Venice: November 1514

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 2, 1509-1519. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1867.

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'Venice: November 1514', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 2, 1509-1519, (London, 1867) pp. 202-213. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol2/pp202-213 [accessed 17 March 2024]

November 1514

Nov. 2. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. pp. 128, 129. 507. Marco Dandolo, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the State.
Abbeville, 15th and 17th October.
Narrates the meeting between the King and the Queen, and then the mass; and their bedding together (Valetarsi insieme), and the entertainments made, and the banquets. This took place on the 9th. The King met her on the road, and kissed her; and then she entered the town, much honour being paid her. She came in excellent array; but in a storm on the passage one of her ships foundered, with ladies and others, and much plate and property was lost. Details also his conversations with his most Christian Majesty, who said to him,—
“Domine orator! the Queen has made two demands of me; the one that we should undertake the Italian expedition, the other that we do go and see Venice. We have promised her the first, that of undertaking the Italian expedition; so we shall go to Paris, and then proceed to Lyons to hasten the expedition; and we have sent for the Duke of Bourbon to come to us, meaning to send him as captain of the Milanese undertaking. And with regard to coming to Venice, we wish her to go and see that town; so write to the most illustrious Signory that she will assuredly come”
Also other conversations, as in the letters which were read by the chiefs of the Ten; and on the morrow, the 16th, they were all to depart for Paris.
Note by Sanuto, that the letters from France also announced that the King had a fit of the gout, which was brought on by fatigue encountered with his young wife. Also that on entering Abbeville it rained heavily, and that in the evening the town caught fire, and thirteen houses were burnt.
[Italian.]
Nov. 2. Sanuto Diaries, xix. pp. 129, 130. 508. Mart Tudor.
Copy of a letter sent from France to the Bishop of Asti (Antonio Triulzi), ambassador from King Lewis to the Signory of Venice, narrating the arrival in France of the Queen.
At about 3 p.m. the Queen arrived within a quarter of a mile hence (Abbeville), and halted there, awaiting the King, who mounted a jennet (making it appear that he was going out hawking), went to meet her, and on approaching kissed her; before he did so, she kissed her own hand, a ceremonious proceeding which he did not understand; (fn. 1) and he said a few words to her, which were not intelligible to the writer.
After giving good greeting to the English barons, the King departed, Monseigneur d'Angoulême and Alençon, with the other princes and an infinity of gentlemen, remaining with the Queen; and then the Queen made her entry into Abbeville, thus:—
The Switzers entered first with their banner; then the French gentlemen; then the English gentlemen, and the French princes with the English princes and barons, together with the ambassadors from the Pope, the Venetians, and the Florentines.
Then followed the Queen, under a white canopy, above and around which were the roses, supported by two porcupines. She was alone beneath it, and Monseigneur [d'Angoulême] on her left hand, but outside. She rode a white palfrey, with rich trappings, and was herself clad in very handsome stiff brocade (brocato rizo, query bawkin?).
Next came her litter, very beautiful, adorned with lilies; then five of the principal English ladies, very well dressed; then a carriage of brocade, on which were four ladies, followed by a second carriage with as many more ladies. Next came six ladies on horseback; and then a third carriage, of purple and crimson velvet (veluto paonazo cremesin), with four ladies; after which a crowd of ladies, some twenty in number; then 150 archers in three liveries. In this order they went to the Queen's house, which was near that of the King. It was a sumptuous entry, and these noblemen of England have very large chains, and are otherwise in good array.
Before the entry there was a heavy shower, which drenched them all, especially the ladies. The Queen was dressed in the English fashion. In the evening, “Madame,” the King's daughter, wife of Monseigneur dAngoulême, went to visit her, and they gave a ball. This morning the King had preparation made for the mass in his own hall (salla), whither the Queen came, preceded by 73 (sic) English barons and gentlemen; the King doffed his bonnet, and the Queen curtseyed to the ground, whereupon his Majesty kissed her. The treasurer Robertet then presented to the King a necklace, in which were set two beautiful jewels, and his Majesty placed it round the Queen's neck; after which mass was performed.
