Page:The letters of Martin Luther.djvu/362

 322 LETTERS OF MARTIN LUTHER 1535 CCCXXXVI To Justus Jonas Luther's interview with the Papal legate Vergerius. No-vember lo, 1535. Grace and peace ! I thank you for the hare and the birds, my dearest Jonas. I had much to write about, but I am very tired, and the topics are too numerous even to touch upon with my arrears of work. The Papal legate once more appeared among us in Wittenberg. He is now with the Margrave. One would fancy the man flies rather than rides. He invited Bugenhagen and me to breakfast, because the day before I had forbidden the sacra- ment {Nachtmahl) in the bath. I ate with him in the castle, but as to the conversation, no human soul could repeat it. All through the repast I was not only Luther, but represented the Englishman Barnes, whom he also invited, but such language as he used towards you ! But more by word of mouth. The Frankfort people write me complaining that the Archbishop of Mayence purposes forcing mass and the other Papal rites upon them. How necessary is it for me to have you all here ! Instead I must act alone, decide everything, and all because of the plague, at which the devil laughs heartily, being delighted that he has succeeded in scattering us all solely because of a few deaths. But God will defend and uphold His word. I here- with send you the letter of Herr Augustine, pastor at Colditz, from which you can catch a glimpse of this very fine Epicurean sect, but can also perceive that God knows how to revenge contempt of His name. You need have no doubt that our Prince has arrived safe in Prague. Melanchthon has written thrice that Dr. Bri^ck is in Jena. Perhaps it is Bleikardt who accompanied the Prince, and it is only a mistake in the name. For as BrQck had been ill, Bleikardt went instead of him on this journey. My Kathie greets you and yours. She is going on steadily