Hidden Works of Darkness Brought to Public Light, Letter 7 – Letter 14
RIght Trusty, &c. There is none knowes better then your selfe, how We have laboured ever since the begin…g of these unfortunate troubles of the Empire, notwithstanding all opposition to the contrary, to merit well of Our good Brother the King of Spaine, and the whole house of Austria, by a long and lingring patience, grounded still upon his friendship and promises, that Care should be had of Our Honour, and of Our Childrens Patrimony and Inheritance. We have acquainted you also from time to time since the beginning of the Treaty at Bruxelles how crosly all things have there proceeded, notwithstanding all the faire professions made unto Us, both by the King of Spaine, and the Infanta and all his Ministers, and the Letters written by him unto the Emperour, and them effectually (at the least, as they endeavoured to make Us beleeve.) But what fruits have We of all these, other then dishonour and scorne? Whilest We are treating▪ the Towne and Castle of Heidelberg are taken by force, Our Garrison put to the sword, Manheim besieged, and all the hostility used that is within the power of an enemy, as you will see by the Relation which VVe have commanded Our Secretary to send you. Our pleasure therefore is that you immediately as soone as you can get audience, let that King understand how sensible We are of these proceedings of the Emperours towards VsUs, and withall are not a little troubled to see, that the Infanta having an absolute Commission to conclude a Cessation and suspension of Armes, should now at last when all Objections were answered, and the former (solely) pretended Obstacles removed, not onelyonly delay the conclusion of the Treaty, but refuse to lay her command upon the Emperours Generals, for abstaining from the siege of Our Garrisons during the Treaty, upon a pretext of want of authority: So as for avoyding of further dishonour, We have been forced to recall both Our Ambassadours, as well the Chancelour of our Exchequer, who is already returned to Our presence, as also the Lord Chichester, whom We intended to have sent unto the Emperour to the Diet at Ratisbone. Seeing therefore that meerly out of Our extraordinary respect to the King of Spaine, and the firme confidence We ever put in the hopes and promises which he did give VsUs (desiring nothing more then for his cause principally to avoyd all occasions that might put VsUs into ill understanding with any of the house of Austria) We have hitherto proceeded with a stedfast patience trusting to the Treaties, and neglecting all other Meanes which probably might have secured the remainder of Our Childrens Inheritance (those Garrisons which We maintained in the Palatinate being rather for honours sake to keepe a footing untill the generall accommodation, then that We did rely so much upon their strength as upon his friendship) and by this confidence and security of Our…, are thus exposed to dishonour and reproach: You shall tell that King, that seeing all those endeavours and good Offices which He hath used towards the Emperour in this businesse, on the behalfe of Our Sonne-in-law (upon confidence whereof that security of Ours depended, which he continually by his Letters and Ministers here laboured to beget and confirme in VsUs) have not sorted to any other issue, then to a plaine abuse both of His trust and Ours, whereby VVe are both of VsUs highly injured in Our Honour, though in a different degree. VVe hope and desire that out of a true sense of this wrong offered unto VsUs, he will as Our deere and loving Brother, faithfully promise and undertake upon his Honour, confirming the same also under his hand and seale, either that the Towne and Castle of Heidelberg shall within threescore and ten dayes after your audience and demand made, be rendred into Our hands, with all things therein belonging to Our Sonne-in-law or Our Daughter (as neere as may be in the state they were when they were taken) …nd the like for Manheim and Frankendale, if both or either of them shall be taken by the enemy whilest these things are in treating; As also, that there shall be within the said terme of 70. dayes a Cessation and Suspension of Armes in the Palatinate for the future, upon the severall Articles and Conditions last propounded by Our Ambassadour Sir Richard Weston; and that the generall Treaty shall be set on foot againe upon such honourable termes and conditions as We propounded unto the Emperour in a Letter written unto him in November last, and with which the King of Spaine then (as VVe understood) seemed satisfied. Or else in case all these particulars be not yeelded unto and performed by the Emperour, as is here propounded, but be refused or delayed beyond the time aforementioned, that then the King of Spaine doe joyne his Forces with Ours for the recovery of Our Childrens honours and Patrimony, which upon this trust hath been thus lost: Or if so be his Forces at this present be otherwise so imployed, as that they cannot give VsUs that assistance which VVe here desire, and (as VVe thinke) have deserved, yet that at the least he will permit VsUs a free and friendly passage thorow his Territories and Dominions, for such Forces as VVe shall send and imploy into Germany for this service. Of all which distinctively if you receive not from the King of Spaine within ten dayes at the furthest after your audience and proposition made, a direct assurance under his hand and seale, without delay or putting VsUs off to further Treaties and Conferences; that is to say, of such restitution, Cessation of Armes, and proceeding to a generall Treaty, as is before mentioned; or else of assistance and joyning His Forces with Ours against the Emperours, or at least permission of passage for Our Forces thorow His the said Kings Dominions; that then you take your leave and returne to Our presence without further stay; otherwise, to proceed in the Negotiation for the Marriage of Our Sonne according to the Instructions VVe have given you. Given, &c.
