Chapter XXV: Letter 22 (1)

Maister Strete as hertelye as I Can I co_m_mend me vnto yow and wher as by my last l_ette_res I wrott vnto yow in the Fauors of Curson and Fyndern to be p_re_fferryd vnto the Catell and Corn of late belongyng to the pryorye of Colwyche and Sythyn that tyme I wrotte vnto yow on the behalf of Mr. longford for his p_re_fferment vnto the demaynes of the sayd late pryorye so hit ys that now the sayd maister longford by his Father in law Mr. Fyzherbert moche desyryth to haue the Tythys and also suche Corn as at this tyme ys Sown vppon the demaynes of the sayd late pryorye for this yere whych tythe and Corn Sown vppon the demaynes I require yow that he may haffe at suche prysys as ye shall thinke convenyent and in such wyse as the kyng_es_ highnes may be Substauncyallye answeryd of the p_ro_ffytt_es_ growing of the same w_i_t_h_out any Fauo_ur_ to be born to anye othre p_ar_tye and wher as I wrott in myn other letter that Curson and Fyndern shold haue the p_re_ffermentt of the Catell and Corn I dyd not wrytt for anye Corne growing on the grownde ne yet for any tythys which in no wyse ye shall Suffer them to haue but to order hyt as ys afforsayd most to the kyng_es_ p_ro_ffytte & adua_u_ntage. I well p_er_sayue who grauntyth suchemen an Inche they wyll take an ell. I am Infformyd they avaunte them selfs to haue Co_m_myssyons and grauntt_es_ of the kyng which ys vntrew I praye yew aduyse them to vse no suche Facyons. Syr the kyng_es_ highnes trustyth that ye w_i_t_h_ all spede will bryng up the half yeres Ferme and Rentt_es_ of the Busshopryche which I praye yow may be here before his gracyous dep_ar_tyng in p_ro_gresse. and as to the Chanon off Colwyche ye may translate hym vnto Sum good howse of that relygyon being nere vnto yow and to gyue hym sumthing after yo_ur_ discrecyo_n_ suche as may stand w_i_t_h_ the kynges hono_ur_ and also to his honest Contentacyon and thus trustyng in yo_ur_ approuyd wysdom and experyence Co_m_mytt all the p_re_mysses vnto yo_ur_ discrecyon trustyng eu_er_ that ye wyll haue respect to yo_ur_ dew[tie] and charge and also that I may haue short answer of thes and other my l_ette_res and so Fare ye well at london the xiiii^{th} daye of June

44. CROMWELL TO LORD LISLE.

R.O. Cal. vi. 706. June 26 ‹1533›.

Desires him to admit Bartholomew Peters as surgeon of
Calais. Will do his best to obtain Lisle’s requests for the
town.

My lorde after my right hertie reco_m_mendacions these shalbe to adu_er_tise [y]o_ur_ lordeship that where it hathe pleased the king_es_ highnes to gyve and [g]raunte to Bartholomew Petres the rowme of Surgeon in his grace ... w_i_t_h_in the towne of Calays, as by a bill signed for that purpose ... ye shall receyue of the saide Bartholomew more playnelie shall ... [a]ppere I shall therefore requyre yo_ur_ lordeship that insuing the teano_ur_ p_ur_port and effecte of the king_es_ saide g_ra_unte ye do see the saide Bartholomew admytted into the saide rowme when tyme shall requyre accordingly. And concerning suche matiers as ye latelie haue written in for the towne of Calays, I do not ne shall not cesse to do my best to reduce and bryng the same to suche good passe and effecte as shalbe thought most requysite and expedient. I trust to yo_ur_ good contentacion. And so o_ur_ lorde p_re_serue yo_ur_ lordeship in long lif and good helth w_i_t_h_ thincrease of hono_ur_. At London the xxvi day of June

Yo_ur_ lordshyppis assuryd
THOMAS C[RUMWELL]

I wrytt to yo_ur_ lordeshyp For this berer by the King_es_ expresse Co_m_mandmentt.

_Add._ To the right hono_ur_able and his singuler good lorde my Lorde Lisle deputie to the King_es_ highnes of his town and m_ar_ches of Calays be this youen.

45. CROMWELL TO ‹THOMAS BEESTON›.

R.O. Cal. vi. 776. ‹June-July, 1533.›

Ordering him to repair to the Emperor’s Court and deliver
the King’s letters to Dr. Hawkins there, with directions to
turn them over to the Emperor. He is to return with the
Emperor’s answer.

First the king_es_ highnes pleasure is that ye hauing receyued yo_ur_ packet of l_ette_res and instructions directed vnto Mr. docto_ur_ Hawkyns, shall ymediatelie put yo_ur_self in aredynes to dep_ar_te toward_es_ the p_ar_ties of beioynde the See, inserching by yo_ur_ polycie the nerest wayes to suche place where it shall happen the Emperour to lye.

Itm when ye shall repayre to themp_r_o_ur_s Courte ymmediatly to delyu_er_ the saide packet vnto the saide Mr. Hawkyns w_i_t_h_ hertie greting_es_ and salutacions from the king_es_ highnes adu_er_tesing him ferther that the king_es_ pleasure is that when tyme shall Requyre, he shall not onelie intymate declare and communycate the effect_es_ of suche l_ette_res and instructions conteyned in the saide packet, w_i_t_h_ themp_r_o_ur_, alwayes insuing the teano_ur_ purpose and meanyng of the same, But also after his accustomed wisedom dexterite and good polycie shall indeuo_ur_ himself so to propone handle and set fourth all thing_es_ as he by his good discression shall se tyme place and occasion So as the same may take effecte according to the King_es_ high trust and expectacion in that behalf.

Itm that after declaracion of the p_re_misses and co_m_munycac_i_on had at length w_i_t_h_ themp_er_o_ur_ in the same, the saide Mr. Haukyns shall then if he so thinke good, devise determyn_e_ and conclude w_i_t_h_ you for yo_ur_ depeche and reto_ur_ne hither w_i_t_h_ l_ette_res and instructions purporting suche answeres articles and allegacions as by themp_er_o_ur_ shalbe answered leyed and obiected to those thing_es_ which the saide Mr. Hawkyns shall intymate and declare as is aforsaide on the kyng_es_ behalf, which being don_e_ and accomplisshed the kyng_es_ gracious pleasure is that ye shall make all conuenyent haste spede and diligence to repayre hither to his grace w_i_t_h_ the same accordingly.

THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Endd._ mynute.

46. ‹CROMWELL› TO ‹THE MERCHANT TAILORS›.

R.O. Cal. vi. 698. ‹June, 1533.›

Requests them to continue and increase the annuity granted
to Nicholas Glossop, servant of the late Archbishop Warham.

