and P._, iv., 5072.] [Footnote 527: _Sp.

Cal._, iii., 482.] The conception of this violent expedient is mainly of interest as illustrating the supreme importance attached to the question of providing for a male successor to Henry.

He wanted an heir to the throne, and he wanted a fresh wife for that reason.

A mistress would not satisfy him, because his children by a mistress would hardly succeed without dispute to the throne, not because he laboured under any moral scruples on the point.

He had already had two mistresses, Elizabeth Blount, the mother of the Duke of Richmond, and Anne's sister, Mary Boleyn.