The Privy Council wrote to Norfolk at the same time, but their letter only hints at the King’s change of attitude[37]. These Privy Council letters seem to have been composed to sweeten the King’s more outspoken despatches. This one begins with warm praises of Norfolk and his colleagues. The King was making plans in case of war, but the Privy Council contemplated peace. If, as they did not doubt, Norfolk brought the affair to a satisfactory conclusion, the King was pleased with the Duke’s plan that he should immediately advance into Yorkshire, with a good train of noblemen and gentlemen, to administer the oath; but Norfolk must send further particulars, as the King’s charges had been great, and expenses must be kept down. They sent the Ten Articles and copies of the circular to the bishops[38], to be declared to the people. “There remains one thing to be considered which the King has much to heart and we all no less desire—the preservation of his Grace’s honour, which will be much touched if no man be reserved to punishment.” There is a certain humour in the earnestness with which the Council beseech Norfolk to “reserve” some vile persons, even if only a very few, and among them, if possible, Sir Robert Constable[39]. Sir Robert had offended the King mortally by saying that the truce had been broken when Edward Waters was sent to Scarborough. Henry, in his usual daring fashion, had retorted the reproach on the rebels in his instructions; Norfolk was to complain of the taking of Edward Waters as an innovation during the truce[40]. The Council also mentioned that the King had written to the Earl of Northumberland to come up to London “if nothing chance to him in the mean season,”[41] rather a sinister reservation. The Earl had sent a ring as a token to the King at the beginning of the month, through Suffolk’s hands[42]. They added that Norfolk would doubtless see that the Earl’s brethren did no displeasure, a task somewhat beyond his power[43]. Such were the final instructions despatched to Norfolk before the conference. They did not arrive till Wednesday 6 December, and would have been too late if the meeting had not been deferred for a day.