Venice: March 1525 | British History Online

Pages 410-419

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 3, 1520-1526. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1869.

Citation:

March 1525



March 5. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. pp. 36, 37.	946. List of Great Personages killed at Pavia.
	Francis, brother of the Duke of Lorraine, the English Duke of Suffolk, the White Rose, &c. (fn. 1)
	[Italian.]
March 5. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 34.	947. Illness of Pace.
	Note by Marin Sanuto.—Be it known that Pace, the English ambassador, is sick and unwell. The Signory sent physicians to him to visit him.
	[Italian.]
March 5. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 332, St. Mark's Library.	948. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory.
	On the 2nd instant Mons. de Selin (sic), one of the gentleman of the Emperor's chamber, was despatched to England to encourage the King to prosecute the war against France. The ministers now promise themselves more from him than they did previously; though the Chancellor has not so much faith in Wolsey's promises.
	Madrid, 5th March 1525.
	[Italian, 3¼ pages.]
March 6. Senato Mar, v. xx. p. 146.	949. Embassy to England.
	Decree of the Senate.
	It being very fitting for our interests to have an ambassador with the King of England in these critical times, especially as we have heard that his Majesty wishes for one,—
	Put to the ballot, that an honorable ambassador be appointed to the aforesaid King; the nominees to be eligible from any office, even from amongst ambassadors appointed elsewhere; and the person elected to be liable to a penalty of 500 golden ducats, besides all other penalties enacted by this Council against recusants.
	The person appointed to receive 140 golden ducats monthly for his expenses, without having to give any account of them to the Signory; and four months' salary in advance (subventione) to be given him here as usual by the cashier of the Council of Ten. The agent at Venice appointed by the ambassador to receive monthly 140 golden ducats in such form as not to cause the Signory any loss from the rate of exchange.
	The ambassador to take with him 11 horses, including the one for his secretary and his servant, and two running footmen, and to depart at such time and with such commission as shall be assigned to him by this Council.
	Ayes, 168. Noes, 19. Neutrals, 0.
	Elected: Ser Lorenzo Bragadin.
	[Italian, 17 lines.]
March 6. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. 1. p. 124.	950. Embassy to England.
	Motion made in the Senate, as above.
	Elected: Ser Lorenzo Bragadeno, who refused, there being elected in his stead Ser Lorenzo Orio, LL.D. and knight.
	[Italian.]
March 6. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. 1. p. 126.	951. The Doge and Senate to Marco Foscari, Ambassador at Rome.
	His letters of the 2nd and 3rd, received this morning, give them the greatest satisfaction. Commend the Pope's rejection of a league with the Imperialists, and his mission of envoys both to the Emperor and the King of England. He will perceive that they have sent ambassadors to the Emperor, and will do the like by the King of England. His Holiness should use all diligence and address to obtain the support of the said most Serene King. It is necessary to send in all haste to the Swiss cantons, to dispose them favorably towards Italy.
	P.S.—Have this evening, with the Senate, elected as ambassador to the King of England, their beloved noble Lorenzo Bragadin, late captain of Brescia.
	Ayes, 177. Noes, 17. Neutrals, 7.
	[Italian, 65 lines.]
March 8. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 61,	952. Giacomo Capini to—.
	The Duke of Wurtemberg is fighting in earnest for the recovery of his State. He has a great number of troops, because he is favoured by the Lutheran party; and certain princes (signori) of the League of Swabia secretly furnish money for their payment, at the request of Lutherans. The Imperialists at Pavia seem to hold this matter of no importance, and say that when the rout and capture of the most Christian King is known all will vanish into smoke.
	Pavia, 8th March. Registered by Sanuto, 13th March.
	[Italian.]
March 8. Parti Secrete, Consiglio X., File no. 1.	953. Embassy to England.
	Motion made in the Council of Ten and Junta with the intervention of the College.
	The ambassador elect to the King of England being unable to depart so immediately (cussi presto), it is necessary in the mean-while to send a secretary, that he may be with his Majesty at the same time as the Nuncio [Ghinucci] according to the Pope's suggestion.
	Put to the ballot, that the College with the chiefs of the Council be authorized to elect one of the Signory's secretaries to proceed to the King with all speed; that he receive for his expenses 60 golden ducats per month, being dispensed from giving any account thereof, and three months' salary in advance before his departure; and that his agents here subsequently receive 60 golden ducats monthly, as aforesaid. Such commission to be given him as shall seem fit to this Council and Junta.
