Venice: June 1554 | 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: June 1554', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 5, 1534-1554, (London, 1873) pp. 501-518. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol5/pp501-518 [accessed 25 April 2024]

June 1554



June 1. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	886. Marc' Antonio Damula, Venetian Ambassador with the Emperor, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Duke Henry [Erigoi] of Brunswick [Wolfenbüttel], although he had promised to serve the Emperor, prefers harassing the Hanse Towns, from which he exacts considerable sums, and has written to the Emperor that his Majesty has nothing to fear from any power, and that the Marquis Albert [Alcibiades of Brandenburg (Culmbach)] is mad, poor, miserable, and universally detested. A military commander has sent the Emperor a plan of operations for the next campaign against France, and amongst other suggestions recommends him to import as soon as possible 3,000 troops from England, both to reinforce his army and to remove the opportunity for insurrection there; and concerning this plan the Emperor spoke very drily to Don Ferrante Gonzaga, and gave orders for the two German regiments, which are nearly completed, to be marched towards Liege. It is not credible that his Majesty will undertake any expedition until the arrival of the Prince of Spain in England, and until affairs there are quieted; nor will he choose the Spanish troops which accompany the Prince (in number upwards of 6,000) to be employed for Flanders, but keep them as a guard against such accidents as may occur in England.
	His Majesty, having been uneasy because some time had passed without news from Spain, was rejoiced yesterday by hearing, through a courier who left England on the 26th ulto., that on the 12th the Prince had sent his household and the noblemen who are to accompany him to the sea coast of Galicia, and on that same day he was to depart, riding postwise to Tordesillas, a few leagues from Valladolid, to take leave of the Emperor's mother, and would then go to meet his sister the Princess of Portugal, who was already on the borders of Castille, of which kingdom she has been appointed governess; and after the meeting he would proceed to embark at Corunna, where they calculate he arrived two days ago, and with the first fair weather he will cross thence to England, a passage of from four to six days, or more, according to the winds; but he has sent in advance the brother of Don Luis Davila (fn. 1) as ambassador to the Queen of England, to whom he is coming with four ships.
	The courier also reported that her Majesty had quitted London and was gone to Windsor, and on hearing of the Prince's approach will go on to Winchester (some seven miles from Hampton, where the Prince will land), and meet him there, though it is true that several changes have been made in this matter, and may be followed by others if deemed necessary for greater safety and quiet, as both at Brussels and in London they are always apprehensive of those English brains (quelli cervelli Anglesi), so prone to sedition; wherefore, she has left a good garrison of some 4,000 infantry in London, with a governor, her confident; and has had proclamations issued, inflicting heavy penalties on any Englishman maltreating any Spaniard either by word or deed.
	The Bishop of Cortona has arrived at Brussels from the Duke of Florence on his way to congratulate the King and Queen of England; Don Hernando de Gamboa, from the King of Bohemia; and the Count of Monte Cuculo, from the Duke of Ferrara; as also Don Pedro Lasso, from the King of the Romans, being likewise there on the same errand. (fn. 2)
	It is asserted, at Brussels that the Lady Elizabeth has been taken under custody to Windsor, whither the Queen was going, and that there is a misunderstanding between the Bishop of Winchester and Paget. Is informed by a person likely to know, that the most Christian King, when speaking with the Cardinal Legate, said he intended that the treaty stipulated by him with the late King Edward should continue in force with the present Queen, as Pole recommended, approving this. (fn. 3) Subsequently, having heard through her spies that King Henry, when talking with some of his courtiers, said he had no treaty whatever with her, Queen Mary spoke about this to the French ambassador resident with her, who said it was true that some months ago, in his King's name, he asked the Queen to form a new and closer understanding (intelligentia) with him, as the treaty made with King Edward became void on his death. Thereupon the Queen desired her ambassadors in France to tell the King what Noailles had said, and to learn the will of his Majesty, who replied that his ambassador knew not what he was talking about, and that he (the King) would maintain his friendship with the Queen inviolably, as also his treaty with King Edward, nor would he indeed make peace with the Emperor more easily by any other means than those of her Majesty, who sent all this intelligence to Brussels, and Damula would not wish it to be known that he transmits it to Venice.
	Some eight or ten ships have been armed in England, to keep the sea clear and guard it against the French vessels, which very frequently attacked ships on the voyage to these parts; so it is thought that those seas will now be safe, which work has been effected by the Alcalde at the Court of Brussels, who narrowly escaped being captured by the said corsairs.
	Brussels, 1st June 1554.
	P.S. (evening).
	The ambassadors from the Kings of the Romans and of Bohemia, and many other personages, have asked me about your Serenity's ambassador to the Prince of Spain. I reply that your ambassador arrived in England on the 22nd ult., as has been written to me thence. I do not know whether what I say is in accordance with your will.
