Venice: May 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: May 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/pp119-130 [accessed 25 November 2024].

May 1521



May 1. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 126.	203. Alvise Gradenigo to the Signory.
	The Emperor had given a rebuff to Friar Martin Luther, and prevented his departure thence [from Worms?].
	Dom. Rafael de' Medici arrived at Rome last evening; is lodged in the house of a banker, by name Bagolin; and is going to the Pope at La Magnana. Will endeavour to investigate the news brought by him. This evening the Pope has commanded a musical comedy to be performed. (fn. 1)
	Rome, 1st May. Registered by Sanuto, 6th May.
	[Italian.]
May 1. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 202.	204. Antonio Surian to the Signory.
	Was unable to communicate to Cardinal Wolsey the summaries of news contained in the Signory's letters of 26th March and 2nd and 3rd April; but showed them to King Henry, who said the Emperor had sent an envoy extraordinary to him, to complain of the most Christian King, and wished to refer the disputes to the arbitration of himself (King Henry). For this purpose, his Majesty has sent Sir Richard Pace (fn. 2) [sic, for Jerningham] as his ambassador to France, and also Sir Corado [sic, for Sir Richard Wyngfeld] to the Emperor, to ascertain whether an agreement can be negotiated between these sovereigns. The resident French ambassador will depart for France; Mons. Piloto [Poillot], who came on behalf of “Madame” [Louise], to adjust the affairs of Scotland, remains in his stead.
	The King has dismissed the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, (fn. 3) and appointed another in his stead, because he was the son-in-law of the Duke of Buckingham, and he is supposed to have been accused; and [Sir George Nevill Lord Bergavenny?] his [the Duke's?] son-in-law has already been arrested, as likewise two of his nephews, the brothers of the one [Reginald Pole] who is studying at Padua. According to report, they plotted with the Duke of Buckingham against the Crown, and when he (Surian) told the King what the Signory had done for his kinsman, the Paduan student, out of love for his Majesty, he said the State must not make so much of him, lest he prove disloyal like the others. (fn. 4)
	London, 1st May. Registered by Sanuto, 1st June.
	[Italian.]
May 6. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 176.	205. Giovanni Badoer to the Signory.
	The Pope would not join the triple league because the Emperor is not going into Italy. The Chancellor [Duprat], in discussing with him (Badoer) the disputes between King Francis and the Emperor, said that a reply was awaited from England, that King Henry will send an envoy to undertake the arbitration of these differences, and that the Emperor is content to place himself in the hands of the King of England.
	Musi (sic), (fn. 5) 6th May. Registered by Sanuto, 27th May.
	[Italian.]
May 8. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 203.	206. Antonio Surian to the Signory.
	The ambassador destined for the Emperor has departed, and the one accredited to France will leave immediately. In Picardy the French have apparently been worsted by the Emperor's forces; and some Frenchmen have been arrested.
	Two sentences have been passed on the Duke of Buckingham, condemning him to have his head cut off, for high treason; and the merchants are of opinion he will receive the third, namely capital punishment, at Westminster as usual.
	The intelligence communicated by him to the King and others concerning Sultan Soliman is not credited, because the Prior of St. John's [Docwra] says he has letters from Rhodes containing quite the contrary; and there are also recent letters from Rome which say nothing of these Turkish advices.
	London, 8th May Registered by Sanuto, 1st June.
	[Italian.]
May 9. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 177.	207. Giovanni Badoer to the Signory.
	The French King has intercepted letters from the Emperor to the—in Navarre, in reply to his inquiry whether he should destroy the ferry of St. Jean de Port. The Emperor gives orders in the affirmative.
	Was told by the King that in three days he should have a reply from England, and would then be able to make war. He has already raised 10,000 lansquenets and 6,000 Switzers, and intends to have 40 pieces of artillery. He said he was not afraid of what the King of England may write to him.
	Mausi (sic), 9th May. Registered by Sanuto, 27th May.
	[Italian.]
May 11. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 217.	208. Antonio Surian to the Signory.
	The two ambassadors, the one to the Emperor, the other to the most Christian King, have both quitted London. They are sent to notify the Duke of Buckingham's conspiracy (tratato). According to certain statutes of the realm, on account of Brabant and Flanders, the Emperor must be made acquainted with the particulars; and so also the King of France, by reason of his vicinity. The Duke aspired to the Crown, and these two ambassadors would not have been sent, save for this cause. Friar Martin Luther is to be proclaimed an heretic, and his works burnt. He has already been sentenced; and on Sunday Cardinal Wolsey will publish his condemnation by the Councils (Concilj; Universities ?) of Cambridge and Oxford, (fn. 6) as a heretic; and that all his books be burnt under penalty of excommunication, according to the brief received from the Pope.
