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15 July.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
Arrival of Londono
and the Sub-prior
of Santa Cruz.
202. De Puebla to Ferdinand and Isabella.
On Monday evening, the 2nd of July, the Commander Londoño
and the Sub-prior of Santa Cruz arrived in London, accompanied
by two ecclesiastics and one gentleman, sent to
them by Henry. Has received two bundles of papers, amongst
which is a key to cipher, and two letters of the 4th of
February and 7th of April. Is very glad that they approve of
the treaties concluded by him. God has evidently done it, for
there being so many persons in the Council and about the
person of Henry who receive pensions from France, it would
have been beyond human power to bring the business to a
satisfactory conclusion. |
Their audience of
King Henry.
Henry has been in the country. But in order to see their
ambassadors, and to read their letters, (seeing that during a
whole year and eleven days he had not received a single letter
from them,) he had come directly (on Wednesday) to Westminster.
Next day, Thursday, the King sent the Bishop of
London, and other great dignitaries, for the said ambassadors,
and for him. Had a secret audience of Henry VII., not one
Englishman, except the Cardinal, being present. After hearing
the message Henry said that it was better calculated for a public
than for a private audience, and called into the room all the
great men of his kingdom who were in the palace. The
speeches of Henry in French, and of the Cardinal in Latin,
were remarkably fine. They could not have been better. Did
not speak that day, except sometimes when he explained a
little more in detail what Londoño and the Sub-prior said. |
Conversations
between King
Henry and
De Puebla.
Went next day, Friday, alone to Henry, and had long
conversations with him before and after dinner. Delivered
their letters and explained them. Henry had enjoyed those
letters more than his late victory, though they were not in
Latin. The King told him to return the next day, Saturday,
to the palace, for he could not hear their letters read often
enough. Henry had two other audiences on Saturday, but
afterwards passed four hours with him in conversation, at
which the Queen and the mother of the King were present.
"To hear what they spoke of your Highnesses and of the
Princess of Wales was like hearing the praise of God." Gave
the Queen two letters from them, and two letters from the
Princess of Wales. The King had a dispute with the Queen
because he wanted to have one of the said letters to carry
continually about him, but the Queen did not like to part
with hers, having sent the other to the Prince of Wales.
Henry invited him to Xin (Shene?) where, undisturbed
by daily business, he would speak with him at length about
the answer to be sent to Spain. He said that the peace of
Christendom, without any doubt, depended, next to God,
upon them and on himself. Thinks Henry will go to Xin
(Shene?) within three or four days. Will send a relation of
their deliberations, by an express courier, to Spain.
Next day, being Sunday, Londoño and the Sub-prior of
Santa Cruz went to see the King. Was afterwards told
by them that they had repeated in this second audience
what they had already said in their first interview with
the King.
The King, speaking in French, and the Cardinal in Latin,
promised, they said, "wonders to the advantage of your
Highnesses." They said besides many things which modesty
forbids him to repeat. |
Londono and the
Sub-prior take
leave.
Londoño and the Sub-prior took leave this very day.
Henry delivered them two letters in answer to the letters
which he had just received. The King of England called
them his "brother and his sister," and would be glad if they
would answer in the same style. But if they prefer another
style of address, Henry will conform himself to it.
The King has sent both Londoño and the Sub-prior a
purse full of nobles. Could not hear from them how many
nobles the purse contained. |
Don Pedro de
Ayala shows no
desire to return to
Scotland.
His conduct.
Don Pedro de Ayala left Scotland nine months ago, and
still shows as little inclination to return as on the first day,
and is continually causing him incredible troubles. It would
take long to tell all the acts of Don Pedro. But they will certainly
not think that they are well served by Don Pedro. "I
declared, and often said to him that the embassies which your
Highnesses send to all parts of the world are not only for
the purpose which is apparent, but also for your renown,
and in order to know what happens there, and to delude
France, and bring her into bad reputation, and for other
objects, unknown to us." All his remonstrances being of
no avail, has asked Londoño and the Sub-prior to speak to
Don Pedro. Don Pedro has promised to leave very soon, but
delays his departure from one day to another ; he took
leave a long time ago of the King, and received his purse of
nobles. It is therefore scandalous of him to stay longer.
