The History of the Church Since the Days of Christ, Book 1 · History of century 13
CENTVRIE XIII.
Philippus.
AFter the death of Henry the sixt, Philip his brother by the helpe of the Bohems, Saxons, Bauaroies, and Sueuians tooke on him the Emperiall authoritie, contrarie to the minde of Innocentius Bishop of Rome and reigned 10. yeeres. In his time the country of Germanie was tormented with most cruell wars, for the Pope of Rome did excommunicate him, and caused the Bishop of Colen and other electors to make Otto Duke of Saxon Emperour, betweene whom and Philip were fought diuers battels. But Philip defended himselfe so couragiously, that by force hee held the Emperiall Crowne all his life-time against the heart both of Otto and the Roman Bishop who oftentimes had threatened, that either hee would pull from Phillip the Imperiall Crowne, or else that Phillip shold take from him his triple Diademe:Note. so meek was this gentle Byshop. In the end the Countrey of Germanie being wearied with continuall warres entreated for peace betweene Philip and the Pope, which was obtained vponupon these conditions, that one of Philips daughters should bee giuen in marriage to Count Richard the Popes Nephew, and another of his daughters should be giuen in marriage to Otto Duke of Saxon, who should for that cause denude himselfe of the Emperiall dignitie. Not long after this peace was concluded,The beginning of the Tartarian kingdome. the Emperour was cruellie murthered in his owne chamber by Otto Count Palatine. In this Emperours daies began the kingdome of the Tartarians who came from the mountains of India with their wifes and children in … 1202, and began to spoyle the Prouinces nerest adiacent to themselus, afterward they ouerhaled the Parchians, Medes, Assyrians, Persians, Armenians, and Sarmatians, and in the end setled their dwelling place at Meotidis Paludes, a barbarous and fierce people, practising great crueltie against all nations both of Christians and others.
Otto Quartus.
AFter the death of Philip, Otto Duke of Saxon was Crowned Emperour by Pope Innocentius the third. Now it was the custome that hee who was crowned Emperour vsed to distribute gifts to the Romans, which custome being neglected by Otto the Romans made some commotion and tumult, wherein they abused the Emperours seruants. He therefore departing from Rome with great discontentment invaded certaine townes belonging to the Chaire of Rome, whereby hee incurred such hatred at the Popes hands, that hee was forth-with excommunicated, and although the Pope hated the of-spring of Henry the sixt, yet when the Electors of Germanie condescended to make Frederike the sonne of Henry Emperour, the Pope agreed thereto, because hee had a more deadly hatred at those who touched the apple of his eye, that is S. Peters patrimonio (as they call it) then at any other sort of people.
In the East Alexius Ducas, otherwise called Murzulfus raigned a short time, for hee was taken by the Venetians and Frenchmen, (who had restored againe Isacius, to his kingdome) and they threw him headlong ouer a steepe place because hee had murthered his Master for ambitious desire of his kingdome. These Venetians and Frenchmen set vp Baldwine Count of Flanders to bee Emperour of the East. Thus was the Empire of the East translated to the French nation for a time, as the Empire of the west had beene before in the dayes of Charles de maine. After him raigned Henry his brother 2 yeeres, who hauing no male children left the kingdome to Petrus Antisiodorensis his sonne in law, who was cut off by the fraud of Lascharis after hee had raigned two yeeres. After him his sonne Robert raigned 7 yeeres, hee was crowned Emperour by the Bishop of Rome, as the Germane Emperours were accustomed to be. To him succeeded his young sonne Baldwine, in whose time the Empire returned againe to the Grecians. And Theodorus Lascaris sonne in Law to Alexius Commenus who plucked out the eyes of Isacius, was saluted Emperour and raigned eight yeeres, after whom Ioannes Ducas his sonne in Law raigned 33. yeeres.
Fredericus Secundus.
AFter the death of Otto, Frederike the second sonne to Henry the sixt, obtained the Empire and r…igned 38. yeeres. Hee was by inheritance king of Naples, Apulia, Calabria, and Sicilia. His father obtained, shortlie after he was borne, of the Princes Electors that they should choose his sonne Frederike Emperour after his death, which they did, crowning him Emperour at Aquisgraue when he was about 20. yeere old. From thence hee passed with his nobles and Princes to Rome, and there with great solemnitie was consecrated & called Augustus by Pope Honorius the third. After his consecration he gaue by his charter to the Church of Rome the Dukedome of Fundanuus, for by the insatiable couetousnesse of the Roman Bishops this wicked vse and custome grew, that except the Emperours Elected and crowned would giuegive vntounto them such great and large gifts, they could not obtaine of them their consecration and confirmation, which for that intent they deuised.Note. Furthermore the said Emperour willing to shew himselfe more bountiful towards the Church of Rome, gaue and admitted those constitutions which the Pope himselfe would desire, by which doing he gaue a sword in their hands to cut his owne throat; for hee did grant to the Canon of proscription devised by the Pope and his adherents, that whosoever were excommunicate for diminution of the liberties of the Church, and so continued a yeeres space, that this person should be within the danger of his proscript, and should not bee relaxed before hee had made satisfaction, and was admitted by the Pope to the Church and Congregation of good men againe.
