Rome: November 1578 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Vatican Archives, Volume 2, 1572-1578. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1926.

'Rome: November 1578', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Vatican Archives, Volume 2, 1572-1578, (London, 1926) pp. 523-538. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/vatican/vol2/pp523-538 [accessed 19 April 2024]

November 1578



1578. Vat. Lib. Urb. Lat. 1046. f. 411.	979. News Letter. … “The Bishop of Ross departed with a gift of 500 florins from the Emperor.” 1 Nov., 1578. Vienna. Italian.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Francia, vol. xii.	980. [Protonotary Dandino,] Nuncio in France to [Ptolemy Galli,] Cardinal of Como. “Monsieur's gentleman who is here about the affair with the Queen of England will not, by what we understand, depart thitherward till after the return of a courier sent by the King to the Queen Mother; and meanwhile he is in the thick of a negotiation with his Majesty, soliciting money, and trying to persuade him to approve the match; as it is said that the Queen has no mind to conclude it without the hearty consent of his Most Christian Majesty, who, many think, will not be vexed that it should come to pass, though appearances suggest the contrary. The terms are the same as when the match was in treaty for the King, as I have written to you on other occasions; and though the Pope may perhaps have seen them then, he will find them annexed hereto, for still I think it not unnecessary to send them to him. I understand that in no wise will his Highness be allowed to hear Mass publicly, because the Queen is minded that the English be not vexed with her for according Monsieur as a boon that which she has always forbidden them as an evil thing.” 2 Nov., 1578. [Paris.] Italian.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Spagna, vol. xi.	981. [Philip Sega, Bishop of Piacenza,] Nuncio in Spain to [Ptolemy Galli,] Cardinal of Como. “To Cadiz and thence to Lisbon went Captain Bastiano, pursuant to the order, which, as under date 26 August (fn. 1) I informed you, I, the rout of the King of Portugal being confirmed, had given him to see to the recovery of such of Stucley's moneys and goods as he might be able to find, and to reimburse himself of such part as he possibly might of his loan to Stucley. And although he was notified of some moneys of his at Xeres, (fn. 2) which he sequestered in the hand of the possessor; and though at Lisbon he has caused some few other moneys, and all his goods that have arrived there from Africa, to be inventoried and deposited in a safe place, and every effort is being made in both places to get them all adjudicated his by law, and not without hope of success; nevertheless he apprises me that they do not suffice to meet the outstanding claim; and that as to the balance yet payable it would be well to see to the recovery from the Archdeacon of Cambrai, who is there [at Rome], of an emerald in a setting, which Stucley left him in pawn for 100 ducats, and which, he says, is worth 400 ducats; and likewise from Dr. Navarro (fn. 3) of two trimmings of a cape, one of pearls and diamonds, together with a berretta trimmed in like manner; the other trimming being of rubies and buttons of gold, with another berretta adorned in like manner; which, he says, are of great value, and are held by the Doctor in pawn for but seven hundred ducats, and that by means of these valuables it would be possible to recover all that is justly due to the Commissary by the inheritance of the Marquis. You would do well to make use of this information, and then take such decision as shall best please you. Omit I would not to give you precise information as to all the matter, as it seems to me most just that the Pope should receive his own again, besides that it makes for the relief of Stucley's soul in this respect. Here we shall persevere in our efforts, and in due time shall apprise you of what it has been possible to realise by the said valuables.” 3 Nov., 1578. Madrid. Italian.
