Venice: September 1553 | 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: September 1553', 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/pp404-413 [accessed 25 November 2024].

September 1553



Sept. 2? MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. No date of time or place in MS.	780. Cardinal Pole to Cardinal Cornaro. (fn. 1)
	Is very certain that he will have heartily rejoiced, as they have all reason to do, at the prosperous events in England, by so much the more on account of the extraordinary and miraculous mode in which they have been brought to pass, to the honour of his Divine Majesty, and the benefit of his Church and of England, which for so many years has been in every way so sorely persecuted. Prays God to be enabled to serve Him in this holy cause, in like manner as he has been endowed with the will and readiness to undergo any toil for it; his Holiness and the sacred College having conferred on him the legation to England. Thanks Cardinal Cornaro for his loving offers, of which he will always avail himself with the confidence given him by his many acts of courtesy and affection; and for the present will merely request him, during Pole's absence, to continue to protect Bagnarea, and the monks of Sant' Onofrio, (fn. 2) which favour he granted to Pole on his departure from Rome. It would also be much to Pole's satisfaction that the Cardinal should use his apartments in the palace, and whatever else he possesses, having given this commission to his Abbot of San Saluto, whom he sent lately to Rome, desiring him to mention this to anyone who spoke to him on the subject, including his Holiness if necessary. Has also given the like instructions to Messer Gio. Francesco Stella, whom he is now sending to Rome to remain there as his agent, requesting the Cardinal to protect him likewise.
	[Maguzzano, 2nd September 1553 ?]
	[Italian.]
Sept. 3. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x.	781. Cardinal Pole to the Cardinal of St. George [Geronimo Capodiferro]. (fn. 3)
	Believes the Pope has written to him about the office he is to perform with the most Christian King concerning the matter of England, independently of what the Cardinal will have done spontaneously; but his Holiness having appointed Pole Legate for these affairs, he requests him to do his utmost to obtain the favour and support of his Majesty, knowing how much it will conduce to the return (reduttione) of that realm [to the Roman Catholic religion]. Being convinced of the Cardinal's piety, and also because the business is not yet further advanced, it is unnecessary for him to say more on the subject; about which he is writing a letter to the Cardinal of Lorraine, and sends him a copy of it that he may be acquainted with the whole. Should the Cardinal of St. George write to him he is to address his letters to the care of the Legate at the Emperor's Court.
	From Maguzzano, 3rd September 1553.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 3 ? MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. No date of time or place in MS.	782. Cardinal Pole to Cardinal Farnese.
	Does not remember ever to have spoken to the late Pope Paul of blessed memory about the affairs of England, without hearing from him that it was the wish of his most Christian Majesty to bring that kingdom back to the Catholic religion, and to its obedience to the Holy See; the like being told him frequently by the French ambassador at Rome, notwithstanding the many and great difficulties which opposed the project. It having now pleased God thus miraculously to facilitate this holy work, Pole is very certain that what his most Christian Majesty was inclined to attempt at a most unfavourable moment, will now be moved by him with such ardour as required by his usual piety and observance towards the Apostolic See. Being appointed Legate in England for this purpose, with orders to apply to the Emperor and the King of France, as the circumstances of the case may require, and being on his way, as written by him to the Legate in France, and to the Cardinal of Lorraine; thinks it advisable to pray Cardinal Farnese—either alone or with the two Cardinals aforesaid, as he shall deem most expedient—to advocate this cause with his most Christian Majesty, as Pole is sure he will do, of his usual goodness and piety.
	[From Maguzzano, 3rd September 1553 ?]
	[Italian.]
Sept. 6. Deliberazioni Senato (Secreta), v. lxviii. p. 154, tergo.	783. The Doge and Senate to Giacomo Soranzo, Venetian Ambassador in England.
	By his letters of the 24th July and 8th August, received detailed accounts of the proclamation of the Lady Mary as most Serene Queen of England, and of her arrival in London, together with the rest of the events which had occurred in those parts; and as the office performed by him with the Queen, and her Majesty's reply, were most satisfactory, they desire him again to congratulate her in their name on her accession, adding that good and sincere friendship having always subsisted between the Crown of England and the Signory, and they having such great esteem for her Majesty (by reason of the virtue, prudence, and religion which they know her to possess), equal to what they entertained for some of her ancestors, they were very glad to hear what she said to him about persevering in this friendship, which her Majesty both at present and hereafter will assuredly find reciprocated by the Signory, as will be announced to her more fully by an ambassador for this purpose.
