Sauli and Riario, from Portugal to the Secretariat, 1579–81

DOC_R190_D1643_1643.txt

#CATALOG NAME: \Segr. Stato Portogallo 8\1\
#IMAGE NAME: 092r-095r.jpg
#TRANSCRIBER NAME: Midas, edited BM
#DATE OF TRANSCRIPTION: April 12, 2017, February 13,2019 
#TRANSCRIPTION TIME: 36+24+43+27+9= 139 mins
#COMMENTS: underlined text transliterated with ”__”, plaintext shown ^plaintext after the underlined ciphertext, written above the ciphertext in the original. 

#IMAGE NAME: 092r.jpg
<CLEARTEXT IT Al conte di Desmon>
6__ 1__ 7__ 7__ 9__ 8__ 1__ 7__ 5__ 9__ 9__ 8__ 9__ 5__ 1__ 8__ 3__ 4__ 7__ 6__ 5__ 8__ 7__ 5__ 5__ 9__ 5__ 7__ 7__ 3__ .
<CLEARTEXT IT Ho niteso? con molto contonto? mio conquanto ualore V.S. Su.ma?>
<PLAINTEXT IT de li soldati di S. S.ta>
<CLEARTEXT IT sostinga costi il carrico> 6__ 1__ 9__ 5__ 1__ 8__ 3__ 7__ 5__ 0__ 5__ 9__ 4__ 7__ 0__ 3__ 7__ 5__ 5__ 1__ 8__ 1__ 3__ 7__ 0__ 5__ 9__ 5__ 1__ 8__ 5__ 9__ 3__ 8__
<CLEARTEXT IT et come non Cassa di tenerne oltima cura con fare li progressi>
<CLEARTEXT IT possibili, della? qualcosa ringrahandola? grandem.te per il seru.o?>
<CLEARTEXT IT de più? buoneletto? che è procurato con rifirito? ???>  5__ 5__ 9__ 5__ 1__ 8__ 1__^<PLAINTEXT IT? da S.B.me?> 
3__ 0__ 1__ <CLEARTEXT IT le dico che qui non s'è mancato di procurarli? 8__ 1__ 8__ 5__ 2__ 7__ 3__ 7__ 0__ 5__^<PLAINTEXT IT aiuti gagnardi?>
6__ 3__ 0__ 0__ 6__ 3__ 7__ 5__ 0__ 5__ 8__ 1__ 5__ 7__ 5__ 1__ 8__ 5__ <CLEARTEXT IT et si è soprastato per la noua che è riceuuta?>
<CLEARTEXT IT ni questa Curte> 7__ 8__ 9__ 8__ 5__ 7__ 5__ 9__ 7__ 3__ 8__ 7__ 5__ 7__ 3__ 7__ 0__ 7__ 9__ 7__ 8__ 9__ 3__ 7__ 8__ 3__ 5__ 5__ 0__ 7__ 2__ 7__ 0__ 0__ 9__ 2__ 4__^<PLAINTEXT IT che il furte che teneua quelle? ?? militia si sia perso???? parte di qlli soldati> 
5 5 8__ 7__ 4__ 7__ 3__ 7__ 5__ 7__ 8__ 1__ 9__ 6__ 5__ 8__ 5__ 7__ 5__ 0__ 5__ 3__ 7__ 0__ 5__ 8__ 1__ 9__ 4__ 7__ 8__ 5__ 9__ 4__ 7__ 0__ 5__ 0__ 0__ 9__ 7__ 7__ 8__ 3__ 5__ 7__ 4__ 7__ 8__ 2__
8__ 3__ 3__ 7__ 9__ 8__ 1__ 5__ 5__ 6__ 1__ 0__ 3__ 9__ 7__ 7__ 0__ 0__ 5__ 7__ 3__ 7__ 0__ 7__ 9__ 5__ 1__ 8__ 5__ 9__ 2^*__ 4__ 9__ 4__ 7__ 8__ 7__ 7__ 5__ 5__ 1__ 8__ 1__ 3__ 7__ 0__ 5__ <CLEARTEXT IT ma>
<CLEARTEXT IT ?ssicurisi? V.S. Su.ma? che non si manca di fare ogn'officio>
<CLEARTEXT IT con S. S.ta et S. M.ta accioche si? ??? ni ordine  4__ 7__ 8__ 7__ 6__ 1__ 0__ 3__ 5__ 7__ 4__ 7__ 8__ 7__^<PLAINTEXT IT soccorso notabile>
5__ 5__ 0__ 3__ 3__ 7__ 0__ 0__ 7__ 1__ 0__ 5__ 7__ 5__ 8__ 3__ <CLEARTEXT IT ni questo mentre ?? non manchi di at->
tendere> 8__ 1__ 7__ 5__ 9__ 8__ 5__ 6__ 5__ 7__ 7__ 5__ 7__ 0__ 7__ 4__ 7__ 0__ 0__^<PLAINTEXT IT a l'impresa> <CLEARTEXT IT col medesimo ualore
et uigilanti, sperando ch'io habbiá da procurarli sempre>
appresso che questi dui principi quanto potiò? à grado suo,>
et con questo fine ?? ?? raccom.do? pregando? Dio ?? la sua>
salute et che prospiri sempre tutte le sue sante? altiòni?.>
?? ??? li 12? di gra.o isosi__>

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<CLEARTEXT IT facendo questo prego m'anisano? come è menuto> 6__ 7__ 9__ 2__ 7__ 5__ 5__ 9__ 6__ 1__^<PLAINTEXT IT un capitano d'Irlanda à dire>
<PLAINTEXT IT     à la Reg.a l'??? arta? tutti le soldati>
8__ 1__ 7__ 7__ 8__ 5__ 3__ 7__ 0__ 0__ 5__ 5__ 8__ 7__ 9__ 5__ 1__ 8__ 3__ 9__ 0__ 5__ 5__ 7__ 7__ 5__ 8__ 1__ 5__ 5__ 5__ 1__ 0__ 0__ 9__ 8__ 1__ 9__ 5__ 1__ 0__ 5__ 5__ 7__ 9__ 8__ 1__ 7__ 5__ 0__ 0__ 9__ 7__ 2__ 9__ 6__ 1__
0__ 3__ 6__ 5__ 0__ 7__ 9__ 3__ 7__ 2__ 7__ 3__ 7__ 8__ 5__ 9__ 4__ 7__ 0__ 3__ 7__ 5__ 5__ 1__ 0__ 0__ 3__ 7__ 0__ 5__ 9__ 5__ 1__ 8__ 5__ 9__ 3__ 8__ <CLEARTEXT IT che Stauano?> 5__ 5__ 0__ 7__ 7__ 5__^<PLAINTEXT IT nel forte>
7__ 3__ 8__ 7__ 5__ 7__ 3__ 7__ 8__ 3__ <CLEARTEXT IT che haueuano fatto> 8__ 5__ 7__ 5__ 9__ 0__ 1__ 0__ 5__ 6__ 1__ 0__ 7__ 5__ 7__ 8__ 3__ 9__ 7__ 5__ 9__ 5__ 3__^<PLAINTEXT IT il ViceRè li haueua tagliati? à perni?>
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<CLEARTEXT IT fatto>  5__ 7__ 8__ 3__ 4__ 7__ 8__ 5__ 4__ 7__ 3__ 7__ 0__ 7__ 5__ 5__ 1__ 7__ 8__ 1__ 9__ 0__ 0__ 7__ 5__ 6__ 1__ 5__ 5__ 8__^<PLAINTEXT IT restistenla? alc.no?> <CLEARTEXT IT i sinon? lasciarsi> 8__ 1__ 6__ 5__^<PLAINTEXT IT seno Cassarsi> 
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8__ 3__ 5__ 7__ 8__ 7__ <CLEARTEXT IT et non è possibile che loro si gouernasson? bene proi? che doppo>
<CLEARTEXT IT hauer risoluto> 8__ 5__ 7__ 5__ 9__ 2__ 7__ 0__ 5__ 6__ 1__ 8__ 3__ 5__ 7__ 0__ 7__^<PLAINTEXT IT il Vicare><PLAINTEXT IT il Vicare> <CLEARTEXT IT di non> 3__ 7__ 8__ 3__ 5__ 5__ 3__ 7__ 8__ 1__ 5__ 7__ 7__ 5__ 0__ 5__^<PLAINTEXT IT tentarli> 
<CLEARTEXT IT per questo riuerno? ??? la seconda uolta á pigliarli.>

#IMAGE NAME: 094r.jpg
<CLEARTEXT IT S.M.ta ??? pagam.to?> 7__ 7__ 8__ 1__ 6__ 3__ 0__ 0__ 6__ 5__ 8__ 3__ 5__ 5__ 3__ 7__ 8__ 7__ <CLEARTEXT IT che hà fatto à la> 7__ 3__ 8__ 1__ 5__ 5__ 3__ 7__ 0__ 0__^<PLAINTEXT IT fantazia? Italiana> 
5__ 7__ 8__ 5__ 0__ 0__ 9__ 0__ 5__ 3__ 7__ 8__ 1__ 7__ 5__ 0__ 5__ 0__ 0__ 5__ 5__ 8__ 1__  <CLEARTEXT IT ha pagato>  3__ 7__ 5__ 7__ 0__ 7__ 9__ 6__ 5__ 8__ 5__ 7__ 5__ 0__ 5__ 8__ 1__ 9__ 8__ 3__ 3__ 7__^<PLAINTEXT IT 3037. fanti>
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6__ 5__ ? ? 7?__ 5__ 0__ 7__ <CLEARTEXT IT et poco piu, et per questo S. M.ta offeriste? di supplire? fin>
0__ 0__ 7__ 5__ 9__ 5__ 5__ 0__ 1__ 6__ 5__ 8__ 3__ 5__ 7__ 8__ 7__ 9__ 5__ 1?__ 8?__ 5__ 9__ 2__ 0__ 0__ 0__ 9__ 6__ 1__ 0__ 3__ 5__ 5__ 9__ 4__ 7__ 7__ 7__ 8__ 1__ 6__ 3__ 5__ 5__ 8__ 7__ 7__ 5__ 0__ 5__ 9__ 2__ 7__^<PLAINTEXT IT     al n.? di 2000. ? aur? spagnoli, rittouagliati? et pruati? per 4. mesi>
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4__ 7__ 0__ 5__ <CLEARTEXT IT et questo con che il>  7__ 5__ 8__ 3__ 6__ 3__ 8__ 1__ 3__ 7__ 0__ 3__ 9__ 4__ 7__ 0__ 7__ 9__ 5__ 5__ 9__ 8__ 5__ 5__ 5__ 6__ 1__ 8__ 1__ 5__ 7__^<PLAINTEXT IT legato se ne incarichi?>
0__ 5__ 6__ 1__ 5__ 3__ 8__ 5__ <CLEARTEXT IT d'adesso pigliàndessene? cura? per prouederli et darli? ne?>
<CLEARTEXT IT hora ???? per quando saranno passati li sudetti 4. mesi> 6__ 7__ 2__ 7__ 8__ 1__ 3__ 7__ 5__ 7__^<PLAINTEXT IT    4. mesi>
8__ 7__ 9__ 6__ 5__ 8__ 3__ 4__ 7__ 0__ 5__ <CLEARTEXT IT oue? io? S. M.ta darà> 7__ 5__ 8__ 5__ 9__ 7?__ 5?__ 9__ 3__ 7__ 8__ 1__ 7__ 5__ 8__ 5__ 9__ 3__ 7__ 0__ 0__^<PLAINTEXT IT li Italiani tali quali et quanti ???>>
5__ 5__ 3__ 7__ 0__ 5__ 9__ 6__ 7__ 2__ 7__ 8__ 1__ 7__ 5__ 8__ 5__ 9__ <CLEARTEXT IT sono sotto pero 8__ 5__ 7__ 5__ 9__ 5__ 5__ 8__ 7__ 6?__ 5__ 0__ 7__ 9__ 5__ 1__ 0__ 5__^<PLAINTEXT IT il nome di S.Stà pagati et uittoruagliati? per> 
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4__ 9__ 6__ 5__ 0__ 7__ 4__ 7__ 8__ 5__ <CLEARTEXT IT con ordini che passati li tre mesi se ne ritorniro?>
<CLEARTEXT IT se non haueranno altro ordine per hauer quel mese franco>
<CLEARTEXT IT da ????>  5__ 7__ 8__ 5__ 3__ 7__ 8__ 7__ 5__ 7__ 5__ 5__ 8__ 1__ 5__ 7__ 0__ 7__ 9__ 8__ 1__ 7__ 5__ 8__ 3__ 9__ 6_ 1__ 8__ 1__ 4__ 7__ 0__ 7__^<PLAINTEXT IT ritornate a le case> <CLEARTEXT IT loro>
<CLEARTEXT IT et che si il> 4__ 7__ 8__ 5__ 6__ 3__ 5__ 5__ 8__ 7__ 5__ 7__ 9__ 7__ 7__ 5__ 7__ 0__ 3__ 4__ 7__ 7__ 7__ 0__ 7__ 5__ 7__ 8__ 7__ 9__ 6__ 1__ 0__ 3__ 7__ 5__ 8__ 7__^<PLAINTEXT IT s.r Prospero Colonna>
5__ 5__ 8__ 1__ <CLEARTEXT IT non uorà andare per> 6__ 1__ 0__ 0__ 7__ 7__ 8__ 7__ 9__ 7__ 5__ 0__ 3__ 5__ 7__ 8__ 7__^<PLAINTEXT IT capo loro>  <CLEARTEXT IT no? le S. M.ta>
<CLEARTEXT IT che Il legato> 7__ 5__ 8__ 3__ 6__ 3__ 0__ 0__ 3__ 7__ 8__ 7__ <CLEARTEXT IT proueda di capo che uada> 6__ 1__ 8__ 1__ 7__ 7__ 0__ 3__ 9__ 7__ 8__ 9__ 2__ 7__ 8__ 1__ 5__ 1__ 0__ 0__
<CLEARTEXT IT con trattare il prefaso> 7__ 1__ 9__ 7__ 5__ 8__ 3__ 6__ 3__ 0__ 0__ 3__ 7__ 8__ 7__^<PLAINTEXT IT legato> <CLEARTEXT IT con detto>  6__ 1__ 8__ 1__ 7__ 7__ 0__ 3__^<PLAINTEXT IT capo>
<CLEARTEXT IT il quale ritermine? di otto di ???>  7__ 5__ 0__ 0__ 9__ 6__ 3__ 0__ 7__ 5__ 5__ 3__ 7__ 8__ 3__ 9__ 5__ 1__ 8__ 5__ 9__ 7__ 5__ 0__ 5__^<PLAINTEXT IT la gente di Lisbona>
4__ 7__ 7__ 1__ 8__ 7__ 5__ 5__ 8__ 1__
<CLEARTEXT IT ,o, uero, o, non uoro> 5__ 1__ 9__ 7__ 5__ 9__ 8__ 1__ 2__ 7__ 0__ 5__ 4__ 7__ 8__ 7__^<PLAINTEXT IT l'auuiso?>  <CLEARTEXT IT io son di parere et ne supplico>

#IMAGE NAME: 094v.jpg
<CLEARTEXT IT S. M.ta per seruitro? de Dio di S. M.ta propria et sodisfattione di S. S. che>

