Spain: August 1530, 11-31 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 4 Part 1, Henry VIII, 1529-1530. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1879.

Citation:

'Spain: August 1530, 11-31', in Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 4 Part 1, Henry VIII, 1529-1530, ed. Pascual de Gayangos( London, 1879), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/spain/vol4/no1/pp687-702 [accessed 27 November 2024].

August 1530, 11-31



12 Aug.	406. The Emperor to Prothonotary Caracciolo.
S. E. L. 1,557, f. 332. B.M. Add. 28,581, f. 35.	With regard to the intended marriage of the Duke [Francesco Maria Sforza] with the Pope's niece, We have nothing to say. The marriage may take place.
	The Duke's physicians, We hear, advise change of air, and therefore he intends going first to San Antonio de Padua to accomplish a vow, and thence to Venice. Is to do all he can to dissuade the Duke from that journey, and, at all events, follow him wherever he goes, and not lose sight of him.—Augusta (Augsburg), 12th August 1530.
	Spanish. Original minute. pp. 1½.
12 Aug.	407. Margaret of Austria to the Emperor.
B. Bib. d. Bourg., No. 16,070, f. 125, p. 401.	Secretary Des Barres, on his return from France, has informed her of the flattering words which king Francis addressed to him and to his colleague, Mr. de Praët, when they took leave of him and of his mother, the Queen dowager (Louise de Savoie). On that occasion the King told Secretary Des Barres that he wished for a closer and more binding treaty with the Emperor, as well as for an interview for the purpose of proposing marriages between their children, &c. Des Barres has also brought a memorandum very similar in its contents to the one sent to Genoa, and begged her, in the name of the said king and of his mother, to do all she can to bring about the said treaty, matrimonial alliance, and interview. Has replied summarily and in general terms that she (Margaret) is ready to employ herself in any way that may lead to the preservation of friendship between him and the Emperor.
	Mons. de Gheldres, and the complaints of the inhabitants of Utrecht and Doureissel against him, which she sent in a memorandum by Likerke.— Interview with him, at Gorkem Vyene, or the neighbourhood, to be proposed, and if accepted, fixed for one day this month.—Malines (Mechlin) 12th August 1530.
	Signed: "Votre tres humble tante, Marguerite."
	French. Copy. pp. 3.
13 Aug.	408. Mandatum pro negocio Reginæ Angliæ.
S. E. L. 1,454, f. 90. B.M. Add. 28,581, f. 36.	Powers granted to Eustace Chappuys (sic) of his Council and his ambassador in England, to represent and petition for him in the suite of queen Katharine, his aunt. Datum in civitate nostra imperiali Augusta die xiii mensis Augusti anno Domini M.D. XXX. imperii nostri decimo, et aliorum omnium regnorum xv^o.
	Latin. Original draft. pp. 3.
14 Aug.	409. The Abbot of Llor to Francisco de los Covos.
S. E. L. 851, f. 71 B. M. Add. 28,581, f. 39.	The new comet and its meaning.
	As the English affair is postponed or suspended, cardinal Egidio intends going to Viterbo towards the end of this month. As he does not go far, and promises to return as soon as he is wanted, his absence from Rome cannot cause any inconvenience.
	Addressed: "To the very Illustrious and Noble and High Lord, the High Commander of Leon."
	Spanish. Holograph. pp. 2.
15 Aug.	410. Muxetula to the Emperor.
S. E. L 851, f. 15. B.M. Add. 28,581, f. 4 ..	The answer to this paragraph went by another courier.	That in the matter of the French marriage, the Pope has resolved to follow the Emperor's opinion. Not to drive the king of France to despair, or he will, after two or three months' time, tell the ambassadors that there is no chance.
		The Pope is about to send the archbishop of Brindisi to treat about the Council.
		Genoa, and what the Pope says about defenderlo.
		The duke of Albany has spoken secretly to the Pope's captains. His Holiness is perfectly on his guard, and will not be at fault.
	Answered.	Arrival [at Rome] of the bishop of Ausar (Auxerre) to conclude the marriage. The Pope has already granted all that Tarbes asked of him. The French keep pressing and threatening the Pope, but he is determined not to grant his consent to the marriage, knowing as he does that it will be better for him that his niece Catharina should marry the duke of Milan. Yet he is afraid of breaking entirely with the king of France.
