Sir Henry Neville's Letters & Documents (1590-1613)

To the right honorable my singular good Lord the lord Burghley lord high Treasurer of England May it please your honor to understand: That about michaelmas last my Lord of Warwick sent a gentleman of his one mr Blyncoe with a letter of commandment unto all the Gunfounders in Sussex to repair up to this City by the seventh of October there to understand his pleasure Concerning their further Continuance in that trade / whereupon the most of them appearing, and I among the rest & meeting at his deputy mr Hockenell's house, it was told us by mr Hockenell & mr Blyncoe, That upon complaint made by my lords of the Council of the abuse of transportation of ordnance into foreign countries, their honors had referred unto my lord of Warwick, to take order for redress of it, whereupon he had thought good to call us together, & had authorized them two to deal with us, & take sufficient security against the like abuses for the time to come, Now because it was thought convenient that some quantity of ordnance should yearly be made for the necessary provision of our own navigation, they had as they said upon good advise set down a general rate yearly which should serve the whole realm, and out of that they were content to allot unto every of us a certain quantity. But at our hand they required that not should enter into such bonds as they should think good, not to cast any greater quantity, then should be allotted unto us, not to sell any but in this City, nor to any merchant but such as my Lord or his deputy should name us, with certain other conditions of taking a stamp for all our pieces, out of the office, & some other small points. All which I for my part was well content to yield unto, except that which did restrain us to a merchant of their appointment in place whereof I offered to be bound to give my Lord or his deputy present notice to what merchant I had sold my ordnance, that they might require at his hand sufficient security against transportation; But this being rejected, I made them this other offer; That I would retail my pieces in open market upon tower hill my self, & enter into any bonds that they would require at the merchants hands, that they should name which should be as they said, not to sell any piece to any that was not a natural born subject or a denizen. This offer they liked very well of, & my lords deputy said, that seeing the danger of transporting, should be so well prevented by it, they could require no more. So that a day was appointed for me & others to enter into bonds to that effect & to receive our warrants notwithstanding the day after, I know not upon what occasion mr Blyncoe sent me word that my offer would not be accepted. Whereupon I desisted a long time, till at length all our gunfounders having proceeded all the year passing away, I ventured also to cast some such quantity as they in our conference had allotted me. For which I perceive my lord: of Warwick hath now sent for me by a pursuivant I beseech your good honor: therefore to consider of my case, & Judge of my offers / For my part if it be thought good for the state, that no ordnance be made, I desire to make none. / But if there be any allowed, I desire that I may make some of it as well as other, offering (as I hope I do) sufficient security to prevent the abuse of transportation: for this restraining us to a merchant of their choice I for my part do greatly fear that it tends rather to some private benefit then to the public good. And I have some cause to be suspicious of such a matter when I had made suit to my Lord for his license & he had granted it & referred me for the dispatching of it to one Pistor that then was his deputy, mr Pistor plainly told me, that I should have no license unless I would give (my Lord as he said) forty shillings upon every Tonne which I then refused, & I hope may do still, & therefore I do most humbly recommend my cause & my self wholly unto your honor: as upon whom I do & will only rely for favor both in this & all other my occasions, beseeching your honor to stand my good Lord in this matter And I shall rest in all your. honours most humble to be commanded Henry Neville

Sir. I understand by my servants whom I put in trust to deliver my ordnance unto you, that they have made delivery to your use at millall, of 44 ton 200 & 3 quarters, and at Lewes of 28 ton and 1300. before you had received of me at maidstone which I have your acquittance for, 79 ton and certain hundreds of ordnance, which in all comes to 152 ton & 3 quarters of a hundred. which is two ton more then I made bargain with you for. Therefore having delivered the pieces I hope you will not refuse to give order that I may have the bonds into mine own hands. for so was it agreed between vs, and our letter to my L. of Bergveny is to this effect, that when I shall appear unto him from vs both, that I have delivered to your use 80 ton of ordnance, he should deliver me the two first bonds, and when I had delivered other fifty ton, then he should deliver me the third bond. And these quantities were so named in the letter because I had delivered xx ton before, some at London and some at millall. therefore under favor there can be no colour to detain my bonds any longer from me/ Touching the xxv ton for which I received part of the money of Ditcher before his breaking and the residue was paid since to Mr. Sugdon, I have given order to my man to make delivery of them at lewes, viz to deliver 22 tone 1900 & on quarter, which. with the 2 ton and 3 quarters of a hundred that hath been delivered to your use above the hundred & fifty ton makes up the full some of xxv ton. likewise for the pieces which remain due upon the reckoning to Mr. Englestead (although the matter nothing concern you nor any bargain I have made with you) I have given order for the satisfaction of him, and have written to my man to deliver to him so many as remain at lewes over & above those which I have appointed for you, and the rest upon our next speech and reckoning I have appointed to deliver him at maidstone Thus much I have thought good Sir. to write unto you that you may see my intention to be the same now which I hope you have always conceived it to be, namely to perform iustly & honnestly whatsoever bargain I have made. I pray you on the other side, that you will take order for the delivery of the bonds unto me according to the agreement on your part. And so with my very great thanks for the warrant you bestowed on me for a buck, with offer of all my poor means at your commandment I take my leave. from Pillingbeare the first of August

Sir. I purposed my self to have come to the court to you, as soon as our Assizes had but past: which made me defer my answer unto you so long. But the Judge having recommended some service unto me to be done with all expedition, I am enforced in stead of coming, to send you these few lines. Therein to render you all the heartiest thanks I may, for your so kind and so effectual remembrance of me. I acknowledge also your great love and favor, in the speedy dispatch of it (a matter otherwise not usual in that place) And therein I account my self doubly indebted to you. In some, you have bound me greatly by this courtesy, and shall find me ever mindful to deserve it. I send this bearer according to your direction, to receive the bill of you, and to discharge all matters at the signet, and so to proceed with it to the other seals. I pray you Sir. afford him your good direction therein. And so deferring my further thanks unto you, till I see you, with return of all good wishes from all our company here, I take my leave and commit you to gods good keeping From Bilingbeare the 27th of february 1593 Your most assured and ready friend to??? Henry Neville

Right honorable and my singular good lord. It pleased your lordship. of late to write your letter unto Mr John Dolman (who in my fathers time took the pains to keep courts under him for the honor of Donnington, and doth now continue to do the like for me) and therein to send him a petition exhibited unto your lordship. by one Joan wheeler widow, wherein she complains that he hath wrongfully granted a reversion of a Copyholds which she and her husband possessed, unto one Thomas Head, and hath refused to admit her tenant unto it, as by the custom, and by the presentment of the homage he ought to have done: Whereof your lordship. required him well to consider, and to do her justice therein, that she might not have cause to renew her complaint. For answer whereunto, because the matter doth rather concern my father and my self, then him who was but a deputy in the office, I have made bold to offer unto your lordship. a true relation of the matter as it stands, according to the information I have received from him / Richard Wheeler sometime husband to this petitioner, being tenant of this copyholds, and having therein no more but his own life, with a possibility of a widows estate unto his wife according to the custom of the manor if she survived him, it pleased your lordship. to write unto my father, to grant a reversion thereof for two lives unto one Cecil: who having the said grant accordingly made unto him, offered his Interest for a reasonable consideration unto the said Richard Wheeler. But the said Wheeler having no children of his own, would not deal with it him self, but gave his consent that Thomas head her majesty farmer of Winterborne, should buy the said Cecil 's interest in it: who thereupon compounded with Cecil, and took a copy thereof in reversion to him self and Henry head his son. Richard Wheeler since is dead: and his wife this petitioner, hath ever since enjoyed her widows estate in the said hold, according to the custom, until the last court and law day holden about Michaelmas last past. At which court, it was proved and presented by the homage, & confessed by her self, that she was married to another husband and so had been divers years. Whereupon her widows estate being determined and forfeited, by the custom of the manor, and the next in the Copy having right to enter, the said Henry Head (who was next in the grant) prayed to be admitted tenant to the hold, and was admitted: as of right he ought to be, and without any wrong to her, seeing she had forfeited her widows estate by her marriage. And whereas in her said complaint she pretends, that by the custom of the manor, the tenants children ought of right to be admitted to their fathers holds, and for want of children the next of kin, and no other, I assure your lordship. there is neither any such custom indeed, nor claimed by the tenants there. But the contrary is to be proved, by the continual practice and grants in all stewards times, as well by warrant of letter from your lordship and those which have held your place, as otherwise by the stewards themselves when they saw occasion. Neither indeed (in my poor opinion) can such a custom be affirmed and allowed, without manifest prejudice to her majesty, who thereby should be more restrained in this manor, then common parsons are in their manors of like tenure and custom. But therein, for the time to come, I submit my self to be ordered according to your lordship 's. good pleasure. In the mean time, I hope your lordship. will not disadvow this grant to Cecil & from him to Head, being made by my father upon your lordship 's. own letter and commandment. And whereas she affirms, that divers of the homage did present that she had right to the hold, Mr Dolman assures me, and requests me so to signify unto your lordship., that it is utterly untrue. And so hoping I have sufficiently satisfied your lordship. in this matter, with my humble duty to your honor, and my prayers to god for your good health, and long continuance in all honor & happiness, I humbly take my leave. this 26 of December 1594. Your Lordship 's. most bounden and ready to be commanded Henry Neville

Sir. I pray you do me the favor, to let me understand by this bearer, whether the queen 's grant for the corporation of Newbery, be already passed under the signet and privy seal or nay. for my L. Treasurer desires to be certified of it. Touching the bill for Mr. Chambers which I sent you by your servant, I did let him understand of your friendly speeches delivered unto me at Pillingbeare concerning him, whereupon I see he hath made thus bold with you; or rather indeed I have made thus bold with you in his behalf. for him self, upon a kind of bashfulness or modesty, durst not presume to do it. But I assure you Sir. if any good may be done for him, you shall find him most thankful, & ready in all occasions to be commanded by you. Besides my self and all that part of the country shall be beholden to you, if by your good means we may be able to settle him amongst vs. And so till further opportunity of speech with you, I commend me most heartily unto you & commit you to god. from London the 15th of february 1594. Your assured friend to command. Henry Neville.

Right honorable. I received even now by a messenger Commandment from your honor to attend upon you which I am and will be always willing to, and to do you all the service I may, to the uttermost of my power Only I beseech your ho:, as one that hath sometimes had feeling of the like grief, to respit me for a time; my wife being at this instant in great extremity (as her majesty. Physicians who were with her this morning can inform you) and ready to attend the pleasure of god for her last hour, I know not how soon. moreover Sir. if your pleasure be to Command my attendance about the employment whereunto I was lately named, I humbly beseech your ho: to understand and consider my poor estate at this time, which is now if effect in motion: I having sold my land in Sussex and some other places, in effect the chief substance of all I have, to bestow it in Berkshire upon some land which was Sir. Henry Unton 's, for which I am entered unto Recognizances of above twelve thousand pound to be discharged within three months, and all reciprocal assurances within that time to be performed. how impossible it is for me to accomplish this if I should be employed I do assuredly know. And not accomplishing it, I foresee the overthrow of my poor estate, and shall both serve her majesty. without comfort now, and be utterly disabled to serve her in any sort hereafter. I do therefore again most humbly beseech your ho: to free me at the least till Michaelmas And I shall for ever after rest most bound unto you and ready to be disposed, upon any occasion And so I most humbly take my leave. From Lothbury the 6th of may 1598. Your honor 's: most humble at Commandment Henry Neville

Sir Being commanded by her majesty to prepare my self to serve her as her ambassador in France, where your long continuance and employments has gained you the best knowledge of the affairs and reputation, I make bold in respect of the common tie of our employments tending to the service of her majesty, and upon confidence of that ingenuity and natural courtesy which all men commend in you, that I shall find all good correspondence in you, that is fit to be between her majesty's ministers.

Yet notwithstanding I think on my part to make it my particular suit and request unto you, as a matter regarding not only her majesty's service and the public weal advancement, but to my self it shall be also a particular obligation. And for that purpose, having determined to send over this bearer my Steward, to provide me of a convenient house and other necessaries against my coming, I thought good by these few lines to salute you and to contract acquaintance and amity with you, which I shall be further ready to increase by all the good offices I may, either at my coming or before as you please to use me.

And further to recommend my said servant unto you, praying your friendly advice and direction, in such matters as he shall stand in need of. The rest I refer till my coming which I suppose will be about the beginning or middle of February. And in the mean time with offer of all the best offices I am able to perform towards you, I take my leave. from the court this of December 1598

Your very assured friend and at your commandment

I humbly beseech your honor. to vouchsafe me the sight of the written book of Treaties which your ho. hath, & the use of it for these few days that remain of my abode here. I hope to make good use of it for the service I am employed in, for which I acknowledge my self to have need of all the helps that may be afforded me. I beseech your honor. also to consider of the point I moved you in yesterday, touching the sixth article of the treaty with the ambassador. for I fear, as it is, it may leave as great cause of variance & question, as was before. which I am the bolder in because the burden & trouble of all will light upon me. This bearer is the man I appoint to use for my secretary. your ho. may deliver any thing unto him, that it shall please you to send or impart unto me And so I humbly take my leave. this Friday 19th of January 1598. Your honor 's. humbly to be commanded. Henry Neville.

May it please your honor to be advertised, that upon perusal of the contracts and bonds of the French kings, and the schedules annexed unto them, I find it very requisite, not only to take copies at large of them all, but also to have the particular account from the Treasurers of the wars, for the Charges of all such troops as have been employed from hence for his service, thereby to be able to verify particularly, how every debt is accrued. for I make this account, that they will be glad to take all advantages to put of the payment. And if I come not thoroughly furnished of my proofs in every point, I shall but minister them some colorable pretext of delay, which they will lie in wait for. Touching the accounts, I beseech your ho: to give order to Mr. Ameridith to give me full information for the copies, I have already begun to take some; But I find it so troublesome, and of so slow dispatch, for me to go or send twice a day to your hours. house about it, that I would be glad it would please you to trust them in my hands for 4. or 5. days, taking a note of my hand for such writings as I receive. I beseech your ho: to let me understand your pleasure herein, and likewise when I shall wait upon you at the Court. for till I receive your commandment to come thither, I mean to attend this business here. And so I most humbly take my leave From London the 17th of February 1598. Your honor 's: very humbly to be commanded Henry Neville

Sir. I was yesterday with Mr. Secretary & moved him about some gentlemen that are desirous to go over with me, that it would please him either to procure them especial licence, or at the least to insert their names especially into my passport; which he very willingly assented unto, & willed me to deliver their names unto you. I have hereunder written the names of those I desire to be specially remembered & I pray you heartily to take knowledge thereof unto him, at your next conveniency. And so with my most hearty commendations I take my leave and commit you to god. From London the 17th of february 1598 your assured friend to command. Henry Neville. Sir. Jonathan Trelawny Harbert Morley esquire Richard Carew esquire Thomas Moone gent John Chambers clerk and fellow of Æton college

Sir. I heartily thank you for your friendly care of me & of those gentlemen whose company I desire./ I am satisfied, & so I suppose will they be, with their inserting by name into my licence. for there is none of them that intends any long travel, but to return within 6 months at the farthest. for the warrant for my diet, I pray you enlarge it with as much favor as you may. I do not mean in the daily allowance (for that Mr. Secretary hath flatly refused) but in the advancing of three or four months always before hand in such sort as e erle had it, whereunto Mr. Secretary hath yielded / A am yet detained with the perusing & copying of the fr. kings bonds & contracts whereupon his debts to her majesty grow & conferring with the treasurer of the wars about the same, that I may be able to verify the particulars of every debt I shall be directed to charge him with, which I perceive will be a chief part of my business there. That once done, which I hope will be finished by Wednesday night, I mean presently to come to the court. for gladly I would see both my letters of credence & my instructions before they be signed. therefore if the matter be committed to you to get them signed, I pray you make not to much haste. I send you back the copy of the passport, & the note of the plate. And so for this time I take my leave & commit you to god. from lothbury the 19th of february 1598. your very assured friend & at commandment. Henry Neville.

Right honorable. I humbly thank your ho: for this favour to let me see my instructions before they be signed. I will peruse them with as much speed as I may, & be bold to use that further liberty, which as I remember you to give me, if I find any cause, as to return them unto your ho: upon monday morning. In the mean time attending your ho: further commandment I humbly take my leave. from london the 3 of march 1598

Your ho: very dutiful at commandment

Henry Neville

Right honourable, Dover, 26th April 1599. I received at my coming to Dover, a letter from my steward, who is attending me at Dieppe, dated two days since; wherein he writes, that Monsieur de Chacou, Lieutenant governor of Dieppe, hath received advertisement, that all French ships are stayed in Spain, with an intent, (as is pretended) to use them in the fleet, which that King is now preparing against the navy of the States. The Lieutenant rode presently with the news to Estampes, where the governor lies sick; and from thence to the court, to advertise the King; the matter being there generally very evil interpreted. I received here also a letter from Mr. Edmonds, dated the 20th of April, (but what style I know not) That the King was to remove to Blois within 10 or 12 days, and after some few days stay there, to pass forthwith to Moulins in Bourbonnais; with pretense to go to the baths to Pouges, but indeed with a purpose to take some order about the Marquisate of Saluces; and to receive some news from Florence, touching this marriage with that Duke's niece. I fear hereby, I shall not arrive at Paris, or Blois, before his departure; and therefore I humbly pray your honor's directions, what I shall do if I find him gone. I am here attending the wind, which is yet directly contrary; as soon as it turn I will lose no opportunity. And so for this time, I humbly take my leave. Your honor's very humbly to be commanded HENRY NEVILLE.

SIR, Dover, 27th April 1599. I wrote unto you yesternight by the ordinary post, of the advertisements I had received from Dieppe, touching the arrest of the French ships in Spain: and likewise what I had understood from Mr. Edmonds, of the King's remove to Blois, and from thence to Moulins; wherein I hope I shall receive your honor's direction for my stay till his return, or following, before I go hence; seeing the wind is yet so contrary, and the weather so foul, as we cannot put to sea this morning I received your honors letter, with her majesties enclosed to the French King; whereof I am exceeding glad, and do most humbly kiss her royal hands for the great honor she hath therein done unto me, which I pray God to give me Grace to deserve, and to do her service, which may be answerable to her Highness's expectation, and my own duty. I will endeavor in such sort as your honor prescribes, to procure that the King shall send over some personage of quality to be installed for him, and therein it may please your honor, to let me know, what person will be most grateful to her Majesty; for it is very likely, that in the choice of the person, they will chiefly regard her Majesty's contentment. I fear if this journey of the King's hold, it will give him occasion to put off all resolution (if not all cogitation) of payment of his debt to her Majesty, till his return. If it should be my good hap to find him about Paris or at Blois, and to have audience before his going; I desire to know her Majesty pleasure, whether I shall not even upon my first access move him in that matter; and also, whether having had audience before his going, I shall need to follow, or not: for if it might stand with her majesties good liking, and be no prejudice to her service, I would gladly settle my self and my family, before I undertake so long a voyage; and so hoping of your honor's speedy direction in these points, I humbly take my leave. Your honors, & c. HENRY NEVILLE.

Right honourable, Dieppe, 3d May 1599. O. S. It may please your honor to understand, that I arrived in this town the second of May, having continued almost 3 days upon the sea. I found the governor, and his Lieutenant, both absent; but have received great courtesies of the Sergeant major of the town, called Monsieur Favet, by the commandment, as he told me, of the governor. Touching the arrest of the French ships, whereof I wrote unto your honor from Dover, I learn here, fortifieth his frontiers towards France; which should argue no great intention, to satisfy the King for the Marquisate; but of that I shall certify your honor more from Paris. I purpose to go hence tomorrow to Rouen, where I expect answer, by a Messenger I sent post of purpose to Mr. Edmonds, of the certainty and speed of the King's remove. That little time I remain there, I mean To employ, in learning as much as I can by our English merchants, of the nature and value of those customs, which are by the contract, to be assigned to her Majesty, for her reimbursement. I hope ere I arrive at Paris, I shall receive answer from your honor, of both the letters I wrote from Dover; and, & c. Your honors, & c. HENRY NEVILLE.

