Henry VIII: April 1536, 1-10 | British History Online

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 10, January-June 1536. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1887.

Citation:

'Henry VIII: April 1536, 1-10', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 10, January-June 1536, ed. James Gairdner( London, 1887), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol10/pp240-259 [accessed 16 November 2024].

April 1536, 1-10



April. R. O.	598. Cromwell's Disbursements.
	Money paid by Mr. Secretary by these two warrants, as followeth:—
	(1.) To Sir Thos. Erskine, chief secretary of Scotland, 46l. 13s. 4d. To the abbot of Kenloss, 23l. 6s. 8d. To a yeoman of the king of Scots' cellar, 11l. 13s. 4d. To Salisbury, servant to the bishop of Winchester, 11l. 13s. 4d. To Butler, messenger, for riding to Kemolton, 26s. 8d. To my Lord Chief Justice, 40l. To Sir John Baldewyne, 33l. 6s. 8d. To Sir Ant. Fitzherbert, 33l. 6s. 8d. To John Hynde, one of the King's Serjeants, 26l. 13s. 4d. To Humfrey Browne, serjeant, 26l. 13s. 4d. To the King's attorney, 33l. 6s. 8d. To Rich. Riche, solicitor, 33l. 6s. 8d. To Sir Humfrey Wingfelde, 100l. To Robt. Ormeston, 10l. To the clerks of the Petty Bag, 100s. Lord Chancellor's clerk, 100s. (2.) To the Emperor's ambassador's post, for post, money to Rome, 28l. To Fras. Pycher, for post money to Lyons, 14l. To Northe's clerks and others, for their pains this Parliament, 13l. 6s. 8d. Total of both warrants, 496l. 13s. 4d.; whereof received in his own hands, 115l. Paid to Thos. Averey, his servant, on Easter Eve, 346l. 13s. 4d. And so resteth due to Mr. Secretary, 35l. P. 1. Endd.: A declaration of money paid by Mr. Secretary to the King's use, April 27 Hen. VIII.
R. O.	599. Norfolk to Cromwell.
	I perceived yesterday, by your nephew, that you thought the King would this day appoint such houses of religion as he will appoint to me. Please to show the King that before the passing of this Act I had in my possession the priory of nuns of Bungay, "whereunto his Highness and ye were privy," and also the priory of Wodebrige. "I never found fault at the relation of the said Act to the first day of March was twelvemonth." (fn. 1) This has plucked my lawful interest clearly away. Bungay is not in the book of suppressed lands, as far as I can find. The four vicars to be now endowed belonging to that house [I] think not worth clearly 36l. a year; and yet Wodebrige is assessed at 50l. If I may have the stewardship of all these lands, so much the better; if not, at least this side Trent. Sapienti amico pauca. Where others speak I must speak too. Hol., p. 1. Add.: Mr. Secretary, in haste.
Vit. B. xiv. 299. B. M.	600. [Edmond Harvell. to Starkey.]
	"Sir, I have yours of the 7 passed, and of . . . . . . . . . . . I cannot but commend it, for we have of . . . . . . . . . . . our great pleasure and satisfaction. And for . . . . . . . . . you great thanks. The matter of those . . . . . . . . . . to the regal rents is of great moment, but . . . . . . . . . against it grievously. God grant it turn to . . . . . . . .
	Mr. Pole hath received your work, now reading it . . . . . . . . for asmuch as he hath seen. And shortly I [will read it], and advise you of mine opinion by the next [post. He is very] tender of his work, which he will not give [in till it be well] and substantially overseen and corrected, wherein [he hath spent] no less time than in the making of it. T . . . . . . . . . tofor my coming I am fully determined no . . . . . . . . . I have prolonged the time so much that now I . . . . . . . . begin. Your books, with such other as you give . . . . . . . bye for the bishop of Duran and you . . . . . . . . . . . the first commodity and with my stuff accord . . . . . . . . for the money paid to Mr. Cokerel I thank y[ou] . . . . . . adviseth not to have received it, but only promised pay [ment]. The rumour spread of the contributing to the Fren[ch] . . . . [is] now reputed vain, and contrary there is hope th[at peace?] shall be renewed between us and the Emperor, which go . . . . .
	This letter shall be copious of great news for the [Magnifico Brain] Bassa whom the Turk slew with his own han[d, was thrown] out of a window in the street, where he lay, and [this] act was of great moment, considering that all the . . . . . . . rested fully in the said bassa's government, and b[etween the master and] servant appeared no difference in greatness and auth[ority] . . . . . . was so mighty and perpetual. Wherefore it is [to be thought] that Brain could not come to that miserable [end without] ful great cause, which is not published, but men [think] that it is for the Persian affairs, being openly [reported that the] Sophye had taken Bagadate, otherwise Babilony [which was] kept maximo præsidio, quod penitus deletum . . . . . . . . . . . Turks dommage and ruin. Also it is said . . . . . . . . . . . host doth invade Surye, and cometh tow[ard] . . . . . . these arguments Brain bassa, I suppose, slay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . with the Sophy, or for evil gove[rn]e[ment] . . . . . . . . . . . . . all is brought to * * * as many Almains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . the rest of the French hoste a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . plane inutilis. And in the contrary part . . . . . . . . . . ducem veteranum, atque numero inpresent[i] . . . . . . . . . . brevi augebitur longe majoribus viribus fo . . . . . . . . Mantua, with a great company, and out of Alma[yne] . . . . . . . horsemen and many footmen, besides the Venec[ian army], which is in readiness with the duke of Urbin, the . . . . . day living. Besides out of Spaigne, they are in [hope] of 26 galleys with 4,000 Spaniards; if there folo . . . . . . . . shall see the wars great and cruel, and convert . . . . . . . . . for by mine opinion there is no comparation between . . . . . . . one part being all of new and the other of old s[oldiers] . . . . . . of many wars, in whom only consisteth might and v . . . . . . . . of war; but the Pope's coming to Bononye w. . . . . . . . . . Rome, the x. present, is only for the compounding . . . . . . . . and to make these princes conjure against the Tur[k] . . . . . . . he should obtain immortal glory. By the x. p[resent] . . . . . . should be at Mantua. And this business of Italy . . . . . . . . resolved to peace or war, for all things are in . . . . . . . . . contend by strength, as God withdraw them from tha . . . . . . . . .
	"Postscripta.—We had fresh advices from sondry [places] . . . . . to be despaired of peace; not agreeing these princes . . . . . . . tendeth to war, as appeareth manifestly, now it i . . . . . . . . cometh a good number of Swiches in the French king . . . . . . . French men of arms cometh to Italy. Also in . . . . . . . . . men in greater number than ever tofore, and with al . . . . . Also the Emperor converteth his wars, as is said . . . . . . not coming to Mantua, as was thought . . . . . . [the duke] of Urbin is departed hence to make musters . . . . . . . . men, which are 6,000 footmen and lances, 400 . . . . . . . . 500 which goeth toward Milan, to serve them[peror] . . . . . . Themperor will invade France out of Borgoyne, Sp[ain, Italy], and also by water, for in all these places b . . . . . . . . . made to that effect. Wherefore you may [expect to hear] this summer of great things, and that so . . . . . . . will follow, for the war will be exc[eeding] . . . . . . . is in full readiness, but our Lord" * * * Hol. Mutilated.
