_ 497 _ Seven large well-equipped Christian galleys would not be enough to repulse the nine Moorish galliots, which do not carry the Janissaries, who spread terror throughout the world. With the Turk capturing all seven, it is assumed such people would not dare to fight, as might be hoped, or attempt to offend the Turk, unless God gave them fresh courage and the old shame. May he fight for this people and not condemn us to such a punishment for our sins. May Your Highness’s life and royal estate endure and increase in His service. From Rome, 19th July 1561. If the latest report from Venice is true in what it says about the Turkish fleet, it will not now be as big as I state above.
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