Venice: May 1555, 26-31 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 6, 1555-1558. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1877.

Citation:

'Venice: May 1555, 26-31', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 6, 1555-1558, ed. Rawdon Brown( London, 1877), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol6/pp82-93 [accessed 25 November 2024].

May 1555, 26–31



May 26. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	95. Giacomo Soranzo, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	The conference commenced on the 23d, and so far as he has been able to understand, the commissioners on both sides saw each other, but merely exchanged general compliments. The English lords offered themselves to the Cardinal of Lorraine and the Constable as mediators for the negotiations, to which the French commissioners did not consent, perhaps because they do not trust in such negotiating; and they chose the Bishops of Vannes (fn. 1) and Orleans, they also being his most Christian Majesty's commissioners, to negotiate with the Imperialists, and were to meet yesterday, the 25th. For the present they will not negotiate peace, hat a truce, or suspension of hostilities, and the most Christian King seems unwilling to stipulate in Piedmont, unless some other agreement be included in the said suspension, as the Marshal de Brissac has informed his Majesty it would be for the benefit of his Majesty's interests to carry on the war in Piedmont, as he has matters on hand which might prove very profitable to his most Christian Majesty.
	Melun, 26th May 1555.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portion in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
May 26. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	96. Federico Badoer, Venetian Ambassador with the Emperor, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Bishop of Arras writes that the French commissioners, having heard that he and the other Imperialists had been joined by a few horsemen, so that the number of 100 was exceeded, sent word to the English, that they (the French) also, would send for other troops, and march 10,000 infantry to Ardres. On that same day, Cardinal Pole, having with all the commissioners entered the common hall, made a long speech, saying that they were called to this negotiation for peace by the divine will, and owing to the extreme desire and need of Christendom, exhorting them to keep their minds well disposed, in order to obtain this result; and then, turning to the English, he praised them extremely for the pains they had taken for so divine a work, praying them also to persevere in keeping both sides to their duty (in contener in officio l'una et l'altra parte). The Imperialists said that what the Legate had uttered was all just and fair, and to be desired by everybody, and that although the Emperor had received many injuries from the King of France, he was nevertheless willing to suppress his anger, and that he always was and still is inclined to peace. The French also commended the intention and persuasion of the Legate, and although they would not admit that their King had committed any error, they showed that he was not less well inclined towards the peace than the Emperor. The English promised that in like manner as they had laboured by word of mouth, so would they do by deeds, and, taking the Imperialists by the hand, they made them embrace each other, loving and complimentary words being exchanged, and yesterday they were to confer together.
	I send a plan (received from the English ambassador) of the lodgings erected in the country.
	A great personage has assured me that letters arrived from England to-day, and that he heard in secret, for certain, that the Queen has given manifest signs of not being pregnant.
	Lord Courtenay has been sounded (è stato tentato) whether he would marry the Duchess of Lorraine, as from what was said by the Signor Gio. Battista Gastaldo, the Duke of Savoy will not have her.
	Brussels, 26th May 1555.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portions in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
May 27. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	97. Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate.
	By the enclosed “advice” will be seen what has taken place across the Channel, down to the 23rd instant, at the site of the conference. Besides this “advice,” his secretary has seen a letter of the same date from the secretary Aubespine (who attends the conference in the name of his King), containing a paragraph word for word as follows:—“We are informed that these Imperialists will come very coldly and slowly to this negotiation, expecting us to offer them something, which is contrary to our instructions, whereby we are ordered to demand many things from them.” At the first meeting, when they discussed the mode of negotiating, it was determined that from that day forth neither the Imperial nor the French commissioners were to stir, for the purpose of being together, but that all business was to be treated through the English commissioners and the Legate Cardinal Pole, one or more of the English being sent to and fro for that purpose, with the proposals and replies, according to circumstances; and with the consent of the others Lord Paget proposed a suspension of hostilities on the frontiers there (a quei confini), at least during the conference, lest some fresh accident impede the negotiation; which suspension, although not then conceded, would, it was said, be agreed to. Even persons on the spot are unable at this commencement to form any opinion about the result, but if it corresponds with the demonstrations which are made by all the commissioners, and which they continue to make, it cannot at any rate be otherwise than good.
