"I
have never thought of my own aggrandisement, but as it was likely to
advance your power. For the countless benefits I have received at
your hands, my soul overflows with gratitude. You have raised me from
the meanest condition to the highest. You have made me your
confidant, your adviser, your treasurer, and with no improper boldness
I say it, your friend. But I defy the enemies who have poisoned your
ears against me, to prove that I have ever abused the trust placed in
me. The sole fault that can be imputed to me is, that I have meddled
more with temporal matters than with spiritual, and it is a crime for
which I must answer before Heaven. But I have so acted because I felt
that I might thereby best serve your highness. If I have aspired to the
papal throne--which you well know I have--it has been that I might be
yet a more powerful friend to your majesty, and render you what you
are entitled to be, the first prince in Christendom."
"Tut, tut!" exclaimed the king, who was, nevertheless, moved by the
artful appeal.
"The gifts I have received from foreign princes," pursued Wolsey,
seeing the effect he had produced, "the wealth I have amassed, have
all been with a view of benefiting your majesty.
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