Venice: February 1547 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 5, 1534-1554. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1873.

Citation:

'Venice: February 1547', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 5, 1534-1554, ed. Rawdon Brown( London, 1873), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol5/pp189-203 [accessed 29 November 2024].

February 1547



Feb.? MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxix. Cl. x. No date. Printed in v. iv. p. 38. “Epistolarum Reginaldi Poli,” without any date.	453. Cardinal Pole to Pope Paul III.
	Considering the state of affairs on the death of King Henry, hopes that an opportunity is thus afforded for regaining England, but to this end it is above all necessary to have the support of the Emperor, to whom he recommends the Pope to send an ambassador in his Majesty's confidence. Wishes the appointment to be made in the person of the Cardinal of Trent, as no one could more ably negotiate the English business, and also many other affairs of almost equal moment. Will justify his proposal in a subsequent letter.
	—February? 1547.
	[Latin, 16 lines.]
Feb? MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. No date. Printed in v. iv. pp. 39,40. “Epistolarum Reginaldi Poll,” without any date.	454. Cardinal Pole to Pope Paul III.
	Distressed by the present perilous state of affairs, and apprehensive of a bad result, he wrote to the Pope yesterday, having solely in view the common weal, and now explains the causes which moved him to give that advice. First of all, he is of opinion that to 'complete the business in hand, great part of which is referred to the Emperor, everything depends on concord between his Majesty and the Pope. From this concord the best result may be anticipated; in like manner as from discord he (Pole) foresees the utmost turmoil of Christendom. This concord depends chiefly on the person sent as legate to the Emperor. Therefore enumerates the qualities required by this legate, and as it is difficult for them to be combined in one sole person, he would suggest that the Cardinal of Trent be added to the legation, (fn. 1) as to effect this concord he has already exerted himself greatly, and would continue to do so. If for reasons which he (Pole) does not see, the addition of the Cardinal of Trent should not be approved, he might be sent in advance to prepare the way, the mission being of course confided to him with great delicacy. The Cardinal of Trent, moreover, would be a fitting person, because having negotiated the league (belli Germanici fœdus), he knows what dissensions arose thence, and is therefore better able than anyone else to allay them. His character also is such, that not content with negotiating he is never satisfied unless his negotiations obtain success, which in the present instance would be in accordance with the Pope's wish, and the public advantage. Some persons say that the disputes between the Pope and the Emperor proceeded in great measure from their respective confidants, who dreading the slightest diminution of favour easily neglect the common weal. For this he (Pole) will not vouch, but has chosen to express himself with the utmost frankness.
	[Latin, 38 lines.]
Feb. 3. Miscellaneous Letters, Venetian Archives.	455. Giacomo Zambon, Venetian Secretary in England, to the Chiefs of the Ten.
	Their Lordships will have seen by his letters of the 24th and 30th ult. that he was prevented executing the commissions contained in their missives of the 16th December and 5th ult.; still less is he able to do anything at present, as without fresh credentials they cannot acknowledge him in any matter as the Republic's representative. Can say nothing more about the business in question, (fn. 2) [save that when talking with Paget, as written by him to the Senate, he contrived to make him say openly that Lodovico da l'Armi's commission was in like manner cancelled and at an end, and that no farther commission would be sent to him from hence, and that he was understood to be recalled. Paget then added, “I should wish the most Illustrious Signory, when proceeding in the case of said Lodovico, to do so adroitly (destramente), and with some regard for these Lords Protectors and executors (protectori et executori), as becoming the good friendship between the late most Serene King and their Excellencies, which friendship I should have endeavoured to augment daily had his Serenity lived” Thanked the Secretary [Sir William Paget], and answered him that your most illustrious Lordships were wont to proceed in all cases with the utmost prudence and justice, and that he therefore might be very certain you would continue thus to do for the future.]
	London, 3rd February 1547.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 7. Miscellaneous Letters, Venetian Archives.	456. Benedetto Rhamberti, Venetian Secretary at Milan, to the Chiefs of the Ten.
