_ 451 _ We must only be aware for the present that this cardinal is of use to the Turk. It seems that whatever decision Your Highness takes in this matter, you should order that Montepulchano be answered and thanked for his goodwill. News from the Levant, that which concerns India, as much as what is written about suspicions that the Turk will build a fleet this year, are sent with this like manner. Your Highness should order that they be read. The Duke of Florence tells me that, from news he has received from Constantinople, he does not doubt that the Turk’s fleet will come this summer, a greater one than ever, and earlier than has ever been the case in the past. He thinks that the enterprise will be at Goletta, because the Kings of Tunis and Algiers have been calling for this with great urgency. The fleet will see in both directions what can be done in Sicily, and in the regions of Apulia and Calabria. There are no preparations here for defence against such a misfortune; and neglect in this matter is very great. Such an obvious danger should arouse fear. As there is such a lack of foresight in providing a solution, God wishes to punish us in this way. This intelligence will serve to warn Your Highness what it is appropriate, he should do in his own
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