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| April 2. | Duke John Casimir to Walsingham. |
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| Recommending his counsellor, La Hugerie, and asking for his
prompt dispatch with the results of his embassy. Prays his
honour to use his influence with her Majesty in regard to what
he and the Sieur Horatio Palavicino shall write or say upon the
fresh accidents, requests and remedies; which doing, he will
advance the cause, safety and grandeur of his mistress, and
increase more and more the zeal of those who employ themselves so cheerfully in the business.—Heidelberg, 2 April, 1587.
Signed. Add. Endd. Fr. ½ p. [Germany, States V. 37.] |
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| April 2. | Horatio Palavicino to Walsingham. |
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| I last wrote to your honour on the 19th of last month. I
have been at Frankenthal, and for five whole days in the company
of the Sieur de la Noue, to my great satisfaction, having found
him worthy of all the credit and reputation which his actions
have gained for him. He particularly asked about the health of
your honour, to whom he is no less joined in sincere friendship
than you are to him; declaring his intention, if possible, to
go over, as being more desirous to sojourn in that kingdom with
you than any other place whatever, while France remains in its
present state. |
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| Geneva has not at present any need of him, there being no
appearance that she will be attacked, and his being there has
been prejudicial to his son, the Sieur de Teligni, who has
been kept more straitly than he used to be, the Spaniards considering that his presence in that city has been offensive to the
Duke of Savoy, who, being the third in succession to the crown
of Spain, is included amongst those against whom the Sieur
de la Noue is bound not to bear arms; to which interpretation,
however, as being illegitimate, he does not give so much heed
that in case of need he would fail to serve the common cause
there. It is true that having now recovered his younger son,
who was a hostage with the Duke of Lorraine, he desires to
use every effort to liberate his firstborn, after which he would
be as it were, free himself; wherefore he earnestly prays your
honour that if either at sea or in the Low Countries, any
prisoner be taken by our men of worth enough to ransom
him, you would graciously remember him; seeing that no sum
of money serves to do it, and his hopes are reduced to the
above means. Now, seeing that the garrison of Berghes op
Zoome has lately taken Signor Giovanni di Castiglio, an old
Spanish captain, master of the camp to a regiment of Spaniards
and in great favour with the Prince of Parma, (fn. 1) I believe that by
his exchange rather than that of any other private captain, M. de
Teligni might be liberated, and therefore pray you to give
order to those who took Castiglio not to dispose of him without
your consent, and to set on foot the negotiation for the aforesaid exchange, concerning which I doubt not but that M. de la
Noue will petition your honour by his own letters. Meanwhile,
I have written to the Signor [Sir William] Russell at Flushing to
give him notice thereof and to prevent any different resolution
being taken by those of Bergen. |
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| M. de la Noue has told me that he believes the Prince of Parma
means shortly to attempt the enterprise of Utrecht, and that
therefore it should be well guarded and some place near it on
the side of the enemy fortified, in order to hold the country and
encamp there in case of need. He also told me that the Prince's
aims are very great indeed; that he is burning to attempt something and that he would rather make war directly against England
than in the Low Countries. He therefore thinks that the Earl
of Leicester should return as soon as possible, because of the
disorders which have sprung up amongst the chief men who rule
affairs there. I urged him to come himself [to England]; telling
him of my hope of returning shortly, when I should have the
advantage of a safe passage, and would wait for him and keep
him company. He replied that he must first return to Basel
to put his private affairs in order and then would be very
willing, but I had no sooner left him on the 26th than the
next day I had a letter from my two men there [in England]
telling me of the arrival of my servant, and that I had licence
to return, whereupon I sent a messenger after him (he having
already started for Basel), telling him I should wait for him in
Emden until the 25th, or even till the 30th of the present
month and then went to D. Casimir to take leave, which I did
on the 29th. I have now returned hither, where I await the dispatch of his letters for her Majesty, your honour, the Earl of
Leicester and the Lord Treasurer, which he promised to send
me by the 4th of this month. |
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| I here found Mr. Pooel [Stephen Powle], who gave me your
letter of the 3rd, which will make me use all possible diligence. I
also found Zolcker, who told me he had sent your letters to
D. Casimir, to which I hope to bring you the reply. I shall start,
God willing, one day this week, and go to Emden to find my
servant, who is waiting for me with your letters of March 1,
and try to cross with the first wind, thanking you most humbly
for the kind care you have taken for the safety of my passage. |
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| I must not omit to tell you of what happened to the Sieur de
Quitri, so that if you hear a rumour of it, you may know how
it happened and with what result. The Duke of Saxony made
him wait till the 3rd of March (the day after he wrote the letter
of which I send you the copy (fn. 2) ) and then kept him for thirteen
days, very strictly and unworthily, showing himself much offended that he had gone so near to Dresden and to himself to
capitulate with the colonels, two of the chief of whom he also
detained, making it apparent that he meant to hinder his work,
and seeking to prove that it was the action of D. Casimir; but
as the men luckily escaped, he had nothing left but suspicion. |
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| These things were executed by Shombergh, the brother of
Gaspar Shombergh, who serves the King of France, so that by
his person and by the vehemence of his proceedings it may be
argued that it has been done in favour of the King of France
and perhaps also of the Emperor; however, the Sieur de Quitri
was at last allowed to go, and reached us on the 26th, to
our great joy; for we had feared the worst from his long delay.
