Henry VIII: January 1530, 11-20 | British History Online

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 4, 1524-1530. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1875.

'Henry VIII: January 1530, 11-20', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 4, 1524-1530, (London, 1875) pp. 2742-2748. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol4/pp2742-2748 [accessed 19 April 2024]

January 1530



11 Jan. Lanz, I. 360.	6142. CHARLES V. to ARCHDUKE FERDINAND.
	Acknowledges congratulations on the birth of his second son. Hopes Ferdinand's queen will have a boy. De Praet is despatched to France.
	Ferdinand's second letter is of great importance. Charles admits the cogency of his arguments from his point of view, but there are others no less weighty from his own. States reasons for and against making a truce with the Turk, and advises him to make it. Among other things, mentions that the business of his aunt, the queen of England, may be the cause of new wars; nevertheless, as the Pope has assembled the ambassadors of all Christian powers for an enterprise against the Turk, it might be well, if Ferdinand can afford it, to make the truce only till March next, that people might not say we were negotiating a peace and an expedition at the same time. Advises him how he may do this without making the Turk think that he is in fear of him, but by sending a secret messenger in the first place make it appear as if the Turk opened the negotiations.
	As to his urgency that the Emperor should come to Germany, wishes his opinion whether he ought to take his crowns on this side Rome in order to repair thither the sooner, or if he should go to Rome, and defer the journey to Germany till May or June; or whether, if the affairs of Germany will permit, he should go to Naples first, and after visiting Germany make the round by Flanders into Spain, so that he would have no further occasion to visit Italy. Three points must be regarded in relation to this: first, the causes of his departure from Spain; secondly, what has taken place since he left; third, how to carry out his object under the circumstances. Has already informed him touching the first point, and how he left Spain, contrary to the opinion of several persons, and not so well furnished as he ought to have been. Had he remained, is convinced that peace would never have been made by those who ought to make it, nor would the war ever have been finished by those who ought to finish it. Secondly, his coming was the only chance of putting an end to the heresies in Germany, else there might have been a danger of their attempting to make another King of the Romans. Thirdly, he was also influenced by a desire to visit his kingdom of Naples, which is so much devastated, if the affairs of Germany would have permitted it, or, if not, to send thither, and, if possible, go there on his return. Having war on all hands, he must endeavour to make treaties with some; and if he had any choice, he would begin with Italy in making war upon France. If not, he would begin with France in order to make peace afterwards in Italy, for he sees no prospect of conquering it, and, even if he left it, this would be a cause of perpetual war to him. Wishes, moreover, to have the Pope's friendship, such as it is, and to "entertain" him (l'entretenir), which will be very difficult, as he wishes to be lord in Italy ("vuillant seignorier l'Ytalie"). Was also afraid of a sudden invasion by the Turk.
	As to what has taken place since his departure:—First, the army, which had no wish for his coming, was not ready in time, and he had to spend two months' wages there, which he might have spent here without wasting time. Then, twenty days after he embarked at Savona, came news of the peace with France, which, though a good thing, changed all his purposes. Had also heard from Ferdinand that the Turk was not coming (all which gave him more leisure to attend to the affairs of Italy), otherwise he would at once have entered the Venetian territory to be nearer Ferdinand. Afterwards, when he received Ferdinand's repeated messages about the success of the Turk, Charles made all haste hither, and, instead of speaking in the way he intended, was obliged to show himself desirous of peace. Meanwhile came news of the retreat of the Turk. The Pope had already arrived by the Emperor's request; and as the season was so advanced, and as he did not expect the winter would have been so mild, he could not withdraw, especially as he had declared his inclination for peace. The enterprise of Florence was accordingly determined on, and it is said that in fifteen or twenty days all the necessary arrangements will be completed. Charles will therefore leave in twelve days for Genoa. All his men here are needed for the enterprise; but, if he find it advisable, he can take his crowns earlier, and go over into Germany.
