Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 5 Part 1, 1534-1535. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1886.
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'Spain: April 1534, 26-30', in Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 5 Part 1, 1534-1535, ed. Pascual de Gayangos( London, 1886), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/spain/vol5/no1/pp132-147 [accessed 27 November 2024].
'Spain: April 1534, 26-30', in Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 5 Part 1, 1534-1535. Edited by Pascual de Gayangos( London, 1886), British History Online, accessed November 27, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/spain/vol5/no1/pp132-147.
"Spain: April 1534, 26-30". Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 5 Part 1, 1534-1535. Ed. Pascual de Gayangos(London, 1886), , British History Online. Web. 27 November 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/spain/vol5/no1/pp132-147.
April 1534, 26-30
26 April. | 46. Martin Vallés to the High Commander of Leon. | ||
---|---|---|---|
P. Arch. de l'Emp., Mon. Hist. K., 1483, No. 9. B. M. Add. 28,586, f. 244. |
The Ambassador (fn. n1) left me here in charge of the Imperial embassy that I might receive letters and despatches, and forward them to him, and likewise inform your Lordship, as well as Mr. de Grandvelle, of any new occurrences, &c. As the information was to be conveyed by a gentleman of the king of the Romans' chamber, who .was expected to pass through this town, and I was at the time at the court of Saint Germain, I could not possibly avail myself of that conveyance. Since then nothing of any importance has transpired, and therefore I have not written until to-day, when, profiting by the departure of a courier of the Ambassador at this court, I take up my pen and say: | ||
(Cipher:) On the 21st inst., the court being at Cusi (Coucy), there came, riding post, two ambassadors from the king of England: one, a brother of the new Queen, or rather of the King's mistress; the other, the treasurer of the King's household, a great personage. (fn. n2) On the following Tuesday both waited on this King, and spoke with him in his chamber for half an hour's time. The King greeted them profusely, and on the day after, Wednesday, invited them to a festival of the Garter. (fn. n3) On Thursday, king Francis with his sons and principal courtiers attended mass with the English ambassadors. In the chapel, after mass, this King and the Grand Master of France (Anne de Montmorency) received the Garter (garretiere) from the hands of the ambassadors. They afterwards dined at the royal table, and after dinner all three (the King and the two English ambassadors) got up and retired to a closet. On Friday, the ambassadors dined with the King's sister, and the next day took their departure for England. They say that at parting the King presented each of them with a gilt cup of the value, of 1000 crs. each, at least, besides mules and so forth. (fn. n4) | |||
(Cipher:) The Pope's legate and the Venetian ambassador spoke yesterday with the Grand Master, and asked him what the English ambassadors could have told the King, and what their mission was. To the Legate the Grand Master answered that the English had come for the purpose of ascertaining whether the French would take their view, (fn. n5) and do as they had done and would do in future. To the Venetians he explained the matter differently; he said that the ambassadors' errand was to ascertain the King's intentions and will in case they (the English) were attacked or in anywise molested by war by reason of the execution of the Papal sentence; and that the King had answered them that, such being the case, he would assist him with money and all his forces, &c. The ambassadors having since gone to their quarters three leagues hence, I had no opportunity to make them observe the difference there was between the two answers. | |||
There came also, a few days ago, an ambassador of the king of Scotland to ask for the hand of the King's eldest daughter. From Compiegne the ambassador was referred to Paris. Not one of those who reside at Court knows what the King's answer has been; and yet I hear from a gentleman of the Queen's household that they will not grant the king of Scotland's demand, but will try all they can to make him marry the daughter of the widow of Vendosme, and that if the king of Scotland agrees to that they will give with her a good dower (fn. n6) (common writing). That is all we know at present. On our return to Paris, which will take place in 10 or 12 days, I have no doubt we shall know more about it, and then I will advise. The Imperial ambassador is expected here about that time. | |||
It is said for certain that the duke and duchess of Lorraine are coming to Paris (fn. n7) to be present at the marriage of their niece to Monsieur de Longueville. News has also been received that the Suabian league has been broken up; at which these Frenchmen are delighted. For this reason, and also because it has been said that king Francis is about to send a lawyer of the name of Poyete (fn. n8) to the Duke, in order to claim from him part of the inheritance which he says belonged to his mother (Louise de Savoie), and that the duke of Wurtemberg has sold to him certain lands bordering upon his kingdom, it is seriously apprehended that before the end of May next there will be war. The truth thereof I shall write from Paris, because most likely I shall find there the Imperial ambassador. He would have been by this time at Paris, had not fever and distemper seized him when he was about to start on his journey. He has, however, written to me since to say that his illness was of no consequence, and that he hoped (God willing) to be here soon. | |||
