Complete Works of Sir Thomas Wyatt

by Thomas Wyatt

  And as touching your other letters, with the delivery of the King’s, aft yet Farnese is not coming, although he be looked for this day to make his entry solemnly for his Legacy in Paris, and hitherto I hear not of any such as is meant to come with him. And the first matter which is chief, once attained or refused I would put in ure the rest, if any such be; not forgetting the merchants of Spain when time is.

  This in mean time I thought to write unto your Lordship, certifying the same that inasmuch as your letters be directed to us all, so do we participate our things and writings together with my Lord of London, which now again would dispatch, to the end that the King’s Highness should be in no long expectation, or else I see no great importance, unless he advertize other thing than we know, of.’ The Emperor hath made the means that he honestly may for haste. The things for his entry be not yet ready, which is one cause of trite qf time, and the French King is now a little acrased, which holdeth him, lest the travail should hurt him that needs would go with him; but as I understand the furthest would be to Chantilly, the Constable’s house.

  Now I can assure your Lordship, Mr. Tate in this time both doth and shall do no small help here, as well, for his practice of this Court, as for the near familiarity that he hath, among these men, mate than we all have beside.

  Further it may please your Lordship, ftot only for the King’s service, but for your own, in any thing that lieth in my small power, as I trust it he not now new to persuade unto you, as our Lord liveth, who send you ever good life and long.

  It may please your Lordship to cause these letters of the Ambassador of Cleves to be delivered safe, [December 1589.]

  The Oration

  St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican, Rome. Wyatt accompanied Sir John Russell, 1st Earl of Bedford, to Rome to help petition Pope Clement VII to annul the marriage of Henry VIII to his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, an embassy whose goal was to make Henry free to marry Anne Boleyn.

  SIR THOMAS WYATT’S DEFENCE

  Introduced by G. F. Nott

  The constant object of Henry the Eighth’s policy was to keep the Emperor Charles the Fifth and Francis the First in a state of perpetual warfare, that he might strengthen himself by acting the part of mediator. Pope Paul the Third, to put an end to the general calamities which this discord occasioned, proposed an interview between those two great rivals at Nice, in June 1538, hoping to effect a lasting reconciliation. Henry, dreading the consequences of that meeting, ordered Sir Thomas Wyatt, then Ambassador in Spain, to attend the interview, joining Bonner in the Commission, and Dr. Haynes, a person of less note than Bonner, but frequently employed in the negotiations of those times. The English Commissioners were not able to prevent a Truce which was concluded at Nice between the Emperor and the French King for ten years; nor an interview which ultimately took place at Ægues-Mortes. Wyatt returned to Spain. Bonner, from motives of private resentment, accused Wyatt of High Treason for wilful neglect of the King’s interests at Nice and Aigues-Mortes. Three years after, Wyatt was committed to the Tower, and tried on that charge before the Privy Council. The following Declaration and Oration form his Defence upon the occasion. It was probably spoken in 1541. I have therefore ventured to affix that date; though there is none preserved in the M.S

  Charles V (1500–1558) was ruler of the Holy Roman Empire from 1519 and, as Charles I, of the Spanish Empire from 1516 until his voluntary retirement and abdication in favour of his younger brother Ferdinand I as Holy Roman Emperor and his son Philip II as King of Spain in 1556.

  CONTENTS

  THE DEFENCE OF SIR THOMAS WYATT.

  SIR THOMAS WYATT’S LETTER TO THE PRIVV COUNCIL IN 1541.

  SIR THOMAS WYATT’S DEFENCE, AFTER THE INDICTMENT AND EVIDENCE.

  THE DEFENCE OF SIR THOMAS WYATT.

  SIR THOMAS WYATT’S LETTER TO THE PRIVV COUNCIL IN 1541.

  PLEASE IT YOUR GOOD LORDSHIPS TO UNDERSTAND,

  I HAVE knowledge by Mr Lieutenant that the King’s pleasure is, and your commandment, that I should write and declare such things as have passed me whilst I was in the Emperor’s Court, by word, writing, communing, or receiving, with or from any man, whereby I know myself to have offended, or whereby I might run in suspect of offence — namely, in the time of that Court being at Nice and Villa Franca.

  First; like as I take God to record, in whom I trust to be saved, and whose redemption I forsake if wittingly I lie, so do I humbly in His name beseech you all, that in those things that be not fresh in my memory no captious advantage be taken of me: professing always that if myself can by any means, or your Lordships, or any other, reduce any other thing than I shall touch to my remembrance, sincerely and uncolourably from time to time to declare the truth in prison, or out. And for my part I declare affirmingly at all proofs whereby a Christian man may be tried, that in my life in crime towards the Majesty of the King my master, or any his issue in deed, word, writing, or wish, I never offended. I never committed malice or offence, or (as I have presently said before yon) done a thing wherein my thought could accuse my conscience as touching words with any the King’s enemy, or traitor, in my life. I remember not that ever I spake with any, knowing him at that time to be a traitor, or enemy, but to Brauncetour at his apprehension in Paris, and to Trogmorton at St Daves, that would have brought me a present of wine from Pole: which processes, I doubt not but it is well in your Lordships remembrance.

