Spain: May 1531, 1-15 | British History Online

Pages 146-158

Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 4 Part 2, 1531-1533. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1882.

Citation:

May 1531, 1-15



2 May.	711. The Emperor to king Ferdinand.
S. E. L. 22, f. 39.	Hopes that his letters of the 3rd of April last, together with the copies of papers (fn. n1) therein enclosed, have been duly received. Their contents will sufficiently inform him what has been the result of Praët's special charge. Has since, on the 24th, heard from that ambassador, as well as from the treasurer of Besançon, (fn. n2) now residing at the Court of France, what the final answer of the Most Christian King has been respecting the convocation of a General Council. That answer is here enclosed, as well as the reply made to it. And since the affair is taking such a turn, it would he advisable, according to the instructions contained in his last letter, partly in the hand of his secretary, and partly in his own, that he (the King) should try by all possible means, and through the intermediate agency of the princes, electors, and other good Catholics, to find out some expedient to re-estahlish peace in Germany, or at least stop the contagious spreading of heresy.
	Has written to his ambassador at Rome (Mai), and sent him a copy of his own reply to the Most Christian King, that he may the better warn His Holiness, and induce him to attend carefully to this business of the Council, and the repulse of the Turk. A copy of his letter, as well as an abstract of that ambassador's reply, will sufficiently inform him of what is going on at Rome, and of the late occurrences at Siena.—Ghent (fn. n3), 2nd Mai 1531.
	French. Contemporary copy. pp. 2.
3 May. S. Pat Re. Div. d. Ital. Cap. c. Pont y. Pot. a. Ital. L. 593, f. 23.	712. Instrumentum publicum super homagio Ducis Alexandri de Medicis pro Florencia.
S. E. L. 22, f. 41. R.M. Add. 28,532, f. 202.	Kneeling down at the Emperor's feet the deputies from Florence swore the oath of fealty. In cubiculo Imperatoris, in the presence of one of the Imperial notaries who took act of it.—Gandavi (Ghent), 3rd May 1531.
	Indorsed: "Instrumentum publicum super homagio Ducis Alexandri de Medicis pro Florentia."
	Latin. Original. pp. 2.
3 May.	713. The Signory of Florence to the Emperor.
S. Pat. Re. Div. d. Ital. Cap. c. Pont. y. Pot. d. Ital. L. 593, f. 26. B. M. Add. 28,538, f. 202.	Report on the reception made to the duke Alessandro [de' Medici] at Florence and their complete obedience to the Imperial commands.—Florentia, Ex Palatio nostro, die II Julii 1531.
	Signed: "Obsequentissimi fìlii, Priores libertatis et Vexillif er Justitiæ Populi Florentini"
	Countersigned: "Franciscus Campanus.''
	Latin. Original. p. 1.
3 May.	714. Rodrigo Niño to the Emperor.
S. E. L. 1,308, ff. 182-4. B. M. Add. 28,583, f. 198.	Wrote on the 29th of March, 7th and 15th of April. His last despatch contained intelligence about Giorgio Gritti's intended journey to France. As most of the people here were of opinion, that having lately come from Constantinople, his visit to that country under present circumstances was much open to suspicion, and ought to be prevented, he (Niño) remonstrated strongly with the Signory, but notwithstanding his efforts and those of his friends, Gritti left on the 23rd ultº. Considers it his duty to advise the Emperor thereof, that the Imperial ambassadors at the court of France may inquire what takes him there, for it is not to be supposed that a brother of Luigi, nowadays the second person in favour and authority at Solyman's court, will come all the way from Constantinople to Paris, riding post, merely to recover 10,000 ducats lent by Luigi to Captain Rincon, to complete, as he says, the sum remitted by Francis to the Vayvod (Zapolsky).
