Venice: December 1558 | 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: December 1558', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 6, 1555-1558, (London, 1877) pp. 1562-1573. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol6/pp1562-1573 [accessed 21 April 2024]

December 1558



Dec. 4. Original Despatch, Venetian Archive.	1290. Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	The day before yesterday, after congratulating the King on his return from the camp, and on his good health, he commenced talking with me confidentially as is his wont; and about the death of the Queen of England he told me that his Commissioners at the Conference heard of it before those of the King Catholic, who, when it was announced to them by the Constable and the Cardinal of Lorraine, either dissembled purposely (as is credible), or if really ignorant of the fact, they at any rate pretended to be so, admitting however that they had heard of her dangerous illness. Shortly after this they therefore determined to request the prorogation of the truce for two months. To this his most Christian Majesty said he had lately assented, and sent the Commission hence forthwith, so he thought that whilst, talking to me thus it was already stipulated, and that the Commissioners had taken leave of each other, so that in a day or two he was expecting the Cardinal, with whom Marshal de St. André also would return, all King Philip's Commissioners at the Conference having given security for him; and they would also have done the like by the Constable had he chosen it, but his Majesty said that the Duke of Savoy having promised Montmorency to accord his ransom, whether the agreement took place or not, the Constable in virtue of that promise, hoping to free himself, and return home for good (del tutto) without farther surety, had preferred going back into the Low Countries without any other mediation, and making his own bargain there, to coming hither, which would have caused greater delay.
	His Majesty then, continuing his discourse about the Queen's death, said that shortly before it took place he understood she had been visited in the name of the three estates of the kingdom, viz., the clergy, the lords, and the commons, who, after commending and thanking her for what she had done for their benefit, and principally by restoring the religion, inquired of her Majesty, whether in case the Lord God should dispose of her otherwise she was content that the will of her father respecting the succession of the kingdom should be executed; to which she having answered affirmatively, they then asked further whether it pleased her that for very good reason an attestation (una fede) of this should be taken, and a record made; to which also she said yes; so after her decease, with the universal consent and applause of the entire population, “Miladi” Elizabeth was proclaimed Queen, she, some days before her predecessor's death, having already come to London; and after the proclamation, she as usual took possession of the Tower, from whence being conducted to Westminster Palace, she had it proclaimed that in the matter of religion she left it to every one to live in their own fashion, but giving it immediately to be understood that with regard to herself she should by no means renounce that use (quell' uso) in which she had been born, instructed, and educated (nel quale, da che ella nacque, era stata ammaestrata et allevata), until she knew that there was some better one. His most Christian Majesty then commenced speaking about Card Pole, who, he had heard, was very dangerously ill, from mental anxiety rather than from physical indisposition, and even should he recover, the King said he did not think he could continue to reside in England by reason of the slight goodwill borne him by the Queen, who attributed principally to him the recent burning of one of her chief and well beloved servants. After this topic his Majesty discoursed about who might now be the members of her Council and the rulers of England, saying that he believed Lord Grey, late governor of Guisnes, now a prisoner here, would be her favourite, owing to their absolute uniformity in religious opinion (come conformissimo in religione), as the moment he heard the news he evinced very great joy for the death of the other one (della morte di quell' altra); and the King said besides that he had sent for him to the Court, the general opinion being that his Majesty means to make use of him by sending his Lordship over there.
	His Majesty in the next place began to discuss her marriage, saying that as yet she had promised not to take a foreign husband (di non maritarsi fuor del Regno), though on this promise no reliance could be placed, as the other one also did the like (perchè anco quell' altra la fece). Then talking with me about the native Englishmen adapted for that purpose (che potessero esser atti per un effetto tale), he said that very few, or in fact none, were found of condition to have such a dignity conferred on them (di conditione da poter mettere in tal grado); and from this the King proceeded to consider the reasons for and against her inclining to King Philip, nor could he in conclusion conceal his great regret were such a marriage to take place, fearing lest such a compact (tal conditione) should prevent the conclusion of the peace unless Calais be restored.
