Venice: July 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: July 1519', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 2, 1509-1519, (London, 1867) pp. 538-549. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol2/pp538-549 [accessed 23 April 2024]

July 1519



July 1. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 336.	1245. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Report in Rome on the 30th June, at 2 p.m., of the election of the King of Spain as King of the Romans. (fn. 1) The intelligence was conveyed in every direction by the Spanish grooms, and all Rome flocked to the Spanish embassy. He (Minio) being on his way to the palace, saw the arms of Spain surmounted by the imperial crown hoisted in the “Borgo.”
	Whilst waiting for audience at the palace, the Spanish ambassador (Don Luis de Garroz) arrived, accompanied by upwards of 100 horse. He had divested himself of the mourning hitherto worn by him for the death of Maximilian, and on arriving at the palace stairs was saluted by a flourish of many trumpets. On his entering the antechamber went to meet him, and asked what good news he had. He replied, “I have nothing at all from Germany.” Enquired the cause of such a crowd at the Spanish embassy, adding that he likewise had intended going thither to offer his congratulations, supposing him to have received intelligence that the Catholic King had been elected King of the Romans. The ambassador rejoined, “By my faith, I have nothing at all about this; but the fact is, that, having just received letters from Spain, I chose to come and show them to the Pope, and accordingly gave orders for the riding horses to be prepared; and hence arose this rumour and report;” (fn. 2) adding that his letters from the Court of Spain were dated 22nd June, and that his King in truth had very great hope.
	On entering the audience chamber the first words of the Pope were, “Sir Ambassador, what say you?” Replied, “Holy Father, I have come in consequence of a great rumour, that the Catholic King has been elected King of the Romans; and I have already seen his arms hoisted with the imperial crown.” At these words the Pope smiled, and said, “There is nothing whatever.”
	Then asked what news the Spanish ambassador gave. The Pope replied that he announced the receipt of letters from Spain; that his Holiness likewise had received some from his own nuncio, but they had not been entirely deciphered; and that the Catholic King informed him the King of France was urging a conference between them, and requested the Pope to give him advice, and to say whether he recommended the interview; at which words the Pope smiled, from a notion (Minio suspected) that this demand for advice was a feint and not sincere. With regard to the election of the King of the Romans, the Spaniards considered it certain.
	Concerning the news from Germany, the Pope said his letters were dated the 13th, and that the diet was to commence on the 17th.
	The Legate and the Archbishop Orsini wrote that affairs were proceeding favorably for France, and that so far as they could ascertain, hopes might be entertained of the election of King Francis; the Archbishop Orsini writing most especially to that effect. The Legate made a long discourse specifying the votes that appeared to be in favour of the most Christian King, namely, Brandenburgh, Treves, and the Palatine; but he came to no conclusion, save that, at the close of the letter, he wrote there were hopes, if Brandenburgh remained staunch.
	Was of opinion, from the tone in which the Pope mentioned this, that his Holiness suspected the apparent discord between Brandenburgh and his brother to be a fiction. The Pope believed that King Francis would either have four votes or none; of which last case he was very apprehensive, as the entire support of France depended on the Marquis of Brandenburgh, and if he should marry, as was feared, all would be at an end. The Pope added that Brandenburgh had also canvassed for himself, though at the present time he seemed to have ceased to do so.
	The matter was insoluble, and the more it was investigated, the greater were the difficulties it presented.
	Rome, 1st July 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
July 4. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 337.	1246. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Receipt at Rome of letters from Germany, dated the 22nd, from the Legate and the nuncios Orsini and Caracciolo. As they each had conferred with various electors, their statements varied accordingly. Those who spoke with the elector of Brandenburgh said the King of France, or a third person, would be elected. He who conferred with the Archbishop of Mayence said the like of the Catholic King, or of a third person.
	The Diet was sitting, and the affairs of King Francis seemed to have much deteriorated, notwithstanding the many and great favours conferred on him by the Pope; amongst which was this one, that when the King of Hungary requested the Pope to empower him to vote at the election notwithstanding his nonage, the Pope consented, requesting him to vote for King Francis, to whom he sent the necessary dispensation. Believed it was to this the Pope was alluding when, on 30th June, he said King Francis would have four votes or none; having already anticipated those of Brandenburgh, Treves, and the Count Palatine.