	Ayes, 8; 9.
	Noes, 7; 7.
	Neutrals, 1; 0.
	The oath of silence was administered.
	[Italian.]
March 9. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. 1. p. 128	954. The Doge and Senate to Marco Foscari, Ambassador in Rome.
	The nobleman Lorenzo Bragadin having excused himself from going to England on account of personal indisposition, have this evening elected the nobleman Lorenzo Orio, LL.D. and knight, late ambassador in Hungary, who immediately and willingly accepted.
	[Italian.]
March 9. Sanuto Diaries, v. xrxviii. p. 70.	955. Carlo Contarini to the State.
	The disturbances in Germany seem to abate, especially those in Saxony against the Cardinal of Salzburg and the Duke of Bavaria. There still remains the Duke of Wurtemberg, who was expelled his duchy, and who by assistance of the Lutherans has recovered many of his places; but the members of the League of Swabia have taken the field, being bound to maintain the duchy of Wurtemberg for the Archduke Ferdinand. All disturbance will now cease by reason of the rout of Pavia, which has humbled the pride of the Germans, who are averse to the aggrandisement of the Emperor and the Archduke.
	Inspruck, 9th March. Registered by Sanuto, 16th March.
	[Italian.]
March 12. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 333, St. Mark's Library.	956. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory.
	On the 10th of March the miraculous and astounding news of the victory obtained by the Imperial army over the French arrived at Madrid. A gentleman, by name Spinalosa, brought the intelligence through France, with a safeconduct received from the King at Pizzighettone on the 1st instant.
	I was amongst the first who heard it, and went immediately to the palace, where I found the Emperor in a gallery, walking up and down, conversing with the Chancellor, Mons. de Bresse and Mons, de la Chau.
	The Emperor walked seven or eight times from one end of the gallery to the other, he alone speaking the whole time (sempre parlando lei sola). At length, on approaching a window, the Emperor called me. I endeavoured to kiss his hand, which the Emperor would not permit, but received me very graciously. Having listened to my congratulations, which ended with a wish that he might ere long be crowned at Constantinople, he replied, “I thank you for this congratulation. This victory I acknowledge from none but God alone, who knowing my good will, rewards me far beyond my deserts. I could, however, have wished that the Signory's forces had joined mine as becoming.”
	I apologized for the Republic, saying, amongst other things, that the Pope having warned the Signory not to thwart the negotiation on foot between France and De Lannoy, it was deemed un-advisable to effect the junction.
	The Emperor rejoined,” I believe the Republic's intention to have been good, and were it not so, I choose to suppose it good, and hope that for the future the Signory will no longer delay thus, but give ample satisfaction. As for myself, look ye, ambassador, (fn. 2) although many years have perhaps elapsed since any sovereign had such an opportunity as I have for executing his intention, I nevertheless thank God for this opportunity, in order that not only my friends, but my enemies likewise, may know that I never had any other wish but to pacify Christendom and turn my forces against the Infidel.”
	I made a brief reply, and again urged the Emperor to let me kiss his hand. This the Emperor declined, but dismissed me very graciously.
	On the morrow the Emperor confessed, went processionally to mass, and heard a sermon. He was accompanied by the ambassadors and other personages, and wore a frieze cape and jerkin. He did not choose any sign of rejoicing to be made, and neither by word nor deed evinced the slightest mark of arrogance at such great good fortune.
	On the evening of the 11th the Papal Nuncio, Baldassar Castiglione, made his entry into Madrid, and was met in the Emperor's name by the Count of Miranda and two bishops. (fn. 3)
	On the 12th I visited the Chancellor. I told him I was sure the Almighty had made him the Emperor's prime minister, in order that being an Italian he might benefit Italy, in like manner as the Lord made Joseph the Hebrew great with Pharaoh King of Egypt for the benefit of his Hebrews. I then endeavoured to justify the Signory's policy.
	Gattinara rejoined, “You have spoken to me as to an Italian, and as an Italian will I answer you. We may thank God for having so good a sovereign, for I do not see that either the Pope or the Signory allege any good reason in self excuse. I complain because it seems that you say, the Milanese being invaded, you are not bound to furnish the subsidy. Speaking as a jurist, you are aware that, without any exception, the act of incurring an obligation is optional; but when assumed, its performance becomes necessary.”
