Venice: June 1522, 1-15

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 3, 1520-1526. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1869.

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'Venice: June 1522, 1-15', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 3, 1520-1526, (London, 1869) pp. 233-244. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol3/pp233-244 [accessed 15 April 2024]

June 1522, 1–15

June 4. Misti Consiglio X., v. xlv. p. 40, tergo. 464. Reply of the Council of Ten and Junta to the Apostolic Legate in Venice.
Have heard what he has communicated to them on behalf of Cardinal de' Medici.
With regard to “the office of no good” (el non bon officio) performed against him by the Signory's ambassador [in England], of which the Cardinal says he has received advice from England, are really unable to credit it, and consider it must proceed from evil reporters. Will write to the ambassador in England, and are ready to do anything to please the Cardinal.
And be it carried that the College write to the ambassador in England Ayes, 23. Noes, 1. Neutrals, 0.
[Italian, 25 lines.]
June 5. Contarini's Original Letter Book, Letter no. 166, St. Mark's Library. 465. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory.
After dinner on the 31st of May the Emperor and the King of England departed together from Canterbury. After stopping at several places, they arrived at Greenwich on the 3rd of June, (fn. 1) and both lodged in the palace there.
On that same day, the 3rd, we arrived in London, where we found the masters of the galleys and the merchants, who acquainted them more minutely with the detriment and loss which they must incur should the galleys be unloaded and have to return from Spain to re-ship their cargoes. Although we had considered it for the interest of the State to consent to Cardinal Wolsey's demand, such being the firm resolve of the King of England, nevertheless we did not think it unfitting to confer with Wolsey again, and recapitulate the inconvenience and loss which must accrue, not only to the masters and to the merchants of Venice, but also to those of England. Should nothing else be obtained—nor do we anticipate any more important result—the Cardinal will at least be convinced of the enormous sacrifice caused by the loan of these galleys.
We went therefore to Wolsey on the 4th, and told him the galleys could convoy the Emperor to Spain with their cargoes on board. The Cardinal remarked that he was very well informed on the subject, and in fact adduced all the arguments of which we had intended to make use; but he added, “These reasons would be valid, and the mischief prove very great indeed, if we insisted on the galleys accompanying the Emperor as far as Spain; so that, although I have not done so hitherto, I will now unbosom myself to you. We do not intend either your galleys or our own fleet to accompany the Emperor to Spain, but off Brest, in Normandy, some 200 miles from Hampton, for thus far there is danger from the French ships, but none at all beyond; and indeed it would be perilous for ourselves [to proceed farther?], as the French would injure our shipping, and might also land and damage this kingdom in various ways. So vouchsafe to give yourselves this slight inconvenience, and thus accommodate us and the Emperor. We will supply provisions, and pay the galley sailors taken into our service. You, in like manner, for your convenience detained some of our vessels in Candia, and all potentates do the like.”
Having replied very mildly, we presented the masters of the galleys to Wolsey, that they likewise might hear the whole, which was repeated to them word for word.
The Cardinal had previously discussed the treaty recently negotiated at Bruges by me, of which he had seen the minutes, or else they were in his possession. He offered to use his good offices in the matter, saying he would confer with us and the Imperial councillors about it on Saturday.
In Wolsey's antechamber we met the envoy of Madame Louise, the mother of the King of France, who was awaiting audience of the Cardinal; and we proceeded to visit the ambassador from the French Crown resident in England [the President Poillot?], who received us cordially, and announced the final decision brought by this envoy on behalf of Madame Louise, namely, that she would urge her son to agree to the truce beyond the Alps (citra montes), provided the King of England make truce with the Scots, whereupon he promises to remove the Duke of Albany from Scotland forthwith; and that Francis would pay the arrears of tribute in due season. Touching the damages done reciprocally, the ambassador said that commissioners must be sent from London to Calais, and that the King of France would appoint delegates to go to Boulogne to state his claims, compensation being then made mutually. With regard to the arrest of Englishmen in France, and of Frenchmen in England, the ambassador said his King would be the first to release the English, relying on the promise of their King to do the like by the Frenchmen in England. Lastly, the King of France demands the renewal of the treaty of London. (fn. 2) Such, the French ambassador said, was the ultimatum.
