Venice: May 1558 | 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 1558', 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/pp1490-1506 [accessed 29 November 2024].

May 1558



May 6. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1221. Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Cardinal of Lorraine departed postwise on the 4th, with only six or eight of his attendants, having sent on in advance all the rest of his retinue by day journeys, the Duke of Lorraine and the Count de Vaudemont, for their greater convenience, travelling in like manner, and having departed on the 1st, being very well accompanied, the Duke taking with him, including gentlemen and servants, upwards of 200 horse, and they were to meet together yesterday evening to make their entry into Peronne in company. The Cardinal is accompanied by the Secretary de l'Aubespine, besides the Duke d'Aumale, who as minister at war was sent in advance to secure the site of the conference on this side, the Count d'Egmont doing the like on the other, but neither of them will attend the interview. It is understood that the Bishop of Arras will be with the Duchess of Lorraine. Nothing can exceed the anxiety about the result of this conference, but the general opinion is that it will end in discourse.
	During these few days of the Cardinal's absence, the King will amuse himself by hunting within 10 or 12 leagues round Paris, remaining for four or six days at a palace of the Queen's, nor will the Court move to Villers-cote-Retz until the Cardinal returns. M. de Guise remains alone with the King, being occupied incessantly in giving the necessary orders for assembling the army. The German troops, both horse and foot, have already commenced making their appearance, and two days ago M. de Nevers was sent to meet them, and provide them with quarters and other necessary conveniences, and at Vitri, in Champagne, he will make their muster and give them the general pay (la paga generale). M. d'Estrees, Master General of the Ordnance, has also been desired to send the artillery in that direction, indicating that at this commencement the first attack will be against Thionville, on the borders of Lorraine and Luxemburg, the place having been lately reconnoitred by M. de Sipierre, and if made speedily it is deemed practicable. Since that demonstration made by the English fleet, nothing more is known about it; some maintain that it has returned to the island, others that it has withdrawn to Guernsey, in front of Britanny, awaiting a reinforcement of ships either from Flanders or England, and that the show was made not only to survey the enemy's country, to put them to cost, and to alarm them, but also to disunite the French forces, and scatter them for defence in various quarters.
	Paris, 6th May 1558.
	[Italian.]
May 11. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1222. Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	M. d'Andelot returned lately from Britanny, bringing word that the affairs of that coast and of the whole province were so well secured and provided for that they apprehended little or nothing from invasion by the English, of whom it continues to be said that they are making no stir whatever.
	M. de Ciarlus (sic) was lately sent back post haste to Marseilles, that he may go as soon as possible with his galley to meet the Turkish fleet, which, according to a person who came express for this purpose from Constantinople, having departed thence 29 days ago, was to put to sea on the day of his departure.
	The Duke of Ferrara has informed King Henry of the military contract (della condotta) made by the Duke of Urbino with the King Catholic, reminding his most Christian Majesty that the more he has for some while seemed to estrange himself from the affairs of Italy, having it may be said abandoned them, the more has King Philip on the contrary, by applying himself to them, gaining friends daily as he does, not only secured the States he possesses in such wise that never more, save with very great difficulty, could they be injured by any one, but moreover, by taking away from his most Christian Majesty his friends and their support (et la protetione), ne will be able the more easily to expel King Henry from the part now held by him in Italy.
	Paris, 11th May 1558.
	[Italian.]
May 14. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1223. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate.
	Here nothing is talked of but this interview between the Duchess of Lorraine and her son, about which a report circulated through the court lately, that although the Duchess had arrived at Cambrai, the Duke, her son, and the Cardinal of Lorraine on the other side being at Peronne, yet owing to a certain difficulty which had arisen between them they would return home without seeing each other. The difficulty was, that the Duchess wished her son to go to Cambrai; but the French not choosing to venture on letting the Duke go to Cambrai, the interview would have ended in nothing, which report still continues; though through the Archbishop of Toledo I have heard that last night advice came from the Duchess that the difficulty is adjusted thus, that neither will her son come to Cambrai, nor will she go to Peronne, but they will see each other in an abbacy on the frontier, midway between one place and the other; which resolution is adopted, because the Cardinal of Lorraine gave the Duchess to understand that the Duke would perform every becoming office of respect towards his mother, but that he (the Cardinal) being sent with him by the most Christian King, and it being universally reported that he was to treat the peace, it would not be to his Majesty's honour to have it supposed that he had come into King Philip's territory to ask it. This midway place was therefore proposed, and accepted reciprocally, and the interview will take place tomorrow.
