SIr Walter Aston Ambassador to the King of great, sayth, that the King his Master hath commanded him to represent unto your Majesty, that having declard to your Majesty the reasons why he could receive no satisfaction by your Majesties answer of the fift of January, and that therby according to the unanimous consent of his Parliament he came both to disolve the treaties of Match and Palatinat, he hath receivd another answer from your Majesty, wherin he finds less grounds to build upon, and having understood that neither by the Padr. Maestro, or your Majesties Ambassadors, who have assisted these daies passd in his Court, there was somthing to be propounded, and declard touching the busines of the Palatinat, wherby he might receive contentment; The sayed Ambassadors untill now have not sayed any thing at all to any purpose, which being compard with other circumstances of their ill carriage, he gathers and doubts that according to the ill affection and depraved intentions wherwith they have proceeded in all things, but specially in one particular, they have labourd to hinder the good correspondence, and so necessary and desired intelligence should be conservd with your Majesty.

[Page]Furthermore he saith, that the King his Master had commanded him to give account to your Majesty that in an Auaience which he gave to the Marquess of Inoiosa, and Don Charlos Coloma, they under cloak and pretext of zeal, and particular care of his person, pretended to discover unto him a very great conjuration against his per [...]n and Royall Dignity, which was that at the beginning of this Parliament the Duke of Buckingham had consulted with certain Lords and others of the arguments and means which were to be taken for the breaking and dissolving of the treaties both of Match and Palatinat; and their consultations passd so far, that if his Majesty wold conform himself to their counsels, they wold give him a house of pleasure whither he might retire himself to his sports, in regard that the Prince had now yeers sufficient, and parts answerable for the government of the Kingdom. The information was of that quality, that it was sufficient to put impression in him of an everlasting jealousie, in regard that through the sides of Buckingham they wounded the Prince his Son, together with the Nobility, for it is not probable that they could bring to effect such a design without departing totally from the Obligation of that faith and loyalty, which they owd to his person and Crown, because the Lords made themselves culpable as Concealors, Nor is it likely that the Duke wold put himself upon such an enterprize, without communicating it first to the Prince, and knowing of his pleasure.

But because this information might be made more cleer, his Majesty did make many instances unto the sayed Ambassadors that they wold give him the Authors of the sayed conjuration, this being the sole means wherby their own honor might be preservd, and whereby the great zeal and care they pretended to have of his person might appear: But the sayed Ambassadors in stead of confirming the great zeal they made profession to bear him, all the answer they made him consisted of arguments against the discovery of the Conspirators, so that for confirmation of the sayed report, there r [...]maind no other means then the examination of som of his Councell of State, and principall Subjects, which was put in execution accordingly, whom he causd to be put to their Oathes in his own presence▪ commanding that such Interrogatories and Questions shold be propounded unto them that were most pertinent to the accusation▪ so that not the least part, particle, or circumstance remaind which was not exactly exa [...]ind and winnowed; And he found in the Duke, with the rest who were examind a [...]eer▪ and sincere innocency, touching the accusations and imputations wherwith your Majesties Ambassadors had chargd them.

This being done, he r [...]turned to make new instances unto the sayed Ambassadors, that they wold not prefer the discovery of the names of the conspirators to the security if his Royall person, to the truth and honor of themselves, and to run the hazard of an opinion to [...]e h [...]ld and judgd the Authors, and Betrayers of a plot of such malice▪ sedition, and danger, but the sayed Ambassadors continued still in a kn [...]tty kind of obstinacy, resolving to conceal the names of the Conspirators, notwithstanding that he gave them audience afterward [...], wherin the Marquess of Inoiosa took his leave.

But a few dayes after they desird new Audience, pretending that they had somthing to say that concernd the public good, and condu [...]d to the entire restitution o [...] the Palatinat, and thereby to the confirmation nnd conservation of the friendship [...] your Majesty; but having suspended som few daies to give them audience, thinking that being therby better advisd they wold think on better courses, and discov [...]r the Authors of s [...]p [...]rnitious a plot, and having since made many instances to that effect, and attended the success of so long a patience; he sent his Secretary Sir Edward Conway with Sir Francis Cotington Secretary to the Prince, commanding them that they shold signifie unto the sayd Ambassadors, that he desired nothing more then continuance of the friendship betwixt the two Crowns, therfore if they had any thing to say, they shold communicat it unto the sayed Secretaries, as persons of so great trust which he sent therfore expresly to that end, and if they made any difficulty of this also▪ then they might choose amongst his Councell of State those whom they likd best, and he would command that they shold presently repair unto them: And if this also shold then be inconvenient, they might send him what they had to say in a Letter, by whom they thought fittest, and he wold receive it with his own hands.

[Page]But the Ambassadors misbehaving themselfs, & not conforming to any thing that was thus propounded, the sayd Secretaries according to the instructions which they had receav'd, told them that they being the Authors of an Information so dangerous and seditious, had made themselfs incapable to treat further with the King their Master, and were it not for the respect he bore to the Catholic King his dear and beloved brother their Master, and that they were in quality of Ambassadors to such a Majestie, he wold and could by the law of Nations, and the right of his own Royall Iustice proceed against them with severity a [...] their offence deserv'd, but for the reasons aforesayd, he wold leave the reparation thereof to the Iustice of their King of whom he wold demand and require it.

In conformity to what hath been said, the said Ambassador of the King of Great Britain saith, that the King his Master hath commanded him to demand refaction and satisfaction of your Majestie against the said Marquis of Inojos [...] and Don Carlos Coloma, making your Majestie the Iudg of the great scandall and enormous offence which they have committed against him, and against public Right, expecting Iustice from your Majestie in the demonstrations & chastisement that your Majestie shall infli [...]t upon them, which for the manner of his proceeding with your Majestie, and out of your Majesties own integrity and goodnes ought to be expected.

Furthermore the said Ambassador saith that the King his Master hath commanded him to assure your Majestie, that hitherto [...]e hath not intermingled the correspondence and friendship he holds with your Majestie, with the faults and offences of your Ministers, but leaves, and restrains them to their own persons, and that he still persever's with your Majestie in the tru and ancient frendship and brotherhood as formerly, to which purpose he is ready to give a hearing to any thing that shall be reasonable, and give answer thereunto; therefore when it shall please your Majestie to employ any Ambassador thither, he will make them all good entreaty, and receive them with that love which is fitting.

For conclusion the said Ambassador humbly beseecheth your Majestie that you wold be pleas'd to observe & well weigh the car and tendernes wherewith the King his Master hath proceeded towards your Majesties Ambassadors, not obliging them to any precipitat resolutions; but allowing them time enough to prove, and give light of that which they had spoken: And besides, by opening them many ways wherby they might have complied with their Orders if they had any such, which cours if they had taken, they might will have given satisfaction to the King his Master, and moderated the so grounded opinion of their [...] proceedings against the peace, together with the good intelligence and correspondence twixt the two Crowns.

Walter Ashton.

THis memorial kept som noise in the Court of Spain for the present, and the world expected that the sayd Ambassadors at their return shold receive som kind of punishment▪ or at least some marks of the Kings displeasure, but clean contrary, the one was promoted to be Governour of Milan, and Don Carlos Coloma going to Flanders, continued still in employment, and encrease of favour.

So ther was a Warr menacd but not denouncd between England and Spain, which lasted not long, being meerly navall, for in the compass of a short time ther was a peace peecd up again twixt the two Crowns, insomuch that Trade after this small in e [...]ruption did res [...]rish mightily, specially in the Dominions of Naples.

The Duke of Medina de las Torres being Viceroy in that Kingdom, ther hapned an extrao [...]dinary accident; the occasion was given at a Ball where ther was a great confluence of the principall Noblemen and Ladies. The Duke of Matalone the chief of the Carassas and potentest Familie in that Kingdom conceivd he had receivd an affront from the Prince of Sanza at the Ball, wherupon he hird a Valenton or Swashbuckler to d [...]y-beat and cane [...]im. He [...]upon the Prince went and raised Forces in Campania, and so thought to revenge a privat injury in a public way, the Viceroy having notice of it▪ raisd another considerable Army which dispersed the other, so that the Prince of Sanza was forc'd to fly to [...]ome whe [...] he took Sanctuary; The Dukes of Medina and Matalone devisd how they might [Page] seize upon him, so there was a paction made with Iulio Puzzolo, a great Bandito at such a price, who going disguisd to Rome about it, and understanding who was Prince Sanzas Mistress, and where he usd to hear Mass, he sent a Message to him into the Church, that his sayed Mistre [...]s was fallen very sick, the [...]fore she desird to speak with him out of hand, so going up into the Coach, which he thought had bin sent for him, that stood at the Church-door, the Bandito with his Complices surprizd him, and hurried him away to Naples, where a little after he was beheaded: The Pope sent six hundred Light-horse presently after to redeem the Prince, but the Bandito was too nimble for them, and wheeling about by infrequented waies, had got into the Territories of Naples before, whence he carried him away cleer, and so receivd his price of blood, and they promised reward.

Philip the fourth entring young into his Government, took the Count of Olivares for his Privado and chief Pilot for the conduct of all State affairs, a man wonderfull sedulous, but not so succesfull, for the King grew alwaies to be on the loosing hand, while he put him at the Helm. One of the first losses he had was that of Ormus the chiefest Mart in the world for all sorts of Jewels; so that if the Earth were compard to a Ring, Ormus might be calld the Gemm of that Ring: It was taken by the assistance of three English Merchants Ships, who were then upon the Coasts of Persia; The Sophy Embargud and hired them for the Service, promising them the spoyles of the Church, and of the Monasteries of Ormus, being encouragd hereby they fought notably, and helped to finish the business, so accordingly they had the Plunder of all the Religious houses in Ormus, which they carried aboard, and it was an incredible masse of treasure they took, specially in Jewels, but it did not prosper, for the English Ship Pearl being the Admiral and laden with that rich spoil, perisht in the Port with all her Cargazond, the other two making for England, one of them was cast away in Alto Mari, in open Sea, the other being com into the narrow Seas, as she set Sail upon a Sunday morning, a horrid tempest did rise, which was so impetuous, that by the fury therof she was carried away to the Coasts of Holland, where she perisht, but Captain Cartwright had preservd himself with a Girdle of Jewels about him of six thousand pounds value, which did not peosper, for going to Russia to push on his fortunes he grew to be extreamly poor: A little after Goa fell from the Spaniard, many Towns in Flanders were lost, the Condado de Rossillon at the foot of the Pyrenean Hills, with the Kingdoms of Catalonia and Portugal quite revolted from him; The first flew off because of the free quarter the Castillian Soldiers took as they passd through Catalonia towards Italy, and the Fry grew suddenly so furious, that the Vice-roy himself was murthered in his Coach with others; the Kings Seals were all broken, and they put themselves under the protection of the French.

Touching Portugal they took the advantage of those comotions in Catalonia, and likewise quite revolted from the Castillian, whom they hate above all other Mortalls. They Crownd Iohn Duke of Braganza for their King, under whom the Government in a very short time was so generally establishd, as if it had bin a hundred yeers a doing.

It seems that after the revolt of Catalonia, there were som fears had of Portugal, and jealousies of the Duke of Braganza, therfore to put him out of the way he wa [...] proferd to be the Governor of Milan, but he made a modest excuse; Then it was given out cunningly that the King was going in person to Catalonia, therfore notice was given, that the Duke of Braganza with the rest of the Nobles shold attend the Kings Standard, but he still excusd himself: Hereupon the King of Spain to endear the Duke, or rather to secure him unto him the more, sent him a Commission to be Generall of all the Militia of Portugal, referring it to his free Election where to fix, and in what place he pleasd neer Lisbon the Capitall Citty: And withall he sent him for supply of his privat occasions, a royall Token of sixty thousand Duckets, but it seems twas a Crown that he aimd at▪ not Duckets, [...] none of these proffers or reall favours could detain him from shaking off all alleageance to King Philip, neer whom he was bred most part of his [Page] yeers; The Dutchess of Savoy King Philips Ant then Governess in Lisbon, had formerly sent advices one upon the neck of another, how she apprehended som fear of an Insurrection in Portugal, but Olivares slighted her Avisos, giving out that she was a silly woman, fitter to govern a Family then a Kingdom, therfore he sent her word, that if she did not comprehend the services of State, at least she shold not detect them.

