le to possess himself of some
frontier town, or perhaps of a small territory, of which he could not.
have kept possession without expending much more than its value. By some
signal calamity alone, which annihilated the power of France, could he
hope to acquire the dominion of considerable provinces, or dismember
that great monarchy, so affectionate to its own government and its own
sovereigns. But as it is probable that Henry had never before carried
his reflections so far, he was startled at this important event, and
became sensible of his own danger, as well as that of all Europe, from
the loss of a proper counterpoise to the power of Charles. Instead of
taking advantage, therefore, of the distressed condition of Francis, he
was determined to lend him assistance in his present calamities; and
as the glory of generosity in raising a fallen enemy concurred with
his political interests, he hesitated the less in embracing these new
measures.

Some disgusts also had previously taken place between Charles and Henry,
and still more between Charles and Wolsey; and that powerful minister
waited only for a favorable opportunity of revenging the disappointments
which he had met with. The behavior of Charles, immediately after the
victory of Pavia, gave him occasion to revive the king's jealousy and
suspicions. The emperor so ill supported the appearance of moderation
which he at first assumed, that he had already changed his usual
style to Henry; and instead of writing to him with his own hand, and
subscribing himself "Your affectionate son and cousin," he dictated
his letters to a secretary, and simply subscribed himself "Charles."[*]
Wolsey also perceived a diminution in the caresses and professions with
which the emperor's letters to him were formerly loaded; and this last
imprudence, proceeding from the intoxication of success, was probably
more dangerous to Charles's interests than the other.

Henry, though immediately determined to embrace new measures, was
careful to save appearances in the change; and he caused rejoicings to
be every where made on account of the victory of Pavia and the captivity
of Francis. He publicly dismissed a French envoy, whom he had formerly
allowed, notwithstanding the war, to reside at London;[**] but upon the
regent of France's submissive applications to him, he again opened a
correspondence with her; and besides assuring her of his friendship and
protection, he exacted a promise that she nev