	Has ever since the departure of Giorgio Gritti done his best to ascertain what his mission could be. Learned that he had brought letters from Constantinople for the French ambassador (fn. n4) here, which letters he did not deliver until full 12 days after his arrival, at which the Frenchman was so offended that he accused the Doge and Council of having opened them, and threatened to write to his court. The Doge excused himself with Giorgio's negligence, and said that had he opened the letters he should never have thought of forwarding them to him. According to the Doge's statement, they were from Jeronimo Lasco, he who went [to Constantinople] on behalf of the Vayvod to try and conclude a truce; whereas the French ambassador says that they are from the Vayvod's own agent in France. These two contradictory statements make him (Nino) suspect that Gritti is going to France for some other purpose besides that of recovering the 10,000 ducats lent by his brother Luigi. Fancies that the king of France is now treating with the Turk, as he has done on former occasions. His (Nino's) advice is that orders should be sent to the Imperial ambassadors in France to have Giorgio watched, and make every possible inquiry into his doings. Should this fail, he might easily be stopped on his return, at his passage through the county of Asti, as if by highwaymen, and his papers taken from him.
	(Common writing: ) No advices from Constantinople except those he (Niño) sent on the 7th ultº.
	Encloses a summary of news from France which the duke of Milan has sent to his ambassador here.
	Has received the Emperor's letter of the 12th, and communicated its contents to the Signory. All were glad to hear of the positive orders sent to Joan Jacobo (fn. n5) de Medicis, and to the Spaniards who serve under his banner.
	The number of Swiss and Grisons congregated against the Marquis increases every day, amounting already, as they say, to 10,000, with heavy artillery, &c., at which these people (the Venetians) are anything but pleased, as they do not like to see such an assembly of armed men close upon their frontiers. The Marquis (Giangiacopo), on the other hand, is very sorry that he ever began the disturbance (brega) for he loses every day men, and villages, and the boats he has on the lake of Como. All his Italians he has placed at Lecco and Mus, and he himself is with his fleet of boats on the lake, for he dare not remain in any particular place for fear of being besieged. The Spaniards he has encamped in two or three places, without allowing any of them to go to Lecco or Mus. The only hope of the Swiss and Grisons ultimately dissolving and going home is that they cannot possibly procure provisions, though it must be said that the Marquis himself is sadly in want of them.
	Letters lately received from France and Rome speak of the answer given by the king of France to Mr. de Prat (Praët) when he spoke to him about the General Council. (Cipher:) People here think that such an answer if really given must have been dictated by the Pope, for they say he (the Pope) is sure to play his cards in such a way that there will be no Council at all. (fn. n6) With this agrees the expected arrival at Rome of cardinal Agramonte (Grammont), by whom fresh negotiations will no doubt be set on foot between the Pope and the Most Christian King of France; at any rate the latter will try all he can, and his ambassador, such as God made him, will not be idle over the work.
	(Common writing:) Has already written how fast the Lutheran sect is increasing here; if therefore there is to be in the convocation of the Council that delay and backwardness which is to be feared from the answer of the Most Christian King, the Emperor may be sure that Italy will soon be in worse condition than Germany, and that after that France will follow. If such be the case, he (Niño) cannot see what worse evil could come on the Pope, and whether it would not be preferable for him to have a Council, whatever the matters subjected to its deliberations might be, especially as His Imperial Majesty is determined to uphold and maintain him in his estate and authority.—Venice, 3rd May 1531.
	Signed: "Rodrigo Niño.''
	Addressed: "S. C. C. M?
	Spanish. Original. pp. 3.
4 May. '	715. Muxetula to the Emperor.
S. E. L. 853, f. 32. B. M. Add. 28,583, f. 203.	Money from Naples and remittances to the Imperial army.
	No news from France except that the King has not yet made up his mind as to what answer he is to give with regard to the Council, and that he is about to send Tarbes here for the purpose of talking over that business and also that of the English king.
	Neapolitan refugees.