Yet Don Pedro, only the other day, in the presence of
Londoño and the Sub-prior, took new lodgings and bought
provisions of wood and wine. There would be no hope at all
of his leaving London, if his officers and servants were not
implicated in so many street fights and scuffles. A short time
ago Don Pedro himself received a blow from a brick on his
arm in a fight of his servants. Last week the servants of
Don Pedro attacked some Englishmen, one of whom has since
died. Went to see the corpse buried. The police arrested
one of the servants of Don Pedro ; if the King had not interceded,
the man would most probably have been hanged. Afterwards
the chaplain of Don Pedro, a Scotchman, was arrested
for killing an Englishman, and sent back to Scotland. "It is
as true as God is truth" that it would be of great advantage
if Don Pedro de Ayala were sent away.—London, 15th July
1498.
Spanish. Portions in common writing, and portions
in cipher, deciphered by Almazan, Secretary of State.
pp. 6½. |
17 July.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
203. De Puebla to Ferdinand and Isabella.
Has heard, in the Royal Palace, that Don Pedro de Ayala is
sending a courier to Spain. Inquired secretly of Londoño,
and of the Sub-prior, who said that it was true. Intends to
send this letter enclosed in the bundle of Londoño and the
Sub-prior. It will go by the courier of Don Pedro de Ayala. |
Perkin Warbeck.
"I have already written that Perkin had fled, but had been
taken again and exposed two days in the pillory. He is
now secured in such a manner, and in such a prison,
that, with the help of God, he will never be able to play
such a trick again. I say this, because it may be that others,
biassed by party feeling, have written that he had fled,
but not what took place afterwards." |
Princess Katharine.
The Queen and the mother of the King wish that the
Princess of Wales should always speak French with the
Princess Margaret, who is now in Spain, in order to learn
the language, and to be able to converse in it when she
comes to England. This is necessary, because these ladies do
not understand Latin, and much less, Spanish. They also wish
that the Princess of Wales should accustom herself to drink
wine. The water of England is not drinkable, and even if
it were, the climate would not allow the drinking of it. |
Death of the King
of France.
Henry heard of the death of the King of France, on the
Feast of the Resurrection. Was himself informed directly
of the event by a gentleman of the bedchamber, sent by
the King. Went to Henry, and had a long conversation
with him. The King said it was most desirable that either
divisions or party quarrels should take place in France or in
Brittany, and that he had sent two spies, one of whom had
gone to Monsieur de Rohan. He said that, if divisions were to
break out in France he would, without loss of time, invade
that kingdom in order to reconquer what belongs to him by
right. He wished very much to know their intentions.
Shortly after this conversation with Henry had taken
place, a king-at-arms came from France, and after him an
embassy. The new King of France proposes to renew the
friendship of his predecessor with England, and to conclude
even a stricter alliance. Spoke much with Henry on this subject.
If he tell the truth, all is going on uncommonly well.
Confesses that he thinks that what Henry promises is impossible,
because the English wish to retain the pensions
which they have hitherto received. Has pressed Henry very
hard. The King said that there was not the least reason to be
afraid, because he would not conclude anything with France
without expressly including Spain and the other members of
the league. Does not anticipate any danger from the new
King of France. |
Ambassadors from
France, Venice,
Milan, and the
the King of the
Romans.
The ambassadors of Venice and Milan have not obtained
the least result in England. The Duke of Milan has sent
a messenger to Henry, with sweet words (cosas dulces),
and intends soon to send an ambassador. The ambassador
has come to ask the King of England to give one of his
daughters in marriage to a son of the Duke of Milan. Will
hereafter write more on this subject.
The embassy of the King of the Romans has been expected
for a very long time. The English are greatly desirous to
conclude a good peace with the King of the Romans, and with
the Archduke, in which Spain is to be included. What Gutierre
Gomez de Fuensalida says on this matter will be seen by the
letter of the Dean of Jaen, "which (I send) by the courier
(of Don Pedro)." (fn. 1) |
War with France.
