Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 5, 1534-1554. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1873.
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'Venice: October 1553, 1-15', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 5, 1534-1554, (London, 1873) pp. 413-426. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol5/pp413-426 [accessed 25 April 2024]
October 1553, 1–15
| Oct. 1. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. | 797. Cardinal Pole to Pope Julius III. |
|---|---|
| Wrote to the Pope on the 28th [September], the day before his departure from the Island of the Lake of Garda, and arrived today at Trent, being greeted and received by the Cardinal Bishop with all love and courtesy. On the road, near Trent, was overtaken by a courier despatched express by his secretary Fiordibello from Brussels on the 24th ultimo, having come in six days, and bringing him letters from the first messenger sent by him to England [Henry Penning], the same who brought him the briefs of his first legation; the copies of which letters, translated ad verbum from the English, the Pope will receive with this present; nor has he anything more to say on this subject, save to congratulate his Holiness on the excellent will and disposition clearly evinced by the Queen through her demand for absolution. Her Majesty having given this hint, Pole, in accordance with the license (licenza) given him by the Pope in this matter, will write to her that this same demand having been already made of his Holiness in her name [by Commendone ?], he wrote to ole that he Pwould by all means (in ogni modo) grant her this consolation, proceeding however with the utmost secrecy in compliance with her desire; and that her Majesty may thus remain with her conscience perfectly at ease (sicurissima in conscientia), as the Lord God sees her heart, she having also heard the will of his Vicar through his Legate; but that Pole will nevertheless endeavour to obtain the absolution in writing, keeping it in his own possession, and giving notice of it to the Queen by this third messenger, whom he purposes despatching express immediately, by so much the more willingly as he has now received this reply, and to comfort the Queen respecting her pious wish. Has not yet translated the Queen's letter into Italian, but, when translated, will send a copy of it as he did of the others, that the Pope (should he please) may see in detail what he wrote. (fn. 1) The particulars of these letters have not been communicated by him—nor will he communicate them—to any persons save those employed by him for writing. Has merely said, as he will continue doing for the future to those who shall ask him the substance of what his messenger wrote to him, that he found the Queen excellently and piously disposed towards God and his Church, and especially towards Pole himself individually. Will not weary the Pope further, as the rest of the information he has to give him will be contained in a letter he is writing to the Cardinal del Monte; and with all due reverence he kisses the Pope's feet, praying God long to preserve and prosper him for the benefit of his holy Church. | |
| From Trent, 1st October 1553. | |
| P.S.—Is compelled to remain at Trent tomorrow, to despatch a messenger express to England with letters to the Queen, in reply to what Her Majesty wishes about [spiritual] consolation, as the Pope has heard; and he simultaneously gives the Queen notice of this new office enjoined him, to endeavour to make peace between the Emperor and France, so that he necessarily has an opportunity for approaching England, which he hopes she will be glad to hear, her mind being bent, as it is, on treating at any rate in this present Parliament, the repeal of the iniquitous laws introduced into the realm, amongst which this one of the Supremacy is the chief. Pole exhorts her to the utmost thus to do in this third letter, which he has already written to her, as the Pope (should he please) can see. Hopes it will become more and more manifest daily that God inspired the Pope to give him this new appointment; and should it not prove as efficacious with the sovereigns as desired, though he will not quite despair of some road being opened by the Almighty to the honour of his Holiness, yet at any rate it may be hoped that by this journey Pole will be enabled greatly to benefit the first design. | |
| Pole also purposes despatching his Abbot [of San Saluto] from Trent to France. | |
| From Trent, 1st October 1553. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| Oct. 1. MS. St. Mark's Library. Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. | 798. Cardinal Pole to Cardinal del Monte. |
| Wrote to the Pope on the 28th ultimo, and departed from the Isola del Lago de Garda on the morrow. Arrived today at Trent, where the Cardinal Bishop received him most lovingly and with every sort of courtesy. Has sent one of his attendants express to France with letters of credence to the most Christian King, to the Constable [Anne Duke de Montmorency], to the Cardinal of Lorraine [Charles de Guise, Archbishop of Rheims], to the Cardinal Legate [Gieronimo Capodiferro], and to Cardinal Farnese, acquainting them with this new office, assigned him by the Pope, and with his wish to be with the King of France immediately after having seen the Emperor, to carry out his Holiness's pious and holy wish to conclude the peace, for the general benefit of all Christendom. Pole thought it advisable to do this, both to show that the King of France was held in due account, and also to prove that this legation has not been appointed solely for appearance and as an introduction to the other, but from the Pope's wish to attempt the accomplishment of so salutary a measure by several means. (fn. 2) In order to send off this express, Pole is obliged to remain at Trent during tomorrow, and will then continue his journey with speed. Will not say anything more to Cardinal del Monte about the advices from England, referring himself to what he is writing on the subject to the Pope. | |