	The king of England is on the point of abandoning our aunt without the Pope's consent. Perhaps, if he sees that I am at peace in Italy, he and the king of France will beware of creating new war. Even if they did, I shall still be in better condition than when I left Spain. For, besides having Naples undisturbed (le reaulme nect), I have 12,000 Spaniards and 9,000 Germans in Italy, which I can keep up until April. Besides, things may turn up: Florence may come to terms; and the duke of Ferrara is about to agree with the Pope. You may imagine how in Spain they abhor what I have spent upon Italy.
	They say the king of England already holds his mistress as his wife, and maintains that, whether the Pope will or no, he will make her so. He treats the Pope as a heretic, and says he might be degraded. On one hand, the Pope would not consent, the affair being too scandalous; on the other, he does not like to incur disgrace and the loss of Henry's obedience. Suspects he will commit some folly. In any case this will be a sufficient cause of new war. I believe Francis aids in it, and is doing all he can with the Venetians, duke of Milan and others, to set us two at war. Andrea Doria's term of service ends in May or June, but I hope to retain him longer. If, however, there were any conspiracy against me, they would try to gain him. Explains to his brother his future movements, which will depend upon circumstances. If the peace endure, and Ferdinand find the affairs of Germany insecure with regard to the heresies and his election, it might be advisable for him to gain time by giving them gentle words, and assuring them of a General Council, especially if there should be any danger of war between the king of England and the Emperor in case of his repudiation of the Queen, and not doing her justice, because he considers the Pope a partial judge for not granting his demands. Bologna, 11 Jan.
	Fr.
12 Jan. Vit. B. XIII. 43. B. M.	6143. ROBERT _ to RICHARD [CROKE].
	"Frater carissime." Has nothing to reply to his letters. Praises his work, and exhorts him to proceed. Will write more fully in a short time. It seems that he will not leave the place where he is now. Nothing has yet been done about the dispensations. Has already written that the office which he desired has been obtained. Bologna, 12 Jan. 1530.
	Lat., p. 1. Copy by Croke. Mutilated.
12 Jan.	6144. WM. CHAPMAN.
	His will. Proved 12 Jan. 1530. Printed in Nicolas' Testamenta Vetusta, p. 647.
14 [Jan.] Vit. B. XIII. 42 b. B. M.	6145. [GHINUCCI] to [ALEANDER ?]
	Understood by the letters of John of Flanders (fn. 1) that your fatherhood, besides other kindnesses, had obtained permission for him to have books from St. Mark's library. Thanks him for his kindness to his friend, for whom he has great affection. Nothing will gratify him more than the privilege of seeing the books. He is so devoted to literature that he hardly takes pleasure in anything else. His cause is urgent, and he needs the suffrages of theo- logians, such as [Aleander]; that is, of those who are both learned and good. Asks him to obtain subscriptions to his writings for John of Flanders, and to transmit them to the Bishop; and promises his services in return. Bologna, 14 [Jan.]
	Lat., p. 1. Copy by Croke.
14 Jan. Titus, B. I. 353. B. M. Ellis, 1 Ser. II. 20.	6146. THOS. FRYSBY, Canon of Launde Abbey, to CROMWELL.
	Reminds him that at his last being at Launde Abbey he had promised to talk with the canon and his brethren about their business. Has had a fall in the snow, and by the same token sends him six cheeses. Cromwell need not give the prior any thanks for the same. Launde Abbey, 14 Jan.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: "To the right worshipful Mr. Cromewell."
16 Jan. R. O. St. P. VII. 227.	6147. JOHN STOKESLEY to [the EARL OF WILTSHIRE].
	Your goodness towards me has bound me to you for life. On the 15th your son took his journey to the French king, "now being ten leagues beyond Troyes, in his journey towards Digion," waiting for Barlow, and for such remedies as we have devised for staying the authority of Dr. Beda, and the fury of the unlearned Spaniard, Dr. Petre Garray, who has circulated a bill, drawn up by Beda, notwithstanding the admonition of the Great Master, against our opinion, and circumvented some of the Doctors. They have, however, recanted, and we are sure of the congregation of the faculty. The Great Master and Mons. Longis (Langeais) excused themselves for their long deliberation, as fearing the Emperor might make use of this device to delay the deliverance of the French king's children. We would rather have their help now than when they have their desires, for by this means our enemies have undermined many, but if my Lord speed our desires we shall be able to bring them round, and even if the King (Francis) deny our requests, we trust to prevent further signatures against our opinions.
