Venice: October 1525

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.

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'Venice: October 1525', 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/pp489-500 [accessed 25 November 2024].

'Venice: October 1525', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 3, 1520-1526. Edited by Rawdon Brown( London, 1869), British History Online, accessed November 25, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol3/pp489-500.

"Venice: October 1525". 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. Web. 25 November 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol3/pp489-500.

October 1525

Oct. 1. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 18. 1126. Marco Foscart to the Doge and Signory.
The Pope told him he had letters from Spain, dated 3rd October, informing him that the most Christian King had been out hunting well guarded. The Cardinal Legate Salviati had not yet arrived at the Imperial Court. Mons. de Montmorency told the Emperor, on behalf of the most Christian King, that the King of England would not make an agreement with his Majesty, nor give him anything whatever. His Holiness has received letters from Lunardo Spina in France, telling him that the Regent, who is at Lyons, had sent an envoy to the Signory, who will not make an agreement with the Emperor.
Sends a copy of the proclamation of the peace between France and the English King, together with a supplement. They had news [at Rome] of the Duke's departure from Ferrara for Spain, concerning which journey there was much discourse.
Rome, 1st October. Registered by Sanuto, 6th October.
[Italian.]
Oct. 2. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 4. 1127. Departure of Richard Pace from Venice.
Yesterday, by order of the College, the Sage of the Council, Ser Francesco Donado, knight, and the sage for the main land, Ser Zaccaria Bembo, were sent to the English ambassador Dom. Richard Pace, who from illness could not come into the College to take leave of the Doge on his, Pace's, return to England, and according to a decree of the Senate they presented him with a chain of the value of 800 ducats. He goes by way of Bassano, and the Signory's governors were ordered to treat him with every attention and with honour, and to go and meet him on his entry into Treviso and Bassano.
On the morning of the 3rd he departed on his way to Treviso.
[Italian.]
Oct. 2. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta), File no. 9. 1128. The Doge and College to Lorenzo Orio, Ambassador in England.
Are expecting to hear from him about the new peace concluded between his Majesty of England and the most Christian King and France, which, as he wrote, was to be proclaimed in London on the 6th, most especially as they have received a copy of the proclamation of the peace which was made at Lyons on the 22nd ultimo; the Signory being named therein, on behalf of the most Christian King and the kingdom of France. Are anxious to hear what has taken place in England.
The Duke of Ferrara departed from Italy on the 25th ultimo, on his way to the Emperor's Court, passing through Mantua and Cremona. The health of the Duke of Milan continues improving, and he is free from fever.
With regard to German affairs, the lansquenets in the neighbourhood of Trent are in their usual quarters.
The Imperial army makes no further stir, save that its Spanish infantry in Piedmont attacked some 2,000 Italian foot soldiers, who having been dismissed by the most serene Regent, were on their march from France. This took place notwithstanding the safe-conduct for their passage, given by the Marquis of Pescara.
[Have written to their ambassador at the Imperial Court to support the proposal to be made to the Emperor by the Legate and other ambassadors for the release of the most Christian King, as suggested to them by Cardinal Wolsey.] (fn. 1) To announce this to the King and Cardinal, and to tell them likewise that their ambassador, the Rev. Richard Pace, quitted Venice today for Padua, on his way to England. His malady continues to prevent him from sleeping, and in truth his Lordship had great need to depart hence, as the climate disagreed with him vastly. Throughout his sojourn at Venice have performed every possible good office for his recovery, both out of respect for those whom he represented and for himself individually, as he is a worthy personage and much beloved by the State.
Letter read to the Sages on both benches, and afterwards by the Secretary Caroldo to the Doge and Counsellors in the Council of Ten.
[Italian.]
Oct. 3. Cicogna copy of the Navagero Despatches. 1129. Andrea Navagero to the Signory.
The negotiation with England, the speedy conclusion of which he announced in his last, is apparently delayed.
Today heard from a very trustworthy person, as a great secret, that yesterday a courier arrived from England bringing the Emperor news that peace between the King and France had been concluded. The English ambassadors at Toledo continue the negotiation notwithstanding, and even yesterday they conferred with the Emperor.
