|
| April 21. |
1037. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
|
The bearer, Conté Roussy, is sent from the King to the
Queen in legation, by whom he sends advertisements. It
behoves the Queen, for the prosperity of her friends, to let
the Conté understand that she cannot think it good for the
King or his realm that the Queen Mother and the King of
Navarre should esteem otherwise of the Prince of Condé and
his doings than as a servant and kinsman to the King.
Amongst other errands the Conté is sent (being a Guisian) to
decipher the Queen's intent and meaning what she will do in
these troubles, and to learn in what readiness they are, for
there is a rumour that the English begin to arm. It would
be well to make some show thereof, if only for the Lord
Admiral and those under him to make a voyage to Gillingham for an appearance to put the ships in readiness, which it
may be answered to all Ambassadors is done because all
other Princes arm, and that Cecil is loath to be taken
unprovided. In this manner Cecil will keep his friends in
hope and comfort, and his enemies in fear. Prays Cecil to
take heed of the Spanish practices with the Earl of Desmond
in Ireland, for he has had a watchword given him thereof.—
Paris, 21 April 1562. Signed. |
|
Orig., larger portion in cipher, deciphered. Add. Endd.
by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4. |
| April 21. |
1038. The Prince of Condé to Throckmorton. |
|
Thanks him heartily for the good services which he has
so honestly rendered in his behalf, and refers him to the
bearer (whom Throckmorton had sent) for further information.
—Orleans, 21 April 1562. The place and signature are in
Throckmorton's cipher. |
|
Copy. Fr. P. 1. |
| April 21. |
1039. The Admiral Chatillon to Throckmorton. |
|
Has received the letter written by Throckmorton and sent
by the bearer. Is glad to know that he does not intend to
come to this place, as he thinks he is required where he is;
besides which his coming would have caused a strong
jealousy, not only against himself but also against the
Queen, whom for their part they do not doubt has great zeal
and devotion to God's service, as all her actions have shown.
—Orleans, 21 April 1562. Place and signature in Throckmorton's cipher. |
|
Copy. Endd., but the endorsement is erased. Fr. Pp. 2. |
| April 21. |
1040. Thomas Jenyson to Cecil. |
|
Understanding that the bearer, the surveyor, should repair
thither, the writer framed a brief declaration of the charges of
the works for the year ending 11th Oct. last, and another of
those for the first six months of this year, ending the 28th
ult. The pay till Christmas is finished, and the men who
are gone home were paid up to the time of their discharge.
Will proceed this week to take the musters with the Governor,
and advertise Cecil about the state of the bands.—Berwick,
21 April 1562. Signed. |
|
Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary: With the books
of the charges at Berwick. Pp. 2. |
| April 22. |
1041. Gresham's Account. |
|
1. Gresham's account for three years and 159 days, determined the 20th April, 4 Eliz.:
Total of the charge - 700,768l. 11s. 10d. Flemish.
Total of the discharge - 697,284l. 5s. 6d. Flemish.
And so remains in his hands 3,484l. 6s. 3d. Flemish. |
|
2. He demands to be allowed for the price of 1,700 dagges,
called in the testimonial "hacks;" and therefore are allowed
in the losses, but for hand guns, which are seven shillings
each, and dagges sixteen shillings and eightpence each, the
difference whereof amounts to 743l. 6s. 8d. Flemish.
Orig. Endd. Pp. 4. |
April 22.
Labanoff, i. 133. |
1042. Queen Mary to the Queen. |
|
The Lord Gray of Scotland having been made prisoner in
Queen Mary's time, and lately being summoned to enter
England again by Lord Grey (where he was extremely
handled), cannot get his ransom fixed. Desires that two
Englishmen may be appointed to confer with two Scotchmen
and fix a reasonable ransom, or at least that he may be
allowed to return home upon his reasonable bond.—St.
Andrews, 24 April 1562. Signed. |
|
Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Broadside. |
| April 24. |
1043. Throckmorton to the Queen. |
|
1. The bearer, the Lord of St. Colme, after his long
tarrying here, has received his despatch from the Duke of
Guise and the Cardinal, slenderly, as it seems to the writer.
It seems to him that they are now either greatly willing the
interview should take place between the Queens, or that they
do not trust the Lord of St. Colme in this negociation. The
Cardinal of Lorraine wrote a short letter before to the Queen
of Scots to conserve the amity between England and Scotland.
He has made no answer to the particularities (at present by
St. Colme), as desired by the Queen of Scots, concerning the
interview. He and the Duke of Guise have written sundry
times within these fourteen days, the Queen making St.
