Letters and Papers: May 1539, 1-5 | British History Online

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 14 Part 1, January-July 1539. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1894.

Citation:

'Letters and Papers: May 1539, 1-5', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 14 Part 1, January-July 1539, ed. James Gairdner, R H Brodie( London, 1894), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol14/no1/pp424-436 [accessed 16 November 2024].

May 1539



1 May. Kaulek, 95.	907. MARILLAC to FRANCIS I.
	London, 1 May:—Was already on a good road by his opening conversation with the King of England, but Francis' letter of 18 April has completely dispelled all remains of distrust from the King and his Council. Marillac having read it, the King declared that his preparations were not for fear of Francis, but that because the Emperor had made preparations in Flanders, he wished to be on his guard and to see what forces he could make if attacked. Parliament commenced Monday 27 April; the dukes of Suffolk and Norfolk attend it daily. Thanks for his nomination as councillor in the Parliament of Paris.
	French abstract.
	* A modern transcript is in R. O.
1 May. Add. 33,514 f. 18. B. M. Ribier, I. 455.	908. MARILLAC to MONTMORENCY.
	Writes to the King of the satisfaction this King has received from his letter in conformity with the language Mariliac had used with him. The whole Court seem to wear a new aspect and to be quite delighted. Thinks it is because they are convinced their neighbours will do nothing against them this year, as they suspected before Marillac received the letters of Francis and Montmoreney. Being now reassured they all, great and little, show him the greatest kindness possible. The King himself has spoken with him two long hours in his chamber in a way that shows he has no anxiety and believes, as many do, that the Emperor will have enough on his hands this year in composing the disputes in Germany, for which, Henry says, he is going by sea from Spain to Flanders, and the Imperial ambassador says the same, whom Marillac visits continually. The King seems to be assured of the Germans and only two days ago the chancellor of the duke of Saxony with the envoys of some other German lords, whose names he has not yet ascertained, arrived in this town, some say to treat of a marriage between this King's daughter and the duke of Saxony's son, others to conclude what has already been begun about religion. Nothing, however, can be settled at present till it be seen what they will conclude at this Parliament, which Marillac will endeavour to ascertain. They go on, though more coldly than usual, with their fortifications and preparations for defence. Particular musters of the men of this town, have been made; but the general muster is not to be for 15 days yet.
	Often visits the Emperor's ambassador, who looks hourly for news from Spain, and lets him know the good relations between the King (Francis) and his master. Asks for some word about it his letters in order always to entertain the said ambassador, "qui par la en fera par leetres ou il appartiendra"; also that in the letter from Francis there may only be things he can show to this King. Is always armed with two maxims against questions upon which he has no express charge to reply; one is to profess ignorance and write for instructions, the other is to say nothing absolutely without some reserve, by which it may afterwards be altered, and he trusts that, with the aid of God, nothing shall be drawn from him that can prejudice the King's (Francis) affairs. (fn. 1)
	Passage crossed out by a modern hand, in which Marillac thanks Montmorency for his kindness to him during the five years he has employed him in the King's business and for having made him councillor in his absence since he left France. London, 1 May.
	Cromwell desires him to request the deliverance of certain English bibles which were printed in Paris. (fn. 2) Signed.
	French, pp. 2. Add.: Monseigneur le Connestable et Grant Maistre de France.
	* Two modern transcripts are in R. O., and extracts are printed by Kaulek, p. 95.
1 May. R. O.	909. JOHN HUSEE to LORD LISLE.
	Has written him sundry letters. My lord Privy Seal is now minded to go through for the 400l., and intends, on Lisle's answer, to send Mr. Polstede to Dover, where he wishes Lisle to be by the 13th or 14th inst. "But I perceive that he thinketh to have besides the possession your interest in th[e M.] li. And ... to be repaid ... li ... * * * pay[ment] which offered (?) the ... in like case till the sum of 400l. be fully contented, repaid and satisfied; which I think her Ladyship will not agree unto." Writes in haste that Lisle may see his true object is not only to be repaid his money but, besides obtaining possession, to have Lisle's whole interest of the 1,000l. without paying anything for it. Has arranged with Polstode that Lisle's counsel should meet Cromwell's this next day, when we shall know clearly what their whole pretence is. Mr. Ryngeley is controller. Requests that my lady may see this letter as he has no leisure to write to her. London, 1 May.
	P.S. My lord's counsel say you and my lady shall be assured of the rent for life, and that, upon your answer, he will procure your licence to come to Dover, but no further. Mr. Polstede will bring the commission for the Friars to Dover with him.
	Hol., mutilated and in two fragments, pp. 2. Add.