	The syndics [at Milan] have been authorized to arrest Franzino, Don Ferrantes commissioner and general agent, and also a Spanish captain. It is believed that important discoveries will be made and great things justified; so Don Ferrante is very dispirited, and told the Emperor that his ministers act with passion against him, and commenced declaring them suspected; but his Majesty interrupted him, saying that in many matters which he is unable to transact in person, he must avail himself of his ministers, who would certainly not swerve from their duty; and that he was to be of good cheer, and have no farther suspicion, but he will go to England to kiss the Prince's hand, and afterwards they will discuss his affairs. Since the news of his Highnesses departure from Valladolid, perceives the verification of his prognostic, that the Princess coming regulates all the Emperor`s proceedings, as yesterday and to-day he has given audience to many persons, consuiting with his ministers about what is required for England, and the expedition to be made in Flanders against France.
	Brussels, 1st June 1554.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portions in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini, Applicato di I^ma. Classe del R. Archivio Generate di Venezia.]
June 2. Deliberazioni Senato (Secreta), v. lxix. p. 84.	887. The Doge and Senate to the Bailo at Constantinople.
	By advices from the Imperial and French Courts, understand that their Majesties are increasing their cavalry and infantry forces, and that the most Christian King is also levying Switzers and Grisons for employment in his army, some of these last being sent by him towards Sienna for the defence of that city, and the Signory conceded them passage through the Republic's territory. No further confirmation has been received of the report that Marquis Albert of Brandenburg had agreed to serve the most Christian King.
	They have heard from England that the Captain Wyatt, head of the rebels who was captured some time ago, had been executed in public, and that by a decree of the English Parliament the Prince of Spain, the Emperor's son, had been proclaimed King of England, as he is the consort of Queen Mary.
	Ayes, 188. Noes, 4. Neutrals, 3.
	[Italian.]
June 3. Original despatch. Venetian Archives.	888. Marc' Antonio Damula, Venetian Ambassador with the Emperor, to the Doge and Senate.
	Cardinal Pole having sent to the Queen of England to know whether she approved of his sending one of his attendants in honour of the wedding, her reply was that he might send, but not a Churchman; and he had previously written to her, that if she wished to rule in peace it was above all desirable for her to make an adjustment between the Emperor and the King of France, as she being the consort of the Prince of Spain, and he being the enemy of the French, it would be difficult for her to remain at peace with them; and that war at this commencement of her reign, together with the change of religion, and the introduction of a foreign King, could not but endanger the affairs of England, and encourage the malcontents who are in arms to bestir themselves daily; and should she now demand money for the purpose of waging war, it would perhaps not be granted her, and might cause rebellion; so she should do her utmost to effect peace between the Emperor and his most Christian Majesty. The Queen replied that she was aware of this, and would do her utmost accordingly. And Pole sent back to say, he is of opinion that peace will never be made unless a conference is held between the ministers of the two powers for the discussion of the difficulties and terms to be proposed reciprocally; and that her Majesty should prevail on them to send commissioners to meet and negotiate, etc.
	Brussels, 3rd June 1554.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portion in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini].
June 5. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	889. Giovanni Capello, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	It having been told me in secret that these Lords (questi Signori) were discussing a truce, at La Fère, where there was to be an envoy from Queen Maria, the Emperor's sister, she having interposed to negotiate it, I, wishing to hear something farther on the subject, left Compiègne, and came to this place two leagues from Coucy (Cusij), where the most Christian King arrived yesterday. I heard that in that place (in detto loco) [La Fère?], they held constant consultations; and lately the wife of the Duke de Bouillon, who is now a prisoner of the Imperialists, said to a certain gentleman, her friend, that in that place of La Fère these Lords discussed this negotiation for a truce, and that they agreed about everything, except its duration. The Emperor proposed to make it for less time than his most Christian Majesty would wish, which some persons find it very difficult to believe, it not seeming reasonable to them for the Emperor to break off the negotiation, which was being treated more to his repute by the Cardinal Legate Pole, for the sake of having it subsequently renewed by other similar means (per farla poi negotiare per un altro tal mezzo). They moreover say that it also seems to them unreasonable for the most Christian King to give ear to this scheme (maneggio), his Majesty having made such preparation for an attack on the Emperor in this quarter (dal canto di quà), chiefly with a view to keeping him so impeded as to prevent his giving any assistance (alcun favore) to the Queen of England, some hope being still entertained here of fresh insurrections in that kingdom on the arrival of the Prince of Spain, and most especially should they see the Emperor so harassed as to render it impossible for him to afford her Majesty any military succour. Although these things were said to me by way of conversation, I would nevertheless not abstain from writing them, that your Serenity may know in detail all that is heard here.
	Premontre, 5th June 1554.