	With regard to this topic of peace, when I told the King how intently and anxiously your Serenity awaited it, I having constantly written to you that it was supposed to be concluded, as I still opined more than ever, not believing that this fresh incident in England, though it might delay the peace, would however break off or in fact annul it; his Majesty replied that on his side it would really be so; so unless the other side fail I am assured on good authority that the most Christian King will not only not change one whit (punto) of what was agreed to here, but should the terms stipulated be unsatisfactory (moleste) he will even give something more.
	Concerning these affairs of England his Majesty also gave me minute account of the claim of his daughter-in-law, the Queen Dauphine, saying that were right of any avail that kingdom ought doubtless to be hers; but as he spoke to me very coldly on the subject, my belief in what had been told me previously by a person who has the means of knowing is confirmed, viz., that for the present not only will no act be attempted on account of the said claim, there being no other mode of enforcing it than by words and writings, but that on the contrary, to avoid raising greater difficulties and impediments to the peace, the King will dissemble as much as he can, at least until he has the means of making some effective demonstration. There is already no longer any talk of Secretary Robertet's mission to England, and indeed I am told that his Majesty will rather send thither privily, either by Lord Grey or by others, to let that Queen know that should she keep quiet about the affairs of Calais his Majesty likewise will be quiet about his daughter-in-law's interest in the succession; and that, provided she persist in her determination not to marry out of the kingdom, not only will he never molest or disturb her, but on the contrary will preserve and maintain her in security as mistress of her possession; and that he will also cause the Queen Dauphine to make a cession of her pretension to her in perpetuity. All these particulars being of such importance as they are it would be well for your Security to have them consigned to the secrecy they deserve.
	M. de Guise, when talking with me about the peace, said that these affairs of England would perhaps yet more facilitate it; and concerning other topics he remarked, that last summer's comet had very well prognosticated (che molto bene haveva minacciato la cometa quest' estate) the death of so many princes, as within two or three months the decease of the Emperor has been witnessed, besides that of three queens, as in addition to the demise of his Cœsarean Majesty's two sisters, Eleanor and Maria, who died in Spain one after the other, the Queen of England likewise has departed this life; and should the present Emperor likewise follow them, the Duke of Saxony who is here having reported him to be very ill, the deaths of the two sisters and the two brothers might be considered almost a prodigy, nor would there now remain any of the elders of that house.
	Poissy, 4th December 1558.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portions in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
Dec. 5. St. Mark's Library, Cod. XXIV. Cl. X. 206 f.	1291. Monsignor [Alvise] Priuli to Don Juan de Vega Super-President of the Council.
	On the 17th ultimo it pleased God to call unto Himself the right reverend Cardinal Pole, my master (mio patrone), after he had been ill for upwards of two months and a half, sometimes of one and sometimes of two quartan fevers (hora con due hora con una quartana), which, at his age, and with his weak constitution, sufficed to remove him from this life, which happened on the same day as the Queen also died, or to say better, obdormivit in Domino; for of this we may rest assured, by reason of their holy lives, as also by the many signs and manifest indications and proof of great piety afforded by them in this their last end.
	When making his will the Cardinal appointed me his executor for the property left by him to some very poor orphans, his kinsfolk, and to servants, as also for other alms and pious purposes; so wishing to execute his behests I am intent on collecting all his Lordship's effects, left not only here but in Italy and in Spain, whither an authentic copy of the will has been sent to the late Cardinal's agent, with authority to continue in his post, and with an order that the money of his late right reverend Lordship remaining due on account of the pension payable to him in the hands of Luis de Castro at Burgos be remitted. As I know the affection which your Lordship bore that rare and truly holy prelate, and inasmuch as your Lordship has already aided the agent of his right reverend Lordship, I pray your Lordship to favour the said agent, so that all obstacle to his instantly remitting the moneys due to his right reverend Lordship in Spain may be removed.
	London, 5th December 1558.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 5. St. Mark's Library, Cod. XXIV. Cl. X., ff. 207, 208.	1292. Monsignor Alvise Priuli to the Archbishop of Toledo,
	I doubt not but that ere the receipt of this your right reverend Lordship will have heard of the grievous malady of the Queen, as also that of my right reverend Lord the Cardinal, and perhaps also of the deaths of both, as chanced on the 17th ultimo, the Queen dying a few hours before the Cardinal. Both, at their end, and throughout their suffering, gave so many and manifest signs and testimonies of their great piety, and passed away so quietly that it may be reasonably believed and said quod ambo obdormierunt in Domino.
