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 Letters and dispatches from Sir Henry ,.Wp 
 
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LETTERS AND DISPATCHES 
 
 SIR HENRY WOT TON. 
 
LETTERS AND DISPATCHES 
 
 FROM 
 
 SIR HENRY WOTTON 
 
 TO 
 
 JAMES THE FIRST 
 
 AND 
 
 HIS MINISTERS, 
 IN THE YEARS MDCXVII— XX. 
 
 PRINTED FROM THE ORIGINALS 
 
 IN 
 
 THE LIBRARY OF ETON COLLEGE. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 PRINTED BY WILLIAM NICOL, SHAKSPEARE PRESS. 
 
 MDCCCL. 
 
TO 
 THE MEMBERS 
 
 OF 
 
 THIS VOLUME, 
 
 CONTAINING 
 
 LETTERS AND DISPATCHES,, 
 
 OF 
 
 SIR HENEY WOTTON ' 
 
 IN THE YEARS MDCXVII— XX. 
 
 IS DEDICATED AND PRESENTED 
 
 BT TREIR OBEDIENT SERVANT, 
 
 GEORGE TOMLINE. 
 
 August, 1850. 
 
Cl^e Eojcburg^e Club. 
 
 MDCCCL. 
 
 THE DUKE OF BUCCLEUCH AND 
 
 aUEENSBERRY, K. G., 
 
 President. 
 
 the duke of devonshire, k. g. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SUTHERLAND, K. G. 
 
 HIS EXCELLENCY MONSIEUR VAN DE WEYER. 
 
 EARL OF POWIS. 
 
 EARL OF GOSFORD. 
 
 EARL BROWNLOW. 
 
 EARL CAWDOR. 
 
 EARL OF ELLESMERE. 
 
 LORD VERNON. 
 
 RIGHT HON. SIR JAMES PARKE. 
 
 RIGHT HON. SIR DAVID DUNDAS. 
 
 HON. ROBERT CURZON, JUN. 
 
 HON. HUGH CHOLMONDELEY. 
 
 HON. AND VERY REV. THE DEAN OF WINDSOR. 
 
 SIR STEPHEN RICHARD GLYNNE, BART. 
 
 SIR ROBERT HARRY INGLIS, BART. 
 
 REV. BULKELEY BANDINEL. D. D. 
 
 NATHANIEL BLAND, ESQ. 
 
 REV. PHILIP BLISS, D. C. L., V. P. 
 
 BERIAH BOTFIELD, ESQ., Treasurer. 
 
 REV. WILLIAM EDWARD BUCKLEY, M.A. 
 
 FRANCIS HENRY DICKINSON, ESQ, 
 
 HENRY HALLAM, ESQ. 
 
 REV. EDWARD CRAVEN HAWTREY, D. D. 
 
 ALEX. JAMES BERESFORD HOPE, ESQ. 
 
 REV. JOHN STUART HIPPISLEY HORNER, M. A. 
 
 JOHN ARTHUR LLOYD, ESQ. 
 
 THOMAS PONTON, ESQ. 
 
 MELVILLE PORTAL, ESQ. 
 
 ANDREW RUTHERFURD, ESQ. 
 
 EVELYN PHILIP SHIRLEY, ESQ. 
 
 WILLIAM STIRLING, ESQ. 
 
 GEORGE TOMLINE, ESQ. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 1617. PAGE. 
 
 1 1 Aug. Sir Henry Wotton to Sir Thomas Lake, Secretarie of Estate 1 
 to His most sacred Maiestie . . 2 
 
 10 Nov. to (Sir T. Lake ?).... 7 
 
 The Copie of my letter to the King which 
 
 Cometh by Mr. Dowriche ..... 9 
 First and second draught of Answer to the Venetian Am- 
 
 1618. bassadoure, Whitehall, 14 Jan. 1617 • • • 10 
 4 May Sir Henry Wotton to Sir T. Lake 13 
 
 to (Sir T. Lake ?) . . . . ib. 
 
 to (Sir T. Lake ?) . . . . 17 
 
 25 May to Sir T. Lake 18 
 
 1 June to (Sir T. Lake ?) .... 20 
 
 1 1 — Hercole de Salice to Sir Henry Wotton .... 22 
 
 Foregoing letter translated . . . . . . 25 
 
 4 July Sir Henry Wotton to the King 26 
 
 to Sir T.Lake 27 
 
 5 — to (Sir T. Lake?) .... 28 
 
 In answer to my L. Ambassadours propositions concerning 
 
 the raysing of Orthodoxall Seminaryes . . . 35 
 
 9 — William Leete to (no address) .... 36 
 
 19 — Sir Henry Wotton to (Sir T. Lake ?) .... 39 
 
 26 — to Sir Robert Naunton . . . 41 
 
 to ... 42 
 
 2 Aug. to (Sir Robert Naunton ?) . . . 43 
 
 9 — William Leete to Mr. Bargrave 46 
 
 17 — Sir Henry Wotton to Sir Robert Naunton ... 49 
 
 to the King 50 
 
 to ..... 53 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 21 Aug. 
 no date 
 
 21 Aug. 
 10 Sep. 
 no date 
 no date 
 20 Sep. 
 28 — 
 
 27 - 
 10 Oct. 
 
 1 Oct. 
 
 9 — 
 
 16 — 
 
 25 — 
 31 — 
 
 1 Nov. 
 
 13 — 
 
 no date 
 13 Nov. 
 
 2 — 
 
 27 - 
 22 — 
 1619. 
 13 Mar. 
 
 8 Jan. 
 22 — 
 
 8 Feb. 
 12 — 
 
 5 Mar. 
 11 — 
 
 Sir Henry Wotton to Sir Robert Naunton 
 
 ■to 
 
 with note to Mr. 
 
 Quester (14 Sep. 1618) . 
 
 to Sir Thomas Lake . 
 
 to Sir Robert Naunton 
 
 to Sir Thomas Lake . 
 
 to Mr. Isaac Bargrave 
 
 William Leete to the same 
 
 Sir Henry Wotton to Sir Thomas Lake, . 
 
 Unsigned Italian Note to the King 24 July 1618 
 
 11 Granduca di T\ all' Tobbia Mattei, 
 
 Sir Henry Wotton to Sir Thomas Lake 
 
 to Sir Robert Naunton 
 
 to (Sir Thomas Lake ?) 
 
 to (Sir Thomas Lake ?) 
 
 to Sir Robert Naunton 
 
 A true Relation of suche things as happened to the English 
 
 Regiment in the service of the Republique of Venice 
 James Haig to Sir Henry Wotton 
 Sir Henry Wotton to Mr. Secretarie Naunton 
 Sir Henry Wotton to the King 
 
 to Mr. Secretarie Lake 
 
 to Mr. Secretarie Naunton 
 
 to Sir Robert Naunton 
 
 to (Sir Robert Naunton ?) 
 
 to Sir Thomas Lake . 
 
 Frideric E. P. to Sir Henry Wotton 
 
 Sir Henry Wotton to Sir Robert Naunton 
 
 to 
 
 Sir Henry Peyton to 
 
 Sir Henry Wotton to the King 
 to 
 
 to Sir Robert Naunton 
 
 to 
 
 to Mr. Secretary 
 
 to 
 
 54 
 
 55 
 
 57 
 58 
 59 
 61 
 64 
 
 67 
 69 
 69 
 71 
 
 71 
 
 72 
 73 
 
 77 
 78 
 
 81 
 82 
 83 
 84 
 85 
 86 
 88 
 89 
 90 
 91 
 94 
 
 95 
 98 
 103 
 107 
 109 
 111 
 112 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Ill 
 
 16 Ap. 
 12 — 
 
 26 — 
 2 May 
 
 10 — 
 
 17 - 
 
 24 — 
 31 — 
 
 4 June 
 
 7 — 
 no date 
 14 June 
 
 5 July 
 9 — 
 
 30 Aug. 
 20 Sep. 
 
 27 — 
 4 Oct. 
 
 11 — 
 
 18 — 
 1 Nov. 
 
 15 — 
 22 — 
 29 — 
 6 Dec. 
 11 — 
 
 20 — 
 27 - 
 1620. 
 10 Jan. 
 13 — 
 
 17 — 
 24 — 
 31 — 
 
 Sir Henry Wotton to Sir Robert Naunton 
 
 to 
 
 to (Sir Robert Naunton ?) 
 
 to 
 
 Gregorio de Monti to - 
 
 to- 
 
 to- 
 
 Sir Henry Wotton to - 
 Gregorio de Monti to - 
 Sir Henry Wotton to - 
 Gregorio de Monti to - 
 
 to- 
 
 to - 
 
 to- 
 
 to- 
 
 to 
 
 to- 
 
 to- 
 
 to 
 
 to- 
 
 to Sir Robert Naunton 
 
 Indorsed, A from Venice to my L. of Spalato 
 
 Gregori de Monti to Sir Robert Naunton 
 
 to 
 
 to 
 
 to 
 
 to 
 
 to 
 
 to 
 
 to 
 
 to 
 
 -to- 
 
 ■to 
 
 ■to- 
 
 -to 
 
 -to 
 
 113-^ 
 
 115 
 
 116 
 
 123 
 
 124 
 
 126 
 
 127 
 
 128 
 
 130 
 
 131 
 
 132 
 
 134 
 
 135 
 
 136 
 
 138 
 
 ib. 
 139 
 141 
 142 
 143 
 144 
 146 
 142 
 149 
 150 
 151 
 152 
 154 
 155 
 156 
 
 ib. 
 
 157 
 159 
 160 
 161 
 162 
 
IV 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 2 Feb. 
 10 — 
 
 28 — 
 
 21 — 
 13 Mar. 
 20 — 
 27 - 
 10 Ap. 
 24 — 
 
 I May 
 8 — 
 
 22 — 
 
 29 — 
 5 June 
 
 10 — 
 12 — 
 19 — 
 26 — 
 
 3 July 
 10 — 
 
 17 — 
 24 — 
 31 — 
 
 Aug. 
 
 4 — 
 
 7 - 
 
 8 — 
 
 14 — 
 
 21 — 
 
 28 — 
 4 Sep. 
 
 7 - 
 
 II — 
 
 Gregorio de Monti to Sir Robert Naunton 
 
 to 
 
 to 
 
 to 
 
 to 
 
 to 
 
 to 
 
 to 
 
 to 
 
 to 
 
 to— 
 
 to 
 
 to 
 
 to 
 
 (Copia) Li x. Guigno in Napoli 
 
 Gregorio de Monti to Sir Robert Naunton 
 
 to 
 
 to 
 
 to 
 
 to 
 
 to 
 
 to 
 
 to 
 
 Indorsed, Archduke Leopold to his Ma"^ 
 Indorsed, The Citty of Vlme to his Mat'= 
 Indorsed, The Citty of Strasburge to his Maiestie 
 Gregorio de Monti to Sir Robert Naunton 
 Sir Henry Wotton to 
 
 to the King 
 
 Gregorio de Monti to Sir Robert Naunton 
 
 to 
 
 Indorsed, The Archbyshop of Ments to his Ma' 
 Gregorio de Monti to Sir Robert Naunton 
 
 Gregorio de Monti to 
 
 Sir Henry Wotton to the King 
 
 to 
 
 Gregorio de Monti to Sir Robert Naunton 
 
 1G3 
 164 
 165 
 166 
 168 
 169 
 170 
 172 
 173 
 174 
 175 
 176 
 177 
 178 
 180 
 181 
 183 
 184 
 185 
 186 
 188 
 ib. 
 189 
 191 
 192 
 193 
 196 
 197 
 198 
 206 
 208 
 209 
 210 
 212 
 213 
 223 
 225 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 16 Sep. Gregorio de Monti to Sir Robert Naunton 
 
 20 — Sir Henry Wotton to 
 
 25 — Gregorio de Monti to 
 
 27 — Sir Henry Wotton to 
 
 2 Oct. Gregorio de Monti to 
 
 9 — to 
 
 11 — Sir Henry Wotton to 
 
 16 — Gregorio de Monti to 
 
 25 — Sir Henry Wotton to 
 
 28 — Gregorio de Monti to 
 
 30 — to 
 
 1 Nov. Sir Henry Wotton to 
 
 6 — Gregorio de Monti to 
 
 8 — Sir Henry Wotton to 
 
 13 — Gregorio de Monti to 
 
 15 — Sir Henry Wotton to 
 
 20 — Gregorio de Monti to 
 
 27 — to 
 
 4 — to 
 
 11 — to 
 
 1 Jan. to 
 
 29 — . to 
 
 226 
 228 
 230 
 232 
 233 
 234 
 236 
 238 
 239 
 241 
 242 
 243 
 245 
 246 
 248 
 249 
 252 
 253 
 254 
 255 
 256 
 257 
 
For his Maiesties espetial Service. 
 
 To the right honorable 8' Thomas Lake Knight of his M"" most 
 honorable Privy Counsayle, and principal Secretarie of Estate. 
 
 Right Honorable 
 
 The inclosed is the answer vnto his M*'" letter of the 4*'" of July from 
 Falkeland. 
 
 How much I thinke my self obliged AOito you for those frendly lines 
 which youre owne pen did bestowe vppon me from so remote a place 
 I can not showe with serving you, and therefore I wiU showe it heere- 
 after with troubhng you. 
 
 You have torn of the masque of silence from my face, and given my 
 papers a confident accesse vnto you. And the next weeke I will beginn. 
 This is only to render you most humble thancks for youre sayed letter, 
 and to passe the inclosed vnto his Maiestie thorough y' fauourable hand : 
 wherein is as much as I can discourse of the present t3Tne : And so 
 (Sir) committing you to Gods blessed loue I rest 
 
 From Venice Youre Honors to be 
 
 this ^ of August commaunded 
 
 1 f>l 7 
 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
 B 
 
For his Most Sacred Maiestie. 
 Most graciouse Soveraign 
 
 It may please youre Sacred Maiestie to receave this humble answer 
 vnto youre letters bearing date at Falkeland the fourth of July which 
 arrived heere thorough Fraunce in 17 dayes and came very opportunely 
 when this State having but newly heard of the loss of Vercelli (whereof 
 they were perhaps as sensible as the Duke himself) did want cordials 
 and restoratives. I determined vppon the receyt thereof to have au- 
 dience the next Morning which is heere arbitrarie to all Ambassadours 
 to haue it when they will except on some few dayes exempted by 
 Solemnitie : but in this porpose I was that evening prevented by them- 
 selus who caled me vnto them before I could demaund accesse that they 
 might acquaynt me with the present constitution of theire affayres as 
 farr as it had varied since my last being with them : which they de- 
 liuered to this substance. 
 
 They sayed the French Ambassadour had presented vnto them a forme 
 of accorde betweene them and the Arche-Duke Ferdinando in certayn 
 Articles which they thought I had scene and that was true (for I had 
 sent them a fortnight before to M' Secretarie Winwood) which sayed 
 Articles came from Spayne having been theare fashioned betweene 
 theire owne and other publique Ministers with charge from them that 
 youre Ma"" Agent in that Court should be continually acquaynted with 
 the stepps of the buisinesse. They sayed farther, that the forenamed 
 French Ambassadour at the presentation of this pacifical proiect did 
 affirme (or at least so they were willing to conceave him) that foras 
 much as should conceme the Duke of Savoye, the King of Spa)me would 
 be contented to obserue punctually the Treatie of Asti and to restore 
 the places taken before and after the sayed Treatie, That to showe theire 
 desire of quietnesse vppon any reasonable termes they had accepted the 
 propounded accord yet with two cautions, the one, that the Armes in 
 
Piemount as well as thease in Friuli might cease together, the other, 
 that a restitution might be made of that which the Duke of Ossuna had 
 wrongfully surprized within this Gulph in a tyme of no declared dis- 
 amitie between this Republique and his Master : amounting (as I haue 
 formerly writen) to the value of a million and an half in Marchants 
 goods at ordinarie estimation. That they had by Curriers into Fraunce, 
 Savoye, and Spayne signified theire acceptance of the foresayed Articles 
 but without any maner of confidence in the performance thereof on the 
 King of Spaynes part, and that already even the day before they had 
 aduertisement of some fluctuation in his Ministers. Thease were the 
 materialest poynts then deliuered vnto me wherewith they besought me 
 to acquaynt youre Ma''° as theire owne Secretarie had order to doe at 
 large. Which when I had heard after due coUaudation of theire 
 constant adherence to the Duke of Savoye not abandoning him vppon 
 any sinister accident (which are but the vicissitudes of warr) nor making 
 theire owne barga)rne without him (which I assured myself would gay'ne 
 them much reputation with all noble harts, and particularly with y"^ 
 Ma*'') I then fell to tell them that if I had not been caled I should by 
 commaundement from my most graciouse King and Master haue been 
 with them that day: who having receaued theire last instructions to 
 theire Secretarie Lionelli and withall a letter of credence by him had for 
 congruitie sake likewise sent a credential letter vnto me which I then 
 deliuered unto the Prince with y' Ma"'' affectionat salutations to him 
 and the rest. The letter being readd I told them, that though they had 
 long knowne me yet youre Maiestie seemed to make me that day a fresh 
 Ambassadour, and by me to renewe with them the constant vowes of 
 youre love : which because I could not represent so lively by mine owne 
 expression as by youre M"" owne letter it self to showe a difference of 
 confidence betweene youre servants and others I would that morning 
 deale apertis tabulis and translate unto them word for word y' Ma"" 
 sayed letter, wherein they should well perceaue (if my weaknesse did 
 not wrong it) both the spirit of a Frend and of a King. And so opening 
 the letter : when I came to the first poynt of those two which seemed 
 
somewhat straunge vnto youre M"^ namely, that such a declaration of 
 youreself should be required by theire Minister and no information 
 thereof communicated with me : I made a little pause to teU the Prince 
 in gentle maner, that it would appeare vnto y' M"^ much more straunge 
 when you should receaue my dispatche aboute it (which I made by an 
 expresse messenger (some other occasion withall concurring) who had 
 been prevented by the diligence of Signer Lionelli), For though in 
 my sayed dispatche directed to S' Raph Winwood by M' John Dow- 
 rich I had related imto y' M"' the King of Spayns passion aga3aist the 
 HoUand-aydes and some other things of that kinde with recommenda- 
 tion (as I was required) of theire affayres vnto youre loue and patronage 
 yet I told the Duke that of any such declaration as Signor Lionelli had 
 pressed I had heard nothing, and therefore if I had written nothing they 
 must complayn eather of themselus or of my memorie : for my zeale 
 was good. I tooke heere occasion to expostulat with them in civil 
 forme aboute a custome which they haue to aduertise theire owne 
 Ambassadours and Residents at least a weeke before the Minister of any 
 other Prince heere even in things wherein they desire that bothe should 
 concurr : which where they are ieliouse may runn for a peece of wise- 
 dome, but with confident Princes and with Ministers (who are alwayes 
 like theire Masters) can not but turn to the preiudice of theire service. 
 And I thinke my expostulation will in this pojmt amend them heereafter 
 vnlesse they live antiquis moribus. Touching the other poynt which 
 seemed so iustly straunge vnto youre M"', that you should be moued 
 to declare youre self agaynst a King for theire sakes before any decla- 
 ration of theire owne ; I must humbly professe that it appeereth not 
 only to youre M'"" high wisedome but even to my simplicitie so ridi- 
 culouse as I am readdie to beleeve that theire Secretarie in heate of zeale 
 was transported so farr, or being commaunded to soUicit some ample 
 testification of youre M*'" loue at this tyme thought perhaps such a 
 declaration of y' self as had passed some yeares before to be within the 
 latitude of his instructions. Howsoever, It hath ben a good occasion to 
 showe them bothe together y' M"" wisedome in discerning what is fitt. 
 
and y'' aflfection in doing it : which the rest of y' Royal letter did most 
 effectually demonstrat. When I came towards the end thereof touching 
 theire error (now very Adsible) in refusing a motion made long since 
 vnto them by youre M"° of a forein coniunction and renewed here 
 somet)rmes by me by way of discourse (but still with that caution which 
 y' M"° doeth prescribe) I told them that part of youre letter was directed 
 not to them but to me out of a contemplation vppon the present tyme 
 into which y' M"° fell by the way remembring how fitt it had been for 
 them to haue barkened vnto the sayed motion : And so I left it without 
 any farther resuscitation : being well able to assure y' M"' that they are 
 sensible enough at the present of that ill propertie of Republiques never 
 to take physick till they are extreamely sick, though I must withall saye 
 that the impediment of that coniunction hath depended (to my under- 
 standing) both heere and in Germanic more vppon nicenesse and 
 formalitie who should beginn then vppon real difficulties. The attention 
 that I had to all that I sayed (whereof they were extreame greedy 
 having had a taste from theire owne Secretarie) is vnexpressable. 
 When I had donn : the Prince besought and so did the whole com- 
 pagnie with their countenances, and since in their privat discourses (as 
 I haue particular notice) to render vnto y' Maiestie (as theire high and 
 constant Frend and Patron) iustissime, realissime et abundantissime 
 grazie. And if theare had been more superlatiues in the language 
 youre M"° had surely had them all. This is the accoumpt of what hath 
 grown from youre Royal commaundement by y' last letters. It shal be 
 fitt for me before I end to tell y' M"° what discourse doth runn vppon 
 the whole mater : which is now reduced to this one question. Whether 
 Vercelli will be restored in the present Treatie or no : without w""" It is 
 likely the Duke of Savoye will not be quiet, nor the Venetians (in all 
 appearance and equitie) without him. So as vppon this knott doeth 
 hang the repose of Italic. Those that thinke it will be rendred saye 
 that otherwise the King of Spayne, must eather resolue vppon a per- 
 petual warr within the bowels of ItaUe, or vppon an Intire conquest of 
 Piemount and Savoye : which though the Italian Princes should sleepe. 
 
even Fraunce it self would never indure being gladder perchaunce of his 
 parentage then they would be of his neighborhoude. They saye farther 
 that having by this action of Vercelli recouvered the reputation of his 
 Armes (which was blemished by smale successes against so inferiour an 
 adversaria) the next glorie now will be to make his benefitts as well 
 knowne as his revenges with such like moral considerations. On the 
 other side are alleaged the tenacitie of the station, the tenablenesse of 
 the place being backed by the whole Milanois, strengthened at hand by 
 the Fort Sandouval, and releevable at all occasions by the abundant 
 Province of Lombardie. And what (say they) could the King of Spayne 
 wish more proper to secure his owne Estates agajmst an active neigh- 
 bour then to haue the key of Piemount in his pocket ? Did not his 
 Auncestors in the Treatie of Siena reserve Port Hercole, Telamone, and 
 Orbetello to bridle Toscanie vppon occasion ? May not the Duke of 
 Savoye haue the same patience that the Princes of the House of Medici 
 haue had, or may he not be taught it ? Shall theare be so much ex- 
 pense of bloud and monie only for a superficial and ceremoniouse fame 
 of being able to gett without being able (as will be sayed afterwards) 
 to keepe ? And if it must be restored, what hast ? May it not be 
 heald during the l3rfe of this Duke, and afterwards rendred to the 
 Prince Vittorio : who is a Prince of Spanish bloude and of more easie 
 humours ? Such discourses and eiaculations as thease fill the ayre 
 heere at the present, wherewith I thought it my dutie a little to inter- 
 tayne y' M*'' in the close of this dispatche : commending \s'ith my con- 
 tinual prayers y^ most deere and Sacred Person to God's high protection 
 and loue. 
 
 Y' Maiesties most faythfuU 
 
 From Venice and long devoted servant 
 
 this ^ of August 1617. Henry Wotton. 
 
S' Henry Wotton to mee.* 
 
 Venice this 10"' of Nouember 
 1617. Stile of The place. 
 
 Right Honorable 
 
 I haue since Fryday last been caled agayne to the Palace and was 
 theare required to acqua)mt his Ma"° more particularly then before with 
 the state of thease things as foUoweth. 
 
 On Sunday morning was seavenight the Spanish Ambassadour (having 
 the Fryday before receaued a pacquet) had Audience heere with much 
 expectation. At w* tjoie he dehvered the Christian desire of his 
 Master to depose not only all hostilitie but likewise aU iealousie and 
 disaffection : promising to render vnto this Republique (though not 
 tyed therevnto by the Treatie) such Shipps and Galies as haue been 
 taken by the Viceroye of Napels in the Gulph, and therevppon requiring 
 from them a present cessation of armes in Friuli and in particular, an 
 immediat desisting from the Siege of Gradisca. I haue knowledg that 
 at this tyme also (as I wrote the last weeke) he desired that if the State 
 had a porpose to build any new Fort on the Dalmatian shoare not farr 
 from Ragusi (as was voiced) those thoughts might cease, and that bothe 
 the Holland vessels at Sea, and Souldiers on the land might be dis- 
 charged : poynts of Scandal to his King : But the Senat did acquaynt 
 me no farther then only with the demaunde of a cessation : wherevnto 
 they had yeilded (as they sayed) in consideration of those fa3rre pro- 
 mises which the foresayed Ambassadour had specified, And hkewise for 
 that assurance which he then gaue them that the new King of Bohemia 
 should accomphsh as much as had been accorded on his part, and that 
 such Forces of horse and Foote as Don Pedro had sent to theire frontiers 
 should immediatly vppon advise given him of the cessation in Friiili be 
 drawen back agayne. The Senates assent vnto the surceance of Armes 
 
 * This letter is endorsed, " Alia medesima x Nov. 1617. S' H. Wotton's letter that 
 ■was lost notwithstanding the ticket inclosed." 
 
was concluded on Munday night though not without much opposition 
 an,d I thinck of the wisest. And dehuered vnto the sayed Ambassadour 
 on Tuesday Morning. The next day having knowledge that the Spanish 
 Forces on the Frontiers had taken and spoyled a place caled Fara in 
 theire Territorie of Bergamo, they sent agayne for the sayed Ambas- 
 sadour and acqua3mting him therewith as an acte of violent invasion 
 advantagiously pursued under the securitie of Frendship and peace, they 
 found him vnable to excuse it any waye but by the ordinarie licentiouse- 
 nesse of Souldiers contrarie to the will and knowledg of the Gouernour 
 When at the very same tyme (the Ambassadour being in his seat by the 
 Duke) comes intelHgence that Don Pedro himself was marched in 
 Person as farr as Lodi with the grosse of his Annie, with Artillarie, and 
 with Ensignes flpnge as in t3rnie of open and denounced hostilitie. 
 
 Thease were the circumstances deliuered vnto me by order of Senat 
 on Sunday last to be represented vnto his M"' as I haue now donn 
 thorough y' hands. Since when two opposit rumours are spreadd. 
 The one, that vppon the Currier dispatched hense by the Spanish 
 Ambassadour to Don Pedro at Lodi (signifying the accorded cessation) 
 he immediatly proclaymed a retreate of his Souldiers from the Confines 
 pena la Furca. The other. That even since the receyt of that dispatche 
 they haue proceeded to the assault of another place, and been beaten 
 from it with the losse of some thirtie. Which two voices some chari- 
 table beleevers would fa3me reconcile with saying that the seconde 
 rupture may haue falne out in the very poynt of tyme betweene the 
 reception of the pacquet and the divulging of the proclamation, which 
 I feare will proove too indulgent a glosse. 
 
 One weeke more must now necessarily discouer the botome of this 
 buisinesse and rectifie owre fajrth. I hope therefore by the next Poste 
 to give his M"' a cleere iudgment what will become of it. And so (Sir) 
 I humbly commit you to God's loue. 
 
 Youre Honors in conti 
 Posts : This State at the French nual deuotion 
 
 Kings intercession hath pardoned Henry Wotton. 
 
theire two Ambassadours that 
 signed the Treatie at Paris. 
 
 It may please you (Sir) to acquaynt his Ma''° that I haue been heere 
 very closely dealt withall in the behalf of an Italian Bishop and of an 
 other person of great leming (as yet bothe vnnominated, who as they 
 saye di puro zelo and di certa scienza are resolued to leaue this Churche, 
 and would retire into his Ma""' protection. I will adde to this for 
 interta3mment that my Frend Schioppius guarded alwayes with a brace 
 of Bravi) hath lately (as I heare) written and intendeth to print at 
 Rome a Centuria Censurarum, but aboute what subiect I yet knowe 
 not. 
 
 The Copie of my letter to the King w"^ cometh by M' Dowriche. 
 /S'. Hen. Wotton. 
 
 May it please youre most Sacred Maiestie : 
 
 The Earle of Angus w'h his Brother, and the Lord of Spinie, coming 
 lately into thease partes from the other end of Italie, found mee at Pa- 
 doua, where I was taking a little fresh aire and Physique : There I fell 
 into his conuersation, w^h seemed vnto mee verie noble and fayre. And 
 after a dale or two, that wee had broken the first complements, vpon 
 some liking of my freedome, he tooke mee aside from the rest of his 
 owne and my companie, and asking mee howe safe my Letters did passe 
 to youre Maiestie, I might perceiue him chardged in his thoughtes, w''' 
 somewhat, that he would wishe imparted to youre knowledge. Where- 
 vpon offering him my faythfuU seruice, he opened himselfe thus farre, 
 that in his present trauailes, he had collected some ill intentions on the 
 Spanish side towards youre Maiestie, w"*" he desired mighte bee w'h 
 some diligence and verie securely conueighed in a letter w°h he would 
 
 c 
 
10 
 
 make readie, and consigne to my hands, being the first of youre Maiesties 
 publique seruauntes that he had seene since the obseruation of those 
 thinges, w^h made him direct himselfe hither the more willingly : 
 
 I was not curious to searche beyonde ciuilitie into anie particularities 
 thereof, but leaning vnto him the merit of his owne zeale, and con- 
 tenting my selfe to see it flowe (whatsoeuer it bee) from so good a 
 minde I promised him to conueigh it, w°h was my parte by a verie 
 honest hand, hauing accordingly committed the same to M'. John 
 Dowrich my Lord Caries nephew; a gentleman of fajrthfuU nature. 
 This opportunitie doth farther inuite mee to signifie vnto youre Maiestie 
 some thinges of secret qualitie w°h I had thoughte otherwise to reserue, 
 till mine owne restorement vnto youre owne gracious sighte : hauing 
 nowe sett them downe in my letter to M'. Secretarie Naunton. And so 
 w*h my continuall prayers for the Long preseruation of youre sacred 
 person and Estates. I humbly rest 
 
 Youre Ma*'" most faythfull 
 
 subiect, and long denoted 
 
 Seruant. 
 
 Att White Hall* the 14'* of January, 1617. 
 
 The Venetian Ambassad'' hauing in the name, and on the behalfe of 
 the State of Venice represented vnto his M^'% That notw*hstanding the 
 late Treaty of Ast made and concluded betwixt the K. of Spaine and 
 them, as also betwixt him the said King and the Duke of Sauoy, they 
 gaue great cause to doubt the assurance of the said Peace, for that the 
 
 * Indorsed " The first and Second draught of their Lordships Answer to the Venetian 
 Ambassadoure. The second allowed by the King upon Sir Tho. Lakes coming." 
 
11 
 
 Duke of Ossuna Viceroy of Naples did not cease to molest them w*hin 
 the Gulphe a place knowne alwayes to haue appertajmed to their Signory 
 and protection. In w'^h considerac'on the said State did intreate his 
 Ma*'', that he would be graciously pleased in their fauo° and for their 
 iust defence (if they shall haue cause to use the same) to graunt them 
 free liberty and leaue to transport Eight or Tenne English ships well 
 furnished w*h Men and Munition, such as they shall for Money procure 
 w'hin this kingdome, for their better assurance in their said defence 
 w'hin the Gulphe, where they haue at this present the sole Dominion, 
 and so haue enioyed w'hout question for many Aages His Ma'^ re- 
 ferring the said Ambassad' vnto the Boord, and signifieng w'hall his 
 gratious Inclinac"on to giue the Venetians satisfaction heerein, vnlesse 
 their LL. did find any cause or reason against it, as appeares by a letter 
 written from Mr. Secretary Naunton to Mr. Secretary Lake, and com- 
 mimicated vnto their LI/^ The Ambassad' thereupon this day had 
 Audience at the Boord, and making the like Instance as before he had 
 done vnto his Ma% Their LL^' did approoue his Ma''''^ gratious dispo- 
 sition to assist them in the manner they desired, but made to him a 
 demand what he vnderstood by Defense, and how farre the State of 
 Venice meant in this case to extend that word. Whereunto the Am- 
 bassad' replied, that the succo'^ w°h they desired being Sea Forces, 
 and intended only to defend them against an Inuasion at sea w*hin their 
 owne Dominions, a Defense in that case might bee vnderstood more 
 largely, then a Defense at Land, for that defenses at Land are com- 
 monly no other then the mainta3ming of a Towne, or some place of 
 strenght, or Garrison against the Seige of an Enemy ; But at Sea they 
 must not stand vpon a simple and bare defence only, but they may 
 perhaps after an offense first giuen by the Enemy be forced also them- 
 selues to offend sometimes either by Assault, Surprise, or diuersion if 
 occasion requires to weaken the Enemy, and to draw him out of their 
 Dominions ; whereupon it being then told him by way of Obiection, 
 That if the King of Spaine should make the like suite for Men and 
 Shipping, it could not be denied him. The Ambassad' made answere 
 
12 
 
 that there was not the Hke reason, for that the King of Spaine had no 
 other vse for such shipping, nor could haue no other end, but to offend 
 them w'hin their owne State ; whereas they only desired it for their 
 necessary defence w*hin the Gulphe or other their Territoryes. Their 
 LD"^ in their Judgments conceauing both the Request and the Answeres 
 of the said Ambassad' to bee very iust and reasonable, did declare so 
 much before him then present, w'h Condic on and Protestac'on that the 
 State of Venice should not employ those shipps or men to any other 
 vse, then to their owne defense as aforesaid, and not otherwise then in 
 manner aboue mentioned to assault or offend the King of Spaine, or any 
 other Christian Prince or State being in Amity w*h his Ma'^. 
 
 The Second, allowed by the King vpon S' Tho. Lakes coming. 
 
 Whereas the Venetian Ambassador vpon an Apprehenc'on taken by 
 their State of some hostile invasion or Assaulte prepared against them 
 by some Enemies, haue sollicited his Ma*'% as one of their principall 
 and assuredest freindes, that he would be graciously pleasd in their 
 favour, and for their iust defence (if they shall haue cause to vse the 
 same) to graunt them free Liberty and Leaue to transport Eight or Ten 
 English Shippes well appointed w'h Men and Munition such as they shall 
 for their monie procure w'hin this Kingdome for their better Assistance 
 in their said defence ; his Ma''' referring the said Ambassado' vnto the 
 Boorde and signifyeng w'hall his gracious inclynac'on to gyve them 
 satisfaction herein, vnlesse their Lo'"'" should finde any Cause or reason 
 against it, as appeareth by Lr es c'. The Amb"", therevpon this day had 
 audience at the Boorde, and making the like instance as before he had 
 done vnto his Ma''' ; their Lo^^ did concurre w'h his Ma'^'^ gracious 
 disposic'on to assist them in the manner they desired, according to his 
 Highnes intent and meaning w'h is that the Aydes they shall so raise 
 from hence, shall be imployed to their owne defence onely and not 
 otherwise to Assault or offend any Christian Prince or State being in 
 Amity w'h his Ma'"". 
 
13 
 
 To the right Honorable 8'' Thomas Lake Knight his M*^^ principal 8e- 
 cretarie of Estate and of his most honorable privie Counsayle. 
 
 Sir 
 
 This bearer Capta)^ Henry Bell retumeth home fraught like a 
 travayler more with obseruation then monie. 
 
 Among other things he hath lemt a secret of singular vse : which 
 doeth properly appertayne to my Lord Thresorers place in the State : 
 to whom though I haue written myself aboute the same perpose yet I 
 humbly desire that he may be introduced to his Lo** by youre better 
 mediation : being bold to passe thorough youre honorable hands in a 
 buisinesse of publique good or at least so intended. 
 
 And the present being to no other end, I humbly take my leaue : 
 restinge 
 
 Venice the 4- ^^'^''^ "°^«^^ *« 
 
 of May, 1618. serue you 
 
 Henry Wotton. 
 I leaue to himself to acquaynt y' Hon' : with the scope of his secret. 
 
 Right Honorable 
 
 I will in this discharge those privat duties which were required in 
 youre two last letters aboute Doctor Marta and my Lord Rosse. 
 
 Touching the complaynts of the first I was not altogether ignorant 
 before the receyte of y' sayed letter : having in some sort proceeded 
 
14 
 
 from mine owne aduise that he should rather direct his writings imme- 
 diatly to his Maiestie or to youre handes : imagining he would be more 
 substantial when he should send to the Fountayne : for his papers to me 
 were very emptie saue of complement or importunitie for monies. Now, 
 to speake somewhat farther of him without passion or wrong. 
 
 His Ma"° in his verbal instructions at my departure after some pre- 
 caution aboute the keeping of him still in appetite referred me in the 
 rest to my Predecessour : from whom I tooke a very right Character 
 of the man : that theare was good to be made of him but I should find 
 him full of Neapolitanarie which well translated are shiffts. I came 
 therefore prepared with this information not so much to consider his 
 nature as his vse. And accordingly when I had for some tyxae after 
 my arrival receaued from him certayne wilde proiects (which I repre- 
 sented thorough S' Raph Winwood to his Ma"') I aduised him to 
 beginn some solid worcke touching the Roman Churche: being a 
 practised man in that Court and besides well versed in the Canon lawes 
 which is the forge of all theire abuses : Vppon this perswasion he com- 
 posed the booke which I sent by one Wilde an English Marchant who 
 deliuered the same to S' Raph Winwood though I neuer hearde to this 
 howre more of it. In that Booke the last Chapter was touching the 
 Policies with which the Pope doeth gouerne the Princes of his flock : 
 whereof he only sent the Tytle reserving the treatice craftily enough 
 because he knewe it would moue desire. Hinc illse lachrimae. For 
 vppon this hath risen all the expostulation betweene him and me 
 myself lingring (as I had aduisement) his payments (saue only so 
 much as appeareth in the demaundes of my extraordinaries) and still 
 crying vppon him to perfect that Chapter as the most meritoriouse 
 wherein he should well deserue of his Maiestie and of the Christian 
 World to laye open those Roman devises. I could therefore ivishe 
 that his Ma"" would be pleased to take notice in a worde or two vnder 
 youre hande vnto him of those chapters that the King hath already 
 receaued (for so I suppose) and expresse his long expectation of the last 
 Chapter and laye the fault vppon me that his petition hath not been payed 
 
15 
 
 because I still kept the King in hope of the last and cheefest part. Vppon 
 the receyte whereof his M"" meaning was to sende him the whole 
 together. Something dressed in this fashion will serue two turnes : bothe 
 to content him and excite him. I haue in the meane tyme intertayned 
 him with a true excuse first grownded vppon the Kings absence in 
 Scotland then the death of S' Raph Winwood who was best acquaynted 
 with his propositions, and lastly, for want of a particular Patent by 
 vertue whereof such monies as shall be payed him heere may be re- 
 demaunded at home of my Lord Threserer. One thing I had almost 
 forgotten which he tooke somewhat vnkindly and vniustly. 
 
 While I pressed him to finishe the foresayed worcke he told me he had 
 an other thing in hande de prohibitione librorum whereof the scope was 
 to perswade the Italians to a libertie of reading for information of theire 
 consciences : wherein I gaue him all possible incouragement as well as 
 in the other : but when he would haue dedicated this latter worcke to 
 me I refused his curtesie because my name would haue given some 
 scandal vnto it in this Cuntrie even before the reading, and so haue 
 frustrated the fruict besides such prayers wherewith he had laden me in 
 the Epistle as would have taken all credit from the rest. 
 
 Howsoeuer, now I see because I was uncapable of his commendations 
 he hath made me the subiect of his complajmts : though bothe vn- 
 deseruedly. 
 
 Before I conclude aboute him, lett me saye thus much more. He 
 bewrayeth a desire of quitting his profession in Padoua, and retiring 
 vnder his Maiesties view : If the King shall conceaue more vse of him 
 theare then heere I will cherish that humour, wherein I attende his 
 M"°' good pleasure. 
 
 Now, concerning the points required aboute my L Rosse, I meane 
 how farr by my intelligence he hath proceeded at Rome, and what 
 foundation may be made vppon his owne promises of retume : honesting 
 his absence (as it seemeth) by some privat end which he would haue vs 
 thinke he aymes at abroade. 
 
 Surely to this his proceeding where he yet is hath been verie vn- 
 
16 
 
 sutable. For at his first arrival in that rotten place even before he had 
 visited his owne Cuntrimen he went with Diego and submitted himself 
 to the Court of Inquisition (thinking as the English Jesuites doe theare 
 interpret it who were somewhat distasted that a man of such qualitie 
 did not passe thorough theire handes) that such a voluntarie offer would 
 haue been taken without any farther probation, but therein (if that were 
 his drift) he was deceaued. For the Inquisitours did tender him eather 
 an oathe or a forme of confession (for in this poynt my intelligence is 
 not cleere) but whatsoeuer it was he swallowed it : which donn and 
 voiced owre Cuntrimen begann to worcke vppon M' Mole by his ex- 
 ample telling him that my Lord Rosse was become a sound Roman 
 Catholique : when that is so, (repUes the poore gentleman) I will be so 
 myself. Vppon which words (though spoken a la volee) a gentleman 
 was imployed (see how nimble they are) to wish my Lord Rosse to 
 open his conscience also to M' Mole whose conuersion did depend 
 vppon his. This brought them together though (for aught I heare 
 yeat) to smale porpose. 
 
 Of other particular circumstances of his behaviour theare I haue 
 formerly written. What iudgment may be made vppon the whole 
 leaue to his Ma"°^ wisedome. For my part, I can conceaue no imaginable 
 pretext of any privat scope that he can haue vnlesse it be to procure 
 M' Moles libertie by way or couler of conuersion, which I thinke he 
 would hardly alleadge for any excuse of his owne travayles. And thus 
 much in answer of the two poynts required by you. When I shall 
 vnderstande more I will discharge my dutie. This bearer Captayne 
 Henry Bell was recommended to the State by his M"^^ letters and to me 
 by youres. He hath heere increased rather his observation then his 
 fortune. I leaue the report of my endeuours for him to himself. 
 Surely he is a man of great skill and experience in the militarie way, 
 and of a right honest composition in the Civil : but such is the iniquitie 
 of fortune that such a State as this will make a Wassenhouen a Colonel 
 (who was before but a tuner of Virginals) and refuse the offers of an 
 able man. I haue heere made with him domestical acquayntaijce, and 
 
17 
 
 found his temper so fayre and discreete that I am bounde (Sir) to 
 reuert those commendations that you sent by him hether vnto youreself 
 whose loue may more avayle him. 
 
 He bringeth a letter from me to the King : wherein I haue taken the 
 boldnesse to beseeche his M"^ to grawnt me leaue to retume towards 
 this next Winter : by which tjmae I hope this Cuntrie will be at ease ; 
 and action cease : which is the subiect of penns. I shall then haue 
 been nine yeares his M"^' servant in this place if I reckon from my 
 beginning and three if I reckon from my last commission. So as in 
 respect of the tyme it is no irregular request. I humbly beseeche you 
 (Sir) that y' fauourable mediation may make it every way good. I haue 
 in truthe heere this last tyme been though not often in the state of a 
 decumbent yet seldome in cheerefuU health thorough distillations from 
 my head into my brest : to which I am naturally subiect and haue 
 found it now more increased by this vaporouse a)rre then before : per- 
 chaunce because I haue lesse vigour to resiste it. Besides, though my 
 fortune be of so smale compasse that I can aUeadge not many privat 
 occasions : yet theare be some of my frends who doe wishe me at home : 
 And peraventure I may light vppon a Widoe that will take pitie of me. 
 In conclusion, I shal be much bound to y' Honor for y"^ intercession 
 with the King in my behalf. 
 
 And so I rest 
 
 Venice this 4"" of With honest desire to 
 
 May 1618. serve you 
 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
 Right Honorable * 
 
 I will now onely present throughe your favourable handes vnto his 
 
 * Indorsed " Alia medesima." 
 D 
 
18 
 
 Ma"° a lytle storie of our late chaunges heere containing the deaths of 
 two Dukes, and choise of other two w'hin the compasse of sixe weekes. 
 These condolements and congratulations possesse vs at the present, 
 otherwise I shoidd tell you of a conspiracie detected against this state 
 for V^h certaine French Captaynes are close prisoners, and order giuen 
 forth by land and sea for the apprehension of more. It is a thing of 
 infinite noise, and falleth out vntowardly (for the multiplication of dis- 
 course) in the time of the French Ambassadours absence at Loretto to 
 visite that shrine. Before the next Post we shall see the bottom of it, 
 for euerie day the high Councell of Ten, and the Inquisitors of state do 
 sitt for that purpose and I am afraid there will appeare more then they 
 are willing to find, that the French and the Spaniards are closely agreed. 
 For the present I can say no more, And therefore I committ you to 
 Gods blessed loue. 
 
 Youre Honors at commaunde 
 Theare is much consulting among the Henry Wotton. 
 
 Theologes in Padoua aboute a Cen- 
 sure agaynst the writings of the Arche 
 Bishop of Spalato : aboute which I 
 shall intertayne his Maiestie by the 
 next Currier with the whole storie. 
 
 To the Right Hori^'' S" Thomas Lake Knight his Ma**"' Principall 
 Secretarie of Estate. At Court.* 
 
 Right Honourable 
 
 I gaue you in my last, some hght of a French conspiracie discouered 
 heere against this State, in due tyme, thoughe not long before the day 
 
 * Indorsed " The Conspiracie of Venice." 
 
19 
 
 appointed for the execution thereof. I must require eight daies more, 
 to make the King a perfitte accompte of it, for it hath not yett beene 
 fully communicated euen "w*h the Senate itselfe the Processe hauing 
 onely passed throughe the Counsayle of Ten and the three Inquisitors of 
 State, w^h are heere our blacke Magistrates. It is the foulest, and 
 fearefuUest thing that hath come to light since the foundation of the 
 Cittie. Hitherto, onely two and twentie haue beene strangled in prison, 
 whereof the first two were hanged all day vppon S' Marckes place at 
 publique view betweene the two fatall pillars. The bodies of the rest 
 haue beene drowned by the hangman in the Canale degli Orfani one of 
 theire deepest chanells in the silence of the night. Eight more (as we 
 heare) haue beene hanged out vpon the walls of Marano in Friuli, and 
 two are executed by the Generall Barbarigo at Sea, in his owne vessell, 
 vpon speciall order from the Counsayle of Ten. All these are meere 
 French w'hout mixture of other nation, Manie other that fled vpon the 
 first noise, (whereof some left theire clothes behinde them) are appre- 
 hended in Brescia, Bergamo, Verona, and other Townes of this state 
 lying towards Lombardie, w'h are likelie to runn the same fortune, and 
 aU this hath beene done in the vacancie of the Princedome. By the 
 next Post I will hope to dehuer the whole order of the Plot the extent 
 of theire malice, the Counsaylours and the Comforters w*h all other 
 remarckeable circumstances. 
 
 I shall not neede now to touch other thinges, for this and the Dukes 
 introduction (w^h wil be on Sunday w*h greate royaltie) is enoughe 
 for the present to distract vs. Therefore wishing his Ma"^ aU blessings 
 at home I humbly rest. 
 
 At youre Honors commaunde 
 From Venice this Henry Wotton. 
 
 25* of May 1618. 
 
20 
 
 Right Honourable.* 
 
 This weeke hath beene spent in the pompous Introducement of our 
 newe Duke Antonio Priuh : matter of httle edification. Of his Election 
 I haue giuen an accompt before. On Tuesday morning when he was 
 borne in an open litter vpon mens shoulders, and showed (as the maner 
 is) to the people, He is said to haue throwen away among them 
 
 in gold and siluer, 4000 Crownes, being by nature no admirer of monie, 
 and intruthe a wonderfull beloued man. The next daye he fell sicke 
 of the Goute, w°h at times doth take him, so as yet he hath not beene 
 congratulated w*haU by the publique Ministers. But I haue performed 
 that office w*h him in his Bed by my Secretarie, for no Ambassadours 
 can heere personally visitt the Prince in priuate w'hout more iealousie, 
 then the estimation of a complement will amounte vnto. In his oration 
 to the people he was as short" as he was large in his munificence, 
 concluding w*h a verie remarckeable exhortation of them, to a vigilant 
 zeale towards theire Countrie, by w'h (saide he,) we shall frustrate the 
 insidious malice of our aduersaries. A manifest allusion to the late 
 conspiracie. He is likely to hue long enoughe, (thoughe seuentie year 
 old) to receaue the honour of a congratulatorie letter from his 
 
 Ma"% as is of course, and therefore you (Sir) to hasten it hither, for 
 
 thoughe he a Cardinal! to his sonne, and thereby falleth w*hin the 
 
 rancke of those heere, w^h we call Papalini, in counter-diuision to the 
 Patriot!, yet he is a wise-moderate man, and doth both well vnderstande 
 and celebrate his Ma*'^' meritts. Of the French complott, (for w^h so 
 manie haue suffred death) I can yett send no full report, for to this daye 
 the counsayle of Ten, and the Inquisitours of state, (w'^h are our blacke 
 Magistrates) haue w'hheld the Processe from the Senate wli w^h Bodie 
 when it shalbe communicated, we shall catche a clearer knowledge of 
 all Circumstances. For the rest, we continue in the same fluctuation of 
 discourse, Vercelli not yet rendred, Ossuna not slacking his prouisions, 
 
 * Indorsed " AUa medisima." 
 
21 
 
 and these discouered practises arguing badd affections. Ferdinando, 
 hath now made himselfe King of Hungarie by denying nothing, and 
 will assuredlie by the same meanes, be king of the Romanes, for the 
 voice that hath runn of the Duke of Bauaria, (not a litle helped by the 
 Count Palatines visiting of him) sounds like a dreame, and althoughe 
 by one of your letters vnto me, you seeme to haue beene informed of 
 some difficulties that may lie in his way, I must craue pardon to thincke 
 otherwise ; for I haue beene bred some yeares in Germanie, and I am 
 too well acquainted w'h the Almaine Princes, to beleeue that they will 
 venter a ciuiU warre vpon the matter : Therefore here we contemplate 
 him akeadie as Emperour in semine, and his Resident hauing w*hin 
 these two dales pressed the state to reestablishe theire Commission in 
 Friuli, (w'^h by the deathe, of one of the other side, and reuocation of 
 one of Theirs to the Princedome, hath beene disturbed) the instance (as 
 you maye imagine) was gratefuU. I cannot end w'hout relating one of 
 the noblest thinges, newly done by this state that I haue euer before 
 scene among them, and yet subiect as all thinges are to diuersitie of 
 interpretations. The thing is this. As they made Antonio Priuli Duke in 
 his absence, so into his place of Procuratore, (thereby vacant) they haue 
 chosen Lorenzo Veniero likewise absent, who in the fighte w'h the 
 Ossunian fleete (as we call it) did behaue himselfe as brauely as the rest 
 infamously, soe as the state, in his aduauncement, hath plaine enoughe 
 affected the disgrace of his Companions. And this maketh the matter 
 the notable, because he had 31 Balls aboue anie Concurrent, 
 
 and 200 more then some otherwise of greate nation, notw*hstand- 
 
 ing the silent opposition against him of those families, who had of theire 
 freinds in the foresaide fighte. But this onely doth ouerchardge him 
 w'h enuie, that he hath borne it from a Competit of the howse of 
 
 Balbi, who hath more then twentie skarrs remaining on his bodie from 
 wounds receiued the battaile of Lepanto, so as in this there was a 
 conflict betwixt greatenes and freshnes of meritt 
 
 From Rome they write me, that my Lord Rosse doth line soe close, 
 shifting often his lodgings as it seemeth that none of my corrispondents 
 
22 
 
 can particularly saie to haue seene him of late ; And soe Sir for this 
 weeke I committ you to Gods loue. Resting, ever 
 
 At youre Hon'^ commaunde, 
 From Venice this Henry Wotton. 
 
 l"' of June. 1618. 
 
 Posts : I haue newly receaued from Doctor Marta such assurance of 
 some good seruices which he intendeth as hath made me resolue to 
 comfort him with monies : of bothe which I will giue his M"^ an ac- 
 coumpt by the next Post : I meane bothe of his vse and his satisfaction. 
 
 The Letter of the Cavalier Hercole de Salice to me. 
 
 Iir° et Ecc"" Sig'^ mio Sig"" col""°- 
 
 Sul principio del mese d' Aprile prossimo passato, scrissi a V. Ecc^* 
 la ricevuta deUa cortesissima sua, insieme con le commendatitie al S" 
 suo Nipote, et al S" Dre" Lingelsheim, per le quali le rendeuo quelle 
 piii affettuose gratie ch' io doueuo, per la prontezza del suo cortese 
 fauore. Ritomb il mio mandatario, et mi riferse il tardo ricapito di 
 dette lettere, et la periculosa infirmity dell' jll""" Sig" suo Nipote. con 
 tutto cib ne resto k V. Ecc^" infinitam*^ obligato. CoUa sud* vltima mia 
 anc* la supplicavo farmi gratia d' auuiso, done si potesse ritrouare, 
 queUa Phenice d' ogni sorte di Dottrina, D"^ Philippus Cluerius, che di 
 passaggio si ferm6 qui questo mese di Genaro, circa 15 giomi, Et dicen- 
 domj venirsene a drittura, a ritrouare V. Ecc^* suo singolariss™" Sig'^ et 
 Padrone, iu da me accompagnato con una mia a lei di racconfandatione ; 
 N^ mai piiij habbiamo potuto havere notizia done egU sia capitato. 
 Furono le sud° vltime mie d' Aprile consegnate ad un tfro Paesano, 
 
23 
 
 che sene veniua h drittura k quella volta, per darle in propria mano h 
 V. Ecc^" : Dalla quale, non hauendone riceuuto alcun minimo moto di 
 risposta confonne al suo cortesissimo solito, Concludo, che non gli siano 
 state rese. 
 
 Hora quanto all' institutione del CoUeggio, le dir6, che noi 4 Scholar- 
 chi Euangelici, facessimo chiamare, circa mezzo il mese d' Aprile solemni 
 Seruat^ forma ancor gli altri 2 Cattolici, li quali perb, proculdubio 
 inducti a suis sacerdotibus o per qualche altro rispetto, non volsero com- 
 parere Die indictsi et loco destinato di exigere detto CoUegio ; Cioe, a Sond* 
 luogo Metropolitano di tutta la Valtina. Noi si per essequire, ex 
 il Decreto publico, si come anc* per euitare qualunq imputatione di 
 partialitk di Religione, facessimo chiamare 1' Arciprete, con qualche 
 altri suoi Compagni, signi ficandoli la n ra Commissione, et essortandolo, 
 a proporci due soggetti di qualita idonee et habili ad' essere impiegati k 
 due Classi, Secondo che da noi sarebbero ordinati, per compire il numero 
 delle 6 Classi, conforme all' institutione nostra. M^ non solo costoro 
 protestorono per conscientia non potere condescenderui ; Anzi habbiamo 
 in effetto ritrouato, che quelli istessi, che a questo carecho, sono stati di- 
 uertiti per carico di conscienza. La onde hauendo noi ex abundanti, sup- 
 plito a quanto si conueniua, speriamo, che tutta questa schuola o CoUeggio 
 rester^ nelli Euangelici, Et in questo modo verra leuato quello tanto con- 
 siderabile obstacolo che premeua V. E. circa la mixtione d'ambe due Reli- 
 gioni. Habbiamo Deo Benedicente gia institute due anzi posso dire Tre 
 Classi, nonostante le graui murmurationi et machinamenti, che vengono 
 ordite, et tuttauia tessute in contrario, sub auspiciis principalm'^ d' alcuni 
 di quelli, quali dipendono da' fauori Gallo-Hispanizantium, ma non per 
 questo s'abbandonarkl'impresa, quin immo contra Deo fauente, audentiores 
 ibimus, modo sufficiens nobis adsit neruus, quale ancora fe molto, anzi trop- 
 po debole, per le graui oppositioni che uengono fatte in contrario, Et per 
 la infelice constitutione del goueme di questa Rep°*. Cosl causando Gallo 
 Hispanismo. Per il ch^, post Deum, s' ha riposto la principale speranza 
 et appoggio fondamentale, nella pia, et benignissima munificenza della 
 m** della gran Britagna, per mezzo del fauore efl&cacissimo di V. Ecc"^, 
 
24 
 
 alia quale immediatam** si ricorre, per consiglio, indirizzo, et aggiuto 
 principalm*^ ; desiderando di sapere, se ella giudica ispediente ch' il S" 
 G)Tnnasiarcha, con qualche suo Compagno Ordinis Ecclesiastici, per- 
 sona di qualita, vadino a ritrouare per tale effetto S. Mj*". Con che. 
 ordinij commissioni, et instruttioni ? poichfe mixta forma Religionis,nos- 
 trae Reipublicse non permette che in nomine publico si falli quell' offitio, 
 che si conuerrebbe : Desiderarebbono certo questi 2. Sig" abboccarsi 
 prima con V. Ecc^^. Mh non sanno come farlo incognitam" per non 
 scorrere pericolo troppo euidente ; Intomo a ch^ staremo quanto 
 prima aspettando U suo prud™° parere per deliberare insieme, quid facto 
 opus sit, alia prossima if ra Dieta di Coira, intimata per mezzo il mese 
 futuro di Luglio, doue si ritrouaremo insieme ; Et per cih la supplico 
 farme gratia della sua amoreuolissima risposta, per mezzo del Sig" Mo- 
 randi ; In tanto, a Dio piacendo, fra 8. giorni, spero transferirmi colla 
 mia famiglia al mio luogo di Cruschio, di la da monti, per schifare gli 
 excessivi caldi chel' Estate sogliono regnare in questo luogo. Vengono 
 giornalm*^ riferite molte cose circa 1' trattati scuoperti in diuerse parti, 
 contra il Stato della Ser"" Rep"*. M^ in tanto nonne ricessiamo alcun 
 senza fondamento ? Con cio le faccio humile riuerenza, et le faccio hu- 
 milm*° le mani augurandole dal Creatore celeste ogn' mag" prosperita. 
 
 Di Cor au* aUi f|- Giugno 
 
 Di. V. Ecc^" 1618. 
 
 AuUco et perpetuo cordial""". 
 
 Hercole de Salice. 
 
 *Supphcole darci in materia di questo Collegio tutti quelli ricordi, in- 
 dirizzi, et fauori che saranno proprij della sua solita prudenza, et singu- 
 lare pieta, non solo appresso la M'^ del Re suo Signore ma del Signer 
 Palatine et altri Prencepi dell' Vnione et alii Signbri Stati delle Provenese 
 libere. 
 
 * " Postscript transcribed by S' Henry Wotton." 
 
25 
 
 Foregoing Letter Translated. 
 
 Concerning the institution of the CoUedge, wee foure Scholarchi 
 Euangehci, about the middle of the moneth of April, (solemni seruata 
 forma) caused to be called the other two Scholarchi who notwithstanding 
 (proculdubio inducti a suis sacerdotibus) or for some other respect 
 would not appeare Die indicta et loco destinato, to make vpp the sayd 
 CoUedge. namely att Sonda, the metropolitan of all the Voltolina. There, 
 as well exactly to execute the Publique Decree, as also to eschew what- 
 soeuer imputation of partiality in Religion, wee caused the Archpriest to 
 be called with some other of his companions, shewing them our .com- 
 mission, and exhorting them to propound two such subiects as might be 
 fitt to be imployed, for the two Classi, according as wee should giue 
 order, for the fitting vpp the number of the 6 Classi, according to our 
 institution. 
 
 Butt they did nott only protest that they could nott condescend for 
 conscience sake : Nay wee haue found in effect, that euen those, whom 
 wee thought fitt for that busines, and who formerly seemed to incline to 
 the Acceptation of that charge, haue bene diuerted for conscience sake. 
 
 Whence wee hauing abundantly supplyed what was fitting on our 
 parts, wee hope that this whole schoole or CoUedge shall remaine to the 
 Euangelici. By which meanes, wee shall be able to remoue considerable 
 obiection which y' Lordship made aboutt the mixing of both Religions. 
 
 Deo Benedicente, wee haue already instituted two Heads of the Tre 
 Classi, notwithstanding the great murmurings and machinations to the 
 contrary. Sub auspiciis especially of some which depend vpon the 
 fauoure Gallo-Hispanizantium. Yeat for all this wee will not abandon our 
 enterprise, quin immo contra, Deo fauente, audentiores ibimus, modo 
 sufficiens nobis adsit neruus the which is yeat much to weake, by 
 reason of the great Opposition made against vs, and thorough the 
 vnhappy constitution of Gouemment of this Republique proceeding from 
 Gallo-Hispanismo. Wherefore, post Deum, wee ripose our principall 
 
 E 
 
26 
 
 hope, vpon the pious, and most benigne munificence of his Maiesty of 
 Great Britta)ai, by meanes of y'" Lordships powrfull fauoure, whervnto 
 wee doe immediately recurre for counsell, direction, and help ; desiring 
 especially to know, if you thinke itt Expedient that our Gymnasiarcha, 
 accompanyed with some EcclesiasticaU persons of quality, should repayre 
 to his maiesty for this purpose. And with what Orders, Commissions, 
 and Instructions ? Since that mixta forma Religionis nostras Reipublicse 
 doth nott permitt vs (as were conuenient) to doe itt in nomine Publico. 
 Those two Gentlemen could desire first to haue spoken to youre L^'^'pp, 
 butt know nott how to doe itt without incurring some danger of being 
 knowne. Concerning which wee expect with all speed youre iudicious 
 aduise, that wee may deUberate together, quid facto opus sit, att our 
 next Diett in Coira, intimated for the middle of June next, where wee 
 are to meete. And therefore I beseech you fauoure me with youre 
 courteous answere etc. 
 
 Hercole di Salice. 
 
 The Postscript 
 
 I desire you concerning the busines of this Colledge, to further vs 
 with those counsells, directions and fauors, which youre wonted prudence, 
 and singular piety, shall thinke fit and necessary, nott onely with his 
 maiesty the King youre master butt also with the Prince Palatine, and 
 other Princes of the vnion, and the states of the free Prouinces. 
 
 To his most Sacred Maiestie. 
 May it please youre most Sacred Maiestie 
 
 The bearer heereof is M' Isaac Burgrave my late Chapelan in this 
 place : of whose discretion and zeale having taken good experience 
 
27 
 
 abroade. I haue now been bold to addresse him vnto youre Maiestie by 
 youre fauorable admittance with a buisinesse not vnworthy (as I may 
 confidently saye) bothe of youre goodnesse and of youre greatnesse : 
 appearing in ipso semine of singular consequence to the Christian world 
 as some wel affected persons heere doe esteeme it. The subiect itself, 
 the motiues, and the fruict wilbe presented vnto youre Maiestie in a few 
 notes that come heerewith. And so leaving it to youre High Wisedome 
 I ever humbly rest 
 
 Youre Maiesties faythfull 
 From Venice the poore Vasal 
 
 4'" of July 1618. Henry Wotton. 
 
 To the right Honorable (Sf Thomas Lake Knight his M'"" principal 
 Secretarie of Estate. 
 
 Right Honorable. 
 
 I will deale playnly with you w"** is the best waye to conserue y"^ 
 fauour. 
 
 Theare are diuerse letters come hether of y*^ retirement from the 
 Court, which hath made me addresse a dispatche at this tyme to S"^ 
 Robert Nanton ; and the rather because it is in answer of a letter from 
 him written by his Maiesties direction. Yet lett me tell you that My L. 
 Rosse is lately gonn from Rome to Napels in a Litter accompagned with 
 a Spanish Fryar who shall line with them theare : where he hath taken 
 a howse for some three or foure moneths. 
 
 I haue payed Doctor Marta a hundred powndes : and directed a 
 demaunde thereof vnto you to be payed to S' Wilham Garawaye. Don 
 
28 
 
 Pedro maketh new levies : but we hope they are to help the Emperour 
 against the motions of Bohemia rather then to assayle owre frontiers. 
 This is all wherewith I will trouble you. in hast. rema)Tiing 
 
 ,. . Y' Hon" w''' affection to 
 
 Venice 
 
 the 4'" of serue you 
 
 July. Henry Wotton. 
 
 Right Honorable* 
 
 I haue newly receaued by one M' Keire a Scottish gentleman youre 
 letters written by his Maiesties direction more then two moneths 
 sithence in behalf of S' Henry Peyton : wherevnto before I make my 
 humble answer It shalbe fitt to acquant his Maiestie with diuerse things 
 bothe touching the state of this Cuntrie, and some other intervenient 
 mater wherein I will beginn first of all with a late accident w"*" did keepe 
 me some dayes even from congratulating with this new Duke albeit that 
 oflB.ce had been perfourmed not only by all other publique Ministers heere 
 resident but likewise by one extraordinarie Ambassadour expresly sent 
 to that perpose from the Duke of Vrbine, and therefore you may imagin 
 that the cause of my forbearance was verie sensible : whereof this is the 
 storie, 
 
 I sent my Steward to invite my Lord of Oxforde and my Lord Graye 
 to dine the next day with me : who returning somewhat late home in my 
 Lord of Oxfords Gondola was not farr from the Arsenale stayed by a 
 ruffianlike fellow that cales himself per buffoneria the Conte Piero and 
 was at that tyme Captayne of the watche though otherwise by profession 
 a shipwright, and therein of so singular vse to the State that they are 
 now and then contented to wincke at his madd humors. This man 
 accompagned with a sutable Trayne takes my Stewarde then alone and 
 
 * Indorsed " S' H. Wotton's last letters dated at Venice 5° Julij 1618." 
 
