_ 395 _ With this intention, things are being done which are very damaging to Your Highness's interests. I understand that Pero de Souza is involved, and although I am very sorry that I have to name someone, especially this man, this office is so important that those who do it a disservice cannot be excused. The matter of sending a nuncio to Portugal is being discussed again. Such is the inconsistency of these gentlemen that while discussing the legateship His Holiness said to me that one day he wanted to talk to me about sending a nuncio, I have told him how unsuitable this would be, but it is useless to ask for it again until he speaks to me about it. I realize that if he puts off this discussion now because he fears what the answer would be, he is likely to make up his mind when I am not there. I also suspect that some Portuguese is doing me harm in this matter and is persuading them that the nuncio will secure Pombeiro for them. I hope for letters from Your Highness on all these matters so that I can negotiate more insistently; letters are very necessary because I also understand that the same Portuguese is telling them that I do not have sufficient authority. Cardinal Borromeo does not see the contradictions in this nor does he realize the drawbacks of his ignorance, and it is hard work dealing with such covetous minds.
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