Right wellbeloued Frendes I recomend me hartly vnto yowe And where I am enfourmed that at the request of my late lorde of Caunterbury, whose sowle god pardon, ye graunted to his seru_a_unt Nicholas Glossop, an olde Auncient of youre Felisship of m_er_chaunt Taillours a certeyn Annuytie of xxvi s. viii d. toward the Sustentacion of his lyvyng for terme of his Naturall life. Wherof by his report, he hath be‹n› well and truly Answered of a long tyme. Howe be it nowe upon the deceas of his said maister, as it ys said, that ye entende to withdrawe From hym youre saide Benyuolence and graunte, which shulde be to his great Discomfort and Hyndraunce. And forasmoche as I bere good Mynde and Favo_ur_ towardes hym And it were more charitie rather to Augemente his lyving than to dymynysshe it or withdrawe the same, specially nowe in his great Age, whan he hath most nede of help and Socoure. I hertly desire yowe that for my sake ye wille not only contynue the payment of the said Annuytie to hym for terme of his life according to yo_ur_ said graunte, But also of youre larger Benyvolence and charitie to encreas the same xiii s. iiii d. more by yere. Wherby in myne opynyon, ye shall not only do the thyng whiche may be right meritorious to yowe, but also right honorable for youre said Felisship, and to me right great pleasure. and for the same doing He may hereafter do yowe pleasure And I shalbe glad to doo yowe pleasure or any good that I can for yo_ur_ Felowship at alle tymes As knoweth god who p_re_serue yowe. And Further I desire yowe of yo_ur_ good Answere in this behalf the morowe Folowing yo_ur_ next Courte Day by yowe to be holden at yo_ur_ halle

_Endd._ A l_ett_re for Nicholas glossop.

47. CROMWELL TO MR. THOMAS ALEN.

R.O. Cal. vi. 791. July 9 ‹1533›.

For failing to pay his debts to Cromwell, and to give
sureties for the money his brother owes the King, Alen has
forfeited 1000 marks to the Crown. Requests an answer by the
bearer.

Maister Alen after right hertie co_m_mendac_i_ons these shalbe to aduertise you that long or this tyme I loked to haue harde from you and trusted not onelie to haue had and receyued from you now at Midsomer last passed my Hundreth pound_es_ which of gentilnes I lent you but also sufficient bondes and suertie for yo_ur_ brother tharchebisshop of Duntlyn concerning the payment of vii^c[795] mark_es_ which he oweth to the king_es_ highnes according to suche bonde as you and other w_i_t_h_ you stonde bounde in for the complement of the same. For lacke and defaulte whereof ye haue forfaited to the king_es_ highnes the So_m_me of one thousande mark_es_ which me thinketh ye ought substaunciallye to loke vppon for the king is no p_er_son to be deluded nor mocked w_i_t_h_ all. And considering that for yo_ur_ sake I so gentillie departed w_i_t_h_ my money me semeth that reason and good honestie requireth ye should se me payed ayen. prayeng you that I may be adu_er_tised by this berer what ye mean and intende to do in the premisses. And so hertelie Fare ye well. At London the ix^{th} day of Julie.

Yo_ur_ louyng Frend
THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To his louyng Frende Mr. Thomas Alen be this yeuen at Raylegh.

48. CROMWELL AND AUDELEY TO HAWKINS AND
RANDALL, BAILIFFS OF WEYMOUTH.

R.O. Cal. vi. 858. July 18, 1533.

Warrant for the delivery into the nearest prison of six men
taken in the ship _Trinity_, of Hull. The goods and the ship
are to be delivered to William Gonson.

Wellbelouyd we grete you well, and Where as Will_ia_m Gonson of london hathe shewed vnto vs an Indenture datyd the viii^{th} daye of June last, made betwene Edward Waters and you specyfyeng the deliu_er_auns of a Ship namyd the Trinite of Hull and lxiiii Hoggyshedes of gascon wyne w_i_t_h_ dyu_er_s other thing_es_ therin conteynyd to yo_ur_ Handes. We certefye yow that the Kyng his pleasure is that ye shall incontynent deliu_er_ or cause to be deliu_er_ed all thing_es_ conteanyd in the said Indentures to the said Will_ia_m Gonson or his assignes. and as towching the sixe pryson_er_s taken in the said Ship and lykewyse deliu_er_yd into your kepyng that ye deliu_er_ theim into the next pryson to you, ther to be surely kepte till the king_es_ pleasure be to you Further knowne wheche deliu_er_aunce of Ship and goodes & prysoners shall be vnto you a sufficyent dyscharge at all tymes herafter Wryton at London the xviii daye of July the xxv^{th} yere of the Reigne of our sou_er_aigne lorde kyng Harry the viii^{th}.

THOMAS AUDELEY Kt. chauncelo_ur_
THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To our Welbelouyd Will_ia_m Hawkyns and Will_ia_m Randall Baylyff_es_ of the towne of Waymowthe.

49. CROMWELL TO SIR ANTHONY FITZHERBERT AND WALTER LUKE.

R.O. Cal. vi. 872. July 19 ‹1533›.

Requires him to delay the trial of a case which may be
prejudicial to Cromwell, as the jury has been packed, and
will be likely to give an unjust verdict.

After my right hertie co_m_mendacions Forasmoche as there is a Nisipri_us_ passed out to be tried before you at the next assises to be holden at Lyncoln concerning the tryall of the title of Anthony Stydolffe who is my warde Which Nisiprius is secretlie sued out and passed w_i_t_h_out my knowlege so as p_er_case the same may be moche p_re_iudiciall vnto me in that thing whereunto I haue good iust and lawfull title as ye shall apperceyue by suche deades and writing_es_ as my Frend this berer shall shew vnto you, I therefore considering yo_ur_ worshippes and good indifferencies, trusting that ye will do me none iniustice in this behalf Do most hertelie require and pray you to staye the tryall of the saide Nisiprius, Vntill ye shall haue Ferther knowlege of the matier, the rather for that I am crediblie infourmed that the enquest is alredie so parciallie impaneled that vndoubtedlie it is thought they will passe directlie ayenst the trowth. Eftesones therefore most hertelie requyring you to provyde and forsee myn indempnyte in this parte, And for the good acquytall of yo_ur_ gentilnes to be shewed vnto me herein if there be any thing wherein my poure powers can extende to do yow pleasure I shall not Faile godd willing to accomplisshe the same to the vtterest of my lytill power. And so most hertelie Fare ye well. At London the xix^{th} day of Julie.

It may please you to gyve firme credence vnto this berer in such thing_es_ as he shall declare vnto you on my behalf

Yo_ur_ assuryd Freend
_Thomas Crumwell_.

_Add._ To the right worshipfull Mr. Anthony Fitzherberte knight one of the king_es_ iustic_es_ of his comen benche and to Mr. Walter Luke esquier and to either of them.

50. ‹CROMWELL› TO MR. MUSTIAM.

R.O. Cal. vi. 878 (ii). July 19 ‹1533›.

Desires him to permit the bearer to enjoy a lease of the
farm of Brokesley.

