Venice: June 1617, 1-15 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 14, 1615-1617. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1908.

'Venice: June 1617, 1-15', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 14, 1615-1617, (London, 1908) pp. 513-525. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol14/pp513-525 [accessed 19 April 2024]

June 1617, 1–15



June 2. Senato, Secreta. Deliberazioni. Venetian Archives.	777. To the Secretary in England.
	The Dutch troops have been stationed at Monfalcone; they show great promise. They were to take the field on the 31st ult. The galleons of Naples are at Brindisi: augmented to twelve. They are said to be expecting a reinforcement of 19 galleys from Naples, but these have suffered at sea and are uncertain what to do. Our fleet sailed to Bestice without Ossuna's ships stirring and then retired to victual between Curzola and Liesina. They took a royal frigate going to Ragusa. A barque of the Uscocchi, favoured by Ossuna, captured a ship of ours which had only just left the port of Brindisi. There has been some raiding on both sides in Istria. We have sent General Bellegno to take up his charge immediately, and we have directed the Commissioner Molin to take up the command of the light fleet until the Proveditore General arrives. Don Pedro has gone with the royal army to besiege Vercelli; the duke is preparing to meet him.
	The like to the Imperial Court, the Hague, Rome, France, Spain, Constantinople, Naples, Florence, Zurich, Coire, Savoy, Mantua.
	The like to Milan except the last sentence.
	Ayes	155.
	Noes	1.
	Neutral	1.
	[Italian.]
June 2. Senato, Secreta. Deliberazioni. Venetian Archives.	778. To the Secretary Surian at the Hague.
	If nothing more than the consideration of 200 ducats for the journey detains Stodder (Studer) from setting out, you may arrange for the advance of the money to him, to be deducted from the first payments made to him, as he seems to wish, and you will ask him to leave immediately.
	Ayes	156.
	Noes	2.
	Neutral	1.
	[Italian.]
June 3. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci. Svizzeri. Venetian Archives.	779. Pietro Vico, Venetian Secretary with the Swiss, to the Doge and Senate.
	There is no news about the duke of Savoy ratifying the offer make to him by the Bernese of 3,000 men for four months. The captains are nominated, and will be ready in a few days. It is said that the English ambassador has left Berne for Turin to obtain the consent of His Highness immediately, and also to settle some points upon the proposed league, which is not considered settled, as the Bernese have not written anything here.
	Zurich, the 3rd June, 1617.
	[Italian.]
June 5. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Germania. Venetian Archives.	780. Zonzi Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in Germany, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Princes of the Assembly have written a very sharp reply to His Majesty's letter warning them not to proceed further in the confirmation of the union, saying that they have been compelled by circumstances to prorogue it but for two years only to see if His Majesty will keep his promises contained in his own letters, which they will be obliged to publish ; that they took the oath to His Majesty and not to the pope and the king of Spain, with whom they have nothing to do.
	It is said that the principal object of the Assembly was to oppose the design of electing a king of the Romans, as they seem strongly against Ferdinand, and with respect to helping Savoy they have sent an ambassador to England and the States to know first what they intend to do.
	Prague, the 5th June, 1617. Copy.
	[Italian.]
June 5. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Francia. Venetian Archives.	781. Ottaviano Bon, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	Four days ago Edmondes arrived, who previously was ordinary ambassador for the king of Great Britain. He comes with the title of extraordinary ambassador, but with the intention of remaining here for some months. Accordingly he refused the usual honours of lodging and expenses of extraordinary ambassadors to the Court. He did not obtain audience before to-day, and that was only complimentary. When he begins the serious negotiations for which he has commissions, I will not fail to advise your Excellencies.
	Paris, the 5th June, 1617.
	[Italian.]
June 6. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Signori Stati. Venetian Archives.	782. Christoforo Surian, Venetian Secretary in the Netherlands, to the Doge and Senate.
