|
March 4.
Brussels. |
630. Sir Richard Morysine to Sir William Cecil. Where they
who serve in one place find so many causes to join them together,
Chamberlain and he have both agreed to prowl for news where they
can, and after but to make one letter. Had thought not to do so
until they heard from Cecil, but it being Parliament time, and he
perhaps too much occupied to remember such trifles, they now write
both in one letter. If their Lordships mislike it, they will be told of
it; if not, they have rid them of one part of their labour, and themselves no piece of their travail. Should be glad to receive from home
either a spur or more reins, if the matter should be talked of again
to him. Howbeit, thinks if the Turk does come, the French King
can make no peace if he would. [One page.] |
March 5.
[Indorsed March 1.] Brussels. |
631. Sir Richard Morysine and Sir Thomas Chamberlain to the
Council. Since Dudley's departure there has been great hope of
peace, especially among such as desire no wars; but as the Nuncio
has not yet had audience, men think it will not be yet. It was not
the Constable's man who came, but a gentleman of Lorraine called
Bassompierre, sent from Signor Vaudemont, who is neither French
nor Imperial, but neutral and a lover of peace. Cannot learn what
offers he makes from the French King; but those which are reported
are so large, that no one can think he has commission for the half of
them, as that Metz shall be given up to the Emperor, and Ivoix,
Mamadie [Montmedy], and Damvilliers to the empire, and all that has
been taken in Piedmont and Montferrat since the wars commenced shall
be restored. Farther, that if the Emperor will restore Piacenza to the
Bishop of Rome, overtures are made that Octavio shall for reasonable
recompence give up Parma to the Church. Sienna also shall be made
a commonwealth again, and free from French interference. So far
from these rumours impeding the supplies, as it was thought they
would, the Emperor is supposed to encourage them that his people
may think the French are afraid, and that he will stoutly refuse peace,
thereby pleasing his nobles who, being sore indebted, would rather
the wars should continue. On hearing of Vaudemont's arrival at
the Court the French King is reported to have said, "The jar
between the Emperor and me must not end so soon, and when it is
growing to an end there must no Vaudemont make our atonement."
The Nuncio is in such a chafe because he cannot speak to the
Emperor, that there are few here who can get leave of him to eat
eggs this Lent. "If men were as wise as he is stubborn, they might
perhaps drive him to be the suitor, and to pray them to take his
licence, not only to eat eggs, but eggs' sons and daughters, if they
came in their way." He has told D'Arras his message generally,
but will only descend to particulars with the Emperor; and it is
reported that Don Diego's secretary at Rome, where the Emperor
has no other secretary, has already made the Emperor familiar with
these, which makes him in less haste to talk with the Nuncio. The
Nuncio is the more annoyed that on Wednesday night last a post
arrived late from the Duke of Florence to his Ambassador, who was
admitted to the Emperor while in bed before eight o'clock next
morning. The Ambassador's man, Junta, from remarks made by his
master on the way from Turin to Sienna, thinks that the Duke has
advertised the Emperor of French troops going to Piedmont, who
perhaps may make to Sienna. There are said to be above 20,000,
besides cavalry, some supposing them to be commanded by M. de
Guise. The opportunity was never more favourable. Describe
their probable course of march, and increase of force, and enter into
considerable details as to the future of their proceedings in Italy,
with relative effects. "The Viceroy of Naples is sick in Florence,
and in peril of his life. There be few men in all Italy so fat; he is
besides very old and hath an extreme flux, a hot and extreme
fever, and brooketh nothing that he taketh." Don Garcia has taken
four places of small consequence belonging to Sienna. News that
the confederacy of the Bishops of Germany with Nuremberg is misliked by the Princes of Germany, who mean to appoint to every
bishop a prince that may cope with him; if so the bishops shall have
a worse summer of this than they had of the last. The Emperor
will do what he can to appease the jars of Germany, because they
have not served his turn so well as Granvelle bare him in hand they
would. On Thursday last Chamberlain and Morysine took leave
of the Duke of Alva, offering him the usual courtesies if he meant to
take England in his way. The Duke expressed his thanks; said he
could not as yet tell when or by what way he should go, but should
inform them ere he went. They do not think he will keep his
promise. There are news from Antwerp very evil, if true; Maximilian is said to be dangerously ill, and in peril of death, according to
his physicians. He himself mistrusts poison, saying, if it be so, he
knows the day and place where he took his bane. This is the fourth
time that, being sick, his physicians have thought him poisoned.
