98
EDWARD YI.
punished for rejecting fo-day doctrines which might not be declared
heretical until to-morrow.
35, It must not be forgotten that Henry’s reign naturally divides
itself into two parts-—that which preceded and that which
Character Jollowed. his divorce from Cathurine of Aragon, During
nt the first half of his reign, Henry was the gay and
splendid monarch; devoted to pleasure, yet not neglect-
ful of business; lavish of the treasures hoarded by his father; anxious
to raise England to a higher place among the European nations; in-
teresting himself in the progress of education; and writing in defence
of his religious opinions. "The course of events accompanying and
succeeding the divorce rapidly developed the worst elements of his
nature. Base appetites obtained the mastery over him. He became
at once eruel, haughty, and licentious, Flattered by servile courtiers,
he respected neither the rights of man nor the law of (od. With
impartial cruelty he beheaded Catholies for opposing his spoliations
of the Church, and burned Protestants for rejecting his definitions of
religion.
36, Notwithstanding the religious troubles which prevailed, En:
gland continued to advance as a commercial nation
General Like his father, Henry devoted much care to the build-
progress. : - . :
ing up of an efficient royal navy. Learning also received
much encouragement. On his death-bed he munificently endowed
that great seat of science, Trinity College, Cambridge. Christ Church
College, Oxford, originally founded by Wolsey as Cardinal College,
reveres his memory as its chief benefaetor.
CHAPTER XXXITI.
HOUSE OF TUDOR.—EDWARD VI.
1547 to 1553 A.D.
1. According to the terms of his father’s will, Prince Edward, then
in his tenth year, ascended the throne under the title of
heokaston Kdward VI, He was erowned at Westminster on Teb-
Edward vn zuary 28th 1547. The whole power of the Council of
Regency appointed by his father in his will was illegally
assıumed by its President, Lord Hertford. He took the title of /’ro-
tector, and was created Duke of Somerset.
2. The Protector was brother of Jane Seymour, and therefore uncle
of the young Kiny. He was naturally interested in the
rote tor welfare of his nephew; while the fact that he had no
” royal blood in his veins tended to disaurm popular su8-
picion. As a zealous Protestant, he took care to have the King
trained in the principles of the new faith. The Karl of Southampton.