1 May. R. O.	910. R. SHELLEY to his Father, SIR WM. SHELLEY.
	Will try to accompany the Venetian ambassador to the Turk, so that if the King please to open this voyage to his subjects he may have someone expert to serve him. There is no merchandise so good for Turkey as our kerseys, and their horses and chamblets and other things soon enrich men. The Venetians and Araguses make themselves rich by fetching our kerseys to sell in Turkey and bringing pearls and stones to all Christendom. Hears of no Englishman who has seen the Turk's court and greatness. Has thought an occasion might arise since he came to Venice, and therefore 's not unprepared. Has his charts and gear and has read what books he could find. The ambassador is going by land for fear of corsairs, and, being 84 years old, will make such easy journeys that it will be possible to observe all things. In every great town will "hearken for" old Greek authors. A Greek come to read in Venice tells him that this war in Corfu has spread abroad many books which the invidious mind of a few has hitherto kept suppressed. Being under this ambassador's wing, will not fear being suspected by the Turks, which has happened to Englishmen who have gone by way of Jerusalem.
	Expectation of this journey has been one of the greatest causes to keep him in Italy. Is wearier of this scholastical life than he can express, being among the naughtiest people in the world, and either enemies or contumelious despisers of England. Will have nothing of the ambassador except the name to be of his household and meat and drink to Constantinople. Does not know whether he will be in his house while there, but will go with him as a gentleman of his court, and at his return (for he will stay there but four months) will have meat and drink as far as Venice.
	Trusts that his father will not let him lack, as this voyage is for his promotion, and has borrowed 150 cr. from Harwell to be repaid by his father. "They that goeth to La Velona with us departeth tonight." Dated at the head: Venice, 1 May 1539.
	Hol., pp. 3. Add.: In London.
1 May. Sadoleti Epp. Familiares, No. 322.	911. SADOLET to CARD. FARNESE.
	Though he had already learned from other correspondents what Farnese had written to Pole of the higher dignity bestowed on Bembo, rejoiced to learn it more fully from Farnese's letters to himself, &c. Carpentras, calend. Maii 1539.
	Lat.
1 May. Vatican MS.	912. CARD. FARNESE to the CARD. OF BRINDISI.
	* * * As to affairs of England, we are waiting for the Emperor's reply to the opinion of the French king explained lately to the abbot of San Saluto, whom Card. Pole sent to his most Christian Majesty to report what he had negociated in Spain. For the good regard he must have to his life, and the more as he approaches nearer to England, Pole has stopped at Carpentras on his way from Spain. The sum of the Emperor's reply to Pole was that it was not then time to move against England, because of the enterprise of the Levant which occupied him, and because of the Lutherans, who would not unmoved see the King of England chastised, fearing, like neighbours in faith, that that fire might burn their house too; however, he referred it to the opinion of the French king.
	The French king replied that the enterprise of the Levant could not, in his judgment, be made this year, and, acting only on the defensive, one would lose reputation and embolden the Turk; so that he thought it best to make a truce with the Turk; and as to the Lutherans, he thought the Emperor and he should jointly send a man to urge them to return to the obedience of the Church, their majesties offering to intercede with his Holiness for them. The King added that when the Lutherans saw the Emperor and him acting in such concord, the affairs of Germany would be brought to a good form; and after that the Englishman could safely be chastised.
	This reply has been sent into Spain by M. Giorgio, secretary to the Nuncio Poggio, with instructions to learn the Emperor's final resolution about the affairs of England, and thereupon to inform both Card. Pole, who awaits it in Provence, and his Holiness. It is once [more] seen that that tyrant is respected and that they will not withdraw their ambassadors from him, but that if one has left he has been replaced by another.
	The churches of Hungary. His Holiness was glad to hear what Ferdinand said about the intelligence between the Emperor and the French king. * * Ostia, 1 May 1539.
	Italian. Add.: Legato in Germania. From a modern extract in R.O. pp. 3.
2 May. R. O.	913. JOHN HUSEE to LORD LISLE.
	My lord Privy Seal's counsel and yours met this day at the Rolls, —on his part Mr. Polstede, Mr. Catelan, and Mr. Parre; on yours Mr. Harrys, Mr. Rolles, and I. They declared his lordship's mind for the surrender of Paynswick and Morton Valence and the loan of the 400l., first the surrender of your and my lady's interests to him and his heirs for ever, for the yearly rent of 120l. during the life of the longest liver. They will not hear of your interest of 1,000l.; so I see he intends to give you no recompense. Enters into further particulars of the agreement. If my lady refuses, his lordship will expect from you collateral security. Further, whereas they were at a point at my lady's being here touching the rent, they now make objections and offer less, on pretence that you have parted with some of your interest. I cannot see you will be allowed one groat for your expenses in coming over, nor that you will be allowed to go further than Dover. Mr. Polsted will bring your commission for the Friars to Dover. My lord Privy Seal will write to you in three days, and if you agree they will appoint to meet you at Dover on the 13th or 14th.
