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Letter #1729

[Ioannes DANTISCUS] to [Johan WEZE]
Löbau (Lubawa), 1537-09-28

English register: Dantiscus is replying to Weze’s letter. He apologizes for taking so long. The news received from Weze concerning Isabel (Delgada) has been confirmed in the letters of (Diego Gracián de Alderete) suitor of Dantiscus’ daughter (Juana Dantisca). Dantiscus is embittered at the lack of response to his proposals as to his daughter’s future, of which he informed Ehinger in a letter, so he has decided not to interfere with the course of events. He writes unfavorably of Gracián, about whom Albrecht Cuon wrote to him that he is proud and that he suffers from the French disease. He also suggests that Juana may not be his child. Dantiscus informs Weze that Prussian Prince Albrecht was present at the coronation of the prince of Holstein as king of Denmark, which took place in recent days in Copenhagen. The pestilence is spreading on the (Baltic) coast, so Albrecht was forced to return from the coronation by sea. The ceremonies were magnificent but, despite the hopes they raised, and knowing the nature of the Danes, Dantiscus does not believe in lasting peace in this region. Dantiscus thanks Weze for the news and states that the political situation has deteriorated substantially. He is particularly shocked at the news of the alliance between France and Turkey. He is also worried at the lack of news from Cornelis De Schepper. He states his wish (yet again) that the epitaph he wrote for Alfonso Valdes be placed in the church (where Valdes is buried in Vienna), especially since he has paid for a space on the wall. He criticizes the new custom of charging such a fee. Dantiscus would greatly like to see Weze again someday, and encourages him to write letters. He informs Weze about his election to the post of Warmia bishop. He hopes Weze will also be promoted to some major German or Spanish bishopric.


Manuscript sources:
1rough draft in Latin, autograph, BCz, 244, p. 277-278
2copy in Latin, 18th-century, BK, 232, p. 217-219
3copy in Latin, 18th-century, B. Ossol., 151/II, f. 160v-162v
4copy, 18th-century, BCz, 55 (TN), No. 47, p. 357-361
5register with excerpt in Latin, Polish, 20th-century, B. PAU-PAN, 8243 (TK 5), a.1537, f. 50r-v
6register with excerpt in Latin, English, 20th-century, CBKUL, R.III, 32, No. 594

Prints:
1DE VOCHT 1961 No. DE, 364, p. 298-299 (English register; excerpt)
2CEID 1/1 No. 47, p. 256-261 (in extenso; English register)

 

Text & apparatus & commentaryPlain textText & commentaryText & apparatus

 

BCz, 244, p. 277

Reverendissime Domine, Domine et Amice carissime ac observandissime. Salutem fraternique amoris mei commendationem plurimam.

