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Nov. 22.
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406. COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.
It having been given me to understand that Don Antonio
intended to depart from about Paris and repair to those parts where
he proposes to gather his forces, I thought it convenient, for her
Majesty's better satisfaction, to visit him and learn from his own
speech in what state he found himself ; as also through conference
with himself to understand somewhat of his intentions.
After ordinary compliments had passed, he 'uttered' to me that
he was well satisfied with her Majesty's good demonstrations, but
otherwise he lamented to me the evil expense of above 30,000
crowns, employed in the preparation of a navy, which was not
suffered in the end to do him service. Otherwise he said he
doubted not the English nation would stand the Portuguese in stead,
and so seemed to pass over the matter. I learnt from him that he
had sent for his diamond. Then I understood that this king had
given him commissions to gather fighting men, so that he meant,
as he said to me, to levy 7,000 or 7,500 at his own expense. He
intends them to be commanded only by M. Strozzi and the young
Count of Brissac. The king gives him leave to embark his army
where he thinks good, with authority to make arrest of ships to
serve for that purpose.
The French king has given him eight cannons, with other pieces
of artillery, which otherwise, I hear, belonged to Portugal. He
bestows on him certain munition and powder, suffering him 'for
his money' to make any provision for the enterprise. Lastly the
king has written to Marshal Matignon to assist Don Antonio in
all his preparations as if it were his own service.
The Queen Mother promises to pay 3,000 soldiers, and further
disburses to him at this instant 15,000 crowns, wherein there was
some difficulty. Don Antonio hopes to levy 3,000 landsknechts
and in time, upon occasion, to embark 200 French horsemen, which
I think he will find too heavy and too hard a point to compass.
But all these things he 'passed' with me in speech ; and this is as
much as I have learnt concerning his purposes. I enquired of him
whether capitulations had passed between their Majesties and him.
He assured me not, neither for marriage nor otherwise.
The secretary Andrea Albertani, sent from the Duke of Tuscany,
has made request to the king to be paid certain sums of money
owing to his master ; and withal, as I am informed, has made
overture to understand if the Princess of Lorraine will be married
to the Duke of Savoy, requesting the king's good liking that, if he
will consent, one of the Duke of Florence's daughters might be
bestowed on the Duke of Savoy, and offers the marriage of his son
with one of the daughters of Lorraine, thus 'showing' to seek this
king's favour with these introductions. But as I hear, all this is
held suspected, and it is thought that he is moved herein by the
Spanish king to enter the better into this king's interior meaning.
It is said likewise that the Duke of Florence has sought to match
with Ferrara, wherein the Cardinal of Este is a dealer, thinking by
these alliances to become Pope.
This Albertani is known to you. He was sometime secretary
to Aliman [qy. Alamanni], ambassador for Florence in this
Court. Albertani has propounded to the Duke of Lorraine
a marriage of one of his master's daughters with the Marquis
of Ponts [Pont--Mousson], the Duke of Lorraine's eldest
son, who is here, newly recovered of his sickness ; for whom
there is 'spoken' a marriage to be had with the Princess of
Navarre. And now the marriage of M. du Bouchage with Lavalette's
sister is to proceed at once, for the king will absolutely have it
'pass.'
I hear that the Queen of Navarre is in good health, and in that
Court there is an opinion she will come into these parts shortly.
The peace is maintained through France, though there was a bruit
to the contrary of Marshal Montmorency.
Enclosed I send a letter of M. Lansac, which he has written to
his son for the well-using of Mr Luke Ward's ship you wrote to me
of some days ago. I enclose with this an order of prayer, which
this king has caused to be published, to desire God to send them
children ; whereon it is reported the young queen is with child, and
yesterday the king, with the Pope's Nuncio and the young cardinals,
visited the relics in the Holy Chapel. God guide them better, and
give you health.Paris, 22 Nov.
Add. Endd. 3 pp. [France VI. 64.]
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Nov.
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407. COBHAM to [WALSINGHAM].
M. Pinart on the morning he departed sent me word about
6 o'clock that he was then taking his journey towards England by
order given him only late the night before, when the contents of
this were ready to be sent. Howbeit, it seems he gave me but
'Scarborough warning,' for he sent to me only at his mounting. I
hear that M. Lansac will follow, as I signified in my last dispatch
sent some days ago by my servant Burton.
