Page:Luther's correspondence and other contemporary letters 1507-1521.djvu/442

 mus has become entangled with these curial toys, since for- merly he thought nothing worse than their triumphs.

372. JOHN VON STAUPITZ TO WENZEL LINK. Zeitschrift fur hist Theologie, vii. (1837), 123. W. Reindell: W, Linck aus Colditz, 263. Salzburg, January 4, 1521.

Greeting and kind regards. Our land is full of rumors about Martin, and our eyes are in suspense, waiting to see which shall conquer, power or truth. To us also has come the roar of the lion [Leo] seeking whom he may devour. For our very reverend Cardinal [Lang] has been instructed to compel me to assert that Martin's opinions are respectively heretical, erroneous and offensive to pious ears, and to reject them in the presence of a notary and witnesses. But as I am unable to recant and reject opinions which I never asserted and which are not mine, I begged the lord cardinal to have me excused.* I know not what will happen. It would be sufficient to have written this concerning me to the Father, and perhaps one other. I thought I was going to enjoy peace at last, and now this perplexing trial comes up. I am not able to fly with wings, as I am not distinguished either for learning or for holy life, and yet I think it the worst impiety to desert the truth. Therefore I shall take the wholesome cup and invoke the name of the Lord. Rev- erend Father, pray give me your counsel and aid. Martin has begun a hard task and acts with great courage, divinely inspired ; I stanuner and am a child needing milk. Farewell, reverend Father, and do not desert me under this dark star at the back of the world.^ My fellow-captives Mayr' and Bessler* salute you, desiring to see the face of your Rever- ence and to drink wine together, which is excellent at Salz- burg. They promise to bear adversity with you calmly.

^Staupitz had now retired to Salzburg to get peace. He signed an equivocal declaration that he submitted to the Pope. For this and Luther's answer,, c/. Smith, io7ff.

^'Nos zum finstern Stern in culo mundi"; an inelegant expression.

'One of Staupitz's oldest friends, who had matriculated with him at Tubingen T497; later Prior at Munich; in 1508-9 went on business of the Order to Italy. Kolde: Augusfiner'Congregation, a 13, 236. he made a trip to Italy, on business of the Order, and was detained there forcibly for four years. Later Prior of Nuremberg, and after accompanying Staupitz to Salzburg, Prior of Cologne, where we last hear of him in 1529. Kolde, index.

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