|
|
24 July.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
France.
208. Ferdinand and Isabella to De Puebla.
Have read all his letters up to the 25th of May.
Have offered peace to the new King of France, in which
the rights of the King of England are to be reserved in a
much more effective manner than has hitherto been usual.
The King of France, however, does not seem to care for the
peace, yet does not allege any reason. King Henry is
most probably right in what he has said respecting Brittany
and the other affairs. It would be a good thing to
lower a little the pretensions of the King of France, which
it would not be difficult to do, if Spain, England, and the
King of the Romans were to combine for that purpose. Even
Spain and England alone would suffice. Wish to know the
opinion of Henry on this subject. Are pleased to hear that
Henry will not make peace with France without including
Spain in it. He must take care that Spain and England
always make war or peace together.
After this had been written, the letters of the 1st and
6th of July arrived. |
Papal dispensation.
There is no duplicate of the bull dispensing with the consanguinity
of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Send a
copy. The bull dispensing with the age of the Prince and
Princess has likewise arrived. The manner in which the
marriage is to be performed, and the Princess to be sent
to England, are all the matters that remain to be settled. He
must do this, but make no haste.
Will soon satisfy his demands respecting Don Pedro de
Ayala.—Zaragoza, 24th July.
Spanish. Cipher. Deciphered by Johan Toyamo, Secretary
to De Puebla. pp. 3½. |
24 July.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
209. Ferdinand and Isabella.
Draft of the treaty of the 10th of July 1498, with a great
number of almost illegible corrections.
Latin. pp. 6.
Included in the letter of Ferdinand and Isabella to De
Puebla, dated Zaragoza, 24th July. 1498 |
25 July.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
Peace between
England and Scotland.
210. The Prothonotary, Don Pedro De Ayala, to Ferdinand
and Isabella.
It has been a very difficult task to conclude the peace
between Scotland and England, because the old enmity is
so great. It is a wonder that the peace is not already
broken. The King of Scots has borne the injustice committed
by the English only because the peace has been
made by Spain. The English have committed new murders
and robberies in Scotland, before satisfaction had
been given for the former murders. The King of Scots has
sent to England, and declared that, if satisfaction be not
given without further delay, he will not consider himself any
longer bound by the treaty of peace. While things were in
this state, Londoño and the Sub-prior arrived, on the 2d of
July, with their letters.
Promises to do all that is consistent with honesty to gratify
the King of Scots, and meanwhile to reconcile him with the
King of England.
Stays in London because his health is bad. Besides, it
would not be politic to go to Scotland now ; for the King
of Scots has repeatedly written to him that he only awaits
his return to take some decisive measures. Could not, if
he returned to Scotland, prevent the King from doing so.
Has been accused by a certain person of misconduct, but
such accusations will fall back on the accuser. |
Intrigues in
Catalonia.
Is asked how it came to pass that he had learnt news about
Catalonia from a person from Brittany. Said person is an
ecclesiastic, a great preacher, and a visitor of the Order of
St. Francis. He was, there is no doubt, commissioned to treat
with the King of England respecting the affairs of Brittany.
The reason why the King of France concluded the truce so
soon was, in order to be at liberty to intrigue with the Infants,
and to provoke a revolution in those parts of Spain. He would
thus have frustrated what they are now going to do. The
mediator was a Catalonian general, who is in Brittany. The
brother of this general has gone to Catalonia. Could not
learn anything more, because his informant had left England.
He is, however, expected soon to return. Though
Charles VIII. is dead now, it is always useful to know
these intrigues.
Obedient to their orders, sends them a description of the
King and the kingdom of Scotland. |
The King of Scots.
His knowledge of
languages.
"The King is 25 years and some months old. He is of
noble stature, neither tall nor short, and as handsome in
complexion and shape as a man can be. His address is
very agreeable. He speaks the following foreign languages ;
Latin, very well ; French, German, Flemish, Italian, and
Spanish ; Spanish as well as the Marquis, but he pronounces
it more distinctly. He likes, very much, to receive
Spanish letters. His own Scotch language is as different
from English as Aragonese from Castilian. The King speaks,
besides, the language of the savages who live in some parts
of Scotland and on the islands. It is as different from
Scotch as Biscayan is from Castilian. His knowledge of
languages is wonderful. He is well read in the Bible and
in some other devout books. He is a good historian. He
has read many Latin and French histories, and profited by
them, as he has a very good memory. He never cuts his
hair or his beard. It becomes him very well." |
He observes the
dictates of the
Church.
