Notwithstanding the literary and liberal pretensions of Francis I., the ultramontane spirit seemed secure of a triumph in France. There doubtless existed freer and holier aspirations, but certain of the bishops were more popish than the pope, and kings found it convenient to show themselves very indulgent to the licentiousness of the clergy, provided that they in return would lend a hand in support of their despotism. The priests of Scotland therefore redoubled their efforts to make a breach between James and his uncle of England, and to ally him with the eldest daughter of the papacy. Henry VIII., who received into his realm many of the exiles who were driven from their own country, was troubled at seeing his nephew throw himself into the arms of the Roman pontiff. It was for the interest of England that Scotland should not take a course opposed to her own: the whole of Great Britain ought to cast off the authority of the pope at the same time. The Tudor, impatient to reach this end, conceived the project of giving his daughter Mary in marriage to the King of Scotland; and in order to bring about by degrees a reconciliation, he determined to send Lord William Howard to Scotland. To this intent he had instructions drawn up in full detail to the effect following:[183]--First after your arrival at the court of the king my nephew, you will offer on our part the most friendly greetings, you will thank him for his noble present of falcons, and you will assure him that the ties of blood which unite us lead me to rejoice at every piece of good fortune that befalls him. You will then practise with the lord treasurer by some means to get you the measure of the king’s person, and you will cause to be made for him the richest and most elegant garments possible, by the tailor whom you will have at hand for that intent. Then you will tell him that I am greatly desirous to have conference with him. Henry VIII., full of hatred for the papacy, and anxious to see other kingdoms strengthen his position by following his example, urged his nearest neighbors to found, as he had done, national churches acknowledging no other head than the king. He had seen his endeavors fail in France, and was all the more desirous of succeeding in Scotland. As uncle to the king, the task seemed easy to him. To accomplish it he was resolved to use all means, and among others he sought to gain over the king by fine clothes made after the London fashion. He sent to him at the same time some books against the usurped authority of the pope. [Sidenote: DR. BARLOW’S EMBASSY]