Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 8, 1545-1546. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1904.
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'Addenda.: Miscellaneous, 1533', in Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 8, 1545-1546, (London, 1904) pp. 586-593. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/spain/vol8/pp586-593 [accessed 26 April 2024]
Miscellaneous, 1533
| 1533. 30 April. Simanca E. R. 860. | 437. Cardinal Palmerio (fn. 1) to Cobos. |
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| The King of England has married his concubine Anne. The Pope is very indignant at his disobedience. Many people believe that the interview between his Holiness and the King of France will not now take place, but the writer is of a different opinion, and regards the marriage in question to be an additional reason for the interview. The Emperor, however, may rest assured that the Pope will do nothing at the interview to prejudice the interests of his Majesty. It is the Pope's own interest to avoid embarassing the Emperor, and the writer hopes that complete success may attend the enterprise of his Majesty against England. | |
| Rome, 30 April, 1533. | |
| 6 May. Simancas. E. V. 1560, | 438. The Emperor to Count Cifuentes. (fn. 2) (Extract.) |
| Approves the declaration of the Count to his Holiness respecting the Queen of England's case, requesting that judgment should be promptly pronounced. The Imperial ambassador in England confirms what Cifuentes writes; namely that, according to common report, the King of England has really married his concubine, Anne. The King of France also has conveyed the same intelligence to the Imperial ambassador in his court; but, withal, the Emperor is not quite convinced that the marriage has taken place. As soon as it is known beyond doubt that the King and his concubine are married the Emperor will send fresh instructions to Cifuentes. The latter in his last despatch says that the Pope asked him what the Emperor would do if the King of England did marry his concubine, to which Cifuentes had replied that the Pope should first do what he was in duty bound to do, and the Emperor would afterwards consider what ought to be done on his part. This answer was a very good one. Cifuentes is not to say that he has received any answer to the Pope's question, but he is to continue to press with the greatest energy that a judgment in the case shall be delivered without further delay. The more confirmed becomes the apprehension that the King will marry his concubine, the more urgent is it that the judgment should be pronounced promptly. The delay emboldens the King and helps him to persevere in his object. If he succeeds the Pope will be responsible. | |
| Barcelona, 6 May, 1533. | |
| 21 May. Simancas. E. R. 860. | 439. Cardinal of Jaen (fn. 3) to the Emperor (Extract.) |
| Not much to say about the proposed interview between the Pope and the King of France at Nice, as the ambassador (Count Cifuentes) has not communicated any instructions on the subject. (fn. 4) The same is the case with respect to the English matter. The writer deals with the Pope through Jacopo Salviati and the Archbishop of Capua. His principal object is to paint the nefarious and heretical act of the King of England in the darkest possible colours (afeando el hecho hasta el cielo), and to fill the Pope with disgust of it. None of the other heresies is as heinous as that of the King of England, and it appears to the writer that the Pope cannot avoid issuing a brief in the strongest terms, and pronouncing a separation a mensa et thoro. At the same time the proceedings of the principal cause must be carried through. Prays the Emperor to send the most emphatic instructions, in order to silence those who are always inclined to stand aloof until they see how his Majesty will take the affair. | |
| Rome, 21 May, 1533. | |
| 29 May. Simancas. E. V. 1560. | 440. The Emperor to Antonio de Leyva, Prince of Ascoli. |
| The Pope declares that his intended interview with the King of France will be greatly advantageous to the welfare of Christendom. The Emperor on the contrary believes that it will cause great calamities. | |
| The King of England has behaved very badly towards him in separating from the Queen, his lawful wife, and even going to the length of marrying his concubine. Has sent Rodrigo Davalos to Rome, to co-operate with the ambassador in the matter of the divorce. | |
| Barcelona, 29 May, 1533. | |
| 31 May. Simancas. E. V. 1560. | 441. The Emperor to the Pope (Clement VII.). |
| His Holiness is well aware of all that has passed concerning the matter of the Queen of England. The Emperor has never ceased to supplicate him, both personally and through his ambassadors, to deliver judgment in the divorce case. When after their last interview the Emperor took leave of his Holiness the latter promised him faithfully that he would allow no more delay in the matter. Since then events have taken place that have shocked the feelings of the whole world, and constitute a scandal and an affront to the Holy See and an evil precedent for others, (fn. 5) The Emperor is of opinion that the delays to which the Pope has consented have been the principal cause of these evils. Being so nearly concerned in the affair, in his two-fold capacity, namely as natural protector of the Holy Church and See, and as a near kinsman of the Queen of England, the Emperor has decided to send Rodrigo Davalos, a gentleman of his household, in order that, conjointly with his ambassador, he may address his Holiness on the Emperor's behalf, and ask that justice may be done. | |