Toledo, 2nd October 1525.
P.S., dated the 3rd.—Has again heard that the account of the peace between England and France is true. The English ambassadors themselves do not deny it, but say it is merely an agreement about future tribute (le pensioni), of which their King has thus secured payment for himself. From other persons in Toledo hears that they are agreed about the tribute (le pensioni) past and future, and that the peace is made, and that they are to be friends of friends and foes of foes.
Late on the 3rd the Duchess of Alençon entered Toledo. The Emperor went to meet her as far as the Square, but without the ambassadors. He was not accompanied by many attendants of any other rank.
[Italian.]
Oct. 3. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 82. 1130. Dom. Soardino to [the Marquis of Mantua?].
During the first two days when the King of France was considered as it were dead, the Emperor held long conferences with the English ambassadors, who denied the agreement which the French said had been made with their King. The day before yesterday the President of Paris arrived in great haste at Toledo from Madrid, with news that the most Christian King's health had improved greatly. A discussion at great length took place on the morrow with the President, and when it was known that the health of the King had improved greatly, the Viceroy went to Madrid under pretence of visiting him. Having there had a long conversation with the Duchess of Alençon, he returned to Toledo, where she is expected today or tomorrow. The King is now free from fever, and as all questions have been so well ventilated, it may be supposed that after her arrival the affair will be arranged in one way or the other. Is of opinion that if the agreement [between France and England,] be true, the French, knowing themselves to be in a much better position, will not so easily cede Burgundy. If, as asserted by the English ambassadors, the news of the treaty be untrue, in that case France will perhaps give better terms; but the result will be known on the arrival of the Duchess of Alençon.
Toledo, 3rd October.
P.S., dated the 4th.—Talking today with the English ambassadors, was told by them that they had lately received letters from England, and are informed that their King has in fact made a certain agreement with the French about the pension to be paid in future, but that nothing more had been stipulated. They said the like to the Legate [Cardinal Salviati], so that they are beginning to admit what they have hitherto denied. Believes that this intelligence was received by them several days ago, but concealed. Is confirmed in his opinion that this agreement between the Emperor and France will not be so speedily concluded, as French prospects have improved greatly, and the Emperor insists positively on the unconditional surrender of Burgundy.
Registered by Sanuto, 23rd October.
[Italian.]
Oct. 6. Cicogna copy of the Navagero Despatches. 1131. Andrea Navagero to the Signory.
The King of France had a relapse lately, and is said still to have a little fever, though it is not known for certain how he is, for he has less liberty than at first, and those about him do not choose any particulars to be known.
Toledo, 6th October 1525.
[Italian.]
Oct. 8. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 41. 1132. Marco Foscari to the Doge and Signory.
Conversed about the league with the Pope, who has heard from England that the Papal Auditor [Ghinucci] is coming to Rome. The peace with France has been proclaimed in England in a different form to the proclamation made at Lyons, as the English treaty includes the Emperor, the Archduke of Austria, his brother, and the Lady Margaret. An envoy from the Emperor had arrived in London to demand the Princess of England in marriage, as it seems that the Emperor will not marry the sister of the King of Portugal.
Rome, 8th October. Registered by Sanuto on the 13th.
[Italian.]
Oct. 10. Cicogna copy of the Navagero Despatches. 1133. Andrea Navagero to the Signory.
Amongst the articles of the “reported” peace (fn. 2) between the Emperor and France, none has seemed more strange and unfair to the French than the one which requires the King to renounce all his friends and confederates. It appears to them that their King is thereby placed in total servitude, and all his friends rendered hostile to him if he abandon those who have served and assisted him, particularly as this clause binds him to desert Robert de la Marck and the Duke of Guelders, which the French will never do, and if they did they would be considered most ungrateful.
It also seems that this clause was inserted to exclude the King of England from the peace made by him with France, which peace has greatly exasperated the Imperialists.
Since the receipt at Toledo of certain news of the peace between England and France, the Emperor has sent to Mons. de la Chau in Portugal, desiring him to conclude the marriage with the King's sister, and the Legate has already received the dispensation from Rome; so the Court is expected to go soon to Seville, where the marriage will take place.