The two candles were held, the one by Monseigneur de Vendôme and the other by the Prince de Vendôme. After the King had kissed the “1 pax ” at the mass, he kissed the Queen. At the offertory Monseigneur [d'Angoulême?] gave the money to the King, and Madame to the Queen.
The mass by the Cardinal de Bayeux being ended, he gave the consecrated wafer, one half to the King and the other to the Queen, who kissed and then swallowed it; and after making a graceful curtsey she departed, the King and Queen going each to their own apartments to dine. In the evening the Queen arrayed herself in the French fashion, and there was dancing; the whole Court banqueting, dancing, and making good cheer; and thus, at the eighth hour before midnight, the Queen was taken away from the entertainment by Madame to go and sleep with the King.
I promise you that she is very handsome, and of sufficiently tall stature (de statura honestamente granda). She appears to me rather pale, though this 1 believe proceeds from the tossing of the sea and from her fright. She does not seem a whit more than 16 years old, and looks very well in the French costume. She is extremely courteous and well mannered, and has come in very sumptuous array.
The joust will be prolonged at the request of these English lords, who evince a wish to tilt, and mean to send Talbot.
To Lamete, who is in the service of Longueville, the Queen has, given those five sous of France which she receives from all the hosiers of the kingdom, the sum amounting to upwards of 20,000 francs.
Mons. de Concressault (Contersollo) has been made the Queen's lord steward; they wanted to appoint Samalla bayla (sic), but he would not accept. The Queen received her drink from an Englishman clad in gold brocade, who knelt the whole time, as did the one who tasted for her, bareheaded.
Today, which is the 10th, the King has come forth very joyous and gay, and thrice last night did he cross the river, and would have done more, had he chosen (et tre volte questa notte ha passato la riviera, et più haveria fato se havesse voluto). (fn. 2)
I recommend myself to you.
Abbeville, the 10th of October 1514.
[Italian.]
Nov. 2. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. pp. 130, 131. 509. Mary Tudor.
Summary of two letters from France, narrating succinctly the honours paid to the most serene Queen when she came for her marriage. Dated in Picardy, at Abbeville, the 8th and 9th October 1514.
On this day, Sunday, at 4 p.m., the most Christian Queen made her entry, in very great state and triumph. She dismounted at a distance of two leagues from Abbeville, for the purpose of putting herself in order, and “Monseigneur” (the Duke of Angoulême), and all the gentlemen and grandees of France remained there to allow time for making the announcement to the King. This took place early this morning. Later in the day “Monseigneur” was joined by the two Cardinals of Bayeux and Auch, and many bishops, together with the ambassadors of the Pope, of the Venetians, and of the Florentines; and the King went to meet them on the road, making it appear that he was going out hawking with his falcons; and, presenting himself to the Queen, implied that the meeting was accidental. He then kissed her, and afterwards embraced all the English princes and barons who accompanied her; whereupon, under pretence of proceeding on his way, he returned home by another road long before the Queen made her entry, which took place thus:—
First went a good number of the archers, musketeers, and arbalast men of the town, all in their livery of yellow and red; next the “Prévôt de l'Hôtel,” with his archers; then the 400 archers of the guard, with their captains; then the Grand Seneschal of Normandy with the gentlemen; then the clergy with their relics; after whom came the English lords and gentlemen, some 80 in number, including the princes and grandees, who might amount to as many as 25, in gallant trim, of various sorts; and many in gold brocade. Then followed the Scots of the guard, surrounding the Queen, who was under the canopy borne by the chief persons of Abbeville, her Majesty having in her hand a sceptre of white wood (una bacheta de ligno biancho); and all around, under the canopy were her running footmen in bicoloured doublets of gold brocade and black velvet. In advance of the Queen were the ambassadors from the Pope and the Venetians.
The Queen was very magnificently dressed, both her gown and head gear being of the English fashion, and very costly, both in jewels and goldsmiths' work. Her gown was of gold brocade with a white ground.