I have been told that M. Pinart said to a friend of his that the
Queen would be drawn by the leg into the wars against King
Philip. I trust that before that be, his master shall be drawn by
the arms.
And whereas I told you that the two Turkish ambassadors were
arrived at this Court, with such circumstances as I then understood,
now the other day one of them, whose name is Azanaga, was
accompanied to the Court by Gondi, and met at the entering in of
the gates by M. Capello Orsini and Chevalier Orason, a Provenal,
and so accompanied, passing through all the guards, to the king's
presence ; where he first used after the Turkish manner three low
'inclinings,' at the last kissing the king's knee. This being done,
he delivered his master's letters, uttering therewith very few words.
But the king delivered by his 'Trusheman' many courteous
speeches. He had in his train only three Turks, besides his own
son.
The other, Aliaga, is not admitted as yet to his audience. By
him they conjecture there will be delivered some negotiation and
confirmation of their league, and that he is to require of the Queen
Mother two slaves, daughters to a woman serving the Sultana,
mother to this great Turk ; who are both in these parts. One, as I
hear, now serves the Queen Mother ; the other is married, and
served sometime the last Duchess of Savoy.
This Aliaga is akin to, or at least had in good opinion with the
great Turk's mother, and therein has shown himself worthy to be
esteemed above Azanaga. The king intends to send the Count de
Sau ambassador into Turkey, to 'accomplish' with the Grand
Seignior for these two legations. Howbeit Queen Mother is desirous
that M. 'Dentragas,' one of the captains of the king's guard,
should rather be sent, being a person for gravity, comeliness of
stature, and experience, to be thought more fit for that purpose.
It is certified from Constantinople that the Sophy's eldest son is
married to the daughter of one of the chief governors among the
sect of the Georgians, with the condition that the Sophy shall
renew and continue the war against the Turk.
It is written from Spain that King Philip remains at Lisbon with
some mistrust, doubting the malice of that people ; whom he finds
to mislike his government. He has discovered many attempts
whereby they intended to destroy his person. They also advertise
that in Lisbon a harquebuss was discharged at Don Pietro de
Medicis. The shot passed under his arm, slaying one of the
footmen that went along beside him.
Cardinal Granvelle has written to a friend of his in these parts
that 'no stay is meant to be made in Spain, but the Viscount
Turenne may be ransomed.' Howbeit, he thought those to whom
he was prisoner would make the most money of him.
The Chevalier d'Orason's brother, lately come from Dauphin,
has brought information to the king from 'Duke de Mena' that he
has razed the walls of all the towns in Dauphin, saving eleven
which he has secured for the king's service. He has also fortified
the citadel of Valence.
They of Genoa are 'in suspect,' doubting the companies of
Spaniards which are come from Naples, Milan, and other places in
Italy, attending on the Empress. She is lodged in Principe Doria's
house, and the 2,000 Spaniards of the tierce of Naples , which came
last, embarked in the galleys of Naples, are at Porto Fino. The
other companies of Spaniards, who 'should be' about 3,000
soldiers, gathered from the garrisons of Milan and other places in
Italy, are lodged in villages about Genoa. So the Signoria of
Genoa has appointed two of the chief citizens to ward daily at the
gates with their ordinary garrison of 500 Germans ; and the
Empress remains there, the winds being contrary, and the
weather 'improper' for her embarking.
Prince Doria has caused his galley to be gilded down to the place
where the oars are placed, having apparelled his Ciurme (which are
the persons appointed to row in her) in green velvet, and the other
officers in green satin, so that it is esteemed he has spent above
250,000 crowns in furnishing her.
The Empress is much displeased to understand that whereas
there are 5,000 old soldiers of the tierees of Milan and Naples to
pass with her, there are found by muster and visitation lately but
2,500, who daily steal away ; being unwilling to return to Spain,
to serve by sea in Barbary, or against the Portuguese.
They certify from Prague that the Duke of Saxony was looked for
to come and visit the Emperor, with whom he had to treat, it is
thought, of some matter of great importance.
The Emperor seeks by all means to have the Hungarians come
to a Diet, to be held either before Christmas or shortly after.