	In reply I observed that the Republic had more at stake than the Emperor, and could not risk a battle. That Pavia being well garrisoned and well supplied with provisions, the King of France would have been routed of himself without any necessity for exposing the armies of the Emperor and of Venice to manifest peril. That therefore the Imperial commanders had either done wrong to run the risk, or must have taken a different view with regard to the plan of the campaign. In conclusion, I quoted the example of Fabius Maximus when opposed to Hannibal.
	To this the Chancellor made no reply, but requested me to write to the Signory not to distrust the Emperor's goodness and clemency. I promised compliance, as the counsel of despair, by whomsoever followed, is always perilous.
	Madrid, 12th March 1525.
	[Italian, 6¾ pages.]
March 13. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 82.	957. Domenico Pizzamano to his Brother Gregoeio.
	The Duke of Albany is in daily expectation of vessels for the shipment of his troops. They are selling their horses, and many persons go from Rome to purchase them. The infantry has disbanded. The Pope, on hearing that the Spaniards had crossed the Po, was much agitated; he is in suspense and harassed. The Duke of Sessa solicits him constantly, and it is considered certain he will make terms with the Imperialists. He (the Pope) appears to be a man of very faint heart and will (homo di pochissimo cor e voglia). He hopes that the King of England will disagree with the Emperor, and the Papal Auditor, (fn. 4) whom he was sending to England, and had reached Sienna, is recalled by him, and expected at Rome hourly. The Pope says he has made provision otherwise, and that the Auditor was dependent on the Imperialists, wherefore he had recalled him; but it is suspected that his Holiness will come to an agreement with the Imperialists, although today he seemed better disposed than he has been hitherto since the capture of the King; it is feared these are feints. The Auditor is again being sent to England, and is about to proceed on his journey. The French fleet is said to have been seen off Leghorn, and is coming hither to embark the Duke of Albany's forces; it is said they have taken some Moorish (galley) fustes, and sunk two.
	Rome, 13th March. Registered by Sanuto, 18th March.
	[Italian.]
March 14. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 335, St. Mark's Library.	958. Gasparo Contarini to the Council of Ten.
	On the morning of the 12th, when in the Chancellor's chamber, I heard him say, laughing, “I know not what the English will choose to do now; whether they may like to make war on one unable to defend himself.”
	I understand that when the Genoese ambassador congratulated the Emperor on this victory obtained by him at so very early an age, he replied, “I have heard that once upon a time your Genoese wanted to give themselves up to the old King Lewis of France; and that he answered, 'I give you to the devil, because you are so changeable;' and thus I can say, that if not by Genoa, I have been well served by all Italy.”
	These words the Emperor uttered ironically, meaning that all Italy had disserved him, with the exception of Genoa.
	The Chancellor Gattinara is a good Italian, and heartily laments that his countrymen should not have participated in this victory.
	I believe he will use his good offices in favour of the Signory.
	Madrid, 14th March 1525.
	[Italian, 1 page.]
March 15. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 162.	959. Dom. — Suardino, Mantuan Ambassador in Spain, to the Marquis of Mantua.
	On the 10th, at about noon, a courier arrived from Italy, having passed through France, with the miraculous news of the victory over the French and the capture of the most Christian King, together with the rout of his whole army, and with small loss to the Imperialists.
	Will narrate briefly a few remarkable particulars concerning the mode in which the Emperor received this joyful intelligence.
	The courier, on entering the palace, was taken into his Majesty's chamber, where he found him talking with two or three persons about Italian affairs, and said, “My Lord, the battle was fought under Pavia, the King of France is a prisoner in your Majesty's power, and his whole army has been destroyed.”
	On hearing this alone, the Emperor remained as it were immovable, and said, “El Rey de Francia sta preso en mi poder y la batalla sta gagnada para nui!!” and without further speech, and not choosing to listen to anything more at the moment, he withdrew into another chamber by himself, and kneeling before a picture of the Virgin which he keeps at the head of his bed, remained thus for a short while, giving thanks to God and to Christ's mother for so great a mercy vouchsafed him. He then came forth and desired to be acquainted with the whole in detail; and the courier, having brought no letter, said he had for witness the safeconduct written in the King's own hand, enabling him to pass through France in safety. So the Emperor, being assured of the truth, ordered the publication of the news, but forbad any public rejoicing, save a procession to the praise of God and prayers for the dead, the victory having been gained against Christians. He said that he hoped in God to obtain another greater mercy against the Infidels, and that then public rejoicings should be made.
