Appendix: Miscellaneous 1531 | 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.

'Appendix: Miscellaneous 1531', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 5, 1534-1554, (London, 1873) pp. 609-628. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol5/pp609-628 [accessed 25 April 2024]

Miscellaneous 1531



1531. Jan. 19. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416, Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1001. Sebastian Giustinian, Knight, Giovanni Antonio Venier, and Giovanni Pisani, Procurator, Venetian Ambassadors in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	Madame the Regent [Louise of Savoy], who was in a bad way (che stava in mali termini), has rallied so much that the fever and flux have subsided, and the entertainments and pageants (triumphi) in course of preparation for the coronation and entry of the most Serene Queen [Eleanor of Austria], will be put off, so long as Madame's convalescence shall be delayed.
	The relations between England and France are said to become more and more intimate daily, and the boundaries in dispute between the two kingdoms are being fixed; and Dom. Giovanni Gioachino, who was ambassador in England, has come hither, to return immediately. The cause of his coming will be heard. (fn. 1)
	Paris, 19th January 1531.
	Sebastian Justinian, Eques,
	Jo. Ants. Venerio, et
	Joannes Pisano, Procurator.
	Despatched through the ambassador from Ferrara.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 31. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416, Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1002. Sebastian Giustinian, Knight, Giovanni Antonio Venier, and Giovanni Pisani, Procurator, Venetian Ambassadors in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	Since their last of the 19th, applied for audience of the King, who is so occupied in exercising himself for the approaching jousts, at which he is to tilt (nelle quale la corre le sue lanze), and in arranging other matters for the coronation and entry of the Queen, that they have been unable to obtain it. Giustinian had already announced that Giovanni Gioachino [Passano, Seigneur de Yaux] was coming from England, it being said that he was on his way, to be present at the fixing of the boundaries between the jurisdiction of France and that of England. They now, however, understand that the chief cause of his mission was because some time ago the Cardinal de Grammont returned from Rome with news that the Pope told him he had seen and heard the opinions of many jurists (consultori) about the divorce case of England, affirming that the dispensation for the marriage contract between the most Serene Queen of England and the most Serene King was not valid, so that his Holiness seemed inclined to consent to the divorce or dissolution of that marriage; which intelligence King Francis despatched to England by one of his gentlemen.
	It subsequently came to pass that the Pope wrote certain briefs to King Henry, in direct contradiction to the announcement made to him by King Francis, prohibiting this dissolution and divorce; on which account King Henry complained of King Francis, and sent the aforesaid Messer Giovanni Gioachino (who it is also said wished to be sent for his own private interests) to announce in company with Sir Francis Bryan, his ambassador resident in France, the displeasure he felt from the news given him, as being illusive (clatali come illusoria), suspecting that the Pope, the Emperor, and King Francis had an understanding together in opposition to his will, using very offensive language (con parole assai concitate); which King Francis regretting, he sent off to Rome about this business, and also to England, apologizing and declaring his innocence (et dechiarir la sua innocentia); and Messer Giovanni Gioachino is still at the Court, and will soon depart for England.
	The ambassadors believe that his Majesty's excuse is legitimate, and that King Henry will receive the defence of his innocence (la defension delta sua innocentia) as becoming.
	Paris, 31st January 1531.
	Sebastian Justinian, Eques.
	Jo. Ants. Venerio, et
	Joannes Pisano, Procurator.
	Despatched by way of Lyons.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 9. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1003. Sebastian Giustinian, Knight, Giovanni Antonio Venter, and Giovanni Pisani, Procurator, Venetian Ambassadors in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	These Lords of the Council have been some days in close consaltation about the current reports concerning the affairs of the divorce, to dispel the English King's suspicion that King Francis had an understanding with the Pope to prevent it; and having determined to favour King Henry's desire, they wrote very warm letters to Rome, persuading the Pope to favour this divorce, giving full account of this their resolve to his English Majesty, who is said to be more closely allied than ever with King Francis, and to have given him time to pay his debt at his convenience.
	Some persons say that the Emperor has invested the Duke Alexander de' Medici with the whole of Tuscany as a kingdom; others that he has constituted him Duke and Prince of Pisa and Vicar-General of Tuscany, but not King; (fn. 2) both which reports are contradicted by the Papal Nuncio, whom they do not entirely believe, as he would not admit what might seem to him unworthy of the Pope.
	A gentleman has arrived in Paris from the Duke of Albany [John Stuart], having been sent express, and announces that the Pope is inclined to marry his niece [Catherine de' Medici] to his most Christian Majesty's third son, the Duke of Angoulême, promising him Parma, Piacenza, Modena, Reggio, and other places; and were the King to place trust in the Pope, whom he trusts but little, this alliance would be concluded. The Nuncio denies it, ore rotundo, saying that the Pope would never alienate anything from the Church to gratify his private affection; but declares that the Duke of Albany, who is burning for novelty and for such a result, made this proposal to the Pope, and writes these conversations to the King, though on the part of his Holiness no [such] arrangement was, or ever will be, made.
	It is asserted everywhere that the Emperor remains firm in his determination, not in any way to modify the articles of [the Treaty of] Cambrai, which renders the French dissatisfied, and causes the King to ally himself more closely with England.
	Paris, 9th February 1531.
	Sebastian Justinian, Eques.