Not long after som of the chief Nobility had a clan [...]ular close meeting at Lisbon, where it was proposed that the Kingdom shold be reduced into a Common-wealth, but that design provd but an Embryon which dyed suddenly, before it could receive any shape; Then the Arch-bishop of Sevill stood up, and councelld them to cast their eyes upon the Duke of Braganza, the Native and rightfull Heir: The motion was approvd of, so one Gaston Cotigno a pragmaticall man, and a nimble smoothd toungd Instrument for such a business, and one who abhorrd the Castilians to the very death, was employd unto the Duke then at a privat house of his; he told him, that now there was a pregnant opprtunity offerd for him to recover his Ancestrall right to the Crown of Portugal, that Fortune seldom proffers a man a Kingdom; He told him of the fair hope to bring the business about, he told him of the generall inclinations of the Nobility and Clergy, specially of the Arch-bishop of Lisbon, the universall disgust, and hatred of the people towards the Castillian: He bid him look upon the present face of things, which seemd to smile upon and invite him, how that the house of Austria was at a low ebb, distracted with Wars on every side, the Castillians had work enough cut them by the Catelans, nor could he want succours and auxiliaries from France, and others that did emulat the greatnes of Spain, therfore he advisd him to take time by the fore-top, for he is bald behind.

The Duke after a long pauze, thankd him and the Nobility for their good affections towards him, but this was a business of that hazard and consequence that it requird som deliberation; that he knew well there was no Medium betwixt a Throne and a Scaffold, and so shewd himselfe irresolute for the present. The next night taking advise of his Pillow, and communicating the whole busines to his Wife, Sister to the Duke of Medina Sidonia a Female of a Masculine courage, and being anxious within himself whether he shold hearken to the proposals of the Nobility, or go to Madrid to prevent all hazards; His Lady told him, My friend, if thou goest to Madrid, thou dost incur the danger of loosing thy head, and if thou acceptest of the Crown thou dost but run the same hazard, therfore consider well whether it be not better to dye nobly at home then basely abroad. Being incited by these words, he sent word presently to the Nobility, that he wold conform himself to their Councels, and was resolved to live and dy, and run the same adventures with them; so they securd all places of fastnes in Lisbon, and though there were Spanish and Swisse guards there, yet there was killd but one Swits in all the bustle, besides Vasconcellos the Secretary of State, who managd all things before under the Lady Governes or Vice-queen, but was extreamly hated, so he was murtherd in a Cup-board within his own Chamber, where he was usd to lock up all his Letters and Papers, among whom he fell, being shot with a Pistoll as he had shut himself among them.

Hereupon the cry went all over Lisbon, Viva El Roy Don Iuan el quarto, God save King Iohn the fourth; yet in all this hurly-burly the Vice-queen was dealt civilly withall; and when som of the Nobility came to her, she made this discreet Speech unto them, being nothing at all daunted, That if this Insurrection had no other aime but to revenge themselves of Secretary Vasconcellos, the busines was done, therfore she assurd them upon returning to their obedience to gain them a generall pardon from the King her Lord and Nephew: But they answerd her in short, Madam, We have now no other King but King Iohn, wherof we com to give you notice, so they removd the Vice-queen from the Royall Palace to another house, leaving a band of Soldiers for her security.

The Arch-bishop of Lisbon, who was the chiefest stikler in this desperat busines, to cover this Insurrection with some signal act of devotion, came forth in a solemn procession, carrying in his hand the chiefest relique of Lisbon, which is [Page] one of the Nailes wherwith Christ was naild to the Cross: Besides, it was delivered in a Sermon, that in the person of the Duke was verified a certain apparition of Christ to King Alphonso, as he was upon point of giving Battell to [...]ive Moorish Kings, by which he was promised not only Victory, but that he and his Successors shold Raign to the sixteenth Generation, at which time his Race shold be thought extinct, but it shold florish again when it shold be least of all thought upon, which Prophecy fell pat upon the motions of the present times.

There was then in Lisbon the Count de la Puebla Olivares Kinsman, with other Castillians who were kept for Hostages for som Portugals that were in the Spanish [...].

Upon Thursday after, the new King made his entrance into Lisbon where the Clergy gave him 600. m. Crowns, the Nobility 400. m. and the Cominalty one million of Gold, to hansell their new King.

The carriage and courage of the Vice Queen the Dutchesse of Savoy was very commendable in these confusions, for wheras the new King sent her a complement to ascertain her of such civilities that were sutable to a Princesse of her Rank, provided she wold forbear all discourse and practises wherby to infuse any opinion prejudiciall to the now establishd Government, yet she notwithstanding with much stoutnes (but with expressions of thankfulnes to the Duke, for she wold not stile him King) fell into a large and grave exhortation to those Nobles that were sent to her to lay aside all vain hopes, and not to cozen themselves, but to return to their old alleagance according as they were obligd by oath, not doubting but they should all find pardon.

Thus what the Spaniard had possessd in so much peace for sixty yeers, was snatchd away from him in less then six dayes; news hereof being brought to Madrid, it strook a strange consternation in the thoughts of all people, but Olivares came smiling to the King [...] saying, Sir, I pray give me las albricias to hansell the good news, for now you are more absolute King of Portugal then ever, for the people have forfeited all their Priviledges by this rebellion, besides the Estate of the Duke of Braganza, with all his Complices are yours by right of confiscation, so that you have enough to distribute among your old Loyall Servants by way of reward: But herein Olivares did notably dissemble his passion, for it was discoverd that these sad tydings sunk deeper into him th [...]n any.

The new King Iohn was married to a Castilian the Duke of Medinas Sister, who was Governor in chief in Andaluzia, therfo [...]e upon som Ombrages of fear that he might be seducd, he was by a plausible message sent for to Madrid, but as soon as he came his person was securd, and another sent to succeed him.

Upon the first intelligence that came to Spain how Bragansa had bin proclaimd, King Philip sent him a Letter to this effect.

Duke and Cosen, som odd news are brought me lately which I esteem but folly, considering the proof I have had of the fidelity of your house, give me advertisement accordingly, because I ought to expect it from you; Do not draw a trouble upon your self, and hazard not the esteem I make of your life, to the fury of a mutinous rabble, but let your wisdom comport you so, that your person may escape the danger, my Councell will advise you further: So God guard you,

your Cosen and King.

Unto this Letter answer was made as followeth.

My Cosen, my Kingdom desiring its naturall King, and my Subjects being oppressd with Taxes, and new Impositions, have executed without oposition that which they had oftentimes designd, by giving me the possession of a Kingdom which appertains unto me, wherfore if any will go about to take it from me, I will seek justice in my Armes; defence being allowable, God preserve your Majesty,

DON JOHN the fourth, King of PORTVGALL.

[Page]THis huge loss and horrid disaster gave a shrewd alarm to the Spanish Monarchy, for there fe [...]l from her by this revolt the East-Indies, the Tercera, Islands, the Kingdom of Algarve, Brasile, and all she had in Afric, except the Town of Ceuta, which is the only appendix that remains to Spain of the large Dominions of Portugal, but tis like a small crust left of a Christmas Loaf.

A little before this revolt there was a portentous strange accident hapned neer the Tercera Ilands which are subject to the Crown of Portugal, for in one of them there was a Town built upon the Sea-side under divers Clifts and Rocks▪ among which there was a great Lough, which suddenly one day broak out into a fearfull fire, proceeding it seems from som bituminous matter in the bottom, the flakes of fire and smoak did so darken and obnubilat the whole Region of the Cir [...]umambient air for many daies, that they of the Town beneath thought verily the day of Judg [...]ent was com, for they could go ankle deep in the ashes which the fire drove to the streets, at last the huge Lake came tumbling down the Hills, and carryed many of them with part of the Town into the Sea: This was held to be an ominous thing and to presage som great change; but the yeer following there hapned a stranger thing, for a new Iland poppd out of the Sea therabouts, and peed above water which was never seen before.

Now [...]is worth the while considering what a mighty alteration it hath made in the Christian World, to set down the right of title, that both the King of Spain, and the house of Bragansa hath to the Crown of Portugal, therfore we will plant here the Tree of their Genealogy, that the Reader may pass his judgment accordingly.

The fortunat and famous Alphonso having in the yeer 1139. obtaind a mighty battell against the Moors in Portugal, by the unanimous consent of the people he was chosen King, and solemnly Crownd in Lamego, and his Posterity made capable to succeed him to all perpetuity; all which was confirmd afterwards by the Pope▪ Among other Lawes which the three Estates being assembled at Lamego did enact, one was this; Let it be a Law for ever that the King of Portugals eldest Daughter marry a Native of Portugal that so the Crown never descend to a stranger; and in case she shold marry to a Prince who is a stranger let her not be Queen, for we will never have our Kingdom go out of the Race of the Portugals, who have made us Kings by their own valor, and by the effusion of their own blood without forraign assistance.

Now Don Emanuel was the fourteenth King of Portugal from Don Alphonso, and had for his Issue six Sons and two Daughters, as followeth.

1. The Prince Don Iohn his eldest.

2. The Infanta Donna Beatrix, who was married to the Emperor Charles the fift, by whom he had Philip the second.

3. The Infanta Dona, married to Emanuel Duke of Savoy.

4. The Infant Don Luis who left behind Don Antonid an illegitimat Son.

5. The Infant Don Fernando dyed without Issue.

6. The Infant Don Alfonso Arch-bishop of Lisbon, and Cardinal never married.

7. The Infant Don Henry Cardinal and Arch-bishop of Dragon.

[...]. The Infant Don Edward who left two Daughters, the eldest was Mary Wife out of the Kingdom to Alexander Farnesse Duke of Panna, the younger was married to Don Iohn Duke of Bragansa.

After the death of Emanuel succeeded his eldest Son Don Iohn who was named before, and was called Iohn the third, whose onely Son called also Iohn dying before his Father, left behind him Don Sebastian who succeeded his Grand-father, and was slain without Issue at that notable battell in Barbary 1578. where most of the Nobility and Flower of Portugal did also fall: Upon the death of Sebastian the Crown returnd to the eldest Survivor of his Grand-fathers Brothers, viz. Henry the Cardinal, whose old age as well as his Function made him incapable of marriage, he raignd peaceably two ye [...]rs; After his death there were no less then eight Pretenders to the Crown.

[Page]1. The People claimd right to elect their own King, jure Regni.

2. The Pope challengd Iure divino to be Arbiter herein, in regard that Alfonso the first King made himself Feudetary to the See of Rome.

3. Don Antonio gave out he was no Bastard, but his Father Don Luis was lawfully married.

4. Katherine de Medici Queen Regent of France, claimd a right as descending from Don Alphonso the third, since whom al [...] the Kings of Portugal have bin no better then Usurpers.

5. Philibert Duke of Savoy, Son to one of King Emanuels Daughters.

6. Ranuccio Duke of Parma claimd the Crown in right of his Mother Mary, Daughter to Don Duarte King Emanuels youngest Son.

7. Katherine Dutchesse of Braganza claimd the Crown as being born in Portugal, wheras all the rest were Aliens, according to the Primitive Law made in Don Alphonsos time.

8. Philip the second claimd the Crown by right of his Mother the Empresse, being Heir Male of Don Emanuels eldest Daughter.

Now touching the first Pretender, which was the people, it was answerd, that untill the Royall Line of a Kingdom be quite extinct there can be no right of Election in them.

Touching the Titles of the rest they were solemnly debated in many Universities, but most concluded for King Philip, first in regard that the Kingdom of Portugal had bin before Alphonsos time, An: 1138. under the protection of the Crowns of Castile and Leon wherof he was King. Secondly, because he could not properly be calld an Alien, because he was born upon the Continent of Spain, wherof Portugal is part, being calld according to the old division Hispania Lusitanica. Thirdly he might claim it, a digniori partu, because he was the first Male of an Empress, who had bin also first Daughter of Portugal.

