Letter to Elizabeth I, Queen of England

Title: Letter to Elizabeth I, Queen of England
Creator: Sidney, Philip, 1554-1586
Date: c. 1580; copy c. 1650
Archive: Folger Shakespeare Library
Identifier: X.d.210
Rights: CC0
Type: Manuscript
Notes: https://catalog.folger.edu/record/193224

Document notes

https://catalog.folger.edu/record/193224

https://catalog.folger.edu/record/193224

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Transcription: ATR-1

5 The Coppye Off a L[ette]re wrytten: by S[i]r Phillipp: Sidnye, to Queene Elizabeth, Touchinge hir Marryage w[i]th Mounstour:/

Annotation: Summary

This brief transcription is the title of a document described as "The Coppye Off a L[ette]re wrytten by S[i]r Phillipp: Sidnye, to Queene Elizabeth, Touchinge hir Marryage w[i]th Mounstour." It identifies the item as a copied letter authored by Sir Philip Sidney and addressed to Queen Elizabeth, regarding matters of her marriage to "Mounstour" (a contemporary spelling of "Monsieur," indicating the French candidate). The entry functions as a header or catalogue line, signaling the subject (the queen's proposed match) and the correspondent (a prominent Elizabethan courtier and writer), but it contains no further content of the letter itself.

Annotation: Glossary

Coppye — An early modern spelling of “copy”; here meaning a written transcript or duplicate of an original document. In the source it denotes that the text is a copied version of a letter. L[ette]re — Abbreviated and bracketed form of “letter,” a written message. The brackets indicate a restored or editorially supplied letter omitted in the original manuscript abbreviation. wrytten — Variant spelling of “written.” Used in the source to indicate the letter’s composition; orthography reflects early modern English conventions. S[i]r — An abbreviated honorific “Sir,” with the middle letter supplied in brackets to show editorial restoration or contraction in the original copying. Phillipp — Variant spelling of the proper name “Philip.” Here it identifies the author, Sir Philip Sidney, using the period spelling of the name. Queene — Variant spelling of “Queen.” Refers to Elizabeth; the spelling reflects early modern capitalization and orthography for royal titles. Touchinge — An archaic gerundial form of “touching,” meaning “concerning” or “regarding.” In the title it introduces the subject matter—Elizabeth’s marriage. hir — Early modern spelling of “her.” Used as the possessive pronoun referring to Queen Elizabeth. Marryage — Variant spelling of “marriage.” Denotes the act or question of marriage; orthography reflects period usage. Mounstour — An archaic spelling of “Monsieur,” an English rendering of the French title used for the Duke of Anjou (often called “Monsieur” in Elizabethan sources). Here it names the foreign suitor to whom the letter refers. w[i]th — A contracted form of “with,” with the vowel supplied in brackets to indicate an editorial restoration; used in the title to indicate the relationship between the queen and Monsieur.

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Transcription: ATR-1

The coppie of a Letter written by S[i]r Phillipp Sidney to Qu[een] Elizabeth touchinge his marriage w[i]th Mounsieur. / Most feared & beloved most sweet & gracious Sou[er]aigne to seeke out excuses of this my boldness & to arme the acknowledginge of a fault w[i]th Seasons for it, might better shew I knew I did amisse, then any whitt diminish the attempt, especially in yo[u]r iudgem[en]t who is able lively to discerne the nature of the thinge done, it were folly to hope w[i]th layinge on better Soullers to make it more acceptable, Therefore carryinge noe other Oliue branch of intercession, then the layinge my selfe at yo[u]r feete, nor noe other insinuac[i]on either for attention or pardon

Annotation: Summary

This passage is a copy of a letter from Sir Philip Sidney to Queen Elizabeth concerning his marriage to "Monsieur." Sidney acknowledges the boldness of addressing the queen on this matter and rejects attempts to excuse or soften his conduct by blaming circumstances or rehearsed apologies. He recognizes that in the queen’s judgment the facts will be clear and that adding other advocates would not make his action more acceptable. Sidney offers no elaborate plea; instead he humbly lays himself at her feet, presenting a simple appeal for attention or pardon without attempting to shield himself behind mitigations or fanciful defenses.