1 April. Vienna Archives.	601. Chapuys to Charles V.
	Having three days ago received letters from the Queen Regent in Flanders, addressed to this King, in reply to those he wrote to her for the delivery of two rebels and fugitives of this realm, I sent to Cromwell to know when I should present them; who made answer that I should be welcome to him at all times; nevertheless if it suited me better to deliver them to Cromwell instead, I might do so. And immediately after the said reply, Cromwell sent to me again yesterday morning direct to say that if I agreed he would relieve me of the trouble and come to me, as he thought he was in reason bound to do. But I thought I must not abuse such great courtesy, seeing that I had to present the same letters; and I thought it better to address myself to him rather than to the King, both to avoid giving colour to what the King had lately intimated to the French ambassador, viz., that some courier had come whom I kept in secret, and that you had despatched him expressly to solicit aid in money, and also because Cromwell, being, as he professes, very much inclined to the preservation of amity between your Majesty and the King, not only does continually good service in reporting what he sees conducive thereto, but also adds of himself according to the exigence of affairs. Further, I thought it would be good to find out what was at the bottom of his repeatedly expressed desire to talk with me. Accordingly I went yesterday after dinner to Cromwell, who was very well satisfied with the said Queen's letters, and replied five or six times, with great fervour, that it was a good beginning for the matter of the preservation of the amity of which we had so often talked, to which the King was more inclined than ever, and likewise those of his Council; and that it had been frequently proposed for a long time past to send some good embassy to your Majesty, but that the King alone had always been opposed to it until he had received some answer to what he told me during the Christmas holidays, and which Cromwell had repeated to me since. And Cromwell assured me, on his life and honor, that the King had never treated anything in France, Germany, or elsewhere, to the prejudice of the friendship he has with your Majesty; and that lately again, having been asked by two persons sent hither by the duke of Gueldres to make a similar league with the said Duke to what the French had made, the King had replied that as both parties were at peace there was no occasion for a league, and if there were, he must presuppose the reservation of ancient friendships, especially those he had with your Majesty. And with this answer the said personages of Gueldres returned without having achieved more. Cromwell has confirmed to me the statement that his master and the king of Scots are to meet at York, and that perhaps they might afterwards come hither in company. I think the king of Scots agreed to this interview in the hope of persuading the King to give him the Princess, but being informed of the conclusion of the marriage made by his ambassadors with the lady of Vendôme, of which he knew nothing when he despatched the ambassador who came hither to arrange the interview, I suspect there will be some change.
	There lately came to dine with me the young marquis, the widowed countess of Kildare, lord Montagu, and other gentlemen; when lord Montagu, after many complaints of the disorder of affairs here, told me that the Concubine and Cromwell were on bad terms, and that some new marriage for the King was spoken of; which agrees with what was written to me from France that Henry was soliciting in marriage the daughter of France, so as to confirm their mutual intelligence and test how matters went. I told Cromwell that I had for some time forborne to visit him that he might not incur suspicion of his mistress for the talk he had previously held with me, well remembering that he had previously told me she would like to see his head cut off. This I could not forget for the love I bore him; and I could not but wish him a more gracious mistress, and one more grateful for the inestimable services he had done the King, and that he must beware of enraging her, else he must never expect perfect reconciliation; in which case I hoped he would see to it better than did the Cardinal, as I had great belief in his dexterity and prudence; and if it was true, what I had heard, that the King was treating for a new marriage, it would be the way to avoid much evil, and be very much for the advantage of his master, who had been hitherto disappointed of male issue, and who knows quite well, whatever they may say or preach, that this marriage will never be held as lawful, for several reasons which he might sufficiently understand; and that although a more lawful marriage should follow, and male issue from it would be to the prejudice of the Princess, yet the affection I bore to the honor and tranquillity of the King and kingdom, and towards him particularly, made me desire another mistress, not for hatred that I bore to this one, who had never done me any harm. Cromwell appeared to take all this in good part, and said that it was only now that he had known the frailty of human affairs, especially of those of the Court, of which he had before his eyes several examples that might be called domestic, and he always laid his account that if fate fell upon him as upon his predecessors he would arm himself with patience, and leave the rest to God; and that it was quite true, as I said, that he must rely upon God's help not to fall into mischief. He then began to defend himself, saying he had never been cause of this marriage, although, seeing the King determined upon it, he had smoothed the way, and that notwithstanding that the King was still inclined to pay attention to ladies, yet he believed he would henceforth live honorably and chastely, continuing in his marriage. This he said so coldly as to make me suspect the contrary, especially as he said so, not knowing what countenance to put on. He leaned against the window in which we were, putting his hand before his mouth to avoid smiling or to conceal it (ou pour lencouurir), saying afterwards that the French might be assured of one thing, that if the King his master were to take another wife, he would not seek for her among them. He then said that when an answer came from your Majesty upon the subject of our communication we should discuss everything and do some good work. At last, when I was going to leave, he said to me that although I had formerly refused a present of a horse he wished to give me, that now I could not do so without suspicion of ill-will, and he offered me one that the earl of Sussex had presented to him the day before; and for all I could say to excuse myself, I was obliged to accept it. I think that those here are not content with the appointment made by the Lubeckers with the duke of Holstein; for, happening to talk of the Lubeckers with Cromwell, he said they were false villains and canaille; and that, notwithstanding the said appointment, and that the Duke called himself king of Denmark, the King, writing lately to him for the release of certain ships, would not call him King, saying he knew there was another King alive with daughters, who might pretend to the kingdom. Hereupon Cromwell began to complain of the detention in Flanders of Dr. Adam, of whom I lately wrote, and a servant of this King, who came from Lubeck and Denmark, and begged I would write again for their deliverance. This I could not refuse to do; nevertheless, as I have before stated, it seems to me that unless your Majesty is fully informed, or the said doctor has been well examined and confessed, he ought not to be released. He is a "tres fin galant," who has been the cause of many evils, as I doubt not you are well advised.
	The King and Council are busy setting officers for the provision and exaction of the revenues of the churches which are to be suppressed; which, it is said, will be in number above 300, and are expected to bring in a revenue of 120,000 ducats. The silver plate, chalices, and reliquaries, the church ornaments, bells, lead from the roofs, cattle, and furniture belonging to them, which will come to the King, will be of inestimable amount. All these lords are intent on having farms of the goods of the said churches, and already the dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk are largely provided with them. I am told that although Cromwell promoted in the first instance the demolition of the said churches, that nevertheless, seeing the dangers that might arise from it, he was anxious to prevent them, for which reason the King had been somewhat angry with him.