Colme privy thereunto. |
|
2. On the 19th inst. M. De Pont, late hostage in England,
sent to the writer the Queen's letters of the 31st ult.,
whereby he was to proceed with the Queen Mother and King
of Navarre in such manner as appears by his of the 17th
inst., which he accomplished before receipt of her letters. He
wrote in his letters of the 17th inst. that it would be
necessary to send her letters addressed to the Queen Mother,
the King of Navarre, and the Prince of Condé, containing
such matter as is declared in a memorial in the packet. The
sooner he receives them the better it will be for the Queen's
purpose. He sees such things as induce him to think the
Prince and Admiral are as like to make a good end for their
purpose as the Guisians are for theirs. The King of Spain
continually aids the Guisians. Has sent Thomas Windebank
to Orleans to the Prince of Condé and the Admiral, with
letters to inform them of the Queen's affection and desire for
their prosperity in these actions, as also to get knowledge of
their power and of the country about them. Hears the
Conté of Rochefocault lately joined him with 1,000 horsemen
and divers gentlemen of Poitou; also that M. Mombrun has
assembled from Dauphiné and Provence eight ensigns of
footmen, and has come this side of Lyons towards the Prince.
It is said that Lyons, Toulouse, Troyes, Dieppe, and Rouen
are taken by the Protestants, and kept for the Prince of
Condé, which is of great importance. The Prince has at his
commandment Blois, Amboise, Tours, Saumur, Angers, and
many other towns on the Loire, and also Maine. The Duke
of Montpensier, the King's lieutenant in Touraine and Anjou,
assembled his force to prevent the passage of the Conté of
Rochefocault; who being informed thereof sent a gentleman
to the Duke to tell him that, being of royal blood, and the
Prince of Condé's kinsman, he would be loath to encounter
him, but if he [the Duke] impeached his passage to the
Prince to do the King service, the Duke should know he was
not able. The Duke's force not being strong enough he
retired to the castle of Loches, and suffered the Conté to pass
without interruption. The Prince still remains at Orleans,
and intends to march hitherward as soon as M. De Roughan
arrives with his horsemen from Bretagne, and M. De Grandmont with the footmen from Gascony, who has advanced as
far as Poitiers with 6,000 of the best of that country. The
King of Navarre begins to show himself more favourably to
the Prince of Condé than he did; so does the Constable.
Some think if the Duke of Guise and Marshal St. André
could make as good an end for their honour and safety as the
King of Navarre and the Constable may do, "that this
matter should be taken up amiably." The Prince has his
will in most things, but the Duke of Guise, not knowing how
to be absolved for his feat at Vassy, and the Duke D'Aumale
and the Cardinal of Guise being charged with the slaughter
at Sens, are causes, (with the solicitations of the Marshal St.
André, who fears his undoing, and La Brosse, who is no
better,) to move the Duke to persist in his obstinacy. So he
grows every day more desperate, so that the Queen Mother,
the King of Navarre, and the Constable are afraid, and dare
not displease him in anything, for all depends here upon his
commandment. He daily assembles horsemen and footmen
as to be able to keep Paris, or be strong enough to give the
Prince battle. |
|
3. On the 19th inst. the Conté of Russy came to his
lodgings and informed him that the Queen Mother and King
of Navarre intended to send him [Russy] from the King to
the Queen [Elizabeth] shortly, and desired him to inform
Throckmorton thereof. The Conté was not privy to the
despatch, it being then in hand, and he thought he would go
in post. The Queen Mother and King of Navarre do the
Queen great honour in sending such a personage of quality
when they only send a gentleman of lower rank to the King
of Spain, the Bishop of Rome, the Venetians, the Duke of
Savoy, and their allies. Desires that he may be honourably
received at his arrival in England. He is not unknown to
the Queen. Supposes his errand is to learn how the Queen
is informed of the garboils, and which way she is bent to
lean. The Conté is more a Guisian than a Condian. He is also
sent because M. De Foix is suspected to be too well affected
to the Admiral and the Protestants. It would be well for
the Queen to inform the Conté of her affection to the King,
the rather now he is so young and his realm in trouble, and
of her friendship to the Queen Mother and King of Navarre,
and also that she bemoans the inconvenience that may ensue
to the King of Navarre if he disjoins himself from the Queen
Mother or the Prince of Condé or his friends, who are
desirous to have a general reformation of matters of religion.