	Received by Tyson, while I was writing this, your letter of the 29th ult. touching your harness and saddle. Mr. Wyndsor, who keeps other men's money, will be loth to part with his own. When Jas. Hawkesworthe comes I will go through with my lord Admiral. More offers 60l. for Soberton. I will speak to Mr. Popley for an answer to the letter, "which I think will be much ado this Parliament time." Thinks if any man infringes the King's proclamations he ought to be punished. Has not received the bills for Thos. Broke, but will speak to Mr. Boyce. If he cannot succeed with them, will tell my lord Privy Seal whatever bills are sent in for Calais are without your privity. London, 2 May.
	Hol., pp. 4. Add.
2 May. Wilkins, III. 850.	914. CONVOCATION OF YORK.
	This convocation, by authority of the, royal writ, dated Westm. 12 March 30 Hen. VIII., and of the archiepiscopal mandate, 5 April 1539, was summoned, 2 May, at St. Peter's church, in York. The register of York adds the "procuratorium" of the dean and chapter of York, 9 April.
	Latin.
2 May. R. O.	915. QUEEN [MARY OF HUNGARY to MAIORIS.]
	Has answered his first letter. The princes of Germany have held a diet at Frankfort, and have made an abstinence of hostilities, binding themselves not to receive any into their confederation for religion for 15 months, during which time some better union may be made for the good of Christianity.
	Fr., p. 1. Extract, headed: Tyre hors des lettre de la Roynne du ii. de May.
3 May. R. O.	916. SIR THOMAS CHEYNE to CROMWELL.
	I send as commanded, by the bearer, my servant, the two masters of the Flemish ships, and have also stayed their ships till I know your pleasure further. Sharland, 3 May.
	Hol., p. 1. Add. Privy Seal. Endd.: Aprilis.
3 May. Vesp. F. XIII. 99. B. M. Ellis, 2d. S. II. 156.	917. JOHN EARL OF BATH to [CROMWELL].
	Whereas it has pleased God to call my father to his fatal end, (fn. 1) leaving upon me sundry weighty charges, but constituting my lady, my mother-in-law (i.c., step-mother), sole executrix of his goods, I desire your Lordship to take the sight of my father's will, "and the same to examine with such dexterity that I may have wherewithal to serve my prince." My lady, my mother in-law, had no occasion by me to incense my father so against me as to leave-me no provision; considering she has 600 mks. a year of my inheritance to her jointure. Further, begs to be at some end for his special livery, to have reasonable days for payment of the charges. Has been long grieved with "ague, mixed with a cough and haskenes," and watching during his father's sickness has so increased it that he cannot travel as yet, nor attend upon Cromwell for "a determinate end of the house of St. John's in Bridgewater with the demesnes thereunto belonging." Dorneford, 3 May. Signed.
	P. 1.
3 May. R. O.	918. ANTHONY PORTER.
	Bargain and sale by Robt. Osmand and Marion his wife, of Cirencester, to Antony Porter, of Chypyng Camden, of lands in Aston under Egge, Glouc., and confirmation, both dated 3 May 31 Hen. VIII. Many names of witnesses.
	Copies mulilated, pp. 5. Endd.: Osmonde.
R. O.	2. Bond of 20l. of Robt. and Marion Osmand, of Cirencester, to Anthony Porter, for further assurance, 3 May 31 Hen. VIII.
	Two copies, p. 1. Endd.
3 May. R. O.	919. WM. LORD SANDYS to LORD LISLE.
	I received from your Lordship, about 4 o'clock, the letter that it was agreed should be sent to the King's council, which I return enclosed. I wonder it did not come sooner. As to the death of the sergeant of the Cellar, God pardon him, for he was a very honest man. Commend me to Lady Lisle. Guisnes, Holyrood Day, 3 May 31 Hen. VIII. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.
