Letters & Papers: 1540 Volume 15 Date: 17 February 1540 No. 222 Title:Norfolk to Henry VIII
17 Feb. [1540] 222. Norfolk to Henry VIII.
Came to Abbeville on Sunday at noon, and on his arrival sent Hammes poursuivant to the Constable, to know when Francis would receive him, who had come to this town the night before. Spent the rest of the day reading his instructions with my lord of London and learning news of this Court.
Hammes returned about three in the morning and brought word that Francis would have him come hither yesterday as he meant to depart that same day. Was conducted to his lodging by “Loys Mons. de Nevers” and Mons. de Humyeres, where the Cardinal of Lorraine's bed was set up for him. Sent a message by De Humyeres to Francis, who had ridden with the Queen and ladies to hunt within the toyle, that he had secret matters to communicate and that, as he did not hear or understand the language well, he would like a private interview, with the bp. of London present. De Humyeres brought him word that the King would see him after supper, and said that, for Norfolk's sake, he thought he would not object to my lord of London's presence, but advised the Duke rather to declare his charge alone, as the other was not acceptable and he wished he had never come hither.
Before supper, Castillon came to him and said he wished Norfolk had been here two months ago, saying my lord of London had done more good to the Emperor's affairs than he himself and all his agents here, but he doubted not Norfolk's coming would amend many things. Believes, notwithstanding the ill will shown him, my said lord serves Henry well “and doth live here of an high and costly sort, being a true, honest man to your Majesty.” After he had supped, De Humyeres returned and said the King was at supper, but Norfolk should have warning to go to him after. Meanwhile he conversed with him familiarly, searching what hope they had of Milan. De Humyeres said if they had it not France and the Emperor would not long be friends, but they would know at the going of the Constable and Cardinal of Lorraine into Flanders when the king of Romans arrived there.
He knew nothing of a project of marrying Orleans to the Emperor's daughter, and asked, smiling, if lady Mary were affianced to duke Philip, which Norfolk denied. Talked also of Gueldres, which he said the Emperor was intent on having and would allow no arbitration. Found the King in his bedchamber with the Dauphin, Orleans, the Cardinal of Lorraine, the Constable, Villandry, and one varlet of Chamber. He asked very affectuously how Henry did, and Norfolk declared part of his instructions. He protested he fully reciprocated Henry's love, but when Norfolk spoke of the Emperor's words to Wyat concerning the partitions of his dominions, perceived he altered something in gesture, looking very earnestly at him. Norfolk said he might see the Emperor tried to create suspicion between him and his best friends and that he would keep Milan as long as he might.
Francis told him that he would trust as he should see cause and begged him to put the Emperor's words concerning ingratitude in French, that he might give Henry such advice in answering thereto as he would wish him to do to himself in like case. Thinks by his countenance he was tint pleased with the Emperor's words, and Norfolk said he and all kings ought to be on their guard against the Emperor's ambition. Francis afterwards retired to a cupboard, where he probably discussed what Norfolk had said with the Constable; for my lord of London, standing by while the Duke talked merrily with the Dauphin, the duke of Orleans and cardinal of Lorraine, marked their countenance and heard part of their words, in which the Constable expressed surprise at some things Norfolk had said to the King.
Francis then returned to the Duke and said he would go this day to Serkay (Serque), and on Wednesday to Hesdin, “where he said I had made scant lodging, meaning by the burning of the same.” He would be at Abbeville on Friday or Saturday next, and left it to me to remain at Urlaunce or come hither before, as I have done. Took leave of the Queen and ladies, and was glad to ride thence without being desired to deliver in French the Emperor's words concerning ingratitude, which the Constable might have reported to the Emperor before Francis had declared how he would advise Henry to answer them. Cannot too much praise the entertainment here. Written most part at Dorlans and the rest here at Abbeville, 17 Feb., midnight. Signed. In Honnyng's hand. Add. Endd.
