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Cecil Papers: 1582

Pages 202-216

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 13, Addenda. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1915.

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1582

George Byrkett, Schoolmaster, to Lord Burghley.
1581–2, Jan. 13. Details his dealings with the governors of the school at Hoddesdon, Herts, who have discharged him, informing him that their corporation has ceased, and the school must no more be a free shcool, without a new erection. Prays for a lease of the schoolhouse and grounds.
Endorsed: 13 January, 1581. ½ p. (2358.)
The Queen to the King of Scotland.
[1581–2, Jan. 19 ?] "My dear brother. Though the hearing of your most dangerous peril be that thing that I most reverently render my most lowly thanks to God that you by his mighty hand have escaped, yet hath it been no other hazard than such as both hath been foreseen and foretold, but Cassandra was never credited till the mishap was rather chanced than was prevented. The poor man who against his will was intercepted with all such epistles as traitors sent and received was for reward put to the boots, so little was anything regarded that proceeded from your best friend. And yet the matter made too apparent ere many days after through the traitorous assembly of your evident rebels that with banner displayed came against you in the field. These were the Calendes of this late attempt. I know not what to write so little do I like to lose labour in vain; for, if I saw counsel avail or aught pursued in due time or season, I should think my time fortunately spent to make you reap the due fruit of right opportunity. But I see you have no luck to help your estate nor to assure you from treasons leisure. You give too much respite to rid your harm and short others' haste. Well, I will pray for you that God will unseal your eyes that too long have been shut, and do require you think that none shall more joy thereat than myself that most, I am sure, grieves the contrary. Aston hath told me some of your requests, to which I have made so reasonable answer as in reason may well content. Praying God to defend you from all mishap or treason, your most assured loving sister and cousin, Elizabeth."
Endorsed: "19 of January, 1581. Copy of her Majesty's letter to ye king of Scotts by Mr. Ashton." 1 p. (133. 139.)
Knole and Black Hall.
1581–2, Jan. 20. Mr. Bosevile's answer to Mr. John Lennard's information. The lands in question in the cause are the manors of Knowle and Blackhall, woods in Whitley, and the manor and parsonage of Seven Oaks.
Endorsed: January 20, 1581. 1 p. (2430.)
Ecclesiastical Commissioners.
1581–2, Jan. Privy seal mitigating the extremity of bonds taken before the Ecclesiastical Commissioners.
5 pp. Draft. (142. 58.)
Lord Burghley's Debts.
1582, April 11. Account of debts of Lord Burghley, domestic and for works at Theobalds.
Endorsed by Burghley. 3 pp. (143. 58.)
Sir William Dansell.
1582, June 16. Account of the executors of Sir William Dansell, late Receiver General of the Court of Wards, from September 29, 1581, to June 16, 1582, the date of his death.
3 pp. (2420.)
Sir Christopher Hatton.
1582, July 12. Warrant by the Queen granting to Sir Christopher Hatton, Vice Chamberlain, chantry lands and tithes to the value of 100 marks yearly; also the manor of Little Weldon, Northampton.—Nonsuch, 12 July, 1582.
Signed by the Queen. Endorsed by Burghley. Seal. Parchment 1 p. (216. 5.)
Dr. Andrew Perne, Master of Peterhouse, to Lord Burghley.
