Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 2, 1572-1582. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1888.
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'Cecil Papers: March 1581', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 2, 1572-1582, (London, 1888) pp. 374-384. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol2/pp374-384 [accessed 23 April 2024]
March 1581
| 942.—[Madame de Marchumont] to Du Bex. | |
| 1580/1, March 3. | “A mon arivée en se lieu, j'ay reseu selle que m'escryvies du xxije mars. Je suis en touttes les poesnes [peines] du momde que touttes les miennes soient perdues, y en ayant que je serois très marré qui tombast en austre maim que de mon mary. L'on dist toujours que les mesagiers sont seurs que je crimdray encores plus que jamais, estent bien ayse de l'adresse que me donnes, et des nouvelles dont me faicttes part, ne pouvent vous randre le samblable de seus de se lieu, ou suis si nouvelle venue que n'ay veu le momde, n'y espérant pas, après le partement de se porteur, fayre lomgs séjour. J'unvoyoics unne crois [j'envoyais une croix] au Chevaillier de la part de sa mère, qui ne seroict ayse qu'elle ne fust tonbée entre ses maims. Si resepves tout emsemble, je vous suplie que je le scachie, et seray toujours en poesne, entemdent quelle espéramse j'en puis avoir. Vous cosnoistres que ne suis pareseusse, ne regretent que, à faulte de mesaygiers, je sois sy lomgs temps en silamse. Je ne me puis persuader le séjour de mon mary cheps [chez] luy, ni si promt come il se le faict à croisre. Il asmoindra quelque austre asfayre; s'est le momde; les umg presnet leurs comtemtement d'unne fason, et les austre d'umg austre. De moy, le mien gist à. la samté de mes asmours, que Dieu comserve, me comtynuant quelque part an ses bonnes grasses. J'ay reseu de vostre fermyère Ixxviij. l. ij. s. que je vous envoye. Il s'escuse de n'en avoir peu baillier dasvemtaygie [davantage] pour sette heure, qu'il en feront pour vostre retour, et m'a promis de l'avoyne, se que ayant reseue, je vous en envoyray l'argen. Je luy ay faict ma proessem et chamgie toutte sa mosnoye [monnaie], Sy j'eusse reseu quelque argen, je vous husse envoyé seluy que vous doict de l'aschast que me fistes à vostre partement, et debtte de mon oncle de Forsillie. Il n'en est point de nul costé, et tienne toujours qu'il fault que j'en despamde. Se sera du premier que j'auray, et peult estre par le gros cousim. Le porteur vous dira des nouvelles de vostre mesnaygie. Vous veres se que j'amvoye qui est se que j'ay trové le plus propre. Je ne puis trover de gams; mamdes moy si les fresse auront esté bien, et si le tout est agréable. Resmestent le reste de nouvelles à quant j'en auray apris, et pamdent pryray Dieu, après avoir salué vos bonnes grasse, qu'il vous comserve.—De Paris le iijc mars.” |
| Signed :— [symbol] | |
| Endorsed :—1581. | |
| On the outside of the letter are the following words :—“Je vous envoye six masques : je ne scay s'ilz sont telz que les désirez. | |
| Addressed :—“A Monsieur, Monsieur Du Bex.” | |
| 2 pp. | |
| 943. [Madame de Marchaumont] to Du Bex. | |
| [1580/1], March 6. | “Je crois que mimtenent aves tent de mes l[ett]res que en estes tous impotunes (sic), m'estonent bien que, avent le partement de Momsr de. Véry, n'en ayes reson, Selle sera pour vous dire come il m'a ancores trovée isy, dont j'espère demim partir. J'ay esté très hayse d'emtemdre des nouvelles de toutte vostre compaygnyee, désirent que la fim vous asporte autent de comptemtement que vous le prosmect la bonne réseptyon. Mon mary vous a bien de l'obligatyon de temt de poesne qu'il vous donne pour son mesnaygie, dont je ne puis parler de si loing. J'ay baillié milleff, imsay [ainsi] que me mamdes pour Orléans, et, de plus, lxxijff à Momsr de Véry, qui dist qu'il a bailliés au maitre d'hostel, dont il dist que en aves comptte, et Gardet que j'anvoye, à qui j'an ay baillié lff, de fason qui m'a visdé ma bourse, que je gardois pour rasnander cheps moy. Du reste, au retour dudit Sieur, je luy