Ibid.	982. The Same to the Same. “As I wrote you some days ago, I have procured from his Majesty the favour of the licence for the College of the English; and I have despatched the privilege, which I have entrusted to Signor Carlo Lanzi, who is now starting on his return to Rome, that it may come more safely by his hand; and so he should present it to you in good condition together with this letter; and I shall be glad to hear from you that you have so received it.” 3 Nov., 1578. Madrid. Italian.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Spagna, vol. xi.	983. [Philip Sega, Bishop of Piacenza,] Nuncio in Spain to [Ptolemy Galli,] Cardinal of Como. “Secretary Antonio Perez by God's grace visited me; and as to Geraldine's going we were of one mind in exact accordance with what you write; for we, being at close quarters, one may say, with the actual fact, have likewise palpable evidence, that, matters being as they are to-day, it verges on the impossible to take at this juncture any other decision. He is therefore minded to renew the discussion with his Majesty, in order to persuade him to be pleased to disburse the 20,000 crowns to Geraldine; and this decision being taken, I shall not fail to despatch him with all possible promptitude, that he may go on his voyage; reckoning that, should there be good result of his going, it will then be possible with more propriety to think about giving him subsidy and succour in due form. Meanwhile we shall see what ply the succession to the throne of Portugal will take; on the settlement of which succession depends, one may say positively, whether this enterprise is to be attempted in earnest or no; since from Flanders there is no hope of any aid whatever, by reason of the death of Don John, the weakness of that army, and the strength of the enemy. We discussed the movements of the Duke of Alençon; and the Secretary, who on other occasions had let me know that it would be necessary to put a little more pressure on the Most Christian King to cause Alençon to alter his course, plainly told me in this conversation, that his Majesty could no longer put up with the fictions of the Most Christian King; which he would probably have abandoned, if his Holiness had made up his mind to have him frankly informed that he should take care to divert his brother, even by force, from that enterprise; that, should his own forces not suffice, he would be aided by those of his [Catholic] Majesty and his Holiness; and that, should his Most Christian Majesty fail to make up his mind to that end, his Holiness would be compelled to unite with the Catholic King for the defence of the Catholic religion and the peace of Christendom, and would do so definitively without view to any convention being made; declaring that, if in like case the Catholic King should fail of his duty, his Holiness would likewise be ready to join, if need should be, with the Most Christian King to compass the same end; evincing in short that his Holiness, without addiction to persons, has no other object in view than the peace of Christendom and the safety of the Catholic religion. “I made answer that, as his Holiness, with his wonted prudence, had not hitherto omitted, so likewise he would not in future omit to do all those offices which he should deem suitable; and that as to what he [Perez] intimated to me, I should not fail to report it [to his Holiness], that there [at Rome] the matter might receive all due consideration. And from what the said Secretary has communicated to me I see that his Majesty and all the ministers are much galled by the capture of Bins [Binche (fn. 4) ] effected by the troops of Alençon after Don John's death; and that the business is not unattended with risk. And when I said that by going to Italy his Majesty would reinforce the threats of the Pope, he rejoined that, on the contrary, it would be impolitic that his Majesty should go to Italy until it is manifest that the affairs of Flanders are in some way arranged. And it appears to me that, since news came of Don John's death, there is an inclination to clutch at an accord of some sort, save in regard of religion, and that perchance that Jonah may be provender enough to terminate the storm; and God grant it be so, because, religion being saved, we might hope in time to make good the other defects. He told me that the despatch of Giovanni Mariani's servant was merely by way of entertainment, that they might not be in suspense there because it was so long since they had received any news; but that in a word there has gone and will go no decision whatever without full information accorded to his Holiness of the reasons actuating his Majesty; and that in this business we reap the benefit of time by settling it only when constrained by necessity so to do, and with design no less mature than that of the Turk against us; and in particular he has told me that he is ordered to be with me one day to discuss the sheet which he gave me of late, point by point. “We shall see what the result will be; nor do I think that they are likely to make up their minds here very soon, because this movement on Alençon's part serves to shield their procrastination; besides which the advice which his Majesty has just received of the rout inflicted by the Sophy [on the Turk (fn. 5) ] will but serve to make him the more irresolute. “As to the 50,000 crowns he [Perez] told me that he had received order from his Majesty to speak resentfully to Garnicca: we shall see what the result will be, and meanwhile I shall stick to my stirrups.” 3 Nov., 1578. [Madrid.] Decipher. Italian.
