Venice: September 1555, 16-30 | 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: September 1555, 16-30', 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/pp188-198 [accessed 25 November 2024].

September 1555, 16–30



Sept. 16. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	215. Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate.
	After the Michaelmas term Parliament assembled, the summons having been made on the 10th instant, and the session, lasting 40 days as usual, will end on the 21st proximo. The cause for its being summoned is unknown save to a few, who keep it secret; many persons say it will be either to ask for money, owing to the heavy expenses and great debt on hand, or else for the King's coronation, to detain the King here as long as they can owing to the repute and profit derived by the realm from his presence, in addition to the wish of the Queen; or to make some proposal to France, in order that should war break out they may demand and obtain the means for waging it.
	Last week Don Luis de Caravajal, having crossed from Spain, arrived at Dover with 10 well-armed caravels, on board of which he has brought 800,000 ducats, according to the Spaniards at the court, though the merchants say 300,000, 60,000 of which will remain in England, the cofferers (thesorieri) having gone to receive them, for payment of the Household, and of the debts left by the King, and the rest will be taken to Flanders. Besides this, there is a small sum of from 20 to 25,000 ducats belonging to the Queen, being part of the loan of 100,000 for which her Majesty contracted in Flanders, the balance never having been paid until now.
	They are now intent here on examining the Archbishop of Canterbury, there having gone for this purpose to Oxford (where he is in prison), besides a bishop, Dr. Martin, and some others delegated by Cardinal dal Pozzo, (fn. 1) to whom his Holiness committed the cause ad referendum, not choosing it to proceed according to the examination and process drawn up (formato) and taken to Rome by the ambassadors before the kingdom resumed its obedience to the Apostolic See, having ordered their revision, and that when the process is completed it be sent back to Cardinal Dal Pozzo, so that after relating it to the Pope they may proceed to the sentence and its execution. Should the Archbishop recant, which is not expected, although he may save his life, he nevertheless cannot according to the canons be any longer admitted to the ministry (ministerio) of that Church, so they must necessarily appoint him a successor, who will, it is supposed, be the most illustrious Legate, provided he be not recalled to Rome to reside with his Holiness.
	Certain Englishmen in Italy have sent the bull concerning the alienation of the Church revenues and property, in order to alarm the people here, lest they likewise be molested for this cause, some of the most disaffected having disseminated it to impress this opinion and create as much disturbance as possible, so to prevent the matter from going farther, it has been necessary to imprison some of them; and to free the others from suspicion, and give them full assurance, they have sought the transmission of another bull from Rome, with a particular and express declaration that the Church property here is not included in that alienation, again confirming all that has been done in this matter by Cardinal Pole.
	After the Chancellor's return from the conference of Calais he fell into such a state of “oppilation,” that besides having become (as the physicians say) jaundiced (itherico), he by degrees got confirmed dropsy, and had it not been for his robust constitution, a variety of remedies prescribed for him by the English physicians having been of no use, he would by this time be in a bad way, his physiognomy being so changed as to astound all who see him. The Emperor has sent him the remedy he used when first troubled with dropsical symptoms on his return from the war of Metz, (fn. 2) which remedy cured him, and should God grant that it take the same effect on the Bishop of Winchester, it will be very advantageous for England, he being considered one of the most consummate chancellors who have filled the post for many years, and should he die he would leave few or none so well suited to the charge as himself.
	The Captain Marco da Risano came hither to obtain from King Philip, as he did immediately, his absolution from outlawry in Naples, but the writ not having been presented in time, the Government would not admit its validity. He was also licensed to sell and alienate the other gratuities (utili) given him by the Emperor in Naples, so he returns perfectly satisfied. (fn. 3)
	London, 16th September 1555.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 16. Deliberazioni Senato (Secreta), Vol. 69, p. 145.	216. The Doge and Senate to the Venetian Ambassador with the Emperor.
	To congratulate the King of England in their name on his well-being and his voyage. Should he hear of the King's determination to go to Spain, to announce that the Signory will send an ambassador to reside with him, the ambassador Michiel having to remain with his most Serene Consort. To do this in case the ambassador Michiel should not have accompanied the King, but if he be with him, is to deliver the accompanying letter, and in case his Majesty should have returned to England before receipt of the despatch, is to send said letter to the ambassador Michiel.
