» CORPUS of Ioannes Dantiscus' Texts & Correspondence
Copyright © Laboratory for Source Editing and Digital Humanities AL UW

All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any other information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publisher.

Letter #2172

Ioannes DANTISCUS to Tiedemann GIESE
Heilsberg (Lidzbark Warmiński), 1539-07-04, postscript 1539-07-05

English register:

Dantiscus informs Giese that the King [Sigismund I Jagiellon] has agreed for the date of the [Royal Prussian] Diet to be moved to St. Michael’s Day [September 29]. He asks Giese to notify the neighbouring members of the Council, and he himself will notify the Voivode of Marienburg (Malbork) [Georg von Baysen (Jerzy Bażyński)], the Castellan of Gdańsk (Danzig) [Achatius von Zehmen (Cema)], and the councils of Elbing (Elbląg) and Gdańsk. He has already written to the Duke [Albrecht I von Hohenzollern-Ansbach] about the changed date.

Dantiscus sends Giese a letter received from the Vice-Chancellor [Samuel Maciejowski], describing the latest events.

The King made a decision on the Elbing castellany before the suggestions of Dantiscus and the Council members reached him. As a result of the support of the one who refused to sign the joint letter [Mikołaj Działyński, Castellan of Kulm (Chełmno)], the office was given to a less desirable candidate [Jan Sokołowski]. Dantiscus predicts further unfavourable developments and is worried about the future form of the Prussian Council.

Dantiscus asks Giese to admonish Doctor Nicolaus Copernicus, whom he has long respected highly as a person and a scholar, to dismiss the concubine [Anna Schilling] and not allow himself to be deceived any longer by Alexander [Sculteti], whom Copernicus prefers over other canons [of Ermland]. Dantiscus wants Copernicus to think the admonition is Giese’s own initiative.


            received [1539]-07-06

Manuscript sources:
1fair copy in Latin, autograph, address in secretary's hand, BCz, 245, p. 199-202

Auxiliary sources:
1register in Polish, 20th-century, B. PAU-PAN, 8249 (TK 11), f. 110-111

Prints:
1Starożytności p. 70 (Polish register)
2BIRKENMAJER 1900 p. 395 (excerpt)
3SIKORSKI 1968 No. 445, p. 114 (Polish register)
4Kopernik na Warmii No. 480, p. 503 (Polish register)
5RC No. 423, p. 182 (English register)
6NCG 6/1 No. 140, p. 274-276 (excerpt; excerpt in German translation)
7CEID 1/2 No. 73, p. 259-262 (in extenso; English register)

 

Text & apparatus & commentaryPlain textText & commentaryText & apparatus

 

Reverendissime in Christo Pater et Domine, frater et amice carissime ac honorande.

Salutem et fraternam commendationem.