Vat. Arch Nunt. di Francia, vol. xi. p. 378.	984. [Ptolemy Galli, Cardinal of Como] to [Protonotary] Dandino, Nuncio in France. “As regards the English business, which you think has been initiated and directed by Mgr. of Nazareth, the Pope is quite a stranger to it, having given the said Nazareth no direction whatever in regard thereof, or besides what you saw in his instructions. But if the business shall prove to be genuine, and if he purpose to treat thereof by word of mouth here, we shall very soon have light on the subject, for he cannot but be here in the course of two days. (fn. 6) The other business, English likewise, but matrimonial, his Holiness believes to be far indeed from the conclusion: still he is glad of the information given by you as to the one and the other; but much more glad would he be, had there been no occasion of mistrust between you and Mgr. of Nazareth. As to Ferrabosco (fn. 7) it will be well that you be at all possible pains to learn who the persons are, who, you write me, are in receipt of pensions from the Queen of England at Venice and here, and for whom the said Ferrabosco brings moneys into Italy; and likewise who is that gentleman of Correggio, because there are many such. His Holiness is gratified to learn that you are going to do your office with his Majesty in opposition to the business of establishing the commanderies, which his Holiness does not believe to be so far forward as you represent it, as he hears never a word about it from any other quarter, and it is a matter with which there should be no meddling without his Holiness' leave.” 3 Nov., 1578. [Rome.] Decipher. Italian.
Vat. Arch. Arm. xlii. vol. 36. f. 143. no. 488. Ibid. f. 145. no. 489.	985. Brief of Pope Gregory XIII extending and amplifying to the Archbishops of Sens and Reims, or their suffragans, faculties for the consecration of Englishmen to the Priesthood. 4 Nov., 1578. St. Peter's, Rome. Latin. Minute. Certified by Flavio, Cardinal Orsini. See the brief itself in Letters and Memorials of William Cardinal Allen (Rec. Engl. Cath. vol. ii.), p. 70. Brief of Pope Gregory XIII., granting to John White, Irish priest, faculty to absolve all penitents applying to him in the realm of Ireland of all sins, including those reserved to the Holy See and comprised in the Bull Coenae Domini, and likewise heresy and schism; with ample powers of granting dispensations in other matters. 4 Nov., 1578. St. Peter's, Rome. Latin. Minute. Certified by Flavio, Cardinal Orsini. Cf. Brady, Episcopal Succession, vol. ii. p. 70.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Francia, vol. xii. p. 463.	986. Protonotary Dandino, Nuncio in France to [Ptolemy Galli,] Cardinal of Como. “By my last, to wit, of the 2nd inst. I apprised you of the good resolution taken by the people of S. Homer (sic Saint Omer (fn. 8) ) to expel the heretics, and return altogether to the Catholic religion. Now by the most recent letters, which are from Arras of the 27th [of last month] we understand that likewise the people of that town have recovered their liberty after some days of tumult; for the insurgent heretics imprisoned the magistrates, and, to incite the people against them, sought to make believe that they were bent on surrendering the town to the French; which being proven false, they [the people] indicted the heretics upon writings which they found, proving the understanding that they had with those of Ghent and the English; and after four of them had been executed, the rest took to flight. It is understood, however, that the Count of Aganunte [sic Egmont (fn. 9) ], Alex (sic Hèze), Montigny (fn. 10) and Capri [Capres (fn. 11) ] are banded together for the re-establishment of the Catholic religion as soon as possible; and it is said here that to that end they have taken some companies into their pay; from all which we may derive good hope. The Catholic King's army, which now for some days has been out of the trenches, is, according to letters from Mons of the said date, to wit, the 27th [of last month] very near to that of the Estates; and it is deemed certain that they will soon be fighting. This is readily believed here also by reason of the will thereto, which, it was reported thence, was common to both armies; and likewise that that same day M. de Bussi [d'Amboise] had sent some one to the camp of the Estates to be certified of the matter, as he wished to be in the battle with those gentlemen that have remained with Monsieur in Mons. (fn. 12) This I believe to have emanated from Monsieur himself, as I have seen letters written thence to that effect; yet I have also understood from a good source that his Highness has reshaped and renewed the negotiation with the Estates, who give him to hope that they will make him Count of Hainault (fn. 13); and that he may address himself to return with twenty companies of foot; but this I venture not to affirm for truth, as I rather think that the season and the counterplot make it improbable. His