	The prelates here are daily in communication in the house of the archbishop of Canterbury for the determination of certain articles and for the reform of ecclesiastical ceremonies; and, as I understand, they do not admit (nadvertent, qu. nadmectent ?) purgatory, the use of chrism "et autres jeusies" (?), the festivals of the saints and images, which is the way to spoil St. Thomas of Canterbury and other places of pilgrimage. They are also occupied in replying to a writing made by Luther and his fellows, which the bishop [of Hereford], ambassador of this King, being with them, has sent, whereby Luther and his adherents conclude that the first marriage was valid (tollèrable); and whether it were so or not, without doubt the Princess was legitimate. It is true the ambassador, to please his master, writes that although he thinks the said Luther and the others know the contrary of what he had written, yet they dare not say it for fear of your Majesty. At this instant the Marchioness has sent to me to say what Mr. Gelyot (qu. Elyot?) had already told me, viz., that the King being lately in this town, and the young lady, Mrs. Semel, whom he serves, at Greenwich, he sent her a purse full of sovereigns, and with it a letter, and that the young lady, after kissing the letter, returned it unopened to the messenger, and throwing herself on her knees before him, begged the said messenger that he would pray the King on her part to consider that she was a gentlewoman of good and honorable parents, without reproach, and that she had no greater riches in the world than her honor, which she would not injure for a thousand deaths, and that if he wished to make her some present in money she begged it might be when God enabled her to make some honorable match.
	The said Marchioness has sent to me to say that by this the King's love and desire towards the said lady was wonderfully increased, and that he had said she had behaved most virtuously, and to show her that he only loved her honorably, he did not intend henceforth to speak with her except in presence of some of her kin; for which reason the King has caused Cromwell to remove from a chamber to which the King can go by certain galleries without being perceived, and has lodged there the eldest brother of the said lady with his wife, in order to bring thither the same young lady, who has been well taught for the most part by those intimate with the King, who hate the concubine, that she must by no means comply with the King's wishes except by way of marriage; in which she is quite firm. She is also advised to tell the King boldly how his marriage is detested by the people, and none consider it lawful; and on the occasion when she shall bring forward the subject, there ought to be present none but titled persons, who will say the same if the King put them upon their oath of fealty. And the said Marchioness would like that I or some one else, on the part of your Majesty, should assist in the matter; and certainly it appears to me that if it succeed, it will be a great thing both for the security of the Princess and to remedy the heresies here, of which the Concubine is the cause and principal nurse, and also to pluck the King from such an abominable and more than incestuous marriage. The Princess would be very happy, even if she were excluded from her inheritance by male issue. I will consult with them again today, and on learning her opinion will consider the expedient to be taken, so that if no good be done, I may at least not do any harm. London, 1 April 1536. Fr., from a modern copy, pp. 7.
1 April. Vienna Archives.	602. Chapuys to Granvelle.
	It is well to know that when Cromwell sent so frequently to tell him he wished to speak with him it was only a ruse to get Chapuys to come to him that he might profit by it with the ambassador of France; for yesterday, when Chapuys was with him, he declared to him nothing, and said nothing except what Chapuys drew from him. Did not wish to seem to notice it, but will, on the first opportunity, dexterously put it before him. It is true that yesterday he was very pensive and full of fancies, which might have prevented him declaring what he had intended.
	The five personages from Ireland who, as I wrote to the Emperor, were expected here, arrived some days ago, and, notwithstanding all promises of good treatment, have been put in the Tower, as well as their kinsman the earl of Kildare. London, 1 April 1536. Fr., from a modern copy, p. 1.
1 April. R. O.	603. Bishop of Tarbes to Cromwell.
	I did not remember yesterday, when I spoke with you, the affair of Rogier du Prat, in which I have so often moved you. If you will hasten it, both he and I shall be greatly obliged. I presented to you, at Winchester, when the King was there, some documents of the affair of the poor Bretons robbed near St. Davids. They are needed to exhibit before the Commissioners. I pray cause them to be returned to the poor Bretons. Bridouel, 1 April. Signed: " Castelnau E. de Tarbe." Fr., p. 1. Add.: Secretary. Endd.
1 April.	604. St. James's, Westminster.
	See Grants in April 27 Hen. VIII., Nos. 1-4.
1 April. R. O. Ellis, 3 Ser. II. 303.	605. Andrew Boorde, Priest, to Cromwell.
	I am now in Scotland, in a little university named Glasgow, where I study and practise physic, as I have done in divers regions for my support. Except some few scholastical men that are the King's enemies, his Grace has friends in every part that I have visited. I resort to the Scotch king, the earl of Arran, the lord Evyndale, and to many lords spiritual and temporal. I know their minds, for they take me for a Scotchman's son. I call myself Karre, and the Karres call me cousin. I suppose you have in England beyond 10,000 Scots and innumerable aliens, which harm the King's subjects, the Scots especially. As I passed through England I met many rural Englishmen that love not the King. Regrets there should be aliens in England, especially the Scots, who never did good to it except they knew that profit and lucre should come to them. Found in all parts of Christendom not more than five Englishmen, except scholars for learning. Offers his services. Was in great thraldom of body and spirit till Cromwell set him free and cleared his conscience. Thanks him for his kindness at Bishops Waltham, and licence to visit him once a quarter. When I was in thraldom in the Charterhouse, and knew neither the King's noble acts nor you, "stultycyusly thorow synystrall words I dyd as many of that Order doth;" but when I was at liberty I perceived their ignorance. I could never know anything except from them; and they made me write full insipiently to the prior of London when he was in the Tower, before he was put to execution. I was kept straitly in prison, and glad to write at their request, but nothing against you or the King. I pray God you may provide a good prior for that place of London, as there are many wilful and obstinate young men there, who play the child, and a good prior would serve them like children. Is weary of this barren country. Leith, a mile from Edinburgh, 1 April. Hol., pp. 2. Add.: Secretary.
1 April. R. O.	606. Dame Jane Knyghtley to Cromwell.
	I was lately informed that you would have been in our parts, and should have been very glad to have seen you in my poor house. My lord Leonard and Fitzjerard were with me last night as they came towards the King. I complained to him that I could not keep my deer for unkind neighbours, who assert that I have not the King's confirmation, according to the old customs. They destroy my deer nightly, so that if the King or his Council repaired hither I should be "dishonested" for lack of game. My son Edmund shall declare to you that your pains shall be partly deserved; and I have sent to you by my lord Leonard a gelding which I thought to have given you when you repaired to these parts. Fallesley, Saturday after Lady Day. Hol., p. 1. Add.: Secretary. Endd.
1 April. R. O.	607. Sir George Darcy to Cromwell.
	Has written to the King for the preferment of the nunnery of Swyne, of which his wife is foundress, after the death of her father. Begs credence for his brother Sir Arthur. Gaytforthe, 1 April. Signed. P. 1. Add.: Chief Secretary. Endd.
1 April. R. O.	608. John Husee to Lady Lisle.
	I have written to my Lord at large how everything stands. I have done as much as I can for my life. I received your letters by Mr. Porter's servant, which I will deliver at my coming to London, and send you a speedy answer of lord Dawbeney's letter, and see the other conveyed into Devonshire, for I know Mr. Roolles is gone long since. As to the book, I have received none, and you do not write by whom you send it. Mr. Danastre will do all the law will bear. Mr. Basset is merry, and wants a horse against his riding into the country, and also money. Mr. George was a little unwell, but is better. I am sorry the plague is beginning there. At my return to London I will do my best to send your gentlewoman, who, I hope, will be there before Easter. I cannot yet meet with Thos. Seller. He has been with Mr. Basset two or three times. You will receive by Goodalle your kirtle with sleeves of the Queen's gift. Campion and Mr. Skut have been with me for money; also the broiderer and the saddler. Dover, 1 April. Hol., p. 1. Add.