	Has been told by the French ambassador [Marigny] that the marriage of the Emperor's sister to the King of Hungary will not take place, and that the most Christian King is negotiating a marriage between him and his (King Francis') sister-in-law, Maria Zenevre [sic, Madame Rénée], or with a daughter of the King of Navarre.
	London, 11th May. Registered by Sanuto, 6th June.
	[Italian.]
May 12. Contarini's Original Letter Book, Letter no. 7, St. Mark's Library.	209. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory.
	Departure for Venice on the 10th of his colleague, Francesco Cornaro, who was accompanied a certain distance out of Worms by the English ambassador [Sir Thomas Spinelli] and by a number of the Court.
	Last evening at about 6 p.m. the Cardinal of Mayence sent for the Apostolic Nuncio [Marino Caracciolo], and told him that on the day of the Invention of the Cross [the 3rd of May] Friar Martin Luther had been captured by one Hector, a Bohemian, the enemy of the Duke of Saxony, who had followed Luther to Worms, and on the road after his departure.
	The mode of capture is narrated as follows:—Luther on the day of the Invention of the Cross, having preached at a village in the province of Saxony, dismissed the herald who had accompanied him, and in the afternoon, having got into a waggon with one or two persons, for the purpose of visiting some of his relations in that neighbourhood, he was attacked in itinere by this Hector, the Bohemian, who made Luther change his apparel, and carried him off, whither it is not known.
	The Dean of Mayence has written this same account to the Nuncio. This morning the intelligence was in general circulation, though it is not credited by the Nuncio and persons of judgment, who consider it a feint, artfully devised by Luther, to enable him to go more freely into Denmark, or elsewhere, as shall seem fit to him.
	It is reported from England that the King had ordered the arrest of the Duke of Buckingham, the chief personage in that kingdom, together with two other Knights of the Garter. The real cause is not known, but according to report the Duke had plotted to assassinate Cardinal Wolsey. This the English ambassador denies, though he does not know the reason, affirming merely the fact of the arrest, and that the King had surrendered the Duke for trial by the peers of the realm.
	Mons. de Chievres has constant fever and is dangerously ill; they bled him and shaved his head, and he was considered in great danger; but he rallied last night, though not sufficiently to banish all fear as to the result.
	Worms, 12th May 1521.
	[Italian, 4½ pages.]
May 13. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 218.	210. The Same to the Same.
	On this Sunday morning (sic) (fn. 7) the condemnation of Friar Martin' Luther as an heretic was proclaimed.
	King Henry and Cardinal Wolsey, (fn. 8) with the ambassadors and others, went to the Royal Palace at St. Paul's; the ambassadors were the Pope's, the Emperor's, and himself (Surian). The French ambassador was not present on account of disputes about precedence.
	Cardinal Wolsey, with many bishops in canonicals and the ambassadors, all on horseback, proceeded to the door of St. Paul's Church with a great multitude of people. On dismounting the canopy was brought to the Cardinal with the cross and censer, not as usual for a mere Legate, but as if the Pope in person had arrived.
	On reaching the high altar, the Cardinal kissed the cross, and the ambassadors having seated themselves on a stage placed for them, the Archbishop of Canterbury made a laudatory oration, praising the Cardinal vastly. Then the Bishop of Rochester made a speech, in which he commended the Cardinal for what he had done against Friar Martin Luther, and said the King would act in like manner. He reprobated the Friar's sayings, and upheld the authority of the Pope, and finally published the Papal brief, saying King Henry had written a work against Luther which Cardinal Wolsey held in his hand, but it was not yet completed. After this, the condemnation was published, together with its approval by the King. The ceremony lasted until after 2 p.m.
	The Cardinal invited the ambassadors and bishops to dine with him, and the banquet was sumptuous. (fn. 9)
	The Royal Courts (li eonsegli regj) have condemned the Duke of Buckingham to death. He will be definitively sentenced this morning (13 May) at Westminster, the final sentence having been passed ordering him for decapitation; and he is gone back to the Tower to be executed according to the custom here, and they will do by him as was done by his father and grandfather.
