Venice: October 1608 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 11, 1607-1610. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1904.

'Venice: October 1608', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 11, 1607-1610, (London, 1904) pp. 174-185. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol11/pp174-185 [accessed 13 April 2024]

October 1608



Oct. 2. Collegio, Secreta. Esposizioni Principi. Venetian Archives.	334. The English Ambassador came to the Cabinet:
	After taking his seat the Doge enquired if he had come back from his journey in good health. The Ambassador replied that his health was good, but the occurrence which he was about to relate had caused him great trouble and had hastened his return. “One of my suite fell ill, then had a relapse, and I was obliged to leave him behind in Brescia. But what troubles me more is the information received from the Doctor who attends him and which your Serenity will gather from the Doctor's letter.” The Ambassador read the letter which said, that though serious, the illness was not dangerous; that there were hopes of recovery were it not that there were some grave suspicions of poison. “I should not know what to think,” said the Ambassador, “did I not doubt that this is an outcome of the affair at Padua and may be traced to the fencing master.”
	The Doge remarked that it might be some other sickness, for poison was usually violent and rapid.
	The Ambassador said that there were slow poisons; however it was best to presume the lesser evil.
	He then went on to return thanks for the honours and favours shown him everywhere by the officials, especially at Verona and Salò. On his return he had somewhat lengthened his journey by coming down the Adige in order to see the forts and Legnago in particular, and had not this indisposition of his follower hurried him back he would have stayed some days longer.
	The Ambassador then touched on the question of the duty on currants and a reciprocal relief in Venice. He begged that the Republic would take some decision and communicate it to him.
	The Doge said the question would be left to the Cabinet, though it seemed to him necessary that they should have fuller information as to his Majesty's motives in proposing this.
	The Ambassador declared that he was fully informed; that the chief reason why the King proposed to lighten the tax was because it was so heavy, in the hope that the Republic would follow his example.
	The Doge said the Cabinet would consult with the Savii Sopra la Mercanzia and would reply.
	The Ambassador then submited an offer made by the English Captain who had furnished him with the report on Ward. (fn. 1) This man was now in England and had written to the Ambassador to say that on the strength of his knowledge of Ward and even of a certain friendship for him, he was prepared to kill him and burn his ships. To carry out this design he required a ship of his own maintained at the charges of the Republic. Ward usually lies at Tunis. The Captain in question claims nothing from the Republic but the cost of his journey, from England to Tunis. The Ambassador in view of the importance of this offer now presents it and recommends it. If accepted the affair can be arranged by the Venetian Ambassador in England and supported by Wotton.
	The Doge returned thanks and said that the Cabinet would consider the matter, but he believed that Ward was not at Tunis but outside the Straits.
	The Ambassador said that was true but he usually returned to Tunis. That he would never have presented the proposal had he not known that the author of it was capable and brave.
	See above. Nos. 179, 210.
	He passes on to a personal point. Two more months have passed since he petitioned in favour of Pietro Negro, moreover, the poor devil is ill, in danger of losing his eyesight if he continues in close-prison. He now begs that Negro may be transferred to Padua, Vicenza, Brescia, Treviso, anywhere, in fact, that pleases the government. In this way they will act up to their usual reputation for clemency and will restore his credit, which has suffered in this affair. The Doge replied that from a desire to please the Ambassador, the Cabinet had moved the Senate but the motion fell through. If the Ambassador desired they would bring forward the motion again. He warns the Ambassador that the modification of the sentence will require the same majority as the entire liberation from prison required. The Ambassador said he quite understood and he hoped the Senate would grant him this favour to commute the sentence of imprisonment into one of relegation.
	Turning to the foreign relations of England. The States have dissolved the peace congress. The Archduke's Commissioners have left. Although it may be said that the failure to settle the points of religion and the India navigation are the cause of the rupture, all the same the peace becomes hard and indigestible because of another internal question, the point of “sovereignty”; for it was discovered that if this were granted to the States the larger part of his territory would demand the same from the Archduke. “There is a rumour of the Piazza that the King, my Master, has brought about and hurried on the rupture of the negotiations, and that the line adopted by him has caused an issue quite contrary to general expectation. This is an obvious falsehood; for though it is true that my Sovereign, as far back as May last, concluded a defensive league with the States who sought it, but at first could not induce him to any dealings therein, in order that they might have the support of some great Prince, yet now in this present negotiation he has acted in all good faith, for he has consulted the Spanish Ambassador at his Court, and one might say that the league had been concluded by permission of rather than in opposition to the Spanish Ambassador. The King, my Master, is of sovereign goodness, piety, prudence, religion; a lover of peace, especially with his neighbours. All his actions contradict this report. He has always done all he can to secure a sound conclusion, and to smooth away all difficulties that hindered it. This much I have thought it right to say that your Serenity and your Excellencies may be assured that this rumour is baseless.”
