Letters & Papers: Volume 4 Date: 2 June 1525 No. 1379 Title:TUNSTAL, WINGFIELD and SAMPSON to [WOLSEY]. [Liar,Ribald, Child,Traitor,the king had other things to do with his money ]
2 June 1525 1379. TUNSTAL, WINGFIELD and SAMPSON to [WOLSEY].
Think it necessary to write these letters apart in consequence of the reports they have heard. After delivering the King's and Queen's letters, delivered Wolsey's. The Emperor, having read them, said that some words were very good, but he marvelled at Wolsey's demeanor to him, considering his amity with the King, instancing the strange words used to Bevers and the other ambassadors. After receiving the last letters from England, he immediately sent Lallemand with them to Sampson, to whom he showed those articles, and the same night sent a copy of two of them, which are here enclosed.
The effect of the third article was about the aspiring of the Emperor to the monarchy, and the intended prevention of it by the King. He says also that Wolsey has called him a liar, lady Margaret a ribald, Don Fernando a child, and Bourbon a traitor. (fn. 5) This report was brought by Beaurain, now called De Rieux, who said that at his last being in England, when he asked the King for 200,000 ducats for Bourbon's entry into Burgundy, after the presence of the French king in Italy, Wolsey answered that the King had other things to do with his money than spend it for the pleasure of four such persons,—using the above words. The Emperor confessed that he had not observed some points in the treaties, not from want of will, but extreme need, for which his friends should not accuse him of unfaithfulness. His other words also show that he has had grievous reports about Wolsey, and thinks his demeanor very strange.
Answered that he might be sure Wolsey's purpose always has been and will be as much to the honour of his Majesty as that of any of his own Council. Assured him they had often heard Wolsey, before many people, to ambassadors and in secret council, speak of the singular virtues of his Majesty, as much to his honour as could be devised; and they knew he spoke it with a faithful mind, for they had never heard the contrary, though they were present at every council when in England; but if such words passed privily between the Cardinal and the ambassadors, they were sure they were not spoken as reported, or else they were not reported as Wolsey's intent was. Said they thought the ambassadors had reported much of the worst, or more than it is, and very little of the good. Sampson had given much of this answer before, and they confirmed it, and added what they thought fit.
The Emperor twice repeated that he should know if the reports were true by the deeds which followed; and he said that Wolsey must either have spoken what he thought, which he could not believe, as he had given no such cause, or hoped to bring him to his purpose by threats, which was not the way to lead him; or else Wolsey spoke in anger, which he most believed, because he has known him in like passions; and if he thought himself as blameworthy as Wolsey reported, he should be more angry.
As De Rieux has been in Italy with Francis, and has perhaps told these words to Bourbon, think that, lest he should conceive any ill will, it would be well done "to have a good aweyte to the intent to redubbe it in tym iff nede schal be," seeing Bourbon will marry the Emperor's sister, and has such a good mind to serve the King. Have only furnished the bearer, Ric. Odall, with his costs, so that his expences must be paid if he is sent back.
(In Tunstal's hand.) Asks Wolsey to send some gentleman to take Sampson's place, as he wishes to return, and advises his being sent before Sampson leaves, that he may be the better acquainted with the King's affairs. Toledo, 2 June. Signed.
The preceding part of the letter in Sampson's hand.