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<CLEARTEXT IT gagliando? che possibil sia> 6__ 1__ 8__ 7__ 5__ 5__ 9__ 8__ 1__ 5__ 7__ 6__ 5__ 0__ 7__ 9__ 6__ 5__ 2__ 7__ 5__ 5__ 0__ 5__ 3__ 7__ 8__ 5__ 0__ 3__ 5__ 5__ 0__ 5__^<PLAINTEXT IT con arme munitioni? uittouaglie? denare? et artigliarie> 
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0__ 3__ <CLEARTEXT IT et non estendo? perso? l'atro ????erano> 2__ 4__ 9__ 7__ 7__ 8__ 7__ 2__ 7__ 8__ 3__ 5__ 7__ 0__ 5__^<PLAINTEXT IT quelle ???> 
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<CLEARTEXT IT bene mandare>  6__ 1__ 0__ 0?__ 7__ 7__ 0__ 3__^<PLAINTEXT IT Capo> <CLEARTEXT IT che posse competere col>  9__ 8__ 9__ 8__ 7__ 4__ 7__ 6__ 5__ 2__ 7__ 5__ 5__^<PLAINTEXT IT Conte d'Osmun?>
<CLEARTEXT IT che gia nel> 8__ 5__ 4__ 7__ 0__ 3__ 7__ 5__ 8__ 1__^<PLAINTEXT IT Isola>  <CLEARTEXT IT tiene nome> 5__ 1__ 8__ 5__ 9__ 6__ 3__ 8__ 3__ 5__ 5__ 0__ 7__ 5__ 7__ 0__ 0__ 7__ 5__ 8__ 3__^<PLAINTEXT IT di Gnale?> 
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<CLEARTEXT IT possa> 6__ 1__ 0__ 3__ 6__ 5__ 0__ 0__ 5__ 5__ 5__ 1__ 8__ 1__ 5__ 7__ 0__ 7__^<PLAINTEXT IT comandare?>  <CLEARTEXT IT  et questa sarà ancor minore> 4__ 7__ 7__ 7__ 8__ 3__^<PLAINTEXT IT ??> 
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<CLEARTEXT IT cebbia stare> 7__ 7__ 8__ 1__ 3__ 7__ 8__ 3__ 5__ 5__ 3__ 7__ 0__ 5__^<PLAINTEXT IT sotto il Conte>  <CLEARTEXT IT de S. S.ta essendo bine per ogni>
<CLEARTEXT IT rospetto far quanto prima quelche s'ha? da fare che hà à laude>

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6__ 3__ 8__ 3__ 5__ 5__ 3__ 7__ 0__ 7__ <CLEARTEXT IT il Stato delle cose et ancora inuiare? con questi?>
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5__ 1__ 0__ 7__ 4__ 7__ 0__ 5__ <CLEARTEXT IT che hanno seruito> 8__ 5__ 5__ 5__ 9__ 7__ 3__ 0__ 5__ 8__ 1__ 5__ 5__ 5__ 1__ 5__ 7__ 0__ 0__^<PLAINTEXT IT in Fiandra?>  <CLEARTEXT IT che sono quò>
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<CLEARTEXT IT alla prudentia et pietà di S. M.ta>

R190_reading.md

<!-- Reading of DECODE R190 (ASV Segr. Stato Portogallo 8, ff. 92r-95r), built 22 Oct 2026 by Claude Opus 5.5 from the
DECODE page images (IMG_R190_I1219-I1223, full resolution): the clear text transcribed in full, every cipher passage
given in the secretariat's interlinear decipherment written over it, and the key decode (Lasry's key, decrypt.py;
Midas's 2017 digit transcription in decode/DOC_R190_D1643 and Lasry's decryption D3249) checked against the gloss.
Cipher passages are in { }. Abbreviations expanded silently (S.S.tà = Sua Santità, S.M.tà = Sua Maestà, V.S. Ill.ma =
Vostra Signoria Illustrissima). [?word] = uncertain reading of the hand; [...] = not read. Spelling kept, punctuation
added. -->

# R190, Portogallo 8 ff. 92r-95r: Cardinal Riario's papers on the papal troops in Ireland, Elvas, January 1581

The record holds three pieces in one secretary's hand: (1) a letter headed "Al conte di Desmon", dated Elvas
12 January 1581 (f. 92r); (2) a note of news received at court (f. 93r); (3) a memorial to Philip II on the papal
infantry and the aid for Ireland (ff. 94r-95r). Riario, legate a latere, was at Philip II's court at Elvas from
December 1580 to February 1581.

## 1. To the Earl of Desmond, Elvas, 12 January 1581 (f. 92r)

Heading: "Al conte di Desmon" (over a cipher line, which the key decodes as "[cp] al [..] desmon [..]": the address
enciphered, not fully decoded).

Ho inteso con molto contento mio con quanto valore V.S. Ill.ma sostenga costì il carrico {de li soldati di S.S.tà},
et come non lassa di tenerne ottima cura con fare li progressi possibili, della qual cosa ringratiandola grandemente
per il servitio di Dio benedetto, ch'è procurato con infinito zelo {da S.B.ne}, le dico che qui non s'è mancato di
procurarli {aiuti gagliardi}, et si è soprastato per la nova ch'è venuta in questa corte {che il forte che teneva
quella vostra militia si sia perso, et ancho parte di quelli soldati}; ma assicurisi V.S. Ill.ma che non si manca di
far ogn'officio con S.S.tà et S.M.tà acciochè si metta in ordine {soccorso notabile}, et in questo mentre lei non manchi
di attendere {all'impresa} col medesimo valore et vigilanza, sperando ch'io habbia da procurarli sempre appresso di
questi dui principi quanto potrò a grado suo. Et con questo fine me le raccomando, pregando Dio per la sua salute et
che prosperi sempre tutte le sue sante attioni. Di Elvas li 12 di gennaro 1581.

## 2. News from court (f. 93r)

Facendo questo, prego m'avisano come è venuto {un capitano d'Irlanda a dire a la Regina d'Inghilterra come tutti li
soldati di S.S.tà} che stavano {nel forte} che havevano fatto ... {il viceré li haveva tagliati a pezzi} ... [?senza]
che havessero fatto {resistenza alcuna}, senon lasciarsi {ammazzare come bestie}; et ancora che non dica il giorno,
{la festa} che ne ha fatta {la Regina} la fa tenere {per vera}. Et non è possibile che loro si governassero bene, poi
che doppo haver risoluto {il viceré} di non {tentarli}, per questo [...] la seconda volta a pigliarli.

## 3. Memorial to Philip II on the Italian infantry and the aid for Ireland (ff. 94r-95r)

S.M.tà nel ultimo {pagamento} che ha fatto a la {fanteria italiana} ha pagato {3037 fanti} et per venire al numero de
li {huomini da servitio arrivano a mille} et poco più; et per questo S.M.tà offerisce di supplire fin {al numero di
2000 con spagnoli, vettovagliati et pagati per 4 mesi}, et questo con che il {legato se ne incarichi} d'adesso,
pigliandosene cura per provederli et darli [...] intentione per quando saranno passati li suddetti {4 mesi}; overo
S.M.tà darà {li Italiani tali quali et quanti} sono, sotto però {il nome di S.S.tà, pagati et vettovagliati per
4 mesi}, con ordine che passati li tre mesi se ne ritornino, se non haveranno altro ordine, per haver quel mese franco
da potersene {ritornare a le case} loro; et che se il {signor Prospero Colonna} non vorrà andare per {capo loro}, vole
S.M.tà che il {legato} proveda di {capo che vada}, con trattare il prefato {legato} con detto {capo}, il quale in
termine di otto dì levi {la gente di Lisbona}. O vero o non vero {l'avviso}, io son di parere, et ne supplico S.M.tà
per servitio di Dio, di S.M.tà propria et sodisfattione di S.S., che {l'aiuto o soccorso} vadi [?in ogni modo] più
gagliardo che possibil sia, {con armi, munitioni, vettovaglie, denari et artiglierie}, per più {mesi} che si potrà,
acciò vi sia tempo da trattar maggior {aiuto}, et in tanto dar animo {a li cattolici dell'Isola} et farne un piede
{in un porto, che Pietro Ortiz} dice che in ogni caso questo si farà con facilità, se bene fosse porto {Smerick},
ch'era {porto} peggior de tutti, et dice con tutto che vi fosse {l'armata de la Regina} et che l'incontrassero, la
superavano et pigliavano {porto}; et non essendo perso l'altro, si soccorreranno {quelli poveri} che non si
{perdino}, anzi facessero progressi. Pare che non sia bene mandar {capo} che possi competere col {Conte d'Osmun}, che
già nell'{Isola} tiene nome {di Generale}, ma mandar {un commissario} che consegni questa {gente al suddetto Conte},
il quale non sia persona inesperta de la {guerra}, acciò occorrendo per il camino possa {comandare}; et questa sarà
ancor minor {spesa} di S.M.tà, facendo solamente un {colonnello} che debbia stare {sotto il Conte}, alli quali
ministri si daranno le {patenti} di S.S.tà, essendo bene per ogni rispetto far quanto prima quel che s'ha da fare,
che ha a laude di Dio. Et se paresse a S.M.tà, saria bene mandare {una scorta con una zabra} acciò potesse avisare
{a questa gente} il stato delle cose, et ancora inviare con questi {soldati li Inglesi et Irlandesi} che hanno servito
{in Fiandra}, che sono qui, con alcun donativo {al Conte di Osmon}; et tutto si rimette alla prudentia et pietà di
S.M.tà.

Alignment notes (gloss against key decode, code groups): texts/R190-R194_reread_log.md.

R190_en.md

<!-- English translation of texts/R190_reading.md (22 Oct 2026, Claude Opus 5.5). Passages that were in cipher are in
{ }; holes as in the Italian. -->

# R190, Portogallo 8 ff. 92r-95r: Cardinal Riario's papers on the papal troops in Ireland, Elvas, January 1581

## 1. To the Earl of Desmond, Elvas, 12 January 1581

I have heard with great satisfaction how valiantly Your Lordship bears the charge there {of His Holiness's soldiers},
and how you do not cease to take the best care of them and to make what progress is possible. Thanking you warmly
for this, for the service of God, which is pursued with infinite zeal {by His Beatitude}, I tell you that here no
effort has been spared to obtain {strong aid} for you; and it has been held back because of the news that has come to
this court {that the fort held by your force has been lost, and part of those soldiers too}. But be assured that every
office is being done with His Holiness and His Majesty so that {notable relief} may be made ready; and meanwhile do not
fail to attend {to the enterprise} with the same valour and vigilance, hoping that I shall always obtain for you from
these two princes all I can to your liking. And so I commend myself to you, praying God for your health and that he
always prosper all your holy actions. From Elvas, 12 January 1581.

## 2. News from court (f. 93r)

While writing this I am told how {a captain from Ireland came to tell the Queen of England that all His Holiness's
soldiers} who were {in the fort} ... {the viceroy had cut them to pieces} ... [?without] their having made {any
resistance}, but letting themselves {be killed like beasts}; and although he does not give the day, {the celebration}
that {the Queen} has made of it makes it held {for true}. And it is not possible that they managed well, since after
{the viceroy} had resolved not {to attack them}, for this [...] the second time to take them.

## 3. Memorial to Philip II (ff. 94r-95r)

In the last {payment} His Majesty made to the {Italian infantry} he paid {3,037 foot}, and as to the number of the
{men fit for service, they come to a thousand} and a little more; and so His Majesty offers to make them up {to 2,000
with Spaniards, victualled and paid for 4 months}, on condition that the {legate takes charge of them} from now,
caring to provide for them and to give them [...] intention for when the said {4 months} have passed; or His Majesty
will give {the Italians such as they are and as many as} there are, but under {His Holiness's name, paid and victualled
for 4 months}, with orders to come back once the three months have passed if they have no other orders, so as to have
that month free to {return to their homes}; and if {Signor Prospero Colonna} will not go as {their commander}, His
Majesty wants the {legate} to provide {a commander to go}, the said {legate} dealing with that {commander}, who within
eight days should take up {the men at Lisbon}. True or not {the report}, I am of opinion, and beg His Majesty for the
service of God, of His Majesty himself and the satisfaction of His Holiness, that {the aid or relief} should go [?in any
case] as strong as possible, {with arms, munitions, victuals, money and artillery}, for as many {months} as can be, so
that there is time to arrange greater {aid}, and meanwhile to hearten {the Catholics of the island} and gain a foothold
{in a port, which Pietro Ortiz} says can be done easily in any case, even if it were the port {of Smerwick}, which was
the worst {port} of all; and he says that even if {the Queen's fleet} were there and met them, they would overcome it
and take {the port}; and since the other is not lost, {those poor men} would be relieved so that they are not {lost},
and would rather make progress. It does not seem good to send {a commander} who could rival the {Earl of Desmond}, who
already holds the title {of General} in the {island}, but to send {a commissary} to hand these {men to the said Earl},
someone not inexperienced in {war}, so that he can {command} on the way if need be; and this will be a smaller
{expense} for His Majesty, making only a {colonel} to serve {under the Earl}, to which officers His Holiness's {patents}
will be given; it being right in every respect to do as soon as possible what must be done, to the praise of God. And
if His Majesty thought fit, it would be good to send {an escort with a zabra} so as to inform {these men} of the state
of things, and also to send with these {soldiers the English and Irish} who have served {in Flanders} and are here,
with some gift {to the Earl of Desmond}; and everything is left to His Majesty's prudence and piety.

R191_reading.md

<!-- Reading of DECODE R191 (ASV Segr. Stato Portogallo 8, ff. 98r-101r), built 22 Oct 2026 by Claude Opus 5.5 from the
DECODE page images (IMG_R191_I1224-I1229, full resolution): the clear text transcribed in full, every cipher passage
given in the secretariat's interlinear decipherment written over it, the key decode (Lasry's key, decrypt.py; Midas's
2017 digit transcription in decode/DOC_R191_D1644, Lasry's decryption D3250) checked against the gloss. Cipher
passages in { }. Abbreviations expanded; [?word] = uncertain reading of the hand; [...] = not read. Spelling kept,
punctuation added. -->

# R191, Portogallo 8 ff. 98r-101r: Cardinal Riario, legate, to the Cardinal Secretary (Como), [Elvas, mid-January 1581]

Unsigned and undated as filed (the leaves after f. 100 hold only an extract and an addition). The writer is the
legate at Philip II's court ("le dico che qui ...", "nel tempo che starò qui"); he encloses "the copy" of his letter
to the Earl of Desmond and his brother, which is R190 f. 92r, dated Elvas 12 January 1581, so this letter belongs to
the same days. It reports the destruction of the papal force at Smerwick (November 1580).

## Letter (ff. 98r-99v)

Doppo l'haver scritto a V.S. Ill.ma, questi ministri di S.M.tà m'hanno portato l'aviso {secondo de la distruttione
di quelli poveri Italiani}, che è alligato et segnato A, {scritto dalo} Ambasciator di S.M.tà {che sta in
Inghilterra}; et in nome di S.M.tà quasi in un medesimo tempo mi fu data per ultima risolutione in questo negotio
l'oblationi che saranno alligate, alle quali diedi la risposta che V.S. Ill.ma vedrà nel medesimo foglio signato B,
conforme a quello che Mons. Nuntio m'ha scritto et mandato a trattar qui per uno {chiamato Ortiz} a posta. Et nel
istesso quasi tempo si sono ricevute dua lettere del s.r Prospero alligate, una al s.r Duara signata C et una a me
signata D, et Idiaquez me n'ha portato una originale {del Duca d'Alva a S.M.tà, che dice che li Italiani imbarcati
erano 700}, et che tutti se n'andavano {fuggendo per terra, et ancora deli imbarcati scappavano}, che erano in gran
parte {amalati} et tutti senza {armi et vestimenti}, et che erano così {mal ridutti} che non li giudicava atti a
alcuna sorte {d'impresa}, et domandava licentia di rimandarli {in Italia}; et che essendo {sudditi} la maggior parte
del {Gran Duca, li capitani} facevano difficultà d'andare a {alcuna impresa} senza {sua licenza}.