	A gentleman of noble family, Signor Baldisara Bya, told me that on the evening before last, on the arrival in this city of Dom. Lodovico da l'Armi, he went straight to lodge with him, being the friend of his brother, and then yesterday, when a tournament was held at the Court in the presence of Don Ferrante [Gonzaga] and the Princess, (fn. 3) and all the Milanese nobility, Da l'Armi and Bya masked and went to the entertainment, where, whilst stando a placere, they were arrested on the spot by order of Don Ferrante [Imperial Governor of Milan] and placed in two separate chambers. After a little while Bya was set at liberty, Dom. Lodovico da l'Armi being taken to the castle, where he yet remains. As it has long been reported here that said Lodovico fled from Venice because accused of the death of the late Bernardo, said Signor Baldisera Bya, by reason of his affection and deference for the most Serene Republic, apologises to me for having lodged him, vowing that he did so unwillingly, and that his late father, and brothers were and are most devoted to the Signory.
	Ten days ago Don Ferrante said to me, “Lodovico da l'Armi will take good care not to come hither, not that I know him to be proscribed from the Emperor's places, but because I will not endure the presence of men branded with so many iniquities, and so infamous for their crimes, as I know this fellow to be.” He discussed with me the mischief which results from giving harbour to persons of this sort, and did not approve the Republic's patience in having so long tolerated Fregoso, and the late Monsignor Valerio, and Pietro Strozzi, and then this Da l'Armi, by saying that the city of Venice is free. From this conversation I infer his Excellency ordered the arrest of this man by reason of his hatred to the race for when the Signor Zuan Paulo Manfron (who was afterwards arrested in the territory of the Duke of Piacenza) passed through Milan, he desired him to depart forthwith, and never again return to the Milanese on pain of death.
	Milan, 7th February 1547.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 9. Parti Secrete, Consiglio X., File no. 6.	457. The Chiefs of the Ten to Benedetto Rhamberti, Venetian Ambassador at Milan.
	By his letter received today have heard, much to their satisfaction, that his Excellency the Governor (fn. 4) has caused the arrest of Lodovico da l'Armi, who lately fled from hence, because he had so iniquitously contrived the murder of that nobleman of ours, Maffio Bernardo, which must be known to his Lordship, and ere now to everybody. Charge him (Rhamberti) to urge his most illustrious Lordship to keep “Da l'Armi under arrest, as by so doing he will very much oblige them, and by other letters they will acquaint Rhamberti with their wishes in this matter.
	Ayes, 24. Noes, 0. Neutrals, 3.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 10. Miscellaneous Letters, Venetian Archives.	458. Benedetto Rhamberti, Venetian Secretary at Milan, to the Chiefs of the Ten.
	Don Ferrante having returned from La Bicoccha, inquired of him the cause of the arrest of Messer Lodovico da l'Armi. Was told that he came without any servant, on hired horses, always wrapped up in a cloak of crimson velvet, with a cap on his head of red ormesin with a gold band, which costume coupled with his handsome figure made everybody stare at him, (fn. 5) so that in many places he was well nigh compelled to discover himself; and at length when he arrived at Pizzighettone, not choosing to let his face be seen by some persons who wished to look at him, he was followed thus far by a Spaniard, who having described his costume and person to Don Ferrante, his Excellency recognized him at the tournament, and not knowing who he was, had him arrested and sent to the castle, where on hearing that he was Dom. Lodovico da l'Armi, he determined to let him remain thus under arrest until the receipt of some further commission from the Emperor. But Da l'Armi having sent “a dimostrargli” that he is a persona publica from the King of England. Don Ferrante has determined to release him, in order not to violate the good understanding and friendship between the Emperor and the aforesaid most Serene King. On hearing this I said to his Excellency that as he knew this man had escaped from Venice, the Signory might wish to learn something from him, and the more important it might prove the greater would their obligation be to his Excellency should he detain him a few days to oblige the Republic. His Excellency rejoined, he would release him to avoid giving offence to the King of England, but I nevertheless understand that he has written about it to the [Imperial] Court, and before releasing him will perhaps await his Majesty's reply.
