Venice: January 1610 | 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: January 1610', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 11, 1607-1610, (London, 1904) pp. 404-415. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol11/pp404-415 [accessed 26 April 2024]

January 1610



1610. Jan. 2. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	749. Francesco Contarini and Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassadors in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Prince of Anhault has been in Paris to settle with the King as to the support he is prepared to give. He has left for Holland and, it is supposed, for England.
	M. de la Boderie left this morning for England. His mission is to inform the King as to the proposals of the Protestant confederates made by the Prince of Anhault.
	Paris, January 2nd, 1610.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 2. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	750. Francesco Contarini and Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassadors in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Ambassador of the Archdukes complains of the King's threat that if the Prince of Condé was not obliged to return to France he would march with fifty thousand foot to take him wherever he might be. The King replied that he had said so, and that if fifty were not enough he would take a hundred thousand; and used other violent expressions; whereupon the Ambassador said the Archduke would use all diligence to find out where the Prince was and would induce him to return on the undertaking that the King would pardon him.
	Praslin is back but brings nothing worth reporting to your Excellencies. Yesterday week the Prince entered Brussels. He was met by the Marquis Spinola, the Dukes of Aumale and D'Ærschot and the Prince of Oranges. It is supposed that orders have come from Spain to receive him. They say he will shortly have a pension of 4,000 crowns a month.
	Paris, 2nd January, 1610.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 2. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	751. Francesco Contarini and Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassadors in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	The day before yesterday his Majesty sent express couriers to England, Brussels and Turin, with despatches on current affairs.
	Paris, 2nd January, 1610.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 8. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	752. Marc' Antonio Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate.
	One of the two ladies who, as I reported on the 19th of November, had become a Catholic, is the Lady Arabella, cousin-german to the King; his Majesty had a hint last week that she intended to cross the sea with a Scot named Douglas, (fn. 1) and had some idea of marrying him. He accordingly sent his captain of the guard and the baroness, his wife, to take Lady Arabella from the house of one of the Seymour family, under pretext of friendship and an invitation to sup with them. They conveyed her to the Palace, where she was placed under guard for several days. Douglas, too, was arrested, and some of her servants and waitingmaids, and seals were put on her effects. She is now at liberty, however, which is not the case with the others. She answered well to the King before Council. For long she has been living far from Court, in great melancholy, both on account of the little esteem in which she is held, and because her income is insufficient; she is engaged in many suits for the recovery of her patrimony. She has on this occasion petitioned for support, and the King will give it her.
	M. de la Boderie is daily expected from France as Ambassador Extraordinary for the affair of Cleves. On the same subject a special envoy will be sent here from Holland, and the same to France, both on pretext of thanking these Sovreigns for their assistance during the war and the negotiations for truce. The Archdukes will also send an ambassador here, as is said, to beg his Majesty to intervene in the question of the transit of goods for Antwerp. The method of reaching an agreement will be on the establishment of a permanent peace. All the same there is not lacking a belief that both the French and the Dutch Embassies have more serious matter on hand. The knowledge that the King of Spain is taking an interest in the conjunction of the Catholic Electors with Bavaria is not pleasing, and it is thought that the absence of Condé has hastened the despatch of the Embassies; but of this your Serenity will have fuller news. The Prince has met the Archduke Leopold in Juliers. He has now returned to Brussels, where he was met by the Spanish Ambassador and the Marquis Spinola, who conducted him to his lodging in the house of the Prince of Oranges, whence the Ambassador accompanied him to audience of the Infanta and then of the Archduke. Both received him with great honour.
	That English Catholic, (fn. 2) formerly a Capuchin, has been set free from prison. As I wrote, he came here to denounce a merchant (fn. 3) who, he said, had tempted him to assassinate the King. Gardner will be rewarded. Conway is in trouble, although it does not seem that he was moved by any ill intent, nay it seems that his object was to denounce Gardner as suspect on account of his Catholic faith.
	The loss of one of the ships sent to Virginia is confirmed. Rumour says she went down with all her cargo. (fn. 4) The other ship with the commander on board arrived safely, and as there is good news of the profits to be made in the Colony they are fitting out a fresh expedition.
