Let the past be forgotten, we have absolved
all by a general benediction, nor do we choose anything to be said of
what is past, promising our selves the like good correspondence in behalf
of these Lords, in replacing matters in their former state.
all by a general benediction, nor do we choose anything to be said of
what is past, promising our selves the like good correspondence in behalf
of these Lords, in replacing matters in their former state.
Sarpi - 1868 - Life of Fra Paolo Sarpi
'conns them little thanks for their labour, the former for a long time
lived in Rome, and is holden for a miracle in all manner of knowledge,
divine and human, the chief counsellor of this Signory in their af-
fairs ecclesiastical. The other was some time reader of Scholastic Divinity
in Bononia (Bologna), the Pope's University, out of which place he
was called home, or turned out when the quarrel began; his books are
still detained. He is said to be an excellent preacher, and of his
sermons, I think came the report out of England, in print, of certain
preaching here the last Lent. These two I know, as having practised
with them, to desire nothing in the world so much as the rqformat/ion
of the Church, and in a word for 'the substance of religion they are
wholly ours, what effect now the force of truth may have in the
mouths of such men I leave to your consideration. Sundry of the
Senate and nobility do extraordinarly favor them and their opinions,
the general doctrines which I mentioned before did much good. Private
conferences have more freedom and no less fruit; the name of Papa-
lini, given to the Popish faction, argues somewhat the banishment of
the Jesuits, another no ill sign how the minds of men be affected, and
although it be no small disadvantage that the government here is in
the hands of so many in such sort, 'it will not serve to work one, or
two, or ten, yet hath it some commodity that voices being given by
balls secretly, every man doth freely, without regard of others displea-
sure, sway whether his conscience leads him. Concluding then this
discourse, Reformation by that bye way, or persuasion of the conscience,
though slowlier seems no way to be dispaired of in Venice. "
Sir Henry Wotton had wished that Diodati should have come
to Venice the year before, in order to form a congregation of those
who leant to a reformation in religion, and Bedell further informed
his correspondent that he was detained, first, because it was winter,
and then by his own engagements, and Sir Henry Wotton then wrote
to him not to come till he saw the effect of the volumes of the Holy
Scriptures Which had been sent to Venice. However, Diodati did come
to Venice, in company with a gentleman of Geneva, his cousin and
nephew, both young men, and a French gentleman sent from M. du
Plessis, from Saumur.
" He had divers meetings and conferences with the Fathers, Fra
Paolo etc. , at which both myself and this bearer were present, he
can report to you the particular points discoursed.
"It was told him by M. Paulo, that no fewer than 12,000 in this
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? arr. 55. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 133
city were enlightened- more or less with the truth, and alienated
from Home. That yet among the nobility, nothing could be moved
until there were some occasion of breach with the Pope; with them
therefore he would not that he should yet deal,_ but with others to
Whom he should be brought, chiefly merchants, Germans, Flemings,
French, of whom not long before' a certain French gentlemen had
made a list with the several sums they would contribute to a minister,
that he might try the dispositions of so many as he could. Yet for
his part he thought the matter not yet disposed to receive such a
form as was to be desired, he propourded first other meetings to be
used by way of conscience and talk, whereby men might come to
know one another and inform themselves better of religion ere any
exercises were erected.
" Now, sir, you shall understand that the French gentleman, whose
name Was M. Papillon, having indeed conversed with M. Paulo and
being animated by him to take that pains, whether out of mistaking
him, or hoping to facilitate the business by that means, had used that
motive, that the Prince and Senate did not abhor herefrom but would
favour and further this course. Whereupon the merchants being not ill
affected, and seeing no fear of danger, were very forward, and would
stick for no money, hoping especially to do a thing that the Signory
should take in good part, and the gentleman being desirous that such
a good work should take place, presently, according to the humour of
some, and very common to many of that nation thought all done which
is desired, and hereupon filled the reformed churches in all France with
the noise that Venice would shortly fall from the Pope, a harder work
and of longer time, as well appeared even by those who had thus far
engaged themselves, for some when they perceived that they ran the hazard
of their goods (and liberty, presently draw back: so hard a thing it is to
follow Christ with the conditions of the cross and leaving all; Others,
although making profession, were yet known to live scandalously, and what
security could there be to commit to the conscience of such men, a business
of this sort. It was urged by myself with some eanestness that at least
some beginning might he made of a congregation, although it were but of a
very few faithful and sound persons, which like a little snow falling upon
the top of a hill, would gather more and more to it in time. A form of
separation was presented, which might serve for the profession of such as
should be admitted, and for a confession of the faith, it was showed that
good advantage might be taken of a short sum of the Scripture printed
here in Venice in the year 1567, before the Bible in Italian, with the li-
cense of the Inquisition, which embraces all necessary and fundamental-
points of faith without even the least touch of Popish corruption. That for
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? 184 THE LIFE OF [A. D. 1607.
a liturgy and form of ministering the Lord's Supper, if it should be thought
fit to use that of the French Churches, it was already in the Italian, and
we had the Book, if they thought ours _fitter, which I had shewed the
Fathers before in Latin, and Diodati had seen, it should not be long
ere the same should be put in Italian, as indeed then I had begun it, and
since have finished.
" It was added that the affections of men since the peace with Rome grew
colder and colder, that it was a principle of war that when our strength
is at the best, and that of the adversaries may encrease, if ever, we must
fight; but Diodati thought it not fit to hazard the whole upon so small
a hope, especially considering that none of the nobility did join. They want-
ed also a fit person to be minister, for both himself was none but only
reader of divinity and Hebrew, and he doubted that his travaile should
be of more use and necessity to the Church of God in Geneva, than it
could be here, altho professing his readiness to be employed in this business
if he might see hope of doing good. The Fathers prevented my offer of
myself with saying that it was not fit nor convenient with regard of jealousy
of state, no, nor that I should be present often at any such ridotti or
meetings as we before had thought of for the second intention; thus was
that deliberation broken off with this only fruit that Diodati travailed
with Fra Paulo to put more spirit and courage in him, and to stir him up to
avail'"'hi'mself both of the great graces that God hath given him, and that
favour and authority which he had with these Signors to the glory of God
in the advancement of the truth. He departed also with full information of
the state of this place, and prepared to send thither some young scholars,
who should be as schoolmasters in the houses of some who desired it, not
letting pass to read the Holy Scriptures, and use secret instructions until
more fit occasion should be more publicly offered, such success had that
journey, which we had well hoped should have brought with it the per-
fect judgment of this Church's recovery.
" N ow as physicians of our bodies are by anticipating an imperfect crisis
sometimes remitted over to another critical day, so are we.
" And that shall be I hope the preaching of Mons. Fulgentio, this Lent,
who is resolved, leaving the friarly course of the ordinary postillers, to
preach Christ Jesus and that will be the ruin of Antichrist. " '
As Mr. Bedell refers to his translation of the Cammon Prayer Book
into Latin, we again quote from the Speculum Episcoporum. This valua-
ble MS. informs us, " that, by the help of P. Paulo, Mr. Bedell
learned the Italian tongue and was suddenly so much master of it as if he
had beene an Italian borne, as P. P. said to the Lord Ambassadour, in so
1 Original Letters. Bedell. "New year's day in our own style. 1607. " - Venice.
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? . -E1'. 55. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI . 135
much that the most of his sermons in Venice are written in the Italian
. tongue or in Latin, none excelled (Bedell) since Erasmus brought in the
purity of it. '
" To requite P. Paulo's assistance to him in acquiring the Italian tongue,
he wrote an English Grammar, and many also desired to learn it for re-
1igion's sake, and he translated the Common Prayer Book into Latin, which
P. Paolo and the seven divines that published against the Pope's authority
liked so well that they were resolved to have made it a pattern of public
' worship, if they had made a full retreat from the Church of -Rome, as they were
very like to do. He helped and instructed the seven Venetian divines in
the understanding of the Scriptures whereof Fulgentius was chief; whose
sermons against the Pope I have scene and are yet extant, printed in the
Italian, though upon the pacification, all such writings were called in and
anathematized. " And Fra Paolo was content to he anathematized for his
brethren, such was his answer, and that God had not given him the spirit
of the German reformer, when urged by M. Daille? to take stronger mea-
sures; but any one who is at the pains to make research into the history
of the attempted reformation of religion in Venice at this period, will
find, that unaided by the Council of Ten, it was impossible for Fra Paolo
to do more than he did for the dissemination of truth. The preaching of
the gospel was still permitted to him as well as to the other theologians,
who with Diodati and the Archbishop de Dominis were visitors at the
Servi. Paolo was still determined not to separate from the Church in
Which he had been baptized, although he did not believe in the doctrine
of the mass as a propitiatory sacrifice, yet he patiently waited till God
would send rulers who would command that the people should no long-
er be taught the commandments of men, but possess intact the Holy
. Scriptures. " There was not a word in his Greek Testament that he had
not marked with his red lead, which showed that he studied the \Vord of
God, " and there is high interest to all who value truth, in the remem-
brance of these students of the Holy Scriptures; Fra Paolo, Diodati and
Bedell associating together. A' firm friendship long snbsisted between
them, and when Bedell left Venice for England, after eight years residence
there, Fra Paolo bade him farewell with sorrow, and gave him a Hebrew
Bible and Psalter " wherein he wrote some expressions of love inscribed
with his heart and hand: besides this, he begged Mr. Bedell to accept his
picture. "
There were and are several authentic pictures of Fra Paolo besides this.
