|
|
|
Oct. 20.
|
369. [MARCHAUMONT] to DU BEX.
You wrote to me very succinctly ; the master similarly. Pigalle
knows nothing, and this princess asks a great many questions,
and was certainly in a good deal of trouble and complained. Now
I have put everything right, and I never saw any one more desirous
than she is to see the master. She feels sure of it at the beginning
of the week after next [qy.l'autre semaine]. Find out from him if I
am to go and look for him at Stafford's lodging or not. I will see
that he is well obeyed and his orders executed. You tell me that
he will content me in all matters. I have given him plenty of
cause to do so, and you see that I shall take as much pleasure in
acquiring reputation for him as some do in making him lose it
while doing business for themselves, and that he will recognise it
is for his service. I fully calculate that if he does not marry, he
will take me with him. I shall be pretty useful to him among that
nation, and having made myself agreeable here among those of this
religion, I hope to serve him well there. I have long been holding
the eel by the tail and the devil by the horns. Service so faithful
and signal merits a response. I ought to be sure of his bton.
Assure Quinc that I told this princess he was coming, and that he
will not be ill-come, but welcome ; and that she will love him whom
the master holds for his servant as soon as the master is within the
realm.
Let me know if he will sleep the first night in my bed or not. I
would not sleep in his two rooms in the gallery, though I was
urged to do so. He will be quite comfortable there. The Earl of
Leicester is determined to make good cheer for him, the other
likewise ; who has sent for the Earls of Northumberland and of
Uncester [qy. Worcester], who have been waiting for a month.
Mention that the Queen has granted liberty to Lord Henry [qy.
Howard]. You see that the master's coming has acted like Our
Lady (Madonne) of Rury [?]. The Queen has sent to visit him,
and ordered him to come. She is coming on (s'approche), but she
is so weak that she cannot keep it up. Steer the ship well, and take
care of your master.Richmond, Friday, 20 Oct. 1580 [sic].
Signed with a monogram which may be P. C. de M. or only P. D.
with three [symbol].
P.S.You say nothing about money, and I have not a farthing,
and you know what I have spent. It is not the way to build my
house.
In the same hand as most of the 'Moine' letters (sec Hatfield
Calendar) ; riz. that of Marchaumont. Add. : Monsieur du Baiz . . .
la part o il sera. Fr. 2 pp. [France VI. 49.]
|
|
Oct. 21.
|
370. COBHAM to [WALSINGHAM].
I have sought ever since the receipt of your last letter to have
audience of their Majesties, but the king has deferred it ; being as
he alleges weary with the continual exercise and care for the performance
of those past triumphs, which continued almost daily until
the 19th inst. The 'patrons' of their pageants I send herewith,
having been present at the last three days' pastimes, as at the young
queen's dance on Sunday the 15th ; when by order of his Majesty
I and the Ambassadors of Savoy and Ferrara supped with M.
Cheverny, and were better entertained than at the beginning of these
triumphs. So at his Majesty's command, in the company only of
the abovenamed Ambassadors (the Ambassador of Venice being sick
of an ague, the Pope's nuncio sickly, and the Spanish King's
minister taken but for an agent), I was present on the day when
the king, the Duke of Guise, and the Duke of Mercur were
challengers. The Duke of Mercur entered the field of battle in a
chariot ; the Duke of Guise on horseback, armed, entered next ; with
some five or six only of his own 'queries,' and two spare led
'barded' horses. Lastly the king, armed, came in a ship, in such
manner as may appear in the papers I send you.
The 'duke Mercury' alighted on the left hand of the field, where
the ambassadors were placed, resting under his pavilion of green
damask, awaiting all comers at the barriers, with the 'punshe' of
the lance, and strokes with the truncheon. The Duke of Guise held
the middle of the field, mounted and armed complete, with the
sword, to 'torne' with all comers. The king alighted at the right
hand of the field at his pavilion of 'cremesyn' cloth of gold, where
the Queen and ladies sat ; he received all assailants at the barriers
with the push of the pike and blows of the sword, wherein he showed
more force than they looked for, 'being nothing spared.' The Duke
of Lorraine was an assistant to his Majesty.
