Venice: January 1558, 11-20 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 6, 1555-1558. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1877.

'Venice: January 1558, 11-20', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 6, 1555-1558, (London, 1877) pp. 1421-1433. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol6/pp1421-1433 [accessed 25 April 2024]

January 1558, 11–20



Jan. 11. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1137. Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	I went to the King, being introduced, as usual, by the Cardinal of Lorraine, and presented him in your Serenity's name with such congratulations as seemed fit to me, adding that with this opportunity I had to perform another office enjoined me by the Senate about the general peace, in conformity with his title of “most Christian,” and thus celebrating this victory, which restored to him what had been held by his predecessors after a lapse of more than 200 years. He listened to me graciously, and, with regard to the victory, not only thanked, but embraced me very tenderly, the expression of his countenance and his gestures indicating extradinary satisfaction; and as for the peace, he said very briefly as is his wont, that your Serenity's exhortations were most dear to him, but that they by no means increased his wish for it, adding in the most affectionate manner, “M. l'Ambassadeur, no one desires the peace more than I do, provided I can obtain it on fair terms, and assure the Signory of this.” He then commenced speaking of the affairs of Calais, having shortly before received the capitulation, repeating to me in detail all its contents, which document, before his Majesty saw it, had been read to me by the Cardinal of Lorraine, to whom the courier delivered it in my presence, as your Serenity will perceive by the accompanying copy received from his right reverend Lordship. (fn. 1) His Majesty said that next Monday, the 17th, he purposed going thither with the Dauphin, having a mind (havendo animo) to make farther progress, and believing that M. de Guise is now under Gravelines (sic; Guisnes ?), but that after giving such orders as most necessary he should return. He told me how the conquest was made in only seven days from beginning to end; the length of the assault, which lasted for five consecutive hours; the danger in which Marshal Strozzi, M. d'Aumale, and his brother the Marquis d'Elbœuf found themselves, together with 400 of the chief personages in the camp, they being all in the lowest part, called “the Dunes” (le dunette), to encourage the soldiers who were going to the assault, and on the sudden the flood tide not only stopped them, but for four successive hours they remained motionless in the sea, without the possibility of assistance, being compelled by force to await its ebb. He said that upwards of 300 pieces of very fine artillery had been found in the place, together with an infinite quantity of ammunition and victuals, together with much other wealth in wool and other booty. When I asked if he had any news of affairs in Italy, or of any stir in Flanders and England, he said, “Nothing of importance,” so I then took leave. The Dauphin and the Duke of Lorraine being in the King's chamber, I congratulated them likewise, and then went to the Queen, and in like manner as I found her infinitely joyful, so did she evince a very great wish for some adjustment, but of such a sort (to repeat her own words) as to give hope of its lasting, and that it should not be temporary, like this last one had been, as she would prefer nothing whatever, thanking you much for your exhortations to the King. The like was said to me by Madame Marguerite and the Duchess de Valentinois.
	The Cardinal of Lorraine answered me in the same way as the King, everything proceeding from him, but in very staid language, and much to the dignity of his Majesty and of your Serenity, towards whom he hourly shows himself more and more well affected and disposed; so should you on account of these successes charge me to perform any office, I respectfully suggest the express insertion in the letter (that I may exhibit it), besides the name of the Duke de Guise, of that of the Cardinal likewise, this victory giving them such repute that the administration of France will remain in their hands for ever (non sia più per uscir da loro).
	Paris, 11th January 1558.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 12. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1138. Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	According to the last advices it is heard that, after taking Calais, they have already made the trenches round Gravelines (sic; Guisnes ?), and it now begins to be said that this attack likewise will succeed, the town being open, and the castle not very great, and consequently more easy to attack, although some companies of Spaniards are said to have entered it.
	M. de Guise, in the meanwhile, is intent on repairing and securing Calais, and promises to complete the work in three or four weeks, having only to fortify the part that was battered, the rest not requiring any repairs; and he writes that he shall leave M. de Termes as governor there.
