Page:The religious life of King Henry VI.djvu/69

Rh so many other collegiate institutions, abides to this day with a prestige of four centuries of eminent educational success, a worthy monument of the munificent industry of one who, though commonly regarded as the weakest of kings, destitute of all royal and noble qualities, had prescience enough to see that the best remedy for the evils of his age (chiefly created for him by his ambitious uncles and turbulent nobles during his long minority) was to be found in the improved education of all orders of his people; and who, by carrying into effect one grand design, has exercised a more powerful and a more permanent influence over subsequent ages than many princes, whose exploits are the theme of the world's applause"

The negotiations with Rome regarding Eton were not completed when the same process was repeated on behalf of the King for his foundation of King's College, Cambridge. No fewer than nine of the Bulls obtained for King's College bear dates from 1445 to 1448. "They are interesting," writes Mr. Williams, "as exhibiting the earnest