Venice: August 1525 | British History Online

Pages 467-475

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:

August 1525



Aug. 1. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxix. p. 199.	1084. Letter from Crema.
	The Cavalier Scena, a Milanese outlaw, arrived here today; he quitted Lyons on the 16th ult. The agreement between the King of England and France was considered certain there, and the captains and troops who had marched in the direction of Picardy, from suspicion of England, were returning to Lyons.
	Crema, 1st August. Registered by Sanuto, 3rd August.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 4. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta). File no. 9.	1085. The Doge and College to Lorenzo Orio, Ambassador in England.
	On the 2nd instant the Duke of Bourbon quitted Milan for Savona, where he was to embark for Spain on board the Imperial fleet, the Emperor having sent for him that (according to report) he may marry Madame Eleanor, his Imperial Majesty's sister. Two hours after the Duke of Bourbon's departure the Marquis of Pescara also quitted Milan for Novara, and from what they understand the Spanish forces now quartered in the Milanese have orders to proceed into Piedmont, and are already on the point of marching.
	The Duke of Milan, who lately had a fever, is now doing well, and it is hoped he will soon recover, though he keeps his bed to secure convalescence. Understand that the disturbances in the Tyrol have somewhat subsided, and tend towards an adjustment; those at Salzburg continue. (fn. 1)
	Have nothing farther from Rome concerning the new agreement, as the Pope is awaiting the return of Dom. Sigismund, or letters from him, he having been sent by his Holiness to France to ascertain what decision has been formed there; and the Signory will do the like, so as to decide for the best. Will acquaint him with the reply brought by Dom. Sigismund. To make use of the above-written advices as may seem to him advisable, performing such offices with the King and Cardinal as familiar to him.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 4. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxix. p. 242.	1086. Marco Antonio Longin, Secretary of Carlo Contarini, to his brother Zuan Hironimo.
	Germany is so entirely Lutheran, that when they carry the Host to the communicants there is nobody but a forerunner with a lantern and the mass bell; still less do they attend vespers. They go solely to the sermon, whither all flock universally, both great and small, with great devotion; and there are few who do not possess the book of the Epistles and Gospels, viz., the New Testament. They go to the sermons as to a lecture; and nothing is preached but the interpretation of the pure Gospel. In other places, such as Nuremberg and Strasburg, the mass has been almost entirely abolished, and the altars destroyed, being considered rather idolatrous than otherwise. Concerning Luther's books, I will say nothing of their high repute, and how eagerly they are purchased and perused. They bear various titles, and amongst them has seen one “De Libertate Christiana,” which implies great things (che dice di gran cosse). Luther's whole faith, in short, consists in loving God above all things, and one's neighbour as one's self; and he maintains that so many external ceremonies are unnecessary, because Christ by his passion made atonement for everything (ha satisfato ad ogni cosa). Luther also alleges many other facts and arguments.
	Since our stay at Augsburg two friars have married, one with a nun, the other with a woman of the world (una mondana), notwithstanding which, they remain friars. The prior of the monastery of St. Dominic has been expelled both from the monastery and the town because he was much opposed to Luther.
	Augsburg, 4th August. Registered by Sanuto, 20th August.
	[Italian.]
Aug 5. Cicogna Copy of the Navagero Despatches, Letter no. 380.	1087. Gasparo Contarini, Andrea Navagero, and Lorenzo Priuli, Venetian Ambassadors with the Emperor, to the Signory.
	Some caravels have arrived from the Indies with gold. We have been told by the Chancellor that they bring 150,000 gold pieces for the Emperor, but he does not know the standard, as very often they are accustomed to send very base gold, so that the amount in ducats does not correspond with the number of the pieces.
	Some days ago we were informed by the Portuguese ambassadors of the arrival at certain islands of seven caravels with a great quantity of spices.
	The account is confirmed by persons thoroughly acquainted with Portugal, who say six ships have reached the Azores with 30,000 quintals of pepper, 3,500 quintals of ginger, 500 quintals of cinnamon, very few cloves, and no nutmegs or mace.
	Toledo, 5th August 1525.
	[Italian.]