29 
 
 vnarmed (^after information tayrely given him whose he was and whether 
 he was going) out of my Lord's Gondola, carries him to the Arsenale, 
 handles the mater so that he is kept all night in a filthie roome vnder 
 guarde as a prisoner, returnes to him agayne in the morning and then 
 besides other contemptuouse vsage tels him in verie distinct language 
 that if he had not the night before sayed that he did belong to the Ambas- 
 sadour of the King of England he would haue lett him goe : which wordes 
 he repeated three several tymes even after warning to take heede what 
 he sayed. This being of it self intollerable was made much worse by 
 coincidence with a tyme wherein a foreine conspiracie having been so 
 newly detected, and the processe thereof as yet vnfinished my mans 
 retention, and the insuing wordes of such pregnant consequence begann 
 to breede some voice that owre nation had a hande in those foule buisi- 
 nesses, and theare could not want heere fomentors of this conceyte : 
 some for hate of owre religion, some for diversion from others, and some 
 even vppon sportful malice. AH which having considered after the dis- 
 mission of my servant by wiser folkes then those that tooke him, I made 
 my complaynt to the High Councel of Ten : who immediatly gave such 
 order that the felow was snatched vp in the open place of S' Marcks and 
 thence caried to close prison. After this I demaunded sentence agaynst 
 him proportionable to his offense bothe for violating the immunitie of my 
 familie and espetially for his opprobriouse wordes whereby the Kings 
 honor was touched and Scandal put vppon owre nation. The Councel 
 of Ten considering my compla3Tit to infolde respect of State, and theire 
 Tribunal to be rather iudicatorie did remitt the mater to the Senat : 
 which made me recurr by my Secretarie to the Duke for a speedie and 
 congruouse sentence : protesting that notwithstanding my Masters 
 affection and mine owne particular zeale to this State I could appeare no 
 more in the seate of Ambassadours (which is at the right hand of the 
 Duke) after such an indignitie and violation without some publique iudg- 
 ment to satisfie the world. 
 
 To be short. After the hearing of my servants report the felow was 
 condemned to perpetual imprisonment senza luce never to be freed 
 
30 
 
 without my assent and desire and then, to make a confession of his 
 fault, and submission of himself at my howse. Heerevppon I did 
 instantly deliuer him as not delighting in his miserie, though iustly 
 incensed with his error : for in truthe an error it was : having mistaken 
 his commission which (as I afterwardes heard) was to stopp the servants 
 of some other publique person if they should faU within his walke. 
 Thus all parties are satisfyed. The State to whom I haue restored an 
 vseful man, the Representants of other Princes who were Scandalized 
 with the example, owre nation likewise that might haue come into some 
 obloquie, and lastly the fellow himself is perchaunce not the least 
 contented. It remayneth that his Maiestie by youre opportune re- 
 membrance wiU be pleased to take notice heereof to the Venetian 
 Ambassadour for the respect which vppon this occasion hath been heere 
 showed towards his sacred name. 
 
 I haue now visited the Prince who vsed me with singular kindenesse : 
 whereof he hath the true art, and did his Maiestie much right in caling 
 him the most intelligent Prince on the Earthe, and la vera anchora di 
 questa Republica nelle occasioni turbulente. Of owre Nation he spake 
 honorably though from some others (sayed he) we haue receaued smale 
 satisfaction. Whether he ment the French or the Fleamish I dare not 
 affirme. Of the late practises his discourse was verie tender : giving 
 me only thus much light that they were well informed of the fountajme, 
 and willing that I should rather conceaue it to come from the Spanish 
 side (though the Frenche were the instruments) then he saye so. This 
 was all that I then drewe from him. 
 
 To couple Homogenea. Theare is an other satisfaction to be related 
 which hath been heere given me wherein I assure my self his Ma''° 
 will take good contentment as I haue donn in the discharge of my dutie 
 thereiQ. Some two moneths sithence arrived heere S' Thomas Strudder 
 from Bruxelles who since the 23"' of January last had closely (I knowe 
 not yeat by what meanes made a contract with this State to serve them 
 at an hundreth Crownes of monethly pension : Heere at his first arrival 
 he followed his owne buisinesse and ends without taking any notice that 
 
31 
 
 his M"* had a servant vppon the place, and when he thought himself 
 setled, then he bestowes a visit vppon me. This is the man that in the 
 Arche Dukes Court hath majraly opposed himself to all his Maiesties 
 Instruments as M"" Trumbal can well relate : valuing himself with pro- 
 fession of Catholicisme and so recommended hether where he begann 
 presently to insinuat (as I gatt knowledge) with the Popes Nuntio : 
 Wherevppon considering how vnseemely it was for this Republique to 
 cherish such an ill affected fugitive (w"'" they had donn for lack of due 
 information) and waying withall that his aboade heere (where many 
 Englishe haunte) could breede no good effects I made a little civil 
 expostulation with the State aboute him, and prevayled so farr (his 
 owne presumptuouse behauiour cooperating with me) that he was 
 dismissed, and so betooke himself in a Pilgrimes weede to the Shryne 
 of Loreto and thense to Rome : quo omnia flagitiosa et pudenda conjluunt 
 as you knowe who sayed of it long sithence even when it was better. 
 
 I am now after thease duties at ease to discourse somewhat of the 
 present affayres : which seeme reduced to this question : Whether since 
 the restitution of Vercelli the King of Spayne intende farther to molest 
 the Venetians eather by Sea or by Land. In this coniectural subiect 
 nothing doeth trouble vs more then the caling of the Spanish Ambas- 
 sadour from hense to Milan, who though he hath left heere his Secretarie 
 and the Kings Armes ouer his doore (hke a returner) yet some construe 
 it for a civil withdrawing of himself before the moment of rupture. But 
 this poynt I will cleere : For certa3nie it is or at least so beleeued by 
 himself that Don Pedro intended to make him the Instrument of yeilding 
 Vercelli : but the Ambassadour being loath to be imployed in that which 
 the Governor thought his owne disgrace interposed delayes : sending to 
 borrowe the Duke of Mantouaes Barge to carie him vp the Po even when 
 he was required to come in post, and so covering apparent dilation with 
 State : In which meane while the Govemour being extreamely pressed 
 by the Frenche gaue vp the place while this Ambassadour was on the 
 waye. whom he yet detayneth theare (as I will thinke till I see farther 
 cause) for a little amuzement of his Neighbours. 
 
32 
 
 It is more considerable in my opinion that Don Pedro (as we are 
 intelligenced) hath yet some 12000 foote and 2300 horse in readinesse, 
 and that he hath given order for a supplie of his Cavallarie, and for a 
 fresh Regiment of Swizzers. It is likewise very probable if Ossuna 
 shall retume into the Gulf (for at the present he hath no armed vessels 
 therein) that then Don Pedro will make head towards owre confines to 
 healp him at least by way of distraction. But being so strong as we are 
 at Sea, eased of contribution to Savoye, neere a conclusion of peace in 
 Friuli, and the motions in Bohemia seconded (as they write from Au- 
 gusta) by the Austrians and Hungarians why should we fear any more 
 noise in Italic ? espetially the Spaniard being well assured that thease 
 Signori in case of mine and desperation (if they shall neede sharper 
 diuersions) will Acheronta mouere : I meane, tume the Turcke into 
 Calabria among the silke wormes. Yet true it is that besides the late 
 French conspiracie some close and daungerous plotts vppon the fron- 
 tering Towns of Crema and Brescia are newly come to light, and six 
 persons haue been sent hether in fetters two from the one place and 
 foure from the other (among whom a woeman of qualitie) whom Don 
 Pedro had practised : So as we may thinke that without thease sea- 
 sonable discoveries somewhat had been donn, and the same must haue 
 been made good by an armie. Herevppon among owre Politiques hath 
 been moued a pretie doubt : what foundation in such a case the Vene- 
 tians might make vppon the Duke of Savoye. And for aught I per- 
 ceaue they all inferr that being so newly setled he would hardly reenter 
 into action for their sakes : espetially having receaued and perchaunce 
 reserued some notable disgust for the peace which theyre Ministers 
 signed in Paris without his participation or inclusion. 
 
 I will seale thease discourses with an observation which hath been 
 taken vppon the whole mater by men of graue iudgment. That though 
 the King of Spayues owne intentions be supposed to be quiet yet in a 
 t3rme which requireth quick counsayles, and in a Cuntrie more importing 
 him then any other (for if he faynt in Italic he will dissolue in the rest) 
 he hath been forced thorough the seperation of his Estates to leaue 
 
33 
 
 himself much in the handes of his ministers with some hazard of the 
 publique repose. And thus much of the present condition of the tyme 
 wherein we haue not yet perfectam crisim though theare be a kinde 
 
 of cnrvpi^la. 
 
 Now, Touching his Maiesties directions in behalf of S' Henry Peyton 
 so effectually set downe by youre pen. 
 
 I must first professe that he is my particular frend and therefore 
 besides my dutie even in privat respect I shalbe glad to presse his 
 advauntage, but having sent me a forme of his Commission and Con- 
 tracte, I finde it so deficient that I wonder in good faythe so judiciouse 
 a gentleman could loue himself so little. I hold that opinion of bar- 
 ga)nis with states that Aristotle doeth of Lawes : of which (as you well 
 knowe) those in his iudgment are the best that leaue least to the Judge. 
 And surely those contracts are likewise the Wisest which leaue least to 
 fauour : w''"' I feare this worthie Knight will finde heere : espetially 
 coming when the Gofers peraduenture beginn to sounde. Not to 
 trouble you with all particulars theare is in his contract one vnfortunate 
 worde di moneta corrente which will irremediably preiudice him at least 
 8 per 100 in his receyts. This I speake by way of provision that no 
 want be imputed to me if he misse his contentment : which others haue 
 not altogether had even when they might chalenge it. And of mine 
 owne endeuors for him when he arriueth (of which we wonder not yeat 
 to haue heard) I will render the King as you require a particular 
 accoumpt. 
 
 Theare doeth remayne for the last part of this dispatche a buisinesse 
 or two of secret and important qualite : which haue made me commit it 
 to an honest Marchant, and to impose hast vppon him. For the first. 
 It may please his M"^ to vnderstande that theare is in Augusta one 
 Philip Hainhoffer a Patricius of that smale Communitie. This man 
 holds correspondence with diverse Princes, and doeth much desire to 
 haue some relation towards the King. In plajmer language, a pension 
 of aboute one hundred powndes yearly: promising to intertajTie his 
 M''° with many curiouse things. I haue not with him any acquayntance 
 
 p 
 
34 
 
 by sight : but I finde him by his letters and by report easie to be 
 moulded as we list : wherevppon I haue lately conceaued a notable vse 
 of him for the Kings service. Augusta (his natural seate) is the place 
 where aU the letters and pacquets doe weekely concentrate and theare 
 they be first seavered in the Common Valigia and thense distributed to 
 and fro into sundrie parts. Now, the thing that I would wishe donn 
 is the intercepting of the Jesuites pacquets, and particularly those that 
 passe vltra citraque betweene the English Preests in England and Rome, 
 and the intermediat places of Rhemes, Doway, S' Omers and other. 
 This can be donn no where so feately as in Augusta, nor by none so 
 easily as himself who commaunds theare the Master of the Posts and by 
 his correspondence from diuerse parts hauntes him weekely. So that 
 he hath great opportunitie to doe this thing : and may transport them 
 continually to his Maiestie thorough youre handes vnder a new Couer. 
 If therefore it may please the King to giue me authoritie to handle this 
 buisinesse with him, and to promisse him his graciouse fauor vppon 
 such a peece of meritoriouse curiositie I will tentatively propounde it 
 vnto him in my retume homewardes that way : and be provided in the 
 meane while by a frend I haue in Rome to instruct him vnder what 
 seales and names those intelligences passe, and with some other cir- 
 cumstances belonging to this mater : Wherewith I was well acquaynted 
 in my first Ambassage when the Jesuites were heere, and heald theire 
 weekely intercourse with Rome. Captayn Henry Bell (who is ere 
 this tyme arrived in England) was soUicited by this man in his late 
 passage by Augusta to represent his deuotion to the King : from whom 
 (if it please you) you may take some farther description then I can giue 
 of him without any mention of this proiect which I humbly commit to 
 y' closest Cabinet ; Since the lyfe of it is the secrecie. 
 
 The other buisinesse is of greater consequence and worthie of the 
 Kings wise and Christian care : which I haue now committed to M' 
 Isaac Bargraue my late Chapelan with whom I spent much conference 
 aboute it heere. He hath order from me to repayre vnto you and I 
 hope well, by y' fauour to be introduced to his M"° when the mater 
 
35 
 
 shall first haue passed the file of y"^ owne iudgment. Now, a word 
 touching myself and so I will humbly take my leaue. 
 
 I besought his M"° by the forenamed Captayn Bell to grawnt mine 
 owne retume vnto his comfortable sight towards next winter : Since 
 when 1 haue considered that the Summer spends a pace ; and besides 
 I would fayne see a full end of owre noise which being not likely to be 
 before the cold wether I shalbe cast into a very incommodiouse passage. 
 Therefore (Sir) I humbly beseeche you that by y'' fauorable intercession 
 I may returne towards the begraning of next Marche and in the meane 
 tyme be furnished with his M"" letters of reuocation, and with his 
 farther commaundes aboute the propositions now made 
 
 And in all this or any thing else that may healp my poore fortune. 
 
 I doe hartUy begg y' loue as I doe vnenviousely wish y"" prosperitie : 
 
 having been long acquajoited with youre worthinesse. From Venice 
 
 this 5* of July 1618. 
 
 Youre Hon'^ with true 
 
 deuotion . 
 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
 In* answer to my L. Ambassadours propositions, concerning the 
 raysing of OrthodoxaU Seminaryes. His Maiesty' pleasure is. That 
 whereas the ma3me considerable poynt now propounded was, (whether 
 the Grisons Gjmmasiarcha, with some other Eccleesiasticall persons, 
 should repayre immediatly, to the King or treat the busines there with 
 my L. Ambas :) Y' Honour should signify to him, that his maiesty best 
 liked that which he himselfe had aduised, which was, that because such 
 an open deputation of persons would rayse more noyse then were fitt, 
 he should inuent some meanes to treat it there in Italy with the sayd 
 Gymnasiarcha etc. And to that purpose you should giue my L. Am- 
 bassadour commission to handle the busines with them in his Maiesty' 
 name. As likewise in his way-home, to treat itt with the Comxt Pa- 
 
 * The Address is illegible. 
 
36 
 
 latine, the Prince of Orange, or the other German Princes of the Vnion, 
 all which he doubted not would further a busines of such consequence 
 to the Christian world. 
 
 And In the meane time his Maiesty Gratiously promiseth, that against 
 my L. Ambassadours retume he will prepare my L' Grace of Canterb : 
 and some other good Byshops, for giuing furtherance to such Collections 
 as shall be made for the setting forward of that good worke, and that 
 therfore my L. Ambas : immediatly giue notice to his maiesty, of all his 
 proceedings in this busines. 
 
 Venetia, July 9'" 1618. 
 
 Good S'. 
 
 Imediately before M' Pennistons departure wee receiued letters fro 
 you, wherin you say, that one onely letter of mine, hath come vnto your 
 hands since our partinge : I doe assure you, that I haue not fayled to 
 answare eu y one of yours, for that I holde wee tyed vnto. your counsayle 
 for padoua shewes your care of mee, wherunto I des3rre to apply my 
 selfe very seariously, but can not yett, beeinge diuerted by my Lo^ busi- 
 nesses.* Since you Counsayle mee, I haue write vnto S' Tho : Wotton 
 (mine owne character) in a free, honest, ingenuous letter, and wheras 
 you say hee loues mee : ytt giues mee occasion not onely of greate ioy, 
 & contentment, but of thankfulness also to your selfe, Avho must needes 
 haue beene the meanes, & cause of so good an effect, for y° directinge 
 your owne courses, God bee your Guide alwayes. 
 
 Now for newes : the booke agaynst y' Archbishopp of Spal : is not yett 
 come out, but is dayly looked for, with a greate deale of expectation, 
 for ytt is likely (they say) to make good sport, so foolish a peece of 
 worke ytt is. Aboute a fortenight since a preist of S' Jeremia was taken 
 
 * In the margin is written " My Lo. of Oxforde goes from hence this next weeke 
 towarde Englande by the way of Heydleberge." 
 
37 
 
 and put in prison for hauinge had to doe with the Mother, the two 
 daughters, and a httle hoy their brother, beside many pretty sHght 
 things that hee hath conf itted, by y" order of y° Consigho de i dieci hee 
 was imprisoned, the Patriarch & Popes Legate require hee may bee 
 dehu ed ou into their hands for y* poynt of Justice, beeinge an Eccle- 
 siastical! p~son : they refuse ytt w*'' this answare, that seeinge this delin- 
 quent, had beene formerly complajna'd agaynst, vnto j' sayde Cardinall, 
 notwithstandinge no redress nor punishment imposed : vpon a seacond 
 complaynt, they of the Consiglio di dieci, have thought fitt to take the 
 matter into their owne hands, and to punish accordingly; the Popes 
 hoHness pretends his interest & requires the prisoner to bee deliued vnto 
 y^ Ecclesiasticall Justice,* & thease Signiori require a tyme for their 
 answare : in conclusion one of thease two must very probably foUowe, 
 ejrther a shamefuU rebuffe to thease Sig' w*'' the loss of their reputation 
 formerly gayned in the like case, or else Excommunication : w'* of the 
 two is the likelier. I will now add mine owne story w'** I formerly 
 
 promised you. My Lo : of Oxford who vseth mee very nobly & whom 
 I may nowe call my Patron, hauinge made ytt my suite to acknowledge 
 mee for one of his and beeinge granted mee most freely with the 
 promise of all courtesy, & fauour (that might bee possible) would haue 
 me supp w* him one night, sent me his Gundelo, beeinge somwhat late, 
 I ame caught by the way, carried before the Officers of y" Arsenall 
 com~itted most courteously to prison that night, the next morninge sett 
 at hberty with certaine CoUionarias etc. By order fro* my Lo : I goe to 
 Gregorio, to complayne most greuously, vnto y* College, in Conclusion 
 the Cheefe of y^ Guardia is putt in prison al scuro, & their lyes for 
 20 dayes, meanes is vsed for his hberation, my Lorde will haue him 
 sentenced accordinge to the qualitie of the offence, hauinge prated too 
 saucily, to solicite this, and to assure that ytt was truth w'''' Gregorio 
 had formerly deliuered in y' College, conceminge that matter I goe into 
 
 * In the margin is written " or at least some Ecclesiasticall person to be ioyned in Com- 
 mission with them ; the process is made agaynst him, and no Churchman allowed to 
 haue any thinge to doe in ytt." 
 
38 
 
 y^ College with him to assure the" of ytt w**" a large testimony of my 
 qualitys intjonated by his Lo^*"' in his note at the same tyme to y' Prince. 
 I receiue good wordes, this saucy fellowe condempned to p'petuall 
 imprisonment, my Lo. infediately (on submission and recantation) setts 
 him at hberty, and there ends the business :' but I may tell you whether 
 for affection to mee, or for y^ cause ytt selfe, aggrauated much by the 
 troublesomness of the tyme : I neuer knewe him carry business so 
 stoutly and so valiently, in all my dayes, w"*" hath gayned him a greate 
 deale of respect, of all partes, as well of the Italians as of his owne. 
 this benifitt I receiued by ytt (in recompence of my retention, to haue 
 scene y' prince, and senate, with their principall Courtes and Offices, 
 senza pagar niente : The. newes this day fro" Germany is as foUoweth 
 Archiduca Leopoldo mandaua 30 pezi d'artigliaria al Archiduca di 
 Spira p~ prouedere la fortezza di vinhaiem, che il detto Archiduca forti- 
 ficaua vicino al Rheno ; haueua di passar gli 30 petzi d' Artill, accom- 
 pagniati di 300 fanti su 1' confini di Marches! d' Anspach p" spatio di 3 
 hore, del ch^ auertito il ser™° Elettor palatino gli fece Amboscata con 
 3000 huomini, taglio in pezzi tutti 300 fanti, presa 1' Artilleria, e poi 
 con altri 3000 fanti, e mille caualli sotto il condotto di principe d' An- 
 halt, andb a vienhaiem e destrusse tutta la fortificazion che era fatta : 
 dopo il qual fatto si trasferi sua Ex^* accompagniata dalli sudetti 
 Marchese d' Anspach & principe d' Anhalt, & Marchese di Dorlhan 
 a Stookart, residentia del Duca di Wertenberge, k trattar con quel 
 Duca: — This is all y° p"sent affordes, as any thinge else may fall 
 within my knowledge I will giue you an accoumpt of ytt, so far as is 
 conuenient, reseruinge the seacresie of my masters counsells which you 
 desire not to bee acquainted with). Wee heare ill newes of M' Richard 
 Seamor, that he should bee sla)me in France, wee all hope 3rtt is not 
 true : Wee bee all very well at your seruise, I haue beene extreame 
 sicke but ame nowe recouered hauinge ouercome a terrible feauor, the 
 stone, & certayne other conspiringe diseases agaynst my life : 
 
 Your most obedient seruant at com'and, 
 
 : Venice July 9 : 1618 : Will. Leete. 
 
39 
 
 Right Honourable.* 
 
 The changes of this weeke are fewe. In Friuh the Treatie not yet 
 setled ; touching w^h we heare that the Archduke Ferdinando, hath by 
 an expresse Currier besoughte the Pope, to keepe fast this State to theire 
 promises, fearing some alteration of counsell, vpon the motions in 
 Bohemia. 
 
 Don Piedro by oure last Intelligence, did encline to disarme. 
 
 The Genoesi are growen extreamely iealious of France. The Viceroy 
 of Naples continueth his preparations, w°h if it should resolue into some 
 enterprise vppon Morea, might perchaunce infolde this state in some 
 warre w'h the Turcke, and therefore we doe more apprehende it, then 
 his reentrance into the Gulfe, but the Turkish Admirall who hath taken 
 some alarum at the Neapolitan leuies and ships, is coming abroad w'h a 
 considerable fleete w^h I beleeue {thoughe it he none of his ends) luill 
 quiet Italie. 
 
 The Signorie is aduertised that the 12 Holland vessels w'h came to 
 theire seruice, were on the way assayled by the Spanish shipps w'hout 
 the straights, on the 24"" of the last month, which after the losse of 
 manie men, were beaten by them into the harbours of theire owne coast. 
 This breedeth heere different affections. Some reioice in the harme and 
 disgrace of Spaine, some feare their exasperation ; but nothing doth 
 comfort vs more, then a certaine hasty hope, that this encounter may 
 breede a netv rupture in the Low-Prouinces especially considering that 
 they need a warr to extinguish the inward diuisions, and the pretext is 
 opportune. 
 
 We haue priuate Intelligence from the Eastern parts of Itahe, that our 
 English auxiliarie vessels (in number seauen) are arriued at Corfu, but 
 the State is yet vnaduertised thereof by anie Fregate from the Armada. 
 
 Some thincke that this w°h foUoweth wilbe the Criticall weeke wherein 
 we shalbe able to iudge of the future peace or disquiet. Till when I am 
 
 * Indorsed " Alia medesima." 
 
40 
 
 not willing to trouble youre Hon' any further for thease are but rapso- 
 dies a la vol6e. And so I humbly rest 
 
 ■p -TT . Youre Hon^ to serue 
 
 l^rom Venice 
 
 this 19"^ of Julie 7°^ with all affection 
 
 1618. Henry Wotton. 
 
 Posts : I am aduertised from home that his M"' did enquire of one 
 who came from hence whether he had heard of a French conspiracie 
 agaynst this State : wliich makes me much bewayle mine owne misfor- 
 tune : who being so little able to supererrogat should at least haue been 
 glad that mine ordinarie duties might haue had a better passage to his 
 graciouse eare : For long sithence at the first discouerie I gaue his M"° 
 an accoumpt of that practise : though still reseruing a fuller report, because 
 even to this howre the State hath acquaynted no publique Representant 
 therewith. Whether some things doe yet neede a little farther inquisi- 
 tion before the botome be layed open or that they will make no full 
 discouerie for feare of irritation till theire peace be setled I dare not 
 affirme : but sure I am that in the meane tjrme they lie vnder much 
 clamour from the French : not the stillest perhaps of all Nations in such a 
 case : which in conclusion must force them by some publique writing to 
 satisfie the World : 
 
 At the Closing of this we haue aduertisement from Napels that my 
 Lord Rosse dyed theare the 8"" of this present July after 9 dayes sick- 
 nesse of a burning feaver having disposed of all his mouables in those 
 parts to the King of Spayne. but of this later poynt I shall write more 
 certaynly by the next Currier. 
 
41 
 
 To the Right Hon"" /S'' Robert Nanton Knight, His Maie*'" Principal 
 Secrctarie of Estate. At Court. 
 
 From Venice this 
 26"" of Julie 1618. 
 
 Right Honourable 
 
 Vnder this date I write two lettres vnto you, whereof the present is 
 the latter, and is written to correct the former, for whereas in the same I 
 aduertised, that an execution had beene done vpon certaine mutinous 
 persons of the Holland troupes that had fortified themselues, against the 
 General on the shore of Dalmatia, (w^h I tooke from the first voice) 
 there is now, (thoughe I am sorie to expresse it) fresher aduise come 
 from the Armata that those Mutiners were English, and of the late 
 arriued vnder S'' Henry Pejrtons conduct, to the number of some 1 50. 
 who demaunded the same paie that the foresaid Hollanders had, and 
 made that the subiect of theire diuision. To w''h the General made 
 answer, that he would stand to the contract, concluded betweene the 
 Ambassad' of this State, and theire Conducter in England, and therefore 
 wished them to be quiet, w^h theye refusing, he landed 200 Albanesi to 
 reduce them by force, against whome the English turned theire pikes, 
 and theire shott, w^h the General perceiuing he laid the Prowes of two of 
 his Gallies against them, and so theye yeilded. Barbarigo vpon this 
 forming theire processe, did hang eight of them, who are said to be 
 Captaines, Lieftenaunts and Corporalls, and that three of these did die 
 in the Romane faith. Theire names I yet knowe not w^h shalbe aduer- 
 tised in my next. God send the successe fayrer then the beginning. 
 
 To this I must adde that by the letters of Milan arriued at this 
 
 moment is intimated a secret coniunction betweene Fraunce and Sauoy 
 
 against the Genouese, w'^h if it proceede will inflame this whole Countrie. 
 
 These be resolucions proper for the Canicular dales w°h are newly begun 
 
 w'h vs. And soe Sir, wishing vs the continuance of blessed peace at 
 
 home, I humbly rest 
 
 At youre Commaundments, 
 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
 G 
 
42 
 
 To the Right Hon"''" S' Robert Nanton knight, His Ma'"' Principall 
 Secretarie of Estate. At Court. 
 
 26 Julij 1618. 
 
 Right Honourable, 
 
 If before Friday next (w^h is the day of oure ordinarie dispatches) this 
 State shall publish no declaration touching the French Conspiracie (w'^h 
 hath beene these two monthes weekely expected) I will then deliuer vnto 
 his Ma*'° mine owne private discourse aboute it w*h all humble freedome. 
 Whereof I haue hitherto suspended the full accompt (thoughe I aduer- 
 tised the thinge it selfe long since) for feare of wronging in so close a 
 businesse, either the Nation that is vnder obloquie or the Gouernment. 
 
 Let me now onely acquaint his Ma"° w'h more certaintie then in my 
 last, that S"^ Henry Pe)rton is w'h 7 English ships arriued in the Gulfe 
 and hath lost manie men on the way by sicknes, so as his troupes are 
 weake, and I thincke it were a good piece of counsayle to compose the 
 remaynder of the English w^h came out of Holland, and these newe ones 
 into one Bodie, if both sides could agree vpon the matter. At his first 
 arriuaU, if we be rightly intelligenced, he hath seen a seuere example, for 
 part of the foresaid Hollanders hauing found in the territorie of the Ra- 
 guseans, where they went on shore, a tenable heade of lande, and being 
 full of discontentment, did fortifie themselues against the Generall, till by 
 faire persuasions he drewe them into his power againe, and soe hanged 
 halfe a dozen of the principall mutiners. 
 
 Wee heare likewise of a late mutinie of certaine French souldiers 
 nearer hande at Treuigi w°h were under the Count Leuensteins Regi- 
 ment. 
 
 From Rome they write that an attempte hath beene made to poison the 
 Pope, but it is yet an vngrounded voice. 
 
 The Archduke Ferdinando is now absolutely confirmed by the Hun- 
 garians to the succession of the Crowne, hauing accorded all demaunds 
 
43 
 
 to those of the Rehgion while he stoode in feare that they would other- 
 wise io5Tie w*h the Bohemians. 
 
 Wee doubt the Count Palatine wilbe troubled w*h the busie Bishop of 
 Spire, if he shall proue Archbishop of Trier in the roome of that Electour 
 lately deceased. 
 
 There hath beene some newe inuasion of the Vscocchi into the con- 
 fines of Friuli, whereupon this State began to make a stop of the 
 treatie, but I thincke it will be resumed againe, and conclude well. 
 
 The Spanish Ambassad"" is not yet returned from Milan, amusing vs 
 much with his consultations there : 
 
 This State hath newly accepted halfe a milion offered them by cer- 
 taine particular persons of Genoua, at the annual vse of 12 per 100 
 during the Lifes of the saide parties who deceasing both the Interest and 
 the stock are extinguished, wherein thoughe the bargaine be good for 
 the Republique, yet some argue vpon it, that oure finances growe lowe. 
 
 From Napels is confirmed the death of my L. Rosse, but I yet heare 
 no more touching the disposing of his iewels and other moueables : 
 Neither haue we anie more certainetie then we had, into what that Vice- 
 roys preparations will resolue. 
 
 These are the rapsodies of this weeke. And so I humbly rest. 
 
 At youre Hon" commaunde- 
 ments 
 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
 ^ H. Wotton to me at Cramiorne 13" eiusdem. 
 
 Right Honourable 
 
 Mine owne indisposition at the present is such (hauing beene broughte 
 to much weakenes, w'h a fluxe of 4 or 5 daies continuance) that I must 
 
44 
 
 take leaue to saye litle : Hither are come since my last from the Armata 
 some Enghsh Gentlemen, namely M" John Doaridge neere kinsman to 
 my Lord Carew, who is to abide heere as receiuer of such monies, as 
 shal become due to S' Henry Pejrton and his Troupes. Here is likewise 
 one M" Harbert who was Ensigne to Captaine Billingsley, and a Gentle- 
 man of much discretion, though by mischaunce wrapped in this late 
 vnhappy thing. The Preacher is also come away, vpon pretext that the 
 Companies being diuided, since the mutinie into seuerall vessells, his 
 person was of litle vse. Wherein he is much blamed, being neuer more 
 needefuU among so manie sicke bodies, and likewise for the suppression 
 of discontentment. Lastly heere is a sonne of S'' Ferdinando George of 
 verie hopefuU abilities, who as a volontarie hath disposed of himselfe, 
 disliking the irregularities of this warre. Of these I haue taken informa- 
 tion touching that execution, whereof I wrote in my last, w^h intruth I 
 must call a verie inhumane piece of iustice, and yet I wish it may rest 
 there : for I am afraid, that much murmuring on the one side, and pro- 
 portionable iealousie on the other, will begett more ill, and I begin to 
 doubt S' Henry Peytons particular case least the souldiers malice being 
 not likely to be spent in much action, nor able to vent it selfe against 
 this State reuert at last vppon theire owne Colonell : 
 
 The men executed were in name and qualitie thease following. 
 
 Harwell : Lieflenant to Captaine Billingsley. 
 
 Sergieant French. 
 
 Captaine Stroude, so tytled, for some chardge that he had before at 
 Sea, thoughe at this time no Commaunder. 
 
 Corporall Fuller. 
 
 Corporall Watchorne. 
 
 Pierceuall Lumley. 
 
 Marmaduke Morgan. 
 
 John Clotwortley. 
 These were the Persons. The forme of the processe and maner of 
 execution, I shall aduertise by the next Post. God sending me health, 
 whereof I haue now some good hope. 
 
45 
 
 To conioyne homogenea, I must aduertise his Maiestie, that w'hin 
 thease two dales, they haue concluded the processe of the Caualier Fus- 
 carini, and the Secretarie Mascorno : The Secretarie is confined two 
 yeares to Palma, w^h Forte I doubt will hardly defend him from priuate 
 reuenge vnlesse I mistake the complexion of this countrie. 
 
 The Caualiere is absolued by the Judges, but I doubt sentenced to die 
 by Nature being broughte out of prison in a chaire wonderfuU weake, 
 and w'h a vehement feauer vpon him. 
 
 For oure publique newes, All eies are directed vpon Bohemia and 
 Genoua : the chaunge of the Gouemour at Milan, giuing vs here good 
 comfort from that side. And so suspending much that I should saye, 
 till I can deliuer it w'h more strength, I euer rest 
 
 At youre commaundment 
 
 from Venice, this Henry Wotton. 
 
 2'" of August : 1618. 
 
 Sir 
 
 I haue within thease two dayes receaued from you by one M"^ Leves- 
 tayne : a Scottish Gentleman : a letter dated the 25 of February last. 
 I reckon it first mine owne misfortune that so kinde lines were kept so 
 long from me, Then, his, that he is come so late and fain into a tyme 
 of so sharpe accidents : But all that can be donn by me shalbe donn in 
 his behalf though it were but y' privat desire: remembring to mine 
 owne comfort (that which it pleaseth you to touche) owre auncient 
 acquayntance and loue. Wherein I am confident because I haue nothing 
 else to pleade. 
 
46 
 
 Wirm Leete to M' Bargrave. 
 
 9th August, 1618. 
 
 Deere S^ 
 
 I haue fayled you a weeke for want of conuenient matter, by this you 
 shall vnderstande a greate peece of newes, for effects that ytt may pro- 
 duce : the Cardinall Clessel in Germany is by the of y° religion taken 
 and carried away violently, & kept as prisoner without consent of 
 eyther Pope or Emperour. Whervpon wee haue auise that his holiness 
 is much affected, so that exconf unications, and bulls must necessarily fly 
 about. Wee haue a priest imprisoned for hauinge prayed (as y° maner 
 is on a certayne feast day) for the Pope, the Emperour, and leauing out 
 or rather refusinge to pray for his owne prince the good Duke of Venice. 
 When his subvicario presented him the forme of the prayer in writinge 
 at y'' Alter, but wee in o~ charitable interpretation doe rather thinke, hee 
 could not reade jd;t without some former study : about 1 dayes since 
 12 or 13 thunderbolts came flutteringe downe vpon Venice, one wherof 
 licked away a comer of S* Markes steeple, not farr fro" the grounde. 
 Youre deere freinde M' Dowrich is heere at Venice very sicke, and the 
 rather that my Lo. wUl not receiue him into his howse, hauinge taken a 
 spetiall likinge to the habitation, and the companie likewise, his impor- 
 tunity hath beene most senceless, and unmannerly, and would haue 
 passed into a bribe of an handfall of scudi if I woulde haue accepted ytt 
 in steede wherof, I haue giuen him a resolute deniall, for wee wilbee no 
 more troubled with such p'sons in o~ family as longe as I may haue a 
 voyce. 
 
 In steade of chajmes of goulde o countrymen expected which are 
 come with the 7 shipps, some of them to the nomber of eyght had 
 bestowed vpon the" halters, and hanged vp like doggs in the Generalls 
 gaily, him selfe lookinge on, one more was condempned, but by god's 
 prouidence reserued for better ends, beeinge a goodly gentleman his 
 
47 
 
 name is Auntient Herbert, hee is banished fro" y^ Armada, & is w"" vs 
 at Venice, and with him an other very proper gentleman, M' George. 
 The cause of this seuere justice was a mutenie of a certeyne companie of 
 y' EngUsh sett on shore to refresh the selues, for that the hoUanders had 
 more pay then they : the companies remayne not entire, but are dispersed 
 througe the whole Armada, so that the chaplaine M' Southwicke is 
 retorned backe agajne, fro" whom if you please, you may have more 
 p ticular information of the business : My Lo. of Oxforde by this tyme 
 wee guesse to bee at Haydleberge, vnto whom I owe my deuout wishes, 
 not onely for what is past, (w"'' hath beene extraordinary fauour) but 
 also for the future (pretendinge an interest (vpon his owne graunt) in his 
 Lo'""^ fauour, seeinge hee was pleased to accept of y* free offer of my 
 seruise, w* very opportunely and very fortunatly I once made him so 
 that I conclude I haue a payer of sure good freindes : viz : S' Thomas 
 Wotton & his Lo'i" and I may very well iojoie with the~ my Lo. 
 Ambass. my very good patron : but all this shall not make mee any whitt 
 secure, to study euen a whitt the less to settell my fortune vpon the 
 course you haue incouraged mee in : Padoua I come to thee & doe 
 embrace thee & ame confident I shall haue good cause to acknowledge 
 thee a noursinge mother. Gregorio is very thankfuU to you for your 
 good newes, hee hath deliuered his pattent vnto my Lo. to sende, hee is 
 ready to serue you in all occasions, or else hee dissembles. Dicke 
 Seamer & I and James Thom. 
 
 Seymer is parted for England: John George must needes be heere 
 within fewe dayes hauinge hearde of him fro Augusta : S"' John Vere 
 & all those companies are at Sea the business on Lande in Friuli beeinge 
 concluded and made an ende of. My Lord talkes of cominge home 
 w"" God graunte may bee quickly, & for his good. Recom~ende my 
 humble seruise to M' Doctor Wright, and continue mee in his good 
 fauour. Lett him knowe that hee hath a very faythfuU seruant of mee 
 yyoh J ^j^ jjQ^ fajle to express vpon occasion. M' Thurragood com^endes 
 him to you though hee bee a little offended for faylinge your promise to 
 write vnto him. Wee all salute you, and desyre to bee remembred vnto 
 
48 
 
 all our freindes in w"'' nomber I reckon your selfe the cheefe and princi- 
 pall : Your most deuoted seruant 
 
 Will. Leete. 
 Venice : Aug : 9 : 
 1618 : stilo loci. 
 
 M"^ Harinson is very well and I suppose as well satisfied with vs as 
 wee with him. Vpon your information I inf ediately applied my selfe to 
 honest Jacke, and haue hitt him so right as if I had beene acquainted 
 with him many yeeres : in summa wee hue happily merrily and honestly, 
 lett state businesses goe as they will, wee foUowe our studies harde, and 
 loue one another : Robin Hassall conf ends him you very kindly, & is 
 mindfull of M' Dowrich his debt w"'' you are engaged for, in so much y' 
 hee hath sequestred certayne monies of his w"'' by M' Dow. his order 
 were deliu ed into the handes of M' Symes : so that at y* last wee are 
 sure of payment. 
 
 Mr. Joulsburroughe my cozen, & your very louinge freinde remem- 
 bers his loue vnto you, wee are very inwardly acquainted, and I will be 
 boulde to giue this testimoni of him that I neuer mett with an honester 
 good-fellowe in all my trauailes : Lett mee not omitt to tell you that my 
 Lo. Amb. remembers you very often and drinkes to your good health : 
 The Duke of Holsten confends him to you, who is very shortly to come 
 into y*" howse, and stay with his Lo'^ altogeather such a proposition hath 
 beene made and accepted. Poore Philiber S' Markes Caualleero was in 
 in the howse w"" my Lo** as one of his seruants, had a capriccio to 
 trauaile, & see Roome, in his cominge backe at Naples is clapped vp 
 in the inquisition, & god knowes whether hee shall come forth aliue or 
 deade, and his brother is also in holde who accompanied him y' ioumy. 
 Nothinge else but God of Heauen keepe you and vs all. 
 
49 
 
 To the right Honorable 8'' Robert Nanton Knight his Ma"^' Principall 
 
 Secretarie of Estate. 
 
 Right Honorable,* 
 
 I haue directed the inclosed papers to his Ma"' for some intertaynment 
 in the tyme of his progresse, conteyning owre discourses heere, and my 
 intelligences from Rome vpon the Case of the Cardinall Clesel. The 
 publique affajTCS doe otherwise stand thus. 
 
 Of Friuli I shall neede to speake no more : which we accoumpt a 
 Province of peace since the thirde of this moneth : On which day was 
 published the General pardon for Milan, we hope Jt was the King of 
 Spajmes meaning when he sent thether the Duke of Feria in steade of 
 Don Pedro to chaunge not only the Governour but the humour, or at least 
 that the ielousies of Genoua Cwhich still continuej will ease vs heere. 
 Only the madd Vice Roye (as we cale him) doeth still keepe this State 
 rather in expense then feare, and perchaunce that is his principall scope. 
 So standes the publique. I am for my self at the present in verie 
 vncheereful disposition of Bodie having contract a great weakenesse in 
 my stomach which by consent doeth likewise trouble my head. So as if I 
 now saye no more I am worthie of y' pardon. 
 
 M' Southack the Preacher that came with S"^ Henry Payton departed 
 hense this weeke homewardes : whom I haue addressed with my letters 
 vnto you as the ablest reporter of all circumstances in that inhumane 
 execution of owre men : which surely meriteth as strong expostulatorie 
 letters from the King as he hath newly sent hether congratulatorie vppon 
 other occasion. And so I humbly rest, 
 
 Youre Honors 
 
 Venice this 17'" of antiqua fide 
 
 August 1618. Henry Wotton. 
 
 * Indorsed, " 17° Ag"' 1G18. S' H. Wotton to mee w'^ inclosed to the King and a 
 discourse of y' Conf ittem' of Cardin : Clessel." 
 
 H 
 
50 
 
 For his most Sacred Maiestie.* 
 
 From Venice the 17"" of 
 August, 1618 in theire style : 
 
 This whole Cittie is full of maruaile and discourse aboute a late accident 
 befaln the person of the Cardinal Clesel : who hath beene trans- 
 ported from Vienna, in Coaches laid for that purpose, to a Castle 
 in the Countie of Tirol, and is there forcibly detained, by complot 
 (as theye saye) betweene the Arch-Dukes Maximilian and Ferdi- 
 . nando, thoughe the Arrest was made indefinitely, in the name of 
 the Howse of Austria. 
 
 I heare no man doubt, but the principal scope was to remoue him from 
 the Emperours eares. Of whom he was thought a close perswader, 
 against the late promotions, and farther aspiring of the foresaid 
 Ferdinando, as foreseing that thereby, the Emperours Authoritie, 
 and consequently his owne greatnesse would sincke. 
 
 Now, In this playne tricke, was heere first considered, the Qualification 
 of the patient. A Cardinal. A Bishop. A long Fauourite to the 
 Emperour, and A Father to the Empresse, as she called him. Soe 
 as all respects both of Church, State, and Court, haue beene 
 violated in it. 
 
 Next, we stood harckening how the Agents would iustifie or colour 
 theire proceeding. For if theye shoulde by chaunce, want truths to 
 laye to his chardge, so bold an attempt would neede at least, verie 
 strong pretexts. To this end, hath been divulged, that he was a 
 fauourer of the present stirrings in Bohemia, and of the Venetians 
 in the warre of Friuli : whereof the Latter hath wonne some 
 Creditt : of the first wee are doubtfuU, whether it were not spreade 
 to moUifie the Pope: For thoughe some, vpon considering, how 
 
 * Indorsed "17 Ag"' 1618. S' H. Wotton to the King w^ y° discourse inclosed of 
 y' Cardinal Clesehus." 
 
51 
 
 vnfitt it were for Ferdinando at this tjme to offend Rome, when he 
 standeth in such appetite to be King of the Romanes, haue beene 
 forwarde to imagine, that the Pope himselfe was before acquainted 
 therew'h, and did yeilde thereunto either his assent or conniuencie. 
 Yet vpon cooler consideration, this conceyt appeareth verie ridicu- 
 lous, by a fewe questions that may be asked. For first would anie 
 Pope secretly assent to soe manifest a violation of the Bulla in Coena 
 Domini (as they call it.) ? or if anie other, would Paulus V'"^ doe it, 
 who did excommunicate the Venetians, euen for imprisonment of an 
 Abbot, that was not in Sacris ? Then would he yeilde to the seazing 
 of a Cardinal in a foraine Court, w'hout anie former communication 
 thereof w'h the Colledge of Cardinalls, being a Consistorial busi- 
 nesse in the highest degree? Or would they euer yeilde that 
 secular handes should so soyle theire scarlet ? Lastly if the Pope 
 had disliked his Counsayles aboute the Emperour, did he want 
 fajrer meanes to call him awaye ? might he not haue sent for him 
 at anie moment, vpon his Canonical obedience ? Thease doubts 
 may perhaps serue the tume for that poynt : yet sure it is that on 
 Munday the sixth of August, the Pope hauing called a Consistorie 
 vpon this extraordinarie occasion, did therein relate the fact, w*h 
 wordes of this kinde : Pyssimi Principes propter multas et graues 
 causas Cardinalem Cleselium et ccBtera : By w°h he discouered at 
 least some approbation of the deede ex post facto : and seemed not 
 vnwilling also, to leaue it doubtfuU whether he knewe the matter 
 beforehande or no. For it is noted by searching men ; that vnlesse 
 he suffer that conceyte (whether true or false) to run silently on, he 
 will want meanes to satisfie the world, w^h would otherwise expecte 
 from him a fulmination. Whereunto he will hardly be broughte 
 (besides the ill lucke of the last) for feare of distasting in the person 
 of Ferdinando other Princes, and especially the King of Spaine, w*h 
 whome at the present he is in straighte Treatie about purchasing 
 the Princedome of Salermo, for his litle nephew already Prince of 
 Salmona : In w°h meane while somewhat to ease his owne 
 
52 
 
 thoughtesj he hath appointed a Congregation of 12 principal Cardi- 
 nalls, to consider what is to be done concerning this Sequestration 
 (as they softly baptize it) of the Cardinall Clesell : 
 
 Now, touching this Clowdie involued businesse, after such discourse, as 
 hath runne of the Pope, there remaineth me-thincks among oure 
 Politiques, as greate a doubt, euen about the Emperour himselfe, 
 whether it were done w*h his aduise : 
 
 I knowe diuers letters written from men as then on the place, and some 
 of them publique Ministers, do plainely dischardge him, grounding 
 them-selues much vpon the passions of the Empresse, as the best 
 Commentarie both of his mind and herr owne, w'^h, when she first 
 heard it, were too vehement not to be true : Moreouer the indefinite 
 forme of the Arrest (w°h I haue touched before) is vrged as an 
 argument to cleare him : being not likely that Ferdinando and 
 Maximilian would otherwise haue beene ouertender in spending his 
 name. Yet on the otherside, wee are amazed to heare the Em- 
 perours owne letter to the Pope, running in this sense 
 
 " That the Cardinall Clesel hauing committed some incon- 
 
 " ueniences, for w^h his person stood in danger of violence, he 
 
 " had putt him in safetie, that the Pope mighte afterwardes 
 
 " determine of him, at his good pleasure. 
 
 Thus stands our Intelligence from Rome : wherein whether Ferdi- 
 
 nandoes letters were mistaken for the Emperours, or him-selfe 
 
 wonne afterwards by perswasion to countenaunce the fact, I dare 
 
 not affirme : 
 
 The last discourse is : what alteration this accident may breede in the 
 publique affaires : Aboute w'h (not to speake of Germanic or 
 Bohemia, but according to the methode of this Republique, w"h 
 doth onely consider it selfe) wee are heere glad that it cometh too 
 late, to trouble the peace of Friuli : w^h hath beene fully concluded, 
 since the third of this Moneth, as I haue otherwise aduertised more 
 largely. 
 
53 
 
 17 Aug: 1618. 
 
 May it please youre Sacred Maiestie 
 
 Youre congratulatorie letters to this Republique for theire escape, and 
 to this Duke for his assumption to that place are arrived this day of the 
 ordinarie Courriers departure being Fryday the 1 7"" of August : so as I 
 can give y' Maiestie no farther accoumpt of them till the next weeke. 
 I am confident that youre sayed letters will excyte this State to discover 
 the botome of the late practise : which we yet doe not knowe so much as 
 how to denominat: I meane whether we shall baptize it French or 
 Spanishe. For the one were the Instruments, and the other (as it is 
 whispered) the counsaylers. I am well assured that no publique 
 Minister resident vppon this Lake doeth knowe more of it then my-self 
 and yet mine owne light is so confused that I haue hetherto forborne to 
 giue youre M"^ more then a general notice thereof. I shalbe able within 
 a few dayes more to speake with better foundation, and then tymely 
 enough : For to this houre the processe is not finished. In the meane 
 while I craue pardon to intertayne youre Maiestie with owre discourses 
 heere vppon the late secular seazure of the Cardinal Clesel : one of the 
 newest but not of the obscurest of that order. Which accident hath 
 absolued this State : while they stoode in some feare of a fresh Interdict 
 from Rome for having imprisoned a Principal Masse-Priest by order of 
 the high Councel of Ten agaynst the intercessions bothe of the Patriarche 
 and of the Nuntio. 
 
 Of the publique affayres. I haue related to y' M"^ the present con- 
 dition in my letter to M' Secretarie Nanton. And so with my prayers 
 to Almightie God for y' continual safetie. I humbly rest 
 
 Youre Maiesties most fayth- 
 fuU poore Vasal. 
 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
54 
 
 To the Right Hon"" /S*" Robert Nanton Knighte. His Ma""' Principall 
 Secretarie of Estate. At Court. 
 
 21 August! 1618. 
 
 Right Honou'^ 
 
 Youre letters of the 28"" of Julie, expressing w*h youre owne freindly 
 pen, his Ma"^^ gracious acceptance of my poore seruices, came this weeke 
 in a fitt time to comfort me ; being newly deliuered of an ague, w^h 
 together w*h a vehement fluxe hath taken my strength from me. The 
 stopping of him that should haue come w'h S' Henry Peyton as com- 
 maunder at Sea, was an opportune piece of Counsayle. I will acquainte 
 them heere, w'h the reason, and w*h the Author thereof, where I knowe 
 it wilbe kindly receaued, for the Senate was full of murmure against the 
 parties former profession, and no small doubtes made, how farre it should 
 be fitt to trust him heereafter. 
 
 I shall knowe to morrowe morning how they will deale w*h S' Henry 
 Peyton, for whose particular I haue roundly soUicited : 
 
 M" Bargraue hath insinuated vnto me, his Ma*'°^ good liking of that 
 greate proposition, thoughe w'h suspense of his farther prosecution 
 thereof, till youre attending him at Salisburie. I will in this mean while, 
 by letters to some principall persons confederate w'h me therein, prepare 
 the businesse, that I may handle it w'h the Almaine Princes in my 
 retoume towards the springe : Touching Philip Hainhoffer ; I make no 
 doubt in my passadge by Augusta, to settle that matter well in his 
 handes, and to fitt him w'h all due instructions and preparatiues, for the 
 effecting thereof, and in the mean-space I will by continuall writing 
 respectiue take a closer hold of him. 
 
 For the publique. The best I can sale, is, that oure Commissioners 
 are retoumed out of Friuli, hauing left that Prouince at quiet, and 
 broughte w'h them certaine vessels as Trophies, wherewith the Vscocchi 
 were wont to vexe thease Seas : 
 
55 
 
 The newe Gouernour of Milan continues still in fayre humour, and I 
 thincke the warrs of Genoua, will proue but a fitt of iealousie. Of 
 Ossuna, wee still stand in doubte. I haue much to adde vnto that, w^h 
 I wrote before, aboute the Cardinal Clesel, w^h hath bredd (to oure no 
 small recreation heere) a kind of scisme betweene the Italian and 
 Spanish Cardinalls, and betweene the Popes owne creatures, and the 
 elder Purpurati, but my present disabilitie of Spirit and remainder of 
 weakenes will not permitt me to entertaine his Ma*'^ w'h these thinges 
 till the next weeke. Howesoeuer, I cannot end w'hout rendring you 
 verie heartie and humble thanckes for those traces of fauour and loue, 
 w^h appeare in youre hnes vnto me, and whereof before, my Secretarie 
 Richard Seymour broughte me a verie sensible assurance. I protest 
 Sir, before God, you doe me righte I meane not in esteeming me, but in 
 louing me ; for there was none that did more sincerely reioice in youre 
 Promotion, hauing beene tyed vnto you, not onely by long acquaintance, 
 but by a kind of consociation in oure contemplatiue course, wherein I 
 must confesse is the highest pleasure, that I conceive in this world. 
 And so wishing you long and constant health, because at the present, I 
 can wish it verie feelingly, I rest. 
 
 At y' Hon'^ commaundment 
 
 Venice this 21"" Henry Wotton. 
 
 of August: 1618. 
 
 stile of England. 
 
 To the Right Hon'''' S"" Robert Nanton Knighte. His Ma*''' Principall 
 Secretarie of Estate. At Court. 
 
 Right Honourable.* 
 As I was readie by the last Currier to haue giuen his Ma"^ w'h 
 
 * Indorsed " Sans date. S' Hen. Wotton to me." 
 
56 
 
 mine owne pen, a particular accompt of the vnhappie Ends of eighte of 
 his subiects, w°h were executed in the Venetian Armata. This Bearer 
 M"' Southake, who came w'h S" Henry Peyton as Preacher to those 
 Troupes by my Lord of Canterburies good approbation, and was present, 
 at this blacke disaster, did acquainte me w'h his intent of speedie 
 retume home. I haue therefore committed vnto him this whole repoi^e 
 being the person from whome my-selfe heere tooke best information 
 thereof: It is surely in aU circumstances a most inhumane piece of 
 iustice, and worthie in my poore opinion, to be there expostulated w'h 
 the Venetian Ambassad' at the Councel Table, if the King bee absent, 
 especially the pointe of the Generalls looking on, and feeding his eies w'h 
 the bloud of our men ; w^h would skant haue become anie of Caligulas 
 Generals. But hauing spent his youth most infamously in the highest 
 degree, and being by nature weake and base, he seeketh to redeeme 
 himselfe from contempt, by these austerities standing not by anie vertue 
 of his owne, but by his fathers meritt, who died in the battayle of 
 Lepanto, being then a Commaunder of note. This is the Character of 
 his manners and of his fortune, to w"h I must adde, that there is not a 
 more superstitious man in the whole state. So as we may not vnrea- 
 sonably suspect him in this Action, vnder the countenance of iustice to 
 haue spent some of his spighte against our Religion. 
 
 I shall heere vrge this immane proceeding vpon the subieets of so 
 well deseruing a King, in that sort as becometh my dutie, and my 
 naturall compassion. But vnlesse it bee sensibly prosecuted at home, 
 my wordes wilbe written in the ayre. And soe leaning it first to youre 
 examination, and then to youre better deliuerie thereof to his Ma"° and 
 to the Lord. I humbly rest 
 
 At youre Honors commaundment 
 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
57 
 
 M' Quester.* 
 
 I did not write the last weeke nor haue not written at this tyme to 
 eyther of his Ma'" secretaries, attending rather to reconfirme myne owne 
 strength & spirits w"h haue beene weakened by a februous distemper 
 and flux, wherw*h I pray you heartihe to acquaint there such of theire 
 seruants as are left to receiue the forraigne Pacquetts, & particularlie to 
 tell M' Goodyeare that I haue receiued from M' Secretarie Nanton his 
 last of the S*'' of Aug : wherw'h there shalbe a full answere made by the 
 next Post. 
 
 From Venice 14 Sept. 1618. 
 
 Henry Wooton. 
 
 To the Right Hon"' S' Thomas Lake Knighte His Ma*^' Principal 
 Secretarie of Estate : At Court. 
 
 21 Aug: 1618. 
 Right Honoura"' f 
 
 I should giue his Maiestie an accompt of his two Congratulatorie 
 letters, and he maye well expect from me now, some particularities of 
 the discouered Conspiracie, being three moneths since the blbwe was 
 intended, in w^h space, I haue made some deeper search into it ; but 
 these duties I am forced againe to deferre till the next weeke, throughe 
 my present weakenes, and disabilitie of spirit, being newly deliuered of 
 an ague, w^h together w*h a vehement fluxe did contract my thoughtes 
 about my selfe. I suppose this State hath by the last Ordinarie, an- 
 
 * Indorsed, " Sep. 1618. S' H. Wotton to Quester." 
 
 t Indorsed, " 1618. 21 Aug. S' H. Wotton." 
 
 I 
 
58 
 
 swered his Ma*'" kind letters, for I was aduertised, that to the same end, 
 theye stopped the Post, who shoulde haue departed on Fridaye nighte 
 last, till the next euening. For the publique : The best I can saie, is, 
 that oure Confissioners are retoumed out of Friuli, hauing left that 
 Prouince at quiet, and broughte w*h them certaine vessells as Trophies, 
 w*h w"h the Vscocchi were wont to vexe these seas : The newe Gouer- 
 nour of Milan continues still in fayre humour ; and I thincke the warres 
 of Genoua, will proue but a fitt of iealousie : Of Ossuna, wee still stande 
 in doubt. And soe I humbly rest. 
 
 Venice the 21"" of August. At y' Hon" commaunde 
 
 stylo ult. 1618. Henry Wotton. 
 
 I haue disbursed one hundred powndes 
 vnto Doctor Marta vppon assured promise 
 of perfecting those things which the King 
 requireth. 
 
 To the Right Hon'"" 8' Robert Nanton Knight His Ma""' Principal 
 Secretarie of Estate. At Court. 
 
 10° 7""' 1618. 
 Right Honou"= * 
 
 Vpon the receipte of youre last dated the 5* of August. I haue sent 
 my Secretarie Richard Seymour to my Corrispondence about that greate 
 businesse, whereof his Ma"= shall haue from me, throughe youre confi- 
 dent handes continuall accompt and remembrances in due time, as 
 touching mine owne imployment towards the Spring. The Kings so 
 
 * Indorsed, " S' H. Wotton to me of y° x'" of 7"" 1618. Copie of his to S' Tho. Lake. 
 His let. to M' Bargraue." 
 
59 
 
 ardent and indubitable zeale in the promoouing of this intent, will no 
 doubt begett proportionable alacritie in aU Instruments. 
 
 I haue begunne to laye some certaine proseminations, w*h the partie 
 in Augusta, touching that businesse w^h I must personally handle w'h 
 him, but of thease thinges more heereafter. 
 
 At the present I craue leaue onely to entertaine you, w*h the Copie of 
 mine answer, to a letter from S"^ Thomas Lake, because I haue therein 
 had occasion to fall vpon youre name. And so rendring you most 
 humble thanckes for the assurance of youre loue, w'^h I can no way meritt 
 but by confidence in it. I euer rest. 
 
 Venice H of Youre Honors with all 
 
 oeptember, affection to serue you 
 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
 Right Honou"' * 
 
 After the silence of a weeke or two occasioned by my infirmities, giue 
 me now leaue I beseeche you to answere the kind expostulation of youre 
 letter dated the 2V^ of Julie. Wherein as you find it strange, that I had 
 discontinued the addresse of my dispatches vnto you while you were 
 absent from the Court, w^h as you write none other of his Ma*'"^ 
 Ministers had done : So on my part w'h youre Hon" pardon, I cannot 
 but wonder, that you were not pleased to bestowe in that Interim a line 
 vpon me for my direction touching youre-selfe, whose retume to the 
 King, was heere made verie desperate, and youre place both in the 
 common, and in some priuate reports, alreadie bestowed, or intended to 
 
 * Indorsed, " S' H. Wotton to S' Tho : Lake inclosed in one to me of y' x'" of 7'"" 
 1618. & d~d me 30° eiusdem. 
 " I d~d S' H'" Tre, & another dispatch from M' " 
 
60 
 
 my Lord HoUis : I leaue to youre owiie consideration what a poore In- 
 strument so remote as I was, and so confusedly informed, should doe in 
 such a case. Wherevnto I must adde that in the meane time, I receaued 
 from M' Secretarie Nanton some publique directions, w°h required euen 
 in dutie an answer from me, besides the ciuil bande of mine antient ac- 
 quaintance w'h him : 
 
 Nowe hauing vpon this displeasure w^h you seeme to haue taken 
 (thoughe I hope in gentle manner, according to the equitie of youre 
 iudgement and goodnes of youre nature) considered howe obnoxious 
 Wee are that hue abroade, to offend sometimes against our owne wills, 
 when we are left to oure owne discretions. I haue resolued heereafter 
 for the seemelyest course to signify the same publique thinges (w^h shall 
 weekely or otherwise occurre) to you both, and to apply my single 
 duties according to youre seueraU commaundes. 
 
 At the present is litle to be said. Action is ceased at land, and I may 
 saye rather oure cares then oure feares turn'd wholy to the Sea. If the 
 Duke of Ossuna whose tacklings are nowe readie, shall reenter the 
 Gulfe, we will call him no more by my consent II matto but II brauo 
 Vicere. 
 
 At Rome is growne aboute the violent direption of the Cardinal 
 Clesel, halfe a scisme betweene the Italian and Spanish Cardinalls, those 
 aggrauating, and thease mollifying the contempt. 
 
 The new Venetian Ambassad'' Sig'^ Donato who is to reside w'h his 
 Ma''* departed hence some ten dales since, aboute whome I shall haue 
 occasion to write more, before his accesse to the King : And so Sir 
 humbly prapng that I may still remayne in youre fauour, I commit you 
 to Gods blessed loue. Resting euer. 
 
61 
 
 To M" Isaac Bargrave my late Chapelan and ever loving Frend. 
 
 Information touching the Proiect of Orthodoxall Seminaries to be 
 erected in fitt places. 
 
 This proiect, his Ma*'° will remember to haue beene at the time of my 
 first Ambassadge conceiued heere by some weU-affected persons, and 
 afterwardes among other thinges represented vnto him by an expresse 
 messenger, namely Sig° Francesco Biondi esteeming it gloriouse for the 
 King, in the present and future ages to be Author of this worke, and 
 promoouer thereof w*h other religious Princes and States. 
 
 The finall scope was to institute manie weU chosen spiritts for the in- 
 struction and conuersion of others, to w°h end they were afterwardes to 
 be diuersly distributed espetially in the Italian Prouinces. Thereby 
 (throughe Gods blessing) to giue the Pope in time as much businesse at 
 home, as Gregorie the 13"" hath done to other Princes w*h his Emissaries. 
 And because it were ignominiouse that the instruments of darcknes 
 should be more diligent then those of truthe ; it was hoped that not 
 onely zeale, but euen shame it selfe, would aduaunce this good intent. 
 Towards w°h noe place was conceiued fitter for a beginning, then to 
 plant a seminarie, in some of the reformed Churches confining w*h Italie, 
 particularly, in the communitie of the Grisons. 
 
 This Parte was preferred before other in two respects, first for the 
 aduantage of vicinitie. Next for that they all for the most part speake 
 Italian. In w^h language it was necessarie that they should be nourished, 
 who were afterwardes to practise that Nation. 
 
 Among the first approouers and debaters of this proiect, was the 
 Caualier Hercole de Sahce, as then Ambassad' from the Grisons to this 
 Republique. A gentleman of singular pietie and experience. 
 
 From this Caualier I was (as you knowe) aduertised the last summer 
 by two spetiall messengers ; of a purpose renewed by himselfe, and some 
 other good men, to propound at the next generall Assemblie of the 
 
62 
 
 Rhsetian communities^ the erecting of a CoUedge or Seminarie in Sunda 
 the principall seate of the Valtohna bordering the Dukedome of Milan. 
 And after the said AssembUe, he sent me an other Messenger w*h infor- 
 mation that the said Decree had passed, thoughe somewhat different 
 from the first conception, for of sixe Classes it was appointed, that foure 
 should be of the Reformed Religion, and two of the Romane. To w'h 
 (said he) we were forced to yeild for some satisfaction of the contrarie 
 side, who begann to suspect the yssue, contenting our selues w*h the greater 
 part, and that the President should alwaies bee of the reformed Church. 
 
 Herevpon I made an obiection. That the commixture of opposite 
 Religions, would both hinder the finall scope (because the worse would 
 serue for spies ouer the better) and likewise it would coole the charities 
 of other Princes and states, who had no reason to contribute to such a 
 Medley. 
 
 I sent therefore the partie backe w'h two cautions. The one to pro- 
 uide by some meanes, that the CoUedge mighte be intyre. Secondly 
 that we might be sure of the Missions (w^h is the point that must 
 excite Princes) least it should resolue into priuate vse. 
 
 The partie returned backe, and the businesse so remained in silence, 
 till the receipt of a letter annexed hereunto, bearing date the tt of June, 
 w^h I receaued from the forenamed Caual" de Salice in answere of my 
 opposition, whereby will appeare, that the businesse is now in good 
 state, and capable of farther aduancement. 
 
 In the said letter, you find required my poore aduice, whether I 
 thincke it expedient, (as they encline) to depute theire Gymnasiarcha, 
 accompanied w'h some Ecclesiasticall persons of qualitie, to informe the 
 King my Master of theire intents. In w^h ioumie they might hkewise 
 deale w'h the Count Palatine and other Princes ? Whereunto I haue 
 answered. That I haue thoughte it my duetie about that point, to 
 consult by an expresse messenger, w'h his M.'^^ wisedome and goodnes. 
 For thoughe it maybe caried soe, as if it were onely to mooue a charitable 
 Collection for those reformed Churches, (concealing the maine scope) yet 
 I apprehend some doubt, that such an open deputation of persons, may 
 
63 
 
 perchaunce raise more noise then at first were fitt. Besides I aqnceiue, 
 that it will passe w*h lesse rumor, and greater honour for his Ma"'. If 
 it shall please him to lett mee handle this businesse (about w^h I haue 
 bestowed some studie) in his Royall name, w*h the Germane Princes of 
 the Vnion in my waye as I retume homewardes. And to lett me signifie 
 so much in the meane while, to the Grisons, that soe is his pleasure, for 
 the preuention of theire paines. In w°h case I must be furnished from 
 the King w*h a Generall or w'h particular letters of Creditt, to the said 
 Princes and states vnited. 
 
