|
Oct. 2.
La Ferté Milon. |
265. Dr. Wotton to same. On the 24th ult. received their
letters of the 17th, the bearer having been delayed two days in
Montreuil, while the Burgundians were burning all the neigh
bouring country, especially between Montreuil and Abbeville, and
the sea-coast, so that he could not proceed till they were gone back.
When he received the letter, he was at Paris on private business,
and the King at Villers-Cote-Rez. On the 27th joined the other
Ambassadors at La Ferté, and had scant lighted, when M. du Pot,
Ambassador in England before Boisdaulphin, came by command
of the King to require his attendance at Court on the following
Saturday, being Michaelmas-day, at mass and even-song, as the Feast
of the Order was then to be kept as usual. At this, besides the
King, there were only seven Knights: the Constable, Duc de Montpensier, Duc de Guise, the Prince de la Roche sur Yonne, M. D'Urfé,
Governor to the Dauphin, M. D'Estrees, and the Prince de Condé,
youngest brother to the Duc de Vendôme. These he names
according to the seniority and order as they sat and walked.
After mass, the Ambassadors went to dine in the hall allotted to
the Constable, where were two tables, one for them and the
other for the officers of the Order; the Knights and Cardinal
Lorraine, Chancellor thereof, dining with the King. Before dinner
one of the officers asked him if he knew the name of the late
Duke of Norfolk, because the King had heard of his death, and
it was this officer's duty to write his name in the book, and cause
him to be namely prayed at dirige that day. When dinner was
nigh over, a gentleman from the Constable came to see if they
were merry or lacked anything; and after dinner, they were all
had up together to the King and the Knights. While the King
was conversing with the Nuncio, Wotton spoke to the Constable,
who favours much their Ambassador in England, and who informed
him that his Majesty had received no letters for some time, and
knew nothing of this matter of the Ambassador. Thereafter,
speaking with the King, his Majesty confirmed what the Constable said as to non-communication from the Ambassador, to
whom the conduct of King Philip and her Majesty showed they
never meant to do any thing seeming to his dishonour: that he
took his Ambassador to be a wise and discreet man; but if it
appeared indeed that he did misuse himself in his words, "Foi de
gentilhomme, quoth he, I will make him perceive he doth me
no pleasure !" In further conversation, the Constable inquired
how her Majesty did, and if all was well and quiet at home?
because there was a tale spread abroad of a certain commotion,
and as no letters had been received from their Ambassador since
4th of September, he fancied something must be wrong, and that
the passages were stopped. Wotton replied that if there was
any such, it must be since Monday week, on which day his servant
left the Court, and took his passage from Dover next day, having
heard nothing of it. The truth is, there has been a report here,
at Rouen, Paris, and elsewhere of a great stir in England, promoted by some of the chief Lords there and some of the Council,
of whom sundry had been openly proclaimed traitors in London,
with other like ill-favoured tales, the authors of which, as far as he
can perceive, are some lewd English merchants, passing from Rouen
to Paris. The Constable was also in hand with him to know when
the King should be crowned, saying, that it was reported difficulties
were made to so doing for divers great causes. Was informed
that Wotton knew nothing thereof. As the Ambassadors were
lodged far off, the King went sooner to even-song; after which
they departed. On the 18th ult., had received their letter of the
28th July, concerning the matter of the merchants of Southampton
who lost their goods in the Angel of Wismar: has obtained a
favourable decree, the effect of which he states. Has also obtained
judgment for some Irishmen of Limerick, for whom one Clement
Fanning is solicitor here; by which sentence the King himself
and the Duchess of Valentinois are condemned for some part of the
goods spoiled which came to their use. On the 27th had their
letter of 14th July, with the supplication of James Vander Hove,
the Flemish postmaster at London. Vander Hove had already
entered his process at Havre de Grace, where the judge had
decreed Thomas Killegrew to be arrested for not putting in sufficient
caution according to order. Killigrew has appealed to the marble
table at Rouen; there the process hangeth yet. Their letter of
the 29th, relative to the affair of Richard Butler and others of
Southampton, reached him on 28th ult. He will do his utmost
to assist therein their solicitor Richard Eston, who also acts for
those that lost their property in the Angel above mentioned; but as
Eston has recovered no writings or proofs as to this suit, he will
not proceed until that of the Angel has been decided. Lansac, the
French King's Ambassador by the Pope, thinking to enter Sienna