I do not write to Mons. de Granvela, because he possesses no cipher in Castillian, and might not understand what I write were I to use another. However, should he like to peruse this letter of mine, your Lordship may give it him that he may help himself with it. | |||
I hear from one of the Queen's household that the King wishes to send one gentleman of his chamber to the Emperor. The object of the mission is unknown. The Most Christian Queen is in good health, thank God. She and her husband leave to-morrow for Paris, where it is calculated they will arrive in 10 or 12 days at the latest. No one knows whither they will go next. | |||
The admiral of France (Brion) has gone to Burgundy, according to report, to pass muster to the troops stationed thereat, and take possession by force of the lands which the princess of Orange sold to long Francis in Franche-Conte, as well as other lands belonging to the duke of Würtenberg. | |||
Mr. de Vandoma (Vendôme) remains in Picardy in order to pass muster to the men-at-arms, and M. de Guise is gone for the same purpose to Champagne, on the plea, it is said, that he is about to marry a daughter of his there. | |||
The king of France is about to send a gentleman of his chamber to the Emperor, on what errand is not known. | |||
Last Penthecost the wedding of Mr. de Langavilla (Longueville) was to have taken place, at which the duke and duchess of Lorraine were to be present. (fn. n9) After that king Francis was to go to Bles (Blois), and, leaving his Queen (Eleanor) there, proceed to Lyons, and thence to Burgundy. | |||
Signed: "Martin Vallés." | |||
Endorsed: "From the secretary of the ambassador in France, 1534." | |||
Addressed: "To the high commander of Leon." | |||
Spanish. Holograph. pp. 3. | |||
26 April. | 47. The Same to Mr. de Granvelle. | ||
P. Arch. de l'Emp., Mon. Hist. 1483, No. 30. |
Arrival of the English ambassadors at the court of France by post on the 21st,—the brother of the King's mistress, and the treasurer of the Royal household. The King received them the day after. They attended the pageants and ceremony of the Garter, heard mass, dined that day with the King, and left the day after. | ||
On the ambassadors of the Pope and Signory inquiring from the Grand Master (Anne de Montmorency) what could be the mission the two said Englishmen had brought, his answers differed; he said one thing to the Papal Nuncio, another to the Venetian ambassador. | |||
An ambassador from king James of Scotland has likewise arrived at this French court, for the purpose, as rumoured, of asking for the hand of the King's eldest daughter (Madeleine); but it is said that he (James) will not get her hand, and that she will be married either to the son of Mr. de Vendosme or to the brother of Monsieur de Labret, and that Madame d'Alançon is strenuously working for this latter marriage. (fn. n10) | |||
There was a talk [at Court] of the kings of France and England having an interview [at Calais], and that then and there would the latter marriage be arranged. | |||
Signed: "Martin Vallés." | |||
Addressed: "To Mr. de Grandvelle." | |||
Endorsed: "Summary of the letters from a servant of the ambassador in France of the 26th April and 9th May..... | |||
Spanish. Original in cipher. Copy and deciphering by Bergenroth. (fn. n11) | |||
26 April. | 48. Count de Cifuentes to the Emperor. | ||
S. E. L. 862, ff. 22–3. B. M. Add. 28,586, f. 238. |
As he was passing through Bologna on his return to France, the bishop of Paris (Jean du Bellay) happened to meet an excusator of the king of England, and a gentleman of the Royal household, who were coming here [to Rome] in order to appeal in their master's name "ad futurum concilium," and for the matrimonial suit to be proceeded with. The Bishop advised them to go back to their own country, telling them that it was too late, since His Holiness had already sentenced the cause. Upon which the two Englishmen went back. | ||
According to the French ambassador residing in this city the bishop of Paris has written to say from Bologna that the excusator and the gentleman of the King were the bearers of a mandate to intervene in the suit. Both news, however, have little foundation. (fn. n12) | |||
Advices from France, moreover, state that when the King first heard of the sentence, he was very much grieved, and said: the king of England is sure to do his worst against the Pope and against the Holy Apostolic See; he will ultimately be the cause of that kingdom being lost to the Church. King Francis had written to His Holiness impressing upon him the necessity of amending the sentence, or at least of suspending the executory letters (executoriales). His Holiness had hitherto refused to do that. | |||
