In reality, there are indications that beneath the superficial gaiety of his life, Henry was beginning to use his own judgment, form his own conclusions, and take an interest in serious matters.

He was only twenty-eight in 1519, and his character was following a normal course of development.
From the earliest years of his reign Henry had at least two serious preoccupations, the New Learning and his navy.

We learn from Erasmus that Henry's Court was an example to Christendom for learning and piety;[337] that the King sought to promote learning among the clergy; and on one occasion defended "mental and _ex tempore_ prayer" against those who apparently thought laymen should, in their private (p.

123) devotions, confine themselves to formularies prescribed by the clergy.[338] In 1519 there were more men of learning at the English Court than at any university;[339] it was more like a museum, says the great humanist, than a Court;[340] and in the same year the King endeavoured to stop the outcry against Greek, raised by the reactionary "Trojans" at Oxford.

"You would say," continues Erasmus, "that Henry was a universal genius.