	It seems that the Princes of the Union have not come to any decision about helping Savoy except that they will assist the duke. They want to know what England and the States will do before they embark on an affair of so much importance. It is known that the king of Great Britain cannot be expected to do so much as he should because he has so little money. Some would like, if the war continues, to establish a general league, to include your Serenity.
	The Hague, the 6th June, 1617.
	[Italian.]
June 6. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Signori Stati. Venetian Archives.	783. Christoforo Surian, Venetian Secretary in the Netherlands, to the Doge and Senate.
	I was informed that Count Giovanni Giacomo Belgioioso was about to go to England and would pass this way. When I heard of his arrival I let him know that I should like to see him, and he came to call on me. He offered his services to our republic, for which I thanked him.
	The Hague, the 6th June, 1617.
	[Italian.]
June 6. Senato. Secreta. Dispacci, Napoli. Venetian Archives.	784. Gasparo Spinelli, Venetian Secretary at Naples, to the Doge and Senate.
	From Messina I hear that they are preparing to arm four vessels there, two are being fitted and two English, which they obliged to unload (fn. 1); four others are to be armed at Palermo, but the consul there does not tell me what is their quality.
	Naples, the 6th June, 1617.
	[Italian.]
June 8. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra Venetian Archives.	785. Giovanni Battista Lionello, Venetian Secretary in England, to the Doge and Senate.
	The king has been received in Scotland with such joy and in so honourable a fashion by the nobility in particular that the English who accompanied him write back marvels home, saying they never could have imagined that the resources of the country or the riches of the nobles would extend so far. The lower classes, who do not so easily practise dissimulation, do not look upon the English too favourably, and show themselves somewhat sullen. The Privy Council of Scotland has admitted the Earl of Buckingham to its numbers, an honour never previously granted to any Englishman. This has gratified His Majesty exceedingly, as he desires that every favour may be heaped upon this person and that he may rise to all the most eminent positions.
	I received information some days ago that as regards the public affairs for the arrangement of which His Majesty has gone to those parts, the king is daily learning how little the Scots are inclined to fall in with his ideas, and he therefore proposes to sweeten the bitter for them by some concessions which will please them, and which they shave long desired, so that by such means he may the more easily introduce his plans to the parliament. But to-day I have heard of a certain rumour by new letters from Scotland, that the king, fearing that he may meet with some repulse in the parliament, is thinking of countermanding it, and not to attempt there what may be rejected, to his great annoyance and disservice. I cannot give your Excellencies this last point as certain, but if it be true, you shall have the confirmation in the next despatch.
	Letters reached the king's ministers here two days ago from Spain from His Majesty's agent resident there, announcing the arrival of the Imperial ambassador at the Court, and that he had immediately begun the negotiations for peace between the four princes with such good hopes of success that there was no one who did not think the matter as good as settled. Whatever the truth may be, your Excellencies will have full knowledge at this moment, but I thought it worthy of remark, as the Spanish ambassador, who has never previously been to see me, came a week ago twice to visit me. The first time, although I was not at home, he dismounted and waited awhile in the garden; the second time, when I was in, he stayed little less than an hour conversing with me, and as he is reputed to be one of the most sagacious men of his nation, I cannot believe that the words which he said to me were entirely fortuitous. He approached the subject in a round about way, and started to speak about the government of Spain, from which, he said, very faulty decisions were daily proceeding, and that its preservation and increase ought rather to be attributed to the grace of God, owing to the undefiled religion which they profess, and their scrupulous obedience to the pope, than to the wisdom of the Council, which when driven by necessity, did perform miracles, but for the rest, is governed by so many private interests that serious mistakes are made. By way of example he instanced the action of the two last governors of Milan, Mendoza, and Toledo, blaming them excessively for having made war on the duke with an army which had been raised for his defence. As against that prince the Catholic king stood to lose a great deal and to gain little; for even supposing that His Majesty acquired some addition to his states he would be constrained to undergo one of two evils, either to restore to the duke what they had taken from him with so many armies and so much gold, or to retain it and earn the name of tyrant. He spoke as freely as this. He afterwards described the duke of Ossuna to me as a merry Andrew, narrating some jests which were made at the Court when he was chosen Viceroy in Sicily, and he concluded by saying that if the viceroys and governors of the states of the Catholic king did not cherish the hope that their errors would be supported in Spain by their friends and relations, they would either proceed more cautiously in assuming an authority which does not belong to them, or they would lose their heads. He continued to speak for a long time in this strain without coming to any particular point of current affairs, only on leaving he prayed that God would grant peace. I can report little to your Serenity of my replies, because I tried to make them so scanty and general that they might have no substance.