Et mi disse il suddetto Idiaquez che per {questi avvisi}, et non accettando io la oblatione simplicemente, et
conoscendo che si mandavano chiaramente {a degollar tutti} nelli termini che hanno, che a S.M.tà pareva metterne
della conscientia {a mandar a perdere questa natione} che l'haveva servito tanto bene, et che teneva bonissimo animo
et risolutione {a questa impresa}, ma con le debbite preparationi et considerationi, mostrando che ci bisognavano
maggior {forze di quelle} che forse meno [...] a S.S.tà, et per questo si risolveva {non poter mandar gente per
hora}. Io li replicai che S.M.tà poteva pigliar altri {con Italiani, riarmandoli et dandoli da vestire}, et che
quanto alla difficultà della {licenza del Gran Duca} io la superavo col s.r Don Pietro et col s.r Duara, come feci,
anzi il s.r Duara mi mostrò una lettera originale {[del] Gran Duca} con l'alligato capitolo signato E, et ch'io
m'offerivo con li altri sudditi di S.S.tà {capitani et soldati}, pregandoli et comandandoli come più paresse a
S.M.tà, acciò {servissero}, et che io darei {patenti et nome di S.S.tà} in ogni cosa, come ha fatto Mons. Nuntio
nelli {altri soldati mandati}, ma che io non dovevo {incaricarmi} per molte raggioni, ne promettere quello che non
m'era stato comandato. In conclusione credo habbi S.M.tà comandato {che tornino}, et sij per mandare {dui navi} {per
haver informatione del stato di quell'Isola} per avisarne S.S.tà; et forsi, come voglio sperare dalle parole di
S.M.tà et suoi ministri, far qualche buona risolutione fundatamente, che piaccia a Dio sij così per servitio di Dio
et di S.M.tà et sodisfattione di S.S.tà; ne io lascierò nel tempo che starò qui occasione da procurare tutto
questo.

Risolse S.M.tà di mandare {le dui navi a la volta d'Irlanda} per haver {lingua di quell'Isola} et certificarsi delli
{avvisi} duplicati {de la perdita di quelli soldati}, et con quella occasione m'è parso officio buono et a proposito
di scrivere {al Conte di Desmon et al fratello} quanto V.S. Ill.ma vedrà dal contenuto della copia che con questa
viene, tutto per tenerli {animati} per ogni buon effetto; et ho mandato {dui frati di quelli che} mandò già Mons.
Nuntio, per haver {più sicura certezza} di quanto passa {in quell'Isola}.

Et perchè V.S. Ill.ma mi scrisse ch'io pigliassi occasione d'aiutare le cose {del Duca di Sora mio signore} con
questi ministri, saprà ch'io, con quella affettione et obligo che devo, non ho mancato; et se bene tengo che S.M.tà vi
habbia bonissima intentione, essendo occorso a ragionarne per una speditione d'un secretario {di S. Eccellenza} con
S.M.tà, truovo però fra questi ministri che con S.M.tà {non sono stati fatti per il Duca senon molti mali offitii},
et da altri ancora l'ho saputo; tutti vengono di là, {che Dio li perdoni a quelli che li fanno}. Ma io spero con
tutto questo {che il Duca} conoscerà ch'io li sono devoto, amorevole et obligatissimo servitore; et {l'offitio che è
stato fatto per S. Eccellenza a instanza del Duca d'Alva} [...] per mezzo del {Decano di Calahorra} è stato poco a
proposito per servitio {di S. Eccellenza}, et io so quel che dico.

## Enclosure E: extract "Del Gran Duca al Duara" (f. 100r)

Heading in clear, repeated in cipher ("[..] gran duca al duara").

Et quanto a li {soldati}, se saranno {licentiati} come credesi, sentiremo piacere che non solo si procuri che sieno
{pagati}, ma che anco sia dato loro commodità di poter {ritornare}, perchè sempre in ogn'altra occasione S.M.tà se ne
{potrà servire}, dove se capitassero {mali}, noi perderemmo {questa gente} buona et S.M.tà se ne privarebbe {per
un'altra volta}. Ma quando pure S.M.tà giudicasse di suo servitio {il mandarli in Irlanda} o altrove, servasene pure
a suo piacere, purchè siano {trattati} di maniera che possino {servire S.M.tà}.

## Addition (f. 101r)

Ho saputo {di buon luogo per cosa certa che adesso S.M.tà sta sul licentiare quell'Anselmo, al quale li suoi
ministri davano 4000 scudi il mese di paga, et gli devono 4 o ver 6 mesate, et hora provedono denari per
sbrigarsene}.

Alignment notes (gloss against key decode, code groups): texts/R190-R194_reread_log.md.

R191_en.md

<!-- English translation of texts/R191_reading.md (22 Oct 2026, Claude Opus 5.5). Passages that were in cipher are in
{ }; holes as in the Italian. -->

# R191, Portogallo 8 ff. 98r-101r: Cardinal Riario, legate, to the Cardinal Secretary, [Elvas, mid-January 1581]

## Letter

After I had written to Your Lordship, His Majesty's ministers brought me the {second report of the destruction of those
poor Italians}, attached and marked A, {written by} His Majesty's ambassador {who is in England}; and almost at the
same time I was given in His Majesty's name, as a final decision in this business, the offers that will be attached,
to which I gave the answer Your Lordship will see on the same sheet marked B, in line with what Monsignor Nuncio wrote
to me and sent to negotiate here by one {called Ortiz} expressly. At almost the same time two letters of Signor
Prospero arrived, attached, one to Signor Duara marked C and one to me marked D; and Idiáquez brought me an original
{from the Duke of Alba to His Majesty, saying that the Italians embarked were 700}, and that all were going off
{fleeing by land, and even of those embarked some were escaping}; that they were for the most part {sick} and all
without {arms and clothes}, and so {reduced} that he did not judge them fit for any kind {of enterprise}, and asked
leave to send them back {to Italy}; and that, most of them being {subjects of the Grand Duke, the captains} made
difficulties about going on {any enterprise} without {his licence}.

And the said Idiáquez told me that because of {these reports}, and since I did not accept the offer outright, knowing
that they were plainly being sent {to be slaughtered, all of them}, in the state they are in, His Majesty felt it on
his conscience {to send to destruction this nation} that had served him so well; that he had the best will and
resolve {for this enterprise}, but with due preparation and consideration, showing that greater {forces than those}
were needed [...] to His Holiness, and for this he resolved {that he could not send men for now}. I replied that His
Majesty could take others {with Italians, re-arming them and giving them clothing}, and that as to the difficulty of
the {Grand Duke's licence} I would overcome it with Signor Don Pietro and Signor Duara, as I did; indeed Signor Duara
showed me an original letter {of the Grand Duke} with the attached article marked E; and that I offered myself, with
the other subjects of His Holiness, {captains and soldiers}, begging and ordering them as His Majesty thought best, so
that {they would serve}, and that I would give {patents and the name of His Holiness} in everything, as Monsignor Nuncio
did for the {other soldiers sent}, but that I should not {take charge} for many reasons, nor promise what I had not been
ordered. In conclusion I believe His Majesty has ordered {that they return}, and is about to send {two ships} {to get
information on the state of that island} so as to inform His Holiness; and perhaps, as I hope from the words of His
Majesty and his ministers, to make some good and well-founded decision, which God grant, for the service of God and
His Majesty and the satisfaction of His Holiness; and while I am here I shall miss no occasion to pursue all this.

His Majesty decided to send {the two ships towards Ireland} to get {news of that island} and to make sure of the
{reports}, repeated, {of the loss of those soldiers}, and on that occasion I thought it a good and fitting office to
write {to the Earl of Desmond and his brother} what Your Lordship will see in the copy that comes with this, all to keep
them {heartened} for every good effect; and I have sent {two friars of those whom} Monsignor Nuncio sent before, to get
{surer certainty} of what is happening {in that island}.

And since Your Lordship wrote that I should take the occasion to help the affairs {of the Duke of Sora, my lord} with
these ministers, you will know that I have not failed, with the affection and obligation I owe; and although I hold
that His Majesty has the best intentions toward him, having had occasion to speak of it over the dispatch of a
secretary {of His Excellency} to His Majesty, I find among these ministers that with His Majesty {nothing but many bad
offices have been done against the Duke}, and I have heard it from others too; all come from over there, {may God
forgive those who do them}. But I hope despite all this {that the Duke} will know that I am his devoted, loving and
most obliged servant; and {the office done for His Excellency at the Duke of Alba's request} [...] through the {Dean of
Calahorra} was hardly to the purpose for the service {of His Excellency}, and I know what I am saying.

## Enclosure E: "From the Grand Duke to Duara"

And as for the {soldiers}, if they are {discharged}, as is believed, we shall be glad if not only is it seen to that they
are {paid}, but that they are also given the means to {return}, because His Majesty {will be able to use them} on any
other occasion; whereas if they came to {harm}, we would lose {these good men} and His Majesty would deprive himself of
them {for another time}. But if His Majesty should judge it for his service {to send them to Ireland} or elsewhere, let
him use them as he pleases, provided they are {treated} so that they can {serve His Majesty}.

## Addition (f. 101r)

I have learned {from a good source, as certain, that His Majesty is now about to discharge that Anselmo, to whom his
ministers gave 4,000 scudi a month in pay, and they owe him 4 or 6 months, and are now finding money to be rid of him}.

R192_decryption.txt

# R192 decryption, copied verbatim from decode_updates/decryptions/R192.txt (22 Oct 2026); the DECODE decryption body prepared from transcription_R19*.md: cipher passages decrypted with Lasry's key, the contemporary decipherments marked, clear text in [clear: ...]
[p. 1]
[...] sopra il negotio di Piamonte [...] auuerttimento [...]
[contemporary decipherment: diandomi che alcuna cosa ci e di q.lli Anselmo mettendo con li suoi in Italia]
[...]
[contemporary decipherment: che havmo? in q.sto negocio] [...] lo l[?] [...] dar conto a S.S.ta [...]
S.M.ta ha preso l'auuerttimento in ottima parte et il Piemonte credo sia vero ma credo non succe{dera con
intera
sodi}sfattione de S.M.ta [...] dubbio che h{a} [...] [...]
che e vero che il Marchese d'Aiamonte gia Gou.re di Milano [...] la prattica et formento [...] con quell'
Anselmo [...]
a S.M.ta [...] [contemporary decipherment: il Marchese] [...] a cosa ch{e} possi perturbar{e l'Italia}
[p. 2]
perturba{r}e l' <10> [...] la [...] qui[...] di castiglia [...] {o}gni perturbatione [...] con tutte le forze
sue [...]
che il fomento che diede [...] {il Marchese} a quell'Anselmo [...]
in suo aiuto in Italia una furia d'ugnotti del delfinato [...] mano il {Duca di Savoia} morto [...]
del ditto Marchese [...] [...] avvertimento [...] tal prattica sia cessata [...] la prattica d' <16> [...]
dell'impresa generale l'aiuto di 4000? persone [...] per il liberamento di Don Ant.o li fu revocata tali
interventioni [...]
l'essercito di S.M.ta [...] l{a} a 5 in 6 milia persone et piu [...] {re}gno
[p. 3]
tutti li {Italiani} con artiglierie, armi et munitioni, vettovaglie et pagati per 4 mesi [...]
rassegna come stati [?] mesi pagam.ti [...] h? mille [...] li 4 mesi [...]
con le suddette munitioni vettovaglie et pagamenti [...] da 2m fanti in circa [...] che si trovasse un capo
[...]
et che andassero sotto nome di S.S.ta [...] soccorso [...] nuovi aiuti [...] il nimico [...] perire li soldati
[...]
a li catt.ci [...] di Francia et d'Inghilterra [...] intimiditi [...] li Italiani tali quali et q{ua}nti [...]
capo
[p. 4]
pericolo chiar{o} [...] tagliati a pezzi havendo la <72> <82> et genti [...] il nome al capo [...] di S.S.ta
[...]
gente [...] scorta [...] il pericolo manifesto potriano ritirarsi
[p. 5]
il {neg.o}? delli {Italiani} [...] a la impresa [...] dela christianitu [...] le sue forze per rimedio [...]
tali imprese [...] et quell' d' Inghilterra [...] li stati di fiandra [...] in una <40> [...]
{christianissimo spirito per difendere la religion cat.ca} Romana [...] quell' stati [...]
il passaggio in Inghilterra [...] del {denaro} et forze [...] una impresa [...] aiuto [...] l'aiuto [...]
S.S.ta [...]
a dare a li {catt.ci} d'Irlanda [...] quasi porti per Inghilterra [...] li offerisce li Italiani [...]
li {Italiani} [...] in Portogallo pagati
[p. 6]
{pa}gati [...] imbarcati nel fiume di [...] vettovaglie per 3 mesi et alcuni <72> [...] per soccorrerli [...]
incaricandosi <10> [...] da Lisbona avanti di questa gente [...] a la volta d' <10> [...] ritornare piu

R192_reading.md

<!-- Reading of DECODE R192 (ASV Segr. Stato Portogallo 8, ff. 195-197 = old 118-123), built 22 Oct 2026 by Claude Opus
5.5 from the DECODE page images (IMG_R192_I1231-I1236, full resolution): clear text transcribed in full, every cipher
passage given in the secretariat's interlinear decipherment over it, the key decode (Lasry's key, decrypt.py; the digit
table in transcription_R192.md, re-checked on the images where noted) aligned with the gloss. Cipher passages in { }.
Abbreviations expanded; [?word] = uncertain reading of the hand; [...] = not read. Spelling kept, punctuation added.
The decipherer often writes a gloss over the line above the cipher it renders, so a gloss can sit over an
unglossed-looking cipher line; every cipher line on these leaves is covered by a gloss. -->

# R192, Portogallo 8 ff. 195-197: Cardinal Riario, legate, to the Cardinal Secretary, [Elvas], 4-5 January 1581, with a copy of 29 November 1580

The DECODE record's "Nov-Dec 1580" comes from the copy; the letter itself is dated in its first line "Hoggi li 4 di
genaro" and continues "la sera delli 5", so January 1581 (Riario was at Elvas with Philip II).

## Letter (ff. 195r-196v)

Hoggi li 4 di genaro ho parlato a S.M.tà {sopra il negotio di Piamonte} in modo che S.M.tà è restata
contentissima, et ha mostrato restarne con molto obligo a S.S.tà, alla quale per questo amorevole {avvertimento} mi
ha detto che bacia mille volte li piedi, {dicendomi che alcuna cosa ci è di quelli Anselmo, mettendo con li suoi in
Italia}, et che voleva far cercare {le lettere che havevano in questo negotio}, et mandaria da me l'Idiaquez a
informarmi del tutto, acciò mi potessi {dar conto a S.S.tà}; però starò aspettando et avisarò di quanto succederà.
Ma al sicuro {S.M.tà ha preso l'avvertimento in ottima parte, et il Piemonte credo sia vero, ma credo non succederà
con intera sodisfattione di S.M.tà}, la quale facilmente ha il medesimo {dubbio che ha S.S.tà}.

In questo punto la sera delli 5 è venuto il s.r Idiaquez a nome di S.M.tà a dirmi {che è vero che il Marchese
d'Ayamonte, già Governatore di Milano,} cominciò et mantenne {la prattica et fomento} con alcun mezzo {con quelli
Anselmo}, ma che sempre gli ha dispiaciuto {a S.M.tà}, la quale nel tempo che morì {il Marchese} li scriveva
liberamente l'animo suo, ch'era che li dispiaceva; et che S.S.tà stia sicura che non solo procurarà o consentirà
{a cosa che possi perturbare l'Italia}, premendoli tanto quanto la {quiete di Castiglia} propria, ma che dove li
bisognarà per impedire {ogni perturbatione} che li potesse succedere s'impiegarà potentissimamente {con tutte le
forze sue}, soggiungendomi {che il fomento che diede il Marchese a quelli Anselmo} era con questa ragione, che
vedendosi abandonato non tirasse {in suo aiuto in Italia una furia d'Ugonotti del Delfinato}, et che in questo
negotio ci haveva {mano il Duca di Savoia morto}, qual era amicissimo {del detto Marchese}; et di nuovo S.M.tà bacia
li piedi a S.S.tà di questo amorevole {avvertimento}, mostrando {che tal prattica sia cessata}.