This last information comes from the Venetian ambassador, to whom the bishop of Monçon, (fn. n13) residing here for the king of France, communicated it, sending him a message to that effect.—Rome, 26 April 1534. | |||
Signed: "El Conde de Cifuentes." | |||
Spanish. Original. pp. 4. | |||
26 April | 49. Count Cifuentes to the Same. | ||
S. E. Rom., L. 861, f. 7. B. M. Add. 28,586, f. 234. |
At any rate we must know for certain what His Holiness's intentions are on all points. Let the Ambassador inform us as circumstantially as possible, for the Papal collector here has been duly apprised of the contents of the letter to the Pope. (In the hand of Cobos.) | Advises the arrival at Rome of Tello de Guzman. Though he (Sylva) duly spoke to the Pope on all points contained in the instructions, save those which he knew would greatly annoy him, the pressure of business and hasty departure of this courier prevent his giving a detailed account of the conversation. It will go by the next courier. | |
Baury has not yet arrived, nor the person deputed by the Duke. The ambassador did right well in speaking as he did, and writing to Lope de Soria. | The Venetians have written to their Ambassador at this Court, (fn. n14) advising the arrival at Zante of the transports that were going to Coron. They complained that His Imperial Majesty had not informed them in time of his plans, that they might prepare against a sudden invasion of the Turk. The duke of Urbino (Guidobaldo), to whom the Signory has likewise written on the subject, had returned a satisfactory answer, as will be seen by the copy of a memorandum, which the Duke himself tendered to Mr. de Baure (Waury), on his passage through the place, where the Duke is at present staying. Besides he (Sylva) has taken care that Lope de Soria should also be informed of what was said on this point at the conferences of Marseilles, that he may give full satisfaction to the Signory. | ||
His Majesty, as the duke of Urbino is well aware, has hitherto done all he could do in his favour. The Viceroy is now being written to, recommending the affair to him, though without letting him know of the Duke's complaint. | The Duke of Urbino complains of the viceroy of Naples (marquis de Villafranca), who, he, says, pays little attention to his affairs, has quartered troops in the duchy, which the Emperor lately gave him in the kingdom of Naples, (fn. n15) and besides does not protect him, as he (the Duke) could wish in the possession of the said estate, his right to which some people dispute, &c. | ||
Let the Ambassador do his utmost to bring about some sort of arrangement between the Duke and the Bishop, and in any case favour the Duke without positively offending His Holiness. The matter is fraught with danger, Geneva being, as it is, very much disturbed just now. After all, an agreement is desirable under present circumstances. As to the expedient proposed, of raising money by the creation of Cardinals, it is a dangerous one, and must be abandoned; the Ambassador must not recommend it any how. | The duke of Savoy (Carlo) has written to the Pope by a bishop, his Ambassador, (fn. n16) that Geneva has become Lutheran, begging him (Sylva) to intercede with His Holiness about it. Both he (Sylva) and the Bishop then called on the Pope and asked him for assistance. The Pope, however, promised none, saying that it was the Duke's fault for having quarrelled with the Bishop of that place (Geneva); (fn. n17) but he made a suggestion instead, namely, that the Duke should make his peace with the Bishop, and then matters of Faith might easily be arranged. The Duke, not being satisfied with this answer of the Pope, and the latter saying that he had no money, the Bishop requested him in his (Sylva's) presence to create some cardinals, which the Pope does not seem at all inclined to do. | ||
The affair of Don Juan de Foneseca, &c.—Rome, 26–29 April 1534. | |||
29 April. | 50. The Same to the High Commander. | ||
As the bishop of Paris (Jean du Bellay) was returning to Paris he met at Bologna an excusator of the king of England, with a servant of his, journeying to Rome for the purpose of appealing "ad futurum Concilium," and having all proceedings in the Queen's cause suspended in the meantime. The Bishop told them that it was too late, for sentence had already been pronounced. The French resident ambassador here [at Rome] says that the Bishop (Du Bellay) had written to him that the above-mentioned excusator and the King's servant were actually bringing a mandate to appear in the cause; which seems to him (Sylva) highly improbable. | |||
Let him insist upon the sentence being published, such as it is, without modification or amendment of any kind, and get it into his power to use hereafter as may be advisable. As to the executory, let him follow instructions. | King Francis has written [to the Pope] that on hearing of the sentence in the matrimonial cause, he (the King) had been greatly disappointed and much vexed, because he of England is sure in consequence to do all the harm he can to the Apostolic See, and cause the Pope to lose his authority in that kingdom. King Francis further said in his letter that the sentence must needs be modified, or the expedition of the executory letters suspended. Hitherto, however, His Holiness has refused to comply with the demands of France. He (Sylva) knows this from the Venetian ambassador (Cornaro), to whom the bishop of Macon, (fn. n18) residing here for king Francis, related it. | ||