He speaks the
truth.
He is liberal
and courageous,
but
a bad captain.
He hunts in the
mountains,
is temperate, and
generally follows
the advice of his
counsellors.
"He fears God, and observes all the precepts of the
Church. He does not eat meat on Wednesdays and Fridays.
He would not ride on Sundays for any consideration, not
even to mass. He says all his prayers. Before transacting
any business he hears two masses. After mass he has a
cantata sung, during which he sometimes despatches very
urgent business. He gives alms liberally, but is a severe
judge, especially in the case of murderers. He has a great predilection
for priests, and receives advice from them, especially
from the Friars Observant, with whom he confesses. Rarely,
even in joking, a word escapes him that is not the truth.
He prides himself much upon it, and says it does not seem to
him well for Kings to swear their treaties as they do now.
The oath of a King should be his royal word, as was the
case in bygone ages. He is neither prodigal nor avaricious,
but liberal when occasion requires. He is courageous, even
more so than a King should be. I am a good witness of
it. I have seen him often undertake most dangerous things
in the last wars. I sometimes clung to his skirts, and
succeeded in keeping him back. On such occasions he does
not take the least care of himself. He is not a good captain,
because he begins to fight before he has given his orders.
He said to me that his subjects serve him with their persons
and goods, in just and unjust quarrels, exactly as he likes,
and that, therefore, he does not think it right to begin any
warlike undertaking without being himself the first in danger.
His deeds are as good as his words. For this reason, and
because he is a very humane prince, he is much loved. He is
active, and works hard. When he is not at war he hunts in
the mountains. I tell your Highnesses the truth when I say
that God has worked a miracle in him, for I have never seen
a man so temperate in eating and drinking out of Spain.
Indeed such a thing seems to be superhuman in these countries.
He lends a willing ear to his counsellors, and decides nothing
without asking them ; but in great matters he acts according to
his own judgment, and, in my opinion, he generally makes a
right decision. I recognize him perfectly in the conclusion
of the last peace, which was made against the wishes of the
majority in his kingdom." |
Love intrigues.
He has a high
opinion of himself,
and likes war.
"When he was a minor he was instigated by those who
held the government to do some dishonourable things. They
favoured his love intrigues with their relatives, in order
to keep him in their subjection. As soon as he came of
age, and understood his duties, he gave up these intrigues.
When I arrived, he was keeping a lady with great state
in a castle. He visited her from time to time. Afterwards
he sent her to the house of her father, who is a knight, and
married her. He did the same with another lady, by whom
he had had a son. It may be about a year since he gave
up, so at least it is believed, his lovemaking, as well
from fear of God as from fear of scandal in this world,
which is thought very much of here. I can say with truth
that he esteems himself as much as though he were Lord of
the world. He loves war so much that I fear, judging by the
provocation he receives, the peace will not last long. War is
profitable to him and to the country." |
Revenues.
"I will give an account of his revenues. Although I do
not know them to a certainty, I do not think that I shall
be far wrong. I shall estimate them a little below their real
amount." |
Crown land.
"He has a revenue from arable and pasture lands, which
are let by leases of three years. The farmers pay a fine upon
entry. This rent is said to amount to 50,000 pounds Scotch,
each pound Scotch being worth one Castiliano. I rather
believe that it amounts to 40,000 ducats." |
Customs.
Administration of
justice.
"Another revenue is that from the customs. The import
duties are insignificant, but the exports yield a considerable
sum of money, because there are three principal articles of
export, that is to say, wool, hides, and fish. The customs
are worth about 25,000 ducats a year. They have much
increased, and will continue to increase. Another revenue is
that derived from the administration of the law. His predecessors
farmed it to certain persons called justices (justiciarios),
like our coregidores. This King does not like to farm
the administration of the law, because justice is not well
administered in that way. It is said that this revenue
amounts to more than 30,000 ducats, but I will put it down
at only 25,000 ducats." |
Wardships.