The Duke of Guise showed himself well able to maintain that
place, but being somewhat hurt in his sword hand, he was assisted
by the Duke of Aumle. The Duke of Mercur performed his
charge without any assistant.
On the 18th, in the afternoon, the king, in the same place as
before, entered the field with 13 others, all well mounted, armed 'at
all pieces,' and their horses barded and covered with their
caparisons of cloth of gold, having 6 of his company furnished as
himself, and the other 6 [sic] with russet cloth of gold.
The Duke of Lorraine entered at the other end of the field, with
13 armed at all pieces, their horses barded ; six of them with
caparisons of russet cloth of gold, and the rest with crimson. So
they continued at the tourney till night approached ; which being
performed, the fireworks began, and thus ended their pastimes.
The king showed himself as well on horseback, and as good a man-at-arms
as any of the company ; whereby it appears these exercises
have brought him health and good disposition.
Notwithstanding that these feats of arms for the most part
occupied the king's mind, he 'left not' to think of his affairs, having
thought it necessary to solicit the Duke of Savoy about the marriage
with the Princess of Lorraine. It was at first resolved by their
Majesties that the Marshal de Retz should be the messenger ; but
the king is now dispatching a private gentleman of the Queen
Mother's, altering their purpose, as supposing they might provoke
the Spanish king to enter into a new jealousy by sending a
marshal of France into those parts.
The king is entertaining the Count Rhinegrave and Bassompierre
'with' some especial manner, and as I have been informed
continues to 'make means' to win Duke Casimir.
The Pope's nuntio this week in his last audience satisfied the
king in the case of the Grand Master of Malta, assuring him of the
Pope's good disposition to content him ; and moved the king to
renew some straight amity with the Spanish king. But I cannot
learn that he shows as yet any inclination towards Spain, though
in all causes he is wary, and loth to give any apparent special
occasion of offence to King Philip.
Don Antonio is today at Poissy, and I am informed is to meet
their Majesties either tomorrow or Monday, at Madrid or at Saint-Maur ;
but I hear it is judged it will be at St. Maur, at the Queen
Mother's house. However, there appears as yet no settled
intention for the relief of Don Antonio. I rather hear that a
motion of mediation will be offered by the Spanish agent. The
vanity of the Portuguese action has discredited them with their
French friends.
They also inform me that the Lorraine marriage has again been
moved to Monsieur, and that the Pope offers, with many benedictions,
the county of Avignon ; which will bring but small profit
with it. The Spanish king will, they say, leave his claim to
Cambray and the Cambrsis, with the gift of some other places
thereabouts.
The king is pleased also to bestow on his Highness the County
of Provence and the Marquisate of Saluzzo ; which marquisate 'doth
spend' the king yearly 12,000 and sometimes 20,000 in paying his
garrison more than he receives of revenue. So Monsieur has fair
show of rich proffers, but indeed they will be but an augmentation
of further charge to him, as Cambray proves, as will appear from
the enclosed note.
The Duke of Savoy has ended his progress. He visited all his
frontiers and most part of his territory, passing near Geneva. By
his courteous, conversable manner, and especially by withdrawing
from them some small taxations which his father had imposed, he
has exceedingly won the hearts and goodwill of his vassals.
M. Chtillon has returned within these five days to his house,
having been in the parts towards Geneva ; and M. Clervant is
come hither from Germany, departing hence tomorrow to the King
of Navarre in Guyenne, where Marshal Matignon and Bellivre
have about this time arrived.Paris, 21 Oct. 1581.
Add. gone. Endd. by Walsingham. 5 pp. [France VI. 50.]
|
|
Oct. 22.
|
371. COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.
Before the receipt of your letter 'brought by this bringer' Mr
Archibald Douglas had departed hence ; I therefore send back your
letter directed to him. I trust he is safely arrived in England.
