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| Dec. 21. | 815. Guido Giannetti to the Queen. |
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| 1. Having written fully to her on the 7th Dec. concerning
the General Council, he now informs her of the contents of
the Papal Bull regarding it, since published. |
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| 2. In the said Bull the Council is convoked in the city of
Trent, by the removal of the suspension by Julius III.; is to
begin next Easter, and is to extirpate heresy and schism, and
correct manners. As usual, there are invited Patriarchs,
Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, and others who have the
privilege of sitting and giving sentence in a General Council;
and those whom they call heretics are warned to be present. |
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| 3. The Pope understands that the former Council of Trent
is to be continued; although in the Bull the word continuation is not made use of, as in that of the jubilee, and a show
of deference thereby made to the Emperor and the late King
Francis, who demanded a new Council in which the Germans
might be heard. Meanwhile King Francis died, which will
cause great trouble in this matter. For although, while the
Cardinal of Lorraine was at the head of affairs, such a Bull
of a General Council would perhaps have sufficed to prevent
the National; another form of Council would be required to
satisfy the present rulers of that kingdom. So that it is
very evident that neither the Council of France nor the
Emperor will accept a Council under these conditions; which
the Pope understands. But he, not to fail before the world
in so great a need, concedes, not indeed what is required, but
what appears to him convenient, viz., that which is most
advantageous to his Church. |
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| 4. It was thought that two or three Cardinal Legates de
Latere would be named in the Bull as Presidents to the
Council, to represent the Pope; but this has not been done,
because they were waiting a reply from the Emperor and the
King of France, whether the form of Bull pleased them or
not. For if it shall not please them, neither presiding
Cardinals nor other Prelate will be sent to Trent, and the
appointment of Presidents to the Council is likely to offend
the Germans. They will take great care not to be compelled
by the Sovereigns to do anything in Council contrary to the
authority which they claim to have; but in any case the
result is likely to be opposed to their intention. |
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| 5. Before the death of King Francis, it was said that
Mons. De l'Isle, Ambassador of France to the Queen, was
sent by that Court to explain the reasons why the King
was unwilling to confirm the treaty; and it was consequently
thought that war was to be expected from France, which
Rome would willingly foment. At present it is reported that
the Guises and the other counsellors of Charles IX. will send
their Queen back to the Scotch, who is to marry one of them,
and has agreed that Scotland shall renew its former friendly
relations with France. |
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| 6. Before the death of Francis it was also said that the
King of Navarre, (reminding the late King Francis of the
services of himself and his house to the French crown,) complained that they had been ill requited, and that although he
had held certain opinions in matters of religion, he nevertheless wished to be Catholic and obedient to the Apostolic See,
and that therefore, as King of Navarre, he sent his Ambassador to render public obedience to the Pope. He had moreover
caused one of his men to be taken by the Lords of Guise as
being a promoter of a sect in communication with Geneva.
Vargas, the Ambassador of Spain, had objected to the acceptance of the obedience, asserting that the King of Spain is
King of Navarre, and not Anthony, Duke of Vendôme, nor
Jeanne D'Albret his wife; but the Pope decided to accept
the obedience, with the protest that it be without prejudice
to the King of Spain; and the ceremony took place in public
Consistory, in the hall of the Kings. The King of Navarre
feared to lose the inheritance of his wife, on the borders of
Spain, and his own patrimony adjoining, on account of the
hostility of the Guises, and the offer of the aid of the King
of Spain, by means of Don Antonio of Toledo, against the
rebellious French. But now the King of Navarre has less to
fear from King Philip, who has resigned the absolute government into the hands of the Duke of Alva. |
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| 7. The Pope has sent a commission to Delfino, his Ambassador to the Emperor, to go to the Princes and Catholic
Prelates of Germany to treat with them concerning a Council.