Yesterday came a messenger from the King of the Romans
with a bundle of letters, which do not agree with what
the Dean of Jaen has written, but in which "the King of
England is asked (fn. 2) and entreated not to let such an occasion
slip of attacking his old enemy, and reconquering the
provinces of which he has been robbed. The King of
the Romans promises to perform wonders in the war against
France." The King sent a gentleman of his bedchamber,
and asked him to come to the palace. Had a long conversation
on this subject. Henry was very plain spoken, and gave
him the enclosed letter for them. |
Henry has not
forgotten the
bad behaviour of
the King of the
Romans.
Henry said among other things that he should like to see the
King of the Romans at war with France, but only by way of
witnessing his wonderful feats, and not in order to take part
himself in the enterprise. The King of England has not forgotten
how the King of the Romans has behaved on former
occasions, and is very cautious in his dealings with him. King
Henry has serious doubts about the constancy, veracity, and
perseverance of the King of the Romans, but wishes much to
know their intentions. Thinks, in accordance with what he
has already written to the chamberlain, Don Alonzo de Silva,
that if the King of France were to offer them a true and
good peace, they ought to accept it. They would thereby
gain a sincere and constant friend in Henry, and at the same
time secure the peace of Christendom. |
Letters to Henry.
The day that the above-mentioned conference took
place, King Henry could not show the letters which he
had received, but he sent them the next day. The Latin
secretary wrote the note which is enclosed. One of the
letters is from the King of the Romans. A transcript of
it is enclosed. Had not time to copy the other letters,
one of which is from the Legate of the Holy Father, [Episcopus
Cordiensis,] another from Gutier Gomez Fuensalida,
ambassador of Spain, the third from Franciscus de Montibus,
ambassador of the King of Naples, and the fourth from
Erasmus Brascha, knight and ambassador of the Duke of
Milan. Only the last is signed,—Ambassador of Naples. All
these letters agree with what the King of the Romans has
sent to ask, and in them Henry is desired to do even a little
more. Is much astonished that Gutier Gomez has sent no
letter for him, especially as he had written the contrary to
the Dean of Jaen. On account of the embassy from Flanders
which is expected to come this week, there is some delay.
Makes use of it to write to them, because King Henry wishes
that they should be informed of all that passes. Would to
God that the King of France would entrust his affairs to
them, for they would soon procure universal peace. |
De Puebla speaks
with Henry at
Shene.
After this was written went to Xin (Shene?) to see
Henry. Read him all their reasons for excepting the King
of the Romans and the Archduke in the peace (with England),
which reasons are so good that they would produce an
impression even on rocks, not to speak of Henry, who is as he
ought to be, and has been entirely satisfied with them.
Henry sent for his commissioners to conclude this business
without delay at Shene.
Henry asked whether Spain would take part in the war
against France, which the King of the Romans urges so much,
adding that he would not remain idle in such a case, and
much less conclude peace, or truce, or abstinence from war with
Louis without their consent. Did not give any decisive answer ;
thought it safer rather to spur on the King of England than
to keep him back. Meanwhile the embassy from Flanders
had arrived, whilst that of the King of the Romans was still
in England. |
Princess Katharine.
Henry said that God alone knows how much, and for
how long a time, he has desired the marriage of the Princess
Katharine with the Prince of Wales. As soon as the Prince
of Wales, who is in Calais, arrives, the marriage ceremony
will be performed, and all things will change from good to
better. |
Don Pedro de
Ayala.
King of Scots.
Don Pedro De Ayala is making preparations for prolonging
his stay in London. King Henry has said that he is much
astonished to see Don Pedro remaining so long a time in
England without commission from them. It would be best
to recall Don Pedro de Ayala, and to send a good Latin
scholar to Scotland, telling the King of Scots that it is
much against their wishes that Don Pedro is continually
absent from his court. By this and by other good means the
King of Scots could be entirely won and be married to any
one they liked.
"It is more difficult to marry such a king as the King
of Scotland than to bring him up." (fn. 3) The King of Scots
would be immensely flattered by a resident Spanish embassy
at his court, it being an honour done him by no other
great powers. That alone would suffice to gratify and to
influence him. Besides, other good opportunities for flattering
him are not wanting. If the daughter of the King of England
were already marriageable, it would be best to marry her
to the King of Scots. Henry would be very glad if Pedro de
Ayala were to leave the country, although he had written to
the contrary, and will even now commend Don Pedro, because
he is asked by him to do so. Henry will also write something
about Scotland.