Yesterday George Douglas went towards Scotland, not having
left the letters he promised for Archibald. He went upon the
receipt of the Scottish king's letter in which he has promised there
shall be granted in Scotland, in this parliament, free exercise of
liberty of conscience to the Papists. It were to be wished his pack
were 'visited' before he arrived in Scotland. The Bishop of Ross
departed hence 'with' George Douglas, to Rome, being in great
hope to chant a mass shortly in Scotland. They have spread about
that there has been a 'fray' made on the 'Count of Anquische's'
followers by some of our borderers.
They advertise that the Pope has lately renewed the practice to
confederate in a league with himself the Spanish king, the Signiory
of Venice, and the Duke of Florence. It may be that if the Turk
has 'accorded' a peace with the Sophy, the Spanish king will seek
all means to strengthen himself with the Italian princes who have
galleys.
Upon the occasion of my supping with Chiverny there passed
some speech of the treaty we last 'passed' at your being here ;
wherein he 'showed' that he and Villequier were ashamed to have
made that demonstration of the king's will and meaning to accord
the league, and then to break it off. Howbeit he thought the
accomplishment of it was not altogether disannulled, but rather
deferred. I requested that if he had cause to think so, he would as
good occasion offered remind the king to 'like of' the league. He
said he thought the league most pertinent for the king, and promised
to do what I asked.
So we left that 'purpose,' and entered into speech of M. d'O,
whom he very much commended ; giving me to understand that
the king had that day said to him he loved d'O as well as he ever
did, but for some respects he found it convenient to 'apart' him
from his service for the time, and further that the king had given
d'O at parting 40,000 crowns. By his manner and speech he
gave me cause to imagine he was well-affected to her Majesty.
The king, after fighting for some time at the barrier, left the
Duke of Lorraine to 'assist' him, and casting on a short velvet
gown came from his side to where the ambassadors sat, and 'used
some gratious countenance,' 'axxing' of me how I liked their feats
of arms. I answered that I liked them very well, and that they
were worthily performed. Thereon he returned to his pavilion.
I send you herewith a pasquil, made as they say by Mme de Tres
[d'Estres], daughter to Mme de Bordesire and wife to the Captain
of Boulogne. There is so foul stuff in it that I think it 'feeter' to be
burnt by your hand than read with your eyes.
I beseech you that 'if in case' Splendor [Duke of Anjou] repair to
Oriens [the Queen] the matter may be so well handled that good
assurance be had of his friendship. And methinks it may serve to
good purpose that while he is in those parts somewhat be executed
for the withstanding of 6,000 [ ] practices in such sort
that the peril may not remain so great to her Majesty.
Spanish galleys have arrived at Genoa with 800,000 crowns in
coin.
The Turkish ambassador is expected here about the 25th inst.
I am sorry to hear tell that Fante your servant has been
imprisoned at Rome by the Inquisitors, and Fane.
I beseech you, persuade her Majesty to give me some comfort after
so many years' service, in my latter days ; or else to put me out of
the pain of the hope I have conserved, that her will is to restore me
to what I have sold of my living since my coming hither ; with some
recompense for my comfort, in such sort that I may not 'hang on
the hedge.' In this you may bind me very much.Paris, 22 Oct.
1581.
Add. Endd. 3 pp. [France VI. 51.]
|
|
Oct. 22.
|
372. STOKES to WALSINGHAM.
My last was of the 15th inst. since when very few speeches have
passed worth writing, for all things have been still.
On Tuesday last, the 17th inst., the Prince of Orange and the
Prince of Epinoy left this town together for Ghent, where they still
are. The Princess of Orange is gone to Antwerp by ship, where it
is said she will lie in.
The Flanders camp lies under Oudenarde, where they do nothing
but spoil the poor peasants on both sides. As yet no means is
made for the helping of Tournay, which much mislikes all men that
wish well to the cause. So matters go not well on the States' side
in these parts.