1582, Aug. 7. Thanks for excusing them to her Majesty for not receiving Mr. Rushbroke's son as fellow of Peterhouse, in which is never a fellowship void and there are three or four more fellows than their revenues can sustain. They have no more revenue now for maintenance of their fellows than they had three hundred years past, and the ordinary charge of the commons of one fellow is as much as two at those days. When he came to Peterhouse as Master he found but three actual fellows and two probationer fellows, the College being 40 marks in debt, as the Earl of Worcester and Drs. Bell, Larkyn, Binge, Nicolls and Howland know; yet have they received of late by her Majesty's commandment and Burghley's dispensation three more than they could maintain, as Mr. Rushbroke now plainly understands. If any fellowship were void their statutes require them to have half their fellows of the south and half of the north for avoiding factions, which at this day begin to increase in the University; and having now 15 fellows, not past three are of the north country, the rest being of the south, as this man is. Finally they are bound in election of fellows to prefer such as be Bible clerks of the house and of the poorest and worthiest; this Rushbroke is neither of the foundation nor equal in learning nor so poor as divers of their Bible clerks and who are of the north country. If he will not stand their patron for free elections according to their statutes and her Majesty's gracious inclination, learning, order and obedience will shortly decay in Cambridge, for they will not care for those against whose authority they come into the College. For any lewd member of the University that shall make disturbance for Mr. Swale's pretensed and void nomination to the proctorship or call Burghley's beneficial authority for maintenance of the whole University into controversy, he shall be by justice repressed at home or sent up to him immediately.—From Peterhouse in Cambridge, 7 August, 1582.
1 p. (136. 20.)
Dr. Andrew Perne and Dr. Henry Hervy to Lord Burghley.
1582, Aug. 7. Whereas Mr. Dr. Barow, reader in the University of Cambridge these 10 years of the divinity lecture founded by my Lady Margaret, and of other lectures in the Hebrew tongue in divers of the Colleges, is desirous to repair into his country into France and to return before Michaelmas next; we desire you to grant him licence to accomplish the journey quietly, who is made a free denizen already.— Cambridge, 7 August, 1582.
Signed. ½ p. (136. 21.)
John Johnson to the Same.
1582, Aug. 9. The taking of the town of Lyer in Brabant by the King of Spain causes the Merchants Adventurers to think their goods in Antwerp to be in great danger, and they devise to have their goods in more safety, and to change their trade to some other town. Also the merchants of the Staple are in some fear of their goods at Bruges. Urges the removal of the marts and staple of cloth to England.— London, 9 August, 1582.
1 p. (203. 36.)
Wyllm. Cycyll to the Lord Treasurer.
1582, Aug. 12. As to his lease from the Bishop of Hereford of land in the manors of Colwall and Eastnor, Hereford. Asks whether he may enjoy that lease by law, the mine being but only of tin: or whether he might be partaker with such others as Burghley think good, by grant from the Queen, if any part thereof should fall out hereafter to be "mettall reall."— Alterennys, 12 August, 1582.
Signed. 1 p. (203. 37.)
The King of France to the Queen.
[1582,] Aug. 12–22. If it is true that you are attacked, as the rumour goes, I offer you my person, my kingdom and all that depends on it, for I have nothing so dear that I would not expose willingly for my dear sister's service as for my own. I beg you take this assurance from me and look for the effecting of it if you have need. But it does not seem generally that those who make so much stir and threaten from so far off do great deeds or have the means to carry out such a plot against a Queen who is so powerful, vigilant, honoured and beloved by a brave people as you are. The enterprise would be more rash than well considered and repentance would soon follow on the sin. Nevertheless you should neglect nothing on your side as I will not on mine. Perhaps they think that the employment of your best troops and captains in Ireland at the present moment leaves you without means of defence and they hope to find persons in your realm to offer them a helping hand. I am assured that you well know how to remedy all that and I hope to take good order that they draw no forces or assistance from my realm. This my ambassador will tell you.—Le xxijme Aout à Bloys.
Endorsed: 22 August new style. French King to her Majesty. Signed. Seals. 2 pp. (133. 23.)
Dr. Hector Nunez to the Lord Treasurer.
1582, Aug. 13. I send you enclosed such news as I have received by way of Flanders concerning the matters of my country. This day one told me in the Exchange that King Antoney was in Viana, but I believe it is untrue, because I spoke with one man which came thence the 10th day of last month, and there was no such matter, and all the country was quiet.—From my house, 13 August, 1582.
Signed. ¼ p. (203. 38.)
Thomas Holcrofte to Lord Burghley.