	We have in our favor Valentinus Lemini, the inquisitor, and we are assured that if the cause come to the faculty, they will affirm that the Pope cannot dispense. If the French king or Lysott will show themselves to the faculty, the matter might pass in a month, though Lysott strongly favors the Pope.
	We hear nothing of the return of the bp. of Bayonne from England, except that his horses have arrived. He sent such letters as he had to Mr. Poole, but none to us. It is necessary for us to have his brother, De Langes, with us. Paris, 16 Jan.
	Hol.
18 Jan. R. O.	6148. DATES OF PAPAL BREVES.
	Notarial attestation, made at the request of Sir Gregory Casalis, the English ambassador at Rome, of the mode adopted by the Apostolic Chancery for the dating of breves; viz., that the year is computed from Christmas Day. Dated Tuesday, 18 Jan. 1530, 7 Clement VII. Sealed with the seal of the College of the Archives of Rome.
	Pp. 2.
R. O.	2. Two additional articles propounded on the King's behalf as to the different modes of computing the year in briefs and in bulls; viz., that in the former the year begins on the 26 (fn. 2) December, and in the latter on the 25 March; and as to the form of marriage per verba de prœsenti according to the usages of the Church and realm of England.
	Latin on parchment, p. 1.
18 Jan. Vit. B. XIII. 13. B. M.	6149. RICHARD CROKE to [STOKESLEY]. (fn. 3)
	Has at last spoken to Hier[onymus] Aleander, who said that he alone had a true catalogue of the books, "ta[m Græcorum] quam Romanorum," and that 400 Greek volumes were missing from [the Pope's library, "a [custode] suo scriptum." He says that the letters of Nazianzen are in the Pope's library, but not all, and not the book Croke [wants]. Aleander and Father Valerian of Bergamo, a man learned in both languages, tell him that the bp. of Chieti has Nazianzen, Maximus Pla[nudes], Chrysostom, and the Rhapsodies. Stokesley has given him a list of the authors which he must read in Rome. The bp. of Verona has a copy of Greek commentaries. Both the bp. of Verona and Aleander have influence with the bp. of Chieti, but the latter does not wish Croke to say that he has obtained his information from him, though he promises his help, and will come in, as if by accident, when Croke calls on the Bishop, and pledge his word for Croke if the Bishop makes any difficulty. However, as he refuses to name a day, and will not allow Croke to see the catalogues or the Gregory which he boasted that he had with him, saying that they are in Apulia, and that Croke shall see them at Rome, does not think that he will do anything without money, or that he will even go to the Bishop without making a bargain.
	Knows how impatient the King is; and as there is a chance that the books which are here are wanting at Rome, Croke asks for his advice as to whether he shall remain here to meet them, or go on to Rome. If the former, wishes him to write to ask the bp. of Verona to obtain leave of the bp. of Chieti for Croke to see his books; and also to write to both the Bishops to obtain leave of the senate of Venice for him to see the epistles of Nazianzen. Hopes to be able to obtain the Venetian Nazianzen by means of father Francis George, a theologian and Venetian noble. He alone has obtained leave for Croke to search the libraries "divi [Joannis] et Pauli, et ne eundo et redeundo nimis magnam faciam [jacturam] temporis, egit ut interposita consobrini sui fide mihi ... permitterentur legendi. Scripsit hic idem pro p ... et docte. Et ut hunc virum plenius c[ognoscas] est in lingua Hebraica do[ctus] ... ut mihi fide * * * uti audio doctissime in Lutherum scripsit, et mihi apertissime constat ... illum cum apud Venetos tum vero apud Patavinos theologos [æst]imationis;" so that we hope that all the Franciscan doctors, both of Venice and Padua, will subscribe his writings. At any rate his endeavours must be stimulated by praises and thanks, and even gifts. There is no doubt that he will be more energetic when he knows that it is the King's cause. The King wished him to encourage any one who might seem favorable to the cause, by such words as these, "Si ο βασιλευς sciret hanc opinionem vestram, certe conduceret operam vestram." Has not yet named the King, but has even concealed his own name and country, and will do so till he receives his correspondent's advice. The Jews tell him that the law of Deuteronomy has never been kept since the fall of Jerusalem, and, what Stokesley was very desirous to have confirmed, that it is not intended to be kept, except where it is allowed by the Levitical law, and they do not consider it obligatory except where causes and circumstances expressly urge it, and not even then is it absolutely obligatory. They say that it was always an alternative, either to marry the brother's widow, "vel pati discalciationem." Has letters on this point from two Jews,—one a physician and a rabbi, and the other a convert to Christianity. Will send them, with a copy of the book of Francis George, by the first messenger, and also the writings of any one else whom he thinks learned enough to consult.