	[Italian, in cipher; deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
June 7. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	890. Marc' Antonio Damula, Venetian Ambassador with the Emperor, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Emperor has desired the Duke of Brunswick to suspend the march of his troops (che intertenga le sue gente), and immediately on receiving notice to bring them hitherwards; so perceiving all these preparations and the delay in undertaking any expedition, it may be inferred that his Majesty awaits the arrival of his son in England before taking the field. Very considerable provision is being made, destined apparently for Flanders, but it proceeds slowly, nor has anything more been heard from Spain since his last.
	Brussels, 7th June 1554.
	[Italian, in cipher; deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
June 7. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	891. The Same to the Same.
	Cardinal Pole communicated the reply received from the Emperor about the peace to the Nuncio in France, from whom, on the day before yesterday, Damula heard the rejoinder of his most Christian Majesty, thus, that as the Emperor will not have peace, preparation must be made for war; the Nuncio adding that great preparation is in fact being made, both for Italy and Flanders. The Queen of England desired her ambassador at Brussels to notify the answer given by King Henry to the English ambassador at his Court, and to learn the Emperor's will respecting the last words, purporting that his most Christian Majesty would make the peace more willingly through the mediation of the Queen. Masone spoke to the Bishop of Arras, enquiring how the Queen was to regulate herself, and whether she was to treat peace with the King. The Bishop said it was impossible to make peace with the French, as they never keep their promises; and when Masone asked whether the Emperor had any wish to make peace, Arras said, “Yes, provided it be a good one.” The ambassador enquired, “How can a peace be made if not treated; and how can it be treated, unless consent be given and arrangements made?” Arras rejoined that first some knowledge must be obtained of the will of the French; whereupon Masone continued that the knowledge was very evident from the words about the peace, uttered of his own accord by the King to Dr. Wotton, and that he Masone considered the peace desirable, both for the Emperor and for England; adding, “The Prince is a new plant, planted in the realm of England by his father, who, if he wishes it to bear fruit, must let the soil rest quiet a while, as otherwise, if harassed at this commencement, it is doubtful whether the fruit will benefit him.” The Bishop rejoined, that the greater the demonstration of the French in favour of peace, the less do they wish for it; and that they themselves must propose the terms, as also the restitution of many things. Masone repeated that these terms might be treated at a conference between commissioners from the parties, and should no agreement ensue, nothing but words would he lost, whilst the Emperor would have shown that he was not averse to peace. The Bishop then said, “Well, we are determined, and will no longer believe the French, who have themselves been the authors of the war whilst we were at peace;” and when Masone insisted that Arras should speak about this to the Emperor, he said he would, and that possibly when these two sovereigns are with their armies in the field, they may then more to their honour talk of peace, propose terms, and perhaps conclude them, as has been the case heretofore.
	In the meanwhile, the Queen of England, although she wishes for the peace, will not say a word about it to the most Christian King until receipt of the order hence, though immediately on the arrival of her consort she will discuss the matter with him, in virtue of an article of the marriage contract whereby the Prince promises that the kingdom of England will neither directly nor indirectly take part in the war against the most Christian King, but endeavour strictly to observe the peace now existing between France and England, as also the conventions stipulated heretofore between the two countries, and never to give cause for infringing or altering them.
	Brussels, 7th June 1554. Evening.
	[Italian, in cipher; deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
June 10. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	892. Marc' Antonio Damula, Venetian Ambassador with the Emperor, to the Doge and Senate.
	News came of the arrival of four ships from Spain, with the Ambassador from the Prince to the Queen of England; but it has been ascertained that they were two Spanish caravels, which from foul weather had been well nigh two months on the voyage, so that nothing more is known about the Prince's coming than was written in Damula's last, save that bets are laid that he will be in England on the 20th or 25th instant; and they talk about the winds and changes of weather with very anxious hope.
	The Emperor is well, and on the 7th instant was occupied in making his will, or, to speak more correctly, in revising it; for he has made it several times.
	Brussels, 10th June 1554.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portion in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
June 10. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x.	893. Cardinal Pole to Cardinal Morone.
	By Morone's letter of the 20th ult. has understood what he tells him concerning the brief which the Pope was about to send him, and how Ormanetto would return to Brussels, by which opportunity Pole would also wish the Pope to send some determination respecting the Church property, about which the Queen has asked the agent every time she spoke to him since his last return to England.
	By Pole's last letter of the 13th (fn. 4) Morone will have heard that the Queen, not thinking it desirable for him to send the Bishop of Worcester nor any other churchman with his congratulations to the King, he had not yet determined what person to appoint for the performance of this office. He subsequently made choice of their Messer Michiel (de Messer Michiel nostro), (fn. 5) who is in England, most especially as this resolve has been approved by the English ambassador at Brussels [Sir John Masone], and by a messenger express Pole will send the congratulatory letters for the King and Queen to Michiel, together with the instructions for his verbal announcement, and this he will do immediately on hearing of the King's arrival in England. Morone will also have heard that on the 28th May the Queen quitted London and went to Richmond (fn. 6), which is on the way to Winchester, where the marriage is to be celebrated. By the last letters from London, dated the 5th, nothing further was heard about the coming of the King, but a Count had arrived at the Court sent by him from Spain with a present for the Queen, who had despatched the Bishop of Lincoln (íl Vescovo Lenconiense) and another nobleman to meet him, and the Imperial ambassadors were already on their way to Southampton.