	Ayes, 201. Noes, 1. Neutrals, 2.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 16. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. a. No date of time. Printed in Vol. 5, pp. 41–44, “Epistolarum Reginaldi Poli,” &c., date as above.	217. Cardinal Pole to King Philip.
	As nothing can be more agreeable to him than to obey the commands received from the King on his departure, he thus serving God, the Church, his Country, and the best of sovereigns, informs his Majesty that the Queen passes the forenoon in prayer, after the manner of Mary, and in the afternoon admirably personates Martha, by transacting business; so urging her councillors as to keep them all incessantly occupied, thus mitigating her grief for the King's absence, fancying him present in their persons. Her chief consolation is the hope of his return, and by following the course pointed out by him; matters thus proceed becomingly and rightly, and yet better will they proceed on the return [from Brussels] of the personages appointed by the King to take part in the government, (fn. 4) but best of all when the King himself shall be present, as they have already commenced perceiving the truth of the saying “oculus Domini;” and as the eye of the Queen has produced such an effect, that of the King will leave nothing to desire; so daily prayers are made for his return.
	By the accompanying letters from Rome is informed that when the Pope heard of his intention with regard to the distribution of the Church property, which their Majesties had permitted, on his Holiness' authority and that of his Legate, he greatly approved of it; (fn. 5) so from day to day Pole awaits the confirmation of what has been done.
	Concerning the erection of Ireland into a kingdom, a bull has arrived similar to the one brought by their Majesties' ambassadors, with this in addition, that it was furnished as due with the golden seal.
	With regard to the bull, whereby the Church property of England excepted from the Pope's renunciation is mentioned by name, Pole has written for it to be sent immediately; is expecting the return of his messenger (nuntij), to whom they purposed giving it for conveyance.
	Touching Pole's recall, the Pope said he would form no decision until he knows what has been done in the affair of Canterbury (in causà Cantuariensi), and what can be hoped about the peace, for which he seems vehemently to wish.
	Greenwich, 16th September, 1555.
	[Latin, 38 lines.]
Sept. 17. Original Despatch Venetian Archives.	218. Giacomo Soranzo, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	To-day had audience of the King at Villers-cote-Retz; asked him whether he had news of King Philip's arrival at Brussels, and what he thought might be decided about the passage of one of their Majesties to Spain. The King replied that he had arrived, and that the passage being necessary for the need of Spain, was determined on, though it remained doubtful which of their Majesties would make it, for although the Emperor was not recommended to go, both on account of his health, which his physicians fear could not bear the voyage, as also because the war continuing, his interests would suffer greatly from this move, yet did he seem very anxious to cross, his son in like manner showing himself very ready to go; but that he (King Henry) thought the decision would be known in a few days. Replied that should some agreement be effected, these difficulties would in great part disappear. The King rejoined, “Cardinal Pole does not fail performing good offices, according to his wont, and keeps this hope alive, but I do not see any point on which to base it, the Imperial ministers conducting themselves in a way to deter me from making peace with them, as through Cardinal Pole and the English commissioners it was agreed heretofore, with the Cardinal of Lorraine and the Bishop of Arras, to negotiate a reciprocal exchange of prisoners, and to send an agent from either side to the frontiers. I on my part sent one, who remained there two months expecting the Emperor's commissioner, and as he never made his appearance I recalled mine; so it seems to me that these are bad signs, which do not permit me to believe in an adjustment between us.”
	La Fertè Milon, 17th September 1555.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 16. Deliberazioni Senato (Secreta), Vol. 69, p. 145.	219. The Doge and Senate to the Venetian Ambassador in England.
	Have desired the ambassador Badoer, on hearing that the King has resolved to go to Spain, to inform him that they will send an ambassador to reside with the King. As it is also possible that before Badoer receives this order, King Philip may have returned to England before going to Spain, have desired him to transmit this letter to him (Michiel), so that he may execute the commission.
	Ayes, 201. Noes, 1. Neutrals, 2.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 18. Deliberazioni Senato (Secreta), Vol 69, p. 147, tergo.	220. The Doge and Senate to the Venetian “Bailo” at Constantinople.