Highness is still occupied with the business of the match with England, in which it is deemed certain that he is being fooled by the Queen and her Council; and his ministers are at great pains to find money somehow; which proves to be difficult, albeit he does not mind selling or pawning his lands; and he is allowed so to do by the King, from whom, I believe, much as he has craved it of his Majesty, he has never had any money, what I wrote you on the last of September as to the 100,000 crowns being still to be done; whereof I failed not to apprise Mgr. Nuncio in Spain, as likewise of all those matters which, for the maintenance of friendship between that King and this, it seemed to me necessary that he should know. As to his Highness there are divers opinions here. Some believe that he has now a good understanding with the King; and many, on the other hand, suspect that he has a better understanding with the Huguenots; who, being, it is believed, always intent on making mischief in this realm, and, to facilitate their designs, seeking to estrange as best they may, the hearts of the people from his Majesty, now by inducing him to propose new burdens, and again in other ways, will be on the look-out for a good opportunity of accomplishing their designs. For the most part it is deemed certain that his Highness, being so ill satisfied with the Flemings, and being without authority, without troops, and without money in those parts, must at last return to France; which he would do the sooner if he were tempted by the prospect of some gratification of his desires, either by the King appointing him lieutenant in the realm, or by the Catholic King making up his mind to the match with his daughter, (fn. 14) or in some other manner.” 7 Nov., 1578. Paris. Italian. Autograph.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Francia, vol. xii. f. 474.	987. James [Beaton], Archbishop of Glasgow to [Ptolemy Galli,] Cardinal of Como. Appealing to him to use his influence with the Pope in aid of the scheme for the abduction of the Prince of Scotland, and his education under the Cardinal's care at Rome; which scheme is not feasible without a subsidy, the means of the promoters being quite inadequate. Referring him for further information as to this and other Scottish affairs to Robert Hay, Archdeacon of Vaison. (fn. 15) 13 Nov., 1578. Paris. Latin.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Venet. vol. xix.	988. Alberto Bolognetti, Nuncio [at Venice] to [the Same]. “I was apprised by my predecessor of the intrigue to get an ambassador sent to England, (fn. 16) and I have also seen what you wrote me about it in your last letter, to wit, of the 8th inst.; and in consequence I have not failed, nor shall I fail, to be upon my guard. It seems that the intrigue has caught a chill by reason of the opposition of some gentlemen of much authority, who do not approve of offending his Holiness and other princes in this way; besides the scandal that would result if the Queen should in return have in Venice, as it is believable that she might, an ambassador that was an avowed heretic. I still deem it would be difficult to get an assurance in this respect, though persons of authority and weight, who put on an air of confidence, tell me that I may make my mind easy. Therefore, if I shall feel the least degree of suspicion, I shall take care to do my office in regard thereof with abundance of caution, missing no good opportunity of entering upon this topic…. “One of those with whom I have conversed touching this intrigue to get an ambassador sent to England is Mgr. Bishop of Brescia (fn. 17), ambassador resident that was at that Court in the time of King Edward; who to-day has sent me by way of confirmation a letter from him in which he uses these very words:—‘You may give the Pope assurance virtually absolute that in regard to this matter there will be no more deliberation.’ “I know that sometimes one is deluded in such matters by believing too much; nevertheless I think that Mgr. would have very good warrant for so writing, especially as he is pleased to be accounted the author, although he bids me forthwith consign his letter to the flames.” 15 Nov., 1578. Venice. Italian.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Portog. vol. i.	989. Robert Fontana, [Collector Apostolic] to [Ptolemy Galli,] Cardinal of Como. … “I likewise send the duplicate of that advice from Ireland (fn. 18) which I sent you; not omitting to remind you of what I wrote as to that furniture of the Mass, chalice and missal, which the Marquis took with him, a gift from the Pope; because, as there is no more going into those parts for him, his Holiness might deign to make thereof a grace to the Madonna of Loreto here, the shrine being subject to the Italian nation, which by such a gift would be greatly consoled, and animated stoutly to persevere in this work, holy as it is, and held in honour by the said nation.” 15 Nov., 1578. Lisbon. Italian.