	The Secretary Winwood has learned recently by letters from Germany and Holland what the princes think about the king here with regard to deciding to help the duke of Savoy. He clearly recognises that His Majesty is gaining little honour by doing nothing for that prince, and accordingly he is thinking of contriving some remedy and making some small demonstration motu proprio for his assistance, such as new munitions, or something similar. He has spoken about it to Biondi, but discouraged by the difficulties he has decided to wait until letters come from Piedmont, either to the king or to Biondi, with the help of which he may more readily be able to incite His Majesty and the Council.
	The French ambassador has informed Winwood of the strong representations which the Most Christian King has made to the duke of Monteleone, and that he has sent to Spain in conformity, so that his ambassador should do the like to the Catholic king, telling them that His Most Christian Majesty is resolved to insist upon disarmament and that the treaty of Asti be executed. That in addition to what he has said he has begun to act by gathering together the horse of the provinces in the neighbourhood of Lyons, so that in case of need he can make them descend upon Piedmont without loss of time, and he has given orders to the governor to shut his eyes to the passing of the French troops who have been levied for the service of His Highness.
	The extraordinary ambassador Bennet (Bonet), who went to Flanders about the book, (fn. 2) writes that he has been warmly welcomed and nobly entertained, but upon the principal affair he sees no hope of obtaining anything to satisfy the king here, wherefore there is no doubt but that the king will be highly offended when he hears of it, not only against the archduke but against the Spaniards also, as he well knows that everything depends upon them.
	A person has passed through here sent by the king of Denmark to rind His Majesty in Scotland, without the reason being known, but it is understood at the same time that the king of Denmark has put to sea with three ships and a pinnace, without letting it be known whither he was going, which gives rise to the belief that he intends to visit England for the third time or to go himself to meet His Majesty in Scotland. This, however, is all conjecture, although the truth will soon appear.
	I have received your Serenity's letters of the 6th and 19th May with the news of the valour shown by your Excellencies' fleet in making the Neapolitian galleys withdraw, an action which has been highly praised by all.
	London, the 8th June, 1617.
	[Italian.]
June 8. Senato, Secreta. Deliberazioni. Venetian Archives.	786. That the ambassador of the Most Christian King be summoned to the Cabinet and the following be read to him :
	We thank His Majesty for his good wishes to our republic, and we congratulate him upon the success of his government, which will prove most advantageous to Christendom. We ask your Excellency to offer our thanks to the king. In response to the confidence shown to us we have to state that a courier has at length arrived from Spain with the replies. Our ambassador Gritti had brought the negotiations to a promising position and expected to be met in a similar spirit when the duke of Lerma by excluding the point of mutual disarmament as regards Savoy and by insisting that we should make restitution before the archduke fulfilled his promises, brought matters to a desperate pass, protesting that the affair was as good as broken off by the arrival of the Dutch, who were of alien religion and rebels, and that his king was consequently absolved from his promises. The Secretary Arosteghi afterwards somewhat smoothed this harshness, but stated that his king wished to be at liberty to accept or no even if the proposals were accepted by the republic and Savoy. At the same time orders were issued at Court for reinforcements by land and sea and for fresh undertakings against us and Savoy. All this shows the intentions of the Spaniards and it would be as well for His Majesty to use his influence and declare his opinion without delay. We beg your Excellency to make these representations to His Majesty, showing the urgent need and the important considerations involved.