"He has another revenue from his wards, which is very
considerable, and which offers good opportunities for rewarding
his servants. If lords, or gentlemen of the middle class, in
whateverpart of the kingdom they may be, die and leave children
under 22 years of age, the King is the guardian of them. He
receives all their revenues till they come of age. He lets or
sells such guardianships. He even sells the marriages of his
wards, male and female. When the ward comes of age, and
the King gives him the title of his father, or brother, or
testator, he pays the amount of one or two years' rent, or any
other sum that is agreed upon, into the exchequer of the
King. I am told that this is the richest source of revenue,
but I will estimate it at only 20,000 ducats." |
Vacant bishoprics,
&c.
"He enjoys one year's revenue from the bishoprics and
abbacies for the presentation. He likewise receives all the
revenues of them during the vacancy of the see. The same
is the case with respect to other livings, for they are all in
his gift. I do not know to how much this amounts." |
Fisheries.
"He has a rent from the fisheries, not in money, but in
kind, for his kitchen, and likewise from meat and poultry, &c.
This is his income, according to what I have been able to
ascertain, and to what I have seen. He is in want of nothing,
judging from the manner in which he lives, but he is not able
to put money into his strong boxes. I shall speak hereafter
of this." |
Scotland.
Its extent.
The people are not
industrious, but
have improved.
The country is large. Your Highnesses know that these
kingdoms form an island. Judging by what I have read in
books and seen on maps, and also by my own experience, I
should think that both kingdoms are of equal extent. In the
same proportion that England is longer than Scotland, Scotland
is wider than England ; thus the quantity of land is the same.
Neither is the quality very different in the two countries, but
the Scotch are not industrious, and the people are poor. They
spend all their time in wars, and when there is no war they
fight with one another. It must, however, be observed that
since the present King succeeded to the throne they do not dare
to quarrel so much with one another as formerly, especially since
he came of age. They have learnt by experience that he executes
the law without respect to rich or poor. I am told that
Scotland has improved so much during his reign that it is
worth three times more now than formerly, on account of
foreigners having come to the country, and taught them how
to live. They have more meat, in great and small animals,
than they want, and plenty of wool and hides. |
Commerce.
Spaniards who live in Flanders tell me that the commerce
of Scotland is much more considerable now than formerly, and
that it is continually increasing. |
Fish.
Fruit.
Corn.
It is impossible to describe the immense quantity of fish.
The old proverb says already 'piscinata Scotia.' Great quantities
of salmon, herring, and a kind of dried fish, which
they call stock fish (stoque fix), are exported. The quantity
is so great that it suffices for Italy, France, Flanders, and
England. They have so many wild fruits which they eat,
that they do not know what to do with them. There are
immense flocks of sheep, especially in the savage portions or
Scotland. Hides are employed for many purposes. There are
all kinds of garden fruits to be found which a cold country can
produce. They are very good. Oranges, figs, and other fruits
of the same kind are not to be found there. The corn is
very good, but they do not produce as much as they might,
because they do not cultivate the land. Their method is the
following : they plough the land only once when it has grass
on it, which is as high as a man, then they sow the corn, and
cover it by means of a harrow, which makes the land even again.
Nothing more is done till they cut the corn. I have seen the
straw stand so high after harvest, that it reached to my girdle.
Some kind of corn is sown about the Feast of St. John, and
is cut in August. |
The Scots are
hospitable,
ostentatious,
courageous and
envious.
The people are handsome. They like foreigners so much
that they dispute with one another as to who shall have
and treat a foreigner in his house. They are vain and
ostentatious by nature. They spend all they have to keep
up appearances. They are as well dressed as it is possible to
be in such a country as that in which they live. They are
courageous, strong, quick, and agile. They are envious to
excess. |
Four duchies.
Counties.
There are four duchies in the kingdom. Three of them
are in the possession of the King ; the fourth is held by the
eldest brother of the King, who is Duke of Ross and Archbishop
of St. Andrew's. There are fifteen Earls, not counting
the younger brother of the King, who holds two counties.
Nine other counties are in possession of the King. Some of
the fifteen Earls are great men. I saw two of them come
to serve the King in the last war with more than 30,000
men, all picked soldiers and well-armed. And yet they did
not bring more than one half of their men. Many others
came with five or six thousand followers ; some with more,
and some with less. As I have already observed, this army
does not cost the King a penny. |
Principalities.