	An English gentleman fell in with a French privateer this side of the Straits of Gibraltar. He engaged and captured the ship, which proved a rich prize. The Frenchmen got away to Africa in a boat.
	The Lords of Council declare that two royal ships are to go to the Levant and cruise there to put down piracy. This, however, is not credited. Partly because of the need there is here, partly because, if the ships are to go, it is not clear why they don't sail with the merchantmen who are just leaving.
	The Prince is busy practising at the barriers; the number of jousters is increased every day. They now amount to fifty-four. The day appointed is the 16th of this month if all the mountings (inventioni) can be got ready.
	The Commissioners in the case of the “Reniera” have cast the merchants in about 3,500 ducats. The hopes held out to us and the strong arguments in favour of the Venetians promised much larger damages. They asked for an affidavit from the English merchants as to the true value of the goods sold in Tunis. If the interested parties will give me further information to go upon I will not fail to push their interests as heretofore; but I fear the business is a very difficult one, and I think the better course would be to attend to the exaction of the money due under the other judgement.
	The Duke of Lennox sent to say that he had orders from the King to come and visit me and that he would dine with me to-day. He assured me of his Majesty's good will towards my person. His Excellency told me that the King had news that the Ambassador Contarini had been seen in Paris and gave orders to be informed punctually of his arrival. Bad weather has stopped the cross-channel mail.
	I am assured that the King will not reply to Cardinal Bellarmin's book. Nothing in it causes him more annoyance than the passage wherein the rank of cardinals is compared to the rank of kings. The book printed in France by that friar (Coeffeteau) is praised rather than condemned. All the same the King is displeased that it should have been printed “by royal licence” and that there is a rumour that it was written by order of his Most Christian Majesty.
	Paris, 8th January, 1610.
	[Italian; the part in italies deciphered.]
Jan. 9. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	753. Simon Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in Constantinople, to the Doge and Senate.
	Has negotiated with both the French and the English Ambassador on the subject of the port of Alexandretta. The English Ambassador, after consulting the English merchants, found they would not pay a penny as they were not sure that the bills would be honoured in London. The Ambassador accordingly declares he can not go forward with the matter. Negotiations being thus broken off, the French Ambassador and the Venetian sent an express to their Consuls at Aleppo to arrange the affair in such a way that it could be carried into effect.
	Dalle Vigne di Pera, 9th January, 1609 [m.v.].
	[Italian, deciphered.]
Jan. 9. Senato Secreta. Despatches from Florence. Venetian Archives.	754. Giacomo Vendramin, Venetian Resident in Florence, to the Doge and Senate.
	After Salviati's return from England there is a much greater inclination towards a match between the Grand Duke's eldest daughter and the Prince.
	Florence, 9th January, 1610.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 9. Senato Secreta. Despatches from Savoy. Venetian Archives.	755. Gregorio Barbarigo, Venetian Ambassador in Savoy, to the Doge and Senate.
	The States have disbanded two regiments, one French, the other English. Both immediately took service with the Princes in Cleves.
	Turin, 9th January, 1610.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 9. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	756. Giovanni Mocenigo, Venetian Ambassador in Rome, to the Doge and Senate.
	Three Ambassadors from the Catholic Electors and the Duke of Bavaria have arrived in Rome to negotiate about the League and the affairs of the Empire.
	Rome, 9th January, 1610.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 12. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	757. Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	The King's agent at the Diet of Hall (Boissise) will endeavour to bring about a close union, vigorous assistance to the two Princes and an invitation to England, Denmark and the Dutch to join them. Meanwhile they are waiting to learn what aid the King of England will promise. For this purpose M. de la Boderie has gone to England. The King has called all pensioners to Paris within the month. War is publicly dicussed.
	Paris, 12th January, 1610.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 12. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	758. Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	The day before yesterday the King told M. de Trolliouz (Trogliù), (fn. 5) Envoy of the Duke of Savoy, that he was quite resolved on assisting the Duke vigorously in the enterprise against Milan and was only waiting the decision of England, the Dutch, and the Protestant States. Meanwhile Lesdiguières is to go to Dauphiné. Yesterday Trolliouz received from Villeroy the marriage contract signed by the King.
	Paris, 12th January, 1610.
	[Italian, deciphered.]
