Page:Luther's correspondence and other contemporary letters 1507-1521.djvu/505

 428. GEORGE SPALATIN TO BEATUS RHENANUS AT

BASLE.

Briefwechsel des Beatus Rhenanus, 271. Worms, March 24, 1521.

Most learned Beatus Rhenanus! If ever a letter pleased me, assuredly yours, recently delivered to me by our friend John Froben, pleased me, the more as it was accompanied by Velleius Paterculus, dedicated by you to our Lord Frederic, most Christian Elector of Saxony. . ..

Luther seems to be summoned to recant, which he so hates that I am sure he will suffer anything rather than do so. But I hope he will come, for he is summoned undei* the safe-con- duct both of the Emperor and of my elector and other princes. Perhaps the wretches will prevent his coming to have a good excuse for treating him as an enemy. Farewell with greeting to all your good friends. In haste,

George Spalatin, Chaplain.

429. ERASMUS TO ALOISIUS MARLIAN, BISHOP OF TUI,

AT WORMS.

Erasmi opera, iii. 543. Louvain, March 25 (1521).

I have learned from the letters of good friends, though I know not whether they wrote in pure affection, that new rumors and suspicions are spread abroad here by some secret detractors that I favor Luther, and that I know not what evil books are attributed to me of which I hear that some are published here, some elsewhere. I know that these days arc the very kingdom of calumny, and that at no time has more unbridled vituperation been allowed, and yet wise, learned and grave men, among whom I consider you one of the first, should not allow any place to such accusations. Your pru- dence first warned me, though I was, as they say, mindful of it myself, that I should not mix in the Lutheran affair. So far was I from mixing in it that I exerted all my strength to keep the affair from getting to that point where I shocild least care to see it. Only at the first before I saw where Luther >vas tending I did not approve turbulent clamors among the people. I advised that the affair be treated in learned books. I preferred to have Luther corrected than crushed, or, if he were to be crushed, I preferred that it

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