Henry VIII: August 1530, 1-15 | British History Online

Pages 2945-2958

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 4, 1524-1530. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1875.

Citation:

August 1530



R. O. Records of the Reformation, I. 409.	6543. CRANMER to CROKE.
	The Pope has granted them no brief after their device, whatever Mr. Gregory has written; but he asked them to devise a brief, which he would sign, if he liked it. But when it was devised, faults were found in it, and it was given to card. St. Quatuor to amend, who "clean marred it." Since then have had many new devised and changed; but whenever the Pope has granted anything, the Imperial ambassador has made such exclamations that all was changed. Never knew such inconstancy. Supposes they will obtain nothing while the Cardinal, who is their utter adversary, bears authority. However, the Pope is contented, and Cranmer supposes they will have one tolerably good brief, but not as they would wish.
	Supposes father Francis will be faithful; but, according to Croke's advice, will get as much from him, and tell him as little as possible, until he sees that he will stiffly defend their cause with the Pope. Hitherto he has kept himself indifferent, and, when talking with the Pope, has made reasons for both parties, but affirmed neither, that the Pope might not suspect him of favoring the King. He says that if he acted otherwise the Pope would tell him nothing, and give him no credence, and he may thus discover the mind both of the Pope and the adversaries. Approves of this course. Doubts not he will do whatever the bishop of London thinks best. He has been ill for a fortnight, but is now recovered.
	P. 1. In Croke's hand. Endd.: The copy of Mr. Cranmer's letter to me, Richard Croke.
1 Aug. R. O.	6544. WILL. POULET to WOLSEY.
	I am glad you are pleased with the demeanor of the prior and convent of your cathedral of St. Swithin's, and that you so much desire to visit them, if it might stand with the King's pleasure. They have had much trouble about these patents, though there is no help when they have passed your seal. This you will see yourself, "for you can have no rest till you have performed like suits." Could not inform Wolsey of the two new clauses in my lord of Norfolk's patent, as neither that nor any other patent came to his hands. The mastership of your game was given by my late lord of Winchester to my Lord Chamberlain. Thinks Wolsey is not entitled to grant the manrede of his tenants, and the leading of them in musters, which belongs to the King alone. States reasons. Will be glad to lend Wolsey 100l., as he promised him at the Charterhouse beside Richmond, but cannot do it at one time. Sends 40l. by the bearer, John Flemmyng, and will make what speed he can with the rest, considering Wolsey's necessities. Would have done more, but could not have it even on pledge, people here are so scant of money. London, St. Peter's Day.
	Hol., pp. 3. Add. Endd.
1 Aug. R. O.	6545. THOMAS RUNCORN, Priest, to WOLSEY.
	I have spoken to Master Secretary (Gardiner), and given him thanks for his faithful love to you, shown by the humanity he displayed to my master, and also by that the King did so graciously receive him, and wrote in his favor to you, beseeching him to persevere in his goodness to you both, and declaring that, whatsoever was thought or spoken by other men, your Grace specially trusted in him above all men. I told him the great necessity your Grace was in, and begged him to solicit the King, out of respect to the service your Grace had done him, that he would, out of consideration for your former and present estate, look upon you with charity, and relieve you from this miserable poverty. I showed him that the 1,000 marks, had for your journey to the North, were spent in paying your debts previous to leaving London, and you had not more than 100l., so that you have been obliged to borrow for the support of yourself and your household; that as for the magnificent buildings you were accused of making, they are nothing but the stopping of holes where it rained in from the windows, doors, &c., and had been paid by your receiver at Southwell out of his own money. "Nor I forgat not to remember how that he, and only he, was privy how, and with what hope and trust," you committed yourself and all you had to the King. I moved him touching your colleges, showing how much they stuck in your thoughts, prosecuting the effect of your letters written to him therein. He answered that he was perfectly willing to accomplish whatever should be most to your interest and pleasure; that though he had such favor with the King that he might come to his speech at all times, yet he had not such a trade, "such was his English, that he might in all causes deduce his Grace to his purpose." Secondly, he said that if you had not sufficient to live withal, it was your own fault, for you might have taken sufficient, but you would not do so, "so that the show might be the greater when it should be presented to the King's sight; nor did ye not confess all your debts, but concealed very much, so that the King hath paid four times double more than was thought he should." If he were to move the King, he thinks he would give offence. The King, he says, is minded to erect in Oxford a college as honorable as any there, but the foundation shall be changed; so you will perceive that his mind is bent on the increase of virtue and learning. I shall repair to you at Michaelmas. London, 1 Aug.
	Hol., pp. 3. Add.: To the most reverend father in God, my lord Cardinal's grace.
2 Aug. Lansd. MS. 446, f. 61. B. M.	6546. UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD.
	Account of a meeting of convocation of the university of Oxford on 2 Aug., when Edw. Leighton presented letters from the King, requesting them to send him, by Leighton, the articles for which Wyclef was condemned by the university, and the confirmation by the Council of Constance, dated Windsor, 31 July, with their reply.
	Lat., modern copy, pp. 16. Headed: "Ex quodam registro Academiæ Oxon. Archi. Bodl. A.n. 166, f. 108b."