	The most Serene Queen continues well as usual, nor hitherto has she felt any movement indicating parturition.
	The secretary Mardones, heretofore in the service of Don Pedro de Toledo, came hither lately from Florence, having been first at Brussels with the Emperor and the Duke of Alva. He has been every day lately on very secret business with King Philip and Ruy Gomez, and it can only be inferred that, having given minute information concerning the affairs of that kingdom [of Naples], about which he is thoroughly informed, by reason of the office he held, and owing to his long residence there, they are intent on his recall, for the purpose, it is said, of sending him back to reside at Naples and re-occupy his former post.
	The secretary of Cardinal Pacheco also arrived to-day from Naples. He informed the King that by industry and diligence during his government of that kingdom (fn. 2) he collected and saved 180,000 ducats, of which his Majesty can now dispose at his pleasure, nor at this moment could he have brought any better news.
	To-day one of the chamberlains of the King, Don Diego de Azevedo, the same who was to have accompanied the Duchess of Alva to Italy, remaining as the Duke's lieutenant at Milan, but was not allowed to depart, the King choosing him to stay here, has left for the Imperial court, to make what the Spaniards call “a compliment of condolence” (un complimento di condolentia) with the Emperor and the Queens, (fn. 3) and with the Duchess of Lorraine, on the death of Queen Joanna. Don Diego will endeavour to obtain from the Emperor the post of Treasurer of Aragon, which is now vacant, and which is canvassed very earnestly by him and many others, owing to its emoluments, their Majesties here (queste Maestà) recommending him warmly.
	Last week a serious affray (una grossa custione) took place in the neighbourhood of the court between the English and the Spaniards, and the English multiplied instantaneously to the amount of 500 armed men, of whom, however, before they were parted four or five were killed, and upwards of 25 wounded, and of the Spaniards only live or six were wounded, and one man killed. The affair, although by order of their Majesties concealed, can nevertheless not be kept secret. In that same week a young knave, 18 years old, either from whim and folly, or rather villany, at the instigation of others, proclaimed himself, wherever he went, to be King Edward, and by this feint (et con questo colore) being believed to be such, both in the country and here, and many persons pretending to credit him, he raised a tumult amongst the populace. The young rogue, being obstinate and not choosing to retract, was whipped through the city and had his ears cropped. (fn. 4) It is said that another individual of the same humour has been discovered and imprisoned; nor is this a novelty in England, as of yore there was a similar impostor, who represented himself as one of the sons of Edward the 4th, they having been murdered in the Tower, and through the followers whom he induced to support him, King Henry VII. was compelled to raise an army and give him battle; which I mention that your Serenity may comprehend what strange fancies prevail amongst these people, and how much their ideas differ from those of other nations.
	London, 27th May 1555.
	[Italian.]
May 27. Senato Mar, vol. xxxiii. p. 17.	98. Motion made in the Senate.
	By letters from Zuan Michiel, ambassador in England, the Senate has heard the great expense he is compelled to incur in that legation, both on account of the great scarcity now prevalent in that kingdom, as also by reason of a variety of occurrences there, since the arrival of the Prince of Spain, compelling the said ambassador from necessity to incur much extraordinary expenditure for the honour and dignity of the post he fills, to the serious cost and detriment of his entire family; for which it being fitting to provide, as before the said nobleman's departure from Venice, the Senate did justly provide for all the other ambassadors—
	Put to the ballot, that notwithstanding the restrictive laws with regard to this matter, the Signory's College may present its opinion to the Senate about the provision to be made for what is aforesaid, as has been done heretofore in similar cases.
	Ayes, 104; Noes, 47; Neutrals, 4.
	Die 27 Maij 1555, lecta Collegio.
	[Italian.]
May 28. Original Despatch. Venetian Archives.	99. News-letters enclosed in the Despatch of Giovanni Michiel to the Doge and Senate, dated 6th June.
