"Your Serene Highness and their Most Excellent Signory were
pleased when the Bishopric of Caorle was vacant last year, to dis-
patch letters of recommendation for me, Fra Paolo, of the Servi in Ve-
nice, to your illustrious Ambassador at Rome, for the purpose of
procuring that charge for me, and which through the great kindness
of your Serene Highness I should have obtained, had it not been
for the intervention of Monsig Reverendissimo Nuncio of His Holiness
who wished to obtain it for his Confessor.
pleased when the Bishopric of Caorle was vacant last year, to dis-
patch letters of recommendation for me, Fra Paolo, of the Servi in Ve-
nice, to your illustrious Ambassador at Rome, for the purpose of
procuring that charge for me, and which through the great kindness
of your Serene Highness I should have obtained, had it not been
for the intervention of Monsig Reverendissimo Nuncio of His Holiness
who wished to obtain it for his Confessor.
Sarpi - 1868 - Life of Fra Paolo Sarpi
Two swords were carried before them, with exclamations more
like those of the worst class of people than men of a religious Order. This
occasioned so great a change in matters that that night, the doors being
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? E'1'. 45. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 77
open, a party of young' men introduced a number of braves, Vicentini
with whom they held intelligence, into the chambers of the friars. This
was done in great silence; and these young men were resolved, when the
Chapter met next morning in the refectory, to attack the sbirri who were
about forty in number, and to revenge their insults.
" Fra Paolo had attended the Chapter held at the Monastery of the
Mount, near Vicenza. He was an eye-witness of all these provocations;
but such was the respect of these infuriated men for him, that the only
reason for their not taking arms against their foes was that they wished
some one to communicate their design to F. Paolo. "
Fra Fulgenzio believed " that he had insight into their designs: how-
ever, this one thing is certain, that he had the fatigue and anxiety of being
on the watch the greater part of the night, to some using the language
of entreaty, to others that of command, while he endeavoured to enlighten
all as to the danger which they would evoke, the trifling nature of the
matters in question, and the scandal which it would bring upon the Order;
but it was chiefly veneration for his authority that stilled the storm. "
What a picture! all these despfiadoes quieted by the calm of wise and
holy rectitude; one amongst many -proofs which Fra Paolo gave, that
" greater is he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city. " Without
such words of judgment and forgiveness, the sun would have dawned
upon bloodshed, and the Convent on the Mount, instead of being remem-
bered as that place where Fra Paolo led captive by his counsel men bent
on revenge, might have been chronicled as a place where the Friars of
the Servi had fallen in dark vengeance on their foes.
But Fra Paolo, having examined the cause of these contests narrowly,
saw that there was necessity for more stringent measures. He knew of no
other mode to abolish division, but to go to Rome.
This was a bold resolve. The letter in cypher before mentioned was a
hindrance, and by the manner in which it is noticed by Fulgenzio appears
not to have been forgotten by Fra Paolo; indeed he consulted his friends
on the danger of going to Rome, as he was likely to incur the displea-
sure of the Cardinal San Severina, who was still the Head of the Congre-
gation of the Holy Office, and as some considered the election of San
Severina to the Popedom to be valid, the Pope Clement allowed the
Cardinal to do as he pleased. The friends of Fra Paolo, however, were of
opinion that it would not be dangerous for him to go to Rome; but he
smilingly related the fable of the prudent fox, who on the proclamation
of banishment against all the horned animals hid himself, saying if the
lion mistook his ears for horns who could defend him, Jdevertheless he
resolved to go.
Though he was wont to be as confident in Divine Providence as if
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? 78 THE LIFE OF [A. D. 1598.
second causes were of no moment, yet he was provided by his friends with
letters to the Venetian Ambassador at Rome, and to many of the
great Prelates at the Court; he also wrote to the Cardinal d'Ascoli with
whom he had always corresponded, and the Cardinal advised Fra Paolo
to go to Rome.
For the fifth time therefore he took up his residence there, and the first
notice given of the events which then took place is the mention of a general
Chapter of the Order of the Servi, in whichas the Cardinal San Severina
could not succeed in the appointment of Gabriello as General, he bestowed
the Generalship on an old priest who had been shut up in his chamber for
fifteen years, and was reputed a saint. This ecelesiastic did not wish Ga-
briello to succeed him, and he bitterly offended San Severina by addressing
a letter to him in which he blamed him for all the ill he had done to the
_ Order, crowning it all by wishing to raise a scoundrel to the Generalship,
but what touched San Severina to the heart was, that hesaid he had
not written to the Cardinal till after long consideration and special in-
spiration of the Holy Ghost. On which San Severina exclaimed in
the Neapolitan dialect, " Tu menti Santorello. Thou tellest not the
truth etc. " .
The General was called to Rome where he shortly after died, some
said by his being overheated by his visits to the seven Churches/ a
penance then common, others assigned a different reason.
But Fra Paolo endeavored to mollify the Cardinal San Severina when
in conversation with him, and fortunately only two subjects were mooted,
the one that Fra Paolo had joined and fomented the late disputes, the
other that he would not he reconciled to Gabriello. To these Paolo answer-
ed" that he wished reconciliation, that as Lelio was created Provincial
and General by him, and as he favored him, he had always Wished his
friendship, and had corresponded with him on all that he thought was
for the service of God and of religion. that he considered that it was his
duty to honor one who was raised above others, without any curious
enquiry as to the reasons why it Was done, and that if things Were
changed, it was accidental. As to his having excited the General, as the
Cardinal had complained of Lelio's impetuosity/ Fra Paolo told him that
he Was sure all this was at the instigation of others, that the Cardinal had
both discernment and prudence, and that he knew when he saw a carriage
pass whether the carriage drew the horses or they it. " Upon this the
Cardinal appeared satisfied, told Fra Paolo he had observed his conduct,
and wished that he and Gabriello were friends. This the Cardinal effected,
and thus for a time peace was restored. Fra Paolo returned from Rome to
his Convent at Venice, but with some aggravation of his bodily disorders;
happily however he obtained relief by his knowledge of medicine and sur-
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? E1'. 46. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 79'
gery, and during the following years, though always weak in body, he was
in better health than previously.
His devotion to his religious duties and conversations with the learned
continued. He wrote notes on Aristotle and Plato, Fra Fulgenzio supposes
with the idea of embodying them in some future Work-, he also examined
the opinions of the schoolmeu, nominalists as well as realists. And these
notes all displayed what riches were hidden in that intellectual mine.
" He also continued the study of the most abstruse parts of mathematics
and physics. " 1
Both he and his learned friends experienced a severe loss in the death
of Aldus Manutius, whose fine library, which he wished to bequeath to
Venice and which contained 80,000 volumes, was entered on his death
by command of the Pope/and the most valuable part of them car-
ried away and now occupy the shelves of the Vatican. It was al-
leged that Manutius had incurred a debt to the Pope by receiving
part of his salary as Librarian of the Vatican in advance, and this was
the pretext for that unjust measure; but Fra Paolo must have obtained
all that he required from the Vatican and other libraries of Home
at this period, as he never again visited that City. But if there was
injustice at Rome, there were gleams of toleration elsewhere across the
dark sky of bigotry. Henry IV promulgated the edict of Nantes at the
head of his victorious troops; the air had often resounded with the voice
of triumph, but what was that triumph compared with the grateful ac-
clamations of the Reformed who learned that the stake, the gibbet, the
rack, the noisome dungeon, the heavy chains, and the still heavier pangs
of separation from all they held dear would no longer be theirs.
Let the reader now turn from the pleasure with which the heart
of Paolo Sarpi thrilled at these tidings to the death of Philip II,
Who was succeeded by his son Philip III, " a pious prince, but
one who did not apply himself to business and was content with the
outward signs of royalty. " To Clement, Europe was chiefly indebted for
the peace of Verviers, but he obliged Henry IV to give up his alliance
with England, this King was gradually becoming more reconciled to
the Jesuits, many of Whom had evaded his commands and remained in
France. The Spaniards restored what they had taken since 1559, the
disputes of Savoy and France terminated, with the exception of the
Pope's schemes against the Turks there appeared more prospect of a ge-
neral peace.