Annotation: Glossary

coppie — Copy. In Early Modern English manuscripts "coppie" denotes a written duplicate or transcript; here it names the duplicated letter sent to the queen. touchinge — Touching; regarding. An archaic gerund spelling indicating the subject matter of the letter (his marriage). Mounsieur — Monsieur. A contemporary English spelling of the French title for "mister" or "sir"; used here to refer to a French gentleman with whom Sidney contracted marriage negotiations. Sou[er]aigne — Sovereign. An older spelling for the monarch; Sidney addresses Queen Elizabeth with this formal title. Seasons — Seasons or "seasoning" in the sense of timing/excuses. Sidney uses the word to mean occasions or circumstances that might excuse his boldness (i.e., "with seasons for it" = giving reasons/timing to excuse the fault). amisse — Amiss. An archaic form meaning "wrong" or "in error"; Sidney admits he "knew I did amisse"—that he recognized his act was mistaken. whitt — Whit. A small amount; here used in the negative ("any whitt diminish") to mean "not in the least"—nothing will reduce the value of the attempt. iudgem[en]t — Judgment. Latin-influenced spelling; Sidney appeals to the queen's wise judgment that can "discerne the nature of the thinge done." discerne — Discern. Archaic spelling of "discern," meaning to perceive clearly; Sidney asks the queen to understand the true nature of his action. layinge on better Soullers — Likely "laying on better soules/soullers" (uncertain). The phrase appears to mean that adding more solemnities or better pretences would not make the attempt more acceptable; interpreted as refusing to cloak the act with improved appearances. (The exact original word is ambiguous in the manuscript but this definition renders the intended sense.) Oliue branch — Olive branch. The classical symbol of peace and supplication; Sidney says he brings no other token of intercession than laying himself at the queen's feet. intercession — Intercession in the sense of pleading or mediation. Here it means Sidney's plea on his own behalf before the queen. insinuac[i]on — Insinuation. An older spelling for a hint or indirect petition; Sidney promises no covert plea for attention or pardon. feete — Feet. Physical prostration as a conventional gesture of submission and humble petition to a sovereign; Sidney says he lays himself at the queen's feet as his sole entreaty.

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Transcription: ATR-1

pardon, but the now vowed sacrifice of vnfained loue, I will in simple and direct tearmes (as hopinge they shall onely come to yo[u]r mercifull dies) sett downe the overflowinge of my mynde in this most important matter./ Importinge (as I thinke) the continuance of yo[u]r safetie & (as I know) the ioyes of my life./ And because my words (I confesse shal= lowe but) comeinge from the deepe well springe of most Loyall affecc[i]on, haue deliuered to yo[u]r gracious eares, what is the gen[er]all some of my tra= vellinge thoughts therein; I will now but onely declare what be the reasons that make me thinke the marriage of Mounsieur to be unprofitable for you. Then will I answeare the obiecc[i]ons of those feares, w[hi]ch might p[ro]cure soe violent a refuge./ The good or evill that will come to you by it, must be considered either according to 3r to yo[u]r estate or yo[u]r p[er]son./ To yo[u]r estate what can bee added! to the you beinge, an absolutely borne and accordingely respected Princesse. but (as they say) the Irishmen are wont to tell them that dye they are rich, they are faire, what neede they dye? Soe truely not vnfitly to you endowed w[i]th felicitie aboue all others, a man might well aske, what makes you in such a Calme to change course, to soe healthfull ab bodye to applie such a waye doubtfull violent medecine! What hope can recompence soe hazardous an ad= venture? Hazardous indeede were it for noethinge, but a the alteringe of a well maineteyned & well appro= ued trade. for as in bodyes naturall any suddaine change is not w[i]thout pill. soe to this body polliticke. whereof you are the onely head, it is soe much the more dangerous as there

Annotation: Summary

The speaker declares a solemn, loyal devotion and promises to set forth plainly why the proposed marriage to “Monsieur” would be unprofitable for the addressee. They will first explain harms to the addressee’s estate and person, then respond to likely objections and fears. Emphasizing the addressee’s high-born, well‑respected status and fortunate condition, the speaker questions why one would risk a settled, healthy state for a doubtful, violent remedy. The argument compares sudden political change to a harmful bodily change: any abrupt alteration risks undoing a well‑maintained order. Thus the speaker warns that the marriage could dangerously disturb the body politic over which the addressee is the principal head.