	The King is in bed with tertian ague.
	A brief has arrived from Rome giving greater authority to the Legate Cardinal Wolsey than he had previously.
	The Cardinal wished the Scotch truce to be prolonged for eight months rather than for ten, but at length agreed to the latter term. The King has not yet signed.
	Bequests that his successor may be despatched.
	London, 13th May. Registered by Sanuto, 6th June.
	[Italian.]
May 14. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. xlvin. p. 185, tergo.	211. Chain pawned to the Master of the Rolls.
	Decree of the Senate.
	By the statement now made by the nobleman Andrea Badoer, Knight, this Council understands that on his departure from England, as our ambassador, he was compelled to leave there in pawn the chain given to him by that most Serene King. That chain being evidently no longer recoverable, the Vice-Chancellor to whom it was pledged having died, it is fitting to settle this matter.
	Put to the ballot, that our nobleman above mentioned within the next eight days do pay into our Procurator's office of St. Mark 400 ducats, ready money, in lieu and payment of the above-written chain.
	Ayes, 116. Noes, 27. Neutrals, 0.
	[Italian, 10 lines.]
May 14. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 221.	212. Giovanni Badoer to the Signory.
	Congratulated King Francis on his victory at Pampeluna. He replied that he had written to the King of Navarre, desiring him, on entering his kingdom, to league with the commons of Spain; and that although the army of the Junta had been routed, and their commander D. Juan de Padilla put to death, the Bishop of Zamora nevertheless had come out of Toledo and taken the field. The kingdom of Navarre being now conquered, he will lend part of his troops there in aid of Robert de la Mark. The Emperor has no one with him but the King of England, who, owing to this plot of the Duke of Buckingham, will not quit his realm.
	Dijon, 14th May. Registered by Sanuto, 6th June.
	[Italian.]
May 14–17. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 237.	213. Lodovico Spinelli, Secretary of the Venetian Ambassador in England, to his brother Gasparo Spinelli, Secretary of the Venetian Ambassador in France.
	On Sunday last, the 12th, the ambassadors, Papal, Imperial, and Venetian, were taken to a palace of the Queen's, (fn. 10) and there during two hours awaited the Cardinal of York, the Legate, who came on horseback with a great train of nobility. On his arrival all went processionally to the cathedral church of St. Paul's, where on dismounting they were met by the dean and canons in their copes, and proceeded thus to the high altar.
	The Cardinal was under a canopy, an unusual thing, and after the oration gave the blessing, whereupon all went out of the church processionally, into the churchyard, where there was a lofty platform, which we ascended in great confusion. On this stage was a high chair with its canopy of cloth of gold. In this chair Cardinal Wolsey seated himself, having on his right hand the Papal Nuncio [Ghinucci] and part of the English bishops, and on his left the Imperial and Venetian ambassadors, with the rest of the bishops. In the centre were prelates and lay lords and plebeians. The Cardinal and the others having seated themselves, the Bishop of Rochester ascended a pulpit and delivered an English oration, two hours in length, against Friar Martin Luther, which, being ended, was much commended by Cardinal Wolsey. Then the Cardinal made a speech also in English, excommunicating and cursing Martin and his followers. During the delivery of these speeches, the Lutheran works were burnt.
	These ceremonies being concluded, the Cardinal gave the blessing to all present, and everybody returned home. Thus Luther's festival terminated, upwards of 30,000 persons attending its celebration. The ambassadors accompanied the Cardinal to his dwelling, and dined with him.
	The French ambassador was not invited on account of the disputes with the Emperor about precedence.
	On the morrow, the 13th of May, at 8 o'clock, the Duke of Buckingham was conveyed by water from the Tower to Westminster for judgment, under a strong escort of armed men, lest he should be rescued, by reason of his numerous followers in London. In the evening he was again sent back to the usual prison at the Tower, being led through the town on foot, preceded by the axe with its edge turned towards him, indicating death, according to the custom of this realm.
	From what has been told us, the Duke spoke in his defence for an hour, confuting the charges brought against him with great eloquence, in such wise that all were affected, and no one dared pass sentence; so the Duke perceiving their silence and whispering, urged them to speak, assuring them that he knew it was the King's will that he should die, and that he was content to accept the punishment, not for the crime laid to his account, which was utterly false, but for his very great sins. His death is universally lamented by all London.