  I had forgot in this place a light fellow, a gunner, that was an Englishman, and came out of Ireland with an Irish traitor, called James; I have forgot his other name and doubt in that also. He could scarce speak English, and drunken he was; and on a day I rebuked him out of my house; and he sought to advertise me of that James’ coming again; but the thing was of no value, and I neglected them.

  And there was also a fool, an Irishman, that was lame, maimed in the Emperor’s wars; and there took him by the name of Bosarossa, because he ware a red rose in his breast: but there was no substance of those things. But if they require any further, I am ready to say to it; though it be to none effect. Writing I never received none of any there, being known a traitor, or being suspect of treason: or none afterwards proved a traitor, other than followeth.

  Of the Earl of Essex (being then as the King’s chief Councillor, and after declared a traitor of Pagett) a letter, being inclosed within a letter of the Earl of Essex, directing another letter with the same to Brauncetour. Pate’s letters I sent to the Earl of Essex, Brauncetour not yet known for a traitor. Of Leze, a letter or two, he being in Italy. Whereunto I answered him in substance, exhorting him to come and see Spain, and return into England with me: he then not being suspected of any offence, to my knowledge.

  Of Brauncetour two or three letters (he being at Tour de Himmes in Castille, and I at Barcelona) concerning my money of the bank. This was twelve months before he was discovered for a traitor. Other letters or writings, such as above, I never remember that any came to my hands, or through my hands unopened, but of the Priest that was my Lord Lyster’s chaplain; which I opened, and after brought them the King.

  Communing with any declared or known then to me a traitor or rebel, with sending of message, recommendations, advertisements, favourable tokens, or writings, or any such matter, let it be proved and impute it to me for treason. Nor I say not that, for that I have done it so secretly that it cannot be proved, but, as God judge me, I am clear of thought. Receiving, I am as clear as sending. God knoweth what restless torment it hath been to me since my hither coming, to examine myself, perusing all my deeds to my remembrance, whereby a malicious enemy might take advantage by evil interpretation. But, as I complained before to your Lordships, it had grieved me the suspect I have been in, being in Spain, that it was noised that I was run away to the Bishop of Rome, had not the King’s Majesty had so good opinion of me that, as I know, at my coming home they were punished that had sown that noise on me.

  And further, by examination of Mason; the which thing, with that you name the towns Nice and Villa Franca,
reneweth the suspect thereof. Whereof the substance and truth of that I passed there, to my remembrance I shall declare sincerely.

  At the Emperor’s arrival at Villa Franca (which is about one mile from Nice, and where is a boat for galleys) to my galley came a servant from the Bishop of London that now is, and Dr Haynes, advertising me of their being at Nice. I went with my boat without delay to them; and, to be short, I gat them [lodging] at Villa Franca, right over against my own, as good as the time and place would suffer. For though they were better lodged at Nice, yet methought that Court being full of the Court of Rome, it was scant sure nor convenient, nor so meet for our communication. The execucution thereof needs not here to be comprehended: it was then advertised of And besides, I suppose it be not the intent of this declaration. I, as God judge me, like as I was continually imagining, and compassing what way I might do best service; so rested I not day nor night to hunt out for knowledge of those things. I trotted continually up and down that hell through heat and stink, from counsellor to ambassador, from one friend to another; but the things then were either so secretly handled, or yet not in coverture, that I, with all mine acquaintance, and much less they my colleagues for any policy or industry that I saw them use, could not get any knowledge. Methought (an Emperor, a French King, and Bishop of Rome being so assembled, pretending an union of all the world, to be treated by the hands of my Master’s mortal enemy, I being present, neither having knowledge of anything, nor thilk advertisement from hence) that I should leave no stone unmoved to get some intelligence; although, peradventure my colleagues thought that little to be their charge, but only to convert the Emperor by their learning.

  Upon this it chanced that upon a day there was no person at dinner “ith us but we three, and Mason; and, the servants being from the board, (whether they were gone for meat, or whether I bade them go down, I remember not) I rehearsed the [case], care I had for lack of knowledge, and the necessity, and demanded their opinion, “What if Mason should insinuate himself dissembling with Pole, to suck something worthy of knowledge in these great matters.” They both thought it good, and Mason was content to essay it when he should see time and occasion. The certain time how long I tarried after, or how long I was there in all, on my truth I remember not; but I think I was not there twelve days in all afore anything done in this matter. To my knowledge, my overture for my coming to the King was made unto me; wherein I had not so much respect to the offers that were made, as to the promise and the assurance that both the Emperor, Grandvela, and Cavas made me, that nothing neither with Bishop or King should be treated and concluded till I came again, if I came in fifteen or sixteen days, or that the King did send resolution upon these affairs. This, methought, was so gladsome unto me to win to the King, he being unbound and at liberty so many days (with my posting only and pain in so high matters), that all my policy of knowledge and intelligence was clean forgotten with me. Methought I had enough. The resolution upon these affairs your Lordships knoweth; and the success after sheweth what was meant then. The day passed; and [before] my return (although I solicited earnestly my dispatch) the appointment [was] concluded, and these Princes departed.