On the morrow I (Contarini) visited the Bishop of Palencia [Pedro Ruiz de la Mota], in order to ascertain what had been said and shown to Cardinal Wolsey, as the affair harassed me greatly, both on account of the French envoys now in London, as also from my knowledge of Wolsey's character. I wished also to obtain hints for the regulation of my discourse at the conference to be held with the Cardinal on Saturday.
I went therefore to the Bishop of Palencia, who told me that the particular truce, which was to take effect beyond the Alps, could not by any means be realized, though the general truce, both north and south of the Alps, might be arranged if the King of France chose, but the Bishop doubted his consent.
I mentioned what had been said to me by Wolsey, and the Bishop answered, laughing, “Really that fellow is a wonderful man; (fn. 3) he chooses to interfere in everything, and to do all himself; one must act according to his fashion.”
The Bishop then commenced loudly vituperating Wolsey's arrogance.
I proposed to tell [the Cardinal] that being most anxious for this peace and confederacy, I had drawn up the writing unknown to the Signory, and inserted the clauses it contained upon my own responsibility.
The Bishop, in reply, swore by many oaths, that all I had told him had been kept secret, and not communicated to the Emperor or any one else, and that he merely mentioned to Wolsey that I was empowered to conclude the peace, so that I was at liberty at the conference to attribute everything to myself.
On coming home I found that Surian's secretary was returned from the envoy of Madame Louise, with the following account of his negotiations with Cardinal Wolsey.
The Cardinal said the Emperor would consent to nothing but a universal truce, and that the King of England insisted on the instant removal of the Duke of Albany from Scotland, whereupon the King would make truces with the Scots. Also that the King insists on the arrears of tribute being paid immediately; and should the King of France subsequently have need of the money he would find he is dealing with a generous and friendly sovereign.
Wolsey said there was no occasion for a renewal of the treaty of London, as the King meant to abide by the original agreements.
Later on that same evening we received letters from our colleague, Badoer, in France, dated from the 20th to the 28th of May, purporting that after the King of France declined to accept the universal truce, and to include the Duke of Milan, the English ambassador [Sir Thomas Cheney] quitted the French Court, and subsequently, on the 28th (fn. 4) at Lyons, an English herald [Clarencieux] proclaimed war in the name of his King.
The French envoys in London have received similar intelligence, and are to depart on Sunday next, the 8th, being much surprised and astounded.
London, 5th June 1522.
[Italian, 4½ pages.]
June 6. Contarini's Original Letter Book, Letter no. 167, St. Mark's Library. 466. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory.
The last three days have been passed by the Emperor and the King with the Queen at Greenwich, where banquets and other entertainments were given, such as pageants, jousts, and tournaments, wherein the King of England took part, and comported himself valiantly. Today, at about 7 p.m., they made their entry into this city.
The streets on their passage were decorated with tapestry, and at certain spots there were triumphal arches, in number eight, some of them representing the origin of the Burgundian order of knighthood, some the commencement of the Empire in the West; others the genealogy of their Imperial and English Majesties, and others the kingdoms possessed by them; all being well suited to the sentiments they were intended to illustrate. (fn. 5) Well nigh all the arches bore the following inscription:—
“Carolus, Henricus, vivant defensor uterque;
Henricus fidei, Carolus ecclesiæ.”
The entrance was made thus,—
First came a crowd of Switzers and other subalterns of the Court on horseback; then the English gentlemen and the Imperialists, in number almost 400, but the majority English, all dressed in black velvet, with very costly gold chains round their necks. They were followed by the heralds, who preceded the officials of the city of London, clad in scarlet. Next came the Imperial privy councillors and those of the King of England; among them sundry bishops and other prelates, in advance of the barons and lords, the last of whom, holding the chief post of honour, were the Duke of Suffolk and the Marquis of Brandenburg, each being the consort of a Queen. (fn. 6) They were followed by Surian and Contarini, and by the Papal Nuncio, behind whom came Cardinal Wolsey; then came the two masters of the horse of the Emperor and the King, with drawn swords in their hands, immediately in advance of the two sovereigns, both wearing doublets of silver brocade made on purpose for the occasion. Behind their Majesties were their Lord Chamberlains, together with some four great personages, after whom marched the archer guard of the Emperor, that of the King, and that of the Cardinal.
