Venice: March 1558, 1-15 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 6, 1555-1558. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1877.

'Venice: March 1558, 1-15', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 6, 1555-1558, (London, 1877) pp. 1458-1471. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol6/pp1458-1471 [accessed 25 April 2024]

March 1558, 1–15



March 1. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1177. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Secretary Vargas came to me this evening from King Philip to tell me what took place with the Legate Caraffa; and it will also be written to the Ambassador Vargas. The conclusion is, that the King sent the Cardinal the ratification of two agreements made between his right reverend Lordship in the Pope's name, and the Duke of Alva in his Majesty's name, last September, the one public, which contains many articles, the other secret, containing the conditions of the compensation for Paliano, which are in number three; the first, that the compensation given by his Majesty be such as to satisfy that Duke; the second, that should the parties not agree, your Serenity is to be judge; the third, that these purposes be carried into effect within the term of six months, which term expires on the 14th instant.
	For this reason his Majesty caused an offer to be made to the Legate Caraffa, as compensation, of the principality of Rossano in the kingdom of Naples, which yields an annual revenue of from 5,000 to 6,000 crowns, and moreover 10,000 crowns assigned as a perpetual fief on the silk duty of that kingdom, and yesterday evening he sent him the patent officially signed and sealed. The Cardinal refused to accept it, saying that he has not authority. King Philip then had a formal protest drawn up, thus giving it to be understood that he has complied with the agreement at the due time, so should it not be executed accordingly, he is not responsible for the delay. I despatch the present letters by the Bishop of Terracina, who departs this night. Cardinal Caraffa also informed me that he was with the King to-day, and spoke about the three principal points which he has to treat with his Majesty, viz., about the peace, about the religion, and about the ecclesiastical liberty (et della libertà ecclesiastica). He anticipates a good reply speedily, and intends to leave in eight or ten days for Italy.
	Brussels, 1st March 1558.
	[Italian.]
March 5. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1178. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Legate has been twice with the King, and spoke him very fair (et ha usato con sua Maestà parole humanissime), showing himself beyond measure content with the favours conferred on him by his Majesty; but about the Duke of Alva he spoke so openly, as he himself told me, that he thus willed to demonstrate to the King how all the ills proceeded from that Duke, and that others moreover will follow, should he be left as much authority as has been enjoyed by him until now. It is not for me to judge whether he did well or ill to perform this office, but I indeed wish your Serenity to know that his most illustrious Lordship is in very bad odour with the whole court, and the Archbishop of Toledo told a person who repeated it to me, that no one will any longer negotiate with him, because the most Serene King says “non haze como habla,” viz., that he speaks in one way and acts in another; and all the rest of these lords distrust anything his Lordship may say, so that even Don Ruy Gomez, who evinced more goodwill towards him than anyone else, because he above all of them has always peace and quiet at heart, said latterly that he was glutted (che si trova sazio), and would not have anything more to do with him.
	His most illustrious Lordship is now occupied in despatching the affairs of private individuals, and thinks of departing speedily for Italy; and he told the King that it would be well for him to get to Rome soon to quiet the Pope, in case the report of the Bishop of Terracina should not have pleased him; and most especially as his Holiness does not know of the second agreement, as written by me lately, (fn. 1) and when he does, it might make him somewhat angry.
	He has not performed any other office with the King about the affairs of the peace, except to communicate to him the letters he had received from France, which contain no hope of peace, although King Henry always gave fair words, as written to me also by the Ambassador Michiel; neither would they grant the Legate Triulzi there a passport demanded by him for the transmission of his other couriers and letters, nor will they even accept those sent to them by this side. The negotiation is thus completely broken, nor, from what I hear on good authority, does it seem that there is any longer hope of peace through any of the other mediators by whom it was treated, viz., neither by the Constable, nor by the Marshal de St. André, nor by others. The Duke of Savoy has indeed departed to inspect the frontiers, and will have spoken with the Constable, but the general belief is that the conference was fruitless; and I have heard from a person able to know it that these Lords of the Council consented to the Duke's interview with the Constable now when they have no hope through that channel, but would not have consented to his speaking to him previously, because as it is the chief interest of Savoy to put himself forward in any negotiation for peace, they wished to prevent him from performing any office that might have thwarted it, had it been already commenced.