	Jo. Ants. Venerio, et
	Joannes Pisano, Procurator.
	Despatched by way of Lyons.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 14. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1004. Sebastian Giustinian, Knight, Giovanni Antonio Venier, and Giovanni Pisani, Procurator, Venetian Ambassadors in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	On the night of the 10th, the King returned to Paris from St. Germain and from his usual bunting diversions. Next morning they sent their secretaries to the Great Master, without whose intervention no one any longer approaches his Majesty, to obtain audience. He replied promptly that, for that day, it was impossible, as the King had taken medicine, but that he would hear them on the morrow, when the secretaries were to return, and that he would appoint the hour. This they did, and he then appointed the next day, as his Majesty had engaged himself to give audience to Mons. de Praet, (fn. 3) who arrived in Paris from the Emperor on the 10th. Next day early he sent to the house of one of the Ambassadors to say that, towards the end of dinner, they were to be at the Court, and that the King would willingly give them audience; and in the meanwhile the secretaries having been sent to the Court, his Excellency said to them, “The Lords Ambassadors will be together at the appointed hour; gentlemen will be sent to accompany them.” And four gentlemen having come accordingly, the three Ambassadors went to the Court yesterday, the 13th, and were received most graciously by the King, who, with a joyful countenance, doffing his bonnet most courteously, and bidding them welcome again and again, embraced them, so that it was impossible to kiss his hand.
	His Majesty was standing in the Privy-Chamber (nella camera privata), and although many Cardinals and great personages of the Court were present, there was no display or ceremony; and on opening their credentials and saying “they are in Latin,” he read them through silently, after which, as he showed that he waft listening, Pisani explained the embassy, congratulating him on his well-being, on the so anxiously desired return of his sons, (fn. 4) and his own most auspicious marriage. Having listened attentively, the King replied, “I will speak French, but in such wise that you may all easily understand me. Few words will suffice to let you know that the Signory's friendship and mine are sincere, as we have been together under fire. The Signory congratulates me on the return of my sons, and on my prosperity, as if they were her own. This I believe, and thank the State, as I am the Signory's good friend, and we have run one and the same chance together, (fn. 5) and they have known me to be their good friend, as I am; and although I have sustained some loss and expense for the Signory, as the Signory did for me, I am their good friend.” Thus repeating himself as aforesaid, he then continued, “If when I had my sons in Spain, and was the Emperor's enemy, it might be supposed I was the Signory's friend from necessity; now that I have my sons in France, and that the Emperor is my good friend, it will no longer be said that I am the Signory's friend from necessity, but from love and good friendship, and as they have already found me” (si come la mi ha provato). “When the Signory shall make the test through commands about their own affairs, they will know that I love them heartily; and whenever your interests have been discussed, the Ambassador who has resided with me upwards of four years” (and here he turned towards me Sebastian Giustinian) “perceived that 1 treated the Signory's affairs as those of dear friends; and his successor” (turning towards me Venier), “will know the like;” adding, “and although you had to wait some days for audience, it was owing to these jousts and entertainments of ours, and to my being indisposed from a cold;” it being evident that he was still hoarse, and he coughed repeatedly.
	After Giustinian had made suitable acknowledgment for the King's speech, his Majesty drawing still nearer to the window with us beside him, commenced hurriedly in Italian, making a sign of secrecy, “This Mons. de Praet has come on a mission from the Emperor and brings no news, but is here to do honour to these entertainments of ours. He keeps his affairs so secret, that he does not say a word; but the Emperor's agitation (V agitation deV imperator) proceeds from not knowing when and by what way to return to Spain.”
	Paris, 14th February 1531.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 17. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1005. Sebastian Giustinian, Knight, Giovanni Antonio Venier, and Giovanni Pisani, Procurator, Venetian Ambassadors in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	According to the arrangement made, we went to the Court on the day before yesterday, and found his Majesty at dinner, surrounded by many great personages, for although this Court has always stately company (è sempre solennemente accompagnata), it now, by reason of the coming festivities, is rendered brilliant by the presence of cardinals, dukes, princes, and barons without end, who courteously made way for us, until we found ourselves near the table where his Majesty was eating alone; and we stood in the circle with the King's sons, who arrived on that day, four Cardinals, the Dukes of Lorraine and Vendôme, and other princes, as also great personages from Italy: and having immediately bowed to the King, his Majesty, although in the act of eating, doffed his bonnet towards us.
	The dinner being ended, he rose, and saying, “Come, Ambassadors,” withdrew to a window, where we made a statement of the damages incurred by the magnificos our noblemen, narrating in detail each act of unheard-of cruelty, and how unfitting this and other piratical outrages were, as perpetrated by his Majesty's subjects against the citizens and subjects of your Serenity, whose love, esteem, and observance for the King being reciprocated by his Majesty, it was therefore fitting that his subjects should act with the same friendship and benevolence; which, not having been the case with these corsairs, it remains for the justice of his Majesty to avenge this offence, lest it remain upon record that in the kingdom of France famous ships (famosi legni) had been armed, and that they returned home with plunder, taken solely from their friends-a victory unworthy of their captains, and in direct opposition to the will of his Majesty, whom we requested, for the avoidance of further loss of time to refer all these cases to his Council, and have them despatched summarily after this lapse of years.