D. Casimir did not know what to say or do; but is since become
very hopeful, having had letters from his men assuring him that
the colonels mean to negotiate, notwithstanding the aforesaid
opposition, and have arranged to meet in Brunswick to treat:
therefore D. Casimir should hasten thither and give order for
them to proceed with all diligence. |
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| It may be that this report, spread about everywhere, will
induce him to do things more secretly, and so catch Lorraine
and France less ready; while he diligently informs his friends
of all, in order that they may not be dismayed by such a rumour.
He himself is writing of it to her Majesty. As I pass through
the Landgrave's country, I shall speak to him of this and pray
him to use good offices with the Dukes of Saxony and Brandenburg not to hinder this action, as D. Casimir requested me to
do.—Frankfort, 2 April 1587.
Postscript. My Lord Zouch has arrived here. He calls himself Mr. Welby and I am told that he means to stay in Heidelberg.
Signed. Add. Endd. Italian. 3 pp. [Germany. States V.
38.] [Words in italics in cipher.] |
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| April 2. | Duplicate of the above.
Signed. Add. Endd. 2¾ pp. [Ibid. V. 39.] |
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| April 4. | Stafford to the Queen. |
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| Though by Mr. Wade's letter and mine to Mr. Secretary [see
p. 267 below] your Majesty may see in what sort M. Belliever
and M. Pinard have dealt with us within these three days, being
sent by the King to us, . . . yet that your Majesty may particularly know what terms we stand in here. . . . I am bold
to trouble you thus much further. |
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| [Here follows a resumé of what had passed between him and
Bellièvre in their conference, related at large in his and Wade's
joint letter to Walsingham of March 24, above.] |
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| "Our conference was above two very long hours and more;
where your Majesty must needs think that so grave a counsellor
and so wise a man was not without replies which made me
to wish often that as wise a man as he had been in my place
to have dealt with him; but in the end, his own disposition to
do all good things for the good and increase of amity of these
two realms, and partly finding, though I had no art, I had
reason of my side, he did neither absolutely deny nor yet wholly
approve my reasons, and namely in the last point, [of giving
aid to the King of Navarre] wherein I found that though there
must be a great quarrel still made upon that point for show,
they do not think your Majesty doth any harm to them in doing
it; and promised to take an opportunity to make our conference
known to the King to some good purpose. |
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| "Since, I know very privately he hath done it and to good
effect . . . . and that upon that the King sent M. Belliever
and M. Pinard unto us, which he never would permit afore since
the first day that Mr. Waade had audience. I can assure you
farther that the King is qualified in his own mind in this matter
of the Queen of Scots, and that if your Majesty will win him
with some show of making account of him with this matter of
the ambassador, and the delivery of de Trappes to him to be
examined, for a colour and show to the world that you make
account of him, you may strengthen him and win him from the
importunity of all them that press him to the contrary, which
they beat him with nothing so much as with this matter of
the ambassador, which indeed he is extremely piqued withal in
his own honour, that you will not admit him to speak with you
and to justify himself. And what fault soever there were in
the ambassador, your Majesty, being intreated to it, may make
the King beholding unto you, and stop their mouths that make
that gall the King the most of all, make him bound to do good
offices, and his friends that be touched here, who govern most,
win them for his sake. I beseech your Majesty consider in what
terms things stand, and whether to impeach this King from running desperate into their arms that hate you, it were not better
for you not to see so exactly into his minister at this time as
you might do another time; and if it were not for any other
purpose but to make them (that are glad of nothing more than
to have the contrary seen) to see that there is amity and goodwill
between you, and that it cannot be broken by any minister's
fault, it were no small policy now. And this your Majesty may
be very sure withal, that as long as his ambassador remaineth in
that state with you, your ambassador shall have here no audience
for anything. And this I can tell your Majesty farther, and
have it from so good a place (though I may not tell whence)
that as far as I can take assurance, I durst assure you that
if contenting the King in this (for else there is no dealing with
him) you will send privately to me any matter that you desire
for increase of farther amity . . . there is very good assured hope
there may be good done [in] it, and for my part . . . I think
there is more good to be done of the King of the nature he
is of at this time than if he were of a more martial disposition.
But that which he will do he will desire to have it secretly done,
and this which he standeth upon—to have justice done afore
these ships be released, which in truth were stayed only upon
their request, to make you afraid in the matter of the Queen
of Scots—is but a show to please the world withal, for he
would with all his heart they were released, and would there were
so many stayed in England that all his subjects interessed
might cry on him for a release to save them from undoing;
but this must not be known, and truly the execution of justice
on both sides must needs go forward, for it is very needful. |
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| "Thus I have, though the letter be long and tedious, made
but a brief discourse of so long a speech, and withal been bold
to lay down things to you as they are, and withal to give you
my poor advice, even as afore God in my conscience, and according to my duty and allegiance to your Majesty I think a truth
and necessary. Your Majesty's wisdom must teach you to consider
the best for yourself, which I pray God give you the grace to do
in all your actions. |
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| Not signed or dated. Endd. "Copy of Sir Ed. Stafford's letter
to her Majesty of the 4 of April, 1587." 4 pp. [France XVII.