	The Queen was buried on the 14th instant here, in St. Peter's [Westminster], and the Cardinal was interred at Canterbury on the following day. It was remarkable that he became ill on the same day that the Queen sickened, and, as I said, they died on the same day.
	It so happened that on the morning of its event his right reverend Lordship heard of her Majesty's demise through the inadvertency of one of our countrymen, whereupon, after having remained silent for some while, he said to the Bishop of St. Asaph and to me, that although in the midst of so many and great causes he had most grievously to lament this death, yet by God's grace he found a most efficacious remedy by turning to that haven of divine providence which throughout his existence had ever aided and consoled him under all public and private inflictions. These and other words on the same subject he uttered with such mental vigour and alacrity as to comfort us very greatly, so that from very tenderness I could not restrain my tears. Shortly after this the paroxysm came on with greater violence than usual, and he ordered that the book containing the prayers said in transitu might be kept ready. On that day his Lordship had heard the mass of the angel, and on the day before he had caused that of the most Holy Trinity to be celebrated; and on that day he also communicated, having received in the preceding night extreme unction, which, both in himself and in the Queen, gave clear proof of increasing spiritual vigour not less than corporal improvement. Nor will I omit mentioning another particular which moved me greatly, as I was its eyewitness: that when from the progress of the disease his Lordship was obliged to keep constantly in bed, yet wishing to communicate as he had already done frequently, he chose to hear mass, and to get out of bed at that part where he had to communicate, although unable to do so without very great inconvenience and fatigue; and when about to communicate, being supported by two persons (as otherwise he could not have kept his feet), he bowed his head almost to the ground, and, with many tears and sobs, said inwardly the “confiteor.” When I saw him thus I thought I saw the picture of our Lord's blessed mother as she is represented at the foot of the cross supported by the two Marys, and in truth I never witnessed in any other person such deep expression of contrition and devotion, so true and cordial. He communicated several times even after this, ever most devoutly; and till the last day chose to hear daily not only the mass but also the office, and three hours before his death he heard vespers and the complin.
	In making his will the Cardinal was pleased to appoint me its executor, as your Lordship will see by a copy of the document, which I could not but send you, although he expresses himself therein so affectionately in my favour; and it is also evident that in this proceeding his Lordship was guided by God (I mean in leaving this executorship to a foreigner, and to a person for whom great respect has been shown here, most especially on account of my native land), for the present Queen had been inspired with such suspicions and evil impressions against this most virtuous personage that had the affair been put into the hands of Englishmen, or been managed otherwise, all might very easily have gone upside down, to the detriment of the many poor persons amongst whom all these effects have to be distributed.
	I will not commence narrating in detail the difficulties which were raised at the commencement, so that for many days we were stayed, and unable to remove or do anything, having ever the ministers of her Majesty in the house, who put us to no slight cost, and we also suffered loss. But at length the light of truth dispelled the shadows and false suspicions, which purported that (on account of the Church property ceded to the clergy and left at his right reverend Lordship's disposal, as also by other means) the Cardinal had acquired here, and left, great treasures. We at length freed ourselves entirely from these and similar suspicions equally false; and subsequently from her Majesty and from her ministers we have experienced nothing but all rightful favour and courtesy.
	For two months I have been ill of quartan fever, having suffered other two from other fevers, which have been very prevalent here this year; nevertheless by God's grace I felt and yet feel myself capable of supporting the constant fatigues and troubles which I have to encounter on account of this executorship, and in mind also I find myself extraordinarily comforted. This I attribute to the great piety of the work wherein I am engaged, and to that serenity of mind which our Lord God grants me for its treatment without the slightest regard or personal interest, as also to the aid received from the prayers of that sainted soul.
	For these reasons, independently of my illness, I must remain here at least for all the rest of this winter, in order to give to everything the best order and effect I can; and then, should it please our Lord God, I shall move towards Italy, ever bearing with me until death the duly loving and respectful recollection of your right reverend Lordship, to whom I feel most obliged, not merely for that goodwill which I have witnessed towards myself, but also for that which has ever been demonstrated for this my very dear father and master.