	The King replied in French, “Whatever the Signory asks of me, I have at heart; and with regard to justice, I wish the same justice to be rendered in France to the Signory's subjects as I wish to have done to myself;” putting his hand to his breast; and he immediately called the Cardinal Legate, Lord Chancellor [Antoine Duprat], who was at hand, and told him to have the Lieutenant at Marseilles written to in the strongest terms, to pass sentence without further delay.
	The ambassadors having thanked the King for this order, his Majesty turned towards them with a smile on his face, indicating a wish to amuse himself by conversing with them, as he did for a long while in Italian, saying some jocose things; and, having part of his right hand bandaged, he said, “I hurt myself yesterday when practising with the spear; but the day after to-morrow I shall not feel it.” Took occasion hence to praise his Majesty's valour on this occasion, he having borne himself so bravely that the accident can only be attributed to his courage, as they said had been written by them to the State, at which he seemed very pleased. And in the course of a long and cheerful discourse about these jousts, his Majesty said that in England it was customary, when the King jousts, for Madame the Queen (Madama la Begina) to preside as judge of how many strokes the King may make (de quanti colpi debia far il Be), so when it seems fit to her she sends word that the Kings are to joust no more (che li Be non giostri più).
	From this his Majesty passed to many other topics, awaiting our reply to various inquiries about women and jousts (circa donne et giostre) with a most merry laugh (con dolcissimo riso); and then, with a stern frown of surprise (un gran sopraciglio di meraviglia) he said, “The King of England is in a bad way about this divorce of his,” and then mentioned what he had heard about the counsel's opinions sent from Bologna, Padua, France, and other places, saying that of 40 doctors of laws a majority maintains openly (largamente tiene) that the Pope de jure divino could not grant the dispensation.
	He next spoke about the danger of England, how that, were the present King to die without an heir male, the populace and the peasantry would all cut each other to pieces (quel populazzo et villani si tagliariano tutti a pezzi), as they did some 50 years ago, for wearing no armour they all fight to the death; nor do they obey any one, as nobody either pays or leads them; nor do they then acknowledge any superior, but act according to their own caprice and insolence; and he continued, “It is very pitiable for a King to say, What will become of my kingdom? “He alluded in the next place to his own acquisition of the Duchy of Brittany when he had two daughters who subsequently died, he at the time having no male heirs; which Duchy, he said, yields 400,000 crowns revenue; and one year it gave him 900,000; and he commended its site and harbours, from which they might reach Spain and Flanders in a moment; and said he chose to annex it to the realm of France, although he was told to keep it for his daughters; and if he wished well to the kingdom when without male heirs, and willed to deprive his daughters [of Brittany], what must the King of England feel, knowing that he can. only make a mean marriage for his daughter (non poter maridar sua figliola se non bassamente). He also added “The like occurred when I was the Emperor's prisoner, for they demanded Burgundy of me. I would have suffered a thousand imprisonments rather than dismember the kingdom. At present, thank God, I have sons to leave it to, and the King of England has no son; it is a great sorrow, and concerns him greatly.” (fn. 6)
	He then went on to talk of his illness during the said imprisonment, saying almost derisively (quasi irridendo), “The physicians told the Emperor I was consumptive, and that it would be well to exchange me for my sons. I was content that they should entertain that opinion;” and he ended the story saying, “They ferried me across the river, and to be in France sufficed me (i me tragetorno de qua dal fiume e come fui in Franza mi bastò).”
	This conversation about King Henry seemed to me, Sebastian, to afford an opportunity for confuting what had been maliciously reported in England about your Excellency's having canvassed (procurato) against the divorce, and ordered me thus to do with King Francis, and that I executed the commission accordingly. As it would be disadvantageous for your Sublimity should such a falsehood reach the ears of the English King, I determined that his most Christian Majesty should attest the truth with his own lips, telling him that he well knew that never about this matter against the divorce had I spoken to him, nor ever showed him the commission received from your Serenity, which never existed.
	Thereupon his Majesty said that never had he heard me speak against the divorce, nor was he aware of your Excellency's ever having given me any commission about this matter; and this his Majesty affirmed, and would affirm to the English ambassador resident here, and to all those whom I might request him to assure of the fact; so that should the English King hereafter make mention of this your Excellency's opinion (di tal opinione di V. Ex^za), his most Christian Majesty will always give the aforesaid certificate, which, together with the letters written at my desire by the magnifico the English ambassador, to those who slandered respecting this matter, will suffice to justify your Excellency and me from such a reproach.
	Paris, 17th February 1531.
	Sebastian Justinian, Eques.
	Jo. Ants. Venerio, et
	Joannes Pisano, Procurator.
	Despatched by the courier Pellegrin.
	[Italian.]
March 15. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1006. Sebastian Giustinian, Knight, Giovanni Antonio Venier, and Giovanni Pisani, Procurator, Venetian Ambassadors in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	Late on the night of the 4th, a gentleman, on behalf of his most Christian Majesty, requested them to be at St. Denis on, the following morning for the coronation of the Queen, and to accompany her subsequently on her entry into Paris on the 9th; which invitation they accepted with becoming respect. The most Serene Queen arrived at about noon, being clad richly and pompously with regard to her habit, pearls, and jewels, which sparkled all over her (delta qual tutta resplendeva). She was accompanied by the Dauphin and the Duke of Orleans, who, on the right and left, assisted her to support the mantle; and the Cardinals de Grammont and Triulzi, who went from the Church to meet her at her palace, held up her arms; the three Duchesses of Vendôme, Lorraine, and Nemours, bearing her train, which was very long indeed.