Toledo, 10th October 1525.
[Italian.]
Oct. 11. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 38. 1134. Hieronimo Lippomano, Bailiff and Captain at Bassano, to the Doge and Signory.
The English ambassador, Pace, arrived here yesterday. In accordance with the Signory's orders, showed him all possible honour and attention. Today Pace departed for Primolano. Sent in advance desiring the landlord of the inn there to do him honour and make no charge, as the Signory would pay for everything; so he departed extremely well satisfied.
According to advices from Trent the 4,000 infantry under the Bishop of Brixen, who were marching with him to recover his territory, went back to Trent, having had an encounter with the peasants.
The Bishop there has caused two peasants to be beheaded at Trent, has amputated the hands of others, and put out the eyes of certain delinquents. Some 120 of the said peasants, whom he has in prison, will also be punished severely by him.
Bassano, 11th October. Registered by Sanuto on the 13th.
[Italian.]
Oct. 12. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta). File no. 9. 1135. The Doge and College to Lorenzo Orio, Ambassador in England.
Received his letters of the 10th and 14th ultimo, which announced the communication made to him by Cardinal Wolsey concerning events in England, [and the sage discourse and opinions of the King and of his right reverend Lordship touching the welfare and liberty of Italy, together with the offices performed by the latter, both through letters to the Regent of France, by word of mouth with her ambassadors in England, and with the Pope, having sent as ambassadors to him the Papal Auditor (Girolamo Ghinucci) (fn. 3) and Sir Gregory Casal. To see his Majesty, and in the Signory's name return most ample thanks.] (fn. 4)
The Duke of Milan's health continues to improve, so that in a few days the physicians expect him to be quite well.
Ambassadors from the Grisons have been to Milan, demanding the restitution of the fortress of Chiavenna and other places in the Valtellina, and promising to sign a peace and convention with the Duke; but being unable to come to terms, they went away discontented, and on their return seem to have been made prisoners by the warder of Mus, the truce with them having expired. A reinforcement of troops and provisions has been put into the fortress of Chiavenna. The whole country of the Grisons is consequently in arms, and threatens to renew the war in the Milanese.
The Duke of Ferrara had been with the Marquis of Pescara at Vercelli, and was continuing his journey towards Spain.
Disturbances between the nobility and peasants of Carinthia.
[Italian.]
Oct. 14. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 121. 1136. Antonio Vaniol to —.
A messenger has arrived from the Duke of Ferrara, again demanding a safeconduct, in case he do not go to Spain by sea. They [the Regent and Council] have requested the Duke to come to Lyons, but will not allow him to go to Spain until a reply from the King of England as to whether they should grant him transit is received. Sir Gregory Casal and the Papal Auditor, ambassadors from the King of England, will depart for Rome in haste.
Lyons, 14th October. Registered by Sanuto on the 30th.
[Italian.]
Oct. 15. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 121. 1137. The Same to —.
A nephew of Giovanni Gioachino, the French ambassador in England, has arrived, bringing word that the King urges France to league with Italy. He is very warm against the Emperor, and desires the release of the most Christian King, and for this purpose he is sending his ambassadors to Rome. The Regent is doing everything for the King's release, to effect which she would give Burgundy, but the Lords of the Council are not of this opinion. The two English ambassadors have departed.
Lyons, 15th October. Registered by Sanuto on the 30th.
[Italian.]
Oct. 18. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta). File no. 9. 1138. The Doge and College to Lorenzo Ohio, Ambassador in England.
To continue keeping the King and Cardinal acquainted with important events in Italy, announce the receipt of advices last evening and this morning from Mantua and from their ambassador at Milan, as likewise from Crema and Brescia, purporting that the Signor Hieronimo Morone, (fn. 5) on a summons from the Marquis of Pescara, under pretence of a consultation about various matters, went to Novara and was arrested by him. Morone was the chief personage in the duchy of Milan, and ruled everything absolutely, especially as the Duke is still indisposed. The Lansquenets have also entered Lodi, and the Spaniards are in Pavia, as he will perceive in detail by the enclosed copies of these advices. To impart this important intelligence instantly with the utmost secrecy to the King and Cardinal, that they may make such provision as is necessary for the preservation of the duchy and the rest of Italy. Have sent immediate notice of this to the Pope. To give a detailed account of whatever he hears concerning this matter.