in disguise, has been taken prisoner. The Prince of Ferrara left
the Court about three weeks ago for home: while here he has
been much made of, and on his departure the King gave him word
to the value of 30,000 crowns, wherewith to pay his debts. This
will doubtless confirm his friendship for France. Signor Ascanio
della Cornia has also been highly entertained: it is thought that
his ransom has been forgiven him, and that he is secretly retained
to the French King. Some think also that the Pope bears a better
affection this way than hitherto; for he is not taken to be the
most constant man of the world. Sienna is very straitly besieged,
and is in danger of famine. Strozzi is supposed to be there by this
time, and Cardinal Farnese, whose country is about Viterbo, labours
hard there with victuals and men. Questions if they shall be able
to do it, the Duke's army round the place being so strong. Hears
that Monte Regione, a town of the Siennese, has surrendered to the
Duke of Florence, who has taken and holds in garrison many
castles and piles near Sienna. It is said that by reason of the
interception of a messenger from Cardinal Farnese, the Turk's navy,
which was sought by the French King to winter on this side, has
returned; and that his army, having been worsted by the Sophy,
has come back to winter at Aleppo. The King 10 or 12 days
ago, hunted so long and took such pains, that he was fain to
keep his chamber three or four days. He is now quite well, and
left Villers-Cote-Rez on the 1st for Chantilly, thence to Escouen
another house of the Constable, and so to Paris, there to make
money for next year's wars, it is supposed; "having," as he says,
"had honour enough for the year." [Seven pages.] |
Oct. 5.
Mantua. |
266. Isabella, Marchioness of Pescara, to Queen Mary. Pays her
respects to her Majesty by medium of the bearer. [Italian. One
page.] |
Oct. 5.
Paris. |
267. Henry II., King of France, to same. Has with much
pleasure learned from the bearer, the Prothonotary De Noailles,
her Majesty's desire for peace and friendship, which he assures
her is thoroughly reciprocated on his part. [Signed by his Majesty,
and countersigned by Bourdon. French. One page.] |
Oct. 5.
Brussels. |
268. Sir John Masone to same. The Diet of Germany, so
often appointed and adjourned, is finally settled to begin at the
feast of St. Martin, next ensuing, in Augsburg; for which purpose
the King of the Romans has already sent thither his harbingers.
The Emperor has a very good will to be present at it, and gives the
Prince assured hope that he shall be; but the ill disposition of his
body commonly in the winter and other things make the Court
believe that he will not move much farther than this town till the
days begin to wax longer. The assembly of the Circles is to be held
as determined at Frankfort on the 14th: for these countries are
sent thither Pyramus, one of the Emperor's secretaries, and one
Dr. Meppa. News from Italy state that the Siennese suffer much
for want of provisions, and the Marquis has taken sundry castles
about the city wherein were considerable stores for supply as
occasion should serve. Meanwhile Strozzi had not been asleep, but
while lying in Montalcino for the curing of his hurts, had provided a considerable quantity of victuals in Petigliano and elsewhere, with which on the 17th of September he marched towards
Sienna. Having notice of this the Marquis laid three different
ambushes for him, into one of which Strozzi fell, and esteeming the
numbers less than they were, fell to buckling with them. His
troops acquitted themselves very valiantly, but at length, finding
themselves overmatched, retreated and took to flight. In this
flight 400 were slain and many taken prisoner, the rest by
benefit of night escaping. Strozzi's horse was killed under him, and
he with much danger got into the town. Every soldier slain was
found to have a bag of biscuit trussed upon his body. Advices from
the town express great lack of bread, wine, and wood, the former
being less deficient, yet not such a quantity as likely to last beyond
the end of this month. Since this overthrow of Strozzi are rendered to the Marquis for the Duke La Capraia, Castello di Murlo,
Monte Pertuso and Capriano, all lying between Montalcino and
Sienna. On the 19th, 23d, and 25th ult, three sundry bands of
the French attempting a like enterprise, were broken, with the loss
of a considerable number killed and taken. Andrea Doria has
returned to Naples to convey for the service of the Duke of Florence
1,500 Spaniards whom he lately dismissed. Dragut Rey is still
with the Turk's army at Prevesa, in Albania, where it is thought he
will winter. Hearing of the coming forward of Doria's gallies,
those of the French and Sala Rey are retired from Port Ercole to
Marseilles. Ascanio Colonna beginning to levy troops in Rome for
the recovery of his estate, seeing that Juliano Cesarini and others
were making men for the defence of his son, desisted and departed
to one of his places in the realm of Naples; where upon suspicion