	Spanish. Original draft. p 1.
20 Aug.	411. Eustace Chapuys to the Emperor.
K. u. K. Haus- Hof-u.-StaatsArch. Wien. Rep.P.Fasc., c. 226, No. 35.	Since my last despatch Your Majesty's letters of the 8th and 17th ult^o have been received. I have delayed answering them, thinking that either on the arrival of the earl of Wilchier (Wiltshire), and of Monseigneur de Bayonne (Jean du Bellay), who are hourly expected, or else after the meeting of an assembly, which the King has been purposing to convoke, and of which I will speak hereafter, there might be something of importance to communicate.
	I immediately apprized the Queen of the state of affairs at Rome, and read to her such passages of Your Majesty's letters as concerned her personally. She has sent me word that her surprise is great at hearing that the proceedings at Rome have been suspended or withdrawn. At first she feared that the English "angelotz" had perhaps found their way thither, and that the Pope himself was turning tail, (fn. n1) (common writing:) but upon reflection, seeing that a Papal Nuncio is actually coming to this country, and knowing what he comes for, her confidence in the justice and good- will of His Holiness has somewhat returned, and she sincerely hopes that her cause, being supported by Your Majesty, will ultimately be decided in her favour. She cannot really believe, whatever the Pope may say to the contrary, that this sending of his Nuncio originated with him, she fancies it must have been at the instance and request of the English ambassadors, who have no doubt represented that the King, their master, would be more easily brought round by persuasion than by coercion and force, all this being done, as she thinks, for the purpose of stopping legal proceedings [at Rome], and gaining time. The Pope should not have listened to this suggestion of the English ambassadors, for in reality there is no argument he could adduce, not even if he came in person, that would be of the slightest use at the present time; for since the King obtained so many seals in his favour he is more bent upon the divorce than ever he was, and more and more in love with the Lady. However, though the arrival of the Papal Nuncio at this juncture may be entirely fruitless as regards the King, it may yet have a beneficial influence on the English parliament through the prelates who constitute part of it. It would be more beneficial still were the Nuncio to bring a mandate from the Pope to inquire as to the Queen's virginity at the time when she married the King, and also as to the means employed in obtaining the seals of universities and chief persons in this country. I have written to Messire Mai to procure such mandates from the Pope. Had the brief of which Your Majesty sent me a copy come sooner it would have been of great service; but neither of this said brief, nor of the Nancio's departure [from Rome] have I received intelligence up to the present hour, which, considering Miçer Mai's habitual diligence and punctuality, and his having written to me that he had actually sent it on, makes me suspect that the letter in which it was enclosed has been intercepted. The Queen's Council are now engaged in discussing the difficult points which Your Majesty ordered me to coasult. They have not yet made their report, and I am urging them on that I may have their opinion and forward it to Rome.
	Immediately on the arrival of the Earl [of Wiltshire] the King dispatched a messenger express to Rome to take among other things the seals given in his favour by the universities, colleges, and private individuals here and abroad. The said messenger also took (cipher:) 3,000 crs. ready money, and, some say, letters of exchange for a still larger sum, a sauce which will make the said seals very palatable [at Rome]. Two or three days after the King sent notice to the archbishop of Canterbury (Warham), to the Chancellor (Cromwell), and to several other lords and councillors to assemble at Antoncort. (Hampton Court) on the 11th inst. Suspecting that the meeting had been convoked for the purpose of taking measures about the divorce, I sent word to the Queen that she should at once intimate the inhibition to the said Archbishop, of whom she has some doubts now though he was at first one of her Council. The Archbishop, on hearing of the brief said that he would obey His Holiness' commands implicitly, but that he was surprised that the King had received no intimation of it, and if he had, how he had not on hearing of it risen (mutine against the Queen and those of her Council. (fn. n2) But what surprised him most was that the King, knowing of the brief, could be so cunning and wily as to dissemble and hide it for such a length of time.
