Venice: October 1553, 16-31 | British History Online

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.

'Venice: October 1553, 16-31', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 5, 1534-1554, (London, 1873) pp. 426-440. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol5/pp426-440 [accessed 26 April 2024]

October 1553, 16–31



Oct. 19. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x.	808. Cardinal Pole to Messer Carlo Gualteruzzi.
	Condoles with him on the death of his son Messer Goro, as heard by letters from Messer Gio. Francesco whilst Pole was in joy and gladness at Dillingen; but as the same letters purported that be made a Christian end, and that Gualteruzzi bore it with Christian resignation, Pole consoled himself, and considered it well nigh an act of Divine Providence that Gualteruzzi, foreseeing as it were the catastrophe, was moved to demand the favour of the “motu proprio,” so that his office might not lapse; which favour, Messer Gio. Francesco writes, will be granted by the Pope without any difficulty, and Pole has charged him if necessary again to petition his Holiness warmly in Pole's name. For the rest he refers himself to their (nostro) Monsignor Priuli, and exhorts Gualteruzzi to resign himself to the will of God.
	From Dillingen, 19th October 1553.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 20 ? MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. No date in MS.	809. The Same to the Cardinal of Trent.
	Whilst waiting here [at Dillingen] (mentre die io stava qui aspettando) for the safe-conducts from the Duke of Würtemberg and the Count Palatine, the first messenger [Henry Penning] sent by him to England, arrived with letters from the Queen written to him in her own hand, the copy of which the Cardinal will see, as also of a letter written to Pole by Fiordibello from the [Imperial] Court. From this messenger the Cardinal of Trent will hear additional news, both of English affairs and of the Imperial Court, towards which, God willing, Pole will proceed on the day after tomorrow. Hopes in the meanwhile to receive the safe-conduct from the Palatine, in like manner as he has received the one from the Duke of Würtemberg, by means of the Cardinal of Augsburg, of whose courteous and affectionate reception of Pole it is needless for him to speak. Is of opinion that Divine Providence supplied him with the Cardinals of Augsburg and of Trent, as with two great and necessary aids and references (aiuti et indrizzi) in this business. Providence has also decreed that in like manner as in the house of the Cardinal of Trent, he received the first good news from England, so should the second reach him here at Dillingen.
	Thus far Pole has availed himself of the services of Messer Giovanni Giacomo, who was sent to him, according to the orders of the Cardinal of Trent, by the Bishop elect (da Monsr. eletto). Is much satisfied with his management, and would have trusted to him for the rest of the journey, had not the Cardinal of Augsburg thought it desirable that Pole should take one of his people, who is very conversant with each individual place through which he has to pass as he proceeds on his way. Is therefore sending Messer Giovanni Giacomo back, together with the mules, one of which he has taken the liberty to retain.
	Supposes that on the arrival of this letter his nephew (fn. 1) will be already on the road, but should his indisposition detain him with the Cardinal of Trent it is unnecessary for Pole to recommend him further, knowing with how much courtesy he always considers Pole and all he has recommended to him. Refers him for the rest to the bearer of this letter, and humbly kisses his hands.
	[Dillingen, 20th October 1553 ?]
	[Italian.]
Oct. 20. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x.	810. Cardinal Pole to Cardinal [Cristoforo] del Monte.
	Wrote to the Cardinal when about to quit Trent, and then came on here to Dillingen, where they were received by the Cardinal of Augsburg as lovingly and courteously as could be desired, and by good fortune there met the Cardinal of Imola [Gieronimo Dandino] with whom he remained a day. Was compelled to stay five clays more waiting for the safe-conduct from the Duke of Würtemberg and from the Count Palatine, which last he has now received; so tomorrow, God willing, he will proceed towards Spires, where he thinks of embarking. Yesterday he was joined by the first messenger sent by him to England [Henry Penning], who will be the bearer of the present letter, Pole having thought fit to send him to the Pope that he may give his Holiness full account of the affairs of England; and to him he also refers the Cardinal, kissing his hands.
	From Dillingen, 20th October 1553.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 21. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod xxiv. Cl. x.	811. Cardinal Pole to Pope Julius III.