Sir. I have been earnestly requested on the behalf of the governor of this town, by those gentlemen whom he appointed to accompany me here, to be a means to procure him a passport, to transport out of England 5 or 6 geldings which he would gladly provide there. And because he is a man to whom our nation hath been always beholden, as your honor. knows very well, I am bold to recommend his request unto you. And so I most humbly take my leave. from Dieppe the third of May 1599 stilo vet: Your honor 's. very humbly to be commanded. Henry Neville.

Right honorable, Paris, 15th May 1599, O. S. It may please you to let her most excellent Majesty understand, I arrived at Paris the 8th of May, and finding the King then in town, (tho'in secret manner at Zamet's house ,) I signified my arrival unto him by Mr. Edmonds, and prayed audience, as soon as it might stand with his good pleasure. He appointed me to come to Moret, a town some two leagues from Fontainebleau, upon the Saturday after, and promised to give me access upon the Sunday. Accordingly I repaired to Moret, where I found the Spanish Ambassador John Baptista Taxis, the Pope's Nuncio the Bishop of Modena, and the Ambassador of Savoy Le Chevalier Breton, already lodged all very near one another, and to my lodgings. The next morning, the King sent monsieur Gondi, and Monsieur Lussan, governor of Blaye upon the river of Bordeaux, and captain of the Scottish guard, to Moret, to conduct me to Fontainebleau; where I had a chamber appointed for me to retire into, and a great dinner prepared for me and the gentlemen that attended me. After dinner, the Duke of Biron was sent to bring me to the King, who by the way used very many compliments unto me, and protestations of his dutiful affection to her Majesty, which I was told to answer with some compliments of her majesties commendations unto him, and of her good acceptation of his good affection towards her, and courtesies and good offices he had done to her ministers here, and to diverse others of her subjects, that had come into these parts. I found the King in his gallery, who upon my approach unto him, advanced himself two or three paces to receive and embrace me; and told me, I was very welcome, and that he had advanced himself to embrace me, but to the Spanish Ambassador he had not stirred one foot, which indeed I learned to be true. I delivered him her majesties letters with all due compliments; and after some questions on his part of her majesties good health, I told him, that the Queen my Mistress being very willing to continue the good amity, that had been so long since begun and entertained between them, and knowing that nothing could be more available thereunto, than a good and real intelligence between them, had sent me to reside about his person as her ordinary Ambassador, and had given me charge to do him all honor and service, that was sit for a minister of a Princess that was his true and perfect friend, as she had many ways declared by lively and effectual demonstrations. That she had for that purpose commanded me to direct my whole intention to that end, to fortify this good alliance and union that is now between them, which I prayed him to be assured that I would not fail to perform to the uttermost of my ability, knowing that I could do nothing more acceptable to her Majesty, or more agreeable to her commandment. The King answered, that he took in very kind part, her majesties good disposition to the continuance of the amity, wherein he would never fail to concur with her in desire and earnest affection. That he had received so many real tokens of her majesties favourable intention towards him, as he could not, nor would not forget. That indeed good ministers were meet to be employed between princes, and might be of great moment, to the furtherance or hindrance of their Master's intent: that he had had from her Majesty diverse men employed to him, with whom he had treated with good satisfaction; but again he had found some so incompatible, and of so strange a nature, as he could not with any contentment converse with them. That he promised himself all good of me, both from the assurance he had received thereof by her majesties letters, and for the good report he had heard otherwise: and that I might likewise be assured, that he would use me with all honor and courtesy, as an acceptable minister of a Princess so dear unto him. I gave him thanks for his good conceit, and offer of favorable usage; and for my carriage in my charge, prayed him to assure himself, that I had received therein so straight commandment from her Majesty, as I durst not, nor had in any wise will to disobey her. Then I descended to the first point of my instructions, containing a congratulation of her majesties, for his preservation from the attempts which had been against his person, which I delivered in such sort, as I am therein directed; amplifying as much as I could, her majesties care of his safety, and ministering what jealousy I might with congruity, of them that had been discovered to be the authors, and persuaders of such practices. The King answered only, that her Majesty and he had great cause to praise God for their preservation from so many wicked practices against their lives, and that he trusted that God would continue to be merciful to them both, that they might live, and see as they had done, the confusion of such as intended mischief to them; which he wished with as great affection to the Queen, as to himself, to whom if she were a man he would call himself a perfect friend, but being as she is, je me diray son servant. I said I praised God to continue the extraordinary favor he had showed to both their majesties, for the happiness of the greatest part of Christendom, which had interest in their preservations. And so I proceeded to the second point of my instructions, touching the edict; wherein I said, that her Majesty was very glad to hear that he had so well provided for the quiet of his kingdom, and given so good contentment to his faithful subjects of the reformed religion, by the edict which he had lately published; wherein I said, that her Majesty did acknowledge his great wisdom in discovering the errors of his predecessors, who by a contrary course, whereunto they were led by evil counselors, had well nigh overthrown their estate; and that she was very glad (seeing God had so ordained it for his greater good) that he had found some difficulty and opposition in the passing of it, that so his said subjects of the religion might now receive and acknowledge it wholly from himself, and render him that entire love, obedience, and obligation, that so great a favor deserved; adding farther, as in the same article I am instructed. The King's answer was, that no man could better discover the errors of his predecessors counsel in that point then himself, for that it was he against whom they did chiefly put it in execution: that he saw very well that to continue that course, was but to put a knife in his own bowels, and therefore he had resolved to publish this edict, which he meant to see observed. That he had indeed found opposition in some, which were willing to dwell upon their former principles; but he had made it known that he would be le maistre, and that he thanked God he could tell how to make himself to be obeyed. I commended his wisdom and constancy therein, as the only assured means of true peace and prosperity to his kingdom. And so I passed to the third point touching depredations; wherein I told him first, what care her Majesty had taken to give him satisfaction, both for prevention of such offenses hereafter, and for the punishment of those that were past: in the former, by publishing the proclamation which his own Ambassador had been acquainted with; in the latter, by granting an extraordinary commission to certain chosen persons of wisdom and integrity, who should freely and wholly attend that business. Secondly, I told him the Queen did expect that the like would be performed on his part, and that good and speedy justice might be done to her subjects, of such wrongs as they had sustained by the French during the troubles; which through delay or want of justice, had been made more heavy and burdensome unto them sometimes, (by reason of their excessive charges in following the suites) then th'original loss it self; which I said her Majesty imputed in great part to the difficulties and iniquity of that time, hoping that now under his peaceable government, that he would take order that they should have redress, and find all good treatment and favor, seeing he had found them often ready to sacrifice themselves to do him service. Thirdly I said, her Majesty did likewise assure her self upon the promise made by his Ambassador, that this great liberty which he had granted to his subjects, to pass unsearched and uncontrolled into Spain, or any other place, should not be converted by them to her prejudice, either by coloring the Spaniards, or other her enemies goods; or by transporting into Spain, or any other of that King's dominions, arms, munitions, or any instruments or materials for war, either by land or sea; whereof I said she had given me charge to make special instance unto him, that some speedy order might be taken for her assurance, as a matter which might be otherwise very prejudicial unto her estate, and might give her occasion to repent her of her former resolution. Fourthly, having received your honors letters of the first of may, the very same day I went to Moret, by a Messenger which Sir Thomas Vane sent of purpose from Dover. I told him, as I was thereby directed, that her Majesty when she assented to make the aforesaid proclamation, and thereby to give free passage to all ships bearing French flags, did foresee that it might be very prejudicial unto her, for that th'enemies might by that means be sufficiently furnished with corn and victual whereof they stood in want; yet upon the confidence of his affection and true friendship towards her, and upon a promise made by his Ambassador in his name, that in times of suspicion, when that King might be thought to intend or prepare any hostility against her Majesty, he would be pleased to take order to restrain the carriage of corn by his subjects into Spain, her Majesty had been contented to pass over all difficulties, and to resolve to grant that liberty: now therefore that she is advertised, that the said King doth make very great preparations, with intent in all likelihood to employ them in these parts, by reason that he draws down his forces towards the Corunna and the north parts of Spain, (which otherwise he had no cause to do, if he only intended defence against the states attempts ,) she had commanded me to make earnest instance unto this proclamation is printed at large in rymer's foedera, vol. 16. This commission is likewise published by Mr. Rymner, vol. 16.. Him, to take such order for the restraint of the carriage of any more corn into Spain, (till the design of these preparations might more plainly appear) as is agreeable with the constant and perfect amity which he hath professed to bear her, and his promise aforesaid made by his Ambassador, so as she may reap the fruit of the confidence and assurance which she reposed in him. And that she had the rather commanded me to deal earnestly in this point, because she is perfectly informed out of those parts of Spain, that without the great supp'I of corn, which they have already received out of France, they would never have been able to have proceeded so far as they have done in their preparations. The King answered to the first and second, that he had understood from his Ambassador, her majesties willingness to have a mutual reformation in those causes of depredation, which he was very glad of, and would be found as forward on his part to establish a good course therein, as she had been. That he never had cause to complain of her majesties justice, but had always found her very inclinable to do justice, as a Princess of great honor, and the like intention was always in him: but there might perhaps be some defect in her ministers, who for their own profit, would peradventure not hold so straight a hand in these causes as was sit; but he knew her Majesty had no benefit by these matters, and therefore he was the more earnest to urge a reformation of the abuses, whereby many, and those of the best sort were prejudiced, (meaning, as I guess, the merchants ;) and few, and those of the worst sort, benefited. To the third he answered nothing in particular, but only said non, non, non, while I was speaking, as if he meant that he had no purpose his subjects should abuse her majesties favor and freedom granted them: but in that, and likewise in the fourth, I will urge a more particular answer at my next audience. To the fourth he seemed willing, and said, he would take a pretext to do it upon the arrest which they had made in Spain of French ships, upon which point he told me, he had dealt the day before very roundly with the Spanish Ambassador. He told me farther, there had been no very great quantity of corn carried out of France thither, but rather as he thought by the easterlings. And for the preparations in Spain, he said he was informed that they were such, as were not likely to be used for invasion of any of her majesties dominions, but only to withstand the states attempts. But that it was not amiss for her Majesty to take the alarm of it, and not to be unfurnished; and that oftentimes such false alarms were very profitable. He said further, that the drought in Spain had been so great already this year, as was like to breed an extreme want of corn there this next year, which he thought they would seek to supply by the easterlings. I told him, that her Majesty intended not to give that liberty to any nation, as she did to his subjects, because she had not that confidence in any, that she had in him; and that I doubted not but she would have a vigilant eye to the easterlings proceedings. Hereuppon he took occasion to tell me of the placard set out by the states, which he complained of as a thing injurious to his subjects: I said, I thought it an effect of great necessity, which had no law; and more I forbore to speak, because I understood by Mr. Edmonds, that he was jealous that it had been done by her majesties privity and direction. After these speeches he began to question with me about Irish matters, and asked me, what news I had of my Lord of Essex; I told him I had only received thus much, that he was well arrived there, after some difficulty in passing the sea, by reason of foul weather and contrary winds. Then he said he would tell me news of him, which he had received; namely, that 2 or 3 of the principal rebels were come in, and had submitted themselves unto him. I was ashamed that he should know more of those matters than I; but not to seem to be ignorant, I answer'd, there was a secret rumor and expectation of some such matter. Then he began to inquire of the peace between her Majesty and the King of Spain, and asked me how near it was to the conclusion. I told him his Ambassador had been made acquainted with all that passed in this matter; oh, said the King, I think I know more than he doth of it. I assured him, that at my coming away there was no more past than had been communicated both to his Ambassador there, and to himself, by Mr. Edmonds: well, said he, the other side tells me another tale: I protested I knew no more then I had said, and if there were any further proceedings, it was since my coming away, whereunto he replied not. These interlocutory speeches being past, I took occasion partly out of my instructions, and partly upon some instance made unto me by some of our merchants trading into these parts, to recommend unto him the maintenance of the free trade and intercourse between these two realm, alleging, that those were the safest and most durable friendships, which were founded not only upon the disposition of the princes, but upon the interest of the subjects also: and therefore prayed him to take order the intercourse might be continued, in such ample sort as it had been in his predecessors times, and and according to the treaties of perpetual amity passed between the two crowns. He answered, that he would have me present a memorial of that I required in that behalf, and his counsel should consider of it, and give me satisfaction. This is the substance of that which passed between the King and me at this first audience; for as touching the matter of Scotland, I understood by Mr. Edmonds, he hath already advertised your honor, that this King hath renewed th'ancient privileges granted to that nation, and confirmed amity with that King, with omission of such points contained in former treaties, as had any reference to enmity with us: and to receive confirmation on that King's part, he Rosni; therefore this alteration being grown in the matter, I thought it best not to deal in that point, till I understood her majesties further pleasure. Since my coming to this town, the Ambassador of Venice hath been to visit me, and likewise the Agent of the states, who tells me he hath commission I shall make my self partaker of his counsels or actions; for I see the states desire very much to draw some countenance from her Majesty, in all their proceedings here, and could be content to be thought to have very straight intelligence with her, and to do nothing without her privity. The treaty of peace begun by Cardinal andreas hath given the alarm not only to them, but to many other here; and th'Agent told me, that monsieur de Villeroy assured him it was concluded, and stayed but the Archduke's return to be perfected. The like he saythe he saw written from the French Ambassador in England to the Duke de Bouillon. I answer all men as my instru ctions direct me, yet I think it not amiss for her majesties affairs, that this King should be held in some jealousy of it. This day likewise, the Bishop of Glasgow Ambassador of Scotland, sent to compliment with me, and to excuse him upon his debility, that he hath not yet seen me. The Princess of Orange hath likewise sent to visit me, and would have come her self but that I went to the court; and to prevent her, I purpose to see her to morrow. I was willing to have delivered her Majesty's letters to the Duke of Bouillon, and monsieur de Villeroy, when I had audience, and signified unto them both by Mr. Edmonds, that I was desirous to have some private conference with them: but they both thought it sit to be deferred till my next audience, which I am promised upon Monday next, being their whitsun-Monday. I was desirous to have had it sooner, but could not obtain it, because the King had determined to spend this week in hunting, and in some secret walks to this town. Presently after the holidays he purposes to go to Blois, but whether any further or nay is not yet certain; for by reason of this concourse of ambassadors, he stayed his going to the baths till the season was past, and is now dissuaded by the physicians to use them this year. And for his journey to Lyon, it was not without some reference to the affairs of the Marquisate, where by the mediation of the General of the Cordeliers, sent of purpose by the Pope, and at the instance of the Duke of Savoy himself, he hath been contented to give him 2 months time more to advice of an answer. The Duke desired 6 months, but he hath yielded but to two, yet with a purpose, as I am informed from a very good hand, to enlarge it two more if need be; purposing to keep the Duke of Savoy in the mean time both in suspense and charge, while he himself may also make his provisions for the war, for the which he is yet utterly unready. Yet he lets not to set a good face upon the matter, and gives commissions to levy companies to draw down that way; and the Duke of Biron told me he had already four companies ready for that service. But the truth is, there is no money, nor any other provision in a readiness. I understand that the King told the Spanish Ambassador, that he heard some bruits that his Master meant to assist the Duke against him in that cause. If that it were true he said, he was as ready to march that day as the next to meet him, and that he would send a valet of his chamber, to wish him that either they might embrace as friends, or meet in the field. The said Ambassador hath expostulated with the King upon three points; th'one of the enterprise designed by Baligney some time governor of Cambray against that town; the second, that this King hath an Ambassador with the states, which he called his masters rebels; and lastly, that he suffered Monsieur de La Noue, and many others, to pass to their aid with good troops. The effect of all his complaints is only this, that the King hath promised to make a new proclamation upon pain of death, that no man shall go to the service of any foreign Prince or state, without his leave. I cannot yet learn by any means, of any design in this King to erect a navy royal, neither can I hear of any great increase of shipping in all the coast of normandy, though I employed some of purpose that way to discover it. True it is they have been somewhat busier in trading since the peace than they were before, and that must needs in time increase their shipping. At my next audience I mean to deal with the King about her majesties money, because I am like to have no more before his journey, although I have little hope of any great effect for more than 20000 crowns, which he hath already assigned to be paid at the instance of Mr. Edmonds, and that with great difficulty. I moved your honor before my coming away about the treaty of Blois, whether you thought it not sit that the King should be urged to the confirmation of it, being the most beneficial treaty for England that hath been made at any time. I beseech you let me understand her Majesty's pleasure in it, for I think the King will be easily drawn to that, or any other reasonable matter that shall be proposed, during the suspense of her Majesty's treaty with Spain, and his own with Savoy. And so desiring your honor that I may hear often from you, which will be both my comfort and my reputation here, I most humbly take my leave, recommending your honor to the safe keeping and gracious care of the almighty. Your honors, & c. HENRY NEVILLE.

Right honourable, Paris, 19th May 1599. O. S. I received this evening this packet I send herewith unto your honor, from Estienne Le Sieur, with a letter to my self, without date of place or time, wherein he requested me to convey it to your honor with expedition. Therefore not knowing what it may import, I thought good to send it by this express Messenger. I have not yet any material thing to advertise your honor more than I signified in my last dispatch, only I perceive it generally believed here by men of the best place, that the preparations of Spain are only for defence: but withal, the proceedings of the state's fleet, begins to be doubted of: in which case it is not amiss to be thought of, whether that which was first intended for defence, may not be converted another way, when themselves are out of fear. The King's marriage with the Duke of Florence's niece is much in speech here, howbeit, I learn from very good hands, that the Duke of Florence hath made but a cold answer to Gondi's overture, who was used in it; namely, that the King did once before make the same motion, and afterwards falling in liking with Madam Gabrielle, he left it with her disgrace, having drawn some loan of money from the Duke upon that pretence. That since, he hath entered into some treaty with the Emperor for the match, and although he be not far engaged that way, but that he may retire when he will; yet till he may be better assured of the King's constancy, he sees no reason to do it. Hereupon they be at some stay, and know not what to build upon; which is likewise the occasion that the King's journey is so uncertain, only he resolves to go this next week to Blois, and there to stay two months, and there to resolve to go further, either as the matter of the Marquisate, or the proceeding of this match shall guide him. In the mean time, not to be utterly destitute, he causeth mademoiselle d'entragues his new favourite, and villar's wife, his late Mistress's sister, to follow this progress; and hath assigned to the former 500 crowns a month for her charges. Upon Monday next, I am promised a second audience at Fontainebleau, whereupon I shall be able to advertise your honor that shall be more material. In the mean time, & c. Your honors, & c. HENRY NEVILLE

