Venice: January 1519 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 2, 1509-1519. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1867.

'Venice: January 1519', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 2, 1509-1519, (London, 1867) pp. 483-492. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol2/pp483-492 [accessed 25 April 2024]

January 1519


A.D. 1519.

1519. Jan. 2. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvi. p. 285.	1129. Antonio Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Paris, 17th December.
	Entry of Francis I. into Paris in state on the 11th December. On the morrow the King gave audience to the four English ambassadors. Latin speech made by the Bishop of Ely. On the 13th the peace was sworn to, in the cathedral of Nôtre Dame. The ambassadors dined with the King and supped with the Duke of Bourbon. On the 14th they visited the Queen, in whose company was Madame, the mother of the King. After the audience, the King's pages exercised some of his great horses in the lists prepared for the jousts, and tilted with short spears. On the morning of the 15th the English ambassadors heard mass with the Queen, who afterwards attested the marriage of the Dauphin. They then dined with the King's brother-in-law, the Duke of Alençon. The King and the nobility of France showed them great kindness, walking about the palace with them arm in arm, masking together, and visiting women (et vano a done). On the 17th they hunted with the King; would remain abroad the morrow, and return on the Sunday for a stately banquet. On the Monday the jousts and other entertainments were to commence. The King had sent M. de Chatillon to take possession of Tournai.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 2. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvi. p. 289.	1130. Hironimo DA Canal, Secretary to the Venetian Ambassador in France, to—. (fn. 1)
	Paris, 17th December 1518.
	On the evening of the 11th the most Christian King came into the town, accompanied by all his gentlemen and guards and court, and went and lodged at the palace, (fn. 2) and not at his usual residence. (fn. 3) On the 12th he gave audience to the English ambassadors in a handsome hall. At the extremity of a platform was a tribunal, with an ascent of three steps, and there stood a chair covered with cloth of gold surmounted by an ample canopy of gold brocade. On this chair the King was seated. He was dressed in a robe of cloth of silver, with a raised pile, and figured with very beautiful flowers, the lining being of Spanish herons' feathers. His doubtlet was of cloth of cold. On two other chairs below the tribunal were seated the Legate, Santa Maria in Porticu, and the King of Navarre. Princes, cardinals, bishops, and ambassadors present. Behind the King's chair stood the Lord Steward (Gouffier de Boissi) and his brother, the Admiral (Bonnivet), and others. The ceremony was viewed, behind blinds, by the Queen (Claude), Madame Louise of Savoy, the King's mother, Madame d'Alençon, his sister, and Madame de Nemours. There was also a platform holding all the ladies of the Court.
	After all were seated, the four English ambassadors made their appearance, namely, the Lord Chamberlain, the Bishop of Ely, my Lord of St. John's, and the Captain of Guisnes. The King embraced each of them very graciously. They then presented letters of credence. Near them were some 20 English gentlemen, superbly dressed. Latin orations by the Bishop of Ely and the Chancellor of France (Antoine Duprat). The King embraced all the English gentlemen.
	On the 14th the King went to Notre Dame, accompanied by the whole court and the English ambassadors. Abundance of gold and silver and brocade. Cardinal Boissi chanted high mass. The Kin swore to observe the articles agreed to in England, and then went with the ambassadors to dine with the Bishop of Paris. Supper given them by Monsieur de Bourbon.
	On the 16th the ambassadors visited the Queen, who gave her consent to the marriage. The King went boar and stag hunting, and took a number of the English gentlemen with him. He was expected to return that evening (the 17th). On Sunday he was to give a banquet. The jousts were to commence on Monday.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 6. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 266.	1131. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	The Pope had heard from his legate and from Cardinal Wolsey, that the confederacy between England and France was about to become closer than ever, and that another league, more stringent than the one already made, was to be negotiated. The clause in the league which reconfirmed former confederacies was interpreted by Maximilian as meaning that the treaty between his Grandson and the most Christian King was to be observed; which treaty in the course of time might prove injurious to the former, on account of the restitution of Navarre. The Pope, however, understood it to mean that the peace made with the other powers was to be observed.