Fra Paolo, as usual, was absorbed in study, and for some time only met
with two interruptions, accompanying Leonardo Mocenigo to Ferrara, and
1- MS.
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? 8_0 ' THE LIFE OF [A. D. 1598.
l? '.
examining the controversy which was being then carried on between the
Dominicans and the Jesuits " on the efficacy of divine grace. "
Fra Fulgenzio observes that Sarpi would not open his lips on the subject,
that is as to his taking part in the discussion, but that he examined it at the
request of M. Ippolito da Lucca is proved by his friend Bedell, Bishop of
Kilmore's letter. Having mentioned the propositions of Molina opposed by
the Dominicans, and the letters of Rlppolytra de Monte-Peloso, he adds: " I
have sent Dr. Ward the originals which Fra fiaolo gave me upon occasion of
speech with him touching that controversy, reserving no copy to myself;
the occasion was the contention of the Jesuits and Dominicans before
Clement VIII, and all those letters were week by week sent from Rome to
Padre Paolo of the carriage of the business. When you find a trusty mes-
senger I desire you to send me them. " All trace of these MSS. is at present
lost, but his opinions on this subject may be gathered from a short analysis
noticed by Bergantini. These opinions were in direct opposition to those
held by the Jesuits, to whom neither the Pope nor his nephew bent; both,
with great blandness of manner but inflexibility of purpose, carried all be-
fore them, while Aquaviva the General of the Jesuits acted independently,
and employed all his talent to secure the return of his Order to France.
Clement frankly confessed they were beyond his ken, however Fra Paolo
tells us: " There is a Scotchman here who says he understands the Jesuits,
he must be very clever. " Notwithstanding the Pope's dislike to them, he
did not overlook the talents of Bellarmine, and Fra Paolo saw him elevated
to a position which aflbrded him great opportunity of advancing his Order.
If Paolo felt anger on the promotion of Bellarmine to the dignity of a
a Cardinal before he had himself attained to that office, however wrong,
it would have been natural, but no such failing on the part of Sarpi is re-
corded, although Clement on conferring this honor on Bellarinine ' said:
" Hunc eligirnus quia parem non habet in ecclesia quoad doctrinam. "
Many of the Cardinals lived in great state and were daily acquiring greater
power. To their luxurious mode of living, however, there were great excep-
tions, and amongst these may be named Bellarmine and Baronius. Sarpi
was too conversant with such matters not to know that the dignity of
Cardinal was unknown to the primitive Church, he traced this evil to its
source, and left these words of instruction which we extract from his treat-
ise on ecclesiastical henefices. .
" I come now to Italy, where for many ages no one was ordained to the
priesthood, who had not at the same time some particular cure assigned
him, unless in the case of some eminent one for piety and learning, who
would not accept the care of any parish at his ordination, that might di-
1 Paulin Ep. I, ad Severum num. 10.
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? E1. 46. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI _ 81
vert him from his sacred studies. S. Jerome and S. Paulinus were thus
ordained priests, one at Antioch, the other at Barcelona, and except on
this occasion, antiquity knew no distinction between ordination and a
benefice which was always assigned him, and which gave a right to be
entertained out of the common stock of the Church. But when church-
men of merit happened by the calamities of war to be driven from their
ministry and received into other churches, where they were maintained
out of the common purse, in the same manner with the clergy of the
place; as any vacancy happened, by death or otherwise, it was filled by
one of the strange clergy, who, being thus provided for, was called In-
cwrdinatus, 1 and he who stepped into a ministry, having none before, was
called Ordinatus.
" This custom began in Italy before the year 600, when many Bishops
and other clergymen were plundered and driven from their cures, by the
ravages of the Lomhards, and were thus replaced in other churches, as
they became vacant.
" The Bishops were called Episcopi Cardinales and the Priests Presby-
teri 0'0-rdinales. '
" Now, the greatest part of those who were so driven from their own
churches, betaking themselves to those of Rome and Ravenna, which were
the richest, and had the most employments in the ministry to give,
and these strangers, finding a welcome reception there, both in regard
of the abundance in those churches, and of the great concourse it drew to _
them of the most eminent persons of all kinds (which we see continued
to this day), it rarely happened that any of their own people were ordain-
ed, but commonly strangers. And this was the reason, why in these two
churches all who had any ministry were called Cardinales. A name which
still remains in the Church of Rome, but not in the Church of Ravenna,
which Paul III abrogated in the year 1543.
" Thus, the name of Cardinal," continues Fra Paolo, "which was at first
derived from a very low and abject condition, is, by a change of signifi-
cation, become a title so elevated, that Cardinals are now said to be
Quasi Oarrlines omnium terrarum. And that which at first was no degree
or order in the Church, but introduced by mere accident of calamity, is
exalted to that pitch of human grandeur and dignity, of which we see it
in possession at this day. But whoever will look into the most celebrated
Councils at Rome, will find that the Cardinal Roman Priests in their
public writings have always signed under the Italian Bishops; and that
even in after times no Bishop was made a Cardinal Priest.
1 Admitted into a Society, transferred or transplanted.
9 Liber Diurnus summ. Poutif, Tit. II, cap. 111.
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? 82 THE LIFE OF [A-D. 1598;
" The first Bishops . who were made Cardinals were persons of note
who had been driven from their churches; for instance Conrad, Bishop of
Mentz, who having been treated as a rebel by the Emperor Frederic I,
was received with open arms by Pope Alexander III, and made Cardinal
of S. Sabin. In these days, and until the time of Pope Innocent IV, the
Cardinals wore no habit, nor any mask of distinction. He gave them the
red hat on Christmas eve in the year 1244, and Paul II added the
red cap to be worn by all the Cardinals, except such as were Monks or
Regulars; yet to these also it has since been granted by Gregory XIV.
We have thought a short deduction of this splendid Order from the
original necessary in this place, as it concerns so eminent a dignity which
at this day holds the second place in the Church, and for which the World
seems not to afford titles pompous enough. " 1
But to return. The Senate had learned from the dictates of Clement
that he purposed more than to forbid all Italians to travel into countries
peopled by heretics and so it proved.
The following year was still marked by papal aggression, and with the
keen eye of an accomplished observer, Fra Paolo saw the Pope making
fresh demands on the Republic. Her newly appointed Patriarch was sum-
moned to Rome to receive approval, examination and consecration from
Clement, and after much artful dealing on the part of the Papal N uncio,
the Patriarch was obliged to wait upon the Poutiff; but he was not per-
mitted to receive either appointment or examination at his hands; yet
the Venetian Senate proceeded cautiously, afraid lest Spain might call
in the aid of Rome to crush Venetia;-tn: was well for her, ere days of
greater pressure on the part of Rome came, that the throne of Spain was
filled by King Philip III, who had neither the talents nor bigotry of Phi-
lip II. While great preparations were making for the approaching jubilee,
the Republic was occupied with the marriage of King Henry IV. One of
the house of the Medici was likely to secure the interest of France for Italy,
but in the press of public affairs of great moment the Senate at length
thought of the weal of Fra Paolo, who at the age of forty eight was still
unhonored by any ecclesiastical dignity or prefermeut.
The small Bishopric of Caorle was vacant, and on the suggestion of
some of his friends in the Senate, Fra Paolo applied for it. It was of
little value and generally given to a friar. Its 6,000 inhabitants would
have had the supervision of an able teacher, who might have carried out
his ideas of reformation in the Church, but Offredi, the Papal N uncio,
wished to have it for his Confessor. He therefore wrote to Rome and in-
formed that Court that Fra Paolo had given counsels to the Senate which
1 Trattato delle Mater Benet'. Opere di Sarpi, Tom. 11, p. 19. Ed. fol. 1750.
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? E1'. 46. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 83
were inimical to the interests of the Pope, that he did not believe in the
philosophy of Aristotle, and advised that it should not be taught in the
University of Padua without restriction, that in the Academy of the
Morosini he had denied the immortality of the soul, and concluded by
recommending his Confessor, de Gregis. Offredo had greatly misrepresent-
ed the opinions of Sarpi with regard to the immortality of the soul, and
it may be here remarked of those who now call him an atheist that they
are strong partizans of the Curia, not those who have perused his works,
or they would recognize not only his learning and talents, but his enlight-
ened opinions on liberty of conscience, and his thorough faith in the
truths of the Christian religion. I
Prejudice against him ought not to exist, either as to disbelief in
the immortality of the soul, or as to his being an atheist; in his
treatise on toleration, presented by him to the Senate, he distinctly
pronounces an atheist "to be the only subject of a state who ought
not to be tolerated; " and' not a. line nor a word has ever been seen
by the writer- of these pages, throughout the unpublished folios of his
MSS. or of his 'printed works, which prove aught else but that Sarpi
regarded the worship of God, not only as a duty but as the highest
of all wisdom. The fact alone that atheism has generally been pro-
fessed by persons of shallow understanding might have shielded Sar-
pi from such an aspersion.
