|
| May 1. | 157. The Queen to the Lord Admiral. |
|---|
| Encloses the double of a writing delivered to the Ambassador of Portugal, declaring how her subjects shall use themselves towards the said King's subjects. Orders him to send
duplicates of the same, under the seal of his office, to all the
Vice-Admirals upon the south seas, and to command them to
give notice thereof in the port towns to all mariners. He
shall also give notice to all manner of persons to forbear
their preparations for any voyage into Africa or Myna, or
such like places, without notice given to him. |
|---|
| Corrected draft, in Cecil's hol., and dated and endd. by his
secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|
May 1.
Burnet, iii. Collect. No. 72. | 158. Throckmorton to the Queen. |
|---|
| 1. Mr. Somer having arrived here from Nancy with answer
to Throckmorton's letter to the Queen of Scotland, the writer
sends the same herewith. Somer used the best speech he
could to get some direct answer from her according to her
late promises, yet he got none other than that contained in
her letter. Seeing she has deferred making answer to him
until their next meeting, which she reckons will be at Rheims,
(where she minds to be on the 8th, the sacre being on the
15th, at which he will not be present,) he advises the Queen
to send letters of credit for Mr. Somer to receive her answer
therein. And though it be the same as she made to the Lord
James, which is the means to draw the time into greater
length, yet the same being made by herself to the Queen,
the latter would the better know how to proceed afterwards. The Queen of Scotland was accompanied at Nancy
with the Dowager of Lorraine (whom they called there Son
Altezze), the Duke and Duchess of Lorraine, M. De Vaudemont, the Cardinals of Lorraine and Guise, and the Duke
D'Aumale. One of the chief causes of her going thither from
Jenville (eighteen Lorraine leagues off) was to christen
M. De Vaudemont's young son, born lately at Mallegrange,
a quarter of a league from Nancy. |
|---|
| 2. Wrote on the 23rd April that the Queen of Scotland
would authorize Lord James (as she had told him herself)
to have special charge of the government of the affairs in
Scotland till her coming thither, and would for that purpose
give him commission under her seal. For which commission
and other letters he left a gentleman with her to bring them
after him to Paris, who has returned with the letters, but
with no commissions. Understands that she has now changed
her mind, and will appoint none to have authority till she
come herself. And as to suits and requests for benefices and
other things, she will not make answer therein till her coming
thither, which she does to bestow the same upon such as
she shall see worthy of her favour, and upon others to win
them to her devotion. The special cause why she has changed
her opinion of Lord James is because she could not dissuade
him from his devotion to the Queen of England, and the
observation of the league between her and the realm of
Scotland; and also for that she and the Cardinal of Lorraine could not win him from his religion, wherein they
used very great means and persuasions. Seeing that Lord
James has dealt so plainly with his Sovereign, he deserves
to be well entertained and made of by the Queen of England
as one that may stand her in no small stead for the advancement of her desire. He has dealt so frankly with Throckmorton that he believes he will so continue after his return
home, and that in case she would now in time liberally and
honourably consider him with some good means to make him
the more beholden to her, it would serve her to great purpose. He departs homeward about the 4th of May by
the way of Dieppe, and minds to land at Rye. Advertises
the Queen thereof, that he may be "received and accommodated as appertaineth." The Queen of Scotland makes
account to find a good party in her realm of such as are
of her religion; and among others the Earl of Huntly has
promised that having the Duke on his side, he, with such
other as he holds assured, will be able enough to make head
to the contrary party; and so has promised to bring great
things to pass for the Queen's purpose and affection. Understands (partly by Lord James' own words) that he will
soon after his return marry the Earl Marshal's daughter. |
|---|
| 3. Informs her of the tumult between the Protestants and
the Catholics which he had mentioned in his letter to the
Lords of the 30th April. The people murmur greatly at the
slaughter, and the other party are not a little moved to be
assaulted and molested contrary to the King's edicts. Between the two parties, justice is so little feared and policy
has now so little place, that greater things are to be dreaded.
The Queen of Scotland has hitherto no great devotion to
Lethington, Grange, and Balnaves, whereof he is nothing
sorry; she minds to use all the best means she can to win
them to her, which she trusts well to compass. It is to the
King of Denmark (and not the King of Sweden) that the
Baron De la Garde carries this King's order. The King's
intended departure from Fontainebleau towards Rheims is
retarded from 28th April by reason that the Queen Mother
is fallen sick of a catarrh. Sends herewith the Pope's demand
of the Princes of Germany and their answer.—Paris, 1 May
1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 6. |
|---|
| May 1. | 159. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Will see by the several despatches sent by this bearer that
he cannot contain himself in his limits, as he vowed, and as
a wise man would. The occasions are such as he cannot
keep promise with himself. Prays that Mr. Somer may be,
by the Queen's letter to the Queen of Scotland, authorized
to demand the answer for the ratification of the treaty,
which she said she would give the writer at his coming to
Rheims. |
|---|
| 2. "Sir, Her Majesty and you of her Council cannot bestow
too much favour and benefits, in my simple opinion, on the
Lord James." It is high time to entertain the mightiest,
wisest, and most honest in Scotland, ne forte veniant Hispani.
Their jealousy must now be cast upon Spain, Austria, and
the Queen of Scotland. The French are neither willing or
in case to do England harm. If they can retain the best
party in Scotland, no Prince or state is able or has opportunity to do them harm, and England would be the most
happy state in Christendom. No cost is to be spared for
this felicity. "It is the best and most necessary contribution that ever the realm stood charged with to buy your
security." |
|---|
| 3. Such intelligence as he has here makes him afraid, as
well for fear of change of religion in England as for fear of
incantations which will move them to be partial to the
Spanish fortune. |
|---|
| Dulcis inexpertis cultura potentis amici,
Expertus metuet. (fn. 1) |
|---|
| They say here that by his means the Duke of Brunswick and
the Bremeners stay the Queen's armour and munition.