cf. Ioannes DANTISCUS to Sigismund I Jagiellon 1539-05-30, CIDTC IDL 6487, letter lostScripseramcf. Ioannes DANTISCUS to Sigismund I Jagiellon 1539-05-30, CIDTC IDL 6487, letter lost paenultima Maii cum messenger of Achatius von ZEHMEN nuntiomessenger of Achatius von ZEHMEN generosi domini Achatius von Zehmen (Achacy Cema) (*ca. 1485 – †1565), 1517-1531 Chamberlain of Pomerania, 1531-1546 Castellan of Gdańsk (Danzig), 1545-1546 Voivode of Kulm (Chełmno), 1546-1565 Voivode of Marienburg (Malbork) (SBPN 1, p. 194-195; ORACKI 1984, p. 38-39; Urzędnicy 5/2, p. 198; PSB 4, p. 325-326)castellani GdanensisAchatius von Zehmen (Achacy Cema) (*ca. 1485 – †1565), 1517-1531 Chamberlain of Pomerania, 1531-1546 Castellan of Gdańsk (Danzig), 1545-1546 Voivode of Kulm (Chełmno), 1546-1565 Voivode of Marienburg (Malbork) (SBPN 1, p. 194-195; ORACKI 1984, p. 38-39; Urzędnicy 5/2, p. 198; PSB 4, p. 325-326) serenissimae 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 Austriamaiestati regiaeSigismund 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 ratione Provincial Diet of Royal Prussia conventus nostriProvincial Diet of Royal Prussia [1] accepique hoc heri cf. Sigismund I Jagiellon to Ioannes DANTISCUS Cracow, 1539-06-20, CIDTC IDL 6876responsumcf. Sigismund I Jagiellon to Ioannes DANTISCUS Cracow, 1539-06-20, CIDTC IDL 6876, ut in adiunctis leget. cf. Sigismund I Jagiellon to Ioannes DANTISCUS Cracow, 1539-06-20, CIDTC IDL 6876Quodcf. Sigismund I Jagiellon to Ioannes DANTISCUS Cracow, 1539-06-20, CIDTC IDL 6876 Dominatio Vestra Reverendissima vicinis dominis consiliariis poterit impartiri, a me dominus magnificus Georg von Baysen (Jerzy Bażyński) (*1469 – †1546), 1503-1512 Chamberlain of Marienburg (Malbork); 1512-1546 Voivode of Marienburg (PSB 1, p. 377)Marienburgensis palatinusGeorg von Baysen (Jerzy Bażyński) (*1469 – †1546), 1503-1512 Chamberlain of Marienburg (Malbork); 1512-1546 Voivode of Marienburg (PSB 1, p. 377), Achatius von Zehmen (Achacy Cema) (*ca. 1485 – †1565), 1517-1531 Chamberlain of Pomerania, 1531-1546 Castellan of Gdańsk (Danzig), 1545-1546 Voivode of Kulm (Chełmno), 1546-1565 Voivode of Marienburg (Malbork) (SBPN 1, p. 194-195; ORACKI 1984, p. 38-39; Urzędnicy 5/2, p. 198; PSB 4, p. 325-326)castellanus GdanensisAchatius von Zehmen (Achacy Cema) (*ca. 1485 – †1565), 1517-1531 Chamberlain of Pomerania, 1531-1546 Castellan of Gdańsk (Danzig), 1545-1546 Voivode of Kulm (Chełmno), 1546-1565 Voivode of Marienburg (Malbork) (SBPN 1, p. 194-195; ORACKI 1984, p. 38-39; Urzędnicy 5/2, p. 198; PSB 4, p. 325-326), Elbing Town Council ElbingensesElbing Town Council et Gdańsk Town Council GdanensesGdańsk Town Council habebunt.

Quid praeterea de novis, quae aguntur, ad me scriptum est, ex reverendi domini Samuel Maciejowski (*1499 – †1550), humanist and diplomat, one of the most trusted advisors to King Sigismund I and then to his son Sigismund II Augustus; from 1521 Canon of the Collegiate Chapter in Sandomierz, and from 1530 in Kielce; from 1531 Canon of Gniezno; from 1532 or 1533 to 1537 royal secretary (previously scribe at the royal chancellery); 1537-1539 Grand Secretary; 1539-1547 Crown Vice-Chancellor; 1539-1541 Bishop of Chełm; 1541-1545 Bishop of Płock; 1545-1550 Bishop of Cracow; 1547-1550 Crown Grand Chancellor; in 1532 royal envoy to Rome; in 1534 and 1538 royal envoy to the local diets (WYCZAŃSKI 1990, p. 257-258; Urzędnicy 10, p. 184; PSB 19 Machowski - Maria Kazimiera, p. 64-69)vicecancellariiSamuel Maciejowski (*1499 – †1550), humanist and diplomat, one of the most trusted advisors to King Sigismund I and then to his son Sigismund II Augustus; from 1521 Canon of the Collegiate Chapter in Sandomierz, and from 1530 in Kielce; from 1531 Canon of Gniezno; from 1532 or 1533 to 1537 royal secretary (previously scribe at the royal chancellery); 1537-1539 Grand Secretary; 1539-1547 Crown Vice-Chancellor; 1539-1541 Bishop of Chełm; 1541-1545 Bishop of Płock; 1545-1550 Bishop of Cracow; 1547-1550 Crown Grand Chancellor; in 1532 royal envoy to Rome; in 1534 and 1538 royal envoy to the local diets (WYCZAŃSKI 1990, p. 257-258; Urzędnicy 10, p. 184; PSB 19 Machowski - Maria Kazimiera, p. 64-69) cf. Samuel MACIEJOWSKI to Ioannes DANTISCUS Cracow, 1539-06-21, CIDTC IDL 2168litteriscf. Samuel MACIEJOWSKI to Ioannes DANTISCUS Cracow, 1539-06-21, CIDTC IDL 2168 schedaque addita[2] intelliget. Ceterum Provincial Diet of Royal Prussia conventum nostrumProvincial Diet of Royal Prussia usque ad 1539-09-29divi Michaelis festum1539-09-29 translatum iam esse illustrissimo domino 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)duciAlbrecht 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) vicino nostro cf. Ioannes DANTISCUS to Albrecht I von Hohenzollern-Ansbach Heilsberg (Lidzbark Warmiński), 1539-07-04, CIDTC IDL 5216notum fecicf. Ioannes DANTISCUS to Albrecht I von Hohenzollern-Ansbach Heilsberg (Lidzbark Warmiński), 1539-07-04, CIDTC IDL 5216.

