Series 1 > Papal negotiations with Mary Queen of Scots during her reign in Scotland, 1561-1567

428 PAPAL NEGOTIATIONS WITH MARY
The same result is often caused by the vices and lawlessness of the
soldiers, even towards women, a crime which those vindictive Italians
can in no wise endure, and which often makes [our] men hated and
detested even by friends. I am sure that God will grant monsieur our
brother the grace to establish good order, and ever to administer
even justice.
[3] What I say is not beside the purpose. Only a few days ago I saw
letters from Rome, and others from a Venetian (the writer perhaps
sympathised with our enemies, but it would be well to take warn¬
ings from any one), where, among other things related of this war
for the Pope, there occurred these words: c We have here some Gascons
‘ so insolent and so ready to take other people’s property, that not a
‘ day passes in the Romagna without [the inhabitants] secretly killing
c some of them. Moreover, many of them die, and being as they are
‘ professed robbers and thieves [who take the very clothes off one’s back *],
‘ they incur such mortal hate that few will return to Gascony. ’
[4] I do not make much of this, coming as it does from such a source,
but I mention it because of my great wish that monsieur my brother
should keep all in such good order, that God and our friends be content,
and our foes in fear. I pray, and shall pray daily, to our Lord from my
heart for this, and above all that He will please to send us peace. For I
greatly fear that if that good God does not put His hand to it, when once
matters come to an open breach on [? your] side, it will be difficult for us
to avoid having our share. We are very badly prepared for war. We have
not one single strong place where we could defend ourselves and resist a
siege, and as for armed forces, you know how few men the king has
here. My undertakings are much thwarted thereby, and this year I have
been constrained by events to make extraordinary expenses in order to
maintain upon the borders a standing force of paid horsemen to quell
the numerous thieves and rebels, who lay waste all the country round
about and then retreat into England, so that we cannot make an end
of them.
[5] Moreover, this people, especially the great lords, are so little
desirous of justice, that they are, on the contrary, always very happy to
find some complication which may impede it. One cannot talk of [or]
demand this justice without their instantly saying that one wants to
change their laws. I believe that they are following the example of the
English. They are more difficult to manage than ever. God knows,
brother mine, what a life I lead. It is no small thing to bring a young
nation to a state of perfection, and to an unwonted subservience to those
who desire to see justice reign. Great responsibilities are easily under¬
taken, but not discharged to God’s satisfaction without difficulty.
Happy is he who has the least to do with mundane affairs. I can say
that for twenty years past I have not had one year of rest, and I think
I can find no authority for the translation of larrons de cappes.