Mast_er_ Mustiam I hartely co_m_mende me vnto you. And in the same wise beseching you at this my poure contemplac_i_on and request to be good master and Frende vnto ... berar hereof, in letting hym to opteyne, and peacably to occupie and enyoye the hole effect of a lease of the ferme or p_ar_sonage of Brokesley, in the p_ar_oche of Detford in the Countie of Kent to hym demysed by one Mr. Otywell of Westm_inster_ diseased w_i_t_h_out any yo_ur_ further let grief or disturbauns. Vntill suche tyme as ye shall knowe further of my will and pleasure, and inso doyng ye shall mynyster vnto me right singul_e_r pleas_ure_. And this hartely fare ye well At London this xix day of July

51. ‹CROMWELL› TO MR. MUSTIAM.

R.O. Cal. vi. 878 (ii). July 20 ‹1533›.

The bearer complains that Mustiam intends unjustly to take
the tithe corn of Brokesley from him. Advises Mustiam not to
do this.

Maist_e_r Mvstyam I hertelye co_m_mende me vnto yow adu_er_tysing the same that the poore man berer herof hathe shewyd me that ye do Intend to do hym wrong in takyng From hym the tythe Corn of Brokleye, other wyse wyse[796] Called west greenwyche whervnto I thinke ye haue no tytyll nor Interest, wherfor I shall aduyse yow to stay to doo any thing in the same vntyll suche tyme as ye shall be hable honestlye to to[797] Clayme therin and thus Fare ye well at london this xx^{th} daye of July

52. CROMWELL TO HENRY VIII.

R.O. Cal. vi. 887. July 23 ‹1533›.

Reports the examination of certain Friars Observants, who
have been taken by Cromwell’s spies. Two of them would
certainly confess much if examined by torture. Desires
instructions how to proceed. Has inquired of Cranmer about
the men, as the King desired.

Please it your highnes to be aduertised that vppon myn arryuayle at London I receyued certen l_ette_res out of the North directed vnto your grace from the lorde Dacre. Which I haue sent to yo_ur_ maiestee herein closed w_i_t_h_ also certen l_ette_res and Newes sent vnto me from my Lorde Deputie of Calays. And touching the Freres obseruant_e_s that were w_i_t_h_ the prync_e_s dowagier, being subtillie conueyed from thens were first espied at Ware by suche espialles as I leyed for that purpose, and hauyng good awayte leyed vppon them were from thens dogged to London, and there (notw_i_t_h_stonding many wyles and cauteles by them invented to escape) were taken and deteyned till my cu_m_myng home. So as vppon my arryuayle here I called them before me and vppon examynacion of them coulde gather nothing of anye momente or grete importaunce, but entring into ferther co_m_munycac_i_o_n_ founde the one of them a veray sedycious person, and so co_m_mytted them vnto warde where they now do remayne till yo_ur_ gracious pleasure knowen. Ymmedyatelie afterward_es_ repayred vnto me the warden of the grey Freres of Grenewich who semeth veray desirous to haue the punycyon of the saide two Freres, being named Hugh Payne and Cornelius, and made grete intercession vnto me to haue them delyu_er_ed vnto him, Shewing unto me ferther that the mynyster and generall Co_m_myssarie of this prouynce of Englonde had made out certeyne co_m_maundement_es_ vnto the said Freers willing them by vertue of obedience to repayre vnto him to Rychemont to thintent they wold haue the correction of them accordinglie. Which co_m_maundement_es_ being conteyned in certen mynut_es_ of paper I haue sent to yo_ur_ grace herein closed. It semeth assuredlie that the saide mynyster is a right honest and discrete person and Fayne wolde haue prevented and taken the saide Freers if he had coulde by any meanes, Beseching yo_ur_ grace tha[t] I may knowe your gracious pleasure Whether I shall kepe and de[t]eyne them in warde and bring them w_i_t_h_ me at my repayree to the courte, or Whether yo_ur_ grace will haue them sent y_m_medyatelie to any other place or what other direction to be taken therein as shall and may stonde w_i_t_h_ your high pleasure. It is vndoubted that they haue intended and wolde confesse sum grete matier if they might be examyned as they ought to be that is to sey by paynes, for I perceyue the saide Hugh Payne to be a subtile Felowe and moche gyuen to sedycyon.

I haue also eftesones sent vnto my lorde of Caunterbury according to your grac_i_ous co_m_maundement touching the dissymuled holynes and supersticious demeanures of the Ipocryte Nunne, And haue declared yo_ur_ gracious pleasure vnto the Staple whom in man_er_ I do Fynde agreable to all thing_es_ according to yo_ur_ grac_es_ demaunde sauyng onelie they as yet requyre lenger dayes for the payment of the some of x m[798] pounds by them now graunted, and also fermely requyre that yo_ur_ highnes will graunt them their house for a reasonable so_m_me of money yerelie, which I do stycke w_i_t_h_ them in. and as to morowe they will gyve me a resolute answer in the hole.

And thus I shall daylie pray vnto almightie god for the prosperous conseruacion of yo_ur_ royall maiestee in long lif and good helth felyciouslie to indure. at London the xxiii day of Julie. Yo_ur_ highnes most humble subiectte and s_erua_unt

THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To the king_es_ royall maiestee.

53. ‹CROMWELL› TO AUDELEY.

R.O. Cal. vi. 894. July 26 ‹1533›.

Desires him to permit the annuity of £20 which has just been
granted to Stephen Vaughan to bear date from a year ago this
summer, as there was already £20 due to Vaughan for one
year’s service.

Right honourable syr after myn_e_ hartie commendac_i_ons. So it is that the king_es_ hieghnes hathe lately graunted Vnto a seruant of his named Stephen Vaughan a certeyne annuytie of xx li by yere to be paide from the faste of the natyuytie of saynt John Baptiste now last passed Vnto the whiche Stephen by cause there is owyng by the kyng_es_ hieghnes xx li for one yeres seruyce ended at Mydsomer now laste paste, therefore is it that by cause he hathe no waise to demaunde it of maister Tuke by patent or other sufficient warrant from his hieghnes. he hathe desyred me who vndoubtidly do know that his pleasure is that he shulde be payde the sayde xx li. to Requyre yow that when his annuytie co_m_mythe to the greate seale your pleasure maye be to suffer it to bere date from Mydsomer Was a yere and that he maye by force therof be payde the yere now passed. And doubte ye not thus to do. for the king_es_ pleasure is he shulde be paide the xx li due for the yere passed. And I shall alwayse warrant yow to be sufficiently discharged and to be blameles for so doyng. The saide Stephen had obteyned the king_es_ warrant for the same, oneles his highnes had now sent hym into Germany for thexpedicion of certeyn his affayres there. And thus the holy trynytie p_re_serue yo_ur_ lordeship in long lyfe goode healthe and much hono_ur_. from London the xxvi daye of Julye.

_Add._ To the right honourable S_ir_ Thomas Audley knyght lord chancello_ur_.

54. ‹CROMWELL› TO THE ABBOT OF WOBURN.

R.O. Cal. vi. 778. ‹July, 1533.›

Requests him not to maltreat the Abbot of Vawdy in
Lincolnshire; has heard he intends to depose him. Desires
him to cause Davys Edward, the monk of Vawdy, to amend his
ways.