	Is also to present himself to the Lords of the Council, so that being convinced of the Signory's goodwill, they on their parts may also have cause to continue in the same, and protect the Republic's subjects, as they have done hitherto.
	And be it forthwith voted, that at the next sitting of the Senate, an ambassador be elected to the most Serene Queen Mary of England, to reside at her Majesty's Court, and remain in that legation for the period appointed by law, and with such other commission as shall seem fit to this Council; the person thus elected not to refuse under the penalties according to the Act passed by the Senate and the Grand Council.
	To have for his expenses 150 golden ducats per month, of which be he not bound to show any account, such having been the salary received by the other ambassadors lately resident in that kingdom.
	Ayes, 134. Noes, 3. Neutrals, 3.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 7. (fn. 4) MS. St. Mark's Library. Cod. xxiv. Cl. x.	784. Cardinal Pole to Pope Julius III.
	As the bearer of the present letter is to be Messer Gio. Francesco Commendone, to whom Pole has given especial instructions with regard to what he is to relate to the Pope about the affairs of England; he having also been told what occurred to Pole on the subject; and as Commendone is so faithful and prudent, as moreover shown by him in this business, and in order not to detain him longer; Pole thinks he can rely on his statement, without giving any detailed account to the Pope of his own opinion, which in short is, that he thinks it by no means fitting that this point of returning to the union of the Church and obedience to the Apostolic See should be passed over in silence at the first meeting of the English Parliament; nor can the appeal be made, save through the medium of some Papal agent, who, if not in England, should at least find himself in person in the neighbourhood. Should this be in accordance with the opinion and will of his Holiness, Pole requests the Pope to let him know whether he is to proceed towards the Imperial Court, and in the meanwhile he will not move from the environs of the Lake of Garda, but await there the Pope's orders. Should the Pope think fit again to send any one for this purpose to England, Pole would be of opinion that this same Commendone, who has already commenced the negotiation, might prove a very fitting person, referring himself, however, to the very prudent judgment of the Pope, whose most holy feet he kisses with all respect.
	From San Francesco, on the Island of the Lake of Garda, 7th September 1553.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 8. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x.	785. Cardinal Pole to the Master of the Sacred Palace [Girolamo Muzzarelli.]
	Most blessed Father in Christ, most dear as a brother.
	Considering the cause of England the cause of God, as it in truth is, Pole willingly communicates what relates to it, to those who are most zealous for the honour of his Divine Majesty and for the advantage of his Church, and whose sentiments are the least worldly (et manco passioni humane). Believing the Master to be one of this class, he will tell him what follows, not merely for the sake of acquainting him with the present state of affairs, but also to obtain his assistance, most especially knowing how willingly the Pope listens to persons of his sort, and particularly to the Master himself, as Pole has frequently heard from his Holiness's own lips.
	The chief point (capo) in this case of England is the method (modo) to be used for bringing back that kingdom to the obedience of the Apostolic See, and concerning this method, the opinion of those whose aim and desire are concordant, is nevertheless at variance. Pole will first state his own opinion, and then say in what he differs from others. His opinion is this. The power of God having been manifested by his so miraculously giving the kingdom to that person for whose sake the Apostolic See endangered its authority there, and that person evincing such gratitude as is heard, it seems to Pole that the mode of proceeding whereby to obtain the desired end is taught them by the Queen herself. Thus far there is no discrepancy of opinion, but here it commences; as it is seen that at this commencement of her reign her Majesty is unable to do what she wished in this matter, owing to the violent opposition of those who, having derived great profit, which they continue making, from the disobedience to the Apostolic See, cannot for their own interest consent to the proposal of this point, and yet their consent in this case is necessary. It is therefore said, that all address must be used, taking advantage from time, and allowing the matter to be well matured, and not to bring it forward at this commencement.
	In this part Pole differs from others, as whilst admitting that it is necessary to proceed with address, and also to give a little time for maturing the matter, he nevertheless says, that having the Queen's disposition for a good beginning, and as according to custom, immediately after the coronation, a Parliament will be held, in which it is usual to demand the redress of wrongs endured in preceding reigns, he is therefore of opinion that so flagrant an act of injustice and impiety as the disobedience to the Apostolic See, causing such injury and detriment to the entire ecclesiastical body (stato), should by no means be passed over in silence, and that is the time for making the motion.
