Page:Luther's correspondence and other contemporary letters 1507-1521.djvu/552

 nesses, to tell Luther that on the next morning, that is, yes- terday, April 26, he must depart, and that on the twentieth day thereafter his safe-conduct would expire. Moreover, they forbade him to do sundry things* as you will see by the notary's act sent by the imperialists to the Pope. So the hon- orable scoundrel left yesterday at nine o'clock with two wagons; just previously in the presence of many persons he toasted many slices of bread and drank many glasses of malm- sey, which he extraordinarily loves. At the gate twenty horse- men received him, sent presumably by Sickingen at Hutten's behest. Some think that at the expiration of his term he will go to Bohemia, others that he will go to Denmark. So this morning we prayed the Emperor to inform both kings, and to take the final measures in our cause. He promised to do both, and to unite with the Estates for the completion of the necessary measures. As this scoundrel won't even accept reason, may God at least keep princes and peoples on the right path of the faith. We will do our best, and that with the greatest possible haste, and we will give your Lordship an account of all events.

465. LUTHER TO THE EMPEROR CHARLES V. AT WORMS.

Enders, iii. 129. Friedberg, April 28, 1521.

The original of this letter, formerly in possession of T. G. Keil at Leipsic, was bought for $25,500 in May, 191 1, by Mr. J. P. Morgan of New York, and by him presented to the Emperor William H; for this he received the order of the Black Eagle. The original has on it a note in Spalatin's hand: "This letter was never given to the Emperor, because in all this host of nobles there was not one who would give it to him." It was, however, soon printed.

Grace and peace with all subjection in Jesus Christ our Lord. Most serene and unconquered Emperor, most clem- ent Lord! When your Sacred Majesty on the public faith and with free safe-conduct summoned me to Worms to in- quire my mind on some books published under my name, and when, obediently and humbly, I had appeared before your Majesty and the whole Imperial Diet, your Majesty com-

Austrian Estates, which he printed at Worms in isao. In 1522 we find him, with the title of Baron von Schonkirchen, in the service of Ferdinand. iLuther was forbidden to preach on the way, but did not obey.

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