Aug 5. Cicogna Copy of the Navagero Despatches, Letter no. 381.	1088. The Same to the Council of Ten.
	We have heard on good authority that there are letters from Flanders announcing intimate negotiations between England and France, and that the marriage was being stipulated between the Princess of England and the Dauphin, whom they meant to proclaim King. We hear also that the Duchess of Alençon is going back to France. This intelligence, although very secret, has much disturbed the ministry; so yesterday and the day before, the Chancellor, the Count of Nassau, and the Comendador Mayor assembled at the house of the old English ambassador [Sampson], together with the Bishop of London (Sampson being indisposed), and they remained there a long while.
	Toledo, 5th August 1525.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 6. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxix. pp. 282–919.	1089. Anonymous Letter from — to Messer —, Doctor at Milan.
	Bourbon, on being deprived of the dukedom, quitted his territory at the instigation of England and the Emperor, not because he aspired to another duchy, but because he was promised the Emperor's sister in marriage, and assistance to be made and maintained King of France, on condition of acknowledging it as a fief of the Crown of England, and giving certain provinces to the English, to the Flemings, and to Spain, as stipulated at length in the articles between the Emperor and England drawn up to this effect, and for the marriage of the Emperor to the daughter of the English King These things were established and based on good faith; and their breach must have proceeded from some other quarter than from the Emperor.
	The kingdom of Castille has offered the Emperor an additional 400,000 ducats if he will marry the Princess of Portugal, as she is a Spaniard; but his Majesty remains firm in favour of the English Princess, provided the King do not fail him, and with a message to this effect he despatched the English ambassadors.
	Inspruck, 6th August 1525. Registered by Sanuto, 7th Sept
	[Italian.]
Aug. 9. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxix. p. 220.	1090. Marc' Antonio Venier to the Doge and Signort.
	The King of England has sent two ambassadors to the Emperor, announcing his opinion about the release of the King of France, and the integrity of the French territory.
	Milan, 9th August. Registered by Sanuto, 11th August.
	[Extract, Italian.]
Aug. 10. Cicogna Copy of the Navagero Despatches, Letter no. 383.	1091. Gasparo Contarini, Andrea Navagero, and Lorenzo Priuli, Venetian Ambassadors with the Emperor, to the Signory.
	Mons. Brion has returned from the King of France, bringing the power from Madame [Louise] to conclude the truce. Brion, the Archbishop of Ambrun, and the President of the Parliament of Paris, have held several conferences with the Emperor and his ministers. We have been told by the Chancellor that there was some difficulty, because the French desire to include the Scots as their confederates, and to this the English ambassadors will not consent; so it was agreed to discuss this point with the King of France, an d thus nothing is settled.
	The Cortes of Castile have not yet decided. The Chancellor told us they were awaiting the reply from England about the marriage. We believe this to be true, because the kingdom consents to give the Emperor the second 400,000 ducats on condition of his marrying the Infanta of Portugal.
	Gasparo Contarini and Lorenzo Priuli intend to depart for Venice tomorrow.
	Toledo, 10th August 1525.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 11. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxix. pp. 231,233.	1092. The Truce.
	Paper of the truce between the Emperor, France, and England, dated Toledo, 11th August 1525, signed by François de Tournon, Jean de Selve, and Philippe Chabot. (fn. 2)
	Registered by Sanuto, 21st September.
	[Copy, Italian.]
Aug. 12. Cicogna Copy of the Navagero Despatches.	1093. Andrea Navagero to the Signory.
	The day before yesterday the truce with the King of France was concluded, but they did not choose to call it a truce, in order to prevent the merchants of either power from trading in the towns of the other; so they called it “an abstinence from war,” for the mere negotiation of peace without any further intercourse—the agreement to last until the 1st of January, and to be published before the 10th of September on all the frontiers of either party. The Emperor and the King of England are named on one side; the King of France on the other.
	In the meanwhile the Duchess of Alençon is at liberty to come and negotiate the peace, as likewise any other ambassador from either party, coming and going without any safeconduct; couriers passing in like manner on their way to France, Italy, and elsewhere.
	The King of France is to arrive at Madrid today, and will remain there.