	Brussels, 5th March 1558.
	[Italian; the portion in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
March 5. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. (2nd letter.)	1179. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate.
	Besides what is written in the accompanying letter, I must tell your Serenity that although there is no hope of peace, there is nevertheless no visible provision for war: and these Flemish Lords have almost all gone to their estates (alli sui poderi), giving it to be understood that they will not serve in the war, unless some better method be adopted with regard to the affairs; and as the entire government is in the hands of the Spaniards, who hold them in no account, they prognosticate ill of the future, blaming the negligence and inexperience of those who rule, perhaps more openly than is becoming, though to tell the truth, they are not altogether in the wrong, for having the enemy so near at hand and in such force, some army-corps should be got together, to succour the places from which they intend to make their attack; and although everybody lays the blame of this delay on Cardinal Caraffa's negotiation, which has impeded all other business, I am told in secret that until the Duke of Alva determine either to return to Italy, or to remain, no arrangement whatever will be made for what is required, nor does the Duke give himself to be understood, and all persons, including the King in person, bear him great respect. The delegates of these States returned with the confirmatian of the subsidy to be given to the King, according to the proposal made heretofore; and were this supply in being at present it would be of great moment, but as yet no commencement is visible, and there will be difficulties in getting the money together, as although they may easily increase the duties assigned by them, it is however difficult to obtain purchasers for the large sum required; and it was told me lately that many persons do not consider this fund very secure.
	From England, what I wrote on the 26th ult., about the election of those eight individuals for the war, is confirmed, but it is nevertheless said that King Philip will not derive thence the benefit he anticipated, as it seems that the English have determined to wage offensive war solely by sea; which, although it is something, is not however enough to produce any important result; so with the hope of so little from that quarter, the whole must be done here. Concerning the provisions for Italy, all I have to tell is that Don Hernando, the natural son of the Duke of Alva, will be Captain-General of the men-at-arms, which charge was formerly held by the Prince of Ascoli, who died some months ago here at the court and was the son of the late Don Antonio de Leva; and M. de Ligni, a Piedmontese, who came lately from Italy for pecuniary supply for the cost incurred in securing the port of Villafranca, is returning thither in two days, with some thousands of crowns for that purpose.
	Brussels, 5th March 1558.
	[Italian, the portion in italics, deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
March 5. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives. (2nd letter.)	1180. Bernardo Navagero, Venetian Ambassador in Rome, to the Doge and Senate.
	Here, the last letters from King Philip's court, dated 13th February, mention the arrival there on that morning of the Bishop of Terracina. (fn. 2) The person who is accustomed faithfully to impart everything to my secretary, (fn. 3) and who has authentic advices, told him that there had been some contention between Cardinal Caraffa and the Duke of Alva, the cause having been that the Cardinal denied having promised the Duke certain things, as, for instance, the restitution of their property to Ascanio della Cornia, the Count de Bagno, and the like, which the Duke has decided to renounce, saying, however, that the world shall know clearly that these concessions were promised him. My intelligencer also said that King Philip's council was of opinion that his Majesty should requite Cardinal Caraffa with 12,000 crowns pension on the archbishopric of Toledo, of the sum left in blank (as written by me), and assign to the Duke of Paliano another 12,000 crowns annual revenue on states in the kingdom of Naples, the difficulty being whether on Bari or elsewhere, Cardinal Caraffa insisting on Bari.
	A report circulated that the ambassador from Florence could not obtain audience of the Pope, because his Holiness was dissatisfied with the Duke, it having come to his knowledge that he had written to King Philip to detain Cardinal Caraffa at his court as long as he could, because on his return hither he would again turn everything topsy-turvy.
	Rome, 5th March 1557.
	[Italian.]
March 6. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1181. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip to the Doge and Senate.