But this liberty of Fredericke was well required by Hononorius, for soone after his returning to Germany, hee heard of certaine who begun to raise and make new factions against him: amongst whom were found Thomas & Richard, the brethren of Innocentius the third, Earles of Anaquinos, that held certaine Castles in the kingdome of Naples against him by force, which Castles hee besieged and beat downe. Richard also hee tooke and sent him prisoner to Sicilia. But Thomas escaped and came speedily to Rome, where hee was not onelyonly received by Honorius, but also when the Emperor began to expostulate with him for the vnseemlinesse of this deed, the Pope was so chased, that without further delay, he thundred out against him like a tyrant,Note. his cursings and excommunications.
After this fell out a ground of a new debate between the Emperour and the Pope. For the Christians that were in Asia were so weakened, that Iohn surnamed Brennus, King of Ierusalem came himselfe to the Emperour, and to the Pope to seeke helpe for the distressed Christians, who were in Asia. This Iohn gaue his daughter Ioel in mariage to the Emperour, with the title of the Kingdome of Ierusalem in dowrie with her. The Emperour on the other part promised that with all possible expedition hee would leade an armie into Asia against the Turkes: wherevpon, and by the meanes of Iohn King of Ierusalem, the Emperour and the Pope were reconciled againe. But before the Emperour tooke his iourney to Asia, Honorius died, in whose roome succeeded Gregorius the ninth, who excommunicated the Emperour a new againe, because hee was compelled by sicknesse to come backe from his iourney to Asia, and to remaine a space in Europe for the recouering of his health againe.
The next yeere after, to stop the mouth of the slanderous and cruell Pope, and to declare to the world, that the last yeere hee did not leave off his iourney by his owne voluntary will, but by necessity: hee set forward with a great army and arrived at Ioppa. The Saracens were so troubled with his arrivall, that they were content to render to Fredericke the towne of Ierusalem, with all the possessions that were scituate betweene it and Ptolemaide, and the greatest part of Palestina, and the Cities of Tyrus and Sydon, which were in Syria, and all other territories which Baldwin the fourth at any time had occupied there. Also they were content to set at liberty all the prisoners who were in their hands: and finally, to conclude peace for the space of ten yeeres.
In the meanetime, while the Emperour is thus occupied in Asia, Pope Gregory the ninth in the Emperours absence, made it knowne to the whole world, for what cause he was so earnest to chase him away to the East: not that he cared for the welfare of the distressed Christians in Asia, but to the end hee might worke him some trouble in his absence,Note. as appeared by all these subsequent practices. For hee invaded the kingdome of Naples, and the rest of the dominions which pertained to the Emperors inheritage: and subdued a great part of these dominions to himselfe. Likewise he had a secret dealing with Henry the Emperours son, to stirre him vp against his father, and prevailed so farre in this divellish treason, that by the Popes counsell hee put from him his trustie Counceller Ludovicus, Duke of Boioria, whom his father had ordained to be guider of his sonne in his absence. Likewise when the Emperour sent letters out of Asia declaring the good successe that God had given him, and therewith desiring the Pope and Christian Princes and people, to give thanks to God for the same. These letters so grieved the Popes minde, that hee rent them in peeces, cast them vponupon the ground, and trode them vnderunder his feet to the great admiration of the Emperours Legats. Againe to colour the rage of his impotent minde with some excuse,Note. who could not brid… the fury of his malicious heart, pretending this to be the cause of his anger, because the Emperour amongst other conditions of peace, bound vp betweene the Christians in Asia and the Saracens, hee had licensed them to come (alwayes without armour) to the place of the holy grave. Also hee made rumours to passe through Italy of the Emperours death, to the end the townes which were vnderunder his dominion, might be faint-hearted, and resigne over their cities into his hands. As likewise the souldiers who returned home out of Asia, he caused to be cut off, left by their reporting the truth, and the good successe of Fredericke, the townes vnderunder his obedience might be encouraged.
The Emperour being advertised of all these practices done against him in his absence, left in Asia Renaldus with his garisons, cōmanding all the other bands to be vnderunder his appointment: And with all speed came with certaine gallies to Calabria, and within short space tamed his enemies, and recovered all his holds and dominions againe. Also he sent to the Pope to entreate for his favour, notwithstanding all the iniuries he had received at his hands, but was not heard nor accepted into favour, vntill hee had paied an hundred and twenty ounces of gold, for his absolution.