The Nuncio Offredi was blameable, and if such misrepresentations
were made by him as to questions of theology and philosophy, as-
suredly it was so in other matters; thus it was apparent that even at
the Morosini learned men could not express their opinions without
the liability of misrepresentation by a Nuncio.
The head of that assembly was appointed superintendent of the
Secreto Senato; this year was also memorable for the death of Pinelli
of Padua, who was universally lamented by men of literature. The
fate of his fine library must have cost regret to those who like Sarpi
had valued its volumes; it was sent to Naples in three vessels, one
was taken by a corsair, and the greater part of the books and MSS.
were thrown into the sea by the ignorant pirates; the lading of the
other two vessels was destined for those ill able to appreciate it, but
the Cardinal Frederic Borromeo, on finding the remains of Pinelli's
library in a garret, placed them in the Ambrosian library which he
founded at Milan.
But though the house of Pinelli was no longer open, Fra Paolo
still Went to Padua, and held communication with Acquapendente and
others. In a curious old engraving, a representation of part of the interior
of the College, there is a view of the School of Anatomy, a skeleton
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? 34 THE LIFE OF [A. D. 1602-
is being dissected, and from the galleries the dissection might be seen. 1
This Anatomical Theatre was designed by Fra Paolo Sarpi, as also a
palace in Padua; his opportunities for the study of architecture were great, .
if we consider that he could daily watch what was then considered
one of the wonders of the world, the building of the Rialto, as well
as the churches and palaces designed by Palladio and Sansovino, and
when at Rome had his taste gratified and instructed by the masterly
efforts of the great Florentine whose piety cast a halo around his ge-
nius, in his great works at Rome, Venice and Florence.
It was not long before another opportunity occurred which promised
preferment to Fra Paolo, but Clement refused to sanction such an act.
His letter to the Senate and their recommendation of him are given,
as they show what was the reason of his demand for the small Bishopric
of Nona.
"Most Serene Prince, Most Illustrious and Most Excellent Signory.
"Your Serene Highness and their Most Excellent Signory were
pleased when the Bishopric of Caorle was vacant last year, to dis-
patch letters of recommendation for me, Fra Paolo, of the Servi in Ve-
nice, to your illustrious Ambassador at Rome, for the purpose of
procuring that charge for me, and which through the great kindness
of your Serene Highness I should have obtained, had it not been
for the intervention of Monsig Reverendissimo Nuncio of His Holiness
who wished to obtain it for his Confessor.
" The Bishopric of Nona is now vacant, and as I feel sure that
you still maintain the same gracious dispositions toward me, I venture
to renew my request that you would espouse my cause, and favour me
with a recommendation to your illustrious Ambassador.
. " I desire this for no other reason than to- have time and oppor-
tunity to attend with more leisure to my studies, and to show on every
possible occasion with what reverence and sincerity I am the servant
of the Most Serene State, of Which I have always professed myself
to have been, and which I ever will be, while the Lord God preserves
my life, and commend myself to your Serenity and to your Excel-
1encies. . . . . "
This was followed by a letter from the Senate to the Ambassador
from Venice to the Court of Rome.
" 1602, 17th April, in Pregadi.
" The Bishop of Nona being dead, and We having learned that
R. P. M. Paolo, of the Order of the Servi, has requested our recom-
mendation to obtain the Bishopric of Nona, and he being held in
1 British Museum.
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? arr. 50. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 85
great esteem, not only in this city but throughout Italy, and well-
known to many illustrious Cardinals, as Procurator General of his
Order, of acknowledged worth and exemplary life, of which qualities
His Holiness is well aware, we cannot doubt your good offices with -
His Holiness, as to the recommendation of this Padre, who has no
other'desire to obtain this charge than to pursue his studies, free from
discharging the duties of his Order. And this, being so small a matter,
we feel certain that it is easy of attainment. It is not only pressing,
but merits attention. Will you acquaint the Cardinal nephew with the
above in our name " etc.
The man, who again and again craved the lives of his murderers,
was not one who would retain rancour in his heart. It was, and it is
well, that spirits like Dante, like Petrarch, like Fra Paolo Sarpi should
sound an alarm within the bosom of the Church of Rome. Where are
the threats of the foes of Fra Paolo now? Withered as the blade of
grass which drooped and died in its first bloom. Where is his me-
mory, and Where are his works? The former fresh as the fragrant
flowers of each successive season, the latter valued by all who value
what is of worth; and why is this? Because he was more engrossed
with the worship of the Saviour, than with the forms and ritual of
that worship. In those whom the Pope called "heretics," Fra Paolo
discerned believers in the faith of the true Church of God. In an
age of intolerance, he loved them, he welcomed them to his cell, he
corresponded with them. It cost him dear, but what was the rule of
a Bishopric, in comparison with being a tolerant advocate for a resti-
tution of the Holy Scriptures to the people: if it were not in the
power of Fra Paolo to carry reformation further than he did, he
began it, and left an example to his countrymen to follow.
The year opened with great severity, the cold was so intense as to make
Fra Paolo pleasantly observe, "that in reading, the letters seemed to
freeze ere they reached his sight, " 1 nevertheless, he continued to study;
and refers with satisfaction to the work of Gilbert, concerning which Mr.
Hallam remarks, "The year 1600, was the first in which England saw
a remarkable work in physical science, but sufficient to raise a lasting
reputation to its author. Gilbert a physician, in his Latin treatise ' on
the magnet, not only collected all the knowledge which others had
collected on the subject, but became at once the father of experimental
knowledge in this Island, and by a singular felicity and acuteness of
genius, the founder of theories which have been revived after the lapse of
1 Letter MS. Marciana, 1603.
3 De Magneto, magnetisque' corporibus.
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? 36 THE LIFE OF ' [A-D. 1603, 1604-
ages, and are almost universally received into the creed of science " and
again, " Sarpi, who will not be thought an incompetent judge, names
Gilbert and Vieta as the only original writers among his contempora-
ries on these subjects. "
Such were his studies amid the turmoil of outward events, but he
was still sanguine; experience and the cold- blights of a long life' had
'not yet deadened hope. Sarpi anticipated benefit from the reformed
Grisons,~%t-withstanding the strong party there in favor of Spain
and the Pope, the government made a league with Venetia, but it was
afterwards dissolved.
About this time the Cardinal San Severina died, and notwithstanding
the terror with which he had inspired others, the integrity of Fra
Paolo stood unwithered before the fiery glance of the Head Inquistor.
The temper of Severina, stern as it was, melted in the genial atmo-
sphere Fra Paolo breathed. No other Cardinal, as far as is known, ever
proposed Sarpi as worthy of preferment. But he heard worse tidings.
In the month of September, Henry IV permitted the Jesuits to re-
establish themselves in his kingdom. This was regretted by many true
Catholics, and not a little by Fra Paolo, yet he had some consolation
in learning that the relations of England and Venetia were about to
be renewed.
The Pope had not recognized the English Queen, and the Republic
of Venice resisted all the royal appeals to send an envoy. At length
the Secretary, Scaramelli was sent to England to demand redress for
the injuries done to the trade of the Republic, but he arrived only
six weeks before the death of Queen Elizabeth. On the succession of
James I, King of Great Britaimand Ireland, he immediately sent an
Ambassador to the Court of Venice, Sir Henry Wotton, whose piety,
learning, good manners and intimate acquaintance with the Italian
language made him welcome at the Court of the Doge' Grimani.