	Her Majesty was followed by the most Serene “Madame,” the King's mother, by her daughter the Queen of Navarre, by the sister of the King of Navarre, and by the two daughters of his most Christian Majesty, with other ladies, eleven in all, all wearing coronets (tutte coronate), as they were all of the blood-royal; and having been conducted to a richly decorated stage (palco) prepared in front of the altar, she sat in the middle (nel niezo sedete) on a small platform (un picol solio) on which was her chair (sedia) and throne; so that she was seen sitting absolutely alone in her majesty, though the Dauphin and the Duke of Orleans stood immediately behind her the whole time with their hands on the chair.
	The ceremony of the coronation was performed by giving her Majesty the honours and insignia (li honori et insigne) usually given to Queens, after which the mass was sung, the Cardinal de Vendôme officiating with much solemnity and the instruments and music being endless. Four Cardinals were present, besides a great plenty of the chief Bishops of the kingdom, and seven ambassadors resident at the Court, as also many Princes and Barons, so that the greatest part of the chief personages of France attended this ceremony, at which the Lord Steward acted as master of the ceremonies. His most Christian Majesty however was absent, nor is he known to have been at St. Denis on that day.
	As the entry into Paris was to have taken place on the 9th, they in the meanwhile endeavoured to obtain audience of the most Serene “Madame,” to whom alone it remained for them to present themselves, and she appointed it to take place immediately after the entry; but from the 9th until now the weather has been so stormy, and most unseasonable from wind, rain, and snow, which still prevail, that it has not yet taken place, much to the regret and detriment of Giustinian and Pisani, who are thus tied and bound. Everything is ready, and the entry expected to take place from day to day, whereupon they will take leave.
	The Signory will have heard, through their ambassador in England, of the novelty proposed by the King oto the clergy (la novità promossa da quel Serenissimo Re al clero), and the sum stipulated, which was said to be about 600,000 ducats. (fn. 7) Subsequently, to the amazement and surprise of everybody, news reached this Court that the English King, with the consent of the Prelates, Lords, and Commons, has utterly renounced obedience to the Pope, and been elected by them, unanimously, Primate and Superior of that realm in spiritual matters (nelle cose ecclesiastice). It is known for certain that his most Christian Majesty complained greatly to the Papal Nuncio, of his Holiness having proceeded so harshly (con tal rigidezza) in the affair of the divorce as to make that kingdom rush headlong into this excess (che quel regno sia trabucato in questo disordine); the Nuncio having also received letters from the Pope, desiring him to let King Francis know that his Holiness confirmed the briefs and prohibitions forbidding the divorce, which has greatly irritated his most Christian Majesty, who has been heard to speak angrily against the Pope, and in favour of the most Serene English King.
	Paris, 15th March 1531.
	[Italian.]
March 24. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1007. Sebastian Giustinian, Knight, Giovanni Antonio Venier, and Giovanni Pisant, Procurator, Venetian Ambassadors in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	According to the wish of this whole Court and city, which were weary of the cost, toil, and tediousness of waiting, there being at length a fine day on the 16th, the most Serene Queen made her public entry into this city with such display of riches and pomp on the part of the great personages and the upper orders, and such a multitude of horses, and so infinite a crowd of people, that we may say few such splendid and boundless pageants are witnessed in one whole century. The Queen's immediate retinue, namely 24 hackneys with housings of gold brocade, and numerous litters and carriages covered in like manner, and drawn by coursers with housings of silk or velvet with a raised pile (sopra rizzo) down to the ground, was little in comparison with so much other grand and sumptuous pageantry as accompanied it, and which, to avoid wearying your Serenity, we omit, but must say, with truth, that the day was a very memorable one (la giornata esser stata celeberrima). After entering the city, the Queen, having dismounted at the Parliament house (palazzo del Parlamento) a most stately banquet was given there, at which, besides sixteen who sat at table with her Majesty, there supped at least 400 great personages and noblemen of the kingdom and of the city. Amongst the 16 who supped at table with the Queen, was one ambassador from each power, the invitations being given accordingly, so that of the two ambassadors from the Emperor, one alone went, and of us three, I, Pisani, had the place ceded me by my colleagues Venier and Giustinian.
	On the 22nd the Magnifico Dom. Giovanni Gioachino [de Vaux], departed on his return to England on behalf of King Francis with some presents, and to announce his good and most favourable intention (inclinatissima intentione) with regard to his English Majesty; and, according to report, he suggests that he should refer the cause of his divorce to the future Council, to which it is generally supposed that his most Christian Majesty now consents, being, as aforesaid, indignant with the Pope for his treatment of King Henry.
	Paris, 24th March 1531.
	[Italian.]
