then he had the other time of his being here bestowed on him which my Lord Chamberlaine told me he himselfe had caused to be so increased done as a Cast he said of his Office to a person worth They gave at the instant of their parting no gratuities to any that I could heare of excepting to the Master of the Jewell-House who discovered no great satisfaction in matter or manner to that purpose only they had set down in a lyst the names of such as they intended should be gratified after their departure as they signified to Sir Lewes Lewkener and to my selfe who three dayes after received from the hand of Sir Noell Carone comming personally in all their names to my House a purse and in it fifty peeces 50. pound Monsieur de Boiscot Ambassador Extraordinary from the Arch-Duke Arriving at London Who had been here before Ordinary Ambassador An. 1612. while the King was at Theobalds in his way to New-Market and setting forth from London in Company of the Spanish Ambassador Don Carlos de Coloma to come for their Audience of his Majesty On Sunday the 23 of February lay at Ware the first night the next at Royston the third at Cambridge where in Trinity Colledge the Masters Lodgings were taken up for them and the Kings Officers of his House appointed to serve them being defrayed there and all the way out and home by his Majestie but not before nor after in London The Wednesday following they were fetcht by the Lord Walden with three or four Gentlemen the Kings servants in the Kings Coach and others appointed for their Journey to New-Market where streight entering the Court for their repose in the Princes Lodgings his Highness being then gone for Spaine they were introduced by the Earle of Arrundel meeting them at the Presence then to the Privy-Chamber door through it and the withdrawing Chamber into the Kings Bed-chamber where all other but the Agent of the Archdutches Monsieur Van Mall who attended him there were excluded they had an hours Audience of his Majesty and returned that night to Cambridge The next day passing their time in sight of severall Colledges and of the Schooles where at a Congregation purposely called they were admitted Masters of Arts and heard after that a disputation in Phylosophy they the next morning parted thence to Audely-end and entertained there that night by the Lord Walden in absence of his Father the Earle of Suffolk they the next day came to London 1623 In May. I received his Majesties command to attend the Earle of Rutland appointed Admirall Generall of the Fleete sent for Spaine to transport the Prince and the Infanta to England with order and Instructions that as soone as his Lordship should be come to Saint Andera our Port assigned I should carry to the Prince wheresoever he should then be abiding in Spaine the news of the Ships Arrivall for his and the Infantas Service Sir Thomas Somerset Son to the Earle of Worcester had obtained the like imployment from his Majesty after I had received mine which I stirring in as being a derogation from my Service his Majesty was pleased to resolve it with this signification That he had sent Sir Thomas Somerset as a Person of more eminent quality for the more honour of the imployment and me as his Ordinary Servant and Officer of the Ceremonies for my more neere and usefull attendance on it Imbarqued and my Cabine markt for me in the Admirall of the Fleet the Prince Royall I kept on the same course with the Generall from the Downes to Portshmouth to Waymouth to Plimmouth and thence to Spaine with the slow motion that the winds lent us in above three moneths time from our first falling to the Downes till upon the eleaventh of September we entred the Port of Saint Andera in Biscay where meeting an assurance that the Prince was already come within a day or two's Journey of that Port with intention to imbarke himselfe and company being till then out of hope of our Ships so opportune an Arrivall in the two Ships of Sir Francis Stewart and Captaine Love that had lyen there for his Highnesse Service long before our coming though there were some discourse about the fitnesse or not of Sir Thomas Somersets and my going to meete the Prince before we should heare he were come into the Town of Saint Anderas my reasons and resolution with them for discharge of the Service which we were sent for viz. to carry the news as soon as we should come to Spaine of the Fleets readiness there prevailed and he and I rowed immediatly to shoare whence ryding that night over the mountaines in most darke and Tempestuous weather we met his Highnesse about six leagues up within Land early the next morning when besides the Joy his Highnesse received at our incounter and the Fleets Arrivall a news that he said made him looke upon me when I told it as on one that had the face of an Angell the Duke of Buckingham when I after met him and told him the like to express his content kissed me and drawing from his finger a Diamond of above an hundred pounds valew gave it me for a present As soon as his Highnesse was come to Saint Andera he committed to my charge and attendance an Ambassador Extraordinary Don Dicgo Hurtado de Mendoza and honourable Person of that House one that I had known and received honours from in Spaine nine yeares before when I was sent thither with a present from his Majesty and was now sent by that King to waite on the Prince to England and to bring back an account of his sase Arrivall there He was quartered and I with him in Sir Francis Stewarts Ship the Saint George out of which I accompanied him one day in the Port of Saint Andera and another at Sea to his Audiences of the Prince aboard his Ship and a third time in the Castle of the Isle of Silley wherein the Windes in our returne had forced us The third day of the Prince his stay for wind at Saint Anderas in which Town his Lodging was prepared though he lay every night on Shipboard upon an occasion offered of a storme that took him the first Evening when having been aboard and the Spanish Lords also that had accompanied him from Court he intended to returne on shoare in a Barge but was with hazard of drowning to himselfe and all with him driven to lye for that night in one of the other Ships which they happily recovered he made a Dinner for the Grands and the rest of quality in the great Cabbyne of the Ship called the Prince where at his own Table placed cross at one end of the roome sate himself the Spanish Ambassador mentioned our Kings Ambassadors Sir Walter Ashton the Cardinal de Capata and the Conde de Gondemar all the other Tituladoes and persons of quality being placed at another Table set long wayes no man but I Sir
Audiences which was made to none but to Emperours and Kings Ambassadors Also that the same quantity of Wine viz. so many Tonns was allowed them here in England free of Impost as was allowed to Kings Ambassadors with a difference of a less quantity to those of inferiour Princes And that he had at the Funerall sent to him from his Majesty the like quantity of Blacks as was sent to the French Ambassador All which and more were Arguments he said of their unquestioned Parity with Crownd Heads He told me further that in Spaine not long before the Emperours Ambassador endeavoring the abatement of the respects given them there made a request to the King that he would alter the Pragmatick of giving the Title of Illustrissimo to the Venetian which the Venetian Ambassador having notice of made it known to the French Ambassador there Resident and intreated him to acquaint therewith the King his Master which he did and had answer returned from the King that if the Title of Illustrissimo given the Emperours and his Ambassadors were to be changed for that of Excellentissimo he should in his name demand that the like alteration might be made for the Venetian otherwise that the already received and used Title of Illustrissimo should be continued answerable to the present Pragmatick as it hath been ever since without change given in Spaine to the Ambassadors of the State of Venice as to all other Kings Ambassadors without difference The 31. of May 1625. Madam Maria Henrietta second Daughter to Henry the Fourth King of France and the then affianced Wife of King Charles being upon her Journey for England his Majesty prepared for her incounter and Reception went by water to Gravesend thence by Post and Coach to Canterbury A day or two before the Master of the Ceremonies had order for the Provision and sending down of thirty two Coaches to serve her Majestie and the Duke de Chevereuxe imployed then Ambassador Extraordinary from that King for his Presence at the Solemziation and finall ratification or consummation of the Marriage The Coaches mentioned to be taken up for the Service were defrayed by the King but Carts and Post-Horses brought in by Warrant sent abroad to the Countrey were to be immediatly paid for at prizes usuall by such as should have use of them The confusion was extraordinary for want of orderly directions in almost all things but especially in the distrbiution of Coaches Carts and Horses he that first laid hand on them possessing them though unworthy when others of far better qualitie and more modest were not at all or ill accommodated His Majesty entering Canterbury was received by the Mayor who had borrowed the Recorder Master Henry Finches mouth for a wellcomming Speech delivered with much Elegancy was lodg'd at the Lord Wootons House parcell of the demolisht Abby of Saint Augustine The great Lords and their Ladies that attended him from London which were Arrundell Excester Devonshire Saint Johns Andever Dacre de la Ware Mordant Wentworth Harvey and others were quartered severally in the City and had their Randezvous for Diet of his Majesties providing at the Bishops Pallace The third day following his Majesty leaving the married Lords and Ladies at Canterbury went to Dover for view and directions of what was fitting for the Queens accommodation about which and in expectation of the newes of her approach he there spent the time from Thursday to Tuesday when Master Robert Tyrrwhit servant to his Majesty returned from France whether he had been purposely sent with the newes of her departure from Amiens and her intention to be on Wednesday at Bolloigne which made the King upon assurance that the Queen Mother indisposed in her health would not come thither with her daughter alter the resolution he had of passing the Seas and the next day returned to Canterbury with the reason of giving to the Queen some time of refreshing after her Sea-distempers before he would see her But on Thursday the Kings Fleet not able for the winds opposition to recover Bulloigne and left for the same cause on Fryday and two dayes after on Munday the 12. of May about nine of the clock the reports of Canons from the French coast and the wind then come faire made us presume of her Majesty then shipping as it did after assure us of her landing at seven in the Evening passing out of her Boat on shore by an artificiall moveable Bridge framed for that use only The newes of her arriveall was by Master Tirwhit within half an hour and six minuits carried to the King at Canterbury Her Majesty rather ill at ease then sick after her Sea motions was carried from the shore to the Town in a Litter there received Wellcome and presented by the the Mayor she went in Coach up to the Castle and had there the next day her best and happiest Reception from the King come that morning from Canterbury May 13. Their Majesties dining that day together the King after dinner gave Audience to the Duke de Chevereux the Duke of Buckingham with my Service introducing him to the Presence Chamber of the Queen whence the King honourd him after his Audience with his company to his Majesties own Presence Chamber for a sight and wellcome of the faire Dutches de Chevercux After this their Majesties set forth for Canterbury and within two or three miles of it on Barrham Down were attended for their meeting and reception by the Lords and Ladies mentioned these latter presenting themselves from a fitting distance where the Queen stood to her Majesty each in their ranke with three low reverences kissing her hand and her Majesty them for their greater honour That night their Majesties supt and slept together Sic consummatū est The next day they removed to Cobham neer Rochester and from thence and Gravesend they came with the lowd wellcome of great Ordinance from the Ships on the Thames and from the Tower to London May 16. Their landing was at the Privy Staires of Whitehall where in the Sheild Gallery stood on each side ranged those Ladies of quality and beauty that had not yet seen the Queen and there they had from her particular respects of satisfaction The Duke de Chevereux and his Lady were lodged at Somerset House and had the next day a Visit sent them from his Majesty by the Earle of Arrundell with two or three Lords with divers Gentlemen attending who after conducted him to his publick Audience of his Majesty in the Presence Chamber Thence he was upon passage to the Queene for the like but word being brought that she was not well at ease he was remitted to another time and returned to his Lodging with the company of the Count de Tremes and the Marquess de Fiat with him joynt Commissioners The next day being that of the Overture of Parliament his Majesty to avoid the danger of the Plague then growing strong by the concourse of people went
heads 65 The Ambassador of France denies to be at the Coronation for two reasons 169 An Axiome of State That t is more honour to be last of a Superiour Order then first of an Inferiour 63 Agents from Barbary arrive in England 213 No Ambassador to have his charges defrayed except at conclusion of Peace Marriages or Baptismes 228 An Ambassador of a King to be brought in by an Earle at least ib. An Ambassador of a Duke to be brought in by a Baron ib. No Ambassador except a Kings to be met in the Kings Coach further off then Tower Wharfe ib. Abbot de la Seaglia Ambassador from Savoy 227 B. BOiscot the Arch-Dukes Ambassador discontented 3 Barbarigo the Venetian Ambassador dyes in England 37 Baron Donaw sent Ambassador from the Palsgrave 61 Ballompierre arrives in England refuseth the Kings dyet 188 Benica Agent for the Marquis of Baden 189 The businesse 'twixt the States and our East India Merchants concluded 117 Barham Downe the Rendezvous of the English Ladies to welcome the Queen 153 C. NIne Counts attended the Palsgrave to England 2 A clash 'twixt the Savoy Ambassador and him of Florence 15 A clash 'twixt Gondamar and the States Ambassador 22 The Complaint of the Venetian Ambassador about his Present 39 A clash 'twixt England and France about le Clere 57 Cadenet the French Favorits Brother sent Ambassador Extraordinary into England 67 A Caprichio of some French Lords 70 Cadenet the French Ambassador allowed two hundred pound per diem for his dyet 73 D. THe Duke of Lenox appointed to attend the Palsgrave 1 The Duke of York meets the Palsgrave 2 Donati the Venetian Ambassador recalled for misdemeanour 58 Sir Dudley Carltons cold reception in France 188 A difference 'twixt the Master of the Ceremonies and him of the Jewell-house about the delivery of Presents 194 The difference decided 195 Sir Dormer Cotton sent Ambassador to Persia 177 E. THe Earl of Somersets Marriage c. 12 Exception taken by the French Ambassador 28 Exceptions taken another time 64 The Earl of Arundels revenge of the French Ambassador 68 An Error in the Danish Ambassador 185 The Earl of Rutland sent to transport the Prince from Spain c. 129 The Earl of Dorset Justice in Eyre in the Dukes absence 214 F. THe first Complement 'twixt the Lady Elizabeth and the Palsgrave 2 The French Ambassador stands upon some puntilioes 12 The Florentine Ambassador plac'd beneath the lowest English Baron at Court 24 Foscarini tragically and wrongfully put to death 29 The first rise of the Duke of Buckingham 35 The French Ambassador much discontented 49 The French Lords discontented because they sate not at the Kings Table 71 Fifty pounds sent the Muscovian Ambassador by the Lords of the Councell to pay for his Sea provision 108 G. GOndamars first arrivall in England 12 Gavelone Agent for the Duke of Savoy 15 Gondamar precedes the French Ambassador at the Earl of Somersets Wedding 17 Gondamar casts an aspersion upon the Hollands Ambassador 20 A great clash 'twixt divers Ambassadors 66 The great clash 'twixt the Persian Ambassador and Sir Robert Shirley 174 F. CO Henry of Nassaw accompanies the Palsgrave to England 2 Sir Henry Manwaring recommended to the State of Venice by the King 50 Hamburgh Commissioners deemed to have Audidience of the Queen 183 I. INojosa the Spanish Ambassador clasheth with Don Diego Hurtado an Ambassador also extraordinary from Spain 126 Joachim made Ambassador leger from the States 160 K. KIng James his Apologie to the Arch-Dukes Ambassador 4 The