 This businesse I haue committed to youre Representation both because 
 by often conference w'h you heere about it, you are alreadie well 
 seasoned therein. And for that the experience w°h I haue taken of 
 youre zeale and iudgement, doth make mee confident, that you will carrie 
 it effectually. And so wishing it may prooue, that Mustard seede, 
 wherein the Birds of heauen did afterwards buUd theire nests. I euer 
 rest 
 
 Youre affectionat poore 
 
 frend 
 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
 Sir 
 
 I praye you to represent this buisinesse as only an essaye and grownd- 
 worcke layed : which must be seconded and prosecuted in other places. 
 And allthough at first it appeare but slight : yet lett vs remember how 
 owre selues haue been troubled with those contemptible beginnings at 
 Rhemes. Who dreamed of a fourthe Monarchic when those two 
 outcast babes did suck the Wolf. 
 
64 
 
 To the reverend my much honoured FVeinde M" Isaacke Bargraue at 
 
 Athorne in Kent. 
 
 gr* 
 
 I haue no extraordinary matters to entertayne you with at y" present 
 but such as they are I ame bounde to giue you an accoumpt of. 
 
 My Lo : is very well and holdes a very noble memory of you as your 
 owne meritts require, the rest of vs your poore seruants stande expect- 
 inge howe wee may seme you and so pay a parte of that dewty w''*' your 
 goodness 8z desert hath imposed vpon vs. 
 
 Our Armada is still waytinge y' Duke of Ausana his cominge in y* 
 Gulfe. The harsh vsage of o English is a little qualified : S' Henry 
 Payton very kindly vsed by y^ Generall & the rest. M' Herbert of 
 whome I wrote vnto you receiued satisfaction not onely by a pardon 
 sent fro y^ Generall & free liberty granted him but also aduanced to 
 the place of Leiuetenant : who was but Auntient before. The Ambassa- 
 dour Donato is parted for Englande about ten dayes since. 
 
 Bamauile & 2 other principal! persons imprisoned by y^ States : 
 
 The Jesuites banished out of Bohemia as appeers by the coppy of 
 their proscription. 
 
 A Frier of y' Crucigeri by name Fra : pacifico Honorio, Piacentino, not 
 degraded, w*''out consent eyther of Nuntio or Cardinall publiquely 
 betwixt y° pillers at S' Markes executed in his blewe habitts for clippinge 
 mony in his CeU. no whitt admittinge y° popes counsell howsoeuer much 
 laboured. 
 
 A mountayne lately faUne downe vpon the Grisones as by y^ relation 
 w"*" I send you may appeere. 
 
 An olde man three dayes since desperately threwe him selfe into y* 
 water & was drowned. 
 
 At y' Castello a young man in loue w**" an others wife, after diners 
 
 * Indorsed, "William Leete k Venice y' 20 of September 1618 to M' Bargraue." 
 
65 
 
 warnings to refrayne his howse by the s* husbande in vajne, at length 
 complayned to the lustice who sent a mandate for him w"** he tore in 
 peeces & bad the messenger bee gone or hee would kill him. hee in y"= 
 company of 2 other beagles like him selfe was taken and carried to prison 
 where hee remajmes, the one of his Companions goes immediately home 
 to the husbands howse, .& with a pistolese runns him in at y° eye, & 
 through the braynes, & in your skill in Anotomie you know what neces- 
 sarily followes to this. 
 
 Many stories of y* like nature are founde amongst vs so that wee 
 conclude, bee as wicked as yee can in Englande wee paralell you in 
 Venice. 
 
 At John Irish his, lyes one M"' Tomson come lately fro" Naples who 
 brought with him an ill companion viz : a double Tertian whose parox- 
 ismes haue beene so terrible as they bereaued him of ail sence and haue 
 brought him in extreame weakness and greate hazarde (in so much that 
 M'' Harison and my selfe wente within night once to visit him fear- 
 ing hee would not haue liued till mominge) but by gods wiU, vsing the 
 French Docter as y° instrument (whose diligence & care hath beene 
 wonderful! greate who also recommends his seruise to your selfe) hee is 
 well recouered & in very good state and wee hope there is nowe no 
 further danger. 
 
 Jacke Dowrage who was extreame sicke, and nowe well, attributes the 
 cure vnto mee properly, and thus farr I contributed, aduisinge him to 
 Change Ayer frd* Venice to Padoua when p"aduenture he vnderstoode 
 my full scope : but hee is well & I cured him. 
 
 To morrowe his Lo"' is goinge to Nouenta w* y' Duke of Holstayne 
 (who remaynes in the howse continually) and also my Lo. Gray, & my 
 cosen Goldesburroughe. There wee are likely to spende 10 : or 12 : dayes 
 in bowlinge & Balloone, (at w* wee profess ourselues masters) and so 
 fro thence to Vicenza to see the Theater illuminated vpon y' occasion of a 
 play (whether comedy or Tragedy I knowe not) in honor of a Certayne 
 mariage, where I hartily wish you, fro" thence wee retorne to padoua and 
 
 K 
 
66 
 
 yt is not the least of o~ business to make choyse of excellent wines for o~ 
 prouisions, & so to sende the to Venice. 
 
 I hould me to my Thesis conceminge Padoua and in y" meane tyme 
 fitt my selfe for ytt as weU as I can for nulla dies sine linia : As in your 
 last you gaue mee order to direct my letters to Questor so may you bee 
 pleased to conueigh yours to mee by some other meane then by my Lo^ : 
 that howbeeytt wee meddle not with poynts of state, yett that wee may 
 w"' more security & freedome treate in our priuate businesses, for 
 vnawares my Lo : or any man elce may open my letter or an other 
 mans and so bee vnwiUinge p~aduenture to deliuer ytt for feare of an ill 
 conceipt : if conueniently ytt may bee inserted in Mr Symms his packett 
 3rtt wilbee best of all. I pray recommend my humble seruise to Mr Doctor 
 Write whome I honour very much, & ame eu ready to seme. 
 
 Conceminge Bacton you haue authority to doe what you shall thinke 
 fitt touchinge my p"son : and howsoeuer, ytt shalbee a pleasure to knowe 
 howe that familie standes affected. 
 
 When you shall see my Lo : & master Henry Lo : of Oxenford etc : you 
 may bee pleased to doe the humble duety & reuerence of mee his poore 
 seruant in ordinary vnto his Lordship : hsec enim Relatio iamdudu con- 
 cessa, et confirmata est : if his Lo""" would vse so poore an instrument as 
 my selfe in any business heere, ytt wilbee his Lo''' fault if hee conf and 
 not for I must (by the tenor of y° obligation) obey him. To M' Hall, 
 M"' Bell, Tom TrusseU : Henry paruis my kinde cosen, Francesco, and 
 the rest : I beseech you remember mee very kindly, and with this, that 
 I neuer miss meale to drinke their healths. What shall I say more to 
 you but the God of heauen bless vs all, & sende vs a ioyfull meetinge : 
 
 Your assured freind & seruant 
 
 Venetia: Sep: 20: Will Lebte. 
 
 1618. 
 
67 
 
 To the Right Hon"'''' S" Thomas Lake Knighte his Ma"'' Principall 
 Secretarie of Estate. At Court. 
 
 28 7""' 1618. 
 
 Right Honorable * 
 
 Heere we haue beene of late mucli troubled w*h Ceremonies, as if owre 
 substantial! po)mts were at an ende. First, the Great Duke sent a Gen- 
 tleman hither of good qualitie, to congratulate w*h this Prince for his 
 assumption to that place, w^h said Ambassadour according to the Canon 
 of visitations, whereby those that come last, are to be uisited before 
 themselues visit others, did from the French Ambassad'' and me (for the 
 Spanish is still at Milan) expect this formalitie. But it was answered, 
 that the foresaid rule had onely place among equalls, and not betweene 
 the Ambassad" of inferiour Princes and Regal Representants, to whome 
 from such, the first visitation was due, for distinction-sake, and preserua- 
 tion of respect. Wh this answer, he returned home, not visited, nor 
 visiting anie heere but the Nuntio, wTi whome he made no scruple, at 
 w'^h not onely my selfe, but even the French Ambass^' thoughe a Roman 
 Catholique, and in some sort a man of the Churche, is not a litle scan- 
 dalized, pleading that in such temporal Ceremonies, the Pope hath no 
 preference. 
 
 After this Ambassadge, came an other from Mantua, composed of two 
 persons ; the principal was Don Luigi Gonzaga, a young Gentleman of 
 that Princely bloud, and his assistant one Battaini, Doctor of the ciuill 
 lawes, who being in the Credential letter barely named, w*hout anie 
 qualification, as theye were ledd by the Senatours to theire Audience, 
 there grewe a doubt on the waye, (not considered before) whither the 
 Doctor who was to make the speeche, shoulde sitt or stande by vertue 
 of his Commission. This point being instantly consulted w*h the Prince, 
 euen while the Ambassad" were still in motion towards him, and a seate 
 
 * Indorsed, " S' H. Wotton to M' Seer. Lake. 21 Sept." 
 
68 
 
 being denied the Doctor, all was sudainely for that day dissolued, the 
 Ambassad" broughte . backe to theire lodging, the Senators to theire 
 seuerall homes, and a Gentleman dispatched to the Duke of Mantua for 
 some clearer interpretation of the Doctors qualitie, who there upon least 
 his harange might haue taken some disgrace by deliuering it standing 
 gaue him the tj^le of joint Ambassad"". 
 
 W*h these was reuiued the same doubt, aboute the first visitation, as 
 w'h the Florentine now growen more desperate by the former example, 
 and so it ended in the same manner : An other piece of cerimonie is 
 casually falln out of more distast. A dependaunt on the Crowne of 
 Fraunce being to celebrate the marriage of his daughter in Vicenza, w'h 
 some extraordinarie solemnities, hath inuited thither the French Am- 
 bassad' who accepted the inuitation, and prepared to compeere in good 
 fashion ; nowe the daye approaching, a scruple is interiected, about the 
 precedencie between him, and the Regents of that place, being both 
 Representants, but he of his Master, and they of the State. For him 
 the Regal-Dignitie doth pleade, — For them, that they beare the publique 
 Authoritie in theire owne Dominion. My-selfe was determining pri- 
 uately to goe see that celebration, w°h by this incident controuersie is 
 likely to be disturbed. And so Sir, for this weeke, I will onely enter- 
 tayne you, wli a warre of formahties. Euer Resting. 
 
 At youre Hon' commaundment 
 
 from Venice this Henry Wotton.* 
 
 28"' : Septemb"^ : 
 1618. 
 
 * A duplicate of this letter follows, addressed "to the Right Hon"' S' Robert Nanton 
 Knighte. His Ma"" PrincipaU Secretarie of Estate. At Court." and endorsed " 28 7*''' 
 1618. S' H. Wotton to me ; " the after words are illegible. There are also two indorse- 
 ments of memoranda describing the persons of Stanly, an English deserter, and Patr. 
 Adison, but they cannot be wholly deciphered. 
 
69 
 
 Real Maesta. 
 
 E tempo assai ch' io baciai k Vra Ma** le mani, riccordandomeli 
 
 diuot"° Seru'^ e 1' inuiai anc" li retratti della Reg" Mre" : della M Vra : 
 
 di gran mem* come mostr6 desiderare, ne ho poi continuato a farle 
 
 humile riu^% non per mancam'" di uolonta, ma d' occ"* per non hauer 
 
 hauuto in che seruirla ; Mk hora che se ne uiene dalla M** V* il Dottor 
 
 Tommaso Dempstero Scotese, e per negotij suoi h per ordine del Gran 
 
 Duca Ser"" di Tosc% mi, h parso debito del' osseruanda mia fare a V* 
 
 M'* humil"* riu'"', e baciarle le mani, h supplicarla anc" k non mi tener 
 
 troppo ardito, se le uengo a dire, che U gia Baron Arigolee, mi mand6 
 
 certe Chinee, una dalle q"li uiue anc* m^ uiechiss""* di 25 anni, che poco 
 
 piu puol durare ; h desiderando non rezame senza, con riuerente, aflfetto 
 
 sup° la M'^ V% h fauoriemene (Tun paro, ma che una fusse bianchiss™* ar- 
 
 melina, le q*li potria la M. V. ordinare che fussero conseg*^ al sig' Pilippo 
 
 de Bemardi Gentilhuomo Gen'^ che si Iroua costl, che sipigliera pens™ 
 
 d' inuiarmele, e di tal fauore, e gra° restart con infinito obligo alia Real 
 
 magnanimity della M** V~ra, alia quale humil"° m'inclino, et auguro ogni 
 
 fehcita Mag'^ 
 
 Di Massa U 24 di Luglio 1618. 
 Di V" M** 
 
 R^ dalla Gran Brettagna. 
 
 Air Iir Sig'" II %"■' Tobbia Mattel. Londra. 
 
 Ill" Sig".* Se io non hauessi mai hauuto altra notizia della persona 
 di V. S., che quella, che mi h hora peruenuta per mezzo della Tra sua, et 
 del libro, ch' ella mi ha dedicato, sarei stato mosso a porle non ordinario 
 
 * Indorsed " 27 Sep. 1618. To Tobit Mathew." 
 
70 
 
 amore, et stima, per la corrispondenza, che merita Taffetto, ch' ella 
 ha mostro uerso di me, et la gratitudine, ch' eUa serba uerso questa 
 mia Citt^j il che h grande argomento deUa sua bonta di natura, et 
 della sua generosita di animo, ma insin quando ella si ritouaua qui 
 io fui pienams*^ informato delle honorate, et uirtuose quality sue, 
 lo splendor delle quali all' hora tanto maggiorm*^ mi si pales6, 
 quando fii accresciuto dal uero lume, che le mando Iddio benedetto 
 della S** fede Catt°^ Romana ; Et hauendo sentito molto contento, non 
 solam*® deir affezzionata memoria, che ella me conserua, ma dell' 
 amoreuol segno, ch' ella ne ha uoluto dare col prezioso dono del sud° 
 libro, resto tanto piu tenuto h continuarle queUa buona, et pronta 
 uolonta, ch' ella trouera sempre in me in tutte le occorrenze di suo 
 piacere, et seruizio ; et hauendomi V. S. inuiato questo dono arrichito 
 dalla cortese oflferta dell' amicizia del s'' Cancelliere Autore di esso, io la 
 ringrazio di cosl caro acquisto, ch' ella mi ha procurato, hauendo molto 
 ben conosciuto da questi Saggi Morali quanto gran possessore deUe 
 uirtu, et delle scienze sia il sig'^ Cancelliere, et quanto egh uaglia, et 
 neUa Attiua, et nella speculatiua. Et uolendo hora V. S. colmare il gusto, 
 ch' ella mi ha apportato, sar^ contento di assicurare detto sig™, che ag- 
 giuntosi aUa stima, che hauerei fatto di lui, per esser tanto principal 
 Ministro di cosl gran Rfe, quella, che si deue al celebre merito delle 
 sue lodeuolissime parti, abbraccerb sempre uolentieri ogni occ°^ di 
 gratificarlo, et seruirlo, si come anche confiderb in lui in tutto quello, 
 che mi possa occorrere in coteste Parti, et di uiuo cuore lo saluto, et gli 
 desidero ogni uero bene, et a V. S. ogni prosperity. 
 
 Di fiorenza, 27. Sett"' 1618. 
 
 Al piacer di V. S. 
 
 Il Granduca di T*. 
 
71 
 
 To the Right Honour^'' S" Thomas Lake Knighte. His Ma'"' Principall 
 Secretarie of Estate. At Court. 
 
 10 8""' 1618. 
 Right Honour"^ * 
 
 I had this weeke nothing to signifie vnto you, but that I haue written 
 to my secret Corrispondents, for particular information aboute those 
 thinges you require in youre last : For the publique affairs, the generall 
 opinion of the Senate is, that the Vice-Roy of Naples, by the aduantage 
 of some winde, will reenter the Gulfe, and retire his vessells into the 
 port of Brindisi, thereby at least to maintaine a countenaunce of posses- 
 sion for his Master in those waters. This is the greatest subiect of our 
 expectation and discourse at the present. And so till the next weeke I 
 remayne 
 
 At y"^ Honors com- 
 
 Padoua tV of maundements 
 
 October 1618. Henry Wotton. 
 
 To the Right Honour"" S'' Robert Nanton Knight, His Ma*'" Principal 
 Secretarie of Estate. At Court. 
 
 V &"'" 1618. 
 
 Right Honourable : '\- 
 This is onely to aduertise you, that my Secretarie Richard Seymour 
 
 * Indorsed, " 1618. 1 Oct. S' Hen. Wotton," 
 t Indorsed, " 1° Octobris 1618. S' H. Wotton to me." 
 
72 
 
 (whome vpon the receipt of youre letter of the 5th of August, I sent 
 to my Corrispondents among the Grisons) is newly retoumed, with such 
 matter as will giue his Ma*'' I hope good contentment in the future hope 
 of oure greate businesse, as I must needes call it. Aboute w°h (con- 
 taining manie circumstances) I craue respite to giue you a large accompt 
 by the next Post. And at the present nothing stirring that is materiall, 
 rfor the motions of Bohemia make vs secure and wantonj I humblie kisse 
 youre handes. Euer remaining 
 
 Youre Honors fa)^hfully 
 
 Padoua tV of to serue you 
 
 October, 1618. Henry Wotton. 
 
 go gbris Jgjg_ 
 
 I take presumption vppon the assured promise of y^ loue to write vnto 
 you heerein a few privat lines aboute my self : Whereof the scope is this, 
 to beseeche you that as you haue obteyned leaue for my retume home 
 the next Spring to the comfortable sight of my graciouse Master : so 
 you wilbe pleased hkewise to deale with his Maiestie in my behalf that 
 none may be appoynted to succeede me heere till my arrival : because 
 when I have setled some of my peculiar occasions, I shall rather wishe 
 to come hether back agayne then to be onerouse to his Ma"^ at home for 
 vdthout his bountie I can not hue. In the meane while, my Italian Secre- 
 tarie Gregorio de Monti (who supplyed the place all the whUe that S'- 
 Dudley Carleton was at Turino and affcerwardes till my coming) will 
 discharge it with fidelitie and discretion : being a person of much suffi- 
 tiensie and of twelue yeares approvement in the Kings service. This is 
 my most humble and hartie request vnto you : aboute which I haue by 
 
 * Indorsed " S' H. Wotton to me. 9° S'"'" 1618." 
 
73 
 
 letter prayed Mr. Bargraue to interceade with you for me : but hauing 
 not heard from him I thought fitt prouisionally to moue it by mine owne 
 pen : having with no man else living communicated thease thoughts : 
 aboute which I shall languishe to receaue a line or two from you And so 
 aga)nie 
 
 Sir, I am youres 
 
 9"* of October. 1618 Henry Wotton. 
 
 stile of England. 
 
 go gbris J gig 
 
 Right honorable 
 
 Vpon the receipt of your e letter of the 5th of August from Salisbur3'^e, 
 I dispatched my Secretarie Richard Seymer about the great buissinesse 
 (as I must euer caU it) to my correspondents amonge the Grisons for 
 twoe causes. First to preuent thayre deputinge of any persons to treate 
 with his Maiestie which the Kinge thought fitt to be forborne in this 
 beginninge for the reasons formerly signified. Next to take information 
 whether a late tumult amonge that people had bredd any chaunge in 
 oure purpose. 
 
 For the first of thease, my sayde Secretarie arryued verye oppor- 
 tunely findeinge twoe personns alreadie appointed to be sent to his 
 Maiestie and other Princes namely Gasparrus Alexius the Gjonnasiarcha 
 and one Johannes a Porta, a principal Minister and Gentleman of that 
 Countrye whose ioumey I haue put off tyll the Springe and in the meane 
 whyle wee will fashion the whole matter by close intelligence and order 
 oure meetinge in Germanic. 
 
 For the other point touchinge information about the tumult I am 
 assured from them that it hath infinitely advantaged owre intent as if it 
 
 L 
 
74 
 
 weave sent from heaven expressly for thearebye a few Spaniolised Grisons 
 which did oppose the better sorte are taken awaye. The whole story 
 I will briefelye relate beinge a discouerie of much importance. 
 
 It is well knowen what travaile and what expence this Republique 
 hath bestowed vppon obtajminge a free passage of aydes through the 
 Grisons which through the conioyned labours and artes of the Spanish 
 and French Ambassadours theare resydent hath binn impeached by 
 double pistoUs and crownes of the Sunn. 
 
 Nowe of late it fell out that the childe of one John Baptista Zambra 
 (one of the greatest Rhetian families) brought to School with him an 
 olde letter which belike he tooke vpp in his fathers Studdie. This 
 letter was by chaunce espied by the Schoolemaster in the boyes hande 
 who by fatal curiositie pervsinge it founde it superscribed to Zambra 
 and subscribed by the Count Fuentes sometimes Gouuernour of Milan. 
 This paper bewrayed olde intelligence between the sayed Zambra and 
 that daungerouse neighbour whearevppon the Schoolemaster reueales it to 
 the Magistrate. The Magistrate awardes a suddaine search of his 
 howse wheare diners other papers weare founde importinge noe lesse 
 then a daungerouse and inf inent practise to render the Valtolina (the 
 principal piece of the Rhetian State) into the handes of Spaine and 
 heerein likewise the French Minister (by name GefSer) is sayde to haue 
 had his finger, at least he is one of those that fiedd awaye vppon the 
 sulleuation of the people whoe putt them selues in armes vppon this 
 discouerie and weare so founde by my Secretarie at Tosana vnder 21 
 Enseignes. Zambra they haue executed, Rodolpho Planta (another 
 principal man combined with him) is fled into the Countye of Tirol but 
 his goodes confiscated and his howses razed. 
 
 Nicholaus Rosea a popish Prelate to preuent publique punishment 
 poysoned himselfe in prison. And thease are all against whom they 
 had as then proceeded but weare vppon examination of more with pur- 
 pose not to dismisse theyre armes tyll the end of the Process. Thus 
 standes that discouerie beinge likely amonge other effects to facillitate a 
 newe collegation betweene this Republique and that people of which I 
 
75 
 
 shall write more heereafter if it proceede. In this ioumey my Secretarie 
 hath (as I willed him) taken a particular viewe of the place wheare wee 
 are to begin owre goode worke. For if Salust (as we reade) did trans- 
 port himself into Africa for the better description of some places 
 wheareofe he was to speake in the Jugurthine warr. I thought it my 
 dutie beinge fixed heere myself to take at least by one of myne (whose 
 iudgement I dare trust) a syght of that seate which maye perchaunce 
 heereafter breede a better storie especially my graciouse Master re- 
 quiringe so fervently all zeale and care from mee in this buissinesse. 
 My correspondents by reason of thoase present distractions could not 
 write to mee so largely about all circumstances as they intend within a 
 while and then I shall likewise saye more my self. In the meane 
 while I beseech you Sir to assure his Maiestie that the buissinesse is in 
 a verye fayre inclination and more intended then hath binn yeat signi- 
 fied as I shall deliuer within three or fower weekes. 
 
 Nowe conceminge this state, lett mee tell his Maiestie a fewe prittie 
 thinges. Not longe since a Monke heere of the order of the Cru- 
 cifferie (who are for the most part gentlemen) was discouered to clipp 
 monneye in his Cell who beinge taken was by Sentence of the Counsayle 
 of tenn openly beheaded on Sainct Markes place before the Pallace 
 whearein though the thinge itself weare likely to offend the Pope (beinge 
 a Mass Priest and so within compass of the pretended Immunitie) yeate 
 the circumstances much more. For first it was donn against the vehe- 
 ment intercession of the Patriarch and the Nuntio and secondly he was 
 executed in the habit of his Order without degradation ; wheareofe twoe 
 diners reasons are alledged. Some saye they would not degrade him to 
 gayne a little tyme and chi ha tempo ha vita in the Italian wisedome. 
 Others saye that the Ecclesiastiques refuse it to doe it least they should 
 seeme in that act of degradation to giue a sylent consent against theyr 
 owne Immunities. Howesoeuer, thus the Frier passed awaye and the 
 Pope hath sayde or att least hath donn nothinge vppon it. Nowe, 
 newely is fallen out another occasion that maye perchaunce touch him 
 more deepely. The Bishopp of Lesina one of the Adriatique Ilandes 
 
76 
 
 fallinge into contention witb the publique Magistrate of that place about 
 pointe of Jurisdiction and wantinge his will is retyred thence to Zara on 
 the Dalmatian shoare wheare he was borne as it should seeme in a 
 passion wheather this State hath written to thejrre Gouuemour to seaze 
 on him and send him to Venice (as I conceiue) for preuentinge of sus- 
 pected practises that he maye fall into vppon distast. 
 
 This the Nuntio hath taken verye sensibly and (as I hear) the Senat 
 in answeare to his complainte hath not spared to avayle themselves of 
 the fresh example of the Cardinal Clesel not exempted from secular 
 Proces though a Pillar of the Church. What will followe vppon thease 
 proceedings I cannot affirme but I incline to belieue that the Pope will 
 revenge himself rather by secret animatinge the Viceroye of Naples in 
 the maritime action then by his owne Spirrittual sworde of which the 
 edge is extreamely dulled. 
 
 , Wee are heere as I thinke his Maiestie will easilie conceiue put into 
 wanton courage by the motions of Bohemia which if they proceede as 
 thay beginn are likely to sett Italic at ease. And so hauinge nothinge 
 more to saye at the present I committ you Sir to Gods deare and blessed 
 loue with my continuall prayers for his Maiestie and his Estates re- 
 maininge. 
 
 Youre Honors to doe 
 
 From Venice you hartie service 
 
 #^ofO 
 1618. 
 
 this^ofOctob- HknryWotton. 
 
 Posts : 
 
 As I haue formerly represented with some passion the inhumane 
 piece of Justice against thoase of S' Hen Paytons troope which weare 
 executed by the GeneraU, So it is my dutie nowe to report the kinde 
 vsage of this State towardes that worthy gentleman and his Capteines 
 as more particularly you shall heare in my next. 
 
17 
 
 To the Right Hon'''' /S"" Robert Nanton Knighte. His Ma""' Principall 
 Secretarie of Estate. At Court. 
 
 16° 8'"' 1618. 
 
 Right Honou"' * 
 
 This verie morning, wee haue had heere a soUemne publique Proces- 
 sion of all the Nobilitie that goueme the State, for theire greate deliuerance 
 from the intended Practise, now foure monthes since discouered, and as 
 yet vnbaptized whether French or Spanish (thoughe French were the 
 Instruments) whereof by the next Post, I shall speake more plainely, if I 
 bee not preuented by the State it selfe, for wee haue some lighte of a 
 Declaration in hand, and as they saye partly vnder Print alreadie. Nay 
 further, w'h a kind of assent of the King of Spaine thereunto, or at least 
 a precedent exploration, howe he would take it. By this Procession, 
 and some other Intelligence, I collect, that the whole Processe is 
 nowe att an ende, hauing beene precisely (as I haue said) fowre monthes 
 to this verie daye, vnder Inquisition. It is to be noted that at the 
 foresaid Procession of this morning (contoarie to aU other like occa- 
 sions) no publique Representant did accompanie the Prince, no not 
 so much as the Nuntio, either for feare of offending one of the Kinges, 
 or otherwise angrie, that w*hout his owne Masters leaue, the Republique 
 had made an Holy-daye, for all the shoppes were shutt by commaunde. 
 
 For other thinges, there is no chaunge of moment. And soe I humbly 
 rest 
 
 At y' Honors commaundements 
 
 '^'^^^^ Henry Wotton. 
 
 this -If of October 
 
 1618. 
 
 * Indorsed " 16° 8""' 1618. S' H. Wotton to me." 
 
78 
 
 A true Relation of suche things as happened to the English Regi- 
 ment now imployed in the service of the Republique of Venice.* 
 
 Vppon the 29 of June we came to a place called Cortsela, and there 
 found the Genrall whose name was Barbarico. 
 
 Vppon the first of July the said Genrall gave notice that he would 
 come aboord euerie Shipp and by way of Muster see euery particular 
 person ; who when I came vnto him enquired what I was, to whom a 
 conf on soldier answered that I was the Preacher for the whole English 
 Regiment ; wheruppon furiously he said, what a pope have wee to doe 
 with Preachers, bidding cast mee over board, and yet said to the Scribe 
 that writt the names of the Soldiers, It makes no matter, write his name, 
 hee shall serue S* Marke. To whom I replied that I was an English 
 preacher and subiect to a Religious King defender of the Ancient Catho- 
 hck and Apostohck faith, and that for my p"te I would never serue Saint 
 Marke, Peter, nor Paule, but only my god and my King the King of 
 England, neyther would I take one pennye allowance of that State. 
 
 Vppon the 4 : of July being Saturday, Captaine Billingsley his Com- 
 panie of : 150 : went on shore only to shew their Armes, and by reason 
 that some of S' John Veere his Companie had told them that their pay 
 was more then theirs, the said Companie refused to retume to their 
 shipp vnlesse they might haue as muche as anie Dutche or Englishe had 
 before their coming ; wheruppon the Captaine repa)Ted to the Generall 
 and complajmed of that mutinous resistance, whoo (as I hard the said 
 Captaine relate when he returned) bade him goe and trie if he could 
 appease his Soldyers, and when he had done his part he would doe his ; 
 But the Captaine not prevayhng, S' Henry Payton assayed to doe it but 
 could not, and therefore left them and returned to the Shipp called y* 
 Royall Exchange. But Lieutenant Horwell, one Ancient Herbert, with 
 others being all Oflficers of that companie, did before : 3 : or : 4 : o clock 
 
 * Indorsed, " Rela(ron of y' GiTals dealing w'h y° Englishmen that went fr Venice." 
 
79 
 
 in the same aftemoone appease them, and w*hout anie manner of hurt 
 caused them to laye downe their Armes, and be wiUing to retume to 
 their Shipps. 
 
 Notw'hstanding all this the Generall sent his Seriant Maior an Italian 
 to know what was done, who finding all at quiet seemed to be verie 
 gladd therof, but yet would not suffer them to retume to their shipps, 
 appointing : 10 : and : 10 : to seuerall Gallyes, taking w'h him vnder pre- 
 tence of speaking w*h the Generall all the speciall Officers who had 
 confitted no manner of knowen offence, and carried them to the Gene- 
 rall his Gallyes, where they were chayned and watched all night with 
 Gally-slaves ; and the next day being Sonday, they were examined 
 w'hout anie Interpreter saving a Dutche Pirate who could speake some 
 : 20 : words of English ; and the next morning earlye, warning was given 
 for their execution. 
 
 M' HorweU who was a proper gentleman and of excellent p"ts w'h 
 some others of the best did cause the Generall to be moved that seeing 
 that they must so sodainly die, that it would please him to giue them 
 tjme and leaue to send for their Preacher for resolution & comfort before 
 their death ; w°h request he did not only denie, but w*h a scornful I 
 gesture putting out his toung, made answer therunto by a question, 
 asking yf they would haue their preacher hanged w^h them for com- 
 pany ? 
 
 The same morning being the 6 of July, they wese all tyed to a crosse- 
 yard and hanged altogether, sauing one M" Herbert who was saued by 
 some strange prouidence & banished from the Armie ; during w"h execu- 
 tion, the Generall very Inhumanely laye vppon his pauilion, laughing at 
 that cruell spectacle. 
 
 All w^hwas done w*hout the knowledge of S' Henry Payton, Captaine 
 Loades, or Englishman whatsoeuer though o' shipps were in view of the 
 execution, performing it w*hout anie Just, Loyall, Nationall or Warrlike 
 proceeding, and w'hout anie reall accusation. 
 
 To add to this disaster the same daye five prog men conf on soldiers, 
 who were sent w*h money in their purses to buye victualls, were cruelly 
 
80 
 
 murdered by the Albonese, being hewen in peaces w'h poUaxes ; By w^h 
 terrible accidents o' whole companies were in suche sodaine amazem* as 
 wee durst not speak of anie thing one to another, so that in my poore 
 Judgm' by deliberate circumstance, of 500 men the Kings subiects, 
 
 there will neuer retume for England one hundred. In suche miserie did I 
 leaue them in the Gulfe over against Ancona. 
 
 Now for the carriage of the busines here at home. So it is, that my 
 retume from Venice was knowne and exported long before I came by the 
 Venetian Ambassadour, whose Agent one Michaell an Englished Italian 
 did repaire verie often vnto the house where my familye did reside, en- 
 quiring for mee and telling my seruant yf he could but bring him vnto 
 mee, it should avayle mee more then manie such voyages to Venice. 
 Wheruppon my seruant brought him vnto mee, who when he came vrged 
 to me what benefitt it would be to mee if I would but forbeare to deliuer 
 my Tres or to make anie kinde of Relation of the busines to the hon~ble 
 priuie Counsell, my Lo. of Canterbury, or to your Honor, sa3dng my Lo. 
 Ambassadour would reward mee. 
 
 The next day he brought for mee the Lo. Ambassadors coache and 
 carried mee to him to djmner, but before dynner, I related to him by 
 Interpretation all the w'^h I haue writt. To w°h the Ambassador an- 
 swered that he must defend the credit of the Generall and that he had 
 ben w'h the King who said not any thing to him, and yet if I would 
 consult w*h the said Michaell, and some others, and take some suche 
 course as mildely to impart of the busines I should be well rewarded ; 
 To whom I aunswered that I must needes performe that trust as by his 
 Maf^ Ambassador was Comitted vnto mee, otherwise I should discredit 
 myselfe, abuse the Ambassador, and incurr the displeasure of the State ; 
 But I was still pressed with with reward and sent home againe in the 
 coache : But still that Michaell came to mee and did soUicit mee to ghie 
 a meeting att Blackfriers in my Lady Paytons house with S" Henry 
 Paytons brother ; in whose hearing he did threaten me that he had been 
 att Court, and seeing my Fres were deliuered he would puzle mee. 
 
81 
 
 saying that my Lo. Ambassador of Venice had written to your Honor, 
 how I had abused him by my informac on. But I bidd him doe his 
 worst for he had offered me money to hold my peace. Whervppon euer 
 since there hath ben sinister meanes vsed to keepe me from your Honor 
 and to quell and discredit my testimonie, w'^h would be confirmed w'h a 
 cloude of witnesses not lesse then 500 : who haue been acquainted w*h 
 my pleynes, danger, and behauior towards all men : A Coppie wherof 
 I haue thought good to write to your Honor.* 
 
 To my verry honor ahill good Lord my Lord Wotton ambassador for y" 
 Kings ma. off Ingland. Venetia. 
 
 My verry honorabil good Lord 
 
 I directit sum Trs to your honor give my memory serve me the sevin- 
 teine off this Instant be menes off M' Islaby Dykes merchant touching 
 ane extraordinary desperat tresone attemptit againes his sacred ma. our 
 soveraine be the lesuetts, good my Lod Comit to such persecution 
 
 that I dar not abyd in napills ney* to understand his princeley plesor nor 
 to expect you to answere but am forcit for feir off my lyff to cum out off 
 napills In caise nor I nor pilgrim. I shal godwUUng make the 
 
 besenes so clere that his Ma. shal think his secret freinds in Italy hes 
 done him good servise. in my first letter I des)Tit your Lordship to 
 advance me sume menes which now is not needful in regard off the 
 
 * The next Letter is a copy of that sent to Sir Robert Nanton, see p. 77, but addressed 
 " To the Right Honb'' S' Thomas Lake, Knighte His Ma"=' Principal Secretarie of 
 Estate. At Court." and indorsed, " 1618, 16 Oct. From S' H. Wotton." 
 
 M 
 
82 
 
 I am instructit to follow only I wil Intreat your honor to wright 
 to M' Dykes. That (whatever ?) Trs cum a3rther to him or any other 
 merchant within his correspondence that with al expedition thay cum to 
 yor L. unto whom I with al possibility to adres my selff. I know 
 
 perfytly his ma : wil be uerry cairful to understand the uttermost off this 
 foul Intendit tresone & am afraid this citty wil cum to the merchants off 
 Napills In regard off my Information but I protest thai ar unworthy off 
 such honor & especially M"^ Dykes himself but good my Lo. my ambition 
 is nor to him or any such as he is In the mene tyme til 
 
 I haue occasione to your hands which (serve ?) as great 
 
 expedition as I may I rest as & stil remane 
 
 Yor L. alwayes to be Comanded 
 
 napills the twenty James Haig, off 
 
 fyve off October. 
 
 For his Maiesties Service. 
 To the Right Honour"' M" Secretarie Nanton, 8fc, 
 Right Honourable.* 
 
 The Inclosed contayneth a letter of some importance in showe (how- 
 soeuer it proue otherwise) w'^h it is my duetie to passe vnto his Ma"' 
 throughe youre faythfuU handes. And soe humbly remembring you, 
 of mine owne particolar request touching my-selfe, wherein I haue beene 
 bold by two former letters to begg your fauour, 
 
 I ever rest 
 Venice the last ,^ ^^ 
 
 » -^ ^ 1 ^., r Youre Honors to serue 
 
 of October, stile oi 
 
 England. 1618. you 
 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
 * Indorsed, " 31" &"" 1618. S' H, Wotton to me w'h his other & James Haigh's 
 inclosed to his Ma"°." 
 
31: 8""" 1618. 
 
 83 
 
 For his Most Sacred Maiestie. 
 
 May it please youre Most Sacred Maiestie* 
 
 shall deliuer heerein vnto your Ma*'° a businesse perhapps more 
 worthie of all possible diligence in my selfe (as an humble vasal) then of 
 the least of youre owne care. 
 
 The inclosed letter I receaued late yesternight (as it seemeth) from 
 Naples conueyed hither amonge other letters of one Randal Symmes, an 
 honest English merchant of this place. Vpon the recite I conferred w'h 
 my Lord Brusse (newly arriued here) whether in his trauayles^ in the 
 further partes of Italic, he had knowen such a man, as the subscribed. 
 
 At first his memorie tooke no hold of him. Afterwards Arpon a little 
 discourse. It was remembred that such a name had beene imprisoned 
 in Florence as a false accuser of some of his companions, and being 
 w'hin a while thence deliuered, mighte perhapps be sithence gonn to 
 Naples. 
 
 Whereas he sayeth in the sayed letter, that he had written before to 
 mee, and required some monies to be made ouer to him, vpon the pre- 
 tended cause, I am glad I receaued no such thing. For I had beene 
 likely enoughe in mine owne nature to haue furnished him, because by 
 that experience, w'h youre Ma*'" hath giuen mee abroade, I knowe that it 
 doth manie tymes become a seruaunt, rather to offend his owne beliefe 
 then his dutie. If this man come shortly (as he pretendeth) vnto mee, 
 I shalbe able to giue youre Ma"' more particular knowledge of this 
 matter, that yet appeareth full of ajre. 
 
 In the meane while I haue written to that merchaunt w"h he nameth 
 at Naples according to the direction to send hither such letters as shall 
 come to his handes. 
 
 For a Conclusion (to diuert youre Ma"' from anie conceipte of this 
 
 * Indorsed, " 31° 8""" 1618. S' H. Wotton to his Ma'' w'h Ja. Haiges inclosed." 
 
84 
 
 ■wilde business) I must relate by my present Intelligence (thoughe to my 
 
 poore Judgement neuer anie thinge more strange) that this Republique 
 
 hath newly concluded a league w'h Savoy. If they had done it, before 
 
 theire rendring of thee Townes in Friuli, taken in this last warre from the 
 
 Arch-Duke Ferdinando, It would surely haue pleased manie wise men : 
 
 but the Judgements doe nowe runn otherwise of it, w^h I shall better 
 
 deliuer fo youre Ma*'° in my next ; For it is yet fresh in discourse. And 
 
 so I most humbly rest. 
 
 Youre Maiesties ever 
 
 Venice the last of „ ..n ^ 
 
 laythrull poore servant 
 October, style 
 of England 1618. Henry Wotton. 
 
 To the Right honorable M'' Secretarie Lake. 
 
 1- g""" 1618. 
 
 Right Honorable* 
 
 I haue newly receaued a letter from you expressing too kinde an 
 acceptance of a poore oblation from hense. In truthe I was desirouse 
 beside other accoumpt that I owe you of my tyme heere to lett you 
 knowe likewise that I doe sometymes visit Murano. I am sorie to vn- 
 derstande that you are not yet fully returned to the Court. Howsoeuer, 
 Having now thorough the handes of S' Robert Nanton written to his 
 M"^ a report touching the Frenche conspiracie whereof the processe is 
 heere newly ended I hold it likewise my dutye to intertayne you with a 
 Copie of my sayed letter. The braue Don Diego di Silva (as I must 
 now at least call him) is within thease few dayes returned from Napels 
 
 * Indorsed " 1618 1 Nou. From S' H. Wotton." 
 
85 
 
 to Rome : Aboute whom by the next Currier I shall let you knowe 
 many things. TiU when : God holde you in his fauour. 
 
 From Venice this first of November. 1618. 
 
 Youre Honors willing 
 
 November the 
 
 servant, 
 first after this 
 
 . icio Henry Wotton- 
 
 accoumpt. 1618. 
 
 To the Right Honorable M' Secretarie Nanton. 
 
 r 9""' 1618. 
 
 It wilbe trouble enough for you this weeke to view the inclosed 
 before it passe to his M"°. I haue greater mater in hand by the next 
 Courrier. 
 
 Lett me now agayne humbly begg youre intercession with his Ma"' 
 (who hath grawnted by y' fauour my retume home the next Spring) 
 that I may haue the freedome to returne agayne to this employment : 
 which I protest before God I doe begg not in contemplation of my 
 sufficientie but of my necessitie : because otherwise I shalbe onerouse to 
 his M"' or shameful! to my self. Aboute which I tooke the boldenesse to 
 write before vnto you more particularly. And so for the present I 
 humbly kisse y' handes : resting. 
 
 Youre willing servant 
 Nouember the ^^^^^ Wotton. 
 
 : 1 : after this 
 accoumpt. 1618. 
 
86 
 
 To the Right Hon"' S"" Robert Nanton Knighte. His Ma*"' Principall 
 Secretarie of Estate. At Court. 
 
 13 9""'" 1618. 
 
 Right HonoraV^ * 
 
 Here is arriued one that calleth himselfe Poole^ pretending descent 
 from our Royal Hne, by Margaret Plantagenet Countesse of SaUsburie, 
 marryed to Richard Poole of Wales, one of his direct Ancestours. He 
 was bredd (if he bee not a Counterfeit) vnder the Cardinal Farnese at 
 Rome, but since the violent death of a brother (w^h he lost there) hath 
 beene some years out of Italie, partly in England, where he liued ob- 
 scurely, and partly in Loraine, where I heare he hath two sisters 
 cloystered. From thence he seems immediately to bee nowe come 
 hither, and is not tender himselfe in voicing (that he hath businesse 
 either publique or priuate w'h this state) enoughe to spin out this winter. 
 I was tould likewise, that he had closely beene w*h the Duke, who 
 at a publique Procession seemed in transitu familiarly to salute him, 
 if the popularitie of his Countenance to all, did not deceaue some obser- 
 uers. 
 
 Thease premises considered, andw'hall, his abstaining from mee (euen 
 after one had tould him he should doe well to come to mee) I thoughte 
 it a duetie due to my place (hauing yesterday other occasion that drewe 
 me to the pallace) to intimate thus much, that there was a certain close 
 English gentleman come hither pretending highe descent and greate 
 businesse w'h the Republique, who hauing beene some dales in Towne, 
 and as yet not w*h mee, (that am heere howe vnworthie soeuer, the 
 mediatour for his Ma"^^ subiects) I could not presume his endes to be 
 fayre, and therefore I besoughte the Prince to handle him and anie 
 other, in like case, w'h such caution as did become the wisedome of this 
 
 * Indorsed, " 13° 9""' 1618. S' H. Wotton to me of Poole, &c."' 
 
87 
 
 senate, and theire respect towardes his Ma*''' whose vassall I was. The 
 Duke answered me that no such person, had yet beene introduced 
 before them, meaning perhapps in pubUque ; And I replyed, that I was 
 glad ; because it was alwaise easier to preuent than to reuoke : the 
 partie is nowe clothed in newe scarlet and gold lace, and will peraduen- 
 ture, w*hin a day or two, open him-selfe to the state, after w^h I will 
 hearcken, and then aduertise farther : 
 
 Here is likewise (almost at this verie instant) arriued, that person ; 
 whose letter from Naples vnto mee (touching I knowe not what treason 
 intended by the lesuites) I sent his Ma"° thoroughe youre handes a fort- 
 nighte since. Aboute w'^h man, I haue heard enough from my Lorde 
 Brusse, and some others for the securitie of m3me owne purse, for they 
 describe him to be a verie ydle Creature, huing by tales. One thing 
 he hath tould mee vpon our first encounter w°h I knewe not before 
 that the Earle of Anguise is heere freshly arrived. The rest I shall haue 
 to morrowe, and his Ma*''^ by the next Post. 
 
 Touching the publique. They were neuer heere more perplexed in 
 theire counsayles then at the present, vpon fresh letters frome Spaine, 
 importing (as I heare) that Kings resolute determination, to haue accesse 
 at pleasure to his oione ports w*hin the gulfe ; w'h vessells armed or 
 disarmed : An highe point ; infolding this state, in an ineuitahle warr 
 w*h the Turkes : and vpon that sole double hath beene hitherto spent, 
 the whole chardge of this Armata ; for otherwise to suffer the Spanish 
 vessells to come into Brindisi, were but a matter of Complement. I shall 
 write more of this, and diuerse other thinges the next weeke. And at 
 the present I humbly rest. 
 
 At youre Hon^ commaundments 
 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
 Sir. 
 
 Wee heere beginn in common discourse to make conclusions of great 
 things vppon I knowe not what distasts falne lately out betweene his 
 Maiestie, and Fraunce. 
 
 From Venice this 44 of November 1618. 
 
88 
 
 Sir* 
 
 M' Bargraue hath let me knowe two thinges, first howe much you 
 loue me, next a poore occasion, wherein I may priuately serue you, 
 namely youre desire aboute a thinge, that you would haue sent you 
 from hence w^h is in trueth one of the promptest commodities of the 
 place, but I was sorie to find by his instructions, that vnlesse it could be 
 w*h you, before the next New-yeares day ; it would come to late, 
 w^h doeth vtterly disable me to satisfie you ; hauing not receaued the 
 said letter from M' Bargraue before yesterdaie w"h is w*hin fiue weekes 
 of the tjrme in the slowest style, and at the present, no meanes for 
 transportation in this harbour. I must therefore giue you respite to 
 commaund mee for some other tume be it in the same or anie thing else 
 w^h this Countrie may yeild, and I will attend youre commaundes, 
 either by youre owne, or by the former ; by which I likewise vnder- 
 stande, how much he is bounde as well as my self6 vnto youre care of 
 him, and in particuler, that you haue promised him youre powerfuU 
 mediation for a Prebends-place in Canterburie. I humblie beseeche 
 you. Sir, to receaue both our thanckfullnesses for each other, because 
 wee are conio3med not onely as before in the best freindshipp, but nowe 
 also in neare afl&nitie, for he hath married one of my Nieces the daughter 
 of a righte good Sister ; w^h hath beene on both theire partes a match, 
 rather of vertue and loue, then of fortune ; so as there is a roome left 
 for youre honourable kindnesse. And so Gods owne loue be w'h youre 
 selfe 
 
 Agayne y' Servant 
 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
 * Indorsed, " S' H. Wotton to me. Sans date." 
 
89 
 
 To the Right Honou^'" S' Thomas Lake Knighte His Ma"'' Principall 
 Secretarie of Estate : At Court. 
 
 13° 9"" 1618. 
 
 Right Honorable * 
 
 I shall haue occasion within few days to send home an expresse 
 Messenger, and by him to remember my dutie vnto you more largely 
 then at the present. 
 
 This is only to acquaynt you priuatly that Don Diego di Silva is 
 passed by Milan towardes Spa)Tie : vaunting to some English in his 
 passage that he hath gotten twenty thousand Crownes by his Masters 
 last will : whereas I am well informed that the Late Lord Rosse had in 
 all aboute him bothe in monie and iewels not aboue the value of three 
 thousand powndes sterling even when he passed by Lions. 
 
 The sayed Diego confesseth that his hart was extreame black and 
 hard : but he addeth Tvithall, that he had more braynes then euer before 
 had been scene in any head of that proportion. I haue written (ac- 
 cording to y' commaundment) to my correspondents in the farther parts 
 of this Countrie to gather some certa3m knowledge of what remayned at 
 his death, and the disposition thereof: but I haue yet receaued no 
 answer therein peraduenture thorough the difficultie of knowing the 
 truthe : which euen the Viceroy hath healped to conceale. This is 
 all that I can yete saye touching my privat dutie towardes you. 
 
 The publique yealdeth less. Only we heare a determination in the 
 King of Spayne to proceede in the maritime cause, which doeth heere 
 much trouble tlieire. counsayles. Whereof I shall write more in my 
 next. God send vs quietnesse at home. And so I rest. 
 
 With humble desire 
 
 From Venice the ' , 
 
 to serue you 
 
 J-} of Nouember 
 
 ,^,„ Henry Wotton. 
 
 Ibio, 
 
 * Indorsed, " 1618. 13 Nov. From S' Hen. Wotton." 
 
 N 
 
90 
 
 A Monsieur Monsieur Wotton con" et Ambassadeur du Roy de la Grande 
 Bretagne, residant a Venise* 
 
 Monsieur. Vo& lettres du 10° de ce mois, pleines de nouueaux tes- 
 moignayes de vostre sincere affection tant enuers le public que particuli- 
 erement en mon endroit, m'ont estd fort bien rendues par Monsieur le 
 jeune Due de Holstein, La venue duquel m'a est^ autant aggreable que 
 i'ay est6 bien ayse de la veoir en ses qualitez dignes de son extraction, 
 Et confe ie loue fort le but qu'U s'est propos6 de dedier son seruice 
 au bien de sa patrie, aussi seray ie tousiours prest de I'uy rendre toute 
 sorte d'amitie, et fauoriser son auancement et oportunitez qui s'en pre- 
 senteront, auec autant de bonne volontd, que ie souhaite de veoir entre 
 les Princes Protestants de la Germanie plusieures semblables resolutions, 
 puis q par ce moyen la liberte commune des affaires de conscience et 
 politicques se pourroit tant mieux rafermir et maintenir. Les courtoisies 
 que vous me faites paroisser par vos dites lettres, m'obligent a vous en 
 faire ce mien tres affectueux remerciment, et vous assurer qu'elles me 
 sont en fort singuliere estime. Aussi m'a-ce est6 beaucoup de content- 
 ment d' entendre les bonnes intentions de la Republicque de Venise envers 
 les Electeurs et Princes de I'Empire vnis, outre la bonne confiance par- 
 ticuliere qui depuis plusieures annees en qa. s'est entretenue — entre 
 ceste Maison Electorale, et la dite Republicque pour la conserua- 
 tion et accroissement de laquelle bien vueUlante intelligence ie n'obmet- 
 tray et ne perdray de mon cost^ la moindre occasion que ie sgauray 
 y pouuoir seruir. M'asseurant que les autres unis se sentiront de mesmes 
 estroietement obligez enuers vous du soing et de la peine — que vous 
 prenez a establir vne si bonne correspondence. Toutesfois puis que la 
 forme de I'Vnion est telle, qu'auant que de pouuoir faire quelque declara- 
 
 * Beneath the address is written, " The Count Palatines letter to me touching the 
 buisinesse mentioned in my letter to his Maiestie. A Venise. Auec les tres humble et 
 tres affect''" recommendations de ." It is also indorsed " 24 
 
 Nouember 1618. Prince Palatine to S' Hen. Wotton." 
 
91 
 
 tion plus particuliere sur ce sujet, il est de besoing d'en communicquer 
 auec les autres, pour le moins, les principaux, et sur tout auec le Roy de la 
 Grande Bretagne, Auquel sans cela i'ay quelques poincts importants k faire 
 representer, et a I'effect dequoy, vn peu auant I'arriuement de vos dites 
 lettres j'aduisoy h enuoyer quelcun des miens expres vers sa Ma'° estant 
 deliber6 de le faire partir en peu de iours, pour entre les dits poincts 
 proposer aussi cestuy-ci a Sadite Ma*' : Je vous prieray tres affectueuse- 
 ment de ne trouuer mauuais ce petit delay, ains d'asseurer cependant la 
 Seigneurie de Venise, que de ceste-cy, on fait et fera tousiours estat 
 particulier de leur amitie, et bonne jnclination. II vous plaira aussi 
 tenir la main, k ce que ces demonstrations puissent estre tenues et de- 
 meurer fort secretes, sans s'euenter auant le temps. En quoy vous me 
 ferez derechef plaisir, et ie m'en reuencseray et le recognoistray enuers 
 vous toutes et quantesfois q les occasions me presenteront le moyen de 
 vous faire preuue euidente q ie suis et demeure. Monsieur 
 
 Vostre tres affectione amy 
 De Heydelbergle Frideric E. P. 
 
 24. Nouembre, 1618. 
 
 To the Right Honou'"''' 8' Robert Nanton Knighte His Ma*'^' principall 
 Secretarie of Estate. At Court. 
 
 27 7""" 1618. 
 Right Honour^" * 
 
 I must craue pardon to be short this weeke hauing taken a verie 
 troublesome Cold w'h the obseruation of a new Comet, appearing in this 
 
 * Beneath the address is -written "By Qut' 29 lOber 1618, ordinaire," it is also 
 indorsed, " 27° S"* 1618. S' H. Wotton to me." 
 
92 
 
 Horizon somewhat after midiiighte, amongst the famous Constellations, 
 nearest Arcturus, but w'h some litle varietie of motion. It is farre 
 greater then the last in 1607, but almost both in the verie same place. 
 When it first beganne by reason of the vntimely houre of the apparition, 
 is vncertaine, but it was first noted by one of mine, the 27* of Nouember, 
 confing that nighte from Padoua ; at w°h tyme the Blaze was so greate, 
 and of such extention, as could not be obscured by the Moone, nor a good 
 while after the lighte of the daye. This, concurring in a time of such 
 motion in Bohemia, distraction of opinion in the Low Prouinces, diuisions 
 in the Court of Fraunce, and no firme estate yet of Italic, wiU perchaunce 
 breede heere the more discourse : though a Countrie in generall not much 
 inclined to presagements, but rather euerie man busie about him selfe. 
 Onely the Pope is likely to be much troubled at it ; hauing in the whole 
 tyme both of his Regiment, and priuate life, been tormented by Astrolo- 
 gers, and such kinde of people, no lesse, then the Poets faine of some, 
 that were agitated by Furies. 
 
 In this place, not knowing howe long the maritime expences may last 
 nor what new troubles the next spring may begett on the land for feare of 
 a relapse after such an exhaustion, wee attend wholy to restoratiue 
 counsayles ; the State hauing lately not w*hout much murmure of the 
 subiect, for preuenting of farther corruption in theire monies, beene forced, 
 after I knowe not how manie seuerall edicts aboute this purpose, to 
 publish a decree of Senate, wherein siluer, as well as gold is order'd to 
 be receiued according to the present weighte, and not according to the 
 stampe. Weighers and Exchaungers being w'hall disposed at the pub- 
 lique chardge w'hin the Cittie, in places of greatest commerce for the 
 peoples ease leaste euerie man should otherwise be tyed to carrie a paire 
 of ballance in his pocket. Vpon w'^h Decree ensued such a spighte 
 amongst the forraine Merchaunts, who were to spend (verbi gratia) after 
 the clipping a piece of Eight, perchaunce for foure, that as it were by 
 way of reuenge, they signed a priuate writing amongst them-selues to 
 receiue the Cechini of the State running before at twelue of thease lire 
 and eight soldi for no more then a 1 H, by w^h the Republique would 
 
93 
 
 haue lost as much, as the priuate man by the other. In this close Com- 
 bination, entered some Florentines, some Genouesi, and one Fleaming, 
 and had they not by chaunce gotten in a Venetian amongst them that 
 had good freindes, they had all lyen by the heels. 
 
 I will now, S' trouble you no further at the present, being heere 
 otherwise little alteration of State, and intending w*hin short t3Tne to 
 send home one of mine owne, w'h all, that shall conceme our maine 
 businesse w^h you knowe, or mine owne imployment homewardes; 
 being in the meane tjme vpon receipt of those pretious, thoughe short 
 lines, w°h came yesterday from you to my handes, bound to render his 
 Ma"' most humble thanckes for reseruing this Charge vnsupplied till my 
 retume, and leaning it so gratiously to mine owne thoughtes, w'^h doth 
 extreamely comfort me because I hope the world will construe it as a 
 silent approbation ; thoughe I cannot saye of anie merritt, yet at least of 
 my zeale. And so S' for youre owne freindly mediation therein, and 
 affectionate care otherwise of mee, I rest euer bound vnto you, and 
 
 remaine 
 
 At Youre commaunde 
 From Venice this ^^^^^ Wotton. 
 
 27"' of Nouember 
 style of England. 
 1618. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 In my discourse touching the French conspiracie I must retract an 
 error about Captayn Tomon : who is yet in close prison vnstrangeled. 
 The mistaking grewe from some similitude of name in one of the last 
 dispatched. And in truth I shalbe very glad to see him at light agayne : 
 having much haunted owre Court and the Palatine. 
 
94 
 
 To the Right Honou'''' 8' Robert Nanton Knighte his Ma*'"' principall 
 Secretarie of Estate. At Court. 
 
 22: 10"" 1618. 
 
 Right Honourable.* 
 
 Being speedily to dispatche home one of mine owne to giue his Ma"^ 
 full accompt of manie thinges, I should now not haue written, saue onely 
 to tell you, that at this instant (as I am informed by the publique voice) 
 is heere arriued in a Gallie di Posta the dead bodie of the General Barba- 
 rigo, euen before wee heard, that he was sicke hauing fewe dales, or 
 perchaunce I may sale houres before his end giuen leaue to S' Henry 
 Peyton to come hither to salute the Prince, who at the present is negociat- 
 ing his occasions w*h the state. Wh the bodie is come as I heare the 
 Procurator Lorenzo Viniero, commaunder before in Cheife, and nowe 
 likely to succeede him in tytle of General, w^h is a maritime Dictatour ; 
 and by this exchaunge, the publique Avill not suffer, for he is the brauest 
 Gentleman, this dale lining amongst them ; This is all that I haue to sale 
 for the present. And so I humbly rest. 
 
 Youre Honors intirely 
 
 Venice this , 
 
 to serue you 
 
 H of December. • 
 
 ,g,g Henry Wotton. 
 
 * Indorsed, " 22 December 1618, S' Henry Wotton to me." 
 
95 
 
 To the Right honorable 8" Robert Nanton k* his Ma*"' Principall Secre- 
 tary these lett"'. Courts. 
 
 Right Honorable : * 
 
 Havinge now spent the winter season in a tedious and vnproJBStable 
 SoUicitation of Redresse, I haue resolved to retome vnto the small 
 charge I haue rather then to abandone a service so aggreable w'h 
 his Ma'''' likinge, and albeit one Regimente be far beyonde vs in poynte 
 of paye, yet had we the vallewe intended by me in that private liste w'^h 
 was accorded by the Embassador we were much better then some other 
 oltramontanes and littell inferioure to the troopes of Roqueloure, that w°h 
 is methinkes an harder po)Tite is that my nomber yet beinge but 500 the 
 Regim* is imperfite because the state refuseth to allowe me paye for any 
 fielde officers, now this also I haue for the presente disgested bearinge 
 the losse out of mine owne private and thus though slenderly recompensed 
 in matter of proffite they sende me awaye satisfied w*h some better 
 hopes, that vppon any occasion of future levyes in Englande they will 
 certaynly employe me w"'' promise if they obserue I shall doubteles finde 
 some meanes to repayre both my self and others, though not at once yet 
 by such degrees as maye be more tollerable for a state that is (if my 
 iudgem' be not blinded w* my perticuler interest) to maynteyne it selfe 
 more by forre5Tie aydes then by any natiue forces. Now as your hon' 
 hath bin one chiefe moover of me vnto this beginninge so I moste 
 humbly craue the continnuaunce of yo" favoure vnto the perfection of 
 my poore fortune in this Employem', w"'' I hope maye be easily per- 
 formed, if you vouchsafe to pleade my iuste title w* that Embassad' 
 when he shall haue to make further levye as certa3rnly I presume he will 
 if they rayse more shippes, though I haue nomerrite in me, but a thanke- 
 full harte, yet such is my experience of yo' noble inclination, that I truste 
 
 * Indorsed, " S' Henry Payton to mee." 
 
96 
 
 you will pardone this bouldenes w"'' I thoughte needefuU to the supporte 
 both of my fortune and Reputation. 
 
 The Spannishe preparation administereth much matter of suspition 
 vnto this state, yet are they somwhat revived by his Ma''" so seasonable 
 eyther to diverte or seconde w"** they hope wiU restrayne the violence 
 that els might fall vppon them. 
 
 It were an highe presumption for me to adventure vppon a guesse 
 what theyre desseigne is, but that it shoulde not be as they giue out 
 even theyre owne divulginge of that serveth methinkes to prooue vnles 
 that fearefull councell haue founde out truth and plajoienes the easiest 
 waye to deceaue the worlde, but those Pirates or Turkes, haue so pre- 
 pared to resiste that certa3mly, I belieue Spayne will not spende himselfe 
 vppon a worke of such difficulty after so long a breathing but (as all well 
 aduised leaders) begine theyre Motions w* somewhat that maye by the 
 greatenes and facility together conduce more to his ma3Tie Ambition, if 
 that be in Germany he must vse this passage w'''' as these Lordes haue 
 refused so he maye at the charges of a declared breache take what he was 
 contented to aske. Our fleete is of some consideration to hinder, and of 
 competente force to make a meere deflfence though his aymes this waye 
 shoulde be greater. But if his nomber and quality of shippes be such as 
 we heare, and were in Readines, he maye easily distresse this Com~on- 
 wealth vnles there be some freshe resolution executed vppon him by waye 
 of diversion. Naples, MiUan, Sicily, Sardigna, Corsica ; all are stuffed w* 
 newe levied troopes, the Duke of Aussune protecteth the Vschochi in 
 theyre pilferyes ; so that we heare haue reasone to belieue that all this 
 charge is not entered into vaynely but wilbe employed where it maye 
 yielde the quickest Retorne. The shallowenes of Trieste is methinkes 
 but a shallowe reasone why greate shippes may not come thither that 
 haue only to vnloade an expidite army, and though the Roade be vnsafe 
 at some seasones, yet it is for the most parte of the Som~er (as all others 
 in the Golphe) conveniente, and though that were not, if they come so 
 powerfull they maye vse any other havene of Istria though they dispute 
 the titles afterwards. Ragusa is at theyre devotion ; (and therfore 
 for our Army the fitteste station) Pola now first to be fortefied when 
 
the Procurator Barbaro cometh thither ; in some they haue choyce of 
 
 harboures if they be stronge enough to overcome \s, els I beheue they 
 
 will never enter the golphe at all but continnewe to enjealous and spende 
 
 this state as they did the last yeare. 
 
 The Venetian Embassado' in Fraunce is instructed to mooue that 
 
 Kinge to be a mediato' that the Spanishe fleete come not into the Golphe, 
 
 whether this be an argument of feare or a provident preparatife of excuse 
 
 when they shalbe driven to make warre in an other kinde I take not 
 
 vppon me to iudge, but certaynly they haue cause enough to feare that 
 
 an idle army wiU prooue in short time a burthen intoUerable to their 
 
 subiectes, who though theyre greate chestes of Reserue be vntouched, 
 
 yet cannot but finde thejre private purses much impoverished and that 
 
 to littell security of theyre estate, so that the sence of theyre owne softe 
 
 languishem* wiU necessarily drive them vnto an attempt resolution, 
 
 w^h is the only sure waye to secure themselues and winne them creddite 
 
 w'*" those Princes of the League, wherinto if they enter not they wilbe 
 
 caste vppon the Turke for protection. I beseeche yo' ho' to pardone this 
 
 discourse and impute my freedome to a desire to serue you, my weakenes 
 
 vnto the small meanes I haue to get better lighte ; but when I shalbe in 
 
 the army if any thinge occurre there worthy of relation yo' ho' shall 
 
 haue it from me w*"* all heedeful dilligence ; meane space I moste humbly 
 
 take leaue and reste. 
 
 Yo' ho'^ in all humble duty to 
 
 Venice IS''' Marche. , ■, , 
 
 be commaunded. 
 
 1619. stile new. 
 
 H. Petton. 
 
 o 
 
98 
 
 To his Most Sacred Maiestie. 
 
 8 Januarij 1618. 
 
 Most Gracious Soueraigne.* 
 
 Hauing consulted w*h some men of iudgment and zeale that greate 
 and glorious businesse (for so I must euer call it) touching the planta- 
 tion of Seminaries of owre Religion in fitt places (w^h youre Maiestie did 
 vpon my first propounding, so feruently embrace, as I vnderstood by the 
 lettres of M"' Secretarie Nanton vnder the fift of August last) I shall 
 nowe take that humble freedome, w^h becomes mine owne duetie and 
 conscience to represent vnto youre Christian wisedome such Circum- 
 stances as conceme the prosecution thereof : wherein I must a litle varie 
 from my first papers : For whereas it was thoughte fitt for the Grisons 
 (among whome wee meant to laie the beginning of this worcke, namely 
 at Sondrio in the Valtolina, weU suting to our scope by the neare aspect 
 vpon Italic, and for the considerations heretofore written) I sale whereas, 
 it was thoughte fitt for those two persons whome they had deputed 
 towards youre Ma*''^ Court to meete me at my retume homewardes aboute 
 Augusta in Germanic, and so w'h me on the waie to soUicite the Princes 
 and States of the Vnion to this designe. I now conceiue it much meeter 
 (thoughe still vnder Correction of youre highe wisedome) that youre Ma"° 
 wilbe pleased to fumishe mee w*h Instructions, and letters of Credence, 
 to such Princes, as I shall set downe in a Postscript vnder this Dispatche, 
 w*h whome (as by youre immediate appointment) I maie deale vpon the 
 General Proposition, rather then vpon the particuler, touching the fore- 
 said Grisons (who yet will alwaies be comprehended w*hin the General- 
 itie) : I meane that I maie deale w*h the said Princes in youre Maiesties 
 name, to ioyne w*h you, both in Counsayle and in Contribution to a 
 worcke of so common good as this maie prooue to the Christian world: 
 whereby besides the point of Conscience, (w^h will euer combine all that 
 vnion, whereof youre Maiestie is the head) wee maie likewise hope euen 
 
 * Indorsed " 8° Januarij 1 618. S' Henry Wotton to his Ma"'." 
 