Hampton-Court, Octob. 3. 1622.
RIght Trusty, &c. We have given you certaine Insturctions signed with Our hand, to direct you how to expresse unto the King of Spaine, the feeling We have of the dishonour put upon VsUs by the Emperour, through Our trust and confidence in that Kings promises, wherein you have order to come away without further delay, in case you receive not satisfaction to your demands, in such sort as We have commanded you to propound them. Neverthelesse We are to put you in remembrance of that which We have heretofore told you, in case a Rupture happen between the King of Spaine and VsUs, that We would be glad to manage it at Our best advantage. And therefore howsoever you doe not find the satisfaction which We in those Instructions crave from the King of Spaine, and have reason to expect, yet would We not have you instantly come away upon it, but advertise VsUs first, letting VsUs know privatly (if you find such cause) that there is no good to be done, nor no satisfaction as you judge intended VsUs,Note this▪ though publiquely and outwardly you give out the contrary, that VVe may make use thereof with Our People in Parliament, as VVe shall hold best for Our service. And this see you doe notwithstanding any thing in your other Instructio… to the contrary.
Octob. 4▪ 1622.
The Pope and Spaniard upon these Letters and new Instructions, seemde very desirous to proceed to the accomplishment of this Match; but their chiefe designe being to advance the Romish Catholique Religion, and reduce England by degrees thereto; the Pope to make sure worke,NOTE. insisted stiffely on this Article; that the Children of this Marriage SHOVLD BE BROVGHT VP CATHOLIQVES VNDERUNDER THE MOTHER VNTILL THEY VVERE 12. OR 14. YEERES OLD. He well knew the verity of the ancient Proverb,
Quo semel est imbuta recens servabit odor…m
Testa diu:—
Horace.
That if they were bred up Papists in their infancy, they would questionlesse continue such, and not turne zealous Protestants in their riper yeeres: No wonder then he stood so much upon this point.
King Iames to shew his willingnesse to consummate the March, though he refused totally to condescend to this Article in open shew, to preserve his Honour, yet he was contented privately to oblige himselfe, that the Mother should have their education till they were nine yeeres old, as is evident by this ensuing Letter of Master Secretary Calvert to the Earle of Bristoll, sent by Vaccan…a…y.
My very good Lord,
BEcause I would not omit any thing that should conduce to the accomplishment of that worke which your Lordship hath in hand, and which His Majesty desires so much to bring to an issue. Although I conceive Master Porter had directions to tell your Lordship (which he will transmit unto you by Letter, now he cannot goe him… selfe) that whereas it is insisted upon by the Pope, that the Children of this Marriage should be brought up Catholiques under the Mother untill they be twelve or fourteen yeeres of age, His Majesty having limitted their education under the Mother onelyonly to seven yeeres;NOTE. His Majesty is contented to yeeld thus much farther, that howbeit in the publique Articles (which in that point he desires not to be altered) he mention but seven yeeres, he will oblige himselfe privately by a Letter to the King of Spaine, that they shall be brought up sub Regimine Mairis, for two yeeres longer, that is, untill the age of nine yeeres, if that will give any satisfaction: which your Lordship may manage as you see best for His Majesties service: And so I rest▪
Saint Martens-lane, Octob. 14. 1622.
