Venice: October 1554 | 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: October 1554', 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/pp577-590 [accessed 29 November 2024].

October 1554



Oct. 12. Senato Mar, v. xxxii. p. 169.	950. Motion made in the Senate for a Present to the Ambassador from King Philip of England.
	It being opportune to evince towards Don Luis de Cordova, Envoy to the Signory from the most Serene King of England, such gratitude and munificence as it has always been customary to display towards representatives of other Princes, most especially as his Lordship is a person of quality, and very dear to the aforesaid most Serene King, be it therefore
	Put to the ballot that the College be authorized to spend to the amount of 300 golden crowns of the Signory's moneys for a gold chain to be presented to the aforesaid Don Luis.
	Ser Marco Antonius Venerio, LL.D., and Procurator, Sap. Cons.
	Ser Hieronymus Superantio, Sap. T.F.
	Ser Joannes Cornelio, Sap. Ordinum.
	Ayes, 154. Noes, 2. Neutrals, 3. 1554, 11 October, in the College.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 13. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. lxix. p. 51 tergo.	951. The Doge and Senate to Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in England.
	A few days ago, Don Luis de Cordova arrived in Venice to take possession of the Milanese for the most Serene King [of England]. On entering the Signory's presence, accompanied by Venetian noblemen and by the English ambassador resident with them, he presented credentials from his King, saying that he had charged Cordova to visit them in his name before presenting himself to any other Italian potentate, as his dearest and most esteemed friend, acquainting them with what is aforesaid.
	Ayes, 156. No, 1.Neutral, 1.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 13 (fn. 1) MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x.	952. Cardinal Pole to Pope Julius III.
	Not having anything of great importance to communicate, it is a long while since he has written to the Pope, as to save him trouble, Pole gave all necessary information through his agent; and although at present he has not as much as he could wish to tell, it seems fitting to him to acquaint his Holiness first with a conversation held with the Bishop of Arras, and then with what he negotiated with the Emperor. On the 9th, when Arras went to visit him, (the Nuncio being present at the time) he said the Emperor had seen the letter which Pole sent him lately by his Auditor; (fn. 1) and that he was very well inclined towards this affair of the religion in England, as was becoming, and evident, by reason of his piety, and on account of the interests of the Low Countries, which are so connected with those of England, but that it was very necessary to come to details, and discuss the impediments and the means for removing them, concerning which the Emperor would very willingly listen to Pole. Replied that he did not doubt the Emperor's goodwill, of which he had always been most perfectly convinced, but that so far as his Legatine office was concerned, he had been sent to express the Pope's desire for the salvation (salute) of the realm, and his readiness to apply all such remedies as could proceed from papal authority; that Pole had nothing to do but to seek entrance, and that it appertained to those Princes who are on the spot (i qualli sono sul fatto) and have the government in their hands, to remove the obstacles. As the Bishop again said that Pole must descend to particulars, he rejoined that they must by no means proceed in the present case as they did with regard to the peace, when all parties remained in suspense (stava sopra di se), not choosing to declare themselves, the one merely endeavouring to discover the intentions of the other, by reason of their individual interests; whereas the cause now under discussion is common, the Pope and the Emperor having the same views about it, as also Arras and Pole, their ministers. The Bishop admitted what Pole said about the negotiation for peace, saying that in fact when treating it he (Arras) is always in arms, etc., (fn. 2) but again told him nevertheless to ponder these impediments and discuss them with the Emperor; whereupon the Nuncio, turning towards Pole, said it was in fact necessary to come to these details, and so at length it was settled that they were all to ruminate them.
	Subsequently, on the 11th, when Pole went to the Emperor, the Bishop of Arras again repeated to him the same expressions at the audience of his Majesty, both Arras and the Nuncio being present there.
	After congratulating the Emperor on having freed his territory here from the curse of war, and that after so much mental and bodily toil he had returned in stronger and better health than on his departure, which showed that the Lord God had preserved him for greater feats, to the honour of his Majesty, and for the common weal, Pole commenced speaking about the letter written by him to the Emperor, and the reply given by the Bishop of Arras postponing the matter until the shortly expected return of his Majesty to Brussels. He then said that had he to treat this business with any other Prince of whose piety he might be less well convinced than he is of his Majesty's, which is evinced by so many passages both in his private and public life, he would seek to exhort him by all ways possible to embrace and favour this so holy a cause; but there being no need of this with the Emperor, especially as in this cause the honour of God is coupled with his Majesty's own advantage, and that of the most Serene King his son, Pole merely expected every assistance from him for the removal of the impediments which seem to be of two sorts, the one relating to the Catholic doctrine, in which the Pope could by no means show himself indulgent, as the matter relates to the faith, nor could he heal this disease, save by re-introducing the sound doctrine.
