Letters betwixt Sir Henry Norrys and Contessa Montefiascone
As many people know, there is a "thing" going on with Sir Henry and Lisana Bevilacqua, characters at Scarborough Renaissance Festival.
First February the Year of Our Lord 1533
Unto the Contessa Montefiascone do I, Henry Norrys send greetings;
My Lady forgive my hasty departure from England, His Majesty has granted me
leave on the pretext that I have business in Rome pertaining to mine office as
Weigher at the Beam for the Italian Market.
I go to seek and Audience with His Eminence, The Bishop of Rome. Forgive me,
please, The Pope. The events of the past month at Longview Tower weigh heavily
upon my mind and heart. Firstly, I will make one final attempt to sway his
Eminence on the Great Matter. That business concluded, I go to seek his
forgiveness for certain matters that, in my hastiness, I felt necessary for your
protection. I also, seek his Blessing in matters unspoken.
While I am away, PLEASE have a care and do not anger my cousin, as he now knows
your mission in England. Stay close to Jean-Margurite, comfort her in her time
of loss.
Until I return, please keep yourself safe. Feel free to slip away to Foliejohn,
if you feel the need. The Staff have instructions to greet you as if you were
the Lady of the House.
Yours always,
Henry
***
3 Febbraio 1533
Mine own Sir Henry Norrys,
Haste maketh waste, and thou art known for swiftness in deed and speech. Speak
not of regret for any deeds done unto me, for your intent was most honourable
and done for mine own good. While anger spake from mine lips, mine heart was
humbled.
I am firm in the belief; His Holiness Clemente is not inclined to listen to
argument for the dissolution of the Great Matter in favour of Re Henry VII.
Regina Katherine is the rightful and dutiful Regina dell'Inghilterra and
persuasion of this decision will be impossible to procure. Hold thy tongue when
necessary, lest I be required to make sure it held quiet upon return to
Foliejohn.
Jean-Marguerite has chosen to return to France on the morrow. Tears could not
convince her otherwise and I am reduced to stepping aside and allowing her the
path of least resistance. Time is a bitter enemy of grief, as we are both
aware.
I begin to Foliejohn on the morrow when il mio amica dolce, Marguerite begins
her progress home.
Travel safely under san Michael's wings,
Lisana
***
12 Febbraio 1533
Pray thee blessed, Sir Henry Norrys:
I have taken liberties of sending missive to Biancia Pasquati and have her
request for thee an audience with Il Papo at the hour of thy arrival. I have
told of our adventures and have begged her favour of this request. La manco
terribile.
Til again we shall meet,
Contessa de la Montefiascone
***
Fifteenth February the Year of Our Lord 1533
Contessa;
After an extremely smooth sailing, I am arrived in Civitavecchia. But for a
minor foray with the sweating sickness, it was a pleasant crossing. From here
'tis a journey of but 3 days to il Vaticano, if all of the steeds that were
arranged for me are in place. I will stop only to eat and change horse on the
route. I have sent letters ahead to His Holiness, in the hopes that I may be
granted private audience not later than twentieth Febraio. My Schedule for this
trip is extremely pressing as I must return to London before His Majesty departs
on Progress.
My Lady, you are in my thoughts and prayers daily. I pray that you are keeping
yourself far from the Viscount Rochefort. For I fear the only way to get back
into my cousin's good graces would be to free him of that harpy Jane Parker. She
is a jealous woman and I think she plots his demise daily. It be no wonder that
he spend such vast amounts of time in his cups.
I do so hope that you have taken me up on the offer of Foliejohn. The children
would love to have Aunt Lizzie visit. It always seems a holiday when you visit.
I pray do not over indulge them, you spoil them as if they were your own.
Sorry, my dear, I must hasten to close this missive, as I am informed that my
first horse is saddled and ready. Wish me Buona Fortuna in my efforts with His
Holiness.