The health of the Duke of Milan is such that little reliance can be placed on his life.
[Italian.]
Oct. 18. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 67. 1139. Marco Foscari to the Doge and Signory.
Told by the Pope that the English ambassadors, Sir Gregory Casal and the Papal Auditor [Ghinucci], had quitted Lyons for Rome. Also that the General of the Franciscans [Quiñones] had favoured Friar Francesco Giorgio, which pleases his Holiness, as Friar Giorgio is a learned man. (fn. 6)
Rome, 18th October. Registered by Sanuto on the 21st
[Italian.]
Oct. 22. Lettere del Collegio, (Secreta) File no. 9. 1140. The Doge and College to Lorenzo Orio, Ambassador in England.
After the arrest of Morone and the entry of the Lansquenets into Lodi in the name of the Emperor, and of certain companies of Spanish foot into Pavia and of others into Alexandria, the Marquis of Pescara sent one Brancamonte to the Duke of Milan to justify the arrest of Morone for having plotted against the State. The Duke replied, “You have come to me; do you think thus to cause my death? I shall not die until it please God, and am greatly surprised that the Marquis of Pescara should have dealt thus with me, for I am sure Morone has not erred in any respect, still less have I;” adding strong language to this effect. Sending for one of his secretaries, he dictated a letter in substance as above, and then said to Brancamonte, “You perceive that I myself dictated the letter; tell the Marquis what you have witnessed.”
Understand that the Marquis of Pescara has quitted Novara, and pushed on to a place called Bel-reguardo, on this side of the Ticino, having sent in advance his men-at-arms and infantry, who are at Binasco and other neighbouring places, distant 10 or 16 miles from Milan. The Marquis del Guasto has done the like with the troops under his command at Alexandria beyond the Po.
Some 700 infantry have entered Milan in the Duke's name, and will, it is said, make resistance.
Enclose copies of letters written by the Marquis of Pescara to the community of Milan, together with the answer given him, for communication to the King and Cardinal, together with the other advices.
P.S.—Having detained their letter until today, the 23rd, send a copy of certain advices from Milan received this morning, to be communicated with the others to the King and Cardinal.
[Italian.]
Oct. 22. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 170. 1141. Lorenzo Ohio to the Doge and Signory.
Not having received letters from the Signory, went to Cardinal Wolsey for news. They talked together about the agreement made with France and Spain. The Cardinal resented the interference of the ambassador of the King of England without his order. He said that after the stipulation in London of the peace between the King and France, the Emperor wrote a letter to the King of England, purporting that the most Christian King was with him, and that he (the Emperor) was willing to comply with his English Majesty's wishes. But the Cardinal perceives that the Emperor intends to have supreme authority in Italy; so it would be well for the Signory to guard her towns carefully, and conclude the Italian league with France. The King of England will be its conservator, and will also declare even against the Emperor, because he does not choose the Signory to be wronged, as he loves her cordially.
After a suitable reply from him (Orio), the Cardinal said Sir Gregory Casal had been sent to Lyons to Madame the Regent, and subsequently to the Pope, with an ample commission. The Papal Auditor had likewise gone to Rome as ambassador. The Cardinal also announced the receipt of advices from Spain; that the most Christian King was ill, and the Duchess of Alençon had arrived at Madrid.
London, 27th September.
Has visited Giovanni Gioachino [di Passano] and the Cavalier (fn. 7) of Alençon [Jean Brinon], the French ambassadors, who told him that Madame [the Regent] is disposed to stipulate the Italian league, and that the Emperor cannot come into Italy at present, being intent on his marriage with the Princess of Portugal. The Spaniards have taken some French ships since the truce was made. The Lady Margaret is gone to Holland. Writes by way of Germany. Here in London people are dying of the plague.