	The other hindrance, Pole said, was the church property, whose usurpers knowing the severity of the ecclesiastical laws, were for this reason afraid to return to the obedience of the Church; in which matter, he added, the Pope could and was disposed to exercise his graciousness and indulgence. And first of all, as to the censures and penalties incurred, and the restitution of the fruits, which was of great importance, the Pope intended in both these cases to use great indulgence, freely remitting the whole, nor did he think of applying (aplicar) any part of that property either to himself, or to the Apostolic See, as apprehended by many, and as might reasonably be done on account of the injuries and losses incurred; but he would convert the whole to the service of God and the benefit of the realm, without the slightest regard for his private interest, and, relying on the piety of the sovereigns in question, would do them the honour to grant through his Legate (fn. 3) such favours as may seem fitting, according to the proposal and intercession of their Majesties, to those persons whom they shall consider worthy of them and fit to aid the cause of the religion.
	The Emperor, in reply, thanked the Pope greatly, first of all acknowledging his goodwill, and saying that in truth his Holiness had done much, but that he himself, owing to the hindrance and occupation of the war, had been unable to attend to this matter as he could have wished, but would do so now, and had already written and sent to England to know better the state of affairs in this respect, and expected a reply shortly; and that they must consider well how far they can go in removing these impediments about the church property, which is the chief of them, as the Emperor knows by his experience in Germany; and he said that as for doctrine, men of this sort cared little, as they had no belief either one way or the other. (fn. 4)
	His Majesty also said that this church property having been dedicated to God, they ought not thus to concede everything to those who held it; and that although Pole told him how far his authority extends, yet should he by no means acquaint others with the whole, and that it would be necessary to see the “ brief of faculties” (il breve delle facultà) [dispensing powers] and to enlarge it where necessary.
	To this Pole replied that he had already shown it to the Bishop of Arras, who made no remark; and suspecting this to be a road for delay, Pole told the Emperor that as according to report at Brussels, and as would be better known to his Majesty, Parliament was to meet shortly, great care should be taken lest it be held without deciding the matter of the obedience of the Church, as otherwise it would be a very great scandal for the whole world and injurious to the said cause; and that as the Queen, for the performance of so grand an act, had judged the union (congiuntione) with the King her husband to be necessary, because non esset bonam niulierem esse solam, so God having prospered this holy union (congiuntione), if the execution of this result (effetto), which is to be the commencement and foundation of all their actions, were to be deferred any longer, no way would remain for satisfying either God or man. The Emperor said that great regard (respetto) should be had to the evil disposition of those interested in the business, and to the intense abhorrence of this term of “the obedience of the Church,” (fn. 5) and of this red hat, as also of the habit of the religious; and then turned to the Nuncio, speaking on this subject, about the friars brought from Spain by the King his son, who was advised to make them change their habits, although that was not done, nor was it fitting to do it. He also said how important popular tumult was, alluding moreover to the incessant evil offices of foreign enemies. Pole rejoined that to wait till all spontaneously became well disposed (si disponessero), and till every impediment was removed, would be to protract the conclusion for ever, as the parties concerned most especially desire nothing more than to continue in the present state having and holding what they possess. At length it was determined to await the return from England of the secretary Erasso, which will take place in a few days; and in the meanwhile Pole is to ponder these things, and announce the result to the Bishop of Arras.
	[Brussels, 13th October?] 1554.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 15. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x.	953. Queen Mary to Cardinal Pole.
	Good Cousin Pole.
	Knows what great toil and how long a journey he has undergone, all which he still most patiently endures, though the performance of his holy legation has been hitherto impeded. The Queen not only regrets this, but being desirous of removing all cause for further delay, so that by God's grace matters being well prepared, Pole, with the hope of a good result, may soon come to the King her very dear lord and consort, and to her, she sends the present letter by the Lieutenant of Amont, (fn. 6) ambassador accredited to her by her very dear father the Emperor, to acquaint Pole with certain things on her behalf. Prays Pole to give him credence, as to the King and Queen themselves,- arranging for whatever additional provision may be necessary. “ And thus, good cousin, with my most cordial remembrances I commend you to the guardianship (alia tutella) of God omnipotent.”