King Knights six Holland Ambassadors at once without paying any sees 78 Kings James his Funerall 174 L. THe Lords make a Supper for the Lady Elizabeth 11 The Landgrave of Hessen comes to England 114 Sir Lewis Lewkner suspected to be of the Spanish faction â—38 The Lord Mayor of London to give place to no other but the King 237 M. THe manner of the Marriage of the Lady Elizabeth 10 Mareth the French Ambassador 53 Monsieur de la Chenay committed prisoner about Sir Walter Rawley 56 Monsieur de Tilliers the French Ambassador hath lodgings at Court but no dyet 165 Tilliers much discontented and his high language 163 The Marquis Pompeo Strozzi Ambassador from the Duke of Mantova 214 A maxime among Ambassadors 232 Meanes found to content the Dutch Ambassador 242 N. A Notable clash 'twixt the Persian Ambassador and Sir Robert Sherley the circumstances thereof 174 A notable high Memoriall the English Ambassador gave the King of Spaine 245 News brought in halfe an hour from Dover to Canterbury of the Queens arrivall 153 O. OSalinskie Ambassador Extraordinary from Poland 74 New Orders at Court touching the treatment of Forren Ambassadors 228 The new Orders practised first upon Ballompierre the French Ambassador 228 P. PResents to Ambassadors lessened 31 A rich Present sent by the Muscovit to the King 39 The Polish Ambassador receives 10000 l. of the King by way of loane 90 The Prince like to be drowned in Spaine 221 A Picture case delivered the Mantoüan Ambassador from the King without his Picture for a Present worth 500 l. 222 The Prince taxed by the Spanish Ambassadors 245 Q. QUadt an honourable person by the Prince of Transilvania 185 She excuseth her presence at the Coronation 169 The Queens arrivall in England and newes brought in half an hour from Dover to Canterbury by Mr. Terhit 153 R. AReformation of Presents given Ambassadors 31 Aremarkable passage for precedence hapned at Vervins 'twixt the French and Spanish Ambassadors 67 Rosdorf Ambassador for the King of Bohemia 197 Rosencrants the Danish Ambassador 180 Sir Robert Shirley laies his Turban at the Kings feet 137 Mr. Robert Tirhit rides in half an houre from Dover to Canterbury S. THe States Ambassador gives place to him of Savoy 32 The Spanish Ambassador countenanced more then the French 48 Six Commissioners in joynt Embassy from Holland Soubizes arrivall in England being Godfather to the last King in Scotland 111 T THe Turks Ambassadors Son touch'd by the King 58 The title of King denied by King James to the Palsgrave 62 The Tarrace at Whitehall falls under Gondamar when he had his first Audience for a match in Spain 63 Two Ambassadors of divers Princes lodged in one house 186 The Co. of Tremes sent to condole King Jame's death 146 U. THe Vicountesse of Effingham clasheth with the French Ambassadors Wife 9 The Venetian Ambassador gives place to the Bohemian 66 The Venetian Ambassador Knighted and the Sword given him 113 The Venetian Ambassador questions the giving of precedence to him of Denmark 207 W. Away found to please the Ambassador of Spain and France 36 A way found out another time to please them 64 A witty answer of the Transilvanian Ambassador 195 Sir Walter Ashtons complaint in the Court of Spaine against the Marquis of Inojosa and Don Carlos Coloma 244 Z. ZAmoiski Son to the Chancellor of Polands arrivall 25 FINIS
with him ranckt all the way through the Strand in head of the Coaches the Company of the Kings Guard to the number of sixty which in my hearing the Ambassadors Followers did interpret as an honour done their Master never done before to any other and when to undeceive them I said the Guard marched in that manner for attendance of their Captaine They replyed their honour was the greater to have such a Lord for company that had attending him such followers so apt are strangers to make use of all to their own advantage This Ambassador having finished his Audience of the King which lasted at the least an hour as he told me himselfe passed between them from first to last in Latine a Language that he was farre more bold then perfect in he regarding neither Grammer nor congruity he took leave also in the same place of the Prince his Highness The Captaine of the Guard and his brother the Lord Montjoy not leaving him till they brought him with the same Attendance to the Dining Roome of his lodging Here I think good to insert for suture occasions and use to the Master of the Ceremonies that Sir Lewes Lewkner reported to me that when he came from Dover in conduct of the Archdutches Ambassador Don Diego de Mexia Mr. Van Mall Agent here for her Highnesse perswaded him to take his place in one of the hired Coaches with some of the Ambassadors Gentlemen and with it to leade the way leaving the Ambassador to come in the Kings Coach in Company of such persons of Court Eminency as himselfe should be pleased to make choyce of which though Sir Lewes and he stumbled at he at last allowed of but being come to London he let Van Mall know it had been ever the manner and with good reason that the Master of the Ceremonies imployed from the King for the Ambassadors honour and to receive him at the Sea side or elsewhere in his way to Court was to have place with him in his Coach unlesse perhaps some Noble person were withall imployed in that Service which assertion confirmed by him with divers Persidents and Reasons the Marquess de la Inojosa and Don Carlos de Coloma acknowledging that they had both severally received him into their Coaches at their first Arrivall into this Kingdome the Arch-Dukes and Van Mall with acknowledgment of their Errour allowed it for requisite One Reason given then for the fitness of the Master of the Ceremonies sitting in Coach with Ambassadors on the way was that his Presence so at hand was most usefull and necessary for avoydance of disturbing incounters from passengers or otherwise in the way another that it was fit the Ambassador should have the Master of the Ceremonies alwayes neere him for discourse and satisfaction upon Questions concerning the Countrey c. And lastly for the honour of the Master that sends such a one to do honour by his conduct to the Person of the Ambassador Preparetion being made November the eighteenth for a great Feast by the Duke of Buckingham to entertain principally Don Diego de Mendoza and with him Don Diego de Mexia the Arch-Dukes Ambassador and his followers of quality The Marquess de la Inojosa it was intended should have been at it as was Don Carlos de Coloma but for the difference mentioned of Precedence between him and the other Extraordinary but the day before the Duke sending to him Sir George Goring with a message that he was sorry to understand he would be absent from the entertainment he intended because of some inconveniences c. The Marquess returned answer that he knew of no such inconveniences but that if it had or should please the Duke to invite him he would come to his Feast c. In sequell hereof the next day at Evening somewhat before the invited Ambassadors should set forth and were attending the person that should come to conduct them the Duke sent a Gentleman of his Chamber Mr. Endimion Porter which a Regalo of three large Flaskets full of Provision of the choisest of three Courses of Cates intended for the Feast One full of cold meates for the Antepasto another with fat fowle raw and ready for spit of all sorts and a third of the best and rarest sweet-meates all presented with this message that the Duke kissed his hands and would have held it an honour and an happinesse to have had his Company but since he would not have it he desired him to tast of what he had provided for him at that at the tasting of it at his Supper he would be pleased to drink the health of the King of England as he would at the same drink the health of the King of Spaine The Marquess immediate answer to this message was no more but this For the happinesse my Lord Duke sayes he should have had in my Company he might have had it if it would have pleased him to command it After returning thanks for his Present and saying it was easie to conceive what the Feast would be when a tast of it was so rare and plentifull he gave the bringer fifty Crownes bad the Company good night and went to Supper privately in his Chamber Soone after the Earle of Northampton being sent for conductor to the invited Ambassadors These after their reception at Yorke House the Dukes they were there thus placed at the Table On the left hand of his Majesty who was there as a guest inviting himselfe sate with a convenient distance Don Diego de Mendoza at the Tables end below Don Carlos de Coloma and the Arch-Dukes Ambassador at the other end of the Table on the right hand of the King sate the Prince At a long Table not halfe filled with guests placed long wayes the Roome sate the Tituladoes and Cavaliers that came with Don Diego de Mexia the other Don Diego Mendoza having with him no followers of quality worthy of that place and Company and none of the Marquesses de inojosa then appearing with regard to their Cheefes absence After Supper there was a Maske with a faire appearance of Ladieâ— at it and after the Maske a most sumptuous Banquet The one and twentieth of November Don Diego Hurtado de Mendoza set forth for his departure with my attendance towards Dover and being by me provided at the Kings charge with foure Coaches besides the Kings coach with foure Horses and a day or two before his goods being sent thither in the weekly returning Waggon at the rate of five shillings six pence per cent all the way by land at the Kings charge We laid the first night at Rochester the next at Canterbury and came the next day to Dover where the wind standing contrary after he and one Don Pedro de Aldeberandino Nephew to Pope Clement the eight glad to take the advantage of the Kings Ship for passage had in a small Boat set forth the Haven and were forced back againe as the Kings Ship at the same time was
FINETTI PHILOXENIS SOM CHOICE OBSERVATIONS OF Sr. JOHN FINETT KNIGHT And Master of the CEREMONIES to the two last KINGS Touching the Reception and Precedence the Treatment and Audience the Puntillios and Contests of Forren AMBASSADORS IN ENGLAND Legati ligant Mundum LONDON Printed by T. R. for H. Twyford and G. Bedell and are to be Sold at their Shops in Vine-Court Middle Temple and the Middle Temple Gate 1656. TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE PHILIP Lord Vicount Lisle c. MY LORD I Know well for I know it by Experience that your Lordship hath been trained up from a Youth in matters of Embassyes and Legantine Affaires as wel when you attended my Lord your Father to Denmark and other States of Germany as many yeares after in the French Court Therefore the Dedicatory addresse of this new Peece will not be adjudged incongruous by any discerning Reader but very pertinent considering the quality of the subject which treats of transactions of that nature being the Manuall observations of that knowing Knight and well accomplish'd Courtier Sir John Finett vvho officiated so many yeares in Affaires of that kind Therefore this Peece goes indented vvith many signall Passages of the Reception and Treatments of the Conduct Audiences the Pretences and Precedencies vvith divers Contests and Puntilioes of State between forren Ambassadors Among other parts of Industry vvhich vvere knovvn to be in that Worthy Knight one vvas to couch in vvriting and keep an exact Diary of vvhat things had passed in his Province as Master of the Ceremonies according to the laudable Custome of the Italians and transmitted by them to the high and low Dutch Ministers of State vvith others Moreover these Observations go interwoven vvith divers Historicall Passages and those most faithfully related there being nothing taken here upon trust but all upon his own knovvledge being stil upon the place himself and an Actor in every thing as appeared by the Manuscript he left And thus much out of the conversation I had often vvith him I vvas desired to tell the World Lastly Besides the Motives before mentioned there vvent another Inducement to this Election vvhich vvas the high respects and Honour I professe your Lordship having discovered in you a true Sidneyan Soule vvhich by a peculiar Noble Genius is observed to be extraordinarily inclin'd to the Theory and Speculative part of Vertue as vvell as to the Practicall In vvhich opinion I rest My most Honoured Lord Your very humble and ever ready Servant JAMES HOWELL Holborn this 20. of April 1656. THE Chief Heads and Substance of the ensuing DISCOURSE 1. THe Arch-Dukes Ambassador discontented and the Kings Apologie for his satisfaction 2. The Braveries used at the Lady Elizabeths Wedding 3. Passages of Ambassadors about invitations to the Earl of Somersets Marriage 4. A clash betwixt the Savoy and Florence Ambassadors for precedence 5. Differences at a Mask betwixt the Spanish Ambassadors and the States 6. The Spanish Ambassador excepting against the States for sitting with him in the Kings presence 7. The Spanish Ambassador refusing to be at a Mask 8. The Venetian Ambassador discontented about his Present 9. Foure Ambassadors at a Readers Feast 10. Ambassadors invited to hunt with the King 11. Ambassadors invited to the Princes Creation 12. The rich present of Furres sent by the Emperour of Russia to the King 13. A clash betwixt the Spanish and French Ambassadors 14. Touching Sir Henry Manwayring 15. Exceptions taken by the French 16. The sitting of Ambassadors at a Mask with the King reform'd 17. Differences betwixt the French and Spanish Ambassadors reconcil'd 18. Of the flaunting Embassie of Monsieur Cadenet 19. Exceptions about placing 20. Six in joynt Ambassie at once from the States 21. The Russian Ambassadors puntillio for precedence 22. A great Embassie from the Emperour 23. Questions betwixt the Imperiall and Venetian Ambassadors concerning Titles and Visits the like with the French 24. The young Landgrave of Hessens entertainment 25. The States Ambassadors distasts 26. The Duke of Soubizes Negotiation 27. Exceptions taken by the Venetian Ambassadors 28. Exceptions of the States Ambassadors 29. The Prince his return from Spain 30. The French Ambassador gets ground of the Spanish 31. Difference betwixt the Spanish Ambassadors 32. Reasons for the Master of the Ceremonies to sit in the same Coach with the Ambassadors 33. A clash betwixt the French and Spanish Ambassador 34. Sir Robert Sherley Ambassador from Persia 35. Ambassadors extraordinary from France to treat of a Marriage 36. Death of King James and Solemnities of his Funerall 37. Complaint of the Venetian Ambassador 38. Reason of the Venetian Ambassador for Parity with Crownd heads 39. The King and Queens first interview at Dover 40. The Marquesse of Blamvillés contestations for formalities and his Lodging and Dyet at Court 41. His reason for not assisting at the Coronation 42. The great clash betwixt the Persian Ambassador and Sir Robert Sherley 43. The French cashier'd from Court 44. Difference betwixt the Master of the Ceremonies and Jewell house who is to carry Presents to Ambassadors 45. Bethlem Gabors Ambassadors 46. The Reformation of Ambassadors sitting in publick and eating with the King 47. The Danish Ambassadors complaint 48. The Mantovan Ambassadors Expostulations 49. A new Declaration touching the Treatment of Ambassadors and the value of their Presents abated 50. The Expostulations of the Duke of Savoyes Ambassador 51. Questions and Puntillioes betwixt Regall and Ducall Ambassadors 52. The Lord Majors refusing to give place to the King of Denmarks Ambassador 53. A clash betwixt the Ambassador of Savoy and the Duke of Buckingham because he gave Sanctuary to my Lady Purbeck 54. The States Ambassadors exceptions and complaints how satisfied 55. The notable Plot the Spanish Ambassadors had traced to destroy the Duke of Buckingham With divers other Signall Passages of State and matters of remark wherewith the Discourse is interwoven In page 250. for and machinations read a machination with other small mistakes which the judicious Reader will not stumble at Sir JOHN FINETS OBSERVATIONS Touching Forren Ambassadors c. THE Count Palatine of the Rhone coming to marry the Lady Elizabeth landed at Graves end on Friday night the sixteenth of October and had his first welcom brought him thither from the King by the Lord Haye with the attendance of Sir Lewes Lewkner Master of the Ceremonies and his second on Sunday following by the Duke of Lenox attended by many Lords Knights and Gentlemen the Kings Servants As he passed before the Tower in his Majesties Barges the discharge of the great Ordnance there served for a warning to the Earles of Shrewsbury Sussex Southampton and other Lords to waite on the Duke of Yorke to the Staires of White-Hall for his reception at his landing there and to conduct him to the presence of the King Queene Prince and Princesse in the Banqueting House where having made an humble reverence to his Majesty and passed his first Complement he addressed himselfe to
