Venice: December 1549 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 5, 1534-1554. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1873.

Citation:

'Venice: December 1549', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 5, 1534-1554, ed. Rawdon Brown( London, 1873), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol5/pp280-290 [accessed 29 November 2024].

December 1549



Dec. 5. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	596. Matteo Dandolo, Venetian Ambassador at Rome, to the Signory.
	Yesterday morning, at the 13th hour, Cardinal Pacheco arrived, (fn. 1) and owing to his long journey he entered the conclave more dead than alive, thus perhaps causing the election of a Pope to be delayed; for it was expected to be made in the person of the Cardinal of England, who immediately went up at the bankers' shops (in banchi) to 40 per cent. It may be supposed that the election was deferred in order to have Pacheco's vote, who was apparently obliged to go to bed; so yesterday it behoved the Cardinals to wait for him.
	At the 16th hour the French ambassador came to the wicket (fenestrino), and desired the masters of the ceremonies to protest in his name to the Cardinals, that unless they waited for their French colleagues, who, he understood, were in Corsica, his King would not ratify or confirm the election of any Pope made in their absence. At the 17th hour he returned, and sent for the Cardinals, who went to him, including the “Deputies,” Ferrara, and Farnese, and also some others, to whom he said that he had moreover heard from one of his gentlemen well known to the Cardinal of Ferrara, that the French Cardinals were at Leghorn; and he again insisted on their being waited for, at least until Monday, as otherwise, etc.
	The senior Cardinal (il Rev^mo Decano) and the other “Deputies” answered him that his Cardinals had had a good many days (che haveano havuto giorni assai), but that they would not fail in what was due to the regulations (constitutioni) admitting his protest si et in quantum, and Cardinal Farnese said they were in too bad a lodging to delay their stay there longer than was due. (fn. 2)
	Shortly after they had shut themselves up above stairs, Don Diego arrived, in a passion; and he in like manner sent for their Lordships, and protested to them mildly and lovingly, that they must observe their due rules and regulations, and not attend to anything else; whereupon at the bankers' shops, England got up (passò) both beyond 46 and 50, so that at the second hour [of the night?] he was at 80 per cent., and 30 per cent. was wagered that he would be proclaimed this morning. Salviati was at one (a uno), and Sfondrato at two (a doi). At the eighth hour there were so many sure votes for the Right Reverend of England, (fn. 3) that they were on the point of adoring him (per adorarlo), and they had already commenced unnailing the cells, but the Cardinal of Trani [Giandomenico de Cupis], and his other opponents, commenced exclaiming that in this way any one might promote a schism, unless one scrutiny at least were made. Cardinal Pole himself was in like manner very averse to the adoration, telling them to be calm, as at any rate he was not to become Pope by any other hands than those of God, and, should He thus will it, his election would take place this morning; and he went up to 95. It is therefore more than clear that the merchants are very well informed about the state of the poll, and that the Cardinals' attendants in Conclave (i conclavisti) go partners with them in the wagers, which thus causes many tens of thousands of crowns to change hands. Everybody armed, and until after the 18th hour we remained awaiting the announcement of this election; but then the Cardinals ordered the dinners, and people drew breath, for no one can imagine how very unpopular it is, (fn. 4) as they consider it certain that the whole of this Court would have to lead a new life, and withdraw to their own spouses (alla sua sposa); but the minority wishes for it greatly. One of the causes of this delay is supposed to be the French protest of last evening, most especially as this morning there was a faint gleam of sunshine, with which the Cardinals from France might be expected; but nothing is known of them, and the weather continues stormy. It is true that Cardinal Pole remains at 40, nor is any other person whatever mentioned. (fn. 5) When the captains asked for money for the pay of the troops which becomes due today, the Cardinals answered that they would supply them tomorrow after the scrutiny,
	Rome, 5th December 1549.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 7. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	597. Matteo Dandolo, Venetian Ambassador at Rome, to the Signory.