In this array their Majesties went first to the cathedral and then to their lodging in a palace lately completed for this meeting between these sovereigns. (fn. 7)
The Emperor is expected to remain in London until Monday, and will then proceed on his way to Hampton.
London, 6th June 1522.
[Italian, 1½ page.]
June 7. Contarini's Original Letter Book, Letter no. 168, St. Mark's Library. 467. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory.
On the entry of their Majesties into London, as detailed in the preceding letter, accompanied them upstairs to their apartments in the palace, going first to the Emperor's chamber, and then to the chamber of the King, who, laughing, called Surian to him, and said, “Tomorrow we must hold a conference with you, and see whether you choose to persevere in the league with France or rather to join ours.”
Cardinal Wolsey, who was present, then invited us to dine with him on the morrow, saying they would meet the Imperial councillors; so today [7th June] we kept the appointment. The other guests were the Chancellor Gattinara, the Bishop of Elna, the Emperor's ambassador in ordinary resident at the English Court, Mons. de Roeux, the Bishop of Durham, the Master of the Rolls, Bishop elect of London [Cuthbert Tunstall], and Mons. de Hedin, ambassador of the Lady Margaret.
In the middle of dinner Wolsey commenced vituperating the French. He said that if peace was to exist in Christendom they must be exterminated, (fn. 8) as they were always fomenting strife and discord among the Christian powers. He entered into many details, showing in how many ways they had endeavoured to create enmity between the Emperor and his King, and that their oaths were worth nothing. He stated that the King of England and he had been as long suffering as possible, for the sake of establishing a general peace, notwithstanding which France had outraged them in a thousand ways. They sent the Duke of Albany to Scotland; they plundered; they did not pay the tribute, &c. He said the King of England was better entitled to the crown of France than his most Christian Majesty, and meant to possess himself of it. In this tone the Cardinal spoke at great length; and then announced that the envoy from Madame [Louise of Savoy] had been to him that morning offering a general truce with the exception of the duchy of Milan; but Wolsey replied that it was too late.
After dinner, all the guests, with the exception of the ambassador from the Lady Margaret, having assembled together, Wolsey commenced his discourse by saying that the King of England and his predecessors had always borne singular affection towards the Republic; and that although the Signory held Cyprus, which belonged to his Majesty, (fn. 9) he had never failed being the friend of Venice and doing her all the good be could, and lately [in September 1518] specified the State as his ally in the treaty of London.
Will not repeat the very bitter complaints made against the French by Wolsey, who stated that his King had declared himself the enemy of the King of France and his adherents, in virtue of the confederacy, allying himself so closely with the Emperor that a closer connexion could not be imagined. He therefore required of us, as the Republic's representatives, that Venice should, according to the treaty, declare herself the enemy of France, as otherwise the Emperor and the King of England would consider the State a hostile power, and would, first by letters patent, and then by a herald, announce this to the Signory; adding that from this time forth, should Venice give to the French any succour of troops, money, or provisions, the King of England would hold the State his enemy.
Made an amicable reply, thanking the King and Cardinal for their constant good offices in favour of the Republic, which would never fail in gratitude. With regard to Wolsey's two demands, said we could give no answer, but would write to Venice for instructions. Wolsey desired us to do so immediately.
