Henry VII,the Reign
Presented the brief to the King, adding all he could to inflame him against this wicked king of England.
Francis showed him, both in manner and words, that he acknowledged that his Holiness was acting like a good Pope, and that he recognised the King's impiety, but could give no definite answer then; adding, as he had previously said, that he was ready to defend the Pope and Holy See against any machinations of the Emperor. In speaking about the king of England and his acts against the Church, he said he could not command him in his kingdom; that he would weary himself trying to make him see his error, and bring him back to the right road if possible, but he did not think fit to be the first to declare against him and ruin himself alone; for the Emperor, who has received the offence, ought to be the first, and stop the trade between Flanders and England. He advised the Pope to begin by making peace between Christians. If the Emperor declares first against him, he will not fail in his duty to the Pope and Holy See. The Bailly of Rouen is going to England, to show the brief, and tell the King what the Pope intends in this case, and explain to him the gravity of the Pope's proceeding against him, as he will proceed against all princes who favour him. Has spoken to the King, urgently as the Pope desired, for poor Beda's liberation. He says the Pope has been ill-informed, and that he might take the man's head, for a hundred causes, as a mischievous fool. The King will leave Burgundy tomorrow. Ambassadors are expected in two days from the king of Scots, who are now in France to conclude the marriage with a daughter of Vendome. Will give them the brief for that King. Sends the process of the first who were martyred in England, though the matter is now old. Bar le Due, 21 Aug. 1535. Refers to the death of the Card. de Medici in a P.S. dated the 22d. |