1582, Aug. 17. I enclose copy of the letters patent of 25 Henry VIII, granting to the inhabitants of Westminster the waste water from the conduit there. Although you commanded the sergeant plumber that they should have the said water, yet it is detained from them. They, being informed that one Kydd, servant to Mr. Knyvett, was the cause, requested Knyvett to order his man that they should enjoy it. Knyvett answered that the fault was in the sergeant plumber. After it was alleged that Mr. John Dorrington, having charge in the Star Chamber and the Exchequer, was some cause. Upon Wednesday last I chanced to have them all three together, when one accused the other, but the inhabitants remain still without the water. It is probable that since the grant the inhabitants have had great store of waste water, the Court being at Westminster, and now the Court is absent they cannot enjoy it. It is said there be many quills drawn out of the main pipe into many private men's houses. They pray you to take order that they may enjoy the water, for the want thereof may be cause that the infection will grow.—Westminster, 17 August, 1582.
Signed. Endorsed: The bailiff of Westminster. 1 p. (203. 39.)
William Sutton to Lord Burghley.
1582, Aug. 24. Attended the Council to deliver his revelation of abuses committed against the glory of God, the profit of the Queen, and the commodity and fame of the country, but was deferred. Prays consideration of his book of discourse and his petition and suit.
Endorsed: 24 August, 1582. 1 p. (1821.)
The Queen of Navarre.
[1582,]? Aug. "The copy of the Duchesse Dusseysys letter sent to the Queen of Navarre taken out of the original.
Ma belle royne Je ne peu pas partyr d'iste vylle come je pensoys estent ycy areste a boune occasyon per le desyre que jay de voyer mon sharbonyer.
Je vous lenvoye le response de Papa [side note: Chamvallon] che je veu cheus le Chappell des Oursyns le quell se marrye demayn, mes non pas pour aymer (fn. 1) Mestre haunse car il sera tout jours vostre vallet ne veulyent oublyer le hereux journe de Tours, ou fu fest la fabrique de ceste hereux Prynce, Je me suys enforme sence ryen nommer, et trouve que le fames peuvent porter plus que dix moyes, tellement que de venyr a boune counte il n'a dire que quatorse jours. Je vous bayse le maynes ma belle royne, vous estes l'ame de mon ame.
Madame Duchesse du Sessys mynyon whome she termethe Charbonyer for his blacke complexyon is le seur de Barro a foloer of Monsr de Pernons.
The Quene of Navarre parted from the kynge her husbande from Montroyel Bovyn 6 leages beyonde Potyers the foretene of Apryll, 1582.
The yownge chyldren in ther infansy are here in fraunse taught to caule ther fathers Papa.
Ther was no date to the lettar nor other subscripsyon then those above wrytten zyphers."
Endorsed: "The Duchess of Sessys letter to the Q. of Navarre." Δη μαδαμε δ'ευζι 1 p. (203. 52.)
Ecclesiastical discipline.
1582, Sept. 4. Answer of Samuel Cottesford, preacher of the Word at Dedhinghurst, to the accusations before the Council, of Dr. Walker, Archdeacon in Essex.
The charges are refusal to wear the surplice, non-observation of the book of common prayer, and that he is excommunicate. He denies the two first accusations. As to the third, he details the circumstances under which he was unjustly excommunicated "ex officio, as they call it," of which excommunication he was cleared by Dr. Walker himself.
There follows an article ministered by Cottesford against Walker. That one Foster's wife, suspected to be a harlot, being presented by the churchwardens to Dr. Walker's court, she came home and vaunted that she could go to the court and in the parlour secretly by them for five shillings could be released.—4 September, 1582.
1 p. (203. 50.)
The Garrisons in Ireland.
1582, Sept. Particular book of the whole garrisons of Ireland by the muster master, April, 1579, to September, 1582.
Notes by Lord Burghley. 32 pp. (142. 66.)
William Pitt to Lord Burghley.
[1582, Sept.] Prays for order to compel Robert Courtney (fn. 2) to sell to him his lease in reversion of the demesne lands of Leinthall Erles, Hereford, and two closes, of which petitioner is tenant.—Undated.