Near her, for her person, a litter was carried, covered with stiff gold brocade, the caparisons of the two horses which bore it being all of wrought gold, the pages who rode them being clad in gold brocade, embroidered with gold lilies in relief; and then came another palfrey for her person, very superbly caparisoned, besides the one which she rode under the canopy.
Next followed 12 ladies; the wives, sisters, and daughters of the lords, princes, and grandees who had accompanied her, all most richly arrayed in the English fashion, in cloth of gold; and after them came some 40 other damsels, well and sumptuously adorned in the English fashion. Three carriages, which the Queen brought from England, followed; they were very handsome and contained ladies. The coverings were of gold brocade and crimson velvet, with a border of lilies in relief; the caparisons of the horses corresponding. Then came the archers and “Gianitari” of her guard, in number 150, in good order.
The Queen dismounted at a house a few paces distant from the King's. According to report the marriage will not be consummated until Tuesday next, and then on Thursday or Friday the King will depart for Paris. The Queen is said to be from 17 to 18 years old, of handsome presence, not stout, has a beautiful face, and is cheerful.
[Italian.]
Nov. 2. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. pp. 131, 132. 510. Mary Tudor.
Letter dated Abbeville, 9th October.
If the pomp of the most Christian Queen was great yesterday at her entry, this morning, the 9th, it was yet greater at her wedding, which took place at nine o'clock in the King's house in a large hall.
The Queen quitted her own lodging, distant a stone's throw from the King's, at seven o'clock, and through a large garden reached the King's house, accompanied by the English lords, princes, and gentlemen, with large gold chains and jewels in their bonnets, many being clad in gold brocade, and all handsome men. Talbot and a duke side by side accompanied the Queen, they being preceded by heralds of arms, trumpeters, and innumerable musicians of various sorts. Then came the English princesses and noble ladies, in number 24, wearing in like manner many jewels on their heads, and garments of gold brocade, so that never was such pomp witnessed.
The Queen was dressed in a gown of stiff gold brocade, her head gear being in the English fashion, and she wore jewels of very great price.
From the garden gate to the door of the hall, all the gentlemen of the guard were ranged in line, axe in hand.
Within the hall was the King, attended by Monseigneur d'Angoulême and the French princes. He was seated on a handsome chair near the altar, where the mass was to be celebrated; and on the Queen's arrival she was placed on another handsome chair beside him. Immediately on her being seated the King kissed her; whereupon the words (sic) were uttered by a kinsman of the King of England; and Monseigneur d'Angoulême, Monseigneur d'Alençon, Vendôme, and Guise, the brother of Lorraine, held over them the canopy, which was most costly.
This being done, mass was sung by the Cardinal de Bayeux, and on its conclusion, when the ceremonies were ended, the King withdrew to his own chamber, and the Queen to hers, they being near each other; and at the dinner she was waited on by all the officials of the King's household and by the Lord Steward.
Yesterday, when the Queen dismounted at her lodging, “Madame,” the King's daughter, went to pay her her respects, and was received with the utmost courtesy and honour, and very lovingly.
In truth the pomp of the English was as grand and costly as words can express; and the princes and nobles of France, and the ladies likewise, vied with them (gli hanno tenuto corona), for the whole of the French court sparkles with jewels, gold, and brocades.
At this hour, 1 p.m., the Queen, “Madame,” and all the princesses are in the hall where the marriage ceremony was performed, dancing with these English and French princes and lords.
The marriage will be consummated in the coming night.
According to report, the King and Queen will depart on Friday, on their way to Paris; and the greater part of the English nobility will return home.
The Queen goes dressed in the French fashion; she is not so handsome as she appeared to me on the road when on horseback; but at any rate she pleases the most Christian King, and he will have her always at his side.
[Italian.]
Nov. 2. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. pp. 132–136. 511. Mary Tudor.
[Letter without signature or address, but written apparently to the Bishop of Asti, French ambassador to Venice.]
Most Reverend Master in Christ, and Lord, &c.
This morning Angoulême returned, having accompanied the most Christian Queen as far as a village four leagues hence; and with him came Bayeux, Longueville, Lautrec, Mon seigneur de Chaini, Monsr. de Pienes, and many other lords and gentlemen.