baillieray se que je pouray, ayant parlé pour de la poudre et pour des gams. De la boiste, je la feray fayre pimdre, et les fraisses, l'on les faict. J'amvoyray aussy des bas de sois pour des abis isy que j'ay veu sur umg mesmoyre. Il me samble que il aura plus donques de pramdre la des draps de sois, toustefois quant Momsr de Véry retornera, je pouray refayre isy umg tour, et veray si je troveray quelque chausse [chose] de beau. Je ne puis plus arester isy, ayant besoing de pramdre l'er des champs, pour fayre umg peu d'exersise, afin de respramdre ma samté. Pour se conpt, je ne vous mamderay des nouvelles du momde. Sera mars que j'aye umg peu de repos cheps moy, estent isy toujours imterompue. Je ne veulx perdre la cosmodité de se porteur, et feray fim par mes humbles roms [recommendations] à vos bonnes grasses, pryant Dieu vous comptempter. Se vje mars.” |
| Signed :— [symbol] | |
| [Postscript.]—“J'escris unne lettre à Momsr de la Mauvysière. Je vous suplye luy baillier. Je n'en serois si prodigue, n'estoict pour luy respoindre à la sienne. Je vous prie que mon mary se souvienne de moy. Je n'ay heu loysir d'escryre à Cransdeterre. Il n'est point besoimg de sa quitamse; nous n'en somes là.” Ou the outside of the letter : “Tout se porte bien cheps vous.” | |
| Addressed :—“A Momsieur Momsieur du Bex, Segneur de Préau.” | |
| 2 pp. | |
| 944. Clausse Véry to Du Bex. | |
| [1580/1], March 6. | Has received his letters, and is well, as are all the friends. Madame de Marehaumont and others are very glad of his health and happy voyage. She has not returned the money he borrowed for her, though he has often asked. Must go to Gascony. Is sorry for the death of his spaniel. Begs his respects to the Ambassador and his wife, and to others. “Le gros postillon” is better than ever. Will be a faithful friend for all time.—Sunday. 6 March. |
| French. 1 p. | |
| 945. Le Prevost to Du Bex. | |
| 1580/1, March 6. | Received his letters, which were forestalled by two of his own. These unacknowledged as yet. Particulars of private matters. Had found an estate, that was to be sold. Would not do anything before telling Du Bex; will follow his advice. Other requests. Is glad to hear of his pleasures.—6 March 1581. |
| French. 1 p. | |
| 946.—to Robert Bowes. | |
| 1580/1, March 7. | Thanks him greatly for the discourse contained in his letters of the 25th Feb., which gave the writer a very singular light for the directing of his judgment in those causes. The disease is grown to the state they both feared. Sees no remedy will prevail, but such as is violent, wherein considering their disposition there, which is to prosecute nothing either thoroughly or seasonably, or the hard issue that violent remedies commonly receive, he knows not what counsel to give. They depend altogether now upon such answer as the K[ing] and the state there presently assembled shall yield to Mr. Randolph, which being known, there is like to follow some consultation, which he prays God may breed some such resolution as may work the remedy the cause importeth. Prays him to excuse the shortness of his writing; has not the disposing of his own time. Their Parliament is growing to an end, but bow little has been performed therein, tending either to God's glory, or her Majesty's safety : is sorry to think of it. Their ambassadors out of France are daily looked for, and great expectation what will be the issue of that cause. |
| Endorsed :—“7 Marche, 1580. M. to Mr. Rob. Bowes.” | |
| 1½ pp. [Murdin, p. 343. In extenso.] | |
| 947.—to Lord Hunsdon. | |