	The Doge replied that they had not heard the rumour; nay, the despatches from the Venetian Ambassador in England confirm the English Ambassador's statements, except that the Doge was not aware that the Commissioners had left.
	The Ambassador, after a cordial reply, handed the petition (fn. 2) in favour of Negro to the Secretary and retired.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 2. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	335. Zorzi Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate.
	I have received your Serenity's despatches ordering me to find out if any representations have been made to his Majesty about the inviolability of the dwelling of his ambassador in Spain in the terms that representations have been made to you, and to report fully on the subject. As the Court is far off, I have in this brief space of time been able to avail myself of indirect channels of information only. I have discovered nothing that would allow me to send a positive answer, but I hope in a few days to be able to give you solid information. Meantime I must say that had any such arrangement been made we should see the results at the Spanish Embassy here. It is always full of Catholics and clerics who are obnoxious not only to justice but also to the Crown, and yet no steps are taken, though they see with their own eyes this abuse of asylum at the Spanish Embassy. I can not imagine upon what grounds the Spanish could raise the question for as justice is in the hands of the people who are very ill affected, the result would be that all Embassies, but especially the Spanish, would be exposed to continual invasions and danger. As to the King's attitude towards the question I think that is clear from his conduct towards the Spanish Embassy in 1606, when one of the Ambassador's inmates was seriously suspected of plotting against the King's life; in that case, before taking any steps, he himself spoke to the Ambassador; he caused the Embassy to be searched by his own private guard at night, and when the Ambassador was absent and he gave orders that these steps should be taken with the greatest respect and circumspection, though the case was one of lœsa Majestas in the first degree. (fn. 3)
	I will take the first opportunity to find out about this new representation.
	The other day the King moved from Theobalds to Hamptoncourt passing through the city without stopping. Council is summoned for Sunday. In the suspension of Flemish business their attention is directed to increasing the revenue both to meet ordinary expenditure and also that which may occur, though Ireland is quieting down.
	London, 2nd October, 1608.
	[Italian; the part in italics deciphered.]
Oct. 4. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	336. Marc' Antonio Correr and Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassadors in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	I, Correr, took my leave of the King. I promised that when in England I would confide in his Majesty's Ambassador there. The King remarked that the English were Huguenots and that Spain did all she could to avail herself of the fact; that I must be very cautious and ought to keep up a full understanding with the Ambassador Foscarini in France.
	Paris, 4th October, 1608.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 6. Copy of Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	337. Marin Cavalli, Venetian Ambassador in Germany, to the Doge and Senate.
	I cannot find out that the Spanish Ambassador has raised the question of the immunity of Embassies.
	Prague, 6th October, 1608.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 6. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	338. Marc' Antonio Correr and Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassadors in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	On the 13th of last month the States replied to Jeannin's proposals. Though they would have preferred to see all the Commissioners depart, yet out of regard for the Kings of France and England they granted the request that the Commissioners might stay on till the end of the month.
	Paris, 6th October, 1608.
	[Italian.]
Enclosed in preceding despatch.	339. Reply of the States, permitting the Commissioners to stay on.
Enclosed in preceding despatch.	[French.]
Oct. 9. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	340. Zorzi Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate.
	There has reached the King's hands an answer, composed in Rome under the name of the Theologian (Chaplain (fn. 4) ) of Cardinal Bellarmin, to his Majesty's book on the Papal breves, also the Cardinal's own letters against the oath of allegiance. They both contain many passages which touch the King's amour propre (propria essistemazione) and he is deeply affected. He is getting ready an answer, and intends to retire to Royston in a few days along with his Theologians. The King as a most learned Prince embarks right willingly on this subject, and shows a kind of rivalry with the Cardinal, who has here the reputation of being the most learned champion on the Papal side. The King is the more anxious to answer as he knows that the publication of those books will closely affect his quiet and his dignity.
