Both the French and Flemish councils, he says, are urging him to return to Italy:-- "Eo magis quod causa ipsa quæ sola me retinere posset, et quæ huc sola traxit, ne spem quidem ullam ostendere videtur vel minimo periculo dignam, cur in his locis diutius maneam, populi tumultu qui causam ipsam fovebat ita sedato ut multi supplicio sint affecti, duces autem omnes in regis potestatem venerint." He goes on to say that the people had been in rebellion in defence of their religion. They had men of noble birth for their leaders; and nothing, it was thought, would more inspirit the whole party than to hear that one of their own nation was coming with authority to assist their cause; nothing which would strike deeper terror into their adversaries, or compel them to more equitable conditions. For the present the tumult was composed, but only by fair words, and promises which had not been observed. A fresh opportunity would soon again offer. Men's minds were always rather exasperated than conquered by such treatment. The people would never believe the king's word again; and though for the moment held down by fear, would break out again with renewed fury. He thought, therefore, he had better remain in the neighbourhood, since the chief necessity of the party would be an efficient leader; and to know that they had a leader ready to come to them at any moment, yet beyond the king's reach, would be the greatest encouragement which they could receive.--Reginald Pole to the Pope: _Epist. Reg. Pol._ Vol. II. p. 46. [239] Ibid. [240] Bishop Hilsey to Cromwell: _MS. State Paper Office_, second series, Vol. XXXV. [241] _Rolls House MS._ first series, 416; much injured. [242] The Privy Council, writing to the Duke of Norfolk, said: "You may divulge the cause of their activity to the people of those parts, that they may the rather perceive their miserable fortune, that, being once so graciously pardoned, would eftsoons combine themselves for the attempting of new treasons ... not conceiving that anything is done for their former offences done before the pardon, which his Grace will in nowise remember or speak of; but for those treasons which they have committed again since in such detestable sort as no good subject would not wish their punishment for the same."--_Hardwicke State Papers_, Vol. I. p. 43. [243] _Rolls House MS._ A 2, 28. [244] Besides his personal interference, Aske, and Constable also, had directed a notorious insurgent named Rudstone, "in any wise to deliver Hallam from Hull."--Ibid. [245] Sir Ralph Ellerkar called on Constable to join him in suppressing Bigod's movement. Constable neither came nor sent men, contenting himself with writing letters.--Ibid.