2 April. R. O.	609. Christopher Lord Conyers to Cromwell.
	Begs his favor for the house of Giseburn, that they may have an able man for their prior of their own house. Is heir unto Bruce, their founder. Wishes to have such liberties as they and his ancestors have hitherto had in the said monastery. 2 April. Signed. P. 1. Add.: Secretary. Endd.
2 April. R. O.	610. Thomas Abbot of Abingdon to Cromwell.
	The date of the obligation between John Audelett and me will soon expire. John Audelett himself is very sick, and his life is despaired of. The convent desire earnestly an end of the matter. Abendon, 2 April. Signed. P. 1. Add.: Master Crumwell, chief secretary to the King's highness and master of his rolls.
2 April. R. O.	611. John Abbot of Whitby to Cromwell.
	I send you by my brother the evidences of the monastery, according to the commandment given me by the visitors when they were last here. They are made in the best manner. I beg your favor, but I have nothing to recompense you with except my prayers. I send you your fee. Whitby, 2 April. Hol.,p. 1. Add.: Secretary. Endd.
2 April. R. O.	612. Robert Singleton, priest, to Cromwell.
	Friar Patrick, since I left Dover, has been kept here in the church of St. James [by the] parson of the same, master of the Maison Dieu. The master has of late sent him to London with one of his lads, to Mr. Bedull. You will now hear of him. Dover, 2 April. Hol., p. 1. Add.: Secretary.
2 April. R.O.	613. Sir Simon Harcourt to Cromwell.
	I am informed that it is enacted in Parliament that certain religious houses shall be dissolved. There is a little house of canons in Staffordshire, called Routon, built and endowed by my ancestors, to the intent that they might be prayed for perpetually, and many of them are buried there. I would gladly be a suitor for it to the King, but I dare not, as I know not his pleasure. I beg you will be a mediator to the King for me, that the same house may continue, and he shall have 100l. and you 100l. if you can accomplish it, and 20l. fee out of the said house. If the King is determined to dissolve it I desire to have it, as it adjoins such small lands as I have in that country, and I and my heirs will pay so much as the rent of assize cometh to, and give you 100 marks. I had proposed to see you myself, but am not able to ride, and therefore send my son. Staunton Harcourt, 2 April. Signed. P. 1. Add., Secretary.
2 April. R. O.	614. John Whalley to Cromwell.
	Hears that the parson of Wednysborowe, who is sent to Cromwell accused of treason, had a book of prophecies. He was very familiar with the master of the Maisondewe here, and other parsons and vicars in Kent, and is said to be a Scot. If well handled, he can declare a great multitude of Papists in this country. Two chaplains of the archbishop of Canterbury have been here this Lent, having preached at Calais, so that the Deputy and his wife "are well brought home with divers others which were Pharisees there." The bearer, the bailly of Dover, can tell him about the King's works. Dover, 2 April. Hol., p. 1. Add.: Chief Secretary.
[2 April.] R. O.	615. John Skip.
	A sermon preached by Mr. Skyppe, in the King's chapel, upon Passion Sunday, in the year of Our Lord 1536, on the text Quis ex vobis arguet me de peccato? defending the clergy from their defamers and from the immoderate zeal of men in holding up to public reprobation the faults of any single clergyman as if it were the fault of all. He insisted upon the example of Ahasuerus, who was moved by a wicked minister to destroy the Jews. He urged that a King's councillor ought to take good heed what advice he gave in altering ancient things, and that no people wished to take away the ceremonies of the Church, such as holy water, holy bread, &c. That alterations ought not to be made except in cases of necessity. That in the present Parliament there were men of the greatest learning and ability, and perfect freedom and moderation in discussion. He described the character of the debates in Parliament, lamented the decay of the universities, and insisted on the necessity of learning. Pp. 34. Corrected draft, in Skyppe's hand. (fn. 2)
R. O.	2. Two other corrected drafts of the same sermon, in the same hand. Pp. 21, 6.
R. O.	3. Report of the same sermon in Wriothesley's hand. Pp. 5.
R. O.	4. Another and different report of the same sermon.
	The preacher insisted on the strict following of God's Word:—that Christ chose ignorant followers, to teach men that nobility standeth not in worth but grace; and he cited the example of Solomon to show that he lost his true nobility towards the end of his life, by taking new wives and concubines. He insisted on the need of a King being wise in himself, and resisting evil counsellors who tempted him to ignoble actions, by the history of Rehoboam; observing that if a stranger visited this realm, and saw those who were called noble, he would conceive that all true nobility was banished from England. He warned them against rebuking the clergy, even if they were sinful, as rebukers were often rebuked, like Nebuchadnezzar, who was God's instrument to punish the Jews, "and yet was damned for his labour." Against evil councillors, who suggested alteration in established customs, he instanced the history of Haman and Ahasuerus. He then explained and defended the ancient ceremonies of the Church (as above). He concluded with a complaint on the moderation of the High Court of Parliament. Pp. 7. Endd. by Wriothesley: "A sermon made by Master Skyppe, in the King's chapel, upon Passion Sunday."
R. O.	5. A paper of singular moderation and ability, entitled "Interrogatories and articles to be administered to the preacher who preached the sermon in the Court on Passion Sunday," on these words: Quis ex vobis arguet me de peccato? for preaching seditious doctrines on these words, and slandering "the King's highness, his counsellors, his lords and nobles, and his whole Parliament." Inc.: "First, whether this was his theme, Quis ex vobis arguet me de peccato? Ends: "Item, finally, be it required of the preacher to bring forth and show his sermon in writing; and if he refuse so to do, or say he hath it not in writing, then be it inquired whether he did never write it, or never showed it to any man in writing before or since it was preached." Pp. 13.
R. O.	6. A sermon on 1 Thess. iv. 1. Inc.: Sicut videtis experientia. Lat., pp. 3. In the same hand as § 1.
R. O.	7. A sermon on 1 Thess iv. [13]. Begins: "Sanctus Paulus in epistola hodie recitata in ecclesia pro mortuis." Lat., pp. 7. In the same hand as § 1.
R. O.	8. A collection of sermon notes, in the same hand. Lat., pp. 10.
R. O.	9. Other sermon notes in the same hand, on the words Rogamus vos, &c. Lat., pp. 4.
R. O.	10. A sermon against Pride, on Matt. xviii. 1, the Gospel for Michaelmas day. Marginal summary.—"De humilitate. Non superbiendum ratione corporis. Neque superbiendum ratione anime. Hic agitur contra superbos mores. Pene superborum in hac vita. Superbia primorum parentum redegit eos ad summam paupertatem. Pene superborum post hanc vitam. Primum (?) premium humilitatis: solum humilibus datur gratia Dei. Secundum premium humilitatis: eorum preces exaudiuntur a Deo."
	ii. Notes for a second sermon from the same gospel on the words: Qui suscipit unum parvulum, &c. Endorsed: "In illa hora accesserunt discipuli ad Jesum, &c." Pp. 14.
