Venice: May 1525 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 3, 1520-1526. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1869.

'Venice: May 1525', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 3, 1520-1526, (London, 1869) pp. 428-441. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol3/pp428-441 [accessed 26 April 2024]

May 1525



May. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 232.	995. Vincenzo Guidoto, Venetian Secretary in Hungary, to the State.
	The ambassadors from Bohemia who were to have come for the ratification of the clauses stipulated by the Legate Campeggio, who is at Buda, have not yet arrived.
	Intelligence received of the agreement made between the King of Poland and the Grand Master of Prussia [Albert of Brandenburg], who has been given other titles, so that from spiritual he has become temporal. The Legate Campeggio ponders (pondera) this ill fashion, adopted without the knowledge of the Pope or of the Legate, or of any other dispensation. The Grand Master confesses himself a Lutheran, and it is said that the King of Poland gives him in marriage his daughter by his first wife, promising him in the event of his, the Duke's, death, that the duchy shall be inherited by the Duke's brother, Marquis Joachim, who is also of the house of Brandenburg. The Duke has written letters to Buda, announcing that a Lutheran, having been arrested in Lower Germany and condemned to be burnt, was taken three times to the stake, but the fire took no effect upon him; thereupon they beheaded him, but with great difficulty. The Duke adds that the Church of God should rejoice greatly, and make signs of gladness, as a new martyr has entered the kingdom of heaven. The Duke is thoroughly Lutheran.
	Buda,—May. Registered by Sanuto, 16th May.
	[Italian.]
May 1. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 348, St. Mark's Library.	996. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory.
	The Chancellor says that at a short distance from Genoa an ambassador from the King of Tunis has been captured. He was on his way back from France, with letters from the French to the King of Tunis, affording proof that they had arranged together for an attack on Sicily and Gerbi; the King of Tunis pledging himself to aid the French in Sicily, they on their part assisting him for the recovery of Gerbi.
	Toledo, 29th April 1525.
	P.S., dated 1st of May.—Letters have been conveyed to England by the comendador Penalosa, who brought the Emperor the news of the victory. He has a safeconduct from the King of France for his return.
	[Italian, 3 pages.]
May 1. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. pp. 274, 275.	997. Dom. Suardino to [the Marquis of Mantua].
	Beaurain acquainted Madame the Regent at Lyons with the terms which the Emperor demands of the King of France. Her reply was much at variance with them. She said the King would marry the Emperor's sister, the one promised to Bourbon, and take her daughter for the Dauphin; that his Majesty would renounce the the affairs of Italy, and make peace and perpetual union, but that the restitution of the territory demanded by the Emperor was unreasonable. Beaurain having announced the Regent's opinion by an express, it is inferred that the King's reply will be of the same tenour; so as it is thought at Toledo (the conditions offered by the Emperor being reasonable) that France will consent to everything, and peace be made between the two Crowns. Nothing is thought of now but provision for the war against France in case the King's reply be as aforesaid, and positive orders have been sent to Italy for Bourbon to come to Spain, and it is said that on his arrival the marriage will take place.
	In the meanwhile two ambassadors are expected from the King of England for the express purpose of waging war on France; but should his most Christian Majesty accept the terms offered him, the Emperor would more willingly make an agreement with him than with England. In case of refusal England requests him, (fn. 1) and he is sending Penalosa thither, though he will go by land as far as Lyons. Should war be made in France, it is intended to send the corps now in Italy, and the Emperor with another corps under Bourbon will also enter France, England on her part having another army there; and it is believed that Bourbon, entering France by the Spanish frontier, will produce a great effect.
	Toledo, 1st May. Registered by Sanuto, 26th May.
	[Italian.]
May 2. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 208.	998. Marco Foscari to the Doge and Signory.
	On the last day of April the Pope went to sleep at S. Giovanni, and supped with Cardinal Colonna. On the morning of the 1st of May his Holiness went to St. Paul's to mass, which was said by Cardinal Colonna in the presence of the cardinals and all the ambassadors, namely, from the Emperor, England, the Archduke, Milan, and Florence. After mass the league stipulated between them was published. The Pope told him (Foscari) that the English ambassador will give no more money to the Spaniards. His Holiness believes his King to have cooled about making war on France. Was told by the Right Reverend of Capua that he believes the said sovereigns [the Emperor and the King of England?] are not agreed (non siano d'accordo).
