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| March 10. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. |
751. Hieronimo Lippomano, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory. |
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Mons. de La Chapelle, who was sent by the King to Monsieur to Alençon, has returned, and everybody is awaiting his report, in order to judge with certainty the secret designs of his Highness, who was, on the other hand, so thoroughly advised of all affairs and deliberations here, that before La Chapelle had stated the purport of his mission, he was fully aware of it, and his answer, although apparently improvised, was nevertheless maturely considered before it was given. In the first place, he replied that, knowing himself to be a man, and a son of so great a King, he desired, so far as he could, to follow the footsteps of his ancestors, and hence when an occasion arose which might lead to glory and reputation he would never fail to embrace it. In the second place, he said that as he had promised in the past, so he would assure his Majesty in the future, that he would never take action against him, but he was thoroughly resolved not to live at ease. In the third place, he said that he desired to avail himself of every means, and especially by this marriage with England, to augment not only the reputation of his own individual person, but the consolidation and greatness of the Crown of France, but he promised nevertheless not to cross the sea until every stipulation had been made; and he concluded his answer with favourable words and signs of great love for the common advantage and grandeur not only of this kingdom but also of his Majesty in particular. |
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Concerning the negotiation with England, there is no one who will venture to speak with certainty about it. Mons. de Mauvissière, the brother of the French Ambassador resident at that Court, has arrived from thence, and since Cavaliere Bertone, sent by the other Ambassador, De Simier, has also come. These gentlemen report that the preparations which are being made in England for the arrival of his Highness are very great, and that besides the passports which have been sent and the promises of hostages, it would seem that the Queen at first would offer to Monsieur as a gift the Duchy of Lancaster, which is worth 40,000 crowns a year. It is believed that Monsieur, before he sets out on his journey, desires to see the absolute conclusion and result of the negotiation, not only on the part of the Queen, but also of the principal lords, and of the Parliament which has been held in that kingdom during the last month, and which, if it does not impede, may protract this affair for some time. |
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Paris, 10th March 1579. |
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[Italian.] |
| March 20. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. |
752. Hieronimo Lippomano, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory. |
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When Bellievre visited Monsieur, he made such representations that his Highness resolved to declare to the world that he had never been evilly disposed towards his brother. On Saturday last Monsieur took post without anyone knowing, and having taken with him two gentlemen only, namely, La Fin and chavalon (sic), and one servant, he arrived yesterday at the second hour of the night (8.30 p.m.). He proceeded immediately to his Majesty, and they slept in the same bed. In the morning they appeared in public together, to the greater delight of everybody, because the arrival of his Highness was unexpected. |
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Paris, 20th March 1579. |
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[Italian.] |
| March 28. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. |
753. Hieronimo Lippomano, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory. |
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Monsieur has returned to Alençon, and immediately upon his arrival sent Mons. de La Fin hither, who, as the original author and in a great measure the cause of the interviews and reconciliation between the brothers, has obtained the government of Turenne and 6,000 francs annual pension. He gave an account to his Majesty of the good health in which he left his Highness, who has solicited the exaction of 100,000 francs in addition to the money which was brought to him by Bellievre for his needs, and this sum he seeks to obtain under the pretext of preparing for his voyage to England, which, however, so far as can be understood from a long conversation between the Ambassador from England with the other Ambassadors yesterday, when we were all at an audience, would become more difficult every day from the impediments which were being raised on the side of the Queen; she contenting herself rather with the rumour and semblance than with the conclusion of the marriage; nevertheless Monsieur, although as I believe, more from ostentation than from any certain hope of that it will come to pass, speaks much on the subject. His own adherents on the days when he was here went about saying that as they could perceive no other marriage more suitable to his grandeur as heir and only brother to the King, and they hoped it would come to pass, since by that means he would be able to carry into effect his most lofty designs. |
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The English Ambassador has told me that he has perceived the best possible disposition on the part of Monsieur towards his Queen, but that he does not think that Monsieur will make up his mind to cross the sea until he has spoken with the Queen his mother, who does not seem likely to return hither for two or three months, and the Ambassador added that during this space of time many new things may happen. |
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The coffin of Don John of Austria of blessed memory has arrived here on its way to Spain. |
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Paris, 28th March 1579. |
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[Italian.] |
