The extremes of opinion were thus visible on either side. Between them the government steered their arduous way, under such guidance as conscience and necessity could furnish. To pass a statute was one thing: to enforce the provisions of it was another. The peers and bishops expected to be indulged forthwith in the pleasures of a hot persecution. The king's first act was to teach them to moderate their ardour. In order to soothe the acrimonies which the debate had kindled, the lords spiritual and temporal were requested to repair to Lambeth to "animate and comfort the archbishop," and to bury the recollection of all differences by partaking of his hospitality. The history of their visit was, perhaps, diluted through Protestant tradition before it reached the pages of Foxe, and the substance only of the story can be relied upon as true. It is said, however, that on this occasion a conversation arose which displayed broadly the undercurrent of hatred between Cromwell and the peers. One of the party spoke of Wolsey, whom he called "a stubborn and churlish prelate, and one that never could abide any nobleman;" "and that," he added, "you know well enough, my Lord Cromwell, for he was your master." Cromwell answered that it was true that he had been Wolsey's servant, nor did he regret his fortune. "Yet was I never so far in love with him," he said, "as to have waited upon him to Rome, which you, my lord, were, I believe, prepared to have done." It was not true, the first speaker said. Cromwell again insisted that it was true, and even mentioned the number of florins which were to have paid him for his services. The other said "he lied in his teeth, and great and high words rose between them."[471] [Sidenote: The persecution commences.] [Sidenote: The statute is developed into branches.] [Sidenote: Five hundred suspected persons imprisoned in a fortnight.]