R.O.	11. Sermon notes containing apparently an outline of the same sermon. Pp. 3. In the same hand as § 8.
R. O.	12. A sermon on Philipp. iv. 4. Inc.: " The said pistle of St. Paul." Pp. 5. In Skyppe's hand (?).
2 April. R. O.	616. Loys de Renty to the Deputy [of Calais].
	I understand by your letter of the 30th March your satisfaction at the breaking of the bridge of Sandesbosch within the country of Bredenarde, because it is not in your jurisdiction. This you take to be a great surety to the country, and it is a great pleasure to me. St. Omer, 2 April. Signed. Fr., p. 1. Add.
3 April. R. O.	617. [Cromwell to —.]
	Has received his letter dated at Carew, 26 March, showing the diligence and good policy he has used in searching the untruth of my lady Katherine's priest (fn. 3) in conveying away plate and evidence. The King approves his conduct, and desires him to make inquiry of the things concealed and embezzled, with the aid of such persons as he thinks most meet, and to put the priest to surety to appear before the King's council. Bring up with you all such stuff as you think worth the carriage, and make the most you can of the rest. Make inquiry for the sheep that you lack, and find out who are concerned in it. Pack up everything carefully that it take no moisture, and have good eye to the evidences, plate, and household stuff; "and I trust at your return ye shall not repent your journey." London, 3 April. Draft, in Cromwell's hand, pp. 2.
	ii. [Cromwell] to Master Crane.
	I perceive by Mr. Ratclyffe and Mr. Gage that you have alleged that I have let to farm the Port tythe. This is not so. Henry Lodge offered to pay the half year's rent due at Lady Day last, which my man Wylliamson received when I was at Court. He delivered me a quittance when I came home, which I subscribed; but I made no promise either to Lodge or any other. London, 3 April. Draft, in Cromwell's hand, p. 1.
3 April. R. O.	618. [Cromwell to Sir Piers Dutton, Sheriff of Cheshire.]
	Understands that one John Offeley detains from Edmund Rous, a friend of Cromwell's, 104l. received from his factor Humfrey Lightfote at Calais. Hears that Offeley has merchandise at Westechester and other places within the limits of [Dutton's] office, and has also personal recourse thither. Requires him in the King's name to arrest Offeley, and send him up to London unless he will compound with Rous. If his person cannot be apprehended his goods must be arrested. The Rolles, 3 April 1536. Copy, pp. 2.
3 April. Poli Epist. i. 442.	619. Reginald Pole to Priolus.
	Has received his two letters dated 11th and 15th. Is glad to hear that his writings please cardinal Contarini. Objects to the Cardinal showing them to the Pope, lest it should become known in England that he had written the book, and sent it to the Pope before he sent it to the King. Believes the Pope's denial of the report that Casale was charged to treat of a reconciliation. Hears from England, by letters of 25 Feb., that three bishops preached about the Pope's authority, and that the archbishop of Canterbury said that the bishop of Rome was Antichrist, and that Parliament is about to abolish purgatory. Many opponents of these doctrines are in prison. Among the Lutherans, whom he calls brothers in the Gospel, he has for a preacher the bishop of Hereford. Does not think there is much chance of his reconciliation unless he is compelled to fear, which could be easily done if the laws of the Church were enforced against him. Understands, by letters from Naples, that if the Queen, the Emperor's aunt, had not died, the King would have been already anathematized. Why should the Church's interest depend on the life of one woman? Wishes the Cardinal would show the Emperor what reward it would merit of God to defend the Church. Considers that if he wrested Asia from the Turks, and allowed England to fall off from the Faith, he would not deserve well of the Church.
	Has finished his book, and will send it by the next courier.
	Has just received his letters of the 20th. Venice, 24 March.
	Has received his of March 26. Approves of the Cardinal's advice to omit what will render him odious and suspected, and end the book with the argument about the Pope's authority, though he does not mind being odious to the King, if he perseveres in rendering himself odious to God. It would be a better test of his mind, however, if such words were removed. Is much moved by the fact that he tries to make the doctrines of the Church hateful to all. Has just received letters from England, that the King seeks the Emperor's friendship, and denies that he has excited France against him. Hears also from Naples that the Emperor replied courteously to the King, and "our" ambassador has sent in post to the King. Cassali has been commissioned to act with the English ambassador to the Emperor.
	All the treasures (donaria) of the churches in England have been taken to the King at London. There can be no sincere friendship between these sovereigns till affairs of religion are settled. The English fear the Emperor's coming to Rome. The Carthusians have been brought to the King's opinion, except a few who are in prison. Hopes Priolus will return after Easter, and tell him the Cardinal's opinion about the book. 30 March mdxxxv. (fn. 4)
	In consequence of the courier's delay, now sends three quires of the book. The first begins, "An erroris et peccati confessio," which follows what Priolus already has. The third, beginning "Hoc fortasse," is to be inserted in the seventh, counting from the beginning, where the passage occurs, "De te nunc, Princeps, quid faciam ? An pergam illorum argumenta dissolvendo, qui tuam perversissimam sententiam confirmant, veritatem causæ tibi clarius conari monstrare ?"
	Replies in this part to Sampson's argument, and intended at first to put it at the end. Now he has all the book. Venice, 30 March.
	Expects to hear from him, especially as the Emperor's coming is near. Intends to spend Easter at Padua. Venice, 3 April. Lat.
3 April. R. O. St. P. vii. 644.	620. Sir Gregory da Casale to Cromwell.
	Sent letters lately both by France and by Germany. Learns from one of his brother's servants just come from Venice that the republic is divided into two factions, of which the one opposed to the Doge was at first the stronger, but when it appeared the French would certainly come to Italy the other prevailed, the whole senate censuring the treaty with the Emperor, which, however, the Doge and his party felt they could not refuse to ratify. They refused, however, to give the Emperor the 6,000 foot until he had appointed a duke of Milan, and when the Emperor asked them to name whom they pleased as Duke, said they left it to him. The Florentine exiles hope to make conditions with duke Alexander. The Emperor has hastened his coming, and will enter Rome on the 5th instead of 7th April. The Imperialists say he will not stay there till Easter, and are anxious that he should go to Mantua, where the duke of Urbino wishes him to stay. It is expected the Turk will show a strong force both by sea and land, unless peace be made between Ferdinand and John. King John's ambassadors have returned to Rome re infecta, but with good hope of obtaining honorable conditions. The Emperor has referred the matter to Rome, that the Pope may interpose in his favor. The ambassadors say he received them very well, and was sorry his brother had objected to let them pass; also that he would be glad if king John married any of his relations.
	Sends a bundle of letters from the English ambassador at Naples. Rome, 3 April 1536. Signed. Lat. Add.
4 April. R. O.	621. Sir Henry Everyngham to Cromwell.
	Will. Langhame, of Lincolnshire, troubles me concerning the executorship of my aunt, and strives to obtain your favor. I trust to your aid, any suit to the contrary notwithstanding; and if any temporal men are to have advantage from the abbeys, I desire of you my preferment in that behalf. Many abbeys in this country have had certain lands given them by my ancestors for certain duties that they have neglected, in which matter I beg your favor. Byrkyn, 4 April. Signed. P. 1. Add.: Secretary. Endd.