3 May. Vit. B. XXI. 178. B. M.	920. NICHOLAS WOTTON and RICHARD BERDE to CROMWELL.
	[We] wrote to your lordship ... [on the ...] last. "[And] for because that the Chancellor Olysleger did [not go with the] Duke to Duisseldorpe but did tarry here for ... [and] from hence would go unto Gueldres, we also tarried here [and] agreed with him to meet him at Xanthen at his comin[g out] of Gueldres, and so to ride together to Duisseldorpe. And at X[anthen] we met together, as was promised, but the said Chancellor sh[owed] us there, that, forasmuch as the queen of Hungary had of late sen[t] word to the Duke that he should send certain of his council to Brussels to treat with her and the Emperor's council of the matters that were in question betwixt the Emperor and the said Duke concerning Gueldres, and that therefore the Duke had appointed his chief Chancellor called Hograve and the said Chancellor Olisleger, and the Marshal, which be the very chief of his Council, with certain other, to go to Brussels for that same matter, the said Olisleger had no time now to go to Duissel-dorpe." He said also he had letters that the Duke had appointed certain of his Council, and himself for one, to be at Cleves the morrow after, and that we should be there too, and have an answer of our matters. On this we turned back to Cleves and were there the morrow after by 8 a.m., notifying our arrival at once to the Chancellor Olisleger; but all that day nothing was said to us, till in the evening one of the secretaries was sent to us, "and showed us [that the Duke desire]d us to tarry here the next day, and that ... with us we promised to tarry, and the said ... [bein]g Mayday, Olisleger came to us and showed us [that the] beste of his company came hither the day before somewhat late, [wh]ich was the cause that we had not been spoken withal that day, and that they, who were the Chancellor Hograve, and the Marshal and certain other, had brought him letters from the Duke and also showed him by mouth that he, the said Chancellor Olisleger, should in the Duke's name give us this answer:"—That the Duke considered very well how much he was bound to the King and was sorry he could not answer him so shortly as he would, having been disappointed of an opportunity of conference with the duke of Saxony just after the breaking up of the diet of Francford, as the Duke was forced suddenly to ride back into his country, owing, 1, to the death of duke George of Saxony and both his children; 2, to news that the Great Turk was coming to invade Germany by Poland this summer; and 3, to be at the Diet of Worms on the Sunday Exaudi, that is, the last Sunday before Whitsuntide, for the defence of Germany. "He said also that whereas the ... if any here should be meet for his g ... the Duke having no knowledge whether the ... content with any of them, would require great s ... the Duke, the which he were not able to bear, consid[ering the] charges that he must be at now at his first and troublous [coming] in, nor yet what dower she should have, nor how she should [be] sure of it in case she should overlive the King's Majesty, nor yet, [the] Duke having no knowledge under what form and conditions the King's Majesty would be content to enter in league and confederacy [with] the said Duke, he could not well deliberate with his council wha[t] he might do therein. Wherefore the Duke required his Majesty to open to him some part of his mind herein, and then the Duke would shortly thereupon determine what answer he would make his Grace." He said also that he would cause the portraits of both the Duke's younger sisters to be delivered to us in 14 days, not as by the Duke's commandment but as of his own mind. They were made, he said, half a year before. We said there was no occasion to declare the King's goodwill to the Duke, which was manifest. "And as for the Duke's correspondent my[nd] towards his Majesty we had perceived no cause to doubt hithe[rto] hit, and trustyd that the Duke wolde so contynue; but yet t[hat] ... [s]aye and playnelye unto hym as to our frende, ... might perchawnce gyve summe occasion to ... mater; for where as there was a greate mater [made be]cause that the duke of Cleves had not spoken with the [Duke o]f Saxe, and that ever hath been one of the chief cawses of theyr delayes, [we] wer so bolde to saye to hym that the Duke of Cleves might right well have th'Elector's advyse and cownsell, though he spake not with him at all;" otherwise they were not likely to make answer very shortly, as two such princes could not have frequent opportunities of meeting. And if the Elector's advice was sufficient, though the two Dukes had not spoken together, these excuses would scant serve, for the duke of Saxony had spoken of this matter, not only with the King's ambassador (fn. 4) at Francford but also with the duke of Cleves' ambassador there; "and also the said Duke Elector had sent his Vice-Chancellor Burgartus to declare to the duke of Cleves the said Elector's advice concerning these matters; the which Burgartus, we know very well, had spoken with the Duke at his last being at Nymmeghe. Besides, that we thought that there were some of these matters that required very small or no deliberation at all; for if the Duke intended to offer any of his two sisters to the King's Highness, we could perceive no cause of any great deliberation thereupon, seeing that that marriage could not be but to the great honor, strength, and advancement of the house of Cleves. And in case [it] had pleased the Duke to send his ambassadors into England for this matter first, they migh[t] ... the other maters also, that a shor[te] ... servyd the Duke for theym to. And ... the Kinges Majestye shuld sumwhat declare ... sayde, to that we sayde, that what his Grace wolde [therein do we] cowde not well telle; but forasmuche as to our simple wy[t it] seemyd to be unreasonable, therefor we thought his Grace [would not] so do, for we thought that though hit hadde seemyd conveny[ent for] his Grace to advertyse the Duke of those thinges that we hadde [decla]rydde to the Duke, that is to saye, that yf the Duke didde offer [his] Majestye the said marriages and confederacies, and desyre theym to be made, that his Grace wolde thankfullye and freendelye commen and procede ther upon, yet that the Kinges Majesty should offer these things and require theym of the Duke under certeyn fourmes and condicions, we thought his Grace wolde not fynde hit convenyent, for his Majestye didde not use to desyre of other menne that thinge that other menne rather ought for a greate benefite to desyre of his Majestye. Besyde[s] that we cowde see no cawse yn the world why the Duke shulde requyre this declaracion to be made by the Kinges Highnesse, now at the end of v. weekes, more then he didde at owr firste comming hither. Wherefor we thought it was pourposyd but for to seeke an occasion of a further delaye. And yn case hit wer done to seeke occasions of delayes and colouryd excuses, how it then ought to be taken, we sayde he knewe well yn nough. We sayde also that we durste not well advertyse his Grace of these thinges, excepte we hadde herde theym of the Duke, or that the Duke wolde wryte to hi[s] Majestye therof. And as for the ij pictures, we wer verye w[ell] contentyd to receyve theym, and specyallye the imaige of my lad[y Anne] ... all redye written so farre to the Kinges ... that yf eny of bothé shulde lyke his Grace, ... yet wolde we gladdelye receyve and sende bothe [And for a]s muche as we hadde not seene the ij ladyes, we shulde [not be] able to advertise his Majestye whether theyr imaiges wer [l]yke to theyr persones, and so shulde his Majestye be never the nerre by the sight of the pictures."