	When passing through Guadalaxara, a place belonging to the Duke dell'Infantazgo, one of the principal grandees of Spain, the King was received with much honour, the Duke giving him grand banquets and entertainments, and causing games to be performed for him. On his departure he also received many presents, including a horse whose furniture was said to be worth upwards of 5,000 crowns.
	He bears his prison admirably, and in all the places through which he passes is so well greeted by reason of the extreme affability and courtesy evinced by him towards everybody, that he is well nigh adored in this country.
	Toledo, 12th August 1525.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 13. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxix., pp. 308, 309.	1094. Dom. Soardino to [the Marquis of Mantua ?].
	The truce concluded was not a general suspension of hostilities. It is to be proclaimed throughout Spain on the 10th of September, and will last until the 1st of January. The parties mentioned are solely the Emperor and the King of England on one side, and the most Christian King alone on the other; but the English have not chosen to agree to it. According to report, couriers and others despatched by these princes, and bearing safeconducts or patents, may go to and fro by land.
	The French ambassadors at Toledo say that the Duchess of Alençon had already set out to embark at Aigues Mortes, with the intention of landing at Valencia. Until her arrival, nothing more will be concluded about the release of the most Christian King, who for the last two days has been in Madrid.
	Toledo, 13th August. Registered by Sanuto, 12th September.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 14. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxix. p. 237.	1095. Marc' Antonio Venier to the Doge and Signory.
	The King of England has sent two ambassadors to Spain, to tell the Emperor his opinion that the King of France should be released for the benefit of Christendom and its defence; that should the Emperor have incurred expense, compensation might be paid him in money, but that no part of France be dismembered; and should the Emperor think fit to diminish that kingdom, the King of England would disapprove of the measure, and be vexed thereat, saying well nigh that he would not put up with it.
	Milan, 14th August. Registered by Sanuto, 17th August.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 14. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxix. p.356.	1096. Lorenzio Orio to — (a private letter).
	On the receipt of letters from the Signory, about forming a league in Italy for the maintenance of the States there, spoke to the Cardinal, and narrates his reply, so that the affair will be brought to a good pass. The agreement between the King of England and France has been concluded and signed, as likewise the marriage [contract] of the Princess to the Dauphin, the articles having been sent to France for signature. The Signory is mentioned therein. On Saturday the Princess went to her principality of Wales (sic) with a suitable and honorable escort, and she will reside there until the time of her marriage. She is a rare person and singularly accomplished, most particularly in music, playing on every instrument, especially on the lute and harpsicord (arpicordo).
	The plague continues in London, and will increase greatly. Goes very frequently to the Court of the Cardinal, and to that of the King, at a distance of 20, 30, and now 40 miles from London, where lodging can be had solely in the palace.
	London, 14th August. Registered by Sanuto, 30th September.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 18. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 17.	1097. Lorenzo Orio to the Doge and Signory.
	On the 18th August the truce was proclaimed between Englan and France, to last until the 1st of December. His Majesty is takin his pleasure in the country. Cardinal Wolsey directs everything; appoints Sir Gregory Casal, the Papal Auditor [Ghinucci], and the Bishop Usardinense (fn. 3) [ambassadors to Rome ?]; and is sending two ambassadors (fn. 4) to France to negotiate the agreement between the two kingdoms. Pace, the English ambassador at Venice, has received leave to return home, and although others wrote to him in the King's name to go back [to Venice ?], his Majesty ordered him not to obey them and to come straight (e vengi di longo). This letter of leave was written by the King's order without the knowledge of the Cardinal.
	In reply to an announcement from the Pope concerning a league, and to remarks thereon by Giovanni Gioachino [di Passano], the Cardinal said that three demands must be made of the Emperor; first, that he do release the most Christian King; secondly, whether he will wed the Princess [Mary] without any further sum of money than that already received for dower; and thirdly, whether he purposes going into Italy with an army for his coronation; in which case—and not otherwise—a league might be formed.
	The Emperor has written to the King of England to know whether he will give him the Princess with a dower of 400,000 ducats in ready money; and if not, whether he will release him from his oath and promise of marriage, so that he may marry elsewhere.