¾ p. (1792.)
Sir Christopher Hatton to de Marchaumont.
[1582 ? Sept.] The Vice-Chamberlain who proposes to send twelve of his servants to his nephew Mr. William Hatton, now in France, to enter the service of the Duke of Anjou in the present expedition of Cambrai, desires Marchemonte's letters of recommendation for them to the governors of Boulogne (Bologna) and of other places where they will pass to reach the said Mr. Hatton. Mr. John (Gioan) Tirrell is their leader and they have twelve horses, four jennets or as many geldings, armour for fourteen men at arms, saddles, pistols and other necessary furniture for the said number with their servants and baggage.—Undated.
Endorsed: "Memoriale del S[en]or Vicechamberlano."
Italian. ½ p. (203. 41.)
(See Calendar of Cecil MSS. Part II. No. 1211.)
George Gardiner [Archdeacon of Norwich] to the Lord Treasurer.
1582, Oct. 2. In reply to a commission directed to Sir William Buttes, Sir Drue Drury, the writer, and others, for the true understanding what became of the goods of Dr. Parkhurst, late Bishop of Norwich. Details of various payments made. They have conferred with the present Bishop and the executors which way so good a will of so godly a man might be performed. The Bishop is contented to deliver to the town of Gylford all those books bequeathed them in the will, sold to him before by the executors, and delivered as part of his money; and also to pay further towards the performance of the will what the commissioners shall set down.
Conditions required by the executors for their discharge.— Norwich, 2 October, 1582.
Signed. 1 p. (203. 42.)
Tho. Fanshaw to Lord Burghley.
1582, Oct. 10. In answer to your letter concerning Bishop Parkhurst's executors, I enclose copy of the order taken upon the hearing of the matter in the Exchequer Chamber. Where they require to be discharged of all encumbrances that may happen more than the payment of his legacies, I see not how that can be granted, for his debts are not certainly known, other than those due to the Queen. I have made search in my office and find nothing due, and have sent the party to the office of First Fruits and Tenths, whence he will bring to you a certificate of his debts there. I will do my best for the preservation of the town of Ware, according to your pleasure.—Warwick Lane, 10 October, 1582.
Holograph. Endorsed: The suit of the executors of the late B. of Norwich. 1 p. (203. 43.)
Lord North to the Same.
1582, Oct. 16. This night being at Mr. High Sheriff's at Babram, with many of the gentlemen of this shire, word was brought me that Sir Thomas Rivet died this morning. I am persuaded he has been dead this 2 days, which my Lady hath kept close, meaning to make friends to you for her daughter, whom she and her friends give out to be in her fourteenth year. But I am credibly informed that she entered into her thirteenth year at Whit Sunday last. She shall have a notable living. The maiden is well to be liked. Forego not this occasion. I have known but few such fall in my time. Get her into your possession: dispute of her age after: and in the meanwhile persuade the maid. I am ready to do you any service. I must relinquish my suit touching the elder sister because she (is) past wardship.—Babram, 16 October.
Endorsed by Burghley: 1582. Holograph. 1 p. (203. 44.)
Gabriell Goodman to the Lord Treasurer.
1582, Oct. 22. Is very sorry that the danger of sickness is so great in Westminster that the terms may not be kept there, specially for his poor neighbours' sakes, whose living stands much thereby. Must acknowledge the same to be God's just judgment for sins. More now come to the church to divine service than was wont to do in the time of health. There has been good order sought to be kept in Westminster, specially of late, by Mr. Bailiff and some others, and that notwithstanding the sickness is greatly dispersed, and one is suspected to have departed of the sickness within the Close of Westminster, out of a prebendary's house. Here at Cheswick, both he and some of the prebendaries, and all their scholars and family, have and do remain in good health and safety, and this whole town has been and is so as yet.— Cheswick, 22 October, 1582.
Holograph. Endorsed: Dean of Westminster. 1 p. (199. 6.)
Edward, Lord Zouche to Lord Burghley.