Sir Henry lVotton's, Sir Roger Twysden's Dr. Donne's and others. The
engraving after Zucchero about 1607, represents Paolo as of more com-
manding aspect than those of later date. Full, dark, and very bright eyes,
a nose of such peculiar form as to attract the notice of Lavater, the lips
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? 186 THE LIFE OF [\. D. 1607.
thin, but the head somewhat large in proportion to the person. Though
small in stature, the bearing is dignified, and the agreeable and affable
expression of this fine countenance is pervaded by modesty and integrity.
Paolo sufiered much from cold, and generally carried balls of heated
iron, enclosed in a small case, which was imitated and is to be seen in the
collections of the curious. 3"
H&ppendi-x.
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? 137
CHAPTER VIII.
A. D. 1607 -- A. D. 1608.
Doen or Vmuoa. Leonardo Donato.
SOVEREIGN or GERMANY. Rodolph II.
Gansr BRITA-IN. James I.
Famcu. Henry IV.
SPAIN. Philip III.
Tuaxnv. Achmet III.
Porn. Paul V.
NNJ/Mrrw
Embassy to Rome. - Complaints of the Pope and Cardinals against Fra Paolo. '
Despatches. - Audiences. -' The Pope's resolve. - Secret communications. -F
Fra Paolo attacked. - Council. - Proclamations. - Despatches as to the
attack -on F. Paolo. - Rewards. - State of religion in Venice. - Letters.
The Pope was still exasperated against Fra Paolo, as appears through-
out the despatches of the Ambassador, j\Francesco Contarini di Bertucci
who had gone to Rome immediately after the accommodation. His Excel-
lency had been: received with great pomp; his entry into the city was
attended by the carriages of nearly one hundred nobles and prelates, and
all appeared to evince towards the Republic that good feeling which had
been so long forgotten. The Pope had welcomed the Gontarini with
marked honor, permitted him to kiss his foot and hand, embraced him
and begged him to be seated: but beyond compliments, little had passed
at several successive receptions. The Cardinals, however, Were more open
in their communications. Pinelli attacked the works of Fra Paolo, d'Ascoli
affirmed, " that he lay awake a whole night through fear of here/sky being
introduced into Venice. " Baronius had suffered in health, since his work
had been so ill received. " Bellarmine was the only one of the number who
appeared anxious to apologize, and showed, " writes the Ambassador,
" marvellous courtesy to me. He said that he wished to confide two
things to me for his own satisfaction, First that he understands it has been
divulged that he counselled the Pope to publish the Monitory against the
1 From Rome June 2. 1607. This, and the following MSS. Contarini all in the
possession of The Rawdon Brown. Venice.
(Sum/A
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? 138 THE LIFE OF [A D. 1607.
I
Republic, but that this was not true; for although the Pope is wont to
consult him in cases of conscience in religion, he nevertheless never spoke
to him on this subject, nor did he know anything thereof until his
Holiness gave account of his resolve in the Consistory, and perhaps the
Pope had not spoken to any other Cardinal thereon, and had the decision
been communicated to him, his opinion would have indubitably have dif-
fered from that which was adopted. Secondly, he merely wrote on these
matters in reply to the eight propositions of Marsilio who compelled him;
that Marsilio was a man of great daring and little learning, that he did
not consider he (Bellarmine) had offered any offence by confuting his
errors, that he advised the Pope to a reconciliation before things went too
far, and the territories of the Republic were infested with heresy, as he
well knew by what way it had entered England, France and other provin-
cos. He thanked God the disputes were adjusted. "
Contarini answered, " that the provocation proceeded from Rome, and
the Republic permitted the publication of the works; " and he said the
eight propositions would not have been published but for the writing print-
ed at Milan, which affirmed that marriages were invalid during the in-
terdict, children illegitimate, et cetera. The Cardinal spoke of Gerson's work
being reprinted, which the reader will call to mind was done by order of
the Senate, with additions by Fra Paolo. Contarini concludes his letter
thus" all wished the Republic Well. " But it was not long before he
found that urgent demands would be made to get possession of the persons
of the theologians, " Fra Paolo, Fulgenzio, Marsilio and others; although
the Pope had been expressly informed that the Doge would by no means
abandon those who supported the rights of the Republic. " Paul, however,
continued to flatter her with assurances of good will, and apparently Fra
Paolo had no cause to fear when he learned that the Pontiff said to Con-
tarini " facts themselves will show, on an opportunity offering, the pater-
nal affection we bear to the Republic, and our wishes for her greatness
and prosperity. " '
. But the Servite knew better than to trust to these protestations, although
another of the theologians had been allured by fair promises to go to Rome,
and was at first well received. Fra Paolo saw nothing to tempt him to go
thither, although his presence was still required, the Roman court still
preserved great secresy as to the affairs of the Interdict, but the Pope thus
expressed himself to the Venetian ambassador.
" We have given commission for nothing more to be uttered about the
past, and for the cessation of all further interference about observance or
its breach, these were the first orders received from us, and we will repeat
1 Rome June 9 1607. MSS. Con.
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? /1? /r. 55. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 139
them again. Recedant Vetera.
Let the past be forgotten, we have absolved
all by a general benediction, nor do we choose anything to be said of
what is past, promising our selves the like good correspondence in behalf
of these Lords, in replacing matters in their former state. " So spoke the
Pope to the Venetian Envoy.
Assuredly in these words, " we have absolved all by a general benedic-
tion, " Fra Paolo Sarpi and the other theologians were included. The
Pope never mentioned the word Interdict, and the ambassador regard-
ed this as clearly expressive of a desire to place all under perpetual si-
lence. Subsequently, however, Contarini changed his opinion, when the
Pope continued to urge his demand on him to remonstrate with the Vene
tians, and said, "warn these Lords, on my behalf, to beware of heresies. " '
In fact, Paul V was evidently well informed of all that passed at Ve-
nice by his spies, and thathe found it difficult to stem the current of pu-
plic opinion and public enquiry there; nor has it ever since been wholly
stopped. Sarpi had opened up the question, What is truth? The reply to
which it has been seen was to be found only in the Holy Scriptures, and
he had not only explained them from the pulpit in his native language,
but had boldly expressed that the service of the Church ought to' be in a
language that was understood, and in support of his assertion he appealed
to Saint Paul. Paul V did not approve, but Sarpi and his friends conti-
nued to annunciate truth. It is a curious fact, but one which sets at rest a
long agitated question, that the Ambassador remarks on king James'
book (which proves it was extant in 1607), and therefore there is no reason
to doubt the statements that Fra Paolo wished Mr. Bedell to present it to
the Doge, as before mentioned.
The Pope was greatly annoyed by the king's book, but consoled by
Contarini's assurances of its destruction, and whatever hopes the Servite
had of its benefit to his countrymen were now at an end. The Venetian
Ambassador however was wearied, as well as grieved, by the tedious invec-
tives against Fra Paolo and the other theologians, especially Marsilius,
whose upright conduct and firm faith to the Republic appeared likely to
bring him into trouble. . . ,
'On one occasion, when Contarini complained that Fra Paolo's books
had been burned at Rome, the Pope was much moved, and affirmed so'
lemnly, " that this had taken place without his knowledge, and that he
should not even have heard of it afterwards had not the Cardinal nephew
read the Avisi to him. " Here was a mark of progress by Venice, adopted
elsewhere at later period. These Avisi were not, as some state, printed,
but manuscript sheets of paper containing the news of the day. In Venice
3 MSS. Contarini 23 June 1607 Borne 7 July.
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? - 140 THE LIFE OF [A. D. 1607.
they were originally sold for a gazetta, a Venetian coin worth two pence,
hence called Gazettes; in Rome they bore the name of Avisi or Reporti.
They were taken from dispatches receivedby the Republic by the secre-
taries, or others employed in the Ducal Chancery, who enjoyed the profits
of this sale as a perquisite. The Pope continued to blame the theologians,
Contarini to exonerate them, hence we learn that Fra Paolo frequented
the British embassy. This was also repeated by the Cardinal Borghese.