It is written from Rome that the Grand Master of Malta is come
from Malta and landed at Naples, where he was received by the
Viceroy with much honour.
Alessandro Piccolomini of Monte Maricano is 'keeping the fields'
on the territories of the Pope with almost 300 horsemen, banished
persons. He has lately slain about 100 buffaloes near Ancona on
the lands which belong to the Romish Bishop, doing much harm
to the bishop's vassals. He has lately divided his horsemen,
sending one part towards Recanati, the other towards Ancona. He
himself is gone to the frontiers of his own territories, whereby he
may the better defend the passages against his enemies, whom the
Bishop of Rome has dispatched against him under the conduct of
Captain Giacomo Matteucci, accounted to be an expert and valorous
soldier.
The Cardinal of Guise is expected at Rome in the spring.
In Croatia, as they advertise, an overthrow has been given by a
lord of that country to a zangiac with 200 of his Turks. Also the
Archduke Charles of Austria has defeated another zangiac, who
thought to surprise a town of his.
By later letters it is advertised that the Grand Master has arrived
at Rome and had audience once of the Pope. He is lodged in the
Cardinal of Este's palace, being visited and much honoured by the
rest of the cardinals and the principal personages in Rome. For
the government of Malta there is left M. Visconti, sent from the
Pope, and Cavaliere Romagas, who has been chief of the faction
against the Grand Master.
They certify that the brother of the Prince of Cond is looked
for at Rome, and shall be very much made of. At the next promotion
the Pope will make him Cardinal, as he promised the
Cardinal of Bourbon.
There has passed by Turin an ambassador sent to the Duke of
Savoy by King Philip, to break off the marriage between the Duke
and the Duke of Lorraine's daughter, which is held in those parts
to be concluded.
Since writing thus much, the other Turkish ambassador, Aliaga,
has had audience of the king and Queen Mother I am informed
he offered them his master's forces both by sea and land, against
the King of Spain, as well for the recovery of the kingdom of
Portugal as otherwise. He presented to the king two fair scimetars,
with excellent knives [qy. blades] of 'Damasco,' a little cap of
'porsellyne,' full of the Grand Signior's balsamum, and certain
boxes of his treacle. To the Queen Mother he presented certain
needles and pins of that country, with sweet powders, together with
'Esamplars' of needlework, of which he gave part to the Princess
of Lorraine.
The king prepares to bestow upon this Aliaga a bason and ewer
of silver gilt with 2,000 crowns in it, and two pieces of cloth
of gold. To the other he intends to give a great piece of scarlet
cloth and seven other pieces of singular cloth and silks made in
France, with an excellent fair clock, which is to be presented to the
Grand Signior. The value of his present in all will amount to
8,000 crowns. One of the 'semytories' presented to him he has
bestowed on the Duke of Guise.
It is understood they will both be dispatched back again very
shortly.Paris, 22 Nov. 1581.
Add. and endt. gone. 3 pp. [Ibid. VI. 65.]
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Nov. 24.
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408. MASINO DEL BENE to WALSINGHAM.
In reply to yours of the 12th, I will say first that I am much
rejoiced at the reputation which you have here, and I pray God that
the consequence may be most to the advantage of these two Crowns.
At least his Majesty ought to fortify himself with some good and
wholesome counsel, tending above all to persuade him to furnish
himself with good and faithful servants.
As for Don Antonio, Lavalette started today to go to visit him on
the part of the king, since he departs tomorrow from where he is ;
Strozzi goes with him to conduct him, some say as far as Tours,
after which Strozzi is to go to the sea. Others say he is to take him to
Britanny. As for Strozzi he will embark on a special business in
which the Queen is interested, towards America [?] and Don Antonio
will follow the advice of his advisers and will go to that island with
1,500 or 2,000 French to make a fort and works to the best of his
power.
The King of Spain has by now made such good provision
for the affairs of Portugal that he will have no need to make great
account of it ; and he has no means, nor we here either ; nor do
we have things first (?).Paris, 24 Nov. 1581.
Add. Endd. by L. Tomson. Ital. 1 pp. [France VI. 66.]
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Nov. 24.
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409. STROZZI to WALSINGHAM.
