morning he was again at his place in Parliament; and he conducted the defence so skilfully, that finally he threw out the bill, saved Wolsey, and himself 'grew into such estimation in every man's opinion, for his honest behaviour in his master's cause, that he was esteemed the most faithfullest servant, [and] was of all men greatly commended.'[1]
Henry admired his chivalry, and perhaps his talent. The loss of Wolsey had left him without any very able man, unless we may consider Sir Thomas More such, upon his council, and he could not calculate on More for support in his anti-Roman policy; he was glad, therefore, to avail himself of the service of a man who had given so rare a proof of fidelity, and who had been trained by the ablest statesman of the age.[2]
To Wolsey Cromwell could render no more service except as a friend, and his warm friend he remained to the last. He became the King's secretary, representing the Government in the House of Commons, and was at once on the high road to power. If we please we may call him ambitious; but an ambitious man would scarcely have pursued so refined a policy, or have calculated on the admiration which he gained by adhering to a fallen minister. He did not seek greatness—greatness rather sought him as the man in England most fit to bear it.
- ↑ Cavendish, p. 276.
- ↑ Chapuys says, that a quarrel with Sir John Wallop first introduced Cromwell to Henry. Cromwell, 'not knowing how else to defend himself, contrived with presents and entreaties to obtain an audience of the King, whom he promised to make the richest sovereign that ever reigned in England.'—Chapuys to Granvelle: The Pilgrim, p. 107.