48.] |
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| April 4. | Stafford to Burghley. |
|---|
| Not having time to write at large I refer your lordship to
my letters to Mr. Secretary and to the Queen, of which last
I have sent Mr. Secretary a copy, knowing that sometimes her
Majesty "doth not communicate things." |
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| I am very sorry that her Majesty still remains offended with
her Council, and particularly with your lordship, both for your
grief and that she does herself and her own service great harm
by it; for a day or two before my man brought the news,
it was here advertised to them out of England; and if Tupper had
not come I should have written plainly to her of it, but I
will now forbear three or four days and then write expressly of
it, "for I assure you it is nuts to them here to hear it; and yet
for that respect that she doeth it for it rather doth harm than
good, . . . and particularly her evil countenance unto you, that
maketh the thing [i.e. her anger at the Queen of Scot's execution]
less believed than anything else, for all she can do cannot persuade them here that your lordship could ever be brought to
do any thing against her express mind. . . Not they that
loved the Queen of Scots best will not be persuaded any way
that you have advanced her days a minute more than the Queen's
will, nor bear you any speck of evil will for it." I will assuredly write "what harm it doth her here, and how they that
love her not rejoice at it, I mean with her Council in general,
not touching your lordship's particular; for then she would
think I were either set on or that my particular goodwill to
your lordship made me do it." |
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| When Mr. Fant, Mr. Secretary's man was here, I told him
how strangers coming from England told me how little I was
beholding to his master; that I desired nothing more than his
favour, and if he did not favour me he did me wrong, for I
deserved well. "By Tupper he hath written at large to me
and hath assured me I shall have his goodwill unfeignedly, and
that he will satisfy me by the first opportunity of all things
and jealousies past. If he do so, I shall be beholding to him;
but though he do not, I will not leave to be satisfied, because
mine own conscience satisfieth me fully. . . . Buzenval also
hath written to me a letter of reconciliation, for I dealt very
plainly with Fant about him too. . . . The French have dealt
on both hands, both with Mr. Secretary and me to serve their
own turns, but I will never speak more of it. God forgive
all as freely as I do. |
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| "Thus my lord, as to one that I make partaker of any thing
that toucheth me, I thought fit to let your lordship know that I
hope that I have a friend more now than I had . . . and I
will truly deserve it as I have ever done, for I have known him
long and given him good cause to love me as far as my power
stretched: but your lordship hath given me [more] cause,
having favoured me without any desert of mine but only in goodwill, therefore I beseech your lordship to assure yourself that
you have bound me to you, and so unfeignedly you shall find
me account myself so, in any service I can do you or any of
yours."—Paris, 4 April, 1586.
Holograph. Add. Endd. by Burghley. 2¾ pp. [France XVII.
49.] |
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| April 4. | Stafford and Waad to Walsingham. |
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| "After long soliciting, on Thursday last M. Bellievre and M.
Pinart came unto us, by order from the King, to let us understand his pleasure. Where de Bellievre, beginning with the
matter of arrests, told us that it were well we came now at the
length forth of these briars, wherein already they had begun
to make way unto us, and if we would show some disposition
on our part, things might easily be brought to good pass; for
already the Duke Joyeuse had licensed our mariners to depart,
and stay only was made of the ships until such order might be
taken for administering of justice on both sides as should be
requisite. And for furtherance hereof, as they did understand
by me, Sir Edward Stafford, that her Majesty had appointed
commissioners on that side, being personages chosen greatly
to their liking; so, when the King might be certified thereof from
his ambassador, he would name likewise others on this side;
wherein, though for their parts they gave credit unto us, nevertheless it was reason, the King having an ambassador there, that
he should be made acquainted therewithal, and the King receive
advertisement from him. For that course was always held and
used amongst Princes, and so were they sent from the King unto
us, to let us know his mind and resolutions; and in like manner
the King would write to his ambassador to signify the same to
her Majesty, that his message and our report might concur.
And therefore they required us for the love of God, to deal
herein so effectually that at the length we might get forth out
of these brakes and encumbers. |
|---|
| "We replied touching the commissioners, that there was no
doubt to be had of the truth of the matter, sithence by her
Majesty's commandment they were advertised by me, Edward
Stafford, of the choice of the commissioners, being to be credited
in all such things as I have to deliver in her Majesty's name.
Hereof, as before, they said they did not doubt; but for indifferent and sound dealing, they desired that course might be held
with them which they took with us; and that the King in all
those cases (as reason was) did look to be advertised from his
own ambassador, as well as from her Majesty's, and that that
account should be made of him, serving the King in that place
(which they very often did urge and pray us to procure). And
so we might hold the commissioners for named here likewise,
which only stayed the coming of the Duke Joyeuse, who would
be here within two days, because these matters concern his
charge, being Lord Admiral of France. Therefore if we would
write to her Majesty, they would dispatch also one to accompany
him, and speedy answer might be returned. In the mean season,
the complaints on both sides might be presented to be considered of. Hereupon, we took occasion to let them understand
that as the arrests were first made and begun on this side, so
they should first release. But in the end we perceived they
do understand that on both sides the stays should continue until
the commissioners appointed should deal in the particular cause.
