Henry VIII: March 1542, 21-25 | British History Online

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 17, 1542. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1900.

'Henry VIII: March 1542, 21-25', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 17, 1542, (London, 1900) pp. 84-93. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol17/pp84-93 [accessed 26 April 2024]

March 1542, 21-25



21 March. R. O. Kaulck, 399. (Almost the whole text.)	185. Marillac to Francis I. Since his last of the 17th, showing that the difficulties about the sufficiency of the power and the quality of the legitimation were amicably settled, has received the letters and instructions of the 13th; which almost came too late, for they were already assembled and engaged on the matter of the arrears and principal of the pensions, which Marillac, in accordance with previous instructions, demanded for the lady's dot. This last [instruction] added 500,000 cr. or the pay of 10,000 foot for the recovery of Milan, which might be demanded if they wished to deprive the lady of her right of primogeniture; but judging by the language they have held, far from granting this, they will scarcely hear of the first, viz., acquittance of the arrears and principal, insisting that, of the 2,000,000 of gold promised by the treaty of 1525, only 1,000,000 has been paid, that between 700,000 and 800,000 is already due, and that the term for full payment ends in two years, after which, by the same treaty, there is another bond for 100,000 cr. during this King's life. Moreover, by the treaty of perpetual peace of 1527, there is a pension payable to this King and his successors of 50,000 cr., apart from the salt money (le bruage du sel). Concluding that for the marriage of a lady of such high station, beauty, and good parts, with a second son of France, the demand of such a gift is excessive, seeing that King Louis XII. had but 300,000 cr., and the Dauphin, then duke of Orleans, when this marriage was concluded for him, but 330,000 cr. Replied, as modestly as possible, so as not to irritate them, reminding them that the promise of the 2,000,000 was principally for old debts and disputes, and that the last treaty mentioning the perpetual pension of 50,000 cr., besides other reasons for its nullity, was never ratified by their Parliament, as expressly required; and the whole of the pensions might be brought in doubt, because the contracts had not been fully kept, namely, the mutual defence in which they knew whether they had acquitted themselves when the Emperor, with all his forces leaving the frontiers, assailed France; but it would be best to make an ill cut coat of it, and cede the whole to the lady as dot, to obtain her an honourable dower for life. Even if all they claimed was due beyond question and the marriage portions in the past were not so great, they must consider the advantage of marrying their daughter so high without disbursing ready money, but only giving up an old and doubtful debt, which, however, would be accepted rather than other offers (mentioning that of the Emperor) which would be preferable, but that Francis cared less for profit than for the preservation of their amity. With such language, held in accordance with his instructions, Marillac could not, with all his dexterity and moderation, prevent them insisting, before all things, that the pensions are loyally due and they have fulfilled the treaties; maintaining that Francis was satisfied with their forbearing to demand the pensions during the Emperor's invasion, and the men they offered would have come too late, for Francis was on the point of leaving Lyons to go to Avignon. They insisted that such demands were so excessive that they knew not what to say, and, that their ambassador had written that Francis had expressed himself content with part of the pensions. And when Marillac insisted on the whole, they believed either that the ambassador had misunderstood Francis, or that Marillac's instructions had not been drawn in accordance with Francis's intention. Reiterating that to demand so advantageous a parti argued that the marriage was not really intended, they said only that they would give a reasonable dot in proportion to the dowry, but first would write to their ambassador to remind Francis of the language he had held, and how far Marillac's varied from it. Thinks the said ambassador may have misunderstood; for last instruction of the 13th implies that, if Madame Marie is not to enjoy her right of primogeniture, Marillac is to demand 500,000 cr. or the pay of 10,000 foot for the recovery of Milan, and the ambassador has written (and they showed Marillac the letter) that Francis demands in recompense for this only a part of the pensions, which is unlikely, seeing that Francis writes that he has held to the said ambassador language similar to the said instruction. Seeing that they refer again to their ambassador, Marillac does the like, and returns herewith the copy of all the instructions he has had, with the substance of their answer to each article in the margin, (fn. 1) that Francis may thereupon send precise instructions what to conclude and how much dowry shall be assigned. Asks for copies of all the treaties, beginning with that of Ardres in 1518, for he has only those which mention the surety and entertainment of the subjects of the two realms. Begs him to consider that it would be an impossibility to make the English disburse money besides the pensions, but, as to the pensions, it seems reasonable to remit the million above-mentioned and all that might fall due during this King's life, leaving those who come after him to dispute whether the pension of 50,000 cr. is justly due and the treaty properly ratified. If they can come near any agreement here, Marillac will make a little extract of what is settled, so that thereupon Francis may send men of the authority requisite to capitulate the treaty. Marked as sent by M. des Formes. French. Modern transcript, pp. 7. Headed : London, 21 Mars 1542.