	The King will give the Princess, but no increase of dower.
	London, 10–18th August. Registered by Sanuto, 6th October.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 18. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxix. p. 266.	1098. Marco Antonio Longin to his Brother Zuan Hironimo.
	On quitting Augsburg, went to the free town of Ulm, which (if Augsburg is Lutheran) may be styled most Lutheran, as are all the other free towns; but to speak more properly, they tend towards downright heresy rather than to anything else. They disregard masses and other offices, and the few which they perform are for the most part in German, so that the masses may be intelligible to the populace. Above all, they are regardless of burying their dead in consecrated ground, many of whom are carried into the fields beyond the town, to avoid paying the priests. Has also heard that the members of the League have beheaded a person who, besides many other heresies, trampled under foot the host, as if it had not contained the real body of Christ.
	They eat meat on Fridays and Saturdays, and on the eves, and do other things too long to narrate, in such wise as to be so tainted with this pest that none but God can extirpate it.
	On quitting Ulm, entered this duchy of Wurtemberg, where apparently there are not many Lutherans, and the inhabitants are better disposed towards their duty, for books have been lately printed here against Luther in reply to many of his works. Will endeavour by all means to obtain them.
	Tubingen in Wurtemberg, 18th August, Registered by Sanuto, 29th August.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 21. Copy of the Navagero Despatches in the Correr Museum.	1099. Andrea Navagero to the Council of Ten.
	Receipt by the Emperor of news from Italy, that the Pope and Venice were negotiating an agreement with France, and together with the Duke of Milan and all the rest of Italy would form a defensive league. The Duchess of Alençon has embarked at Aigues-Mortes, and the Emperor sent Don Ugo de Moncada to meet her at Valencia. Don Ugo is of opinion that there will be war. The Emperor is determined not to make peace unless they give him Burgundy. Long ago the Cortes agreed to pay 400,000 ducats in three years for the service in ordinary. With regard to the other 400,000, they attached the condition that the Emperor was to marry the sister of the King of Portugal. It is now decided that the Cortes of Castile will raise this second sum, which the Emperor accepts conditionally, in the event of his making the marriage, leaving it uncertain, in order not to break off the negotiation with England until peace or war with France be decided.
	Has been told as a great secret by the Florentine ambassador that the Emperor, speaking to the Nuncio about the Italian league, exclaimed, “Can God allow the Pope always to listen to that cowardly traitor”—and then, not remembering the name, after remaining a short while in suspense, he added—“Gian Matteo !” [Giberti]. This was strong language and of great weight, as coming from the lips of the Emperor, who is so discreet (modesto) in all his actions, and most especially in speech, as to be irreproachable; but anger overcame his habitual moderation, showing how much he considers himself hurt by these negotiations; of which he lays all the blame on Giberti.
	Toledo, 21st August 1525.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 22. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta). File no. 9.	1100. The Doge and College to Lorenzo Orio, Venetian Ambassador in England.
	[Glad to hear of the confidential and loving communication made to him by Cardinal Wolsey, attesting the good will of the King and of his right rev. Lordship towards the maintenance of the liberty, not only of the Venetian Signory, but of all Italy. To return thanks to the King and Cardinal for so loving an office towards the State and all Italy, adding that the State is most anxious for the maintenance of the liberty of Italy, and to see all Christian powers at peace, for the benefit of the Christian religion.
	[Concerning the negotiations proposed by the Bishop of Bayeux on behalf of France, approve his (Orio's) prudent reply to the Cardinal, justifying himself on the plea of not having at the time received the Signory's letters of the 18th July. On the 11th July the Pope sent his Nuncio to the Regent of France to assure her of the favorable disposition of his Holiness, of the Venetian Signory, of the Duke of Milan, and of the other potentates of Italy towards an understanding with France for the preservation of Italy. As no intelligence has hitherto been received of the Nuncio's arrival at the Court, the Signory, suspecting him of having met with some accident, has urged the Pope to send a second Nuncio to effect the understanding with France. Are now again assured, both by his (Orio's) letters, and by advices which the Bishop of Bayeux has received from the Regent, that the King of England has made an adjustment and confederacy with France, much to their satisfaction. Consider this a confirmation of Cardinal Wolsey's conference with him (Orio), and assure the King and his right rev. Lordship that the Signory is inclined to give ear to the aforesaid negotiation proposed to them by France, and to urge its conclusion. The suggestions of the King and Cardinal will greatly encourage the Regent.