Another Prelate named Commendone, Bishop of Zante, sent
by the Pope, goes first to the Emperor to obtain letters and
secure passage, to announce the Council to the Bohemians, to
the Dukes of Saxony and other allied Princes, and onwards
to Flanders, returning thence by the banks of the Rhine. This
Commendone (formerly in Flanders, secretary to Cardinal
Dandino, at that time Legate of the Pope to the Emperor
Charles,) was sent from Flanders to the late Queen Mary
secretly to treat for bringing back England to the obedience of
Rome. The Pope also wished to send the Abbot of Martenengo,
a noble of Brescia, to inform Elizabeth of the Bull of Council,
but he refused, being less ready for such an undertaking than
the Abbot of San Salute would have been; who, when recalled, set out from Flanders in October, having distributed
amongst the English 500 ducats of papal alms, which was
perhaps thought a small sum amongst so many. |
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| 8. The Pope, by the intercession of the Duke of Florence,
has granted to the King of Spain power to raise a sum
of money from the first fruits of Spain, for arming sixty
galleys against the Turks, who are expected next year to send
a large army to subdue La Goletta, which is held by the
Spaniards in Africa. |
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| 9. Andrea Doria, (who for 32 years had been Admiral of
the Emperor Charles and the King of Spain,) being dead,
the Duke of Florence endeavoured by means of the Pope to
obtain the command for his son, Don Garzia dei Medici, and
waited in Rome for an answer from the King of Spain, to
whom the Signor Emps, nephew of the Pope, had been sent.
The Duke of Florence wishes to be created King of Tuscany,
by the Pope, with the consent of the Emperor. The Pope
would consent; but the Emperor boldly refused it to Delfino,
the Pope's Ambassador; and, having learnt that it would be
displeasing to the Princes of the Empire, repeated the refusal,
saying that he, being King of the Romans, could not introduce
another King into Italy. This proposal was rejected by the
King of Spain, who was requested to persuade the Emperor
to grant it. The Duke desired the crown, in order to facilitate the marriage of his eldest son with the sister of the King
of Spain; she having refused because the Prince was not a
King's son. But King Philip declared his consent, and the
Princess herself being consulted, frankly made known her
intention not to marry again.—Venice, 21 Dec. 1560.
Signed. |
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| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 5. |
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| Dec. 21. | 816. John Shers to Cecil. |
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| 1. By his letter of the 7th he sent the Bull for the Jubilee.
Sends herewith another for the Council towards at Trent,
if before that time there fall not a new delay, of which he
could write many things if he did not well perceive that
Cecil esteemed not his pains for so much worth. The Abbot,
Martinego, who should have gone to England with this Bull,
has made sundry excuses, and therefore goes not, neither can
the writer learn of any that is named in his stead. He that
is appointed to the Protestants in Germany is now here
towards his journey; he first goes to the Emperor, where (as
most think) he will be stayed, lest he stir up some tumults
in Germany. |
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| 2. The Duke of Florence is yet at Rome, and departs not
before the return of a post sent to King Philip. Some say
that he tarries to return with the title of King of Tuscany.
The Duchess, his wife, is also still at Rome. The Ambassador
for the King of Navarre, M. Vendôme, has had public audience
this week past in the hall of Kings; but a protest was first
made that he should be admitted without any prejudice to
King Philip, which with the Pope allowed. In the ante
camera of the Duke of Florence the Barisello arrested one
Lopez, a Spaniard, a kinsman of the Count of Tentaglia,
whom the Duke's gentlemen would have defended; but when
the Barisello told them he was arrested for matters concerning
their Duke, they suffered him to go to prison. Cardinals
they make none yet. |
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| 3. From Constantinople, by letters of the 13th ult., they
write that the Turk prepares a great power to drive out the
Spaniards of all place in Africa this spring time; and that
Sicily and Malta will not be without danger of damages, for
the army will be greater this summer than any Turkish army
has been hitherto. Of matters between the Duke of Savoy
and the Switzers there is much talk, and of the proceedings
in France.—Venice, 21 Dec. Signed. |
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| Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary.
