Soon after this appointment he was favourably noticed by Fox, Bishop of Winchester, who about that time held the Privy Seal, and Thomas Lovell, then Chancellor of the Exchequer, who thought his uncommon capacity might be useful in state affairs; and, accordingly, while the treaty of marriage was pending between the King and Margaret, Dowager of Savoy, they proposed him as a fit person to be sent to her father, the Emperor Maximilian, on that business. His Majesty, Henry VII, had not before particularly noticed Wolsey, but after conversing with him, he was so satisfied with his qualifications, that he commanded him to be in readiness for the Embassy. The Court was then at Richmond, from which Wolsey proceeded with his dispatches to London, where he arrived at four o’clock in the afternoon; he had a boat waiting, and in less than three hours was at Gravesend. With post horses he got next morning to Dover, reached Calais in the course the afternoon; and arrived the same night at the Imperial Court. The Emperor, informed that an extraordinary ambassador had come from England, immediately admitted him; and the business being agreeable, was quickly concluded. Wolsey then returned, and reached Calais at the opening of the gates—found the passengers going on board the vessel that brought him from England—embarked, and about ten o’clock was landed at Dover. He reached Richmond the same night, and after taking some repose, rose and met the King as he came from his chamber to hear the morning-service. His Majesty suprised at seeing him there, rebuked him for neglecting the orders with which he was charged;—“May it please your Highness,” said Wolsey, “I have been with the Emperor, and executed my commision to the satisfaction, I trust, of your Grace,” he then knelt and presented Maximilian’s letters. Dissembling the admiration which he felt at such unprecedented expedition, the King inquired if he had received no orders by a pursuivant who had been sent after him. Wolsey answered that he met the messenger as he returned: but having preconceived the purpose for which he was sent, he had presumed of his own accord to supply the defect in his credentials, for which he solicited his Majesty’s pardon. Pleased with this foresight, and gratified with the result of the negotiation, the king readily forgave his temerity; and commanded him to attend the Council in the afternoon. Wolsey, at the time appointed, reported the business of his mission with so much clearness and propriety, that he received the applause of all present; and when the Deanery of Lincoln soon after became vacant, it was bestowed on him by his Majesty, who, from the period of that embassy, continued to treat him with particular favor.