	One day lately, I was with the King, partly to visit him, now that he is almost quite free from his indisposition, partly to perform certain offices enjoined me by your Serenity; and through the opportunity afforded by the letters from France, the topic of peace was introduced, about which his Majesty spoke in such a way, that I elicited what is written in the accompanying packet, viz., that but little is hoped through any channel. I told his Majesty that I had letters from France that your Serenity's ambassador there had several times performed an office in favour of peace with King Henry, and found him well disposed towards it. The King replied that no trust could be placed in the words of the King of France, although he expresses a wish for peace, and that from the following fact, I might know whether his heart is in the hand of God; as he holds intercourse with the Turks, and annually invites them by promises and rewards (premij) to destroy what little remains of Christendom. His Majesty then added, that he will never fail to make peace, in like manner as he was never the author of the war, and that he will always listen willingly to whoever speaks to him about it, although the thing seems to him very difficult.
	Brussels, 6th March 1558.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portion in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
March 8. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1182. Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	M. de Montmorency returned from Picardy yesterday, and confirmed the news of the retreat of King Philip's troops, after they had victualled St. Quentin, Han, and Le Catelet, which suffered greatly, so now both sides are in garrison, awaiting the time to take the field. The French in the meanwhile are reinforcing themselves, so as to be foremost, and one of the sons of the late John Frederick, Duke of Saxony, and the Duke of Luneburg (fn. 4) and other Germans, announce their entry into his Majesty's service, and that in the course of next month their cavalry, numbering 5,000 carabineers (pistoletti), will be in marching order, before which time Colonel Ferlich will have engaged the Switzers.
	The Legate Triulzi is much surprised, as the Cardinal of Lorraine told his attendants of the departure from Brussels of Cardinal Caraffa, that the latter should not have given him any notice of it. The said Cardinal's agent resident here attributes his departure to his most Christian Majesty's not having allowed any gentleman or other agents of the two Legates, not even mere couriers, to go to and fro for this affair of the peace, and only allowing the letters to be taken as far as the frontiers, which making Cardinal Caraffa despair of doing any good, he resolved to go back; so Triulzi likewise is expecting his recall hourly.
	Reports a conversation with Marshal Strozzi touching the Turkish fleet.
	The chiefs of the foreign merchants, having heard of the order issued by the Inquisition throughout this kingdom about the [Roman Catholic] religion (la religione), and comprehending the perils and costs which they might incur through the malice of accusers, have urged his Majesty that, in conformity with their ancient privileges and concessions, they may be empowered to live in their own fashion, nor be subjected to the said Inquisition, which has been granted them in general terms, both for all those now in France as for all others who shall come hither provided they be merchants, and that they abstain from preaching and from speaking in public about religion. This having been heard by the Protestant emigrants living in the Grisons, they sent hither to obtain, as they have done, the same license; from which it is inferred that, under this cloak of “merchants,” the greater part of those emigrant Protestants at Geneva and in the other places of the Switzers will come to this kingdom.
	Moret, (fn. 5) 8th March 1558.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portion in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
March 8. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1183. Bernardo Navagero, Venetian Ambassador in Rome, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Duke of Paliano, when discussing the affairs of Flanders, told me he had no hope about the state of Bari, and that King Philip's ministers had already sold two places of that territory, distant four miles from the city, for 48,000 ducats to Don Garcia de Toledo; that in their present straights they are intent on raising money upon everything, caring little about the Pope; that the Cardinal, his brother, did not write, as he had nothing good to communicate, not having negotiated at the commencement as he ought to have done, for he, perhaps, gave hopes of concessions which the Pope will never make, namely, to pardon his rebels, it being heard here that he has had a misunderstanding with the Duke of Alva about Ascanio della Cornia; that the Cardinal had caressed Marc' Antonio Colonna, whom he invited to dine with him, which made Colonna believe that he might soon get back his state, thus encouraging his partisans to assist him; which has displeased the Pope, who did not intend to have law given him in his own house, and he ordered the Bishop of Terracina to let the Cardinal know that he was to say nothing about Marc' Antonio, but rather to leave aside all personal affairs (tutte le cose particular), and attend to the two public ones, viz., the peace and the religion. The Duke also said that not having any advice of the boys (delli putti), he suspected that they had been detained in consequence of some fresh order.