Yours always,
Henry
***
First Marzzo Year of Our Lord 1533
Henry,
Jesu mio! Pray thee home safe. Forgo audience with Il Papo if thee ill with
sweating sickness lest it take thee from me. I wouldst rather thou never
forgiven for actions taken in desperation than risk thine health and safe return
to me.
I arrived at Foliejohn safely on fourteen Febbraio and was greeted as Belladonna
de la Foliejohn by staff and servant. How they treat me well.
Thy children are a delight to behold and a sight for sore eyes. Henry is
becoming signore in his own right and is a quick learned boy with una spada. To
date I am able to best him but the day is quickly approaching when Maestro
Viggiani must take him to train, as it would be improper for me to do so any
longer. Mary è una piccola signorina and holds her head proudly. She grows
molto bellisima every day. Thy children are quite literate and learned and read
fluently in thy language and mine own. Proud, thee should be for they both are
the image of their father. No more spoiled they are then when thee left them,
however, I have not been in their company long enough to lavish them with treat
nor tale.
Worry not of thy cousin, the Viscount Rochefort, for he is not my concern. At
the bottom of a butt of vino, all faces appear the same. Cats hide their claws,
Henry, so fear no more.
Casa di fretta a me,
Lisana
***
Nineteeth February the Year of Our Lord 1533
Lisana;
Forgive the briefness of this missive. I write only to let you know that I
am well. In the dark last eve my bloody mount fell breaking both his forelimbs and
sending me tumbling. The physics here in Roma are wondrous but tell me I have
broken my ribs, riding is extremely uncomfortable. I have been forced to hire a
carriage and team. It vexes me so that I am already a day late arriving in il
Vaticano. I have received word from il Camerlengo that His Holiness will see me
at the hour of one on the morrow. If I do not arrive in His offices by then I
will not be able to see his Eminence for another month.
Give the children a hug from Father and let them know I will be home soon.
Yours,
Henry
***
Sixth Marzzo the Year of Our Lord 1533
Sir Henry Norrys;
This business at il Vaticano is acceptable no longer, risking life and limb for
a man who wishes to toss aside a loving and proper wife for a courtesan with no
skills for homemaking and child bearing. I shall not have you slaughtered or
disemboweled for Re Henry VIII in bringing detail of his pleasures in court.
How dare he send his most trusted of confidante to Roma with full knowing of the
dangers that could befall. Didst thee learn nothing of Curran's fate of
indulging the selfishnesses of Re Henry and his delegation of duties to those he
most certainly considers replaceable souls? The Great Matter may be the death
of you, lest God grant you pardon from what surely will claim you from me.
Your children are most concerned your fate, as am I. Buona Fortuna not be enough
for safe return through perils most dangerous. Missives in my hand be sent to
the Roma Apothocary and Montefiascone midwives for healing of your broken bones
by fleeting horse and swift sail.
Abandon this progress, Signore, I humbly beg of you.
Tutto l'mio amore,
Montefiascone
***
Twentieth February the Year of Our Lord 1533
Lisana;
Forgive me, these nags they call a team are slower than Mistress Follywoll's
honey in Diciembre. I swear to Saint Michael that I will have them roasted and
served at table if they ever fail me again, and the coachmen with them. These
ill-mannered, straw for brains imbeciles, made me 2 hours late for my audience
with Il Papo! Now il Camerlengo tells me that the Earliest audience His Holiness
has, will not be until 20th Marzzo.
I fear that I may have need of returning home without completing my mission
here. I will stay as late as I may, and pray that I return before His Majesty
does depart on Progress.
Forgive my babbling; Roma is such an enchanting city, I do so wish you were here
to enjoy it with me. I paid a visit to an old friend of ours today. Biancia
Pasquatti begs me send you her love. We had an enjoyable dinner together, and
then she had to run off to an appointment. She is starring in a new play here in
Rome. When she is not otherwise engaged. I have plans to see her perform on the
morrow.