Spoke to the Pope concerning the speedy despatch of the bulls for the archbishopric of Toledo, and the appointment which had been made. The Pope made some difficulties, being rather discontented at the precipitation with which, he says, the vacant see has been filled, and likewise at the rigour with which certain [ecclesiastical] delinquents are treated in the kingdom of Naples. | |||
Ambrosino Doria has left with 8,000 ducats for the arming and fitting out of the seven Papal galleys. | |||
Prorogation of the bulls of the Crusade for Sicily and Sardinia. | |||
The Ambassador did well in speaking as he did. The Venetian who resides here has been minutely informed of the causes there were for the abandonment of Coron. Should the Turk in revenge attack the Signory, the Emperor will do as much for the defence of their territory as he would for his own. As to sending persons there to represent these things as he (Sylva) proposes, it will not do, because by attaching too much importance to such false reports, we might give rise to suspicion, &c. | In conversation with the Venetian ambassador concerning the relief of Coron, His Holiness said to the former that evidently the Emperor's idea in surrendering that fortress to the Turk was no other than that of making the Signory feel Solyman's vengeance. No sooner was he (Sylva) informed of this than he called on the ambassador and told him that His Majesty, would observe to the letter the agreement made with the Signory. If to undo the mischief that may have been done in that quarter by His Holiness' malicious surmise, the Emperor should deem it advisable to send some agents hither, Lope de Guzman might come here [to Rome] and Tello be sent to Venice. | ||
Bulls granted to the Venetians granting certain tithes on ecclesiastical property, the whole to be employed in the defence of Italy against the Turk. | |||
Sends account of men raised by the king of France. | |||
Is on the best possible terms with Leyva and Toledo, who generally send their despatches open that he (Sylva) may peruse them. | |||
The chief standing difficulty in the expedition of the Toledo bulls are cardinal Cesis' pension and the reserves made by the Emperor, without mentioning the names of the favoured individuals. All here at Home expect to get something on the vacancy. | |||
The Pope is trying to raise 500 light cavalry, part of whom are quartered seven miles from San Germano. | |||
Spanish. Original. pp. 5. | |||
—— | 51. Deliberations in the Emperor's Privy Council. | ||
S. E. L. 1458, ff. 65–7. B. M. Add. 28,587, f. 151. |
Since an answer has come from His Holiness in reply to the memorandum and letters sent from Monçon by Capt. Aponte, respecting what he himself from Marseilles first, and after his return to Rome, was pleased to communicate to the Imperial ministers, giving his own ideas concerning the intentions of the Most Christian King, and his own view of public affairs in Christendom, it seems important, nay, very necessary, to deliberate on the said affairs, and the following particulars:— | ||
First of all, with regard to matters of Faith, it behoves us to consider whether it will he expedient to make some sort of reply to His Holiness, who has lately shown much coolness on that score, principally in what concerns the convocation of the General Council, leaving the affair to follow the natural course of events, and entirely in the hands of God, (fn. n19) as may be inferred from his breve to the king of the Romans, notwithstanding that Faith is now-a-days in a more perilous condition than it has ever been, perhaps worse still, if the bad practices and intelligences of the French and English kings be taken into consideration, &c. | |||
Certainly they must, in order to avoid the many inconveniences that might result, were not His Holiness to be reminded of the resolutions taken at the Diet. | Whether, in case of a reply, His Holiness ought to be reminded of the resolution taken by the States at the recess of Ratisbon, fixing a time within which the General Council was to be held with the Pope's consent and authority, and, if not, with that of His Imperial Majesty, and, failing that, a special one of their nation to be convoked in Germany. As His Holiness makes light of this circumstance without expressly mentioning it in his breve, and the matter is so important, owing to the inconveniences likely to arise out of a national Council, especially if convoked without the consent and intervention of the Pope and Emperor, the Council inquires whether, in the reply to His Holiness, if any, the said considerations and others ought to he mentioned, &c. | ||
Whether some sort of protest ought not to be registered (tacitly or expressly), that the Emperor may hereafter vindicate himself from the charge of not having sufficiently attended to needful measures in matters of Faith, and promoted the convocation and meeting of the General Council, thus justifying his conduct before God, before the world at large, and before the princes of the sacred Roman Empire. | |||
