Page:Luther's correspondence and other contemporary letters 1507-1521.djvu/543

 you sent, and when I asked the messenger he replied that he did not have them. But I am not the less grateful to you, although there was no need of your honoring me with these lucubrations of yours, as my work keeps me too busy to devote much time to sacred studies. . ..

463. CASPAR CONTARINI TO HIS BROTHER-IN-LAW,

MATTHEW DANDOLO.

Sanuto, XXX. 128. Italian and Latin mixed. Brown, lii. 199. English.

Worms, April 26, 1521.

The day before I entered Worms Luther was asked, in the presence of the Emperor and electors, whether the works circulated in his name were issued by him. He replied that he should wish to know what works were attributed to him, as some might not be his. A list of their titles then being read, he admitted their authorship. He was then asked whether he affirmed the truth of their contents. To this question he de- clined to reply without time for consideration. The Emperor objected to this demand, because Luther did not deserve its grant, and because he had long known why he was sunmioned, but, as a favor, the matter was deferred until the morrow, and he was desired to return at the same hour.

Luther then departed, and when he came back at the ap- pointed time, he spoke at great length before the Emperor in German, against the Pope and the Court of Rome. He also maintained that the Council of Constance, which condemned John Huss, erred wickedly by passing sentence against him, and that he (Luther) would persist in that opinion until con- futed by argument or authority derived from Holy Writ The Emperor then dismissed him, and very early on the fol- lowing morning sent a rescript -in his own handwriting, stat- ing that he was descended from Catholic Kings and most Christian Emperors, and, therefore, would not degenerate from his forefathers ; that with all his might he would oppose the heresies of Luther, and inflict punishment on all his ad- herents; and for that purpose he (the Emperor) would hazard both his realms and his life.

This rescript being presented to the electors, they requested time to consult and decide on the matter, and went back to

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