At two p.m. the King, understanding that his consort was about to mount on horseback and come to Abbeville to join him, sent back Angoulême to meet her, accompanied by Monseigneur d'Alençon, by the brother of the Duke of Albany, by Monseigneur de Longueville, Monseigneur de Lautrec, Monseigneur de la Trimoulle, Louis Monseigneur (sic), and many other lords and honourable gentlemen to accompany her.
Monseigneur d'Angoulême met her at about a league's distance from the town on an extensive level, which the King had appointed for the interview; so he detained her there talking until the arrival of his Majesty, who was accompanied by the Cardinals of Auch and of Bayeux, by Monseigneur de Vendôme, by the Duke of Albany, by the Lord Steward and the Master of the Horse, and by the other lords and barons of France. There were also present the 200 gentlemen and the guard of archers, all on horseback, and the other guard of Switzers on foot. The King rode a very beautiful Spanish horse, caparisoned with cloth of gold and black satin, in chequers; he himself being clad in a short riding dress of cloth of gold on crimson. He found a great multitude of horsemen and others who had come to witness this interview between the parties, and went up very boldly to the Queen as if they had been on intimate terms, and having first kissed his own hand to her, he then threw his arm round her neck, and kissed her as kindly as if he had been five and twenty. He came in this dress and on horseback, the more to prove his vigour; and then, after saying a few words to her, he returned into the town with those who had accompanied him, leaving with the Queen Monseigneur d'Angoulême and his companions aforesaid; and Monseigneur remained always at her side until they arrived at the palace appointed for her residence in the town.
Of the inhabitants of Abbeville some 30 of the chiefs went forth, accompanied by their mayor, governor and administrator of justice, who is elected annually, and they had with them 150 men, namely 50 archers, 50 musketeers, and 50 arbalast men, all dressed in red and yellow cloth. They went half a league to meet her, the captain of the castle going likewise, with his guard of some 30 men, all newly clad in his own lively.
On entering the suburbs, she was met by all the clergy, with a canopy of white satin embroidered above and around with the roses, supported by two porcupines, under which she was accompanied to her palace.
She herself rode a white palfrey caparisoned with cloth of gold on white; her own dress being cloth of gold on crimson with close English sleeves; her head-tire consisted of certain gold ornaments in their fashion, with two large pearls on the left side. On her head she wore a shaggy hat of crimson silk, cocked over her left eye; and this she did not ever doff save on the King's arrival, and having then resumed it, she kept it on her head until she arrived at home. Of water from heaven there was no lack until evening, which caused some regret.
She is generally considered handsome and well favoured, were not her eyes and eyebrows too light; for the rest it appears to me that nature optime suplevit: she is slight, rather than defective from corpulence, and conducts herself with so much grace, and has such good manners, that for her age of 18 years—and she does not look more—she is a paradise.
On the road, in advance of her, were some fifty of her squires (scudieri), dressed in silk of several sorts, with gold collars worth from 50 to 60 ducats each, some more, some less. Next came the Duke of Norfolk, the ambassadors, and other lords and barons, in pairs, according to grade, making a very fine show, all clad either in cloth of gold or silk of various qualities, in riding gear, and all wearing enormous gold collars, some doubled and some trebled, round their necks, whilst some wore them prisoner fashion; so that never was such pomp witnessed; and the greater part of them had velvet bonnets, some of one colour and some of another. The most noble took place nearest the Queen, a little in advance of whom were her two heralds with the coats of arms, in the fashion and with the devices of England; farther on marched eight trumpeters clad in crimson damask; then came the macers with gilt maces surmounted by a royal crown; near them were two grooms dressed in short doublets of cloth of gold with velvet caps, who followed, each leading a palfrey; and there were two other palfreys caparisoned with cloth of gold, ridden by two pages dressed in like manner in cloth of gold with velvet caps.
The Queen herself was in the same costume and situation as already mentioned, and the Dauphin constantly beside her.