Certainly, and let it be done at once. | Whether these last ought to be informed of His Holiness' breve, in answer to the Emperor's application, and whether it would be expedient to insist thereon in order that the Prince Electors of Germany may again write to His Holiness,—which, however, it is by no means probable they will do, to judge from their past conduct in this affair; or whether it will not be better to leave matters as they are, and give up entirely the General Council, or again to place the affair in the hands of the king of the Romans. | ||
(fn. n20) | |||
Should His Holiness, as we have confidence he will, fulfil his engagements on this point, there is no need reminding him of them, nor can we either ask him to help more efficiently. | Respecting the Turk, the Council asks whether we ought to insist upon His Holiness contributing a larger sum, or giving more efficient help, through himself, as well as through other Christian powers to the repulse of the Infidel; or whether it would be better at once to fit out the galleys that are to meet the Turk, in case of his coming to the coast of Italy, or resist the attacks of Barbarossa and the Jew. | ||
With regard to the general peace, whether His Holiness ought not to be asked to explain his intentions in that particular; how he purposes to act, and what means he has in his power to co-operate in such a desirable object. What answer is to be returned to his assertion that the 1,000 Spaniards now in Italy are quite sufficient for all purposes, and to obviate the war of the ultramontanes. (fn. n21) Whether we ought not to insist upon the said infantry being kept at the joint expense of the Pope and of His Majesty, each taking an equal share. Whether so small a number of Spaniards could, as the Pope suggests, defend Naples, Sicily, and Coron, as well as meet the ultramontanes, should they cross the frontier. In such an event what would the Pope do, and what means has he of opposing the invaders? On what captains and "condottieri" does he rely, whom he could engage to be ready and prepared on the emergency to join the defensive league under Antonio de Leyva? | |||
That, of course, must be tried first, though, according to Cifuentes, there will be but little chance of success. | Whether it will be expedient, to avoid further troubles and complications in Italy, that His Holiness persuade Leonello de Piis, (fn. n22) his servant, to restore Novi to Antonio de Leyva as captain general of the League. Also that he refrain as much as possible from helping persons who directly or indirectly used violence against the Sienese, Luquesa, or any other Italian communities, putting strongly before him the violence which Pirro Colonna has lately used against the Sienese, boasting that he had permission from His Holiness to pass through their territory in arms. | ||
What answer is to be given to the application the Pope has made through Carniseca that count Delia Concordia should consent to La Mirandola being deposited until the justice of his claim be acknowledged, provided, however, he is not made answerable for the murders at the taking of it. His Holiness thinks the proposal acceptable, and we wish to know whether his opinion is to be adopted, or whether we must insist on the unconditional restitution of that castle and estate, owing to the cruelty of the case. | |||
In case of the restitution of Novi and La Mirandola not taking place, what is to be done with regard to the judicial proceedings now being instituted in the name of certain parties; what with those refusing to give them up, especially with Leonelo Pio, who is known to have made a most insolent answer when summoned to give up Novi. Whether, such being the case, and they refusing to surrender, steps should be taken to dispossess them; or, whether, considering the present state of Italy, and the rumours of war now prevailing, it would not be better to dissemble for a while, or remit the affair entirely to the decision of Antonio de Leyva. | |||
Both ways might be tried. | Lastly, should Leonelo and count della Concordia absolutely refuse to give up La Mirandola and Novi, what is to be done with the duke of Ferrara (Alfonso d'Este)and the heirs of count della Mirandola, who claim respectively the possession of those two castles; how are they to be pacified and made to wait; and whether the ambassador of the former, who is now here, and the solicitor representing the heirs of the latter, are to be spoken to, and told that the Emperor's wish is that the restitution be made unconditionally. | ||
Since there is still time for doing what is proposed, the Count ought to be instructed to let us know when and in what terms His Holiness should be addressed on the subject. | Whether it would be advisable under present circumstances to delay the application to His Holiness for the renewal of the promise he once made at Bologna of not breeding enmity against the Duke on account of Modona, Rezzo (Reggio), and Rubiera, during a certain space of time. As the term of 18 months then granted by him will expire on the last day of August, it seems quite unnecessary to apply for a prorogation of it. | ||
Whether, in case of a rupture with France, steps ought to be taken with the Venetians in order to persuade them of His Majesty's pacific intentions, and of his determination to abide by the treaties of alliance and confederacy with the Signory, in order to oppose French designs on Italy. | |||