My lord aft_er_ my duetie reme_m_bred, soo it is that I am credibly enformed how that ye beryng inwarde grudge & disples_ure_ to my welbeloued Frend thAbbot of Vawdy entende studie & goo about_es_ by sinistre meanes to depose hyme from his abbacye for the p_ro_mocion therunto of oon of yo_ur_ awne monk_es_ being the cellerer of yo_ur_ house. My lord I pray you vse yo_ur_ selffe vnto my saide frende as accordeth to yo_ur_ religion, For I knowe certainly that he is a good religious man, And that his house wiche was in gret debt at the tyme of his p_ro_mocion, is nowe by his good policie reduced to good & welthy state and condic_i_on aswell in catoll as in corne furnisshed w_i_t_h_ other requisit_es_ & necessaries. Wherfor my lord my trust ys that ye wol circu_m_spectly loke therupon baring yo_ur_ good & lawfull fauo_ur_ unto hyme, like as good charitie requireth. And the rather at my disire & request ascertaynyng you that I haue at this tyme writen my semblable l_ette_res in the fauo_ur_ of my said frend vnto thabbot of fountayns not doubtyng but that he at my requisic_i_on wol lovingly vse and intreate my said frend in all his busuynes. And wher as ye haue w_i_t_h_ you a monk of the said house of Vawdy oon Dauys Edward Clerke, wiche ye knowe well haith gretely mysordred hymselff. I trust that ye woll instructe hyme soo fruteffully that he shall not nede to be further reconsiled to amend his lyvynge Wherby ye shall doo averay good & charitable dede as knoeth god who kepe yow

_Add._ To thabbot of Woborn

_Endd._ a l_ette_re for the abbot of Woborne

55. CROMWELL TO LORD LISLE.

R.O. Cal. vi. 1064. Sept. 1 ‹1533›.

The King is displeased at Lisle’s desire for new
arrangements for ‘the restraynyng of Corne.’ Lisle should
not take every man’s or his own wife’s advice concerning
things pertaining to his office.

After my right harty reco_m_mendation vnto your good lordship This shalbe to adu_er_tise the same that I have resceyved your l_ette_res wherein ye and the Mayer of Calays do desire to have newe p_ro_visions concernyng the restraynyng of Corne otherwise then hathe byn vsyd yn tymes past. I ensure yo_ur_ lordship the king_es_ highnes is not a litle displeased withe that your desire, but supposith yo_ur_ besynes to be veray small that will in any wise ymportune his highnes withe any soche matiers Sayeng that before this tyme the Towne and marches of Calays hathe ben well maynteynyd and prospered w_i_t_h_out any soche newe devises. And I assure your lordship as your frynd to my power that I have great m_er_vayll that ye will so sone enclyne to eu_er_y man_n_ys devise and ... specially in matiers of small ympor[t] ... ye and ... reportyd ... nite me on ... causes as me semythe ... nothyng ... ne gentilwymen, for although my lady be right hono_ur_able and wise yet yn soche causes as longithe to yo_ur_ auctoritie her advise and discresion can litle prevayle. Wherfore I pray yo_ur_ lordship to consider the same, and to ymportune the king_es_ highnes w_i_t_h_ none other matiers then of necessite ye ought to do. And thus the blessed Trynyte preserue you. At london the first day of September.

Your lordshyppis assuryd
THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my veray good lord my lord Vicount Lisley the king_es_ deputie at Calays be thus youen.

56. CROMWELL TO THE FRENCH AMBASSADOR.

Huth Library; Cal. vi. 1128. Sept. 15 ‹1533›.

Reports the arrival of Danish and Norwegian ambassadors at
the Court of the Queen Regent of the Netherlands to conclude
an alliance.

Mons_ieur_ lambassade_ur_ Le Roy mon maistre a este aduerty par son agent estant en Flandres. Que puisnagueres les ambassadeurs de Danemarche Norwege & Holst au nom du conseil et Royaulme de Danemarche, sont arriuez a la court de la Royne douagiere de hung_i_erye regen_e_ deflandres auec le nombre de xxxii p_er_sonnes ou enuiron et co_m_me son d_it_ agent peult entendre avecques plain et suffisant pouuoir et auctorite A conclure et affermer vne bonne allyance et paix auecques l’empere_ur_ et tous ses pais & dominions tant defensiue que offensiue, Aussy autant qu’il peult entendre Lad_ite_ Royne & son conseil sont determynez a traiter et conclure auecques lesdits ambassade_urs_ auecques telle condition que quiconques sera eleu Roy par dela (l’election duquel est encore prolongee & differee po_ur_ l’espace dung an) Il Jurera ratifiera & confermera la_di_te allyance & Traycte de Paix. Desquelles choses le Roy mon d_it_ M_ais_tr_e_ ma co_m_mande vous aduertir affin que en c_on_uenient diligence vous en vuelles rescripre au Roy Tres chr_estie_n v_ost_re m_aist_r_e_ et Ladviser quil seroit bon de penser sur cest affaire et essayer sil Luy semble expedient a estoupper le_ur_s propoz et aultreme_n_t y po_ur_veoir ainsi quil Luy semblera conuenable. A tant Monsie_ur_ Lambassade_ur_ apres mestre affectueuseme_n_t Reco_m_mande a vous je prie n_ost_re seigneur quil vous ait en sa tressaincte & digne garde. Escript a Stepney le xv jour de Septembre

V_ost_re entier et parfaict amy
THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ a mons_ieur_ Lambassade_ur_ du Roy Treschr_est_ien a Londres

_Endd._ de M^r. Craumeuelle

57. CROMWELL TO LORD LISLE.

R.O. Cal. vi. 1141. Sept. 21 ‹1533›.

Requests him to permit the executors of Robert Baynham
freely to administer his testament, notwithstanding his
former letters to the contrary.

Aftre my right harty Commendac_i_ons to your lordshipp Whereas heretofore I addressed my l_ette_res vnto your lordshipp at the sute of my s_er_u_a_unt Bartholomew Bayneham concernyng the steye of such good_es_ as lately apperteyned to his Father Robert Baynam of Calaish vntil suche tyme as ye harde Further of my mynde in that behaulf. These shalbe most hertely to desyer and praye youe the rather at the contemplac_i_on hereof to suffre thexecuto_ur_s of his sayd Father Robert Baynam to execute and mynistre according to the meanyng of the Testament and last wyll of his sayd Father in as ample wise as heretofore they haue doon my sayd former l_ette_res notw_i_t_h_standing. And being enformed of your goodnes and also of my lad_es_ of late shewed vnto my sayd s_er_u_a_unt p_ar_tely as I take yt for my sake I thanke you most hertely for the same and though my lady for her p_ar_te might haue been better before yet I requyre you bothe for my sake ye nowe to contynewe the goodnes which youe doo presently extende Vnto him. Wherein ye shall admynystre Vnto me Veray acceptable pleas_ur_. And thus Fare you hertely well From Stepney the xxi^{th} day of Septembre

Yo_ur_ lordshippis assuryd
THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my Veray good lorde my lorde the Viconte Lisle Deputie of the king_es_ Towne of Calaysh and Marches of the same.