	Since Ascension day the negotiations for the peace have been incessant, nor until now has it been possible to do anything but listen to the demands and pretensions of one side and the other; and whereas it was supposed the French would come determined to restore many things claimed by the Emperor, and of which they have deprived the Empire and other Princes, they now find that the said French have come chiefly to demand the duchy of Milan, urging many rights whereby to prove their title and claims much more clearly than they ever did, and they say that the cessions and agreements (chè le cessioni et capitulationi) made by King Francis could not prejudice his son King Henry; whilst on the other hand the Imperialists demand the duchy of Burgundy; so that their disputes seem more on foot than ever, and it will be more difficult to reconcile them than was expected, though we think, nevertheless, that so many personages of importance would not have come hither to increase the disputes instead of adjusting the peace. Although they are somewhat haughty in their demands at the commencement, they will at length come to some fair adjustment, as it would be too great a shame were they to separate in discord; so will wait to see the result and in four or six days they will be better able to form an opinion, and the writer thinks that in a fortnight at the utmost this conference will be ended.
	Calais, 28th May 1555.
	[Italian.]
May 29. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	100. Giacomo Soranzo, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	Gives what news he can, though everything is conducted with such extreme caution that they did not even admit the secretaries of the sovereigns themselves. To keep matters more secret the most Christian King has retired with a very small retinue to a little village called Issy, although on pretence of hunting and of giving an opportunity for cleansing the palace of Fontainebleau, which from the long residence there of the Court had commenced emitting a stench (che essendo la Corte lì già molto tempo, cominciava a render mal' odore).
	The Cardinal Legate Pole arrived at Calais on the 15th with the English Lords, namely the Bishop of Winchester, the Earl of Arundel, and Lord Paget, and the Imperial Lords arrived on the 18th; the Legate was much pleased at their arriving before the French Lords, who did not come until the 20th. The Imperial Commissioners are the Duke of Medina Celi, the Bishop of Arras, Monsr. de Benincourt, (fn. 5) the President Viglius (Veglio), (fn. 6) and the Secretary Bava (sic), (fn. 7) and for the French side the Cardinal of Lorraine, the Constable, the Bishops of Vannes and Orleans, and the Secretary Aubespine. On the 23rd they conferred together in the apartments (stantie) built by the English Lords, and it was agreed that each of the parties for either side was to bring 100 horse and no more. The Imperialists made their appearance clad in mourning for the death of the Emperor's mother, and the French were very pompously attired, and through the mediation of the Legate, both sides having embraced each other very courteously (con dimostrationi molto officiose), all persons save the above-mentioned Lords elected and appointed were desired to withdraw; whereupon Cardinal Pole having placed himself at the head of a table between the English Lords, the Imperialists being on the right and the French on the left, his right reverend Lordship, speaking in Italian, urged them to make the peace so desired by all Christendom, reminding them that as their Princes (sui principi) had elected him with the best intention, so also ought they to reciprocate by facts; and then the Bishop of Winchester showed how much his Queen had toiled in this matter with no other object than the common weal, and devoid of any personal interest. The Duke of Medina Celi next said a few words in Spanish about the good will of the Emperor, and was followed by the Bishop of Arras, showing how much the Emperor wished for peace, and moreover that it should be lasting and sincere; to which the Cardinal of Lorraine replied that the most Christian King was of the same mind, giving assurance that the King would prefer the common weal to his own personal advantage, provided the mode of making the peace was sincere; and the Constable added a few words of like import. These speeches being ended the secretaries read the commissions of the sovereigns, after which a very handsome collation was brought by English gentlemen, both parties drinking together amicably, and it was arranged for Cardinal Pole and the English Lords to be mediators for the future, so as to facilitate some decision.
	Melun, 29th May 1555.
	[Italian.]
May 29. Filza No. 134. Miscellanea di Atti diversi Manoscritti, Venetian Archives.	101. Edward Courtenay, Earl of Devonshire, to Sir Robert Rochester, Comptroller.
	General thanks for many services. Begs him to give credence to bearer.
	The 19th instant “the Duke of Alva brought me to the Emperor's presence, whose Highness used me very honourably, and as me seems his Majesty, God be thanked, is of indifferent good health, which I assure was unto me a great comfort to behold,” &c. &c.
	Your assured friend, (Signed) E. D.
	Brussels, 29th May 1555.
	[Original draft]
May 29. Filza No. 134. Miscellanea di Atti diversi Manoscritti, Venetian Archives.	102. The Same to Mr. Walgrave [Sir Edward Waldegrave?]
	Thanks him for service. Asks him to give bearer credence, Tells him that on Sunday the 19th instant the Duke of Alva brought him to the Emperor. To the same effect as above.