3 Aug. Howard's Let. p. 157.	6547. WOLSEY'S COLLEGES.
	Commission to Sir John Bolleyn, kt., Sir Francis Lovell, kt., John Spelman, sergeant-at-law, and Francis Moundford, willing them to make inquisition of certain lands given by Wolsey, previous to his attainder, to his college at Oxford, and leased out to certain farmers. These leases are to remain effectual. East Hampstead, 3 Aug. [22 ?] Hen. VIII.
4 Aug. Add, MS. 28,581, f. 15. B. M.	6548. THE DIVORCE.
	Determination of the university of Alcala (Complutensis), at an assembly of the faculty of theology in the church of St. Ildefonso, that the marriage with a deceased brother's wife is not contrary to the Divine law, and the Pope can therefore grant a dispensation to allow such marriages. 1530, 4 Aug.
	ii. "Annotationes ad opinionem universitatis Complutensis super matrimonio regis Henrici VIII. cum regina Catherina. Non signatura. Non datum.
	"In dorso: Censura sobre las paraceres de las universidades de Salamanca y Alcala. Pp.2."
	Lat., pp. 3, modern copy from Simancas.
4 Aug. Theiner, p. 592.	6549. THE DIVORCE.
	Papal mandate, inhibiting all persons, on pain of excommunication, from writing or intermeddling with the said cause, contrary to their conscience, through hope of reward or favor of any kind. Rome, 4 Aug. 1530.
4 Aug. Add. MS. 28,581, f. 13 B. M.	6550. MAI to CHARLES V.
	Has received the names of the lawyers who voted at Paris against the queen of England. Their conclusion does no harm, because they say the Pope could not dispense in this case "for a reasonable cause;" whereas the cause for which pope Julius dispensed was most urgent, as declared in the brief itself. Moreover, there ought to be two thirds of one opinion against the other third, according to the Statute of Paris; and their votes are only six or eight more than ours. Thinks, if the cause be heard at Rome, all their diligence will be thrown away. Dr. Benet told me the other day at chapel, that the Baron (de Burjo) was going in order to arrange that the matter be examined in an indifferent place. I complained to the Pope of this, and he denied it. Nevertheless I told him that your Majesty was determined to consent to no place but Rome, or wherever his Holiness should be. Rome, 4 Aug. 1530.
	Sp., pp. 3, modern copy from Simancas.
5 Aug. Vit. B. XIII. 96 b. B. M.	6551. [CROKE to HENRY VIII.]
	On July 30 the ambassadors went again to the Senate to ask for an answer to the King's letters. First, the bishop of London propounded to them the cause of his coming, and asked them whether they would alter their letters to the King, which had been read to the ambassadors the Wednesday before, and which contained no direct answer. To this the Duke's deputy answered very gently, that they would do what they could to please the King, but in this case, "for respects of princes," they would not intermeddle, but remain neutral. The Bishop replied that that was no direct answer, and showed them that if their neutrality prevented their subjects from giving their opinions, it would be very prejudicial to the King, as every learned man must in his conscience favor his cause, if he had liberty to speak; and he therefore desired them to answer the King's requests directly either by mouth or letters, saying that they would either grant or deny the said licence. Gives the Bishop's words in Latin. Aloysius Mocenicus replied that the Bishop passed his commission, and unless he had another commission than that he had when presenting the King's letters, it became him to be content with this answer; it was enough for him to deliver the King's letters, for his Highness desired no such answer as he had requested. "[The] said Aloysius Mocenicus, besides many other checks and injuries [done unto my said] Lord, avaunted himself to have known what belonged to ... Lord, and that he had been ambassador to ... Against the which letters my said Lord made instance, c[ontending that] they promised nothing certain unto your Highness, wherefore Aloysius Moce[nicus] opprobriously desired my Lord to answer him laconice to this demand:" If the Emperor were to declare war against the king of England, and either party wrote to them, saying that he did not ask for money, but wished them to supply soldiers for his money, what should they do? Should they tell their soldiers to go? The Bishop replied that this was a different case, for the cause was not to be decided by force and the sword, but by justice, and therefore it was impious and unchristian to prevent their subjects taking part; besides, he did not wish them to tell their subjects to give advice, but only to allow them to do so. At this they were silent, but Mocenicus said that he was sure that the King, who was superior to the Bishop, would be content with their answer, and therefore it became the Bishop also to be content. At this Croke took upon himself to say that he was sure their answer was neither sufficient nor yet a direct answer to the King's letter,—which requests, if they will not grant what he asks, an absolute refusal, to prevent the wasting of time by false hopes; and therefore the Bishop did not pass his commission in asking for a plain yea or nay. Though they say that they have written more expressly to their ambassador in order to avoid making any promise, that can be no security for the King, nor discharge for his ambassadors, as "they m[ay at their] pleasure go from all the promises of the * * * should justly be made against them, that their orators would not exhibit their said letters unto him, nor durst not against them."
	On this the Senate asked them to admit the letters that were devised and read before them; which the Bishop refused, saying that he could not do so without showing himself foolish in admitting an answer which was not to the effect; and he required them, if they would not expressly comprise in their letter the answer he desired, that they would give him there a sufficient and direct answer.