London, 30th September.
Has visited Cardinal Wolsey at —, 12 miles from London, in order to acquaint him with the Signory's missives of the 19th to the 23rd September, concerning the proposals made by the Prothonotary Caracciolo and Sanchez, the Imperial ambassadors to the Signory, and the reply given them. The Cardinal approves the reply, and says nothing should be concluded, as the Emperor meditates deceit. The Regent [Louise of Savoy] has written to London that the Pope asks too much; he requires the kingdom of Naples for himself, 50,000 ducats per month to be given him by France, and the fleet. The Signory also demands too much. The Cardinal added that the league ought to be made; that he had written to France to agree to it; and that he had received letters from Rome from the Prothonotary Casal, the brother of Sir Gregory, who is at Lyons, that the Pope was well disposed to make the league: so it ought to be concluded. He (Orio) told the Cardinal he wished to speak to the King, and an appointment was made accordingly. The Cardinal chooses Italy to remain free (in libertà), as the Emperor wishes to render himself monarch of the world, and to make the Pope say mass for him.
London, 9th and 15th October.
Giovanni Gioachino has departed for Calais, to bring 50,000 ducats from France on account of the pensions, and 10,000 ducats for Madame Mary, the King's sister, Queen Dowager of France, to whom France also restores her territory (il suo stado), of which Giovanni Gioachino has taken a lease for 29,000 ducats per annum, subject to confirmation.
London, 22nd October. Registered by Sanuto, 8th November.
[Italian.]
Oct. 23. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 124. 1142. Marco Foscari to the Doge and Signory.
Has been with the English ambassador [Clerk], who told him that Sir Gregory Casal and the Papal Auditor [Ghinucci] are coming to the Court as his Majesty's ambassadors, having been to Lyons to persuade France to stipulate the Italian league.
Rome, 23rd October. Registered by Sanuto on the 30th.
[Italian.]
Oct. 24. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. pp. 88, 89. 1143. The Proveditor General Pesaro to the Doge and Signory.
Hears from Lyons that one Gregory [Casal] had departed thence. He is the English ambassador appointed to the Signory of Venice, and is going subsequently to Rome.
Verona, 24th October. Registered same day.
[Italian.]
Oct. 24. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 100. 1144. Marco Antonio Venier to the Doge and Signory.
At the 19th hour today Sir Gregory Casal arrived here from England. He is on his way to Rome, and will perhaps go to Venice. He comes from Lyons.
Milan, 24th October. Registered by Sanuto on the 26th.
[Italian.]
Oct. 24. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p.311. 1145. Dom. Soardino to [the Marquis of Mantua?].
Has been told by the English ambassadors that they have again received letters from their King concerning the commission given them with regard to the peace between France and the Emperor; and although their King has made an agreement with France, it related merely to the pensions due heretofore and to security for future payments, so that he has done nothing which can be considered hostile to the Emperor. Here they [the Imperialists] dissemble, pretending to believe what they say.
Toledo, 24th October. Registered by Sanuto, 4th December.
[Italian.]
Oct. 25. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta). Letter no. 9. 1146. The Doge and College to Lorenzo Orio, Ambassador in England.
The Duke is from day to day recovering his health.
The Marquis of Pescara has proceeded to Pavia, and continues sending troops to all the cities and places in the Milanese to secure them for the Emperor.
To advise the King and Cardinal of these facts.
[Italian.]
Oct. 25. Deliberazioni SenatoSecreta, v. 1. p. 165. 1147. The Doge and Senate to Marco Foscari, Ambassador in Rome.
Approve of the Pope's writing to England, and also to the Switzers. Now that the Grisons are stirring, and dissatisfied on account of the proclamation made against them, they will readily succour Italy; so his Holiness should gain the Switzers.
[Italian.]
Oct. 25. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 103. 1148. The Venetian Governors of Bergamo to the Doge and Signory.
Sir Gregory Casal, the English ambassador, has arrived from Milan, and is going to Brescia. He dined with them, and in the course of conversation said that France was well disposed. They provided him with horses as far as Brescia, but he has only one companion.