	Milan, 10th February 1547.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 12. Miscellaneous Letters, Venetian Archives.	459. Benedetto Rhamberti, Venetian Secretary at Milan, to the Chiefs of the Ten.
	At daybreak this morning a horse-post from Crema consigned to me your letters charging me to pray Don Ferrante to keep Messer Lodovico da l'Armi under “arrest, until other letters acquaint me with your wishes. Immediately went to his Excellency and besought him to delay the release of Da l'Armi for a few days. His Excellency replied, “I have determined to set him at liberty on account of the King of England, who professes to love my family, and myself in particular, but, as you urge me in the name of the Republic, I will delay that the Signory may write to the Emperor, and obtain an order from him for the consignment by me into their hands of Da l'Armi, or to authorise you to examine and speak with him, and elicit whatever you wish from his own lips. And would to God that I were not bound by these respects for the King of England, which I must at any rate use towards him, especially being allied (congionto) as he is at present with the Emperor, as otherwise Da l'Armi should have been carried like a bale (da peso) to the feet of the Signory, by reason of my devotion for the State, and the hatred I bear to persons of that sort, who, being enabled to live honourably by the military profession, lead an iniquitous existence, by disturbing the quiet of sovereigns and honest men.” He added, “Tell the Signory to write immediately to the Imperial Court, and do quickly what they have to do, but without letting it appear that I prompted them to do so, for by despatch their wish may be obtained, and I will aid it to my utmost, whereas by delay it might easily be thwarted.” I thanked his Excellency for his offer to detain Da l'Armi for the despatch of advices from Venice to Germany, which would require at least thirty days; whereupon I asked him if he meant to keep Da l'Armi in the castle, and if he would allow me to speak to him. He replied that, to ease the Emperor of any responsibility, he thought of sending him to Guastalla, one of his castles in the Mantuan territory, and that he did not allow any one to speak to him, although he had asked for such permission, that he might send a messenger to England, which was denied him, but Don Ferrante believed that he had already done so before his arrest.
	His Excellency is most devoted to your Lordships, and lamented to me the trouble which is but too often given you by similar “ribaldi” with regard to State and Government affairs, assuring me that nothing pains him so much as to hear of judicial inquiries about rebels and traitors.
	Milan, 12th February 1547.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 12. Parti Secrete Consiglio X., File no. 6.	460. The Chiefs of the Ten to Benedetto Rhamberti, Venetian Secretary at Milan.
	Wrote to him the other evening that he was to request the Governor to detain Lodovico Da l'Armi under custody.
	Have written to their ambassador with the Emperor to try and get said Lodovico into their hands. Charge him [Rhamberti] to endeavour not only to prevent Lodovico's release until the receipt of the Emperor's decision, but to induce the Governor to favour this their just intention, as he will thus do them a most agreeable and satisfactory service. As in their letter to the Signory's ambassador with the Emperor they mention certain particulars of the case, send him a copy of it, that he may acquaint the Governor with the bad qualities and grievous atrocities of this homicide.
	After writing thus far received his letter of the 10th. Commend his good offices with the Governor, to prevent him from releasing Da l'Armi. Have written on the subject to the Secretary in England; send him a copy of the letter, that he may vouch to the Governor for the office performed by them with his Majesty.
	Send also the letters to the said ambassador and secretary, but should Da l'Armi have been already released, to say nothing more to the Governor, and retain the letters instead of forwarding them.
	Ayes, 9. Noes, 17. Neutral, 1.
	Carried in the negative.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 12. Parti Secrete, Consiglio X., File no. 6.	461. The Same to [Alvise Mocenigo] the Venetian Ambassador with the Emperor.
	Some days ago their late nobleman, Maphio Bernardo, was barbarously murdered by two individuals in whom he confided, owing to certain countersigns which they gave him. These men conducted him outside Ravenna, whither he had betaken himself, having been outlawed by the State (the period of the writ not having yet expired), and taking him into the pine forest, the assassins inflicted eighteen wounds on him, of which he died.