" We have sure intelligence from Venice how these good Theologians
assemble with the Ambassador from England, with English, Flemings,
and others infected in the linen Warehouse of Cicchinelli, where they
have a room, and say the worst they can of us, of the Pope, and of the
apostolic chair. This is a thing that is public; one cannot dissemble but
that such an assembly is notorious to every one, and even the place and
the room are known, which are important details. Let the Lord Ambassa-
dor now see what good will these Doctors in Divinity hear us, and be
pleased to write to Venice, whether (independently of their having been
declared excommunicated for the fine things which they wrote against us
which are known to every body, as likewise on account of this assembly
wherein. from its members one can understand what they say of us) they
deserved to be protected and pensioned by the Republic. " '
The search for and prohibition of books had been relaxed at Venice,
this pleased Sarpi, but gave offence to the Pope. He complained to
Contarini, who thus wrote to the Doge.
" Most Serene Prince,
"' On this occasion, when his Holiness was treating of the Inquisition,
looking at me with joyous countenance, he added, we are likewise expecting
these Lords to form some holy resolve concerning these theologians (con
allegra faccia), who, having written and preached manifest heresies, con-
tinue to say mass, to frequent the churches and the choir, and to cause
themselves to be considered saints; and that Friar FulgentiofI ' (and
this he uttered laughing), he-u-ado:-steed," has had a _portrait of himself
printed in copper, with a crucifix in his hand, and it is sold about Venice;
your excellency must know it, and indeed it is a source of considerable
alms.
" He is moreover excommunicated, particularly having preached that
the communion ought not to be frequented, nor confession made so often,
blaming the exercise of the Christian doctrine) 'fh'e're are existing here
1 MSS. Contarini.
2 Fulgentio Manfredi.
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? E1'. 55. ] FHA PAOLO SARPI 141
depositions to this effect, made by divers witnesses de auditu. Maestro
Paulo is considered so learned, and yet one reads in his works many opi-
nions of authors condemned as heretical by the councils; and the cogni-
zance of similar matters as regards the apostolic chair, as has been custo-
mary for so many centuries with regard to matters of faith, wherein it_can- J'P~''
not err, our Saviour having said, " Non deficiet fides tua. " He said it
was told him that the English Ambassador had sent the portrait of 'Fra
Paulo to his king, and in Frankfort, where as many Catholic as heretical
books are printed, they had placed the book entitled " Le Considerazioni "
of the said Fra Paulo amongst the heretical works. That he was urged to
permit the execution of what is usual against excommunicated persons,
who, at the expiration of a year, are proclaimed heretics and burned in
effigy publicly.
" He professed to love the Republic with all his heart, and that he wished
to gratify her, as might be deduced by your lordships from the adjustment
made, as such was contrary to the opinion of almost all the college of Car-
dinals and of others, and that although he then armed for war, yet his
thoughts were turned to peace; but concerning these theologians he wishes
your Serenity to form some resolve becoming your piety. I, seeing that
he had this time launched forth beyond his wont on former audiences,
replied -- Holy father, the point that your Holiness now touches upon
is one of great importance ;\ were I to state my sense thereon in full, I
should say, with the greatest possible respect, that the best expedient would
be not to discuss this matter, by reason of its very great difficulties and
consequences of extreme moment as can well be imagined. I will not
speak of portraits or similar things, because I have no knowledge thereof;
neither does it seem to me of import to dwell thereon, though I shall
observe that as your Holiness has removed the occasion of war and disturb-
ance, which fact obtains for you singular merit before the Lord God, and
infinite glory in the eyes of good men; you may be pleased moreover to'
withhold encouragement from those who under pretext of religion wish to
see every sort of misunderstanding between your Holiness and the most
serene Republic; but I hope in his Divine Majesty that they will not suc-
ceed in their perverse designs, and of a surety it will one day be neces-
sary for me to state some details hereof to your Holiness; similar individuals
would very willingly desire the burning of effigies, and other similar de-
monstrations, with a view to the introduction of the greatest possible in-
convenience. I know that when that Fra Fulgentio preached, strict inves-
tigation was made, and it was reported in the most excellent college that
he preached sound and Catholic doctrine, and if he himself confessed and
communicated frequently, I do not see how they could tally, the preaching
one thing in the pulpit, and the acting in contradiction elsewhere. The
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? 142 THE LIFE or [. . 'D. 1607.
most serene Republic cannot abandon these who have written in her favour,
and have served her on the late occasion; so I prayed him by a single
stroke to sever or separate himself from the path of malignity, and with
his great prudence to apply the true remedy to this tortuous affair.
-)'< " " Con un colpo
'ml
4,. 5":
A
solo; ogni maggior piacevolezza, bisognarebbe che fosse un colpo da mae-
stro? " With a single blow, it must be a master stroke.
" Such precisely I enjoined it would be, on proceeding from his Holiness
and from his great ability; nor did the same disorders even require the
same remedies, circumstances alter matters notably; when ordinary affairs
are treated, it is true that the usual terms are adopted; should a private
individual be excommunicated, and not act becomingly at the expiration
of a year, he is declared an heretic, and one proceeds according to the
canons-, but in great and extraordinary cases, and which tend beyond, it is
necessary to proceed in modes both unusual and peculiar to the time and
matter under consideration. So I made sure that with his goodness and
prudence he will find the road easy, speedily burying the whole in oblivion,
and confounding the evil-born desires of scoundrels. The Pontifi" assured
1ne that his thoughts were frequently directed to this end; but he could
not discover the way, and that he wished that by me (to use his own words),
' by your Excellency's being replete with such great knowledge and intel-
ligence, ' the mode might be suggested to him for acting well concerning
such a matter, and in the meanwhile he should continue to pray the Lord
God to be pleased to inspire him for the best, although he did not at pre-
sent see what he could do, and he added those precise words, ' Let them
come, for we will willingly embrace them. ' The Pope said that I was to
write to your Excellencies what he had stated to me.
" I assured him that I would obey him, as such was my duty, but
that this was pefiititio principii, and a return to the original disorder. I do
not at all doubt but that if the Pontiff did discuss these matters, it was at
the instigation of others who, under the pretext of good, do not cease to
suggest these conceits to his Holiness. At the close of these topics, which
passed off with extreme tranquillity, his Holiness began to talk about the
Jesuits and their revenues, and asked why they were excluded? To this,
amongst other replies, the ambassador Contarini referred the Pope to their
treatment of the Republic, calling her in their printed works, the most vile
and abject nation in the world. In these matters, concludes his Excel-
lency, although the most disagreable that can be treated of, the Pontiff
nevertheless conducted himself as quietly as possible; and although I
every now and then kept answering him contrary to his intention, and
excluding all discussion as much as I could, still/X' listened to the whole
without the slightest emotion. "
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? ET. 55. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 143
The Contarini despatehes of this, and subsequent dates, are but a tissue
of complaints on the part of the Pope, and of denial on that of the Vene-
tian envoy. That Fra Paolo believed after the raising of the censure by
the Cardinal J oyeuse, he was no longer excommunicated by the Pope, is
confirmed by a letter to the Cardinal Borghese from the Inquistor of . '
Ravenna of the sixth of September 1607. The Court of Rome, however,
held that the Servite Friar was still excommunicate, and there seems no
doubt that the Pope, Camilla Borghese, broke faith with the Friar, Paolo
Sarpi. On one occasion it Was proposed that he with the other theologians
should perform penance. To which the Ambassador answered, " that
penance, be it severe or light, implied sin, which the theologians afi'ir-
- med they had not committed. " The state of the papal mind is clearly
shown by Contarini's despatch to the Doge. Paul was jealous of the coun-
sels still given by the Servite to Venetia, and appeared resolved at all
hazards to press the Doge and Senate to give him up.
" Most Serene Prince, -- It having been communicated to me by the
French Ambassador, that at his residence last week, the Pope told him
that having understood from me, in the course of divers conversations,
how slight an inclination exists for giving him satisfaction about the
theologians, he had a great desire to terminate in some way the impor--
tunities and molestations received by him from sundry quarters, urging
the Ambassador to restore the dignity of the Apostolic Chair, thus
spurned; added to which he will at the same time find some remedy
against these excommunicated individuals celebrating the mass and other
divine services; and that I adduced no other remedy save that" by a
single stroke, " by which he might terminate the whole, but that I did
not condescend to any detail, and therefore it was not becoming to keep
matters in any obscurity or doubt, to which the Lord Ambassator deemed
it necessary to reply, that through his Nuncio, who is on the spot, his
Holiness might witness the end thereof, by sending him such authority as
would suffice to settle the Whole, and in like manner, as many exclaimed
before the adjustment, and then were quieted, so would it be likewise in
this instance, if entirely settled Without further delay, whereupon the
Pontiff remained somewhat in suspense, and thanked the Ambassador.