99 
 
 in point of State (God blessing so good intentions) to see the Popes 
 Emissaries called home from troubling of other Kingdomes to helpe 
 himselfe in the bowells of Italie. Or if thease respects will not moue 
 them, then lett at least the point of shame doe it, to see oure seines so 
 ouerwrought since the daies of Gregorie the 13* w'h the zeale and 
 industrie of that abominable Churche, who haue neither spared monie, 
 nor bloud to aduaunce theire cause : 
 
 I speake not this, as needefuU anie waie to be sayed to youre Ma"^ 
 (whose feruour hath beene so liuely expressed by youre owne Com- 
 maundes vnto mee) but onely to showe what I meane (by youre gracious 
 approuement) to saye to others. Now concerning those two, w^h from 
 the Grisons were to be sent vnto youre Maiestie, w*h instructions aboute 
 the intended CoUedge, and w'h assurance of applpng it to publique vse 
 by waie of Missions, w^h is the maine point (for what Prince will con- 
 tribute otherwise to theire priuate Institutions ?) I sale those men male 
 take theire nearest waie to youre Ma"° and in theire owne retourne 
 homewardes, when they haue consulted w*h youre wisedome and good- 
 nes, and assured youre Ma*'° of theire intent, they male visite the 
 Princes and states w°h I shall in the meane time prepare by youre au- 
 thoritie, and doubt not to bring home w'h mee verie good resolution 
 from them. For 1 conceiue intrueth, two greate inconueniences in the 
 said Grisons accompagning of mee. First, that coniunction will breede 
 much rumour, and the businesse will runn much hazard to be vented 
 before it take anie roote w^h afterwardes is not materiall. Secondly, 
 the Princes male take some cheque at it, as if it were onely a priuate 
 piece of charitable Collection for that people, and would resolue into no 
 publique vse, w°h were contrarie to the maine scope. I must adde 
 moreouer, that it was neuer the intent in this proposition, to insist vpon 
 one single Seminarie in the Rhetian State ; but to beginne w'h that, 
 for the incitement of Princes to make a tryal, and afterwardes to second 
 it w'h other places, whereof I shall bring youre Maiestie some pro- 
 iects. For w'hout a zealous Correspondencie betweene place and 
 place duely laid, wee can hope for no greate good. And this is all, 
 
100 
 
 I thoughte in duetie meete to be deliuered to youre Maiestie by my pen. 
 Against w'^h (hauing spent mania thouglites about it) I finde in mine 
 owne poore discourse, but one onely obiection, w'^h yet intruthe oughte 
 rather to awake oure spiritts then allaye our hopes. It wilbe, and may 
 well be said that the trueth hath beene alwaies accompagned w*h a 
 kinde of naturall simplicitie and securitie, w'h will soe disaduantage vs, 
 that we shall not finde out such plentie of proper Instruments, as the 
 author of all vntrueth doth moulde in his owne Colledges. To this w'h 
 youre Ma*''' fauour I answere, that the obiected diificultie wilbe easily 
 mended by the first institution, and by the application, and continual! 
 seasoning, and pressing of tempers, and well-chosen wittes to the mayne 
 end. And wee are taughte, euen by the successe of oure owne aduer- 
 saries not to be dismayed w*h such difficulties, as are naturall to all 
 beginnings. For what was at first more contemptible, then their Semi- 
 naries, w°h haue since so troubled Christendome, and other partes of 
 the world, in the space of yet not fortie yeares ? 
 
 I haue thus taken the libertie to discourse this highe proiect vnto 
 youre Maiestie, whose wisedome will better forme it, and whose good- 
 nesse must nourrish it. The rest that maie concerne the same, cometh 
 in my letter to M"^ Secretarie Nanton : 
 
 And nowe there dothe remayne an other greate businesse, to be re- 
 lated herein vnto youre M"' w°h hath some connexion w'h the former : 
 
 It maie therefore please youre Ma"' to vnderstande that some while 
 since, the Caua? Antonio Foscarini (heeretofore Resident in youre Court ; 
 and at the present, after his afflictions restored heere to honourable 
 place) by priuate and close meanes (as a motion of his owne) showed a 
 desire that wee might meete : After so long experience, as youre 
 Maiestie hath giuen mee here, I could not be ignorant, that this motion 
 howsoeuer masqued w'h a priuate desire, did proceede from publique 
 Commaundement, or at least publique conniuencie (to tearme it so) 
 For otherwise, for anie that entreth the Senate, or is else in anie de- 
 gree of reputation, to treate w'h a publique Minister, is almost a point 
 of deathe amongst them, and howe much the more closely, so much 
 
101 
 
 the more daungerously, besides the considerations of his person, who 
 hauing beene newly deliuered by the Councell of Ten, did line vnder 
 more jealousie of his owne carriadge, then others. This I must confesse 
 made mee eager to heare his discourse, and so I went at an howre 
 agreed to his howse, for to me he pretended, he could not come, and 
 I was bound to beleeue him. 
 
 At oure meeting (to omitt complement and profession of his heartie 
 zeale towards youre Ma"^ and the common cause) he fell to tell mee 
 some wonder of his owne (for he kept it still in that forme) that the 
 freindships and Correspondencies betweene this Republique and other 
 abroade, namely, the Princes of the Germane Vnion, and the States of 
 the Vnited Prouinces, had not hitherto beene prosecuted, according to 
 the desires of good men, and the fresh intimation of the Princes them- 
 selues. Whereupon my selfe demaunding ciuilly some explication of 
 the later part of his speeche (w^h was to mee somewhat darcker) he 
 opened the matter, and told mee that one Shaualiski (a Colonel w°h 
 serueth this State, of the Duke of Wirtembergs Court, thoughe of 
 Bohemian discent) had propounded heere in CoUedge to the Duke, 
 in name of the Vnited Germaine Princes, a Proposition of this kinde : 
 
 That the said Princes, were willing to beginne a stricter Correspon- 
 dence w'h this State, and to place heere Ambassadours for that effect, if 
 they mighte be sure of the like. Whereunto (sayed he) by expresse order of 
 Senate, answere was made. That heere was the like good will and inclina- 
 tion, to corresponde w'h them by reciprocall Ministers, and all other de- 
 monstrations of good will, and the like was desired also w*h the States of 
 the Lowe-Prouinces, w'h whome (as he touched by the waie) they had long 
 had a Resident, and yet hitherto, none was sent hither from thence, w'^h 
 I excused w'h this. That perhappes the States did not conceiue theire 
 said Minister to haue beene sent purposely to reside theare as a pledge of 
 amitie, but onely to paie for the souldiers and the Shippes : w^h is indeede 
 a trueth, thoughe since they haue taken such liking of the Fleamish 
 vesseUs, as makes them runne on, in a desire of continuing that freind- 
 ship. 
 
102 
 
 Now for the point touching the Germaine Princes. Althoughe it 
 seemed vncredible vnto mee, that the foresaid Shavahski could (w*hout 
 my knowledge some waie or other) haue anie such generall Commission, 
 but mighte perhappes fayne it, to aduaunce some of his owne purposes ; 
 yet the consequence deliuered by the Cauahere, seemed true ; that heere 
 was a greate propension that waie, w^h made mee speedily aduertize the 
 Count Palatine thereof by the young Duke of Holstein (heretofore by 
 youre Royal letters seriously commended to this State,) who was then 
 posting into Germanic, and is since from the Palatine Court retoumed 
 hither againe to my howse, w*h the inclosed letters from the Electour 
 touching that subiect, of a nearer future freindship and perhappes Con- 
 federation, w'h this Republique. The Count Palatines sayed letter to me, 
 and the leading of the businesse now sett downe, will giue youre Ma"^ a 
 full information thereof, w°h I leaue to youre higher wisedome. Onely 
 adding thus much w'h w°h I began, that if the freindship betweene those 
 Princes-Protestantes, and this State, maie be well setled, it wilbe a 
 probable meane to promoue the cause of Rehgion in Italic, by a good vn- 
 derstanding betweene youre Ma"^^ seruantes, that shalbe here from tyme 
 to tyrae, and those of the Vnion. 
 
 And this is all, that I shall neede to saie to youre Ma*'® touching that 
 businesse, especially the Count Palatine writing, that he intendeth to take 
 therein youre Royal Counsayle by an expresse Messenger. 
 
 Before I end, I must acquaint youre Ma"® w'h a fresh piece of Intelli- 
 gence, w^h I haue receiued from a confident hand in Rome word for 
 word as foUoweth out of Itahan in Cjrpher vnder Date of the 5"" of 
 Januarie in that style : 
 
 " The Pope doth treate w*h the French King that by all meanes 
 
 " he leaue the protection of Geneua, and helpe the Duke of Sauoye 
 
 " to gett it, w*h promise and protestation, that the Cardinal! of 
 
 " Sauoye, shalbe absolute Patrone thereof, bothe in Spirituall and 
 
 ' Temporall. and it is here conceiued, that if the Protection of 
 
 " Fraunce can be remooued, the Town is Savoyes. 
 
 W'h this important piece of aduice coming by so sure a meanes, I 
 
103 
 
 haue immediately acquainted the Count Palatine, (for gaining of tyme) 
 and besought him to giue knowledge thereof, to Geneua, by all possible 
 speede, because mine owne letters throughe Lombardie would passe w*h 
 more hazard. And so humbly attending, youre Maiesties farther Com- 
 maundes, both for my reuocation to youre gracious sighte, and for my 
 implojonent on the waie in that honest businesse. I euer rest 
 
 Youre Maiesties 
 From Venice the A of faythfuU poore 
 
 January 1618. g^^^^^^ 
 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
 To his most Sacred Maiestie. 
 
 22 Januarij 1618. 
 
 Maie it please youre most Sacred Maiestie. * 
 
 Since the late dispatche of my Secretarie vnto youre Ma"^ I haue 
 beene called to the Palace, where the Prince by expresse order of Senate 
 caused to be read vnto me (as theire forme is) a longer writing, and 
 more solemnly couched, then they had done at anie tyme before, since 
 my last residence : contayning a relation of theire affaires as they nowe 
 stande, and thereupon a serious request vnto youre Maiestie, w°h they 
 besoughte mee to represent vnto youre gracious will, w'h those important 
 reasons w^h did heere moue it. And this is the subiect of the present. 
 
 In the relation were dehuered thease thinges following as farre as my 
 memorie could bring home w^h theire owne Ambassadour w*h youre 
 Maiestie will helpe w*h conformable instructions. 
 
 * Indorsed, 22'" of Januarij : 1618. S' Hen. Wotton to his Ma"' by S' Hen. Man- 
 nering." 
 
104 
 
 First. That the affections of Spaine, and of some other Princes 
 towards them (vnder w^h they meant plainely enoughe the Pope, thoughe 
 somewhat tender to name him) were euerie daie more and more doubt- 
 full. That the maritime differences, after debatement thereof some good 
 while nowe in Rome, betweene theire own Ambassadour Soramo, and 
 the Cardinal! Borgia (who is the Kinge of Spaines onely Representant 
 at the present in that Court) were by the artificiall delayes, farther and 
 farther from accorde : notwithstanding a meane propounded of ending 
 those troubles by reciprocall restorement of the vessells taken on each 
 side w*h the fraughte likewise, from w"h this state seems not auerse. 
 
 That, in this meane tyme, while the agreement is thus frustrated by 
 dilatorie deuices, not onely the Duke of Ossuna doth proceede at Naples, 
 in aU kinde of maritime and terrestriall prouisions of warre, but likewise 
 the King of Spaine himselfe (as they were well intelligenced) was gather- 
 ing a greate Fleete on his Coastes, and raising proportionable Troupes 
 w*hin his naturall Kingdomes, besides continuall renforcements, of some 
 Regiments, that haue since the action w'h Sauoye beene reta3Tied in the 
 Dukedome of Milan : w'^h is a iealous syde to vs heere. 
 
 That albeit the Spaniards were content, to lett a voice openly runne, 
 of theire intent the next spring to assayle Algier, yet had this Republique 
 small reason to be slumbered therew*h, and the rather, for that the same 
 Spaniards by writings and by discourses, did as it were preparatiuely 
 seeke to laie an impression in Princes of the meritt of theire cause against 
 the Dominion of this State in the Adriatique, so manie ages inuiolably 
 maintained. 
 
 That to procure the more colour of clamour and complaint against this 
 Republique, they pretended that leaue could not bee denied them to 
 transporte such numbers, as they shoulde thincke fitt, crosse the Gulfe 
 into the Roade of Trieste, being the nearest passadge for the succour of 
 the Emperour and Arch-Duke Ferdinando against the present motions of 
 Bohemia : for w"h passadge some other Princes had likewise beene 
 incited to intercede herein, namely (as I conceiue by other information) 
 the Duke of Florence and the Pope. 
 
105 
 
 Lastly. That whereas of late, the Count Palatine in a letter to mee 
 (w^h I sent youre Maiestie by my Secretarie, after I had heere acquajm- 
 ted them w'h as much thereof, as was meete for the breeding of 
 good bloud) had expressed an inclination towardes the planting of 
 neerer corrispondence betweene the Princes and states of the Vnion 
 and this Republique, when he had first consulted that poynt w*h 
 youre Ma"^ and his Associats : I was required by the Senate to assure 
 youre Maiestie and the said Count Palatine of all reciprocall propension 
 heere^ to embrace their amities, w"h thoughe it seeme to haue beene 
 somewhat violently coupled w*h the former thinges, yet intruthe, it was a 
 verie pertinent appendix, the consideration of themselues heere, and the 
 nature of theire neighbours, euerie dale more and more disposing them to 
 make newe foundation vpon foraine freindships. To w'^h end, they haue 
 heere at the present entertayned w'h much open profession, the youngest 
 of the Dukes of Wirtenberg (by name Magnus) who is himselfe per- 
 sonally as I heare inroled in the Vnion, and they are likely to receaue 
 him into theire pubhque seruice, w*h some eie-sore to the Pope. 
 
 Thus much was the substance of the narratiue part, as I maie terme it. 
 Now, Their suite vnto your Ma**^ heereon grownded, is : That as at 
 other tymes, you haue beene pleased, by youre Royall goodnes to interest 
 your selfe in theire conseruation (w°h they will euer be readie to acknow- 
 ledge in anie of youre occasions.) So at the present, you wilbe likewise 
 pleased to honour them, and to protect them, w'h the loane of foure of 
 youre owne vessells, that are otherwise not imployed. Wherein, first 
 they consider that youre Maiestie maie doe it w'hout anie iust distast of 
 anie other Prince whosoeuer : because they require this fauour meerely 
 (as the Duke expressed vnto me) for theire owne defence, not descend- 
 ing to anie Indiuiduum, and therefore it maie bee shadowed, if youre 
 Ma"^ so please, vnder the generalitie of guarding them against the 
 African Pyrates, that swarme in strong number. Secondly, They presse 
 the greatenes of the obligation, wherew'h youre Maiestie shall heerein 
 immortally binde them vnto you. Lastly, They touch a pubhque bene- 
 fitt w'^h will ensue vpon it, of larger extent then the bare consideration 
 
 p 
 
106 
 
 of themselues. For by ttis healp, they shalbe kept in power, and in 
 courage to denie the passadge of anie aydes ouer theire Gulfe (w^h 
 the Senate hath hitherto absolutely resolued, if they may be inabled 
 to resist :) So as youre Maiestie shall obliquely heereby, doe a no- 
 table fauour to that side, (I meane, the Bohemians) whose cause (thoughe 
 meerely matter of religion and conscience,) hath heere likewise more 
 fauourers then professours. 
 
 This is as much, as they haue committed to the deliuerie of my pen, 
 touching theire owne feares, and theire recourse to youre Maiestie, w°h I 
 haue beene the wHlinger to represent vpon considering that youre 
 Maiestie maie doe it w'hout anie chardge to youre selfe ; that youre 
 vessells suffer as much w*h lying still, as w'h vse ; that you maie haue 
 caution for theire restitution, and limitt the tyme at youre pleasure ; that, 
 youre Maiestie maie perchaunce finde some occasion to avayle youre selfe 
 of that gratitude (w'h they heere professe) for this benefitt. Lastly by 
 the whole complexion of thinges, as they incline, It seemeth probable, 
 naie almost I maie saye necessarie, that this state must depende vpon a 
 stronge partie abroade, and so by degrees, w'h youre Maiesties Cherish- 
 ment, and w*h the Cooperation of other Princes and theire Instruments, 
 they maie perchaunce be ledd into a better lighte, then they yett meane 
 themselues. And so I humbly leaue it, vnto youre graciouse wisedome. 
 
 The bearer of this letter, is S' Henry Manering, who hath beene 
 heere some weekes. And hauing had so confident introducement w'h 
 them, throughe youre Ma'*^^ recommendation of him by my Lord of 
 Montgomerie to theire Ambassadour Contarini, they haue taken a singular 
 liking of his person, and haue proceeded so farre as to communicate w'h 
 him the purpose of theire suite vnto youre Maiestie : and after much 
 conference besides aboute theire owne maritime seruice, they haue finally 
 lett him retoume (for he refused anie implojTnent, that they could at the 
 present giue him) w'h a thanckfuU recompence, for the chardge of his 
 ioumey, and an honourable testimonie of theire conceyte of him to their 
 Ambassadour. 
 
 And so hauing dischardged the present duetie, I humbly committ 
 
107 
 
 youre Sacred Person and Estates to Gods continuall guarde. Euer 
 
 resting 
 
 Youre Maiesties most fayth- 
 
 full poore subiect and 
 
 servant 
 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
 From Venice this 22* of 
 Januarie. Style of England 
 1618. 
 
 Posts : 
 
 Hauing aboue mentioned the Cardinall Borgia, as the King of Spaines 
 Representant in Rome, and as a Treater aboute the present businesses. 
 It shalbe fitt for me to acquainte youre Maiestie out of my priuate intel- 
 ligence w'h two thinges. 
 
 First that the foresaid King hath a good while had no other Ambassa- 
 dour theare, in gratification of the Pope, who takes much pleasure in 
 seing Secular Princes vse Spiritual! Instruments. 
 
 The other point is. That thoughe the Pope doe glorie at the treating 
 of those differences in Rome vnder his eie : yet hath he (as I heare) 
 beene verie tender in interposing of his owne counsayles or authoritie : 
 least (as some coniecture) he should w'haU silently conclude himselfe. 
 For in the maritime controuersie he is a partie : 
 
 To the Right Honou''''' S*" Robert Naunton Knighte. His Maiesties 
 Principal Secretarie of Estate. At Court. 
 
 8. Februarij 1618. 
 
 Right honorable. * 
 
 About this tyme I suppose my Secretary to be arrived with you : To 
 whose dispatche touching my imployment homewardes I haue thought 
 since his departure on two things that may be added (if his Ma"^ shall 
 so commaunde) to enriche my errand to the German Princes. The first, 
 is to dispose them by his M*'^^ exhortation towardes a streightning of 
 
 * Indorsed, " 8. Feb. 1618. S' H. Wotton to mee." 
 
108 
 
 correspondence and amitie witli this Republique.* For though the 
 affections be good and well prepared yet -would the reciprocal planting 
 of Instruments as visible pledges of frendship be a and 
 
 strength to both sides. The seconde po)Tit'|* is to perswade those 
 Almayne Princes and States which are of the Augustan confession to 
 laye downe the bittemesse (which appeareth in some of theire hott- 
 headed Devines) agajmst those of the reformed Churche, and to 
 vnite them if not in opinions yet at least in a charitable consent agajmst 
 the practises of the Roman Churche which worcke most vppon the 
 scandal of oure distraction : And this seemes vnto me a fitt preamble to 
 the mayne buisinesse of the Seminaries. 
 
 I humbly beseeche y' Hon' to conferr thease poynts with his M"''^ 
 Christian wisedome and vppon his good pleasure to commit them vnto 
 me as a peece of my instructions. 
 
 With vs heere is no chaunge of moment since the last Weeke in the 
 publique : And I thinke you looke for little seriouse mater in this furie 
 of owre Cameualitie : the restrajnit of the ordinarie libertie the last 
 yeare having multiplied the madnesse of this. Therefore of owreselus 
 I will saye nothing more then I haue lately written by 8'' Henry Ma- 
 nering.^ 
 
 From Rome I am aduertised that Baldwin who was after two or three 
 long audiences with the Pope : retired into the English College is taken 
 from thense by the General of his Societie who keepes him with him, 
 and findes him to be a man of Counsayle. And the same Baldwin is 
 growen so great and so inward with the Cardinal Bandino (one of the 
 most papable Candidati for the future) that the Roman Court beginns 
 already to looke vppon him as a purpurato in potentia. 
 
 And this is all wherewith I will at the present trouble you : ever 
 
 remayning 
 
 Your Honors to serue 
 
 From Venice this S**" of i, r ^^ 
 
 you cheerefuUy 
 
 February 1619. stile 
 
 of the place. Henry Wotton. 
 
 * In the margin is written " This is already moued." f " This accords w'h.'' J " He 
 is not yet come." 
 
109 
 
 To the Right Honou"" S" Robert Naunton Knighte. His Ma''" Principall 
 Secretarie of Estate. At Court. 
 
 12° Februarij, 1618. 
 
 Right Honou'''^ * 
 
 I haue beene by letters from the Count Palatine, and from a freinde or 
 two in Norimberg required in seruice of the common cause, to sound 
 how this state standes affected towardes a point, w^h runnes much in 
 voice throughe Germanie at the present ; namely, that the King of 
 Spaine wiU either himselfe directly, or vnder the shadowe of some 
 other Italian Princes, attempt the succouring of the howse of Austria by 
 transportation of men into the rode of Trieste ouer this Gulfe, w^h is 
 indeede the readiest line. This office I haue heere done twice for 
 better assurance, and I haue both t3rmes had from the Duke, as a 
 thinge resolued in Senate (for otherwise he dares saie nothing defini- 
 tiuely to anie Ambassadour) that the Republique will eternally neuer 
 permitt anie such transportment of souldiers crosse theire iurisdiction, 
 vnlesse they bee abandoned by foraine helpes, and thereby bee left the 
 vnabler to make resistance w^h hath some allusion to those vessells w'h 
 they begge in loane from his Maiestie, as you will haue vnderstoode by 
 the Dispatche of S' Henry Manering, and likewise vnto other aides, 
 about w^h, they haue soUicited the States, as in particuler, that the 
 shippes of those Prouinces, w'^h lye abroad against Pyrates, maie hold 
 intelUgence, w'h theire Armata and haue order vppon occasion to helpe 
 them. This is as much as I can saye in the present matter, till I 
 vnderstande his Ma*'" further pleasure, w°h if S'' Henry Manering 
 
 *Indorsed, " 12° February 1618 S' H. Wotton to mee R^ by Quester 8° Martij." 
 
110 
 
 shall arriue in tyme, I male hope to receiue, by my Secretarie Richard 
 Seymour : 
 
 Here the newe maritime Generall [(as wee call him) is preparing 
 towardes the fleete as the season requireth (for the Spring cometh on 
 apace w*h vs) and to accompanie him, they haue lately chosen, twelue 
 Gentlemen vnder tyile of Gouemours of shippes or GaUies, for a suddaine 
 supplement of anie that shall die, or otherwise misbehaue them selues 
 that are now actually in those chardges. So as this is but a newe Sem- 
 inarie of Commaunders, at discretion of the Generall, deuised heere 
 and established by pubhque authoritie, to keepe the present in awe. 
 
 At this tyme are heere arriued [Ligomo] almost 50 English-men, 
 between Souldiers and Sailours who were consortes vnder Captaine 
 Wullestone and Barrie, that brake awaie from S"^ Walter Raleighe, and 
 hauing since purchased certaine Bisainers and others vpon the Coast of 
 Spaine did afterwardes retire into the greate Dukes protection, where 
 these fellowes falling out w'h those Captaines about the sharing of the 
 Prizes, are come awaie hither in Passion, and now intende rather to goe 
 hence to the Armata then to Wapping ; To Ligomo, is likewise come as 
 they saie Captaine Whitney, whome we thoughte to haue beene drowned 
 in the Gulfe of Lions, but falling into fighte w'h a Turkish Shippe, w^h 
 ouermastered, he made his composition, to haue his owne shippe agayne, 
 when he should send a certaine summe for her, and in the meane 
 while hath left one Osboume, a pledge for him-selfe, who is likely to be 
 raunsomed at leysure : 
 
 From Rome, I am informed, that M' Thomas Fitzharhert the newe 
 Gouemour of the English CoUedge there, is likely to proue a man of 
 closer negotiation w*h the Pope, then either Owen his Predecessor or 
 Parsons him-selfe, being a gentleman of long practise in that court, 
 and bred heretofore vnder the old Duke of Guise an actiue Master. 
 Baldwine is in so greate opinion both w*h Pope and CardinaUs, that he 
 wanteth but 10000 Crownes to be a Cardinall himself for the markett 
 goes no lower at this tyme. And soe languishing for his Ma'''^ Com- 
 maundes, that not long after, I male enter into the greate businesse w°h 
 
Ill 
 
 you knowCj I humbly committ you Sir in my praiers to God's deare 
 
 loue. Euer resting. 
 
 Youre very vnfeyned 
 
 From Venice this a * 
 
 Servant. 
 
 a of Februarie 
 
 jg|c^ Henry Wotton. 
 
 For M' Secretary 
 
 5°Martij 1619. 
 
 Right Honorable* 
 
 The inclosed to his M"° wiU I hope yeilde him good contentment : 
 because It is a Regal thing to oblige, and not ordinarie for States to 
 take such an impression as this hath donn : 
 
 Among w°h publique acknowledgments lett me insert my privat with 
 as sensible a feeling of the loue you haue expressed towardes me as ever 
 honest hart did conceaue. 
 
 Of Corronio I haue heard nothing since his transitorie visitation of 
 me heere but I coniecture him to be eather retired, or confined into 
 Polonia, aboute which I will better informe my self. 
 
 That w^h the Venetian Ambassadour seemes to haue sayed touching 
 alarmes from Rome giues me much wonder. Hardly haue all the Car- 
 dinals been able to excite this Pope to assume the examination of Clesels 
 processe : Let then the world iudge how vnfitt he is to beginn any great 
 noise. And in truthe (Sir) I am at the present by an extreame pa3nie 
 in my head as vnfitt to discourse of thease things : yet lett me tell you a 
 secret and so leaue you at reast. 
 
 The Venetian Ambassadour resident w"" his Ma*'° hath been accused 
 
 * Indorsed, " S' Henry Wotton to mee." 
 
112 
 
 by the Duke of Savoye of an error or a deceyte in the reckonings that 
 passed betweene them while he was theare amounting to a difference of 
 some 40000 Crownes. And I heare a whisepering as if the sayed 
 Ambassadour had a perpose to procure a speedie retoume for his iusti- 
 fication. Of which though the effect will sooner be seene theare yet it 
 was fitt for me to giue his Ma*'° provisionally some light of the cause 
 fro~ hense. And so hoping by the next Currier to redeeme the silence 
 of the last weeke, and the brevitie of this, I humbly commit you to Gods 
 
 continual loue euer resting 
 
 Youre obhged to 
 Venice this A of ^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^ 
 
 Marche 1619. 
 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
 Alia medesima. 
 
 IPMartij 1619. 
 
 Sir 
 
 That you ment me at such a distance from y' sight in place, and from 
 y' memorie in merit so great an honour was a nobler piece of loue then 
 I shall euer be able to acknowledge w"* due thanckefuhiesse : And yet 
 it is more bothe in it self and in mine owne feeling of it that you are 
 pleased in y' last vnto me to expresse some sollicitousenesse aboute the 
 satisfying of me why I missed it : For bothe w""" I humbly beseeche 
 you to receaue this privat profession of my self to be 
 
 Ever youres 
 Fro- Padoua ^^^^^ Wotton. 
 
 the U of Marche 
 1619. 
 
113 
 
 Alia Medesima. 
 
 16 Martij 1618. 
 
 Right Ho"' * 
 
 Our good Duke here, (as I must iustly call him) is w*hin these two 
 dales fallen into a febrous distemper, occasioned by some obstruction in 
 the passage from his Kidneys, w"'h did stop the Course of his water, for 
 w°h they haue taken from him (to prevent further inflamac"on) more 
 bloud (though but 4 or 5 ounces) then I feare he cann well spare at the 
 age of fourscore years or therabouts. y^ God should nowe Call him, at 
 this point of affaires, the publiq would suffer much by it : I doe not 
 meane, for any Importance in the change from one man to an other 
 accordinge to this forme of government, but through the Cessa con of 
 all businesse till the choyce of another, w^h for 2 causes is likelie to be 
 longer then vsuall. first because there are divers concurrents of equall 
 meritt for the place, Secondlie for that the Princedome havinge now for 
 two Successions beene in the ould famelies namelie Memo & Bembo, 
 It is probable, that the one wiU striue so to continew it, & the other to 
 bringe it back againe amongst themselues, w°h emulac~on male spend 
 tyme. In the rest we stand thus. The 2 Venitian Comissioners will 
 be gon to morrow towards Friuli to meete the Imperialls, vnless the 
 Dukes sicknes increase, w°h may linger theire departure for they are 
 both Candidati. At the conference will appear whether we were rightlie 
 Intelligenced, that the King of Spaine hath Counselled the Austrians to 
 imbroile the Treatie w'h new demands, w"h doubt is much revived (for 
 it was grown a httle stale) by hearinge that the Spanish Ambassadour 
 (here resident) hath had order from his Ma"' to present Coaches & 
 horses to the Confissioners on the other side. 
 
 * Indorsed, " S' Henry Wotton to mee." 
 Q 
 
114 
 
 The Maritime busines goes on t furia, even so far that Certaine 
 verses haue bene borne at Naples amongst other CameuaU stuffe, ■wherin 
 that Viceroy is styled Domator dell Adria. 
 
 The Procurator Barbarigo (sonn to him of that name, whoe lost his 
 lyfe famouslie in the battell of Lepanto, & more for the merit of his father 
 then for his owne experience nowe chosen Capt : Generall at Sea) shall 
 receiue the Staff w'h greate solemnitie (as it is saide) on Sundaie next ; 
 though it was once half determined, that he should be sent away 
 w*hout any formalities of State, least they should seeme to overvalew the 
 viceroy, for w*h his Ma" they stand yett in noe actuall rupture. From 
 Turino, we haue by a speciaU Currier a strange thinge advertised hether 
 from the Venetian Ambassad" there resident namelie that the K. of 
 Spaine had offered his second daughter to the D : of Savoy for the 
 Prince Victorio, & a part of Monserrato w'h hir. This hath beene here 
 diversUie interpreted, some take it for an artificiall profer to sound the 
 D : of Savoy how firme he stands to the Venetians, others hould it for 
 a mere invention of the saide D :, voyced by him, & grownded vpon 
 Trs from his sonn FUiberto (for that is allso written) partlie to value 
 the more his owne merit towards this state, & w*hall to breede some 
 new distaste, or at least some deepe iealosie betweene Mantua & Spaine. 
 
 For as towchinge the saide daughter, the Intelligence from Rome 
 contineweth (though it be but a fountaine of few truthes) that the K. of 
 Spaine will finallie bestowe hir vpon the Prince of Carinthia if Fer- 
 dinando his father shall proue Kinge of the Romanes, w"h is almost 
 indubitable. These are the Rapsodies of this weeke. And so I humblie 
 rest 
 
 Yo' honors to serue 
 
 From Venice this 1 6 
 
 you. 
 
 of March 1618. ^ 
 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
 I haue this weeke nothinge from Rome touching my Lo : Rosse. 
 
115 
 
 To the Right Honoura*" 8" Robert Naunton, Knight. His Ma*'" Prin- 
 cipall Secretarie of Estate. Court. 
 
 12°Aprilis 1619. 
 
 Right Honorable.* 
 
 Being retourned hether from Padoua where I tooke some physique for 
 a kinde of sciatica! defluxion I finde heere youre letter of the 4"" of 
 Marche touching the Queenes death : which according to y"^ directions 
 shalbe signifyed to the State within three or foure dayes when I haue 
 in the meane tyme putt my selfe and my familie into mourning weedes, 
 and altered likewise the furniture of my howse for publique congruitie, 
 because I expect that the Senat wiU depute some principal personages 
 (as is theire forme in such cases) to condole with me. 
 
 And this is all that I shall neede to saye at the present beeing to write 
 largely by a Gentleman who will prevent the Currier of this 12'* of Aprile 
 1619. t 
 
 Youre Honors quid plura ? 
 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
 Sir. If by chaunce a voice of the Popes death should be flowen vnto 
 you which even heere had gotten sudaynly some credit, lett me assure 
 you by my privat intelligence that at the date heereof It was false, though 
 the reason of that hastie dispersion wilbe worthie of his Ma"" hearing : 
 which I shall deliuer in the rest that is intended. 
 
 * Indorsed, " 12° Ap lis 1619. S' H. Wotton to me." 
 t In the margin is written, " I heare of no such gentlemen yett." 
 
116 
 
 26 Aprilis 1619. 
 
 Right Honorable. * 
 
 The cause of this dispatche appeareth in my letter to his Maiestie : 
 By w"'' opportunitie I am invited to discharge some duties with my pen 
 which I had thought to haue donn with my voice : hoping in the free- 
 dome which they require that my humble zeale will excuse my bolde- 
 nesse. I shall beginn with a high po3nit. 
 
 That theare hath been some treatie of AUyance betweene his Ma*'' 
 and the King of Spayne is a thing notorious through Italie and vmbra- 
 giouse heere, where yet till of late notwithstanding the current of com- 
 mon voices healped with feare diuerse haue been willing to reserue a 
 conceyte that the King of Spajme intended his Daughter to the Prince 
 Charles of Carinthia Ferdinandoes Heire and not to Prince Charles of 
 great Britannic grownding that coniecture vppon two reasons : First, 
 vppon the custome of the Line of Austria to match and mingle together : 
 having the Popes dispensations at commaunde : with whom they haue 
 been bolder heeretofore then for such a tryfling legitimation as this of 
 the fourthe degree, Secondly, vppon a narrow obseruation of the Popes 
 owne feares according to that ragione di Stato which runns at Rome : 
 where they line in horrible doubt that owre religion will creepe into 
 Italie by the gate of Friuh or Istria : where indeede many of the families 
 are well inclined aheady : Vppon yv"^ poynt is built this conclusion that 
 the Pope having so ieliouse an eye to that side wiU by all meanes studie 
 that Ferdinando (whose estates doe couer the sayed Provinces) shall* 
 matche his Sonn very powrefuUy and very Catholiquely (as they terme 
 it) which makes such discoursers reflect vppon Spayne. I sayed before 
 that till of late this conceyte hath runn : but now theare be some reasons 
 in motu that seeme to haue turned the discoiirse : as first, the daunge- 
 
 * In the margin is -written, " 26 Aprile 1619. S' Henry Wotton to me." 
 
117 
 
 rouse sicknesse of the foresayed Prince Charles of Carynthia : whereof I 
 wrote vnto you from Padoua : having since likewise conferred with the 
 Physitions that were iuAdted vnto the cure of him who vppon such 
 description as they had receaued did seeme very diffident therein. 
 Secondly, we conceaue some infirmitie also in Ferdinandoes owne hopes 
 aboute the Empire. Mathias dying in such a poynt of tyme as may 
 chaunce pusel him. For heere (where to speake playnly he hath but 
 few Advocats on his side) we saye that though he were caled before 
 King of Bohemia (w"*" only can healp him to a farther stepp) by a kinde 
 of complemental Coronation without compleat consent of that Poeple yet 
 was he not actually King vnlesse two can be together Masters of the 
 same Crowen in solidum : So as now if by impediments that may arise 
 he should misse his marque, then all inferr that Spayne will not giue 
 him his Daughter whose principal scope in that affinitie would be to 
 reinvest his owne bloud successively in the Imperiall line : wherevppon 
 the voices of owre coniunction with Spayne beginn agayne to kindle and 
 perchaunce this State hath the more wUhngly lent Physitions to Ferdi- 
 nando. Thus stande the reasons in wilde discourse : not becoming my 
 pen to passe any farther. Only, lett me close this mater with a peece of 
 intelligence fro Rome whense a Secret corrispondent doeth aduertise me 
 that Father Baldwin (a great man, and of old acquayntance with this 
 Pope) who should haue gonn into Spayne, was to carie some instructions 
 bothe fro" his General and fro the Pope himself touching the foresayed 
 treatie betweene that King and his M"' but theare hath been made (as 
 the same person did since write) some little staye of him. Now, before 
 I passe to a new section, I wiU a little resume the consideration of Ger- 
 manie whose troubles we heere comtemplat at owre ease for the present. 
 
 The mayne question is whether a new Emperour wilbe made by the 
 sworde or by Election. In w"'' buisinesse because the Pope is consider- 
 able It shalbe my dutie to teU his M*'^ how he standeth affected. For 
 I reckon Rome part of my charge. In the Postscript of my last I told 
 you of a voice which had heere sudaynly gotten some credit that the 
 
118 
 
 Pope was dead : w"'' grewe thus. Vppon Fryday was fortnight as he 
 was newly sett downe at dinner came to him the news of the Emperours 
 death : Wherevppon he rose fro" the Table, retired himself to his close 
 chamber, spent that afternoone in deepe silence, and often layed his 
 hand crosse his forehead ouer his eyes ; which seemes to haue breadd 
 that false dispersion as if he had been touched with some Apoplectical 
 fitt. Now, if it be asked whense might spring so profounde a feeling in 
 him vppon the news. I am provided by my intelligencers to satisfie 
 that pojrnt : That it came fro~ a distraction in his aflfections on the one 
 side beeing ill conceyted of Ferdinando, and all the Cardinals worse then 
 himself, for the buisinesse of Clesel ; And yet on the other side ex- 
 treamely doubting that the Empire may passe fro" the Howse of Austria. 
 For he useth often to saye that thee See of Rome was neuer better then 
 since the Empire was lodged in that bloud : and can hardly endure to 
 heare of Bauaria for Ludouicus the last Bauarian Emperours sake. 
 
 If it be true which is freshly written vnto me fro~ Nurreinberg that 
 Saxonie inclineth to the Bohemians It may perchaunce spoyle the 
 Popes digestion of an other dinner. Heere we wishe well to any but the 
 Austrians, and though we heare that the King of Spayne hath for this 
 yeare dismissed his African plotts : yet is not the State without reason- 
 able iealousie that he may attempt the sending of aydes by this Gulph. 
 But I will leaue thease coniectural things and come to more positiue. 
 The seconde shalbe touching the Venetian Ambassadour now with his 
 M"°. I gaue you some light in a former letter that he was speedily to 
 retourne : Since when they haue heere elected a gentleman of the Howse 
 of Griti to supplie his roome beeing now on his way homewards from the 
 Residence of Spayne, and instructions are sent with likelihood to meet 
 him at Genoua and so to diuert him into England. The cause of Dona- 
 toes reuocation (For it is not voluntarie) I vnderstand to be this. While 
 he was in Savoye theare did passe a MiUon and seaven hundred thousand 
 Ducats (if my memorie mistake not the summe) thorough his handes to 
 that Duke. At last vppon review of the reckonings that summe shrunck 
 fifty thousand or some such mater short of the States meaning, w'^ the 
 
119 
 
 Duke demaunding with some passion (For Signor Donate had theare 
 otherwise httle pleased him) It was founde or at least so sayed that the 
 default grewe neather fro fraude nor error but from the difference of the 
 Venetian Ducat as the publique Accoumptant heere had cast it vp. 
 Heerevppon the Senat who had thought immediatly vppon this variance 
 to recale Donato made some staye of that perpose till the Duke sent a 
 seconde complaynt recharging him with fortie thousand Ducats more 
 which were wanting, and whereas the sayed Ambassadour had showed 
 acquittances for the whole, the Duke replies vppon him that in the con- 
 fusion of things at the Campe he had gotten for the same summe dubble 
 acquittances, the one fro" himself, the other fro~ his Threasurer to whom 
 he was assigned to paye the monies : and thereby hath made vp his 
 owne reckonings. This second recharge was it that moued the Senat to 
 caU him home for his iustification, and theare is already taken so bad an 
 impression in the cause as maketh diuerse of opinion that he will hardly 
 retoume hether : which conceyt is healped by remembring a voice at his 
 coming from Savoye that he intended a Monastical lyfe w"*" although it 
 was then shadowed by the greefe that he tooke vppon the losse of a 
 Brother at Sea yet now it is made an argument (as aU humours runn to 
 affected places) that he ment to subduce himself from the States au- 
 thoritie. I should not spende so much ynke about this privat mater but 
 that his Ma"^^ name is obliquely touched in the buisinesse beeing sayed 
 that Donato in discourse with the King did vtter maruellous ill language 
 of the Duke of Savoye afl&rming among other things that he had stamped 
 for payment of the Souldier false coyne ; which by his Ma*''^ meanes 
 coming to the Duke of Savoyes hearing the Duke hath beene the more 
 incensed to the prosecution of thease other complaynts : This is a whis- 
 pering voice which I haue heere receaued fro* my informers, whether 
 true or false, It was my dutie to sett it downe. 
 
 In the third place. It faleth out that I must speake of that proiect 
 which the King hath with Royal zeale embraced touching the pro- 
 testant Seminaries though it deserued the first. It is true that the 
 Grisons doe stande in some doubt of troubles vppon the banishment of 
 
120 
 
 some Spanolized Instruments if troubles elsewhere shall cease, but 
 theare is among them no actual moving. Howsoeuer alterations may 
 theare arise I hope his Maiestie doeth conceaue that though we setled 
 a fancie of beginning theare (w'h stiU continueth) vppon some consid- 
 erations that made the place appeare fitt : yet was it neuer the 
 meaning that a proiect of so piouse vse, and even civily so behoufuU 
 for Christian Princes should be limited to one seate whereas indeede 
 the ma3Tie fruict that we hope for must arise from a due and diligent 
 corrispondence betweene place and place and a concurrence to the same 
 end in Princes of the same affection. And therefore when I sliall haue 
 prepared and awaked his Ma*''^ frends therevnto in GermaniCj the King 
 may afterwards vppon the accoumpt of my iornie dispose the order and 
 forme of the prosecution with his owne wisedome, as it shall please him. 
 This is all that I shall neede to saye of it till the returne of my Secre- 
 tary : whom by his last I expect shortly. But the mention of the Gri- 
 sons doeth admonish me to represent vnto his Ma"' an other buisinesse 
 of great consequence. Theare was betweene this Republique and them 
 (as you well knowe) a League straungely broken by the cooperation of 
 Spayne and Fraunce that had corrupted certayn Incendiaries among 
 that people which were those executed and exiled men at the late refor- 
 mation : Since when (as it were sublatis impedimentis) men haue 
 expected a reioyning betweene the neighbour-states : whereof the 
 benefit is reciprocally evident enough : but while those that first feiled 
 are ashamed to be the first movers and much more, thease that were 
 abandoned the formal respect doeth hinder the substantial!. Sure it is 
 that the appetite is great on bothe sides and the necessitie no lesse and 
 some haue thought that his Ma"° might be of all other the most proper 
 meanes to glue them though not directly : because it will be taken 
 that the Kings end is religion in it) but rather by the whole Vnion who 
 might moue the Cantons of Zurich and Berne to effect this worche heeing 
 themselus confederated with both parties : This thing is as I haue deli- 
 uered it propounded vnto me by some very well affected persons that 
 contemplat a great consequence in this coniunction : bothe for the tern- 
 
121 
 
 pering of Spayne and keeping this State in hart : which otherwise vnlesse 
 the Grison-passage be kept open, C^nd nothing hut the former league can 
 doe itj wilbe suffocated for lacke of a vent. For theire other confiners 
 doo stopp all issues and aduenues butt the sea which trypleth the charge 
 of the warr. If his Ma"^ shall be pleased among other things to lett me 
 sollicit the Almaygn Princes heerevnto in his name, his commaunds will 
 ariue tymely enough, or at least I will take order that they shalbe sent 
 after me. Lastly. I must giue the King knowledge of some privat 
 things whioh I haue by close and fresh Intelligence fro" Rome : whense 
 one doeth write vnto me that which followeth in Cipher translated fro 
 the Italian ad Verbum. 
 
 " Baldwin hath made great instance to the Pope to assign an honor- 
 " able provision for an English man made Catholique. This is a 
 " very lerned person as they saye, espetiall in studies of humanitie 
 " Greeke and Latine. He abideth in the Vniversitie of Cambridge 
 " and is caled (if I doe not feile in memorie) Bunio.* He hath 
 " published somewhat vppon Demosthenes, and they make much 
 " reckoning of his qualitie : but he refuseth to come to Rome with- 
 " out some certain assignation. The Pope hath answered the fore- 
 '' sayd Baldwin : Lett him come Lett him come. And he shalbe 
 " well vsed: but he is not yet for aught we heere on the way. 
 " Heere we expect from England a Booke composed by the King 
 " vppon the Lords prayer dedicated to his Fauorite. The Pope 
 " hath giuen order to the Jesuites that it be immediatly sent hether, 
 " and because the Cardinal Bellarmin hath printed one to the same 
 " purpose the Pope told him that he had in his spiritual worcks (as 
 " he heard) a noble Concurrent : namely the King of Great Britannie : 
 " Wherevnto Bellarmini replyed : That the soyle indeed was good 
 " but the seede ill that had been sowen in it: yet who knowes 
 " (sayed he) but that as the teares of S'* Monica did gayne S' 
 " Augustine to the Churche : So the teares of the Kings Mother 
 " may one day bring her Sonn vnder the obedience of your hoKnesse. 
 
 * There is written in the margin, " surely he meaneth Mr. Downes." 
 
 R 
 
122 
 
 Thus much I haue verbally translated from my Corrispondents 
 letter: Wherein two things are straunge vnto me. First that they 
 should haue at Rome news of the Kings meditations and of his purpose 
 in the dedication thereof before It ivas knowen perchaunce vnlesse to very 
 few at home, and to none of vs heere though we haue since receaued 
 some Copies of that sweete labour, which poynt I thought my self 
 bounde in dutie to note : because though it be not material in this 
 particular, yet the searching of such divulgations may perchaunce treanche 
 deeper then doeth yet appeare. Secondly, I much wonder to retrace in 
 the C)rpher the name of Dunio : which by the local description and other 
 circumstances must needes be the Greeke Professour Mr. Downes : a 
 Man of my knowledg contented with a little and of age vnfitt to chaunge 
 Cuntries, and vnsuspected in his religion : but he is poore and It may 
 be they haue been worcking to gayne him because he had his hand in 
 the reforemed translation of the Bible : Howsoeuer for my part, I should 
 be sorie by my privat intelligence to cast any blemish vppon him : But 
 having discharged my part I leaue the inquirie to his M*"'^ wisedome. 
 And so commit you (Sir) to Gods deere and blessed loue, ever remayn- 
 ing truely 
 
 At y' deuotion 
 From Venice this ^^^^^ Wotton. 
 
 26 of Aprile 
 1619. 
 
 Right Honorable. Lett me in this Postcript take the boldnesse to 
 recommend humbly vnto y' good fauour this right honest Gentleman 
 Mr Dowriche Nephetv to my L Carie. Before whose departure my 
 Secretary Richard Seamour was arrived w** a very compleat dispatche 
 whereof I shall write more by the following post : having at the present 
 tyred you too much and in truths so beeing my self. 
 
123 
 
 2°: Maij 1619. 
 
 Right Honorable* 
 
 I haue before my departure out of y' last by my Secretarie acquaynted 
 this State with those reasons w"'' made his Ma"^ finde it both incon- 
 uenient and vnnecessarie to lend them any of his owne Vessels, incon- 
 uenient in point of honour ; vnnecessarie for that oure Graciouse Master 
 had receaued new assurances from the King of Spayne that his intents 
 laye not this way besides those Shipps which were in preparation with 
 vs to be sent out : from whose hovering in the Spanish seas this Re- 
 publique would obliquely receaue no smale benefit as themselus did con- 
 fesse vnto me when they required me with such vehemencie to represent 
 (as I haue formerly donn) theire infinit thancks vnto the King for that 
 perpose. 
 
 I had answer that the RepubUque was not only content with the 
 foresayed reasons, but posso ben dire (says the DuJceJ contentissima 
 especially having vnderstoode from theire owne Ambassadour withall, 
 as from my self, the continued profession of his Maiesties deere loue 
 towards them. And he added that vppon the Spanish promises made 
 to so great a King, and so much theire Frend they would growned some 
 better hopes then they had donn hetherto, though theare was stUl an 
 apparent contrarietie betweene the speaches and the effects, or at least 
 betweene the Master and his Ministers the Duhe of Ossuna leaving nothing 
 vndonn that may any way tende to theire molestation. And heere he tooke 
 occasion largely to discourse vnto me with desire that his M*'* at my 
 arrival might be particularly informed thereof that all the Capitulations 
 accorded both in the Frenche Court, and in Friuli had likewise on theire 
 parts been duely executed, and no one thing to this howre had been 
 donn as it should be eather on the Emperial or Spanish side. I reserue 
 
 * Indorsed, " Alia medesima." 2° May 1619. S' H. Wotton to me -w'h a paper 
 of a new tractate inclosed glancing at y' Archb : of Spalato." 
 
124 
 
 thease particulars till mine owne coming, or at least I shall insert them 
 into a compendiouse report (which I am framing) of the most con- 
 siderable points in mater of State and religion within the corn-passe of 
 Italic as I now leaue it: whereinto will enter the discourses that are 
 made vppon the publication heere of theirs defensiue league with Savoye : 
 a thing generally condemned : I meane not the League its self but the 
 publication. This is all that I neede to saye at the present : having my 
 head homewards. Only lett me intertayne his M"" with a leafe or two 
 touching the Arche Bishop of Spalato newly published heere by a foolish 
 Fryar among a Catalogue of Heretigues : as he caleth them. Whereof 
 I had knowledge before hande and did acquajmt theremth some well 
 affected persons : but finding it to conteyne the prayses of his former lyfe, 
 and only the disprayse of his present beleefe I was not only willing but 
 glad to let it passe, and perchaunce the Author for the first part may be 
 whipped by the Pope. Now, Lett me commit you (Sir) to Gods blessed 
 loue who ever keepe you. 
 
 From Venice the At y' commaundes 
 
 2d of May 1619. Henry Wotton. 
 
 stile of the place. 
 
 To the Right Honou'''' S'' Robert Naunton, Knighte ; His Ma"^^ principal/ 
 Secretarie of Estate, and of his Hono"' Priuie Councell. Court. 
 
 10° Maij 1619. 
 
 Right Honorable * 
 
 This is onely to signifie vnto his Maiestie, that by Gods fauour, w*hin 
 
 » Indorsed " X° Maij 1619 S' H. Wotton to me. To come forth w'hin 3 days afte'. 
 Gregorio di Monti left Ag° Commissions from the State to y° Orisons. 
 " His next shall be from Augusta." 
 
125 
 
 two or three dales after the date thereof we shall depart from hence so 
 as my next wilbe from Augusta where there is as you knowe, a feate to 
 hee done, for w°h the partie is well prepared. I leaue heere (as S' Dudley 
 Carleton did during the whole time of his negotiation in Piemont) 
 Gregorio di Monti to supplie the seruice by continuall aduertisements ; 
 vpon w°h point I gaue a touchy at my leaue-taking to the Prince, desiring 
 him to esteeme it as an argument, of cleare and disumbragious freind- 
 shippe, that wee serue oure selues, euen of his owne subiectes, for Gregorio 
 is a naturall Venetian, thoughe nowe manie yeares as it were Englished 
 w'h singular approuement both of his fidelitie, diligence, and discretion. 
 Whereof he hath likewise a testimonie from his Ma*^' vnder his Royal 
 hande, sent him in the time of S' Ralphe Winwode, for his better en- 
 couragement, after my predecessour and my selfe had represented his 
 good deseruings. 
 
 Now to retume to my selfe, I carrie in my brest, besides that honest 
 businesse, w*h you knowe, some important commissions from this state 
 w'h haue a silent reflexion, ("thoughe not meant by them) vpon oure maine 
 end. Thease I shall particularize in my letter from Augusta, and will 
 ende the present, w*h myne humble thanckes to Almightie God for the 
 happie newes w°h we haue had this weeke of his Maiesties escape from a 
 painefull infirmitie, the same good God peld him long unto vs, and to 
 the Christian world. And so I rest. 
 
 From Venice this At y^ Honors commaundment 
 
 10* of Maie. style Henry Wotton. 
 
 of the place. 
 
 1619. 
 
126 
 
 Ills"" Sig" mio S'^ sempre Oss"°. 
 
 lo non posso negare, che uiuendo io qui per segretario italiano delli 
 Ecc"' Sig" Ambasc", gih, sono quatordici anni, prima d'hora il d«bito 
 mio ricercaua, ch' io douessi far riuerenza a V. S. 111"% et dedicarmele 
 pei" suo diuotis"" ser" : ma essendo ella impiegata negli alti affari di Sua 
 Maesta, io me ne son ritenuto, parendomi che troppa arditezza sarebbe 
 stata la mia, quando senza occasione alcuna, io fosse uenuto k darle noia 
 con le mie lettere. Hora 1' Ecc™° S" Ambasc" Wottoni mio Sig'^ per la 
 sua partita (come da lui medesimo haurk inteso) bauendomi lasciato qui 
 come ser'^ di Sua Maesta ; essendo io gik stato in cib altre uolte nelle 
 absenze dell' Ecc™° Sig" Carleton, impiegato di ordine .di Sua Maestk ; 
 uengo sicuramente ad offerirmi h V. S. IIIs™% con tutto queUo che pub 
 uenire daUa debolezza deUe mie forze. Io la supplico dunque, che si 
 degni honorarmi del suo patrocinio, et delli suoi comandamenti ; non 
 intendendo io allontanarmi da queUo, che conoscerb essere di gusto suo. 
 II S" Ambasc" Wottoni, parti hieri per Padoua ; et la sua partita qui 
 generalmente, h stata sentita con dispiacere et dal publico, et dalU par- 
 ticolari, hauendo egli data in tutte le occasioni, ad ogn' uiio queUa mag- 
 giore sodisfazione che dar si poteua. QueUo che questa settimana posso 
 scriuere di nouo, h che ultimente h stato preso qui in habito di frate, uno 
 Giesuita suddito della Republica ; et nell' armata, alcuni che teneuano 
 inteligenza a Napoli ; dimodo che le insidie uanno ogni giomo puUulando. 
 Et cosi il Duca d' Ossuna, persiste nella sua mala uolonta contra la 
 RepubUca : et hora permette che U Vscocchi fabrichino per corseggiare, 
 alcune barche, soministrando loro la materia. II Principe qui se n' h 
 doluto col segretario deU' Arciduca Ferdinando ; ma egli ha risposto, che 
 non possono comandare al Duca d' Ossuna. Pare perb, che 1' Arciduca 
 non habbia intenzione diuersa dall' accordato ultimamente fatto con la 
 Republica, poichfe dalli suoi Comissari, si spianano le case che sono in 
 Segna delli Vscocchi banditi ; et in particolare di queUo nominate 
 
127 
 
 Fernelich, che I'altrieri ha preso un Vasello qui nel Golfo. Questo k 
 quanto per hora mi occorre con la presente, per fine della quale a V. S. 
 Ill"* bacio riuerentems*^ le mani, pregando Dio, per dgni sua maggiore 
 felicita. 
 
 Di Venetia. Adi 17 Maggio. 1619. 
 
 Di V. s. Ilr^ 
 
 Vs'° Humiliss""" 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 24 Maij 1619. 
 Ills""' Sig" mio Sig'^ sempre Oss"". 
 
 Ho giudicato esser bene per ogni rispetto, di far humiliss"* riuerenza 
 con una mia lettera a Sua Maesta. E perche in cio conuiene procedere 
 con quell' ossequio che deue sempre esser proprio d'un ser'® ; io mando 
 qui congiunta la d* lettra aperta, supplicando V. S. Ills"* che si degni di 
 uederla, et di presentarla, quando perb eUa giudichi, che cib non sia con 
 disgusto di Sua Maesta. Non uolendo io ne in questo, ne in altra cosa, 
 far piu di quello che mi comanderk V. S. 111"% alia quale restero con 
 perpetuo obligo, uolendo riconoscere ogni mia buona fortuna da lei. 
 
 Di nouo q^" Sig""' hanno auiso, che I'Ambasc" Griti che era per uenire 
 a Sua Maesta, in luoco del Donate, si ritroua in Genoua moribondo. 
 
 Di modo che hanno terminato fare un' altro Ambasc""^ : et si fara nel 
 Senato di questa sera. II soggetto che h per riuscire, io credo che sara 
 rill"° Sig'^ Gir'"° Triuisano, il quale e al presente Sauio grande ; et in 
 molta riputazione d' huomo prudente, e d'anni 50 in circa, et di graue 
 negoziazione. II sig" di Sciampigni francese, che fii qui Ambasc" per 
 il suo Re, et che hora si ritroua con Sua Maesta ha scritto qui a 
 persona sua confidente queste parole formali. Le cose di francia s' 
 accomoderanno, ma li Spagli hauranno tanto che fare, che al sicuro 
 
128 
 
 non ueranno a turbare la quiete de Vinitiani. Ho uoluto scriuer 
 a V. S. Ill""^ questo particolare, perche qui in persone grandi, e 
 oppinione che il Re Christianiss^" , sia per mandar le sue forze in Ger- 
 mania. II che se sia uero, quello che scriue Mons" di Sciampigni, pare 
 che Taccenni. L'armata di mare di questi Sig", h diuisa; hauendo il 
 Generale mandate le Naui Inglesi, et alcune Galere, con il s' Colonello 
 Peyton et le sue genti, uerso Corfu, doue 1 2 Galere del Duca d" Ossuna si 
 lasciauano uedere ; le quali se non fuggono, Tordine del Generale k di 
 combaterle. II Nunzio del Papa qui ha diuolgato due cose, che hormai 
 hanno del rancido, tante uolte sono state dette ; et delle quali questi 
 Sig^ se ne ridono. L'una h, che il Duca d'Ossuna sara leuato al sicuro 
 da Napoli ; et Taltra, c^' egli ha ordine di restituire le galere prese della 
 mercanzia, con tutto quello di che erano caricate. Queste uoci, si crede 
 al sicuro che sieno fate publicare dal Papa, in gratificazione del Re di 
 Spagna, p" adormontare questi Sig", accioche concedino il passo alle genti 
 che sono per andare in Germania, p" il Golfo : ma cib h un tentatiuo 
 ridicolo, p~che il passo non I'hauranno mai, come V. S. Ill™' fin' hora ha 
 hauuta notizia. Questo e quanto mi occorre con la presente, per fine 
 della quale k V. S. Ill"" bacio riuerentem*^ le mani, pregando Dio N. S. 
 per ogni suamaggiore felicita. Di Venz" li 24 Maggio 1619. 
 
 Di V. S. lU"". 
 
 Vs" Hu"". 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 31 Maij 1619. 
 
 Iir° Sig" mio S" sempre Oss""".* 
 
 Conforme k quello che scrissi k V. S. Iir* questi Sig'' hanno fatto Am- 
 basc" k Sua Maest^ il Priuigiano, il quale ha ordine di partire nel termine 
 
 * Indorsed, " 31 Maij 1619. Gregorio de Monti to me." 
 
129 
 
 di 1 5 giorni. A questa Ambasciata sono stati nominati nel Senate altri 
 soggetti ; fra quali uno fu I'lll"" s" Antonio Foscarini, che gih in Am- 
 basc'''^ costa ; ma egli ha riceimto pochissimi uoti : forte perch^ egli per 
 li suoi interressi non ne ha fatta instanza. 
 
 Hauendo il Papa conceduto un priorato che rende 3" scudi al Car- 
 dinale figFo di questo Principe ; cio ua confermando 1' oppinione che 
 hanno molti, che passi grande obhgo ed interresse tra il Pontifice, et sua 
 Serenitk. Questi Sig" hauendo notizia che per il Bergamasco, passauano 
 alia sfiUata, soldati p" seruicio del Arciduca Ferdinando, hanno hieri- 
 sera mandati intorno ci6 stretiss™ ordini, et fanno fabricare alii passi 
 duplicati restelli, per impedire cotale passaggio. Hor hora io sono 
 certificato, che questi Sig" si ritrouano in istato di prosima quiete : ha- 
 uendo loro freschiss""" auiso, che sono stati rinouati gli ordini al Duca 
 d' Ossuna p" chh restituisca le galere prese, con tutta la mercatanzia che 
 ui era sopra. L' alterazione che ha il Papa contra gli Orsini, perchfe la 
 sorella loro, non uuole per marito il Principe di Sulmona suo Nepote, in 
 lui riesce tanto maggiore, quanto che questa deliberazione degli Orsini 
 uien creduta opera del Gran Duca : bench^ 1' Ambasc" di d* Altezza, 
 habbia uoluto mostrare il contrario al Pontefice il quale gli ha risposto 
 assai alteratamente. 
 
 II Sig" Rodolfo Simes Mercante qui, il quale ha le comissioni da cotesti 
 signori che sono padroni delle Naui uenute al seru° della Republica, 
 r altrieri h stato in CoUegio, a dimandare che dette Naui, sieno licenziate, 
 et che possino ritomare in Inghilterra. Questi Sig" gli hanno risposto, 
 qual autoritk ha egli di fare una tale instanza. Egli ha replicato ; quella 
 delli Padroni delle Naui ; offerendoli mostrare le lettre. Ho uoluto scri- 
 uer questo particolare a V. S. Ill""* perch^ detto s" Simes ha fatto questo 
 uficio, senza ch' io ne sapessi una sola parola : dimodo che io non ne ho 
 una minima parte, in tale negozio. Col qual fine, bacio riuerentemente le 
 mani aV. S. Ill"* alia quale Dio concedi ogni maggiore felicitci. DiVenz* 
 U 31 Maggio 1619. 
 
 Di V ^ Til"* 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
130 
 
 To the right honorable S'' Robert Nantoun Knight his M^'^ principall 
 Secretarie of Estate and of his most honorable Privie Counsayle. 
 Burlamoche, 
 
 4° Junij 1619. 
 
 Sir* 
 
 Seeing by the next Post to write at large vnto his M"^ lett me only by 
 this acquaynt you that I haue been thease foure or five dayes in Augusta 
 where I tooke language that the Princes of the Vnion and Representants 
 of the Cities were to assemble at Heilbrunn aboute the 10'^ of this 
 Moneth which opportunitie seemeth to haue dropped out of Heauen 
 vppon me. For heereby I shall both shorten my iomie, and discharge 
 my errand to the whole Bodie, and receaue a more absolute answer 
 which otherwise if I had treated with them in severaltie would haue been 
 relatiue to theire next meeting. About this I haue provisionally fro 
 hense dispatched my Secretarie to the Electour Palatin : with order 
 likewise to provide me some commoditie at Heilbrun where I hope to bee 
 on Munday next at night. God blesse owre good King and his good 
 intents. 
 
 Y' Servant 
 
 Augusta „ ^j 
 
 * Henry Wotton. 
 
 the 4* of 
 
 June 1619. 
 stil novo. 
 
 By this place is passed five dayes since in post the Ambassadour 
 Donato : which dihgence should argue innocence. God send him a 
 cheerfull arrival at home. Whereof I forecast some doubt : For the Savoy 
 Ambassadours with whom I spake before my departure make the buisi- 
 nesse verie foule. 
 
 * Indorsed, " 4° Junij 25° Maij 1619. S' Henry Wotton to me from Augusta." 
 
131 
 
 7° Junij 1619. 
 
 His""" Sig'" mio s" sempre Oss"". 
 
 L' Ambasciator Donato, h giunto a Ven* martidisera, che fu li 4 del 
 corrente, et la mattina dietro, fu a presentarsi a Sua Ser*^ in Collegio, 
 dal quale fu caramente ueduto. Egli mostra intrepidezza d' animo, et 
 poca temenza di quanto gli h opposto. A sua Ser*^ in Collegio, ha detto 
 queste parole : /Ser™ Principe, io son uenuto a espurgarmi di cosa, che 
 non ha mezzo ; s' io son colpeuole, non posso sodisfare se non con la uita. 
 ma io faro uedere che tale non sono. 
 
 Io son informato, che il Pontefice, non ostante le cose trattate con li 
 Orsini, perch^ dessero la loro sorella per moglie al Principe di Sulmona ; 
 non uoleua perb eflfetuare detto matrimonio ; il che saputo dalli Orsini. 
 loro non hanno uoluto riceuere un affronto, ma preuenire (con la scusa 
 che la sorella uuole monacarsi) alii pensieri del Papa ; il quale uedendosi 
 in cotal modo schernito, per colera non capisse in se med"^. 
 
 Questi Sig" defendono li Orsini apertamente : et il Gran Duca, col 
 mostrare di non esserne interressato (benche il Papa non le credo) s'apre la 
 strada a difenderli gagliardamente. II Cardinal Borgia, et il Duca 
 d' Ossuna, fanno offerta a questi sig" diuoler restituire le Galere prese, et 
 le Mercanzie in questo modo. Vogliono consignare le Mercanzie p~ 
 numero di Colli, ma non per qualita di roba : che h cosa tenuta per 
 molto ridicola, potendosi far li Colli di roba di uiliss'"" prezzo. Con tutto 
 cih, ho notizia, che hauendo saputo il Collegio questo pensiero che hanno 
 li Spag li, erano alcuni Senatori che uoleuano abbraciare il partito : per6 
 fu d' alcuni altri contradetto, preualsero ; et cosi h stata licenziata la pro- 
 posta. Ho ragionato con persone d' autoritk, le quali credono che li 
 Spagh renderanno alia Rep"^ le d° Galere et le Mercanzie ; et che questi 
 8ig" o per patto espresso fatto segretamente ; ouuero col mostrare di non 
 
 * Indorsed, " 7° Junij 1619. Gregorio de Monti to me. Donatos arrival. Pope's 
 
 alliance w" gl Orsini Sulmona. Fraud in cop'ng .... shipps. Gofredo Polo slaine 
 
 at Rome." 
 