Pp. 4. |
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| Dec. 23. | 817. Chamberlain to the Queen. |
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| 1. On the 10th inst. imparted to the King her last letters
and such instructions as he had received from Throckmorton,
with his advices of the French King's flat denial of the performance of the agreement made by his Commissioners with
her. He gave the King also to understand that the French
delays chiefly seemed to stay upon knowledge of the Scots'
proceeding in their Parliament, which the French mislike
upon pretence of revenge upon the Scots, being their best
means to utter their malice to the Queen. That the King
might better understand the whole state of the Scots' proceedings, he declared the manner of the assembly of their Parliament agreed upon by the French Commissioners at the last
accord, and how many of each Estate were present, how
quietly they met, how orderly they proceeded, and finished
it with contentation of all; whereof they had by the Prior of
St. John made their most humble signification unto the French
King and Queen; which was nevertheless taken in evil part
by them, the Duke of Guise, and Cardinal of Lorraine, that
the Scots like rebels had assembled in their own name, and
therefore the same could not be ratified, uttering besides
words of choler tending to revenge. And when the Scots
(said the writer) had not fulfilled their duty reason and equity
would that the French King should have observed with the
Queen such covenants as were agreed upon, bond fide et in
verbo regio; which words were contained in the French commission for the last accord, with such general terms as Princes
in like case heretofore used; wherefore King Philip might
perceive manifestly the French intents, the meaning whereof
could bring none advantage to him; and therefore, like his progenitors, would count the case common, seeing the adversary
had always shown himself common to both. He further showed
the King that the Queen stood in no better case with the
French than she did last year, notwithstanding her great
travail. Wherefore she imparted thus much for two respects;
the one, for declaration of her good zeal for the common cause,
and the other for signification of her acknowledgment of his
good office of friendship, praying for his assistance; and in
the meantime she would put in order all her pieces upon the
frontiers. And further that Throckmorton had advertised
the writer that the French still usurped the Queen's arms,
which they had lately set up at the entry of divers towns;
and thereof answer was made that the King had long borne
them and had just title so to do. |
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| 2. The King, having heard him at good length, said that
he took it very friendly that she so frankly declared her good
will towards him in imparting her present estate, and was
sorry to hear that the matters between her and the French
were in no better terms; whereupon he would consider with
himself, and within a few days give Chamberlain to understand his determination. He liked that the Queen provided
for herself, and wished her so to do at all times. Chamberlain
finally desired him to continue in his friendship, and not to
credit the sinister reports of the French, suspending his
judgment until such times as from the Queen he may understand the truth. |
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| 3. Thinks that she could not do better than follow the same
order as her adversary, in writing every fourteen days unto
this King, promising to "inculk" into him her inventions and
devices, whereas she should occupy him with nothing but truth.
Thinks that a general credit given to her Ambassador does
not so much suffice as continual visitation with letters of
friendship. |
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| 4. On Thursday the 12th inst., the Duke of Alva sent for
him, to give him to understand that the King, having considered what he had proposed unto him, had appointed him
[Alva] to talk with him; whereupon Chamberlain recited
unto him all that he had before said to the King; and made
him at length understand the matter according to the instructions of herself and Throckmorton. The Duke said that the
King and all the Council did treat upon how they might
stand the Queen in stead, and that she and her realm might
be conserved from dangers, not to come, but imminent and even
at hand. He then said that he talked to Chamberlain, not as
the Queen's Ambassador, but rather as one coming to treat
with the King for the safeguard of the state of Naples,
Flanders, or any other of the King's own dominions; and
pledged his faith and honour as a true gentleman that he
spoke from the bottom of his heart. Wherewithal he began
to ask on the King's behalf, what aid the Queen could devise
he should give her, and in what sort, and whereof she was
afraid? |
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| 5. Chamberlain answered that he had not made motion
unto the King or him, as though the Queen had presently
great fear of the adversary; but had given the King to
understand her great zeal for the common peace of Christendom, and to ask him to do that good office that belongs to
such friendship, and imparted to him in what terms she found
herself with the adversary. She did this to the intent the
King might better understand what hold was to be taken of
so earnest promise as was made, and whereunto the adversary's
proceedings tend. |
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| 6. The Duke replied she must come forth in particularities
how each might conserve the other. If she proceeds in such
sort in her government, she would not only make herself
unable to withstand the adversary, but also cut off the means
they might have to defend her. The Duke also desired to
know in what sort the Queen had begun to fortify her pieces,
wherein the King would not only advise her, but also give
that aid that might be asked. "But if you think (quoth he)
to pass over the matter generally, as though you talked with
such as did not thoroughly understand your whole state both
in force and otherwise, you shall put yourself to the hazard,
which how near it is I can say no more than I have; but if
since I came from my house, (which is not two months,) I had
not with the adversary's ministers stood earnest in this matter,
they had had new power in Scotland, and that such as would
have given the Queen a new trouble; and therefore it is no
time to hang long on the determination of the matter."