	Our Delgado (fn. 1) will bear and present in the Cardinal's name to your right reverend Lordship a small but very suitable memorial of your true, mutual, and most christian amity, which I desire and pray may also induce a recollection of me in the daily offerings of your right reverend Lordship, and without prayer (et senza oratione); whose hand I kiss with all affection, recommending myself most heartily.
	London, 5th December 1558.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 10. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1293. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate.
	The King is now in retirement with a few of his household at the Abbacy, where he will remain until the performance of the Emperor's obsequies, which are delayed until after Christmas; but next week the obsequies of Queen Mary of England will take place, as also those of the other Queen, Maria of Hungary, which two ceremonies will not be attended by his Majesty. All the affairs of the Court are suspended until the close of this ceremony.
	Lord Cobham has arrived, having been sent by the new Queen of England, and yesterday he had a long audience of his Majesty, but merely performed general offices of condolence on the death of Queen Mary, offering him the goodwill of the present Queen and of the whole kingdom, promising observance of the old and new treaties of England with his Majesty, and offering to confirm them at his pleasure. By “the treaties” are understood those made heretofore with King Henry, which bind the United Provinces (quelli Stati) and England to reciprocal defence (comune defesa) with a certain number of troops; which treaties were also subsequently confirmed in the time of Queen Mary. Concerning this matter Lord Cobham said that Queen Elizabeth (quella Regina) does not in any way intend to depart from the counsel and opinion of his Majesty, hoping that from the goodwill always evinced by him he will not renounce (non sia per abbandonar) the protection of that kingdom.
	He is not known to have said a single word about the war with France, either as to continuing or relinquishing it; but from what was said by the Bishop of Ely, who returned lately from the Conference where the peace was treated, England is determined not to make it without the restitution of Calais, and he added that should King Philip not choose to wage war the English will continue it alone until they recover their own; which resolve seems to have been formed in Parliament, which was assembled during the lifetime of the late Queen. The said Bishop and his colleague, Dr. Wotton, have had a fresh order to remain here, that they may attend the new conference which is to take place at the end of next month, and for this cause Queen Elizabeth sent no ambassador to France, but only to the Emperor and to King Philip (et al Re presente), a very evident sign that England will remain united with his Majesty and disunited from the French, much to the advantage of these States, which would be lost immediately were England their enemy.
	It continues to be said that the French are urging the Pope to declare that Queen a bastard and a heretic, and therefore ineligible to the Crown (incapace del Regno); and although such be the public report, and it is also confirmed by letters from Italy, I do not hear that it originates from any but the Spaniards, owing to their nature or their will; yet if the French attempt this they will only render that Queen their most inveterate enemy (inimicissima), and make her determine utterly in favour of this side (et farla risolver in tutto et per tutto da questa parte).
	Nothing certain is known about her Majesty's marriage, but so far as can be elicited from these English lords she does not seem to have any inclination to marry abroad, and within the realm there is no other subject except one sole young man, 22 years old, and the Queen's kinsman, the Duke of Norfolk, if I am not mistaken (et nel Regno non vi è altro soggietto che un sol giovane de 22 anni et parente della Regina, Duca di Norfolch, salvo il vero); and he is the same personage who last year (l'anno passato) sent to Rome to have a dispensation to marry one of his kinswomen in the third degree, and did not obtain it, which will have been his good fortune should this befall him.
	I wrote that the Bishop dell' Aquila (fn. 2) had departed to cross over to England, and it is feared that he has been drowned or carried into remote parts with the Earl of Arundel, who was on board the same ship, as no subsequent news has been heard either of them or the vessel.
	As yet no unfavourable stir (niun moto cattivo) is seen about the affairs of the religion. It is true that in the proclamation issued by the Queen “that no one was to dare (of his own authority) to molest (offender) sacred places nor religious persons, nor to alter the present state of the religion,” the phrase “of his own authority” is construed to imply that the Queen, at her own time, will herself give the authority; but not to be in fear is impossible, not so much on this account, as because the persons about her are all suspected, and the slightest alteration will alter everything and be the final ruin of that kingdom.