58. CROMWELL TO RICHARD AND WILLIAM HAYBOURNE.

R.O. Cal. vi. 1332. Oct. 24 ‹1533›.

The Lord Chancellor and Cromwell will sit on the dispute
between them and Elizabeth Colcoke the Friday after All
Hallowday.

I co_m_mend me vnto you. Adu_er_tising you that it is fully det_er_mynyd betwixt my lord Chaunceler and me that we will sitt vpon the mater in variaunce betwixt E_li_zabeth Colcoke widowe and you the Friday after Alhallow day. Wherfore I requyre you in any wise to be here the day before that ye may be redy for that purpose and that ye in no wise faill so to do vpon yo_ur_ peryll. And thus fare ye well. At london the xxiiii^{th} day of October.

Yo_ur_ Freend
THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To my frynd_es_ Richard Haybourne and Will_ia_m Haybo_ur_ne be this youen.

59. ‹CROMWELL› TO THE ABBOTS OF FOUNTAINS AND BYLAND.

R.O. Cal. vi. 1408. Nov. 8 ‹1533›.

Is surprised that they have not yet elected a new Abbot of
Rievaulx as the King wished. Advises them to delay no
longer.

After my full hertie man_er_ I recommende me vnto you. And where as it hathe pleased the king_es_ highnes to directe his moste grac_i_ous l_ette_res vnto you nowe at this p_re_sente tyme for the elecc_i_on of a newe Abbote of Ryvaulx wherein his grace hathe bene adu_er_tised ye haue not heretofore indevored youreself_es_ to thaccomplishemente of the same according to his said l_ette_res and co_m_maundemente (whereof I m_er_vaile not a little) that ye wold incurre his high displeasure for the none executing of the same. therefore I hertely requyre you and neu_er_thelesse doo advise you in exchewing of further Inconvenyenc_es_ and displeasures that maye thereby ensue (all affeccions sette ap_ar_te) ye doo accomplishe the said elecc_i_on according to the teno_ur_ and purporte of his moste grac_i_ous l_ette_res directyd vnto you and to the Convente of the same monastary in that behalf. And thereby ye shall not oonly des_er_ue the king_es_ moste grac_i_ous thank_es_, but alsoo haue me to doo for you in all yo_ur_ good causes the beste I can. As knowethe our Lorde who kepe you. Written at London the viii^{th} daye of Nouembre.

_Add._ To the right hono_ur_able in god my Lorde Abbote of Funtaunce and Bylande and to either of theym.

60. CROMWELL TO LORD LISLE.

R.O. Cal. vi. 1413. Nov. 11 ‹1533›.

Has heard of the trouble that has arisen owing to the blow
the knight porter has given to a ‘lewde Felowe.’ Thinks that
there is no cause why the knight porter should be molested
for his action.

My lorde after my right hertie co_m_mendacions I haue receyued your lordeshippes le_tte_res And haue p_er_ceyued by the same what contencion is arrysen there by meanes of a lewde Felowe for a stroke yeven vnto him by S_ir_ Cristofer Garnysshe the knight porter, Which matier hath ben debated here by the king_es_ counsaile who p_er_ceyuing the saide stroke was yeven but onelie for correction and for none entente to breke any law statute or ordenaunce of that towne of Calays, do thinke the same but a veray light matier to make any suche busynes of and no cause why the saide Sir Cristofer should be put to any molestacion for the same. Wherefore yo_ur_ lordeship may let it passe and wey it as it is And so o_ur_ lorde p_re_serue your lordeship in long lif and helth w_i_t_h_ moche hono_ur_ At London the xi day of Nouember.

[I] do also hertelie thanke yo_ur_ lordsship for yo_ur_ grete chere made to my s_er_uaunte [Will]yam Johnson and to this gentilman straungier for whom I do wryte vnto yo_ur_ lordeship at this tyme by myn other l_ette_res. And for all other yo_ur_ lordshippes gentilnes I do most hertelie thanke you trusting if I lyue to requyte the same if I can.

Yo_ur_ lordshyppis assuryd Freend
THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To the right hono_ur_able and his singuler good lorde the lorde vicount Lisle deputie to the king_es_ highnes of his towne and marcheis of Calays.

_Endd._ M. Cro_m_well the xi^{th} of nove_m_br

61. CROMWELL TO THE ABBOT OF NETLEY.

R.O. Cal. vi. 1502. Dec. 6 ‹1533›.

Desires him to grant his friend John Cooke a new lease for
sixty years of Roydon farm near Southampton, as it lies by
the sea and is convenient for Cooke in his office of the
Admiralty there.

In my right hartie maner I co_m_mende me vnto your good lordship. And where as my frynd John Cooke the king_es_ graces s_erua_unt berer herof hath and holdeth a Ferme of yo_ur_s callid Roydon by lesse wherof the yeres in the same be almost expyred And forasmoche as your said ferme lieth nygh the see syde necessaryly for my saide frynd to serue the king_es_ highnes in his office of the admyraltie in those parties I hartely desyre you at the contemplacion of thies my l_ette_res that ye will graunte vnto the saide John Coke a newe lesse of the saide ferme vnder your Conventuall Seale for terme of lx yeres paying vnto you and yo_ur_ Successours the accustumable rent therof. And for your towardnes herin I shalbe glad to requyte the same to your good contentacion And farther I perceyve by the reporte of the same Cooke that ye have shewed vnto hym and other that hathe byn w_i_t_h_ hym to do the king_es_ highnes s_er_uice at the See muche Jentylnes and lib_er_alitie, for the whiche ye have deserved the king_es_ right harty thank_es_. And therfore I for my parte hartylye thanke you And of your conformable mynde herin I pray you to adu_er_tise me in wrytyng by this berer. And thus fare ye hartylye welle. At london the vi^{th} day of December.

Yo_ur_ lordshyppis Freend.
THOMAS CRUMWELL.

_Add._ To the reu_er_end father in god the Abbot of letley[799] be this youen.

62. CROMWELL TO ‹THE OFFICERS OF THE CUSTOMS›.

R.O. Cal. vi. 1625 (iii). (1533.)

The King wishes Robert Bonvell, merchant of Paris, to come
to England with certain jewels, of which he desires a
special account to be kept, for the payment of the duty.