There are two principalities ; one of them is the principatus
insularum, and the other the principatus Gallividiae." (fn. 1)
Both are held by the King. There are five-and-thirty great
barons in the kingdom, without counting the smaller ones. |
Archbishoprics, &c.
Seaports.
"There are two archbishoprics and eleven bishoprics,
63 monasteries, which they call abbeys, and many other
religious houses, which are endowed with property and rents.
The abbeys are very magnificent, the buildings fine, and the
revenues great. All of them were founded by Kings. There
are seventy seaports. The harbours between the islands are
not included in this number, though they are said to be very
secure. |
Islands.
Sixty-four of the islands are inhabited. Some of them are
60 miles long, and as many miles in width. Besides, there
are the Orcades towards Norway. It is said they are very
numerous.
On the islands there are many flocks, and great quantities
of fish and of barley. The inhabitants are very
warlike and agile. I saw them in the last war. They
do not know what danger is. The present King keeps them
in strict subjection. He is feared by the bad, and loved and
revered by the good like a god. None of the former Kings
have succeeded in bringing the people into such subjection
as the present King. He went last summer to many of the
islands, and presided at the courts of law. |
Government.
The prelates are very much revered ; they have the larger
share in the Government. Spiritual as well as secular
Lords, if they have a title or a dignity, belong to the General
Council. It meets four times a year in order to administer
justice. It is a very good institution. All causes are decided
after debating them. At the same time the King receives his
revenues derived from the administration of the law. Both
spiritual and secular lords have a certain number of followers,
recorded in the books of the King, who are entitled to have
their meals in the palace when they come to court. They have
no other advantages. The King selects some of them for his
Privy Council, and they always remain at court. They receive,
nevertheless, no salary, except for other offices which they
may happen to hold. But they and their servants eat in the
palace. The reason why they do so is, that the King may
be always accompanied by them. It causes great expense. |
Court.
The Kings live little in cities and towns. They pass their
time generally in castles and abbeys, where they find lodgings
for all their officers. They do not remain long in one place.
The reason thereof is twofold. In the first place, they move
oftenabout, in order to visit their kingdom, to administer justice,
and to establish police where it is wanted. The second reason
is, that they have rents in kind in every province, and they wish
to consume them. While travelling, neither the King nor any
of his officers have any expenses, nor do they carry provisions
with them. They go from house to house, to lords,
bishops, and abbots, where they receive all that is necessary.
The greatest favour the King can do to his subjects is to go
to their houses. |
Women.
The women are courteous in the extreme. I mention
this because they are really honest, though very bold. They
are absolute mistresses of their houses, and even of their
husbands, in all things concerning the administration of their
property, income as well as expenditure. They are very
graceful and handsome women. They dress much better than
here (England), and especially as regards the head-dress, which
is, I think, the handsomest in the world. |
Houses.
The towns and villages are populous. The houses are
good, all built of hewn stone, and provided with excellent
doors, glass windows, and a great number of chimneys. All
the furniture that is used in Italy, Spain, and France, is to
be found in their dwellings. It has not been bought in modern
times only, but inherited from preceding ages. |
Fortified towns.
Army.
French habits and
language.
Army.
Artillery.
The Queens possess, besides their baronies and castles,
four country seats, situated in the best portions of the kingdom,
each of which is worth about fifteen thousand ducats.
The King fitted them up anew only three years ago. There
is not more than one fortified town in Scotland, because the
Kings do not allow their subjects to fortify them. The town
is a very considerable borough and well armed. The whole
soil of Scotland belongs to the King, the landholders being his
vassals, or his tenants for life, or for a term of years. They
are obliged to serve him forty days, at their own expense,
every time he calls them out. They are very good soldiers.
The King can assemble, within thirty days, 120,000 horse.
The soldiers from the islands are not counted in this number.
The islands are half a league, one, two, three, or four leagues
distant from the main land. The inhabitants speak the
language, and have the habits of the Irish. But there is
a good deal of French education in Scotland, and many speak
the French language. For all the young gentlemen (fn. 2) who
have no property go to France, and are well received there,
and therefore the French are liked. Two or three times I
have seen, not the whole army, but one-third of it assembled,
and counted more than twelve thousand great and small tents.