Vat. Lib. Urb. Lat. 1046. f. 448d.	990. News Letter. … “The commissaries sent by the Estates General with the English ambassador (fn. 19) to the people of Ghent have returned without any result whatever; [the people] being obstinately determined to practise the religion of the perfidious Calvin, and to favour Casimir, who is in that city, and has all his forces in the neighbourhood. The Duke of Aerschot, marking the double-dealing of the Prince of Orange, who has also joined the people of Ghent, has made himself the chief of the Catholics.” 17 Nov., 1578. Antwerp. Italian.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Francia, vol. xii.	991. [Protonotary Dandino,] Nuncio in France to [Ptolemy Galli,] Cardinal of Como. “As to Monsieur the King's brother nothing more is known than that he continues to be dissatisfied with his sojourn in those countries, and with the affair with England; whither Simier (fn. 20) has not yet departed, but is still here awaiting the return of the King's mandatary to the Queen Mother. Which mandatary has meanwhile, they say, gotten from his Majesty a succour of 100,000 crowns for his Highness; who, many think, has at last made up his mind to return speedily to France, as the conclusion of the match is hardly credible, and without it his journey to those parts cannot come to pass. “I am informed that the Queen of England has penetrated the business which, as I understand, James Geraldine, on his arrival at Rome, is to discuss with the Pope; that she has likewise come to know all that he has accomplished with the Catholic King; and that she has not failed to express her resentment thereat to his Majesty's ambassador resident at her Court; which I have seen fit to write to you, deeming that to know it cannot but be gratifying to his Holiness.” 18 Nov., 1578. [Paris.] Italian.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Venet. vol. xix.	992. Alberto Bolognetti, Nuncio at Venice to [Ptolemy Galli,] Cardinal of Como. … “As I learned from a prelate that the business of the projected despatch of an ambassador to the Queen of England was still afoot, I deemed it well to say a word about it yesterday morning in College; evincing no distrust of the purpose of those gentlemen, nay rather expressing my gratification that those considerations which made for the service of God and the reputation of this Holy See had prevailed in their minds. The answer that I received was to the effect that in regard of this matter no decision had as yet been taken, and that the affair was not so unseemly as I assumed it to be; nay, the example of the other Princes, and in particular of France, was quoted to me, since the King's brother, by what was said, was about to wed that Queen; and when I replied that the procedures of this Republic had been and were of a kind that seemed to me by no means after the pattern of the affairs of France, as I prayed God the results might also be of a different pattern, someone said to me ‘Let us have done with France, and talk of the King of Spain and the Emperor.’ “Whereto I replied that the cases were not similar; since in this the question was not of continuing a wonted practice, but of making an innovation, which would occasion much remark by reason of the condition of the times, and would be fraught with no ordinary prejudice to the affairs of religion; and finally I testified at large to the grief which it would occasion to his Holiness. “His Serenity evinced surprise that this business of theirs should have been bruited abroad, and that also the progress made therein should have come to be known, regretting that so little secrecy should be observed in the handling of affairs.” 22 Nov., 1578. Venice. Italian.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Spagna, vol. xi.	993. [Philip Sega, Bishop of Piacenza,] Nuncio in Spain, to [the Same]. “As soon as I was able to discuss business with his Majesty, I resumed that of Geraldine; and we placed it on the footing that there should be given him the moneys that were in Lisbon, which amount to no more than 12,000 crowns, since 8,000 [of the 20,000] crowns were spent during the confusions that followed the death of the King in sending couriers and other persons to Portugal and elsewhere, and back again. And as Geraldine and all his men were in debt here, I have prevailed on his Majesty to give me a grace bestowing upon him in addition the 4,000 crowns that Montenegri (fn. 21) has offered for the title of Marquis; and order has been given to despatch the same, as I write in another letter; and I shall receive the 4,000 crowns, and give 3,000 thereof to Geraldine and 1,000 to Sander, who is determined to go with him; and his Majesty, at my instance, is content to let him go, since I have more hope in the prudence, judgment and much religion of this man than, I might almost say, in an entire army. I am now occupied with expediting the decisions preparatory to sending them as soon as possible; and I have apprised the collector and the commissary in Portugal of every thing, and I shall take care that affairs go as well as possible. God grant us better fortune in this than in the other matters that have been attempted in this business. Geraldine's boys will stay in my charge at Alcalá, and his wife he will take with him; for so it has seemed best, in order to stir the hearts of her kinsfolk when they see her.” 22 Nov., 1578. [Madrid.] Decipher. Italian.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Venet. vol. xx.	994. [Ptolemy Galli, Cardinal of Como] to Mgr. Bolognetti, Nuncio at Venice. … “Though you may be almost assured that the business of England is not likely to go further; nevertheless, as by reason of the chapter of accidents, it is to be feared that it might revive, you will be on the alert; and should suspicion arise, you will do your office as you write.” 22 Nov., 1578. [Rome.] Italian.