The Cardinal then commenced to talk about the peace between the Emperor and the Signory, which caused the Chancellor Gattinara to narrate how his Imperial Majesty had always been desirous of it, and that so long ago as when at Ypres [in July 1520?] on his return from Spain, he proposed to Cornaro, the Venetian ambassador at his Court, that if the Signory chose to have perpetual peace with his Majesty, he would concede investiture and title in such wise that Venice might thenceforth hold her possessions with a clear conscience; or, if the State preferred a temporary peace and prolongation of the truce, the Emperor was equally willing to make the adjustment on those terms. To this, Gattinara said, the Signory made no reply, but communicated the proposal to France. He added that the quinquennial truce between the Emperor and the Republic was of a later date than her confederacy with France, which was therefore invalidated; yet the Signory had in several instances violated the truce. He quoted the stoppage of the Imperial couriers, the spoliation last winter of the 20 Spanish men-at-arms, the grant of money to the French, and the counsel given to the King of France to come into Italy.
Having listened to the reply made by us to these charges, Cardinal Wolsey said to me (Contarini), “You have a power from the State; let us make a triple league, both offensive and defensive, between the Emperor, my King, and the Republic, reserving place for the Pope.” Replied that the power related solely to peace, and that even concerning its particulars I had no instructions. Wolsey rejoined, “Well, I will take upon myself the trouble of drawing up the articles of the triple alliance, both offensive and defensive, and I will modify everything, and deliver them to you two days hence.” We promised on receiving the articles to transmit them to the State.
The Chancellor Gattinara does not very cordially assent to this alliance, lest Wolsey, for the sake of obtaining his intent with regard to it, diminish the sum of money demanded, which money seems to be the Chancellor's chief object. We then took leave of Wolsey, who told us he wished to remain with the Imperial councillors, as they purposed commencing the negotiations for a confederacy between the parties, implying that nothing whatever had been treated as yet, although at Bruges the Bishop of Palencia told me (Contarini) that all the matters of importance between the King of England and the Emperor had been already settled, as may with reason be supposed.
On quitting Cardinal Wolsey, we went to the lodging of the Bishop of Palencia, and were told by him that the King of France was on his way back from Lyons, proceeding towards Picardy, and that the French had made a foray in the direction of Calais.
On the 5th, Cardinal Wolsey told us his King was sending a great number of English troops to Spain for the Emperor's service in the war, and also to keep the Spaniards themselves more in subjection, by showing them practically that the King of England is allied with the Emperor “throughout.”
Were informed yesterday by the French ambassador, Poillot, that after announcing the hostile league made by England against France, Cardinal Wolsey told him he would take the field in person, and raise 10,000 men with his own funds, selling even his sacerdotal garments for the purpose.
Understand moreover from the Bishop of Palencia that the Pope has exerted himself with the Switzers no less zealously than his predecessor, Leo, and that he continues to do so.
On Monday, the 9th, the King and the Emperor are to quit London, and by Corpus Christi Day mean to be at Winchester, near Hampton, where the Emperor will embark with the first fair wind.
Surian, being no longer able to forward letters through his colleague in Flanders, requests the State to give him notice if they can indicate other means of conveyance.
London, Saturday, 7th June 1522.
[Italian, 5½ pages.]
June 7. Signed Letters, Chiefs of the Council of Ten. 468. The Council of Ten to Antonio Surian, Venetian Ambassador in England.
Through the Apostolic Legate in Venice, the Cardinal de' Medici has complained to us that you have used unbecoming language about him in England. Answered the Legate that of this they could not persuade themselves, and thought it proceeded from evil reporters, as such is not the custom of the Signory's ambassadors. Believe that such is the case, but give him warning, that he may know how to regulate his proceedings, and act with reserve.
[Italian, 9 lines.]
June 7. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. xlix. p. 88, tergo. 469. The Doge and Senate to the Venetian Ambassador in England.
Have heard with great vexation the account contained in his letters of the 7th, 10th, and 16th ult., of what Cardinal Wolsey said to him about the letters he had received from the Emperor's court, concerning the Turkish forays in the Imperial territories. The information is false. Wrote to him (Surian) on this subject on the 8th of April. The Signory had no hand in those forays. Deplore them vastly, owing to the imminent peril to the State. It is also untrue that they were effected without injury to Venetian subjects. In Dalmatia many human beings and animals were carried off, and the Turks daily committed ravages there.
