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
hither from the States of the united Provinces The Prince Palatines Ambassador the Baron of Donowe at that time likewise imployed hither was seated as a domestique but not without consideration of avoyding question uppermost above all the Lords on the fourme usually placed for them 1619 The Count de Tillieurs sent to reside here Ambassador Ordinary from the French King in succession of Monsieur de Maretz though after almost an yeare and an halfes intermission of that charge came towards his first Audience of his Majesty then at Windsor the fifteenth of September and was met at Staines by the Earle of Kelley Groome of the Stoole to his Majesty sent thither to receive and conduct him the Lord North having been the Evening before appointed by the Lord Chamberlain for that service but countermanded the next morning upon maturer consideration of the fitnesse to send to meete him a person of a more eminent place and title then a Baron with the Lord Kelley went in his Majesties Coach my selfe and five Gentlemen of the privy Chamber he had Audience given him in the Presence or privy Chamber one there serving both turnes where having in a gracefull fashion made his approach with three reverences and passed a breife Complement called to his Secretary for his Letters of credence and presented them Which whilst the King was reading he turned towards the Prince then present and passed with him a short Complement which some judicious standers by censured for unseasonable having not yet finished the purpose he had in hand with the King affirming his carriage had been better onely to have bowed to the Prince after he had presented his first respects to his Majesty and not to have spoaken to the Prince till he had fully ended what he had to say to the King After his Majesty had invited him to cover he obeyed but uncovered immediatly holding his hat all the time after except one little instant in his hand that night he returned to Staines with the Lord Kellies conduct who went immediately back to Windsor and the Ambassador the next morning to London The day of the French Ambassadors Audience at Windsor came thither one of the young Dukes of Halstein cozen Germane to the deceased Queen Ann who sending for me to his Lodging desired my assistance for his private accesse to the King He having been here at another time before with his Majesty and that he might have the honour to hunt with him the next morning without further noise or trouble of Ceremony For this I repaired to the Lord Chamberlain and craving his advice and directions had for answer that in regard the Duke came privatly and desired but a private accesse he wished me to addresse my selfe to one of the Gentlemen of the Bedd-Chamber and particularly to the Marquesse of Buckingham that the King might be acquainted with his desires So speaking that night late both with his Lordship and his Majesty I had for answer that the next morning at seven of the Clock his Majesty would be glad of his sight and of his Company in hunting At the houre assigned he and I with him entring the Kings withdrawing Roome while his Majesty was booting himselfe he there received his wellcome and waiting on his Majesty to his Coach he was admitted to sit by him After taking Horse with his Majesty in the Parke he road and I with him the death of a leash of Bucks returning after in Coach with his Majesty to Windsore he went the next day to London A seavennight after his Excellency had my company to his Majesty at Wansted and that night back to London The Count Guido Son to the Marquesse de Villa or as some others stilled him de Sillana who had been here Extraordinary about six yeares before was sent hither Extraordinary from the Duke of Savoy to condole the death of Queen Ann dead halfe a yeare before when our Blacks had been already laid by by which those that he and his followers wore were made the more unsuitable He had his Audience in the Presence at White-Hall More solito brought to it by the Earle And the Sunday following was accompanied to his second and last Audience and to dine with his Majesty at Theobalds He sate with the King in the privy Chamber there at the lower end of the Table the Ordinary Ambassador Gabellione sitting at the side opposite to the King neere the end About the midst of dinner his Majesty dranke the Dukes health bare headed and standing till they both had pledged it After this the Count Guido dranke the Kings health to his Collegue having first demanded leave for it of his Majesty Three or four men of Tille as Count Tispoti and _____ which to do him honour had accompanied him hither dined in the Councell Chamber accompanied by the Duke of Lenox the Earle of Leicester Sir Thomas Edmonds Treasurer of his Majesties Household and other Gentlemen The Baron of Denow eimployed to his Majestie from the Prince Palatine soone after the Crown and title of King of Bohemia was conferred on him by the Election of those States had had after