Descending into particularities, he said that if the French
with their galleys that they had already, and ten more that
they had sent for to Marseilles, should set foot into England,
either at the Isle of Wight, Dover, or some other place, with
10,000 or 12,000 men, it would be a shrewd piece of work,
and would be the ground of more difficulty than all men would
think. |
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| 7. Chamberlain told him of the quiet proceedings of the
Scots in Parliament, and the French misliking without cause,
whereupon he broke out in a matter of religion, saying they
had, by decree in the same Parliament, established the like
unto that which the Queen now used; and in that respect the
French King might say they were rebels, not for holding the
Parliament without his consent, but for making alteration of
religion without his commandment. Chamberlain still persuaded that in the Parliament was no such motion made;
the Duke, the contrary, and that they had writings to show
of all that passed out of England as well as Flanders, and by
other means. "What, thinks the Queen, has the French
King no party in England? Yes, (quoth he) I fear me I may
say as great as the Queen, or greater." To this the writer
made such general answers as he could, adding the adversary
coloured his evil intent by the matter of alteration of religion;
but he trusted the King of Spain would suspend his judgment.
The aid of Spain would be sufficient, if he would but show
himself indifferent, and give the adversary to understand
from time to time that he could not sit still and suffer his
malice indirectly offered to touch him, his state, and friends. |
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| 8. The Duke still persisted that, all that notwithstanding,
the King's aid would come too late, if, by the former means,
she would cut off that means. Chamberlain asked why, if
the adversary had not other meaning, he could not bear with
the Scots' alteration of religion, until such time as by the
General Council now at hand order might be taken therein.
Whereupon the Duke said it was not to be suffered; neither
in that case would the King hinder, but rather assist the
French King to bring his subjects unto the most ancient
religion. Herewith he also touched the late imprisonment of
the Bishops, saying that they were of the Queen persecuted
for the ancient religion. |
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| 9. Chamberlain answered that they were nothing molested
but for their evil demeanour, and provoking her subjects to
rebellion, which the Duke denied. Finally, after wishing he
might have as free talk to the Queen to signify to her his good
will, he said he would make report unto the King and signify
his resolution. Upon the Duke's conference, the writer took
occasion to say that if there were such imminent peril to the
Queen and her realm, no doubt the King would assist her
with counsel and aid; to which the Duke said, "What boots
it for the King to give her counsel when she will not follow
it?" To which the writer answered that the Queen had such
affection and confidence in him that she would sooner follow
his counsel than any other. The Duke asked if she had done
anything for her defence against the enemy; to which he
replied that she had lately come to the throne, and that she had
found her state greatly indebted; but that if the King
would be her friend, so that she might be at peace for
one year, she would be quite out of debt, and so little by
little be able to set in order the rest that were needful. He
was sure the Queen would follow the King's counsel. Finally,
he persisted that if the King would tell the adversary that
he could not bear with his proceedings against the Queen,
neither endure his claim to her arms and title, nor seek
indirectly to molest her as he did with colour to subdue the
Scots as rebels, he was sure that, standing in the terms he
did, he would be advised wherein he did. Upon this the
Duke said that matters in France began to come to a good
quietness, and that they were better furnished than all men
would think; for though at the conclusion of the peace with
Spain they were exhausted, they have ever since gathered
their taxes as though they were still at war. Besides, the
King has not paid to the merchants what his father owed,
which makes the Spaniards bestir themselves to be in readiness. Finally, Chamberlain could get none other from the
Duke but that he would the Queen should say what she
lacked, and frankly declare her estate to the King, and wherein
she would have him aid her. |
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| 10. By divers circumstances in this conference it seems that
they would hearken to any device the Queen should propose
that might tend not only to the adversary's resistance, but
further, if it could be brought to pass. Happening to say to
the Duke that if the Queen, last year, being in force, had
gone through with that she might have done in Scotland,
(which she only refrained from for fear of giving cause of misliking to the King of Spain,) she needed not to have stood in
her present terms with the adversary; for all the while he
was content to come to parley, and misliked not that the King
of Spain should show himself willing to take up the matter;
upon this the Duke said, (as he had once before to Lord
Montague and the writer at their first arrival,) (fn. 1) that if the
Queen had begun sooner and gone lustily forwards as she might
have done, it had never been misliked on this side though she
had possessed all Scotland; and that the King, thinking she
would do so, had delayed upon such resolutions as the adversary required at his hands from time to time. Chamberlain
replied that the Queen was not desirous to seek the right of
her neighbours; and that she chiefly letted to do what she
might have done in respect of the King, who in that case
might have had the same jealousy of her that all Princes have
each of other, if they wax greater or increase their estate.