	As he could get nothing from them but volumus esse neutrales and responsum est, and saw that they ever made more cavillations, he asked for an answer in one of these three ways,—volumus concedere, nolumus concedere, or nolumus respondere; at which words all were silent, except Mocenicus, who said that such answers ought to be made in schools and not in senates. Departed, telling them that the King would not be contented with such an answer. Hears that they immediately despatched a courier into England with their answer and excuse. Will do whatever the King wishes about it. * * (A leaf or more lost.) * * "durst not publish themself) by other men published without daung[er] unto themself." Their mind was that all their su[bjects] should know that they did not wish them to meddle in the King's cause. This was why they opened their answer in consilio rogatorum, where above 300 persons are assembled, so that a tale there told is forthwith spread throughout all their dominion. To show to all the world that they refused the King's requests, immediately after the Council they restrained for a season their galleys, which were ready to go to England and Flanders; so that although in words they pretended neutrality, they have really more slandered and rid the King's desire, than if they had given an open prohibition. After the Council there was a constant rumor that "your High[ness' request] was" that the Signory should order the college of lawyers at Pa[dua] to determine in favor of the cause.
	The day that the bishop of London left the Senate, Saturday, 30 July, he planned "with your [ambassador]" that they and Croke should on the morrow after go to the Senate to obtain some exposition of their neutrality; but the ambassador would not go. Then the Bishop and the [ambassador] agreed that he and Croke should go on Monday, but he sent an excuse. On Tuesday he went much earlier than usual, without Croke's knowledge. Followed immediately, but could not get even into the outer chamber, from which no man is lightly excluded, and from which Croke was never excluded before. On his return, he repeated to Stokesley and Croke many comfortable words which were spoken in the King's favor by the Senate, and such as never had been spoken to them. Did not think they had any color of truth, and now the contrary is evident. "Now to ascertain your Highness, as my faith bindeth me, of th ... intent of your secret enemies. The bishop Theatinus is * * * shameth not to glory that he was desired by your said Highness to subscribe or write in the favor of your said cause." He also exhorts every one to beware of meddling in this cause, saying that he fears that those who take the King's part will repent too late. He desires every one with whom he talks to keep his counsel, as he does not wish to be known as taking the contrary part, but as indifferent. All this comes from ambition, as he believes that if he flatters the Emperor and the Pope, he will be one of those appointed to consider the matter by the Pope. He cannot, however, except to his own reproach, slander either the King's intent or the bandling of his cause; for he was asked his opinion, and told that the King would as thankfully take an adverse judgment, if in accordance with his learning and conscience. His answer was as Croke has already written. Never proposed the King's case to any man, either when he proposed it as a private case, or in the King's name, in any other fashion, feeling certain that "if they that maintained the contrary would come to reason or authority, they should never be able evenly to match any man that with a mean wit had any sight in learning." Never entreated any man to favor the cause, and never gave or promised anything till after they had written or subscribed; or of their own cost, without being desired by Croke, had sent messengers abroad into the country, to cause other men to subscribe in corroboration of their opinion. Complains that although he has sent his account of money spent, Tuke denies having received it, and, counting what he has spent as still remaining in his hands, sends him only 200 ducats de largo in full payment of his diets for four months. Has been obliged to borrow or beg. Reminds the King of his poverty. Venice, 5 Aug.
	Hol., draft, pp. 6, mutilated.
7 Aug. Harl. 1499, f. 41 b. B. M.	6552. NORROY KING OF ARMS.
	"Be it noted that Norrey king of arms of the North country began his visitation at Sir Brian Stapleton's, knight, of Nottinghamshire, the 7th day of August anno Dom. M^loCCCCCXXX^o."
	The original book seems to have consisted of 142 folios, numbered in a contemporary hand, of which several are blank, and some occupied by more modern writing.
8 Aug. R. T. 137. R. O.	6553. FRANCIS I.
	Powers given to John du Bellay, bishop of Bayonne, and John Joachim de Passano, lord of Vaulx, now ambassador in England, to make a new league with Henry VIII. Cognac, 8 Aug. 1530.
	Fr., p. 1, copy from the French archives.
Ib. R. O.	2. Powers given to the same to treat for a league for mutual defence with the kings of England and Scotland.
	Fr., pp. 2, copy from the French archives.
[10 Aug.] Cott. App. XLVIII. 13. B. M. St. P. I. 370.	6554. [WOLSEY] to CRUMWELL.
	"Myn owne lovyng Mr. Crumwell." Wishes to hear how [his] affairs stand concerning his college and his poor estate. Trusts that he will show himself his friend and comfort. If he knew his increasing heaviness of mind, his gentle heart would have compassion on him. Though he has quieted his m[ind with his] assurance concerning the inquisitions of the lands app[ertaining to] his archbishoprie, such bruits and opp[inions] have sprung up in these parts that he is weary of hearing them. There is nothing here [but] lamentation and mourning, "not knowyng sertenly [what will follow]. I pray God that I may be onys in reposse, and [regard] may be had to my poore astat and old servys." Begs him to continue his efforts in Wolsey's behalf, and do the best in his power to make my lord of Northefolke [reasonable]. As Cromwell has such opportunities of access to the King's presence, he may from time [to time set] forth his causes.