his Arrivall here two or three private Audiences without publique notice or stile of King given him by his Majesty He was afterwards appointed to follow the King to Newmarket whither he came the 27. of January with no other company or attendance but Master Williams Agent here for the affaires of that King or rather for the Queen our Kings only Sister and his own few followers Sir Lewes then remaining at London and expecting the Arrivall of a Spanish Ambassador Don Diego Sarmiento new made Conde de Gondemar some occasions at the same time having drawn me to Newmarket I received there the Lord Chamberlaines Command to do the Ambassador the service of my place so I waited on him to his first Audience there the thirtieth of January when my Lord Marquess of Buckingham the Earl of Montgomery the Lords Viscounts of Purbeck and Doncaster the Lord Gray and divers others of his Majesties better sort of Servants did him the honour on foot to come to his Inn his Majesties Coach walking by accompany him thence on foot to the Court where his Majestie receiving him in the withdrawing Chamber rook him instantly with him into his Inner Lodgings whence after an hour and an halfes conference he was reconducted by all the Lords mentioned on foot as before to his Lodging From that time he had his accesses to Court and to his Majesties Presence as a Domestique without Ceremony and this by the Kings own Signification of his Pleasure to me to that purpose From Newmerket he went along with his Majesty to Royston Theobalds London and with my continuall Attendance Towards the end of February Monfieur Reuinch Hauson Ambassador from the Princes of the Union of Germany came to the King at Theobalds conducted thither by Sir Lewes Lewkner only at his own particular request for avoidance of noyse and
the Queene kissed her hand saluted the Prince and turning to the Princesse who was observed till then not to cast the least looke towards him he stooped to touch the lowest part of her Garment when with her hand staying his he received a kisse from her Highnesse and soon after they all retyred to the privy Lodgings The next day he spent in visiting the King Queene Prince and Duke of Yorke and twice the Princesse once in the afternoone at her owne Lodging in State and once after Supper with lesse ceremony His Traine consisted of a number not so great as Gallant most of them being much better fashioned and better cloathed then Germany usually sends them forth There were of them eight Counts besides Count Henry of Nassaw about six and thirty Gentlemen and of the rest about an hundred and fifty The place appointed for his most usuall abode was Essex House neer Temple Barr but he had other Lodgings assigned him for his owne Person as he should have occasion to use them for his owne private retraite at White Hall with the King and with the Prince 〈◊〉 Saint Jameses The thirteenth of February following I was sent by the Lord Chamberlaine Earle of Suffolke from his Majesty to the Arch-Dukes Ambassador Monsiuer de Boiscot with this formall invitation to the Marriage of the Princesse That his Majesty who desireth to perform all things with conveniency having invited the French Ambassador and the Venetian to assist at the first dayes solemnity requested him to honour the second or third dayes either Dinner or Supper or both with his presence After some time of pause his first question was with a troubled countenance whether the Spanish Ambassador were invited I answered answerable to my Instructions in case of such demand that hee was sick and could not be there he was yesterday quoth he so well as that the offer might have very well been made him and perhaps accepted To this I replyed That his Majestie having observed that the French and Venetian Ambassadors holding between them one course of correspondence and the Spanish and Arch-Dukes another their Invitations had been usually joynt This he denyed saying The French had been fun dry times invited to Masques c. and not the Venetian the Venetian and not the French the Spaniard the like but He the Arch-Dukes Ambassador never That for his owne particular person as hee was Boiscot he should think himselfe honoured to be called by his Majesty upon any termes were it to serve up a Dish to the Princesses Table but as he was the Representant of so great a Prince as the Arch-Dukes one who would never allow he sayd so much as a question or thought of Competition betweene him a Monarchall Soveraigne and a meane Republique governed by a sort of Burghers who had but an handfull of Territory in comparison of his Master and as would be averred he sayd by ancient proofes had ever yeilded precedence to the Arch-Dukes Predecessors when they were but Dukes of Burgundie hee could not be present at that Solemnity That further hee knew not wherein he had deserved so ill of his Majesty as not to have received from him any countenance or favour in all the time of his residing here and the Venetian as he himselfe had bragged many that for