There is much emulation among them as to who shall be best
equipped, and they are very ostentatious and pride themselves
very much in this respect. They have old and heavy artillery
of iron. Besides this, they possess modern French guns of
metal, which are very good. King Louis gave them to the
father of the present King in payment of what was due to
him as co-heir of his sister, the Queen of Scotland. |
Geographical position
of Scotland.
It is easily
defended.
This is all I am able to tell your Highnesses. Now, I
shall describe where Scotland is situated, and by what
countries she is surrounded. She borders on England by
land, and by sea on Brittany, France, Flanders, Germany,
Denmark, Norway, and Ireland. She is surrounded by these
countries. Scotland is powerful enough to defend herself
against her neighbours should any one of them attack her
without fear of God. No King can do her damage without
suffering greater damages from her, that is to say, in a war on
land; for they know that on the sea there are many Kings more
powerful than they are, although they possess many fine vessels.
On land they think themselves the most powerful kingdom
that exists ; for they say the King of Scots has always a
hundred thousand men ready to fight, and they are always
paid. Towards the west there is no land between Scotland
and Spain. Scotland is nearer to Spain than London, and
the voyage is not dangerous. Scotland has succoured most
of her neighbours. With respect to France and Flanders this
is notorious. The Dukes of Burgundy wear the "tan of
St. Andrew," in memory of the succour which Scotland sent
to Duke [blank]. Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland.
On the other hand, Scotland has never wanted foreign
assistance. There is as great a difference between the Scotland
of old time and the Scotland of to-day as there is between
bad and good, as I have already written." |
Alliance between
Spain and Scotland.
Is afraid his description of Scotland may appear partial ;
his intention, however, is to tell the truth. Feels himself
the more obliged to do so when he considers what may happen.
If the third daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella (fn. 3) be not yet
engaged, it would be a service to God to marry her to the
King of Scots. He would be always a faithful ally, near at
hand, and ready to assist, without causing any inconvenience
to Spain. The kingdom is very old, and very noble, and the
King possesses great virtues, and no defects worth mentioning. |
The Scots are not
rich.
"His kingdom and his subjects are not rich ; the fault of
which is not owing to the land. But, on the other hand,
they are not so poor but that they live as well as others
who are much richer ; only they have nothing to put into
their strong boxes." |
Marriage of the
King of Scots to
the daughter of
Henry VII.
Opinion of Henry
respecting it.
King Henry asked Londoño and the Sub-prior of Santa Cruz
what instructions they had brought him respecting the affairs
of Scotland. Afterwards he addressed the same questions to
De Puebla. As none of them were able to give a satisfactory
answer, the King at last asked him. Said that he was
ordered by all means to bring the marriage of the King of
Scots with an English Princess to a speedy conclusion if
negotiations respecting such a marriage were pending. The
marriage seemed to be necessary for the preservation of peace.
Has never seen a man more content and cheerful than
the King of England when he heard this communication.
After having expressed his thanks, the King said the following
words :—"I am really sorry that I have not a daughter or
a sister for him ; for I have loved him most sincerely since the
conclusion of the peace ; not to mention that he is my
relative. He has behaved very well towards me. I wish
to see him as prosperous as myself. But I have already
told you, more than once, that a marriage between him and
my daughter has many inconveniences. She has not yet
completed the ninth year of her age, and is so delicate and
weak (fn. 4) that she must be married much later than other
young ladies. Thus it would be necessary to wait at least
another nine years. Besides my own doubts, the Queen
and my mother are very much against this marriage. They
say if the marriage were concluded we should be obliged
to send the Princess directly to Scotland, in which case they
fear the King of Scots would not wait, but injure her, and
endanger her health. Therefore I do not wish you to
trouble yourself about this affair. But if you have power to
do so, you may negotiate the other business, which I have
very much at heart. Indeed, nothing could be more
agreeable to me than it." The King explained to him all
the reasons why he wished it so much. "If their Highnesses,"
he said, "who are already masters of the whole of Spain,
had their three daughters married here near each other, they
would want no other alliance, and would be able always
to preserve peace, which otherwise would not last a single
year, the dispositions of the English and Scots being so
averse from it." |
Jealousy of the
English.
The daughter of Henry is, in fact, very young, and very
small for her years. There is, therefore, no other means
of securing the peace but by the marriage of the Infanta
Maria to the King of Scots. The English wish for this
marriage ; but, on the other hand, they are jealous, and dislike
the idea of the Scotch having the same honour as they have.
