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Nov. 1.
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378. [DUKE OF LTZELSTEIN] to the DUKE OF ANJOU.
We send you the articles agreed upon between you and me at
Chastelet, as they were copied by your order the same evening by
your Secretary and mine, and for sealing and signature the same
evening or at any rate next morning, by both of us. There only
remained one point respecting Chateau-Thierry to settle, as to
another place which might be acceptable to us. Accordingly we
thought good to find you again at Abbeville to agree upon the house
and complete the contract. Now, not having touched a penny by
your favour at Paris, nor received any assistance from your agent
and councillor M. Dureau [?de Rau], to obtain 1,000 or 1,500
crowns, we have been obliged to withdraw to our own country, and
that against our will. Thus by our journey to the Court we have
also spent the money which we had for our journey to England.
So that if it was known that this recourse to the Court would be
so useless, I should have been glad to be informed of it, in order
that, ignorant as I am of the affairs of the Court, I might not
have fallen into the inconvenience which has befallen me ; as one
who should have given me this information would have done me a
friendly turn. For as I proceed always with a whole heart and
roundly, I always think that everybody is going to act similarly
in regard to me. However, there is no further remedy for past
mistakes, and this will help me in future to look ahead better in
my affairs, and to make a good application of what little we have
gained by this.
And to discourse according to my judgement, that many who do
not care to further your greatness so much as to enrich themselves
and make their own profit by your means for fear that they will
not get so suitable an opportunity of abusing your goodness and
your goods, would not wish to have about you so faithful an overseer,
nor willingly see anyone about you who would advise you not
for the sake of any favour or recompense, but would seek only your
authority and profit roundly and without fear. Wherefore it will
be at your discretion, if you wish to turn your back on [? retourner
de] your own fortune and the safety of your affairs. For you need
only a man who can advise you frankly and can maintain your
authority and your household, and remove the jealousies, quarrels,
and ambitions which exist among your people and have up till now
caused much hindrance to your designs. And to say the truth, if
anyone did not undertake this task from affection to your service
and not for money or reward, they [sic] would not charge themselves
with the dangers and enmities in the place where they put
themselves to serve you.
As for the king and those of his party I am sure that they would
not wish you to be assisted by a prince who would seek your
honour and profit vehemently ( bride abattue) on account of the
distrust which they have of your fortune and prosperity, which they
could not keep in check so well as they do at this hour. And to
say the truth we found M. de Villiers' manner strange, which made
me think many things. For it is certain that collectively, in order
to play their part, they can, if they are wise, by no means endure
to have any overseer appointed. And to say the truth, if a prince
does not understand his own weakness and misfortune, and is in
the least opinionated or difficult (a le [sic] moindre opinion et
difficult) and does not make up his mind to maintain the authority
of whoever undertakes this task in all reasonable things, that
person acts very foolishly in undertaking it. For thus he can gain
only ill-favour, harm, and loss, in not employing his age and his
life better.
There, my cousin, is the discourse I make you, not with any
intention of distrusting you, or of withdrawing the points agreed
upon, or for the sake of one point annulling the rest. That point
is easy to decide. If it be not Chteau-Thierry, let it be another
place. So we do not intend this discourse to put pressure on you
to do this ; but write back that as you see I proceed with a whole
heart, vowed to do you faithful service and friendship, if you have
the least distrust or difficulty or opinion, you will quitthe sooner
the betterall the contract which has passed between us. For if
with such good will and confidence in regard to me, you do not
desire my services, I would not take ten times as much to attach
myself to you, or meddle in your affairs. And if I did not rely on
myself for having means to advance you, and to serve you well, I
would not undertake so many troubles, dangers, and enmities as
I must needs incur if the articles are agreed upon. Wherefore I
humbly beg you to go roundly to work with me, and to declare
your resolution, whether to complete the contract or withdraw it,
in order that I may not lose time and the opportunities which
present themselves elsewhere. And you may believe me, that if I
knew that you were already in any difficulty on account of these
articles, I would not ask for them nor accept them, as I hope for
salvation (? sur le privement de mon salut), even if you accorded me
ten times as much. Our forefathers always said a sure and faithful
friend is more precious than gold ; and if you once lose him, you
do not get him again so soon.