She should also avow that which she has given the writer in
charge to speak here, and to confirm that which M. De Foix
had advertised. Also to inform the Conté that she understands from Almain of the complot amongst the Papists
against those who desired the reformation of the Romish
Church, in which she was one. She also should inform him
that she takes in good part his doings to the writer, who
caused the Queen Mother and King of Navarre (upon his
declaration to the Conté of insolences done to him and his
folk) to send M. De Randan, Knight of the Order (who
commands the footmen in Paris), to his lodging to be informed
of the disorders done, and offered to leave a guard about his
house, or to punish the offenders if he could make them
known. Certain persons have fired their arquebuses sundry
times into his lodgings from various places of the town, and
his folks who went into the town for his provisions were in
going to and fro maliciously handled. This matter has grown
since he has favoured the Protestant party. Also to let the
Conté know of her acceptation of the care of the Cardinal of
Ferrara and the Duke of Guise of his [Throckmorton's] safety.
The Cardinal's advice is now used in all the King's affairs as
one of his Privy Council. |
|
4. In his last to Cecil of the 17th inst. he informed him
that the Prince of Condé, the Admiral, and M. D'Andelot
would shortly send a gentleman to the Queen to make a
declaration of their proceedings, and to treat in their affairs.
He has spoken with him since then. His name is Sechelles,
one of the King's privy chamber. He is of a great house in
Picardy, and has suffered persecution for his zeal in religion.
The Queen Mother, the Queen of Navarre, the Prince of
Condé, the Admiral, and others who favour the religion, make
great account of him. Desires when he arrives in England
that order will be taken for bestowing of him commodiously,
so that he may have access and treat with the Queen
secretly, for the more secretly the matter is kept the better
for the Queen's purpose and her friends. The good usage of
this gentleman will greatly advance the Queen's credit here
with all the favourers of the religion, and her aid in this
cause will bring her the greatest renown and surety that she
can have, for this is the only means to withstand the
malicious purposes of the Spaniards and the Papists. This
gentleman has letters to some of the Lords of the Council
from the Prince and the Admiral, which he will deliver or
not, as stands with the Queen's pleasure. He has also a letter
for M. De Foix, whose negociations with him are to be
directed by the Queen's advice. He suspects the house of
Guise and the Constable have intelligence of his passing
thither, for since his departure they have knowledge he
passes by Paris into Picardy. |
|
5. The King of Portugal intends to send shortly to the
Queen Don Joan De Pereira Damtas, who has been Ambassador in France for nearly four years, and who now makes
ready to go thither. The Don has not yet made him privy
thereof, nor of his legation or negociation. The Grand
Commander De Christo, who lately came in ambassade from
Portugal to the French King, has now gone in post to
Flanders, and will make a long stay there, upon whose
return hither, the said Don Joan will go towards the Queen. |
|
6. Restitution of the revenues and pensions in France,
with the arrears, has been granted to the Duke of Châtellerault. These men seek to have an oar in Scotland. This
kindness to him and his house has grown since they were
persuaded of their cold affection to the Queen, wherein he
trusts they are deceived, but chiefly because they would have
a Rowland for an Oliver, esteeming the Lord James and
Lethington to be at the Queen's devotion. M. D'Avançon
(of the long robe), one of the King's Privy Councillors, died
on the 20th inst. Many believe the Grand Prior will marry
the Duchess of St. Pol and Tutteville (now called the Duke of
Nevers' widow), which will be a good cause to quit his vow
and cross, for she can spend 100,000 francs a year, and is of
the house of Bourbon. He suspects if the Prince of Condé
prospers, none of the house of Guise will match so high, nor so
richly. |
|
7. The Queen will receive herewith the declaration and
association of the Prince of Condé and his accomplices
(altered from the last he sent in his former despatch), which
has been printed and published by order of the said Prince.