	The Signory employed the usual means to ascertain the truth, and the murderers presented themselves, and proved most clearly that one of the persons who commissioned the murder (un delli mandanti) was Lodovico da l'Armi, who was at the time in Venice, but departed thence secretly and made his escape on the very day of the arrival there of the mandataries. One of these is the Captain Zambattista Campana, who was most intimate with the said Lodovico, the other is Isepo of Trent. So they could not effect his seizure; but the Almighty, who does not choose so enormous a crime to remain unpunished, caused the said Lodovico to be arrested by the most illustrious the Lord Governor of Milan, who has had him put m the castle. The Chiefs, therefore, wishing to have him in their hands, charge the ambassador to acquaint the Emperor immediately, in the Signory's name, with the atrocity of the case, praying him to give orders that the said Lodovico be consigned to them, as he will thus do one of the most agreeable things which at the present moment they could possibly desire of him. Although very certain that the Emperor, abhorring men of so evil a nature, will grant this just petition, the ambassador is nevertheless to assure him, that on a similar occassion, they will do the like by his Majesty.
	To endeavour to effect their object with prudence and address. If prevented by the Emperor's occupations from seeing him immediately, to confer with Mons. de Granvelle, that he may state the case to his Majesty. In the event of the Emperor's objecting to deliver Da l'Armi into their hands, lest it displease the King of England, to say that the Signory has written to their secretary [Zambon] resident with the King, who (they hope) will of his justice and goodness comply with so just a demand. The Emperor in the meanwhile to have Da l'Armi detained in custody.
	To give notice of what he shall have done to Zambon.
	Ayes, 9. Noes, 17. Neutral, 1.
	Carried in the negative.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 12. Parti Secrete, Consiglio X., File no. 6.	462. The Chiefs of the Ten to the Venetian Secretary Zambon in England.
	[On 16th December wrote to him about the murder of Maphio Bernardo, and that they had clear indications of its having been caused by Lodovico da l'Armi.
	Having employed means to ascertain the truth, there presented themselves to them, Captain Joanbaptista Campana (who was intimate and most familiar with said Lodovico) and his comrade Isepo of Trent, the murderers of Bernardo, and clearly proved to the Chiefs, that Da l'Armi was the person who caused them to commit the crime, and on the day of their arrival at Venice Da l'Armi fled from thence privily.
	Are certain that the King of England, on hearing of these evil and detestable proceedings, will not only be much disquieted by them, but, being replete with wisdom and goodness, will make ample demonstration in accordance with their obsequiousness towards him, as instanced by the consideration (rispetto) shown by them lately to the said Lodovico.
	To acquaint the King with the whole, and to give notice of his reply.
	Should Secretary Paget or others ask him about the departure hence of the ambassador appointed to his Majesty, to tell them that he will depart in a few days.] (fn. 6)
	(And be it carried, that the English ambassador be sent for into the College and made acquainted with these facts, and urged to write in conformity to his King.)
	Having written thus far, are advised by their secretary at Milan that the Governor had caused the arrest of Da l'Armi, who had arrived there; so they have written to their ambassador with the Emperor, to request his consignment into their hands.
	To do his utmost with the King that by reason of his even-handed justice (la bona justitia che è in lei) he may sanction their fair demand.
	Ayes, 9. Noes, 17. Neutral, 1.
	Carried in the negative.
	Amendment—
	Another copy to be made of the paragraphs within the brackets, for transmission to the secretary.
	Ayes, 27. Noes, 0. Neutrals, 2.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 14. Parti Secrete, Consiglio X., File no. 6.	463. The Chiefs of the Ten to Benedetto Rhamberti, Venetian Secretary at Milan.
	Received his letter of the 7th. Thank him for his good offices with the Governor to prevent the release of Lodovico da l'Armi. But in his last of the 10th they see that the Governor thought of releasing Da l'Armi. Wish to know what has taken place. Should his Lordship not have released him, will immediately inform Rham-berti what they wish.
