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Aug. 22.
K. d. L. x. 748.
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178. DAVISON to WILSON.
Yesterday towards evening I received the packet herewith from
my Lords, who (having no 'rather' their safe-conduct) departed
from Mechlin to Louvain, leaving us here in 'expectation of the
success' of their journey ; of which the opinions are divers according
to men's divers apprehensions. Some, and of the wisest, who
consider the natural indisposition of Don John to 'quiet' the difficulty
in divers of the States' demands, namely touching the 'reddition'
of the places, and the matters of government and religion ;
the resolution it is thought he has rather to hazard all than to
grant anything that may derogate from the majesty of the King
and his own reputation ; the advantage he has of places to retire
into and make a defensive war if the worst fall out ; the difficulty
for his enemy to 'expugne' those holds but with infinite loss of
men and time ; the supply he may meanwhile hope to receive from
Spain, Italy, Germany, and other places, and the accidents that may
happen among his enemy to his advantage ; the want they are in
here even now of money to maintain their army, his hope by
lengthening the war to double that and other inconveniences and
weary them with the long burden of nourishing so huge an army ;
besides, the suspicion of intelligence between him and the French
are resolutely of opinion there will be no peace.
Others, amongst whom are divers of good discourse, persuade
themselves he is both inclined to peace and glad of the opportunity
offered by the interposition of these princes. These ground their
reasons upon the jealousy which the King of Spain ought in policy
to have of the coming in of the French, and the apparent danger
which thereby threatens him, not only the loss of these countries
but the hazard of his whole estate in general ; the inequality of his
forces to make head in the open field against the States alone, much
less to resist both them and the French ; the danger into which Don
John throws both his own force and the estate of the King his
master, if he be driven to forsake the country ; the distress in which
he finds himself already both for money and victuals, and the little
means he will have to be supplied with them, his adversaries being
masters of the field ; the weakening of his numbers by
mortality ; with divers other like considerations. But what
'success' the matter will take must appear in a very few days.
Upon the approach of Duke Casimir, whose forces to-night join
our camp at Rymenam, he has, as the report is, abandoned Diest,
Sichenen, and Arschot, the latter of which was not long since
surprised and sacked by the States' men, and afterwards left to the
enemy's discretion. Now it is thought that the whole army will
within 3 or 4 days march towards Louvain.
Of the proceedings in Hainault we hear little since the departure
of the French Commissioners, save that there has been some tumult
at Valenciennes and the people in arms one against another ; the
occasion being imputed by Count Lalaing to one M. de Harchies
sent thither by the Archduke to inform himself of a 'partiality'
among them touching the magistrates and government. Where,
instead of a mediator, he has, as the Count complains, made himself
a party and handled the matter so that it is like to grow to some
foul disorder, if it be not pacified ; to which end the States have sent
commissioners.
Champagney is now conveyed to Ghent by the Bruxellers, by whom
he has been very rudely treated, but hitherto no accusation framed
against him.Antwerp, 22 Aug. 1578.
P.S.By letters of the 6th inst. from Spain we hear that the
King has resolved to send the Duke of Nova Terra (sic) to request
and authorize the Emperor to treat in the compounding of peace ;
and by this time it is thought he is on his journey.
Draft, with corrections in Davison's hand. Endd. 2 pp. [Holl.
and Fl. VIII. 40.]
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Aug. 24.
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179. THE AMBASSADORS' BILL FOR PROVISIONS.
Year 1578, the 24th August.
Supplied for my Lords the Ambassadors of the Queen of England.
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1 large marchpane at 20 sh. - - - -
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1 gulden
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0
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1 bay tree, silvered [?] cost - - - - -
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1 g.
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4 sh.
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2 marchpanes at 15 sh. - - - - -
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1 g.
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10 sh.
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2 rosemary trees at 6 sh. each garnished - -
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0 g.
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12 sh.
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1 lb. 'briecken' [gy. buns], 24 sh. per lb. - -
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1 g.
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4 sh.
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1 lb. dry suckets at 36 sh. - - - - -
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1 g.
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16 sh.
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lb. fine cinnamon - - - - - -
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1 g.
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0
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lb. anise sugar - - - - - -
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0
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8 sh.
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lb. melon seed - - - - - -
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1 g.
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0
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1 lb. 'madriaens' [comfits] at 24 sh. - - -
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1 g.
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4 sh.
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1 lb. wet suckets at 20 sh - - - -
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1 g.
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5 sh.
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lb. pistachios at 18 sh. - - - - -
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0
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13 sh.
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1 lb. 'roskilyen' ['rosquillas,' rusks] - - -
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0
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14 sh.
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lb. 'letteren' [cakes] at 14 sh. - - -
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0
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10 sh.
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1 lb. 'panadillyen' ['empanadillas,' cheesecakes] -
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0
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16 sh.