Well, my dearest heart, the hour grows late and I should send this missive on
it;s way. I miss you and the Children with all my heart.
Yours,
Henry
***
Twenty-forth February the Year of Our Lord 1533
Lisana;
My dearest Biancia was absolutely marvelous. I have seen her act many times, but
this was the first time I have heard her sing. She has the voice of an angel.
When she returns to England, I will have to ask His Majesty to demand a command
performance.
There is other news as well. A summons came from the Vatican this very morn. I
was taken directly to His Holiness, whereupon I spent 6 exhaustive hours
attempting to convince Him that he should grant the dissolution in the Great
Matter. Mind you a am fairly fluent in your native language, but there were
entire tirades from His Holiness, that I could not understand, and il Camerlengo
refused to reveal to me. In the end, His Holiness threatened to have me
excommunicated if I persisted in the matter. I am afeared that his decision
stands, He insists that the Marriage between Queen Katherine and King Henry is
valid and just. After so long and arduous a discussion, His Holoness would not
brook discussion of my other matters. He had il Camerlengo tell me that he likes
me and that He will see me in the morning to discuss, my handling of you at
Longridge Tower, and the other matter that was requested. I hope to write you
with good news on the morrow.
Pray be safe and well taken care of at Foliejohn.
Ever Yours,
Henry
***
Twelve Marzzo Year of Our Lord 1533
Henry Bello,
Thou hast given great service to L'Inghleterra and Re Henry himself. Prideful
he should be to have thee do his bidding in il Vaticano and Roma herself. Never
a more loyal a subject has Re Henry than thee in his service. I have received
missive from il Camerlengo and relaying tale of discourse between Il Papo and
thee. Thou didst create quite the stir in all of il Vaticano; thou art the
topic of much conversation in Roma and thy conviction is noted amongst all the
courtiers and clergy alike. My father, resto del Dio la sua anima, and I were
the ones to speak with His Holiness with force. Thou art molto bene to have
spake words in tune with voice to a Bevilacqua tongue. Pray tell, what further
matter begs discussion with Il Papo, bello? Has progress on the Great Matter
not been halted to date?
Pray thee; regale me of Biancia Pasquati and her entertainments. Cesira
Silvestri sends word from her seamstress quarters in my Villa that Biancia is
principle role of recent Commedia del Arte at the coliseum. Pay her mind, her
quarters in Montefiascone are cleaned and have been made ready for her return
home.
A missive from Sua Maestà arrived by Captiano Matthew Scharpe to Foliejohn this
day. Re Henry has begun progress to Scarborough Village from Hampton Court and
will be arriving on ten Aprile. Capitano had the look of a frightened doe when
Mary called to me and introduced me as "Auntie Mamma Lizzie," which took me
aback in surprise as well.
Tomasia Bastarda has arrived at Foliejohn this night after much discussion of
mine own inability to make purses from sow's ears. Bambina no longer she be,
albit deeds and actions not say it so. A fortnight past, she was discovered in
the Cross Keys Inne by Carlino Mazzuchi. Words were exchanged in the dining
hall as I entered. To swear "merda" in public does not show becomingness to
belladonna of my household, nor was it permitted. While the Great Matter may
cause corpus of thee, Tomasia will end my days as well. There must be Diablo in
her veins to vex my very existence so. I pray her soured habits do not
influence Henry and Mary before thee returns to them. I did beg Signore Carlino
to stay and buffer your children with Tomasia and will leave them at Foliejohn
when I make progress to Scarborough Village for the Faire in three weeks time.
Tomasia will not be left behind to make gunpowder with thy household items as
happened in past holiday and curdled milk not be left for Mistress Jane
O'Conner, the scullery maid. True enough said that we are all Adam's children,
but silk maketh the difference. There may never enough silk woven to clothe
Tomasia, daughter of Leo X or not.
Tarry no longer and return home.
