In vain did Maximilian endeavor to allure him into some expense, by offering to make a resignation of the imperial crown in his favor.

The artifice was too gross to succeed, even with a prince so little politic as Henry; and Pace, his envoy, who was perfectly well acquainted with the emperor's motives and character, gave him warning that the sole view of that prince, in making him so liberal an offer, was to draw money from him.
* Guicciard.lib.

xii.
{1516.} While a universal peace prevailed in Europe, that event happened which had so long been looked for, and from which such important consequences were expected--the death of Ferdinand the Catholic, and the succession of his grandson Charles to his extensive dominions.

The more Charles advanced in power and authority, the more was Francis sensible of the necessity he himself lay under of gaining the confidence and friendship of Henry; and he took at last the only method by which he could obtain success, the paying of court, by presents and flattery, to the haughty cardinal.
{1518.} Bonnivet, admiral of France, was despatched to London, and he was directed to employ all his insinuation and address, (qualities in which he excelled,) to procure himself a place in Wolsey's good graces.

After the ambassador had succeeded in his purpose, he took an opportunity of expressing his master's regret that, by mistakes and misapprehensions, he had been so unfortunate as to lose a friendship which he so much valued as that of his eminence.