Venice: March 1521 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 3, 1520-1526. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1869.

Citation:

'Venice: March 1521', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 3, 1520-1526, ed. Rawdon Brown( London, 1869), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol3/pp105-109 [accessed 25 November 2024].

March 1521



March 1. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 66.	168. Antonio Surian to the Signory.
	Intelligence received from Germany. The Diet postponed until the middle of Lent. The Emperor will proceed to Italy. Martin Luther is in great repute in those parts of Germany.
	Cardinal Wolsey has received from Rome the confirmation (much desired by him) of his legatine authority for another two years, so that he praises . . . [the Pope?].
	London, 1st March. Registered by Sanuto, 22nd March.
	[Italian.]
March 10. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 31.	169. The Same to the Same.
	Told by Cardinal Wolsey that the Diet was not ended, and that the Emperor meant to go to Italy, but having the Pope, France, and the Signory against him he could not prosper. Also that the levy of infantry and of Switzers was for the purpose of taking Ferrara for the Pope. Mentioned this to the French ambassador, who told him the Scots would come after Easter, as likewise Mons. d'Aubigni.
	In Germany Martin Luther has many followers; this gives the Pope much anxiety.
	The ships [in Flanders?] have been dismissed.
	Requests the appointment of his successor.
	London, 10th March. Registered by Sanuto, 2nd April.
	[Italian.]
March 13. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 43.	170. Giovanni Badoer to the Signory.
	Conversed at Romorantin with King Francis, who told him he had heard from Germany that in the Diet the Emperor discussed his coming into Italy, for which the Princes promised him assistance. It would therefore be necessary to oppose this expedition, as it would have for object the seizure of territory belonging both to the King and to the Signory. It does not appear the Emperor means to return to Spain; neither does the King of England any longer give assurance of his not coming into Italy, as at first; and this because King Francis refused to send grain to supply the scarcity in England.
	Villefranche, 13th March. Registered by Sanuto, 26th March.
	[Italian.]
March 15. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 10.	171. Alvise Gradenigo, Venetian Ambassador in Rome, to the Signory.
	A work composed by Friar Martin Luther had been brought to Rome; and the Pope held it in great account. The Cardinals Santi Quatro and Ancona had consulted together concerning this matter, about which the Pope is very anxious. Friar Martin has a numerous sect in Germany.
	Rome, 15th March. Registered by Sanuto, 18th March.
	[Italian.]
March 18. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. xlviii. p. 173.	172. The Doge and Senate to Giovanni Badoer, Venetian Ambassador in France.
	There are great tumults and sedition in Spain, and the High Constable, not venturing to remain in Burgos, was about to depart for Tordesillas, and join the other troops of his Catholic Highness. The army of the communities was very strong, and increasing daily, and many places had rebelled against the Emperor, whose adherents urged him to go there instantly. It was already reported at the Imperial Court that he would proceed towards Flanders. In confirmation of this, they understand from their ambassador in England that a fleet was being prepared there to convey the Emperor on his return to Spain.
	[Italian.]
March 20. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. pp. 40,41.	173. Alvise Gradenigo to the Signory.
	On the preceding day consistory was held and process read for the canonization of the blessed Zenone, Bishop of Messina, who, in his lifetime, performed more miracles than Christ. He raised the dead; he walked on the water; he struck the earth with a rod, and wine sprung forth; and on the body of a man born without arms he caused arms to grow. This is true, for the ambassador heard the evidence read. The Pope spoke to him (Gradenigo) about Martin Luther.
	Rome, 20th March. Registered by Sanuto, 26th March.
	[Italian.]
March 23. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 36.	174. Martin Luther.
	Note by Sanuto that a brief had arrived from the Pope, granting permission to Master Andrea of Ferrara, of the order of Friars Hermits, to preach, he having been hitherto in concealment at Venice on a charge of abusing the Pope and the Church, and of following the sect of Martin Luther; and so tomorrow morning he will preach.
	[Italian.]
March 24. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 36.	175. Martin Luther.
	In the afternoon a sermon was preached at St. Mark's by the preacher who preaches at S. Lorenzo, Friar . . . . . . . , of the order of Observantine Hermits. The Signory was present with the ambassadors, &c, and he made a fine sermon about peace.
	[Italian.]
March 24. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 117.	176. Antonio Surian to the Signory.