	(Common writing: ) On the 11th the King, having left the Queen at Windsor, went to Antoncort (Hampton Court), where on the same day the above-named persons and Jehan Jocquin also were assembled. The meeting was continued on the following days until the 16th. I have been unable to ascertain whether the Queen's case was brought under consideration or not. The duke of Norfolk, it is true, had assured me more than once that nothing of the sort should be discussed there, and yet, on the 17th, another courier was dispatched to Rome, which must be in consequence of some resolution passed at that very meeting. They have since been trying to persuade me that it was called merely for the purpose of considering the business for which the bishop of Bayonne has expressly come over; but as that ambassador arrived by post only the day before yesterday, and will not see the King till to-day, the assembly can hardly have been convoked in reference to him. However this may be, the Bishop, on his arrival in London, sent me word that had he been able to come and see me privately and without the King's knowledge, he would certainly have done so, but that it was a matter of strict etiquette to see the King before holding intercourse with anyone else, and that as he had to negociate with the King he would afterwards tell me very pleasant and agreeable news. (fn. n3) I have no further information on this subject, nor do I know yet what has brought him over; but I will do my best to unravel the mystery.
	For nearly one month the King has transacted no business at all, with the exception perhaps of that for which the above-mentioned assembly was convoked; he has given himself up entirely to hunting privately and moving from one place to another, (fn. n4) so that there has really been no opportunity of obtaining an audience or speaking to him on the affairs of Germany, as Your Majesty wished, or on the assistance given by him to the Florentines, respecting which last I have on more than one occasion written to Your Majesty, and related what the duke of Norfolk once said to me. I have since made every possible inquiry about this matter, and cannot find, after the affair of Florence was introduced here, that the King has sent abroad any considerable sum of money, unless it be through the person who procures him his supply of wine from France. Although it is highly improbable that the King should engage in an affair of this sort—which after all can only result in harm and discredit to himself—and therefore make him waste his money, of which he has now less, and is more avaricious than ever, besides provoking and irritating the Pope; yet I fancy that he is so very envious of Your Majesty's growing power, and so desirous of reducing you and the Pope to some strait that may cause you both to stand in need of him, that he may, blinded as he is by his passion, be pushed to worse extremities.
	I will do my best to obtain information on the above points, with a view to forward the same to Your Majesty, and also to enable me to speak with decision at the right moment. The person (cipher;) who had charge of the Florentine business was the consul of that nation, a merchant who has since become bankrupt, by which the King has lost upwards of 50,000 crs.
	I had been expecting tidings from the Grand Squire; but until the other day, when he sent me a piece of venison, I had not heard from him. I received at the same time a message with his excuses for not having come to see me. He would have called but dared not do it under present circumstances.
	The Cardinal sends daily to inquire how the Queen's cause is progressing, and why it is not more energetically pushed, He dislikes delay above all things, for he thinks that this business once settled he has a good chance of returning to power.—London, 20th August 1530.
	Signed: "Chapuys."
	French. Holograph. pp. 4.
20 Aug.	412. Dr. Garay to the Emperor.
Arch, de l' Empire, Sim. K.1, 483, No. 50.	Begs to be excused if he writes so frequently; the urgency of the case is such that he cannot do otherwise.
	Yesterday, the 19th, a post left this with all the papers hitherto made out by this Faculty in the matter pending between the queen of England and the King, her husband. This was done by the command of the king of France, who, they say, wishes to see the whole, before communicating with François Bonvalot, (fn. n5) the Imperial ambassador, as he once promised to Praët and (Des) Barres. Has done all he could to obtain the said papers, but the King would not let him have them.
	In order that no cheating should take place this time, as formerly, he (Garay) has contrived with much trouble and labour, owing to the number of our opponents, to have the process read and corrected in his own presence, and in that of Beda (sic) the syndic, two doctors and one bedel; the register to remain in the hands of another bedel. A duplicate of the whole in the same form as the one now sent to the King, to be signed by the above parties and the dean (doyen ) of the Faculty, because the document sent to the King has only one signature, that of the bedell. In this manner there can be no trickery (bellaqueria ) practised.
	Has never been able to procure and send home a transcript of the papers themselves for His Imperial Majesty to see whether any change has been introduced in them or not. At any rate His Majesty may be sure that what he (Garay) has hitherto had occasion to write on this particular matter is the exact truth. Should the document above alluded to, and signed by the bedel of the University, make its appearance at the Imperial court let an investigation be made as to whether at the bottom of one of the conclusions his (Garay's) own opposition and contradiction to it, as well as the appeal of several doctors of this university, and the names of those who are in favour of the Queen are inserted or not, because on this last point the Queen's right principally rests. The names of these doctors whose opinions are favourable, went some time ago by another conveyance. Sends now a duplicate list, in case the former has been lost.
