CHAP. XIII.

THE KING OF FRANCE SENDS TROOPS TO RECONQUER NAPLES, WHICH IN A SHORT TIME IS WON,—AND FREDERICK, STYLING HIMSELF KING THEREOF, COMES TO FRANCE.

The king was very anxious to recover his dominions in Naples, and, for this purpose sent thither a considerable force by sea and land. The king's lieutenant-general, the lord d'Aubigny, was so diligent, on his arrival, that he soon won the town of Naples. Frederick, calling himself king of Naples, was then in the town; for, after the decease of the duke of Calabria, he claimed it as his inheritance. Seeing all resistance vain, he consented to meet the king of France, to make arrangements respecting his claim; for he was unwilling to remain the king's enemy, seeing that it was impossible for him to resist. Some of his children, however, were carried away secretly to the king of Spain.

The king of France received the news of the capture of Naples, and of Frederick, the 8th of August, when at Lyon, where great rejoicings, with bonfires, and solemn processions, were made on the occasion, to render thanks to the God of all victories.

On the feast of our Lady, in September of this year, the convent of the Celestins at Lyon took fire, and nearly the whole of it was destroyed. The fire began in the chimney; but the convent was soon afterwards rebuilt, handsomer than before. The same day, friar John Tisserant, an Observantine, of whom mention has been before made, died. On All-souls-day, don Frederic arrived at Lyon, from Naples, and was conducted further into France.

CHAP. XIV.

THE CARDINAL OF AMBOISE MAKES HIS PUBLIC ENTRY INTO LYON, AS LEGATE TO FRANCE.

Sunday, the 7th of October, the lord-cardinal of Amboise made his public entry into Lyon, having been appointed legate from the holy see to France. His entry was very sumptuous and handsome: the streets hung with rich tapestries, and several allegorical mysteries represented in those streets he passed through. The populace were greatly rejoiced at his arrival, as he had established a peace among the Christian princes, which was proclaimed at Lyon on Saturday preceding Christmas, when bonfires were made in all the squares.

About this time, the lady Margaret[25] was married to the duke of Savoy, and made her public entry into Geneva in the course of the month of December.

CHAP. XV.

THE FRENCH, AFTER THE CAPTURE OF NAPLES, MAKE WAR ON THE TURKS.

The year 1502 was the jubilee for a croisade against the Turks. It was, as said, celebrated throughout Christendom to excite every prince to take up arms on the occasion. But there were divisions among them; and all failed in their engagements excepting the king of France, who showed himself deserving of his title of most Christian king.

After the conquest of Naples, he ordered his troops to make war on the Turks by sea and land,—for they, having declared war against the Venetians, had landed troops near to Venice. The french army were eager to advance to the conquest of Constantinople, under the command of the lord Philip of Ravenstein; and they had undertaken the siege of the town of Metelino, under a promise of pay, and of being victualled, made by the Venetians to the king of France. They failed in the last article, for the french army was five days without provision; and what was worse, the Venetians allowed the Turks to march through part of their territories, who fell on the French, killed numbers, and made thirty-two prisoners,—for whose release the pope issued his pardons to obtain the necessary sums, as is specified in the bull. By these means, the french army was ruined; but had the promises made to the French been kept, they would soon have conquered the greater part of Turkey.

Good-Friday, this year, falling on the feast of our Lady in March, pardons were fully granted at the church of our Lady at Puys, in Auvergne, where such multitudes attended that a melancholy accident happened, by the falling down of a wall from the crowd pressing against it, which killed numbers, and wounded more. Several also perished from the great pressure.

This year, a marriage was concluded between the king of Hungary and Anne of Candale, daughter to the lord of Candale of the house of Foix. She soon after made her public entry into Lyon, where several splendid mysteries were represented, and thence continued her route to Hungary, where the marriage was consummated, and they had a fine family of children.

About a fortnight before St George's day, the prince of Orange died, and was succeeded by his infant son.

