Pages 637-639
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.
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Citation:
Miscellaneous 1514
| 1514. June 17. Library, Venetian Archives. | 1485. Andrea Badoer, Venetian Ambassador in England, to Pietro Lando, Venetian Ambassador at Rome. |
|---|---|
| Wrote to him on the 6th ult., under cover of the letters of a Venetian, Auditor of the Bishop of Chieti, (fn. 1) Apostolic Nuncio in England, with whose own letters he also sent others to Lando on the 21st March, enclosing missives from the Signory. On the 6th ult. received Lando's letters of the 8th and 9th March, and on the 4th instant those of the 20th May. | |
| Although these last contain nothing of importance, considers the news good, and requests him to continue his exertions [for the peace]; promises to do the like. | |
| There arrived lately in London the General of Normandy, (fn. 2) styled here Grand Master (Gran Signor). Before he came, he sent a French herald to Calais, for a safeconduct, and also to arrange a truce, which last was not granted; so he came here with a cartel (una breta, sic) to know the ransom required for the Duke of Longueville, which being generally known, he was answered that not having brought the ransom with him, and should he have nothing else to say, he was to depart in God's name. | |
| He took for his excuse the captive Duke, who is in great favour, making himself most amiable; so the King allowed him to write to France to his King, as he did. In the meanwhile I understand this individual (the General of Normandy?) is negotiating some adjustment between the two crowns, which will I think be effected. The business is conducted very secretly. The French King is near Paris with a good number of troops, and his towns (luochi) in Picardy are well garrisoned, so that he does not fear, but perhaps thinks by some fresh treaty to get married, and thus settle everything. Should this be verified Lando will know it immediately, but for his better information acquaints him that in these parts there are four ladies (4 done) of whom he, King Lewis, told the Dauphin [Françis] openly that he meant to take one, hoping to have a son, in which case he, the Dauphin, would remain Duke of Britanny, together with his possessions in France, and be a great prince, etc. (gran signor). | |
| The four ladies above-mentioned are as follows:— | |
| Madame Margaret, Duchess Dowager of Savoy, the Emperor's daughter. | |
| One of the sisters of the Prince of Castile [Eleanor?], the Emperor's niece. | |
| The Queen ot Scotland, who was lately delivered of a son. | |
| The sister of the King of England [Mary], who was promised to the aforesaid Prince of Castile, but the marriage has not been consummated, and she is in England. | |
| Such are the negotiations on foot; should a marriage come of them, there will be rejoicings. | |
| In the meanwhile the Duke of Albany, favoured by the King of France, is still disturbing Scotland (“va anchora dando in Schozia.”), choosing to be the Regent of that kingdom; and the Queen with the Prince, her eldest son, oppose him. If agreed [about the marriage?] with the King of England her brother, it might easily be effected. | |
| Having written thus far, informs him that 7,000 English landed in Normandy, and marched six miles inland, putting everything to fire and sword, and destroying property to the amount of 200,000 crowns. | |
| The French troops have invaded the Rhenish territory (paexe di Renno), belonging to the Archduke of Burgundy, burning, destroying, and plundering, not sparing either sex, and using very great cruelty; so the Archduke sent hither, desiring succour from his own troops in the pay of the King of England, in number 2,000 horse; requiring also that arrangements be made for the marriage of his Majesty's sister to him the Archduke, as he suspects she may be demanded by France, and he lose her. It is not yet known what has been decided. | |
| A certain Bishop of Tricarico [Lodovico Canossa] said to be a Veronese, has arrived here in great haste, and incognito, to favour (it is said) the peace with France, so that, if effected, the Pope may obtain the kingdom of Naples for his brother, the Magnifico Juliano. This Bishop remains concealed in his lodgings; nor will he show himself until acquainted with the decision, and then he will depart immediately. Expects the Bishop will do so in a few days, and convey news of some fresh marriage. There is also in London a Milanese, (fn. 3) who arrived lately as ambassador from the Emperor, now at Vienna. Does not know what the King will do. | |
| London, 17th June 1514. | |
| [Original letter, paper. Italian, 66 lines.] | |