|
| August 21. | 443. The Duke of Holstein to the Queen. |
|---|
| When her vessels under the command of Lord Cobham
returned he sent his Chamberlain, Christopher Proberg, with
letters to her; since his departure one of the writer's attendants
whom he had left in England has returned and brought him
the Order of the Garter, together with a letter from Lord
Hunsdon. The writer is extremely grateful for the Garter,
but is still more pleased to hear that she is well, and that the
war in Scotland had been finished according to her wishes.
Desires to know the conditions of the treaty. All is at peace
in his parts. Livonia is hard pressed by the Muscovites and
Russians.—Gottorp, 21 Aug. 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Broadside. Lat. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| August 22. | 444. The Privy Council of Scotland to the Queen. |
|---|
| They request (in the name of the Queen of Scotland), letters
of safe conduct for Lord Harry De Valois, son natural to her
late father, and Jane Lady Fleming his mother, with twentyfour persons and as many horses, to pass through England
to France.—Edinburgh, 22 Aug. 1560. Signed: James
Hamilton, James Hamilton, Ard. Argyll, Morton, Glencairn,
James Stewart, W. Maitland. |
|---|
| Orig., with seal. Add. Endd by Cecil's secretary. Broadside. |
|---|
| [August 22.] | 445. The Horses of the Lady Fleming. |
|---|
| The number, colours, and qualities of the horses which my
Lord Harry De Valois and my Lady Fleming brought with
them forth of Scotland, being 20 in number. |
|---|
| Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| August 22. | 446. Throckmorton to the Queen. |
|---|
| 1. On the 11th inst. he received her letters of the 7th by
Henry Middlemore. Having waited for the arrival of the
Bishop and M. De Randan, upon whose coming the answer
and resolution of the same rested, he sent Mr. Somers to
the Court for audience on the 17th, who was answered by
the Cardinal that it could not be on the 17th, as the Pope's
Ambassador, the Bishop of Viterbo, had audience on that
day; but that if Throckmorton would send on the 18th
he should have a day appointed, which was the 19th. Upon
his arrival at the Court he was conducted to the Cardinal's
chamber, and there he told him that the Queen had given
him authority to ratify the late treaty and to demand
that the French Ambassador should have like commission,
wherein he prayed the King to signify his pleasure. The
Cardinal replied that the King was minded to ratify the
treaty, but that as the Bishop of Amiens and M. De Randan
had only had audience the day before, there was as yet
nothing resolved. Throckmorton said that there was an
article in the treaty whereby the same was to be confirmed
in sixty days; to which the Cardinal replied that that was
no great matter among friends. When Throckmorton spoke
of the Queen's desire for peace, he said that the subjects in
Scotland began already to break the treaty, and would not
suffer the Bishops and spiritual men to enter into the possession of their promotions, as was agreed upon, and that the
King trusted that the Queen would not assist them. When
Throckmorton said that the Queen knew not of this, and that
the Bishop of Valence had left things otherwise, the Cardinal
answered that they had news since his departure from Scotland by La Marque, who had been kept prisoner there,
although he had the Queen's safe conduct. Throckmorton
said that these things were out of his charge, and that he
believed the Queen would be loath to do anything prejudicial
to the amity between the King and her. The Cardinal replied
that the King was equally desirous for the continuance of
peace. |
|---|
| 2. Throckmorton further said, that though it was arranged
that the Commissioners should treat at London of an article
not decided in Scotland, yet upon their request the Queen
had licensed them to go into France, on their promise to
return with authority to conclude. The Cardinal thought it
strange that a Prince's ministers being in legation should not
be at liberty to go and come at their pleasure; and asked why
the King should be bound to treat of any matter by any
special men? Throckmorton said that perhaps he had not
well used the word congé; to which the Cardinal replied that
he understood his meaning well enough, but thought it
strange that the King's ministers should appoint themselves
to conditions. Throckmorton replied that it was for their
master's service that they bound themselves not to depart till
they had ended the matters referred to be treated at London;
he asked if the Queen had not reason to see them keep their
promise? and said that she took the King to be a prince of
such honour as he would not have given to two such personages commission to proceed in any matter, but that he
would stand to all such things as they thought meet; and
that if they had bound themselves not to depart before the
time prescribed, it was as much in the Queen's respect as
other things in the treaty. The Cardinal replied that they
had said as much to the King, and set forth the "grand
nombre de gracieusetez" which the Queen had used towards
them, and said that De la Brosse and the Bishop of Amiens
had advertised the King of like good entertainment. He
further assured him that the King was minded to confirm the
treaty; and when Throckmorton replied that he never heard
it doubted, he answered that he knew not what he had heard,
but that he understood that the Queen was not disarming.