now recovered and was indeed judged so to have done by the three Lords mentioned when dineing with the Bride he had the honour of the Princesse Company and Supping of both their Majesties neither of these having fallne to the Spanish Ambassador at the Marriage of the Earle of Sommerset The 5. of January 1614. The Earl of Sommerset then Lord Chamberlain notwithstanding he understood how the yeare before the Spanish and Arch-Dukes Ambassadors had been invited to the Marriage of him the Earle of Sommerset and not the French nor the Venetian for the reasons elsewhere appeareing gave me directions to invite the Spanish and the Venetian not usually coupled ut supra to a Maske of Gentlemen set forth at the charge of his Majesty and to come at an houre about six in the Evening to a Supper that should be prepared for them in the Councel Chamber They both with one question of what Ambassadors would be there and my assurance that I understood of none besides themselves as indeed then I did not accepted the Invitation and came the next day at the time appointed A little before Supper the Spanish Ambassador taking me aside desired me to deale freely with him to tel him whether Sir Noell Caron the States Ambassador were invited and if invited what place was intended him whether in publique neere his Majesty or in private in some Corner of the Roome I answered that I knew then and not before that he was invited and would be there But in which of those conditions publique or private I could not resolve him Hereupon he requested me immediately to go to my Lord Chamberlain for clearing of this doubt wherewith acquainting his Lordship and he his Majesty I returned with this assurance That Sir Noell Caron was invited and should be placed within the Barres neare the King as Ambassadors used to be To this he made his replye desiring me to convey it to the Lord Chamberlaine that if Sir Noell Caron should be togeather with him at Supper or in any other place then in the Kings presence he would use him with all the respects of civility but in so honourable a place as that where the sacred persons of the King Queene and Prince were to be present he should never with patience see the Representant of his Masters Vassalls and Rebells so he called them hold an equall ranck with him That it was directly against his Instructions to concurr with him in any publique Act as an Ambassador and that therefore it would be better for him as he intended with the favour of his Majesty to retire himselfe betimes without noise then to be forced as he must to discharge his duty by publique exception and protestation against the presence of him Sir Noell Caron to the disturbance of so royall an Assembly and whereupon I told him as from my Lord Chamberlain that his Lordship was informed his predecessor Don Alonso de Velasco had stood upon no such Puntillio when Sir Noell Caron had at another time been invited as now and sate as it was now determined he should he said he was most assured there never had been such a concurrence so as returning from him with this answer I fortuned to deliver it in the hearing of my Lord Treasurer and received from his Lordship an assurance that upon his knowledge and in his sight his predecessor Don Alonso de Velasco had indured without any exception the placing of the States Ambassador at the left hand of the King while he Don Alonso sate on the right But this neither would satisfie him nor hold him from affirming that not to contradict he said my Lord Treasurer who yet might forget or mistake in some circumstances he would ingage his head to be cut off if there ever had been any such placing which being againe reported by me to my Lords Chamberlain and Treasurer they both went to the King and debating the businesse with his Majesty first in presence of sundry of the Bedd-Chamber and after more in private with halfe a dozen of other Lords my Lord Treasurer my Lord Chamberlain my Lord of Worcester and I to attend them were sent to him into the Councell Chamber and there intreating first the Venetian Ambassador to pardon them if they did awhile leave him alone taking onely the Ambassadors Interpreter and my selfe with them into a little Roome there by my Lord Treasurer delivered the Kings mind to this purpose That his Majesty having invited him to the Maske with a mind to give him all content was sorry that this question should grow to disturbe it That his Majesty went upon grounds of former presidents of the like concurrence in the time of the Ambassadors predecessors and that the had for witnesses of it besides his owne memorie the Queene the Prince and sundry of the Lords who affirmed they had seene it That his Majesty having heretofore intertained Sir Noell Caron in that manner and now invited him as an Ambassador he left it to his consideration what injury he should do to abate of his accustomed respects towards him That whereas the Ambassador affirmed it was formally his Instructions not to concurr with him in any publique Act his Majesty wondred that his predecessor should not have the like Instructions or having had such should forget or neglect to stand upon it that if he had any such his Majesty requested him that reserving other matter which he in no sort desired that he should communicate besides that purpose he might have a sght of it for his fuller satisfaction To this the Ambassador replyed with many acknowledgments of the honour his Majesty had done him c. That first the witnesses his Majesty had produced were so substantiall as should he with his owne eyes have seene the contrary he should not have trusted them in opposition of their Testimony That if it should be known to the King his Master that Don Alonso had committed such errour it would be enough to make him loose his head That it was true that in his generall instructions received from the hand of the King his Master it was not intended but that upon his Arrivall in England finding in what condition of respect Sir Noell Caron was held here he wrote particularly to the King for his pleasure about his manner of carriage towards Sir Noell Caron in case he should be put to it upon any incounter of Negotiation or otherwise whereunto he had received by letter from his Majesty his will intimating That in concurrence of ordinary civill respects he should use him with courtesy but in no case admit concurrence with him in or to any publique Act and that his Majesty should be an eye witnesse of the letter at his pleasure The Venetian who remaind in the meane time in the Councell Chamber having been by the Spanish Ambassador before the Lords entrance made acquainted with the difference like to grow had affirmed to him That he could himselfe remember that when Don
Venice and of Savoy had been placed the Maske night before but were this night placed with their Country-men in the Gallery mentioned At a reading in the Middle-Temple held by Mr. Martin were invited to Dinner the former three Ambassadors Sir Noell â—aron and the States Ambassador also At the Tables end sate the Reader on his left hand on the Bench next the wall sate the French Ambassador beneath him on that side the Savoyard then the Earle of Worcester c. On the Readers right hand on a forme sate first the Venetian beneath him the States Ambassador next him the Lord Lysle c. It was observable that at this time the States Ambassador as appeares made no scruple of quitting the Precedence to that of the Duke of Savoye which they have fince questioned and still stand upon The Ambassador of Savoy comming to the King at New Market Note not the Kings March the second was by me fetcht and conducted in the Lord Chamberlaines Coach with foure Horses in company of the Lord Worceston Sir James Spence and Sir William Austroder from his Lodging two miles out of Towne there to the Presence Chamber where he attended till the Lord Chamberlain comming forth of the Kings withdrawing Chamber brought him to his Audience there This done the Ambassador requested me to moove the Prince for the honour to kisse his hand But it was objected that the demand should have been more seasonably made before the very instant of pretending to it Whereto the Ambassador replyed that he had no spare time for it between that of his Arrivall at Court and his immediate repaire to his Majesty which excuse admitted he was immediately introduced to his Highnesse in his owne Lodgings March the sixteenth I brought the States Ambassador to an Audience at Theobalds after he had attended a while at the Lord Fentons Lodgings and was called up to his Majesty in the privy Gallery A Messenger from Russia came to his Audience at White-Hall the three and twentieth of March who not being qualified with the title of Ambassador I onely with no Lord to receive him met him at the Court gate and brought him to the Councell Chamber he was after an houre and an halfes attendance there sent for by one of my Lord Chamberlains Gentlemen received in the stone Table Chamber by that Lord and in the next admitted to the Presence of his Majesty The foure and twentieth of March being the Kings day of comming to the â—rowne of England and that yeare Sunday a tilting then prepared for was put off till the day following That evening a question falling between his Majesty and some Lords whether some all or no Ambassadors were to be invited The Lord â—hamberlain askt me if I knew whether ever the Spanish Ambassador Sarmiento had been invited to that solemnity I said he had and upon search of my notes found that at the Earle of Somersets Marriage he the Arch-Dukes Ambassador and both their Ladies had been present at a tilting This President brought over-ruld his Majesty who seemed inclined otherwise to invite the French Venetian and Savoyard never before at any tilting and now not willingly called to this because of the troubles that those publique Ministers usually brought by their Puntillios at such incounters Sir Lewes Lewkner was sent the evening before to the French and the Venetian and I to that of Savoy The next day at two of the Clock he received the two first and I the latter at the stayre foote of the Tilt-yard Gallery and conducted them to the Chamber next that of ordinary Audiences where they all attending till his Majesty and the Queen passed that way they were taken along with them to the tilting They were seated thus the French on the left hand of the King with his back to the side of the Balconie window and somewhat sidelong from the Queen that being held the best place after the Princes place on the Kings right hand beneath whom sate the Venetian both their backs to the Balcony and the Savoyard on the other side beneath the French Ambassador St. Georges Feast being come the French Ambassador without notice given to him or from him of his comming to Court for sight of the solemnity was present onely with Sir George … eere a Gentleman usher of the privie Chamber in the Closet of the Chappell for sight of the Procession both without Sir Lewes Lewkners or my attendance as his prepaire to Court was without our knowledge About the middle of the Kings dinner Mr. Secretary Winwood meeting me wisht me to accompany him where he was all alone in the Closet and to bring him to see the King and the Knights at dinner This I performed and conducted him to the Banqueting House where placing himselfe at the left hand of his Majesty dining he entertained discourse with him about an houre and after upon my intimation of the fitnesse of it he descended to the side Table and saluted the Prince and Knights of the order passing along before them and thence returning by the privy Galleries took Coach in the Parke to go to his Lodgings His omission of not making knowne to the King or his Lord Chamberlain as other Ambassadors had been accustomed his desire to see the Feast might have brought him to some inconvenience worse then loosing his dinner which the Spanish Ambassador had the year before as this might also have had at the Lord Chamberlains Table June 21. The King invited by the Earle of Exeter to hunt and dine at Wimbleton as was also the French Ambassador killed a brace of Staggs before he came to the house There I demanded when it would be his Majesties pleasure to give accesse to the Ambassador whom he had not yet seen there It was assigned him for after dinner The Ambassador dined with the Lords and Ladies at a Table placed in the midst of a faire Roome he seated in a Chaire at the upper end at his right hand the Earle of Arundell the Earle of Mountgomery the Lady Elizabeth Hatton the Lady Resse c. At his left the Lady of Exeter the Lady Ann. Tuffton the Marquesse de l'Isle Unckle to the Duke of Retz newly come into England and to that Feast in company of the French Ambassador the Lord Haye Then entered into favour Sir George Villars and others After dinner the Ambassador going to see the house he attended in the Gallery the Kings coming and had there an houres entertainment of discourse with his Majesty The Spanish Ambassador being invited to hunt with his Majesty in Theobalds Parke went thither early Don Diego Sarmiento and after hunting dined with his Majesty in the Privy Chamber The King seated as alwaies in the midst of the Table the Ambassador on his lest hand at the end his Son Don Antonio his Gentlemen and Servants had their dinner provided them in the Councell Chamber where Sir Patrick Murray my selfe and some other of the Kings
as much murmured that they could have with them but a third part of 100000 Markes yeelded to be lent their Emperour and for which notwithstanding they knew not how to give one Marks worth of sufficient Security c. They went within few dayes after accompanied with Sir Dudley Digs his Majesties Ambassador to the Emperour of Russia downe to Gravesend and thence North-ward in such Ships as the Merchants of the Muscovy company had provided for their returne and for the continuance of the re-established Traffick of those parts In September 1618. The Lords of the Councell had committed to a Justice of Peace his House in nature of close Prisoner one Monsieur de la Chenay a French Gentleman late one of the followers of Monsieur de Mareth and now a domestique of Monsieur de Clere left Agent here after the departure of the Ambassador for having confessed upon examination before the Lords that he had an hand by the said Agents imployment in an escape that Sir Walter Rawleigh would have made into France for some disservice to his Majesty The Agent being hereupon sent for and appearing before the Lords assembled in the Councell Chamber refused to answer unto Interrogations till he should be proceeded with as others qualified as he was had been alleadging further that Mr. Bercher at the same time Agent for his Majesty in France had at an Audience before the Councell of State there pretended and claimed a right and honour done to his Representative quality viz. Not to propound his businesse till they the Lords Councellours should stand up as he did and be uncovered as he was in that place Ambassador he said being allowed to sit and be covered as they the Councellors also were at the time of their Audiences This le Clere affirmed had been yeelded to by the King his Masters Councellors and that he had reason to challeng the like from their Lordships The Lords Answer was that severall Countries had severall formes and that the manner of proceeding in France was no rule for ours in England where custome had made it otherwise But this answer would not serve to draw any from le Clere for satisfaction of their demands till at length the Lords neither to yeeld to him nor to force his resolution thought good to retyre themselves and him with them into another Chamber and there as by way of private discourse where the place being no Councell Chamber no odds of observance were given or taken they examined him upon his followers la Chenays confessions and actions he twice with great oathes denied all knowledge of them till at length la Chenay brought further to confront him acknowledging and confessing as he had done to the Lords before the truth of his imployment for Sir Walter Rawleighs escape le Clere could no further out-face it but with shame confessed it Whereof as soon as his Majesty was informed he was in his Majesties name commanded by the Lords to surcease from all further negotiation or exercise of his charge and not to come in presence of his Majesty till a messenger sent instantly post to France should returne with signification of that Kings pleasure for the avowing or dissavowing of his Ministers actions About a moneth after a letter came in answer with particular charge as the Agent pretended that he was to deliver it himselfe to the Kings own hand To which purpose posting to Royston where his Majesty then was and making offer