The effort to overawe the Commons had in fact failed, and Wolsey was forced to retire.

He had no sooner withdrawn than an angry debate began, and the Cardinal returned to answer the objections which were raised to the subsidy.

But the Commons again foiled the minister's attempt to influence their deliberations by refusing to discuss the matter in his presence.

The struggle continued for a fortnight; and though successful in procuring a grant the court party were forced to content themselves with less than half of Wolsey's original demand.

The Church displayed as independent a spirit.