Not long after this, the king of France went to Lombardy, and made his public entry into Genoa, the inhabitants having placed themselves under his dominion. The town made him many rich gifts,—and having staid there some time, he returned to France in September. About this period, Réné bastard of Savoy was driven out of that country, and took refuge with the king of France, to the great displeasure of the duke and duchess of Savoy; for Réné had revealed divers machinations that were going forward to the prejudice of the crown of France. Shortly, a suit was instituted against the duchess, to recover some places which the duke had given her, that belonged to Réné by purchase.

While the king was in Dauphiny, the duke and duchess of Savoy visited the queen at Lyon, but made no public entry: they staid only four or six days, and went back to Savoy a little before the king's return.

Shortly afterward, the general of the order of cordelier friars came to France, to establish a reform, and to make them follow the regulations of the Observantines,—for the king would have it so, as he knew them to be too worldly inclined, and that it was better to have ten good monks than two thousand vicious ones.

On the vigil of St Martin's clay, the wife of don Frederic arrived in France, with some of her children and attendants.

In the year 1503, the picture of our Lady of the Cloister, which had been in the cloister of the cordeliers at Lyon was removed into the church, and placed in the chapel of St Francis. This painting was so large that the wall was broken down to admit it into the chapel, where it now is most richly decorated.

About the beginning of Lent, the king's palace at Dijon was burnt down, by the firing a culverin up the chimney to clean it; the king soon afterwards rebuilt it with greater magnificence.

The 21st of April, when the king was at Lyon, he made a general abolition of a variety of tolls and imposts that had existed for a hundred years, without any legal sanction,—with orders not to re-establish them, under severe penalties. This was contained in letters patent he granted to the merchants who trafficked on the Rhône and Saone, and other navigable rivers falling into them, from the town of Pontarlier, above Auxonne, to the sea,—and also to those who trafficked by land through France, the Mâconnois, Lyonnois, Languedoc, and Dauphiny. By these letters, all obstructions to the navigation, such as wears, milldams, and the like, were ordered to be instantly removed, excepting such as may have been particularly erected by the king.

The french army at Naples gained ground daily, and had nearly conquered Sicily, so that all trembled before them.

CHAP. XVI.

THE ARCHDUKE MAKES HIS ENTRY INTO LYON.—ANOTHER HERETIC.

The archduke Philip made his public entry into Lyon the 23d of March, and it was very handsome. He came from Spain; but before he entered the king's territories, he demanded that five or six of the princes of the blood should be sent to his country, as hostages for his safety during his stay in France. This was done, for the king had no evil intentions; but the archduke had made the above demand imagining that he might be somewhat inclined to be suspicious of him.

The populace were rejoiced at his coming, because he was charged to make peace between the kings of France and Spain, which he did; and it was proclaimed while the king, queen, and their court were at Lyon, on the 4th of April. The peace included, beside the kings of France and Spain, the archduke, the king of the Romans and their allies.

The archduke on leaving Lyon, went to Bourg en Bresse in Savoy, where he met the duke, and his sister the duchess of Savoy.

About the 13th of April, the lord John de Horne, bishop of Liege, waited on the king at Lyon, on account of a quarrel that had taken place between him and the lord de la Marche, which they had mutually referred for the king's decision, and he made peace between them.

The archduke had not been long at Bourg en Bresse before it was known that the king of Spain had landed a large army at Naples, and had instantly attacked the French unexpectedly,—for they understood that they were at peace with Spain. Notwithstanding this, a severe conflict took place,—and the duke of Nemours was killed treacherously. The Spaniards conquered the town of Naples, in contradiction to the oath their king had so lately made to observe the peace. It was said that pope Alexander VII. had supplied the Spaniards with provision. The lord d'Aubigny retired into Calabria with a few of his men; but had the French been supported, they would have prevented the Spaniards succeeding in their enterprise. It was likewise reported, that some of the French had joined the Spaniards, having an understanding with the king of Spain,—but this perhaps was discovered afterwards. The lord de la Trimouille was, in consequence, sent to Naples as lieutenant-general for the king; but he was seized with so grievous a malady on his road, he was forced to return to France.

