Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 4 Part 2, 1531-1533. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1882.
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'Spain: April 1532, 1-20', in Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 4 Part 2, 1531-1533, (London, 1882) pp. 418-431. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/spain/vol4/no2/pp418-431 [accessed 24 April 2024]
April 1532, 1-20
| 10 April. | 928. Rodrigo Niño to the Emperor. |
|---|---|
| S. E. L. 1,309, ff. 89–90. B.M. Add. 28,584, f. 251. |
Has spoken to the Doge and Signory about the league which it is desirable they should make with the Pope and Emperor against the Turk, but has found them exceedingly reticent and over scrupulous on the subject. The Venetians, in fact, will not move until they see that the Christians have the best of the contest [against the common enemy]. |
| With regard to the other league, which, it is rumoured, the kings of France and England, the Vayvod, and some Lutheran princes have already made, and about which he (Niño) wrote on the 26th February fresh particulars have been obtained in a most secret and confidential manner. This Signory has advices from a town in Germany, called Lubeck, to the purport that the agents of the two kings, of the Vayvod, of the duke of Sassa (Saxony), of the landgrave [of Hesse], and of three or four free towns, and seven or eight more Lutheran princes, met together at that place and discussed various matters, and principally the form of the said league, which it would appear they have since concluded and reduced to special articles as follows. The moment the Turk invades Hungary each of them shall arm and attack the Emperor's dominions, or those of his brother, the king of the Romans. The king of England to marry his daughter [the Princess] to the Vayvod, and the king of France to prepare a fleet in Normandy; indeed it is said that the latter is already arming galleys at Marseilles, and that the duke of Albany is to be the commander-in-chief of all his forces. Though the Signory would not reveal the name of the person from whom this information was obtained, he (Niño) suspects that it comes straight from England, because this Doge told him on Sunday last that letters had been received from their ambassador in London dated the 16th ulto, informing him that on the day before the duke of Suffolk had had very high words with him owing to the Signory not having allowed the Paduan doctors and professors to go to Rome and debate publicly on the divorce case; so that in his (Niño's) opinion there can be no doubt that the advices have come direct from England, besides which his informer told him that a question having arisen in the Senate as to whether they should acquaint him (Niño) with that piece of intelligence some of the Senators, who had merchandize and other goods on board the galleys now in English waters, strongly opposed the measure, saying that should the king of England learn that the news had originated in Venice they [the Venetians] might be the sufferers. Niño's informer further added that for this reason the Doge had refrained from telling him those English news. Believes in fact that the Signory will stand by the treaties, and that nothing will make them swerve from their duty in this respect, for they know very well who the kings of France and England are, and what each of them is aiming at; but at the same time the Pope, on the other hand, ought to be firmer than he is with these Venetians and the rest of the Italian potentates, for otherwise they will not give him a single "quatrino," nor allow him to fill up vacant bishoprics, but on the contrary will usurp the rentals and fees of the Church as unscrupulously as if they were their own patrimonial property. | |
| Wrote on the 28th ulto what news he had of the preparations of the Turk. Has since heard that the Venetian ambassador writes from Constantinople to the Doge that all the Infidel is doing is unquestionably in concert with the kings of France and England. The Turkish fleet, says the letter, will not set sail until a person from the French Court shall come and take command of it. It will not be larger than it is at present, because the French are also arming a number of galleys and other vessels which are to join it. It is supposed there [at Constantinople] that when the two fleets have united they will come down upon Genoa. The Turk, moreover, had ordered the captains of his fleet and his privateers not to interfere with or do any harm to English and French ships, nor to those of the Signory. | |
