And here the ambassador seems to have thought that he had gone rather far, for he finds something to say about Henry’s less admirable characteristics. Unhappily this prince, so intelligent and reasonable, is given up to idleness, has allowed himself to be led away by his passions, and has left the government of the State in the hands of a few favourites, the most powerful of whom was the Cardinal, until he fell into total disgrace. Since then, from having been generous, he has become miserly, and whereas formerly all those who treated of affairs with him went away satisfied and covered with gifts, he now allows all to leave the Court with discontent. He makes a show of great piety, hears two low masses every day, and high mass also, on feast days. He gives to the poor, to orphans, widows, young girls, and infirm persons, and for these charities he gives his almoner ten thousand ducats yearly. He is beloved by all. He is forty years of age and has reigned twenty-two. Falier speaks next of the climate of Great Britain and the products of the country, and gives a long description of a brewery. He briefly but sufficiently describes the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and gives some account of the British Constitution. He gives also a statement of the King’s sources of income with their amount, and the accuracy of the figures suggests that he must have got access to papers not intended for his perusal. His Majesty may count upon over five hundred thousand ducats [£375,000] a year, divided as follows:-- Ducats. From the Crown (Lands) 190,000 Customs 150,000 Vacant Benefices 40,000 Privy Seal 10,000 Rebels (Confiscations, etc.) 50,000 Lands on the Continent 10,000 Fines for Crimes 25,000 Royal Guards 50,000 _______ Total 525,000 =======