His loss would be great. The Queen commands horses to be provided
for the carriage of artillery. It is thought the Emperor will have
plenty of money. John Carlo and others of Antwerp, who have
bought the spices of the King of Portugal and are bound to pay him
money in Portugal, are said to have offered the amount, a million
and a half or thereabouts, to the Emperor, provided he will see the
debt discharged in Portugal. |
|
P.S. Have just been informed by a secretary of Duke John
Frederick, who has come to the Court, that Duke Ernest, brother to
Duke Frederick, died eight days before last Shrovetide. [Five pages.
Partly in cipher, deciphered.] |
| March 9. |
632. The Council to Sir William Pickering. On Sunday last the
French Ambassador had promised to the Council that in the absence
in the Levant of William Winter, owner of the Heart of Bristow,
whence he could not return before Christmas, the oath of his brother
George Winter, co-proprietor of the said vessel, should be taken;
and the ship, with all her apparel, munition, ordnance and artillery,
be delivered to him in as good case as they came to their hands.
Instruct him to see that this promise of the Ambassador be faithfully
performed by the French Commissioners. [Three pages. Draft.] |
March 11.
Brussels. |
633. Sir Richard Morysine to the Council. Had received their
letters of the 4th on the 8th inst. Has already seen D'Arras relative
to an audience with the Emperor, which for the time is deferred by
reason of the Emperor's indisposition and weighty affairs in hand. In
course of conversation with him, mentioned the great talk of entreaty
of peace by some of Lorraine, naming Bassompierre and Vaudemont,
and last of all by a Dominican or Augustinian Friar, who in France
had been confessor to the French King, now here. D'Arras said, all
was fable, there was no such friar in rerum natura; men might
devise for peace what they listed, but the Emperor provided for wars
on all sides. Details of their farther interview, interrupted by the
Queen sending for D'Arras. If D'Arras were to be trusted, would
say there could be no peace; but because he seldom speaks truth,
therefore when he says that that is most true, till men know it to be
so they trust him never a whit. The Viceroy is now dead, and Don
Diego told him he thinks the Duke of Alva shall be Viceroy of
Naples, adding that if his friends may help to it he shall not fail to
have the office bestowed upon him. "I know, saith he, they will
never love him there; and he being mine enemy, and I his, would
be glad he were where he might be beloved of few, and bear also
the hatred due to his uncle that is now dead." Two days since
Francisco D'Este visited him for about an hour. Had inquired if
Morysine had ever heard of a motion that should be made for the
marriage of his nephew the Prince of Ferrara, now in France, with
the Lady Elizabeth? Morysine replied that he never had. D'Este
then asking of her Grace, Morysine said, if God had made her a poor
man's daughter, he did not know that prince that might not think
himself happy to be the husband of such a lady. Weens that D'Este
thinks so too at this present. The Nuncio has not seen the Emperor,
so may not have access so soon as he would. There are some who
could be content that these princes kept on their harness both this
summer and winter too; howbeit, if he shall see any likelihood of
atonement he will not fail as occasions serve so to travail, as these
here either do his Majesty a great deal of wrong or give him the
honour of this atonement. The Emperor has lately written to the
Duke of Florence to be General of this enterprise of Sienna; opinions
differ as to his accepting the charge. Some think he will not enter
into enmity with a Prince like to tarry by him, for the friendship of
him that must of necessity shortly give him over. Much sitting in
Council here; D'Arras being with the Queen or the Emperor from
one till six or seven o'clock. Thanks his Majesty and them that he
has now licence granted to him shortly to come out of this land of
travail into that land of promise. [Three pages; partly in cipher,
deciphered.] |
March 17.