Spanish Calendar, VI. I., No. 249.	186. Marillac to L'esleu Bayart. As, in order to go on with the negociation for this marriage, certain documents are wanted, has dispatched his cousin, the bearer, (fn. 2) to France to bring them. Need scarcely say that the Councillors who still insist on our reducing our demands for the dower the King is to give his daughter will not proceed without an examination of old treaties. Begs for an ample answer from Bayart to the dispatch he now sends the King, if he wishes the negociation to go on, though, for his own part, thinks there would be no great danger in delay. London, . Signed. Excuses for the brevity of his letter (the chief cause of which the bearer will explain), and for not writing to the Cardinal (Admiral ?). Signed. From the Vienna Archives.
22 March. Nicolas' P.C.P., VII. 329.	187. The Privy Council. Note that at Westm., 21 March, "the Council sat not, for that they sat both forenoon and afternoon at the Parliament." Meeting at Westm., 22 March. Present : Norfolk, Suffolk, Southampton, Sussex, Hertford, Russell, Durham, Winchester, Gage, Browne, Wriothesley, Sadler. Business :Order given to Winchester to dismiss Tavernour's brother, who had been long prisoner in his house. Letter written "to Fowke Grivell and Andrew Flammerke for th'enquire off certayne parsounes that wer accused for inordinate hunting in the Kinges harraces, to the grete hindrance off the race ?"
22 March. R. O.	188. Henry VIII. to Southampton. Commands him to deliver writings under the Privy Seal to Sir Thos. Wriothisley and Sir Ralph Sadlier, principal secretaries, "or the tone of them," by indenture (to be again by indenture delivered to Edm. Pekham and other receivers of "a loan to be now with all convenient speed advanced unto us") according to the tenor ensuing, viz., "Where our, &c., the (blank) year of our reign." These letters under the King's Signet and the indentures of the said secretaries, specifying the numbers of the said writings, to be his authority. Palace of Westminster, 22 March 33 Hen. VIII. ii. Form of the privy seals required, viz. : By the King :Where our Councillor A. B. has, upon great and urgent considerations, &c., advanced to us in prest the sum of N. sterling, we promise to repay it within two years. "The M. day of H., the M. year of our reign." Draft, pp. 3. Endd.
22 March. R. O.	189. Henry VIII. to Edmond Pekham. Commission to "E. P., esquire, cofferer of our Household," to receive the loan which certain of the King's Council and other noblemen and faithful subjects have "of their own free wills and full consents" condescended to advance, as shown in certain books of the particulars thereof. He is to receive plate and jewels in payment, at the following rates : fine gold 45s. the oz., gilt plate 4s. 2d., and parcel gilt and fine silver 3s. 8d., and deliver to Sir John Williams, master of the Jewels, such plate as is meet to be broken and converted into bullion. In return, he shall deliver to the lenders privy seals testifying the amount, and promising repayment within two years. For himself he shall take of the said loan 10s. a day, beginning the 20th inst., so long as he is occupied with the receipt of the same. Westm., 22 March 33 Hen. VIII. Draft, with corrections and last paragraph in Wriothesley's hand, pp. 7. Endd.