4 April. R. O.	622. John Husee to Lady Lisle.
	I have received your letters by Goodalle, and will execute the contents when I reach London. I shall also receive of Barnabe the book and letters, conveying them as you desire in all haste, and sending your gentlewoman by the first ship. Mr. Receiver shall lack no soliciting for Mr. Gainsford's suit. The bearer, my fellow Ledall, wishes your favor in his suit to my Lord. Mr. Treasurer is his heavy master. Dover, 4 April. Hol., p. 1. Add.
4 April. R. O.	623. The Royal Supremacy.
	Answer of Mr. John Madowell, clerk, to three articles ministered unto him on the King's behalf, 4 April 28 [Hen. VIII.], by Thos. Benet, clerk.
	1. That on Palm Sunday, at St. Edmund's church, New Sarum, when he prayed for the King as Supreme Head next under God of the Church, he added that he supposed against some men's wills, and that of the best of both sorts.—Denies saying "that of the best of both sorts." By "against some men's wills" he meant "that it was for taking down of the King's authority, both for the eating of white meats and other dispensations which were set up within the city of New Sarum."
	2. That he said there was a person in prison and in the stocks that had set up the picture of a lewd friar which preached nought in deed, but to him that had taken down the King's license for eating white meat was nothing done, wherefore he supposed the King had few friends there, and as he was true Christian man the King's council should know it shortly.—Denies the words "lewd friar."
	ii. Interrogatories and answers.
	1. Saw the said license openly set up. 2. Knows not by whom. 3. It was on the gate on the north side of the close next to the house of Thos. Byggs the porter. Does not know on what day, but he saw it on Saturday before Passion Sunday. 4. Heard that it was taken down on Monday after Passion Sunday, the fair being there. Saw that it was torn down on Palm Sunday after the said sermon. 5. Has no knowledge nor conjecture who took it down. 6. Does not know that the mayor was informed of its taking down, but supposes he knew it. 7. Said that the King had few friends there, because he did not hear that any search was made for them that did it.
	Article 3.—Where he said that there was variance between the Bishop and the city, because the mayor would be the King's officer and not the Bishop's, where, as far as he could perceive, he would neither be the one nor the other:—Denies this as it is written. Said in his sermon that he heard there was a variance between the mayor and the bailly as to which is immediate and chief officer under the King, but that neither did their duty in searching out these privy traitors which had dishonored the King in pulling down his authority.
	Interrogatories.—1. As to what moved him, and what he meant, refers to his answer to Article 3. 2. Denies that he had any knowledge or vehement presumption that the mayor would not be officer to the King nor the Bishop. Signed by Madowell. Pp. 5. Endd.
5 April. R. O.	624. John Whalley to Cromwell.
	Wrote last Sunday by the bailly of Dover. It is said that the house of St. Radygundes and other religious houses of Dover are to be suppressed; thinks it would "make little force" if not one were left standing within the realm. The abbot of St. Radygundes is setting men to fell his woods "a greate pace," and, if Cromwell does not stop him, will do much harm to the place, one of the "properyst" in Kent. Dover, 5 April. Hol., p. 1. Add.: "Cheiffe Secretary." Endd.
5 April. Cleop. E. vi. 249. B. M.	625. Clerk, Bishop of Bath and Wells, to Cromwell.
	I thank you for giving credit to my last letters for the excuse of Master Carsley in his late preaching. As to the bearer, Mr. Claxton, my chaplain, for whom you have sent, I will not ask for him to be totally excused, for I do not know his matter so well as the other man's, but he is marvellous honest and virtuous. He has been for four or five years my almoner; a soft man of small spirit, no meddler in any matters, all given to study, except when I send him about my diocese preaching. I have not heard that he has spoken anything to offend any man, except those who are suspected of naughty opinions, against whom he has spoken somewhat earnestly, as is now very necessary. He suspects that his accuser is one Champneys, as fond, malicious, and seditious as any in the shire. He is my tenant, and lately my servant, but I had to cast him off for sedition and "bryges" with Sir John Saynctlo and other gentlemen. He has since given himself to idle and evil company. It is the same man of whom I told you that last Christmas he came to the offering (I being present), kissed the stole in the priest's hand, turned his back to the altar, and gave his offering to a beggar whom he had caused to stand near, to whom he never gave halfpenny before, though he lives within three houses of him. His neighbours wonder and grudge at his lewd pranks; but as I still hope for amendment, "I have not said so moche unto hym, dwellyng within a flyght shott of me, as blakke is his iee," except that I have given him secret advertisement by friends, "hæc est patientia nostra ut vincamus mundum." However, he fears the more behind, and thinks more is proved than indeed there is. He fears being called to some reckoning, and tries to stop it by these means. It were great pity he should do so. Master Claxton's integrity and perfection of living are known in all the country. You will find the report against him either untrue and malicious, or else the occasion was such that you yourself would well allow it. Part of the complaint made against him was for omitting to exhort the people to pray for the King, Queen, and Princess by name. By what I can discover, he has done his part at all times, except once or twice when he preached at Chiew, where he says that he did not expressly name either the King, Queen, or any other whom he is accustomed to name. The cause was, that the congregation consisted but of gross and rude people, disposed to gaming and pastime, and not to tarry long in the church, it being about "Shrofty[de]," so he merely exhorted them generally to pray for those quick and dead for whom they were accustomed to pray, reckoning that they knew well enough who they were. He says he has heard preachers do the same in great and solemn audience in London. The place where he preached is neither market town nor good village; and without my household, who were then staying in a small house of mine there, he could have had but a small and simple audience. No man living prays more heartily for the King and his in his sermons and elsewhere. I dare say he prayed for them in his heart, and thought his audience would do the same.
	I have reproved him, and he is very sorry, and promises that he will never more offend, and I dare undertake that he will not. I beg you that his labour and expense in coming up and waiting upon you, and my displeasure, may be taken in satisfaction of some part of his penance for his negligence. Deal mercifully with him. He has not 20 marks a year to live on, and was fain to make friends and borrow for his coming up. Wells, 5 April. Signed. Pp. 3. Add.: To, &c., Master Secretary. Endd.
5 April. Poli Epist. I. 449.	626. Reginald Pole to Priolus.
	The only hope of a remedy for present evils rests in this meeting of princes. Thinks it needless to exhort Priolus to use his influence with the princes to obtain help for our evils. The Emperor's courteous answer to the English ambassador when he asked for a renewal of the ancient friendship is likely to increase rather than diminish these evils. Was advised by Martin and Sigismund to send a messenger to the Emperor with his opinion on English affairs, which his Majesty told Sigismund he was expecting at Rome, and that he then intended to occupy himself only with remedying the ills of England. Said he could not send Sigismund or one of his servants without causing great suspicion to the king of England; so Martin undertook the task, but has not gone yet. Sends copies of the letters and instructions which he has prepared for him for Priolus' advice. Venice, 3 April.