	Wrote to his Holiness from Trent, enclosing copy of a letter written to him by his messenger in England [Henry Penning], and Pole having come on subsequently to Dillingen, where he has been compelled to remain, awaiting the safe-conduct from the Duke of Würtemberg and from the Count Palatine, has been joined by this messenger, who has returned from England. Thinks it fit to send him express to the Pope, that he may give him full account of everything, and he will also bring a copy of the autograph letter written to Pole by the Queen. (fn. 2) Congratulates the Pope with his whole heart, for that the Lord God vouchsafes more and more daily to favour his excellent intention with regard to this holy work, as it may be hoped he will continue to do until the end, to the glory of his Divine Majesty, to the benefit of Christendom, and to the especial advantage of his Holiness's pontificate. As Pole believes that this messenger [Henry Penning ?] may reach Rome before the Cardinal of Imola [Gieronimo Dandino], he will not omit to tell the Pope that he met him, and that they remained together a day. The Cardinal of Imola did not deceive himself in the least about the way in which the first announcement of Pole's second legation to the Imperial Court would be received, as the Pope will perceive by the copy of the letter from Fiordibello, which he is sending to his agent. (fn. 3) Leaves it to the Pope's extreme prudence whether it shall seem expedient—as it would seem to him, Pole—not to allow the Queen's letter to circulate (di non lasciar uscire fuori la lettera della Regina); and for the rest he refers himself to the messenger's statement humbly kissing the feet of his Holiness, whom he prays God long to preserve for the benefit of his Church.
	From Dillingen, 21st October 1553.
	PS.—The farther Pole proceeds on his way towards England, the more clearly does he perceive what a stormy sea he has to traverse. Thus far he has been on the mainland, always in the midst of friends. Has now to commence traversing the towns of the Lutherans, and although provided with a safe-conduct, yet is it notorious how ill affected they are towards the Pope by whom he is sent, and towards the object of his mission. In the next place, he has to pass through places which are almost all suspected of plague and infected with it, according to general report, and through the towns of the Count Palatine. Should these obstacles, by God's grace, be overcome, it will remain for him to encounter the Imperial Court, a gulf as it were of the sea, from which hitherto a very contrary wind seems to blow, to say nothing more of the opposition he will meet with in England, should it please God that he arrive there. Writes this to the Pope for no other reason, than to show him how much need he has of the Divine assistance, there being nothing else on earth to comfort him, save the pious disposition (la pia mente) of his Holiness who sends him, and of the Queen to whom he is sent; and to pray the Pope to help him to obtain that assistance by his prayers, and to have the like done by others, for this so great a need. With the sure hope of being thus assisted, he will speedily and willingly continue his journey, trusting that by these means the ship will be piloted by the Lord God, the director of all his Holiness's actions, for his glory, for the benefit of his Church, and for the consolation of all mankind.
	From Dillingen, 21st October 1553.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 21. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x.	812. Cardinal Pole to the Cardinal of Trent.
	The Cardinal of Trent will have heard from the Cardinal of Imola [Gieronimo Dandino] in what good quarters Pole and he met, and what little else Pole learnt from him about the affairs of the Imperial Court. May it please God to show by experience that in these matters what seems impossible to man, is easy to Him, in cujus manu sunt corda regum.
	Has taken the liberty not only to make use thus far of the mules of the Cardinal of Trent, but moreover to keep one for the rest of the journey, sending him back the others, and thanking the Cardinal as much as he can, but not as much as he ought, for this, in addition to so many other acts of courtesy. As the Cardinal of Augsburg thinks Pole should have one of his people very conversant with all those places through which he has to pass, and well known in them, he has therefore thought fit to send back Messer Gioan Giacomo, who was sent him on the road by the Cardinal's “Bishop elect,” according to his order; he performed all possible good service, and Pole would have taken the liberty to take him with him for the rest of the journey, had it been necessary. Requests the Cardinal, for Pole's sake, to hold Messer Gioan Giacomo dearer than ever.
	Dillingen, 21st October 1553.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 21.? MS. St. Mark' Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. No date in MS.	813. Report to be made to the Pope by the messenger (fn. 4) returned from England [Henry Penning].