After this about the 25. of October, King Iames writ a private Letter with his own hand to the Earl of Bristoll, which Secretary Calvert sent away with all speed and secrecy by Master Gage, to limit the Spaniard unto two moneths to gaine the Popes Resolution and Dispensation from Rome, as is evident by the Copy of this Secretaries Letter to the Earle from St. Martens-lane, Octob. 26. 1622.
The King of Spaine hereupon deludes King Iames with faire dilatory promises, as if he intended the hastening of the Marriage; but how farre he was from any such reall intention, is evident by this Letter of his to his grand favourite, Conde of Olivares, dated the fifth of Novemb. 1622. found among the Lord Cottingtons papers.
THe King my Father declared at his death, that his intent never was to marry my Sister the Infanta Donna Maria with the Prince of Wales, NOTE.which your Uncle Don Baltazar understood, and so treated this March ever with intention to delay it; notwithstanding it is now so farre advanced, that considering all the aversnesse unto it of the Infanta, it is time to seeke some meanes to divert the Treaty, which I would have you find out, and I will make it good whatsoever it be: but in all other things procure the satisfaction of the King of Great Brittaine (who hath deserved much) and it shall content me, so that it be not in the Ma…ch.
To colour the matter the better, he pretended no Dispensation would be granted at Rome, unlesse the Pope received further satisfaction in the time of the Childrens education by the Mother, and point of Ecclesiasticall persons exemption from all secular jurisdiction; to remove with obstructions, King Iames was content to comply in these particulars further then he had done before, as His ensuing Letter to the Earl of Bristoll clearly demonstrates; which Letter was drawne and written for his Majesties signature by Master (now Lord) Cottington, theu Secretary to the Prince.
To the Earle of Bristoll.
RIght Trusty, &c. We have seene your Letters of the 21. Octob. both those directed unto Our Selfe, as also to Our Secretary Sir George Calvert, and in them doe observe your discreet proceeding, both in the businesse concerning the restauration which We expect to be made to the Prince Palatine Our Sonne-in-law, as also in the Treaty of the Marriage of Our deare Sonne the Prince of Wales. Touching the first, We perceive what professions the King and his Ministers have againe made unto you, of a resolution to assist Us with his Armes, in case by a faire Mediation and Treaty the restitution may not be obtained, and how much in that kind he hath ingaged his Honour and his word unto you, And howsoever the order given to the Infanta for the reliefe of Manheim, arrived so late, and after the Towne was yeelded into the hands of Tilly, yet must We acknowledge it to be a good effect of your Negotiation, and an Argument of that Kings sincere and sound intention. By what We have now given in charge unto Our Secretary to advertise you in his Letters, you will understand the present estate of this businesse, and how constantly VVe doe still expect the performance of that ingagement from the King of Spaine, without giving way to any thing that on Our behalfe may any way disturbe it: And therefore you shall now doe well (in Our name) to presse him to a finall and effective resolution, representing to him and to hi… Ministers how much it concernes Us in honour and in reputation (besides the interest of Our Sonne-in-law) not to admit any further delay.
