Page:The Early Kings of Norway.djvu/224

 214 THE PORTRAITS OF JOHN KNOX. little of distinct information, and to most readers of our own, none at all; the result little more than interjectional, a pious emotion towards Heaven and the individual mentioned : result very vague indeed. Wickliffe. — *Let this, England, be thy greatest ' honour forever that thou didst produce John Wick- ' clare war against the Roman Harlot, who audaciously ' Word of God dealt to her. And although for a time ' the wound appeared' to be closed, since then it has ' to thee, excellent champion, except the martyr's ' crown ; which not being able to obtain in thy ' when thy bones were burnt to powder by Antichrist ; ' who by that single act of wickedness has forever
 * liffe (albeit thou hast since somewhat stained that
 * honour) ; the first after so many years that dared to de-
 * mocked the Kings of Europe, intoxicated with her
 * strong drink. This effort was so successful that ever
 * since that Wicked One has been mortally wounded
 * by the blow which Wickliffe by the sword of the
 * always burst open again ; and finally, by the grace
 * of God, remains incurable. Nothing was wanting
 * life, thou didst receive forty years after thy death,