Bergamo, 25th October. Registered by Sanuto on the 28th.
[Italian.]
Oct. 26. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 104. 1149. Nicolò Tiepolo, Bailiff of Brescia, and Piero Mocenigo, Captain of the same, to the Doge and Signory.
The Captain Mocenigo, whilst superintending the construction of the tower (torrion), was accosted by Sir Gregory Casal, the English ambassador, who arrived from Bergamo. He praised the building greatly, and they then went together to dinner, after which Sir Gregory sat down to write, and then gave them a packet of letters for transmission to Venice, addressed to the Bishop of Bayeux. Sir Gregory said he was going post to Rome, to do good service for the Signory and for Italy, adding other words about the good disposition of France towards Italian affairs. The Captain Mocenigo provided him with horses as far as Mantua, and in the afternoon he departed.
Brescia, 26th October. Registered by Sanuto on the 28th.
[Italian.]
Oct. 26. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 261. 1150. Lorenzo Ohio to the Doge and Signory.
Has been to “the Moore,” a place belonging to Cardinal Wolsey, to which the King came. Dined with the Cardinal, to whom he communicated all his intelligence and the reply given to Bayeux, telling him that the Signory congratulated the King on the peace with France, and thanked him for including the Republic therein. Informed him also that the Signory had written to the Venetian ambassador in Spain, to go [with the other ambassadors] to the Emperor, to demand the release of the most Christian King.
His Majesty was with the Cardinal, together with him (Orio) and the secretary [Gasparo Spinelli]. The King drew a little (si tirò un poco da parte) aside with the Cardinal, and then said much in praise of the Signory, and about the love he bore the State, commending what had been done. He says he will not fail to uphold the liberty of Italy (non è per manchar alla libertà de Italia), and that the league with France ought to be concluded. He also announced the receipt of letters from his ambassadors in Spain. The Duchess of Alençon had been unable to make the agreement, because the Emperor demanded Burgundy, and the most Christian King would not cede it. So the league must be concluded, for defence, &c. The King continued the conversation, saying that the State must not give money to the Emperor, and that the Duke of Ferrara will not have the passport to go to the Emperor.
London, 26th October. Registered by Sanuto, 24th November.
[Italian.]
Oct. 27. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 261. 1151. The Same to the Same.
Giovanni Gioachino, who went for the money, is returned from Calais, and brought him (Orio) duplicates of the Signory's letters written in September. Giovanni Gioachino went to speak to the King. Will endeavour to ascertain what he has brought back. The two English ambassadors on their way to France [Sir William Fitzwilliam and Dr. Taylor] have departed.
London, 27th October. Registered by Sanuto, 24th November.
[Italian.]
Oct. 27. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 121. 1152. Ludovico Canossa, Bishop of Bayeux, French Ambassador in Venice, to Ambrosio da Fiorenza.
Has been visited by Sir Gregory Casal, the English ambassador to Rome, who came to Garzano from Mantua to speak to him, accompanied by Lodovico da Fermo. Details conversations between himself and Casal concerning his commission and what he had done in France, and other particulars. After supper Casal returned for the night to Mantua, and is going to Rome. Ambrosio da Fiorenza is therefore to communicate the whole to the Doge.
Garzano (in the Veronese), 27th October. Registered by Sanuto on the 30th.
Note by Sanuto, that it was a sage letter. [Italian.]
Oct. 28. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 165. 1153. Marco Antonio Longin, Secretary of Carlo Contarini, to Zuan Francesco Contarini.
Transmits the work written by Luther against the peasants. The towns hereunder mentioned have become Lutheran, viz., Strasburg, Nuremberg, and Ulm, but not so entirely (ma non cosi del tutto), (fn. 8) and the other free towns in succession, some more and some less; also Zurich in Switzerland. In the above-mentioned towns they no longer celebrate mass or the offices, and have reduced their churches to mosques, that is to say, to white walls. The general opinion is, that the affairs of Germany are more embarrassed than ever, and that the princes will at length have to wage war against the free towns.