Sir Henry was well known to Sarpi, as also his Chaplain Be-
dell, but he did not go to Venice till 1607, and the estimation in
which Sarpi was held is thus described by the learned Dr. Sanderson,
Bishop of Lincoln, to whom it was a cause of regret that he
had not accompanied the English Ambassador to Venice. "O that I
had gone as Chaplain to that excellently accomplished gentleman, your
friend Sir Henry Wotton, which was once intended when he went
first Ambassador to the State of Venice; for by that employment I
had been forced into a necessity of conversing, not with him only,
but with several men of several nations; and might thereby have kept
myself from my unmanly bashfulness, which has proved very trouble-
some and not less inconvenient to me; and which I now fear is be-
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? JEr. 51, 52. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 87
come so habitual as never to leave me; and besides by that means,
I might also have known, or at least have had the satisfaction of
seeing one of the late miracles of mankind for general learning, prud-
ence, and modesty, Sir Henry Wotton's dear friend Padre Paolo, who,
the author of his life says, was born with a bashfulness as invincible
as I have found my own to be: A man whose fame must never die
till virtue and learning shall become so useless as not to be re-
garded. " ' '
The extreme modesty of Fra-Paolo must not, however, be mistaken
for bashfulness, if awkwardness, the usual attendant on bashfulness, be
implied. " He was one of the humblest things that could be seen within the
bounds of humanity, " wrote Sir Henry Wotton, but although thoughtful
and retiring, he was neither awkward or morose, his manners bore the
stamp of high breeding. His cheerfuluess is frequently noticed by Ful-
genzio, he was an eager and ready listener, but ever ready to impart his
own knowledge, and ever with deference. He spoke little, but what he
spoke was always sententious and pithy, but not sarcastic.
It has been observed that he was acquainted with M. de Thou, the
learned and tolerant historian of France, the first part of whose work was
now published, and he sent copies to Fra Paolo, and to the Cardinals de
Joyense, d'Ossat, and Aquaviva, General of the Jesuits, who wrote in
the highest praise of it to the author, saying that they placed it imme-
diately after the works of Sallust and Tacitus. He also sent a copy to
M. Canaye, the French Ambassador at Venice, to be presented to. the
Doge and Senate, which was not done.
But M. de Thou had censured Julius II, Paul III, and had spoken too
well of the German Reformers, and of one of their number he had
written, "that he had passed to a better life. " This sentence he was obliged
to change, but notwithstanding this, the book was afterwards prohibited,
to the grief of Fra Paolo, who deplored the intolerance thus displayed.
1 Life of P-p. Sanderson, p. 475. Zouch.
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? 88
CHAPTER VI.
A. D. 1605 --- A. D. 1606.
DoaEs or Vamon. Marino Grimani.
1606. Leonardo Donato.
Sovannroxs or GannAnr. Rodolph II.
_/
. id" '/A (ian. g BRITAIN. James I. _ T\--,--'
SPAIN. Philip III.
TunxEr. Achmet III.
Poms. Clement VIII. 1605. Leo. XI. Paul V.
N'//I/NIIN
Fra Paolo accused. - Leo XI. - Paul V. - MS. - Disputes of the Pope with the
Republic. - Fra, Paolo consulted. - Death of the Doge. - Leonardo Donato. -
Fra. Paolo appointed Theologian. - Sir H. Wotton gives information. - King
James's protfers. - Protest. - Fra Paolo writes in favor of the Republic.
Fra Polo had still enemies amongst the Servi. After the death of
Gabriello, his nephew Santo had hopes of obtaining the Generalship,
but he was of the same opinion as his late uncle, that if he would
rule' the Province he must destroy the reputation of Fra Paolo; his
attempts to effect this were preposterous, one was absurd. Amidst the
indignation and laughter of the whole Chapter, the three following
charges were lodged against Fra Paolo, that he wore a cap of the
form forbidden by Gregory XIV, that he wore slippers cut after the
French fashion, that he did not recite the Salve Regina at the end of
the Mass.
Such are the statements of Fulgenzio; and in some respects they
coincide with the acts of the Chapter held at Venice 1605, which were
seen by Foscarini, in which the accusation as to the form of Fra Paolo's
slippers was registered, but there was no mention either of the accu-
sations respecting the form of his cap, or of his non-recital of the Salve
Regina, for the recital was long since removed from the Servites in the
reform of their Constitutions by Gregory XIII 1579, and was not
restored again till the year 1639, by a hull of Urban VIII, after the
death of Fra Paolo. '
1- Foscarini lib. III, p. 807.
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? E1'. 53. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 89
These trivial allegations were all treated with the greatest contempt
by the Vicar General, the President, and Provincial. By order of the
judge, Fra Paolo's slippers were brought before the tribunal, and in
place of his losing his votes in the Chapter, as his accusers had hoped
he might do if it was proved that he wore slippers out after the French
fashion, the Words then uttered in his defence passed into a proverb.
'* Padre Paolo is so faultless, that even his slippers have been canonized! "
While judgment on these puerile accusations were pending Fra Paolo
was silent, and Santo, in place of taking advice as Gabriello had coun-
selled him to do, became so inflated by hopes of obtaining the Generalship,
hat he went to Rome, taking with him all that he could collect from
his friends, besides 500 ducats belonging to the monastery, and having
squandered all, and miserably. 1
While Fra Paolo's foes were plotting against him at Venice, the
affairs of the Republic wore a gloomy aspect at Rome. Leo XI had
succeeded Clement VIII, but having died shortly after, the French faction
again triumphed in the Conclave, and the Venetian Ambassador informed
the Senate that, " after a tedious and, if he might add, a scandalous con-
test, " the Cardinal Borghese was elected Pope. The Cardinal du Per-
ron's exalted opinion of him differs widely to that from the pen of Sarpi
in his History of the Interdict which was written by command.
" To M. de F. Canaye,
" Counsellor of the King and Ambassador to Venice.
" Sir,
" Though somewhat late, this letter will inform you, not only that we
have a 'Pope, of that you must already have been informed, but that we
have an excellent Pope, and one who is well affected to France, the Cardi-
nal Borghese. His father was of the French faction, and having followed
his party and the arms of France when Siena was taken by the Spanish,
he took refuge in Rome, where this Pope was born, and when Cardinal
he was, as he is, Well inclined to the French interest, so that the Cardinal
d'Ossat begged the Pope to send him to the King as Legate, to manage
the affairs of Savoy. He had a pension from Spain which he received
from the Pope Clement, who both desired and designed that he should
one day be Pope, not only from his affection for France, but that his
election would be for the general good. In fact, the French elected him
Pope, excluding not only those who would have been chosen in his
place, but those who would not affix their seal to the confirmation of his
3 MS.
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? 90 THE LIFE OF ' [A D. 1605.
election, because the arbitration of his election having been put into the
hands of the French by the Cardinals Montalto and Aldobrandini (who
had agreed together to make Borghese Pope, if the French were agree-
able to it), by their consent, he was created Pope.
" What he specially acknowledges is that God sent him the papal
crown by means of the French, and he has written to the King to thank
him. He is an angel whom the Holy Ghost has enthroned in the Holy Chair,
and from whom, by God's help, all Christendom, especially France, will
receive extraordinary edificatiou; who, I pray Sir, to take you into his
Holy Keeping
" your very affeetionate Servant
(slgned)
"j Cardinal du Perron.
" Rome, 21 May 1605. " '
As Sarpi was consulted even before the Pope issued his excom-
munication against the Republic, a notice of the principal incidents
during the Interdict cannot be omitted in his biography. The MS. of
the History of the Interdict is in the Marciana, the writing is by
Fra Paolo's amanuensis, the corrections are his, as also the Index.
His writing is extremely distinct, as in all his MSS. , with the exception
of some small note and commonplace books or diaries, which are
written in very small character. At one time it was intended to send
Paolo's MS. to France, but the Ambassador declined to receive it,
and the History of the Interdict was not published till after Paolo's death
by Mr. Bedell, in Latin.
It would have been well for Venice if Paul V had held lower
views of his position, but to protect and augment what he deemed the
immunities of the church was his object. As Pope, he believed he was
raised by the Holy Ghost to the Vicegerency of Christ.