| Having after this asked the Doge what he knew about the contemplated attack of Genoa by the combined Turkish and French fleets he answered me: "Don't believe it; it is doubtful even if their galleys will ever enter the Gulf, for the Turks are not people lightly to risk their vessels in the Mediterranean, neither will they trust the king [of France]."Asked him also whether it was true or not that the Turk had given orders that no harm should be done to the French or English. He said: "So it appears from what our ambassador at Constantinople writes." So that if this last part of the report be true, the Turk's confederates are the Most Christian King [of France], and the Defender of the Faith, Henry, king of England, both actually in league against the Pope, the Emperor, and the king of the Romans!! Hopes that all of them and those who may hereafter join the said league will be punished at the Emperor's hands as they deserve. | |
| Never has the king of France shewn such a desire of becoming lord of Milan as he does now. Rincon's mission to the Vayvod is not without mystery. Has been told that when he came here [to embark] he said to one of his friends [count Guido Rangone] that the king of France had given him various secret commissions, none of which he could reveal, as he had been expressly commanded by the King not to say a word about them either to the Grand Master or to the Admiral of France, both of whom were opposed to his (the King's) warlike plans; by which language he (Rincon) gave it to be understood that king Francis himself intended coming down to Italy or sending an army. On this last point a great debate arose on that occasion, the Count declaring himself in favour of the opinion of the Grand Master and Admiral, and saying how much people would infer from the fact that whilst the Turk was making war upon the Emperor the Most Christian King should invade Italy, especially after the peace signed and sworn [at Cam-bray]. He (the King) could not do such a thing unless he wished to be worse than the Turk himself. Upon which Rincon replied with still greater protestations and oaths that such was the King's firm resolution, and that matters were now so far advanced and so arranged that victory was indubitable; for that reason he had come to engage his services again. The Count said: "If such be the case, and the king of France, as you say, wants my services, I will do all I can for you, but I can assure you that the Emperor's power is so great that I doubt much whether we shall ever be successful against him." | |
| Though Rincon has announced here that he is going to Hungary he (Niño) has been told that the route he takes is by Sebenico and Ragusa, and thence to Constantinople without passing through Hungary. Has been told that a Neapolitan emigrant (fuoruscito). Cesaro Cantelmo by name, accompanies him. This last was in France until very lately, when he returned to Naples. Rincon has brought him his nomination of gentleman of the King's chamber, besides a commission to accompany him to Constantinople and return with the answer. Cesaro Cantelmo is a great friend of count Guido, and has promised to touch here [at Venice] on his return from Constantinople, and after a few days' stay return to France post haste. The Count is of opinion that he ought to be arrested on the road thither, and offers to afford the means for such capture, provided a promise be made that no personal violence be done to him (Rincon) except what may be necessary to extort the truth. It is for the Emperor to decide whether his arrest is to take place or not. If so a letter should be addressed to the Count thanking him for his offers of service, &c., and begging him to manage the whole affair, for certainly considering the plots and intrigues which the Most Christian King is daily getting up against us it would seem as if such measures were much wanted. | |
| Rincon has been heard to say here [at Venice] that the king of France is now in Britanny, trying to ascertain how many vessels are on that coast which will bear arming, and that he is actually having a war ship built so large that it will be impossible to navigate it. As, however, the fleet which he thus may fit out in Britanny will scarcely be of any use in Italy, he (Niño) has written to the Empress to try and ascertain [in Spain] the destination of these formidable armaments. | |
| Notwithstanding what the Doge said to him with apparent sincerity about the Turkish armaments, he (Niño) fancies that he knows more about them than he chose to say, because the other day as he (Niño) was coming out of the College Hall he met the son of one of the Venetian ambassadors now with the Turk, who said that the last letters he had had from his father were dated the 10th, and it can hardly be supposed that those which he (the ambassador) wrote to the Council could be of later date. The Doge has positively said that those he received were dated the 6th, and, therefore, there must be some contradiction. However this may be, Your Majesty cannot but have heard from Rome what news the Patriarch's servant brings, for in his (Niño's) opinion the Soffy [of Persia] must be doing something which these people know but dare not publish. | |
| Count Guido has just sent word that Rincon has again visited him, and advised him most strongly not to take part with the Emperor, because the plot (he says) is thickening in such a way that he may soon have occasion to repent his choice, giving that captain to understand that all the World will soon be against us, which fact plainly shews what the intentions of the Most Christian King are, &c. | |