of practising for the French he is by the Viceroy stayed and committed to prison. Her Majesty has perhaps ere this heard of the
execution of the Count of Waldeck in the camp by the Duke of
Savoy's own hand, for which the Duke is highly commended of all
as maintaining the discipline necessary in war. "This Count was
captain of 400 swertritters, so called because they are armed all in
black. One of that band, having had warning once or twice of his
disorder, had robbed a victualler, and thereupon was taken and
commanded to be executed. The said Count hearing thereof came
to the Duke, and first in gentle sort making intercession for his
man, fell from gentleness to bravery and to high words, and finally
he began to draw his dag from under his girdle. The Duke
espying the danger, and knowing the desperation of that nation,
which in these wars hath appeared by many examples, thought the
surest way to prevent him; and being somewhat quicker than the
other, he discharged his dag upon him and shot him through the
body. This death being by and by known, his band began to mutiny,
but in a small time, partly by the wisdom of such as travailed for
the quieting of the matter, and partly for that they saw themselves
overmatched, they were pacified." The Emperor had allowed
greatly this stout demeaning of the Duke, and wished the 400
ritters incontinently to be dismissed; but they acknowledging their
fault, were, by the intercession of Count Swartzenburg and others,
restored to service. The Emperor has caused the whole matter to
be officially examined and put in authentic writing, for the satisfaction of the Count's family, who might, from ignorance of the real
circumstances, take some displeasure thereat; among whom are the
Bishops of Cologne and Munster. Cardinal Pole having been
disappointed in his efforts to effect a civil peace between the Emperor and the French King, as well as a spiritual one in England,
seems to be out of comfort, and despairing of the one if he sees
shortly no likelihood of the other, begins to talk of returning to
Italy. "If he shall return without saving his country, like as he
shall return a sorrowful man, so shall the realm have lost the
fruition of such a one as for his wisdom, joined with learning, virtue,
and godliness, all the world seeketh and adoreth. In whom it is to
be thought that God hath chosen a special place of habitation, such
is his conversation, adorned with infinite godly qualities above the
ordinary sort of men; and whosoever within the realm liketh him
worse, I would he might have with him the talk of one half hour;
it were a right stony heart that in a small time he could not
soften. If it be his fortune to depart without showing the experience hereof in the realm, his going away shall be, in mine opinion,
like the story of the Gospel of such as dwelt in regione Geresenorum,
who upon a fond fear desired Christ, offering himself unto them,
ut discederet a finibus illorum." [Two pages and a quarter.] |
Oct. 6.
Dover. |
269. Don Perolasso, Ambassador from the King of the Romans,
to Queen Mary. After taking his leave, had come to Dover with
the intention of crossing the sea as speedily as possible, but finds
the passage blockaded by the French vessels that daily show themselves before the harbour. As he only came to be present at her
Majesty's nuptials in obedience to the will of his master, the King
of the Romans, requests that she will give orders to insure his
safe departure from England; and in order that she may be the
better informed of all, sends back the King of Arms of Ireland, who
will declare matters more fully. [French. One page. Addressed,
"A Madame la Reyne de France, Dangleterre, de Naples, de
Jerusalem, Dyrlande, et Princesse Dhespaigne, &c."] |
Oct. 9.
The Emperor's Camp beside Hesdin. |
270. Thomas Stucley to Queen Mary. Thanks her Majesty for her
former clemency and favour. The Duke of Savoy requires his
attendance, but being in much debt, incurred for the service of her
late father and brother, and not for his own private use, begs that
her Majesty will cause such steps to be taken as may exempt him
from arrest. Had been cruelly treated by the late Duke of
Northumberland, in regard of his service in France, which, if it
had not been considered by her Majesty, would have been his
utter undoing, and being the only cause of the enemy's displeasure
and indignation, is like to be the cause of his perdition if he should
fall into the enemy's hands, as he is like to do every hour, and of
whom, if he be taken, he despairs utterly of grace or liberty.
[One page and a half.] |
Oct. 10.
Brussels. |
271. Sir John Masone to same. Yesterday the Emperor arrived at Brussels, and passing through the great street in his
litter was seen of those who so listed to look upon him, to no
small comfort of the beholders to see him after so great travail in
so good a plight. With the exception of a good part, that four
days since left for an exploit in France, the camp remains entire.