Quod hucusque amicissimis Dominationis Vestrae cf. Johan WEZE to Ioannes DANTISCUS Prague, 1537-05-02, CIDTC IDL 6501, letter lost⌊litteriscf. Johan WEZE to Ioannes DANTISCUS Prague, 1537-05-02, CIDTC IDL 6501, letter lost⌋ Prague (Praha, Praga), city in central Bohemia, on the Vltava river, from the 9th century capital of Bohemia, archepiscopal see⌊PragaePrague (Praha, Praga), city in central Bohemia, on the Vltava river, from the 9th century capital of Bohemia, archepiscopal see⌋ II Maii datis non responderim, quam praetexere debeam excusationem, non invenio, numquam enim ita deberem esse occupatus aut negotiis impeditus pro illa nostra amicitia, in qua a tot annis integerrime coniunctissimeque una superinscribed⌈unauna superinscribed⌉ viximus, quin, omissis omnibus, Dominationi Vestrae Reverendissimae officiosum me praeberem. Fateor igitur plane negligentiam meam, non tamen venia indignam, quam singularis Dominationis Vestrae Reverendissimae in me benevolentia mihi impetrabit. Quae Dominatio Vestra Reverendissima scripsit de Isabel Delgada (†after 1546-06-15), Dantiscus' paramour during his stay in Spain, mother of his two children, Juana and Juan (Juan died in childhood)⌊Hispana IsipeIsabel Delgada (†after 1546-06-15), Dantiscus' paramour during his stay in Spain, mother of his two children, Juana and Juan (Juan died in childhood)⌋, accepi etiam ab Diego Gracián de Alderete (*ca. 1494 – †1586), humanist, translator from Greek and Latin into Castilian, became engaged to Dantiscus' daughter Juana on 1537-06-30, and married her in 1538; scribe and secretary to Emperor Charles V, later secretary to King Philip II of Spain (SKOLIMOWSKA 2000; CE, vol. 2, p. 122)⌊eoDiego Gracián de Alderete (*ca. 1494 – †1586), humanist, translator from Greek and Latin into Castilian, became engaged to Dantiscus' daughter Juana on 1537-06-30, and married her in 1538; scribe and secretary to Emperor Charles V, later secretary to King Philip II of Spain (SKOLIMOWSKA 2000; CE, vol. 2, p. 122)⌋ crebris pulsatus litteris on the margin⌈crebris pulsatus litteriscrebris pulsatus litteris on the margin⌉, qui filiam[1] eius ambit. Ego vero conniventer negotium transeo iam, qui sciam, quomodo omnia habeant, et quid fieri velim cf. Ioannes DANTISCUS to Heinrich EHINGER 1537-01-01 — 1537-09-27, CIDTC IDL 6503, letter lost⌊domino Heinrich Ehinger (Enrrico Eynger) (†1537)⌊Henrico EhingerHeinrich Ehinger (Enrrico Eynger) (†1537)⌋ iam superinscribed⌈iamiam superinscribed⌉ significaverimcf. Ioannes DANTISCUS to Heinrich EHINGER 1537-01-01 — 1537-09-27, CIDTC IDL 6503, letter lost⌋, a quo hactenus non obtinui responsum. Ille porro procus inanis, gloriosulus eruditionis ostentator on the margin⌈inanis, gloriosulus eruditionis in next line in place of crossed-out ...⌈ in next line in place of crossed-out ...⌈... illegible⌈...... illegible⌉... illegible⌈...... illegible⌉ in next line in place of crossed-out ...⌉eruditioniseruditionis in next line in place of crossed-out ...⌉ ostentatorinanis, gloriosulus eruditionis ostentator on the margin⌉, ut ex Albrecht Cuon (Kohn) (†after 1559), a German merchant from Nuremberg, and the Welsers' factor in Spain (Oberdeutsche Kaufleute, p. 36, footnote 122)⌊Alberti Kuon stain⌈[on]on stain⌉Albrecht Cuon (Kohn) (†after 1559), a German merchant from Nuremberg, and the Welsers' factor in Spain (Oberdeutsche Kaufleute, p. 36, footnote 122)⌋ litteris intellexi, multa petit, totus Gallica scabie, a qua vix umquam fuit vel erit immunis, obsitus et possessus. Pro iure sanguinis nihil, ut certo opinor, debeo. cf. Gel. 13.18.1-2 Quid apud M. Catonem significent uerba haec “inter os atque offam”. Oratio est M.Catonis Censorii de aedilibus uitio creatis. Ex ea oratione verba haec sunt: “Nunc ita aiunt in segetibus, in herbis bona frumenta esse. Nolite ibi nimiam spem habere. Saepe audivi inter os atque offam multa intervenire posse; verumvero inter offam atque herbam ibi uero longum intervallum est.”; Adagia 1526 No. 402 Inter os et offam ⌊Si inter os et offam, quid non iis rebus solet incidere?cf. Gel. 13.18.1-2 Quid apud M. Catonem significent uerba haec “inter os atque offam”. Oratio est M.Catonis Censorii de aedilibus uitio creatis. Ex ea oratione verba haec sunt: “Nunc ita aiunt in segetibus, in herbis bona frumenta esse. Nolite ibi nimiam spem habere. Saepe audivi inter os atque offam multa intervenire posse; verumvero inter offam atque herbam ibi uero longum intervallum est.”; Adagia 1526 No. 402 Inter os et offam ⌋ Quod Dominatio Vestra Reverendissima clarius, quam scribi licet ac convenit, pro illorum temporum et hominum condicione apud se reputabit. Quae mater vere patri filiam vendit ... illegible⌈...... illegible⌉ quis emit hoc, quod suum est

Pro novis, quae Dominatio Vestra Reverendissima scripsit, magnam habeo gratiam. Interea immutata sunt plurima ut in infrascriptis lege, sed non in meliorem statum, cum Francis I of Valois (*1494 – †1547), 1515-1547 King of France; son of Charles, Count of Angoulême, and Louise of Savoy⌊is, qui ... se scribit ChristianissimumFrancis I of Valois (*1494 – †1547), 1515-1547 King of France; son of Charles, Count of Angoulême, and Louise of Savoy⌋[2], Christianismo factus sit The Ottoman Turks (Turcae) ⌊TurcisThe Ottoman Turks (Turcae) ⌋ iunctus infensissimus. Cuius truculentae impietati cf. Vulg. Ps (G) 7.12.1 Deus iudex iustus ⌊dominus Deus resistet et se vindicem iustumque suo tempore superinscribed⌈suo temporesuo tempore superinscribed⌉ iudicem se facietcf. Vulg. Ps (G) 7.12.1 Deus iudex iustus ⌋ etc.