| Spanish. Contemporary deciphering. pp. 7. | |
| 11 April. | 929. Clement VII. to the Same. |
| S. E. L. 858, f. 3. B. M. Add. 28,584, f. 257. |
Is glad to see that the Emperor is arming against the Turk by sea and land. Would like to help but his treasury is so exhausted that he does not know how to meet his manifold obligations. |
| Understands his wishes respecting the creation of cardinals, but as to the hat for the lord of Monaco he cannot see his way to grant it. | |
| In the matrimonial cause of England something, he owns, might perhaps have been gained by proceeding with rigour, and yet as no point of law has been omitted (non si e mancato in alcun punto di justitia). and nothing really injurious has yet been attempted in England against the Queen, his firm opinion is that the experiment hitherto tried of not driving the King to extremity, as might have been the case had we refused him that consideration which he expects from us, has not been unavailing. But, as aforesaid, no infraction of justice has been or will be committed on that account. | |
| His wish of holding an interview with His Imperial Majesty is certainly very great, though somewhat tempered by the thought that the Emperor's presence in Germany is now more necessary than ever, and that the welfare of Christendom depends in a great measure upon his stay in that country.—Rome, 11th April 1532. | |
| Italian. | |
| 13 April. | 930. The cardinal of Siguença to the Same. |
| S. E. L. 859, f. 15. B. M. Add. 28,584, f. 259. |
My advice is that Your Majesty make an agreement with the Lutherans on the best possible terms. If you cannot make them good Christians, at any rate let them become good servants and vassals of Your Imperial Majesty, and live on affectionate terms with the king of the Romans, that they may serve and help you both against your enemies. So do not alienate them by any rash measures, for it is enough that good Christians be protected in their Faith and for these latter, if necessary, some valuable privileges might be obtained from the Apostolic See.—Rome, 13th April 1532. |
| Signed: " Fr. G[arcia] Cardlis Seguntinus." | |
| Indorsed: "Abstract of news from Rome about the Lutherans." | |
| Spanish. Original, pp. 2. | |
| 14 April. | 931. Queen Katharine to Dr. Ortiz at Rome. |
| S. E. L. 806, f. 32. B. M. Add. 28,583, f. 262. |
I have had much pleasure and consolation from your letters since you let me know the good and the bad of what is being done there [at Rome]. I know what pains you take and what trouble is given you, as well as the affection and goodwill you profess towards me and my affairs, and the manner in which you daily exhort His Holiness to do plain and speedy justice in this my case, charging his conscience with it, which after all is the best and most expedient course to be followed by him and his successors in St. Peter's Holy chair. (fn. n1) And yet, notwithstanding all that is being done in my behalf, His Holiness' doings are such as you see; so that I can discover no other help but to commend the whole affair to God, and pray him to remedy the many injuries which this kingdom and Christendom at large are likely to receive, since his Vicar on Earth does not choose to do so. |
| I know not what to say about His Holiness, but certainly when I see him holding this cause in suspense, and Christendom swarming with heretics, it would seem to me as if he wanted their number to increase, and that whilst being, as he is, the supreme head and protector of the Church he yet wishes it to have this tremendous fall. I cannot do more, as I am writing to His Holiness, than again and again bring before him the truth of my cause and represent the harm likely to ensue from his deferring sentence, and urge him to decide it as he may think proper; if that avail not I can but lay my complaint direct before God, since here, in this World, His ministers have neither faith nor charity. (fn. n2) | |
| As to you, Doctor, I beg you to continue as hitherto working in my behalf. I have seen a copy of the brief which His Holiness lately granted; have shewn it to competent and learned persons, and they all tell me that the medicine that is to cure this ulcer ought certainly to be much stronger, and that the only remedy lies in having sentence given at once; all the rest will only cause annoyance, and will be of little or no use at all. May God give you health.—Amp thill ? 14th April [1532]. | |
| P.S.—You may shew this letter to His Holiness. | |
| Signed: "Catherina." | |
| Addressed: "To Dr. Ortiz at Rome." | |
| Spanish. Contemporary copy in the Doctor's hand. pp. 2. | |
| 16 April. | 932. Cardinal de Siguenza to the High Commander. |
| S. E. L. 858, f. 84. 13. M. Add. 28,583. f. 264. |