himselfe to present his Letter he could not be admitted but being referred for delivery of it to one of the Lords that then attended his Majesty he refused it and said he would personally as he had command or not at all performe that Service So as returning to London and thence in few dayes to France with the same Letters undelivered and the account of his proceeding the Revocation of his Majesties Agent followed c. A Chiaus or messenger from Turkey being arrived at Gravesend was received there October the thirteenth by the Lord Rich accompanied with his Brother Sir Henry Rich the Master of the Ceremonies my selfe and halfe a score other Gentlemen that Lord entertained noblie at his owne charge all the company went the next morning from his owne Inn to the Chiauses and thence conducting him to the Kings Barge and two others come down for his Service and Landing him at Tower Wharfe we there entred the Lords Coach and other of his friends and of the City the Kings Coach not then serving and brought him to his Lodging defrayed as was also his diet during his stay here by the Turkey Merchants He had within few dayes after his publique Audience of his Majesty in the Banquetting House purposely hung for him with rich hangings where his Majesty touched one of his followers said to be his Son for cure of the Kings Evill useing at it the accustomed Ceremony of Signing the place infected with the crosse but no prayers before or after An Ambassador from Venice Seignior _____ Donati being come to reside here in place of Seignior _____ Contareni recalled by the Republique was brought to his first Audience the first of November by the Lord Clifford the Master of the Ceremonies seven or eight other nominated Gentlemen and my selfe as voluntary the Kings Coach the Lord Marquesse of Buckinghams and three other serving he was taken into them at the house of his predecessor mentioned and their places taken up by themselves in the Coach both on one side the Ancienter having the right hand next the Horses and the other side left to the Lord Clifford and the Master of the Ceremonies There came with us fifteen or sixteen Coaches to the Court The Ambassadors guided over the Terras to the Councell Chamber and after halfe an hours repose there back to the Guard Chamber were at the Presence doore received and introduced by the Lord Chamberlain for their Audience c. This Ambassador Donati was not long after revoked by his Prince for misdemeanors in his charge whilst he was Ambassador in Savoy and Seignior Geronime Landi sent to reside here in his stead A Maske of certain Lords and others being prepared for Twelfe night and to be represented in the Hall at White-Hall the Banquetting House having been burnt a little before gave occasion to his Majesty who had been often troubled with the Puntillious differences of Ambassadors about invitations precedencies and the like to take advantage of this more quiet time then accustomed while no French nor Spanish Ministers were here and to begin a new course at least pretended if not intended no more to admit of Ambassadors to sit with his Majesty under the State and to this purpose gave order for a Box or seate to be made apart with Stooles Cushions and leaning Carpets to be bestowed in it on his Majesties right but somewhat obliquely forward and therein were placed without exceptions from any of them the new come Venetian Ambassador Donati and foure Commmissioners sent
quit the Precedence to any but to Kings Ambassadors and to the Venetians so as if the Sovoy Ambassador should be there he must be absent and so he was but on the day of Tilting the Ambassador of Bohemia and the Venetian both appearing the Savoyard came not though he had that very morning by his promise assured his Presence together with the other two Wherupon the Venetian having already taken his place at the lower end of the Tilt-yard as had also the Bohemian grew to be much unsatisfied and suspicious This taking the hand of the Venetian who gave it him without question that the Savoyard might have cuningly insinuated himselfe into some place neerer the King either with the French Ambassador who perhaps he said might repent himselfe of the refusall he had made and accept of the place first appointed or with the Spanish though that in regard of their then not best Correspondence were much unlikely In either of which Cases the Ambassador of Savoy should to his scorne get the Precedence being so scated with the preceding Ambassadors against which if it were so he must he said protest by his immediate departure but the Savoyard as I have said not coming nor intending it as after appeared laid the fault of his default upon an instant opportunity even then he said offered to him by the French Ambassador of writing by an express of his that day to be dispatched though the true cause of his absence were imagined to be that he was not yet resolved as having no order for it to quit the Precedence to the Bohemian as to a Kings Ambassador in regard as he was Ambassador to the Prince Palatine he had disputed it so as he drove forth the day in feare and doubt till I that night resolved him as I promised him I would by a Letter from my Lord Chamberlains direction that he had that day received no wrong at all by any cuning or indirect carriage of the Savoy Ambassador for any advantage taken by his placing The Axiome before delivered by the Venetian Ambassador that the first place of an inferiour degree Nota. is worse then the last of a superiour was judged upon discourse I had with some of understanding in those Affaires to be of valew in a distinct Company but might be otherwise in a Joynt Assembly as at the conclusion of the Peace at Vervins where the French and Spanish meeting and contending for precedence viz. who should sit at the right hand of the Popes Legat an Expedient was found of sending into France for the Popes Nuntio residing there who scated at the right hand of the said Legat the Legat himselfe sitting at the Tables end the French Ambassador being offered the choyce of the next place he took that at the Legats left hand leaving the second at the right hand to the Spanish who taking it perswaded himselfe to have the better of it sed de hoc quaere December 1620. The French King comming so neer England as Callays and being newly returned thence towards Paris sent hither for his Ambassador Extraordinary the Marquess de Cadenet one of the Mareschalls of France and brother to that Kings Favorite the Duke de Luines He with an Attendance of between fifty and sixty persons of title and mark and of above three hundred others had passed the seas to Dover before any order for his Extraordinary reception was fully resolved on at London so as the Master of the Ceremonies being sent thither scarcely in time to receive him he passed his time there four or five dayes for the better ordering of his occasions After passing on towards London the Earle of Arrundell accompanied with the Lord of Hunsdon and divers Gentlemen of his Majesties Privy Chamber in about twenty Barges went from London the 28. of December and that night visited him in his Majesties name at his Lodging in Gravesend where the Ambassador not meeting his Lordship till he came to the Staire Head of his Chamber door and at his parting accompanning him no further no more then did the ordinary Ambassador the Count de Tillieurs who had been frownd upon by the Marquess for not meeting him sooner then at Gravesend The Earle of Arrundell was much displeased with it as with a neglect of his quality so as the next day in some part to right himself he desired the Master of the Ceremonies to go to the Ambassador and tell him that in regard his Trayne was great and his Lodging little he would not be troublesome to him there but would meet him in the Street and thence accompanie him to his imbarking So he did and on the way incountered another cause of exception in that the Ordinary Ambassador did not so much as offer him the hand my Lord pretending a kind of right to it The most of Opinions are That the Ambassador Ordinary should have of the place he took at the least to have it offered him in the presence of the Extraordinary but of this Quaere Arriveing at Denmark House ordained for the Ambassadors Aboade the Earle landing with him at the Garden Staires and accompanying him not further then to the foot of the first Staire ascending to the Privy Lodgings took his leave and saying there were Gentlemen there that should shew him his Lodging left him This bred much discourse and was with the other reserved proceeding of both the Ambassadors at Gravesend soone conveied to the knowledge of his Majesty who sensible more of the cause given by the Ambassadors then of the measure returned by the Earle of Arrundell stormed much at it till Sir Thomas Edmonds Comptrouller of the Kings House being sent the same night from his Majestie with some formalization to that purpose The Ambassador was said the next day to have made his excuse to my Lord of Arrundell that his indisposition in his Journey and at the time when he came to receive him was a cause that he met him no sooner nor accompanied him no further whereupon the difference was for that time accommodated After one dayes rest the King sent to the Ambassador for conduction to his already assigned Audience the Lord Marquess of Buckingham accompanied with the Earls of Dorset and Warwick four or five Barons and about twenty Gentlemen in the Kings and sixty other Coaches so many appointed but the number was soone increased to above one hundred he passed with his Traine from Denmarke House to Westminster the King there meeting him by Barge from White-Hall and staying his Entrance in the higher House of Parliament where he gave him and with him the Ordinary Ambassador a gracious Audience Besides the higher House of Parliament the Court of Requests and the Painted Chamber the way of his passage were all adorned with rich hangings of Tapistry At the end of his Audience intimating to the King that the haste of his return would make him bold to press his Majesty for another speedy Access His Majesty told
him he should if he pleased have it that Evening which was performed after his returne to his Lodging by a private repaire to Court in Barge accompanied only with my Lord of Buckingham when he had the Kings Eare two hours together On Wednesday following being the third of January he was invited to dine with the King at Westminster where his Majestie comming thither by water stayed for him with much impatience Et pâ—ur cause above an hour the Antipaste having been already set upon the Table Being at last come and entring with all his company the higher House of Parliament wherein they dined they so filled the Roome disorderly stuffed before with an unruly intruding multitude as no Officer was able freely to dischage his Service till the King sat down to meate the Extraordinary at a convenient distance on his left hand and the Ordinary at the Tables end the Prince not there The French Noblemen of the best quality were conducted by the Duke of Lenox and the rest by my self to the Court of Requests where the greater number of them taking their places promiscuously at the Table and the Duke leaving them perhaps somewhat abruptly before he had seen five or six of the principall set down at the upper end These begun whisperingly to murmure amongst themselves as those that might seeme neglected to be left so alone without some persons of like quality to accompany them and to invite them to their sitting which I perceiving began to perswade them to what they came for and had prevailed with the Marquess de Money and one or two more of them till my Lord Chancellor Bacon the Lord Treasurer Montague and the Lord Privy Seale Earle of Worcester entring the Roome and passing by them to sit downe as they did altogether at the right hand of the Table without giving other countenance of respect then putting off their Hats or once inviting the French to sit down with them they took their Cloaks and with shews of much discontent departed the Roome to their Coaches whether I and two other Scottish Gentlemen followed them fast with our best perswasions for returne but not able to prevaile we left them Halfe an hour after I went as I had Order upon an invitation I had delivered the day before to the Ordinary French Ambassadors House for his Lady to come that Afternoone to a Dancing appointed at White-Hall but she in her womans haste to be at those Sports being gone thither before I came I there found all the Gentlemen mentioned sitting at Dinner To whom I saying merrily that I was sorry they should eate two Dinners in one day one of their excuses having been that they had dined already and neither of them in the Kings House one of them replied That respecting as they ought the honour of the King their Master and their own quality they would make me their Judge whether when they were left alone by the Duke of Lenox without any person of sort to accompany them at their sitting down to meate and that three Messieurs de robe longue as they with a French scorne termed the three great Officers mentioned who had their Gowns on came and sate themselves down at the upper end of the Table without scarce so much as saluting them they had not reason to leave as they did the Company To which I briefly Answered I was no Judge nor Homme de robe longue neither were those they termed so of inferiour rank to the greatest Lords of this Kingdome so leaving them and going down the Staires I there met the two Marquesses of Buckingham and Hamilton coming to the purpose that I did to conduct the Lady Ambassadrice and Madam elle de St. Luc her Neece to the Ball when giving these two Lords a touch of what had passed least the French might think perhaps they came purposely to them to excuse their Trayctment which had been too great an honour for them they passed with them some few Complements and letting fall a word or two to the former purpose the Lords and I with them returned to Court and finding the Ambassadrice and her Neece in my Lord of Buckinghams Lodging I waited on them there and to the Ball where the Countess of Buckinghams Mother placing her next beneath her Daughter the Marquess Note this manner of placing the Ambassadrice and the Exceptions taken and above her selfe there grew a new quarrell of Exceptions from the other Countesses particularly from the Countess of Dorset that she was set above them The two Ambassadors entring with the King the Extraordinary sate down at his left hand and next him there the Ordinary at his Majesties right hand sate the Prince The day of the Kings Feast the Count d'Alle Son to the Duke d'Angontesme and the Count de Rochford Son to the Duke de Monbason and two or three others absented themselves because they might not be admitted to sit at the Kings owne Table as they affirmed the Count d'Allies Father the Count d'Auvergne d'Angontesme had done they said at Queen Elizabeths when the Marshall de Biron was here in England The next day our English Cavalliers and the French ran at the King whereas the Prince wonne the Prize On Twelfeday following the Ambassador and his cheife followers were brought to Court by the Earle of Warwick to be present at a Maske he seated as before with the King the better sort of the other on a fourme behind the Lords the Lord Treasurer onely and the Marquesse of Hamilton sitting at the upper end of it and all the rest in a Box and in the best places of the Scaffolds on the right hand of his Majesty No other Ambassadors were at that time present or invited The Munday after the Viscount of Doncaster invited the Ambassador and all his company men of note to a Supper prepared and set forth with that State and cost as hath been seldome seene To it were also invited for honour to the Feast and Company the King the Prince and most of the great Lords and Ladies in Towne The Ambassador himselfe went by Coach from Denmark House to Essex House where the Supper was the rest by water in Barges At Supper the King seated at a Table placed crosse the Roome and raised two steps above the Floore had at his right hand with a convenient distance the Prince at his left hand the Ambassador Extraordinary and at the Tables end below the Ordinary At the upper end of another Table reaching from one end of the roome to the other sate on the right hand side the Lady Marquess of Buckingham beneath her a French Nobleman and beneath him the French Ambassadors Lady the rest sate a Lord and a Lady as they held out On the other side sate uppermost the Countesse of Warwick then a French Lord next the Lady of Doncaster so as the Countesse of Dorset thought the Ancienter Countesse whether by choyce because she would not sit immediatly beneath