After this, great rebellon was stirred vp in Germany against Fredericke, for his owne sonne Henry Caesar began to vtter the fruits of that old traffique that was betweene him and the Pope, and caused Ludovicke Duke of Boiaria, of whom we did speake before, not onelyonly to be put from his Court, but also most cruelly to be murthered. The Emperour thought it no time to sleepe: wherefore ent…ing into Germany, hee assembled a Councell in the citie of N…urburg, where the conspiracy of Henry Caesar was manifestly detected, whereof the Pope was the chiefe author, and …ee by the iudgement and sentence of … Princes, condemned of high treason. And being commanded by his father to be bound, was as a prisoner brought to Apulia, where not long after hee died in prison. In whose roome hee ordained his third sonne Conradus Caesar, by consent of all the Peeres and Princes. Also Fredericus Austriacus his sonne, was proclaimed for an enemy to the Common-wealth, from whom were taken Austria and Stiria, and brought againe vnderunder the Emperours obedience and fidelity: who having set Germany at quietnesse, left there Conradus Caesar his sonne, and with his army returned to Italy, to punish such as with Henry his eldest sonne had conspired against him, whose treasons were all detected at the condemnation of Henry Caesar, and chiefly the Popes, who vnderstanding that the Emperour with warlike furniture marched towards Italy, albeit hee fained himselfe to be reconciled, and a friend to him, yet was hee notwithstanding to him a most secret and intestine enemy. For hee sent to those cities who had conspired against the Emperour, admonishing them that they should ioyne themselues together, and that they should furnish strongly their cities with garrisons, and send for aide to friends, and that with all their force they would prepare themselues for warre. Also hee sent Ambassadors to the Emperour to forbid him and his army to come forward vntounto Italy, and to say vntounto him (not by way of entreaty, but imperiously) that what cause of controversie hee had against the Longobards, the same hee should commit to him, and stand to his arbiterment. The Emperour nothing regarding this foolish interditement, prosecuteth his purpose and marcheth towards Italy: where he brought vnderunder his subiection those cities that rebelled against him, as Mantua, Verona, Ternisium, Patavium, and others: and then hee afterward set vponupon the great Hoast of Mediolanenses, the Brixians, the Placentines,Note. and other confederats, of whom hee tooke a thousand prisoners, and also their Generall, being the chiefe Magistrate in the citie of Mediolanum, Petrus Tenopolus the Dukes sonne of Venice, and slew diverse Captaines moe, and tooke all their Ensignes.
The Pope perceiving the overthrow of his confederates, could no longer cover his malice, but did breake out in open fury and rage against the Emperour, and pronounced a sentence of proscription against him, depriving him of all his dignities, honours, titles▪ prerogatiues, kingdoms, and whole Empire. Also calling vntounto him the Venetian and Genuan Legats, made a peace betweene them (for they had beene at variance for certaine causes about their Sea coasts) and covenanted with them vponupon this condition, that vponupon their charges they should rigge and man 35. gallies, which should spoyle and burne all along the Sea coasts of the kingdomes and dominions of Fredericke. But when hee saw the good will and fidelity that the Duke of Venice bare vntounto the Emperour, who notwithstanding the displeasure he tooke by the imprisonment of his sonne, yet would he not make warre against him. For which cause the Pope had recourse to his old practises, whereby his predecessors had trodden all Princes vnderunder their feet. And so hee put forth an edict at Rome, to the vniversall Church and people, the beginning whereof is, Ascendit de mari bellica bestia: wherein hee declareth the causes wherefore hee curseth the Emperour to the divell of Hell, and deiecteth him from his Princely dignity: charging him with treason, periury, cruelty, sacrilege, killing of his owne kindred, and all impiety, and accuseth him as an hereticke, schismaticke, and miscreant. And this edict of the Emperours cursing,Note. he commanded all Bishops, Prelats, and others of the Clergie, that they should solemnly recite the same in their Churches in stead of a Sermon. And furthermore, charged them and all other Christian men, vnderunder paine of cursing and damnation, that they neither helpe the Emperour, nor yet so much as wish him well.
Moreover, by meanes of Albertus Bebauus his Legat, hee stirred vp great rebellion against the Emperor in Germany. For hee drew Otto Duke of Boiaria from the Emperours obedience, and with him Venceslaus and Belus, Princes of the Hungarians, and Henry Duke of Polonia. To whom also Fredericus Austriacus the Emperours sonne (because he was proscript or out-lawed of his father) was easily adioyned. The Emperour was at Patavium, when these newes were brought to him. Therefore hee commanded Peter de Vineis his Secretarie, vponupon Easter day to make a narration to the people of his great munificence to the Bishoppes of Rome, and againe of their iniuries towards him in recompence thereof: of his innocencie also, in all the heads whereof hee was accused by the Pope: and finally, of the vse of Ecclesiasticall censure, and of the errors and abuse of the Church of Rome. By which Oration of his, he so remooved the clowds of blinde superstion from mens hearts, and the conceived opinion of holinesse of the Church of Rome, and also of their vsurped power, and subtle perswasion, that both they saw, and plainely perceived the vices and filthinesse of the same. At the same time the Emperour (as faith Albericus) writ to the Pope these veres.
Roma diu titubans longis erroribus acta
Corruet, & mundi desinet esse caput.
To whom the Pope answered againe in other verses.
Niteris incassum navem submergere Petri;
Fluctuat, at nunquam mergitur illa ratis.