Yet for all this the Duke promised to give him the King's
resolution. One thing he specially noted in the Duke's
earnest talk, which was, that the adversary had as many
friends in her realm as she herself; and also gave him to
understand that the adversary had means of practice in
England. Whereupon the writer told him that he had
learnt that the adversary's minister had asked of one
who he thought practised in England for the King of Spain,
who declared his upright dealing and good intent, thereupon
he told the Duke that of all nations they had in England
least devotion unto the French, and therefore he feared not
their practises within the realm. "Yea (quoth the Duke) I
have always heard that the children are from their beginning
to understand, taught to shoot as he would shoot at a Frenchman;" and so such as never came out of the realm may believe
it to be in the same state that it was heretofore when a Prince
of Wales was able to overcome the realm of France; but
such as have been abroad can perceive what alteration time
has made. Besides, alteration in government and misliking
of the same breeds also alteration in the people's affections,
and therefore the Queen had more need to look to herself.
This is the sum and effect of their talk. |
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| 11. For the rest, but for some misliking with the Queen for
matter of religion, (though the King speak to him nothing
thereof,) he would show himself more to her satisfaction.
The French quarrels against the Scots for the same brings them
more in question and remembrance of her proceedings; the
adversary giving out that she is the only provoker and fautor
of the Scots in matters of religion. |
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| 12. Thus departing from the Duke he attended some few
days to hear from him the King's answer; who on the 20th
sent for him to come to him, and said that he had conferred
sundry times with the King, who willed him to say that he
took it in good part that the Queen imparted unto him in
what terms she was with the French. To this he meant
to have a special heed, and to correspond the Queen's friendship with his counsel and otherwise; and he thought it most
meet to attend the establishment of the new government
in France, which could not as soon be set in order; that the
Queen would do well by her Ambassador still to call upon
them for a ratification of the last agreement. The King
would also give order to understand their disposition towards
the same, and work as the case required for his own and her
benefits; and would still remain her good brother and assured
friend. |
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| 13. On this Chamberlain returned thanks on her behalf,
and fell to talk of the widow; whether the Duke thought
the French would let her retire to her own. The Duke said
that he thought not, but rather that they would seek to have
the disposing of her again; and therefore Chamberlain should
write to the Queen that for this time God had diverted the
French intents, (fn. 2) which were evil enough, and would have
burst out within less than three months, as he said he had
well understood, and not of good peace, and (fn. 3) also to write on
the King's behalf, signifying his good will, that always they
would wish her to be putting in order her forts and places,
mistrusting the worst, and he durst well assure her that the
perfect amity of so long continuance should never fail. The
writer thanked him, and said that if the Queen were let alone
in peace for a convenient time, she would put her realm in so
good order that they would have cause to say she had followed
his advice. |
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| 14. Writes to Throckmorton this King's conclusion, to the
intent he may solicit ratification, and signify how he speeds,
that from time to time it may be imparted to the King of
Spain. |
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| 15. The discourses of this Court upon the Scottish Queenwidow are diverse; some think with dispensation the French
will seek to match her with the new King; others, with one
of the uncles, the Prior of St. John; some talk of the Prince
of Spain, wishing this match between them. Others remember the King of Denmark, and the new King of Sweden.