	To state to his Holiness, first of all, what I said to the Queen at the first audience, concerning the joy felt by his Holiness on receiving the news of Her Majesty's auspicious accession, together with the offers made to her by his Holiness for her own consolation, and the salvation of souls in that kingdom, and about the legation to which my Right Reverend Cardinal had been appointed, and the ample powers given him by his Holiness in this legation; and the reply of the Queen, who said she had always been most obedient and most affectionate towards the Apostolic See, and that “interiormente” his Holiness had no more loving daughter than herself (non haveva figliuola più affettionata di lei), and that within a few days she hoped to be able to show it openly to the whole world; and that thus far, she thanked our Lord God that she had never consented in any way to the heresies and impious laws made and published in England of late years, but had always been, and would continue, firm in that same religion in which she had been educated from her girlhood, as she hoped in a few days to show his Holiness and the whole world; but that it was first necessary to repeal and annul by Act of Parliament many perverse laws made by those who ruled before her.
	And because this Parliament could not be held before the coronation, such being the custom of the realm, while she wished to be absolved by the Right Reverend Cardinal [Pole], as Legate from your Holiness—and the Bishop [of Winchester, Gardiner], who was to crown her, also knowing that ceremony ought to be preceded by the general reconciliation to Holy Mother Church—she charged me for this purpose immediately to send an express to his Eight Keverend Lordship, which could reach him before the day of the coronation, so that on that day her Majesty might remain with her conscience at ease, and believe herself absolved; and thus did I promise and do. And her Majesty talking of the delight and pleasure felt by her at being Queen, said to me fervently, that did she not believe herself called by God to that dignity, in order to be of some use to this poor country, she would rather elect to be her laundry-maid's servant-wench (che se non fusse che lei credeva di esser chiamata da Dio a quella dignità per fare qualche utile a questa povera patria, che più tosto ellegerebbe esser serva della sua lavandera). And speaking about the Bishop of Winchester who was to crown her, and of the few other Catholics now there, her Majesty wished them also to be absolved, that they might be able to say mass and administer the sacraments without sin, until able to have the general absolution.
	To this I answered her Majesty as God inspired me—neither my learning nor my experience being more than enough (non havendo nè lettere nè pratica più che tanto che fa),—that I had always heard say, that the Holy Mother Church absolved and pardoned those alone who had repented them of their errors, and resolved no longer to commit them; but not that his Holiness would absolve those who persevered in their errors. In reply to this, her Majesty said to me that the Sig. Commendone had well nigh promised it her; (fn. 5) and this her Majesty charged me to keep secret.
	The Queen then desired me to await the coronation, as when that was over, she should be better able to despatch me, and more to her own satisfaction and to mine; seeming to have some suspicion of tumult and also of some personal danger; having on that solemn occasion to pass through a crowd, containing no lack of malignants, both Londoners and countrymen; there being also many of the new religion in the government (come molti ve ne sono della religione nuova governo (sic) [nel governo ?]), who foresee (prevedendo) that it is her Majesty's intention utterly to extirpate this pestiferous contagion; so they do not fail forming all possible evil designs, though, with God's assistance, they will not accomplish anything: and the less will such persons succeed, they being vile and of low condition (et tanto manco faranno queste tali persone, per esser vili et di basso, conditione).
	Thus, by the grace of God, she was crowned without disturbances, and to the great joy of the majority of the people. And that solemnity being ended, she again had it intimated to me that I was to delay my departure for four or five days, on account of the many matters she had to treat. During that interval Parliament met, being opened on the 5th [instant]; when the Bishop of Winchester made a very fine speech, in which he treated amply of the union of the religion, and that it should be resumed (net quale trattava amplamente dell' unione delta religione et che si dovesse retornare . . . a quella (sic)), without which nothing good could be done; demonstrating how many disadvantages had befallen the realm owing to its separation (mostrando quanti inconvenienti erano intervenuti in quel regno per la separations di essa). He accused himself and all the bystanders (astanti) as guilty of it, telling them that Parliament was assembled by her Majesty and Council to repeal (cancellare) many iniquitous laws made against the said union, and to enact others in favour of it. On the following Saturday, the 7th of October, her Majesty informed me that matters had proceeded well; as in the Parliament she had found many of the chief personages of the kingdom who encouraged her to push the affairs of the religion and of the union; whilst others were of opinion that she had greater need of curb than spur.