	The Chancellor Olisleger, seeing his answer had not greatly pleased us, said he should be sorry the matter should be so taken, and made a long protestation of the Duke's sincerity—that no delay was intended, and that he himself could assure the King of the faithfulness of the portraits. "We sayde, we hadde not seene theym, for to see but a parte of theyr faces, and that under suche a monstruouse habyte and apparell, was no syght, neither of they[r] faces nor of theyr persones. Why, quod he, wolde yow see theym nakydde? We be not ... wolde fayne see theym yn ... made yn. I am, quod the Chawnce[lor] ... canne not now gette yow the sight of ... yf yow wille yow shall have. We wille ... theym, quod we. But now, sayde the Chawnce[lor, it seemeth that] you do not greatelye lyke this answer gyven yow [by the] Dukes commaundement, and I am right well assuryd the[at the] Duke wolde be meruilouse lothe that his answer shu[ld in] eny thinge hynder this mater; therefor I praye yow free[ly] and familyarlye to shewe your myndes, what you thinke b[est] to be done. Yf yow requyre our symple advyse, quod we, th[is] we thinke beste, that forbycawse neither the journey, neither the charges shall be greate, to go yn to England, that the Duke do sende his embassadours to offer the Kinges Highnesse the lady Anne his suster, of whome we have written to his Grace all redye; for this mater, as we thinke is hit that requyrithe leste deliberacion on the Duke's behalfe. And th'embassadors, being there, shall soon lerne those thinges, upon the whiche the Duke wolde requyre summe declaracion of the Kinges Highnesse, and within v. or vj. dayes they may advertyse the Duke of hit, and with yn as menye dayes mor[e] they may have an answer from the Duke agayne. This seemithe to us a redye and a playne waye.
	The Chawnce [lor replied that the] Duke must needis reteyne summe of his ... and summe of theym he must have yn Gheldres ... a greate meetinge that shall be shortelye at ... summe he muste send to the diette of Wormes, and [now] he dothe send to Bruxelles his chiefe Chawncelor, his Marshall, certeyn other, and the said Chawncelor Olisleger to; and that it wolde be Whitesonetyde or there abowte, or they shulde have done there. Wherefor the Duke might ylle spare enye of his cownsell to sende ynto England at this tyme, tylle they wer come from Bruxelles. And as for the lady Anne, he sayde, as to his frendis secretelye, that the old Duke of Cleves and the Duke of Lorayne hadde ben yn communicacion togither for the mariaige of the Marquyse, the duke of Loraynes sonne, and the said ladye Anne, and that they haddo gone so ferre that wrytinges wer made and sealyd up on hit, and that the duke of Cleves hadde payed therupon to the duke of Gheldres by the said agreement certeyn sommes of money, and hadde fulfilled on his part all thinges, saving that the lady Anne was not yet maryed to the said Marquyse. Why then, quod we, it is but yn vayne to speake enye more of my ladye Anne, for she is fast ynnough ensueryd all redye. Naye, quod the Chawncelour, not so, for these promyses wer made onelye betwixte the fathers, and the partyes as yet have not gyven theyr consentes, but ar at theyr libertye to do what they wille. Whye maye not the Duke then, quod we, offer my ladye Anne to the Kinges Highnesse? For ... not stande withe his honor ... estymed yn Germanye, that he shu[ld] ... that his father hath done, withowte a rea[sonable cause. What] more reasonable cawse, quod we, canne there [be, when] the duke of Cleves hath perfourmyd all on his [part and the] Duke of Lorayne hathe done nothing on his parte, all [this] whyle? For elys the duke of Lorayne maye keepe this [matter] thus hangynge these dosyne yeres. Besydes that we heere there is a mariaige concludidde betwixt the Frenche King[es] doughter, and the said duke of Loraynes sonne. That is done then, quod the Chawncelor, withe yn this monethe, for I am assuryd that before there was none. And the duke Elector of Saxe and one other Prynce (whose name we have forgotten, except it be the Paltzgrave) have taken up on them to be a meane, and to sette a good order betwixte the duke of Lorayne and the duke of Cleves, as well concerning the said promesses of martry[mo]nye, as also for the controversye that is betwixte theym for Gheldres. And there hath been dyvers dayes appoynted for the said Prynces to meete and commen therupon withe the duke of Lorayne, but the dayes apoyntyd have not been kepte. And th[en] the duke of Saxe wolde, as soone as he might have enye convenyent leysur, be yn hand agayne withe the duke of Lorayne, to have one ende of these maters. The further we'go, the more delayes, quod we, appeere yn this mater. [I am sure quoth the Cha]ncelour, yow your selfes wolde not cown [sel the Duke to do] any thinge against his honor, but forasmuche [as you do not] greatelye lyke the answer declaryd unto yow [by the] Dukes commandment, I will go to my compenye [ag]ayne that have been of late withe the Duke and speake with theym, and comme to yow shortelye agayne. And with yn