	They are now awaiting the decision about the proposal made to these States for pecuniary supply, and it is already heard that the clergy have bound themselves, besides the four ordinary tenths, amounting to one million and two hundred thousand francs, to double that sum, and the resolve of the other States will soon be known, so in proportion to this one it is hoped to yield a very considerable sum; and although the King departs with the Cardinal of Lorraine, yet, as the Queen remains with the Cardinal de Sens and the privy council, she will speed the despatch of this business. The townspeople at Lyons concluded the loan of 500,000 francs, with the bonus of 14 per cent., which the foreign merchants had refused, the security being the duty of 5 per cent. on silk cloths, which, as it expired in three years, has been prolonged until their repayment. These sums, together with the bonuses of the great loan (doni del gran partito), at the rate of sixteen per cent., which were withheld at the last fair, will for the most part serve for the need of Piedmont, from whence, according to a recent report, M. de Brissac was returning, M. d'Aumale being sent thither in his stead. Nothing more is said about it, but, on the other hand, Brissac sent hither one of his attendants to suggest many measures, and to urge them, protesting that detriment would ensue if they were neglected.
	The King is sending Monsieur de Vinò, alias Hierolimo dalla Rovere, (fn. 2) to Rome, for the performance of an office with the Pope on account of this victory, for which public processions have been made, and they still continue.
	Paris, 12th January 1558.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 13. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1139. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate.
	On the 9th I announced the loss of Calais, which, both on account of the detriment incurred and of the confusion that may take place in England and in these provinces, causes very serious anxiety to King Philip and his ministers, although they report the damage to be less than it appears, saying that from this evil a great benefit will be derived, as the English, provoked by the injury, will muster such considerable forces as to keep France in constant trouble. This is what they go circulating (quello che si va spargendo) to cloak the magnitude of this loss, but the truth is that they are in constant thought about providing for the conservation of these provinces, and most especially of the confines of Artois and Flanders, about which, when I asked Don Ruy Gomez whether they were secure, he said he hoped so, but spoke so coldly that he made me suspect evil; and about Gravelines, he said very plainly that the place is weak, but that they thought of defending it with a considerable garrison of soldiers, part of whom, as already written by me, are drawn from these borders towards Namur until other troops can be provided, a provision which has two difficulties, the one that a large body of troops cannot be mustered and brought from a great distance in a few days, and the other and more important is the great want of money, which increases daily, nor would it be easy to obtain it from the merchants, as they distrust the securities. It is heard that the most Christian King has no lack of money, and that merchants on the marts of Germany have promised him a large sum of gold, they saying that he pays readily, and has never raised a difficulty about the assignments. To provide for this need, King Philip convoked the council of the provinces, and laying before them the present state of affairs, did not demand any fixed quantity of money, but exhorted them to think of doing their utmost, offering on his part to make every effort to raise supply, and from what I hear his Majesty purposes selling whatever he has saleable in his realms, and will try every expedient to provide for the present necessities. Notwithstanding all these difficulties, they are raising troops in these provinces and in the neighbouring territory, and from Germany they are expecting speedily 400 horse, sent by the Duke of Brunswick. The Duke of Savoy is at Bruges, and hopes soon to get together a corps of from 8,000 to 10,000 foot and 2,000 horse, with which to go and provide for the places most in need.
	The Count de Feria will depart in two days for England to console the Queen. The Marquis of Montebello wished to go with him, but was dissuaded by the King, on account of these disturbances.
	Nothing farther is said of the French since it was heard that they had reinforced themselves and were marching upon Guisnes, nor have I been able to confer with any of the ministers, as they are constantly closeted (ristretti) in the council chamber, so I have no other authentic news to give your Serenity.
	Brussels, 13th January 1558.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portions in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
Jan. 14. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1140. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate.
