s from London, and is
buried in a common grave in the parish churchyard. In his youth, for some
offence, he was imprisoned, and had to leave the country. He went to
Flanders, and thence to Rome and other places in Italy."[585]

Returning to England, he married the daughter of a woollen-dealer, and
became a partner in the business, where he amassed or inherited a
considerable fortune.[586] Circumstances afterwards brought him, while
still young, in contact with Wolsey, who discovered his merit, took him
into service, and in 1525, employed him in the most important work of
visiting and breaking up the small monasteries, which the pope had granted
for the foundation of the new colleges. He was engaged with this business
for two years, and was so efficient that he obtained an unpleasant
notoriety, and complaints of his conduct found their way to the king.
Nothing came of these complaints, however, and Cromwell remained with the
cardinal till his fall.[587]

It was then that the truly noble nature which was in him showed itself. He
accompanied his master through his dreary confinement at Esher,[588] doing
all that man could do to soften the outward wretchedness of it; and at the
meeting of parliament, in which he obtained a seat, he rendered him a still
more gallant service. The Lords had passed a bill of impeachment against
Wolsey, violent, vindictive, and malevolent. It was to be submitted to the
Commons, and Cromwell prepared to attempt an opposition. Cavendish has left
a most characteristic description of his leaving Esher at this trying time.
A cheerless November evening was closing in with rain and storm. Wolsey was
broken down with sorrow and sickness; and had been unusually tried by
parting with his retinue, whom he had sent home, as unwilling to keep them
attached any longer to his fallen fortunes. When they were all gone, "My
lord," says Cavendish, "returned to his chamber, lamenting the departure of
his servants, making his moan unto Master Cromwell, who comforted him the
best he could, and desired my lord to give him leave to go to London, where
he would either make or mar before he came again, which was always his
common saying. Then after long communication with my lord in secret, he
departed, and took his horse and rode to London; at whose departing I was
by, whom he bade farewell, and said, ye shall hear shortly of me, and if I
speed well I will not fail to be here again within these two days."[589] He
did sp