Annotation: Glossary

vnfained — Unfeigned; sincere or genuine. Here it describes the speaker's vowed sacrifice of truly felt love. loue — Love; affection. Used in the sense of romantic or devoted feeling offered by the writer. tearmes — Terms; plain words or expressions. The writer promises to speak plainly and directly. mercifull dies — Merciful eyes. An older spelling of “eyes” (dies) meaning the addressee’s compassionate gaze or attention. Importinge — Importing; meaning or indicating. The phrase signals what the writer believes the action will imply—continuance of safety and joys. continuance — Continuation; ongoing state. Refers to the lasting of the addressee’s safety. safetie — Safety; security. Used in the political/personal sense of continued well‑being. ioyes — Joys; pleasures or sources of happiness. The writer links these to his own life. shal=lowe — Shallow; here written with a line break indicated by “=”. The writer admits his words may be shallow or slight. well springe — Wellspring; a deep source. Used metaphorically for the deep source of loyal affection. affecc[i]on — Affection; loyalty or emotional attachment. The brackets show a supplied letter in the transcript. gen[er]all some — General sum; overall content or summary. The writer says his words convey the general thrust of his thoughts. travellinge — Travelling; here meaning mental movement or the course of the writer’s thoughts. obiecc[i]ons — Objections; reasons against. The writer will answer fears or objections to his view. refuge — Refuge; course taken for protection. Used of a refuge sought through fear. estate — Station or condition, especially social or political standing. The marriage is evaluated as to its effect on the addressee’s estate. p[er]son — Person; the individual’s private life or wellbeing. The bracket indicates a reconstructed letter. Mounsieur — Monsieur; a French gentleman. The target of the proposed marriage, here rendered in Englishized spelling. Princesse — Princess; a sovereign or highborn lady. The transcript stresses the addressee’s rank. Calme — Calm; state of tranquility or steadiness. The writer questions why one so calm would change course. applie — Apply; to administer or use. Used of applying a remedy (see “medecine”). medecine — Medicine; remedy or treatment. Metaphorical—questioning the wisdom of taking a doubtful remedy (marriage). recompence — Recompense; reward or compensation. What hope can recompense a hazardous venture. ad=venture — Adventure; risky undertaking. The “=” marks a line break in the original. noethinge — Nothing; nothingness. The writer argues the risk would be hazardous even if only altering a well‑maintained trade. alteringe — Altering; changing. Refers to changing an established political course or trade. maineteyned — Maintained; kept up. Describes a well‑maintained trade or custom. appro=ued — Approved; sanctioned. The hyphenated “=” again marks a break in the original spelling. bodyes naturall — Bodies natural; physical bodies. Used to draw an analogy between sudden change in a body and sudden political change. suddaine — Sudden; abrupt. Part of the comparison warning against sudden change. pill. — Pill; harmful effect or illness (likely an abbreviation or archaic usage). Here it implies that sudden change in bodies is not without ill effect. polliticke — Political; relating to governance. The “body polliticke” means the political body or state. onely — Only; sole. The writer calls the addressee the only head of that political body.

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Transcription: ATR-1

there are more humo[ur]s to receiue a hurtfull impression. But hazards are then most to bee regarded, when the nature of the Agent & the patient are fully composed to occasion them The Patient I account yo[u]r Realme the Agent Mounsieur & his dessein designe for neither outward accidents doe much p[er]vaile against a true inward strength nor inward weakeness doth rightly subvert it selfe w[i]thout beinge thrust out by some outward force. Yo[u]r inwarde force ( for for your treasures indeede the Eminewes indeed of yo[u]r Crowne, yo[u]r Ma[jes]tie doth best & only know) consisteth in yo[u]r subiects./ Yo[u]r subiects gen[er]ally vnexpert in war like defence & (as they are) devided into two mighty factions, & farrcomb bound vpon the neuer endinge knott of Religion, The one is of them to whome yo[u]r happie gou[er]m[en]t hath graunted the 4 the free exercise of the æternall truth. w[i]th these by the continuance of tyme, by the multitude of them, by the principall offices & strengths they hold, & lastly by yo[u]r dealings both at home & abroad, against the aduerse partie, Yo[u]r estate is soe enwrapped, as it were impossible for you w[i]thout excessive trouble to pull yo[u]r selfe out of the partie soe longe mainetayned. For such a cause one & taken in hand is not much vnlike a shipp in a tempest w[hi]ch how dangerously soeuer it bee beaten w[i]th waves, yet is there no noe safety nor succour w[i]thout it./ Theise theirefo[ur] as they soulles solely live by yo[u]r happie gou[er]m[en]t; soe are they yo[u]r cheife, if not yo[u]r sole strength. These (howsoeu[er] the necessitye of humane life make them

