The seeds of discontent had been
widely sown in the capital; and tumults had occurred which, though
promptly checked, had nevertheless alarmed the king, coupled as they
were with the disapprobation of his ministers, the sneering
remonstrances of France, the menaces of the Papal See, and the open
hostilities of Spain. But the characteristic obstinacy of his nature kept
him firm to his point, and he resolved to carry it, be the consequences
what they might.
All his efforts to win over Campeggio proved fruitless. The legate was
deaf to his menaces or promises, well knowing that to aid Anne Boleyn
would be to seriously affect the interests of the Church of Rome.
The affair, however, so long and so artfully delayed, was now drawing
to a close. A court was appointed by the legates to be holden on the
18th of June, at Blackfriars, to try the question. Gardiner had been
recalled from Rome to act as counsel for Henry; and the monarch,
determining to appear by proxy at the trial, left his palace at Bridewell
the day before it was to come on, and set out with Anne Boleyn and his
chief attendants for Windsor Castle.
Whatever secret feelings might be entertained against him, Henry was
received by the inhabitants of Windsor with every demonstration of
loyalty and affection.
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