In four or five days the fort will be guardable, when a sufficient
force of horse and foot will be left there, and the rest will then
be removed elsewhere. Besides the two mentioned in his last
letter, the Emperor has sent to the Assembly at Frankfort as his
personal deputies the Bishop of Spires and one Peckgly. The
business to be treated at Frankfort and Augsburg is to provide
for the private and public quiet of Germany, for which purpose it
is thought that an overture will be made for the continual entertainment of 10,000 foot and a number of horse, to repress any
disturbances that may arise. Marquis Albert is at Lorraine with
a small company, and in right poor estate. He who two years
ago might have been one of the wealthiest Princes in all those
parts if he would have taken the post offered to him by some
Princes at Heidelberg, now by persuasion of the French has almost
not a house of his own to retire to. "Such luck chanceth oftentimes to such as will more gripe than their arms are able to hold
together." From Italy they hear that the Duke of Ferrara has
committed his wife to custody in his own house, and having
sequestered his two daughters within an abbey in the town, has
dismissed his wife's train and household. The reason is supposed
to be long dissension on account of religious opinions, the Duchess
having for many years been noted to be a great favourer of such
as name themselves Gospellers, whereof the Pope has more than
once written to the Duke. Others assign it to some proof that she
was the mean of sending his son into France, for which divers
have long remained in prison; but as the Duke favours the French
faction, this is improbable. [One page and a quarter.] |
Oct. 14.
Brussels. |
272. Sir John Masone to Queen Mary. Strongly recommends
to her Majesty's favour Sir Thomas Chamberlain, who is at present
returning temporarily to England, and who, like as for his diversity
of languages, wisdom, experience abroad, and sundry other honest
qualities, he is a man right worthy to be considered, so is his mind
and affection wholly bent to the service of her Highness. [Half
a page] |
Oct. 15.
Konigsberg. |
273. Albert, Marquis of Brandenburg, to same. Congratulates her on her marriage with the Prince of Spain. Since she was
pleased to express her gratification at receiving the falcons last
year, sends by the bearer eight more, and regrets they are so few,
as in consequence of the very tempestuous and rainy season the
birds have been rare. [Latin. Broadside. Indorsed by
Petre.] |
| Eod. die. |
274. Same to same. Ventzell has returned and mentioned her
Majesty's kindness in granting his request, for which he offers
his grateful acknowledgments. But as, notwithstanding her
Majesty's gracious promise, those who have custody of Ventzell's
goods refuse to give them up, therefore beseeches the interposition
of her authority to that effect. Also that the 4,000 cloths may
be of every sort unprepared, just as they come from the fuller's
mill, and subjected to the same duties as the common London
unprepared cloths are. The ordnance which Ventzell had procured
for her brother cost 1,100 golden crowns, and those he should wish
to present to her royal Consort. [Latin. Two pages. Indorsed
by Petre.] |
Oct. 20.
Brussels. |
275. Sir John Masone to same. According to appointment the Circles of the Empire meet at Frankfort. These, which
comprehend the whole of Germany, are ten in number, viz., Burgundy with the Low Countries. Suavia, Bavaria, the Electors of the
Rhine, the country of the Rhine, Westphalia, Franconia, Austria,
Upper and Lower Saxony. The Diet will certainly assemble at St.
Martin's tide in Augsburg, where the King of the Romans will be
until the Emperor can go, which he says will be before the spring.