	Ayes, 22. Noes, 6. Neutral, 1.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 15. Parti Secrete, Consiglio X., File no. 6.	464. The Same to [Alvise Mocenigo] the Venetian Ambassador with the Emperor.
	Account of the murder of Maphio Bernardo [as in the letter of the 12th].
	Inform him that Lodovico da l'Armi was outlawed by them for another iniquitous case, as will appear by the enclosed copy of the sentence. For the gratification of the King of England gave him a safe-conduct, but as under its cover he has committed this fresh most atrocious crime, he has lost all benefit of it, and is subject to his writ of outlawry, and as an outlaw ought to be delivered to them, in virtue of the Signory's treaty with the State of Milan.
	To request the Emperor to give orders for his delivery into their hands, etc. [as in the letter of the 12th.]
	Postscript.— By way of France have heard the news of the death of the King of England. Hope it will, therefore, be more easy to obtain what they justly desire of the Emperor, although they believe, that had the King of England lived, his Imperial Majesty would have granted their request.
	The above-written letter to be sent by a courier express, who is to bring back the reply.
	Ayes, 27. Noes, 2. Neutral, 1.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 15. Parti Secrete, Consiglio X., File no. C.	465. The Same to Benedetto Rhamberti, Venetian Secretary at Milan.
	By his letters of the 12th, perceive his prudent offices with the Governor, and his Lordship's courteous and gracious reply. To inform him of the outlawry of Da l'Armi, &c, [as in the letter to Mocenigo.]
	Hope to obtain their demand for his delivery the more easily, seeing that there is an end of consideration for the most Serene King of England, who they understand is dead, and may the Lord have mercy on his soul.
	Ayes, 29. Noes, 0. Neutral, 1.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 15. Miscellaneous Papers, Venetian Archives.	466. Official Note of Communications between the Venetian Government and Sigismund Harvel, from 16th December 1546 to 15th February 1547. (fn. 7)
	In the matter of Lodovico da l'Armi the ambassador of the King of England, Harvel, stated that this affair caused him such great pain that he knew not what to say. He had at all times known the courtesy of this State towards his King, and the respect had for him, both heretofore when Da l'Armi perpetrated those outrages here and at Treviso, after which he was granted the safe-conduct at the request of his Majesty, to whom it gave extreme satisfaction, as also on this last occasion, on which Harvel acknowledged that not only had this man (costui) offended the majesty of the Republic, but also the majesty of his [Harvel's] King, who has been greatly deceived in him, as frequently happens to Princes with regard to their servants. That he wrote about this at the time of the affair at Treviso, and therefore Da l'Armi always bore him ill will, and laid many plots against him, and lately when Da l'Armi was summoned by the Chiefs, (fn. 8) Harvel came to the Signory to know what he was to write to the King, as Da TArmi asserted his innocence, and now wrote him a letter from Trent to the same effect, (fn. 9) which Harvel does not believe, as he knows him well, and that he has one thing in his heart and another on his lips. He declared that these proceedings greatly displeased his King, who did not send Da l'Armi hither with the title of ambassador (con nome di ambasciatore), the letter not conferring this honour on him nor yet his instructions from his Majesty's Council, which purported that he was to defer to Harvel (ch el dovesse stare ad obedientia di esso ambasciatore).
	To this the Doge replied, that Harvel might remember that at his first audience he accompanied Da l'Armi, who remained standing until his credentials were read, and when it was heard that he had a communication to make in his Majesty's name, he was desired to seat himself, and continued to do so ever after. Harvel rejoined that it was all true (replicò il detto ambasciatore, che tutto vi era vero), and that the Signory had always evinced very great courtsey and respect towards the King, to whom he wrote a full account of the whole affair honestly and sincerely as due to his Prince, the Doge's account of the case being notorious “fino alli sassi di questa città;” and not only did Harvel deplore this case, but is ashamed of it, and feels certain that it will displease the King, no less than it does the Signory. He said he would write again, as requested by his Serenity, adding that Lodovico da l'Armi “non è niente” and what little repute he had, was owing to regard for the King, who has been deceived, and bears the Signory very great respect, and acknowledges their courtesy.