23 March. R. O.	190. The Loan. Indenture made 23 March 33 Hen. VIII., between the earl of Southampton, lord Privy Seal, and Wriothesley and Sadler, principal secretaries, witnessing delivery, to the said secretaries, of privy seals to be given in receipt for the loan, viz. : On the above day, delivered by John Burne, Southampton's servant, 30 for abps. and bps., 16 for dukes, marquises, and earls, 88 for lords, barons, and councillors, 100 for the King's chaplains, 100 for the King's servants, and 213 for other subjects. On 26 April 34 Hen. VIII. (to Wriothesley), 6 for countesses, and 394 for "common persons." The same day (to W.), 400 more, delivered by John Burne. On 28 April (to W.), by John Burne, 1,000l. On 2 May (to W.), by John Burne, 500. On 10 May (to W.), by John Burne, 1,100. On 16 May (to W.), by John Burne, 100. On 1 June (to W.), by John Burne, 600. On 7 June (to Sadler), by John Burne, 305. On 26 June (to W.), by John Burne, 280. Each entry signed : W. Southampton. Parchment, written on both sides.
R. O.	2. Indenture made 23 March 33 Hen. VIII., between Wriothesley and Sadler on the one part, and Pekham, cofferer of the Household, on the other, of the delivery, to the said Pekham, of privy seals to be given as receipts for the loan, viz. : On the above day, 44 privy seals. Signed : Edmund Pekham. On 29 March a^o 33^o, 503 privy seals. Signed : Edmund Pekham. On 27 May "anno ut supra," 290 privy seals. Signed : Edmund Pekham. Parchment. The last two entries in Pekham's hand, as well as signed by him.
R. O.	191. Henry VIII. to Appoints him principal commissioner for the practising of the loan in the county of N., joining him with his (the King's) servants named in the enclosed schedule. Has also rated him to contribute at this loan the sum of (blank), which doubtless he will gladly send hither with diligence. In his proceedings, the instructions herewith are to be followed. Draft, corrected in Wriothesley's hand, pp. 3. Endd. : Minute to a principal commissioner.
R. O.	192. Henry VIII. to Has appointed him principal commissioner for practising the loan within the county of (blank), and for his assistance appointed others named in a schedule enclosed. Sends instructions. As he may desire other notable persons of the county to be also assistants, letters having been sent to all the assistants named in the schedule, sends herewith two letters, without endorsement, to be directed to such as he thinks meet. Sends also a schedule of noble personages and others of the county, who are taxed to contribute the sums totted upon their heads, with letters to them to repair to him. He shall persuade them, according to the said instructions, either to pay the money there or here at London, to Edm. Pekham, cofferer of the Household, before Midsummer next. Copy, pp. 2. Begins : "Right trusty and right well beloved cousin."
R. O.	193. [Henry VIII. to His Officers Of Customs.] By advice of our Council, for furniture of the treasure requisite at this time, we have "determined to practise a benevolent loan" with such as have "notable substance of goods"; intending to repay the loan within two years at the furthest, "according to, our letters of privy seal delivered to such as have and shall lend unto us is contained (sic)." Having special respect to the merchants of London, who partly have (and we trust the rest will) showed themselves true and most benevolent subjects, our pleasure is that, from the 1st day of April in the 34th year of our reign, such merchants as advance money, whose names shall be from time to time signified to you, with the amounts they lend, shall abate the sum in payment of customs, subsidies, and other duties. Gives directions for the acceptance of merchants' bills in lieu of payment, to the extent of the said amounts. The customs of wool and fell shipped to Calais, which are assigned for payment of the garrisons of Calais and Guisnes and other charges, are excepted; and the merchants of the Staple are not to abate upon them unless so much is shipped that the customs exceed the amount required for the garrisons and other duties, in which case they shall abate upon the excess. Draft, in Gardiner's hand, pp. 3.