Pursuant to the conversations which we had lately at your
lodgings in the presence of the ambassador and M. de Torsay, whom
I was to send to you, I send you this gentleman, who will tell you
on my part all that M. de Torsay would have done, with whom I
cannot at this moment by any means dispense. Wherefore I pray
to give him full credence, and send me by him a detailed and
decided answer.Paris, 24 Nov. 1581.
Add. Endd. by L. Tomson (November alt. to December, but the
date in the letter is plain). Fr. 1 p. [France VI. 67.]
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Nov. 26.
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410. STOKES to WALSINGHAM.
My last to you was the 19th.
There have revolted from the enemy's camp 80 German footmen,
for want of victuals and money, and have fled into Tournay.
Besides these, three cornets of Walloon horse have left the camp,
malcontent for want of victuals and other evil usages, and are gone
to Artois.
The common soldiers in the enemy's camp die daily, very many,
of the bloody flux, for which cause their courages begin to fail.
On the 22nd the Prince of Parma caused a great assault to be
given to Tournay ; and they were most valiantly repulsed, to the
loss of the lives of a great many of their best and chiefest captains
and soldiers. Among these it is said that a Colonel of the Germans
and M. de Glasson [Glajon] were slain, M. de Bours broken one of
his legs, and M. de Montigny, with divers other captains, sore hurt
and not likely to escape it. It seems this assault was intended
eight or ten days before ; for the Prince of Parma, in hope to
prevail, had chosen all the best soldiers out of every company of
horse and foot in his camp, so their loss in this assault is very
great.
Schenk with his horse and foot are in mutiny in Hainault for
want of their pay. They 'lie upon' the poor peasant, and will
march no further till they are paid.
There is come between Calais and Gravelines some part of
Monsieur's forces, namely 2,500 foot and about 1,000 horse. They
look every day for their passing over Gravelines river, and M. de
Rochepot is their general. God send them well over in time, for
the Prince of Parma has sent from his camp 12 cornets and two
regiments of foot, to keep them out if he can.
And though the numbers of these French are small, yet the
magistrates and commons here in this country are very glad of
their coming, and would, it seems, be much gladder if Monsieur
were here, for they surely desire his presence here very much, and
still look how the wind blows in hope of his coming from England
every day ; such is their desire to have him among them.
The 'Gentners' begin to wax angry at the evil government in
the country. This week a great many of them were with the
Prince of Orange at his lodging about it, and to have some better
order set. By report the Prince was glad to speak them fair, and
put all the fault on the Four Members of Flanders, who have been
here in this town these seven months about the affairs of the
country, and now should depart from hence and lie at Ghent. But
it seems they are afraid to lie there, fearing they should deal with
them as they did with the Duke of Aerschot and the rest who were
then at Ghent ; for surely if their dealing do not like them, they
will not be afraid to 'shope' them up, such is their rude dealing,
and therefore they are called rude 'Gentners.'Bruges, 26 Nov.
1581.
P.S.Enclosed I send you a copy of a letter from the Governor
of Meenen to the magistrates of this town, which came 'even very
now' ; wherein you will see the good news of 300 horse that have
entered Tournay, of whom half were Scots and the rest the Prince
of Epinoy's gentlemen and soldiers sent from Ghent to Meenen to
join the Scots. They thrust valiantly through the enemy's camp,
and so entered the town to the great comfort of all the people.
This was done last Thursday night, and they went out of Meenen,
as by the copy of the letter you will see more at large in what
order ; also in what sort the enemy was repulsed at their last
general assault on Tournay, as aforesaid. They left upon the
ramparts as a witness ten or twelve of their ensigns, to their great
dishonour and shame. This news of Tournay, with the coming of
Monsieur's troops aforesaid, has greatly comforted their hearts
here. From Meenen to Tournay is great miles, and very
foul way.
This afternoon is come one from England with letters from
Sainte-Aldegonde to the Prince ; and he has also sent one to the
magistrates of this town ; in which he writes that the marriage is
made between her Majesty and 'Duke Dallenzon.' For which
cause, for the good news' sake, he writes them to make some show
and 'fire of joy' ; which they will do it after they have received
some advice from the Prince, for they are very glad of the news in
this town.
Add. Endd. 3 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XIV. 124.]