His Holiness added that he had thoughts of authorizing the Nuncio to
send for the theologians, but that it should be first intimated under
hand, whether they would go, so as not to risk the Nuncio's dignity, in
case of their '1-efusing, so the Ambassador aforesaid requested I would
write to your Serenity, being of opinion that if a promise should be made
to this effect, the whole might be shortly settled to mutual satisfaction,
meaning to hint precisely as the rest has been arranged, praying me, that
all might be kept most secret, as if the Pope's inclination Were known
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? 144 THE LIFE OF [A. D. 1607
again, very great murmurs would be heard from the Cardinals, who hear
these matters according to their own views. I did not refuse to execute
what he wished, but observed, that the general reconciliation ought to
have sutficed. In virtue thereof these affairs likewise were meant to be
pacified, and although the Ambassador is well informed of the whole,
nevertheless I omitted again to tell him the necessity for the public
protection, the which, in durability, will never fail the Qiesaid theolo-
gians. " Gratiee (E0. ' _
Although it was partly obvious to the Ambassador that the Court of
Rome was uneasy, and it seemed as if there might shortly be a rupture
with Venice, still Contarini does not appear to have been suspicious of
any immediate danger to Fra Paolo; nevertheless he feared that all was
not well, by the multiplicity of letters which came to Rome from Venice.
Upon one occasion, the Ambassador, having warmly taken the part of the
theologians, the Pope said, " Do not exert yourself my Lord Ambassador,
I admit all that has been said, I am most ready for every good, but cannot
condescend at present. I believe you saw the drift of what ' I said before,
that Ishould have it said of me now, that I concede the tenths to the Re-
public. It is but a question of three or four cases of this sort, in the course
of the year, which do not at all prejudice the authority and jurisdiction of
the Republic. The Procurator of the Servi 'has informed us, that in the
monastery in Venice, by order of the Lords, Chiefs of the ten, that there
hgve been officers to inspect all the writings; when laymen perform these
functions, there is no longer any occasion to maintain Priors, nor Generals
of the Orders. The Patriarch comes not; the Theologians still perform di-
vine service in contempt of the Holy Chair, although excommunicated,
not forsooth for having written the Republids reasons, as, had they limi-
' ted themselves to this alone, it would have pleased and gratified us, but
because of the heresies which they have uttered publicly, That tempo-
ral princes have power direct from God over ecclesiastics. This is an
infidel proposition, condemned by the High Pontiffs with the assent of
men remarkable for their learning who have written thereon. Monsignore,
the Nuncio mentions/having spoken in the College about a priest of
Ascola. who has been put in prison, and yet//there are the Bishops to
Whom these trials should be left. " All this proved that every thing done at
Venice was known at Rome, all that Contarini could do was, to give re-
spectful advice of all that might reach his notice. Of the same date is a
singularly incoherent, but curious and secret communication, addressed to
the Doge Leonardo Donato by him from Rome, September 29, 1607.
" Most Serene Prince, -- I send to your Serenity, here annexed, what
1 Sep. 15. 1607 - both from Rome, 28 Sep. 1607. MSS. Contarini.
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? Air. 55. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 145
has been told me in confidence, about a certain machination to be execu-
ted in Venice, or shortly distant thence, with other details, which such as
\ they may be, I have not chosen to keep to myself, but for every good end
have deemed them worthy of your cognizance, and should anything else
be communicated to me, I shall not fail to give advice thereof.
" In Rome, 25th September,\in the Palace of S. Mark, Messer Flavio
Martignone, oflfizsso Ferrato, latelancient Cattaro, with the Lord Colonel
Guilio da Mont Abolto, now resident here in Rome for his private affairs,
having come to the Most Excellent the Lord Ambassador, deposed having
first made the greatest possible instance for its being kept very secret,
which was constantly promised him.
" I have served the Most Serene Republic; I have received good trea-
ment, and purpose re-entering her service, I shall go in a month at the
farthest, I shall betake myself either to the said Lord Colonel at- Zara, or
to Venice, from my own instinct, I revere the Most Serene Republic as
much as ifwere my natural sovereign, and with zeal for her Welfare, I am
come to notify what I know of an affair which I deem of great importance.
" Last year, at the time of the disturbance between the Pope and the
Republic, there was in the garrison of the Rovigo a captain named Fulvio
Cesenari, of in Umbria. He was imprisoned with an ancient of his,
called there Rotilio Orlandini of"l"e? rni, they being accused of a plot to
surrender Rovigo to the General of Ferrara, and they were released; yet,
I am sure they had this understanding with the Signor Paulo Savelliq
the general of Ferrara, for here in Rome I have seen letters written at
that time in Rovigo, and signed by the said captain and ancient, whereby
they promised the said Savella) to give the town (Rovigo) into his hands,
saying that they had two or three gates in their power, and that they had
the soldiers of their company (200, if I mistake not) in readiness. "
Being interrogated, he replied,
" I saw no other detail in the letters, they appeared to have been writ-
ten previously, and several letters had passed, indeed, I know that the
ancient had been repeatedly to Ferrara; they said in the letter that they
were ready to give him the town whensoever he should present himself. " 1
Being interrogated, he replied,
" I saw this letter at the time here in Rome, when the general sent it
to his brother, for him to show it to the Pope. It was shown to me by his
secretary, my intimate friend. pAfter that, the ancient and the captain were
released from pri'son,l_Rovigo, the captain, was sent with his company to
Padua, where he still is, and the ancient came here, with a safe conduct
from the Pope, for he was an unfrocked friar of St. Paul's " (one of those
friars dressed in black, with wide sleeves) " and a highwayman; his true
name is Achille Orlandini, of Scantriglia, a small castle in this Campagna,
5/42. .
in
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? 146 THE LIFE OF [A. D- 1607.
twenty-five miles distant from hence. In his order he was called Friar
Arsenio. He was not ordained; but at Rovigo changed his name to Roti-
lio, as I have stated. Being here in Rome (for he came for a week or a
fortnight, and resided permanently at his village), he received absolution
for himself and for two of his brothers-in-law, natives of his village, who
were banished, I know not why. Neither do I know their names. I
was acquainted with this ancient when he was a friar and since, and con-
versed with him after his return to Rome, and have eaten with him seve-
ral times. The last time I saw him was on Friday, the 21st inst. , and he
told me that he was to leave us today for Venice with these two his
brothers-in-law; they are little dark men, dressed in grey or russet cloth
as peasants, I will, moreover, endeavour to bring you their names. He
invited me to go with him, and told me that he was going to do a certain
deed, and that he had been promised 8,000 crowns. I answered him as
if undecided, and this I did in order to learn the details better, but he _
never spoke to me more openly, save that he was therefore taking with
him those two brothers-in-law, and on Friday he told me he had received
a letter for the said monies to be paid in Ferrara, immediately after the
execution of the deed. I am not able to discover for certain whether this
deed is to be done in, or out of Venice, but he is going te Venice. "
Being interrogated, he said, -
" He is not going post, norin haste, indeed from what he said he will
reinain three or four days in Ferrara, and perhaps in passing through Far-
rara will go to his captain. "
Being interrogated, he replied,
" He is going to do this deed by order of the masters here, he says he
has spoken with the Pope, but he certainly negotiated with the Secretary
Della Consulta, for he, that is to 'say the ancient, has told me so several
times. "
Being interrogated, he' replied,
" I think this deed which he has to do is some murder, for he told me
he shall do all in an hour; he moreover appeared not to intend residing
in Venice, but out in the country to await time and opportunity, and he
likewise spoke to me in such a manner that I may also suppose it his
intention to wait until that person, or those whom he may mean to kill,
shall go out. I have nothing else to communicate; but they are all three
vassals of the Signor Giovanni Orsino, in Whose house I dwell, and who
is expected from his castle in ten days or a fortnight, and on his arrival,
I shall elicit something else from some of his servants, for I pass for the
confident of these men, and will come and tell your lordship. "
Being interrogated, he replied,
" Besides the letter which I saw, written by the captain and by this
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? ll'. 55. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 147'
man to Savelli} about betraying Rovigo to him, this said ancient spoke to
me of the plot, but without coming to details, save that he and the captain
would have been rich. "
Being interrogated, he said,
" He did not mention to me any other in the plot save himself and the
captain, neither soldiers nor others, but there must have been some con-
cerned. Concerning this affair which he is now going to perpetrate, he
says, It is known to him alone, and that he has not even spoken to his,
brothers-in-law, and that he does not choose to tell them anything until
the hour for action. He took them away, saying that he meant to take
them to his company, whereof he is ancient, and that they should have
pay' 7'
Being again interrogated about the on-twer-cl-apppea-ra-nee of these two,
he answered, '
" Little men, but very stout or corpulent, black, furrowed, black beards,
chestnut-brown, and thin; they are both aged from thirty five to forty
years. As to the ancient, he is dressed in drab with gold lace, he has a
black cloak, and his hat likewise has a gold band.