Wherein we told them it might be they had arrested English
goods to the sum of one hundred thousand pounds, and we
perhaps but for a small sum. So they were to think, unless
they took order to release our goods, we should be forced to
continue to take and detain their men until we might get into
our hands [enough] to countervail the sum taken by them, for
the indemnity of our merchants. |
|---|
| "But truly, for ought we can perceive, as these arrests were
begun for another purpose, so they are continued rather for
colour than otherwise, and until such time as the King might
receive some contentment in the case of his ambassador. And
they seemed very desirous that order might be taken in these
causes and the traffic restored. |
|---|
| "Where they making a stay, we told them that I, William
Waad, attended these nine weeks the King's pleasure, her Majesty
looking long sithence for my return, and for answer in that
I delivered unto the King, which we hoped now to obtain, and
they might be assured my return should further all these causes.
Whereupon M. de Bellievre said that therein likewise they had
commandment from the King to let us understand that the cause
of his ambassador could not but greatly grieve him, as a matter
wherein he is very deeply touched in honour; for what show
soever we made, it is not to be thought that an ambassador durst
attempt or undertake any such thing without his master's knowledge and privity; for they are but to do their master's wills
and commandments. Therefore they did pray us very earnestly,
that as heretofore he had written to her Majesty by Roger to
have de Trappes sent him, so we would deal with her Majesty
to give him that most reasonable satisfaction; as the King did
promise on his honour to examine the cause thoroughly and to
punish him accordingly, which his desire was I, William Waad,
might see done. Wherein the King likewise had great cause to
think little regard to be had of him in respect of the constant
affection he hath always showed to maintain amity with her
Majesty, that his ambassador cannot by any means be admitted
to his excuse and to clear himself; for they could hear nothing
from him but that he stood in the same terms he did. And
besides the King's honour, so highly touched therein, the gentleman found himself defamed with the most infamous charge that
could be imputed to any man, wherein he protested himself to
be most innocent, and M. de Bellievre swore most faithfully
that in his conscience he took him to be, and therefore stood him
upon more than all he had besides in the world. For which respects, the King could not be denied to be permitted to look
into a matter that imported his honour, which he would himself
not only take knowledge of, but severely examine, as we both
should see. For it were too partial a kind of dealing not to
suffer him to look into a matter that touched him so near.
Therefore most earnestly and often they required us to let her
Majesty understand that the King did pray her Majesty again
(which likewise his ambassador had charge to let her understand) to give him that just satisfaction he desired, that both
his ambassador might be admitted to purge himself, and de
Trappes sent hither. And, as heretofore, so they stood again
upon the extract of the depositions sent hither, specially those
of de Trappes, which they called tronqués and in pieces, saying
they knew very well the quite contrary touching his confession
to that we made show of, and though we kept it from them,
they had the whole examinations. For so soon as Moody desired to
talk with him apart, and began to discourse about the taking away
of her Majesty's life, de Trappes reprehended him sharply, and
though he confessed that the ambassador sent him to speak with
Moody, it was at the importunity of Stafford, and suspecting no
such matter. And the King marvelled all this while why, de
Trappes being in our power, we sent not a perfect confession
hither, signed by him or under his own hand. M. Bellievre
said he had these thirty-three years been acquainted with matter
of justice and of judgment, but never saw accusations or depositions produced but entire and with the sign of the party. And
that we would the King should take notice of this cause, and
yet conceal the matter from him, and neither suffer him to
look into the same nor admit his ambassador to declare his
innocency. |
|---|
| "After we had spent some time in debating of the matter,
which served to small purpose because they make no account of
the confessions of Stafford and Moody, preferring the credit of
the ambassador, clearing himself upon his oath and damnation,
and de Trappes' confession by them construed in their favour,
as it is by him set down; it was told them her Majesty had
little cause to grant the delivery of de Trappes, the King
having deferred hitherto to deliver Morgan, her Majesty's subject, so often most villainously having attempted the destruction
of her royal and sacred person, being a thing according to the
treaties; where I, Edward Stafford, did offer, the King
giving his assured promise to deliver Morgan to her Majesty,
to be myself a means to her highness that de Trappes might
be consigned to whom he should appoint. That is the thing, said
Bellievre, that most of all offendeth the King, because thereby
he perceiveth de Trappes was only stayed by way of reprisal.
We wished the King had long sithence rendered Morgan and
Charles Paget, because such wicked instruments having wanted,
that had not perhaps fallen out to the Scottish Queen that now
is come to pass. We required also, 'sithe' the King was thus
resolved, he would dispatch me with this his answer to her
Majesty. But they desired me, sithence I had stayed all this
while, to have a little while longer patience, because in less
than a fortnight we might have answer in these things. It
were too tedious to repeat all the speech that passed between us.