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Nov. 27.
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411. ROWLAND YORKE to WALSINGHAM.
Since my last there is no innovation, save that the Prince of
Parma has blown up by mine a bulwark of Tournay and the same
day gave an assault ; but 'were' repulsed, and, as a 'prisoner
Italian' that my men took yesterday says, M. de Montigny and
'Manwishe' were hurt to the death.
We have it very sure that M. 'Roshe potte' is marching with
four regiments of infantry and 600 horse ; but if they come not
stronger it will be but ruin to the country and do small pleasure.
We hold it certain here that her Majesty has finished in the
matter of marriage, to the great content ; in which the pleasure of
God be fulfilled, that it may be to His glory. Pardon me for this ;
but if it be for the advancing of these causes you know well the
'courses that running,' among which you will do well to remember
that your country may withal receive some sensible good either in
employing our people, be it as mercenaries, 'ventorieres' or otherwise,
or else some good footing in the Islands, by any 'colour' it
may beI mean Zealandlest we employ our time and money to
the profit of others as others have done in times past. I would I
were to speak that which I cannot write, being not a good
'sekeritary.'
That you hear not where I am by any report of my actions, the
fault is not in me ; for God knows in what 'passion' I have lived
these three months, that either I have not been employed, or have
not employed myself, seeing so many honest occasions that have
presented, from which I have been cut off by envy. I trust in the
end to overcome them all, and 'whatsomever' if God please.
Thus much I signify to you as to him to whom I am bound to yield
an account ; and having none to speak for me, I present you with
what is truth. Already I have gained that my enemies cannot
speak to my disadvantage either on matter of counsel or of
execution, and speak me fair ; and that you may know that it is
not want of 'treatment' that has discontented me, but want of
liberty to execute that of which I might have had 'honesty' and
my country honour, which all such as have been nourished under
such a master ought to shoot for, I show you how my state is here.
First, I have as sergeant-major or Sergent-de-bataille of all these
troops here 400 florins a month, and two 'in pay' at 35 florins a
month to attend upon me ; besides the entertainment of my company,
which is worth as much more. Of the 13 months, I have
been paid 4 well and truly ; yet all this, wherein I may do you any
service, I will, I protest, set as nothing.
I crave pardon for holding you with my tedious letters. The
Princes of Orange and Espinoy are still at Ghent ; and now our
camp, such as it is, receives a month's pay.Camp by Oudenarde,
27 Nov. 1581. (Signed) Rou : de Yorke.
Add. Endd. 2 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XIV. 125.]
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Nov. 27.
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412. The COUNCIL OF STATE to the QUEEN.
The merchants trading by sea have complained to us that certain
ships, fitted out in your realm under pretext of entering the service
of Don Antonio, are boarding and holding to ransom vessels coming
this way consigned to merchants resident in these countries, which
is contrary to the freedom of the state, and very prejudicial to it,
and will grow worse if not seen to, as evil-doers are wont to be
emboldened by impunity ; and have desired us to petition you that
for the maintenance of the traffic and the treaties passed between
yourself and the provinces of this country, no hindrance shall
be caused by the said ships whether on the high seas or in your
ports to vessels coming to these countries from Portugal, Spain, or
elsewhere, and that you will give orders to all admirals, vice-admirals,
and captains of ports to see that no such robberies are
committed under pretext of serving Don Antonio or others, and if
they find any doing the contrary, to arrest them and proceed
against them as pirates by seizure of their persons and ships.
Ghent, 27 Nov. 1581. (Signed) van Asseliers.
Add. Endd. Fr. 1 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XIV. 126.]
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Nov. 28.
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413. MASINO DEL BENE to WALSINGHAM.
News arrived here late on Saturday evening when the king had
retired, stating that on Wednesday the 22nd inst. her Majesty
was betrothed to his Highness. Since then nothing has been
heard, nor has it been possible to get any good knowledge who
brought the news, though some say it was M. Pier Landi. Nobody
has been able to extract anything from him up till now. From
what I have heard, it came from their ambassador. I congratulated
the Queen Mother upon it on Sunday morning and found her very
cheerful ; nor did I lose the opportunity of reminding her that on
their side they had completed what they had been asked to do before
concluding the league. Hereupon I received a very good reply, of
which we shall have to see the issue. I pray God it may be such
as good men would desire.