	The news being proclaimed, an infinite number of nobility flocked to the palace, and his Majesty went forth publicly into a very spacious corridor (corritore), the only persons [admitted being the ambassadors and the lords and chief gentlemen.
	All the ambassadors offered their congratulations separately, and it was wonderful to remark that neither by the Emperor's countenance nor by his gesture was any change perceptible in his usual bearing on an occasion of such great and notable gladness; a thing unrecorded of any other prince, or but of few, however prudent they may have been; and his Majesty's self control is the greater by reason of his youth. It is entirely attributed to greatness of mind, for he is neither elated by prosperity nor depressed by adversity.
	The ambassadors having withdrawn to make way for others, we together repeated to each other the prudent and very gracious replies received individually. Although all were of equal tenour, yet from several expressions the one given to the English ambassador was very remarkable. The Emperor said that he considered God's mercy so much the greater, as it had been granted him from direct divine goodness and not from any merit of his own; wherefore on three accounts, he held it in great esteem; first, because he thus knew that he was in favour with God; secondly, because he now had it in his power to prove his constant desire to place Christendom at peace; and, thirdly, as he should be enabled to pardon his enemies, to grant remission to those who had injured him, and to benefit his friends and dependants who had rendered him good service.
	His Majesty remained until nightfall, giving his hand to those who wished to kiss it. The next morning, after confession, he went processionally to mass at a church dedicated to the Virgin, distant one mile from the town. After hearing high mass of the Holy Ghost chaunted, he returned. He was clad in a cape and doublet of black cloth of frieze, as worn by him constantly since his attack of quartan ague, from which he has now quite recovered.
	Madrid, 15th March. Registered by Sanuto, 21st April.
	[Italian.]
March 16. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 336, St. Mark's Library.	960. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory.
	The Nuncio having said that many unjust complaints were made against the Pope, the Emperor replied that God had made him king of men and not king of tongues. Castiglione rejoined that he vouched for the Emperor's good will towards the Pope. The Emperor continued, “They tell me, however, that he gave passage to the Duke of Albany, who marched into the kingdom of Naples.” Castiglione declared that the Pope, being unarmed, could offer no opposition, so that the Duke took the passage for himself instead of its being given him.
	Concerning the stipulation of peace with the King of France, the Chancellor said to me, “Although the Emperor might claim the whole of France, as King Philip the Handsome was dispossessed by Pope Boniface, who conferred the kingdom on the Emperor Albert, and moreover as Emperor, qui est Dominus Orbis, he might demand acknowledgment (recognitions) from the Crown of France; nevertheless, he merely requires his own, which is but little.”
	The Chancellor then specified the duchy of Burgundy with all that was held by Duke Charles, saying, “The province belongs to him by the same right as that whereby he holds the kingdom of Naples; Languedoc appertains to the Crown of Arragon, and Dauphigné is an Imperial fief.”
	With regard to the Duke of Bourbon, the Chancellor said that the Emperor would give him his own territory and some possessions belonging to himself, freeing him from dependence on the Crown of France, and giving him his sister for wife.
	Madrid, 16th March 1525.
	[Italian 3 pages.]
March 16. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta. v. 1. p. 128.	961. Embassy to England.
	Motion made in the Senate.
	Important events rendering it necessary to despatch with all speed our beloved noble Lorenzo Orio, LL.D. and knight, elected ambassador to the King of England, he having readily accepted,—
	Put to the ballot—that there be given to him out of the moneys destined for this purpose five months' subsidy for his expenses, at the rate of 140 golden ducats per month, amounting to 700 golden ducats; also for the purchase of horses, 150 ducats; for trunks, 30 ducats; for two couriers, 40 ducats, at the rate of 20 ducats each; and as a gift to his secretary for his outfit, 80 ducats.
	The ambassador aforesaid may take with him on this embassy silver utensils to the value of 400 ducats at the Signory's risk, as granted to the other ambassadors; the said utensils to be registered and valued by the officials of the new accountant's office, according to the regulations of the State.
	Ayes, 172. Noes, 15. Neutrals, 4.
	[Italian.]
March 20. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 337, St. Mark's Library.	962. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory.