1582, Oct. 26. For a lease of the impropriation of Brayfeld, which lies within one of his (Zouche's) towns, adjoining a little house he has made.—Houghton Parva, 26 October, 1582.
Signed. 1 p. (203. 45.)
Wood Sales.
1582, Oct. List of wood sales made by Henry Hawthorne by warrants from the Lord Treasurer, Sir Walter Mildmay, the Lord Chief Baron, Mr. Baron Shutte, and Mr. Baron Sotherton. Includes grants to Lord Leicester and Sir G. Carey and 23 trees for Windsor Castle in 1577. As to spoils of the Queen's woods.—Undated.
Endorsed: October, 1582. 2 sheets. (132. 10.)
Hertford Castle.
1582 [? Oct.]. Plot of Lord Burghley's lodgings at Her[tford] Castle. With list of persons to be lodged there; Maynard, and Arundel, Cope, Arundel, Crofts, Smyth, Mount, Phillipps, Coppy and Smyth, Mason, Owen, Styleman, Bradshaw and servants.—Undated.
Endorsed: 1582. 1½ p. (203. 46.)
Thomas Stedman to the Lord Treasurer.
1582, Oct. Is presented a trespasser for cutting wood in the Queen's manor of Sonning. The wood was delivered to him for Jone Brisco, by the Lord Treasurer's command. Prays to be discharged from the damage.
Endorsed: October, 1582. 1 p. (1719.)
Farmers of the Parsonage of Burgh by Sands, Cumberland, to the Same.
1582, Oct. Their suit for the renewal of their lease is opposed by one of their neighbours, who pretends a general wrong thereby to the parish. Detail their claims to the tithe, and their services in providing horses for the Border, and answer the charges made by their opponent. If the tithe be taken from them, a great decay would be made in one great part of the west marsh, the inhabitants of Burgh lying upon the very frontier, and being the best defence of one side of the whole county from Carlisle.
Endorsed: October, 1582. 1 p. (2005.)
Dr. John Bell to Lord Burghley, Chancellor of Cambridge University.
1582, Nov. 6. The University has elected him Vicechancellor for the year following: will acquaint Burghley from time to time with University affairs, and hopes for his counsel and assistance in all matters of importance.— Jesus College, 6 November, 1582.
½ p. (136. 22.)
Inhabitants of Bury St. Edmunds to the Same.
1582, Nov. 6. In behalf of their preacher, Mr. Handsone. He had incurred the enmity of a few infamous persons, and rather than trouble any man, he took his leave of them; but being sent for again by general consent, he will not execute his office till he may make account of more peace. Pray that the disturbers may be examined.—Bury, 6 November, 1582.
147 signatures at foot, commencing Thomas Badbie, Esq.
1 p. Mutilated by damp. (2074.)
Lord Howard of Effingham.
1582, Nov. 7. Livery of Charles Lord Howard, Baron of Effingham after his mother's death. Particular of the lands given. Total fine 58l. 3s. 6d. "This fine was stalled, but no bonds put in nor the livery any further prosecuted."— 7 November, 1582.
Endorsed by Burghley. 2 pp. (2399.)
William Tyrwhyt to Lord Burghley.
1582, Nov. 8. For further extension of his term of liberty.— 8 November, 1582.
½ p. (1946.)
Richard Tremayne to the Same.
1582, Nov. 8. Speaks of his former obligation to Burghley, in being the best means to the Queen for placing him in "this church." As to the wardship and lands of his late brother's orphan, the bearer William Samuell, his sister's husband, is thought meetest to attend Burghley for his direction. Prays Burghley's help to Samuell to procure the feodaryship of Cornwall.—Exeter, 8 November, 1582.
1 p. (1960.)
The Queen's Tenants in the Barony of Kendall, Westmoreland, to Lord Burghley.
1582, Nov. 12. The controversy between them and William Fleming, respecting the tithe of their lambs, and the pasture upon the wastes in Grismyre, (fn. 3) was referred to divers gentlemen of the county, with Sir Thomas Bointon, Deputy Steward of the Barony, for umpire. Through the death of Bointon the matter is not settled. They pray Burghley either to hear the cause himself, or direct a commission to order the matter.