| From Trent, 1st October 1553. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| Oct. 2. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. | 799. Cardinal Pole to Henry II., King of France. |
| Through the many and constant good offices performed by the Pope with his Majesty and the Emperor, exhorting them both to make peace, the King of France will have understood his just and pious desire to obtain this grace from God and their Majesties; and his Holiness, persevering more and more daily in this holy purpose, not choosing to omit any means for obtaining so great a benefit for Christendom—and especially for their Majesties and their kingdoms —and having thought fit to recall the two Legates [Capodiferro and Dandino], hitherto resident with their Majesties, has been pleased to make choice of Pole, appointing him Legate to both one and the other of them at the same time to this effect. Being now on his way to their Majesties with all speed, has thought it his duty to send the Abbot of San Saluto (fn. 3) in advance with this letter, for presentation to the King of France. Requests his Majesty to give him audience and credence for the statement which he will make in Pole's name. In the meanwhile, Pole will not cease praying God to grant him the grace to be a good and able instrument for this so salutary a work, for the honour of God and general benefit of all Christendom. | |
| From Trent, 2nd October 1553. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| Oct. 2. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. | 800. Cardinal Pole to the Constable of France [Anne de Montmorency]. |
| The Pope has given him this new appointment of Legate for the peace, to the Emperor and the most Christian King. Would that it were possible for him to be with both their Majesties at one and the same time; but being already on his way to Flanders, he has thought fit in the meanwhile to send the bearer of the present letter, the Abbot of S. Saluto, to his Majesty. Has desired the Abbot to avail himself of the Constable's mediation and favour, for his communications with the King, on which he relies for the promotion of a work so beneficial for all Christendom. | |
| From Trent, 2nd October 1553. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| Oct. 2. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. | 801. Cardinal Pole to the Cardinal of St. George [Gieronimo Capodiferro, Legate in France]. |
| Immediately on being informed of the new legation assigned him by the Pope and the Sacred College, he proceeded on his way towards Flanders with all speed; and in the meanwhile is sending the Abbot of San Saluto to his Majesty. The Abbot is the bearer of the present letter, and Pole has desired him to apply to the Cardinal of St. George, for such information and suggestions as may be anticipated from his prudence and experience of the business. | |
| From Trent, 2nd October. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| Oct. 2. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. | 802. Cardinal Pole to Cardinal Farnese. |
| Cardinal Farnese assures Pole, in his most affectionate letter, that the grief caused him by the dire catastrophe (dell' acerbissimo caso) which befell his brother Duke Oratio, was somewhat mitigated by what he heard of the prosperous events in England. Pole in like manner heard the two events simultaneously, and the deep regret felt by him for the one for a long while modified his joy for the other, to the surprise of those who were with him at the time; and if he has so long delayed endeavouring to console the Cardinal and himself, it was not from lack of his constant wish to do so, nor from his having failed frequently to make the attempt. This involuntary silence is now followed by the great satisfaction derived by Pole from the expression of the Cardinal's sincere affection, and his belief that it is reciprocated. Pole also rejoices to hear from him how much the prosperous and miraculous events in England have gratified the King of France, on account of the service of God and of the Church, as he had heard through another channel. Is very certain that the Cardinal does his utmost to encourage the King to use his great authority in England, for the advantage of the cause of God and of his Church. Would wish to see the Emperor and the King united in so glorious an undertaking. Will endeavour with all his might to exhort them accordingly; and the legation [in England] assigned him by the Pope, will render it necessary for him to confer with their Majesties, concerning which he wrote lately to Cardinal Farnese and to the Cardinal of Lorraine. | |
| From the monastery “del Isola,” 28th October (sic) [28th September ?] 1553. | |
