Henry VIII,the Reign
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Answers his letters of the 16th only, in which was enclosed a letter for Wolsey. Informed him of the Pope's death, of Charles's wish for his exaltation, and of his offer to exert his influence in his behalf at the election, if Wolsey desired it; to all which he listened attentively, and was as thankful as if he had already been elected Pope by means of the Emperor; for as Charles remembered his promises at Bruges, he had great hopes of the dignity. He then repeated Pace's instructions, which Badajoz reported in his last; adding, what the Bishop thought very strange, that your majesty should move the imperial troops now in Italy to Rome; and if the Cardinals could not be induced by good offers to elect him, they should be prevented by force from electing an adherent of the French party; to the destruction of Naples and Sicily, and consequently of all Christendom. All these evils will be averted if he is elected; for his main care would be to place the imperial crown on Charles's head, exalt his own King, and make an expedition, first against the French, then against the Infidels, in which he would personally accompany the two Princes. The rest of his ideas about the election are to be communicated to the Emperor by Pace.
He showed the Bishop the commissions and powers given to Pace and the ambassador at Rome, who, to obtain the election, were to promise in the King's name anything they chose. They are in duplicate; one set if there is any chance of electing Wolsey; the other, in general terms, for whom the ambassadors shall see fit. He said the election should not be lost for want of 100,000 ducats, and that Francis reckoned he had twenty-two cardinals in his favour, from which the Bishop perceives that he offered Wolsey their votes and his influence. Showed him the French king had no power there; of which Wolsey himself is thoroughly aware, as the French have been defeated in Italy, and therefore all his hope is in Charles. Showed him the copy of the instructions sent to the Swiss, with the addition made after the Pope's death, and told him the Emperor had sent the seneschal of Burgundy to them, and what provision was made at Rome, and what his ambassador was to ask from the new Pope and the College for their entertainment. With all this he was pleased, and gave answer as the Bishop wrote in his last letter. Whenever asked about the Swiss, he refers to Pace's instructions, saying the Emperor ought to be pleased with them. Hopes Pace speaks more expressly and openly than the Cardinal, for he does not say he will send money, which is particularly necessary. Will not leave off pressing him. Will do what he can for the collectorship in favor of Felice Trufino, secretary to cardinal De Medici, if the Nuncio asks him, which he has not yet done. Has not been able to communicate Charles's letters of the 21st to the Cardinal, owing to the solemn festivals, during which he has asked the Bishop not to trouble him with any business. He is at Hampton Court, and will not come to London till Monday or Tuesday. Has just heard that De Castres has crossed the sea. The English ship which Charles asked to be provided, at his expense, to carry his letters to Spain, is being diligently got ready, and will be able to cross with the first wind. Could send them by a large armed Spanish ship, which is waiting for the weather. Thinks it will be equally safe, but will not exceed his commission. Three days ago the Scotch ambassador, a bishop, arrived, but he has not yet had an audience. Was told that the King had heard through France that cardinals De Medici and Sion arrived at Rome on the 13th, and commenced their practices for the election; that the Cardinals would enter into conclave on the 20th, and that cardinal Flisco, of Genoa, would probably be chosen. London, 24 Dec. 1521. 
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