The French are not sorry for the Turk's preparatives, nor of
the Duke of Florence's greatness; at length they hope a jar
will arise between Spain and Florence for the state of Sienna.
In his opinion Spain is at this day too great, and therefore
intolerable, and has become a monstrous member of Europe.
A feather or two plucked in his broad wings will make him
prove a better friend and ally where he ought to be; so
as France catch them not to make them fly the higher,
which they are not in case to do. Munera sœvos illaqueant
duces. |
|---|
| 4. However, the writer may be reputed to affect his indisposition, assures Cecil that he cannot long make account
of his lasting, and therefore it will be needful that they
acquaint some man with the affairs here. In his judgment
it were of great purpose to bring Mr. Somer in some credit
here, in whom there wants nothing that should be in a
Prince's minister but credit at home and ability; he therefore
prays, as an introduction, that he may be authorized to
demand the Queen of Scotland's resolute answer. Sends
letters of Lord James to Cecil and his wife, Lord Grey of
Wilton, and a packet to the Lord of Coldingham.—Paris,
1 May 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| May 1. | 160. Draft of the above, omitting the last sentence. |
|---|
| Endd.: By Stephen Davis. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| May. | 161. M. Sechelles to — |
|---|
| "The gentleman" has returned from the Court, and has
informed the writer that the King of Navarre will be here
early to-morrow, and the Prince, his brother, also. The
Queen is slightly indisposed, nevertheless the Court will
depart on Friday from Fontainebleau. The Admiral will
return on Friday to Châtillon, to whom he has written
this morning. Has inquired about Court Lorein, who has
left this town three days ago; he is the King's "trucheman"
[interpreter]. This is all that he can say at present, but
hopes to see him to-morrow. The "gentleman" will leave
the Court early to-morrow, in order to go and meet the King
of Navarre. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol., with fragment of seal. Endd. by Cecil: From
M. Sechelles, May 1561. Fr. Pp. 2. |
|---|
May 1.
Hardwick, i. 180. Tierney's Dodd. ii. App. No. 48. | 162. The Reception of the Abbot of Martinego. (fn. 2) |
|---|
| 1. Note of a consultation at Greenwich upon May Day 1561,
by the Queen's command, upon a request made to her by the
King of Spain's Ambassador, that the Abbot of Martinego,
being a Nuncio from the Pope, arriving at Brussels, might
come into the realm with letters from the Pope and other
Princes. Present: Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper; the
Marquis of Northampton; the Earl of Arundel, Steward of
the Household; the Earls of Derby and Pembroke; Lord
Clinton, the Admiral; Lord Howard, the Chamberlain; Sir
Edward Rogers, the Controller; Sir Francis Knollys, ViceChamberlain; Sir William Cecil, Principal Secretary; Sir
Ambrose Cave, Chancellor of the Duchy; Sir William Petre,
Chancellor of the Order of the Garter; Sir John Mason,
Treasurer of the Chamber; Sir Richard Sackville, ViceTreasurer of the Exchequer; Nicholas Wotton, Dean of Canterbury and York. |
|---|
| 2. It was fully accorded by all and every of the said
Councillors, without any manner of contradiction or doubt
moved by any of them, that the Nuncio should not come into
any part of the Queen's dominions; using arguments of
which the following are the chief:— |
|---|
| 3. First, that it is against the ancient laws even for any
person by word or deed to allow of his coming. |
|---|
| 4. Secondly, if the Pope's authority be acknowledged, then
there will follow great peril to the surety of the Queen's
undoubted title to the crown. |
|---|
| 5. Thirdly, he cannot come without great peril likely to
follow. For, whereas the noise only of his coming has given
courage to sundry evil-disposed persons to break the laws
with great audacity, and to disperse abroad false reports
of the Queen's disposition to change her religion and the
governance of this realm; who also have conjured with the
devil, and cast figures to know the continuance of her life and
reign, and have devised that the devil should in their conjurations make answer that she should not long continue, whose
answers be always and shall be in this part (as they trust)
mere lies. Therefore, it may be great danger to have the
Nuncio come hither after these preparations, and that towards
summer, in which time the devil has most opportunity to
make troubles and tumults. And as the evil sort of subjects
(who desire alteration and change) might receive comfort, so
the true subjects might forbear to show their affection to the
Queen. They compare this to the danger of a man relapsing
into sickness; for nothing does so much damage to a commonwealth as change or hope of change. |
|---|
| 6. Now to answer the objections; it may be said that he
will swear that he will do nothing prejudicial to the crown
and realm. It may be doubted whether he will swear, and
if he do, he may presume that it is no perjury to break
promise with heretics. And though the Queen might dispense
with the pain, yet none would be willingly reputed a breaker
of that law, made so lately by Parliament; and mainly
all such inheritors and possessors as have anything by the
laws of the realm, being contrary to the laws and constitutions
of Rome. It would be great folly to adventure the same
danger of the subversion of the policy of England that there
was in Queen Mary's time. It is an abuse to bear them in
hand that the Pope means no hurt, when he has at present
in Ireland a Legate who is joined already to certain traitors,
and is occupied in stirring up a rebellion, having already by
open acts deprived the Queen of her right and title there.