	Yesterday morning the French ambassador appeared at the wicket, and asked to see the Cardinals, many of whom went to him, and he gave them letters from the Cardinals of France, who were left on the “Riviera” of Genoa, with the Cardinal of Vendôme who was dangerously ill; and the ambassador wished to have the letters read to the rest of the Cardinals, that they might wait for his countrymen. At the 22nd hour, the Right Reverend Deputies also went to the Cardinals, that they might give the order for the payment of the garrison in Castle St. Angelo, which was due on the 6th, and the 10th will be pay-day for well nigh all the rest of the troops; and the Right Reverend the Deacon (Decano) [Senior Cardinal?] said they were to be of good cheer, that a Pope would be elected, and that he would be a man of worth, religious, and agreeable to all the princes. After this, it was heard that they made a scrutiny and gave 15 votes to Veruli [Gieronimo Verallo? a Roman, created Cardinal by Paul III, on the 8th April 1549], and 24 to England [Reginald Pole], who at the first ballotation had 26, which caused many to repent, on seeing the votes counted.
	The Cardinals have had a quantity of things brought into the conclave, especially linen; and gave out what was foul, there being already a great stench.
	As yet, nothing more is known about the French Cardinals.
	Rome, 7th December 1549.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 8. Senato Terra, v. xxxvi. p. 175, tergo.	598. Present from Edward VI. to the Venetian Ambassador Bollani.
	Motion made in the Senate by the Procurator, Tho. Mocenigo, sage of the Council, and by Nicholas Zeno, sage for the mainland. Our beloved nobleman, Domenego Bollani, knight, has evinced a great wish to employ himself in the service of the State, and in the Legation of England, from whence he returned lately, constantly conducted himself prudently and diligently, regardless of all cost and toil, as understood from time to time through his letters, and by the copious and detailed report now made by him. (fn. 6) Therefore on account of his own deserts, and by reason of what becomes the liberality and graciousness of this Council, it would be unfitting to omit making such demonstration towards him as has been made towards certain other ambassadors of ours.
	Put to the ballot, that the chain and the doubloons presented by that most Serene King to the aforesaid Ser Domenego Bollani, knight, be freely given him by authority of this Council.
	Ayes, 196. Noes, 9. Neutrals, 3.
	1549, 9th December, in the College.
	Ayes, 23. No, 1. Neutrals, 0.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 11. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	599. Matteo Dandolo, Venetian Ambassador at Rome, to the Signory.
	At the last scrutiny, Cardinal Santa Croce [Marcello Cervini], not only acceded to England (fn. 7) [Reginald Pole], but also delivered a very fine oration in praise of him, so that it is said that both Don Diego and Cardinal Farnese have written to the Emperor, giving him particular account of what has been done, and wishing to know whether, as they cannot obtain success for England (far riuscire Inghilterra), his Majesty would approve of their favouring Sta. Croce (si tendesse a Sta. Croce), towards whom he heretofore showed himself hostile; and although on this account he is supposed to be in the French interests (è reputato Francese), yet is he considered a very worthy man, of great experience, and one of the most trusty adherents of the Farnese family. At any rate it may be supposed that they will await news from the Emperor, as Don Diego himself announced yesterday that the Cardinal of Lorraine was near Milan.
	On Monday, in Congregation, the Right Reverend Cardinal of England made a most eloquent speech, thanking those right reverend fathers who had wished to honour him with a grade so very illustrious as the Popedom; and saying that he could not but be obliged to them, seeing himself so greatly esteemed by their right reverend Lordships, though he was no less grateful to those who had rejected him, nor did he remain less obliged to them, but on the contrary, much more so, as they knew him to be, what he himself knows he is, viz. inept for such a burden, and too weak to be able to bear it. And not only did he make this confession for his conscience sake, but, from the same motive, felt bound to exhort and pray their right reverend Lordships—one and all—no longer to keep this so necessary and holy an election impeded on his account (con la persona soa), but to propose another candidate, who can never fail to be more worthy than he is; and that they should no longer delay, the reproach being already so great and universal, and so great the peril of the Papal territory and the city of Rome, and of many persons, owing to the multitude of inconveniences which may and must occur daily from their continuing locked-up there (dal loro continuare li serati); and that they might now be more than certain that the Spirit had not elected him. In conclusion he said that to leave them more at liberty to speak about him, and determine on taking another candidate in his stead, he would retire in order to give them greater convenience; praying and beseeching them no longer to lose time about him, but to make this holy and necessary election in some other person; and with this he departed.