And as touching the two points in the Treaty of the Marriage, wherein you desire Our further direction and resolution, you have by this time understood by the dispatch which George Gag… carried you,NOTE. how We were contented to permit the breeding and education of the Children under the government of their Mother untill the age of nine yeeres, which We doubt not will give good satisfaction, seeing their demand is but vntill ten; yet seeing it is but one yeere more, in case you shall not be able to draw them to be contented with nine, We will not sticks at it. And for the other point which concernes the exemption of the Ecclesiasticke from secular jurisdiction, We shall be contented, that the Ecclesiasticall Superior doe first take notice of the offence that shall be co… mitted, and …cording to the merit therenf, either deliver him by degradation to the secular Iustice, or banish him the Kingdome, according to the quality of the delict: which VVe conceive to be the same that is practised in Spaine and other parts. Your dispatches are in all points so full, and in them VVe receive so good satisfaction, as in this VVe shall need nor to enlarge any further, but onelyonly to tell you that VVe are well pleased with the diligence and discreet imploying of your endeavours in all that concern…s Our service, and so are VVe likewise with the whole proceedings of Our Ambassadour Sir Walter Aston: Thus VVe bid you heartily farewell.
From New-market, 24. Novemb. 1622.
The King of Spaine after many delatories and much pressing by King Iames and his Ambassadour for a finall answer to his demands, touching the Pala…mate and Match, on the 12. of Decemb. 1622. returned this Answer in writing.
The Answer appointed by his Majesty to be given unto the Earle of Bristoll, Extraordinary Ambassadour from the King of Great Brittaine, touching those things which he hath represented from the said King unto his Majesty, concerning the Marriage now in Treaty, and the businesse of the Palatin…te, is this which followeth.
Touching the Marriage.
THat his Majesty hath given order that his resolution be delivered unto him in writing and therein (as the Earle of Bristoll himselfe hath seene) hath endeavoured what he may to conforme himselfe with that which the King of Great Brittaine hath answered unto the Popes propositions; so desirous hath his Majesty been from the beginning to overcome all difficulties that might hinder this Vnion; that both here and at Rome he hath not slacked to use all possible care to facilitate it, and will so continue untill the conclusion; and at this present according to what is agreed with the foresaid Earle, a Post (to goe and returne with speed) is dispatched unto Rome▪ to the end, that his Holinesse judgeing what is agreed upon sufficient (as here it is held to be) doe grant the Dispensation; and in the interim whilest the Pope sendeth it, the which his Majesty will procure shall be done before the end of March or of Aprill at the furthest; the remaining temporall Articles shall be treated and concluded, to the end that no time be lost, but the Infanta may immediatly after the granting of the Dispensation, be delivered the next spring, as is the intention of his Majesty.
Touching the Palatinate.
THe forenamed Ambassadour well knoweth what his Majesty hath done therein already to the end it may appeare to the world how much he esteemes the friendship of his deare Brother the King of Great Brittaine, and how just he acknowledgeth it to be to give him content in all things, and particularly, in those which concerne the conveniency of both Crownes; his Majesty hopeth that by his late dispatches into Flanders, there hath been taken such course to settle all things as can be desired, and those orders are now againe renewed and re-inforced, to the end, that all may be accommodated to the satisfaction of his Majesty of Great Brittaine, the which orders shall be shewed to the foresaid Conde▪ that he may rest satisfied of the reallity and sincerity wherewith his Catholique Majesty doth proceed in this businesse; but untill it be knowne what effect these dispatches have taken, and what the Emperour will reply, no answer can be well given in writing to the particulars contained in the memoriall of the foresaid Conde, for the reasons which have been delivered unto him by word of mouth, and shall be represented unto his Majesty of Great Brittaine, by Don Carl…s Coloma, his Catholique Majesties Ambassadour.
Madrid, Decemb. 12. 1622.
Soone after this, the King of Spaine sent a draught of such Articles touching Religion, as he insisted on to King Iames, who together with the Prince to (hasten the Dispensation) accommodated them in the ensuing maner, and then readily signed them.
The Accommodation of the differences in Religion.
All those Articles which came from Rome, to which his Majesty tooke no exception in his directions to the Earle of Bristoll under his hand of the ninth of September, passed as not disallowed by his Majesty; those wherein there remained any difference are accommodated in the forme following.
THe forme of the Celebration is allowed in such sort as it was agreed of in England, so likewise the oath to be taken by the Infanta's Servants.
