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.