| 1580/1, March 7 | Has received his letters of 27 Feb., together with Mr. Randolph's of the 25th, by which he is sorry to see the king's affection so settled on D'Aubigné that there is no hope he will be persuaded to leave him. To suffer him still to possess the King, whereby he may remove from him such as are affected to this Crown, and work an alteration of religion in that realm, is a most dangerous thing. To hope that D'Aubigné may be won to be at her Majesty's devotion, no man of judgment can yield unto. There resteth therefore but one remedy, and that is, to do that by force which reason and persuasion could not work. If there be any delay, the matter will not only prove hard to be remedied, but also incurable. If their wants of money and munition be once supplied, they will use another manner of language. It is to be looked for also that the corrupt subjects abroad, who have persuaded the King of Spain to effect the marriage of the young king, will not let to show him and the Holy Father that 300,000 crowns, employed that way, will annoy them [the English] more than 3,000,000 employed any other way. Especially the north places of this realm being so hollowly affected as they are, where the name and credit of Westmoreland and Dacres (who no doubt will shortly repair into that realm) will be able to prevail greatly to work such an alienation as he fears. York will become their frontier. Would to God that part of England only were corrupted, but he fears, when the time of trial shall come, that there will be found many an unsound part in this realm. To prevent these mischiefs, there is no way but round dealing, and therefore he would rather advise the Queen to employ 10,000 than 2,000 : “but we cannot skill here of round dealinge; we had rather suffer the mischeefes to growe on (what so ever perryll or charges they may bringe) then to prevent them with a convenient charge at the beginninge.” Lord Burghley knows how small a matter might have stayed the alteration that is now wrought in that realm. Supposes that her Majesty upon view of the answer that she shall receive from the king and the states presently assembled there, whereof Mr. Randolph made mention in his last letters, will growe to some full resolution what cause were fit to be taken. Touching the repair thither of the Commissioners, whereof he made mention in his last letters to Lord Burghley, there was like some stay to have been made, but now it goeth on, though they be very slow there in preparing to receive them, so loth are they to be at any charges. Parliament is now drawing towards an end, in the which some provision is made for recusants, though not to the effect to be wished. Any other matter (the subsidy only expected) of importance, tending to public redress, does not see this Parliament will yield, so many private causes hath it embraced. |
| (fn. 1) “What good successe my cousin Norris hath lately had in Fryesland, your lordship shall perceave by the copie of a letter lately receaved from his Agent at Antwerpe” | |
| Endorsed :—“7 Marche 1580. M. of a letter to the Lord Hunsdon. | |
| 3 pp. | |
| 948. The Quays of London. | |
| 1580/1, March 8. | Letter of Mr. Needham, of the Custom House, to [? Lord Burghley], complaining of the opposition of the wharfingers to him, because of a bill brought forward in the Upper House, by-Lord Burghley, for obliging all vessels to be laden and unladen at the Queen's quay, and no where else. |
| Endorsed :—“8 Martii, 1580.” | |
| 1½ pp. | |
| 949. Damours to Du Bex. | |
| 1581, March 10. | Was very pleased with his letters of Feb. 25 telling of his good health and safe arrival at London. Heard of the reception given to Mons. de Marchaumont by the Queen of England and considered it remarkable. Expresses his friendship for de Mar-chaumont. Prays his voyage may be completed to the contentment of his master and the public good. Would like to know how he can help Du Bex in his private affairs. Is to make much of the ladies he writes of, and also of the writer, who will be glad to share the news.—Paris, 10 March, 1581. |
| Addressed :—“A Monsieur, Monsieur Du Bex, estant de présent avec Monsieur de Marchaumont à Londres.” | |
| French. 1 p. | |
| 950.—Sir Henry Cobham to Lord Burghley. | |
| 1580/1, Mar. 12. | Perceives by his late letters his resolution and disposition grounded upon the consideration of that which belongeth to his office of High Treasurer. Has yielded himself to relent to his lordship's will and judgment, and has directed his servant, this bearer, to deal with Watson in all manner of ways, as if it were for himself. Trusts Burghley will command Pierson to yield unto reason. |