	So far as I can comprehend, the common opinion is that some agreement may ensue, because on this side the King and all these Lords are much inclined towards it, and their suspicion that the French feigned a wish for peace, but did not really desire it, has much diminished, owing to the desire evinced for it by the proceedings of the Cardinal of Lorraine. Besides this, there are advices that the Turkish fleet will not put to sea in such force as was believed; so these respects render it credible that the French likewise will be content to make peace.
	A nobleman, the Archbishop of Toledo's friend and mine, repeated what I had often heard from others, that to make a sure and lasting agreement, King Philip will consent to place a Duke in Milan, provided the Princes of Italy coalesce with his Majesty to keep him there. He also said that should they come to this resolve, they would prefer one of the sons of the new Emperor to the Duke of Savoy, because with this opportunity King Philip would gain over (guadagnaria) his Imperial Majesty and his sons, and might hope on certain conditions, at some indefinite period, to succeed to the Empire, to which alone these Spaniards aspire, both for repute as also for the security of these Provinces (questi Stati), which, without the Imperial authority, can with difficulty be preserved.
	The Archbishop of Toledo is of opinion that by this peace, the Duke of Savoy will gain nothing but a compensation for his State, and that he cannot do otherwise than cede his rights and claims to these two Princes, who will then make an adjustment between themselves, of which that poor Lord (quel povero Signor) becoming aware, he willed to unbosom himself to me a few days ago, as I wrote, and to recommend himself to your Serenity, as to that one (come a quella) whose authority alone can assist and favour him with these two crowns. He also, perhaps, persuades himself that you would not approve of his being compelled either by France or Spain to renounce his claims to the kingdom of Cyprus,*; about which, however, he has never said a word to me, but from words uttered to me by some of his gentlemen I draw this inference, though neither have they ever made express mention to me of that kingdom.† The Duke of Savoy told me lately that the Duke of Sesa already repents of having to go to rule the State of Milan, as he daily discovers yet greater difficulties, and fewer means for remedying them than he believed.
	Brussels, 14th May 1558.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portion in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
May 15. Original Despatch. Venetian Archives	1224. Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	After his arrival at Peronne on the 6th instant, the Cardinal de Guise delayed his conference with the Duchess of Lorraine until the 11th or 12th, because he had not taken with him a power of attorney or royal mandate enabling him to treat the agreement, having perhaps chosen for his most Christian Majesty's greater repute to let it appear that he went thither for no other end than to accompany the Duke of Lorraine to his mother. The mandate being then despatched hence in haste on the 9th, with very full power, and sealed with the great seal, with all the due solemnities, the parties will therefore have gone to the colloquy without farther delay, especially as together with the mandate there were also sent thither the Bishops of Vienne [Charles de Marillac] and Orleans [Jean de Morvilliers], at the request of the Cardinal de Guise, that he might avail himself of their counsel as persons skilled and experienced in similar negotiations. Although at these first meetings they will not get beyond the general matters, it is nevertheless impossible but that something be discovered about the end of the business and what may be hoped, though from what I hear more and more hourly from these chief personages of the Court, and who are privy to its secrets, they give it freely to be understood that there is little or no hope. The evident signs of this are that the Duke de Guise is hastening to unite the army, so that he may take the field; it being heard that the Switzers are already marching, the greater part of the Germans also having made their appearance; and this morning his Excellency and Marshal Strozzi are to take leave of the King, to which Marshal so much is attributed (attribuito) not only by the said Duke de Guise but by his Majesty's chief captains or ministers, and by the King himself, all of them holding him in such great repute as to make it seem that without him they could not even imagine still less execute any important undertaking. All the troops are marching forward in great haste towards Champagne; and these Italian captains and gentlemen who follow the Marshal departed hence today with their arms and horses on their way to the camp, it being still confirmed that the commencement of the enterprises will be the siege of Thionville; but as to when the army will be completely formed, so as to be able to march with cavalry and infantry, artillery, and other necessaries, that is not anticipated before the 8th or 10th of next month.
	Paris, 15th May 1558.
	[Italian.]