Luther has composed a work, “De instituendis scolis.” (fn. 9) He no longer replies to those who write against him, but leaves the task to his followers, viz., to Philip Melancthon, of Zurich, and Joannes Œcolampadius. (fn. 10) Has procured a new work of Melancthon's, namely, the funeral oration composed by him on the death of Duke Frederick of Saxony. On arriving at Augsburg, where we expect to be in a fortnight, I will endeavour to obtain some others.
Tubingen, 28th October. Registered by Sanuto, 8th November.
[Italian.]
Oct. 30. Navagero Despatches, Cicogna copy. 1154. Andrea Navagero to the Signory.
A strong suspicion prevails at Toledo that the Signory has made an agreement with England and France. This is spoken of publicly. Understands that the Emperor does not entirely believe it. Some persons mention the Pope likewise; others say that he is not a party to it. They also declare that the Switzers are comprised in this agreement, part of them being paid by England, part by France, and part by Venice. Finds it difficult to answer those who speak to him about this matter.
Toledo, 30th October 1525.
[Italian.]
Oct. 30. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta), File no. 9. 1155. The Doge and College to Lorenzo Orio, Ambassador in England.
The Ghiaradadda is full of Imperial troops, and they are collecting great supplies of victuals, and will also bring artillery. The Duke of Milan's health has improved, and he begins to transact business.
With regard to the negotiation with the Imperial ambassadors relative to the peace between the State and the Emperor, the Prothonotary Caracciolo, having been for some days dangerously ill, and finding himself lately a little relieved, requested the Signory to appoint representatives to go to his dwelling to discuss the affair with him and the other ambassador, Sanchez. Therefore sent one of the Signory's counsellors, a sage of the Council and a sage for the mainland, as customary. Acquaint him with this, so that should anything be said he may be able to reply authoritatively.
[Italian.]
Oct. 31. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. 1. p. 166, tergo. 1156. The Doge and Senate to Marco Foscari, Ambassador at Rome.
Have written to their ambassador with the Emperor, charging him to act in concert with the Legate. In the meanwhile the result of the negotiations between the Emperor and the most Christian King will be witnessed, without ceasing to carry on the negotiation with France, or to encourage the good disposition of the King of England in favour of Italy, which the Pope will ascertain more thoroughly.
Ayes, 172. Noes, 13. Neutrals, 8.
[Italian.]
Oct. 31. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 146. 1157. Marco Foscari to the Doge and Signory.
Sir Gregory Casal and the Papal Auditor, late in the service of the Pope, have arrived at Rome as ambassadors from the King of England. The Pope has given audience to Livio Gretto, and, after considering his proposal, said it would be well to revolutioni Se the kingdom of Naples; but before answering him his Holiness intends to give audience to the English ambassadors.
The Pope has also written to the Legate in Spain [Salviati] to tell the Emperor to keep the Duke of Milan in possession of his territory, as otherwise Italy would resent it.
Rome, 31st October. Registered by Sanuto, 2nd November.
[Italian.]

Footnotes

  • 1. This passage was to be put into cipher.
  • 2. “Delia pace, che si dice.”
  • 3. It is stated by Guicciardini (vol. iv. p. 12), that immediately after the battle of Pavia, in 1525, Clement VII. sent Ghinucci to England. He had been made Bishop of Worcester in 1523.
  • 4. This passage was to be put into cipher.
  • 5. Prime Minister of Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan.
  • 6. Concerning the Franciscan Friar, Francesco Giorgio, who subsequently wrote in favour of Henry VIIl.'s divorce from Katharine of Arragon, see Burnet.
  • 7. “Cancellier” in date 13th October, see ante, p. 478.
  • 8. In date 28th August 1525 Ulm was stated to be more Lutheran than the other free towns.
  • 9. Sanuto wrote the title thus, “De inscuendis scolis.” There is no mention of the work entitled “De instituendis scholis” in the “Commentaria Joannis Cochlaei de actis et scriptis Martini Lutheri Saxonis.” The book composed by Luther in 1525 probably had for object to establish charity schools.
  • 10. By this it would appear that up to the year 1525 Œcolampadius still adhered to Luther, whom he afterwards deserted for Zuingle.