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| August 6. | 384. The Lord James to the Queen. |
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| The earnest desire that he has to see the intelligence begun
betwixt the two realms long to endure, moves him deeply
to consider by what means it may be increased, and that the
chief impediments that may disturb its continuance be
avoided. As for the intercourse, he doubts not but that
the conformity of religion, neighbourhood entertained by
mutual good offices, and the very necessity of the cause,
will daily minister to both parties sufficient matter of it.
And indeed, seeing that for the subjects' part the old enmity
of these two nations is miraculously converted into reciprocal
good will, and both parties become desirous of a friend by
conjunction, he does not see what could impede if the heads
could be so heartily joined as are the members; betwixt whom
he finds many natural causes and strait bands of amity.
There is but one root from which any variance can grow;
they are tender cousins, both Queens in the flower of their
age, resembling each other in most excellent and goodly
qualities, on whom God has bestowed most liberally the
gifts of nature and fortune, whose sex will not permit them
to advance their glory by war, but on the contrary the chief
glory of both shall stand in a peaceable reign, which is apt
to conciliate a mutual love betwixt them. Neither of them
is ignorant from what root the contrary affection proceeds.
Begs her not to take his boldness in evil part. Wishes to
God that the Queen of Scots had never by any advice taken
in her head to pretend interest or acclaim any title to England, for then they would have continued good friends.
Fears that unless that root be removed it will ever breed
unkindness betwixt them. She [Elizabeth] cannot yield, and
on the other part the Queen of Scots may think it hard,
being so nigh the blood of England, to be made a stranger
from it. If any mid way could be picked out to remove this
difference, it is like that they should have a perpetual quietness. Has long thought of it, but never durst communicate
it to the Queen of Scots, or many of his countrymen. "What
if your title did remain untouched, as well for yourself as
the issue of your body? Inconvenient were it to provide
that the Queen my Sovereign, her own place were reserved
in the succession to the crown of England, which your
Majesty will pardon me if I take to be next by the law of all
nations, as she that is next in lawful descent of the right
line of King Henry VII., and in this meantime this isle to
be united in a perpetual friendship." The succession of realms
comes by God's appointment, which no man can alter. If
he can receive answer from her he will travail with the
Queen of Scots to bring her to conformity; but if she
[Elizabeth] mislikes it, he will no further "mell" therewith.
—Edinburgh, 6 Aug. 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. Pp. 3. |
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| August 6. | 385. The Lord James to Cecil. (fn. 1) |
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| Sends him a copy of his letter to the Queen, that being
well advised and finding the same good he may let it to her
(as if sent in Randolph's packet), or upon his good consideration withdraw it. Unless there shall be some good intelligence between the two Queens, the amity begun cannot
well continue for long space.—Edinburgh, 6 Aug. 1561.
Signed. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
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August 6.
Knox, vi. 126. | 386. John Knox to the Queen. |
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| It is certainly spoken that the Queen of Scotland travails
earnestly to have a treatise, entitled "The First Blast of the
Trumpet," confuted by the advice of the learned in divers
realms; and further, that she labours to inflame the hearts of
Princes against the writer. It may also appear that the Queen
of England minds to travail with her Council and learned
men for judgment against such a common enemy to women
and to their regiment. It is foolishness to him to prescribe
to her what is to be done in anything, but especially in such
things as men suppose do touch himself. Thinks himself
assured of one thing, and therefore dares not conceal it;
viz., neither does the Queen of Scots so greatly fear her own
estates by reason of that book, nor does she so unfeignedly
favour the tranquillity of the Queen of England's reign and
realm that she would take so great and earnest pains, unless
her crafty Council in so doing shot at a further mark. Two
years ago he wrote to her his full declaration touching that
work; experience has since shown that he is not desirous of
innovations, so that Christ Jesus be not in His members
openly trodden under the feet of the ungodly. Will not
trouble her with further purgation for the present. Prays
the Eternal to assist her, etc.—Edinburgh, 6 Aug 1561.
Signed. |
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| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 3. |
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| August 6. | 387. Scottish Parliament. |
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| The Lords of Scotland having understood (not only by
common bruit but also by the Queen's special letters, and
more particularly by her letters from Paris of the 12th July
last,) her resolution to return into Scotland, they look undoubtedly for her arrival before the end of the month, with
divers noblemen in her company. As it is her pleasure that
not only all good treatment be shown to these Lords, but also
that all her subjects endeavour to let them understand that
the realm is quiet and well ordered, and not so dissolutely
broken of all good order as has been bruited to the world, so
that they may have occasion at their returning to report the
best of the country, for this purpose, and to the end that the
Queen may the more honourably be received, it is convenient
that all the nobility and Estates be assembled at Edinburgh
to await upon her coming and attend upon her commands.
