Venice: December 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: December 1525', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 3, 1520-1526, (London, 1869) pp. 506-517. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol3/pp506-517 [accessed 24 April 2024]

December 1525



Dec. 4. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 383.	1174. Carlo Contarini to Angelo Gabriel.
	The Lutheran sect has made such progress that in these parts they follow no other doctrine. The only masses said are those in the Lutheran fashion, briefly and simply repeating the Epistle and Gospel, all in the German tongue, and consecrating before the people and aloud; and those who attend the mass all communicate without confession. Books against Luther are no longer to be had. All the churches except the cathedrals are despoiled, without images, without candles. Meat is eaten every day without distinction, and no attention paid to holy days. They preach against the mass, and say it was devised by Lucifer; they call prayer execrable (la oratione appellano madedetta).
	Augsburg, 4th December. Registered by Sanuto on the 17th.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 6. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p.425.	1175. Lorenzo Orio to the Doge and Signory.
	London, 20th November.—Cardinal Wolsey told the two French ambassadors to write to France to conclude the Italian league, and they sent a despatch accordingly.
	24th November.—The King has written to Sir Gregory Casal's brother, the prothonotary, who is at Rome, to go as ambassador to the Signory. Pace is ill; does not admit visitors.
	1st December.—On receiving the Signory's letters of the 25th and 29th October, with the reply given to the Imperial ambassadors, sent his secretary to announce the same to Cardinal Wolsey, who commended the reply, saying he had letters from Milan acquainting him with the entry of the Marquis of Pescara with the troops, that he purposed blockading the Duke in the castle, and that the Duke will resist. The Cardinal then expatiated on the necessity for hastening the league with France, exhorting the Signory to that effect. He had also received letters from Sir Gregory Casal at Rome concerning the Pope's willingness to make the league, although he had sent the marriage dispensation to the Emperor, and absolution from his promise given to the Princess of England. The secretary having informed the Cardinal that the Signory continued the negotiation with the Imperial ambassadors, the Cardinal said, “The Signory does not perceive their ruin,” and urged the stipulation of the league; adding, “The King and we (il Re e nui), at the cost of our own substance, will not tolerate the domination of Italy by the Emperor.”
	Has conversed with the French ambassador Giovanni Gioachino, who told him the Emperor would not make an agreement, unless he obtained Burgundy. The French ambassadors have despatched a messenger to Madame [Louise] with the details of what the Cardinal had said to them. France has remitted the money for the pension due to the King of England. 40,000 crowns have already arrived at Boulogne, and his Majesty has sent for the money
	6th December. — The French ambassadors have despatched another post to France. Sent his secretary to Giovanni Gioachino, who told him Cardinal Wolsey had received letters from Flanders, informing him that the Emperor wrote to his aunt Madame Margaret for advice as to the negotiation with the most Christian King, and whether he should release him; telling her to raise 800,000 ducats, and to sell part of his territory (stado) in Flanders. Madame consulted her chief advisers, and it was determined to write to the Emperor not to release the King for the present, but to proceed to Italy for his coronation, establish his dominion there (domini quella), and then consider the King of France. They would provide him (the Emperor) with money, and had already sold to the value of 12,000 ducats of his annual revenues.
	Registered by Sanuto, 28th December.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 11. Navagero Despatches, Cicogna copy.	1176. Andrea Navagero to the Council of Ten.
	In a conversation with the Nuncio [Baldassar Castiglione], who is an old friend of his, elicited that when they commenced in Italy negotiating the league with France, he always acquainted the Emperor with all his intelligence in the name of the Pope, because the Pope wrote everything to him, both about the Duke of Milan, and the King of England, who was the head of the Italian movement, and also that the Signory had made the agreement, and did not cease urging the Pope to do the like.
	Toledo, 11th December 1525.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 11. Navagero Despatches, Cicogna copy.	1177. Andrea Navagero to the Signory.