	In Council he has been occupied with the affairs of Scotland, where the attempt to assimilate the religion of that country to the religion of this has bred disturbance, and in the name of Scotland a deputation has been sent to point this out to him. The Queen and the Prince, meantime, have come to the city for the baptism of a son of the Earl of Arundel, to whom they and the Lord Treasurer stood sponsors.
	Both the twenty and the extra five days within which Spinola was called on to show his authority from the King of Spain to treat about the truce, having expired, they are extremely anxious to know the answer from that quarter. The States showed themselves resolved not to accept the truce unless they are assured of the three essential points, the India navigation, the sole exercise of their religion or the reciprocal freedom of both, not only in the States but also in the territory of the Archduke, and finally the question of “sovereignty.” They have instructed their agent here (Caron) to inform his Majesty that, as matters are tending towards war rather than peace, if peace be broken they will send Commissioners to lay certain proposals before him, trusting that they will be of such a nature that his Majesty will be obliged to interest himself in their favour. It is thought this is done more to alarm the King of France than for any other reason, for they hold that since Toledo has been negotiating his Majesty has grown cold towards them. His Commissioners not only opposed but protested against the dismissal of Spinola by the States. To this the King merely answered that he thought such a mission from Holland would not be necessary, as the truce would be concluded The issue of all this, which is at present very obscure, I hope to be able to write about shortly with better foundation, for, please God, I intend to make my return journey through Flanders.
	I am now studying the question of the immunity of Embassies till the arrival of some one at Court who understands the question will allow me to send positive information.
	The illustrious Ambassador Correr advised me from Paris that he would be at Calais on the sixth, and that the Royal ship would be sent there. I expect his Lordship from moment to moment.
	London, 9th October, 1608.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 11. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	341. Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	On the 20th of last month his Majesty received letters from his Ambassador in England dated the 14th, stating that the King was quite disposed to help the States if they came to a breach with Spain. But subsequent despatches report him to have withdrawn, declaring that at present he can do nothing, but pledging himself for the future. This has increased the King of France's anger and he made use of some strong language about the King of England.
	Paris, 11th October, 1608.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 12. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	342. Marc' Antonio Correr, Venetian Ambassador-elect to England, to the Doge and Senate.
	Yesterday on my arrival here I found a Royal ship, sent especially by his Majesty to convey me to England. I entertained and courted those sent to meet me by the Lord High Admiral. I shall embark this morning. The governor of Calais visited me yesterday evening. Notwithstanding the jealousy with which they guard this fortress, especially when English ships are off the coast, the governor insisted that I should give the pass-word. This morning he came again to visit me, and to take me to the landing in his carriage.
	The Marchese Spinola has reached Antwerp and passed on to Brussels. The President Jeannin remains on at the Hague to see whether he can induce the States to accept the truce, but the population is little disposed to do so. All the same there seems to be some difference of opinion among the principal members of the States, and this irritates the popular feeling still further against the Spanish who are accused of sowing that seed.
	Calais, 12th October, 1608.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 16. Minutes of the Senate, Venetian Archives.	343. That the Imperial Ambassador be invited to the Cabinet to hear what follows:
	The Imperial Ambassador in Constantinople has asked our Ambassador to beg us to communicate to the Imperial Ambassador here a true account of a certain incident which took place at the Porte; our Ambassador, in despatches of the 11th of last month, informs us that after the arrival of the Imperial Ambassador the English Ambassador went to pay him the usual visit, but was refused admission by the cha'usch (sergeant) on guard, who declared that he had orders to allow no one to speak to or deal with the Imperial Ambassador. The Ambassador declined to conduct any business until his reputation was restored and his house set free. The Lieutenant Grand Vizier, however, persuaded him to pay a visit and replied very courteously to the Ambassador's complaints, promising to withdraw the cha'usch. He also promised that the Ambassador should be free to receive whom he chose and presented him with some gowns.
	Ayes	114.
	Noes	0.
	Neutrals	5.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 16. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	344. Zorzi Giustinian and Marc' Antonio Correr, Venetian Ambassadors in England, to the Doge and Senate.