The writers therefore pray the person addressed to convene
with the rest of the nobility at Edinburgh on the last day of
August. And although, by impediment of wind and weather
the Queen may not keep this first tryst, yet they pray that this
may be no stop to his coming. There is some tumult already
raised in the principal burghs which may be some precedent
to further inconveniences, and some along the Borders which
should be provided for; which if the Queen should find out
of order at her coming that strangers might espy the same,
she would think her nobility negligent. Have by their letters signified to the Queen their opinion herein and diet
appointed.—Edinburgh, 6 Aug. 1561. |
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| Copy. Endd. first by Maitland and afterwards by Cecil.
Pp. 2. |
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August 6.
Burgon, i. 393. | 388. Gresham to Cecil. |
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| 1. By his last of the 1st inst. the writer sent a letter from
Mr. Erle by order of Sir Richard Sackville, wherein he desired
Cecil to be good to him for the rate of the exchange for such
money as was paid in London; and now desires Cecil to have
consideration thereof, for being rated at twenty-two shillings
and sixpence in the pound, as the Auditor informs him he has
done, he will thereby lose above 500l. |
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| 2. The Lord Treasurer has appointed him to pay on the
25th inst. in Antwerp 44,784l. 6s., whereof the merchant
adventurers pay 30,000l. sterling; the merchant staplers
7,266l. 1s. 4d. more, and out of the Queen's receipt 2,542l. 16s.
sum sterling, 39,808l. 17s. 4d., which in Flemish, after the rate
of twenty-two shillings and sixpence for the pound sterling,
makes 44,784l. 6s. |
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| 3. The Queen appointed him by his instructions to prolong
the 50,000l. till February next; the Lord Treasurer will have
that set over till August 1562, with the other debts due this
August and November, which amounts to 100,000l. And
for the rest of the Queen's debts to be prolonged; to pay in
June, November, and December 1562, 14,094l. 19s. 4d. in
each of those said months. |
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| 4. He intends to depart to-morrow towards Antwerp. Desires Cecil to have him in remembrance for passing his account,
and to write to Sir Walter Mildmay to be at Enfield against
the Queen's coming thither. Cecil's five pillars of marble
have arrived safely, and trusts his wife's velvet and Spanish
leather chairs will be here shortly, to whom he sends his commendations.—London, 7 Aug. 1561. Signed. |
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| 5. P. S.—Since writing hereof he received two letters from
his factor, Richard Clough, which he sends enclosed. It is noted
that the King of Denmark has altered his purpose and taken
up all the ships he can come by at Hamburg and Bremen. |
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| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
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| August 9. | 389. The Queen to the Merchant Adventurers. |
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| She wishes them to pay the sum of 30,000l. sterling, after
the rate of twenty-two shillings and sixpence Flemish,
Gresham taking his receipt for the same; and to be repaid at
seven months, with interest at twelve per cent. for six months,
accounting the other month for usance. She also grants
them such letters as the Privy Council shall think necessary
for their indemnity in receiving of the interest, and for assurance of repayment. |
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| Draft, corrected by Cecil. Endd. by Cecil's secretary.
Pp. 2. |
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| August 9. | 390. Thos. Windebank to Cecil. |
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| 1. Philoponus cannot write anything about Theophilus
[Mr. Thomas] but hope, notwithstanding the latter's promises
of amendment. (fn. 2) Thinks that they had better travel with
such company of Frenchmen as they shall meet, as that of
the Earl of Hertford and other Englishman has been a great
hindrance to Mr. Thomas, not only for the tongue but also in
other ways, which now he will not declare, and will be so
still, unless they avoid that company. Thomas Kendall
has never had his health since they came hither and therefore
desires to be revoked. If Cecil does not send another in his
place they will make choice of some meet Frenchman to serve
Mr. Thomas's turn.—Paris, 9 Aug. Signed. |
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| 2. P. S.—The people die in this town of the plague; and
if it increases as it has began, they will be forced to go to
Orleans. |
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| Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 3. |
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| August 9. | 391. Corrected draft of the above. |
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| Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4. |
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| August 9. | 392. N. Stopio to Sir John Mason. |
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| Since he wrote last the news which he sends with this
letter have arrived. It is stated from Ferrara that the
marriage of the Duke with the Infanta of Portugal is
concluded, with a dower of 300,000 ducats.—Venice, 9 Aug.