	If Priolus thinks he had better send a messenger to the Emperor, asks him to send back the letters; if not, commits the affair to him. 5 April. Lat.
6 April. R. O.	627. John Abbot of Feversham to Cromwell.
	I thank you for your loving letters; and in consideration of the goodness you have always borne towards our poor monastery of St. Saviour, I send you a poor token. Feversham, 6 April. Signed. P. 1. Add.: Secretary.
6 April. R. O.	628. Fitzwilliam to Lord Lisle.
	In behalf of Francis Hastings, spear of Calais, who has been summoned by Privy Seal to answer certain matters touching his being executor to the late lord Barners. Trusts he is in no danger of losing his room. Westminster, 6 April. Signed. P. 1. Add. Endd. by Lisle.
R. O.	629. — to Master Gascoigne.
	Thanks him for his loving present, and will be glad to do him service to requite it.
	ii. — to the Marshal of Calais.
	Francis Hastings was arrested by my lord Berneys' creditors "and his ensute (?), to desire to make no ferther other hym nor my sureties for cauwos belongynge to the said lorde" till you know the King's pleasure. Two drafts, p. 1.
7 April. R. O.	630. [Sir] William Godolphin to Cromwell.
	I beg your favor for my cousin Carmynowe, the bearer. If he comes to London, as he is sickly and 68 years old I beg you will hear him. If he cannot come himself, pray accept his poor remembrance sent to you by his servant. At my poor house, 7 April. Hol., p. 1. Add.: Secretary.
7 April. R. O.	631. Oudart Du Bies to Lord Lisle.
	I am informed by Jehan de Vierote, a Gascon merchant, who has been accustomed to bring wines to Boulogne and Calais, that his servant Marquet, the bearer, has been robbed of eight angelots by some of your subjects at the bridge of Nuyllay; which I think strange, as he was carrying the said money, with other, from Zealand. I beg you to procure him redress. Boulogne, 7 April. Signed. Fr., p. 1. Add.
[7 April.] Vit. B. xiv. 173. B. M.	632. Foreign News.
	"Copia literarum die xxiij. M[arcii]. (fn. 5)
	"Jam festinanter nudius ter[tius] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. vestræ potuerim scribere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hic rumorem ortum esse quat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . et Chr^mum eo deducta est ut fere exis . . . . . one . . . . . . . . . . Cæsariani dicunt Cæsarem misisse ad Chr^mum et scrips[isse ad Anto]nium Leyvam ut benigne excipiat Admiraldum illa . . . . . . . quod si verum esset, esset res bona, eoque magis si pr . . . . . . animo, et non ab aliqua intentione decipiendi regem, . . . . . . . . fuerit (prout isti Palatini affirmánt) nullum aliam ob ca[usam] . . . est nisi ut facilius exigere possint impositiones Reg[ni Neapoli]tani, et ut imprimant in animo pontificis, Chr^mum qu[ærere con]cordiam aliis mediis quam medio suo; verum hæc meliu[s] . . . . . . debebunt in curia, et maturiori judicio discurr . . . . . . . . nes quas scio dominatio vestra considerabit."
	Two days ago it was said that the Arabs and Turks had taken Tunis and besieged the King in the castle. The troops left at Guletta sent word to the Emperor that they could not hold the place without help. This is confirmed today by letters from the Venetian consul at Palermo. The Nuncio at Venice [writes] that the Signory will not raise troops unless [the Emperor] declares who shall be duke of "Me[diolanum]." Vannes' hand, p. 1. Mutilated.
8 April. R. O.	633. Sir John Nevill to Cromwell.
	I understand that Sir Thos. Wyntwort, knight marshal, has a grant from the King of the priory of Ampall for his money. Be so good master to my son Gervase Clyfton, one of the King's wards, whom I had of the King for one of my daughters, that he may have it for his money, and he will find surety for the performance of all such commands as you lay upon him. His ancestors were the founders of that place. I beseech you to have me in remembrance for Wallyng Wellys, as I wrote to Mr. Richard, your nephew, or for something else. Chette, 8 April. Signed. P. 1. Add.: Secretary. Endd.
8 April. R. O.	634. Thomas Megges to Cromwell.
	I thank you for your goodness in preferring me to the King's service. There is in Marshlond, in the county of Norfolk, a chapel and guild of the Trinity in Walsokyn, of which I have been chosen alderman. By the foundation a priest should be master, and find two priests to sing for the founders, brothers and sisters of the said guild; but as the brethren think that such good rule is not kept there as they would, they have counselled me to labour with you for a dispensation that I might be master there. As you are the highest ordinary of England under the King I am the bolder to write to you for your favor. I have sent you a couple of oxen against this Easter. Wisbeach, 8 April. Signed. P. 1. Add.: Secretary. Endd.
8 April. R. O.	635. Thos. Warley to Lady Lisle.
	Thanks for her letters brought by Goodale on the 6th. Has not spoken with Mr. Receiver or Mrs. Margery. Has had much business with Fras. Hastynges, who is the craftiest fellow he ever met. Trusts shortly to be at an end, but fears he will lose a great part of his duty. Intends tomorrow to be at the Court and speak to Mr. Receiver and Mrs. Margery.
	One day last week spoke about his matter to the King in the Lord Chancellor's presence, but the duke of Suffolk brought in a brace of white greyhounds to give to the King. Sir Christopher Willoughby was present, and complained of the Duke, so that Warley was put aside for the time. By reason of the Parliament the Lord Chancellor cannot be at leisure to move the King for him. Asks Lady Lisle to procure a letter from Lord Lisle to Mr. Harry Norres or Sir Fras. Bryan to solicit his cause to the King. Will recompense them well if he obtain it. Lady Lisle knows what the ViceTreasurer has said about his suit. It has cost him 100l. Would need no one to solicit for him except the Lord Chancellor, but he comes so little to the Court, and when there sits in Council about the Parliament matters, so that he has no leisure. Would write to Lord Lisle, but has no news. London, 8 April.
	Sir Fras. Bryan and Norres have been long absent from Court, so that they will probably continue there longer now. Desires that the letter for which he asks may be sent to him that he may deliver it himself. Robt. Whettell has obtained a letter from the King to put Snowden from his room. Hol., pp. 2. Add.: At Calais.
8 April. Vesp. F. xii. 140. B. M.	636. The Subsidy.
	Receipt by Vyncent Mundy, one of the high collectors appointed by Sir Thos. Awdeley, lord Chancellor, and Thos. duke of Norfolk, lord Treasurer and Earl Marshal, commissioners for assessing of peers for the first payment of the subsidy granted to tho King by Parliament 26 Hen. VIII. of 26l. 15s. from Robert earl of Sussex. 8 April 27 Hen. VIII. Signed and sealed. Endd.: My lord's bill of discharge for the payment of the King's subsidy.