	The Pope told him that Maximilian had requested the Legate to beseech his Holiness to send him the crown; which he had determined not to do, as it would be very derogatory to the dignity of the Apostolic See, and would establish a precedent.
	The Pope added that the King of England meant to confirm the truce with France, but chose the French ambassador simultaneously to do the like.
	Rome, 6th January 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
Jan. 9. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvi. p. 305.	1132. Antonio Giustinian, Venetian ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Paris, 23rd December 1518.
	After his last letter of the 17th the jousting commenced. On the 22ncl the banquet was given in the Bastille, where a temporary wooden building had been erected. The ladies were dressed in the Italian and French fashions. Companies of masquers. After supper the King and princes disguised themselves. The chief table was shaped like a horse-shoe, and stood on a lofty stage. The feast lasted two hours. After midnight the collation was served by ladies.
	That day the King had taken another oath in private to certain detached clauses, which were kept secret. The King of England had done the like in the presence of the Cardinal Legate of York.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 9. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvi. p. 306.	1133. Anonymous Account of the Banquet at the Bastille.
	On 22nd December the banquet was held in the Bastille, a small fortress. In its centre was a large space, which was floored with timber, and three galleries were erected all round, one above the other, the whole being covered in with an awning of blue canvas well waxed and powdered with gilt stars, signs, and planets. In the hall a number of mottoes in French and Latin were suspended. The hangings and carpet were of white and tawny cloth, the colours of the most Christian King. Immense number of torches in sconces and in pendant chandeliers.
	In each of the four corners was a cupboard, on which were very many rich vases of gold and silver. A large platform, on which the benches were placed; it was overhung by a bower of box, ivy, and other evergreens, with roses and flowers. At the end of the platform was a dais of cloth of gold, with a tester reaching the ground. Beneath the dais were two chairs covered with cloth of gold, one for the King, and the other for the Duchess of Alençon. Present, four Cardinals, the English ambassadors, &c.; gentlemen and ladies seated alternately.
	On the floor below the platform were two tables filled inside and out with the gentlemen of the English embassy and many French gentlemen, with ladies.
	The company danced to the music of trumpets and fifes until the third hour of the night. Thirty ladies dressed in the Italian fashion. Then supper commenced, and lasted two hours; nine courses served on dishes of gold or silver; each course announced by a flourish of trumpets.
	After supper several companies of masquers appeared. Last of all came the King in a long gown of white satin embroidered all over with gold. There was nothing but gold and silver and silk. After these masquers had done dancing, a collation of sweetmeats and other confections was served by the ladies dressed in the Italian fashion, the chief of whom were the daughters of Messer Galeazo Visconti. More dancing after the collation. At length, long after midnight, the company dispersed. The Queen and Madame Louise viewed the sight from one of the galleries.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 9. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvi. pp. 309, 312.	1134. Account of the Entertainment at the Bastille by one of the Attendants of Don Alfonso, Duke of Ferrara.
	Paris, 23rd December 1518.
	[On the 22nd] there was a fine tournament, the King and 24 aids, all dressed alike, being on one side, and Mons, de S. Pol, with as many more, on the other side, in a different costume. In the evening on the site of this joust, which had been held at the Bastille, where sumptuous preparations had been made, from 24 to 30 young ladies made their appearance (all richly dressed in the Italian fashion, in divers colours, with caps on their heads), and danced with the lords and barons in the Italian fashion. At the second hour of the night the tables were set for about 250 persons.
	The site was approached by a very wide and long street, arched over with box and laurel and other ornaments, and decorated with the armorial bearings of the King and his nobles. One entered the castle through a very narrow corridor. In the courtyard a very handsome temporary building had been erected; the floor was planked and carpeted. The covering was of blue cloth, with a vast number of gold balls. Three tiers of balconies for the spectators. At one end was a platform about 10 yards wide, with a row of columns. Evergreens suspended from above. Dais of cloth of gold for the King and the English ambassadors. 600 torches of white wax. Four cupboards set out with new vases, two with gold and two with silver. The Queen and Madame Louise looked on from their balcony, the former being dressed in cloth of gold lined with sables, and sparkling with jewels.