When the Abbot of St. Salute came last year as far as
Brussels, it was proposed that he should do his best to stir
up a rebellion in England by colour of religion; and why this
Abbot has not the like secret errand there is no reason
shown. There are more reasons to show it likely, especially
such preparations used before-hand to prepare the hearts of
discontented subjects. |
|---|
| 7. It has also been said that he will lodge apart from the
other Ambassadors; this is a simple offer and so to be
waived, and not worth answering. |
|---|
| 8. But it is pretended that he only comes to move the
Queen to send to the General Council, as other Princes have
been moved. Nothing would please her more than to hear
of a good General Council, for which she will spare neither
travail nor treasure. When such a Council shall be called,
she will (as one not subject to any potentate, spiritual or
temporal, under God,) send thither such persons as will declare
her mind to have one unity in all matters of Christ's
religion. But as to this Council, she cannot make a resolute
answer to send thither. For if it be called by the Pope's
authority, then the Queen finds thereby no direct meaning
to come to concord. Other Christian Princes have been long
since sent to, and their opinions and consents required before
it was appointed; and now they send to exhort her to send
to that Council without requiring her opinion therein. She
thinks that there has been a determination to prejudice her
realm of her profession, and to establish and confirm the
authority of the Pope with all his abuses and errors. |
|---|
| Corrected draft. Endd. Pp. 8. |
|---|
| May 1. | 163. Another copy of the above. |
|---|
| Endd. Pp. 8. |
|---|
| May 1. | 164. Another copy of the above. |
|---|
| Endd. Pp. 8. |
|---|
| May 2. | 165. Volrad, Count of Mansfeld, to the Queen. |
|---|
| Certain learned divines of the University of Jena, who are
engaged in writing an ecclesiastical history, have already
requested her to lend them certain ancient writers from her
library. Although they have received good hope of having
their request granted through the Archbishop of Canterbury,
still they have begged him to intercede for them. Considering the great importance of the work for the whole
Church, she will probably assist them. Guarantees the safe
return of the books.—Mansfeld, 2 May 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| May 4. | 166. Throckmorton to the Queen. |
|---|
| 1. Recommends this bearer, the Lord James Steward, to
her. In all his doings here his good affection to her has well
appeared. On 1 May the King of Navarre came to this town
accompanied with the Prince of Roche-sur-Yon, the Duke of
Longueville, M. M. De Lorges, Termes, and Candalle, Knights
of the Order, the Cardinal of Châtillon, and a great number
of gentlemen. His coming was to give order for these late
disorders, and to recommend to the Parliament of this town
the Prince of Condé's process. |
|---|
| 2. On the 2nd of May he called before him in the hall of
the Louvre all the head curates and church-wardens of all the
parishes of the town, and two of every religious house, with
the regents of the colleges, exhorting them in the King's name
to quietness; and charging others for seditious preaching,
and rather moving the people to tumults and sedition than
edifying them. He assured them that where the same should
happen hereafter, the King would make them feel his indignation; and advised them not to molest any man living
without open slander, nor to seek men in their houses, as had
been done at the instigation of some there present, whom
he said he knew, and had changed their own weed under
colour of scholars. |
|---|
| 3. According to her pleasure (signified by her letters of
19th of April) the writer sent Somer to the King of Navarre
to make him understand what had passed between her, her
Ministers, and the French Ambassador, touching the Baron
De Courtellain. The King marvelled that she had any
difficulty to accept him. Thereto he was answered that being
a stranger she could not know so much, except by the King's
or her Ambassador's letters, neither of which he brought
with him. The King said that if he conceived displeasure
and came away, there would be more difficulty used of others
to go hereafter. Thereto was answered that a letter from
the King, or advertisement from the Ambassador, would
remedy that matter. It was further said to the King of
Navarre, that since the late King's death, their Ambassador in England had not been presented, as is used of all
Princes after the death of any. The King desired that
Throckmorton should require the Queen to accept the Baron
of Courtellain; and as for the establishing of their Ambassador, they had not done it in Spain, nor in any other
place. Somer answered that it had been always used.
Navarre said he knew not what the King would do;
on being pressed he said that the King had named one to
reside as Ambassador in England, but would not tell his
name. Throckmorton has learnt that it is the President De
l'Aubespine. After this Somer spoke for Mr. Cotton's son.
The King said that it was very reasonable, and should be
performed, and that he would constrain De La Haye to keep
his promise. |
|---|
| 4. On the 3rd inst. the said King went to meet the French
King, who departed from Fountainebleau towards Rheims,
where he minds to be on the 11th, and within a day or two
after to be sacred, and after two or three days to come back
to Villers-Cotterets, there to remain till his entry into Paris
on the 20th of July. Whilst the King of Navarre was here,
the Prince of Condé came in post for his matter; neither he
nor the Admiral mind to be at the sacre, as he told the
writer. The Lord James being with the King of Navarre
was asked how he would like the Queen of Scotland to be
married to a Popish Prince (meaning the Prince of Spain),
which matter was very far forward. He answered that he
would be sorry for it. He also discoursed with him in matters
of religion, and of the league between the Queen of England
and Scotland. Sends a copy of the Admiral's letter.—Paris,
4 May 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Injured by a large ink blot. Add. Endd. by
Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| May 4. | 167. Throckmorton to the Lords of the Council. |
|---|
| 1. Recommends Lord James Steward to them. He is one
of the most virtuous noblemen, and one in whom religion,
sincerity, and magnanimity as much reign as ever he knew
in any man of any nation. "What a great benefit it is for
Her Majesty and your Lordships to deal with such an upright
man and in so weighty affairs as betwixt Prince and Prince,
realm and realm, and more especially when the press of men
be much subject to dissimulation, cautels, and finesse, I leave
to your Lordships to consider." |
|---|
| 2. It is now resolved that the sacre of the King (hitherto
uncertain) shall be at Rheims on the 12th or 13th of May,
where he minds to make but small abode, and from thence to
Villers-Cotterets in Valois, and there will abide until his entry
into Paris about 20th of July. The King of Navarre repaired
to this town the 2nd of May, to give order for the garboils
here, which are like to grow daily; and also to recommend
the Prince of Condé's protest to the Parliament, where he
abode two days. A very strait ordinance has been published
to restrain the excess of apparel, as well of women as men.