Throckmorton said that he did not know what she was doing,
but that she was minded to disarm when she heard that
things on the French coast were clear, and that order was
taken thereto, and this the Cardinal said their Ambassador
had signified unto them. Throckmorton said that perhaps he
had told them that she kept certain companies at Berwick;
these, however, were the ordinary garrison. The Cardinal
said that this was not the matter, but that the Queen had
yet forty-two ships armed at Portsmouth, and had gone
thither herself rather to arm than disarm them. Throckmorton said that through the delay of the safe conduct for people
to view the French coast he was unable to certify of the disarming of the French, which was the cause of her keeping her
ships at Portsmouth. The Cardinal assured him that all the
arming had been at Newhaven, and that there were no armed
ships there presently; and that as the names for the safe
conduct had been given, it should forthwith be prepared.
Throckmorton told him that he intended to send one of his
folk along the coast from Calais to the Seine, another from
the Seine to the Loire, and the third from Nantes to Bordeaux
and Bayonne. The Cardinal said that if they thus viewed all
along their coasts, the French must do the like in England, to
which the writer replied that it was reasonable; and so ended
this matter. |
|---|
| 3. The Cardinal next said that there were bruits whereby
the Queen was slandered to have been a comfort to the rebels
and makers of stirs in France, and that some of Normandy and
others the King's subjects fugitive at Strasburg had devised
many things. whereof they have altogether informed the
Queen. Throckmorton replied that she naturally abhorred all
seditions, and assured him that she never knew of any such
matters; and if she did, she would never be induced to give
counsel and succour to rebels. The Cardinal said that all this
had been revealed by one to whom torture had been given.
Throckmorton again declared that she knew nothing of such
matters but by common bruit, and by his advertising her of
such things as came to his knowledge, like as the French
Ambassador advertised them of the state of things in England,
and called God to witness that neither she nor her minister
ever had favoured, or would favour, any rebellion against the
Prince. The Cardinal trusted that the Queen would not
suffer any of the King's rebels to have any resort or succour
in her realm; to which he was answered, that though
England was not so great as France, yet it was easy for a
man to come there as a stranger, and many may be there
unknown to the Queen. The Cardinal said that he did not
mistrust his considerations, and that the French Queen was
minded for a beginning to declare her good affection towards
Elizabeth, to send her her picture, and to have the like of
her. |
|---|
| 4. Throckmorton, after again assuring him of the Queen's
good intentions, said that MM. D'Amiens and De la Brosse
had promised that the money for the transport and victualling
of the men from Scotland should be paid within fourteen
days, or else that they would yield themselves within twenty
days, and the Queen had licensed them to come hither upon
that promise. Here the Cardinal began to look more cheerfully (for till now he looked somewhat frowningly), and used
great good words, with declaration of the Queen's courtesy
towards the King's ministers, and said that order had been
taken that her moneys should be sent her in "beaux escuz;"
and with a merry countenance said that he was glad to hear
that the King of Sweden was coming into England to marry
the Queen, and made a description of his person and qualities
and great riches. "M. De Randan told me," quoth he, "a
merry tale, that the Queen told him, when he talked to her
of marriage, that it was a matter of earnest, and that she
could not marry as others did." Throckmorton said that he
was afraid that she would not be hasty to marry, but trusted
that she would now hearken to it. The Cardinal replied,
"It is reason she should do so, car le temps coule." Throckmorton said that he had heard of the King of Sweden's coming,
and that the Queen had told him to say that for her part she
would not omit any occasion of amity, and trusted that the
King would do the like. The Cardinal then said that the King
was resolved to signify his pleasure therein to his Ambassador
resident, together with his meaning touching the Bishop of
Valence and M. De Randan. |
|---|
| 5. This ended, he conducted Throckmorton towards the King's
chamber as far as the hall, where he left him to be entertained by the Bishop of Valence, whom he congratulated on
the peace, and reminded him that these late garboils arose
from innovations and jealousy, all occasions whereof he
trusted were now taken away, and said that it was judged
by some that the peace was not altogether accepted and liked.
He answered that he knew it, but that he and M. De Randan
liked it, and trusted to make good their doing, whatever was
said. As Throckmorton was beginning to speak with him
about the galleys, he was sent for unto the King, and has not
had occasion to speak with him since; nevertheless he will
send to him about them. |
|---|
| 6. The writer found the King accompanied with his
brethren, the Duke of Lorraine, the Cardinals of Châtillon and
Guise, the Constable, the Dukes of Guise and Aumâle, MM.