From Xin (Shene), 17th July 1498.
Some citizens of San Sebastien who have just arrived say
that Vincent de Alduan has not sent the parcel which he
received the beginning of May. It contains—
24 blessed (?) rings from Henry, 12 of them being gold,
and 12 silver :
A letter from the Prince of Wales :
A copy of the dispensation from the Pope, respecting the
age of the Prince and Princess of Wales :
A letter from the Countess of Camin to Ferdinand :
A letter from the ambassador of Naples at the court of
the King of the Romans :
Two letters from Don Rodrigo Manrique and the Dean of
Jaen.
A letter of Henry to them is not included in the parcel.
Indorsed : "To their Highnesses, from Doctor De Puebla,
17th July '96." (fn. 4)
"S. R. Majestatibus, 1498."
In cipher, deciphered by Almazan, Secretary of State.
Spanish. pp. 10. |
18 July.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
Their arrival in
England.
First audience of
the King.
204. Londoño and the Sub-Prior Of Santa Cruz (fn. 5) to
Ferdinand and Isabella.
Had a very bad voyage, and did not arrive in England
until the 27th of June. Travelled sixty leagues by land
from their landing place, to London. Henry, on being
informed of their arrival, sent two dignitaries of the
Church, one of whom is his almoner, and a knight of the
name of Duarte, to receive them one day's journey from
London. The knight is a brother-in-law of Count Scalas,
and had been knighted by Ferdinand with his own hand in
the Vega of Granada. Reached London on the 2nd of July.
Henry was staying at a palace four leagues distant from
London, but came to town on Wednesday the 4th of July, and
received them the next Thursday. The Bishop of London and
those who had met them on their journey to London, together
with a great many other gentlemen, came to accompany them
to the palace. Were received by Henry with the greatest
imaginable demonstrations of joy. Delivered their credentials
and recommendations and communicated to the King the
substance of their message. No other persons were present,
except the Cardinal who is the chancellor of the kingdom, an
old gentleman whom they call the treasurer, and Doctor De
Puebla. After delivering their message, were asked by
Henry to wait a short time, because he wanted to consult
with his Council. The counsellors and many other great
dignitaries of the realm were called into the room. Retired
to a little distance from them. The King, surrounded by his
Council, spoke to them for some time. All of them were highly
gratified by what they heard. The deliberation being concluded,
King Henry asked them again to come nearer, and
gave a very gracious and satisfactory answer with a most
cheerful countenance. The Cardinal afterwards made a speech
in the presence of the King, and answered every point of
their message.
As to the prothonotary, Don Pedro de Ayala, Henry
was at first discontented with the manner in which he had
carried on his negotiations in Scotland, because he believed
him to be partial to the Scotch. But now that Don Pedro
has brought the whole affair to a happy conclusion, he and
his deeds are highly appreciated by Henry.
King Henry, when told that it was intended to send
Fernan Perez (De Ayala) as ambassador to England, was
at first concerned about it, because he thought that the present
ambassador was to be recalled. When the matter was
more fully explained to him, he expressed his warmest
thanks. |
Friendly offers of
Ferdinand and
Isabella.
Told the King that as soon as the news of disturbances in
England had reached Spain, the Spanish fleet had been armed
and kept ready to assist him, although the truth of the tidings
was doubted, because De Puebla had not mentioned them. All
the Englishmen present, and especially Henry, expressed
their thanks. Henry offered to serve Spain with his person
and with his army. "He said it in words which manifested
great love and affection." |
Princess Katharine.
Henry expressed great satisfaction at the marriage between
the Princess Katharine and Prince Arthur, and praised
the Princess. The dispensation of the Pope has arrived in
England. The King of England approves of their having
sent an embassy to France. |
Second audience.
Took leave, but were invited to stay over the next day,
Sunday. Went on Sunday morning, accompanied by the Bishop
of London and other great dignitaries of state, to the palace.