132 
 
 sapere, lascieranno passare per il Golfo, li auiti che si tratta mandare in 
 
 Germania. lo pero, per quanto posso dire a V. 8. IIV^" p la notizia che 
 
 ho di questo negozio, giurerei il contrario. Qui con il Cardinal Doria 
 
 che e incognito, ui h il Duca di Terra noua Napolitano, il quale ho suiato 
 
 alcuni huomini di questo Arsenale, maestri eccelentiss'"' di far Galere 
 
 grosse ; et mandatoli a Napoli. Cosa cJi molto dispiace a q'' Sig". 
 
 Quel Gofredo Polo che e stato amazato in Roma, h quello per quanto 
 
 ho potuto sapere, che gia fu qui in Ven", et uoleua trattenimento dalla 
 
 Rep"". Questo h che mi occorre cola presente, per fine della quale a V. 
 
 S. Iir* fo hums"* riuerenza 
 
 DiVenMi 7 Giugno 1619. 
 Di V. S. Ill'"^ 
 
 Mi sono capitate due lettere delo' Maestro della Posta, che uanno 
 al s'' Ambas" Wottoni ; con 1' ordinario di q'* sera, le mando in Augusta, 
 che cosi ho ordine dal s' Wottoni. 
 
 Vs" Hum""" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 To the Right Honor"' S' Robert Nanton, Knight his Ma*'" Principall 
 Secretarie of Estate. At Court. 
 
 Right Honourable.* 
 
 Hauing so newly by an expresse messenger (namely one Pennystone 
 an English merchant) discharged my duties and troubled you w*h a long 
 dispatche, I may be pardoned to be short in this. I will therefore 
 onely sett downe a few of the freshest thinges. 
 
 The Pope is much awaked w*h the motions of Bohemia and as we 
 
 * Indorsed, " S' Henry Wotton to mee. Sans date." 
 
133 
 
 heare from Rome, hath by his Nuntio Resident w'h the Emperour de- 
 clared himselfe for his Assistance, but as yet w'hout specification of men 
 or monies, thoughe it be wildly voiced, that he entendeth to furnish a 
 Regiment. 
 
 Don Piedro proceedeth in his new leuies, w°h if he meane vs no harme 
 heere, wiU peraduenture be transported by TiroU into Austria, and if 
 thinges shalbe quiet in the meane while yet a good Armie will counte- 
 naunce Ferdinando well, in his ambition for the Romane Crowne. 
 Thus some discourse, who in the meane time forgett, that then the 
 Electours will not meete ; for the choice must bee free by the Aurea 
 Bulla. 
 
 An Ambassad' passed some few dales since throughe this Towne, in 
 priuate vnknown maner, from the foresaid Ferdinando, to the Duke of 
 Florence. And thereupon the conceipte is renewed, that the said Duke 
 shall lend the howse of Austria a Million of Schudi, vppon these occa- 
 sions, w*h promise to be repaide the halfe, and for the other moyitie to 
 be made by his Brother in Lawe, (when he shall be Emperour) King of 
 Toscanie. This I tell for a fancie of the weeke, being otherwise ridi- 
 culous to thincke, that either the King of Spaine, or the Pope himselfe, 
 will suffer the Princes of Italic to be raised in t)^le. 
 
 It is true, as I wrote before, that the Viceroy of Naples hath at the 
 present no armed vessells w*hin the Gulfe, but his preparations are soe 
 greate, thoughe slowe, that we now apprehend his intent to reenter, or 
 att least to keepe this state w'h a noise, till winter in extreame expence, 
 for the verie maritime chardge, w'h the twentie auxiliarie vessells, (eight 
 of ours, and twelue Fleamish, of w°h neither are yet arriued) will 
 amount to not much lesse then halfe a milion a monthe. 
 
 Lastly we haue a pretie new businesse kindling heere aboute a Priest 
 of enormous life, whome the councell of Ten haue seazed, w*h clamour 
 first of the Patriarch and then of the Nuntio, w^h is the verie case that 
 drewe on, the last excommunication. I will therefore sett a diligent eie 
 vpon it to obserue whither the state mayntayne that poynt, w'h the 
 former vigour, and by the next Currier his Ma"' shall haue a particular 
 
134 
 
 accompt thereof. In the meane tyme I committ you S"" to Gods blessed 
 Loue. Euer Resting 
 
 At y' Hon" conunaundment 
 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
 Posts : I haue giuen his M"' yet no final accoumpt of the Frenche 
 conspiracie heere for which so many haue suffered : expecting conti- 
 nually some publique writing and declaration of the whole processe : as 
 perchaunce wilbe verie meete after secret iustice for satisfaction of the 
 ill speaking world. 
 
 14 Junij 1619. 
 
 Ills""' Sig" mio sig" sempre Oss"".* 
 
 La qui congiunta, supplico V. S. Ills"* di farla capitare ; essendo 
 ella in risposta d'una dell' Ecc""" sig" Marchese, che nell' absenza dell' 
 Ecc"" sig'^^ Wottoni, io haueua ordine d'aprirla ; essendo ella per seruizio 
 del 8' Ambasc" Donato. II negozio del quale, riesce assai auuiluppato, 
 ma con speranza di feliciss"" esito ; il che non potra forse essere cosl 
 tosto. La uenuta cost^ dell' Ecc™° s'" Ambasc" Triuigiano, h perb in 
 sospeso ; dipendendo ella, dalla risoluzione del negozio del s" Donato ; 
 al quale riesce unfiero contradittore V Ambasc'" Zeno tomato da Sauoia, 
 che porta gagliardamente le ragioni di quella Ser""' Altezza. L'Armata 
 Spag la per esser deboliss'^" non ardisce uenire nel Golfo : et la Viniziana 
 con tutto ci5 teme di tornarsene a Casa: non sapendo questi Sig" 
 trouare modo di sgrauarsi di detta spesa, et essere sicuri, di non hauer 
 molestia da Spag H. 
 
 In maggior confermazione della congiura passata, io dir5 k V. S. 
 
 * Indorsed, " 14 Junij. De Monti to me. L'Ambasciator Zeno w'h Donato. 
 
 de I'Armata Spaguola non ardisse uenire nel Golfo. Cassa de palle de ferro d'una 
 
 parte forate." 
 
135 
 
 111""" cosa, che per hora non h cosi palese ad ogn' uno. E stata trouata, 
 in una Casa priuata, una picciola Cassa plena di Palle di ferro, che per 
 essere elle da una parte f orate, si crede che sieno per fuochi artificiali. 
 Questa Cassa fu raccomandata, da alcuni forastieri che in essa Casa 
 alborgauano, dopo la loro partenza, alia fede di queW Albergatore. et 
 hora solamente, la Giustizia n'ha hauuto cognizione. (Altro per hora 
 non ho che dire a V. S. 111"% alia quale per fine bacio riuerentems'^^ le 
 mani. Di Vens* li 14 Giugno 1619. 
 
 Di V. S. 111"^ 
 
 Vs" Hu"" 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 5° Julij 1619. 
 
 Iir° Sig" mio S" e Pron Oss""".* 
 
 II Seg"° deir Arciduca Ferdinando, s' h doluto grauemente con Sua 
 Ser'^ per nome del suo sig" che dalla parte della Republica, non uenga 
 effettuata la capitulazione di pace tr^ loro accordata ultimam" per 
 I'occa"^ degli Vsocchi ; essendo che q" Sig'' hanno prigioni nelle loro 
 Galere 120 huomini sudditi di quel Principe ; et sono obligati a liberarli ; 
 e pure non se n' h ueduto fin' hora effetto alcuno. Questa instanza di 
 d° Seg"", essendo con piu ueemenza di quello che altre uolte pure fu 
 parlato in questo proposito, non h giudicata senza misterio, poichfe e 
 stata fatta dopo che li Boemi hanno riceuuto questa grossa rotta dal 
 Buquoi. La risposta di S. Ser** fii, che non si mancherk di dare quegli 
 ordini che conuengono. La detta rotta de' Boemi, pare che sia per 
 dare forma al passagio tante uolte scritto che uogliono fare li Spag^li nel 
 
 * Indorsed, " 5° Julij 1619. Gregorio de Monte to me from Venice." 
 
136 
 
 Golfo. Perch^ se li Boemi ciedono, questi Sig" tengono per sicuro, che 
 li Spag li non tenteranno cotal uiaggio. Come farranno il contrario, se 
 li Boemi faranno resistenza. Questi Sig'' fanno molta freta all' Ambas" 
 loro, p~ chfe se ne uenga a Sua Maest^. Egli se ne mostra prontiss™", 
 ma il far condurre le sue robe lo ua trattendo. Gluesto h che p~ hora mi 
 occorre : tralasciando io di scriuere le cose di Germania, persuadendomi 
 ch' ella n' habbia intera informazione. Col qual fine a V. S. Ill""* bacio 
 con ogni maggiore affetto le mani. Di Ven* li 5 Luglio 1619. 
 
 Di V. S. IIP" 
 
 Vs" Hu"" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 9° Julij 1619. 
 
 Ills'"" Sig" mio s" sempre Oss""". 
 
 Li rumori del Papa contra gli Orsini, hanno preso altra piega di 
 quello che era minacciato ; perch^ le Nozze col Principe di Suhnona si 
 faranno; e questo ^ stato 1' accomodamento, trouato dal Cardinale 
 Montalto. La soreUa degli Orsini ha detto, ch'ella, non d'alcuno per- 
 suasa, uoleua andar Monaca, non uolendo piii il Principe di Sulmona per 
 marito, hauendo ella certa notizia, ch' il Pontefice trattaua di dare al 
 Nepote un altra sposa, non ostante la parola data p~ lei : A che il 
 Pontefice ha risposto, che non bisogna, ne lece, ne interpretare, ne 
 intendere le sue operazioni, piii di quello ch'egli uuole ; et ch' ella p~ ci6 
 ha fatto grauiss""" errore. Essa non ha piu replicato, ma dimandato 
 humilmente perdono : et cosl s' k comodato il negozio. Alcune Galere 
 di q" Sig" ultimamente, andarono per riceuere rinfrescamento nel Porto 
 d'Ancona : dal Gouematore di quella fortezza, fii loro fatto sapere che 
 
137 
 
 si leuassero ; cosi esse fecero imediate : ma nella spaggia di d"* Citta con 
 li schiffij messero in terra alcuni soldati, li quali inque' contomi leuarono 
 molti animali : U che fecero anche in un' altro luoco a quelle uiccino, 
 ucidendo 4 huomini clT erano con altri per guardia. Ci6 essendosi 
 saputo in Ancona, fii mandato subito diuersa soldatesca; che trouati 
 alcuni di que' Soldati della Rep''^ dieddero loro la fugga, at n' hanno fatti 
 prigioni 6. Fii spedito dal Gouer" di Ancona subito a Roma, molto 
 querellandosi que' popoli di tale ingiuria. Si crede che il Papa non ne 
 fara altro, quando anche fosse suceduto peggio, lasciando egli correr 
 I'acqua alia china. 
 
 Le lettere di Genoua portano, che 1 Principe Filiberto con 25 Galere 
 sia giunto in Sardegna, per passarsene in Messina; douendo in quel 
 porto farsi la massa di tutta I'Armata, che h per andar poi ad una 
 impresa contra Infedeli, et uanno accenando Cipri. Nel Golfo, si crede 
 certo che non sia per uenire la d* Armata; non essendo ella (per far 
 giornata) da paragonarsi con la Vin"* ; con tutto ci6 s' h tirato innanzi 
 il Generale Viniziano per dubbio di qualche stratagema. Gluesti Sig" 
 hanno pero licenziati 8 Vascelli tondi : che appresso alcuni ^ fondamento 
 di pace ; ma potrebbe essere piii tosto poco timore. Ragionando io con 
 I'Ambasc" Lando, che h per uenire a Sua Maesta; gentilm*' toccato, 
 s'egli si ualera p" capellano di D. Alessandro Gatti, che hora si ritroua 
 costa : egli in ha risposto assolutamente di no ; et con tale occa"^ ha 
 fatta una larga testimonianza di uoler fare in modo, che Sua Maesta, et 
 cotesto Regno sia p" riceuere da lui, et dalli suoi ogni maggiore sodis- 
 fazione. Col qual fine a V. S. Ill""" bacio riuerentem'^ le mani, pregando 
 Dio N. S. pagni sua Maggiore fehcit^. Di Venezia h 19 Luglio 1619. 
 
 Di V. S. IU■"^ 
 
 Vs" Hum-"" 
 
 Gregorio de Montt. 
 
138 
 
 30° (August) 1619. 
 
 Ills""' Sig" mio Sig'^ sempre Oss""'.* 
 
 Qui per le cose del Sig'° Donate, h dato ordine perch^ sia fatto pri- 
 gione, quel Corriere che fu spedito cost^ da questi signori, con la 
 sentenza di esso Donate. Ma egli ch' ^ giunto qui si non gik sei 
 giorni, dubitando della sua mala uentura, s' h nascosto. Questa mat- 
 tina, I'Ambasc" di Spagna h stato aUa sua prima audienza. lo conforme 
 I'ordinario lio complito seco, et n' ho riceuuto parole molto amoreuoli, et 
 affettuose. Hora che '1 Principe FUiberto s' h partito di Messina per 
 Leuante : si crede che questi Signori siano per disarmare senza far 
 alcun' altra cosa. Altra cosa non ho per hora che scriuere a V. S. 111"% 
 alia quale per fine bacio riuerentem*^ le mani, supplicandola ad hauermi 
 per Suo diuott"" Ser" et Dio N. S. fehcem*^ la conserui. 
 
 Di VenMi 30 Agosto 1619. 
 
 Di V. s. m^\ 
 
 Vs" Hum"" 
 Gregokio de Monti. 
 
 * Indorsed, "August 1619. Gregorio de Monti to mee." 
 
 20° 7 bris 1619. 
 
 Ills"" Sig" mio Sig" sempre Oss"". 
 
 La settimana passata, fu da questi Sig" ripigliato il negozio della Lega 
 con li Paesi Bassi, et sopra di esso fil trattato molto seriamente. Sar^ 
 cosa facile che la detta Lega si concluda ; poichfe per il passato, non 
 
139 
 
 uiera altro Senatore che parlasse contra essa, che il Morosini historico, il 
 quale hora h Morto. L'Ambasc" de Spagna, hauuta notizia di questo, 
 di subito andb in CoUegio, a fare uficio in contrario. Sopra che questi 
 Sig" stanno mal contenti, uedendo che apena trattano un negozio che 
 subito h saputo daUi Spagli. Questi Sig^ hanno ellesti duoi Ambasc" 
 per rallegrarsi con I'impera"^ ; I'uno h il Procu" Nani, et I'altro il Cau'^ 
 Simon Contarini, principaliss"' Senatori. Perb la uolonta del Senato, 
 era cosi aliena di fare cosl subito detti Ambasc", che fti posta la parte 
 per farlij sette uolte prima che riuscisse. lo son informato, che quando 
 li Spag~h hauessero bisogno di trasportar gente nell' Alemagna p~ il Golfo ; 
 se loro domanderanno il passo alia Republica, I'otteniranno. Essendo che 
 la Republica, con I'essere ricercata del passo, uerr^ ad esser posta in 
 maggior ragione, circa la patronia di d° Gohb. (E stato prolongato ancora 
 p~ un mese il trattenimento che hanno le Genti del Co : di Lieuistaim). Se 
 bene il Principe Filiberto h uscito di nouo, con pensiero di fare noua 
 impresa, qui non si gli crede ; ma si tiene per certo, che queste imprese 
 seruino per pretesto, per fare che la Rep*"* disarmarsi, il che non h per 
 sucedere. Non ho piu che dire a V. S. 111""°^ con la presente, p" fine della 
 quale, io le raccomando I'interesse mio, come ho scritto per le passate : 
 et le bacio affettuosam'® le mani. 
 
 DiVen^hxxrbre 1619. 
 
 Di V. s. iir\ 
 
 Vs" Hum"" 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 27 7bris 1619. 
 
 l\r° Sig'' mio Sig" sempre Oss""".* 
 
 Rendo affettuosissime grazie a V. S. Ills""* dell' honore che m' ha fatto 
 
 * Indorsed, " 27° September : 1619. Gregorio de Monti to my Master." 
 
140 
 
 con la sua humanissima lettera, delli 26 del passato ; assicurandolaj che 
 io non poteua riceuere al presente, cosa che piu a me fosse di gusto, at di 
 consolazione a tutta la mia famiglia. Serberb questa, per un uiuo testi- 
 monio della benignity di V. S. Ills°'% et per un certo fondamento di 
 qualche mia buona fortuna ; uedendo eh' ella non manca di fauorirmi 
 appresso Sua Maest^. Perb io mi raccomando alia sua bont^, supplican- 
 dola di conseruarmi nel suo patrocinio. QueUo che costk ha ottenuto il 
 sig'^ Donato, sark da me sempre lodato, et riuerito, come azione di Sua 
 Maestk. Io ho scritto quello contra lui, a che mi obliga il carico mio, se 
 bene il S'® Donato h mio particolar signore ; et quello med"" haurei fatto, 
 et farei, contra qual si uoglia altra persona, quando si tratta dell' in- 
 terresse del Re mio sig"^®. Gluesta settimana, io non ho che scriuere di 
 nouo a V. S. Ills™* fuor che la partenza dell' Ambasc'^ Lando, che sarti 
 alii 2 del mese uegnente, Egli fa la strada di Germania, et ha ordine di 
 essere con 1' Imperatore : Io credo per solo complimento, poichfe qui non 
 si sa che la Republica habbia per hora negozi piii graui, con quella 
 Maesta. Altro non mi occorre con la presente, per fine della quale a 
 V. S. Ill"* bacio riuerentem"' le mani, pregando Dio N. S. per ogni sua 
 felicitk. 
 
 DiVenMi27 7bre 1619. 
 Di V. 8. Iir*. 
 
 Vs''' Hum""" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 Dopo hauer scritto a V. S. Ill"* Io sono informato da persona alia 
 quale debbo prestar fede, Che nel Senato di hierisera trattandosi sopra 
 le cose delli Donati (essendo ritornato il Corriere ultimam'^ spedito a 
 Sua Maest^ fii concluso di non prestar fede al Segretario che si ritroua 
 costk; dubitando questi Sig"* ch' esso non scriua qui, se non quello. ch~ 
 Io consigUa il Donato Et credo cli con le lett' di q'* sera, gU daranno 
 
141 
 
 ordine ch' egli non comparisoa piii all' audienza. Dalla qual delibera- 
 zione, io credo elf detto Segretario, sia anche tenuto colpeuole del 
 primo uficio fatto cd'tra il Donate, come non fatto attempo ; p~ ch~ gi^ 
 alcuni giorni n' intesi alcuna cosa. et di nouo a V. S. 111"° fo hum™" 
 riuerenza. 
 
 Di V. S. ir^ 
 
 Vs" Hum"" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 4° 8""= 1619. 
 
 Ills"" Sig" mio Sig^' sempre Oss"".* 
 
 Quest! giorni I'Ambasc'^ di Sauoia ha presentato a q*' Sig" il Com- 
 putista\ mandate da Sua Altezza, per mostrare die non ha riceuuto que' 
 danari de' quali ha dato conto il Sig" Donato. Contra il quale, I'Am- 
 basc" Lando ha da fare qualche uficio con Sua Maest^. Et hoggi che 
 sono stato da lui a pigliar licenza; egli m' ha detto queste formali 
 parole, in proposito di esso Donato : questo negozio preme alia Republica 
 molto piu di quello che se crede. Io ho questa notizia, che la Republica 
 resterebbe soddisfatta, quando Sua Maesta Io facesse uscire del Regno, 
 poco curandosi della roba. Io credo che Sua Maesta, restera con molto 
 gusto deir Ambasc''^ Lando, perchfe egli se ne uiene con ottima uolonta 
 di dare ogni possibile sodisfazione. Delia bonta de suoi costumi, non si 
 pub dire tanto, che non sia poco. Supplico V. S. Ill""" di far riuerenza 
 a Sua Maest^, a nome del S"^^ Cau'^ Foscarini, il qle si mostra grande- 
 
 * Indorsed, " 4° 8""" 1619. De Monti to me." 
 
 t In the margin is written, " L'Amb™ di Savoyae. Donato. Lando. Foscarini. 
 L'Infanteria di Napoli. 
 
142 
 
 re 
 
 mente bramoso, che Sua Maesta sappia, ch' egli e suo parzialiss""' Ser' 
 Ho lett^ da Genoua che di giomo in giomo si sta aspettando 1' Infan- 
 teria di Napoli : Et che I'Arinata di mare del Re Catolico, era tomata 
 in Calabria, senza sapersi che hauesse fatto alcuno progresso. Con la 
 presente altro non ho che scriuere a V. S. 111"% se non supphcarla a 
 tenermi nella sua buona grazia et Dio N. S. lungam'^ la conserui. Di 
 VenMi 4 Ottobre 1619. 
 
 Di V. S. Ill""' 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 irs'^'MGig. 
 Ills""' Sig'^ mio S" sempre Oss"".* 
 
 Se bene io non ho occa"^ degna di far sapere a V. S. Ill""* con tutto 
 cio, non lasciero mai di scriuerle quel poco che corre in q** piazza. 
 UAmhasc" di Spagna dice hauer hieri riceuuto lettere dal Principe Fili- 
 berto che dicono cK egli si ritroua a Messina, et che far^ metier air 
 ordine Varmata di nouo, per dare la caccia a quella del Turco : et che 
 faccia saper a q*' Sig", che quelV armata non solo non d per offendere la 
 Rep'", ma che se uerra occa"' ^ prontissima per difenderla. Verb d° Sig^* 
 Ambasc'^ non ha do fatto saper a q*^ Sig'^, ma solo lo dice priuatamente ; 
 il ell fa riuscire maggior il sospetto. Questi Sig^ alle instanze del S^' 
 Simes, hanno licenziati quattro Naui ; et Taltrieri le genti del Co : di 
 Ideuistaim. Qui si sente con grand™" contento fra q'" nobilta, chel Ser""" 
 Palatino accetti la Corona di Boemia ; uenendoleuata a q*° modo la guerra 
 alia Rep'" ; la quale pero, terrhfuori un corpo d" armata, come gia scrissi. 
 * Indorsed, "11 S*"'" 1619. De Monti to me." 
 
143 
 
 II Sig^^ Ambasc'* Wottoni, ha rinouato I'ordine al Sig'* Simes p* le mie 
 prouigioni : Con tutto cio supplico V. S. Ill"* che si degni fare in modo 
 che io ne habbia un certo stabilimento. Col qual fine, io le bacio 
 riuerentem" le mani, pregando Dio p~ ogni sua maggiore felicit^. Di 
 Ven* li xj ottobre 1619. 
 
 Di V. S. ir" 
 
 Vs'^ Hum""' 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 18 8"""" 1619. 
 
 Ills"" sig'" mio sig" sempre Oss"°.* 
 
 Le entrate che li Giesuiti haueuano in questo Stato (non comprese 
 pero quelle di Brescia) ascendono al numero di 22™ ducati Vanno. Queste 
 entrate erano maneggiate dal Patriarca defonto, per douerle perb appli- 
 care ad opere pie in questa Citta ; se bene furtiuamente egli ne faceua capi- 
 tare ancora alii Giesuiti a Roma. Hora q" Sig" fanno un Collegia, per 
 educazione, e sostentamento de Nobili poueri; et trattano d'applicarui le 
 dette entrate, leuandole dalle mani del Patriarca. II che sucedendo, 
 non si sa come uerrh inteso dal Papa, per essere dette entrate ecclesiasti- 
 che, et con la sua autorita dispensate, da questo Patriarca. Questo verrk 
 anche a confirmare niaggiorm*% che li Giesuiti non sono piu per capitare 
 in q*" Dominio. Mi uiene certificate, che 
 
 il Ser"° di Sauoia, habbia fatto sapere a questi 8ig", che se le 
 
 genti di Napoli, che sono sharcate a Genoua, s' inuerneranno nello 
 
 stato di Milano, ch' egli non potra far dimeno di non armarsi, et 
 
 pero che la Rep'" deue sommistrare danari." 
 
 Le Genti che sono in Mare, sotto il comando del s" Colonello Peyton, 
 
 * Indorsed, " 18° 8*"' 1619. De Monti to me." 
 
144 
 
 hauranno per questa uemata un presidio : ma empiemento di Compagnie, 
 questi Sig" non lo uogliono fare, dicendo, che hora lo Stato delle cose, non 
 lo ricerca. Alcuni Mercanti Tedeschi che sono in q*° Fondaco, m' hanno 
 ricercato s'io faro feste, per Vassonzione del Ser""" Palatino, alia Corona 
 di Boemia. lo a loro ho risposto con parole generali; ma per dire 
 il uero a V. S. 111™^ io non sono hora in istato da poter fare cosa alcuna. 
 et quando anche potressi farlo, non lo farrei senza ordine espresso di 
 sua Maesta ; alia quale humilmente inchinandomi, prego Die che conceda 
 ogni cosa desiderata. Et a V. S. Ill"* per fine bacio con ogni maggior 
 affetto le mani. Di Ven* H 18 ottobre 1619. 
 
 Di V. s. iir* 
 
 Vs" Hum"" 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 1° 9""' 1619. 
 
 Iir° Sig" mio Sig'" sempre Oss""". 
 
 Non scrissi la settimana passata a V. S. Ill"* per non ui essere occa- 
 sione d'alcuna cosa di nouo. Hora per lettere di Napoli, ho notizia che 
 '1 Duca d' Ossuna, tratta con molta domestichezza col Resident e di q*' 
 Signori ; affermando di uoler dare loro ogni sodisfazione : et per quelle 
 robe che sono state uendute, che erano sopra le Galere che furono prese, 
 s' ha lasciato intendere, che bisognando assegnera una certa entrata, 
 che ha nel Regno di Sicilia. In conformity di questo, domandando io ad 
 uno di q** Signori, se h dubbio che '1 Duca d'Ossuna sia per dare di nouo 
 fastidio alia Rep°% egU m' ha risposto di no. Altri perb mostrano di 
 fidarsene poco, dicendo che queste lusinghe, sono fatte rispetto alii 
 rumori di Germania. Et ch" se il Duca d'Ossuna non fara nouitk, sara 
 
145 
 
 per timore di non accendere una guerra in Italia. Di che se ne ua qui 
 dubitandOj con questo fondamento, che hora che li Spagli hauranno 
 d' assistere alV Imperatore, V Altezza di Sauoia, sia per fare qualche 
 mottiuo contra li Oenouesi, o contra il Duca di Mantoua. Questi 
 Sig" mostrano perb d' essere lontaniss™ dal pensiero di guerra ; p"ch^ 
 hanno licenziata la Caualeria del CiaualiscM : et di tutta 1' Jnfanteria del 
 Co : di Lieuistain (dope hauerla licenziata) hanno fatto scielta solo di 
 200 Moschettieri, per tenere in presidio. Son informato, che la liber azione 
 del Principe di Cond^, ^ stata efficacewf" aiutata da g'' Big". La cagione 
 si crede essere, perchk quel Principe essendo nemico de' Spagli : con la sua 
 autorita uenga ad essere ostacolo, alia potenza che ha la fazione del Re 
 Catolico, in quella Corte. L'Ambasc''' dell' jmpera'^ ottenuto dal Papa, 
 p~ le guerre che ha quella Maesta, 200" Scudi : li quali si trarra in q*" 
 modo, 140™ dalli Sacerdoti ffuorchk delli Cardinali, et dalli VescouiJ et 
 60™ dalli Ebrei. Tra questi Sig'' et il Pontefice ci sono certe ombre di 
 disgusti. L'uno h, che il Papa uuole che questo nouo Patriarca uada a 
 Roma ; et g" Sig'^ che non uogliono, dicono, il Patriarca e risentito non 
 pub uenire. ; intanto se gli mandi le Bolle, et poi uerra. L'altro e che'l 
 Papa uuole, che il Patriarca eletto d' Aquilea, dispensi I'entrate delli 
 Giesuiti ; et q*' Big" fcome ho scrittoj n' hanno altro pensiero. 
 
 Supplico V. S. Ill™* che mi faccia grazia, di procurare qualche certezza 
 per le mie prouigioni : pche questo Mercante, dimandandogli io li danari 
 per q'° mese (conforme 1' ordine mandato a lui dal s" Cau" Wottoni) mi 
 ha risposto assolutam'®, di non uoler darmeli se prima non ha auito dal 
 suo corrispondente, che costh li siano stati pagati. Ond' io non so che mi 
 fare. Col qual fine a V. S. Ill"* bacio con ogni maggiore affetto le mani. 
 Di Van* h j° Nouembre, 1619. 
 
 Di V. S. Ill™ 
 
 Vs™ Hum"" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 u 
 
146 
 
 Venetijs 8 Nouembris.* 
 
 Tota Vngaria pene est in manu Trasyluani, qui totam repente peruasit 
 absque uUo obstaculo, similis illi qui dixit Veni, Vidi, Vici. Die 1 5 Octo- 
 bris uenit Posonium, statim occupauit Urbem, arcem illius habere non 
 potuit, sed iam hsec quoque dedita ei postremis Uteris nunciatur. Regni 
 coronam habuit in manibus, quam ipse dixit se pro futuro Rege con- 
 seruare ; sunt qui Principi Palatino earn destinare ipsum putent : sunt et 
 qui earn sibi ipsi conseruare ipsum uelint, ac differre ut electionem habeat 
 legitimamin pleno conuentu. Pro Austriacis duo tantum fortalitia eidem 
 resistebant Comar, et Taurinum, sed iam rumor spargitur Comarum 
 deditionem fecisse, Taurinum uero de deditione tractare coepisse. Duo 
 potentes Principes Vngari Comes de Zrinio, et Nadasti Transyluano 
 adhserent : Palatinus Fortgatz decem dies termini sumpsit ad deliberan- 
 dum : Omnes prorsus uniendos fore creditur. 
 
 Buquoius et Dampier uires omnes collegerunt, relicta Morauia, et 
 Bohemia, sola ciuitate Butuaris retenta, et ad Viennse defensionem pro- 
 perarunt. Subsequentes habuerunt Morauos sub Tiffempach, et Bohemos 
 sub Holaih, et sane 23 die Sbris uterque exercitus ad Viennam substitit, 
 ipsoque die 23 commissum est leue prselium, sed 24 sequenti die acriter 
 pugnatum est, utraque pars sibi uictoriam adscribit ; illud tamen certum 
 est Bucquoium leuiter grande plumbea uulneratum se cum exercitu cis Da- 
 nubium in suburbia Viennae recepisse, et ego uidi literas ex ipsius Castris, 
 quibus scriptor significabat uocem esse non nisi sexcentos milites Impe- 
 riales desideratos, se tamen maximam stragem uidisse. Certum etiam 
 est pontes ab Imperialibus confractos, ne hostes sequerentur, et castra 
 sua quae trans Danubium habebant cum plurimis plaustris, et impedi- 
 mentis hostibus prsedam reliquisse. Certum etiam est nunc in Vrbe 
 Vienna omnia esse diordinata, nam et ipso sequenti die post secundum 
 prselium qui erat 26 Sbris panis nuUus inueniri poterat, et commeatus ad 
 sextuplum precij statim ascendit eaque nocte tota trepidatum in Vrbe, 
 * Indorsed, " A . . . . from Venice to my L. of Spalato." 
 
147 
 
 quia hostes dicebantur Danubium transfretare. lUud etiam certum est 
 Viennam summa inopia, et commeatus, et munitionum laborare, quia 
 exercitus contra Bohemos, et Morauos fuerunt inde armandi ac proui- 
 dendi. 
 
 Imperator satagit ut unus ex suis fratribus eligatur in Episcopum 
 Salisburgensem. Quotidie ueredarios, et tabellarios in Italia cemimus 
 ab Imperatore Romam, Florentiam, et ad alios Principes Italos, unde 
 Csesar opem sperare possit ; sed maxima adiumenta uidetur sibi a Saxone, 
 et Bauaro polliceri. Totus mundus oculos conjicit in nouum Bohemise 
 Regem, in quo sperat se nouum Dauid contra Goliath uisurum. Et certe 
 ex recenti exemplo sine Sabaudi, sine huius Reip. potest animos sumere^ 
 siquidem exigui Principes maximo hosti tarn facile restiterunt. 
 
 Venetijs die 15 9bris. 
 
 Classis Veneta jam paulatim dissoluitur. Aliquot turmse Holandorum, 
 et Anglorum dimissse sunt, cum aliquo tamen adhuc stipendio Ducibus, ut 
 semper sint parati ad Reip. obsequium, et audimus optimos quosque ad 
 Bohemum se recepisse. Interim bene firmam, et tutam classem retinent 
 Veneti circa Istriam, ut ita parati sint ad omne opus circa Tergestum, et 
 Goritiam ; iam enim tuti sumus k Classe Hispanica, cuius neruus militiae 
 transmissus est ad Imperatorem, ad numerum sex millium^ si Heluetij 
 dederint transitum : reliqua Classis Philiberti longe nostra imbeciUior nos 
 iam tutos reddit. Est rumor quidam inter speculatiuos Imperatorem in 
 hac sua necessitate uenditurum Reip. Venetee Tergestum Goritiam et Gra- 
 discam, totumque citra montanum forum Julij, ut pecunia ilia ad sua bella 
 utatur ; sed hac vere nihil certi habeo : Certum est hanc Remp. et 
 cupere, et sperare optimos euentus in nouo Bohemo. De Transyluano 
 tamen suspicamur ne Turca inde aliquid moliatur. 
 
148 
 
 go gbri, lgl9_ 
 
 Iir° sig'" mio S" sempre Oss"". 
 
 lo scrissi gia a V. S. Ill"* che questo Ambasc" del Re Catolico, disse 
 in ragionamenti priuati, cli egli portaua la pace alia Republica. II 
 negozio h riuscito in q'* maniera. Egli mandb a dire per il Seg"° al 
 Gritti che fu Ambasc" a quella Corte, et mentre era in qHla Ambasciata, 
 " molto suo domestico, che uoleua trattare con lui. II Gritti fece dire 
 " a d" Seg"° che se uoleua cosa alcuna andasse a palazzo, pche non 
 '■poteua dargli audienza a casa. L'Ambasc" intesa q'* risposta, 
 disse alteratamente ; io uoglio far loro bene, et non uogliono ; loro danno. 
 Et cost piu non ne parlo. Cotal modo di trattare, qui non h stato 
 bene interprettato ; uedendosi che' 1' Ambasc", procuraua di ridursi a 
 negoziare priuatam con alcuno di q*' Senatori contra I'ordine della 
 Rep°' ; la quale di cib cK egli prometteua, non ha mostrato curarsene 
 II Seg"^" dell' Imperatore, ultimam'^ hebbe la negatiua della uendita che 
 trattaua di fare per name del suo Sig" alia Republica, d'alcuni Boschi 
 " che sono nella Crouazia, uicini al Castello di Segna ; li quali la Rep°* 
 '■'gia uolea comperare, offerrendo 40™ scudi. La causa perch^ hora 
 " non li ha uoluti h (p~ quanto son' informato) acciochd li Principi d" 
 Alemagna, contrari alV impera", non si dolgano, che hora ella habbia 
 socorso Vlmpef" di danari, con la compreda di cose, che ne pub fare di 
 meno. E gi^ gran tempo che q" Sig" terminarono, che alcuno suddito 
 non potesse lasciare p testamento cosa alcuna alii Giesuiti. Hora essen- 
 dosi scoperto che ui erano di queUi, che sotto altro pretesto, trasgre- 
 diuano il comando publico ; come sarebbe a dire ; ueniua lasciato 200a; 
 in guadagno, ouuero in deposito, con condizione, che se ueranno li Giesuiti 
 in alcun tempo a Ven", siano loro date le predette Sume de danari : la 
 Rep''^ nel Senato di q** Settimana, ha terminato che sia nullo ogni lasso, 
 che quouismodo fosse fatto in q*" proposito. Comandando alii Notari, che 
 riuedino tutti li Testamenti, et cancellino tutti li legati che fossero fatti 
 
149 
 
 alii Geisuiti, dopo la partenza loro di q*" Citta. Di tale terminazione, il 
 Nunzio del Pontefice non ne ha detta p" ancora, parola ; si stara aspet- 
 tando, quelle die sia per dime il Papa medesimo. Con q** lettere di 
 Roma, pare che'l Papa si contenti, che VPatriarca non uada a Roma ; et 
 q*° Patriarca si lasda intendere, che non ui uuole andare in alcun modo. 
 II Co : di Drin, et il Baron Nadast, che hanno li loro beni, sono molti, 
 nella Crouazia, et sono feudatari della Corona d" Ongheria Cqui s' k 
 intesoj che sono soleuati contra V Impera", dicendoloro di uoler correre in 
 g" mottiui, la fortuna degli Vngheri. Col qual fine a V. S. Ill""* fo 
 hum"* riuerenza, pregando Dio N. S. p~ ogni sua maggiore prosperita. 
 DiVenMiS. 9"™ 1619. 
 
 Di V. s. iir* 
 
 Vs'^ Hum"" 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 15° 9""' 1619. 
 
 Iir° Sig'" mio Sig" sempre Oss"°.* 
 
 Guesti Sig", per le spese che fanno per occasione della guerra ; hanno 
 poste diuerse grauezze ; tra le quali, ue n' ^ una, di pagar dodici soldi p 
 staio ^formento che si macina: et q** h indiferente a tutte le persone di 
 qual si uoglia condizione. Alcuni sudditi della Citta di Ceneda, posta 
 nel Friulij che non pretendono hauer ultra Signoria, in temporale, et in 
 spirituale, che quella del loro Vescouo ; hanno ricusato di pagare cotal 
 grauezza (et si dice esser or dine di d" VescouoJ. Gluesti Sig", p" cib 
 hanno fatto andare in d* Cittk, armato il Luogotenente di Vdine, il quale 
 
 * Indorsed, " 15° 9 1619. De Monti to me." 
 
150 
 
 ha formato processo contra li delinquenti, et n' ha fatto alcuni prigioni. 
 II Papa do inteso, ha fatto una lunga brauata colV Anibasc^' : ma intendo 
 die la Republica, mostra tenerne pochiss'^ conto, et uuole assolutam'% p 
 le ragioni che pretende in quella Oitta, che qui sudditi paghino ogni 
 grauezza. Per hora, altro non ho che scriuere a V. S. Ill"* aUa quale p 
 fine, prego Dio N. S. che le conceda il colmo d' ogni prosperita desi- 
 derata. Di Ven'' U 15 9bre. 1619. 
 
 Di V. s. iir* 
 
 Vs" Hum-"" 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 22. 9 *"" 1619 
 
 Iir" Sig" mio S'" sempre Oss"". 
 
 Lunedi sera passata, h giunto a Venezia un Corriere di Sua Maesta, il 
 quale dice hauer lettere per 1' Ecc™° Sig' Visconte di Dorchester^ che h, 
 Ambasc" in Germania : et la cagione del suo esser qui h, che essendo 
 egli andato a Graz per trouare d" S" Ambasc", glifii detto che Sua Ecc' 
 era uenuto a Venezia. Giunto q*° Corriere qui all' oficio della Sanita ; 
 q*' Sig" I'hanno mandate al Lazaretto per fare contumazir, per dubbio di 
 peste. lo ho fatto con detti Sig^, et in CoUegio instanza perch^ egli 
 fosse libero ; ma non ho potuto ottenere grazia alcuna ; tanto hora si ua 
 qui con riguardo ; spero bene che/ra due giorni sara liberate. 
 
 Quanto poi al S" Ambasc'% ho hauuto auiso di q*' Sig", ch' egli e 
 alii confini, in luoco detto la Pontieba, doue pure fa contumazia. 
 
 lo uoleua spedire un' huomo a detta Ecc% p" darle conto del Corriere 
 (il quale, non uuole dar le lettere se non a Sua Ecc" propriaj ma il Sig" 
 VerceUini, Maggiordomo deU' Ecc ° Sig" Co : d' Arundel, ha spedito 
 
151 
 
 egli una persona : et stiamo aspettando d' hora, in hora il suo ritorno. 
 Ho notizia, che q*' Sig'' hanno dato ordine al Rettore d'Vdine, percM usi 
 termini d^amore col d" Sig" Ambasc". D : Alessandro Gatti, h giunto a 
 Ven* gi^ pochi giomi ; non h per ancora stato a dar conto del suo ariuo 
 a questi Sig". Egli mostra particolariss"" affetto a gli interressi di Sua 
 MaeslA. L'I11"° Sig" Ottauiano Bon, che fu. Ambasc" estraordinario in 
 Francia, al tempo delli rumori della Rep"*, con I'Arciduca Ferdinando 
 per cagione d' Vscocchi ; non hauendo mai potuto ritomare in gratia 
 deUa Rep°* (che contra lui, et 1' Ambasc" Ordinario, pretende ch' hab~ 
 biano usato mancamento nel trattare la pace) hora ha fatto una scritt* in 
 sua giustificazione, nella quale s' h tanto lasciato trasportare all' inter- 
 resse, che ha detto alcuna cosa non conueneuole ^ onde q*' Sig" gh hanno 
 intimate un mandato, che in termine di 3 giomi uenga a presentarsi al 
 Cons'" di x"*. Alcuni Vscocchi, hanno gi^ alcuni giomi sualigiato un 
 Vascello Vin™ : et bencM le Galere di q*' Sig" habbiano ricuperato la 
 preda ; uiene uociferato, che g" 8ig" terighino pensiero di rinouare la 
 guerra (ualendosi delV occasionej hora che VImperatore Ferdinando, si 
 ritroua in dubio delV esser suo. Col qual fine a V. S. Ill"" bacio 
 affettuosissimam'^ le mani, pregando Dio N. S. per ogni sua maggiore 
 fehcita. Di Yen* li 22 Nouembre 1619. 
 
 Di V. S. Iir'' 
 
 Vs" Hum"" 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 29" 9'"' 1619. 
 
 Iir" Sig" mio Sig'" sempre Oss"".* 
 
 lo son auisato da Roma, che li Giesuiti hanno tenuto il loro Collegio 
 sopra le presenti guerre di Germania; et che dopo sono andati dal 
 
 * Indorsed, " 29 Nouembre 1619. Gregorio de Monti to me." 
 
152 
 
 Pontefice, et hanno fatto la presente instanza. Che conuiene a Sua 
 Santitk, di dare ogni aiuto possibile alV Imperatore, essendosi ueduto per 
 il passato, da cagioni molto piu lieui di questa, essere succeduti i sacchi 
 di Roma, et che prindpalm'" ^ necessario, che mandi una Scomunica 
 contra tutti quelli, che quouismodo prestano aiuto alii nemid delT Imper" : 
 et insieme publichi un GHubileo per tutti li catolici che moriranno in d" 
 guerra. A tali instanze, il Papa non ha jm! hora risposta cosa alcuna. 
 Quest! Sig" hanno ottenuto alia fine, che il Patriarca possa riceuere Vin- 
 uestitura del Patriarcato, senza andare a Roma: pero non h uenuto 
 ancora il Breue, escusandosi il Cardinale che n'ha la cura di farlo, 
 d'essere indisposto. Circa quelle che scrissi per le passate del Corriere 
 che fe giunto qui con lettere per U S" Visconte di Doncaster, egli h ancora 
 nel Lazareto, non essendo due delli Giudici del Magistrato della Sanita 
 in Ven" ; et per liberare uno di contumazia, uogliono essere tutti tre 
 d'accordo. Quanto all' Ecc""° S'^ Ambasc'^, la persona spedita dal sig'* 
 Vercellini, riferisce di non hauerlo trouato alia Pontieba, et non sapere 
 doue hora sia. LTU""" Sig'* Ottauiano Bon s' h presentato et dope essere 
 stato lungam** costituto ha ottenuto la Casa per prigione. Altro non 
 mi occorre con la presente, et per fine a V. S. Ill"* bacio con ogni 
 maggior affetto le mani, pregando Dio per ogni sua piu desiderata pros- 
 perita. Di VenMi 29 Nouembre. 1619. 
 
 DiV. S. lU"* 
 
 Vs" Hum"" 
 
 Gregokio de Monti. 
 
 6° : lO""' 1619. 
 
 Ills"" Sig" mio Sig"* sempre Oss"". 
 
 11 debito mio ricercaua, che sicome con ogni spirito, io son concorso 
 
 * Indorsed, " 6° 10""" 1619. Greg, de Monte to me." 
 
153 
 
 nel render grazie a Dio, per la feliciss"* esaltazione del Ser""" Palatino, al 
 Regno di Boemia ; che cosl ancora, io me ne fossi humilm*' rallegrato 
 con Sua Maestk ; essendo sicuriss"" che per la sua Reale, et incompara- 
 bile benignitk, sarebbe stato gradito, come aflfetto di deuott"" ser'^ il mio 
 riuerente uficio. Ma perch^ io mi son persuaso, che al presente le occu- 
 pazioni di Sua Maest^, possano esser grauiss™* ; io ricorro a Vra Sig"* 
 lU""* supplicandola, che quando a lei parerk tempo, si degni farmi q** 
 grazia, di dime due sole parole in q*° proposito ; accioch^ io riceua q** 
 consolazione, d' hauer fatto in qualche parte quello che conuiene, in occa"° 
 tanto grande, e tanto importante. Di nouo, q" Sig'' hanno riceuuti, 
 dalla Maest^ del Re di Boemia, una lett* di complimento ; che h tenuta 
 per cortesiss"% et degna deU' animo Reale di q'Ua Maest^ : la quale ha 
 scritto medesimam*' alii Principi d' Italia. Da questi Ministri publici uien 
 detto, che quella Maestk, ha fatta diferenza de Titoli : hauendo dato 
 r Altezza, al G : Duca, et al Duca di Mantoua, et alii altri Principi 
 r 111™° : il che, si crede che dark piu fastidio al Duca d' Vrbino, che a gli 
 altri. Hoggi, s' aspetta qui di passaggio p~ Germania, un' Ambasc" del 
 G. Duca che ua all' Impera" si dice rallegrarsi dell' Imperio, et jT offerrire 
 aiuto di 60" talari, fatti stampare da d^ Altezza per questo effetto. D : 
 Gio : de Medici si lascia intendere, hauer lett' dal Gran Duca, che con- 
 fermano come il Re Christianiss"" dara aiuto all' Impera" di 1 2" fanti : 
 il che qui non uiene creduto. Con il qual fine a V. S. lU™* bacio affettu- 
 osam" le mani, pregando Dio N. S. per ogni Sua Maggiore prosperita. 
 
 Di VenMi 6 x"bre 1619. 
 
 Di V. s. iir* 
 
 Vs" Hum""' 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
154 
 
 11° 10^"' 1619. 
 
 Ills"" Sig'' mio S" sempre Oss"" * 
 
 Alia fine ho liberate il Corriere, ma con poca grazia riceuuta da q" 
 Sig^' deir Off" della Sanit^. Del S" Ambasc" Doncaster io non so nulla. 
 E ben uenuto qui il s" Cau" Croft, che era della Compagnia di d* Ecc ; 
 ma p~chfe esso S" Cau""^ h restate in dietro, col male delle uaiuole, h 
 uenuto qui credendo di trouare esso s" Ambasc'^. Di nouo q" Sig'' 
 hanno terminato, che alcuno Prelato, che nello stato loro esercita giust 
 fetiam il Nunzio del PapaJ non possa far mettere alcuno in prigione, 
 senza la licenza qui del Collegio ; et nello Stato, delli Rettori. Et 
 quando alcuno sark in prigione : non uogliono che detti Prelati lo possino 
 leuare, senza la med""' licenza, che s' ^ usata nelV imprigionarlo. Q,ul li 
 Spaglij et dipendenti da loro (p" quanto sono informato) si uantano, che il 
 mottiuo fatto dalla Maesta di Danimarca contra Stad; sia fatto all' 
 instanza del Re Catolico, et che do fara tale diuersione, che bastera ad 
 alterare lo Stato presente delle cose di Germania. Vn gintiluomo Tedesco 
 soldato, et Sef^ delta Rep"" che ha hauuto 1' ordine dalla Maesta di Boe- 
 mia, di presentar le sue lettere, alia Rep'" et alii Ministri de' Principi 
 Italiani qui Residenti ; ha comesso errore, forse considerabile, et dalli 
 med"' Principi, et da quella Maesta istessa ; p^che egli ha hen presentato 
 le letf alia Rep"" in persona ; ma le altre, le ha mandato p un Ser" delV 
 Ostaria delV Aquila nera, alii Ministri. Q*" h che mi occorre con la 
 presente. Bacio a V. S. Ill"* con ogni affetto le mani, et Dio N. S. 
 lungam" la conserui. Di Ven* li ij x^bre 1619. 
 
 Di V. S. lU""' 
 
 Vs" Hum"" 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 * Indorsed, " x. 1619 De Monti to me. The K^: of of by y" Spa , 
 
 Letters from the Prince to the King by an officer of the Black Egle. 
 
155 
 
 11° 10'"' 1619. 
 Ills"" Sig" mio Sig" sempre Oss"".* 
 
 Benchfe io habbia scritto a V. S. Ill"* p" il Corriere di Sua Maesta, che 
 s' h posto hieri in cammino, per il suo ritorno a casa ; non ho perb uoluto 
 lasciar di scriuere ancora con q'° ordinario. Ho notizia, che tra questi 
 signorij nel trattare della risposta, che se douea dare alia lettera della 
 Maesta del Re di Boemia ; era chi non assentiua che si douesse rispon- 
 dere. Ha perb preualso 1' altra parte, et cosi h stato scritto. In questa 
 Armata di Mare, ui sono ancora 13 Vascelli tondi : et ultimam*^ la Re- 
 publica ha terminato di leuame cinq ; li altri 8, si crede che s' ander- 
 anno trattenendo, p" essere scorta aUe Naui che uengono di Soria. 
 Quanto alia soldatesca ; 1' Infanteria uiene rassignata con minor paga di 
 quella che haueua. Fra pochi giomi si trattera del s'^ Colonello Peyton 
 che e ancora neU' Armata, et della sua gente. I termini usati da esso sig'^ 
 Colonello con q" Sig"^, hanno di gran lunga auanzati 1' espettazione ; 
 essendosi egli portato con discrezione, et prudenza singolariss""*. Hora 
 che costk non si ritroua Ambasc"^' del G. Duca, son informato che ui sia 
 persona incognita che ^ Spia p~ quella Altezza. Et so di certo, che gli 
 auisi camminano. Serui q*° a V. S. Ill"" p~ auiso ; non hauendo io in q'° 
 proposito lume maggiore. Et per fine io prego Dio per ogni sua maggi- 
 ore felicita. Di Ven* h 13 x^bre 1619. 
 
 Di V. S. Ill"" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 * Indorsed, " 11° 10""' 1619. Gregorio de Monti to me." 
 
156 
 
 20° 10""" 1619. 
 
 Ills"" Sig" mio Sig'^ sempre Oss"". 
 
 lo non ho altra occasione con il presente ordinario, di scriuere a V. S. 
 Ill""* fuorch^ questa, delle feste santiss""* di Natale ; le quali con ogni 
 ardore di Spirito, et con ogni humility, auguro feliciss"' a Sua Maest^, 
 et a tutta la Sua Real Casa, p" il corso di lunghiss"' anni. Cosi prego 
 Dio che esaudisca le mie preci. Se V. S. Ill"* giudica bene, che sia 
 inteso q*° mio riuerente uficio da Sua Maest^, la si compiaccia di farlo 
 conoscere ; quando anche ella stimi che sia meglio il tacerlo, mi rimetto 
 alia sua molta prudenza. Col qual fine, prego Dio che hora, et p~ 1' 
 auenire, a V. S, 111°"% et a tutti li suoi, conceda quel colmo di prosperity 
 maggiore, ch' ella desidera : baciandole con ogni piu uiuo affetto le mani. 
 Di VenMi 20 x^bre 1619. 
 
 Di V. s. ir> 
 
 Vs" Hum"° 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 27 10""" 1619. 
 
 lU"" Sig'" mio Sig'" sempre Oss"".* 
 
 Discorrendo io 1' altrieri con una persona, che non h molto tempo che s' 
 h partita di cotesto Regno, la quale si mostra affezionatiss"" a Sua Maest^ 
 (ma non uuole che si sappia che tratti meco domesticamento) nel corso 
 del ragionamento, mi disse ; che costa si ritroua uno D : Tomaso che 
 era Monaco di G. Benedetto, il quale ha scritto un libra contra V autorita 
 del Papa, circa il deponere i Principi; et che questo tale ^ un tristo, 
 perche sotto pretesto di seruire a Sua Maesth, egli k una spia di Roma. 
 Di piii, m' ha detto, ch' egh ha parlato con uno (mentre si ritrouaua in 
 
 * Indorsed, " 27 x°bre. 1619. Gregorio de Monty to me." 
 
157 
 
 Londra) il quale gli disse, che era in cotesti paesi, per fare ogni opera 
 possibile, per far fuggire VArciuescouo di Spalato, 
 
 lo intese queste cose, p" meglio uenire in cognizione del fatto, dissi a 
 detta persona, che s' ella era tanto diuotta di Sua Maesta, et sarebbe anche 
 opera d" huomo fedele, et buon christiano, il publicare gli huomini di simil 
 sorte, douendone sperare, honors, et ricompensa ; mi rispose, sono due o tre 
 giottoni che starebbono bene fuori di quel Regno ; ma parlerb urU altro 
 giorno con V. S. lo gli ho offerto segretezza, et comodita difar capitare 
 le sue letter e ; et cosi son partita. Ho uoluto dar subito questa notizia a 
 V. S. lU"* senza aspettare d' hauer nouo ragionamento ; acciochfe se 
 quello che ho inteso h uero, Sua Maest^ ne prenda quella risoluzione che 
 piu giudichera conueneuole. Et quando fosse necessario, che io nomi- 
 nassi q** persona, io lo faro sempre che mi uerra comandato. In tanto, 
 non manchero di trouar occasione d' abboccarmi seco, et di tutto ne dar6 
 fedele, et diligent e raguaglio. Ne altro con la presente occorrendomi, mi 
 raccomando alia benignity di V. S. Ill"* pregando Dio per la sua salute. 
 Di Ven" H 27 x^-bre 1619. 
 
 Di V. s. im 
 
 Vs" Hum"" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 10° Jan 1619. 
 
 Ills""" Sig'^ mio s" Sempre Oss"". 
 
 V. S. in™* haura inteso da me piu uolte, la strettezza con la quale io 
 sono stato trattato, da q*" Mercante che mi pagaua le mie prouigioni: 
 pure sono stato pagato fin' al tutto Decembre passato, se bene mi conueniua 
 chiedere detto danaro, come se non mi fosse dato per mercede, et di 
 ordine dell' Ecc""" Sig'' Wottoni. Hora, egli m' ha leuato del tutto la 
 
158 
 
 speranza d' hauer danari da lui : p'ch^ me li ha negato liberamente. Se 
 questo sia sua semplice voglia, o interresse ; a me poco importa (bench^ 
 mi dia grande incomodo) sperando, d' esserne con nouo ordine reinte- 
 grato. Ma se detto Mercante, fa questo p" comissione ch' egli habbia, 
 ci^ mi sarebbe bene di grandiss"* marauiglia, et dispiacere, sapendo io, di 
 non hauer fatto cosa che lo meriti, essendo prontiss"", per dar conto d' 
 ogni mia operazione. Io perb non mancherb di seruire, con quella fe- 
 deltk, et diligenza che conuiene ; aspettando lett° da V. S. Ill"* intomo a 
 questo, come a lei parer^ piii opportune. 
 
 Di nouo : uiene scritto da Milano ad un Ministro publico qua, che il 
 Duca di Parma, ha riceuuto la spedizione di Spagna p" Generale deUa 
 soldatesca di quella Corona, in Germania : con comissione cK fatta la 
 leuata dalle genti qui in Italia, passi a uiuaforza p~ lo stato della Repub- 
 lica : et che in quel tempo le Galere di Sicilia, di Firenze, et di Genoua, 
 siano a Brindesi, p" opporsi a quello che potesse fare T Armata Viniziana. 
 Circa quello che appartiene al detto passaggio, egli non pare uerissimile, 
 che il Re Catolico possa hauere tale pensiero ; p~ la dificolth delli passi, 
 che possono esser guardati della Republica, con pochiss'^' forze : et 
 quando 1' hauesse, la ragione non uuole che se ne fosse dichiarato. Se 
 per6, ci6 non fosse uno stratagema p" adormentare, et passarsene poi, o 
 per la Valtelina, o per lo stato del Ser'^" di Sauoia. Ma non uiene 
 creduto, ne che li Grigioni, ne che qHV Altezza uoglia concedere il passo. 
 II Papa ha dimandato all' Ambas(f" di questi Sig", se loro s' opporannno, 
 quando le forze di Spagna uolessero passare p" questo Stato. L' Am- 
 basc" ha risposto, di non sapere la mente della Republica. N' ha perb 
 dato conto qui, ma quale sia la risposta, non ho potuto saperla. Viene 
 giudicato il Duca di Parma, da chi lo conosce, jT soggetto incapace di 
 tal carico di Generale. Hora nel Senato, si tratta il negozio del fratto 
 del Sig" Antonio Donato ; et p" 1' ordinario che uiene, ne scriuerb 1' esito. 
 Credo che saik bene che V. S. Ill"* mi scriua qualche cosa, in risposta di 
 quello che ho scritto, circa quel D. Tomaso ;* p~ ch^ quella persona che n' 
 
 * In the margin is written, " I haue written allready to know Tomaso his surname and 
 the 3 other pers : " 
 
159 
 
 ha data notizia, riceua qualche sodisfazione : et accioche fse sia qualehe 
 altro particolarej lo palesi piii liber amente. Col qual fine, a V. S. Ill"* 
 bacio riuerentem*^ le mani, pregando Dio p" ogni sua felicit^. Di Ven" li 
 X Genn° 1619. 
 
 Di V. S. im Vs" Hu"" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 13 Januarij 1619. 
 
 Ills"° Sig" mio Sig" sempre Oss" 
 
 In conformita di quello che per 1' ordinario passato ho scritto a V. S. 
 lU"", io ho trouato quel tale ; et di nouo, m' ha detto assolutamente, che il 
 prefatto D. Tomaso e una Spia di Roma. Richiedendo io che certezza 
 n' haueua ; esse m' ha risposto, io so certiss""' cK egli tiene corrispondenza 
 col Nunzio del Pontefice che e a Bruseles, et con quello che e a Parigi. 
 Io soggiunsi, che poteua essere ingannato con falsa relazione ; egli con- 
 stantem'* mi rephcb, io nan m ingano ; pche ho ueduto le sue lettere ap- 
 presso detti Nuntij, li quali sopra le cose scritte da lui, hanno tratatto 
 meco. Et egli ha mandato p" lett° di cambio piii di 3™ ducati in Ven". 
 Io r ho ringraziato uolendosene partire da me, et di nouo assicuratolo di 
 segretezza, et di ricompensa, quando faccia qualche degno seruigio a Sua 
 Maesta; et cost si siamo disuniti. Perb prima gli dimandai, se uoleua 
 che io scriuessi le soprad^ cose a Sua Maesta, mi rispose, scriuete, pchd 
 quello ch' io dico ^ uero, et io son Ser" diuott""" a Sua Maesta. Nel 
 ristretto, questa h la somma d' un lungo ragionamento. Se da lui haurb 
 altra cosa meriteuole della notizia di V, S. Ill"'* non mancherb di 
 farla sapere. Q.ui non habbiamo cosa di nouo. U" Sig" licenziano la 
 soldatesca che era nell Armata. Perb, riserbano alcuni prisidi di gente 
 
160 
 
 forastiera in Lombardia : done io credo che sara per capitare li sudditi di 
 Sua Maesta che sono sotto il S' Colonello Peyton. Et p" fine a V. S. 
 Ill""* bacio con ogni maggiore affetto li mani, supplicandola ad hauer 
 memoria deUo stato mio. Di Ven* li 3 Gennaro 1619. 
 
 Di V. S. lU-"" 
 
 Vs" Hum"" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 17. Januarij 1619. 
 Ills"" Sig" mio Sig" sempre Oss"".* 
 
 Scrissi a V. S. Ill"* con le lettere delli ij del passato, che q** Sig^ 
 haueuano leuato, che alcun Prelate non potesse far imprigionare senza 
 licenza loro. Hora da q*", ha preso occ°® il Nunzio che h qui, et s' h 
 condoluto col Papa, ch' egli non pub castigare alcuni frati che sono 
 tristi ; p" chh la Rep"* gli leua 1' auteritk. II med"° uficio ha fatto 
 ancora con q** Sig^ ; ma senza frutte. Scriuono di Roma, che nel Con- 
 cistoro di lunidl uegnente, il Papa, p~ dare maggiorm'° aiuto all' Impe- 
 ratore, publicherk un Giubileo; p" gratificare forse li Giesuiti, p" le 
 instanze loro : et insieme publicherk le decime sopra U Ecclesiastici ; 
 come scrissi il p" et il 29, Nouembre. 
 
 La licenza che ha dimandato il Bucquoi all' jmper'* p~ 3 mesi ; uiene 
 qui interpretata ; ch' egli dubitando che li preparamenti p~ il suo Sig'*, 
 non sieno tali da poter resistere ; et che quelli che sono, sieno deboHss"*, 
 uoglia con tale pretesto ritirarsene ; p" chh qualche accidente sinistro 
 non uenga poi appropriato, alia sua o dapocaggine, o negligenza. 
 
 Ho notizia, che' 1 Duca di Parma non sia per andare in Germania. 
 
 * Indorsed, "17 Januarij, 1619. Gregorio de Monty to me." 
 
161 
 
 Ne altro occorrendomij a V. S. Ill""* prego ogni maggiore felicity, 
 etle bacio affettuosam'^ le mani. Di Ven* li 17 Gennaro. 1619. 
 
 Di V. S. Ill"- 
 
 Vs" Hu"" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 24 Jan. 1619. 
 
 Iir° Sig"= mio S" sempre Oss-"".* 
 
 II fratello del s" Antonio Donato, non h per ancora stato spedito: la 
 cagione h, secondo la uoce comune, p~ch^ il Senato si riduce di rado per 
 tale effetto, leuando li negozi publici, 1' aministrazione deUi priuati. Ma 
 per quanto io son' informato, li parentie delli Sig^ Donati, procurano che 
 il Senato non si riduca p~cli^ qui h stata mandata la copia d'una 
 supplica, che par fatta dal sig" Antonio a Sua Maesta, nella quale ui 
 sono cose che inacerbisconoj inuece di medicare. Mi uiene detto per 
 uero, che il Ser™° di Sauoia non uada creditor dalla Republica, circa 
 queUo che' quell' Altezza pretendeua dell' aministrazione del s" Antonio 
 Donato. Vn tale francese, che si chiama mons" della Sosea, il quale h 
 stato prigione p~ la congiura passata, et poi liberato (hauendo egli accu- 
 sato doi che uoleuano dare al Gouematore di Melano una porta della 
 CittJl di Crema, li quali trouati col peuoli, sono stati strozati nelle 
 prigioni) e stato assalito appostatamente^ et ferito di undici pugnalate. 
 Vi fe oppenione che tale dehtto sia stato comesso di ordine dell' Ambasc'^ 
 di francia : del quale fu detto gi^, ch' egli hauesse mano in d* congiura. 
 Et q*' Sig'' p" quello ch' io so, non si fidano in alcuna cosa di lui. II 
 
 * Indorsed, " 24, Januarij 1619. Gregorio de Monty to mee." 
 
 Y 
 
162 
 
 Generale di q** Sig" del Mare, h tomato. lo non ho piu che scriuere in 
 q** propositi a V. S. Ill""" con il presente onde p~ fine le bacio le maiii, 
 pregando Dio N. S. p" ogni sua desiderata prosperity. 
 
 Di Ven* U 24 Genn" 1619. 
 Di V. S. 111'"=' 
 
 Vs'" Hum"" 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 31 Januarij 1619. 
 
 111"° Sig" mio Sig" sempre Oss""".* 
 
 Nel Senato di lunidi, e stata data la sentenza contra il fratello del 
 Sig'^ Antonio Donato ; la quale e che paghi 24°" D**, et sia relegate 
 doi anni a Palma. Conforme a queUo che scrissi duoi ordinari sono, il 
 Papa per dare aiuto all jmperatore, ha dimandato le Decime del Clero a 
 q" Sig" ; le quah per ordinario, sono loro lasciate, per le spese che fanno 
 nel tener guardato il GoKb da Corsari. Et prima le ha richiesto qui, che 
 a qual si uoglia altro Principe ; et che prenderle dal suo stato. Per 
 quanta io so, questi Sig" assolutamente non uogliono darle. Et perche 
 r Ambasciatore deUa Republica che ua a Roma, che e il s" Renier Zeno, 
 non h manco terribUe, del Procura Nani, che era Ambasc" al tempo che 
 fu mandato Vjnterdetto ; qui corre grande oppenione, ch' egli^Za rompi col 
 Papa. La lega di questi Signori, con li Paesi Bassi, d molto lodata in 
 generale dalli buoni patriotti : ui sono pero alcuni che dubitano che cib 
 sara un focile, per accendere gli animi delli Principi d' Italia contra la 
 Republica, et in particolare del Pontifice ; ualendosi gaghardam'® dell oc- 
 
 * In the margin is vmtten, " Donato's brother, se x"^ Rezeno. Legue w"" the Low 
 Countries. 
 
