The history of the reigns of Henry the Seventh, Henry the Eighth, Edward the Sixth, and Queen Mary the first written by the Right Honourable Francis Lord Verulam, Viscount St. Alban ; the other three by the Right Honourable and Right Reverend Father in God, Francis Godwyn, Lord Bishop of Hereford.

ANNO DOM. 1527. REG. 19.

THe sixth of May, Rome was taken and sacked by the Imperials [ 1527] under the conduct of the Duke of Bourbon, who was himself slain in the assault marching in the head of his Troops. The Pope, Cardinals, Ambassadors of Princes, and other Nobles hardly escaping into the Castle of St. Angelo, were there for some days besieged. At length, despairing of succours, and victuals failing, the Pope, for fear he should fall into the hands of the Lansquenets for the most part seasoned with Luther's Doctrine, and therefore passionate enemies to the See of Rome, agreeth with the Prince of Auranges (after the death of the Duke of Bourbon chosen General by the Army) yielding himself and the Cardinals to him, who kept them close Prisoners in the Castle. Rome was now subject to all kind of cruelty, and insolencies usual to a conquered City intended for destruction. Beside Slaughter, Spoil, Rapes, Ruine, the Pope and Cardinals were the sport and mockery of the licentious multitude. Henry pretended much grief at this news; but was inwardly glad that such an occasion was offered, whereby he might oblige Clement in all likelihood (as he had just cause) offended with the Emperour for this so insolent and harsh proceeding. Whereupon he dispatcheth Wolsey into France, who should intimate to the King, his perpetual Ally, what a scandal it was to all Christendom, that the Head of it should be oppressed with Captivity, a thing which did more especially concern Francis his affairs. The Cardinal set forth from London about the begin∣ning of July, accompanied with nine hundred Horse, among which were many Nobles; the Archbishop of Dublin, the Bishop of Lon∣don, the Earl of Derby, the Lords Sands, Montegle, and Harendon, besides many Knights and Gentlemen. Wolsey found the French

King at Amiens, where it is agreed, that at the common charge [ 1527] of both Princes, War shall be maintained in Italy to set the Pope at liberty, and to restore him to the possessions of the Church, Henry contributing for his part thirty thousand Pounds sterling a month. Upon the return of the Cardinal, Francis sent into England Montmorency Lord Steward and Mareschal of France, for the confirmation of this League, and to invest the King with the Order of St. Michael. He arrived in England about the middle of October, accompanied with John Bellay Bishop of Bayeux (after∣ward Cardinal) the Lord of Brion, and among others Martin Bellay the Writer of the French History, who in this manner describes the passages of this Embassage: Montmorency arriving at Dover was honourably received by many Bishops and Gentlemen sent by the King, who brought him to London, where he was met by twelve hundred Horse, who conducted him to his lodging in the Bishop of Lon∣don's Palace. Two days after, he went by water to Greenwich four miles beneath London, where the King oft resideth. There he was very sumptuously entertained by the King and the Cardinal of York. Having had Audience, the Cardinal having often accompanied him at London and Greenwich, brought him to a house which he had built a little before, ten miles above London, seated upon the banks of Thames, called Hampton Court. (The Cardinal gave it afterward to the King, and it is this day one of the King's chiefest houses.) The Ambassador with all his Attendants was there feasted by him four or five days together. The Chambers had hangings of wonderful value, and every place did glitter with innumerable vessels of Gold and Silver. There were two hundred and fourscore Beds, the furniture to most of them being Silk, and all for the entertainment of Strangers only. Re∣turning to London, we were on St. Martin's day invited by the King to Greenwich to a Banquet the most sumptuous that ever I beheld, whether you consider the Dishes, or the Masques and Plays, wherein the Lady Mary the King's Daughter acted a part. To conclude, the King and Montmorency having taken the Sacrament together, the King for himself, Montmorency in the behalf of Francis swore the observation of the League. The King bestowed great gifts on every one, and dismissed Montmorency, who left the Bishop of Bayeux Leiger for his King, to endeavour the continuance of the amity begun between these Princes.

Shortly after were sent into France Sir Thomas Bolen Viscount Rochfort, and Sir Anthony Brown Knight, who together with John Clerre Bishop of Bath and Wells, Leiger in France, should take the French King's Oath, not to violate the late League in any part, and to present him with the Order of the Garter.

We had now made France ours. Nothing remained, but to let the Emperour know the effects of the late Confederacy. To this end Sir Francis Pointz and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 King at Arms are dis∣patched away to the Emperour, to demand the molety of the

booty gotten in the Battel of Pavy, and the Duke of Orleans (one [ 1527] of the French King's Sons left Hostage for his Father) to be deli∣vered to Henry, who had born a share in the charges of that War, and therefore expected to partake in the gains: To command him to draw his Army out of Italy, and not to disturb the peace of Christendom by molesting Christ's Vicar. This if he refused to do (neither was there expectation of any thing else) they should forthwith defie him. They execute their Commission, and per∣ceiving nothing to be obtained, Clarencieux and a certain French Herald being admitted to the Emperour's presence, do in the names of both King's proclaim War against him. Charles ac∣cepts it chearfully. But the Ambassadors of France, Venice, and Florence craving leave to depart, are committed to safe custody, until it be known what is become of his Ambassadors with these Estates. The report hereof flies into England, and withal, that Sir Francis Pointz and Clarencieux were committed with the rest. Whereupon the Emperour's Ambassador is detained until the truth be known, as it shortly was by the safe return of them both. But Sir Francis Pointz about the beginning of the next Summer died suddenly in the Court, being infected with the Sweating Sickness. The same happening to divers other Courtiers, and the infection spreading it self over London, the Term was adjour∣ned, and the King fain to keep a running Court. But these were the accidents of the ensuing year.

Notes

• Rome sacked.
• Montmorency Ambassador from France.
• War proclaimed against the Emperour.