Right honorable, of the same date with the former. SInce the finishing of my dispatch, I received from monsieur de Villeroy the King's answer, whereof I send a copy herewith. Thereupon, considering the King was removed from Fontainebleau, and Villeroy with him, so as I shall of long time have no means of access to them, I went this evening to monsieur de Bellièvre, a principal man in counsel, who is yet in this town, and complained to him very hotly of the answer, saying, that it appeared rather made par maniere d'acquit than upon any serious consideration of the importance of it, and that it had been fitter to have been given to a suitor that would have borrowed or begged money of the King, than to a Princess of that state, who demanded nothing but her own, when she had occasion to use it her self, having Lent it him in his extreme necessity. And I told him I found it so very unreasonable, and so likely to give her Majesty an exceeding discontentment, to see her self so little regarded that had so well deserved; that out of my love to the King, and desire of the continuance of good amity between their majesties, I would presume to conceal and suppress it till the King might readvise of it; and if I must needs return this, and could get no better, I would do it, but with protestation of the great wrong and ingratitude done therein to the Queen my Mistress. I told him, that if the King were not able to satisfy her all presently, yet if he had made offer of some reasonable part of it, it might have given her Majesty an argument of his willingness and care to content her: but to give her no satisfaction, having satisfied the States, the Swiss, and all his own subjects, (to whom he was no more tied than to her Majesty) argued a less regard towards her than towards them, which I was sorry to see, and might breed in her Majesty an impression nothing profitable unto him. And whereas it is alleged in the answer, that the assignations of the King's means are already made for this year, I told him, the King was not so much tied in honor or justice by those assignations, which were but his voluntary act, as by his obligations made to the Queen under the great seal of France, and verified in his court of parliament, and chambre des contes, and that there was none of those who had these assignations made them for debt or otherwise, whom the King had so much cause to fear to break with, as with the Queen, of whom he had received such real kindness. And therefore, if the King, to satisfy her in some good measure, did strain himself, by using his credit, or any other extraordinary means, it were but reason, rather than that she for want of it, should be driven into any strait or difficulty. The old man apprehended my speech very well, and confessed, it was meet the King should make the Queen a better satisfaction; but told me, that the matter was not yet come to the counsel, but when it should be communicated unto them, he would speak that which he thought sit, for the King's honor, and the continuance of the amity. He wished me likewise to write unto monsieur de Villeroy as much as I had said to him, which I mean to do out of hand; and as soon as I have any other answer, I will advertise your honor immediately. In the mean time I refer it to your honor's consideration, whether you will take knowledge of this answer or nay; and when you do, it were very sit her Majesty would deal roundly and quickly with the Ambassador about it, for that is the way to prevail most with these men; and so I shall be best avowed when I shall prosecute it with earnestness. In all things els I make no doubt but they will give her Majesty good contentment, and particularly I understand that upon the speech monsieur de Villeroy and I had about the treaty of Blois, it hath since been debated in counsel, and it is resolved, that the confirmation of it shall be offered. So likewise it seemeth the King will send one to be installed for him, but how soon I cannot yet certainly discover. Structed in all things that have passed here, and namely, in the points of my negotiation, that I should but disappoint your honor, and wrong him, to make any other relation. This I may not omit to signify, that I have found him most friendly and willing, not only to communicate really with me, but to take much more pains for me than was fit for me to require of him, insomuch as I hold my self very much obliged unto him: whereof, because I wholly impute it to your honor's commendation, being otherwise of my self a mere stranger unto him; I humbly beseech your honor to take knowledge thereof, and let him see that it is grateful unto you. I beseech you, Sir, to be assured, that I had no purpose any way to challenge you of any omission, in that I was not advertised of the news of Ireland which the King told me; for I had even the same conceit of it, which I find now to be true, that the Ambassador had taken up the news there at the exchange: but de been esse, I made that answer I wrote of. I beseech you think, that I shall take all you write me to be of favor, and what you write not, to be forborne upon good respects. This day were the obsequies of the King of Spain performed, and whereunto I was invited, but excused my self, that I was very willing to do the King any honor, but this action being designed wholly to the honor of the King of Spain, who died not in amity, but rather in hostility with her Majesty, and his son continuing in the same terms, it would very evil beseem me to be partaker of it, and besides my presence would but trouble the feast; for I thought the Spanish Ambassador would insist upon his Master's place and honor, and so would I upon the Queen's my Mistress; which might easily produce effects that would not be pleasing to this King, especially at such a time. My excuses were well taken, and I was offered a private place to see the solemnity if I would; I accepted it for the gentlemen of my company, but indeed I went also disguised my self, and repented me of my pains, having never seen a poorer thing. The young Prince of Condé, the Duke Montpensier, and the Duke of Nevers, were the mourners. The Bishop of Glasgow, Ambassador of Scotland, was lately to visit me, together with another that bears the title of Master of requests, who is sent to assist him. The Lord of Hume is yet in these parts, and for anything I can learn makes no great haste into Italy; which should argue that my Lord of Wemyss'intelligence is not well sounded; yet I thought it my duty to write it, being of that nature, and to name my author, upon whose credit I must lay it, if it prove otherwise. Here are diverse English gentlemen that seem weary of their exile and evil entertainment among the Spaniards, who seek to have access unto me. Among the rest here is Charles Paget and one Mr. Tresham, who was sometime a gentleman pensioner. I beseech your honor direct me, whether I shall give access unto them to make any use of them, or how I shall govern myself towards them. And so referring the report of all other particularities here unto this bearer Mr. Edmonds, I most humbly take my leave. Your honor's, & c. HENRY NEVILLE.

SIR, Paris, 26 May 1599. O. S. It may please you to let her Majesty understand, that upon Monday last, being the 21th of this month, I repaired to Fontainebleau, and had access unto the King, where I delivered at large unto him that which I comprised thought it proper to print the state of the whole debt, as I found it drawn up by Mr. Levinus Muncke, who was under Secretary to Sir Robert Cecyll. More briefly in the proposition I presented in writing, whereof I send a copy here enclosed. His answer was short, (as his manner is) that it was great reason her Majesty should be satisfied of such sums, as she had Lent or disbursed for him in his great necessities, and that he would be careful in it to the uttermost of his ability, and would lay open unto me the bottom of his means, and make me judge of his dealing with her Majesty therein; but for that and the rest I had proposed, he prayed me to deliver a memorial in writing, and his counsel should consider of it, and give me an answer. I had the memorial ready, and delivered it, together with a note of the sums of money due to her Majesty, by bond or account, which he presently gave to monsieur de Villeroy, and then prayed me to sit down by him that we might talk: thereupon he fell into discourse with me of his marriage, wherein he told me, that he had diverse proposed unto him, as namely, a sister of the King of Denmark, a sister of the Prince of Anhalt's, a widow that had had children, but a very goodly woman, the Duke of Florence's niece, (whom he seemed chiefly to commend) and some in his own kingdom. He said he was resolved to marry, but he would first seek to separate himself from her that was now his wife, and had already begun to treat with the Pope to that purpose, from whom he hoped to receive answer shortly to his contentment: that done, he would think of another, and communicate his intention to his good sister, and pray her advice in it. Upon this occasion of speech of the Pope, he told me how respectful he found him towards him in all things, that he had very well allowed of his late edict, acknowledging that no violence could force men's consciences and beliefs, but they must be won by teaching, and good example. That he likewise intended to publish a bull of excommunication against all such as should attempt, procure, or favor, the murdering of him. That there was a quarrel grown between the Pope and the Spanish King, about the cense and homage of the kingdom of Naples, which being not performed or tendered since the death of the late King, the Pope had sent to cease upon the revenue of the kingdom, and the viceroy had imprisoned his commissaries; whereupon the Pope had excommunicated him, with threats that if that King persisted in those courses, the Church had a champion which never failed her in her need, whose assistance he would pray, and was sure he should find it ready in the churches quarrel, (meaning the King of France .) I told the King the Pope was politique, and to keep the Spanish King in awe he would be contented to make some good shew and demonstrations towards him; but I thought the Pope, or at least the consistory, too much Spaniard, for the King to make any great foundation of them. He said, he thought he had as good credit there, as the King of Spain. He told me he understood, that the Emperor was sick unto death, and that he had taken, as it was supposed, a great despite and grief, for that the Voivode of Transylvania had sent home his wife, who is the Queen of Spain's sister, and had resigned his estate to his uncle, Cardinal Bathory, which the Emperor made account of. He told me also, that he thought the electors would not easily agree of a new choice, because the most of them had no affection to the house of Austria. Hereupon, because I would found his intention, I said they needed not seek far for a worthy subject; his Majesty being so near a neighbor, and the princes of Germany so well affected to the house of France. He answered he had never ambitiously brigued or wooed for any thing, not for the kingdom of France it self, when he knew the practices and brigues that others made for it, but had ever depended upon letters d'ossat, vol. 3.. Edit. Amsterdam. + The King was desirous the English court should believe the Pope had a more favourable opinion of this edict, than in truth he had, of which I am persuaded the reader will be convinced, if he gives himself the trouble to read Cardinal d'ossat's letter to the King of the 28th of march 1599. Vol. 3.. Letters d'ossat, vol. 3.. Thouani historia,. God's favor, and his right: so in this, he intended not to sue, or woe for it; but if it pleased God to put in their minds to choose him, he had no reason to refuse it. This I thought good to advertise, as a thing not to be neglected; I fear as they grow in greatness, they will grow in insolence, and neglect of their friends. He told me further, of his proceedings about the Marquisate of Saluces, that at the instance of the Pope he had given two months more for the deciding of it, besides the two months granted before, all which term will expire in September next. That the Pope had assured him he would in this time decide it, and to his advantage; for which purpose he said he would draw himself towards Lyons about a month before the term would expire, to be in a readiness when it was decided, either to receive the possession quietly, or to take it by force, if the Duke of Savoy were so mad to stand in it. And in this mean time, he said he had gotten this advantage by the prorogation of the term, that the Duke of Savoy by continuing the forces he had already gathered, (which if he intended resistance he must be forced to keep together) would be consumed before the war began; whereas he himself need not be at any charge, but that which is ordinary to him; for with drawing down that way 10 companies, out of his garrisons of Picardy and Burgundy, and the regiments of his gards which did always attend him, and some light horse which he had given order should be in a readiness, he should be able to possess himself of all that the Duke of Savoy had on this side the Alps, Montmelian only excepted, which he would block, and then his passage to the Marquisate would be free. I said it was generally conceived that the King of Spain would assist the Duke, as not willing that this King should have such a footing and step into Italy. He answered, that his Ambassador at Rome, monsieur de Sillery, charged the Spanish Ambassador with it, who answered, that until the Pope had decided the matter, the right hanging in suspense, his Master could not in honor but profess to assist his brother-in-law in his right; but the Pope having decided it with this King, he did assure him his Master would not maintain an evil cause. After he had spent an hour or more privately with me in these discourses, he went with me himself about his house, and showed me his buildings, willing me to come again the next day to see his gardens, and the rest of the house, while he was abroad a hunting, and willed monsieur de Villeroy to shew me all, and so dismissed me with great courtesy, commanding monsieur d'entragues, a Knight of the order, who brought me in, to accompany me out again. The next day I returned, and found monsieur de Villeroy at good leisure, all the court being gone abroad with the King. I presented him the Queen's letters, with ordinary words of compliment, whereunto he answered with the like, that he would be glad to do her Majesty any acceptable service, in regard of her greatness and rare virtues, and of the favor and kindness she had done to the King his Master; he knew it was his masters pleasure that all his servants should be likewise her's, for the affection he bare her, and for the straight amity which was between them, which it was sit for the ministers of both sides to labor to preserve, and to increase by all means. I told him it was both my charge from her Majesty, and from thence (as he yet purprayed him I might find that disposition in him not in words only, but in effect, which would best appear, if it would please him to be a means to procure a good answer and contentment in those points I had proposed to the King, and after delivered in writing, which the King had given him. He told me in that, or any thing else which might concern her Majesty, he would do his best labor that she might receive all good satisfaction; but he had not spoken with the King since I saw him, because the King presently upon my departure rode abroad, and was not yet returned, (which was true indeed) and besides, there was none els of the counsel there but himself. But at the King's return, he would deal earnestly with him to send for his counsel, and especially those of his finances, without whom he could give no answer to the principal point, which concerned the payment of money. I prayed him to hasten my answer as much as might be, for that her Majesty might marvel I had been so long here, and returned her no answer of any thing she gave me in charge, and might perhaps condemn me of negligence. I prayed him also not to refer my answer to the financiers, for they were like enough (according to their custom) to find many difficulties, rather than they would part with any money. But I desired him, as a principal minister of the kings, by whom his affairs were chiefly directed, to enter into due consideration how meet it was for the King in honor and justice to give her Majesty contentment herein, she having showed so princely and entire an affection to him, in all his necessities, and requiring now nothing of him but her own, and that in such time as she had apparent occasion to use it, and he by reason of his peace at home and abroad, might best spare it. He said, the King both ought and would strain himself, to give her Majesty contentment, as far as his state would permit; but to deal plainly with me, and not to feed me with words, he thought he was not able to content her for the present with any money. I said, that answer might perhaps serve if she went about to borrow any money of him, but she demanding nothing but her own, Lent in his necessity, and when she might evil have spared it, and to furnish him was fain to disaccommodate her self, whereby she is now driven to want; the King was bound in honor to satisfy her, though with some difficulties and extraordinary means, rather than to drive her for want of it, unto any extremity or inconvenience. I told him her Majesty was a great Princess, and did not contract amity upon any disadvantage, but upon equal terms and interests. That hitherto the amity with the King had been rather burdensome than profitable unto her, the King having drawn from her, assistance both of men and money, and she nothing but promise and hope from him; whereof, although she did not repent, yet according to the nature of amity, which consists upon mutual offices and interests, she did look now to receive some return of kindness from him; and this being the least of all other, to recover her own, if he did no more regard her satisfaction in this, she might little look for it in any greater measure. I told him further, that the King had already given satisfaction to the States, and was now about to do the like to the Swiss, to the value of 500000 crowns; that he had likewise given contentment to all his rebellious subjects, with whom he had made compositions; and if amongst all these, he should only neglect her Majesty, it would give her just cause to think, that he made not that account of her amity, which by the greatness of her estate, and the sincerity of her friendship towards him, she might justly challenge. He answered, that he would solicit the King, which was all he could do in it, and when the King had given order in it, he would likewise solicit the dispatch. Then he required of me the copies of the bonds, which I have since sent unto him, and have likewise written unto him to hasten my answer. Touching the matter of the carriage of the corn into Spain, he told me, that the King hath already written unto all the ports, that they should forbear to trade with Spain, both in respect of the arrest made there of French ships, and likewise of the placard set out by the states, for fear they should meet with them, and make prize of them. But when I replied, that these respects were but for a time, but that the other respect of the Queen my Mistress was like to continue, and therefore prayed to know what I should answer, he said I should have answer to that point as well as to the rest, in writing. For the third point contained in my written proposition, he hath assented thus far, and willed me so to certify, that the King shall by proclamation forbid his subjects to buy or provide any arms, munitions, or materials for war in any foreign country, and to carry them into any country except France. And if this be liked of, he desired th'articles might be finished and put into a forme of a treaty, that both her Majesty and the King might sign it. But being once entered into this argument, he fell into bitter exclamations against our justice, and told me (as the King had likewise done the day before) that the Ambassador had written, that though the Queen's Majesty had given him all contentment and promise of reformation, yet he found all was stayed by other means, and that he should be forced to send back the parties that sued, to seek remedy here. I told him, I feared the Ambassador took too passionate a report from the parties themselves, who measure justice but by their own affection: that I knew her Majesty was fully bent to do justice, but it may be there was some stay made of proceeding in the course she had established, till it might be seen what correspondence they yielded here: that the Queen had already established a commission for that purpose, which the King had not yet done; and till they were as forward on their part, as the Queen had been on hers, they had no reason to complain, for princes used to march with equal paces; but the Queen had so used to prevent them with kindness, that it seemed they looked for it still. I offered if he would give me the particularities of his complaints, I would write of it. He answered, the Ambassador was best acquainted with the particulars, and prayed me only to write in General, that there might be good justice done, the want or refusal whereof, might otherwise interrupt all good intentions between their majesties; assuring me that the King would do the like; and though the commission was not established, that he would cause justice to be done upon any complaint I would deliver: yet if the Queen stayed upon those respects, or any other, about the intercourse of renewing of treaties, (wherein he said the King would be ready to meet the Queen half way ,) he desired that they might be accelerated, and that we might begin to put pen to paper, either here or there. Hereupon we fell into some speech of the treaty of Blois, why this King made no declaration of his intention to continue it, as the treaty requires. He said the King made account it had been sufficiently confirmed by that of 1596, and if it were not, the King was willing to do any thing that might be to the confirmation of amity and intercourse. Thereupon, because I understood by Mr. Edmonds he had already dealt with the King and him for an exemption for our English merchants du droict d'aubeine, which is very greavous unto them, for that such as dye here lose their goods without remedy, not having power by will to dispose of them; I urged him to shew some token of the King's good will towards our nation that way, as he had done of late to the Low-country men, who had not better deserved of him, than ours had done. And the rather to induce him, I alleged the treaty of Blois, wherein that point was accorded unto us. He answered first for the immunity granted to the states, it was required by them, and yielded to in a time when the King had need of them, and might deny them nothing. To which I replied, that it was more honor for the King to requite kindness with kindness freely, than to do all things by the way of bargain: that the Queen had dealt like an honorable princess, and had not made merchandise of her favors, yet she had reason to look for some fruit of her friendship. To the point of the treaty of Blois, he said that we had not performed it on our part, I asked him wherein we had made default; he said it had never been executed, but the intercourse was presently discontinued. I answer'd, that was not our fault but theirs, for the massacre followed immediately, wherein our men were murdered, and their goods spoiled, without any justice or remedy; but now that peace was established, and our men began to revive that trade into these parts, it was reasonable they should enjoy the privileges due unto them by the treaty. To this he only answered, that when all the rest was agreed on, this would easily be determined, but to single it from the rest he saw no reason. The last point of my proposition touching Collesford, I did add upon information from Mr. Edmonds, of the daily practices of that man to draw over young English gentlemen, and to convey them to Rome: wherein I am to advertise your honor, that the searchers of Sandwich and Dover do not their duties, but are daily corrupted as I am informed; and not only that way, but for the passage over of geldings, which from thence and Rye, are continually shipped over in good plenty. I had some speech with monsieur Villeroy about the Spanish preparations, which he assured me upon perfect information, were not any way meet to attempt an invasion, but only to be used for defence. But the next year he said if we made not peace, he thought they intended some attempt upon us. I learned both by the King and him, that + coomans, who was employed lately into England from the cardinal, passed this way within these few days into Spain, having in his speech with the King professed himself as it were an enemy to the Spaniards, but a Servant of the Archduke's, and a great wisher of peace, that by that means the country might be freed from the spaniards. He professes himself likewise of the religion, and was present the last Sunday, as the Duke of Bouillon told me, at the assembly of the protestants at Grigny five leagues from Paris towards Fontainebleau. It is thought he goeth to work the King of Spain to be more inclinable to the peace, whereunto these messieurs, both Villeroy and others, would fain persuade me, that that King hath no inclination, but is only contented to harken unto it, for the benefit, and at the instance of the cardinal. Touching our peace with Spain, they pretend here in words to be very desirous of it, that we might have rest from our troubles, as they have. But the truth is they are jealous of it, and I think it sit they should be so held till her Majesty be resolved: and in the mean time that they be urged instantly to whatsoever her Majesty shall think sit to draw from them: for it is not good nature or gratitude, but interest of state that must prevail with them. It is commonly believed, that if it were not for the war with England, the King of Spain would easily embark himself into the Duke of Savoy's quarrel: so as if her Majesty intend any peace with Spain, it may advantage her much to make it before this term given to the Duke of Savoy expire; for this occasion once passed, there is no likelihood of any probable occasion of breach to grow between them in haste, which I hold very sit for her Majesty's affairs not to be neglected. The King is this day departed from Fontainebleau, minding to pass his time at monsieur d'entrague's house, and sundry other gentlemens for 15 or 20 days, and so to settle at Blois, where he intends to remain a month or two, till he proceed towards Lyons. I do not yet learn of any order given to the ambassadors to follow: but I beseech you let me understand her Majesty's direct pleasure in it, for I am very desirous to conform my self thereunto, though I know her allowance will not discharge my lodging and my horses, besides my diet and other charges; but I trust for my horses and my carriages, her Majesty will be pleased to allow me as she hath done all other ambassadors in like cases. And so, & c. Your honors, & c. HENRY NEVILLE

Right Honorable I have thought good to send your Honor here enclosed a Copy of my letter to Mr Villeroy, & likewise of his answer to it which I received this day, humbly praying I may be directed how I shall further proceed in that matter If her Majesty approve my earnestness in the pursuit of it. I beseech her to concur in like sort when she deals with the Ambassador there about it: for otherwise they will conceive it is but my doing pour faire le bon valet, and they will regard it accordingly. I beseech you Sir also let me understand her pleasure about my following the King: in his progress The Agent of the Estates is much discontented with the Proclamation which the King is about to publish for the revocation of Monsieur de la Noüe, & the Troops which are gone to the service of the Estates, wherein though the King promises to give secret advice to la Noüe & the principal of them not to fear or stir upon it yet he doubts that the generality which shall not know the secret will apprehend the danger and withdraw themselves which will be very unreasonable for their affairs. It seems the King whilst the matter of the Marquisate depends will not

give the King of Spaine any cause of discontentment least he should take it for a pretext to embark himself in that quarrel. And for the same purpose there having been lately discover an enterprise which the Count Maurice had upon a Town called Purlemont not far from Sedan, wherein certain french men of the Kings garrisons adjacent were employed, the King: has sent a Provost thither to do road Justice upon them & to proceed to their execution. There are letters come out of Spaine of the 20 th may stilo nouo which make mention that the Archduke & the Infanta were to Embark at Barcellona upon the 5 th June: They purpose as I hear to return by the way of Tirol & it will be the middle of August before they can arrive in the Low Countries: The opinion in this Court is that the Spanish Camp must be forced to rise from before Bommel very shortly: It is very constantly reported here that the states army is already past along their coast to the west ward & that there were discovered to the west in 2 fleets to the number of 140: sail. The Agent gives out that they will be able to put 8000 or 10000: on land. The Spanish preparations on the other side are thought here to be very weak. The news of Ireland are much enquired after thus having no other matter at this present fit for your Honors knowledge I humbly take my leave from Paris the 30 th may: 99

Your Honors very humbly to be Commanded

Hen: Neville

To her sacred Majesty

Most gratious Soueraigne the Inward witnesse I daily feele of my many wants for a charge of this nature & waight which your Majesty has laied upon me would greatly dismay me, were it not that I know that there is in your most excellent Majesty all abondance both of wisedom by your Princely directions to supplie my deffects & of gratious disposition with favor to entertain my endeauors: whereof as I have already received a comfortable tast by your Majesty's gratious acceptation of my first negotiation with this King for which I doe render all humble & possible thanks, so doe I most humbly beeseech your most excellent Majesty to continue in like gratious sort to pardon & accept my poor & weak endeauours hereafter who as I said unto your Majesty when it pleased you first to Impose this charge upon me can promise nothing of my self but faith & dilligence which I doe vow not to fail in nor to omit any help I may with any Industrie procure to enable me for the service: In which kind I should be very ingratefull If I should not a true testimony of this Gent: Mr Edmonds, & acknowledging the great light I have received by his frendly & reall communicating with me his knowledg of the affairs of this State which I assure your Majesty to be very exquisite & his Judgment and sufficiencie such w: thall as I hold him to have been a worthy Minister of your Majesty's here, & to be very able to doe you good service wheresoeuer it shall be your gratious pleasure to make further use of him: He comes so perfectly

so perfectly instructed of all matters here and so well acquainted with my Negotiations since my arrival as I hold it not fit to trouble your Majesty with any other relation than that he will make at his repaire unto your presence unto which I referr my self & there w: thall I doe with all humillitie Kiss your Royall hands, beseeching God long to preserve your most excellent Majesty in health with Increase of all Princely Honor & happiness From Paris the 6 th of June 99.