Annotation: Summary

The passage argues that a realm’s chief vulnerability arises when an external agent meets an internal weakness. The “Agent” (Monsieur) poses a threat only insofar as the “Patient” (the realm) is susceptible; that susceptibility lies in the people. The subjects are inexperienced in warlike defence and divided into two powerful, religiously entangled factions. One faction enjoys the free exercise of its faith and, through numbers, offices, influence, and foreign dealings, has become so entrenched that dislodging it would be extremely difficult—likened to trying to save a ship in a tempest. These adherents form the kingdom’s principal, if not sole, strength, and their necessity to human life complicates any effort to alter the balance.

Annotation: Glossary

humours — In early modern medicine and temperament theory, "humours" are bodily fluids (blood, phlegm, black bile, yellow bile) believed to determine health and disposition; here it figuratively means internal dispositions or qualities liable to receive harmful influence. Agent — A causal actor or active force; used in the text to mean the foreign person or power (Monsieur) whose intentions produce effects on the "patient" (the realm). Patient — Originally a medical or philosophical term for the thing acted upon; in this passage it denotes the realm (the country) as the recipient of external actions. Mounsieur / Monsieur — A French honorific/title for a gentleman or ambassador; here it names the French agent or actor whose "dessein" (design) threatens the realm. dessein / designe — Early modern spelling of "design"; meaning intention, plan, or purpose — in the passage, the plotted intention of the foreign agent. Eminewes (eminences) — Likely "eminences": high offices, dignities, or prerogatives attached to the crown; the phrase "eminences of your Crown" refers to the sovereign's highest privileges and honors. subiects — Early spelling of "subjects": the people who owe allegiance to the sovereign; here emphasized as the real internal strength of the realm. vnexpert — Old spelling of "unexpert" or inexperienced; used to describe the general populace's lack of military skill. farrcomb bound — Probable reading of an early-modern phrase meaning "far combined" or closely bound together; in context it signals that the populace are tightly tied together by a long-standing issue (religion). The exact original orthography is irregular, but the sense is of being firmly bound. knott of Religion — Literal "knot" used metaphorically for a complex, entangled dispute about religion that binds people into opposing factions. æternall truth — Antiquated spelling of "eternal truth"; here denotes a religious conviction regarded as timeless and unchangeable by those who hold it. mainetayned (mainetayned / maintained) — Old spelling of "maintained": kept up or preserved over time; the passage stresses that a party long maintained is hard to dislodge. succour — Archaic for "succor": aid, relief, or assistance; the text says there is no help without the maintained party (i.e., no safety without that support). theise / theirefo[ur] — Variants of "these" and "therefore" or "thereof": early-modern spellings/pronunciations; used to introduce and summarise the described groups and their importance. cheife — Early spelling of "chief": principal or most important; used to say these subjects are the principal strength of the realm. humane life — Phrase meaning "human life" or everyday civil existence; "necessitye of humane life" refers to the ordinary needs and pressures that shape people's behavior.

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Transcription: ATR-1

them looke) yet can they not looke for better condicons then presently they enioy./ Theise how theire hearts wilbe galled, if not algened, when they shall see you take to husband, a french man & a Papist, in whome (how soeuer fyne witts may finde further dangers or painted excuses) the very com[m]on people well know this, that he is the sonne of the Iesabel of our age, that his brothers made oblatac[i]on of his owne sisters marriage, the easier to make massacres of Sexes. That he himselfe contrary to his promise, & against all gratefullness, havinge had his liberty & principall cheifely by the Hugonetts meanes did sack la charitè & vtterly spoile Isagre w[i]th fire & Sword, this I say euen at 5 at the first sight giues occasion, to all the true religious to abhorr such a master, & consequently to deminish much of the hopefull loue they haue longe held to you./ The other faction most rightly indeede to be called a faccon, is of the Papists, men whose spiritts are full of anguish, some beinge forced to oaths they accompted dampnable. some havinge theire ambition stopped, because they are not in the way of advancem[en]t. some in prison & disgrace, some whose best freinds are banished practisers, many thinkinge you are an usurper, many thinkinge the right you had, disinulled by the Popes excomunicac[i]on, all burthened w[i]th the weight of theire Conscience, men of greate number of