	On the 4th instant, the King of England, the Emperor's son, crossed the sea, and proceeded from Flanders to Brussels, to see his father, the chief personages of the Imperial court having set out to meet him. They have to decide whether one of their Majesties, the Emperor, or his son, should go to Spain. The fleet of the most Christian King and the ships of Flanders, some 50 in number, met off the island of England, and fought during one day, with the loss on both sides of some ships sunk and others burned, and the French ships carried into their ports three of those of Flanders.
	Ayes, 204. Noes, 1. Neutrals, 3.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 19. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	221. Federico Badoer, Venetian Ambassador with the Emperor, to the Doge and Senate.
	The King and the Queens are gone to the hunt two leagues hence, and return to-morrow.
	Brussels, 19th September 1555.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 20. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	222. Same to Same.
	The King sent the Earl of Arundel to tell the ambassador of the Queen his Consort to absent himself from the obsequies, as he had said he would not do, lest between him and the Portuguese ambassador, who also wished to be present at them, some dispute should arise which might prove disagreeable to both sides; and to request him (Sir John Masone) to believe that he (King Philip) had the honour of the Queen as much at heart as his own, he considering it such. Thereupon Sir John Masone chose to go and answer the King in person, telling him that for the honour of the most Serene Queen, and that of the kingdom, he could not abstain from going to the funeral, as neither by reason of antiquity, nor power, nor for any other cause, ought he to give way to the Portuguese ambassador, over whom precedence had been assigned heretofore [to the English crown] by the Popes, and by the Kings of France, the natural enemies of England, and by the Emperor, and that his Majesty therefore should beware of not making the world say things prejudicial to his most Serene Consort, and consequently to himself, but that if the King chose him to do so, he protested to his Majesty that on no other authority than on that of the Consort of his mistress would he do so; and that were he to receive a similar command from the Emperor, he should not obey him; adding (according to his own account, and that of the rest of the English), with much vehemence, a variety of other reasons. To this the King replied, that having been informed by the Portuguese ambassador, that he chose to take precedence of him, not only as King of Portugal, but as being more nearly allied in blood with the Emperor than the Queen of England is, and as the laws and customs in Spain were to this effect, his Majesty hesitated about this casualty, and lest the King of Portugal should complain of him about it, he determined that neither of the ambassadors should attend the ceremony, awaiting some other sort of opportunity, when he promised him to settle the point of precedence; so Sir John Masone departed utterly dissatisfied, the like being the case, on this same account, with all the other English.
	On the termination of the obsequies, some of the chief personages of the courts, both of the Emperor and the King, and especially Don Ruy Gomez, having heard of the foul language (male parole) which the ambassador kept using, taxed him with indiscretion for presuming so strongly to urge the rights of the Queen of England, where her consort was, and that he could not bear any other title than that of agent, as he will be henceforth considered here, alleging that when he went to meet the King, his haughty bearing was such that not only did he not dismount, but would not allow Lord Courtenay to alight; reproaching him also with having informed the Lords of the Council in England by letter, that Lord Courtenay's servants had been maltreated by Spaniards at this court, and that the other English likewise were as ill looked on as possible, which, on his Majesty's return to England, might induce them to do some great harm to his retinue (a quelli della sua corte). On hearing these things, Sir John Masone went to see Ruy Gomez, who would not admit him, and also prevented his having audience of the King; whereupon he was heard to say, by several persons, “Oh God! if the King treats me so ill, I who was of his faction, following Lord Paget in favouring the marriage, what will he do to those who opposed him ?”
	On the morrow the ambassador went to the King, at the time when his Majesty appeared in public, to make his apology, saying that he did not get off his horse, to avoid impeding the King's progress, and adding other things to justify himself. Not only did his Majesty receive him coldly, but after hearing his excuses ordered him like a servant to tell the English Lords here to keep in readiness to go to a hunt, prepared by the most Serene Queen Maria, to use his own words, “for us English” (per noi altri Inglesi), sending a horse for each of them, because they had come with the King postwise [and therefore had no horses of their own]; nor did he invite Lord Courtenay, because (it is said) the Bishop of Arras having sent one of his brothers to invite him to a supper at which the rest of the English were present, Courtenay had him told he was not at home.
	These English Lords evince a great wish to return home, all complaining of the exorbitant cost they are compelled to incur here by reason of the great scarcity, and the Earl of Pembroke says that without having horses 40 crowns a day do not suffice him for his ordinary expenditure; but according to report they will not all be allowed to depart, and some of them, should they choose to go away, will leave their eldest sons [as hostages ?].