In my Right harty manner I Co_m_mend me vnto you Adu_er_tis[ing] the Same that the king_es_ pleasure is that Robert Bonvell m_er_ch_au_nt of parys sholde Repayre into this Royalme Toward_es_ his highnes w_i_t_h_ c_er_teyn Juell_es_ wherfore his speciall Co_m_maundment is that ye seing the same Jewell_es_ do make Therof a Specyall note by byll_es_ Indentyd betwyxt you and the Seid m_er_chaunt mensyonyng eu_er_y p_ar_cell therof and what the Custom therof maye Amounte vnto, not chargyng hym For any Custom or other Charge due vnto his highnes For the same for hys grac_es_ pleasure ys that if he do sell any w_i_t_h_in this Royalm that he shall therfore paye Custom as Reason is and for that he Cannot Sell here to carry A waye w_i_t_h_ hym A gayne w_i_t_h_oute payeng therfore any Custom or other dut_es_ Wherfore I requyre you takyng Surety in case he do make Sale to paye the Custom accordyngly That ye do p_er_mytt & Suffer the same m_er_ch_a_unt w_i_t_h_ the Same Juell_es_ to disch_ar_ge And vnlade the Same Accordyng to the Effect_es_ hereof

The coppy of Mr. Crumwell_es_ l_ette_re Sygned w_i_[t_h_] hys hand.

63. Drafts of Portions of Cromwell’s Letters.

R.O. Cal. vi. 1625 (i). ‹1533.›

Thanks the recipient for sending news. Has presented his
letters to the Duke of Norfolk as he desired.

After most hertye Salutacyons this shalbe ‹to› thanke yow of yo_ur_ exceding louyng kyndnes shewyd in the dylygent wryting to me of yo_ur_ newse and according to yo_ur_ request I presentyd yo_ur_ l_ette_res vnto my lorde of Norffolk_es_ grace who I assure yow ys singuler good lorde vnto yow and wher ye wryt in yo_ur_ Fyrst l_ette_res ...

Memorandum concerning the resignation of the chantry of
Barking Church, in Essex.

M^{d} that maister Kendall Chauntrye preeste of the Chauntrye Foundyd in Barkyng Churche may optayne my lorde of londons Fauo_ur_ ‹in› the resignacyon of the sayd Chauntrye vnto S_ir_ Will_ia_m Cowplaunde my friend.

End of a letter, urging care and perseverance in reporting
important matters, and promising favour.

... thus Fare ye hertelye well trusting that ye will p_er_seu_er_e as ye haue bego_n_n I meane so Freindlye and secretlye as thes thing_es_ that shall passe betwene vs may be p_ro_ffytable to vs bothe so that yo_ur_ wryting matyers of grauytie & Importaunce wherin maye be persayued good will myxyd w_i_t_h_ wisdom and trowthe I then[800] may haue Corage as an entyre frende[801] to p_ro_secute For yo_ur_ forderaunce & aduauncement with recuperacyon of that which I am sure ye most desyre which as I shall See opportunyte I will not undowtydlye forget and ons agayn Fare well[802] daylye lokyng For answer

64. ‹CROMWELL› TO CHRISTOPHER MONT.

R.O. Cal. vi. 1374. ‹1533.›

Encloses two letters from the King to the Dukes of Bavaria
and Landgrave of Hesse, with copies. Urges Mont to discover
the state of feeling in the Empire. Sends a bill of exchange
for £30.

Felowe Cristofer I co_m_mende me vnto you And albeit sythen your departure ye haue not receyued any l_ette_res or instructions from the king_es_ maiestee concerning the execucion of suche his gracious affayrees as his highnes inco_m_mended to you at your departure Yet thinke ye not that your industrie labour travayle and diligence Vsed aswell in the setting fourth of his grac_es_ busynes, Whereof ye were sufficiently instructed at your saide departure as also in your diligent wrytyng often and Frequent aduertisement_es_ is put in any oblyuyon or forgotten But for the same his maiestee hathe co_m_maunded me to gyve vnto you his grac_es_ right hertie thank_es_. And in this packet ye shall receyue two L_ette_res addressed from the king_es_ maiestee vnto the Dukes of Bauarie and the Landegraue van Hesse, which his highnes willeth you to delyuer accordingly. the copies of whiche l_ette_res (to th’intent ye shalbe the more rype to answer if any thing shalbe obiected to you by the saide prynce) I haue sent you hereinclosed. Not doubting in your dexterytee good polycie and wisedom to propone and set fourth the effect_es_ of the same, as shall apperteyne. And forasmoche as here hathe ben the Secretarye of the duke of Bauarie who is named Mr. Hubertus Thomas by whom the king_es_ highnes hathe knowen and perceyued moche of the mynde and intent of the same Duke, ye shall not moche nede to travayle or enbusie yourself to procure answer other then of their owne mocyons they shall declare vnto you, But contynuallie indeauo_ur_ yo_ur_ self w_i_t_h_ all diligent Circumspection to explore enserche and knowe the state of the hole countrey of Germany and of their myndes intent_es_ and inclynacions toward_es_ the king_es_ highnes and this realme. And that also ye do by all the good meanes and polycies that ye can explore and enserche to knowe the myndes and intent_es_ of the prync_es_ of Germany and of the Germaynes how they be inclyned aswell toward_es_ thempero_ur_ as the king of Romaynes. Being contynuallie vigilant and diligent in wryting to the kyng_es_ maiestee of all thinges and occurraunt_es_ then according to his grac_i_ous trust and expectacion And because I wolde not haue you to lacke money ye shall receyue herew_i_t_h_ a bill of exch_a_unge for the some of xxx li.

_Endd._ A copy of a l_ette_re to Cristofer Mount.

65. ‹CROMWELL› TO HENRY VIII.

R.O. Cal. vi. 1369. ‹1533.›

Sends news about the Nun, and proposes to apprehend two
friars who have come into the realm with mischievous intent.
Sends a receipt for 24,000 cr., the residue of the Emperor’s
debt, for the King to sign.