The Prince of Parma with all his forces still lies before Tournay,
where he has lost about 400 men in the assault of a 'bulwark'
before the town gate, wherein they had made a small breach, which
was assaulted twice and valiantly defended by the burghers. So
the Prince has retired his battery, and begins to mine under the
town walls ; which it is feared will 'turn' the town to some danger,
if it be not foreseen in time.
And whereas the magistrates of this town had advice last week
that those of Tournay parleyed with the Prince of Parma for the
delivery of the town, this is not so, for this week a letter is come
from the town by which it seems they are of good courage, and fear
not the enemy. But they desire that they may be succoured with
as much speed as may be.
This week a gentleman passed through this town, sent by
Monsieur to the Prince of Orange. He left Monsieur at Saint-Valery,
where he 'pretends' to embark for these parts, and his
small troops of horse and foot will come by land. It is said the
Prince of Orange returns shortly to this town to meet Monsieur
here ; but for all that it is feared by many that Monsieur will not
come yet to these parts.
Those of Cambray and Cambrsis lie still and make no more war
against the enemy in those parts ; which is not well liked here, for
they might trouble the enemy very much there.
The Count of Schwarzburg still lies in this town, for what cause
I cannot learn.
If Monsieur come not without further delays, I see it will not go
well on the States' side here in Flanders, and all for want of a good
government ; for 'there is a number that commands in the country
and few will obey.'Bruges, 22 Oct. 1581.
P.S.After the post was gone last week, I received yours of the
7th inst., in which was a letter to the Prince of Orange, which I
delivered into his own hands. Also this week I received yours of
the 14th, in which was one to M. Villiers and one to M. Rossel,
which I have sent to them at Ghent.
Add. Endd. 2 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XIV. 111.]
|
|
Oct. 29.
|
373. STOKES to WALSINGHAM.
My last was of the 22nd inst. In the last week nothing has
passed here to write to you of, but of Tournay matters ; which are
as follows.
The Prince of Parma still lies before Tournay, where this week
he made proof of his mine ; which has failed him, for when the fire
was put to the train, the mine of itself fell down before the fire came
'at' it, and so spoiled his own men, very many, and did no harm to
the town. When the Prince saw the evil success of his mine,
having before planted his battery to a new place of the town, for
revenge he began to shoot it off last Sunday at 5 a.m. and continued
until noon, and so made a breach and incontinently gave a stout
assault to it ; which continued four hours. It was valiantly
defended by the town, to the loss of the lives of many of the
enemy's best soldiers.
It seems the Prince of Parma will not leave his enterprise so, for
he begins to mine in another place, and withal has made a new
supply of soldiers and pioneers to his camp ; for he has left all his
other places as bare of soldiers as may be, saving at Cortricke, so
that it is greatly feared he will put the town in danger to be lost.
As yet the Flanders troops lie under Oudenarde, and both the
princes are still at Ghent ; and by report there is no preparing for
the succouring of Tournay, for their only hope is of Monsieur's
coming ; and it surely seems if he come not they are not able to
help the town, for the enemy has cut up all the passages and ways
that lie round about Tournay, in such sort that no man can come to
it but with great force.
A new speech is now given out here that Monsieur is gathering a
new force of horse and foot beside 'Montrill,' which will be here
shortly in the country ; but it is thought to be given out only to
content the commons.
A secret speech also goes here that those of Flushing and
Zealand have an enterprise upon Gravelines ; but I doubt it will
not take place, because it is already known abroad.Bruges,
29 Oct. 1581.
P.S. 1.I beseech you to have me in remembrance for my
license of wheat.
P.S. 2.This afternoon news is come to the magistrates that on
Friday last 4 cornets of horse were sent from Oudenarde to make a
'proof' to enter Tournay ; who handled themselves so like cowards
that 2 cornets of the enemy's made them all run away. Some of
them are taken, some slain, and the rest returned to Oudenarde to
their great shame. The Prince will never have other service of
'these country' people, for their hearts are all made of butter.