	After a brief interval, being made to return, they answered him in terms of great honour (molto honoratamente) with regard to his goodness and piety, assuring him that this was the usual course of events, and that on most occasions the conclave lasted upwards of a month; and that he ought not to rely on interpreting in this form the will of the Spirit, but rather believe, and consider it certain, that in like manner as he is not at liberty to assume to himself the office, so is he neither at liberty to divest himself of it; (fn. 8) urging him to be pleased, together with them, to wait yet a while so as to give way to the Spirit, that they may make this election according to His holy will. Thus do they delay, awaiting these blessed Frenchmen (questi benedetti Francesi), who already last Sunday evening were at Leghorn, as known through their courier and by letters from the Duke of Florence, who chanced to be in the castle there
	It was heard last evening that should the weather serve, they will come on by sea, if not, by land, so that they are expected most certainly tomorrow. They are four in number, namely, Guise Vendôme, Châtillon, and Bellai. Tournon, Annebault, Boulogne, and Lorraine are expected to follow. His most Christian Majesty has spared Bourbon, Giuri, (fn. 9) and Roan, (fn. 10) by reason of their [advanced?] age. The Florentines here are informed the King has ordered the French Cardinals to favour Ridolfi, which caused him to rise at the bankers' shops to twenty, the same odds being given in favour of England. But it is suspected that even after the entry of the French Cardinals into the conclave, matters will be protracted, as they will not be in sufficient number to elect the Pope. Although England would require more votes, those he has, will however remain firm; nor can it be imagined what person the Farneses could have to propose in his stead, it not being believed that the Emperor will consent to Sta. Croce. So I suspect that we must pray the Lord God earnestly to stretch forth his holy hand; and in the meanwhile these [Farneses?] are ruining themselves, for it is said they are spending four thousand crowns per diem, so that they have but a small residue of those which they found in Castle St. Angelo.
	Rome, 11th December 1549.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 14. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	600. Matteo Dandolo, Venetian Ambassador at Rome, to the Signory.
	My last despatch was dated the 11th, at the fourth hour [after sunrise?]; at the eleventh hour, the French Cardinals arrived at the house of their ambassador, and at the thirteenth hour, they entered the Conclave, being received at the door by all the Cardinals with great demonstration of joy; and at the fourteenth hour Cardinal De Tournon arrived, entering the Conclave in like manner, so that it consists of forty-seven members, which is the fullest Conclave upon record.
	I send your Serenity copy of the Emperor's letter to the Sacred College [dated Brussels, 20th November 1549]; and also of a memorandum (polizza), asserting that should all the French Cardinals come as they say they will, thirty-six Cardinals will be required to elect the Pope, and God knows whether they will be able to agree, or whether a schism will take place. Never were the times more perilous, nor the Conclave fuller, nor more divided (disordinato). The number of candidates for the Popedom (Papanti) is great; the members (gli huomeni) of very opposite opinions (divevsissimi), and powerful. The French [Cardinals] have said that were they to rot they will conquer, and so say the others; (fn. 11) but either Monte (fn. 12) or Sta. Croce [Marcello Cervino] can be made by Cardinal Farnese immediately, whenever he chooses to secede from the Imperialists, as the French would then join him; but he will not ally himself with them if able to avoid it by electing one of the old Cardinals from amongst those who are not the creatures of his grandfather. (fn. 13)
	Rome, 14th December 1549.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 19. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta), File no. 18.	601. The Doge and College to Daniel Barbaro, Venetian Ambassador in England.