It will be more precisely observed of all sorts and estates than
the statute of apparel has been in England.—Paris, 4 May
1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| May 4. | 168. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. "If it were needful to better your opinion of this nobleman (as I am sure neither I need nor cannot) I would tell
you truly of him what I judge. For the benefit of the whole
isle I would there were many such, and then I durst say it
must needs prosper and accord together." The Queen has
gratified many of sundry countries and conditions, but in his
judgment she shall never gratify a more worthy or thankful
gentleman. "If all King Henry the VIII.'s rich furs of
sables and black genets be not spent and made fees, amongst
other things, I could wish that he had two of the fairest; but,
howsomever, you do let him not depart ungratified nor unpresented honourably. It may be truly said of him Cœlum
non animum mutat, qui trans mare currit.' The Laird of
Pitarrow is a honest wise man, so is Mr. Wood his secretary.
If you think meet to retain amity in Scotland, who is so
meet as the wisest and most honest to be cherished ?" No
occasion will so aptly serve the Queen's purpose to entertain
the amity of Scotland as to ground the same upon the league
of religion, and therein will arise least difficulties amongst the
Scots; for to have any ordinary league with them there will
arise great difficulties, as well for the untoward devotion of
their Queen, who greatly mislikes the English amity, unless
it were by factions to serve her purpose; the inconstancy of
the Duke of Châtellerault, and the uncertainty of his friends;
the doubleness and covetousness of Huntly, and the unassuredness of his followers; the malice of the Papists and the greediness of many others of that nation. All these will so impeach
an authentic league-making, either with the Princes' consent
or by the agreement of the States, that there is no such issue
to be trusted on or looked after. |
|---|
| 2. "Upon the Lord James's home-coming, the favourers of
religion of all conditions may amongst themselves assemble,
and conclude a league for the defence thereof; which being
so amongst themselves accorded, may serve the Queen as the
principal foundation to build her amity with them, which
motion I think will be to them almost plausible, and quench
such scruples as otherwise will arise amongst them for ceremonies, (for form and matter is little,) and for their Sovereign's
consent." Thinks it would be well if the Lord James were
entertained with some pleasures, and that the Queen should
recommend his good usage to the Earl of Rutland and others
on the way.—Paris, 4 May 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| May 4. | 169. Throckmorton to Lord Grey. |
|---|
| Recommends the bearer, Lord James Stewart, (returning
from France) to his good offices. Since the death of the late
King Francis matters of religion have been somewhat borne
withal in this realm and persecution ceased; men have been
the bolder in it. Many disorders have lately been committed
in sundry places, as the other day in Paris, by forcing a house
where an assembly was at a sermon; but it was so defended
that of the people some were slain and more hurt. Justice
is presently little feared in that case, and policy has little
place among the unruly. If this nation was of as great
execution as it is famous and of great show of bravery at the
first, the writer would fear great things to ensue of these
disorders, and yet is not without some fear of more unquietness. Prays to be recommended to Arthur Grey and other
gentlemen.—Paris, [blank] May 1561. |
|---|
| Draft. Endd.: 4 May 1561, by Al. Clerk. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| May 4. | 170. The Bishop of Aquila to Cecil. |
|---|
| Understanding from one of Cecil's clerks that to-morrow is
appointed for him to receive the Queen's decision with respect
to the Papal Nuncio, he requests that their reply may be
confined to a simple assent or refusal, and that no controversial questions concerning religion may be introduced while
he is present. He is the Ambassador of the King of Spain,
not of the Pope.—4 May 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary.
Lat. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| May 4. | 171. Immanuel Tremellius to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Has already written at some length soliciting the recovery
of his furniture, and the stipend granted to him by King
Edward, together with the prebend of Carlisle, which he had
originally obtained through Cecil's goodness.—Paris, 4 May
1561. Signed. |
|---|
| 2. P. S.—Will Cecil write by the servant of Peter Martyr,
or will he inform the Earl of Bedford, who will convey the
information ? |
|---|
| Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| May 5. | 172. Reply to the Bishop of Aquila. |
|---|
| "Answer to the Ambassador of the King of Spain concerning a motion made to the Queen for the coming
into this realm of the Abbot of Martinego, the Pope's
Nuncio. 5 May 1561." |
|---|
| 1. The Queen having communicated with her Councillors,
thinks it not meet that the said Nuncio should be permitted to come into any of her dominions. His coming is
directly against the laws of the realm, and the time and
other late apparent circumstances persuade her and her
Council that it is not meet for the policy of the realm that
any such come. It is no new example to prohibit this coming,
as may be proved by the late example in the reign of
Queen Mary. |
|---|
| 2. "But as to such letters as it is supposed that the said
Nuncio hath from the Emperor and other Princes, it is
thought by Her Majesty very convenient that the same
should be by her received at the hands of the said Ambassador of Spain, if he so please, and that such friendly
answer be made thereto from Her Majesty as the same shall
require." (fn. 3) |
|---|
| 3. And whereas it is pretended that this message is only
to exhort her to send to the Council at Trent; she is very
glad to hear of a General Council, and will speedily cause
it to be understood whether this Council is like to be
celebrated in such sort and with such conditions as are
requisite for a General and free Council. If it may so
appear, she fully purposes, as one of the principal Monarchs
of Christendom, to send thither certain learned persons.