Majesty in the same place together with the French and other Kings Ambassadors as also with the Spanish till that Question fell between him and Sir Noell Caron but the intention in truth was that they should not then be invited at least to be ranked in publick as they pretended it to be their due al par delle Teste Coronate and reasons were framed to keep them off from discontent as well as from their apparence there but they might seem not of the Substantiallest As first that the States having given their assistance to the Rochellers against the French King the presence of their Ministers would be distastfull and in a manner incompatible codem loco tempore honore with that Kings Ambassadors but this proved not exclusion the French intended to make no such having as he said to me no order for it neither had the pretended distasts for the States former assistance yet passed he said so far as to publick notice and exception from the King his Master Another exclusion was obtruded upon their pretence of Precedence to the Duke of Savoys Ambassador but no such Ambassador being now in England there wanted ground for that exclusion also Arsennes Stavencts and Basse The last was against their number that they could not all there be conveniently seated together with his Majesty with the other Ambassadors invited but this Bar they removed by their answer that if they might have the honour of an Invitation there should be but one of them present to receive it esteeming that a sufficient honour to the rest absent In a word when neither these reasons nor others would serve to still their Exceptions against their not being invited they were referred to adventure of content or not content and so were not at all invited Onely a dozen of their followers had places assigned them over the Lord Chamberlains Box at the entrance into the Banquetting House from the Princes Galleries Monsieur de' Arsennes Son and their Secretary Sr. Constantine Huggins were placed on the fourme beneath the Lords The French Ambassador that night and the Venetian supped with the Duke of Lenox and entered the Roome with the King both seated there on his left hand the French even with him and the Venetian somewhat more forward The Negotiation of the States Ambassadors with our East-Indian Merchants being brought in appearance to a finall conclusion the Master of the Ceremonies onely without any Titular Person was sent for them with the Kings Coach January the one and twentieth to take their leaves of his Majesty but a new difference in the interim occuring they were sent to at two of the Clock the instant of their setting forth and were stayed their Journey which appointed for the Fryday following they had againe the Kings Coach with the Master of the Ceremonies and one other sent for them and entring White-Hall by the Parke and Tiltyatd Gallery they attended his Majesties time he being then ill at ease in the Chamber of Ordinary Audience next that of the Stone Table whereinto after an houre they were called by Mr. Secretary Conway and being there with the Commissioners for that businesse upon point of signing their generall agreement a new question arose from the Merchants with exception against the validity of their caution which lasting til late at night Mr. Secretary in the mean time passing often between them and the King they had a dismission for the next dayes Audience of his Majesty to which the Earle of Warwick had appointment to conduct them his Lordship having said in the hearing of some of the Lords who after told it to the Lord Chamberlain that it was fit some person of honourable Title not Sir Lewes Lewkner onely should be sent to their Lodgings to accompany them to Court at their last Audience which my Lord Chamberlain excusing as forgotten by him having not been put in mind of it he said by Sir Lewes it was against the next day provided for when the Earle of Warwick accordingly attended with two or three other Noblemen and divers Gentlemen of the Kings Servants in eight or nine Coaches besides the kings brought them to Court where passing through the Guard Chamber and Presence into the Councell Chamber on the late Queens side they there rested till the Lords Commissioners for their businesse came to them and after an hours expence in discourse about some remaining rubs It was finally agreed on and the Lord together with the Ambassador having signed to the accord their Lordships leaving them repaired to the King and after them followed the Ambassadors through the late Queens Lodgings into the Privy Gallery where entring the Kings withdrawing Chamber they there took their leaves the three Ambassadors with Sir Noell Caron first and after the other inferiour Commissioners strangers for that business Monsieur Stavenets was there Knighted and two other having been knighted before viz. Monsieur de Arsennes by the King of France and Monsieur Basse by the King of Sweden The next day being to take leaue of the Prince they had sent for their conduct Sir Robert Car Gentleman of his Highnesse Bed-Chamber with the Kings and Prince's Coaches entring by the Privy Garden Gate at White-Hall and thence by the further end of the long Stone Gallery into the Prince his Lodgings where in his Chamber of presence he gave them their Audience and farewell thence they went to visite and take leave of the Marquess of Buckingham and so home The first of February after they had spent here the full time of fourteen moneths in Negotiating and had had of the King and Councell above sixty Audiences they went in Coaches of their own without the Kings to Tower Wharffe and there imbarked in hyred and borrowed Barges to their Ships which laid not far off and were purposely sent to transport them This default of the Kings Coach and Barge at their parting ever woont at that time to serve Ambassadors proceeded from the Master of the Ceremonies who should have been my Lord Chamberlains Remembrancer for I acquainted his Lordship after with the omission and I had for answer that he knew not of the certaine time of their departure which the Master of the Ceremonies might and ought to have observed if he had not learned overmuch to some others particular satisfaction The Spanish Ambassador or been over partiall c. At ten in the morning when they were all ready to depart the Present from his Majesty was not come which for that slackness they were upon point of leaving behind them but the Master of the Jewel-House Sir Henry Mildmay even then in tempore arriving and personally presenting it as he said his Majesty had particularly cōmanded him though that might seem to have been said ad captandum they received for each of the three Commissionershares five hundred ounces of faire gilt plate and to their Secretary Sir Constantine Huggins a Chaine of Gold of a hundred markes more by twenty pound
Conway with the cause of my comming and the address I had from my Lord Chamberlaine to him too for my further Government so the 27. of January I was sent to Saxham with the Kings Coach only and five Gentlemen the Kings Servants and parting thence the next morning early in obedience of a Command sent Post to me thither from my Lord Duke after midnight That the King having assigned the Audience for the afternoone would have me bring the Ambassador by ten in the forenoon we came with three Coaches besides the Kings to Court where conducting him immediatly up to the Princes Privy Chamber which in absence of his Highness was purposely hung for honour to the Ambassador he was fetcht thence by the Earle of Anglesey through the Privy Chamber and the Withdrawing-Chamber where the Duke met him into the Kings Bedchamber There having made his two first respects of Approach with his Turbant on his whole habite being Persian at the third he took it off and laid it at the Kings feete and made his Speech of Entrance kneeling till the King willing him to arise and cover he did and presenting his Letters of Credence written in the Persian Language and un-understood for want of an Interpreter no where then to be found in England After this having gratious words and countenances from his Majesty he returned accompanied as he came to the Prince his Lodgings where Master Secretary Conway repairing to him intertained him an hour with discourse concerning the Propositions of his Negotiatiation which he had a little before delivered to him and the Duke in Writing and so returned to Saxham Immediatly upon this Ambassadors Arrivall at Court I acquainted the Duke with his intention to lay his Turbant at the Kings feet though he said he had kept it alwayes on in the Presence of the Emperour and the King of Spaine and thereby made way for his Majesties Allowance of his covering which was otherwise doubted would not have been permitted in regard of his naturall Subjection though in his former imployment into England when he wore his owne Countrey Habite he had been after some question about it allowed to cover in the Kings Presence From the same King The 12. of February he came to London with my attendance in company of his Sister Crofts and others met between Tottenham and Newington with six Coaches whereof one with foure Horses and hired by me at the Kings charge by my Lord Chamberlains permission for that day onely his Lordship saying he had yet no order for it from his Majesty The 14. of February having received an assignation for his Audience of the Prince at Saint Jameses his Highnes Coach and two Horses being commanded to be ready there at twelve of the clock I found there the Earle of Arund Son to the Lord Marquess Hamilton and Gentleman of the Prince his Bed-Chamber with six or seaven more of his Highness Servants that had received Order for his conduction to his presence We went thence to the Ambassadors Lodgings in Fleet-street and there meeting the Lord North and some Gentlemen of his Kindred we brought him to the Prince his Presence Chamber at Saint Jameses where his Hignesse standing ready to receive him the Ambassador entered performing all his reverences with his Turbant on bowing himselfe low at his second reverence and touching the ground with his right hand and then his head when come neere the Prince who stood uncovered he fell on his knee but instantly raised by his Highnesse he fell to the Complementall part and from that to the earnest of his errand which offered to the Prince's consideration in writing he retyred as he entered and returned to his home with the conduction mentioned The five and twentieth of February Mr. Secretary Conway wrote me a Letter to come to speake with me for the Kings Service which obeyed he told me the Duke of Buckingham and he had received notice of two Ambassadors landed at Gravesend from the States of the United Provinces This was when Sir Lewes Lewkner was had in Jealousie for his affection to the Spanish Ambassadors and that they had made choyce of me to be sent thither to receive them I told him after humble thanks for the honour my Lord Duke and his Honour intended me in that imployment that I must in the duty of my place receive my charges from the Lord Chamberlain and that I thought the Master of the Ceremonies had or would have the discharge of that Service committed to him He replied he thought he would rather attend the Spanish Ambassadors then the Dutch and for my Lord Chamberlaine he said he had sought him for that purpose but not finding him he desired me to acquaint him with the Dukes and his choyce of me which when I accordingly imparted to his Lordship he told me that Sir Lewes had been with him that afternoon and received his Directions to go presantly to Gravesend with the Kings Barge to bring them to London The next morning my Lord Wentworth sent me word that he was made choice of to receive them at their landing at the Tower and desired my company with other Gentlemens thither whence he conducted them being two Joynt Commissioners Monsieur d'Arsennes that had been here not long before and Monsieur Jaachimi one of the States Generall of Zealand with the attendance of half a score Coaches half a dozen of the Kings Servants and as many Commanders of the Low Countries whereof Generall Veere was one to their Lodging in Lumberstreet The Sunday following 29. of February the Lord Cavendish had order to bring them to their Audience of his Majesty with him went the Lord de la Ware and other Gentlemen whereof my self one though Sir Lewes had charge of the Service being come to the Ambassadors Lodging we found so many Coaches sent and brought thither to do them service and honour as our whole number all with four horses was thirty Having rested themselves a while in the Councell-Chamber they were introduced to the Kings Presence in his withdrawing Chamber by the back way that leads from the Councell Chamber to the Privie Galleries and not in the Presence Chamber the ordinary place of Audience for Ambassadors Extraordinary quod nota The next day having received an Assignation for an Audience of the Prince and the Lord Compton son to the Earle of Northampton being appointed to conduct him to it at Saint Jameses I went thither about one of the clock with intention only to be present at it when hearing that Sir Lewes Lewkner was not likely to be there for his service I upon request of the Lord Carew Chamberlaine to his Highness attended it accompanying the Lord Compton who had with him two of the Princes Coaches beyond Custome and two of the Lords and on the way in Cheapside meeting them the Ambassadors not expecting as they said a person of honour should be sent for them they there shifted Coaches came to Saint
March ten moneths after when begining their voyage the two differing Ambassadors in severall Ships they all three dyed on the way and with them the quarrell and inquirie after it The Venetian Ambassador Seignior Pesaro called home somewhat sooner then other Ambassadors of that States formerly had been parted hence to Gravesend without other attendance then those of his Family having sent me after I had taken my last leave of him a Gold Chaine of five ounces weight and the like of little more valew to the Master of the Ceremonies He had no sooner passed the Seas but here arrived by the way of the low Countryes two Gentlement sent Extraordinary Ambassadors from Venice the one Seignior Coraro who had resided here Ordinary about fourteen yeares before and Seignior Contareni they Landed at Gravesend seasonably for observation of the new order resolved on by his Majesty that no Ambassador should be met and received further off then there and were thence conducted by Sir Lewes Lewkner c. to their Landing at Tower-wharffe where they were welcom'd by the Earle of Dorset accompanâ—ed by the Lord Herbert Castle Island and other Gentlemen my selfe one not as an Officer or listed for it but Voluntary with the Kings Coach and seventeen other not one of them taken up at the Kings charge as had been accustomed but borrowed of Noblemen to avoid the charge of the Master of the Ceremonies professed to the Lord Chamberlain he would not undergo without assurance of better re-imboursment of his money then he had met with and were brought to their Lodgings in Aldersgate-street at the Lord Peters House defrayed there by the King with all their attendance of allmost an hundred Persons their Diet compounded for by Philipp Verzellini an Italian who had lived long in England at 40 l. per diem not comprehending the charge of the Houses Furniture being all the Kings and waited on by his Majestyes Officers and Servants whereof twelve of the Guard gave their dayly attendance The five and twentieth of June Sunday they were fetched to their publick Audience at Greenwich by the Earle of Carliel from their House in the Kings Coach and other to Tower Wharffe and thence by Barges introduced by the way of the great Gate Hall and Guard-chamber to the Presence where his Majesty standing under the State to receive them Seignior Carara spake first breifly delivering their credence when the other setling himselfe as to begin a more formall set speech his Majesty looking about for one to interpret the Master of the Ceremonies being retyred out of sight not over forward to do Offices of his Office to that State I being called to by the Lord Chamberlain made a repetition of the cheife heads and some of the Ambassadors long Oration to the King and after of his Majesties breife replye which done they returned accompanied as before to London The Sunday following they had a second Audience in private by the way of the Patke through the Privy-galleries to the Withdrawing-chamber there fetcht to it from their home by the Earle of Holland an honour not formerly afforded any Ambassador to have an Earles conduct from their House to a private Audience to which customarily none was to bring them from home but the Master of the Ceremonies though their Ambassage were Extraordinary and if ordinary he to have received them no further off then at their descent from their Coach at the Court Gate or foot of the Stayres next the Parke But this honour