Even under Charles, when France had been the chief enemy, {432} [Sidenote: Spain vs.

England] the Hapsburgs saw the desirability of winning England as a strategic point for their universal empire.

This policy was pursued by alternating alliance with hostility.

For six years of his boyhood Charles had been betrothed to Mary Tudor, Henry VIII's sister, to whom he sent a ring inscribed, "Mary hath chosen the better part which shall not be taken away from her." His own precious person, however, was taken from her to be bestowed on Isabella of Portugal, by whom he begot Philip.

When this son succeeded him, notwithstanding the little unpleasantness of Henry VIII's divorce, he advised him to turn again to an English marriage, and Philip soon became the husband of Queen Mary.