| The Commissioners are parted slowly from Paris, having left the Count Soissons sick behind them. The Queen Mother hath despatched in diligence towards the Prince Dauphin, but he (Cobham) cannot think he is to be looked for upon so great a “sudden.”—Blois, 12 March 1580. | |
| Endorsed :—“Content that Pierson shall have the offices of Receipt and Star Chamber.” | |
| Seal. 1 p. | |
| 951.—[Madame de Marchaumont] to Du Bex. | |
| [1580/1], March 14. | “Par ma dernyère je fus preése qui me garda vous mamder des nouvelles du momde, comme j'avois veu Madelon, qui m'avoict dit le maryage de vostre amy tout rompu, sens espéramse de se renover, pour des propos qui s'étois tenus de la part de sa mère et seurs, et mesme que la petyte, qui n'estoict encores née, s'en mesloict, qui somt des fasoms et abiliement des fillies, que l'on vousloict desia resformer, que sela estoict aucasion, que l'on n'en vousloict plus ouir parle, et que luy fesoict bien paroistre estre suget à l'avarisse, qu'il estoict mientenent descrye, et pouroict bien desmeurer pour la prysée, qu'elle . . . . . avoict sele en masque, ou elle l'asvoict veu. J'escouste tout, et me tu desfemdens dousement les absems. Si je l'usse veu despuis, je luy en husse dit unne partye. Voylla comme se gousverne le momde! En fim j'ay pris le chemim de set harmytagie, où ayant seu la mort de vostre fermyer de Préau, dont j'ay resgret pour le cosnoistre bon home, je y ay envoyé veoir, comme vostre mesnaygie asloict, si l'on sumoict les avoyne, afim que ryen ne desmourast qui vous peult asporter du domaygie. L'on m'a rasporté que le père du luy, avec sa fame, comduysoict tout, de fason que rien ne dismynuroict. Il estois après à semer, et la fame m'a mamdé qu'elle me viendroict veoir, et que quant son mary est mor, q'il estois après à vous fayre jusques à CA. S'il elle (sic) est encores en sette voslomgté [cette volunté], il ne tyendra à moy, qu'elle ne les meste en mes maims, pour en fayre se que me mamderes; pour qu'il n'arive qu'il les eu empesché, ne vous en mestes en poesne. Je les solisiteray de se qu'il auroms besoimg pour vostre mesnaygie de Paris. Je crois qu'il n'y est point enpiray [empiré]; tout s'y portoict bien. Je pouray bien après ses Pasques . . . resmesner Morasr de Vesry pour envoyer à mon mary se qu'il desmemde. Sems sela, je n'y retornerois pas, et si se pousvoict sens moy, je seray bien ayse de m'en examter, encores qui fase asses mal plesent isy, n'ayant pour compaygniee quamfems [qu'enfants], ou il y en a toujours quelqum d'esclospe [quelqu'un eclopé], et de mes jehams [gens] malade, ayant perdu umg pauvre servyteur en sien Chartyer, depuis que je y suis. Il y a trois nuis que je n'endors point. J'aurois bien besoimg de l'acompaygniee de quelque hosneste dame pour m'asurer. Se pais est des-prouveu de tesles courtesyes. Sela me faict bien somgier à la mort, et comme s'est peu de chausse [chose] que de vous, sy en l'absemse j'avois se protraict, se me seroict unne comsolatyon et compaygniee plus agréable que nulles que je puisse veoir. Sela me réjouy de pamser qui sont sy bien faict. Tenes moy, je vous prye, en ses bonnes grasses, que personne ne presgnie la plasse qui m'y est due; seroict umg péché qui ne se pouroict pardonner. Il n'y a rien sy segret, qu'il ne soict descouvert. La dame n'a que fayre de pimture, puis que la présente y est. Elle est service à l'amvy [envie], et faict les asfayres de la mayson, gousverne son beau père, en fim, pour le momde, sa planecte est des plus heureusse, ne luy mamquant ryen de se qu'elle veult. J'ay envoyé les lettres à ma seur de Poissy, qui fera respomse. Je suis très hayse de tent de courtesye. L'on dit que les dames en sont fort prodigue; set [c'est] la coustume du pais. Pour vostre mesnaygie, il ne peult que bien asle, puisque prenes tent de poesne d'y avoir l'euil [œil]. Il se fault desfayre des emprumteurs, qui poura. J'en suis bien lasse d'imfinys, où avoms tout perdu se qui s'est presté. Sette court ne me perinest vous mamder plus de nouvelles; vous présent mes humbles rons. De Couramse, se xiiije mars.” |