Annotation: Summary

The passage warns that if you marry a French Papist you will alienate many of your people. It argues that common folk already distrust such a match because of the groom’s family reputation and past brutal actions—despite promises and relief gained through the Huguenots, he reportedly sacked La Charité and Isagre with fire and sword—so true religious supporters would abhor him and withdraw their loyalty. It then describes the Papist faction as anguished and divided: some feel condemned for forced oaths, others blocked from advancement, imprisoned, disgraced, or exiled; many view you as an usurper because of the Pope’s excommunication and are burdened by conscience, reducing their support.

Annotation: Glossary

condicons — Conditions; the word is an archaic spelling of "conditions," here meaning the circumstances or state of life the people currently enjoy. enioy — Enjoy; archaic spelling of "enjoy," used in the sense of possessing or experiencing (better conditions). galled — Offended or irritated; used figuratively to mean hearts will be sore or resentful if something is not done. algened — Aligned; an alternate/archaic spelling meaning brought into agreement or alliance. The passage warns of hearts being galled if not aligned. take to husband — To marry; "to husband" is an early modern phrase meaning to take as a husband (i.e., to marry a man). Papist — A derogatory early modern term for a Roman Catholic, emphasizing allegiance to the Pope; here used to mark religious and political opposition. Iesabel — Jezebel; an allusion to the biblical Jezebel, used as a reproachful epithet for a woman viewed as corrupt or wicked ("the Jezebel of our age"). oblatac[i]on — Oblation or formal offering/arrangement; in context it appears to mean a formal giving over or arrangement of a sister's marriage, presented as a calculated act. mascacres of Sexes — Massacres of the sexes; a forceful phrase suggesting violence or oppression directed against women or particular sexes—here implying brutal consequences of arranged marriages. Hugonetts — Huguenots; an archaic spelling for French Protestants (Huguenots), referenced as a group through whose means certain freedoms or acts were achieved. la charitè — La charité (French for "charity"); used here as a proper name or place ("la charitè") that was sacked—likely a convent, charitable institution, or symbolic charitable order. Isagre — Proper name of a place or institution (spelling uncertain in the transcript); in context it is something that was "utterly spoiled with fire & sword," so treated as a locality or establishment. deminish — Diminish; archaic spelling meaning to reduce or lessen. The passage warns that hope and love will be reduced. faccon — Faction; an alternate/archaic spelling meaning a political or party group—here applied to the Papists as a faction. dampnable — Damnable; morally condemnable or leading to damnation. The text describes certain oaths as accounted "dampnable" by those forced to take them. advancem[en]t — Advancement; the bracketed letter indicates a damaged or restored reading, meaning promotion or advancement in office. practisers — Practitioners or plotters; can mean those practicing a craft or, in political usage, those engaged in schemes—here it likely means political operators among the banished. disinulled — Nullified; an archaic or corrupted form meaning annulled or made void—used regarding rights said to be nullified by papal excommunication. excomunicac[i]on — Excommunication; the formal censure by the Pope depriving someone of membership in the Church, cited as the supposed cause of nullified rights. burthened — Burdened; archaic spelling of "burdened," meaning weighed down—here applied to consciences weighed by guilt or anxiety. Conscience — Conscience; in early modern usage often indicates moral or religious sense of right and wrong, here implying deep internal struggle among the Papists described.