Quid hinc scribam earum rerum, quae hic aguntur, non habeo aliud, quam quod Albrecht I von Hohenzollern-Ansbach (Albrecht von Brandenburg) (*1490 – †1568), 1511-1525 Grand Master of the Teutonic Order; from 1525 to his death Duke in Prussia as a liegeman of the Polish king; son of Friedrich V of Brandenburg der Ältere and Sophia Jagiellon (daughter of Casimir IV Jagiellon), nephew of Sigismund I, King of Poland; founder of the university in Königsberg (1544)⌊vicinus meus ill(ustrissimus) or ill(ustris)⌈ill(ustrissimus)ill(ustrissimus) or ill(ustris)⌉ marchio Bran(denburgensis) Albertus dux in parte PrussiaeAlbrecht I von Hohenzollern-Ansbach (Albrecht von Brandenburg) (*1490 – †1568), 1511-1525 Grand Master of the Teutonic Order; from 1525 to his death Duke in Prussia as a liegeman of the Polish king; son of Friedrich V of Brandenburg der Ältere and Sophia Jagiellon (daughter of Casimir IV Jagiellon), nephew of Sigismund I, King of Poland; founder of the university in Königsberg (1544)⌋ iis proximis diebus ex Copenhagen (København, Hafnia), city in Denmark, on the Zeeland and Amager islands⌊HaffniaCopenhagen (København, Hafnia), city in Denmark, on the Zeeland and Amager islands⌋ Denmark (Dania)⌊DaniaeDenmark (Dania)⌋, peracta coronatione Christian III of Oldenburg (*1503 – †1559), 1534-1559 King of Denmark and Norway, 1523-1559 Duke of Holstein and Schleswig; son of Frederick I of Oldenburg, King of Denmark, and his first consort, Anna of Brandenburg⌊ducis Holstein, duchy in the Holy Roman Empire⌊HolsaciaeHolstein, duchy in the Holy Roman Empire⌋Christian III of Oldenburg (*1503 – †1559), 1534-1559 King of Denmark and Norway, 1523-1559 Duke of Holstein and Schleswig; son of Frederick I of Oldenburg, King of Denmark, and his first consort, Anna of Brandenburg⌋, maritimo itinere rediit, equitatum suum superinscribed⌈suumsuum superinscribed⌉, quo usque in Stralsund (Strzałów), city in northeastern Germany, in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania on the Strelasund, which separates Rügen from the mainland, as a member of the Hanseatic League from 1278 Stralsund was one of the main trade centres on the Baltic Sea⌊StralsundStralsund (Strzałów), city in northeastern Germany, in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania on the Strelasund, which separates Rügen from the mainland, as a member of the Hanseatic League from 1278 Stralsund was one of the main trade centres on the Baltic Sea⌋ profectus fuit terra, relinquens ob pestem, quae passim in illis oris grassari cepit. Feruntur multa de conviviis, symposiis, choreis et nescio quibus ludis aliis, praeterea de bona pacis spe Christian III of Oldenburg (*1503 – †1559), 1534-1559 King of Denmark and Norway, 1523-1559 Duke of Holstein and Schleswig; son of Frederick I of Oldenburg, King of Denmark, and his first consort, Anna of Brandenburg⌊coronatique regisChristian III of Oldenburg (*1503 – †1559), 1534-1559 King of Denmark and Norway, 1523-1559 Duke of Holstein and Schleswig; son of Frederick I of Oldenburg, King of Denmark, and his first consort, Anna of Brandenburg⌋ in eo Regno firmitate. Quae quam diu inibi durare soleat, multi ante reges fecerunt periculum, et iste, ni fallor pro, cf. Suet. Ves. 16.3 Quidam natura cupidissimum tradunt, idque exprobratum ei a sene bubulco, qui negatam sibi gratuitam libertatem, quam imperium ademptum suppliciter orabat, proclamaverit vulpem pilum mutare, non mores.; Adagia 1526 No. 2219 Lupus pilam mutat, non mentem ⌊pro loci et gentis natura faciet, quam, licet pilos mutet, tamen numquam solet mutare vulpescf. Suet. Ves. 16.3 Quidam natura cupidissimum tradunt, idque exprobratum ei a sene bubulco, qui negatam sibi gratuitam libertatem, quam imperium ademptum suppliciter orabat, proclamaverit vulpem pilum mutare, non mores.; Adagia 1526 No. 2219 Lupus pilam mutat, non mentem ⌋ etc.

