So on 2nd August, 1521, the Cardinal again crossed the Channel.[402] His first interview was with the imperial envoys.[403] They announced that Charles had given them no power to treat for a truce.

Wolsey refused to proceed without this authority; and he obtained the consent of the French chancellor, (p.

145) Du Prat, to his proposal to visit the Emperor at Bruges, and secure the requisite powers.

He was absent more than a fortnight, and not long after his return fell ill.

This served to pass time in September, and the extravagant demands of both parties still further prolonged the proceedings.