[Sums up again the King's demands.] |
|---|
| "And so about the matter of arrests, they desired the King
might know by his ambassador her Majesty's mind (which we
said had not been omitted if no other occasion had come between)
and that we on our side would show some forwardness and good
disposition, as they had already done, to the end that all difficulty might be removed. In the mean season the ships and
goods to continue under custody, which, in our opinion, is done
to serve for some outward show, that it might not seem the
King did relent so soon, than of any evil disposition, for they
dealt with us in very good terms. Therefore, under your honour's
correction, if any of their mariners have been stayed with their
ships, we think it should be well done the mariners were released,
to show them after their example we may be brought to arrest
our release. We think it a thing also to be considered of by your
honour, if any shall be sent hither hereafter to follow the
merchants' causes, that amongst the rest there may some discreet
man be chosen and learned, for we find that want of good
directions and government hath greatly hindered the success
of their causes heretofore. We most humbly beseech your honour
we may have knowledge of her Majesty's pleasure so soon as may
be, which is greatly here desired; and he that doth accompany
this bearer expressly dispatched for that purpose. |
|---|
| "The Duke Joyeuse arrived here on Saturday in the evening,
and yesterday we sent to M. Pinart to know the names of the
commissioners that the King would appoint for sea causes.
He sent us answer that the Admiral, himself, M. de Bellievre and
a President should be named as it was thought, but the King
would determine nothing until he had word from his own ambassador of her Majesty's mind, whereby your honour may
perceive that the King will take knowledge of nothing but that
which shall be delivered to his ambassador. So as until her
Majesty vouchsafe to receive him to favour, all intelligence is
like to cease. Thus having most faithfully reported what hath
been delivered unto us, we refer the consideration hereof to her
Majesty's wisdom; beseeching God, her Highness' resolutions
herein, being a matter of very great weight, may advance those
good purposes she most desireth; as we shall be ready to execute
her commandments."—Paris, 4 April, 1587. Signed by both.
In Waad's hand-writing. Add. Endd. 6 pp. [France XVII.
50.] |
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| April 4. | Stafford to Walsingham. |
|---|
| I humbly thank your honour for your letter by Tupper.
"I never received anything more grateful in my life . . . For
the assurance of your friendship, in truth and honesty I would
not sell it for anything, and if I did know . . . that either for
mine own particular cause or for public service I deserved
other, by God in heaven, afore whose judgment seat I hope to
appear, I would myself open it, but by God that bought me I
know no gall in mine own conscience. I would to God I were
as clear to God's word as I am to the State and to my friends.
But Sir, I will ask no more questions, but when it shall please
you and by whom it shall please you, I shall rest greatly satisfied when I shall know the ground of any thing. I guess more
bad dealing with me by a letter I have received by this bearer
from Buzenvall than ever yet I could have inkling of. I have
answered him as pertinently as I can to it, knowing no more
than I do; and truly, as I have written unto him, all things are
quite past and gone and forgotten with me, what wrong soever
hath been done me; but I will assure you this: there is craft
in 'Dawbynge', (fn. 3) and that they will all not care what they
do to play on both hands to serve their own turns." You
and I have been both evil dealt withal; Mr. Waade at his return
will tell you more, and there, I pray you let it rest. I will
never open my mouth of it, or make their master and the public
cause pay for the folly of the ministers employed. |
|---|
| "And for my part towards you . . . I am as much at your
commandment as any man is in England, and more glad that
you have assured me of your friendship than of anything that
could have happened unto me. I desire no more but one thing
of you: that no tale nor tale-teller nor jealousy without hearing
myself or from me may enter into you, for I give you the word
and faith of a true, honest man, that whatsoever you send
to ask of me in any such thing, I will send you a truth and
not dissemble." |
|---|
| Mr. Fant wrote that you would write your mind to me about
Lillye. I will follow the direction he gave me till Mr. Waade
come home and I hear from you. "In the meantime first I
would not have her Majesty offended, whom I care chiefest for;
next my mother, whom I had rather be dead than she should
be unsatisfied, which both your honour may satisfy 'and if' you
will be so favourable to me. The man serveth me in very
good stead, and one that is made to my hand. If there be no
very great occasion I would be glad to serve my turn with him
whilst I were here, and after, I dare take upon me to leave him
to do very good service at your appointment." If there be
anything passed, and you would send me word of it, I think I
could draw a confession from him, and if the matter be not
great, there may be amends made for it, and it would serve
to make him take heed for what is to come. Mr. Waade will
tell you more of him.—Paris, 4 April, 1587.
Postscript. Pray let my servant George be sent over as soon
as you may. The poor fellow hath waited a great while.