	To beseech the King and Cardinal to persevere in their laudable purpose, as the Signory will do the like. Consider it indubitable that the King will not fail doing what is necessary for the liberty of Italy, whereon depends the general quiet of Christendom, as his Majesty has expended such sums and done so much to place the Duke of Milan in his duchy, and to keep him there.] (fn. 5)
	That the Duke of Bourbon has quitted Vercelli, on his way to Genoa, to proceed to Spain, having been sent for by the Emperor.
	Some days ago two commissioners arrived in Venice from the Archduke Ferdinand. Are negotiating with them the conclusion of the treaty of Worms, for the tranquillity of the Signory's subjects.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 26. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta). File No. 9.	1101. The Doge and College to Lorenzo Orio, Venetian Ambassador in England.
	Have heard from their ambassador at Rome, in date of the 22nd, that the Pope is more eager than ever about the confederacy of the Italian powers with France for the maintenance and quiet of Italy. The Pope, on hearing that Dom. Sigismund had not arrived at the Court of the Regent of France, and suspecting some mischance had befallen him, has now dispatched the Florentine, D. Leonardo Spina, to the Regent, with all necessary instructions. The French ambassadors at Venice, urged by the Signory, do not fail to aid the conclusion of the confederacy. Seeing the great benefit which will accrue to all Italy from this confederacy, have done their utmost to effect it, and the more heartily since hearing of the alliance projected, and now ratified and published, between his Majesty of England and the kingdom of France,—an evident sign that the King and Cardinal are excellently inclined towards the design proposed to the Signory by France for the preservation and quiet of the State of Venice, of the Duke of Milan, and consequently of all Italy, whereon the tranquillity of Christendom depends.
	To praise and extol this most holy resolution formed by the King and Cardinal.
	By letters from Rome, dated the 22nd, understand that Sir Gregory Casal wrote thither from Brussels that Dom. Sigismund had not gone to France, neither would he go. To inquire adroitly, on his own account, of the said Sir Gregory Casal what he knows about Dom. Sigismund.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 27. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxix. p. 271.	1102. The Venetian Governors of Bergamo to the Doge and Signory.
	Enclose a letter from Corio [Coir?] dated 16th August, written by Mons. Giugnes to . . . . .
	Peace has been made between the most Christian King and the King of England. Nothing better could be done for France, and as Venice has no fear of England, the rest may be held in small account. Truce has been made with the Emperor for six months in the ultramontane territories. From this truce, Italian affairs are expressly excluded, and it is supposed that peace will follow.
	The King's sister, Madame dAiençon, has departed for Spain with a very noble retinue, and she is expected to bring back the King. The Emperor has taken [for his wife] the daughter (sic) [sister] of the King of Portugal. The King of England is greatly dissatisfied with him, because he was affianced to his (the King of England's) daughter. This was the chief cause of his making peace with France; and he will give his daughter to the Dauphin, as settled heretofore.
	Bergamo, 27th August. Registered by Sanuto, 31st August.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 30. Cicogna Copy of the Navagero Despatches.	1103. Andrea Navagero to the Council of Ten.
	The King of France is at Madrid, and is expected to remain there until the affairs are concluded. He makes himself so popular, and is so courteous, gracious, and generous, that words cannot exceed it. The Spaniards, who are not accustomed to such treatment, adore and love him, more perhaps than some people would wish. Nothing is talked of but of him. Were he brought to Spain again he would come after a different fashion, for he has so conciliated everybody that the things one hears said amongst Spaniards are too monstrous. The King bears his imprisonment quietly, but is much disappointed, for he expected immediately on arriving in Spain to have an interview with the Emperor, and thus arrange his affairs easily. He therefore requested to be brought here; but so far as can be seen hitherto the Emperor does not choose to see him until the affairs are concluded.
	Toledo, 30th August, 1525.
	[Italian.]