Scripsi superioribus mensibus Dominationi Vestrae Reverendissimae, quidnam agat communis noster amicus dominus Cornelis De Schepper (Cornelius Scepperus, Cornelis De Dobbele, Cornelius Duplicius) (*1503 – †1555), erudite, diplomat in the Habsburgs' service; close friend of Ioannes Dantiscus; initially in the service of Christian II of Oldenburg, King of Denmark; 1526 secretary and councillor to Emperor Charles V of Habsburg (CE, vol. 3, p. 218-220; DE VOCHT 1961, p. 15-24)⌊Cornelius ScepperusCornelis De Schepper (Cornelius Scepperus, Cornelis De Dobbele, Cornelius Duplicius) (*1503 – †1555), erudite, diplomat in the Habsburgs' service; close friend of Ioannes Dantiscus; initially in the service of Christian II of Oldenburg, King of Denmark; 1526 secretary and councillor to Emperor Charles V of Habsburg (CE, vol. 3, p. 218-220; DE VOCHT 1961, p. 15-24)⌋, ad quem tum et litteras dederam, et item alias aliis viis. Scire nequeo, neque coniectura assequi,cf. Cic. Catil. 1.(4)9 ubinam gentium vivat? ⌊ubinam gencium vivatcf. Cic. Catil. 1.(4)9 ubinam gentium vivat? ⌋, aut si vivat. Si quid de illo certi habet, ut me participem faciat, impense oro.

Velim et Alfonso de Valdés (Alphonsus Valdesius) (*1500-1504 – †1532), Spanish humanist, friend of Erasmus of Rotterdam, brother of Juan and Diego; from 1520 in the service of the Imperial Chancellor Mercurino Gattinara; 1522 secretary of Emperor Charles V of Habsburg; 1526 Latin secretary (FERNÁNDEZ-SANTAMARÍA, p. 38-48; DE VOCHT 1961, p. 26)⌊ValdesiiAlfonso de Valdés (Alphonsus Valdesius) (*1500-1504 – †1532), Spanish humanist, friend of Erasmus of Rotterdam, brother of Juan and Diego; from 1520 in the service of the Imperial Chancellor Mercurino Gattinara; 1522 secretary of Emperor Charles V of Habsburg; 1526 Latin secretary (FERNÁNDEZ-SANTAMARÍA, p. 38-48; DE VOCHT 1961, p. 26)⌋ cf. Epitaphium Alfonsi Valdesii 1 1532-10-06 — 1536-08-13, CIDTC IDP 103;
Epitaphium Alfonsi Valdesii 2 Ad Valdesium 1532-10-06 — 1536-08-13, CIDTC IDP 96⌊epitaphiumcf. Epitaphium Alfonsi Valdesii 1 1532-10-06 — 1536-08-13, CIDTC IDP 103;
Epitaphium Alfonsi Valdesii 2 Ad Valdesium 1532-10-06 — 1536-08-13, CIDTC IDP 96⌋ esse appensum, quandoquidem pro loco in ecclesia dati sunt BCz, 244, p. 278 ecclesiae praefectis (inauditum prius et detestandum) ms 2 3 4 quinque,
ms 1 quinq[ue] paper damaged⌈quinquems 2 3 4 quinque,
ms 1 quinq[ue] paper damaged⌉ vel septem, si recte memini, floreni Renenses. Si ms 2 3 4 tantum,
ms 1 tant[um] paper damaged⌈tantumms 2 3 4 tantum,
ms 1 tant[um] paper damaged⌉ accipitur ab iis, qui ornant, qu hidden by binding⌈[u]u hidden by binding⌉id ab iis, qui ms 2 3 4 cadaveribus,
ms 1 ca[da]veribus paper damaged⌈cadaveribusms 2 3 4 cadaveribus,
ms 1 ca[da]veribus paper damaged⌉ foedant ecclesiam? Recens, inquam superinscribed⌈inquaminquam superinscribed⌉, et novum est ms 2 3 4 prodigiosum,
ms 1 pro[di]giosum paper damaged⌈prodigiosumms 2 3 4 prodigiosum,
ms 1 pro[di]giosum paper damaged⌉, quod et tabellae parietes decorantes sine ms 2 3 4 pretio,
ms 1 pr[etio] paper damaged⌈pretioms 2 3 4 pretio,
ms 1 pr[etio] paper damaged⌉ non admittantur.[3]

