To divert the attention of the nation from dangerous home questions
likely to cause new plots and fresh revolts (SS286, 287), Henry now
determined to act on his father's dying counsel and pick a foreign
quarrel. The old grudge against France, which began with the feuds of
Duke William of Normandy before he conquered England, made a war with
that country always popular. At this period the French were divided
into fierce parties that hated each other even more, if possible, than
they hated the English. This, of course, greatly increased the
chances of Henry's success, as he might form an alliance with one of
these factions.
The King believed it a good opportunity to get three things he
wanted,--a wife, a fortune, and the French crown. The King of France
and his most powerful rival, the Duke of Burgundy, had each a
daughter. To make sure of one of them, Henry secretly proposed to
both. After long and fruitless negotiations the French King declined
to grant the enormous dowry which the English King demanded. The
latter gladly interpreted this refusal as equivalent to a declaration
of war.