R. O.	2. Fair copy of the preceding, with corrections in Gardiner's hand. Pp. 9. Endd. : "Minute touching abatements of customs in contentation of the loan in cases, etc."
R. O.	194. The Loan. Instructions given by the King to Sir George Throgmerton and Roger Wigston, whom he "now sendeth into his county of Warwick for the purposes ensuing" : The King has, by advice of his Council, resolved to levy a loan of such of his subjects as "may and will gladly strain themselves to bear with him for a time;" and has appointed them, with certain assistants, to practise it in the county of Warwick. They shall take the letters, instructions and writings prepared for their despatch, and with speed repair to such place as they think meet, send for their assistants, and deliver the King's letters of credence. They shall then declare how the King has been at great charges in erecting and repairing castles and fortresses here and at Calais and Guisnes, in making his haven at Dover, and in maintaining a great garrison to reduce Ireland "to the knowledge of God and good civility"; and, although he has received a Subsidy from 20l. upwards and a grant of his spirituality, yet he has disbursed far more than he shall receive, and the fortifications remain so imperfect that 100,000l. would scantily suffice to expend upon them this year; and if the King should, of his own treasure, disburse the necessary sum, he might be disfurnished against any sudden event "either by outward parts or otherwise," and, considering the daily preparations made by his neighbours, the Emperor and the French king, and the motions threatened by the Turk, the realm would be in great danger. The King therefore desires his nobles and others, who may strain themselves, to advance to him money, by way of loan, to be repaid within two years next ensuing, for the repayment whereof they shall receive privy seals binding the King, his heirs and successors. Throgmerton and Wigston shall then express to the said personages joined with them the King's trust in them before many others, get them first liberally to assess themselves, and then to consider the whole shire, with reference to a book to be received herewith of the names of such as are thought meet to contribute and the rate at which they were taxed for the Subsidy, dismissing some or taking in others at discretion. They shall appoint persons to receive the money growing of the loan and pay it over to Edm. Peckham, esquire, cofferer of the Household, who shall allow 1d. in the pound for collection and portage to London; and they shall deliver to the receivers, by indenture, privy seals, to be given for loans, and shall, likewise, receive back unused privy seals. They shall press no man to contribute unless he can spend in lands and offices 50l. a year, or is worth in goods 100l. at least. The least rate that can conveniently be levied of the hundred is 10l. from lands or 6l. 13s. 4d. from goods. If any person shows himself "stiff in condescending to the same, upon allegation of poverty or other pretence" which seems insufficient, they shall use what persuasion they can, and, if all will not "draw him to some reason and honest consideration of his duty," they shall charge him to keep secret what they have said, note his name and command him to return to his house, "and so pass him over in such a silence as he be no empeachment or evil example to the rest." They shall travail with all spiritual persons for like contribution. Pp. 7.
MS. of the Duke of Portland.	2. Instructions by the King (apparently similar to the above) to the Earl of Bath and the Bishop of Bath, for Somersetshire. See Hist. MSS. Com. 1892, II. 6.
MS. of the Duke of Rutland.	3. Similar instructions to the Earl of Rutland for Nottinghamshire. See Rutland Papers (Hist. MSS. Com.), I. 27. Pp. 3.
R. O.	195. The Loan. Form of privy seal witnessing receipt of money for the loan, to be repaid within two years. Not signed, seal gone. Parchment, with blank spaces for names, amounts, and dates. Begins : "Where our trusty and well beloved."
23 March. Nicolas' P.C.P., VII. 330.	196. The Privy Council. Meeting at Westm., 23 March. Present : Norfolk, Suffolk, Southampton, Hertford, Russell, Durham, Winchester, Gage, Browne, Wingfield, Wriothesley, Sadler. Business :Certain merchants of Guernsey complained "touching their liberties," by old charters, to convey from England leather, wood, tallow, &c. (Next entry noted under 27 March.)