	Her Majesty did not impart her negotiations with me to any of the Lords of the Council, nor to any one else; having previously ordered me to conceal myself, as I did. Her Majesty's final decision about my despatch was that his Right Reverend Lordship [Cardinal Pole] was to come leisurely (pian piano) towards Brussels, where he would hear further what could be hoped about his proceeding farther; and she promised me letters for the Right Reverend Cardinal by the hands of the Bishop of Arras at Brussels, from her fear lest they should be seized on my quitting England either by her ministers, or by the French. Her Majesty gave me the copy of the oath taken by her at the coronation, which she had thoroughly considered beforehand, and added a few words having for object to maintain her Majesty's integrity and good-will (alcune parole che furno at proposito per la conservations delta integrità e bona mente di Sua Maesta); as may be seen by the identical copy. Her Majesty also told me she had given commission to the Knights of . . . . . . . . . . . . (fn. 6) to hold a chapter for the re-establishment of all the due ceremonies relating to the honourable dignity of that Order, which consist in the saying of certain masses, and confessing themselves at certain seasons, and celebrating the festival of St. George, according to their original institution. Her Majesty also showed me the holy oil, which she had sent to obtain at Brussels from the Emperor.
	[Dillingen, 21st October 1553 ?]
	[Italian.]
Oct. 22. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x.	814. Cardinal Pole to Pier Francesco Zini.
	What he had not time to tell Zini by word of mouth at Trent, he now says to him by letter. Exhorts him not to cease residing on his benefice although his friends advise him to the contrary, asks his prayers.
	When Zini writes to the most noble Pietro Contarini, he is to salute him in Pole's name, and say how much he regrets Contarini s having arrived at the moment of Pole's departure [from Trent?]; and in such bad weather that Pole could not allow Contarini to keep him company on the road for a few miles. Requests the prayers of Contarini, and of all those poor servants of God of whom Contarini has such good care. Wishes Contarini to divide the present year's surplus revenue (l'augumento) of Pole's abbacy into two parts, one to remain in Contarini's hands for distribution amongst the poor, remembering the priests of St. Nicholas; the other half to be sent to Pole's Messer Gio. Francesco at Rome, for the same purpose.
	From Dillingen, 22nd October 1553.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 22 ? MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. No date of time or place in MS.	815. The Same to the Cardinal of Trent.
	Not choosing to commence either by returning thanks or complaining of the too great courtesies received throughout this journey from the Bishop elect [of Trent] by commission from the Cardinal, having great cause to do both one and the other, it merely remains for him to pray God, and the Cardinal likewise, to give him opportunity for serving his Lordship, in proportion to his desire and obligation. Through the occasion afforded by this journey Pole has had the very great pleasure of knowing the ability and virtue of this most high-bred gentleman, from whom the Cardinal may anticipate more and more consolation daily; and thus may it please God that he prove, to his service and glory. For the rest, he refers himself to the Bishop elect, and humbly kisses the Cardinal's hand. Yesterday evening Pole's Master Thomas (fn. 7) arrived at Dillingen, nor can he ever say enough about the great courtesies received from the Cardinal, and wishes Pole to be debtor for these likewise, to which he consents willingly, although Thomas, independently of other respects, deserves all favour for himself because he has always been most attached to the Cardinal of Trent.
	[Dillingen, 22nd October 1553 ?]
	[Italian.]
Oct. 22. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl.x.	816. Cardinal Pole to the Cardinal of Imola [Gieronimo Dandino].
	Whilst waiting at Dillingen for the safe-conducts from the Duke of Würtemberg and the Count Palatine, his Master Henry (Messer Henrico mio) [Henry Penning] arrived with an autograph letter from the Queen, written with all piety and graciousness, the copy of which he is sending to the Pope by Henry [Penning ?], that he may acquaint his Holiness fully with the affairs of England; and by the copy of the letter addressed to Pole by Fiordibello, the Cardinal of Imola will perceive that he did not deceive himself about the mode in which the first news of this second legation of Pole would be received at the Imperial Court. Prays God to dispose the minds of these Princes as necessary for the need and common weal; and referring himself for the rest to the bearer, kisses the Cardinal's hands.
	From Dillingen, 22nd October 1553.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 22. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x.	817. The Same to the Cardinal Morone.
	Has long been anxiously awaiting news of his arrival at Rome, both that he may have more frequent letters from him, and also to receive such advice as he can promise himself about this so important a cause, from the piety and prudence of Cardinal Morone. Refers him for further intelligence to the bearer of the present letter and to his Messer Gio. Francesco (et a Messer Gio. Francesco mio).