	The Doge then told Harvel that Da l'Armi was under arrest at Milan; (fn. 10) Harvel inquired whether it was at the suit of his Serenity, or whether the cause was known. His Serenity replied that it was not at his suit; but that he went incognito, and was arrested and confined in the castle, and is supposed to have written to the Emperor; and that he will not be released until the receipt of his Imperial Majesty's reply.
	Harvel promised to write again to the King, and then took leave.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 15. Consiglio X., Criminal, v. vii. p. 30.	467. Lodovico da l'Armi.
	Motion made in the Council of Ten and Junta.
	That the nobleman Ser Zan Francesco Mocenigo be pro nunc released from prison.
	Ayes, 23. Noes, 0. Neutrals, 6.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 17. Miscellaneous Letters, Venetian Archives.	468. Benedetto Rhamberti, Venetian Secretary at Milan, to the Chiefs of the Ten.
	Have received the letter of the 15th announcing your Lordships' wish that Lodovico da l'Armi should not be released, until your farther orders arrive; and owing to this news of the death of the King of England I am of opinion, not only that he will not be released, but moreover that Don Ferrante may now perhaps be easily induced to satisfy your Excellencies without awaiting any other commission from the Emperor.
	Milan, 17th February 1547.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 19. Miscellaneous Letters. Venetian Archives.	469. Giovanni Antonio Venier, Venetian Ambassador at Rome, to the Chiefs of the Ten.
	At this hour, the fourth of the night, a secretary came to me in the name of the Pope and Cardinal Farnese, and after repeating the news of the death of the King of England, as contained in my public letter, he requested (as the Pope has this matter at heart, and wishes for the assistance of those powers to whom he purposes sending legates) that the most Serene Signory by reason of their religion would, as the Pope trusted, piously aid him in his efforts, so far as lies in their power, to bring back that kingdom to its former devotion to the Catholic Faith; and he therefore requested and exhorted the Signory to charge that gentleman of the Bernardo family, who so aptly exerted himself about the peace between the two crowns, (fn. 11) or such other person as they may think fit, to perform this office, which his Holiness trusts will be to the mind of that most Christian Republic.
	The secretary stated these particulars in detail, reading to me the letter which his Holiness is sending to the Nuncio at Venice, and as your Lordships will hear it, I need say no more.
	Rome, 19th February 1547.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 19. Miscellaneous Letters, Venetian Archives.	470. Benedetto Rhamberti, Venetian Secretary at Milan, to the Chiefs of the Ten.
	In obedience to your Excellencies' letter of the 15th I thanked the Governor in your name, and prayed him to abide by the promise which he made me on the 12th, not to release Lodovico da l'Armi until the arrival of the Emperor's reply concerning this matter. According to the letter's contents I acquainted him minutely with this man's misdemeanours and his atrocious character (atroce natura); and I tried whether, now that there is an end of the principal consideration about England, his Excellency would gratify your Lordships without the intervention of farther delay. Don Ferrante replied, “I promised you to detain him, until you cause the Emperor to send me a commission, which I will execute as a true Prince, and as a true-born nobleman of that most Serene Republic, which I hold in as much account as a kingdom (principato). Do but cause me to receive the order, and I will gladly obey it without farther reserve, but for the present it does not seem to me that with honour to myself I can do more; and promise their Excellencies in my name whatever can be promised by a good servant; saving always the allegiance due to my master, for I assure you that neither their Lordships nor you will ever be deceived” by the hopes I give you.”
	I thanked his Excellency; and your Excellencies may rest assured that Da l'Anni will not be released.
	Milan, 19th February 1547.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 19. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta), File no. 18.	471. The Doge and College to Giacomo Zambon, Venetian Secretary in England.
	Desire him to communicate, as usual, the underwritten advices from Adrianople.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 19. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta), File no. 18.	472. The Doge and College to the Venetian Ambassador with Pope Paul III.