M. De "Besse" [Beza], the principal minister of the reformed
Churches, being at Orleans with the Prince, has sent to the
Queen by M. Sechelles two books of psalms in meter lately
translated by him, and has also written to her, and desired
the writer to recommend him to her favour. The acceptation
of this present and goodwill it may please her to acknowledge
before M. De Sechelles in such manner as De Beza may be
assured of her favour. |
|
8. The King of Navarre, the Duke of Guise, and the Constable have made eight Knights of the Order Privy Councillors, to fortify their party. They are the Marshal Montmorency (of whom he thinks the Prince and Admiral made
account for their purpose), the Conté Villars, M. De Boissy
(the Grand Ecuyer), MM. De Lansac (who has this day
gone towards Trent), De la Brosse, Randan, and De
Carres. The Bishop of Auxerre is appointed in the place of
M. D'Avançon. |
|
9. The Queen Mother two days since told St. André that
all these troubles were caused by him, and that he was too
familiar with the Ambassador of Spain to belong to the King's
affairs. The language grew so far that she commanded him
to retire from the Court, to which he said she had no power
to command him to withdraw, nor any else but the King
and King of Navarre, as his Lieutenant-General. She
answered that she perceived he was then on his high horse,
but trusted to see the day when she could command him forth
from her son's Court. There has been an intermission of
three days in sending between the Prince of Condé and these
men, except men of low appearance going to and fro. It is
now resolved that the Cardinal of Bourbon (who helped to
bring his brother in King Francis' time to the shambles,)
shall go again to Orleans to persuade the Prince to retire
therefrom, with offer that the Duke of Guise and Marshal
St. André shall retire from the Court, and in their stead the
Cardinal of Lorraine shall come, who is sent for. If this does
not succeed, the Cardinal has in commission to call a conference at Etampes betwixt the King of Navarre and the Prince
of Condé, a town midway betwixt Paris and Orleans. |
|
10. The Queen will receive herewith certain things set
forth in the King's name by these men as a counterpoise
to the Prince of Condé's doings. St. Colme has to declare to
the Queen, on behalf of the Duke of Guise, how desirous he
is that the interview shall take place between the two
Queens. St. Colme has continued his affection towards the
Queen's service. The Cardinal of Tournon, who has been
long sick, died on the 23rd inst., by whose death the Cardinal
of Bourbon has the abbey of St. Germain, in Paris, worth
20,000 francs per annum, and the Cardinal of Ferrara has
the archbishopric of Lyons and other abbeys that the late
Cardinal had, worth 25,000 or 26,000 francs a year. The
Papacy has lost a great support by his death, not only
because he was Dean of the Cardinals, but because he was an
obstinate man to sustain the Pope's greatness. M. De Rambouillet, gentleman of the King's chamber (who was lately in
Almain) is sent into Spain, but not to reside there as Ambassador. |
|
11. The Cardinal of Lorraine arrived in Paris this day,
accompanied by 1,000 horse. The King of Navarre sent his
son to meet him, with whom went the Duke of Guise and his
brothers, Marshal St. André, and many Knights of the Order.
The differences are in great forwardness to be compounded,
so that in the conference with the Conté of Roussy he may
not be able to tell the Duke of Guise nor the Constable that
the Queen does stomach them or their doings, and let the
Conté know her mind as before written concerning the Queen
Mother, the King of Navarre, and the Prince of Condé.—
Paris, 24 April 1562. Signed. |
|
Orig., large portions in cipher, deciphered. Pp. 15. |
| April 24. |
1044. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
|
1. Sends this despatch by the bearer (knowing his good
affection to the Queen) because men are very suspicious of the
writer here, and lie in wait for his despatches. Cecil may
perceive by his letters to the Queen that he has sent his
[Cecil's] servant, Mr. Windebank, to do some service for the
Queen, and will probably send him with a despatch to her at
his return. By that time Cecil will have read the printed
things he sends, and will see how these two parties work
here. Desires Cecil to send his servant Davis with the next
despatch, which he expects ere long. |
|
2. Lately two great Councillors of the faction here said
they heard the Queen intended to assist the Prince of Condé
and his party; but if they thought it was true they would
soon agree, to her cost, for the King of Spain has promised to
stand by them in that case, and sooner than fail therein
would fall out with England. Mentions this, that the Queen
and Cecil may take knowledge of this matter to the gentleman
that comes to treat with her from the Prince of Condé, that
it may be told him how evil her friendship to the said Prince
and party is taken by their adversaries, and that the amity
shown to them now may be remembered hereafter when her
enemies go about with practices against her, which they have
boasted to do in revenge of this favour. Hopes this will turn
to her honour; for if the Prince and Admiral make a good
end they will have as much voice as any other, and he
believes they will never be in good grace with the King of
Spain, nor he with them, which is a great point. |
|
3. Desires that M. De Sechelles, gentleman of the King's
chamber, may be well used, and at his departure be presented
with a chain of the value of a hundred pounds; also the
Condé De Bussy must be presented, not so much for his
message as that he is sent into legation from the King, and is
a man of estate. Cecil must see his [Throckmorton's] despatch
before the Conté have audience, and that such language may
be used as the Conté may perceive the Queen's affection to
the Queen Mother and the King of Navarre, and to the
safety of the Prince of Condé, wishing them to agree together
so that the realm may be in repose, whereby they may together
procure a general reformation of the Church and matters of
religion. By that means the speech of the Queen and Council
will concur with that which he has spoken here. Neither
in any speech should the Duke of Guise nor the Constable
"be namely taxed." |
|
4. Received Cecil's letter of the 18th inst. by Barnsby (Lord
Robert's servant) on the 24th inst. Has advised Cecil's son
to stay here until they see what will become of the world.
