The pope, on the other hand, now ran a manifest risk of infringing his authority by a compliance with the king; and as a sentence of divorce could no longer be rested on nullities in Julius's bull, but would be construed as an acknowledgment of papal usurpations, it was foreseen that the Lutherans would thence take occasion of triumph, and would persevere more obstinately in their present principles.

But notwithstanding these obstacles, Francis did not despair of mediating an agreement.

He observed that the king had still some remains of prejudice in favor of the Catholic church, and was apprehensive of the consequences which might ensue from too violent innovations.

He saw the interest that Clement had in preserving the obedience of England, which was one of the richest jewels in the papal crown.

And he hoped that these motives on both sides would facilitate a mutual agreement, and would forward the effects of his good offices.
{1534.} Francis first prevailed on the pope to promise, that if the king would send a proxy to Rome, and thereby submit his cause to the holy see, he should appoint commissioners to meet at Cambray, and form the process; and he should immediately afterwards pronounce the sentence of divorce required of him.