	Ayes	148.
	Noes	3.
	Neutral	7.
	[Italian.]
June 9. Senato, Secreta. Deliberazioni. Venetian Archives.	787. It was proposed to pass an office with the English ambassador similar to the preceding one, with the following beginning:
	Sig. Ambassador,
	Whereas in present circumstances it is fitting and necessary to continue the confidence which we have always practised with His Majesty, and which is due because of his greatness and the interest he has always taken in the affairs of this province, we have sent for your Excellency to inform you of what our courier from Spain brings upon these affairs. Our Ambassador Gritti, etc.
	We have also done the same by expressly sending our Resident Lionello to His Majesty.
	In response to the requests proffered by your Excellency we have readily ordered the release of the horses and written the letters for the Earl of Oxford which you desired, and we shall always be ready to do anything to please you.
	[Italian.]
June 8. Senato, Secreta. Deliberazioni. Venetian Archives.	788. To the Ambassador in France and at the other Courts and to the Proveditore and General on either side of the Menzo.
	A courier has arrived from Spain with various letters from the 25th April to the 17th May. Our Ambassador Gritti yielded many points to the duke of Lerma, the Secretary Arosteghi and Chefniler. The last confined himself to general terms; while the others came to particulars upon the affairs of the republic and Savoy. They asserted that the republic had not kept the treaty of Vienna and had been the first to attack, and that, therefore, she ought to be the first to make restitution, and the archduke would then gradually fulfil his obligations, and would thus deprive us of all we have obtained by the expenditure of so much blood and treasure to rid ourselves of this pest. Moreover experience shows that we can place no confidence in promises, which have always been broken. These two also would only consent to the expulsion of ten or twelve Uscocchi.
	As regards Savoy, Lerma would not listen to any proposal for mutual disarmament, which is the principal point. They are increasing reinforcements by land and sea, sending royal galleys to help Ossuna and fly the royal standard against us, send additional troops to help Ferdinand and increase their forces on our Lombard frontiers. During the two years that they have kept up this state of affairs the Spaniards have had no other aim but to exhaust both of us, prepare the way for themselves and lull to sleep those who might and should oppose their preponderance. We enclose a letter from Ossuna to the Catholic king, in which he proposes to bring the Turkish forces against us. The chief pretext employed by the duke of Lerma is the arrival of Dutch troops here, which he claims absolves his king from all treaties, while the Secretary Arostigli claimed that his king wished to have the liberty to accept or no at his pleasure. Such has been the course of the negotiations at the Catholic Court.
	We enclose a copy of the office passed by us with the ambassador here and we direct you to ask for audience and to lay these matters before His Majesty leaving nothing undone to show our inclination towards peace. You will add that m the present conjuncture of affairs an immediate decision and a powerful remedy are necessary, and that Italy can only hope for this from the Most Christian crown and it will not redound to His Majesty's honour to allow the liberty and tranquillity of this province to suffer, while its fall would increase the great dominion of the Spaniards.
	The republic is straining every nerve at sea, and our forces are prospering in Friuli in spite of Spanish help to the enemy. We continue to send money to Savoy and we have to defend our Lombard frontier. We can do no more, and we cannot oppose the Spaniards single handed. We beg His Majesty to declare in favour of our cause, and that alone will give pause to the Spaniards. We perform these offices in conjunction with the duke of Savoy, with whose ambassador you will act in concert. As we need further troops to defend Lombardy you will press for decisive orders in our favour in the Grisons. You will speak to the same effect to the Lords of the Council and especially to the princes, who are better disposed. You will do whatever is possible to secure the favour of the duke of Mayénne.
	This affair is pressing and requires all your quickness, decision and zeal.
	Ayes	148.
	Noes	3.
	Neutral	7.
	That the above be sent to the secretary in England, 'mutatis mutandis,' except the particulars about the Grisons and Mayenne, and that he be directed to pass an office in conformity with the prince of Wales and then proceed immediately to the king, sending an account of the expenses.