	Rome, 1st and 2nd May. Registered by Sanuto, 6th May.
	[Italian.]
May 2. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 238.	999. Lorenzo Orio, Venetian Ambassador on his way to England, to—(a private letter).
	Since his last from Augsburg has been in great trouble and peril in a besieged city, and compelled to perform very rough journeys over mountains and by unusual passes, dodging in a thousand ways to avoid the rabid and sanguinary German peasants, who have placed all Germany in tumult and confusion. Is well nigh ruined by the cost; but reached Mayence today, and is out of danger. Will depart tomorrow morning for Cologne with two boats, which he could not hire for less than 24 ducats, although in other times he could have had them for six. The reason is, that all are in arms; in the villages and territory there remain but lads and women; and the cities have been abandoned by the greater part of the artisans to follow the armies. For not only have the peasants risen against their masters, the lords and grandees, but the townspeople have rebelled against the clergy, and compelled them to be content with so much of their revenues as may suffice for food and raiment, leaving the rest at the disposal of the city for expenditure on the common need, for the general and public benefit. Should this excitement continue, the whole world will be thrown into confusion. In six days will be at Antwerp, where he hopes to find letters from the State, which are more than necessary, both for the honour of the State and for his own. On the road he heard that the King of England was preparing troops for the invasion of France, as written by him also from Augsburg; and at Mayence it is said that the King will cross over to Normandy and proceed straight to Paris.
	Mayence, 2nd April. Registered by Sanuto, 16th May.
	[Italian.]
May 3. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 216.	1000. Carlo Contarini to the State.
	The peasants are making more progress than ever; it is said they have re-instated the Duke of Wurtemburg, and that they will appoint him their captain against the Archduke.
	It was reported yesterday that the Grand Master of Prussia, of the Teutonic Order, has married the daughter of the King of Poland, with an express stipulation that all the property, even such as is ecclesiastical, be hereditary. This intelligence is held of great importance at Inspruck by reason of the affairs of Martin Luther, to whom the King of Poland had always hitherto been opposed, whereas the King now seems to be of Luther's opinions. A very great quantity of Lutheran books has been sold at the fair of Bolzano.
	Inspruck, 3rd May. Registered by Sanuto, 9th May.
	[Italian.]
May 4. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 209.	1001. Marco Antonio Venier to the Doge and Signory.
	Letters from France state that Mons. de Lautrec has been sent towards Picardy to oppose the English.
	Milan, 4th May. Registered by Sanuto, 6th May.
	[Italian.]
May 7. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 351, St. Mark's Library.	1002. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory.
	Letters have been received from Rome announcing the conclusion of the league between the Pope, the Emperor, the King of England, and the Archduke of Austria.
	Has presented the Signory's letter to the Emperor, who returned thanks, and said, “I am a bad Latin scholar, I will send the letter to the Chancellor.” (fn. 2)
	There are letters from the Indies announcing the discovery of some very large cities, where upwards of 300,000 people had been baptized owing to a miracle.
	Has not yet seen the letters, but in a future despatch will give a detailed account of their contents.
	Toledo, 7th May 1525.
	[Italian, 2 pages.]
May 7. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. pp. 275, 276.	1003. The Secretary of the Duke of Milan resident with the Emperor, to [the Duke of Milan?].
	The secretary of Mons. de Beaurain arrived from Lyons on the 18th April, and announces that Madame the Regent and the French assert their authority, saying that if the Emperor will release their King for money, they will ransom him willingly, hut that they must not expect the alienation of any state from the Crown (ma che da alienar stato da la Corona non si mirasseno).
	Should the King of France not accept the proposals made by the Emperor, Mons. de Beaurain is ordered to march the army upon Lyons or Avignon.
	In the event of war being waged on France, the Emperor has determined that the Duke of Bourbon is to go to Spain for two reasons; first, to avoid the inconvenience caused last year by his intrigues (occulte simultate) with the Viceroy; secondly, because after his marriage with the Queen of Portugal, being sent with the army by way of Perpignan, the Emperor hopes greatly to facilitate the expedition against France, both through the friends who will declare themselves, perceiving him to be the Emperor's brother-in-law, and also on account of the assistance expected from the King of England, to whom, on the 1st of May, the Comendador Penalosa was sent in secret—it is said, to obtain money.