was done them by the Kings especiall pleasure and command as I was told it might or may be hereafter of trouble by the consequence when other over-punctuall Ministers of that State may perhaps challenge the like from president The second of July the Lord Conway Secretary of State sent word to my Lord Chamberlain then somewhat indisposed of the arrivall of two Commissioners from Hamborough who were styled by their followers whom they sent before with their Letters of credence Lords Ambassadors Their Letters being opened in the Lord Chamberlains sight Mr. Secretaries and mine the Commissioners were therein thus named Spectabilem Doctissimum virum Dominum Luntzman Syndicum c. Spectabilem virum Dominum Brand Senatorem c. Ablegavimus which words made me question the right and reception they seemed to pretend to of Ambassadors so far as communicating my reasons with my Lord Chamberlain and receiving his opinion that Ablegavimus was no more then we have deputed as our Ministers I was sent back to my Lord Conway and by him when also ill at ease with their concurring opinions to the King who approving them left me to follow my Lord Chamberlains directions according to which I that night wellcomed them at their Lodgings at Crouchet Fryars in name of his Majesty and let them know his pleasure for their Audience the next day at one of the clock to which I fetched them in the Lord Chamberlains coach onely least the use of the Kings might have seemed to raise their respects to the title they seemed to affect but upon better advise refused of Ambassadors they were received of his Majesty in his Withdrawing-chamber where one of them having made a formall harange containing besides complement of condoleing and congratulating a complaint against his Majesties Ships lying at the mouth of the Ebb and hindering their free Traffique and an humble request of his leave to transport through his Seas without molestation Corne Powder Copper and Cordage to France and Italy their Merchants entering caution to their Senat that they should not transport any to Spaine then our Enemy his Majesty entered answered them by my interpretation that he would gladly continue with them the friendly correspondence held by his deceased Father and did not nor would interrupt them either at the mouth of their River or else-where at Sea for any quarrell he had to them or any way to hinder their Traffique but only keep them from Trading with the King of Spaine his Enemy which by Law of Nations and in justice he might and would do To which purpose they should further repaire to his Councell to whom he would give Order for their access to Negotiate so dismissed they returned and I with them to their Lodgings The sixth of July an Ambassador Extraordinary Paul Rozenerantz sent from the King of Denmark arriveing at Gravesend Then but a Baron and no Privy Councellor was there received by Sir Lewes Lewkner two dayes after at Tower-wharffe by the Lord Willoughby Lord High Chamberlaine of England and by him brought to his Lodging in Lumbard-Street where he had his Diet defrayed by his Majesty at eighteen pound per diem His attendance of the Kings Servants consisted only of a Gentleman Usher daily Waiter a Sewer and two others without any of the Guard daily to attent him His own Trayne passed not in all a dozen persons The day after his Arriveall he sent to know his Majesties pleasure for his Audience which
come presently along with the Hambourgh Commissioners to the Queen as I had been first appointed In obedience whereof I presently taking Boat with them and landing at the Common-Court Staires we were there met by two of her Majesties Gentlemen-Ushers of her Presence Chamber and by them told that we should not repaire to any place of repose which I had assigned in the Chappell Closet on the Queens side because her Majesty was already staying for them in her Privy Galleries whether going by the passage of the Privy Staires they there had their access the Queen standing at one side of the Gallery amonst the Ladies This succeeded the Eve of the day July 31. that the French were removed from about the person of her Majesty the Kings Order to me ut supra relating to that important business The 13. of August The Ambassador of Denmark went in the Kings Coach his two Coaches defrayed by his Majestie attending to an Audience at None-such in the Privy Chamber there all but the Lords of the Privy Councell excluded he was fetcht to it from his Chamber of Repose such being the Kings pleasure though more then usuall at a private Audience by the Earle of Dorset The 23. of August An Ambassador Ordinary from Venice by name Alanso Coutarim having resided with the States of the United Provinces arrived at Gravesend where he was received by the Master of the Ceremonies was welcomed from the King at his Landing at Tower-Wharffe by the Lord Willoughby Then but a Baron Lord High Chamberlaine of England and by him conducted to his House at Charter-House where intreated to stay Supper an invitation which upon so short warning savoured more of good Fellowship then Courtship his Lordship and those with him had an Royall intertainment The 13. of September The King having received at Theobalds the unhappy news of an Overthrow given the King of Denmark by the Count of Tilly Generall for the Emperor came to London and that morning sent for the Ambassador of Denmark to come to him after Dinner and received him at Denmark-House the Queen then there in the Privy Chamber introduced by Sir George Goring Vice-Chamberlaine to her Majestie and fetcht from the Lord Carews Lodging by the Queens Gentleman-Usher The 21. of September A Messenger formerly sent by the same Ambassador to the King his Master being returned he demanded and had an Audience of his Majesty in the Presence at Hampton Court without reposing any where though the Chappell had been assigned for it That night he returned to London he was pleased to excuse my attendance further then to my House in his way at Twittenham where he had taken me up to his Coach in his passage to his Audience of his Majesty He had demanded this access to his Majesty two or three dayes before by the King his Masters Agent Ma. Belaw but whether it had not been more properly carried to have gone immediatly to Court and there in person to have by the Lord Chamberlaine demanded an immediate Audience considering the neer relation between his Master and the King and the consequence of the newes then brought him of his Masters defeate was by some and may be with reason made a Quere The 22. of September as I was at Supper with the Ambassador of Denmarke one came to me with this message That Monsieur Quadt an Honourable Gentleman sent Ambassador from the Prince of Transilvania Bethlem Gabor being that day arrived here had address by Letters both from the Prince his Master and from the King of Bohemia to Monsieur Rosberf residing here for the affaires of that King but understanding that Monsieur Rosberf was out of Town and my selfe one of the Kings Masters of Seremonies to be there he desired my advise and furtherance for his proceeding I answered the Messenger that my way must be by the Lord Chamberlaine for his to his Majesty and that to that purpose I would repaire presently to his Lordships approbation of my Opinion that Monsieur Rosdrose returne to whom the Ambassador had such a particular address it was unfit and needless to give notice of him to his Majesty I went to him though without Commission and complied with him the next morning where receiving his allowance with thanks for my course taken and advise to stay the returning of Rosdrofe I wrote to this Gentleman how I had procecded and sent my Letter by his Servant In the meane time his Majesty having notice of the Ambassadors arriveall signified his pleasure by my Lord Chamberlaine to Master Rosdrose then returned and to me that the correspondence between the Ambassador and themselves considered and answerable to the proposition made by us two Two Ambassadors Arriving at different times lodged and defrayed in one House and at one Table from themselves the Prince of Transilvanians Ambassador and the King of Denmarks should be lodg'd together in the same house and dieted at the same Table with addition of ten pound per diem to the others eighteen pound The traine of the latet consisting but of four persons and that he should be admitted to his Andience the Tuesday following which was performed accordingly I accompanying to Hampton Court with the service of only two hired Coaches each with four horses He had allowed him by the Lord Chamberlaine one Coach with four horses daily to attend his service but for his Majesties profit and with the Ambassadors likeing I brought it to an attendance at such times only as he should be pleased the Evening before to command it In the mean time I doubting that some of those respects ordinarily given to Ambassadors at their first Audiences might be omitted whereof but that he himfelfe professed to affect privacie it was one not to have a Titular person appointed to accompany him thence to the Court I sent a Groome of the Chamber early that morning to order what my Lord Chamberlaine had left unordered and to have some Nobleman to meete and receive him there at his descent out of his Coach This being incharged to the Lord Compton he received no sooner then at the second Gate and there turning up the great staires through the great Hall and Guard-chamber the King was already under the State in the Privy-chamber expecting him which by suddainnesse of his approach so danted him as though he passed through well with his Latine Oration he forgot to present his Letters of Credence and was forced after his parting from his Majesty to send them back to him with excuse of his Servants absence whom he feyned to have had them about him when he being so suddainly without stay any where introduced and his Secretary left in the Press behind him could not come at them opportunely to deliver them All the time of his Audience he never covered being not invited to it by his Majesty who likewise stood all that time uncovered After he had finished his Oration and that his Majesty by me had given him a breife
judged it not so proper to give them one before their Audience of his Majesty they should be pleased to thinke and resolve of a time for the Latter which if they would demand for that day or the next he doubted not but they should have it the rather because his Majesty was to returne from whence he came but the day before to Theobalds and would not be againe at London till Thursday following That in the meane time their first Audience being past they might Negotiate with the Commissioners appointed for the further prosecution of their businesse This message received I interposed what I thought might be expected by them or be thought fit for the stile of their reception viz. whether to be brought to the Kings Presence by a Nobleman and to have the use of his Majesties coach c. as had been allowed to other of their Country qualified Ambassador To this it was answered by my Lord Carelton Vice-chamberlain that he then knew the Minister new come to be qualified no otherwise then for a deputy though a joynct Commissioner with the other and that he could not nor he thought would expect other Treatment then under that Title with this intimation I repaired to them and after delivery of my message with a touch to he last purpose I had for answer their desire of an Audience the next day which they had of his Majesty in the great Gallery of Somerset House the twelth of March by ten in the morning the Queen being then in her House retyred or not yet risen After Dinner my Lord Duke came to their House the Lord wimbletons to visit them while I that day dined with them I had the newes brought me of the Death of Sir Lewes Lewkner by which in right of his Majesties grant of Reversion by his Letters Patents I became sole Master of the Ceremonies The thirteenth of March the Ambassador of the States had without his Associate the Deputy a private Audience of his Majesty in his Withdrawing-chamber whether I conducted him by the way of the Parke and the Privy-Galleries this being the first time of the States resident Ambassadours accesse to his Majestie by that way they having been allwayes till then accustomed to have their Audiences and accesses given them by the back-stayres without introduction or attendance of the Master or assistant Master of the Ceremonies which was at that time altered with the Kings better service and more convenience for avoydance of Surprises and also to that Ambassadors great honour not unaffected by him in that particular when his silent and private accesses given him before by the back-stayres and other obscurer passages might and did seeme to some an undervaluing of his publique quality and in this of the State he represented though others would have had it understood for a particular respect of his Majesty given to him as a Domestique which yet while his Audiences were never granted nor accesse given him but when at his request it was moved for by a Groome of the Bedd-chamber or by one of the two principall Secretaries it would hardly be so interpreted and so he himselfe expressed to me to conceive of it when upon my introducing him by that new way of the Privy Gallery he fell to discourse with me about it 1627. The Ambassador of Denmark Paule Rosenkrantz having negotiated with the King of France by the space of five Moneths or more returned for England and Landed at Dover in a Holland man of War when he had already written and obtained a grant of for one of the Kings Ships to transport him March the nine and twentieth 1627 the next day he came to London before his Lodging was fitted or order given for it To which purpose for excuse I compleyed with him from the Lord Chamberlain that he would be pleased to have patience for his ill accommodation till the Officers of the Ward-robe might set up his Bedd and directions be given for his Service and attendance as before this performed the next day he began again upon the Kings diet and charge having of his Train by list two and twenty persons Sunday the first of Aprill he had Audience assigned him both from the King and Queen To the first I conducted him without company of a Lord or other then his own followers this being not publick though the first Audience after his return from the Court gate by the Staire that ascends to the Sone-table chamber the way accustomed through the Park and Tiltyard Gallery being restrained by the King pleasure for his more privacy there and reposing himselfe in the next Roome to that Chamber was called forth to his Majesty in his Withdrawing-chamber and had there his Audience After passing through the Councell-chamber over the Terras by the lower end of the Guard-chamber to the Chappell Closet on the Kings side he was met at the Presence doore by Sir George Goring the Queens Vice-chamberlain and brought to her Presence in her Privy-chamber He was censured of too much forwardnesse instantly after he had performed his respects to cover which though he might pretend to have done in right of the King his Master as his representant yet towards a Lady and a Queen to have forborne till he had been by her twice or thrice invited to it or rather not to have covered at all since he would forfeit no place nor pretention by it had been no derogation Before he came to the Presence of the King I asked him if he desired his Gentlemen should kiss his Majesties hands he answered in no sort because quoth he I would not have notice taken of my new train as if I were a new come Ambassadour and for their kissing of the Kings hand they may do it at my departure This passed for a reason against the honour they might have had but was not moved for of kissing the hand of the King remitting it to some other opportunity which was offered the Sunday following Aprill the eighth when the Ambassador having a day before upon signification of his Masters pleasure for his returne demanded Audience for his leave taking of both their Majesties he was fetched from his Lodging in Lumbard-street by the Earle of Barkshire in correspondence of the Earle of Northampton that had accompanied him to his first Audience at Wansted with the company of halfe a dozen Gentlemen of the Privy-chamber c. The Sunday seavennight after this his last Audience my Lord Chamberlain having delivered to my hands a Jewell being a Picture case set with faire Diamonds and the Kings Picture in it to about 800 l. valew but to the Kings cost of 1200 l. it being sould to his Majesty for this use at that rate which his Lordship told me before he had destined to my carriage in observation of the course before established concerning the right pretended to by the Master of the Ceremonies for carriage of Jewells as the Master of the Jewell house doth of Plate to be