Antwerp. |
634. Thomas Gresham to same. In his letter of the 9th inst.
had informed their Lordships of the intended crying down of
the monies. The proclamation for this is not yet issued, but daily
looked for. Wherefore until such be past he will neither receive nor
take up any money by exchange; for the fall of the money will be a
greater loss to the King's Majesty than their profit of the exchange
will be. The exchange here is now at nineteen shillings and ninepence, which will have a sudden fall upon the depreciation of the
money. Has now in his hands 3,731l. 1s. 7d. in dollars, angels,
sovereigns, philippines. and Spanish rials. Will send or bring his
general account. Thanks them for his bargain of the fustians.
[One page.] |
March 18.
Venice. |
635. Peter Vannes to the Council. Strongly recommends to their
Lordships Mr. Francis Peto, an English gentleman at present in
Venice, who has travelled extensively, and now returns home His
father long since purchased from Henry Porter of Coventry a lease
of the parsonage of Hanbury in Warwickshire for 112l., bequeathing
it to his son, subject to the mother's life rent, as chief part of his
inheritance. His mother has enjoyed it until lately when the lease
has been disproved as being within the danger of the Statute, and
granted to Henry Manning, one of the King's harbingers. His
object is not to seek a revocation of this grant, but that their Lordships may provide him with some appointment, although it may not
be equal in value to his loss, that his great hindrance may be somewhat eased. [One page.] |
March 18.
Brussels. |
636. Sir Richard Morysine to same. Having waited so many
days in hope to have access, and finding that the Emperor still
keeps his bed, so that the Nuncio is driven to take his answer at the
Queen's hand, he had thought it good to give D'Arras the most of
his message, which otherwise he should not have done, had it not
been already rumoured at the Court that certain persons were
coming hither out of England, and others also going to France, and
he was loth to be the last to tell him what he had to do with the
Emperor. It had likewise been said that one of those who were to
come hither should remain as Leger for his Majesty, and Morysine
return with the rest to England. The like also was said in regard
to France and Pickering. States his conversation with D'Arras, who
said that the Emperor wished him to talk with his sister as fully as
if to himself. On the day previous to this interview, Don Diego
offered a visit, and came and spent some time with him; on that
occasion Diego told him that the Emperor had had a very hot fever
and been shrewdly handled, but was now better; that there was
good hope he would wax strong, for now he had left eating of cowmilk and fell to eating of strong broths. "I heard it from good
place, that upon Saturday was seven days he did take his rites:
howbeit, he that did tell it said he did so because he useth to be
houselled twice in the Lent. Others deny it plainly, and say it was
for that he had before that fallen into a swoon, and was for a season
like a dead man. Without all doubt he is very sick, in great weakness, and not without great danger. He that did let so many see
him when Mr. Dudley and I saw him at Luxemburg, would not now
hide him from the Nuncio, nor from me, if he were not in marvellous
evil." Hears the Emperor is content that the Bishop shall send his
two Legates. Alva has his despatch, and goes now through Italy.
"They say still in the morning, he goeth after dinner; and after
dinner, that he parteth the next morrow." Some suppose he wants to
see whether there is any farther amendment, or some utter despair of
recovery. He could not be in greater favour with the Emperor, if
he had been the cause of getting Metz and Paris too. In evidence of
this, he has procured the temporary government of Naples for Sig.
Louis di Toledo, second son of the late Viceroy there; and has also
obtained that the Emperor has entreated his cousin the Duke of
Florence to be General, only that his uncle's son, Don Garcia, may
continue locum tenens before Sienna. Supposed that he goes to Spain,
either to fetch the Prince into Italy to be in Naples himself for a
season, or else to be sent himself again Viceroy thereof, as made by
the Prince. John Manrique goes to Rome to occupy the place of Don
Diego, who is secretly talked of as going to England to remain his
Majesty's Ambassador there. Diego had told him he had a great
desire to go there to kiss the King's hand, which he said he did the
first of all others, the late King's Majesty having done him that
honour. He stays in D'Arras's house, and does what may help forward his master's service. Was informed by him that the Turk does
not arm his gallies this year against the Christians; but means
to keep 50 gallies in the Archipelago for the looking to his own
towns thereabouts. Mentions Diego's opinions as to a peace.