But if it be otherwise, as the last Council at Trent was,
then she will be very sorry, and will spare no good means
to help that there may be such a General and free Council
obtained for all estates of Christendom, so that better hope
may be conceived of concord and unity. This answer proceeds not upon any partiality, but upon mature deliberation;
and none other can be hoped for. Were it not in consideration of the said Ambassador, the laws of the realm
and the examples of the Queen's progenitors in like case
would not have permitted to a Nuncio from the Pope so
quiet and mild an answer. |
|---|
| 4. Present at the Council: Sir N. Bacon; the Marquis of
Northampton; the Earls of Arundel, Derby and Pembroke;
Lords Clinton and Howard of Effingham; E. Rogers, F.
Knollys, and W. Cecil, Knights; A. Cave, W. Petre, J. Mason,
R. Sackville, Knights; and Dr. Wotton. (fn. 4) |
|---|
| Orig. Endd. Lat. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| May 5. | 173. Another copy of the above. |
|---|
| Endd. Lat. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| May 5. | 174. Another copy of the above. |
|---|
| Endd. Lat. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| May 5. | 175. Translation of the above into French, omitting the list of
Councillors present. |
|---|
| Endd. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| May 5. | 176. Another copy of the above. |
|---|
| Endd. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| May 5. | 177. Draft of the above in English, with corrections by Cecil,
omitting the list of Councillors present. |
|---|
| Endd. and dated by Cecil. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| May 5. | 178. Another copy of the above. |
|---|
| Endd. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| May 5. | 179. Another copy of the above. |
|---|
| Endd. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| May 6. | 180. The Queen to Throckmorton. |
|---|
| 1. Has received his letter of the 29th ult., "declaring such
discourse as passed between one there [the Admiral], and
you." For his singular zeal towards her and to the advancement of God's honour, she must and will allow and
love him. Throckmorton is to inform him that he may
boldly make account of her constancy and determination to
advance the honour of Almighty God by maintaining the
truth of the Gospel. As for the coming of the Nuncio, she
has well considered what has been meant therein how to
weaken her right hand and put her strength into her left,
and so may he tell the same party, her friend. |
|---|
| 2. Sends her answer to the Spanish Ambassador, containing
in the first part a denial for the Nuncio to come into England,
and in the second her good allowance of a free General
Council, and her offer to send thither, if the same be called.
Because she knows that such as be disposed to deprave
her doings and bring her name into evil opinion, will be
busy in utterance of the first part, and forbear to utter
the latter, he is to impart the whole answer to such in the
Court as he shall think meet, doing it as of himself. He
will also receive a collection of such reasons as moved her
hereunto, which also he may communicate. Is right glad of
the determination of a National Council in France, and prays
him to solicit the same, and when she has certainty of it
she will have consideration of the request "moved to you by
our friend." |
|---|
| 3. He is to let no occasion pass to enquire certainly of
the marriage of the Queen of Scots, for it behoves her not to
be ignorant of the matter. "We mean to use the Lord James
to his contentation." Sends a copy of her letter of credit
for Mr. Somer to the Queen of Scots to demand the ratification of the treaty. Accepts his advice contained in his
letter of April 29th in good part, and allows therein both
his wisdom and his earnest good will. "We assure you, we
do not mean, nor ever meant, to make change of the order
o four religion." |
|---|
| 4. If a General and free Council might be had by consent
of all Christian Princes, without admitting the supreme
authority which the Pope claims, and that it might be free
for the Ministers of all Princes to show their advices how
a unity might be had in Christendom, she would gladly
be a party in it; and in this sort her speech being sometimes uttered, perchance it has been carried to such as have
altered her meaning. Otherwise she assures him she never
meant to allow of a General Council, for she cannot call it a
General Council where none shall have voice but the clergy
that are sworn to the Pope, and where the Ambassadors
of Princes like herself shall be but beholders of them who will
decree acts against Christ's religion, and consequently against
her who professes the same. He may communicate this
her judgment to her friend and others. |
|---|
| Draft, in Cecil's hol. and endd.: 6 May 1561. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| May 6. | 181. Modern transcript of the above, as despatched, of which
the outer leaf with seal and direction only remain. |
|---|
| Add. Endd.: 7 May [sic] 1561. From the Queen, by
Francis, 12 ejusdem. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| May 6. | 182. The Queen to Mundt. |
|---|
| Commends his continual diligence. Perceiving by his
information that the house of Guise is occupied in soliciting
learned men in sundry parts to consent to the pretended
title made by the Scottish Queen, she makes very little
regard thereof, but requires him to advertise her of any of
their devices, and to disprove the same. Because the Electors
and Princes who were assembled at Naumburg sent the
Queen a copy of the answer they made to the Pope's Legate,
which is now dispersed through all parts, and as they understand a Nuncio is sent hither upon the like errand, and
not knowing her answer, may conceive otherwise than is
meet;—she sends to Mundt in writing the answer that was
given in that behalf to the King of Spain's Ambassador,
who was a suitor for licence to be given to the said
Nuncio. Mundt may impart the same to the Count Palatine,
as one to whom she attributes great favour, and to whom
it appears the rest of the Princes holding the Confession of
Augusta have referred the report of anything appertaining
to religion. He may assure all the Princes Protestants
that it is her full purpose to persist in the maintenance
of the honour of God, by upholding the sincerity of the
Gospel according to the good meaning of the Confession of
Augusta. |
|---|
| Orig. Draft, in Cecil's hol. and dated and endd. by his
secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| May 6. | 183. The Earl of Rutland to Cecil. |
|---|
| John Beverley, a justice of peace, (who with two sureties is under bond of 400l. to attend this Court to answer
about a foul practice, which will probably fall out very evil
against him,) has of late been subpœnaed in the Exchequer.