halfe an howre retournyd to us, and shewyd us that rather then the said answer shulde not be well taken, the Dukes cownsell hadde devysed ij wayes, of the which we might cheese whiche we thought beste: first, that we wolde tarye heere tyll they camme from Bruxelles, and the meane season sende the pictures ynto England, and shortelye after theyr retourne, the Duke wolde sende his embassadours ynto England; or elys, yf we wer lothe to tarye heere so longe, we might go home and take the pictures with us, and as soone as they camme from Bruxelles the Kinges Highnesse shulde have an answer from the Duke. Wherunto we sayde that the taryeng heere, how longe so ever it wer, at the Kinge our maister's commaundement, shulde not anoye us, and as for owr going home we durste not so do, having a commaundement ones from the Kinge our maister to tarye heere, tyll we wer revokyd, as long as we might be sufferyd to be heere. And that shall be, quod the Chawncelour as longe as yow wille, and where soever yow wille, yn the Duke's domynions, or by myne advyse yow maye be verye well at Coleyn, where you shall be night to the Duke, and better at your ease then yn enye of the ... [But if, we said, we should] wryte to the Kinges Highnesse [that the Duke would send] embassadours ynto Englond, shortelye ... from Bruxelles, and then the Duke sende no [ambassadors, in what] case stande we then? No doubte, quod the [Chancellor, the Duke] entendethe to sende his embassadours, and I for my [part do] laboure hit, as much as lyethe yn me, that it m[ay be] done as soone as we come home; and he sayde mer[yly] he trustydde we shulde be merye by the weye, ryding i[nto] England all togither, and at the laste he addidde, or elys t[he] Duke will sende the Kinges Majestye a directe answer of these maters. And thus he departyd from us; and withyn a whyle after the ij Chawncelours, Hograve and Olisleger, the Marshall, a doctour of lawe, and one other of the Dukes cownsell departyd by wagon from Cleves towardes Bruxelles.
	Now owte of these thinges, yf menne wolde gather and conjecture the worste, it might peraventure be suspectyd that th' Emperours cownsell heering of owr being beere, and perceyving wherefor, and what might folowe of hit yf owr pourpose tooke effecte, goithe abowte to lette it, and to winne the Duke to th'Emperour, and peraventure the meanes maye be these. That yf th'Emperour perceyve that he have no good right to Gheldres, or that it wolde be harde for hym to recover hit, though he hadde right, then peraventure will he be contente to take summe greate sommes of money of the Duke, and so renounce his pretensyd right, and we kn[ow] well that the duke of Cleves wolde be gladde, not onel[y] ... money that duke Charles the Hardye dis ... dukes of Cleves for the said dukedom of Gheldres ... te to gyve th'Emperour summe goode somme of money ... so that th'Emperour wolde suffer him peasiblye to enjoye [Ghel]dres. And peraventure th'Emperour wille practise this weye withe the Duke, that he shall marye the duchesse of Myleyn, and all the sommes of money that the Duke shulde receyve by her, he shall suffer th'Emperour to receyve and to gyve th'Emperour summe other greate sommes besydes, as he shall be able to paye; and so th'Emperour to resigne his right of Gheldres to the said Duke. Agayne, yf menne wolde conster the worste, hit might paraventure be conjecturyd that the duke of Lorayne, rather then the mariaige of his sonne and the ladye Anne shulde take no effecte, wherbye he wer lyke to paye the duke of Cloves the somme of money that the olde duke of Cleves, by the covenauntes made betwixte hym and the said duke of Lorayne, didde delyver to the duke of Gheldres late deceassyd, wolde be contente the mariaige shulde go furthe, and take summe reasonable somme of money besydes of the duke of Cleves, and so resigne his pretensyd right to the said duke of Cleves. And yn case eny suche agreement be made betwixte the duke of Lorayne and the duke of Cleves, it shall, as it seemithe, be compassyd by the Electour of Saxon, who yet shewethe hym selfe to be a greate furtherar of the Kinges pourpose. And peraventure it maye be that the Duke of Cleves being putte yn hope that summe of these practises, or summe other lyke, maye take [effect] ... to make answer to the Kinges High[ness] ... entendithe to offer the Kinges Highnesse ... therefor makithe as though he might not withe [honor depart] from the promesse made by his father, and as for my [lady Anne] he knowithe well ynnough that her beawtye wille g[et her] a goode husbande, though she have not the Duke of Lor[ayne's] sonne at all. And though these be even of the worst conje[ctures] that we canne gather of this mater, and peraventure not true, yet [we] thinke it no follye to suspecte theym to (sic), for so they maye be provididde for, where as the beste will ever beare hit selfe and needithe no such provision. Thus ar we bolde to shewe owr symp'e myndes unto your Lordeshippe, who canne farre deeper consyder and better perceyve alle these thinges then our slender wittes canne.
