Cal._, iii., 432, 790; _Ven.
Cal._, 1529, 212.] [Footnote 575: "He showed me," writes Campeggio, "that in order to maintain and increase here the authority of the Holy See and the Pope he had done his utmost to persuade the King to apply for a legate...

although many of these prelates declared it was possible to do without one" (iv., 4857; _cf._ iv., 5072, 5177).] It is not, however, impossible to trace Wolsey's real designs behind these conflicting reports.

He knew that Henry was determined to have a divorce and that this was one of those occasions upon which "he would be obeyed, whosoever spoke to the contrary".

As minister he must therefore either resign--a difficult thing in the sixteenth century--or carry out the King's policy.

For his own part he had no objection to the divorce in itself; he was no more touched by the pathos of Catherine's fate than was her nephew Charles V., he wished to see the succession strengthened, he thought that he might restore his tottering influence by obtaining gratification for the King, and he was straining every nerve to weaken Charles V., either because the Emperor's power was really too great, or out of revenge for his betrayal over the papal election.