"The French ambassador is out of his senses," said the Pope to me yesterday, "or else he is a very wicked man, for knowing that I was aware of his having written a despatch to his master he came yesterday and read it to me." The despatch, as it appears, contains two falsehoods: 1st, that the fleet Your Imperial Majesty is fitting out in Genoa is not intended against the Turk but against France, in order to intimidate king Francis and prevent his coming down to Italy. The 2nd, that you and the Pope have lately made a new league. Of this latter falsehood I took no heed, but respecting the former I (Loaysa) should say: Let care be taken that the King do not suspect that we doubt his friendship, &c. |
| A German arrived some days ago, bringing, as they say, instructions from four Lutheran preachers, who promise to do much for the conversion of Germany, and say that they hope to bring round Luther and the duke of Saxony (George). The man, moreover, asks beforehand for some remuneration for the said four preachers, and His Holiness has answered that if they do what they offer they will be amply rewarded. (fn. n3) The preachers ask for 500 ducats to be divided among themselves, and I have no doubt that, though the Pope does not believe a word of what they say, the money will be paid down, and more favour promised if they should succeed in their attempt.—Rome, 16th April 1532. | |
| Signed: "Fr[ater] G[arcia] Cardinalis Seguntinus." | |
| Addressed: "To the most magnificent lord the High Commander of Leon, secretary to His Imperial Majesty and of his Privy Council." | |
| Spanish. Holograph, pp. 2. | |
| 16 April. | 933. The Same to the Emperor. |
| S. E. L. 859, f. 15. B.M. Add. 28,584, f. 261. |
The Pope told me this morning that a German had come to him with powers and instructions from four Lutheran preachers who offered to do wonders for the conversion of Germany, and to convince Luther himself and the duke of Sassa (Saxony). The preachers, as it appears, ask for a reward and 500 ducats to be divided among them at once. Though His Holiness believes nothing of what those people say, yet he will promise them favour in case the plan should succeed, and will besides give them money down. |
| Spanish. Contemporary abstract. | |
| 16 April. | 934. Eustace Chapuys to the Same. |
| K. u. K. Haus- of-u-Staats Arch. Wien. Rep. P. Fasc., c. 227, No. 16. |
(Cipher:) This king perceiving that his brother of France did not shew the least inclination to take his part in case of a war with the Scotch, has now adopted the expedient of making the said king and his ministers interfere so as to conclude a new treaty of peace between the two kingdoms, or at least to have the [old] truce renewed. To this end the French ambassador, at the earnest request and prayer of this king, has written home and dispatched an express to Scotland, having besides spent at Court three whole days for the double purpose of attending exclusively to this Scottish affair, and persuading the king of France, his master, to try every possible means of pushing the divorce suit at Rome, and having it decided according to this king's wishes. This information I obtained from the French ambassador himself, who also told me, without my asking him, that considering the close friendship and alliance which existed between them his master could not do less than take up this king's cause. He said more; he hoped Your Imperial Majesty would not take his interference in bad part, as the affair was one in which you were not personally concerned, and that you ought not after all to take so much trouble for a woman. (fn. n4) "If this king (continued the ambassador) wishes to be married again he should not listen to those who advise him to waste time and money in that pursuit, but marry at once the woman he likes most as king Louis [XII.] did in similar circumstances." (fn. n5) |
| Against these arguments of the ambassador I strongly remonstrated, saying that it was Your Majesty's duty to see justice done in an affair of this kind, not so much perhaps on account of the Queen, your aunt, as for the sake of this king's own honour and conscience, and to obviate the bad example and scandal given throughout Christendom. The king of France (I said) had hitherto held very different language, and as to king Louis his case was not the same. This remark of mine did not please the ambassador; he remained silent and thoughtful for some time as if he were sorry for what he had said, and then changing the conversation said to me that though the Scottish ambassadors had actually obtained a safeconduct to go to France, passing through England, he believed they had already crossed over to that country. He further added that he had had letters from the French ambassador residing in Venice stating that an intrigue had been detected there for the Spaniards to watch their opportunity and get possession of that city, at which the Signory was exceedingly hurt and displeased. Which piece of news, as I am told, the Frenchman has divulged with great glee all over this place, imagining perhaps that it might eventually be the cause of alienating the affections of the Venetians. He ended by telling me that lately, as he was sending an express to France with important despatches, the messenger was stopped on the road between this and Dover and the packet taken from him, at which he (the ambassador) had been very angry, and that although he had done his utmost to recover the letters he had not yet succeeded. | |