	Touching the address to be used, Pole says that the Pope having appointed a Legate, if the moment has not yet come for him to go straight to England, yet is the time mature for him to be in the neighbourhood, to enable him to assist the Queen's good intention, as though it might not yet seem opportune to issue the decree for the return of the country to its obedience to the Apostolic See, there would nevertheless be time not to let Parliament adjourn without proposing this matter and negotiating, for if the Queen were inclined to do so, she might send persons to treat with Pole about the means to be devised for setting it forward, so that the measure might not be utterly roprobated (si che egli (sic) non fosse in tutto abhorrito) when the time should come for proposing it.
	This is his opinion about the time and the address to be used at present, and in the meanwhile the Emperor and the King of France might be requested to encourage the Queen as aforesaid.
	Pole being of this mind, and on his way to act accordingly, having commenced his journey towards Flanders, was overtaken by Messer Francesco Commendone, who had been sent express to the Pope by the Cardinal of Imola [Gieronimo Dandino, Bishop of Imola], Legate to the Emperor, with orders to go to Pole and acquaint him with his Right Reverend Lordship's commission relating to the affairs of England. Commendone having delivered the Legate's letter, which expressed very good hopes of the cause, provided they acted with due and necessary caution, (fn. 5) and referred himself to the bearer's statement for further particulars; Pole inquired whether Commendone could tell him what the Legate meant by “due and necessary caution,” (fn. 6) because as he did not explain himself further, Pole was at a loss fully to comprehend his opinion.
	Commendone replied by narrating in the first place all that he had negotiated in England, having been sent thither by the Cardinal of Imola to see and learn the state of the kingdom at this commencement, so as subsequently to dispose and negotiate the business better, and hear what hope there was for it. The substance of his report purported that after speaking with several intelligent persons, and having at length obtained admittance to the Queen, he found her no less well disposed than had been hoped; but that in this affair of obedience to the Pope (dell' obedientia del Papa), she nevertheless proceeded with great reserve (rispetto); and although she did not allow anything whatever to escape her about realizing her good will, (fn. 7) yet from what Commendone could see and learn concerning her Majesty and the kingdom, he inferred that there was need of great prudence and reserve. (fn. 8)
	In conclusion, replying to Pole's inquiry about the interpretation of the Legate's words, Commendone said that the caution (temperamento) to be used in this business, related partly to the commission, given him with great secrecy, to ask as an act of grace from his Holiness, that as the Queen was so well inclined to bring back the realm to its obedience when the moment shall be opportune, he be pleased to exempt England from every interdict and censure, so that the Sacraments of the Church may be celebrated and used without any scruple of conscience, although in public they [the Catholics], like the others, consent to the schism. (fn. 9)
	Pole is of opinion that before making this concession, the point should be well pondered, and prays the Master freely to say what his conscience dictates in this case, he being apprehensive lest under this demand, so very pious and religious apparently, something of ill savour be concealed. (fn. 10) Pole also said this to Commendone, who asked him his opinion; and he told him besides that, were not he himself Legate, he should say that the most fitting reply would be to refer all that (tutto ciò) to the Legate, giving him the faculty, should this demand relate to the scruple of conscience, to absolve the internal scruples after some external demonstration of renouncing the schism, and not previously, as whatever the schismatics do, they do it publicly. (fn. 11) Pole does really not know whether he said so much to Commendone, but will assuredly say it to the Master, praying him, for his love of God, his Church, and the Apostolic See, immediately on receiving this letter, to obtain audience of the Pope about this matter, which is of great importance, and to inform his Holiness, in Pole's name, that on the one hand he has complied with the Legate's wish, by halting on his journey until he knows the Pope's will, but that to this other demand his conscience forbids him to consent.
	Will await the commands of his Holiness.
	From San Francesco, on the island of Garda, 8th September 1553.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 9. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x.	786. Cardinal Pole to the Cardinal of Imola, Legate [in Germany, Geronimo Dandino].