De Montmorency and Danville, and three or four of the
Order. He declared the Queen's commission as he had to the
Cardinal, and was answered that he liked well the Queen's order
for the ratification, and would advertise his resolution therein
to his Ambassador as well as touching the Bishop of Valence
and M. De Randan. He then asked whether the Queen in
her progresses did not go on hunting. Throckmorton answered yes, and that he thought that now she would do so
more at her pleasure. The King said that it was a pastime
he loved well, and that it was his chief exercise; and then
prayed the Queen to use as good means as he meant to do for
the continuance of peace and amity. Throckmorton said that
he need not doubt on the Queen's behalf; and having ended
with him, turned to the Constable and embraced him, saying
that the Queen would be glad to hear of his good health,
taking him to be one who would endeavour to conserve the
peace. He replied that he was glad to hear that she was in
good health, and that he would do so. |
|---|
| 7. The Duke of Guise then took him into the King's wardrobe, where the writer repeated what he had declared to the
King and the Cardinal. The Duke then set forth his own
and brother's good meaning for the continuance of amity, and
then began to praise the King of Sweden and his riches; and
when Throckmorton marvelled that a country so far north
should be so rich in money, he said that besides the King's
father having had twenty years' rest, and being a great
hoarder up, he had great minerals. Throckmorton said that
those were all things whereof England had need. The Duke
then said that it was well considered, and that no marriage
could be so fit, unless she took one of her own country. |
|---|
| 8. After a few words of office passed to and from, the Duke
conducted him to the French Queen, whom he found in her
own chamber, accompanied with her ladies and gentlewomen in
very good order set about the chamber; and whereas at other
times when he has had to say to her, she has always been
accompanied with the Queen Mother, and talked with him,
both standing, she was now set in a chair under her cloth of
state, and would needs have him sit upon a low stool right
before her. To whom he declared in English that which he
had said to the King and Cardinal, touching the ratification
and of the order taken therein; whereunto she answered in
Scottish that what the King, her husband, resolved in that
matter, she would conform herself unto, "for his will (quoth
she) is mine; and, M. l'Ambassadeur, I have as much cause to
esteem her amity as any other, for I am the nearest kinswoman she hath, being both of us of one house and stock,
the Queen, my good sister, coming of the brother and I of the
sister, so as being issued out of the same race I have the same
heart she hath, and assuredly can as ill bear injury as she can,
and therefore I pray her to judge me by herself, for I am sure
she could ill bear the usage and disobedience of her subjects
which she knows mine have showed unto me. And write
unto her from me that as I am her nearest kinswoman, so I
will for my part in all my doings make it good, looking for
the like at her hands, and that we may strive which of us
shall show most kindness to the other. And I pray you Mons.
l'Ambassadeur, (quoth she,) write unto her that I have once
forgiven and forgotten the faults of my subjects for her sake
and at her request; trusting that she will be contented, if
they forget their duties hereafter, they may be made to learn
to know it, and that they shall receive no comfort at her
hands, but rather that she will help me to have obedience of
them. And though I be her sister, because I am a Queen as
she is, which name worketh kindness between sisters, yet tell
her there is more betwixt her and me, for we be both of one
blood, of one country, and in one island; and by that time
she have made proof, she shall find my friendship more
honourable and to stand her in more stead than the amity of
my subjects, being rebels. Now (quoth she) my mother is
dead; whiles she lived I was less troubled with the care of
that country, and now I must be troubled with the care of it
myself; and tell her, I pray you, seeing we cannot one of
us see another nor speak together that yet we may use that
kindness together that doth please each other when they be
absent. For my part I say nothing, M. l'Ambassadeur, (quoth
she,) but I will perform it." |
|---|
| 9. Throckmorton answered that the Queen would leave
nothing undone to increase the amity, and that she would
always find her ready to do kindness; and mentioned her
usage of the French ministers. "Indeed (quoth the Queen)
they do all greatly praise her, and say that she is both a wise
and very fair lady; and because the one of us cannot see the
other, I will send her my picture, though it be not worth the
looking on, because you shall promise me that she shall send
me hers; for I assure you (quoth she) if I thought she would
not send me hers she should not have mine." Throckmorton
said hereunto, "Madam, though I cannot promise you assuredly
the Queen, my mistress's, picture, yet I will do the best I can
that you may have it; and the Queen, my mistress, is not so
hard hearted that she can deny so fair a Queen, her good
sister, her picture, seeing she doth so earnestly crave it as one
that seemeth to be in love with her, and meaneth so well
towards her; and therefore, Madam, (quoth he,) you may be
assured if you send her your picture she will send you
hers." "Yes, you shall have that, Mons. l'Ambassadeur,
(quoth she,) and any other pleasure I can do her; and I pray
you forget not to write unto her that which I have said unto
you, and let me be assured of it as you are a man of honour,
and as would have me believe that you have a good meaning
and mind to play the part of a good minister betwixt us."