Io strinsi {la prattica d'Inghilterra}, come ho scritto a V.S. Ill.ma, et mi riportai a la risolutione che le mandai
già, qual fu risposta in scritto a Idiaquez, di che mi mandò hora il duplicato. Cercai, vedendo quasi la esclusione
{dell'impresa generale}, {l'aiuto di 4 o ver 5 mila persone} con le altre provisioni necessarie, sendo che era stata
data intentione a Mons. Nuntio; et altri dicono che {per il liberamento di Don Antonio li fu revocata tali
intentione}, talchè, essendo diminuito assai {l'essercito di S.M.tà}, che non credo arrivi {a 5 in 6 mila persone et
più}, et per questo {regno} ne ha bisogno d'una gran parte, si indussi il negotio ultimamente che S.M.tà mandaria
{tutti li Italiani con artiglierie, armi et munitioni, vettovagliati et pagati per 4 mesi}, li quali alla {rassegna
sono stati 3 milia nel pagamento}, ma per [?valersene] passano di poco {[...] mille}; et se bene S.M.tà voleva
incaricare me d'adesso per provederli passati {li 4 mesi}, overo che se n'incaricasse Mons. Nuntio, havendo però come
ridotta S.M.tà, che havendoli mandato {con le suddette munitioni, vettovaglie et pagamenti, da 2 mila fanti in
circa}, con che se fra tre mesi non havevano altro ordine se ne ritornassero, senza pigliar noi altra cura; hora che
S.M.tà voleva {che si trovasse un capo, et che andassero sotto nome di S.S.tà}, et mentre che tenevano certo questo
{soccorso} in questo modo, per avisarne S.S.tà, acciochè nel suddetto termine si potesse procurare {nuovi aiuti} et
in tanto travagliare {il nimico}, et non lasciar {perire li soldati} mandatici, et dar animo {a li cattolici}, è
venuto l'aviso che vedrà V.S. Ill.ma, che ha turbato ogni cosa, et pare che si vada confermando per via {di Francia
et d'Inghilterra}, per il quale pare che questi ministri di S.M.tà si siano {intepiditi}, et hora offeriscono {li
Italiani tali quali et quanti} sono, ma dicano non volersi intrigare in mandar né destinar {capo} alcuno, anzi che
credono che non si trovarà, andando a {pericolo chiaro} d'esser tutti {tagliati a pezzi, havendo la Regina
d'Inghilterra navi et genti} assai in essere, per quel che dicano; [...] talchè [?non] volsi incaricarmi di cosa
alcuna, eccetto che di dare {il nome al capo} che loro destinaranno, d'huomo {di S.S.tà}, che mandino più {gente} che
sia possibile con le suddette provisioni, con una buona {scorta}, che vederanno di poter far alcun buon effetto, o
facciano cognitione ancora [?vedendo] {il pericolo manifesto: potriano ritirarsi}. Non so a che si risolveranno. Da
me non mancarà di procurarsi tutto quello sarà possibile, siccome di tutto questo ne parlai hieri a S.M.tà, havendo
trattato questo negotio conforme alla [lettera] che mi scrisse Mons. Nuntio, di che mi mandò copia, che mi pareva
molto a proposito, et avanti che l'havessi trattavo nella medesima forma come ne scrissi a S.S. Di quanto succederà
ne darò aviso a V.S. Ill.ma, alla quale bacio le mani.

Margin, f. 196v: "Cifra".

## Copy (ff. 197r-v), headed "Copia", dated 29 November 1580

Li ministri di S.M.tà che dispacciano questa notte per Portogallo mi domandano a gran fretta risposta di V.S. Ill.ma
sopra {il negotio delli Italiani} per inviarla al Duca d'Alva, di modo che sarà necessario che mi si dia domattina;
perchè, quanto {a la impresa} che V.S. Ill.ma ha proposto, gl'ho detto distesamente il molto che S.M.tà desidera
impiegarsi in tutte quelle cose saranno in augumento {de la christianità}, come lo farà però che le cose gli daranno
luogo per esso et non lo necessitaranno a tenere occupate {le sue forze per rimedio} del suo proprio; ma già vede
V.S. Ill.ma che per {tali imprese}, et particolarmente {per quella d'Inghilterra}, il vero et diritto camino sarà
stato et saria spianare {li stati di Fiandra}, aiutando S.S.tà S.M.tà per questo tanto largamente et liberalmente
com'è questo che faccia {in una [?guerra]} che ha tanti anni che si fa con {ostinatissimi spiriti per difendere la
religion cattolica Romana}, dopo che da {quelli stati} sarà tanto facile {il passaggio in Inghilterra}; et se V.S.
Ill.ma considera il capitale {del denaro et forze} che ricercano {una impresa} tanto grande com'è quella che si
propone, vedrà il [?bisogno] et straordinario {aiuto} che doveria offerirsi, [...] tanto la sollicita, et quanto
lontano da questo va differendo a S.M.tà quello che sempre se gli era dato. Tuttavia, se a V.S. Ill.ma in nome di
S.S.tà parerà che per hora non va fuor di proposito il mandar innanzi {l'aiuto che S.S.tà} ha cominciato {a dare a
li cattolici d'Irlanda}, et giudicarà che questo potria ancora con il tempo servire {quasi [?per] porti per
Inghilterra}, torno a dire che S.M.tà {li offerisce li Italiani che li restano in Portogallo pagati} et al dì d'hoggi
{imbarcati nel fiume di Lisbona} con {vettovaglie per 3 mesi et alcuni denari} di rispetto {per soccorrerli}, il
quale s'intende {incaricandosi V.S. Ill.ma} per parte di S.S.tà {da Lisbona} {avanti di questa gente}; et non la
volendo accettare, ne tenendolo per conveniente V.S. Ill.ma, se ne andaranno subito {a la volta d'Italia}, poichè non
aspettano senon questa risposta et non si possono {ritardar più}. Di Ca[?s]a li 29 di Novembre 1580.

Alignment notes (gloss against key decode, code groups): texts/R190-R194_reread_log.md.

R192_en.md

<!-- English translation of texts/R192_reading.md (22 Oct 2026, Claude Opus 5.5). Passages that were in cipher are in
{ }; holes as in the Italian. -->

# R192, Portogallo 8 ff. 195-197: Cardinal Riario to the Cardinal Secretary, [Elvas], 4-5 January 1581, with a copy of 29 November 1580

## Letter

Today, the 4th of January, I spoke to His Majesty {about the Piedmont business}, so that His Majesty was very content and
showed himself much obliged to His Holiness, whose feet he kisses a thousand times for this kind {warning}, {telling me
that there is something in it concerning those Anselmi, putting their men into Italy}; and that he would have {the
letters they had on this business} searched for, and would send Idiáquez to me to inform me of everything, so that I
could {report to His Holiness}; so I shall wait and report what happens. But certainly {His Majesty has taken the
warning in very good part, and the Piedmont affair I believe is true, but I believe it will not turn out wholly to His
Majesty's satisfaction}, who readily has the same {suspicion as His Holiness}.

At this moment, on the evening of the 5th, Signor Idiáquez came in His Majesty's name to tell me {that it is true that
the Marquis of Ayamonte, formerly Governor of Milan,} began and kept up {the dealings and encouragement} by some means
{with those Anselmi}, but that it always displeased {His Majesty}, who at the time {the Marquis} died wrote him his mind
frankly, which was that it displeased him; and that His Holiness may be sure that he will not only not procure or
consent {to anything that might disturb Italy}, it mattering to him as much as the {peace of Castile} itself, but that
wherever needed to prevent {any disturbance} that might arise he will employ himself most powerfully {with all his
forces}; adding that {the encouragement the Marquis gave those Anselmi} was on this reasoning, that if they found
themselves abandoned they would not draw {to their aid into Italy a fury of Huguenots from the Dauphiné}, and that in
this business {the late Duke of Savoy had a hand}, who was a great friend {of the said Marquis}; and again His Majesty
kisses His Holiness's feet for this kind {warning}, showing {that such dealings have ceased}.

I pressed {the English business}, as I wrote to Your Lordship, and referred to the decision I sent you before, which was
an answer in writing to Idiáquez, of which he has now sent me the duplicate. Seeing the {general enterprise} all but
excluded, I sought {the aid of 4 or 5 thousand men} with the other necessary provisions, since this had been promised to
Monsignor Nuncio; and others say {that because of the release of Don Antonio such a promise was revoked}; so that, {His
Majesty's army} being much reduced, which I do not think reaches {5 or 6 thousand men or more}, and this {kingdom} needing
a great part of it, the business was finally brought to this, that His Majesty would send {all the Italians with
artillery, arms and munitions, victualled and paid for 4 months}, who at the {muster were 3,000 in the pay}, but [...]
little more than {[...] thousand}; and although His Majesty wanted me to take charge of providing for them from now once
{the 4 months} were over, or that Monsignor Nuncio should, having however reduced His Majesty to this, that having sent
them {with the said munitions, victuals and pay, about 2,000 foot}, if within three months they had no other orders they
should come back, without our taking any other care; now that His Majesty wanted {a commander found, and that they go
under His Holiness's name}, and while they held this {relief} certain in this form, to inform His Holiness, so that in
the said term {new aid} could be procured and meanwhile {the enemy} harassed, and {the soldiers} sent there not left {to
perish}, and {the Catholics} heartened, the report came that Your Lordship will see, which has upset everything and seems
to be confirmed by way {of France and England}, at which His Majesty's ministers seem to have {cooled}, and now offer {the
Italians such and as many as} there are, but say they will not get involved in sending or appointing any {commander},
believing rather that none will be found, since they would be going into {clear danger} of all being {cut to pieces, the
Queen of England having ships and men} there in strength, as they say; so I would take charge of nothing except giving
{the name to the commander} they appoint, a man {of His Holiness}, that they should send as many {men} as possible with
the said provisions and a good {escort}, who will see whether they can achieve something, or [?seeing] {the danger plain,
they could withdraw}. I do not know what they will decide. On my side nothing possible will be left undone; I spoke of
all this to His Majesty yesterday, having dealt with this business according to the letter Monsignor Nuncio wrote me, of
which he sent me a copy, which seemed to me very much to the point, and before I had it I was treating it in the same way
as I wrote to His Holiness. I shall report to Your Lordship what happens, and kiss your hands.

## Copy, 29 November 1580

His Majesty's ministers who are sending dispatches to Portugal tonight urgently ask Your Lordship's answer about {the
business of the Italians}, to send it to the Duke of Alba, so it will be needed by tomorrow morning; because, as to {the
enterprise} Your Lordship proposed, I told them at length how much His Majesty wishes to employ himself in everything
that may be for the increase {of Christendom}, as he will do as soon as affairs give him room and do not force him to
keep {his forces} busy {as a remedy} for his own; but Your Lordship already sees that for {such enterprises}, and
particularly {that of England}, the true and direct road would have been and would be to pacify {the states of
Flanders}, His Holiness helping His Majesty in this as largely and liberally as in this {[?war]} which has been waged for so
many years against {most obstinate spirits, to defend the Roman Catholic religion}, after which from {those states} {the
passage into England} would be very easy; and if Your Lordship considers the capital {of money and forces} that {an
enterprise} as great as the one proposed requires, you will see the [?need] and the extraordinary {aid} that ought to be
offered, [...] urges it so, and how far from this His Majesty's due has been put off. Nevertheless, if it seems to Your
Lordship, in His Holiness's name, not out of place for now to send forward {the aid His Holiness} has begun {to give the
Catholics of Ireland}, and you judge that this could in time serve {almost [?as] ports for England}, I say again that His
Majesty {offers him the Italians that remain in Portugal, paid}, and today {embarked in the river of Lisbon} with
{victuals for 3 months and some money} in reserve {to relieve them}, on the understanding that {Your Lordship takes
charge} on His Holiness's part {from Lisbon} {before these men}; and if you will not accept it, nor think it fitting,
they will go at once {towards Italy}, since they wait only for this answer and cannot {be delayed any longer}. From
Ca[?s]a, 29 November 1580.

transcription_R193_R194.md

# R193 / R194 transcription (ASV Segr. Stato Portogallo 8)

Digit readings are from the 2082x2904 images (thirds and native-resolution line crops). Where a digit is
ambiguous the reading was chosen to agree with the gloss/Italian; "?" marks doubt. Decrypts use decrypt.py.

## R193 p.1 (fol. 236r)

Clear text summary: "Ill.mo et R.mo Sig.re". Don Juan de Idiáquez in the name of H.M. (Philip II) told the writer
that he had made the request to H.M. in the name of His Holiness (per l'impresa d'Inghilterra); H.M. wished to
satisfy His Holiness but lacked means for this enterprise, needing great preparations and men and the aid (gratie)
offered in the name of H.S.; the nuncio says forces were weak for such an enterprise, deferred until the King had
made himself master of Flanders, easier and safer; talk of the galleys and the subsidy of the galleys, "fanteria di
Italiani", hopes for the "felici progressi di S. M.tà". Endorsement bottom left: "Al Card.le di Como" (Tolomeo
Gallio, secretary of state). No date or signature on this page (letter continues).

| # | position (clear before) | digits as read | decrypt | gloss | agree |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "fatto io instanza a S. M.tà" | 84 9 25? 9 05 55 65 77 57 03? 47 00 9 51 9 05 55 63 53 05 25 37 (07 57 57 00 ?) | per l impresa d inghilt(erra) | "per l'impresa d'Inghilterra" | yes (tail of line faint; 03 for 07 in impresa = hand 3/7? read as "impresa") |
| 2 | "non si trovava in termine per" | 14 9 05 65 77 57 07 47 00 (+ 07?) | quest impresa | "questa impresa" | yes |
| 3 | "bisogno di grandissimi" | 00 77 77 00 57 00 37 05 9 07(read 03) 37 9 63 07 55 37 05 | apparati et genti | "apparati, et genti" | yes (03 = 83/07 misread) |
| 4 | "erano deboli" | 63 71 9 0 84 9 37 00 75? 9 05 65 77 57 03 47 00 | [63][71] per tal impresa | "per tale impresa" | yes; leading "6371 9 0" unexplained (null prefix?) |
| 5 | "differirlo fin che fusse" | 05 65 77 00 51 57 03 55 05 37 03 9 51 07 25? 25? 00 9 73 25 05 00 55 51 57 00 | impadronito della fiandra | "impadronito della Fiandra" | yes |
| 6 | "et in tanto" (continues next line) | 77 71 9 0 84 9 75 00 9 73 05 00 55 / 51 57 00 9 73 (61?) | [77][71] per la fiandra ... | "per la Fiandra" | yes; again prefix "XX71 9 0" before 84 |
| 7 | "offeriva" | 73 61 9 00 84 9 05 55 77 57 01 55 51 00 9 ... 75 9 20? | [73][61] per ... | "per levata(?) di Italiani" (gloss hard to read: "fanteria/levanda di Italiani"?) | partial, digits poor |
| 8 | "nella polliza signata A." | 03 9 9 14 9 05 65 77 57 07 47 00 (+?) | [03] quest impresa | "per questa impresa" | yes; "per" apparently represented by the prefix again |
| 9 | "li mostrai che li" | 01 05 27 37 05 (read 0105273705) | uiuti = aiuti (first 01 for 00/81) | "aiuti" | yes |
| 10 | "havessi visto" | 75 07 25 05 61 05 9 77 57 03 63 57 07 47 47 05 | li felici progressi (digits partly misread) | "li felici progressi di S. M.tà" | yes |

Note: passages 4, 6, 7 (and probably 1, 8) begin with a group pair XX71/XX61 + 9 + 0 before 84 "per". Whether
these are nulls or a misreading of a flourish is not settled at this resolution.

All passages on p.1 are glossed.