Hopes that her bestowing again do not turn the Scots in as
evil estate, or worse, than they were in before. Can write no
more than he did before of the solemn embassy from Venice. |
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| 16. Of the molestation offered to him by the Inquisition he
hears no more, saving that the Duke of Alva told him that it
was no matter of great moment, neither anything meant to
him or his, but his man's declaration required upon the case of
a Fleming; and he pledged his honour that it was none
otherwise. |
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| 17. With his last letters before this the writer sent to
Throckmorton part of such "pilloberies" and such other work
as he had provided for the Queen, which he trusts she has re-
ceived ere this, and that she will let him be the bearer of the
rest.—Toledo, 23 Dec. 1560. Signed. |
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| Orig. Portions in cipher, deciphered. Add. Endd. by
Cecil's secretary. Pp. 12. |
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| Dec. 23. | 818. Randolph to Cecil. |
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| 1. The Earl of Arran has returned from his voyage against
the thieves on the Borders, where (both from what he saw
and was informed by others that have been doers,) so good
order has not been taken in many years before. Besides
he has informed the Governor of Berwick of the state of
things at his being with him at "the day of treves" at
Ridingbourn, the 17th inst., yet he thinks it good to send
Cecil in writing the chief points that were determined upon
for the order upon the Borders, taken by the Earl of
Arran for the time that he was at Jedburgh, and thereabouts. |
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| 2. At his Lordship's being there, advertisement came from
Lord Grey of the death of the French King. The benefit
that may ensue to both England and Scotland, and the
happy relief to so many afflicted souls who were in danger
of death and banishment, gave him great occasion to praise
God, for His benefit so unlooked for in taking away so great
a scourge that was hanging over it, to the subjection of the
whole state and nobility. The Duke, his father, is much
bound to the Queen for such speedy advertisement. He
had good occasion to doubt the French devotion towards
him, as Cecil may understand by the enclosed letter, which
he is charged by the Duke to send him as a thing already
in their minds to be put in execution. He received another
letter from a friend in France, that this matter was in communication immediately after the death of the King. This
matter he judges of such importance that he wishes the
Earl of Lennox's son were called nearer unto the Court,
that all practice to draw him into Scotland, or convey
him to any other place, might be taken away. At the
time of his communication with Randolph, he affirmed
that whatsoever success he might have in this suit he would
remain the Queen's most affectioned servitor. Thus much
he charged him to advertise Cecil and make no man alive
privy hereof. |
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| 3. Before the news of the King's death, by reason of the
reports that came out of France of their preparations, and that
the Lord of St. John had nothing prevailed in his mission,
divers consultations were had among the parties what should
be their part if any force should be sent into Scotland. Their
conclusion was that as many as would promise their aid
should subscribe a bond to that effect. Their convention was
on the 10th inst. at Dunbar; the chief of those that were there
was the Lord Hume, with other of his friends in the Merse,
with whom he has lately been in the north. Unto this
convention there is privy the Earls of Huntly, Sutherland,
and Eglington, and Lord Ruthven, not without suspicion for
his great friendship with Lord Hume, whose journey into
France Randolph thinks is stayed. The Earl of Eglington
continues his purpose that way, the more because he has
been lately passed by the Duke for the divorcement of his
daughter. The case is somewhat strange; the wife complained
of the inability of her husband, and he like to be divorced
for adultery, for since his wife left, he has got a wench with
child. "The Earl of Cassilis wished unto her, if she were at
liberty." |
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| 4. The Earl of Argyll is daily looked for; his mother-in-law
repents the bargain she made in Ireland, and will shortly
return. Lord Ruthven was never here since the Parliament.
Trusts that his meaning is better than the opinion men
have of him. Letters are directed to all the Lords and
Barons of this realm to be here the 16th proximo, as the
enclosed letter imports. Sends a copy of a letter sent hence
into France to divers of the ministers there; the answer
thereunto is that very shortly there shall be letters sent
according to the tenor thereof. Of this matter he is sure
there are very few privy.—Edinburgh, 23 Dec. 1560. Signed. |
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| 5. P. S.—Cannot send the order taken upon the Borders, as
he cannot have it so soon, but sends a letter. |
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| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary: Received 28.