In this year, an extraordinary event happened at Paris. A young scholar, twenty-two years old, a native of Abbeville, whose parents were of worth, and much respected, went on the feast of St Louis, to the holy chapel in the palace, while mass was celebrating at an altar on the right hand. When the priest was about to consecrate the host, this scholar snatched it out of his hands, and ran away with it into the court fronting the exchequer-chamber. Perceiving that he was pursued, he tore the wafer into pieces, and flung them on the pavement. When, taken, he was confined in the prison of the Conciergerie,—but no exhortations could make him repent. Upon this his parents were sent for, who were much grieved at his conduct, more especially for his obstinacy and malice,—and the mother died in Paris of grief.

The father renounced his son for a heretic, and wanted to put him to death with his own hands. When brought before the court of parliament, he was asked of what religion he was; and replied, Of the religion of nature. It was said that he had frequented the company of some scholars from Spain, who had fled. A general procession was made to the holy chapel, to offer up prayers to God that the scholar might be converted,—and a sermon was preached, while he was present, by an eminent doctor. The court of parliament finding him obstinate, condemned him to be dragged from prison to the place where he had thrown down the host; then to be put into a tumbril, and have his wrist cut off, and carried to the pig-market to be burnt. He was accompanied all the time by three doctors, who earnestly exhorted him to repent,—namely, master John Standun, a Cordelier, and a Jacobin: the first never left him until dead, notwithstanding he continued in his obstinacy to the last.

From the time this impiety had been committed, a canopy of cloth of gold was supported over the spot where the host had fallen, with two burning tapers beside it. The pavement was taken up, and carried to the holy chapel, with such parts of the wafer as could be found, to be preserved as relics, and the place repaved.

Toward the end of August, in this year, pope Alexander VII. died. The king was then at Mâcon, and immediately ordered the cardinal of Amboise, the cardinal Ascanius Sforza, then a prisoner in France, the cardinal of St George, with other cardinals, to repair to Rome, for the election of a pope.

About nine or ten o'clock of the Monday, before Michaelmas-day, the whole arch of the bridge over the Rhône at Lyon fell down.

The cardinal of Sienna, nephew to pope Pius II. was elected pope, and took the name of Pius III., but did not live more than eight or ten days after his exaltation. During that short space, he had already shown how very much he was indisposed against the French. He was the hundred and sixth pope.

On Wednesday preceding St Luke's day, the lord Peter of Bourbon died, while the king was at Mâcon: he was much bewailed, for he had ever been true and loyal to the crown of France, and was an able counsellor.

The 19th of October, died pope Pius III. at Rome, who, as I have said, did not outlive his election more than eight or ten days,—and the cardinals made another election.

The French at Naples slew very many Spaniards,—and had they been properly supported, they would have driven them thence, for the lord d'Aubigny evinced much valour and prudence.

CHAP. XVII.

THE CARDINAL OF ST PIETRO AD VINCULA ELECTED POPE.

The cardinal of St Pietro ad vincula, legate of Avignon, and by name Francis de Savona[26], was elected the hundred and seventh pope of Rome, and took the name of Julius II. He was nephew to the late pope, Sixtus IV. and had accompanied king Charles of France at the conquest of Naples. After his election, he made his nephew cardinal of St Pietro ad vincula, and legate of Avignon.

The french army before Saulse[27], in the county of Roussillon, was badly conducted by some in whom the king had great confidence; for it was so well equipped, wonders were expected from it. The commanders might have taken the castle and the garrison, on allowing their captains to march away in safety; but although many were for it, the majority were against them. The castle was mined to its very foundations, and the army was so strongly encamped it could not be hurt; but the king of Spain, by dint of money, as it was known afterwards, blinded the eyes of the commanders, to the astonishment and vexation of all loyal Frenchmen when it was discovered.

The commander in chief, the marshal de Rieux, a Breton, marched away to Narbonne, to the great discontent of the French, as the camp was left without a leader. Every one behaved with the utmost courage, and raised the siege, carrying off the artillery and baggage without loss in their retreat. However, had all behaved as they ought to have done, conformable to their engagements with the king, in a short time they would have made great advances into the enemy's country, considering the fine army of the French.

The lord de la Roche-pot was killed, when before Saulse, by a cannon shot: it was a great loss, for he was a good and valiant knight, and the king and whole court were much grieved at it.—The french army in Naples not only kept its ground, but even made some conquests.