Jan. 12. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	759. Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Imperial ban is published against Neuburg and Brandenburg. It was printed in Cologne. They appealed “from the Emperor to the Empire.”
	The Mutaferika intended to complain about Danziker, but seeing that the Spanish Ambassador had laboured therein fruitlessly I think he will abstain.
	Paris, 12th January, 1610.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 13. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	760. Francesco Contarini, Venetian Ambassador-Extraordinary to England, to the Doge and Senate.
	Praises Foscarini. Arrived in Calais the day before yesterday.
	Calais, 13th January, 1610.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 13. Collegio, Esposizioni Principi. Venetian Archives.	761. The English Ambassador came to the Cabinet and spoke as follows:
	“I have come merely to wish your Serenity a happy New Year. If I am usually the last to do so, that is not due to any lukewarmness on my part—I yield to none in ardent desire for the prosperity to this government—but because I followed the old style. I know that both styles are false, for time runs, the minutes fly, and hard it is to arrange time past. In this certainty of error it seems to be best to follow the custom of my country. Anyhow I pray His Divine Majesty to preserve this Serene Republic in all her ancient glory, ancient splendour, ancient liberty, and to bind together his Majesty's Crown and the Serene Signory.” He then went on to say that one of the greatest of the English who had recently come to Venice was even now standing outside the door; he begs leave to kiss the Doge's robe.
	This personage is the Marquis of Hamilton (Ambleton), a Scot, of leading house and lineage, dearly loved by his Majesty. The Ambassador enlarged on his merits and told this story about his journey: when Hamilton reached Papozze there was no boat to take him over the water, save one belonging to Signor Francesco Cornaro, who most courteously took him on board and brought him to his own house, where Hamilton, being taken for a Frenchman by his dress and because he spoke the language so well, had the satisfaction of hearing Cornaro highly praise the King of Great Britain.
	The Doge returned thanks. He discoursed on the regulation of the year, and said that when the new style was introduced he was Ambassador in Rome. The proposal was discussed at the Embassies. Some did not praise the Pope's design, which was thought to divide rather than to unite. Some of the Cardinals were of this opinion and wished it to reach the Pope's ears. But he held to his plan; before publishing it, however, he desired to know whether France or Venice would accept it; he said that if they three held together the rest of the world would be obliged to accede. But just the reverse happened. Venice, to please the Pope, accepted the new Calendar, but the other Powers did not and the Republic was cut off from the rest, for the majority still held by the old style. It seems, too, that after the reform of the Calendar nothing goes well. The peasants declare that they can no longer hit the right moment for sowing seed. He concluded by saying that after all the change of style made little difference.
	As to the Marquis of Hamilton, he would be welcomed gladly, and the Doge was pleased he had been so well received by a member of the Cornaro family. Someone said that Signor Francesco was the son of the Illustrious Procurator, Savio del Collegio. At that the Procurator rose and said that the boat was hired by his son to take him and the Abbot to Papozze, but as soon as they had reached Papozze the boatmen made a bargain with the Scot, and on his return Sig. Francesco found the boat occupied. Seeing, however, who the new-comers were, he accepted their company, and took them to his house, entertained them, and came on to Venice with them.
	The Marquis was introduced, kindly received by the Doge, and retired.
	Twenty-five ducats to be spent on his entertainment were voted to the debit of the Rason Vecchic.
	Next morning the Ambassador sent his Secretary to return thanks, and to say that the Marquis was so closely allied to the King by blood that if the male line failed he would succeed to the Crown of Scotland.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 15. Consiglio de Dieci. Parti Communi. Venetian Archives.	762. That the Treasury and the Armoury of this Council be shown to the Marquis of Hamilton, a Scot, at present in Venice.
	Ayes	16.
	Noes	0.
	Neutrals	0.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 15. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	763. Marc' Antonio Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Lady Arabella is confined to her own appartment, but not under ward. She neither leaves her rooms, however, nor is she visited except by intimates. Douglas (Dublas) is also at liberty, which is a sure sign that the affairs of the Lady are not in danger. One of her maids, however, is still in prison, it is said because of a too bold answer to the Lords of Council, for she said briefly and firmly that neither ought their Lordships to enquire into ladies' secrets nor was it her place to lay them bare; had she heard anything hostile to the King she would have withdrawn from the house, but it was no business of hers to tell tales. Lady Arabella's replies are considered very prudent and wise. She would neither affirm nor deny that she had thought of leaving the kingdom; she merely said that, ill-treated as she was by all, it was only natural that she should think of going. I am told that the King will increase her income.