Quod Dominatio Vestra Reverendissima in calce ms 2 3 4 litterarum,
ms 1 littera[rum] paper damaged⌈litterarumms 2 3 4 litterarum,
ms 1 littera[rum] paper damaged⌉ addit se desiderare, ut me aliquando videre possit, ms 2 3 4 idipsum,
ms 1 [id]ipsum paper damaged⌈idipsumms 2 3 4 idipsum,
ms 1 [id]ipsum paper damaged⌉ revera, quantum animus meus praegestit et adhuc, ms 2 3 4 antequam,
ms 1 a[ntequam] paper damaged⌈antequamms 2 3 4 antequam,
ms 1 a[ntequam] paper damaged⌉ e vivis migrem, ut superinscribed⌈utut superinscribed⌉ Dominationem Vestram Reverendissimam coram complecti illamque ms 2 3 4 amicissime,
ms 1 a[mi]cissime paper damaged⌈amicissimems 2 3 4 amicissime,
ms 1 a[mi]cissime paper damaged⌉ familiarissimeque alloqui possim, scribi ms 2 3 4 nequit,
ms 1 neq[uit] paper damaged⌈nequitms 2 3 4 nequit,
ms 1 neq[uit] paper damaged⌉. Quod si aliquando contigerit, cf. Hor. Carm. 1.1.36 sublimi feriam sidra vertice ⌊sublimi feriam vertice sideracf. Hor. Carm. 1.1.36 sublimi feriam sidra vertice ⌋, ms 2 3 4 sin,
ms 1 [sin] paper damaged⌈sinms 2 3 4 sin,
ms 1 [sin] paper damaged⌉ minus, ut crebris litteris nos vicissim visitemus, pro ms 2 3 4 leniendo,
ms 1 le[nien]do paper damaged⌈leniendoms 2 3 4 leniendo,
ms 1 le[nien]do paper damaged⌉ utrimque desiderio nostro, utrisque erit incumbendum, ms 2 3 4 quibus,
ms 1 quib[us] paper damaged⌈quibusms 2 3 4 quibus,
ms 1 quib[us] paper damaged⌉ cf. Verg. A. 4. 83 illum absens absentem auditque, videtque; Adagia 1526 No. 1684 Praesens abest (-- contra qui amant, absentes praesentes sunt veluti de Didone Verg.: Absens absentem auditque videtque ⌊audiat on the margin⌈audiataudiat on the margin⌉ absentem absens audiat videatquecf. Verg. A. 4. 83 illum absens absentem auditque, videtque; Adagia 1526 No. 1684 Praesens abest (-- contra qui amant, absentes praesentes sunt veluti de Didone Verg.: Absens absentem auditque videtque ⌋ legendo.