these and the like considerations he would never be received to a second place or day after one that should have the first bestowed on him so unworthily In conclusion he desired That though this was and should be his peremptory answer I would from him request the Lord Chamberlaine that that might be allowed him for consideration and that the next morning he would by his owne Servant send his more direct resolution which he accordingly did in writing seene to few more then to his Majesty and the Lord Chamberlaine to the former purpose thus That he had ever yet had the honour to have been invited by his Majesty that the Invitation hee now had was in a second place to one who was farr from all colour of reason to precede him that his Majesty had herein expressed his affection that he was sorry he could not be there c. This written signification redemanded and taken back after it was read by his Servant having beene made the Saturday the Sundayes and Mundayes feasting jollity and gallantry stilld all further noyse of it till on Tuesday I was commanded to carry him a written Declaration in French as followeth SA Majesté 's estant apperceūe que l'Ambassadeur des serenissimes Archiducs á pris ombrage de ce qu'il n'auoit esté conuié auz solemnitez de Madame Fille vnique de sa Majestè et du tres illustre Prince l'Electeur Palatin au Dimenche jour de noces l'ayant este l'Ambassadeur de la serenissime Republique de Venice conuié pour ce jour lá á trouué bon que le dit sieur Ambassadeur et les Princes auxquels il sert entendissent qu'en cela sa Majesté n'a voulu rien faire qui fist preiudice aux pretensions de l'un ou de l'autre de leur Princes ou Estats comm ' en toutes procedures depuis son aduenement a ceste couronne il'à decliné se porter Juge de leur competition en cest ' endroit ains de laisser un chacun entier en ce que luy appartient traictant tous en general comme ses Amis Or quant an fait present touchant l'Ambassadeur de Venise sa Majesté fait scauoir an dit Ambassadeur des Archiducs qu'ayant le dit Ambassadeur de Venise quatorze où quinze jours auant le iour des Noces fait entendre a sa Majesté qu'il auoit ordre de par la dicte Republique de congratuler aux dictes Noces qu' il desiroit faire cest ' office le jour mesme d'icelles d'autant que pour donner meilleure grace et manifestation plus ouuerte que porte la dicte Republique a sa Majesté on luy auoit ordonné frayspour la pompe et liuréesases gens aux despens publics honneur que sa Majesté n'anoit receu de nul autre Prince et qui est bien extraordinarie et plus de constume entre les Princes sa Majesté auoit toute raison de rendre a la dicte Republique la pareille de l'honneur qui par demonstration si signalée elle luy fairoit Ajouste aussy ne que s'j trouuant l'Ambassadeur d'Espagne en estat de l'assister le dit premier iour et estant incertain a sa Majesté s' il ne s' y pouuoit trouuer quelque autre iour des solemnitez sa Majesté trouuiot bon selon sa coustume de ioindre le dit Ambassadeur de Venise a celuy du Roy tres-Chrestien qui auoit esté conuié pour le mesme jour selon la fason que sa Majesté á tousjours tenue d'accouplir les Ambassadeurs de France de
Coaches besides the Kings for himself his Nephew my self and his two Interpreters and descending at the Garden gate he was at the entrance of the open Roome at the foot of the back Privy Staires received by my Lord Wentworth and by him conducted up to the Roome at the end of the Kings Privy Gallery and there took leave reconducted by the same Lord to his Station where meeting by chance with my Lord Cavendish and upon my motion saluted by him I made use of that civility so farre as to tell the Ambassador that that Lord being at the foot of the Staires when he went up and his Interpreters gone up before he could not acquaint him with the cause of his incounter there which was I said by command of his Majesty This officious lye I made least the Ambassador might have expected and found himself disappointed of a second Nobleman of precedent ranke to my Lord Wentworth to receive him according to the former Style of reception of those Russians first and last Audience and as I had the day before written to my Lord Chamlaine that it had been and would be required but his Lordship mistaking it being only an honour he thought proper for his dining with the King and for his first Audience and no other it had been without this devise omitted but this made use of it was by him very thankfully accepted Two or three dayes after he was feasted at his own House as he himself though another place were offered desired by the Merchants of the Muscovy Company whereof Alderman Freeman was Governor with whom with the rest and best of that Company dined my selfe and two or three other Gentlemen that I was intreated to bring with me Dinner being ended and the Table uncovered the Health to his Emperor was begun and pledged round then our Kings the Emperors Father the Patriark then the Princes his own and others Vsque ad ebrietatem after all