though Scottish nobles might be gained over, and Scottish armies might be defeated in the field, Scotland itself, as the experience of centuries had proved, could never be conquered. The policy of the Tudors had been to abstain from aggression, till time should have soothed down the inherited animosity between the two countries; and Henry was unwilling to be forced into extremities which might revive the bitter memories of Flodden. The Northern counties also, in spite of their Border prejudices, were the stronghold of the Papal party, and it was doubtful how far their allegiance could be counted upon in the event of an invasion sanctioned by the Pope. October.The hands of the English Government were already full without any superadded embarrassment, and the offered mediation of Francis was gratefully welcomed.
These were the circumstances under which the second great interview was to take place between Francis the First and Henry of England.[1] Twelve years had passed
- ↑ A letter of Queen Catherine to the Emperor, written on the occasion of this visit, will be read with interest:—'High and Mighty Lord,—Although your Majesty is occupied with your own affairs and with your preparations against the Turk, I cannot, nevertheless, refrain from troubling you with mine, which perhaps in substance and in the sight of God are of equal importance. Your Majesty knows well, that God hears those who do him service, and no greater service can be done than to procure an end in this business. It does not concern only ourselves—it concerns equally all who fear God. None can measure the woes which will fall on Christendom, if his Holiness will not act in it and act promptly. The signs are all around us in new printed books full of lies and dishonesty—in the resolution to proceed with the cause here in England—in the interview of these two princes, where the King, my lord, is covering himself with infamy through the companion which he takes with him. The country is full of terror
of Angus: State Papers, vol. iv. p. 615.