	At Padua, in the monastery of St. Justina, found the Moralia of Basil, his Opera ad Monachos, some discourses of Nazianzen, one a very large one, and a catena of Greek commentaries on St. Luke. Has read all the heads of Basil and the other authors, and the commentaries on all the texts which Stokesley ordered him to search. Has found nothing in Greek, except St. Paul's Epistles, with the same commentaries that are found in the library of St. John and St. Paul at Venice, where he found the commentaries of many learned men on the Old Testament. It was impossible to look at all the places which Stokesley noted, for he was only allowed to remain two hours a day in the library, "sed hactenus nec multum in illis ... re magnopere partes juvet nostras inveni ... [Chrys]ostomus in Matthæum et Basilii epistolæ ... os mihi legendos, quod dominatio vestra nihil ad meas quas per postam ante quartum De[cembris] diem ad eandem dedi responderit; accepisse enim non est dubium."
	Casale has expostulated with him for not writing of the assistance which he has given Croke. One thing he did, which Croke has written, about Victor Faustus, whom Croke could not speak to, though he asked him 100 times. The Prothonotary wrote for him to D. de Lastampa; but if Croke were to call on him at Padua, as the Prothonotary advised, he would fill the whole town with the report of his arrival. Has, therefore, not been to see him, nor used his aid, finding that he could search the libraries without the help of any one. These men, while they wish to seem to do everything, either do nothing, or at least can do nothing. The Prothonotary showed him letters, which he said were the autographs of Paduan doctors who decide for the King, and said that he had been charged by the King to find out the opinions of theologians. Croke does not think he has done so; for when he opened the question to them, they were surprised, as at a thing they had never heard of, and they either answered that they had never seen anything on such a matter, or that they knew nothing; while the most prudent asked for time to consider. Judge, then, what he has done for the King, as Croke himself has already obtained one or two decisions. He says now that he was charged only to ascertain the opinions of theologians; but he asked Croke to come with him to the bishop of Chieti, and to take the King's part there, and thus discover the opinion of the Bishop. Answered that he had no such commission, and if the Bishop would execute his office, Croke would not be wanting. To make him the more anxious, said that he had found many and strong reasons for the King's side in the Greek commentaries. He prayed Croke to tell him what he had done, promising to give him similar information, and said that they would write jointly to the King. Answered that he would do nothing without the advice of his correspondent, for so he was ordered by the King. He then invited Croke to dinner, and even to come to his table every day. "Ego (quem sem[per] ... putans ædibus acceptum suis, nec acceptum tamen,) scripsera[m] ... foris protrudendum, non committam ut id mihi rursum posset accid[ere,] maxime vero cum videam illum nihil pro rege fecisse. Vereor ut p[arum] tutus illic locus tractandis mihi negotiis regiis si ... Et nollem ego principis mei causam mea temerit[ate] aut stultitia periclitari aut prodi. Hæc omnia pro ex[cusanda] nostra in regem fide vobis putavi aperienda; sed ... ad ista conniveatis nec statim cum illis ex ... occurratis difficultatibus commodi ... meis querelis, vel mihi ... per invidiam * * * ... ram opus habuerimus pecunia, ut mihi per mercatores hic perspiciatis ne in discessu inopia mihi in mora sit."
	Wishes to know what has been done about his and Foxe's dispensations and about his letters to Foxe for the increase of his diets. At Venice, in haste, "post Antonii ad vespera."