	I, Correr, crossed the sea on Sunday; it was a very stormy day and although, thanks to the excellence of the ship, there was little danger, still we could not make Dover. I landed some five leagues off and found carriages and horses and every kind of good reception. The next day I was met, five miles on this side of Dover, by the Master of the Ceremonies, who accompanied me to London, which I reached yesterday, travelling twenty miles in the royal barges.
	I, Giustinian, met his Lordship a good way out of the City. We are awaiting audience. God grant we have not to wait long, but as the King is at Royston at the chase I fear that he will not be willing to receive us in that inconvenient place, and he is accustomed to pass two months there at this season. So that I do not see what I am to do to move my effects and my household by sea and land in the heart of winter. I will, therefore, do all I can to secure audience but always with regard to the King's wishes, and he is so particular when he is at the chase that it is very unlikely he will allow himself to be disturbed.
	London, 16th October, 1608.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 16. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	345. Zorzi Giustinian and Marc' Antonio Correr, Venetian Ambassadors in England, to the Doge and Senate.
	We have letters from Holland of the 13th inst. announcing the departure of Spinola from the Hague, and the postponement of all negotiations for peace and for truce.
	This news is welcomed here.
	It seems that the English would not be unwilling to assign by way of subsidy to the States, the credit which they claim against the Crown of France; but there are two difficulties; first, the account is not liquidated, as the King of France declares that he has paid off the larger part; and the second, their anxiety to keep up the peace with Spain, in virtue of which they are debarred from assisting her enemies. The agent of the States has raised the question with the Lord Treasurer, but nothing will be done till the King's return.
	For some time past it has looked as though the Irish rebellion was virtually put down, but the number of pirates who are collected in that island awake a suspicion that they may have been sent there by others on a more dangerous enterprise than piracy. The Government is resolved to suppress them. But the real anxiety at present is about the revenue. They aim at a reserve fund that will free them from the necessity of appealing to the subjects when they are in want, as they recognise that this is the cause of serious disorders.
	Some Spanish gentlemen, relations of the Spanish ambassador, have left in great haste for Flanders. They say they are summoned there by Spinola.
	London, 16th October, 1608.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 23. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	346. Zorzi Giustinian and Marc' Antonio Correr, Venetian Ambassadors in England, to the Doge and Senate.
	A gentleman from the Archduke Albert has passed through here in great haste on his way to Spain, and another soon after for France. As this route is unusual there is a conjecture that it may have been done to prevent them meeting Don Pedro di Toledo. There are rumours of great preparations for the war.
	The Ambassador of France seized the opportunity of Spinola's departure from the Hague to sound the Treasurer as to the King's mind about the continuation of the war. It causes great surprise that after the departure of the Commissioners a minute should have been found in the dwelling of Richardot containing his instructions from the Archduke. It is doubtful whether he left it behind on purpose or by oversight. (fn. 5) The minute contained instructions to him that in the course of negotiations he was to insinuate the possibility of a union between Flanders and Holland and orders to rely more on the French than on the English commissioners. The affair is variously interpreted, some think that beneath it all is some mystery of great moment; certainty upon the point cannot be reached till his Majesty's return, when it will be discussed in Council, as the English Commissioners are insisting on their recall.
	They have resolved to confiscate Tyrone's property, and that of the other rebels. Part will go to the King to cover the expenses he has been put to, and part will be given to other Irish to secure their hostility to Tyrone and the rebels, and thus they hope to put an end to the movement.
	The King has moved some miles from Royston, so the audience of presentation and of conge for each of us will be put off a little longer. His Majesty says that he can not do fitting honour to your Serenity's representatives in such places.
	London, 23rd October, 1608.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 23. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	347. Zorzi Giustinian and Marc' Antonio Correr, Venetian Ambassadors in England, to the Doge and Senate.
	Acknowledging the despatch from Venice of the 20th Sept. with information about the case of the friar of San Sebastiano.
	London, 23rd October, 1608.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 23. Enclosed in despatch from Corfu, Nov. 28. Venetian Archives.	348. Examination of Thomas Butler (Botler), Supercargo of an English ship arrived in port this morning.
