The cities of Germany are absolutely free, they own but little country around them, and they yield obedience to the emperor when it suits them, nor do they fear this or any other power they may have near them, because they are fortified in such a way that every one thinks the taking of them by assault would be tedious and difficult, seeing they have proper ditches and walls, they have sufficient artillery, and they always keep in public depots enough for one year's eating, drinking, and firing.
Le città di Alamagna sono liberissime, hanno poco contado, et obediscano allo imperatore quando le vogliono, e non temono né quello né altro potente che e abbino intorno; perché le sono in modo fortificate, che ciascuno pensa la espugnazione di esse dovere essere tediosa e difficile.