Publisher's Synopsis
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. 1896 edition. Excerpt: ...arose (the war looming in the distance) affording a pretext for evading the interview altogether. England held a distinguished position at that time among the states of Europe. "All sought the monarch's friendship, and obsequiously courted the favour of his minister, striving by presents, promises, or flattery, to work on his avarice, his ambition, or his pride. Nor was Henry insensible to the singular advantage he derived from the deference paid to him as the natural guardian of the liberties of Europe." But he was also young, gay, and gallant, fond of amusement, pomp, and show, and by no means disposed on this occasion to yield to any suggestion to forego the gratification of his long-cherished wish to meet his chivalric brother of France. See Robertson, also Fiddes's " Life of Wolsey," and "Foreign State Papers." After some correspondence respecting the general arrangements, the etiquette to be observed, the order of precedence, and other important preliminaries, Wolsey proposed the month of July for the interview. Francis was annoyed at this unreasonable delay. It was early in the spring; and in reply he suggested that April, or May at latest, was a more suitable time of the year. Further, it was stated that the queen's accouchement was expected in July, and that if the interview were deferred till that month she would be unable to be present. This was sufficient for the then gallant Henry, who immediately charged his ambassador, Sir Richard Wingfield, to declare "that he would not for anything that the queen should be absent. Wanting her presence, he should then be lack of one great part of the perfection of the feast." The 31st of May was then appointed for the meeting of the young monarchs of...