the Company by their servants brought in their Present to himself viz. a gilded red Bowle a peece of fine skarlet wrapt in Taffaty to make him a Gowne and three other peeces of fine cloath of different colours This delivered there came in other Presents a gilded Bowle and a peece of fine cloath to his Nephew and to each of the Interpreters and a peece of cloath for his Porcest after those to each of his servants a pecce of cloth so all more merrily then soberly parted Three or four dayes after the Merchants requested me to deliver him his Present of Plate in the Kings and Princes names though provided at their charge I received it at Alderman Freemans House neer the Exchange being gilt Bowles of severall sizes only one Bason and Ewer parcell gilt and for distinction of the Kings Present from the Princes by my advice they tied a peece of red silke Ribbin to every parcell of that and a peece of white to this the number of his Majesties peeces being fifteene and of the Princes eight With these bestowed in two Hampers carried by two Porters I went that they might not be suspected if met by any of his Followers to come from elsewhere then the Court and from the King first down to Queen Hithe and the up to the Ambassadors at Saint Thomas Apostles Brought to his House I caused my man after I had finished my feighned complement in name of Majesty and of his Highness to range the Plate orderly each portion by it self on a Table that done the Ambassador with a formall Oration of thanks took one of the Kings Bowles and one of the Princes and drank their Healths in each inviting me the next day to Dinner that he migh he said express his thankfulnese which suddenly at that instant he could not for all my pains The Present he made me the next day and which after Dinner was solemly brought into the Roome by sixe severall men and carried before them consisted of two paire of rich Sables a lining for a Gowne of Sables Bellies a lining for a Iub of white and yellow Fox Bellies a Cup of silver gilded worth five or six pound and a Turkey Bow and two Arrowes worth altogether about thirty pounds The Duke de Soubise refuged hether from France upon miscarriage of some undertakings of his there 30 l. And Merchant 50 l. had an Audience of the King at Greenwich June the fifteenth and the next day one of the Prince given him by his Highnesse in the upper Garden Walkes where he entertained him in discourse above an houre with much respects from his Highnesse to whom he was at his Christning in Scotland a God-Father A day or two after the Russian Ambassador had received his Present he sent to me one of his Interpreters with the request that I would let the Lords know how the fifty pound sent him for his Provisions by Sea was all laid out and that I would intreat their Lordships in his behalfe for some addition Further that whereas in Lent he had forborne to take the first fasting week his Allowance of fish that he might as he had formerly he said requested have an allowance in money equivalent for it Also that their Lordships would be pleased before his departure to order some course about a woman that had deceaved him upon account of worke done for him of 18 l. To these requests the Merchants to whom I repaired for satisfaction the businesse being unfit for the Lords notice intreated me to returne these answers in the name of the Lords as I did That his Lordship the Ambassador might if he had pleased have received his provisions in specie as his Predecessors had done at other times which would have taken away all Subject of further question but since he would have money and himselfe therewith provide Victualls they had sent him 50 l. which for the proportion of his revenew exceeded all former Presidents That they could not exceed that summ if they would prevent future inconveniences from such Presidents but for his want of a weekes allowance their Lordships had appointed the Merchants to let him have 10 l. more and for the Woman that had deceaved him he must be righted by the Ordinary course of Law which if he would leave behind him a Letter of Attorney to prosecute in his absence they would give it their countenance and order for the just dispatch of it These answers returned as if I had received them from the Lords he made little reply to not without shews of insatisfaction onely the money which I delivered to his Interpreter he not unwillingly accepted In the interim of carrying the Present to this Ambassador and his demands mentioned Seignior Valeresso Ambassador Ordinary from Venice in place of Seignior Landi arrived at London fetcht from Gravesend by the Master of the Ceremonies on Fryday the seaventeenth of June and on Munday following had his first Audience at Greenwich conducted to it by Land by the Lord Cavendish Son to the Earle of