| (Common writing:) Yesterday, after presenting Your Majesty's letter in favour of a poor man from Antwerp (ung povre homme denvers) the King deliberately asked me what news were contained in a packet of letters sent by his deputies at the conference "pour l'affaire de la contractation, "and which being addressed to me had been forwarded that very morning. My answer was that the packet in question was from Maistre Jehan de la Saulx. (fn. n6) Upon which the King immediately observed that the pretensions of the said La Saulx and the rest of the Imperial deputies were most exorbitant, since they refused taking in payment and compensation for their claims the very substantial offers (such he called them) that had been made by his subjects, and that if through inordinate and selfish motives (par affection disordonnee) the Low Countries now disdained the advantages and great profit which commercial intercourse with this country afforded them, and thus gave occasion for his English subjects to follow another course and take their goods elsewhere, they would very soon find that they had sustained irreparable loss when, though they might repent of their error, it would no longer be time to bring matters back to the state they were in before. The King owned that any change in commercial relations might at first affect the interests of his subjects, but that in the end (he was sure) "they would be the winners; besides which (he said) it would be wrong to alter such relations, as no one could say what might happen in consequence, were the treaties of peace and alliance between the two countries to be broken. "This last sentence the King uttered half between his teeth not so clearly as the rest. | |
| My reply in general terms was that Your Imperial Majesty had always done everything in your power to maintain peace, amity, and friendly intercourse between the two countries in this instance as well as in others, as he (the King) had no doubt observed. To which assertion the King made no reply, but went on complaining of the Imperial deputies, who (he said) were proceeding in the matter merely out of selfish regard to their own interests, not out of zeal for justice, and he at last appealed to my judgment saying: "If you have carefully examined the papers you must admit at once the truth of my remark." | |
| Now in consequence of some English merchants residing in Flanders having written to their colleagues in this city that there was a question of imposing certain duties on English goods the ships that were here ready to sail for Bergues (fn. n7) have by the King's orders been stopped for eight or ten days, as it was thought imprudent to let them go under such circumstances. The importunities of the merchants at last prevailed, and while the affair was being discussed in the Privy Council (cipher:) the duke of Norfolk came in and announced to the archbishops sitting therein that the Turk had made most formidable preparations to invade the dominions of Your Majesty and of the king of the Romans, wishing no doubt to imply by that, that you would have shortly your hands full and many other things to think of save molesting your neighbours. And thereupon the Duke recommended the officers in charge of the Customs to look more closely than they had done hitherto into all goods and merchandize entering or leaving this country, and most strictly oblige all those who imported goods from abroad to consign them to a merchant of this place. (fn. n8) | |
| I find also that though the King had some time ago sent the duke of Norfolk and others [of his ministers] to speak to the Papal Nuncio about the annats, he himself has now sent for him to signify and make him write to His Holiness that the Bill reducing the amount of the said annats would in the end prove highly beneficial [to him] provided his (the King's) demands [respecting the divorce] were granted. The Nuncio, however, that he might the better inform His Holiness of the whole affair, asked for a copy of the Bill and ordinances to that effect but it has been refused to him. | |
| (Common writing:) Parliament (les Estatz) has met again, and to-day the Chancellor, the duke of Norfolk and several other grandees (grans) went to the Commons for the purpose, as I am told, of urging the necessity there is at Dover of having a good and safe harbour, also of fortifying the frontiers of Scotland, and preparing in time of peace against any future wars, which, in my opinion, is equivalent to saying that a new tax (taille) is about to be imposed on the people. It has not yet been stated in public what amount of money the King requires for this purpose, but it is reported that he is to have one tithe from the clergy and one and a half from all the rest, and it is generally believed that Parliament will grant him anything he wishes for in this way, since the members have been elected at his pleasure (car les deputez ont este choysiz a sa main). Some, however, think that when the tax comes to be levied there will be riots in the country. No other measure of importance has yet been brought forward. | |