	From Dillingen, 22nd October 1553.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 22 ? MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. No date of time or place in MS.	818. The Same to the Master of the Sacred Palace [Girolamo Muzzarelli].
	Would have much to say were he to thank him adequately for his great charity with regard to the present business, which is he hopes well advanced (bene incaminato); requests the Master's prayers, and refers him for further particulars to Messer Gio. Francesco. Leaves it at the Master's option to communicate the contents of Pole's letters to the Queen and the Bishop of Winchester to any personages of the Roman Court he pleases, relying on his piety and prudence. For the present he does not think it fitting to give copies of them to any one.
	[Dillingen, 22nd October 1553 ?]
	[Italian.]
Oct. 24. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl.x.	819. The Same to the Emperor Charles V.
	By the quality of the person whom his Imperial Majesty has been pleased to send to Pole, more than by the Emperor's own letter, or by the statement of the said Don Juan [de Mendoza], he has understood the Emperor's desire and will (desiderio e volontà) about his stopping, until he knows what to do after hearing what else his Majesty shall have intimated on this subject; (fn. 8) and although this proposal was on many accounts a surprise to him, nevertheless, following the Emperor's opinion, he has thought he could not do better than to remain in the meanwhile with the Cardinal of Augsburg at Dillingen, near which place he now is. Hopes it may please God that all this do prove in conformity with his Divine will, and to the honour and service of his Imperial Majesty, and that He will preserve and prosper him for the general benefit of all Christendom.
	From Stayndeayn (sic), (fn. 9) 24th October 1553.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 27 ? MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. No date of time or place in MS.	820. Cardinal Pole to Pope Julius III.
	Account of the communication made to him in the name of the Emperor by Don Juan de Mendoza.
	Don Juan de Mendoza, having come to me and delivered his credentials from the Emperor, which I read, then commenced telling me about his commission, which in substance was this: That the Emperor, having heard both of the first legation as also of the second, could not but praise your Holiness's zeal, and choice of person (et la elettione della persona), but deemed the execution of both untimely, as his Majesty had fully informed the Cardinal of Imola [Gieronimo Dandino] on his departure, not knowing that I was on my way. On hearing this, he sent a courier to your Holiness with letters explaining the causes why I was on no account to proceed farther at present, and therefore he most earnestly exhorted and requested me to halt and await your Holiness's reply to what had been communicated to you by his Imperial Majesty, who considered this business of such importance that he had thought fit to send me this commission express by one of his councillors.
	Such was the substance of what Don Juan said to me in a long speech to which, in reply, after demonstrating to him the account in which any suggestion and advice from the Emperor ought deservedly to be held, I said, that with regard to myself I should always be ready to do as exhorted by his Majesty, but that in this present instance it behoved me to have great respect for the duty of the person sustained by me, I being the Legate of your Holiness, from whom I had the express commission to go forward; so I did not see how I could now halt, unless acquainted with some new and extraordinary cause whereby to justify myself with your Holiness for not executing your first commission; so that if Don Juan had anything to tell me, I would willingly do what his Majesty proposed to me. He uttered many words, but nothing more in substance than had been already said and proposed repeatedly; so I replied that as he brought nothing further, I deemed it necessary to continue my journey, it seeming too disgraceful to me to interrupt it. (fn. 10)
	To this, he said that the other reasons and causes written to your Holiness had not been communicated by the Emperor to him; and when I still repeated that in order to be persuaded to act contrary to my commission, it would be fitting for some new and cogent reason to be assigned me for doing so, and that not hearing anything further I knew not how I could accede to his request, he merely said he prayed me to think better about it, and to my rejoinder, repeated the same arguments, all based on the maturity of the time (la maturità del tempo), of which he said the Emperor, being the prudent Prince he is, and near England, and anxious (as he said) about her affairs, was better able than anyone else to judge whether it had arrived. And as to the affair of the peace, the Emperor said that the former legates having been recalled so recently, it was not yet time to renew the negotiation; in addition to which, it seemed as it were a reproach to his Majesty, sending first to him, as if it was chiefly by his fault that the peace had not been effected; and Don Juan hence inferred that by proceeding farther I should damage both matters, whereas by waiting a while I might benefit them, expatiating much on the Emperor's bias towards the common weal, and his wish for some good resolve to be formed with regard to both causes, and especially about his Majesty's affection for me; and coming to the conclusion that his reply and demand were not because I was personally disagreeable to him, or that he did not wish success to the affairs of England and of the peace, but that for both one and the other of these matters he merely desired a fitting opportunity (la debita maturità). Nor did he now ask more of me than that for the execution of commissions respecting these two matters I would await sufficient time for the arrival of a reply from Rome, which would not exceed ten days or a fortnight.