| Delayed sending the foregoing letter, that he might be able to write more positively about his departure towards Flanders, which decision has arrived unexpectedly, the Pope having now assigned him this new legation for the purpose of endeavouring to make the peace; so he immediately commenced the journey, and after having been with the Emperor, will proceed forthwith to the Court of France. In the meanwhile, is sending his Abbot (mio Abbate) [Parpaglia] to the King, and has charged him expressly to take the Cardinal's prudent and loving counsel, on which Pole relies much by reason of Farnese's great experience in similar negotiations. | |
| From Trent, 2nd October 1553. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| Oct. 2. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. No date in MS. | 803. Cardinal Pole to the Nuncio [Prospero] (fn. 4) Santa Croce [in France]. |
| The Pope having assigned him this new charge to continue the negotiation for peace between the Sovereigns, and being already on his way to the Emperor, he has determined to send his Abbot of San Saluto in advance, to his most Christian Majesty, with such commission as the Nuncio will learn from him. Requests Santa Croce to give the Abbot all necessary assistance for the benefit of the cause; and for further particulars refers himself to the Abbot. | |
| [Trent, 2nd October 1553 ?] | |
| [Italian.] | |
| Oct. 2. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. | 804. The Same to the Cardinal of Mantua. |
| Having quitted Maguzzano with the intention of proceeding towards Flanders to perform his first legation about the affairs of England, he wrote to the Cardinal that this legation comprised two objects, the chief of which was the mission to the Queen, the other his conference with the Emperor and the King of France; and that as the road to the first was not then open, he purposed having recourse (de recorere) to the other, and being unable to rest on the right side to try the left. But scarcely had he reached the Island of the Lake, when a messenger [Commendone] arrived from the Legate Dandino, which caused him to halt; and whilst suspecting that the second road likewise would be barred him, news arrived of the new Legation which the Pope and the Sacred College have been pleased to assign him, so that the conference with the Emperor and France, which was at first accessory, has now become the principal object. So he immediately set out for Trent, where he arrived on the day before yesterday, being received by the Cardinal-Bishop as affectionately as the Cardinal of Mantua may imagine, and to morrow purposes continuing his journey. Will not say more about his last news from England, referring himself to the bearer of the present letter, Messer Gio. Paulo Scaino, whom he sends on account in great measure of his good parts and qualities, and also loves him so much the more because he knows him to be the devoted and affectionate servant of the Cardinal of Mantua; and seeing him anxious to serve the Cardinal professionally, as he did heretofore, Pole writes to his Lordship, not so much to recommend him, being convinced he has no need of recommendation, as that the Cardinal may know that in like manner as Pole considers Scaino very well worthy of this grace, so will he consider it a favour done to himself. | |
| From Trent, 2nd October 1553. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| Oct. 2. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. | 805. Cardinal Pole to Queen Mary. |
| Since the very agreeable (gratissima) news received by him of her Majesty's successes, he has already written twice (fn. 5) by two separate messengers, congratulating her, as he does constantly in his heart, as also the whole kingdom and the entire Church, on her miraculous exaltation to the throne; giving her moreover notice that his Holiness, on receiving such joyful intelligence, immediately created him Legate, to congratulate her in the Pope's name, (fn. 6) and at the same time gave all such faculties for the dispensation of favours, as would enable him in the present case to comfort her Majesty's pious and religious mind, with which everybody is convinced she has been endowed by the goodness of God for the benefit of the kingdom and of his entire Church. Although Pole has received no reply to those letters, (fn. 7) he is nevertheless moved to write this third letter to her Highness, owing to the reply received by him from the Emperor to his congratulations on the same subject. He also acquainted the Emperor with his legation to the Queen, which had no other end than to unite England to the head and to the entire body of the Catholic Church, on which union the establishment of the Queen's throne and the spiritual and temporal welfare and prosperity of the realm depend. He requested the Emperor to confirm the Queen in the pious and religious purpose which she doubtless entertained; and that he would aid it with his great prudence, so that all impediments being removed, the desired result might be obtained; he, Pole, as the instrument of his Holiness, and as a member of that kingdom in which he was born, offering his best services in this cause (with due regard for the Pope, as also for the Emperor), to adjust the difficulties between the Apostolic See and England, for the benefit of both parties. | |
