vasion of so opulent
a kingdom as France, to increase rather than diminish the riches of the
nation.[*]

* Bacon, p. 601.

Notwithstanding these magnificent vaunts of the king, all men of
penetration concluded, from the personal character of the man, and still
more from the situation of affairs, that he had no serious intention of
pushing the war to such extremities as he pretended. France was not now
in the same condition as when such successful inroads had been made
upon her by former kings of England. The great fiefs were united to
the crown; the princes of the blood were desirous of tranquillity; the
nation abounded with able captains and veteran soldiers; and the general
aspect of her affairs seemed rather to threaten her neighbors, than to
promise them any considerable advantages against her. The levity and
vain-glory of Maximilian were supported by his pompous titles; but
were ill seconded by military power, and still less by any revenue
proportioned to them. The politic Ferdinand, while he made a show of
war, was actually negotiating for peace; and rather than expose himself
to any hazard, would accept of very moderate concessions from France.
Even England was not free from domestic discontents; and in Scotland,
the death of Henry's friend and ally, James III., who had been murdered
by his rebellious subjects, had made way for the succession of his son,
James IV., who was devoted to the French interest, and would surely be
alarmed at any important progress of the English arms. But all these
obvious considerations had no influence on the parliament. Inflamed by
the ideas of subduing France, and of enriching themselves by the spoils
of that kingdom, they gave into the snare prepared for them, and voted
the supply which the king demanded. Two fifteenths were granted him; and
the better to enable his vassals and nobility to attend him, an act was
passed, empowering them to sell their estates, without paying any fines
for alienation.

{1492.} The nobility were universally seized with a desire of military
glory; and having credulously swallowed all the boasts of the king, they
dreamed of no less than carrying their triumphant banners to the
gates of Paris, and putting the crown of France on the head of their
sovereign. Many of them borrowed large sums, or sold off manors, that
they might appear in the field with greater splendor, and lead out their
followers in more complete order. The king crossed the sea, an