Your sacred Majesty's most humble, & duetyfull subject & servant

Henry Neville

To the right Honorable Sir Ro: Cicyll Kingt principal secretary to her Majesty at Court /

Right Hon: ble there could be no news more welcom unto me then that it pleased you to send me of her Majesty's gratiouse acceptation of my proceedings hitherto, wherein as I acknowledge also your honorable favor towards me in preparing her gratious conceit towards that which otherwise in it self scarce deserueth pardon, so doe I most humbly thank your Honor for communicating it so soon unto me & especially for the participation you vouchsafe to take of my Joy and comfort therein which gives me assurance of that I have always so much desired: I beseech you continue to patronise my poor credit with her Majesty & enable me as you have begun with your good directions unto which I doe & will refer what

soeuer has been or may be pleasing in my service. I sent your Honor lately Copies of my letter to Mr Villeroy, & of his answer to me. I thought not good to leave so but have made a gentle reply & yet such as shall urge him to a better answer the next time whereof I send your Honor a copy here enclosed, for all other matters I shall not need to trouble your Honor much at this time for Mr Edmonds comes so well instructed in all things that have passed here & namely in the points of my Negotiation that I should but disapoint your Honor and wrong him to make any other relation: This I may not omit to signifie that I have found him most frendly & willing not only to communicate really with me but to take much more paines for me then was fit for me to require of him whereof because I impute it wholely to your Honors commendation being otherwise of my self a meere stranger unto him: I humbly beseech your Honor to take knowledg thereof & let him know it is gratefull unto you. I beseech you Sir to be assured that I had no purpose any way to challeng you of any omission in that I was not aduertised of the news of Ireland which the King told me for I had even the same conceit of it which I finde now to be true, that Th'ambassador had taken up the news there upon the Exchange, But de bene esse I made that answer I wrote of, I beseech think that I shall take all you write me to be of fauor & what you write not to be forborne upon good respects This day were the obsequies of the King of Spaine performed & whereunto I was Inuited but excused my self that I was very willing to doe the King any Honor but in this action being ressigned wholly to the Honor of the King of Spaine, who dyed not in Amity but rather in hostillitie with her Majesty & his son continewing in the same terms it would very euill be

become me to be partaker of it, & besides my presence would but trouble the feast; for I thought the Spanish Ambassador would insist upon his Masters place & Honor & so would I upon the Queen my Mistris which might easely produce effects that would not be pleasing to this King: especial at such a time: my excuses were well taken, & I was offered a private place to see the solemnitie If I would: I accepted it for the Gent: of my Company, but indeed I went also disguised my self, & repented me of my paines as having never scene a poorer thing: The yong Prince Conté the D: Montpensier, & the D: of Nemours were the Mourners: The Bishop of Glascoe Ambass: r of Scotland was lately to visite me, together with another which beares the Title of Mr of the requests who is sent to assist him: The L: of Hume is yet in these parts & for any thing I can learne makes no great hast into Italie which should argue that my L: of Weames Intelligence is not well founded, yet I thought it my duty to write it being of that nature & to name my author upon whose credit I must lay it If it prooue otherwise: Here are diuers Englishe Gent: with seem weary of their Exile and euill entertainement among the Spaniards who seeke to have accesse unto me among the rest here is Charles Paget, & one Mr Tresham who was somtime a Gent: Pensioner: I beseech your Honor direct me whether I shall give accesse unto them to make any use of them or how I shall gouerne my self towards them, & so referring the report of all other particularities here, unto this bearer Mr Edmonds I most Humbly take my leave From Paris the 6 th of June 1599

Your Honors most humbly to be Commanded

Henry Neville

Sir. your lre of the 20th of May came to my hands the thyrd of June. I have bene careful to return to your demand the best satisfaction I could procure, and have not spared both to search the story which particularly doth sett down the proceedings of the ligne, and to consult with those who now remain in Paris, whom I hold not to be ignorant in a cause of that quality, in there own Common wealth. But to deal plainely with you that which I find doth not satisfy me, and therefore I assure my self can give you no certain direction in those points wherein you desire to be resolved. Only this is delivered by the story, that anno 89. the town of Marseilles revolted from the king, mense Januarij, and that it returned to the obedience of this king. anno 96. 17o februarij. The king is removed many leagues from this town, pretending to iorney to Blois. and to my knowledge there is not at this present any one of the Counsell here, by whom otherwise I might receive a more particular informacõn At my next writing or going to the Court I will not forget to enquyre of Monsr. de Villeroy of those poynts who I think is best able to instruct me therein. And so I heartily bid you farewell. from Paris. the 7th. June. Your very louing friend. Henry Neville.

Right honorable, Paris, 15th June 1599. O.S. It may please you to remember, that at one of the last times I waited upon you, I desired to understand as much of her Majesty's General intentions as she would be pleased to think me worthy to be trusted with; to the end I matter of the peace with Spain; wherein I am bold to say it is very sit I should understand her Majesty's intention and purpose in generality, whether she be desirous to make peace or nay; for if she be not, then will it be sit to enlarge and assure her trade in other places as much as may be, and namely in this kingdom; it will be sit also to resolve how the states of the united provinces shall be enabled to subsist, either by her means alone, or by the help of others: and lastly, it will be necessary to draw as much assistance from hence, at least in the repayment of the money due, as may be gotten. All these things are fittest to be negotiated here, while matters are in suspense; and if I knew her Majesty's intention that way, I would not doubt but to take apt time, not only to discover how they are affected here, but to draw some offers from them, and that tanquam aliud agens; and so it should come of them, and not of me, which were the best way of negotiating. I make no question, whatsoever they pretend, that they are unwilling this peace should proceed, at least till the matter of the Marquisate be determined; while this depends therefore will be the fittest time to draw conditions of advantage from them: for if either we had actually broken off the treaty, and engaged our selves into the war; or if they were out of doubt of recovering the Marquisate, they would soon leave us to our selves. I am of opinion, that to be assured that this war should be continued three or four years against Spain, while they might recover themselves in state to stand alone, they might be drawn, first, to repay the Queen the money they owe her, by a yearly payment of 300000 crowns, or some such sum: secondly, to make any straight league defensive with her, that she would require: thirdly, to establish a free trade and intercourse for her subjects into these parts, in any reasonable sort: fourthly, to assist in secret manner the states, as the Queen shall think necessary. All which would be best negotiated before they did too plainly discover her Majesty's intention. On the other side, if her Majesty be desirous to make a peace, under pretence that she would do nothing in so important a matter, without the advice of her good brother and ally, and without due regard unto the common good of her confederates, the King's mind might be felt how he stands affected to it; what conditions he would advice to be insisted upon, both as touching our selves, and especially touching the states, if they join in the peace; and if not, then what he would think fittest to be done, either by their common authority to over-rule them to accept the peace, or otherwise, by common means to maintain them; and how far he would engage himself therein. Withal, before he know too much of the Queen's mind therein, this matter of the trade of our merchants, would be established with as great advantage and freedom from new exactions, as might be obtained in virtue of former treaties, or otherwise of favor; which is one of the chiefest, and most probable fruits, her Majesty shall reap of her great charges here. And for the money due by him to her Majesty, some certain course would be likewise urged for repayment in time, (since ready payment cannot be had) if her Majesty's mind were understood before-hand what I should demand or accept; for otherwise to write of every particular, and expect the answer, will but prolong the time till the opportunity be past; either by the finishing of our treaty with Spain, or by his clearing the matter of the Marquisate. As in this particular, so in others, I could show like reason why it should be necessary for me to understand the General purpose of her Majesty in those matters, whereof I am to negotiate any part or circumstance; but I will only conclude that point with this, that I being taken into the work, and having a part of the building committed unto me, if I be not acquainted with the architect's design and plot of the whole, I may the sooner miss of the proportion and uniformity that were sit. This I have made bold to write unto your honor now at a time of leisure, when I had no great matter to trouble you with; and finding this Messenger otherwise ready to depart, it may please you to consider of it as you see cause; and howsoever you judge otherwise, I beseech you to excuse my boldness. The King is now at Orleans, gone thither of purpose, as it is said, to establish Monsieur d'Entragues in that government; it seems thereby that the composition is already made about his daughter, and that this is the first effect of it. The voyage of Blois is yet very uncertain, I have sent one of purpose to the court to bring me as much certainty, both of that and other matters, as he can learn. I wrote also to the Duke of Bouillon, praying him to deal privately with the King about her Majesty's money; and likewise to monsieur de Villeroy, to know when the King's counsel will repair unto the court, and where the King will settle, that I might attend him to pursue the matter my self. The court of parliament made an arrest upon Saturday last, to suspend the execution of the King's edict in favor of the religion, till those of Rochelle had received the mass. They of the religion beyond loyre, make some difficulty likewise to accept it, pretending that it is minced, and pared, since it was first accorded at Nantes. In sum, I perceive there is great animosity on both sides, and it seems they are not yet grown wise by their long miseries, especially the popish side, who cannot dissemble their hatred. Since my coming hither, the deputies of the assembly at Châtellerault have been long in this town, but never offered any communication with me, not so much as an ordinary visitation: and for my part I thought it not sit to offer it them. The Duke of Bouillon likewise hath seemed to avoid me as it were of purpose, insomuch as he disappointed two assignations he had given me of meeting at his own lodging, and one at mine; besides his putting me off at the court; all which I guess he hath done, fearing the King might conceive some jealousy of his communication with me but by this means, he and I never met, but upon the high-way between Paris and Fontainebleau. I did therefore write unto him the rather, to discover more thoroughly what affection he bears her Majesty, and what foundation I might make of him. Touching the Prince of Condé, I suspect the matter stands not with him as your honor seemed to conceive. It is a common wish here that the King would marry, to have children, to take away all scruples; which argueth that there is a scruple made; besides I hear that the Prince of Conti refused to assist at the King of Spain's funerals, because he would not give the other place: the King himself likewise hath of late made no great demonstration towards him. For both these respects I judge the state of France in a miserable case, if God call this King, for it seems there is a farther judgment hanging upon them. There is no certain advertisement yet come of the Archduke's embarkation. Only it comes confirmed from many places that he was to embark the 5th of this month, and was expected at Milan the 15th. The provisions are already made in Burgundy for the troops which came down with him, but he himself is thought will take the way of Tyrol, for the commodity of the coaches. It is delivered here from good hands, that the King of Spain's assignation unto the Archduke, is of 250000 crowns a month; for the maintenance of the wars till the end of December next. Many conjecture, that the Archduke is in the mean time to assure his estate, either by peace, or success in war; and that the King of Spain will not charge himself any further with the defence of those countries. But in my poor opinion, Spain hath reserved too great an interest in them, and too great a possibility of reverting, to abandon the care of them so soon, and so lightly. I understand, that there is a great breach grown between the Pope, and the constable of castile governor of Milan, for encroaching upon the Archbishop's jurisdiction there; and that the Pope hath personally cited the governor to appear at Rome about it. Otwell Smythe a merchant residing at Rouen, well known as I suppose to your honor, was lately at Nantes: where I gave him instructions to learn what he could of the Spanish preparations; and likewise of the corn already carried, or intended to be carried into Spain. For the first, he saith, he spake with a French merchant very lately come out of Spain, who had traveled 150 leagues along the coast there: who affirms, that the preparations are to the number of 150 sail of ships, whereof 12 galleons, between 8 and 900 tuns apiece; that the common speech is, that after they have fought with the Hollanders and beaten them, (whereof they make no doubt) they are to go presently for Ireland. This advertisement, although I see no reason to credit, yet I thought not good altogether to contemn it, and thereupon went this day to monsieur de Bellièvre; who assures me, he neither understands, nor believes any such thing; and that the King is advertised altogether otherwise: that it is thought rather, they will not dare to meet the Hollanders; for besides the galleons, all the rest are ships of small burden and strength, being taken up as he could get them; and the most of them French ships, whereof he told me there were not able above five to render any fight. For the matter of corn, they do likewise vary: Otwell Smythe affirming by his intelligence, that there is such plenty brought thither, as it bears no price; and the other maintaining that there is exceeding scarcity there. While I was with monsieur de believre this day, there came in the Pope's Nuncio Bishop of Modena, between whom and me there passed no manner of compliments; but by that occasion I broke off with Monsieur de Bellièvre sooner than I would; only he promised me, that if he received any further advertisement of those points we had talked of, he would forthwith acquaint me with it, or any thing els that might concern the Queen my Mistress; acknowledging the King's great obligation to her, and the common interest that each had in the other's well doing. Of the siege of Bommel he told me assuredly it was withdrawn, but told me they had received but very little certainty from thence of late. He said further, he had received this day advertisements, that the German princes were entered with forces into Cleves, with a purpose to dislodge the Spanish garrisons that were left there. I send your honor here enclosed, a letter received lately from Mr. Lock. Mr. Edmonds I suppose hath advertised you of the stay of monsieur le grand's journey, and that monsieur le motte fenelon was appointed for that service; since, I hear he likewise excuses himself, by reason of his age and weakness: but thereof I shall learn more at the return of him I sent to the court. I send your honor likewise herewith, two letters I received from Charles Paget and Tresham, which I could not well avoid to receive; it may please your honor either to take knowledge of them, or suppress them, as you please. Touching the 20000 crowns, I doubt not but Mr. Edmonds hath advertised you what their answer is, viz. That it shall be ready, whensoever the bonds be sent over hither. I am in hope very shortly to hear from your honor how I shall further proceed in the matters I have written of. And so, & c. Your honor's, & c. HENRY NEVILLE.

Right honorable, Paris, 21th June 1599. O. S. THIS bearer Coombes offering himself so opportunely unto me, though I were not fully ready for a dispatch, yet I would not let him pass without a word or two, to let your honor understand that I have received your letter of the 9th of this month, the answer whereof I refer till the coming of your dispatch which you promise therein, for my full direction in those matters I have written of. The King came to this town upon Sunday last, and goeth not away till Saturday or Monday; I have made means to have access unto him, but I have yet no answer, and I fear I shall scarce obtain it, because he is here only for his pleasure. He dined the first day he came at Monsieur D'Entragues's house, and this day he feasts all that company at the Tuileries. I have sought to speak with monsieur Villeroy, but he hath shunned me as it seem of purpose; for yesterday after I sent him word of my coming, he went to his house at Conflans within a league of this town, where he pretends to take physic, and will give access to no man. But I have written to him, to put him in mind, that this were a very sit time to begin to consult of giving me satisfaction in the matter I have proposed, seeing the King is in the town, and the principal of the counsel about him, and namely, those of the finances, with whom he must chiefly advice in a matter of that quality. At lest I prayed them, if their leisure served them not to consult of it now, to take order to make all searches and verifications that were requisite; that when I came to treat with the King's counsel of that hereafter, I may not be put off upon any such matter, that can be dispatched no where but here. I will send again to morrow unto him, and if I can by any means, I will speak with him my self. The King's journey to Blois is now resolved, and he appoints to be there upon the first or second of July, where I purpose also to meet him; and hope in this mean time to receive your honor's full direction how I shall proceed in all things, and namely, touching the contents of my last letter sent by Peter Brown. I hear the Archduke and the Infanta are arrived in Italy; and it is thought he will make more haste than he first intended, being thereunto provoked by many messages from the Low Countries, which seem to need his presence very much: by reason of the great dissensions among the principal commanders there, and the discontentment of the Spaniards; who return daily homeward through France in great numbers, saying, they will serve no man but their King. The plague is exceeding great in Spain, not only in Lisbon, which is wholly desolated by it, but in many other parts of Spain, as namely in Aragon and Catalonia. It is commonly believed here, and that by the King's counsel, that the Spaniards are not able to issue out to fight with the States'navy, but keep their fleet within the harbor of Ferrol, and other places, where they have fortified themselves. By my next, your honor shall understand some matters of importance. In the mean time, beseeching your honor I may be informed what customs and impositions have been raised upon foreign merchants in England; and namely upon the French, since the year 1572: or what restraints have been made for bringing thither the commodities of this country; which will be material for me to know, when I shall treat with the counsel here; I humbly take my leave. Your honor's, & c. HENRY NEVILLE.