Besides this fatall defection of the Kingdom of Portugal, with the sundry Dominions far and neer, that belongd unto it; there were many other cross traverses besides that happend to the Spanish Monarchy; There was an illfavourd fire kindled in Palermo in Sicily, which by a popular fury did so rage, and was like to be so destructive that the Marquess de los Velez the then Vice-roy, was forcd to publish a Manifesto, wherin to content the rabble; he took off and abolishd to perpetuity the Taxes that were layed upon Meat, Wine, Oyle, and Cheese: Moreover the people having in the sayed Mutiny broke open the Prisons and let out the Prisoners, the Vice-roy was constraind to publish another Instrument wherin he pardond all such Prisoners, as also those who let them out, and all this was don, sub verbo & fide Regia.

The Kingdom of Naples which is also Sicily (beyond the Phare a little arm of the Sea, and thought at the Creation to be one entire continent) having intelligence how well their Neighbours and Fellow-subjects had sped, the tother side by that popular Insurrection, thought that they were as free born people as the Sicilian, and did contribute more to the Spanish greatnes, their Donatives, therfore they might very well deserve and expect as good usage as they: There had bin not long before a new Tax layd upon all Fruits green & dry, which amounted to about eighty thousand Duckets yeerly. The Duke of Arcos then Vice-roy was often told that there was an universall muttering at this Tax, which might beget dangerous consequences: Hereupon som Commissioners were appointed to consult how som other way might be taken to raise monies for the King, as also to repay those sums that had bin imprested, and already lent upon the credit of the sayed Fruit Tax.

At that time there was in Naples a young fellow about four and twenty yeers old, who got his living by retayling of Fish up and down, he was of a stirring and spritfull humor, of a confident speech and utterance: This poor Retayler of Fish calld Thomas Anello and by contraction Masanello, observing what discontents and mutterings raignd in every corner about this Tax upon fruit, with divers others; and the next day meeting with a great company of boyes in the Market-place, he made them follow him up and down the streets, with sticks and [Page] Canes in their hands, making them cry out, Let the Pope live, let the King of Spain live, but let the ill Government perish. This and such like Doctrine being infusd by Masanello into his young Schollers, the Shop-keepers laught at him as he went, asking him whether he were not frantic or foolish, but he told them, yee laugh at me now, but you shall see shortly what Masanello can do, let me alone, if I do not free you from the Slavery of so many Taxes let me be held infamous for ever. At which Speech the laughter encreasd, but Masanello grew more and more intentious about the work, so that he enrol [...]d the names of divers boyes twixt 16, 17, and 18. yeers old, so that at last he made a Regiment of two thousand, the next day being a Festivall, he marchd with his brigade of boyes after him, and it chancd that being in the Market-place the Fruiterers, and Costermongers, or Shop-keers fell out about the paying of the new Tax, and the baskets of Fruits were thrown down, and the boyes fell a gathering and eating of them in the streets, Masanello encouraging them all the while; hereupon the Lord Anaclerio the elect of the people, threatning him with whipping and the Gallies, not only the Fruiterers but other people threw Apples and Pears into Lord Anaclerios face, and Masanello gave him a good thump upon the breast with a stone; So with much ado the Lord Elect broke his way in a Coach through the crowd▪ and leaping into a Boat or Feluca he scapd.

Upon these hope [...]ull beginnings the Rabble flockd together in many places protesting to pay no more Gabell, and crying still let the King live and the ill Government dy; So now Masanello began to be attended with men as well as boyes, and leaping up upon a stall which was in the Market-place among the Fruiterers, he sayed with a loud voice to this effect, making this noble Speech as if he had bin inspird. Rejoyce my dear Companions, and Country-men, give God thanks and the glorious Virgin, the time of our redemption draws neer. This poor Fisher-man barefooted whom you see, shall a [...] another Moses who freed the Israelites from Pharaohs Rod, free you in like manner from all Gabels and Impositions; It was a Fisher-man, I mean Saint Peter, who reducd Rome from Satans slavery to the liberty of Christ; Now another Fisher-man who is Masanello shall release Naples, and with the City of Naples a whole Kingdom from the tyranny of Tolls. From henceforth yee shall shake off your necks the intolerable yoke of so many grievances which have depressd your spirits hitherto; To effect which I do not care a rush to be torn in peeces, and dragd up and down the gutters of Naples: Let all the blood of my body spin out of my veins, let this head skip off my sholders by a fatal steel, & be pearchd up in this Market-place upon a Pole, yet I shall dy contented and glorious, it will be an honor and a triumph unto me that my life and blood perishd in so glorious a Conquest.

This Speech did wonderfully work upon the people, whose hearts were ready to cooperat with him, so for a handsom beginning the Toll-house for Fruit with all the books of accounts were burnt to the ground, with much of the Customers goods which were shewd there: Hereupon the Shops were shut up and down almost through all the City, and the Keepers of them went to other quarters of the City where the Toll-houses for Corn, Flesh, Fish, Salt, Wine, Oyle, Cheese, and Silk, stood, all which they burnt to the very earth, withall the writing and Custom house books, as also all the Hangings and Houshold-stuff were hurld into a great Straw-fire, together with som Chests of moneys and Plate, and all burnt: And in this confusion there was this strickt point of Government already, that it was de [...]th for any one to pourloin or take away any thing out of the fire for his own use.

The people all this while having met with no opposition at all, grew to be above ten thousand in number, and they made towards the Vice-roys Palace, many of them holding loafs of bread upon the tops of their Pikes, which was then very deer, because of the Toll upon corn▪ There were som among the Brigads of boyes who carried black clowts upon the tops of their Canes, crying out in dolorous notes as they passd, Have pitty upon these poor Souls in Purgatory, who not being able to endure so many grievances seek how they may escape away; O brothers joyn with us, O sisters assist us in so just a cause: In such dolefull tones they [Page] went about, and coming to Saint Iames Prison they freed there all the Prisoners and admitted them to their Society: At last they came under the Vice-roys window and made a hideous cry, that they wold be freed not only of the Fruit Gabell, but of all other, specially that of Corn; The Vice-roy out of his Balcone promisd them very fair to take off quite the Fruit Tax, & half of that of Corn, but this not suffizing they rusht into the Vice-roys Palace, notwithstanding the German and Spanish Guards which were there, and breaking through all the Rooms they came at last to that Room where the Vice-roy was shut up under lock, which they broke open, but the Vice-king was fled, and thinking to go to the Castle where his Lady was retired, he found the Draw-bridg up, and so came back and fled to a Franciscan Monastery; while the Rabble was in his Palace they did much mischief, and pursuing him still, and understanding that he was retired to the Monastery, he was forcd to com out and to shew himself. The people then though in the height of fury grew somwhat more temperat, saying, Most excellent Sir, for the passion of God disburden us of these Gabells who suck our blood, let us but breath and have no more slavery. The Vice-roy giving them the charmingst language he could, causd little Cedules signed by himself and seald with the Kings Seal affixed, to be dispersd amongst them, wherin the sayd Tolls were taken off; afterwards he threw som peeces of gold and Rials of eight among them, so by that costly cunning be got away from among the Rabble for that time, to a Church hard by where they still pursued him, and wold not be satisfied till they had a perfect Instrument for the taking off the Tax upon Fruit and bread, the confusion grew higher and higher till the Arch-bishop Filomarmi came, to whom they shewd som reverence being their Metropolitan and common Father, and he at last brought them an Instrument signd by the Vice-roy for abolishing the foresayd Tolls; so that gave som contentment for the present, but the Torrent encreasd presently with greater floods of water, for that Instrument of the Vice-kings being read in the Market-place, the cry was that it was imperfect, for they wold be free from all kinds of Tolls since the time of Charles the Emperor, Hereupon they went to the Prince of Bisignano the chief of the Caraffas desiring him to be their Leader and Advocat to the Vice-roy; he went with them and being com to the great Church de Carmine, he stood up in a high place with a Crucifix in his hands, and conjurd the people for the love of God and the most blessed Virgin, to be pacified a while, and he promisd them by oath, to procure for them from the Vice-roy whatsoever they desird: But this wold not quiet them, but they rushd into the Prisons and set loose the Prisoners; They went to the Dogana or Toll-house for Corn, with Faggots on their backs, and pitch and fire in their hands in a great fury: Prince Bisignano not being able to take them off though he labourd earnestly, they put fire on all sides, and besides the houses, they turnd rich Houshold stuff, Sedias, and ready money all to ashes. The Prince being but crazy in point of health, grew weary of heeding such an unruly Rabble, therfore he rid himself of them at last by a Stratagem; The people hearing that Bisignano was gon, & wanting a Head they cryed out for Masanello, who having accepted of it, he began more eagerly then ever to invite the people, insomuch that he in lieu of water to quench this fire threw Oyle upont to make it burn more furious. The next day Másanello Captain-like divided the people into Companies and Regiments, nothing but clashing of Armes within the City, whether the Country Swains came with Pikeaxes Shovels and Spades; Nay, the women appeard armd with Shovels, Spits, and Broaches, and the common cry went Let the King live and the Toll perish, our Gabels our Tolls, let them go to the Devill to maintain his Kingdom of darknes; let the Raisers of them those Dogs dy, who being transformd to Wolfs have devoured the flesh of innocent Lambs, let them vomit the blood they have suckd into the Cinders of their burnt Wealth, those domestic and insatiable Leeches of Naples, let these Drones and Wasps be driven away who have suckd the sweet Hony of the Bees. With such cries and screekings they stounded the very air in such pitteous accents, which were enough to soften the hardest Marble, and draw tears from the Pumice stone. Thus horror, blood and amazements raignd in every corner; so order was sent by Masanello to all [Page] the thirty six Precincts of Naples to arm under an irremissible penalty of having their houses burnt; Now there being som want of Gun-powder they went to a house to buy som, but being refusd they threw fird Matches into the house, which taking hold of the Powder-barrels blew up above sixty Inhabitans, and it gave such a crack as the Galeon som daies before did in the Port which was blown up, being not known whether it was done by chance, or by pure malice; Then they went to the Kings Magazin of Powder, but there was a course taken with that before, for the Kings Labourers had put it in water, by way of prevention; In the Interim the Vice-roy fortifieth himself in Castle nuovo having taken in a thousand Germans at the Gates, eight hundred Spaniards with a thousand Italians, well armd with Pike and Musket; The Vice-roy sent a Note to Masanello (the Generalissimo of the Rabble) by som of the collaterall Councell, wherin he promisd to take off all Gabels as was desird, but this wold not suffice, but Masanello wold have have a [...]estitution of the priviledges granted by Charles the Emperor, whose Statue he had over the door of his house; he proposd also that the Clerk of the Market shold be nominated for the future, by the faithfull people of Naples, that the old office of Capo popolo shold be revivd, and that he shold be namd by the Citizens without any recourse to the Vice-roys.

Hereupon the Vice-roy sent the Duke of Matalare, with divers other popular Lords to ride up and down the City and to assure them that his excellency was ready to give all possible satisfaction: They answerd, that they desird no more but to have the priviledges of Charles the Emperor restord, wherby it was decreed that no new impositions should he layd upon the faithfull people of Naples without the consent of the holy Apostolic See; Now since all Gabels from that time have bin imposd without his consent; som few of small consequence excepted, it was just they shold be abolishd; Moreover the people desird the Original of those priviledges of Charles quinto which was in the Archives of Saint Laurence: The Lord chief Prior was employed to find out the sayed Original which he shewd the people, but som doubting whether it was a counterfeit one, the good old Prior had met with death, had he not found a way of escape.