| To this letter the Bishop of Arras [Antoine de Granvelle] replied by the Emperor's order, graciously returning thanks for the congratulations, and approving the Pope's election of Pole as Legate for this cause, and agreeing with Pole about ultimately uniting England to the Church, and rendering the due obedience to the Roman See; though he was not of opinion that it was yet time to attempt this, by reason of the many dangers which might arise at this commencement, as on no account are the people so ready to rebel as on that of religion. His Imperial Majesty therefore thinks it would be prudent for the Queen to delay this matter until well confirmed and established on her throne; and that Pole's legation should be deferred to another time, when the Emperor would do his utmost to obtain the desired result. | |
| Such was the Emperor's answer to Pole's letter. Pole cannot deny that it was the answer of a prudent Prince, such as he is; and most especially of one who, having encountered so many difficulties from this same cause, has greater reason to weigh the dangers, in addition to his wish and anxiety (desiderio e gelosia) to see the Queen reign undisturbedly (senza travaglio). This the Queen can only interpret to mean that she should avoid whatever may give cause for tumult, as thus anticipated by the Emperor, which advice Pole would recommend her to follow, did he not clearly perceive that through the whole course of her life hitherto, both in this her accession to the Crown and on other occasions, she has always been guided by a greater light than could be given her by human prudence, and it being also manifest that the cause of the supremacy of the Roman Church is not of such a sort as to be treated with similar arguments based on human prudence; so he is more and more convinced that the counsel which it behoves the Emperor to give, as a prudent Prince friendly to the Queen, cannot reasonably be followed by her, for the cause already mentioned. That which would perhaps be less unbecoming in anybody else, could not but be most unfitting in the person of the Queen, when she calls to mind the great benefits received by her from God, and the light which his Divine goodness has always given her in matters of religion beyond that of any human prudence. | |
| Amongst other things, she has here to remember the time when, by the iniquity of the rulers, the religion was so persecuted in England that from schism it fell to manifest heresy, the sacraments, especially the one styled “sacramentum sacvamentorum,” to which all the others are directed (indrizati), being abolished. At that time the Bishops of England, and many learned men, who refused their consent to such iniquities, were despoiled of their revenues and imprisoned; no one else having the courage to profess the true religion. If ever there had been a time for those who had regard for worldly honour, and for the preservation of their state (on which human prudence is always chiefly intent), to dissemble, it was then. Who had ever greater cause to act thus than the Queen—her brother being already perverted by his Governors, and she herself, by miracle, not following the same religion? When was her state ever in greater danger than then? Yet would she never allow herself to be vanquished in the least by their malice, although it had already reached such a pitch that her chaplains were imprisoned for having performed their office. What more could they do, unless it were to lay hands on her royal person? And still God gave her always that light and strength of mind which was needed, as oil to feed the light of true religion in her, to be seen by the rest of the kingdom (per esser visto dot resto del regno), as if it were the light of a lantern placed in a dark place when all other lights seemed put out, that the light in Israel might not be extinguished. This was the grace which at that time God gave her Highness, a light supernatural as it were, independent of all human foresight, guiding and not allowing her to fall, by concealing her true piety and religion, although the danger of her state was placed constantly before her eyes. | |
| The divine grace therefore having preserved her most virtuous Highness's (virtuosissima Madama) light of religion and piety, as it were in a lantern, during such stormy times, will it be fitting—now that God has transformed that great tempest into such a calm, placing the government of the kingdom in the Queen's hands, and choosing as it were that the light which formerly burned dim in a lantern, (in una lanterna) be now placed super candelabrum ut luceat omnibus—to dissemble at such a moment the cause which concerns the union and obedience of the Church ?—which obedience was abolished in England by human malice, at the commencement, together with the sacraments. What else would this be but to do contrary to what is said by Christ himself, who gave the Queen her light? “No man when he hath lighted a candle (lucernam) placeth it under a bushel, but on a candlestick (candelabrum), that it may give light to all who are in the house” (ut luceat omnibus qui in domo sunt). (fn. 8) How could it be reasonable for the Queen to dissemble this cause of the union and obedience of the Church, and to hide this light under the bushel, Christ having placed her on the throne, that she might set it on a candlestick to be seen by the whole kingdom, and to give light to everybody? and how can it become her to do this from fear of turmoil, after having been freed by Christ from such manifest perils, when she was destitute of all human aid and protection, He showing that his hand is with her, and that it has dispersed the storm which was coming against her? The Queen (nobelissima Madama) should therefore consider what dishonour it would be for the Lord and spouse of her soul, if, having come to her, that she and all others might see him, her Highness were to turn back, lamp (lampada) in hand, as if it lacked oil, and she were going to the vendors to keep her light burning, although she had sufficient oil given her by favour of her said Lord and Spouse, who expects to be better seen and known by the light which his oil has hitherto fed, than by that light which may be fed with the oil sold in the shops of human prudence (nelle botteghe della prudentia humana). | |
