Venice: February 1550 | 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 1550', 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/pp306-312 [accessed 25 November 2024].

February 1550



Feb. 1. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	638. Matteo Dandolo, Venetian Ambassador to Rome, to the Signory.
	Amongst the orders issued by the Cardinals in Conclave was one for the expulsion of some 70 conclavists, noblemen and gentlemen, secretaries and agents of sovereigns, and merchants, who were of no service there, and rather impeded and troubled negotiations by sending out false advices, and receiving others of the same nature. Many of these personages were more than glad to come away, to free themselves from the inconveniences [of confinement]. Amongst them was the nobleman Messer Zuan Michiel, (fn. 1) son of the most noble Messer Jacomo, who was there with Cardinal Cornaro; and besides giving me many particulars about the Conclave, he visited me on behalf of his right reverend lordship, praying me most earnestly to give him some light whereby to guide himself, and should I not choose to do so officially, at least for love, and on account of our relationship, as he is still fixed and firm for the Right Reverend of England. It seemed to him he would thus comply with the demand made by me to him in the name of the Senate, whose despatch I showed him, charging him in these such very important times to elect a man of worth and good for the Christian Commonwealth (un huomo da bene, et buono per la Republica Christiana); and by doing so he considered that he was acting conscientiously, and obeying your Highness. He was of opinion that the Right Reverend of England had the qualities required, and would be serviceable to the Signory, knowing for certain that he is the Republic's very great friend; and although aware that for this he [Cornaro] has been slandered, his conscience tells him, and God is his witness, that his vote was induced by no other motive than the honour of God, and the service of the State, with regard to which others can neither command nor dispose of him; praying and beseeching me to tell him officially, or at least privately, whether he is to abandon the Right Reverend of England, and to whom he is to adhere (s'el se die partire da esso Rev^mo de Inghelterra, et a che si debba attachare).
	I enclose a news-letter written last evening by one of our great friends in Conclave, before they knew of the death of Cardinal Ridolfi.
	Rome, 1st February 1550.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 1. “Annali,” Library, Venetian Archives.	639. Marin Cavalli, Venetian Ambassador with the Emperor, to the Doge and Senate.
	From what I have heard, his Imperial Majesty wrote back to Rome yesterday very angrily, that they were not to support Cardinal Salviati, but remain staunch to Burgos or England; so here they think that a long time will elapse before the election of the new Pontiff.
	Brussels, 1st February 1550.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 5. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	640. Matteo Dandolo, Venetian Ambassador at Rome, to the Signory.
	I have heard from a friend of mine that Don Diego [the Imperial ambassador] said the Emperor would never acknowledge Cardinal Salviati for Pope; (fn. 2) and not only was he previously odious to Don Diego (lo aborriva), but the Emperor moreover reproved him for not preventing the election as he ought to have done; and the Cardinal of Mantua [Ercole Gonzaga], who at first assisted Salviati, and wished him success, almost as much as if he himself had been the candidate, is therefore now not only unable to wish for him (non solo per ciò non lo può volere), but compelled to be his adversary. It seems that they are attending now to Sfondrato, and he is more talked of than the others; nor can anything else be asserted.
	This morning Master Realdo, (fn. 3) late lecturer at Padua, opened the body of poor Ridolfi, who, it is heard from several quarters, would have been Pope; and he [Realdo] assures me that he found his heart, liver, bowels, and stomach so injured (guasto) and spotted, that had he given him the poison with his own hand, he should not be more sure of the fact. (fn. 4)
	Don Diego has this day received letters from the Emperor dated the 22nd ultimo. His Majesty expresses surprise at the forms used by the Cardinals in this election, and seems to wish for the despatch, but no longer urges it. He is firm about the candidates excluded by him, especially Santa Croce [Marcello Cervini], (fn. 5) and provided one of his [the Emperor's] adherents be elected, he does not care much more for Pole than for anyone else (non si cura molto più di Polio, che di un altro).
	Rome, 5th February 1550.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 7. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	641. The Same to the Same.
	At this hour [the 6th after sunset], a great and sudden noise of people and armed men has proclaimed through the streets, by torch-light, the election as Pope of Cardinal di Monte, (fn. 6) to whom having sent my secretary and others of my household, they were unable to pass the Castle, but met the French ambassador returning from the Palace, and he confirmed the news to them, positively; notwithstanding which I afterwards sent the secretary quietly to his house, to ask him in my name for particulars, that I might send them to your Highness.
	The secretary having now returned, brings back word that he could elicit nothing save that he is “made,” and when he inquired “How,” the answer was, “How are Popes made?” I sent the secretary from the French ambassador to Don Diego likewise, and whilst with him he [Don Diego] received a news-letter (una polizza), giving him the same intelligence, namely, that Monte was Pope and that the Cardinals were “adoring” him; and he desired the secretary to tell me that I might despatch the news to your Highness, as he has it for certain; and that he also will do the like, for that whereas at this hour the “adoration” may be announced, so subsequently tomorrow morning may the publication of it be communicated; and I have therefore thought it my duty not to fail doing so.