April 3. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1008. Sebastian Giustinian, Knight, Giovanni Antonio Veniek, and Giovanni Pisani, Procurator, Venetian Ambassadors in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	His most Christian Majesty is about to send the Cardinal de Grammont (de Agrarnonte), or Mons. de Langes, to the Pope, on account of the affairs of the most Serene King of England, to urge the Pope, in his most Christian Majesty's name, to devise some remedy for this harsh mode of treating the divorce, and not let King Henry completely turn his back upon the Holy Roman Catholic Church. His most Christian Majesty also sends this embassy in order to let it appear that he is inclined towards the Council, at the suit of the Emperor, but with limited orders about the site and the conferences, which require much time; and in this manner King Francis suits himself by introducing delay, as he is averse to the Council, and simultaneously makes a show of satisfying the King of England, who wishes the Pope every possible adversity, and the Emperor, who insists on the Council. The inclination thus demonstrated by the most Christian King was one of the requests made by Mons. de Praet, who will depart after Easter, without any settlement having been made hitherto, the Emperor's intention, as expressly declared by him, being that the affairs of Italy are to remain perfectly quiet; and touching the matrimonial alliances, he said that the Emperor and the King of the Romans on their part would not fail [to keep their promise?] but that as the children are now so young, the matter is premature.
	Paris, 3rd April 1531
	[Italian.]
April 15. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1009. Giovanni Antonio Venier, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	On the 4th announced the departure of his colleagues.
	The Cardinal de Grammont (de Agramonte), according to report, is about to depart in haste for Rome, still about the affairs of England (pur per le cose de Ingilterra), and Mons. de Praet stays on (persevera ancora) at the Court, posts being despatched hence to the Emperor. The most Serene “ Madame” continues ill rather than indisposed (persevera più presto amalata che indisposta), so that everybody is tired of remaining longer in this city.
	Paris, 15th April 1531.
	[Italian.]
April 29. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1010. The Same to the Same.
	On the 26th, Cardinal de Grammont (de Agramonte) departed for Rome, and it continues to be said that he is going for the affairs of England, whose King, moreover, urges this, most especially as he places no trust in the offices of the Duke of Albany, whose stay until now with the Pope on behalf of his most Christian Majesty for the negotiation of the affairs of England has surprised many persons, by reason of that most Serene King's suspicion of him.
	Mons. de Praet has not yet been despatched, nor is anything more known about him than was written in my last.
	Poissi, 29th April 1531.
	[Italian.]
May 8. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1011. The Same to the Same.
	Went to the Court at St. Germain on the 4th, and talking with the Great Master whilst the King was at dinner, he said that his Majesty had advices from Constantinople by way of Venice through his ambassador, and that Messer Zorzi Gritti (fn. 8) had detained a packet of his eight or ten days; and that although he supposed this had been done without any malice, yet was I to write to your Sublimity that when similar letters arrive from the quarters of King John (de verso il Re Zuan e), (fn. 9) they may be speedily given to the said ambassador. I said that as his most Illustrious Lordship affirmed to its being so, I would not say anything to the contrary; but assured him that were this the case it could only be owing to mere negligence or forgetfulness on the part of the person who brought the letters, but that I would write as required by him. I then went to his Majesty, and communicated to him the contents of the Signory's letters of the 7th April, about affairs at Constantinople, earnestly requesting that no one might know he had received the advices through your Serenity.
	The King replied, “I have advices from Constantinople from that envoy of King John, in whose name he once came to me, and I treated him in such a manner that he is obliged to me, and writes me the same news as are transmitted by the Signory, with this in addition, that the Turk is still increasing his forces, and to his usual troops has added 50,000 infantry with permanent pay, which must proceed from Sultan Solyman's having become aware that infantry are needed to oppose the Christian soldiery;” and the King repeated, “Be sure of what I tell you, that he pays 50,000 men more than usual; and he moreover informs me that possibly this year the Turk will make some naval expedition, and not with a powerful armada (grossa armada), but with 50 or 60 galleys, on board of which he will embark a certain amount of cavalry, and he will ravage Puglia, going perhaps as far as Rome, for according to this intelligencer of mine (costui), Sultan Solyman always says 'to Rome! to Rome!' and he detests the Emperor, and his title of Cœsar, he, the Turk, causing himself to be called Gœsar (facendosi lui Turco appellar Cesare).” The King continued, “I do not believe that he will go into Germany, because the Emperor not going with an armed force against the Lutherans, the said Lutherans will have no cause to favour the Turks, but would rather defend Germany; so were Sultan Solyman to march against such a mass of soldiery (tanta gente da guerra), he would forthwith risk the loss of his entire kingdom, as well as the conquest of Germany; so I am of opinion that he will prefer attacking Rome, Sicily, or some other part of Italy;” the King repeating that he [the Turk] might make some commencement this year. [And of this his Majesty really seemed quite convinced, perhaps because the Papal Nuncio here informed him lately, that his Holiness was rather apprehensive about the present year, inquiring whether in case of need King Francis would succour him with a certain number of galleys, the Emperor having given orders for all those towards Genoa to be in readiness for his defence. King Francis replied, that should the case occur, they would consult about it; nor did he give any further decision. But a variety of letters addressed both to the Court and to private individuals from all quarters, purport that for this year the Turk will make no stir, either by land or sea.] (fn. 10)
	On the morning of the 5th, the Court at St. Cloud heard that the above-mentioned Zorzi Gritti had arrived in Paris the preceding evening. This did not surprise the King, the Legate, and the Great Master, as they knew he had come about the 10,000 crowns lent heretofore in Hungary by the Reverend D. Alvise Gritti (fn. 11) to one Captain Rincon, (fn. 12) then ambassador from King Francis to King John [Zapolsky], to whom Rincon gave that sum in his most Christian Majesty's name, it having to be repaid to the said Messer Zorzi; and years have elapsed without his being able to obtain it, although he has constantly had an agent here for the purpose, and the money still circulates with interest (et li danari girano tuttavia sopra cambij).