	If the Pope fears God, loves justice and the peace of Christendom, he cannot do less than punish the excesses hitherto committed in this scandalous affair, and have the Queen's right proclaimed to the world. Wrote a month ago to His Holiness relating how the affair had been conducted here, pointing out the judges to be chosen, and proving, moreover, that all scholastic doctors who stand by the decretals of the Church are really in favour of the Queen; representing also the irreparable evils that might ensue, were he (the Pope) to shew weakness in this matter, for if once he allows himself to be thus despoiled little by little of his authority he will soon be left without any; and lastly, that since this affair is one which principally concerns him and the Church, he is bound to see that justice is done in the case. Wrote also in this sense to the ambassador (Mai), but has had no answer from either.
	Begs His Imperial Majesty to take this affair in hand. His own impression is that if the Pope only does his duty, the votes of this Faculty will be decidedly in favour of the Queen, The malice with which the affair has been throughout conducted becomes manifest from the fact that the king of England, who has no other excuse or pretext to allege except the conclusion of this Faculty, has been, and is still, trying to secure the votes of the doctors.
	Has been told here that the Pope is remiss. His Majesty ought to see that there is no delay. There is danger in it, as there is also in the money which our opponents are spreading right and left. Has always hoped that God in reward for His Majesty's and the Queen's virtues will ultimately bring her victorious out of this affair. Meanwhile, the German universities ought to be consulted, and their opinions taken and forwarded to the Pope. Had this been done at the beginning the king of England would not have had one eighth part of the votes in his favour. Is amazed how the Pope could allow this thing to go so far, since it is quite enough to induce all men of letters, who fear God, to hold him in suspicion. (fn. n6) The affair, moreover, is of such importance that His Majesty is bound to have it discussed, and determined within his own dominions with much better right than other princes, whom it does not personally concern, and who, merely to please their friends, cause such scandalous seditions within their own estates as might destroy the whole Christian community.—Paris, 20th August 1530.
	Signed: "Garay."
	Addressed: "To the Emperor."
	Spanish. Holograph. pp. 3.
21 Aug.	413. Muxetula to the Emperor.
S. E. L. 851, f. 16. B.M. Add. 28,581. f. 42.	On his arrival at Rome, both His Holiness and Miçer Mai, applied to him for two things, namely: his opinion in writing about the capitulation of Florence; the other, where the Imperial army is to go afterwards, and where it is to be quartered at the least expense for the Emperor. On both these points he (Muxetula) has tendered his opinion, a duplicate of which is here enclosed. Was also much pressed both by His Holiness and by Miçer Mai to visit the camp before Florence, as it was presumed that he (Muxetula) could report more easily from the spot, but has not deemed it necessary to go thither, and indeed does not intend to move from where he is until he receives express orders from the Emperor.
	The great objection to the draft of the capitulation is in his opinion the smallness of the sum demanded from the Florentines, only 80,000 ducats, and then that Malatesta and Stephano Colonna should be allowed to remain in the city with the forces under their command, whilst the Imperial army is to be paid off and broken up. Considering the treacherous acts committed during the last war, he (Muxetula) did not consider it safe or prudent that the city should, as it were, remain in the hands of our quondam enemies. Has, therefore, advised that besides obtaining hostages for their fidelity, a force of Spaniards equal at least in number to the Italians under Malatesta and Colonna should be quartered within Florence, or else that if those captains dismiss, as they ought immediately to do, the greater part of their men, the city be occupied by 2,000 Imperial troops, Spaniards, Germans, or Italians.
	With regard to the money, it has been agreed that either the Pope or the Florentines, as it may be, will find the 180,000 crs. required for the pay of the Imperial troops, the Emperor paying the rest as formerly agreed.
	This morning the Marquis [del Vasto] left for the camp; but scarcely had he ridden 20 miles when he came back, saying there was no occasion for his going further, for he had met a man on the road bringing letters from the camp in which he was informed that the duke of Mantua had been appointed to the command of the Imperial forces.
	At first, it must be owned, the Marquis felt piqued at the appointment of the Duke, and considered himself injured; but since then he has been told that His Majesty had made that nomination thinking he was still unwell at Naples, and not in condition to take the command of a large army; on the death of the Prince [of Orange] Gonzaga had succeeded, and yet His Majesty had not hesitated to appoint his brother, the Duke, besides which his (Vasto's) services were required in Hungary, &c.—Rome, 21st August 1530.
