The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol. I., Part C.: From Henry VII. to Mary
David Hume · en
And as he possessed no independent force like Ferdinand, and governed
a kingdom more turbulent and unruly, which he himself by his narrow
politics had confirmed in factious prejudices, he apprehended that his
situation would prove in the issue still more precarious.
Nothing at first could turn out more contrary to the king’s wishes than
the transactions in Spain. Ferdinand, as well as Henry, had become very
unpopular, and from a like cause, his former exactions and impositions;
and the states of Castile discovered an evident resolution of preferring
the title of Philip and Joan.
{1506.} In order, to take advantage of these favorable dispositions, the
archduke, now king of Castile, attended by his consort, embarked for
Spain during the winter season; but meeting with a violent tempest in
the Channel, was obliged to take shelter in the harbor of Weymouth. Sir
John Trenchard, a gentleman of authority in the county of Dorset,
hearing of a fleet upon the coast, had assembled some forces; and being
joined by Sir John Cary, who was also at the head of an armed body, he
came to that town. Finding that Philip, in order to relieve his sickness
and fatigue, was already come ashore, he invited him to his house; and
immediately despatched a messenger to inform the court of this important
incident. The king sent in all haste the earl of Arundel to compliment
Philip on his arrival in England, and to inform him that he intended to
pay him a visit in person, and to give him a suitable reception in his
dominions. Philip knew that he could not now depart without the king’s
consent; and therefore, for the sake of despatch, he resolved to
anticipate his visit, and to have an interview with him at Windsor.
Henry received him with all the magnificence possible, and with all the
seeming cordiality; but he resolved, notwithstanding, to draw some
advantage from this involuntary visit paid him by his royal guest.