At her stirrup were two running footmen in doublets of cloth of gold and velvet caps, like the grooms aforesaid.
After her came a very handsome litter, borne by two large horses, on which were two other pages dressed like the aforesaid. It was covered with cloth of gold, figured with lilies, the housings of the horses being of similar materials. In front of the litter and at its back the emblems of France and England were displayed, namely, fleurs-de-lys and roses, one half red and the other half white, and at the sides and above and below were the dolphin and roses.
Nest in succession came five damsels on palfreys trapped with cloth of gold, the damsels being clad in their own fashion in divers ways, some in silk and some in cloth of gold.
Then followed a carriage (fn. 3) (chareta) covered with cloth of gold, having a large flowered pattern, the trapping of the six horses which drew it being of the same material, and in it were seated four damsels.
After these came six other damsels on palfreys, trapped with cloth of cold and murrey velvet figured, each damsel being attended by her running footman.
Then another carriage (chareta) with a covering of cloth of cold and murrey velvet, figured, drawn by six horses trapped with similar cloth, and five damsels inside it.
Next came six other damsels on palfreys trapped with murrey velvet, with their running footmen.
Then followed the other carriage (chareta), with six horses, covered and lined with murrey velvet, and after it came 10 other damsels on palfreys trapped with murrey velvet, with white and light blue silk fringe.
The Queen has brought some tapestry of cloth of gold and of silk of very large dimensions, more beautiful than any ever seen, with the arms of France and England united.
Last of all, 200 archers, one third of whom were clad in doublets of green satin, with overcoats of cloth of (pano de Tareto) belts (cinte bigarade) of black velvet, with shaggy red and white hats (cum li capelli bianchi pellosi rosi). The second and third divisions were clad, part in black doublets—“de ziponi negri, cum sagli Veretini, suii camellini”—and shaggy white hats on their heads, the last division wearing black doublets and grey hats, all marching processionally in pairs.
Your right reverend Lordship must not be surprised at my representing well nigh everything in the superlative degree, for the reality exceeds my description, to the great glory of this Queen.
“Madame,” being slightly indisposed, was unable to go out of the town to meet her, but greeted her in the middle of the square, and accompanied her to her palace.
In the evening, after supper, great entertainments were given, with dancing and music resounding to the skies, and according to her country people, the Queen delights but in hearing singing, instrumental music, and in dancing.
At the other end of the town, on the same evening, a great fire broke out, and burnt four houses near us, without being able to do us any harm, because the river flowed between; yet the wind was very high, and carried the flames towards the neighbouring houses, especially in the direction of the Venetian ambassador's house; but I believe our prayers saved us. We Italians were not without fear, being so near the spot, and by reason of the quality of those hovels, but God was merciful to us. The fire made greater progress than it would have done had it been permitted to ring the bells, but this was forbidden, to avoid disturbing the King at his amusements; and his people, not knowing anything of the fire, could not give assistance.
Dated Abbeville, 8th of October.
This morning, at about an hour and half after day-break, the most Christian King and the Queen Mary of England, having to be joined together and to consummate their marriage, the Queen aforesaid [went forth], accompanied by the Duke of Norfolk, the Marquis of Dorset, the Bishop of Durham, the Earl of Surrey, Lord. Monteagle, Lord — (“Monsigr. Learnande,” sic), and by her other lords and knights, all in pairs well arrayed, some in cloth of gold and some in velvet, damasks, and satins, though the greater part of them were clad in cloth of gold, some of one sort and some of another, the greater part of their gowns being lined with most beautiful sables, and some with other very fine furs, which they did not wear on their entry. They had all most massive gold chains, so that some, I think, must have found it burdensome to carry them; some wore them single round the neck, but very large, some doubled and trebled, and some doubled six times, whilst others had them a hand's breadth and very long, so that never was such magnificence beheld.
The Queen was preceded by 26 knights, who walked in pairs, processionally, and a little in advance of her were her two heralds and the macers with their maces.