Right honorable, Paris 27th June 1599. O. S. I have heretofore signified unto your honor, that Charles Paget, and one Tresham, had desired access unto me, and I have sent you a letter from Paget unto me, and from th'other unto your honor, whereby you may perceive what their desire is. I have sought since, to inform myself, as much as I might, concerning their carriage in former times, and the cause of their retiring hither; and I find that there hath grown great dissension, between our papists abroad, and that they have been divided into two factions, the one depending upon the Jesuits, whereof Parsons is now the head, whose courses have been violent to seek and wish the overthrow of the present estate, by conquest, or any other means; the other consisting chiefly of the laymen and gentlemen which are abroad, whereof Charles Paget hath been the chief; who could not be brought, as they pretend, to consent, or concur, to the invasion and conquest of our kingdom by a foreign Prince. This division began amongst them, soon after the death of the Queen of Scots, upon whom they did all concur while she lived; but since her death, could never agree upon any one course, either of conquest or proposed title. And this contention hath proceeded unto great heat between them, insomuch as either side hath labored to supplant and disgrace the other; but especially of late, since the title of the Infanta of Spain hath been set on foot, according to the books written by Parsons under one Doleman's name. For the Jesuit's side promoting that title by all means, and taking a violent course to urge all Englishmen either in Spain, or Rome, or where else they may prevail with them, to subscribe thereunto; Paget and his side have directly opposed themselves, both by word and writing, as I am informed; and they are so divided thereupon, as there is an extreme hatred grown between them: insomuch, as these men do openly inveigh against Parsons and his adherents, as men seditious and factious, full of treachery, and without conscience. And being questioned with, by such as I appointed to confer with them, to know, what service they would, or could do to her Majesty, to cancel their former faults; they propose this as the chief and principal, that they shall be able so to discover these practices, and decipher not only to her Majesty, but to the papists of England, (who now through ignorance of their intentions, believe too much upon them ,) as should work a General dislike and detestation of them, and take away that credit which now they have, and daily employ, to the danger of her Majesty's estate. Being urged to give some present taste of their loyal affection to her Majesty, which they so greatly pretend, thereby the better to incline her Majesty to some compassion or regard of them; they only discover thus much in generality, that there are great numbers of jesuits and priests now in England, and one of them says, at the least 600, which have their diet and maintenance in certain houses by turn. Their ordinary way of repair thither, is through Scotland, and so into the north parts. They also accuse some officers of the ports, and namely, those of Gravesend, for suffering too free passage out of England; whence there come daily young men over, which are presently conveyed to the colleges at Douay, or Rome, and from thence some of them against their wills, into Spain; and many forced to profess themselves of some order or other, when they meant it not. They also think, that this subscription beforementioned, is laboured in England, by those jesuits and priests that are there. But being pressed to some more particular discovery, their answer is, they will reserve that, till they see what hope there is of obtaining their suit: and Paget says, he had almost been undone by some advertisements he wrote over out of the low countries, which makes him very wary not to bereave himself of all means of living on this side the sea with safety, till he may be assured of a safe retreat there. There is also in this town, one Cecil a Priest, who professes the same intention and desire with them; and the like they affirm to be in almost all the English gentlemen in the Low-Countries, except Sir William Stanley, and Owen, and some 3 or 4 more. All this I thought sit to advertise, and although I am not worthy, nor intend to presume to give any advice in the matter, yet I will be bold to propose unto your honor's consideration, these three points. First, whether it may not advantage her Majesty's affairs, and be without prejudice to her; by retiring of two or three of them, to make trial of their true meaning, and of the service they are able to do her Majesty, that way which they pretend, or otherwise by any discovery; considering, that when they are drawn home, they will be engaged and enforced to keep their credit there, and will not dare to double with you, for here will be no place for them. And I see there are in this country, none more forward in observance to this King, than such as had most to do with Spain during the league, having made themselves irreconcilable, as they conceive, unto that side; which reason may likewise prevail in these fugitives of ours. Secondly, whether it be not convenient, that such priests or notorious recusants as shall be hereafter apprehended, be severely examined, whether they have not solicited others, or been solicited themselves, to subscribe to that title of the Infanta. And lastly, whether it will not be sit, when you shall come to treat with the Archduke, to insist upon an article, of the Infanta's resignation of any pretended title; according to the example practised in the + treaty with the Scottish Queen, in the beginning of her Majesty's reign. Which if she refuse, will more discover the certainty of these informations, and if she assent unto it, will both dissolve the plot intended, and give satisfaction to some who have taken too hot an alarm of it, and to prevent it, have almost precipitated themselves into dangerous counsels both to themselves and us; I mean. The King of Scotland, whereof I shall be able to certify you more, ere it be long. Howsoever her Majesty resolves of the rest, I beseech your honor to direct me how I shall carry my self towards these men; for I perceive they will continue to seek to have access unto me, and will look at length for some other answer then I have hitherto given them, which hath been only dilatory, that in the mean time I might understand her Majesty's full pleasure. For Tresham, I was bold after I had seen his letter, to send it to your honor, because he had not offended in so deep a degree, as some others, to my knowledge; and withal, seems to march with less cunning than the rest, and to stand upon no conditions but of humble submission and pardon. + I have been acquainted with a I. Dwufrmshmfd negotiation of the Lord of q, crauntu ogilby, from. The King of Scotland x. Erdo with c 100 the King of Spain, in the year 1598. There are points of great importance contained in it. And if your honor have not seen it, I think I shall be able to procure a copy of it. I humbly thank your honor for your promise of favor, if I should be occasioned to follow the King to Lyons; it would be a very extraordinary charge, and such as no Ambassador hath had since the Queen's time, and therefore I trust will find some consideration. And so, & c. Your honors, & c. HENRY NEVILLE.

Court. Sir. I have always assured my self of your love, & so I hope do you of mine. Therefore there shall need no complements between vs for confirmation of that whereof we are both otherwise so well assured. yet I must confess I was very glad and so shall always be, of your letters because it doth in a sort continue the use of your conference and good conversation wherein I have taken exceeding contentment. Therefore when your leisure serves, and fit opportunity is offered, I pray you discontinue not so welcome a kindness unto me. I take exceeding comfort in her majesty. gracious acceptation of my poor beginnings here: which proceeds of a most princely nature and disposition, to cover with her grace the weakness of a poor servant, who doth infinitely desire to serve her but hath many wants & imperfections to disable him, and can promise nothing but zeal and faithfulness. I must confess that this good encouragement doth greatly animate me in my former zeal & industry, which supplied & perfected by her princely direction will I trust produce some good effects of my service here. I have presented all your recommendacions you charged me with, & am requested to resalute you in all kindness. Thus desiring that both my wife and I may be remembered in all affection to mrs. windebanke & your daughters I conclude with my heartiest commendations unto your self & so leave you to the happy keeping of the almighty. from Paris this xxviijth of Iune 1599 st: vet: your assured friend to my power. Henry Neville. Sir. I fear I shall be driven to follow the king to Lyon, which will be a matter of excessive charge unto me. for things are so excessive deer that I can not escape any day I travel under xx mark, xvli & sometimes xxli. Mr. Secretary hath promised me that whatsoever favor hath at any time been afforded to any ambassador for carriage of his stuff or horse hire shall be yielded to me. you know we have been ever allowed our charge of transportation & horse hire till we come to the prince And I think it is the same reason if we be driven to follow him. for the five mark a day is for the diet only I beseech if you know what hath been the use in this case, or otherwise of any thing that may be to my favor, acquaint mine uncle killigrew & my cousin Savill with it.

Right honorable, Paris 29th June 1599. O. S. I send your honor herewith, a copy of the memorial delivered to the Pope on the part of this King, touching the Marquisate of Saluces; I am put in hope of that which was presented likewise of the Duke of Savoy's part. That matter is now almost dead in speech here, these men making themselves in a manner sure, that it will be adjudged and delivered them, in the end of the term limited. But I had conference lately with. Monsieur de Bellièvre, who concurred in opinion with me, that it was of so great importance to the affairs of Spain in Italy, that it was not likely to be so lightly passed over. Surely, if the Duke set a good face upon it, this King will linger the matter, rather than attempt any thing by open force; for it is both contrary to his own humor, and the counsel of such as most govern him, to interrupt his peace and pleasure. At that conference,. Monsieur de Bellièvre entered into a large and serious discourse to me, how necessary it was, both for a 100. The Queen, z. Ubp. And 6. 120. The French King, that they should continue united in amity and common interests, and especially in the maintenance of. The united provinces; for that otherwyse, being abandoned, they must needs fall into the hands of. The King of Spain, which could not but prove in short time exceeding dangerous. I answered, that. The Queen had alone sustained these many years, the brunt of their defence, and of the impeaching of the ambitious deseigns of the King of Spain; and that this honor could not be denied her, that she alone had been the buckler of Christendom against his intended monarchy; but that she might now very well challenge some liberty of ease and rest unto her self, and put over the burden to some other princes, who had rested themselves, and gathered rest and vigor during her travails; and by her assistance, were now grown in state able to bear it. He confessed it to be true, and seemed to blame their carelessness; but it was not enough, he said, to begin well, except she did continue: and that otherwise, the fruit of all that had been done, would be lost, at least for the time to come. I said, that in generality, I was sure the counsels and resolutions of the Queen would be (as they had been ever) wise, and honorable; but for the particularity, I could not answer what she was resolved to do; only I thought she would not respect her own good alone, but would have a due regard unto the good of her confederates, as far forth, as her honor and safety would permit. The Master of Gray hath been twice with me since my coming hither, of whom I must be bold to write that I received no great satisfaction any way; I take him to be hollow and venal, and his own words seem to import no less; for he said, he was free, and owed no respect or service to any Prince, further than they should give him cause. His advertisements are surely but mean, and he seems to be very credulous to receive and believe them, without any great examinations. I am sure he delivered some unto me that were both untrue, and utterly improbable. If your honor entertain any intelligence with him, you shall better discover him than I; but for any thing I have seen in him, I would not think him a man worthy to lose much upon. Th'arrest of this court of parliament, to stay the execution of the edict, (whereof I wrote to your honor in any letter by Peter Browne) is said not to have been definitively pronounced, but only resolved upon, and since stayed by the King's authority. But I believe rather the former report, because when I used some means to the greffier to have a copy of the arrest, he did not deny that there was any such, but said he durst not give any copy of it. I wrote unto monsieur de Villeroy, as I signified unto your honor, and likewise unto the Duke of Bouillon, when the King was at Orleans. I received good General words from monsieur de Villeroy, that he would employ his best means and credit, to procure the Queen's Majesty contentment, when the counsel should be assembled about the King. From the Duke of Bouillon I received this answer, that he had imparted my letter to the King, who had answered, that his estate was very needy, but that he would strain himself to surmount all difficulties to give her some contentment. The Duke is since gone to the baths of Pouges, and is not to return this month or six weeks. In perusing the copies of the King's bonds and contracts, I find there is a bond for 20000l. For the intertaynment of the 2000 soldiers in Picardy, for six months, and after those six months, I find by the contract, that the King was to pay them; but I understand, that they contioued here near 18 months, and at the Queen's charge all the while; so that I am to demand, if it be so, almost 40000l. More: I beseech your honor therefore, let me be perfectly informed how long they stay'd, and how much her Majesty's charge amounted to, for their whole intertainement; and likewise touching the charge of the forces sent over with my Lord Willoughby, and the 20000l. Disbursed by Sir Horatio Pallavicini, for the levying of the German army, in the year 1588; and the 30000l. Lent in the year 1587. I humbly pray to have some verification attested under your honor's hand, for I hope, that with importunity, I shall at last extort some reason from these men; and the more I am able to charge them with, the greater present or yearly satisfaction, they must in reason offer. The King is yet in this town, but tomorrow purposes to go towards Monceaux, from thence to Fontainebleau, and so to Orleans, where his counsel are appointed to meet him. But whether he will settle there, or go to Blois, is not yet certain, for he chaungeth his determination every day. I used what means I could, both by m. Villeroy, and otherwise, to have had audience, but could not obtain it, nor any of th'other ambassadors; the King pretending, that he came hither privately, to pass his time merely, and would not same effect; but he entreated me to have patience till the King came to Blois or Orleans, I used what means I could, both by M. Villeroy, and otherwise, to have had audience, but could not obtain it, nor any of th'other ambassadors; the King pretending, that he came hither privately, to pass his time merely, and would not therefore be troubled with affairs. But I wrote unto M. De Villeroy as I signified in my last, and spake with him afterwards at his house at Conflans, to the Orleans, geving me very good comfort, that somewhat would be done there for her Majesty's contentment. We had some speech of the peace with Spain, wherin I assured him I knew no more then I had already communicated unto the King, and him. I put him in mind of the promises the King had made to her Majesty by Mr. Edmonds, soon after your honor's return out of these parts: and told him, I I thought which way soever her Majesty resolved in the matter, she would not forget to claim and embrace those kind offers of the King's towards her. He said, I might boldly assure her Majesty, the King would perform whatsoever he had offered, and would ever make a difference between her friendship, and any other Prince's in the world. I said the King had made very good trial of the difference of the Queen's intentions, and those of other princes, and therefore I did not doubt, but he would discern and esteem of their friendship accordingly. We spake likewise of the matter of our merchants, and settling of a good intercourse between us; wherein he assured me I should find the King as forward, as I would desire. Your honor sees how they are now disposed, it may be they will not always be so, for I do not altogether impute it to good nature in them; but I think her Majesty may now make some good use of them, if she be so pleased. Touching the States'navy, Monsieur de Villeroy had received no intelligence at all, what they did, or where they were; but on the other side he assured me, there was no preparation to encounter them at sea. Of the Archduke's arrival in Italy, there is this only of certainty, that he is passed by Marseilles; for so much the Duke of Guise hath delivered, who came hither in post since his passage, but further monsieur de Villeroy hath not understood; yet there be particular men, that pretend to have letters of it out of Italy. The Duke of Mantua is lately arrived at the Spa, which is thought to be but a pretext of his coming, and that the true cause is to take the charge of the army at the Archduke's return. Yet I hear that the Marquis of Burgau, the cardinal andrea's brother, is likewise come down, and as it is conjectured, for the same purpose. The Spanish commanders have been at some dissension among themselves, insomuch as la berlotte was committed prisoner for two days, but is since delivered, and retired to a house he hath near Brussels. The ordinary advertisements hither do import, that the Spanish army is in great want of all things necessary, but especially of resolution, what to do, or attempt. There was a letter lately imparted unto me which came from Cologne, wherein, touching the attempt of the German princes, there are these words: les jesuits esperent que ces choses de allemaigne ne feront rien, mais j'spere le contraire, & que les cercles venans à faillir, ung autre Prince alleman sera à ce qui emporte. Some guess it is meant by the Landgrave of Hesse. The same letter makes mention, that the Spaniards have voluntarily retired their garrisons out of Rees, Rheinberg, and Gennep, thinking thereby to appease the germans, which are not so contented, but stand upon three other points. First, that they may be assured that the like insolency shall be no more committed. Secondly, that recompense be made for the damage which the subjects of the empire have sustained. Thirdly, that forasmuch as for want of satisfaction in time, the princes have been enforced both to assemble often, and finally to take arms, they may be resimboursed of such charges, as they have sustained for that cause. The voyage of monsieur de la motte fenelon into Spain is now concluded at last, and accepted by him, and he is to depart within 8 or 10 days. I have solicited monsieur de Villeroy touching Mr. Lock, who hath assured me he will perform effectually what he hath heretofore promised your honor by Mr. Edmonds. I understand the Duke of cleve hath lately married the Duke of lorraine's daughter. There happened upon Corpus Christi day last at Limoges, a matter which doth easily discover the passion and malice yet remaining in the popish side here, against the protestants. Certain priests themselves went into the Church in the night, and brake down some images, and (as they say) cast the sacrament about the Church. In the morning, the people assembling, a great exclamation was made by the priests of this outrage, and some principal men of the religion in that town, charged by name to be the doers of it. The people by and by grew in fury, and would have proceeded to the present execution of them; taking arms as I am informed for that purpose, and the other side arming themselves likewise for their defence. Monsieur de salignac, governor of the town arriving, and examining the matter, found that one of the religion was charged by name to have been an actor in it, who had been in his company all that night. Whereupon suspecting the matter, he caused some of the principal accusers to be severely examined, and namely one offered to depose, that he had seen this man there, whom monsieur de salignac knew to be absent; and threatening him with the torture, drew the confession from him of the whole practice; and that they had done it, to the intent to have moved the people to a sedition, and to have cut the throats of them of the religion. Hereupon some of them were apprehended, and some fled. What justice will be done hereupon is much expected. This matter will be disguised I am sure to your honor by the French Ambassador; but this is the truth of it, as I received it from Monsieur de Bellièvre, of whose sincerity I find more cause daily to believe, than in Monsieur de Villeroy's; who when I was with him at Conflans, denied that there was any such matter at all, and since hath sought to dignify it to me as much as he could, suppressing all that toucheth the priests. Your honor understandeth by Mr. Edmonds, that they require to have the Duke of Bouillon's and Monsieur de Sancy's bond for the 6000l. To be sent over hither, and that thereupon they will pay the money. It may be that if I obtain payment of any more, they will require the like; which I suppose her Majesty will not greatly stand upon, although in truth the King be bound by contract to pay the money in London. When the 6000l. Is paid, your honor I hope will direct me what course shall be taken, for the convaying or making it over. If any great sum be obtained, methinks the King might be urged to deliver it at Dieppe, and there some of the Queen's ships to be ready to transport it: and if some of it be in silver, there will be no great loss, and perhaps not so much as to make it over by exchange, besides the difficulty of returning any great sum from hence thither. I beseech your honor, if it be possible, that I may have answer of this and all my former letters within 15 days, for about that time I guess I may have audience. And so, & c. Your honor's, & c. HENRY NEVILLE.