	His Majesty is resolved to assist Neuburg and Brandenburg, but although his Most Christian Majesty has announced that he will contribute the same amount as those two Princes, the King of England has not yet stated the amount he means to give. Perhaps he is waiting the arrival of M. de la Boderie, who has been kept four days at Calais by stormy seas. The Dutch also await the King's decision. The Prince of Anhault was expected here from France. But the shortness of the time made him go to Hall for the meeting of the supporters of Brandenburg and Neuburg. The Dutch Ambassadors will be two of the leading men in the United Provinces. (fn. 6)
	The question of a league is in many minds. I know that Spain's troubles with the Moors, the French match with Savoy, the absence of Condé and the small success of Archduke Albert's efforts to effect a reconciliation between him and his Most Christian Majesty, are all subjects of consideration.
	The Flemish Commissioners wish to submit the question of the transit to Antwerp to the two Kings, but meet with much opposition. Many points, however, about boundaries, religion, and restitution of property have been settled.
	Some pirates attacked a royal ship and some twenty-five or thirty of them had already got possession of the upper deck, when the Captain fired a mine and blew them all into the air with but little damage to those below.
	On Sunday, after the dance, the Prince's challenge was publicly proclaimed in the presence of the whole Court. The tournament is to take place to-morrow. All this week the Prince's six defenders have kept open table in the Prince's apartments; some of my suite have been invited more than once.
	The King sent Lewkenor on Tuesday to invite me to the tourney and also to the supper. The Spanish Ambassador will also be there. The Ambassador of the States has never been in the same company with the Spanish Ambassador, and so, in order to avoid a scandal, instead of being invited to the tourney he will be invited to dine with the King on Sunday, which is a high festival.
	I must also report a singular act of grace on the part of her Majesty to my son by giving him a diamond brooch for his hat.
	I imagine that the Ambassador Contarini must be at Calais. I have sent my interpreter to join and serve him.
	London, 15th January, 1609.
	[Italian; the part in italics deciphered.]
Jan. 16. Minutes of the Senate, Mar. Venetian Archives.	764. To the Ambassador Correr, in England.
	We have heard from you of the arrest of John Gibbons, who plundered a ship belonging to Giovanni Antonio Tizzoni, laden with wine, from Crete to London. We understand that the prisoner has not only been brought to London, but has been placed at our disposal. You now ask for instructions; you are to return proper thanks for this signal favour, and to say that we surrender the prisoner to the great wisdom of his Majesty's Government. We should have given you these instructions sooner had not certain differences among the interested parties held us back. These differences are now accommodated. The underwriters are to pay Tizzoni sixty-six per cent., and surrender his quota of what is recovered. As Tizzoni thus takes the place of the underwriters you are to do everything to assist him. We commend your discharge of your duties.
	Ayes	150.
	Noes	0.
	Neutrals	2.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 20. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	765. Francesco Contarini, Venetian Ambassador-Extraordinary to England, to the Doge and Senate.
	I have been here ten days, but the wind is always against us. The French Ambassador is in the same plight. He is much annoyed that he cannot promptly carry out his orders in the present state of affairs in Cleves. Is well received by the Governor, M. de Vic.
	Calais, 20th January, 1609 [m.v.].
	[Italian.]
Jan. 22. Senato Secreta. Despatches from the Proveditore Generale, Candia. Venetian Archives.	766. Girolamo Capello, Proveditore in Candia, to the Doge and Senate.
	After the arrival of the galleon Emo in Suda bay an English berton reached Candia. She had sailed from Venice on the 26th November.
	Canea, 22nd January, 1609 [m.v.].
	[Italian].
Jan. 23. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	767. Giovanni Mocenigo, Venetian Ambassador in Rome, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Ambassadors of the League of Catholic Princes in Germany have finally obtained a promise from his Holiness of a lump sum down, one hundred thousand ducats, to be raised from the clergy of Italy. The Pope declined to be named head of the League. He dreaded driving the King of France into a union with England and the other heretic Powers.