	Above the two placards at the doors of the Church excommunicating Luther and his works in the name of the Cardinal, the following words were added in some unknown hand; namely, over one,
	“Bulla Bullæ ambæ amicullæ;”
	and over the other,
	“Araine ante tubam.”
	This has 'greatly displeased the Cardinal, and, from what I understand, he has determined to excommunicate the writer, although he knows not who the author is.
	This morning the late Duke of Buckingham was taken “in forza de' brazi” from the Tower to the scaffold, at the usual place of execution, with a guard of 500 infantry. He addressed the populace in English. Then on his bended knees he recited the penitential psalms, and with the greatest composure calling the executioner, requested that he would dispatch him quickly, and forgave him; after which he took off his gown, and having had his eyes blindfolded, he laid his neck on the block, and the executioner with a woodman's axe (fn. 11) severed his head from his body with three strokes.
	The corpse was immediately placed in a coffin and carried to the church of the Austin Friars, accompanied by six friars and all the infantry.
	The death of the Duke has grieved the city universally. Many wept for him, as did one-third of the spectators, among whom was I. Our Italians had not the heart to see him die. And thus miserably, but with great courage, did he end his days on the 17th of May.
	London, 14th–17th May 1521. Registered by Sanuto, 6th June.
	[Italian.]
May 17. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 218.	214. Antonio Surian to the Signory.
	On this morning at 11 a. m. the Duke of Buckingham was beheaded publicly on a scaffold on the square at the Tower of London. He received his first sentence on the 13th.
	London, 17th May. Registered by Sanuto, 6th June.
	[Italian.]
May 17. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 201.	215. Giovanni Badoer to the Signory.
	Informed by King Francis that Sir Richard Pace, (fn. 12) the English ambassador, had been sent by King Henry to contradict the report of his negotiating the marriage of his daughter to the Emperor and of his interview with the Emperor. King Henry declared he meant to maintain the promise of marriage contracted with the Dauphin; and had answered the Emperor explaining the needlessness of a conference, and that ambassadors would suffice for what was required. The King of England complained of the stirs made by Robert de la Mark, by the Duke of Guelders, and by the Prince of Navarre, with the assistance and encouragement of his most Christian Majesty. He regretted the occurrence of these disputes (controversie) between the Christian powers, and offered himself as arbitrator of their differences.
	To this King Francis had replied, he had never believed these things, as he knew his brother the King of England “was disposed to keep faith with him; and it was unnecessary he should arbitrate, as he (King Francis) required nothing of the Emperor save that the kingdom of Navarre should be given to its rightful owner, as stipulated by the articles signed between them, and that the Emperor should do homage for Flanders, and pay the 150,000 ducats due for the kingdom of Naples. The Emperor, therefore, was in the wrong, and he had sent to defy him.
	Dijon, 17th May. Registered by Sanuto, 17th May.
	[Italian.]
May 18. Contarini's Original Letter Book, Letter no. 9, St. Mark's Library.	216. Gaspaeo Contarini to the Signory.
	The Pope had received the declaration made by the Emperor against Martin Luther, the copy of which the Signory will have already received.
	This declaration the Pope caused to be read in full consistory, and it gave universal satisfaction, the Emperor having shown himself Catholic, and the good son of the Apostolic See.
	On the morning before last (he, Contarini, being present) in the Emperor's chamber, the contents of these letters were notified to his Majesty by the Nuncio in the company of Dom. Hieronimo Leandro. In the opinion of intelligent persons, the reported capture of Martin Luther by Hector, the Bohemian, was a fiction, and Luther is safe and sound in Saxony, and as popular as ever. (fn. 13)
	Worms, 18th May.
	[Italian, 5½ pages.]
May 19. Contarini's Original Letter Book, Letter no. 11, St. Mark's Library.	217. The Same to the Same.
	Report that an ambassador from the King of England to the Emperor [Sir Richard Wyngfeld] has already crossed the Channel, and has arrived in Flanders, (fn. 14) It is supposed that the Emperor will request the Electors to be present when he announces the object of his mission, to show that his Majesty wishes for their advice and opinion, so as to make use of them in this his need.
	Worms, 19th May 1521.
	[Italian, 1 page.]
May 21. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 194.	218. Reginald Pole at Padua.
	On the 21st of May a patent was made out for Sir Reginald Pole, (fn. 15) the kinsman of the King of England, who is come to study at Padua, authorizing him to export plate, clothes, &c.
	[Italian.]
May 21. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 263.	219. Antonio Surian to the Signory.