Pp. 4. |
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| Dec. [25]. | 819. Jones to [Throckmorton]. |
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| 1. Excuses himself for not writing oftener on account of the
matter he has in hand, which, with the attendance on his
office, gives him little leisure. Does not let anything pass
in which he may do him service. Mr. Middlemore was
despatched hence with hopes of his [revocation], but he
understands that it is in no wise thought necessary as yet,
at least for six months. Advises him not to think of his
coming home, but to order things for his commodity and
make a virtue of necessity. Has received a bill of 15l.
from the Lords for his charges; Davies received one for 20l.
for his good despatch with news of the French King's death.
Has not been able to get payment until he obtained Mr.
Sackville's hand. The French courier arrived with pleasant news . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Treasurer is dead and was
buried at Westminster and a sermon preached there; he
died very poor . . . . . has wept twice or thrice; medicine
it is said killed him. Changes are like to ensue through
this vacancy. |
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| 2. On the . . inst. the Scotch Ambassadors departed, and
have been presented with about 500 crowns worth of plate,
accompanied with very good words, and promises to continue
the alliance between the Queen and Scotland. The chief
point of their errand is altogether unanswered. The Scots
(as far as he can gather). move their Queen to come home,
and wish for a marriage there. The Bishops and others of
the old crew shall be at liberty, so as they conclude to come
to church to Common Prayer, and neither openly or secretly
to talk or do anything prejudicial to the Queen's proceedings. |
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| 3. M. De Morrette has departed unsatisfied, and says that
besides the Earl of Bedford, no man in England has offered
so much as to buy him drink, and that he was the first
Ambassador whom the Duke of Savoy had sent. The cause
is thought to be because he had to do with a marriage.
There were lately at Calais 3,000 men of war, and a number
of labourers, who, together with the garrison of the town,
made a show before Gravelines to have stolen the place,
with the aid of two soldiers within Gravelines, who are since
taken and executed. |
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| 4. Cecil has told M. De Noailles that Throckmorton's
revocation depended on the declaration of the King his
master; he has not been at the Court as yet, making excuse
that his mourning garments are not ready. The Ambassadors
of Sweden [have arrived] from the King who died in October;
it is said that the new King minds to be a King in perfection and to come over here in the spring; many would
fain have him marry the Queen. Mr. Horne is Bishop of
Winchester, and Downham Bishop of Chester. "My Lord
of Bedford is . . . . . where he keepeth his Christmas. My
Lord of Hertford goeth . . . . Tremaine have a mind. Lord
Hertford is his good . . . . of late the Lord Keeper . . . .
the Lord Robert it is said . . . . appointing out of 6,000l.
. . . . . purpose the auditors have, . . . creations begin to
be made." |
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| 5. It is thought that [Lord Robert] shall be advanced to the
degree of an Earl; begs that he may deliver Throckmorton's
next letter to him . . . . . . friends labour to have him
remove Throckmorton . . . . |
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| 6. If Cecil be master of the wards, it is judged that Mr.
Mildmay or Mr. Osborne shall be assistants [in the secretaryship]. On the . . Dec. the Lords dined with Mr. Brie . . . .
servant to the Lord Robert, who [wishes] to remove Mr.
Gresham from his agency. His [Throckmorton's] wife has
gone on Christmas Eve to Mr. . . . . . . She sent letters to
him by Cavalcanti, who is gone into Flanders, and who will
send the same into France; would also have sent by him
but that he thought the way too long . . . . . . his matter is
utterly dadhed, and place . . . . . she suits. I am in by the
week already . . . . a month I will play hab or nab, I . . . .
matter against me than with me for ought I . . . . me get
the nature of the causes is such . . . . . leave off without an
apparent reason . . . a little wiser and therefore howsoever it
. . . will not trouble me." |
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| 7. Mr. Peyto is at his brother's, whither he minds to go on
Wednesday . . . time; if aught happens, Throckmorton shall
be advertised thereof. If he had a cipher [he could write
more at large]; has one that he cannot use, as it is "theirs."
D . . . at night 1560. |
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| 8. P. S.—The Queen and Council are in good health. "My
Lord Admiral rep . . . ships go still forward . . . . The Court
remaineth at West [minster]. Russes are like to have a fall
. . . The Vidame of Amiens . . . Some guess my Lord . . . . |
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| Orig. Greatly mutilated, and in a fragile condition.
Endd.: 2[5] Dec. 1560. Pp. 7. |
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