The Emperour moreover, by his Letters and Legats, giveth intelligence to all Christian princes, as well of the fained crimes wherewith he was charged, as also of the cruelty of the Bishop of Rome against him. In all this time it pleased God to support the Emperor with some comfort, which many of his Predecessors lacked. For the Bishops of Germany were faithfull subiects vntounto him, and not onelyonly refused to execute the Popes edicts and mandats in their Churches, but also they accused and condemned Albertus Bebavus the Popes Legat, as a most impudent impostor and a wīcked fellow, and a most pestiferous botch and sore of the Christian Common-wealth, and gaue him to the Diuell as a ruinous enemy as well of the Church, as of his naturall Countrey. This warre betweene the Emperour and the Pope waxed so hot, that vponupon a time the Emperour came to Pisas and Viterbium, the Pope fearing hee would come to Rome, caused a supplication to be made, wherein the heads of Peter and Paul were carryed about, and with a sharpe and contumelious Oration hee fought to deface the Emperour, promising everlasting life, and giving the badge of the Crosse to so many as would arme themselues and fight against the Emperour, as against the most wicked enemy of God and his Church. Now the Emperour marching somewhat neere the gates of Rome, when hee saw souldiers marked with the badge of the Crosse comming out against him, gaue a sharpe charge vponupon them, and put them soone to flight, and as many as he tooke (cutting off that badge from them) he caused to bee hanged. But the more hee prospered the more he was enuyed of the Pope, who by his Legats, called to a Councell at Rome, all such Prelats out of Italy, France, and England, as hee thought to favour him and his proceedings: that hereby as his last shift and onelyonly refuge, hee by their helps might depriue Fredericke of the Empire, as an vtter enemy to God and his Church. Of all which the Emperour having intelligence, and knowing that these assemblies should be but to his destruction, hee determined to stop and let their passages to Rome, both by Sea and Land. And therefore sent out his sonne Henry with certaine Gallies, to keepe the coasts of Sardinia, and from thence to Pisas, and with the Pisans to rigge out a Navie to meete with such as should aide the Pope of Rome. The Popes associats on the other part, procured that the gallies and shippes of Genua (having Guilielmus Braccius for their chiefe Captaine) should bee sent out for defence of the Prelats that were to repaire to the Councell. Thus the Pisan army launched forth to the Sea with forty ships and gallies, and betweene the Isles of Lilium and Mons Christs, which lie betweene Liburnium and Corsica, they met with the Genuan ships, and fiercely began to boord them. In which fight at length were three of the Genuan shippes sunke and 22. taken and brought away, with all the riches and treasures in them. In those were taken three of the Popes Legats (whereof two were Cardinals) Iacobus Columna, Ottho Marchio, Note.and Gregorius de Romania (all cruell enemies against the Emperour) and many other Prelats moe, besides a great number of Legats and Procurators of cities, with an infinit number of Monkes and Priests, as also the Genuan souldiers, with diverse others. Also besides the prey and booty, they found many writings and letters which very much helped the Emperour, in cleering his cause against his enemies.
Whilest this discord was between the Emperour and the Pope, Orthodarius the Emperour of the Tartarians, soone invaded the borders next adiacent to him, and conquered Ropolanium, Bodolium, Mudanium, with diverse other townes and villages: destroying, wasting, and burning the countries all about: killing and slaying, men, women, children, sparing none of any sex or age. At whose sudden invasion the people being affrighted and troubled, were glad to leaue all that they had, and disperse themselues into woods, and flie vntounto marshes and mountaines: so that by this time the Tartarian Hoste was come as farre as Wratislavia, where Henricus of Polonia, and the Duke of Silesia met with them, but by reason of inequality both in number and forces, they were easily defeated and slaine. From thence they came to Moravia, and from thence to the kingdome of Bohemia and Hungary, at which time Belus King of Hungarie sent to the Emperour for support against the Tartarians, promising that Hungarie ever after should be vnderunder the iurisdiction of the Emperour. The Emperour on the other part was most willing to helpe the Hungarians and other Christians, and sent to the Pope to perswade him that hee would take vp and conclude a peace, and mitigate somewhat his wrath, in regarde of the immiment danger like to ensue vponupon the whole state of Christendome, by reason of a civill dissention.
But when hee saw that by no meanes the Pope would relent his furie, hee was compelled to write againe to the King of Hungarie, that hee could stand him in no stead at that time, because the Bishop of Rome refused all treatie of peace: notwithstanding hee sent Conradus Caesar king of Bohemia, and other Princes of Germame to resist and withstand the enemie so farre as in them lay. Thus may bee seene the louing zeale and affection that the Pope of Rome hath toward Christian people, that hee had rather bend his forces to revenge his malice vponupon the Christian and good Emperour, then either by himselfe to withstand, or yet by concluding a profitable peace to permit others to withstand the most bloodie and cruell Tartarian. But euen in the midst of this spoyle and havock of Polonia, Bohemia, and Hungaria, was it determined that Libussa the Princes confederate with the Pope should bee assembled about the deposing of the Emperour,Note. and creating of another. When Frederike saw there was none other remedie and that hee laboured in vaine to hauehave peace, hee prosecuted the warre to the vttermost, and when hee had gotten Tudetum and reconciled the same, hee destroyed the Townes of Geminium and Naruia and gaue the spoyle of them to his souldiers, hee gentlie receiued the yeelding vp of Siburnium and wasted all the countrey about Rome: wherewith the Pope being dismaied, and seeing that things prospered not so well with him against the Emperour as he looked for, being in dispaire of obtaining his purpose died in great anger and displeasure.