The Article for the Church is thus to be understood, that at one standing house Saint Iames, or where the houshould is to remaine, there must be a Church for bu…ying and marrying, and christening▪ &c. it being altogether unfit that all meane people, belonging to her service should be married or christened in her Chappell within lier Pallace, but this is not understood of any Church in London, but one to be built adjoyning to the Pallace.
Whereas it is said, that her Servants are precisely to be Catholiques, for that it seemed not sitting to capitulate any thing that might be exclusive to the Protestants, it is le…t indifferent that her Servants may be Catholiques.
Where it is required by the Pope, quod Ecclesiastici nullis legibus subjaceant nisi suorum superiorum Ecclesiasticorum. The Divines unanimously delivered their opinion, that this King cannot by capitulation subject the Clergy to the Civill Magistrate▪ neither hath he that power himselfe in Spaine, and they presuppose that those of the Infanta's Family are to have the same immunity as in Spaine, but they have qualified the Article what is possible, and they say some such course may be setled therein as may give his Majesty, satisfaction either by banishing them, or sending them with their processe into Spaine, or some other course which may be agreed upon, and it will be in his Majesties power in any foule case, to doe that by way of fact which they cannot capitulate; howsoever, it was not held fit to break so great a businesse upon the dispute of a case which is like never to happen.
Concerning the Nurses it is left indifferently without any exclusion of the Protestants as in the sixth Article.
Touching the Articles brought out of Spaine.
COncerning the security against the Divorce, they are to relye on the Kings and Princes word of honour.
Touching the education of the Children, quod educentur in Religione Catholica, is absolutely omitted; and whereas the Pope requires they should be in the government of the Mother, the Sonnes untill fourteene, the Daughters untill twelve, the Article is onelyonly till seven, with a private Promise untill nine, and this King pressing it may be untill ten.
As for the bonum publicum required by the Pope, all particulars which were propounded, as the suspending the poenall Lawes, &c. are now omitted, onelyonly that the Catholiques may live without persecution, not giving scandall, and this to be done by his Majesties owne Grace and Clemency, without any publique Capitulation; onelyonly the King and Prince to promise it unto the King of Spaine by their private Letters.
The Articles of Religion being thus accommodated betweene the two Kings, King Iames who had formerly by his Agent Gage sent Letters to Rome to the Pope (wherein he stiled him, most holy Father) and likewise to some great Cardinals, to speed the Dispensation, with private instructions not to deliver them, unlesse he saw a present likelihood of granting the Dispensation, sends now two expresse Letters to Gage unto Rome (the one from himselfe, the other from Calvert his principall Secretary, dated the 5. of Ian. 1622.) to present t…ose Letters to the Pope and Cardinals, assuring himselfe, that since he had ratified all the Articles concerning Religion without any alteration, the Pope could not in justice but speedily grant the long-…ought-for Dispensation. The Copy of these two Letters (sent by Master Lawson) here follow in order.
TRusty, &c. By Letters which We have lately received from Our right Trusty and right worthy Cousen and Councellour the Earle of Bristoll, VVe understand how dutifully and discreetly you have carried your selfe in the furthering Our service, whilest you remained in the Court of Spaine, for which VVe returne you Our gracious thanks. He hath also acquainted Us with the directions which he gave you, touching the delivery of the Letters you carried from hence; that if you saw a likelihood of present granting the Dispensation upon the Articles now agreed on, you should deliver them, unlesse you received order from Us to the contrary. We would therefore now have you understand, that there is no cause why you should forbeare the delivery of any of them, if you find the Dispensation will certainly be granted: And thereof We hope there shall be now no doubt, considering that We have condescended unto, approved and ratified all and every the Articles concerning Religion, without changeing or altering any one word, as they are agreed upon and concluded betweene the King of Spaines Commissioners and Our Ambassadour at Madrid in December last: which being transmitted unto VsUs, both Our Selfe and Our Sonne the Prince have subscribed the same, and so have sent them backe againe unto Our said Abassadour for a finall conclusion of all things concerning matter of Religion or conscience, although the formality needed not, Our Ambassadours having obliged VsUs before sufficiently according to the large power given them by their Commission. And thus much We have thought sit to let you know that if any further scruple should remaine there touching Our absolute consent, you may be able to remove it.