Holograph. Add. Endd. 2 pp. [France XVII. 51.] |
|---|
| April 4. | Stafford to Walsingham. |
|---|
| I have written to her Majesty fully of certain speeches that
passed between me and M. Bellievre, and have given her that
poor advice which in my conscience I think the soundest, "and
whereof I think very assuredly a great deal of good may come;
and without it, I am afraid of a great deal of harm that may
ensue, if the King, not being gratified in somewhat by the Queen,
to captare benevolentiam, considering things past, and his nature,
which is daily beaten with the Queen's enemies, if he be not
strengthened by some good offices that come from her, may cast
himself headlong into the hands of her enemies and his both,
and I can assure you that we are even at the even [sic] of making
and marring. It is good taking time when time is, for it is
the only thing cannot be called back again. For God's sake
Sir, let us cut them over the thumbs that lie at wait to watch
only for the breach between France and the Queen. They would
make it serve many a turn, and never a one that would not
be extreme naught for us. God send us grace to prevent them;
truly I think we may do if we will take a way unto it, and
that way not uneasy. Belliever himself sent me word underhand
of his dealing with the King after I had spoken with him, but
this, Sir, I could not write to her Majesty, because I would not
trouble her with deciphering, and therefore I beseech you make
her acquainted with this letter; but of what importance this is,
to have it secretly kept and not spoken of, her Majesty may
judge and you know. I can assure you that by other very secret
means I know it to be very true, and that the Queen and England is beholding to the man. He sent me farther word plainly
enough to know his meaning that the helping of the King of
Navarre was the helping of the King of France. Let her Majesty
and you of her Council consider of these things with your wisdom. |
|---|
| "I must needs write to your honour another thing to make
her Majesty acquainted withal, but it must be very secretly kept,
for it will be doubted whence I have it else, and I shall be
barred from a very sure way to know the bottom of their hearts
in many things; and I can assure you this to be very true
upon my credit, that there is as good watch laid for Mr. Waad's
departure, and either to kill him or use him worse than kill
him, as ever there was for anything; and I can assure you,
only to make a breach between the Queen and the King by some
such open matter; and they care not for the ambassador there,
though he were cut in a thousand pieces; for that were but
more mischief and cause of breach, which is that they only
desire. And all the cunning is wrought with the King that may
be (which I see beareth weight) that the King would not dispatch
him, only to weary him, that he may go away without leave,
that they may have the better colour to catch him, and I dare
lay my life of it, the King will not dispatch him, and therefore,
if the Queen do not mean to content the King, I think best that
he may have leave to retire himself as well as he may without
speaking to the King, and I will do the best I can for his safety. |
|---|
| "To aggravate evil opinion of him, it was told Queen Mother
within this four days, that when he was set down to the
Queen of Scots he foisted in false papers among hers, which
were they that only condemned her. This I can assure you to
be very certain; therefore you had need to have care of the
poor gentleman, that if the Queen will not give satisfaction to
the King in the matter of his ambassador and Trappes, that he
may have leave with the Queen's favour to get away as well
as he can, and I will help. |
|---|
| "It is certain that the message that the Duke Mompensier sent,
which I writ of in my other, about Sedan is by the King's own
procurement. His physician, Miron, hath been lost here these
nine days, who I am very credibly assured was there for that
purpose, and upon that Denray was dispatched upon this message
for Sedan, and the message was not so soon come but the King
dispatched presently in all haste M. de Belliever to the Duke
of Guise. The common bruit goeth that it is for the accord
of M. d'Espernon and the Duke of 'Meine'; but the matter of
Sedan is the chiefest; and now to-day they make run the bruit
of a peace. |
|---|
| "I have sent you a note that gentlemen of good quality did
give me, and desire to have present answer of it. One of
them is Duke d'Esperon's kinsman and of great credit, the same
man that I sent you the note of a good while agone; the other
is Queen Mother's lieutenant at Cambrai, but an extreme enemy
of Balagni's. I could not, as you know was not fit for me to
take exceptions to anything, but used them with very fair words,
though, as you may see, I have 'interlined' two unreasonable
points; but if with reason they might be dealt withal, I think
the thing would be of great commodity, both to disperse the
enemy's forces and to put them in a jealousy with England,
being taken in hand but [qy. by] persons so near the French
King." I pray for answer presently.—Paris, 4 April, 1587.
Holograph. Add. Endd. 3 pp. [France XVII. 52.]
[Words in italics in cipher, undeciphered.] |
|---|
| April 4. | Stafford to Walsingham. |
|---|
| I send you the copy of my letter to the Queen, not knowing
whether she will make you acquainted with it. I pray you
show it to my lord Treasurer. As you may see, it is a brief
of the long letter I sent you by John de Vignes, "only I have left
out the eagernesses of dispositions that was in that I sent you,
to discharge my duty and to leave it to your discretions; but
in truth I writ a truth, and only that the King is modified
by very good means, the generality and the greatest here are
still evil disposed. And the cause why I have written to her
Majesty is that she may know the good from the bad, and use
every one in his kind, and take the opportunity of all things
for her best service. I am sorry that her Majesty is offended
still with her Council, for they be advertised of it here and
it is nuts to them." I will write to her of it in a day or
two, but omit to do so now, upon Tupper's arrival, lest she
might think I was moved to it by you or some other out of
England; but she does herself much wrong, and I will discharge
my duty by writing the truth to her.—Paris, 4 April, 1587.
Postscript. "Belliever is not here, who is the fittest man upon
other speech to deliver unto that jealousy of reconciliation."
When I do, it shall be in such sort as it shall not hurt. |
|---|
| "They are very hot these eight days here, about making up a
marriage of the Count Soissons with M. Nevers' daughter.