	After the King and lords had danced two dances, tables were placed on the platform for the King, to whom water was presented for his hands. Cardinal Aracæli made meagre fare, because it was Advent, being waited on by one of his monks.
	Whilst the grandees were seating themselves, the musicians struck up, in the Italian fashion, and then proceeded to the kitchen. (fn. 4) The viands then began to appear on large dishes, some of which emitted fire and flames, being brought thus:—First came eight trumpeters playing, then the archers of the body guard, with Captain Gabriel in front dressed in a doublet covered with massive gold embroidery, a large chain round his neck, and a wand in his hand. He was followed by five heralds, who preceded the eight seneschals in ordinary of the King's household. After these came the Lord Steward in a very rich vest of cloth of gold, lined with sables, and wearing the collar of the order of St. Michael. The King's viands were borne by 24 pages of honour, in gold dishes. Then came some 200 archers with the rest of the viands for the tables below the platform. In this array they went twice to the kitchen. The King gave the heralds two large silver dishes, as usual, it was said, when the King of France banqueted in state.
	At the close of the repast the tables were noiselessly removed, and those who did not dance went aloft into the galleries. Then several companies of masquers appeared, dressed in white velvet, tawny satin, and black satin, with plumes, caps, and swords. They danced in the Italian fashion. Captain Gabriel then took all the ladies dressed in the Italian costume into a chamber, and put into their hands silver dishes full of confections, which they carried in pairs to the ambassadors and all the others on the platform.
	This entertainment, together with the presents given to the ambassadors, had cost the King upwards of 450,000 crowns.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 11. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 268.	1135. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	The firm resolve of the Roman Court was, not to send the crown to Maximilian; apologizing, however, on the plea that it was incompatible with the dignity of the Apostolic See, and that such a thing had never been done previously. On the other hand the Catholic King continued urging the Pope to send it, and his ambassador took occasion lately to say, “The Court of Rome does not choose to send the crown to the Emperor; the day may perhaps come when they would fain send it, and no longer be able so to do.”
	It was certain that a considerable sum of money had been remitted to Frankfort for the election of the Catholic King as King of the Romans; some said it was 250,000 ducats, and others 400,000.
	The Spanish ambassador, understanding that the Pope wished to provide a wife for his nephew [Ippolito], the illegitimate son of the late Magnifico Julian [de Medici], offered him, in the name of the King of Spain, a Spanish lady of the blood royal, with territory in the kingdom of Naples yielding 12,000 ducats yearly. This had caused great jealousy to the French ambassadors.
	Rome, 11th January 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
Jan. 13. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 203.	1136. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	Protracted absence of the Cardinal. Had himself been confined to the house by illness during many days. In accordance with the Signory's missive of 21st November, had congratulated the King on the relationship and amity contracted with the most Christian King, and thanked him for including the Signory in the league. The King was preparing for one of his pleasure excursions. On understanding, through the Levant and Hungarian newsletters, that a Turkish ambassador was coming to ask peace of King Lewis (of Hungary), King Henry expressed his satisfaction, as it proved that Saltan Selim was not meditating immediate hostilities against Christendom.
	On quitting the King, dined with the Legate Campeggio, who showed him two letters, one from the Legate in France (Cardinal Bibiena), and the other from his colleague in Spain (Cardinal Egidio), concerning the amount of troops which would be furnished by King Francis and King Charles in the event of a Turkish invasion of Italy.
	Cardinal Wolsey was expected to return in a week.
	The galleys were still in Flanders, owing to certain garboil to which they had been subjected there; but they were expected at Hampton from day to day.
	Lambeth, 13th January 1519.
	[Italian, 3½ pages, or 69 limes.]
Jan. 15. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 269.	1137. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Had been told by the Pope that the Catholic King was anxious for the crown to be sent to Maximilian, and that when he (the Pope) discussed the matter with the Spanish and Imperial envoys, they told him that the Emperor meant to come into Italy to take the crown; whereupon the Pope replied that should he come he would give it him willingly. To Minio the Pope said that should he come with an army, the King of France would follow; though his opinion was that Maximilian would not put this threat in execution, as its cost would swallow up the money remitted to him for the election of the King of the Romans.
