Politically, Henry was equally fortunate. The Scotch had ventured to
attack the kingdom during the King's absence on the Continent. At
Flodden, on the borders of Scotland and England, they were defeated by
the Earl of Surrey, with great slaughter. (See map facing p. 120.)
This victory placed Scotland at Henry's feet.[1]
[1] See Scott's "Marmion."
The King of France and the Emperor Charles V of Germany now vied with
each other in seeking Henry's alliance. The Emperor visited England
in order to meet the English sovereign, while the King of France
arranged an interview in his own dominions, known, from the
magnificence of its appointments, as the "Field of the Cloth of Gold."
Henry held the balance of power by which he could make France or
Germany predominate as he saw fit. It was owing to his able
diplomatic policy, or to that of Cardinal Wolsey, his chief
counsellor, that England reaped advantages from both sides, and
advanced from a comparatively low position to one that was fully
abreast of the foremost nations of Europe.