	Hol., p. 1, mutilated.
R. O.	6555. [WOLSEY] to the LORD CHIEF JUSTICE (?)
	"Mine own good lord chief baron, (fn. 1) after my most hearty recommendations, with my daily blessing and prayer, these shall be semblably to desire you, since it pleased the King's highness of his most excellent charity and piety to send unto me by you, I then lying at Ashar in great heaviness, (fn. 2) his most gracious letters patents of pardon and restitution, with consignation of a yearly pension [in Winchester], (fn. 3) in as effectual and available wise as I was informed by his high commandment passed and made, as could be devised by his Grace's learned counsel, that it may please your good Lordship, of the prepensed mind that ye have always borne to honor, truth, and equity, to help that such order may be taken in the Exchequer and all other places, in the allowance of the said letters patents, as, by the inquisition lately taken upon the lands belonging to mine archbishopric of York, I be not put to new trouble, suit or vexation. And in case be that the same letters patents be demynute, or, by reason of the date or otherwise, in any part insufficient, as I trust in God they be not, upon my knees I shall most heartily beseech you, for the old amity that hath been betwixt us, to do the best that ye can with the King's [highness and his] most honorable and learned counsel, that the same may be newly in effectual manner amended and reformed, so as I may at all times hereafter quietly use, enjoy, and perceive the profits and commodities of my said archbishopric, both spiritual and temporal, without contradiction, stop, let, or vexation." This will be a great obligation, and Wolsey will give him cause to think that his pain is not ill bestowed, as the bearer, Mr. Elys, Wolsey's chaplain, will show more at large.
	Pp. 2, draft in Cromwell's hand, corrected by Wolsey.
10 Aug. R. O.	6556. THOMAS DONYNGTON to CROMWELL.
	I beg God to reward you for your manifold goodness to me, for I am not able. I have delivered your letter to my Lord, and ascertained him of your gracious goodness. For your loving motion made for the return of the prebend of Wetwange to the church of York, lately appropriated to the college of Oxford, he thanks you, and sends you two geldings,—one ambling, the other trotting. You need not pay my servant for his charges, for there is no service you can require which I am not willing to do you. Southwell, 10 Aug. Signed and sealed.
	P. 1. Add.: To the right worshipful Mr. Thomas Crumwell, Esquire.
10 Aug. Add. MS. 28,581, f. 24. B. M.	6557. MAI to CHARLES V.
	* * * Obtained a brief a few days ago that no one should counsel, testify, nor speak on the case of the king of England, except for conscience and truth. The English ambassadors complained that this was to forbid the faculty from giving an opinion, and, moreover, that as the terms of the brief required procedure according to canon or other law, it excluded the theologians. By a constant importunity they got the Pope to assent to a declaration thereupon, which as it did not appear good to the Queen's lawyers or to me, we made another, which they reformed again, and, although it is not as we desired, we think it may be suffered.
	They will not yet give me the brief they promised that the universities should not pronounce an opinion on this cause, but I will solicit it in spite of the excuses St. Quatuor is continually making. He excuses himself by what I myself said in our justification, that your Majesty alone has more universities than all the rest of the world. As to giving a cardinal's hat to the auditor of the Chamber, is told that the Pope has replied that he wishes to know the will of the king of England. If so, I hold him to be a cardinal as much as Tarbes, especially as the office of auditor which he vacates is such that the Pope may sell or give it to any one he pleases. Begs the Emperor to write a word advising the Pope to create such persons cardinals as are well affected to the authority of the Holy See. Philip Decio has given an opinion that pope Julius was competent to dispense with reason; but the reason he put forward is not good. Repeats a request he has already several times made, that the acts be sent hither relating both to the first and second marriage. The Chancellor says that Granvelle has not got them. Begs that the Emperor will have them sent hither, for in 40 days the holidays will be over. * * * Rome, 10 Aug. 1530.
	Sp., pp. 12, modern copy from Simancas.
11 Aug. R. O.	6558. HENRY CARBOTT, Priest, to CROMWELL.
	Thanks him for his letters to my lord Cardinal, which he delivered, 30 June, by Mr. George Geforte. Was desired by my Lord to wait for him till "he might intend for to commen with me," and meanwhile to take meat and drink with him. Was called by him on Saturday, 6 Aug., as he walked into the park, when his answer was, "I am provided of so many chaplains that I cannot excuse you of the King's statute; but I am content for to admit you for my chaplain, and I would that ye should go to your benefice unto the time that I may avoid some of my chaplains, and then ye for to come." Replied that he had no house with his benefice, and had left my lord of Lincoln's service on the promise that Wolsey made to Mr. Cromwell and him at the Charterhouse; which also induced him to give up the chancellorship of Meath. He said he had no office void in the province of York, but would help him for the sake of Cromwell his special friend. He desired him to come to him at Cawode, about Exaltation of the Holy Cross, when he will provide him an office if possible. On 7 Aug. he admitted him for his chaplain, and Carbott went to York. Is thus undone without Cromwell's help, until he can be in household with his Grace, as Cromwell so often promised. York, 11 Aug.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: To his special good master, Mr. Cromwell, be this delivered at London. Sealed.