| Barcelona, 31 May, 1533. | |
| Note.—The instructions to Davalos and Cifuentes will be found calendared in Henry VIII. Vol. 6, p. 254. | |
| 31 May. Simancas. E. V. 1560. | 442. The Emperor to Count Cifuentes. |
| Has carefully and minutely considered what is to be done in the cause of the Queen of England, and has come to the conclusion that the proceedings at law must be continued. (fn. 6) The reasons that have moved him to this decision are set forth in the instructions which will be handed to Cifuentes by Rodrigo Davalos, a gentleman of the Emperor's household, together with this dispatch. Although fully convinced of the ability and diligence of Cifuentes, the Emperor has thought well to commission Rodrigo Davalos conjointly with him to conduct the negotiations concerning the cause of the Queen of England. He has done this in order that the Pope may see how much importance he attaches to the subject. (fn. 7) | |
| (The rest of this letter is concerned with subjects unconnected with England, and of no present importance.) | |
| Barcelona, 31 May, 1533. | |
| 3 June. Simancas. E. R. 860. | 443. Cardinal of Jaen to Cobos. |
| Spoke with the Pope after his last letter of 28th ultimo left. It is now settled that the interview between his Holiness and the King of France is to take place at Nice in September. As the time is so far ahead perhaps some circumstance may intervene to prevent the meeting after all. In the meanwhile, the Bishop of Faenza is sent to France, in order to settle beforehand the various subjects which are to be touched upon, and the concessions to be made on each side. The writer spoke with the Pope about the Scottish marriage. His Holiness said that it would be a good thing if the Emperor could bring it to pass. His Nuncio, however, had written that the King of France had already almost formally concluded a marriage treaty between the King of Scots and a daughter of the King of Navarre. | |
| With regard to the Queen of England, the Pope has already signed the duplicate briefs, but they are not yet despatched to France, England, Flanders, and other countries where they are likely to be read by the English. It is in the highest degree necessary that the English, as well as Christians in general, should know that the Pope resents the unspeakable crime against the Holy See and the Christian religion committed by the King of England. The person sent by that King to Rome, and who, although not duly authorised, is called the “Defensor” has requested the Pope to refer the question to English judges. His Holiness listened to all the arguments brought forward in favour of this demand, and when the speaker had finished said that he was astonished at such a request being made, seeing the disrespectful manner in which the King of England had behaved towards the Holy See. He then dismissed the so-called Defensor with very angry words. The writer has obtained this information from his Holiness himself, and it has since been confirmed by the Papal chamberlains. The writer is of opinion that the Emperor should condemn in very strong terms the misdeeds of the King of England. | |
| Count de Cifuentes has informed the writer that he resents that he (Cardinal of Jaen) or anyone else should meddle with diplomatic affairs. | |
| Rome, 3 June, 1533. | |
| 16 July. Simancas. E. R. 860. Italian. | 444. Cardinal Campeggio to the Emperor. |
| Has not written to him since he returned to Italy, but has always been, and still remains, his sincere and devoted servant. Now that Rodrigo Davalos is about to return to him he cannot allow the opportunity to pass without repeating his promise to do all in his power to serve him in the English affairs, and on all other occasions that may offer. (fn. 8) | |
| Rome, 16 July, 1533. | |
| 18 July. Simancas. Guerra, 3. | 445. Count Cifuentes to Cobos. (Extracts.) |
| Begs that presents be made to. Cardinals De la Valle, Monte and Matera. If Cardinal of Jaen is to take part in the negotiations with Rome, Cifuentes wishes to be relieved of his post as ambassador. If Micer Mai consented for reasons of his own to share his diplomatic authority with a Cardinal, it is no reason why the writer also should submit to such a humiliation. | |
| Has given to Secretary Blasio 300 ducats for the judgment. The judgment, although it is not so favourable as could be wished, is not altogether bad. Has not taken the 300 ducats from the Emperor's funds, but on bills of Exchange on Colardi, which the Queen of England will pay. The Sentence cannot yet be printed, as a preamble must first be written to it, and a bull drafted from it. | |
| Rome, 18 July, 1533. | |
| 29 July. Simancas. E. V. 1580. | 446. The Emperor to Count Cifuentes. (Extracts.) |
