Venice: March 1519 | British History Online

Pages 501-510

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 2, 1509-1519. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1867.

Citation:

March 1519



March 3. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 283.	1170. The Same to the Same.
	Had been told by the Pope that he was much surprised at receiving no news from Germany, having despatched six couriers to his Legate there, and not obtained any reply. He believed his letters had been intercepted, and said so to the Spaniards. He had received letters from the King of Spain, whose ambassador asked for support, complaining that the King of France not only sought the Imperial crown for himself, but also specially opposed the election of King Charles. “In reply to this,” the Pope said, “we asked how he himself would act under similar circumstances, and told him to put himself in our place, and think what he would do, as the like would be done by us.”
	Concerning France, the Pope said that, besides the announcement made by the King of his wish to obtain the crown, he requested the Pope, although he (King Francis) had sent his power to Rome for the ratification of the five years' truce with England (in which treaty Spain was included), to allow the matter to be delayed for some days, for the mere purpose of terrifying the Catholic King, thinking thus to make him surrender Navarre, lest France wage war upon him, of which the Spaniards were already afraid.
	The wish of the Pope would be, if possible, that neither of the two Kings should obtain the crown, but if destined for one or the other he would apparently prefer France, though ho said to him (Minio) “It is true that some maintain that the election of the Catholic King would be more advantageous.” The court of Rome greatly dreaded the election as Emperor either of King Francis or of King Charles; and those who would prefer Spain argued that, were he elected, the Pope, France, and the Signory being leagued together, there would be nothing to apprehend; whereas should King Francis obtain the crown, it would be impossible to prevent his doing what he chose.
	On quitting the Pope, conversed with the French ambassador, the Bishop of St. Malo, who was waiting for audience. Having understood that the Bishop was offended with the Signory, supposing Venice to be averse to the election of King Francis, assured him of the contrary. The Bishop said that the chief object of his King was to prevent the election of Spain; that he was indifferent to expense, and would pay 500,000 crowns for a single vote. Said he believed the Pope was much inclined towards France. The Bishop shook his head, evincing great distrust of the Pope, and that he was not well satisfied with him, saying, “I don't understand him; he addresses me in certain general terms, which signify little, and confers daily with the Spaniards.” At the moment the Pope was giving audience to Don Hieronimo de Vich.
	Rome, 3rd March 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
March 7. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. p. 20.	1171. Antonio Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Paris, 21st February.
	An interview was to take place in May between King Francis and the King of England, between Calais and Boulogne.
	1172. The Same to the Same.
	Dated the 26th.
	The Lord Steward (of France) had showed him a letter from the King of England approving the election of the most Christian King as King of the Romans. King Henry stated that some of the electors had written to him desiring to elect him, but he said this grade became the most Christian King more than any one else. The Lord Steward remarked, “They know the King of England has a good mine of gold, on which account they wrote this to him” The King of England had made many offers to the most Christian King; and with regard to the interview between them, he had completed the roll of the persons he was to take with him, as King Francis was to bring a like number. This progress would occupy 20 days, and the place appointed was only] 5 (sic) days journey from Paris.
	[Italian.]
March 10. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 286.	1173. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	On Carnival Sunday, when at the palace, on invitation from the Pope, to see a comedy and to sup with him together with the other ambassadors, was told by the Bishop of St. Malo that Mons. de Lautrec at Milan had complained that the Signory, in reply to the demands of Moris, de Teligni for support in favour of King Francis, had merely obtained general promises.
	Mons. de Pons had asked several favours of the Pope to facilitate the election of King Francis, and amongst the rest that he should send some one in his own name to canvass the electors for him. Did not know what decision had been made by the Pope, who, however, made a show of intending greatly to favour France. The Spaniards said their King had raised another great supply of money for the election, and promised pensions on ecclesiastical benefices to the amount of 80,000 ducats; so that the contest would be very severe.
	Rome, 10th March 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
March 13. Senato Terra, v. xxi. p. 4.	1174. Embassy to England.