163 
 
 casione li Giesuiti. Altro con la presente non ho che dire a V. S. Iir% 
 alia quale p" fine prego ogni compita felicitk. Di Yen* li 31 Genn° 1619. 
 
 Di V. S. Ill""* 
 
 Ys'" Hum""' 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 2°Februarij 1619. 
 
 Ill""" Sig'' mio S" sempre Oss""". 
 
 Le decime^ che io ho scritto che '1 Pontefice dimanda a q*" Sig'^ non 
 sono le ordinarie j ma estraordinarie, poste per questo particolare effetto 
 d' aiutare 1' Impera™. Questi Sig'', certo (p~ quanto si pu6 sapere) non li 
 daranno ; come hora s' intende, che ne anche uoglia darle il Duca di Sauoia, 
 et il Gran Duca. L'Ambasc" di Francia, ha fatto uficio con q*' sig", per 
 nome del suo Re ; perchk essi uogliano unitamente col Re Christianiss"" 
 interressarsi, p Z' accomodamento delli negozi di Germania. Vfido, che 
 giapiu d' una uolta ^ stato fatto dal Papa con V Ambasc",. sotto pretesto 
 di aiutare la religione catolica. Onde, pare che sia credibile rp Zcs uoce 
 che corre, che la Republica, sia inclinata a fauorire i BoemiJ che in cotal 
 modo uengano tentati questi 8ig", per trarne di cib, dalle risposfe lore 
 qualche certezza ; che sia un certo fondamento, sopra il quale, habbia da 
 fondarsi le azioni del Papa, et del Re Catolico. L'Ambasc" deUa qual 
 MaestcL non fa motto ueruno con (f Signori. Solo discorre in camera di 
 cotah materie con li suoi amid ; et per quanto son informato, egli si lascia 
 intendere, che tra la Republica, et la Maesta del Re nostra Sig"", passi in- 
 teligenza segreta ; et che il non hauer uoluto Sua Maesta gratificar la 
 Republica circa il s" Antonio Donato, sia puro artijicio, per maggiormente 
 nascondere I' interno delT animo. Qui s' h publicato il Giubileo, Dome- 
 nica passata ; se bene il CoUegio non hauea intenzione cK si publicassi, se 
 non la prima settimana di quadragesima. In cib il Principe che ^ padre 
 
164 
 
 d! un Cardinale, et d" un Abate, ^ di grandiss'"" aiuto, alle instanze cJT fa 
 il Nunzio del Pontefice. Et p'che altro non mi occorre con la presente, 
 a V. S, 111"* bacio p" fine con ogni maggior affetto le mani. 
 
 DiVenMi2Febraro 1619. 
 Di V. S. lU"* 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 10° February, 1619. 
 
 Ill""' Sig'^ mio Sig'^ sempre Oss"". 
 
 Essendomi uenuto fattOj d'hauer la qui congiunta scrittura ; ho uoluto 
 mandarla a V. S. Ill"* persuadendomi ch' ella sarh. ueduta uolontieri da Sua 
 Maesta. Le decime che ha dimandate il Papa alia Republica, sono state 
 sei : ma hauendo trouata dificolta nell' hauerle ; s' h ridotto ad una sola : 
 et anche questa, con le lettere della settimana passata, gli h stata 
 negata ; con queste parole, di non uolergli dar cosa alcuna. Le lettere 
 che sono uenute questa settimana da Roma, portano, che sopra la prima 
 negatiua fatta da q*" Sig" delle sei decime, il Papa si sia oltremodo 
 sdegnato, et che habbia parlato alteratamente con 1' Ambasc''^ : Quanto 
 a quello che sia per fare, hora che uedra essergli negata anche una sola, 
 questi Signori non se ne curano. La risposta che q** Sig'' hanno dato 
 all' Ambasc" di Francia, per la instanza ch' egli fece (come ho scritto la 
 settimana passata) h di questo tenore, per quanto io son' informato. Che 
 ringraziano, quanto piu dir si possa Sua Maesta, che loro chiami in 
 queste trattazioni d' accomodamento. Che hanno sempre desiderato la 
 pace, et la quiete alia Maesta Cesarea. Che hora non possono interres- 
 sarsi, ma che staranno a uedere, qual piega prendera il negozio. Et che 
 non sano che prometersi dell' Imperatore, hauendo esso mancato alia 
 
165 
 
 Republica molte uolte, in altre occasioni. Col qual fine a V. S. Ill""" 
 bacio con ogni affetto maggiore le mani. 
 
 Di Ven* li x febraro 1619. 
 Di V. S. Ill"" 
 
 Vs'^ Hum'"° 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 28 February 1619. 
 
 Iir° Sig'' mio Sig'" sempre Oss"".* 
 
 Ho riceuuto le lettere di V. S. Ill™* per informazione del negozio del 
 s'^ Donato. Et perchfe il S""^ Ambasc'^ Lando, ha scritto in modo alia 
 Republica, ch' ella gli ha dato ordine (come ho scritto per le passate) di 
 render grazie a Sua Maesta, di quanto e stato fatto in quel proposito ; 
 dimodo che il negotio resta finito ; per questo non ne ho parlato a questi 
 Sig". In ogni caso perb, non mancherb di fare I'uficio, conforme la instru- 
 zione. Circa il particolare di Fra Tomaso, queUo che me n' ha parlato, 
 h stato D. Alessandro Gatti, queUo che era capelano col s'® Donato. Et 
 per intendere il cognome di d° fra Tomaso, et delli altri, che d° D. 
 Alessandro mi ha accennato ; io non mancherb d' informarmi di quel 
 piu, che sara possibile : non hauendo potuto farlo fin' hora, perchb le 
 lettere di V. S. Ill"* mi sono state rese se non q** mattina. Le calate 
 fatte da Spagnuoli, aUi confini di q*" Sig" (come scrissi per 1' ordinario 
 passato) per 1' occasione di Castiglione, et di Medola, fin' hora non 
 hanno partorito effetto alcuno ; et si crede che li Spag li non tenteranno 
 nouit^. Queste Capitulazioni che sono qui congiunte, mi persuado, che 
 da Sua Maestk saranno state uedute, o p" uia di Costantinopoli, o p uia 
 
 * Indorsed, " Februarij 1619. Gregorio de Monty to mee." 
 
166 
 
 di Francia: non ho perb uoluto lasciar di mandarle ad ogni buon 
 fine. Nel resto siamo qui senza noue degne di sua notizia. Q,uanto 
 alle dugento lire sterlinghe ch.' elk m' ha procurato, io ne le resto 
 obligatiss"" eternamente ; prometendole, che per la poca prouigione 
 delli anni passati, et p" esser hora due mesi ch' non mi uiene dato un 
 soldo, la mia famiglia era in grand™ bisogno. Dal S" Wottoni, io non 
 ne ho hauuto auiso fin' hora, forse p~ i suoi molti negozi. Io conosco da 
 V. S. Ill™ sola questa grazia ; et la supplico con ogni maggiore affetto^ 
 di dare quegli ordini intomo a questo, ch' alia giudichera necessari ; et 
 s' assicuri d' hauere un fidatiss™" ser". Conchfe io le fo humiliss"* riue- 
 renza pregando Dio per ogni sua piii desiderata prosperity. 
 
 Di Yen'' h 28 febraro 1619. 
 Di V. S. Ill"* 
 
 Vs" Hum-"" et Obb""" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 21°Febr. 1619. 
 
 Iir° Sig^" mio Sig'" sempre Oss"". 
 
 Altre uolte Sua Maestk, haurk hauuta informazione, che essendo 
 morto il Marchese di Castiglione, et di Medola, che h di casa Gonzaga, 
 egli raccomando i suoi figli a questa Repubhca ; essendo le dette sue 
 giuridizioni, aUi confini de Viniziani, ma per esser li detti luochi feudi 
 dell' jmperio, ne pretese il Gouemator di Melano, la sopra intendenza. 
 Hora essendo mata diferenza, tra i popoli di Medola, et li Ministri di quel 
 Marchese (che deue hauere 16 anni) et per cib hauendo quelh prese 
 r armi ; V Imperatore, con piii riguardo al sua interresse, che alii rumori 
 che possono nascere in Italia ; ha fatto sopra dette diferenze, comissario il 
 
167 
 
 Gouernatore di Melano ; il quale per cacciarsi in dette terre^ col pretesto 
 di quetare li tumulti, egli ha fatto calare alii confini di quello stato, 4"" 
 persone in circa, con 5 pezzi di canoni. Questi sig^' subito che n' hanno 
 hauuto r auiso, hanno spedito a quella uolta, tutte le milizie che haueuano 
 in Lombardia ; et in particolare il Colonello Rocalaura con le sue genti, 
 bench^ egli fosse in termine di leuarsi di q*° seruizio, per non uoler assen- 
 tire alia noua riforma. Hanno chiamato ancora in Collegio 1' Ambasc" 
 di Spagna, al quale e credibile che habbiano fatto alcun protesto. Non 
 ostante che il Duca di Mantoua, sia capo della Casa Gonzaga, et al quale 
 pare, che o Yjmperatore ouuero il Gouernato di Melano, doueua diferire 
 alcana cosa : dalV uno, et dalV altro e stato sprezzato, con grandiss""* 
 marauiglia di molti : hauendo gia mostrata detta Altezza, di uoler in 
 tutto dipendere dal Re Catolico. Le cose sono in q'" termine in Lom- 
 bardia ; d' ogni euento ne dar5 subito parte. Questi Sig"^' hanno sentito 
 con gusto grands, che Sua Maesta, habhia ristretta la liberta che haueua 
 il Sig''" Donato ; et hanno dato comissione al loro Ambasc", di renderne 
 affettuosisf gratie. II Papa, ha gi^ fatto publicare nello stato di Melano 
 la Bolla, p riscuotere le decime, sotto pena di escomunica a chi non ubi- 
 dira. Questi Sig" hanno scritto in tutti li loro luochi, che non sia ne ac- 
 cettata ne publicata d" Bolla, non ostante che il Nunzio rC habbia fatto 
 gagliardiss"'" instanze, oltre quelle che ha detto il Papa stesso alV Am- 
 basc^". Verb con le lettere di q** settimana, s' intende che '1 Pontefice 
 habbia lasciato di brauare ; et che tratti con molta tenerezza con V Am- 
 basc" ; dicendo che spera, che questi sig" sarannop dargli qualche sodis- 
 fazione ; et che d" ogni cosa sar^ contento. Questa settimana, non 
 habbiamo lettere d' Inghilterra. Et p~ fine a V. S. IIP^ prego il colmo 
 d' ogni prosperity. 
 
 DiVenMi21 Febraro, 1619. 
 
 DiV. S. iir» 
 
 Vs'* Hum""" 
 
 Gkegorio de Monti. 
 
168 
 
 13 Martij 1619, 
 
 Iir° Sig" mio Sig'' sempre Oss"".* 
 
 Alia sola apparenza, che hanno mostrato li Spag li, di leuarsi dalli 
 confini di quest! Sig'*, qui fu dato 1' ordine, che la soldatesca a questo 
 proposito, se ne ritomassc", come scrissi per le passate. Hora tali ordini 
 sono dalla Republica riuocati, perchfe li Spagli in effetto non si ritirano. 
 II s" Duca di Mantoua, se n' h doluto per lettere con 1' Imper", ma se ne 
 aspetta una fredda sodisfazione. Viene creduto, che se con destra ma- 
 niera il Gouer" di Melano, potesse impadronirsi di CastighonCj che lo 
 farebbe ; per riuscrre molto comodo, et per il transito deUi Spag li in 
 Germania, et per dare fastidio a q'* Republica. AUa quale, riuscirebbe 
 piu di profitto 1' hauer Castiglione, che la Cittk di Crema : cosi ho sentito 
 a discorrere ad un gran personaggio di guerra. Qui h uenuto un gin- 
 tiluomo, p~ la Maest^ del Re di Boemia (in priuatiss"* condizione perb) a 
 trattare con la Rep"*. Et perchfe io credo che la Maestk del Re nostro 
 Signore, di ciascheduna di cotaU negoziazioni, ne ha pienamente infor- 
 mato ; io non ho preso cura di penetrare piii oltre. 11^ Papa h tomato 
 suUe furie, uedendo che q" Sig" dicono daddouero, di non uoler dargU 
 cosa alcuna delle decime richieste. Perb questi Ministri publici, m' 
 hanno affermato, che il Pontefice haura sodisfazione in q*° proposito dalla 
 Republica. Sopra che fondino questa loro certezza, fin' hora non ho 
 potuto penetrarlo. Questi Sig'' hanno hieri riceuuto lettere straordinarie 
 da Costantinopoli. Per quanta se ne park in confuso, portano auiso, 
 che '1 Primo Visir habbia fatta leuar la testa al Dragomano della Rep"", 
 pcM egli con parole troppo efficaci, portasse le esposizioni del Bailo : et 
 che il Bailo p~ ci6, col mezzo d" una Sultana, n habbia ottenuto dal Gran 
 Signore gaghardiss"* uendetta, et contra il Muftd, et contra altri Bassa. 
 Maggior notizia di questo fatto io non ho. In tanto Sua Maesta n' haura 
 
 * Indorsed, " IS"" March 1620. Gregorio de Monti to me." 
 
169 
 
 il uero raguaglio da Costantinopoli. Col qual fine a V. S. Ill""* bacio con 
 ogni piii uiuo affetto le mani. 
 
 DiVenMi 13 Marzo 1620. 
 
 Di V. s. ir» 
 
 Vs« Hum""' et Vbbi'"° 
 
 Gregokio de Monti. 
 
 20° Martij, 1620 
 
 Iir° Sig" mio Sig'' sempre Oss"°. 
 
 11 negozio di Costantinopoli (come Sua Maesta haur^ inteso dal Ecc"" 
 suo Ambasc") e riuscito imparte diuerso da quello che ho scritto ; p" 
 cM il Dragomano fu morto, nh altra uendetta, fu fatta in gratificazione 
 del Bailo. Questi Sig", non sono p~ fare (che si sappia) nouitk in q*° 
 proposito, se bene hanno rassignato 40 Galere nell' Arsenale. Di che 6 
 chiariss"° segno 1' hauer publicato, che la morte del Dragomano, ^ per 
 odio priuato : percM pretendendo il Visir di deponer il Graziani di Prin- 
 cipe di Moldauia ; si uanib il Dragomano, che V haurebbe fatto deponer 
 lui ; dicendo queste parole, perchk d" Graziani, dimandaua una sua figla 
 per moglie. La uerita perb h, (p" quello ch' io son informato) che q'° 
 Visir tenga stretta corrispondenza co" Spagli : et che grandemente si tenga 
 offeso, pchk essendo egli Generale del Mare, gli fosse sparato alcune cano~ 
 nate con palla ; et che V armata di q*' Sig" prendesse una sua galeota. E 
 stato intimato al nouo Bailo, che d Giorgio Giustiniano che fu costa Am- 
 basc", che dehba partire nel termine di 20 giorni : sperando che la noua 
 persona possa medicar uecchi diffetti ; correndo uoce qui che quel Bailo 
 habbia pocabuona corrispondenza, et nel serragho, et fuori. 
 
 Del negozio di Sauoia, io dirb quello che se ne dice qua. L'Ambasc" 
 uiene giudicato p poco esperto nelli negozi del Mondo, et che meriti gra- 
 
 z 
 
170 
 
 uiss""" riprensione, se non castigo ; cf sono li concetti priuati. II publico 
 
 crede (jT quanto si dice) che cib sia statu una frama Spagla come quella 
 
 ancora di Costantinopoli, p disunire le amicizie, et le iuone inteligenze che 
 
 tiene la Republica. Et corre qualclf sospetto, che possa essere, che 
 
 quell' Altezza, sia p dare il passo alii Spagli, p passare in Germania. 
 
 QueUo che sia per fare la RepubUca in tale occasione, non e chi ne parli. 
 
 La colpa forse si rinuersera all' Ambas(f" come giouane : stimando essere 
 
 gran prudenza, il non pensare alle ingiurie, fuor di tempo di poterle uen- 
 
 dicare. Mando qui congiunta una nota deUi Dazij che sono in Ven*, con 
 
 r utile che ne ha la Republica ogn' anno. Ve ne sono ancora alcuni piii, 
 
 ma non ho potuto trame 1' utile che se ne caua. V. S. 111™^ intanto ri- 
 
 ceua quel poco^ che pub uenire dall' opera mia, et si degni tenermi nella 
 
 sua grazia. Ne altro occorrendomi^ jT fine io le bacio con ogni maggiore 
 
 affetto le mani, pregando Dio N. S. p~ ogni Sua maggiore prosperity. 
 
 Di Ven" U 20 Marzo 1 620. 
 Di V. S. HI""' 
 
 Hor bora k; giunta fregata 
 
 con lett° di Costantinopoh. 
 
 Vs« Hum""" Vbb""' 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 27 Martij 1620. 
 
 111"° Sig'' mio Sig" sempre Oss""".* 
 
 L'ultime lettere uenute da Costantinopoh a q" Sig^, portauano la 
 dimanda fatta dal primo Visir al Bailo, per resarcimento delta perduta 
 Mercanzia de Bossinesi, (dalui susdtati a fame T instanza contra il Bailo) 
 
 * Indorsed, " 27° March 1620. Greg, de Monti to me. Brescia. Giesuita." 
 
171 
 
 et per il rifacimento della sua Galeota, come scrissi per le passate. duesti 
 
 Sig'', hanno terminato di non dargli cosa alcuna, mentre che non habbiano 
 
 sodisfazione dal Re Catolico, essendo d" mercanzia, sopra le Galere che 
 
 furono prese dalV Armata di Napoli. Intendo, che '1 nouo Bailo che h 
 
 ■p andare fra x. giomi, ha ordine di fare un' oficio col Gran Sig", intorno 
 
 questo concetto. Che i Gran Sig^ passati, hanno sempre tenuta buona 
 
 corrispondenza con la Rep™, la quale alV incontro ha sempre corrisposto 
 
 co' uiui effetti, conforme la sincerith delV animo suo : et che h per contino- 
 
 uare ancora per 1' auenire, con buona fede in delta amicizia, mentre che 
 
 saranno uerso lei usati termini ragioneuoli da Visiri ^c. II negozio di 
 
 Castiglione, et di Medola, pare che non habbia piu difficolta, hauendo V 
 
 jmperatore falle instanze, et preghiere del Duca di MantouaJ scritto al 
 
 Gouernator di Melano, che piu non s" interressi in tale negozio ; uolendone 
 
 SuaMaesth, esser V arbitro nelV accomodamento. Alcuni delli Soldati di 
 
 Melano, furtiuamente passauano per il Lago di Garda, p andarsene in 
 
 Germania ; hauendo do saputo la Republica, ha minaciata la morte, a 
 
 quelli delle barche che li condurranno all' altra riua che k nel Trentino : 
 
 et sopra la riuiera fa stare p guardia 4™ fanti, fino che dalU confini si 
 
 leua la soldatesca, mandata dal Gouernator di Melano. Ma il negozio di 
 
 d° Gouematore, passa piu di quello che fin' hora s' e saputo, nelle uiscere 
 
 della Republica Cet cio io ho con grandissima segretezzaj hauendo egli per 
 
 uia d' inteligenza, pensiero d' impadronirsi del Castello della Citta di 
 
 Brescia. Et forse cio sarebbe riuscito, se Dio non hauesse di q'" fattane 
 
 hauer cognizione a q*' Signori. Et questa notte passata, ^ stata condotto 
 
 prigione come causa mouente di tal delitto, un Giesuita; introdottosi in 
 
 d" Citta, come prete d' altro ordine p esser letter e di scienze : etfra duo 
 
 giomi partira un Auogadore p trasferirsi in Brescia, p trouare la uerith 
 
 di cotalfatto. Altro non mi occorre con la presente, se non supplicar 
 
 V. S. Ill"* a tenermi nella sua buona grazia ; baciandole p~ fine con ogni 
 
 piu uiuo affetto le mani. 
 
 Di VenMi 27 Marzo, 1620. 
 Di V. S. Ill"* 
 
 Vs" Hum"" et Vbb""' 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
172 
 
 10° Aprilis 1620, 
 111""" Sig^" mio Sig** sempre Oss"°.f 
 
 Per quanto si pub sapere^ questi Sig'' (p 1' accidente occorso a Costan- 
 tinopoli) hanno scritto quattro lett% Vna al G. Signor ; una alia Sultana ; 
 una al p° Visir ; et una al secondo Visir : e sperano che queste lett^ siano 
 per fare alcun frutto ; tutto che habbiano auiso di nouo, che '1 Yisir per- 
 sista nel uoler il danaro dal Bailo, nel termine assignatogli. Viene detto 
 che sia succeduto un casa a Spalato : il che quando fosse, seruirebbe p 
 un grand"" fomento alio sdegno del Visir, contra la Republica. Si dice, 
 che un Mercante Turco sia entrato p~ forza con Mercanzia in Spalato, 
 senza i debiti requisiti pertinenti all' oficio della Sanitk : Quel Rettore, 
 r ha per cib carcerato. II che saputosi dal Sangiaco di Clissa, mandb 
 aUi danni del Contado di Spalato molti Turchi : quelU della terra usciti 
 aUa difesa, sono uenuti ad una scaramucia, con morte d' alcuni Turchi. 
 Si sta perb con pensiero, che cib non sia uerita. Li Bossinesi, che hanno 
 fatto instanza col Visir, contra il Bailo p il loro rifacimento delle mer- 
 canzie perdute, che sono di ualuta di 70" piastre ; hora fanno trattare 
 accordo con q*' Sig'' ; dubitando che se il detto loro credito, capita nelle 
 mani al p° Visir, non potranno hauer nulla. lo non credo che q" Sig" si 
 moueranno un passo, oltre la risoluzione presa, che h di no dare un soldo, 
 se non uiene loro restituite le mercanzie prese. II Gouer'* di Melano ua 
 mandando giomalm** soldati alia sfiUata in Germania. Ma cotal aiuto, 
 riesce piu a dimostrazione di buon' affetto, che a soleuamento dell' Im- 
 peratore p~ch^ U soldati sono pochi, et alcuni di loro, nel uiaggio fanno 
 altra strada. Et non hauendo altro per hora, a V. S. Ill""" fo hum"* ri- 
 
 uerenza. 
 
 Di Ven" K X Ap~le, 1620. 
 Di V. S. Ill"" 
 
 Vs™ Hum"" et Vbh"" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 f Indorsed, " x Aprilis 1620. De Monti to me." 
 
173 
 
 24 Apr. 1619. 
 lU^o Sig" mio Sig'^ sempre OSS'"".* 
 
 Del non hauer scritto la settimana passata a V. S. Ill""* n' ho detto la 
 cagione al sig'* Roberto suo Seg^", con 1' ordinario passato. duello che 
 habbiamo di nouo, h, che il Duca d' Ossuna al presente ha procurato di 
 mandar gente a Trieste per passare in Germania, sopra un Galeone, et 
 due Tartane ; sotto la Scorta d' un tale Vsoccho d° Ferletich, da me altre 
 uolte nominato a V. S. 111°^. Ma il caso ha portato, cheleGalere grosse 
 di q*' sig"^' hauutone notizia, hanno assalito d" Vascellij li quali intimoriti, 
 si sono ritirati nel porto di Manfredonia, et hora sono assediati dalle 
 dette Galere. Questi Sig" inteso tale accidente, hanno fatto ridurre il 
 Senato lunidi di Pasca ; U quale spedl lettere in Annata la mad"* note 
 et hora fa partire galere col primo tempo : da' quali ordini, uiene creduto 
 che habbia data commissione di combatere detti Vascelli, quando si 
 possa farlo ; essendo detto Porto guardato da una Rocca. Le genti 
 possono perb smontare, et entrarsene nella Puglia, et abbandonare U 
 VasceUi. Sono uenute lettere di Costantinopoli ; et per quello che 
 s' intende, le pretensioni del Visir, s' accomoderanno in danari ; in manco 
 numero per6 di quello eh' hauea domandato. Dimodo che il BaUo, star^ 
 forse ancora qui sei, ouer otto giorni. L'Ambasc" di Francia, nel pren- 
 der licenza dalla Rep°* per ritomarsene a Casa ; ha ottenuto di poter 
 spedire una fregata a sua instanza, con lettere inuiate a Costantinopoli, 
 all' Ambasc" del suo Re che ^ a q'lla Corte per auisarlo della uccisione, 
 p soleuazion di popolo, fatta a Marsilia, di tutti li Turchi che erano in detta 
 Cittajper uendetta che li Corsari habbiano ammazati li Marsiliesi che erano 
 sopra un loro Vascello di Mercanzia. II Duca d' Ossuna, non risoluendosi 
 partire da Napoli, ha necessitato il Cardinal Borgia d' inuiarsi a quella 
 uolta (uiene scritto di Roma) per nuoue lett^ ch' egli ha riceuuto di 
 
 * Indorsed " 24 April 1620. Gregorio de Montij to me. D'Ossunas Shipps for Trieste 
 assailed and chased by y° He stayes at Naples." 
 
174 
 
 Spagna. Qui non si sa intendere il fine d' un tale negozio. Altro non 
 
 ho che dire a V. S. lU"* con la presente p" fine deUa quale le bacio 
 
 riuerentem*' le mani, pregando Dio N. S. p~ ogni sua piu desiderata pros- 
 
 perita. 
 
 Di Ven* U 28 Ap~le. 1620. 
 Di V. S. IU"=' 
 
 Vs« Hum"" et Vbb°'° 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 1 May 1620. 
 
 IU"° Sig'" mio Sig'" sempre Oss"". 
 
 duello che hanno terminato questi Sig'', circa quelU Vascelh uenuti in 
 Golfo, per passare a Trieste (come scrissi per le passate) e, che le Galere 
 loro che erano a Liesena, se non sono andate ad incontrar detti VasceUi, 
 che uadino subito. Fin' hora non s' h inteso altro del sequito. D Bailo 
 h per parttre dimani (et per quanto io son informato) due uolte hanno 
 ultimam** trattato q" Sig". se megho era, procurare di far tacere U Visir 
 per hora ; onuero far in modo, che taccia per sempre, QueUo che sia 
 stato concluso, non s' e saputo. Per uia di Turino V. S. lU™* haur^ 
 hauuta notizia, che col mezzo del Re Christianiss™", et della Repubhca, 
 si tratti accomodamento tra Sauoia, et Mantoua : et che il Gran Cance- 
 Uer di Melano era andato a Mantoua con lett' del Re Catohco ; per le 
 quali pare, che q'Ua Maest^ si dichiari, che s' affaticherebbe p" ridurre 
 que' Principi in buona pace. Ma qui si dubita, che h Ministri di Spagna, 
 procurino d' interressarsL in detto negozio, piCi tosto per sturbarlo, che 
 per concluderlo. Questo Ambasc" di Francia ch' 6 sul partire, ha 
 ordine di trasferirsi a Mantoua. Mi uiene certificato che d° Ambasc", h 
 leuato da q'* legazione, ad instanza deUa Rep*^. II che mi riesce ueris- 
 simile, p"ch^ io gia hebbi notizia, che '1 tradimento che qui si trattaua 
 
175 
 
 dal Duca d' Ossuna, et dall' Ambasc" di Spagna, non era senza sospetto, 
 che d° Ambasc" di Francia, n' hauesse parte. Per quello che ha ulti- 
 mam*® scritto il s" Ambasc'* Lando, la Republica si sente oltre ogni 
 credere obligata a Sua Maest^ ; restando sodisfatiss"'^ di quanto Sua 
 Maest^ opera in seruigio di lei. II che h quanto ho da dire con la pre- 
 sente a V. S. Ill"* alia quale p~ fine, prego Dio p" ogni sua piii desiderata 
 prosperitcl. 
 
 Di Yen" il p° Maggio 1620. 
 
 Di V. s. i\r\ 
 
 Vs" Hum""" et Vbb"" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 8 May 1620. 
 
 Ill""* sig'^ mio sig^^ sempre Oss" 
 
 Con le lettere di Napoli di q'* Settimana, si tiene auiso, che '1 Duca d' 
 Ossuna sia nel letto grauato di male. Qui si crede, che do sia tutto arti- 
 ficio per non partirsi. Son informato, che le cagione di tutte q**" sue 
 lunghezze h ; che passi tra lui, et 1' Ambasc" di suo Re, che risciede a 
 Roma, stretta inteligenza, perchfe d° Ambasc" aspira a quel Gouerno : ma 
 non pub pretenderlo se non fra died mesi ; et perb tutti li ufici, e strata- 
 gemi passati, erano perch^ (per il corso di q*" tempo) un nouo Vice Re 
 non entrasse per starui il triennio. Gluesti Sig°, hanno creato Ambasc'* 
 estraord" alii Paesi Bassi V IIV"" Sig""' Gir"" Triuigiano, die k Sauio 
 Grande ; et che gia fu Amhasc''" destinato a Sua Maesta, quando qui 
 uenne il Sig" Donato. Questi Sig'*, mon hanno licenziato la soldatesca 
 oltramontana, ma la tengono ne' presidi, per cagione delle Guerre di Ger- 
 mania : se bene al presente non hanno il maggiore trauaglio che quello di 
 Costantinopoh. Q** settimana non sono uenute lett" d' Inghilterra. 
 Altro non ho che far sapere a V. S. Ill""* ; la quale io supplico a tenermi 
 
176 
 
 nella sua buona grazia ; et per fine le fo hum"* riuerenza, pregando Dio 
 per la sua salute. 
 
 DiVenMi8Maggiol620. 
 
 Di V. S. i\r\ 
 
 Vs« Hum'"° et Vbb"" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 22 May 1620. 
 
 Iir° Sig" mio Sig"* sempre Oss"". 
 
 La settimana passata, non ho scritto a V. S. Ill"" per sterilitk di noue. 
 Hora, quest! Sig^ per la uenuta publica del Sig" Duca di Mantoua in q** 
 CittEl, hanno dato ordine per riceuerlo^ et trattenerlo, conforme qaello ch' 
 h stato fatto alii suoi antecessori, la prima uolta che ci sono uenuti. La 
 parte posta in Senato^ h di spendere per questo effetto d" 25 miUa. Alcuni 
 credono che q*° Principe uenga per negozio, ma fin' hora non si sa di 
 certo cosa alcuna. All' Ambasc'* estraordinario delli Sig^ Stati, la Re- 
 publica tratta di dare, alloggiamento fomito, et 100 d" il giomo fino che 
 stark qui, per il uiuere. Contra quell' Vscoccho, che gik scrissi che 
 uoleua passare a Trieste ; et che per saluarsi da queste Galere Grosse, 
 s' era ritirato sotto Manfredonia ; q" Sig" hanno mandato il Proueditore 
 del Mare, con Galere sotUi, et parte delli soldati suditi di Sua Maest^, 
 uenuti qui sotto il comando del S" Colonello Pejrton : ancorch^ sia stato 
 disputato in contrario ; dicendo ch' era molto meglio chiudere gli occhi, et 
 lasciar passare qu6 Vascelli, per non accendere una guerra col Re di 
 Spagna. La qual Maestk, ragionando con 1' Ambasc" deUa Repub- 
 lica, gli ha detto, che sente dispiacere, ch' egli non si sia lasciato inten- 
 dere, che '1 Duca d' Ossuna non habbia esequito li suoi ordini, resti- 
 tuendo le Galere della Mercanzia ; ma che non manchersl di rinouare 
 
177 
 
 le lettere. Qui, h stato giudicato questo, piu tosto per tratto d' accor- 
 tezza per portare in lungo ; che per risoluzione di uoler esequire. 
 II Duca d* Ossuna, per non partire da Napoli, ha fatto che 1' Impera- 
 tore faccia uficio col Re Catolico, p^ch^ resti nel Gouemo; sopra 
 questo fondamento che durante questi motti, non era bene il leuare 
 un Ministro uecchio, e temuto dalli Principi d' Italia, per mandarne un 
 nouo, che per auuentura non fara si bene il seru'° di Sua Maest^. dual 
 certa risoluzione habbia presa quella MaestEl, non h chi ne parli. Quel 
 tale Giesuita condotto qui da Brescia prigione, come scrissi, h stato 
 espedito, cacciandolo fuori dello Stato, con ordine che piii non ci torni. 
 Che sara il fine della presente, baciando le mani a V. S. 111°'% et pre- 
 gando Dio N. S. per ogni suo maggiore contento. Di Ven* li 22 Maggio 
 1620. 
 
 Di V. S. Ill"" 
 
 Vs" Hum"" et Ybb"" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 29 May 1620. 
 
 Iir" Sig" mio Sig" sempre Oss"°. 
 
 QLvH habbiamo il Principe D. Tomaso di Sauoia, uenuto incognito ; ma 
 pero h regalato deU* Alloggiamento, et d' ogn' altra spesa, dalla Republica. 
 Questa mattina, ^ stato a uedere il Principe, ridotto con tutto il Collegio 
 nelle sue stanze particolari, per semplice complimento. II Principe 1' ha 
 incontrato nel uenire, fuori della stanza ; et salutandolo s' k leuato il 
 Corno, dopo che il Principe Tomaso s' ha tratto il Capello. Et nella 
 partenza, 1' ha acconvpagnato fino qui della prima scalla ; et li Sauij tutti 
 r hanno sequitato fin' alia riva : Alia quale, di prima ch' esso smontb, 
 
 A A 
 
178 
 
 f u riceuuto da un Sauio grande, et da un Sauio di terra ferma. Questi 
 Sig^ hanno dato ordine, che tutte le loro Galere, uadano in bocca di Golfo. 
 Et hanno mandate i loro Ministri, a uedere li Vascelli che sono in q*' 
 Porti, p" scieglier quelli che sono atti alia guerra, uenendo 1' occ°^. Quest! 
 preparamenti si fanno p~chfe si tiene auiso che a Napoli si rinforzano 
 died Galere d' huomini da Remo, et da spada. II fine non si sa ; come 
 n^ anche si sa, della certa partenza del Duca d" Ossuna ; se bene pare ch' 
 egli si ponga alV ordine ; mentre il Cardinal Borgia si trattiene a Gaeta. 
 Qui corre qualche sospetto, negli animi tante uolte ingannati, che questa 
 sia una segreta inteligenza, tra il Re Catolico, il Cardinal Borgia, et il 
 Duca d' Ossuna. D' Armata, h auiso che q" Galere grosse habbiano 
 mandato un Caichio p~ scandigliar quel mare di Manfredonia, p potere 
 auantarsi sotto lafortezza : la quale ha sparata molte canonate contra d° 
 Caichio. Que' Capi di mare, hanno mandato a dimandar alia Republica, 
 s' ella si compiace cK gettino a terra d" fortezza. La risoluzione non i 
 presafin hora, ma si crede cAe non se nefara altro. Di Costantinopoli, 
 gh auisi sono conforme li primi, quanto alle pretensioni del Visir : per6 
 la Republica s' aiuta quanto si pub, con lettere ad altri Bassa, che sono in 
 speranza, difuttura ascendenza. Et p~ fine a V. S. Ill"* prego da Dio 
 ogni maggiore felicita. 
 
 Di Ven"* h 29 Maggio 1620. 
 Di V. S. Ill'"'' 
 
 Vs" Hum"" et Vbb™ 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 5 June 1620. 
 
 Ill""" Sig'' mio Sig" sempre Oss"". 
 II Principe D. Tomaso di Sauoia, h partite mercoledi mattina. II Doge 
 
179 
 
 gli ha reso la uisita, et nel ragionar seco, gli ha dato il titolo d' Altezza. 
 Verb, pare che detto Principe, non habbia dato intera sodisfazione, nel 
 mostrare abbondanza d' affetto in quelle cose che dalla Rep°* sono state 
 fatte, perchfe egli resti contento. E qui alcuno, che dice che d° Principe 
 habbia domandato alia Rep"" x^ ducati, et gli habbia ottenuto ; ma io non 
 ho tale auiso. Credo bene, che quando il Principe Tomaso, hauesse 
 mostrato uolonta, di seruire alia Rep'", cK ella V haurebbe con honorata 
 condizione accettato. La uenuta qui del S''" Duca di Mantoua, si ua 
 raffreddando. Questi Sig"'' hanno licenziato il Colonello Roccalor ; ma 
 ritengono 4 Compaanie alia paga riformata, p" hauer gente esperimentata, 
 et oltramontana, ne' loro presidij. Sono uenute lett' di Costantinopoli, 
 con estraordinaria diligenza, et in generale si dice, che portano buone 
 nouelle ; le quali sono per quanto intendo, che 'Ip" Visir sara mandate 
 generale contra Polachi ; et in loco suo sara posto il secondo Visir, amico 
 grande della Rep"*. Da Napoli scriuono, che non e per ancora partita il 
 Duca d' Ossuna. Del quale, non uoglio lasciar di scriuere un particolare, 
 seguito gik sono alcuni mesi, et forse peruenuto prima d' hora alle 
 orecchie di Sua Maest^, p" altra parte. Mi dice persona, alia quale ho 
 da prestar fede, ch 7 Duca d' Ossuna, tenth il Residente di g*' Sig", 
 perche loro uolessero assistergli, uolendo egli impadronirsi del Regno di 
 Napoli ; promettendo di dare alia Republica, la Puglia. Et p~chfe questa 
 sua proposizione hauesse maggior forza, egli fece in modo, che tiro dalla 
 sua, un Principe grande in Italia : et poi fece che d" Principe, in do per- 
 suadesse la Republica, si come gagliardamente fu fatto. La Republica non 
 uolse dare orecchie a tale trattato, et con destro modo se ne libera : Ma mi 
 uiene acertato, che la Republica ha oppenione, che q*" proposizione fattagli 
 dal Duca d" Ossuna, non fosse per altro, che per intendere F animo cK ella 
 tiene uerso il Re Catolico ; et poi ch' egli uolesse seruirsene in mala parte. 
 Intendo dal S" Cau""^ Wottoni, che ^ per tornare prestiss""" a q'" Ambas- 
 ciata. Supphco con ogni piii uiuo affetto V. S. Ill"" che si degni p con- 
 solazione mia, et della mia famiglia ; honorarmi con qualche testimoni- 
 anza di Sua Maesta, accioch^ io possa far uedere che 'I mio pouero ser- 
 uigio che ho prestato fin hora, ^ stato in qualche parte degno di non essere 
 
180 
 
 disprezzato. Con che p" fine V. S. Ill"* bacio riuerentem*' le mani, et 
 auguro ogni felicita maggiore. 
 
 Di Ven* li 5 Giugno 1620. 
 Di V. S. lU-"* 
 
 Vs" Hum""' et Vbh"" 
 
 Gregobio de Monti. 
 
 (Copia) 
 
 10 June 1620. 
 
 Li X. Guigno in Napoli. 
 
 II s" Cardinal Borgia Vice Re entrb mercordi note, con molto pericolo 
 di tutta la Oitta, hauendo q*° Duca d' Ossuna fatto cose diaboliche p farsi 
 Re de Napoli. Prima egli mandb a dire al Cardinale che era a Procida, 
 elf si trattenesse p un mese,pche egliuoleua uedere le solennita dis*° Gio- 
 uanni : et mand5 a dire alli principali della Oitta, cK uoleua esser con 
 lore, nella Chiesa di s° Lorenzo, con penna di d^' 5™ a cadauno cK man- 
 casse. Questi Sig" auertiti deUa mala intenzione del Duca, impauriti 
 liborno le loro case, ponendole robe, le figli, et le mogli nelli Monasteri, 
 et loro usdrono della Citta. II Duca hauendo cib ueduto, fece sbarcare 
 dali Galeoni 47 Compagnie de' Soldati ; et li dispense p tutti i quarti- 
 eri della Citta che restb confusa, et ogn' uno si ritiraua nelle proprie case, 
 con prouigioni di uiuere p~ x., et chi p 15 giorni. Vedendo q'° II Duca, 
 p~ farsi beneuolo il popolo, andaua, p" la Cittk, butando doble, et mezze 
 doble ; dando ordine alli Fornari cK facessero il pane il dopio piu grande. 
 L' ordine dato alia soprad* Soldatesca, era, che come sentiua un tiro d 
 artiglieria del Castello S" Elmo, ponesse a sacco li Crrandi ; non offen- 
 dendo il popolo. Et p* sua maggiore sicurezza, fece fare un suo di casa, 
 r eletto del popolo, et fece altri Suoi diuotti Capitani, delle Strade assicu- 
 rarsi bene. Mandb poi al Castel nouo, ad inuitare il Castellano apiacere ,- 
 
181 
 
 il Castellano si scush che non poteua, come ancK' fece il Castellano del 
 Castello S" Elmo. AH' hora fece metter in punto palamento a 7 Galere, 
 jT andare a Procida, p* sequestrate in d" loco il Cardinale. Questi Sig" 
 hauendo cih antiueduto fecero fare molte orazioni, et trauestiti, molti an- 
 darono a Procida, et leuorno il Cardinale, clT poi era trauestito, et con 
 harcK di pescatori, passorno a Chioggia, et poi con la Carozza, introdus- 
 sero il Cardinale nel Castel Nouo ; il Cardinale mostrando le sue Patenti, 
 fu dal Castellano fatta sparare tutta V Artiglieria. II Duca cib sentendo 
 s' atteri. II Cardinale mando a chiamare il Oenerale delli soldati et poi 
 diede ordine cK fosse leuate le arme a tutti li soldati, et che non s' obedisse 
 piu il Duca d' Ossuna. Dopo questo II Duca mando alcuni p" abruccare 
 il salua roba del Cardinale : et nel Castello mentre andauano a^ Sig" a 
 rallegrarsi, mando due uestiti da prete con pistolle et g" sono stati scopersi, 
 et presi. II Cardinale ha fatto bando con pena della uita, clT niuno metta 
 mano alia spada ; et elf non si porti ne stillo, ne daga, ne pistolla. Ha 
 fatto imbarcare li soldati, riserbando quelli solam'^ cK" sono necessari p" 
 la Cittk. Per tre giomi, et tre notte si sono fatti fuochi, et festi grandi. 
 Hora il Duca sta ritirato. Li suoi creditori sono al numero di 30 li q*li 
 hanno d" hauere d" 1 50" : et fanno radunanze a palazzo parlando di lui 
 con molta uergogna. Egli h risolto di dare tra tutti q** creditori d*' 40" 
 dicendo elf nel partire della Vice Regina sara pagato il resto ; a ch" li 
 creditori p~ hora non si sanno risoluere &c. 
 
 12 Jane 1620. 
 
 Ill""" Sig'" mio S'" sempre Oss""". 
 
 II Corriere, che questa settimana ha portato le lettere di Napoli a q" 
 S. S", s' e auanzato nel uiaggio, portando egli due accidenti importan- 
 tiss"' della presente natura. II primo h, che il Duca d' Ossuna, habbia 
 
182 
 
 dato, ad uno che si chiama 1' eletto dal popolo, create ad instanza sua, la 
 med°" autoritci che hanno li Seggi. il che h stato cagione aUi Nobili d' al- 
 terazione. Et in q*° tempo il Duca, per gratificar il popolo ha gitatto 
 danari; onde si sono soleuati alcuni caporioni popolari, con le armi 
 gridando uiua il Duca d' Ossuna. Cib hauendo ueduto li Deputati, 
 hanno di notte introdotto nella Citta il Cardinal Borgia, il quale haueua 
 lettere dal Re suo Sig", al Castellano di Castel nouo, dal quale come 
 Vice Re e stato riceuuto. II Duca hauendo inteso 1' entrata del Cardi- 
 nale, h andato p~ entrare nel med"" CasteUo ; ma il Castellano gli ha 
 chiusa la porta in faccia, dicendo qui entro k il Vice Re, nostra eccellenza 
 non pu6 entrare. Egli ha repplicato che tutte le lettere sono false. 
 Medesimam*^ ha uoluto entrare nell' Arsenale et anche b stato ributato. 
 Questo ha cagionato maggior tumulto, dimodoclf il popolo sta con le 
 armi in mano, le boteghe sono chiuse, et li piil saggi hanno procurato di 
 saluarsi. II secondo h, che 6 Galeoni che gi^ partirono da Napoli, 
 armati dal Duca d' Ossuna, con doi di Malta ; sono andati nel mare di 
 Candia, done erano 8 Galeoni della Rep"* 6 grandi, et doi piccioU. Li 
 Napoletani ueduti li Ven°', hanno di subito spiegati tre insegne, la prima 
 queUa da guerra, la seconda quella del Re Catolico et la terza quella del 
 Duca. Li Vin"' a cotal uista non si sono mossi, onde li Napolitani auan- 
 zandosi, uennero in tiro, et spararono un Canone co palla. Gli altri all' 
 hora postisi in arme, sono uenuti alii tiri ; 6 dall' una parte, et 6 dall' 
 altra ; dicendosi che li duoi di Malta non hanno uoluto combatere, ne h 
 duoi piccioli Vin"'. La riuscita h, che delli Napoletani, 3 sono ritomati a 
 Casa mal trattati : delli altri 3 uno certo h affondato, et li altri due, per 
 non essere tomati, si crede che siano o presi ouuero affondati: con 
 morte di 400 persone. Queste cose, qui si raccontano con qualche uaria- 
 zione ; ma io ho procurato di accostarmi alia maggior parte, et a quello 
 che ho potuto sapere essere stato scritto a q" Sig'' dal loro Ministro che 
 h a Napoli. Come li 6 Galeoni Vin°' siano restati dopo d* zuffa, non si 
 saper ancora, aspettandosene notizia dal Gouer" di d" Galeoni. Le Galere 
 di q" Sig'', hanno ancora trattenuto un Vascello Raugeo che andaua a 
 Goro, carico chi dice d' oglio, et chi dice di grano. II Nunzio del Papa, 
 
183 
 
 non ne ha fatta ancora instanza alcuna. Hoggi s' aspetta qui 1' Ambasc" 
 
 delli S. S'' Stati ; il quale nello stato della Rep"=* ha riceuuto tutte quelle 
 
 maggiori sodisfazioni che poteua desiderare. Nfe altro per hora occor- 
 
 rendomi, a V. S. Ill""' fo hum"" riuerenza. 
 
 Di Ven" U 12 Giugno 1620. 
 
 Di V. s. m^ 
 
 Vs" Hum""" et Vbh""" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 19 June 1620. 
 
 Ill""" Sig'" mio Sig'^ sempre Oss"".* 
 
 Habbiamo la confirmazione deUa Zuffa, sequita tra li Galeoni della 
 Rep°* et queUi di Napoli ; in qualche parte, diuersam*' da queUo che per 
 le passate ho scritto. La summa h, che un Galeone di Napoli, e restato 
 prigione, con \Z0 soldati, et AO pezzi d' Artiglieria. Quantoagli pen- 
 sieri del Duca d' Ossuna ; qui congiunta mando copia d' una lett% scritta 
 da un Mercante amico mio. La uenuta qui del s" Duca di Mantoua, 
 credo che sara a settembre ; ancorche V Ambasc'" di Francia che h andato a 
 queU' Altezza, habbia fatto ogn' opera, perchfe non uenga. Ne ha 
 lasciato d° Ambas", di parlare piu licenziosam'*' di quello ch" conuiene ad 
 un Ministro, contra li Sig" Stati, con V occ<f' della uenuta di g-° lore 
 Sig'' Ambasc"^. Guesti Sig", hanno maliss""' noue da Costantinopoh, 
 perch^ il Visir uuole li danari in ogni maniera; nh uuole aspettare la 
 giunta del nouo Bailo : et tutti li Ambasc" che cola risciedono hanno 
 hauuto gran fatica a fermare il Visir che non faccia porre prigione il 
 Bailo che hora risciede. lo son auisato, che passa tra V Altezza di 
 
 * Indorsed, " Gregorio de Montij to mee. wti Copy of a Letter from Napols jnclosed." 
 In the margin is written opposite the mention of the name or circumstance, " Galeone di 
 Napoli. Ambas" of Francia. Constantinopoli. D. di Sauoia. Ambas' Gatti." 
 
184 
 
 Sauoia, V Imperatore, et il Re Catolico, certo negozio contra la Maesta 
 del Re di Boefnia : et che la prima cosa, cK k stata risposta a d" Altezza, 
 h che quando lasciera V amicizia che tiene con i mali affetti uerso la 
 Corona di Spagna, che alV hora si potra uenire a qualche concludone. 
 Se io n' haurb maggior lume, ne dar5 subito parte a V. S. 111""% D. 
 Aless" Gatti clie fu costa capeUano col s" Donato, corre qualche cattiua 
 borrasca, con q*° Patriarca. L" affetto cK egli ultimamente ha mostrato 
 uerso la Nazione Inglese ; et la riuerenza uerso Sua Maesta, mi necessitano 
 di fauorirlo quando io potessi, ma dubito grandemente di lui. Che h 
 quanto mi occorre con la presenter per fine della quale a V. S. Ill"* bacio 
 riuerentemente le mani, pregando Dio per la sua Salute. 
 
 DiVenMil9Giugno]620. 
 Di V. S. HI""* 
 
 Vs'" Hum"" et Vbb™ 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 26 June 1820. 
 
 Iir° Sig" mio Sig" sempre Oss"". 
 
 Conforme a quello cbe scrissi per le passate, q" Sig** hanno altre lett' 
 di Costantinopolij che portano la pertinazia del Visir, et il pericolo gra- 
 uiss™° nel quale sta il Bailo. II Bailo nouo che ua a quella uolta, intimo- 
 rito forse da quello che potesse succedere a s^ ined"°, s' ^ fermato a 
 Corfil ; dimodo che si ua perdendo la speranza, ch' egli possa esser a 
 tempo d' accomodare un si pericoloso negozio. II Duca d' Ossuna, h 
 partito da Napoli per Spagna ma perb ha lasciato la Moglie, et figli in 
 Napoli. Si dice che uenga formato processo contra luij dal Cardinal 
 Borgia : il quale ha mandate in Manfredonia, et ha fatto far prigione 
 quell' Vscocco detto Ferletich, che ultimam" uoleua passare in Trieste 
 
185 
 
 con Gente, et Munizione, et si salub in Manfredonia per fuggire le Galere 
 Grosse della Rep°% et sono fatti prigioni medesimam*" 60 de' suoi. II 
 Proueditore dalle d° Galere Grosse, ha fatto prigione un' Vscocco in 
 habito di frate, nel quale sono state trouate lettere del Duca d' Ossuna, 
 che andauano al primo Visir in Costantinopoli. Questi Sig" hanno 
 terminato, di tener un' Ambasc" ordinario, appressoli Sig" Stati. Nfe 
 hora altro occorrendomi, a V. S. Ill"* bacio con ogni riuerente affetto le 
 manij pregandole da Dio N. S. ogni piii desiderata prosperity. 
 
 Di Van'' U 26 Giugno 1620. 
 
 Di V. s. im 
 
 Vs" Hum"°° et Vbb"° 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 3 July 1620. 
 
 Ill™ Sig''" mio S" sempre Oss"". 
 
 Questo S" Ambasc" Olandesa, ha presa hcanza da q" Sig'". Del suo 
 negozio principale ch' agh ha trattato, qual sodisfazione n'habbia, fin' 
 hora non ho potuto penetrarlo. Nel resto egh ha riceuuto, et riceuera 
 ogni tannine cortese. La Rep'=^ in grazia delli Sig"^' Stati, ha liberata 
 alcuni de' loro sudditi, ch' erano in Galera, col penoH d' ammutinamento, 
 p~ condurre uia furtiuam*' unaNauech' aranell' Armata. Detto Ambasc" 
 non e stato uisitato da Ministri puUici. II Re Christianiss'"" ha fatto 
 saper al suo Seg"^ che k qui senza Ambasc", con leW espressa che non 
 dabba uisitarlo, nefar seco atto alcuno di complimento. Et p~ quanto ho 
 potuto sapere, cib h Tpiu per rispetto della persona par" delV Amhase% che 
 delli Sig"* Stati. All' Ambasc" di Sauoia, d° Ambasc". mando a dar 
 canto della sua uenuta in Yen", et qualT intenzione era qHla de' Sig" Stati 
 uerso queir Altezza ; Y Ambasc" sauoiardo corisspose a quel complimento, 
 
 B B 
 
186 
 
 ma non T hapero uisitato : uiene creduto che habbia scritto a Sua Altezza 
 
 p* saper quello cK ha da fare. Cotal accidente, ha fatto entrar in oppe- 
 
 nione Y Ambasc" Olandese di non andar piu a Sauoia, come haueua 
 
 ordine, p" compHre con quell' Altezza : la q*le con li Sig"^ Stati ha fatto 
 
 gia gagliardiss'"' ufici, et instanze, p tener con loro buona corrispondenza. 
 
 Se ne uiene un Chiaus a Ven% ma non p~ male, come tra il popolo h stato 
 
 disseminato. Egli uiene p occasione di comperar robe. II Principe D. 
 
 Tomaso di Sauoia, ha fuggito, nell' andata Sua in Ancona, li Paesi del 
 
 Buca d' Vrbino, nh si sa la cagione ; et quell' Altezza hauea dato ordini 
 
 p riceuerlo. Lett^ di Napoli portano che il Cardinale V. Re habbia 
 
 uoluto uisitar la Moglie del Duca d' Ossuna, et cK essa V ha negate. 
 
 Questi Sig" hanno fermati due Bortoni framenghi p~ ualersi di loro ; 
 
 hora q" conduranno armi, et gente nel Regno di Candia. Che h quello 
 
 che mi occorre con la presente, p~ fine della q*le a V. S. lU"* fo hum"* 
 
 riuerenza. 
 
 Di VenMi 3 Luglio, 1620. 
 
 Di V. S. Ill""' 
 
 Vs" Hum"" et Vbb"° 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 10 July 1620. 
 
 Ill"" Sig" mio S" sempre Oss"°°. 
 
 Con r ordinario passato, scrissi a V. S. Ill"* che 1' Ambasc'* di Sauoia, 
 non uisitb queUo d' Olanda. II giomo dietro che fu il sabato, 1' Am- 
 basc" di Sauoia hauendo riceuuto lett^ dal suo Sig", con ordine di far d* 
 uisita, la fece ; et gli fu resa : con tutto ci5 1' Ambasc"''' Olandese era in 
 dubio d' andarsene a Torino, conforme 1' ordine ch' hauea dalU Ecc""' Sig" 
 Stati. II regalo ch' egli ha riceuuto da q" Sig", fu una cadena di 11 00 
 
187 
 
 d". II fig li et i] Seg''" n' hebbero una per uno ; et alii suoi Gintiluomini, 
 una medaglia ad ogn' uno. II tutto ascende alia ualuta di d" 2100. 
 L' impronto delle medaglie ^j 1' insegne dell' una, et 1' altra Republica. 
 Di Costantinopolij non h altra nouita. Cluesti Sig'' sono stabili nella 
 loro deliberazione, di non esborsare per tal causa, un minimo danaro ; 
 succeda quel peggio che pub : cosi corre la uoce. Questi Ministri de' 
 Principi, credono perb il contrario. Gluesti Sig'', hanno mandati noui 
 ordini, al loro Proueditor generale die h alii confini daUa parte di Melano, 
 con gente, et il Colonello Roccalor. Di cotal mossa improuisa, due cose 
 si dicono : L' una che legenti di Melano siano per passare uiolentem*^ per 
 questo Stato, et andarsene in Germania ; al chh la Repu°^ sia per opporsi : 
 L' altra, 1' auiso d' un certo mottiuo nella Valtelina, p~ cagione d' inteli- 
 genza cb' in essa haueua li Spag li. II Duca d' Ossuna h a Genoua trat- 
 tenuto dal Doria. Quli s'ba cotal dimora p sospetta; parendo cosa 
 strana, che egli che per le cose fatte, non h senza apparente colpa di 
 crimine di lesa Maesta ; bora uenga trattenuto, et accarezzato, da un 
 Ser'^ del Re Catolico, si qualificato come h il Doria. lo aspetto qui il 
 s" Ambasc" Finder fra 4 giorni. Et per quanto io so, egb ha pensiero 
 di trattenersi qui per due mesi. Dimani, si fara il Babesimo d' un figU- 
 uolo, del fig lo del Principe. II Chiaus h giunto ; uiene dal Bassa di 
 Buda; fu in CoUegio, ma non per publici rispetti, come scrissi. Nfe 
 altro con la presente occorrendomi a V. S. Ill"* fo hum"* riuerenza, 
 supplicandola a tenermi in sua grazia. 
 
 Di Yen* b x Luglio 1620. 
 Di V. S. Ill"" 
 
 Vs" Humo et Vbb""" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
188 
 
 111°'° Sig'' mio Sig" sempre Oss"". 
 
 17 July 1620. 
 
 Qui habbiamo il S'^ Ambasc" Pinder, il quale k stato mandate a 
 uisitar da S. Ser*^ con ordinario regallo di confetture. Et perch^ io 
 credo cbe da d^ Ecc^% ouuero dall' Ecc""" s" Ambasc'° che h a Costantino- 
 poli, V. S. Ill"" haur&, gia certo raguaglio, dell' accomodamento seguito 
 tra q*' Sig'* et il Visir ; dubitando io di non esser rettam'^ informato me 
 ne rimetterb alii loro auisi. Questo Ambasc" di Sauoia, e stato assai 
 ripreso dal suo Sig'^^ p~ non hauer fatta la uisita all' Ambasc'^^ d' Olanda, 
 subito giunto. Da Segna sono partite 37 famiglie d' Vscocchi ; et con 
 sicurta della uita, et d' esser trattenuti li capi, come soldati ; si sono date 
 a q" Sig", li quali gli hanno amoreuolm'' riceuuti, et impiegati. Con 
 tale esempio, si spera che siano per uenime dell' altre ; il che riesce a 
 grandiss""° pregiud" dell' Imperatore, p"chfe mancando gli Vscocchi, se 
 nork guardare quella Fortezza, sara bisogno pagare della soldatesca. 
 Quest' ordinario altro non ho che scriuere a V. S. 111°'% alia quale bacio 
 riuerentem'^ le mani, pregando Dio N. S. p la sua continuata salute. 
 
 DiVenMi 17 Liuglio. 1620. 
 Di V. S. in°'" 
 
 Vs'"' Hum"" et Ybb""" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 24 July 1620. 
 
 111°'° Sig^^ mio Sig'" sempre Oss'°°. 
 
 Non hauendo io questa settimana, che scriuer a V. S. IIP* di nouo, 
 che sia di rileuo ; ho uoluto supplicarla d' una grazia, della quale io ne le 
 
189 
 
 resterb con infiiiito obbligo : assicurandomi, ch' ella cib tanto piu far^ 
 prontamente per sua benignitk, quanto che uedrk esser il mio fine, p~ 
 quanto io posso conoscere, degno d' essere fauorito. Quelle ch' io ricerco 
 h, che V. S. 111™% p~ quel tempo che a lei parrertl piu opportune, procu- 
 rasse che Sua Maesta, mi concedi hcenza, di far un passaggio a cotesto 
 Regno ; essendo io molto tempo h, desideroso di farle hum™* riuerenza, et 
 baciarle i piedi. Gli anni passati, questa mia buona intenzione, h stata 
 sempre da qualche sinistro accidente, attrauersata ; ma hora che ho 
 risoluto di procurar q'° passaggio col mezzo di V. S. Ill"" io m' assicuro 
 d' esserne gratificato : essendo massimamente il s' Cau''^ Wottoni, tanto 
 pratico di q'* Citta, che p~ due mesi, potr^ fare senza 1' opera mia. Starb 
 aspettando qualche buon' esito di q** mia giusta, et riuerente domanda. 
 Et per fine a V. S. Ill"* prego da Dio ogni piii desiderata prosperity. 
 
 DiVenMi24 Liuglio 1620. 
 Di V. S. ir" 
 
 Vs" Hum""" et Vbb™ 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 31 July 1620. 
 
 Iir" Sig'' mio S" sempre Oss""". 
 
 La qui congiunta uiene da Costantinopoli, et credo che sia in risposta 
 di quella, mandatami gi^ per quel S" Ambasc'^S dal Seg''" di V. S. 111"*. 
 N' ho anche riceuuta una del d° Sig" Ambasc" p~ la Maest^ del Re di 
 Boemia. II mottiuo che gi^ scrissi di Valtellina, h riuscito neUa presa di 
 essa, p~ Io spazio di 20 Miglia, essendo ella di lunghezza di Miglia 60. 
 La presa e stata fatta dalli Spag li, con 1' aiuto del Pianta bandito da Gri- 
 gioni. Cotale presa, h stata lungo tempo manegiata, come s' h ueduto dall' 
 euento, p"chfe fu d* Valle, assahta improuisamente da diuerse parti, in un 
 
190 
 
 istesso tempo : etiam p" Valcamonica luoco di q" Sig" che ua nella d* 
 Valle, sono impensatamente passati da 70 caualli. II beneficio che li 
 Spag li ne riceuono, h che hora possono transitar genti di Melano nel 
 TiroUo, senza hauer minimo contrasto. L'uccisione che h seguita, si 
 dice esser di mille et piu, di quelli della Relligione, mentre erano alii loro 
 diuini ufici. Alcuni scriuono, che li Spag~li habbiano drizato un Forte 
 con le jnsegne di Spagna, et monitolo d' Artigherie, tratte fuori del Forte 
 Fuentes. Le terre della Valle che sono prese, si chiamano Morbeng, 
 Tiran, Sondai, Tei ; et altri luochi di minor importanza. Da queUi che 
 sono pratichi di tal paese, mi uiene detto che quando non sia presa Chia- 
 uena, che non sar^ cliiuso qT passo. 
 
 La Rep"* ha sentita q'" noua, con molta amaritudine ; p~chfe come Val- 
 telhna sia presa, il passo da quella parte p~ Germania, p" Suizeri, et p~ 
 Francia, h tutto in poter de' Spagli, ond' ella da quella banda potrebbe 
 dire d' esser assediata. Quello ch' ella sia p~ fare, non si sa p~ ancora di 
 certo ; ma dalli preparamenti, si deue credere che uoglia opporsi alii 
 Spag li. Di subito, ella ha spedito il Seg"° Lionello che fu cost^, alU 
 Suizeri ; essendo oppenione d' huomo grande, che come li Suizeri Cato- 
 lici romani, non siano d' accordo con li Spa^h, che quello elf fin' hora 
 essi hanno fatto, riuscir^ uano ; ma se saranno d' accordo che non sia p~ 
 esser rimedio alii loro disegni. Li soldati che erano destinati p" Candia, 
 sono stati fermati ; et li sudditi di Sua Maesta che sono a Zara, sono 
 chiamati qui, p~ mandarli in Lombardia. S' h data comissione che siano 
 in ordine gli huomini d' Anne ; et si fa due Piaze d' Arme, 1' una di la 
 dal fiume Menzo clT h Brescia ; et 1' altra di qah che h Verona. In 
 tale stato sono le cose in q'^ parti. II s'° Colonello Peyton sarci impiegato, 
 com' egh fark sapere a V. S. lU"*. L' altrieri, q*' sig", hanno condan- 
 nato un Nobile di casa Miaoto in perpetua carcere oscura, p~ tener 
 pratica con q*° Ambasc" di Spagna. Per hora altro non ho che far 
 sapere a V. S. Ill"* la quale io supplico delle mie riuerenti instanze, et p' 
 fine prego Dio N. S. p ogni sua fehcita. 
 
 DiVenMi31 Luglio 1620. 
 
 Di V. s. ir* 
 
 Vs" Hum""" et Vbb™ 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
191 
 
 Sereniss""' Principi ac ITno lacobo Magnce Britanniee, Francics, et Hyber- 
 niee Regi, Domino et Consanguineo nostra Obseruandiss"'°* 
 
 Serenissime Rex Domine et Consanguinee Obseruandissime, Quse Dig- 
 nitati V"^ Regiae libuit nobis ctiin scripto, turn Oretenus, idque opera per- 
 illustris Viri Henrici Wottonij nunciare, plane et insigni cum animi 
 laetitia intelleximus ; siquide" et litterse humanitatis plenissimse, et 
 accurata eximij Oratoris narratio, Regise V* Dignitatis, non minus libera- 
 lem in nos domumque nostram beneuolentiam, quam constantem et 
 inuiolatum erga Justitiam amorem luculenter expresserunt ; Quorum 
 alterum Dignitatem V'"" Regiam immortali laude cumulat, alteram nos 
 adeoque bonos omnes ad omnia lUi obsequia reddit deuinctissimos ; 
 Vtrumque certe libuisset potius florentissimis pads temporibus, quam 
 inter infelices Ciuilium armoram strepitus experiri; Cuius nos Voti 
 Magnus Deus utique fecisset compotes si perinde atque familia nostra 
 alienis opibus nunquam inhiauit ; ita et nostrse a Deo concessse facultates 
 ab alijs intactse illibatseque permansissent ; Sed quandoquidem conceptse 
 in nos immeritos libidini et Jnuidise undequaque via strata est, nemo erit 
 tam iniquus rerum arbitrator, quin nostrum esse existimet, tam iniustos 
 conatus iustissimis iuribus refrenare. De futura in Palatinata belli sede, 
 quod Regia V'^ Dignitas suspicatur, de eo nihil nobis hactenus compertum 
 est, qui omnem huius rei curam illis relinquimus, quorum fidei et operse k 
 Sacra Csesarea Maiestate bellici apparatus concreduntur : Si quid uero 
 huiusmodi eueniret nihil mirari posset ille, quem neque Magni Regis et 
 prudentissimi Soceri auctoritas, nee paternus in fihos Principes affectus, 
 neque facinoris iniquitas, nee Vniuersim metuendus Vindicis coeli furor 
 cohibere potuit, quin publicam Jmperij quietem sola alienge fortunae 
 cupiditate illectus temerfe perturbaret : Sed quia ut diximus nostri non 
 sunt hsec officij, suo ea nos loco et tempori resignamus, aliud nunquam 
 facturi, quam quod ab Obedientissimo Principe Augustissimus Imperator, 
 
 * Indorsed, "August, 1620. Archduke Leopold to his Ma"°." 
 