William Crosts one of his Highness Gentlemen and such as must necessarily attend the service being allowed Entrance The wind comming faire of Oct. His Highness parted from Saint Andrews and the fifth of October having in the mean time touched at Silley and passed some foule weather he came before Portsmouth where he and the Duke of Buckingham immediatly landed The Ambassador Mendoza held it his duty immediatly to follow them so went on shoare and I with him though somewhat over-late that he might there personally congratulate his Highness safe Arrivall when his Highness in his haste to Court rode out at one gate before we could land and enter the other There lodging the Ambassador by the Mayors Billetting we passed three nights before we could be provided in that troublesome time of so many mens landing with Coaches Carts and Horses for his proceeding to London To which purpose sending a Warrant which I had before proviseonally gotten at Sea with the Duke of Buckinghams hand to it to Sir Daniell Norton a Justice of Peace in Hampshire he sent in three Carts whereof we imployed but two and sufficient number of Sadle Horses and his own Coach and four Horses with which and with the Prince his left purposely by his Highnesse for that Service we set forward to London the eighteenth of October went that night to Petersfield twelve miles and the next day to Gilfford twenty miles where the Ambassador being met halfe a mile from the Towne by one of the Viscountess of Annundales Gentlemen her Lord waiting then on the King in his place of Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber with an Invitation to Lodge at her House it was accepted The Master of the Ceremonies with three or foure Gentlemen came that night to us having brought with them three or foure hyred Coaches and one with six mules sent the Ambassador Extraordinary by the Marquess de la Inojosa who sometime before arrived in England The next day the Marquess mentioned and the other Ambassador Extraordinary Don Carlos de Coloma met us Answerable to an assignation given by Sir Lewes Lewkner about foure miles from London with halfe a dosen more coaches Then the Ambassadors quitting their own Coach and entring the Princes were all arrived in the Evening at Excester House their appointed Lodging where Lodged also with them Don Hurtado de Mendoza out of his own and the other Ambassadors election after offer had been made him both for his Lodging and defraying at his Majesties charge but was excused by the Marquess de la Inojosa with saying he should be his guest while he remained in England so much I signified the next Morning to Don Diego from my Lord Chamberlain with intimation further that if he found himselfe not Lodged or treated to his mind he should have other provisions elsewhere adding that his Majesty and particularly the Prince had given my Lord Chamberlain an especiall charge to do him honour in all things and to procure him his full Satisfaction To this offer he replyed with many thanks but with refusall saying the Marquess was his kinsman and with him he would quarter and defray himselfe the furniture and Hangings of his Chamber supplyed him from the King being he said an honour sufficient for him There he remained and at three dayes end I was sent to him from my Lord Chamberlain to know his desire for his Audience and to let him know withall that if he had aessicted a speedy dispatch his Lordship would write to the King for it that going from London the Wednesday and coming that day or the next to Royston he might the next day after have his Audience the King having dessigned his remove from thence on Saturday to Fincham-brook a place that afforded no commodity for his reception or otherwise if he were not prest by his Affaires he might be pleased to respite his Journey to the King till his Majesty should returne to Theobalds where he would not be till a Fortnight after This latter offer he made choyce of as of the most proper allowance of time to provide himselfe of Liveries c. for his followers of which he came unprovided In the meane within foure or five dayes of his Arrivall at London his Lordship willed me to know of him if he would be pleased to receive visit from him and other Noblemen that owed and would discharge their respects which offer he thankfully accepted of and received on the next day from his Lordship and the Earle of Arrundell coming to him both together The thirteenth of October the Marquess de la Inojosa and Don Carlos de Coloma set forth towards Royston to congratulate the Prince his returne not yet seen by them his Highnesse remaining yet with the King but being on their way as far as Buntingford they there met a message from Mr. Secretary Conway in name of his Majesty either that they should be pleased to come presently to his Majesties Presence and from that to the Princes and returne that night to Buntingford Royston being a place the messenger said as he was willed of ill reception or to stay at Buntingford that night and have their Audience the next day and so returne This choice seemed somewhat round and of hard digestion to the Marquesse and passed not without Exception comparatively against the much different Treatment of the