	Signed: "Jo. Ant^o. Muscetula."
	Addressed: "To His Sacred, Imperial, and Catholic Majesty."
	Spanish. Holograph. pp. 5.
24 Aug.	414. Mai to the High Commander.
S. E. L. 849, f. 95. B.M. Add. 28,581, f. 48.	Not a step has been advanced in the negociation. The king of Hungary writes to his ambassador here, the Pope has secret advices from Venice confirming the news. The intelligence circulates among a few, and Rodrigo Niño himself knows nothing about it, for he wrote last on the 17th and said nothing.
	If the Turk does not winter between the Save and the Drave he will quicken his march more than usual, so as to be in position at the time of beginning the campaign without losing any previous time on the road.
	With regard to the general alliance, both defensive and offensive, nothing has been done; the powers from England and France have not yet arrived, and it is to be feared that all will end in nothing, notwithstanding the assurances we get every day from France that they are seriously thinking about it.
	An attempt has been made by the English ambassador to fix the proportionate quota to be paid by each of the Christian princes. Until the distribution, such as it is, be approved by His Majesty, he (Mai) cannot say anything in favour of or against the plan. Has, therefore, declined giving an answer, and will wait until the plan is discussed in the assembly. Thinks there is no harm in accepting the offer, for after all little is better than nothing, and should the distribution not be approved at the Imperial court there would still be plenty of time to have it altered, although if he (Mai) is to speak his mind openly, neither France nor England will ever give one farthing towards it, and if they do it will be under condition of getting a crusade and other grants from the Pope. This is the reason why his (Mai's) opinion is that if a good peace, or else a truce for a number of years could be made both with the Vayvod and with the Turk, it would be by far the best means of defeating the intrigues of these devils, who though they themselves may be at peace with the Emperor, would be delighted to see him at war with the Turk, for they think and proclaim that the forces of the Infidel are, or will be, a sort of corrective against His Majesty's growing power.—Rome, 25th August 1530.
	Signed: "Mai."
	Spanish. Holograph. pp. 2.
26 Aug.	415. Rodrigo Niño to the Emperor.
S.E.L. 1,308, f. 88. B.M. Add. 28,581, f. 55.	Has received the Emperor's letters of the 18th inst. in answer to his several despatches.
	The bishop of London (Stokesley) is still here, engaged in collecting what these his friars have written. He begins to despair of getting the doctors and professors [of Padua] to counsel in this case, for the Signory has flatly refused his application. One of the opinions most valued by the said bishop was that of a Spanish canon of the Augustinian convent of San Giovanni di Verdara at Padua, Don Rafael de Coma by name. Having ascertained that in the same convent lived another canon, also a Spaniard, named Don Pablo Torrellas, sent for him and told him what these English ambassadors were doing here against the Queen, and that he (Niño) had learned that a countryman of his had written in favour of the king of England, and against the Queen. Don Pablo Torrellas was to persuade him to revoke his opinion. He has since so admirably fulfilled his commission that not only the Prior but all the canons of that house, have been gained over to our cause, and that Don Rafael de Coma himself has revoked the opinion he gave against the Queen, and has actually written in her favour. As it is not easy to procure good scribes (buenos escritores) here, and yet it is very important that His Majesty should have transcripts of Coma's paper—to be forwarded to the persons now writing in favour of the Queen, that they may see what this Coma has written in favour of Her Highness [the Queen], and also what he once wrote against her, after seeing the opinions in favour of the King (fn. n7) —it would be well to send also a copy to the ambassador at Rome, and give another to the bishop of Quieta (Chieti), who wants it. Niño is now having 10 copies printed, which will be ready in a week. Don Pablo is here attending to the printing, &c.
	Is also endeavouring to get the Dominican Prior of St. John and Paul of this city to revoke an opinion he gave some time ago, and which the bishop of London values most. Wants him also to give up all he has written against the Queen; but the Prior, whose name is Master Thomas Oniven, (fn. n8) refuses to do so unless he receive an express order from Your Majesty. Has agreed with him that if a letter be written in his (Niño's) credence, stating that Your Majesty has been informed of the Prior's qualifications and learning, as well as of his labours for the refutation of the Lutheran sect, he will take up the case and do wonders.