Desires to know whether his presence there will be a greater
benefit to the Queen than the searching out and punishment
of his facts, as he supposes this is his own practice to delay
his trial. Will Cecil settle the matter with the Lord Treasurer
and Chief Baron? Has written to the Treasurer in the same
matter. Asks credit for the bearer.—York, 6 May 1561.
Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| May 6. | 184. The Queen to the Senate of Hamburg. |
|---|
| Has received their letter of April 14th, and assures them
on her royal word that all the arms and munitions shipped
in her name from Hamburg are intended solely for the defence
of her realm. Desires that the author of the rumour that
they were intended for the Muscovites may be sought out
and punished, and that the import of this despatch may be
widely made known. |
|---|
| Orig. Draft, in Cecil's hol. and endd. by his secretary.
Lat. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| May 7. | 185. The Queen to the Senate of Hamburg. |
|---|
| To the same effect as that of May 6th. In order that she
may be certain that nothing is wrongly shipped in her name,
she desires that a list of everything may be sent by the bearer.
—Greenwich, 7 May 1561. |
|---|
| Orig. Draft, in Cecil's hol. Endd. Lat. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| May [7]. | 186. The Council to Throckmorton. |
|---|
| On the 29th ult. the Bishop of Aquila having access to
the Queen, made means on the part of the King of Spain
that the Abbot of Martinego (Nuncio from the Bishop of Rome
and now at Brussels), might come into this realm; pretending that his coming was only to move her to send to the
Council of Trent. She referred the matter to the Council,
who deliberated on it on 1st inst. The Queen having
approved their decision, answer was given to the Bishop
on the 5th by the Council. The Bishop alleged that his
message was to the Queen, and that he looked for answer at
her own mouth. It was appointed that the answer should
be put in writing, and read to him by the Secretary;
whereat he made some difficulty, as he had only proponed
his master's motion by mouth; whereunto it was told him
that it was not meant that he should have it in writing
delivered to him. In the end he seemed pleased, and the
answer was read to him. It was also told him that this
was done more in consideration of the good amity between
the Queen and his master than for any respect of this Abbot,
or of him who sent him. With this answer he seemed to
be satisfied, and said that the effect of his message was to
understand the Queen's mind herein, yea or nay, which he now
perceived, and of which he would advertise the King. They
send him a true copy of the answer, that if he perceives
it otherwise reported he may take occasion to open the
whole to the King, or any other.—Greenwich, [blank] May
1561. Signed: N. Bacon, Winchester, W. Northampt.,
F. Bedford, Arundel, Pembroke, E. Clinton, W. Howard,
G. Rogers, F. Knollys, W. Cecil, Ab. Cave, W. Petrie, John
Mason, Ry. Sackville, N. Wotton. |
|---|
| Modern transcript, from the Conway Collection. Add.
Pp. 2. |
|---|
| May 8. | 187. Cecil to Throckmorton. |
|---|
| 1. Although Lady Throckmorton is coming, he will not
delay this despatch. What the matters are the writings will
declare; howsoever the end is, the way thereto was full of
crooks. Found the Marquis, the Lord Keeper, and the Earl
of Pembroke in this matter his best pillars, yet was he forced
to seek bye-ways, so much was the contrary labour by
prevention; this Bishop of Aquila had entered into such a
practice with a pretence to further the great matter here,
(meaning principally the Church matter, and perchance,
accidentally, the other also,) that he had taken faster hold to
plant his purpose than was Cecil's ease shortly to root up.
But God and the Queen (the one by directing and the other
by yielding) have ended the matter well, and if it may so
continue he shall be in more quietness. Throckmorton's
letters, though they came late, yet did they confirm to the
Queen and others the former resolution. |
|---|
| 2. Has imparted this answer for the Nuncio to sundry
places, "lest our former inclination had been too hastily
spread by the adversaries." When he saw the Romish
influence towards about a month past, he thought necessary
to dull the Papists' expectation by discovering of certain Massmongers and punishing them. "I take God to record I mean
no evil to any of them, but only for the rebating of the
Papists' humours, which by the Queen's lenity grow too rank.
I find it hath done much good." (fn. 5) |
|---|
| 3. As for Ireland, trusts that the Earl of Sussex will this
summer make plain work with the stubborn sort there. A
voyage is to be made upon Shane O'Neil, who usurps the
state of Tyrone; he is great, crafty, and rich, and therefore
the exploit is to be handled more substantially. The Earl of
Kildare has come over at length, "half of his will and half
enticed by us." Wishes that he had his earldom acquit with
a better in England, which so surely should be if Cecil could
persuade the Queen; "but such kind of matters, with many
like good, be not here understanded." Throckmorton wrote
since last Lent of a slanderous report made in France of the
English clergy and their variety; thinks there is no great
cause to blame them; saving three or four singular persons,
as perchance Mr. Album Caput [Whitehead], etc. knows of no
discrepancy amongst them; "but for satisfaction of such
doubts I have caused the Bishop of Sarum to feign an epistle
sent from hence thither, and have printed it secretly, and
send you herewith certain copies. If more be printed there,
the matter shall have more probability. I have caused an
Apology to be written, but not printed, in the name of the
whole clergy, which is wisely, learnedly, eloquently, and
gravely written, but I stay the publication of it until it be
further pondered, for so it is requisite." |
|---|
| 4. Prays him to send this packet to Chamberlain, which
contains their proceedings with the Nuncio; and if also by
some other means Throckmorton send a double of the answer,
with some part of his own opinion therein, he will do well. |
|---|
| 5. "I will now enter into a prate that touches me nigh."
