Readings in English History (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1880 edition. Excerpt: ...sat there more. The King suspected that Wolsey caused the delay in his suit; and it would seem a letter of Wolsey's falling into his hands confirmed Henry's suspicions. Wolsey was placed in a difficult position. To decide for the King would be to offend Katherine, the Emperor,24 and the bulk of the people, while it would annul a decree of the Church. To decide for Katherine would make Henry a deadly foe. The policy of the Cardinal was to prolong the trial and delay the verdict, in the hope that some circumstance would arise to relieve him of responsibility. But the Cardinal was the victim of his own delay. He saw that if he decided for either party he must be tossed by one horn of the dilemma,25 and in avoiding any decision he was thrown and gored by both. The great seal26 was taken from Wolsey, October 19,1529, and he was ordered to retire to Esher, and wait the King's pleasure. Hear him say--"Nay, then, farewell, I have touched the highest point of all my greatness, And from that full meridian of my glory I haste now to my setting. I shall fall Like a bright exhalation in the evening, And no man see me more."; A bill of impeachment27 charging Wolsey with treason was now drawn up. This bill, containing forty-eight articles, was carried through the Lords. But the Commons, among whom Wolsey had more friends, and a great friend in Thomas Cromwell, rejected it. The Cardinal was now indicted for having used his legatine commission28 without the King's authority. In hope of mercy, Wolsey, innocent of this charge, pleads guilty. The Court pronounces him out of the protection of the law, declares his lands, goods, and: chattels forfeited, and his person at the mercy of the King, who immediately seizes all Wolsey's property, including...