May 18. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1225. Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	The postmaster here not having yet despatched my letters I will add what I have heard much in detail, through a very confidential channel as to what passed between the Duchess of Lorraine and the Cardinal de Guise, to the total dissolution it may be said of their entire negotiation. The Duchess having heard so long back as the 13th of the Cardinal's being at Peronne, she sent thither (from Cambrai where she was) a gentleman to congratulate him on his coming, and to let him know that she expected him at Cambrai, where a great triumph (gran trionfo) had been prepared in his honour. The gentleman was sent back, accompanied by the Secretary Robertet, with orders to tell her that the Cardinal went to Peronne in compliance with her request, her Excellency having given him to understand that, by conferring together, something might have come to pass that would have been much to the advantage of Christendom, and that he was there for the service of his King, with a commission to betake himself to one of those confines to speak with her, and show her the good will and desire of his Majesty concerning the agreement, proposing three or four places whither he would have gone; the which places at the moment when proposed were apparently all rejected by the Duchess, none of them pleasing her; but she said to Robertet that the Cardinal de Guise, without failing in his obligation or trust to his King, might indeed have gone as far as Cambrai; with which reply Robertet having taking leave, and returned to the Cardinal, the Duchess shortly afterwards sent back another of her attendants, under pretence (sotto occasione) of visiting her son, but to have the Cardinal told that she had subsequently determined to go to one of the places proposed, and one of those nearest to Cambrai, some two leagues thence, was accordingly selected and there on the 15th the conference took place. (fn. 1) The commencement was full of love and tenderness, to the very great satisfaction of the Duchess, owing to the visit of her son; but when they came to negotiate, both sides required terms to be proposed to them, and after one and the other had refused this, the Cardinal at length made a proposal, to which the opposite side replied that having nothing to the purpose to tell them, and being without either authority or commission from their King to resolve or deliberate anything, they would go and relate to their King the good will and fair desire of his most Christian Majesty. Thus ended the conference, nor did the Cardinal fail to say aloud, half angrily, “Whoever shall say that my King and all his ministers do not desire the peace, will be much in the wrong, and opposed to the truth.”
	Yesterday Cardinal de Guise made his appearance post-wise with the determination not again to return thither. Immediately on his return, a report circulated throughout the court that peace and truce were quite at an end; and today the Duke of Lorraine and M. de Vaudemont with all their attendants are expected, and the rest of the Cardinal's household. Nor will I omit to tell your Serenity another very notable particular, that in the royal power of attorney sent hence, not only to the Cardinal was power given to treat and stipulate (accordare), but four others were named besides himself, viz., the Constable, who, although absent, was supposed to be present, M. d'Aumale, the Bishop of Orleans, and the secretary l'Aubespine.
	Today the Duke de Guise and Marshal Strozzi were to depart to marshal the camp; and it is reported through the Court that King Philip's troops have taken by storm a place called Nele (Nesle ?) near Ham, after having cut to pieces two companies of Frenchmen and routed 400 pistolers (pistoletti).
	Paris, 18th May 1558.
	[Italian.]
May 19. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv., Cl. x., p. 196, verso.	1226. Cardinal Pole to King Philip.
	Although the hope of his Majesty's coming was a very great comfort to the Queen, and now to be deprived of it cannot but greatly distress her, yet nevertheless perceiving the necessity whereby the King is detained, she through her piety and prudence consoles herself as well as she can, conforming herself to the will of our Lord God by praying and hoping that his Divine Majesty will have the King under his continual protection, and favour him in all his undertakings for the benefit and comfort of these and his other realms, and for the quiet of Christendom, and that her regret for the King's inability to come to England at present may be compensated yet more for her consolation by his being then able to remain there longer for the benefit of the country; which grace Pole prays God to grant them, and always to preserve and prosper his Majesty.
	By the letter of the Council, the King will learn the opinion obtained about replying to the Ambassador from Sweden in conformity with what King Philip of his piety and prudence deemed fitting, the moment he heard of the circumstance; and in truth it would have been very unbecoming after Sweden had received from hence the true faith and the Christian religion that now through trade with that province (hora con tal comercio) such an opportunity should be afforded for corrupting it in England, most especially in such perilous and contagious times, when the greatest attention is being paid to remedying the remains of the past corruption. Thus may our Lord God vouchsafe to continue favouring this holy work, prospering King Philip and the Queen, through whose authority and piety it was commenced, and brought to the good state in which it now finds itself.
	St. James's, Ascension Day, 1558.
	[Italian.]
May 20. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1227. Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	When the Duchess of Lorraine and the Cardinal of Guise took leave of each other, his Lordship left in writing what he had said by word of mouth in the proposal, without any rejoinder whatever, from the other side: such is the report in circulation through the Court, though it has perchance been written to Italy that both sides gave each other written articles to be exhibited to their sovereigns. I am however assured (I may say from the fountain head) that this is untrue, though it is thus proclaimed to avoid driving the people here to despair (they most earnestly desiring the agreement), by giving them to understand that the negotiation is still on foot, and not altogether abandoned. As to the proposal made by the Cardinal, I understand that it limits itself to three or four sorts of compensatory conventions, to be offered to the Duke of Savoy, part of which comprise his marriage to the King's sister and part without it. I am moreover told by those who were present that all the other things proposed and treated by the Cardinal de Guise would have been granted and admitted by the contrary party likewise, viz., that nothing should be said about the interest of the English on account of Calais (cioè, che non si parlasse dell' interesse degli Inglesi per conto di Cales); nor for the affairs of Italy for the towns of Tuscany; nor for Corsica on account of the Genoese; nor in these parts, to restore and make compensation for the towns occupied by one or other of these sovereigns, such as Marienburg and the other places in Flanders (si come Mariamburgh et le altre di là), and St. Quentin and the rest on this side (con San Quintino, et le altre di quà); all I say would have been passed without contradiction but for this affair of the Duke of Savoy, concerning which, as both the Duchess and the other persons representing the King Catholic were unauthorised to grant anything, having taken the Cardinal's writing, they said they would report to their King, promising to perform every good office, especially the Duchess, and to intimate subsequently the reply; and this much took place and nothing more.
