Henry VIII, the Reign |
Letters & Papers: Volume 4
15 March 1525
1190. SAMPSON to WOLSEY "Now at this gratulation to the Emperor's majesty," he used as good words of the King as any prince might do, saying that he would not believe any reports about him till they were evidently true. But he feels less bound to Wolsey for three reasons: first, that now, in the time of most fervent war, when the French king is in prison, Joachin has been so long retained in England that his friends believe the King has forsaken Charles to provide for himself, and are now seeking their own security; secondly, he thinks it very strange that Mons. de Rieux was not allowed to speak to the King; and, thirdly, that his Ambassador's letters are intercepted and read. "This was (his Majesty had learned so much Latin) violare jus gentium." [1] Answered as follows: that Wolsey had as much desire for the Emperor's honour as for his master's, but seeing that the French king in his necessity would be glad of a peace, he thought it a convenient time for such arrangement; 2, that De Rieux might have spoken to the King at his pleasure, but Wolsey had probably told him there was no need of going to him, as he was far from London, and Wolsey knew his mind, but if he had wished to do so, Wolsey would not have hindered him; 3, that Sampson doubted whether the last was true, and asked him to wait till he knew Wolsey's reason. He said "the other two causes might be coloured, but this last was so evident that neither Pope or other prince would or should have done." Notwithstanding this, is sure, both from the Emperor himself and from the Great Master, who bears as good mind to the King as any stranger living, that he is as constant to the King as may be desired, so that Wolsey can conduct the matters as he thinks best. Several of the Council are much moved with the interception of the letters. Madrid, 15 March. Some say that unless the Emperor were well assured of the King's constant mind, he would have taken it for a clear rupture of amity; that unless those who did it were punished, it must have been "a prepensed [preconceived] matter," and that it is no less dishonour to the King, "that his most friend's ambassador should not be at liberty." They are all more moved than "the good Emperor." Those who are of the best mind say that Wolsey should accept the Ambassador with a new reconciliation, for the joy of this news and victory. "I writ, Sir, to your grace thus clearly to advertise the same of the truth plainly; for other towardness I perceive nothing in them, or any of them; but the more that is spoken in the matter, the more they be moved." Hol., pp. 3. Add.: To my lord Legate's grace. |