	Brussels, 10th December 1558.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portion in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
Dec. 11. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1294. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate.
	The French at the conference having earnestly requested that in order to release the Constable a ransom should be placed upon him and King Philip having consented to this, for the reasons written in my last letter, the Duke of Savoy has sent an agent of his to Lille, where the Constable is, for the purpose of treating the amount, his Excellency being doubtful of the peace, as he infers that were there any hope of it the French would not have been so urgent about the ransom, knowing that if it were made the Constable would be at liberty without payment; so he has desired his said agent to treat for effecting his restoration to his State whether peace be made or not. The Duke is very dissatisfied with every one of these lords, and more than ever wishes to get out of their hands; and so all of them, with the single exception of the King, show but little trust in him.
	My successor (fn. 3) arrived at Cologne on the 7th instant, and will be here this week.
	Brussels, 11th December 1558.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portion in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
Dec. 23. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1295. Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	On the 21st the Constable arrived from Lille in Flanders, having completely freed himself by agreeing to pay a ransom of 200,000 crowns, of which he has now disbursed 60,000; 18 months' time and convenience being conceded him for payment of the residue in half-yearly rates; and many persons say that after paying the first rate, which would form a total of 100,000 crowns, he has been promised by the Duke of Savoy that should peace be made he will be exempted (gratificato) from the two remaining instalments, amounting to another 100,000. At his Excellency's request, he was to have been accompanied by his nephew the Admiral, who had also stipulated his ransom for 50,000 crowns, which sum was to have been paid at the frontiers near Doulens, from which place they were to have come on together. It is not known why the Admiral was not allowed to proceed, but according to report suspicion was the cause, he being charged with having laid a plot against some Flemish seaport, nor do the Spaniards apparently intend to release him until after investigation of this matter; and a person in authority tells me that on the Constable's arrival at Doulens, not finding the Admiral there, he complained of it to the Count of Stroppiana, who had accompanied him thither in the name of the Duke of Savoy, desiring him half angrily (mezzo turbato) to tell the Duke to beware of not failing in what he had promised him, unless he wished the Constable also to do the like by him the Duke. All those who went to meet his Excellency say that in every place through which he passed he was received with infinite joy and demonstrations on the part of the people and the populace (de i populi et delle genti minute), as if he had been the King in person; and immediately on his arrival at the Court, on the very first evening, there returned into his hands, not only all the affairs, the Duke de Guise and the Cardinal of Lorraine having withdrawn themselves entirely, but all that concourse of followers (tutto quel concorso et seguito) which he used to have heretofore, so that no difference between his past and present position (esser) is perceptible, he continuing his usual procedure, and with the same, and it may be said greater, authority in all his actions; nor in like manner is he apparently much more aged or less active (men gagliardo), except that owing to the harquebuse shot which struck him when he was made prisoner, he is still obliged when going down stairs to take some one's arm, and to be supported on either side.
	Poissy, 23rd December 1558.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 23. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. (2nd letter.)	1296. Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Constable's adherents are more than ever convinced of the certainty of peace, and do not believe it can be impeded by any decision about the marriage of the Queen of England, even were she to take King Philip (ancora ch'ella pigliasse il Re Filippo), concerning which however they are the more suspicious, as they can learn nothing certain as to what is passing on that island, still less with regard to that Queen's will and intention about the said marriage, the only news received being through vessels which arrive on the coast of France with safeconducts, bringing very stale advices, and of little or no authenticity. Even yesterday morning, at the Constable's dinner, when talking with the Duke de Guise, he told me that through the same channel the King had been informed that there was a general report of a son of Lord Shrewsbury's, by name Talbot, one of the chief noblemen of England. (fn. 4) He also announced to me the departure hence of Lord Grey, on his parole given by him to the Duke de Guise for 40,000 crowns ransom, should he not return, or not be allowed to come back; and from his personal exertions much is expected. In the meanwhile, they have made the Queen-Dauphine go into mourning (hanno fatto vestire il corrotto alla Regina Delphina) without proceeding any farther, as they said they would, by causing her to add the arms of England to her own of Scotland, and to style herself Queen of England.