lived in Rome, and is holden for a miracle in all manner of knowledge,
divine and human, the chief counsellor of this Signory in their af-
fairs ecclesiastical. The other was some time reader of Scholastic Divinity
in Bononia (Bologna), the Pope's University, out of which place he
was called home, or turned out when the quarrel began; his books are
still detained. He is said to be an excellent preacher, and of his
sermons, I think came the report out of England, in print, of certain
preaching here the last Lent. These two I know, as having practised
with them, to desire nothing in the world so much as the rqformat/ion
of the Church, and in a word for 'the substance of religion they are
wholly ours, what effect now the force of truth may have in the
mouths of such men I leave to your consideration. Sundry of the
Senate and nobility do extraordinarly favor them and their opinions,
the general doctrines which I mentioned before did much good. Private
conferences have more freedom and no less fruit; the name of Papa-
lini, given to the Popish faction, argues somewhat the banishment of
the Jesuits, another no ill sign how the minds of men be affected, and
although it be no small disadvantage that the government here is in
the hands of so many in such sort, 'it will not serve to work one, or
two, or ten, yet hath it some commodity that voices being given by
balls secretly, every man doth freely, without regard of others displea-
sure, sway whether his conscience leads him. Concluding then this
discourse, Reformation by that bye way, or persuasion of the conscience,
though slowlier seems no way to be dispaired of in Venice. "
Sir Henry Wotton had wished that Diodati should have come
to Venice the year before, in order to form a congregation of those
who leant to a reformation in religion, and Bedell further informed
his correspondent that he was detained, first, because it was winter,
and then by his own engagements, and Sir Henry Wotton then wrote
to him not to come till he saw the effect of the volumes of the Holy
Scriptures Which had been sent to Venice. However, Diodati did come
to Venice, in company with a gentleman of Geneva, his cousin and
nephew, both young men, and a French gentleman sent from M. du
Plessis, from Saumur.
" He had divers meetings and conferences with the Fathers, Fra
Paolo etc. , at which both myself and this bearer were present, he
can report to you the particular points discoursed.
"It was told him by M. Paulo, that no fewer than 12,000 in this
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? arr. 55. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 133
city were enlightened- more or less with the truth, and alienated
from Home. That yet among the nobility, nothing could be moved
until there were some occasion of breach with the Pope; with them
therefore he would not that he should yet deal,_ but with others to
Whom he should be brought, chiefly merchants, Germans, Flemings,
French, of whom not long before' a certain French gentlemen had
made a list with the several sums they would contribute to a minister,
that he might try the dispositions of so many as he could. Yet for
his part he thought the matter not yet disposed to receive such a
form as was to be desired, he propourded first other meetings to be
used by way of conscience and talk, whereby men might come to
know one another and inform themselves better of religion ere any
exercises were erected.
" Now, sir, you shall understand that the French gentleman, whose
name Was M. Papillon, having indeed conversed with M. Paulo and
being animated by him to take that pains, whether out of mistaking
him, or hoping to facilitate the business by that means, had used that
motive, that the Prince and Senate did not abhor herefrom but would
favour and further this course. Whereupon the merchants being not ill
affected, and seeing no fear of danger, were very forward, and would
stick for no money, hoping especially to do a thing that the Signory
should take in good part, and the gentleman being desirous that such
a good work should take place, presently, according to the humour of
some, and very common to many of that nation thought all done which
is desired, and hereupon filled the reformed churches in all France with
the noise that Venice would shortly fall from the Pope, a harder work
and of longer time, as well appeared even by those who had thus far
engaged themselves, for some when they perceived that they ran the hazard
of their goods (and liberty, presently draw back: so hard a thing it is to
follow Christ with the conditions of the cross and leaving all; Others,
although making profession, were yet known to live scandalously, and what
security could there be to commit to the conscience of such men, a business
of this sort. It was urged by myself with some eanestness that at least
some beginning might he made of a congregation, although it were but of a
very few faithful and sound persons, which like a little snow falling upon
the top of a hill, would gather more and more to it in time. A form of
separation was presented, which might serve for the profession of such as
should be admitted, and for a confession of the faith, it was showed that
good advantage might be taken of a short sum of the Scripture printed
here in Venice in the year 1567, before the Bible in Italian, with the li-
cense of the Inquisition, which embraces all necessary and fundamental-
points of faith without even the least touch of Popish corruption. That for
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? 184 THE LIFE OF [A. D. 1607.
a liturgy and form of ministering the Lord's Supper, if it should be thought
fit to use that of the French Churches, it was already in the Italian, and
we had the Book, if they thought ours _fitter, which I had shewed the
Fathers before in Latin, and Diodati had seen, it should not be long
ere the same should be put in Italian, as indeed then I had begun it, and
since have finished.
" It was added that the affections of men since the peace with Rome grew
colder and colder, that it was a principle of war that when our strength
is at the best, and that of the adversaries may encrease, if ever, we must
fight; but Diodati thought it not fit to hazard the whole upon so small
a hope, especially considering that none of the nobility did join. They want-
ed also a fit person to be minister, for both himself was none but only
reader of divinity and Hebrew, and he doubted that his travaile should
be of more use and necessity to the Church of God in Geneva, than it
could be here, altho professing his readiness to be employed in this business
if he might see hope of doing good. The Fathers prevented my offer of
myself with saying that it was not fit nor convenient with regard of jealousy
of state, no, nor that I should be present often at any such ridotti or
meetings as we before had thought of for the second intention; thus was
that deliberation broken off with this only fruit that Diodati travailed
with Fra Paulo to put more spirit and courage in him, and to stir him up to
avail'"'hi'mself both of the great graces that God hath given him, and that
favour and authority which he had with these Signors to the glory of God
in the advancement of the truth. He departed also with full information of
the state of this place, and prepared to send thither some young scholars,
who should be as schoolmasters in the houses of some who desired it, not
letting pass to read the Holy Scriptures, and use secret instructions until
more fit occasion should be more publicly offered, such success had that
journey, which we had well hoped should have brought with it the per-
fect judgment of this Church's recovery.
" N ow as physicians of our bodies are by anticipating an imperfect crisis
sometimes remitted over to another critical day, so are we.
" And that shall be I hope the preaching of Mons. Fulgentio, this Lent,
who is resolved, leaving the friarly course of the ordinary postillers, to
preach Christ Jesus and that will be the ruin of Antichrist. " '
As Mr. Bedell refers to his translation of the Cammon Prayer Book
into Latin, we again quote from the Speculum Episcoporum. This valua-
ble MS. informs us, " that, by the help of P. Paulo, Mr. Bedell
learned the Italian tongue and was suddenly so much master of it as if he
had beene an Italian borne, as P. P. said to the Lord Ambassadour, in so
1 Original Letters. Bedell. "New year's day in our own style. 1607. " - Venice.
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? . -E1'. 55. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI . 135
much that the most of his sermons in Venice are written in the Italian
. tongue or in Latin, none excelled (Bedell) since Erasmus brought in the
purity of it. '
" To requite P. Paulo's assistance to him in acquiring the Italian tongue,
he wrote an English Grammar, and many also desired to learn it for re-
1igion's sake, and he translated the Common Prayer Book into Latin, which
P. Paolo and the seven divines that published against the Pope's authority
liked so well that they were resolved to have made it a pattern of public
' worship, if they had made a full retreat from the Church of -Rome, as they were
very like to do. He helped and instructed the seven Venetian divines in
the understanding of the Scriptures whereof Fulgentius was chief; whose
sermons against the Pope I have scene and are yet extant, printed in the
Italian, though upon the pacification, all such writings were called in and
anathematized. " And Fra Paolo was content to he anathematized for his
brethren, such was his answer, and that God had not given him the spirit
of the German reformer, when urged by M. Daille? to take stronger mea-
sures; but any one who is at the pains to make research into the history
of the attempted reformation of religion in Venice at this period, will
find, that unaided by the Council of Ten, it was impossible for Fra Paolo
to do more than he did for the dissemination of truth. The preaching of
the gospel was still permitted to him as well as to the other theologians,
who with Diodati and the Archbishop de Dominis were visitors at the
Servi. Paolo was still determined not to separate from the Church in
Which he had been baptized, although he did not believe in the doctrine
of the mass as a propitiatory sacrifice, yet he patiently waited till God
would send rulers who would command that the people should no long-
er be taught the commandments of men, but possess intact the Holy
. Scriptures. " There was not a word in his Greek Testament that he had
not marked with his red lead, which showed that he studied the \Vord of
God, " and there is high interest to all who value truth, in the remem-
brance of these students of the Holy Scriptures; Fra Paolo, Diodati and
Bedell associating together. A' firm friendship long snbsisted between
them, and when Bedell left Venice for England, after eight years residence
there, Fra Paolo bade him farewell with sorrow, and gave him a Hebrew
Bible and Psalter " wherein he wrote some expressions of love inscribed
with his heart and hand: besides this, he begged Mr. Bedell to accept his
picture. "
There were and are several authentic pictures of Fra Paolo besides this.