ms 2 3 4 Qui,
ms 1 Qu[i] paper damaged⌈Quims 2 3 4 Qui,
ms 1 Qu[i] paper damaged⌉ diligit amicum, non potest non esse de fortunis eius ms 2 3 4 sollicitus,
ms 1 sol[li]citus paper damaged⌈sollicitusms 2 3 4 sollicitus,
ms 1 sol[li]citus paper damaged⌉, unde nihil foret mihi iucundius superinscribed in place of crossed-out gracius(?)⌈gracius(?)iucundiusiucundius superinscribed in place of crossed-out gracius(?)⌉, quam scire Dominationem Vestram ms 2 3 4 Reverendissimam,
ms 1 R[everendissimam] paper damaged⌈Reverendissimamms 2 3 4 Reverendissimam,
ms 1 R[everendissimam] paper damaged⌉ pro tot longis superinscribed⌈longislongis superinscribed⌉ duris et utilibus servitiis, quibus Charles V of Habsburg (*1500 – †1558), ruler of the Burgundian territories (1506-1555), King of Spain as Charles I (1516-1556), King of Naples and Sicily, King of the Romans (1519-1530), Holy Roman Emperor of the German Nation (elected 1519, crowned 1530, abdicated 1556); son of Philip I the Handsome and Joanna the Mad of Castile⌊s(acratissimae) caesareae maiestatiCharles V of Habsburg (*1500 – †1558), ruler of the Burgundian territories (1506-1555), King of Spain as Charles I (1516-1556), King of Naples and Sicily, King of the Romans (1519-1530), Holy Roman Emperor of the German Nation (elected 1519, crowned 1530, abdicated 1556); son of Philip I the Handsome and Joanna the Mad of Castile⌋ ms 2 3 4 iam,
ms 1 [iam] paper damaged⌈iamms 2 3 4 iam,
ms 1 [iam] paper damaged⌉ tot annis fuit usui, dignam compensationem on the margin in place of crossed-out recompensa(tionem)⌈recompensa(tionem)compensationemcompensationem on the margin in place of crossed-out recompensa(tionem)⌉ ms 2 3 4 remuneration[emque],
ms 1 remunerationemque⌈remunerationemque paper damaged⌈[emque]emque paper damaged⌉ms 2 3 4 remuneration[emque],
ms 1 remunerationemque⌉ re superinscribed in place of crossed-out per⌈perrere superinscribed in place of crossed-out per⌉cepisse. Pergratum itaque mihi Dominatio Vestra Reverendissima ms 2 3 4 fecerit,
ms 1 feceri[t] paper damaged⌈feceritms 2 3 4 fecerit,
ms 1 feceri[t] paper damaged⌉, si in eo me reddiderit certiorem. Quantum written over i⌈iumum written over i⌉ enim Dominationi Vestrae Reverendissimae pro meritis on the margin⌈pro meritispro meritis on the margin⌉ accesserit honoris et commodi, tantum et mihi ms 2 3 4 accrevisse,
ms 1 accre[vis]se paper damaged⌈accrevissems 2 3 4 accrevisse,
ms 1 accre[vis]se paper damaged⌉arbitrabor. Utinam Charles V of Habsburg (*1500 – †1558), ruler of the Burgundian territories (1506-1555), King of Spain as Charles I (1516-1556), King of Naples and Sicily, King of the Romans (1519-1530), Holy Roman Emperor of the German Nation (elected 1519, crowned 1530, abdicated 1556); son of Philip I the Handsome and Joanna the Mad of Castile⌊s(acratissima) caesareaCharles V of Habsburg (*1500 – †1558), ruler of the Burgundian territories (1506-1555), King of Spain as Charles I (1516-1556), King of Naples and Sicily, King of the Romans (1519-1530), Holy Roman Emperor of the German Nation (elected 1519, crowned 1530, abdicated 1556); son of Philip I the Handsome and Joanna the Mad of Castile⌋ et Ferdinand I of Habsburg (*1503 – †1564), from 1521 Archduke of Austria, from 1526 King of Bohemia and Hungary, Croatia and Slavonia as Ferdinand I, 1531-1558 King of the Romans, 1558-1564 Holy Roman Emperor; son of Philip I the Handsome and Joanna the Mad of Castile, a younger brother of Charles V of Habsburg⌊regia(?) Romanorum ms 1 m(aies)t[ates],
ms 2 3 4 maiestas⌈m(aies)tates paper damaged⌈[ates]ates paper damaged⌉ms 1 m(aies)t[ates],
ms 2 3 4 maiestas⌉Ferdinand I of Habsburg (*1503 – †1564), from 1521 Archduke of Austria, from 1526 King of Bohemia and Hungary, Croatia and Slavonia as Ferdinand I, 1531-1558 King of the Romans, 1558-1564 Holy Roman Emperor; son of Philip I the Handsome and Joanna the Mad of Castile, a younger brother of Charles V of Habsburg⌋ eam de Dominationis Vestrae Reverendissimae ms 1 2 habere(n)t,
ms 3 haberent,
ms 4 haberet⌈habere(n)tms 1 2 habere(n)t,
ms 3 haberent,
ms 4 haberet⌉ rationem, quam de me serenissimus rex meus habet on the margin⌈Sigismund I Jagiellon (Zygmunt I) (*1467 – †1548), King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania (1506-1548); Duke of Głogów (Glogau) (1499-1506), Duke of Opava (1501-1506), Governor of Silesia (1504-1506); son of King Kazimierz IV Jagiellon and Elisabeth of Austria⌊serenissimus rex meusSigismund I Jagiellon (Zygmunt I) (*1467 – †1548), King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania (1506-1548); Duke of Głogów (Glogau) (1499-1506), Duke of Opava (1501-1506), Governor of Silesia (1504-1506); son of King Kazimierz IV Jagiellon and Elisabeth of Austria⌋ habetserenissimus rex meus habet on the margin⌉ ms 2 3 4 non,