Cecil's letter now and then would well bridle his affections,
such is his care of pleasing him. Desires that one of Cecil's
clerks may keep a note of the date of the writer's letters, that
he may know how they come to hand; also to advise M. De
Sechelles to take heed to his return, for he has been sought
for in Paris, in his own house, and in the country. Prays
Cecil to send him word whether the Queen will accept
M. Nantouillet, the Provost of Paris, for hostage. After his
mother's death he is solvent; now he has not more than
5,000 francs a year.—Paris, 24 April 1562. Signed. |
|
Orig. Hol., portions in cipher, deciphered. Add. Endd.
by Cecil's clerk: By the Lord of St. Colme. Pp. 6. |
| April 24. |
1045. Cecil to Throckmorton. |
|
Throckmorton's last letter was dated on the 10th, since
which time there have been many strange rumours; some
good and some bad. The counsel which he sent by his private
letters he has not spared to further. Wishes that he could
persuade the Queen to send some special person of credit to
the King and the Queen Mother, with offer of any manner of
good office to quiet these troubles. Could wish the Queen
the honour of bringing these controversies to a hearing
without arms. Under this message might be covered good
purposes; but in these counsels "ego laterem lavo." Hither is
come a protestation of the Prince of Condé in print; wishes
the names of his con . . . . Mr. Smith attends to have order
for his preparation. Chamberlain says that at his coming
thence Throckmorton was sent for to the Court, whereof his
letters make no mention.—Westminster, 24 April 1562.
Signed. |
|
Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Throckmorton's son. Much
mutilated. Pp. 2. |
| [April 24.] |
1046. Instructions for the Council of Trent. |
|
1. By the treaty of December 1559 at Cambray, the late King
Henry and the King Catholic bound themselves to employ all
means to assemble a General Council. Henry dying shortly
afterwards, his son Francis thought the Council so necessary
that he sent the Bishop of Rennes to the Emperor, and the
Bishop of Limoges to the King Catholic, to persuade them to
send also to the Council. He also moved the Pope that the
said Council should be free, Christian, general, and legitimate;
that it should be held in a safe place, and that safe-conducts
should be granted to all who went there; so that neither
Catholic nor Protestant Princes could make any difficulty of
sending. Also that it might be a new Council, and not a
continuation of the old one at Trent, which would only
embitter the difficulties; as the Protestant Princes, unless they
were satisfied on the two following points, would not send,
and thus all hope of reunion would be lost. Notwithstanding
these remonstrances, the indiction has been made "Sublata
quacumque suspensione." The present King has caused the
Bull of the indiction to be considered in his Privy Council,
by whom it was much disapproved. But as the King hoped
that the Pope would make a new indiction and change the
place he would not press for the reformation of the said
Bull. He has always urged on His Holiness the celebration
of the said Council, both by the Sieur De Rambouillet, sent
expressly to him, and by the Sieur De Lisle, the Ambassador
resident at Rome. He has also caused a good number of his
Prelates to go thither; and now sends the Sieur De Lansac,
the Sieur Regnault De Server, and Guy De Faus, seigneur de
Pybrac, to appear at the said Council as his Ambassadors. |
|
2. With respect to the two points mentioned before as
being so necessary, the Ambassadors have charge to demand
that it shall be declared in the indiction that this is a new
Council, and not a continuation of the old Council of Trent;
and if this is refused they are directed not to attend the
assemblies. Also, that the place of meeting shall be transferred to Constance, Worms, Spires, or some other convenient
place. These two points being agreed on, they shall require
that all persons, of whatsoever rank they be, or whatsoever
religious opinions they hold, may securely and freely go and
return from the said Council, and there may support their
opinions without molestation; and such good sureties are to
be given for the observance of this article, that no one can
reasonably excuse himself from going there on the ground of
fear. |
|
3. The deliberations of the Bishops shall be free, and shall
not be referred to the pleasure of the Pope or his Legates.
Nor shall the determinations of the Council be referred to the
Pope. |
|
4. These articles being agreed on, the Ambassadors shall
submit that the principal troubles in religion have arisen
from the abuses which have crept into the Church by the
corruption of discipline and manners, on which account it is
necessary to commence with the reformation of the same, as
well in the head as in the members. The delay of this reformation has engendered the present differences of opinion in
religion. |
|
5. It will be well that the Pope should not meddle with
the creation or administration of Bishops, Abbots, or other
prelates. Nor shall he grant any dispensations against
the decrees of Councils, nor confer any benefices by prevention; but shall leave their entire disposal to the ordinary
patron, except in case of negligence. All "expeditions" shall
be granted by the Pope gratuitously; and by this means the
annates and other taxes shall be abolished. All Archbishops
and Bishops shall reside in their dioceses without any exception. The Pope shall send no more Legates with faculties
to present to livings. Those who are hereafter consecrated
as Archbishops and Bishops shall be of sufficient age and
qualifications. Because it is necessary to go to Rome for
dispensations for various things, such as for marriages of consanguinity and spiritual affinity, and for celebration of
marriages out of the time permitted by the Church, the
Council shall provide that it shall not be necessary to go to
Rome for such, seeing that they are never refused if the
applicant has money. No foreigner shall hold any benefice
in France unless he understands the language and actually
resides. |
|
6. All presentations to benefices contrary to this shall be
void, and the Pope shall not be able to grant dispensation.