	Rome, 23rd January, 1610.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 23. Senato Secreta. Despatches from Florence. Venetian Archives.	768. Giacomo Vendramin, Venetian Resident in Florence, to the Doge and Senate.
	Within a few days as many as twenty ships from various places have put into Leghorn. The port is making great advance.
	Florence, 23rd January, 1610.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 24. Collegio Secreta, Esposizioni Principi. Venetian Archives.	769. Giacomo Nores, official interpreter, announced the arrival of an Armenian, subject of the Persian Sovreign. Nores was asked by the Armenian to come to visit him in his lodgings at the Santi Apostoli, but desired to receive instructions from the Government. Nores was told to go and find out all about him. He found that the Armenian was a young man of thirty-two. He has letters from the Persian “without bag and without seal.” He has come to recover the royal property in Venice, brought from Syria by the Persian agent who was here some years back and was stoned to death by the Turks on his way home. Nores recommended the Armenian to apply to the Five Savii alla Mercantia. (fn. 7) Nores saw a letter addressed to Signor Bartolomeo dal Calice by a certain Giacomo Fava, kept prisoner in Persia as surety for Angelo Gradenigo, the man who brought some Persian silks to Venice to be sold and who mismanaged the capital. Nores also saw a bundle of letters addressed to the Nuncio by a certain barefoot Friar who is living at the Persian Court and gives himself out for Ambassador from his Holiness.
	An audience was granted to this Armenian, called Hoggia Seffer, and he was told to take his seat above the Savii di Terraferma. He was accompanied by four attendants in Persian costumes.
	The royal letter was taken out of a box covered with Brusa cloth. It was wrapped in a striped handkerchief, and was contained in two bags, one of crimson satin, the other of green velvet. Nores read it aloud.
	The King stated that he had sent a certain Hoggia Fatibey to buy things for the Court. Fatibey on his return was stoned to death in Syria and all the goods ruined except a part which was returned to Venice. He asks for restitution and inventory of all this.
	The Doge replied that he had no recollection of this property.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 26. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	770. Francesco Contarini, Venetian Ambassador-Extraordinary in England, to the Doge and Senate.
	After waiting fourteen days in Calais along with the French Ambassador and all the others who reached Calais at this season, I embarked at last, though the weather was not perfectly re-established. We all had cause to regret it, for we were in trouble and peril for a whole night. We could not make Dover, but yesterday landed on the shore not far off. To-day I came to Dover.
	Dover, 26th January, 1609 [m.v.].
	[Italian.]
Jan. 11. Enclosed in despatch from Candia of Jan. 27th. Venetian Archives.	771. M. Jean de la Poittiere arrived yesterday in this port on board a French saettia, Master Alvise Pasqual. Five days out from Malta. Reports thirteen bertons at Messina; fitted in Spain; commanded by an English Count (Sherley).
	[Italian; the part in italics deciphered.]
Dec. 31. Enclosed in despatch from Candia 27th Jan. Venetian Archives.	772. Deposition of Alvise Pasqual, a Frenchman, master of a saettia. Asked if there were reports about of pirates, he replied that at Malta there was a rumour of an English Count in charge of thirteen galcons lying at Messina.
	[Italian; the part in italics deciphered.]
Jan. 28. Collegio Secreta. Esposizioni Principi. Venetian Archives.	773. Further report by Nores on the Persian Agent.
	The Persian had shown him a letter from the King of Persia, addressed to Don Anthony Sherley, congratulating him on having, through the King's intercession, obtained what he wanted. Asked the meaning of this, he replied that Sherley had obtained from the King of Persia letters to his Catholic Majesty, praying him to bestow on Sherley the command of the Spanish bertons, with which he promised to harry the Turk.
	There was another letter written to Don Robert Sherley, Anthony's brother. In this the King expressed surprise at not hearing from Don Robert, and sent orders that Sherley was to send an express at once via Ormuz. “Sherley,” said the Hoggia Seffer, “left Persia two years and four months ago.” Nores was also shown a receipt for 15,000 florins, received by Don Robert in Prague from his Cæsarean Majesty, in payment for a crystal casket and some pictures which Angelo Gradenigo sold him. Don Robert gave the Emperor to understand that the value of the casket belonged to the King, in quittance for the silk he had given to Gradenigo. Seffer has orders to recover from Don Robert these 15,000 florins. He holds a full power of attorney to recover both this and other credits, and to release Gradenigo, who is held prisoner in Milan.
