Hidden Works of Darkness Brought to Public Light, Letter 15
SIR,
IT may please your Majesty to understand that in a Congregation held the 22. of March, stilo novo, the Dispensation was finally resolved, and order taken, that the Cardinall Bandino should draw the Articles in forme, the Cardinall la Susanna make the Breve, and Monsignor Aquas the Popes Secretary (who was present at the two last Sessions) draw some Instructions for Monsignor de Massini the Nun…io▪ now resident in the Court of Spaine. And in the following Congregation held the 29. these things were seene and allowed▪ and the next day presented to the Pope, and allowed by him. Concerning the particulars of the proceeding here, of diffi…ulties overcome and of wh… yet remaineth to be done. I have given a large account to Master Secretary Calvert; by which if your Majesty receive not that entire satisfaction which we, who have laboured therein, have most earnestly desired. I shall most humbly beseech your Majesty to beleeve; first, that we have left no diligence undone by which we could hope to remove impediments; and secondly, that such difficulties as are either spent or yet to be admitted have been laid hold by the Cardinals, neither to frustrate or prolong this Treaty, but out of an opinion that they could not otherwise secure their Conscience, proceed upon a just and valuable ground, and satisfie the judgement of such discreet persons as may in times ensuing understand the passages of this great businesse. And this point I am the …older to represent to your Majesties gratious consideration, because jointly with all their protestations to this effect, their actions have concurred also to give good testimony thereof. They hold most honourable language of your Majesty,NOTE. they professe a great desire to have occasions of doing you all humble service; they have a …ume opinion that the former rigours used towards your Catholique Subjects have risen from others but the graces then given from your Selfe; and they are confident that your Majesty, now that so potent intercessions have been used with you and all grounds of civill jealousies removed, will not onelyonly command a reall performance of what you are pleased to promise in their favour, but sutably to your owne royall heart enlarge the benefit of your Princely goodnesse. I have therefore (Sir) …inding them thus affected thought it sutable to your service to let them understand, that since they expect these things from a Prince who yeeldeth to no man, either in esteeming or returning a Benefit▪ they may safely promise themselves all good successe and give way to their owne good dispositions of respect and affection towards your Majesty; and the rather I have done so, because I perswaded my selfe that your Majesty is of the same opinion with him, who speaking of the Romans to King Bocchus, said Licet P…entes abundè habeamus, Amicorum neque Nobis, neque cuiquam morta…um satis fuit.
I send your Majesty Letters from the Cardinals Bandino and Lodevisio, NOTE.which they writ in answer of your Majesties to to them, who above all others sought to oblige your Majesty, as by Letter to Master Secretary you will perceive. After the Easter-Holydayes I shall begin my journey towards Florence and Parma to performe your Majesties commands there whereof I will give your Majesty account in due time. It will be the end of May before I shall get out of Italy during which time I shall with de…otion expect your Majesties orders if in any thing further you shall be pleased to command my service. So I humbly pray the divine goodnesse to give your Majesty many faire yeeres of life thereby, to enjoy the fruits of this noble alliance, and to make happy your Subjects by your gracious government.
Your Majesties most humbble and loyall Subject, George Gage
After which, on the 7. of Ianuary these two Letters from King Iames and Secretary Calvert, were sent into Spaine by Master Digby to the Earle of Bristoll.