Thus when the author of all this conspiracie was gone, The Emperour with his armie marched forward against the Tartarians who hearing of his comming left the straigh… way through Hungarie by which they came, and returned by the riuer of Danubium to Taurica, and so through the Fenns of Meotida and by the riuer of Tanaium into Sarmatia Asiatica.
After Gregorie Celestinus was created Pope who died within 18. daies after, to whom succeeded Innocentius. In whose time the Emperour hoped for peace but was disappointed; for albeit a day was appointed for their meeting together at Festennia, and the Pope had promised that hee would be there before the Emperour and expect his comming, yet hee mocked the Emperour, and secretly in the night tooke ship and first came to Genua, and from thence to Lyons in Fraunce where hee gathered a councell and excommunicated the Emperour. Notwithstanding the Emperour was determinate to goe to Lyons himselfe, and to conferre with the Pope, both concerning this sentence pronounced against him, as also about the conclusion of peace, if by any meanes it could be obtained. But as he was vponupon his iourney newes was brought to him that Parma was taken by his out lawes assisted by the Popes Legat, wherefore being out of hope of peace, he set himselfe againe to the warre, and besieged Parma planting ouer against it the forme of a towne, which he called Victoria, wherein his Souldiers camped. But the citizens of Parma getting knowledge vponupon a time that the Emperour was gone to hunting and his souldiers were stragling here and there without order, issued out of the towne, and slew a great number of them, and burnt his Campe Victoria. Soone after the Emperour being in Apulia in a certaine Castle called Florentinium, ended his life.
In this time it is to be noted that there was such dissention betweene the Emperour and the Pope that the factious names of the Guelfes and Gibelins sprang vp in Italie,Note. and continued euer since, almost to our owne dayes, for the Guelfes followed the Pope, the Gibelins the Emperour, so that it came to passe that all they who followed the Pope were called by the name of Guelfes, and these who followed the Emperour, Gibelins.
Conradus Quartus.
AFter the death of Fredericke succeeded Conradus his sonne who with manly courage, began to subdue the Townes of Apulia, and of the kingdome of Naples which rebelled against him, but he was hastily cut off by his brother Manfred, who being couetous to keepe in his owne hand the Dukedome of Apulia (which hee had invaded) caused to empoyson the Emperour Conrad, after hee had raigned 2 yeeres. Also hee caused the testament of Conrad to be suppressed wherein hee had appointed Cunradinus his sonne to be heire of all his dominions. At this time Innocentius 4. thinking it most convenient to invade the Kingdome of Sicilie and bring it vnderunder his dominion sent two strong armies to subdue it, but they were both ouercome and driuen back by Manfred, whereat the Pope was so grieued with Melancholie that hee died. But Pope Clemens succeeding Innocentius stirred vp Charles Count of Angeow brother to Lewis king of Fraunce to make war against Manfred, who prevailed against him, and killed him and possessed Sicilia, Calabria, and Apulia, and all that Manfred before had vnderunder his obedience. Cunradinus the sonne of Conrad being come to perfect age came with an armie to Italie to claime his fathers Dominions and was gladly receiued at Rome, soone after was ouercome in battell by Charles Count of Angeow (who had slaine Manfred before) and was cast into prison, and afterward by commandement of the Pope was beheaded at Naples with Fredericke Duke of Austria his assister. For Charles vponupon a time demanded the Roman Bishop Clemens 4. what hee should doe with his prisoners, to whom he answered Vita Cunradini, mors Caroli, Note.that is, the life of Cunradinus, is the death of Charles, wherevpon ensued their publike execution. So the Kingdome of Naples by the crueltie of the Romane Bishop against the iust owner, came into the hands of Frenchmen.
Wilielmus.
William Count of Flanders (whom Pope Innocentius had declared Emperour when hee excommunicated Frederike at Lyons) was yet aliue and was accounted Emperour, but hee was slaine by the Frisians, after hee had raigned one yeere, after the death of Cunrad. After whose death variance fell betweene the Electors of Germanie for choosing of the Emperour, for part named Alphonsus King of Castile, others Richard the brother of king Henry of England. But because neither of them were receiued by the whole Empire,The Empyre voyd of an Emperour the space of 17. yeers. the Emperiall authoritie was counted voyd and vacant the space of seuenteene yeeres. In the East raigned Theodorus Lascaris the younger 4. yeeres.
Rodulphus.
IN the yeere of our Lord 1273. the Princes Electors being assembled together at Frank foord choosed with one consent Rodulph Count of Halsburg to be Emperour, who gouerned 18 yeeres. This man neuer receiued the Emperiall dignitie nor entred into Italie, for hee vsed to recite to his familiars, the fable of the foxe that said to the Lyon hee was affraid to enter into his denne, because hee perceiued the stepps of many beasts going inward, but of none that returned out againe.Note. And so he said, many Emperours hauehave entered Italie with great Pompe and glorie, but by the meanes of the Bishop they returned euill handled with great iniuries. He had deadly warre with Ottiocarus King of Bohemia who had invaded Austrich and appropriated it to himselfe while as the Empire wanted an head through the variance of the Electors, against him he fought a sore battell in the fieldes of Austrich and obtained the victorie, and Othocarus there was slaine, whose sonne the Emperour gentlie entreated, giuing him Suta his daughter in marriage, and giuing Agnes daughter to Othocariu in marriage to Rodulph the Emperours sonne.