	Rome, 8th March 1558.
	[Italian.]
March 8. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. XXIV., Cl. X. p. 69 recto e verso.	1184. Cardinal Pole to Jean de la Valette, Grand Master of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.
	Don Pedro de Mendoza delivered to him the Grand Master's letter, dated the 8th December, announcing his promotion to the Grand Mastership, (fn. 6) and recommending to him the affairs of the Order in England. Feels much pleasure and satisfaction thereat.
	London, 8th March 1558.
	[Italian.]
March 8. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. XXIV. el. X. p. 193 verso.	1185. Cardinal Pole to King Philip.
	His Majesty some months ago having written letters to the Queen, and to Pole likewise, evincing his regard for the affairs of the Order of St. John in England, they have attended to arranging and settling them in the best way possible, as the King may have heard from Don Antonio de Toledo. The Bailiff (Baylino) of Eagle (fn. 7) (dell' Aquila), the bearer of the present letter, has shown himself a faithful and diligent minister of the Order, and is now going to Malta, taking with him some English knights.
	London, 8th March 1558.
	[Italian.]
March 8. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. lXXIV. Cl. X. p. l194.	1186. Cardinal Pole to the Grand Master of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.
	Three of the knights made in England, together with another individual who wishes to assume the habit, having offered to go to Malta to serve the Order, the Queen has thought fit that they should be accompanied by the Bailiff (Baylio) of Eagle, the bearer of the present letter. Recommends them to the Grand Master. The Bailiff will be able to give full information about what has taken place in England concerning the Order.
	London, 8th March 1558.
	[Italian.]
March 9. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. XXIV. Cl. X. p. 194.	1187. Cardinal Pole to the Archbishop of Toledo [Bartolomeo de Carranza].
	Received the Archbishop's letter through the Turcopolier [Shelley], and by the same opportunity Pole's agent (speditore) sent him also the Archbishop's printed book, which pleased him very greatly. (fn. 8) Hopes it may be of much use not only in Spain but in England, and in other places in Christendom. Was glad to hear of Carranza's consecration, and although his stay with King Philip cannot but greatly benefit the service of God, is nevertheless anxious for the road to be soon open for him to go and perform his ministry. In the meanwhile this book will give the Spaniards (quei populi) a wholesome foretaste of the great favour God has conferred on them.
	With regard to present affairs, Pole is much of Carranza's opinion that the best way of negotiating is to pray, and to ignore all the other forms of business in general use amongst mankind, taking comfort through the hope that in the end the Majesty of God will turn everything to His glory, and for the rest, with the assistance of His Grace, attend to the performance of our own duty.
	London, 9th March 1558.
	[Italian.]
March 9. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. XXIV. Cl. X. p. 194 verso.	1188. Cardinal Pole to Don Antonio de Toledo.
	The Turcopolier has delivered the letters of Don Antonio, and imparted what he was commissioned to say about the Order of St. John in England. Refers to the Bailiff of Eagle for full information.
	The Queen and Pole and his colleagues (et tutti noi), were greatly comforted to hear that the King has quite recovered from his late indisposition.
	London, 9th March 1558.
	[Italian.]
March 9. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. XXIV. Cl. X. p. 194 verso & 195 recto.	1189. Cardinal Pole to King Philip.
	Owing to incessant parliamentary business, the Queen being much molested and disturbed, this being followed by news of his Majesty's indisposition, Pole and the ministry greatly feared that, unless she were speedily consoled by hearing of his convalescence, her health would suffer. From that apprehension they are now, thanks to God, relieved, her Majesty being freed from both one and the other cause of trouble and affliction. As Parliament likewise has come to an end, although from the nature of the times there can be no lack of causes for vexation, the Queen will be enabled nevertheless, with greater mental quiet, to enjoy the residence and monastery of Greenwich, with the hope that before her departure thence she will be comforted by the so earnestly desired presence of the King, for the attainment of which grace she will be assisted by the prayers of those good fathers.
	London, 9th March 1558.
	P.S.—The Turcopolier has delivered the King's letter of the 4th instant, and narrated what his Majesty was pleased to impart. This gave very great comfort to the Queen and to everybody, by confirming the very acceptable news of the King's good health.
