Venice: September 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: September 1554', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 5, 1534-1554, (London, 1873) pp. 571-577. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol5/pp571-577 [accessed 27 April 2024]

September 1554



Sept. 2. Originla Despatch, Venetian Archives.	944. Marc' Antonio Damula, Venetian Ambassador with the Emperor, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Prince of Orange, the Count d'Aremberg, and the Count of Meghen, came hither lately, as personages of these States, to negotiate and urge the exaction of the monies promised to the Emperor, as written by me; nor does the difficulty consist in the payment, as they have already promised it, and his Majesty avails himself of the promise [by raising the amount] through the merchants, but it has not yet been settled in what way this sum is to be obtained from private individuals, as the other means seem difficult, and to put new duties on the necessaries of life (sopra le cose del vivere), as they did lately, would to my knowledge hazard a fresh insurrection, the people having rebelled on this account at Antwerp, and other places also, nor as yet has the matter been decided.
	The Duke of Savoy has been canvassing the Imperial ministers, and perhaps his Majesty himself, to obtain the government of the Milanese, in the hope that it may not only benefit him for the government of his own subjects, who hitherto have been greatly maltreated by the hands of others, but be also advantageous for the Emperor, as the Duke would be better able to obtain accommodations (comodità) for him from his subjects than a Spanish Governor, the name of that nation being execrated, not merely in the duchy of Savoy, but in the Milanese likewise. A certain Imperial minister answered him (gli è stato risposto da alcun ministro di sua Maestà), that what he now demands is much less than what the Emperor wishes to do for him, and that this he will see by fact, giving him good hope by word of mouth; so the Duke seeing that the Milanese is given to the King of England, by whom he believes himself much beloved, has sent to make this request to the Duke [Philip of Spain] aforesaid, and is now by no means satisfied with the Emperor.
	The English Ambassador here has written to his colleague [Peter Vannes] resident with your Serenity, that on his own account (sopra di se), he may speak to Peter Carew whenever he pleases and that he [Masone] has written to the Queen that said Carew could not be in a better place than Venice, and that he should be entertained, because he is not naturally bad. (fn. 1)
	The Bishop of Arras, Mons. de Praet, and the Doctor Gerardo have been charged to investigate all the accusations, defences, and writings sent lately by the syndics of Milan, concerning Don Ferrante Gonzaga, and report to the Emperor everything relating to this matter; so Don Ferrante has deferred his journey to England, but has sent an agent thither, and is not at all pleased that the treatment of his affairs should pass through the hands of the personages aforesaid.
	Some relations of the Cardinal of Burgos, who have arrived from England, say that the most Christian King had sent three ambassadors to perform an office of ceremony with the King and Queen, and that they were also commissioned to learn the King's mind as to whether he would observe the convention which exists between the realms of France and England, to which his Majesty replied that he would do whatsoever might be suitable for his kingdoms, such being the precise words which they say were uttered to them by the King of England (“et che havevano anche commissione d' intender l'animo del Re se voleva osservare la capitulatione che è tra li Regni di Franza et di Anglia, il che dimandato al Re, Sua Maestà rispose, che faria tanto quanto fusse conveniente alli suoi Regni, et sono le formali parole che dicono haver ditto il Re d' Inghilterra”); and that in October King Philip is to have an interview with the Emperor; and I wrote from Brussels that such was the order given him, if he could execute it conveniently; and he has sent, as a present to two noblemen of these provinces, a horse and a mule for their use on the way to meet him, as he is coming to confer with the Emperor. Many persons, able to obtain authentic intelligence, are of opinion that the interview will take place, though the period will be delayed according to circumstances.
	Having written thus far, I received letters written from Bethune on the morning of the 30th ult, on the morning of which day the Emperor was to go to Arras, where he will perhaps remain some days to speed (per favorire) the enterprise against Dourlens. They do not tell me that the Switzers have been dismissed, my correspondent, on the contrary, having received a hint that the French army will hang on the Emperors rear, as heretofore, to keep him always in alarm (in sospetto) and short of victuals (et stretto delle vittuaglie), and to prevent the enterprise, as the Imperialists did by the French, until they retreated.