	Cardinal Caraffa has shown me a letter dated Paris, from the 5th to the 8th instant, addressed to him by the Legate Triultio, (fn. 3) announcing the first offices performed by him with the King about peace, and that his most Christian Majesty's reply was replete with kind expressions towards the Pope (con parole piene di affetto verso il Pontefice), the King saying that what he had done for the Pope and his family was very little in comparison with what he would do for the future. Concerning the peace, the King said that, although the disturbances (li tumulti) made by this side required him to resent them, his regard for the public quiet of Christendom, which he has always had at heart, will cause him not to reject fair terms, provided the peace be a true one. Cardinal Caraffa said to me that he saw that both these kings chose to stand upon their honour (star sull' honorevole), and that neither of them will be the first to stoop, but that he will nevertheless not fail to attempt the agreement between them, using this remedy, viz., to propose to one and the other of them what his right reverend Lordship and I shall determine, showing that he will not treat anything without my counsel, which he said perhaps as a compliment The general opinion here is that Cardinal Caraffa has not the peace so much at heart, but is thinking about his own private matters. He intends nevertheless to confer about this business to-day with King Philip to ascertain his will. So far as can be gathered from the letter, the King of France had not then heard of the taking of Calais, Caraffa being therefore of opinion that no sure judgment can be formed about his wish for peace, as this fresh event may easily have changed his fantasy (fantasia), and make him follow the current (seguir il corso) of his good fortune.
	Brussels, 14th January 1558.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portion in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
Jan. 15. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1141. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate.
	A report circulated the court this morning that the French were at Guisnes, and this being a very small place, it is reasonably feared that it cannot hold out long, there being also no means for succouring it, as there is no army on foot nor convenience for forming one, from shortness of time and lack of money; and by this same advice it is heard that Count d'Egmont, who went to the frontiers with such troops as he could muster, has been routed and stripped by the French, and as yet the only other known particulars are that the Count escaped with such part of his men as had the better and swifter horses. Nothing is heard from England, which causes every one to augur ill, whether, in truth, no news arrives, or that it comes and is suppressed.
	Cardinal Caraffa was unable to see the King either yesterday or to-day. Possibly with regard to the peace, as with other matters, they will await the arrival of the Duke of Alva, about whom advice has at length been received that he has escaped the peril prepared for him (il pericolo che li era apparecchiato), and is coming by day journeys by way of Cologne, and will be here in five or six days.
	Brussels, 15th January 1558.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portions in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
Jan. 15. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. (2nd letter.)	1142. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Count de Feria tells me the French are much elated with these successes of theirs, and that they purpose doing many things, though he did not specify what, merely saying that they had left 5,000 infantry in Calais, and that they had retired with the rest of the army towards “Boulogne and those frontiers.” I then asked him whether Guisnes and Hammes, the other two places belonging to the English, had surrendered, but no sure advice to that effect has been received, and he said that both one and the other were of little importance, and that although Guisnes is rather the stronger of the two, it is nevertheless a small fortress. Lord Dudley is the warder (alla custodia) of Hammes, and Lord Grey of Guisnes, both one and the other being much esteemed by the English for their military skill, but the Count does not seem to have a very high opinion of either of them, merely saying that were Guisnes to make a little resistance for a few days it might greatly aid the recovery of Calais, which from what I hear will be attempted by one Captain Giuliano, a Spaniard, a very experienced soldier, and who in great measure caused the capture of St. Quentin (et che fu gran causa della presa di San Quintino). This individual has asked King Philip for a certain amount of troops, but not many, and the greater part infantry, and for some pieces of artillery and a naval squadron (et un corpo di armata), (fn. 4) and has pledged himself to recover the place within a month from this time (prima che passi mezzo il mese di febbraro); and an order having been given to provide him with all those things, he departed hence yesterday in that direction, and what result he may obtain will soon be seen. The Count de Feria, who was to leave for England to-day, as written by me, will delay his departure for another two or three days until the Zealand fleet (armata) be ready to put to sea for his passage, as in no other way would he be safe. It is also said that he will await the arrival of the Duke of Alva, which ought to take place speedily, although from Augsburg hither he took a different route to the ordinary one, having been warned that certain kinsfolk of the Rhinegrave [John Philip, Count of Salm] were waiting at the posts to seize him, hoping perhaps in this way to get back the Rhinegrave; so it seems that by degrees the decision of well nigh all business is being referred (si vadano rimettendo) to that Duke, which, in like manner as it adds to his repute, so does it detract from that of the other ministers.