	To me, this was already well known, but his coming and residing here has caused surprise to the French, Italians, and others at this Court, and given rise to various inventions, because few persons knew about this his credit of 10,000 crowns; and coupling his appearance here, with his recent departure from Constantinople, and journey hither recta via, [some persons say that it is much to the repute of his most Christian Majesty to have so great a personage (un tal homo) sent him by Sultan Solyman]. (fn. 13) In reply to inquiries made of me about this matter, I have stated expressly the cause of his coming, which, having for object to recover a loan of 10,000 crowns, would suffice to bring a gentleman not merely from Venice but from India, so I believe that by this time the fact is universally known; and I have also announced it to the ambassadors with the Emperor and the King of England, namely, Tiepolo and Falier, who will be on the watch to explain the cause of this coming whenever the opportunity presents itself.
	I also sent my secretary to Signor Zorzi to tell him of the complaint made by the Great Master, and that he should openly proclaim the cause of his coming. He mentioned how the packet had been detained, and that the ambassador at Venice, being perfectly satisfied with the explanation, gave him letters about this for the Great Master; and he also said that his coming and the fact of its being caused by the 10,000 crowns, were universally known, as also, that he was here for no other purpose, which it will be easy to make public.
	Poissi, 8th May 1531.
	[Italian.]
May 16. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1012. Giovanni Antonio Venier, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Council of Ten.
	On the 12th instant, after having written his public letters of the 23rd ult., D. Zorzi Gritti having already despatched his business about the 10,000 crowns credit, after speaking with the Great Master and the King, payment was assigned him within one year at the utmost in instalments; nor until then nor now has he seen said Dom. Zorzi, nor would he have interfered in a similar matter without express commission from the Signory. Obeyed the commands contained in their Excellencies' letters, nor will he omit to tell them that this matter was known not only to the great personages of the Court, but also to some Italian merchants, and others who are there on other business; and besides hearing of it at Venice on a certain occasion in the College, it was told him at Lyons where the bill is in circulation, and here in Paris, that the agent of the bill-brokers Michaeli et parenti negotiated it (fa manigiava). Captain Rincon, moreover, urged the court incessantly to keep faith (di francar la fede) and pay the money; but the difficulty consisted in this, that the Papal Nuncio and the Imperial and English ambassadors [De Praet and Sir Francis Bryan] considered it certain that Gritti had come for some other purpose, but were at length convinced it was on account of his credit, as is now perfectly well known to everybody.
	As written in the public letters [of the 21st April?], the journey to Rome of Cardinal de Grammont was owing to the affairs of England; and moreover for the purpose of proposing fresh subsidies to the Pope (di ragionar novi presidij al Pontefice) for the affairs of Italy, although this Court does not expect his Holiness to have any need for them (benchè questa Corte non aspetti de quella alcuna occasione). Will also not omit telling them that this Cardinal de Grammont is a man of audacious character, with the reputation of being scandalous, and, as known to the ambassadors who went home from this Court, especially Giustinian, whenever the Signory's affairs are discussed, he is always heard to thwart them, and to let drop some malignant remark; with regard to which the Papal Nuncio said lately to him (Venier), “Grammont is gone to Rome, nor will he fail to sow discord as usual; but know, Ambassador, that his Holiness has always shown himself a good Italian.”
	Poissi, 16th May 1531.
	Detained until the 17th.
	P.S. D. Georgio Gritti has been to visit me, and said his business had been despatched, as above written.
	[Italian.]
May 19. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1013. Giovanni Antonio Venier, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	Although the other ambassador, Sir Francis Bryan, is here, and remains, a new one [Edward Foxe or Stephen Gardyner] (fn. 14) has come, for the purpose, it is said, of attempting the things which have been already tried and negotiated (fn. 15) [namely, to induce King Francis to declare himself hostile to the Emperor, which, however, he will not do; for as we told your Sublimity heretofore in the despatch written when we were three ambassadors, (fn. 16) the most Christian King will slide on (scorrerà), cajoling either party, knowing that both sovereigns are by nature inimical to him, and being certain that, were he to make war for the English King, it would not be for a Prince who either loves him or wishes him to gain glory ;] (fn. 17) but these requests will end with a demand for money on account of the debt due to him from King Francis, whom he continues to dun (il qual li tien sollicitata), although a month has not yet elapsed since some 33,000 crowns were paid him on this score at Calais, and possibly within a few days he will receive another instalment.
	Poissi, 19th May 1531.
	[Italian.]
June 20. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1014. Giovanni Antonio Venier, Venetian Ambasaador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	By the letters of Cardinal de Grammont (Agramonte) from Rome, it is merely heard that, having urged the Pope to repeal the prohibition against the divorce of England, his Holiness remains firm (persevera), choosing the case to be juridically decided by the “Rota;” and Grammont, having canvassed the promotion to the Cardinalate of the Archbishop of Toulouse, a very virtuous and exemplary prelate, and of the blood royal, it seems that the Pope announced good intentions; and the election is expected to take place, most especially as his Holiness lately made two cardinals at the suit of the Emperor; and it is said that the Eight Reverend Grammont will soon return to the [French] Court.
