Not only was his French policy no longer possible, but a reconciliation with Charles was absolutely needful, and such a reconciliation could only be brought about by Wolsey's fall.

In October, on the very day that the Cardinal took his place with a haughty countenance and all his former pomp in the Court of Chancery, an indictment was preferred against him by the king's attorney for receiving bulls from Rome in violation of the Statute of Praemunire.

A few days later he was deprived of the seals.

Wolsey was prostrated by the blow.

In a series of abject appeals he offered to give up everything that he possessed if the king would but cease from his displeasure.