d be more disastrous to himself than to Henry.[889] For all (p. 315)
this, the English King was, as Chapuys remarks, keeping a very
watchful eye on the countenance of his people,[890] seeing how far he
could go and where he must stop, and neglecting no precaution for the
peace and security of himself and his kingdom. Acts were passed to
strengthen the navy, improvements in arms and armament were being
continually tested, and the fortifications at Calais, on the Scots
Borders and elsewhere were strengthened. Wales was reduced to law and
order, and, through the intermediation of Francis, a satisfactory
peace was made with Scotland.[891]

[Footnote 886: _Ibid._, vi., App. 7.]

[Footnote 887: _L. and P._, vii., 114.]

[Footnote 888: _Ibid._, vii., 24.]

[Footnote 889: Chapuys is quite plaintive when he
hints at the advantages which might follow if only
"your Majesty were ever so little angry" with Henry
VIII. (_L. and P._, vii., 114). A few days later he
"apologises for his previous letters advocating
severity" (_ibid._, vii., 171).]

[Footnote 890: _Ibid._, vi., 351.]

[Footnote 891: _Ibid._, vi., 729, 1161. One of
Henry's baits to James V. was a suggestion that he
would get Parliament to entail the succession on
James if his issue by Anne Boleyn failed (_ibid._,
vii., 114).]

* * * * *

Convinced of his security from attack at home and abroad, Henry
proceeded to accomplish what remained for the subjugation of the
Church in England and the final breach with Rome. Clement had no
sooner excommunicated Henry than he began to repent; he was much more
alarmed than the English King at the probable effects of his sentence.
Henry at once recalled his ambassadors from Rome, and drew up an
appeal to a General Council.[892] The Pope feared he would lose
England for ever. Even the Imperialists proved but Job's comforters,
and told him that, after all, it was only "an unprofitable (p. 316)
island,"[893] the loss of which was not to be compared with the
renewed devotion of Spain and the Emperor's other dominions; possibly
they assured him that there would never again be a sack of Rome.
Clement delayed for a