There was appointed to be about the person of Masanello an old Priest by name Genovino, a [...] also a notable Bandito calld Perrone, these two being Coadiutors to Masanello gave out a list of sixty and odd Houses or Palaces rather, of them who had farmd the Gabels from time to time, who having enrichd themselves, and grown fat with the blood of the people, it was thought fit that they shold be made examples and a terror to others, so the sayd houses with abundance of most costly houshold-stuff, as also their Coaches and their Coach-horses were pittifully burnt, and with so much order and neatnes of hand that he hazarded his life who shold embezel the least thing, therupon one taking away but a little Towell was killd, another for the Crouper of a horse had fifty lashes, and divers other after they had confessd to their Ghostly Fathers, were hangd up by the sole command of Masanello; And it was very dangerous to shew any countenance of pitty at the burning of the sayed houses; besides all kind of rich Utensiles, there were Pictures, Bracelets, chains of Gold, with great store of ready money thrown into the raging fire in the Market-place, with huge out-cryes of the people round about in such words, These Goods are our bloods, and as they burn so the souls of th [...]se Dogs who own them deserve to fry in Hell-fire.

While the people wer thus raging, the Vice-roy by the advice of the great Collaterall Councell, had causd an Instrument to be fairly printed, contianing an abolition of all Gabels since Charles the fift, and besides a generall pardon to all; This Instrument was sent to the Market-place, and the Vice-roy finding that the Noble-men were out of request with the people, he imployed two Advocates to treat with them, but all wold not do, for they found som flaw in the sayed Instrument, therfore they demanded the Original of the grand priviledg given by Charles the fifth.

The people in this condition were like a huge River, which by an extraordinary glut of Rain having broke her banks, and risen out of her wonted bed to ramble abroad, can hardly be brought in again: The Vice-roy and Councell labourd [Page] to make up the breaches, but all yet in vain; so they continued still burning the houses of the Gabeliers or Customers, and finding in one of their houses the Picture of the present King of Spain, they preservd it and carried it publickly up and down the streets with this cry, Let our King live a thousand years, and the ill Government [...]ternally perish,

Among others which went armd there was a Regiment of women which went strutting up and down the streets with Muskets on their sholders, and som with Pikes, at last the grand Priviledg of Carlos quinto was found, and as the last remedy it was sent from the Vice-roy by Filomarini the common Father of the Citty, being Arch-bishop therof, to the Market-place, with a writing underneath, wherin the Vice-roy obligd himself to observe firmly for the future every particular of the sayed Character which he desired shold be publisht in the great Church of Carmine, which Filomarini did accordingly in a most solemn manner, and presently therupon this Proclamation issued.

Philip by the grace of God King, &c. Don Rodrigo Pone de Leon Duke of Arcos, We by an everlasting Priviledg, do grant to the most faithfull people of this most faithful Citty of Naples, that all Gabels and Impositions be extinct and abolishd which were layd upon the Citty of Naples and the Kingdom from the time of the Emperor Charles the fift of happy memory until this hour: Moreover we grant a generall pard [...]n for any offence whatsoever, committed since the beginning of this present revolution to this point of time, as also for every offence and inquisition passd that related to the sayed Revolution, Given in Castle novo, 10th. July 1647. El Duca de Arcos,

Donato coppola Secretary to the Kingdom,

The sixth day after the Composition Masanello was made Generalissimo or Tribune of the people, and by the advice of Cardinal Filomarini was inducd to have a Parley with the Vice-roy in the Castle, therfore he clad himself in cloath of Silver, with a huge Plume of Feathers in his Hat, mounted upon a gallant Courser, with a naked Sword in one hand, and in this Equipage he marchd to the Castle attended by 50. M. armd men, the Cardinals Coach came next Masanello, and upon the left side of the Coach Mareo d' Amalphi Masanellos brother, did ride all in cloath of Gold being also well mounted and having Sword and Dagger sutable: The Captain of the Vice-roys Guard, but without Armes came a horse-back to meet Masanello saluting him in the name of his Master, and welcoming him to the Castle, where being entred he made a Speech unto the people, to this effect.

My dear and much beloved people, let us give God thanks with eternall sounds of Iubile, that we have recov [...]rd our former liberties, but who would have thought we shold have com to so fair a pass; They may seem Dreams or Fables, yet you see they are reall Truths, let infinite thanks be given to Heaven, and to the most blessed Virgin of Carmine, and to the paternall benignity of this most Reverend Bishop our Shepheard; Then he took from his bosom the Charter of Charles the fifth, with the new confirmation signd by the Vice-roy and Collaterall Councell, and with a loud voice, sayed, now are we exempted and free from all Gabels, we are easd of so many weights, all Impositions are taken off, now is restord the dear liberty in which rests the happy memory of King Ferdinand and Charles the Emperor, I for my own particular desire not any thing, I do not pretend any thing but public good as this most Reverend Arch-bishop knows well; I told him often of my right intentions, I was offerd two hundred Crowns a month during life provided I shold proceed no further, but wold be an Instrument to accomodate all things, I ever refusd the offer: Moreover had it not bin to perform the promise I was tyed in to his Eminence, I wold not have apparrelld my self as you see me, I wold never have shaken of my Mariners we [...]ds, for I was born such, such a one I livd, and such a one I mean to live and dy: After the fishing of public Liberty which I have made in the tempestuous Sea of this afflicted Citty, I will return to my Hook and Line, not reserving to my self as much as a nail for my own dwelling; I desire no more of you but when I am dead you wold every one say an Ave Maria for me, do you promise me this? Yes, they cryed out but a hundred yeers [Page]hence▪ he replyed, I thank you, desiring you not to lay down your Armes till a Confirmation com from Spain, of all these Priviledges from the King our Soveraign, trust not the Nobility for they are Traytors▪ and our Enemies; I go to negotiat with the Vice-roy, and within an houre you shall see me again, or at least to morrow morning, but if to morrow I be not with you, put to fire and sword the whole Citty: Well, well though what hath hitherto passd hath not much pleasd the Vice-roy, yet his Majesty will find that he hath not lost any thing by it, only som of the Nobility (our Enemies) have lost by it, who will return to their former beggery, those ravenous Wolfs who bought and sold our bloods, never regarding the glory of God, the service of his Majesty, or the common good of Citty and Kingdom: Now the Temples of the Spanish Monarchy shall be adornd with the most precious Crown that ever she bore upon her head; that which shall be given by us hereafter shall be all the Kings, and not as in former times, for when we gave him any treasure it vanisht away, and was half drunk up by his Officers. Having spoken thus, he turnd to the Bishop, saying, most Eminent Lord, bless this people, which he did; so thinking to go on with his Calvalcata, the number of the people was so great that it filld all the Castle, and so hindred the passage, therfore because going to treat of peace, twas unseemly that such a confusd Rout shold go along; he commanded upon pain of life that no body shold make one step further, which was observd with marvellous obedience; so there went only with him Arpaia, Genovino, his brother and the Arch-bishop whom the Vice-roy came to meet to the top of the Stairs, Masanello putting himself at his feet he kissd them in the name of the people, thanking his Excellence for the grace he had done them touching the Capitulations, saying, he was com thither, that his Excellence might do with him whatsoever he pleasd, either to hang him, to break him upon wheels, or tear him with wild Horses; but the Vice-roy made him rise up, saying, He never knew him to be culpable, or that he had offended his Majesty in any thing, therfore he may rejoyce for he shold alwaies be well regarded by him: The Vice-roy then brought him to an open Balcone that the people might see him to avoid all jealousies; so they fairly concluded the peace and parted, Masanello being confirmd by the Vice-roy to be Captain-generall of the people.

The next morning Masanello put off his Cloth of silver-sute, and took again the Habit of a Marriner, yet was he obeyd and feard as much as formerly: He wold rise betimes and give audience in the Market-place out of a window which was in his house, whither they wold reach him Petitions on the tops of Pikes, he had alwaies an Archibuz ready cockd hard by him, which was of som terror to those who came to petition or sollicit about any business.

By these furious Traverses and popular confusions matters at last came to that point of perfection that the Originall Charter of Charles the Emperor having bin publickly producd, revivd, and ratified, the Vice-roy issued forth this generall Indulgence in the Kings name and his own.

Philip, by the Grace of God King, &c.

Don Rodrigo ponce de Leon Duke of Arcos, We by an everlasting Priviledg do grant to the most faithfull people of this most faithfull Citty of Naples, that all Gabels and Impositions be extinct and abolishd which were layed upon the sayed Citty of Naples, and the Kingdom from the time of the Emperor Charles the fift of happy memory, untill this hower: Moreover we grant a generall Pardon for any offence whatsoever committed, since the beginning of this present Revolution to this point of time, as also for every [...]ffence and inquisition passd that related to the sayed Revolution.

Given in Castle N [...]ovo 10th. of Iuly 1647. Subscribed the Duke of Arcos.

As this was to be publishd, there intervend an ill-favord Accident which much puzzled the busines, for there entred into the City 500. Banditi brought in by Perrone, who had bin admitted to be a Confederat or Counsellor to Masanello, after their entrance ther hapned som difference twixt them and Masanello upon a [Page] jealousie, that they had intelligence with the Duke of Mataloni (which was true enough) therupon som seven of those Banditi shot at one time at Masanello, but none of the bullets could penetrat him, but to the astonishment of the world, they only singd som part of his Shirt and so he dropd down; which preservation was imputed to a Medail of the Lady of Carmine that he wore about his neck. Perrone with most of those Banditi were killd and executed, and having found that they had complotted with Mataloni against the people, Don [...]seppe Carasfa brother to the Duke of Mataloni was found out and most miserably butcherd by the fury of the people.

Masanello improvd every day in strength and the opinion of the people, insomuch that Perrone being now dead he soly Raignd, and the Gran Signor was never obeyed and feard in Constantinople as he was in Naples. His Warrant alone was sufficient to fetch any ones head, to fire and plunder any Palace as divers were; he commanded that all men shold go without Cloaks, Gowns, or wide Cassocks, for fear any Armes might be hid under, and he was generally obeyd, for Noble-men and Church-men went up and down the streets en cuerpo; He commanded also that all women shold go without Fardingalls, and that they shold tuck up their Coats when they went to Church which was punctually observd; he disarmd all the Nobility and Gentry, and sent for what sums he pleasd from Merchants and others, upon pain of fire and plunder.

Those interruptions which the treaty of peace receivd by the coming in of the Banditi, were at l [...]st taken away by the prudent carriage of the Arch-bishop Filomarini, so that at last there was a solemn meeting of the Vice-roy and Masanello in the great Church of Naples, where before the great Altar the Charter of Charls the fift was read & sworn unto by the Viceroy with a general pardon Masanello standing all the while with a naked Sword in his hand on one of the staires of the Alter till all was don: Then Te Deum was sung, which with the loud acclamations of the people made the very walls to ring agen, and re-echo with joy: After this Masanello did King it higher and higher, and one day his Wife and Children went in a stately Coach, she in a Gown of cloath of Gold, and her Children in Silver, to give the Dutchess of Arcos a visit in the Castle, where she had provided a sumptuous Banquet for them, giving them Jewels and other rich Presents at their departure, and a little before the end of the Banquet Masanello himself came very glorious, where twas thought he took a Figg which wrought afterwards upon his head-peece, that he became to be twixt frantic and fool; he wold as he went along cut, slash, and killd som, he causd a Baker to be clapd in an Oven, and burnt alive for making light-bread, one time he leapd into the Sea clothes and all to cool himself: He had got a Catalog of all the rich Merchants and Cittizens, and sending for them, he made them under-write for payment of such a sum for the Service of his Catholic Majesty, for whom he intended to raise five millions, as an acknowledgment for taking down the Taxes; He commanded an order to be publishd that none under pain of death shold depart from Naples without his Warrant, wherupon divers Noble-men wold com to wait upon him for Pass-ports, and a Gentleman of quality of Aversa coming one day unto him for a Pass-port he gave him a kick in the buttock. Thus he tyrannizd more, & more &, having commanded som to be beheaded upon a Sunday morning, with much ado the Arch-bishop prevaild with him to defer the execution, it being not sitting to pollute the holy Sabboth with such Sacrifices of humane blood.