On Christmas-eve, in this year, the lord Louis of Luxembourg, lord of Ligny, died, about twelve o'clock at night at Lyon, and was very much regretted by the king and all who knew him, for he was universally beloved.

The 3d day of July, in this year, died Pierre cardinal of Aubusson[28], grand master of Rhodes, which he had governed for twenty-seven years: during the early part of which, Rhodes was attacked by the Turks with an immense army: but he and his knights made so gallant a defence, he was victorious, and the Turks left upwards of forty thousand dead: the rest saved themselves by flight, to the great vexation of all Turkey, in spite of their cries, 'Mahoun, avenge us!'

The sultan, finding this army defeated, uttered a horrid cry, to the alarm of his attendants, and swore to march another to Rhodes, and have ample revenge; but while he was employed in making preparations, he died. The grand master of Rhodes detained the next heir to the sultan a prisoner for thirteen years, contrary to the will of many, and then delivered him up to the pope, who, in return, sent him a cardinal's hat. He had those fortifications repaired that had been damaged by the Turks, and then converted the Jews in the island to Christianity. He formed alliances with all the princes in Christendom, and did an infinite deal of good. He was succeeded by Emeri d'Amboise, brother to the cardinal of Amboise, legate to France, who instantly left France for Rhodes, to oppose the Turks, who were continually carrying on a warfare against the Christians.

CHAP. XVIII.

THE SOPHI OF PERSIA MAKES WAR ON THE TURK USSON CASSAN[29].

The grand master of Rhodes received on the 7th of December, in the year 1502, intelligence from Armenia and Persia, that one called Sophi Christian, or Red Bonnet of Armenia, had assembled an army of forty thousand men, to enable him to revenge the death of his father by Usson Cassan, a Turk, and to recover all the Sophines who had been sent prisoners to Turkey. Having considered the iniquity of the grand Turk, and his infamous conduct to these Sophines, he set out from his country, called Adanil, twelve days journey from Tauris, accompanied by only one hundred warriors, and arrived near to Arzian[30], a town of Usson Cassan, whose friendship and alliance he besought on account of his mother, sister to Usson Cassan, pretending that he was waiting the arrival of his attendants. But he disguised his feelings of injury from the grand Turk, who detained his Sophines in abject vassalage: however, within a fortnight, he was joined by about sixteen thousand men, with whom he entered Arzian by force, and put to death all the inhabitants, both great and small.

Among other acts worthy of remembrance, in all the mosques, or temples, of the Turks, he had the horses and camels tied up as in a stable, to show his contempt for them, and had them afterwards razed to the ground. There had been a temple of the Christians which the Turks had destroyed; but Sophi had it immediately rebuilt, and handsomely restored. The army of Sophi continually increasing, he advanced into the province of Firnam, which belonged also to Usson Cassan. Usson Cassan perceiving that Sophi was subjugating his country, and the whole of the Turks in this province, amounting to more than fifty thousand, assembled his army, and offered battle to Sophi, who defeated him completely, and made him prisoner. He entered victoriously the town of Sarda, where he staid three months, and thence advanced to Tharabe, a town of Usson Cassan, which instantly surrendered.

As he approached the country of Sultania, he was met by the children of Usson Cassan, with an army of twenty-five thousand men. Sophi gave them battle, and defeated them. One of the children was killed in the combat: the others were taken prisoners, and put to a disgraceful death by cutting them in pieces. Not one of their army was permitted to live.

The city of Tauris, seeing the great power of Sophi, and that he had destroyed their prince and his children, surrendered to him without any defence,—and he remained there with his army some time. The citizens of Tauris, observing the great prudence and wisdom of Sophi, put him in possession of all the treasures of Usson Cassan. He thence departed to a large town called Lingia, three days journey from Tauris, and to another called Passy, the last town of Usson Cassan.

Sophi, finding that he had now conquered and submitted to his obedience the whole of the dominions of Usson Cassan, and established order every where, returned to Tauris, the capital of the country. He was continually followed by his mother, with a numerous attendance of slaves, for he was much beloved by her; and after a short stay at Tauris, she sent ambassadors to the grand Turk, to remonstrate with him on his shameful conduct to the Sophines,—ordering him to set them at liberty, and also to put on the red bonnet, after the manner of the Sophines, otherwise she would make him feel the power of her son.