Evenit, quod recto suspicabar futurum, quemadmodum et Dominationi Vestrae Reverendissimae cf. Ioannes DANTISCUS to Tiedemann GIESE Schmolainen (Smolajny), 1539-06-16, CIDTC IDL 2165scripsicf. Ioannes DANTISCUS to Tiedemann GIESE Schmolainen (Smolajny), 1539-06-16, CIDTC IDL 2165, sero pro castellanatu Elbingensi litterae nostrae ad 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 Austriamaiestatem regiamSigismund 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 pervenient, iam enim datus est non illi, quem designabam, verum alteri, minus utili etc. Jan Sokołowski (Jan of Wrząca) (†1546), in 1533 accused by Ioannes Dantiscus (as Bishop of Kulm) of favouring heresy; 1539-1544 Castellan of Elbing (Elbląg); 1544-1545 Castellan of Kulm (Chełmno); 1545-1546 Voivode of Pomerania (PSB 40/1, p. 131-133)dominoJan Sokołowski (Jan of Wrząca) (†1546), in 1533 accused by Ioannes Dantiscus (as Bishop of Kulm) of favouring heresy; 1539-1544 Castellan of Elbing (Elbląg); 1544-1545 Castellan of Kulm (Chełmno); 1545-1546 Voivode of Pomerania (PSB 40/1, p. 131-133), qui Graudenz (Grudziądz, Graudentium), city in Poland, Voivodeship of Pomerania, on the upper east bank of the Vistula, Graudenz (taking turns with Marienburg (Malbork)) was the venue for the Provincial Diet of Royal Prussia, which were chaired by the bishop of Ermland (Warmia)GraudentoGraudenz (Grudziądz, Graudentium), city in Poland, Voivodeship of Pomerania, on the upper east bank of the Vistula, Graudenz (taking turns with Marienburg (Malbork)) was the venue for the Provincial Diet of Royal Prussia, which were chaired by the bishop of Ermland (Warmia) praeest, et hoc opera Mikołaj Działyński (Nikolaus von Dzialin) (†1545), from 1507 royal courtier; 1510-1528 Chamberlain of Dobrzyń; 1528-1544 Castellan of Kulm (Chełmno); 1544-1545 Voivode of Pomerania; Starosta of Bratian, Strasburg in Preussen (Brodnica), and Dobrzyń (PSB 6, p. 92-94; Urzędnicy 5/2, p. 204)eiusMikołaj Działyński (Nikolaus von Dzialin) (†1545), from 1507 royal courtier; 1510-1528 Chamberlain of Dobrzyń; 1528-1544 Castellan of Kulm (Chełmno); 1544-1545 Voivode of Pomerania; Starosta of Bratian, Strasburg in Preussen (Brodnica), and Dobrzyń (PSB 6, p. 92-94; Urzędnicy 5/2, p. 204), qui nobiscum subscribere reluctabatur. Existimo alium altiorem sedem sperare, sic paulopost Council of Royal Prussia the most important local authority in Royal Prussia. It consisted of two bishops (of Ermland (Warmia), who served as the Council’s president, and of Kulm (Chełmno)), three voivodes (of Kulm, Marienburg (Malbork), and Pomerania), three castellans (of Kulm, Elbing (Elbląg), and Gdańsk (Danzig)), three chamberlains (of Kulm, Marienburg, and Pomerania), and representatives of the three Great Prussian Cities – Gdańsk, Thorn (Toruń), and Elbing (ACHREMCZYK 2016, p. 17-18)consiliumCouncil of Royal Prussia the most important local authority in Royal Prussia. It consisted of two bishops (of Ermland (Warmia), who served as the Council’s president, and of Kulm (Chełmno)), three voivodes (of Kulm, Marienburg (Malbork), and Pomerania), three castellans (of Kulm, Elbing (Elbląg), and Gdańsk (Danzig)), three chamberlains (of Kulm, Marienburg, and Pomerania), and representatives of the three Great Prussian Cities – Gdańsk, Thorn (Toruń), and Elbing (ACHREMCZYK 2016, p. 17-18) nostrum, nescio, quale erit. Si cum uno grave nobis est consortium, quid cum illius farinae pluribus? Deo committendum est.