The Cardinal of Augsburg, with another of the Council not yet
named, are to be his Majesty's deputies. The Duke of Florence
increases his army, and besides newly raised troops in Italy, the
Emperor has sent him 4,000 Germans from Piedmont. Prince Doria
is daily expected. Besides the furniture of his gallies he brings to the
Duke 2,000 Spaniards from Naples, with which force it is thought the
taking of Port Ercole will be attempted; and if such attempt shall
be successful, the French will be entirely shut out from bringing
troops or provisions to Sienna by sea. Doria also brings with him
15 ships laden with grain from Sicily; part for Genoa, but the greater
part for Florence. It is trusted that the Turk's own exigencies will
keep Dragut Rey in port, instead of his coming to the Italian seas
at the French King's suit. The Turk is reported to have been
worsted by the Sophy, or at least to have had such success as he
could not vaunt of the better. Strozzi does all he can to prolong
the time, causes every private residence in Sienna to be searched,
and the provisions found therein be brought to a common store for
distribution as occasion may require. He also labours to diminish
the unprofitable number, much to their discontent and to those who
do remain. Some Germans recently sent from Genoa for the
levying of the siege before Corte, entering into the island unadvisedly
have received damage by the French and lost a considerable part of
their numbers. The dissension between the Duke and Duchess of
Ferrara is purely on religious grounds, "the said Duchess having a
good time kept her house apart from her husband, open to all riff
raff both out of France and from elsewhere, resorting thither under
that pretence; which kennel is now broken and dissolved." The
Prince of Ferrara has arrived at Ferrara, very well accepted and
welcomed of his father. "M. de Champigny, brother to M. D'Arras,
who about Montreuil received not long sithen a stripe on the arm
with an harquebuse, having been ill cured is thereof departed to
Almighty God. He was Governor to the Prince of Orange, and a
gentleman of much virtue and courtesy, and therefore is he in this
Court very much lamented." Notwithstanding the ill and changeable weather, the Emperor is in better plight than he has been these
four years at the same season. [One page and a half.] |
Oct.
(After the 18th.) |
276. Queen Mary to Emanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy. Announcing his election as Knight of the Garter, and accrediting the
Lord Clinton and Say, and Garter King of Arms [Dethick] sent to
invest him with the insignia of the Order. [French. Draft. One
page and a half.] |
| Oct. |
277. "The names of the tokens of the Order sent unto the Duke
of Savoy. |
|
"First, a collar of the Order with 20 garters with roses in the
midst, and 20 knots linked together of gold. |
|
"A George of gold enriched with diamonds for the same collar. |
|
"Item, a small chain with 12 pieces, and in every piece three
small diamonds, and 12 pieces, and in every of them three rubies
and 24 pearls. |
|
"A little George of goldsmith's work to hang upon a lace. |
|
"Item, a garter set with letters of goldsmith's work with a buckle
and pendants of the same, and on the pendant a ruby and a pearl
hanging at the end. |
|
"Item, a mantle of blue velvet lined with white sarcenet with a
garter on the shoulder embroidered. |
|
"Item, a gown and hood of crimson velvet lined with white
sarcenet. |
|
"Item, a book of the statutes covered with crimson velvet."
[One page.] |
Oct. 20.
Venice. |
278. Peter Vannes to the Council. By their letters of the 14th
ult. from Hampton Court learned the approval of his diligence by
their Majesties, and rejoiced to hear of their health, and the quiet
of the realm. Sent the letter of thanks to the Cardinal of Mantua.
It is well wicked persons should know that the Queen lacks no
friends and servants anywhere. Though he has only tried in that
matter lewdness of words, yet three months' imprisonment will
charm his late man [Page?] by example of others. Beseeches
pardon for troubling the Queen in such a trifling matter, but of his
bounden duty could not suffer it to pass unexamined, although such
varlets and shameless babbling be rather to be contemned than
worthy to be had in any manner of consideration. The Council will
receive herewith advertisement of occurrences in Italian and English
(missing). As to any league in hand or set forth by the French
King or the Duke of Ferrara for the acceptance of the Venetians,
has not ascertained any certainty thereof. It is not likely that the
Duke, who kept himself neutral while the French enterprises were
flourishing, will now enter into any war; or this Seignory, which
by keeping peace has brought the members of it in fruition of the
golden world, will do so either. It is also to be considered that the
Duke is a wise and puissant Prince, his frontiers and towns very
strong, himself very rich, and unlikely to endanger all. This is his
opinion of the Duke and the Venetians, whatever others may say.