	The Count de Feria tells me that his going to England is for several causes, the first to congratulate the Queen on the advice given by her these Christmas holidays to his Majesty of her being pregnant, which thing she has chosen to keep secret until now, a period of seven months, in order to be quite sure of the fact (per haverne ferma certezza), lest the like should happen as last time, when this thing was published all over the world, and then did not prove true, whereas now, having very sure signs of it, she willed to acquaint his Majesty with the circumstance. Another cause for which the Count is sent to England is to urge the people there (quelli populi) to make efficient supply for the war, on which subject his lordship also told me that the King had determined to remain this year solely on the defensive, but the event of Calais has made him resolve to prepare for offence; so it is necessary to change the decisions already formed, providing what is necessary for the war in every way, it seeming that much may be hoped from England, most especially now that Parliament is sitting, and on account of this loss of Calais, than which nothing more bitter or grievous could befall the country. The third cause for which the Count is sent to England is King Philip's fear lest the intrigues (pratiche) of the French produce some insurrection there, in which case it does not seem that he can place firm reliance on any one of that nation, but that he must send from hence a person of authority, and who understands the national character (et che habbia cognitione di quelli humori), like the Count, who will be therefore accompanied by several gentlemen and captains who have frequented England, that by counsel and (military) aid (et opera) they may provide against any disturbance that might arise. The Count told me that for these causes the King chooses him to go over to that island, and although his lordship is always ready to serve his Majesty in everything, he nevertheless could not help evincing some regret that this charge should have devolved upon him. Nor will I omit telling your Serenity that since the 4th instant until now no letter nor any messenger is known to have arrived from England, which causes it to be suspected, not only that the passage across the Channel is insecure, but also that some tumult may have taken place in the kingdom.
	Brussels, 15th January 1558.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portion in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
Jan. 15. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1143. Bernardo Navagero, Venetian Ambassador at Rome, to the Doge and Senate.
	Letters have arrived from Cardinal Caraffa dated 26th December, stating that the King has desired his right reverend Lordship to treat for the peace with Don Ruy Gomez and the Bishop of Arras. Cardinal Pacheco goes almost every day to the Pope, and remains a long while with him, being often visited in his own house by the Duke of Paliano, which causes much comment. His right reverend Lordship has given me to understand that one day lately the Pope continued talking to him for an hour, narrating the offices that you had performed by me and your secretaries both here and with the Duke of Alva, and those which the Venetian ambassadors had performed in favour of peace, for which acts the whole of Christendom should feel grateful.
	The French Ambassador, when he heard that the lads (li putti) were not coming, said, laughing, to my secretary, “As I have seen how easily ambassadors and public functionaries are arrested here, I recommend myself to your ambassador, who is the Pope's beloved son, so that when I shall be in Castle St. Angelo he may perform some good office for me, but I remain cheerful, having seen that they do not put anyone to death.”
	Consistory assembled yesterday, and after the ordinary audiences the Pope had a book read, which was composed by a prothonotary named Guielmo, against the Lutherans, who deny that St. Peter was at Rome, and placed the See (la sede) there; this book proving by many ancient Greek and Latin authorities that the See (la sede) of that most blessed Apostle was in Rome; so his Holiness, with the Consistory, resolved that on Tuesday, the 18th instant, the cathedra of Rome be solemnized in like manner as that of Antioch is celebrated on the 22nd February. (fn. 5) His Holiness will go into chapel, and has given orders for letters to be written to the patriarchs, archbishops, and bishops throughout Christendom, desiring them to intimate and observe this solemnity in all the churches of their dioceses.
	Rome, 15th January 1558.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 15. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives. (2nd letter.)	1144. Bernardo Navagero, Venetian Ambassador at Rome, to the Doge and Senate.