	The Lucchese merchants at Antwerp, by order of their Republic have elected two ambassadors [one] to the Emperor, and [the other to] the King of England, to perform an office of congratulation on this marriage. Bat I understand from another quarter, that the chief cause is to complain to both Sovereigns that the Duke of Florence wants to build a fortress in a place where the Lucchese consider it will be a grievance for them (in loco dove Luchesi pretendono gravame), nor will they consent to it, although the Duke promises to raze it (disparlo) at the end of the present war.
	I disbelieve the above-written intelligence from England about the coming of fresh ambassadors from France, as the Florentine ambassador, who arrived last evening from England, [and] to whom I spoke, after having written thus far, tells me there is no fresh ambassador there from France, but that the ambassador in ordinary [Antoine de Noailles] and his brother [Francois] (fn. 2) spoke to the King and Queen about the conventions aforesaid.
	Brussels. 2nd September 1554.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portions in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
Sept. 7. Deliberazioni Senato (Secreta) v. lxix. p. 42, tergo.	945. The Doge and Senate to Antonio Erizo, “Bailo” at Constantinople.
	By letters, dated Brussels, 28th August, learn that the Emperor was at St. Omer at no great distance from his army, that he was preparing a battering train, and that 3,000 Spanish infantry, sent by his son the most Serene King of England, who brought them with him from Spain, had arrived in the camp.
	The letters from England down to the 14th August, say that in a few days the most Serene King and Queen would be in London for the coronation.
	Ayes, 165. Noes, 0. Neutral, 1.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 21. MS. St. Mark's Library. Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. Printed with some omissions in vol. iv. “Epistolarum Reginaldi Poli,” etc. pp. 162–166.	946. Cardinal Pole to King Philip of England.
	It is now a year since he commenced knocking at his palace gate, nor as yet has any one opened it to him. Were the King to ask “who knocks,” he would merely reply, “I am he who, in order not to exclude your consort from the palace of England, endured expulsion from home and country, and twenty years of exile.” Were he merely to say this much, would he not seem worthy to return to his country, and to have access to the King? But as he is not acting in his own name, nor as a private person, he knocks and demands in the name and person of the vicegerent of the King of kings, and the Pastor of man, namely, the successor of Peter, or rather Peter himself, whose authority heretofore so flourishing and vigorous in England, is now most injuriously ejected thence.
	Through Pole, Peter has long been knocking at the royal gate, which, although open to others, is still closed to him alone. The voice, perhaps, was not heard? It was heard perfectly, and with no less marvel at the Divine power and graciousness towards the church than was felt of yore by Mary the mother of John, when the damsel Rhoda announced Peter (whom King Herod had put in chains on the eve of execution, and for whom the Church was praying devoutly) released from prison and knocking at the door. If this caused great surprise to Mary and her companions, how is it possible that those who know that the supporters of St. Peter's authority and opower in England during the Herodian rule, were put in chains and most cruelly deprived of life,—the names moreover of the successors of St. Peter being expunged from all books containing the prayers of the Church for their safety and well-being,—can fail to marvel greatly at this pledge and testimony of the Divine graciousness and power; Peter at present, as if again freed from the prison of Herod, stands knocking at the very gate of the palace from which all these most iniquitous decrees against him proceeded; and astonishing as this is, yet is it no less so that the palace should belong to Mary. Why, then, did she so long delay the opening of the door? It is written of the damsel of Mary the mother of John, that on hearing the voice of Peter, being almost beside herself with joy, and not thinking about giving admittance, she hastened first of all to tell the tidings to Mary and the others who were with her, and who all at first doubted them; but then, as Peter continued to knock, they opened the door, nor did they hesitate to admit him, although there was great cause for fear, Herod himself being alive and on the throne.