Tutto l'mio amore,
Lisana
And so the story goes...
Hope to see you all at Faire!
First February the Year of Our Lord 1533
Unto the Contessa Montefiascone do I, Henry Norrys send greetings;
My Lady forgive my hasty departure from England, His Majesty has granted me
leave on the pretext that I have business in Rome pertaining to mine office as
Weigher at the Beam for the Italian Market.
I go to seek and Audience with His Eminence, The Bishop of Rome. Forgive me,
please, The Pope. The events of the past month at Longview Tower weigh heavily
upon my mind and heart. Firstly, I will make one final attempt to sway his
Eminence on the Great Matter. That business concluded, I go to seek his
forgiveness for certain matters that, in my hastiness, I felt necessary for your
protection. I also, seek his Blessing in matters unspoken.
While I am away, PLEASE have a care and do not anger my cousin, as he now knows
your mission in England. Stay close to Jean-Margurite, comfort her in her time
of loss.
Until I return, please keep yourself safe. Feel free to slip away to Foliejohn,
if you feel the need. The Staff have instructions to greet you as if you were
the Lady of the House.
Yours always,
Henry
***
3 Febbraio 1533
Mine own Sir Henry Norrys,
Haste maketh waste, and thou art known for swiftness in deed and speech. Speak
not of regret for any deeds done unto me, for your intent was most honourable
and done for mine own good. While anger spake from mine lips, mine heart was
humbled.
I am firm in the belief; His Holiness Clemente is not inclined to listen to
argument for the dissolution of the Great Matter in favour of Re Henry VII.
Regina Katherine is the rightful and dutiful Regina dell'Inghilterra and
persuasion of this decision will be impossible to procure. Hold thy tongue when
necessary, lest I be required to make sure it held quiet upon return to
Foliejohn.
Jean-Marguerite has chosen to return to France on the morrow. Tears could not
convince her otherwise and I am reduced to stepping aside and allowing her the
path of least resistance. Time is a bitter enemy of grief, as we are both
aware.
I begin to Foliejohn on the morrow when il mio amica dolce, Marguerite begins
her progress home.
Travel safely under san Michael's wings,
Lisana
***
12 Febbraio 1533
Pray thee blessed, Sir Henry Norrys:
I have taken liberties of sending missive to Biancia Pasquati and have her
request for thee an audience with Il Papo at the hour of thy arrival. I have
told of our adventures and have begged her favour of this request. La manco
terribile.
Til again we shall meet,
Contessa de la Montefiascone
***
Fifteenth February the Year of Our Lord 1533
Contessa;
After an extremely smooth sailing, I am arrived in Civitavecchia. But for a
minor foray with the sweating sickness, it was a pleasant crossing. From here
'tis a journey of but 3 days to il Vaticano, if all of the steeds that were
arranged for me are in place. I will stop only to eat and change horse on the
route. I have sent letters ahead to His Holiness, in the hopes that I may be
granted private audience not later than twentieth Febraio. My Schedule for this
trip is extremely pressing as I must return to London before His Majesty departs
on Progress.
My Lady, you are in my thoughts and prayers daily. I pray that you are keeping
yourself far from the Viscount Rochefort. For I fear the only way to get back
into my cousin's good graces would be to free him of that harpy Jane Parker. She
is a jealous woman and I think she plots his demise daily. It be no wonder that
he spend such vast amounts of time in his cups.
I do so hope that you have taken me up on the offer of Foliejohn. The children
would love to have Aunt Lizzie visit. It always seems a holiday when you visit.
I pray do not over indulge them, you spoil them as if they were your own.
Sorry, my dear, I must hasten to close this missive, as I am informed that my
first horse is saddled and ready. Wish me Buona Fortuna in my efforts with His
Holiness.