A little after he went from the Market-place accompanied with a huge company of the riff-raff of the people all the way a foot to the Castle, having one stocking on and the other off without Band, Hat, or Sword, where being entred the first word he spoke to the Vice-roy was, That he must eat, for he was ready to perish for hunger, that you shal, Signor Masanello, sayd the Vice-roy, so, as he was calling for somthing, no, my Lord sayd, let us go to take fresh air at Posilipo, and ther eat together, the Vice-roy excusing himself he went without him, & threw som peeces of gold into the Sea▪ making the Marriners duck for them and find them agen: so he feasted his body there very pl [...]tifully having drunk for his own share a dozen bottles of Lacrymae Christi; The operation of this Wine, [Page] with the agitation of his body began the next day to work upon his brain, which made him extravagant; He sent for that rare Artist Fonseca, and commanded him to make som peeces in Marble and Brass with this Inscription, Thomaso Anello of Amalphi ▪ Prefect and Captain [...]generall of the most faithfull people of Naples. Thus his head having climd so high began to turn more and more and to grow insolent, no Law could bound his commands for life & death, he wold be more then the Sea, who though a raging Element, yet is contented to hold himself within his bounds; he wold be more then the Heavens, who though of such infinit vastnes yet keep themselves within their due circumference: The glorious Sun confines it self to the Ecliptic, But nothing could bound the vast desires of this Fisher-man, in whom was truly verified that Asperius nihil est Humili cum surgit in altum, He was so tossd with odd fancies that they bereft him of his naturall nocturnall repose, they kept him from seeing that huge Precipice which was before him, the steps wherby we mount to greatnes are slippery, the top is an Earth-quake, the Descent perpendicular, the sight whereof doth use to dis-compose the mind of man, and alienat him from himself, specially when Honor falls upon a low Subject, and of a base Carat, who being mounted high looks like a Munkey clad in Scarlet, now Greatnes serves som men to bring them to their ruin, as long ha [...] servd Absol [...]n to destroy himself.

As he was domineering one day in the great Market-place, Caesar Spano an ancient Captain of very good respect came to him about som business, but he struck and wounded the old Captain, giving him two cuts on the face, going on a little further he met with one who he was told was thought to be a Spy, therupon suddenly before any process formd against him he causd his head presently to be chopd off; He met another who told him his wise was subornd & carried away by an old Bawd, therupon he conducting Masanello to the house where she was with another man, he presently commanded her to be hangd up, and the man to be broken upon wheels. After Dinner he sent a menacing message to the Duke Ferrante Caracciolo, that upon pain of death and the firing of his Palace, he shold com in person to the Market-place, because that morning the sayd Duke had not com out of his Coach to do him reverence▪

The Vice-king was passive all this while, and extreamly vexd with these Deportments of Masanello, but he durst not apprehend him b [...]cause he was still backd by the besotted people, and while he was consulting of the means how to redress matters, there came to the Castle old Gen [...]vino and Arpaia two of the greatest Confidents Masanello had, who began to complain bitterly against the extravagances of Masanello, and one of them had receivd a box on the Ear by him, yet they knew not how to right themselves, he having at his beck 150. m. Combatants well armd▪ yet they told the Vice roy that most people began to dislike him for his cruelties, and if it wold please him to publish another Ban for the observance of their Priviledges, it wold be a means to make all the people return to him, wherunto the Vice-roy did readily condescend, and it was done accordingly: It chancd that Masanello at that time was gone in the Dutchess the Vice-queens Coach to Posilipo to recreat himself, where he went to the Office of the Gallies, and appointed other Commanders and Captains; At his return to the Market-place he met with Genovino and Arpaia, whom he threatned because they had not attended him to Posilipo, nay▪ threatned to fire the whole Citty, because he perceivd that they declined in their wonted respects to him, and so he brandishd his Sword to and fro; Hereupon the Captains of the people with som ado brought him to his own house, where they put an extraordinary Band of Soldiers to guard him that night, the next day as the chief of the people were consulting how to declare anew the Authority of the Vice-roy, an unlookd for accident happend, which did cooperat with their designs; For Marco Vitale Masanellos chiefest Secretary (wherof he had seven in all) passing by the Castle-gate, and meeting with som Soldiers that were banded together, he proudly askd them why and by whose Authority they had taken up Armes, one of the Captains gave a stout answer that it was by the Authority of the Vice-roy; well, well sayd Vitale, I am now going to the Market-place and thy head shall pay for it, therupon [Page] the Captain drew his Sword and gave him a shrewd slash, which being seconded by a Musqueteer, the Secretary fell down dead, and the people hearing therof as he was going to be buried, they tore his Coffin chopd off his head and draggd his Carkass up and down the streets.

That day was one of the greatest Festivalls of Naples, for it was the Feast of the glorious Virgin of Carmine, whose Church was scituated in the great Market: Masanello had got into the sayd Church, where he attended the Archbishop to sing Mass, being com, Masanello told him, most Eminent Lord, I perceive now that the people will abandon me, and go about to deprive me of my life, therfore I beseech your Eminence to send this Letter from me to the Vice-roy, wherin there is a Resignation of all my Authority into his hands; So going up the degrees of the Altar, and having a Crucifix in his hands, he re-commended himself with much tendernes to the people, that they shold not now shake him off having venturd so much for them; Then a while after he fell a doting, and accusing himself of his life past, and exhorting every one to make the like confession before the feet of his Ghostly Father, that Gods anger might be appeasd, so he went on in many ridiculous expressions, and som of them savouring of Heresie, therfore his Guard forsook him, and the Arch-bishop got him to be conducted to a Dormitory within the Cloyster of the Church to be dryed for he was all in a sweat, having refreshd himself ther and being leaning over a Balcone, four resolute Gentlemen came to find him out, and seeing him in so good a posture, dischargd four severall Muskets at him, so he presently fell, crying, Ah ingratefull Traytors, and so fell; hereupon a Butcher chopd off his head, which being put upon a Lance they carried up and down the street: the grosse of the common people were so daunted hereat, that they lost their former Spirits, and went all skulking away, nor did any dare to do any outrage to those who killd their Captain-generall: So his body was draggd up and down the Gutters and afterwards hurld into a Ditch; Therupon all the Nobility, Gentry, and Officers got a horsback and went to the Castle to congratulat the Vice-roy, for the riddance of this popular Tyrant: An hower after the Vice-roy shewd himself and came down from the Castle in a stately Cavalcata, to the great Church where solemn thanks were given, and the head of Saint Germaro the chief Protector of Naples was taken out and put upon the high Altar, where extraordinary Jubiles were sung for the quietness re-obtained by the death of so base a Rebell, who by the secret judgments of God had spilt so much blood, consumd so many Palaces, reducd to ashes so much Wealth, and made himself so formidable that he terrified both Town and Country, yet a fatall Instrument of the indignation of Heaven, being offended with the sins of that luxurious Citty, who as somtimes he punishd the Egyptians with small contemptible Creatures, as flyes, Lice, and Frogs, so he chastizd the Napolitans by so despicable a person. From the great Church the Vice-roy rid to the Market-place, where there ecchoed in the air this note, Let the King live, let the Vice-roy live, and let Filomarini live, the Restorer of his Countries peace: It is reported and printed that a little before Masanellos death, San Germaro was seen over the great Church with a Sword in his hand, and many persons were examind upon oath about that Vision, besides a bright Star was seen which presaged peace and happiness.

Thus finishd the life and Raign of Masanello, having prognosticated it himself som dayes before, when going up the Market-place, he sayed, that what he did was for the universall good of the people, but he knew well that when he had brought the business about he shold be murtherd, and draggd up and down the streets of Naples, yet he desird the people shold remember what he had done, and sing som Dirges for his Soul. As the Raign of this Ephemeran Monster was violent, so it was but short, for from first to last it continued not to ten compleat dayes, insomuch that those Lyricall Verses may be truly applyed to him.

Quem Dies vidit veniens superhum

Hunc dies vidit sugiens jacentem.

[Page]The Vice-roy fearing som after-claps, fell a fortifying himself mainly, insomuch that that very night ther entred into the Citty six hundred horse with wonderfull secrecy, who went also to the Palace and tendred their Service, and so betook themselves to divers Posts: But the day following the bread which is the staff of life fell to be eleven ounces lighter, wherupon the popular fire burst out again, which took hold of the Bakers Furnaces and Goods: They went in multitudes to find out the body of Masanello which was cast into a Ditch, they took it out, washd and perfumd it, and so carried high upon a Bier to the gate of the Holy Spirit, where they took down his head, and sowing it to the rest of the carkass they brought it to the great Cathedrall Church, with no less solemnity then Lamentation, so he who was cursd and draggd up and down the dirtty Channels the day before, is the next day following bewayld, missd, and prayed for; so there was order taken for his Exequies which were celebrated in marvailous Pomp, above a thousand Priests went before him with Torches in their hands, the white boyes of Loreto did attend the Hearse, Drums and Trumpets sounded the dolefull March, and as he lay lifted up very high upon his Funerall Bed a Crown was put upon his head, and a Scepter in his hand, so he enjoyed after his death those Ensigns, the Authority wherof he usurpd in his life. He was carryed about all the five Pr [...]cincts of Naples in this State, and passing by the Vice-roys there they made a halt under his very Balcone; At last two howers within night they carried him back to the great Church where he was buried in a particular Chappell, with this Inscription upon his Hearse.

Nobilium tyrannide inusitatis oppressi [...]nibus & angarijs in Regnum, Cives & Exteros praeter Rerum & Naturae or [...]inem violenter extortis, Repressa;

Virgini Dei Matri Carmeli Die 7. Julij, 1647. gabellis publicis, facinorosis Secretis Patriae hostibus, incensis, fugatis, prefligatis, sublatis; Inconcussa fide servata: Ferdinandi primi, & Frederici Aragonensium Regum, Caroli Quinti Imperatoris Caesaris confirmatis, renovatis Aureis privilegijs.

Philippo Quarto Rege Cath [...]lic [...], Dom: Roderico Pons de Leon Duce d [...] Arcos Regis vicem gerente, ‘Thoma Anello de Amalphi invicti populi Duce, pristina libertate redemptus Fidelissimus populus Neapolitanus, Mausolaeum in reportatae victoriae memoriam posteris Excitamentum p [...]suit.’

The Tyranny of the Nobles being repressd, who beyond the order of Things, and Rules of Nature did so violently extort unusuall Taxes and Services from Kingdom, Cittizens, and Strangers.

An unshaken faith being kep [...] to the blessed Virgin the Mother of God in the Church of Carmine the seventh of Iuly 1647. the Gabels being abolishd, the public facinorous and secret enemies of our Country being subdued, banishd, burnt, and extinguishd.

The golden Priviledges of Ferdinand the first, of Fredric King of Aragon, and of Charles the Emperor being confirmd and renewd.

Philip the fourth being Catholic King, and Don Rodrigo pons de Leon Duke of Arcos being Vice-roy, Thomas Anello of Amalphi being Generall, the most faithfull people of Naples, and public liberty being redeemd.

This Monument was erected in memory of the Victory obtaind, and for an encouragement to all Posterity.

Thus the body of Masanello being redeemd from dust and dirt, together with his memory was honord by the Neapolitan people; Nor did the Insurrection dy with him, but it revivd and gathering new strength it ragd again as furiously as ever, not only in Naples it self but in all the Terri [...]ories, as Bitonto, Nocera, Abruzzo, Cosenza, and other places in Apulia and Calabria.

The people of Naples chose for their Elect Don Francisco Turaldo Prince of Massa, and the first thing he did was to command ten Spaniards heads to be fixd on Poles, and carryed in triumph up and down the Citty; he interdicted also that nothing either for back or belly shold be carried to the Castle where the Vice-roy was, he causd the whole Citty to be entrenchd, and Canons planted in [Page] divers places, now the people thought they had all the justice in the world to continue in Armes till the confirmation of what the Vice-roy had stipulated before, were com from the King of Spain, as it was agreed it shold be sent three months after.