	[Cipher:] The Pope told him yesterday that the French covet the duchy of Milan now more than ever. It is to no purpose (says the Pope) his telling them over and over again that the Emperor will never consent to that; they keep insisting and returning to the same subject of conversation. The French ambassadors tell him that their king is very desirous to be a good son to him and a good brother to Your Majesty at the same time, and will help on any and everything you both may propose, whether it be war against the Turk, or against the Lutherans of Germany, or the convocation of the Council. The Pope answers them that to give Milan to the king of France would be tantamount to disturbing the peace of Italy, and damaging the affairs of religion as much, and perhaps more, than war against the Turk, and that neither the Emperor nor he (the Pope) can ever consent to such a measure.
	Naples, &c.—Rome, 4th May 1531.
	Signed: "Jo. Ant. Muscetula."
	Addressed: "To His Sa. Imp. and Cath. Maj.
	Spanish. Holograph. pp. 8.
9 May.	716. Martin de Salinas to king Ferdinand.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist., c. 71, f. 255.	As he was preparing to attend the Imperial Court [at Madrid] His Majesty's letter dated Dubais (Budweis) was put into his hands, by which he is ordered to return as soon as possible to Germany. Would immediately have complied with His Majesty's commands had he been in a condition to undertake so long and fatiguing a journey. But owing to his long and severe illness last winter he is so weak that he can hardly ride. This, notwithstanding, he had made up his mind to start when the news came that the Empress was coming to Avila for the purpose of passing the summer there. Presuming that whatever need there may be of his services at home, it is very important that he should convey the last news from this court, (fn. n7) he has not hesitated to delay his departure until the 12th of June next, when he thinks of setting out on his journey.— Tordesillas, 9th May 1531.
	Addressed; "To the King, my Lord."
	Spanish. Original draft. p. ½.
9 May.	717. The Same to the High Commander of Leon.
M.Re.Ac.d.Hist., c. 71, f. 255.	Yesterday, the 8th inst., His Lordship's letter in answer to that sent by Çarate came to hand. He (Salinas) has been so unwell since the departure of that gentleman that he has been unable to attend to business, much less to write. He is, however, recovering fast, and intends going to Avila to take leave of the Empress and then return.
	His Lordship's instructions as to his management of certain State business are not so clear and definite as he (Salinas) might wish. Begs for more explicit orders. The Doctor-Secretary, (fn. n8) bearer of this, will verbally explain the embarrassing position in which he is placed.—Tordesillas, 9th May 1531.
	Addressed: "To the High Commander Francisco de los Covos."
	Spanish. Original draft. p. ½.
12 May.	718. Miçer Mai to the High Commander.
S. E. L. 853, f. 39. B. M. Acid. 28,353 f. 205.	Both the cardinal of Osma and Muxetula have entreated him (Mai) not to write what the Pope said to them at the time he was officially informed of the sentence about Ferrara; considers it his duty, however, to tell the truth. The Pope was furious. We all tried to quiet him. The principal fault he said lay with the bishop of Vasone (Vaison) who had not understood his instructions.
	Called next day on the Pope alone and put into his hands a letter from the queen of England. Spoke at length about the divorce. Said he had been told that the English ambassadors were boasting that they would now turn to good account the sentence about Ferrara, and that it was rumoured here at Rome, that they had visited him (the Pope) for the last few days much oftener than in a whole month before. Added to these statements, which are strictly true, some more of his own invention in order to see what impression they made upon the Pope's mind.
	Found the Pope upon the whole more communicative than usual. He complained bitterly of the licentious gossiping of the Romans, always fond of inventing stories and propagating them. "As for the English ambassadors (he added) they have said to me no more than at other times; they did not know whether to congratulate or to condole concerning the sentence of Ferrara, for they knew not whether I liked it or not. I have always answered them that I am and will always be the Emperor's friend."
	Asked him then what the duke of Albany had said. The Pope answered: "Nothing particular except some opinion of his own about the Council."
	Secretary Sanga.—Cardinal Salviati, &c.—Rome, 12th May 1531.
	Signed: "Mai."
	Spanish. Holograph. pp. 5.