	By the Legate's order, Commendone has been with Pole, and delivered the Legate's letter, giving him detailed account of all he saw, heard, and negotiated in England. Pole told him what he thought on the subject, and when writing to the Pope, referred himself to Commendone's relation (relatione), merely stating his opinion, that at this commencement to pass over in silence this point of the union (unione) of the Church, could not but be very injurious to the cause, for the same reasons as those which the Legate will have heard from Pole's secretary, Fiordibello. Although it might seem imprudent (immaturo) for a Papal Legate or Nuncio to go to England at present, yet does it not seem to him by any means imprudent (in-maturo) to approach that neighbourhood, and commence treating the matter. Pole will await such orders as the Pope may be pleased to give him after hearing Commendone. With regard to the fitting and necessary caution (seperamento—sic—temperamento ?) to be taken in this matter, (fn. 10) Pole will agree with the Legate, provided it do not exclude the commencement of negotiation, and the subsequent discussion in the first Parliament of this point, on which he is perfectly convinced there depends not only the advantage (beneficio) of the Apostolic See, but the salvation (salute) of that entire kingdom. From Pole's past experience in similar causes (cause) he fears greatly that the proceeding with too many worldly considerations (humani rispetti) in a cause in which, as the Cardinal of Imola writes, God has so miraculously shown his power and goodness, may rather prove very injurious, irritating his Divine Majesty by the encouragements given to the wicked, whereas by proceeding throughout according to the other extreme (che quando se procedesse in tutto per l'altro estremo) . . . . . . .‡
	May the Almighty vouchsafe to inspire his Holiness, the Emperor, and the Queen with what is most for His honour, and for the benefit of the Church, and of England. Pole has not received the letter which the Legate says he sent him by the ordinary Roman post.
	In the monastery of San Francesco, on the island of Garda, 9th September 1553.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 9 ? MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. No date of time or place in MS.	787. Cardinal Pole to Pope Julius III.
	The Archpresbytership of Lonato, in the diocese of Verona, near the monastery where Pole now finds himself, having been conferred by the Bishop on Pole's chaplain, a Veronese, a very learned and worthy person, for no other reason than to provide for the care of souls in that place, which is of great importance, Pole requests the Pope to favour this election, and to hear from the bearer of the present letter the Bishop's rights to this nomination, he being a prelate entitled to all support, both ordinary and extraordinary, as this and all his other acts are directed to the honour of God, and the advantage of this diocese.
	[Monastery of San Francesco, on the island of Garda, 9th September 1553?]
	[Italian.]
Sept. 9. Deliberazioni Senato (Secreta), v. lxviii. p. 157, tergo.	788. The Doge and Senate to the Venetian Bailo at Constantinople.
	The Duke of Northumberland and two other gentlemen [Sir John Gates and Sir Thomas Palmer], who opposed the Queen, were beheaded by her Majesty's order. To communicate this to the Porte as usual.
	Ayes, 198. Noes, 2. Neutrals, 3.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 11. Miscellaneous Correspondence, Venetian Archives.	789. Giacomo Soranzo, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Chiefs of the Ten.
	After acquainting me with the reply to be made to Cardinal Dandino, the Queen subsequently had a very earnest request made to me, to let him know that for the benefit of the incipient negotiation and for the quiet of England, Cardinal Pole should by no means come hither either as Legate or as a private individual, but that he should delay his coming until a more fitting time; and her Majesty also wished his Holiness to be very certain that this is not because she has changed her mind from what she said to Commendone , or that she should not be glad to see Cardinal Pole, as she bore the same good-will as ever towards both one and the other, but that the nature of the times required this.
	Has written the whole to the [Venetian] Ambassador, Da Mulla [at Brussels ?], that he may communicate it to Cardinal Dandino. The person sent by the Queen to Brussels, to bring to England the person who said he had letters for her Majesty from Cardinal Pole, did not return until today. From what Soranzo hears he came alone, but as yet he has been unable to learn any further particulars.
	London, 11th September 1553.
	(Signed:) Giacomo Soranzo, Kav^r, Ambasciatore.
	In cipher, with contemporary decipher.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 19. Miscellaneous Correspondence, Venetian Archives.	790. The Same to the Same.
	Wrote to them on the 12th (fn. 12) what Cardinal Dandino's secretary, Francesco Commendone, negotiated with the Queen about re-uniting England to the Roman Church. Received letters subsequently from Commendone, at Brussels, informing him that as soon as he had acquainted Dandino with his negotiations, he was despatched immediately to stop, wherever he should be found, a Bishop, (fn. 13) whom Cardinal Pole was sending to England, and also to prevent Pole from proceeding farther; Commendone being ordered then to go to Rome to execute the commission received from her Majesty; and he urged him (Soranzo) to acquaint the Queen with this, assuring her that nothing would be done which could cause her trouble or displeasure. In consequence of this, understanding it to be generally divulged throughout England, that the Pope had determined to send Cardinal Pole thither as Legate, thought it fit that the Queen should know what Commendone wished, and by the same means as those employed for Commendone's introduction, (fn. 14) he acquainted her with what is aforesaid. The Queen gave no other answer, save that she greatly thanked Cardinal Dandino for the good-will demonstrated by him. But subsequently, from another quarter, heard that at Brussels there is another person [Henry Penning], who is bringing her letters from Cardinal Pole, but not choosing to cross the Channel without the Queen's permission, her Majesty sent him word to come, so he is expected from, day to day.