Pleasythit yo_ur_ Royall magestye to be adu_er_tysyd how that reparyng homward_es_ oon_e_ of my lorde chauncelers s_er_u_au_nttes met w_i_t_h_ me and delyu_er_id me yo_ur_ warrauntt_es_ Signyd w_i_t_h_ the hande of the prynces dowager which warrauntt I do send to yo_ur_ grace herin Inclosyd what yo_ur_ plesure shalbe to haue done therin being ons known I shall right gladlye acco_m_plyshe I haue also Sythyn my repayre to london spokyn w_i_t_h_ Freer Lawraunce who hathe Sethens his Repayre to london herde dyuers thing_es_ touching the holye mayde which he wyll declare to yo_ur_ hygnes and to non other and he Shewyth me also that that[803] therbe ij^{o} strange Freers of the order of obs_er_uantt_es_ latelye repayryd into this Realme which ij^{o} Freers haue exploryd here For all suche bok_es_ centencys and determynacyons as hathe passyd touching yo_ur_ hygnes Matrymonye, which they Intend w_i_t_h_ other pryvey practysys to Convey w_i_t_h_ them, to Freer Petow who as I am Credyblye Informyd Sent them into this yo_ur_ Realme[804] the sayd ij^{o} Freers as I am acertaynyd haue browght w_i_t_h_ them pryuy l_ette_res to dyuers and now bene gone to the sayd[805] dowager. in my poore oppynyon it shalbe right well done that thaye might be sent For by Som_e_ trustye p_e_rson howbeit yt were best that theye Fyrste sholde be sufferyd to speke w_i_t_h_ her and suche other of hers as woolde p_er_aduenture delyu_er_ to them anything wherby theyr Ferther practysys myght be p_er_sayuyd and so thayr Cankeryd Intentt_es_ myght be therbye dyscyfferyd. I am also Infformyd that there ys A m_er_chant of london whiche dothe practyse w_i_t_h_ them in thes p_re_myss_es_ I shall goo veray nere to haue knowlage therein yf it be trew he ys worthye to Suffer to make other beware in tyme he ys of good Substaunce. I wooll thys daye goo abowt to know the trowthe, thes thing_es_ woold be met w_i_t_h_ all in tyme and the sonner the better. I trust yo_ur_ highnes wyll by this berer adu_er_tyse me in wrytyng what shalbe yo_ur_ plesure touching as well the sayd Falls Freers as also towching of the sayd dowager’s warrant_es_. I haue also Sent to yo_ur_ grace on_e_ acquytance to be assigned for the xxiiij^{ti} thousande Crowns dew to yo_ur_ highnes for the resedew of the emperowrs dett and also A warrant to yo_ur_ chanceler For the Sealyng of the same which warrantt and acquyt_au_nce it may please yo_ur_ magestye to assigne and to send the same by this berer to the Intent Robert Fowler may be depechyd. The rest of the acquyt_au_nces for yo_ur_ ordynarye pencyon and Sale ben allredye Signed and Sealyd. and this the Hollye trynyte to whom I shall contenewallye praye to p_re_serue yo_ur_ highnes in long lyff and most p_ro_sperous helthe and send the same the vyctorye w_i_t_h_ hono_ur_ over all yo_ur_ Enemyes.

_Endd._ ij mynut_es_ of my M_aste_rs letters w_i_t_h_ my lord chancelo_ur_s.

66. CROMWELL TO ‹CRANMER›.

B.M. Harl. MSS. 6,148, f. 81; Cal. vii. 19. Jan. 5 ‹1534›.

The King desires Cranmer to send to him Mr. Heath, whom his
highness wishes to employ as ambassador to the German
princes.

By master Crumwell

After my moste humble co_m_mendac_i_ons yt may please your g_ra_ce to be aduertised that the kyng_es_ highnes hath comanded me to write vnto your g_ra_ce Requiryng the same w_i_t_h_ all co_n_veniente celeritie to send vp hither Mr. heth, whome for his Lerning, good gravitie and circu_m_spect[i]on the kyng_es_ highnes entendeth to send into the p_ar_ties of Garmany in Ambassade to treate ther with the princ_es_ of Germany, as well in the kyng_es_ great cause of Matrymony As in other causes p_er_teynyng to the Welth of this Realme And forasmoche as your g_ra_ce knoweth the grounde, veray iustnes, and equitie of the kyng_es_ said cause, his Highnes requereth you to instructe the said M_r_ Hethe in the same as he may be Ryppe and perfite in the knowlege of _th_e holle circumstaunc_es_ of the same And that for lake of inst[r]uct_i_on when tyme shall com to propone the matier it Appere not hym to be vnp_er_faite and remysse to do suche s_er_uice v_n_to the kyng_es_ Maiestie in that behalf as shalbe to his gracious truste and expectac_i_on which his highnes nothyng at all doubtith. Howbeit yo_ur_ g_ra_c_es_ adu_er_tisement and good instruct_i_on arrected vnto the said Maist_er_ Heth shall vndoubtedly make hym more rype and p_er_fite in the p_re_misses to do that thing that may be moche to your honour, his prayse and merite As knoweth o_ur_ Lorde, who send your grace Long Lyf and good helth at London the v. daye of January.

The kyng_es_ highnes also intendeth to practise certeyn thyng_es_ in the said p_ar_ties of Germany, concernyng the Auctoryte of the Bisshop of Rome.

Yo_ur_ gracys Bedisman
THOMAS CRUMWELL.

67. ‹CROMWELL› TO HENRY VIII.

R.O. Cal. vii. 73. January ‹1534›.

Reports the passage in the Commons of the Act forbidding any
man to keep more than 2000 sheep, and requiring every farmer
to put one-eighth of his land in tillage. If the Bill passes
the Lords also it will be the most beneficial thing done
‘sythyn Brewtyse tyme.’

Pleasythyt yo_ur_ most Royall Mageste to be adu_er_tysyd how that according to yo_ur_ most highe pleasure and co_m_maundeme_n_t I haue made serche for suche patentt_e_s and grauntys as yo_ur_ highnes and also the most Famous kyng yo_ur_ father whos Sowle o_ur_ lorde p_ar_don haue grauntyd vnto s_ir_ Rychard Weston knyght yo_ur_ vndertesawrer of your exchequer and the same haue sent to yo_ur_ highnes herin closyd yt may also please yo_ur_ most Royall Mageste to knowe how that yesterdaye ther passyd yo_ur_ Co_m_mons a byll that no p_er_son w_i_t_h_in this yo_ur_ Realme shall herafter kepe and Noryshe aboue the Nombre of twoo thousand shepe and also that the eight parte of eu_er_ye mans lande being a Fermour shall for eu_er_ herafter be put in tyllage yerlye which byll yf by the gret wysdom vertuew goodnes and zerale[806] that yo_ur_ highnes beryth toward_es_ this yo_ur_ Realme might haue good Successe and take good effect Amongyst yo_ur_ lord_es_ aboue I doo Coniecture and Suppose in my pore Symple and vnworthye Judgement that yo_ur_ highnes shall do the most noble proffyttable and most benefycyall thing that eu_er_ was done to the Co_m_mone welthe of this yo_ur_ Realme and shall therby Increase suche welthe in the same amongyst the gret Nombre & multytude for yo_ur_ most louyng and obedye[nt] Subiectys as neu_er_ was Seane in this Realme Sythen Brewtyse tyme most humblye prostrate at the Fete of yo_ur_ Magnifycence beseche yo_ur_ highnes to p_ar_don my boldnes ‹in› this wrytyng to yo_ur_ grace which onlye p_ro_cedythe for the trowthe dewtye allegaunce and loue I doo bere to yo_ur_ mageste and the Co_m_mon welth of this yo_ur_ Realme as o_ur_ lorde knowyth vnto whom I shall as I am most bounden Incessantlye praye for the contenewans & p_ro_sperous cons_er_uacyon of yo_ur_ most excellent most Royall and Imperyall estate long to Indure

68. ‹CROMWELL› TO ‹FISHER›.

B.M. Cleop. E. iv, f. 101; Cal. vii. 238. ‹Feb. 1534.›

Reproves him at length for his communications with the Nun
of Kent, and replies to seven reasons given by Fisher for
not reporting her revelations to the King. Advises him to
lay aside excuses, and beg the King’s mercy.