	The Emperor has sent to Antwerp for 10,000 crowns' worth of jewels, and it is supposed that he purposes making presents of them to these [English ?] Lords. Couriers arrive daily from the Queen of England, and are despatched to her, and to-day one of her chamberlains came to the King, as also the Lieutenant d'Amont [Simon Renard], who resided as ambassador with her from the Emperor.
	Brussels, 20th September 1555.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 20. Senato Terra, vol. 40, p. 59.	223. Motion made in the Senate concerning costs incurred by the Venetian Governors of Verona, in honour of Viscount Montagu.
	By order of our Signory our Governors of Verona expended 440 ducats in doing honour and making presents to the Duchess of Alva, as also to the most illustrious the Lord Viscount Montagu, ambassador from the most Serene the King and Queen of England.
	Put to the ballot, that our treasurer “alla cassa, grande” do credit the Government of Verona, on account of the subsidy of 1554, with the 440 ducats aforesaid.
	Hieronimo Zane, S.C.
	Andreas Baduario, S.T.F.
	Ayes, 162. Noes, 7¾. Neutral, 0.
	1555, die 6 Septr. in Collegio.
	Ayes, 16. Noes, 2. Neutral, 0.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 25. Filza, No. 134. Miscellanea di Atti diversi Manoscritti, Venetian Archives.	224. Edward Courtenay, Earl of Devonshire, to Mr. Englefeld.
	The return of the bearer of this affords him an opportunity of writing; “and yet, because it were very long to write all I have to say, and for that at this present I have not such leisure as convenient I may impart my whole mind unto you by writing; I have committed unto him the particular declaration of all such things as I am desirous you should understand touching my case here.” Asks an answer at his leisure.
	Has drawn a balance of 77l. 13s. 11d. which remained surplus after disbursements in Walker's hands, as appeared by his account book. “Was constrained, for that I was unfurnished of money,” though he is aware that Englefeld and his other friends had destined that sum for certain of his creditors.
	Has signed two blank parchments, the one conferring a vacant prebend on Walker, the other giving a vacant benefice in Cornwall “unto my chaplain Sir Gryffyth.”
	Brussels, 25th September 1555.
	[Draft; last paragraph cancelled.]
Sept. 26. Original Despatch. Venetian Archives.	225. The Emperor Charles V. to—, Count of—, in the Netherlands. (fn. 6)
	My Cousin,–having conferred (communicato) with the King of England, my son (who has lately come into these provinces), about the affairs of our kingdoms and states, considering my personal indisposition, on which account I am henceforth unable, as done by me hitherto, for the defence and preservation of my countries here and their subjects, to undertake the journeys and toil they require, I, for these causes and other good considerations, have determined and resolved to visit my countries and kingdoms of Spain, and to cede absolutely to the said Lord King the said countries here, in which some time ago (fn. 7) he was received and sworn to for my sole and only heir, as future Lord and Prince. And although I greatly wished, before my departure hence, to visit the said provinces, I nevertheless find that, by reason of my indisposition, I could by no means bear such fatigue; so it has seemed better to me to cause there to be summoned hither, for the 14th of October, the principal lords and states of the said provinces, to make the aforesaid cession solemnly in their presence, according to my resolve, and that they may receive the said Lord King as their Prince and Lord; of which thing, most dear cousin, I have chosen hereby to give you this notice beforehand, and at the same time to order you to attend on the said day, and favour this renunciation, and without fail to receive the said Lord King for your Lord and Prince.
	May our Lord God preserve you.
	From the city of Brussels, 26th September 1555.
	(Signed) Charles.
	[Translated into Italian from the French by the Venetian Ambassador, Francesco Badoer.]
Sept. 26. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x.	226. Cardinal Pole to Cardinal Carlo Caraffa.
