The uncertainty of the king's humor gave each party an opportunity of triumphing in its turn.

No sooner had Henry passed this law, which seemed to inflict so deep a wound on the reformers, than he granted a general permission for every one to have the new translation of the Bible in his family; a concession regarded by that party as an important victory.
But as Henry was observed to be much governed by his wives while he retained his fondness for them, the final prevalence of either party seemed much to depend on the choice of the future queen.

Immediately after the death of Jane Seymour, the most beloved of all his wives, he began to think of a new marriage.

He first cast his eye towards the duchess dowager of Milan, niece to the emperor; and he made proposals for that alliance.

But meeting with difficulties, he was carried by his friendship for Francis rather to think of a French princess.