Other and less invidious causes had contributed to the change. In the history of the English gentleman the growth of the idea of Public Duty is almost as noticeable as his transformation into the Courtier. It had made some progress under Richard II, only to be miserably shattered in the wars of the succession; under the Tudors it steadily made way, and when the troubles of religion began it threatened the destruction of everything that had made the gentleman an amiable companion and a courteous enemy. It was something of this feeling, joined to a narrow sort of nationalism, which inspired that sturdy band of 'anglo-saxons of whom Cheke and Ascham were the leaders. They had welcomed the revival of classical learning and could not help admiring the high ideal of the Courtier, drawn so splendidly by Castiglione but they feared the subtle genius of Italy, and her seducing in?uence on the morals of their country and the purity of the English tongue. As it turned out, their fear for English morals was ungrounded and Italy only made way for France, a much less worthy guest.