In person he was tall and majestic, his features were Well formed, and
before his elevation to the _Pontificate his countenance beamed with benig-
nity, nor was the appearance of humility wanting; he was of strict life,
and prior to his election held little familiar intercourse with any, either
' of high or low degree; ' he was temperate in speech, but austere, and he
discharged his duties with great exactitude and punctuality; latterly he
had lived in deep retirement, and it is believed that his having abstained
from all participation in the politics of the Court of Rome was the chief
reason of his being raised to the Popedom. His first measures were very
1 MS. Bib. Imp.
like those of the worst class of people than men of a religious Order. This
occasioned so great a change in matters that that night, the doors being
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? E'1'. 45. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 77
open, a party of young' men introduced a number of braves, Vicentini
with whom they held intelligence, into the chambers of the friars. This
was done in great silence; and these young men were resolved, when the
Chapter met next morning in the refectory, to attack the sbirri who were
about forty in number, and to revenge their insults.
" Fra Paolo had attended the Chapter held at the Monastery of the
Mount, near Vicenza. He was an eye-witness of all these provocations;
but such was the respect of these infuriated men for him, that the only
reason for their not taking arms against their foes was that they wished
some one to communicate their design to F. Paolo. "
Fra Fulgenzio believed " that he had insight into their designs: how-
ever, this one thing is certain, that he had the fatigue and anxiety of being
on the watch the greater part of the night, to some using the language
of entreaty, to others that of command, while he endeavoured to enlighten
all as to the danger which they would evoke, the trifling nature of the
matters in question, and the scandal which it would bring upon the Order;
but it was chiefly veneration for his authority that stilled the storm. "
What a picture! all these despfiadoes quieted by the calm of wise and
holy rectitude; one amongst many -proofs which Fra Paolo gave, that
" greater is he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city. " Without
such words of judgment and forgiveness, the sun would have dawned
upon bloodshed, and the Convent on the Mount, instead of being remem-
bered as that place where Fra Paolo led captive by his counsel men bent
on revenge, might have been chronicled as a place where the Friars of
the Servi had fallen in dark vengeance on their foes.
But Fra Paolo, having examined the cause of these contests narrowly,
saw that there was necessity for more stringent measures. He knew of no
other mode to abolish division, but to go to Rome.
This was a bold resolve. The letter in cypher before mentioned was a
hindrance, and by the manner in which it is noticed by Fulgenzio appears
not to have been forgotten by Fra Paolo; indeed he consulted his friends
on the danger of going to Rome, as he was likely to incur the displea-
sure of the Cardinal San Severina, who was still the Head of the Congre-
gation of the Holy Office, and as some considered the election of San
Severina to the Popedom to be valid, the Pope Clement allowed the
Cardinal to do as he pleased. The friends of Fra Paolo, however, were of
opinion that it would not be dangerous for him to go to Rome; but he
smilingly related the fable of the prudent fox, who on the proclamation
of banishment against all the horned animals hid himself, saying if the
lion mistook his ears for horns who could defend him, Jdevertheless he
resolved to go.
Though he was wont to be as confident in Divine Providence as if
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? 78 THE LIFE OF [A. D. 1598.
second causes were of no moment, yet he was provided by his friends with
letters to the Venetian Ambassador at Rome, and to many of the
great Prelates at the Court; he also wrote to the Cardinal d'Ascoli with
whom he had always corresponded, and the Cardinal advised Fra Paolo
to go to Rome.
For the fifth time therefore he took up his residence there, and the first
notice given of the events which then took place is the mention of a general
Chapter of the Order of the Servi, in whichas the Cardinal San Severina
could not succeed in the appointment of Gabriello as General, he bestowed
the Generalship on an old priest who had been shut up in his chamber for
fifteen years, and was reputed a saint. This ecelesiastic did not wish Ga-
briello to succeed him, and he bitterly offended San Severina by addressing
a letter to him in which he blamed him for all the ill he had done to the
_ Order, crowning it all by wishing to raise a scoundrel to the Generalship,
but what touched San Severina to the heart was, that hesaid he had
not written to the Cardinal till after long consideration and special in-
spiration of the Holy Ghost. On which San Severina exclaimed in
the Neapolitan dialect, " Tu menti Santorello. Thou tellest not the
truth etc. " .
The General was called to Rome where he shortly after died, some
said by his being overheated by his visits to the seven Churches/ a
penance then common, others assigned a different reason.
But Fra Paolo endeavored to mollify the Cardinal San Severina when
in conversation with him, and fortunately only two subjects were mooted,
the one that Fra Paolo had joined and fomented the late disputes, the
other that he would not he reconciled to Gabriello. To these Paolo answer-
ed" that he wished reconciliation, that as Lelio was created Provincial
and General by him, and as he favored him, he had always Wished his
friendship, and had corresponded with him on all that he thought was
for the service of God and of religion. that he considered that it was his
duty to honor one who was raised above others, without any curious
enquiry as to the reasons why it Was done, and that if things Were
changed, it was accidental. As to his having excited the General, as the
Cardinal had complained of Lelio's impetuosity/ Fra Paolo told him that
he Was sure all this was at the instigation of others, that the Cardinal had
both discernment and prudence, and that he knew when he saw a carriage
pass whether the carriage drew the horses or they it. " Upon this the
Cardinal appeared satisfied, told Fra Paolo he had observed his conduct,
and wished that he and Gabriello were friends. This the Cardinal effected,
and thus for a time peace was restored. Fra Paolo returned from Rome to
his Convent at Venice, but with some aggravation of his bodily disorders;
happily however he obtained relief by his knowledge of medicine and sur-
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? E1'. 46. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 79'
gery, and during the following years, though always weak in body, he was
in better health than previously.
His devotion to his religious duties and conversations with the learned
continued. He wrote notes on Aristotle and Plato, Fra Fulgenzio supposes
with the idea of embodying them in some future Work-, he also examined
the opinions of the schoolmeu, nominalists as well as realists. And these
notes all displayed what riches were hidden in that intellectual mine.
" He also continued the study of the most abstruse parts of mathematics
and physics. " 1
Both he and his learned friends experienced a severe loss in the death
of Aldus Manutius, whose fine library, which he wished to bequeath to
Venice and which contained 80,000 volumes, was entered on his death
by command of the Pope/and the most valuable part of them car-
ried away and now occupy the shelves of the Vatican. It was al-
leged that Manutius had incurred a debt to the Pope by receiving
part of his salary as Librarian of the Vatican in advance, and this was
the pretext for that unjust measure; but Fra Paolo must have obtained
all that he required from the Vatican and other libraries of Home
at this period, as he never again visited that City. But if there was
injustice at Rome, there were gleams of toleration elsewhere across the
dark sky of bigotry. Henry IV promulgated the edict of Nantes at the
head of his victorious troops; the air had often resounded with the voice
of triumph, but what was that triumph compared with the grateful ac-
clamations of the Reformed who learned that the stake, the gibbet, the
rack, the noisome dungeon, the heavy chains, and the still heavier pangs
of separation from all they held dear would no longer be theirs.
Let the reader now turn from the pleasure with which the heart
of Paolo Sarpi thrilled at these tidings to the death of Philip II,
Who was succeeded by his son Philip III, " a pious prince, but
one who did not apply himself to business and was content with the
outward signs of royalty. " To Clement, Europe was chiefly indebted for
the peace of Verviers, but he obliged Henry IV to give up his alliance
with England, this King was gradually becoming more reconciled to
the Jesuits, many of Whom had evaded his commands and remained in
France. The Spaniards restored what they had taken since 1559, the
disputes of Savoy and France terminated, with the exception of the
Pope's schemes against the Turks there appeared more prospect of a ge-
neral peace.
Fra Paolo, as usual, was absorbed in study, and for some time only met
with two interruptions, accompanying Leonardo Mocenigo to Ferrara, and
1- MS.