The grand Turk detained the ambassadors in Constantinople, for he suspected that Sophi would invade his country of Natolia; and in consequence, he assembled a large army near to the town of Angora[31], and commanded all in Pera[32] to hold themselves in readiness to bear arms against Sophi Christian or Red Bonnet. They were, however, refractory, and refused to obey, showing more willingness to surrender themselves to Sophi. The Armenians say, that Sophi does not esteem the grand Turk a button,—for he has an army of ninety thousand men, well armed, without including his own countrymen from Armenia, who daily follow him. All this information was brought to the king of France, when he was at Morestel[33] in Dauphiny, in the year 1503.

CHAP. XIX.

A GREAT MORTALITY FROM THE UNWHOLESOMENESS OF THE SEASON.—OF THE DEATHS OF MANY PERSONS OF NOTE.

In the course of the year 1504, a truce was concluded between the kings of France and Spain, touching the county of Roussillon: nevertheless, the Spaniards that had been garrisoned in Saulse embarked secretly for Naples. It was said, that the king of Spain had bribed some of the French (of which they were afterwards accused), and by this means he had conquered Naples.

The lord of Aubigny and the lord of Alegre, the principal leaders of the french army, were made prisoners; and great numbers of their men perished, more from want of food than in battle, for there was no great effusion of blood. The lieutenant of the lord of Ligny maintained his post in the territories of that lord's deceased wife,—and the French, notwithstanding the spanish force, made several good prisoners, who were exchanged for the lords of Aubigny and of Alegre.

This summer was exceedingly hot and dry, which prevented the corn from filling; and the harvest was very poor in the Lyonnois, Dauphiny, Auvergne, Burgundy, Savoy, and other countries. From the month of March, the farmers and peasants, foreseeing the season would be unproductive, were in great distress, and made processions to different churches in all the villages around: general processions were even made by the peasants to the churches in Lyon, where the inhabitants and monks gave them bread and wine in abundance.

In these processions, the young women were dressed in white linen, with bare feet, a kerchief on their heads, and a taper in their hands: the boys were clothed also in white, bare headed and bare footed: then came the priests, followed by persons of both sexes, the women singing from the Litany, 'Sancta Maria! ora pro nobis,' and then the whole cried aloud for 'Mercy!'

The parishes of Lyon made similar processions to the church of our Lady of the island, a french league distant from that city. On the last day but one of May, the body of St Just was brought from the suburbs into the city of Lyon, which no man living had before seen done; and his shrine was carried in procession, with chaunting and singing, from church to church. On the following day, the jaw bone of St John the baptist, which had never before been taken out of the church of St John, was carried in procession to the church of the Augustins.

Eight days afterwards, it rained; but the drought was soon as great as ever. The monks of Nôtre Dame de l'Isle, attended by the inhabitants of many villages, brought her image, and that of St Loup, in procession to Lyon, which had not been done in the memory of man. This was on the 7th of June; and at the same time was brought thither the shrine of Saint Hereny, prince of the nineteen thousand martyrs.

Processions came to Lyon four and five leagues distant; and the inhabitants of several villages were from five to six days wandering about the fields, from one place to another, without returning home. In short, every body appeared so miserable, the hardest hearts must have wept on beholding this great desolation of the people, and have quitted all amusements to assist them.

In the month of September, there appeared in the river Saone, above Lyon, a prodigious quantity of small eels, of the size of a man's little finger, but no one dared to eat of them. Great sickness now prevailed; and on the 19th of September Philibert duke of Savoy died at Pont d'Ain, not without suspicions of poison. He was succeeded by his next brother: the other was bishop of Geneva.

In the year 1505 died the lady Jane duchess of Berry, and was interred in a chapel, within the castle of Bourges she had founded and endowed. From St John's day of last year until that feast in this, the season was most sickly, and every thing very dear. Wheat sold at Lyon from twenty-six to twenty-seven sols the bichet[34]; and from the scarcity in the country vast numbers came from the villages to Lyon to seek charity. Some left their houses empty, others their wives and children, and the women their husbands and children. Great part of them died, although every person who had wherewithal gave them food; for alms were as abundantly bestowed in Lyon as in any city of its size.