	Send him the enclosed summary for communication as usual.
	Ayes, 23. Noes, 0. Neutrals, 0.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 21. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	602. Matteo Dandolo, Venetian Ambassador at Rome, to the Signory.
	On Thursday morning Cardinal Veruli was to have re-entered Conclave, but on Wednesday night being suffocated by catarrh, he went to another place, where he will remain longer. Had he been content to remain at home, he might perhaps (facilmente) have obtained the object for which he came, as was the case heretofore with Adrian, who was at a much greater distance, but possibly God chose to provide better for him. It is suspected that the like may befall Santa Croce [Marcello Cervino], who is so ill of his quartan ague, that tomorrow he also is to be taken out of Conclave. Many conclavists, men of experience and good intellect, have quitted the Conclave from illness, nor can any one of them tell who will be Pope, more than we can, just as if they had not been there. I might have sent your Serenity the particular scrutinies of many days, but independently of those already advised by me, all the rest had only one or two votes, the announcement of which was unnecessary.
	On the evening before last the prelates presented themselves at the wicket to urge the Cardinals in favour of despatch. The Archbishop of Spalatro was spokesman, and made a very suitable discourse. The Cardinals replied that they would not fail doing their duty by them, giving hope that they would soon have a good and acceptable Pontiff; but the senior Cardinal told the prelates nevertheless that they must diminish the Cardinals' food, and Cardinal Farnese said it ought to be nothing but bread and water.
	Yesterday morning it seems that they scrutinized (che scortinasseno) Cardinal Sfondrato, but he obtained only 15 votes, and England apparently (par) got as many as 25, which would verify what was said the evening before last, that the Cardinals Burgos [Juan Alvarez de Toledo, Archbishop of Burgos] and Cibo had also gone over to him. In that case the usual 23 would become so much the more obstinate (duri), for I was informed on very good authority that they have signed a paper (essersi firmati) pledging themselves not to give way. But last night at the seventh hour loud voices were heard at the door of the Conclave, and amongst them that of the Cardinal of Trent [Christopher Madruccio], and according to conjecture they were on the point of going out of their cells to Salviati, (fn. 14) for whom Mantua [Ercole Gonzaga] on the part of Farnese, and Ferrara [Ippolito d' Este] for the other side, are canvassing with all their might. This morning they were to have scrutinized him (scrutinarlo), but the scrutiny did not take place because Salviati, being very shrewd (molto accorto), will not start (non voglia correre) unless in great force, having agreed with his cousin Ridolfi, that the one who has not a sufficient majority is to cede his votes to the other.
	Rome, 21st December 1549.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 23. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	603. Matteo Dandolo, Venetian Ambassador at Rome, to the Signory.
	On Sunday, after the scrutiny, Cardinal Sta. Croce [Marcello Cervino] was taken out of the conclave, in a litter, to the apartments of Cardinal Farnese at San Lorenzo, being very ill of his quartan ague.
	In the scrutiny, the Cardinal of England had his 23 votes, and 20 were in favour of Chieti [Giampietro Caraffa], who then delivered a very fine discourse to the Sacred College, thanking his voters and persuading them to let him alone (a lasciarlo stare), and support some other candidate with a greater chance of success.
	Rome, 23rd December 1549.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 24. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	604. News-letter from a “Conclavist” (alias attendant in the service of one of the Cardinals in Conclave) enclosed in the despatch of Matteo Dandolo, dated 24th December.