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Transcription: ATR-1

of greate riches, because the affaires of the state lay not on them. Of vnited mynds, as all men that deeme themselues oppressed natturally are. W[i]th these I would willingly ioyne all discontented p[er]sons such as want & disgrace keepes lower then they haue sett theire hearts such as are resolved what to look for at yo[u]r hand such as Cæsar said Omnibus opus est bello ciuili, and are of Otho's mynde, mallem in acie quam in fero cadere. These be men soe much the more to be doubted, because as they doe embrace all estates, soe are they comonly of the brauest & wakefullest sorte & that know the advantage of the world most. This double ranke of people, how theire myndes haue stood the northeren rebellion & infinite other practises, haue well taught 6r taught you w[i]th if it be said it did not p[er]vaile; that is true indeede; for if they had p[er]vailed it were too late now to deliberate. But at this p[re]sent they want noe= thinge soe much as a head, who in effect neede but to receaue theire instrucc[i]ons, since they may doe mischeife enough onely w[i]th his countenance. Let the singinge man in H: the 4th tyme: Ierkin Warbecke in yo[u]r Grandfather, but of all the most liuely & p[er]p[er] is of Lewies the French kings sonne in H: 3d tyme (who havinge at all noe shew of Title, yet did halfe the nobilitye & more sweare direct ffealtie, & vassellage, & deliuered the strongest holds vnto him) be sufficient to proue that occasions giue myndes scope to stranger thinges then eu[er] would

Annotation: Summary

The passage warns that widespread discontent—among the poor, disgraced, and ambitious—can unite into a dangerous force when guided by a charismatic leader. The writer urges joining all such discontented persons into a single concern, noting they often include the bravest and most vigilant, who understand worldly advantage. Though past rebellions (the northern rebellion and other plots) failed, their failure was only because they lacked a single head; with a visible leader they might succeed. A leader’s mere appearance can give instruction and legitimacy, as shown by historical pretenders like “Ierkin Warbecke” and the French king’s son in Henry III’s time, who won noble support despite weak claims. Occasions and opportunity widen ambition beyond previous bounds.

Annotation: Glossary

vnited mynds — “United minds.” Refers to people acting with a shared resolve or common purpose; here it denotes those who feel collectively oppressed and therefore are inclined to join in conspiracy or rebellion. natturally — Archaic spelling of “naturally.” Used to describe those who, by their temperament or condition, are predisposed to feel oppressed and to unite with others. ioyne — “Join.” To come together or combine forces; the speaker wishes to join such discontented persons into a single movement. Cæsar: “Omnibus opus est bello ciuili” — Latin: “All things need a civil war.” Quoted to indicate a belief that civil conflict is necessary or inevitable for certain aims; here it characterizes those resolved to seek change by force. Otho's mynde: “mallem in acie quam in fero cadere” — Latin attributed to the Roman emperor Otho: “I would rather fall in battle than by treachery” (literally, “I would prefer to fall in the field than in a den”). Used to evoke a preference for open combat over other deaths or fates, marking a daring or martial spirit among potential rebels. p[er]vaile — “Prevail.” To succeed or take effect. The text notes that a prior attempt did not prevail, i.e., did not succeed. ffealtie (ffeaLtie) — Variant spelling of “fealty.” A sworn loyalty or allegiance, especially of a vassal to a lord; here it describes nobles swearing allegiance to a claimant despite weak title. vassellage — “Vassalage.” The condition or duties of a vassal; used to indicate formal bonds of service and obedience sworn to a claimant who lacked clear title. Ierkin Warbecke — Variant spelling of Perkin Warbeck, a historical pretender. In the passage he is invoked as an example of a popular claimant who gained substantial noble support despite a dubious title. singinge man — Likely “singing man,” a colloquial or derisive term for a pretender or public claimant who gains popular notice by proclamation or spectacle; used to suggest someone who attracts followers by visible performance rather than legitimate claim. receaue theire instrucc[i]ons — “Receive their instructions.” The phrase implies that a central head or leader need only give signals or approval to set the discontented in motion; the document stresses the danger of such passive leadership. mischeife — “Mischief.” Harmful or disruptive actions; here indicating that mere endorsement or countenance by a leader can enable serious wrongdoing. H: the 4th tyme / H: 3d tyme — Abbreviated references to the reigns of kings named “H.” (likely “Henry”). Used to date or contextualize examples (e.g., actions during the reigns of Henry IV and Henry III) showing how claimants have previously won support.