ms 1 [non] paper damaged⌈nonms 2 3 4 non,
ms 1 [non] paper damaged⌉ tam bene merito, quam written over ut⌈utquamquam written over ut⌉ de suis est principibus Dominatio Vestra ms 2 3 4 Reverendissima,
ms 1 R[everendissima] paper damaged⌈Reverendissimams 2 3 4 Reverendissima,
ms 1 R[everendissima] paper damaged⌉ bene merita – in alio, eminentiorique statu res vestrae ms 2 3 4 essent,
ms 1 es[sent] paper damaged⌈essentms 2 3 4 essent,
ms 1 es[sent] paper damaged⌉. Translatus siquidem sum, cum coadiutoriae negotium hidden by binding⌈[tium]tium hidden by binding⌉ Mauritius Ferber (*1471 – †1537), doctor of both canon and civil law; from 1507 Canon of Ermland (Warmia) and Lübeck; from 1514 Canon of Trier; 1512-1515 parish priest of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Gdańsk (Danzig); from 1516 Custos of Ermland and parish priest of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Gdańsk; from 1519 Canon of Dorpat; from 1523 Canon of Revel; 1523-1537 Bishop of Ermland (KOPICZKO 2, p. 71-72; SBKW, p. 59-60)⌊morte episcopiMauritius Ferber (*1471 – †1537), doctor of both canon and civil law; from 1507 Canon of Ermland (Warmia) and Lübeck; from 1514 Canon of Trier; 1512-1515 parish priest of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Gdańsk (Danzig); from 1516 Custos of Ermland and parish priest of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Gdańsk; from 1519 Canon of Dorpat; from 1523 Canon of Revel; 1523-1537 Bishop of Ermland (KOPICZKO 2, p. 71-72; SBKW, p. 59-60)⌋ interveniente infectum Rome (Roma), city in central Italy, on the Tiber river, seat of the Holy See⌊RomaeRome (Roma), city in central Italy, on the Tiber river, seat of the Holy See⌋ manserit, opera nimirum superinscribed⌈nimirumnimirum superinscribed⌉ et ms 2 3 4 gratia,
ms 1 g[ratia] paper damaged⌈gratiams 2 3 4 gratia,
ms 1 g[ratia] paper damaged⌉ Sigismund I Jagiellon (Zygmunt I) (*1467 – †1548), King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania (1506-1548); Duke of Głogów (Glogau) (1499-1506), Duke of Opava (1501-1506), Governor of Silesia (1504-1506); son of King Kazimierz IV Jagiellon and Elisabeth of Austria⌊serenissimi regis meiSigismund I Jagiellon (Zygmunt I) (*1467 – †1548), King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania (1506-1548); Duke of Głogów (Glogau) (1499-1506), Duke of Opava (1501-1506), Governor of Silesia (1504-1506); son of King Kazimierz IV Jagiellon and Elisabeth of Austria⌋, ab hac mea ad Varmiensem ecclesiam, ad quam XX-a huius mensis Ermland Chapter cathedral chapter based in Frauenburg (Frombork, Varmia)⌊capitulum VarmienseErmland Chapter cathedral chapter based in Frauenburg (Frombork, Varmia)⌋ me concordibus votis on the margin⌈concordibus votisconcordibus votis on the margin⌉ ms 2 3 4 postulavit,
ms 1 pos[tu]lavit paper damaged⌈postulavitms 2 3 4 postulavit,
ms 1 pos[tu]lavit paper damaged⌉, habiturus ex Dei misericordia multo quam ms 2 3 4 prius,
ms 1 [prius] paper damaged⌈priusms 2 3 4 prius,
ms 1 [prius] paper damaged⌉ episcopatum (utinam cum animae meae salute) ms 2 3 4 opulentiorem,
ms 1 opulentiore[m] paper damaged⌈opulentioremms 2 3 4 opulentiorem,
ms 1 opulentiore[m] paper damaged⌉. cf. Verg. A. 4. 12 Credo equidem, nec vana fides ⌊Spero quidem, nec vana fidescf. Verg. A. 4. 12 Credo equidem, nec vana fides ⌋, brevi item superinscribed⌈itemitem superinscribed⌉ et Dominationem Vestram ms 2 3 4 Reverendissimam,
ms 1 R[everendissimam] paper damaged⌈Reverendissimamms 2 3 4 Reverendissimam,
ms 1 R[everendissimam] paper damaged⌉ vel apud The Spaniards ⌊HispanosThe Spaniards ⌋ aut The Germans ⌊GermanosThe Germans ⌋ insignem ms 2 3 4 aliquem,
ms 1 aliq[uem] paper damaged⌈aliquemms 2 3 4 aliquem,
ms 1 aliq[uem] paper damaged⌉ episcopatum consecuturam. Quam diutissime bene ms 2 3 4 feliciterque,
ms 1 feliciter[que] paper damaged⌈feliciterquems 2 3 4 feliciterque,
ms 1 feliciter[que] paper damaged⌉ valere omnique honore et fortunis in dies ms 2 3 4 ornatioremque,
ms 1 ornatio[remque] paper damaged⌈ornatioremquems 2 3 4 ornatioremque,
ms 1 ornatio[remque] paper damaged⌉ fieri totis animi percupio ac aveo viribus.