| Nothing to add about the interview between the Pope and the King of France. Refers him also to the other letters with regard to the affairs of England. He must do all he can to bring the Queen's cause to a speedy conclusion, and Rodrigo Davalos is to return to Spain. The Emperor carefully notes all Cifuentes writes about the communications made by the Pope to him to the effect that the Emperor might now easily gain the friendship of the King of France if the former were instrumental in obtaining Calais for the latter. The Pope is confident that in such case the King of France would renounce his friendship with England, and abandon his plans in Italy. The King of England would be deservedly punished. The Emperor notes likewise Cifuentes' answer to the Pope on this subject. The case is a vary delicate one, and must be maturely considered, but the Emperor thinks that at the present time no negotiations should on any account be opened with the King of France, as in such case the latter King would be the first person to make capital out of them by divulging them to the King of England. The latter would then have good reason for resentment and for alleging that the Emperor contemplated making war upon him, and disturbing the peace of Christendom, which is quite contrary to the Emperor's intention. Besides, if the King of France added Calais to Boulogne and his other dominions in that part of Europe, the French would at once look upon themselves as the masters of Flanders, and would in all probability begin war there. For these and many other reasons the Emperor desires that the matter broached by the Pope be dropped, and be no more spoken of. If the Pope should again mention the project Cifuentes is adroitly to avoid giving any answer. Cifuentes is also to avoid discourse with regard to the Pope's other suggestion, namely that of marrying the daughter of the Queen of England with the Duke of Norfolk. It is undesirable that any decided answer should be given to this project until the Queen's cause is concluded. The Pope avers that the Duke of Norfolk is married in England, but that the marriage is invalid as it is only a marriage per verba de futuro, and the Duke was only brought to consent to it by intimidation. If it is true that the marriage is only covenanted by verba de futuro, the Pope may entertain the negotiations with regard to this proposed match between the Princess and the Duke until the final sentence is pronounced in the divorce case of the Queen. (fn. 9) The Duke of Norfolk has already gone to France with a numerous train in order to be present at the interview between the Pope and King Francis, the object of the embassy being to increase the authority and prestige of the King of England. Cifuentes is directed to accompany his Holiness to the interview, if it takes place, but he is not to increase his household or incur any extraordinary expenses. The Emperor's authority and prestige happily do not depend upon such futile things. | |
| The Emperor notes Cifuentes' remark that many people are of opinion that the Queen (Catharine of Aragon) should leave England, as her life is considered in danger. He has already considered this question, as Cifuentes will have noticed by the instructions given to Rodrigo Davalos; his decided opinion being that, on no account, ought the Queen to leave England, in order that she may preserve the attachment towards her of the English people, which she would sacrifice by leaving the country. | |
| With regard to the Pope's question to Cifuentes, as to what he (the Emperor) would do if, and when, his Holiness pronounced judgment in favour of the Queen of England, the answer is contained in the instructions sent by Rodrigo Davalos, and the Emperor notes that when Cifuentes read the clause in the instructions to the Pope, the latter, whilst praising it for its prudence, said that it was not an answer to his question. If the Pope again touches upon this subject Cifuentes is to repeat what he has already declared, namely that it is the Pope's business first to pronounce the judgment, and the Emperor will then consider the steps necessary to enforce it. The Pope ought to be satisfied with this answer. He may rest assured that the Emperor will not fail in his duty. | |
| If the Pope will not send him the bull to levy the cruzada he (the Emperor) will levy it without the bull, as the cruzada was promised to him, and he intends to employ the proceeds against the infidels. (fn. 10) | |
| Monzon, 29 July, 1533. | |
| 25 Aug. Simanoas. Milan, 1177. | 447. Antonio de Leyva to the Emperor. (Extract.) |
| The Marquis of Saluzzo writes that the King of England is making great efforts to dissuade the King of France from going to meet the Pope and from further entertaining the idea of the marriage (i.e. of the Duke of Orleans) with the niece of the Pope. (fn. 11) The King of England offers him (Francis) large sums of money to be spent in his enterprise against Milan, on condition that he abandons the proposed interview with his Holiness. Would to God this interview could in truth be prevented. It bodes no good.— Frasinet, 25 August, 1533. | |
| 30 Aug. Simancas. E. V. 1560. | 448. The Emperor to Count Cifuentes. (Extracts.) |
| Does not believe that the Pope would go with his niece to meet the King of France, if the various subjects to be dealt with, including the marriage, had not been settled beforehand. | |