Right honorable, Orleans, 13th July 1599. O. S. I came to this town upon Saturday last, and upon Sunday, being the 8th of this month, I had audience, where I repeated unto the King, what I had proposed at my former audience, and what answer I had received, and told him in every respect, as I had before written to monsieur de Villeroy, that I thought that answer so cold, and to savour of so little respect towards the Queen my Mistress, considering her present occasions, which I had acquainted him with, and the sincerity of her affection, which he had so often made proof of; that to prevent the unkindness she might justly conceive of it, I was bold to suppress it for a time, and to desire monsieur de Villeroy, to deal with him to readvise of it, and to strain himself to give the Queen some better contentment. That monsieur de Villeroy had thereupon written unto me, that he had moved him in it, and was commanded to assure me, that as soon as his counsel came about him, he would advice seriously with them, of the means to give her Majesty some better satisfaction. That I was therefore now come to wait upon him for that cause, and to receive his answer, which I prayed might be such, as might give her Majesty argument of his assured affection towards her, and that she might have no cause to think her self too little regarded. And the rather to induce him thereunto, I alleged both those reasons, which I had before written to monsieur de Villeroy, and the Duke of Bouillon, and some other, which I will not trouble your honor to repeat. The King answered, that I had no reason to charge him with want of respect towards the Queen my Mistress; though he knew himself, and every man els would confess him to be the first King of Christendom, yet he had always professed himself to be her Servant, and her Soldier, with many words to that purpose. I desired him not to conceive me to mean any want of personal respect towards her Majesty, for I did both remember, and had advertised her of those, and other speeches, he had before used unto me to her honor: but my meaning was, to note a want of respect and regard to her estate and present occasions, in not seeking to render her at least some part of those means, she had need to use now for her own defence, seeing the cause of her being disfurnished of them, was only her care to preserve him. He said, he did confess that he had received great pleasures of her, and in requital thereof, would employ himself, and the forces of his whole kingdom in her defence, if she had need; but more could not be had of a man than was in his power, and for money he had utterly none, and repeated it three times. I told him it would be a strange answer to proceed from a King of France, who though he commanded not a country so flourishing and wealthy as sometimes it had been, yet was never so low, but upon so just an occasion as this was, he would be able to find so much, as would serve to give her Majesty some reasonable contentment, and enable her to expect his better convenience, for the discharge of the rest. He began to protest he could not do it this year, but the next he hoped he should be better able, until which time he prayed her Majesty to have patience. I told him this answer would be found so strange, after so long expectation, and promise of better contentment, that I should scarce be believed in relating it; and therefore prayed, if he were resolved to give me no other, that it would please him to give it in writing, which he promised to do. After this speech so ended, I proposed again the maintenance of the intercourse between the two realm; and the confirmation of such liberties and privileges, as had been granted by his predecessors unto her majesties subjects, and namely, of the exemption du droict d'aubeine, granted by King Charles; which was a thing contrary to the custom of all other nations, and without any ground of reason, and served rather for a pretext to his officers, to extort by wrong and violence upon our merchants, than for any profit to him. He willed me to give a note to his counsel, and they should consider of it, and of the treaties and grants made by his predecessors; and willed me to assure my self, that in that, or any thing els which was in his power, he would be ever willing, to give her Majesty argument of his good affection. From this, he fell into questions of the state's fleet; I told him I understood nothing of it. He asked me also, how matters went in Ireland. I told him since the last occurrents I had acquainted him with, I had heard nothing, but that my Lord of Essex was gone to Limerick, a town almost in the middle of Ireland, which might be the occasion that advertisements came the slower from him. He wish'd the Queen had well composed those matters, and said, he feared she would find a difficult matter of it. I said, it might perhaps prove of more length than was hoped at the first, which would always enforce her to urge repayment of her money at his hands, but in the end I did not doubt, but God would give good success to so good a cause. He said, he had heard, that Tyrone would have accepted a peace, if your honor and my Lord of Essex, would have become pledges for the observing of it. I told him, there was never any such thing spoken of, and though there had been any such demand made by him, it had not been sit nor honorable for her Majesty, that the assurance of her word or promise, should depend upon the credit of any other but her self. Then he asked me, if in the articles of the treaty between the Queen, and the King of Spain, she had not inserted one to this purpose, that he should free her from the war in Ireland. I told him, I thought he knew very well, that the treaty never came so far, as to talk of articles: he said coomans, as he passed this way had assured him, if the King of Spain would assent to those articles he carried with him, the peace was made. I told him, the Queen had communicated unto him, both by his own Ambassador, and by me, as much as had passed in that matter, which I hoped he would give more credit to, than to cooman's report, for he might well speak of their resolution, but he could not speak of ours. Monsieur de Villeroy, who was present at all my audience, said he thought it never came to conditions. Of the Marquisate of Saluces, I find the King to speak more doubtfully than he did before, as if he feared Spain would intermeddle; the like in dark speeches I received from some of his counsel. He told me, the Pope had been earnest to prolong the term agayn, but that he was not determined to grant it, but would be at Lyons about six weeks hence, to be nearer unto his business there. And so this audience passed, saving, that when I saw no hope of obtaining any more, I prayed him, that the 20000 crowns, which he had promised and assigned already, might be paid out of hand. To which he answered, he knew not how soon it would be ready, but he had made good assignations for it, and he would speak with his financiers about it, and then I should have answer when it should be paid. The next day I went to monsieur de Villeroy, and told him, I was sorry to find my travails so unfortunate, that instead of advancing my Mistress's service, by my solicitation, I found it rather recoiled, and the King grown colder, than the last time I moved him, or than he had given me hope of by his letters. He very hotly replied, that he had written nothing, that might be construed to imply more than the King had now said, that he had written in French, and knew well what it was. I was not disposed to take the matter so hotly, but answered only, that he knew very well when I took exception to the King's first answer, because it seemed to promise payment of no more this year, but of the 20000 crowns, and made my complaint thereof unto him; he made me answer, that he had moved the King in it, and was commanded to assure me, that when the counsel came together, the King would consult with them how to give her Majesty better satisfaction; whereas now I found him so far from any resolution of paying more, that methought he began to make the payment of the 20000 crowns very uncertain, which was promised and assigned, before my coming, and which her Majesty looked for ere this time; and that I thought her Majesty deserved to be better regarded. He told me, I seemed to insist much in my speech with the King, upon that point of want of respect towards the Queen, and if I had repeated it a little more, I might perhaps have been answered little to my contentment. To that I answered, I had patience to bear whatsoever the King should say, and would refer it to my Mistress to interpret, but I would not leave for that, to deliver whatsoever she should command: and that for mine own part, I must needs say again, that I thought it an argument of small respect, that a King, who could find the means to give away in pure gift, this last year, 15 or 1600000 crowns, should plead disability to pay the Queen any thing, in so great occasions as he knew she had: that I was not to interpret her conceptions further then she was pleased to impart unto me, but that I saw she had great cause to be much discontented with it; and therefore as I had desired the King, and as he had promised me, I prayed him I might have the answer in writing. He told me, it was not the fashion to give answer in writing, but to those things which were presented in writing, and I urging the King's promise, he said he heard it not, (tho'the King had twice promised it in his presence) and that he had no such commandment: thereupon I told him, rather then fail, he should have the proposition in writing. We fell after to talk of the other point of the treaties, and droict d'aubeine, wherein I desired, that the King would make it appear, that he did acknowledge the service her Majesty's subjects had done him, and that he thought them no less worthy of his favor, than some other nations, to whom he had lately granted the same of his free good will, not being tied unto it by any lately granted the same of his free good will, not being tied unto it by any treaty of his predecessors; whereas we had it granted directly by the treaty of Blois. He answered, that we had not performed that treaty on our parts, and alleged the words of the treaty, that there should be a staple or fondique established, of our merchandise in France, as was heretofore at Antwerp and Bruges; and when that was done, we might claim the exemption required, and not before. I told him, the exemption was granted (as appeared by the words of the treaty) in favor of the traffic, which was intended to be established between the two nations, to work a good communication and amicable disposition between them, whereupon a firm and durable friendship might be grounded between the princes; and therefore, to stand upon the fondique, which was but a circumstance, and accorded rather in our favor, than for any benefit to them, argued, that they did but seek evasions, from giving her Majesty or her subjects contentment in any kind, which was far from that which she has cause to expect. And as for the matter of the fondique or staple, I told him it was a thing that began to be misliked in England, and was thought to be prejudicial to the state, to make any more corporations or fraternities, which might be; and therefore wished, if he were as desirous to entertain good intercourse between the two realm, as he had heretofore seemed to be; not to frustrate so good an intention, upon a circumstance so little material unto them, but to refer it to her majesties choice. He said, the treaty did directly mention it, and though we cared not for it, they did require it; yet if her Majesty would signify unto the King, that she desired to have that point forborne, as being prejudicial to her state, he thought there might be some conference upon these points and the whole treaty; which the King was willing to confirm, either in that kind, or in any more straight sort, that should be thought sit for the subjects of both realm, and offered me to treat whensoever I had commission. I told him, the intention of that treaty, for that which concerns the intercourse, was chiefly to establish the traffic of our English commodities in France, and all the conditions appointed to be considered of by especial commissioners, run that way; and therefore it was sit it should be treated of in England; where the merchants, whom it chiefly concerned, might be at hand to declare, what they required to be provided for. He said, there was much to be required likewise on the part of their merchants; I said, all that concerned them, was common to us, as well as to them, and there was much in that treaty besides, that particularly belonged to our side: he said, we might treat of that which concerned us there, and of the other here; I said, that were in vain, for one labor might serve both. That matter ended, we came to speak of the third point of my former proposition; wherein I found my self not satisfied, because the whole proposition seem to be limited, to the carrying out of the commodities there mentioned hors de son royaume, which extends not to such as should be bought in lorraine parts, and carried directly to our enemies, without ever coming into France; for that which was never in France, cannot be said to be carried out of France. We debated this matter a while, not without some heat, and words I might justly have excepted to on his part: but I told him resolutely, I would not so accept it, and I did not doubt to be advowed in it: then at last he was contented to alter it, and hath promised to send it me so altered. He seemed to complain, that notwithstanding the counsel in England had assented unto, and signed the regulation touching depredations, your honor had since refused to reduce it into a treaty, or to execute it. I could answer nothing particularly in this point, because I had received no letters from your honor since the Ambassador's audience, the last I had received being of the 9th of June; but in generality I told him, (as I had done once before) that I thought her Majesty had reason to forbear to proceed any further in it, till she saw more forwardness on their part to answer her: for she had both established a commission, which had already done justice in these causes, and made since a proclamation, for the freedom of their trade, as themselves desired; whereas they had neither appointed commissioners, to whom her Majesty's subjects might resort, for remedy in their wrongs, which were many and great; nor yet made any of those proclamations and prohibitions, which on their part were to be made, for her Majesty's service. He said, your honor had not so answered; but if the Queen insisted upon that, he would cause the commission to be dispatched out of hand, and the proclamations to be likewise made, in such sort as it was agreed upon. This is the effect of our conference at this time; I have since delivered a sum of my proposition in writing, but shall not receive answer, I doubt, till I come to Blois; for the counsel removes thither to morrow, and the King likewise, after a step to Malesherbes, will repair thither towards the end of the week. In the mean time, I thought good to send this dispatch, that you may see what to trust to from hence, and because I would not have the Ambassador there, advertised what hath passed here, before your honor. And I assure you I found it likewise in the manner. What to impute it to I know not, unless they should have discovered some more coldness in the demand there, then I have used here. Some have underhand let me know, that the King doth assure himself that the Queen will make peace, and therefore makes no haste to pay her any thing; and again I learn, that monsieur de Villeroy took in some fault the letter I wrote him, upon the receipt of the King's first answer, whereof I sent your honor a copy; I leave all to your honor to judge Bellièvre; who used me with good respect, and confessed it was very reasonable the King should make her some good satisfaction, but doubted that at this time he was not able. Monsieur de Rosny asked me, what would content the Queen the next year: I said I had no commission to divide the debt, but generally to demand the restitution; but I thought the Queen would not be too rigorous in her demand, but would be content to accept some competent some, so she might receive the rest in reasonable time after. He seemed to profess much affection to her Majesty, but the effects must discover his inclinations, whereof I cannot promise much, this being the first time I had speech with him. Since my coming hither, I understand that at o.194 Rochelle, there hath been stayed three englishmen, seeming by all circumstances to be men of the Church, and professing papistry. They pretended a purpose to go into England, and were found seased of certain letters to some in England, containing an advertisement, that the z w g t k l m clergy of m 173 Spain ----- had offered c 100 the King of Spain an extraordinary subsedy, to continue n 205 war against a 101 England: which 6. 120 the French King understanding, would first have had them brought q. W I w n g hither, but the fuy. B g h m w f o. Deputy of Rochelle persuaded him it were better they should be x. K w f d sent z. C b to the Queen, which I think will be done very shortly. If it be so, it may please you to think of examining them of the emq. I a u title of the t b I. O f d h f Infanta, whereof I wrote lately. Of the King's marriage I know not what to write; in speech he seems to resolve to marry, and the Princess of Florence is in every bodies mouth: but in his particular, I verily believe he hath no inclination to leave this free life he now leads; and withal, I cannot learn that there hath yet been any direct motion made at Florence on his part. On the other side, I hear that the emperor, (belike to crosse the King's purpose in that alliance ,) is now grown very earnest in the pursuit of that Princess, which he had once seemed to have given over. The Archduke arrived at Genoa about the 15th of the last month after this account, and went thence the 26th towards Milan, where he purposed to stay but eight days. He was visited by embassies from all parts of Italy; and the King told me, the Pope had sent a legate to him, which was very extraordinary, and not used to be done to any, under the degree of a King. But I spake with a gentleman who was at Genoa till he departed, who said, there was a legate looked for there, but there came none. He doth also assure me, that he brought no soldiers with him at all, but only his ordinary train, and that not great. He takes the way of Germany, by reason that the plague is so hot in Piedmont; which is also said to be so great in Spain, that the King was fain to return from Barcelona by sea into Valencia, to the Marquis of Denia's house, who now possesses him wholly, and draws from him for himself and his friends, exceeding great gifts, and namely, the bishopric of Toledo for a nephew of his. The harvest is exceeding good this year in Spain, and the plenty as great both of corn and wine, as has been these 20 years; the like is generally expected in this country. There happened a great disaster upon Monday last in the forest of Bière, heard by Fontainebleau; either by lightning, or other mischance, the wood fell on fire, and hath burned, as I am informed, about 40000 acres of wood, to the loss at the least of 100 thousand crowns; one whole village is said to be burned, and Fontainebleau, both town and house, was hardly saved. It is said to burn yet, and no man knows when it will cease; for when men think it is quenched, it will run into the ground, and break out in some other place. Upon Sunday last the King healed a great many, both of Spaniards and others; and there went with him to the Church among others, the Duke of Guise; to whom it was observed that this people showed more true affection, than to the King himself; many thanking God for his good escape, and praying God to bless him, and diverse taking occasion by his sight, to revive the memory of his father. The princes of Germany keep their forces still together about Wesel, and treat of drawing recompense from the Spaniards of their damages and charges, but I think it will hardly come. In the mean while they lose much advantage of time, and make all men talk of their dullness and irresolution. Here is an Ambassador of the Duke of Württemberg, who came to compliment with me, and in discourse let fall so much unto me, as I perceive his Master would be very glad her Majesty would honor him with sending some gentleman unto him; and surely, Sir, in my poor judgment, the sending of some man of worth into those parts might be to good purpose, both to discover some designs, and to keep those princes in good devotion. Of the states fleet here is nothing known; it is thought they are gone to the islands, or unto the indies. I understand by their Agent they are victualed for a year, and that there is another fleet preparing, to be ready to succeed them in the action, against they return. The states have drawn little from hence this year; the last year they should have had 200000 crowns, but received but 100000; this year they were promised 300000 crowns, to supply the defect of the last, but have received yet but 50000. Touching collisford, of whom I made some motion in my first proposition; monsieur de Villeroy tells me he is avoided out of Calais, according to my desire. I dealt with him also about the seminary at Rheims, which I understood our fugitives were in hand to renew, and had gotten the clergy's consent thereunto. I prayed him to take order to impeach it, being contrary to the treaties that they should have any such receptacle here. I have moved him again of it, but he has done nothing in it, pretending the Archbishop of Rheims's sickness to have been such, as he was not in case to be troubled with any thing. In my last conference with him, perusing the treaty of Blois in his book, I found it to differ from my copy in some points. Indeed I cannot warrant the credit of mine, being taken not out of your honor's book, but out of a copy of my father-in-law's, which was not very perfect. Therefore I beseech you, if her Majesty's pleasure be that I shall deal any further in that matter, to let me have a true copy sent me of the treaty. The King went yesternight after supper to la faye, four or five leagues hence, with a purpose to hunt the stag, and as some think to see Fontainebleau, (and Paris perhaps) before his return, so sudden excursions we are here subject to. The counsel remain here some few days, but no man knows any certainty when or whether the next remove will be, though they speak of Blois. For my part I remain here partly to receive an answer to my proposition, but chiefly in hope to hear from your honor while I am here, lest I should have any occasion upon your letters to return hither, as soon as I come to Paris. I mentioned before, that monsieur de Villeroy told me, I answered not to one point of our conference as your honor had done; he did the like in some other points. I beseech you therefore consider, what disrepute, and what disadvantage it is to me in my negotiating, to want advertisements how things pass there. And so, & c. Your honor's, & c. HENRY NEVILLE. Proposition de l'ambassadeur d'angleterre faicte à messieurs du conseil du roy le 19 juillet 1599. S. N. COmme il a pleu à sa majesté, sur la proposition que je luy avois presentee de la part de la royne ma maistresse touchant le reimbursement des deniers, dont elle l'avoit accommodé durant les troubles de son royaume, de me faire respondre, qu'il commanderoit à son conseil d'adviser aux moiens qu'il auroit qu'il doibt recevoir en icelle, desia departiz, il feroit difficile de luy paier plus que le vingt mil escuz, prestez en l'an 1596, sur l'obligation de messieurs de vive instance, luy remonstrant les grandes occasions & necessitez de la royne, qui la contraignoient de l'en importuner à present, veu les grandes guerres qu'elle avoit sur la bras, tant en irelande qu'ailleurs; à laquelle mienne remonstrance il me respondit, que quand son conseil seroit aupres de luy, il adviseroit aux moyens de mieux faire pour le contentment de ma maistresse. C'est donc maintenant, puis que messieurs de son conseil sont tous assemblez aupres de luy, que je supplie tres humblement sa majesté, d'I adviser, & d'I pourvoir tellement, que la royne ma maistresse ayé occasion de se render contente de luy, & de continuer la mesme volenté & sincerité d'affection, qu'elle a souvent tesmoigné avoir en son endroict. Et pource que aux propos que le roy me tint dernierement, il me declara, bonne sum; je supplie treshumblement sa majesté, de m'esclaircir son intention la dessus; & combien c'est que la royne pourra faire estat de recevoir de luy l'année prochante, & à quel term. Et si en cas que le roy apres avoir consulté sur ce faict avec son conseil, trouve qu'il n'a pas le moien de luy render reimbursement de quelque notable sum pour le present, je le supplie & requiers au nom de la royne, d'accomplir le contract faict en l'an 1591, entre la royne & messieurs de beauvoir & de preaux, ses ambassadeurs & commissaires authorizes pour cest effect, & puis apres confirm par le roy, & verifié par la cour de parliament & chambre des contes, qui porte comme s'ensuit. Here followed the words of the contract. Duquel contract le roy ne se peut exempter, pourceque les dicts villes de Rouen & Havre de Grace sont à cest heure en sa puissance; estant raisonnable, qu'en l'une sort ou l'autre, il donne satisfaction à la royne, qui l'a secouru si à propos en son besoign. Outre ce, a fin que le roy scache que c'est qu'il a de payer, & la royne combien elle a de recevoir; je supplie humblement sa majesté, d'en faire verifier Et pourcequ'il est raisonnable & expedient, que nous sachions à quoy nous sums pour le regard des traictez entre ces deux royaumes; d'aucuns desquelz, (& singulierement, de celuy de l'an 1572, faict a Blois avec le roy charles le 9me) il s'est meu quelque doubt, s'il demeure en sa force ou non, comme n'ayant, esté confirmé dedans l'an apres la mort du feu roy; je supplie le la raison que dessus; qu'il luy plaise de declarer son intention à la royne, s'il dame royne.

Right honorable, Orleans 14. July 1599. O. S. Since the dispatch I sent away yesterday by Simons, I received these enclosed letters from Bayonne, which I send by the same Messenger which brought them me, being an English merchant called Jackson, who is returning homeward. I have nothing more to write than I advertised in my dispatch, but that I am deferred for mine answer to my proposition till the King come to Blois, which when it will be I know not; but the counsel is yet determined, to move thither upon Monday next. I am told, that besides the fire which happened in the forest de Bière, there is another great fire fallen out in Bourges, which hath burnt a Church and 20 houses; both are supposed to be by lightning. I have received letters from some merchants at Bayonne, that there are certain letters of mart granted out against them, and their goods, for some wrong done by our people at sea. I find it directly contrary to all our treaties, that any letters of mart should be granted but against the principal delinquents, and their goods and factors; and that, in casu manifeste denegationis justitiae, which I suppose hath not been on her Majesty's part; therefore I mean to deal with the counsel for the repeal, and stay of them. And so I humbly take my leave. Your honor's most humbly to be commanded, HENRY NEVILLE.