	London, 19th September 1553.
	(Signed:) Giacomo Soranzo, Kav^r, Ambasciatore.
	In cipher, with contemporary decipher.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 26. Parti Comuni Consiglio X., v. xxi. p. 50.	791. Motion made in the Council of Ten.
	That ten ducats be given to Alvise Agostini, late Secretary resident in England, and the like sum to Hieronimo Zuccato, who previously held the same office there.
	Ayes, 16. No, 1. Neutrals, 0.
	[Latin.]
Sept. 28. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x.	792. Cardinal Pole to Pope Julius III.
	Congratulates himself on the course pursued by his Holiness and the Queen with regard to the affair of England. Hopes the Pope's conjectures about the negotiations for peace between the Emperor and France may not be verified, as Pole fears, but his Holiness has at least acted in accordance with his station and piety. Suggests that a jubilee be proclaimed to invite all Christendom to pray for the restoration of England to the Church of Rome, and for the peace, and that the wrath of God may be averted. Thanks the Pope for his gracious opinion of him, which binds him the more to serve faithfully in this holy undertaking, and to proceed if necessary at the risk of his life, without any regard for his own interests or those of any of his kinsfolk (ò de alcuno de' mei), using all possible caution so that all his actions may prove to the comfort and honour of his Holiness, whom he refers for further particulars to the bearer of the present letter. Did not receive the Pope's letters and brief until last evening, and tomorrow morning will set out on his journey (mi metterò in viaggio) with all diligence.
	From the Island of the Lake of Garda, 28th September 1553.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 28 ? MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. Misdated in MS. 20 November.	793. Cardinal Pole to his Secretary Fiordibello [at Brussels].
	Since Fiordibello's arrival at the Court, has received letters from him dated 1st, 2nd, 8th, 12th, 16th, and 18th instant, giving full account of all that he has negotiated with the Legate [Cardinal Dandino] and the Bishop of Arras, and is much satisfied with his diligence. After the arrival of Commendone, whilst awaiting the Pope's decision about his own journey, Pole received on the sudden last evening a despatch assigning him a fresh legation, so he purposes continuing his journey tomorrow morning with speed. Is writing to Cardinal Dandino, requesting him, should he not have any other order from his Holiness about announcing this new legation to the Emperor, to perform the office with his Majesty in such form as he shall deem expedient. Has also requested Cardinal Dandino, should his departure take place before Pole's arrival at the Imperial Court, to let him know what road he takes, that Pole may meet him, which he is very anxious to do, that he may obtain from him such information and warnings as may be expected from his prudence and affection; and in that case, Fiordibello may be the person to bring Pole the news, but he is to regulate himself throughout according to Dandino's opinion. Refers himself for the rest to [the letter of] Monsignor Priuli.
	[From the Island of the Lake of Garda, 28th September (?) (fn. 15) 1553.]
	[Italian.]
Sept. 29. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta), File no. 19.	794. The Doge and College to the Venetian Ambassador in England.
	Enclose summary of advices for communication as usual.
	Vigore partis die sup^to.
	[Italians.]
Sept. 29. Senato Terra, v. xxxix. p. 51, tergo.	795. Embassy to England.
	Motion made in the Senate.
	It being fitting for their beloved nobleman Ser Zuan Michiel, Ambassador-elect to England, to be instructed about current affairs, having shortly to go on his legation—
	Put to the ballot, that said Ser Zuan Michiel, Ambassador-elect to England, may come into this Council, but without the right to ballot, as done by all other Ambassadors-elect.
	Ayes, 205. Noes, 2. Neutrals, 0.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 29. Senato Mar, v. xxxii. p. 104, tergo.	796. Embassy to England.
	Confirmation of the motion made on the 2nd September authorizing Ser Zuan Michiel to sit in the Senate.
	Ayes, 205. Noes, 2. Neutrals, 0.
	[Italian.]