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1 lb. biscuit - - - - - - -
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0
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14 sh.
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2 pots hypocras at 2 gulden per pot - - -
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4 g.
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0
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1 lb. coarse cinnamon - - - - -
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0
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18 sh.
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1 lb. pine-kernels - - - - - -
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0
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18 sh.
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1 lb. almonds - - - - - - -
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0
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16 sh.
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1 'sousus' [puff] weighs lb., at 18 sh. - -
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0
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9 sh.
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lb. parmesan at 14 sh. - - - - -
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0
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10 sh.
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18 'oblyen' [sweet wafers] at 2 sh. each - -
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1 g.
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16 sh.
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Total - -
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25 g.
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6 sh.
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4 lb. [sic] 4s. 5d.
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Flemish. 1 p. [Holl. and Fl. VIII. 44.]
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Aug. 24.
K. d. L. x. 753
(from another
copy).
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180. DAVISON to BURGHLEY.
On Monday last the Lords departed hence to Mechlin, and from
thence on Thursday to Louvain. Since, hearing nothing from
them, we remain in suspense.
Duke Casimir arrived on Friday night with his troop at Rymenam,
whence it is thought they will move in 3 or 4 days towards Louvain.
Upon his approach the enemy abandoned Diest, Sichen, and
Arschot, all indefensible towns.
At Valenciennes the people have risen in arms about the choice
of their magistrates ; some approving, others impugning such as
are noted to favour the part of the Count Lalaing, who imputes the
chief blame of the disorder to one M. de Harchies sent by the
Archduke for information. The States sent other Deputies yesterterday
to pacify them.
The French swarm about the frontier, forbearing to attempt
anything till they see the issue of this new traffic of peace.
Champagney is conveyed to Ghent [as before ; but the draft
(No. 181) reads : to keep company with the rest of his faction
there].Antwerp, 24 Aug. 1578.
Add. Endd. p. [Holl. and Fl. VIII. 41.]
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Aug. 24.
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181.
Draft of the above, in Davison's own hand, and signed ; but
apparently not sent. It has a P.S. as follows :
Both my Lords before their departure, and I in their absence,
have been continually solicited on the one side by the Prince and
States, and on the other by the agents of Duke Casimir, to lay
before her Majesty their present distress for money, and to beseech
her help at this pinch, the matter importing them so much as it
does. But because my Lords have sufficiently touched on this in
their letters, I shall not need to bring it in these.
Endd. 1 p. [Holl. and Fl. VIII. 42.]
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Aug. 24.
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182. WENCESLAUS ZULEGER to DAVISON.
I beg to inform you that the Estates, by the advice as they tell
me of their Council, have replied that there shall be paid to the
Duke 6,000 florins which the people of Utrecht have paid, and in a
few days they hope to receive 8,500 from Friesland. Those of
Guelders excuse themselves from paying the 16,500 assessed on
them, on the ground that if they had as much as that, it would be
necessary to victual Gelderland from the commissariat [qy. 'a cause
qu'ils ayant autant comme cette somme, faut fournis (sic) de rivres
du commis an pais de Gelders']. For the rest, they say his Excellency
must have patience, since he has brought more people than
they asked for or had made arrangements to pay. That is all that
is to be expected from that side ; wherefore I beg your advice as to
the best means by which his Excellency can obtain extraordinary
aid.Antwerp, 24 Aug. 1578.
Add. (seal) to M. d'Avizon. Fr. p. [Ib. VIII. 43.]
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Aug. 24.
K. d. L. x. 754
(from another
copy).
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183. JEAN MARMIER DE GASTEL to WALSINGHAM.
On coming to his Highness I greeted him in the names of the
Baron and yourself, expressing your satisfaction at his good reception.
Proceeding further I represented to him as best I could the
persuasive discourse which you held with me to induce him to a
peace ; not forgetting the examples which you set before me. He
received all in good part, praising your quick wit and great prudence.
He said that he was surprised at your exhorting him to peace, since
he deemed his intention to be sufficiently understood, namely that
he desired it above all things, and that he esteemed these good
offices more appropriate on the side of the Estates to remove all
veil of error from them. He prays you to bear a hand in this, and
to believe that he is ready to procure tranquillity for them, granted
the service of God and the King's obedience. I doubt not that the
Queen and her ministers, among whom you are in the first rank,
will do their best herein, as a matter whence contentment will
result. I am compelled to postpone the soldier's interest, which is
mine, and to desire the public good.
Kindly keep me in the remembrance of the Queen, and in your
own and the Baron's good graces.From the camp by Jausse,
24 Aug. 1578.
Add. (seal). Endd. by Walsingham. Fr. p. [Holl. and Fl.
VIII. 45.]
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Aug. 24.
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184.
Copy of the above, in hand of L. Tomson, and endd. by him.
p. [Ibid. VIII. 45a.]