	The following also shall be sent to him.
	You will communicate everything immediately to the prince of Wales and then set out to find the king, making the same communication to him. You will add that in the state of affairs an immediate decision is imperative, and powerful remedies, and that it behoves His Majesty's honour and interest to employ his power and influence against the Spanish preponderance.
	[Italian.]
June 9. Senato, Secreta. Deliberazioni Venetian Archives.	789. To the Secretary in England.
	On the 22nd ult. 19 galleys and 12 galleons of Naples arrived at Brindisi and they were awaiting four fustarclle and four feluccas under an English captain, also sent from Naples. To-day we learn that these ships have reached Porto Sta. Croce. Our fleet is at Liesena waiting to be reinforced by the galleys of Candia, two galeasses and two armed ships from this city and a galleon to be sent shortly. Orders were given in Sicily to arm six ships for Spain, but they could not manage this. The duke of Ossuna is endeavouring to incite the Turks to attack Candia and yet he is shocked at the Dutch in our service. Our troops in Friuli have crossed the Lisonzo and gained some successes, in which General Traumestorf was slain. The enemy are fleeing and many surrender, while some have joined us. We have captured sixty devastators sent from Gradisca, probably because of scarcity of provisions.
	The like to the following:
	Imperial Court.		Savoy.	Naples.
	Rome.		Constantinople.	the Hague.
	Spain.		Milan.	Coire.
	France.		Florence.	Zurich.
			Mantua.
	Ayes	94.
	Noes	1.
	Neutrals	2.
	[Italian.]
June 9. Senato, Secreta. Deliberazioni. Venetian Archives.	790. To the King of England.
	We have sent an express courier to direct our Resident Lionello to inform your Majesty of what has taken place upon these affairs of Spain and of the turn given by the ministers there to the negotiations with various other particulars which we have thought fit to lay before your Majesty. Your prudence will recognise the importance of the occasion and how very necessary is a resolute decision and how much your great influence is needed. We beg to express our high esteem for your Majesty, wishing you long and prosperous years.
	Ayes	157.
	Noes	0.
	Neutral	2.
	[Italian.]
June 9. Senato, Secreta. Deliberazioni. Venetian Archives.	791. To the Resident Surian at the Hague.
	You will obtain audience of the States and Prince Maurice and inform them of the present condition of our negotiations with Spain, and you will particularly observe the replies which they make.
	We desire you to cherish the closest understanding with the English ambassador, communicating to him the affair of Spain, of which we have informed the king his master, telling him that we place great reliance upon his friendship and beg him to make such representations to His Majesty as the general interests demand, and as His Majesty's honour requires.
	Ayes	157.
	Noes	0.
	Neutral	2.
	[Italian.]
June 10. Collegio. Secreta. Esposizioni Principi. Venetian Archives.	792. The ambassador of England was sent for to the Cabinet, and the deliberation of the Senate of the 9th inst. was read to him, and re-read at his request. He then said:
	I thank you for the communication, and will report it to His Majesty. Although he has gone to Scotland on very important affairs to stay there for some time, he has given orders that news shall be sent on to him at once, so that his absence may not delay the affairs, only six days being spent in going and receiving the replies.
	I propose to deal with a matter that occurs to my poor wit. It cannot be denied that the king of Spain is powerful, the master of many realms, great forces and numerous peoples. His ministers all seek to increase his power. He who has most runs most risks. The world is moved by various powers and motives. In the natural world we see the powers balanced. This appears in the heavens, the elements being proportioned for the preservation of the human race. So it is among princes, and if any one tries to subdue another he should certainly get into trouble. I feel sure that your Serenity will receive a satisfactory reply from my king, who recognizes the undoubted justice of your cause.