| If therefore the Queen considers well (as Pole does not doubt she will, much better than he can express it) what God has constantly done for her, she will immediately know what counsel it is best and most fitting for her to follow in this case. Nor does he give the warning because he believes it to be so very necessary, but rather because others counsel her to dissemble the point of the obedience and supremacy of the Church for a while, as he believes many do, and above all, the Emperor; but, the greater his prudence and the more he desires and favours the Queen's establishment, the less can he at first sight give her any other counsel than he has done. As his Imperial Majesty, by reason of his long and varied experience, sees and knows this danger of the Crown (pericolo di Stato), Pole's wish would be that the Queen, acknowledging, as she ought, such light as God has given her, should remove this fear from his mind, and encourage him with regard to that point about which he has not the heart to encourage her; doing this by means of the example already afforded by God in the Queen's own person, through his having released her from other greater dangers; that as it has hitherto been He who always defended and assisted her, because she never hid that light which His divine goodness had given her, so is it to be hoped that He will assist her much more at present, by reason of the greater honour and service which will thence redound (ritornare) to his Divine Majesty, especially as that light shall be diffused and seen by all men, through the sublime station (sublime luogo) in which God has placed her. | |
| With regard to this matter the Queen might make it clear to his Majesty how the Divine goodness has provided for the removal of well-nigh all the difficulties which he fears may arise on proposing in the first Parliament the affair of the supremacy of the Church, as the whole body of the Parliament consisting of the people, the Lords, and the ecclesiastics, should any of those three estates raise any difficulty, it will proceed from that one, which, by the suppression (esclusione) of the obedience of the Church has derived thence and continues to derive emolument; this estate being but one of the three, and forming but a small minority. From the other two estates, not only is no difficulty or opposition whatever to be apprehended with regard to this cause, but they may, on the contrary, be reasonably expected to give it all favour and assistance, the ecclesiastical estate having always suffered for this cause both in their honour and property; the people, in like manner, having suffered very great detriment, as since the abolition of the obedience of the Church, they have been more and more oppressed daily. With regard to the estate of the temporal nobility, which seems to have derived some profit and advantage from the disobedience to the Roman Church (dalla desobedientia della Chiesa Romano), besides their not being many in number, as already stated, the majority of them are those who hold possession of their property by the Queen's graciousness and clemency; so from the gratitude due to her, if not on any other account, it cannot be supposed that they alone will oppose the royal will, and what is in like manner required for the benefit and establishment of the Queen's right to the Crown, which, without this act, might always be disputed, on the plea of its being schismatic. | |
| If Pole be worthy to obtain any favour from the Queen respecting what he desires and demands, solely for the honour of God, and for the Queen's own advantage, and that of the entire kingdom, he would humbly request her to tranquillize the Emperor on this point before Pole's arrival at his Court, he being now appointed Legate to him and to the King of France by the Pope, in addition to his first Legation to the Queen, to negotiate peace between their Majesties, for the quiet and advantage of all Christendom. Were Pole, therefore, by the Queen's means, to find the Emperor relieved from the fear which renders him averse to the discussion in the first Parliament of the matter of the “obedience” and the “supremacy of the Church,” Pole knows how much it would conduce to the speedy success of what is desired. | |
| Respecting the time of the meeting of Parliament, which the Emperor considers unsuited to the negotiation of this business, the Queen has to consider whether any other time could be so proper, so suitable, and so necessary for the proposal of this measure as that of the first session of Parliament, and how it could accord with her obligation to God, with the love she bears her own kingdom, and with the establishment of her throne (stato), that—it being the ancient custom of the realm for the first Parliament of a new reign to reform all the acts of injustice perpetrated by past rulers, and make good provision for the future—so great an injustice as that of the disobedience of the Church, causing such calamity and affliction to the kingdom that the like never befel it from any enemy, should be passed over in silence, and without being put forward, most especially as on such an occasion a good resolution is necessary to remove any sort of opposition which might hereafter be made to the Queen's just title to her Crown, which, so long as she can be reproached with the name of schismatic, will always be liable to some attack. | |