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About
Aug. 24.
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185. 'The substance of the speech sent to Don John
by M. Gastel.'
I am sorry to see Don John so resolute in a cause likely to
put his fortune in hazard, who might otherwise expect to be a great
personage. There was no way to save these countries but by a
peace, the French king being so far entered into the action. Whatever
had been protested to the contrary by his Ambassador
Bellivre, it would be found that the Duke of Anjou would not lack
any assistance which his brother could give him. The King had so
far 'opened himself' already that on certain gentlemen desiring
leave to repair into the Low Countries to his brother, he let them
understand that he allowed well of their going, and that any service
they should do his brother, he would repute it done to himself.
The wisest counsellors of France were of opinion that this opportunity
of possessing the Low Countries was not to be neglected,
being so many ways beneficial to the Crown of France. It was
generally given out in France that whoever opposed himself to this
enterprise could not be a good Frenchman, but must be a traitor
and a 'pentionary' to Spain.
It being apparent that France would in the end enter openly into
the action, Don John would do well to consider the inconveniences
that might follow ; as that France, which before was equal to Spain,
would become superior. 'The King of Spain shall leese the best
cow of his dairy,' if it be considered what incredible sums the Low
Countries yielded to him and his father towards their wars with the
French king. They would lack the supply of victuals and ammunitions
which they received last year from France, without which they
could not hold the field. The conveyance of their treasure both by
exchange and otherwise, which was chiefly by way of France, would
be debarred. Divers princes, as the Dukes of Savoy and Lorraine,
who before were well inclined to the King of Spain, would become
neutral from fear of France.
Besides these apparent mischiefs there were two very dangerous
practices in hand, which if put in execution would greatly trouble
the King of Spain ; one, to break the truce between him and the
Turk, and to threaten the Emperor and the Empire that in case
they support Spain the truce lately made shall be void ; the other,
that Colonel Strozzi has promised Monsieur to repair to the Indies
with 6,000 shot, having already sent to Holland and Zealand for
ships and mariners.
These things considered, as also the present state of his force,
being much inferior to the enemy's and likely daily to decay by
reason not only of the plague, but for lack of victuals, he would do
better to grow to an accord than wilfully to hazard the loss of the
Low Countries ; which would open a gap for further defection and
alteration in the King's dominions, where no little discontent
reigned. This would be imputed to him, lacking as he did no
enemies in the Court of Spain to make their profit thereof to his
overthrow.
Endd. by L. Tomson. 2 pp. [Holl. and Fl. X. 45 bis.]
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Aug. 25.
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186. POULET to the QUEEN.
Duplicate of the next letter. Endd. 2 pp. [France II. 63.]
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Aug. 25.
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187. POULET to the QUEEN.
All things are so quiet that nothing can be expected from hence
worthy of advertisement. I must confess that I dispatch this
messenger rather to let your Majesty know that you have a minister
in these parts, than for any matter that greatly imports your
service, being of opinion that it is some satisfaction when you
know that nothing is to be feared from hence.
It is said that Queen Mother and the Queen of Navarre arrived
at Poitiers on the 19th, and proceed in their journey without stay.
The King of Navarre has entertained Queen Mother with many
complaints during this journey, declaring that war and peace were
in her hands, and that unless these disorders were redressed without
delay, war could not be avoided. Queen Mother answers
between sport and earnest, and tells the messenger that these
quarrels are forged on purpose because the King of Navarre wants
some colour to retain the towns which he wrongfully holds. But it
is not without reason that the King of Navarre and the Prince of
Cond repose their principal security in their distrust of the cunning
practices of their adversaries. It is reported that the Prince
of Cond has lately been in great danger of being entrapped, and
that great companies of horsemen are now assembled for that purpose.
Whereof the Prince being advertised when on the point of
taking his journey towards Champagny, a house belonging to the
Duke of Montpensier, changed his mind and did not proceed.
The Prince of Cond, after deliberation with his friends, has resolved
to excuse himself to Queen Mother, and not come to her
presence. And whereas she expects the King of Navarre to meet
her at Cognac, he has determined to pray her by letter to return
from thence and send his wife to him accompanied by his servants.
But I am of opinion that this resolution will be broken. It is certain
that the King of Navarre and Prince of Cond were never in
greater jealousy and distrust than at present, and many of the
religion fear that the storms of the Low Countries will fall upon
their shoulders.
Marshal de Coss arrived at Rochelle on the 9th, in hopes to
persuade the inhabitants to receive his nephew called Surgires
into the town on the pretext that he should only give account to
the King of their dutiful behaviour, but with full meaning that
soon after he should govern there absolutely. I have not yet
heard what is become of the marshal since his arrival there, but I
know it was concluded that he should return as he came.