192 
 
 et ab Archiduce sua in domesticos fides requiret : Regise interim Digni- 
 tati V'^ (utpote cuique) beneuolentia nihil nobis potest esse gratius. et 
 deuotissimus noster erga iUam affectus baud obscure, atque ita elucescet, 
 ut nulla earn exbibitse amicitise unquam capere debet pcEnitudo. 
 
 Dat : in Cimtate nostra Molshemij 
 Kalendis Augusti Anno k partu 
 Virginis. M.DC.XX. 
 
 RegisB V* Dignitatis 
 
 ad obsequia paratissimus 
 
 Consanguinea, 
 
 Leopoldus. 
 
 Serenissimo Principi ac Domino, Domino lacobo, Magnes Brittanniae, 
 FrancicB et Hibernue Regi, Fidei Defensori potentisskno, Domino nostra 
 Clementissim^.* 
 
 SERENISSIME REX FIDEI DEFENSOR POTENTISSIME, 
 DOMINE CLEMENTISSIME. 
 
 Q,V8e M'^ V°° sit volvntas in Reparanda Pace Germanise, quantaque 
 cura et solicitudo, in id vt Reipublicse Christianse vniuersse bene sit ; 
 testes nobis fuere turn Literse ab lUustrissimo Legato Wottonio redditse, 
 tum etiam eiusdem plenior expositio Sententiae M. V* nunquam satis 
 laudandse. Admirati profecto sumus in hoc negocio summam pruden- 
 tiam M. V. iam antea per Orbem quidem decantatam, Sed tum nobis et 
 Regijs Uteris, et sermone solertissimi Legati propius ante oculos positam : 
 et inde statim coUegimus. DEVM proposito honestissimo propitium 
 * Indorsed, " 4 August 1620. The Citty of Vlme to his Ma"=," 
 
193 
 
 adfuturum. Vtinam uero ea esset huius Reipublicse conditio, vt lauda- 
 tissimos conatus etiam in minima parte prouehere promouereque possi- 
 mus ; cert^ remis (quod aiunt) velisque eo contenderemus. At verb 
 quia res k potentissimis Principibus geritur, et de Regno certatur, cuius 
 causam cum reliquis Imperij Ciuitatibus procul semper habuimus, sub- 
 sistendum est nobis inferiore loco positis. Gluando igitur qu6 volumus, 
 sorte exclusi, progredi non possumus, laborabimus in id, quod possumus, 
 & susceptum negocium, foelici voto comitabimur. DEVS fons & repara- 
 tor & conseniator pacis, M" V°° beneficio bella jmminentia clementer 
 auertat, pacem firmam & tranquillam libertatem restituat. Ita speramus, 
 rem foeliciter cessuram, cum gloria M. V. nunquam intermoritura : cui 
 DEVS Regieeque familise Regnisque subditis benign^ faueat. Dabantur 
 IV. August! Anno Christi CIO.IOCXX. 
 
 R* M' V'' 
 
 Addictissimi para- 
 
 tissimique 
 
 Seniores, Consules & Senatus 
 Reipublic^ Vlmensis. 
 
 Serenissimo ac Potentissimo Principi ac Domino Domino lACOBO 
 MagncB Britanniee, Franciee et Hibernia; Regi FIDEI DEFENSORI 
 etc : Domino nostro Clementissimo.* 
 
 Gloriosissime et Serenissime Rex Fidei Defensor Potentissime Domine 
 Clementissime. 
 
 Gratse nobis extiterunt literse illse, quas REGIAVESTRAMAIESTAS. 
 
 * Indorsed, " 27 July 1620. The Citty of Strasburge to his Maiestie." 
 
 C C 
 
194 
 
 Grenovico superiori mense proximo ad nos dedit : cum enim omnia quae 
 a REGIA VESTRA MAIESTATE proficiscuntur, nobis et universitatj 
 civium nostrorum sint long^ acceptissima turn admodum erat gratum, 
 literas REGIME VESTRiE MAIESTATIS propria ipsius manu subsigna- 
 tas inspicere, tanquam signum prosperse valetudinis indubitatum, de qua 
 REGLE VESTRiE MAIESTATI gratulari sincero animo eamque con- 
 stantem et diuturnam precari omnes eos oportet, qui de orbe Christiano 
 bene sunt animatj. Non minus gratum fuit easdem honoratissimas 
 literas suscipere de manu REGIME VESTRtE MAIESTATIS Legati 
 magnificentissimj, Dominj HENRICI WOTTONII, viri lUustrissimj et 
 Excellentissimj, qui ut passim per universum Imperium, ita etiam apud 
 Nos, iure praedicatur et indagandse pacis solertissimus, et constituendse 
 sanciendeeque scientissimus, simul accupidissimus esse, cum illis prseser- 
 tim animj dotibus instructus sit, ut Regij Legatj officio gravissimo sanc- 
 tissimoque iudicetur omnium calculo dignissimus, quique ea prudentia et 
 industria expediuit partes sibi demandatas, ut nemo rectius ac melius 
 potuerit. Longfe ver6 iucundissimum nobis fuit, dum literas REGIME 
 VESTRiE MAIESTATIS et oculis vidimus et auribus audivimus esse 
 plenissimas Regise Mansuetudinis et solicitudinis et studij laudatissimi, 
 quo ad pacem orbi Christiano restituendam vere Christiano et Regio 
 Zelo fertur. Etsi verb nos, ut status aliquis Imperij minor, nos long^ 
 inferiores iudicemus, qukm qui ad causam tam arduam tamque difficilem 
 momentum aliquod, unde fructum atque emolumentum aliquod sperare 
 liceat, conferre possimus. Superiorum namque Imperij Procerum pru- 
 dentise et consilijs tantum opus libenter permittimus, et hactenus k parti- 
 um studij s alienj fuimus, ut neque in hanc, neque in aliam partem inclina- 
 verimus. Etsi enim non dubitemus REGIAM VESTRAM MAIES- 
 TATEM prse alijs omnibus vias rationesque suppeditare posse, quibus 
 res patriae turbatse commodissime componi et tranquillarj valeant. Cum 
 nimirum REGIA VESTRA MAIESTAS sit a DEO ter Optimo Max- 
 imo exornata virtutibus ac donis Regij s ut praesens mundus totus eorum 
 admiratione capiatur, et universa posteritas admiratura sit. Nihilominus 
 animati sumus ita, ut, si DEO clementer annuente, in GERMANIA de 
 
195 
 
 ineunda pace consilia instituantur, nos pacificorum partes amplectj 
 easque ceu hactenus factum, tueri, seruare at adiuuare DEO propitio 
 constituerimus : cum ubique in confesso sit, partibus dissidentibus 
 utrinque pacem et expetendam et necessariam esse, nisi omnia dubiae 
 Martis alse malint exponere, et patriam dulcissimam, orbisque Christianj 
 salutem in extremum discrimen adducere. Eamque ob causam REGIAM 
 VESTRAM MAIESTATEM omnj studio atque devotione rogamus, 
 ut Regium Ulum, sanciendse pacis studiosissimum animum perpetu6 con- 
 servet ; Id quod Virtutes VESTRY Regise et maxim^ cum prsedicandse 
 turn admirandae indubitate promittunt. Cluod super est Ilium, qui claves 
 pacis et belli in sua manu habet, supplices veneramur, ut REGIME 
 "VESTRiE MAIESTATI in longos plurimosque annos largiri dignetur, 
 quae ipsius et animo et corpori conducunt : quaeque et REGIIS LIBERIS 
 familiaeque et Regnis et universis eorum provincijs ac subditis sunt futura 
 salutaria. Nos perseveranter manemus 
 
 REGIiE MAIESTATIS VESTR^E 
 
 Subiectissimi et ad officia humilima 
 paratissimj 
 
 PR^TOR ET SENATUS 
 
 Reipublicae Argentinensijs. 
 Datae VII. Calend. Augustj 
 Anno M.DC.XX. 
 
196 
 
 7 Aug. 1620. 
 
 Ill""' Sig'' mio Sig'' sempre Oss""".* 
 
 L' accomodamento seguito tra '1 Bailo di q*' Sig'', e '1 Visir, come V. S. 
 IH""* haura inteso daU' Ecc"" s" Ambasc" di Sua Maesta, non solo non i 
 stato approuato delta Rep'", hauendo ella ricusato di pagar la lett" di 
 cambio di q'" prima ratta ; ma nel Senato del primo del corrente, h stata 
 presa la ritentione di esso Bailo, con tutti i uotti, fuor che tre, che erano 
 non sinceri. II fondamento di tal ritenzione, si dice esser, per hauer egli 
 fatto q*° accordo, contra l' ordine della Rep"", la quale gli hauea leuata 
 V autorita, di piu interressarsi in tale negozio ; il tutto hauendo rimesso 
 al nouo Bailo cK era sul uiaggio. QueUo che potrcl sucedere a d° Bailo, 
 io credo che sark, cW egli doura pagar del suo le 96" piastre conforme 
 il suo accorddto : et che per pena, sara mandato ad un confino. Venerdi 
 passato alle 4 hore di notte, q*° Ambasc" di Spagna, ricerc6 dal Principe, 
 da spedire una stafetta p" Melano, il che gli fu alV hora negato, ma il 
 giorno dietro conceduto. Tuttauia d° Ambasc" non restb sodisfatto ; 
 onde maggiormente ad alcuni ha fatto accresser il sospetto, ch' egli scri- 
 uesse cosa pertinente alia Rep"", in proposito della Valtellina, et che in quel 
 punto ne le fosse stato dato V auiso. Hora q*' motti della ValtelUna, pare 
 che uadano pigliando piega diuersa, da quello che credeuano li soleuati, et 
 lifautori lord : pchd li Grigioni, et li Suizeri dalla parte di Sopra sono 
 calati al numero di 20 insegne, et p quanto s' ha notizia, hanno ricuperato, 
 Sondria, et Troana, con alcuni altri piccioli luochi. Qui si sta con dubio, 
 che il Gouer" di Melano, p" fare una diuersione, non mandi gente a q" 
 confini : la qual gente, in gran parte e di quelh soldati Olandesi, che la 
 Rep'" ha licenziati. Onde si uiene in cognitione quanto sarebbe stato ne- 
 
 * Indorsed, " 7 August 1620. Gregorio de Monty to mee." In the margin is written 
 opposite the mention of the name or circumstance, " II Bailo. Ambass" di Spagna. Li 
 Grigioni. II Gouematore di Melano." 
 
197 
 
 cessario, che la d" Soldatesca, licenziandosi, fosse stata rimandata in 
 Fiandra. Questi Sig" trattano di fare 500 Corazze, hauendo ancora 
 mandato buon numero d' Infanteria, p opporsi a qualche pensiero di d" 
 Gouernatore. N^ altro per hora occorrendomij a V. S. Ill"* fo hum""* 
 riuerenza, et le bacio le mani. 
 
 Di VenMi7 Ag*° 1620. 
 
 Di V. s. iir* 
 
 Vs'« Hum""' et Vbb"" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 Auguste -rV Aug"" 1620. 
 
 Righte Honorable.* 
 
 I tboughte from hence to haue sent an expresse messenger w'h the 
 inclosed accompt, of my negotiation hitherto, w'h fine Princes and Com- 
 munities, but being fallen on the dale of the ordinarie Curriers departure 
 towards Antwerpe, I haue aduentured it in the common budget, and 
 haue reserued the Gentleman that I meant to send, tiU I come to the 
 Duke of Bauaria, whome I hope to finde wliin thease foure daies at 
 Lintz, and as I approache nearer the Emperour, (whome the French are 
 sifting) I shall gaine more iudgement of the future. 
 
 Amongst the inclosed papers to His M*'*' I forbeare to intermingle 
 
 * Indorsed, " 8 Aug'" 1620 by Quester 27" Aug. S' Henry Wotton to me from Augusta, 
 w'h A long discourse of his negociac''on w'h Lorain, Leopold, Strasburg, Wirteriberg Sf 
 
 Vlme 8f l^res from 3 of to his Ma"' all w'^h I sent away by post to Secretarie 
 
 Calvert, 27° Aug=". 
 
198 
 
 anie sad matter, but I must not conceale it in this. God hath taken 
 from vs, the youngest of cure Companie Sonne to the L : Wharton, to 
 teache vs that the Lord of the whole, is not bounde to the order of nature. 
 He ended his trauailes in a Towne called Blockinghen, three miles on this 
 side the Court of Wirtemberg. His disease was a februous Dysenterie, w^h 
 in three dales exhausted his feeble constitution, and changed his sweete 
 hopes, into a better assurance : The Bodie, I caused to be transported in a 
 coache, w*h attendants about it, to Ulme and there obtained leaue, thoughe 
 w*h some difficultie, to haue it interred w*hin the Cittie, contrarie to the 
 custome, as they told me of two hundred yeares, and to the example 
 euen of an Emperours Ambassad'' who dying there, was buryed in the 
 common Cemiterie extra pomcsria. 
 
 The rest of vs that remaine, are vnder Gods providence all cheare- 
 fuUy in health. And so S"" wishing (veteri formula) that this male 
 finde you. I rest. 
 
 I beseech you S' to give Ever obliged to serve you 
 
 me leaue to remember my ^^^^^ Wotton. 
 
 humble service to my 
 
 worthie Ladie youre 
 
 Wyfe. 
 
 To his Most Sacred Mqjestie. 
 
 From Augusta the -jSg- of August 1620. 
 
 May it please youre Most Sacred Maiestie.* 
 
 From this place, I determined to make my first Dispatche vnto youre 
 
 * Indorsed, "8° of August 1620. S' Henry Wotton to his Maiesty from Augusta, by 
 Quester 27° Aug"." 
 
199 
 
 Maiestie, hoping in such Cities and Courtes, whereunto I had addresse 
 on the waie, to take vp somewhat that should be considerable, and till 
 then vnwilling to entertaine youre sollicitous minde, w*h immaterial 
 thinges : 
 
 I haue hitherto beene w'h fiue seuerall Princes, and Communities. 
 The Duke of Loraigne ; The Archduke Leopoldus ; The Towne of Stras- 
 burg ; The Duke of Wirtemberg ; and the Towne of Vlme : in the same 
 order as I haue sett them downe, amongst whome I spent in all twelue 
 dales, and the rest of the time in vncessant ioumies, whereof I shall now 
 render youre M*'^ a free accompt in the substance, retrenching imperti- 
 nencies. Vnto the Duke of Loraigne I had no Credentiall addresse 
 from youre Royal hande, and yet to passe silently like a streame, 
 thoroughe his land, by a Prince of so neare coniunction in bloud w'h 
 you, and so interessed in the scope of myne errande, as a member of the 
 Empire had beene some incongruitie. Therefore excusing (as I might 
 iustly) the want of letters, w'h my purpose to haue taken an other waie, 
 till I heard that the French King had cleared the Confines of Loraigne, 
 by drawing such forces as lay houering there, w'h some hazard of 
 Passengers, ouer the riuer of Mame towardes Normandie; I sale 
 after this excuse, I told him, I was sure youre M"° would be singularly 
 pleased to vnderstand by me of his health, and that I had in transitu 
 conferred w'h him youre Christian endes, wherein you could not, but 
 expect at his handes, a Concurrence, both of counsayle and affection. 
 This I said to drawe ciuilly from him, as much as I could, being a 
 Prince, cumbred (as I found him) w'h the German troubles on the one 
 side, and the French on the other, and therefore bounde to studie the 
 passadges of bothe, especially hauing a State w°h perhaps is harder for 
 him to keepe neutrall then himselfe. In the rest of my discourse, I 
 possessed him, w'h two maine heades of myne Instructions. First w'h 
 youre Ma''^^ innocence in the Bohemian businesse at the beginning. 
 Next, w'h youre impartialitie therein, euen vntil this houre : both w'^h 
 did render 3'^ou, in this cause, the fittest Mediator of the world, and so I 
 shutt vp all w'h this, that God had giuen youre M"^ two eminent bles- 
 
200 
 
 sings : The one. Peace at home. The other, (w°h was surely the greater 
 and the rarer) a Soule desirous of the hke abroade : w^h you founde 
 youre selfe tyed in the conscience of a Christian King, to prosecute by 
 all possible meanes, and therefore thoughe you had before, in the begin- 
 ning of the Bohemian motions, spent youre good meaning by a sollemne 
 Ambassadge to the Emperour in the person of a deare and zealous 
 servant of greate qualitie, euen before anie other King had entered into 
 it, w^h thoroughe the cruditie of the matter, as then, tooke not the 
 wished effect, yet now hoping that time it selfe and the experience of 
 vexation, hadmoUifyed the affections, and better digested the difficulties, 
 you had not refused, by seuerall Ambassadges to bothe sides, and to all 
 the Interuenient Princes and States, to attempt againe this highe and 
 Christian worcke. Thus much, thoughe in effect extracted from youre 
 Ma*'°^ owne directions, I haue heere once rehearsed to saue the repeti- 
 tion thereof in my following audiences at other places. 
 
 The Dukes answere was more tender than free, lamenting much the 
 present Condition of thinges ; commending as much youre Ma"®^ good 
 minde, proclaiming his owne, remitting the whole, to those greate and 
 wise Kinges, that had it in hand, and concluding, (w*h a voice me- 
 thoughte lower then before as if he had doubted to be ouerheard thoughe 
 in his priuate chamber) the Princes of the Vnion would tell mee what 
 his affections were in the Cause ; for w^h, I gaue him thanckes, com- 
 mending in all euent to this continual memorie that youre Ma"'* 
 Daughter, my Gratious Ladie, and her Descendantes were of the Bloud 
 of Loraigne. yea said He, and the Electour likewise. This was all, that 
 passed from him of anie moment. After w"h he broughte me to Mon- 
 sieur de Vaudemont; whose principal businesse (as I heare) at the 
 present is to worcke the Dukes assent, and the Popes dispensation, for 
 a Marriadge betwixt his owne Sonne, and his Brothers Daughter, a 
 thinge much affected by that people, and no doubt fomented by Fraunce, 
 to keepe so important a Prouince, from Straungers. In the mean while, 
 de Vaudemonts sonne, for improuement of his merite and fame is 
 bestowed in the Commaund of those Troupes, w^h were suffered to passe 
 
201 
 
 the Rhine at Brissac vpon Whitsun Mondaie last. Before I leaue 
 Loraigne, I cannot but aduertise youre Ma"^ that at Pfaltezburg, a 
 Towne in the Confines of that Prouince towards Elsatia, inhabited and 
 buUt by manie good men of the Religion The Ministers came vnto 
 me, bewailing the case of the Inhabitants, who for some thirty yeares 
 had possessed that place quietly, till of late by instigation of Jesuites at 
 Nancie the Duke had giuen them warning to be gone w'hin the tearme 
 of two yeares, whereof some good part was expired. Theire request 
 vnto me was, that by youre Ma*'"^ Gratious mediation, they mighte be 
 receiued into a place w*hin the Palatines lurisdiction, neare theire 
 present seate, w^h they offer to inlarge and to fortifie, at theire owne 
 chardge, vpon the graunte of reasonable immunities, w"'h I haue 
 assumed to treate by letter w'h youre Ma*"^^ Sonne in Law, needing no 
 other Commission from youre Ma"® in thinges of this nature, then youre 
 owne goodnesse. 
 
 The Archduke Leopold, I was forced to seeke three dales iourney 
 from his ordinarie seate, where being at his priuate sportes of the feUd, 
 and no fitt thinges about him. He desired me to retoume backe halfe a 
 dales iourney to Mulzhaim : the notorious nest of lesuites : commaun- 
 ding the Gouemours of his Townes in the meane time to vse me w'h all 
 due respect : among whome, he made choice of an Italian, by name 
 Ascanio Albertini (a man of singular confidence wla him, and surely of 
 verie faire conditions) to sound me, thoughe in a merrie fashion and 
 halfe laughing (as there was good cause) how I would tast it, if he 
 should receiue me in the lesuites CoUedge, for at Mulzhaim those were 
 his hostes, being destitute of other habitation. I answered him, as mer- 
 rily as it was propounded, that I knewe the lesuites had euerie where 
 the best roomes, more splendent then true, fitter to lodge Princes then 
 Monckes, and that theire habitations were alwaies better then them- 
 selues, moreouer that for mine owne part, thoughe I was not much 
 afraid of theire infection, and that S'. Paule, did not refuse to be caried 
 in a shipp, w°h was consecrated to false Gods, yet because on oure side, 
 they were generally and no doubt iustly reputed, the true cause of all 
 
 D D 
 
Missing Page 
 
Missing Page 
 
204 
 
 at theire owne skinnes ; A straunge purchase me thoughte at a time 
 when Kingdomes are in question, but it maie bee, it was an arte to 
 couer his waightier meditations : Amongst other discourse there was 
 some mention of youre Ma**''^ Treatie w*h Spaine, in poinct of AUyance, 
 w^h I told him was a concluded businesse : for that warrant I had, from 
 youre owne Royall mouth in youre Gallerie at Theobalds, hauing lett 
 fall none of youre syllables. Wherevpon he said, that he did not des- 
 paire vpon so good an occasion, to salute youre Ma*'" in youre owne 
 Court. 
 
 The morning following he sent vnto me Sig" Ascanio, w*h expresse 
 desire, that since youre Ma"^' intentions were so cleare I would as 
 franckly acquainte him, whether in myne Instructions, I had anie par- 
 ticuler forme of accord to proiect vnto the Emperour w'^h himselfe 
 likewise, at my second Audience did somewhat importunately presse, 
 excusing his Curiositie w*h a good meaning, to prepare the Emperour 
 in the best maner he could to accept it : Mine answere was that youre 
 Ma*'^ thoughte it first necessarie on both sides to dispose the affections : 
 and then by reciprocal Intelligence betweene youre seruants from Vienna 
 and Prage, to collect some measure of agreement, for otherwise, if we 
 should finde both parties fixed in extreame resolutions, it were a follie to 
 spend anie farther the honour of oure Master. Heere againe he told 
 me, I should finde the Emperour perswasible enoughe if his reputation 
 maie be saued, and for his owne part, he thoughte the Count Palatine 
 being the Inferiour mighte yeild w'hout preiudice of His : To tearmes 
 of this heighte he reuolued, and of this Complexion are his letters to 
 youre Ma*"^ that I send herew*h ; of w^h I must needes sale, that in some 
 part, olent Patrem Henricum, so they call a Jesuite of inward Credite 
 w*h him. Alwaies true it is, that they were couched in the CoUedge, 
 for his Secretaries were absent, (as the Italian told me) at his ordinarie 
 place of Residence : At my leaue taking he spake w*h much reuerence 
 of youre Ma''*, wTi much praise of youre Christian minde, and w'h 
 much thanckfulnesse of the honour, you had done him. He is a Prince 
 of good stature ; of faire Complexion, inclining to fulnesse ; His face, the 
 
205 
 
 verie best (as they tell me) of the howse of Austria and better indeede 
 then his fashion. No curiositie in his clothing ; no affectation in his 
 discourse. Extreame affable both to Strangers and amongst his owne. 
 Patient of labour, and delighting in motion : In summa, litle of a Bishop, 
 saue the Bishopricke and a long coate. Wh w^h short character of his 
 person, I haue taken the boldnesse to end, being as I conceiued the 
 dutie of Seruauntes to represent vnto theire Masters, the Images of 
 those, w'h whome they treate, and as well theire naturall as artificiall 
 Impressions. 
 
 Of Strasburg and Vlme I male speake coniunctiuely being of one 
 nature. Both free and both iealous of theire freedome, w^h makes them 
 fortifie apace : Towardes me likewise they ioyued in one poinct of good 
 respect, namely in not suffering mee to come to theire Senate howse, 
 but intreating w*h me where I was lodged by deputed persons, out of 
 the reuerence as they professed, due to youre Ma*"^ who had done them 
 so much honour w*h youre letters, and w'h the communication of youre 
 endes, by youre humble Seruant. They both highly commended, youre 
 Ma"^^ Christian intentions, and professed themselues hitherto the same 
 neutralitie, but because it were vnciuill for them to contribute theire 
 counsayles, where such Kinges did imploy theire wisdome and authoritie, 
 they would onely contribute theire praiers. Wh the like temperate con- 
 ceiptes as thease appearing likewise in theire letters, w°h I send by this 
 Bearer. 
 
 Into the Duke of Wirtembergs Court, I was receiued verie nobly 
 and kindly, feasted at this Table, w*h the Princesse, and other 
 greate ladies, and most part of the daie, ledd by himselfe, to view 
 his gardens, buildings, and other delightes. The material poinctes 
 collected here, I must deuide partly into my discourse with himselfe 
 and partly into such knowledge as he commaunded Monsieur Buvinck- 
 hausen to giue mee, w°h cometh in a paper apart, being verie 
 material : In his owne speeche, he made greate profession towardes 
 youre Ma*"^ wherein no Prince of the Empire shoulde exceede him, and 
 as much towards the King of Bohemia, as he euer called youre Sonne 
 
206 
 
 in law. Of whose clearenesse from all precedent practise when I fell to 
 speake, he told me that in that poinct he would ease me, for himselfe 
 visiting the Electour, a htle after he was chosen, he found him ex- 
 treamely perplexed, euen to effusion of teares, betweene thease two 
 Considerations, that if he accepted the offer, the world would falsely 
 conceiue it, to haue sprung from his owne ambition. If he refused it, 
 that People was likely to fall into desperate counsayles, w*h danger of 
 calling more then Christian helpe. In the rest of his discourse, I was 
 glad to heare him often vowe that he would defend the Palatinate w*h 
 all his power, being tyed therevnto, not only by the bond of Confed- 
 racie, but likewise by reason of State, not to suffer a stranger to neigh- 
 bour him. I haue now ended for the present, your Ma*''^ trouble: 
 There remaine of my Commission, the Duke of Bauaria, and the Em- 
 perour : The Duke of Bauaria I shall finde actually in armes, about 
 Lintz in the vpper Austria and the Emperour at Vienna. From both 
 places I will make seuerall dispatches to youre Ma**^ and afterwardes 
 weekely or more frequently as the occasion shall rise. Lett this in the 
 meane time end in my humble thanckes to Almightie God for the repose 
 of youre owne Estates, and in my heartie praiers for the preseruation of 
 youre deare and Sacred Person. 
 
 Youre Majesties most 
 
 faythfull and long de- 
 voted servant 
 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
 14 August 1620. 
 
 111"° Sig" mio Sig'^ sempre Oss' 
 
 Hoggi s' h parti 
 ritorno aUa patria 
 
 Hoggi s' h partito di q*'' Citta, 1' Ecc"" S" Ambasc" Pinder, per il suo 
 orno alia patria. Hieri io presentai la lett* di Sua Maesta, scritta a 
 
207 
 
 q'* Rep"* p" gli interressi del s" Colonello Pe3i;on ; giudicando egli, non 
 esser conueneuole di presentarla in persona: ond' io, cib parendomi 
 ragioneuole, ho fatto d* semplice presentazione. Di nouo p~ quanto s' 
 ha auisoj nella Valtellina, K SpagU si uanno auanzando, in par'' di qua 
 dal fiume Ada : et da Melano, hanno mandate in d* Valle scudi ottanta 
 milla p" fare soldatesca. Li Grigioni, et U Suizeri, che hanno ripresa 
 Sondria, come quelU che erano calati p" baize, et dirupi pericolosiss"', 
 dopo cotal fatto, si sono ritirati, non hauendo forze da poter resistere alii 
 nemici. In quelle parti, dalli occupatori si grida solo uiua il Papa, et la 
 Religione, spiegandone le insegne : mezzo trouato dalli Spa'g'li, per 
 honestare la impresa, che riuscendo, sar&, in solo seruigio loro. Contra 
 li Grigioni deUa Religione, a Melano h stato stampato un Manifesto, il 
 quale non contiene altro che maledicenze et malignity contra loro ; 
 dandone ancora la sua parte a q'* Rep''". Io non 1' ho mandato a V. S. 
 Ill"" non parendo a me cosa degna deUa sua uista. Questi Sig'^' hanno 
 fatto un Proueditore in Valcamonica, passo che ua in Valtellina uicino a 
 Bressa : perb non si penetra, quello che formalm'^ saranno p~ fare in 
 cotal negozio. Mandano tutte le genti che possono a que' confini, ma 
 poca soldatesca uecchia, p"ch^ pochiss""* n' e loro rimasta. Dell' Ecc"° 
 s" Wottoni io noua no" ho alcuna. Con che facendo fine a V. S. Ill™" 
 prego da Dio ogni bene desiderato. 
 
 Di VenMi 14 Ag'° 1620. 
 Di V. S. lU"" 
 
 Vs'^ Hum"° et Vbb""" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
208 
 
 21 August 1620. 
 
 IIP" Sig'' mio Sig" sempre Oss""".* 
 
 Li negozi delli Spagli nella Valtellina, uanno prosperamente, non 
 hauendo contrasto ; poichfe mentre gli interressati con sultano, low s' 
 auanzano, et riprendono le terre che li Grigioni haueuano dalle loro forze 
 ricuperate. Questi Sig'' p il Seg"° Lionello, mandarono alcuni pochi 
 danari alii Grigioni ; hora dopo uarie dispute nel Senato, non hanno 
 perb terminato d" interressarsi nella difesa delli Grigioni ; ma n^ anche 
 del tutto uk Y esclusione ; dimodo che secondo il parlar qui ordinario, si 
 dice che la Parte pende. Questa sera forse alcuna cosa concluderanno. 
 Quello di che dubita il Senato, h cK opponendosi alii Spagli, si potra 
 tirare una pericolosiss^'^ guerra in Italia. DaW altra parte fa contrapeso, 
 il dubitare che impadroniti li Spagnoli della Valtellina, et hauendo nelle 
 mani briglia cost gagliarda, et contra li Francesi, et contra la Rep'", 
 potranno poi dimandare Bergomo come attinente al Ducato di Melano ; 
 et la Fortezza delli Orzi, come attinente a Soncino ; la onde pare che nel 
 termine che hora le cose sono, essi non hauriano contrasto p fare qualche 
 nouita alia Rep"" et alT Italia. Li Spag li hanno poste nel Forte Fuentes 
 14 Insegne d' Infant eria ; alcuni credono, che do sia p dubio, che li 
 Bernesi uniti con altri Suizeri, et Grigioni calino in grosso numero nello 
 Stato di Melano. Qui s' ha qualche notizia, che dal Gouer" di Melano 
 siano stati mandati nel paese de' Suizeri 60" scudi p corrompere, et trat- 
 tenere que' Capi, che hauessero pensiero di trattare una cotale soleuazione. 
 In ogni accidente che sia p sucedere, quello che la Rep"* possa promet 
 tersi del s" Duca di Sauoia, non saprei dire : poiche tutti li suoi negozi 
 qui hanno il tracollo, dopo la caduta del s" Antonio Donato, in cotal 
 guisa uendicandosi li parenti di lui, contra d" Altezza. L' Ambasc" deUa 
 quale, 1' altrieri se n" ^ doluto in Collegio, et Dio sa ch" effetto haurk cotal 
 condoglienza. L' Armata Turchesca h uenuta in Golfo p~ passare alia 
 
 * Indorsed, " 21 Aug"' 1620. de Monti to me." 
 
209 
 
 Valona ; et con li Capi da mare di questi Sig''', ha usati termini generosi 
 d' amicizia, domando schiaui, et facendo altri cortesiss'^' regalli. Nfe p" 
 horahauendo che far sapere a V. S. Ill""* piu delpresente, p" fine le bacio 
 riuerentem** le mani, pregandole da Dio ogni desiderata felicity. Di Ven* 
 li 21 Agosto 1620. 
 
 Di V. S. i\r^ 
 
 Ns'' Hum""' et Vbb"" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 Serenissimo Principo JOTno lacobo MagncB Britannia, Franciee et Jernice 
 Regi, UTno et amico nro ohseruandissimo.* 
 
 Serenissime Rex Domine et Amice Obseruantissime. 
 
 Regise Dig'" Vrse literas XXVI Junij ad nos datas (alterse enim quas 
 per Henricum Wottonium pridem missas scribit, ad manus nostras non 
 peruenerunt.) vti libenter perlegimus, ita libentius etiam ac qua par 
 fuit promptitudine, legates eiusdem viros prsestantes Eduardum Conuuas 
 et Henricum Westonum Equites auratos de commisso ipsis perarduo ac 
 momentoso imprimis negocio hodie coram bic audiuimus ; Cseterum quae 
 nostra Adcissim de re tota sententia atque intimi etiam voti summa sit 
 contestabuntur et ipsi pluribus reduces, et pro parte etiam altera ipsis 
 sub manu nostra concreditse literse ; Interpretes scilicet plenior s animi 
 nostri et praesentis in quam causa ipsa deducta est, status atque cardinis. 
 Quibus verisque si parem Regia Dig'*° V"* adhibere dignabitur fidem, 
 rem prestabit et nobis gratissimam et legatorum suorum virtuti proba- 
 tseque nobis dexteritati maxime consentaneam. Quod super est Deus 
 pacis et prosperitatis auctor Regiam Dig'™ Vestram diu sospitem ac 
 
 * Indorsed, " 21" August, 1620. The Archbyshop of Ments to bis Ma'^" 
 
210 
 
 florentem conseruet atque vndiquaque Regum atque Principum corda 
 salubribus ita flectat consiliis, vt quae non nisi serum afferre luctum, ac 
 poenitudinem possunt, vel etiamnum tempestiua cautione et prouidentia 
 anteuertantur. Datse Moguntise ex nostra S. Martini Die XXI 
 
 Augusti M.DCXX. 
 
 Regise Dig*" V*=^ 
 
 Paratissimus 
 
 28 August 1620. 
 Iir" Sig" mio Sig" sempre Oss"°. 
 
 II negozio della Valtellina, ua prendendo una riuscita assai lunga, per 
 quello che si uede fin' hora ; poiche nfe alii Spagli h riuscita cosl facile 
 come sperauanOj V impresa delV impadronirsi di d" Valle ; nh li Grigioni, 
 et li Suizeri, si sono mossi con quella celeritk, et forza che h necessaria 
 per ricuperare il suo, et mantenere il lore Dominio : dimodo che si ua 
 facendo qualche cosa dall' una parte, et dall' altro, ma non di molto in- 
 terresse. Li Spagli, p~ quanto ho notizia, non solo si mostrano crudelli 
 contra li protestanti di d" Valle, ma usano anche strettezza nel uiuere, 
 et in alcun' altra cosa, che sembra affetto della guerra, a quelli che sono 
 " di q** relligione : et q*° fanno, p ridurre in necessita que' popoli, di 
 " chiamare il Re Catolico p loro Sig", et come liberatore delle miserie che 
 " hora patiscono, uolendo in g*" modo, li Spagli fuggire quella malafama, 
 " di uoler occupare li stati altrui. L' Ambasc" del Re Catolico che e in 
 Roma, ha operate strettamente col Papa, pch^ uoglia fuenendo occa'" che 
 q*' Sig" s' interressino nella difesa della ValtellinaJ mandare una escomu- 
 nica, contra qHli che piglieranno le arme contra li catolici ; et una in- 
 
211 
 
 dulgenza a quelli che anderanno contra li nemici delta Chiesa. II Papa 
 del tutto non s' h dichiarato fbenche uenga d' alcuno scritto di si) ma p~ 
 quelle ch' io so, ha dato grande sodisfazione a d" Ambasciatore. In q'^ 
 tempo, il Gouer'* di Melano ha fatto due cose ; 1' una, ha mandate un 
 buon nerbo diMilizia alii confinidi q*' Sig" chesono dalla parte di Crema, 
 onde quelli di d° contado, tutti si sono ridotti nella CMtth ; et V altra, al 
 loro Residente ha fatto un ragionamento, che in ristretto uuole significare, 
 che quando la Rep"'' si mouerh p difesa delta Valtellina, egli portera la 
 guerra in q*" Stato. Questi Sig" hanno terminato di porre un' esercito in 
 campagna ; et p" cib con ogni diligenza, fanno rasegna de' tutti li loro 
 sudditi che sono sottoposti alV andar alia guerra, sotto q*" nome di cernide : 
 et prendono notizia di tutte le biade, et fieni che sono in q*' parti p" uso 
 deUa caualleria. Ma sara necessario, che se uorano far un buon' esercito, 
 clT si uaglino di piu milizia forastiera, di quella cW hanno. L' Armata 
 Turchesca che era (come ho scritto) alia Vallona, ha fatto un sbarco impro- 
 uiso, net territorio di Manfredonia, citta delta Puglia, cK ha le riuiere net 
 Golfo ; et ha abruciato molte paese, con morte, et prigionia di molte per- 
 sone ; hauendo uoluto li Turchi in cotal modo uendicarsi, di quello cK gia 
 fece r Armata Spagla in quel loro luoco, detto Castelto Tornese. Et p~chfe 
 r Armata Venesa, et la Turchesca trattomo amicheuolmente, et questa 
 hora s' e ritirata a Zara, mi uiene certificato cJi I' Amb" Spaglo ha detto, 
 che li Ven"' deuono esser d" accordo co Turchi. Alcuni di que' Vscocchi 
 che sono uenuti a seruire g*' Sig"* (come scrissi) sono faggiti, et andati 
 a seruire a Melano. Et p~ fine a V. S. Ill"* bacio riuerentemente le mani. 
 Di Ven=' h 28 Agosto 1620. 
 
 Di V. S. Ill"" 
 
 Vs" Hum""' et Vbb"° 
 
 Gregobio de Monti. 
 
212 
 
 4 7ber. 1620. 
 
 Ill"" Sig" mio Sig'= sempre Oss"" * 
 
 L' Armata Turchesca, oltre quelle che ho scritto per le passate, k en- 
 trato in Manfredonia (hauendole quel Gouer" portato le chiaui, percM non 
 la poteua difendere) V ha abrugiato, et fatto tutto quel peggio che ha 
 potuto, et poscia s' h ritirato, conducendo seco 500 anime christiane. 
 Scriuono di Roma, che '1 Papa, si sia grauemente doluto con 1' Ambase" 
 di q** Sig^ ; U quale ha risposto, esser questa una inuasione fatta da 
 Turchi, senza saputa deUa Rep"* ; ma tale risposta non ha data sodisfa- 
 zione. Questi Sig^ hanno pensiero di fare un Forte in Valcamonica, 
 passo che ua nella Valtellina ; dicendosi, che con la sicurezza di d° Forte, 
 hauranno li Suizeri poco ostacolo, per uenire in q*' Stati. Questo Am- 
 basc" di Spagna, 1' altrieri fti in CoUegio, et con acconcie maniere s' d 
 doluto, che la Rep" uada ponendo in Campagna nelli confini, tante gente 
 che quasi riesce un' esercito formato essendo la mente del Re suo Sig^' 
 ottima uerso la Rep", di che ella pub restame sicuriss""', et che quanto d 
 stato fatto nella Valtelhna, il tutto ^ stato per causa della Religione, et 
 che fra poco si riduranno le cose nello Stato primiero. Le risposte in 
 generale, sono state con molto senso, et con grande brauura, ma le parole 
 particolari, non ho potuto saperle. Alcuni Grigioni che sono 600 sparsi 
 p" questo stato, si sono ridotti insieme, et dopo hauere tra loro terminato 
 di far qualche cosa per difesa della Valtellina, sono ricorsi qui al Principe, 
 et domandato aiuto : hanno ottenuto promesse di arme, et danari ; il che 
 saputo dair Ambasc" di Spagna, egli ha di subito datane notizia al Go- 
 uer" di Melano ; il che maggiormente scuopre T interresse particolare che 
 hanno li Spagli in cotale impresa la quale fin' hora, p~ quanto s' intende, 
 hanno del tutto esequito hauendosene fatti patroni di d" Valle : perb 
 alcuni Suizeri che sono calati, in una scaramuda, n' hanno uccisi da 400 
 in circa. 
 
 * Indorsed, " 4 Septembre 1620. Gregorio de Monti to me by Questo"." 
 
213 
 
 Con lettere di mare, si tiene auiso, che 1' Armata Turchesca partita di 
 Manfredonia, sia smontata in un certo luoco, comperato gia dal s™ Ottauio 
 serra Geneouese, uicino a Brindici, et che habbia d'bruggiato -p 8 miglia 
 di paese. Con q** occa"' si dice, che a NapoU uogliono far armata in 
 mare ; il cK necessitera la Rep" di fare lo stesso. Ma io mi psuado, 
 che Sua Maesth, sia piu particolarmente raguagliata. Qui s' h diuolgato 
 in alcuni Mercanti, che Sua Maesta, il Ser"^ Principe, sieno per grazia 
 del s" Iddio, liberati da una grauissT" congiura. Se cosi e, ancor io come 
 diuott"" Ser'* ne rendo grazie alia Diuina Maestk, et me ne rallegro con 
 ogni piii uiuo affetto di core. Et a V. S. Ill"* per fine bacio riuerentem" 
 le mani. 
 
 Di Ven* li 4 7bre, 1620. 
 
 Di V. S. IU"» 
 
 Vs" Hum™" et Vbb'"° 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 To his Most Sacred Maiestie. 
 
 From Vienna the 
 
 VII of September 1620. 
 
 Style of England. 
 
 May it please my Most Gratious Soueraigne.* 
 
 If youre Maiestie since my last accompt from Augusta, of what I had 
 handled w*h the Dukes of Loraigne and Wirtemberg, w*h the Arch 
 Duke Leopold, and w*h the Communities of Strasburg and Vlme, shal 
 
 * Indorsed, " 7'" Septemb' 1620. Sir Henry Wotton to his Ma'"." 
 
214 
 
 haue expected to heare before now, what I doe in this place, the obliga- 
 tion of youre owne bounties and goodenesse towards me besides the 
 conscience of my chardge and dutie, male in the meane while haue 
 assured youre Maiestie, that no diligence or fidelitie on my part hath 
 beene wanting in the persuite of youre commaundes and Christian ends, 
 as I hope shall appeare by this dispatch. Wherein first it male please 
 youre Ma*** to vnderstande that I haue beene 12 dales alreadie in 
 Vienna, after I had beene foure whole dales staled by the Emperour at 
 Closter Neuburg on the Danubie, not aboue a dutch myle or litle more 
 from this Towne, whilest a howse and all other thiages were preparing 
 for my reception, w^h course was likewise held w*h the French Ambas- 
 sadors in the same measure, during w^h time of my staie, the Emperour 
 sent me some prouisions, and w*hal the young Baron of Harach to con- 
 duct me hither and here continually to assist mee for procurement of my 
 Audiences or anie other coueniences, being a Gentleman of the Empe- 
 rours Bed-chamber, twise heretofore imployed in foraigne Ambassadges, 
 Sonne in law to the Baron of Echemberg the Emperours Fauourite, and 
 Sonne to the next of His Coimsaylours in grace and Credite. So as 
 thoughe the young Baron of Mersberg Captaine of his Guard was sent 
 to the French, yet I conceaue in the choice of this other Gentleman, at 
 least an equaJitie of respect towardes youre Maiestie. Within an howre 
 after mine arriual here. He sent to bid me welcome the Count of 
 Mecaw heretofore Lord Chamberlaine to the Emperour Matthias, and a 
 Counsaylour to this in tertijs quartisue. Here I am placed nere the 
 Court, in the howse of the Baron di Gabriana, w*h rich furniture, and 
 good attendance, and hitherto, at the Emperours Chardge, w°h w*hin a 
 while must cease, of w^h I haue giuen the reason in my letter to M"^. 
 Secretarie Naunton : In the meane time I must professe vnto youre 
 Ma*** that no circumstance of due regard, to the honour of youre name 
 hath beene here omitted, and all done w*h vnexpected freedome. Inso- 
 much as to accompanie mee at my table are sent and admitted Gentle- 
 men of both Religions, and of the best degree, w°h in the meaner 
 Courtes of Germanic I haue noted to passe w*h more restrainte. Thus 
 
215 
 
 much touching my reception w^h is the formal part. Now, before I 
 passe to the material ; It is a piece of my dutie to tell y" M"' what dis- 
 cordes Ifinde here amongst thepublique Instruments, w°h seeme somewhat 
 considerable. The French Ambassad" haue beene here about seauen 
 weekes, and to this howre are vnuisited by the Spanish, Cthoughe close 
 adioyning themj vpon a meager punctualitie. For thus it standeth ; The 
 French arriued on the Mondaie at nighte. The Spaniard sent immedi- 
 ately to welcome them his Secretarie ex formd. They haue Audience 
 the Wednesdaie morning following. That passed. The Conte d' Oniate 
 demaundes leaue to visite them in the afternoone. They desire to be ex- 
 cused being a daie of ordinarie Dispatche. The excuse is accepted, but 
 because they did not afterwardes w*hout a second demaunde sende him 
 word when they would be at leysure, Incrassatus est sanguis on the 
 Spanish side. A much deeper and incurable distast is fain' out betweene 
 the French and the Extraordinarie Ambassad" of Parma ; who after the 
 French had sent first vnto him, Co^ they saie thoughe he denies itj before 
 the Spaniarde, did yet visite the Spaniarde before them, belike according 
 to the methode of his deuotion, or of proximitie to his Master, or of 
 authoritie in this Court. Howsoeuer, herevpon the Duke d' Angolesme 
 assignes the said Ambassad*" a daie to visite him, and when he came alia 
 buona, he shutt his gate vpon him ; w°h is here generally the worse inter- 
 preted, because he is^ a By shop seeming an affront to both his qualifications. 
 In such a touchie t)rme as this, I had almost had my share ; to whome 
 after the three French Ambassad" had sent theire three Secretaries, for 
 preuention of the Spaniard asfarre as Closter Neuburg where I made my 
 stopp, they were likewise the first here that sent to visite mee, but 
 came all three together, and w*h them M'. de Beaugaie the Ordinarie 
 Agent, wherevpon fell a litle disputation betweene vs ; whether visites of 
 respect betweene Representantes of equall T^ytle being receiued in spetie, 
 shoulde be repaid in Indiuiduo, w'^h seemed vnto me no good comple- 
 mental Logique but finding afterwardes, first, that theire Commissions 
 were the same, then that the Emperour had sent to theire seueral lodgings, 
 and the Popes Nuntio thoughe visited in grosse had reuisited them a part 
 
216 
 
 I made an ende of this scruple yet not before a promise ; That if youre 
 Ma*** shal send more Ambassadours hither, they will proceede a la pareille 
 w'h them; hauing gained thus much by this smal debate, that per- 
 chaunce they thincke me neither ouerpunctual nor altogether supine. I 
 haue likewise receiued and rendred to the Spanish Ambassadour, all dMe 
 formalities, and from all other Ambassad'" and Agents except the Popes 
 and the Duke of Parmaes, whose habits make vs incommiscible. Of the 
 rest I neede not speake, but of the French and Spanish I will presume 
 to spend my opinion, as farre as maie conduce to the maine. I finde 
 the French surely of good intention towardes a Peace here, but not hastie 
 either to beleeue or to wish, that the Crownes of Hungarie or Bohemia 
 were Hereditarie. Here, at theire first comming, they had more Credite 
 (as I receiue fi-om a good hand) then they seeme to haue now, w"h is 
 thoughte to proceede from the Spanish Ambassad' who in this Court is 
 not onely the supreme Counsaylour but hath intruth, Dictatoriam po- 
 testatem, as the French themselues confesse, the reason being not verie 
 obscure, for when I haue putt in the maior; That the Emperours 
 resolutions depend vpon his necessities, and in the minor; That his 
 necessities depend vpon Spaine, I thincke I maie spare the conclusion. 
 Thus stand the publique Ministers here, aud thus they stand one w*h an 
 other, w^h I thoughte fitt to sett downe, because it hath some influence 
 into the generall businesse. Now to proceede to the scope of my im- 
 ployment in matter of substance. 
 
 I had Audience w*h the Emperour fas the FrenchJ the second daie 
 after my arriual, where what I said, will best appeare vnto youre Ma"* 
 out of the Memorial, which I after sent him, at his owne requisition ; 
 here following word for word, as I haue translated it out of the Italian, 
 in w'h language the Emperour treateth most willingly. 
 
 The Proposition of Henrie Wotton Knighte: Ambassad"" 
 Extraordinarie from His M"* of Greate Britanie dehuered in 
 the name of his Soueraigne Lord the King w'h all Real inten- 
 tion to His Sacred Imperial Ma*'* the 23*'' of August, sty. vet : 
 did containe foure Poincts : 
 
217 
 
 1. First, that His Imperial Ma"° would be pleased to make knowne 
 
 His inclination, towards a sincere Treatie, vpon the present 
 motions. 
 
 2. Secondly, that it will please him by one or two or more of His Dep- 
 
 uties, to informe the said Ambassad" of all fundamentall argu- 
 ments in the merite of the cause, w'h shalbe most faythfully re- 
 presented by Him to the King his Master. 
 
 3. Thirdly, either His Imperial Ma"° wiU refuse, or not, to enter into 
 
 Treatie : In the first case. It were vaine for the Representants of 
 Princes of good Intention, to spend any farther the reputation of 
 theire Masters. In the Second case. His Ma*'^ of Greate Britanie 
 doth thincke it most conuenient, that both the parties together w*h 
 the Confederates be contented to condescend to a Cessation of armes 
 for some competent tyme, least whiles the reconcilement is in 
 Treatie, the Passions be more exasperated. 
 
 4. Fourthly, that for the furthering of thease good Intentions, His 
 
 Imperial Ma"° would be pleased to free the passadge of Curriers 
 from Vienna to Prage, w'h shalbe procured likewise, on the other 
 side : 
 Besides thease substantial poinctes. The said Ambassad' did touch 
 three considerations about the Person of His Soueraigne Lord the 
 King, w'h. did render him w*h His Imperial Ma**' worthie of indu- 
 bitable Credite, althoughe Interessed by so straighte bandes in the 
 contrarie side. 
 
 1. First, His Ma*''" clearnesse, in the beginning of thease motions. 
 2^^. His Neutralitie in the progresse thereof. 
 S''^. His Equitie at the present. 
 Touching the first poinct. The Ambassad' declared in His Ma"°^ 
 name, w'h highe and holie affirmations, that He had had in the Election 
 of His Sonne in law to the Crowne of Bohemia no participation of 
 counsayle, or precedent knowledge, w^h His Ma"' did not onely affirme 
 for himself e, but as indubitably in the person of His sayed Sonne in law, 
 that He had no waie forepractised the said Election; 
 
 F F 
 
218 
 
 For the second poinct of Neutralitie. The Ambassadour said, That 
 His Ma"^ had not yet giuen the Tytle of the King to His Sonne in law 
 or of Queene to His Daughter, in anie letter either publique or priuate. 
 Nor hitherto permitted the same Tytle in anie Sermons w'hin His 
 Kingdome. 
 
 As for the third poinct of Equitie, The Ambassadour showed most 
 euidently the greate moderation and Equanimitie of the King His Master, 
 In not hauing setled anie firme iudgement touching the merite of the 
 Cause vpon information from that side, wherein His Ma*'* is most in- 
 teressed, w'hout first requiring farther knowledge from the Emperour 
 Himself e by an expresse Minister : 
 
 This was the memorial of my Proposition. Fowre daies after, The 
 Emperour sends mee worde, that His Answere was readie, giuing me 
 my choice, whither I would receaue it from Himself e, or from the Baron 
 of Echemburg, His principal Confident, and whither verbally, or in 
 writing, or both. 
 
 In this gratious option, I tooke hold of the writing, because scripta 
 manent, and wished I might receiue it from the Baron, w*hout the 
 Emperours farther trouble, till from it mighte rise some new occasion : 
 To the Baron I was called two daies after this, whome I founde infirmer 
 of his feete, then of his head, for in truthe, he is a Gentleman of stronge 
 conceite, and faire deliuerie, thoughe as most of the Court besides, 
 tainted w'h the Jesuite: From him, I receiued, (after manic thanckes /or 
 the honour, that youre M''^ had done His Master, and vehemant Protes- 
 tation, of intire confidence in youre Christian Intentions at the present, 
 and in youre former clearenesse) the paper that cometh herew*h indorsed 
 Contenta Resolutionis CcBsarecB data Dno legato Serens""' Regis Magna 
 Britanics : 
 
 In dilatation whereof, the Baron seeming much to insist vpon those, 
 to whome the Emperour had formerly beene contented, to remitt the 
 businesse ; as first, to foure Interpositores, whereof, the Count Palatine 
 Himself e was one. Then to the whole Electoral Colledge, euen after 
 sufficient offence to distaste him from the Bohemians, who would haue 
 
219 
 
 hindered His Election at Francofurt. I sale by thease recapitulations, 
 perchaunce silently inferring that the German Princes were the properest 
 Interuenients. I was moued to tell him, that I knewe youre Ma''^ in this 
 case, was more ambitious of the good, then of the glorie, and if youre 
 worthier seruantes at Prage, and I here cooperating w*h the French, 
 could prepare the matter, as it were in chilo, for a fuller concoction 
 hereafter, by more handes, we should thincke oure-selues verie happie, 
 with w"^h replie he seemed extreamely pleased : 
 
 To the third poinct, about a Cessation, he spake somewhat more glo- 
 riously then we here see, cause that thinges were now too farre runne 
 on. The Emperours preparations being made, and his frends in motion, 
 wherein he gaue a touch, (thoughe more then I thincke he could then 
 saie) vpon Saxonie. He added Hkewise that no doubt the Count Palatine 
 was as forward w*h His powers and Confederates, naming Bethlem Oabor, 
 and perchaunce ("said hej by his meanes the Tarcke : I replyed as I had 
 done before to the Emperour himselfe, that the euent of armes was 
 vncertaine, and pittyfull to conceiue what desperation might breede, but 
 " in the meane tjone I had heard wise men of opinion, that the Count 
 " Palatine had done the Emperour no diseruice in accepting the Crowne 
 " of Bohemia, laid vpon him by those, w'h peraduenture mighte otherwise 
 " haue planted a worse neighbour by thease Prouinces ; To w°h, neither 
 the Emperour when I said it, nor himselfe now replyed anie thinge, 
 and vpon my conscience so they thincke: 
 
 To the last, about freing the Passadge, He vnderstoode me too largely, 
 as if I had meant the restablishing of a current Post, w'h round about this 
 place is euerie where broken, but He graunted His safe conduct vpon 
 occasion as farre as he is able, thoughe ed conditione fas Youre Maiestie 
 sees in his written AnswereJ Vt non alias quam dicti Dni Legati 
 literas deferant : The onely poinct of iealousie that I haue yet noted 
 since my coming : 
 
 To the second, w"h I make the last, (because I haue most to saie 
 vpon it.) He told mee that the Emperour would send to my lodging 
 some Persons of dignitie and knowledge to informe me in the cause, as 
 
220 
 
 He did the dale after. Namely, The Baron Pople, greate Chauncelour 
 of Bohemia. The Baron of Straulendorff, Vice president of the Aulical 
 Councel. Der Her von Nostitz. Consiliarius aulicus: The first by 
 nation a Bohemian. The other two Germanes, of whose Persons I shal 
 afterwardes informe youre Ma"° but first of theire errand, dehuered by 
 the greate Chauncelor : It consisted for the most part of thinges I knowe 
 not how often published alreadie, w^h I shal the lesse neede to repeate, 
 because youre Ma**' receiueth herew*h, the substance thereof, vnder the 
 Tytle of Fundamenta et Constitutionibus et priuilegys 8fc ; consigned 
 vnto me by the said Deputies and likewise the same againe, more 
 clearely set downe, and more artificially pressed by a new Author as yet 
 vnknowne ; w°h booke The Emperour himselfe sent mee a daie after this 
 Conference to be conueied vnto youre Maiestie Two thinges they vrged 
 wTi much vehemencie ; 
 
 1 . A. The first, certaine letters both from the Bohemian Directores and 
 
 w°h is more from all the states of the lande w'h attendant Seales, 
 wherein they call this Emperour, Theire King ffteene moneths 
 after they had chosen him, and yet, said the Chancelour, hauing 
 spoken nothing in all that time, they afterwardes pretended, the 
 Election was noughte. 
 B. They showed likewise, an original letter from the Count Palatine 
 himselfe. Dated at Heidleberg 23° Aprilis 1619 tempore vicariatus, 
 to the now Emperour as King of Bohemia, both in the subscrip- 
 tion and superscription : 
 
 2. The second vrged point was, that neither the Silesians nor the 
 
 Morauians w'h concurred in the Election of the Count Palatine : 
 had anie power to doe it at that time, but that it was approued at 
 theire retourne home, ex post facto. 
 Lastly, all obiections made against Ferdinando in poinct of Regiment 
 or Intrusion during the life of the Emperour Matthias, they are contented 
 for ought I see to bestowe vpon Matthias himselfe. This is. The sub- 
 stance of a long Conference beawtifully interlarded w'h diuers praises 
 of the Emperours good Nature w^h / thincke truly are due vnto him, if 
 
221 
 
 he be considered in his owne ingenuitie, but thease Orators could giue it 
 no Credite ; being as I heare, the greatest inflamers of the whole busi* 
 nesse, and principally the Principallest of them : A man saued at the 
 time of the defenestration, diim regnabat rosa, onely by being here. This 
 is a faythfuU relation of all that hath hitherto passed, betweene the 
 Emperour or his seruauntes, and me, in this place, Wherein youre 
 Maiestie sees, that I haue obtained two thinges ; 
 
 1 . First, a freedome to treate, (2) and next a freedome to send : 
 
 Wherevpon, the French Ambassad" and my selfe, haue this verie 
 daie concluded, to send ioyntly to Prage : for there we must beginne, 
 euen in poind of ciuilitie. This is but an exploratorie and pretentatiue 
 purpose betweene vs, aboute the forme whereof, and the matter, 
 we shall consult together to morrow, and youre Ma*'^ immediately 
 vpon the retourne of oure Messengers /rom thence, and some feeling of 
 the Emperour here, shal haue knowledge of all by an other expresse 
 Currier : 
 
 Now hauing deliuqred all the matter of negotiation, there remaineth 
 onely matter of discourse and Intelligence. Youre Ma*'^ I suppose hath 
 heard, that Bethlem Gabor is elected King of Hungarie (for so he was, 
 before I came hitherj vpon XIX conditions, whereof I send an Abstract 
 herew'h, but he maketh no hast, for oughte wee yet see, to be crowned. 
 Wh hath bred a conceite that he standeth harckening, after the successe 
 of thinges in Bohemia; Alwaies true it is, that the Emperour either 
 thincking him in some fluctuation, or willing to gaine a little tyme, did 
 this last weeke send backe againe towardes Him, the same Ambassad" 
 whome He sent, before w*h Protestation, to the Dyete of Newsol, namely 
 the Conte di Colalto an Italian, and Teuffel, an Austrian Baron, but the 
 said Ambassad'^ retoumed hither yesterdaie againe, and would passe no 
 further then Hainburg on the Danubie, the last Towne of Austria, vpon 
 what reason I can not yet penetrate. In this meane while, fresh and 
 certaine newes is come, that He hath taken Nitria in vpper Hungarie ; 
 The third place of strength, that remained out of His handes next Rabe 
 and Comar. He hath hkewise built a bridge at Presburg, and is putting 
 
222 
 
 ouer men to the Austrian side, * who w*h the nearest Souldiers that He 
 can scumble together is to make head against the Hungarian Impressions. 
 To this Bethlem, while He was at Neusol ; The French Amhassad'^ 
 deputed a Gentleman, who drewe from him a promise euen in writing 
 that He would assemble some principall Personages of all orders of that 
 Kingdome, and hearken to a Treatie, but in the meane while vnder 
 hande, he made waiefor his owne Election, by w'h we see that he is occa- 
 sionis filius. Within some eight dales will appeare a cleare iudgment of 
 Him, for the Marquis Spinola marcheth a pace as we saie here towardes 
 Bohemia, and if Bethlem do not assist them, either by competent succour 
 thoroughe Morauia, or by some strong diuersion on this side, I shall for 
 my part saie, that the 100000 florenes w^h Mon' de Plessen broughte 
 him a while since out of Bohemia, fat w'h there is no smal clamour in 
 this CourtJ were ill bestowed : The Duke of Bauaria w*h the Alsatian 
 Troupes, and some litle addition from hence hath regained certaine 
 inconsiderable places, w^h the Bohemians held in the lower Austria, 
 betweene whome, as Lieuftenaunt General of the lAga, (opposed in 
 vulgar language to the Vnion) and the Count de Bucquoij as generall 
 vnder the Emperour ; is some competition, A wonder it is, to see him so 
 deepe in this Action, to w'h some thincke there hath gone more to drawe 
 him, then either Allyance or the cause. In plaine language, that He 
 hopes for the Electourship to be translated to His Line or at least to 
 haue the Marquisate of Burgaw pro hypothecd for his chardges that lyes 
 fitly for him : Whatsoeuer the bargaine bee, I thincke surely, that by 
 this time, he is not fonde of warre. For the young Mon' de Vaude- 
 mont, (that led the Alsatian and Loraigne Troupes, and being now 
 recalled by his Father, is come hither to take leaue of the EmperourJ 
 reports that some 6 or 7 thousand of the Bauarian Souldiers, be either 
 sicke or deade ; And if he will passe throughe into Bohemia, he must 
 either conquer or starue : The Imperialists compute theire present 
 strength at some 36000 in horse and foote betweene the Duke of 
 
 * In the margin is written, " w'h hath made the Emperour recall Tampier from the 
 armie." 
 
223 
 
 Bauaria, Bucquoij, and Marradas ; besides the assurance of Spinola, 
 and hope of Saxonie. The Bohemian actually in it selfe, doth surely at 
 the present not exceede 22000 : but maie quickly be much more and, 
 haue two greate aduantages. Straightnesse of accesse, and the winter 
 at hand. This is all that occurreth at the present. Long and peace- 
 full be y' Maiesties dayes, and youre servants faythfulh of which the 
 vnderwritten is one though the vnworthiest. 
 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
 To his most Sacred Majestie. 
 
 Vienna 7'^ of 
 September 1620. 
 Stile of England. 
 
 Maie it please youre Most Sacred Maiestie. 
 
 When I had ended the letter^ wherein this cometh to youre ,Ma*'^ 
 The French Ambassadou" Duke d' Angolesme, Mon' de Bethunes, and 
 Mon"^ de Preaux came to visite mee. At this conference we io)mtly 
 agreed upon a dispatch to Prage, addressed to f Ma''"' Extraordinary 
 Ambassad""' in case of theire being there, or otherwise to /S' Frauncis 
 Nethersole youre Agent, (because the French haue none in Bohemia, at 
 the present, that doth beare anie qualijicationj but sent by a Gentleman 
 of mine, and another of theires to signifie oure coniunction, and by vs, the 
 coniunction of oure Masters, in the same good ende, w'h we openly 
 professe here to others, and w*h mach. fraternitie betweene oure selues. 
 
 The whole intent, youre Ma*'° wiU see in the inclosed Copie of my 
 * Indorsed, " 7*^ Sept' 1620. S' H. Wotton to his Ma"%" 
 
225 
 
 letter to youre owne seruauntes, w'^h I humbly submit vnto youre Highe 
 wisedome. For of oureselues we can but hearken, what is fitt to pro- 
 pound. It is not oure partes to iudge what oure Soueraigne Master 
 will alter, or the Emperour and the Bohemians accepte. This onely I 
 dare aflfirme (w'h youre Ma"'^ pardon of my presumption) that by the 
 next dispatche w°h I shal sende youre Ma*'^ immediately after the 
 retoume of those, w^h the French Ambassad" and my self haue now 
 sent to Bohemia, I will probably represent vnto your wisedome, what 
 tyme and chardge and importunitie maie be farther spent vpon this busi- 
 nesse ; w^h when y"^° Ma*'° shalbe pleased to consider in the Inclosed, 
 what hathe beene written to youre Instruments on that side, mil not be 
 hard to assume ; For there is intruthe, but one maine knott in the whole 
 businesse ; namely, the poind of succession : w°h if youre seruantes from 
 Prage, shal signife to be insuperable there or we finde it so here : y" Ma"° 
 maie dispose of vs at youre pleasure for we shalbe in the places wheare we 
 are inutiles serui. This is therefore the poinct that we searche in oure 
 conioyned Messadge to Prage ; of w'^h I haue no more to sale vnto youre 
 Ma**^ at the present. 
 
 It maie please youre Ma*'° now for an end of youre trouble by his 
 Currier, to be informed, that this verie morning. The Emperour hath 
 sent one of His Secretaries vnto me, w*h the inclosed paper, indorsed 
 Extractus ex Uteris Oratoris Ceesarei etc w"h he seems desirous to com- 
 municate w*h all Christian Princes, to what ende youre Ma"'^ wisedome 
 will better iudge, then I can suggest. Onely, me thoughte, by the 
 deliuerie, there was as much desire in the Emperour, to lett y" Ma**" and 
 other Princes knowe that the King of Spaine is engaged in his defence 
 as to expresse the reason. And so aga3Tie with my prayers to Almightie 
 God for y^ M'''^ long and peaceful dayes : I rest 
 
 Youre Maiesties long 
 
 devoted servant, and 
 obhged Vasal. 
 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
225 
 
 11° 7'"'" 1620. 
 
 Ill""' Sig" mio S" sempre Oss"". 
 