	From our Palace of Westminster, 15th October 1554.
	[Italian, translated from the English.]
Oct. 19. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x.	954. Cardinal Pole to Pope Julius III.
	By his last letter of the 14th [13th ?] informed the Pope of all that he negotiated at his audience of the Emperor.
	Now, at this second hour of the night, the Bishop of Arras, accompanied by the Nuncio and the Secretary Vargas, has come to tell him that by a courier who arrived from England a few hours ago, King Philip wrote that he had greatly exerted himself to induce the chief personages interested in the Church property, to consent to Pole's going to England, and that the whole difficulty consists in this, that Pole's powers (facultà) concerning the disposal (dispositione) of this property, are not as ample as desired, and that to give universal satisfaction in this matter, it would be requisite for the Pope to send a new brief, in more ample form. Besides the words, “componendi et transigendi,” there should be added, “cedendi et remittendi? according to the opinion and at the intercession, however (pure), of their Majesties, for the benefit and quiet of the realm and of the religion; and in addition to this, the clause about having recourse” in arduis et gravibus” to the See Apostolic should be cancelled as they seem to take umbrage at those words. They would also wish the brief to be dated after the consummation of the marriage; and as the King and Queen and the Emperor wish not to lose the opportunity of the present Parliament, which is to meet on the 12th of next month, they therefore send this courier in haste, that the brief may arrive in time; and the Bishop of Arras requested Pole to write this to the Pope, whom he prays to send the courier back as soon as possible, with such decision as he shall think fit, so that they may determine in time what can be done in this matter.
	Brussels, 19th October 1554.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 23. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x.	955. Cardinal Pole to Pope Julius III.
	The Bishop of Arras, when visiting him on the 19th, said that from the Lieutenant of Amont [Simon Renard], Imperial ambassador in ordinary in England, who was expected at Brussels, Pole would hear more in detail the state of English affairs. On the morrow, the Lieutenant arrived, (fn. 7) and next day conferred a long while with the Emperor. Yesterday, he came to Pole, the Nuncio being present; and after presenting the letter from King Philip and Queen Mary in reply to his last insisting on admittance, the Lieutenant said he had been sent by their Majesties solely to give him account of past events, and of what was necessary at present; and, in a long and apposite discourse, beginning with the Queen's accession, narrated the impediments which had hitherto prevented her from executing her holy purpose of returning to the obedience and union of the Church; all which, in short, proceeded from the evil disposition of many interested persons, who, understanding that in the powers (facultà) given to Pole by the Pope with regard to church property, there were these words, “componendi, transigendi” &c, greatly suspected that they should be despoiled of all they possess. So their Majesties were induced to demand the extension of Pole's powers (facultà), knowing that when these opponents shall hear that he has ample authority to dispose of the church property, they will become less averse to return to the obedience of the See Apostolic and of his Holiness; and this was the first thing he had to propose in the name of their Majesties. He then said that three things remained for him to hear from Pole: one was, in what capacity he purposed making his entry; the second, the course he meant to pursue in using his powers, that is to say, whether he would exercise them of his own accord (da me) or communicate everything in the first place to their Majesties. The third inquiry was, whether Pole felt certain that the Pope would enlarge the powers as demanded, in which case their Majesties would leave it to Pole to go before the meeting of Parliament; but should he be doubtful of this, he must await at Brussels his Holiness' reply. These three points being decided, no further difficulty would remain.
	Pole said, in reply, that although for his own part he had acted with all patience, and with due regard for the will and opinion of the Emperor, beginning so long ago as when he left Italy and stopped at Dillengen, alluding also to his protracted sojourn at Brussels, yet did he confess that now the time seemed to him so mature for carrying into effect the becoming and pious will of Queen Mary and King Philip, that further delay seemed to him a very great fault, and fraught with manifest peril for the real welfare of England and of their Majesties, and that therefore he was moved to write so warmly to the King as he did in his last letters; and that on this last occasion it had been most agreeable to him to see still more clearly the piety of their Majesties.
