[538] Sir Thos. Wyatt to Henry VIII.: State Papers, Vol. VIII. p. 219 &c.
[539] Southampton’s expressions were unfortunately warm. Mentioning a conversation with the German ambassadors, in which he had spoken of his anxiety for the king’s marriage, “so as if God failed us in my Lord Prince, we might have another sprung of like descent and line to reign over us in peace,” he went on to speak to them of the other ladies whom the king might have had if he had desired; “but hearing,” he said, “great report of the notable virtues of my lady now with her excellent beauty, such as I well perceive to be no less than was reported, in very deed my mind gave me to lean that way.” These words, which might have passed as unmeaning compliment, had they been spoken merely to the lady’s countrymen, he repeated in his letters to the king, who of course construed them by his hopes.
[540] Deposition of Sir Anthony Brown: Strype’s Memorials, Vol. II. p. 252, &c.
[541] Those who insist that Henry was a licentious person, must explain how it was that, neither in the three years which had elapsed since the death of Jane Seymour, nor during the more trying period which followed, do we hear a word of mistresses, intrigues, or questionable or criminal connexions of any kind. The mistresses of princes are usually visible when they exist, the mistresses, for instance, of Francis I., of Charles V., of James of Scotland. There is a difficulty in this which should be admitted, if it cannot be explained.
[542] Deposition of Sir Anthony Denny: Strype’s Memorials, Vol. II.
[543] Cromwell to the King: Burnet’s Collectanea, p. 109.
[544] Deposition of the Earl of Southampton: Strype’s Memorials, Vol. II.
[545] Questions to be asked of the Lord Cromwell: MS. Cotton. Titus, B 1, 418.
[546] Compare Cromwell’s Letter to the King from the Tower, Burnet’s Collectanea, p. 109, with Questions to be asked of the Lord Cromwell: MS. Cotton. Titus, B 1, 418. Wyatt’s report of his interview and the Emperor’s language could not have arrived till the week after. But the fact of Charles’s arrival with Brancetor in his train, was already known and was sufficiently alarming.
[547] Cromwell to the King: Burnet’s Collectanea. The morning after his marriage, and on subsequent occasions, the king made certain depositions to his physicians and to members of the council, which I invite no one to study except under distinct historical obligations. The facts are of great importance. But discomfort made Henry unjust; and when violently irritated he was not careful of his expressions.—See Documents relating to the Marriage with Anne of Cleves: Strype’s Memorials, Vol. II.