 Viene confirmata la ricuperazione d" alcuni luochi nella Valtellina, 
 fatta da Grigioni ; et la ucisione de Spagli, come scrissi nelle passate. 
 Per quanto son' informato, q** Sig" hanno oppenione, che q** negozi della 
 Valtellina piglierano buona piega ; con tutto ci^ non mancano delle debite 
 prouigioni che sono necessarie ad urC esercito formato, et faranno quanto 
 prima Proued" Generate, Comissario, et altri carichi conueneuoli. Le 
 Galere Spagnole in n° di 22 sono a Otranto, che e alia bocca del Golfo ; 
 con qual fine non si sa, essendo T Armata Turchesca partita. Lunedi 
 mattina, fu posto prigione uno di q** Nobili nominato Gio. Bat" Bragadino, 
 per hauer prouigione da Spagli, riuelasse loro li Segreti del Senato ; nel 
 quale entraua, p esser della Quarantia Oriminale : essendo condotto al 
 tormento, egli confesso il suo dilitto, onde hieri mattina ^ stato impiccato 
 p la gola, et dopo esser morto, fu apeso p un piede come ribello. Vn 
 Spaglo nominato Francesco Zapata, U quale p 1' Ambasciator suo Sig'®, 
 sotto pretesto di non esser delli suoi praticaua contra la Republica, ond' 
 egli sodusse quelNobile di casa Minotto, condarmato come gia scrissi li 31 
 Luglio passato, fuggendo da q*" giustizia, che le uoleua far prigione, et 
 saluo dalV Ambasc'" suo, il quale lo teneua chiuso in una stanza come 
 prigione, dubitando che costui si risoluesse di palesare alia Rep"", per sal- 
 uarsi, quelle che contra lei si negoziaua (cosi hora dice il med"^ Zapata.) 
 Martedl mattina, improuisamew^e d° Zapata, dopo hauer con fuoco abru- 
 ciato le porte che lo teneuano rinchiuso, efuggito nudo dalV Ambasc"^ di 
 Francia, hauendo dietro lafamiglia Spafla, con arme per prenderlo, o 
 p" ucciderlo. L' Ambas" di Spagna, V ha dimandato ; ma q'llo di Francia 
 non ha uoluto darglielo. Questi Sig" negoziano con V Ambasc" Francese, 
 perch^ lo Spaglo non V habbia ; ne pero formalmente essi lo ricercano. 
 lo credo che q" Sig"' prometteranno al Zapata la sicurezza, et liberta 
 
 G G 
 
226 
 
 della sua uita, et forse premio, etche egli racconti quelle che sa : Et Y 
 
 Ambasciatore di Francia, p" non darlo nk alV uno, n^ alV altro, lo licenziera 
 
 di casa sua ; et cost potra essere che la Rep"" ottenga il sua fine. 
 
 Hieri di notte, h occorso un altro accidente grauiss""" a q*° S'° Ambasc" 
 
 di Spagna. Li Suoi Seruitori, alle cinque hore di notte, armati di pistole, 
 
 et terzaroli, sono andati uicino alia casa del s''" Ambasc''" di Francia, il fine 
 
 noil si sa in q'° tempo, hanno incontrati duefratelli che conduceuano le loro 
 
 moglie a casa, et sono uenuti con q*' alle mani : li Viniziani chiamando 
 
 aiuto, et gridando amaza, amaza li Spagli, il popolo «' d soleuato con 
 
 quelle ami, che daua la nouita delV accidente, et il maV animo contra 
 
 detta nazione .- Li Spagli hanno sparati le pistole, ma con poco effetto ; 
 
 di loro uno ^ restate morto, et li altri dalle Sassate maliss""' trattati, et 
 
 hanno p la paura lasciati dietro le pistole. Questa mattina q" Sig'' 
 
 hauutone nOtizia, hanno mandato un' Auogadore in quella contrada, a 
 
 formare processo di cotal fatto, wh altro fin' hora h occorso. Questo e che 
 
 p~ hora ho che scriuere a V. S. Ill"* alia buona grazia della quale io mi 
 
 raccomando, come suo parzialiss™" Ser". 
 
 Di Van" li xj. Settembre 1620. 
 Di V. S. lU"* 
 
 Vs" Hum™" et Ybb""" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 J go ybri, jg20, 
 
 111*"' Sig*^ mio S" sempre Oss""". 
 
 Questa mattina, h uenuta noua a q" Sig^, che h Grigioni, ch' erano 
 calati nella Valtellina, si sono ritirati, non hauendo potuto sostenersi ; 
 hauendola lasciata libera a Spag"li. Ma p'ch^ alcune uolte, le nuoue 
 
 * Indorsed, " 16 Settembre 1620. Gregorio de Monti to mee." 
 
227 
 
 tutte non riescono del tutto uere ; resta questa spera za in alcuni, che 
 questa possa essere una di quelle. Quest! Sig^ hanno hauuto la risposta 
 dal Re Christianiss'"'' in proposito della Valtellina, ma non in tutto con- 
 forme al low desiderio ; et p" cib la Med"'" sera spedirono di nouo corriere 
 in Francia. L' andata dell' Ambasc" ordinario in Spagna, che mandano 
 g" Sig^, k diferita, et si dice per ordine loro : il che pub essere, per non 
 uolere che q*" Amhasc" nouo, s' interressi nelli negozi graui che corrono, 
 incominciati da quello che risciede ; ouuero p" dubbio (secondo che corre 
 la uoce) che V Ambasc" di Spagna che e qui, sia p andarsene ; di che 
 tanto maggiormente s' accresce il sospetto, quanto che hauendolo q'' Sig" 
 chiamato alia audienza, egli s'^ scusato p indisposizione di non poter 
 andarui. II negozio di quel Zapata Spaglo che S ricouerato dal s" 
 Amhasc^' di Francia, come scrissi p le passate, e riuscito secondo la mia 
 intenzione, pchk essendogli conceduto perdono dalla Hep"" egli e uenuto 
 alia giustizia a negoziar seco ; cosa trattata con incomparabile segretezza. 
 II s" Antonio Donato cK era costh, in Francia ha fatto maliss""* ufici contra 
 la Rep'"'' ; ma qui uiene creduto, che do non potra fare alterazione neW 
 animo di quel Re. Alcuni credono, che il Cardinale Beuilacqua che e qui 
 incognito, sia p negozi ; ma fin' hora non se ne uede segno. Questi Sig" 
 p" ancora non hanno fatto Generale del Campo, ma si bene Proued" 
 della Caualaria Crouata, et Alhanese ; Comissario p li uiueri della solda- 
 tesca, Proueditore sopra le Fuste del Lago di Garda ; et altri carichi dati 
 a forastieri secondo V uso di guerra. Che sar^ quanto p" hora posso dire 
 a V. S. Ill""* alia quale bacio con ogni piii riuerente affetto le mani. 
 
 DiVenMiie 7bre]620. 
 
 Di V. s. iir» 
 
 Vs" Hum"" et Ybb"" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
228 
 
 From Vienna in 
 Austria the 20'" 
 of September 1620 
 stile of Englande. 
 
 Right Hon' 
 
 We * 
 
 In my dispatche by Henry Balaam, I gaue his Maiestie knowledge of 
 my reception and negotiation heere, as likewise that the Frenche Am- 
 bassad"^ and my selfe had sent a Gentleman of either nation ioyntly to 
 Prage : vpon whose retoume (whome we now beginne to expect) I 
 shalbe able to represent vnto His Ma"^ some reasonable coniecture, 
 what farther soUicitude and chardge male be ventured vpon this busi- 
 nesse. 
 
 In the meane whUe, It maie please His Ma**^ to knowe That yester- 
 Michaelmas-Daie in this style, was w'h vs heere Dies Criticus touching 
 Bethlem Gabor ; for then expired the Truce betweene the Emperour 
 and Him : During w°h, thoughe he were contented to spare Austria, 
 y e t i Hungaria he tooke some, and besieged other Townes of good valew, 
 as perhaps accompting that Kingdome (for there is nothing els to be 
 said) now no longer the Emperours, and consequently, extra Inducias ; 
 True it is indeede, that since the Diete of Newsole, He hath in all his 
 owne letters spent the Tytle of Electus Hungariee Rex, yet hitherto he 
 seemes to demurre vpon the Coronation. In w"h modestie if he per- 
 seauer a while longer : wee shall by all the Logique, that we haue 
 " heere, conclude ; That either he standes hearckening CUke a HareJ after 
 " the noise and successe of Bohemia. Or that he will not receaue that 
 " Crowne, till he hath gotten Comar and Fauatin w'h would giue him a 
 complete possession : 
 
 I am sorie to sale, that some, euen of those that otherwise will affect 
 him, beginne to imagine that he suspendes this Crowning for the Turckes 
 assent. Or that at least, as a poincte of good manners, he will giue 
 him some knowledge of his purpose before he proceede farther. Be the 
 
 * Indorsed, " S' Hen. Wotton to mee, by Queste' 14 October." 
 
229 
 
 reason of that, how it will : He is surely in his action forwarder, then in 
 his ambition. For it is more then a fortnighte that he hath built a 
 Bridge vpon boates at Presiurg, and more then a Seauenighte that he hath 
 hegunne to putt ouer his Troupes on the Austrian side, w^h (as we heare) 
 male be now betweene 8 and 1 0000, and daily increase. Diuers thincke, 
 that the Diuersion had beene of more effect, if he had fallen into Stiria, 
 yet the doubt, that thease new reconciled partes doe stande in (full yet 
 of rawe humours) hath caused the Emperour to seuer Dumpier from 
 Bucquoy (No hard matter, because they hate one another, most ex- 
 treamely) and besides some 3000 Foote and 1500 Horse dismembred 
 from the strengthe that was or mighte be in Bohemia : One of the two 
 Regiments w'h the Duke of Bauaria left behinde him aboute Idntz fto 
 bridle the vpper AustriaJ is drawen hither downe the Danubie. And now 
 we expect daily or rather nightly, some Hungarian alarmes, aboute 
 thease walles. Of what is done w*hin Bohemia, wee knowe nothing, 
 but that w^h the Emperour is contented wee shal knowe. For all 
 Passadges are stopped, and Messengers searched except such as goe by 
 special safe Conduct. 
 
 To the Duke of Bauaria, hath beene sent in hast the Baron of 
 Harach, the Emperours second Confident. Wherevpon there is heere 
 much roving at the Errand of so inward a Counsaylour, w'^h we shal 
 hardly hitt, till his retoume ; For to sale that He was sent onely to 
 compose the Difference betweene the said Duke and Bucquoy aboute 
 place. (The one being Liueftenant General of the League. The other 
 of the Emperour) were to slighte an imployment, thoughe that conceite 
 hath yet most Credite. 
 
 They tell vs, that the Duke of Saxonie hath beseiged Pultzen in 
 Lusatia. And some care hath beene spent heere to informe mee oblique 
 of that Electours discontentments, * wherew'h I shall acquainte His Ma*"^ 
 in my next express Dispatche. At the present I am grained to obserue 
 Emulation stronger then Religion : Heere they magnifie the doings of 
 
 * In the margin is written, •' The D. of Saxe his discontentm"." 
 
230 
 
 Spinola on the other side of the Rheine, where wee hope that the Princes 
 of the Vnion doe suffer him to picks bones, till the winter come vpon us : 
 
 At this time occurreth no more ; when oure Gentlemen retourne from 
 Prage, I shal giue His Ma''^ a full accompt of this Court : 
 
 In the meane while I am desirous by youre Honour, to propounde 
 two thinges prouisionally vnto his Highe-wisedome. The first, whether 
 
 1. it will please him, to send me Credential lettres, to treats w'h 
 
 Bethlem Gabor vpon occasion, as the French haue. Not as to 
 an Elected King of Hungarie, (for so he was not, either at mine 
 or theire coming oute) but as Transyluanies Principi, et Hunga- 
 
 2. ricarum Partium Domino and The other, whither His Ma*''' shal 
 thincke it fitt, if the Marquis Spinola stale longer in the vpper 
 Palatinate to suffer mee, to staie heere w'hout expostulation of that 
 Intrusion, being meerely separated from the cause of Bohsmia, 
 as I haus begunne outs of a general lights of His Ma*''^ Instruc- 
 tions to informs them heers. And so I committ youre Honour to 
 Gods blessed loue the Author of oure owne tranquUlitie. 
 
 Youre Honors to serve 
 you, 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
 25 7bris 1620. 
 
 ir" Sig'" mio Sig'" sempre Oss"" * 
 
 La Valtsllina, non ^ del tutto nslle mani ds" Spafli, per ancora si 
 
 * Indorsed, " 25° 7"'" 1620. De Monti to me. La Valtelina. L~re del Re di Spagna. 
 II Papa. L' Ambasciatore di Spagna. Le baUe. M. y° Venet" Amb'° desired to know if 
 y' King had spoken to -f Spa : Amb" touching y' Valtelina, and his answere. S' H. 
 Wottons dispatch." In the margin is 'written, opposite the mention of the name or circum- 
 stance, " Bormo. Tra del Re di Spagna. II Papa. L' Am" di Spagna del Re if ro Sig- 
 nore. BaUe." 
 
231 
 
 mantiene un luoco detto Bormo, che e passo importantiss'"", et uicino a 
 Vdlcamonica terra della Republica. Et s' ha qualche notizia, che detto 
 passo sia sostenuto, et difeso da questi 8ig". II Gouematore di Melano, 
 si troua in angustia, uedendo che in detta impresa, egli troua piu contrasto 
 di quello che si pensaua ; oltre che le lett^ del Re suo Sig" in questo pro- 
 
 1. posito, dicono due cose, le quali, non si crede ch' egli potr^ ese- 
 quire ; V una, cK egli si guardi di non porre una guerra in Italia ; et 
 
 2. V altra, che sia salua la riputazione del Re. Egli perb ha dato ordine, 
 che sia fatta prouigione d' un gran numero di caualli, dicendo di uoler 
 uenir in persona in Campagna ; et uuole far leuata di tre terzi d' 
 
 Jnfanteria, uno di Trentini; una di Suizeri: et uno di Napoletani. 
 " II Papa, in q'* occasione, si lascia intendere con li Principi jtali- 
 " ani, ch' essi aprano gli occhi, p chb il Re Catolico cammina alia 
 " Monarchia d" Italia ; che egli non manchera di segreta assistenza, 
 " et d" aiuto ; ma che non pub dichiararsi, acciocJi non si dica, che 
 " egli tiene in fauore de' protestanti, contra catolici: tnttaxiia, non 
 " manca di dare huone parole all Ambasc^^ Spaglo. Questi Sig" 
 " aspettano con grandiss"^ desiderio, noua risposta dal Re Christian- 
 iss'"°, et r altieri hanno fatto a d" Corona un' Amhasc''' estraordi- 
 nario. Ogn' uno cola uolge gli occhi, come all' unico aiuto, p" la ri- 
 cuperazione di d" Valle ; tuttoch^ si dica p" cosa certa, che 1' Am- 
 basc" Francese, habbia hauuto parte nella d" sorpresa fatta da Bpagli. 
 " Questo Ambasc"^" di Spagna cK qui risciede, ha diuolgato tener 
 " auiso di costa, come Sua Maesta ha dichiarito che si debba anteporre 
 " li Ministri Spagli, alii Francesi : Questi Ministri de' Principi che 
 davano fatica a crederlo, mi hanno ricercato se do sia uero. II Car- 
 dinale Beuilacqua ha negoziato con q*' Sig" p" suoi interressi priuati, 
 uolendo egli porre al seru° della Rep""" un suo Nepote. Qui, ui e una 
 grande confusione tra Nobili, essendosi scoperto che molti di loro, 
 p" hauer gli honori, et carichi che dispensa il maggior Cons", in uece 
 d' una bulla, ne poneuano, et nefaceuano porre le mani piene ne' bos- 
 soli : et p cib alcuni Nobili poueri haueuano danari dalli ricchi : 
 onde la giust" procede con molto rigorre ; due ne sono prigioni fin' 
 
232 
 
 hora, et molti sono stati chiamati a douer comparire p" iscolparsene. 
 Col qual fine a V. S. Ill"* bacio con ogni riuerente affetto le mani, 
 supplicandola ad hauer memoria di me, come d' un suo diuott""" 
 
 Ser". Di Ven* li 25 7bre 1620. 
 
 Di V. S. lU-"* 
 
 Vs« Hum"" et Vbb"° 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 To the Rights Hon"' S'' Robert Naunton Knighte. His Ma^'' Principal 
 Secretarie of Estate. At Court. 
 
 Vienna the 27 of 
 September 1620. 
 stilo veteri. 
 
 Right Honorable.* 
 
 Heere are but few novelties this weeke : Only we haue been alarmed 
 by diverse incursions of the Hungarians in the neerer Villages with some 
 harme but more iudignitie. At last I perceaue some preparations in 
 hande of such nature as should argue some plott vppon Presbourge : 
 For they haue provided good Petardes, and many granates of wildefyre, 
 and the most daring Gentlemen even such as otherwise haue chardge 
 heere are going hense to Tampier (who lyeth neere that place) no doubt 
 vppon secret intimation fro the Emperour of some assault. But I can not 
 thincke that Bethelem Gabor will leaue so principal a peece without very 
 strong and vigilant Garde : In the meane while the Frenche Ambassa- 
 dours (who at the Diete of Neusole drewe some promise fro him (as 
 hath been written) of entring into a Treatie) haue heere newly been 
 
 * Indorsed, " 27 of September, 1620. S' Henry Wotton to mee, by Queste' 18" Octob." 
 
233 
 
 dealt w'hall to revive that motion, and accordingly having sent a Trompet 
 
 unto him to procure secure accesse for some person of credit : he hath 
 
 retoumed agayne vnto them theire sayed Trompet, and two Hungarians 
 
 in his Compagnie to assure the persons accesse that shalbe deputed. What 
 
 wilbe the effect I knowe not : But sure I am that he can conclude no 
 
 cessation without the assent of his confederats : 
 
 We wonder and languish for the retourne of owre Gentlemen fro~ 
 
 Prage : who by the Frenche and myself were joyntly dispatched thether 
 
 this very day 3 weekes. What passage my letters finde homewardes I 
 
 can not conjecture. For since my beeing heere I haue receaued no one 
 
 line fro" any Frende beyonde Augusta : The present I hazarde by the 
 
 Foote-post of Nurreinberge with addresse to the Calandrini theare : 
 
 Correspondents Signer Burlamachi. The Emperours Armie in Bohemia 
 
 haue lately taken a few inconsiderable places : whereof the last was 
 
 Pitzca : Since when some saye they bende towardes Piltzen by advise of 
 
 the Duke of Bavaria because if they can gayne it the passage wilbe open 
 
 fro his Provinces. Others, saye the intent is to marche more directly 
 
 towardes the Capital Towne, and to provoake a Battayle : as if 
 
 betweene Pitzca and Prage theare laye Salisburie playne or some bouling 
 
 alley. The God bothe of Armies and of peace resolue all to his owne 
 
 glorie : To whose loue I humbly commit you (Sir) and my self to the 
 
 continuance of youres as 
 
 Youre willing servant. 
 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
 2° &"'" 1620. 
 
 IIP" Sig'' mio Sig" sempre Oss"°.* 
 
 Vno delli Ambasc" de' Grigioni uenuti qm alia Rep"% che era il S'^ 
 
 * Indorsed, " 2° Ottobre 1620. ftregorio de Monti to mee." 
 
 H H 
 
234 
 
 Ercole Salice, h passato a miglior uita ; la sua morte h stata di grand""" 
 dispiacere a g*' Sig" jTchfe egli era persona degna d' esser amata, era 
 delta Religione, et amico parziale delli Ser" di Sua Maesta. Nella Val- 
 tellina, alcuni de' Grigioni che ui erano, s' andouano ritirando ; si dice, 
 per essere stati persuasi a cotale deliberazione, da una quantity di doble 
 spag~le. In tanto il Gouer^' di Melano, fabrica in detta Valle due fortL, 
 Ma p" r auenire V. 8. IW"" haur^ di cotal luoco le noue molto uerep esser 
 andato a que' confini, il s" Colonello Peyton con parte delle sue Milizie. 
 Gik il Re Christianiss"°, et q'* Rep°* praticauano 1' accomodamento, tra 
 Sauoia, et Mantoua; ma hora il Re Catolico, se n' h interressato, con 
 questa condizione pero, che uuole esserne arhitro ; a che, si crede che que' 
 Principi non siano p condescendere, ingelositi Y una dell' altro, delli fauori, 
 et delli interressi con qHla Maesta. L' Ambasc'" di q*' Sig'' che ua in 
 Spagna, ha ordine d' incamminarsi p~ il suo uiaggio, et partir^ fra 6 giomi, 
 come ancora fara quello estraordinario p Francia. Nh altro occorendomi 
 con la presente, p" fine a V. S. Ill""* prego da Dio ogni Maggior bene, et 
 felicitk. 
 
 Di Ven^ U 2 ottobre, 1620. 
 Di V. S. iir^ 
 
 Vs" Hum""' et Vbb"" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 go 3»ri, Jg20. 
 
 111""° Sig" mio Sig'" sempre Oss""". 
 
 Di gia si uedono incogniti effetti, che'l Papa (come scrissi per le pas- 
 sate) sente male, le azioni de Spag li nella Valtellina ; poich^ facendo 
 leuata D. Virginia Orsino, di 1500 fanti, -per seruigio della Rep""; il 
 Cardinale Borghese, ha scritto alii Gouernatori che sono nella Marca, che 
 
235 
 
 non impediscano cotale leuata, mostrando perb di non hauerne notizia ; 
 et che non ne scriua parola a Roma ; et questo, accioche il Pontefice, 
 possa sempre dire, quando se ne querellassero li Spag'li, io non ne ho 
 saputo nulla. Mi uiene affermato, che la Rep"^ forse per maggiormente 
 eccitar il Papa, gli ha fatto dire p" il suo Ambasc", ch'ella hauendo 
 ueduto spiegate nella Valtellina le handiere Pontificie, non ha osato d' 
 impiegare le sue forze per contrauenire alii Spagli, altrimenti che s' hau- 
 rebhe opposto di modo, che quella Valle non sarebhe nel termine di siruitu, 
 ch' ella hora si ritroua; perb che di tale ingiuria fatta col pretesto della 
 religione, tocca a lui di uendicarsene. II Duca di Sauoia, persuade 
 uiuamente alia Rep'", che si debbafare la guerra al Re di Spagna ; h ben 
 uerOj che cotale persuasione, h tenuta d' alcuno per interressata ; poichfe 
 con r occasione della guerra, quell' Altezza uerebbe a godere della sua 
 prouigione, ch' h 90" ducati il mese. L' abboccamento seguito a Turino, 
 tra '1 Duca 1' Aldighera, et D. di Sauoia et 1' Ambasc"^® Veneto, h sentito 
 maliss""" dalli Ministri di Spagna, et in particolare, jT esserui interue- 
 nuto I'Ambasc'^ della Rep°*. Per lettere di Napoli, s'intende esser 
 uenuto ordine di Spagna, che siano mutati tutti li Gouer" delli Castelli di 
 quel Regno, h quali erano posti dal Duca d' Ossuna. Questa mattina, 
 sono stati a Sua Ser*^, con audienza segreta, due Ambasc" della Lega 
 catolica ; et uiene detto, che come partirano di qui, andranno alii altri 
 Principi d" Jtalia. Nel Tirolo, et in altri luochi di Germania, uiene proi- 
 bito con pena della uita, a tutti quelli che anderanno a seruire (non ogni 
 sorte di Principe) ma q** Republica Solamente. Per hora non ho altro 
 che dire a V. S. 111"% alia quale p" fine prego Dio N. S, per ogni suo 
 bene desiderato. Di Ven" li 9 ottobre 1620. 
 
 Di V. S. ir" 
 
 Vs" Hum""' et Vbb""" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
236 
 
 Vienna -tf of 
 October 1620. 
 
 Righte Honorable.* 
 
 At last we vnderstande from Prage the safe though late arrival theare 
 of those Gejtlemen whom the Frenche Ambassadours and my self did 
 joyntly dispatche thither full five weekes since : who when they had 
 passed the Emperours armie (which they thought the worst) were at 
 Tabor arrested some dayes, theire letters theare taken from them, and 
 sent before themselves to the Court : which coming to S' F. Nethersoles 
 handes he hath forborne to negotiat vppon them till the coming of his 
 M'*™ Ambassadours : espetially standing in dayly expectation of theire 
 arrival : This was the cause of the delaye : but now we quickly hope to 
 receaue knowledge from thense whether the Crowned Electour (For I 
 thincke that Tytle I may safely give him) will treate or no ; nay, whether 
 he may treate without precedent permission Ijothe of the Bohemian States, 
 and of theire Confederates ; And likewise, whether any thing be well 
 tasted in that forme of accorde which we represented from hense : 
 whereof particular accoumpt was given his Ma*''" by Henry Balam : by 
 whom I sent the Copie of my Letter that went to Prage. 
 
 In my last I signified that the French Ambassadours were aU three 
 gonn to conferr with Bethlehem Gabor at Presbourge, and before theire 
 going had conferred w*h me theire fayre intentions : Aboute which at 
 theire retourne (which I expect within 2 or 3 dayes) I shall haue occa- 
 sion to make an expresse dispatche vnto his Ma*'". Before my coming 
 they hadd donn nothing here ; And what we shall doe together is yet sub 
 genibus Jovis : But sure I am that this Ambassage can not coste the 
 
 * Indorsed, "Alia Medesima. 11° S"" ' 1620. S' H. Wotton from Vienna by Burli- 
 macchi." 
 
237 
 
 Frenche King lesse than 30000 poundes sterling in a tyme of such 
 penurie as the present is : For the Hungarian provisions fwhich fedd this 
 TowneJ are cut of, and if the Moravians shall besiege Crembs ("whereof 
 they here stande in some sollicitudej owre Marquet will pine. 
 
 Since the deathe of Tampier (whereof I sent his M"^ a particular rela- 
 tion by the waye of Nurreinberg) the Polonians (which are in the Empe- 
 rours seruicej intermingled with some Dutche haue fain into a warmc 
 Skirmish with 2000 Hungarians that laye ravaging on the Austrian side : 
 whom they forced to retire into Presbourge with losse on bothe parts, but 
 the Hungarians had the worst : And this hath fain oute while the Frenche 
 are theare, as likewise the surprisal of Presbourge was attempted while 
 theire Secretarie was procuring fro Bethelem Gabor securitie for their e 
 accesse : which circumstances (though no doubt casually coincident) may 
 perchaunce shorten theire Colloquie, 
 
 From Prage S' F. Nethersole writeth that the Duke of Saxe was 
 repulsed at Pautsed in Lusazia, and vnhkely to carie that place : but 
 heere in Court since yesternight is growne a general voice that he hath 
 taken it, and putt all to the sworde : which I leaue in medio : having 
 been long enough heere to knowe how much the Emperour isflatered in 
 his intelligences. 
 
 We saye heere that the Imperial Armie is at the present some 8 or 10 
 Dutche miles from Prage, and the Electour personally in the Fielde : but 
 those things you haue from better Commentaries. If it be as wett wether 
 theare as it hath been lately heere : They will swimm shortly in theire 
 Trenches, and then perhaps we shall obteyne the remitting of this greate 
 buisinesse to Regensbourg, or some other wel-chosen Seate : theare to be 
 handled by the Ambassadours of German Princes and of Foreine Kings. 
 
 This is all that now occurreth : vnlesse I should adde the weekely 
 proscriptions of diverse persons, that serve on the Bohemian side by 
 
238 
 
 publique Edict heere with confiscation of theire landes and goodes ; and 
 such other formularie things in tymes of this nature. Mater of more 
 moment I shall send by my intended Messenger : when eather the 
 Frenche are retoumed fro Presbourge, or owre Gentlemen fro~ Prage. 
 
 God continue owre owne repose 
 
 Youre Honors to serve you 
 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
 16. 8'"" 1620. 
 
 Ill""" Sig'' mio Sig'' sempre Oss"". 
 
 La negoziazione delli Ambasc'* della Lega catolica, h statu qui, p quanta 
 io so, come a Roma: cib ^ che dimandano aiuti, etfauori nelli presenti 
 motti di Germania ; agiungendo qui, la ottima uolonta che ha V Jmpera- 
 tore, et li altri Principi uerso la Republica. Questi Sig" hanno dato 
 loro risposta, della quale essi Ambasc" sono restati sodisfatiss'^' p quanta 
 essi hanno diuolgato. Jo credo che la risposta saxk stata ne' termini 
 generali, et di huona creanza ; ma nel resto, mi persuado che q*' Sig" non 
 faranno cosa, contra la Maesth del Re di Bohemia : oltre che Fjmpera- 
 tore in altre occa"' publiche, et priuate, ha dato una deblissima capara 
 d' esser loro buon amico, et buon uicino. Li soprad" Ambasc"'', sono 
 partiti maliss™ contenti da Roma; ne hanno altro riceuuto che indul- 
 genze, et agnusdei. Et hanno detto a persona loro confidente, che me 
 lo riferisce, che il Papa e un huomo che di prudenza non pub esser molto 
 lodato ; che delle cose che corrono al Mondo, politicamente egli non sa 
 quello che se ne dice, et che egli e cagione con la sua dapocagine, che la 
 Germania d ne' pessimi termini cK" ella hora si ritroua. Tengo notizia, 
 
239 
 
 che q*' Sig'' trattano di fortificare un luoco net Bergamasco detto Fara, 
 ehe e alii confini dello stato di Melano : a che quando si risoluino ^ da 
 credere che do sara un fomento alia guerra, p* che nelle capitulazioni, 
 ui k q*" particolare, che non si possa per tanti migli, uicini alii confini, 
 fortificare luoco alcuno. Col qual fine a V. S. Ill"* fo hum"* riuerenza. 
 DiVenMi 16 ottobre 1620. 
 
 Di V. S. Iir" 
 
 Vs" Hum""" at Vbb""' 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 Alia Medesima. 
 
 Vienna the 
 25*" of October 
 1620. stil. Veteri. 
 
 Right Honorable.* 
 
 It is now a weeke (as you will haue perceaued by my last) since the re- 
 toume of the Frenche Ambassadours from the Prince of Transilvania 
 full of admiration and contentment as I finde by them all in single dis- 
 course. 
 
 Of theire particular intertaynment 1 shall aduertise his Majestic with 
 other material things by an expresse Messenger. 
 
 In General, They left him well inclining to a Treatie two Conditions 
 provided : 1. Thai his Confederates might likewise open theire cause at 
 this meeting. 2. That the two Kings of Create Britannic and Fraunce 
 
 * Indorsed. " S' H. Wotton to me by Quest'." 
 
240 
 
 would promise the mayntayning of that which should he accorded. Touch- 
 ing the persons of this intended assembhe, It should be free for any that 
 would to send theire Representants : but for his part He thought no 
 more necessarie than the Deputies of the parties on each side, and the 
 Ambassadours of the foresayed Kings. For the place or tjrme. He was 
 indifferent : yet some conceyt was touched, that Moravia would be the 
 fittest for all : as a middle Province betweene Hungaria, Bohemia, and 
 the Austriaes, and in Moravia, Vlmitz ; for the seate of the Treatie. 
 Aboute thease conceptions (which are fayre in superficie) the French 
 Ambassadours did promise to giue him from hense speedie knowledge 
 when they had sounded the Emperour who seemeth to suspende his answer 
 as perhaps intending to regulat himself according to the course of his 
 fortune iu Bohemia. For inter heec a Dutche letter is showed from the 
 Duke of Bavaria vnto him of the tenour following. 
 
 " That beeing readdie to dislodge from the quarter neere PUtzen, 
 
 " and to marche towardes Prage, the sayed Duke by an expresse 
 
 " Gentleman sent vnto him from the Count Palatine receaued a 
 
 " letter to this effect that he was willing to treate with him some 
 
 " conditions of a future peace; and therefore desired him to ad- 
 
 " vaunce no farther towardes the Capital seate of that Kingdome : 
 
 " wherevnto the Duke had made answer, That for his part, He had 
 
 " no warr, nor cause of warr with the sayed C. Palatine, but was 
 
 " entered into the present action meerely as the Emperours Commis- 
 
 " sarie ; on whose counsayles and Commaundes he depended : with 
 
 " whom he would speedily consult aboute this new motion, and 
 
 " spende his best perswasion therein to haue it accepted. 
 
 This is the substance of a letter which the Emperours inwardest 
 
 Creatures doe so willingly showe that even therefore it hath the lesse credit 
 
 besides the straungenesse of the subject, being compared with other advise 
 
 from Prage full of courage and confidence; vnlesse we may haue leaue 
 
 to reconcile thease poynts with thincking that the C. Palatine might 
 
 perhaps with such a message to the Bavarian Duke seeke to gayne a little 
 
 tyme till the arrival of 6000 Hungarians more which Bethelem Gabor did 
 
241 
 
 send him 8 dayes since vnder the Conduct of his owne Chauncelor : For 
 his Mercurialists are Martialists by a certayne confusion of the Planets 
 in this troubled tyme. 
 
 When I haue aded vnto this that the Hungarians three nights since 
 haue cutt in peeces almost all the Polonians that were heere in the Em- 
 perours service, then I haue sayed all that I meane to saye till my 
 intended dispatche : which shall goe as farr as Chalons in Champagne 
 in the Companie of a Gentleman whom the Frenche Ambassadors will 
 likewise send as we are agreed. God bless his Maiestie, and long con- 
 tinue owre owne repose. 
 
 Youre Honors 
 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
 28 S'"' 1620. 
 Ill"" Sig'" mio Sig'^ sempre Oss"". 
 
 Scrissi per 1' ordinario passato, che la fortificazione che uogliono fare 
 q*' Sig" a Fara, poteua esser cagione di guerra, p~ le Capitulazioni : hora 
 ho saputo, che quelle che moue la Rep"* a far questo, h che due uolte li 
 Spag h hanno sualigiato detto luoco ; il che quando ben anche non fosse 
 stato di ordine del Gouer" di Melano, tuttauia seruirsi il pretesto. Son 
 assicurato, che U Spag"h sono in trattato di dare la ValteUina al Papa ; 
 con questa condizione per5, che loro uoghono ritener p se medesimi con 
 li loro presidi, li forti che fabricano in essa VaUe : a che uiene creduto 
 cli il Pontifice sia per dare orecchie, non interressando in cih alcuna cosa 
 di suo, se non mandare un Gouematore, col potere accrescere utile alii 
 suoi. 11 Gouer" di Melano, ha fatto sapere alii Sinici di quello Stato, 
 che facciano prouigione di aUogiamenti, p~ 20° p~sone. Qui si crede, 
 
 I I 
 
242 
 
 che cib sia piu tosto detto p~ metter terrore, che a lealta di fatto : et 
 
 diuersamente si discorre, delle estraordinarie accoglienze fatte dal d° Go- 
 
 uematore, all' Ambasc" della Rep"* che se ne ua in Spagna ; corre 
 
 qualclf sospizione di affetti diuersi. Questi Sig" hanno fatto comissione 
 
 alii Ambasc" estraordinari, et all' ordinario, eletti all' Imperatore, che 
 
 uadino al loro carico: questa improuisa risoluzione, da occasione da 
 
 ragionare a q*' Ministri publici, alcuni de quali, dicono che ci6 nasce p~ 
 
 timorcj uedendo la Republica che le guerre di Germania, sono p" riuscire 
 
 conforme I'intenzione dell' Imperatore. lo son' informato, che questo 
 
 Ambasc" di Spagna ha noua, che il Co. di Ma sfelt, tiene corrispondenza 
 
 con r Imperatore ; et che pochi giomi sono, detto Conte habbia scritto 
 
 a queUa Maestk in Viena, che stia sicura che presto acquister^ Praga 
 
 senza sangue : et che egli h entrato in Pilsna, p~ darla piii sicuramente 
 
 alii Imperiali. Ho giudicato questa noua importantiss"*, et ho terminato 
 
 di dame parte al S" Ambasc" Wottoni con le lettere di domani. A me 
 
 s' aspetta, di dare notizia di quello che intendo, in cosa massimamente di 
 
 tanto rileuo come e la presente, per obligo della mia fede uerso Sua 
 
 MaestJl ; et nel resto poi io mi rimetto, a quella maggior certezza che 
 
 s' haur^ di q*° fatto, che Dio faccia che non sia uero. Conchfe facendo 
 
 fine a V. S. lU""*, bacio riuerentemente le mani, pregandole ogni piCi 
 
 desiderata prosperity. 
 
 Di Yen* U 28 Ottobre 1 620. 
 Di V. S. Ill-"* 
 
 \s" Hum"" et Vbb"" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 30° &"*' 1620. 
 
 Iir" Sig" mio S'" sempre Oss"". 
 
 Questa settimana h molto esausta di occasioni degne di scriuere a 
 
243 
 
 V. S. Ill"* ; con tutto do, non ho uoluto mancare di farle riuerenza, et di 
 
 scriuerle q'° particolare, conforme a quelle che gik scrissi pur anchej in 
 q*° proposito : cib h, che il Papa in gratificazione della Rep"", lasciera 
 che sifaccia leuata di 3"^ fanti nelli suoi Stati, mostrando egli pero di 
 non saperne cosa alcuna. La dichiarazione fatta da Sua Maesth, 
 ha mortificato oltre ogni credere, li dependenti qui di Spagna, et delV 
 Imperatore ; s). come ha data grandiss^" consolazione a tutti gli altri. 
 lo credo che le mie lettere della settimana passata^ saranno capitate 
 
 sicuriss™* a V. S. 111'"% et perb, non faro altra replica in quel proposito. 
 
 Ne altro per hora occorrendomi, prego Dio per ogni sua piii desiderata 
 
 prosperity. 
 
 Di Yen* U 30 Ottobre 1620. 
 
 Di V. S. Ill""* 
 
 Vs" Hum'°° et Vbb""" 
 
 Gregorio db Monti. 
 
 To the Righte Hon!'^' S^ Robert Naunton, Knighte. His Ma*''' Principall 
 
 Secretarie of Estate. 
 In Londra raccom'" al s" fil" Burlamoche fr"' p Anu". 
 
 At Court. 
 
 From Vienna the 
 First of November 
 1620 stile of England. 
 Right Honorable.* 
 
 You knowe by my continual letters how long the Frenche Ambassa- 
 dours and my self haue languished for the retoume of those two Gentle- 
 men whom together with two servants we sent into Bohemia ; Now, 
 * Indorsed, " PNouember 1620. S' H. Wotton to me by Calendine 3° xbris." 
 
244 
 
 yesternight of those foure onely the Frenche Gentleman retoumed hether. 
 The two attendants died bothe at Prage of that which they call the Hun- 
 garian Feaver in this Clime and the Plague in owres, or very little lesse 
 by all description. The Gentleman that went fro me (by name M' Wal- 
 ter Waler) is left sick 12 postes hense at Freystadt in the vpper Austria : 
 whether I am at this instant sending him some assistance. The Frenche 
 are dressing a dispatche for Paris, and I for England : but first we are to 
 consult together and to deale with the Emperour vppon such mater as 
 owre letters from Prage doe suggeste. With which is coincidente a 
 voice heere that his Ma*^ hath declared himself agaynst the Marquis 
 Spinola : Wherevppon according to the familiar-custome of this Court, 
 they haue immediatly feyned a Battayle in Bohemia, and much good 
 successe on this side : And because no other was come from the Campe, 
 they haue been bolde to father this rumour even uppon owre owne Mes- 
 senger : 1 meane, the Frenche Gentleman : agaynst w""" I thought fitt to 
 arme you w*** vnbeleefe : least beeing the Post-day, it might perchaunce 
 by strong dispersion be carried farr : reserving truthes for owre expresse 
 dispatche : which peradventure may ouertake this. 
 
 I can not end w'^out acqua3mting his M"° that according to the Empe- 
 rours intelligence the Turcke hath beseeged and as some saye taken 
 Vacia in Hungarie Ijdng on a branche of the Danubie which makes an 
 Island : betweene Gran and Buda : A place they saye of singular advan- 
 tage for him : but more considerable in the consequence then in it self : 
 For this is but ap-j^ji oSivwv : the very first noise of a rupture with Chris- 
 tendome : if it be true : of which I shall speedily send farther know- 
 ledge. The Lord of Heauen blesse owre Graciouse Master and his 
 Estates. And so I rest 
 
 Youre Honors ever 
 
 to serue you 
 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
245 
 
 go gbr!. Jg20. 
 
 Iir° Sig" mio Sig" sempre Oss»°. 
 
 II Gouernatore di Melano ha fatto sapere a questi Sig" che quando 
 essi non desistano di mandar le forze loro nella Valcamonica, che e alii 
 confini della Valtellina ; ch' egli sara necessitate di fare altra risoluzione : 
 dual risposta habbia hauuto io non so. Le forze della Republica per6 si 
 ritireranno a Bergomo, per la neue, et per la penuria del uiuere che h in 
 quel luoco grandiss"*. Con tutto cih di qua continuamente si mandano 
 gente a quella uolta : et h stato dato ordine al Co : di Lieuistain di far 
 leuata per il primo tempo di 2"" fanti. Di questi Ambasc" elletti all' 
 Imperatore, non andr^ al presente, se non 1' ordinario : potendo essere 
 che quel Seg"° della Rep°* che h in Viena, non dia quella sodisfazione 
 che s' aspetta dal luoco doue risciede, et dalle occa"' che nascono in 
 quelle parti. II S" Renier Zeno elletto aU' Ambasciata di Roma, che 
 gik fu Ambasc" a Sauoia, et quello elf ha qui poi trattato li mancamenti 
 del s" Antonio Donato ; hora per essere imputato di hauer fatto dare 
 delle bastonate ad un Mercante ; nel Cons" di x"' h stato terminato ch' 
 egli nel termine di 8 giorni, si constituisca prigione p~ sua iscolpa. Et 
 cosi le cose qui domestiche si ragirano. Se il Cardinale Zapata se n' 
 andra al Gouemo di NapoU ; la Rep°* non potrk se non sperare, d' hauer 
 un' uicino di mala uolont^ ; poiche p~ tale s' h fatto conoscere ne' tempi 
 passati. N^ hauendo altro clT scriuere, a V. S. Iir* prego ogni bra- 
 mata feUcita, et le bacio le mani. 
 
 DiVenMi6 9bre 1620. 
 
 Di V. s. iir^ 
 
 Vs" Hum"" et Vbb"" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
246 
 
 To the Right Hono'''^ S*' Robert Nantoun, Knight his M*^' principal 
 Secretary of Estate. At Court. 
 
 Vienna this A 
 of November 
 1620. 
 
 Right Honorable. 
 
 I haue this weeke receaued y' letter of the 30** of September, and 
 therein the duplicat of a former of the 23 of the same moneth : which 
 seemes to haue fayled on the waye and maketh me likewise doubt the 
 fortunes of some of mine that haue been weekely written. 
 
 I had audience with the Emperour but one day before the rece3^e of 
 thease from you touching owre joynt dispatche to Prage, and the retoume 
 that we haue had from thense : Among which things I sprinkeled some 
 complaynt about the inuasion of the Palatinat : intending to sounde 
 whether it were eather donn by his appoyntment, or continued by his ap- 
 probation : but youre sayed letters giuing me larger authoritie I haue 
 demaunded audience agayne : which I shall haue to morrough : In the 
 meane while I haue been at two consultations with the French Ambas- 
 sadours : the first in mine owne Lodging, the other in the Dukes where 
 they came together. And at a single debatement myself with the 
 Spanish Ambassadour : betweene whom and them I am the medium : 
 For vppon the punctualitie which I signified by Balam they never intervisit : 
 Of aU w*"", as likewise of the answer that I shall drawe fro the Emperour 
 his Ma*"^ shall haue knowledge by an expresse Messenger. 
 
 I am conceaving an addresse to the Duke of Bavaria according to his 
 ]y[ties (jirection. In my last I wrote that Vacia (alias Waetsen) l3n[ng on 
 a branche of the Danubie which maketh an Island betweene Gran and 
 Buda was taken by the Turcke : which besides other commodities doeth 
 give him (as they saye) a passage to the Mineral Townes : the most at- 
 
247 
 
 tractive object of that Kingdome : This I must now confirme, And 
 withall news is come fro~ Constantinople by expresse letters from Cesare 
 Gallo the Emperours Ambassadour theare of greater preparations in the 
 Levant then haue been since the dayes of Soliman in voice agaynst Polo- 
 nia, but in likelihood Cas he intimatethj agaynst Hungaria, and so 
 forwarde : All which I am apt to beleeve though many things heere be 
 composed at pleasure : For if this were artificial : It must only be caste 
 abroade to strike some doubt into Bethlem Gabor : who lies neerer the 
 truthe then the Emperour himself, and perchaunce hath as good Com- 
 mentaries in those partes. 
 
 Now, while we stood thus in a posture of affayres (as both the Frenche 
 Amb^ and myself did conceaue) very fauorable towards owre common 
 scope : we are surprized with the noise of the taking of Prage, defeates 
 of Regiments, deathes of Colonels, seasure of the Castle, retirements of the 
 Princesse and Elector towardes Silesia, and the like : which hath been 
 sent hether by Slabada and Meshanski * from Passawe where they lie 
 like Leger Intelligencers for the Emperour : holding practise by letter 
 with some of theire inwarde partie in Bohemia. This fight (vppon which 
 the rest should insue) is sayed to haue been on the 8*^ of the present 
 Moneth stilo novo : Since when are runn 10 dayes. And yet to this 
 howre no Gentleman or Currier hath been expresly dispatched to the Em- 
 perour fro thense : which is commonly donn vppon slighter jolities. So as 
 what I should thinke I lesse knowe then what I wishe. Some part of it 
 I am tempted to beleeve by the generalnesse of the rumour : And besides 
 because from Snath in Moravia a letter of the 12* of this moneth doeth 
 saye that noise was arrived theare of an incounter betweene the Armies 
 with losse of some prihcipales on each side : but I am willing to per- 
 swade my self that it will prove a thing multiplied and magnified beyonde 
 the truthe alia solita. Aad so till I can speake out of better Tabletts I 
 will not farther disquiet eather his Ma''^^ thoughtes or mine owne. My 
 
 * In the margin is written, " Bothe defenestrated at Prage, and theire Messenger a kinde 
 of Notarie likewise banished." 
 
248 
 
 expresse dispatche shall bring bothe the certayne of this, and the hope or 
 desperation of the rest. 
 
 And so I remayne 
 
 Youre Honors to serue you 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
 I haue kept this letter fro~ sealing 
 till the very poynt of the Ordinary 
 Curriers departure : And yet no 
 expresse messenger is come to the 
 Emperour fro Bohemia. 
 
 IS-gbris, 1620. 
 
 Iir° Sig'" mio Sig'" sempre Oss"". 
 
 Con la presente, non ho che far sapere a V. S. Ill""', se non che 
 informe a quello che scrissi con le lett° del 23 Ottobre prossimamente 
 passato ; 1' Ambasc" di Spagna qui, mostra hora certe capitulazioni, che 
 dice esser fatte tra Co : di Mansfelt, et li jmperiali ; et che d" Conte 
 tiene Pilsna a diuotione delljmper". Le dette capitulazioni (p~ quanto 
 n' hanno detto quelli che dicono hauerle uedute) contengono, che 
 r jmper" dichiara, che d° Conte non sia tenuto d" alcuno per ribello, 
 annullando, et cassando, ogni atto cK in q*° proposito fatto fosse : che 
 gli sia dato un /ewdo in Bohemia; ch' gli siano pagati XOO™ fiorini, p 
 pagare i suoi debiti ; et che sia conosciuto come legittimo di Sangue. Per 
 quanto poi ho potuto sapere, questi Sig" non hanno tale auiso, n^ meno 
 uiene creduto ; jo perb do quella notizia, a che mi obliga il carico, rimet- 
 
249 
 
 tendo il resto alia somma prudenza di Sua Maesta, che Dio p" molti anni 
 conserui : et a V. S. Ill"* p~ fine bacio affettuosam'^ le mani. 
 
 Di Ven=' li 13 9bre 1620. 
 Di V. S. ir" 
 
 Vs" Hum""" et Vbb""" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti, 
 
 From Vienna the 
 
 i+ of November 1620. 
 
 Right Honourable : * 
 
 I had indeede many times obserued since my coming hither, that the 
 Emperour was one of the last acquainted w*h anie of his owne incon- 
 ueniences. But yet I thoughte his good fortunes had made more hast 
 to his eares, then I now perceiue. For Prague was twelue dales taken, 
 before he had any certaine knowledge thereof. At last is come the Count 
 de Bie, Brother in lawe to Bucquoij w*h the whole relation ; And this 
 very morning the Emp' is gone in an Eucharistical Procession to the 
 Cathedral Church accompanied w*h all publique Ministers, seme the French 
 and Sauoy Amhassadours, and the Venetian Agent : For I maie spare the 
 excepting of my selfe. 
 
 Now for the reporte of this Action, as it is heere deliuered, and the 
 Commentaries that are made vpon it, both by Souldiers and Politiques, 
 I shall represent all that unto His Ma*'° by an expresse dispatche 
 suspended til the beginning of the next weeke vpon the reasons following .- -|- 
 
 Heere is few dales since arriued an Ambassadour who did formerly 
 
 * Indorsed, " -1+ November 1620. S' H. "Wotton to mee." 
 
 ' 2 5 
 
 t In the margin is written, "The Monday after y' date of this was the 20"" of 9'" Style 
 vet." 
 
 K K 
 
250 
 
 reside at Constantinople, for the Emperour, by name Molard. This 
 pubhque Instrument retouming throughe Hungaria, was inuited by 
 Bethlem Gabor fas then at PresburgJ to some priuate Conference w°h (to 
 omitt impertinencies) ended in this : That the said Molard should 
 procure from the Emperour a Passeport for such persons as the Prince 
 of Transyluania would send hither to treate. This the Emperour im- 
 bracing greedily, a Passeport was sent, and the Treatours expected, 
 vfhout anie knowledge giuen thereof, either from thence or from the Court 
 heere to the Frenche Ambassadours, notw*hstanding they had negotiated 
 before, betweene Bethlem Gabor aud the Emperour about a General 
 Treatie, w^h they tooke verie sensibly on both sides ; and the excuse 
 heere worse then the concealement, as some affront to theire Capacities. 
 For when the matter came to free expostulation w*h the Baron of 
 Echlenburg best acquainted w*h his Masters hearte : His answere was, 
 that he thoughte the Empe^ had made it knowne vnto them, and no doubt 
 if they had pursued it farther, the JEmp'' would haue said the like of the 
 Baron : Howsoeuer, The French hauing by priuate meanes gotten Ughte 
 of thease Intermissiues betweene the Emperour and the Transyluanian, 
 and being before engaged by promise to the said Prince, that one of 
 them would retourne vnto Him, when they had sounded the Emperours 
 inclination to the foresaid general Treatie. They dispatched accordingly 
 a Trompetour to Presburg to knowe if he were still there ; and to signifie, 
 that they were readie to dischardge theire promise. He retourned 
 answere. That he was forced thoroughe much Companie w'h flocked to 
 him of Hungarians and Transyluanians to retyre for larger ayre and 
 prouision from Presburg to Ternauia; That if thither any of the French 
 Ambassad'^ should come. He should be safe, et prospiceretur de honesto 
 hospitio. Those are his owne wordes, and moreouer he lett fall out of 
 his pen a constant lyne or two. Viderit Imperator, si bellum aut pacem 
 maluerit : w'h somewhat more of that kinde, esctreamely incongruous to 
 the rest of his proceeding : For it is to be noted, that he did not send to 
 the Emperour till he had out of Morauia receiued a lettrefrom the Conte 
 de la Torre, of the losse of Prague w^h by a strange, aud almost incre- 
 
251 
 
 dible simplicitie in a man oj such skill ras the French describe him) he 
 showed to the abouenamed Molard, as if that were the waie to mend his 
 bargaine. Yet for my part, I incline more to saue his iudgement then his 
 sinceritie. For perchaunce he mighte suppose that the Emperour knewe 
 it long before, and could not but conceiue that he likewise had heard of 
 it. So as altogether to saie nothing thereof to the Emp'^ Ambassad' in 
 transitu, had beene a piece of artificial silence, easily spied. But on the 
 other side to attempt a reconcilement w'h the Emperour so immediately, 
 and so closely, vpon the first misfortune, wTiout consent of his Confede- 
 rates must needes argue a lighte disposition. Yet thus much we heare 
 w*hall. That he hath deferred the sending of those Commissioners to the 
 Emperour, tiU some farther deliberation about that poincte at Ternauia, 
 and hath thither transported the Hungarian Crowne in his Companie, kept 
 before in the Castell of Presburg, by one Palfy a natural of that King- 
 dome, whome vpon fresh iealousies, he hath likewise taken w% him : 
 Towardes the said Ternauia yesterdaie morning did depart here Monsieur 
 de Preaux, the Third of the French Ambassad'"', till whose retoume, 
 whome I expect about Mondaie next, I haue stopped my dispatche to His 
 Ma*'^ because by him I shall vnderstande, whether Bethlem Gabor doth 
 still insist vpon a general Treatie, or that he will prouide singly for 
 himself e, and accordingly I shall resolue, either to abide the final yssue 
 heere, Or to depart vnto my ordinarie chardge at Venice, as mine Instruc- 
 tions giue me power. 
 
 And so with my prayers to God for the continuance of owre owne 
 repose vnder owre Good and Graciouse Master. I humbly rest. 
 
 Youre Lord^^ 
 
 Henrt Wotton. 
 
 By that Messenger which I intende to sende, his M*"' shall receaue 
 the Emperours answer touching the declaration of his iust and Royal 
 resolution aboute the Palatinates. 
 
252 
 
 20° 9'"'' 1620. 
 
 Ill"" Sig" mio Sig" sempre Oss"".* 
 
 1 . L' Ambasc" di Spagna, improuisamente (Ina con ordine del suo Re, 
 per quanta egli dicej ha presa licenza da q*' Big" ; lasciando pero il 
 Seg"" qui. Questa licenza, per quanto si sa, h per disgusti cK egli 
 pretende hauer riceuuti, come scrissi per le passate a V. S. III""". 
 Oltre de' quali, ui h aggiunto, che hauendo detto Ambasc" un suo 
 
 2. Confessor e frate de' Frari, il quale confessaua ancora molti Nobili, et 
 molte Gentildonne ; questo Patriarca, ha comandato a d° Frate, che 
 non debba confessare alcun' altro che d" Amhasc^' ; il quale, conos- 
 cendo esser piii questa proibizione cagionata per termine politico, 
 
 3. che per V ecclesiastico, s' k molto arrabiato. Qui h auiso sicuro, con le 
 lett'jdella settimana passata, che il Collegia de' Cardinali, sente molto 
 
 4. male, li effetti de Spagli nella Valtellina ; et quelli di loro che sono 
 di maggiore autarita, s' hanno lasciato intendere al Pontifice, ch' egli 
 nan fa quanto conuiene, lasciando che Spagli facciana que' forti in 
 
 5. d" Valle, onde le mormorazioni in d" Carte sono grauiss'^^ Et con le 
 
 6. lett° di q*" settimana, s' intende, che a Rama si tacchi tamburo. Jl 
 Nunzio qui dice, che si fa saldata per il presidio d" Auignane. Jn 
 questi motti, dijicilmente q*" h creduto : bench^ si duri fatica anche 
 a credere, che il Papa passa hauer V animo del tutto guasta contra 
 
 7. Spagli. Chiara cosa e, che si fa leuata ne' suoi Stati, per la Rep'"', 
 came scrissi. N^ altro occorrendomi con la presente a V. S. Ill""* 
 bacio riuerentem'^ le mani. Di Ven* li 20 Nouembre 1620. 
 
 Di V. S. lU"" 
 
 Vs" Hum"" et Ybb""" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 It appeares by thes advertism*', then Rome 
 
 it selfe is more iealous of y' Spanyard, 
 
 then many here. 
 
 * Indorsed " 20 Nouemb' 1620. Greg: de Monti to me." 
 
253 
 
 27° 9"^' 1620. 
 
 Iir° Sig" mio Sig« sempre Oss"". 
 
 Qui fino la settimana passata, fu scritta a particolari, la presa di 
 Praga ; ma io non 1' ho creduta, perchfe questi Sig" non ne haueuano 
 auiso ; come nfe anche 1' hanno fin' hora : per5 da molte parti ella uiene 
 scritta. II che quando riesca uero, h oppenione qu\, che la Rep™ deue 
 hauerlo per una mala noua. Questi Sig" mandano un loro NobUe, con 
 danari, at con 4" Moschetti alii confinanti, dalla parte di Verona uerso 
 il Trentino : Et hora hanno fatti 4 Proueditori nella d* Citta di Verona, 
 con ampla, et assoluta autorita ; due de' quali sono Procuratori, et li altri 
 due Senatori ampliss"'. Nella qual Cittk, al presente s' approno le porte 
 due hore dopo il leuar del sole, et si serano due hore prima che tramonti. 
 CotaU prouigioni si dice publicamente, esser fatte p~chfe h necessario 
 spianare un Monte che batte il Castello deUa Citt^ : ma io ho oppinione, 
 che q*' Sig" hauendo inteso che 1' Arciduca Leopoldo, con grosso eser- 
 cito uuole suemare nel Trentino, che h alh confini di Verona ; essi, sfe non 
 ingelositi, almeno p~ ragion di buon gouemo, uogliono opporsi a quello 
 che non h lontano dal poter essere : essendo d° Arciduca con le arme in 
 mano, et con 1' animo poco ben disposto uerso loro. Col qual fine a 
 V. S. Ill""* prego ogni maggiore fehcit^. 
 
 Di Ven* U 27 9bre 1620. 
 
 Di V. S. iir* 
 
 Vs" Hum"-" et Vbh"" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
254 
 
 4° lO"" 1620. 
 
 111"'° Sig" mio S" sempre Oss""°.* 
 
 Le prouigioni fatte da q** Sig" f la Citta di Verona, hanno gagliardi 
 
 1 . fondamenti j poicM in d" Citta uiene la notte gridato, uiua Cesare ; 
 
 et la mattina se ne ueggono affissi cartelli sopra le muraglie. Oltre 
 
 2. di cio pare che il Duca di Mantoua, si contentasse nel suo stato {che 
 confina col Veronese) si trattenessero genti del Gouernatore di 
 Melano. Di che la Republica, p" quanto se ne pub sapere, s' k 
 doluta col Ministro di quelV Altezza. Per sospetto di qualche trat- 
 
 3. tato in d" Citta, sono stati fatti prigioni alcuni frati, che hanno il 
 loro Monastero uicino al Castello : et ^ chi dice, cK e fatto pri- 
 gione il med'"" Castellano. Viene scritto elf Gaffier Ambasc" del 
 
 4. Re di Francia alii Grigionij operi con que" popoli et con Suizeri, 
 pche s' accomodino, a certe condizioni, col Gouern" di Melano : 
 ma qui non uiene creduto, elf quel Ministro habbia cotal ordine : 
 non tornando conto alii Francesi, che li Spagli siano patroni di 
 que' passi. A Roma se tratta cotal accomodamento in q*° modo : 
 Che aUi Grigioni siano restituita la Valtellina, con q*" pero che 
 
 5. ui mandino Gouer" Catolici Romani : ma li Spagli uogliono che li 
 
 forti che hanno fabricati restino in piedi ; et nel loro potere : a che 
 
 il Papa non uuole dare V assenso, senza che il Re Christianiss^ se ne 
 
 contenti prima. Di Germania a quest' hora, non se sono date le 
 
 lettere. Perb quanto a que' par'' mi rimetto a maggior informa- 
 
 zione, elf ne pu6 hauere Sua Maest^. Et a V. S. 111"°% bacio 
 
 riuerentemente le mani. 
 
 Di VenMi 4 x^bre 1620. 
 Di V. S. Ill""' 
 
 Vs" Hum"" et Vbb™ 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 * Indorsed, " xbris. stylo nouo, 1620. Gregorio de Monti to me. de i, -y ?^%- ., 
 
255 
 
 8° 10'"' 1620. 
 
 ill"" Sig" mio Sig" sempre Oss"°. 
 
 Questa settimana, non ho che dire di nouo a V. S. Ill""* ma p" non 
 lasciare la settimana senza mie lettere ; ho uoluto scriuere queste poche 
 righe, se non p altro, ahneno per farle riuerenza. 
 
 Questi Sig'' trattano di fare leuata in coteste parti di mille cinquecento 
 fanti, sotto il s" Colonello Peyton : et crudo che presto se ne uerra alia 
 conclusione con d" s" Colonello. D : Giouanni de Medici ha presa 
 licenza dalla Rep"" di ritirarsi dal seruigio. Alcuni credono, che d° 
 Principe habbia fatto questo, p uno di duo rispetti. O p~ creder egli che 
 questi Sig" non sieno ben sodisfatti di lui, et pero cK chieda licenza prima 
 che gli sia data : o pchk habbia qualcK trattato in Francia p nouo acco- 
 modqmento. Ma potrebbe essere 1' uno, et I'atro. Et p~ fine a V. S. 
 Ill™* prego Dio jT ogni sua maggiore et desiderata felicity. 
 
 DiVenMi 18 x^'bre 1620. 
 
 Di V. S. Ill"'' 
 
 Vs« Hum"" et Vbb"" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 11° Itf"" 1620. 
 
 Iir" Sig"" mio Sig" sempre Oss"°°. 
 
 L' accidente non aspettato di Praga, ha portato qui notabiliss"" dispi- 
 acere : et principalm'^ que' primi giomi che uenne 1' auiso : poichfe li 
 ImperiaU faceuano suonar la fama, con maggior danno del Re di Boemia, 
 
256 
 
 di quelle ch.' h stato, per quanto poi se n' ha hauuta notizia. A Roma 
 le feste che n' ha fatte il Papa, sono state grandiss™^ ; come che la presa 
 di Praga, sia il fine deUa guerra, et 1' intera uittoria per 1' Imperatore ; il 
 quale ha scritto a tutti li Principi d' Italia, dando notizia del seguito. 
 Qui h qualche auiso in persone grandi, d' un certo concetto che corre in 
 Germania, che il Duca di Bauiera, sia per tener il dominio di Praga, p~ 
 fin che habbia reintegrazione d' alcune sue pretensioni ; cosa che non h 
 facilmente creduta. Molti di questi Sig'' in particolare (come anche pu6 
 esser che faccia il publico) hora uolga" 1' animo a Sua Maest^, sperando 
 che sia per far molto in beneficio del Re suo Genero, che Dio lungamente 
 conserui. Questo h che mi occore con la presente, p~ fine della quale, a 
 V. S. Ill"* bacio riuerentem" le mani. 
 
 Di Yen* h xi. x-^bre, 1620. 
 Di V. S. Ill""* 
 
 Vs« Hum""" et Vbb"" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 1° Januarij 1620. 
 Ill""' Sig" mio Sig" sempre Oss"". 
 
 La settimana passata non ho scritto a V. S. Ill"" p~ non hauer occa"° ; 
 et p~ esser un poco indisposto. Con 1' ordinario presente, non ui h pure 
 di nouo che scriuere : io perb ho uoluto augurare riuerentem" a Sua 
 Maest^, al Ser""" Principe, et a tutta la Real sua Casa, feliciss"" questo 
 capo d' anno, con infiniti altri insieme. II che h da me fatto, piu con 
 ardore di Spirito, che con ampiezza di concetti. Et efficacemente sup- 
 plico V. S. Ill"" quando ella giudica opportune, di significare questa 
 poca espressione dell' interno afifetto dell' animo mio ; che appresso li 
 altri oblighi che ho seco, questo sar^ principaliss"" pregando Dio N. S. 
 
257 
 
 che a lei conceda lunghezza di uita, et il colmo d' ogni bene desiderate. 
 Questi Sig" hanno riceuuto grand"" contento, della dichiarazione che ha 
 fatta il Re Christianiss'"", in proposito della ricuperazione della Valtellina : 
 et hieri p~ ci5, spedirono corriere, che andr^ prima in francia, et poi in 
 ispagna. Conche a V. S. Iir* bacio aflfettuosam*^ le mani. 
 
 Di VinMi f Genn° 1620. 
 
 Di V. s. iir^ 
 
 Vs" Hum"" et Vbh""" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
 29 Januarij 1620 
 
 111""" Sig" mio Sig" sempre Oss"". 
 
 Con r ordinario di questa settimana, ho riceuuto una lett* di V. S. Ill"* 
 delli 28 del passato, la quale m' e stata di grandiss'"* contentezza, 
 uedendo per essa, che i miei piccioli seruigi sono uolontieri ueduti da Sua 
 Maesta. Di che ne rendo prima grazie a Dio, et poi a Sua Maesta che 
 mi fa degno di tanto honore : et restando a V. S. lU"^ con etemo oblige, 
 p~ esser ella quel mezzo, p il quale riceuo tanto fauore : cosi faccia Dio 
 che io possa uenire a fare questa testimonianza presenzialmente, et a 
 baciare humilmente i piedi a Sua Maest^. In tanto io la supphco a 
 tenermi nella sua buona grazia, et a raccomandare taU' hora la mia 
 pouera famiglia, alia magnanimity del Ser"" Padrone. 
 
 Gli duoi Gintiluomini che V. S. Ill"" m' arricomanda, sono hora in 
 Padoua doue si trattengono. Io non mancherb di seruirli, et di fare 
 tutto quello che p~ me sark possibUe, in ogni occa°^ che da loro mi uerra 
 comandato : et di cib pub ella assicurarsene, come uedrk da gli effetti. 
 
 Di nouo, qui altro non habbiamo, sfe non che le prouigioni che fanno 
 questi Sig" uanno con qualche lentezza; aspettando loro (come uiene 
 
258 
 
 creduto) quello che sia p" fare il Re Christianiss"" sopra le riposte che 
 haurk dal Re Catolico. II giomo delli 20 del corrente, il Papa fil sopra 
 preso da un grauiss"" accidente, dimodo elf hora h con febbre, et 
 secondo 1' osseruazione de' Medici, ne' gli huomini di graue etk, questi 
 accidenti sono messaggeri deUa morte. Col qual fine a V. S. lU"* bacio 
 riuerentem" le mani, pregandole da Dio lunghezza di uita felice. 
 
 Di VenMi 29 Genn° 1620. 
 Di V. S. Il^^ 
 
 Vs" Hum™" et ybb""" 
 
 Gregorio de Monti. 
 
LONDON : 
 
 FROM acije <f>i)afi^peace #te^i, by 
 
 WILLIAM NICOL, 
 
 60, PALL MALL, 
 
 1850.