	Had announced the execution of the Duke of Buckingham. The cause was, that a certain Carthusian monk [Nicholas Hopkins], of great fame as a holy man, told the Duke that by Divine inspiration he knew the King would shortly die. Whereupon the Duke commenced negotiating with divers lords, that in the event of the King's death the kingdom should not pass to the Princess, but to him; and he wrote letters which reached the King's hands, as did one from his chancellor [Robert Gilbert], who also accused him. He was therefore put to death for having plotted against the Crown.
	The King is cured of his fever, and has gone to a palace called Eltham, belonging to the Cardinal, who is also to proceed thither.
	The truce with Scotland is concluded for 10 months, on condition that ambassadors shall be sent hither to conclude the adjustment.
	Cardinal Wolsey would fain adjust the disputes between the Emperor and France, and mediate together with the King. To effect this object two ambassadors were dispatched, as written in former letters.
	The Flemings apparently refuse to go for judgment, (fn. 16) as bound, to the Parliament of Paris.
	The Diet of Germany is dissolved, and the Emperor is expected in Brabant and Flanders.
	London, 21st May. Registered by Sanuto, 19th June.
	[Italian.]
May 22. Contarini's Original Letter Book, Letter no. 12, St. Mark's Library.	220. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory.
	Expected arrival of a second ambassador [Sir Richard Wyngfeld] from England, the resident ambassador [Spinelli] having told his (Contarini's) secretary that he had already reached Cologne, and would be at Worms tomorrow, or on Friday [the 24th] at the latest.
	In the course of conversation, the secretary inquired what was the object of this mission. Spinelli replied that his King having sent an ambassador to the King of France (fn. 17) to dissuade him from waging war on the Emperor, he thought fit to do the like by his Imperial Majesty, to urge him also not to have recourse to the sword. Spinelli added, “Rest assured, secretary, that my King wishes for peace and not for war between these two sovereigns, but, above all, he will not permit the King of France to control the Emperor, (fn. 18) who, though he is proceeding against one who is his subject and vassal, such as Robert de la Mark, is opposed by the King of France,—a thing contrary to law.”
	Spinelli added many other words indicative of dissatisfaction on the part of the King of England with the French demonstrations against the Emperor.
	Mons. de Chièvres has been given over by the physicians.
	Worms, 22nd May 1521.
	[Italian, 3 pages.]
May 22. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 202.	221. Giovanni Badoer to the Segnory.
	An ambassador has arrived from Scotland to request the Duke of Albany, who is at his estates in Provence, to assume the government of that kingdom.
	The Emperor's ambassador has been with Madame [Louise], and told her that the words uttered by him to King Francis were not a defiance to war. She replied, “You in short choose war, not abiding by that whereby you are bound to abide.”
	Had visited Madame, who acquainted him with the statement made to her by the Imperial ambassador, and with the fact that he had proposed the King of England as mediator.
	Dijon, 22nd May. Registered by Sanuto, 1st June.
	[Italian.]
May 24. Contarini's Original Letter Book, Letter no. 13, St. Mark's Library.	222. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory.
	The new ambassador [Sir Richard Wyngfeld] from the King of England arrived here yesterday at noon, and made his entry without any ceremony, save that of being met on the road. The same evening he conferred with the Emperor for the space of an hour.
	Concerning the object of his mission, had been unable to elicit anything farther than was told to the secretary by Wyngfeld's colleague, Spinelli.
	The Pope gives the Emperor fair words, with which the Imperialists are not satisfied; and now they consider the Pope a Frenchman.
	This morning Mons. de Chievres received extreme unction, and is in the hands of his Maker.
	Worms, 24th May 1523.
	[Italian, 4 pages.]
May 26. Contarini's Original Letter Book, Letter no. 14, St. Mark's Library.	223. The Same to the Same.
	A brief had arrived from the Pope in praise of the declaration made against Martin Luther, exhorting the Emperor to continue persecuting him, and to issue his Imperial mandates for the burning of his works and books. Orders given for committing to the flames all the works of Martin Luther; he himself to be outlawed and forbidden to reside in these parts.
	Worms, 26th May 1521.
	[Italian, 6 pages.]
May 28. Contarini's Original Letter Book, Letter no. 15, St. Mark's Library.	224. The Same to the Same.