	By the enclosed extract, (fn. 4) Morone will see what Pole's agent wrote in his last letter; and a few days ago, when the English Ambassador came to dine with him, he told Pole that the day before, the Bishop of Arras had informed him that the Queen, having been moved by certain threatening words uttered to her by the French Ambassador, sent immediately to desire her ambassador in France [Dr. Wotton] to acquaint the King with this, in order to know his will towards her. The King replied that his will was the same it always had been, not only to maintain, but even to augment his friendship with her, adding that should peace have to be negotiated between the Emperor and him, her Majesty would be a good mediatrix. This having come to the knowledge of Masone, he mentioned it to Pole, because it was in accordance with what they had said together on the subject, which conversation Masone wrote to the Queen, (fn. 7) and with this opportunity communicated it to the Bishop of Arras, who said in short that the Imperialists would never be the first to make a proposal of peace, without entering into further details. He did not, however, evince aversion to the discourse, neither did he a few days ago, when discussing the same topic with Pole's Abbot [of S. Saluto], as Morone will have heard by the Abbot's letters, addressed to Messer Gian Francesco. But from what is heard and seen on both sides, the projects and preparations in course, show that they are thinking more of war than of peace, which, however, in reason, must have some limit. Nor will Pole fail to avail himself of every opportunity that may offer, should he have to remain at Brussels, in which case he would deem it advisable for his Holiness to give him some especial commission whereby to open the way for writing or sending to France. Pole had heard nothing previously about the request for Legates made by the Emperor and the King of the Romans, nor could Morone have done better than to await the Pope's decision. Much is said at Brussels about this Diet, and that the Emperor purposes attending it, which is not credited, as some months may elapse before these other negotiations are arranged. The letter from Germany has convinced Pole of the favour vouchsafed him by God, who allows him to be slandered in every quarter, continuing to him, however, of his goodness, that disposition (animo) always to desire and seek whatever may be for the common weal.
	From Brussels, 10th June 1554.
	[Italian.]
June 11. Despatches from England. File 1. Venetian Archives.	894. Narrative forwarded by Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate.
	Bortholo de Riedes, writer (scrivan) of the ship “Bemba,” Manoli de Paris, master, arrived in London yesterday evening. Reports that on the 2nd instant, he, with the ship, set sail from port Benedetto in Brittany, and steering towards England, they, on the 6th, between Cape Lizard (Capo Laserti) and Brest, when in mid-channel, fell in with 320 French vessels, as counted by him and the ship's company. This fleet was tacking in the channel, and the “Bemba,” being alone, lowered all her sails, and after an hour the flagship fired a salute of one gun, which the “Bemba” returned, and then four of the principal ships set sail, making towards them, the whole fleet following. At an hour before sunset, the flagship, commanded by Viscount di Albanova [?], came under the “Bemba's” bow, demanding the launch (la barca) and the clerk (il scrivano), who immediately went on board, together with the noble Messer Daniel Contarini, (fn. 8) and having exhibited the letters patent from the most Christian King, they requested to be allowed to continue their voyage; whereupon, the commander-in-chief, after speaking to another captain of the largest ship (whom the clerk subsequently understood to be a Scot), asked him whether he had any news of the Spanish fleet. The clerk answered that he knew nothing at all, having been four months absent from Spain. He then required them to give him five butts of wine, which were not given spontaneously, but he sent his men to take them, and not only did they take the wines, but also a silver-mounted knife belonging to the master, and some of his sailing-compasses; and they allowed the ship to go on its voyage.
	Being asked about the quality of the French ships, he said the captain told him that eighty of them were armed, and that part were with him the commander-in-chief, and part off “the Land's End” (sopra il Capo dell' Isola); but so far as the clerk could judge, all the vessels, one after the other, having passed astern of his ship, he does not think that more than ten or twelve of them were armed, each being of about 600 Venetian butts burden, but the flagship, which sailed admirably (qual era bonissima di velle), was not thought to be of more than 400 butts. The rest were small vessels, like Venetian marcilians, with very few men on board, without artillery; and all these vessels on leaving the “Bemba,” made towards France.