Qui ut Dominationem Vestram Reverendissimam longissimo tempore sospitet prosperetque in omnibus, ex animo cupio.

Postscript:

Audivi venturum ad Dominationem Vestram Reverendissimam eximium et multae eruditionis virum, dominum doctorem Nicolaus Copernicus (Mikołaj Kopernik) (*1473 – †1543), humanist, physician and astronomer, doctor of canon law; nephew of Łukasz Watzenrode, Bishop of Ermland; 1497-1543 Canon of Ermland (Warmia); 1511-1513, 1520, 1524-1525, 1529 Chancellor of the Ermland Chapter; 1523 General Administrator of the bishopric after the death of Fabian von Lusian (Luzjański) (KOPICZKO 2, p. 161; SBKW, p. 123-124)Nicolaum CopernicNicolaus Copernicus (Mikołaj Kopernik) (*1473 – †1543), humanist, physician and astronomer, doctor of canon law; nephew of Łukasz Watzenrode, Bishop of Ermland; 1497-1543 Canon of Ermland (Warmia); 1511-1513, 1520, 1524-1525, 1529 Chancellor of the Ermland Chapter; 1523 General Administrator of the bishopric after the death of Fabian von Lusian (Luzjański) (KOPICZKO 2, p. 161; SBKW, p. 123-124), quem revera non secus atque fratrem germanum diligo et a multis annis prius intime amavi, quam quod bene illi velim facilius sentire, quam exprimere possum. Nicolaus Copernicus (Mikołaj Kopernik) (*1473 – †1543), humanist, physician and astronomer, doctor of canon law; nephew of Łukasz Watzenrode, Bishop of Ermland; 1497-1543 Canon of Ermland (Warmia); 1511-1513, 1520, 1524-1525, 1529 Chancellor of the Ermland Chapter; 1523 General Administrator of the bishopric after the death of Fabian von Lusian (Luzjański) (KOPICZKO 2, p. 161; SBKW, p. 123-124)IsNicolaus Copernicus (Mikołaj Kopernik) (*1473 – †1543), humanist, physician and astronomer, doctor of canon law; nephew of Łukasz Watzenrode, Bishop of Ermland; 1497-1543 Canon of Ermland (Warmia); 1511-1513, 1520, 1524-1525, 1529 Chancellor of the Ermland Chapter; 1523 General Administrator of the bishopric after the death of Fabian von Lusian (Luzjański) (KOPICZKO 2, p. 161; SBKW, p. 123-124), adhuc tam praeclare in multis bonis litteris, cum admiratione etiam, conspicuus et longe lateque cognitus, atque in ea, qua est prope effeta senecta, scortum suum[3] subinde clandestinis congressibus admittere fertur. Faceret Dominatio Vestra Reverendissima magnum pietatis opus, si secreto amicissimisque verbis Nicolaus Copernicus (Mikołaj Kopernik) (*1473 – †1543), humanist, physician and astronomer, doctor of canon law; nephew of Łukasz Watzenrode, Bishop of Ermland; 1497-1543 Canon of Ermland (Warmia); 1511-1513, 1520, 1524-1525, 1529 Chancellor of the Ermland Chapter; 1523 General Administrator of the bishopric after the death of Fabian von Lusian (Luzjański) (KOPICZKO 2, p. 161; SBKW, p. 123-124)hominemNicolaus Copernicus (Mikołaj Kopernik) (*1473 – †1543), humanist, physician and astronomer, doctor of canon law; nephew of Łukasz Watzenrode, Bishop of Ermland; 1497-1543 Canon of Ermland (Warmia); 1511-1513, 1520, 1524-1525, 1529 Chancellor of the Ermland Chapter; 1523 General Administrator of the bishopric after the death of Fabian von Lusian (Luzjański) (KOPICZKO 2, p. 161; SBKW, p. 123-124) commoneret, quo ab ea turpitudine desisteret seque diutius ab Alexander Sculteti (Scholtcze) (*ca. 1485 – †1570), doctor of canon law, cartographer, historian and friend of Copernicus; accused by Dantiscus and Stanisław Hozjusz (Hosius) of Sacramentarian heresy, in 1540 banished by King Sigismund I Jagiellon; in 1541 imprisoned by the Inquisition in Rome; after release from prison in 1544 he stayed in Rome for the rest of his life; 1509-1516 notary at the Roman Curia; 1519-1541 Canon of Ermland (Warmia), 1530-1539 Chancellor of the Ermland Chapter; 1536-1538 administrator of