Adolphus.
AFter Rodolph, Adolph Count de Nassaw was chosen Emperour and raigned six yeeres, he was infortunate in all things hee went about, and therewith so needie and poore that when hee had receiued of King Edward of England a great summe of money to aide him against the King of Fraunce hee spent the money vponupon his houshold and had not wherewith to fulfill his promise when time required. Hee had great warres with Albert Duke of Austrich, whom he trauelled to depriue of his Dukedome, But Albert led out his armie against him, in the fieldes of Spira, and discomfited his hoste and killed himselfe, and raigned in his steed as will be declared in the next Centurie, god willing.
In Constantinople after Theodorus Lascaris the younger,Emperours of Constantinople. succeeded Michael Paleologus, and raigned 35. yeeres. He plucked out the eyes of Iohn the sonne of Lascaris and right heire of the Empire. His sonne Andronicus againe who succeeded to him, caused his father to bee buried in an obscure place and not in a princely Sepulchre, because he had agreed with the Church of Rome.
Now as touching the holy Land many great armies went to Asia in this Centurie for recouering of Ierusalem,The first Armie was led for recouerie of the holy land. first vnderunder the cōduct of Ludouick Duke of Bavaria, Leopold D. of Austrich, and Andro king of Hungarie with the Florentins and Genuans marked with the badge of the Crosse, and diuers Bishops of France and Germanie raised an armie, tooke the towne of Damiata in Aegypt, but soone after it was lamentably lost, by a deuised stratageme of the Sultan of Aegypt, who fained as though hee had beene flying from place to place, vntill hee found the Christian armie Camping in a low place beside the riuer Nilus, and then opening the slu…es of the water, the most part of all the Christians were drowned, and Damiata againe recouered.The second armie. The second armie was led by Fredericus the second into Asia, at what time Ierusalem was recouered againe, and all that Baldwine the fourth had of old in his possession, was rendered to the Christians, and a couenant of peace was bound vp for 10. yeeres to come, as hath beene declared in the treatise of the life of Fredericke. The third armie was raised vp by Theobald King of Nauarre,The third armie. Americus Count of Montfort, Henry Count of Campanie, Peter Count of Britan, and Anselmus de Insula: Theobald hauing the chiefe regiment of the armie, which set foreward by the intisement of Gregorie the 9. before the time of the 10. yeeres peace concluded by Fredericke had taken an ende. For the which cause it is not to be doubted but this voyage had the more vnprosperous successe, for they had lost the third part of the armie before they came to Antiochia, from thence they went to Ptolemais and from thence to Gaza. The Barbarians perceiuing that this armie was set forth without the Emperours aduice (because his Souldiers that were in Asia keeped the bond of peace and assisted not this armie of Theobald) they laid there Ambushments in secret places wayting for advantage of the Christian armie, and set vponupon them when they were wearie, returning from their spoiling with great prey: but the Christians made strong resistance and put the aliens to flight. The day next following the Barbarians renewed their forces and prevailed against the Christians, Americus Count of Montfort, and Henry Count of Campanie being slaine. And Theobald king of Navarre with great difficultie escaped and returned home accompanied with a very few number of men who remained vndestroyed in that vnprosperous voiage. The fourth armie was led by Richard Count of Cornwall,The forth armie. whom the Pope had put in hope to be made Emperour, but when hee came to Ierusalem, and vnderstood by Rainoldus the Emperours deputie there, of the peace which had beene concluded by a solemne couenant hee enterprised nothing against the Barbarians, but subscribed the bond of peace concluded before by the Emperour Fredericke, and left he should seeme to hauehave made all his trauels in vaine, hee receiued some dropps of the Lords blood from the Patriarch of Ierusalem, so blind was this seduced age that a vaine shew of counterset reliques was counted a worthie price to recompence the ieopardous trauels of Princes leading great armies from one end of the world to another. After the death of Rainald, The templars breaking the couenant made with the Barbarians are destroyed.the Templaries without all regard of the peace bound vp, denounce warre to the Saracens and compelled the Christians in Asiato put themselues in armes. But the Soldan of Aegypt sent for support of the Babylonians, who sent vntounto him a companie of sauadge men called Grossouij who pitched their campe at Gaza and tooke it, and destroied all the Templaries that dwelt therein. The like did they to the inhabitants of Askelon, also the people that came to support the Templaries were vtterly cut off, and finallie they set vponupon Ierusalem which was easily conquered, and all the inhabitants thereof were put to the sword without regard of sexe or age, and the towne it selfe was subuerted, neither was any building spared though neuer so ample pleasant, also they subverted the Sepulchre of the Lord.
