It was assumed that the desire for a voice in the management of his own affairs had at all times and all seasons been the mainspring of his actions; and so the story of Henry's rule was made into a political mystery.

In reality, love of freedom has not always been, nor will it always remain, the predominant note in the English mind.

At times the English people have pursued it through battle and murder with grim determination, but other times have seen other ideals.

On occasion the demand has been for strong government irrespective of its methods, and good government has been preferred to self-government.

Wars of expansion and wars of defence have often cooled the love of liberty and impaired the faith in parliaments; and generally English ideals have been strictly subordinated to a passion for material prosperity.
Never was this more apparent than under the Tudors.