185

The Nevilles 187

General Superstition 191

Proposals for a Protestant League used as a Menace to Francis 192

The Protestant League 194

The Court of Brussels 196

Meeting of Parliament 197

Perils of the Reformation 198

Cromwell 199

Opening Measures 200

The Conge d'Elire 201

Abolition of Exactions 204

Closing Protest 205

Apology of Sir Thomas More accepted by the King 206

Obstinate Defence of Fisher 208

The Bill proceeds 209

Execution of the Nun 210

Her last Words 211

The Act of Succession 212

The first Oath of Allegiance 216

Clement gives final Sentence against the King 218

Obscurity of the Pope's Conduct 222

Mission of the Duke of Guise 223

The French Fleet watch the Channel 224

The Commission sits to receive the Oath 225

More and Fisher 226

More before the Commission 227

He refuses to Swear 228

Debate in Council 229

The Government are peremptory 230

Concession not possible 231

Royal Proclamation 232

Circular to the Sheriffs 233

Death of Clement VII. 236

CHAPTER VIII.

THE IRISH REBELLION.

State of Ireland