The King alone, as being more intelligent, and not a pure
Englishman, does not share this jealousy.
An answer in the negative would produce a very bad effect
in Scotland. Intends, therefore, to remain in London, and to
write to the King of Scots that his last instructions from
Spain referred him to former instructions sent by the ambassador
who was drowned. (fn. 5) That would give him a good
pretext for waiting till he receives new instructions. Time
would be gained by this, and the whole affair could be
reconsidered.
Thanks for the dignity of Segovia conferred upon him, and
asks for a new archdeaconry. |
Discoveries in
America.
Fleet sent out by
Henry.
"I think your Majesties have already heard that the King
of England has equipped a fleet in order to discover certain
islands and continents which he was informed some people
from Bristol, who manned a few ships for the same purpose
last year, had found. I have seen the map which the discoverer
has made, who is another Genoese, like Columbus,
and who has been in Seville and in Lisbon, asking assistance
for his discoveries. The people of Bristol have, for the last
seven years, sent out every year two, three, or four light ships
(caravelas), in search of the island of Brazil and the seven
cities, according to the fancy of this Genoese. The King
determined to send out (ships), because, the year before, they
brought certain news that they had found land. His fleet
consisted of five vessels, which carried provisions for one year.
It is said that one of them, in which one Friar Buil went, has
returned to Ireland in great distress, the ship being much
damaged. The Genoese has continued his voyage. I have seen,
on a chart, the direction which they took, and the distance
they sailed ; and I think that what they have found, or what
they are in search of, is what your Highnesses already possess.
It is expected that they will be back in the month of September.
I write this because the King of England has often spoken to
me on this subject, and he thinks that your Highnesses will
take great interest in it. I think it is not further distant
than four hundred leagues. I told him that, in my opinion,
the land was already in the possession of your Majesties ; but
though I gave him my reasons, he did not like them. I
believe that your Highnesses are already informed of this
matter ; and I do not now send the chart or mapa mundi
which that man has made, and which, according to my
opinion, is false, since it makes it appear as if the land in
question was not the said islands." (fn. 6) |
Riches of the King
of England.
Decrease of commerce.
"The King of England is less rich than is generally said.
He likes to be thought very rich, because such a belief is
advantageous to him in many respects. His revenues are
considerable, but the custom house revenues, as well as the
land rents, diminish every day. As far as the customs are
concerned, the reason of their decrease is to be sought in
the decay of commerce, caused partly by the wars, but much
more by the additional duties imposed by the King. There
is, however, another reason for the decrease of trade, that is
to say, the impoverishment of the people by the great taxes
laid on them. The King himself said to me, that it is his
intention to keep his subjects low, because riches would only
make them haughty. The rents of the domains which he
has confiscated to the Crown have much diminished. The
reason is, that the lords had administrations." (fn. 7) |
Character of
Henry VII.
His crown is, nevertheless, undisputed, and his government
is strong in all respects. He is disliked, but the Queen beloved,
because she is powerless. They love the Prince as much as
themselves, because he is the grandchild of his grandfather.
Those who know him love him also for his own virtues. The
King looks old for his years, but young for the sorrowful life
he has led. One of the reasons why he leads a good life (fn. 8) is
that he has been brought up abroad. He would like to
govern England in the French fashion, but he cannot. He is
subject to his Council, but has already shaken off some, and
got rid of some part of this subjection. Those who have
received the greatest favours from him are the most discontented.
He knows all that. The King has the greatest
desire to employ foreigners in his service. He cannot do so ;
for the envy of the English is diabolical, and, I think,
without equal. He likes to be much spoken of, and to be
highly appreciated by the whole world. He fails in this,
because he is not a great man. Although he professes many
virtues, his love of money is too great." |
Princess of Wales.
"He spends all the time he is not in public, or in his
Council, in writing the accounts of his expenses with his own
hand. He desires nothing more in this world than the
arrival of the Princess of Wales in England. Though it is
not my business to give advice, I take the liberty to say that
it would be a good thing if she were to come soon, in order
to accustom herself to the way of life in this country and to
learn the language. On the other hand, when one sees and
knows the manners and the way of life of this people in this
island, one cannot deny the grave inconveniences of her coming
to England before she is of age. Your Highnesses know
the reasons. They are many. But the Princess can only be
expected to lead a happy life through not remembering those
things which would make her less enjoy what she will find
here. It would, therefore, still be best to send her directly,
and before she has learnt fully to appreciate our habits of
life and our government." |
The mother of the
King.