## R193 p.2 (fol. 237r) - end of the same letter

Clear text summary: continues p.1: the nuncio/legate had done neither good nor harm; the offer "per questa [impresa
d'] Irlanda" was not his business; the Irish men already in the field; Monsignor Nuntio's letters (police signate A,
B, C, D) sent on; reports on the soldiers, 1300 badly armed, offer to help H.M. with men sent from Italy, "aiuti,
armi et munitioni". Dated "Di Badajoz li 2 di [Ott.]bre 1580" (month word struck/overwritten; reading of day and
month uncertain). Signed "Humil.mo et dev.mo S.re A. Car.le Riario" (Alessandro Riario, legate). All glossed.

| # | position | digits as read | decrypt | gloss | agree |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Quanto all'offerta" | 7 0 9 14 9 51 9 05 55 77 75 (57?) 85 55 51 00 9 71 73 | ... quest d impl(a)nda (per questa d'Irlanda) | "per questa d'Irlanda" | yes with 25 for 77/75 misreads; initial "70 9" = the "per" prefix again? |
| 2 | "tirar avanti" | 05 55 9 16? 9 63 73 75 | in [..] ... | "in Inghilterra" | digits illegible (short, abbreviated?) - probably "in ingh(ilterra)" abbreviated; not resolved |
| 3 | "carico alcuno" | 51 05 9 14 9 47 03 25 51 00 37 05 | di quest soldati | "di questi soldati" | yes |
| 4 | "arrivano" | 00 9 1300 9 07 37 9 65 00 25 00 57 65 00 37 05 | a 1300 et malarmati | "a 1300. et mal armati" | yes; the number 1300 written in clear numerals inside the cipher |
| 5 | "incaricarmi" | 51 05 9 14 9 (73 00 55 37 05 ?) | di quest(i fanti) | "di questi fanti" | gloss yes, tail digits unclear ("99 90") |
| 6 | line start | 24 9 65 03 47 47? 05 53? 05 55 55 05 | quell mo(s)chini? | "quelli moschini"? (gloss faint) | probable |
| 7 | "suoi vassalli" | 65 01 55 55 51 00 37 05 9 75 00 | munndati la (mandati la) | "mandati la" | yes (01 for 00) |
| 8 | "sperarli mandandoli" | 00 05 27 37 05 9 00 57 65 05 9 07 37 9 65 01 55 05 37 05 03 55 05 | aiuti armi et munitioni | "aiuti, armi, et munitioni" | yes |

All passages on p.2 are glossed.

Additional group noted on p.2 (#2, "in Inghilterra") and R194 p.1 (#9, "da quelli d'Inghilterra"): the word
Inghilterra is written as the single group **16** (not in the key) -> probable code word 16 = Inghilterra.

## R193 p.3 (fol. 238r) - a separate letter, clear copy / decipherment

No digits on this page. A clean-hand letter "Ill.mo et R.mo S.or mio Oss.mo": after sending the dispatch for Mons.
Marco at Madrid, received the enclosed paper from the Consigliere Vasches (Vázquez); the negotiation (jurisdiction
to be left to His Holiness, without intervention of H.S.'s ministers; the "temperamenti" offered by Mr Montio(?)),
the President. The underlined phrases are the deciphered parts written in clear (underlined in the original):
"Presidente è pietra scandali et mal sodisfatto della Corte romana, et chi lo diffende et copre lo fa per amicitia et
forse per bene, ma a me pare conveniente avisar quel ch'io scopro et sento, riammi(?) poi al vero". Then: having
dismounted at Elvas, found the letter of the Archbishop of Évora(?) ... "Di Elvas alli 1?0 [10?] di Xbre 1580".
Signature (second third): "Humil.mo et dev.mo S.r A. Card.le Riario". No cipher passages.

## R194 p.1 (fol. 281 / 296 stamp)

Clear text summary: no heading on this page. On the occasion of receiving the arms (?) and letters sent to H.M.
about "li capitani d'Irlanda", as Mons. Nuntio had written, the writer invited H.M. to give a good and sure
intimation of his will on "tal impresa" (which H.S. desires for the service of God and the Christian religion and
the honour and greatness of H.M.); the King answered that he had very good will and inclination, but it needed
great provision of money, and that H.S. not only did not help with new graces but denied the usual ones; that he
was attending to Flanders and then to this enterprise; the writer replied that H.M. could well with his great forces
attend to both; to the Flanders matter, "da quelli d'Inghilterra"; on the truce ("tregua") nothing yet; the danger to
the whole weight "della Christianità". No date or signature (continues on p.2).

| # | position | digits as read | decrypt | gloss | agree |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "mandare a S. M.tà" (line end + next line) | 51 9 75 05 / 61 00 (77?) 37 05 27 05 9 51 9 05 55 77? 75 00 55 51 00 | li capitani d irlanda (li / catiui = capitani with 27 for 00?) | "li capitani" / "d'Irlanda" | yes (misread digits in capitani; "irlanda" read with 77 for 57) |
| 2 | "della volontà sua" | 55 03 37 9 05 65 77 57 07 47 00 (+ 21?) | not impresa -> "nel(?) tal impresa" | "nel'impresa" (gloss "in tal impresa"?) | probable: gloss reads "nel'impresa"; first word 55 03 37 decrypts "not", likely 37 00 75 "tal" misread or "nel" |
| 3 | "ci voleva" | 63 57 00 55 | gran | "gran" | yes |
| 4 | next line | 77 57 07 27 05 47 05 03 55 07 9 07 37 9 72 | previsione et [72] | "provisione di dinari" | partial: 72 not in key; gloss has "di dinari" -> 72 = denari? (code), "07 37" (et) against gloss "di" |
| 5 | "attendere" | 65 9 05 9 73 05 00 55 51 57 00 (read 6590519730500555157 00) | m i fiandra (read "a fiandra", first group 00 misread 65?) | "a Fiandra" | yes |
| 6 | "et poi à" | 14 9 05 65 77 57 07 47 00 | quest impresa | "questa impresa" | yes |
| 7 | "con le" | 47 27 07 9 63 57 00 55 9 73 03 57 17 03 | sue gran forzo | "sue gran forze" | yes (03 for 07 at end) |
| 8 | "le cose" | 51 05 9 73 05 00 55 51 57 00 | di fiandra | "di Fiandra" | yes |
| 9 | "cominciare" | 51 05 9 24 9 51 9 16 | di quell d [16] | "da quelli d'Inghilterra" | yes; 16 = Inghilterra |
| 10 | "nel neg.o" | 77 61 9 51 83 / 75 00 9 37 57 (07 63 01 00, struck through and rewritten) | [77][61] de / la tregua | "di la" / "tregua" | yes for "de la tregua"; leading 7761 unexplained (same XX71/XX61 prefix as R193 p.1) |
| 11 | "adosso tutto il peso" | 51 03 75 00 9 61 53 57 05 47 37 05 00 55 05 37 00 | dola christianita | "de la Christianità" | yes (03 for 83/07) |

All passages on R194 p.1 are glossed.

## R194 p.2 (fol. 282?)

Only the upper third is written (the rest is bleed-through from p.1). Left margin: "li capitani / 51 9 75 05"
(the first passage of p.1 repeated/corrected). Clear: "per mantenimento [cipher] haveva speso infinità di dinari, che
per mia [di Stato?] poteva haver una gran parte di essa, si havessi voluto condescendere a lei(?) così de la
religione. Io li risposi quello che mi parve conveniente in questo caso al servitio di Dio, di S. M.tà et debito mio,
né si può per ciò potei haver altra risposta." No date or signature on this page (the letter's date is lost / not
on these two images). Author: presumably Riario (same hand, same subjects as R193 p.1-2).

| # | position | digits as read | decrypt | gloss | agree |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "per mantenimento" | 75 0? 9 (8)3 (0)3 9 05 55 55 9 73 05 00 55 51 57 00 | l? [..] in fiandra | "la Relig.ne Cat.ca in Fiandra" | partial: the cipher is too short for "religione cattolica"; the 4-digit stretch between 9s (read 83 03?) looks like a code group for "religione cattolica" - not in key, digits uncertain |
| 2 | "che per mia" | 51 05 9 47 37 07? 37 03? | di st(a)to (read "di stto") | "di Stato"(? gloss "di stato") | yes |
| 3 | "condescendere a" | 00 9 75 05 (read 0?75 03) | a li / a lei | "a lei"? (gloss "a li") | yes |
| 4 | line start | 61 03 47 03 9 51 07 9 75 00 9 57 07 25 05 63 05 03 55 83 | coso de la religione | "così de la Religione" | yes (03 for 85 in "cosi"; 07 for 05 in religione) |

All passages on R194 p.2 are glossed.

## Summary

- 0 unglossed cipher passages in R193 (pp.1-2) and R194 (pp.1-2); R193 p.3 is a clear/deciphered letter with no digits.
- Probable code words not in the key: **16 = Inghilterra** (twice), **72 = denari?** (once), a stretch for
  "religione cattolica" (R194 p.2), and a recurring 4-digit prefix XX71/XX61 (6371, 7771, 7361, 7761) + 9 placed before
  "per ..." / "di la" phrases, unexplained (code for "forze"? nulls?).
- The number 1300 is written in plain numerals inside a cipher passage (R193 p.2 #4).

R193_decryption.txt

# R193 decryption, copied verbatim from decode_updates/decryptions/R193.txt (22 Oct 2026); the DECODE decryption body prepared from transcription_R19*.md: cipher passages decrypted with Lasry's key, the contemporary decipherments marked, clear text in [clear: ...]
[p. 1]
[...] per l impresa d inghilt{erra} [...] quest impresa [...] apparati et genti [...] <63><71> per tal impresa
[...]
impadronito della fiandra [...] <77><71> per la fiandra [...] <73><61> per [...]
[contemporary decipherment: per levata(?) di Italiani] [...] <03> quest impresa [...] uiuti? [...]
li felici progressi
[p. 2]
[...] quest d impl{a}nda? [...] [contemporary decipherment: in Inghilterra] [...] di quest soldati [...]
a 1300 et malarmati [...] di quest{i fanti} [...] quell mo{s}chini? [...] munndati? la [...]
aiuti armi et munitioni
[p. 3]
[clear: Presidente è pietra scandali et mal sodisfatto della Corte romana, et chi lo diffende et copre lo fa
per
amicitia et forse per bene, ma a me pare conveniente avisar quel ch'io scopro et sento, riammi? poi al vero]
[clear: Di Elvas alli 1?0 di Xbre 1580]

transcription_R193_R194.md

# R193 / R194 transcription (ASV Segr. Stato Portogallo 8)

Digit readings are from the 2082x2904 images (thirds and native-resolution line crops). Where a digit is
ambiguous the reading was chosen to agree with the gloss/Italian; "?" marks doubt. Decrypts use decrypt.py.

## R193 p.1 (fol. 236r)

Clear text summary: "Ill.mo et R.mo Sig.re". Don Juan de Idiáquez in the name of H.M. (Philip II) told the writer
that he had made the request to H.M. in the name of His Holiness (per l'impresa d'Inghilterra); H.M. wished to
satisfy His Holiness but lacked means for this enterprise, needing great preparations and men and the aid (gratie)
offered in the name of H.S.; the nuncio says forces were weak for such an enterprise, deferred until the King had
made himself master of Flanders, easier and safer; talk of the galleys and the subsidy of the galleys, "fanteria di
Italiani", hopes for the "felici progressi di S. M.tà". Endorsement bottom left: "Al Card.le di Como" (Tolomeo
Gallio, secretary of state). No date or signature on this page (letter continues).

| # | position (clear before) | digits as read | decrypt | gloss | agree |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "fatto io instanza a S. M.tà" | 84 9 25? 9 05 55 65 77 57 03? 47 00 9 51 9 05 55 63 53 05 25 37 (07 57 57 00 ?) | per l impresa d inghilt(erra) | "per l'impresa d'Inghilterra" | yes (tail of line faint; 03 for 07 in impresa = hand 3/7? read as "impresa") |
| 2 | "non si trovava in termine per" | 14 9 05 65 77 57 07 47 00 (+ 07?) | quest impresa | "questa impresa" | yes |
| 3 | "bisogno di grandissimi" | 00 77 77 00 57 00 37 05 9 07(read 03) 37 9 63 07 55 37 05 | apparati et genti | "apparati, et genti" | yes (03 = 83/07 misread) |
| 4 | "erano deboli" | 63 71 9 0 84 9 37 00 75? 9 05 65 77 57 03 47 00 | [63][71] per tal impresa | "per tale impresa" | yes; leading "6371 9 0" unexplained (null prefix?) |
| 5 | "differirlo fin che fusse" | 05 65 77 00 51 57 03 55 05 37 03 9 51 07 25? 25? 00 9 73 25 05 00 55 51 57 00 | impadronito della fiandra | "impadronito della Fiandra" | yes |
| 6 | "et in tanto" (continues next line) | 77 71 9 0 84 9 75 00 9 73 05 00 55 / 51 57 00 9 73 (61?) | [77][71] per la fiandra ... | "per la Fiandra" | yes; again prefix "XX71 9 0" before 84 |
| 7 | "offeriva" | 73 61 9 00 84 9 05 55 77 57 01 55 51 00 9 ... 75 9 20? | [73][61] per ... | "per levata(?) di Italiani" (gloss hard to read: "fanteria/levanda di Italiani"?) | partial, digits poor |
| 8 | "nella polliza signata A." | 03 9 9 14 9 05 65 77 57 07 47 00 (+?) | [03] quest impresa | "per questa impresa" | yes; "per" apparently represented by the prefix again |
| 9 | "li mostrai che li" | 01 05 27 37 05 (read 0105273705) | uiuti = aiuti (first 01 for 00/81) | "aiuti" | yes |
| 10 | "havessi visto" | 75 07 25 05 61 05 9 77 57 03 63 57 07 47 47 05 | li felici progressi (digits partly misread) | "li felici progressi di S. M.tà" | yes |

Note: passages 4, 6, 7 (and probably 1, 8) begin with a group pair XX71/XX61 + 9 + 0 before 84 "per". Whether
these are nulls or a misreading of a flourish is not settled at this resolution.

All passages on p.1 are glossed.

## R193 p.2 (fol. 237r) - end of the same letter

Clear text summary: continues p.1: the nuncio/legate had done neither good nor harm; the offer "per questa [impresa
d'] Irlanda" was not his business; the Irish men already in the field; Monsignor Nuntio's letters (police signate A,
B, C, D) sent on; reports on the soldiers, 1300 badly armed, offer to help H.M. with men sent from Italy, "aiuti,
armi et munitioni". Dated "Di Badajoz li 2 di [Ott.]bre 1580" (month word struck/overwritten; reading of day and
month uncertain). Signed "Humil.mo et dev.mo S.re A. Car.le Riario" (Alessandro Riario, legate). All glossed.

| # | position | digits as read | decrypt | gloss | agree |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Quanto all'offerta" | 7 0 9 14 9 51 9 05 55 77 75 (57?) 85 55 51 00 9 71 73 | ... quest d impl(a)nda (per questa d'Irlanda) | "per questa d'Irlanda" | yes with 25 for 77/75 misreads; initial "70 9" = the "per" prefix again? |
| 2 | "tirar avanti" | 05 55 9 16? 9 63 73 75 | in [..] ... | "in Inghilterra" | digits illegible (short, abbreviated?) - probably "in ingh(ilterra)" abbreviated; not resolved |
| 3 | "carico alcuno" | 51 05 9 14 9 47 03 25 51 00 37 05 | di quest soldati | "di questi soldati" | yes |
| 4 | "arrivano" | 00 9 1300 9 07 37 9 65 00 25 00 57 65 00 37 05 | a 1300 et malarmati | "a 1300. et mal armati" | yes; the number 1300 written in clear numerals inside the cipher |
| 5 | "incaricarmi" | 51 05 9 14 9 (73 00 55 37 05 ?) | di quest(i fanti) | "di questi fanti" | gloss yes, tail digits unclear ("99 90") |
| 6 | line start | 24 9 65 03 47 47? 05 53? 05 55 55 05 | quell mo(s)chini? | "quelli moschini"? (gloss faint) | probable |
| 7 | "suoi vassalli" | 65 01 55 55 51 00 37 05 9 75 00 | munndati la (mandati la) | "mandati la" | yes (01 for 00) |
| 8 | "sperarli mandandoli" | 00 05 27 37 05 9 00 57 65 05 9 07 37 9 65 01 55 05 37 05 03 55 05 | aiuti armi et munitioni | "aiuti, armi, et munitioni" | yes |

All passages on p.2 are glossed.