	The despatch of Cornelio Bentivoglio to Montalcino, (fn. 5) unless it be prevented by the Constable, is postponed until the arrival of the Court at Paris, four days hence. On the authority of the Prince of Ferrara and of the Cardinal of Lorraine, I hear that the promise of those fortresses is made to the said Prince under pretence of a special gratuity demanded by him, and conceded by the King, as recompense for the services rendered both by the Duke his father and himself in the late war which was waged at the request and instigation of his most Christian Majesty, as also for future services in which the Prince of Ferrara is determined to persevere. having resolved never to detach his fortunes from those of the King of France. They think thus to cloak the sale or cession of the said fortresses for a sum of money, as a dishonourable act and unbecoming the greatness of so great a King, who alienates a State which placed itself under his protection voluntarily, although I understand that this cession was made, provided the Republic of Sienna be unable to recover its liberty by getting back the towns held by the Duke of Florence. On the other hand, the delegates from Montalcino, who came hither lately, have told me that they could not desire a better intention nor more honourable words than they heard from the King, as also from the Constable since his return, with regard to not ceasing to protect them, assuring the delegates that his most Christian Majesty will never form any resolve that can be considered unfair or unworthy of a true prince.
	Poissy, 23rd December 1558.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portion in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
Dec. 24. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1297. Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	I have now to inform your Serenity of a circumstance related to me this morning by Don Alfonso of Este, brother of the Duke of Ferrara, who came to dine (fn. 6) with me, accompanied by many other gentlemen in the service of the Prince of Ferrara, concerning M. de Guise and M. [Francois] de Montmorency, the Constable's eldest son, which seemed very strange to everybody, above all to the King, for it happened thus.
	M. de Guise had first arranged with the Prince of Ferrara and the Duke de Nemours, that for his safety they were to find themselves at a certain spot (fn. 7) outside the Palace of St. Germain to which he would come, praying them merely to witness what took place, leaving him to act, and not to stir, unless they saw that some wrong were done him, and that he needed assistance. Shortly afterwards, having found the said Montmorency in the Queen's chamber, the Duke approached and drawing him by the hand said, with a very good humoured countenance, that he had something to say to him and that they must have a meeting (et di esser con lui). They went on their way thus, without showing any sign of anger, but commencing a jocose conversation (ma intrando in ragionamento di burla); and little by little the Duke led him from the Palace to the place where the aforesaid personages were. When in their presence, turning to Montmorency, the Duke said to him. “Monseigneur, I have brought you hither, because it has been told me that you have maligned me, and said certain things to my dishonour, which without farther noise I choose to resent, as is my duty; so draw your sword, as I will, to make a dispute and to do mortal battle with you;” (fn. 8) Montmorency was not only astonished, but perplexed by this language, finding himself face to face with such a man, the disparity between them consisting not merely in age and stature, in both of which M. de Guise is doubly the superior of M. de Montmorency, who is also less robust, but likewise with regard to authority, experience, and courage; so with all humility and in great fear (tutto humile et pieno di timor) he denied having ever said anything to the Duke's dishonour, having always considered him his honoured Lord and superior (havendolo sempre hauto per maggior, et honorato come Signor), and said that finding himself in his hands he was to do what he pleased with him, and that acknowledging the Duke to be his master he would endure any injury from him. But on returning to the palace Montmorency immediately entered the King's presence, where his father was, and narrated what had passed, which caused his most Christian Majesty to evince displeasure, for when M. de Guise returned he for a long while would not look at him. The Constable, on the other hand, disregarded the matter, and seemed almost amused by it, for shortly afterwards he was seen to come forth with a very cheerful countenance, which was however interpreted to be a feint, from the Constable's wish to exaggerate the imprudence of M. de Guise, for such is it in fact termed by those who have heard of the circumstance; and as they are very few it is hitherto kept secret, nor need I remind your Serenity of the necessity for your following this example. From this commencement, which occurred two days ago, the end of these animosities is manifest, unless the King apply a remedy by exacting such respect as is due to a prince from all those who are in his service, and most especially from his vassals.
	Poissy, 24th December 1558.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portions in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]