prepossessing.[1] Like most men of a prompt and energetic cast of mind, this Monarch formed his own character, independent of adventitious aids, and of the sentiments of those about him.[2] And if the case of John Harrison, in which he voluntarily engaged, and followed up with determination,
- ↑ The Author has somewhere read—it might be resembled to that of Philip II. when resident in this country.
- ↑ Edward III. may be quoted here; as his character rose to much superior to what might have been expected from the influence of Queen Isabella and Roger Mortimer.
anxious to retain their places, decided upon the latter course, and thus laid the foundation of the debt, which was increased in the reign of Edward VI. and on subsequent occasions. Some explanation would seem desirable to those whom it has sufficed to adopt what floats on the surface of history. According to which, Henry, having an elder Brother, was designed for an ecclesiastic, and acquired great learning, which, at a subsequent period, enabled him to write against Luther in Latin. If it was agreed by Counsellors, who so little deserved the name, to lead him into such a dissipated and voluptuous course, yet, judging by common experience, he must have recurred to his scholastic exercises from time to time, or he could not have written that book,[subnote 1] if its authenticity is unquestioned. The selfishness imputed to the Council could only be exceeded by its impolicy. It had the worst consequences commonly seen in spoiled children; and Henry, who wanted a bridle more than spurs, became as headstrong and odious a tyrant as—the Democracy of Athens.
- ↑ How happens it that the learned ecclesiastics, and talented laymen, of the Romish persuasion, do not possess an undisputed copy of a polemic treatise rendered so remarkable by the sanction from the Pontifical chair, and its consequences?