12 May.	719. Muxetula to the Same.
S. E. L. 853, f. 26. B.M. Add. 28,583, f. 206.	The Imperial letters of the 22nd ultº came duly to hand. Since then the Pope has made a great fuss about the sentence of Ferrara. Was the other day with him talking about other matters when his secretary [Sanga] entered the room with letters and despatches from Brussels. His Holiness, who for the three last days has been anxiously expecting the result of the Emperor's decision in the Ferrara case, took the letters, opened them then and there, and read their contents. He became all of a sudden so convulsed with passion that he (Muxetula) does not recollect having ever seen him in such a state, not even when he was a prisoner in Sanct Angelo, the Germans demanding that he should be delivered into their hands, or when those same Germans threatened to hang some of the hostages in Campo di Fiore. He complained bitterly of the Emperor, who, he said, had pronounced sentence when he might just as well have left matters as they stood. This step, in his opinion, was likely to disturb Italy in such a way that he apprehended war would be again declared, and matters of Faith instead of improving thrown back since things determined in previous councils were to be again submitted to the votes of men, &c.
	Had not received his own letters when this interview took place, and, therefore, could not answer except in general terms; but having afterwards called on Mai he saw very well that it was the bishop of Vaison who had insisted upon the sentence being pronounced, whereas the Emperor had declared that he would have much preferred to be excused, por el medio de la nidlidad, and intimated even what the sentence would be. Vaison, moreover, had insisted, and the Emperor was obliged to yield. Went to His Holiness, and contrived to pacify him, he ending by owning that it was entirely that Bishop's fault, and not the Emperor's.
	The army after being several days quartered on this side of the Apennines, is now in the Romagna. The first day, when the sentence was announced to him, the Pope threw out some hints about the pay of the troops, &c., which I did not like at all; since then, however, he has promised to pay the three months of the first agreement (concierto). — Rome, 12th September.
14 May.	720. Eustace Chapuys to the Emperor.
K. u. K. Haus Hof-u.-StaatsArch. Wien.Rep.P.Fasc, c. 227, No. 23.	Ten days ago the King dispatched to France Dr. Faulx (Dr. Edward Foxe), a gallant, able, and indefatigable champion in the divorce question. (fn. n9) I have taken great pains to ascertain what his errand to that country could be, but have been unable yet to learn anything definite or positive about it. Some think that the object of his mission is to inform the cardinal of Tarbes (Gabriel de Grammont) of the state of the case before the latter returns to Rome, and also to beg and entreat the Most Christian King [of France] to have the case particularly recommended. It was not until the arrival of letters from the duke of Albany stating that the affair was in good trim at Rome, and that its success was certain (provided the ambassador appointed to succeed him followed in his track, and was an able diplomatist; and provided also the favourable disposition and interference of the King, Francis, should continue,) that the mission of Dr. Faulx was decided upon; which makes me conjecture that the object and purpose is no other than the one above mentioned.
	I am the more inclined to believe this to be the case that the [dowager] duchess of Norfolk, who saw the duke of Albany's letter, went immediately and told the Queen. The latter was greatly concerned and frightened at it, until I told her that the Duke was about to quit Rome, and therefore could write more boldly now about these matters than he had done before, inasmuch as the issue turning out differently from his predictions, he could easily excuse himself on the plea of the want of ability of those who had to negotiate after him.
	This suggestion of mine has completely calmed the Queen's fears; she is now relieved and joyful (joyeuse). so much so that those of the opposite party do not know what to think of it. Indeed I hear that the duke of Norfolk seeing her the other day come out of her chamber began to say to the young Marquis [of Dorset] that it was really a thing of the other world to witness the courage of the Queen who did not feel at all alarmed at the course of affairs; and upon the Marquis remarking that it was no doubt owing to her own consciousness of the justice and right of her case, the Duke replied to him: "It must be owned that the Devil and no other must have been the originator and promoter of this wretched scheme."