Sir Henry lVotton's, Sir Roger Twysden's Dr. Donne's and others. The
engraving after Zucchero about 1607, represents Paolo as of more com-
manding aspect than those of later date. Full, dark, and very bright eyes,
a nose of such peculiar form as to attract the notice of Lavater, the lips
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? 186 THE LIFE OF [\. D. 1607.
thin, but the head somewhat large in proportion to the person. Though
small in stature, the bearing is dignified, and the agreeable and affable
expression of this fine countenance is pervaded by modesty and integrity.
Paolo sufiered much from cold, and generally carried balls of heated
iron, enclosed in a small case, which was imitated and is to be seen in the
collections of the curious. 3"
H&ppendi-x.
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? 137
CHAPTER VIII.
A. D. 1607 -- A. D. 1608.
Doen or Vmuoa. Leonardo Donato.
SOVEREIGN or GERMANY. Rodolph II.
Gansr BRITA-IN. James I.
Famcu. Henry IV.
SPAIN. Philip III.
Tuaxnv. Achmet III.
Porn. Paul V.
NNJ/Mrrw
Embassy to Rome. - Complaints of the Pope and Cardinals against Fra Paolo. '
Despatches. - Audiences. -' The Pope's resolve. - Secret communications. -F
Fra Paolo attacked. - Council. - Proclamations. - Despatches as to the
attack -on F. Paolo. - Rewards. - State of religion in Venice. - Letters.
The Pope was still exasperated against Fra Paolo, as appears through-
out the despatches of the Ambassador, j\Francesco Contarini di Bertucci
who had gone to Rome immediately after the accommodation. His Excel-
lency had been: received with great pomp; his entry into the city was
attended by the carriages of nearly one hundred nobles and prelates, and
all appeared to evince towards the Republic that good feeling which had
been so long forgotten. The Pope had welcomed the Gontarini with
marked honor, permitted him to kiss his foot and hand, embraced him
and begged him to be seated: but beyond compliments, little had passed
at several successive receptions. The Cardinals, however, Were more open
in their communications. Pinelli attacked the works of Fra Paolo, d'Ascoli
affirmed, " that he lay awake a whole night through fear of here/sky being
introduced into Venice. " Baronius had suffered in health, since his work
had been so ill received. " Bellarmine was the only one of the number who
appeared anxious to apologize, and showed, " writes the Ambassador,
" marvellous courtesy to me. He said that he wished to confide two
things to me for his own satisfaction, First that he understands it has been
divulged that he counselled the Pope to publish the Monitory against the
1 From Rome June 2. 1607. This, and the following MSS. Contarini all in the
possession of The Rawdon Brown. Venice.
(Sum/A
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? 138 THE LIFE OF [A D. 1607.
I
Republic, but that this was not true; for although the Pope is wont to
consult him in cases of conscience in religion, he nevertheless never spoke
to him on this subject, nor did he know anything thereof until his
Holiness gave account of his resolve in the Consistory, and perhaps the
Pope had not spoken to any other Cardinal thereon, and had the decision
been communicated to him, his opinion would have indubitably have dif-
fered from that which was adopted. Secondly, he merely wrote on these
matters in reply to the eight propositions of Marsilio who compelled him;
that Marsilio was a man of great daring and little learning, that he did
not consider he (Bellarmine) had offered any offence by confuting his
errors, that he advised the Pope to a reconciliation before things went too
far, and the territories of the Republic were infested with heresy, as he
well knew by what way it had entered England, France and other provin-
cos. He thanked God the disputes were adjusted. "
Contarini answered, " that the provocation proceeded from Rome, and
the Republic permitted the publication of the works; " and he said the
eight propositions would not have been published but for the writing print-
ed at Milan, which affirmed that marriages were invalid during the in-
terdict, children illegitimate, et cetera. The Cardinal spoke of Gerson's work
being reprinted, which the reader will call to mind was done by order of
the Senate, with additions by Fra Paolo. Contarini concludes his letter
thus" all wished the Republic Well. " But it was not long before he
found that urgent demands would be made to get possession of the persons
of the theologians, " Fra Paolo, Fulgenzio, Marsilio and others; although
the Pope had been expressly informed that the Doge would by no means
abandon those who supported the rights of the Republic. " Paul, however,
continued to flatter her with assurances of good will, and apparently Fra
Paolo had no cause to fear when he learned that the Pontiff said to Con-
tarini " facts themselves will show, on an opportunity offering, the pater-
nal affection we bear to the Republic, and our wishes for her greatness
and prosperity. " '
. But the Servite knew better than to trust to these protestations, although
another of the theologians had been allured by fair promises to go to Rome,
and was at first well received. Fra Paolo saw nothing to tempt him to go
thither, although his presence was still required, the Roman court still
preserved great secresy as to the affairs of the Interdict, but the Pope thus
expressed himself to the Venetian ambassador.
" We have given commission for nothing more to be uttered about the
past, and for the cessation of all further interference about observance or
its breach, these were the first orders received from us, and we will repeat
1 Rome June 9 1607. MSS. Con.
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? /1? /r. 55. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 139
them again. Recedant Vetera.
Let the past be forgotten, we have absolved
all by a general benediction, nor do we choose anything to be said of
what is past, promising our selves the like good correspondence in behalf
of these Lords, in replacing matters in their former state. " So spoke the
Pope to the Venetian Envoy.
Assuredly in these words, " we have absolved all by a general benedic-
tion, " Fra Paolo Sarpi and the other theologians were included. The
Pope never mentioned the word Interdict, and the ambassador regard-
ed this as clearly expressive of a desire to place all under perpetual si-
lence. Subsequently, however, Contarini changed his opinion, when the
Pope continued to urge his demand on him to remonstrate with the Vene
tians, and said, "warn these Lords, on my behalf, to beware of heresies. " '
In fact, Paul V was evidently well informed of all that passed at Ve-
nice by his spies, and thathe found it difficult to stem the current of pu-
plic opinion and public enquiry there; nor has it ever since been wholly
stopped. Sarpi had opened up the question, What is truth? The reply to
which it has been seen was to be found only in the Holy Scriptures, and
he had not only explained them from the pulpit in his native language,
but had boldly expressed that the service of the Church ought to' be in a
language that was understood, and in support of his assertion he appealed
to Saint Paul. Paul V did not approve, but Sarpi and his friends conti-
nued to annunciate truth. It is a curious fact, but one which sets at rest a
long agitated question, that the Ambassador remarks on king James'
book (which proves it was extant in 1607), and therefore there is no reason
to doubt the statements that Fra Paolo wished Mr. Bedell to present it to
the Doge, as before mentioned.
The Pope was greatly annoyed by the king's book, but consoled by
Contarini's assurances of its destruction, and whatever hopes the Servite
had of its benefit to his countrymen were now at an end. The Venetian
Ambassador however was wearied, as well as grieved, by the tedious invec-
tives against Fra Paolo and the other theologians, especially Marsilius,
whose upright conduct and firm faith to the Republic appeared likely to
bring him into trouble. . . ,
'On one occasion, when Contarini complained that Fra Paolo's books
had been burned at Rome, the Pope was much moved, and affirmed so'
lemnly, " that this had taken place without his knowledge, and that he
should not even have heard of it afterwards had not the Cardinal nephew
read the Avisi to him. " Here was a mark of progress by Venice, adopted
elsewhere at later period. These Avisi were not, as some state, printed,
but manuscript sheets of paper containing the news of the day. In Venice
3 MSS. Contarini 23 June 1607 Borne 7 July.
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? - 140 THE LIFE OF [A. D. 1607.
they were originally sold for a gazetta, a Venetian coin worth two pence,
hence called Gazettes; in Rome they bore the name of Avisi or Reporti.
They were taken from dispatches receivedby the Republic by the secre-
taries, or others employed in the Ducal Chancery, who enjoyed the profits
of this sale as a perquisite. The Pope continued to blame the theologians,
Contarini to exonerate them, hence we learn that Fra Paolo frequented
the British embassy. This was also repeated by the Cardinal Borghese.