My lorde in my right hertie wise I co_m_mende me to yo_ur_ lordship doing you to vnderstand that I haue receyued yo_ur_ l_ette_res dated at Rochester the xviij^{th} of this moneth. In whiche ye declar_e_ what craft and cu_n_nyng ye haue to p_er_suade and to set a good countenau_n_ce vpon an yl mat_er_. Drawing som scriptur_es_ to yo_ur_ purpose whiche wel weyed acording to the plac_es_ whereof they be taken. make not so muche for yo_ur_ purpose as ye allege thaim for. And wher_e_ in the first lefe of yo_ur_ lett_er_s ye write that ye doubt nothing neither before god, nor befor the worlde if nede shal that requir_e_: so to declar_e_ yo_ur_self. whatsoeuer hath been said of you. that ye haue not deserued suche hevy word_es_ or terrible thret_es_ as hath been sent from me vnto you by yo_ur_ brother[807].

How ye can declare yo_ur_ self affor_e_ god and the world when nede shal requir_e_ I can not tell, but I think verely that yo_ur_ declaration made by thes l_ette_res is far insufficie_n_t to p_ro_ve that ye haue deserued no hevy word_es_ in this behalf and to sey playnly I sent you no hevy word_es_ but word_es_ of great co_m_fort wylling yo_ur_ brother to shewe you how benigne and m_er_ciful the prince was. And that I thoug[ht] it expedient for you to write vnto his highnes and to recognise yo_ur_ offence and desir_e_ his p_ar_don, whiche his grace wold not denye you now in yo_ur_ aige and sikkenes. Whiche my counsel I wold ye had folowed, rather than to haue writen thes l_ette_res to me excusing yo_ur_ self as thoughe there wer_e_ no maner of defaute in you. But my lord if it wer_e_ in an other mannys caas than yo_ur_ owne and out of the mater whiche ye fauor I doubt not but that ye wold think him that shuld haue doen as ye have doen non only worthy hevy word_es_ but also hevy dedys. For wher_e_ ye labor to excuse yo_ur_ self of yo_ur_ hering believing and co_n_celing of the nu_n_nys fals and faynid reuelations, and of yo_ur_ manyfold sending of yo_ur_ chapley[n] vnto her, by a certey_n_ intent whiche ye pretende yo_ur_self to haue had, to knowe by co_m_monyng w_i_t_h_ her or by sendi_n_g yo_ur_ chapellaine to her, whether her reuelations wer_e_ of god or no. alleging diu_er_se scriptures. that ye wer_e_ bound to p_ro_ve thaim, and not to reiecte thaim affor_e_ they wer_e_ p_ro_ued My Lord whether ye haue vsed a due meane to trie her and her reuelations, or no. It appereth by the p_ro_cesse of yo_ur_ owne l_ette_res. For wher_e_ ye write that ye had co_n_ceyuid a greate opinion of the holines of the woman for many considerations rehersed in yo_ur_ l_ette_res c_om_p_ri_sed in vi articles, whereof the first is grownde vpo_n_ the brute and fame of her, the secunde vpon her entreng into religion after her trauns_es_ and disfiguration, the third vpon rehersall that her gostly father being lerned and religious shuld testifie that she was a maide of greate holines. The fourth vpon the report that diuerse other vertuose prest_es_ me_n_ of good lernyng and reputation, shuld so testifie of her, w_i_t_h_ whiche gostly father and preest_es_ ye never spake as ye confesse in yo_ur_ lett_er_s. The fyveth vpon the prayse of my late lord of Cant_erbury_, which shewed you (as ye write) that she had many greate visions the sixt vpon this saing of the p_ro_phete Amos, No_n_ faciet d_om_in_u_s deus v_er_bu_m_, nisi reuelau_er_it secretu_m_ suu_m_ ad seruos suos p_ro_phetas by whiche co_n_siderations ye wer_e_ induced to the desir_e_ to know the very certente of this mater, whether the reuelations whiche wer_e_ p_re_tended to be shewed to her from god wer_e_ true reuelations or nott? yo_ur_ lordship in al the se_n_gle[808] of yo_ur_ l_ette_res shewe not that ye made no ferther trial vpo[n] the trueth of her and her reuelation, but only in co_m_monyng w_i_t_h_ her and sending yo_ur_ chapellaine to her, w_i_t_h_ Idle questions as of the thre mary magdalens. by whiche yo_ur_ co_m_mony[ng] and sending, ye tried out nothing of her falshed, nouther (as it is credibly supposed) entended to do, as ye myght haue doen many weyes mor_e_ easely than w_i_t_h_ co_m_monyng w_i_t_h_ her or sending to her; for litel credens was to be gyven to her affirmyng her owne fayned reuelations to be from god.

For if credence shuld be gyven to eu_er_y suche lewd p_er_son as wold affirme himself to haue reuelations from god what redyer wey wer_e_ ther_e_ to subuert al co_m_mon we[l]thes and good orders in the worlde.

Verily my lord if ye had entended to trie out the trueth of her and of her reuelations ye wold haue taken an other wey w_i_t_h_ you, first ye wold not haue been co_n_tented w_i_t_h_ the vayne voyc_es_ of the peple making brut_es_ of her traunses & disfiguratio_n_ But like a wise discrete and circumspect p_re_late ye shuld haue examined (as other haue) suche sad and credible p_er_sons as wer_e_ p_re_sent att her traunses & disfiguration_es_, not one or two, but a good nu_m_ber by whoes testimony ye shuld haue p_ro_ued whether the brut_es_ of her traunc_es_ and disfigurations wer_e_ true or not And likewise ye shuld haue tried by what craft and p_er_suasion she was made a religious woman. And if ye had been so desirous as ye p_re_tende to enquir_e_ out the trueth or falshed of this woman and of her reuelations, it is to be supposed ye wold haue spoken w_i_t_h_ her good religious and wel lerned gostly father (as ye cal him) or this tyme: and also w_i_t_h_ the vertuose, and wel lerned preest_es_ (as they wer_e_ estemed) of whoes reaport_es_ ye were informed by thaim whiche herd thaim speke[809] ye wold also haue been mynded to se the booke of her revelations whiche was offerd you. of whiche ye myght haue had mor_e_ trial of her and of her reuelations, than a hundred co_m_munications w_i_t_h_ her, or of as many sendings of yo_ur_ chapellen vnto her. As for the late lord of Cauntreburys seying vnto you that she had many greate visions, it ought to move you never a deale to gyve credence vnto her or her reuelations, For the said lord knew no mor_e_ certente of her or of her reuelations than ye dyd by her owne reaport. And as towching the saing of Amos the prophete, I thinke veryly the same moved you but a litell to herkyn vnto her, for sythe the co_n_su_m_mation and thende of thold testame_n_t and sythens the passion of Christ god hathe doen many greate and notable thing_es_ in the worl[d]e, whereof he shewed no thing to his p_ro_phet_es_ that hath co_m_men to the knowlege of men. My lord all thes thinges moved you not to gyve credence vnto her, but only the very mater whereupon she made her fals p_ro_ficyes to whiche mater ye were so affected (as ye be noted to be on al mat_er_s whiche ye enter ons into) that nothing could com amysse that made for that purpose