| Signed, [symbol]. | |
| [Postscript.]—“Je n'ay jamais ryen parasé de cuysignyer que se que s'est, et je dis bien au maitre d'ostel, dès que je le vis, que sa fason ne me plesoict.” | |
| Outside the letter :—“Mes rons [recommendations] s'il vous plaict à toutte vostre bonne compaygnyee.” | |
| Addressed :—“Momsr Du Bex et de Préau.” | |
| 3 pp. | |
| 952. Thomcquin [?] to Du Bex. | |
| 1580/1, March 15. | Acknowledges his kind letters telling of his arrival in England, which appears to have been attended with some danger. Thanks God for his happy arrival, and prays that the return voyage may be alike fortunate. Is sure that the beauty of the English ladies will not exercise such a commanding influence over Du Bex, as that of the ladies he has left behind, who are sighing because of his absence. Had he the happiness of knowing Du Bex's lady love, he would try and do him some service. Is ready to serve him anywhere. Prays for the divine blessing on “ ces pauvres royaulmes désolés.” Begs to be remembered to Mons. de Marchaumont.—Paris, 15 March 1581. |
| French. 1 p. | |
| 953. Puyau [?] to Du Bex. | |
| 1580/1, March 16. | Received his letters of the 26th February, by which he saw the affection borne him by Du Bex. Wrote to him on March 2, but does not know whether he received the letter. Sends the present one to advertise him that his absence brings no benefit to his cause at law, which is being prosecuted vigorously. Gives some particulars of the same.—Paris, 16 March 1581. |
| French. 1 p. | |
| 954. De Vathey [?] to Du Bex. | |
| [1580/1], March 16. | Has been to Blois, and, in passing, spoke at Orleans to Du Bex's cousin. She desired the writer to advertise Du Bex of certain private affairs. States these. [Postscript.] The king is going to spend Easter at Chartres, and proceeds afterwards to Blois for a time. There is a talk of condemning to death Mons. de St. Ligier (who is in prison for the crime he committed), unless Monsieur obtains his pardon. The “Prévost de la santé” at Paris died two days ago; of the pestilence (de la belle peste), it is said. God keep Du Bex from it. However, it is reported not to be contagious.—Paris, 16 March. |
| French. 1 p. | |
| 955. — to Sir H. Wallop. | |
| 1580/1, March 17. | Sir, we are not yet here resolved what sum of money to send unto you. There lacketh no diligent sollicitation in those your servants you have appointed to attend the same. By particular letters I have received out of Munster, I find there, for lack of a good director, her Majesty is at great charges to little purpose. I have been very earnest with her to make choice of some apt gentleman to supply the place of President there. It is greatly to be feared, upon the discharge of my Lord of Ormond, that divers of that Province, that have dissembled their treasonable disposition, will break out into open action, which, if it should so fall out, it were very necessary to have one commander, for sundry directors do breed confusion, especially when they are more transported with desire of gain, than with care to discharge their duty. Our division here at home in Council about the causes of that country, some inclining to reformation, others to a toleration of that nation to enjoy their Irish customs, and to serve to no other purpose but to consume the treasure of England, is the principal and chief cause why things go no better there. I am sorry my lord hath no leisure, through the general corruption of that country, to set down some good plot to be sent over hither, with a request that, unless the same shall be found meet to be put in execution, he may be discharged of that place. For unless we be called on here rather importunately than earnestly, we shall, without regard of a great deal of treasure, consumed to no purpose, continue our lingering and irresolute manner of proceeding, and blame you there, though the fault