The King and Queen heard mass in the chapel, and walked in
the procession. The ladies of the Queen went in good order
and were much adorned. After mass the King proceeded to
dinner. Dined in the palace with the Bishop of London and
others. Went after dinner to the chamber of Henry, where
they found the King and the Cardinal. Henry spoke of
the war in Granada ; of the solemn entry of the King and
Queen of Portugal into Spain ; then asked them abruptly
whether the Princess Mary (of Spain) was likely to be
married, and hinted at a marriage with the King of Scots.
Answered that they knew nothing about it. |
Marriage between
Margaret of Austria
and the King
of France.
King Henry spoke of Madame Margaret, and asked
whether it were true that the King of France intended to
marry her. He seemed to be concerned at it, and to wish
that the King of France should marry the Queen Dowager
(Anne of Brittany). |
King of the Romans.
Speaking of the King of the Romans and of the Archduke,
the King of England said that he had done much for them in
the affairs of Brittany and of Flanders, but that they had
repaid him with great ingratitude. English subjects have
never been so badly treated in Flanders as at present. He
would not bear it so patiently but for his love to the King and
Queen of Spain. However that may be, it seems that all will
now be soon arranged.
Took leave, and went to kiss the hand of the Queen. |
Don Pedro de
Ayala.
Could get no information respecting Scotland except from
Don Pedro de Ayala, who is staying in London in order to
recruit his health. Besides, his being in England is
beneficial for the despatch of business. The treaties he
has concluded are very profitable to all parties, and
Henry is perfectly satisfied with them, for he has said
so. Don Pedro is held in much honour, spends much, and
has even got into pecuniary difficulties, not having received
his salary for the last year. His presence in England is
very advantageous, because he is on good terms with the King
and the whole Court. He knows England well, but Scotland
still better. He is, in fact, the only man who knows Scotland,
all others looking on the Scotch only as their enemies,
and flying into a passion as soon as the name of Scotland is
pronounced.
Have asked Don Pedro to send a detailed description of
England and Scotland to Spain. |
Doctor De Puebla :
His character.
The Doctor (De Puebla) is in such a state of irritation with
Don Pedro de Ayala that it has been the cause of many disagreeable
scenes which are notorious in England. There is no
remedy for it. De Puebla cannot bear any other ambassador.
He has been unable to conceal his fear and distrust towards
them, though he had been told that his services are fully
appreciated in Spain. Have observed that he is a great
partizan of the King of England. He magnifies everything
that relates to Henry as much as possible. He thinks that
the affairs of the King of England are to be considered as more
important than those of any other prince. King Henry
said that he is very well satisfied with De Puebla, who is a good
servant of the King and Queen of Spain, and that no other
ambassador could conduct the negotiations so well as he does,
adding, that he makes these observations only in order to
recommend De Puebla to his masters. Suspect, however,
that De Puebla had begged the King to speak of him in that
way, as De Puebla had gone alone to the palace the day
before, and had not liked to accompany them the next day.
Moreover, some persons have told them that De Puebla had
besought the King to commend him. King Henry is certainly
satisfied with De Puebla, not because he thinks
him a good man, or a good servant of the King and Queen
of Spain, but because he carries on negotiations rather in
the interest of England than of Spain.
De Puebla is a quarrelsome intriguer. He is disliked by the
Spanish merchants in England. They say that he could easily
have induced Henry to abolish the extra duties imposed upon
them when the last treaty was concluded. The King was then
in such difficulties that he would not have refused even
the half of his revenues if De Puebla had asked it. But
De Puebla is more an agent of the exchequer of the King of
England than ambassador of Spain. He is under such subjection
to Henry that he dares not say a word, but what he
thinks will please the King. The Spanish merchants had told
them all this without being asked. Intend to send the
complaints of the merchants in writing. |
Information of
Doctor Panec about
Doctor de Puebla.