	Being asked whether, so far as he had heard, there was any Englishman on board the fleet, he said he had heard nothing at all, save that the commander-in-chief gave him an Englishman to take to England, dressed in the garb of a courier, but with the air of a gentleman, recommending him very earnestly. When the ship arrived at Dover, four of the Queen's galleons were there; and the Englishman, seeing that the gondola was going ashore, asked to be landed with the rest, as was courteously conceded to him, so the gondola on its way having neared the galleons, their commander chose to examine each of the persons on board the gondola, and recognizing the Englishman by his pronunciation, after asking him several things, ordered his arrest, and had him taken on board his galleon, the gondola being allowed to depart. The clerk added, that from the Englishman's conversation on board the ship, he thinks him a French spy. The captain of the galleons showed nothing but the usual marks of friendship and courtesy towards the “Bemba.”
	London, 11th June 1554.
	[Italian.]
June 12. Despatches from England. Filel. Venetian Archives.	895. Narrative forwarded by Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate.
	Is sending by way of Antwerp, duplicates of his letters of the 9th, and adds a report made by the writer of the ship belonging to the magnifìco Messer Lorenzo Bembo and Co., who arrived in London yesterday, having left the vessel at Margate. The Signory will perceive that he gives an account of the French fleet which was off the coast of England, and of its amount and quality; but with regard to so extraordinary a number as 320 sail, which he says he counted, intelligent Londoners believe them to be fishing boats, which at this season unite and put to sea for the herring fishery, and that their junction with the few French men-of-war was accidental rather than from their being of any use for hostilities, as none of them carry arms, and scarcely sufficient men to direct the boats and carry on the fishery.
	The Right Reverend Chancellor confirmed this to Michiel's secretary, seeming to hold the matter in little or no account; nor had he the slightest apprehension that these vessels could cope with the Spanish fleet were they to fall in with it; of which he is yet more convinced by the news at length received by him last evening of the landing at Plymouth of the Marquis de las Naves, (fn. 9) who made the voyage [from Laredo] without any danger. The Chancellor merely knew that he had arrived at Plymouth on Saturday the 9th, but told the Secretary (Michiel does not know whether on the authority of the Marquis, or according to the opinion of others) that the Prince will be in England in a fortnight, though, as the Marquis will soon be at the Court, his landing-place being only 100 miles off, the particulars of this, and of all his other news, will soon be known, and if imparted to Michiel, he will forthwith transmit them to the Signory.
	Two days ago, there also made his appearance Count Camillo da Montecucolo, sent by the Duke of Ferrara, to congratulate the Prince and the Queen in his Excellency's name. (fn. 10) Yesterday he went to the Court, and her Majesty received him graciously. When visiting Michiel, he told him he should await the Prince's arrival, and then return to Italy, post wise, as he came.
	The Queen is still at Richmond, on the eve of departure (it is said) for Oatlands, seven miles in advance [towards Southampton ?] but her movements will be delayed until she receives sure news of the Prince's arrival.
	Has received the Signory's letters of the 22nd ultimo, with the summaries from Constantinople down to the 22nd April, which he will communicate to the Chancellor as usual, her Majesty not being in London.
	London, 12th June 1554.
	[Italian.]
June 15. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	896. Marc' Antonio Damula, Venetian Ambassador with the Emperor, to the Doge and Senate.
	When speaking to the Bishop of Arras about the affair of the Magnifico Spatafora, said that he had been absolved by the Cardinals, and that his lordship could speak about it to the Cardinal Legate, Pole, who would acquaint him with the life and manners of Messer Bortolomeo [Spatafora?], and requested him to take his character from such a man, to which the Bishop did not answer one word; nor since the Cardinal's return from France has he ever been to visit him.
	News came of the arrival in England of the Marquis de las Navas, bat it was untrue; nor has any farther sure intelligence been received from Spain.
	Is informed that off the headland of England there are many French men-of-war, but very small ones, and that they are stationed there to intercept the ships from Spain.
	Being unable to go in person by reason of a violent cold, sent to thank the English Ambassador for the favour which the Queen conferred spontaneously by desiring that, for his safety, the Ambassador Soranzo should embark on board her armed ships, which is considered a great favour, in addition to the others received by him on this his departure, as announced to Damula by private letters from London.
	With this, sends the packet from England.
	Brussels, 15th June 1554.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portions in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
June 16. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	897. Giovanni Capello, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	The mustering of the army (la massa dell' essercito) seems to be delayed longer than was expected, the Constable not having yet left the court, as he has been somewhat indisposed. Some persons are of opinion that they will put off making this muster (massa) until they hear of the arrival of the Prince of Spain in England, to see what his fleet and the troops he brings with him may do. In consequence of his passage they have raised a certain amount of troops in Normandy and Britanny to guard those coasts; 300 men-at-arms are quartered in those parts until the fleet has passed. Within the last few days the French Government (questi) has entertained a suspicion that on the arrival of the Prince in England that kingdom must (si debbi) declare itself the enemy of this one (di questo), because should the army of the most Christian King attack these provinces of the Emperor which have been promised as dower-security? (contradote) to the Queen of England, it is apprehended that, besides the other reasons whereby the Prince her husband may persuade her to make war, this of defending her own (di difendere il suo) will have great weight (serà di molta importantia); so the Constable sent lately for the English Ambassador [Dr. Wotton] and spoke to him at great length about this suspicion of his most Serene Queen, as told me by the Ambassador himself, and he answered that said Queen is well disposed to maintain (osservare) the peace and friendship she has with his most Christian Majesty, and that she has shown such constancy in her actions as to warrant no suspicion of her allowing herself to be persuaded by her husband to do anything at variance with her intention and her promise.