	Letters have arrived from London advising that the King has ordered great rejoicings to be made, apparently for the restitution of the sons of France, but in reality for the determination of the Parisian theologians in favour of his bad cause, which determination he has caused to be proclaimed in the streets and market-places. And it is added that the English murmur so much [about this] that they have distinctly said that even if the Pope should determine in favour of the divorce, they would not suffer the Queen to be so insulted. All this an Englishman, greatly attached to His Majesty, has told him in confidence.
	It appears that the day after the receipt of the above letter, the bishop of London called on the bishop of Chieti (Giovan Pietro Caraffa) and had a long conference with him on the subject of the divorce, and at last requested him most earnestly to write to the King plainly what he thought about the matter, as it might be that his opinion would have some influence on the King, for certainly, he said, the King loved the Queen so much that he would be glad if a person of his quality and parts should tell him that he ought to withdraw from his purpose. In this manner he (Caraffa) would pay a debt of gratitude to the King for the love and affection he has always borne and still bears him. And many other things to this tenour. (fn. n9) The Bishop related all this to him (Niño), and he answered by shewing him copies of the above English correspondence, from which, when compared with the words of the Bishop, we concluded that it is not virtue but necessity that prompted the English bishop (Stokesley) to ask him to write to the King. Told him, moreover, how important it was that he should send his opinion in writing to the King. It might happen that his letter would produce the effect pointed out by the bishop of London. At any rate the work was so good, and so meritorious in the eyes of God, that it was of more worth substantially than all the penance he might impose on himself in his present retirement. "If I were you," (added Niño), "I would not be contented with that, I would go to England myself and admonish the King over and over again." His reply was that he had determined to retire to a wilderness, the better to examine the question, and have a sufficient ground for his opinion. This he would send to the King in England by one of his comrades (compañeros). Did not insist more upon this subject, but thinks that if His Majesty were to write him a letter of encouragement, relating the above facts, and begging him to prepare his paper as soon as possible, and deliver it personally into the hands of the King or through a trusty person, much good might be worked, the Bishop being of the quality that he is, and much esteemed by the king of England.
	Has been told that the said bishop of London gives out that they have sent him a brief from His Holiness dated the 4th inst., authorising any doctors and theologians, as well as canonists and lawyers, friars or laymen, of whom an opinion might be asked in this matter of the divorce, to give it without respect to any prince or person according to their consciences, and regardless of bribes or promises under pain of excommunication. He (Niño) is astonished at His Holiness having issued such a brief, and has written to Mai to inquire the truth about it, and to let him know, because should it be so, all he has been working at here will be of no earthly use, since there will be scarcely a doctor or student who will not conclude that neither this Pope nor his predecessors could dispense on such a marriage as that of the King and Queen. (Cipher:) Indeed he does not hesitate to say that had he not importuned this Doge and Signory, as he has done, the English might have got all they pleased here, and the Venetians would have been glad of this opportunity to curtail the Pope's power in spiritual as well as temporal matters. Until an answer come from Miçer Mai he will say no more on the subject, save confirm his above statement, that if the brief has really been issued, and its purport is as above, no doctor, bachelor, or student [at Padua] will fail to say that pope Julius had no power to dispense, &c.
	(Common writing:) The bishop of London has received 4,500 crs. on bills of exchange, besides a letter of credit on a banker of this city to draw any money he likes.
	On the 14th inst. the Signory received letters from their ambassador at Constantinople, of the 15th of July. They contain no news of importance except an account of the festivals for the circumcision of one of Solyman's sons. But on the 23rd, another from the abbot of Santa Maria de Crema at Ragusa, for him (Niño), and another for secretary Urries came to hand, containing further information; encloses them both.
	Is doing all he can to gain the confidence and friendship of the French ambassador, as he has been instructed to do, and has no doubt that through his means many facts may be learned, of which we might otherwise be quite ignorant. Count Guido Rangone told him (Niño) the other day that the King [of France] is fast dismissing all the Italians he had in his service, and that the "fuorusciti" of Naples are in despair and ready to hang themselves owing to that king not choosing to help them in any way, and having told them to quit France, &c.
	Negociations of Gutierre Lopez de Padilla at Ferrara.—Permission to the duke of Milan to send a person to France. The Duke is expected in Venice for the 10th or 15th of September. When he comes, he (Niño) shall not fail to apprize His Majesty of his doings. At present the general opinion here is that he comes to thank the Signory for their late interference in his behalf, and also to borrow money from these bankers with which to pay the remainder of the 300,000 crs. when due. He has, moreover, applied to the Switzers for a safe-conduct, as he wishes to send some one thither to treat with them.