Doctor Peter Panec, a privy counsellor of Henry, who
has transacted business with De Puebla, asked them whether
he had been sent to superintend the affairs of the King
and Queen of Spain, or those of the King of England
and his own? He added that De Puebla had conducted
the business of Spain very badly. Many things have been left
entirely to his decision, and he has not decided them in favour
of Spain. This has especially been the case with respect
to the marriage. Henry was then in the midst of his
difficulties with Scotland and Perkin. The Cornish rebels
were in arms against him, and had even advanced to
within a few leagues of London. If any other man
had been the ambassador of Spain, Ferdinand and Isabella
could, in that conjuncture, have dictated conditions to
England. In fact, Doctor Panec says Henry is indebted
for his crown to Spain, because, as soon as the marriage was
known to be concluded, all became quiet. But De Puebla,
during all that time, went from one privy counsellor to another,
begging that the marriage might be concluded, as though there
were no other means to do it. He had said everywhere that
King Henry had made great difficulties about concluding the
marriage. If another ambassador had been in the place of
De Puebla, Henry would have begged exactly the same things
of him which De Puebla has been begging of Henry. The
King would have given much money besides. There is
only one opinion about these things in England. The same
informant said further that the peace with Scotland had been
delayed by De Puebla, who had falsified the letters of Don
Pedro de Ayala, which the King had asked him to translate
from Spanish into French. King Henry was very angry
with De Puebla on this account, and De Puebla had the
insolence to say that everywhere he regretted he had concluded
the marriage, because Henry had not been so liberal
towards him as his services deserved. |
De Puebla is a liar,
flatterer, &c., and
a bad Christian.
"De Puebla is a liar, a flatterer, a calumniator, a beggar,
and does not seem to be a good Christian." He has, for
instance, expressed his astonishment that there are no other
merchants in Spain besides Jews. He has declared that the
King of England holds Spain in little esteem, and that he
himself will never return to Castile. |
De Puebla is a
beggar.
A Spaniard, brought up and married in England, is porter
to the Queen of England. He said that some time ago the
King was living at a palace about a quarter of a league
distant from the town in which De Puebla was staying. De
Puebla went every day, with all his servants, to dine at the
palace, and continued his unasked-for visits during the space of
four or five months. The Queen and the mother of the Queen
sometimes asked him whether his masters in Castile did not
provide him with food? On another occasion, when the King
was staying at another palace, there was a report that Doctor
de Puebla was coming. The King asked his courtiers, "For
what purpose is he coming?" They answered, "To eat." The
King laughed at the answer. |
The English discontented
with
De Puebla.
Duarte, of whom they have already spoken, told them that
the English consider themselves a little slighted, because such
honourable ambassadors have been sent to Scotland and to
other countries, whilst the ambassador to England is such
a man as De Puebla. Henry was astonished when it
was announced that De Puebla was to return on a second
embassy to England. The King had expected a new ambassador,
and not a person whom he already knew so thoroughly. |
Henry VII. is rich,
and keeps the
people in subjection.
Henry is rich, has established good order in England,
and keeps the people in such subjection as has never been the
case before. He is on good terms with the King of France,
to whom he has sent an embassy. He is a friend of peace. |
Italy.
To the Italian ambassadors he answered that he liked to
live on good terms with France, and that Italy is too far
distant from England for an alliance. The ambassadors from
Milan are expected. |
The most influential
persons in
England.
The persons who have the greatest influence in England are
the mother of the King, the Chancellor, Master Bray, the
Bishop of Durham, Master Ludel, who is treasurer, the
Bishop of London, and the Lord Chamberlain.
A short time ago ambassadors arrived from the King of the
Romans. De Puebla says that they have asked Henry to take
part in the war against France.
Remained a few days longer in England, because the
ambassadors from France were hourly expected. The ambassadors
are, the Bishop of Cambray, and two literary men.
They say that they are come to conclude peace, and to bring
about an understanding respecting English commerce in
Flanders. The truce with France, they say, is converted into
a perpetual peace. They asked news of the Princess, and
said that it is time for her to marry, because she is already
a young woman. The Archduchess is pregnant.
Bad weather will not permit them to send to Flanders.
This letter is taken by the courier of Don Pedro de Ayala.
—London, 18th of July 1498.
Addressed : "To the very powerful and very high Lords,
the Most Christian King and Queen of Spain."
Spanish. pp. 13. |
18 July.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
205. Sub-prior Of Santa Cruz to Ferdinand and Isabella.
According to his instructions, spoke with Henry alone when
the audience was over. Henry did not give any positive
answer then, but put it off until the next Sunday. |
Ingratitude of the
Pope.