be in ourselves. It is greatly wondered here, considering the decay of the bands there, that there is so small defalcations made by the muster master. I pray you put my Lord in remembrance that that matter may be carefully looked into. I hope by the next to send you news of the new passing of your lease made unto you by the Bishop of Winchester, which of late come to my hands with such amendments as you desire. Our Parliament tomorrow grows to an end : by the next you shall understand what acts are passed, which are so few that concern the public, as I think there was never the like done in any Parliament. |
| Endorsed :—“M. to Sr H. Wallop. 17 Marche, 1580.” | |
| 2½ pp. [Murdin, p. 344. In extenso.] | |
| 956. Hardy to Du Bex. | |
| 1580/1, March 17. | Has lately received his letters, which it was impossible to anwer. Takes the letters of Du Bex where they are addressed. Directions of Mons. Damours. Would do service for Du Bex, and for all those who are friends and servants of his good lord. Went to sec Du Bex's house : all is well there, and his coming is expected. Trusts that will take place in joy and good health.—Paris, 17 March, 1581. |
| French. 1 p. | |
| 956a.—The Queen to the Duke of Anjou. | |
| [1580/1], March 17 | “Mon trèscher, l'honneur que me faictes est bien grand, me mandant souvant de vos lettres, mais l'ayse que j'en conçoive l'excède de beaucoup, ne souhaittant rien taut que la continuation de vostre bonne opinion en mon endroict, vous marçiant très humblement des doulces fleurs cuillis par la main qui retient les petits doibtz, que je bénois une million de fois, et vous prometz qu'il n'y avoit jamais présent mieulx porté, car la verdure y demeura aussy frais que sy s'euct est (sic) cuilly en mesme instant, et me représentant tout vivement vostre verdoyanct affection en mon endroict, et espère de ne donner oncques juste cause [“occation” first, but struck out] qu'elle flestrie à mon occation. Monsieur, je n'ay gardé à en perdre un fuillet ny flenr pour tout les aultres joyaulx que j'ay. Je vous suplie croyir (sic) que je ne peulx exprimer le contentement que ce porteur m'apporte, et me pardonnes si plustot il ne fust de retour, en attendant mon courrier, par lequel j'ay reçeu une lettre de vous, (fn. 2) en laquelle vous m'obliges infiniment, néantmoins par taut d'honorables offertes toutes plaines d'affection, que, combeia (sic) que du tout ne y puis je du tout satisfayre, si est ce que ne manqueray à le recognoistre par tout les moyens, qui seront en ma puissance. Je me contente, Monsieur, que vous vous assures de moy, comme de la plus fidelle amie que oncques Prince euct, et, si vous espuiras à tel Vochir, toutes les tempestes de la mer n'auront gardé à le remuer, ny quelques orage sur la terre ly détournera de vous honorer et aymer. Il n'y a eu un mot escript en intention de me séparer de vostre bonne affection, mais à ce que n'en fuisses ignorant de tout qui so fist icy. Mais que je dois pençer, je ne sçay, sinon que vous me rendes vostre obligée à jamais, et ne pençeray jamais aultre de vous que le mesme honneur et monieau tout plain de vertus. Comme sçait le Créateur, à qui, avec mes trèscordielles recommendations, je prie de vous octroier tout l'honneur et contentement du monde, vous supliant de me tenir tousjours en vos bonnes grâces. De Westmester, ce 17 de Mars, Vostre très obligée à jamais, Elizabeth R.” |
| Addressed :—“A Monsieur D'Anjou, Mon trèscher Cousin.” | |
| Holograph. Seals and pink silk. 1½ pp. | |
| 957.—The Duke of Anjou to the Queen. | |
| [1580/1 ?], March 18. | There is no need to send her a long letter by so faithful and worthy a bearer as the present, his cousin the Mare-chal de Cossé, in whom and in his friendship his confidence is so great that her Majesty may regard whatever he may say as spoken by himself. Will therefore only say to her Majesty that the time is now come to see the result of the goodwill which it has pleased her to promise him and to prove his own sincerity in the pursuit of his favour.—Bordeaux, 18 March. |
