Venice: November 1554 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 5, 1534-1554. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1873.

Citation:

'Venice: November 1554', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 5, 1534-1554, ed. Rawdon Brown( London, 1873), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol5/pp590-594 [accessed 27 July 2024].

November 1554



Nov. 11. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x.	962. Cardinal Pole to Pope Julius III.
	By his last, of the 7th, wrote to Cardinal del Monte, what the most Serene Queen had written to him, and sent word by a messenger whom he despatched in haste for this purpose.
	On the 8th, the English ambassador at Brussels [Sir John Masone], (fn. 1) delivered to him letters from the Queen, confirming what is aforesaid, and charging him to inform the Emperor that now the time appearing to them mature for calling him to treat and conclude in the present Parliament, the return of England to the union and obedience of the Church, they proposed both these matters to the whole body of their Council, whose unanimous consent was given so readily, that the members seemed really to have been moved by the Holy Spirit; and that as compensation for such long delay, they thought fit to honour his coming (andata) by sending to him, as far as Brussels, two Lords of the Council, one of whom was to be Lord Paget, and the other the Master of Horse [Sir Edward Hastings], brother of the Earl of Huntingdon/ (fn. 2) with some other noblemen and gentlemen, who, as they were to depart post wise on the 26th instant, expected to arrive at Brussels on the 30th; but that should the Emperor dismiss Pole previously, their Majesties wished him not to await their arrival at Brussels, but to be accompanied by the English ambassador [Sir John Masone] until he met them, in order that be might be present, if not at the commencement of the Parliament, which was to meet on the 11th instant, at least shortly afterwards, to assist this cause of the reconciliation (reduttione).
	On the very day of the letters' arrival the ambassador having reported accordingly to the Emperor, presenting also letters from King Philip, to the same effect, his Majesty evinced approval of everything; but with regard to Pole's departure, as the arrival of these noblemen was to take place so shortly, he determined that it would be better to wait for them, and that on the 10th or 11th instant, he would give him audience.
	On the 9th the Bishop of Arras came to Pole, telling him he was sent by the Emperor; he exulted and rejoiced (essultava e giubilava) and holding in his hand two letters addressed by King Philip to his Imperial Majesty, he narrated their contents to him, thus: that the King having heard of the Emperor's indisposition sent him such news as would, he hoped, alleviate all indisposition; and then made two demands of Pole—the one, that he would be pleased at this commencement to go without the emblems (le insegné) of the legation, although both the King Philip and the Queen would acknowledge him as Legate subsequently in public and in due season; the other, that with these Lords and gentlemen, he should not descend to any particulars about the disposal of the Church property, but merely announce good intentions to all in general terms.
	Pole replied that King Philip had in truth great reason to congratulate himself on the carrying into effect of this legation, on which depended the confirmation and seal of all the felicitations hitherto offered him, and that he (Pole) was aware of owing this great obligation to God for this opportunity for serving his Divine Majesty, his Holiness, the See Apostolic, his own country, and King Philip and Queen Mary, as also his Imperial Majesty, at one and the same time; adding that in the affair of this his legation, the like had occurred as is wont to happen in all the affairs of God which causing at the commencement some dissatisfaction and bitterness' produce in the end the sweetest fruit. And touching the two demands —with regard to the first, about going without the emblems of his legation, Pole said that their Majesties deeming it expedient so to do, he would obey them, not unwillingly (io non mat volentieri obedirei); and as to the second, about not descending to particulars, be would most willingly do so, seeing that the arrival of these noblemen was expected, and in fact took place this morning.
	In the afternoon they went to the Emperor, sending in the first place to apologise to Pole for not having come to him immediately, as they were tired, but that this evening they would come to sup with him, as they did, presenting him with credentials from King Philip and Queen Mary, in whose name they apologised for this long delay in admitting him, and then told of the great unanimity of the whole Council, both in calling him at this time, and in approving that in the present Parliament it should be treated to conclude the return to the unity and obedience of the Church; and said that for the satisfaction of the parties concerned, it was merely desired that the Pope should give him all ample power about the disposal of the Church property (which power they believed had been received by him subsequently), and that without it, even should the return to the obedience be concluded, as they expected it would be by Parliament owing to the good choice made of its members, there nevertheless would be great difficulty and trouble in carrying it into effect.
	They then spoke about his going as Cardinal and ambassador from the Pope, saying that this was done to avoid prejudicing the authority of the Parliament, as would be the case were he to appear as Legate, before the enactment of the obedience.