In the mean time Don Iohn of Austria was com hard by with a Fleet of five and forty Galeons, and sent word to the Citty that if they were desirous to have a peace and generall pardon, the people shold lay down Armes and send them to the Vice-roy to the Castle; this they wold not do, but offerd to lay them up in their houses untill the Treaty shold be concluded, so matters fell off the hinges more then ever, the three Castles shot at the Town by Land, and Don Iohn by Sea with his great Guns from his Galeons and Gallies, which made such a hideous noise as if Heaven and Earth wold meet, and in the Town the huge Canons from the Tower of Carmine played incessantly; so there grew a perfect War twixt the Cittie and the Castles, a great number of fair houses were burnt, heads chopd off, and the great Bell of Saint Laurence rung out for signall of War; The Spaniards on the one side put all to fire and Sword, the people on the other side burnt the Goods, and destroyed the houses of any whom they suspected: Many bloody Skirmiges happend in divers places; Don Iohn sent a Cavalier of quality to the Captain-Generall of the people to know the ground of this fury, and why they were so active in their own destruction with the ruine of so many innocent Souls, and such a glorious Citty, but word was sent him back that when the Confirmation was com from the Court of Spain they wold send him a civill answer, till then twas but just they shold stand upon their Guard, and repell any force by that power which God and Nature had given them for the defence of themselves and their liberties, together with their Wives and Children, yet with this resolution to continue in a constant obedience to his Catholic Majesty, and not to listen to the enchantments of any forrain Prince, who began to tamper with them already for a Revolt.

The Duke of Mataloni in these Confusions did many materiall Services to the Spaniards, by sending them recruits of horse and foot from the Country; At last the people grew jealous of their Elect and Captain-Generall Prince Turaldo, and so gave him his pass-port to hasten to the other world without a head, so they chose in his place one Gennaro Arnese, a man of a far inferior quality.

In this hurly-burly the French King sent the people a proffer of two millions of gold, with twenty Galeons, eighteen Gallies, and forty Tartanas, which message was sent by a person of quality from [...]he French Ambassador resident at Rome; The Citty embracd the proposall, and so employd an express to go to Rome and treat; so a little after the cry up and down the streets of Naples was Viva la Francia, let France live, and in som places let the Parliament of England live, which continued divers daies.

Don Iohn of Austria and the Vice-roy having notice of these practises twixt the Citty and France were much troubld therat, thereupon they got the Pope to us [...] his Spirituall Armes, so this Nuncio in Naples desired to have audience in his Holines name, Gennaro Arnese gave it him all clad in cloth of Silver, the Nuncio told him that he had receivd an express Mandamus from his Holines, brought by a person of quality to exhort the City to conform to a serious treaty of peace, otherwise the holy Church must do her duty: Gennaro answerd that there could not be expected a sudden answer to so grave a message, therfore the most faithfull people desird som respit of time to consult of it; so the Nuncio parted, and som did laugh in their sleeves at him, insomuch that this message took no effect at all.

The next day after there was a Feluca discoverd chasd by two Gallies, but narorwly scaping them she came safe to Port, & she brought in her the Duke of Guise (with foru Servants only) who was all this while at Rome; he was receivd into the Town with wonderfull applause, he told them that his Christian Majesty had an Army in a readines to assist the most faithfull people, so they resolvd to make him their Generall, and the next day he went to the Arch [...]bishops Palace to take an Oath of fidelity to the people, which he did upon the hearing of Masse and receiving the holy Communion.

[Page]Now the Napolitan Nobles had a considerable Army in the Country about, therfore the Duke of Guyse desired to have six thousand Foot and a thousand Horse to go find them out, which he did at Aversa, but he was utterly routed, with losse of above three hundred upon the place, and many more wounded, and so returnd to Naples.

The sixth of December there was a Truce concluded for three howers, during which time, Don Iohn sent notice to the Citty of a Letter sent from his Catholic Majesty, wherin he ratified all the Capitulations of peace agreed on by the Duke of Arcos, the Letter being sent to the Elect of the people, and communicated to the Duke of Guise, the sayd Duke seemd to exhort the people to accept of it, in regard their King had therin made concession unto them of so many signall graces▪ Therupon the Rabble of the people boyling with heat cryed out, that they wold be cut to peeces rather then be slaves to the Spanish Nation any longer, therupon the Duke took a Medail from his brest, and told them his Christian Majesty had given him that Medail for a pledg, that whensoever he sent to him for an Army, he shold have one forthwith, and he told them there was one already prepard, therfore he desired that som Felucas might be dispatchd towards Tolon to hasten their coming, which was done accordingly: So it was decreed that the Duke of Guise from that day forward shold be treated with Highness, others w [...]ld have him in imitation of Venice to be tearmd Doge of the Napolitan Republic.

A few dayes after the French Fleet was discoverd which consisted of eight and twenty Vessels, the arrivall therof did fill and affect the whole Citty with such a tripudiant humor of joy, that people went dancing and singing up and down the streets; The French Fleet appeard in form of a half Moon, but durst not com in reach of the three Castles, or the Spanish Fleet then in Port, but kept their distance, yet they landed divers sorts of Provision for the use of the Citty, they came up to the point of Pusilipo and got off cleer again.

The first day of the yeer there came Letters from divers places in Apulia, that they had twenty thousand good Combatants in a readiness to assist the Royall Republic of Naples: The Duke of Arcos began now to be disaffected by the Royall party as well as by the people, insomuch that the high Collaterall Councell in the Castle sent him word that he shold forbear sitting among them any longer, but that his Highness Don Iohn shold govern, who therupon sent for the Sicilian Fleet▪ to com for the succour of Naples, as also for three Regiments from Milan; a little after the Duke of Arcos departed with his Family, and Don Iohn was heard to say Vayase en h [...]ra mala che ha hecho perder este Reyno a mi padre, Let him go in an ill hower for he hath lost my Father this Kingdom.

Don Iohn being sworn Vice-roy, causd a generall pardon to be publishd, wherupon the grave Judg Onufrio made a pathetic Oration to the people, who had a verend opinion of him, that since the Duke of Arcos with the chief Incendiaries were gone, and that they had now a Kings Son so gallant a young Prince to gorevern them, it was high time that they shold return now to their old obedience to their Monarch, and lawfull King who had preservd them in peace and plenty so many yeers, &c. but the people lent a deaf ear to his speech, so that the next day there was new money stampd with the armes of the Royall Republic.

The first of February 1648. the Castle of Saint Elmo erected the Royall Standard upon the discovery of three Gallies wherin was embarkd the Conde d' Ognate, who had receivd a Commission at Rome, where he was Ambassador to be Vice-roy of Naples, all the Castles saluted him, as also the great Bastion of Carmine from the Citty, the first did it with powder only, but the last with bullets, wherby som of the Gally-slaves that rowd him were slain: There arrivd from Malaga a Vessell with five hundred fresh Spaniards, and thirty thousand Duckets for the Service of the Vice-roy, and this Galeon gave notice of eight more that were coming: There arrivd likewise a great supply from Genoa, both of men▪ mony, and Amunition; There came also an Ambassador from Malta with a goodly Retinue of Cavaliers, which did much enhearten the Royall party.

[Page]The French Fleet having landed, as formerly was spoken, som Provision and Commanders in Naples, was constraind by distress of weather to leave the Coasts with the lo [...]s of divers Ships and Marriners; now the Spaniards had securd and strongly fortified the Port of Nisita, and there being a Fleet of Ships expected from Province, with Provision of Corn which were to sayl that way, the Duke of Guise went with a considerable Army of Horse and Foot, with a Train of Artillery for the reduction of that place to the Royall Republic, for it was a place of great importance.

The Conde d' Ognate now that the Duke of Guise was gone with a good part of the strength of the Citty, fell upon this design which provd as happy as it was hazardous. About twelve a Clock at night, having with extraordinary acts of Devotion implord the assistance of Heaven, young Don Iohn of Austria and the sayd Conde with a great number of Barons Cavaliers, and other ventrous Spirits marchd silently down towards the Citty; they had a Train of choise Artillery, with good store of Fire-works; Don Iohn came first to the Cisterna d'oglio with all his Brigade, and causd the Church of Jesus which was contiguous therunto to be gently opened, where having made ardent prayers to the Redeemer of Man-kind, he desird Father Gerunda to confess him, and administer him the holy Communion: Thus he began to fall to work, and commanded a Wall to be batterd down which joynd to San Sebastian, and so he passd without interruption to Porta Alba; Being advancd so far, he got a horse-back, and rid confidently towards Constantinople street through a crowd of the Citty Arcabusiers, wherof som shot, others being amazd at the suddennes of the thing stood astonishd, thence he went on to Saint Aniellos street and the Virgins quarter where the most civill sort of people dwelt, who were from the beginning the most Loyall to the King: The Arch-bishop Filomarini was appointed to meet him, which he did with other Lords; thence he pursued his way to the Duke of Guises Palace, and after som Musket-shot the Palace yeelded, for the great Canons which were there planted wold not go off though there was fire put to them, which was held miraculous, and so much heightned his Spirits, finding that all things conjurd to make this attempt prosperous; He marchd thence to the great Market-place, and being com neer the great Bastion of Carmine where Gennaro Arnese was with a choice guard of three hundred men, he sent him word it was fitting that Bastion shold be put into his hands for his Catholic Majesties Service, and if he wold not conform to so just a proposall he left him to consider what a high act of disloyalty it wold prove; Arnese consulting with his best thoughts came forth and prostrating his person before him, presented him with the Keys; hereupon Don Iohn inordred a Cavalier of Malta to publish a generall pardon, with an abolition to all Gabels new and old, provided that every one wold return to his former alleagance; The people with loud acclamations answerd that they wold be well satisfied herewith, if Don Iohn himself wold declare this with his own mouth, which was done accordingly.

So this Noble and Magnanimous Exp [...]oit took effect without any effusion of blood, except the death only of two Spanish Captains, and one of the peoples, which may be imputed first to a speciall Providence of God Almighty then to the prowesse of a young Generall, and lastly to the Prudence of a grave Vice-roy: Add hereunto that the absence of the Duke of Guise condued much for the facilitating of this great Design.

The Citty of Naples being thus suddenly redued. Don Iohn sent in quest of the Duke of Guise to the Country hard by, who after som resistance was ta [...]en Prisoner, and clapd up in the Castle of Capua, the high Collatterall Councell adjudgd him to dy, but young Don Iohn overruld the sentence, and so sent him Captif to the Court of Spain, where having bin Prisoner a good while he made an escape as far as Victoria, within a dayes journy of France, but notwithstanding his disguise he was discoverd and so clapd up again in Prison, where he continued till the Prince of Conde leaguring lately with the Spaniard got him released.

There were Gibbets put up in divers places of the Citty to execute the chiefest Incendiaries, but at the cryes of the women and Children to Don Iohn he [Page] commanded them to be taken down, yet after this his departure the Vice-roy dispatched many, and gave them Pass-ports for the other world, among others too Gennaro Arnese who had bin Capo popolo with divers others, and a long time after the inquest and execution of som of the chief Ring-leaders continued by the noble sagacious proceeding of the foresayd new Vice-roy the Conde d' Ognate, a notable Minister of State, having bin traind up therunto by sundry Embassies abroad, as well to England as to other Countries.

Not long after young Don Iohn of Austria weighs Anchor, & with a Royal Fleet of Galeons and Gallies made sayl for Sicily, having bin so wonderfully fortunat as to extinguish that prodigious fire that had ragd so violently in Town and Country, which, the Capitall Citty being reducd, quickly conformd it self to its old obedience: Nor was this youthfull Generall succesfull only in Naples, but also in composing the affairs of Sicily which also was in a dangerous disorder; Add hereunto the reducing lately of Catalonia, by making himself Master of that proud Metropolitan Citty of Barcelona, after a bloody stubborn Siege of two and twenty months, where the Lord Goring his Lieutenant did signall Services, no less heroik then hazardous.

During these hideous Combustions in Naples, there was a notable peece of inhumane Villany discoverd sutable to those times, which was this, One Francisco Severino a public Notary had a Sister who was a young Widdow, but being to pay her six hundred Duckets towards her Dower, he clapt her up with a little Daughter of hers in a dark Cave twixt four walls, where he fed them with bread and water with som few Roots for seventeen yeers together; This Widdow had a Son under the Tutele of an Uncle all the while, who being com to yeers demanded of the sayd Notary his Mothers Dowry, thinking she had bin dead; The rumor hereof flying among the people, being in Armes, they rushd into the Notaries house, the women in the Cave hearing an extraordinary noise began to shriek, which being heard they broke down the Wall, where they found two women like Savages or Furies, with long dischevelld hair dangling about their sholders, hereupon the Villany being discoverd the Notary was put to exemplary punishment.