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? 8_0 ' THE LIFE OF [A. D. 1598.
l? '.
examining the controversy which was being then carried on between the
Dominicans and the Jesuits " on the efficacy of divine grace. "
Fra Fulgenzio observes that Sarpi would not open his lips on the subject,
that is as to his taking part in the discussion, but that he examined it at the
request of M. Ippolito da Lucca is proved by his friend Bedell, Bishop of
Kilmore's letter. Having mentioned the propositions of Molina opposed by
the Dominicans, and the letters of Rlppolytra de Monte-Peloso, he adds: " I
have sent Dr. Ward the originals which Fra fiaolo gave me upon occasion of
speech with him touching that controversy, reserving no copy to myself;
the occasion was the contention of the Jesuits and Dominicans before
Clement VIII, and all those letters were week by week sent from Rome to
Padre Paolo of the carriage of the business. When you find a trusty mes-
senger I desire you to send me them. " All trace of these MSS. is at present
lost, but his opinions on this subject may be gathered from a short analysis
noticed by Bergantini. These opinions were in direct opposition to those
held by the Jesuits, to whom neither the Pope nor his nephew bent; both,
with great blandness of manner but inflexibility of purpose, carried all be-
fore them, while Aquaviva the General of the Jesuits acted independently,
and employed all his talent to secure the return of his Order to France.
Clement frankly confessed they were beyond his ken, however Fra Paolo
tells us: " There is a Scotchman here who says he understands the Jesuits,
he must be very clever. " Notwithstanding the Pope's dislike to them, he
did not overlook the talents of Bellarmine, and Fra Paolo saw him elevated
to a position which aflbrded him great opportunity of advancing his Order.
If Paolo felt anger on the promotion of Bellarmine to the dignity of a
a Cardinal before he had himself attained to that office, however wrong,
it would have been natural, but no such failing on the part of Sarpi is re-
corded, although Clement on conferring this honor on Bellarinine ' said:
" Hunc eligirnus quia parem non habet in ecclesia quoad doctrinam. "
Many of the Cardinals lived in great state and were daily acquiring greater
power. To their luxurious mode of living, however, there were great excep-
tions, and amongst these may be named Bellarmine and Baronius. Sarpi
was too conversant with such matters not to know that the dignity of
Cardinal was unknown to the primitive Church, he traced this evil to its
source, and left these words of instruction which we extract from his treat-
ise on ecclesiastical henefices. .
" I come now to Italy, where for many ages no one was ordained to the
priesthood, who had not at the same time some particular cure assigned
him, unless in the case of some eminent one for piety and learning, who
would not accept the care of any parish at his ordination, that might di-
1 Paulin Ep. I, ad Severum num. 10.
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? E1. 46. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI _ 81
vert him from his sacred studies. S. Jerome and S. Paulinus were thus
ordained priests, one at Antioch, the other at Barcelona, and except on
this occasion, antiquity knew no distinction between ordination and a
benefice which was always assigned him, and which gave a right to be
entertained out of the common stock of the Church. But when church-
men of merit happened by the calamities of war to be driven from their
ministry and received into other churches, where they were maintained
out of the common purse, in the same manner with the clergy of the
place; as any vacancy happened, by death or otherwise, it was filled by
one of the strange clergy, who, being thus provided for, was called In-
cwrdinatus, 1 and he who stepped into a ministry, having none before, was
called Ordinatus.
" This custom began in Italy before the year 600, when many Bishops
and other clergymen were plundered and driven from their cures, by the
ravages of the Lomhards, and were thus replaced in other churches, as
they became vacant.
" The Bishops were called Episcopi Cardinales and the Priests Presby-
teri 0'0-rdinales. '
" Now, the greatest part of those who were so driven from their own
churches, betaking themselves to those of Rome and Ravenna, which were
the richest, and had the most employments in the ministry to give,
and these strangers, finding a welcome reception there, both in regard
of the abundance in those churches, and of the great concourse it drew to _
them of the most eminent persons of all kinds (which we see continued
to this day), it rarely happened that any of their own people were ordain-
ed, but commonly strangers. And this was the reason, why in these two
churches all who had any ministry were called Cardinales. A name which
still remains in the Church of Rome, but not in the Church of Ravenna,
which Paul III abrogated in the year 1543.
" Thus, the name of Cardinal," continues Fra Paolo, "which was at first
derived from a very low and abject condition, is, by a change of signifi-
cation, become a title so elevated, that Cardinals are now said to be
Quasi Oarrlines omnium terrarum. And that which at first was no degree
or order in the Church, but introduced by mere accident of calamity, is
exalted to that pitch of human grandeur and dignity, of which we see it
in possession at this day. But whoever will look into the most celebrated
Councils at Rome, will find that the Cardinal Roman Priests in their
public writings have always signed under the Italian Bishops; and that
even in after times no Bishop was made a Cardinal Priest.
1 Admitted into a Society, transferred or transplanted.
9 Liber Diurnus summ. Poutif, Tit. II, cap. 111.
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? 82 THE LIFE OF [A-D. 1598;
" The first Bishops . who were made Cardinals were persons of note
who had been driven from their churches; for instance Conrad, Bishop of
Mentz, who having been treated as a rebel by the Emperor Frederic I,
was received with open arms by Pope Alexander III, and made Cardinal
of S. Sabin. In these days, and until the time of Pope Innocent IV, the
Cardinals wore no habit, nor any mask of distinction. He gave them the
red hat on Christmas eve in the year 1244, and Paul II added the
red cap to be worn by all the Cardinals, except such as were Monks or
Regulars; yet to these also it has since been granted by Gregory XIV.
We have thought a short deduction of this splendid Order from the
original necessary in this place, as it concerns so eminent a dignity which
at this day holds the second place in the Church, and for which the World
seems not to afford titles pompous enough. " 1
But to return. The Senate had learned from the dictates of Clement
that he purposed more than to forbid all Italians to travel into countries
peopled by heretics and so it proved.
The following year was still marked by papal aggression, and with the
keen eye of an accomplished observer, Fra Paolo saw the Pope making
fresh demands on the Republic. Her newly appointed Patriarch was sum-
moned to Rome to receive approval, examination and consecration from
Clement, and after much artful dealing on the part of the Papal N uncio,
the Patriarch was obliged to wait upon the Poutiff; but he was not per-
mitted to receive either appointment or examination at his hands; yet
the Venetian Senate proceeded cautiously, afraid lest Spain might call
in the aid of Rome to crush Venetia;-tn: was well for her, ere days of
greater pressure on the part of Rome came, that the throne of Spain was
filled by King Philip III, who had neither the talents nor bigotry of Phi-
lip II. While great preparations were making for the approaching jubilee,
the Republic was occupied with the marriage of King Henry IV. One of
the house of the Medici was likely to secure the interest of France for Italy,
but in the press of public affairs of great moment the Senate at length
thought of the weal of Fra Paolo, who at the age of forty eight was still
unhonored by any ecclesiastical dignity or prefermeut.
The small Bishopric of Caorle was vacant, and on the suggestion of
some of his friends in the Senate, Fra Paolo applied for it. It was of
little value and generally given to a friar. Its 6,000 inhabitants would
have had the supervision of an able teacher, who might have carried out
his ideas of reformation in the Church, but Offredi, the Papal N uncio,
wished to have it for his Confessor. He therefore wrote to Rome and in-
formed that Court that Fra Paolo had given counsels to the Senate which
1 Trattato delle Mater Benet'. Opere di Sarpi, Tom. 11, p. 19. Ed. fol. 1750.
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? E1'. 46. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 83
were inimical to the interests of the Pope, that he did not believe in the
philosophy of Aristotle, and advised that it should not be taught in the
University of Padua without restriction, that in the Academy of the
Morosini he had denied the immortality of the soul, and concluded by
recommending his Confessor, de Gregis. Offredo had greatly misrepresent-
ed the opinions of Sarpi with regard to the immortality of the soul, and
it may be here remarked of those who now call him an atheist that they
are strong partizans of the Curia, not those who have perused his works,
or they would recognize not only his learning and talents, but his enlight-
ened opinions on liberty of conscience, and his thorough faith in the
truths of the Christian religion. I
Prejudice against him ought not to exist, either as to disbelief in
the immortality of the soul, or as to his being an atheist; in his
treatise on toleration, presented by him to the Senate, he distinctly
pronounces an atheist "to be the only subject of a state who ought
not to be tolerated; " and' not a. line nor a word has ever been seen
by the writer- of these pages, throughout the unpublished folios of his
MSS. or of his 'printed works, which prove aught else but that Sarpi
regarded the worship of God, not only as a duty but as the highest
of all wisdom. The fact alone that atheism has generally been pro-
fessed by persons of shallow understanding might have shielded Sar-
pi from such an aspersion.
