Page:Luther's correspondence and other contemporary letters 1507-1521.djvu/532

 and grace of the Emperor a respite was granted him until four o'clock to-morrow. Then^ the Emperor had the official say to him that he should consider well that he had written against his Holiness and the See of St. Peter, and that he had sown many heresies — for they called things by their right names as was good — from which such scandal had arisen that unless preventive measures were immediately taken, it would kindle a conflagration which neither Luther's recantation nor the imperial power could quench. Therefore they admonished him to change his attitude. Then he was dismissed without speaking further. The fool entered smiling and, before the Emperor, kept his head turning continually hither and thither ; but when he left he did not seem so cheerful. Many even of his supporters after they had seen him said that he was fool- ish; others that he was possessed. But many others thought him a pious man, full of the Holy Ghost. In any case he has lost considerable reputation in the regard of all.

On these two days the Emperor has shown the constancy of his character and of his religious convictions against the efforts of many to confuse the issue. May God keep him thus. After Martin was dismissed to-day he spoke very earnestly to the Elector of Saxony. The Official of Trier communi- cated to me a saying of his master about the elector, who seems to have somewhat changed his position; for he said: "This reckless monk has ruined everything, and to my an- noyance and disgust has gone too far in his ranting opinions." Nevertheless, this prince does all the evil he can, and his people do still more.

This first appearance of Luther has not turned out so ill; if only he is not instigated by his followers to give an answer to-morrow necessitating further delay. We will do our best to meet him. This evening the Emperor commissioned the confessor and the official to come to an understanding with me as to what is now to be done. Delighted at their wish to co-operate with us, I intend first to ascertain their opinions, and then to decide what is best to do.

I pray God that these imperialists, who hitherto from wickedness, cowardice, frivolity or worldly considerations

>In Eck't own account this exhortation preceded the first questions.

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