Yours always,
Henry
***
First Marzzo Year of Our Lord 1533
Henry,
Jesu mio! Pray thee home safe. Forgo audience with Il Papo if thee ill with
sweating sickness lest it take thee from me. I wouldst rather thou never
forgiven for actions taken in desperation than risk thine health and safe return
to me.
I arrived at Foliejohn safely on fourteen Febbraio and was greeted as Belladonna
de la Foliejohn by staff and servant. How they treat me well.
Thy children are a delight to behold and a sight for sore eyes. Henry is
becoming signore in his own right and is a quick learned boy with una spada. To
date I am able to best him but the day is quickly approaching when Maestro
Viggiani must take him to train, as it would be improper for me to do so any
longer. Mary è una piccola signorina and holds her head proudly. She grows
molto bellisima every day. Thy children are quite literate and learned and read
fluently in thy language and mine own. Proud, thee should be for they both are
the image of their father. No more spoiled they are then when thee left them,
however, I have not been in their company long enough to lavish them with treat
nor tale.
Worry not of thy cousin, the Viscount Rochefort, for he is not my concern. At
the bottom of a butt of vino, all faces appear the same. Cats hide their claws,
Henry, so fear no more.
Casa di fretta a me,
Lisana
***
Nineteeth February the Year of Our Lord 1533
Lisana;
Forgive the briefness of this missive. I write only to let you know that I
am well. In the dark last eve my bloody mount fell breaking both his forelimbs and
sending me tumbling. The physics here in Roma are wondrous but tell me I have
broken my ribs, riding is extremely uncomfortable. I have been forced to hire a
carriage and team. It vexes me so that I am already a day late arriving in il
Vaticano. I have received word from il Camerlengo that His Holiness will see me
at the hour of one on the morrow. If I do not arrive in His offices by then I
will not be able to see his Eminence for another month.
Give the children a hug from Father and let them know I will be home soon.
Yours,
Henry
***
Sixth Marzzo the Year of Our Lord 1533
Sir Henry Norrys;
This business at il Vaticano is acceptable no longer, risking life and limb for
a man who wishes to toss aside a loving and proper wife for a courtesan with no
skills for homemaking and child bearing. I shall not have you slaughtered or
disemboweled for Re Henry VIII in bringing detail of his pleasures in court.
How dare he send his most trusted of confidante to Roma with full knowing of the
dangers that could befall. Didst thee learn nothing of Curran's fate of
indulging the selfishnesses of Re Henry and his delegation of duties to those he
most certainly considers replaceable souls? The Great Matter may be the death
of you, lest God grant you pardon from what surely will claim you from me.
Your children are most concerned your fate, as am I. Buona Fortuna not be enough
for safe return through perils most dangerous. Missives in my hand be sent to
the Roma Apothocary and Montefiascone midwives for healing of your broken bones
by fleeting horse and swift sail.
Abandon this progress, Signore, I humbly beg of you.
Tutto l'mio amore,
Montefiascone
***
Twentieth February the Year of Our Lord 1533
Lisana;
Forgive me, these nags they call a team are slower than Mistress Follywoll's
honey in Diciembre. I swear to Saint Michael that I will have them roasted and
served at table if they ever fail me again, and the coachmen with them. These
ill-mannered, straw for brains imbeciles, made me 2 hours late for my audience
with Il Papo! Now il Camerlengo tells me that the Earliest audience His Holiness
has, will not be until 20th Marzzo.
I fear that I may have need of returning home without completing my mission
here. I will stay as late as I may, and pray that I return before His Majesty
does depart on Progress.
Forgive my babbling; Roma is such an enchanting city, I do so wish you were here
to enjoy it with me. I paid a visit to an old friend of ours today. Biancia
Pasquatti begs me send you her love. We had an enjoyable dinner together, and
then she had to run off to an appointment. She is starring in a new play here in
Rome. When she is not otherwise engaged. I have plans to see her perform on the
morrow.
Well, my dearest heart, the hour grows late and I should send this missive on
it;s way. I miss you and the Children with all my heart.