| French, 2 pp. | |
| 958.—Pierre Clausse [Seigneur de Marchaumont] to Du Bex. | |
| [1580/1], March 19. | Thanks him for his kindness in writing. Is very pleased at the good news. Prays God they may always be good news as regards both Du Bex and all the little troop (toute la petite troupe), and that their return may be in joy and health. Esteems his remembrance of him, in reporting the health of the writer's brother. Recommends the latter to Du Bex. Sends letters for the Countess of Sussex, both from her daughter and from himself, with her work, and what she is learning. The daughter of the Countess is in the hands of one who has the highest respect for her. Will endeavour to his utmost to render her such as the Countess would have her to be. Goodwill and kind words will render him more contented than all the possessions in the world. Begs the favour of a few lines whenever Du Bex can write to him. If this is not done, will be uneasy until Du Bex returns to France; God preserve him when crossing the sea. His aunt Vieupont. and his niece, desire their respects.—Poissy, 19 March. |
| French. 1 p. | |
| 959. [Réau] to Du Bex. | |
| [1580/1], March 23. | “Monsieur, j'ay esté tiès ayze d'entendre de vos nouvelles, ayant reseu deux de vos lettres, et suys très ayze encores de la bonne opinion quel on ha de vous. Ce leur est beaucoup d'heur de sçavoir de qui il fault faire élection. Je ne plaindray moins vostre séjour trop long que vous, pour y avoir beaucoup d'interest, car je ne me sens tant de Suffisance qu'il m'en fauldroit, et est bien mal ayze de contenter chacun, joinct que je fay beaucoup de despense, qui me poise pour n'avoir les reins fortz, avec ce qu'il est bien difficille en ceste nécessité d'en retirer ses piéces, je me fie qu'ung bon mariage payera tout. Je ne m'en soucie, mes que mes amys m'ayment tousjours, et que je leur puisse servir. Au reste, vous ne me vouerez jamais tant d'amittié que je vous en ay de reçiproque. C'est vostre heur de le faire de gayeté de cœur, et mon malheur à moy de leur faire par obligation. Au moins, cependant qu'estes à de loisir, faictes une maistresse des nouvelles. Je voys me mestre à vous en dire, de pœur de faire tort à ce porteur, qui, je m'asseure, vous en fera bonne part. Vous diroyt seullement qui nous sommes à la choise de tout, et que bientost l'on verra où nous en debverons demeurer. De vostre négotiation sans doubte, il me semble que Dieu de plus en plus nous favorise. Si vous apprenez la langue, vous aurez beaucoup d'avan-tage sur nous quand nous irons. Au moins, aymez-moy tonsjours, et ce que vous prouffiterez, vouez-le pour nous deulx, et vous asseurez que je n'auray jamais rien qui ne soit à vostre service. Monsieur, je vous baise bien humblement les mains, et prie Dieu vous conserver. A Bloys, ce xxiije mars. |
| “Je baise les mains à Monsieur de Margonne . . . . sçachant qu'estoict. J'ay bailié ses lettres à . . . . beaufrère, tant du sieur Dorny que de luy. Il m . . . . oit promis me bailler une responce, ce qu'il n'a faict. | |
| 1 p. | |
| 960. [Madame de Marchaumont] to Du Bex. | |
| [1580/1], Mar. 23. | Would be wrong if she complained now that he did not remember his friends. This letter is in reply to three of his, one by Pisgalle, and two others sent the day before from Paris. The second courier so soon after the first alarmed her. God be praised all is well. Was much pleased to hear she was remembered last week. Does not fear that continual company will make the absent forgotten, even where there is so much courtesy on the part of the ladies. Is so sure of the fidelity of her husband, that jealousy has no power within her. Will await his return for what she wants. Since her coming to Couramse, she wrote that she was expecting the return of Mons. de Véry. Believes Pisgalle has detained him, and is not sorry. This troublesome Lent will be over. Fears the delaying of the Commissioners does not make her husband very charitable. Can give no news. Has seen the man who told her such falsehoods. He denies with oaths, like all villains, and says it is because the court wants to get rid of him, that it treats him so. Mentions other private particulars. The bailiff says all is well at Préau. If she was at “la bonne ville” she would see his friend : will do so as soon as she can, and send him news. Is not to hurry back for him. Forgot to say that she has learnt he is going to marry Tyomville's daughter. Wishes them joy. Is much hindered by the packet for his Highness, which she does not wish to commit to the post. Will send what money she can for young North-umberland (le petit Nortembelam).—Couramse, 23 March. |