Additional group noted on p.2 (#2, "in Inghilterra") and R194 p.1 (#9, "da quelli d'Inghilterra"): the word
Inghilterra is written as the single group **16** (not in the key) -> probable code word 16 = Inghilterra.

## R193 p.3 (fol. 238r) - a separate letter, clear copy / decipherment

No digits on this page. A clean-hand letter "Ill.mo et R.mo S.or mio Oss.mo": after sending the dispatch for Mons.
Marco at Madrid, received the enclosed paper from the Consigliere Vasches (Vázquez); the negotiation (jurisdiction
to be left to His Holiness, without intervention of H.S.'s ministers; the "temperamenti" offered by Mr Montio(?)),
the President. The underlined phrases are the deciphered parts written in clear (underlined in the original):
"Presidente è pietra scandali et mal sodisfatto della Corte romana, et chi lo diffende et copre lo fa per amicitia et
forse per bene, ma a me pare conveniente avisar quel ch'io scopro et sento, riammi(?) poi al vero". Then: having
dismounted at Elvas, found the letter of the Archbishop of Évora(?) ... "Di Elvas alli 1?0 [10?] di Xbre 1580".
Signature (second third): "Humil.mo et dev.mo S.r A. Card.le Riario". No cipher passages.

## R194 p.1 (fol. 281 / 296 stamp)

Clear text summary: no heading on this page. On the occasion of receiving the arms (?) and letters sent to H.M.
about "li capitani d'Irlanda", as Mons. Nuntio had written, the writer invited H.M. to give a good and sure
intimation of his will on "tal impresa" (which H.S. desires for the service of God and the Christian religion and
the honour and greatness of H.M.); the King answered that he had very good will and inclination, but it needed
great provision of money, and that H.S. not only did not help with new graces but denied the usual ones; that he
was attending to Flanders and then to this enterprise; the writer replied that H.M. could well with his great forces
attend to both; to the Flanders matter, "da quelli d'Inghilterra"; on the truce ("tregua") nothing yet; the danger to
the whole weight "della Christianità". No date or signature (continues on p.2).

| # | position | digits as read | decrypt | gloss | agree |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "mandare a S. M.tà" (line end + next line) | 51 9 75 05 / 61 00 (77?) 37 05 27 05 9 51 9 05 55 77? 75 00 55 51 00 | li capitani d irlanda (li / catiui = capitani with 27 for 00?) | "li capitani" / "d'Irlanda" | yes (misread digits in capitani; "irlanda" read with 77 for 57) |
| 2 | "della volontà sua" | 55 03 37 9 05 65 77 57 07 47 00 (+ 21?) | not impresa -> "nel(?) tal impresa" | "nel'impresa" (gloss "in tal impresa"?) | probable: gloss reads "nel'impresa"; first word 55 03 37 decrypts "not", likely 37 00 75 "tal" misread or "nel" |
| 3 | "ci voleva" | 63 57 00 55 | gran | "gran" | yes |
| 4 | next line | 77 57 07 27 05 47 05 03 55 07 9 07 37 9 72 | previsione et [72] | "provisione di dinari" | partial: 72 not in key; gloss has "di dinari" -> 72 = denari? (code), "07 37" (et) against gloss "di" |
| 5 | "attendere" | 65 9 05 9 73 05 00 55 51 57 00 (read 6590519730500555157 00) | m i fiandra (read "a fiandra", first group 00 misread 65?) | "a Fiandra" | yes |
| 6 | "et poi à" | 14 9 05 65 77 57 07 47 00 | quest impresa | "questa impresa" | yes |
| 7 | "con le" | 47 27 07 9 63 57 00 55 9 73 03 57 17 03 | sue gran forzo | "sue gran forze" | yes (03 for 07 at end) |
| 8 | "le cose" | 51 05 9 73 05 00 55 51 57 00 | di fiandra | "di Fiandra" | yes |
| 9 | "cominciare" | 51 05 9 24 9 51 9 16 | di quell d [16] | "da quelli d'Inghilterra" | yes; 16 = Inghilterra |
| 10 | "nel neg.o" | 77 61 9 51 83 / 75 00 9 37 57 (07 63 01 00, struck through and rewritten) | [77][61] de / la tregua | "di la" / "tregua" | yes for "de la tregua"; leading 7761 unexplained (same XX71/XX61 prefix as R193 p.1) |
| 11 | "adosso tutto il peso" | 51 03 75 00 9 61 53 57 05 47 37 05 00 55 05 37 00 | dola christianita | "de la Christianità" | yes (03 for 83/07) |

All passages on R194 p.1 are glossed.

## R194 p.2 (fol. 282?)

Only the upper third is written (the rest is bleed-through from p.1). Left margin: "li capitani / 51 9 75 05"
(the first passage of p.1 repeated/corrected). Clear: "per mantenimento [cipher] haveva speso infinità di dinari, che
per mia [di Stato?] poteva haver una gran parte di essa, si havessi voluto condescendere a lei(?) così de la
religione. Io li risposi quello che mi parve conveniente in questo caso al servitio di Dio, di S. M.tà et debito mio,
né si può per ciò potei haver altra risposta." No date or signature on this page (the letter's date is lost / not
on these two images). Author: presumably Riario (same hand, same subjects as R193 p.1-2).

| # | position | digits as read | decrypt | gloss | agree |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "per mantenimento" | 75 0? 9 (8)3 (0)3 9 05 55 55 9 73 05 00 55 51 57 00 | l? [..] in fiandra | "la Relig.ne Cat.ca in Fiandra" | partial: the cipher is too short for "religione cattolica"; the 4-digit stretch between 9s (read 83 03?) looks like a code group for "religione cattolica" - not in key, digits uncertain |
| 2 | "che per mia" | 51 05 9 47 37 07? 37 03? | di st(a)to (read "di stto") | "di Stato"(? gloss "di stato") | yes |
| 3 | "condescendere a" | 00 9 75 05 (read 0?75 03) | a li / a lei | "a lei"? (gloss "a li") | yes |
| 4 | line start | 61 03 47 03 9 51 07 9 75 00 9 57 07 25 05 63 05 03 55 83 | coso de la religione | "così de la Religione" | yes (03 for 85 in "cosi"; 07 for 05 in religione) |

All passages on R194 p.2 are glossed.

## Summary

- 0 unglossed cipher passages in R193 (pp.1-2) and R194 (pp.1-2); R193 p.3 is a clear/deciphered letter with no digits.
- Probable code words not in the key: **16 = Inghilterra** (twice), **72 = denari?** (once), a stretch for
  "religione cattolica" (R194 p.2), and a recurring 4-digit prefix XX71/XX61 (6371, 7771, 7361, 7761) + 9 placed before
  "per ..." / "di la" phrases, unexplained (code for "forze"? nulls?).
- The number 1300 is written in plain numerals inside a cipher passage (R193 p.2 #4).

R193_reading.md

<!-- Reading of DECODE R193 (ASV Segr. Stato Portogallo 8, ff. 236-238), built 22 Oct 2026 by Claude Opus 5.5 from the
DECODE page images (IMG_R193_I1238-I1240, full resolution): clear text transcribed in full, every cipher passage given
in the secretariat's interlinear decipherment over it, the key decode (Lasry's key, decrypt.py; digits in
transcription_R193_R194.md, re-checked on the images) aligned with the gloss. Cipher passages in { }. Abbreviations
expanded; [?word] = uncertain reading of the hand; [...] = not read. Spelling kept, punctuation added. -->

# R193, Portogallo 8 ff. 236-238: two letters of Cardinal Riario, legate, to the Cardinal of Como

## 1. Badajoz, 2 [October?] 1580 (ff. 236r-237r), signed "A. Card.le Riario"; endorsed "Al Card.le di Como"

Illustrissimo et Reverendissimo Signore.

Otto di sono venne il s.r Secretario Idiaquez in nome di S.M.tà a dirmi che, havendo fatto io instanza a S.M.tà {per
l'impresa d'Inghilterra} in nome di S.S.tà, mi diceva che S.M.tà desiderava molto compiacere S.S.tà in quello ch'era
sodisfattione sua et servitio della Christianità, ma che non si trovava in termine per {questa impresa}, che haveva
bisogno di grandissimi {apparati et genti}, et che li aiuti et gratie che l'erano stati offerti a nome di S.S.tà,
volendo inferire da Mons. Nuntio, che da me non s'è mai disceso a particolari in questo, erano deboli {per tale
impresa}, la quale [?S.M.tà] doveva differirla fin che fusse {impadronito della Fiandra}, che saria più sicura et
facilità; et in tanto {per la Fiandra} S.S.tà li doveva dare larghi aiuti, dolendosi che hora sotto pretesto che le
galere fossero in Portogallo, ho che non era finito il tempo, S.S.tà differiva la confirmatione del sussidio delle
galere; et che io doveva in questo far buoni offitii, mostrando di credere haverli fatti in contrario; et con tutto
ciò a nome di S.M.tà mi offeriva {per Irlanda li Italiani} nel modo vedrà V.S. Ill.ma nella pollizza signata A. Io li
risposi la speranza che teneva S.S.tà in S.M.tà {per questa impresa} con molte raggioni, et le speranze che S.M.tà
ne haveva dato et a me in particolare; li mostrai che li {aiuti} che li dicevano, se bene io non li haveva in
commissione, erano di maggior consideratione di quello li facevano, et che quando S.S.tà havesse visto {li felici
progressi di S.M.tà} in questo negotio, si poteva credere che S.S.tà haveria fatto quello havesse potuto in
sodisfattione di S.M.tà. Quanto alli gratie, non era mio negotio, et che io non ci haveva fatto ne bene ne male, et
che S.S.tà era prudentissimo et inspirato da Dio santo, sapeva quel che faceva. Quanto all'offerta {per questa
d'Irlanda} non era stata mia negotiatione, massime quando non si havesse havuto mente a tirar avanti {in Inghilterra},
et che ne scriveria a Mons. Nuntio, se mi davano tempo; et così spedirno loro un corriero, havendoli fatto mettere in
scritto come si vede nella pollizza signata A, et risposto in scritto come nella mia signata B, et scrissi a Mons.
Nuntio come nella lettera signata C, che mi rispondi con la signata D, che arrivò hiersera, dove come vedrà V.S.
Ill.ma discorre prudentemente in questo negotio; ma non si vole pigliar carico alcuno {di questi soldati}, li quali
mi dicono non arrivano {a 1300, et mal armati}. Et a me è parso pigliar tal offerta, ma si bene pregar S.M.tà col
mezzo d'Idiaquez che aspetti questo ordinario fra otto dì, acciò si veda meglio la mente di S.S.tà, mostrando che
S.M.tà dice si fa da incaricarmi {di questi fanti} doveria aiutare {quelli meschini} suoi vassalli {mandati là},
massime havendo fatto qualche profitto, et dando buone speranze, mandandoli li {aiuti, armi et munitioni}, come ne
doverà haver avisato Mons. Nuntio V.S. Ill.ma, alla quale humilmente bacio le mani, et Dio la sana. Di Badajoz li 2
di [?ottobre] 1580.

Di V.S. Ill.ma et Rev.ma humilissimo et devotissimo servitore A. Card.le Riario.

## 2. Elvas, 1[?0] December 1580 (f. 238r), the deciphered copy ("decifrato") of a ciphered letter, signed by Riario

The page is in a clear secretary hand with the formerly enciphered words underlined; there are no figures on it.

Illustrissimo et Reverendissimo Signor mio Osservandissimo. Doppo l'haver inviato il spaccio per Mons. Marco a Madrid
ho havuto l'allegata pollizza dal Consigliero Vasches, dalla quale comprenderà V.S. Ill.ma quanto si vadi avanzando
per la parte loro nel pretendere in questo negotio per ridursi al mio giuditio a lasciar l'agenda a S.S.tà senza
giurisditione et da pigliarsi dalle mano sua senza intervento di Ministri di S.S.tà; et li temperamenti offerti da
Mr. Montio non erano da metter fuori se in un medesimo tempo non si concludevano; anzi dicono (che non credo) che
veniva in quelli del Presidente, eccetto che nel preambulo che si dechiarava che durassero sinchè piacevano a S.M.tà;
et questo mi disse il suddetto Consigliero. Et per quel ch'io conosco et intendo di bone lochi, questo {Presidente è
pietra scandali et mal sodisfatto della Corte romana, et chi lo diffende et copre lo fa per amicitia et forse per
bene, ma a me pare conveniente avisar quel ch'io scopro et sento, rimettendomi poi al vero}. Essendo scavalcato adesso
in Elves, ho trovato l'inclusa dell'Arcivescovo d'Evora con li possessi [...] del familiare di V.S. Ill.ma, che con
questo facendo fine li bacio humilissimamente le mani. Alli 1[?0] di dicembre 1580.

Di V.S. Ill.ma et Rev.ma humilissimo et devotissimo servitore A. Card.le Riario.

Alignment notes (gloss against key decode, code groups): texts/R190-R194_reread_log.md.

R193_en.md

<!-- English translation of texts/R193_reading.md (22 Oct 2026, Claude Opus 5.5). Passages that were in cipher are in
{ }; holes as in the Italian. -->

# R193, Portogallo 8 ff. 236-238: two letters of Cardinal Riario to the Cardinal of Como

## 1. Badajoz, 2 [October?] 1580

Most Illustrious and Reverend Lord. Eight days ago the Secretary, Signor Idiáquez, came in His Majesty's name to tell me
that, as I had pressed His Majesty {for the English enterprise} in His Holiness's name, His Majesty greatly wished to
please His Holiness in what was his satisfaction and the service of Christendom, but was in no position for {this
enterprise}, which needed very great {preparations and men}; and that the aids and graces offered to him in His
Holiness's name, meaning by Monsignor Nuncio (for I have never gone into particulars on this), were weak {for such an
enterprise}, which he had to put off until he was {master of Flanders}, which would be safer and easier; and meanwhile
{for Flanders} His Holiness should give him generous aid, complaining that now, on the pretext that the galleys were in
Portugal, or that the term had not ended, His Holiness was delaying the confirmation of the galley subsidy; and that I
ought to do good offices in this, showing I believed I had done the contrary; and with all that, in His Majesty's name,
he offered me {the Italians for Ireland} as Your Lordship will see in the note marked A. I answered with the hope His
Holiness had in His Majesty {for this enterprise}, with many reasons, and the hopes His Majesty had given, to me in
particular; I showed him that the {aids} they spoke of, although I had no commission for them, were of greater weight
than they made out, and that when His Holiness had seen {His Majesty's happy progress} in this business, one could
believe His Holiness would have done what he could to His Majesty's satisfaction. As for the graces, that was not my
business, and I had done neither good nor harm in it; His Holiness, most prudent and inspired by God, knew what he was
doing. As for the offer {for this Irish matter}, it had not been my negotiation, especially if there was no intention
of going on {into England}, and I would write of it to Monsignor Nuncio if they gave me time; so they sent a courier,
having had it put in writing as seen in the note marked A, and answered in writing as in mine marked B; and I wrote to
Monsignor Nuncio as in the letter marked C, who answered me with that marked D, which arrived last night, where, as
Your Lordship will see, he reasons prudently on this business, but will not take any charge {of these soldiers}, who
they tell me do not reach {1,300, and badly armed}. And I thought it right to accept that offer, but to beg His Majesty
through Idiáquez to wait for this post in eight days, so that His Holiness's mind can be better seen, pointing out that
if His Majesty means to put me in charge {of these foot}, he ought to help {those poor wretches}, his vassals {sent
there}, especially as they have made some gain and give good hopes, by sending them {aid, arms and munitions}, as
Monsignor Nuncio will have told Your Lordship, whose hands I humbly kiss, and God keep you well. From Badajoz, 2
[?October] 1580. Your Lordship's most humble and devoted servant, A. Cardinal Riario.