French Ambassador the weeke before who had he said both supped and Lodged in Court at Royston though this his Treatment was suddain as was his coming thither by Post with onely two Gentlemen congratulate the Prince at his Arrivall who prevended by the same Ambassadors Servant with a congratulation at his Landing at Durham House Stayres in name of his Master and having assured him he should be the first Ambassador he would give access to his Highnesse was immediately after sent to from the Spanish Ambassador to the same congratulating purpose The wind comming now about for France but he refused his demanded Audience with excuse of his hast of repaire to the King his Father In conclusion the Marquess went to Royston and had so good respects out wardly at least from his Majesty and the Prince as he in countenance made shew of good satisfaction but c. About a week after Don Hurtado de Mendoza his Arrivall I dined with the Venetian Ambassador Seig. Valeresso he upon notice taken of my former acquaintance with the other desired me to let him know after he had first told me how he had sent a Gentleman to the Marquess de la Inojâ—sa with a congratulatory visit and that for the title given the Marquess of Excellenza he had returned his thanks in the third Person onely that he was his humble Servant and desired to perform personally all due Complements but that he had found a doore shut which hindred him of Enterance so hoped he would pardon him and to that purpose To this I brought him answer from the Marquess that he had heard of his worth
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
Jameses and with their Coaches entered the first Court this also beyond Custome only once excepted at an Audience of the Marquess de la Inojosa and had their Audience c. The 23. of March I was sent to them to assigne them an Audience of his Majesty the next day at two in the afternoone but the King the night following taking little rest by reason of a defluction in his foote I was againe sent to them with Excuse and request from the King to spare their paines till the daye after between three or four When entering by the Parke I conducted them to the Ordinary Chamber of Attendance for Audiences and there let them know as I had directions that in regard his Majestie was not yet free from his paines and was then falne to sleep they would be pleased to go and rest themselves a while at Master Secratarie Conwayes Chamber as a place more commodious wherein to pass the uncertain time of his Majesties sleep and that at his waking the Duke would come and fetch them to his Majesty But his Grace being then with the Prince in Exercise at Saint Jameses three hours almost past before his returne to White-Hall where at length comming to them he brought them to the King by the back Stayers into his Bed-chamber whence without entring into Treaty of businesse the houre so late being unfit for it they had a quick dispatch and departed The nine and twentieth of March the two Spanish Ambassadors Inojosa and Coloma were assigned an Audience for two of the clock and the States at foure when to prevent their incounters the Spanish were introduced by Sir Lewes Lewkaer through the Parke and Privy Galleries to the King in his Withdrawing Chamber where they had a lowd and long expostulating Audience and I in the meane time as I had directions received the other Ambassadors of the States at the Court gate and conducting them to the Councell Chamber on the late Queens side they were immediatly upon the Spanish departure called to the Kings Presence in the same place and making their Entry by the other end of the Privy Galleries they had a faire Audience returning as the other did by the way of their enterance 1624 June the fourteenth having understood that the States Ambassadors were to take their leaves of his Majesty at Theobalds and that Sir Lewes Lewkner had neither received order nor intended to conduct them to it I galloped thither and found them dining with Mr. Secretary Conway After dinner I went to the Kings back Lodgings and finding there the Prince presumed to beseech his Highness to be pleased to move his Majesty for their admittance to his Presence whereupon receiving a command to bring them into the Privy Gallery over the Leaden Terras there they had a long and a favourable Audience and also the like of the Prince in his Quarter The 19. they parted thence by Land towards Margate for their imbarking there without provision of Coach or Barge or care taken for either by Sir Lewes Lewkner The little paines which I took in their Service was beyond my expectation acknowledged by them with the gratuity of a peece of Plate worth 30 l. The 21. of June the Marquess de la Inojosa after he had much imbroiled his Masters and our Kings Affaires in the Treaty of Marrriage then on foot between the Prince and the Infanta and had forged as was said certaine reports of the Duke of Buckinghams and some other Lords of Parliament secret Combynation to his Majesties prejudice