	Some days ago the King dining with the Queen, as he is in the habit of doing at almost all the great Church festivals, began to speak about the truce with the Turk, of which there has been a talk' for some time. The conversation then fell on Your Majesty, and on your brother, the king of the Romans, the said King extolling beyond measure, and much more than is his wont, the power, extent of dominions (amplitude). and resources of Your Imperial Majesty. Suddenly he changed the subject, and coming to speak about the Princess he accused the Queen of cruelty for not having ordered that her own physician should be in attendance on her daughter during her late illness. Indeed during the whole dinner there was nothing but courtesy and kindness (humanité et bonnayrete) on the part of the King. Next day, on the strength of the said gracious words and others uttered by the King on the occasion, the Queen ventured to ask permission for the Princess to come and pay them a visit, but this the King flatly refused in very rude terms, saying that the Princess could, if she chose, come and stay where the Queen was, but that he could not consent to her coming [to Greenwich], upon which the Queen very prudently and graciously replied that neither for the sake of her own daughter, nor for any other person in the world would she consent to anything that would look like a separation from her husband. And here the conversation ended.
	The news of the arbitration sentence pronounced by Your Majesty on the differences between the Pope and the duke of Ferrara respecting Reggio and Modena has fostered the hopes of these people, and they have rather hastened in consequence the departure of the said Faulx (Foxe). For although in the bottom of their hearts they consider the said sentence as good, rightful, and just, as it is held generally in public, yet they are capable of making every effort to persuade the people of the contrary, all for the purpose of irritating the Pope against Your Imperial Majesty, and seeing whether he cannot be induced to take his revenge and give sentence for sentence. I have purposely asked Jean Jocquin what he thought of the said arbitration; but as it would have been very improper for him to criticize it, not only on account of Your Majesty's authority, but also in the interest of the duke of Ferrara himself, who is his master's ally, he would not give me his own opinion of the business, except that he had observed that the friends of the Pope considered the sentence as favourable to the Duke and very injurious to His Holiness. The other day, as we both were going to transact business at the Privy Council, to stay, if possible, certain taxes which these Londoners (Londriens) wished to be imposed on foreign merchants, Jean Jocquin declared to me that he was no longer in such favour at this court as he used to be, and complained bitterly to me of the great difficulty of negotiating commercial matters with these people, or keeping up friendship and good feeling with them, quoting as an example the Bill that was passed in Parliament last year entirely prohibiting the sale of caps (bonnets) from France, which prohibition the French said at the time, and still maintain, is against the treaties of alliance and commerce between the two countries. The said Jocquin has ever since been trying to have things restored to their former state, and has spoken rather angrily since his return from France; but all in vain, he has not yet been able to obtain even a promise of it. There is, therefore, nothing he desires so much, as he himself assures me, as to be released from his charge, and is now trying all he can to obtain his congé very differently from what he used to do in former times when he did all he could to remain accredited to this court. He told me the other day that the money for the pension and other debts of his master to this king had been received at Calais, and that the payment had been delayed for upwards of four months owing to the difficulty of procuring gold and silver in France.
	The King is having a great park made in front of the house which once belonged to the Cardinal (Wolsey), and in order to go to it across the street has had a very long covered gallery built, for which purpose a number of houses have been pulled down to the great damage and discomfort of the proprietors without there having yet been any question of indemnifying them for their losses. All this is done to please the Lady who prefers that palace for the King's residence to any other, owing to there being no apartments for the Queen there. It is likewise to please the said Lady that the duchess of Norfolk has been dismissed [from Court] owing to her speaking too freely, and having declared in favour of the Queen much more openly than these people like her to do.
	The day before yesterday Stephano Colonna arrived here attended by two or three gentlemen of his suite. He took lodgings at the French ambassador's, and was yesterday visited by the Papal Nuncio. Nothing is yet rumoured about the cause of his journey, except that he comes to see the country, &c. Should I learn more on the subject I shall not fail to acquaint Your Majesty. — London, 14th May [l5]3l.
	Signed: "Eustace Chapuys."
	Addressed: "To the Emperor."
	French. Holograph pp. 3.
May 14.	721. The Same to the Same.