	I rejoined, directing my whole discourse to what he took for his chief basis about the maturity of the time (la maturità) for discussing these two matters; and with regard to that of England, I demonstrated by the same arguments used by me heretofore to your Holiness, not only that the time for treating it was come, but that it was already so ripe, that if they delayed moving it in this first Parliament, which has already commenced, (fn. 11) it would outlive its time, and rot like over-ripe fruit, (fn. 12) and that I must be pardoned, both because I am of the country, and because I know the custom of the realm, and the national character (gli humori de quelli homini), for presuming to have some knowledge of the ripeness of this business, and of the mode and time for treating it; and that I believed, were I in his Majesty's presence, it would be in my power to convince him that any delay in proposing and treating this cause by means of a Legate will greatly injure the desired result. As to the affair of the peace, I repeated that any time was good for treating it, and that the personal duty of your Holiness required that, although the Princes might refuse to listen to you, your Holiness, notwithstanding, should never cease insisting opportunely and inopportunely, most especially as no one could be importunate in endeavouring to prevent the disasters of war; and I ended thus, reminding him of his Majesty's honour, and of how great a scandal it would be in the eyes of the world on its coming to light that he had raised any obstacle to both one and the other of these matters.
	At this point Don Juan interrupted me, saying that I ought not to take the thing in this sense, as if the Emperor did not choose these matters to have that good success which he desired most earnestly. I replied that in this I did not so much propound my own judgment, although I could not entertain any other opinion, as that of all Christendom, my legation not having been made in a corner so that it could remain concealed; and on its being heard that his Imperial Majesty had refused my coming (recusata la mia venuta), the necessary interpretation would be either that the person or the cause did not please him; and as both one and the other of the causes for which I am sent are so holy and praiseworthy, his Majesty ought well to consider what becomes his honour, and that I for my own part should consider it much less unbecoming to say that which his Majesty would not say, that he had never been satisfied with the person. (fn. 13) And I here commenced demonstrating that though princes, are in other respects superior to private individuals, their fame is more subject to the tongues and opinions of mankind, on which depend their repute, and thereon, very frequently, success and advantage in their negotiations.
	In his reply to this, Don Juan again repeated that it was not because the person or the causes did not please the Emperor, but that his Majesty asked nothing but a little delay, and that it was fitting to refer to him, he being so prudent and exalted a personage, this decision about the maturity of the time, most especially as it was only a few days. I rejoined in such decorous form as becoming, coming to the conclusion that with regard to time, I might loiter on the road until the reply arrived; but that, according to my duty, I could not fail to continue my journey.
	At length, finding me so averse to stop, Don Juan said that it would not displease his Majesty so much, were I to choose to loiter on the road, adding however that on arriving near the Court, I must halt at Liège, and there await the time appointed for my interview with the Emperor. I here showed how much more unfitting and indecorous it would be for me to be stopped when so near his Majesty, rather than at a distance; which would be, as if having had leave to go and speak to any body; entrance were denied me on arriving at the door, and I had to remain waiting outside; which thing I could not believe it was his Majesty's intention to do, he being so gracious and honourable a Prince as he is. Don Juan repeated that his Majesty, nevertheless, could not do otherwise, and, in short, that I had to decide the point of remaining for a few days either here, or at Liège, or in some other place near the Court; and that he could not assure me when the Emperor would let me go to him. (fn. 14)
	I asked him whether he had an express commission from his Majesty to tell me so. He replied that he was not indeed come to make protests; but that he was very certain, that for the reasons written to your Holiness by his Majesty, he was compelled to make the demand which he, Don Juan, had communicated to me in his name; and that by allowing some time to elapse, I should see how well affected his Majesty was, both towards myself individually and towards this cause, and how willingly he would embrace both one and the other. And insisting on a reply as to what I thought it necessary to do about stopping, he said how fitting it was, that such an Emperor should receive satisfaction with regard to a demand of such a sort. At length, having taken time to think about it, I formed my resolve, saying that as I found myself compelled to stop either here or near the Court, it seemed to me the lesser evil to await your Holiness's reply, remaining here with the Cardinal of Augsburg; and so, having only gone three leagues beyond, I returned to Dillingen.