	Rome, 7th February 1550.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 8. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	642. Matteo Dandolo, Venetian Ambassador at Rome, to the Signory.
	At the sixth hour this night I announced to your Serenity, by the courier Zuan Bon Raspa, the election of the High Pontiff, then effected, in the following manner.
	On the evening before last, the Cardinals Farnese [Alessandro] and Guise agreed that he, Guise, should propose to Farnese a candidate of his Farnese's party, to whom he, Farnese, was to give his votes; Farnese on the other hand proposing a candidate of the French party to Guise, who should give him his votes. Thereupon the Cardinal de Guise proposed Cardinal Santa Croce [Marcello Cervino], but Farnese apologized, saying he should be too glad to accept him, but that he was overmuch excluded by the Emperor, so that by no means could he accept him, but that they must think of some one else, for which he took time. After consulting with his party, they determined on the Cardinal di Monte, which being announced last evening to the Cardinal de Guise, he accepted him joyfully; and so all having assembled together in the chapel, Farnese and Guise commencing, they all went to adore him as the Vicar of our Saviour, with the exception however of the Right Reverend Cardinals of Trent [Madruccio], Pacheco, Mantua [Ercole Gonzaga], and Cueva, (fn. 7) until after his Holiness's return to his cell (perhaps after receiving a reply to the note sent to Don Diego as mentioned in mine of this night), when they went into his cell to do the like. They complained to Farnese, who excused himself by saying that his Holiness is not amongst the candidates excluded by his Imperial Majesty; and, when they declared he was, Farnese said he never had it in any letter from the Emperor, and that he [Farnese] had not chosen to await the election of one who would be hostile to him (et chè non havea voluto espettare che se gli facesse un suo inimico). Thus the Imperialists have broken most completely with the Farneses. With regard to Parma, his Holiness, after his election, swore to the articles stipulating its restoration to Duke Ottavio, and signed them as Pope, promising Cardinal Farnese that within a week he will send a Cardinal or a dignified prelate thither, to make the consignment accordingly.
	This morning early, in chapel, his Holiness was also elected by scrutiny, and chose for himself the name of Julius the Third, it being said that he is of the same nature as Julius the Second; (fn. 8) and from the balcony (finestra) the Senior Deacon announced the “Gaudium Magnum” between the 14th and 15th hour. And thus, preceded by the Cardinals, he was taken to St. Peter's, on whose altar they seated him after making the prayer; and the Te Deum having been sung, they went to kiss his feet, hands, and mouth; the usual prayers and “antiphones” being recited; whereupon, after blessing the people, his Holiness withdrew into the palace, and the Cardinals went to their homes with very haggard countenances.
	Rome, 8th February 1550.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 9. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	643. Matteo Dandolo, Venetian Ambassador at Rome, to the Signory.
	Don Diego, who on the night of the Pope's election did not appear very joyful, followed the counsel given of yore by the Moor (il Moro) [qu. Doge Christopher Moro, or his namesake the Governor of Cyprus?] and on the following morning, went so early to his Holiness, that he was robing (che ella si vestia); and immediately on seeing him enter chapel, he having said “Here am I Don Diego” (ecco Don Diego), the Pope replied, “Be not so alarmed, Signor Don Diego” (non tanta paura Signor Don Diego). When he offered to kiss his foot, his Holiness would not allow it, saying it was neither the time nor the place, but embraced him and made him rise. After congratulating the Pope briefly, Don Diego asked him to repeal the writ of outlawry against Redolfo Malatesta Baglione, which demand was most graciously granted; and after returning thanks, and drawing aside, he said with a laugh in an under-tone, “It is possible I may not care to kiss him again;” but nevertheless I have heard from one single individual of the many to whom I put the question, that he did kiss him at the Altar of St. Peter, after the Cardinals and together with the Barons.
	This afternoon I went to visit the Cardinal de Guise, who is lodged with the Cardinal of Ferrara, and they took me lovingly between them on three chairs, and commenced giving me a most “dolcissimo” account of their negotiations, in Conclave, in which it must be confessed that the French showed themselves more adroit than usual, using many clever devices (molti bei tratti) and exhibiting much patience. Amongst other things, it is said that both parties negotiated and lived together so lovingly, and more as if they had been brothers, although opposed to each other in their object, and yet during 72 days there were 47 or 48 Cardinals assembled together, the like never having been heard of at any former Conclave. It may therefore be hoped that the Lord was amongst them, and that this election took place through the Holy Spirit, the consent having been general, unexpected, and sudden; so that although the Cardinals were very tired, the election is nevertheless considered miraculous by everybody.