Now, my cousin, I refer everything to your good will and discretion,
begging you to put no constraint on yourself in regard to me
unless you find for yourself it redounds to your own honour and
profit. And forgive me for not writing in courtly fashion, for I
think the period of courtiers will come to an end ; and if potentates
are to subsist they must accommodate themselves to their period
in all sincerity and truth.Pfalzburg, 1 Nov. 1581. (Not signed,
but apparently original.)
Endd. by the writer. Fr. 3 pp. [Germany II. 26.]
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Nov. 3.
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379. COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.
The affairs of Don Antonio proceed in opinion and fair shows.
The treating of them is committed to M. de Lansac, into whose
hands the king has given certain capitulations ; one of which
'contains effect' to bind Don Antonio to marry a wife of this king's
and his mother's appointment, whereon the Princess of Cond is
named. She has so good a liking thereto that I have heard that
marriage is 'laboured' by friends. As I hear that Don Antonio
leaves these parts to repair to Tours, I think to visit him, that I may
hear more particularly of his affairs. He has lately received letters
from Tercera, which he sent to me ; wherein he is advertised that
those islands remain at his devotion. Of this I suppose he has
written, or writes, by Mr Hopton to her Majesty. It seems this
good prince is encumbered with the overmuch vanity of his followers.
The younger Count Brissac levies 1,000 soldiers for the Portuguese
voyage.
The king is departed to Dollenville, where he stays one or two
days, and from thence repairs to Fontenay, a house of Lavalette's
whither Lavalette goes to-morrow. It is meant that the king shall
be entertained there seven or eight days. The queens stay here, if
the king does not alter their determination. The marriage of
M. du Bouchage, brother to the Duke of Joyeuse, is deferred till the
king's return. The king has this day dispatched a gentleman to
cause Lavalette's elder brother to come to Court, to marry Mme du
Bouchage.
The Duke's [sic] Ambassador has long lingered on his journey,
but now he is looked for in three days. He is to be lodged beside
M. Geronimo Gondi.
The Count of Retz is come to Court, restored to better favour,
and through the means of Srillac is 'made friend' with Lavalette.
Since his coming he has been moved to take a voyage into
England, which I hear is intended if the hoped-for marriage takes
place.
M. Joyeuse shows entire affection to the House of Guise,
delivering apparently demonstrations of entire devotion that way ;
which is somewhat more than was looked for, being so near of kin
to the House of Montmorency.
They write from Guyenne that the Queen of Navarre continues
sick.
The party whom I brought to you in the garden at Carnavalet's
house has today been with me. He assures me that if the Prince
of Orange will procure that his Highness shall command him, and
let him have two fit persons, he will entrap four couriers who
continually pass with packets and other messages and sometimes
convey Spaniards likewise to the Prince of Parma. He has
discovered, by the practice he has 'passed' with this Spanish
agent, an Italian named Ambrosio, dwelling at the castle of Crey
near Clermont on the Oise, who has undertaken the poisoning
of the said prince. He has had intelligence of a Frenchman who
is about the prince at present, having a 'brand' red spot or mole
on his cheek, which is a sign easily to be known. This Frenchman
has undertaken to take away the life of the prince. This party is
now going towards Monsieur, to find him in England. I have
directed him to Adams, to bring him to you.
It is signified to me that the king is discontented with Monsieur
for his going, because, as they have told me from those parties who
said they saw his Highness's letters, not long since he wrote to the
king he meant to come to Court. The Queen Mother has been
very sad these few days.
Enclosed I send advertisements from sundry places.
The Prince of Mantua shows himself so proud and sharp, and
his father the Duke of Mantua so miserable, that the Prince of
Parma has little pleasure to see his daughter so bestowed. A
marriage was intended of the Prince of Parma's son, who is 14
years old, with one of the 'Grand Duca's' daughters, but the
Duke of Ferrara has interrupted that match.
The Duke of Guise is gone with the king to entertain him at
his house of Dampierre ; whence the king goes to Limours, the house
that he bought for Duke Joyeuse. But first Lavalette entertains
the king at his house.Paris, 3 Nov. 1581.
Add. Endd. Marginal summaries of contents in Walsingham's
hand. 3 pp. [France VI. 54.]