Vat. Lib. Urb. Lat. 1046. f. 456.	995. News Letter. … “The Flemish army has taken and sacked the town of Weert; which is a serious loss to the Catholics, as it was convenient for the supply of victuals from that region; and since then by order of the Estates the greater part of their troops have gone to the siege of Rormonde [Roermond], and declared that the English and Scottish reiters may make terms,since they got Deventer on terms, and suffered Colonel Polvellier [Polweiler], who held it for the Catholic King, to go free with arms and colours flying.” (fn. 22) 24 Nov., 1578. Antwerp. Italian.
Vat. Lib. Nunt. di Francia, vol. xii. p. 505.	996. Protonotary Dandini, Nuncio in France to [Ptolemy Galli,] Cardinal of Como. … “I learned yesterday that the gentleman sent to the Queen Mother about the negotiation of the match with England had returned; and that Simier (fn. 23) had gone to the King, purposing afterward to start on his journey thither to treat of concluding the match; of which there is daily less and less expectation, because that Queen is not inclined thereto, and there are some that have tidings thence from persons of consequence, that she will not allow a word to be said about concluding it until Monsieur has seen her face to face, and is satisfied with her person; which, as I have several times written, is manifestly a device to lure the Prince to those parts, whence he may not be able to return at his pleasure: but if it be true, as the said Simier said, and I wrote to you by my letters of the 10th inst., that his Highness is not to go there till after the affair is concluded, it will show that he has detected the deceit, and discovered the artifice. I doubt not that the King is displeased; and as it is known how little to the purpose would be the offices which his Majesty might do with him, the presence of the Queen [Mother] here is felt to be desirable, as she by her persuasions might have more influence and authority to effect the rupture of this affair with his Highness, and to lure him back from Flanders, where he still abides without reputation or satisfaction. In regard of these two points and the other matters which I have to discuss with the King, who to-day has returned to Paris, I, in the audience which I hope soon to have, shall not fail to say what I shall deem to be of service to his Holiness…. “An Englishman who calls himself Baron d'Acri (fn. 24) has visited me to let me know his great devotion to the Pope, and how obliged he is for his liberality. He has also desired me to crave of his Holiness, who, he says, already knows his mind and purpose as to English affairs, that he deign to employ him when he may be of service; for that after he has been in Spain, whither, he says, he purposes to go, he will return to this place as more convenient for the affairs of those parts. I have made enquiry about him of a person who knows those countries well; and I learn that he is a very Catholic and worthy man, but a person of little ability.” 26 Nov., 1578. Paris. Italian.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Spagna, vol. xi.	997. [Philip Sega, Bishop of Piacenza,] Nuncio in Spain to [the Same]. “One of Stucley's pages, who survived the slaughter in Africa, got away with all the writings of most importance, which by means of the ambassador of the Duke of Savoy, (fn. 25) who has behaved most honourably in this matter, I have recovered; and such as I deemed meet, and perhaps in some way serviceable, I have consigned to Dr. Sander, who has given me the enclosed, or rather underwritten petitions, which in his opinion must constrain the Pope to make some provision. Should you see fit to mention them to his Holiness, and send him [Sander] some decision, it might yet arrive in time; for, make what haste they may, I believe that they will not clear out of this place until the end of next week; and in my opinion it will be the middle of January before they depart from Lisbon. “Of the writings aforesaid, to wit, those despatched by his Holiness in the course of this business, only one, the brief raising [Stucley] to the marquisate, remains in my possession. At Lisbon there are two briefs for two Irish gentlemen, named respectively Onel [O'Neill] and Odonel [O'Donnell]. All the other briefs are in Sander's possession, and I have the receipt thereof.” 27 Nov., 1578. [Madrid.] Decipher. Italian. Petitions underwritten:—1. “That to all Irish bishops, who shall have joined the army and lived under the obedience of the Roman Church, there be given faculty of preaching, absolving in all cases, even the most reserved, and administering the Sacraments with power to subdelegate suitable men. 2. “That his Holiness approve and affirm the alienation to the use of this war of two images that belonged to St. Paul's church in the city of London; which images we received from the Duchess of Feria, on which in the meantime Mgr. Nuncio will borrow money. 