	Is very sorry to hear what Caraffa writes to him about the Cardinal Chamberlain, (fn. 8) both for his own sake and on many other accounts, most especially by reason of the regret which he is very certain it will have caused the Pope, to make such a demonstration against such a son (un tal figliolo), but is much comforted by his hope in the Pope's paternal benignity, and that the galleys which gave rise to this mischief being restored (as he trusts has been already done), his Holiness will show himself a merciful and clement father, and thus gratify the kindness of his nature (la benigna sua natura) much more than by preserving his own dignity and that of the Apostolic See (as Caraffa says he has been compelled to do), giving at the same time great satisfaction to those whom Pole is very sure his Holiness would by no means distress (contristare), and especially the King of England, who is so obedient a son to him, and so well deserving of the Apostolic See. Being unable to do more about the see of Trani by word of mouth, has made amends by writing to his Majesty. Since the King's departure has been always here at Greenwich with the Queen, in accordance with the wish and request of their Majesties. Caraffa will have heard that Parliament is to meet towards the end of next month, when it is hoped the King will have returned. Has nothing more to say about the peace, which he will take every opportunity to farther, according to the pious intention of his Holiness.
	Greenwich, 26th September 1555.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 26. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. Printed in Vol. 5, pp. 15, 16, “Epistolarum Reginal di Poli,” &c. No date of time either in the manuscript or in the printed volume.	227. Cardinal Pole to Pope Paul IV.
	Was pained to hear by the letters of Cardinal Caraffa what had befallen the Cardinal Chamberlain (Cardinalis Camerarii), both on account of his friend and colleague, and because, although the Pope loved him like a son he had been compelled to act thus unwillingly, as unless the root of this offence were severed immediately, it might cause yet greater inconvenience, Pole comforts himself with the hope that everything may soon be pacified, having heard that the Emperor and the King of England have willingly conceded the restitution of the galleys taken from the Pope's harbour, in which case he trusts his Holiness will pardon Sforza, considering the nature of these difficult times and the King's intercession. Pole desires this by so much the more as he wishes the Pope to succeed in effecting a general reconciliation, and in freeing Christendom from the present most destructive war, as treated by the Pope on his accession, and in accordance with the orders given by him to Pole.
	Greenwich, 26th September 1555 (?) (fn. 9)
	[Latin, 25 lines.]
Sept. 28. Original Despatches, Venetian Archives.	228. Federico Badoer, Venetian Ambassador with the Emperor, to the Doge and Senate.
	Arduino, the Protector of the “patrimony” of the kingdom of Sicily, has been twice to the King of England, and after representing to him the state of the revenues there, which were pledged for 900,000 ducats, and that the 10 galleys which ought to be paid by the “chamber” would be compelled to disarm, because they are not paid, he told him that, should his Majesty trust him, he would, within four years, not only free him from debt and heavy interest, but find means to pay the galleys, and save an additional 150,000 crowns annually upon the ordinary expenditure (che trarria cento e cinquanta mille scudi all' anno di più dell' ordinarie spese), all which would be effected solely by removing Don Juan de Vega from the government of that island, as all the Sicilians who are at Brussels, and demand this, will give a donative of some 400,000 crowns; and that his Majesty, by ridding himself of a minister who perplexes all the officials and every good regulation in that kingdom, will obtain the advantages formerly enjoyed by the Emperor, and much greater ones. The King in his reply evinced more inclination to adopt his suggestions than he did when speaking to the Marquis of Terranova, who entreated him to remove this Viceroy, lest he drive to greater despair the already desperate Sicilians; and his Majesty desired him to return this evening to speak to him on the subject.
	There came hither with the King of England a Spaniard, sent by the feudatories in the Indies to obtain [a decree] from the Emperor, that the estates conceded by him to some persons for life, and to others for themselves and their children, may descend to their heirs and successors, offering within 10 years to bring to Spain as much gold and silver as will free the revenues which are pledged until the year 60 (fino nell' anno 60), stipulating that on this account, and in order that he may make use of the sum for his other necessities, they, during the aforesaid 10 years, will give him annually a million of gold. Concerning this matter several consultations have been held, and as the term within which the money is to be paid seems too long, and yet greater the suspicion lest they in the end elect a king of their own, alienating themselves from the Spanish crown, everybody considers the business most difficult to decide, especially because they think that by penetrating farther into the interior of the country, and finding new nations, they may be able to enslave them. They offer other similar terms, part of which were proposed heretofore and rejected.