the komornictwo of Mehlsack (Melzak, today Pieniężno) (KOPICZKO 2, p. 299; SBKW, p. 219-220)AlexandroAlexander Sculteti (Scholtcze) (*ca. 1485 – †1570), doctor of canon law, cartographer, historian and friend of Copernicus; accused by Dantiscus and Stanisław Hozjusz (Hosius) of Sacramentarian heresy, in 1540 banished by King Sigismund I Jagiellon; in 1541 imprisoned by the Inquisition in Rome; after release from prison in 1544 he stayed in Rome for the rest of his life; 1509-1516 notary at the Roman Curia; 1519-1541 Canon of Ermland (Warmia), 1530-1539 Chancellor of the Ermland Chapter; 1536-1538 administrator of the komornictwo of Mehlsack (Melzak, today Pieniężno) (KOPICZKO 2, p. 299; SBKW, p. 219-220), quem solum inter omnes fratres nostros Ermland Chapter cathedral chapter based in Frauenburg (Frombork, Varmia)praelatos et canonicosErmland Chapter cathedral chapter based in Frauenburg (Frombork, Varmia) praestare in omnibus dicit, seduci non sineret. Quodsi ab Nicolaus Copernicus (Mikołaj Kopernik) (*1473 – †1543), humanist, physician and astronomer, doctor of canon law; nephew of Łukasz Watzenrode, Bishop of Ermland; 1497-1543 Canon of Ermland (Warmia); 1511-1513, 1520, 1524-1525, 1529 Chancellor of the Ermland Chapter; 1523 General Administrator of the bishopric after the death of Fabian von Lusian (Luzjański) (KOPICZKO 2, p. 161; SBKW, p. 123-124)eoNicolaus Copernicus (Mikołaj Kopernik) (*1473 – †1543), humanist, physician and astronomer, doctor of canon law; nephew of Łukasz Watzenrode, Bishop of Ermland; 1497-1543 Canon of Ermland (Warmia); 1511-1513, 1520, 1524-1525, 1529 Chancellor of the Ermland Chapter; 1523 General Administrator of the bishopric after the death of Fabian von Lusian (Luzjański) (KOPICZKO 2, p. 161; SBKW, p. 123-124) Dominatio Vestra Reverendissima impetrabit, rem mihi adeo faciet gratam, ut nulla mihi gratior esse possit, et sic uterque fratrem tantae existimationis lucrabimur. Colloquium cum Nicolaus Copernicus (Mikołaj Kopernik) (*1473 – †1543), humanist, physician and astronomer, doctor of canon law; nephew of Łukasz Watzenrode, Bishop of Ermland; 1497-1543 Canon of Ermland (Warmia); 1511-1513, 1520, 1524-1525, 1529 Chancellor of the Ermland Chapter; 1523 General Administrator of the bishopric after the death of Fabian von Lusian (Luzjański) (KOPICZKO 2, p. 161; SBKW, p. 123-124)eoNicolaus Copernicus (Mikołaj Kopernik) (*1473 – †1543), humanist, physician and astronomer, doctor of canon law; nephew of Łukasz Watzenrode, Bishop of Ermland; 1497-1543 Canon of Ermland (Warmia); 1511-1513, 1520, 1524-1525, 1529 Chancellor of the Ermland Chapter; 1523 General Administrator of the bishopric after the death of Fabian von Lusian (Luzjański) (KOPICZKO 2, p. 161; SBKW, p. 123-124) in iis ad eum modum Dominatio Vestra Reverendissima temperabit, quo maioris sit apud illum momenti, ut non mea suggestione, verum ex propensione in eum Dominationis Vestrae Reverendissimae prodiisse cognoscat.

Datae V Iulii.

[1 ] Dantiscus asked 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 AustriaKing Sigismund ISigismund 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 to change the date and place of the spring assembly of the Provincial Diet of Royal Prussia Provincial Diet of Royal PrussiaProvincial Diet of Royal Prussia

[2 ] The letter from Maciejowski has been preserved together with the news enclosed, described here as scheda addita

[3 ] Anna Schilling, Nicolaus Copernicus’ housekeeper and his alleged concubine (cf. Ermland (Warmia) Chapter to Ioannes DANTISCUS Frauenburg (Frombork), 1543-09-10, CIDTC IDL 4100IDL 4100cf. Ermland (Warmia) Chapter to Ioannes DANTISCUS Frauenburg (Frombork), 1543-09-10, CIDTC IDL 4100)