3. “That when it shall be known that a prosperous beginning has been made in Ireland, and perchance reinforcements in men are not yet ready, an interim pecuniary aid be transmitted. 4. “And because, after the affair is begun, any delay in procuring money from elsewhere will be very detrimental to the cause, we entreat that in the meantime his Holiness order that at any rate some pecuniary aid be transmitted to us from Lisbon, or even from Spain, lest all be lost for lack of money.” Decipher. Latin.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. d'Inghilt. vol. i.	998. Bastian San di Joseppi to [Ptolemy Galli,] Cardinal of Como. Giving account of the manner in which he has done his duty in regard of the Italian soldiers who survived the woeful, but glorious fight (fn. 26) in Africa; some of whom are slaves, while others, to the number of sixty, slaves not included, owe their safety to sickness that kept them at Arzilla, all of whom, sick and sound alike, he, while at Cadiz, had to succour at great cost. (fn. 27) Reporting that the slaves pester him continually with letters, craving his advice, as they are very ill treated: as to which matter he craves some direction on the part of the Pope. Adding that from two Italian soldiers, who have escaped from Barbary, and made their way by Arzilla to Lisbon, he has learned who the slaves are, and received confirmation of the death of Stucley. Such arms and few munitions as he has he is keeping in good condition for his Holiness' service. 28 Nov., 1578. Lisbon. Italian. Autograph.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Venet. vol. xx.	999. [Ptolemy Galli, Cardinal of Como] to Mgr. Bolognetti, Nuncio at Venice. “Touching the particular business of England you have done well to speak thereof; and though it may be hoped that the Most Illustrious Signory will abandon such an idea, if perchance they had it, and refrain from giving such offence to the Pope, you will nevertheless be on your guard against whatever may happen.” 29 Nov., 1578. [Rome.] Italian.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. vol. i. d'Inghilt.	1000. [The Same] to Captain Bastiano San Joseffi. “The Pope is informed by letters of Mgr. Fontana of your journey to Cadiz and return to Lisbon after finding there and selling some horses that had belonged to Stucley. Now his Holiness says that with the said moneys, and those that shall be gotten for the other things that belonged to the said Stucley, the care of which, the said Mgr. writes, he has committed to you, there must first be paid Stucley s debt to the Reverend Chamber; and then the residue may be applied in payment of the other creditors, or it may be consigned to the heirs, as may be deemed best. “By my last letter, to wit, of the 26th of August, I wrote you, by order of his Holiness, bidding you take good care of the arms and munitions that remained in your custody, and fail not to be ready to start on the appointed expedition. “Now that the Marquis is dead, as likewise are almost all the soldiers that went with him, the Pope has not as yet decided what should be done. Order is therefore given to Mgr. Nuncio in Spain to confer with his Majesty, and decide on what will have to be done. You must therefore amuse yourself there at Lisbon until further order, either from his Holiness or from Mgr. Nuncio, by whose directions you must be guided in all matters, for such is the mind and behest of the Pope. And meanwhile you will not fail in your wonted diligence, as well in causing the said arms to be kept very clean and in good custody, as in keeping exact account of the moneys that you have in hand, and of your necessary expenditure. Our Lord keep you safe and ever prosper you!” 29 Nov., 1578. Rome. Italian.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. d'Inghilt. vol. i.	1001. [Ptolemy Galli, Cardinal of Como] to Don Bernardino de Mendoza [Spanish Ambassador in England]. “It is so especially my wont to answer all letters written to me, that having read yours of the 21st of September, (fn. 28) which reached me a few days ago, I marvel much how it is that I have omitted so to do in your case, as it has come to my knowledge that I have not answered yours of the 12th of April (fn. 29) which I received in the month of June. But indeed the fault has not been mine so much as that of the secretary to whom I gave the said letter, bidding him take care to answer it, as I could not myself remember everything by reason of my unintermittent engagements, and especially since you are in a Province with which we here have no correspondence whatever. “I have not as yet received the other letter which you say you wrote to me on the first of May. “That which you now write me in the matter of the privilege of Horatio Pallavicino (fn. 30) I at once communicated to his Holiness, who has already given the order necessary to provide the remedy, as you will readily learn from others.” 