A pestilential disorder now raged, which carried off immense numbers in the hospital, both rich and poor; and this pestilence seemed to be felt every where, for, in the mountains of Savoy, several died of it, and of hunger, so that many farms were this year uncultivated.

During Lent, the king of France had the bones of his late father, Charles duke of Orleans, removed from Blois to Paris, and interred in the chapel of the Celestins at Paris, which the dukes of Orleans had founded. Every kind of honour was paid to them during their removal, and at their re-interment,—and it was a magnificent spectacle.

About this time, the king was taken with so serious an illness it was thought he must die. His nobles and courtiers were much grieved: many of them made divers vows and pilgrimages; and processions were ordered throughout the realm, to offer up prayers to Jesus Christ for the king's recovery, which was granted. While he lay speechless, he had a vision, which he related; and it was so marvellous that I firmly believe it to be more a miracle than any thing else. A short time after his recovery, the king solicited the pope to grant a jubilee for his kingdom of France, and other parts under his dominion, without any expenses. On the 26th of June, the feast of St Peter and St Paul, a great procession took place, in which the host was carried as on Corpus-Christi-day, when the king, knowing how earnestly his people had prayed for the restoration of his health, would not show himself ungrateful, but, to reward them, solicited of the pope for this free jubilee.

In this year, don Frederick of Naples died, to whom the king had behaved with the utmost liberality touching his claims on Naples.

In the year 1506, died, Isabella queen of Spain, who, during the wars of Granada, had shown great valour and prudence. The king of Spain was afterwards married to the sister of the lord of Foix, through the interference of the king of France, who, in consideration of the match, made some agreements with the king of Spain respecting Roussillon and Naples.

A war now took place between the duke of Savoy and the Valoisiens, but it was soon made an end of.—In the month of July, a general chapter of the Cordeliers was held at Rome, which had not been done since the death of their founder St Francis. It was caused, as said, by the reformation of the Cordeliers in France, which dissatisfied several of the fraternity,—and it was in this chapter determined by the pope, that there should be only two modes of living among them; that such as had been reformed should remain so: consequently, all the convents of Cordeliers in France follow the rules of the Observantines.

At this time also, a general chapter of the knights of Rhodes was holden at Rome, and many knights were drowned in coming thither, from tempests at sea.

On the 18th of July, the feast-day of St Pantaléone, a general pardon was granted to all repentant and confessed sinners, who should bequeath money or lands to the churches founded by the knights of Rhodes. This was done on account of a great victory the new grand master, brother to the cardinal of Amboise, had gained over the Turks. He had defeated their whole army, which was worthy of remembrance.

On Ascension-day, in this year, the count of Angoulême[35], the second person in France, was betrothed, at Tours, to the princess Claude of France, only daughter to Louis XII. by Anne of Brittany, which caused great feasts and rejoicings throughout the kingdom.—The reverend father in God the lord Francis of Rohan, son to the marshal of Gié, and archbishop of Lyon, made his public entry into that city on the 14th of August. Many mysteries were exhibited in the streets through which he passed, and they were all hung with tapestries. On the following day, the least of the Assumption of our Lady, he chaunted the high mass at the cathedral of St John in his archiepiscopal robes.

This year, the duke of Gueldres made war on that part of Guelderland dependant on the archduke.

CHAP. XX.

THE DEATHS OF THE ARCHDUKE AND OF THE QUEEN OF HUNGARY.

The archduke Philip, during his residence at Burgos in Spain, died, on the 25th of September, in this year 1506.—The queen of Hungary died also on the feast-day of our Lady, in August, having been brought to bed a fortnight before of a son, named Louis. The marquis of Brandenbourg was proxy for the king of France, at his christening. She left a daughter likewise, three years of age,—and both children lived.

In Lombardy, there was a nun of the order of Jacobins, who, like to St Catherine of Sienna, had, every Friday, marks on her hands and feet similar to the wounds of our Saviour, that ran blood, which appeared to all who saw it very marvellous.

CHAP. XXI.