	"Also the said Chawncelor Olisleger hathe delyvered us a copye of one agreement made betwee[n] Sir Bernard van Mylen, knight, embassadour for the Electour of Saxe to the compenye of the lantz knechtes that be passyd the Weser, and the said compenye of lantz knechtes, the wiche we also sende your Lordeshippe herewithe. A Moneday, God willing, we wylle departe to Duisseldorpe, and, excepte the Duke have enye busynesse with us, we wyll thence to Coleyn, where we ar apoyntyd to receyve the said ij pictures, the which we wille send ynto England as soone as we canne convenye[ntly].
	"[Other news we have not to] gyve advertysement of at this tyme, but [desire your lor] deshippe to contynue your goodnesse towardes us." Cleves, 3 May 1539.
	In Wotton's hand, pp. 14. Add. Endd.: Master Wotton and Mr. Berd 3 Maii to my [lord] Pryve Seale. There is also an endorsement (on a fragment pasted on, which clearly belonged to No. 755): Stephyn Aschemp, in Latyn.
4 May. Spanish Calendar, VI. I. No. 61.	921. MAIORIS to the QUEEN OF HUNGARY.
	Acknowledges letters of the 16th and 20th, and a complaint of certain merchants, the Emperor's subjects, against the mayor of London. Meant to have called on the lord Privy Seal, and, if he could not obtain justice, to have applied to the King himself; but my lord Privy Seal was ill of fever. Parliament began on Monday. It is held at Westminster before the King and many lords of England and other countries. It is feared the business will be disagreeable for us, as deputies attend from the duke of Saxony and Lubeck. The French ambassador has shown him letters he has received from Montmorency speaking of the growing friendship between the Emperor and his King, and instructing him to communicate all matters of importance to Maioris, or his successor when he leaves. The general muster has not yet taken place, and he doubts if it will. London, 4 May 1539.
	French.
4 May. R. O.	922. JOHN HUSEE to LORD LISLE.
	I have received your letter by Kyng. As for George Rolles' letter which you write that you enclose, I have received none such; but a letter from you and my lady to him, which I delivered. I have signified Mr. Rolles to make no haste in the sale of Fristock woods. When money comes to me I shall indelayedly send it you as hitherto. I hear nothing of Mr. Windsor. I shall give ear at the Commissary's coming over (and so has Mr. Popley promised) to the end that, his pretensions known, there shall be convenient answer made. When your letter comes with the examinations I shall follow it. As to the letter sent by Lark, the answer will be delayed by reason the Parliament is now in hand; for Mr. Popley cannot be heard because my lord has been sick and is not yet well. I cannot yet speak with Mr. Broke nor Mr. Boyce, but to-morrow I shall meet them at the Parliament, and shew them your pleasure. Herewith you shall receive a letter from my lord Privy Seal concerning the lordships of Paynswick and Morton Valence, for the assurance of which he is minded to go through this term. His pretence is to have it assured to him and his heirs for ever, and make your lordship and my lady like assurance for the rent during life. He thinks the 1,000l. not to be spoken of; and that you shall have the 400l. upon collateral sureties to be repaid in two years. My lord will send Mr. Polstede and one of the King's justices to Dover, there to meet you the 13th inst. I have already written in two letters the whole circumstance of this matter. If Mr. Polstede meet you at Dover he has promised to bring the commission for the Friars with him. As for your licence, my lord puts no doubt of the obtaining it; evidently he believes you will condescend to his request, and thinks long till he have your answer. London, 4 May.
	My lord's letter was sent me yesternight at 11 o'clock. The earl of Bath is dead. This Parliament there shall be a thorough unity and uniformity established for the reformation of the church of this realm. Mr. Wriothesley has him heartily commended to you and my lady. If you come to Dover, Sir Oliver intends to meet you there.
	Hol. pp. 2. Add.: Deputy of Calais.
4 May. R. O.	923. JOHN HUSEE to LADY LISLE.
	I have received your sundry letters by Kyng. As yet ] cannot speak with Mr. Boyce or learn what has become of your dottrels. As to the redemption of Mr. Basset's inheritance out of the good Earl's hands, I delivered Mr. Rolles your letter, and he and I consulted Mr. Harryce, who thinks the good lord will not be bound in the way you wish, or make restitution. If you go through with him, he will let the lands be valued as they are, and not according to the great indenture, and require sureties for the rent. I shall show Mr. Rolles the great indenture about Est Hagyngton, but he shall not have the book in his custody. My lord Privy Seal desires he should make no haste in the wood sale of Frethelstocke; and this term he will sue Wynslade for the wood sales he has made. My lord Privy Seal is now minded to go through for my lord's interest and yours in Paynswick and Morton Valence, pretending to assure the rent to you during your two lives, "but the 1000l. nothing to be spoken of." He will defray the 400l., on surety to be repaid in two years. Of this he has written to my lord and appointed a justice to come to Dover. I wish instructions about the three French crepyns you sent for my lady Suffolk, who is in Lincolnshire and will not be here this summer. Lytcott says Coserurs has the letter, and must have the 20s. I have inquired for my lady Garnysshe's mau, but can hear nothing of him. No news, but that Mr. Hare is made knight and the earl of Bath dead. I have not yet spoken with Mrs. Katharine (fn. 5). London 4 May.