Signor Giordano Orsino coming from Sienna with 500 foot, the most
of whom he left in ambush by the way, had been overcome and taken
prisoner by the Spaniards, and the most of his company taken or
slain. The Duke of Florence has sent for the Marquis Marignan,
who has gone to him. Octavio would neither speak with him, as he
went, nor suffer him to pass through his country. Martin Manna,
chief gentleman of the King of the Romans' chamber, has come here,
bringing reply to an autograph letter of the Emperor, touching the
increased honour of his brother's family. One of his devices still is
that in any wise the Prince of Spain shall marry one of Ferdinand's
daughters. The Palsgrave labours much to quiet his neighbours of
Germany, and has now with him at his castle of Heidelberg, the
Duke of Cleves, the Duke of Bavaria, the Duke of Wirtemberg,
Marquis Albert, and the Bishops of Wurtzburg and Bamberg. As
much is done as may be to agree the Marquis and these bishops. Martin
Van Rosse [Rossem] is made Governor of Luxemburg, some think to
give him some reputation, because the nobles of this country were
scarce content to see his authority so great in the field, who at home,
in time of peace, was not very great. This morning at nine o'clock
was sent for by the Queen, to whom he delivered his message. "She
knit up the matter," in the same words as the Emperor had done,
signifying his desire for peace, and that overtures should proceed
from whence the injuries came first. Told him that the Emperor
was well rid of his gout and fever too, but for that he was a little
weak, Morysine must take it in good part that he had a will to talk
with him, and could not have leave of his physicians to occupy his
head with the hearing of any matters; and, but that it was meant
he should have access to his Majesty, she should have made known
the Emperor's pleasure to him a good while since. [Four pages,
partly in cipher, deciphered.] |
March 20.
Anet. |
637. Letter, without signature, and almost entirely in cipher,
undecipherable, apparently to the French Ambassador in England.
Alludes to the reply given by the French King to the English resident at Paris in reference to King Edward's offer of mediation. His
Majesty and the French King have simultaneously been informed of
the Emperor's sentiments regarding a peace, by the Duke of Northumberland's brother, who has recently returned from the Imperial
Court. M. de Noailles has been obliged to remain for some days at
Paris to rest his horses and put his equipage in order; he shall be
dispatched forthwith. [Four pages. Copy.] |
March 22.
Poissy. |
638. Sir William Pickering to the Council. As soon as he received
their letter of the 4th inst. on the 10th by his servant Eugene, he
started for the Court, then at Anet, a wonderful fair and sumptuous
house belonging to Madame Valentinois, 13 leagues from Poissy,
the place appointed for the Ambassadors' abode till the King's
return to St. Germain. Details his conference with the Constable
and the King regarding the peace, when the latter declared that the
Pope had made a similar offer of mediation, but if there should be
peace between him and the Emperor, no one but the King of
England should have the managing thereof. And, since he must
speak first, he should demand from the Emperor the duchy of Milan,
the kingdoms of Naples and Navarre, with sundry places in Flanders
and other rights belonging to him. Had informed the King of his
approaching recall. After his audience with the King " Madame
Valentinois commanded that collation (as they term it) should be
prepared for me in a gallery, and that afterwards I should see all the
commodities of the house, which were so sumptuous and prince-like
as ever I saw." Has heard on very good authority that the
Constable has been urgent with the Nuncio that the Pope should
interfere; wherefore, for all their courteous terms and promises he
does not thoroughly trust their performance if occasion should happen.
Remembers to have heard that oil is good without the body, and naught
within; so he supposes amongst princes trust would be used. Not
that he would persuade the King's Majesty to any unvirtuous point,
but in his opinion it is vice to use virtue out of place. Had sent
along the coast of Brittany and Normandy to apprehend the pirates,
but ascertained that they had lately left Brest and are now at sea
in the service of the French King. Whereupon, having seen the
Constable on the subject, the Constable said that, being on the sea,
it was not in his power to deliver them, but if they should return
into any of the King's ports they should be apprehended. "This
was his promise, though unto the performance thereof I add no great
faith." The Jacobin friar who railed on the King is admitted a
preacher in the same place again; has remonstrated hereon with
the Constable, but has been put off by an alleged deficiency of
evidence against "a sober man, and one of the most virtuous
preachers in France." Cannot apprise them as yet of the matters of
Calais any farther, though he has sought the same by all the means
he can. The Viceroy of Naples is dead, and Don Curio said to be
his successor. Prince Doria's death is vaguely reported. The Emperor's first enterprise it is supposed will be about Guise; wherefore
the Vidame, who since his return from Italy has been rewarded
with the Order, is sent thither to take the command. Thanks them
for his revocation. [Seventeen pages.] |
March 24.