	On the same day a courier was sent to Portugal to Mons. de la Chau, now there on a mission from the Emperor, whom, it is hoped, the King will supply with a considerable sum of money.
	The Cortes of Castile have been summoned to assemble at Toledo on the 20th May, to raise money.
	Two English ambassadors are expected, being accredited to the Emperor, to conclude “de summa rerum et quid agendum.”
	[Toledo,] 29th April and 7th May. Registered by Sanuto, 26th May.
	[Italian.]
May 8. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p.223.	1004. Marco Foscari to the Doge and Signory.
	Was told by the Pope that according to advices from England, dated 11th April, great preparations were making to invade France. It seems that according to the agreement the King of England promised to give the Emperor money, provided he assisted him to conquer France; but it seems that the Emperor does not wish him to do so, as there are no signs of preparation for war on the part of his Imperial Majesty.
	Rome, 8th May. Registered by Sanuto, 12th May.
	[Italian.]
May 8. Sanuto Diaries, v. xviii. pp. 242, 243.	1005. Marco Foscari to the Signory.
	The Pope has received letters from the ambassador [Nuncio?] in England, to the effect that the King was preparing to invade France with a powerful force, and purposed having himself crowned there as king, and was awaiting a reply from the Emperor with regard to making terms with the most Christian King or not. The Pope says this will be the cause of discord between the English King and the Emperor, though England cannot invade France with an army until the end of June. His Holiness also said that, as a good pastor, he had sent an envoy to the Emperor to negotiate an agreement between, him and the most Christian King.
	Rome, 5th and 8th May. Registered by Sanuto, 18th May.
	[Italian.]
May 8. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. pp. 251, 252.	1006. Marco Spavento to Lunardo Giustinian.
	Had a very dangerous passage across the Alps. In the Grisons and in Switzerland the greater part of the people are Lutherans; and whereas when in Italy I believed this to be an affair of small consequence, so do I now consider it most important. In confirmation of these words, being at Coir on Easter Sunday, heard a Lutheran priest preach with very great commendation (il qual havea grandissimo favore), and on that day the usual blessing of the eggs and other things was omitted. The communicants were but few, and the greater part of them Lutherans, who had confessed in the Lutheran fashion. During our two days' stay at Coir every person we spoke to was a Lutheran, and so well acquainted with Luther's doctrine as to defy exaggeration. The boys and girls from eight to ten years of age, in support of their tenets, answer you by evangelical precepts, better than many doctors of divinity could do in favour of the Catholic faith. A book has been printed lately entitled “De vera et falsa religione,” concerning which all are instructed; very startling dogmas being propounded. Unless therefore the Almighty stretch forth his arm, there will be none but Lutherans in these parts. They say they are united in their opinion with the whole of Swabia. And now all the populace has risen against the nobility of the free towns in Germany to abolish many institutions favorable to the nobility and adverse to the people; and this by the advice and assistance (consigli et opera) of Martin Luther, the five letters of whose name are said by them to signify Lux vera totius ecclesiæ Romanæ.
	Lyons, 8th May. Registered by Sanuto, 20th May,
	[Italian.]
May 10. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxix. pp. 4, 5.	1007. Gasparo Spinelli, Secretary of Lorenzo Orio, to his Brother, Lodovico Spinelli.
	Wrote from Mayence. The Papal Auditor [Ghinucci], on his way to the King of England from the Pope, was captured by the peasants, and paid 1,200 crowns ransom; he then continued his journey by way of Lyons, and quitted Antwerp for London yesterday. Did not mention this in his former letter, because he, Spinelli, was tired and in the stoves of Germany, which disgusted him, being full of butter (buttiro) and stench.
	Many days ago Luther issued a book for his followers concerning the unjust and unreasonable taxes with which the Church burdened the people of Germany, whom he exhorted not to bear them. Hence arose this great movement and insurrection well nigh all over Germany, which, to free itself from such unbearable tyranny, took up arms against all the ecclesiastics, as also against the nobility, including even the nuns. The people desire to live in freedom, without being subject to any one, and their power increases hourly; for whereas at first they seemed willing to be subject to the Emperor, they will now no longer obey even his Majesty; and this determination they have already shown by making themselves masters of the marquisate of Wurtemberg, which belonged to the Archduke, many of whose stipendiaries they have killed. They are most hostile, and indeed open enemies, to the Pope and the whole Roman Church, and say they will have no other faith than that of Luther, to which the greater part of the German ecclesiastics have adhered, the sexes intermarrying with each other, as, for instance, a friar with a nun, and a priest with a woman of the world (una mondana), which is done everywhere, and publicly, the same marriage ceremonies being observed as among laymen; yet they could not save themselves from being deprived of [their temporal property], leaving them only enough for their food and lay apparel (vestito civile).