	Respecting the privileges of the Catholics of England, the Queen of her piety has anticipated Pole's wish, by removing all the difficulties raised against this measure, so that it will take full effect. Don Antonio de Toledo will have informed the King of all the particulars.
	9th March 1558
	[Italian.]
March 10. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1190. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate.
	Sure advice has arrived express from Burgundy, that in a few days there will be got together 15,000 German infantry and 4,000 horse, part being sent by the Count Palatine, part by the Marquis of Baden, and part by the Landgrave, but at the cost of the most Christian King, who has assigned them their rates of pay (le paghe) at Augsburg. They are the troops about whom I wrote heretofore, that they were being levied in Germany for an attack on King Philip; and yesterday it was heard that part of them have already arrived at Metz, where the muster is to be made. In the meanwhile, boats and other necessaries were being prepared for the army, and the French are adding to their numbers at Mezières, one of their frontier places on the Meuse, on the confines of Liege and of Namur, very near a fortress of King Philip, called Philippeville, which, owing to the accidental fall of a curtain (fn. 9) into the moat, is now open, and in great danger of being lost. These German troops, either joined with the French, or by themselves alone, form such an army-corps, that his Catholic Majesty having made no other provision than is now visible, they can without impediment proceed to ravage Burgundy, or come towards Namur, or Mastricht, or the province of Liege, which is quite open, and in great danger of being lost; and whithersoever they may go, they will put everything to confusion, as there are no troops to oppose them, neither few nor many; and the Spaniards and those few Germans whom they kept in these parts, are distributed on the frontiers, nor can they be removed without manifest danger, whilst the militia of the territory is disarmed and without horses, as since many months they have had no pay; besides which, there is no time to make provision, and in addition to this, although the delegates of these provinces have come to execute the promised agreement, by means of which the pecuniary supply so greatly needed might be turned to account, there are still nevertheless many difficulties, the most important ones being, first of all, that the delegates from Flanders, which is the chief member, have not yet made their appearance, the reason being that the soldiers on those frontiers have mutinied because they are not paid, and live at discretion, ravaging the territory; so although the towns of Flanders consented to the agreement, they nevertheless will not execute it until those troops are paid the occasion of these outrages being thus removed. For this, however, they hope to find a remedy, since the arrival of the Spanish fleet in Zealand, whence it was compelled by a violent storm to put back to Biscay, and it is said to bring 200,000 crowns for account of the King, and should the sum as usual be less than reported, it might however suffice to quell the mutiny, by giving the soldiers a part of their due; but another more momentous difficulty remains, viz., that owing to these disturbances on the frontiers, the promise of the provinces cannot be fulfilled, as nobody will be found to disburse money on an increase of the duties, as if that fund was already considered insecure, it will now be much more depreciated through this fear of the enemy so near at hand. Such is the state of affairs in these parts, and it seems that neither this most Serene King nor these Lords of the Council attach much importance to it, as his Majesty does not negotiate, neither do the Councillors form any resolve.
	The Duke of Savoy went, as written by me, to inspect these frontiers, and at Hangien (Haguenau ?), where the Constable is, he stipulated the release of his younger son, and the 12,000 crowns ransom are to be paid at Venice, and will be given to M. de Ligni, to continue the fortification of the Port of Villafranca, as written by me lately.
	The right reverend Caraffa is attending to the settlement of the affairs commenced by him, so as to depart next week, and with regard to the peace, nothing more has been done than already written by me. By the enclosed reply (fn. 10) given by the King to the Legate, nothing appears, save that his Majesty perseveres in his good disposition.