The Tournay people are making a stout stand. On the 22nd a
plucky attempt was made on them, which they yet more pluckily
resisted. God be praised for all.
Here the festivities go on continuously. Yesterday Lavalette was
made Duke of Epernon, and he will buy la Fert-au-Vidame. Today
his sister is married to the younger brother of Joyeuse.Paris,
28 Nov. 1581.
Add. Endd. Ital. 1 pp. [France VI. 68.]
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Nov. 29.
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414. COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.
The king seemed to like the news brought him by 'Lande,' but
I hear they do not purpose to dispatch him hence, nor to deliver
the present of 1,000 crowns prepared for him till the advertisement
of Monsieur's marriage is confirmed by some other courier. Thereon
M. Champvalon is stayed, as he told me himself on Monday last,
when it pleased him to visit me ; which was the first time I ever
saw the gentleman.
Last night the king supped at a long table in the lower great hall
in the Louvre. Above him sat his young queen, apparelled in a
French gown of cloth of silver, with wide long sleeves, furred with
fair sables and set with rich pearls. Beneath the king, all on one
side, sat his mother, the Princess of Lorraine, the Duchesses of
Mercur and Aumale only. The bride was in a crimson velvet
gown furred with miniver, 'imbrandered' all over with ciphers and
burning candles, very richly set forth. She stood a time at the
upper end of the king's table, and after the young queen had
begun to eat, the bride sat down at the upper end of the table,
above the young queen. No one else supped in the same hall, but
only a dozen of the queen's ladies at the nether end of another
table in the lower part of the hall.
After supper their Majesties resorted to the upper hall to dance ;
whither came from their supper the Duke of Lorraine, the Princess of
Cond, and the Duchess of Nemours, with the other great ladies of
state. The Duke of Guise entered, having with him the two gentlemen
'Polonoyes Bouroskyes' [Boroskis] ; who after they have
spent some time in this Court intend to repair to her Majesty's.
[Note of this in margin.] 'I have a friend of mine' who sometimes
'haunts to' them. They speak the Italian tongue.
I found means to repair, in company of M. Vetison, to Vantadour
house, where I saw and spoke with Aliaga, by means of his 'trusheman.'
I 'perceive' that this Aliaga Mutapharaga is from Natolia.
His profession is to write well in their Turkish language ; he speaks
it distinctly. It is given me to understand that he has delivered
the king five sundry letters, sealed some with golden, some with
silver seals ; and has used long discourses with the king. In my conference
with him there was occasion offered to speak of the Spaniards.
He said there was a truce 'taken' by the Grand Signior with the
Spanish king, but it was almost expired ; concluding with the words
'gli Spagnioli ingannatores.' He understands Italian, and speaks
some few words in such sort, barbarously. It seems by what
proceeded from him in speech that he had been informed that the
Emperor of the Frenchmen's brother was to marry the Queen of
England. It appears that he is a person employed in the Turk's
Court 'unto' the ambassadors and in foreign affairs. He is very
quick of spirit.
The king has now appointed to depart hence about Monday or
Tuesday next, the 5th Dec. [sic]. The first night I hear he lodges
at 'Noyse' [Noisy], the Marshal of Retz', thence to Anet, to christen
d'Aumale's son, next day to Gaillon, where the Marquis of Conti is
to marry the Countess of Montafi. From thence to return to this
town.
The Duke of Guise has 'procured' to honour Mme de Sauve, as
they informed me, with the marriage of the young Count of Bryen ;
but except she can enchant the Duke of Epernon, the Count must
marry that Duke's youngest sister. She has 'laid her beams
abrande,' and is in show fallen out with the Duke of Guise.
They seek to advance the marriage of Villequier's daughter
with the Count of 'Chosyne,' the queen regnant's brother. The
Duchess of 'Denamoures' waxes jealous of the love that is
made to be between the Duke of Savoy and the Princess of 'Byorne,'
[qy. Barn]. She says the duke has worn that princess's picture
privily about his neck this year. In this sort the princesses are
encumbered and entangled with loves, jealousies, and marriages.
I remain 'in a trance' till I hear from you what passes there.