	Gabels and taxes (dacij) are also abolished, this system having been already adopted throughout the duchy of Saxony, where Luther is. Hunting and fishing are no longer reserved solely for the nobility, for now it is allowable for all to hunt and fish like the lords themselves. In short, they revive the liberty of the golden age, when the fields were without boundaries, and no one had anything of his own. Then with regard to religion, they (the peasants?) do not differ in the least from Luther, having abolished eves (le vigilie) and the eating of fish, and all the holidays except Sundays. In the meanwhile this sect makes such progress, that last Lent, when in many places the Franciscans Observant and the Hierynomites chose to preach, in the first place nobody attended their sermons, and they were moreover maltreated and called to account for the meaning of what they preached; so that the best they can do for themselves is to be silent and remain quiet, and they can no longer show themselves anywhere. The peasants allow nothing but the mere gospels and epistles of St. Paul, and wherever they pass they remove all the bells. All these things are freely practised in Germany, where there is no longer any master, the bishops and other prelates having all taken flight. But here in Brabant and Flanders, as the Lady Margaret enforces the law most severely, the people dare not declare themselves openly, though in their own houses they live in Luther's fashion. Many of the chief persons of Antwerp assure me that, were the peasants to take that road and approach the city, 20,000 men, all Lutherans, would take up arms. In fact, this sect has taken such root throughout Germany that there is no visible remedy whereby to extirpate it, nor could the Church in those parts suffer greater persecution even were the Turks to come. The free towns, and those of importance, such as Cologne, Mayence, and others, whose churches combine spiritual and temporal authority, have compelled all the clergy to become citizens like the laymen, and they enjoy no additional prerogative beyond that of mere laymen. The surplus revenue, after deducting what is required for their maintenance, goes to the community to feed the poor; and by a public instrument they have sequestrated from the churches and alienated all similar property, which is to be enjoyed by married and unmarried persons, and no longer conferred by the Roman Church, which they deride as a vain thing.
	Today the ambassador [Lorenzo Orio] has attended to nothing but to the fashioning of his robes and making such preparations as necessary. On Saturday we are to go to the Lady Margaret at Mechlin, and from thence to Calais. Our passage across will be somewhat perilous, on account of the French fleet lately fitted out at Boulogne, which does very great mischief, capturing vessels daily. Since our arrival at Antwerp we have heard of the loss of several, with much cloth and kerseys belonging to Venetian subjects, and amongst the rest Messer Stefano de Nadal has lost 200 pieces of kersey. On arriving at Calais we shall not fail to obtain information from the English captains and governors, and not put to sea unless sure of no danger from the French fleet. I pray God that the embassy may come to a good end after so many difficulties and perils, fresh ones arising hourly. The alarm subsided greatly, owing to a constant report of the invasion of France by the King of England, which has now much abated; nor is any supply of troops mentioned, but only money, his Majesty having obtained (induto) the sixth of all the revenues, and already commenced levying them. We shall understand this more clearly on arriving in England. Could my paper contain more, I am afraid I should not yet come to an end.
	Antwerp, 10th May. Registered by Sanuto, 1st June.
	[Italian.]
May 11. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxix. p. 2.	1008. Lorenzo Orio, Venetian Ambassador on his way to England, to — (a private letter).
	Greatly fatigued after his long, toilsome, and perilous journey, made to escape the rage of those abominable peasants who have risen in Germany and for his good fortune thanks God. The Papal Auditor [Ghinucci] has departed hence, being appointed Papal envoy to the King of England. Ghinucci, on his way from Italy, was seized by the peasants, who plundered and kept him prisoner until he paid a ransom of 1,200 crowns, and to avoid falling in with another band of peasants he took the road through Lorraine.
	The distance from Antwerp to Calais is 200 miles, and to reach England the sea must be crossed to Dover, a passage of 40 miles, very perilous on account of the sea, and also because the French have fitted out ships at Boulogne, distant 25 miles from Calais; and in sailing from Antwerp to England it is requisite to steer 14 miles in the direction of France, for the advantage of the tide and avoidance of shoals; so that there is great risk of being captured by the said Frenchmen.
