In this state of perplexity Henry was afraid to commit himself further. The league with Luebeck had not been concluded, the German Protestant princes stood aloof, Scotland was hostile and Ireland in open rebellion, while in England itself discontent had by no means been allayed by Cromwell's energetic measures. The loss of the protection of Francis in these circumstances might mean total ruin it was a danger even Henry did not underrate. So he resolved, first of all, to make sure of the French alliance.