	Decree of the Senate that by the authority of this Council the nobleman, Antonio Suriano, doctor, ambassador elect to the King of England, be allowed to take with him, at the Signory's risk, for the use of his legation, wrought silver, to the value of 400 ducats.
	Ayes, 163. Noes, 3. Neutrals, 0.
	[Italian, 5 lines.]
March 13. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 287.	1175. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Details a long conversation held by him on that day with the Pope about the conference between the Lord Steward of France (fn. 1) and Monsieur de Chièvres. The Pope said, “What is your opinion? We do not believe that this interview proceeds from any other motive than the following: the King of France sees that he cannot get elected King of the Romans himself, and means to favour the Catholic King, compromising his affairs with him, either through the surrender of Navarre or by some other means. Should he do this, he will ruin himself and us. We have told his envoys here that we are much surprised at this. It is true he has written to us, saying that if we disapprove of this conference, he will stop the Lord Steward on the way. We tell you truly that if they held this interview in order to arrange their differences, we should be glad of it, as on no account would we that these Kings came to blows, for with such an opportunity the Turk would doubtless perpetrate some great mischief.” The Pope continued, “They say that the object of this meeting is to confirm the espousals, which is not credible. It would have been in the power of the King of France to elect whomsoever he pleased King of the Romans, and at small pecuniary cost, (seeing that he himself, according to my belief, could not succeed,) whereas at this present being willing to consent to the election of the Catholic King, he will repent it.”
	When Minio told the Pope that he understood Mons. de Pons had requested him to send a nuncio to canvass the electors in favour of King Francis, the Pope replied, “I will speak freely with you. I was willing to do whatever they chose to prevent the election of the Catholic King, and had fortune favoured the most Christian, we should have deemed it the will of our Lord God” (here the Pope shrugged up his shoulders, and then continued); “but as for the Catholic King, on no account would we have him. Do you know how many miles hence the borders of this territory are? Forty miles! He cannot be King of the Romans. He has forfeited his fief of the kingdom of Naples, and cannot be elected; but he is not even at liberty to canvass, and by the mere act of canvassing he is excommunicated, and I mean to let him know that he is de jure ineligible to this dignity.”
	The Pope then resumed the topic of the conference, on which he laid great stress, saying, “I do not believe that the King of England will by any means approve of this.”
	Rome, 13th March 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
March 14. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 288.	1176. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Had mentioned in his last the request made by the King of France, for the appointment of a papal nuncio to Germany, to canvass the electors on his behalf, and now informs the State that the Archbishop Robert Orsini was gone on this mission; thus showing that the Pope evinced a strong inclination to favour the interests of the most Christian King.
	Rome, 14th March 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
March 14. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. p. 35.	1177. Embassy to England.
	Motion made in the Senate by the sages for permission to Antonio Surian, ambassador elect to England, to take with him, at the Signory's risk, plate to the amount of 400 ducats, according to valuation.
	Ayes, 163.
	[Italian.]
March 17. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 208.	1178. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	Arrival of an ambassador (fn. 2) from the Catholic King to ratify the league. Public audience given him on the 16th, in the presence of all the other ambassadors. Sumptuous preparations for it; a great number of lords and prelates convened, including 17 bishops not usually in attendance at the great Court. As the Pope had sent a fresh commission to the Legates (Wolsey and Campeggio), confirming what had been done, the two Cardinals came to the Court as if they were newly sent by the Pope, and were met by the King and all the prelates, lords, and ambassadors, with all the ceremonies usually observed on a first arrival.
	The prothonotary Campeggio, the Legate's son, (fn. 3) delivered an elegant oration in the Pope's name, alluding to the formidable power of Sultan Selim, and the peril which threatened the whole of Christendom, and apparently placing the King of England, rather than his Holiness, at the head of the alliance. The Pope had lavished every possible expression of honour upon the King, somewhat to the degradation, perhaps, of the Apostolic see.