These Risings of the Napolitan people and those of Sicily, with other unlucky Travers [...]s gave a shrewd shock to the Spanish Monarchy; It shook also Olivares the great Favorit of the Catholic King, and that so ill favourdly, that his utter downfall followd: Now in regard that this Favorit slept in the Kings bosom, and swayd the Monachy of Spain so long, it will not be improper to insert here a short Legend of his life. He was born in Rome during his Fathers Embassy there in the (unlucky) Palace of Nero, and being a younger Brother, at his coming to Spain, he became a Student in the Law in Salamanca, and then got a Lay Prebendary in Sevill which was his first preferment; Having got som subsistence and knowledge, he came to Court, and insinuated into the favor of this King then Prince so dextrously that he came afterwards to have an absolute power over his inclinations, after the fall of the Duke of Lerma and Don Balthasar de Zuniga, upon whose ruines he built his fortunes: In a short time after the death of Philip the third, he was made Master of the Kings Wardrobe, Master of the Horse, great Chancellor of the Indies, which Offices with som Comanderies he got of the three Equestrall Orders of Saint Iago, Alcantara, and Calatrava were worth him communibus annis 240000. Crowns But he had other reaches to grow rich, for when the Galeons set forth from Sevill, and the Caracks from Lisbon every yeer for the Indies, he usd to embark in them great Cargazons of Corn, Wine, and Oyle, Custom free, all which grew in his County of Olivares, and with the proceed of those Commodeties there were Jewels, Silks, and Spices, bought and sold afterward for his account, wherby he could not choose but gain many millions; For engrossing the Kings Favor more entirely, he had a way to restrain the Grandees, but whom he pleasd, from being about the Kings person, and for the Queen she was only Co-partner of the Kings Bed, but he kept her from having any power at all in other things; He found divers inventions for inhancing the Royall Revenew, as that all Offices and Benefices which were bestowd, shold pay half a yeers in-com to the King, [Page] which was calld Mediannates: There were waies also found out to decry and raise the value of Coin, and not long before his fall there was a project calld Papell Sellado, which was that no legall Instrument, not so much as a Bill Obligatory shold be of force, unless it were written in the Kings Paper with a particular Seal to it, and all public Notaries with others were to buy these seald Papers at the rate the King imposd upon them, by these means there was a Computation made that above two hundred millions of gold came extraordinary to the Kings Coffers in his time: Now these new things being imposd upon Catalonia and Portugal, which claim more priviledges of enfranchisements then Castillia, it was among other the ground of their Revolt.

Now there were many things conspird to demolish this Grand Minion of the Catholic Kings.

First, A series or crowd of ill successes which tumbled one upon the neck of another, both in the Indies as the loosing of Ormus and Goa, as also in Europe, and in Spain her self by the revolt of Catalonia and Portugal, in Flanders by the loosing of many Towns which Francis the first had payd for his ransom. Nor was there any signall Exploit worth the speaking atchievd all his time, but that of Spinolas when he took the Palatinat,

Secondly, The disaffection of the Queen whom he may be sayd to have kept to her Needle and Distaff all the while, who one day broke out into such a passion against him having done her som ill office a little before, that meeting him in a Lobby she took off one of her Chapines and banging him ill favourdly about the Pate, sayed, That she wold have him know that she was Daughter to Henry the Great, as well as wife to the King of Spain: But this breach was made up presently, by the patience and humble protestations of the Conde, never to offend her for the future. Awhile after the Kings affairs necessitating him to go in person to Catalonia, he left the Queen Governesse of Madrid, during which time she wonderfully gaind upon the affections of the people, by allaying the austere humor of the Spaniard with the affability of the French: At the Kings return she took heart then to speak of his affairs of state, of the interest of his Monarchy, of the revolt of Kingdome, ruine of Armies, and how all things went from bad to worse, and were like to continue so, if they whom his Majesty intrusted most with the management of his affairs did not look better to things: This discourse sunk somwhat deep into the Kings brest, which made his thoughts to reflect upon Olivares his chief Minister; and now the Ice being broken the next night after Donna Anna de Guevara the Kings Nurse, took heart of grace to speak also to the King, having put her self in a convenient place where the King was to pass, where falling on her knees she told him, That she was not there to beg any grace at his Majesties hands, but to render the Crown of Spain the greatest Service it cold receive, therfore her Motherly affections enforcd her to discover to his Majesty what perhaps others durst not adventure to do for humane respects; So she presented unto him the generall affliction of his people, the sad condition of his Kingdom, the many unfortunat successes which happend by Sea and Land, shewing him that these evills were the judgments of Heaven, for suffering the Government of his Kingdoms which God Almighty had appointed only for himself, to continue in the hands of another; she sayd that it was high time for his Majesty to be now out of his Nonage, and that he should not incense the indignation of Heaven, by suffring his poor Subjects to be longer abusd, at least that he wold have compassion on the Prince his Son who ran a hazard to be simple King of Castile or less, so she concluded that if she had offended his Majesty she was ready to receive what punishment he pleasd, being well contented having given her milk for the good of his Majesty, to sacrifice also her blood if need requird. The King hearkned unto her all the while with much attention, and answerd tis all truth that you have sayd: Add hereunto that there was another thing happend that provd fatall to the Duke, which was that the Infanta Margarita of Savoy who had bin Governess of Portugal, having bin restraind som yeers from coming to the Court by the practises of Olivares, at last venturd to com thither, and by the Queens favour she was admitted to [Page] speak with the King, where with stout and pressing reasons she made it appear that the loss of his Kingdom of Portugal was to be imputed principally to the carelesness of the Conde, for she had often written to him in what a hazardous discontented state that Country was, but to her Avisos and Letters she receivd from him odd uncivill messages, telling her that she was fitter to govern a Family then a Kingdom, and bidding her that if she comprehended the mysteries of State, at least she shold not discover them; This Speech made deeper impressions on the Kings heart then any of the rest, for it was most home and plain, insomuch that this was the mortall wound which was given Olivares.

Thirdly, The designs he had to aggrandize his base Son who had gone many yeers by the name of Iulian Valeasar, and had married a common Strumpet, being of a dissolute one himself, and under that name of Valeasar he had born Arms in Flanders, Italy, and the Indies, where he was like to be hangd; Yet Olivares having no Children of his own nor like to have any, sent for him, for Donna Margarita Spinola a Merchants Daughter, (and somtimes a Concubine of Olivares) took it upon her death that Olivares had got him by Her; So being com to Court Olivares had his name changd to Don Henry Pbilip de Gusman, he procurd him also to be divorcd from his first wife, and proposd a marriage for him with the high Constable of Castiles Daughter, Donna Iuana de Velasso prime Lady of the Court, which took effect; so having provided a great Palace for him, the Grandees and Ambassadors came to give Don Henry the conjugall joy, treating by the Title of Excellency, and sending him Presents, he was declard Gentleman of the Kings Bed-chamber, and to be president of the Indies: But Don Henries carriage was so ridiculous and so unsutable to a Noble-man that there were Libells made of him up and down; This strange design of Olivares got him much hatred, specially from the Marquess of Carpio, who had married his sole Sister, by whom he had Don Luis de Haro the Present, who was common Heir in Law to Olivares, and was like to be deprivd of it by the foresayd Bastard; But upon the fall of the Conde down fell also his Bastard, and the Constable of Castile sent home for his Daughter, saying, that he had rather have his Daughter to be reputed a Whore, then to continue Wife to such a Rascall.

Fourthly, The just hatred which the Grandees and Noble-men conceivd against him did accelerat his ruin, specially the Marquess of Carpio his Brother-in-law, whose Son though a very hopefull Gentleman he could not abide, though his Nephew by his only Sister.

Lastly, the little Prince Don Balthasar helpd to push him down, who though he was fourteen yeers of age yet by the practises of the Duke he had no Court, or Servants settled for him, but was still left under the Government of women; Now it was about the Prince that the King first discoverd his displeasure to Olivares, for asking him what Lodgings in the Palace were fittest for him, and he answering those of the Infante Cardinal, the King replyed, and why not yours? for they were my Fathers, and mine also while I was Prince: This struck an Earth-quake in the Dukes brest, so that evening the King writ a Note to him with his own hand that he shold intermeddle no more with his affairs, but retire to Loches a place hard by Madrid untill further order; The next day his wife came weeping to the Queen to intercede for her husband, but the Queen answerd her very calmly Lo que hecho Dios, lo [...] vassallos, y lot malos sucessos no lo puede deshazer el Roy ni yo, Neither the King nor I can undo that which God Almighty, the Subjects, and ill Successes have done. So a few daies after Olivares went to Loches in a close privat Coach at the back-gate of the Court, for fear of the fury of the people, and he was seated between two Jesuits as if he had bin going to execution, which was a true morall one; but som two yeers after Death the common Executioner of all Man-kind took him away.

The next day the King calld a Councell of State where he made a Speech unto them, that he had deprivd the Conde Duke of Olivares of his Service not for any Crime that he had committed, but to give satisfaction to his Subjects, therfore his desire was that the memory of the Conde Duke might be kept in esteem among all men for the good Services which he had so faithfully rendred to the [Page] Crown so many yeers, protesting for the future not to give the Title of Privado, or Favorit to any Minister whatsoever, being resolvd that all weighty matters shold pass through his own hands.

This was the sad Catastrophe of Olivares his Greatnes, a man nothing of so candid and debonnair dispositions as his Predecessor, witnes his disaffection to his neerest Kindred, as also to the Duke of Lerma, against whom he discoverd much malevolence to his death; Among others, one passage was, that when the Prince of Wales was to pass by Valladolid where Lerma livd, he had a speciall Mandat sent him to absent himself in the interim from the Town till the Prince was gone; this went to the heart of the old Duke, who sayd therupon, that Olivares had done him from time to time many ill offices, but this carried more malice then any of the rest, which he much resented in regard he had so earnest a desire to see the Prince and to speak with him, he having bin the first who put the Treaty of alliance on foot, therfore it was suspected that he wold have discoverd somthing unto him prejudiciall to Spain.

But to give Don Gaspar de Olivares his due, he had solid and sufficient parts for a great Minister of state, his passions were very high for the greatning of his Master, to the transactions of whose affairs he indefatigably addicted himself; He was a professd Enemy to all Presents, he never usd to give audience to Ladies, or any women, but wold receive their busines by Letters. Lastly, the greatest fault which I find he could be guilty of was, that he was not so succesfull as he was sedulous. Thus fell that huge Swayer of the Spanish Monarchy above thirty yeers, and it seems with the Kings favor, his spirits quickly fayld him; for removing from Loches to Toro, he there met with his last about sixteen months after. His body being opend there was found in his Skull above two pounds of Brains, and at the day of his buriall, there was a huge Tempest fell with extraordinary fulgurations and cracks of Thunder, as we read, that when Katherin de Medici was buried in France, there fell such a hidious storm that fifty Sayl of Merchant-men were cast away upon the Coasts of Britany: The sorest Enemy Olivares had was the Queen, which made him say that Muger hizo echar el primer hombre fuera de'l parayso; y muger hizo echar a mi fuera del palacio, A Woman was the cause that the first man was thrust out of Paradice, and a Woman was the cause that I also was thrust out of the Kings Palace.

The Conde de Castrillo brother to the Marquess of Carpio, who was brother-in-law to Olivares, was one of the chiefest Engins which helpd to pull down this great Tree, being a sober and wise well weighd man: He is now Vice-roy of Naples having succeeded the little Conde d Ognate who had done such signall supererogatory Services in suppressing those horrid tumults in Naples where the power of Spain was upon point of sinking; and his wisdom was no less discernd in settling peace, and stopping the wide breaches wherwith that Kingdom had bin so miserably rent, as also in finding out and punishing the chiefest Incendiaries, wherof there were divers who felt the sharp Sword of Nemesis; And lastly, for devising waies to raise sums countervaylable to those Gabels and Taxes, which the King was enforcd to abolish by the fury of the people.

