CHAPTER XV.

The Papal curse--Determined attitude of the Princess Mary-- Chapuys desires to be heard in Parliament--Interview with the King--Permission refused--The Act of Succession--Catherine loses the title of Queen--More and Fisher refuse to swear to the statute--Prospects of rebellion in Ireland--The Emperor unwilling to interfere--Perplexity of the Catholic party--Chapuys before the Privy Council--Insists on Catherine's rights--Singular defence of the Pope's action--Chapuys's intrigues--Defiant attitude of Catherine--Fears for her life--Condition of Europe-- Prospect of war between France and the Empire--Unwillingness of the Emperor to interfere in England--Disappointment of Catherine--Visit of Chapuys to Kimbolton 260