	I have also heard another additional circumstance worth recording, that the Bishop of Arras with those Flemish noblemen having come a long way in advance, being followed by the Duchess, to meet the Cardinal at the appointed place, Marchesi (sic), a small open village, with a house in the country, in great part in ruins from the recent wars, but repaired on the sudden, and restored as well as it could be, with a large bower in front of it, according to the present fashion (come s'usa a questi tempi), her Excellency made her appearance with so numerous a company of Spanish and Burgundian lords and gentlemen and other honourable personages, all so richly apparelled and so well mounted, as not only to astonish the Cardinal, who, including his own followers and those of the Duke of Lorraine, and Messieurs d'Aumale and de Vaudemont, and the two youths, one the son of the Duke de Guise, and the other of the aforesaid Aumale, had with them upwards of a hundred horse, they also being honourably arrayed, but in the ordinary riding gear; but, besides his astonishment, to cause him suspicion, for the nearer they got to the place of meeting the greater number of cavalry did they see posted at various places on the road, and in good order. But what afterwards not only increased the suspicion but caused him great fear was, that after going back in the evening to Peronne to return hitherwards, there took place in the night the capture and conflagration of Nesle, which is so near to Peronne that the flames were clearly visible there, not without opinion (though a false one from what I hear has been discovered since) that the feat had been performed by the cavalry seen on that same day with the Duchess of Lorraine; so the Cardinal was not a little afraid of its pursuing and playing him some bad joke (burla di mala sorte) at a certain pass between Peronne and Paris where the safe conduct would have been inefficient; and whereas at first he had intended to come hither conveniently on palfreys (havea deliberato venirsene a suo comodo sopra Chinee), he changed his mind, and for less danger chose to ride postwise, having departed on the sudden unknown, it may be said, to any of his attendants, or at least but to very few, and by travelling another road than the ordinary one, he considers it a great feat to have been able to escape in safety.
	He made handsome presents to the Duchess of Lorraine and her daughters, to the amount of six or seven thousand ducats worth of bracelets, rings, and similar sorts of female ornaments; her Excellency on the other hand having presented him and the Duke her son with a great quantity of very choice perfumed gloves. The Duke of Lorraine was moreover presented, on behalf of King Philip, with three genets considered to be of rare beauty; and the Duchess chose to see him ride and “manage” in public three very high-couraged war-horses (tre bravissimi corsieri) one after the other, which he brought with him, they having been a gift from the most Christian King on his departure.
	The Duke, both in this matter and in all his other actions, receives very great and universal praise from everybody, being commended above all for his modesty; and the Cardinal's attendants who were present say that the Duchess remained so surprised and almost out of her wits at the first sight of the Duke, seeing him grown so agile, and of so graceful and agreeable a presence, that from excessive tenderness she for a good while was unable to speak, and indeed almost fainted; in like manner she remained infinitely satisfied with the sage words he addressed to her at that first meeting, giving her account of his condition, and of the mode in which he was treated and entertained by the most Christian King and all the other personages of the realm. I also hear on the best authority that before he was taken to his mother the Cardinal de Guise set him at liberty (fu messo dal Cardinale in libertà) either to depart with her, if such was his wish, or to return with him, as having arrived at an age to dispose of himself, he might do as he pleased, as whatever his determination it would have the approval of the King and his ministers. The Duke replied that he should not know how to live in any other place than where he had resided hitherto. The aforesaid bystanders never weary of proclaiming the courtesies and very great honours paid by the Duchess to the Cardinal, both in meeting and receiving him when he dismounted, with so much sounding of trumpets, drums, artillery, and other instruments, and also in the morning at the dinner, which was most sumptuous, accompanied by as much music and as many entertainments (trattenimenti) as could possibly be desired in the most delicious locality. The same courtesies and honours are said to have been paid (principally by the Spaniards) to all the others who were with the Cardinal and Lords; and the Count d'Egmont, leaving the Duchess and her daughters and son and the Cardinal, compelled M. d'Aumale, with his son and nephew, and M. de Vaudemont, to dine with him, they all eating together at one table.