"The King is much influenced by his mother and his followers
in affairs of personal interest and in others. The Queen, as
is generally the case, does not like it. There are other persons
who have much influence in the government, as, for instance,
the Lord Privy Seal, the Bishop of Durham, the Chamberlain,
and many others." |
Scotland.
Thinks that he will be obliged to give a decisive answer to
the King of Scots, as soon as he returns to Scotland. Doubts
whether Ferdinand and Isabella have treated the affairs of
Scotland with their wonted caution. The King of Scots
firmly believes that he shall marry one of their daughters.
The refusal will most probably offend him. Promises to do
his best to influence the King of Scots according to their
orders.—London, 25th July.
Indorsed : "To their Highnesses, 1498. From Don Pedro
Ayala, 25th July '98."
The greater portion of this letter is in cipher, which is
deciphered by Almazan, First Secretary of State.
Spanish. |
25 July.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
211. Pedro De Ayala to Miguel Perez Almazan, First
Secretary of State to Ferdinand and Isabella.
Has received his letter. It is the more welcome, because
he has not had from him, during a whole year and one
month, more than a single line in writing.
Is very glad that his long letters are so much appreciated
in Spain, for he had been afraid of tiring the King and Queen
with all the details which he had given them. |
Salary.
Don Martin.
Thanks for his promise to provide him with money. Has
kept six servants and eight horses, but this is scarcely sufficient,
as he is obliged to go so often from the one kingdom to
the other, and to send so many messengers. His salary is
32/3 ducats a day. Don Martin (fn. 9) lived for a long time in his
house, keeping two horses and six servants. Paid everything
for Don Martin, and kept his servants after his death. His
salary has not been paid for the last sixteen months.
Two of his servants were slain on the road, and are buried
in Scotland. Four were slain in the wars, and three more
are wounded.
Has written very often about everything that has happened
in England and Scotland. Does not know whether his letters
have been received. |
De Ayala
expected in
Scotland.
Does not intend to return to Scotland until he has got an
answer from Spain. The King of Scots expects him daily.
Does not ask new favours, but would accept them if conferred
upon him. Would like to have the archdeanery
which Don Martin formerly held. Begs for a piece of land in
the Vega that he may build a hermitage on the spot where his
brother was killed. Thanks for the dignity of Segovia, and is
astonished that the archdeanery in that town should have
been given to another.
Pasamonte has rendered him good services ; wishes to retain
him in England.
Has been obliged to buy many things in England. Thinks
them very dear. Wishes his outlay to be repaid him. |
Sends a present.
There are some good things in England. Does not offer
him hawks and greyhounds, because he is occupied with
ciphers, and not with hunting ; but will send him "acaneas" (fn. 10)
and sprouts.
Is in great want of money. Writes about everything that
happens, because sometimes things the most insignificant in
appearance are very important in fact. Has done nothing to
raise hopes in the King of Scots since the first promises which
he had given him. The friendship of the King of Scots is
important to England and Spain. Londoño and the Sub-prior
have left for Flanders.—London, 25th of July.
Addressed : "To the most noble and virtuous Señor Miguel
Perez Almazan, Secretary to the King and Queen of
Spain, and of their Council."
Indorsed : "To me, from the Prothonotary, P. de Ayala,
25 July '98."
Spanish. Holograph. pp. 10. |
July (?)
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 5. f. 63. |
212. Anonymous Letter to De Puebla.
The proceedings against the Scotch clergyman are continued,
not so much in order to punish him for his slaying
the Englishman, as in order to obtain money from his brother,
who has already paid more than 200l. Begs to inform King
Ferdinand of the covetousness of the English officers of law.
[Marginal note, written apparently by De Puebla :—]
Has done all in his power to prevent the execution of the
Scotch clergyman, because it would reflect dishonour on the
Spanish embassy if a person belonging to it were executed.
The clergyman will be transferred from the secular to the
ecclesiastical prison, and means will be found to arrange the
whole affair.—No date. No signature.
Spanish. Holograph. p. 1. |