| (Cipher:) On Easter Day the Provincial of the Minor Friars preached in their convent at Grynuyche (Greenwich) in the royal presence. They say that the King was much displeased with the sermon owing to the Provincial having alluded, though in general terms, to the fact that the excessive affection of princes and false counsellors often precluded the knowledge of truth. And I hear that the King himself, happening to converse privately with the said friar after the sermon, heard from his lips what was not much to his taste, for the Provincial spoke openly to him about the royal marriage in contemplation, telling him in plain words that if he did not take care he would be in great danger of losing his kingdom, since all his subjects, high and low, were opposed to it. It appears that the King hearing these words from the mouth of the Provincial, and being unable to make him change his opinion on the subject, dissembled at first, and would not shew his temper at the time, but readily granted him afterwards the permission he asked to go to Thoulouse [in France]. No sooner, however, had the Provincial taken his departure than the King, in defiance of the rules of the Order, and the will of the Guardian of the convent at Greenwich, insisted that a chaplain of his household should preach another sermon in his presence at the very same convent. The chaplain began at once to refute the arguments of the Provincial, adding that he wished his opponent were present that he might answer him. Hearing which the Guardian interrupted him, and said that in the absence of his minister he was ready and willing to take his place and respond for him. The King's chaplain then was bold enough to assert at the end of his sermon that all the universities and doctors had declared the divorce to he lawful, which being heard by the said Guardian, he lost all patience, got up and said within the King's hearing that the whole of what the chaplain had said was a fabrication and a He. So angry was the King at this speech of the Franciscan guardian that he has since caused all the bishops of his kingdom to write a letter to the Provincial (who hearing of the affair returned immediately to Greenwich) commanding him to deprive the Guardian of his office in the Order, and have him punished for the offence. This, however, the Provincial has flatly refused to do, and the King in consequence yesterday ordered them both to prison, where they will remain until through fear or persuasion they are induced to change their opinion. But the King is much mistaken, for as both have assured me many a time they will rather die than own that they are in the wrong. The Provincial, I must observe, had gone on the Continent for the express purpose of having a book printed in favour of the Queen rather than of attending the General Chapter of his Order as he had publicly announced. | |
| (Common writing:) Meanwhile the King fancies that he can improve his case by ordering the Clergy throughout the country to preach in favour of his divorce, but I should think that the effect will be quite the reverse, for the people cry out most incredibly at it. | |
| I have already informed Your Majesty that the duke of Norfolk had assured me many a time that in order to remove all suspicion of his aiming at a marriage between his son and the Princess he was designing some suitable alliance for him. He has now accomplished his purpose, and married his son to the daughter of a nobleman of this kingdom; but the Duke must have had very urgent reasons for acting thus, since his son will not be in a condition to marry for the next three years, and besides the lady is neither rich nor a very desirable alliance otherwise. And I have been told that not only has the Lady Anne been the promoter of this marriage, but she has almost compelled the Duke to take that step lest he should aim at the hand of the Princess, and that his credit and favour with the King increasing he may hereafter attempt something against her. | |
| As the Queen herself writes to Your Majesty about her own private affairs, I will say no more about them, &c.—London, 16th April [15]32. | |
| Signed: "Eustace Chapuys." | |
| Addressed: "To the Emperor.'' | |
| French. Holograph partly in cipher, pp. 7. | |
| 16 April. | 935. Muxetula to the Same. |
| S. E. L. 859, f. 15 B. M. Add. 28,584 f. 260. |