1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd.: Advices. Ital. Pp. 2. |
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| August 9. | 393. Intelligences. |
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| 1. Rostan Bassa has died of the disease he has long been
troubled with. He has left by testament, as a dowry to his
wife, 24,000 ducats. On his death bed he besought the Turk
to deliver such prisoners as were taken at Gerbes; for he
thought the pestilence at Constantinople was caused through
their detention, and he left 40,000 ducats to buy slaves with,
in their stead. The Turk is better off by his death by seven
millions of gold. Ali Bassa is appointed in his place, who
is a Sclavonian by birth. |
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| 2. There have been sundry skirmishes in Milan between
the officers and certain gentlemen, and murders have been
committed within and without the city. Certain gentlemen being driven to take the church, were violently taken
out thereof, whereupon the canons refused to celebrate any
service until the prisoners were restored to their sanctuary;
but the captain of the justice has so used them, that they
were fain to fulfil the ceremonies accordingly. |
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| 3. News from Spain state that the fleet had arrived from
the Indies with a million and a half of gold for the King's
use, besides the merchants. |
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| 4. It is written from Rome that the Council goes forward,
and that all the Italian Prelates appointed to go thither are
commanded to depart incontinently after the first rain in
August. |
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| 5. King Philip has joined Cæsar Gonzaga in commission
with his Ambassador at Rome, and has willed Vargas to do
nothing without him. |
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| 6. Advertisements from Ancona state that there were
twenty-four foists of the Turks in the Gulf, which had done
much harm in sundry places, and that there were thirty
vessels of all sorts about Naples that spoiled and robbed in
those quarters. |
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| 7. It is thought the marriage between the Duke of
Ferrara and the King of Portugal's daughter is concluded. |
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| Copy. Endd. Pp. 3. |
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| July 14–Aug. 9. | 394. Intelligences. |
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| 1. Constantinople, 14 July 1561. The Venetian Ambassador has congratulated Ali Bassa upon having succeeded
Rostan Bassa. He promises to restore the prizes taken by
Rostan, and wishes to be upon better terms with the Signori
than his predecessor was, promising to act towards them
with justice and reason. He is resolved to provide against
the corsairs, of whom he means to cleanse the seas. The
plague is very great in Constantinople; Rostan's daughter is
dead of it, so that all her wealth will go to the Lord. |
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| 2. Milan, 6 August. Letters from Genoa mention the arrival
of twenty-eight galleys from Spain with Antonio Doria.
Marc Antonio Coreto Doria, Prince of Melfi, is Commanderin-Chief, and his lieutenant is Giovanni Andrea Doria. He
was directed by letters of the 21st ultimo, from the Catholic
Court, to hoist his flag and to proceed with fifty galleys to
seek Dragut, who was off Genoa. The Duke of Sessa had
not arrived at that Court, but it appears by letters of the
18th, written by himself, that he has been somewhat indisposed. Antonio Doria is appointed captain of the galleys of
Sicily, twenty of which are to guard that island, twenty are
assigned to Sardinia, and as many to Naples; and while Giovanni Andrea Doria is to remain at Genoa with other twenty,
Giovanni Di Mendoza shall guard Spain with as many more.
Riccio Crivello is sent back to the sacristy of the cathedral
where he was taken, and yesterday it was proclaimed that no
one should wear a dagger either by night or day; and that not
more than three persons should walk together in the cloisters
of the cathedral under a severe punishment. The Cardinal
of Ferrara is expected here on his way to France; also two
Portuguese Bishops on their way to Trent. Many tents are
being made here for the Viceroy of Sicily. |
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| 3. Rome, 9 August 1561. On Tuesday the Pope went to
the Baths of Diocletian with eighteen Cardinals to lay the
first stone of the Church of the Friars of the Holy Cross of
Jerusalem, where a Mass was sung and an indulgence
granted. On the following morning it was forbidden, under
pain of excommunication, to ride or drive there. The Pope
has had a slight return of his gout in one knee, yet he never
continues long in one place; he dines at St. Mark's, and sups
and sleeps in Ara Cœli. On Friday there was a Consistory, in
which were given away many rich churches in France, Spain,
and Flanders, but none in Italy. That of St. Papolo in
France, resigned by Cardinal Salviati, was given to Antonio
Maria, his nephew, being worth 5,000 crowns, in exchange
for which the Queen has given the Cardinal another worth
10,000 crowns. The Pope urges the Bishops, by private
conferences with them, to go to the Council; it is reported
that he will go to Perugia and Bologna, but this is not
credited. It is said that he has granted power to the
Patriarch Grimani to refuse to be judged by such of the
Cardinals as he suspects, and that he may answer their
opinions in writing. Cardinal Di Monte cannot procure the
price of his fine; the affair has blown over. Cardinal
Farnese is better. The Cardinal Di Pisa is tanquam
mortuus; no one mentions him. When the next Cardinals are
created they will all be relations or dependants of the Pope
and of the Borromeo. Count Brocardo Persico is expected,
whom the Pope sent to the King Catholic. A great earthquake at Naples has done much damage, and Vesuvius is
active. The churches of S. Lorenzo and St. Augostino and
the monastery of Regina Cœli have suffered. |
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| 4. From the Court of Spain, 24 July 1561. The King
has informed the Nuncio that it is not expedient at present
to take further notice of the Queen of England having
refused to admit the Nuncio, M. Martinego; but when the
Council has ended he will not fail to attend to it, and will
take up arms not only against her but against all who are
disobedient to the Church. He will send an Ambassador,
and not a Cardinal, to the Council. He expects to raise
200 galleys. The fleet on its way home from the Indies
was encountered by some ships which said they were French,
and which entered the port of Seville, after having taken
an English vessel. One of the ships of this fleet had sunk, in
which were the accounts of the specie which were in the
other vessels. Another fleet, richer than this, is coming from
Peru. |
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| Endd.: Advices. Ital. Pp. 4. |
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