	The negotiations for the marriage between the Queen Dowager of Portugal and the King of France continue. The Viceroy [De Lannoy] intrigues the more willingly, as it is the severest blow he can inflict on the Duke of Bourbon, to whom he is most hostile The Chancellor does not assent to any of these arrangements with France, and would wish the Emperor first of all to adjust the affairs of Italy. He is very dissatisfied at his not doing so, and being unable to quit the house, having for many days had a fit of the gout, he sent to tell the Emperor to beware of what he is doing, as this agreement with France may be the ruin of his prospects. The Chancellor does not believe the King of France will ever keep his promises to the Emperor, and should they give him the Queen of Portugal, it will be still worse; for if heretofore the King attempted to poison the Emperor, at a time when he had nothing to gain by his death, he would more likely do so having a wife, through whom, the Emperor dying, and the Infant [Archduke Ferdinand] having no children, he would inherit so many kingdoms. With regard to receiving the Dauphin as a hostage, he says they must not trust to that, as the Dauphin not being known in Spain, the French might even give the second-born son and say he is the Dauphin.
	The English ambassadors demand 800,000 ducats of the Emperor, part on account of money lent him by their King, and part on account of the pension due from the King of France, which the Emperor bound himself to pay. Besides this money, they also demand Tournai; and some persons affirm to their having said that, with the exception of Burgundy, their King lays claim to one half of whatever the Emperor shall get from France, because the agreement was that in case the war undertaken by them succeeded, the Emperor was to have Burgundy, and the King of England Guienne; the rest to be divided in half.
	Has conferred occasionally with the English ambassadors, but they are very close (homini strettissimi) and tell him nothing.
	Toledo, 11th December, 1525.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 14. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 386.	1178. Marco Foscari to the Doge and Signory.
	Sir Gregory Casal, the English ambassador, had complained to him of the Pope.
	Rome, 14th December. Registered by Sanuto on the 18th.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 16. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. pp. 373, 374.	1179. Proposed Marriage of Princess Mary.
	Statement made by an anonymous reporter who quitted Milan on Sunday the — December.
	In a shop there heard of the arrival of a person from Lyons, who said the English ambassadors were negotiating a marriage between the Dauphin and the daughter of their King.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 16.CommuniConsiglio X.	1180. Embassy in England.
	Motion made in the Council of Ten and Junta by the Chiefs for payment to Ser Lorenzo Orio of the monthly salary for his English embassy, as noted in the present register on 29th November last.
	Ayes, 27. Noe, 1. Neutrals, 0.
	[Latin.]
Dec. 18.Patti Sciolti.	1181. Henry VIII. to Doge Andrea Griti.
	Letters patent acquainting him with the treaty between England and France, dated at the Moore, 28th August 1525. Mentions having included the Doge and Signory, and transmits copy of the articles concerning Venice (as in Rymer, vol. XIV. pp. 48 and following).
	Richmond, 18th December 1525.
	[Original, parchment, with the great seal in wax. Latin, 59 lines, broadside. Dimensions, 2 feet 1 by 2 feet 10.]
Dec. 20. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 395.	1182. Motion made in the Senate for a Reply to the French Ambassadors.
	The Signory's answer to their proposals for the league was owing to their wish for the Pope to join. Now perceive that they will have to bear a heavy burden, their contingent amounting to 30,000 infantry, 2,000 men-at-arms, and 5,000 light horse, in case they make the league with France alone. Are willing to contribute their third, but wish France to prevail upon the King of England to contribute a third likewise.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 20. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. 1. p. 181, tergo.	1183. The Doge and Senate to Lorenzo Orio, Ambassador in England.
	Have heard with satisfaction the good office performed by the Cardinal for the security of Italy and of the Venetian Republic by writing to Rome and to France. Perceive the Cardinal considers Italy liable to disturbance by the Emperor, an opinion confirmed from the Imperialists having blockaded the Duke of Milan in the Castle of Milan, and issued decrees in the name of the Emperor, who is in possession of the whole of the duchy, with exception of the two besieged castles. In accordance with the Cardinal's opinion, have negotiated the alliance between Italy and France. The matter is still being treated at Rome, the articles having been sent to them from France, and in their last they transmitted a copy ambassador at Rome urged the Pope to come Their ambassador at Rome urged the Pope to come to a decision, and his Holiness was remodelling the articles, but said that as he was expecting an envoy from the Emperor, one Don Michiel Herera, he thought it advisable to await his announcement. For this reason, and on account of the Pope's own interests, it is possible his Holiness delays his decision. The State single-handed cannot do what is required for the general need; they must beware of the Imperial army, and of the facilities at the disposal of the Archduke Ferdinand for an attack on their territory. Have not failed, however, to comply with the Cardinal's suggestions by urging the Italian confederacy, in order to provide efficiently for the general safety and quiet. Have also again and again acquainted the Pope with the dangers now threatening Italy and Christendom, and the ease with which they may be averted. Are certain the Cardinal himself, through Sir Gregory Casal, has performed the like office. But although the Cardinal has caused the French ambassadors in London to write to France to hasten the settlement, and the Signory in like manner continues to press the French ambassadors at Venice, nevertheless, delay has intervened. Can therefore do nothing but wait until the King and Cardinal recommend the Regent to transmit such instructions to Venice that the conclusion may be effected.