| Pole therefore assures the Queen (nobilissima Madama) that any person pondering the matter well, will perceive that for the honour of God, for the welfare of the Church, and for the establishment of her own Crown, this cause cannot be allowed, as may be done with regard to many others relating to civil justice, to pass without being treated in the first Parliament; and this is the point about which many persons deceive themselves, from not well understanding the quality of this cause, treating it as a civil one, such as is wont to be treated according to human prudence, whereas it is quite of another sort. Nor has it even to be debated in Council, whether obedience to the head of the Church should be acknowledged or not, as that has been already determined by the council of God. But in the royal Council, the Queen has merely to make manifest her debt to God and His Church; and as this encounters many difficulties on account of those who, whilst assenting to the measure, fear the loss of their property, human prudence is therefore required whereby to find means for the removal of similar obstacles. And this is what Pole asked of the Emperor, that he would use his influence with the Pope, as supreme arbiter and moderator of all these and similar matters, and be mediator, thus demonstrating his love for the Queen, so that this cause might be duly and maturely concluded with greater satisfaction to all parties; and in like manner as it was Pole's opinion that it became the Emperor's honour to assume this person of mediator, so has the Queen just reason to make this demand of his Imperial Majesty, who, by accepting it, can but derive great honour thence with little difficulty, the Pope being so much inclined to gratify the Queen and the kingdom, that nothing could be demanded for her own consolation and the benefit of the realm, and all its inhabitants, which his Holiness is not ready to grant, To this none can bear more ample testimony than Pole himself, by reason of the very full powers which he has received from the Pope in this cause. If the Emperor proceed thus in this business at the Queen's request, its conclusion will be easy, honourable, profitable, and agreeable to all parties. | |
| From Trent, the 2nd October 1553. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| Oct. 2. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. CI. x. | 806. Cardinal Pole to Edward Courtenay, Marquis of Exeter. |
| The greater the joy felt by Pole internally for his cousin's release from distress and imprisonment, and for the recovery of his state and property, the less able is he to express it externally by words to his satisfaction, though his love for Courtenay will not allow him to omit demonstrating it as he best may by letter; nor can his congratulations on Courtenay's individual good fortune be complete, unless they include those for the common weal, which God has granted to England, and on which Courtenay's personal welfare depends; in like manner as no one can rejoice at any good fruit without rejoicing at the tree which produced it, and also with the planter of that tree. In the present case, the tree is the goodness of the Queen, who has been placed on the throne by the miraculous hand of God, for the consolation of all lovers of virtue and piety, and most especially of those who have suffered on that account. That the Queen by this first fruit of her justice should have relieved Courtenay from such unjust oppression, cannot but give great pleasure to all those who see and hear of it; above all, because he is the flower of the ancient nobility of England which its adversaries sought especially to destroy root and branch. This is the first joy felt by Pole at so gracious an act performed by the Queen, and it is common to many others; but Pole's personal joy proceeds from the singular love which he bears Courtenay, not solely from the natural ties of kindred, but by reason of the affection and love which Courtenay's most illustrious father always evinced both towards Pole and his brother; and the late Marquis of Exeter and Lord Montacute having been so linked by God in sincere affection throughout their lives, He would not at the last hour allow them to be separated, both dying together for the same cause, (fn. 9) which was that of God, the most noble and glorious of any. | |
| But to return to what was said about the love of Courtenay's father for Pole, he mentions the following pledge (pegno). On Pole's last departure from England [for Avignon, in 1531], he was the last English nobleman with whom Pole spoke, being invited to go and see him, as he was then sick; and the first words uttered to him by the Marquis were, “Lord Cousin Pole, your departure from the realm at this present time, shows in what a miserable state we find ourselves. It is to the universal shame of all us nobles, who allow you to absent yourself when we ought most to avail ourselves of your presence; but being unable to find any other remedy for this, we pray God to find it himself.” These were the last words he ever said to Pole, which, proceeding as they did from the cordial love he bore him, Pole has always treasured in his heart; and this causes him to rejoice at all the good fortune of England, most especially as it shows yet more clearly that the remedy for which he said they must pray to God has already arrived, in such a form that the whole world can see that it proceeded solely from Divine providence, which ordained that as the misery of that period, and all that ensued subsequently, came through a woman, so should reparation come through a virgin, their gracious Queen. | |