"Madame," said Throckmorton, "assure yourself that as mine
evil memory will serve me I will not forget to advertise the
Queen of your whole discourse." "I pray you" (quoth she)
let me trust to it; and M. l'Ambassadeur," quoth she, "I perceive you like me better when I look sadly than when I look
merrily, for it is told me that you desired to have me pictured
when I wore the dueil." "No, madam, not for that cause only,"
quoth Throckmorton, "but specially because your Majesty
spoke more graciously and courteously to me in that apparel
than you did at any time before, whensoever I have had to
say with you." Then he took his leave of her and was conducted to the chamber for receiving the Ambassadors, where
M. De Randan came to him, whom he thanked for his pains
and travail in the late negociations, and trusted that he would
employ himself for its due observance on this side; and told
him that, as all the late troubles were happened through
jealousy and suspicion, it were well done to cut off all occasions on both sides, and that the King's causing his galleys to
come round was suspicious. Randan replied that the King
had sent for them before the accord, but had sent to stay them
since the accord, but understanding that they were on this
side of Bayonne there was no means to stay them. Throckmorton said that the galleys set forth on the 15th July, and
therefore had as much time to return as they had to come.
De Randan said that at this season there happened many
storms, and the King could not considerately hazard the
galleys now. Throckmorton said that he knew what grief the
Queen would conceive in this matter, and prayed him to have
such respect to it as that all occasions to judge evil of the
King's proceedings might be banished; and this De Randan
promised to do, declaring that the King would have sent them
back if it might have been done without hazard. |
|---|
| 10. Throckmorton then reminded him of his promise to
return within three months for the decision of certain matters
yet in question. He answered that the King was devising
whom to send over, but this proponing of the Queen's meaning had caused him to stay the devising thereof, and that he
would signify the King's determination. He then commended
the Queen for her gracious entertaining of him, and swore
that he honoured her above all other Princes; and whensoever
she should need his services in any place where the King, his
master, should not be prejudiced, he would be ready with 100
horse. |
|---|
| 11. As in his audience of the 19th he received no resolution
touching their meaning of the ratification, on the 20th he sent
this bearer (Mr. Somers) to the Cardinal, who said that the
King had resolved upon the order devised by the Queen,
minding out of hand to send commission to their Ambassador
there. As the time for the ratification draws very near, he
begs that the Queen will send him her commission for the
same by this bearer. The Bishop of Valence also sent word
that through the matter of the Assembly and the ordering of
things at home and of religion there was no resolution as yet
taken either for the sending over of himself, of M. De Randan,
or of any other, and also that the meeting would turn to a
general assembly of the three Estates of France. Recommends
this bearer, Mr. Somers, to the Queen for his diligence and
aptness to her service. On the 17th the Pope's Ambassador
with the accustomed ceremony presented the French Queen
with the rose as his good daughter. It is said that he has
caused the Duke of Palliano to be beheaded, and has utterly
deprived the Cardinal Caraffa from all dignity, and condemned
him to perpetual prison. The Cardinal of Naples is also condemned to pay 40,000 crowns; the Cardinal De Monte had
his hat taken from him, but restored. The Pope demands the
restitution of Parma and Placentia, or the peaceable dividing
of the Duchy of Camerino, or else 300,000 crowns, which is
thought will somewhat touch King Philip. It is said that
Caraffa was the chief of the conspiracy against the Duke of
Florence. The Cardinals of Lorraine and Tournon are named
the Pope's Legates in France. It is judged that there is a
breach towards between the Dukes of Ferrara and Guise
touching the Duke of Ferrara's mother, who being very rich,
and lately fallen out with her son, had secretly sent to the
Duke of Guise a gentleman with message that she would
come into France and end her life there, and be as his mother.
Word was sent her that she would be welcome; and if her
son would not permit her to come with her substance, he
would take into his hands the assignation made by the late
King upon certain lands for the payment of 100,000 crowns
yearly to the Duke, till such time as 600,000 crowns
borrowed of him at the Duke of Guise's last voyage to
Rome were paid off. The Duke keeps his mother with good
watch for fear of her escaping into France. The Duke of
Savoy has made instance to the French King to consign some
deputies to declare his title for Piedmont and Savoy, because
the time of the rendition thereof is April 1562. |
|---|
| 12. It is reported that the matters of Algerbe go very evil.