	Understood from the French ambassador [Marigny] that King Henry and Cardinal Wolsey had been informed that King Francis was content the Emperor should go into Italy, provided he did not set foot in the Milanese. This report was circulated by the Spanish ambassador [the Bishop of Badajoz and Helna] and contradicted by the French ambassador, because, as he said, should the Emperor come he must pass through the towns of the Signory, the confederate of the most Christian King, who would never abandon Venice. This the King and Cardinal were pleased to hear. The French ambassador next told them of the agreement made between the Pope and the most Christian King, and of their paying the Switzers destined for Italy conjointly, which was [supposed to be] a proof of their meaning to seize the kingdom of Naples for King Francis and Ferrara for Leo X.; but his King never attempted things of this sort. Concerning Scotland, he said that the ambassadors elected had not chosen to come without an order from the Duke of Albany, the Regent of Scotland, and they wanted him (the ambassador) to proceed there, but the most Christian King does not choose him to do so, in order not to thwart the wishes of King Henry.
	Mons. d'Aubigni, who is in Scotland, is to accompany the ambassadors to England for the purpose of subsequently crossing over to France. The French ambassador wrote to Scotland, that in the event of the ambassadors refusing to come, others should be appointed; so he thinks an embassy will come to England after Easter.
	“Buda,” 24th March. Registered by Sanuto, 27th April.
	[Italian.]
March 24. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 117.	177. The Same to the Same.
	On Palm Sunday attended mass with the King and Cardinal Wolsey; and afterwards dined with the Cardinal, to whom he communicated the news from Syria. The Cardinal said it was unfortunate for Christendom that Gazelli had been routed by Sultan Soliman (fn. 1). Returned him thanks for his good offices in keeping the Signory acquainted with passing events. He replied that he does so, has done so, and will do so; and told him what he (Surian) had already heard from the French ambassador. Also about the Spanish infantry, that the Pope wrote to the King complaining of them, whereupon the King wrote to the Emperor, who replied that he kept and keeps them at the Pope's disposal. The Cardinal, therefore does not understand these proceedings of the Pope with regard to bringing Switzers into Italy. He suspects the Pope of meaning to seize Ferrara; and that the Pope and France pay the Switzers, halving the cost. King Henry disapproves of these things, as they indicate discord among the Christian powers. In conclusion, the Cardinal said he would always give notice of such things as appeared to him important to the State, because his King and he loved the Signory. He then observed that the present Diet of Germany would result like the others;—that they had occupied themselves with private disputes, and not yet spoken about the Emperor's coming into Italy. The Cardinal is of opinion the Emperor will not come, from lack of money. He also spoke about the controversy between the Emperor and the most Christian King, relative to Flanders; and said King Henry had offered his mediation to both parties.
	Dated 24th March. Registered by Sanuto, 27th April.
	[Italian.]
March 27. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 117.	178. Antonio Surian to the Signory.
	Was told by the French ambassador that the Emperor's ambassadors in England have circulated a report that King Francis pays one half of the cost of the Switzers who are coming into Italy for the Pope; and that his most Christian Majesty means to invade the kingdom of Naples; so he (the French ambassador) justified the whole to King Henry and Cardinal Wolsey.
	Dated 27th March. Registered by Sanuto, 27th April.
	[Italian.]
March 30. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 117.	179. The Same to the Same.
	The ambassadors of Scotland refuse to come without the consent of the Duke of Albany; so that Aubigni will not pass through England. A secretary from the Emperor (fn. 2) has come to London in haste, for the purpose (it is reported) of announcing that the King of Navarre is going to war with him, that the Switzers are going into Italy, and that in Flanders Robert de la Mark is threatening him with hostilities.
	Dated 30th March. Registered by Sanuto, 27th April.
	[Italian.]
March 31. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 49.	180. Martin Luther.
	The Bishop of Pola, the Papal Legate (Legato), caused a brief and bull from the Pope to be read in the College,—that under pain of excommunication no one was to keep the works of Martin Luther. The College assented to have it published today by the preachers, and read at the sermon in St. Mark's Church.
	[Italian.]
March 31. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 49.	181. Martin Luther.
	After mass, the College sat to read the bull concerning Friar Martin Luther. It is in print, dated Rome . . . . . . . (fn. 3) To be published in the churches, but not at St. Mark's.
	[Italian.]
March 31. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 50.	182. Martin Luther.
	Today in the churches the Pope's bull concerning Martin Luther was published, charging those who possess his books and works to burn them, under pain of excommunication.
	[Italian.]