25 March. Spanish Calendar, VI. I. No. 239.	197. Chapuys to Charles V. Since his last, on the 5th, the French ambassador, in consequence of a letter from his master, has had two interviews with the Privy Council and one with the Duke of Norfolk alone. Has not hitherto been able to learn what he is about, but has just received from his informant with the embassy a number of papers and letters in cipher, with one from the Ambassador himself to Francis, which he has not yet had time to decipher. Will send them by next post to the Queen of Hungary, though probably they are of small importance. Parliament will be prorogued two or three days hence till All Souls Day. Nothing has yet been made public as to their deliberations, though it is said they are going to raise the value of coin, as has been done in France. The Princess has been somewhat indisposed, but is now better. The King has sent people to inquire after her health, and put his physicians at her service, as he has also done to lady Anne of Cleves, who is ill of tertian fever at Richmond. The wife of lord William and other ladies implicated with the late Queen were set free soon after her execution; and, if it be true, as reported, that the King has given a gracious audience to lady William, her husband and the duchess of Norfolk will probably soon recover their liberty. About a week ago Count Claude Rangone and another young count, with a captain named Camille, arrived in this town. They must have left France rather discontented, for they have not called on the French ambassador, and mean to return to Italy through Flanders and Germany. Hears that, to ingratiate themselves with this King, they give out that they are on bad terms with the Pope, but they will not get much reward for this if they do not offer to murder Cardinal Pole. London, 25 March 1542. From the Vienna Archives. The original endorsed : Received at Valladolid, 12 April.
Harl. MS. 604. f 108. B. M.	198. Monks' Pensions Taxed for the Loan. Acknowledgement by John Carleton, King's receiver in Berks., Bucks., and Oxon., of the receipt, "by way of loan" to the King, of the quarter of the pensions of all the late religious persons in these counties having over 20l. a year, in the payment of their half-year's pensions due at the Annunciation of Our Lady 33 Henry VIII. Abingdon : Ric. Evesham late prior, annual pension 22l.; Ric. Bartlet late monk, annual pension 20l. Notley, Ric. Rydge abbot, 100l. Eynsham, Ant. Kytchyn abbot, 200 mks. Dorchester, John Marche abbot, 22l. Byssetor, Wm. Broune abbot, 24l. Ruley, Nich. Austen abbot, 22l. Bruern, Ric. Kyng abbot, 22l. Myssenden, John Otewell abbot, 50l. Assherudge, Thos. Waterhouse rector, 100l. Signed by Carleton and by Gregory Richardson, deputy to Wm. Cavendish, auditor. P. 1.
25 March. R. O.	199. Wallop To The Council. In his last, of 21 March, certified receipt of theirs of the 19th, and how he sent his secretary, Nicholas, to Abbeville to know whether any such gentleman as they wrote of had been stayed, and his name. Nicholas returned to-day. Not passing by Boulogne, he could get no knowledge of the personage till he came to Abbeville, where he learnt that the gentleman was stayed by Mons. de Egincourt, captain of the castle, upon the order that no Burgundians, Italians, or Spaniards should pass until Marchal de Bies was advertised. The captain sent a post to De Bies at Mustrull; who wrote that the gentleman should depart next day. Nicholas learnt there that he was le counte Darago[ne], sent by the Emperor to England, and that, upon speaking with him, De Bies had him conducted to Boulogne, where he took shipping, as Wallop wrote in his last. Thinks the cause of his stay was the enterprise of Mons. de Vandosme for the castle of Bapham where it is bruited the Dolphin was. Has learnt, otherwise, that the gentleman's name is Signior Fregoize, brother to Sesar Fregoize, who was slain in Italy, with Captain Ryncolne, by the Imperials, and that he repairs to England to lament his brother's death. If it is known that he came from the Emperor, the French will take it ill, for they fear the Emperor is seeking to marry the lady Mary, as is bruited both in France and Flanders, "and great wagers offered daily upon the same." The French king will lie about Paris until the Admiral's process is reviewed. The Dolphyn shall go to Toryn in Piedmont, and the king of Navarre, who has lain long upon the frontiers of Navarre, return to Court. Guisnes, 25 March. Signed. Pp. 2. Add. Endd. : 1541.