	But what can Pole say of Mary the Queen? Is it fear or joy, that forbids her to open the door? above all now that she has heard the voice of Peter, and knows for certain that he has been long knocking at her door; nor on this occasion can she but acknowledge the admirable power of God, who released her with his own hand, and not by means of an angel as was the case with Peter when freed from the prison of Herod, overthrowing the iron gates which barred her way to the palace. Pole knows that Queen Mary rejoices; but he also knows that she fears; had she not feared, she would not have so long delayed. If she rejoices in Peters release, if she acknowledges the miracle of her accession, what prevents her from giving him admittance when he comes to the gate, and returning due thanks to God, especially now that Herod is dead, and that she has inherited his whole Empire ?
	Perhaps Divine providence permitted this timid delay, in order that he, King Philip, might aid his consort Mary in the noble undertaking? Such was the interpretation given to this fear by Pole, in a letter which he addressed to the Queen; and therefore he now writes to the King her husband—a most religious Prince—and requires him, in the name of the said Peter, to relieve her entirely from all fear, demonstrating to her that when she sought his hand (dum te ilia sponsum accerseret), although there was apparent cause for apprehension, she nevertheless alone defied fear, as she ought now to do, when joined in the flesh to so great a Prince, and give admittance to her spiritual Spouse, who, with Pole and Peter, has been so long waiting at the door, above all after he has so often and in such wonderful ways declared himself her guardian and defender.
	This will fully convince the King why Pole perseveres so long; as had he come alone, he would already have departed alone; expostulating against the opening of the door to other Ambassadors, whilst to him, alone it remained closed; or had Peter alone accompanied him, Peter in like manner would have departed, taking Pole with him, and shaking the dust off his feet as enjoined him by the Saviour whenever not admitted by any one whom he approached in the Lord's name; but Christ is with them, and they, Pole and Peter, are his representatives.
	It is for Philip to consider whether, being a Catholic Prince, who has inherited the title of “Defender of the Faith,” it becomes him to receive all foreign ministers who come to congratulate him on this acquired dignity, whilst the Legate of St. Peter's Successor who conferred it—that Legate being sent to confirm him on his throne in the name of the King of kings,—is alone denied admission. May it not be feared lest Christ take offence at the immediate admission of Ambassadors of all other Princes, whilst his Legate remains waiting without? Should it be said that Pole commences complaining; he does so, that King Philip may not complain of his omitting to give him the warning which he gave the Queen, of the danger of delay. The reception of Christ's Legate should have taken precedence of everything; as in every building the foundation stone is entitled to the first place. Should Philip attempt to build on any other foundation, Pole foretells him, in the words of Christ, that on that house the rain will descend and the floods come, and the winds will blow and beat upon it, and great will be its fall. The kingdom cannot be secure, unless based on obedience to the Church, which abolished, discord arose and the prosperity of the realm vanished; and should the King wish to restore it, he must restore the obedience to the Church. It is, therefore, necessary for him to receive forthwith him who is sent by God and by his Vicar. Should King Philip believe that Pole is not acceptable, he prays God to send some one else in his stead, as he desires nothing but the King's welfare.
	From the Monastery of Diligham (sic) near Brussels, 21st September 1554.
	[Latin, 140 lines.]
Sept. 28. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x.	947. Cardinal Pole to the Emperor.
	Heretofore when there was so little hope of re-establishing the, Catholic religion in England, by reason of the Rulers (Governatori) who persecuted it, Pole frequently, either spontaneously or by commission from the Pope, had recourse to the Emperor on account of the place held by him amongst the Princes of Christendom, as also by reason of his piety, and from seeing him called to this office, by so many other causes, both public and private.
	As the Divine Providence has now given the government of England into the hands of the Emperor's son, chosen for this purpose as consort of the most Serene Queen, he being so pious and obedient to. his Imperial Majesty, Pole ought so much the more and with surer hope, to have recourse to the Emperor. Nor may this appeal seem by any means immature, as whilst other foreign embassies have been graciously received, the Papal Legate has waited more than a year; most especially as his Holiness, who was entitled to precedence, remained aloof until the celebration of this auspicious marriage, which he so readily furthered by means of his authority.