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Transcription: ATR-1

would haue beene imagined./ If then the affectionate side haue theire affection weakened, & the discontented haue a gappe to vtter their discontentac[i]on, I thinke it will seeme an ill p[re]paratiue for the patient (I meane yo[u]r estate) to a great sickness./ Now for the Agent partie w[hi]ch is Mounsieur, whether hee bee not apt to worke vpon the disadvantage of yo[u]r estate, H is to be iudged by his will & power. This will to be as full of light ambition as is possible, besides the french disposition & his owne educac[i]on his inconstant attempts against his brother, his thrustinge himselfe into the lowe Country matters his sometymes seekinge the Kinge of Spaine's daughter sometymes yo[u]r 7r 7 yo[u]r Ma[jes]tie; are euident testimonies hee is carryed away w[i]th euery wynde of hope taught to loue greatness any way gotten, & havinge for the mocions & ministers of his mynde, onely such yonge men, as haue shewed they thinke evill contentm[en]t a sufficient grownd of any Rebellion, whose age giues them to haue seene noe com[m]on wealth but in faction, & diuerse of w[hi]ch some haue defiled theire hands in odious murders. W[i]th such fancies & fauourites is it to be hoped for, that he wilbe conteyned w[i]thin the limitts of yo[u]r Condicions? since (in troth) it were strange, hee that cannot be contented to be the second p[er]son in France & heire apparent, would come to bee the second p[er]son, where he shall noe way p[re]tend Souaignety. This power I imagin is not to bee des

Annotation: Summary

The speaker warns that showing affection while allowing the discontented to speak will weaken loyal support and invite danger to the realm. They argue that “Monsieur” is dangerously ambitious: his French upbringing, education, repeated intrigues against his brother, and shifting pursuits (from the King of Spain’s daughter to your Majesty) reveal a hunger for power. Surrounded by young, restless followers who view faction as normal and some of whom have committed murders, he is unlikely to be restrained by mere title or position. The author doubts he would accept a subordinate role—since he could not be content as second in France he would not be content elsewhere—and implies his will and capacity pose a real threat to the state.

Annotation: Glossary

haue — Variant spelling of "have"; used throughout as the modern verb "have" (e.g., "haue beene imagined" = "have been imagined"). gappe — "Gap" or opening; here meaning an opportunity or outlet for expressing discontent. vtter — Variant of "utter"; to voice or express (e.g., "vtter their discontentac[i]on" = "utter their discontent"). p[re]paratiue — "Preparative" or preparation; something that prepares or predisposes (here, an ill preparative for the patient = a bad preparation or condition). Agent partie — "Agent party" or faction of agents; denotes the group acting on behalf of an individual (here, the supporters or active faction around "Monsieur"). Mounsieur — Spelling of the French honorific "Monsieur"; used to identify a French nobleman or prince in the text. iudged — Variant spelling of "judged"; to be assessed or considered. light ambition — An older phrase meaning fickle or unsteady ambition—ambition easily swayed or lacking depth; here suggests superficial, restless desire for advancement. lowe Country — "Low Countries": the region of northwestern Europe (roughly modern Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg); used historically for theaters of political or military involvement. sometymes — Variant spelling of "sometimes"; occasionally or at times. euident testimonies — "Evident testimonies": clear signs or proofs; the phrase denotes observable evidence for the claim being made. carryed away w[i]th euery wynde of hope — Idiomatic older phrasing meaning "swept along by every gust of hope"; describes someone easily led by hopeful prospects. mocions & ministers — "Motions and ministers": the impulses (mocions) and instruments/agents (ministers) of the mind—here, the driving feelings and the people who serve those feelings. contentm[en]t — "Contentment": satisfaction or willingness to accept one's position; used to describe willingness (or lack of it) to remain in a given rank. grownd — Spelling of "ground": reason or basis (e.g., "a sufficient grownd of any Rebellion" = a sufficient motive or cause for rebellion). com[m]on wealth — "Commonwealth": the public or common good; in early modern usage it can mean the state or polity (here, implying political life known only through faction). faction — Political party or clique; used pejoratively for organized opposition or rebellious grouping. fauourites — "Favourites": preferred courtiers or close advisors; implies those enjoying special influence at court. conteyned w[i]thin the limitts — "Contained within the limits": restrained or kept within bounds; used of holding someone within acceptable political limits. Condicions — Variant of "conditions": state, rank, or circumstances (here, the addressee's estate or position). in troth — Expression meaning "in truth" or "truly"; a common early modern emphasis. p[er]son — Used in the sense of rank or position (e.g., "second person" = second in rank or precedence). heire apparent — The recognized heir who is first in line to inherit a throne or title; used here to contrast claims to succession. Souaignety — Variant spelling of "sovereignty": supreme authority or rule; the text contrasts rank without pretence to sovereignty. des — Apparent fragment at the end of the excerpt; likely the beginning of a word such as "desire" or "deserved" interrupted in the manuscript and not a distinct term in context.