Add. Endd. 2 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XIV. 112.]
|
|
Oct. 29 (?)
|
374. Five leaves of rough notes, chiefly in Burghley's hand,
with calculations of the pay of certain 'forces to be levied,'
Albanians, Walloons, reiters, 'Fryses,' lansquenets. (Last part
perhaps a different document.)
Endd. : The month's pay of certain horsemen and footmen to be
levied. [France VI. 52.]
|
|
Oct. 29.
|
375. Paper in Burghley's hand containing (a) an estimate of
the sum required to pay the troops in Cambray and the Cambrsis,
under Inchy, Balagny, Rynsart and others, including a sum due to
12 gentlemen of Cambrsis for the fortification of Cambray ; (b)
notes on points in Cobham's letter of the 21st (the tournament ;
arrival of Don Antonio).
Dated at head. 1 pp. [Ibid. VI. 53.]
|
|
Oct. 30.
|
376. The COUNCIL OF STATE in the Low Countries to WALSINGHAM.
Since my last, written to you in favour of Councillor Ymans, we
hear that one Robert Pointz, a subject of her Majesty, having
bought most of the States' obligations, which he holds, having
acquired them as we hear by undue ways, in order to make his
private profit to the injury of others and especially of a country at
large, a thing deserving chastisement rather than favour, has made
arrest upon certain of our merchants trading into England. This
is a matter of great and very ill consequence at this juncture, when,
owing to the excessive costs of war which these countries are compelled
to bear in defence of their liberty and ancient privileges, they
cannot meet their obligatons so soon as they would desire. If these
arrests are tolerated by her Majesty, the way will be open for every
one else to do the like, to the total ruin of these countries. In consideration
whereof, other creditors having tried to do the same in
other neighbouring countries and realms, it has not been permitted
by the princes of the same. And whereas you are not ignorant
that the cause we are sustaining is just and based on religion (selon
Dieu) and reason, and it is of great importance to her Majesty that
we be not tripped up (suppeditez) by our enemies, who are equally
envious of the prosperity of her realm, so that having subjugated
us, which God forbid, they will not fail to scheme against her either
by treason or by arms, as you may have well perceived by experience
heretofore ; and whereas by arrests of this kind which the creditors
of the States may claim to make in England on account of their
obligations, the traffic which in pursuance of ancient treaties has
always existed between those of her Majesty's realm and these
countries, and been maintained with all freedom, no permission
being given by the treaties to hinder it except for debts personal to
the merchants, will be impeded ; we beg that having regard to all
this you will use your good influence with her Majesty to have these
arrests removed and that in future the like may not be made,
whether at the request of merchants, colonels, or other creditors of
these countries ; but that those who claim that any moneys are due
to them from the States may apply to them at their assembly to be
held at Antwerp in November next, where we shall willingly do our
best to have reasonable satisfaction given to them so far as public
necessities, which in such extremity must take precedence of private,
will allow.Ghent, this last but one day of October, 1581. The
Prince of Orange and others of the Council of State appointed by
the States-General. (Signed) Van Asseliers.
Add. Endd. Fr. 1 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XIV. 113.]
|
|
Oct. 30.
|
377. BERNARDINO DE MENDOZA to BURGHLEY.
Thomas Beberson, master of the ship La Providence, was bringing
in that ship from Seville 48 chests of sugar and 3 barrels of cochineal
to send into Flanders, and having discharged the said goods
at 'Gorint' into a charrue [qy. carrack] as the custom at that place
is to discharge the goods which are to be sent to Flanders, the said
charrue laden with those goods in bad weather arrived at Sandwich,
where the searcher detained the merchandise as forfeited goods (?).
Please give orders, since they are goods belonging to Spanish
merchants, that such a trick be not played on them, seeing that they
have proceeded in this matter in all sincerity, and as the custom
always is to discharge at that place. The bearer will give you fuller
information.London, 30 Oct. 1581.
Add. Endd. French. 1 p. [Spain I. 74a.]
|