	On arriving at Antwerp used all diligence to ascertain what preparations were being made by the King of England for the invasion of France. Was informed that, on hearing of the capture of his most Christian Majesty, the King dismissed the French ambassador [Passano] in London, and then laid a tax of one-sixth on all personal and landed property, and sent to Flanders for the purchase of horses, of which 300 were bought. Nothing else has been done, and the people complain, saying they will not pay; so on this account it is generally supposed that England will not invade France for the present.
	It was said subsequently that the Emperor had ordered the fitting out in Biscay of 300 ships, to be employed in Flanders and not in Italy; for if destined for the Mediterranean they would have been armed at Barcelona. It is also reported that the Emperor inclines to peace, and has sent to Portugal to conclude his (the Emperor's) marriage with that King's sister.
	The Duke of Albany and Renzo da Ceri have arrived at Lyons, where Madame, the mother of the most Christian King, is resident, with Monsr. de Vendôme and Monsr. de Lautrec, and all the chief personages of Paris. Monsr. d'Alençon, the brother-in-law of his most Christian Majesty, died there on his return from Italy, of grief for the capture of his King.
	Understands that the envoy sent to the Emperor, to negotiate the affairs of the most Christian King, has returned “re infecta” because the terms demanded of him were unfair. The Duke of Bourbon was to be restored to his entire territory, and also to have Provence and Languedoc; the Emperor to receive the whole of Burgundy and the territory beyond the river Somme, which divides Picardy from the county of Nau; and the King of England likewise to be satisfied; so that the French crown would be despoiled of well nigh all its territory. For this reason no arrangement was made.
	Will quit Antwerp in two days, and go to Mechlin to the Lady Margaret.
	Antwerp, 11th May. Registered by Sanuto, 1st June.
	[Italian.]
May 13. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. pp. 241, 242.	1009. Anonymous Letter from Inspruck.
	All the peasants of Germany have taken up arms against the bishops and nobles; their resolution is not to obey the Pope or his ministers. All the clergy live in the Lutheran fashion, and swear to observe the Gospel, and to acknowledge God alone and the Emperor. They number 200,000 armed infantry, not all in one place, but scattered here and there. They have established posts and give safe-conducts and patents, governing themselves like a republic; their title being, “Nos de Ligâ, Christianâ deffensores verbi, etc., Dei.”
	At Inspruck there is great alarm, most especially as at Brixen the peasants have taken up arms and sacked the canons. They have also surrounded the castle in which the Bishop's attendants are, with the intention of killing them and sacking the episcopal castle.
	The Grand Master of Prussia is at Inspruck; he has renounced the Order, and married the daughter of the King of Poland, taking as dower the State of Prussia.
	Today a gentleman from Spain has arrived at the Archduke's court. He says the Emperor is at the Pieta [Alcazar?] at Toledo, and that the King of England is ready to invade France, and merely awaits the Emperor's decision.
	Inspruck, 13th May. Registered by Sanuto, 18th May.
	[Italian.]
May 13. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. pp. 240, 241.	1010. Francesco Gonzaga to.
	Yesterday in consistory a letter was read, addressed to the Pope by Madame Louise of Savoy, mother of the King of France. She thereby announces that certain persons of the Lutheran sect had commenced showing themselves there. To remedy this, she, together with her council and government, have made choice of some churchmen who lead good lives, are learned, and well instructed in the Christian faith, charging them to visit the places where this heresy is published, to try and diligently ascertain whence the errors proceed and provide against them in the best manner possible, reproving and chastising the delinquents as they might think fit.
	She requests the Pope to give such authority and power to the commissioners as would enable them to exercise their office without hesitation, and satisfy all who wish to be good Christians.
	The Pope and the College of Cardinals regretted this fresh disturbance, but were glad to have been warned, and that provision had been made; and they commended and confirmed it as requested by the French King's mother.
	Rome, 13th May. Registered by Sanuto, 18th May.
	[Italian.]
May 16. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 352, St. Mark's Library.	1011. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory.
	Intelligence received by the Emperor from the Indies that to the west the Spanish captain had discovered another large city, and that many thousands of human beings had miraculously embraced Christianity.