  Touching this device of Mason with Pole, this is all that soundeth in any case to my fact. And let it be proved that ever by Mason, or any other, I sent him word, advertisement, or put word or order in his mouth what he should say or do, other than I have declared, and let it be imputed treason unto me.

  The like unto this I used after at Toledo, where I used Mr Foleman’s brother and another merchant that had been spoiled, to seek means to enter into Pole’s lodging, and to spy who resorted thither, and what they could learn; whereby I discovered Brauncetour’s treason, not only resorting to Pole, but plainly exhorting them to forsake the King and follow Pole, whereof I advertised: and by that also I knew of Grandvela’s being there secretly with him; upon which I got of Grandvela further knowledge of Pole’s suits and demands. This I did without consultation, for I had no colleague with me. But at Paris, about the apprehension of Brauncetour, I used Welden and Swerder, and that with participation of both Mr Tate and the Bishop of London, to be spies over Brauncetour, and to put themselves into company, whereby I ever knew where he became, till the hour came that he was apprehended, Welden being in the chamber with him. Our Lord defend these men, that the thing that was both meant and done in the King’s service, should be prejudiced by suspect in this behalf.

  But to return to the matter of Mason. I met with the Emperor upon the sea afore Marseilles, coming in a boat from Aquas-Mortes, both in hazard of the Moors and naughty weather, because I would prevent the Emperor and the French King’s meeting, which should be at Aquas-Mortes. But I came too late to break anything. Now, had the Emperor been at Genes, and there had Mason gotten occasion to enter with Pole; and he told me that he could suck nothing out of him, for that he seemed to suspect him. At Venice was I never. Whilst this was done was I yet in England; and Mason told me that he had written to me and the Earl of Essex what he had done, which letters never came to my hands, nor almost a year after to the Earl of Essex’s hands, as the same Earl told me at my coming home: and further told me how honestly Mason had declared himself, and how well the King took it, and how good lord he was to him. And further declared unto me the chance, that though the letters that Mason wrote to him came not yet then to his hands, that in searching Mason’s papers, the minute thereof was found; and after how the letter self came to his hands, adding thereunto these words, “They meant at Mason, but they shot at the Wyatt.” And I remember well the answer I made was, “They strake at me, but they hurt me not; therefore, I pray God forgive them, but i-beshrew their hearts for their meaning.” Mason of this all the while never wrote unto me into Spain, but that he was detained with a quartan; but I knew by Grandvela that he was detained by examination, wherein I was suspect; and further particular I could nothing of him. And after, as it may appear by my letters, I solicited my coming home for my declaration. If these be the matters that may bring me into suspect, me seemeth, if I be not blinded by mine cause, that the credit that an Ambassador hath, or ought to have, might well discharge as great stretches as these. If in these matters I have presumed to be trusty more than I was trusted, surely the zeal of the King’s service drove me to it. And I have been always of opinion, that the King’s Majesty either should send for Ambassadors such as he trusteth, or trust such as he sendeth. But all ye, my good Lords, and masters of the Council, that hath, and shall in like case serve the King, for Christ’s charity weigh in this mine innocence, as you would be deemed in your first days, when you have [had] charge without experience. For if it be not by practice and means that an Ambassador should have and come to secrets, a Prince were as good send naked letters, and to receive naked letters, as to be at charge for residencers. And if a man should be driven to be so scrupulous to do nothing without warrant, many occasions of good service should scape him.

  Touching the Bishop of London and Haynes’ calumning in this matter, when it shall please your Lordships to examine me, I shall sincerely declare unto you the malice that hath moved them; and if I might be examiner in my own cause, I know they cannot avoid their untruth in denial of their consent in this cause of Mason.

  I beseech you humbly be my good Lords, and let not my life wear away here, that might peradventure be better spent in some days deed for the King’s service. Our Lord put in your hearts to do with me as I have deserved toward the King’s Majesty.

  The King’s true, faithful subject and servant, and humble orator, —

  T. WYATT.

  SIR THOMAS WYATT’S DEFENCE, AFTER THE INDICTMENT AND EVIDENCE.

  My LORDS, — If it were here the law, as hath been in some commonwealths, that in all accusations the defendant should have double the time to say and defend, that the accusers have in making their accusements; and that the defendant might detain unto him counsel, as in France, or where the Civil Law is used; then might I well spare some of my leisure to move your Lordships�
� hearts to be favourable unto me; then might I by counsel help my truth, which by mine own wit I am not able against such a prepared thing. But inasmuch as that time, that your Lordships will favourably give me without interruption, I must spend to instruct without help of counsel their consciences, that must pronounce upon me; I beseech you only (at the reverence of God, whose place in judgment you occupy under the King’s Majesty, and whom you ought to have, where you are, before your eyes) that you be not both my judges and my accusers, that is to say, that you aggravate not my cause unto the quest, but that alone unto their requests or unto mine, which I suppose to be both ignorant in the law, ye interpret law sincerely. For although it be these men that must pronounce upon me: yet I know right well what a small word may, of any of your mouths that sit in your place, to these men that seeketh light at your hands. This done, with your Lordships’ leaves, I shall convert my tale unto those men.