	Last night, at about 10 p.m., Mons. de Chievres expired. It had been rumoured that he had bequeathed some 500,000 ducats to the Emperor, but neither by the will nor yet by the codicil, added lately, has he left his Majesty anything whatever. It was considered certain that he had left a very great amount of treasure, of which the Spaniards declare publicly that Spain has been deprived, Chièvres appropriating it to himself, of his own accord, and not as a boon from his Sovereign. The like is said of him by the Neapolitans, so that he leaves a bad character; and he is also considered to have been a Frenchman.
	Owing to his death the Chancellor [Gattinara] will augment his authority with the Emperor (although it is already great), as will also his brother-in-law De Bresse [the Governor of Bresse ?]. The management of everything will rest in the hands of these two individuals.
	Had visited the new English ambassador [Sir Richard Wyngfeld], who in truth appeared to him a worthy gentleman (degno zentilhomo). The French ambassador says that Sir Richard Wyngfeld was the person through whose mediation the interview between the Kings of England and France was arranged, and that his most Christian Majesty gave him a very noble and costly service of silver plate. (fn. 19)
	Endeavoured to elicit the object of Wyngfeld's mission, hinting how desirable it would be to make peace between the Emperor and France; but the only reply he could obtain was that the King of England would mediate as one anxious for peace.
	The imperial mandates against Martin Luther had been issued; and it was said that on the morrow (the 29th of May) such of his printed works as could be found, whether in German or Latin, would be burnt in the market place of Worms.
	Worms, 28th May 1521.
	[Italian, 1¾ page.]
May 28. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 263.	225. Antonio Surian to the Signory.
	On the 22nd received the Signory's letters of the 17th and 27th April and 1st May, with the summaries from Germany, Hungary, and Constantinople. Went yesterday to communicate them to Cardinal Wolsey, who thanked the State, saying he and the King were anxious for peace amongst Christians, and had received from the Emperor the instrument of compromise, appointing them judges of his disputes with France, whereupon they wrote to King Francis, offering, should be consent, to accept this office. Cardinal Wolsey said, “The King wants to recover Navarre; should he obtain it, he will lose France.” He then spoke of the journey of Gritti to Milan, to inspect the passes, saying it was unnecessary to send him, as he (Wolsey) had given assurance that for this year the Emperor would not come into Italy, but that Lautrec made Gritti go, to give himself repute. Apologized for the Signory, saying that he went to visit Lautrec, who was going to France. The Cardinal said the State must not show herself so much inclined towards France, lest they render the other powers hostile to Venice, and that the Diet had promised the Emperor 54,000 infantry and much cavalry, besides what he has of his own. Moreover, it was not true the King of France had subsidized the Switzers, though they indeed promised him not to molest the Milanese. This was written by the Swiss Cardinal [of Sion] to Cardinal Wolsey, with whom he (Surian) then went to dinner.
	Dated 28th May. Registered by Sanuto, 19th June.
	[Italian.]
May 28. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 263.	226. Antonio Surian to the Signory.
	After dinner discussed various topics with Cardinal Wolsey, who said “Your Doge is a holy duke.” He then spoke about the news of Gazelli, and his defeat, in consequence of which Syria had returned under the Turkish yoke. Does not believe anything about the Sophy [of Persia]. Inquires whether the Signory has sent an ambassador to Sultan Soliman, and thinks it would be well to send soon, to keep peace with him. The Cardinal then commenced talking about the Emperor, and said he means to come into Italy, and that if those sovereigns accepted their (fn. 20) mediation, he (Wolsey) would be mindful of the Signory, as he wished for peace.
	Dated 28th May. Registered by Sanuto, 19th June.
	[Italian.]
May 29. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxx. p. 264.	227. The Same to the Same.
	Was told by the French ambassador [De la Bâtie] that the truce with Scotland was not yet positive, and that the Cardinal would not ratify it for more than eight months. He has not chosen to sign and send it to Scotland by a Scottish gentleman who came to take it, but is delaying in order that he may [first ?] see the reply of the King of France, so that the dissatisfaction of the English government at the successes of King Francis against the Emperor is manifest. A gentleman [the Sieur de Montpésat] has arrived from the French Court with the [power for the] compromise.
	It is reported that Friar Martin Luther has been captured and will be given up to the Pope.
	Don Ferdinand has quitted the Court at Worms for his marriage to the sister of the King of Hungary, after which he will return to Flanders.
	Cardinal Wolsey had made the same communications to the French ambassador as to him (Surian).
	Dated 29th May. Registered by Sanuto, 19th June.
	[Italian.]