11 Aug. Vit. B. XIII. 99 b. B. M.	6559. [CROKE to STOKESLEY.]
	Today at 19 o'clock delivered the King's letters to the bishop of Verona, who was marvellously abashed at them, to judge both from his words and his countenance, which was extremely pale. He asked why the King wrote thus to him about the Florentines; for a letter of this kind, if shown to the Pope, would do more harm than good to the King's cause. He asked earnestly if the Pope knew anything of these letters. Suspects that he has heard that the Pope knows of them, considering that the King's packet to Stokesley was opened, and that the ambassador spoke as if he knew what the King wrote to the Pope before the letter was delivered. The Bishop first asked Croke if he knew the tenor of the letter; he replied that he did. He then asked if Stokesley knew. Told him that everything was sent principally to Stokesley and then to himself. Afterwards he inquired whether either of them had shown it to any one else,—which Croke denied; and he earnestly begged that no one might know of such a letter having been sent,—which Croke promised should not be done. He said he thought the letter had been devised by some friend of the Florentines, and asked Croke whether he did not think that the secretary had shown the copy to some one. Could not assure him of this. He replied that if Croke knew that the Pope had the copy, he would send it to the Pope, saying that it was devised by a friend of the Florentines and enemy to His Holiness's house, and that the King had signed it unawares. Suspected he said this to discover Croke's opinion of the secretary, who is an Italian, and perhaps his friend, whom "I hate not but love, unless that [I] fear lest by affection of country and by signification made [inter] changeably, the King's matters that I am put in trust with [may] be hindered, as we have no small tokens ne arguments, but ... [p]roffes in which some ever the fault be by uttering of al * * * the opening of the packet. I thought if the copy of ... letters to him were not come to the Pope to be a way to ca ... to send it unto the Pope to the King's displeasure in con ... if the copy of the King's letters to him be already in the Pope's [hands,] as it is not unlikely, seeing the opening of your packet by ... brother, and the retaining of the posts at Bologna two days." It is a pity to deceive the goodman without profit to the King, and is [great] harm to him. He earnestly favors the King, and has caused many to write for him,—among others, his vicar, who was for nine years loc[umtenens] auditoris cameræ at Rome. Thinks he may be one of the Pope's delegates in the cause. Stokesley must decide whether it is better to be plain with him, being the King's friend, concerning the opening of this packet. Simonetus says that the [Pope] knew every word and working that we did. Verona, 10 Aug.
	"As touching do ... [it] is best that ye bear him on hand that ye think my lett[er] ... to the King, and that ye will do all that ye can to excuse fath[er] ..., and that there is no so ready way to that as that Diony[sius by his] acts prove all his accusers liars, the which he must do with [gaining] many subscriptions and counsels. Thus ye must say I was th ... with the vicar general, the which hath written for us already an[d] ... and wholly of our opinion. And I showed him my lord of Wor[cester's letters]. And the vicar said to me these words: "Ut loquamini inter nos, dominus [meus est] totus papalis et dixit mihi hæc verba: Calixte, audio te concessisse s ... in hoc negotio, cave quid facias, nam ante breve obtentum posset esse [nimis] periculi, quia tu es sacerdos et habes multa sacerdotia a pontifice et a ... pontifex fecit cum quibusdam qui ostenderunt se favere negotio regis [magnas] turbas et ego etiam sentio pro rege, sed nollem tibi aut mihi noceri. Respondi, Quomodo potest mihi noceri, quia ego jurisperitus sum et pr ... est patrocinari ?"
	At last spoke to him of the e[pistle] Deus qui ecclesiam, which he said was entirely against our adversaries. He advised Croke to go before him to the Bishop, because the Bishop should ... them come together. Found him at mass. Asked him to write to the Pope for the brief to the King, and a[lso] to Stokesley, and to keep the King's letter secret [from] the Pope. All this he granted. "But to the ... [he] said, possum lactare dominationem vestram bonis verbis, sed nolo quomodo ... in hoc negotio cui vel judicio suo vel favore in Cæsarem aliqu ... in his quæ ad privatam ipsius utilitatem pertinebant nollebat ... [To] this I answered, Hoc tamen cum rex a dominatione vestra pet ... quod si essetis Rhomæ facile a pontifice obtineretis * * * retus fidem meam qui verbis vestris credulus promptam in hoc operam authoritatemque vestram futuram scripsi. Ad hæc concessit se omnia apud pontificem conaturum." To the last he said that he would sooner incur the anger of the Pope than tell him that, even if the Pope knew it already. The more Croke spoke with him, the more he suspected that he thought the Pope knew of the King's letter. He said today that if he wrote to the Pope for the brief, he must say that he does it at the King's request; and if he shows the letter, which he will be compelled to do, he will do rather harm than good. Said that he might say that the King's ambassadors came to him secretly, and said that they had a letter for him, which they had lost, and of which the tenor was to ask him to move the Pope to issue the brief; and that their negligence might be concealed, they desired him to write to the King that he had received it, and to the Pope for the brief. This he refused to do; for if it should come out afterwards, or if the Pope had knowledge of the tenor, he would suspect him the more, and be displeased with him. "And every [minute] he inculked: Ego vereor ne culpa alicujus secretarii hæ literæ pervenerint ad notitiam pontificis." Asks for advice, and for some knowledge of what the senate has done, "and ever make you for the consideration that ye by experience knowye to our ambassador that ye knowye nothing." The Bishop told Croke today that when Paul came he could tell him of Croke's coming. 11 Aug.