	With regard to the point proposed about the mode of his entry, Pole said that he represented three persons, one private as an Englishman by birth, the second as the ambassador of a great Prince, the third as Legate to restore the religion; and that although it would be fitting, most especially after such long delay, for him to enter as Legate, nevertheless, should it seem expedient, he might on his first entry dispense with this third person, and enter as the Pope's ambassador without the legatine emblems and ceremonies, which, as proposed by the Lieutenant [Renard], might subsequently be used in due season; and this he could do to the satisfaction of the Pope, who had provided and ordained everything to facilitate his entry.
	To the second point, about using his powers, Pole said he did not intend to do anything about using them without the consent and will of their Majesties, having the same object in view as they have. Renard seemed satisfied; and touching the third point Pole said he had no doubt the Pope would use all graciousness to remove any impediment to his going, and therefore the sooner he was in England the more did Pole think it would be opportune, that he might speak and perform such offices as should seem expedient for the desired effect. So Renard came to the conclusion that having settled these three points no further difficulty remained, and that with this resolve he would return to England whenever Pole pleased, not having anything else to do, nor having come hither for any other purpose.
	Renard then alluded to the arrangement made that at. . . . (fn. 8) where he was to land, two of the chief personages of the Court were to meet him; and besides this, for his greater personal safety, their Majesties chose him to be escorted by some of their cavalry (da certi de i suoi cavalli); and stated that it had been already said that Pole's residence was to be in the palace, or in some neighbouring place. In conclusion, he said that, after acquainting their Majesties with the whole, he would return to him.
	In the meanwhile, through a person who departs to-day from Brussels for Trent, Pole sends this, being certain that the Pope will derive consolation from the hope, that with God's assistance a good result may be obtained in this holy business; and having nothing more to communicate at present, he kisses the Pope's most holy feet, praying God long to preserve him for the service of his holy Church.
	Brussels, 23rd October 1554.
	[Italian.]
Oct.? MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. No date of time in MS.	956. Cardinal Pole to Messer Bernardino and his Brethren.
	Announces the death of their brother Messer Bortolomeo (sic) [Thomaso ?], whom he loved as a father. Has thought fit to give them this advice, although unpleasing, yet considering that by the will of God he had arrived at such an age that prolonged years could not but have been burdensome to him, and that this his end was such as to give sure hope, that by Divine mercy he has passed to life blessed and eternal, they have all reason to comfort themselves for their loss, which is for him again.
	Although Pole has reason on his own private account to lament this loss, he would not have failed to incur it on theirs, (fn. 9) after enjoying the fruit of his companionship for so many years, with as much satisfaction to Pole as could have been derived by him from the dearest kinsman he had in the world. He however consoles himself with the aforesaid consolation, which will increase when he hears that Bernardino is consoled by the same cause, and on any occasion when Pole can oblige Bernardino, he may imagine that their brother Thomaso is alive in Pole, and for such he offers himself heartily, praying God to comfort Bernardino.
	Brussels, October ?
	[Italian.]
Oct. 26. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x.	957. Cardinal Pole to Pope Julius III.
	By his last of the 23rd announced the arrival at Brussels of Renard, and what he said to Pole in the name of King Philip and Queen Mary, giving him sure hope of his speedy departure. Yesterday Renard returned to him, the Nuncio being present; and when Pole thanked Renard, alluding to his obligations for the sure hope he had brought him that after such long delay Pole would be enabled to perform his legation, Renard replied that he not only brought him hope, but a certainty (ma cosa fatta), and that having acquainted the Emperor with what had passed between them, his Majesty remained well satisfied with everything, and Renard was of opinion that Pole could continue making his arrangements for the journey, most especially as he was content to go in the form arranged at their last conference; and that at any rate he (Renard) would depart to-morrow, with the hope that on his arrival in England their Majesties would immediately determine to call him, sending a personage as far as Brussels to accompany him, and giving orders for him to be met on his landing in England, as written in Pole's last letter; and even should it be thought advisable to wait until they could call him with the consent of Parliament, the Queen would so contrive (faria tale opera) that if not all, at least the majority of the chief members, would vote for his being called, so that even should a part oppose the measure, the majority would suffice for calling him. Renard then said much about what the Queen had done, and still continues doing in several ways, to this effect; and assured Pole that all would succeed well, and to the honour of God and to the satisfaction of the Pope.
