693, which professes to give the "very words" of Francis I.'s much misquoted letter to his mother (_L.

and P._, iv., 1120-24).] Such was the result of Wolsey's policy since 1521, Francis a prisoner, Charles a dictator, and Henry vainly hoping that he might be allowed some share in the victor's spoils.

But what claim had he?
By the most extraordinary misfortune or fatuity, England had not merely helped Charles to a threatening supremacy, but had retired from the (p.

164) struggle just in time to deprive herself of all claim to benefit by her mistaken policy.

She had looked on while Bourbon invaded France, fearing to aid lest Charles would reap all the fruits of success.