	Such is the substance of the conversations held by me with Don Juan; who more than once dropped a hint to me incidentally about the Queen's marriage, saying it seemed to him that this ought to precede everything else, then proceeding to civil justice (alla giustitia civile), and in the last place to those of the religion (a quelle della religione), and inquiring whether I was of the same opinion; to which I replied that I, together with himself, was of opinion that these three things should be accomplished, but that I thought it was fitting, first of all, well to regulate the affairs of the religion; secondly, those of civil justice; and finally, by the marriage, find means to preserve both one and the other. And when he said that the Queen, by marrying a native rather than a foreigner, might cause discontent amongst the English nobility, I merely said that they were matters worthy of great consideration. Nor did he proceed further with me, though indeed subsequently, with some of my attendants, he gave himself clearly to be understood that the Emperor purposed and hoped that the Queen would take the Prince his son for her husband; and this was to be settled in the present Parliament, which he well knew did not please many persons, who were in all ways endeavouring to thwart this marriage, although it would effect the quiet of England and of all Christendom.
	From this, I comprehend that these difficulties about not allowing me to go forward, proceed from nothing else; and that until the business be accomplished according to the Emperor's desire, or his Majesty be altogether quite certain of being able to conclude it, he always will find means to prevent my going, being unable, from what I believe, to convince himself that I would assist him to place my country in the hands of a foreigner. (fn. 15) And I also think, that he therefore would have preferred my going to Liège, both to make sure that your Holiness would not send me by another road, as also thus to find favour with those who are to support this wish of his. The matter seems to me in such a state that one can, as it were, do nothing but wait till his Majesty has well settled this point, and then, whatever the result may be, so far from impeding my journey, he will facilitate it; (fn. 16) and to pursue any other course would seem to me to be forcing things too much, and irritating the Emperor, with more fear of evil than hope of good.
	This I have chosen to say, presupposing that your Holiness will wait to hear my opinion, which I however always refer to your consummate prudence and judgment, being most perfectly ready willingly to follow whatever order you shall give. What Don Juan told me the Emperor had announced to your Holiness is, I believe, that the Queen has written that I am not to go farther for the present, which she also wrote to my secretary [Henry Penning ?], after he had quitted England, but presupposing that I had not yet set out; so the messenger told him that having heard I was already far on the road, he did not think it would be either decent (decente) or fitting to stop me. And this letter of the Queen's doubtless proceeds from the Imperialists, as after she had agreed with my messenger [Henry Penning] that it would be well for me to advance as far as Brussels, she said to him, “It will be well to communicate this to the Emperor, letting him know that I have called the Cardinal;” and as at that very hour the Imperial ambassadors were in the antechamber, and her Majesty immediately on his departure had them ushered in, there is no doubt of her having acquainted them with this; and hence arose the subsequent change on the part of her Majesty?
	From Dillingen, 27th October 1553 ?
	[Italian.]
Oct. 27. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x.	821. Cardinal Pole to Pope Julius III.
	Having on the day before received the safe-conducts from the Duke of Würtemberg and the Count Palatine, left Dillingen to continue his journey towards the Imperial Court; and being lodged in the evening at a place belonging to the Duke three leagues off, he during the night received a letter from the Cardinal of Augsburg, acquainting him with the arrival of Don Juan de Mendoza, sent express to Pole by the Emperor with letters and commissions of importance; so the Cardinal, on behalf of Don Juan, requested Pole to wait for him where he was, as he did. Don Juan arrived in the morning, and remained with Pole the whole day. From the copy of the Emperor's letter, and from Pole's reply, as also from the minute of his conversation with Don Juan which he is sending to his Holiness, the Pope will be fully acquainted with the whole; and Pole hopes he will approve of his choice (as the lesser evil) of one of the two proposals made to him in this matter, most especially considering that whenever the Pope pleases, the other can be adopted, which is not the case with the first (ma non così al contrario). Refers himself for the rest to what is written, and to the statement of his messenger. Humbly kisses his Holiness's feet, praying God long to preserve and prosper him for the benefit of his Church.
