to pronounce an
opinion without the permission of his Holiness himself; and that the
deliberation ought not to go forward till they had applied for that
permission and had received it. This view was supported by the Spanish and
Italian party in the university. The debate grew warm, and at length the
meeting broke up in confusion without coming to a resolution. Beda, when
remonstrated with on the course which he was pursuing, did not hesitate to
say that he had the secret approbation of his prince; that, however Francis
might disguise from the world his real opinions, in his heart he only
desired to see the pope victorious. An assertion so confident was readily
believed, nor is it likely that Beda ventured to make it without some
foundation. But being spoken of openly it became a matter of general
conversation, and reaching the ears of the English ambassador, it was met
with instant and angry remonstrance. "The ambassador," wrote the grand
master to Francis, "has been to me in great displeasure, and has told me
roundly that his master is trifled with by us. We give him words in plenty
to keep his beak in the water; but it is very plain that we are playing
false, and that no honesty is intended. Nor are his words altogether
without reason; for many persons declare openly that nothing will be done.
If the alliance of England, therefore, appear of importance to your
Highness, it would be well for you to write to the Dean of the Faculty,
directing him to close an impertinent discussion, and require an answer to
the question asked as quickly as possible."[271] The tone of this letter
proves, with sufficient clearness, the true feelings of the French
government; but at the moment the alternative suggested by the grand master
might not be ventured. Francis could not afford to quarrel with England, or
to be on less than cordial terms with it, and for a time at least his
brother sovereigns must continue to be at enmity. The negotiations for the
recovery of the French princes out of their Spanish prison, were on the
point of conclusion; and, as Francis was insolvent, Henry had consented to
become security for the money demanded for their deliverance. Beda had,
moreover, injured his cause by attacking the Gallican liberties; and as
this was a point on which the government was naturally sensitive, some
tolerable excuse was furnished for the lesson which it was thought proper
to adminster to the offending doctor.

On the seventeenth