	Notwithstanding all this support, the affairs of King Francis appeared to be hopeless, and those of the Catholic King greatly improved, so that many letters from Germany declared that, with the exception of the Marquis of Brandenburgh, all the other electors would vote for him; of which a strong confirmation had been afforded by the following fact, namely, that when the Diet assembled, the electors dismissed all the ambassadors and agents of the other powers, and merely retained those of Spain.
	On 3rd July went to the palace, but was unable to obtain audience, the Pope being closeted with the Spanish ambassador (Don Luis de Carroz) and Dom Hieronimo de Vich. Believed they were making some demand in favour of the Catholic King; possibly that his Holiness should despatch the bull absolving him from the oath taken when he received the investiture of the kingdom of Naples, whereby he was declared ineligible to the dignity of King of the Romans.
	The bull of absolution, although never despatched, was made out during the lifetime of Maximilian, when he obtained a solemn promise from the electors to elect the Catholic King.
	Rome, 4th July.1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
July 5. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 339.	1247. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Whilst at the palace on that day, an express arrived from Germany. Having met the French and Spanish ambassadors in the antechamber, asked them what news they had. They said, “Nothing whatever.” The Spanish ambassador, nevertheless, had received an express from Germany, but did not choose to make any announcement, until after audience of the Pope. As the Pope sent for him first of all, there immediately went forth a report that the Catholic King had been elected King of the Romans. The Pope next gave audience to the French ambassador, and thirdly to Minio, whom he told that he had received letters from Germany dated the 28th, announcing the election on that morning of the Catholic King; to be King of the Romans. The ballotation was unanimous, as the other electors perceived him to be sure of the four votes promised in the lifetime of Maximilian, and therefore gave him their votes likewise.
	When he (Minio) asked about King Francis, the Pope replied, “Nothing: had he chosen to act properly, a third person would have been elected. He has not failed through us.”
	Rome, 5th July 1519. (fn. 3)
	[Extract, Italian.]
July 9. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library. Letter no. 223.	1248. Sebastian Giustinian and Antonio Surian to the Signory.
	Their letters of the 30th were sent by the courier John Gobbo. On the 6th received the Signory's missives of 3rd and 5th June, with those addressed to Campeggio, and the Turkish newsletters. Had communicated these last to Cardinal Wolsey, but not to the King, who was hunting at a distance of 40 miles from London.
	Had been charged by Campeggio to return ample thanks for the Signory's letter, which they considered very opportune. Had also visited the Dukes of Buckingham and Norfolk.
	London, 9th July 1519.
	[Italian, 2 pages, or 45 lines.]
July 9. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library. Letter no. 224.	1249. The Same to the Same.
	News received, through Lady Margaret's ambassador in England (John de Hesdin), of the Catholic King's election. The intelligence had proved unexpected to many, who hoped the choice might fall rather on some German candidate, than on France or Spain.
	The French ambassador had taken it much to heart, and thought it more necessary than ever to keep the King of England on good terms with the King of France, who, being united with Venice, would have little cause to fear any stir which the new Emperor might choose to make in Italy by coming armed to take the crown there; whereas, if England were not the friend of France, the thing would be doubtful, by reason of the diversion which might be effected by King Henry in his own neighbourhood.
	The said ambassador, however, did not appear to be sure of King Henry, because the English were naturally hostile to the French, the Queen was a Spaniard, and the Lady Margaret was constantly sowing discord. He was apprehensive lest some movement in the direction of Flanders should be made against the most Christian King, with some secret subsidy from the King of England; although the Cardinal of York seemed to be in favour of France, and not to have been much pleased with the election of the King of Spain.
	Surian had assured the ambassador of the Signory's attachment to King Francis. Mutual assurance of a good understanding between the French and Venetian embassies in London.
	On the evening of 7th July the ambassador of Lady Margaret had prepared bonfires, illuminations, and other marks of rejoicing for the election of the new Emperor, which were forbidden by the city authorities. (fn. 4) This had caused much dissatisfaction. On the 8th the ambassador complained to Cardinal Wolsey, and also publicly to the Council, winch apologized, and laid the whole blame on the mayor and corporation, (fn. 5) who were accused of acting without the knowledge of the King and Cardinal, and the rest of the Council, in proof of which they made a demonstration by imprisoning certain officials in the Tower, and announcing their intention to hang them.
	London, 9th July 1519.