	The Marquis of Pescara having departed this life, the Imperialists are in great difficulty, having lost a brave and experienced military commander.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 20. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. 1. p. 182.	1184. The Doge and Senate to Lorenzo Orio, Ambassador in England.
	Cardinal Wolsey should continue writing to France in order that a decision be formed. The Signory has not failed to convince the Regent of their resolution. The dilatory negotiations at Rome prevented them from sending their envoy to France, but will do so immediately. As the State alone will have to bear the burden for all Italy, at such cost by sea and in every quarter as is impossible for them to support, it will therefore be necessary for the King of England to concur in this understanding, and render assistance becoming his vast resources. In return, his Majesty will receive such recompense through the duchy of Milan, to the honour and profit of the King and Cardinal, that they will remain satisfied. To urge the King and Cardinal to this effect.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 20. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. 1. p. 183.	1185. The Same to the Same.
	Arrival at Rome of the Emperor's envoy, D. Michiel Herera, He informed the Pope of the Emperor's good will towards him and all Italy, and has shown his Holiness certain clauses, based upon the league stipulated heretofore between his Holiness and the Emperor concerning Reggio and Rubiera. The Pope, perceiving that he was not authorized to consent to the Duke of Milan's retaining the duchy, induced the Duke of Sessa and the envoy aforesaid to agree to the term of two months, to write to the Emperor for his consent that the Duke of Milan be a free sovereign in his duchy, and that the Imperial forces depart thence. The Imperialists keep these negotiations on foot to procrastinate, and in the meanwhile to get possession of the castles of Milan and Cremona, and establish themselves in the duchy, to facilitate the execution of their projects.
	To communicate the whole to the King and Cardinal, that they may suggest such a remedy as shall seem fit to them.
	Moreover, the Imperial ambassadors having urged them to decide about reconfirming the peace and confederacy, the Signory answered them on the 8th that for the present they could form no determination by reason of the fresh events which had taken place in the Milanese, the Duke being one of the confederates, and that they wished to know the opinion of the ambassadors concerning the result. The ambassadors replied that, on the arrest of Morone, and after the charges brought against the Duke of Milan, the Emperor-desired the Marquis of Pescara to make himself master of the Milanese, and that should the Duke of Milan not be guilty, he would receive no harm whatever. On the other hand, should he have erred, and the Emperor not choose to pardon him, or should he die, his Imperial Majesty then intends the duchy of Milan to be held by the person to be denominated in his stead in their peace and confederacy, but the ambassadors named no one in particular. As they pressed for a reply, the Signory answered, that in obligatory contracts the specific denomination of all the contracting parties forms the chief basis; and as their Lordships made a vague and ambiguous proposal as aforesaid, the State must suspend its opinion; but that their Lordships, who represented the Emperor, knowing that the Italian powers wish for the maintenance of the Duke of Milan in that duchy for the general quiet of Italy, should perform such good office with the Emperor as to their prudence might seem fit; assuring them that they would always find the State most firm in its devotion towards his Imperial Highness.
	To communicate the whole to the King and Cardinal, that they may know what has taken place in this matter.
	Enclose for his guidance their answer to the French ambassadors at Venice.
	Ayes, 207. Noes, 5. Neutrals, 2.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 20. Deliberazioni Senato Secretav. 1. p. 183, tergo.	1186. Motion made in the Senate for a Reply to the French Ambassadors, the Bishop of Bayeux and D. Ambrosio da Fiorenza.
