The line of policy which he had marked out required the assent of the magnates of the land, and looked towards the convocation of the states-general.

It was natural that he should indulge in the hope of being seconded by the men who were in the same political and social station with himself.

All, although Catholics, hated the inquisition.

As Viglius pathetically exclaimed, "Saint Paul himself would have been unable to persuade these men that good fruit was to be gathered from the inquisition in the cause of religion." Saint Paul could hardly be expected to reappear on earth for such a purpose.

Meantime the arguments of the learned President had proved powerless, either to convince the nobles that the institution was laudable or to obtain from the Duchess a postponement in the publication of the late decrees.