The King has transformed his Court and Council since the
departure of Queen Mother, and has already begun to reform in
some things, having established many ordinances to very good purpose
if they are duly observed. 'These new laws please our French
humour for the time, but many doubt lest they will be of no long
continuance.' As many are rejected as are preferred, and the malcontents
may do more harm than the others will be able to redress.
I have acquainted Mr Secretary Wilson with some of these alterations,
not thinking them worthy of your Majesty.
The King finding that his subjects disliked his close manner of
life has resolved to be on horseback twice or thrice in every week,
and has already begun the practice, sometimes running at the ring,
sometimes hunting, sometimes taking occasion to hear mass in some
Church of the city, and then is mounted on his footcloth.
Young Lansac has surrendered Brouage to St. Luc, to the great
mislike of those of Rochelle, who are not ignorant that it was
troublesome to have a bad neighbour, but will be troublesome and
dangerous to have a bad and mighty neighbour.
It is said that pictures of the daughter of Spain have been sent
to Queen Mother with many tokens from her and others. And
although I believe that hitherto Monsieur seeks only his particular
profit in the Low Countries, many are of opinion that necessity
joined with the mediation of the Emperor and so many other
friends, will bring forth peace at last between him and the
Spaniard.
It is thought that the house of Guise is in great disgrace with the
King, and many think that this jar will not be easily reconciled.
Marshal Montmorency has left the Court, not well satisfied, as I
am credibly informed. But this peace is so easily made that his
discontent is little regarded.Paris, 25th Aug. 1578.
Add. Endd. 2 pp. [France II. 64.]
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Aug. 25.
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188. POULET to BURGHLEY.
This country is in great quiet, saving that the companies marching
towards Monsieur commit infinite and intolerable spoils, and
daily complaints are brought to the Court against them. Queen
Mother and the Queen of Navarre arrived at Poitiers on the 19th,
so no doubt this journey will be duly performed.
Great alterations have been made of late in this Court ; new
councillors and new orders for their proceedings, new officers in the
King's Chamber and many other places. I do not trouble you with
the details, which I am sending to Mr Secretary Wilson. The
King has turned another leaf, and now he runs at the ring, hunts,
or passes his time almost daily in some exercise. The house of
Guise is a stranger at the Court, and some think that the King's
affection towards them is greatly diminished.
Pasquier, secretary to Mauvissire, arrived here on the 20th, and
next day Villeroy was despatched to Queen Mother ; some being of
opinion that his journey is grounded upon Bacqueville's negotiation.
Many think that after all these storms there will be a marriage between
Monsieur and the daughter of Spain, and it is said that the
Emperor is the mediator, as of himself, but really at the solicitation
of the King of Spain.
The Protestants of this country fear greatly the reunion of
Monsieur with the Spaniard, and that this tragedy of the Low
Countries will not be ended without some tragical troubles in
France.
I have written more at length to her Majesty, and doubt not that
she will acquaint you with my letter.Paris, 25 Aug. 1578.
Add. Endd. 1 p. [France II. 65.]
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Aug. 25.
K. d. L. x. 756.
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189. WALSINGHAM to DAVISON.
We returned to-day from Don John to this town. We have
received such answer from him that we greatly doubt of the going
forward of the treaty of pacification. We shall be better able to
judge of the issue to-morrow afternoon, by which time we hope to
receive his final resolution. Thank you for your letter of the 24th
to my Lord and me.Louvain, 25 Aug. 1578.
Add. Endd. p. [Holl. and Fl. VIII. 46.]
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Aug. 25.
K. d. L. x. 755
(from another
copy).
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190. DON JOHN to the QUEEN.
I have willingly heard the declaration of the ambassadors who
came to me yesterday on your behalf, with letters of credence of
June 12 last ; the more so that the contents of the same are entirely
agreeable to the good affection due from you to the King my lord
and brother. I cannot but thank you on his behalf and my own
for the trouble you say you have taken to propose terms of agreement
between him and his subjects. I should promise myself a
good result therefrom if the pretensions of the Estates had been
such that some peace, as suggested in your letter, could have been
conceived to the satisfaction of his Majesty. But so far are the
articles lately propounded by the Estates from offering any such
hope, that they are rather repugnant to all honour ; so much so
that your ambassador roundly confessed to me that they were too
hard to be accepted ; besides other indignities and excesses which
are committed daily, whereof I have prayed your ambassador to
give you an account. Meanwhile, Madam, they can assure you
that I have no other intention than to restore these countries to
tranquillity, and procure for them the pacification which they themselves
might have wished ; though I see that their actions are so
far removed from it that I cannot persuade myself that they
honestly wish to aim at it, as your ambassador can report.Camp
near Jausse, 25 Aug. 1578. (Signed in autograph) 'votre tres
affectionn serviteur Don Juo.' (Countersigned) A. de Laloo.
Double sheet. Add. (seal). Endd. Fr. [Holl. and Fl. VIII. 47.]
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