	I have something to impart in exchange for the confidences made to me. The princes of Germany have finished their meeting at Heidelberg with the intervention of Bergeroti, ambassador of the States. M. de Monthou (Montu), the ambassador of Savoy, had two audiences. He was given a seat with the representative of the Great Elector, a distinguished place, showing how highly the princes thought of the duke of Savoy. He fully expounded the affairs of Italy, and the forces disposed. He was graciously heard, and the reply substantially was that the princes of the Union considered the affairs of Italy as very important, and that in view of the assertions and power of the Spaniards, everyone should be on the alert. They thought it good to draw together in a union with His Highness, and for this it would be well to confer with the king of England and the States. They asked the ambassador to assure the duke of their good will. This is the best reply possible, because the States recommended the affairs of the duke to the princes, and my king has also shown for a long while his desire to join his friends in a strong union. The words of the Spaniards were intended to benefit their cause, but they will have a fall. An accident of small moment, but of considerable significance, has taken place. My king sent a quantity of powder and other things to the duke at Savoy at the instance of the ambassador Scarnaficci. The ship which brought them, after unlading its cargo at Villa-franca, proceeded further to Messina for a pilot, the captain not having experience of the navigation. There it was detained and the goods in it confiscated, the sailors being made galley slaves. Two other ships of lesser size have been taken by the Spaniards, and I had some of my property in them.
	I have to thank your Serenity for the permission to take away the horses and for the letters of favour granted to the earl of Oxford. He wished to see all the dominions of this city. He bought the horses at Padua and at Brescia he procured armour for himself and his company, spending upwards of 2,000 crowns, which were well laid out, as it was for the service of the republic.
	I have also to remind your Serenity of the sending of Captain Henry Bel, the Englishman of whom I spoke, who came here to offer his service with letters of recommendation from my king, who presented him as a soldier of experience and valour. He is awaiting a decision. He has a great knowledge of the conditions and methods of the enemy The Secretary Winwood writes to me by order of His Majesty that he will permit the captain to raise levies freely in the realm.
	The doge replied that what had been read would allow the ambassador to understand the state of affairs and induce His Majesty to make some decision in the common interests. Every consideration has been shown to the earl of Oxford. Their lordships would take into consideration the question of the other subject.
	The ambassador had expressed the opinion that the affair of the Grisons would turn out well, and asked for particulars.
	The doge replied that owing to his indisposition he had not been in the College and therefore could not supply the particulars.
	The ambassador thereupon made some enquiries after the doge's health and then took leave.
	[Italian.]
June 10. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Savoia. Venetian Archives.	793. Antonio Donato, Venetian Ambassador in Savoy, to the Doge and Senate.
	The agent of the king of Great Britain came here to arrange two points which stood in the way of the negotiations for help from the Bernese; one was that Geneva should be named in the confederation, which was settled with the duke's consent, the other was that the word `offensive' should not be used as against the Spaniards, one of the leaders of the Helvetian government saying that when they speak of defence in an alliance it includes the offensive for the ally as circumstances may require, and the Swiss had never made a league with any power in any other manner, though they were most disposed to serve Savoy, to the utmost of their power. In this way the agent arranged the second point also and immediately sent off the signed confederation and orders for the men to march. (fn. 3) There will be 3,000 infantry, excellently armed, and for four months at their own expense. They will be ready in about twenty days and will come very gladly owing to their affection for this house, which by yielding what it could never enjoy has laid the foundations of a strong friendship, most useful for this state.
	Crescentino, the 10th June, 1617.
	[Italian.]
June 12. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Spagna. Venetian Archives.	794. Piero Gritti, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Secretary of England has been to complain to His Majesty of the damage received by the subjects of his king in the Mediterranean Sea owing to the depredations of the pirates. (fn. 4) He pointed out that the English merchants pay a very heavy custom in order that their shipping may be protected, but as no provision is made to protect them from such damage they ought in reason to be exempt. His king had frequently thought of sending his own fleet to these seas to check the audacity of the pirates, and had refrained simply because he did not wish to offend His Majesty; but now matters have reached such a pass that it is no longer tolerable, and the king has given orders for great preparations to be made in England for the protection of his subjects.
	His Majesty replied in general terms and no resolution upon the subject has as yet been taken in the Council.