" We have sure intelligence from Venice how these good Theologians
assemble with the Ambassador from England, with English, Flemings,
and others infected in the linen Warehouse of Cicchinelli, where they
have a room, and say the worst they can of us, of the Pope, and of the
apostolic chair. This is a thing that is public; one cannot dissemble but
that such an assembly is notorious to every one, and even the place and
the room are known, which are important details. Let the Lord Ambassa-
dor now see what good will these Doctors in Divinity hear us, and be
pleased to write to Venice, whether (independently of their having been
declared excommunicated for the fine things which they wrote against us
which are known to every body, as likewise on account of this assembly
wherein. from its members one can understand what they say of us) they
deserved to be protected and pensioned by the Republic. " '
The search for and prohibition of books had been relaxed at Venice,
this pleased Sarpi, but gave offence to the Pope. He complained to
Contarini, who thus wrote to the Doge.
" Most Serene Prince,
"' On this occasion, when his Holiness was treating of the Inquisition,
looking at me with joyous countenance, he added, we are likewise expecting
these Lords to form some holy resolve concerning these theologians (con
allegra faccia), who, having written and preached manifest heresies, con-
tinue to say mass, to frequent the churches and the choir, and to cause
themselves to be considered saints; and that Friar FulgentiofI ' (and
this he uttered laughing), he-u-ado:-steed," has had a _portrait of himself
printed in copper, with a crucifix in his hand, and it is sold about Venice;
your excellency must know it, and indeed it is a source of considerable
alms.
" He is moreover excommunicated, particularly having preached that
the communion ought not to be frequented, nor confession made so often,
blaming the exercise of the Christian doctrine) 'fh'e're are existing here
1 MSS. Contarini.
2 Fulgentio Manfredi.
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? E1'. 55. ] FHA PAOLO SARPI 141
depositions to this effect, made by divers witnesses de auditu. Maestro
Paulo is considered so learned, and yet one reads in his works many opi-
nions of authors condemned as heretical by the councils; and the cogni-
zance of similar matters as regards the apostolic chair, as has been custo-
mary for so many centuries with regard to matters of faith, wherein it_can- J'P~''
not err, our Saviour having said, " Non deficiet fides tua. " He said it
was told him that the English Ambassador had sent the portrait of 'Fra
Paulo to his king, and in Frankfort, where as many Catholic as heretical
books are printed, they had placed the book entitled " Le Considerazioni "
of the said Fra Paulo amongst the heretical works. That he was urged to
permit the execution of what is usual against excommunicated persons,
who, at the expiration of a year, are proclaimed heretics and burned in
effigy publicly.
" He professed to love the Republic with all his heart, and that he wished
to gratify her, as might be deduced by your lordships from the adjustment
made, as such was contrary to the opinion of almost all the college of Car-
dinals and of others, and that although he then armed for war, yet his
thoughts were turned to peace; but concerning these theologians he wishes
your Serenity to form some resolve becoming your piety. I, seeing that
he had this time launched forth beyond his wont on former audiences,
replied -- Holy father, the point that your Holiness now touches upon
is one of great importance ;\ were I to state my sense thereon in full, I
should say, with the greatest possible respect, that the best expedient would
be not to discuss this matter, by reason of its very great difficulties and
consequences of extreme moment as can well be imagined. I will not
speak of portraits or similar things, because I have no knowledge thereof;
neither does it seem to me of import to dwell thereon, though I shall
observe that as your Holiness has removed the occasion of war and disturb-
ance, which fact obtains for you singular merit before the Lord God, and
infinite glory in the eyes of good men; you may be pleased moreover to'
withhold encouragement from those who under pretext of religion wish to
see every sort of misunderstanding between your Holiness and the most
serene Republic; but I hope in his Divine Majesty that they will not suc-
ceed in their perverse designs, and of a surety it will one day be neces-
sary for me to state some details hereof to your Holiness; similar individuals
would very willingly desire the burning of effigies, and other similar de-
monstrations, with a view to the introduction of the greatest possible in-
convenience. I know that when that Fra Fulgentio preached, strict inves-
tigation was made, and it was reported in the most excellent college that
he preached sound and Catholic doctrine, and if he himself confessed and
communicated frequently, I do not see how they could tally, the preaching
one thing in the pulpit, and the acting in contradiction elsewhere. The
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? 142 THE LIFE or [. . 'D. 1607.
most serene Republic cannot abandon these who have written in her favour,
and have served her on the late occasion; so I prayed him by a single
stroke to sever or separate himself from the path of malignity, and with
his great prudence to apply the true remedy to this tortuous affair.
-)'< " " Con un colpo
'ml
4,. 5":
A
solo; ogni maggior piacevolezza, bisognarebbe che fosse un colpo da mae-
stro? " With a single blow, it must be a master stroke.
" Such precisely I enjoined it would be, on proceeding from his Holiness
and from his great ability; nor did the same disorders even require the
same remedies, circumstances alter matters notably; when ordinary affairs
are treated, it is true that the usual terms are adopted; should a private
individual be excommunicated, and not act becomingly at the expiration
of a year, he is declared an heretic, and one proceeds according to the
canons-, but in great and extraordinary cases, and which tend beyond, it is
necessary to proceed in modes both unusual and peculiar to the time and
matter under consideration. So I made sure that with his goodness and
prudence he will find the road easy, speedily burying the whole in oblivion,
and confounding the evil-born desires of scoundrels. The Pontifi" assured
1ne that his thoughts were frequently directed to this end; but he could
not discover the way, and that he wished that by me (to use his own words),
' by your Excellency's being replete with such great knowledge and intel-
ligence, ' the mode might be suggested to him for acting well concerning
such a matter, and in the meanwhile he should continue to pray the Lord
God to be pleased to inspire him for the best, although he did not at pre-
sent see what he could do, and he added those precise words, ' Let them
come, for we will willingly embrace them. ' The Pope said that I was to
write to your Excellencies what he had stated to me.
" I assured him that I would obey him, as such was my duty, but
that this was pefiititio principii, and a return to the original disorder. I do
not at all doubt but that if the Pontiff did discuss these matters, it was at
the instigation of others who, under the pretext of good, do not cease to
suggest these conceits to his Holiness. At the close of these topics, which
passed off with extreme tranquillity, his Holiness began to talk about the
Jesuits and their revenues, and asked why they were excluded? To this,
amongst other replies, the ambassador Contarini referred the Pope to their
treatment of the Republic, calling her in their printed works, the most vile
and abject nation in the world. In these matters, concludes his Excel-
lency, although the most disagreable that can be treated of, the Pontiff
nevertheless conducted himself as quietly as possible; and although I
every now and then kept answering him contrary to his intention, and
excluding all discussion as much as I could, still/X' listened to the whole
without the slightest emotion. "
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? ET. 55. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 143
The Contarini despatehes of this, and subsequent dates, are but a tissue
of complaints on the part of the Pope, and of denial on that of the Vene-
tian envoy. That Fra Paolo believed after the raising of the censure by
the Cardinal J oyeuse, he was no longer excommunicated by the Pope, is
confirmed by a letter to the Cardinal Borghese from the Inquistor of . '
Ravenna of the sixth of September 1607. The Court of Rome, however,
held that the Servite Friar was still excommunicate, and there seems no
doubt that the Pope, Camilla Borghese, broke faith with the Friar, Paolo
Sarpi. On one occasion it Was proposed that he with the other theologians
should perform penance. To which the Ambassador answered, " that
penance, be it severe or light, implied sin, which the theologians afi'ir-
- med they had not committed. " The state of the papal mind is clearly
shown by Contarini's despatch to the Doge. Paul was jealous of the coun-
sels still given by the Servite to Venetia, and appeared resolved at all
hazards to press the Doge and Senate to give him up.
" Most Serene Prince, -- It having been communicated to me by the
French Ambassador, that at his residence last week, the Pope told him
that having understood from me, in the course of divers conversations,
how slight an inclination exists for giving him satisfaction about the
theologians, he had a great desire to terminate in some way the impor--
tunities and molestations received by him from sundry quarters, urging
the Ambassador to restore the dignity of the Apostolic Chair, thus
spurned; added to which he will at the same time find some remedy
against these excommunicated individuals celebrating the mass and other
divine services; and that I adduced no other remedy save that" by a
single stroke, " by which he might terminate the whole, but that I did
not condescend to any detail, and therefore it was not becoming to keep
matters in any obscurity or doubt, to which the Lord Ambassator deemed
it necessary to reply, that through his Nuncio, who is on the spot, his
Holiness might witness the end thereof, by sending him such authority as
would suffice to settle the Whole, and in like manner, as many exclaimed
before the adjustment, and then were quieted, so would it be likewise in
this instance, if entirely settled Without further delay, whereupon the
Pontiff remained somewhat in suspense, and thanked the Ambassador.
