Note 556 — Chapter XIII
Reading edition
On the 16th September 1555, Giovanni Michiel wrote to the Doge and Senate: “After the Chancellor’s return from the conference at Calais, he fell into such a state of oppilation, that besides having become (as the physicians say) jaundiced, he by degrees got confirmed dropsy, and had it not been for his robust constitution, a variety of remedies prescribed for him by his English physicians having been of no use, he would by this time be in a bad way, his physiognomy being so changed as to astound all who see him. The Emperor has sent him the remedy he used when first troubled with dropsical symptoms, on his return from the war of Metz, and should God grant that it take the same effect on the Bishop of Winchester, it will be very advantageous for England, he being considered one of the most consummate chancellors who have filled the post for many years, and should he die, he would leave few or none so well suited to the charge as himself” (Venetian Calendar, vol. vi., pt. i., 215, Rawdon Brown).