25 March. R. O. St. P. VIII., 685.	200. Paget to Henry VIII. On Wednesday last, at 10 p.m., received letters from the Council, containing the discourse with the French ambassador, and instructions. Went on Thursday from Paris to Chawlme, 10 leagues off, where (for the chase) the French king lies, with his privy chamber and privy band. Yesterday, through the Admiral, obtained audience with the King. Reminded him that in speaking of the marriage now in treaty, where he seemed at first to grate upon the term bastard, after hearing Paget's opinion, he said that she, being but legitimated, should be set in one of the furthest degrees of inheritance, and therefore Henry must "have consideration of some part of the pension and interest here." He said they, indeed, had such a communication at Boy de Vincenne. Details further conversation, in which Paget said he had written so to his master, who was now surprised by an unreasonable demand made by the French ambassador, and could not but think that the ambassador had mistaken his instructions. Francis said he had always meant to proceed roundly and reasonably; his aim was to secure quietness between them and their posterity, and so he had willed his ambassador to declare to Norfolk at the beginning. Paget said the ambassador had demanded the whole pension and arrears, which was a dower almost inestimable, as there was more than a million of actual debt in arrears, whereas Paget never thought that more than 100,000 or 140,000 cr., at most, of the arrears would be demanded; and so he had written. He replied that Paget might think as he liked, but his own meaning was to remove all cause of contention about this pension by granting it, with the interest upon the arrears, to his son and Henry's daughter in survivorship, and after them to their issue for ever. Said the ambassador had spoken more piquantly than Francis intended, for he mentioned renunciation of titles and breach of treaties. Francis interposed, saying, "If he desired any renunciation of titles, he did more than he had commission; for I desire none other than I have already; and if the King, my brother, will make claim of title, I have his acquittance in writing to show." Replied that the writing was to the effect that, keeping his covenants, Francis should quietly enjoy his possessions; as the Admiral well knew. Francis said he would not dispute about titles, for he sought friendship, and, however Paget may have taken his words, his meaning was to bestow the pension as he said. Paget thought it would be hard to bring his master to such an unreasonable thing. Francis said he spoke as if the matter were clear; but there were knots in it; when the Emperor invaded France, (fn. 3) Henry was bound to furnish certain ships, which he did not. Answered that, in lieu of the aid at that time, Henry forebore the pension. Francis said, "The King my brother never forbare it at my demand; but I required Mons^r de Winchestre, being then ambassador here, of the bounden aid, and he answered me expressedly that the King my brother was a common friend to us both, and would remain neuter; which answer my lord of Norfolk, at his being here last (fn. 4), did confess unto me, praying God to forgive them (fn. 5) that were the cause of it, and saying that my good brother, of himself, was well willing." Replied that his master was "observantissimus" of his treaties, and those Francis named were great wise men, and, therefore, he could not think that such an answer had been made. "Je me rapporte a vous (quod he) mais il est vray." Prayed him to consider that the King had never practised sinisterly with him, whatever others might have done, at Nice or Agamortis, or in passages through his realm. He protested his love to Henry; to make this marriage, he would come to Calais and show what a good brother he would be, "without respect of Pope or any man else." Told him that then he must slacken his straitness and go roundly to work and send full instructions and commission, or else join some one with the ambassador. He said he liked the device, and would send one at once. "Sir (quod I), I will be glad that the King's Majesty, my master, shall perceive his report, whom you intend to send, and my writing to agree." "Ne vous en soucies," quod he; and departed. Took the more note of his terms as, like others before, he has found him to vary; and got him, upon pretence of ignorance of the French tongue, to repeat his tale twice. The Admiral then came up. Details conversation with him, upon Paget's saying that his master thought the ambassador had mistaken his instructions, but, it now appeared, that was not