	On this other side no words can tell the infinite joy and the extreme caresses and greetings lavished on the Duke that evening when he returned postwise by his most Christian Majesty, who again and again threw his arms round his neck and kissed him repeatedly; the Queen and the King-Dauphin doing the like, and in short the whole Court; this his short absence having clearly proved the wish for him which he had left behind, and the great love borne him by everybody.
	Paris, 20th May 1558.
	[Italian.]
May 21. MS. penes me. Autograph of Francesco Contarini, who died Doge of Venice, A.D. 1624.	1228. Doge Lorenzo Priuli to Henry II., King of France.
	Congratulations on the espousals of the King-Dauphin, and the Queen of Scotland.
	[Italian.]
May 21. Ibid.	1229. The same to the Most Serene Queen of France, Catherine de'Medici.
	Similar congratulations.
	[Italian.]
May 21. Ibid.	1230. The same to the King-Dauphin.
	Similar congratulations.
	[Italian.]
May 21. Ibid.	1231. The same to the Most Serene Queen-Dauphin.
	Similar congratulations.
	[Italian.]
May 21. Ibid.	1232. The same to the Cardinal of Lorraine.
	Similar congratulations.
	[Italian.]
May 21. Ibid.	1233. The same to the Duke de Guise.
	Similar congratulations.
	[Italian.]
May 22. Deliberazioni Senato, File No. 31, Venetian Archives.	1234. Motion made in the Senate, for a letter to Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in France, ordering him to present the foregoing letters.
	Ayes, 167; Noes, 4; Neutrals, 7.
	[Italian.]
May 22. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives	1235. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate.
	When I was with the King yesterday evening he commenced speaking about the result of the interview between the Duchess of Lorraine and her son, his Majesty having previously narrated to me in detail the difficulties which arose before the conference, both about site as also concerning the number of persons who were to attend it on one side and the other, which were subsequently adjusted, as written by me. He told me that during the colloquy they discussed the peace, and the substance of the negotiation was, that the French made two proposals: the one is, that they would be content to restore Savoy and Piedmont to the Duke, but they choose King Philip to cede the State of Milan to his most Christian Majesty, and some persons who accompanied the Duchess tell me that they did not say they would restore Piedmont absolutely, but reserving three fortresses for themselves, though of this reserve the King made no mention to me. The second proposal is, that should the first not give satisfaction, the King will be content to restore Savoy alone to the Duke, and keep Piedmont for himself, on condition that the Duke receive compensation from King Philip, who thereupon said to me, “They choose me to recompense him as if I had taken it” (vogliono che io lo recompensi, come se lo havessi tolto io). In each of these proposals it is also understood that St. Quentin, Han, and Catelet are to be restored to the French, those places having been taken last year, and that nothing is to be said about Calais.
	The King told me that this is the substance of the two proposals made by the French, and as they seemed very exorbitant the Bishop of Arras therefore replied that not having any commission about this affair he could not give them any reply, but would report the whole to his Majesty; and the Cardinal of Lorraine well nigh exasperated by this reply (quasi sdegnato di questa risposta) rejoined that if King Philip wished for peace in either of those ways he should have it, but not otherwise. From what I can understand those on this side anticipated an opportunity for resuming the conference, but the Cardinal of Lorraine departed next morning on his way back to the Court, they also doing the like. The King, when narrating the circumstance to me, evinced some resentment at the Cardinal's so sudden departure; but lest I should think that this was contrary to the dignity of his Majesty or of the Duchess, he added that the Cardinal departed so speedily because the Duchess had told him that she had intended to depart on the morrow, though she did not do so until the next day.
	Discussing this negotiation of the French, the King said he does not believe that they wish for peace, but that what they do is for the purpose of demonstrating to the people that their King does not wage the war willingly, but is forced into it for the defence of his States, it being thought that his subjects will thus pay the taxes imposed on them more easily. His Majesty also told me another thing, that when examining the difficulties raised by the French about the site and the Duchess' retinue (compagnia) they found that they had intended to get her into their hands (di haver Lei nelle mani) or at least her daughters as they did by her son, and that the plot would have succeeded had the conference taken place on the French confines, which is clearly proved by their not having chosen to come to Cambrai as they had promised; that they never allowed the mother and son to talk alone together; and that although the Cardinal wrote to the Duchess inviting her to the conference under pretext of treating with her matters relating to her son and to her daughters, and to their state, he nevertheless did not say so much as one word on that subject.