The King is very hot in it, and thinketh it will draw M. de
Nevers assuredly altogether from the League, and offereth to
give largely to the helping forward of it. Some of Count
Soissons' friends are of opinion of it too. For my part, I
rather think he will bring Count Soissons to the League than
the Count bring Nevers from it . . ."
Holograph. Add. Endd. 1 p. [France XVII. 53.]
[Words in italics, in cipher undeciphered.] |
|---|
| April 7. | Horatio Palavicino to Walsingham. |
|---|
| My last was on the 2nd. On the 5th I received my dispatch
from D. Casimir and to-day start on my journey, with very
small hope of finding the man of war which came to Emden
last month, as these English merchants come from thence tell me
that she was only to wait fourteen days; but as another is
expected at the end of this month, I shall arrive there time
enough. I had the news of the arrival of the other so late that
it was not possible to be there before it was dispatched, nor
would I move from hence without your honour's orders. I shall
come as soon as possible, especially as I am losing hope of
the Sieur de la Noue's coming, seeing that he is much cooled
in his intention to do so by a letter from your honour of the
20 of February which he has received in Strasburg, and sent
to me, that I may see that you counsel him very doubtfully
to the journey, besides his having learned that his son is threatened with straiter and more cruel prison. |
|---|
| The letters which I bring from D. Casimir ratify anew all his
bonds, and assure the execution thereof, but demand the dispatch
of la Huguerie and fresh moneys. I much desire to arrive
before he is dispatched, for I can better personally make clear any
particulars concerning her Majesty's service and hope I may
do so, believing that he will not have crossed the sea before the
end of March [sic]. Corvelles (fn. 4) left here on the 6th for Brunswick, taking the money for the cappara [i.e. earnest money]
of the reiters, hoping to treat without fail. And from Colonel
'Bouk,' who was kept back by the Duke of Saxony, they have notice
that he has obtained licence to go, and that neither he nor the
others will be hindered from what is desired.
D. Casimir did not wish Quitry to go to Brunswick nor to
be present at the conference, being vexed that he had carried
himself ill in Saxony, and had been the cause of all that disorder,
and he is no better pleased with Segur. Among these dissensions
and discords the common cause gets much less benefit. Meanwhile Sedan is in danger if the Duke of Guise can apply himself to
the enterprise, which he has not been able to do, by reason
that the affairs of the King of France or indeed of France itself
divert him therefrom; of which such various news comes
from Paris that we know not what to believe; but the coming
of the Queen Mother into those parts is very suspicious. |
|---|
| Moreover there is great likelihood that the forces of the King
of Spain will join the Duke of Guise and that they will play the
game quite openly. |
|---|
| It was true that three Swiss cantons, viz.: Lucerne, Unterwalden and Zug have allied themselves with Spain, but the other
four small cantons do not move, and it is said that the alliance
is obligatory only for the State of Milan. I believe it will be
rather a beginning to attract to him that nation than a present
certainty of bending it to serve his designs.—Frankfort, 7 April,
1587.
Holograph. Add. Endd. Italian. 1½ pp. [Germany, States V.
40.] [Words in italics in cipher, deciphered.] |
|---|
| April 10. | [Walsingham] to the French Ambassador. |
|---|
| I have earnestly solicited her Majesty for the Sieur des
Trappes, as you desired; who has commanded me to say in reply
that as soon as she shall learn that her ambassador and Mr.
Waade have had audience of the King your master, she will not
fail to put M. des Trappes into your hands and to give you
audience, to which, before this happens, her honour will not
permit her to condescend, seeing that all at once, as it were,
they are treating very badly her servants sent thither, not
permitting her ministers to have access to the King, although
she at once granted it to the Sieur Roger; and detaining so
great a number of the ships, merchandise and persons of her
subjects, without any just provocation given on her part; which
she finds extremely strange. |
|---|
| I pray you, Monsieur, in accordance with your profession of
sincere desire for the maintenance of a good and constant friendship between these two crowns, to do all good offices that this
reply may be interpreted in such sort as is reasonable. No date
or signature.
Endd. "April 10, 1587. M[inute] to the French ambassador."