	Your loving friend.
	In a P.S. sends “my most hearty commendations to my lady your wife, and to Mrs. Pate, her sister; Mr. Gentleman Usher.”
	Brussels, 29th May 1555.
	[Original draft.]
May 29. Filza No. 134. Miscellanea di Atti diversi Manoscritti, Venetian Archives.	103. The Same to Mr. Englefeld.
	Sends the bearer his servant partly to declare his “full mind,” recommending himself.
	“News we have none here, but that according to the old proverb, that great princes make peace with sword in hand. Even so, for all the meeting of these great personages for the conclusion of the peace, yet is there on either side for the wars great preparation.
	“The 19th of this month I spake with the Emperor's Majesty, whose Highness, thanks to Almighty God, sat up in his chair, and had, as it appeared, his health very well. I was brought to his Majesty by the Duke of Alva, who departed the next morning very early.”
	Your loving friend, &c.
	Brussels, 29th May 1555.
	[Original draft.]
May 29. Filza No. 134. Miscellanea di Atti diversi Manoscritti, Venetian Archives.	104. The Same to Mr. Leghe (Sir John Leigh). (fn. 8)
	Thanks for his friendship; asks him to give credence to the bearer his servant.
	Brussels, 29th May 1555.
	Your loving friend, &c.
	[Original draft.]
May 29. Filza No. 134. Miscellanea di Atti diversi Manoscritti, Venetian Archives.	105. The Same to The Lord Treasure [John Paulet, Marquis of Winchester].
	“I have spoken at Antwerp with Mr. Gresham, touching the 1,000 marks, the which I should receive from him by the credit my Lord Chancellor's letter, and yours, who hath promised to furnish me accordingly to the tenure of your letters; albeit, it seemeth by him money here is hard to come by.” Thinks it right to thank the Lord Treasurer for this credit for 1,000 marks, which “is a singular commodity and benefit unto me.”
	(Signed) Your good Lordship's assuredly, E. D.
	Brussels, 29th May 1555.
	[Original draft.]
May 29. Filza No. 134. Miscellanea di Atti diversi Manoscritti, Venetian Archives.	106. Edward Courtenay, Earl of Devonshire, to Mr. Basset.
	Desires him to give credence to the bearer. Has no news to send, except that, notwithstanding the meeting of these great personages for peace, “yet there is on both sides great preparations for the wars, as I doubt not but you do right well know.” Desires in general terms to be remembered to all his friends.
	Brussels, 29th May 1555.
	[Original draft.]
May 29. Filza No. 134. Miscellanea di Atti diversi Manoscritti, Venetian Archives.	107. The Same to “My Lady Mother” [Gertrude Blount, widow of Henry Courtenay, eleventh Earl of Devonshire, and first Marquis of Exeter].
	Good Madam, according to your commandment I am bold to trouble you with these my letters, ascertaining you that at the making hereof, God be thanked, I was in health, trusting you are the same. On Sunday last I was brought by the Duke of Alva unto the Emperor's Majesty, whose Highness used me very honourably. His Majesty, thanks be unto God, hath his health indifferently well. And thus desiring your continual blessing, I commit you to allmighty God.
	From Brussels, 29th day of May 1555.
	Your Ladyship's son at commandment, (Signed) E. Devon.
	[Original draft.]
May 29. Filza No. 134. Miscellanea di Atti diversi Manoscritti, Venetian Archives.	108. The Same to Lord Wentworth, Deputy of Calais.
	Thanks for the kindness he had shown him. Asks his help and furtherance for bearer his servant, whom he is sending on business to England.
	(Signed) Your loving friend.
	Brussels, 29th May 1555.
	[Original draft.]
May 29. Filza No. 134. Miscellanea di Atti diversi Manoscritti, Venetian Archives.	109. The Same to Mr. Story [Dr. John Storye].
	Sends the bearer his servant to England, so “I thought it expedient, among others my very friends, to salute you with these my letters, not allonely for sending my hearty thanks unto you, but for that occasion you to write again unto me, which shall be unto me no little pleasure. And thus, fare you heartily well”.
	(Signed) Your loving friend.
	Brussels, 29th May 1555.
	[Original draft.]