## 2. Elvas, 1[?0] December 1580 (deciphered copy)

Most Illustrious and Reverend Lord. After sending the dispatch for Monsignor Marco at Madrid I received the attached note
from Councillor Vázquez, from which Your Lordship will understand how far they are advancing on their side in their claims
in this business, to bring it, in my judgement, to leaving the business to His Holiness without jurisdiction, to be taken
from his hands without the intervention of His Holiness's ministers; and the compromises offered by Mr. Montio were not to
be put forward unless they were concluded at the same time; indeed they say (which I do not believe) that he came into
those of the President, except that the preamble declared they should last as long as His Majesty pleased; and this the
said Councillor told me. And from what I know and hear from good quarters, this {President is a stone of scandal and ill
disposed to the Roman Court, and whoever defends and covers him does so out of friendship and perhaps with good intent,
but I think it right to report what I discover and hear, leaving the truth to be found later}. Having just dismounted at
Elvas, I found the enclosed from the Archbishop of Évora with the possessions [...] of Your Lordship's servant; and with
this I end, humbly kissing your hands. 1[?0] December 1580. A. Cardinal Riario.

transcription_R193_R194.md

# R193 / R194 transcription (ASV Segr. Stato Portogallo 8)

Digit readings are from the 2082x2904 images (thirds and native-resolution line crops). Where a digit is
ambiguous the reading was chosen to agree with the gloss/Italian; "?" marks doubt. Decrypts use decrypt.py.

## R193 p.1 (fol. 236r)

Clear text summary: "Ill.mo et R.mo Sig.re". Don Juan de Idiáquez in the name of H.M. (Philip II) told the writer
that he had made the request to H.M. in the name of His Holiness (per l'impresa d'Inghilterra); H.M. wished to
satisfy His Holiness but lacked means for this enterprise, needing great preparations and men and the aid (gratie)
offered in the name of H.S.; the nuncio says forces were weak for such an enterprise, deferred until the King had
made himself master of Flanders, easier and safer; talk of the galleys and the subsidy of the galleys, "fanteria di
Italiani", hopes for the "felici progressi di S. M.tà". Endorsement bottom left: "Al Card.le di Como" (Tolomeo
Gallio, secretary of state). No date or signature on this page (letter continues).

| # | position (clear before) | digits as read | decrypt | gloss | agree |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "fatto io instanza a S. M.tà" | 84 9 25? 9 05 55 65 77 57 03? 47 00 9 51 9 05 55 63 53 05 25 37 (07 57 57 00 ?) | per l impresa d inghilt(erra) | "per l'impresa d'Inghilterra" | yes (tail of line faint; 03 for 07 in impresa = hand 3/7? read as "impresa") |
| 2 | "non si trovava in termine per" | 14 9 05 65 77 57 07 47 00 (+ 07?) | quest impresa | "questa impresa" | yes |
| 3 | "bisogno di grandissimi" | 00 77 77 00 57 00 37 05 9 07(read 03) 37 9 63 07 55 37 05 | apparati et genti | "apparati, et genti" | yes (03 = 83/07 misread) |
| 4 | "erano deboli" | 63 71 9 0 84 9 37 00 75? 9 05 65 77 57 03 47 00 | [63][71] per tal impresa | "per tale impresa" | yes; leading "6371 9 0" unexplained (null prefix?) |
| 5 | "differirlo fin che fusse" | 05 65 77 00 51 57 03 55 05 37 03 9 51 07 25? 25? 00 9 73 25 05 00 55 51 57 00 | impadronito della fiandra | "impadronito della Fiandra" | yes |
| 6 | "et in tanto" (continues next line) | 77 71 9 0 84 9 75 00 9 73 05 00 55 / 51 57 00 9 73 (61?) | [77][71] per la fiandra ... | "per la Fiandra" | yes; again prefix "XX71 9 0" before 84 |
| 7 | "offeriva" | 73 61 9 00 84 9 05 55 77 57 01 55 51 00 9 ... 75 9 20? | [73][61] per ... | "per levata(?) di Italiani" (gloss hard to read: "fanteria/levanda di Italiani"?) | partial, digits poor |
| 8 | "nella polliza signata A." | 03 9 9 14 9 05 65 77 57 07 47 00 (+?) | [03] quest impresa | "per questa impresa" | yes; "per" apparently represented by the prefix again |
| 9 | "li mostrai che li" | 01 05 27 37 05 (read 0105273705) | uiuti = aiuti (first 01 for 00/81) | "aiuti" | yes |
| 10 | "havessi visto" | 75 07 25 05 61 05 9 77 57 03 63 57 07 47 47 05 | li felici progressi (digits partly misread) | "li felici progressi di S. M.tà" | yes |

Note: passages 4, 6, 7 (and probably 1, 8) begin with a group pair XX71/XX61 + 9 + 0 before 84 "per". Whether
these are nulls or a misreading of a flourish is not settled at this resolution.

All passages on p.1 are glossed.

## R193 p.2 (fol. 237r) - end of the same letter

Clear text summary: continues p.1: the nuncio/legate had done neither good nor harm; the offer "per questa [impresa
d'] Irlanda" was not his business; the Irish men already in the field; Monsignor Nuntio's letters (police signate A,
B, C, D) sent on; reports on the soldiers, 1300 badly armed, offer to help H.M. with men sent from Italy, "aiuti,
armi et munitioni". Dated "Di Badajoz li 2 di [Ott.]bre 1580" (month word struck/overwritten; reading of day and
month uncertain). Signed "Humil.mo et dev.mo S.re A. Car.le Riario" (Alessandro Riario, legate). All glossed.

| # | position | digits as read | decrypt | gloss | agree |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Quanto all'offerta" | 7 0 9 14 9 51 9 05 55 77 75 (57?) 85 55 51 00 9 71 73 | ... quest d impl(a)nda (per questa d'Irlanda) | "per questa d'Irlanda" | yes with 25 for 77/75 misreads; initial "70 9" = the "per" prefix again? |
| 2 | "tirar avanti" | 05 55 9 16? 9 63 73 75 | in [..] ... | "in Inghilterra" | digits illegible (short, abbreviated?) - probably "in ingh(ilterra)" abbreviated; not resolved |
| 3 | "carico alcuno" | 51 05 9 14 9 47 03 25 51 00 37 05 | di quest soldati | "di questi soldati" | yes |
| 4 | "arrivano" | 00 9 1300 9 07 37 9 65 00 25 00 57 65 00 37 05 | a 1300 et malarmati | "a 1300. et mal armati" | yes; the number 1300 written in clear numerals inside the cipher |
| 5 | "incaricarmi" | 51 05 9 14 9 (73 00 55 37 05 ?) | di quest(i fanti) | "di questi fanti" | gloss yes, tail digits unclear ("99 90") |
| 6 | line start | 24 9 65 03 47 47? 05 53? 05 55 55 05 | quell mo(s)chini? | "quelli moschini"? (gloss faint) | probable |
| 7 | "suoi vassalli" | 65 01 55 55 51 00 37 05 9 75 00 | munndati la (mandati la) | "mandati la" | yes (01 for 00) |
| 8 | "sperarli mandandoli" | 00 05 27 37 05 9 00 57 65 05 9 07 37 9 65 01 55 05 37 05 03 55 05 | aiuti armi et munitioni | "aiuti, armi, et munitioni" | yes |

All passages on p.2 are glossed.

Additional group noted on p.2 (#2, "in Inghilterra") and R194 p.1 (#9, "da quelli d'Inghilterra"): the word
Inghilterra is written as the single group **16** (not in the key) -> probable code word 16 = Inghilterra.

## R193 p.3 (fol. 238r) - a separate letter, clear copy / decipherment

No digits on this page. A clean-hand letter "Ill.mo et R.mo S.or mio Oss.mo": after sending the dispatch for Mons.
Marco at Madrid, received the enclosed paper from the Consigliere Vasches (Vázquez); the negotiation (jurisdiction
to be left to His Holiness, without intervention of H.S.'s ministers; the "temperamenti" offered by Mr Montio(?)),
the President. The underlined phrases are the deciphered parts written in clear (underlined in the original):
"Presidente è pietra scandali et mal sodisfatto della Corte romana, et chi lo diffende et copre lo fa per amicitia et
forse per bene, ma a me pare conveniente avisar quel ch'io scopro et sento, riammi(?) poi al vero". Then: having
dismounted at Elvas, found the letter of the Archbishop of Évora(?) ... "Di Elvas alli 1?0 [10?] di Xbre 1580".
Signature (second third): "Humil.mo et dev.mo S.r A. Card.le Riario". No cipher passages.

## R194 p.1 (fol. 281 / 296 stamp)

Clear text summary: no heading on this page. On the occasion of receiving the arms (?) and letters sent to H.M.
about "li capitani d'Irlanda", as Mons. Nuntio had written, the writer invited H.M. to give a good and sure
intimation of his will on "tal impresa" (which H.S. desires for the service of God and the Christian religion and
the honour and greatness of H.M.); the King answered that he had very good will and inclination, but it needed
great provision of money, and that H.S. not only did not help with new graces but denied the usual ones; that he
was attending to Flanders and then to this enterprise; the writer replied that H.M. could well with his great forces
attend to both; to the Flanders matter, "da quelli d'Inghilterra"; on the truce ("tregua") nothing yet; the danger to
the whole weight "della Christianità". No date or signature (continues on p.2).

| # | position | digits as read | decrypt | gloss | agree |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "mandare a S. M.tà" (line end + next line) | 51 9 75 05 / 61 00 (77?) 37 05 27 05 9 51 9 05 55 77? 75 00 55 51 00 | li capitani d irlanda (li / catiui = capitani with 27 for 00?) | "li capitani" / "d'Irlanda" | yes (misread digits in capitani; "irlanda" read with 77 for 57) |
| 2 | "della volontà sua" | 55 03 37 9 05 65 77 57 07 47 00 (+ 21?) | not impresa -> "nel(?) tal impresa" | "nel'impresa" (gloss "in tal impresa"?) | probable: gloss reads "nel'impresa"; first word 55 03 37 decrypts "not", likely 37 00 75 "tal" misread or "nel" |
| 3 | "ci voleva" | 63 57 00 55 | gran | "gran" | yes |
| 4 | next line | 77 57 07 27 05 47 05 03 55 07 9 07 37 9 72 | previsione et [72] | "provisione di dinari" | partial: 72 not in key; gloss has "di dinari" -> 72 = denari? (code), "07 37" (et) against gloss "di" |
| 5 | "attendere" | 65 9 05 9 73 05 00 55 51 57 00 (read 6590519730500555157 00) | m i fiandra (read "a fiandra", first group 00 misread 65?) | "a Fiandra" | yes |
| 6 | "et poi à" | 14 9 05 65 77 57 07 47 00 | quest impresa | "questa impresa" | yes |
| 7 | "con le" | 47 27 07 9 63 57 00 55 9 73 03 57 17 03 | sue gran forzo | "sue gran forze" | yes (03 for 07 at end) |
| 8 | "le cose" | 51 05 9 73 05 00 55 51 57 00 | di fiandra | "di Fiandra" | yes |
| 9 | "cominciare" | 51 05 9 24 9 51 9 16 | di quell d [16] | "da quelli d'Inghilterra" | yes; 16 = Inghilterra |
| 10 | "nel neg.o" | 77 61 9 51 83 / 75 00 9 37 57 (07 63 01 00, struck through and rewritten) | [77][61] de / la tregua | "di la" / "tregua" | yes for "de la tregua"; leading 7761 unexplained (same XX71/XX61 prefix as R193 p.1) |
| 11 | "adosso tutto il peso" | 51 03 75 00 9 61 53 57 05 47 37 05 00 55 05 37 00 | dola christianita | "de la Christianità" | yes (03 for 83/07) |

All passages on R194 p.1 are glossed.

## R194 p.2 (fol. 282?)

Only the upper third is written (the rest is bleed-through from p.1). Left margin: "li capitani / 51 9 75 05"
(the first passage of p.1 repeated/corrected). Clear: "per mantenimento [cipher] haveva speso infinità di dinari, che
per mia [di Stato?] poteva haver una gran parte di essa, si havessi voluto condescendere a lei(?) così de la
religione. Io li risposi quello che mi parve conveniente in questo caso al servitio di Dio, di S. M.tà et debito mio,
né si può per ciò potei haver altra risposta." No date or signature on this page (the letter's date is lost / not
on these two images). Author: presumably Riario (same hand, same subjects as R193 p.1-2).

| # | position | digits as read | decrypt | gloss | agree |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "per mantenimento" | 75 0? 9 (8)3 (0)3 9 05 55 55 9 73 05 00 55 51 57 00 | l? [..] in fiandra | "la Relig.ne Cat.ca in Fiandra" | partial: the cipher is too short for "religione cattolica"; the 4-digit stretch between 9s (read 83 03?) looks like a code group for "religione cattolica" - not in key, digits uncertain |
| 2 | "che per mia" | 51 05 9 47 37 07? 37 03? | di st(a)to (read "di stto") | "di Stato"(? gloss "di stato") | yes |
| 3 | "condescendere a" | 00 9 75 05 (read 0?75 03) | a li / a lei | "a lei"? (gloss "a li") | yes |
| 4 | line start | 61 03 47 03 9 51 07 9 75 00 9 57 07 25 05 63 05 03 55 83 | coso de la religione | "così de la Religione" | yes (03 for 85 in "cosi"; 07 for 05 in religione) |

All passages on R194 p.2 are glossed.

## Summary

- 0 unglossed cipher passages in R193 (pp.1-2) and R194 (pp.1-2); R193 p.3 is a clear/deciphered letter with no digits.
- Probable code words not in the key: **16 = Inghilterra** (twice), **72 = denari?** (once), a stretch for
  "religione cattolica" (R194 p.2), and a recurring 4-digit prefix XX71/XX61 (6371, 7771, 7361, 7761) + 9 placed before
  "per ..." / "di la" phrases, unexplained (code for "forze"? nulls?).
- The number 1300 is written in plain numerals inside a cipher passage (R193 p.2 #4).

R194_decryption.txt

# R194 decryption, copied verbatim from decode_updates/decryptions/R194.txt (22 Oct 2026); the DECODE decryption body prepared from transcription_R19*.md: cipher passages decrypted with Lasry's key, the contemporary decipherments marked, clear text in [clear: ...]
[p. 1]
[...] li capitani d irlanda [...] not? impresa [...] gran [...] previsione et <72> [...] m i fiandra? [...]
quest impresa [...] sue gran forzo [...] di fiandra [...] di quell d <16> [...] <77><61> de la tregua [...]
dola? christianita
[p. 2]
[...] l? [...] in fiandra [...] di st{a}to [...] a li [...] coso de la religione

transcription_R193_R194.md

# R193 / R194 transcription (ASV Segr. Stato Portogallo 8)

Digit readings are from the 2082x2904 images (thirds and native-resolution line crops). Where a digit is
ambiguous the reading was chosen to agree with the gloss/Italian; "?" marks doubt. Decrypts use decrypt.py.

