court of France, the most comely
personage of his time, and the most accomplished in all the exercises
which were then thought to befit a courtier and a soldier. He was
Henry's chief favorite; and that monarch had even once entertained
thoughts of marrying him to his sister, and had given indulgence to the
mutual passion which took place between them. The queen asked Suffolk,
whether he had now the courage, without further reflection, to espouse
her; and she told him that her brother would more easily forgive him for
not asking his consent, than for acting contrary to his orders. Suffolk
declined not so inviting an offer; and their nuptials were secretly
celebrated at Paris. Francis, who was pleased with this marriage, as
it prevented Henry from forming any powerful alliance by means of
his sister,[*] interposed his good offices in appeasing him: and even
Wolsey, having entertained no jealousy of Suffolk, who was content to
participate in the king's pleasures, and had no ambition to engage in
public business, was active in reconciling the king to his sister and
brother-in-law; and he obtained them permission to return to England.

* Petrus de Angleria, Epist. 544.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

[Illustration: 1-30-henry8.jpg HENRY VIII.]

HENRY VIII.

{1515.} The numerous enemies whom Wolsey's sudden elevation, his
aspiring character, and his haughty deportment had raised him, served
only to rivet him faster in Henry's confidence; who valued himself
on supporting the choice which he had made, and who was incapable of
yielding either to the murmurs of the people or to the discontents
of the great. That artful prelate, likewise, well acquainted with the
king's imperious temper, concealed from him the absolute ascendant which
he had acquired; and while he secretly directed all public councils,
he ever pretended a blind submission to the will and authority of
his master. By entering into the king's pleasures, he preserved his
affection; by conducting his business, he gratified his indolence; and
by his unlimited complaisance in both capacities, he prevented all
that jealousy to which his exorbitant acquisitions and his splendid
ostentatious train of life should naturally have given birth. The
archbishopric of York falling vacant by the death of Bambridge, Wolsey
was promoted to that see, and resigned the bishopric of Lincoln. Besides
enjoying the administration of Tournay, he got possession, on easy
leases, of th