May 29. Filza No. 134. Miscellanea di Atti diversi Manoscritti, Venetian Archives.	110. Edward Courtenay, Earl of Devonshire, to Mr. [Dr. Thomas?] Marten.
	I commend me heartily unto you. As I have been always much beholden unto you, so have I now thought it very expedient, among other my very friends, to visit you with these my letters, rendering you thanks for your friendliness towards me; having hope of such like continuance of the same, as you shall in like manner, by God's grace, receive at my hands if opportunity may serve me. I have delivered your letters unto Alderseys, who hath, together with Mr. Marshe and Mr. Whight, made their gentill offer unto me, according to the content of your letter written in that behalf; unto whom I pray you therefore render your thanks. And thus I bid you most heartily to fare well.
	(Signed) Your loving friend.
	Brussels, 29th May 1555.
	[Original draft.]
May 29. Filza No. 134. Miscellanea di Atti diversi Manoscritti, Venetian Archives.	111. The Same to Mr. Smith.
	Thinks it requisite, as he is sending his servant the bearer on business to England, to give you thanks for your friendship always borne towards me, and with these my letters to visit you, as one whom I would be very glad to hear as well, of as of any friend I have, and I bid you most heartily to fare well.
	(Signed) “Your loving friend.”
	Brussels, 29th May 1555.
	[Original draft.] (fn. 9)
May 30. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	112. Federico Badoer, Venetian Ambassador with the Emperor, to the Doge and Senate.
	On the 25th all the commissioners went, for the third time, to the house of the Cardinal Legate. The French were the first, and represented their claims, which were on the Milanese, and on the kingdoms of Naples and Navarre, demanding the restitution of the former, and that the disputes (le cause) about the latter be referred to arbitrators, requiring also the restitution of Hesdin and Terouenne. On their departure the Imperialists went to Cardinal Pole, and having heard from him and the English the French demands, they expatiated at great length, to demonstrate their injustice; claiming, on the other hand, the duchy of Burgundy and Metz, Toul (Dũ), and Verdun, which three places belong to the empire, as also the places appertaining to his Imperial Majesty's kinsfolk, confederates, and dependents, namely, the Dukes of Savoy, Lorraine, Mantua, and Genoa, and finishing with the places lost in Flanders during the present war there. The English having acquainted the French with this reply, and the demands of the Imperialists, they requested permission to make the rejoinder in person, without the Legate, in the centre building (nella casa di mezzo), saying that it was well to treat those matters face to face and openly.
	The English, however, seeing that the Imperialists did not approve of this, and, moreover, as it did not seem fit to them, said that this mode of proceeding would cause irritation instead of encouraging good will; and as the hour for returning to their quarters was approaching, they arranged to meet on the morrow.
	Those who write thence agree in saying that all have a great wish to make peace, or adjust matters by a valid truce, and the Regent of Sicily has shown a letter from the Bishop of Arras, in which he says that should the words uttered to him by the French correspond with their deeds, he has great hope that the business will terminate well.
	News has been received to-day that the Duke of Brunswick, who visited your Serenity, has sent some captains to the frontiers of Friesland to raise troops, and that the Saxon cavalry recruited in his name are for the most Christian King; so the Emperor caused numerous letters to be written immediately to a variety of places which might have aided these levies, announcing the falsity of the report circulated by the Duke that he purposed serving the King of England.
	Brussels, 30th May 1555.
	[Italian.]
May 31. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	113. Federico Badoer, Venetian Ambassador with the Emperor, to the Doge and Senate.
	All the commissioners returned to the lodgings destined them on the 26th, 27th, and 28th, and had long debate. The Imperialists said that the French, not choosing to reply positively about restoring the places held by them, they (the Imperialists) were not commissioned to say anything further, but would hear what else the French chose to allege and report it to the Emperor, who had been injured by the King in several ways, as he it was who broke the peace made with King Francis. These things being related by the English to the French, they replied that they also had nothing more in their commission than to state the demands already made by them, and to acquaint his most Christian Majesty with whatever else the Imperialists chose; adding that they had not said what was just when they accused the King of having excited the war, as the Imperial ambassador at his court had been the cause of it, and that, even if attributable to his most Christian Majesty, the blame rested with the Emperor, who so maltreated and abused the French ambassador resident with him (he being one of the commissioners, by name Mons. de Marillac), that the King was obliged to resent it, as it reflected dishonour on him, and not on the ambassador.