	Down to this time there have been 19 scrutinies without any decision whatever; day after day they continue uniform. England has still the majority of votes, but the great difficulty of his election is evident. Chieti [Gianpietro Caraffa] was within three of him, yesterday, and today he is but one below him. He said yesterday that he no longer wished for any votes, releasing those who had given them to him, and explaining in very elegant language that he would not be the cause of keeping the Church in suspense. England also said his say (Inghilterra disse ancho esso la parte soa) in a style which was much commended, although he would not release his votes, seeing that he had not canvassed them, offering to cede his hat, but not choosing it to be said that he had given way either to hope or fear. (fn. 15)
	Rome, 24th December 1549.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 24. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	605. News-letter from a “Conclavist,” enclosed in a despatch from the Venetian Ambassador, dated 26th December.
	What we are doing here is a repetition of what we have been doing hitherto, and your Lordship may rest assured that we have not a glimpse of any future event, not even at the distance of a thousand miles (et sia certa vostra Signoria che non si vede lume alcuno di cosa che si habbia a fare ne ancho lontano mille miglia.)
	As yet with regard to Ridolfi. and Salviati there has been no indication that either one or the other will be [proposed?] shortly, as they do not “run” (non correno), and with regard to individual chances I know not how they can be discussed, as you are aware that between word and deed the difference is great. At present the contest is between Chieti [Caraffa] and Pole, and although yesterday they both spoke most eloquently, I believe matters will remain thus a long while, unless the Almighty intervene, for there are strange humours on one side and the other (per chè ci è de' strani humori da l'una parte et l'altra).
	Rome, 26th December 1549.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 26. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	606. Matteo Dandolo, Venetian Ambassador at Rome, to the Signory.
	On the 24th I sent copy of a news-letter then received out of Conclave, and should prefer doing so always, but these advices are sometimes so obscure that it behoves me to embody them in my despatches, and your Serenity must be satisfied with what I can get, as it is not lawful for me to add anything of my own. I now send another, also of the 24th.
	Yesterday morning, from a certain window overlooking the Court, where the Cardinals often show themselves, Cardinal Farnese said to the Archbishop Cornaro, who was urging him at length to elect the Pope, “You do not choose to limit us to bread and water, and you ought to give us swords and daggers, as I see no other means for our coming to a decision.”
	Today, when at the wicket, after having addressed the College, as already mentioned, a crowd of barons and prelates who were standing by besought me to pray their Right Reverend Lordships to form a resolve about the Pope, so I could not avoid saying to them gently (modestamente), with a smile, “Most Illustrious and most Reverend Lords, I have hitherto been here [at the wicket] as ambassador from my Venetian Republic, and you now see how I am compelled to be the ambassador of the entire Christian commonwealth. There are men here of all nations and of every grade, who force and press me to pray and beseech you to give us at length the most holy Pontiff, and by Christ's passion no longer to delay [the election of] the Vicar.” The Right Reverend the senior Cardinal (il Revmo. Decano) answered with a most joyful countenance, that although they always received me they were moreover especially glad to do so on the present occasion, and that we were to be of good cheer, and that they would give us a good one, and speedily, but that we also were to do our duty in this matter, so that they might accomplish it, by stopping their food; whereupon all the Cardinals with one voice urged, and the majority commanded us, not to let anything but bread and water enter the Conclave. Cardinal Cibo spoke most earnestly, and wished the poor old Cardinals to have wine but with bread alone. Pacheco put his head out [of the wicket] almost in a rage, protesting that nothing should be given them but bread and water. To this I made answer that I would do my duty by writing what their Eight Reverend Lordships had enjoined me, leaving charge of the rest to the others who remained there; and I then took leave, being most firmly convinced from the gests and wrangling witnessed by me at this display (atto) that they are more obstinate (indurati) than ever. Although tomorrow, when it is my turn to mount guard, I will not fail to go there, I shall not interfere further about what is to be given to, or taken from them, this office appertaining to the prelates; but were the business mine, I know how I would serve them.
	Rome, 26th December 1549.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 26. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	607. Copy of a letter written from the Conclave [by the attendant of some Cardinal, to one of Cardinal Pole's backers], contained in Matteo Dandolo's despatch, dated 28th December.