	The allied forces must be such as to suffice for the certain release of the Milanese, and to effect all that is necessary for the general security and quiet. That their Lordships may know the Signory's opinion, remind them that the Regent [Louise of Savoy] informed the State she thought they should amount to 30,000 foot, 2,000 men at-arms, and 3,000 light horse, together with a good train of artillery. Believe that she and her council, being most experienced in warfare, considered these forces necessary for the success of the undertaking; and as Italian affairs are now brought to such a pass, that the State of Venice must bear the burden for all Italy, they will furnish one-third of the aforesaid amount.
	As the King of England is united with France the Regent might prevail upon him to contribute some portion of the remaining two-thirds.
	Care must be taken that the infantry supplied either by France or England be efficient troops, including a band of Switzers and lansquenets; all the rest to be good foot soldiers.
	Hope that the King of England will willingly accede to this union, he having assured the Regent and the Signory (through Sir Gregory Casal) of his excellent disposition. For this his laudable assistance the Regent might offer him some suitable recompense from the duchy of Milan. (fn. 1)
	Should this come to pass, there will be both solidity and repute, and everything that can be desired for an undertaking.
	With regard to the fleet, the Regent to mention what she considers necessary, as the Signory will do what is agreed upon.
	Request the ambassadors to obtain a sufficient power, so that in God's name the matter may be settled.
	Think it necessary for the Regent to declare and promise that she and the kingdom of France will come to no agreement with the Emperor, without the consent and inclusion of the confederates, giving proper security for the observance of what may be stipulated between France and the Signory.
	Accept the offer made by the Regent and the kingdom of France to attack the Emperor on the French frontier.
	The ambassadors to keep this resolve of the Signory's a very great secret, and not to give any notice of it to the Pope; but they should write to the Lord Albert of Carpi to urge his Holiness, who will comprehend the imminent perils of Italy, and perform such good office as becoming.
	Assure the ambassadors that the State is thoroughly well intentioned with regard to the prosperity of France and the release of the most Christian King.
	Should the French ambassadors not seem satisfied with this reply, and allude to the delay which might be caused by the negotiation with the King of England, they are to be told that the Signory considers the adherence of his English Majesty necessary, to render the league integral and secure, and capable of effecting both the release of the most Christian King and the recovery of the Milanese, together with the maintenance therein of the Duke. (fn. 2)
	To announce the Signory's opinion to the Regent and kingdom of France, who they are assured will not fail to do their utmost with England. Will do the like by means of the Venetian ambassador in London, as speedily and earnestly as possible.
	Should the Regent and kingdom of France, on hearing this opinion, have anything else to propose for the benefit of the undertaking, the Signory will always adhere to such plans as may cause the release of the most Christian King, the recovery of the Milanese, and the maintenance of the present Duke therein, (fn. 3) together with the security of Italy, which involves the advantage and the security of France.
	Ayes, 160. Noes, 34. Neutrals, 18.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 23. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 486.	1187. Lorenzo Ohio to the Poge and Signory.
	On the day before yesterday received three sets (mani) of the Signory's letters. Went to the Cardinal at Richmond and acquainted him with their contents. The Cardinal said, “Does it not seem strange to you that the Emperor should desire to rule not only the Signory's territory but all Italy and make himself monarch” (of the universe)? On this account the Cardinal recommends the conclusion of the league with France, and sees no other remedy. Should the Pope consent, be it so; if not, let the Signory league with France, and the King of England will be the conservator of the league. The Cardinal said he had letters from Sir Gregory Casal at Rome, that the Pope is willing to make the league, so that it is unnecessary to continue negotiating. From the Court of France, in date of the 12th November, the Cardinal heard of the Milanese expedition, (fn. 4) and that the Emperor was dissatisfied with the Signory. Showed the Cardinal the reception (ricevuta) given to the Imperial ambassadors, which, however, the Cardinal was already aware of, and approved. Relative to the news from Flanders, the Cardinal said Brabant will not grant the Emperor a benevolence. From France it was reported that they were fitting out an armada of 25 galleys. Said that he would go to the King about these advices. The Cardinal answered, “The King is at a distance—does not remain fixed—goes here and there on account of the plague,” and he dissuaded him (Orio) from going thither. Pace's brain is affected (a mal nel zarvello); he wanders, owing to a melancholy humour which had seized him. He says he has no longer anything in the world,—that the King has taken all from him. They comfort him and say it is not true, and that the King loves him. He is better, however, within the last three days.