All pensions on benefices shall be resigned. All mandates,
reservations, regrets, and exemptions shall be abolished.
They shall no longer go from Bretagne, Provence, or any
other part of France to plead at Rome on matters beneficiary
or others. None shall be admitted to the ministry of the
Church but by his Bishop, or at least with his express
approval. The sixth article of the Council of Chalcedon shall
be observed by Bishops in the promotion of priests, in order
to obviate the abuse proceeding from a great number of
priests without certain functions. |
|
7. These are the principal points which the Ambassadors
shall urge for reformation; adding that there are other things
done to the prejudice of the liberties of the Gallican Church.
They shall protest if anything be done at the Council to the
prejudice of the King's rights, and the liberties of the Gallican
Church. As the Emperor has desired that the French Ambassadors should confer and act with his, the said Ambassadors are to do so. |
|
8. As the precipitate condemnation of the opinions of those
who have separated will only throw them into despair of
union, the Ambassadors shall insist that all condemnations
be remitted till the end of the Council. If a league be proposed to constrain those who will not obey the determinations of the Council, the Ambassadors shall point out that
there are so many Princes who have renounced the obedience
of the Roman Church, that such a league would be more
likely to bring about the ruin than the repose of Christendom.
It is much better to follow the rule laid down in the Gospel;
and at all events the King (seeing how dangerous such a
league would be) will in nowise agree thereto. |
|
9. If it be objected that they tolerate heresies in France, the
Ambassadors shall say that the King found on his accession
that such a diversity of religious opinions existed in the minds
of his subjects, that he could not compel them by force,
without endangering his crown. He is determined to take
order (by the continual preaching of the Word by his Prelates)
to purge his realm of all varieties of sects. |
|
10. In case of dispute with the Spanish Ambassadors
about precedence, they shall claim the place after the
Emperor's Ambassador, and on no account yield, but rather
to declare that they will quit the Council, and shall order
the French Bishops to do the same. |
|
Copy. Endd.: 1562. Instructions given by the French
King to M. De Lansac and other, the said King's Ambassadors, to the Council at Trent. Pp. 10. |
| [April. 24] |
1047. Another copy of the above.
Endd. by Cecil: May, 1562. Pp. 12. |
| April 25. |
1048. Guido Giannetti to the Queen. |
|
Nothing has occurred worth writing about. The proceedings of the Council of Trent have been unsatisfactory. Some
have affirmed that the Pope ought to be subordinate to a
Council, not a Council to the Pope. The Council will afford
no remedy to the troubles which prevail in Germany, France,
Flanders, and elsewhere. The Emperor will not call a
Council, and the Protestants will not attend at Trent. The
sessions have been on 8 Jan. and 26 Feb., and another is
fixed for 14 May. There are at present in Trent about 150
Bishops, under five Cardinals president, Legates from the Pope.
The Pope has sent the Blessed Sword to the Duke of Florence,
who is very devoted to the Papal cause. At the urgent
entreaty of His Holiness the Venetians have sent two Ambassadors to Trent, who, however, will be only spectators. Alfonso,
Duke of Ferrara, has lately arrived here; there is a dispute
about precedence between him and the Duke of Florence.—
Venice, 25 April 1562. Signed. |
|
Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. Ital. Pp. 4. |
| April 25. |
1049. N. Stopio to Sir John Mason. |
|
Wrote last Saturday as usual, and now sends additional
news. The Duke of Ferrara departed last Monday, well
pleased with his reception. Encloses "an epigram" which
was presented to him; it was written by Stopio. Certain
Bishops are setting out for the Council. A book entitled
"Reginaldus Polus de Concilio," has been printed at Rome.—
Venice, 25 April 1562. Signed. |
|
Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. On the same sheet as the
Advertisements, 18 April (see No. 1027.). Ital. Pp. 2. |
| April 25. |
1050. Randolph to Cecil. |
|
1. Understands by Cecil's letters, sent by Mr. Hume, the
Scottish gentleman, how desirous he [Cecil] is to know whether
Arran is clear of the conspiracy. Of this matter he [Randolph]
has written two letters to Cecil. The last of his letter was
that the Earl of Arran after he came to himself (whether he
were in verity distempered in his wits, as Randolph believes,
or feigned as he confessed to the Queen,) was committed unto
the castle of St. Andrews, for that he utterly denied both
what he had spoken and written to the Queen and others, as
well of the Earl Bothwell as his father. After he had
remained five or six days in the castle he wrote to the Queen,
that if he might speak to her he would declare and avow to
Bothwell's face that which he had spoken before. On the
10th or 11th inst. they were brought face to face in the
presence of the Queen and Council. Bothwell was charged
with treason, his adversary confirming the same; the one as
constantly denied as the other affirmed. Many words passed
between them, but Arran's behaviour always most commended.