K. u. K. Haus- Hof-u.-Staate Arch. Wien,Rep.P.Fasc, c. 227, No. 23.	I have had from several quarters a confirmation of what I wrote to Your Majesty concerning the mission of Dr. Faux (Foxe) to France, and have been told besides that the said agent would afterwards go to Rome where he is to take a number of books (livres) on this matter of the divorce, of most of which the King himself is the reputed author. These books the Doctor has charge of, shewing first to the Most Christian King that they may be approved and authorised by the French universities, and also that he may be better informed of the case, and push the affair at Rome more briskly and with greater importunity than he has done hitherto.
	Four days ago the clergy of the archbishopric of Yort (York) and bishopric of Durein (Durham) addressed to the King a protest remonstrating against the sovereignty which he claims and pretends to exercise over them. Those of the archhishopric and province of Canterbury have done the same, and have sent a copy of their protest to Monseigneur de Granvelle, at which the King, as may be imagined, is very much disgusted, the more so that one of his couriers coming from Rome must have brought him news that his ambassadors at that court were afraid that the Pope would, without granting any more delays, proceed to the trial and sentence of the case before the vacations.
	Stefano Colonna, I am told, went on Sunday last to call on the King, and on Thursday went again to Court to take leave, being on both occasions conducted thither by Jean Jocquin, at whose house he is staying. I hear that on Sunday, when Stefano saw the King for the first time, the latter spoke much during dinner of that captain's prowess and loyalty, extolling his conduct at Florence, as compared with that of others who had behaved most treacherously towards that city, and again placed the inhabitants under the Pope's tyrannical rule. But for the treason of such people (he said) poor Florence would never have submitted to such an ignominious surrender when its citizens had still the means of protracting the defence. In this way did the King praise Stefano and vituperate His Holiness, as he is in the habit of doing whenever there is an opportunity. Stefano, moreover, left yesterday [for France] having been presented by the King with a fine saddle-horse (une belle aquenee) and two silver-gilt cups (flaccons). Had the King known Stefano's attachment to the Pope, and how he has expressed himself in private whilst in England on the divorce affair, and what he himself thinks of it, surely the present would not have been so handsome.
	For the third time the French ambassador and myself went the other day to the Privy Council to remonstrate against certain taxes which the Londoners (les Londriens) have for a long time tried to impose on foreign merchants, greatly to the detriment of Your Majesty's subjects and those of France. Had it not been for my intervention and that of the French ambassador in this case the matter would already have been decided in favour of the said Londoners, for the King and the Privy Council are nowadays (au temps que court) trying to coax and please them as much as they can. Yet, owing to our joint remonstrances, I have no doubt that the tax, if levied, will be at least reduced to one half.
	I must observe that in all this business the members of the Privy Council without exception, and other officials with whom I have had to deal, have been more courteous and polite than ever, making all manner of offers of service. Even the duke of Norfolk made me so many caresses yesterday that I do not know what to think of it. After a long conversation in private, during which he made many gracious and flattering offers to me, he related among other things all calculated to shew the affection and esteem of the King, his master, towards Your Majesty, that one of the courtiers having spread in the Royal presence some disparaging report about Your Majesty—which seemed unreasonably exaggerated—the King had suddenly interrupted him by saying that he could never believe Your Majesty capable of such an action. These words the Duke repeated to me three or four times running in the most solemn manner, calling to witness the earl of Vulchier (Wiltshire), the King's treasurer, and the secretary who had been present the day before when the King had proffered the said sentiment. In the midst of the conversation Jean Jocquin came on, and seizing the opportunity I said aloud: "No one shall ever prevail upon the Emperor to believe that the king of England can ever say or think of him otherwise than befits a prince so good and virtuous, and who is besides his relative and friend. I am, moreover, sure that His Imperial Majesty will never give occasion to the English or to the French and others to entertain such opinion about him."I cannot say whether the conversation was to Jocquin's taste or not, but the fact is that in order to put an end to it he strongly solicited that we should go on with the business that brought us to the Privy Council.