	Sailed from England for Constantinople with a cargo of kerseys, (carisee) cloth and tin. Met five Spanish galleons outside the Straits near San Lucar cruising as a guard against Flemish and English bertons. One of the Flemish corsairs is called Captain Dancicker, he has four ships in all. The Englishman is called Captain Ward, he has two ships. Ward and Dancicker are enemies. The Flemish captain has captured twenty-nine sail in one month off the coast of Spain, near San Lucar; these were English, French, Flemish and others. Ward has captured three or four English ships off the coast of Ireland. This happened two or three months ago. It is not certain whether the Fleming has re-entered the Straits, but he means to go to Algiers to sell his booty and refit his ships. The Englishman, it is thought, is already there. Ward has been a buccaneer for four or five years; Dancicker about one year; it seems that he married the Governor's daughter at Marseilles. He had a quarrel and set sail with a ship that he seized in that port. On his journey he captured another; and that is how he began his career.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 26. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	349. Girolamo Soranzo, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Spanish Ambassador in Venice raised the question of the immunity of Embassies upon general orders given to all Ambassadors. The occasion was the rebuff which the Alcade met with at the English Embassy, which is, one may say, a city of refuge for fugitive criminals. This is very ill taken here, and as they desired to make representations to the King of England they issued general instructions so as not to seem too severe with him, whose friendship is so greatly desired in Spain. As yet nothing has been done, nor has the English Ambassador received any orders from home, nor have any other Ambassadors. I have been very careful about admitting fugitive criminals, and all I have done has been done to please gentlemen of the Court. For example, to-day the Count of Galdagna, son of the Duke of Lerma, sent to beg me to receive a 'creature of his'; I can not refuse such personages. I know that the King called for a report on the conduct of the Embassies, and your Serenity's received an excellent character.
	Madrid, 26th October, 1608.
	[Italian; deciphered.]
Oct. 26. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	350. Girolamo Soranzo, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Duke of Lerma complained to the English Ambassador about his master's attitude towards the Dutch, and suspicion of an alliance. The Ambassador did not openly deny it, but said that its conclusion was conditional on the signature of peace. This did not satisfy the Duke.
	I am advised from Lisbon that the famous English corsair, who has done so much damage off Cape St. Vincent, has entered the Straits and is making East.
	Madrid, 26th October, 1608.
	[Italian; the part in italics deciphered.]
Oct. 26. Collegio, Secreta. Esposizioni Principi. Venetian Archives.	351. The Secretary of the English Ambassador came to the Cabinet, and said:—
	“My master has sent me for no other purpose than to renew his petition on behalf of that poor man, Pietro Negro. I only regret my incapacity to represent to you the earnestness with which the Ambassador makes his request and his anxiety upon the point, for if it be not granted he holds that his prestige is seriously injured. I can only say that your Serenity's favour could not be bestowed on any one who is more devotedly attached to the service of this Republic than is the Ambassador.”
	The Doge replied that the Ambassador must know that we have neglected no steps that were possible. The motion was made in the Senate, where it was found impossible to secure the number of votes required by law. The Ambassador need not think that this in any way affects his reputation. He may rest assured of the great affection the whole Republic bears towards his person. The Cabinet will again move the Senate on the point.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 27. Senato, Secreta. Despatches from Zante. Venetian Archives.	352. Zuan Marco da Molin, Governor in Zante, to the Doge and Senate.
	Reports the deposition of the supercargo of the English berton on its way from England to Constantinople. (fn. 6)
	Zante, 27th October, 1608.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 28. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	352A. Ottaviano Bon, Venetian Ambassador in Constantinople, to the Doge and Senate.
	The English Ambassador is supporting this Prince Stephen as Bogdano. (fn. 7)
	Dalle Vique di Pera, 28th October, 1608.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 29. Minutes of the Senate, Venetian Archives.	353. Motion made.
	That in particular gratification of the English Ambassador, Pietro Negro be allowed to finish his sentence in the Fortress of Palma, and that he be obliged to report himself once a week to the Governor. That this resolution be conveyed to the Ambassador.
	In the Cabinet the voting fell:
	Ayes	13.	This being upwards of five sixths, the motion was carried.
	Noes	1.
	Neutrals	1.
	It was put in the Senate and the votes fell:
	Ayes	121,	and was lost; on a second voting,	Ayes	126.
	Noes	23.		Noes	14.
	Neutrals	8.		Neutrals	14.
	and was lost.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 30. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	354. Zorzi Giustinian and Marc' Antonio Correr, Venetian Ambassadors in England, to the Doge and Senate.