Right honorable, Orleans, 18th July 1599. O. S. I have this morning received your honor's of the 2d of July, together with Monsieur de Bouillon's and Sancy's bond for the 20000 crowns, and likewise the copies of Cardinal Andrea's letter, and the answer to it, and of the answer made to the hambourghers, for which I humbly thank you. By the same letters, I perceive her majesties purpose to insist upon the confirmation of the treaty of Blois, wherein I suppose you will find no great difficulty here, for monsieur de Villeroy seems very forward in it; and besides, I understand, as I have written heretofore unto your honor, that upon my first motion of it, it was proposed here in counsel, and a reed upon. And therefore, because in your last letter before this, it pleased your honor to command me to inform my self what was sit for us to require therein, wherein I conceived you meant, what was sit to be added or altered in it, I am bold to send you my poor conceit of it. First, whereas the exemption of the droict d'aubeine and some other points, seem to be conditional, and to depend upon the erection of a staple or fondic of our commodities in France, as was sometime at Antwerp and Bruges; for that I find by the merchants trading in these parts, that they are not desirous to have any such company or corporation established here, by reason of the chargeableness of it, and not being done, it may always minister them hear occasion of quarrel and cavil against their privileges: I do therefore wish, that all grants of privileges and immunities, therein accorded to our nation, may be absolute, and founded only upon the respect of the intercourse and amity between the two princes and realm, and upon no other condition. Secondly, if they insist still upon that point of the fondic or English house, I think it sit that her Majesty require free exercise of religion for her merchants, in such places, where those fondics shall be established. Thirdly, I wish that it be especially provided for in the treaty, that there shall be no letters of mart or reprisal executed either upon the land or in any port, but upon the sea only; for this is a point our merchants do especially fear, and therefore desire it may be prevented. Fourthly, that the taxes and impositions raised since the year 1572, may be put down; wherein her Majesty hath the advantage, for by that treaty, the King of France is barred from raising any new impositions upon our commodities, and the Queen left at liberty. Fifthly, that the King shall not suffer any college, or seminary of our English fugitives, to be erected, or continued here. Sixtly, that no bark or shallop of dunkirk, or other port under the enemies obedience, armed or provided for the war, may be suffered to have harbouring or retreat in the ports of this kingdom; which if it be performed, will take away that great liberty and boldness which they have used upon the narrow seas of late, to her majesties exceeding dishonor, and the damage of her subjects. To this would likewise be added some clause, touching the warranty of the sale of our clothe, kersey, bayes and cotton here, in such sort as it is made, wherein our merchants are most troubled, especially about the northern clothes, which I perceive is one of the chiefest commodities here: for the officers do continually pick quarrells to the false making of them, and threaten them with confiscation, and by that means daily draw money from the merchants, and if it be not especially provided for, is like in time to serve for a pretext to banish that kind of clothe wholly. Which besides the present prejudice, being uttered here in good quantity and to a good value, and not being vendible almost in any other place; may happily be a step and a precedent, to proceed further against the rest of our clothes upon like occasion; for in very deed, the merchants themselves confess, that all our clothes are made more faulty than heretofore. The way how to provide for this, the merchants which trade hither will best inform your honor, and what it is they desire in that point. For the third point, of executing letters of mart only at sea, I think it greatly for our advantage, because we are stronger than the French at sea, and therefore not so subject to reprisals there; and have more goods and commodities always in their country, than they have in ours, and thereby more in danger of seizure at home. And I do the rather mention it, because in my conference with Monsieur de Villeroy and Bellièvre, about the letters of mart granted against our nation to certain of Bayonne, whereof I wrote in my last; I found that they both inclined to that opinion, that it was not sit that merchants should be touched by such letters either at land, or in any port; and therefore they have promised me, when we come to Blois (where the Chancellor is already ,) that matter shall be conferred of, and order taken in it. I find them both to insist upon the other point, which I pressed upon that particular out of the treaties of 1559 at Cambrésis, and 1564. At Troyes, which are the latest that mention that matter; viz. That reprisals should be contra delinquentes, eorum bona factoresque, & hoc in casu manifestae denegationis justitiae: which they say is not equal, for a man may do a spoil at sea, which either may be nothing worth, or being of some worth, may perhaps never go to sea again, nor happily have any goods out of the realm wherein he dwells, whereupon restitution may be made; so that they seem to stand upon this, that letters of mart may be executed against any of the nation which doth the wrong, at sea, but not at land, or in any port; and that, after requisition of justice, and refusal of it by the Prince to whom the requisition was made. And this surely in my poor judgment, with some good explanation of the manner of the requisition, and a competent time to do justice in, and to make certificate of the proceeding to the Prince requiring justice, before which certificate, letters of mart should not be granted, would prove a very good and indifferent course for both nations. But howsoever, I thought it my duty to advertise your honor of this their opinion in time, because I verily believe it will be proposed unto you in the pursuit of this treaty; wherein I also suppose, you will find no difficulty on their part, to add that condition of the King's or Admiral's passport, to such ships as you intend shall pass free: and so to make the clause copulative, which is now disjunctive, either to flag or passport. As to the matter of the corn to be carried hence into Spain, although for this present year it is not like to come greatly in question, because the abundance in Spain is such as they shall not much need their neighbors; yet will it be very necessary to be thought of in other years, and to be provided for; wherein your honor shall find a direct precedent, in the treaty ‡ 1546 between King Henry the eighth and King francis the first of France, article the 2d, viz. Quod neuter dictorum principum, alterius regna vel dominia invadenti aut expugnanti, invadere vel expugnare conanti, auxilium, favorem, subsidium, naves, pecunias, gentes armorum, victualia, aut aliam assistentiam quamcunque publicè vel occultè, directè vel indirectè, dabit aut praestabit, nec à subditis suis dari vel praestari consentiet, aut permittet, sed realitèr & expressè renitetur, prohibebit, & efficaciter impediet. Which must needs be understood of furnishing victuals and other aid there mentioned, by way of marchandise, as well as otherwise: for it cannot be thought, that any subjects would furnish such things to another Prince, but upon sale, and for money; and so at the least must this King be bound to prohibit it, at such time as the Spaniards make any army to invade us; and it may be he will sooner condescend to make the treaty in those general terms, than particularly to name Spain, unless her Majesty be contented that he shall in his prohibitions name in like sort, both England and Spain, which perhaps will not be any thing to our prejudice, considering we are neither victualed nor furnished with arms or matters of that nature out of France; but especially if that clause be added, without the King's express licence, for of that we are always to hope more at the least at this King's hands, than our enemies. I must also advertise your honor, that at my last conference, I dealt with Monsieur de Villeroy, as I had likewise done before, to move the King to forbid the new erecting of the college of our seminary priests at Rheims, which I did upon information that it was very much laboured, and that the consent of the clergy of the town was already obtained. His answer was, that he had already by the King's command written to the Archbishop of Rheims about it, whose answer he expected very shortly. Likewise I dealt with him about the forbidding of the dunkerker's retrait into the ports of this realm, wherein he told me the King had already taken order: but what in particular he told me not, neither did I greatly press him, because I mean to learn the truth of it by some other means. Monsieur de la Mothe Fénelon is upon his departure for Spain; and monsieur de Villeroy hath assured me, that he hath recommended Mr. Lock unto him in such sort as your honor desired. I have written unto him where he shall the King hath prolonged the term for the Marquisate of Saluces, neither will Monsieur de Bellièvre acknowledge it, which makes me a little stagger; yet I am prone to believe it, because I heard it from one of good place very familiar in monsieur de Villeroy's house; and besides I hear the General of the cordelyers who treated it, departs very shortly towards Italy, well contented as it is supposed. As soon as I receive answer to my written proposition I sent you by simons, I will send it with such other advertised as shall occurre in the mean time. And so, & c. Your honor's, & c. HENRY NEVILLE.

Right honorable, Blois 28th July 1599. O. S. I understand by many of my good friends, and especially by mine uncle Killigrew, the continuance of your favor towards me, in accepting my poor service and endeavours here, that I hold my self tied thereby as by many other favors, to render both the testimony and effect of a dutiful and thankful heart. I beseech your honor therefore, to accept these few lines as a gage and witness of my most loya'l and faithful affection towards you, and to assure your self always of my earnest desire and readiness to do you service; whereunto the more to engage my self, I beseech your honor to give me leave to be a suitor to you in the behalf of a friend of mine, whom I entreated to come over with me in the place of my Secretary, who is otherwise like for his good will to me, to sustain great prejudice in his absence; his name is Ralph Winwood, and his case is this; he is tenant to the Queen of the manor of Denshanger, which is annexed to the honor of Grafton, in the county of Northampton, which (understanding of the sales) he was desirous before his coming over with me, to have purchased it of her Majesty; and to that purpose went to Mr. Sollicitor to confer with him of it, who assured him that it was not within the commission, as being parcel of an honor. Yet since he understands the same is passed in a book, to the use of one Kettering receiver of Northamptonshire; whereby he is greatly disappointed, and his whole estate greatly interested. My humble suit unto your honor is, that (forasmuch as he was fully determined to have bought it himself, and was only hindered by the error of Mr. Sollicitor, and by his so speedy coming away in my company ,) it would please you to be a means, that for some reasonable consideration to be given to him that hath passed it, the purchase may be made over unto him; which I shall take no less thankfully, than if the favor were done to my self, and shall greatly acknowledge my obligations increased thereby towards your honor. Besides the matter contained in my dispatch, I have nothing more to write, but that the 20000 crowns for any thing I can find, will not be paid till towards Michaelmas, although Rosny assured Mr. Edmonds they should be ready as soon as the obligation was brought, which I told him I now had, so little trust there is in their promises. The King rode post yesterday to Paris, upon no occasion but to see mademoiselle d'entragues; which needs not, for he hath not been idle, neither at Orleans nor here; but hath had variety brought him out of all parts; and for any thing I see, he minds nothing else, but that and hunting, and will hardly stay one whole day with his counsel. We know not when to look for him here again, but his counsel remains here. The journey to Lyons is uncertayne, because, as I said once before, he hath prorogued the term for the Marquisate until the beginning of January, which being so, there is no great cause of his going to Lyons, for his marriage with the Princess of Florence goeth rather Backward than forward, there having been yet never any motion made of it directly on his part, and the Emperor pursuing it very early. Of the Archduke's arrival in the low-countries we hear not yet, but suppose he is well onward in his way thither. Here is a secret muttering of an enterprise intended by the states, with some secret favor from hence, for the kingdom of Portugal, in favor of the Duke of Braganza; not without the secret allowance of the Pope, as I am informed. And surely if the matter of the Marquisate break out into war, I think verily it will be set on foot, and will be communicated unto her Majesty. In the mean time, some speaches have been cast out afar off of such a matter, whereof I have laid no hold, because I had no commission to warrant me to deal in that matter. The princes of Lorraine, absolutely refused to come with the King to this town, saying they would not march in the blood of their house. And so hoping e're it be long to have occasion to write again, I humbly take my leave. Your honor's, & c. HENRY NEVILLE. The chanceller is dead since my coming to this town, and monsieur de Bellièvre hath his place. D'Incarville, controller of the finances is likewise dead; and monsieur de vienne, before tresorier de espargne, hath succeeded him.

Right honorable, Blois 28th July 1599. O. S. IT may please you to understand that I received your dispatch of the 13th July the 23d of the same, and thereupon sent to the court to pray audience, which was granted me against the next day. At my repair unto the King I delivered him her Majesty's letters, showed him the effect of them, and related at length the state of the cause, as it is contained in the copy of the letter which her Majesty first intended to write; avowing on her Majesty's behalf, that the prize of the Marseillian ship by her Majesty's ship of war, was justifiable by the law of arms and by his own ordinances, and a thing done in his service and not any way be called in question: whereas on the other side, the Marseillians, in taking of the English ship, had utterly no color or foundation, but that it was done altogether without any form of justice, of their own authority, without any commission or letters of reprisal from the King, and without requiring justice first in England, as all the treaties, both old and new, do in that case require: and therefore, although there might be some doubt conceived of the former prize made by her Majesty's ships of war; yet, for as much as the second prize made by them of marseilles, was manifestly unjust and against the treaties; it was just and reasonable, and so I did require on her Majesty's behalf, that her subjects might be reintegrated in the ship and goods then taken from them, and recompensed of the damage, loss, and charges they have sustained about that cause, and that afterwards the right and justice of the former prize might be debated; wherein her Majesty would be always content to yield to that which was just and reasonable. The King answered, he would be very sorry any subjects of his should offer wrong to any of his good sisters, and that he would by no means permit it; and therefore willed me to deliver a note of the matter to his counsel, who should consider of it and give me answer. Then I told him, that upon relation from me of the complaint he had used at my first and second audience, of want of justice on our part upon offenders and offenses at sea, (as he had received information from his Ambassador) her Majesty had sent those she had deputed to deal in those causes to his Ambassador, to know wherein he found himself greeved, and to let him see the particularities and reasons of their proceedings; who upon that conference confessed, he had in all points received very good justice, and that touching the delay used both in the judgment and execution of some causes, now he was informed of the reason thereof, he was likewise very well satisfied: and that her Majesty thought it sit to let him know thus much, that he might see the regard she bare to him, and her desire to give him and his subjects all good contentment. He told me, he took it in very kind part, that her Majesty was so careful to see justice done unto his subjects, and willed me to assure her of all good correspondence on his part. Then I came to speak of the advertisements her Majesty had received, of the two Spaniards coming to Brest, and their errand thither, which the King would in no wise believe, saying, that Monsieur de Sourdiac parted from him at Orleans but four days before, and he was sure would have told him if there had been any such thing. I replied, that the Queen was advertised by so good means, that she could not but give some credit unto it; and therefore prayed him to inform himself of the truth of it, and to acquaint her Majesty with it, that she might thereby discover the more of the King of Spain's designs; and to take order, that neither there nor in any other port of his kingdom, they might receive any harbor or succour, it being a thing altogether contrary to the treaties, and far from that friendship that her Majesty had cause to expect at his hands. He willed me to assure the Queen, that there should not be any such thing permitted in any place of his kingdom, and seemed to wonder that the Spaniards should presume so much upon him, saying, there was no such good intelligence between them, but he would send to Monsieur de Sourdiac. After this I told him, that his Ambassador had signified unto her Majesty, that he was willing to continue the treaty of Blois made between her and King Charles the 9th, which she took as an argument of his good affection, in that he was desirous to confirm a treaty of so straight amity between them and their subjects as that was, and had willed me to let him know, that she did likewise very willingly assent unto the continuance and confirmation of it; and that she was also well content to annex and incorporate into it, such articles as had been moved to be established, for reformation of abuses committed at sea; only she desired him to allow of some alteration in one of them, which concerned the free passage of all ships carrying French flags, wherein she had already found great inconveniency, as I particularly rehearsed unto him, of the four Spanish ships which escaped by that means, and of the two biscainers which brought succours to the rebels in Ireland: and therefore desired that some other expedient might be thought of, which might effect his purpose and desire, without such notable prejudice to her estate, and benefit to her enemies. The King said, it was reason there should be a distinction made between friends and foes. I asked him how that could be, if the carrying of a flag (which all ships that feared us would be sure of ,) were made a sufficient warrant for any ship to pass unsearched, or uncontroll'd; and therefore prayed him again to consider, how little reason and safety there was for the Queen in that course. I told him also, that there are some few points likewise which her Majesty desired might likewise be added to the treaty of Blois it self, which I hoped upon conference would appear so reasonable, as they would not be disliked. His answer to all was, that he would depute some of his counsel, to treat of these points with me, and would be ever willing to give the Queen his good sister all contentment reasonable; and so dismissed me, having first showed me where the Duke of Guise was killed; and made the more haste to dispatch me, as I guess, because the Ambassador of Savoy was attending without in the mean time for audience. That afternoon, which was the first opportunity I could have, I was with monsieur Villeroy, and repeated unto him what had passed between the King and me, and desired I might receive some satisfaction in the matters I had moved. For the matter of marseilles, he said monsieur de boissise had written of it, and had advertised him that the commissioners were all of opinion, that the first prize made by the Queen's ships was not good, and that restitution should be made thereupon: which being done, those of marseilles would likewise restore the prize they had taken; but that since some of the counsel had been of another mind, belike upon some particular respect and interest. I told him, no particular man could have interest in that prize, being made by one of the Queen's ships of war, and therefore that was but a mean surmize without ground. He said he was informed, that at that very instant, the Marseillians did ordinarily trade, and were wellcome into England, and were not at that time actually declared against the King, and therefore had no war with us: and if they had been so declared against the King, yet as we justified our prize upon them by the war, so would they justify theirs upon us; which I seeing to be his chief anchor-hold, told him, that we did not so much justify the prize we made by the war, (for that indeed the Marseillians were not then in actual rebellion against the King) as by the King's ordinance, confiscating all goods that his subjects should carry to any town revolted, which gave authority to any in his service, to seize and take them: and that those ships of war were then in his service, and at his request appointed to keep the coast for that only purpose, to impeach the traffic, and to interrupt all such things as should presume so much upon those revolted towns. On the other side, the prize made by the Marseillians upon us, which were then the King's friends and theirs, and without either letters of reprisal from the King, or without any requisition of justice made on their parts, and refused on ours; was without any ground or color of justice, and contrary to all the treaties between the two crowns: and therefore that it was just and meet that the Queen's subjects should be fust reintegrated in that which was taken from them without any form of justice, and afterwards the right of the other prize might be debated likewise. He replied nothing, but only willed me to deliver a particular memorial of the case in writing, which he would present to the counsel, and procure me an answer. Touching the justice done upon their complaints, he confessed their ambassadors had given very good testimony of his satisfaction. For the matter of Brest he answered as the King had done, but promised to be thoroughly informed of it; assuring me the King would permit no such matter, to the hurt or disfavour of her Majesty, with whom he so much desired to hold all good amity and correspondence. He told me also, that the Queen should not need to doubt any such attempt now; for though the King of Spain had assembled a good army at length, yet he thought he had no intention to provoke her Majesty anew; and although he had, yet at this time he was forced to employ his forces another way, by reason that the states army had taken the great canaries, as certain advertisements came yesternight. Hence we came to speak of the treaties of Blois, and the reglement for marine causes: for the first, he said, the King was ever willing, as he had often told, to make straight amity with the Queen, either by renewing that treaty, or in any other sort that should be reasonable; and said, your honor had desired to add two articles unto it, which their Ambassador had sent him, and that they were likewise desirous to add some in behalf of their own merchants. Whereupon fearing they might be such, as might marr all the rest, and take away the advantage we have now in that treaty: I told him my commission was double in this matter; first, to propose the renewing the treaty as it is, where the King seems tied by the treaty to declare his intention to her Majesty, she being the survivor, and he the successor of him who last confirmed it. Secondly, might likewise move addition on their part; but if they should not agree upon the additions, yet the Queen conceived that the King had offered her to move the addition of those articles that had been spoken of to Monsieur Boissise and some other, in which case they confirmation of the treaty as it is, to which he seemed to assent: and thereupon he entered into some speech of dislike of the second point required to be added touching the staple of the hanses; I told him, it was a thing might be greatly prejudicial to her Majesty, if they might be suffered to make France a bridge and passage to convey their commodities of that kind into Spain, and would neither agree with our amity, nor greatly advantage France, that their new and scarce assured friend, should be so strengthened against us, their so well approved friends. He bade me assure my self that the King would never suffer it; but in some things he said we must trust them, or if we would needs require an article for it, it must be General, without naming any particularly, either to whom, or at from whom, those commodities should come. Lastly, we came to speak of the alteration required in that article of reglement touching the free passage of all ships bearing French flags, which he insisted much upon, saying, that it was agreed upon after long debate and consultation on both sides, and that it was the only way to prevent the abuses and spoils which would be committed, if liberty of searching were permitted. I told him, for the first point I was very well acquainted with the proceedings of this matter, and I did know very perfectly, that this point was very much insisted upon by your honor, and absolutely refused to be passed in that sort he required it, and that monsieur de boissise had assented to admit some exceptions; but that afterwards her Majesty, upon new instance, being ever desirous to give the King all contentment that her estate would permit, had condescended to make some trial of the course he propounded, and that upon trial thereof she had found so great inconveniency already happened, and like to happen daily, as she had just cause to refuse it, and to pray the King to be contented, that some other more indifferent course might be thought of, which was the surest way to make the treaty to have continuance; whereof otherwise necessity would enforce them to break it, who found so great inequality and disadvantage in it. For the second I said, the experience they had lately made of her Majesty's care and indulgence to minister justice in the like complaints, might secure them from all doubt or danger of any abuse to grow that way; and therefore I prayed him not to do her Majesty that wrong to distrust her any more than she did them, but that in confidence one of anothers sincerity, as was meet to be among good friends, we might think of some equal course for both. He said, he did not see how there could be any other safe course devised for their side. Thereupon I told him, I was sure monsieur de boissise had acquainted him with that which had been propounded from your honor out of their own ordinances, which I also showed him, together with another article I had collected out of the same ordinances, whereof I send your honor a copy: and I said, as their kings had thought it reasonable to prescribe that law not only to their subjects, but their allies also, so was it as reasonable and as lawful for her Majesty to do the same: and therefore I wished that we might follow those ordinances as a ground, and add thereunto such other conditions, as should be reasonable. His answer was, that we might make what ordinances we would, for government of our own people, and so might they for theirs; but in penning a treaty, both sides must agree, and nether interests must govern the other. I replied, that they had made that ordinance, to take hold of their allies as well as their subjects; and if we now required them to be contented to receive the same measure they had given to others, they could not with any reason or justice refuse it; for if it were just on their side, it is as just on ours. At length being thus pressed upon that point, he said, I should confer with the counsel upon all these matters, and they would consider of them, and give me answer. After this, because I would give him some occasion, to discover the cause of derstood there were such ambassadors here, who had lately been in England, and not having obtained their purpose there, it may be they might make a partial report of their differences with her Majesty, to her disadvantage and dishonour; and therefore I thought good to let him know the truth of it, which I did summarily, according to the writing your honor sent me. He seemed very glad to be informed of it, and said he would be always ready to justify her Majesty's honor, in her proceedings with them and the rest of the hanses; but that in truth, the hamburghers had made no complaint of her Majesty's proceedings to his knowledge, and that their business here, was only to renew such privileges, as had been granted them heretofore in this kingdom. I prayed him, therein to have a regard, that there might grow no wrong or prejudice to his other allies, especially in such sort as I had before mentioned; he willed me to assure my self, that there was no such thing required, nor if it were, would be granted. Lastly, I told him I had received commandment to make new instance for the payment of the money, the Queen my Mistress had Lent the King: but I did forbear it, until I had received answer to my proposition I had delivered, chiefly touching that matter: hoping that the reason and justice of the cause being such as it spake sufficiently for it self, they would without any further poursuite, determine to give her Majesty such answer as might content her, which I prayed him I might receive with some expedition, having so long already attended for it, and her Majesty being in great expectation of it. He said, I had done well to forbear to make any new instance in it to the matter he said, he had the very day before moved the counsel, that I might receive an answer with some satisfaction to her Majesty if it were possible, but he saw so little hope thereof, that he was very loth to make me such an answer as would so little content me. I said I must needs urge him for an answer, which I would be glad might be such, as her Majesty might reap some comfort and contentment for her kindness towards the King; which had not been an ordinary kindness, but such as all the allies of the crown of France put together, had not performed so much; which, added to her more than ordinary occasions to require reimbursement, deserved more than an ordinary answer. He confessed all to be true that I said, and that the King was bound in many respects to give her Majesty better satisfaction, and protested he had done and would do, his best endeavours in it: but he saw no possibility for this present year; but they were now beginning dresser l'estat for the year to come, wherein the King had commanded, that there should be express regard had of her Majesty's contentment; but what it would be in particular, could not be known till they had finished the state, which would be about the end of August. He advised me to talk with Monsieur de Rosny about it, unto whom I went afterward, and received in effect the same answer. what your honor's opinion was touching his being installed for the King, which he saith proceeded first from a motion made by some in England to the Ambassador for that purpose: but seeing he perceaves the Queen would not like of it, he saith the King will think of some other. I made a motion as of my self, protesting that I had no commission to do it, but that it came only out of my desire that the King would not too much discontent her Majesty, but shew a desire at least to satisfy her some way, that he should make her an offer of some corn, to be delivered at some ports most convenient for her, which perhaps she would accept in steed of money, at the least for so much as she should had occasion to use in Ireland, for the victualling of her army and garrisons there; or howsoever, yet it would somewhat moderate the discontentment which otherwise she might justly conceive, to be utterly neglected. He seemed to hearken willingly unto it, and gave me thanks for putting him in mind of it, saying he would propose it as of himself to the King, and that he verily hoped somthing would be done that way. So that now it may please your honor to let me know, how much or to what a value her Majesty will accept in that sort; for mine own part, I think all is well gotten that can be won out of these men's hands: and as for the prices, I make no doubt but they will be as reasonable, or more, than the prices in England, for it is the only thing that is cheape here. Also I would desire to know at what places her Majesty would desire to receive it, for I think that will be all one to them. I have procured the King's letters under the great seal, to stay the execution of the letters of mart granted to certain merchants of Bayonne. And for the matter of the seminary at Rheims, Monsieur de Villeroy showed me the Archbishop's letter to the King, wherein he confesseth, that such a thing had been moved and followed by one barret an English Priest, that had heretofore been governor of that college; but that since his death which happen'd about whitsuntyde last, the matter hath lyen dead, and now he understands the King's pleasure in it, he assureth it shall not be revived. I send your honor a copy of the commission granted by the King to do justice in marine causes, it may please you to give order to all such as have cause of complaint in that kind, to send some one over at common charge, which may be thoroughly instructed in their causes, and armed with sufficient proofs, which may attend and follow their business; my self will be always ready to assist him the best I may; but the stating of the causes being at Rouen, and I remaining so far off, nether I nor any of mine, can attend to follow their suits: I would be glad they might receive some justice here, as well as their people have done in England, and I hope to procure it. I thought good to send away this bearer with thus much, because I understand honor should be acquainted with all that hath passed between us, as well, and as soon as he. While these matters are in handling, it will be necessary that the curriers be the more set on work; these matters once ended, there will be no more that occasion, and the extraordinary expense now, may be saved afterwards terwards. As soon as I have treated with the counsel, and received my answer, I will send again. In the mean time, I send your honor a project of mine own for the article of the treaty of depredations, which you desire to have altered, it may be they will especially except to the point of victuals; your honor will be pleased I hope, to let me understand your pleasure therein, and generally, what I shall yield, and what I shall insist upon. And so, & c. Your honor's, & c. HENRY NEVILLE.

