Calendar of State Papers, Spain (Simancas), Volume 2, 1568-1579. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1894.
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'Simancas: January 1577', in Calendar of State Papers, Spain (Simancas), Volume 2, 1568-1579, (London, 1894) pp. 538-540. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/simancas/vol2/pp538-540 [accessed 25 April 2024]
January 1577
| 1577. 15 Jan. |
457. Antonio De Guaras to (Zayas?). News comes from the English ambassador in the Netherlands and from private sources that Don Juan had refused the offers of the States on account of the question of religion, and there was very little appearance of a settlement, much dissension existing amongst the Flemings, as Orange was trying to avail himself of the help promised from France, whilst the people desired to accept the aid of England, whence they received daily money, victuals, and stores. The States, fearing that Orange might seize the ports of Flanders, sent Zweveghem to the queen of England to offer to surrender them to her. He returned greatly pleased with grand promises and quantities of broad angels. Colonel Chester, with fifteen captains and many troops, are ready, and they are watching closely how the negotiations will end. If a settlement is effected they will not be wanted, but otherwise the captains will go to Flanders secretly and their troops will follow them unarmed and separately, the Queen helping the States underhandedly as much as possible ; but she will not publicly declare herself against the King, for fear that Spanish forces may be sent viâ Italy. A Scotch Earl has gone over to Ireland with fifteen hundred Scotsmen and as many more were expected there. It is believed that he is helped by the French, and six hundred soldiers are being sent from England against them. The queen of Scotland is in great danger, as on the pretext that some of the Council will help her, she was to be brought to the Tower of London and placed in the power of the earl of Bedford, which will be to give the lamb over to the wolf, as the Earl is her great enemy and a strong heretic, and fears that, if ever the queen of Scotland or her son should come to the throne, he would be the first to suffer. An old prophecy, 300 years old, is being interpreted in London, which says, Talpa ore Dei maledicta fratris sui gladio perebit, which some people think applies to this Queen, as she, like a mole, is burrowing in the lands of her neighbours and is accursed by the mouth of God, since she is excommunicated by His vicar, and must surely die by the sword of his Majesty, as she has so richly deserved.—London, 15th January 1577. |
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| 28 Jan. B. M. Cotton, Galba, C. VI. Original draft. |
458. Letter of Intelligence from London (unsigned) to Don
Juan of Austria, Governor of the Netherlands. I wrote to your Highness on the 3rd instant with copies of my former letters, all sent to the care of Isardo Capelo, in Paris. Since then I have seen the personage and have had some conversation with him on the wicked and diabolical plots and deceitful inventions of these people, the principal of which now is the matter of the kingdom of Naples. He says he learns from their conversation that they are placing their confidence mostly in Cardinal Granvelle. Truly, sometimes, the pen almost falls from my hand as I write such a bold thing as this, I having seen him (Granvelle) enjoying in Flanders the confidence of the glorious Emperor, your father, who raised him to the dignity that he enjoyed, and his present Majesty having entrusted to him the government of the kingdom of Naples. But, on the other hand, I recollect what his brother (fn. 1) told me here had been arranged with your Highness, which quite accords with the rest. The personage assures me of the truth of it, and, although it seems impossible, yet since he has told me, it would be bolder of me to keep silence than to repeat what he says, and I trust that my zeal may excuse my temerity. The decision arrived at in France, that the King will not allow any religion but the true one, has so tormented these people that they, if left to themselves, would despair. But their councillor, the devil, has encouraged them to continue in their accustomed ways, and they will do the same in France as they do in Flanders. If I were to lay bare the whole tale of wickedness on both sides, in fulfilment of my wish to serve the Holy Catholic Church, the quietude of princes, and the salvation of souls ; which I have pondered over for four years in search of a remedy, I should still come to the same decision as I always have, namely, that there is no way except by a good and firm league between the Catholic King and his Christian Majesty. I have discussed this with the present and former French ambassador, as your Highness will see by the certificates enclosed (gives a long account of his desires and efforts to bring about such an alliance and mentions his former approaches to the Guises on the subject, all of which he begs his Highness to forgive in consideration of his zeal). I am in great need of a letter of favour for my king for the dispatch of certain claims I have in his Court, with which Secretary Zayas is well acquainted. I humbly beg your Highness will be pleased to remind the ambassador resident there to give me his support, and his Majesty may then be moved to succour me in my debt and need, which cannot fail to be great, since four years ago I was slandered in Portugal by a jealous and perverse man, for the service I was rendering here and have received nothing for my faithful services since. Señor Zayas knows the whole story and will recollect what he offered me in the King's name, which I refused, as my object was not to gain (favours). —London, 28th January 1577. Note.—Much damaged by fire. |