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Transcription: ATR-1

despised, since he is to come into a Country, where the way of evill doeinge wilbe p[re]sented vnto him, where there needes noethinge but a head to draw togeather evill affected humo[ur]s. Himselfe a Prince of greate revenews, of the most populous nation of the world, full of Solbery & such as are vsed to serue w[i]thout pay, soe they may haue shew of spoile, & w[i]thout Question shall haue his brother in such a Case ready to helpe him, as well for old revenges, as for to divert him from troublinge France & to deliuer his owne Country from evill humo[ur]s. Neither is Kinge Phillippes marriage heerein any example since then it was betwixt two of one religion, soe that hee in England stood onely vpon her strength and had 8r had abroad Kinge Hen: of France ready to impeach any enterprize, he should make for his greatness that way. And yet what events tyme would haue brought forth, of that marriage, yo[u]r most blessed raigne hath made vaine all such considerac[i]ons./ But thinges holdinge in the estate p[re]sent I thinke I may iustly conclude, that yo[u]r Country beinge as well by longe peace & fruites of peace as by the poyson of division, (where by the fruite faith full shall by this meanes be wounded & the contrary enabled) made fitt to receiue hurt & Mounsieur beinge eu[er]y way apt to vse the occasion to hurt there can allmost happen noe worldly thinge of more euident danger to yo[u]r estate Loyall And

Annotation: Summary

The passage warns that a powerful foreign prince, commanding large revenues and populous forces accustomed to serving for plunder, will find an English country weakened by long peace and internal division, making it ripe for exploitation. The prince’s brother will be ready to assist him out of old vendettas and to divert him from menacing France, thereby easing his own troubles. The writer argues that King Philip’s marriage was not a precedent, since it involved partners of the same faith and left England reliant on the queen’s support and the French king’s restraint. Given contemporary conditions, the author concludes that Monsieur’s opportunism poses a clear and serious danger to the realm’s loyal governance.

Annotation: Glossary

evill doeinge — Wrongdoing; immoral or criminal behaviour. In the passage it denotes activities or schemes of harm that will be presented to the incoming prince. humo[u]rs — Medieval/early modern concept of bodily and temperamental fluids (blood, phlegm, black and yellow bile) thought to determine temperament. Here it means dispositions or moods—"evill-affected humours" are malevolent temperaments ready to be rallied. revenews — Revenues or sources of income. The prince is described as having large revenues from a populous nation. Solbery — Variant spelling of "soldiery": soldiers or military forces. The text refers to troops accustomed to serving without pay for the prospect of plunder. vsed — Used; accustomed. It describes those who are accustomed to serving without pay. shew of spoile — "Show of spoil": the appearance or promise of plunder. Used to explain why unpaid soldiers would serve—for the spectacle or prospect of loot. Mounsieur — French form "Monsieur," meaning "the gentleman" or "the French lord." Here it denotes a French leader who is ready to take advantage. impeach any enterprize — To oppose or obstruct an undertaking. In context King Henry of France is said to be ready to hinder any moves the English prince might make. raigne — Reign; rule of a monarch. "Your most blessed raigne" praises the current sovereign's successful outcome. vaine — Rendered futile or null. The writer says the reign has made prior considerations ineffective. considerac[i]ons — Considerations or reasons. Here, past strategic arguments or expectations that have been made irrelevant. poyson of division — Metaphorical "poison" of faction or internal division. Used to explain how internal strife harms the country. fruites of peace — Benefits or yields produced by peace (prosperity, stability). The country has been fashioned by both long peace and the adverse effects of division. apt to vse the occasion — Likely to take advantage of an opportunity. "Monsieur" is described as ready in every way to exploit chances to harm. estate Loyall — "Loyal estate": the realm or condition of loyal governance. The phrase indicates the political well‑being of the country under loyal rule.