	[Italian, 3 pages, or 62 lines.]
July 9. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 340.	1250. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Great rejoicings and discharges of cannon made at Rome, as also bonfires during two nights, to celebrate the election of the Catholic King as King of the Romans; though well nigh all the demonstrations proceeded from the Spaniards and the Colonna faction. Neither the palace nor the castle made any display; and on the second night upwards of a thousand Spaniards in battle array excellently armed marched through Rome, shouting “Empire and Spain,” carrying with them, it is true, a quantity of torches. (fn. 6) For this once the Pope did not choose to apply any remedy, lest it should be inferred that he regretted the election, by so much the more as the Spaniards already gave utterance publicly to very lofty conceits.
	The French ambassadors in Rome remained as if dead, not choosing to believe the news. They told him (Minio) that Mons. de Lautrec had written to them from Milan on the 2nd, in conformity with his advices from Germany, that he considered the election of King Francis certain.
	Subsequently had an interview with the Pope, whom he found absorbed in the deepest thought about the election, and was asked by him what he imagined the Catholic King would do. Said it was probable he would remain quiet, for, having expended such considerable sums as to compel him to alienate territory both in Spain and in the kingdom of Naples, he could not do much, and that be must moreover think of arranging his affairs, which would not prove so easy a matter.
	The Pope replied, “What you have said is reasonable: and before coming into Italy it will also behove him to go to Aix-la-Chapelle to take the crown, for that is the first thing he has to take; but (for argument's sake) were he to choose to come into Italy at present, what ought to be done? All Germany is bound to assist him to come and take the crown.”
	Answered, that were he to come with the consent of the other Christian powers, he would come pacifically and there would be no cause for apprehension; but should he come armed, against the will of the other sovereigns, thus indicating an intention to innovate, he must then be opposed.
	The Pope rejoined, “It is true, but it would be requisite to have the King of England with us. The King of France ought at this present to reconfirm his alliance with England; for I can tell you it was already good for nothing. Since the King of France chose to canvass the empire, the King of England did not intend any longer to have a good understanding with him.”
	Said it would be easy to renew the confederacy between England and France, as the great power of the King of Spain might naturally be supposed to give umbrage to King Henry and render him averse to its increase. All this appeared reasonable to the Pope; but he expressed anxiety to hear that the King of France had taken the necessary steps, and that he should not delay.
	Asked the Pope what he thought the Switzers would do; whether they would do the bidding of the Catholic King, or on their part likewise dread his power. The Pope said he thought they also would ponder well their own interests, and that they had promised always to adhere to him (the Pope); an announcement of which he (Minio) took particular notice.
	Informed the Pope of the refusal of the French ambassadors to credit the election, they declaring that as the Papal envoys were residing at a distance of five or six leagues from Frankfort, they could not be very sure of what they wrote. The Pope smiled and said, “We received the news both from the Legate and from Caracciolo, and also from two electors, the Archbishop of Mayence and another. The French do not choose to believe the intelligence, because it is utterly contrary to what they hoped; and they imagined that were their King not elected, neither would the crown be obtained by the Catholic King; and the last letters from Mons. de Lautrec inspired them with the highest possible hopes; so that they remain as it were annihilated.”
	Rome, 9th July 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
July 9. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 341.	1251. Marco Minio to the Council of Ten.
	Alarm of the Pope at to thwart the election of Charles V., believing himself unequal to resist such overwhelming power.
	Had elicited the opinion of the Pope that, even were he, France, and Venice to league against Spain, it would be of no avail, without the assistance of England. The Pope was apprehensive lest, confused by his disappointment, King Francis should not know how to act as necessary. Suspected, therefore, that from fear the Pope would form some unseasonable resolve, and was of opinion that he needed encouragement.
	Since the news of the election, the Pope was anxiously expecting letters from Spain, and he (Minio) felt convinced they would be such as to captivate him. The Spanish ambassador in Rome (Don Luis de Carroz) and Dom Hironimo de Vich were doing their utmost to that effect, to attain which they would not hesitate to forge letters, as in similar cases they did so without the slightest scruple; and by intimidation and promises they hoped to induce the Pope to renounce the friendship of France, and accept that of their King. Told, the Pope, therefore, that it would be very necessary to beware of such offers and promises as the Spaniards might make at the present moment; and he immediately answered, “It is true,” but said nothing more.
