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Letter #1773

[Ioannes DANTISCUS] to [Johan WEZE]
Löbau (Lubawa), 1537-11-16

English register: Dantiscus is replying to Weze’s letter. He confirms receipt of the mail from Spain enclosed with Weze’s letter, from which he learned of the betrothal of his daughter (Juana Dantisca). He states that he is not happy about the marriage arranged without him, but will not oppose accomplished facts. He asks Weze to make sure that the enclosed replies to the above-mentioned letters are sent on to Spain. He assures Weze that he attaches importance to his recommendation of the couple, as they will learn at the proper time once their marriage is consummated. Dantiscus thanks Weze for the news. He is shocked at the transformation of the king of England (Henry VIII) from an educated ruler and humanist into a bloodthirsty tyrant who imprisons and murders noblemen opposing the robbing of monasteries and churches, and makes the duration of his marriages dependent on the gender of his progeny. Henry VIII’s licentiousness and cruelty brings up associations with the ancient tyrants Phalaris and Caracalla. Dantiscus informs Weze that in Royal Prussia, despite the religious differences between it and its neighbors, there is peace. He asks for news of the approaching General Council, the emperor, the Roman king and particularly of Cornelis De Schepper. Although already elected Warmia bishop, Dantiscus is still in the Chełmno diocese, waiting for the arrival of the papal provision, which is expected soon. He also wishes Weze advancement worthy of his achievements.


Manuscript sources:
1rough draft in Latin, autograph, BCz, 244, p. 295
2copy in Latin, 18th-century, BK, 232, p. 232-233
3copy in Latin, 18th-century, B. Ossol., 151/II, f. 169v-170r
4copy, 18th-century, BCz, 55 (TN), No. 69, p. 451-453
5register with excerpt in Latin, Polish, 20th-century, B. PAU-PAN, 8243 (TK 5), a.1537, f. 62

Prints:
1DE VOCHT 1961 No. DE, 371, p. 300 (English register; excerpt)
2CEID 1/1 No. 69, p. 315-318 (in extenso; English register)
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