	Indisposition of the Emperor.
	Rome, 15th January 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
Jan. 18. Sanuto Diaries, v.xxvi. p. 320.	1138. Antonio Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Paris, 24th December 1518.
	After the Christmas holidays, the Prior of St. John's and the Captain of Guisnes would return to England. The Bishop of Ely would go to Blois to the Dauphin for the performance of certain ceremonies, the Lord Chamberlain remaining with the King. The surrender of Tournai had been delayed on account of the hostages.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 18. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvi. p. 324.	1139. Francesco Cornaro, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Signory.
	Saragossa, 24th December.
	On the 20th December letters had been received from King Francis, announcing the arrival of the English ambassadors, and the oath taken, the honours paid them, and the preparations for entertainments and festivities.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 18. Sanuto Diaries, x. xxvi. p. 322.	1140. Antonio Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Paris, 4th January.
	The English ambassadors were still in Paris awaiting a reply from their King about the hostages. They demand full grown men. King Francis would fain give them boys, the sons of rich French families, under pretext of their remaining at the English Court with the affianced bride of the Dauphin, and changing them annually until the time of the marriage.
	There was also a question about a castle called Mortaia (Mortaigne) under the jurisdiction of Toumai, which it seemed the King [of Spain] (fn. 5) had given to a person by name —, (fn. 6) who demanded a considerable sum for its surrender. The King of England was bound by the articles to surrender Tournai and its territory and jurisdiction to the most Christian King as at first, and should Mortaigne not be surrendered, it would be taken by force. The English ambassadors anticipated a good reception for the hostages from their King.
	In the secret treaty relative to Scotland, there was an article to the effect that King Francis was to continue his protection, and defend the Scots should they be attacked by England; but should the Scots be the aggressors, he was not to give any support either direct or indirect.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 19. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 204.	1141. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	Absence of the King and the Legates, who were all abroad for their pleasure. Had been confined to the house by indisposition; had therefore no news of importance. The two Cardinals were to return on the 24th. Would then acquaint the King and them with the Signory's missives of 11th and 27th December.
	Report that the English ambassadors were returning from France, and that they would certainly surrender Tournai. The surrender had been delayed because hostages were to be given by King Francis, but within the past few days the affair had been arranged.
	The King of England had lately remitted 25,000 ducats to Augsburg. The Catholic King also had remitted 200,000 ducats to the Emperor and the electors of the empire, probably for his election as King of the Romans.
	Arrival from Flanders in England of the Venetian galleys, at a port called “Porto Camera” (Camber before Rye), (fn. 7) as the weather did not allow of their going to Hampton. The vexations to which they had been subjected in Flanders had been entirely stopped by payment of 500 ducats. On their arrival at Hampton, would give notice to the State.
	Lambeth, 19th January 1519.
	[Italian, 2 pages, or 41 lines.]
Jan. 21. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxiv. p. 339.	1142. Antonio Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Paris, 8th January.
	The King was sending Monsieur de Telegni to Venice, to acquaint the Signory with the peace, the matrimonial alliance stipulated between him and the King of England, the surrender of Tournai, and that the two Kings were to have an interview on the—.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 22. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 270.	1143. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	The Pope did not think King Francis would invade the kingdom of Naples, because his ambassador, with the English ambassador, would confirm the truces at Rome, on behalf of their respective Kings. The Pope said the King of England would not allow the most Christian King to become greater than he was, and that attacks [on Navarre and Naples] would not be made unless the two crowns were agreed in the matter, for the King of England laid claim to Castile in right of his descent from a Castilian princess born in wedlock, whereas the Queen lately deceased was descended from the natural brother of a King of Castile, who got possession of that kingdom by murdering his brother; so that, were France and England to coalesce, matters would proceed ad vota.
	The Pope next commenced talking about the election of the King of the Romans, which he said the most Christian King was endeavouring to thwart to his utmost, having already (the Pope believed) sent money to Germany for that purpose. He added that the King relied much on the relationship lately contracted between the Dukes of Saxony and Guelders, and on the constant opposition of the Count Palatine to Maximilian. The Pope also said that the Diet had not yet been announced; that six months' warning was requisite; and that the election could not take place until King Maximilian had received the crown, which, for the dignity of the Apostolic see, the Pope did not mean to send into Germany; and concerning this his intention he said he had declared himself, but had not yet received any reply.