Endorsed: 12 November, 1582. 1 p. (2065.)
Gilbert and Isabel Mudde to the Same.
1582, Nov. 14. As to lands in the lordship of East Wytton, Yorks, devised to Isabel by her father Ralph Smytheson, and kept from her by Adam Askewith. Complain that Mr. Dolman refuses to execute a warrant giving her possession, and prays for order therein.
Endorsed: 14 November, 1582. 2 pp. (1853.)
Toby Houghton to the Same.
1582, Nov. 20. Encloses copy of certificate of wood sales agreed upon this year within the office of Morehey; whence it appears that the Earl of Bedford is misinformed that he (Houghton) procured warrant for any wood sale there, without the patent of his Lordship's officers there, and others her Majesty's officers.
Copy of certificate follows: given at the Queen's Swanmote Court held 17 Sept., 1582, at her manor of Cliff, Northampton, relating to the woods of the Forest of Rockingham.
Mr. Tradwey, one of Lord Bedford's keepers, gave out that his master should procure stay of the same, notwithstanding the certificate.—20 November, 1582.
Holograph. Endorsed: Fall of wood appointed in Morehey, Forest of Rockingham. 1 p. (132. 14.)
Earl of Lincoln to the Same.
1582, Nov. 20. Of the contention between Mr. Thorald and Mr. Arthur Hall. As Burghley wishes the examination of the matter to be committed to some gentlemen of that country, if he will name some indifferent gentlemen Lincoln will willingly consent to such: for he thinks it not meet for him to deal in the matter as Mr. Thorald is steward there under him.—Pirforde, 20 November, 1582.
Signed. ½ p. (203. 47.)
Lady Sharington.
1582, Nov. 21. Copy of the pardon for the Lady Sharington's intrusion.—November 21, 25 Eliz.
4 pp. (141. 129.)
John Butler, of Bicester, Oxon, to Lord [? Burghley].
1582, Nov. 21. Was indicted for absenting himself from divine worship, and judgment was given against him for 60l. Details transactions between him and Edward Denton, then high sheriff of Oxon, who had the process for levying his fine. Prays for restitution of 60l. forcibly taken from him by Denton.—21 November, 1582.
2 pp. (1890.)
Bill of Mortality.
1582, Nov. 22. Deaths within the city and liberties of Westminster for the week ending November 22, 1582. Total 20, whereof of the plague, 13.
Addressed to Lord Burghley. ½ p. (203. 48.)
William Necton to Lord Burghley.
1582, Nov. 23. Gives details of the suit of the bearer, John Bowen, for copyholds of the honor of Clune, Salop, and his opinion thereon.—London, 23 November, 1582.
1 p.
The Enclosure: Particulars of the above lands.
pp. (2113.)
Haniball Vyvyan to the Same.
1582, Nov. 27. Reasons for his not yielding to Mr. Attorney's order, touching certain wardships.
Endorsed: 27 November, 1582. 1 p. (1852.)
Richard Martyn to the Same.
1582, Nov. 28. My servant Swallowe left with you at Nonsuch one part of the last indenture with the schedule of the establishment for allowances for the mints thereunto annexed. I send here inclosed copy of the said schedule and another note as now it is used and paid. We have now clearly ended our coinage, and therewith her Majesty's warrant is expired. I remain now to receive your order how I shall deliver over the same for the which gold and silver I received from her Majesty's receipt (sic); and upon your pleasure known therein the same shall be paid. I have paid Mr. Freeke already for all such bullion of gold and silver I received out of his charge. I have received from Mr. Tayllor 300l. by your orders to be paid to Mr. Blande at Bristol. I pray your order whether you will have the same sent by the carrier: or it may stay while I send my letters to Bristol to have so much provided there; or else agree with some trusty merchant of London to take of me here, and answer so much there again at sight.—London, 28 November, 1582.
