This deportment of the King's showed that he had accurately measured the man, for Hopper was hardly competent for the place of a chief clerk.

He was unable to write clearly in any language, because incapable of a fully developed thought upon any subject.

It may be supposed that nothing but an abortive policy, therefore, would be produced upon the occasion thus suddenly offered.

"'Tis a devout man, that poor Master Hopper," said Granvelle, "but rather fitted for platonic researches than for affairs of state." It was a proof of this incompetency, that now, when really called upon for advice in an emergency, he should recommend a continuance of the interim.

Certainly nothing worse could be devised.