bestowed on Ambassadors I carried it and presented it with this complement MOnsieur j'ay l'honneur que par ma main le Roy vous fait present de son purtrait le quel il vous prie poster pur amour de luy en testmoignagede bons agreables services devoirs que vous luy auez rendus pour le Roy vostre Maistre durant vostre Ambassade icy en Angleterre My LORD I have the honour that the King by my hand doth present you with his purtrait which he prayes you to we are for his Love in Testimony of the good and acceptable services and duties which you have rendred him in behalfe of the King your Master during your Embassie here in England Three or foure dayes after he had taken leave he intreated my opinion and Assistance for punishment of one Phillip Weisman a Germane whose cheife Trade of life having been to undertake the conduct and defraying of Gentlemen of his Country at a price agreed on in their Travailing to and in this and other Kingdomes as he had formerly done of Phillip the yong Landsgrave of Hesse and a Duke of Holstein here he made offer of of his service and was entertained for the defraying of this Ambassador while he remained at Paris after the time of that Kings defraying him till his first Audience was past at the rate of five hundred and fifty Crownes a Moneth for Dyet and Lodging of twelve Masters and twelve Servants This Bargaine made but as the fellow pretended much to his losse in regard of the dayly increaseing number of guests at the Ambassadors Table he a while held himselfe silent both at the Ambassadors departure from Paris and on the way where he undertook the whole companies defraying at twenty five Crownes a man till they should come to London but within two dayes after their arrivall here he began to make his demands in so unreasonable a measure and with such touch to his honour as he made complaint of him by me to my Lord Chamberlain who acquainting the King with it his Maiesty was pleased that the Lord President of the Councell the Lord Chamberlain and Vice-chamberlain should heare and determine the businesse Whereupon the said Philip appearing before them together with two or three Gentlemen of the Ambassadors and my selfe the Lords passed on him their sentence which according to the Ambassadors request sent by me to the Lords and as it was the next day repeated by the Lord President and referred to the Ambassadors owne penning in French was as followeth MOunsieur Henry Comte de Manchester President de Conseil prive du Roy de la Grand Brittaigne Phillipe Comte de Montgomery Grand Chamberlan Conscillers du Conseil prive d'estat de la dicte Majeste Commis Depute par sa dicte Majeste pour entendre la potestation que Sieur Rosenkrantz Ambassador extraordinaire pour la Majeste dt Densmark auroit fait a l'encontre de Phillippe Weysman pour quelques injures mesdisances que qu' il auroit proferree escrites contre sa personne au prejudice de reputation du Roy son Maistre de sa bonne renomme ' e en particulier ayants par commandement expres de sa Maieste adiourne examinè le dit Phillippe Wiseman â—nsemble entenduenmesme temps par confrontation quelques uns des domestiques du dit sieur Ambassadour aultres ensemblé lu examiné sa lettre and dit sieur Ambassadour Avons trouvé que le dit Phillippe sans raison hors de propos apres avoir receu beaucoup plus d'argent qu' on ne luy autoii accordé selon sa propre confession auroit malicieusement effrontement mis en avant telles paroles eserits sans avoir esgard a la dignité de la parsonne que le dit Ambassador represente ny a sa qualitè particuliere avons ordonne qu'il soit mis en sure garde jusques a ce qu'il donnera satisfaction au dit Ambassador si ce n'est qu'il troue bon de le fayre mener au Roy son Maistre pour l'estre chastié selon qu'il a merité En foy de quoy nous signons la presente le 14. of April 1627. Manchester Montgomery Carleton My LORD HEnry Earle of Manchester President of the privy Councell of his Majesty of Great Britain Philip Earle of Mongomery great Chamberlaine and of the Councell of State to his said Majesty being Commissioners and Deputies for his said Majesty to heare the Protestation which the Lord Rosenbranck Ambassador Extraordinary to his Majesty of Denmarke shall make against Phillip Wiseman for certaine injuries and calumnies which he should speak and write against his person in prejudice of the honour of the King his Master and of his own particular reputation having by express commandment from his Majestie adjourned and examined the foresaid Philip Wiseman and understood the same time by confrontation of some of the Domestiques of the said Lord Ambassador and others as also examined his Letter to the said Lord Ambassador We finde that the said Philip without any reason or cause having received more monies then were agreed upon according to his own confession hath maliciously and impudently blazed abroad such words and writings without having regard to the honour of the person whom he presents or to his own particular quality therefore we have inordered that he be put in safe Custody untill he give satisfaction to the foresaid Ambassador if he thinks it not fit to bring him before the King his Master to be punished according to his demerit In faith whereof we signe this present Instrument this 14. of Aprill 1627. Manchester Montgomery Carleton The fellow persisting stubborne and most averse from submission was after four or five dayes restraint in the house of a Messenger delivered by Warrant of the Lord President of the Councell and the Lord Chamberlaine from the Messengers hands to the Ambassadors who causing him to be imprisoned in the Counter by vertue of the said Warrant which gave him power to dispose of him he was upon the point of being sent for Hambourgh but his stomach lessening and his submission made with acknowledgement of his fault both by word and writing he was at last set at liberty Five or sixe dayes before Saint Georges Feast was to be kept at White-Hall the Ordinary Ambassador of Venice Contareni desired my Confetence intimated by his Secretary sent to me to the purpose of his best course for his sight of that Solemnity I hereupon repairing to him told him That the manner had ever been except in one or two Exceptions when the King was pleased to send his Invitation for Ambassadors to convey to his Majesties knowledge by the Lord Chamberlaine their desires to have the honour of his right and the solemnitie that day whereupon he desired me to performe that part from him which I did had his Majesties allowance to it and let the
he shewed himselfe carefull in acknowledging the paines taken by the Kings Servants others for his service and having by his own servants inquiry learned of me how other Ambassadors imployed hither had inlarged or streightned themselves to that purpose he thus proportioned his gratuities viz. To my selfe he sent by one of his Gentlemen in a Purse 80 l. sterling to the Marshall of the Ceremonies Walter Brisco 10 l. To the Gentleman Usher that all the time of his stay here gave his attendance he gave 20 l. To the two Quarter waiters each of them 12 l. To the two Groomes of the Chamber each 7 l. To the Yeoman Usher Yeoman hanger Yeoman of the Ward-robes Servants and the Groome Porters Servants amongst them 14 l. To the Kings Coachman that attended him all the time of his first being here 6 l. To two of the Kings Coachmen that attended him after his returne between them 6 l. To the Master of the Kings Barge 2 l. To the eight Rowers of that Barge amongst them 1 l. 4 s. To other two Masters of two hired Barges 11 s. To six men of both those Barges 1 l. 4 s. To the Porters of the Court Gate 3 l. To the two Keepers of the Privy Lodgings 1 l. To two Porters of Saint James Parke 1 l. To six Coachmen of six Coaches hyred at the Kings charge 3 l. To my footman 1 l To the Servants of the House where he was Lodged and fed at the Kings charge amongst them 10 l. To my Lord Treasurers Secretary who had hastned his dispatch of 10000 l. of money paid and due besides a far greater somm a pair of silver pots which cost 21 l. 6 s. To the Master of the House where he had Lodged a Bason and Ewer that cost 18 l. Besides other gifts amounting in the Totall to 260 l. Sterling On Whitson Tuesday Beare-baiting being appointed for the Kings pastime at White-Hall I the day before gave notice of it to the Venetian Ambassador Alonso Contareni Resident and the next morning had his Servant sent to me to signifie his desire to be present at it this imparted to my Lord Chamberlain and by him to his Majesty he was ordained his standing in the Pergola of the Banquetting House on the left hand of that appointed for his Majesty and the Queen with Carpets to leane and tread on and a stoole no chaire to fit on The sport ended the Ambassador that had entered before the King and remained there after him was onely saluted by their Majesties in their passage without further complement at entering and parting Two dayes before the Departure of the Duke of Soubize with my Lord of Buckingham towards Portsmouth for the expedition then in hand to Retz I was commanded to accompany him thither to the seventh of June in company of Monsieur Blancan a brave valiant Gentleman He was refuged hither from France and other his followers himselfe riding in Coach with his Majesty and had his Lodgings taken up by Sir John Jepson and the Majors authority by the former in Houses of Garrison Souldiers by the latter in those of the Townes-men Two nights after his rest there a gang of druncken Marriners fell fowle in the streets with some of the meaner sort of French but after some two or three heads broaken and a sleight wound or two given all was pacified After which for prevention of further mischeif complaint was made by one to the Earle of Denbeigh then aboard as Rere-Admirall the Duke the Admirall and the Earle of Lindsey Vice-Admirall being then absent who sending to all the Fleets for restraint of their Marriners being on shoare at undue hours we heard no more of their insolency especially when within foure dayes after the Dukes returning from London a Guard of a dozen Souldiers of the Garrison were commanded to give their dayly attendance before the Duke of Soubizes Lodging The thirteenth of June going with him to his Majesty at Southwile where the Court then lay foure or five miles from Portsmouth and asking the Lord Stewards Earle of Pembroks opinion in absence of the Lord Chamberlain his Brother what course was to be taken for satisfaction of the Duke de Soubize his host and other of the Town for his followers Lodgings his Lordship gave me for answer that in regard his Lodgings had been defrayed by the King at London it was fit the like should be observed till his departure and that I should make a bill of my disbursements for them leaving his Dyet wood and coale and table linnen to his own provision and discharge as they had been at London The fourteenth of June I had word of two Commissioners styled by them who brought newes of them Ambassadors arrived in the road of the Cowes from Saly in Barbary for my better information whereof I went the day following to Court and had order for my repaire to them but not as with an honour to them of being sent for their reception before or at their landing but to discover what I could of the scope of their Negotiation and to let them know his Majesty had taken notice of their arrivall and proceeding to London they should there at his returne have a fitting time appointed for their Audience but when I came to the Cowes they were parted thence to Southampton whether following them I there performed my charge finding the substance of their Negotiation to be a suit for his Majesties protection and confederation with them against the Spaniard who had expelled them Spaine and the next day returned to Portsmouth About ten dayes before the King went to Portsmouth there came to London from France a Count of Emden second Brother to the cheife of that title and Family after whom his Majesty commanding my inquiry whether he were of the Imperiall party I found him not such and to be come hither onely for sight of England and of his Majesty pretending as I was told that he desired to live here unnoted till he might receive his Horses and Apparrel left in France for his better splendor at Court but the King going his journey before those came he while I was at Portsmouth came thither and not addressing himselfe to me for his Introduction to the King took an uncertain way by another Gentleman who leaving him alone when he came to Court walking in a place unbesitting for him I offered him my service gave his Majesty notice of him and had order for his accesse After which he immediatly without further Ceremony took his leave and dining at the Lord Stewards and Lord Chamberlains Table joyned in company of the Duke and Monsieur de Soubize he after returned to Portsmouth with a Warrant that I at his request obtained for him of the Duke for transport of six Geldings and two stone Horses for which Warrant he supposing because I in absence of the Dukes Secretary drew it that it had been a part of my Office in which till then
and the Arch-Dutches had already by way of prevention sent to his Master persons of eminent condition to condole and congratulate who had been lodged in his Masters Court Viz. After that of Monsieur de Bassampierre and defrayed as he was most assured that any Ambassador should be whom the king of England should please to send in return of his imployment to the Duke his Master howsoever it had been his fortune to be made a second President for that course of not defraying newly taken in this Court and to be observed hereafter answerable to the intimation he had received by my mouth from his Majesty Which as it was he said a liberty that such great kings might take in their degrees of Eminency above other inferiour Princes as the king of France had likewise already began and continued yet for his Majesty to establish an Order and after to break it especially while he himself should be here a Witness and a Sufferer in it could not but be to him of so hard digestion as that though he did but now discourse of it with me in private hoping and beleiving that no such measure should be offered to him yet he must if offered for the Duke his Masters honour formalize himself against it and give account of it With these words and reasons I acquainted his Majesty at Aldershot and brought him such satisfaction with them as having regard to the Ambassadors content and to the consequence of his own Order established for no more defraying His Majesty gave me in charge with the best dexterity that I could apply to let the Ambassador understand his resolution taken to that purpose In obedience hereof I the twentieth of August returning to London conferred first with one Mr. Wollsin his Majesties sworn Servant Though imployd here in some businesses for the King of Denmark let him know his Majesties resolution no more to defray Ambassadors and intreated him to go before to Gravesend for the more civill conveyance of the Kings pleasure to that purpose least if I should directly and in plain termes acquit my self of my charge imposed it might have had the rellish of an Exclusion or Exception of their persons from Honours formerly received by other Ambassadors That night taking a barge for my passage I went to them to Gravesend Their names were Tomson and Brah. and only letting them know I had been at Court with the account of their Arrivall and for knowledge of his Majesties pleasure about their Reception not so much as touching the point of their not being defrayed for the reason mentioned I concluded that I was there by the King my Masters command to receive and obey theirs for assistance of any of their followers that they should be pleased to imploy to take up their Lodgings and to perform other Services for their Accommodation So without other answer question or exception from them that might bewray distast from such Innovation I took leave and returned to London where Mr. Wollfin I and a Servant of the Ambassadors conferring with one Paul Foure an entertainer of strangers and dwelling in Lumhard Street at what rate he would provide them their Dyet and Lodging he with a Mechanick consideration of the plunge they were like to be put to being disappointed of their first expectation to be defrayed made unreasonable demands as of twelve pounds for eight Masters and six Servants per diem till sending to Gravesend to the Ambassadors for their resolution they agreed for six pounds per diem So after the preparation of the Kings and two other Barges leaving a Light-horsman to be taken up for their Baggage at Gravesend and of the Kings Coach with the Venetians the States Ambassadors and three Lords Coaches to attend their landing at Tower wharfe I travelled a whole day up and down in London and Westminster to finde a Lord fitting