Henry said that he was very glad to be informed about a
case of such great importance as that concerning the Pope. It
showed the holy zeal of their most Christian Princes. His
opinion is that they have not demanded too much from a Pope
for whom they have done so much. He thinks it advisable to
send one more person who is exempt from all vice and from
all blemish, as ambassador to the Pope, to request him to do
what they desire. If he refuse it, they have not only a
right to do what they say, but also to convoke a council if
necessary. |
Spanish Heretics
and Jews in
England.
Told Henry that there are in England and Flanders many
heretics who have come from Spain, and people who have fled
from the inquisition, who speak ill of Spain, and wish to
excite hatred against her. Henry appreciated this advice
much. He laid his hands on his breast and swore, "by the
faith of his heart," that if any one (without mentioning those
cursed exiles) of his best beloved subjects should say anything
against the King and Queen of Spain, he would not esteem
him, or any longer treat him as his friend. He promised to
punish soundly any Jew or heretic to be found in his realms.
Conversed a long time on this subject. |
Princess of Wales.
Henry likes to speak about the Princess of Wales. He
said that he would give the half of his kingdom if she were
like her mother. |
De Puebla.
De Puebla, who did not take part in this conversation,
showed great suspicion, standing there and watching them like
a wolf. Cannot prevail upon himself to write the blasphemous
things that are said of him by the very servants of the King.
Henry himself said that he wished the marriage could have
been negotiated by a better man.
The Archduchess is pregnant. Monsieur De Bévres is dead. |
Queen Elizabeth.
The Queen is a "very noble woman," and much beloved.
She is kept in subjection by the mother of the King. It
would be a good thing to write often to her, and to show her
a little love. |
Don Pedro de
Ayala.
Don Pedro de Ayala lives like a gentleman, and is much
beloved by the King, by the people, and by foreigners, even
by the King of Scots, who esteems him like a father. No one
in England contradicts this, except De Puebla, who wishes
to turn him out of England. There is not a single person in
England who speaks ill of the one, or well of the other. The
quarrels between them are a public scandal. It is time to
throw the baton between them.
Doctor Breton has given him this information and a paper
which must be destroyed after it is read.
Indorsed : "To their Highnesses from the Sub-prior of
Santa."
Cipher. Deciphered by Almazan, First Secretary of State.
pp. 4. |
18 July.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
The conclusion of
the marriage
treaty.
206. The Spanish Merchants residing in London to Sanchez
De Londoño and the Sub-Prior Of Santa Cruz.
De Puebla had asked Henry to give a bishopric to him, and
other good livings to his sons and relatives. On account of the
King having refused to do so, he had delayed the conclusion of
the treaty of marriage. When Henry was in his greatest
difficulties with Scotland and Perkin, De Puebla had repeated
his demands. Henry had answered, that he was unfit to become
a bishop, because he was a cripple. De Puebla then proposed
that the bishopric should be given to a certain procurator
of Henry in Rome, from whom he had got 1,000 gold crowns
for his promise to procure letters for him from the King and
Queen of Spain to the Pope, recommending him for a cardinal's
hat. Henry was in such great difficulties then that he had
acceded to the proposals of De Puebla, and promised 1,500
crowns a year besides to one of his sons. As soon as De Puebla
had obtained what he wanted, he concluded the marriage, which
was so advantageous to Henry that, in consequence of it,
peace with Scotland was concluded, Perkin turned out of
Scotland, and the rebels punished. |
De Puebla extorts
money.
Some merchants from Genoa had subjected themselves to a
penalty in England. They gave 500 crowns and cloth and
silk for the marriage to De Puebla, who settled their affair
with Henry.
De Puebla had sold two licences of the King for importing
wine and woad in Spanish vessels, to Spanish merchants, for
200 crowns.
Francisco de Arvieto of Orduña had paid De Puebla 100
gold crowns for a pardon for perjury. Similar things are
done almost daily by De Puebla. When he took part in the
negotiations with Flanders, he persuaded the Archduke to
impose a duty of one gold florin on every piece of English cloth,
the consequences of which have been to cause prolonged debates
and great disaster.