	Was again this afternoon with the vicar general, who says that the Bishop has not yet licenced him, but will not forbid him to write; but the Bishop feared he might incur the Pope's displeasure and be hurt, and himself also blamed. The vicar in heart is all the King's. He told Croke that he would write, and alleged against the Bishop's doubt of the Pope, the bishop of Worcester's letters of the brief, saying that if the Pope would not be content for any man to give counsel, he would not grant the brief. He said that the Bishop and he talked of how to move the Pope for the brief, "and said that his desire was that the Pope ... præciperet omnibus ut justo et diligente studio prævio dicerent et scriberent ... quid sentirent in conscientia sua, neque id celarent ullomodo * * * Sed omnia facere oportet by exhorting and shew[ing the] great trust the King hath that he alonely will not get him this br[ief, but] also many friends."
	Wishes to know where is the drea[m] of her who married two brothers, which he read to Croke in Saint J[ohannis] et Pauli library. Asks him not to leave Venice till his return. Has informed the bishop of Verona about the bishop of Chieti.
	Hol., draft, pp. 4, mutilated.
13 Aug. Add. MS. 28,581, f. 36. B. M.	6560. EUSTACE CHAPUIS.
	Commission of Charles V. to Eustace Chapuis, his ambassador in England, to act and protest on the Queen's behalf in the matter of the divorce. Augsburg, 13 Aug. 1530, "Imperii nostri 13 [11 ?], et aliorum omnium regnorum 15."
	Lat., modern copy from Simancas, pp. 5. Endd.: "Mandatum pro negotio reginæ Angliæ."
14 Aug. Add. MS. 28,581, f. 39. B. M.	6561. The ABBOT OF LLOR to FRANCISCO DE LOS COVOS.
	"The new comet, and what it signifies. Rome, 14 Aug. 1530.
	"Postscriptum.—As the affair of England is postponed or suspended, the cardinal Egidio intends to go to Viterbo towards the end of the month. As he does not go far, and promises to return immediately he is wanted, his absence from Rome causes not the least inconvenience.
	"Add.: To the very illustrious and noble and high Lord, the secretary and comendador mayor, &c.
	"Spanish, holograph, pp. 2."
	Abstract of MS. at Simancas.
14 Aug. Le Grand, III. 491. Colbert MS. 468 V., p. 509.	6562. DU BELLAY to MONTMORENCY.
	I have been obliged to stay in this town since yesterday morning, having been informed on my arrival that the faculty had entered into conclave to discuss anew (regratter) the matter of the king of England, at the instigation of Beda, Barthelemy, and their accomplices, who, as you know, after so many precious alarms made by them, the moment they were discharged from the presence of their dean, of the bishop of Senlis, of the abbots of Premonstré, St. Martin, Vendôme, Cussi, &c., attempted on their own authority to break what had been done and concluded in so great a company. As the disease seems to gain strength, notwithstanding the remedy applied by the King, I must tell you the state to which matters have come. In the absence of the persons above named, these good lords making their capitular congregations at their own pleasure, and leading, by an authority long ago usurped, part of the faculty at their devotion, have sent to signify to the bishop of Senlis, being in his diocese, under pain of disobedience, that he should deliver up to them the act and register of the determination which had been come to upon this matter. This act he had taken, and was keeping in behalf of the King, whose commands he told them he had, not to give it to any one but himself. For this the doctors above named were going to proclaim in their congregation that he be deprived of the faculty as a rebel. But those who saw the injury which might arise from this to the faculty got them to send again to the bishop of Senlis, with more express orders, fortified by greater threats than before. He replied as before, adding that although he was bound to obey his mother the faculty, he was still more bound to obey the King, who was the father of that which they called his mother. After these feasts they are going to replace the matter in the office. My brother, persevering in his martyrdom, is trying night and day to neutralize their efforts; for although the King might punish them afterwards, there would still remain a great scandal, which could hardly be removed. For my part I have done what I could, but the thing is so far gone that they will carry it, if those who have power to redress the wrong do not see to it. If you knew the difficulties in which my brother is continually placed, you would not be surprised that I have heretofore urged that he should have his congé; but even if it were granted to him, and he were willing to depart from here, I have begged him to remain some days till he has got over this fever. The occasion of the said doctors being assembled yesterday was to make of their number a new determination opposed to the former one. They have been defeated for the present, but no pains have been taken to prevent them issuing prohibitions to all those of the faculty, that none of them should sign the negative, viz., according to the will of the king of England, but not forbidding them to sign according to that of the Queen; so you see what impartiality they show. The very day I left Cognae, I saw the negative reply, which the King ordered to be made to the Imperial ambassadors on their demand that the vote of each person should be communicated to them. This refusal was on the ground that the decision of the faculty should be left untouched, and that it was not reasonable that special information should be given to the parties. But finding that Beda and the others intended this very thing, and a great deal more, I spoke with the President to see if, after so many express commands from the King, he would do what his duty required. This he has promised me to attempt; and I believe that he will do so, for he is too good a man not to prefer the King's will to the friendship of others in a good and just cause.