	The result of the late affairs, which caused loss to your Lordship and others, has constantly warned me to be very cautious in not giving similar advices, unless I be more certain than I was then. The news was so generally considered true, that I know not how hereafter anybody can ever risk writing of other candidates destined to become de facto Pope, that which was written of the English Cardinal Pole, whose 23 votes are still firm and constant, yet most persons believe that they will not succeed. Who else it is to be seems very uncertain, although the French give their 18 or 20 votes to the Sabine Chieti (al Sabineñ Chieti) (fn. 16) [Gianpietro Caraffa], as it seems that the decision is to come from the Emperor, so that some persons incline towards Salviati.
	The French [Cardinals], contrary to their nature, seem well pleased to stay in Conclave, and say that their Court is subject to much greater inconveniences than these, and that they think themselves in Paradise, where they will tire out all the others, so as to give the papal tiara to one of their own creatures. The opposite party in like manner bravadoes, and says that when all the French shall have made their appearance, 17 votes will suffice to impede; but that neither length of time, nor hardship, nor any accident will have sufficient force to deprive England even of one single vote, or to make them change their candidate, though this is scarcely credible, as their mutation seems dependent on the Emperor's resolve, which is expected hourly.
	Rome, 26th December 1549.
	[Italian]
Dec. 27. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	608. News-Letter from a “Conclavist,” enclosed in a despatch from the Venetian Ambassador, dated 27th December.
	Each day convinces me more and more that matters will be protracted.
	Rome, 27th December, 1549.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 28. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	609. News-letter from a “Conclavist,” enclosed in the despatch from the Venetian Ambassador, dated 28th December.
	We continue in the same state; little do they think here of a Pope. England remains with his 23 votes; today Burgos [Juan Alvarez de Toledo] had 20 votes; and Trani [Giovandomenico de Cuppis], 21; they are jeering each other. This reply [from the Emperor] will arrive, and something will be settled. I believe all means will be prevented, so that we shall be unable to send news-letters (credo che si levaranno ogni modo, che non potremo mandar polizze).
	Rome, 28th December 1549.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 28. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	610. Matteo Dandolo, Venetian Ambassador at Rome, to the Signory.
	I enclose copies of news-letters from the Conclave, dated 26th, 27th, and 28th, and by this last it seems that their circulation will be prevented. They have also walled up the small windows fronting the court, from which some of the Cardinals used often to show themselves.
	The Cardinals of Amboise and Boulogne arrived this afternoon; the former will enter Conclave immediately; the latter being indisposed will delay until tomorrow; and tomorrow or next day, Lorraine is expected. It is also said that Giuri and Bourbon are coming.
	Rome, 28th December, 1549.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 28. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	611. Archbishop Cornaro to—.
	I have seen the Cardinals Amboise and Boulogne enter Conclave. They were received joyfully by the entire Sacred College; and when the French ambassador asked the senior Cardinal to delay the scrutiny till tomorrow, as those two personages were tired, he replied, “I cannot promise you, because we intend to despatch you” (vogliamo spedirvi); and he then whispered to Messer Jacomo Crescendo, “Be of good cheer, for we will despatch you speedily and well.” Yesterday the Cardinal of Lorraine passed La Scala on his way hither, so that they expect him on Monday, or Tuesday morning.
	Rome, 28th December 1549.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 28. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	612. News-letter from a “Conclavist,” enclosed in a despatch from the Venetian Ambassador, dated 1st January 1550.
	If the words of Cardinal Farnese can be credited, we shall soon get out of Conclave. Your Lordship must hasten Duke Horatio [Horatio Farnese, Duke of Castro], as unless they [the Farnese] are quick, and form some good resolve, a Pope may be made without them; and Cardinal Farnese should arrange all his family affairs, and elect a Pope who will be his friend.
	When these French Cardinals made their entry, Amboise (fn. 17) made all the Cardinals laugh, solely by his appearance.
	Rome, 28th December 1549.
	[Italian.]