It was their object, he said, to keep the King "in tutelage"-- to make him a "shadow and a cipher," while they should themselves exercise all authority in the provinces.

It is impossible to exaggerate the effect of such suggestions upon the dull and gloomy mind to which they were addressed.

It is easy, however, to see that a minister with such views was likely to be as congenial to his master as he was odious to the people.

For already, in the beginning of 1562, Granvelle was extremely unpopular.

"The Cardinal is hated of all men," wrote Sir Thomas Gresham.