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| June 2. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. |
25. Lorenzo Priuli, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate. |
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The Queen-Mother returned to Court on the 24th of last month, and retired to Chenonceaux on the 26th. They say she had words with his Majesty respecting his treatment of his brother. His Majesty followed her to Chenonceaux, where he stayed five days, and then they all came back to Court on Wednesday last. The King seems to have yielded to his mother's advice. But at this moment news came that Monsieur, accompanied by only five men, had set out for England. He told his Lieutenant-General, the Marquis de Buf (? Bœuf) that he would be back in twelve days. Monsieur informed the Abbé del Bene of this journey, and the Abbé told the King, who subsequently received the news, that contrary winds had compelled his Highness to disembark, and take refuge in Evereux, which is some miles distant from the sea; but if he be not stopped he will cross over on the first fine weather. It is supposed that in despair at his brother's refusal to help him, he has resolved to seek aid and advice from the Queen of England. It is difficult to form a judgment on the matter. Monsieur's resources will not permit him to do much; but at the same time it is certain that the Flemish will support him, and so will the Queen of England,
if she maintains her present policy; and though there be some who my that she is seeking an accord with Spain, all that is merely a feint to increase the jealousy of France; it is well known that she neither can nor will trust the Spaniards. |
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The English Embassy is to be back soon; and the Queen will return the compliment by sending other Ambassadors here, to ratify all that has been agreed on. |
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In Bles (Blois), 2nd June 1581. |
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[Italian; the part in italics deciphered.] |
| June 3. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. |
26. Lorenzo Priuli, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate. |
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During the time the King was at Chenonceaux, the Conte de Vimiosa visited him. The Court still talks of levies in France to assist the Azores, to the reduction of which the Catholic Majesty will direct his fleet. I enclose a report from the King's Historiographer, setting forth the reasons why this crown should support Don Antonio. |
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In Bles (Blois), 3rd June 1581. |
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[Italian.] |
| June 12. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. |
27. Vicenzo Tron, Hieronimo Lippomano, Zuan Francesco Moresini, Matheo Zane, Venetian Ambassadors in Spain, to the Doge and Senate. |
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Troops are being raised, and a fleet prepared for the Azores, to combat some English troops which have been landed on the island; as the place is of great importance. It is a source of much trouble to his Majesty. |
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Madrid, 12th June 1581. |
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[Italian.] |
| June 18. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. |
28. Lorenzo Priuli, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate. |
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The Queen-Mother, on her departure from Blois, learning that Monsieur had not embarked for England, went straight to meet him at Manta (Mantes), a place not very far from here. Monsieur is determined to succour Cambray, and is enraged with the King. |
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The English Embassy is expected back. I hear that they have concluded nothing, because the Queen insists that the King of France shall aid his brother against Spain. She promises agreement on all other points, and the despatch of an Embassy to France. |
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Paris, 18th June 1581 |
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[Italian.] |
| June 25. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. |
29. Lorenzo Priuli, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate. |
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To-morrow part of the English Embassy is expected here in Paris. It will bring the articles of the marriage contract and of the league, signed by the Queen, the league is to be offensive against Spam as well as defensive. Towards this object she promises one
hundred and fifty thousand crowns at once, and two hundred thousand francs a month afterwards. She allows one month in which the articles must be signed here. It is generally supposed nothing will come of this matter. When the Queen heard of the disagreement between Monsieur and the King she is said to have encouraged Monsieur in his opposition. |
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Paris, 25th June 1581. |
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[Italian.] |