	Then one of the Spanish ambassadors (fn. 4) made an oration, thanking King Henry for having named the Catholic King as one of his confederates, and beseeching him to receive him as such.
	The reply was made by Richard Pace, the King's chief secretary, who alluded to the Pope, “tanquam comitem (!) confœderationis;” and to mitigate the arrogance of such an expression, he added, “Comitem, et quod maxime optavit hie sacratissimus Rex, Principem confœderationis.” He praised the Pope for having sent a commission to conclude and ratify this confederation in England, rather than at Rome in the presence of his Holiness, and he greatly extolled the power of the King of England. In answer to the Spanish ambassadors, he said that King Henry was content to include the Catholic King among his chief confederates.
	From this the Signory would comprehend in what great repute the King of England stood with all the princes of Christendom. The principal author of all these proceedings was the Legate of York, whose sole aim was to procure incense for his King and himself. No one could please him better than by styling him the arbitrator of the affairs of Christendom. For further particulars refers to his Report. (fn. 5)
	The French ambassador resented these marks of deference shown to England by Rome and Spain, and enquired of him (Giustinian) whether the Signory would approve of the election of King Francis as Emperor. Replied affirmatively.
	Lambeth, 17th March 1519.
	[Italian, 3 pages, or 69 lines.]
March 21. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 289.	1179. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Was informed by the Pope that he had received letters from France to the effect that King Francis was more inclined than ever to do his utmost to be elected King of the Romans, and announced his having four votes, so that he had very great hope. The Pope then said to him (Minio), “I will speak to you as to my confessor. I have determined to favour the most Christian King, for it may be supposed that, should he obtain this thing through our support, he would not be ungrateful. I would rather he should be elected cum, nostro consensu than otherwise, and have therefore sent Archbishop Orsini to Germany, to the electors of the empire, to favour the interests of the most Christian King. We choose to declare ourselves, and to do it openly. At any rate, no one can obtain this dignity without us, as we have to confirm it.” The Pope then explained how the Catholic King was ineligible to that grade.
	Perceived the Pope adopt such a course as he never hitherto witnessed, for until then he chose always to dissemble with either party; nor had he ever seen him so much inclined to one side as to fail entertaining the other; whereas at present he leant entirely towards France, it appearing to him that were the Catholic King elected King of the Romans, he should have much more to fear than from the election of the must Christian King.
	The Pope also said that the Imperial Diet had been convened for the 12th of June, and that the Cardinal of Gurk had written falsely that it would assemble on Lœare Sunday, as such was his wish, in order that King Francis might not have time to canvass. In conclusion, the Pope announced the receipt of a letter from the Cardinal Egidio, the legate in Spain, exhorting him to canvass for the Catholic King, the Pope saying with a smile, “He has written me, as it were, a Ciceronian oration; it would very much amuse you; Cardinal Cibo has had it. It is an oration pro Pompejo.” And the Pope jested about it.
	Rome, 21st March 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
March 22. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 209.	1180. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	Had visited the Spanish ambassadors; was received graciously. Amicable intentions of the Catholic King towards the Signory. On the 20th they went to Greenwich, whither all the ambassadors were invited. Cardinal Campeggio celebrated high mass in state, and gave plenary indulgence to all present. Then, near the high altar, the two Legates confirmed the league in the Pope's name, and signed the articles, and the King did the like. The Spanish ambassadors then read the article relating to their King, and promised in his name to conform to it, and the oath was taken both by them and King Henry.
	This ceremony was followed by a banquet. With his Majesty sat the two Legates and Count Horn. The other Spanish ambassador, the French ambassador, and he Giustinian), with other lords and prelates, were seated at another table. A visit was paid to the Queen.
	Had been assured by Richard Pace that the conference between the Kings of England and France on the other side of the Channel would take place about the commencement or middle of July.