for their conduct from Gravesend But the Service refused or exculed by all for want of Authority from the Lord Chamberlain then with the King in Progress I at last prevailed with the Lord Ershin Son to the Earl of Marre to undertake it and fetch them thence with the attendance of half a score Gentlemen the Kings Servants to their landing and lodging ut supra In observation of the new Order established That no Ambassador should be met further off then Gravesend and there but by the Master of the Ceremonies only for their first welcome They should not have had a Noble man to meet them neerer then Gâ—eenwich or till their landing at Tower wharff But the intimation made against their being defrayed as before being new and harsh this course was thought fit as for that time to be taken somewhat to sweeten the other The twenty fourth of August these Ambassadors much pressing their Audience of his Majesty I sent my Oshcer about it to the Court then at Aldershot and had for answer That wheras the Ambassador of the Duke of Mantova desired to have his parting Audience as soon as might be though it were he said in answer of the Kings objection of the unfitness of the place he then was in under a Tree which should be to him he said a Palace and he esteemed himself as a Prince by such a favour His Majesty resolved they should have their Audiences both in one day the Tuesday following as Oatelands where there should be a Dinner provided for them and two Noblemen with two of the Kings Coaches for their severall conditions To this purpose I having a Blanck Letter sent me from my Lord Chamberlain to superscribe and present whatsoever Noble-man I should think fitting for the company of the Ambassadors of Denmark and being left to my adventure without a Letter for the choice of another to accompany the Montavan I subscribed my blanck Letter to the Earle of Murray of Scotland obtained his assent and prevailed so by intreaty with the Lord Morley as our Journey was appointed for the day when two daies before came to me a Letter from my Lord Chamberlain intimating That wheras the Queen was to come to Oatlands at the time assigned for the Ambassadors Audience there and that therefore the king would not alter his determined remove from Aldershot to Oaking That if the Ambassadors particularly those of Denmark should persist in their desire of a speedy Audience otherwise then the king wisht they should who would willingly have remitted them till Sunday following for their more solemn Reception at London They must not expect an entertainment with a Dinner in a place where nothing good was to be had c. But should have all of them together their Audiences at Oaking on Tuesday In observation of which direction I repaired to them salved up all as dexterously as I could and having the kings coach with the Earl of Murreys and for his companion the Earle of Galloway for attendance of those of Denmark And my Lord Morly with a coach of the Queens in place of the
of February to Tower-wharffe where received by the Viscount of Wimbleton accompanied with halfe a score Gentlemen in five Noblemens coaches with the Venetian and Savoy Ambassador but without the Kings they were brought to their lodgingat the Italian Ordinary there to reside till at more leasure they might find better accommodation without touch at any hand to the purpose of the Kings not defraying them The fayling of the Kings coach proceeded from the forgetfulnesse of my Lord Chamberlains Gentleman of his Horses and became a Subject of no small distast and complaint formerly made by the Resident Ambassador to his Lordship in name of the rest as of a lessening in the respects usually afforded to all other publick Ministers of Princes which to reconcile a meane was thus found It was agreed that the Ambassadors should the third day after returne in their owne coaches by a private way about by London walls to the Tower and after a sight of that place to be fetched thence by the same Lord Viscount of Wimbleton with as many coaches as before attending the Kings coach and the Queens also sent along with it this accordingly performed and they so accompanied through London to their Lodging all was composed to their satisfaction The next Puntillio obtruded was whether at the day of their Audience they should dine in Court as some other Ambassadors particularly the Savoyard had done lately before To remove this rub I wrote to my Lord Chamberlains Secretary a Letter for his Lordships sight and consideration imparting that the Summer before in the progress time the Mantovan and the two Danish Ambassadors had dined in Court the first at his first Audience at Windsor Whereof see the reason as also why the Mantovan dined not in Court at his first Audience the latter at Havering at their second private Audience and that since that the King comming to White-Hall though the Treatment of dineing in Court were not perhaps necessary nor fit to be made to any Ambassador as out of an established course at or in the Kings standing House it having been made elsewhere with regard of inconveniency or want of place fitting with their owne provision to give themselves a dinner at or neere the Court in time of progress his Majesty was yet pleased to comply with them in that point but not to serve for an example to others But now there must a step be made backward to the yeare 1624. at which time there happend a noble traverse reflecting on the two Spanish Ambassadors viz. the Marquesse de Inojosa and Don Carles Columa then Resident here the last of a good disposition the other sower and harsh so that they were compard to oil and vinegar the businesse was thus the Prince of Wales being back from Madrid matters began to gather ill blood twixt England and Spain for the Treaty both of the match and Palatinate were dissolved by Act of Parliament and the Duke of Buckingham made use of Parliament and Puritan who swayed then most in the Houses to compasse this worke The Spanish Ambassadors understanding that the rupture of the matrimoniall treaty proceeded from the Practices of Buckingham they devised a way how to supplant and ruine him they fell into consideration that King James was grown old wherefore the least thing might raise umbrages of distrust and feare in him therefore by a notable way of plotting they informed him at a private Audience that there was a dangerous designe against his Royall Authority traced by the Duke of Buckingham and his confederats the manner of which conspiracy will appear in this following Memoriall or Remonstrance of Sir Walter Ashton left still Ambassador leger in the Court of Spaine which he presented there to the King himselfe which was thus To the King Sir SIr Walter Ashton Ambassador to the King of great Britain saith that the King his Master hath commanded him to represent unto your Majesty the reasons why he could receive no satisfaction by your Majesties answer of the fifth of January and that therby by the unanimous consent of his Parliament he came to dissolve the Treaties of Match and Palatinat He received another answer from your Majesty wherin he found lesse grounds to work upon and having understood that neither by the Padre Marsto or your Majesties Ambassadors who have assisted these daies passed in his Court there was something to be further propounded and declared touching the businesse of the Palatinat wherby he might receive contentment The said Ambassadors to this day have not said any thing at all to any purpose which being compared with other circumstances of their ill carriage he gathers and doubts that according to their ill affections and depraved intentions wherwith they have proceeded in all things but specially in one particular they have laboured to hinder the good correspondence with the so necessary and desired intelligence which should be conserv'd with your Majesty Moreover he saith the King his Master hath commanded him to give an account to your Majesty that in an Audience which he gave to the Marquesse of Inojosa and to Don Carlos Coloma they under the cloak and pretext of zeal and particular care of his Majesties person pretended to discover unto him a very great Conjuration both against his Royall Dignity and person Which was that at the beginning of this Parliament the Duke of Buckingham had consulted with certain Lords and others of the Arguments and means which were to be taken for the breaking and dissolving of the Treaties both of Match and Palatinat and their Consultations passed so far that if his Majesty would not conform himself to their Councels they would give him a house of pleasure whither he might retire himself to his sport in regard that the Prince had now years sufficient and parts answerable for the Government of the Kingdome The Information was of that quality that it was sufficient to make impressions in him of an everlasting jealousie in regard that through the sides of Buckingham they wounded the Prince his Son with the Nobility it being not probable that they could effect such a design without departing totally from that Obligation of faith and loyalty which they owed to his person and Crown because the interessed Lords made themselves culpable as Concealors Nor is it likely the Duke would hurt himself upon such an enterprize without communicating it first to the Prince and knowledge of his pleasure But because the Information might be made more cleer his Majesty did make many instances to the said Ambassadors that they would give the Authors of the said Conspiracy this being the sole means wherby their own honour might be preserved and wherby the great care and zeal they pretended to have of his person might appear But the said Ambassadors instead of confirming the great zeal they made profession to bear him all the answer they gave consisted of Arguments against the discovery of the Conspirators so that for confirmation of the
said Report there remain'd no other means then the examination of some of his Councell of State and principall Subjects which was put in execution accordingly causing them to be put to their Oathes in his own presence and commanding that such Interrogations and questions should be propounded unto them that were most pertinent to the accusation so that not the least part particle or circumstance remain'd which was not exactly examined and canvas'd And he found in the Duke and the rest who were examined a most clear and sincere innocency touching the impeachments and imputations wherewith your Majesties Ambassadors had charged them This being done he returned to make new instances unto the said Ambassadors that they would not prefer the discovery of the names of the Conspirators to the security of his Royall person to the truth and honour of themselves and to the hazzard of an opinion to be held the Authors and betrayers of a plot of so much malice sedition and danger but the sayd Ambassadors continued still in a knotty kind of obstinacy resolving to conceale the names of the Conspirators notwithstanding that he gave them Audience afterwards wherein the Marquis of Inojosa took his leave But a few dayes after they desired new Audience pretending they had something to say that concerned the publick good and conduced to the entire restitution of the Palatinate and thereby to the conservation and confirmation of the friendship with your Majesty But having suspended some few dayes to give them Audience thinking that being thereby better advised they would think on better courses and discover the Authors of so pernicious a Plot and having since made many instances to that effect and attended the successe of so long patience he sent his Secretary Sir Edward Conway and Sir Francis Cotington Secretary to the Prince commanding them that they should signifie unto the sayd Ambassadors that he desired nothing more then a continuance of the freindship betwixt the two Crowns therefore if they had any thing to say they should communicate it unto the sayd Secretaries as persons of great trust which he imployed therefore expresly to that end and if they made any difficulty of this also then they might choose amongst his Councill of State those whom they liked best and he would command that they should presently repaire unto them and if this also should seeme inconvenient they might send him what they had to say in a Letter by whom they thought fittest and he would receive it with his own hands But the Ambassadors misbehaving themselves and not conforming to any thing that was thus propounded the sayd Secretaries according to the instructions which they had received told them that they being the Authors of an Information so dangerous and seditious had made themselves incapable to treat further with the King their Master and were it not for the respect he bore to the Catholick King his dear and beloved Brother their Master and that they were in quality of Ambassadors to such a Majesty he would and could by the Law of Nations and the right of his owne Royall Justice proceed against them with such severity as their offence deserved but for the reasons aforesayd he would leave the reparation to the Justice of their owne King of whom he would demand and require it In conformity to what hath been sayd the sayd Ambassador of the King of Great Brittaine saith That the King his Master hath commanded him to demand refaction and satisfaction of your Majesty against the sayd Marquis de Inojosa and Don Carlos Coloma making your Majesty the Judge of the great scandall and enormous offence which they have committed against him and against publick right expecting justice from your Majesty in the demonstrations and chastisement that your Majesty shall inflict upon them which in regard of the manner of proceeding with your Majesty and out of your Majesties owne integrity and goodnesse ought to be expected Furthermore the sayd Ambassador saith That the King his Master hath commanded him to assure your Majesty that hitherto he hath not intermingled the correspondence and friendship hee holds with your Majesty with the faults and offences of your Ministers but leaves them and restraines them to their owne persons and that he still perseveres with your Majesty in the true and ancient freindship and brotherhood as formerly to which purpose hee is ready to give a hearing to any thing that shall be reasonable and give answer thereunto therefore when it shall please your Majesty to imploy any Ambassador thither he will afford them all good entertainment and receive them with that love which is fitting For conclusion the sayd Ambassador humbly beseecheth your Majesty that you would be pleased to observe and weigh well the care and tendernesse wherewith the King his Master hath proceeded towards your Majesties Ambassadors not obliging them to any precipitate resolutions but allowing them time enough to prove and give light of that which they had spoken And besides by opening them many wayes besides whereby they might have complyed with their Orders if they had any such which course if they had taken they might well have given satisfaction to the King his Master and moderated the so grounded opinion of their ill proceedings against the Peace together with the good intelligence and correspondence 'twixt the two Crownes Such was the complaint or charge rather which was exhibited by our Ambassador in Spain against Inojosa and Coloma for their misdemeanours in England which fill'd that Court full of dark whispers for the present and the World expected that the said Ambassadors should receive some punishment or at least some mark of disgrace at their return but matters growing daily worse and worse betwixt the two Crownes they were rather rewarded then reprehended Inojosa being promoted to be Governour of Milan and Coloma received additions of employment and honours in Flanders But the Civilities of England at that time towards the said Ambassadors was much cryed up abroad that notwithstanding so pernicious and machinations to discompose the whole English Court and demolish Buckingham yet were they permitted to depart peaceably and though they had no Kings Ship to transport them yet Sir Lewis Leukner was sent to conduct them to the Sea side for prevention of any affront or outrage that might have been offered them AN ABSTRACT Of the Signallst Passages that go to the Composure of this DISCOURSE A Pernicious plot of the Spanish Ambassadors to destroy the Duke of Buckingham fol. 243 The arrivall of the Palsgrave in England with the particular of his Train 1 The Ambassadors of France and Venice stand upon their Puntilioes 9 The arrivall of a Russian Ambassador c. 24 An Ambassador with the Chancellor of Muscovy sent to England 38 An Ambassador extraordinary from Sweden arrives 41 An affront offered the Swedish Ambassador 42 Another affront offerred the Swedish Ambassador 45 An Ambassador come from Turkie 57 The Ambassador of Venice ranked alwayes among Crowned