	Rome, 9th July 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
July 15. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library. Letter no. 225.	1252. Sebastian Giustinian and Antonio Surian to the Signory.
	The King being absent, Cardinal Wolsey and the ministers invited them in his Majesty's name to attend the ceremony which was to be performed in St. Paul's Cathedral on the following Sunday, for the election of the Emperor. State their reasons for accepting the invitation, and the apologies made by them to the French ambassador for doing so. Were taken to the appointed place by two knights of the King's chamber, and found there Cardinals Wolsey and Campeggio, the ambassador of the Catholic King, and all the chief lords of the kingdom.
	The French ambassador refused to attend, saying he had received no announcement of the election from his Sovereign.
	When all were assembled in the church, Te Deum was chaunted, and Cardinal Wolsey gave the Benediction. Then the unanimous election of the Catholic King as King of the Romans was proclaimed by two heralds.
	The absence of the French ambassador had given great offence.
	Were thanked by the Spanish ambassador, whom they met when visiting the Duhe of Buckingham.
	London, 15th July 1519.
	[Italian, 2¼ pages, or 50 lines.]
July 15. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library. Letter no. 226.	1253. Sebastian Giustinian and Antonio Surian to the Signory.
	On the 14th they dined with the Legate Campeggio, who informed them that the electors had drawn up thirty articles which were to be observed by the new King of the Romans, and by which he was bound to reside in Germany, not to undertake any expedition without the consent of the electors, and to exclude all the ministers and councillors of the late Emperor Maximilian from his government and council; this third clause having been inserted for the especial purpose of ousting the Cardinal of Gurk.
	Campeggio said that the Catholic King, owing to his youth and delicate health, was fitter to be governed than to govern, and that the government was in the hands of Lord de Chièvres, who was devoted to the French interests. He asserted that the Catholic King was straitened for money, and was new to his Spanish subjects, whose allegiance had not yet been thoroughly established; added to which, he had expended much on the election, and given heavy security for the money.
	The Legate declared also that the new Emperor would receive no aid from England, as King Henry and the English ministry were desirous of peace, and would not infringe the new league with France; for England had been sated by the late war with France, which had cost her a great amount of treasure.
	In rejoinder, they alluded to the report of remittances having been sent to Flanders. Campeggio said the suspicion proceeded from the French ambassador, whom he supposed to be mistaken.
	London, 15th July 1519.
	[Italian, 2½ pages, or 50 lines.]
July 15. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. p. 372.	1254. Result of the Election of Charles V.
	Motion made in the Senate by the Sages for letters to the ambassadors in France, England, and Rome.
	Remark by Sanuto that the letters were of vast importance, and the commencement of great political measures, which, it was not the moment to write; and the Senate exclaimed that the letters were unfitting.
	Withdrawal by the Sages of the motion, and suspension also of the congratulatory letter to the King of the Romans, until the next meeting of the Senate; the closest secresy being enjoined, and the oath administered to the whole council.
	[Italian.]
July 16. Minio Papers.	1255. The Doge and Senate to the Venetian Ambassador in France.
	Whilst anxiously awaiting certain news of the election of the King of the Romans, expecting it to fall on his most Christian Majesty, received his, the ambassador's letters, dated the 2nd, confirming the fact that the election had not been made according to their wish.
	Considering the Pope's timidity, and the possibility of attempts to alienate him from France, suggest that, by such means as employed by the most Christian King heretofore in similar cases, he should encourage and urge the Pope to persevere in the good understanding with his Majesty. The Signory would do the like with his Holiness through her ambassador.
	Say nothing more about the secret understanding between France and England, having always considered it salutary, and very conducive to the maintenance of the Christian religion.
	Ducal Palace, 16th July 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
July 18. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, vol. xlviii. p. 22.	1256. The Doge and Senate to the Venetian Ambassador in France.
	Same as the preceding, but dated 18th July 1519.
	[Italian.]
July 18. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 344.	1257. Marco Minio to the Council of Ten.
