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 out to welcome the new-comers ere they could get ashore. The people rushed out to see the strange men. Æneas Silvius writes: “The women, children, and servants crowded into the windows, pointing out this one and that one. They wondered at the strange costumes, the style of dress never seen before, at their terrible countenances and wild eyes, saying that what they had heard of them was probably true. Nevertheless, the attention of all was riveted upon a certain Prokop; for they said that it was he who had carried on so many wars, and won so many victories over the faithful, had taken and destroyed so many cities, brought to ruin so many thousands of people—a man equally feared by friend and foe, since he was a general, bold invincible, unfailing in labors, and fearless in perils.”

Cardinal Julian opened the session with an impressive address, which was followed by a discourse by John Rokycan on the text, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” The speaker said they came to Basil to seek Christ—Christianity—as it was taught in the primitive Church. Then followed discussions that lasted for several days. Rokycan defended the Utraquist doctrine; Ulric of Znoima, the free preaching of the Word of God; Peter Payne spoke against the secular power of the clergy; and Nicholas of Pelhram advocated the punishment by secular authorities of crimes committed by the clergy. Rokycan, speaking with great eloquence and moderation, was listened to with breathless attention. The others, and especially Peter Payne, did not possess so much self-restraint, and consequently indulged in bitter invective against the