To acquaint Cardinal Wolsey with the absurdity of the intelligence, and request him not to give ear to such reports.
Regret that the Emperor regards the Venetians as his enemies, on account of the assistance they have given to France. Venice continues to observe the truce with the Emperor, and has never given him cause for complaint. Cannot be blamed for what they did for France, having kept their faith. The Emperor has therefore no reason to instigate the King of England against the State.
Rejoice to hear that their friendship is reciprocated by his Majesty and the Cardinal, to the latter of whom he (Surian) is to give ample thanks for having borne in mind, as he said he had, the safety of the Flanders galleys. Are convinced that if he had pondered the serious loss caused to the Signory's subjects by the delay of the galleys, he would have endeavoured to effect the repeal of every prohibition, and favoured their speedy departure. Should the galleys not be despatched on the receipt of this letter, to beseech the Cardinal to perform his promise of taking the subjects and galleys of the State under his protection. To urge this to the utmost, so that they may commence their homeward voyage, and the Signory be enabled in due season to send the other relay [of galleys] as usual. (fn. 10)
Is moreover to thank the Cardinal for his good offices for the release of the Donata galley. The news of its arrival in England has proved very agreeable to the State. Attribute this to the Cardinal's intercession. Hope that by reason of the very well deserved authority which the Cardinal enjoys, his goodwill may benefit the State. Consider themselves eternally obliged to him.
Ayes, 171. Noes, 1. Neutrals, 0.
[Italian, 57 lines.]
June 8. Contarini's Original Letter Book, Letter no. 168, St. Mark's Library. 470. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory.
This morning (the 8th) accompanied the Emperor and the King to St. Paul's to mass, which was chanted pontifically by Cardinal Wolsey. The ceremony was attended by all the nobility of England, they and the Imperial court wearing most sumptuous apparel. On this occasion asked the Chancellor Gattinara for safeconducts for some noblemen, merchants of Venice, who were returning home. The Chancellor assented, adding, “You must accommodate us with these galleys of yours for this expedition of ours.” Had no time to inquire for what expedition, but will endeavour to ascertain the particulars.
Has been told by the Papal Nuncio that the King o f France, when answering a brief from Pope Adrian VI., did not choose to give him the title of Pope, but addressed him as Cardinal of Tortosa.
London, Sunday, 8th June 1522.
[Italian, ½ page.]
June 9. Patti Sciolti. 471. Henry VIII.
Letters patent to the Doge, Senate, and Signory of Venice, as parties to the treaty of London, 2nd October 1518.
Complains of the violation of the treaty by Francis I., his protection of Robert de la Mark, and seizure of Fonterabia, Narrates the negotiations of Cardinal Wolsey at Calais, and charges the State to declare herself the enemy of France.
London, 9th June 1522.
Signed: Henry R. Countersigned: Throkmorton.
[Latin, 41 lines. Original, parchment, with the great seal of England in wax.]
June 9. Mantuan Archives. 472. Orazio . . . . to the Duke of Urbino.
In addition to what he wrote on the day before yesterday, informs the Duke that besides what was contained in the Papal brief to the Nuncio, the Pope wrote a letter to the Emperor about him (the Duke). Has been unable to see it, but knows it abounded in good will, and openly evinced the Pope's inclination to arrange the affairs of Urbino. Understood this through the Emperor's reply, which is being sent to Spain, with another of the like tenour. Will send [a copy?] to the Duke by the next courier, lest, if the Pope pass into Italy, the packet by way of Spain should arrive late. It will also be accompanied by the copy of one addressed to Don Juan Emanuel. Does not send by this post the Emperor's answer to the Duke's letter, because it is not signed, and there is not time for the despatch. At this moment the King [Emperor?] has signed it, and they are getting on horseback for Hampton, but will loiter for ten days on the way. Will follow his Highness to thank him and take leave. Expects to have to go as far as Hampton. Will return [to Urbino] leisurely, as there is no occasion for haste, most especially as he is travelling with a large company on its way back to Italy.