The two men who His Holiness expected would go to Germany and convert the Lutherans to the Faith have returned therefrom and said many things to the Pope in the name of Luther and others. They say that if agreeable to His Holiness, Luther and his sectarians will return to the rule of the Church and of the Pope, but that in order to facilitate the conversion it will be necessary to make some shew of honour to the duke of (Sassa) Saxony, who having been accused of being the promoter of that evil naturally wishes to gain both reputation and profit by bringing about this good. Though the Pope believes all these reports to be without foundation, yet he says that should Your Majesty think that by listening to such proposals some good might be done he is ready to give his utmost attention to this business. A copy of the memoranda and instructions presented by these people to His Holiness are here enclosed that His Majesty may decide whether the negotiations are to be continued or not. Begs that the whole thing may remain a profound secret. |
| The Pope suspects that if the duke of Sassa (Saxony) is really willing to do some good in this affair, he will want it to appear as if it came of his own accord, not by order of Your Majesty, because then the service on his part will be greater. Perhaps, too, he may want it to come by the hands of the king of France, who will much prefer the good deed to come from the Duke's hands rather than from those who look up (cuelgan) to Your Majesty. Still thinks that should Luther come over it would be a great boon, for it is well known that Your Majesty was the cause of it. (fn. n9) Repeats these things as they come from the Pope's mouth; on what authority they rest is more than he can say.—Rome, 16th April 1532. | |
| Relac. de Cartas de Roma sobre lo de los Luteranos. | |
| Spanish. Contemporary abstract pp. 2. | |
| 17 April. | 936. Eustace Chapuys to Master Ortiz. |
| S. E. L. 806, f. 32. B. M. Add. 28,584, f. 266. |
Has not heard from him since he received his last, which he answered immediately. What goes by this post in cipher the ambassador (Mai) will decipher and hand over to him. If His Holiness does not make up his mind at once to decide this affair he (Chapuys) can assure him that matters here are getting worse every day, so much so that he seriously apprehends great wrong will soon be done against God, the Holy Apostolic See, and the Emperor, and that the more the sentence tarries the worse will be the evil, and nothing but the most violent measures will put an end to it. Wonders what the Pope is about, knowing, as he must know, that his declaration would at once stop the evil, since being an article of Faith there can be no danger whatever of its being opposed.—London, 17th April 1532. |
| 19 April. | 937. Muxetula to the Emperor |
| S. E. L. 859, f. 81. B M. Add. 28,584, f. 267. |
His Holiness has had the confessions made by the Lutherans at Augusta (Augsburg) examined by certain theologians who are here, and they tell him that many of them are Catholic and several others might be so shaped as not to go contrary to the Faith, that is, the Lutherans agreeing to come to terms. His Holiness goes on taking the opinions of grave theologians free from bias, in order to see whether some means cannot be found of settling the religious disputes in Germany. Should such an expedient be found His Holiness will not fail to communicate it to Your Majesty; I even think that by the first post he will write to his Legate about it. My own impression is that if these differences in matters of Faith could be got over, and the more flagrant ones removed, it would be a great boon for Christendom, and greatly lessen Your Majesty's difficulties at the Diet. |
| Palizoli, who came the other day to speak to His Holiness about the Lutherans, and intimated that the duke of Saxony would perhaps help in their conversion, is a staunch Frenchman and not to be trusted; I have told the Pope so, and he seems of the same opinion; only he says that he wishes to go on with the negotiation and see what will come of it.—Rome, 19th April 1532. | |
| Signed: "Gio. Ant. Muscetula." | |
| Addressed: "To His Sacred, Imperial, and Catholic Majesty." | |
| Spanish. Original, pp. 3. | |
| 19 April. | 938. Miçer Mai to the Same. |
| S. E. L. 859, f. 17. B. M. Add 28,584, f. 259 b. |
Believes, as he has pointed out many a time, that the best thing to do under present circumstances is to enter into an agreement (concierto) with the Lutherans. God will excuse the Emperor since he has so many enemies against him. |
| A German has come to the Pope and spoken to him about a plan for converting the Lutherans, promising many things about Luther and the king of Saxony, and that half a dozen of their preachers will come to Rome. He (Mai) advises that they have the best reception possible. The Pope says that he has no objection to spend 400 or 500 crs. among these preachers, and to promise a cardinal's hat the duke [of Saxony] asks for his son. Presuming, however, that this might retard the affairs of the Diet, he (Mai) told His Holiness he thought that it would be better to commit this negotiation to his Legate at the Imperial Court. His Holiness approved the idea; cannot say whether he will carry it out or not.—Rome, 19th April 1532. | |
| Signed: "Mai." | |
| Addressed: "To His Sacred, Imperial, and Catholic Majesty." | |
| Spanish. Original, pp. 3. | |