	Through their ambassador Mocenigo, (fn. 12) have this day received letters from their secretary in England, dated 31st January, informing them that the King departed this life on the 27th (sic), and that the Prince his son, styled Edward VI., had been proclaimed King under the tutelage of twenty (fn. 13) guardians (governatori) left by the deceased King his father, the chief of them being the Earl of Hertford, his Majesty's brother-in-law.
	Although they suppose the Pope will have had news of this demise, have nevertheless chosen to notify it to the ambassador, for communication to his Holiness.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 19. Deliberazioni Senato (Secreta), v. lxv. p. 92, tergo.	473. The Doge and Senate to the Venetian “Bailo” at Adrianople.
	Since their last of the 11th, have heard by letters from England, dated 31st January, that King Henry died on the 27th (sic), and the Prince his son had been proclaimed King by the name of Edward VI. He is eleven years old, and under the guardianship of twenty governors appointed by the deceased King, his father, the chief of them being the Earl of Hertford, his Majesty's brother-in-law.
	Ayes, 177. Noes, 2. Neutral, 1.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 20. Lettere Secrete, Capi Consiglio X., File no. 4.	474. The Chiefs of the Ten to the Venetian Secretary at Milan.
	Have seen what he wrote to them on the 17th about Lodovico da l'Armi, and his opinion that owing to the news of the death of the King of England, not only will Lodovico not be released, but the Lord Governor [Don Ferrante Gonzaga, Governor of Milan,] may perhaps give satisfaction to the Signory in this matter without awaiting commission from the Emperor.
	Have received letters from their secretary in England, dated 21th January, informing them that Secretary Paget, whilst the King was yet alive, (fn. 14) told him that Lodovico da l'Armi was no longer in favour with his Majesty, and that he was certain that his iniquities, which caused him to be in disgrace with the entire English Court, would greatly displease the King.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 23. Consiglio X., Criminal, v. vii. p. 31.	475. Lodovico da l'Armi.
	Motions made in the Council of Ten and Junta.
	That the safe-conduct from this Council to the Captain Zambattista Campana and Isepo da Trento during the whole of the present month, be prolonged until the despatch of the case denounced by them.
	Ayes, 27. No,]. Neutral, 1.
	That from the chest of this Council forty ducats be given to the Captain Zambattista Campana and Isepo da Trento, that they may have the means of maintaining themselves until the case shall be despatched.
	Ayes, 26. Noes, 4. Neutral, 1.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 24. Miscellaneous Letters, Venetian Archives.	476. Alvise Mocenigo, Venetian Ambassador with the Emperor, to the Chiefs of the Ten.
	On Sunday the 20th, at noon, the courier Pellegrin brought me your Excellencies' letter of the 15th; (fn. 15) and seeing how strictly I was charged to speak to the Emperor about the affair of Lodovico da l'Armi, I sent immediately for audience of his Majesty, hoping to obtain it that very day, but as mentioned by me in the public letters, business prevented him from receiving me until last evening, when I represented all that your Lordships enjoined me, earnestly requesting the Emperor, by reason of the affection and goodwill which he bears the Signory, to give orders for said Lodovico to be consigned to you, assuring his Majesty that besides thus acting according to justice, in virtue of the treaty between the Republic and the Duchy of Milan, he would also confer as great a favour as any that could be asked of him by the Signory at the present moment, and that in similar cases your Serenity will always do the like by his Imperial Majesty. The Emperor answered me that a few days ago he heard of the capture of this Lodovico, whom he considered “leggero “; that he had written to Milan for information on the subject; that I was to go and speak with the Bishop of Arras [Antoine Perrenot] and the Regent Figueroa, who would also inspect the treaty, and that he would then not fail to do what he can in justice, for the satisfaction of the Signory; whereupon, after again requesting his Majesty in so just a matter to give the Signory satisfaction, which would be most agreeable to your Lordships, I took leave.