	In the course of the conversation held by his Holiness with me, he said, “But one thing done lately by the King Catholic has touched our heart, so we will tell it you, and are content that you write it to his Sublimity [the Doge], as it is well for everything to be known, because, according to circumstances, everything yields some fruit, but with this condition, that those Lords keep it to themselves, as, were it divulged through them, we should have cause to complain and to proceed more reservedly for the future in imparting things to you.
	“You must know that Ferdinand, King of the Romans, although he is a good Prince, and we believe him to be also a Catholic, yet nevertheless, compelled perhaps by some necessity, has loosened the reins of those heretics, promising them also what he ought not to have done. For this reason, King Philip, as we are informed on certain and secure authority, sent him a Spanish theologian, a man of consummate doctrine (di somma dottrina) and morality, to administer a fraternal correction (una corretione fraterna) to him, expressing his surprise that his Majesty, being so good and religious as he is, should have condescended so far as to grant those rogues (fn. 6) (quei tristi) a conference in which religion was to be discussed without authority from the See Apostolic, to which alone the concession of similar things appertains. King Philip also complained to the King of the Romans that his son Maximilian, King of Bohemia, whose heart is corrupt (qual ha il petto marcio), keeps a heretic preacher, making him preach wicked opinions (triste opinion), and goes to his sermons to give him repute.
	“To confess the truth to you, this office performed by the King Catholic has captivated us (ne ha comprato), encouraging us also to send to the King of the Romans a Nuncio, whom we shall dispatch speedily, as we see ourselves assisted by so great a King as Philip is; the King of the Romans being bound to hold him in great account, both as his nephew, and because of his great power, as likewise from his having gained these last victories, for everybody is impressed by prosperous events. But to return to our first topic, we tell you that from this quarter of the King Catholic we promise ourselves much, his Majesty having also referred the affair of the peace to his two chief ministers, who are to treat with the Legate, which is a good sign, by so much the more as the dictates of reason teach us that King Philip, being victorious and superior, can make it to his honour.”
	The Duke of Paliano read to me a little ciphered note from Cardinal Caraffa, thus, “As for the private affairs, I am to treat them with Don Ruy Gomez alone, nor will any one know about them but we two and the King, so you will not speak about them to any one.”
	Rome, 15th January 1558.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 15. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1145. Bernardo Navagero, Venetian Ambassador in Rome, to the Chiefs of the Council of Ten.
	The Cardinal of Fano [Pietro Bertano] (fn. 7) told my secretary that one day this week he had audience of the Pope, who caressed him extraordinarily; he praised King Philip at great length, saying that he has discovered him to be a good Catholic, and religious Prince; that he is as great a King as any other that ever reigned in Christendom; and that he will soon be even greater; that to negotiate with him is more solid and secure than with others; and he at length spoke in such a way as to give the Cardinal of Fano clearly to comprehend that his Holiness intends to take a leap, and by a fresh war stake the rest of this See, and complete the ruin of Italy (che Sua Santità vole far un salto, et con nuova guerra far del resto di questa sede, et finir di ruinar l'Italia). The Cardinal then said, “I will speak freely with you, but pray you so to do that my words may not pass beyond the ambassador and yourself, as it might do me much harm, for you know what a sharp look-out these Lords keep upon me, and that for the merest trifle they would put me into the Castle, because they were of opinion that I directed the late war, and that I was more of an Imperialist than the Eagle, but they deceived themselves. It is true that I was well thought of and caressed at the Emperor's court, and I endeavoured to keep on good terms with them, to enable me to do the service of my Prince [Pope Julius III.]; but rest assured that I wish more weal to the most insignificant Italian baron than to King Philip or to the Emperor, nor ever have I, nor ever shall I wish for anything but the service of God, the conservation of the See Apostolic, and the welfare of Italy.