8 April. Vit. B. xiv. 171. B. M.	637. Sir Gregory Casale to Sir John Wallop. (fn. 6)
	" Mag^co signor mio. Questi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . quanto occorreva sopra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . et insicme vi ho indirizzate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . al quale al presente non scrivero . . . . . . baste . . . . . . . scrivendo gli mandi questa letera. L'Imperad[ore venne a] Roma alli cinque d'Aprile con molta pompa et . . . . . . . rendutigli da questa citta. Et percioche meglio . . . . . . . tutto, con questa sara una cosa stampata, che . . . . . . . entrata in Roma di sua Maesta. L'Imperadore . . . . . . . con deliberatione di starvi sei overo otto giorni . . . . . . le cose de Francesi sono procedute molto aua[nti] . . . . che sono arrivati ad Asti, et perche da Genou[a] . . . . sollecitato, a far delle provisioni, dubitando di . . . . . . poi che e stato in Roma, per li ragionamenti . . . . . . havuto con lui della pace, ha risoluto di far Pa . . . .
	Pare che habbia fatto tale deliberatione anch . . . . . . . aspetta certa risposta di Francia, laquale pot . . . . . . . esser tale, che si fermerebbe in Roma piu . . . . . . . Mai jo nol credo. Tra l'altre cause, che lo s . . . . passate in Lombardia, vi e anchora, che si . . . . . . mila fanti Spagnuoli assai buona gente, et ci . . . . . che saranno gente da fattione. L'Ambasciad[ore del Re]? nostro e in Roma, et mi ha dato letere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .o anchora sia ambasciadore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Infino a qui non habbiamo potuto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . chella infino a qui e stata . . . . . . . . a trepa . . . . etiti col Papa." [R]oma, 8 April 1536. Hol. Mutilated. Add.
8 April. R. O.	638. Duchy of Milan.
	Extract from a letter dated Rome, 8th April 1536.
	Hears from a good source that there is great hope of an arrangement between the Emperor [and the French king] about Milan. Ital. In Ant. Bonvisi's hand. Four lines.
9 April. R. O.	639. John Whalley to Cromwell.
	Ambros Crollyer, smith, has been accused, by two other smiths in Dover, of having, since Christmas last, "brybede serten iron of the Kinges." Has sent him up to Cromwell to be examined since he denies the charge. Dover, 9 April. Hol., p. 1. Add.. "Cheiff Secretory."
9 April. R. O.	640. Robert Syngleton, Priest, to Cromwell.
	Three days after my coming to Dover the master of Maison Dieu bade me welcome home, and walking upon the new jetty asked me what news in London? I said, None but good. Yes, said he, I understand I am complained on. I answered that I had complained of Sir Patrick, the friar, whose presumption, I thought, was not without adherents, but I did not so largely delate as I would have done if I could have come to Master Secretary's speech. Then he said he was out of doubt, for it was not his words but his deeds that condemned the man, and as for me, I had put him away "senytt agone." I had little other communication with him, and I am sure he has written to Master Treasurer of the King's House, and others. Dover, 9 April. Hol., p. 1. Add.: Secretary. Endd.
[9 April.] R. O.	641. William Conyngesby to Cromwell.
	This Palm Sunday I have received letters from Andrew Boorde, dated at Leith, styling himself your servant. I have no acquaintance with him. I have also received certain letters enclosed directed to you, desiring them to be forwarded, as I do by my own servant, enclosed in this of mine. A Scotch ship this day has come into our haven of Lynn. If you wish therefore to send letters to the said Andrew by the ship which intends to sail about Easter Day, I will see them delivered. Lynn, Palm Sunday. Hol., p. 1. Add.: Secretary.
9 April. R. O.	642. Ric. Stevynnache, Chamberer of St. Alban's, to Sir Fras. Bryan.
	I desire your help for our monastery in the causes declared to you by me and my brethren. Our abbot will extremely punish all of us who have joined in the supplication unless you interfere. I shall lose my offices, for last week he sent order to my tenants to send me no more rent; and though this is grievous to me, and contrary to the King's injunctions, I will be contented to suffer that and more, so that the monastery prosper and be well maintained and ordered, which can never be so long as the Abbot can do as he will. He might have a discreet and circumspect brother as a coadjutor, without whom he could do nothing, and not waste and bring the monastery into debt. Without some remedy of the kind we despair of amendment. 9 April. Hol., pp. 2. Add.
[9 April.] Cleop. E. iv. 209*. B. M. Wright's Suppression of the Monasteries, 121.	643. Humphrey Stafford to Cromwell.
	Thanks for repeated kindness. Reminds Cromwell of his promise to be good master to him in time to come. Desired Mr. Brian to motion him to help the writer to a gift of the priory of Fynshed, a house of canons in co. Northt., of the yearly value of 56l. 10s. 11½d., if it should be suppressed. My father has since asked me to write to yourself for the house of canons called Worspring, of which he is founder, which is about the same value. Bletherweke, Palm Sunday. Signed. P. 1. Add.. Sir Thos. Crumwell, secretary to the King. Endd.
9 April. Harl. MS. 6,989, f. 56. B. M.	644. Luther to Cromwell.
	Excuses himself for not having replied to Cromwell's letter sent by Dr. Barnes, as Barnes left suddenly without taking leave of him. Disclaims Cromwell's compliment. Was rejoiced to hear from Barnes of Cromwell's goodwill in the cause of Christ, especially as his authority in England and with the King can do much. Wittemberg, Die Palmarum 1536. Hol., Lat., p. 1. Add.: Secretario. Endd.
[10 April.]	645. Barlow, Bishop of St. David's. See Grants in April 27 Hen. VIII., No. 27, and 28 Hen. VIII., No. 4.
10 April. Harl. MS. 604, f. 69. B. M.	646. Robert Abbot of Athelney to [Cromwell]?
	Begs his favor in the payment of the debts of the house. Will order the house in such a strait fashion that 100l. a year will be paid. Sends a book of the debts and yearly fines. Athelney, 10 April.
	If some friend would lend 400l. or 500l. without interest, would secure to him the repayment by 100l. a year.
	List of the debts to the King, heads of religious houses, and others, including money borrowed to pay the ordinary charges at his first coming to Athelney. Total 869l. 12s. 7d.; fines and pensions to lord Dawbeny, chief steward, Master Secretary, the King's corrody, &c., total 34l. 2s. Hol., pp. 4.
10 April. R. O.	647. William Freurs to Cromwell.
	As the King has appointed me to be one of the Commissioners for the tenth to be assessed in the town and university of Oxford, as mayor I was put first in the commission, which the commissary highly disdained. So on Tuesday last the justices of the quarter sessions at Oxford sent for me and the commissary, and showed us that we two were chosen for the tenth part of the spiritualty. According to our instructions, we divided ourselves into different deaneries, and Sir Will. Barantyne, Sir Simon Harcourt, Sir John Clerke, the commissary, and I, were unanimously appointed to the deanery and university of Oxford. But after we were sworn, the commissary would not have had me meddle with the university, though I trust to do the King faithful service. I beg no new commission may be issued till I have an opportunity of speaking with you. Oxford, 10 April. Signed. P. 1. Add.: Secretary.
10 April. R. O.	648. Mount Etna.
	"Copia litterarum Baronis de Burgio die x. Aprilis Panormi scriptarum."
	Account of an eruption of Mount Etna, "now called Mongibellus," on and after the night of 23 March 1536. Lat., p. 1. Endd.