and to the raysing Apprehensions in him if he would have cherrished them against the Prince his Son was upon his departure hence when demanding Accesse to take his finall leave of his Majesty he was refused it and without any present sent him or Allowance of one of the Kings Ships to convoy him or of other Coaches or carriages on the way other then of his own hiring went together with Don Carlos de Coloma his Colleague in Office not in disposition to imbarke at Dover in a Merchants Ship attended thither by Sir Lewes Lewkner not as Master of the Ceremonies and the Kings Officer but as a private Gentleman accompanying and assisting him of courtesie for prevention of Inconveniences and Affronts not unlikely in their passage to be offered that Nation by some of the inferiour sort of ours especially parting as they did in termes of disgrace and disagreement from his Majesty The French Ambassador Ordinary Count de Tilliers after almost five yeares residence here received from the King his Master an unexpected short warning for the quitting of his charge and for his speedy returne home which remove the World said was of designe carried in such hast that the Count de Tilliers might not make means for his longer stay here while he was known to be no freind to the Match then in proposition between our King and the French Kings second Sister his departure was about the end of June when an Extraordinary the Marquesse de Fiat came hither who had been formerly here in company of the Mareshall de Cadenet and at his Arrivall now at Gravesend was met by the Earle of Warwick and by me conducted to Suffolke House with no great number or lustre of followers to be there Lodged as well as defrayed not without murmur of the Earle of Suffolke forced to a corner of his own House which he could not wholly leave by reason of his lingering sicknesse then upon him Instantly upon his coming thither he sent to demand Audience of his Majesty en courser as he termed it who was then at Windsore and had it given him the very day of his comming thither being Sunday the fourth of July after he had been domestiquely entertained at Dinner by the Marquess Hamilton then Lord Steward of the Kings House-hold having been brought from London to Court by the Lord of Kensington with the company in the same coach of the Master of the Ceremonies and two or three other Gentlemen he was at the great Chamber doore received by the Lord Chamberlain and in the Presence or Privy Chamber both being come there had his Audience with much grace and countenances of Familiarity from his Majestie The Prince at his enterance stood by as a Beholder and after salutations given and returned the King inviting the Ambassador to cover he excused it as long as the Prince should stand as in his Fathers Presence uncovered till at last for these respects his Highnesse retyring he put on presented his Letters and after a good time of entertainment in severall discourses he retyred to his Lodging in the Deans House till Wednesday following and then returned to London This House though within the Castle could not be properly said to be of the Kings See after when Monfier de Chasteauneuf was here for the Peaces Ratification because the Deans though some French for their glory would have had it otherwise held The rest of that Sommer he
immediate access without further Ceremony his Majesty being to returne the next day early to Hunting so the Ambassador repairing to Court at six in the Evening with reception of the President of the Houshold at the foot of the staires and of the Chamberlain at the top he was introduced to his Majestie in his withdrawing Chamber all his Followers remaining in the Presence The King upon assurance of the Plagues beginning to lessen at London and in other places neer about removed to Windsor and Hampton-Court and leaving the Queen some few dayes at Salisbury the Ambassador being upon his departure to follow his Majesty I let him understand that according to our Custome he was not to have his Post-horses defrayed though all the rest had been so hitherto when almost at the instant I received a Letter from the Earle of Carliel to whom in absence of my Lord Chamberlaine I had written for a formall resolution to that purpose signifying his Majesties pleasure that he should be defrayed for his Post-horses also as he had been for his Coaches and Carriages but with a protestation injoyned to be made by me as from his Majesty to the Ambassador as it formallv was when I delivered my message that he should be the last who should receive that Treatment and that he should have also his lodging provided in Court at Hampton which favour of his Majesty he at least in appearance accepted of most thankfully This Letter mentioned was written to me from the Earle of Carlile which siginification of his Majesties pleasure appearing in it for discharge of the Ambassadors Post-horses upon an account I had given that Lord at the instant of his departure with the King what words of resentment