	London, 11th December.
	A Frenchman, Mons. Edoardin (sic), has arrived in London; he went to the [French] ambassadors, and to the court of the Cardinal; so, to learn something, sent his secretary thither, and he spoke to the Frenchman, whom he had formerly known. The Frenchman gave him fair words, and said he was come to acquaint his Majesty with the proposal made by the Emperor to him (King Francis) which he had not chosen to accept without his Majesty's advice, it seeming to him that the Emperor's demands were very unfair (molto inoneste). Edoardin added, that the Cardinal told him to conclude the league with Italy, because the most Christian King's release would follow, and the King of England would be the conservator of the league and assume its protection. That he (Wolsey) had told Giovanni Gioachino, the French ambassador, to go to France and effect the conclusion; and that he had received letters from Sir Gregory Casal at Rome, who does not doubt but that the Pope will form the league with France and the Signory, although he is negotiating an agreement with the Emperor through his Legate, the articles of which were being drawn up.
	Edoardin then told him that the French had fitted out six ships of 2,000 butts each in Normandy, destined for Provence, where they will join the other squadron which is being prepared there, and that both by sea and land France will do her duty against Spain; also that Giovanni Gioachino was returning to France, and that he (Edoardin) would go back to the most Christian King at Madrid.
	Cardinal Wolsey told his (Orio's) secretary that Sir Gregory Casal had written to him from Rome that the Pope was well disposed, and was drawing up the articles of the league with France; and the English ambassadors write from Lyons that the Bishop of Macon (fn. 5) had sung high mass, and the Regent had sworn to observe the articles of the treaty with England.
	London, 15th December.
	Giovanni Gioachino has gone to France, and taken charge of Orio's letters. London, 7th (sic) December.
	Went yesterday to Cardinal Wolsey, who said he had heard from the French ambassador, the President of Rouen, who remained in London, that a commission had been sent from Lyons for Robadanges (sic) at Rome. The Cardinal also said he had letters from Lyons, purporting that France would made the league with Italy; and from Rome he heard, in date of the 28th [November], that the Pope is sending the marriage dispensation to the Emperor, and that France is cajoled with words. He had also letters from the Archbishop of Capua and from the Spanish Court in date of the 6th, announcing the conclusion of the Emperor's marriage with the sister of the King of Portugal; and that the most Christian King has offered the Emperor three millions of gold, namely, one million immediately, and the rest within one year; but the Emperor insists on having Burgundy and Picardy, in short half France, and moreover wants Languedoc. The Cardinal also mentioned that the Marquis of Pescara had died at Milan. He then said that the King was sending the prothonotary Casal, who is at Rome, the brother of Sir Gregory, as his ambassador to Venice; that he would be the bearer of the articles of the agreement between England and France, in which the Signory is named; that it would be well for the State to ratify them, as the King will always give aid, in case of need; and the commission is to be sent to Rome to the prothonotary, who will also go to the Duke of Ferrara, to persuade him to join the league and be its commander-in-chief.
	Cardinal Wolsey then told Orio that he had founded a college for students at Oxford, and wished to obtain books from Rome and Venice; and to have copies made on good paper of the Greek manuscripts which had belonged to the late Cardinal of Nicæa (fn. 6) [Bessarione], and to the late Cardinal Grimani, which are in the monastery of St. Antonio. Requests the Signory to oblige him, as he will consider it a very great favour. (fn. 7)
	London, 23rd December. Registered by Sanuto, 9th January.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 24. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 407.	1188. Note by Sanuto.
	Letters have been received from Lorenzo Orio in England, dated 22nd-25th November, containing nothing of importance.
	By private letters [from Orio] it is heard that Zuan da Leze (the natural son of Ser Donado da Leze, Lord Lieutenant of Cyprus), who played most excellently on the organ (organo), went to England anticipating that the King would give him a stipend, and having played, it seems that the performance did not please his Majesty; so Zuan da Leze hung himself—a very horrible case, and of evil nature.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 24. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 408.	1189. Note by Sanuto.