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Nov. 4.
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380. DUKE CASIMIR to LEICESTER.
My fatherThough the wines of this year do not approach those
of last year in goodness and delicacy, I could not but fulfil my
promise by making you share in them ; as also that by tasting
them you may know the quality of the vines here. I have thought
good to send them by this bearer, Zolcher, whom you know, to
avoid the inconvenience of last year. I think that this time you
will receive them pure and neat, as they came out of my cellar.
This makes me hope that if they are not so choice as might be
desired, at least you will find them better than those which by
Dr. Sudermann's negligence were sent you from Holland blended
and adulterated. And as I am sending some to other lords, I may
tell you that there are four barrels for your share, two of red
Perlwein and two of white.
I greatly desire that a good opportunity might offer of doing you
all pleasure and friendship ; which makes me beg you to spare me
in nothing wherein I may employ myself for you and for the service
of the Queen, whose hands I humbly kiss. Whenever you think
fit to impart to me anything that occurs there, I shall be glad to
hear what may be communicated to our friends.Fridelsheim,
Nov. 4, 1581.
Add. Endd. Fr. 1 p. [Germany II. 27.]
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Nov. 4.
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381. DECREE of the HANSE TOWNS.
The fourth of November, at the assembly at Lubeck, upon the
answer made by the Queen's Privy Council on Oct. 13 to Alderman
Maurice Tymmermann, the said alderman on behalf of the Ambassador
of the general 'Steades' there present, 'may give' to
understand as follows : That the general Hanse 'Steades' as most
ancient friends and confederates with the Crown of England never
were otherwise minded than to continue in good neighbourhood and
friendship therewith, and as they have received the same quasi per
manus from their predecessors, so to continue in it. But whereas
for confirmation of the ancient privileges and because of the
residence kept certain years within the city of Hamburgh some
misunderstanding has been incident, which hitherto by reason of
divers impediments could not be compounded, whereon is ensued
that by certain decrees made on both sides the accustomed traffic
has been suspended, which on the behalf of the 'Steades' has been
done to no other intent but to keep their citizens harmless ; the
ambassadors of the Hanse 'Steades' now assembled at Lubeck
declare by these presents : That they do not mean to execute their
decrees heretofore passed against the subjects or allies of the
Queen, but hereby dissolve and abolish the same, provided always
that 'the same' be not prejudicial to the privileges, ancient
liberties, laudable customs, etc. of either of both parties.Lubeck,
4 Nov. 1581, under the secret seal of the Senate there.
Endd. by L. Tomson, who notes : To this there is an andidecree
[sic] made by the Lords, 31 Jan. 1581. 1 pp. [Hanse
Towns I. 65.]
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Nov. 4.
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382. GILPIN to WALSINGHAM.
The custom or use of these countries' 'longness' in their resolutions
upon suits has and does stay me here longer than I had
hoped, and what I hear or can perceive of their answer hitherto is
likely to fall out, I have written at large to Mr Governor ; as also
of the course they mean to take for the Ipswich merchants' contentment,
which if it tend not too much to the hindrance and
damage of those interested, is better to be accepted as their own
offer in friendship, than by other extremer ways of law, justice, or
trouble to seek satisfaction. I perceive those of Holland and
Zealand will ere long send some agent or commissioner to abide
'there,' for the better maintenance of friendship and correspondence ;
of whom I have also touched somewhat more to Mr
Governor, to trouble you the less.
I send herewith a copy of an intercepted letter, doubting it has
not yet come to your hands.
For the resolution to the three points required by your former
letter, I cannot, 'neither think shall be able,' till I come where the
Prince is, particularly to advertise; but this note hereunder set
down was delivered me as the last set down and passed by the
States at their being here ; and since, no greater or small alteration.
The Hague, 4 Nov. 1581.
On fly-leaf, a statement of the monthly contribution of the united
prorinees (including Brabant and Flanders) ; 524, 115 florins in all.
Also the number of men, viz. : 32,986 foot, 4,750 horse ; their pay
per month, 518,000 fl.
Add. Endd. 1 p. [Holl. and Fl. XIV. 114.]
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Nov. 5
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383. STOKES to WALSINGHAM.