The Constable arrived at Court on the 17th, and the King of
Navarre is looked for on the 31st. The Bishop of Glasgow
and Lord Seton, with other Scottish gentlemen, are not yet
admitted to come to Court. The Earl Bothwell cannot
be heard of, it is thought here that he is perished. Asks
the Queen to let the French Queen know that he has set forth
her good affection towards her, she having importuned him
four or five times to report faithfully her words. He also
asks her to send her picture.—Melun, 22 Aug. 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 25. |
|---|
| August 22. | 447. The Queen to Norfolk. |
|---|
| He shall cease to use her commission as Lieutenant-General
in the North, in which she expresses her acceptance of his
good service.—Winchester, 22 Aug. 1560. |
|---|
| Draft, in Cecil's hand and endd. by his secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| August 22. | 448. The Queen to Lord Grey. |
|---|
| Warrant for him to discharge his 100 light horsemen by
the 30th inst., which had been allowed him for his wardenry.
—Winchester, 22 Aug. |
|---|
| Draft, in Cecil's hand and endd. by his secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| August 22. | 449. Shers to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. The Pope now again feigns for a General Council, and has
despatched towards the Emperor a Venetian of the house of
the Delphini, as utterly unlearned as the Abbot of St. Salute,
but also of a worse life. He passed on Thursday last in his
journey, not for a free and General Council, as the voice goes,
but to get the Emperor's assent to continue the last Council
begun at Trent. |
|---|
| 2. It comes from Rome that the King of Spain has sent
another into France, to persuade with the King in that behalf
and to procure to let the National Council promised there,
and that he that was sent was at the last Council of Trent.
The Caraffas remain in prison. For the two Cardinals
Vargas, the Ambassador for the King of Spain, is an earnest
suitor in his King's name, and for the Duke of Paliano the
French King is suitor, because he is a Knight of St. Michael. |
|---|
| 3. There is no appearance of the making of Cardinals, but
at Christmas the Pope promises to do so. They write of a
brother of the Admiral of Spain, Castiglia, a man of estimation and authority, that he is committed to ward in Spain for
matters of religion. Since the losses at Gerbes the Turks with
their galleys have not done much hurt; yet, overladen with
Christian souls, artillery, munitions, money, and other wealth,
are returned triumphantly towards Constantinople. They
talk of certain English at and about Rome that hope, as the
Jews do, for a new world by their Messias, not subject to
mutation.—Venice, 22 Aug. 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary.
Pp. 4. |
|---|
| August 22. | 450. Intelligences from Sicily. |
|---|
| 1. The fort of the Gerbes was taken on the 30th ult., and
Don Alvaro De Sandi, the General, after making a sally to
obtain water, was taken in the said fort, after having fought
bravely for two days; and it is doubtful whether Bassa will
give it up for money. |
|---|
| 2. Bassa, having put on board ship forty large pieces of
artillery, a quantity of ammunition, 1,500 salme of corn, flour,
and biscuits, and about 100,000 V. [ducats] between those of
private persons and of the Court, dismantled the said fort,
and departed for Tripoli with the whole army. |
|---|
| 3. When he had been several days at Tripoli, where he left
the people, the artillery, and ammunition, with the galleys and
galliots of Dragut, he set sail and arrived on the 16th inst.
near Malta, where he remained waiting for an answer from
the Grand Master, to whom he had written, requiring of him
some Turks. When Bassa learned that he was not found, he
set sail immediately in the direction of Augusta in Sicily,
where, on his arrival, certain infantry disembarked, and the
cavalry of that kingdom coming up with these made them embark with the loss of several Turks. |
|---|
| 4. The Grand Master, seeing the army depart without finding the Turk whom Bassa sought, having found two of the
same name, resolved to send them in a frigate after the army
and provisions. |
|---|
| 5. The Regent of Sicily had sent a frigate to Augusta to
treat for the ransom of his son and other principal gentlemen,
but it did not arrive until the army had set sail for the east.
No news was heard of John Andrew Doria, who left Malta
on the 10th of August with eighteen galleys, fourteen of his
own and four Papal, to attack Zuvara, and some thought he
had been hindered by bad weather. Of the officers, who
were in the fort of the Gerbe, six are prisoners.—Messina,
22 Aug. |
|---|
| Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Ital. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| August 22. | 451. Peter Martyr to the Bishop of Ely. |
|---|
| Although Martyr has written two months ago to the
Bishop about his [Martyr's] prebend at Oxford, (which he
has no doubt has been received,) he has had no answer.