	Pole having then congratulated himself as becoming, said that he thanked the Divine goodness for having opened the way for King Philip and Queen Mary, and the Emperor, to do so worthy and glorious an act, and one so advantageous for Christendom, and that he considered this a greater and more praiseworthy exploit than if he had rescued Jerusalem from the infidels; nor could Pole but greatly congratulate himself on being employed in this matter as the Pope's minister and instrument. But as at the first conference, and at this second one likewise, the only doubt suggested by Renard was that of the extension of the powers, Pole said that he was merely anxious about this, that so noble and holy a work should be nobly and holily negotiated and accomplished; and how could it be so were they to reduce the business to an offer of the church property, and thus make, as it were, a purchase of the obedience? for which he said plainly that neither should he be a good agent, nor did he think the Pope would ever be induced to make it; on which Pole dilated much, saying that such a course (modo) would be neither agreeable to God nor advantageous for England, and very scandalous in the sight of the world.
	Renard admitted the truth of this, and said that the extension of the power was demanded merely for the purpose of removing all umbrage from the parties concerned, who were apprehensive of Pole's molesting them at this commencement, having been already rendered suspicious by those words in the brief transigendi [et?] componendi rem, lest he establish an ecclesiastical court (un tribunal) in England, and summon them immediately to give account and compound, and rigorously deprive them of the property they held; some little umbrage being also taken at the clause which “in gravioribus causis” transferred judgment from Pole to the See Apostolic, declaring that if the Pope had freely referred everything to Pole, promising without further restriction to consider his acts valid, there would have been no difficulty about admitting him.
	Pole rejoined that the Pope had already done this by another bull, promising in general terms “bona fide in verba Pontificis“ to approve and ratify whatever Pole did. Renard expressed a wish to see it, and after perusing the document expressed himself perfectly satisfied with it, saying that if this had been known previously, it would have been unnecessary to send the courier lately despatched to his Holiness, and that it would be well for Pole to show it to the Emperor; and thus ended the conversation between Pole and Renard.
	Yesterday, when Pole had audience of the Emperor and took the Nuncio with him for the affairs of Sienna, he spoke to his Majesty in Pole's name about this bull, and the Emperor seemed glad to hear of it, asking Pole for a copy of it for transmission to the Queen, to whom, however, Pole sent it as long ago as when he was at Dillingen, but perhaps then they did not hold it in the same account as they seem to do now. According to report the course which they intend to pursue in this matter is by means of the bull, or of such power as the Pope shall send Pole, to endeavour to convince the parties concerned that he by no means intends to compel them to relinquish the property they possess; but as the King and Queen find themselves in the same case as the other holders of this property, and to a greater extent, and as without them Pole could do nothing, it is requisite that both for themselves and the others their Majesties should propose some means whereby to satisfy everybody, and by their proclaiming this intention and promise the opposition will consent without repugnance to the return to the obedience; (fn. 10) and may it please God to grant this, and to favour all the rest of this his cause, for the entire consolation of the Pope and the whole Church. When on the spot, should it please God that he go thither, Pole will be better able to know everything, as Renard himself also says, and Pole will then give account accordingly to the Pope, whose most holy feet he kisses with all due respect, praying the Lord God long to preserve him.
	Brussels, 26th October 1554.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 27. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x.	958. Cardinal Pole to Queen Mary.
	Has received the gracious letters of the Queen and King Philip delivered to him by Renard, the Imperial ambassador at their court, in reply to Pole's former letter about the performance of his legation. This reply, and the verbal communication made to him in their name by Renard, have given him no little comfort, at a moment when in truth he had most need of it, being much harassed, not indeed on his own account, as it becomes him to take patience, as by God's grace he does, and always has done hitherto, but by reason of the great inconvenience which seemed likely to ensue had he been recalled after his frequent appeals to the Queen (which he ought to have made to the Pope) without obtaining access to her presence after so long a period, and without receiving any messenger from her, nor any demonstration which could give satisfaction to whom it was most due. This recall of himself individually would not have been so great a matter, but for the consequent delay in laying the foundation of the quiet of the realm and of the Queen's throne, which can never be well established unless the body of the realm is well established and united in that spiritual obedience which is professed by both their Majesties who are its head.