	“But you must know that the Pope, who has a mind to break with France, and wishes to cloak this evil, as he did the late war, with the religion, says that he sent the Legates to make peace, which would be an infinite advantage to Christendom, the Pope choosing to believe that those Kings will renounce their individual passions and interests. He says, moreover, that the one who shall fail to make peace will have to give account of it to God and to the world; his Holiness wishing it to be understood that King Philip would do well to accede to this, and refer his disputes to him. The Pope also wanted me to write to his Majesty to that effect, which I will not do, because I see the drift of the matter clearly, nor will I be the cause of greater ruin. I am well aware that other persons have not failed to write, but, poor friar as I am, my letters would perhaps produce more effect than those of many other persons. God forbid, however, that I should sin against the common weal, for the Pope has no other object in view than to persuade the world that Philip has done everything in favour of the peace, which failed owing to the King of France, against whom he will then have some pretence for declaring war. When his Holiness complained to me of the French, I told him that great patience must be had with them, as they would easily withdraw their obedience from the Church, which is notorious even to his enemies; and I quoted the reply made to me by Charles V. when, by order of Julius III., I showed him a letter from his Holiness in which he lamented French interference in the affairs of Parma, showing that he had a mind to break with the King, and deprive him of his Crown. The Emperor rejoined, 'Father Nuncio,' (for thus did he call me, as I was not yet Cardinal) 'I ought for my own interest to counsel' the Pope to do the worst he can against the King of France, but for the good of the See Apostolic, I tell you that the French are madmen, and that should the Pope molest them, they will change sides and alienate themselves from the Church, nor will they ever again return to it. I can break and make peace with them easily, because thus have we done hitherto, and so shall we do for the future, adapting ourselves to the times; but if these madmen once break with the Pope, they will never again come to an agreement, and the Church will lose that kingdom.'
	“The Pope listened attentively to this example and expected me to make the conclusion, which I would not do, wishing it to be made by his Holiness, who answered me that the French were light, and changed sides easily.”
	My secretary answered the Cardinal of Fano, that nothing but good offices for the benefit of Italy and for the conservation of this Holy See could be expected from him; and his right reverend Lordship continued that he suspected King Philip would give a considerable pension to Cardinal Caraffa, and some trifle (qualche cosetta) to the brothers, with a promise of Modena and Reggio, to induce the Pope to join the Dukes of Florence and Parma in making war on the Duke of Ferrara; the King taking his advantage elsewhere, and, moreover, getting from the Pope the personality of deceased ecclesiastics (le spoglie), worth 500,000 crowns, the half fruits amounting to 600,000, the tenths, which are 300,000, and “la cruciata” 200,000.
	The Cardinal then proceeded to ponder the preparations of Sultan Soliman, saying that he fears “the Lord God will prosper him for our sins, and that the Papal States will run very great danger, should the Pope break with the French, because their fleet will join the Turkish one, and they knowing, as they do, the necessities of our fortresses, and in what condition they are, most especially Civitavecchia, which they garrisoned for so long a while, making those bastions, we should soon be deprived by them of some important place, which may God of His mercy avert, and inspire him who can remedy it with a better mind.”
	This discourse proceeding from a Cardinal of authority, and who is reputed to know the world, I deemed it my duty to write it to your most excellent Lordships, by so much the more, (as written by me in the public letters) because Cardinal Pacheco confers with the Pope daily for three or four hours, his authority with his Holiness increasing more and more; and yesterday Pacheco said to the “Camerlengo” [Guido Ascanio Sforza] that this would be the moment to do something for King Philip's service, as the Pope, owing to the detention of his great-nephews, is angry with the King of France; to which Sforza replied that not knowing what resolve the King Catholic might form with Cardinal Caraffa, he would not interfere, lest it displease his Majesty.