Whether count Cifuentes or Antonio de Leyva ought to put themselves into communication with the duke of Urbino (Guidobaldo), and ascertain from him what his intentions are, should war break out. The Duke has not yet complained of the Pope or of the king of France, and he is, no doubt dissembling. | |||
Approved, though always adding the clause, "that His Imperial Majesty still doubts of there being any war, since he sees no reason for it." | Whether, in virtue of their applications, the viceroy of Naples (Toledo) and Antonio de Leyva ought to be instructed as to what each of them is to do in case of a rupture, and of the French invading Italy. Whether the answer to their questions is to be conceived in general terms, leaving to the said Leyva, Doria, and viceroy the care of providing for the defence of their respective trusts, or whether each of them is to be addressed in particular. | ||
Let it be so by all means; the Verulan (Ennio Filonardo) might go to the Duke and ascertain what he himself intends doing on the emergency. | Leyva and prothonotary Carazolo (Marino Caracciolo), who reside at Milan, must induce Francesco Sforza to look to the fortification and provisioning of the principal towns and castles of his duchy. Leyva, meanwhile might show great confidence in the duke of Savoy, communicate with him and with the other Italian princes and potentates, and attend to what has lately been written on the pensioning (entretenimiento) of certain German captains, apprising the officer of Besançon (Bonvalot), His Majesty's ambassador in Switzerland, of whatever he (Leyva) and prothonotary Carazolo (Caracciolo) may consider proper and most fit to prevent the king of France making levies in that country; the Duke [of Savoy], on the other hand, using the utmost diligence, and advising of what may happen, &c. | ||
—— | 52. On the English Business. | ||
28,587, f. 158. | Insist upon the chief cause being sentenced, and write to count Cifuentes, the ambassador at Rome, letting him know that whenever the opportunity may seem favourable, he is to say to the Pope how much His Majesty has done, and is doing, for him. | Whether the decision and definition of the principal matter in the divorce suit should be solicited and pushed on at Rome, as well as the suspension of the sentence "super attentatis," especially nowadays when things in England are so hostile to His Holiness and the Apostolic See, and when His Holiness, from a sense of duty or indignation, must necessarily be moved to determine the affair and issue sentence. | |
There is no necessity. | Whether any further steps are to be taken with the king of England in the matter, or whether he had better be left to himself, since all admonitions, persuasions, and so forth, have not only hitherto proved vain, but have, on the contrary, greatly increased his anger. | ||
Whether something ought not to be said to the English ambassador residing at this Imperial court respecting the cruel and harsh treatment of the Queen and of the Princess, her daughter, urging upon the King that, in consideration of their great humility and the respect they entertain for him, and also of their condition and quality, they should receive better treatment. | |||
Wait for His Holiness's answer. | Whether it will be necessary to call His Holiness' attention to the want of respect to Your Majesty in having had the marriage settlements of his niece to the duke of Orleans drawn out; or whether it will be better to leave things as they are, and wait for the course of events, keeping His Holiness all the time in fear of the contingency that Your Imperial Majesty may not consent to that of the duke Alessandro [de' Medici] with your daughter [Margaret]. | ||
Spanish. Original draft. pp. 16. | |||
—— | 53. [Cardinal Merino?] to the Emperor on behalf of Cardinal Farnese. | ||
S. E. Rom., L. 861, f. 83. B. M. Add. 28,587, f. 155. |
Considering the Cardinal's many services, past and present, principally in the English suit, to be of so much importance for Your Majesty—he being a man of such authority, and dean of the Sacred College—considering also how very important it is to gain his good-will in this English business, as well as in others that may occur, it would be advisable that Your Imperial Majesty should favour him at the first ecclesiastical promotion (consulta). for not only does he deserve it better than any other cardinal here, at Rome, but it will be a stimulus to him to continue devoting himself entirely to Your Majesty's service. | ||
Although all the cardinals present at the Emperor's coronation at Bologna were ipso facto declared to be naturalised Spaniards, or otherwise subjects of the Emperor, Farnese ought to have a full confirmation of such a grant. He is just now much aggrieved and offended because in the matter of a canonry of Coria, which he resigned in favour of one Francisco de Trejo, now residing at this Court, a "cedula" has been intimated summoning him to appear personally or by proxy before the Council [of Castille] under the pain specified in the said "cedula," or else to lose both the canonry, which is held at present by Licte Baeza, and the naturalisation which he enjoys. | |||
Spanish. Original draft |