	Brussels, 28th September 1555.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 29. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	229. Federico Badoer, Venetian Ambassador with the Emperor, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Queen of England, in reply to the King's letter about her armed ships securing the Emperor's passage to Spain, seems ready to accommodate him, and some say that should his Imperial Majesty please she will come to some place at the sea side to see him; for which the King, thanking her, wrote back, that in order to be nfarer her he will go and reside at Bruges, a day's journey from Calais; and it is said that the Emperor will avail himself of part of the 4,000 Spaniards with the army and on the frontiers, to whom five arrears of pay (cinque paghe) have been sent, and to-morrow payment of the court salaries will commence.
	The Duchess of Lorraine, understanding that no determination has been made about her remaining here or going to Spain, requested Queen Maria to obtain permission for her from the Emperor or the King to go and live in Italy, in her city of Tortona, from whence she derives the dower left her by the Duke of Milan, asking as a favour the palace or castle of the Marquisate of Vigevano, as it is near at hand, and a very stately and delightful residence. In reply the Queen told her to be of good cheer, as the Emperor would treat her not merely like a dear niece, but as a dear daughter.
	Don Ruy Gomez and Don Juan Manrique continue saying that the Emperor's departure will not take place so speedily, and I have heard from the Nuncio that the chief cause of the delay is to see what the Pope will determine on after the restitution of the galleys, as should he declare himself the Emperor's open enemy, his Imperial Majesty will not quit the Netherlands, as King Philip cannot avail himself of Germany as the Emperor does, nor will he rely on assistance from the King of the Romans, the good will between all these kinsfolk not being such as required by their close relationship. Several persons say the Emperor has circulated this report to facilitate the business which King Philip has to treat in the English Parliament, and to obtain a larger sum of money from these provinces, to whom he has notified by letter that on this his departure he would willingly have gone to see them in person, had he not been prevented by indisposition; so he requested them to assemble at Brussels on the 14th of next month, when he would tell them what he had to say, wishing to leave his son as his successor, from whom he was certain they would receive such satisfaction as they could desire in matters of justice, and in their defence against enemies.
	His Imperial Majesty's departure causes a general lament, it seeming to the Flemings that with him security departs, as likewise all the welfare enjoyed by them through his authority and prudence, and by reason of the demonstrations of goodwill made by him towards this nation in preference to that of Spain, and they are apprehensive lest the King, being much more partial to the Spaniards than to any of his other subjects, should give them many high official posts (molti governi), and lest the present war be protracted without the requisite pecuniary supply, the King being at present without money, and the Duke of Savoy (who will, they fear, be made their governor) very poor indeed, and the troops on these frontiers, both horse and foot, creditors for very considerable sums, whilst the ministers say that since last March they have paid 1,350,000 crowns.
	I have heard that before the Secretary Finzino [Pfintzing, or Phintzing ?] (fn. 10) went to the King of the Romans many consultations were held as to whether the Emperor should give absolutely the administration of the affairs of the whole empire to the King of the Romans, or reserve the authority over those of Italy for his son, with the title of his “Vicar” there; and in like manner as this would be greatly to the repute and advantage of the King of England by reason of his Italian possessions, and those which have always been dependent on the Emperor, so would this division not only dissatisfy the King of the Romans and the King of Bohemia (especially as this last is heard to have openly adopted Lutheran opinions), adding new grievances to the old ones, but so alarm the princes of the empire as to induce them to take some hostile step against his Imperial Majesty; (fn. 11) and although I have been told by a person of quality that the Emperor has already arranged to give this charge to his son, yet I have understood that until the return of the Secretary Finzino this cannot be asserted positively, and the Vice-Grand Chancellor of the Empire, who has arranged his affairs so as to go and reside with the King of the Romans (S. M. Reg.), says he has orders not to depart until the return of the said Finzino.
	King Philip goes twice every day to the Emperor, in the morning, solely to pay his respects to him, and in the afternoon to transact business, and on every festival he goes to mass in various churches here for the satisfaction of the inhabitants.
	Brussels, 29th September 1555.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 30. Filza, No. 134. Miscellanea di Atti diversi Manoscritti, Venetian Archives.	230. Edward Courtenay, Earl of Devonshire, to Mr. Englefeld.
	“I most heartily thank you for your gentill letter which by Mr. Bassat this messenger I have received.” Thanks him for his great services, “manifold and incomparable.” Refers him to Basset for the news.
	Brussels, 30th September 1555.
	[Draft or copy.]