	This conversation held with me by the King was made with an amiability well-nigh extraordinary (con una amorevolezza quasi estraordinaria), and divers things which he had forgotten to tell me he repeated several times, showing that he would keep nothing secret from we, alluding also to the confidence placed by him in your Serenity with greater warmth than usual (con un affetto maggiore del consueto).
	Brussels, 22nd May 1558.
	[Italian, in cipher throughout; deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
May 22. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. (fn. 2)	1235. Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	On Ascension Day, the 19th, the Duke de Guise departed, being followed by Marshal Strozzi, Don Alfonso da Este, and all those others who cannot without reproach quit the service of his most Christian Majesty; and thus did they go to Chalons, in Champagne, to hasten with all diligence the union of the army, which it is said will shortly be the greatest and most potent one ever mustered by this or any other king.
	The English fleet has again appeared in front of Dieppe, and continues cruising off the coast of Normandy, but has not yet attempted any landing or done any notable damage. As yet all the principal towns and harbours are understood to be well provided and fortified, very great assiduity having been and still continuing to be used in this matter; and the day after tomorrow the King of Navarre will depart, that his presence may give entire confidence to the affairs of Guienne likewise.
	In this city during the present week a thing occurred which in like manner as it was a grievous scandal, and greatly troubled those who witnessed it, so did it display extreme audacity on the part of its doers.
	In the meadows beyond the Faubourg St. Germain, which belong to the students, whither at this season persons resort after supper for air and exercise, there assembled publicly a concourse of some three to four thousand individuals (though others estimate the amount at from six to seven thousand) of every grade and condition, men and women, old and young, boys and girls, noblemen, plebeians, and artificers, who marched processionally in dense battalions, singing aloud, in the French tongue, a sort of psalmody, the precise counterpart of that which is chanted in the churches of Geneva and other Lutheran conventicles, adding at the close of each psalm an invective or ballad against the Pope. For their defence in case of need against the populace and the police (dalla giustitia), not only had they a considerable force in the distance armed with pistols and other concealed weapons, but likewise several companies of cavalry, the greater part noblemen and adherents of great personages, in number 15 or 20 to each company, who covered the van, flank, and rear of the psalmodists, escorting them on their march through the meadows. When it was dark they returned into the city, proceeding in this array, still singing, the whole length of the Rue St. Jacques. On the first night not many persons witnessed this display, as it had been little divulged, but for the second performance there was an immense crowd of spectators, including even persons of high rank; and although, on the third day, to prevent this tumult, the authorities issued a proclamation prohibiting its repetition, the psalmodists nevertheless went forth at the usual hour, continuing their chants and ceremony, and in much greater number. Express orders having been given to close the city gates at sunset, and to carry away the keys, the whole company was compelled to remain outside, and to pass the whole night in the houses of that suburb or strolling through the meadows, re-entering Paris on the following morning, in number upwards of 10,000; nor did this deter them from going forth every successive evening, with the same and yet stronger escorts, but merely singing the psalms, and omitting the invective against the Pope. An account of this having been sent to the Court, the Cardinal of Sens, the Spiritual Primate of France, was ordered back hither immediately to investigate the matter, and to proceed as he shall think fit to stop so great a scandal, but he will have much to do, the mischief having spread so far as it has done, and having taken such deep root in the aristocracy (nei grandi).
	Paris, 22nd May 1558.
	P.S.—Having written thus far, I hear from several quarters that the Admiral's brother, M. d'Andelot [François de Coligny], General of the Infantry, has been arrested at the Court on a charge of having participated in the affair of the Lutherans, and I am told that he did not deny it, but freely confessed to being of that opinion, with which his brother, the Cardinal Odet de Châtillon is also said to be tainted (macchiato); and should they choose to go investigating matters farther I understand that many others of much higher grade will be discovered. Here in Paris the Cardinal de Sens has had several individuals arrested, but all plebeians.
	Paris, 22nd May 1558.
	[Italian.]
May 23. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1236. Michael Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Admiral of the Fleet of England [William Lord Howard of Efüngham] arrived here yesterday evening; and this morning an advice came of the arrival of some ships that were expected from Spain bringing 200,000 crowns, although many persons say 400,000, which rejoices the whole Court; and a person of authority told me to-day that with this money they will be able to perform a fine feat, viz., to draw off (sviar) 3,000 Blacksmith cavalry (ferraroli) with whom the French are treating, and they would have already secured them had the money been ready.
	Brussels, 23rd May 1558.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portion in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pàsini.]
May 29. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1237. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate.