	Rome, 22nd January 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
Jan. 23. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 271.	1144. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Receipt at Rome of letters from Germany, dated the 10th and 11th, announcing the death of the Emperor Maximilian.
	Rome, 23rd January 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
Jan. 24. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvi. p. 351.	1145. Venetian Secretary at Milan to the Signory.
	Dated 19th January.
	Had news communicated to him by the envoy from the Duke of Ferrara: that the duke would quit Paris after the departure of the English ambassadors, on his way back to Italy; that the Catholic King had sent 25,000 crowns to Germany for his election as King of the Romans; and that the King of England had dismissed the Emperor's ambassador in a sinister fashion (con sinistro modo).
	[Italian.]
Jan. 24. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvi. p. 354.	1146. Embassy to England.
	Motion made in the Senate by all the sages, except Giovanni Francesco Mocenigo, for the commission to be given to Antonio Surian, ambassador elect to England.
	To go to Milan and to France, and present himself to King Francis.
	Then to proceed to England, congratulate the King on the league and marriage with France, and announce himself as the successor of Sebastian Giustinian.
	To visit the Queen, Cardinal Wolsey, and the legate Campeggio, and to give notice of every event.
	Amendment proposed by Giovanni Francesco Mocenigo, sage for the orders, for delay, saying that the embassy was a waste of money, and would cause suspicion to Sultan Selim.
	For the motion: ayes, 116. For the amendment: ayes, 61.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 25. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta. v. xlvii. p. 161.	1147. Commission from Doge Leonardo Loredano to Antonio Surian, appointed Ambassador to Henry VIII.
	To take the place of Sebastian Giustinian. On arriving at the Court of France, to congratulate King Francis on his treaty with the King of England, and also on the betrothal of the Dauphin.
	To make a similar announcement to Madame his mother, and to his consort. To visit the Lord Steward, the Cardinal Legate, the French cardinals and the other chief personages of the Court, always accompanied by the ambassador Antonio Giustinian. On arriving in England, to show his commission to his predecessor Sebastian Giustinian, and on obtaining audience of the King, to announce his mission as caused principally by the desire “totius status nostri,” and to congratulate him on the excellent understanding and league formed between the King of France and his Majesty, and on the betrothal of his daughter to the Dauphin.
	To announce his appointment as the successor of Sebastian Giustinian.
	To visit Queen Katharine. Then to present the Signory's letter of credence to Cardinal Wolsey. To congratulate him greatly on the marriage and peace. To thank him for the good will and affection evinced by him in favour of the Signory, and of all the Venetian merchants and subjects.
	To visit Cardinal Campeggio, legate de latere, paying him all fitting compliments, and such other prelates, lords, and gentlemen, as indicated by his predecessor.
	Ayes, 116.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 29. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 272.	1148. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Had been told by the Pope that the Imperial electors would soon go to Frankfort, and that he was of opinion the crown would be put up to auction, so that the highest bidder would be elected King of the Romans, insinuating that France and Spain would both accumulate great treasure to that effect. He added, however, that it was true that the Duke of Saxony and the Marquis of Brandenburg would each endeavour to get elected, and that the contest between them would be very violent, though it was also possible that they might make a compromise, securing the crown for themselves, and increasing the dignity of the one whose colleague should be elected King of the Romans.
	Asked the Pope if he had written anything to Germany. The Pope replied affirmatively, and that he had exhorted them to comport themselves peaceably and quietly.
	It was supposed that the Pope had written to his Legate, to exhort the electors not to allow the crown to be bestowed on anybody save one of themselves. The Catholic King had complained extremely of the Pope's refusal to send the crown to Maximilian, who, consequently, would come into Italy. So the Pope declared that by Maximilian's death Italy had been spared some great catastrophe; and to many it had proved a source of much satisfaction.
	Rome, 29th January 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]