	Conversations with the Pope about the election of the King of the Romans. The Pope complained much of the French ambassadors, and most especially of the Bishop of St. Malo. They had reproached him with having caused the election of the Catholic King. Quotes the precise Avords of the Pope, who said, “What think you? I did what you are aware of, and everything they could ask, and now they conduct themselves in this manner.” Whilst saying this, the Pope, contrary to his nature, got into a very great passion. He then went on to say, “They moreover exhibited and proclaimed what I did for their King, and I am now treated in this fashion, that they must needs complain of us. It is true that latterly I wrote to the Legate, should he perceive matters veering in favour of Spain, to check himself and offer no farther opposition, as it was no use knocking one's head against the wall; and possibly he may have exceeded his commission by a few words. At any rate the thing was hopeless. You must know that I can arrange my affairs with a gob (fn. 7) (to use his own words), but I choose to have the same regard even for others, as for my own personal interests.”
	Attempted to soothe the Pope by assuring him that the French ambassadors had always greatly commended his proceedings; and, being unable to deny the language complained of, as it was very notorious, he said it ought not to be held in the slightest account, for it was contrary to the intention of their King, and that the Pope well knew that they were ill informed from France, and unacquainted with the state of affairs.
	The Pope rejoined that they professed to have received this intelligence from Mons. de Lautrec, and continued, “It is true that the Legate writes to me differently, though possibly they speak in one form and write in another. This mad Bishop “(alluding to Mons. de St. Malo)” has always misconducted himself. I cannot endure the sight of him: I would he were removed from my presence. I promise you that we will now speak to him as due” The Bishop was waiting outside for audience (the first since his convalescence). Suspected it would be a sharp one, for whereas he (Minio) had never previously seen the Pope in a rage, on the present occasion he displayed much wrath, both by his words and gestures.
	Did his utmost to calm this irritation, which at the present moment was most mischievous, it being very certain that the Spaniards did not fail to make promises to gain the Pope, who, in the course of the conversation, repeated his assurances of regard for Venice, saying that he by all means desired her welfare, but that it should have been attained in another way, and with a little time; adding that the Signory would not then have been in her present condition.
	The ruin of all Italy would ensue, if the Pope were to adhere to Spain, as might easily come to pass, unless the most Christian King acted by him in a different manner.
	Rome, 18th July 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
July 20. Patti Sciolti, No. 779.	1258. Letters Patent from Henry VIII, acknowledging receipt of letters patent from Doge Leonardo Loredano with his leaden seal, ratifying the adhesion of the Venetian Signory to the treaty stipulated between England and France 2nd October 1518.
	London, 20th July 1519.
	[Signed.] Henrico Rex.
	[Countersigned:] Throgmorton.
	[Latin. Original on parchment, with great seal in wax. 12 lines. Dimensions, 1 foot 1 inch by 1 foot 8 inches]
July 21. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 227.	1259. Sebastian Giustinian and Antonio Surian to the Signory.
	On the preceding day had obtained audience of Cardinal Wolsey, who had been prevented by press of business from receiving them until then. He consigned to Giustinian the royal letters for the State, on which he passed a panegyric, promising it his support, and to keep the King its friend. He alluded to the endeavours which he had made to establish a general peace, which he meant to maintain; implying that, although France resented the election of King Charles, there would be no war, as England was bound to support whichever side found itself attacked.
	The ambassadors in their reply having apologized for the silence of Venice about hostilities against Sultan Selim, the Cardinal commended the Signory's policy, and blamed the Pope for hastening the expedition.
	In the act of taking leave of the Cardinal, Giustinian asked him to repeat his resolve concerning the repeal of the wine duties. The Cardinal declared himself anxious to give satisfaction both to the State and to the King, and said that the Signory should permit him to promise in her name that, were the new duty repealed in England, Venice would not again impose the duty of four ducats in Candia; adding, however, that those words were not to be considered as a promise from him to repeal that duty.
	The Cardinal also desired that Surian should be empowered to negotiate about all the other matters concerning the Venetian nation, specifying the difficulties with regard to the exportation of the wools, the bastard cloths, and the bringing of Venetian half- pence (fn. 8) into England, they having been theretofore prohibited; all which matters he proposed to regulate, so that there might no longer be a difficulty about anything.
	The ambassadors, apprehensive lest it might be thus sought to alter the laws and ancient immunities enjoyed by the Venetians in England, said the State would willingly accede to the proposal, provided no innovation were effected in the ancient usages and commercial relations previously observed.
	London, 21st July 1519.
	[Italian, 4 pages, or 85 lines.]