Paris, 29 Nov.
Add. Endd. and annotated by Walsingham. 3 pp. [France VI.
69.]
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Nov.
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415. [THE QUEEN] to COBHAM.
Being, upon the earnest solicitation of the Duke of Anjou, grown
to a resolution touching our marriage, with condition that the
difficulties lately propounded by our Secretary to the king and
Queen Mother might be removed, which were that we foreseeing
that if our marriage should be accompanied with the burden of
such charges as are incident to a war, it could not be acceptable to
our subjects, if the king desired the marriage, he should assure us
that no part of the charge should light upon us, but be borne by
himself, the duke, and the States ; we have thought meet, knowing
how acceptable this news will be to the king and his mother (to
whom we acknowledge ourselves infinitely bound for their earnest
pursuit of the matter), that you should acquaint the king in what
sort we have yielded our assent, and request him on our behalf that
for the removing of the said difficulty we may receive from him
assurance under the Great Seal of that realm that he will not only
acquit us of all such charges as he and his brother shall be at in
prosecuting his enterprise in the Low Countries, but shall also, in
case the King of Spain attempts anything against us in respect of
that enterprise, upon notice given him thereof, 'denounce' war to
the said king, and proceed against him with all hostility ; and
shall also further promise that, in case there shall in the same
respect be any arrest made of goods pertaining to our subjects, he
will immediately cause an arrest to be made of the goods of the
King of Spain's subjects, whereby ours may be relieved.
Which assurance if we shall receive from the king in form abovementioned,
as also a ratification of the treaty of marriage lately
concluded, you shall assure him from us that we mean to proceed
to a full and absolute conclusion of the marriage. And since
there may arise some doubts and difficulties upon some points of
the instrument that we request to be made, you shall desire the
king to send some one over with it, furnished with sufficient
authority to 'reform' it as occasion shall require.
These matters we would have you to accompany with some such
speeches as is fit for a cause of so great importance ; wherein
nevertheless we forbear to prescribe any particular direction for the
manner thereof, referring it to your own discretion and judgement.
Given at Westminster, the of November, in the four and
twentieth year of our reign.
Draft. Endd. Headed (in a somewhat later hand) : Copy of the
letter written to our Ambassador in France, showing the points
whereon the marriage brake off betwixt the Duke of Anjou and
Q. Eliz. as appears by the Ambassador's letter next following.
TW : [?]. 1 pp. [France VI. 69 bis.]
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Nov.
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416. THE QUEEN to [? BURGHLEY].
Do me not such wrong as to think that I have said a single word
to Sta. except, shortly, that I am thinking of sending him to M.
He said to me : "Madam, I believe that when he comes, you will
treat me like the other time." I answered that he had other business,
that he should approach him [?]. True, I swear to you, that is all I
said to him. As for the messenger, it is true that he came this
morning to Wals : and told him that he saw M : at Dieppe, and that
he knows him as well as his own hand ; and declared to him how he
put to sea in the Channel and had a very bad time in a great storm,
and then returned in perfect safety, and put to sea a second time,
and came straight to Rye. He commanded him not to speak of it to
anyone, on pain of his head, and that he might assure himself he
had not seen him at all, and he was to hold his tongue. As for the
merchants they are not yet arrived, but when they get near
London they will come straight here, and receive orders to keep
from spreading such reports, being so false. I have told Wal : not
to give a sign to any creature in the world that he has heard, and
I am sure he will not. The searcher at Rye knew from the messenger
that he thought M. was coming under his charge, and he
said he wanted to know from Walsingham what he would direct
him to do about that prince. Wals. laughed at it, and said nothing
more. He would have written to him to supply him with horses
and necessaries without seeming to recognize him, and also to
follow him with seven or eight men for fear of any nocturnal
'brigands' ; but I would not consent, saying he would be a great
fool who believed it.
When the merchants are come, you shall ascertain whether they
recognised him or not ; for they would suspect it, I am sure.
Let me know what you wish me to do, etc.
Holograph, but unsigned. Endd. by Burghley : Novemb. 1581.
The Queen's Majesty's letter upon arrival of Monsieur at Depe.
Fr. 1 p. A good deal faded. [France VI. 70.]
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