	I have informed you of all this, that you may be able to advise the King. It is needful not only to reply to the Emperor's ambassadors, but to see to the matter here; for what has been done hitherto by Dr. Guarray, of which the ambassadors speak so often, has not been by their request, nor by that of the Emperor or the queen of England, but at the instigation of Beda and his friends, exhorting him to maintain the honor of his country throughout the world. Hence I suppose it did appear, and from their other drifts on the information which the King has ordered to be made of it, that several individuals still are in great fear of stating the truth, knowing the favor shown to the said doctors. Tomorrow morning I shall leave this on my journey, and shall endeavor to satisfy the king of England to the best of my power; he being, as I know, fully informed of these new practices, and not without suspicion that there is something concealed which he does not understand, for he cannot imagine that such abuses would be committed if the King did not wish it. And for my part, if I had not been present, and seen how much the King was vexed in your absence, and since, I should not myself know what to think of it. Presidents La Viste and Polliot were ready to leave this a few days ago; but on receiving the commission to report the things done and said by the said doctors, they have resolved not to move till their report is made as much in accordance with the King's intention as possible, my brother remaining meanwhile to instruct them. The rest of the acts demanded by the king of England have been granted today with some difficulty. No one could have thought ill of it if I had used my credence with the President, for I have not gone beyond the King's intention.
	Begs an answer to what he wrote by Savigny, so that he may not be anxious on his arrival in England, and that a letter be written to Besuier about money to be delivered to the commissioners of John Joachim on the 18th, which the General of Normandy said should be ready on the 8th. Paris, 14 Aug.
	Fr. Add.: Mons. le Grant Maistre et Mareschal de France.
15 Aug. Le Grand, III. 473.	6563. WILLIAM DU BELLAY to _.
	Till now I have not written to you of the affair which has kept me here by the King's command, owing to your absence, and since your return, because I did not think men had so great partiality against the King's opinion that they would try to bring again into discussion a matter already passed. I have only written of it to my brother and Villandry, who knew the whole circumstances, and would not trouble you about it needlessly, and still less the King, regretting that he should have been so often wearied with the talk of such venerable lords. The present affair, since I spoke with you at Chantilly, and you sent to this town to show Beda the King's intention, has been conducted with such wicked intrigues, that I have seen the King's interests in great danger; and, but for the president, who has great influence with Beda, there would have been such a serious mischance from the doings of a fool, as the sense of a thousand wise men could not easily have rectified. I believe any judge but the president, who believes Beda infallible in his theology, would have imputed to him as a mortal sin what even the president can hardly consider venial. The King has decreed a commission to enquire into the misconduct of Beda and his companions, at the instance of the earl of Wiltshire, and, among other things, has written to the president to com- mand the beadle of the faculty of theology to deliver an authentic copy of a certain act signed by Beda, which he would have been glad not to have signed. Of this the English ambassadors had requested that the original might be delivered to them, or at least to a third party, or else a copy in his own hand, for another copy would not serve their purpose, as the matter concerned the King their master; but the president did not dare to deliver a copy of it without leave of the faculty, or command of the King. To get it by the faculty's leave was to begin again at A, B, C, owing to the opposition of Beda. The ambassadors therefore chose to get the King's letters. I went yesterday morning to present them to the president, who assured me that he would obtain the copy; and to satisfy the king of England, my brother and I, being here at 4 o'clock, went to the president, who said the beadle had refused to deliver it, except by command of the faculty, because no copy was ever made without leave, and until it was approved by the faculty. On this I told the president that there was a great difference according as a private person or a prince demanded the transcript, and that it was no business of the faculty for what cause it was asked, for the cause might be such as it was desirable to conceal;-that the act which I now asked for had already been approved by the faculty, and signed by the deans, syndic, deputies, clavigeri, and beadle of the same. This he acknowledged, but said the beadle was in some perplexity for fear of being accused of forgery. Then my brother and I answered, that the reason why we wished to have the copy was because I had been present at the act, and had noted it. But as Beda and his accomplices regretted having signed it, and the beadle was at their command, and especially as the minute signed contained erasures in some places, we were afraid it had been tampered with. For a whole hour we could not get the president to promise that he would use anything but prayers. At last he agreed to use some gracious commands, promising to bind himself to the beadle before two notaries, that he would bring back his original minute. All this, however, was to no purpose. I felt much ashamed that a president of Paris, representing the King's person, and exhibiting his letters, after being denied so many requests by a beadle, did not venture to command him expressly, and even force him to obey. This I could not help telling him; and, though I knew he did not like it, I managed, with a credence which my brother then devised, to embolden him so that he made himself obeyed. He sent the beadle to bring the act, and we read it together. He promised to give us a copy, but afterwards to ask that time should be allowed him till 5 or 6 o'clock this morning, which the president has granted him.
	I have written to you because I know the president was displeased with the freedom I took, and has this morning written to you without the knowledge of my brother and me. You must not think that Beda is the sole wrong-doer, for he has plenty of fellows, who would be glad enough to provoke the King to do something hasty, so as to acquire the character of martyrs. I have often heard of their wicked purposes, under the color of good faith. Paris, 15 Aug.