	Mrs. Katharine sends you a silver cramp-ring for a token.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add.
4 May. R. O.	924. WM. LORD GREY [OF WILTON] to LORD LISLE.
	I beg you to consider the weakness of this house, and let me have powder, bows, arrows and bowstrings, and timber to stock seven organ pipes. Hamps, 4 May. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: My lord Deputy.
5 May. R. O.	925. THE BISHOP OF SALISBURY.
	Warrant [by the Bishop of Ely] (fn. 6) to "the keeper of my park of Estderham," Norfolk, to deliver a buck yearly to Nicholas, bp. of Salisbury. London, 5 May 31 Hen. VIII. Not signed. Seal lost.
	Vellum.
5 May. Add. 35, 514. f. 20. B. M.	926. MARILLAC to MONTMORENCY.
	Having written to the King and Montmorency on the 1st, would not have sent this but for the arrival of two packets by different couriers. The second contained nothing that really concerned him, except the signature, for the letters enclosed were to go, some to Piedmont, some to the Chancellor at Paris. Supposes it was an error of the controller of the posts. Could not send them back yesterday, as he was engaged with the Council of this King, informing them of the purport of Francis' letter from Vauluysant of the 25th, and Montmorency's of the 28th, which were in the first packet. The former states that the English ship was not taken, by those of Croisic in Britanny, by virtue of any letter of marque from him; of which he accordingly assured the Council who were met in Cromwell's house. Montmorency's own letters advise him (fn. 7) not to accustom the English to his showing the letters he receives. Will follow this counsel in future. Was moved by two considerations: (1) to remove entirely the distrust this King had of Francis, which is now sufficiently done; and (2) he had suggested that nothing should be inserted in the letters he received from Francis that should not be shown, in order to meet Henry's great desire to see letters written to ambassadors, which when not shown make him think that they are feeding him with words.
	Has obtained compensation from the Portuguese for their outrage upon French subjects. Finds the English fully inclined to do him justice when required, and, if he is to speak of Rochepot's affair, desires instructions. London, 5 May 1539. Signed.
	French, pp. 2. Add. Endd.
5 May. R. O.	927. JOHN HUSEE to LADY LISLE.
	Sent letters to Canterbury yesterday, and trusts lady Lisle has received them. Mrs. Katharine (fn. 8) is content that lady Lisle's pleasure is according to her request. Sends a letter from lady Rutland. Wishes to know her pleasure about the French crepyns. It would be a pity they should not be sent by some sure messenger, for they are very fair. Lady Hussay's daughter will come as soon as honest conveyance can be had. Can hear no news of Mr. Windsor. It has always been his custom to make no haste. My lord of Bridgewater is here, very pleasant, and as yet well monied. Thinks he will carry small store out of the city at his return home. London, 5 May.
	"Your ladyship must please Harry Vernam."
	Mrs. Katharine desires to have a crepyn. She thinks there will be none to be had in the country.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.
5 May. R. O.	928. SIR WILL GODOLGHAN to CROMWELL.
	I wrote lately of Will. Swadell, my servant, that I had stayed him till the King's pleasure were known. I brought him before lord Russell, and made him write his own confession, "as he would bide by at his peril." I have sent him to your lordship. I hear that the master of the ship he took in at Brystowe, Jenkyn Wavas, my countryman, who has been a rover at sea and durst not visit his country, has come thither. I have made secret search, and hope to take him. At my house, 5 May.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
5 May. R. O.	929. PIERRE DOMYNIKE LE JOUNE to [LADY LISLE].
	I have received your letter by the bearer Jan de Lachere, carter, and also certain pieces of plate weighing 272 oz., which I have put in hand to make into plates of silver with gold rims, according to your instructions. They will be finished in 15 days. You shall see the work when complete, and I think we shall agree. It is English plate, which does not correspond with ours and such as I shall send you. I will make the assay, and inform you of the difference. Jan de Lachere has shown me a letter from you, stating that you had asked him to buy for you 5 timbers of ormine, the finest and whitest that can be got, and has requested me to see about it. There is none at present to be had, but the furriers say they will get them ready in three or four days, but they will not sell them at less than 5 florins the timber. Bruges, 5 May 1539.
	Hol., Fr., p. 1. Add.: A montreschier sieur et bon amy, Thomas Foullaert, marchant en Calays. Begins: Treschyere et tres honnoree dame.