| Courtenay will thus clearly know the double cause which Pole has for his joy and comfort at all Courtenay's prosperity; and the third cause of his rejoicing, and which confirms both the others is, that he hears from many persons who know Courtenay, and are of sound judgment, that during the whole period of his tribulation, although under bodily imprisonment, and utterly deprived of his revenue, all his estates being confiscated, yet did he nevertheless comfort himself in such a way, that so far as his tender age in so hard a case could demonstrate, it was clearly manifest that the nobility of his mind and the imitation of his father's virtues, the greatest inheritance that a father can leave his son, were never imprisoned nor taken from him. This is a very great comfort to all who have regard for his honour; and seeing him already arrived at years of discretion, and by the Providence of God, and by means of her most gracious Majesty, set at liberty, they firmly hope also to see and enjoy the mature fruits of his virtue in all things relating to the honour of God, and of his Holy Church, for the consolation in the first place of his mistress supreme (vostra suprema signora), and secondly, of all the friends of his true honour and prosperity, amongst whom Pole considers himself one who does not give way to any other. In conclusion, recommends himself to his most illustrious cousin and Lord until such time as it shall please God to make the road for him, and open the door, so that he may personally congratulate Courtenay, whom he requests to perform the like due office in Pole's name, cordially and affectionately, with his most illustrious mother. (fn. 10) | |
| Is writing this letter on his way to Germany, towards the Court of the Emperor, to whom and to the King of France conjointly he has been sent as Legate by the Pope, to treat the peace between them. Hopes the Almighty will vouchsafe to grant it, for the consolation and benefit of all Christendom. | |
| From Trent, 2nd October 1553. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| Oct. 8 MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. | 807. Queen Mary to Cardinal Pole, translated [into Italian] from the English. |
| Good Cousin, and most blessed Father in Christ. | |
| The bearer of the present letter, his secretary, (fn. 11) consigned to her Pole's letters, whereby she clearly understood the continuance of his usual entire (intiero) love and zeal, with regard to England, his native land, and its true heirs, and the declaration of his joy at what it has pleased the Almighty to do in demonstration of his justice and mercy towards her. She considers herself not a little obliged to Pole for his good warning (avertimento), as understood by his letters; for which advice, even were he not joined to her by nature as he is, she should nevertheless be bound to return him most cordial acknowledgments, assuring him that—through the assistance of the grace of God, to whom she feels very much bound to render the most humble thanks for this—she never was, nor is, and hopes of His mercy she never shall be, opposed to Pole's good and spiritual exhortation, as contained in his said letters. With regard to her obedience and due devotion towards the Church of Christ, and her spiritual mother, his Catholic and Apostolic Church; the bearer, who can render good testimony, (fn. 12) will be able to inform Pole fully what pain the Queen feels from being unable as yet by any fitting means, to manifest the whole intent of her heart in this matter; but so soon as it shall be in her power, by any suitable and possible mode, to declare to the world her due and sincere intention (animo), and the obedience (et l'obedientia), by executing it thoroughly (compitamente), should it please God, she will not fail announcing this to Pole. And as to her coronation, his secretary will be able to tell him all the circumstances of it, (fn. 13) and many other things besides, with which she acquainted him, having full trust in the miraculous mercy of God, that this Parliament will abolish all those statutes which have been the origin in England of their afflictions (piaghe). She then hopes to obtain a general pardon from the Pope, to whom she prays Pole to render her most humble thanks for his multiplied goodness shown her at the present time, requesting his Holiness to persevere therein, and forthwith to pardon her the offences already committed; and remaining in good hope through Pole's medium and procurement, he having given her such just cause to consider herself well assured of his friendship, she recommends him to the Holy Spirit, praying it to remunerate him for his courtesy shown her in this cause; and thus with her most cordial recommendations will she end. | |
| In our Palace of Westminster, 8th October 1553. | |
| [Italian.] (fn. 14) | |