CHAPTER IX.

Danger of challenging the Papal dispensing power--The Royal family of Spain--Address of the English Peers to the Pope-- Compromise proposed by the Duke of Norfolk--The English Agents at Rome--Arrival of a new Nuncio in England--His interview with the King--Chapuys advises the King's excommunication--Position of the English clergy--Statute of Provisors--The clergy in a Praemunire-- Remonstrances of the Nuncio--Despair of Catherine--Her letter to the Pope--Henry prepares for war--The introduction of briefs from Rome forbidden--Warnings given to the Spanish Ambassador and the Nuncio 141