	Today had an interview with the Chancellor, who announced the receipt of letters from the Imperial ambassadors in Venice, dated the 21st and 22nd February, purporting that the Republic persisted in the same reply as before, although their demands were moreover urged by the Rev. Richard Pace on behalf of the King of England. Repeated the excuses already made by him to Gattinara and to the Emperor.
	Madrid, 20th March 1525.
	[Italian, 2 pages.]
March 20. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 338, St. Mark's Library.	963. The Same to the Council of Ten.
	As stated in my public letter of the 16 th, the Chancellor specified the demands made by the Emperor on France. In reply, I said, “This you want for yourselves, but then what shall you want for the King of England.” Gattinara rejoined, “Verily the Emperor will care very little about the King of England.” (fn. 5)
	Madrid, 20th March 1525.
	[Italian, 1 page.]
March 21. Parti Communi Consiglio X.	964. Embassy to England.
	Motion made in the Council of Ten and Junta by the chiefs.
	Having to despatch with all speed as ambassador to the King of England the nobleman Lorenzo Orio, LL.D. and knight,—Put to the ballot, that there be given to him, out of the “limitation moneys” set apart for the ambassadors, the subsidy for five months for his expenses, at the rate of 140 golden ducats per month, amounting to 700 golden ducats.
	Also for the purchase of horses, 150 ducats; for two couriers, 40 ducats, and 80 ducats as a gift for his secretary.
	Be it further enacted that on the expiration of the four months after his departure the treasurer of this Council do remit monthly to his agent here, out of the “limitation moneys” destined for ambassadors, 140 golden ducats, for one month's salary in advance.
	As he will have to spend money for couriers, boats, escorts, and guides, he is to keep a distinct and separate account of these things from time to time; and as the accounts arrive here, they are to be balloted for in the College and the money orders issued by the chiefs of this Council to its cashier, as done with regard to all the other ambassadors; the cashier to pay the money to his agents.
	Ayes, 28. Noes, 0. Neutrals, 1.
	Factum mandatum camerario Consilij et successoribus ut exequantur.
	[Italian.]
March 21. Parti Comuni Consiglio X.	965. Embassy to England.
	Motion made in the Council of Ten and Junta by the chiefs.
	The nobleman Lorenzo Orio, LL.D. and knight, now appointed ambassador to the King of England, is at this present proveditor for the Salt Office, charged with the superintendence of the deposit chest.
	That the Signory's affairs in that office may not sustain injury—Put to the ballot, that should Ser Lorenzo Orio depart hence before the election of his successor, the College, with the intervention of the chiefs of this Council, do charge some member of the Salt Office to take possession of the said chest, and superintend it until a cashier be elected in his stead by this Council.
	Ayes, 29. Noes, 0. Neutrals, 0.
	[Italian.]
March 26. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 341, St. Mark's Library.	966. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory.
	The bastard brother of Mons. de Beaurain arrived here yesterday from the Archduke of Austria, having quitted him after his receipt of the news of the battle of Pavia. He came by way of England where he announced the intelligence to the King, who, he says, made great demonstration of rejoicing. (fn. 6)
	On the 24th instant letters were received from England, dated the 22nd February. The King announces his readiness to make war on France, but some of the Emperor's ministers suspect the letters to be antedated, and that they were despatched after the receipt there of the news of the victory.
	Madrid, 26th March 1525.
	[Italian, ½ page.]
March 30. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 139.	967. Carlo Contarini to—(a private letter).
	The Lutherans who rose, with the banner inscribed “Defensores Scripturæ Evangelicæ et Libertatis,” are now in the field, having increased their numbers to 40,000. They refuse to pay any contributions but the rent of what they hold, so that the princes are in great embarrassment, and have sent hither to ask the Archduke for assistance. He has promised them 400 foot and 400 horse and two pieces of artillery. Including their other forces, they will thus have 15,000 foot and 15,000 (sic) [1,500 ?] horse. The commander-in-chief of the undertaking is the Duke of Bavaria. The Lansquenets will scarcely be brought to march against the Lutherans, who are their relations and friends.
	Inspruck, 30th March. Registered by Sanuto, 11th April.
	[Italian.]
March 31. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 108.	968. Embassy to England.
	Ser Lorenzo Orio, LL.D. and knight, who is going ambassador to England, departed this morning. He will remain three days at Padua, to make preparations, and then his commission will be sent to him.
	[Italian.]