	Having written above that Zuam da Leze, the natural son of Ser Donado, hanged himself in London, as our ambassador writes in date. . . ., the particulars are as follows:—
	He was a consummate musician, most especially on the “clavicimbalum,” (fn. 8) and having had a very perfect instrument made here, he went with it by land to England at a cost exceeding 100 ducats, believing that the King, who delights in music, would give him a salary, as he did to the Crutched friar of Cà Memo, for whom he provided largely, and subsequently Memo departed for fear of his life, and is said to be in Portugal.
	Zuam da Leze on arriving in England, played before the King, who it seems was not much pleased, and made him a present of 20 nobles, equal to. . . . ducats; so Zuam da Leze in despair, being at table in company, stabbed himself in the breast to commit suicide, which was prevented. They dressed the wound, and put him to bed; but he rose in the night, and hung himself with his dagger-girdle (con la cintura di la sua cortella)—a very lamentable case. He was . . . years old, highly accomplished, and dearly loved by his father, who has no other children, and is Lord-Lieutenant of Cyprus.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 28.Dcliberazioni Senato Seereta, v. 1. p. 18:3.	1190. The Doge and Senate to Lorenzo Orio, Ambassador in England.
	Received his letters of the 6th. Surprised at what he writes as to the statement made in London by Sir Gregory Casal, that the Pope suspected the agreement would be stipulated between the Emperor and the Signory, because the Pope was informed of all the negotiations with the Imperialists, and approved them. When on account of indisposition the prothonotary Caracciolo demanded a conference, his request was granted to avoid suspicion of a wish to break off the negotiation, and they immediately acquainted the Pope with this proceeding, which was approved of; and all that subsequently occurred was communicated to his Holiness.
	Have not failed urging the Pope to join the league between Italy and France, it not being fair that the Signory alone should bear the burden for all Italy. Perceive, however, that the Pope delays his resolve owing to the promises made to him in the Emperor's name by the Legate Salviati, and by his Imperial Majesty's agents at Home, all for the purpose of gaining time, securing his affairs in Lombardy by making himself absolute master of the Milanese, and consequently rendering Italy subservient to him.
	Have therefore acted according to the advice of Cardinal Wolsey, and disregard the Pope's indecision. Have answered the French ambassadors approving the formation of a league between the Regent and kingdom of France, his Majesty of England, and the Signory, as by the enclosed copy of their reply. Congratulate themselves on the assurance given by Cardinal Wolsey that on the ratification of the league his King would join it, as they hope and trust he will do; so that through the aid of that most powerful kingdom, and the wisdom, prudence, and authority of the King and Cardinal, the union may produce such good effects as will prove to the honour, glory, and benefit of his Majesty, of France, and of Italy. As success depends on despatch, and considering what he writes concerning the pecuniary supply now raising) in Flanders by the Lady Margaret, by the Emperor's order, he is to urge the Cardinal to write again to France, so that the Regent may not delay, and the King of England give his assent, as from this union will proceed the release of the most Christian King.
	Ayes, 188. Noes, 9. Neutrals, 7.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 30. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 519.	1191. Nicolo Varola to —.
	The French ministry complain greatly of the Pope, and praise the Signory. The Lord Albert of Carpi wrote from Rome that the English and Venetian ambassadors did everything with the Pope to prevent him from making a truce for these two months, so that the Pope has a bad name in France.
	A person has arrived at St. Severin sent by the Duke of Milan [Francesco Sforza] to his brother Maximilian, informing him that he will hold the castle; and the defenders within write that should the Duke die, they will keep it for him (Maximilian), who showed the letter to him (Varola).
	Giovanni Gioachino [Passano], late ambassador in England, has come to the Regent at St. Severin on a mission from the King and Cardinal Wolsey. He says the King is exerting himself strenuously for the release of his most Christian Majesty, and has sent a post to Rome and Venice, and to the English ambassadors in Switzerland.
	St. Severin (eight leagues from Angouleme), 30th December 1525. Registered by Sanuto, 18th January.
	[Italian.]