	Poissi, 20th June 1531.
	[Italian.]
July 2. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1015. The Same to the Same.
	Cardinal Grammont (Agramonté) has obtained from the Pope that his most Christian Majesty ad vitam may confer all the benefices of the kingdom, save four or Ûye which are the chief benefices of the religious orders (che sono capi de' ordini), a very great and important concession, because it comprises not only the bishoprics, but priories and abbacies without end, so that in like manner as canons or other clerks (clerici) elected priors, provosts, and other abbots, so is his Majesty to elect them all; a fact which causes much comment to be made both by clergy and laity, most especially as it is apprehended that many abbacies which have been reformed, and are in good custody, may pass in commendam, and from many causes deteriorate.
	It is said here that Grammont has obtained a certain prorogation in favour of the English King, but persons of intelligence know that nihil est, this being the time of the ordinary vacation.
	Paris, 2nd July 1531.
	[Italian.]
July 16. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1016. The Same to the Same.
	The most noble Capello, the Signory's ambassador, on his way to England, being near Melun, sent; to Venier on the 13th instant to know if in two days he could pay his respects to King Francis, and take leave of him. Venier wrote back that, unless by some new destiny (nisi per qualche nova sorte) the man who expected to obtain audience in ten days-still less in two-would show too much self-confidence, as his most Christian Majesty becomes daily more and more averse to negotiate in person.
	Melun, 16th July 1531.
	[Italian.]
July 22. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1017. Giovanni Antonio Venier, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	Dr. Stephen [Gardyner], who was here on a mission from his King, (fn. 18) departed lately on his way back to England. It has been said that he announced the dissatisfaction of King Henry at the offices performed, at Rome by Cardinal de Grammont about the divorce case. These secretaries and messengers from England arrive very frequently, although Sir Francis Bryan, the ambassador in ordinary, remains here constantly.
	Melun, 22nd July 1531.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 5. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1018. The Same to the Same.
	The Doge's courier, Gioan Villan, has arrived in Paris with letters addressed to the State from the Signory's ambassadors in England, (fn. 19) which will be under the present letters which Venier is sending by said Zuane, who is paid.
	Paris, 5th September.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 10. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1019. The Same to the Same.
	Went to the English Ambassador [Sir Francis Bryan ?], having heard that he had presented himself to the Royal Council, complaining very loudly that King Francis had wished for an interview with the Emperor utterly without the knowledge of the King of England. When speaking about this matter, the ambassador told him that the Council, in reply, declared King Francis would never hold such a conference save with the express consent of King Henry (se prima own havesse havuto il voter expresso del Re suo prefato d' Inghilterra). Venier rejoined, “ And thus, Lord Ambassador, nothing more will be said about this business ;” [to which he answered very angrily (con molta ira), “No, devil take it, no (non, diavolo, non), but had 'Madame' died before the remonstrance made by me to the Council, (fn. 20) and had the negotiation been continued, King Francis would perhaps have conferred with the Emperor, for the French are injudicious.”] (fn. 21) But as of late the Queen and King's children have remained at Compiegne towards Picardy, Mons. de Balanson (sic) having also returned postwise to the King from the Emperor, a report again circulated that it was for the purpose of renewing negotiations for the interview; and everybody was inquisitive to learn the cause of his coming. At length, nothing transpired save that his mission was one of condolence with the King and the Queens of France and Navarre [on the death of Louise of Savoy], and such was the assurance given by the ministers here (questi signori) in very strong language (efficacissime parole) to the aforesaid English ambassador. The Imperial ambassador and Mons. de Balanson (sic) said the same to me when I visited them; nor did Balanson follow the Court more than ten days, and then returned to Flanders.
	Another ambassador (orator) arrived lately from England, (fn. 22) but is to go back shortly; and these ambassadors extraordinary (oratori extraordinarij) come, almost habitually, to solicit money.
	Paris, 10th October 1531.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 20. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1020. Giovanni Antonio Venier, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	In his last of the 10th instant, said that the King was moving from place to place in the neighbourhood of Paris, where the ambassadors were awaiting the obsequies [of Louise of Savoy]. In the meanwhile his Majesty sent postwise to England, the Reverend Bishop of Bayonne, his privy councillor and a man of great wisdom, gravity, and authority. It is considered certain that this mission has for object to apologise (far excusa-tione) to the King of England, about all that has been said touching the interview with the Emperor, most especially as the English ambassadors have clamoured immoderately (rottamente sparlato) about this matter, in the presence of everybody, and complained bitterly (aspramente) to the Cardinal Legate [Chancellor Duprat], to the Great Master, and to the King himself. No other motive is assigned for this mission of Bayonne, whose departure was followed by that of the English ambassador (ambasciator), who arrived at this Court lately [Edward Foxe?]; but should there be any other cause, the Signory will hear it from their ambassador in England.
	Paris, 20th October 1531.
	[Italian.]
Nov. 3. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1021. The Same to the Same.
	The Bishop of Bayonne who was sent by his most Christian Majesty to England, has not yet returned, but King Henry sent hither, the other day, a clergyman, Dr. Taylor (el Dottor Teller), (fn. 23) to reside here as his ambassador, in lieu of Sir Francis Bryan, who, in like manner as he is a great personage, so has he been very audacious (molto audace) at this Court of late.