## R193 p.1 (fol. 236r)

Clear text summary: "Ill.mo et R.mo Sig.re". Don Juan de Idiáquez in the name of H.M. (Philip II) told the writer
that he had made the request to H.M. in the name of His Holiness (per l'impresa d'Inghilterra); H.M. wished to
satisfy His Holiness but lacked means for this enterprise, needing great preparations and men and the aid (gratie)
offered in the name of H.S.; the nuncio says forces were weak for such an enterprise, deferred until the King had
made himself master of Flanders, easier and safer; talk of the galleys and the subsidy of the galleys, "fanteria di
Italiani", hopes for the "felici progressi di S. M.tà". Endorsement bottom left: "Al Card.le di Como" (Tolomeo
Gallio, secretary of state). No date or signature on this page (letter continues).

| # | position (clear before) | digits as read | decrypt | gloss | agree |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "fatto io instanza a S. M.tà" | 84 9 25? 9 05 55 65 77 57 03? 47 00 9 51 9 05 55 63 53 05 25 37 (07 57 57 00 ?) | per l impresa d inghilt(erra) | "per l'impresa d'Inghilterra" | yes (tail of line faint; 03 for 07 in impresa = hand 3/7? read as "impresa") |
| 2 | "non si trovava in termine per" | 14 9 05 65 77 57 07 47 00 (+ 07?) | quest impresa | "questa impresa" | yes |
| 3 | "bisogno di grandissimi" | 00 77 77 00 57 00 37 05 9 07(read 03) 37 9 63 07 55 37 05 | apparati et genti | "apparati, et genti" | yes (03 = 83/07 misread) |
| 4 | "erano deboli" | 63 71 9 0 84 9 37 00 75? 9 05 65 77 57 03 47 00 | [63][71] per tal impresa | "per tale impresa" | yes; leading "6371 9 0" unexplained (null prefix?) |
| 5 | "differirlo fin che fusse" | 05 65 77 00 51 57 03 55 05 37 03 9 51 07 25? 25? 00 9 73 25 05 00 55 51 57 00 | impadronito della fiandra | "impadronito della Fiandra" | yes |
| 6 | "et in tanto" (continues next line) | 77 71 9 0 84 9 75 00 9 73 05 00 55 / 51 57 00 9 73 (61?) | [77][71] per la fiandra ... | "per la Fiandra" | yes; again prefix "XX71 9 0" before 84 |
| 7 | "offeriva" | 73 61 9 00 84 9 05 55 77 57 01 55 51 00 9 ... 75 9 20? | [73][61] per ... | "per levata(?) di Italiani" (gloss hard to read: "fanteria/levanda di Italiani"?) | partial, digits poor |
| 8 | "nella polliza signata A." | 03 9 9 14 9 05 65 77 57 07 47 00 (+?) | [03] quest impresa | "per questa impresa" | yes; "per" apparently represented by the prefix again |
| 9 | "li mostrai che li" | 01 05 27 37 05 (read 0105273705) | uiuti = aiuti (first 01 for 00/81) | "aiuti" | yes |
| 10 | "havessi visto" | 75 07 25 05 61 05 9 77 57 03 63 57 07 47 47 05 | li felici progressi (digits partly misread) | "li felici progressi di S. M.tà" | yes |

Note: passages 4, 6, 7 (and probably 1, 8) begin with a group pair XX71/XX61 + 9 + 0 before 84 "per". Whether
these are nulls or a misreading of a flourish is not settled at this resolution.

All passages on p.1 are glossed.

## R193 p.2 (fol. 237r) - end of the same letter

Clear text summary: continues p.1: the nuncio/legate had done neither good nor harm; the offer "per questa [impresa
d'] Irlanda" was not his business; the Irish men already in the field; Monsignor Nuntio's letters (police signate A,
B, C, D) sent on; reports on the soldiers, 1300 badly armed, offer to help H.M. with men sent from Italy, "aiuti,
armi et munitioni". Dated "Di Badajoz li 2 di [Ott.]bre 1580" (month word struck/overwritten; reading of day and
month uncertain). Signed "Humil.mo et dev.mo S.re A. Car.le Riario" (Alessandro Riario, legate). All glossed.

| # | position | digits as read | decrypt | gloss | agree |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Quanto all'offerta" | 7 0 9 14 9 51 9 05 55 77 75 (57?) 85 55 51 00 9 71 73 | ... quest d impl(a)nda (per questa d'Irlanda) | "per questa d'Irlanda" | yes with 25 for 77/75 misreads; initial "70 9" = the "per" prefix again? |
| 2 | "tirar avanti" | 05 55 9 16? 9 63 73 75 | in [..] ... | "in Inghilterra" | digits illegible (short, abbreviated?) - probably "in ingh(ilterra)" abbreviated; not resolved |
| 3 | "carico alcuno" | 51 05 9 14 9 47 03 25 51 00 37 05 | di quest soldati | "di questi soldati" | yes |
| 4 | "arrivano" | 00 9 1300 9 07 37 9 65 00 25 00 57 65 00 37 05 | a 1300 et malarmati | "a 1300. et mal armati" | yes; the number 1300 written in clear numerals inside the cipher |
| 5 | "incaricarmi" | 51 05 9 14 9 (73 00 55 37 05 ?) | di quest(i fanti) | "di questi fanti" | gloss yes, tail digits unclear ("99 90") |
| 6 | line start | 24 9 65 03 47 47? 05 53? 05 55 55 05 | quell mo(s)chini? | "quelli moschini"? (gloss faint) | probable |
| 7 | "suoi vassalli" | 65 01 55 55 51 00 37 05 9 75 00 | munndati la (mandati la) | "mandati la" | yes (01 for 00) |
| 8 | "sperarli mandandoli" | 00 05 27 37 05 9 00 57 65 05 9 07 37 9 65 01 55 05 37 05 03 55 05 | aiuti armi et munitioni | "aiuti, armi, et munitioni" | yes |

All passages on p.2 are glossed.

Additional group noted on p.2 (#2, "in Inghilterra") and R194 p.1 (#9, "da quelli d'Inghilterra"): the word
Inghilterra is written as the single group **16** (not in the key) -> probable code word 16 = Inghilterra.

## R193 p.3 (fol. 238r) - a separate letter, clear copy / decipherment

No digits on this page. A clean-hand letter "Ill.mo et R.mo S.or mio Oss.mo": after sending the dispatch for Mons.
Marco at Madrid, received the enclosed paper from the Consigliere Vasches (Vázquez); the negotiation (jurisdiction
to be left to His Holiness, without intervention of H.S.'s ministers; the "temperamenti" offered by Mr Montio(?)),
the President. The underlined phrases are the deciphered parts written in clear (underlined in the original):
"Presidente è pietra scandali et mal sodisfatto della Corte romana, et chi lo diffende et copre lo fa per amicitia et
forse per bene, ma a me pare conveniente avisar quel ch'io scopro et sento, riammi(?) poi al vero". Then: having
dismounted at Elvas, found the letter of the Archbishop of Évora(?) ... "Di Elvas alli 1?0 [10?] di Xbre 1580".
Signature (second third): "Humil.mo et dev.mo S.r A. Card.le Riario". No cipher passages.

## R194 p.1 (fol. 281 / 296 stamp)

Clear text summary: no heading on this page. On the occasion of receiving the arms (?) and letters sent to H.M.
about "li capitani d'Irlanda", as Mons. Nuntio had written, the writer invited H.M. to give a good and sure
intimation of his will on "tal impresa" (which H.S. desires for the service of God and the Christian religion and
the honour and greatness of H.M.); the King answered that he had very good will and inclination, but it needed
great provision of money, and that H.S. not only did not help with new graces but denied the usual ones; that he
was attending to Flanders and then to this enterprise; the writer replied that H.M. could well with his great forces
attend to both; to the Flanders matter, "da quelli d'Inghilterra"; on the truce ("tregua") nothing yet; the danger to
the whole weight "della Christianità". No date or signature (continues on p.2).

| # | position | digits as read | decrypt | gloss | agree |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "mandare a S. M.tà" (line end + next line) | 51 9 75 05 / 61 00 (77?) 37 05 27 05 9 51 9 05 55 77? 75 00 55 51 00 | li capitani d irlanda (li / catiui = capitani with 27 for 00?) | "li capitani" / "d'Irlanda" | yes (misread digits in capitani; "irlanda" read with 77 for 57) |
| 2 | "della volontà sua" | 55 03 37 9 05 65 77 57 07 47 00 (+ 21?) | not impresa -> "nel(?) tal impresa" | "nel'impresa" (gloss "in tal impresa"?) | probable: gloss reads "nel'impresa"; first word 55 03 37 decrypts "not", likely 37 00 75 "tal" misread or "nel" |
| 3 | "ci voleva" | 63 57 00 55 | gran | "gran" | yes |
| 4 | next line | 77 57 07 27 05 47 05 03 55 07 9 07 37 9 72 | previsione et [72] | "provisione di dinari" | partial: 72 not in key; gloss has "di dinari" -> 72 = denari? (code), "07 37" (et) against gloss "di" |
| 5 | "attendere" | 65 9 05 9 73 05 00 55 51 57 00 (read 6590519730500555157 00) | m i fiandra (read "a fiandra", first group 00 misread 65?) | "a Fiandra" | yes |
| 6 | "et poi à" | 14 9 05 65 77 57 07 47 00 | quest impresa | "questa impresa" | yes |
| 7 | "con le" | 47 27 07 9 63 57 00 55 9 73 03 57 17 03 | sue gran forzo | "sue gran forze" | yes (03 for 07 at end) |
| 8 | "le cose" | 51 05 9 73 05 00 55 51 57 00 | di fiandra | "di Fiandra" | yes |
| 9 | "cominciare" | 51 05 9 24 9 51 9 16 | di quell d [16] | "da quelli d'Inghilterra" | yes; 16 = Inghilterra |
| 10 | "nel neg.o" | 77 61 9 51 83 / 75 00 9 37 57 (07 63 01 00, struck through and rewritten) | [77][61] de / la tregua | "di la" / "tregua" | yes for "de la tregua"; leading 7761 unexplained (same XX71/XX61 prefix as R193 p.1) |
| 11 | "adosso tutto il peso" | 51 03 75 00 9 61 53 57 05 47 37 05 00 55 05 37 00 | dola christianita | "de la Christianità" | yes (03 for 83/07) |

All passages on R194 p.1 are glossed.

## R194 p.2 (fol. 282?)

Only the upper third is written (the rest is bleed-through from p.1). Left margin: "li capitani / 51 9 75 05"
(the first passage of p.1 repeated/corrected). Clear: "per mantenimento [cipher] haveva speso infinità di dinari, che
per mia [di Stato?] poteva haver una gran parte di essa, si havessi voluto condescendere a lei(?) così de la
religione. Io li risposi quello che mi parve conveniente in questo caso al servitio di Dio, di S. M.tà et debito mio,
né si può per ciò potei haver altra risposta." No date or signature on this page (the letter's date is lost / not
on these two images). Author: presumably Riario (same hand, same subjects as R193 p.1-2).

| # | position | digits as read | decrypt | gloss | agree |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "per mantenimento" | 75 0? 9 (8)3 (0)3 9 05 55 55 9 73 05 00 55 51 57 00 | l? [..] in fiandra | "la Relig.ne Cat.ca in Fiandra" | partial: the cipher is too short for "religione cattolica"; the 4-digit stretch between 9s (read 83 03?) looks like a code group for "religione cattolica" - not in key, digits uncertain |
| 2 | "che per mia" | 51 05 9 47 37 07? 37 03? | di st(a)to (read "di stto") | "di Stato"(? gloss "di stato") | yes |
| 3 | "condescendere a" | 00 9 75 05 (read 0?75 03) | a li / a lei | "a lei"? (gloss "a li") | yes |
| 4 | line start | 61 03 47 03 9 51 07 9 75 00 9 57 07 25 05 63 05 03 55 83 | coso de la religione | "così de la Religione" | yes (03 for 85 in "cosi"; 07 for 05 in religione) |

All passages on R194 p.2 are glossed.

## Summary

- 0 unglossed cipher passages in R193 (pp.1-2) and R194 (pp.1-2); R193 p.3 is a clear/deciphered letter with no digits.
- Probable code words not in the key: **16 = Inghilterra** (twice), **72 = denari?** (once), a stretch for
  "religione cattolica" (R194 p.2), and a recurring 4-digit prefix XX71/XX61 (6371, 7771, 7361, 7761) + 9 placed before
  "per ..." / "di la" phrases, unexplained (code for "forze"? nulls?).
- The number 1300 is written in plain numerals inside a cipher passage (R193 p.2 #4).

R194_reading.md

<!-- Reading of DECODE R194 (ASV Segr. Stato Portogallo 8, f. 281 = stamp 296 and its verso), built 22 Oct 2026 by Claude
Opus 5.5 from the DECODE page images (IMG_R194_I1241-I1242, full resolution): clear text transcribed in full, every
cipher passage given in the secretariat's interlinear decipherment over it, the key decode (Lasry's key, decrypt.py;
digits in transcription_R193_R194.md, re-checked on the images) aligned with the gloss. Cipher passages in { }.
Abbreviations expanded; [?word] = uncertain reading of the hand. Spelling kept, punctuation added. -->

# R194, Portogallo 8 f. 281r-v: Cardinal Riario, legate, to the Cardinal Secretary, [late 1580 - 1581], a leaf without beginning or date

Con l'occasione del scrivermi et farmi mandare a S.M.tà {li capitani d'Irlanda}, secondo che mi haveva scritto Mons.
Nuntio, invitai S.M.tà a darmi qualche buona et sicura intentione della volontà sua {nell'impresa}, desiderata da
S.S.tà per servitio di Dio, della religione christiana et tutto in honore et grandezza di S.M.tà; la quale mi rispose
che li haveva bonissimo animo et inclinatione, ma che ci voleva {gran provisione di denari}, et che S.S.tà non solo
non l'aiutava con nove gratie, ma li negava quelle ch'erano solite, et che la vera mira era attendere {a Fiandra} et
poi a {questa impresa}. Io li risposi che se S.M.tà voleva, poteva molto bene con le {sue gran forze} attendere
all'uno et l'altro, et che per quello ch'intendo forse li tornava a maggior commodità per le cose {di Fiandra}
cominciare {da quelli d'Inghilterra}; et che quanto alli gratie io non mi sapevo parlare, ma che sperava bene che
S.S.tà si governava con somma prudentia et che amava S.M.tà cordialmente, et che credevo che quando S.M.tà si fussi
risoluta a dire et fare da dovero, potria sperare da S.S.tà ogni ragionevole aiuto. Procurai ancora di havere da
S.M.tà qualche risolutione nel negotio {della tregua}; mi disse che non c'era cosa alcuna sin hora, et che
attendeva a liberare qualche suo huomo di là, ma che la necessità lo stringeva, che non sapeva quello che faria, et
che si trovava adosso tutto il peso {della christianità}, et che {per mantenimento la religione cattolica in
Fiandra} haveva speso infinità di denari, che per mia {di Stato} poteva havere una gran parte di essa, se havesse
voluto condescendere {a li} [...] così {de la religione}. Io li risposi quello che mi parve conveniente in questo
caso al servitio di Dio, di S.M.tà et debito mio, nè per ciò potei haver altra risposta.

Alignment notes (gloss against key decode, code groups): texts/R190-R194_reread_log.md.

R194_en.md

<!-- English translation of texts/R194_reading.md (22 Oct 2026, Claude Opus 5.5). Passages that were in cipher are in
{ }; holes as in the Italian. -->

# R194, Portogallo 8 f. 281r-v: Cardinal Riario to the Cardinal Secretary, [late 1580 - 1581]

On the occasion of being written to and having to send {the Irish captains} to His Majesty, as Monsignor Nuncio had
written to me, I invited His Majesty to give me some good and sure intimation of his will {regarding the enterprise}
desired by His Holiness for the service of God, of the Christian religion, and all to the honour and greatness of His
Majesty; who answered that he had the best will and inclination, but that it needed {a great provision of money}, and
that His Holiness not only did not help him with new graces but denied him the usual ones, and that his real aim was to
attend {to Flanders} and then to {this enterprise}. I answered that if His Majesty wished, he could very well attend to
both with {his great forces}, and that, as I understand, it might be more convenient for the affairs {of Flanders} to
begin {with those of England}; and that as to the graces I could not speak, but I hoped His Holiness governed with the
greatest prudence and loved His Majesty cordially, and I believed that when His Majesty resolved to say and act in
earnest he could hope for every reasonable aid from His Holiness. I also tried to get from His Majesty some decision on
the business {of the truce}; he told me there was nothing yet, and that he was trying to free some man of his over there,
but that necessity pressed him, that he did not know what he would do, and that he found the whole weight {of
Christendom} on his back, and that {to maintain the Catholic religion in Flanders} he had spent an infinite amount of
money, of which, by my reckoning {of State}, he could have kept a great part had he been willing to give way {to them}
[...] thus {in religion}. I answered what seemed fitting in this case for the service of God, of His Majesty and my
duty, but could get no other answer.