Henry VIII,the Reign
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"Daily and hourly musing, and thinking on your Grace's great and secret affair, and how the same may come to good effect and desired end, as well for the deliverance of your Grace out of the thrauld, pensive and dolorous life that the same is in, as for the continuance of your health, &c.," I consider that the Pope's consent must be gained in case the Queen should decline my jurisdiction, or the approbation of the Cardinals be had. For the first the Pope's deliverance will be necessary, for the other the convocation of the Cardinals in France. The Pope's deliverance cannot be accomplished except by a peace between the Emperor and the French king, which is not likely, considering the high demands of the former; but I will endeavor to see what can be done in this matter. If the Pope were delivered, I doubt not he would be easily induced to do everything to your satisfaction. The Cardinals can meet at no place except at Avignon, whither I propose to repair to devise with them for the government of the Church during the Pope's captivity, "which shall be a good ground and fundament for the effectual execution of your Grace's secret affair." As I shall then be within 100 miles of Perpignan,—a commodious place to treat with the Emperor,—I think it would be desirable that a meeting should be held between him, the French king's mother and me; and in the event of the Emperor persisting in unreasonable demands, I, and the rest of the Cardinals in France, may then make declaration that we will not be bound by anything the Pope may do in his captivity. Though I have devised this "for the advancement of your particular affair," being ready and prone to do all things that may confer thereunto, it is not my intention that this meeting with the Emperor shall take place unless I am constrained to go to Avignon. Abbeville, 29 July. Signed. |
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