The Nuncio Offredi was blameable, and if such misrepresentations
were made by him as to questions of theology and philosophy, as-
suredly it was so in other matters; thus it was apparent that even at
the Morosini learned men could not express their opinions without
the liability of misrepresentation by a Nuncio.
The head of that assembly was appointed superintendent of the
Secreto Senato; this year was also memorable for the death of Pinelli
of Padua, who was universally lamented by men of literature. The
fate of his fine library must have cost regret to those who like Sarpi
had valued its volumes; it was sent to Naples in three vessels, one
was taken by a corsair, and the greater part of the books and MSS.
were thrown into the sea by the ignorant pirates; the lading of the
other two vessels was destined for those ill able to appreciate it, but
the Cardinal Frederic Borromeo, on finding the remains of Pinelli's
library in a garret, placed them in the Ambrosian library which he
founded at Milan.
But though the house of Pinelli was no longer open, Fra Paolo
still Went to Padua, and held communication with Acquapendente and
others. In a curious old engraving, a representation of part of the interior
of the College, there is a view of the School of Anatomy, a skeleton
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? 34 THE LIFE OF [A. D. 1602-
is being dissected, and from the galleries the dissection might be seen. 1
This Anatomical Theatre was designed by Fra Paolo Sarpi, as also a
palace in Padua; his opportunities for the study of architecture were great, .
if we consider that he could daily watch what was then considered
one of the wonders of the world, the building of the Rialto, as well
as the churches and palaces designed by Palladio and Sansovino, and
when at Rome had his taste gratified and instructed by the masterly
efforts of the great Florentine whose piety cast a halo around his ge-
nius, in his great works at Rome, Venice and Florence.
It was not long before another opportunity occurred which promised
preferment to Fra Paolo, but Clement refused to sanction such an act.
His letter to the Senate and their recommendation of him are given,
as they show what was the reason of his demand for the small Bishopric
of Nona.
"Most Serene Prince, Most Illustrious and Most Excellent Signory.
"Your Serene Highness and their Most Excellent Signory were
pleased when the Bishopric of Caorle was vacant last year, to dis-
patch letters of recommendation for me, Fra Paolo, of the Servi in Ve-
nice, to your illustrious Ambassador at Rome, for the purpose of
procuring that charge for me, and which through the great kindness
of your Serene Highness I should have obtained, had it not been
for the intervention of Monsig Reverendissimo Nuncio of His Holiness
who wished to obtain it for his Confessor.
" The Bishopric of Nona is now vacant, and as I feel sure that
you still maintain the same gracious dispositions toward me, I venture
to renew my request that you would espouse my cause, and favour me
with a recommendation to your illustrious Ambassador.
. " I desire this for no other reason than to- have time and oppor-
tunity to attend with more leisure to my studies, and to show on every
possible occasion with what reverence and sincerity I am the servant
of the Most Serene State, of Which I have always professed myself
to have been, and which I ever will be, while the Lord God preserves
my life, and commend myself to your Serenity and to your Excel-
1encies. . . . . "
This was followed by a letter from the Senate to the Ambassador
from Venice to the Court of Rome.
" 1602, 17th April, in Pregadi.
" The Bishop of Nona being dead, and We having learned that
R. P. M. Paolo, of the Order of the Servi, has requested our recom-
mendation to obtain the Bishopric of Nona, and he being held in
1 British Museum.
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? arr. 50. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 85
great esteem, not only in this city but throughout Italy, and well-
known to many illustrious Cardinals, as Procurator General of his
Order, of acknowledged worth and exemplary life, of which qualities
His Holiness is well aware, we cannot doubt your good offices with -
His Holiness, as to the recommendation of this Padre, who has no
other'desire to obtain this charge than to pursue his studies, free from
discharging the duties of his Order. And this, being so small a matter,
we feel certain that it is easy of attainment. It is not only pressing,
but merits attention. Will you acquaint the Cardinal nephew with the
above in our name " etc.
The man, who again and again craved the lives of his murderers,
was not one who would retain rancour in his heart. It was, and it is
well, that spirits like Dante, like Petrarch, like Fra Paolo Sarpi should
sound an alarm within the bosom of the Church of Rome. Where are
the threats of the foes of Fra Paolo now? Withered as the blade of
grass which drooped and died in its first bloom. Where is his me-
mory, and Where are his works? The former fresh as the fragrant
flowers of each successive season, the latter valued by all who value
what is of worth; and why is this? Because he was more engrossed
with the worship of the Saviour, than with the forms and ritual of
that worship. In those whom the Pope called "heretics," Fra Paolo
discerned believers in the faith of the true Church of God. In an
age of intolerance, he loved them, he welcomed them to his cell, he
corresponded with them. It cost him dear, but what was the rule of
a Bishopric, in comparison with being a tolerant advocate for a resti-
tution of the Holy Scriptures to the people: if it were not in the
power of Fra Paolo to carry reformation further than he did, he
began it, and left an example to his countrymen to follow.
The year opened with great severity, the cold was so intense as to make
Fra Paolo pleasantly observe, "that in reading, the letters seemed to
freeze ere they reached his sight, " 1 nevertheless, he continued to study;
and refers with satisfaction to the work of Gilbert, concerning which Mr.
Hallam remarks, "The year 1600, was the first in which England saw
a remarkable work in physical science, but sufficient to raise a lasting
reputation to its author. Gilbert a physician, in his Latin treatise ' on
the magnet, not only collected all the knowledge which others had
collected on the subject, but became at once the father of experimental
knowledge in this Island, and by a singular felicity and acuteness of
genius, the founder of theories which have been revived after the lapse of
1 Letter MS. Marciana, 1603.
3 De Magneto, magnetisque' corporibus.
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? 36 THE LIFE OF ' [A-D. 1603, 1604-
ages, and are almost universally received into the creed of science " and
again, " Sarpi, who will not be thought an incompetent judge, names
Gilbert and Vieta as the only original writers among his contempora-
ries on these subjects. "
Such were his studies amid the turmoil of outward events, but he
was still sanguine; experience and the cold- blights of a long life' had
'not yet deadened hope. Sarpi anticipated benefit from the reformed
Grisons,~%t-withstanding the strong party there in favor of Spain
and the Pope, the government made a league with Venetia, but it was
afterwards dissolved.
About this time the Cardinal San Severina died, and notwithstanding
the terror with which he had inspired others, the integrity of Fra
Paolo stood unwithered before the fiery glance of the Head Inquistor.
The temper of Severina, stern as it was, melted in the genial atmo-
sphere Fra Paolo breathed. No other Cardinal, as far as is known, ever
proposed Sarpi as worthy of preferment. But he heard worse tidings.
In the month of September, Henry IV permitted the Jesuits to re-
establish themselves in his kingdom. This was regretted by many true
Catholics, and not a little by Fra Paolo, yet he had some consolation
in learning that the relations of England and Venetia were about to
be renewed.
The Pope had not recognized the English Queen, and the Republic
of Venice resisted all the royal appeals to send an envoy. At length
the Secretary, Scaramelli was sent to England to demand redress for
the injuries done to the trade of the Republic, but he arrived only
six weeks before the death of Queen Elizabeth. On the succession of
James I, King of Great Britaimand Ireland, he immediately sent an
Ambassador to the Court of Venice, Sir Henry Wotton, whose piety,
learning, good manners and intimate acquaintance with the Italian
language made him welcome at the Court of the Doge' Grimani.