had falne from the Ambassador after I had told him of our Custome here as before in these formall termes and with passion answerable He had well observed he said how he had been intreated here since his comming in a different manner from other of his Nation and quality that Monsieur de Fiat and Monsieur de Villiaviller were not persons to stand with him in comparison otherwise then as they were his Masters Ambassadors yet had they received better respects then he That the world knew well enough what his condition and person was neer the person of his Master Monsieur le prmier being the first Gentleman of his Chamber and lodged alwayes for divers years next him in Court though he were now denied lodging in the Court of England where others had been allowed it especially in a time that the contagion of the Plague might be a motive to lodge him rather there then elsewhere with danger to his person whereas others as the Duke of de Chevereux though being a Prince he named him not as an equall instance and besides him Monsieur Villiaviller and Monsieur de Fiat had had their lodgings markt for them at Hampton Court That the Earle of Carliel though he had lodgings ordained for him at Saint Germaines in the Chancellors House the best of the Town and neer the Court would not be contented till he had his lodging Chamber and Anti-chamber in the Kings own House and had been treated for some eighteen moneths in manner as the world knew yet that he an Ambassador who for ought he knew was not to stay two moneths here was refused respects and treatment answerable in many things That he saw well enough what had been put upon him from time to time whereof but for doing so ill an Office as to raise difference or debate between the two Kingdomes which would be an ill Servants and Subjects part especially in times of our Warrs with Spain he would have shewed himself sensible He was after reâ—uted the maine boutefou of our Warre with France and would have returned the provision of diet that the King gave him which he thankt God he had meanes of his own besides that he had from the King his Master to allow himself in a plentifull measure and that what regard and treatment he had here he knew how and was in place about his Master able at one time or other to repay That further for that one particular of Post-Horses one or 200. crowns more or less was a poore thing in his consideration which to be defrayed or not defrayed was nothing to him in his own person but as he represented the person of the King his Master he was bound to take and give notice of it These and other the like Stommachous Speeches he let fall in my hearing which reported by me to my Lord of Carliel and by him to the King brought forth the Letter and with it the allowance specified The day before his departure when I presumed that his Majesties Officers had or would defray the Lodgings taken up and made use of for his Followers I found the Harbengers all departed and no Order left for their discharge In which regard for the Kings honour and avoidance of clamour from so many poor men as had furnished them with Beds and Chambers I sent for all their names caused them to come before the Green Cloth and there promised them my best endeavous with my Lord Chamberlaine and after procured of his Lordship a Warrant for twenty two pound to be paid them out of the Treasury of the Chamber for their respective satisfaction but when to be paid viderit tempus Saturday the 28. of October after Dinner when all being ready we all supposed the Ambassador would instantly depart he called me into his Chamber and imparted to me with request of my Secresie his designe to stay behind pour se purger as he profest to purge himselfe but whether of the humours of the Marquess de Bleinvill or of Monsieur l'Ambassadure taking the opportunity of the Queens stay behind the King for his more freedom of access to her Majesty I know not there he stayed intreating me to proceed with the grosse of his Traine retaining with him two or three Gentlemen and the Kings coach and assuring me he would follow on Monday Not to contradict him in his course designed I without reply or excuse parted that day with his Steward and followers in five coaches followed by seaven carts for his Baggage and forty foure sadle Horses and comming that night to Andever we had word brought us thither that the carriage with his Plate was not that day come forth of Salisbury a knavish carter when he see us all parted taking advantage and stealing away with his carriage before it came to loading so as leaving the Marshall of the Ceremonies behind to attend that charge we went on that night to Hart-ford Bridge then resting all Sunday more for the Frenches Satisfaction in attendance of their Lords Plate not yet come then for the duty they would have paid the day by rest though they had their Mass in the Inn but first with request of myapprobation for the fitness or unfitness of it in regard of
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