Has forborne to send his son Thomas Cecil out of the
realm because he had no more; now that he has another, he
means to send him [Thomas] abroad for a year, and at his
return to see him married, for that he will then be full
twenty. Means not to have him scholarly learned, but
civilly trained, and to have either the French or Italian
tongue; in which, if he may entertain one in common speech
of salutation, it shall suffice. Whither shall he send him, and
how? Is inclined to send him into France, the rather
because religion is in some good state there, but will rest only
on Throckmorton's advice. If he might, without corruption
of life, have been in that Court three months, he should
thereby learn more, both in tongue and knowledge, than
otherwhere in the double space. Has a disposition to send
with him Windebank, his secretary, who is of much honesty
and good knowledge in French and Italian, and to have a
waiting man who can speak French. Desires his advice
therein, and whether it were not unmeet for him to be
preferred for the space of three months to the Admiral there.
The boy is hard enough, and so his mind might be kept from
hurt, Cecil would take small care of his body; for he wishes it
hardened, and not made subject, as his own, by study to
sickness. As for his allowance for apparel, horses, &c.,
desires Mr. Somer to write at full. Means to send him
hence upon Throckmorton's advertisement within four days.
"Blame me not if I be long herein, for indeed, though to
this hour I never showed any fatherly fancy to him but in
teaching and correcting, yet would I fain now towards mine
age receive some comfort of his well-doing." Would have
him like Throckmorton, whom he prays to deal frankly in the
matter. |
|---|
| 6. Sends herewith a certain rhyme from Edinburgh.
Received a letter yesterday from him in behalf of Forbes, but
he passed by sea from Dieppe, and thereof wrote to Cecil.
Can find no such fault in the Earl, his master, for being
refused; what should he do else but consider his own weal, so
it be with honesty? Has laid wait for the Lord James'
arrival at Dieppe, to the intent he may be met upon the way.
If the writer may weigh in the matter, Lord James shall be
well considered, and others also according to Throckmorton's
advice, "but hitherto I can never be allowed in those things,
for it sufficeth to note me addicted to that faction, which I
assure you I never esteemed, nor shall, but for the Queen's
own cause, and therefore, howsoever I have been noted, I
have God to my testimony and defence." There has been
some lack of consideration at this last St. George's Day of
the Earl of Bedford, which has much discomforted him [the
Earl], and not without reason.—Greenwich, 8 May 1561.
Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd.: Per Franciscum, 12 ejusdem.
Pp. 6. |
|---|
| May 9. | 188. The Queen to the King of Spain. |
|---|
| Is sorry to address to him any message that might seem
strange, but considers that his new order respecting the
commerce between the two realms will be to the manifest
damage of both, as will be represented to him by her Ambassador. She desires that the ancient manner of intercourse
so long used betwixt their people may be continued. |
|---|
| Orig. draft, in Cecil's hol. and endd. by him: 9 May 1561
Copy of the Queen's letter sent to King Philip. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| May 9. | 189. Throckmorton to the Queen. |
|---|
| 1. Lord James Stewart departed homeward on the 4th
instant by Dieppe, and from thence along the coast to Boulogne, thinking the passage from thence to Dover to be easier
than from Dieppe to Rye. Emanuel Tremellius (whom the
writer and the Earl of Bedford sent to the Princes Protestant
assembled at Neubourg,) is returned with their letters and instructions to the French King and the King of Navarre. He
told Throckmorton that the effect of his instructions is to dissuade the said Kings from accepting the General Council as it
is published, or sending the clergy of the realm to it; the said
Princes promising that they will be ready to assist the King
with all their best means in advancing religion. The said
Emanuel has not yet spoken with the French King, but this
other day spake with the King of Navarre, and is now gone
to the Court to have audience, having promised to let Throckmorton know how he speeds. He has requested him to
recommend his service and case to her, whereof he and the
Earl of Bedford have written particularly to Cecil. In the
beginning of Queen Mary's reign he was not only put by the
Hebrew lecture which he read in Cambridge, but also had the
arrearage of two years' stipend for the same kept from him.
He had also a prebend of King Edward's gift taken from him
without just cause, and besides these received other great
losses. He is very desirous to do the Queen service, and is a
very meet man for the same in Almain, where he is both well
credited and acquainted, being of that nation, and also entertained by the Palsgrave. He is a sober, wise man, and for
his skill in many tongues much to be made of. |
|---|
| 2. The French King is on his way to Rheims to his sacre,
which shall be on the 16th instant. On the 7th there
arrived, as Ambassadors from Venice, Guan De Leggio,
Procurer of St. Mark, and Marin De Cavallo, whose son is
Ambassador in Spain. The Duke Charles of Austria is gone
into Italy, to the marriage of his sister to the Duke of
Mantua. There is some talk that the young Duchess of
Ferrara, daughter to the Duke of Florence, is dead. The
French King minds shortly to return his galleys to Marseilles,
whereof Cornelio Fiasco shall have the conducting. There is
a bruit that the Queen of Scotland is fallen sick of an ague
at Nancy. On the 6th Sir Francis Inglefield came to this
town out of Italy. He desires that his licence may be
continued, that he may pass over next August at the baths of
Liège for the more perfect recovery of his health.—Paris,
9 May 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| May 9. | 190. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Sends herewith a letter from Emanuel Tremellius to
Cecil, one for the Earl of Bedford, and one for Sir Thomas
Wrothe, "for his children's matter that are in Almaine."