	To this Pole replied that they may be very certain that the Pope bears, and ever will bear her Majesty (quella Maestà) and all of them as much affection as can be desired from a most loving father towards his children; and that as to the mode of his going, being convinced by their Majesties' goodness, and perceiving this their consent, he did not doubt that they acted thus solely because it was deemed expedient for the success of the cause.
	In conclusion, they strongly urged Pole, in their Majesties' name, to go as soon as he could conveniently, saying that King Philip by no means chooses the Parliament to commence debating about the religion until after Pole's arrival there, and they declare the Emperor will not delay despatching him; so he thinks of obtaining audience to-morrow, and departing the day after, should it please. God, who he hopes will soon comfort the Pope by gratifying his holy wish for the welfare of England; and thus may his Divine Majesty deign to do, granting continued prosperity to the Pope, whose most holy feet Pole kisses.
	Brussels, 11th November 1554.
	[Italian.]
Nov. 12. Original Letter-Book of Agustinc Barbarigo in the Venetian Archives.	963. Giovanni Capello and Agustino Barbarigo, Venetian Ambassadors in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	Barbarigo wrote from Lyons on the 28th ult., and, continuing his journey, arrived on the 9th instant in Paris, where yesterday he and Capello had audience of the King, and then went to the Constable, who told them that next year the King would be beforehand with the Emperor, and send him the Constable in advance, and that Capello, returning to Italy, will find horse and foot on their march towards Piedmont; nor have they anything to fear from England, as on her ringer the Queen has two rings, with which she was espoused twice, first on her accession when she was crowned and confirmed the treaty with France, and secondly when she became the wife of the present King of Spain, which marriage, it may be supposed, she will not consider binding, as she is, moreover, supposed not to have money; (fn. 3) and that his most Christian Majesty had remained a month here in Paris, not for his amusement, but to make such preparations as were necessary. Capello has taken leave of the King and Queen and the whole Court.
	Paris, 12th November 1554.
	[Italian.]
Nov. 22. Original Letter-Book of Agustino Barbarigo in the Venetian Archives.	964. Agustino Barbarigo, Venetian Ambassador in France to the Doge and Senate.
	His predecessor (Capello) departed on the 15th. On his way to the French Court, Barbarigo met several men-at-arms and light-horse, going towards Piedmont, [and was told at Turin that they purposed soon making some notable attempt, and hoped to succeed.] (fn. 4)
	Has seen a letter from England, dated the 7th instant, announcing the departure of Lord Paget and another personage to meet Cardinal Pole, to whom, however, Queen Mary had written, desiring him to set out for England without awaiting their arrival; and the writer considered it certain that, when he wrote, the Cardinal had departed, for the purpose, as he (the writer) supposed, of attending this new Parliament. (fn. 5)
	Paris, 22nd November 1554.
	[Italian.]
Nov. 24. Deliberazioni Senato (Secreta) v. lxix., p. 62, tergo.	965. The Doge and Senate to the “ Bailo” at Constantinople.
	By the last advices from Brussels, understand that the Emperor's army, having well fortified New Hesdin, were to raise the camp on the 5th instant, and march towards a certain border castle near Montreuil, which had been well fortified and provisioned by the French, who were in great force there; so it was said the Imperial army would do nothing more this year. The French advices tell them that besides a good number of German and Gascon infantry which the French are marching into Piedmont, with men-at-arms and light-horse, his most Christian Majesty is also sending a number of Switzers with orders to his General, Monsieur de Brissac, to go against the Duke of Florence, both to attack his territory and to raise the siege of Sienna.
	It is heard from England that the King and Queen are in London, and his Majesty's coronation was delayed; and, according to report, the King will go to his father, the Emperor, not having seen him since he came from Spain.
	The siege of Sienna by the forces of the Duke of Florence continues, and they have taken the towns of Casola and Monte Rotondo in the Maremma of Sienna.
	Ayes, 190. Noes, 2. Neutrals, 2.
	[Italian.]
Nov. 30. MS. St. Mark's Library, Cod. xxiv. Cl. x. Printed in vol. 5, pp. 1–4, “Epistolarum Reginaldi Poli,” etc.	966. Cardinal Pole to Pope Julius III.
	Gives account of the ceremony performed on St. Andrew's Day for the return of England into the bosom of the Church. It took place in full Parliament in the presence of the sovereigns with such universal consent and applause, that when at the close Pole gave absolution by blessing the congregation, there was a spontaneous and repeated shout of “Amen.” Bestows exuberant praise on Philip and Mary. Philip is the spouse of Mary, but treats her so deferentially as to appear her son, thus giving promise of the best result. Mary has spiritually generated England, before giving birth to that heir, of whom there is very great hope (cujus in spe maxima sumus). Gratitude is due to God, to the Pope, and to the Emperor, for concerting so holy a marriage; it remains for the Pope (according to the intention notified by his Nuncio at the Imperial Court) to reform what time has vitiated in the Roman Church, and then may it be said, “Put off [O Jerusalem] the garment of mourning and vexation and cast about thee [a double garment of] “righteousness,” &c. This alone remains to complete the joy of his Holiness and of the Universal Church.
	London, 30th November 1554.
	[Latin, 61 lines.]