	Brussels, 10th March 1558.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portion in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
March 12. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1191. Bernardo Navagero, Venetian Ambassador in Rome, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Duke of Paliano told my secretary that Cardinal Caraffa's last letters from Brussels did not seem very hopeful to him. Then on Thursday a courier on his way to Naples, who left King Philip's court on the 1st instant, passed through this city leaving but two packets, one for Ascanio Caracciolo, the other for Cardinal Pacheco. On that same evening Caracciolo conferred with the Duke of Paliano, and Pacheco with the Pope, dissatisfaction being visible both on the part of his Holiness and of the Duke, and throughout the rest of the palace, without its being possible to ascertain the cause. Then, yesterday, Cardinal Pacheco told me that having received a letter of credence in his own person for the Pope, from the King Catholic, and an instruction apart about everything, he went to his Holiness, who, whilst reading the letter, purporting that Pacheco would tell him something about Paliano, and praying his Holiness to give him credence, as to himself, evinced dissatisfaction that mention should be made of Paliano, giving it to be understood that compensation had been treated without his consent, he being of opinion that it misbecame his dignity to restore Paliano, showing him that he did not know the contents of the agreement (capitulatione) made at Cavi (fn. 11) between Cardinal Caraffa and the Duke of Alva. Pacheco says he revealed the whole to him, viz., that it was concluded that the King giving fair compensation (and in case of difficulty it was to be judged by your Serenity) to the Duke of Paliano within six months, which end on the 14th instant, Paliano was to be left at his Majesty's disposal (Paliano sia lassato ad arbitrio di Sua Maestà); the King having therefore declared the compensation, which was the principality of Rosano, besides so many thousand crowns revenue, to be continued to the successors, as to amount in all to about 14,000 crowns annually. Cardinal Pacheco says that the Pope pretended to overlook all details (finxit se longius ire), for he never grew angry, although the conversation lasted for three hours, which seemed to him a miracle. Pacheco says, that on his departure, the Duke of Paliano having risen from his bed, thus indisposed as he is, went to the Pope at 9 p.m., though he does not know what they will do, but that they ought to be satisfied, considering the state in which they find themselves. He also told me that Ascanio Caracciolo was commissioned by the King to give me account of the whole, in like manner as his Majesty's ambassador [at Venice] would also inform your Serenity. Cardinal Pacheco then said, “To speak freely with you, I am not without hope, and have advice to this effect, that if not peace at least a truce may ensue, for which the Constable of France makes great effort (fa grand' officio).”
	Don Francesco da Este at length departed yesterday morning, having previously told my secretary that the news received by the Caraffas (da questi Signori Illustrissimi) from the court of King Philip does not please them, and they are all confused, and that the Pope will not hear of leaving Paliano (non vuol intender di lassar Paliano). He then said that he understood the Duke of Florence was marching his troops, and giving them money; that he suspected they would be sent towards the French fortresses, although it was announced that they were to fill up the companies sent by him heretofore to Duke Ottavio [Farnese]; that he did not know the state of the negotiation for the peace between the Duke [of Ferrara], his brother, and him of Parma [Ottavio Farnese], through the mediation of the Duke of Florence, but that he did not believe it to be rejected (esclusa).
	Dom. Anibal Ruccellai, who, according to advices from France, writes that the lads (fn. 12) are detained, has increased the discontent of the Caraffas.
	The ambassador from Poland, who was here and departed lately, received orders on the road from his King desiring him to go to Bari, to perform the obsequies of Queen Bonna.
	Five days ago the Cardinal of Fano died, to the grief (con dolor) of the whole court, being reputed learned and virtuous: he died so poor that Cardinal Puteo asked the Pope for his ring for the family (la fameglia) of the deceased, to whom he bequeathed his moveables, as he possessed nothing else; nor do his relations even wish for the 500 crowns, which is the value of the ring (et questi anco non vogliono li 500 scudi che importa l'anello). As yet the Pope has denied it; nor, for the comprehension of those who are perhaps ignorant of the fact, will I omit to mention that this ring is the one given by the Pope to the Cardinals on their election, so on their demise the (reigning ?) Pope receives 500 crowns, levied on their goods (che si cavano delli loro beni). (fn. 13)
	Every day of late I solicited audience of the Pope, but owing to various impediments, and most especially by reason of the above written news from Brussels, he could not give it me.
	Calamitous state of Ancona.
	Rome, 12th March 1558.
	[Italian.]
March 12. MS. St. Mark's Library. Cod. XXIV., Cl. X., p. 195.	1192. Cardinal Pole to the Duchess of Parma.