Beside her were the aforesaid Duke of Norfolk and the Marquis of Dorset, with her other earls and barons, all cap in hand; then followed her gentlewomen and damsels, in number 13, one after the other, each between two gentlemen cap in hand, who accompanied her into the King's chamber, where but few other persons could enter save the princes of France, the Cardinals of Auch and Bayeux (who performed the mass), a few bishops, barons, and captains, and some of the house stewards. I am unable to write details of what took place in the hall [as an eye-witness], for I could not enter it, but I understand that this morning the King had preparation made there for the mass, and that the Queen arrived there, preceded by 70 persons, including trumpeters and English gentlemen. The King doffed his bonnet; the Queen curtseyed down to the ground, and the King kissed her, and the treasurer Robertet presented to the King a necklace with two beautiful jewels, which his Majesty placed round the Queen's neck; whereupon mass was said. The two candles were held, the one by Monseigneur de Vendôme, the other by the Prince de Vendôme, and after the King had kissed the “pax” at the mass, he kissed the Queen.
After the mass, the Bishop of Bayeux gave the consecrated wafer, one half to the King and the other to the Queen, who kissed and then swallowed it; after which she departed making a graceful curtsey.
The King's gentlemen of the chamber were all there in line, as far as they could reach, with their maces in their hands, and after them came the archers of the guard in great number, making a very fine show.
The French princes, namely Monseigneur the Dauphin, Alençon, Vendôme, Loraine, and the Admiral, the Lord Steward, the Duke of Albany, the Master of the Horse, and the Marquis of Rothelin, La Trimouille, and all the other lords, barons, and gentlemen, and in short the whole court, displayed great sumptuousness in their habiliments, most especially with regard to cloth of gold, some of one sort and some of another; amongst which that of the Master of the Horse (fn. 4) was considered the handsomest and most superb gown there, being cloth of gold “soprarizo” lined with sables. On Saturday evening, he received a piece of cloth of gold, for which he had sent to Italy by a messenger express; it cost 116 crowns a yard (canna), and he had it made up in a single night. It is said to have cost him 2,000 crowns.
The mass having been performed by the aforesaid Cardinal de Bayeux, everybody withdrew to dine, always in the palace of the King, where open house was kept for all comers during three days.
After the dinner they commenced dancing until evening. The most Christian King had the Queen dressed in French costume, and they gave a ball, the whole court banqueting, dancing, and making good cheer; and thus at the eighth hour, before midnight, the Queen was taken away from the entertainment by “Madame,” to go and sleep with the King.
The next morning, the 10th, the King seemed very jovial and gay, and in love, [to judge] by his countenance. Thrice did he cross the river last night, and would have done more, had he chosen (ire volte questa nocte ha passato la riviera, et plù l'haveria facto, se l'havesse voluto). (fn. 5)
The joust will be postponed at the request of these English lords, who seem to wish to tilt, and the King of England means to send them the Captain Talbot.
Last Tuesday, after the entertainments and rejoicings made, the King had a fit of the gout in his foot, which gave him much pain, so that he could not depart on his way to Paris, as had been intended.
On the same day, the English who accompanied the Queen were dismissed for their return home, with the exception of the ambassadors, and some few (alquanti) attendants for her own person.
To the chief English lords and barons, the King had presents made of silver plate of various sorts to the amount of 30,000 francs each (per trenta millia franchi particularmente), and caused all the expenses incurred by them in this town to be defrayed. A part went away yesterday, and the rest today.
To each of the eight trumpeters who came with the Queen from England, the King caused 150 crowns to be given. Monseigneur d'Angouleme gave them each 50; and “Madame” as many more; all the other French princes gave them something.
To avoid putting the English aforesaid to expense, the King prohibited his trumpeters, fifers, musicians, singers, and all others, at the peril of their lives, from going to play or sing in their dwellings as mendicants.
To La Moth (sic) who is in the service of Mons. de Longueville, the Queen has given those five pence which are paid to her by all hosiers of the kingdom, forming a total of 20,000 francs. (fn. 6)
Mons. de Concresault (Concursallo) has been made Lord Steward to the Queen; they wanted to appoint Malabayla (sic), but he would not accept.