The first voiageThe fist vovage. was vndertaken by Lewis King of Fraunce sonne to the Queene Blanch who being diseased and almost at the point of death vowed to God that in case hee recouered health: hee would be crossed or marked with the crosse, to visit the Lords Sepulchre and there solemnly to render thankes; which vow also hee endeuored to performe, and in the yeere of our Lord 1248. after he had receiued the Popes blessing at Lyons, set forward with a mightie armie hauing in companie with him the Earle Atrabacensis his brother the Duke of Burgundy, the Duke of Brabant, the Countesse of Flanders with her two sonnes, the Earle of Britanie with his sonne, the Earle of Barrensis, the Earle of Swesson, the Earle of S. Paul, the Earle of Druise, the Earle Retel, with many other noble Persons.
In the beginning of this enterprise they seemed to prosper well, for they tooke the Towne of Damiata at their first arriuall into Aegypt, which was the chiefe seat and hold of the Saracens in all Aegypt. At the losse whereof the Soldan of Aegypt with the Saracens in those parts were so astonished, that they offered the Christians the possession of Ierusalem, and the holy Land, which the Christians so much contended for, prouiding they would render vntounto them againe the Towne of Damiata. But the Earle of Artoys, the kings brother puft vp with insolent pride would in no waies suffer the offers of the Saracens to be accepted, but required also Alexandria the chiefe Metropolitan towne of Aegypt to be deliuered vntounto them. But soone after the Soldan of Aegypt beset them so stronglie, both by Sea and Land, that they were glad to craue againe the peace which was offered and could not obtaine it. In the ende they were purposed to leaue a Garrison to keepe Damiata, and to march out in battell themselues. The Earle of Artoys through his insolent pride (thinking all was his owne whensoeuer he gat any small aduantage of the enemie) brought himselfe and all the armie to confusion, for he passed ouer a shallow foord of Nilus which a certaine Saracen lately converted to Christ had made knowne, and hauing in company with him the Master of the Temple, and William Longspath, with his companie of English souldiers and diuers others, euen the third part of the armie, set vponupon the Saracens when they were not aware, and did them great harme. This victorie obtained he would needs goe forward, deuiding himselfe from the maine Hoast and besieged the Castle, and Village of Mansor. But the Saracens finding him separated from the rest of the army, compassed him about, and destroyed him and all his company, in so much that scarce one man escaped aliue (except two Templars, one Hospitular, and one poore Souldier) to bring newes thereof to the King. After this the Souldan suddenly appeared with multitude of innumerable thousands, against the King himselfe. In this miserable conflict the King with his two brethren, and a few that claue vntounto him were taken captiues, all the residue were put to the sword, or else stood to the mercy of the Saracens, whether to bee slaine or remaine in wofull captivity.
The Souldan after the captivity of the King, fraudulently suborned an army of Saracens to the number of the French army, with the armes and ensignes of them that were slaine, and sent them toward Damiata, where the Duke of Burgundie with the French Queene, and Odo the Popes Legat and other Bishops, and their garrisons were remaining, supposing vnderunder the shew of Frenchmen to be let in. But the Captaines mistrusting their hasty comming, and misdoubting their visages not like to the French-mens, shut the gates against them, whereby they returned frustrate of their purpose. Yet afterward Damiata was rendered to the Saracens as a part of the Kings ransome, which citie being twice won, and twice lost by the Christians, the Souldan afterward caused vtterly to be razed downe to the ground. It is to bee noted in this Tragedy,Note. that the Pope of Rome was the chiefe ground of all this lamentable calamity. For the King wisely considering what great helpe hee might hauehave gotten by the concurrance of the valiant and wife Emperour Fredericke, travailed for reconciliation between him and the Pope, before hee vndertooke his voyage, but all his travails were spent in vaine, and so the King of France went alone to this dangerous enterprise, taking with him the Popes blessing, as is sayd before.
But like as Fredericke before prospered not the worse thate he was cursed of the Pope, so it may be perceived that Lewis King of France prospered not the better, albeit the Pope blessed him. Before wee speake of the sixt voyage of his age it is to marked, that God raised vp Mango King of the Tartarians to make warre against the Saracens: he was baptised and professed the name of Christ,Mango King of the Tartarians fighteth against the Saracens. and sent his brother Hal… to fight against the Saracens. Who overhailed Persia, Assyria, Mesopotamia, and in the end came to Syria, and conquered Damascus, appointing his sonne Abaga to bee Governour of the same, for hee returned himselfe to inherit the kingdome of his brother Mango, whom hee heard to be dead. Also Abaga afterward hearing of the death of his father Halo, returned to gouerne his fathers kingdome, leaving behinde him ten thousand horsemen to support the Christians, in the hands of Guirboca, who also favoured the Christians for a time, vntil they slew his Nephew, and then hee also became an enemie vntounto them, and invaded the towne of Caesarea, and set it on fire.
At this time Nelethinus the sonne of Turqueminius, Souldan of Egypt, fearing the dominion of the Tartarians in Syria, provoked Guirboca to fight, and destroyed him and his army: and they that escaped of the Tartarians fled to Armenia. Thus the small comfort which the Christians had by the Tartarians, was first turned into hatred, and afterward was vtterly taken away by their destruction.
