were to be valid, though never ratified by
parliament. Such implicit trust did they repose in the crown, without
reflecting that all their liberties and properties might be affected by
these canons.[**] The king did not live to affix the royal sanction to
the new canons. Sir John Sharington, whose crimes and malversations had
appeared so egregious at the condemnation of Lord Seymour, obtained from
parliament a reversal of his attainder. This man sought favor with
the more zealous reformers; and Bishop Latimer affirmed that, though
formerly he had been a most notorious knave, he was now so penitent that
he had become a very honest man.

* 3 and 4 Edward VI. c. 2.

** 3 and 4 Edward VI. c. 13.

{1550.} When Warwick and the council of regency began to exercise their
power, they found themselves involved in the same difficulties that had
embarrassed the protector. The wars with France and Scotland could not
be supported by an exhausted exchequer; seemed dangerous to a divided
nation; and were now acknowledged not to have any object which even the
greatest and most uninterrupted success could attain. The project of
peace entertained by Somerset had served them as a pretence for clamor
against his administration; yet, after sending Sir Thomas Cheney to
the emperor, and making again a fruitless effort to engage him in the
protection of Boulogne, they found themselves obliged to listen to the
advances which Henry made them, by the canal of Guidotti, a Florentine
merchant. The earl of Bedford, Sir John Mason, Paget, and Petre, were
sent over to Boulogne, with full powers to negotiate. The French
king absolutely refused to pay the two millions of crowns, which his
predecessor had acknowledged to be due to the crown of England as
arrears of pensions; and said, that he never would consent to render
himself tributary to any prince: but he offered a sum for the immediate
restitution of Boulogne; and four hundred thousand crowns were at
last agreed on, one half to be paid immediately, the other in August
following. Six hostages were given for the performance of this article.
Scotland was comprehended in the treaty: the English stipulated to
restore Lauder and Dunglas, and to demolish the fortresses of Roxburgh
and Eymouth.[*] No sooner was peace concluded with France, than a
project was entertained of a close alliance with that kingdom; and Henry
willingly embraced a proposal so suitable both to his interests and his
incl