so. Told him about the renunciation of titles, which had been one of the chief points of discussion when he was in England (fn. 6) and with Norfolk and others at Calais. (fn. 7) He said he remembered that, at Henry's desire, he was sent to England, and Henry moved that both together should make war in the Nether Countries, and, upon a marriage then treated for the Lady Elizabeth, 50,000 of the pension should be converted into a duchy, to be bestowed as dote, and for the other 50,000 Henry would take Mons. de Vandosme's lands in Flanders, supplemented, if necessary, by other conquered lands. That purpose stayed because they could not agree about Henry's other demands, viz., that Francis should not consent to a General Council, nor treat with the Emperor without his consent, and a third which he had forgotten. Afterwards, at the meeting at Calais, the same matters were moved, and also Henry demanded that they should renounce the Pope; which at that time could not be, although he (the Admiral) had conveyed out of the way two of the rankest cardinals, (fn. 8) for there was a Councillor (fn. 9) that wrought the contrary at home. Reminded him that he desired renunciation of titles. He said he did not remember it. "I doubt not (quod I) but there be tokens to put you in remembrance; and as touching the rest of that discourse for the marriage, albeit the dowry (take it as you speak it) had been wondrous great, yet was it nothing to this that you demand now." He said it was so long ago that he had forgotten, but the breach at that time was for the Pope's cause; for then they had two or three cardinals that looked each to be Pope, but now they had only good fellows that cared for nothing but to make good cheer. Told him that, with his wisdom and experience, he knew the treachery of the bp. of Rome and sincerity of the King; and asked him to get one sent into England for this matter that was a man of reason, and fully instructed. He said (and just before, talking with Paget and the Cardinal of Paris, in a great presence, he spoke most honorably of Henry and shamefully of the bp. of Rome) Henry was one of the "gentlest and truest gentlemen," and of the best nature that ever he knew, and if he had not the master he had he would sue to be his servant. He asked if renunciation of the bp. of Rome's obedience would be demanded, saying the clergy was "vengeable great here." Replied that that was no matter; it would be easier for them to serve one master than two; and the person sent to England should be largely instructed. He said no notable personage must be sent, for the thing must be privily done. Finally, he begged Paget not to talk with the cardinal of Belley or the queen of Navarre about these proceedings, for no man knew of them but the King and himself. Reminded him that then, if the thing came not to good effect, great fault would be found in him. "All shall be well, I trust," quod he, and went his way. Apologies for his insufficiency. Is abashed to speak in such weighty matters, when he sees the French king "charge men of so great wit and experience," and the Admiral vary in that matter of title, "wherein your ajesty, I think, had conference with him yourself." Occurrents are that the bp. of Rome labours to join the Emperor and the King and "save himself upright," but his ambassador is ill heard, both by the King and Admiral. The king of Portugal, because the bp. of Rome has made cardinal a traitor of his who was his ambassador at Venice, (fn. 10) has revoked his ambassador from Rome; and the bp. has none in Portugal. Polino is returned to Constantinople, to signify (it is muttered) when the French king will break with the Emperor. The Turk has sent to Venice for leave to send horsemen through Friola, and the Venetians are much perplexed. The king of the Romans labours, through the Emperor's ambassador here, for the surrender of Maran. The French king gives the ambassador fair words, and sends supplies to them of the town. Within these two days, 30 cannons have gone from Paris to fortify Arde and Guy, alias Chatelet. The Emperor's grand esquire is coming through France. If he comes to Court (as the Emperor's ambassador says he will, to thank the King for his safe-conduct), Paget will note whether he has any other mission. The practise with Liege is spied, and the doctor (fn. 11) that passed this way imprisoned by the queen of Hungary. Thanks for grant, certified to him by Mr. Wriothesley, of 10s. a day above his diets. Paris, 25 March, 6 p.m. Signed. Pp. 15. Add. Endd. : 1541.
Caius College, MS. 597, p. 54.	2. Letter-book copy of the preceding, in the hand of Paget's clerk. Pp. 13.