	Nor does the delay of this so necessary a result harass Pole so much on account of the dissatisfaction which the Pope might reasonably feel, though Pole has performed every good office, alleging the same arguments used by Renard with Pole, as because he saw clearly that, although the Pope continued to take everything in good part, their Majesties' authority (stato) could not but receive very great detriment; and, therefore, the Queen having sent such a personage for the settlement of this affair, and for the Emperor's better acquaintance with it, as also by means of Renard's statement to enable Pole to comfort the Pope with the hope that the object of his legation will at length be effected, he is convinced that their Majesties have been moved thus to do by the Holy Spirit, both in the choice of the messenger, than whom no one could be more suitable for the purpose, and by reason of the opportune moment of his mission.
	In reply to the announcement in the name of their Majesties, in like manner as he has limited himself to a mere letter to the King to avoid troubling him, so has he thought fit to give the Queen a more detailed account by means of his agents (de miei), whom he requests her to receive graciously as usual, and to give them full credence for whatever they may tell her in his name; and thus does he end, praying God that in like manner as to Pole's very great joy he heard that his Divine Majesty has granted the Queen the grace of conceiving fruit, in her corporeal womb, rendering her the mother of an heir to the temporal kingdom, so may he also give her the grace to be mother of those who are heirs to a kingdom eternal, of whom it is written in the name of God “ Ego dixi dii estis et filii Excelsi omnes;” so the Queen may with truth be styled mater deorum, leading the children of God to his unity and obedience; and this is that heavenly fruit with which the Queen having been already long pregnant in her mind and spirit, now that the fruit (parto) is mature, it is expected of her that she should produce it in the light and to the glory of God, and for the consolation of all Christendom, and the welfare (salute) of England, which may the Divine goodness and mercy speedily grant.
	Brussels, 27th October 1554.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 27. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. Printed in vol. 4, pp. 168, 169. “Epistolarum Reginaldi Poli,” etc.	959. Cardinal Pole to King Philip of England.
	The King has given great proof of his pious wish to restore Catholicism, not merely by answering Pole's letter on the subject, but by moreover sending the Imperial ambassador in England (Simon Renard) to acquaint him with what has been done, and with what has been omitted in the matter, and to discuss the means for effecting the desired result. Renard informed him of the state of affairs, and of King Philip's piety. Pole therefore thanks God for having given the Queen, who of herself would have been unable to accomplish what she desired, so powerful an auxiliary to anticipate her wishes. Of the commissions given to Renard some must be referred to the Pope, others the Pope has been pleased to refer to Pole. The reply to these last will be conveyed by Renard, and Pole hopes that the King's policy in England (ut istud Regnum sic administret) may prove advantageous for his other realms likewise, and profitable for the whole Church as will certainly come to pass if his Majesty succeeds in completing what he has commenced.
	Brussels, 27th October 1554.
	[Latin, 35 lines.]
Oct. 28. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x.	960. Cardinal Pole to Cardinal Morone.
	Is in the habit of communicating with Morone, and through him with others also, respecting matters he has most at heart, as with that lord and friend given him by God, with whom he can speak freely of everything, as he will do at present, telling him in the first place the present state of the affairs of his legation to England, which seem to commence prospering, as Morone will hear in part from the letters which are being sent to Messer Gio. Francesco, and in part from those of Pole himself, expressing his hopes and fears.
	His hope is that England will return to the obedience of the See Apostolic, and that this will be settled in the present Parliament; which hope he rests not merely on the piety of Queen Mary and King Philip, but also on the words uttered by the Imperial ambassador in England, who was sent to Brussels by the Emperor with the reply to the letters written by Pole to his Majesty. When Pole said freely to Renard that in case the article of the obedience were not settled in this Parliament, he should have no more oil of patience in his flask, and would no longer remain waiting, neither did he believe the Pope would compel him to do so; Renard thereupon rejoined that he must not have any doubt of this, as should England not reunite herself to the Church, King Philip and Queen Mary could not long hold the crown; so if the return (la reduttion) were not to take place on other accounts it must at least be effected for their advantage. In addition to this, Pole seeing that their Majesties have commenced urging him to go, doing the like also by the Pope, he thinks he may believe that they intend soon to come to some settlement.This is what he hopes.
