Henry VIII, the Reign |
Letters & Papers: Volume 2
17 March 1519
125. SEBASTIAN GIUSTINIAN to the DOGE OF VENICE. An ambassador from the King Catholic has arrived to ratify the league between the princes of Christendom. Yesterday was appointed for his audience, for which sumptuous preparations had been made. A great number of lords and prelates had been convened, "including 17 bishops not usually in attendance at the great court." As the Pope had sent a fresh commission to the legates, in confirmation of what had been done, it was arranged that they were to come to court as if newly sent by him. Accordingly they were met by the King, the prelates, lords and ambassadors, "with all the ceremonies observed on a first arrival." The prothonotary Campeggio, son (brother ?) of the legate, delivered an elegant oration, lauding the King for his promptitude in the Christian expedition. Then a Spanish ambassador made an oration, thanking the King for naming his sovereign as a chief confederate, not mentioning the Pope or any other. Pace replied, qualifying the Pope "tanquam comitem confœderationis;" and, to mitigate the arrogance of such an expression, he added, 'comitem et, quod maxime optavit hic sacratissimus rex, principem confœderationis.'" The chief author of these proceedings is Wolsey, whose sole aim is to procure incense for his King and himself. He will, in point of fact, make sale of all these settlements, and nothing pleases him more than to be styled the arbitrator of the affairs of Christendom. The French ambassador did not seem pleased. He has inquired whether the Doge would approve of the French King being emperor. Giustinian replied that he would. Lambeth, 17 March 1519. 
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