	Pole therefore prays the Emperor, as God has given him great influence in England, to do what is expected of his piety, and to show himself grateful to the Almighty and the Apostolic See, by opening to him the road thither without further delay, that he may serve their Majesties for the honour of God, for the welfare and advantage of the nation, and for the eternal glory of his Imperial Majesty, who alone comprehends what has always been the object (fine) of the Pope, and of Pole his minister, in this cause. Should it be chosen to delay doing what is so due to God and to the Church, and to the whole realm of England, until the obstacles vanish of themselves, any good result will be rendered hopeless, to the great offence of God, to whom Pole will never cease to pray for the consummation of so pious and holy a work, and for the conservation and prolonged prosperity of the Emperor, for the service of God, and for the benefit of all Christendom.
	From the monastery of Dilignan (sic) near Brussels, 28th September 1554. (fn. 3)
	[Italian.]
Sept. ? MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. No date of time in MS.	948. Cardinal Pole to Don Bernardino.
	Has received his letter of the 13th July, in which, by commission from the fathers and brethren of the monastery, he requests Pole to sanction the return to Naples of his and their Don Thomaso. In reply Pole writes that his sole reason for taking Don Thomaso with him on his journey, was, that he might serve the Church in his own country [England ?]; so by sending him back before Pole knows whether the road would be open or closed to Don Thomaso (which God forbid), it would seem as if this proceeded from Pole, and that he had merely called him as a travelling companion, of which he had no need; and according to the dictates of conscience, Pole merely detained him until there was some greater certainty about his own going to England. But the first letters were written in such a tone, that had they arrived in time for Don Thomaso to return to Naples without endangering his life on account of the heat, Pole would have sent him back immediately, in order not to distress those whom he wishes to comfort; but now that Don Bernardino writes that the matter is referred to Pole, and to the will of Don Thomaso, Pole says that, for his own part, not only has he no mind to send Thomaso back, but rather to call another of the monks, namely, Don Bernardino himself, to assist this holy cause, hoping that he will not come in vain, and that there will be room for him also, to serve God and the Church, under such holy Sovereigns, the Queen having followed Pole's suggestions before her consort's arrival, so that now there is more cause for hope than ever.
	Had written thus far, before Don Thomaso showed him the second letter from his brethren, whereby not only do they not leave Pole to decide about his remaining or returning, but desire Thomaso to come away insalutato hospite, should Pole oppose his departure.
	It has greatly pleased Pole to see so much zeal and care for the salvation of their brother's soul, on which they appear to have been so intent, that like those who anticipate danger for one they love immoderately, they forget to bear in mind both the cause and the person with whom Don Thomaso finds himself, and who holds the post of Vicar of Christ, and has power to call assistance from every quarter for the cause committed to him. But Don Bernardino knows Pole's sentiments, and mode of proceeding; and although he might with a clear conscience detain Thomaso, who is willing to stay, yet will he not use violence in this matter by doing anything which is not quite satisfactory; and therefore answers Don Bernardino, desiring him to pray God for the revelation of what shall be most for his honour, and the welfare of Thomaso; and Bernardino's decision about his return, will always be to Pole's satisfaction.
	Brussels, [September?].
	[Italian.]
Sept. ? MS. St. Mark's Library Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. No date of time in MS.	949. Queen Mary to Cardinal Pole.
	Right Reverend Father in Christ, most faithful and well beloved Cousin.
	By her letters addressed to him before her last Parliament, recommended, amongst others, her faithful and beloved chaplain Master John Upton, Doctor in Theology, that the Pope might promote him to the Bishopric of Norwich, now vacant through [the appointment of] the reverend father Bishop of Ely. The Queen knows him to be a man learned and catholic, and one who fears God, and the sooner he is created Bishop of Norwich, [the sooner] will that Church be provided with a good pastor, very greatly to the Queen's pleasure; and so she prays God to have her good cousin in his blessed keeping.
	Would have willingly written this letter in her own hand to her good cousin Pole, but has not the opportunity (comodità), so she does not doubt he will take this in good part.
	[1554, September ?]
	[Italian.]