	On the other hand, his fear proceeds from the means deemed necessary by their Majesties for arriving at this effect, it appearing that they choose the church property to be conceded to those who hold it, to which mode Pole is averse, and Morone will see what answer he made to Renard on the subject in his letters to Messer Gian Francesco; but it is true that when discussing this topic with him, Pole modified his reply, saying that he would be content not to speak about this property at present, and assure its possessors that he would not molest them, as they professed to apprehend by reason of those words in the papal brief, “transigendi, componendi” etc. Renard added that in addition to this they might rely on not being molested, in virtue of the ancient statute Prœmunire; so should Pole in his legatine capacity serve summonses on any of the parties concerned (onde quando io come legato volessi far citare alcuno di essi interessati), they could not be compelled [to appear] without the royal consent, so that they were guaranteed by the promises both of Pole and of their Majesties. Renard, therefore, inferred that if at this commencement Pole went as Papal ambassador to congratulate their Majesties, and with the pretext of the other commission about the peace, he might be enabled to perform many good offices, and so conciliate the parties concerned (gli interessati), who, according to Renard, are quite determined to obtain (sic) [retain?] what they hold (ostinatissimi in voler ottener (sic) quel che tengono); but he said, nevertheless, that Pole's presence might be beneficial, most especially with the Queen' (con la Regina), who is the person the most interested of any, both because she has a good conscience and also because she trusts much in Pole, but that in whatever way accomplished, the most important matter is the return to the obedience, on which the salvation of so many souls depends.
	At this conversation the Nuncio was present, and although silent throughout he also spoke at the close, saying in substance that he rejoiced at the arrangements for Pole's going (andata) being so far advanced, as he anticipated the best result from it; and with regard to this he expatiated at great length on the graciousness of the Pope, who would be ready to give the Church property rather than “the obedience” should be in the least delayed on this account, and said that one single soul was worth more than all the property in the world; coming to the conclusion that provided the door was opened to Pole to go and establish “the obedience,” no difficulty whatever would be made by the Pope on account of the Church property, and that he would give him the most ample power in this matter, without limitation of any sort; which words caused Renard to be yet more satisfied, though, to say the truth, Pole would not have wished at this first conference to promise so largely, but on considering the matter afterwards it seemed to him that the Nuncio spoke prudently, to mitigate somewhat what might have seemed to them Pole's scrupulousness in this particular.
	Morone now sees to what pass the affair has been brought, and what there is to hope and to fear. The hope that in this Parliament they may enact the return to the obedience, consists in what Morone has heard, namely, that the parties concerned will not oppose the measure, being certain that he has the fullest possible power (facultà) and moreover that he is unable to do anything against them, without the will and consent of the King and Queen, who are more interested than the rest of the parties concerned in the business, and might promise them what they please.
	Pole's fear consists chiefly in this, that although the “return” may be stipulated without any compact on his part, yet subsequently when, in accordance with his office, he acquaints their Majesties and the others also with their duty in this matter of Church property, whilst on the one hand it may be hoped from the piety of King Philip and Queen Mary, that they will determine to do (most especially with what is in their own hands) what becomes their obligation to God; yet in case from other human considerations this end be not attained, Pole for his own part would greatly fear lest they and the kingdom, although it return to the obedience, may incur the displeasure of God, which he dreads more than the detention of Church property by private individuals. (fn. 11)
	Morone, therefore, sees that matters being in their present state, Pole is compelled at this commencement to acquiesce and be silent, in order not to render the negotiation difficult, announcing in general terms the best possible intention to everybody.
	Touching the Church property held by the Crown, Renard said to Pole spontaneously that the Queen was conscientious, so it might be hoped she will do what is becoming; and Pole hopes that thus may it please God, but declares that should his exhortations with regard to this matter not take effect with her, neither will he on his part accept place in England, even should they give him a moiety of the kingdom, still less the see of Canterbury, (fn. 12) which Renard urged him to accept before going thither, as it would greatly promote the Queen's cause, and his friends in England write to him [to do so], that he may sit in Parliament and have a vote there; but until they return to the obedience it would not seem to him by any means becoming to allow himself to be bound by any charge to remain there, although otherwise he would not refuse any toil or trouble the Pope might be pleased to assign him.
	Requests Morone to urge the Pope to have prayers offered up in all the monasteries and religious establishments at Rome for the success of his legation, and to have alms distributed.
	Brussels, 28th October 1554.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 29. Deliberazioni Senato (Secreta), v. lxix. p. 57, tergo.	961. The Doge and Senate to the “ Bàilo “ at Constantinople.
	The Emperor has given his son, the most Serene King of England, heinvestiture of the kingdom of Naples and of the Duchy of Milan, of which his Majesty has sent to take possession.
	Ayes, 164. Noes, 3. Neutrals, 2.
	[Italian.]