The Duke's affairs are proceeding prosperously. Was unable to obtain in time the signature to another letter, addressed to the Viceroy of Naples, also in favour of the Duke. Will endeavour to obtain it, as it indicates the Emperor's good will. Trusts it will reach Spain opportunely in the midst of these great undertakings.
Has not forgotten the little dog (cagnolo). Will do his utmost to obtain one, either male or female.
London, 9th June 1522.
Signed: Horatio.
[Italian. Copy.]
June 11. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxiii. p. 264. 473. Note by Sanuto.
The Imperial ambassador [in Venice] seems to have received letters from Flanders, dated Brussels, the 27th of May, announcing that on the 26th the Emperor embarked at Calais for England, and landed with fair weather at Dover, but nothing has been heard from the Signory's ambassador.
[Italian.]
June 13. Contarini's Original Letter Book, Letter no. 169, St. Mark's Library. 474. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory.
For the purpose of ascertaining the nature of the expedition alluded to in St. Paul's by the Chancellor went to dine with him. Gattinara said the King and Cardinal intended to make use of the Flanders galleys, and likewise of their own fleet; and that they also purposed laying an embargo on the effects and merchandise of Venetian subjects until they received a reply to the proposal, or rather to the “summons.” This was notified to the ambassadors by Wolsey, who said that by the treaty of London Venice was bound to declare against France for having violated it.
Subsequently, on Thursday evening, he and Surian received a letter from the captain of the Flanders galleys [Vincenzo Priuli], informing them that the Admiral, the Earl of Surrey, had in the first place given the “masters” to understand that he was very willing to pay the crews, but chose each galley to be manned by 50 Venetian seamen and one Venetian nobleman, who were to land, according to the Admiral's orders, on the French soil, under the banner of St. Mark, and wage war on the King of France.
After this the Earl of Surrey made a similar announcement to the captain [Vincenzo Priuli], who apologized discreetly for noncompliance, as he was unacquainted with the Signory's intentions, and he and all the other noblemen and their officials, by taking such a step, would subject themselves to capital punishment. Thereupon the Earl of Surrey became angry, and addressed him in very haughty and threatening language; so yesterday he and Surian took horse and rode to Hampton Court to Cardinal Wolsey, of whom today they had audience.
Complained to the Cardinal of Surrey's fresh orders, at variance with what the Cardinal had so recently told them, namely, that the King did not purpose making use of the galleys for the distance of more than 200 miles, to convoy the Spaniards off Brest, and that they were then to return, together with the English fleet; a voyage requiring but a few days. Requested Wolsey to repeal orders the execution of which was impossible.
The Cardinal replied that touching the mission of 50 men from each galley, with a flag, &c., he was surprised that the Admiral should have used such language, which must have been uttered in anger He again assured them the King's intention was that the galleys should go as far as Brest. He did not allude to any expedition, though he did say that for a very good reason the King did not choose either the captain or the masters to accompany the galleys, and that this was his firm resolve. With regard to the refusal of the crews to undertake the voyage on such terms, nothing the ambassadors could say was of any avail.
Are of opinion that this reply is in accordance with what the Chancellor [Gattinara] told Contarini about the intended seizure of the galleys and merchandise, and perhaps of the masters and merchants, until the receipt of the Signory's reply to the summons charging her to act against France. No arguments urged by them produce any effect; can only use fair words, which are of no use.
The other day they waited on the Cardinal respecting a bond given by a shipowner for wines imported by Maphio Bernardo. Wolsey promised to send for the customers and make them cancel it, but today he retracted his promise, and said he chose the wines to be landed and placed in deposit, a confirmation of the intentions mentioned by the Chancellor.
Hampton Court, Friday, 13th June 1522.
[Italian, 3 pages.]
June 13. Contarini's Original Letter Book, Letter no. 170, St. Mark's Library. 475. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory.
On Sunday, at the Court, the Bishop of Durham alluding to the conference held on the preceding day with Cardinal Wolsey, told Surian that to avoid entering into a chaos it would be well to make a general agreement with the Emperor without especial mention of the towns and places in possession of the State.