Thinks that he is a very necessary minister for the Queen,
wise, honest, and sincere, besides that he is well learned in
the tongues, and has many of their neighbours' languages
very familiar. Though she has Mont in Almain, yet by Tremellius she shall receive no small increase of service. Has
written somewhat of him and his request to the Queen. The
losses he received in Queen Mary's reign being made up by
the Queen, would be honour to her. |
|---|
| 2. Sir Francis Inglefield has arrived in this town of Italy;
and means to sue to the Queen to continue his licence for the
profiting of his health at the baths at Liège. Encloses Sir
Francis's letter to the Vice-Chamberlain.—Paris, 9 May 1561.
Signed. |
|---|
| 3. P. S.—The Spanish threatenings are now very rife in
this country to see if that will serve to cool the heat here
for the matter of religion. (fn. 6) |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary: By Grisling.
Pp. 2. |
|---|
| May 10. | 191. Shers to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Is in areadiness to leave Venice. From Rome it comes
that the Pope, having set forth a vehement Bull against
murderers, under colour of the same to shift divers gentlemen
from their lives and livings, has this week prorogued the
same for fifteen days. There is assembled at Valmontone
(about twenty-five miles from Rome), a great number of that
sect, and have driven the Pope for his defence to call to Rome
the ordinary guard, as it were in time of war. |
|---|
| 2. In Calabria about Cosenza, between Sabrana and Reggio,
there are upwards of 3,000 men in an uproar. They have
delivered all prisoners who were committed for religion by
the Inquisition. The Viceroy of Naples will send horsemen
and footmen to abate their courage, [which will be] good
provision against the Turk's army. |
|---|
| 3. A galley and three foists of Barbary have taken Cigalo,
the great captain of the King of Spain, who was going
towards Spain with a galley and a foist, having on board the
Viceroy of Calabria, his wife, and other noble Spaniards. The
galley is worth 300,000 crowns to the Turks. |
|---|
| 4. The Pope has sent the Bishop of Chusa to appease the
Frenchmen at Avignon, who are disobedient to the priests
and the Church of Rome. |
|---|
| 5. The Ambassador that was at Rome during the past
winter for the King of Navarre, has arrived there again; and
the Pope is at his wits' end to know what to do with Don
John D'Ayala, who is there for King Philip, and requests
the Pope not to admit the other as from the King of Navarre,
because of the prejudice to the King of Spain's title. The
Pope would fain set Spain and France at war again. |
|---|
| 6. The gentleman sent from France to deliver the writing
concerning the annates has done so, and has so replied to
certain answers that the Pope has almost lost all hope for
the recovery of the same. The Pope feigns he is sick of the
gout to prolong the King of Navarre's Ambassador from
having audience, and yet he confers daily with Ayala. There
is no talk at Rome of the Council towards at Trent.—Venice,
10 May 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary.
Pp. 6. |
|---|
| May 10. | 192. Intelligence from Rome. |
|---|
| 1. From Rome, 10 May 1561. The Pope has so far recovered
from the gout that he has been able to attend to business. He
is now proceeding with the fortifications of Rome, and has repaired the bastions round the castle of S. Angelo. On Thursday forenoon about 13 o'clock he went to the bastions, where
the foundations are already excavated for placing a curtain.
The first stone was laid there, under which were placed several
medals of gold, silver, and brass. He then returned to his
palace, accompanied by many Cardinals and the greater part
of the Court. He spent the day at S. Angelo, where many
cannon were fired. The fortifications at Ostia and Civita
Vecchia have been begun. |
|---|
| 2. Yesterday forenoon there was a Consistory, and two
bishopries were given; one, which had belonged to Caraffa,
in France, was given to a bastard of the King of Navarre;
the other, in Italy, was given to a brother of the Bishop of
Civita Di Piuna, who was formerly cited to appear personally,
it having been discovered that at his instigation Cardinal
Caraffa (before he was a Cardinal,) had committed murder.
It was also proposed to cancel the process commenced in the
time of Pope Paul IV. against the Emperor Charles V. and
his son King Philip, as unjust and unfounded. Further, the
answer to the Ambassador of France was discussed; he
having come to persuade the Pope not to require payment of
annates; in which mission, notwithstanding his learning, he
has not been very successful. He will return without a
definite answer, which the Pope will send into France, and
which will be there presented to the Council by M. De Sancta
Croce. |
|---|
| 3. M. De Terracina returns into Spain, where he will remain
as Nuncio. M. De Bologna goes into Portugal. Yesterday
M. Adamo Conaschi, Ambassador of the King of Poland,
arrived here. The Pope says that he will speedily despatch
an embassy to Bologna, but the precise time is uncertain. |
|---|
| Orig. Ital. Pp. 1. |
|---|
| May 10. | 193. Iacomo Ragazzoni to the Privy Council. |
|---|
| Has presented to the Signori the letter of the Council,
and added a few words. They were uncertain how to act,
having before the arrival of the letter, determined to send
Guido Giannetti to Rome, for which great persuasion had
been used. At present, however no decision has been arrived
at, but the writer hopes that the cause will prosper in his
hands, for which he will exert himself to the utmost.—Venice,
10 May 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Ital. Pp. 2. |
|---|