	Robert Sherley's receipt for 15,000 Renish florins for a casket of crystal and twelve pictures. Signed, Prague, 21st July, 1609. Robert Sherley styles himself Englishman, Count, and Chevalier.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 28. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	774. Marc' Antonio Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate.
	At last, on Monday, the wind allowed the Ambassador Contarini to cross the sea, although he suffered a great deal. I expect him the day after to-morrow. I will meet him with an honourable following. The King also will send to meet him, as I have just been informed by the Master of the Ceremonies.
	Lady Arabella's troubles are caused by a consignment of money which her Excellency made at Constantinople for a Moldavian Prince, and by Douglas' intention to go to the Port with instructions on the matter. The Moldavian was many months ago at the English Court, and, as I hear, with the King's consent negotiated about marriage with the Lady; the conclusion thereof to depend on his making good his claim to his State. With that object in view he obtained a promise from his Majesty, besides other favours through the English Ambassador in Constantinople, that he would be furnished with four thousand ducats, which were never paid him. After he left England, it is now asserted, he married in Venice. (fn. 8) In reply to a question on the subject of Religion Lady Arabella said that she never had any intention to become a Catholic, but her troubles and worries have prevented her from attending church for some time. She complained loudly of the small account in which she is held, and recalled the frequent promises of the King. His Majesty has taken it all in good part and has ordered that she be repaid for the moneys remitted to Constantinople. Her pension will be increased. All the same she publicly declares that she is not satisfied. She claims the restoration of her patrimony and asks to be married, or at least allowed to depart and to choose a husband. Douglas has now free access to her Excellency's appartments. She was present, these days, at the barriers and at other public functions.
	The tourney (torneo) was most successful, the Prince in particular displaying great grace. (fn. 9)
	The King, after conducting the Queen to her rooms, returned to view the collation spread for the Cavaliers. I had an opportunity to congratulate the Prince. I also thanked his Majesty for the honour of an invitation which allowed me to report de visu the valour of the Prince his son. The King asked if I would send an account to your Serenity, and I replied that not for the world would I, by my silence, defraud his Highness of his meed and your Excellencies of that pleasure which you feel in all prosperity that attends his Majesty, chief among which was the possession of so admirable a son. The King added that “the little Duke of York, your soldier, is not less promising.” I said I rejoiced to note his daily advance in qualities of mind and body, and I repeated what he had said to me at Richmond, that he would return my visit in Venice; at which the King seemed hugely delighted.
	At a supper which the Prince gave the day following to the King, the Ladies, and the Cavaliers, for the distribution of the prizes, his Majesty congratulated the Ambassador of the States on the Embassy sent to your Serenity, and said “It is well to treat with the Republic,” which he highly praised. He pointed to his own good relations with her, and held out some prospect of an alliance between these powers.
	Here the withdrawal of Condé is very favourably viewed. It is said that if the Princess comes to England she will be very well received, as she left France on reasonable ground. The Court talks much about this affair and its possible consequences. Last news from Brussels says that the Prince is still at that Court and treated with great honour. The Marquis Spinola, in particular, gave a fête for him. (fn. 10)
	A captain has been appointed for the ships that are going to the Levant, and a ship of one thousand two hundred tons has been assigned him, and a pinnace of six hundred. In the end, however, all was withdrawn on the representations of the merchants, who are unwilling to risk their ships against pirates. At present there are five on the point of sailing, one for Alexandria, two for Syria, one for Smyrna, one for Constantinople.
	London, 28th January, 1610.
	[Italian; the part in italics deciphered.]
Jan. 28. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	775. Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	To-day the Count Mansfeldt has taken leave of the King, and to-morrow morning he starts for England.
	Paris, 28th January, 1610.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 28. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	776. Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	Cardinal du Perron told me that at Rome they had prohibited the History written by President de Thou. (fn. 11) The Cardinal showed that he held such a step to be imprudent, and led me to think that had he been in Rome he would have adduced arguments against it. Both the King and the Parliament are displeased.
	Paris, 28th January, 1610.
	[Italian.]