And now will I take leave of the gentle Parthenope, that three Castled and high crested Citty, but a few words further of her Pedigree before we part; she was built presently after the Wars of Troy by a young Grecian Lady calld Parthenope, whose statue is to be seen there: She was Daughter of Eumelus Son to Admetus King of Thessaly, after her Fathers death she consulted with the Oracle at Delphos what her Fortunes shold be, the Oracle told her that she was designd for another Country, to be the Foundress of a noble Citty which shold be famous all the Earth over, therfore she embarkd her self with divers more, and sayling along the Tyrrhen Sea, she landed at last in the next Promontory to Naples, whence as the Legend tells a white Dove conducted her to that palce, where Naples now stands, where she began to build and trace a Citty, which she calld by her own name Parthenope, or the Virgin Citty, which appellation continued till Octavianus the Emperor who first calld her Neapolis, or the City of Navigation, she being in rising postures like an Amphitheater on the Sea-side, and wonderfull [Page] comodious for trafic, she abounds with Silks, Oyles, Flowers, Fruits, and a most generous Race of Horses, as any place upon the earthly Globe: As her Horses are generous, so they are observd to be more docile, and neer to rationall Creatures then any where else, for which this instance shall be producd; Cardinall Bentivoglio sent Henry the Fourth of France a choice Napolitan Courser with his Keeper; when the Horse was brought before the King, he commanded one of his Riders to mount him, who neither with Switch or Spur wold scarce stir or shew any feats of activity, the King herupon and the Beholders began to disparage the Horse, taking him for som dull Jade, hereupon the King desird an Italian Rider to mount him, the Horse when he saw his own Rider ready to back him, fell a trembling all over, but the Rider being got up he began to prance and flounce so nimbly as if he wold have flown into the Air, to the amazement of all the Spectators, so King Henry with the Present beggd the Rider of the Cardinall, whom he entertaind all his life-time.

The Napolitan being born in a luxurious Country is observd to be the greatest Embracer of pleasure, the greatest Courtier of Ladies, and the most indulgent of himself of any other Nation, insomuch that no command of the King can make a Napolitan Gentleman to go upon any Service for three months in Sommer till the heats are over: They are full of Noble Friendship one to another, and somtime they make their love to men controul their lust to women; As there was a notable example these late yeers in the person of the young Marquess Oliverio, who being desperatly in love with the Countess of Castlenovo, layd siege to her a good while, and the Count going to a Country-house of his, and taking his Countess and Family with him, the Marquess being more and more enflamd, goes to the Country hard by one day a Hawking and let flies his Hawk into the Count of Castlenovos Gardens, where it chancd he and his Countes were walking, the Marquess made bold to retreeve his Hawk, the Count with very high Civilities did welcom him, and causd a Banquet to be presently provided, where he and his Lady entertaind him; being gone the Count began to commend the Marquess, telling his wife that he was one of the hopefullst young Noble men, and the fullest of parts of any in the whole Kingdom; These praises made such impressions in the Countess that a little after he gaind her, so the time and place of pleasure being appointed, he was let in a privat way to her Chamber, where she being a bed as he was undressing himself to go to her, she told him that he was beholden to the Count her Husband for this Favor, for she never heard him speak so much in commendation of any; Is it so, sayd the Marquess? then I shold be the arrantst Villan in the world to abuse so noble a Friend, so he put on his Dubblet agen, and departed (but with much civillity) in the very height and heat of lust, though he had so commodious conjuncture of time as his heart could desire.

But as the Napolitan have a high noble method of Friendship amongst them, so are they as revengfull as any other Italian: Among a world of examples that could be producd, let this suffice; In the ancient Citty of Nocera there were three young Noble-men calld Conrado, Cesare, and Alexandro, the eldest was Prince of the place (before Charles the Fifts time.) There was and is still in Nocera a strong Castle where the Prince Conrado had a Garrison wherof he made a Confident of his Captain, and Keeper of the Castle, the Prince most of his time kept in his Country-house and his Brothers also, but somtimes he wold com and ly som dayes in his Castle; It fortund that his Captain having a comly woman to his wife the Prince fell in love with, and never left till he enjoyd her, which he had done often to the knowledg of her husband, so beating his brains how to be revengd he fell upon this way; The Prince being at his Country-house▪ the Captain sent him word that there were two wild Boares discoverd in the Forrest hard by, therfore if he and his two Brothers wold com such a day with their Dogs, he doubted not but they shold find very Princely sport; So Conrado came with his second brother Cesare, but Alexander could not com till two dayes a [...] ter, so the Captain had provided a fitting Supper for the Prince and his brother, who had brought another Noble-man with him to have part of the Sport, the [Page] Prince and the sayd Noble-man lodgd in the Castle, but Cesare lay in the Town; The Captain was wonderfull officious to attend the Prince to his Chamber, but having confederated with the chiefest of the Garrison in the dead of night they rushd into the Prince his Chamber, and the first thing they did they chopd of his Genitories, then his Head, which they put to stand on a window, and quarterd the rest of his body; This being done very silently, in the morning betimes they sent in the Prince his name for his second brother to com in all hast▪ when Prince Cesare came, the Captain waited upon him to his brothers Chamber, where the first Object he beheld was Conrados head upon a window and his members quarterd and strewd up and down the Room; ah, sayd Cesare, is this the wild Boar you writ of, yes, answered the Captain, but I writ to you of two, so they fell upon Him also, and made the like Sacrifice of revenge upon him; this being done the Captain barrd up the Gates, and going upon the walls of the Castle he sent for the chief of the Town, & made a Speech unto them in what slavery they livd in under Conrado, therfore if they ever desird liberty there was a fair opportunity offerrd now, because he had Conrado in his Custody, and he could do with him what he pleasd; But the Cittizens wold hearken to no such motion, so they sent speedy word to Alexander the younger brother, who coming with som Country forces, the Citty joynd with them and beleagurd the Castle, the Captain finding his case to be desperat, takes his wife first on a high Turret and hurld her down amongst them, then his Children, and afterwards murtherd himself in the ey of all the Citty.

There is no Country swarms with Nobility more then the Kingdom of Naples, the number wherof do daily encrease, insomuch that the last account which was taken, there were in Naples, Calabria, and Apulia, with the rest of the twelve Provinces adjoynd, two thousand Barons, fifty Dukes, ninety Marquesses, seventy Earls and five Princes; But som of these Nobles have but slender Estates, as Aretin reports, who sayes, that three Marquesses in Lunigiana were found eating of Figgs off one Tree to keep them from starving.

Now, though the Spaniard entitle himself King of both the Sicilies, yet he holds the latter, I mean the Kingdom of Naples in Fee from the Pope, whom he acknowledgeth to be Lord-Paramount therof by right of Donation to the Church▪ Therfore the Spanish Ambassador upon the Vigile of Saint Peter, or every Saint Peters Eve, presents the Pope in his Masters name with a Heriot, and a Rent; viz. With a Mu [...]e and seven thousand Duckets in Gold, at the reception wherof the Pope answers, Sufficiat pro hac vice, Let it suffice for this time, and till this be done, the great Catholic King lyeth under an Excomunication, which in a short compass of time is layed on him, and taken off every yeer.

I. H. Senesco non Segnesco.

FINIS.

A Catalogue of Mr. Howells Works in severall Volumes. Printed by M [...] Humphrey Mosely.

[Page]

I. Mr. Howels History of Lewis the thirteenth King of France, with the life of his Cardinal de Richelieu. Fol.

II. Mr. Howels Epistolae Hoelianae, familiar Letters, Domestick and Forren, in six Sections, partly Historicall, Politicall, Philosophicall, the the first Volume with Additions. 8o.

III. Mr. Howels new Volume of familiar Letters, partly Historicall, Politicall, Philosophicall, the second Volume with many Additions. 8o.

IV. Mr. Howels third Volume of additionall Letters of a fresher date, never before published. 8o.

V. Mr. Howels Dodon as Grove, or the Vocal Forrest, the first part in Fol. 4o. 12o. with many Additions.

VI. Mr. Howels Dodon'as Grove, or the Vocal Forrest, the second part in 8o. never printed before.

VII. Mr. Howels Englands Tears for the present Wars.

VIII. Mr. Howels Pre-eminence and Pedigree of Parliament, in 12o. in answer of Mr. Pryn.

IX. Mr. Howels Instructions and Directions for Forren Travels, in 12o. with divers Additions for Travelling into Turky, and the Levant parts.

X. Mr. Howels Vote, or a Poem-Royall presented to his Majesty, in 4o.

XI. Mr. Howels Angliae Suspiria & lachrymae, in 12o.

XII. Tumulus Thalamus two Counter-Poems, the first an Elegy upon Edward Earl of Dorset, the second an Epithalamium to the Lord M. of Dorchester.

XIII. Parables reflecting on the times.

XIV. A German Dyet, or the Ballance of Europe, wherin the Power and Weakness, Glory and Reproach, Vertues and Vices, Plenty and Wants, Advantages, and Defects, Antiquity and Modernes of all the Kingdoms and States of Christendom are Impartially poiz'd by James Howell Esq Fol.

XV. Parthenopoeia, or the History of the most noble and renowned Kingdom of Naples, with the Lists of all their Kings; the first part translated out of the Italian by Mr. Samson Lennard, the second Part continued to these present times 1654. by James Howell Esq

More of Mr. Howels Works Printed by other Men.

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XVI. THe great French Dictionary refind and augmented, in a large Fol.

XVII. A Survey of the Signory of Venice, in Fol.

XVIII. A Dialogue twixt the Soul and the Body.

XIX. The first Part of the late Revolutions in Naples.

XX. The second Part of the sayed Resolutions.

XXI. The Warr of the Iewes epitomiz'd.

XXII. Sir Robert Cottens Works which he was desird to publish.

XXIII. Saint Pauls Progress upon Earth.

XXIV. A Venetian Looking-glass

XXV. A Winter Dream.

XXVI. The Trance. or Mercurius Acherontious.

XXVII. A Dialogue twixt Patricius and Peregrin.

XXVIII. An Inquisition after blood.

XXIX. The Instruments of a King.

XXX. The late Kings Declaration in Latine, French, and English.

XXXI. Bella Scoto-Anglica, or the Traverses of War twixt England and Scotland.

XXXII. Mercurius Hybernicus

XXXIII. The Process and pleadings in the Court of Spain for the death of Mr. Ascham, in Fol.

Three of all which Books are Translations, the rest his own Compositions.

[Page]

Information about this book

Title statement

Parthenopoeia, or, The history of the most noble and renowned kingdom of Naples with the dominions therunto annexed and the lives of all their kings : the first part / by that famous antiquary Scipio Mazzella ; made English by Mr. Samson Lennard ... ; the second part compil'd by James Howell, Esq., who, besides som [sic] supplements to the first part, drawes on the threed [sic] of the story to these present times, 1654 ; illustrated with the figures of the kings and arms of all the provinces.Descrittione del regno di Napoli. English

Mazzella, Scipione.

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1654

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2004-05 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

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A50476

ID [STC]

Wing M1542

ID [STC]

ESTC R9145

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

12995325

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ocm 12995325

ID [VID]

96399

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(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A50476)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 96399)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 391:2)

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— Parthenopoeia, or, The history of the most noble and renowned kingdom of Naples with the dominions therunto annexed and the lives of all their kings : the first part / by that famous antiquary Scipio Mazzella ; made English by Mr. Samson Lennard ... ; the second part compil'd by James Howell, Esq., who, besides som [sic] supplements to the first part, drawes on the threed [sic] of the story to these present times, 1654 ; illustrated with the figures of the kings and arms of all the provinces., Descrittione del regno di Napoli. English, Mazzella, Scipione., Lennard, Samson, d. 1633., Howell, James, 1594?-1666..

Extent

[18], 191, 62, [2] p. : ports., coats of arms

Printed for Humphrey Moseley, and are to be sold at his shop ...,. London :: 1654.. (Reproduction of original in Huntington Library.) (Includes index.) ("A catalogue of Mr. Howells works in several volumes": [2] p. at end.)

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Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data.

Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so.

Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor.

The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines.

Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements).

Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site.