Dated 5. Ian. 1622.
SIR,
MAster Porter is safely here arrived the second of this MonethMonth, with the conclusion of all those difficult Articles that hitherto have retarded the proceeding of the Match. He was long looked for, and a welcome man when he came both to his Majesty and the Prince; insomuch, as I must tell you, I have no rest since with our yong Master, for being called upon early and late to hasten away the dispatch of all to your selfe and my Lord of Bristoll, which I have done with as much diligence as possibly I could.
His Majesty and the Prince have both of them subscribed all the Articles as they were sent hither from my Lord of Bristoll, in this manner; Hos supra memorat…s Articulos omnes ac singulos approbamus, & quicquam in its ex nostra parte seu nostr… nomine conventum est, ratum atque gratum Habe…,
Iacobus Rex.
Carolus Pr.
And in the full performance of whatsoever was agreed upon concerning the Bonu… Publicum, his Majesty and the Prince likewise have written their severall letters unto the King of Spaine, faithfully promising in the words of a King and of a Prince, to cause the same to be observed inviolably in the very same Termes verbatim, as it is set downe in the last Article of all sent hither from my Lord of Bristoll, which I am … you have seene and remembred, viz. Quodea omnia prestituri sint quae ministris Regis Hispaniae ante hac verbotenus R. M. Britt. pollicitus est, NOTE.Hoc est, quod regnorum suorum Romano-Catholics persecutionem nullam patientur, molestiave afficientur Religionis suae causa, vel ob exercitium ullorum ejusdem Sacramentorum mode us utantur absque scandale (quod intelligi debet intra privatos parietes) nec juramentis a…t sub alio pretextu qualicunque ordinem religionis spect ante vexabuntur.
With these dispatches M. S. Digby (who is within these foure or five dayes returned out of Germany) is to be sent away to morrow for Spaine with all possible speed. Don Carlos hath advertized to the Duke of Alberquerque, the Padre Maestro, and your selfe as much as I doe. Now you know all that is done both in Spaine and here concerning this point; I must leave you to such directions as you have received from the Earle of Bristoll, how much of this to silence, and how long to silence, and what to discover, as his letter and you have there thought fittest for the good of his Majesties service.
For the token which I send to Aristides, I pary you be sure that he deserve it well, for I doe not meane to be at that cost with him, unlesse you be sure he doe me that curtisie which I expect, and as he hath often made me beleeve. It is an hundred to one but you shall find him at Alexandria if you misse him elswhere.NOTE. Aeneas recommends unto you againe secrecy in this businesse above all things, and that you be certaine of speeding before you deliver the letter to Padre Maestro.
POSTSCRIPT.
From VVhite-hall, 5. Ian. 1622
I Need not tell you how graciously his Majesty accepts of the good service you have done since it hath pleased him to acknowledge it under his own hand, and I must not forget one charge more that I have received from him, which is, that I should will you in his name to salute the Padre Maestro affectionately from him, and to let him know also how sensible and thankfull his Majesty is for those singular good offices and diligent endeavours which he hath used from the beginning of this businesse untill now, and still continues them, as his Majesty understands particularly from Don Carlos …, I pray you also commend my service unto him.
I have order for a Privy Seale of 300. li. more, which the Earle of Bristoll delivered you in Madrid, to be paid to Master Wake at Antwerpe.
What Gage did at Rome in pursuance of these two Letters, and what opinion the Pope and Cardinals held of King Iames, will appeare by this ensuing L…tter of Ma…te… Gage sent to his Majesty from Rome, and thence dated the 24. of Aprill 1623.