Were the marriage once made, he told the French ambassador, and a male heir born to the realm, he would withdraw from state affairs and serve God for the rest of his life.

But the divorce had still to be brought about ere marriage could be made or heir be born.

Henry indeed had seized on the grant of a commission as if the matter were at an end.

Anne Boleyn was installed in the royal palace, and honoured with the state of a wife.

The new legate, Campeggio, held the bishoprick of Salisbury, and had been asked for as judge from the belief that he would favour the king's cause.