	News have been received from England that they were expecting the Prince of Spain there very soon. He was to embark on the 31st ulto.; so the Queen had left London, and was going to Winchester to meet the Prince.
	Premontre, 16th June 1554.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portion in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
June 17. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	898. Marc' Antonio Damula, Venetian Ambassador with the Emperor, to the Doge and Senate.
	A Spanish gentleman arrived at Brussels this morning, having landed at Southampton on the 15th, with the Marquis de las Navas, who was sent by the Prince of Spain to the Queen of England. The Prince might be on the coast of Galicia to embark there by the 10th, and his arrival may be hoped for hourly. The Duke of Savoy has received a gratuity of 15,000 crowns; has paid all his household, and given orders for everybody to be in readiness to go out in the course of this week; and the troops still continue marching, but are not expected to take the field until the Prince arrives in England; and the French are raising forces in great number.
	The Emperor is sending those most beautiful tapestries representing the Tunis expedition, and a quantity of jewels, as a present to the Queen of England.
	With regard to the Emperor's request to the Pope to send legates to the Diet of Augsburg, nothing was said either to Cardinal Pole or to the Nuncio, nor did they know anything about it, save by letters from Rome; and his Holiness sent Pole a copy of the Emperors letter written to him on this subject, that he might be acquainted with it, and give his opinion about the Diet; Damula's being that by this demand for legates, the Emperor wished to cajole (dar pasto) his Holiness, as for the present they will neither hold the Diet, nor talk of religion.
	Brussels, 17th June 1554.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portion in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
June 18. Parti Secrete, Consiglio X., File no. 8.	899. English Ambassador in Venice.
	Motion made in the Council of Ten and Junta by the Chiefs of the Ten.
	That the Ambassador for England be answered in such gracious form of speech as shall seem fit to the Doge, that they are content to have his servant arrested, as he requested them to do.
	And be it carried that the servant aforesaid be arrested by order of the Chiefs of this Council, and kept in custody in a secret place in such a mode as shall seem fit to them, so that he may not be able to speak with any one.
	Ayes, 6. Noes, 17. Neutrals, 5.
	Ser Francesco Minio,
	Ser Alvise Foscarini,
	Ser Ermolao Barbaro,
	Chiefs.
	[Italian.]
June 20. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	900. Giovanni Capello, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	It is heard from Britanny and Normandy that in those seas the French Government (questi) assembled lately a large quantity of ships, to cause suspicion to the Prince of Spain on this his passage to England, but I understand that of the said ships there were only about eighteen armed, the rest belonging to private individuals, it having been chosen to make use of them for the purpose of making a great show.
	Premontre, 20th June 1554.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portion in Italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
June 20. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. No date of time. Printed in v. iv. pp. 153 158. “Epistolarum Reginaldi Poli,” with the date as above.	901. Cardinal Pole to the Cardinal of Augsburg (Cardinale Augustano) [Otho Truchses].
	No one could induce Pole to publish the books addressed by him heretofore to the King of England, for his own perusal exclusively (ut ab uno illo legerentur). Is now afraid that the publication will be extorted from him by a stranger, whose effigy and name are alike unknown to him, and who openly declares himself Pole's enemy. This person resents the arguments of the books, as inferred by that part of his letter addressed to Pole at Rome (and which Pole now sends to the Cardinal of Augsburg) threatening speedily to publish something against them. The writer seems to be a German; he declares Pole's assertions to be false, and accuses him of printing the books in such a manner as to prevent their falling into the hands of persons capable of confuting them. (fn. 11) The intention of Pole is manifest through his intended preface to the whole work, at the time when counselled and well nigh compelled to publish it. Such apparently, is the will of God, and he therefore sends everything to the Cardinal of Augsburg. In the meanwhile, touching the censor's accusations, Pole is charged with acknowledging the true doctrine of justification, and endeavouring to prevent its being divulged amongst the Italians. This he confutes by asserting that according to the apostolic doctrines and the authority of the Church, he believes justification to proceed from faith accompanied by works, as learned by him, not from the interpreters and masters who arrogate to themselves the true meaning of those words, but from the Apostles Paul and James.
