Four Years at the Court of Henry VIII Volume 2 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1854 edition. Excerpt: ...his predecessors, he had no wish to see me, but I have heard his errand both from the right reverend Cardinal and from the Bishop of Durham. Subsequently, I went to visit the reverend Spanish ambassador, with whom I have had much conversation about the friendly disposition of his Catholic Majesty towards the Christian King, and your most illustrious Signory; and about there being some negotiation on foot for an interview between their two Majesties, with a view to arranging the Christian expedition. He told me that his Catholic Majesty aforesaid had already ten heavy ships, and 16,000 infantry, and, moreover, in the kingdom of Naples and in Sicily, two fine brigades of men-at-arms. His lordship came to the conclusion that a general peace would, at any rate, take place, to which he thought his Majesty here was inclined. I proceeded afterwards to the right reverend Cardinal, and whilst awaiting a summons, the Spanish ambassador aforesaid made his appearance, and we were both called by his lordship; an unusual fashion, it never having happened to me since my sojourn in this country to have audience in the company of other ambassadors. His lordship made mention of the Cardinal legates, appointed to the four sovereigns, as well known to your Sublimity,2 and speaking on this subject, he said it was requisite to unite these princes together, and to inspire them with mutual confidence, and prevent their plotting against each other. " You perceive," said he, " Domini oratores, that confidence does not exist between any of these monarchs, each one feeling insecure on account of the continual machinations of his neighbours, for the Catholic King dreads lest the King of France seize upon Naples and Sicily: our King, again, suspects him of an...