	The English, on hearing this exasperating language, having been several times to one side and the other, induced the French to come to some detail, so they said finally that everything would be adjusted by the Emperor's giving the King the Milanese, which alone had been the cause of war, by reason of the King's just claims to it, on all of which they expatiated, adding that at the last peace made at Crespi [on the 17th September 1544] the Emperor consented to its being given to the Duke of Orleans and although ho died, there was another alive, to whom the fruit might devolve (se ne ritrova in esser un' altro, net quale si potria essecguir il frutto), and that as the Imperialists might reply that the Emperor had no daughter of an age to be married to the Duke, he might give him a daughter of the King of the Romans.
	The English communicated these things to the Imperialists, who replied that would the fruit could have been realised (che haveriano desiderato che si havesse potuto poner ad effetto il frutto), as the deceased Duke of Orleans was no less an Imperialist than a Frenchman, but that they thought, should the Emperor consent to the marriage of Don Carlos, son of the King of England, to a daughter of the most Christian King, giving him the Milanese, without requiring dower, instead of giving it in dower, as demanded by them, the King of France would have cause to be satisfied, to which bargain no sign of consent was made by the French, who also said that to give the Emperor satisfaction about Lorraine, the King would not take the Duke for his son-in-law, but that he should marry one of the Emperor's subjects in Flanders, to be named by them hereafter. The right reverend Legate exhorted both sides to continue the conferences daily, as he hoped the Almighty would inspire them with the means of adjustment; and then, through his intercession, it was settled that the prisoners of both their Majesties should be enlarged on parole, that they might be visited by their relations and friends.
	Brussels, 31st May 1555.
	[Italian.]
May 31. Miscellaneous Letters, Venetian Archives.	114. Anne De Montmorency, Constable of France, to Antoine De Noailles, French Ambassador in England.
	On Wednesday we had a long conference, in which so many were the points, and so excessively were they debated and canvassed, although amicably, by both sides, that, it was at length found that neither of the two sovereigns will restore or cede anything to the other, so that to reconcile them, a new proposition must be made (bisogna far carta nova). Thereupon Cardinal Pole proposed the expedient of appointing arbitrators to settle our disputes amicably, and in the meanwhile to make some marriage, so as thus to resume friendship. This was not refused, either on our side or on that of the Imperialists, but the Imperialists said that we were first to restore what we had taken this last war, which would be, as it were, to concede the matter in dispute; and we remained thus, leaving the Cardinal Legate and the English commissioners to consider some other good and bland expedient to arrive at pacification. We are to return to-morrow to the conference to hear their proposal, but unless the Imperialists change their tone, we do not see what great result can be expected. The chief complaint urged by us to the Imperialists was about the Milanese, and that without the restitution of that province we could not enter upon any agreement, and that we do not think of giving back anything we possess. They defend themselves by reasons good and bad, and say the Emperor has nothing more to do with it, he having given the Milanese to his son the King and to his wife the Queen of England, and that it is their business to defend it.
	Ardres, 31st May 1555.
	[Italian; contemporary translation from the French.]
May 31. Miscellaneous Letters, Venetian Archives.	115. François De Noailles, Prothonotary, to his brother Antoine De Noailles, French Ambassador in England.
	After the first session of this conference held on the 23rd instant, with great ceremony, the English omitting nothing that became their grandeur, the second took place on the 24th, when both sides made their demands, there being a long debate as to which had been the author of the last war. On the 26th the third session was held; and on the 28th, the fourth; all which were for acquainting my Lord the Legate and the English with the rights and reasons of one side and the other; this form being persevered in thus far, contrary to the wish of the Constable, who merely desired to speak face to face with the Imperialists, without referring himself to the reports of the said English. The fifth session was held on the 29th, when both parties were taken, to speak face to face. To-morrow the first of June they hold the sixth session, at which doubt not this long mystery will come to an end of some sort, either pacific or warlike; and as the Imperialists are firm, and determined not to restore the duchy of Milan, so are we obstinate with regard to not giving back anything to the Emperor or his confederates; so you may rest assured that the King will not make any agreement, save such as will be honourable and glorious for him.
	Ardres, 31st May 1555.
	[Italian; contemporary translation from the French.]