| The Emperor approves of the Pope's decree ordering the King of England to produce before the end of September all the documents concerning the proceedings in the divorce which may have taken place in England, in case he (the King) intends to refer to such proceedings in Rome. He also approves of the manner in which the judgment is to be communicated to the King of England, and thanks Cifuentes for the zeal he has shown in the matter. He must continue to do all in his power to obtain the final decision on the main case without delay. The decree ordering the judgment to be carried into effect must also be despatched speedily. The Emperor has read, and caused others to read, the memorandum forwarded by Cifuentes on the question as to whether “ the Anne “ to whom the King of England is married should be cited to appear or not. He is of the same opinion as the scholars who compiled the memorandum, namely that Anne should not be summoned to appear before the tribunal at Rome. | |
| The Imperial ambassador in England has written that the King of England trusts most implicitly in the Pope's Nuncio now resident in England. The confidence of the King in this Nuncio is so great that he has begged the latter to accompany the English ambassador to the interview between his Holiness and the King of France. The Emperor informs Cifuentes of this in order that he may be very cautious in his dealings with the Nuncio, and that he may secretly inform the Pope or Salviati of the sentiments of the Nuncio in England. | |
| The Emperor notes in Cifuentes' last letter that the Pope had received news from the person whom he had sent to England for the purpose of entering into the negotiations about the Council (of Trent), and that the Archbishop of Reggio, who was in Germany on the same business, had written that the Germans are strongly of opinion that the Council should be held in a German, and not an Italian, town. The agent sent by the King of the Romans to remonstrate with the Pope about the English affair writes to the same effect. Notes Cifuentes' observation that this agent had also been negotiating with the Pope about the Lutheran question, and had declared that there was no remedy but armed force; of which declaration the Pope had warmly approved. Cifuentes had hesitated to express an opinion on the subject. The Emperor had since received news from the Archbishop of Reggio and the President of Malines that the Catholic Prince Electors had not yet given their final answer, but that the Duke of Saxony and his followers insist that the Council should be held in a German town, and on no account in Italy. The Emperor is therefore not yet in a position to announce his will as to whether armed force may be employed against the Lutherans or not. If the agent of the King of the Romans expressed himself in the affirmative on the question he must presumably have done so without authority, as there is no army by which the Lutherans could be subjected. The answer of the Duke of Saxony and his adherents is very discourteous to the Pope, for which the Emperor is sorry. He believes that the reply was drawn up by Melancthon, at least it was written in his hand. A copy of it is enclosed. | |
| Cifuentes' letter of 14th instant just to hand, and the Emperor notes that as soon as the King of England was informed of the last sentence in the divorce case he recalled his ambassadors from Rome, and ordered the return to England of the Duke of Norfolk, who was to have been present at the interview between the Pope and the King of France. The Emperor learns with great pleasure that when the Pope announced in the Consistory the steps decided upon by the King of England (i.e. in withdrawing his ambassadors) all the Cardinals declared that the Pope had simply done his duty, and that the King of England had no cause for complaint. Approves of the decision not to recall immediately the Papal Nuncio in England, but to order him to follow the lead of the Imperial ambassador. The Emperor notes that, although the Pope appears publicly sorry for the steps the King of England has taken, he is secretly glad of them, because he thinks that they may prove an obstacle to the meeting with the King of France. The Pope likes the idea of the interview much less than formerly, and would be glad to be able to avoid it without incurring the responsibility of himself declining it. Cifuentes is to be careful to keep the Emperor well informed of what he can learn in Rome about this as the news from France appears to contradict what Cifuentes says as to the probability of the interview not taking place. The King of France is continuing his journey to Marseilles; and the galleys have already put to sea from that port for the purpose of escorting the Pope. The Duke of Norfolk has taken his leave of the King of France, and is now on his way back to England. It is said that the marriage of the Duke of Orleans (fn. 12) and the niece of the Pope is not yet to be consummated, on account of the youth of the Duke. Cifuentes is to enquire into the truth of this. | |
| Monzon, 30 August, 1533. | |
| 24 Sept. Simanoas. E. R. 860. | 449. Pope Clement VII. to the Emperor. (Extract.) |
| Has no longer any doubts or scruples in the matrimonial cause of England, and is fully decided to do what the laws provide; being convinced that the Emperor on his side will use every effort in his power to carry his judgment into effect. | |
| Gratefully accepts the abbacy of Monserrat for “his Cardinal.” Intends to speak with him about the Council and the affairs of Germany, and hopes that the Emperor will be satisfied with him. Intends shortly to convoke the Council. | |
| Pisa, 24 September, 1533. | |