	Fr.
15 Aug. Le Grand, III. 480.	6564. PRESIDENT LIZET to the GRAND MASTER OF FRANCE.
	The King has written to me by the bishop of Bayonne to obtain from the beadle of the Faculty of Theology a copy of some acts made upon the discussion of the king of England's marriage, and send them to him. I have accordingly obtained from him the copy of the act required by the king of England, and send it to Francis. The bishop of Bayonne desired me to give it to him, to take to England, saying, he was so commissioned by Francis; but this does not appear by the letters missive brought me by the Bishop, while the commands of Francis are distinct that I should send it to him, and not let it be shown to any one else. I think, for reasons which I have written to Francis, they should do no more until I have informed him how the affair has been conducted, and that the information might perchance injure the king of England, rather than serve him. Paris, 15 Aug. Signed: "Pierre Lizet."
	Fr.
15 Aug. Le Grand, III. 500.	6565. DU BELLAY to MONTMORENCY.
	I have seen such dissimulation in the President about the affair contained in my other letters that I was obliged to show him at length, and as gently as I could, the intention of the King. He asserted that he knew as well as anybody what the King wished, and what was his interest (ce qui luy touchoit). I admitted this, and much more; but seeing that he put me off for three or four days, I told him that I had an express command from the King, which I had just communicated to him; and especially I told him what, the time I mounted on horseback, the ambassadors of the Emperor had demanded, and the answer that had been made to them. I do not know what he said in answer. He spoke to me three or four hours in Latin "en Auvergnaz," without stopping to take breath; but whatever it was, I could not get him to order the beadle of the faculty to deliver the acts demanded by the King. At last he delivered a copy, but refused to show the original to compare with it, acknowledging that there was at the end a small error by which he might be accused of forgery. You know the suspicion that there was long ago, that Beda had tampered with the beadle's register; so I urged all the more that the said register should be seen before the beadle had an opportunity of consulting with the others. Still I could not get the president to do more than send humble requests to the beadle, although he said openly he would do nothing with it. At last, fearing the president's conduct was owing to cowardice, I summoned him, in the King's name, in the presence of the beadle, to cause him to obey the King's will; and if he would not, I protested against him;—thinking that this course would relieve him from responsibility as regards the other, as I had explained to him in a whisper beforehand. At last we all expressed ourselves very well satisfied with each other, the president assuring me that I should have the act that evening, though in the end he asked me to wait till 5 o'clock this morning; from which time I have remained booted till 11, sending to him all my men, one after another, to know what more I should do, who are all forbidden access to him. Some were told that the door key was lost, others that Monsieur was asleep, others that he had taken medicine, others that they and the bishop of Bayonne must have patience. Thereupon I found means to ascertain that after the conference of our masters, he had slipped off by a back way, and I went to find him at St. Germain des Préz, where he had forbidden the monks to let anybody enter. You will hardly believe what I say, but it is only half the truth. I found this great doctor "genolz" (à genoux ?) before Mons. St. Mathelin, and I asked him very graciously to give me the act he had promised me. He answered that he had no business to believe me (qu'il n'avoit charge de me croire), and that he had sent it that morning to the King by special post. I answered that it was all right, but that he had made me lose a whole day by not opening his door to my men, which I complained of more than of the trouble of tracking him through the fields, for that the service of the King required. He said he was obliged to obey his physicians, who bid him not move from his chamber, or speak to anybody, as he had just taken medicine; and I believe he thought it was a month since he refused admittance to my men. I had so much pity on this answer that I did not answer him again, but bade him good bye, and asked Audebert, if he had not yet despatched the post, to wait for my packet. Hearing of this from Audebert, he immediately sent him an usher, commanding him, under pain of being counted a rebel to the King, to send off the post immediately, and instructing the usher, if Audebert did not obey, to take him to the conciergerie. I do'nt know if I live in fairy land, but I never saw anything so ridiculous, if it be not to the injury of the King's affairs. He now repents of his order, and sends to me that I may send my packet when I please. But in any case, if you do not wish to be much importuned by England, send me immediately that act, which I would have bought with my blood, or would rather that he had not promised it to me, for on his assurance I promised it last night to the king of England's agent here. The farce has been so prolonged that it is now 3 o'clock, p.m., when I am leaving this town to see your garden of Chantilly, where Madame la Grande Maistresse remains till Wednesday. After that I shall endeavor to make up for these delays. Paris, 15 Aug.
	Fr. Add.
15 Aug. R. O.	6566. ARTHUR LORD LISLE.
	Indenture, dated 15 Aug. 22 Hen. VIII., by which Nicholas Lymett, of Exeter, "potekary," sells to Arthur Plantagenet viscount Lisle the fourth part of a ship called The Mary Plantagenct, on condition that Lymett shall have lading and freight for 30 tons weight of goods in every voyage until he has received the value of 100l.
	Copy, authenticated by Lymett under his own hand; pp. 3. Sealed. Endd: The copy of an indenture between my Lord and Nicholas Lymett, potikary of Excestre, with his quittance to my Lord, and a charterparty.