Refusing Episcopal Dignities (No. 149 : I 450-453 : Spanish): Ferdinand I, King of the Romans in Vienna (?) (December ?) 1546 from Rome

Abstract

Courtly letters of the 76th century are even more difficult to appreciate than others, as the norms of courtesy and flattery blend in quite different proportions today. However in this case the polite wrapping can be easily removed to disclose a decided negative to a royal request.' A t the same time the principles involved - mobility, an allergy to personal ostentation, acute sensitivity to public relations - are (among others) keys to understanding Ignatius.