	As the Bishop of Arras was occupied last evening I went to him today, performing the most earnest office I could with him about this business. His Lordship answered me that being as he is a bishop, he must be very cautious about interfering in this case which concerns a man's life; but that, as he is hostile to evil doers and anxious to do the State service, he will not fail proceeding in this matter as far as he can without committing any irregularity. He then said that so long back as when he was in Italy he had heard of this treaty [for the reciprocal extradition of outlaws] stipulated between your Serenity and the Duchy of Milan, but did not know whether it was in force (in osservantia), and would therefore endeavour to acquaint himself well with the matter, and do all he could to oblige the State. I thanked him, and besought him to oblige the State. I then went to the Regent Figueroa and stated the case, telling him I did so by the Emperor's order. His Lordship, who is a man of few words, answered me that he knew this Lodovico da l'Armi to be a rascal, and that he had perpetrated other misdeeds, and that he [Figueroa] would not fail to perform such office with the Emperor as to satisfy your Serenity. I thanked him for so favourable a reply. I should hope for the best, but I do not yet know what weight the words of this Don Figueroa may have with the Emperor.
	Such is the state of the business hitherto, nor will I fail to hasten it as much as I can, but now the obsequies of the Queen (fn. 16) have commenced, and are attended by the Emperor and the Bishop of Arras, I also having to be present in deep mourning (con habito lugubre).
	Ulm, 24th February 1547.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 25. Miscellaneous Letters, Venetian Archives.	477. Benedetto Rhamberti, Venetian Secretary at Milan, to the Chiefs of the Ten.
	Although I had requested Don Ferrante, as there was no longer any question of the King of England with regard to Lodovico da l'Armi, to oblige the Signory without further orders from the Emperor, and he said he could not in honour do so, I yesterday, on receiving your commands, dated the 20tb, obeyed them by returning to him and narrating what you wrote to me as to the words uttered by Secretary Paget to the Republic's secretary in England, and prayed him as earnestly as I could to deliver this man into your hands without further delay. His Excellency replied that having written to the Emperor that he had arrested him, and that his Majesty was to send orders what he was to do with him, he could no longer proceed of his own accord, but must await such order, and that he had given this same answer to all who interceded for the release of Da l'Armi; but he thought his Majesty would not fail to gratify the Signory, being the mortal enemy of similar evil doers; and he will abide by the promise of having him kept in custody until your Excellencies receive the Emperor's decision.
	Milan, 25th February 1547.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 28. Deliberazoni Senato (Secreta), v. lxv. p. 94.	478. The Doge and Senate to Francesco Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France.
	The advices of English affairs contained in his last letters pleased them, and as they expected him to perform such good service as becomes a diligent ambassador, both by acquainting himself with all events in those parts, and by executing their orders skilfully, there is no occasion to say more to him on the subject.
	Ayes, 194. Noes, 4. Neutrals, 0.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 28. Parti Secrete, Consiglio X., File no. 6.	479. The Chiefs of the Ten to the Venetian Ambassador at Rome.
	Have understood what you wrote to us on the 19th instant, touching the request made to you in the name of his Holiness and of the Cardinal Farnese, to the effect that we, by means of our nobleman Francesco Bernardo, or of others, should be pleased to aid the Pope, through the opportunity afforded by the death of the King of England, to bring back that kingdom to its pristine devotion to the Catholic Faith. In conformity with this announcement, a communication has been made to us by the Nuncio from his Holiness, to whom you are to say that the Signory would in truth be anxious to satisfy the Pope, but the mediator proposed by him, namely the aforesaid Bernardo, has already returned to Venice. Have a secretary in England, whose commission and credentials it will be necessary to renew, owing to the death of the King, but as yet we know nothing as to the stability of the Government there, or the course it will pursue. Whenever we perceive an opportunity for doing anything, we will not fail to perform such offices as become devoted sons of the Apostolic See.
	A statement in conformity with this letter to be made by the Doge to the Papal Nuncio.
	Ayes, 26. Noes, 0. Neutral, 1.
	[Italian.]