	A letter from the said duke [of Milan] to his ambassador here informs him that prothonotary Caracciolo is unwell. Should he not recover soon he (Niño) wishes to know how the question of precedence is to be decided, for he hears that the Signory has determined to make the Duke a splendid reception, and as the Papal Legate is absent he shall be called upon to go next.
	(Cipher:) Is in almost daily communication with the general of the Augustinians, who gives him daily proofs of his affection to the Emperor. Has repeatedly told him: "You may write home and say that as much in this Turkish affair as in any other I am ready to serve the Emperor with all my heart, but for God's sake let it not be known that I supply you with information, for should these people hear of it I should lose my life through it."
	Mr. de Pelu's mission to Mantua, and the Duke's acceptance of the post of commander-in-chief of the Imperial forces.
	(Cipher:) This Signory has no hope of His Imperial Majesty being able to settle the Lutheran affairs without a council, which they desire most ardently thinking that the Council once assembled, the Pope will remain without one single vassal, and that in this way they (the Venetians) will recover Cervia, Ravenna, and several places in Romagna. They say that it appears to them impossible that His Majesty should not think as they do, for in that case the Emperor might get the rest of the estates of the Church. Keeps repeating to those who speak to him in this tone, and who are the chief officers of this Republic, that in proposing the Council His Majesty has no other object in view than to settle matters of Faith.—Venice, 26th August 1530.
	P.S.—Forgot to say that I have obtained the enclosed copy of the act (auto ), which the English caused to be drawn by the doctors and theologians of Bologna, and which they value much as coming from subjects of the Pope, and from a city in the estates of the Church. I am told that the bishop of London will soon go thither to get each of the doctors, who have signed the said act, to write a treatise in support of his opinion. This will shew Your Majesty how the English manage things of this sort. I have sent another copy to Mai, that he may inquire from one of the Spanish scholars at the University who the notary was who drew the instrument, that all may be warned against writing in favour of the English and against the Church of Rome.
	Signed: "Rodrigo Niño."
	Spanish. Original partly in cipher. pp. 16.
28 Aug.	416. [Cardinal Colonna] to the Emperor
S. E. Roma, L, 849, f. 109. B.M. Add. 28,581. f. 63.	Hears from Rome that poor Juan Perez [de Nueros], as he was returning to Naples, was assassinated at a place 30 miles from that capital, between Velletri and Sermoneta.—Naples, 28th August 1530.
	Signed: "Pomp. (fn. n10) Vicecancellarius."
	Italian. Original. p. 1.
30 Aug.	417. Muxetula to the Emperor.
S. E. L. 851, f. 15. B.M. Add. 28,581, f.5.	Sends the deed of investiture of Florence.
	The negociations for the marriage of the Pope's niece continue.
	Ferrara, &c.—Rome, 30th August 1530.
	Spanish. Original. p. 1.
30 Aug.	418. Miçer Mai to the Emperor.
S. E. L. 850, ff. 82-3. B. M. Add. 28,581, f. 66.	Deeds of Ferrara and Modena.
	(Cipher:) Some people here, at Rome, and especially the Venetian ambassador, shew surprise that Your Majesty, at this present juncture, when the affair of Florence is over, and peace seems fairly established everywhere, should appoint the duke of Mantua (Federigo de Gonzaga) to the command-in-chief of your armies. In addition to this Don Fernando, the Duke's brother, writes from the camp that he has orders from Your Majesty to engage the Germans for three months more, and the other day a captain of that nation, accompanied by three "bandereros," came here to Rome to claim, as he said, the pay of 1,000 men of his countrymen, who had followed the prince of Orange to Gaviñana, where he was slain. The Pope has answered that he has nothing to do with such claims; that was the business of the Imperial commanders; he had regularly paid his contribution towards the expenses of the army, &c.