	After my despatch of the 23rd, the King went unexpectedly to Antwerp, and the day before his departure the Duke of Alva sent to give me notice of it, saying at the same time that he would return in six days; but as the Court was of opinion that his Majesty would cross over to England, although it was incredible that in these times he should leave these Provinces for that kingdom, I therefore sent my secretary to his Excellency to say that I wished to follow his Majesty, and that I would go to Antwerp, and whithersoever he pleased. The Duke replied that the King would certainly return in five or six days, and that his Majesty's order was that I should not move, and that this would be agreeable to him; so to conform myself to his will I have not stirred.
	From what I can comprehend, it was determined that I should not depart hence, because owing to this report of his Majesty's going to England, and his abandonment of Brussels, everybody would have taken flight had they seen the ambassadors depart, and above all your Serenity's, who is more remarked than the others. I therefore did well to remain, having thus obeyed his Majesty, and perhaps prevented some great confusion which would have taken place, for immediately on the King's departure a report circulated that the French forces were at Maastricht, and that his Majesty had chosen to leave Brussels, so as not to let himself be found here unprovided and without troops; and the Ambassadors from Florence and from Genoa were about to depart, but on seeing that I did not move the Florentine remained, as also the one from Poland, and willed to consult with me, and to do as I did; and as the Ambassadors remained the other persons of the Court who were also on the move acted more reservedly.
	Then yesterday I had advice from Antwerp that the King will not cross over to England, and that he will return hither in a few days.
	The cause of his Majesty's going to Antwerp, as written by me on the 21st, was to obtain money, and he went so suddenly and sooner than was expected in consequence of the arrival of the ships from Spain with the money, the whole of which belongs to the merchants, part being their own rightfully (parte proprii et di ragione loro), and part having been assigned them by the King for their credits. His Majesty willed to get possession of it (ha voluto sua Maestà haverli nelle mani lei), and that the merchants might agree to this without noise he chose to go in person, hoping to gain their consent more easily than by means of his ministers, who have not so much authority nor perhaps equal address. His Majesty also thinks of laying a new tax on that city, as imposed heretofore, for the purpose of rendering it a fortress, which being now almost completed it was repealed; and should the King be able to renew it, he would forthwith obtain from 150 to 200 thousand crowns, with which sum, and further pecuniary supply to be derived from other sources, he will provide for the defence of these Provinces, for which but little provision has been made hitherto; nor has his Majesty any other troops levied except those on the frontiers; whereas the French are in great force at the confines of Luxemburg, their apparent design being on Thionville, which, although a very strong place, and well garrisoned, yet, nevertheless, unless it be succoured by a strong body of troops in the field, neither the garrison nor others (nè altri) could defend it against such a force. These fortresses do not resemble your Serenity's, which, when they have troops within, are impregnable; but the fortresses here are so called from a little good position (un poco di sito), or a lake, or hill, or marsh in their vicinity, and not from their structure or skilled contrivance (et non per fabrica nè per artificio); and should any of them be well designed, not one however is completed, and for the most part they are unskilfully planned (mal intese). In these parts, Antwerp alone has the form of a fortress, and is already completed, but with many defects, though not being a frontier, it can serve for nothing on these occasions; so for the defence of these confines against the French there is need of more than a middling army-corps, and a much greater one would be required were King Philip to assume the offensive (volendo offenderli), most especially now that they are heard to be in such force.
	Since a long while it is said that King Philip will have six regiments of Germans and 4,000 Blacksmith cavalry (Ferraroli), who with these Spaniards and Walloons in the garrisons would form a reasonable army (fariano un giusto essercito), as written by me heretofore, but I do not yet see the thing in such a state as to vouch for its certainty; so although it is said universally that the Duke of Savoy will soon take the field and that the King will follow him shortly afterwards, yet the force now under arms not being sufficient, the delay will be greater than is generally supposed.
	Brussels, 29th May 1558.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portions in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
May 29. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1238. Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	Although after the return of the Cardinal de Guise I sent to the Court [at Monceaux, near Meaux,] to have lodging, and to endeavour to obtain audience, and in accordance with your Serenity's letters of the 24th ult. to thank his Majesty for the office he performed with me about the Turkish fleet, and also to hear something from him and the Cardinal about passing events; his Lordship sent me word nevertheless, that whilst the King for his convenience continues to reside in those small places there is no occasion for me to move hence, unless I have something to negotiate of more than ordinary importance; and that on being settled, and when the whole Court shall be united, he will then let me and the other Ambassadors here know what we shall have to do. I am therefore compelled to transact all business by means of letters, and through one of my attendants, including the affair of the entire release of the ship “Tamisera,” which, together with all the other vessels of the kingdom, had been seized by his Majesty's order on account of the English fleet.