	The Bailiff of Eagle having to pass through Parma on his way to Malta, Pole will not lose this opportunity for writing to her Excellency. Is very glad to have heard occasionally of her well-being, by letters addressed to England by Cavalier Ardinghello, and through several channels of the good promise (buona riuscita) which the Prince, her son, (fn. 14) continues to give of himself; and how glad King Philip and all his court are of this. Congratulates her, praying God to continue comforting her in this respect, as also the Lord Duke and Cardinal Farnese.
	Greenwich, 12th March 1558.
	[Italian.]
March 13. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1193. Bernardo Navagero, Venetian Ambassador at Rome, to the Doge and Senate.
	This morning I had a visit from Ascanio Caracciolo, who is negotiating here in the name of the King Catholic, and he told me that his Lord had charged him to communicate to me all that had taken place about the compensation to be given to the Duke of Paliano. [It is related at length.]
	Rome, 13th March 1558.
	[Italian.]
March 13. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives. (2nd letter.)	1194. Bernardo Navagero, Venetian Ambassador at Rome, to the Doge and Senate.
	This evening, at 7 p.m., I had audience of his Holiness, who seated himself, saying he did so, that I also might do the like, as he saw that I could keep my feet with difficulty. I thanked him for so much courtesy, and then asked how he was. He replied that he had been troubled with catarrh, which still molested him, but that he hoped the malady was unimportant. I then had read to him the news letters from Adrianople of the 26th and 28th January and 4th ultimo, concerning the preparations for a powerful fleet now being made by Sultan Soliman, and about the prevalent activity at Vallona. The Pope said, “Last night, as you know, the Bishop of Terracina arrived, having been sent by Cardinal Caraffa. We have not yet been able to hear him well, and have determined to hear him after you. He, however, told us that King Philip announced to him his good intentions towards the peace, referring himself to us, and will do everything, as, for instance, respecting conferences, &c.; nor shall we fail to impart this to our other son, the King of France, to see how he takes it, as we suspect that the taking of Calais and his other successes, backed, as he is, by the Turkish fleet (con queste spalle dell' armata Turchesca), may impede so good and desirable a work. We long to have Cardinal Caraffa here, for we have so many troubles that we can no longer bear them, and he was wont in great part to relieve us.” I told him that my most noble successor would enter this city to-morrow, and that at his Holiness' convenience we would come to kiss his feet; and I assured him that he was a senator of ability, prudence, and modesty, so that he would make amends for my deficiencies. “Thus will we believe,” said the Pope, “for from amongst many good men, those Lords select the best, to send them on foreign missions (per mandar a torno). In truth, we see you depart unwillingly, but the removal being requisite we cannot do otherwise.”
	Rome, 13th March 1558.
	[Italian.]
March 14. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1195. Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	Yesterday the Legate Trivulci told the King with how much pleasure the Pope had heard of his willingness to make peace, and of the fair hope conceived by his Holiness, he having heard the like about the mind of the King Catholic. The Legate proposed a conference between the French and Spanish ministers, to which King Henry and the Cardinal of Lorraine at length assented, but with great difficulty his Majesty allowed the Legate to send one of his attendants to Brussels to induce King Philip to act in like manner, with orders that should he no longer find Cardinal Caraffa there (the Cardinal of Lorraine having said again yesterday that he was to depart on the 8th) he was to address himself to the Nuncio, who will have remained there. Should King Philip likewise be content, as from the signs given is to be hoped, they might then treat about the persons to be sent, and time and place, so that terms may easily be made when the conference is agreed to.
	The day before yesterday, M. de Vaudemont, who a short time ago was at Brussels, came hither as expected, and besides having come for his nephew's marriage, he anticipated his coming to aid the negotiation for peace, his good offices with King Philip having greatly contributed to procure his consent to the conference; it having been already reported that he (M. de Vaudemont) requested his Catholic Majesty to let the Duchess of Lorraine see her son, so that with this opportunity she and the Count, her brother, might negotiate either with the Cardinal of Lorraine or the Duke de Guise.
	Moret, 14th March 1558.
	[Italian.]