Bothwell required the combat, or to be tried by the sessions.
Arran referred himself to the Queen's will to accept either.
In these debates they are both dismissed, Bothwell to the
castle and Arran to the Earl of Mar's house. |
|
2. After having at reasonable liberty passed two or three days
in Mar's house, Arran was sent for again before the Council;
he confirmed what he advanced unto Bothwell's face, but
denied utterly that ever his father knew of the conspiracy,
that ever he spoke to him of it, or that ever his father
threatened him, but that which he did came only of a foolish
fantasy. The suspicions notwithstanding were so great that
it was thought good further deliberation to be had; and not
yet to proceed with him in any great rigour, wherefore he
remained three days in the Earl of Mar's house; and on the
fourth he was sent for again by the Council, when finding
that nothing else could be got out of him he was sent to
the castle, where he yet remains, and nothing altered. |
|
3. On Monday last, the 19th, the Duke arrived with a good
company of his friends, the most part of the nobles being
assembled to judge this cause. He had that night presence
of the Queen and declared the great grief he had that she was
entered into suspicion of him, and that for the trial of his
innocence he was come. |
|
4. He thanked God that his son was here, that the truth
might be tried between them; and he had brought with him
the chief of his name to underlie the law. This moved not a
little the Queen, and many pitied his case, the more also to see
the old man's tears trickling from his cheeks as it had been
a child beaten. He received comfortable words and favour
enough promised him, howsoever the matter were. |
|
5. The next day, the Counsel being assembled and the
Queen present, rehearsal was made of the whole fact of the
Earl Bothwell, the Duke accused to be privy thereunto, and
his son's letters and words laid before him. He denied the
whole. Touching violence offered to his son, he desired to
have him brought before his face; declaring that the night
that his son departed from him to bed he was in good
charity and fatherly love towards him. Some thought that
the Earl should be sent for; others (who knew how
obstinately he had denied before that he had said of his
father) desired to have the matter deferred until the morrow.
This matter the next day being revolved, nothing more could
be had; and because other proofs there were none but the
son against the father, the Queen thought not good too
rigorously to proceed, and the same was allowed by the
Council. She leaving the place, it was friendly moved to the
Duke that as Dumbarton might always give the Queen a
suspicion of him, (for that it was to have been the place of her
imprisonment if the treason had taken effect,) they advised
him to deliver the same into her hands, whereunto he
accorded, and it is this day delivered. |
|
6. It was also accorded that nothing could be more profitable to the realm than the interview; only one great difficulty
was alleged, whereof he will write. The Duke offered to
attend upon the Queen with his sons, with body, goods, and
all. Has talked twice with the Duke. |
|
7. The next day, after the Council was risen, the Queen (as
she often did) in her privy garden shot at the butts, where
the Duke and other noblemen were present, and the writer
was admitted to behold the pastime. The Duke having good
will to speak with him and that some of the Council might
be present, she answered that her opinion of them both was
that they would do her no evil. The Duke then began to
lament to the writer that God had plagued him in that he
esteemed the most. The writer has often heard him say that
he had rather see all his other children dead at his feet than
that the Earl should be sick. Randolph advised him to show
all obedience to his Sovereign. Touching the accident to his
son, he must with patience see what time would work therein.
The Duke made new rehearsal of the Queen of England's
benefits towards him, and that he had no other help but her.
The writer confirmed him in that mind, and made it apparent
that there was no such danger as he doubted, and that no
Prince could do less than the Queen had done in a matter of
so great appearance. They then turned again to behold the
pastimes. It would well have contented Cecil to see the
Queen and the Master of Lindsey shoot against the Earl of
Mar and one of the ladies. |
|
8. Their next meeting was in the Duke's chamber, the
writer being lodged in the same house. The Duke asked
his advice about what he should do if the Queen would
take Dumbarton from him. Advised him not to stand in
that against the Queen, seeing he had only the keeping
thereof at her will. Also advised him rather to go of himself
into England with the Queen, than to be required, knowing
it to be already determined by her and her Council. He
asked whether, if he gave up Dumbarton, the Queen would
not put him into the castle of St. Andrews. The writer
seemed to be greatly grieved that he should have such a
suspicion of his Sovereign, knowing her clemency and his
own innocence, and gave him comfortable words. He now
begins to take some comfort, he rides, talks, and laughs with
the Queen whensoever he pleases. |
|
9. The Earl of Arran has since the Queen's return so
behaved himself that she has a marvellous suspicion of him,
and the writer is sure in her heart oft wished for no worse
occasion than now she has to do with him as she does; yet
because she has no just cause to take away his life, seeing he
himself revealed the treason (if any were), she would be
content to be in good assurance of him in time to come. "I
think that he is not yet like to escape. His friends are ashamed
of him and wish him out of the world, his enemies rejoice
and wish him worse than they know how to procure him."