My last was October 29 ; since which by means of foul weather
all things have been something still, saving 'of' Tournay, which
town continues in danger to be lost for want of aid.
Though of late it has been foul weather, and much rain has fallen,
yet the enemy does not forsake his enterprise against Tournay. He
maintains it very hard, for now he has got the 'bulwark' before the
gate, which they first laid their battery to. But they say it stands
them in small help ; for those within the town have made a 'moate'
against it, and beat them out of it with their great artillery, so that
they dare not tarry in it.
The Prince of Parma follows his mining very hard, for he loses
no time at it day or night, and hopes to prevail of his purpose ere
it be long.
As yet I cannot learn of any preparation in hand for the aid of
Tournay, only for want of horsemen ; for it seems all their hope is
of Monsieur and his forces, which if they come not, I perceive
matters will not go well here in Flanders.
At Dunkirk and at Berghes are many soldiers gathered, most of
them come out of Zealand. Some say it is about some enterprise
in those parts, and some that is to meet Monsieur for his guard into
the country.
This week M. du Plessis passed through this town from France,
and is gone to the Prince. He said here that he left Monsieur at
Saint Valery upon his journey to England ; and that he would not
tarry there above seven or eight days, but return to these parts with
speed. Notwithstanding it is feared that it will be long before he
return from thence ; and M. de Sainte-Aldegonde is gone to him.
And as I have written to you in sundry of my 'formers,' matters
on the States' side here in Flanders go not well ; for I see by the
magistrates and other rulers that bear good will to the cause
have [sic] a great misliking of their state, and all for want of a
good government and a good commander over them, which is their
only lack.Bruges, 5 Nov. 1581.
Add. Endd. 1 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XIV. 115.]
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Nov. 5.
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384. ROWLAND YORKE to WALSINGHAM.
I trust you received my last. Although no great occasion
presents to trouble you, I dare not forget my duty with what these
parts yield.
First the not entering of his Highness into the country, after
having raised the siege before Cambray and possessing himself of
that and 'Camberesye,' and so returning and dispersing his army,
has greatly discontented and left this people desolate ; and thereupon
the enemy is treble reinforced in infantry and double in
cavalry, and advanced to the siege of 'Tornue,' which makes this
people that they know not where they are. The troops before
Tournay are 5 regiments of Walloons, 3 of Almanes, and 29 cornets
of cavalry. Of chiefs, the Prince of Parma, Count Mansfeld,
Marquis of 'Rysebrock,' M. de 'Mountanye,' Mondragon, and other
chief Italians, who with their troops are so intrenched that we must
have a greater force than theirs to make them 'make place.' There
have arrived at Louvain 1,500 reiters led by Schenk that was in
'Frise.'
For our troops, we are encamped by Oudenarde ; two regiments
of infantry, and four companies of English, and five of Flemings,
and eleven cornets of horse, of whom four were sent to batter
'la Stoade' (which was the Prince of 'Pinow's), 'Woyssines,' 'Watterflytte,'
and 'Anguesses,' which four were all defeated, with [sic]
some 60 of the horses ; so that since it makes us very quiet, I am
ashamed to live with such 'addresses' and poverty of spirit as I live
with in these unresolute conductors, both in their addresses and
actions. Of these four companies there are above 120 slain and
taken. They were all Flemings, and thought to have all the
honour apart. Therefore they must be content with the dishonour.