	With regard to the diffusion of this doctrine in Italy, he merely counselled certain persons, who chose to preach, to abstain from that gift of gospelling, (fn. 12) to which no one had called them. Christ being essentially truth and justice, no one possesses him who swerves from justice and truth, as this writer does when he says that Pole went to a certain gospeller at Augsburg (such being the title conferred by them on their doctors), promising him to espouse their cause, (fn. 13) whereas Pole never was at Augsburg. The Cardinal of Augsburg knows well that lately when again passing through Germany, he did not go there; and of his very great kindness, the Cardinal, hearing that he was distant two days journey from the city, sent his attendants to him to conduct him to Dillingen, where having been the Cardinal's guest during some days, or rather months, no doctor of the sect ever spoke to him, not that he was averse to a conference, but that none of the gospellers asked it.
	As to the abuse lavished on him by this libeller, would not heed it, were he at present in the position of a mere private individual, it having always been his custom under similar circumstances to remain silent, but as he now holds a public office he is compelled to reply. Being accused therefore of canvassing the popedom, he confutes the charge in detail, alleging his aversion to all honours (especially to that which is supreme), and the testimony of his friends, as also his own demeanour, and the book written by him on that occasion, and of which he sends the Cardinal of Augsburg a manuscript copy (having hitherto communicated it but to a very few persons), that, should he think fit, he may print it. Pole himself is of opinion that it will easily acquit him before all candid judges of the suspicion of having earnestly sought this supreme dignity, and refers himself to what he wrote after the conclave to the Bishop of Badajos.
	Pole also finds himself accused of cruelty, and of wishing to reestablish the peace between England and France, for the purpose of a combined attack on Germany. With regard to cruelty, Pole may possibly have said that a putrid member should be severed from the body, but at any rate he never said that recourse should not be had in the first place to lenitives, on which account he was reproached by some for being too merciful. At the Council of Trent he always supported the mildest measures, considering that the prelates assembled there, being entitled “ fathers,” should comport themselves as parents, and that the heretics, although rebels, were their sons.
	Touching the Germans, the Cardinal of Augsburg's countrymen, not only Pole, but the entire English nation, are bound to them by yet closer ties of friendship, both one and the other being of Saxon origin; and as the Germans are linked with the English by the bond of human friendship, so are they also joined to them by the strongest of any, which is divine love, because England conferred on her German kinsfolk this boon, that they received the faith and. religion of Christ through the English Saint Boniface, which ought to be an eternal pledge between the two nations. On this account Pole the more laments that the Saxons should have raised the standard of rebellion against the Roman Church, their example being followed by England, and that not content with their own apostasy they should endeavour openly to pervert the whole of Germany and all other Christian nations.
	Brussels, 20th June 1554.
	[Latin. 240 lines.]
June 21. Senato Mar. v. xxxii. p. 150, tergo.	902. Claims on England of the Venetian Nobleman Sir Francis Bernard. (fn. 14)
	The nobleman Francesco Bernardo, knight, having been unable as yet to negotiate anything with the Queen of England about the credits claimed by him from that crown (on account of damages sustained in divers manners for the service and advantage of his late Majesty), by reason of the disturbances after the death of King Edward, petitions the Signory to prolong therefore for one year, the license to go to England conceded on the 27th of March 1553; Put to the ballot, that the above-mentioned license be prolonged for another year.
	Ayes, 172. Noes, 11. Neutrals, 3.
	[Italian.]
June 22. Lettere Secrete, Capi Consiglio X. File no. 5.	903. The Chiefs of the Ten to Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in England. (fn. 15)
	A few days ago the reverend ambassador of the most Serene Queen Mary came to them saying that he wished they would order the arrest of one of his servants (fn. 16) for certain important things, which he would specify after it had been made. The Chiefs answered him that this matter of arrest is of great moment, and by the Republic's laws and ordinances entails difficulties, as sundry and important considerations must be had. Subsequently the ambassador entered the College, where the Chiefs were present, saying he had been told that his said servant had uttered certain words to the disparagement of the most Serene Queen, demonstrating ill-will towards her; and he repeated the same demand for the arrest, in order (as he said) to examine him thoroughly, with the assistance of a secretary on behalf of the Signory. Although anxious to do what is agreeable to the Queen, nevertheless as such proceedings are unusual, and might create great confusion, they were unable to satisfy the ambassador in this matter, having frequently denied similar requests to many Princes, ambassadors, and other personages, because an infinite number of persons of all nations proceed freely to Venice and her territory, where everybody discourses, even of Princes, according to their opinions, and it is not customary to take heed of their words, the like system being observed at other courts; and had the Signory proceeded to this arrest, the example would have subjected them to so many similar requests from ambassadors and other personages that discussions of the sort would have arisen daily, to the confusion of the Republic's laws and regulations, and causing not a little disturbance to the Signory. Have given him detailed account of these things for his own information, and in order that if spoken to about them further by the Queen, or by any of the Lords of the Council, he may be able to reply according to this letter in such form as of his prudence he shall deem fitting, giving the Chiefs notice of the result.