Bothwell sues daily to have his innocence tried; there lacks
probation against him, and if he be acquitted, then by the
law Arran must be convicted of false accusation, and sustain the same pain. If they debate with their hands, whatever there be of manhood in them both, the issue will be
uncertain. |
|
10. The full resolution of the interview cannot be taken
until St. Colm's return; howbeit, because the Cardinal finds
it so convenient, there is order taken for this convention. The
Council is appointed that shall remain; the number assigned
of all sorts that shall go with her, and order shall be taken
for quietness on the Borders. The greatest difficulty is that
all kinds of gold that is current in England is very scant here.
The matter being considered, the Queen of England should
send to Berwick so much treasure as they may leave Scottish
money there (only gold or testons of good silver), and have
English money for the same. The Scottish money may serve
to pay soldiers, workmen, or others. It is said to him that
this will be the only stay of the journey. |
|
11. Lethington desires to be excused for being behindhand
with three letters which he will recompense in one for the
whole, and excuse himself by word of mouth, as he hopes,
immediately after St. Colm's return. This day there came news
of an Ambassador from Sweden, who landed at Leith. The
saying is that he is a Duke, his name is not yet known, but
one that married the King's mother; he has in company but
eighteen persons. He is a man of a good age, a long beard
turning to white. He has yet sent no man hither to
the Queen. He came in a very great hulk, well furnished
with men and munitions.—St. Andrews, 25 April 1562.
Signed. |
|
Orig. Hol. Pp. 8. |
| April 25. |
1051. Randolph to Cecil. |
|
1. Has received Cecil's letters by his [Randolph's] servant.
Desires to be remembered to Mr. Noel, whose kinsman
Laurence Noel he often wishes here for three or four months.
When they were both scholars in Paris and he partaker of
that small thing which Randolph had, he travailed by the
help of some Scots to set forth the Marches between England
and Scotland. If it might now be thought worth his travail,
good opportunity serves, and he can do it well. For the
avoiding of expense at this interview all men will wear
black cloth, because the Queen has not yet cast off her
mourning. The Bishop of St. Andrews has kept his house
sick ever since Easter. They are the loather to have to do
with him until the castle of St. Andrews be out of their
hands. It is not good also to have too many irons in the
fire at once. |
|
2. A Frenchman, who was a captain at Leith, has come in
at the west seas from Martigues to ask the Queen to be
godmother to his daughter. Martigues married a gentlewoman of the Queen's, whose mother is here. The Queen
of England having written in favour of certain merchants,
he is desired by this Queen to move her therein when they
come to Edinburgh.—St. Andrews, 25 April 1562. Signed. |
|
Orig. Hol. P. 1. |
| April 25. |
1052. Dom Joam Pereira, Ambassador of Portugal, to the
Bishop of Aquila. |
|
Praises the prudence, the magnanimity and beauty of the
Queen of England, whose hand he has long wished to kiss.
His master has now ordered him to come to the English
Court, which affords him the greatest pleasure. He will set
out by post in four or five days.—Paris, 25 April 1562.
Signed. |
|
Orig., with armorial seal. Add. Endd.: Ambassador of
Portugal to the Spanish Ambassador. Ital. Pp. 2. |
| April 25. |
1053. Advice out of France. |
|
Last Thursday M. De Maugiron entered Valence with 5,000
or 6,000 men, but was so well opposed that he lost most
of his men. The other towns that he might attack (as
Romans, Lecrest, L'Oriol, Montelimart, Le Pont St. Esprit,
Sanginel, and Nismes,) have more than 20,000 men who
will fight. Nither Mass nor Matins is any longer said
here and they preach openly. Captain . . . . in attacking
the Chateau St. André lost 1,200 men and was obliged
to retreat to Marseilles to wait for the gendarmerie of
Piedmont accompanied with M. De Brissac.—Lyons, 25
April. |
|
Copy. Endd. by Cecil: 25 April, Advice from Lyons.
Fr. Pp. 2. |