There is not a Spanish captain, or even a single sailor, who
is not obliged to pay more or less to De Puebla, if he has
anything to do in England. De Puebla often takes money
from both parties, if he has to decide a law suit. He is a
spy and secret informer in all kinds of contraventions committed
by subjects of any nation, only for the purpose of
making money by his information. He and his servants sell
testimonials of all kinds. |
He lives in a house
of bad repute.
De Puebla constantly complains that he is badly paid, and
he begs money from the King and the gentlemen of the court.
He lives meanly. He has been three years in the house
of a mason who keeps dishonest women. He eats with
them, and with all the apprentices, at the same table, for 2d. a
day. His landlord robs men who come to his house, and
the ambassador protects him, in his dishonest trade, against the
police.
The consequence of all this is that the Spaniards are less
esteemed and worse treated in England than other foreigners.
Indorsed : "The information which the Spaniards living
in England gave to Londoño and the Sub-prior
respecting Doctor De Puebla."
Spanish. pp. 6. |
18 July,
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
207. Doctor Breton to Londoño and the Sub-Prior of
Santa Cruz.
When it was known that Ferdinand and Isabella intended
to send an ambassador to England, the English hoped it would
be a bishop, a count or a baron, or at least a person of
great authority. Henry, on hearing who was the person
selected as ambassador, saw directly that Ferdinand and Isabella
did not know him sufficiently, whilst he was thoroughly
acquainted with the character of the man. De Puebla was
well received on account of the respect due to his masters. |
Marriage of the
Princess of Wales.
Diffident of himself and doubtful of success, De Puebla did
not at first insist on the principal points of his instructions
respecting the marriage. He spoke as though the conclusion
of it, on any terms whatever, was a most arduous task, and as
though it would be difficult to find a husband for the Princess
Katharine, causing thereby great injury to Spain. Her
dignity had suffered considerably.
When De Puebla concluded the marriage, he intended
only to regain the good opinion of his masters.
Had he availed himself of Doctor Breton's advice, the
marriage would have been concluded on such conditions as
might have been dictated by Spain. |
Henry makes use
of De Puebla for
his purposes.
De Puebla wished to ingratiate himself with Henry.
For this reason he told Ferdinand and Isabella that things
were very difficult which, in fact, were very easy. Henry
makes use of De Puebla for his advantage, but he knows the
man.
De Puebla afterwards saw the blunders he had committed,
and wished to make amends for them. Endeavouring to
make use, for that purpose, of the Venetian ambassador, he
had told him the greatest lies, and only rendered things worse. |
De Puebla
delayed the
peace between
England and
Flanders ;
and the peace with
Scotland.
Has explained by word of mouth, how De Puebla had delayed
the conclusion of peace between Henry and the Archduke
for about two years.
In the negotiations carried on between England and Scotland
he made use of the most improper means, and occasioned
real danger to Henry only because he was jealous of the
honour which the peace reflected on Spain.
In the business of the Pope and of the King of the Romans
he had behaved carelessly. |
De Puebla
carries on the
business of a
lawyer.
De Puebla lives meanly. He is avaricious and a notorious
usurer, an enemy of truth, full of lies, a calumniator of all
honest men, vain-glorious, and ostentatious. He wishes to
make foreign princes and other persons believe that he influences
Henry, in order that he may be selected by them as
their agent. Under colour of his embassy he goes to the courts
of law, and pleads the causes of merchants who pay him. He
is hated to the last degree by all lawyers and judges, and by
all merchants of whatever nation they may be.
In London he lives in a vile and miserable inn of bad repute.
When the Court is staying in the country, he dines every day in
the palace of the King, and begs wine and bread for his supper,
and for his servants. His servants live in the convent of the
Carthusian Friars, or in some similar house, where they pay
nothing. It is therefore generally said at court that "De
Puebla comes a begging." That is the reputation he has earned
for himself and for his masters.
He likes to occupy himself with the business of other
people, but never tries to bring it to an end. He is often
glad of the bad success of his masters.
It would require all the paper in London to describe the
character of the man.
Indorsed : "The paper written by Doctor Breton."
Holograph. Latin. No date nor signature. pp. 6. |