CP 152, 86

CP Volume 152 Folio 86

HMC Volume 1 Page 156 Number 581

Haynes Page 212 Number 191

Transcribed by Samuel Haynes in “A Collection of State Papers . . . 1542 to 1570” London, 1740

6 Dec 1559 Postscripta from Sir Thomas Chaloner to Mr. Secretary

From the Original.

I ASSURE yon, Sir, thies Folks ar brode Mowthed, where I spake of oon to muche in Favour, as they esteme. I thincke ye gesse whome they named; if ye do not, I will apon my next Letters write furder. To tell you what I conceyve; as I count the Slawnder most false, so a yong Princesse canne not be to ware, what Countenance or familiar Demonstration she maketh, more to oon, then an other. I judge no oon Mannes Service in the Realme woorthe the Enterteignement with suche a Tayle of Obloquie, or Occasion of Speeche to suche Men, as of evill Will ar ready to fynde Faults. This delaye of rype tyme for Maryage, besides the Losse of the Realme (for without posterite of her Highnes what hope is lefte unto us) mynistreth Matter to theis lewde Towngs to descant apon, and breedith Contempt. I would I had but oon Howres talke with you. Thincke, if I trusted not your good Nature, I woulde not write thusmuche; which nevertheles I humbly praye you to reserve as written to yourself.

Consider how ye deale now in Themperor's Matter: muche dependeth on it. Here they hang in expectation, as Menne desirows it shuld go forwards; but yet they have small Hope: In myne opinion (be it said to you only) the Affinite is great and honorable: The Amitie necessarie to stoppe and coole many Enterprises: Ye neede not feare his Greetnes shuld over rule you, He is not a Philippe, but better for us then a Philippe. Lett the Tyme wourke for Scotlande, as God wille, for sure the Frenche, I beleve, shall never longe enjoye them: And when we be stronger, and more ready, we may procede with that, that yet is unripe. The Tyme it self will wourke, when our grete Neighbours fall owt next. In the meane Tyme, settle we Things begoon; and lett us arme and fortefie our Frontiers, with the Yle of Wight and Portesmowthe, where needs; and at Dover Coste must be employed owt of Hande.