and P._, ii., 3076, 3077, 3081.] [Footnote 240: _L.

and P._, ii., 3402, 3439-41.] [Footnote 241: _Ven.

Cal._, ii., 918; _L.

and P._, ii., 3455, 3462.] All this riot of wealth would no doubt impress the impecunious Charles.

In September he landed in Spain, so destitute that he was glad to accept the offer of a hobby from the English ambassador.[242] At the first meeting of his Cortes, they demanded that he should marry at once, and not wait for Francis's daughter; the bride his subjects desired was the daughter of the King of Portugal.[243] They were no more willing to part with Navarre; and Charles was forced to make to Francis the feeble excuse that he was not aware, when he was in the Netherlands, of his true title to Navarre, but had learnt it since his arrival in Spain; he also declined the personal interview to which Francis invited him.[244] A rupture between Francis and Charles was only a question of time; and, to prepare for it, both were anxious (p.