A marriage is said to be in hand between the French King's
daughter (who was appointed to the late King of England) and the
Duke's son; on what conditions he does not know. Mirandola joins
with Ferrara, and being in a powerful and unfriendly Prince's hands
may annoy him much. Likewise Parma joins with Reggio; neither
being able to keep their own, if long pressed by a strong power
without aid of some strong prince. Supposes Mirandola to be
worth 12,000, and Parma 20,000 crowns yearly, notwithstanding
the French King is daily at great charges with them both. On the
other hand, the Duke of Ferrara has great estates in France and
plenty of money, what by marriage, what by exchange, what by a
more profitable recompence and gifts, and what by discharging the
French King of superfluous expenses. What men may conclude
from all this knows not. Thinks the Duke to be a man like other
men, well willing to keep his estate in safety, to advance it peaceably, to bring his lands together, and to oversee anything likely
to be hereafter troublesome; "as to his entering any war, it is not
my credo." The French Ambassador in Venice asserts that his
King is sending into Piedmont, in addition to the troops already
there, 16,000 Swiss and 500 lances. If so, they will have to bring
their provisions and necessaries with them; yet they will find a
good rencounter. Six days since, not having heard of war between
England and France, went, according to the custom, to visit Mons. de
Lodena, the French Ambassador, lately arrived, who has sojourned
long at Ferrara. Found that the French are much inclined to
peace with England. Made suitable answer. Thinks that the
French King is weary of the expense in Italy with such small
success. To-day the Duke called all the Ambassadors before himself
and the Senate, and lamenting the state of Christendom,
specially the mischievousness of the war in Tuscany, told them that
the Pope earnestly desired them to concur with him in obtaining
from their respective Princes some means of composition for the
restoration of Sienna. This the Emperor's Ambassador, a right
wise man, has declared to him. Wishes the Queen might be umpire
in the dispute. By what he could gather from the French Ambassador does not think the French, what with necessity, mixed
perhaps with some fear, and what for other worldly or godly respect,
will be much against it. Respect for the honour of the Queen has
caused him to pass the limits of a servant's duty. [Four pages and
a quarter. Indorsed by Petre.] |
Oct. 23.
Rome. |
279. Extracts from letter to Queen Mary. Pietro Ludovico Farnese
had left Naples to go to the Emperor, but hearing that the Emperor's
coming into Italy was deferred, tarried for a short while on the
way. This the Pope misliking wrote to him that he should hasten
his journey, and if he did not find the Emperor in Naples should
go to him in Sicily, and lose no time. The Emperor in conversation opened his mind to him more than usually, and showed that he
was not well affected to the affairs of the Court of Rome. When
the Pope knew this, he spoke to the Emperor's Ambassador, and
showed that he had never intended anything of which the Emperor
could complain, adding that if the Emperor sought to offend him,
he would endeavour to defend himself. In another letter had mentioned to her Majesty that the Emperor is pressed for money, and
that the German landsknechts had exacted money from the Duke of
Florence and the inhabitants of Lucca, promising that they would
proceed on their route; which however they did not do. Letters
from Constantinople mention that the Sophy after many severe
engagements with the Turk's army sought for peace with the Turk;
that the son of the Turk had marched to Constantinople with part
of his army, and that 50 gallies were being fitted out there, in
addition to those which they had ready. The Pope has returned
to Rome, where also is the Duke of Ferrara. The French encourage
the Pope, and promise that they will never fail him, saying that it
is in his power to do as he pleases with the Christian King, and
that at the General Council whatever the Pope wills shall be done.
So far as is known the Emperor has not arrived in Italy, but is
soon expected. [Latin. One page and a half.] |
Oct. 23.
Brussels. |
280. Sir John Masone to Queen Mary. On the 10th inst. Pietro
Strozzi left Sienna with 600 horse, escorting 3,000 or 4,000 of such
as for sparing of victual were forced to avoid the town, and when
at a short distance from it was met by the Marquis with a sufficient
number. A sharp skirmish ensued, during which, as it is thought
upon a set course, he conveyed himself away, and with 150
horses has gone to Montalcino. The rest, turning the bridle,
retired upon the spurs again back to the town. Particulars of
the hurt on either side are not yet known; but although a proclamation had been previously made, that none taken issuing from the
town should be spared, the poor souls that were going to seek
their adventures were not so cruelly used. "Only for a declaration
that they returned not without compulsion, their garments were
all disfigured in such sort as it might appear they had met with
unfriendly tailors, the women specially returning in very short
apparel, unneath able to hide that that nature would have
covered." Some think the cause of Strozzi leaving the city was
that he considered it to be no longer tenable, and that in case of
any composition his personal safety was doubtful,—an opinion
strengthened by his having had all his valuables removed; but
others think the city is in no such extremity, and that he has left it
either for some exploit to provide more victual, or for some other
such matter as he has conceived in his unquiet head. The Pope
has sent to the Cardinal and his Nuncio to be means with the
Emperor for taking up of the matter, and to see if he can be
content that the town should be put in an indifferent hand until
some way may be effectually adopted for putting an end to the war;
but if the town is in such case as here it is believed to be, this
meaning is not likely to take any place. The French have sent to
the Turk to obtain that Dragut Rey shall winter in the Italian
seas, or if not that he may remain where he presently is to
be readier at the spring for their service. The three States
of Sicily, assembled by Don Juan de Vega, Viceroy there, have
granted to the Emperor 100,000 crowns immediately, and two
crowns of impost on every salma of wheat exported this year, in
addition to the already existing tax of one crown on the salma.