The writer and his friends still enjoy peace. They hear
that the French have obtained a peace little honourable
to themselves, at which all good people rejoice. They have
now to put down their internal tumults, which they will
do by craft, since they cannot do it by force. The French
with the Pope are endeavouring to obtain a General Council,
nominally free, but really as confined as the Israelites
were in Egypt by Pharaoh. They have endeavoured to persuade the Emperor that the questions should be settled by
the Pope, the German Bishops, and the King of Spain's
Ambassador. They have also sounded the Electors Palatine
and of Wurtemberg, and the Landsgrave, but have received
the reply that as God formerly confounded the counsel of
Ahitophel so He would confound theirs. All things seem to
show that the Council will be held by the Emperor, the
French, the King of Spain, the Duke of Savoy, the Pope, and
the German Bishops. Martyr himself is well, and his wife is
again with child. He thought that he would have been able
to have published his Commentaries upon the Book of Judges
at this present fair at Frankfort but finds he cannot do so.
His wife sends commendations, so does his Julius.—Zurich,
22 Aug. 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| August 23. | 452. The Duke of Holstein to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Having learnt that the war in Scotland has been concluded, he supposes that Cecil has by this time returned from
thence. He has therefore sent this letter; for when he was in
England he understood from Cecil that he thought that the
Queen would turn her attention to that affair in which the
writer is especially interested, as soon as the Scottish war was
finished. He therefore hopes that he will not be doing wrong
in sending into England his envoys to prosecute his suit. He
nevertheless desires Cecil's counsel in this matter, as he relies
on his friendship and has always followed his advice.—Gottorp,
23 Aug. 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| 2. P.S.—No one has seen these letters but his Chancellor,
the writer. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. by Cecil's secretary. Endd. Lat. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| August 23. | 453. Gresham's Account. |
|---|
| | £ | s. | d. |
|---|
| 18 May 1560. Richard Clough's charges into Germany, two horses, whereof one
died, posts' wages at 3s. 4d. per day | 6 | 0 | 0 |
|---|
| 22 May "Hire of post to Cecil | 4 | 10 | 0 |
|---|
| 16 June "ditto to Parry | 4 | 6 | 8 |
|---|
| 2 July "ditto ditto | 4 | 10 | 0 |
|---|
| 23 Aug. "ditto to Queen | 5 | 0 | 0 |
|---|
| | £26 | 6 | 8 |
| Endd.: 1560. Money laid out by Sir T. Gresham for his
man Clough's charges in his negociation with the Count
Mansfeld. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| August 25. | 454. Randolph to Cecil. |
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| 1. On the 16th inst. there came to the Earl of Argyll out
of Ireland an ambassador from O'Neil, whose message and
the effect of his embassy Cecil may perceive by these letters
which the Earl of Argyll has sent, besides some other matter
that he requires to be advertised of. The letter he received
from O'Neil the Earl caused to be translated into English,
and has sent the original, ad faciendam majorem fidem,
and that he may see the strangeness of their orthography;
this he desires to be sent to him again. |
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| 2. "The manner and behaviour of him from whom the
letter came is not so strange as it was wonderful to see the
presence of his ambassador, a man that exceeds many in
stature. He walked afoot out of Ireland hither alone; his diet
(by reason of the length of his journey) so failed him that
he was fain to leave his saffron shirt in gage, the rest of his
apparel such that the Earl, before he would give him audience,
arrayed him anew from the neck downwards, for cap he
would none; his lodging was in the chimney, his drink chiefly
aqua vitæ and milk." Though his message is such as the
Earl will by no means consent unto, chiefly for the ungodliness
of the person and the worthiness of his sister (of whom the
writer hears great commendation) yet will he not utterly shake
him off or give him any resolute answer, but intends awhile
to entertain him to see what good may be done upon him,
either to bring him to God or more civility; free passage and
surety is at all times granted to him to send letter or man.
He has taken order with Randolph how Cecil's answer shall
come into his hands. He departed on Saturday at 10 p.m.
