(Henrico Catherino), a celebrated historian, was born of an illustrious family in the Isle of Cyprus; but was obliged to leave his country, on its being taken by the Turks, in 1571. He first retired to Avila in Spain, whence his family supposed they had derived their name and origin; from thence he went to France, and made himself known at court under the reigns of Henry III. and Henry the Great. He there distinguished himself on several occasions by his valour; and at length went to Venice, where he had a very handsome pension settled upon him by that republic, in whose service his brother Lewis Davila had been DAU, [2385] DAY

been a commander. Davila, while he was at Venice, wrote his admirable History of the Civil Wars of France, which contains every thing worth notice that passed from the death of Henry II. in 1559, to the peace of Vervins in 1598. He was killed about the year 1635, by a gentleman of Verona; who, in a dispute about furnishing him with carriages in pursuance of his having a commission from the republic, discharged a pistol at Davila, and wounded him in such a manner, that he died soon after. Davila's son, a youth of about 18, being present, had the spirit to revenge the death of his father; for, instantly rushing upon the murderer, he cut him in pieces.