	Madrid, the 12th June, 1617.
	[Italian.]
June 13. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Costant. Venetian Archives	795. Almoro Nani, Venetian Ambassador in Constantinople, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Sultan, contrary to all expectation, has chosen as lieutenant, or as they say here Caimecam of the Grand Vizier, the Pasha of Buda. They say that His Majesty inclined to the appointment of Achmet, who recently held the office, because he had gained much ground by making immense gifts to the king, the Chislaragasi and all the chief men of the seraglio, but the Grand Vizier begged the Sultan to choose any other person, and to please him His Majesty finally selected the Pasha of Buda. This has greatly pleased the Vizier because the Pasha is a confidential friend, but still more because of the exclusion of Aehmet, his mortal enemy. For my part I should be glad to see Aehmet sent to some charge in Asia, as it is reported he will be, because while he remains at the Porte I shall always dread his return to some position of influence.
	Last Tuesday, the 6th inst., the Pasha sent a chiaus to all the houses of the ambassadors asking us to send our chief dragoman, as he wished to speak to them. He told them that His Majesty was going on the following Thursday to perform the first sacrifices in the new mosque, and he invited the ambassadors to attend the festivities, when a suitable place would be assigned to them. The ambassadors accepted the invitation, and on their return the ambassadors of France, England and Flanders and I discussed what we should do, as by the Turkish custom when a building is finished all the neighbours send presents, and we ought to do something. When the Sultan Suliman built a mosque at Constantinople the ambassador of France and the Bailo of Venice offered gifts to it. We therefore decided to send to the Chislargasi twelve vestments each. These were immediately sent by him to the mosque and displayed there. The Imperial ambassador was also invited and sent a similar present. This expense was necessary and could not be avoided.
	The mosque is built on one side of the square of the Hippodrome. Opposite it stood a large covered corridor for the four ambassadors and myself, divided into compartments by flags, leaving a place for each. I laughingly remarked to the ambassador of Flanders that as our rulers were joined in friendly relations it was not proper that we should be separated, and I ordered the cloth to be removed. Soon afterwards England did the same, and then France and the Emperor's ambassador.
	After the preliminary sacrifices they placed the last stone of the cupola in position, and set a large gilt moon upon it. A long sermon followed. His Majesty came out, and all the officials went to kiss his hands. His Majesty, at the conclusion of the ceremony, mounted a richly caparisoned horse, and moved off accompanied by the officials and janissaries. We all subsequently left, on horseback. As soon as I had reached home the Pasha sent me a most noble golden raiment as a present, and he did the same to all the other ambassadors; in fact, his chief pre-occupation is to find some means of showing honour to the ministers of the powers, just as the late Caimecam was never so happy as when he could insult them, but, praise God, everything has turned out to the greater glory of the princes whom we represent.
	Dalle Vigne di Pera, the 13th June, 1617.
	[Italian; deciphered.]
June 13. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Francia. Venetian Archives.	796. Ottavio Bon and Vincenzo Gussoni, Venetian Ambassadors in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	Some preachers who passed through this city some days ago have mixed scandalous ideas with their preaching which have caused grave displeasure to the king and his ministers. The English Benedictine, famous for his learning and eloquence, has urged the people to pray to God for the establishment of peace and religion in this kingdom. (fn. 5) This was the more necessary because he knew that the king had been persuaded by his favourites to go to the preaching at Charenton (Scialanton), and if this happened it would cause grave prejudice to the Catholic religion. He has been commanded to make a public withdrawal, and has promised to do so. The parliament is thinking of ordaining that preachers throughout the kingdom shall confine themselves strictly to evangelical subjects, as other scandalous lies have been propagated from the public pulpits.
	The English ambassador at his first audience, which took place recently, congratulated His Majesty and urged that he should bind the princes to him by caresses and kindness, so that they may be loyal and ready to execute his orders as they have shown themselves recently.
	Paris, the 13th June, 1617.
	[Italian.]