	Has today received two letters from him, and expects the longer one. Reminds him that if he writes to the brothers to thank them for their conduct to him, he must not name him Croke, but Johannes Flandrensis, which name he has assumed, and he has feigned that the King's cause is his and his brother's, and concerns his patrimony. Asks him to obtain Foxe's dispensation as soon as possible, for then Foxe and Stephen will always commend him to the King. Does not wish Casale to do anything for Foxe, for he will do nothing for Croke; and if he does for Foxe, Croke's letters in praise of his correspondent's kindness, and blaming their (the Casales') pride and fraud, will be thought untrue.
	Lat., draft, pp. 4.
19 Jan. Vit. B. XIII. 10. B. M.	6150. RICHARD CROKE to the PROTHONOTARY [CASALE].
	Is glad to hear that St. Chrysostom's Greek Commentaries on St. Paul's epistles, the Annotations of Maximus Planudes on both Testaments, the works of Gregory of Nazianzum, and of other Greek authors on the Gospels, and a certain immense Rhapsody, are in the possession of the bishop of Chieti at Venice. Aleander, a most learned man, tells him that Nazianzen and four hundred other Greek volumes in the Papal library, of which he was keeper, are missing. It does not, therefore, seem advisable to go to Rome yet, as the books can be found here. Has seen, at Aleander's house, a very ancient Greek volume of Ecclesiastical Councils, and was told by him that Nazianzen's letters are in the library at Venice. Requests the Prothonotary to obtain access to the library for him, from the Senate. Asks him to write and let him know what he has done. From my house, 19 Jan.
	Draft, p. 1, Lat.
19 Jan. Tit. B. I. 365. B. M. Dyce's Skelton, II. 373.	6151. AUGUSTINUS DE AUGUSTINIS to CROMWELL.
	Desires Dr. Butts or Walter (Cromer) may be sent to the Cardinal. Requests him to speak to Balthasar (the physician) to obtain some leeches. No time must be lost. The doctors are also to bring some vomitive electuary. From Asher, 19 Jan. 1529.
	Hol., Italian. Add.
20 Jan. Add. MS. 26,053, f. 1. B. M.	6152. CHARLES V. to MARGARET OF SAVOY.
	Desires her to give letters patent to Jehan Baptiste Naturelli, nephew of the provost of Utrecht, for the deanery of Envers (Antwerp), which Banissis has resigned. Boloingne, 20 Jan. 1529. Signed.
	Fr. Add.
	At the foot is Margaret's order for the despatch of the patent. Malines, 22 Feb. 1529. Signed.
20 Jan. Vit.B.XIII. 10. B. M.	6153. RICHARD CROKE to the PROTHONOTARY [CASALI].
	Asks him to write, and desire his brother to fulfil his promise about the dispensation. Will not enumerate all the books which he requires; but he wants, first, Basil's Questions; Nazianzen's Epistles; all Chrysostom's Greek works on the Scriptures; the Greek Book of Councils; all the Greek Commentaries on both Testaments, especially that called Rhapsodia or Cathena; and all the works of Maximus on both Testaments.
	"Obsecro ut qua soletis diligentia omnia conficiatis, et quam brevissime poteritis omnium bibliotheca[rum] Venetiarum, maxime autem S. Marci, indices curetis [mihi] exhibendos; pudet enim tantillo ... magnorum" * * *
	Prays him to help as much as possible in his endeavors, and promises to report his kindness to the King. From my house, 20 Jan.
	Has seen the library of Sts. John and Paul.
	Draft, p. 1, Lat.
20 Jan. Vit. B. XIII. 11. B. M. St. P. VII. 229.	6154. HENRY VIII. to HIE. [GHINUCCI] BISHOP OF WORCESTER and SIR GREGORY CASALE.
	Desires credence for Thomas earl of Wiltshire and Ormond, keeper of the Privy Seal, John Stokley, S.T.P., and Edward Lee, S.T.P., his ambassadors to the Emperor. London, 20 Jan. 1529. Signed.
	Lat., p. 1. Add. Endd.