	From Dillingen, 27th October 1553.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 27. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x.	822. Cardinal Pole to the Cardinal of Mantua.
	Having occasion to send the present messenger to Rome, to give notice to the Pope of the letter received from the Queen, as also of his stoppage at Dillingen, he has charged him to communicate both circumstances to the Cardinal, who will hear from him every other particular.
	From Dillingen, 27th October 1553.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 28. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x.	823. The Same to the Emperor Charles V.
	The more he considers this stoppage of his after having spoken with Don Juan de Mendoza, the less does it seem to him in accordance with the honour of the Apostolic See and of his Majesty, and with the obligation of the Queen to God and to her own advantage. Thinks it his duty to God and his Church, to his Majesty, and to the Queen, to communicate what occurs to him in this matter, not only to the Pope but to his Majesty and the Queen likewise, referring himself for the rest to the Emperor's sage consideration, and to what Pole said diffusely to Don Juan. With the Emperor he will speak but of this one point, that it seems immature at present to settle and treat this matter of the obedience of the Church, whereas Pole is of opinion that it may be injurious for the Queen's interests to delay it (which is the chief object of his being stopped), as the principal foundation of the Queen's right to the crown rests on the legitimacy of her mother's marriage, which depends on the Papal dispensation [of Julius II.]; so that by abrogating the authority of the Pope, the Queen's right to the crown is in like manner abrogated, and by deferring the establishment of the Papal authority in England, the establishment of the Queen's right to the crown is in like manner deferred; and thus it is evident that the first day Parliament commenced, the time commenced being nature for treating and establishing the obedience of the Church, and indeed had not the disobedience been confirmed by Act of Parliament, the time for establishing this point would have been not only before the meeting of Parliament, but even before the coronation. It therefore seems that the “maturity of the time” (la maturità del tempo) depends entirely on the arrival in England of the Papal Legate to confirm the Queen's right; and should her Majesty be of a contrary opinion, Pole respectfully beseeches the Emperor, of his prudence and authority, to let the Queen herself thoroughly comprehend how much this (independently of other respects) especially concerns her own welfare, which Pole is certain his Imperial Majesty has more at heart than any one else.
	In the next place, with regard to Pole's second legation about the peace, the Emperor should consider that the detriment caused by the war between him and the King of France, being common to all Christendom, it is always the time to treat of peace, and by reason of his office the Pope is always bound to “knock at the door” by all means; and at present, by reason of the season of the year, the armies having gone into quarters, this time is most opportune for maturing this fruit.
	As therefore he cannot see how it can in any way be expedient either for the affair of England or for that of the peace, in like manner as it can neither be honourable for the person of the Pope who sends him, nor for that of the Emperor to whom he is sent, that he should be detained midway at Dillingen, and prevented from entering the presence of his Majesty; so does he pray him to find means for speedily removing any impediment to his journey, that he may come to him forthwith to fulfil his legatine office and serve him in these two causes for the honour of God, for the general benefit of Christendom, and the personal advantage of the Queen, and for the increase of the honour of the Emperor, to whom in like manner as he feels himself very much obliged, so has he been, and ever will be, disposed to serve him, praying God long to preserve his Imperial Majesty, granting him all the consolation he desires, for the common weal and advantage.
	From Dillingen, 28th October 1553.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 31. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta), File no. 19.	824. The Doge and College to the Venetian Ambassador in England.
	The ambassador of the most Serene Queen having lately come into the College, after announcing the confirmation of his appointment in her Majesty's name, stated in very ample terms her good intention to maintain those friendly relations which have always existed hitherto between that most Serene Crown and the Signory, giving them particular account of the present state of English affairs, and of the good measures instituted by her Majesty for their prosperous progress, and principally with regard to the religion; all which having been heard with much mental satisfaction, desire him to thank her Majesty in their name for the loving office which she has performed with the Signory. To congratulate her Majesty on the prosperous events hitherto vouchsafed her by the Lord God, as matters have thus far been brought to that good pass in which they find themselves. As to the ambassador above-mentioned, to tell her Majesty that his confirmation has proved most agreeable to them, as in all his negotiations he has acted with prudence and address.
	Ayes, 21. Noes, 0. Neutral, 1.
	[Italian.]