The Queen when she drank was served by an Englishman, who was clad in gold brocade, and who remained the whole time on his knees, the like being done by the one who tasted for her, bare headed, without his bonnet.
Dated Abbeville, 14th October 1514.
[Italian.]
Nov. 18. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. p. 173. 512. Andrea Badoer to the State.
London, 25th October.
Had received the letter from the Senate, announcing the appointment of ambassadors to congratulate the King. Demands money. Has consigned the Signory's letter to the King. Nothing of importance.
[Italian.]
Nov. 20. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. p. 179. 513. “A faithful Friend” to the Signory.
Paris, 1st November.
The King had departed from-, and was come towards Paris, and on the way slept two nights with the Queen; was free from gout, and warm upon the Italian expedition. Had mustered 10,000 lansquenets, 6,000 English, 4,000 French, and 200 spears.
[Italian.]
Nov. 20. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. p. 179. 514. Andrea Badoer to the State.
London, 25th October.
Many noblemen who accompanied the Queen to France, were returned, having been much honoured and caressed.
[Italian.]
Nov. 26. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. p. 189. 515. Announcement made to the College by the ambassador from France, that the King was attending with his whole heart to the Italian expedition for the spring. Also that the Ferrarese ambassador in Venice had received letters from his Duke, who heard from Paris, in date of the 2nd November, that the English captain, the Duke of Suffolk, had arrived there, sent by the King of England to the King of France, to urge the prosecution of the Italian expedition, and to promise the aid of 6,000 English infantry.
[Italian.]
Nov. 28. Misti Consiglio X. v. xxxviii. p. 10. 516. Embassy to France and England.
Decree of the Council of Ten for payment to Francesco Donato and Pietro Pasqualigo of 600 (sic) ducats each, salary for six months, at the rate of 120 ducats a month, to be disbursed by the treasury of the Ten. As they are going to remote parts, it is fitting that they should have a certain amount of money in hand, according to the custom followed by the Ten with regard to other ambassadors going far afield. Therefore, on the expiration of three months from the day of their departure, the treasury of the Ten to pay one month's salary (and thus in like manner from month to month successively,) to Alvise Pisani, the banker, or to such person or persons as shall supply the ambassadors with letters of credit, so that they may always have two months' salary in hand.
Ayes, 25. Noes, 0. Neutrals, 0.
[Latin, 17 lines.]
Nov. 29. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. p. 193. 517. Venetian Ambassador in Rome to the State.
Dated 25th November.
The Pope had elected four Cardinal legates to the potentates of the world to negotiate peace; namely, to the Emperor, Bibiena; to France, Medici; to Spain, Remollino; to England, Grassis.
[Italian.]
Nov. 30. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. pp. 196– 198. 518. Letter dated Paris, November 13, 1514.
On the first day the jousts held there for the marriage of the Queen commenced at about noon, in the presence of the King and Queen and many princes, princesses, lords, and ladies. Names of the challengers and their aids. Especial mention that the English Duke of Suffolk broke many spears, and was one of the challengers, as also the Marquis of Dorset: and on the second day the two English lords, the Duke of Suffolk and the Marquis of Dorset, did remarkably well, and shivered many spears.
[Italian.]

Footnotes

  • 1.
  • 2. See also page 211.
  • 3. I am always at a loss whether to translate carriage or wagon. The horses seem to have been harnessed one before the other. I believe that vehicles resembling carriages were not in use before the middle of the 16th century.
  • 4. An Italian, Galeazzo di San Severino. In Mr. Brewer's Calendar, vol. i. p. 998. no. 5482, he is styled “Grand Esquire.”
  • 5. See also p. 204.
  • 6. “La Regina ha donato ala Meth che sta cum Monsr. de Longavilla quelli soldi cinque che pagano tutti li calcetarij del regno ad essa Regina, che importa più de 20 milia fianchi.” See also ante, p. 204. In this second notice of the tax, the tradesmen subject to it are styled calcetarij, not caletarij, so there can be no doubt of the meaning of the word. In Spain, the perquisites of the Queens were derived from chopines; in France, from hose.