Holograph. 1 p. (203. 49.)
Sir Henry Nevell to the Same.
1582 (?), Nov. Burghley requires him to certify into the Exchequer all presentments made touching the spoil of the Queen's woods. At the last sitting little or nothing was presented, especially in those places where the great spoil was; for they were made to believe it was not in the forest. At the next justice seat more will be said about it, for Mr. Bullock and others put in claims. Does not know who is woodward of Bearwood. It is said Mr. Bullock has got out his patent this term. If Harry Hawthorn be woodward, it were good he should take upon him to look to the woods.— Undated.
Holograph. Endorsed: November, 1582 (?). Sir H. Nevill. Touching the presentments for spoil of woods in Windsor. 1 p. (132. 15.)
Sir Francis Willoughby and others, Tenants of the Queen's Manor of Arnold, Notts, to the Same.
1582, Nov. Pray that an order taken the last term between Edward Stanhope, surveyor of the Queen's revenues in Notts, and petitioners, for their continuance in possession of the lands in question, may be entered of record, and that Stanhope be required to take 200l. for his estate and interest therein. Also that all the tenants of the manor be required as well to contribute towards the payment of the 200l. as to former charges they have been at in the suit.
Endorsed: November, 1582. 1 p. (2062.)
The King of France and the Swiss.
1582, Dec. League between the King of France and the Swiss, made and passed in the town of Soleurre on Sunday, 22 July, 1582, ratified in Paris.—December, 1582.
Contemporary copy. 17 pp. (246. 107.)
[The treaty is printed in Dumont, Corps Universel Diplomatique, V. 429.]
The Queen to the King of Scotland.
[1582 ?] I am greatly satisfied, my dear brother, that I find by your own grant that you believe the truth of my actions so manifestly openly proved and thank you infinitely that you profess so constant defence of your country, together with mine, from all Spaniards or strangers, a matter far otherwise given out by both our enemies with blotting your fame with assurance of double dealing; as though you assured them underhand to betake you to their course, which what a stain it were in a prince's honour yourself in judgment can well deem! For my part I will ever trust your word till I be too sure of the contrary. Right well am I persuaded that your greatest danger should chance you by crossing your straight paths, for he that hath two strings to his bow may shoot stronger but never straight; and he that hath no sure foundation cannot but ruin. God keep you ever, therefore, in your well begun path! I have sent you this gentleman as well to declare my good agreement to send some finishers of our league as other matters which he hath to communicate unto you, if it please you to hear him, as my desire of answering your good friendship and amity in as ample sort as with honor I may, as one that never seeks more of you than that which shall be best for yourself. Assure yourself of me, therefore, and shew by deeds ever to maintain it! And never was there in Christendom between two princes surer amity nor sounder dealing. I vow it and will perform it. And for that you speak of satisfaction I have much urged, as now again I do, what thereby is meant, since I both mind and also do whatsoever may honorably be required of such as I profess myself. And, therefore, I require you therein to answer me.
And so, trusting that all your protestations lately made me by Cary shall be readily performed together with your constant resolute course of late professed, I end to molest you longer but with my thanks to God that any your offenders be entered to your hands; and not the less not having been done without some of our help which glads me no less than happened to yourself, whose force shall never fail you in all lawful causes, as knoweth God, who ever bless you from all malignant spirits and increase your happy years.—Undated.
Copy. 1 p. (133. 24.)
The Succession.
[1582 ?] I love so ill counterfeiting and hate so much dissimulation that I may not suffer you to depart without that mine admonition may show your harms and cause you shun unseen peril, for visors have blinded the eyes of the lookers on in this present session, so far as under pretence of saving all they have done no good, and these they be—succession and liberty. As to the first, the prince's opinion and good will ought, in good order, have been felt in other sort than in so public a place been uttered. It had been convenient that so weighty a cause had had his original from a zealous prince's consideration and not from lip-laboured orations out of such subjects' mouths; which what they be time may teach you know, and their demerits make them acknowledge how they have done these lewd endeavours to make all my realm suppose that their care was much when mine was none at all.