	The Cardinal of Fano also said, “I will never counsel King Philip to make the Pope break with France, because such a rupture could not yield him any profit, his Holiness not having the means to give his Catholic Majesty either money, victuals, troops, or ammunition. It suffices King Philip to have the Pope for his friend, as also to give him repute, and, moreover, to obtain some favour in his own territories, and facility for raising money there; but should the King intend otherwise, he will never have my vote, as I am not so much his servant as to forget that I am a Christian, an Italian, and a Cardinal. I will not witness the ruin of this See, through its losing France. Pacheco is a Spaniard, and has little love for Rome; I do not know what he is negotiating, and were I to mention any particulars I might tell a lie, but in fact his proceedings render me suspicious. I have spoken with you confidentially, pray his Lordship the Ambassador to keep the whole to himself.”
	Rome, 15th January 1558.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 20. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1146. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate.
	On the 16th, the Spaniard Don Juan de Aiala arrived, being followed by Master Basset, the Englishman who was sent by the Queen to give King Philip the sure advice of her being pregnant (per dar l'avviso certo al Serenissimo Re del suo esser gravida). They both left London on the 10th, and being impeded by the bad weather, and by the difficulty of the voyage, did not arrive sooner. They report that on that day the 10th and not previously, the news of the loss of Calais was received in England, and it is strange (et è gran cosa) that such important intelligence should scarcely have been conveyed in three days, whereas the passage is usually made in one. They having left so immediately after the receipt of the news are unable to know what took place in the kingdom, either good or bad, merely saying that the Queen, when she heard it, determined to make every possible effort to recover the place, and that besides the ships now ready to put to sea to succour it, and the troops which were being mustered, it will be reinforced by the greatest amount the country can raise; and with the opportunity afforded by the session of Parliament, Her Majesty will obtain any sum of money that may be required to that effect.
	In the meanwhile the French are under Guisnes, battering it, and certain persons who know the state of that fortress believe that by this time they have taken it, though of this there is no certain advice; but it is very evident that the ministry here, (questi signori) have not much hope of its being able to hold out, although it has as many soldiers as the place can hold, part English and part Walloons, numbering in all upwards of 600 (sic) men. (fn. 8) The Duke of Savoy will go to St. Omer, which is very near at hand, but he cannot take the field so immediately, having no troops; it being also said that the Count de Meghen (fn. 9) is gone towards Namur, and if able to muster at least a body of horse he will invade France, to cause suspicion there, and at least, if possible, to make some diversion; but the cavalry which was to come from Germany, will not be ready so soon as was hoped and the Duke of Brunswick, who had the charge of raising them, finds it difficult to get together the number required, because the French commissioners give earnest money to all they can get, and as they promise unusually high pay, troops flock from all parts to serve them. Such is the state of affairs at present, and with regard to pecuniary supply, which is everything, they encounter so many difficulties that hitherto they have scarcely been able to raise from one person and another, at exorbitant interest, one hundred thousand ducats, part of which is being sent to St. Omer and to those confines to give a little sop (un poco di intertenimento) to the troops in garrison there, who have served for many months without being paid. To procure larger supplies, his Majesty will sell what he can of his revenues; and Tomaso de Marino, the Ambassador from Genoa, told me he is in treaty to purchase certain estates in the kingdom, [of Naples] and perhaps the Duchy of Bari, on condition of disbursing half the price in ready money; the other half being placed to the account of his (Marino's) old creditors.
	The Count de Feria has not yet departed for England, because the Spanish fleet with which he is to cross has been quite shattered by two late most violent storms, so that of the seven ships which formed it, two foundered on the sandbanks; but he will soon depart, and has already sent some of his retinue towards Zealand. In the meanwhile the Duke of Alva will arrive, he being expected in a couple of days.
	The Legate Caraffa has been, with the King about the negotiation of peace, and sent me word that his Majesty took time to think about it. The King's confessor told me, that several letters about this peace have passed between him and the French King's confessor, who, so long back as when the army was at Han, was the first to invite him to do so, assuring him that King Henry was most excellently inclined, and that the past disturbances were caused by the ministers, and with this opportunity the business had been already set forward, but for the last few days the confessor has no further advice from that friar; so it is supposed that this recent capture of Calais has perhaps made the King of France change his opinion.
	Brussels, 20th January 1558.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portions in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]