	Compiegne, 3rd November 1531.
	[Italian.]
Nov. 8. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1022. Giovanni Antonio Venier, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Bishop of Bayonne has returned from England, and is understood to have brought back word that the King is in fact satisfied with his most Christian Majesty, by reason of the valid excuses and very earnest offices (vehementissimi officij) performed in his name by the Bishop, with regard to the affairs of the Emperor. [He also says that the English King continues making presents as usual to his most Christian Majesty, (fn. 24) offering him a considerable sum of ready money, that they may make war together on the Emperor, provided King Francis bind himself to fight to the last. (fn. 25)
	Secret messengers have arrived at the French Court from the Duke of Saxony and other Princes of Germany, who offer troops to King Francis, if he will pay them in part, and employ them together with their Princes against the Emperor; but these matters proceed without any resolve, as they neither decide in the affirmative, nor give an absolute refusal.] (fn. 26)
	Compiegne, 8th November 1531.
	[Italian.]
Nov. 29. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1023. The Same to the Same.
	The King has been moving about from “ Notre Dame de Liesse “ (sic) [Senlys ?] to his usual hunting places (alle sue consuete cazze) on these borders, inspecting certain places which were destroyed by the wars, and arranging for their repair; after which he went to Guise, a place given by him heretofore to. Mons. de Guise, brother of the Duke and of the Cardinal of Lorraine; and in this his “progress” (sua volta) he took with him the English ambassador, Sir Francis Bryan, who, although he has had a successor appointed him, as already mentioned by me, has not yet departed. It is said King Francis did this designedly (con industria), that he might see and know for certain that his most Christian Majesty was not treating or negotiating anything with the Emperor. Thus there is an end of the suspicion of these English ambassadors, who are now three in number at this Court. (fn. 27)
	St. Quentin, 29th November 1531.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 28. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1024. The Same to the Same.
	On condoling in the Signory's name with the Queen of Navarre (fn. 28) on the death of “Madame,” she said, “ Ambassador, the Signory has in truth incurred a great loss, for Madame greatly loved and honoured the Republic, and to the last (et hora) desired its welfare and peace.” Replied that the Doge thanked God that “Madame” had left her own image in her daughter, both with regard to every virtue, wisdom and integrity, and also by reason of the affection which the Queen of Navarre bore his Excellency, whose late love, and the observance of the State towards Madame, will now be transferred to her Majesty alone. Considered this compliment necessary, as the Queen of Navarre is now in great repute at the French Court; and they apparently communicate everything to her, as they did to her late most Serene mother, after whose death, indeed, when she purposed retiring with her consort to Navarre, King Francis insisted on her remaining and following the Court; so that great honour and respect are paid her.
	On the 22nd, when at mass with the King, was asked by him if he had any news from Constantinople. Replied that by his private letters from Venice dated 2nd instant, with Turkish advices down to the close of October, Sultan Solyman was well, and amusing himself with pageants and entertainments, nor was anything said about naval or military preparations. Was glad to say this, because the King and the Court have received very frivolous and offensive advices from Italy, by way of Ragusa, purporting that Sultan Solyman had become apoplectic and insane; and about the Magnifico Ibraim Bassa, (fn. 29) who was said to have been greatly outraged by Sultan Solyman's sons. On hearing this, the King turned to the Great Master and said, “Nothing true comes from Constantinople, save by way of Venice ;” and then to me, he added, “Write to the Signory that the Emperor will go in vain to the Diet; and immediately afterwards (et poi presto) to Italy and Spain.”
	The Abate de' Negri, who was sent hither postwise by the Pope, arrived on the 20th instant, and presented himself with the Nuncio Triulzi (who had not yet departed) to the King, delivering credentials, which purported amongst other things that his Holiness wished his Majesty to induce Triulzi to remain with him as Nuncio; and at the same time he, Negri, gave the brief to Triulzi ordering him to remain, and that D. Sixto Zuchello, the new Nuncio lately arrived, was to go back. The King urged Triulzi accordingly, and being thus persuaded, and in virtue of the Pope's mandate, he obeyed. This extraordinary proceeding has caused great surprise, and Zuchello will return, having hitherto done nothing either good or bad at this Court, having merely presented his ambassadorial letters. Besides his other commissions Negri suggested to King Francis that he should restrain (intetenir) the King of England, who it seems, with this Queen (con questa Regina) [Eleanor of Austria?] is soliciting the despatch at Rome of the divorce case; so his Holiness gives it to be understood that sentence will be passed against the English King. (fn. 30)
	[This novelty on the part of the Pope, who despatches a messenger postwise to make one ambassador remain and to recall another, without any known reason, creates suspicion and causes it to be said that possibly the Pope is dissatisfied with the affairs of Modena (fn. 31) since the Emperor's departure from Italy, and wishing to concede some gratification to the King of England (intervenendo qualehe compiacentia del Re d' Ingilterra) will devise something new for Italy with King Francis; which others deny, saying, on the contrary, that before the Emperor quitted Italy, he confirmed the friendship with its Princes by a league between the Pope, him the Emperor, your Serenity, and the Duke of Milan, for the defence of common states against whomsoever (contra ciascaduno).] (fn. 32)
	Abbeville, 28th December 1531.
	[Italian.]