	Encloses copy of the letters. (fn. 3) One point is worthy of consideration, namely, that beyond the mountain mentioned by the Spanish captain, there are places where spices grow. Thus, by following the western course, the Spaniards have arrived near the eastern extremity of the globe.
	On the night of the 12th Gio. Borto. Gattinara arrived from Rome with the articles of the league between the Pope, the Emperor, the King of England, and the Archduke of Austria.
	The Chancellor told me that the King of France said to Mons. de Beaurain that he would let the Emperor cut off his head rather than consent to anything against his honour. He also made earnest suit to be brought to Spain for a conference with the Emperor, when he would show the Emperor clearly who were his friends and who his enemies.
	The Chancellor also said that the King of France had written an autograph letter to the Emperor, though not a very long one, signing himself the Emperor's slave, and recommending himself to him most humbly. The letter purports that he offers himself and all his forces to the Emperor to accompany him as his captain, either to take his crown at Rome, or in the expedition against the Infidels.
	The ambassadors of the King of England [Tunstall and Wyngfeld] have landed in Galicia.
	In my presence and that of others the Chancellor, when telling the Portuguese ambassador about the damage done to Portuguese shipping by the French, said, “If we cannot agree about an offensive league, let us at least make a defensive one against these French, the enemies of peace.”
	Toledo, 16th May 1525.
	[Italian, 3 pages.]
May 21. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 262.	1012. Marco Antonio Venier to the Doge and Signory.
	Advices received from Turin, and from the Court of the Duke of Savoy.
	The Duke of Albany is going to Genoa. A messenger from England, a ducal chamberlain, who came through France, asserts that the English are making great preparations. The treasurer, Gregory da Casal, has been sent to the Duke of Bourbon, and on the 10th inst. the Duke of Suffolk was to advance towards Picardy with the first corps of 15,000 men, Cardinal Wolsey following with the second corps in yet greater number, and then the King in person with the main body. The English will act against Paris in a different form to what they did two years ago.
	On the authority of the Duke of Bourbon's treasurer and others, it is reported that money arrives in plenty from England and Spain to encourage the undertaking against France from these borders and where necessary.
	Milan, 21st May. Registered by Sanuto, 23rd May.
	[Italian.]
May 22. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. pp. 267, 268.	1013. The Same to the Same.
	The Emperor would wish to have the Princess of England with him, as she is to be his wife, but the King of England delays sending her.
	Milan, 22nd May. Registered by Sanuto, 24th May.
	[Italian.]
May 22. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 353, St. Mark's Library.	1014. Gasparo Contarini to the Council of Ten.
	Told by the Duke of Calabria that the King of France said to Mons. de Beaurain that the Emperor was not in the least bound to the King of England, as the King of France could show the Emperor letters from him, proving that, had the victory of Pavia been delayed ten days, England would have declared for France.
	Toledo, 16th May 1525.
	P.S., dated the 22nd.—The French envoy Brion says the Emperor insists at any rate on having Burgundy, and that the French will not give it him. Brion, in the name of the King and of Madame, told the Emperor that it would be well for him to make some demonstration of war, to enable them to condescend to certain terms—more to the satisfaction of the kingdom—as their deference for the opinion of the country prevented them at present from acceding to some of the Emperor's demands.
	The Chancellor considers this an approach to war, as it is impossible for the Emperor to make certain demonstrations without proceeding farther, when retreat would be difficult. The Chancellor gave Brion to understand that the Emperor would be compelled to ally himself with the King of England; in which case the war could not be quelled in the manner anticipated by the King of France.
	The Chancellor is therefore of opinion that the result of these negotiations will be warlike.
	[Italian, 3 pages.]
May 23. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 276.	1015. Dom. Francesco Gonzaga to —.
	Letters from Spain, dated the 5th inst., purport that although the Emperor is firmly bent on the French expedition, should the agreement with the most Christian King not take effect, the difficulty of obtaining money for the undertaking is so great that they do not know how it can be accomplished, especially as the King of England makes a difficulty about furnishing subsidy for the design, save so far as needed for his own individual interest. It is also reported that the Emperor has sent to Portugal for the King's ultimatum about the negotiation for his Imperial Majesty's marriage with the Portuguese Princess, and to know precisely the sum of money on which he can reckon. It is supposed that on account of the expedition against France, they persist in reporting that the King of England on his part will act, though it is not known whether any steps have yet been taken.