29 Nov., 1578. Rome. Italian.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Portog, vol. iii.	1002. [The Same] to Mgr. Fontana, Collector in Portugal. “His Majesty will probably by this time have ordered the effects of Stucley, of good memory, to be consigned to you or some other minister of his Holiness; and out of the moneys realised thereby there must first be paid the said Stucley's debts to the Reverend Chamber; and the residue must then be applied in satisfaction of the other creditors, or his heirs, as I have already written by my last letter. “As to the arms and other things which are in the possession of Captain Sebastiano San Josefo the directions of Mgr. Nuncio of Spain may be followed, as he will know whether it be possible to think of using them again, or no.” 29 Nov., 1578. [Rome.] Italian.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Francia, vol. xii. p. 511.	1003. Protonotary Dandini, Nuncio in France to [Ptolemy Galli,] Cardinal of Como. “The man (fn. 31) who was sent to the Queen Mother about the marriage of England by Monsieur, the King's brother, went hence to her Highness, and returned to go with Simier to those parts without delay; touching whose (fn. 32) consent divers opinions are expressed; still in many quarters, and those the best, it is affirmed that she is loath to give it, which being reasonable is also credible; and most people are still of opinion that the match will not be concluded.” 30 Nov., 1578. [Paris.] Italian. Enclosure.“As to the Pope's desire to know who are the persons in the pay of the Queen of England in Italy, I wrote you about him that is at Venice, who is either from Cantiano or from La Qualagna. I have a scheme for identifying him that is there, and him of Correggio also; and I shall let you know what I shall accomplish on the departure of that Scoré (sic), who, I wrote you, was to come for the same purpose, and who, to avoid recognition by the English, will not enter Rome. As to that Baron d'Acre (fn. 33) who, I wrote, was of little quality, it was in reference to valour and adherents, not to rank that I so said. “Il Negri (fn. 34) would be glad to be charged with some proposal to be made to M. d'Alençon to induce him to return, which he says, he will never consent to do save upon occasion of his satisfaction; and it seemed as if he meant to hint that he aimed at having, by accord with the Catholic King, some share in Flanders or in Italy; and as I have made it clear to him that the aim is too high, and there is no one that would deem it reasonable, we have come to the conclusion that, if the Pope would make over a sum of money to corrupt Busi, (fn. 35) for that is the key of the business, there would be on his part no lack of inclination to induce Monsieur to depart thence; and he at the same time, by means of the intrigues which he avows that he has in England and with Casimir,‖ would sow so much discord as would facilitate the matter, and would frustrate the league and all the rest of their designs. And it is our settled policy that at one and the same time I am to gain the mind of his Holiness; and he, on the other hand, is to try the course which he deems safe, relying upon the natural proneness of the French to corruption, and Busi's present need of money; which methods, if accompanied by promises and hopes, would be more efficacious. “As to the Spanish match, that M. d'Alençon's mind is totally averse to it I have this man's assurance; the more so, that he it was that in the name of his Highness besought the Queen Mother neither to speak nor to treat thereof. Still I comprehend that it is reasonable in itself; for should she crave some satisfaction of the Catholic King, she could not but deem that the greatest of all. “This Negri has also told me that the Pope should cause good care to be taken of Ancona, particularly on account of those Levantines in yellow turbans; and he has disclosed to me that there, by means of the Grand Turk, these heretics have the same design which, he hinted to me aforetime, they had on the State of his Holiness, to whom I so wrote. And he says that M. de Geraini, (fn. 36) one of the Cardinal of Bourbon's gentlemen, who will soon go to Constantinople as ambassador of the Most Christian King, will be charged by the King of Navarre, the Prince of Condé, and such people, and also by Casimir, to weave this stuff, rather by negotiation, I suppose, than by force. He perchance thinks to accompany him, and has promised to let me know all that shall be in negotiation. If this warning should prove to be well grounded, he would merit some recognition on the part of his Holiness, with whose favour he said that he desired to go serve M. d'Alençon, for no other reason than that, as that office must needs involve negotiation with the Queen of England, Casimir and other such people, he would be loath to be annoyed by finding the campaign perchance in Italy.” Decipher. Italian.