	Paris, 29th May 1558.
	[Italian.]
May 29. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. (2nd letter.)	1239. Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	On the 22nd, as written by me, the Duke de Guise left Paris for Chalons, where cavalry and infantry arrive daily for the main body of the army; and two days ago he informed the King that a good part of the forces which had been in the neighbourhood of Metz, and on the confines of Lorraine, were under Thionville, and about to commence the trenches round it, and to convey thither the artillery and other necessaries to attempt the siege; and in order that the affairs of the territory of Lorraine in that neighbourhood may proceed more quietly and without disturbance on the part of the Duke of Lorraine's subjects, who might injure the expeditions which will be made in that direction, I am informed by a person in the King's confidence that the King has determined that in a few days the Duke of Lorraine is to go and reside in Lorraine in person, and thus avoid the necessity for taking the Duke with him to the camp in the company of the King-Dauphin, who, should his most Christian Majesty not join the army personally, which he has not yet decided to do, says he desires to go thither at any rate.
	The Duke de Guise has sent to the Court letters and other advices of the King-Catholic, intercepted by certain companies of German cavalry on their march to the camp, who having heard of the passage of Don Juan Manrique, placed themselves in ambush, and made so violent an attack on his rear (alla coda) that, although he saved himself (having with much difficulty and at great personal risk made his escape), they captured no fewer than six or seven of his attendants, and almost all his valises; and from the said letters it seems that they have derived very acceptable information, both by rendering themselves certain that King Philip cannot be armed until even later than they knew already, and also by ascertaining that the Duchess of Lorraine did not seek the interview for any other cause than that of appearance and dissimulation, thus attempting to stay the preparations for the war by negotiating an agreement.
	The Grand Prior of France [Réné de Lorraine, Marquis d'Elbœuf], General of the Fleet, came postwise to the Court from Marseilles, on hearing that the Turkish fleet had put to sea, and two days afterwards (viz., on the 25th) he went back with the same speed, having a money order for a certain sum to repair the galleys, which I understand greatly require it; and when he sent one of his secretaries hither to obtain payment he failed to obtain it, notwithstanding his most assiduous solicitations. The said Prior is appointed (destinato) to go and meet and join the Turkish fleet, and orders and instructions have been given him about the expeditions they are to undertake.
	M. de Brissac has also sent back his secretary to announce that during his stay of more than 40 days at Lyons he had been unable to make any sort of bargain with the merchants there about the assignments given him on his departure, and still less could he avail himself of the four hundred thousand francs ready money which he had been told would be waiting for him on his arrival there, demanding fresh provisions and aids, without which he neither could nor would depart thence.
	The commotion that took place here on account of the religion was in great part quieted by the presence of the Cardinal de Sens, through the strict orders and very severe proclamations issued in the King's name, not only to avert and prevent similar meetings, but to discover those who attended the one in question, offering also a certain reward to such as would inform against them, and subjecting to the same penalty persons who having knowledge of the delinquents do not denounce them; but the execution has limited itself to the capture of some hundred individuals, but all plebeians, and of no greater account than some of the tutors of these scholastic colleges (e non di maggior conto che di qualche pedagoghi di questi collegi di scolari); the authorities proceeding with great consideration, both on account of the nature of the times, as also by reason of the quality and quantity of the great personages who openly favour similar opinions, with great risk of the beginning of a civil war. It is asserted that also in the city of Chartres a strange uproar took place lately between the townspeople and the men-at-arms of the company in the service of the King-Dauphin, about removing the images from the churches, some persons being killed on both sides. The arrest of M. d'Andelot, although it has intimidated many persons owing to his authority and intimacy with the King, has nevertheless irritated many more, who are of opinion that bearing in mind the circumstances and need of the war, doing his Majesty such good service as he does, he should have been treated with greater respect. He is kept in the town of Meaux, two leagues from the Court, (fn. 3) in the custody of fifteen archers of the King's guard, and he walks about the church, every convenience being afforded him, his wife also being allowed to go thither. He is said to be more obstinate than ever, nor does any sort of office take effect upon him; neither exhortation, which the King sent gentlemen, his friends, to use with him; nor certain theologians of the Sorbonne, to whom he will not give ear, whilst of the others he makes a jest; and I understand that before his arrest, his discourse with the King, by persisting in his opinions, so enraged his Majesty that he well nigh rushed at him with his dagger.
	The Marshal de St. André [Jacques d'Albon] is expected from Flanders daily, coming on parole, besides the security given by him, he being allowed two months' time to cure himself of a certain tumour from which he suffers; and the report of the Constable's return is also again renewed.
	Paris, 29th May 1558.
	[Italian.]