	Ayes, 20. Noes, 0. Neutrals, 0.
	In Coll^o. intervenientibus Cap. Ill^mi. Consilij X.
	[Italian.]
June 23 Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	904. Marc' Antonio Damula, Venetian Ambassador with the Emperor, to the Doge and Senate.
	Letters from Valladolid of the 24th ulto. say that the Prince of Spain had already seen his sister, and was expected to embark in the middle of this month at the latest. Hitherto the weather has been fair, but it is now cold, and the northerly winds are against this voyage. The Marquis de las Navas has brought the Queen a beautiful large diamond as a present from her Consort, and unless some new resolve be formed, it seems that the marriage will be celebrated at Winchester.
	Sir Philip Hoby, late English Ambassador at the Imperial Court, has arrived at Brussels. Damula believes he is on his way to the baths of Abano, but in a future despatch will say for certain whether such is the case.
	Brussels, 23rd June 1554.
	[Italian.]
June 29. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	905. Marc' Antonio Damula, Venetian Ambassador with the Emperor, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Emperor's delay in mustering his forces is now causing him great trouble and detriment. During the whole of this year he determined to await the arrival of his son in England, in order to avail himself of the money and troops which accompany the Prince, and therefore procrastinated, disbursing but little pay, and detaining much cavalry and infantry in Germany; nor can they be got together speedily, as the journey thence to Flanders is very long, nor is the money sent thither sufficient to make them march.
	Brussels, 29th June 1554.
	[Italian, in cipher; deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
June 30. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	906. Marc' Antonio Damula, Venetian Ambassador with the Emperor, to the Doge and Senate.
	It may be hoped that in a fortnight from 16 to 20,000 foot will be mustered, and the Emperor will regulate himself according to the proceedings of the enemy, who, yesterday and today, besides plundering everything in the neighbourhood of Brussels, also burned many villages, capturing such men of wealth as they found abroad, great numbers of the peasantry being destitute, and making their escape into Brussels; those who can save their apparel, bringing it into the town, where in a few days they must be famished, as the harvest cannot be got in for a month, and the French are destroying it, victuals being brought from day to day for the momentary supply; but the enemy lost a great opportunity by not entering Brussels immediately and making them all decamp in double quick time. Nothing is said about the Emperor 's departure, nor is it expected to take place until he has an army in the field, when Damula will follow him wherever he goes, unless he forbids him. Yesterday his Majesty tried on his armour and found that the corslet and a jerkin of buckskin (di coro [cuojo] di cervo) which he wears under it were tighter for him than usual, by three fingers breadth, so he is stouter than he was, and, from what his attendants say, is better than he has been for some years.
	Cardinal Pole, who had been residing at an abbey, as Damula wrote, (fn. 17) on hearing that his Majesty intended to depart, came into Brussels and informed the Bishop of Arras, through the Nuncio [Muzzarelli], that he should remain there until he received farther orders from Rome, and wished to know whether the Emperor had any other commands to give. Arras said he would inform his Majesty, who would not depart for the present, and that within a month at the latest he will have such an army that it will make the French scamper home if they can get there. But in a few days Pole purposes making another attempt, by speaking about the peace or causing it to be spoken about, provided the Emperor will give him audience; nor did the Bishop of Arras take it amiss that Pole should remain at Brussels, of which he had some doubt, remembering what Arras said to him [last May] when he returned from France, as written by Damula.
	It was reported today that the Prince of Spain had arrived in England on the 28th, but Damula finds that a Spanish ship has arrived at Antwerp, having sailed from Coruña on the 18th, bringing word that the Prince was to embark on that day, and they hope soon to have news of his arrival in England.
	Brussels, 30th June 1554
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portion in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
June 30. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	907. Giovanni Capello, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	The English Ambassador is going to Rheims, as I also shall do immediately on the Queen's departure thither, she having remained where she now is on account of a slight indisposition which suddenly seized her eldest daughter, Madame Isabel; but on that same day they sent off the Dauphin with the most Serene Queen of Scotland and her Majesty's other daughter to Rheims, and the Queen herself will soon depart, that castle (quel castello) [of Coucy?] not being considered very safe on account of its vicinity to the enemy's fortresses.
	I have heard on good authority, that as soon as the army is united his Majesty will push on with it (si spingerâ con quello) towards Brussels, in order if possible to dislodge the Emperor, and if able, they would even enter the city and have it sacked, which will remain to be seen; and of what may take place I shall give your Serenity notice from time to time.
	Dr. Wotton tells me that according to his last advices from London, the Prince of Spain has not yet appeared in that kingdom, and this he attributed to contrary weather; nor by this present letter have I anything more to tell your Serenity.
	Laon (Lan), 30th June 1554.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portion in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]