| Signed, [symbol]. | |
| French. 4 pp. | |
| 961. The Duke of Anjou to the Queen. | |
| [1581 ?], Mar. 25. | No misfortune equal to the present has ever occurred to distress him for it was at this time that he promised himself that he would experience the fruits of the goodwill which she had promised him and expected to reap the reward of his constant affection, which in spite of all obstacles has always remained “en son aytre inmobille plus que tous les rochers de la mer.” Entreats her to allow the Commissioners to pass the sea with her good favour, hoping that they will give her such reasons to be pleased with him that she will grant to them this time the request he has so often made.—“Liburne,” 25 March. |
| French. 2 pp. | |
| 962. Gardet to Du Bex. | |
| 1581, March 27 | Has written fully to him by de Véry. From what he has written to de Marchaumont, Du Bex will see how things go on. They must be accomplished little by little. Expresses his regard for Du Bex, and desire to do him service.—Lyvorne, 27 March. 1581. |
| French. 1 p. | |
| 963. H. Clausse to Du Bex. | |
| 1581, March 27. | Thanks him for his remembrance. Has always waited for the return of de Véry, Du Bex's cousin, to reply, and although he has been an entire day with them, the time was so pleasant, that he had not put hand to pen until the hour of de Véry's departure. Expresses his satisfaction at the success of Du Bex's voyage, and at the continuance of his friendship for the writer. Speaks of his own intended journev to Switzerland.—27 March 1581. |
| French. 1 p. | |
| 964. Le Prevost to Du Bex. | |
| 1581, March 29. | Has received his letter. To reply to it has endeavoured to come to an agreement with Monsieur Longueil, to whom he has offered a certain sum, and has resolved to raise the same, on condition of release from the pledges due, or about to be due, to him. They will confer together, before fixing on the price. Informs Du Bex, in order that he may advise what he wishes, or else come and make the contract in person. Beseeches him to return to France. Every one agrees with his friends in saying that all Du Bex has to do is to follow Monsieur de Marchaumont. Informs him of this, only because it is requisite. Tells him of the good state of his horses. Thanks him for wishing to give the writer an opportunity of doing what he asked Du Bex at his departure. His desire to serve him. Wishes to be heartily remembered to Monsieur de Marchaumont.—Paris, 29 March 1581. |
| French. 2 pp. | |
| 965. Damours to Du Bex. | |
| 1581, March 30. | Replied to his letters, and has been daily waiting for further ones to hear the news. Has communicated those he has received from him to the young lady of whom Damours knows, and left them with her. Two days afterwards they were returned. Monsieur de Véry had been to see him, and the writer had told him how he esteemed Monsieur de Henault. De Véry offered his service both to de Henault and to de Marchaumount; to the latter Damours writes, but always through de Véry. Recommends de Henault. The writer's wife is better, and has given birth to a son.—Paris, 30 March 1581. |
| French. 1 p. | |
| 966. Damours [?] to De Marchaumont, Conte de Beaumont. | |
| 1581, March 30. | Expressing his desire to serve him, and his best wishes for the success of de Marchaumount's embassy.—Paris, 30 March 1581. |
| Addressed :—“A Monsieur, Monsieur de Marchaumont Conte de Beaumont, à Londres. | |
| Seal. French. 1 p. | |