July 23. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 346.	1260. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Receipt of letters from France by the Pope, who told him King Francis seemed still inclined to travel the good road, and notified his intention of taking all necessary steps. Thereupon Minio reminded the Pope of his (Minio's) predictions to that effect; but the Pope's reply was not uttered in the tone usually adopted by him when discussing agreeable topics, and he seemed to be ruminating. Supposition of Minio that the Pope was thinking about something else, as customary with crowned heads.
	On the 19th the Spanish ambassador (Don Luis de Carroz) and Dom Hieronimo de Vich presented a missive to the Pope from the Catholic King, announcing his election as King of the Romans, and demanded the usual solemnities. The Pope assented. During two nights huge bonfires were burnt and numerous salutes fired at the palace and castle. On the morning of the 20th high mass was sung in chapel by Cardinal Colonna, all shops being closed as if it had been a Sunday. In chapel the only ambassadors present were the Spaniard and the Portuguese, the Spaniard taking precedence. He (Minio) had not made any demonstration of rejoicing, believing such would have displeased the French ambassadors. His opinion was shared by the English ambassador, who likewise made no sign of rejoicing.
	Having asked about the contents of the missive from the Catholic King, and whether it said anything about his coming into Italy to take the crown, the Pope replied that he merely announced his election, saying nothing about the crown; nor did he even give himself the title of King of the Romans, but continued the usual form. Then enquired whether the most Christian King had written or said anything about sending the imperial crown into Germany, or refusing to do so. The Pope replied that not a word had he said on the subject, adding, “I will tell you the truth; at this present we would beseech him to have it sent, to prevent his coming into Italy in person.”
	The chief dread of the Pope was assuredly for this coronation. It ought to be held in great account.
	Rome, 23rd July 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
July 23. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 347.	1261. Minio to the Council of Ten.
	Writes that when talking with the Pope about the despatches from Franco, as stated in the public letter, his Holiness said to him, “What do you suppose the King of France will do?” Replied that he believed the most Christian King purposed confirming the confederacy and good understanding which existed between himself and the Pope; and that besides the support of the King of England and the Signory, he would endeavour likewise to gain the Switzers, of whose adherence on this occasion he (Minio) entertained no doubt.
	Expressed his belief that, for the present, King Francis would not commence hostilities, but arrange his affairs for self-defence, and to the detriment of the enemy. The Pope replied, “We likewise were of this same opinion, and I also believe that the Catholic King will not make any stir, as it would not be for the interest of his counsellors to commence a war. Don't imagine that Mons. de Chièvres wishes for war, but be assured that when the Catholic King shall have established himself, he will not remain at peace; so we ought to attack him now, and not allow him to draw breath.” Minio having inquired the object of such a war, the Pope rejoined, “I would fain give it him (fn. 9) in Flanders, in the kingdom of Navarre, and in Austria, and reduce him to such a plight that he would not know what to do.”
	Observed, that to accomplish this very considerable forces would be requisite, and the Pope continued, “Of course;” adding, “Rest assured that as soon as he is established he will give it to you, (fn. 10) you Venetians,” which phrase the Pope repeated several times, saying in conclusion, “I do not announce this to you now as my opinion, but have merely chosen to utter it in the course of conversation with you.”
	Rome, 23rd July 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
July 20. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 228.	1262. Sebastian Giustinian and Antonio Surian to the Signory.
	King Francis, desiring that the interview with King Henry should take place in August, instead of being postponed, had instructed his ambassador in England to make a proposal accordingly, which was discussed by Cardinal Wolsey, to whom he also wrote a loving letter. The Cardinal replied in a similar tone, and assured the ambassador that he was equally well affected towards France, saying that as he had been the chief author of the league and affinity, he was bound in duty and honour to seek its maintenance. With regard to the interview, he said he would communicate the whole to King Henry, who was still in the country at a distance of 25 miles from London, and that a speedy answer would be given. He was of opinion, however, that the meeting could not take place in the following month, as requested by King Francis, because King Henry had made no preparations for ships and many other requisites. He therefore recommended that it should be delayed until May following, and said he fancied King Henry would be of the same opinion.
	The French ambassador was convinced that he should receive the same reply from his Majesty, as the Cardinal was King; nor did his Majesty depart in the least from the Cardinal's opinion and counsel.
	Giustinian intended to quit London on the morrow, on his return to Venice.
	London, 26th July 1519. (fn. 11)
	[Italian, 2 pages, or 39 lines.]