The salma is equal to about two quarters of English measure; and
on due inquiry it is found that after providing for the wants of
the island they may very well spare 100,000 salmas, although this
has been the worst corn year they have had for a long time. This
quantity will not long remain unsold in consequence of the very
unusual scarcity through all Italy. Marc Antonio Colonna has sent
a gentleman to the Emperor to explain his conduct in entering into
his father's estates. The unseasonable weather much hinders the
work of the new fort, especially of the ditches, and forces the
Emperor to keep his army together somewhat longer. The horsemen have made a road into France and have burned and spoiled
all the sea-coast as far as Rennes,—a quarter which all this year
had remained untouched. On their return about Montreuil they
were required by a trumpet that 40 of them would break their
lances with 40 of the garrison. The offer was accepted, and the
thing on both sides very honourably achieved, without the hurt of
anyone. The Emperor's Ambassador arrived here last Friday,
gently visited Masone in the forenoon, and after dinner repaired to
the Cardinal. What passed between them her Majesty will know
by the despatch herewith sent, which he trusts will turn to God's
manifest honour and the true and perfect quietness of the realm.
On the Cardinal's behalf is meant neither ambition, for he shall
never find in England so much honour or estimation as he does
here, nor quietness, which now no man enjoys more, nor any other
worldly thing other than the good and stabled wealth of his native
country; whereof when he be known, if they are so happy as to
enjoy him, such men as now have no great fancy to him, shall
doubtless see the experience to their comforts. [Two pages and a
half.] |
Oct. 28.
Brussels. |
281. Sir John Masone to Queen Mary. Although there are at
present no great occurrents at this Court, takes opportunity of the
return of the Emperor's Ambassador to write to her Majesty.
The victory of the Turk, as reported by the Venetians, is untrue:
the truth being that the Sophy has broken the conduct of his
carriages, and taken 30,000 camels laden with provisions and other
stuff. This number, large as it may seem, is no great thing
when it is considered that the Turk's army consists of 300,000 men,
and that these have to be victualled for many days in the desert:
besides in that country they have no carts or carriages saving that
kind of beast. By this notable hindrance the Turk is compelled to
retreat to Aleppo. Although the French brave much otherwise,
Dragut Rey upon these news prepares to return homewards. Cardinal Farnese at Parma, and the Cardinal of Ferrara at Mirandola,
make all the stir they can to concur with Strozzi for the succour of
Sienna. The French have taken Camaranano, in Piedmont, three
leagues from Asti, of which, although only important as serving
somewhat for the victualling of Villa Ferrara, they have razed the
walls, which were ready to fall of themselves. Late last night
arrived here in post, Mons. de Vaudemont, brother to the Duke of
Lorraine, and presently Governor of that Duchy: as he is a person
of such nobility and altogether French, it is thought he has come
hither for no small purpose. Ascanio Colonna has also sent a gentleman to complain of his misordering, and to require liberty of his
person, being at present confined in Castello Nuovo at Naples.
Perceives by Cardinal Pole that he trusts shortly to be in England,
whereof doubtless the whole realm when they shall know him will
much rejoice. If her Majesty being so contented, and licence of the
Emperor being obtained for one month's absence, could find it in
his heart to conduct the Cardinal to her, or at least a good piece of
the way, and thinks he also would therewith be very well contented.
Leaves all to her Majesty's appointment. [One page and a half.] |
October.
Westminster. |
282. Queen Mary to Lazarus Tucker. Having heard from the
Marquis of Winchester that he is content to prolong the day of
payment of 37,666l. 13s. 4d., which she owes him, and which ought
to be paid on the 31st inst., until the last days of November and
January following in equal parts, she will permit her bond and that
of the City of London to remain in force for the payment on those
days. [French. Minute. Two pages.] |
|
The same in English. [Autograph of Petre. One page.] |
|
Another copy. [One page.] |
