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| Dec. 4. Original Letter Book of Francesco Contarini in St. Mark's Library. |
231. Francesco Contarini, Venetian Ambassador with the Emperor, to the Signory. |
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The Emperor arrived here on the 28th ult. He had St. Paul's church prepared for the performance of the ceremony of the Fleece on St. Andrew's day. He heard vespers there on the eve with the intention of attending mass in like manner on the morrow, with the knights, ambassadors, and others, but having passed rather a bad night he did not rise from his bed, so there was no further ceremony, save that the knights went to mass in their chapel, and dined at the palace as usual, being only nine in number. The Emperor is still in bed, his malady being a slight attack of piles (un poco di moroide). According to report, he will perhaps remain here some days. |
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The embassy from England which was to come hither consists of the Bishop of Winchester [Stephen Gardiner], and another gentleman of the King's chamber. They have already arrived at Calais, and are accompanied by 100 horsemen; but as yet nothing more is known about the cause of their mission. |
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Valenciennes, 4th December 1540. |
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[Italian.] |
| Dec. 10. Original Letter Book of Francesco Contarini in St. Mark's Library. |
232. The Same to the Same. |
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Letters have been received from the conference at Worms in date of the 5th, and it seems that the adversaries are so strong and obstinate in their opinion, that there is no way to convince them. |
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The Bishop of Winchester is expected from day to day, as also an ambassador from the King of Poland. |
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Valenciennes, 10th December 1540. |
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[Italian.] |
| Dec. 18. Original Letter Book of Francesco Contarini in St. Mark's Library. |
233. Francesco Contarini, Venetian Ambassador with the Emperor, to the Signory. |
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The Bishop of Winchester has arrived at Mons, and by the Emperor's order is gone to Namur. |
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There are letters from the conference at Worms purporting that the business there proceeds very slowly, and not much to the satisfaction of the papal agents, or of Mons. de Granvelle. |
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The letters from Germany urge the Emperor to go speedily to the Diet [of Ratisbon?], as otherwise the Princes, after waiting for him eight or ten days, will immediately depart. |
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Valenciennes, 18th December 1540. |
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[Italian.] |
| Dec. 26. Original Letter Book of Francesco Contarini in St. Mark's Library. |
234. The Same to the Same. |
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Arrived here on the 23rd, as did the Emperor on the morrow, having made the first day's journey from Valenciennes in a litter, and all the rest on horseback; he is now quite well. |
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Yesterday afternoon he gave audience to the Bishop of Winchester, who went to his Majesty with great pomp, being accompanied by some 150 persons on foot, all with gold chains round their necks. So far as can be heard, he is come to accompany the Emperor, and to be present at the Imperial Diet [of Ratisbon], and according to report, he will not use his offices in favour of the Pope. He is accompanied by another gentleman of the King's chamber [Pate ?], who will subsequently remain here as ambassador in ordinary with the Emperor; and the ambassador, late resident here [Sir Thomas Wyatt?], has taken leave of his Majesty, and in two days will depart on his way back to England. |
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It is reported from Worms that the adversaries have printed their Confession there, with all their articles, and they are very elate, it appearing to them that these articles are unanswerable. Numerous pasquinades, as customary at Rome, have appeared, all against the Pope. |
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Today the Emperor went to mass at St. Mary's, accompanied by the Nuncio, by the French Ambassador, and by me. The English Ambassadors did not attend. |
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Two Franciscan Friars of the Observantine Order have also come to the Emperor from Ireland, in the name of the whole of that island, to complain of their Lord, the King of England, and to request his Majesty to take them under his protection, as they will submit to him (che si daranno a quella). They are going to Rome to beseech the Pope to compel the Emperor to take that kingdom, because the inhabitants will all submit to his Imperial Majesty (perchè tutti si darano a sua Impl. Maestà). |
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The Emperor will depart tomorrow for Luxemburg. |
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Namur, 26th December 1540. |
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[Italian.] |