	The French ambassador had again enquired whether Venice would be content that the most Christian King should be elected Emperor. Had been informed by Cardinal Campeggio that the Diet was to assemble at Frankfort the fourth Sunday in Lent. Told him the Signory was neutral with regard to this election. The Prothonotary had said that he did not approve of the election of either of the two Kings (Charles and Francis), and that it would be well to take the King of Poland, an able man, and violently opposed to the Infidels.
	Lambeth, 22nd March 1519.
	[Italian, 3¼ pages, or 64 lines.]
March 23. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 290.	1181. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Receipt of letters from the Papal legate in Germany, dated 29th February and 9th March, stating that he was in the neighbourhood of Frankfort, but not being lodged in the town, had been unable to speak with the electors, though the report there was (and it appeared to be in accordance with the general wish) that the Catholic King would be elected King of the Romans.
	Friar Nicholas Schomberg, who had lately arrived at Rome from Hungary and Prussia, haying passed through some places in Germany, entertained this same opinion. He was a person of some ability and great experience, and had been much employed. He regretted that the Pope should have declared himself for France and against Spain, as he considered it certain that King Charles would be elected, and make terms with King Francis.
	Believed that Friar Nicholas laid great stress on the conference which it had been said would take place between Mons de Chièvres and the Lord Steward, and then seemed to be suspended, the French choosing in the first place to receive the reply from Spain, after which they would decide about the interview, as already stated in his letter of the 21st.
	The diet was to assemble at Whitsuntide (which would fall on 21st June), in accordance with the constitution (et questo per con-stitutione), independently of any arbitrary resolve, they having a bull in Germany called “The Golden Bull,” or “Carolina,” purporting that on the demise of the Emperor, the Archbishop of Mayence was allowed the period of one month from the day of his acquaintance with the fact wherein to give intimation of the diet, and that after this intimation the electors were allowed the term of three months for assembling in the diet, and one month in which to effect the election. If within that term they should fail to elect a King of the Romans, they incur various restrictions and censures (stricture), as usually observed in similar cases; nor could anything else authentic be discovered concerning the election than this bull. Had also been told a few days previously by the Spanish ambassador, that he likewise had endeavoured to learn what authentic records existed concerning the mode of this election, and that no one could tell him anything; the Pope in like manner being unable to quote any other document than the bull. Hence proceeded the delay of the diet.
	Rome, 23rd March 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
March 24. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. p. 70.	1182. Antonio Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Paris, 10th March.
	The King of England had sent to the most Christian King the list of the persons he meant to bring with him to the interview, including his consort and daughter, the daughter-in-law of King Francis, that the Queen of France might kiss her.
	[Italian.]
March 26. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 291.	1183. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Had acquainted the Pope with the contents of the Signory's missive of the 17th, touching their wish for the election of the most Christian King, and the reply made to him about the defence of hi Holiness, in case, &c.
	The Pope expressed himself much obliged to the State for the offer, saying, that no later than the other day he had told him (Minio) he was aware of the Signory's good-will. Enquired if what his Holiness said to him on that occasion had reference to this matter, as he did not at the time go into any further detail.
	The Pope said “No,” (although on weighing well his words Minio believed them to have alluoed to that offer,) “for the idea that we three should form a league together proceeded from the most Christian King”
	The Pope did not say anything more on the subject. He appeared to be suffering somewhat from his ailment (fistula). When he (Minio) entered the chamber the Pope was seated, and rose. Requested him to remain seated. He replied, “We had rather not.” They sat together for a short while, but on rising he again perceived that the Pope had some little difficulty in walking. The Pope then said, “We have letters from the Legate dated the 9th, from a place near Frankfort; he had not spoken with the electors, because he himself is not in that town; he had only spoken with the Archbishop of Mayence, who announced to him his intention of acting according to the wishes of his brother” (the Elector of Branden-burgh). Was unable to elicit any other news from the Pope.
	The Spaniards at Rome, being astute persons, were very reserved when talking about the election of the King of the Romans. It was supposed that, not expecting any favour from Rome, they did not choose to disclose the state of their affairs.