On the same day, when discussing the affair of Bernardo's wines, Wolsey expressed the like opinion to Surian, adding, “This alliance will include the Pope, the Emperor, my King, the Signory, and the Duke of Milan. You and he will be bound to defend each other's territories in Italy mutually, and the other allies will pledge themselves in the same manner. It is true you must pay money to the Emperor, because he wants it, but I can tell you that you will thus diminish your expenditure.”
Wolsey seemed to take into account the expenses incurred by “Venice for defence against Turkish invasion, and Surian endeavoured to exaggerate it.
Today the Cardinal told Surian and him (Contarini) that he was drawing up the articles of the treaty, and would show it to them shortly; and that a copy of it, together with the letters patent containing the intimation, should be sent to Pace, who would proceed forthwith from Rome to Venice. Touching these articles, Wolsey said word for word as follows: “This Imperial Chancellor is too exacting, and, encouraged by these successes of the Emperor in Italy, would fain rule the whole universe, but my King will mediate as a good and common friend.” (fn. 11)
The ambassadors therefore suspect there is some difficulty about the sum to be disbursed by the Signory; but perceiving so much that is contradictory, will not assert anything, and refer themselves to the written document.
Remind the State that it is desirable to give cordial and honorable greeting to Pace, because, as frequently mentioned by Surian, he is the stanchest partisan of Venice in England, and, next to the Cardinal, is the most influential person about the King.
Hampton Court, Friday, 13th June 1522.
[Italian, 2½ pages.]
June 14. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxiii. p. 270. 476. Motion in the Senate by the Sages.
That a letter be written to Antonio Surian, ambassador in England, in reply to what he wrote concerning the wish of the King for the Signory to make an agreement with the Emperor.
The State is much obliged to his Majesty, and wishes to know what terms he can obtain for them from the Emperor.
[Italian.]
June 14. Misti Consiglio X. v. xlv. p. 45. 477. Motion in the Council of Ten and Junta.
That the letters lately received from England, Rome, and Verona, addressed to the Council of Ten, concerning the negotiations now in course with France, Germany, and England, and all other writings relating to the matter, be all communicated to the Senate. The most profound secrecy to be observed, as recently decreed by the Council of Ten.
Ayes, 26. Noes, 1. Neutrals, 0.
[Italian, 7 lines.]

Footnotes

  • 1. According to Hall the arrival took place on Monday, the 2nd of June. He makes no mention of the Queen's residence at “Altr',” to which the Venetian ambassadors allude in their letter of the 31st of May.
  • 2. In October 1518. (See Giustinian Despatches, vol. ii. p. 228.)
  • 3. “In verità costui è uno mirabel homo.”
  • 4. On the 29th, according to Mr. Brewer's Calendar, vol. III. no. 2292; but cf. no. 2290.
  • 5. It is probable that the “histories” and inscriptions were devised by Alexander Barclay, the “Blake Monke,” author of “The Ship of Fools.” (See Chronicle of Calais, p. 83.)
  • 6. The Duke of Suffolk married the Queen Dowager of France, A. D. 1515, March 16, and the Queen Dowager of Arragon gave her hand to the Marquis of Brandenburg in April 1519.
  • 7. “Uno palazo fornito novamente.” The Palace of Bridewell (see Cunningham).
  • 8. “Necessario era extirparli.“
  • 9. See also Giustinian's despatches of 1st April 1516 and 28th May 1518. I do not know when the claims of England to Cyprus were relinquished, but on the 25th of August 1634 the Venetian secretary Zonca wrote to the Signory, from London, that Secretary Windebank did not remonstrate with the Duke of Savoy for assuming the title of King of Cyprus.
  • 10. In the original, “l'altra muda.”
  • 11. “Iste Cancellarius Cæsaris nimis petit, et ductus his fœlicibus successibus Cæsaris in Italia, vellet dominari toto orbi; sed Rex mens interponet se tanquam bonus et communis amicus.”