THE POPE, BY THE ASSISTANCE OF THE FRENCH, GAINS BOLOGNA.

Pope Julius II. weighing in his mind that the whole of the territories of Bologna were the patrimony of the church, made preparations to reduce them to his obedience. This city and territory had been usurped, and held by force for some time, by sir John de Bentivoglio. The pope, considering that there was no prince in all Christendom so well able to afford him support in this project as the king of France (that firm pillar of the church, who had been every where victorious), made him acquainted with his claims and intentions of recovering the bolognese territories.

The king, eager to serve the holy church, ordered a large detachment of men at arms to join the pope's forces from the Milanese, for him to use at his pleasure. The pope's army was besieging Bologna on the side toward Rome,—but when joined by the French, it was besieged on all sides. This took place in the month of October. The French, stationed on the side toward Modena, behaved very gallantly, and won Castel-franco, which was plundered because the garrison would not surrender. The pope's army gained another castle,—and both armies showed so much courage, the Bolognese were astonished and frightened: they found themselves closely besieged, and that it would be impossible for them to resist the pope and the king of France. Finding their situation desperate, they surrendered themselves to the pope, having driven sir John de Bentivoglio out of Bologna, who, as I have before said, held the town by force, although it lawfully belonged to the pope.

The pope offered up thanksgivings to God the Creator for his success, and chaunted high mass most devoutly, on All-souls-day, in the church of St Petronilla in Bologna.

CHAP. XXII.

OF THE DAMSEL TRIVULCE.

About this time, there resided a young lady in the Milanese, who had been taught the rudiments of grammar at seven years of age, and was so earnest in her studies that, at fourteen, she was eloquent to a degree that astonished all who heard her.

She was descended from the noble family of the Trivulces. Her father, called John, was an able knight and good scholar, as were all of his family. Her mother's name was Angela, a noble lady of the race of the Martinengois. In praise of this young lady, the verse of Prosper may be well applied,—'Naturæ sequitur semina quisque suæ.' Her mother was not a learned lady, although full of virtue; but the daughter was so devout and eloquent, in her prayers, that she seemed more angelic than human; and if she continues to abound in such virtues, and to live thus sanctified and devout, she will deservedly be worthy of her reputation of a saint.

At twelve years of age, she became a great disputant, and was invited into the companies of the most learned, as well secular as ecclesiastic,—among whom were the bishop of Lausanne, an eminent scholar, her uncles the bishop of Cumense[36] and Francis Trivulce, of the order of franciscan friars, when several disputations took place,—and great praises were given to this damsel. She understood philosophy, history, and different sciences, was mistress of Seneca, Aristotle, and Pietro of Ravenna. Whatever she saw or heard at any of the places she visited, she related the whole to her father, on her return home, as exactly as if it had been written down.

She was skilful in poetry, and one day composed so long a poem her master was surprised at her talent. She became soon expert in the greek tongue, and wrote many letters, in that and in other languages, that were greatly admired by all the learned to whom they had been addressed. She was most patient in adversity, making a joke of it: in short, every thing she did or said was miraculous, and unlike to a human being. When marriage was spoken of to her, she replied, that she would never marry a man whom she did not know to be as pure in virtue as herself.

The Genoese, acting according to their accustomed treachery, forgetful of the crimes they had committed, and been pardoned for by the king, now rebelled against him, and chose for their doge one called Paul Noyus[37], who had been a silk dyer. The king, hearing of this, resolved to march in person against them, and reduce them to his obedience, notwithstanding the great preparations the Genoese had made for resistance. They had, among other things, erected a bulwark they thought impregnable; but some bold french adventurers having secretly mounted this bulwark, the hearts of the Genoese failed them, and they fled into the town. They now offered to surrender themselves to the king's mercy, who, from his uncommon benignity, and wish to avoid the effusion of human blood, pardoned them, and entered the town with his whole army, where he had a magnificent reception. Their lately-elected doge, Paul di Nove, was taken at sea by a french bark, when making his escape, brought back to Genoa, and beheaded. From this time forward, it was publicly proclaimed, that the populace should not shout 'Adorne Fregose[38]!' which they had been accustomed to do before this last reduction of the town.