	The affairs of the Germans proceed badly, as usual; the Pope believes them to be worse than is said, having received information that all the provinces are in confusion.
	His Holiness wishes the Legate to set out to France and Spain in three weeks at the furthest, but it is thought that he cannot be ready so soon, considering the many things required by him for his outfit.
	Rome, 23rd May. Registered by Sanuto, 26th May.
	[Italian.]
May 27. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxix. p. 85.	1016. Lorenzo Ohio, Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Signory.
	Arrived in London after the vesper hour on the 24th. Was received honorably in the name of the King and the Cardinal of York, although his Majesty was 20 miles off, taking his pleasure as usual with the Queen. Went yesterday to pay his respects to the Cardinal, who received him graciously, evincing so much regard and kindness that the bystanders, most especially the Venetian merchants and the rest of the Italians who accompanied him as a mark of honour, were surprised, being aware that it is not the custom of his right rev. Lordship to evince towards any ambassador, whether from the Pope, the Emperor, or others, such respect as he showed to him, in such wise that when the Signory's name was mentioned he several times doffed his bonnet, a compliment very rarely, and perhaps never, paid by him to any ambassador. His (Orio's) secretary, Gasparo Spinelli, says that he was present at the time of the interview between the Kings of France and England [Field of the Cloth of Gold, 1520], which was attended by the Cardinal; and when the three Venetian ambassadors, Giustinian, Badoer, and Surian, went to visit him, never did his right rev. Lordship raise his bonnet, notwithstanding their eminent qualities. The Cardinal then spoke in such honorable terms of the State, and made such hearty offers for its service, and in honour of him (Orio), that it would be impossible to exaggerate them,—a mode of proceeding which at this first conference has procured for him very great repute, and he hopes to do very well for the Republic's interests in this legation. It would have been to his advantage had he received advices from the Signory concerning Italian events, about which the Cardinal asked him earnestly. He apologized for having had no news whatever since his departure, on account of the circuitous road he took by reason of the disturbances in Germany.
	London, 27th May. Registered by Sanuto, 27th June.
	[Italian.]
May 28. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 289.	1017. Marc' Antonio Venier to the Doge and Signory.
	According to letters from Genoa the most Christian King and the Viceroy were to embark as today, the 29th, the provisions being already on board; and the Viceroy is said to have promised to return hither within 40 days, coming by way of Rome. It is also said the Duke of Bourbon will go to Spain to marry Madame Eleanor; and he asked the most Christian King for his fleet, consisting of 10 galleys, which his Majesty granted him willingly. A person who was lately at Genoa with Bourbon has asserted that Bourbon said to the most Christian King, “If you attempt to deprive me of my wife, beware! and if you leave her to me, you will have the best friend you can get;” and his Majesty is content. Letters had also been received, dated the 17th, from Madame Margaret to Bourbon, giving him an account how, with the English ambassadors there, she has proposed certain articles in the Emperor's name, viz., that the Emperor be bound to give 3,000 horse to the King of England, and 10,000 foot, at his (the King's?) cost (a sue spese), and a number of vessels for the conveyance of troops to France; the King offering, or being bound, to cross over to France with the whole army in the course of June. He (Venier) desired to ascertain this from Bourbon himself, and went to his house, but found that he was out riding (era cavalchato).
	Milan, 28th May. Registered by Sanuto, 30th May.
	[Italian.]
May 28. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxix. p. 7.	1018. Carlo Contarini to the State.
	The death of Duke Frederick of Saxony is confirmed. His brother Duke John is also sick. The peasants have been routed, and many killed.
	Inspruck, 28th May. Registered by Sanuto, 2nd June.
	[Italian.]
May 29. Sanuto Diaries, v.xxxix. p. 45.	1019. Vincenzo Guidoto, Venetian Secretary in Hungary, to the State.
	The Legate Campeggio is still at Buda (dili), and has caused the arrest of two Lutherans, namely, the parish priest of St. George's, for having married, and a provost of St. Mary's.
	Buda, 29th May. Registered by Sanuto, 13th June.
	[Italian.]
May 31. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxix. p. 4.	1020. The Governors of Verona to the State.
	Send a letter from the Bishop of Trent, announcing the death of the Duke of Saxony, (fn. 4) and that the Duke of Bavaria had cut to pieces 20,000 peasants.
	Verona, 31st May. Registered by Sanuto, 1st June.
	[Italian.]