	Of all the points that have disturbed the King's mind when reading the book which came from Rome the chief one is to find himself reproached with having written to Pope Clement VIII., and to Cardinals Aldobrandino and Bellarmin, to say that he felt very kindly towards the Catholic religion and desired the appointment of a Scottish Cardinal by whose means he could more safely and easily deal with the Pope in Rome. When the King read this passage and thought over its importance and its consequences he ordered President Elphinstone to be summoned at once from Scotland. Elphinstone had been his secretary at the date in question, and the Council were now ordered to examine him closely about these letters. He came and was put on his trial; he declared that he had written the letters to the Pope and the Cardinals on the King's orders; he could not recall their contents except that they were written in support of a Bishop of a small town in France, (fn. 8) a relation of Elphinstone's, who was aspiring to the purple and sought the King's intercession. This answer did not satisfy the King, who insisted that the matter should be cleared up. Meantime Elphinstone is in custody; as a Catholic and as having a personal interest in the recommendation, he may, it is thought, in writing the letters have run out into the ideas which are now flung back at the King. This affair is causing much talk and God grant it cause not much harm too, for his Majesty is excessively angry at such licence of attack on himself. He has prohibited the sale of the book until his reply is ready, and to that he is applying himself personally. He maintains that the oath of allegiance is due to him from his subjects in virtue of the natural obligation of civil obedience and fealty. (Tra tutte le cose che hanno turbato Vanimo del Rècolla lettura di quel libro venuto da Roma . . . la principale è stata per venirgli in esso rinfacciate lettere scritte dalla Maestà sua a Clemente Ottavo et alli Cardinali Aldobrandino et Bellarmino con le quali si dice che mostrando molta inclinatione alla Religione Cattolica faceva offitio perchè fosse creato un Cardinale di Natione socese accioché col mezo di esso potesse pin sicuro et facilmente trattare in Roma con il Papa li suoi negotii; il qual passo veduto dal Rè et considerato la importanza et conseguenze di esso, ordinò subito che fosse chiamato da Scotia il Presidente Eluiston, che a quel tempo lo serviva di secretario, et commisse al consiglio che sopra queste lettere dovesse accuratamente esamminarlo. Questo venuto et constituito afferma d'haver scritto lettere al Papa et a quei Cardinali per commandamento del Rè, ma che delta sostanza di esse non si ricordava se non die furono seritte a favore di un Vescovo di una piccola Città di Frantia, suo congionto, che aspirando al Cardinalato ricorse all' intercessione di sua Maesta, la quale, non sodisfacendosi di tal risposta vuole per ogni modo che questo negotio resti giustificato, facendo tra tanto custodir quel Presidente che per esser Cattolico et interessato in tale raccommandatione si crede che nel formarlo possi esser trascorso in quelli concetti delli quali hora vienne rinfacciato il Rè. Queste cose danno qui materia di molti discorsi, et Dio voglia che non diano occasione di molti mali mostrandosi la Maestà sua grandemente alterata di tanta licentia di scrivere contro di lui; onde ha fatto interdire la vendita di quel libro sin tanto che sia formata la sua risposta, alla quale ha gia posto con molta applicazione la propria mano per sostentare che quel giuramento gli è da' i sudditi dovuti per naturale obligo di civile obedienza et fedeltà.)
	Irish affairs are quite quiet and they are thinking of nothing else than of how to cover themselves out of the property of the rebels for the cost they have been put to. On the contrary Scotland, owing to the severity of the Ministers against the Catholics, is growing more and more unsettled, to the King's great disgust, who shows himself strongly opposed to the Puritan sect and does all he can to extirpate them.
	No news this week from Flanders. The populace persists in hoping for a breach of the peace, the King and those who govern are assured of an accommodation.
	I hear from a good source that the pirates who have been infesting these waters have sailed for the Mediterranean with eight good ships, to join Ward, who threatens to resume his depredations more vigorously than ever.
	The King is expected in ten days in the city; when he comes we will attend to our audience.
	London, 30th October, 1608.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 31. Minutes of the Senate. Venetian Archives.	355. The motion of October 29 was again put and was carried.
	Ayes	147.
	Noes	16.
	Neutrals	5.
	[Italian.]