He added, that he intended to deal with the nobles with all gentleness, and that he should do his best to please them.

The only thing which he could not yield was the authority of his Majesty; to sustain that, he would sacrifice his life, if necessary.

At the same time Granvelle carefully impressed upon the King the necessity of contradicting the report alluded to, a request which he took care should also be made through the Regent in person.

He had already, both in his own person and in that of the Duchess, begged for a formal denial, on the King's part, that there was any intention of introducing the Spanish inquisition into the Netherlands, and that the Cardinal had counselled, originally, the bishoprics.

Thus instructed, the King accordingly wrote to Margaret of Parma to furnish the required contradictions.