towards Argyll, and intends not to return these three months,
his business there greatly requiring his presence. He desired
Randolph to make his excuses and commendations, and to
testify his goodwill of service to the Queen. Cannot sufficiently
commend him. Wonders not a little to see a man of his
age, life in times past, and bringing up, so affectionate to
God and His commonwealth, so earnest, constant, bold, and
frank in his talk with the greatest; so upright in conscience that he can compare him but to one other in the
whole country. There is only he and one more that deserve
immortal fame, he knows not which passes the other. The
night he departed after long talk he thus concluded with the
Duke and the Earl of Arran, that he would so long honour,
serve, and love them as they would serve God, tender the
weal of their country, and with earnest mind perform what
they had promised unto the Queen. He put them both in remembrance of many other things that he wished in them both
to be reformed. He willed them to beware of their council,
and advised them to put all suspicion out of their heads; to
make of their friends as they were worthy, and not as affection led them. He advised in the sending forth of these
Ambassadors for honour of their country, if there were no
other respect. In this matter there has been of late
much controversy, both for the personages and for the
manner of sending. In choosing of the fittest men the Duke
thinks that he ought to have the stroke, because the chief
point in their message touches him and his. The other point
requires such charges that he [the Duke] is loath to move
therein until the tax granted by Parliament be levied; very
much has been said herein, but nothing concluded. Whatsoever order they take, some think it necessary to send. They
were once resolved upon the Earls of Morton and Glencairn,
the Master of Maxwell, and the Laird of Lethington. The
Master of Maxwell can evil be spared from the Borders, where
he is presently gone with commission to see good order. In
his place, if it may be granted without suspicion, Lord Robert
is very willing to come, as are also the other two Earls, as
well for great hope that may ensue as also to see the Queen. |
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| 3. Had rather write out of course than leave anything
untold that he judges necessary. Since it entered the Duke
of Châtellerault's head that it were a great benefit unto
the country that they might be delivered of the French
government, and since he has had experience of the Queen's
goodness towards the Scots, he has had many thoughts how
it were possible to prolong the amity lately begun. Though
the Duke desires no longer life than he has will to perform
what he has promised to the Queen, either in public contract
or private writing, yet he cannot see how this friendship
may be drawn to long continuance, except it may be coupled
with some more entire bond than can be conceived either in
Parliament or paper. Though he holds almost no other purpose with any man that he talks with but this, which some
may judge to proceed rather upon the affection he bears his
son than that he deeply considers and weighs all things in
their due places, yet Randolph finds many men who judge
that there would a wonderful benefit issue unto both
realms if the Queen would embrace the occasion offered.
Those of whom he speaks have left nothing unexamined,
they know the inequalities of the personages, the worthiness
of one and the lack and imperfections of the other; they are
not unmindful what suitors there have been in the like,
what honour and alliance might issue if either might take
place. They utterly confess that unless it pleases the Queen
for the love of God only, and for pity it may please Him to
put in her heart, not to see these two nations that have
lived so long in discord and debate, being now joined in
amity, to be again dissevered and dissolved. It were both a
far unequal match, and not their parts so soon after so large
benefits, whereby they are restored to their liberty and lives,
to make any such-request. Howbeit, the experience of her
virtue, the hope of the great good that may ensue, the
wisdom they have conceived in her doings, and the patience
that she has had in hearing their other requests, embolden
them to proceed so far. The Duke is so earnestly bent that
way that he lives as a man in jealousy with all men that he
may suspect of being an enemy to that cause. He has been
known to suspect his greatest friends. His son, whether it
be a portion of his inheritance, or a humour annexed unto all
that feel like passions, has substantially failed herein. "God
knoweth upon how slender occasions any such thing proceedeth." Believes that there is no man willinger that it
should come to pass than he who is thought to hinder it
most. When communication was among the Lords of those
that should be sent into England, it would have been gratefully taken of the Earl of Argyll if he had been requested
thereunto. How loath men are that the matter should not
take place appeared of late, when some purpose was thrown
in of the likelihood of the issue thereof. Divers men said
diversely their minds. They concluded all that the most stay
would be in them that most coveted the same, either through
lack of wisdom to handle the matter, or the imperfection of
the party whom they desire to prefer. They therefore all
concluded that whatsoever may take place they will try to
observe their faithful promise to the Queen. They find the
commodity of the contract so great, that they are determined to maintain the same. |
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| 4. On the 17th when the Bill (a copy whereof Cecil has
received) should be subscribed, there were many that had
given their consent that thought little to have put their
hands. The Earl of Argyll and Lord James went from place
to place where divers that absented themselves were lodged
that by no excuse they should avoid what they had promised. The Earl of Cassilis remains as obstinate as ever.
The Earl of Argyll and Lord James have given over kindness
with him, rather for a while to be a terror unto his friends than
that they intend presently to do against him. The Earl of
Athol bears so little good will towards Lord Huntley, that he
will do nothing for any man that favours him. The Earl of
Montgomery loves his wife so well that he will do nothing
for her father's sake. The Earl Marshall is too well schooled
by Mr. James Magill to do his country any good, his son
lamented unto the writer his father's doing, and promises better
of himself when he shall come in the place; his father is sick
and gone from hence eight days since. Lord Gray departed,
contrary to his promise, and did not subscribe the contract.