	It appears that whilst La Guiche was in England hearing that Jean Jocquin had obtained the release from prison of a coin shaver (rogneur de monnoye). he tried his influence over the King and asked for, and obtained, the liberation of certain pirates. No sooner, however, were they out of prison than most of them armed again a vessel and captured two ships from Britanny, at which Jocquin has been exceedingly disgusted, not only on account of the loss sustained by the said Bretons, his countrymen, but of the mockery and sneers to which he is daily exposed, the courtiers saying to him openly: "It serves you right for thus delivering those pirates from the gallows; all the harm they henceforward do to French vessels will be your fault." On this very subject the duke of Norfolk had a hit at Jockin the other day, and the ambassador had to own that it was all La Guiche's doing.—London, 22nd May [1531].
	Signed: "Eustace Chapuys."
	Addressed: "To the Emperor.''
	French. Holograph. pp. 3.
14 May.	722. King Ferdinand to the Emperor.
S. E. L. 853, f. 28. Lanz. Corresp. d. Kays. I1., p. 451.	Since his letter of the 27th ultº reliable information has reached him of the disturbances and movements which the Switzers, instigated by the king of France, are now attempting against Italy, as may be seen by the two enclosed documents. If the information, as he believes, be correct, some provision must be made to arrest the evil, for should the war break out in Italy it is to be feared that the sectarians of Germany will also rise in arms, and seize the opportunity of carrying out their wicked plans.
	Again recommends that an Imperial Diet be held in some town of Germany before the Emperor's departure for Spain. Such is the advice of the Palatine Frederic, and other Imperial counsellors, as may be seen by the lengthy memorandum in German herein enclosed. (fn. n10) This might put an end to the Swiss intrigues, which, favoured as they no doubt are by the French and other enemies of the Empire, have probably some connexion with the plans of the Lutheran princes. Takes the opportunity of forwarding a copy of the duke of Brunswick's answer to his letter conveying the Emperor's wishes, also the answers received from the Landgrave [of Hesse] and duke Ulric of Wiertanberg (Wurtemberg). Cannot help observing that those of the latter princes are couched in language rather unrespectful, and most unfit for princes who have been deprived of their respective estates, thus shewing, as the duke of Brunswick remarks, that both are ill disposed and waiting only for an opportunity to do harm. Though the demands of those princes be most preposterously high, it is worthy of consideration that should they under present circumstances find assistance anywhere out of Germany, and rise in arms, he (the King) could not successfully meet them having no money at hand to recall his troops from Hungary, the Suabian League—to whose care the occupation and administration of the said estates has been committed—having lately refused to co-operate, &c. Indeed news has come that the duke Ulric [of Wurtemberg] only the other day attempted to surprise the castle of Hohenasperg (Hohendsperg), where his Imperial Majesty was on St. Andrews' Day, and would actually have taken it had not the governor been on the alert.
	The palatine Frederic has sent a long account of his many services and at the same time a petition asking for greater reward than he has had hitherto. Considers him highly deserving of the Imperial favours, he being among the few princes of the Empire who love the Emperor sincerely, whilst all the rest hate him. With regard to the payment in cash and increase of pension which the Duke solicits, this might be easily met by the Emperor allowing the marriage of the marchioness of Monferrato to the duke of Mantua, for in that case he (the King) would willingly undertake to satisfy part of the Palatine's claims.—Prague, 14th May 1531.
	Spanish. Contemporary copy. pp. 5.
15 May	723. Dr. Ortiz to the Emperor.
S. E. L. 854, f. 104. B. M. Add. 28,583, f. 213.	In the last Consistory it was decided once more that the Englishman who came to excuse his master, the King, from appearing here shall not be heard unless he brings special powers to that effect. The Pope is favourably inclined towards the Queen, and the same can be said of almost all the cardinals. It would be a good thing if the proceedings in this cause could be quickened as much as possible.
	Thanks for his preferment to the post of preacher to His Imperial Majesty, and the remittance of 100 crs.—Home, 15th May 1531.
	Signed: "El Dr. Ortiz."
	Addressed: "To His Imperial and Catholic Majesty the Emperor, our Lord."
	Indorsed: "To His Majesty, from Dr. Ortiz, 15 May."
	Spanish. Holograph. p. 1.