taking into his
own hands the whole administration of affairs. The clause of his patent,
which invested him with absolute power, unlimited by any law, was never
objected to him; plainly because, according to the sentiments of those
times, that power was in some degree involved in the very idea of regal
authority.

* Stowe, p. 600.

** Burner, vol. ii. book i. coll. 46. Hayward, p. 308.
Stowe, p. 601 Holingshed, p. 1059.

The Catholics were extremely elated with this revolution; and as they
had ascribed all the late innovations to Somerset's authority, they
hoped that his fall would prepare the way for the return of the ancient
religion. But Warwick, who now bore chief sway in the council, was
entirely indifferent with regard to all these points of controversy;
and finding that the principles of the reformation had sunk deeper into
Edward's mind than to be easily eradicated, he was determined to comply
with the young prince's inclinations, and not to hazard his new-acquired
power by any dangerous enterprise. He took care very early to express
his intentions of supporting the reformation; and he threw such
discouragements on Southampton, who stood at the head of the Romanists,
and whom he considered as a dangerous rival, that that high-spirited
nobleman retired from the council, and soon after died from vexation
and disappointment. The other counsellors, who had concurred in the
revolution, received their reward by promotions and new honors. Russel
was created earl of Bedford: the marquis of Northampton obtained the
office of great chamberlain; and Lord Wentworth, besides the office of
chamberlain of the household, got two large manors, Stepney and Hackney,
which were torn from the see of London.[*] A council of regency was
formed; not that which Henry's will had appointed for the government of
the kingdom, and which, being founded on an act of parliament, was the
only legal one, but composed chiefly of members who had formerly been
appointed by Somerset, and who derived their seat from an authority
which was now declared usurped and illegal. But such niceties were,
during that age, little understood, and still less regarded, in England.

A session of parliament was held; and as it was the usual maxim of that
assembly to acquiesce in every administration which was established, the
council dreaded no opposition from that quarter, and had more reason to
look for a corroboration of their authority. Somerse