His Holiness added that he had thoughts of authorizing the Nuncio to
send for the theologians, but that it should be first intimated under
hand, whether they would go, so as not to risk the Nuncio's dignity, in
case of their '1-efusing, so the Ambassador aforesaid requested I would
write to your Serenity, being of opinion that if a promise should be made
to this effect, the whole might be shortly settled to mutual satisfaction,
meaning to hint precisely as the rest has been arranged, praying me, that
all might be kept most secret, as if the Pope's inclination Were known
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? 144 THE LIFE OF [A. D. 1607
again, very great murmurs would be heard from the Cardinals, who hear
these matters according to their own views. I did not refuse to execute
what he wished, but observed, that the general reconciliation ought to
have sutficed. In virtue thereof these affairs likewise were meant to be
pacified, and although the Ambassador is well informed of the whole,
nevertheless I omitted again to tell him the necessity for the public
protection, the which, in durability, will never fail the Qiesaid theolo-
gians. " Gratiee (E0. ' _
Although it was partly obvious to the Ambassador that the Court of
Rome was uneasy, and it seemed as if there might shortly be a rupture
with Venice, still Contarini does not appear to have been suspicious of
any immediate danger to Fra Paolo; nevertheless he feared that all was
not well, by the multiplicity of letters which came to Rome from Venice.
Upon one occasion, the Ambassador, having warmly taken the part of the
theologians, the Pope said, " Do not exert yourself my Lord Ambassador,
I admit all that has been said, I am most ready for every good, but cannot
condescend at present. I believe you saw the drift of what ' I said before,
that Ishould have it said of me now, that I concede the tenths to the Re-
public. It is but a question of three or four cases of this sort, in the course
of the year, which do not at all prejudice the authority and jurisdiction of
the Republic. The Procurator of the Servi 'has informed us, that in the
monastery in Venice, by order of the Lords, Chiefs of the ten, that there
hgve been officers to inspect all the writings; when laymen perform these
functions, there is no longer any occasion to maintain Priors, nor Generals
of the Orders. The Patriarch comes not; the Theologians still perform di-
vine service in contempt of the Holy Chair, although excommunicated,
not forsooth for having written the Republids reasons, as, had they limi-
' ted themselves to this alone, it would have pleased and gratified us, but
because of the heresies which they have uttered publicly, That tempo-
ral princes have power direct from God over ecclesiastics. This is an
infidel proposition, condemned by the High Pontiffs with the assent of
men remarkable for their learning who have written thereon. Monsignore,
the Nuncio mentions/having spoken in the College about a priest of
Ascola. who has been put in prison, and yet//there are the Bishops to
Whom these trials should be left. " All this proved that every thing done at
Venice was known at Rome, all that Contarini could do was, to give re-
spectful advice of all that might reach his notice. Of the same date is a
singularly incoherent, but curious and secret communication, addressed to
the Doge Leonardo Donato by him from Rome, September 29, 1607.
" Most Serene Prince, -- I send to your Serenity, here annexed, what
1 Sep. 15. 1607 - both from Rome, 28 Sep. 1607. MSS. Contarini.
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? Air. 55. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 145
has been told me in confidence, about a certain machination to be execu-
ted in Venice, or shortly distant thence, with other details, which such as
\ they may be, I have not chosen to keep to myself, but for every good end
have deemed them worthy of your cognizance, and should anything else
be communicated to me, I shall not fail to give advice thereof.
" In Rome, 25th September,\in the Palace of S. Mark, Messer Flavio
Martignone, oflfizsso Ferrato, latelancient Cattaro, with the Lord Colonel
Guilio da Mont Abolto, now resident here in Rome for his private affairs,
having come to the Most Excellent the Lord Ambassador, deposed having
first made the greatest possible instance for its being kept very secret,
which was constantly promised him.
" I have served the Most Serene Republic; I have received good trea-
ment, and purpose re-entering her service, I shall go in a month at the
farthest, I shall betake myself either to the said Lord Colonel at- Zara, or
to Venice, from my own instinct, I revere the Most Serene Republic as
much as ifwere my natural sovereign, and with zeal for her Welfare, I am
come to notify what I know of an affair which I deem of great importance.
" Last year, at the time of the disturbance between the Pope and the
Republic, there was in the garrison of the Rovigo a captain named Fulvio
Cesenari, of in Umbria. He was imprisoned with an ancient of his,
called there Rotilio Orlandini of"l"e? rni, they being accused of a plot to
surrender Rovigo to the General of Ferrara, and they were released; yet,
I am sure they had this understanding with the Signor Paulo Savelliq
the general of Ferrara, for here in Rome I have seen letters written at
that time in Rovigo, and signed by the said captain and ancient, whereby
they promised the said Savella) to give the town (Rovigo) into his hands,
saying that they had two or three gates in their power, and that they had
the soldiers of their company (200, if I mistake not) in readiness. "
Being interrogated, he replied,
" I saw no other detail in the letters, they appeared to have been writ-
ten previously, and several letters had passed, indeed, I know that the
ancient had been repeatedly to Ferrara; they said in the letter that they
were ready to give him the town whensoever he should present himself. " 1
Being interrogated, he replied,
" I saw this letter at the time here in Rome, when the general sent it
to his brother, for him to show it to the Pope. It was shown to me by his
secretary, my intimate friend. pAfter that, the ancient and the captain were
released from pri'son,l_Rovigo, the captain, was sent with his company to
Padua, where he still is, and the ancient came here, with a safe conduct
from the Pope, for he was an unfrocked friar of St. Paul's " (one of those
friars dressed in black, with wide sleeves) " and a highwayman; his true
name is Achille Orlandini, of Scantriglia, a small castle in this Campagna,
5/42. .
in
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? 146 THE LIFE OF [A. D- 1607.
twenty-five miles distant from hence. In his order he was called Friar
Arsenio. He was not ordained; but at Rovigo changed his name to Roti-
lio, as I have stated. Being here in Rome (for he came for a week or a
fortnight, and resided permanently at his village), he received absolution
for himself and for two of his brothers-in-law, natives of his village, who
were banished, I know not why. Neither do I know their names. I
was acquainted with this ancient when he was a friar and since, and con-
versed with him after his return to Rome, and have eaten with him seve-
ral times. The last time I saw him was on Friday, the 21st inst. , and he
told me that he was to leave us today for Venice with these two his
brothers-in-law; they are little dark men, dressed in grey or russet cloth
as peasants, I will, moreover, endeavour to bring you their names. He
invited me to go with him, and told me that he was going to do a certain
deed, and that he had been promised 8,000 crowns. I answered him as
if undecided, and this I did in order to learn the details better, but he _
never spoke to me more openly, save that he was therefore taking with
him those two brothers-in-law, and on Friday he told me he had received
a letter for the said monies to be paid in Ferrara, immediately after the
execution of the deed. I am not able to discover for certain whether this
deed is to be done in, or out of Venice, but he is going te Venice. "
Being interrogated, he said, -
" He is not going post, norin haste, indeed from what he said he will
reinain three or four days in Ferrara, and perhaps in passing through Far-
rara will go to his captain. "
Being interrogated, he replied,
" He is going to do this deed by order of the masters here, he says he
has spoken with the Pope, but he certainly negotiated with the Secretary
Della Consulta, for he, that is to 'say the ancient, has told me so several
times. "
Being interrogated, he' replied,
" I think this deed which he has to do is some murder, for he told me
he shall do all in an hour; he moreover appeared not to intend residing
in Venice, but out in the country to await time and opportunity, and he
likewise spoke to me in such a manner that I may also suppose it his
intention to wait until that person, or those whom he may mean to kill,
shall go out. I have nothing else to communicate; but they are all three
vassals of the Signor Giovanni Orsino, in Whose house I dwell, and who
is expected from his castle in ten days or a fortnight, and on his arrival,
I shall elicit something else from some of his servants, for I pass for the
confident of these men, and will come and tell your lordship. "
Being interrogated, he replied,
" Besides the letter which I saw, written by the captain and by this
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? ll'. 55. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 147'
man to Savelli} about betraying Rovigo to him, this said ancient spoke to
me of the plot, but without coming to details, save that he and the captain
would have been rich. "
Being interrogated, he said,
" He did not mention to me any other in the plot save himself and the
captain, neither soldiers nor others, but there must have been some con-
cerned. Concerning this affair which he is now going to perpetrate, he
says, It is known to him alone, and that he has not even spoken to his,
brothers-in-law, and that he does not choose to tell them anything until
the hour for action. He took them away, saying that he meant to take
them to his company, whereof he is ancient, and that they should have
pay' 7'
Being again interrogated about the on-twer-cl-apppea-ra-nee of these two,
he answered, '
" Little men, but very stout or corpulent, black, furrowed, black beards,
chestnut-brown, and thin; they are both aged from thirty five to forty
years. As to the ancient, he is dressed in drab with gold lace, he has a
black cloak, and his hat likewise has a gold band.