Yours,
Henry
***
Twenty-forth February the Year of Our Lord 1533
Lisana;
My dearest Biancia was absolutely marvelous. I have seen her act many times, but
this was the first time I have heard her sing. She has the voice of an angel.
When she returns to England, I will have to ask His Majesty to demand a command
performance.
There is other news as well. A summons came from the Vatican this very morn. I
was taken directly to His Holiness, whereupon I spent 6 exhaustive hours
attempting to convince Him that he should grant the dissolution in the Great
Matter. Mind you a am fairly fluent in your native language, but there were
entire tirades from His Holiness, that I could not understand, and il Camerlengo
refused to reveal to me. In the end, His Holiness threatened to have me
excommunicated if I persisted in the matter. I am afeared that his decision
stands, He insists that the Marriage between Queen Katherine and King Henry is
valid and just. After so long and arduous a discussion, His Holoness would not
brook discussion of my other matters. He had il Camerlengo tell me that he likes
me and that He will see me in the morning to discuss, my handling of you at
Longridge Tower, and the other matter that was requested. I hope to write you
with good news on the morrow.
Pray be safe and well taken care of at Foliejohn.
Ever Yours,
Henry
***
Twelve Marzzo Year of Our Lord 1533
Henry Bello,
Thou hast given great service to L'Inghleterra and Re Henry himself. Prideful
he should be to have thee do his bidding in il Vaticano and Roma herself. Never
a more loyal a subject has Re Henry than thee in his service. I have received
missive from il Camerlengo and relaying tale of discourse between Il Papo and
thee. Thou didst create quite the stir in all of il Vaticano; thou art the
topic of much conversation in Roma and thy conviction is noted amongst all the
courtiers and clergy alike. My father, resto del Dio la sua anima, and I were
the ones to speak with His Holiness with force. Thou art molto bene to have
spake words in tune with voice to a Bevilacqua tongue. Pray tell, what further
matter begs discussion with Il Papo, bello? Has progress on the Great Matter
not been halted to date?
Pray thee; regale me of Biancia Pasquati and her entertainments. Cesira
Silvestri sends word from her seamstress quarters in my Villa that Biancia is
principle role of recent Commedia del Arte at the coliseum. Pay her mind, her
quarters in Montefiascone are cleaned and have been made ready for her return
home.
A missive from Sua Maestà arrived by Captiano Matthew Scharpe to Foliejohn this
day. Re Henry has begun progress to Scarborough Village from Hampton Court and
will be arriving on ten Aprile. Capitano had the look of a frightened doe when
Mary called to me and introduced me as "Auntie Mamma Lizzie," which took me
aback in surprise as well.
Tomasia Bastarda has arrived at Foliejohn this night after much discussion of
mine own inability to make purses from sow's ears. Bambina no longer she be,
albit deeds and actions not say it so. A fortnight past, she was discovered in
the Cross Keys Inne by Carlino Mazzuchi. Words were exchanged in the dining
hall as I entered. To swear "merda" in public does not show becomingness to
belladonna of my household, nor was it permitted. While the Great Matter may
cause corpus of thee, Tomasia will end my days as well. There must be Diablo in
her veins to vex my very existence so. I pray her soured habits do not
influence Henry and Mary before thee returns to them. I did beg Signore Carlino
to stay and buffer your children with Tomasia and will leave them at Foliejohn
when I make progress to Scarborough Village for the Faire in three weeks time.
Tomasia will not be left behind to make gunpowder with thy household items as
happened in past holiday and curdled milk not be left for Mistress Jane
O'Conner, the scullery maid. True enough said that we are all Adam's children,
but silk maketh the difference. There may never enough silk woven to clothe
Tomasia, daughter of Leo X or not.
Tarry no longer and return home.
Tutto l'mio amore,
Lisana
And so the story goes...
Hope to see you all at Faire!