	Rome, 9th February 1550.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 12. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	644. Matteo Dandolo, Venetian Ambassador at Rome, to the Signory.
	During this election, one single merchant in “Banchi,” by name Ceuli Banchieri (il Ceuli Banchieri), has made upwards of twenty thousand crowns, by wagers.
	Rome, 12th February 1550.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 15. Deliberazioni Senato (Secreta,) v. lxvi. p. 129, tergo.	645. The Doge and Senate to the Bailo at Constantinople.
	Have heard by his letters of the 22nd December of the safe arrival at Constantinople of that most Serene Signor, with the Sublime Porte.
	By letters from their ambassador in France, dated Melun the 30th. ultimo, are advised that the English Commissioners who were to cross the sea for the conference with the Commissioners of the most Christian King, concerning the agreement now in course of negotiation between their Majesties, had already arrived in France, and the French Commissioners were proceeding to meet them.
	Will acquaint the “Bailo” with what reaches them concerning the result of the conference.
	Ayes, 177. Noes, 6. Neutral, 1.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 19. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	646. Matteo Dandolo, Venetian Ambassador at Rome, to the Signory.
	On Monday morning, the son of Signor Camillo Ursino, together with his agent Piovene, and Count Pier Maria dal Sacrato, whom he has sent to kiss the Pope's feet, presented themselves to his Holiness with a letter, the copy of which I enclose. Whilst reading it, the Pope dwelt on the important passages, always commending Signor Camillo, who, he said, warned him admirably about this restitution of Parma [to Duke Ottavio], but that he could not do otherwise for the maintenance of the peace of Italy, and that had Cardinal Pole been elected Pope, he would perhaps have done the like (che il Rev^mo. Polo havea ad esser lui il Papa, che forse ne harebbe fatto l'istesso); but as God had chosen to make him bear this burden, perhaps as penance for his sins, he will perform it, amongst other things, by doing everything possible to preserve peace amongst his Christian flock, and above all in Italy.
	Rome, 19th February 1550.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 22. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta), File no. 18.	647. The Doge and College to Daniel Barbaro, Venetian Ambassador in England.
	Send the enclosed summary for communication as usual.
	[Italian.]
Feb.? Parti Comuni, Consiglio X., File no. 50.	648. Petition from the Muranese Glass Makers in London, in the pay of Edward VI., to the Chiefs of the Ten.
	Most Excellent Lords, Chiefs of the most illustrious Council of Ten.
	Your most faithful servants, poor glass makers from Murano, who were compelled by extreme necessity and very great poverty —owing to the malignity, or rather to the great cruelty (grande impietà) of the masters of the furnaces, who, rather than give them work, enjoyed seeing them pace the quays of Murano dying of hunger, in very great misery, they and their wives and children,—to determine to accept no small sum of money, and to go and work in Flanders and England, before the Act passed in your most excellent Council forbidding anyone to go and work in foreign parts, namely; Iseppo, son of Antonio Casseler, Marco Terrible and his son Piero, Gracioxo, alias Disperato, Baptista son of Michielin da Chiari, Alvixe di Albertino, Hieremia Pixani, and Sebastian Zanon, summoned by an edict of the Council of Ten, dated 18th of September last, to return to work at Murano within eight months; who, finding themselves in the hands of foreign lords (Signori alieni), although they often wished to depart from them “de plano,” and not seeing the way, endeavoured to escape thence (dellì), to tender obedience to your. Supreme Council; on which account they have suffered so much, that unless it were death they could not suffer more, for they were seized and imprisoned in the depths of the Tower, living on bread and water, and then taken out, and kept under custody and penalty of the gibbet in case they departed without having worked out (fn. 9) the money received from said Flemings and English, which is to be worked out in two years and a half. (fn. 10) They, therefore, first of all ask pardon on their bended knees, and then implore the Chiefs, who are always replete with pity and clemency, to commiserate their lamentable circumstances, caused by extreme poverty, and the wish to support their wives and children (of which last they have each four or five), for whom they have sold their freedom, so that they are worse off than men chained to the oar; and well may it be truly said that the monies received by them were accursed and of evil import, as for a mere trifle of support for their families, they have well nigh lost the gracious favour of the Signory, besides all their grievous hardships.
	They therefore petition the State and the Council of Ten to prolong the term assigned in the said proclamation, so that they may be enabled to return to their allegiance, and not lose the Signory's grace, and incur the penalties and censures decreed by the State; offering to die of hunger rather than ever again receive wages or engage themselves, out of Murano, but live under the beneficent shadow of the most Serene Signory, and rather beg their bread thus, than ever go again into foreign parts. And they humbly recommend themselves to the Signory's good grace. (fn. 11)
	[Italian.]