Touching the fault, that his Highness did not advance, though
you know it better than I, yet we say that it comes through want
of provision, both from England and from these parts. Money
from these parts 'after' 200,000 florins a month is ready, and
every province has sent according to its 'cotte,' and the most part
already in France ; which sum should endure for five months after
his Highness' entering. The want of performing whereof I fear
will cost the country dear, for with the forces that his Highness
had joining ours they might have done more than they will now be
able to do with double the forces, as well that the enemy is so
reinforced, as the resolution given to the people, and promises which
'brandeloyte de totte cotte' [qu. branloient de tout ct]. But now, since
the sending of the aforesaid sums by 'Allegonde,' which I fear comes
too late, they are assured by letters from such as are in those parts
that his Highness is assembling his army, and to that effect I have seen
divers letters. But the contents of the forces are so far from that I
must hear of, that I assure myself his Highness has more advised
counsel. For to deal with these forces, I must hear of the companies
of ordnance of France, and some 3,000 or 4,000 Swiss or English that
will carry pikes, else little good will be done. Yet his Highness
has written to those of Tournay, without fail to give them succour ;
for the Prince of pinoy showed me the copy of the letters written
to the assurance thereof, and to give them courage in hope of the
honour they shall receive of the besiegers by his means. But now
that he is in those parts, I assure myself you see what will be the
issue here. Truly these parts, so long as I managed in their
affairs, were brought into very good terms, as everyone will confess
with whom I negotiated, and 'did me that honour to his Excellency'
as to prefer my opinion and 'addresses' before any they have
negotiated withal ; but envy did like 'pur me copper la chimine'
[qy. pour me couper le chemin), so much that the only way they
could find to hinder my credit, they gave it forth I was 'espione'
for your Honour. It was one who should rather meddle with his
pulpit than to calumniate any.
I have been these twelve days in this town from our camp, and
had yesterday a prisoner of the enemy's, who assures me that one
who calls himself Lord Latimer is governor of Nivelles ; and M.
de Bockell, one of this town, has sent me the copy of a feigned
discourse made by our fugitives at Lige, which I send to you that
you may see in the least occasion that presently they show their
affections in slandering their own native country. But by this they
show to be the old men, which watch for that which I trust will
never be. Meantime, God so open the eyes and hearts of those
that negotiate with her Majesty, that such wicked persons may ever
hope [sic].
For this poor country, you must not 'leave' to care for it, as you
always have done ; for God be thanked there are yet means here to
make money, so that in time it may come to good managing and
the moyens gnraux into one good manager's hands, as his Highness
or his Excellency. I assure you I know all their secrets
therein, and by this little you may judge, namely that Flanders
alone has maintained in campaign all this summer 40 'anshents'
of infantry, and twelve cornets of cavalry, with all kind of officers,
pioneers, and commissaries, besides their garrisons, amounting to
85,060 florins per month ; besides those of Brabant, Holland,
Zealand, Guelders, and the rest of the provinces. But if from
strangers the land have not relief, I fear the 'sequalles' much. I
was in hope to have come over to kiss your hands, but his
Excellency will not give me leave yet ; but I trust as soon as his
Highness has been in these parts, which we say will be within these
four days, and 'that he should' arrive at Dunkirk, where provision
is made for receiving him if there be anything you please to employ
me in, I shall be happy ; trusting you will not forget your old
servant.
There is a quarrel fallen out here between Villiers the minister
and a Burgundian, and the Burgundian has written an apology
against Villiers which is worth the reading. M. du Plessis has
arrived here and gone to Antwerp ; and means, he and his family,
to depart for France.Ghent, 5 Nov. 1581. (Signed) Rou. de
Yorke.
Add. Endd. 3 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XIV, 116.]
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Nov. 10.
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385. DOMPMARTIN to MARCHAUMONT.
The conviction I have always had of your friendship in pursuance
of the declarations you have been good enough to make, coupled
with my desire to serve you, has caused me to send this express
bearer to you with the present.
So good an occasion presenting itself to be assisted in pursuing
the result of the part allotted to me by his Highness, which has
hitherto remained unfruitful to me, notwithstanding all verbal or
written promises, since it has been for some time alienated to
another, please recommend to his Highness on the strength of what
I have bidden this bearer to ask on my behalf. If I am fortunate
enough to obtain this of you, I cannot fail to be treated (dress) as
I desire.Dompmartin, 10 Nov. 1581. (Signed) De Dompmartin.
Add. Fr. 1 p. [France VI. 55.]
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Nov. 10.
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386. WALSINGHAM to VILLIERS.
Monsieur is here, and ardently prosecuting the business of the
marriage. It only depends on him for it to come to a result.
However, it is not yet known what the issue will be, but it cannot
be long before we see a final decision. I will not fail to advertise
you of what comes of it.
I cannot disguise from you my great contentment at the coming
here of M. de Saint-Aldegonde.Richmond, 10 Nov. 1581.
Copy. Fr. p. [Foreign Entry Book, 162.]
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