Right honorable, Blois 1st August 1599. O. S. I was yesterday in conference with the counsel, viz. The Chancellor, the presented in writing at Orleans, desiring I might after so long attendance at length receive an answer; and in the matter of the money, adding what weight of reason and persuasion my poor wits were able to afford. Their answer were full of very good words, acknowledging the Queen's many favors, and the King's great obligation to her: that they were already entered into consultation which way to give her satisfaction, and that very shortly I should receive an answer. Afterwards we entered into conference of the points I had last in charge: first, touching the matter of Marseilles, which I related unto them, as I had done before to Monsieur de Villeroy, and certified in my last dispatch. They answered, they would with all convenient speed inform themselves of the particulars of the cause, and then I should receive satisfaction. Secondly, we spake of the article of the treaty or reglement of depredations, which I desired might be changed, and qualified in such sort, as her Majesty might be freed from such inconveniences as had thereby already happened, and were daily like to happen; which I declared in particular, shewing that the matter imported us much more than it did them; for it concerned them only in profit, but it concerned us in our preservation, and that the Queen was resolute not to suffer so notable a prejudice any longer; and therefore wished they would enter into consultation of some other course, more equal and indifferent for us both; and for the more speedy proceeding therein, I said her Majesty had proposed unto Monsieur Boissise, certain articles taken out of their own ordinances, which she thought not impertinent to be put in execution on both sides. Which being redd, were absolutely refused by them all, alleging that those ordinances were made for a time, and on a special occasion, ever resisted by their allies as unreasonable, therefore we must not think to thrust them upon them now. I told them if they were just then when they made them, they were as just now, no Prince having ever had more occasion to be jealous of that which is done at sea, than her Majesty hath now; besides, we required nothing of them but that we were content to yield them, which would be no disadvantage; and therefore they must be contented to secure her Majesty either that way, or some other way to the same purpose; for the greatest law of all, was that of a man's own preservation; and they might be assured, the Queen would not betray herself and her estate, nor suffer her enemy to be armed and strengthened against her, when she had power to impeach it; and if they were such friends to us as they pretended, they would not upon such petty respects of profit, urge any thing that they saw by evident proof so prejudicial unto us; but would rather according to the natur e of true amity, bear or suffer a little for the good of their friends; and this was the only thing wherein we had hitherto had occasion to make trial of their friendship towards us: all that hath passed until now between us having been burden and charge unto us, without any return on their part. They answered, it was not reasonable they should press any thing that should be so prejudicial unto us as it seemed this might be; yet on the other side, they could not any way endure that yoke of servitude, to have their ships searched; assuring themselves that course would never pass without great wrong and injustice to the weaker; but they would consult of it, and confer with their Admiral and other officers, who understood more of these matters than they did, and thereupon advise of some course which might be more to our contentment, and advertise their Ambassador of it, to impart unto her Majesty and her counsel. I understood since by monsieur de Villeroy, that he had received fresh advertisements out of Spain, containing confirmation of the taking of the great Canaries by the Hollanders, and withal that the King's fleet is assembled at Ferrol, consisting of 150 sail or thereabout, and 12000 men. His opinion is, if the Hollanders possess and hold the island, then the King will send his whole fleet that way; otherwise, if they leave the island and follow after prey and gaine, he believes that a great part of this fleet will come for Ireland, or some part of England, and therefore wisheth the Queen not to be unprovided in both. Of the matters of the Low Countries, your honor is better, and more speedily advertised than they be here, therefore I forbear. I send you a copy of the King's letters of prohibition, to receive, harbor, or favor any ships of war in the parts of this kingdom. I thought good to send this bearer expressly, the rather, because this advertisement out of Spain seems to be of importance. I send your honor a copy of the advertisements that came yesterday out of Spain, which because they seem to be of much moment, I have willed the Messenger to take post that he may make haste. It may please your honor to consider of him in his allowance accordingly. You must look for no money hence till the next year, and then, without all doubt, you may make some certain account, to receive some good sum. The 20000 crowns will not fail to be ready at Michaelmas, and shall be paid at Rouen or Dieppe, which her Majesty will. The German army is already come to the Rhine, with a purpose to attempt the fort the Spaniards have built at Rees, to defend their bridge. The princes that deal in this action are, the Duke of Brunswick, the Landgrave of Hesse, and the Marquis of Ansbach of the house of Brandenburg, the rest have retired themselves. We hold they have already taken Berck. The Spaniards are gone out of the isle of Bommel to meet with them, having left in the fort 3000 foot and 400 horse. The States labor by all means to join the German army with theirs, whereunto most of the German commanders have assented, and it is hoped it will be effected, though some be unwilling. The Duke of Brunswick and the Landgrave are looked for in person in the camp every day. And so I humbly take my leave. Your honor's, & c. HENRY NEVILLE.

Right honorable, Paris, 7 Aug. 1599. O. S. It may please you to understand, that within a day after I sent away my last dispatch, Monsieur de Villeroy came to my lodging at Blois, and after long and solemn protestations from himself and the rest of the Council, how sorry they were that the King's disability at present would not suffer him to give the Queen better satisfaction at this time, acknowledging the great justice and reason of her demands, the King's great obligations towards her, and assuring me of a full and settled purpose in the King and them all, to give her Majesty very good contentment this next year: he delivered me answer in writing, to that I had likewise presented in writing at my first coming to Orleans; excusing the long deferring of it, upon his desire to have given me some certainty of that her Majesty should expect this next year; for which cause (but for the instance and earnestness I have used) he would still have deferred it, until the state of the receipts and payments for the next year had been perfected, which would be within five or six weeks. But for my satisfaction, and likewise for my discharge, that there might appear no default in my diligence, he had brought me this answer in the mean time, which he prayed me to interpret the best of, and to assure her Majesty, that there wanted rather means than good will in the King to satisfy her: and that he would be alway ready, not only to pay her what he owed as soon as possibly he could, to which in honor and justice he was bound; but also to expose his whole force, and his own person in her defence, if she had need at any time, to requite the faithful friendship he had found at her hands. When I had received the answer, I told him, I was sorry that the great deserts of her Majesty, and the reason and justice of her demands, which they did so fully acknowledge, together with the instance and solicitation I had used ever since my coming, had wrought so little effect for her Majesty's contentment. I put him in mind of that speech I had before used to the Council, namely, that I prayed them to consider to whom it was that they were to give an answer, and upon what subject and occasion: that it was to a great Princess, who had most faithfully and sincerely assisted the King in his greatest extremity; and that having means, and great opportunity to have dismembered and ruined the crown of France, and perhaps to have taken a good portion of it herself, (as many other Princes would gladly have done, and some did, detaining it to this day ,) chose rather to employ her uttermost means and forces to preserve it; and had effected perhaps more therein than all the rest of the friends and allies of the crown of France; neglecting in some sort her own affairs for that purpose, and not refusing to bring herself into some want to supply them. That she now demanding nothing but some part of her own, whereof she had disfurnished herself to furnish them; and that not upon any light occasion, but being as they all knew in actual war, both at home within her own realm of Ireland and abroad, against one of the greatest and most potent Princes of Europe, whose continual attempts and designs against her she could not repel as she had done, but with great and continual charge; and therefore that this her so extraordinary occasions, joined with the great reason and justice of her demands, deserved at their hands a more than ordinary acknowledgment and care to content her. That this answer might well have been given to the Signory of Venice, or the Duke of Florence, who perhaps out of their abundance had lent the King some money, and being in peace with all the world, had no great occasion to press him for repayment. Whereas the Queen my Mistress, by reason of her present war, and the continual burden she hath borne almost alone for many years to the benefit of all Christendom, in withstanding the intended Monarchy of Spain, could not have time or means to gather much treasure. Therefore I wished them to weigh with themselves, first, whether it were just, in so great a difference of merits and occasions, not to make a difference of their proceedings and acknowledgment: and secondly, whether it could be for their advantage and the good of their affairs, to suffer their friends to fall into any inconvenience for the good will they had performed towards them; and that the world should discover that the friendship of France is rather amicitia peregravans and burdensome, than profitable to them which embrace it. And this I said for the generality of the answer, but in particular I excepted against that part of the answer which concern the customs of Rouen and Newhaven, which I said unto him, I marvelled how they could make with any show or regard of honor, giving just occasion to the Queen to think, that in offering her assurance for her money there was an intention to abuse her, seeing the same was before engaged to others. Monsieur de Villeroy to the first part of my speech answered, that he confessed all to be true that I said, and that I had all justice and reason on my side: but that the King's disability was such, by reason of the desolation of his country, and poverty of the people, from whom his revenues do arise, that he could do no more for this year; and therefore desired that her Majesty would add this to her former great favors towards the King, to have patience for a few months. To the second point he said, that in very deed the King knew not in what sort those customs stood, till the towns came into his hands, and that if there were any fault it was in his ministers, who knew those things better than he: that the King's intention was not to abuse her Majesty, and that now he found in what estate those customs stood, he would think of satisfying her by some other means, which he thought would be all one to her, so she might receive satisfaction any way. I told him, I would relate this answer to her Majesty, which I knew not how she would interpret; but I knew it would nothing answer her expectation. And therefore wished him to make her some amends for this long delay, by assignation of some round sum for the next year, and to be paid in the first quarter, that she might make use of it for her preparations against the beginning of summer. He said he would do his best to procure it should be so. We had likewise some speech about the 20000 crowns in what money it should be paid; I urging the payment in gold, in lieu of the charge and trouble saved of paying it in London, which the King was bound to by the obligation, and because that French silver coin is not current in England. I was answered, the King could not pay it but in such money as he received, which was altogether silver, and their silver was so good, that I should be willing enough to receive it here, and to pay it in London. The place of payment they required to be at Rouen, which I disliked not, but yet desired if her Majesty liked better to receive it at Dieppe that it might be paid there, which was granted. It may please your honor to direct me before the time what course shall be taken for the conveying of it, or otherwise making it over by exchange; and if you determine to have it received at Dieppe, and to transport it in kind, it may please you likewise to send over one authorized, with letters of procuration to receive it, and take charge of it, for so they seemed to require of me. But I told them, that the delivery of the obligation, with an acquittance of my hand, or his that received it, was sufficient, which they seemed not much to contest upon: yet being received by any other than my self, perhaps they will require his procuration: for some five or six hundred pound of it, I am desirous if it please her Majesty, to receive it here and pay it there, to save loss of the exchange in making it over. I beseech you Sir, I may know whether she so please to allow of it, that I may give order for the payment of the money there accordingly. The next day after this conference with Monsieur de Villeroy, I came away to this town, because the King was here in this town, and his return thither very uncertain. The ambassadors continue almost all in this town, but only he of Savoy, and the Spanish Ambassador, who came to Blois two days before the King came away. The King is yet here, stayed as I guess the rather by the accident that fell out between the Prince de Joinville and monsieur le grand, which was this: upon Tuesday night last, after they had all accompanied the King from the place where he had supped to his lodging to zamet's house, the Duke of Guise, Prince of Joinville, le grand and his brother, and monsieur de terms, went all out together; and the rest being already entered into le grand his coach, Joinville pulled le grand by the cloak, and required to speak with him, who thereupon drawing himself aside from the company, Joinville told him, he had been wronged to the King by a report, that he should make love to mademoiselle d'entragues, which made the King jealous of him, of which report he thought him le grand to be the author, and therefore, saith he to him, thou shall dye, and withal pulled out his sword and ran him in, the other having no weapon about him; but with haste, or some accident, his thrust lighted lower then he intended, and ran him into the flank and through the thigh, without danger; but hereupon some company coming in on both sides, the vidame de mans, and an Esquire of le grands were very for hurt, and the vidame not like to escape as I hear. The King hearing of the matter leaped out of his bed, and ran down in his shirt with a sword in his hand, but by that time the rest were gone, and le grand was brought in wounded as he was. The King hath taken it exceedingly ill, and hath sent for his court of parliament, and willed them to do severe justice upon the fact. The Prince of Joinville is fled into Lorraine, the Duchess of Guise and her daughter have been sundry times on their knees before the King, but he seems very resolute, commanding le grand not to seek revenge by any means, but to refer it to him, for that he takes the scorn as done to himself; yet for all this it is thought the King will be won in the end to pass it over. Since my coming to this town, I learn that there are certain jesuits come hither to the King from Rome, to entreat for the restoring of their order into France, which is a matter the Pope hath much laboured. + The chief of them is called padre maggio. They were presented here unto him by the Pope's Nuncio, and presently brought out again, and referred till his counsel and he should come together. Monsieur de Villeroy is a great favorer of their restitution, but the court of parliament is earnest against them. The Archduke's speed in his journey hath not been such as was expected. The last letters that came from Venice, made mention of his being yet at Milan. The King is yet purposed to go hence to morrow towards Blois, where he yet intends to make but small stay, and from thence go to the Duke of Montpensier's house at champigny, and so to tours and saumur, and diverse noblemen's houses thereabouts, to pass his time till the end of summer. His counsel remains at Blois, and this is thought to be purposely to put off business and suits for money, wherewith he is continually pestered, but payeth no man: and by this separation of the King and his counsel, men are posted from one to the other, which serves for a delay. For the matter of the treaty your honor seeth what they offer, either to continue it as it is, or to add on both sides. I beseech you advice whether it be not better for us to take it as it is now, than by seeking to add on our side, to give them occasion to add somewhat likewise on theirs, which will take away the advantage we have in that treaty. I remember monsieur fontaine was talking with me about some such matter before my coming over, and complaining of the restraint of free trade used to the frenchmen in England. If it please you to talk with him, I think you may discover by him what they mean to stand upon. For our part, so all impositions raised, and all acts passed since 1572, contrary to the treaty, may be revoked, I think we are very well; and so much they cannot refuse, being no new addition, but only a confirmation and execution of the treaty. And for that of the not executing of letters of mart at land, it may be put in the treaty of depredations, without giving them occasion or pretext thereby to require any addition on their part to the treaty of Blois. And so for this time I humbly take my leave. Your honor's most humbly to be commanded, HENRY NEVILLE

Responce du roy au derniere memoire presenté à sa majesté par le seigneur de Neville ambassadeur de la royne d'angleterre. LE roy desirant s'acquiter envers la royne d'angleterre sa bonne fœur & coufine, de ce qu'il luy doibt, & luy donner toute occasion d'attendre & recevoir de la continuation de son amitté tout ce à quoy les plaisirs qu'il a receus d'elle l'obligent; a commandé aux gens de son conseil d'adviser aux moyens de I contribuans de leur l'affection, fidelité & obeissance qu'ilz doibvent au service & aux commandments de sa majesté, & pareillement à la justice de la demand de la dicte royne, fortifiée encores de la consideration & recognoissance des bien faictz que la nation françoise a receus d'elle: ont toutesfois recogneu, que les fonds des finances de sa majesté de la present année est si incertain & espuisé, à cause de la generalle pauvreté du peuple, de la seul substance duquel il depend, & de ce que l'on est si advancé dans l'année; que ce dit tout ce que sa majesté peult faire en icelle que payer la sum de 20000 efcuz qui luy furent prestez en l'an 1599, mais aussi elle sera fournie en la ville de Dieppe, royne. Et comme fadite majesté avec ceulx de soudit conseil est encores incertaine quelz feront les deniers qu'elle tirera de ses subjects l'année prochaine, elle ne mois quelle fcaura ce dont elle pourrà faire estat, sa majesté ne voulant rien Pareillement, fadite majesté feroit tresaise de laisser à ladite dame la jouissance des impositions & terms de gabelles & autres daces qui se levent aux villes de Rouen & du Havre de Grace, comme il luy fut promis l'an 1590 par fes commissaires, si fadite majesté en pouvoit disposer: mais fadite majesté a trouvé toutes lefd '. Impositions vendues & alienées par les roys ses predecesseurs devant son advenement à la couronne, ainsi quelle a verifié depuis que lesdites villes se sont remises en son obeissance; de sorte qu'il n'est plus en la puissance d'en ordonner; dont sa majesté est tresmarrye, comme elle est de n'avoir autant de moyen à present de contenter ladite royne, qu'elle en a la volenté, & qu'elle recognoist I estre obligée: mais elle espere la recompenser à l'advenir, que ses affairs feront remises en meilleur estat qu'elles ne sont; de façon, que ladite royne en demeurera satisfaille, qui est ce que sa majesté desire le