Fr. ⅓ p. [France XVII. 54.] |
|---|
| April 11. | [Walsingham] to Stafford. |
|---|
| "It was found necessary that some extracts should be made
to be showed unto her Majesty out of your last letters sent by
John de Vigne, as well in respect of the length of the said
letters, as for that they contained some points that would rather
have done harm than good; namely that which concerned the
great malice that you write is generally conceived against her
Majesty and all our nation for the late execution of the Queen
of Scots, whereby she would but have been so much the more
exasperated against her Council, and the advertisement touching
the new supposed practice against her Majesty's own person; the
like whereof do always breed fearful apprehensions in her, and
therefore are now fittest to be communicated to her Council only,
to whom the care of the timely prevention of such dangers
doth chiefly appertain. Besides, for the liklihood of such matter
itself we see no probability why they should attempt like practices, or any man hazard himself to execute the same, when as
they have no more hope left to advance the Romish religion
by their wished success thereof; which giveth us just cause to
think that her Majesty is now in greater safety and freer from
danger than ever she was, howsoever men do speak threateningly
out of their passions and hot humours. You may therefore do
well hereafter to divide your matters, that such as shall be of like
kind may be contained in letters apart, and not in those that
are to be showed to her Majesty, who liketh best, as before I
have already written unto you, that such points as are of most
importance be by you communicated to herself directly, wherein
I cannot therefore but once again advise you to do according
to her pleasure. The part of your letter to her Majesty herself
wherein you write that the King of Scots excuseth her of the
blame of the late execution of his mother, and layeth the same
upon her Council did wonderfully content her Majesty, who
desireth nothing more than to have it generally conceived that
she had least part in the action, so as when there falleth out
any more such matter, you cannot do better than to impart the
same to her Majesty. |
|---|
| "Of late the French ambassador and I have had some conference together, which lasted about two hours. The beginning
of our speech was spent in arguing who had first given the
cause of the late unkindness, with the particularities whereof I
think it needless to trouble you. I find the gentleman wellaffected, and very willing to do good offices for the continuance
of good amity between the two crowns, to which end he doth
earnestly persuade the delivery of des Trappes, laying before
us the danger of the King being drawn away by those of the
League, who take the advantage of these unkindnesses to labour
him in that behalf; and constantly affirming that if des Trappes
were sent into France, both yourself and Mr. Waad should
presently have access to the King, and that he hoped, upon the
first motion to be then made for the releasing of our ships,
the King would forthwith take some good order therein. |
|---|
| The effect of which conference being communicated unto her
Majesty, and earnest persuasions used unto her to yield to the
releasing of des Trappes, in respect of the necessity of the
time, she doth nevertheless persist still in her former opinion
and insisteth to have her subjects' ships first released, wherein
she looketh the rather to be satisfied for that the arrest hath
partly grown upon the committing of des Trappes; alleging
that she hath much more cause to take the King's not delivering
of Morgan to her, after so many and so earnest requests, unkindly, being one that standeth charged with so horrible a fact
as the practising an attempt against her own person. |
|---|
| "In Scotland all things are quiet and in very good terms. The
King carrieth himself very constantly in his good disposition
this way, foreseeing that nothing can more prejudice him, both
in the time present and future, than any divorce that may
fall out between him and us, wherein he doth particularly fear
the effect of the late statute made for the disabling of any of
the competitors that shall attempt the disquieting of the state,
which will the rather contain him within the bounds of good
carriage of himself. And of late we have seen some particular
trial of his sound meaning, for that Maxwell and certain other
papists having some practice in hand for the breaking of the
borders, he did upon knowledge thereof repair presently himself
in person to Dumfries, accompanied with divers of his nobility,
to have apprehended and punished him, if, being forewarned
thereof, he had not escaped away. Without signature or date.
Copy. Endd. "April 11. M[inute] to Sir Edw. Stafford."
3½ pp. [France XVII. 55.] |
|---|
| April 12. | "A report of the King of Spain's preparations." |
|---|
| Upon enquiry made whether the King of Spain goes forward
with the great preparation which has been bruited here, "the
most certainty is by report" that numbers of men are come who
are employed in the ships appointed as wafters for his ships
bound for the East and West Indies; and the Holland and
Esterling ships are mostly set at liberty. |
|---|
| Garret de Malyvers has advice by a flyboat come to Amsterdam
from St. Lucar, that the King hath sent two principal persons
to the Duke of Medina with order to release all the Esterlings,
if they were only held by his embargo, whereupon most were
discharged and likewise many Hollanders. |
|---|
| Thomas Cottell has the same news from Andalusia. James
Kyrby came from the Cundado, last month, where there were
seafaring men and fishermen taken up and sent to Lisbon, but
were there dismissed, and most returned home. He also heard
of the release of the ships; "and more preparation of soldiers
or any attempt there was not there." |
|---|
| Antony Goldingham and Tho. Poulter, who were prisoners in
Bayonne with the rest of the English merchants, and licensed
to depart to procure liberty for the Spaniards in England,
say that neither ships nor any extraordinary provision is prepared in Galicia, saving that "in Bayonne there was put a
garrison of 400 men upon a bruit that was given of Sir Francis
Drake's coming thither; and a few soldiers were put into some
other towns upon the sea coast; but there was neither bruit
nor account made to ship them to any other place; but Pedro
de Bermudes the governor would use speech." Philip Cursyne
had letters out of Italy, dated in February, advising him that in
Sicily there was an argosy which laded in England, discharged
there and [was] reladen again with provision and munition of
war to come for Andalusia. |
|---|
| "Neither Nicolas de Goze nor any other of the Italians have
received any letters later than February, and in Italy there is no
report of any pretended matter." No Esterlings have come of
late that can give any advertisement. |
|---|
| If there had been any appearance of any dangerous attempt
to invade, I believe I should have had intelligence by some
of our own people, whom I ordered to dispatch posts at my
charge, "but none upon frivolous speech."
Endd. with date. 1¼ pp. [Spain II. 78.] |
|---|
| Another copy of the same.
Endd. 1 p. [Ibid II. 79.] |
|---|