The handling of this doth well shew (they being wholly ignorant) how fit my grant at this time should be to such a demand. In this one thing their imperfect dealings are to be excused, for I think this be the first time that so weighty a cause passed from so simple men's mouths as began this.
And as to liberty, this is so simple that doubts whether a prince that is head of all the body may not command the foot not to stay when it would slip. God forbid that your liberty should make my bondage or that your lawful liberties should anyways have been infringed! No, my commandment tended not to that end; as, if I had not more pitied you than blamed you, might by good right be shewed you perchance to their shame that bred you that coloured "deat." You were sore seduced. You have met with a gentle prince, else your needless scruple might perchance have bred your cause blame. And albeit the soothing of such be reprovable in all yet I would not you should think my simplicity such as I can not make distinction amongst you, as of some that broached the vessel not well "fynyd" and began these attempts not foreseeing well the end; others that respected the necessary faces of the matter and no whit understood circumstances expedient not to have been forgotten therein; others who either were deluded by pleasing persuasions of common good, when the very yielding to their own intentions might have bred all their woes; others whose capacities I suppose yielded their judgment to their friends' wit; some others that served an echo's place. Well, amongst all these sundry "affects," I assure you there be none (the beginners only except) whom I either condemn for ill minds to me, or do suspect not to be my most loyal subjects. Therefore I conclude with this opinion which I will you to think unfeignedly true; that, as I have tried you may be deceived so am I persuaded you will not beguile the assured joy that ever I took to be my subjects love to me more staunch than ever I felt the care in myself for myself to be great, which alone hath made my heavy burden light and a kingdom's care but easy carriage for me. Let this my "dysplyng" stand you in stead of sorer strokes never to tempt too far a prince's patience, and let my comfort pluck up your dismayed spirit and cause you think that you return with your prince's pity, whose care for you, doubt you not, to be such as she shall not need a remembrancer for your weal.
Endorsed: This is the true copy of a bill delivered me by the Queen's majesty's own hands; which for my better understanding, her pleasure was I should copy out.
The bill delivered me was written all of her own hand.
In Lord Clinton's hand writing. 2 pp. (138. 163.)
[Dr.] Antonio de Castillo to the Queen.
[1582. (fn. 4) ] It grieves me as much not to have had before this an opportunity to serve your Majesty, as to give you trouble; but I have lived idly so many months that if I cause some disorder by serving you (?), it seems to me better than to do nothing. Therefore you will do me a great favour by handing me over to the Lords of the Council, not because I wish to disturb any design of your Majesty by my haste, but that delay may not be imputed to my negligence by the King my master. And so great is my indolence that even in dreams was revealed to me this prophecy, found in the Isola ferma by a gentleman devoted to your Majesty—
Sybillae V.B.D.
"Lyso Elysa mittet (?), proferet imperia, Phoebi ortus et occasus, Tamesis atque Tagi."
The mistakes in the prosody are to be pardoned to the Sybil, who wrote in those early times before a regular metre was invented, and another cause of them will be that the dream, or rather the revelation was made to me at a time when dreams were imagined to be more true (?). May our Lord God open the way—
"Imperium oceano, famam ut termines astris."
Holograph. Undated. Italian. 1 p. (186. 5.)
Theobalds.
1582. Bill for making two "tearmes" of metal, for the chimney in the great chamber at Theobalds.
2 pp. (143. 57.)
Robert Beale's Allegations.
[1582.] To prove that the offices of the examinerships at York do belong unto the Secretary there, etc.
4 pp. (185. 141.)

Footnotes

  • 1. Madamaselle de Boullyon aunte to ye younge Du: of Bouyllyon now wyfe to Shanvallon.
  • 2. Courtney's answer to this petition is printed in C.P. ii. 522 under the above date.
  • 3. Probably Grasmere. Cf. C.P. ii. no. 1234.
  • 4. See Calendar of S P. Foreign, 1581–2, pp. 296, 670; 1582, pp. 45, 49.