e straitly charge and command you that you do make,
undelayedly, and with all speed and diligence, declaration and
advertisement to us and to our council of the said default.

"And forasmuch as we upon the singular trust which we have in you, and for
the special love which we suppose you bear towards us, and the weal and
tranquillity of this our realm, have specially elected and chosen you among
so many for this purpose, and have reputed you such men as unto whose
wisdom and fidelity we might commit a matter of such great weight and
importance: if ye should, contrary to our expectation and trust which we
have in you, and against your duty and allegiance towards us, neglect, or
omit to do with all your diligence, whatsoever shall be in your power for
the due performance of our pleasure to you declared, or halt or stumble at
any part or specialty of the same; Be ye assured that we, like a prince of
justice, will so extremely punish you for the same, that all the world
beside shall take by you example, and beware contrary to their allegiance
to disobey the lawful commandment of their Sovereign Lord and Prince.

"Given under our signet, at our Palace of Westminster, the 9th day of June,
1534."[724]

So Henry spoke at last. There was no place any more for nice distinctions
and care of tender consciences. The general, when the shot is flying,
cannot qualify his orders with dainty periods. Swift command and swift
obedience can alone be tolerated; and martial law for those who hesitate.

This chapter has brought many things to a close. Before ending it we will
leap over three months, to the termination of the career of the pope who
has been so far our companion. Not any more was the distracted Clement to
twist his handkerchief, or weep, or flatter, or wildly wave his arms in
angry impotence; he was to lie down in his long rest, and vex the world no
more. He had lived to set England free--an exploit which, in the face of so
persevering an anxiety to escape a separation, required a rare genius and a
combination of singular qualities. He had finished his work, and now he was
allowed to depart.

In him, infinite insincerity was accompanied with a grace of manner which
regained confidence as rapidly as it was forfeited. Desiring sincerely, so
far as he could be sincere in anything, to please every one by turns, and
reckless of truth to a degree in which he was without a rival in the world,
he sought only to escape his difficultie