The sixt army.The sixt voyage was vnderunder the King of France, and Henrie King of England, who sent Prince Edward his sonne to Palestina in his place, and Charles Duke of Angeow, who was declared by the Pope to be King of Sicile, and King of Ierusalem. In this voyage the one part of the army, to wit, French-men, arrived at Africa and besieged the towne of Carthage and tooke it: also they besieged Tuenetum sixe moneths, at which time the army was troubled with a grievous pestilence,A peace concluded. whereof the King himselfe, and the Popes Legat both died. But Charles King of Sicile came with a fresh army: Mulet the Prince in those parts, entreated for peace, which was granted vponupon these conditions. First, that if any in Africke would professe the Christian religion, they should bee permitted so to doe without molestation. Next, that the Christians who were detained in captivity should be set at liberty. And thirdly, that there should bee payd yeerely to the King of Sicile forty thousand crownes.
The other part of the army vnderunder the conduct of Edward Prince of England, came to Syria, where Edward was circumvented by a deceitfull Saracen, who came with letters to him from his master, and wounded him with an invenomed knife, whereby hee was in great danger of his life, but being cured by skilfull Physitians, he escaped death. Also hee staied in Ptolemais vponupon the arrivall of the rest of the army out of Africke, but when hee had long waited in vaine, hee was compelled to returne back againe to his owne countrey.
In this voyage it is to be noted, that the Pope of Rome miserably abused the Christian people: for the armies raised against the Turkes and Infidels,Note. hee caused to serue the covetous appetite of his bloody heart, as plainely appeareth in the French army which Guido Bishop of Altisiodorum conducted to Viterbium: Vrbanus Quartus sent his army against Manfred King of Sicile, to subdue vntounto him Sicilia, and to roote out the ofspring of Fredericke, which he deadly hated; and when this enterprise succeeded not to his hearts contentment, Clemens his successor stirred vp this Charles Duke of Angeow, who vsurped the kingdome of Sicile, destroyed the posterity of Fredericke, and at the Popes desire vndertooke this voyage to Asia, whereof wee hauehave last spoken.
The seventh voyage of this age, was vndertaken by the Emperour Rodolph, The 7. army.who according to his promise made to Pope Gregory the tenth, was willing to raise an army and succour the Christians in Asia, but hee was so impeded by the warres hee had with the King of Bohemia, that hee could not in his owne person goe to Syria, but hee sent Henrie Prince of Mechelburg with a strong army to supply his place, who comming to Ptolemais wasted and burnt with fire the region round about Damascus. The Barbarians durst not encounter with him in open battell, but circumvened him, and vponupon a time as hee was leading away a great prey, they lying in wait for him, arose and brought him to the Souldan: where hee was detained in captivitie 26. yeeres. After this the Christians in Asia were brought to vtter wracke,The Christians vtterly destroyed in Asia. for the Saracens invaded Antiochia and tooke it, and destroyed the Christians there. Afterward vnderunder the conduct of Aphir their Souldan, they besieged Tripolis and tooke it, and razed it to the ground. Also Tyrus was rendered vponupon condition that the Christians there should safely depart with so much of their substance as they could transport with shippes, or drawe with beasts. And finally, all the townes and holds which the Christians had in Syria, were taken by the Saracens, onelyonly Ptolemais excepted, which afterward was taken by Araphus the Souldan, the Christians therein being put to the sword, and the citie it selfe vtterly razed to the ground, in such sort that there was not so much as a monument of it left vndestroyed.
Now when all was lost,Note. the Christians obtained some new and fresh comfort by the conversion of Cassanus Prince of the Tartarians, to the Christian religion, who expelled the Saracens out of Syria, and repayred the temple and towne of Ierusalem, and restored it to the Christians, and set at liberty Henry Prince of Mechelburg, who had been detained captiue a long time. Also he tooke the towne of Damascus, and appointed Capcacus to be Governour there, like as Molais was left to defend Ierusalem. But after the returne of Cassanus to his owne countrey, Capcacus revolted to the Souldan of Egypt, and Molais finding himselfe alone, vnable to resist the force of the Saracens, departed to Mesopotamia. So did the Saracens easily recover againe Ierusalem.
Here also is to be marked, that the Popes of Rome who were too prodigall of Christian mens blood, continually instigating them to lead armes to Asia, for the recovery of the Holy Land, yet did they esteeme so much of their owne glory, that they preferred it to the Holy Land and the liues o… all the Christians that were in Asia, as evidently appeareth in the doings of Bonifacius the 8. who had the fairest occasion offered to him of all others, of recovering the Holy Land. For Cassanus Prince of the Tartarians had conquered Syria from the Saracens, and left Governours in it, with expresse commandement that they should binde vp a covenant of friendship with the Princes of the West, and get support from them for the keeping of Syria, in the Christians possession. But the Bishoppe of Rome puft vp with pride, was so busie to tread vnderunder his feet the King of France that hee neglected this ocasion, the like whereof was never offered in any time following. And this negligent dealing was the cause why Capcacus made defection to the Souldan of Egypt.