Sir Henry was well known to Sarpi, as also his Chaplain Be-
dell, but he did not go to Venice till 1607, and the estimation in
which Sarpi was held is thus described by the learned Dr. Sanderson,
Bishop of Lincoln, to whom it was a cause of regret that he
had not accompanied the English Ambassador to Venice. "O that I
had gone as Chaplain to that excellently accomplished gentleman, your
friend Sir Henry Wotton, which was once intended when he went
first Ambassador to the State of Venice; for by that employment I
had been forced into a necessity of conversing, not with him only,
but with several men of several nations; and might thereby have kept
myself from my unmanly bashfulness, which has proved very trouble-
some and not less inconvenient to me; and which I now fear is be-
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? JEr. 51, 52. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 87
come so habitual as never to leave me; and besides by that means,
I might also have known, or at least have had the satisfaction of
seeing one of the late miracles of mankind for general learning, prud-
ence, and modesty, Sir Henry Wotton's dear friend Padre Paolo, who,
the author of his life says, was born with a bashfulness as invincible
as I have found my own to be: A man whose fame must never die
till virtue and learning shall become so useless as not to be re-
garded. " ' '
The extreme modesty of Fra-Paolo must not, however, be mistaken
for bashfulness, if awkwardness, the usual attendant on bashfulness, be
implied. " He was one of the humblest things that could be seen within the
bounds of humanity, " wrote Sir Henry Wotton, but although thoughtful
and retiring, he was neither awkward or morose, his manners bore the
stamp of high breeding. His cheerfuluess is frequently noticed by Ful-
genzio, he was an eager and ready listener, but ever ready to impart his
own knowledge, and ever with deference. He spoke little, but what he
spoke was always sententious and pithy, but not sarcastic.
It has been observed that he was acquainted with M. de Thou, the
learned and tolerant historian of France, the first part of whose work was
now published, and he sent copies to Fra Paolo, and to the Cardinals de
Joyense, d'Ossat, and Aquaviva, General of the Jesuits, who wrote in
the highest praise of it to the author, saying that they placed it imme-
diately after the works of Sallust and Tacitus. He also sent a copy to
M. Canaye, the French Ambassador at Venice, to be presented to. the
Doge and Senate, which was not done.
But M. de Thou had censured Julius II, Paul III, and had spoken too
well of the German Reformers, and of one of their number he had
written, "that he had passed to a better life. " This sentence he was obliged
to change, but notwithstanding this, the book was afterwards prohibited,
to the grief of Fra Paolo, who deplored the intolerance thus displayed.
1 Life of P-p. Sanderson, p. 475. Zouch.
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? 88
CHAPTER VI.
A. D. 1605 --- A. D. 1606.
DoaEs or Vamon. Marino Grimani.
1606. Leonardo Donato.
Sovannroxs or GannAnr. Rodolph II.
_/
. id" '/A (ian. g BRITAIN. James I. _ T\--,--'
SPAIN. Philip III.
TunxEr. Achmet III.
Poms. Clement VIII. 1605. Leo. XI. Paul V.
N'//I/NIIN
Fra Paolo accused. - Leo XI. - Paul V. - MS. - Disputes of the Pope with the
Republic. - Fra, Paolo consulted. - Death of the Doge. - Leonardo Donato. -
Fra. Paolo appointed Theologian. - Sir H. Wotton gives information. - King
James's protfers. - Protest. - Fra Paolo writes in favor of the Republic.
Fra Polo had still enemies amongst the Servi. After the death of
Gabriello, his nephew Santo had hopes of obtaining the Generalship,
but he was of the same opinion as his late uncle, that if he would
rule' the Province he must destroy the reputation of Fra Paolo; his
attempts to effect this were preposterous, one was absurd. Amidst the
indignation and laughter of the whole Chapter, the three following
charges were lodged against Fra Paolo, that he wore a cap of the
form forbidden by Gregory XIV, that he wore slippers cut after the
French fashion, that he did not recite the Salve Regina at the end of
the Mass.
Such are the statements of Fulgenzio; and in some respects they
coincide with the acts of the Chapter held at Venice 1605, which were
seen by Foscarini, in which the accusation as to the form of Fra Paolo's
slippers was registered, but there was no mention either of the accu-
sations respecting the form of his cap, or of his non-recital of the Salve
Regina, for the recital was long since removed from the Servites in the
reform of their Constitutions by Gregory XIII 1579, and was not
restored again till the year 1639, by a hull of Urban VIII, after the
death of Fra Paolo. '
1- Foscarini lib. III, p. 807.
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? E1'. 53. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 89
These trivial allegations were all treated with the greatest contempt
by the Vicar General, the President, and Provincial. By order of the
judge, Fra Paolo's slippers were brought before the tribunal, and in
place of his losing his votes in the Chapter, as his accusers had hoped
he might do if it was proved that he wore slippers out after the French
fashion, the Words then uttered in his defence passed into a proverb.
'* Padre Paolo is so faultless, that even his slippers have been canonized! "
While judgment on these puerile accusations were pending Fra Paolo
was silent, and Santo, in place of taking advice as Gabriello had coun-
selled him to do, became so inflated by hopes of obtaining the Generalship,
hat he went to Rome, taking with him all that he could collect from
his friends, besides 500 ducats belonging to the monastery, and having
squandered all, and miserably. 1
While Fra Paolo's foes were plotting against him at Venice, the
affairs of the Republic wore a gloomy aspect at Rome. Leo XI had
succeeded Clement VIII, but having died shortly after, the French faction
again triumphed in the Conclave, and the Venetian Ambassador informed
the Senate that, " after a tedious and, if he might add, a scandalous con-
test, " the Cardinal Borghese was elected Pope. The Cardinal du Per-
ron's exalted opinion of him differs widely to that from the pen of Sarpi
in his History of the Interdict which was written by command.
" To M. de F. Canaye,
" Counsellor of the King and Ambassador to Venice.
" Sir,
" Though somewhat late, this letter will inform you, not only that we
have a 'Pope, of that you must already have been informed, but that we
have an excellent Pope, and one who is well affected to France, the Cardi-
nal Borghese. His father was of the French faction, and having followed
his party and the arms of France when Siena was taken by the Spanish,
he took refuge in Rome, where this Pope was born, and when Cardinal
he was, as he is, Well inclined to the French interest, so that the Cardinal
d'Ossat begged the Pope to send him to the King as Legate, to manage
the affairs of Savoy. He had a pension from Spain which he received
from the Pope Clement, who both desired and designed that he should
one day be Pope, not only from his affection for France, but that his
election would be for the general good. In fact, the French elected him
Pope, excluding not only those who would have been chosen in his
place, but those who would not affix their seal to the confirmation of his
3 MS.
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? 90 THE LIFE OF ' [A D. 1605.
election, because the arbitration of his election having been put into the
hands of the French by the Cardinals Montalto and Aldobrandini (who
had agreed together to make Borghese Pope, if the French were agree-
able to it), by their consent, he was created Pope.
" What he specially acknowledges is that God sent him the papal
crown by means of the French, and he has written to the King to thank
him. He is an angel whom the Holy Ghost has enthroned in the Holy Chair,
and from whom, by God's help, all Christendom, especially France, will
receive extraordinary edificatiou; who, I pray Sir, to take you into his
Holy Keeping
" your very affeetionate Servant
(slgned)
"j Cardinal du Perron.
" Rome, 21 May 1605. " '
As Sarpi was consulted even before the Pope issued his excom-
munication against the Republic, a notice of the principal incidents
during the Interdict cannot be omitted in his biography. The MS. of
the History of the Interdict is in the Marciana, the writing is by
Fra Paolo's amanuensis, the corrections are his, as also the Index.
His writing is extremely distinct, as in all his MSS. , with the exception
of some small note and commonplace books or diaries, which are
written in very small character. At one time it was intended to send
Paolo's MS. to France, but the Ambassador declined to receive it,
and the History of the Interdict was not published till after Paolo's death
by Mr. Bedell, in Latin.
It would have been well for Venice if Paul V had held lower
views of his position, but to protect and augment what he deemed the
immunities of the church was his object. As Pope, he believed he was
raised by the Holy Ghost to the Vicegerency of Christ.
In person he was tall and majestic, his features were Well formed, and
before his elevation to the _Pontificate his countenance beamed with benig-
nity, nor was the appearance of humility wanting; he was of strict life,
and prior to his election held little familiar intercourse with any, either
' of high or low degree; ' he was temperate in speech, but austere, and he
discharged his duties with great exactitude and punctuality; latterly he
had lived in deep retirement, and it is believed that his having abstained
from all participation in the politics of the Court of Rome was the chief
reason of his being raised to the Popedom. His first measures were very
1 MS. Bib. Imp.