	Had been told by his friend Abbatis that he had seen a letter from the Cardinal of Gurk, dated Augsburg, 14th March, purporting that although the King of France made very great offers, he would not succeed, whilst on the other hand the Catholic King was not sure of his election. It was true the Cardinal of Gurk was opposed to France.
	Had learned that King Francis was making great offers, and had some promise of support from the Count Palatine.
	Rome, 26th March 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
March 28. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no, 294.	1184. Marco Mixio to the. Sigxory.
	In his last informed the State that the Archbishop of Mayence meant to vote according to the wishes of the Elector of Branden-burgh. Had subsequently ascertained that the Archbishop expressed himself much more clearly, saying that neither he nor his brother could break the promise given to the Catholic King. Infers therefore that according to the Roman news the affairs of France did not prosper, as confirmed by the fact that it was then said that the conference between the Lord Steward and Mons. de Chièvres would certainly take place. Moreover, although of late the Spaniards at Rome had been very reserved, a friend of his (Minio's) was told by the Spanish ambassador that the Catholic King would experience no difficulty in being elected King of the Romans, so that he con sidered his success certain.
	Rome, 2Sth March 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
March 30. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 295.	1185. Marco Minio to the Council of Ten.
	On going to the Magnana, found the Pope abroad hawking with a few Cardinals, and discussed a variety of topics with Cardinal de' Medici. The Cardinal, who had always inclined towards France, said that King Fiancis had nothiug certain (non ha aleuna cosa, certa), making it appear that but little hope could be entertained of his success. He said that whether the crown were obtained by France or Spain, the sovereign would become so great that all other powers must yield to him. The Cardinal then added, “The Signory promises very freely to lend her favour to the most Christian King,” saying that the Pope had acquainted him with the intimation made by the Signory; and this he uttered with a smile on his lips (facendo hocha da ridere).
	Rejoined that the State sought the aggrandizement of King; Francis for the benefit of Christendom.
	So far as he (Minio) could judge from the words and gests of the Cardinal de' Medici, he considered that the demonstration made by the Pope had been immature (immatura), (fn. 6) and that he had declared himself before there were any visible proofs that the most Christian had any foundation for his hopes.
	Enquired of the Cardinal whether they had any letters from Germany. He said the Legate wrote in date of the 14th that he had been unable to speak with anybody but the Archbishop of Mayence, who inclined towards the Catholic King; that the electors were to meet at a place near Frankfort (he did not know its name), to arrange the affairs of the diet; and that the Duke of Wurtemburg had 6,000 Switzers.
	The conference between the Lord Steward and Mons. de Chièvres was dreaded by the Papal Government. The Cardinal said their letters from France dated the 21st announced that the Lord Steward had already set out with a very great retinue.
	Whilst they were talking thus, the Bishop of St. Malo was announced, and said he came to convince the Pope that he had cause to approve of the conference between these two prime ministers. On arriving from the hawking field at the Magnana villa, the Bishop had audience of the Pope, and on coming forth appeared very pensive. Approached him. With his mind overflowing (il qual havea l'aninmo pieno). the. Bishop said he had received letters in date of the 20th, that the Lord Steward had not yet set cut, and that the conference related to the marriage. He added that the Catholic King had promised, in the event of the death of Madame Louise, to marry her sister, and asked, “What does the Pope wish my King to do? Here they say that Mons. de Chièvres had set out.”
	Cardinal Cornaro was present when these words were uttered by the Bishop of St. Malo, who, although no one made any remark to him, nevertheless he himself being aware that such things were not credible, as the moment was unsuited to similar negotiations, said, “God forgive me! I am certain that my King, let him make what promises he may in this matter, will not keep them.” Explains this indiscreet admission by supposing that the Bishop would not admit that the conference was held for the purpose of discussing the election of the King of the Romans; that probably the Pope had said something to him on the subject; and that on coming out of the audience chamber he in the fulness of his heart unbosomed himself.
	Rome, 30th March 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]