It was the Cardinal's long tenure of the whole Papal authority within the realm, and the consequent suspension of appeals to Rome, that led men to acquiesce at a later time in Henry's own claim of religious supremacy.

For proud as was Wolsey's bearing and high as were his natural powers he stood before England as the mere creature of the king.

Greatness, wealth, authority he held, and owned he held, simply at the royal will.

In raising his low-born favourite to the head of church and state Henry was gathering all religious as well as all civil authority into his personal grasp.

The nation which trembled before Wolsey learned to tremble before the master who could destroy Wolsey with a breath.
[Sidenote: Rivalry of Charles and Francis] The rise of Charles of Austria gave a new turn to Wolsey's policy.