Brussels. |
639. Sir Richard Morysine to Sir William Cecil. Has left out
one of their news, upon good respect that it might come to him, and
be altered as he sees cause. News have come to this Court that
Hans Frederick's eldest son comes shortly hither. Would be glad
that he came ere Morysine went hence, for that he thinks their ways
will last till he is at the White Friars. Money will be made some
way or other, for Morysine must set him free at his journey's end.
More he knows not, when he does, Cecil shall know it also. Wishes
him to weigh the case, and instruct him what he shall do, if they
at one time happen to cross sail together. Can say no more, but
sacra res est bonum consilium. Must be trusted with those advices that he may best follow, and it shall be seen that he can do
what he sees well required at his hand. [One page.] |
1553. March 28.
Venice. |
640. Peter Vannes to the Council. The small castle of Montichiello, 20 miles from Sienna, had been gallantly defended by Signor
Adriano Baglione, and 400 French soldiers, who frequently
repulsed the besiegers with considerable loss; but they were at
length constrained to surrender at discretion to the Imperialists, who
detained Signor Baglione and three more prisoners, and despoiled
and dismissed the rest of the soldiers, with an oath that thenceforth
they should not serve the French. 200 Imperialists had been slain,
and many more wounded; and the obstinate defence of this small
place had greatly retarded their operations, and given time to the
French to fortify other towns. Montalcino is kept by 1,200 foot
and four French captains. Don Garcia has sent ten ensigns of
Spaniards to Sienna, intending to follow with the rest of the army:
on their march they encountered a band of French horse, and spoiled
and captured several of them. It is thought that eventually the
Imperialists will prevail against Sienna, unless the French King
sends a puissant army into Italy; the defence of that place and the
enterprise of Naples will slenderly go forward, and the natural
difficulties of the frontiers of Piedmont, besides the other obstacles,
will greatly impede them. 4,000 foot have arrived in Piedmont
from France, and 12,000 Swiss are reported to be ready at the
French King's command. The French in Piedmont lately attempted
an enterprise on Ivrea, but the inhabitants being well aware of their
coming, they had to return re infecta. There is a truce between the
King of the Romans and the Turk concerning the matters of Transylvania in Hungary, part of which country remains in possession
of the said King, and the other part in the Turk's hands. This truce
will in divers ways be beneficial to Christendom. There is a rumour
that Mons. de Thermes and the Cardinal of Ferrara have commissions
for the practising of some agreement, provided the liberties of
the Siennese can be assured; but this is not likely to be effected.
The Venetians make no farther provision against the Turk's army.
[Two pages and a half. Inclosure in cipher, deciphered.] |
|
640. I. At a recent solemn festival happened to sit next to the
Bishop of Rome's Legate, who inquired how affairs were
in England. Told him that never before was the realm
in so safe and quiet a state. The Legate then asked if the
insurrections in Ireland were suppressed, for at Rome it
was reported,—the news coming from France,—that the
Scottish Queen was practising with some of the Irish
nobles for the disturbance and conquest of that country.
Replied with a smile, that Ireland was in every part
faithful and obedient, and that such reports only proceeded
from fugitive vagabonds, who, if they did not receive
thanks, at least got good by them. Considers it proper to
communicate this conversation to their Lordships. [Two
pages.] |
March 28.
Weimar. |
641. John Frederick, Duke of Saxony, to King Edward VI. In
support of the petition of Bernhard à Mila, Chief Officer of his Court,
that the pension of 300 crowns, bestowed upon him by King Henry
VIII., now two years in arrear, and which at next Easter will
amount to 750 crowns, may be paid: its suspension, as it would
seem, having arisen from a mistaken report of the death of Mila.
[Latin. Two pages.] |
March 28.
Weimar. |
642. Bernard à Mila, "Eques Auratus," and Chief Officer of the
Court of the Duke of Saxony, to same, requesting payment of
his pension of 300 crowns, granted by King Henry VIII., and
confirmed by his Majesty. [Latin. Two pages.] |