	I have already informed Your Majesty that the mutiny of Naples has been put down by cardinal Colonna on the payment to the soldiers of 115,000 ducats, making seven months' pay. Expressed my fears about Joan Perez de Nueros and another courier who left [Augsburg] on the 12th of August. When I heard of his mishap I immediately went and spoke to the Pope, who sent commissaries to make inquiries on the road. The papers and letters were so stained [bañadas] with blood that it was impossible to read a word of them. Only the packet containing Your Majesty's letters came without injury, and I really believe that it was miraculously saved by God that the warrant (provision) therein contained might be used at the present juncture, and so I forwarded it to Naples immediately. The bodies of the two Spaniards were found close to Velletri, and there is even some clue as to the criminals, which I purpose following as far as I can that misdeeds of this sort may be guarded against in future.
	With regard to England and the cause of Romarico Monte, I need not say anything further, having already written to Mr. de Grandvella (sic) on the subject. The only thing to observe is that all this bragging of the English (bravear que hazen los angleses), and their asking that the cause may go back to England to be tried, may be intended as a sort of pressure (torcedor) to oblige the Pope to have it tried out of Rome in some place free from suspicion. What do they mean by "free from suspicion?" "I cannot say, but certainly if I am to judge from the tricks (bellaquerias) in which the English indulge and the good disposition of the Romans to accept bribes, I should say that Rome is a suspected place for us and not for them. According to Niño, the bishop of London has received in Venice 4,500 ducats, which I think are not to be spent in alms.
	Pension to the viscount of Erol on the fruits of the abbey of Monte Aragon.
	Cardinal Ravenna writes that his brother, Ancona, will be here shortly.
	The Pope tells me that Miçer Antonio di San Felice is tired of France and of the French, and wishes to return. The Pope in reality intercedes for him strongly, and says that he cannot do more harm at Rome than in France, and that Your Majesty, who is generous, ought to forgive him.
	(Cipher:) The duke of Ferrara, as I am told, has sent the most Christian king of France a copy of the pamphlet (libelo) which the Papal solicitors first presented to Your Majesty against him. There is a passage in it thus worded: When Lautrec came to Italy by the command of the most Christian King, the duke of Ferrara took up arms against Your Majesty, against God, and against the articles (capitulos), &c. The Pope thinks that the words against God have been added, and is very much hurt at it. I have seen the draft the Pope has, and certainly those words are not in it. That which the solicitors shew here agrees with the French copy.
	The bishop of Tarbes [Grammont] and the duke of Albany are expected here. I have tried to ascertain what the object of the latter is, and I am told that he comes for the purpose of settling about the property of the Pope's niece [Catherina], which he (Albany) retains in France. (fn. n11) I shall be on my guard to see if he brings anything more.
	It is also said that the bishop of Bayonne (Jean du Bellay) is to come here as ambassador, and that Miçer Visconti was coming on a pilgrimage to Loreto; but if so, he has not arrived yet.
	The last advices from France of the 11th inst. unanimously agree that the King and the courtiers are only thinking of hunting and pleasure. Twelve thousand francs had been distributed among the Neapolitan "fuorusciti," that they might be able to live, and those of Lombardy were also intriguing famously, but to no purpose.
	Andrea Doria and Pedro de Bazan left Mallorca on the 9th bound for Barcelona.
	I have occasionally informed Your Majesty of the ups and downs of this Bracciano warfare. First, that the castle was on the point of surrendering, then that the besieged took possession of two pieces of ordnance belonging to the Pope, and so forth. Only three days ago 15 or 20 men of the garrison made a foray into the Campagna of Rome, so that in point of fact we must consider ourselves besieged by them. Went to the Pope and complained. He promised that he would order the place to be dismantled the moment he took possession of it. I then heard that an agreement was spoken of through the mediation of cardinal de Tarbes, who was heard to say that it was not in the interest of the most Christian King that the abbot of Farfa or Bracciano should be destroyed. The Pope having asked my advice I told him my mind openly, not as a contradiction to Tarbes' statement, but for the benefit of the Apostolic See. (Cipher:) The Pope said that he would send for Marramaldo's men, who are doing nothing at present, and whom he cannot pay. Cannot say whether he will do it or not, for this good man (buen señor) is apt to change his determinations very often.
	(Common writing:) Hernando de Gonzaga, and the quartering of the Imperial army.
	Fancies that the marriage settlements between Luigi Gonzaga and Isabella Colonna will go by this post for His Majesty's approval. Has written to the archbishop of Ban (Fr. Estevan Gabriel Merino), communicating an idea of his. —Roma, 30th August 1530.
	Signed: "Mai."
	Spanish. Original. pp. 10.