[2] French kings traditionally used the title “arch-Christian” (Christianissimus). This title was part of the formula pronounced during the monarch’s anointment, after which he became the Lord’s anointed. Next to the coronation, the anointment was the most important part of a new ruler’s investiture. From about the 9th century in France, it gained a very special meaning because French kings, apart from the usual chrism, were anointed with balm from the Holy Ampulla, which according to tradition had been brought to St. Remigius by a dove so that he could anoint Chlodvig during his baptism. The anointment ceremony involved pronouncing the formula “Blessed are you, hail who comes in the name of the Lord – to accept the holy anointment with the divine oil sent by the Creator to the arch-Christian king of France and no other.” This tradition gave rise to the belief in the special role of French kings in the Church. It formed the foundation for the development of Gallicanism (cf. e.g. Roux, p. 237-239). Here, Dantiscus emphasizes the conflict between Francis I’s alliance with the Turkish sultan against the empire, dictated by the existing political situation, and the idea of uniting Europe to fight against the infidels which was deeply rooted in tradition.

[3] For more about Dantiscus’ epitaph for Alfonso Valdes – see letter cf. [Ioannes DANTISCUS] to [Johan WEZE] Friedeck (Wąbrzeźno), 1537, shortly before March [16], CIDTC IDL 1601⌊CEID 1.1, No. 10, p. 163-167cf. [Ioannes DANTISCUS] to [Johan WEZE] Friedeck (Wąbrzeźno), 1537, shortly before March [16], CIDTC IDL 1601⌋ Miseram carissimo olim communi amico nostro Alphonso Valdesio epitaphium supra eius sepulcrum Viennam, quod si est appensum seu affixum, nec ne, ut mihi significet, rogo Alfonso Valdes was buried at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna. The matter of placing a plaque with Dantiscus’ epitaph in verse there dragged on for several years (cf. cf. Kaspar HANNAU to Ioannes DANTISCUS Vienna, 1539-05-27, CIDTC IDL 2156⌊Kaspar Hannow’s letter to Dantiscus, Vienna, May 27, 1539cf. Kaspar HANNAU to Ioannes DANTISCUS Vienna, 1539-05-27, CIDTC IDL 2156⌋: de Valdesii epitaphio, quod iam ipse affixum in quadam (ut vocant) Capella in divi Stephani aede hic vidi, pro quo ut appenderetur 4 florenos et 23 grossos dissolutos esse, non sine admiratione hic a dominorum Fuggarorum factore accepi. Nam profecto sine magno negotio et clavis non usque adeo pollitis aut praeciosis affixum est. – – Fuit autem, ut ex nonnullis audivi, ipsum Valdesii corpus in eadem Capella suspensum in scrinio vel urna, sed male conditum et pice oblitum, quare cum gravem quendam et intolerabilem faetorem reddere sacerdotes senserint, nescio cuius consensu, soli postea conditum est in eodem aediculo.. Hitherto unpublished epitaph text is due to appear in Die Inschriften der Dom- und Metropolitankirche St. Stephan in Wien, gesammelt und bearbeitet von Richard Perger und Renate Kohn unter Mitarbeit von Andrea Stockhammer und Andreas Zajic, (Die Deutschen Inschriften, Wiener Reihe 9. Band, Teil 1), currently being prepared for printing. I would like to thank Dr. Renate Kohn and Dr. Christoph Augustynowicz from Vienna for making the text available. De Vocht, erroneously interpreting the text of the letter, thinks Dantiscus sent an epitaph for Piotr Tomicki to Juan Valdes and changes the name Alphonsus to Juan (cf. DE VOCHT 1961 p. 285 ⌊Vocht, p. 285cf. DE VOCHT 1961 p. 285 ⌋).