ANTOINE DE BOURBON (1518-1562), King of Navarre by his marriage to Jeanne d'Albret, father of Henri IV. Letter signed with 7 autographed lines, addressed to Sébastien de l'Aubespine, bishop of Limoges, his ambassador to the Spanish king Philippe II. 1 p. folio. Saint-Germain-en-Laye, 6 January 1561. Reinforced edges. Address on the back. Engraved portrait enclosed. Antoine de Bourbon hoped that Philip II would allow him to reunite Upper and Lower Navarre. "Monsr de Limoges, le sieur Dozances m'a tant et si avant satisffaict et contanté du bon et grand devoir que vous avez faict et faictes en mon affaire et dit avec quelle affectionz vous l'embrassez que je ne scauroys a mon gré écrire comme je m'en tient obligé à vous. And I will never be at ease until I have made you aware and feel what you have earned from my good grace. However, I thank you, Monsr de Limoges, for having begun so well not to tire you and with your means and your activity to ensure that I can derive some fruit from my just cause and you the hope of the labour and care that you are taking to promote it. I do not see that there is anything more to apologise for, given my deplorable actions and my willingness to do what the Catholic King wishes, such as (?) and it is not my fault that things are not going better, but I hope that in the good order that is being given throughout that time will revive what is wrong. For the time being, I can assure you that there will be nothing to concern her or the competition unless I give it all the consideration and respect I will always have towards a prince whom I honour and from whom I hope for favour and gratification. Having received this, I will have even more opportunity to do so. As I trust you will make him understand and that we will know as soon as possible what progress the army beyond Dalmede will have made in this area, praying to God monsr de Limoges to give you what you desire. A St Germain en Laye le 6 janvier 1561". Autograph lines: "Monsr l'ambassadeur vous prenes tant de peine pour moy ? ? vous estes que je ne serois assez vous remercier. I would be very happy if, as a result, an opportunity arose for me to get back at you and I would be more obliged to you than I would be to you [...]. Your very good friend [...]".