The Bishops of St. Andrews, Dunkeld, and Dumblane, as soon
as they had put in their bill of complaints of misusing them
and contempt of their authority, departed, and being called
into Parliament to pursue the same no man appeared. The
Bill put in by the Barons against the Bishops contained
rather a general accusation of all living Bishops than any
special crime that they were burdened with. The other three
are become good Protestants, and have subscribed the contract. The Bishop of Athens preaches earnestly and prays
heartily for the Queen, and greatly extols her benefits.
Mr. Willockes specially by name prays both for France and
England; Mr. Knox universally for all Princes living in the
fear of God, and desiring Him to turn the hearts of others
and send them in the right way. Mr. Goodman has been
lately in the Isle of Man, he laments the slender reformation
of religion there and lack of preaching among a people so
disposed to hear God's Word; he tarried there ten days and
preached twice, and has talked with them all of late to
search their opinions how an uniformity might be had in
religion in both realms. They seem willing that it so were;
many commodities are alleged that might ensue thereof,
howbeit he finds them too severe in that they profess, and so
loath to remit anything of that they have received that he
sees little hope thereof. With others he has dealt more
liberally than with them, they find it so expedient that there
shall lack no good will in them thereto. |
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| 5. Their Book of Common Reformation is now in translation and shall be sent to Calvin, Viret, and Beza in Geneva;
and to Martyr, Bullinger, and others in Zurich. Perceives not
their opinion of England to be such that they will be content
to stand to their judgment therein; howbeit they will not
refuse to commune with any learned men to hear their judgment. The Confession of Faith shall also shortly be translated
and put in print. Order is taken for the ministers, and places
appointed where every one shall preach; Mr. Knox at Edinburgh, Willockes at Glasgow, and Goodman at St. Andrews.
The Book of Reformation was not at this time presented to
the Lords of Articles, but divers other Acts passed against the
Pope and his authority; the Mass abolished, and divers penal
statutes taken away for punishment of heretics. So much is
already done that all men who profess Christ may live in freedom of their consciences; the rest shall follow, and much the
sooner if good success follow the suit that shall be made to the
Queen; whereof they have received new comfort, seeing all
the noblemen so willing thereto, as by the Bill subscribed with
their own hands appears. |
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| 6. The Duke immediately after the return of the writer
from Berwick, made some rehearsal to him of the Queen's
goodness to him and his house. He commended greatly what
he had heard by report of the Duke of Norfolk, and showed
how much he was beholden to Cecil, and let him understand
that some purpose he had with him of that matter which is
now intended, and looked for more comfortable words than he
had received. |
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| 7. The Earl of Arran hoped at Cecil's arrival to have
received no small comfort, or at least that some token or sign
should have proceeded from him, or some word escaped him,
whereby he might gather what was intended, or whereof he
might have augmented ever so little his hope; in which point
how much he failed, so much did he despair. They are fully
resolved with tooth and nail to set forward the matter; the
worst that may ensue thereof is either an honourable repulse,
or a happy success. In these terms they stand in love and
friendship without suspicion of any man; whatsoever may
be known to be the Queen's pleasure or Cecil's advice in
any matter, there shall lack no goodwill in them to the
performance. |
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| 8. They have heard of late of the King of Sweden's son.
Though it be much to think what force lies in the sums of
money he brings, and what the substance he is bruited with
may allure men unto, yet is not the discomfiture of that so
great as the force of the Duke of Holst to be doubted, both
for the nobility of his house, the goodliness of his personage,
his power, his friends, and also that he professes the same
religion; this is the man who has given many a sharp alarm
in their camp. The other they know the first of his estate,
and how lately he took the princely dignity, and hear more
of his substance than his virtue; neither does his tongue
agree with any language the Queen speaks, or his personage
such as greatly excels, his people neither of such civility or
nature as can much allure any nation to entire amity; his
religion far from that others profess; his aid far off when need
shall be, a Prince evil obeyed at home and worse beloved of
his neighbours; so that neither of him or any other do they
stand in doubt be he ever of so high estate but that may be
countervailed with virtue or other commodity. They consider
also the honour that shall redound to the Queen and her posterity, that shall be able to conquer the hearts and service of
so many and such a people, as neither with money nor force
could be won or brought into subjection. Such and other
things are their daily and nightly talk. For that sometimes
the presence of a man in notable enterprises may greatly
advance the purpose taken in hand, it has been devised how
it were possible to convert a secret voyage to any such place
out of Scotland into England where a man desires to be.
Nothing is impossible to a willing bold heart. In this purpose they remain, that if it were not for fear rather to offend
than that anything else were doubted that adventure would
soon be given.—Edinburgh, 25 (fn. 1) Aug. 1560. Signed. |
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| Orig. Hol. Pp. 8. |
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