What
avails it that we have burnt to death Miles Coverdale, who had the
hardihood to translate the Bible? His death appears to have been
only the tocsin that aroused other fanatics, and, without our being
able to divine or suspect where all these books come from, they have
overflowed and deluged the whole land; and we now already have more
than four translations of the Bible. The people read them with
eagerness; and the corrupt seek of mental illumination and free-
thinking waxes daily more powerful and more pernicious."
"And now you, Earl Douglas?" asked the king, when the lord
chancellor ceased. "These noble lords have told me how matters stand
in my kingdom. You will advise me what is the aspect of things at my
court."
"Sire," said Earl Douglas, slowly and solemnly--for he wished each
word to sink into the king's breast like a poisoned arrow--"sire,
the people but follow the example which the court sets them. How can
you require faith of the people, when under their own eyes the court
turns faith to ridicule, and when infidels find at court aid and
protection?"
"You accuse, but give no names," said the king, impatiently. "Who
dares at my court be a protector of heretics?"
"Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury!" said the three men, as with one
mouth. The signal-word was spoken, the standard of a bloody struggle
set up.
"Cranmer?" repeated the king thoughtfully. "He has, however, always
been a faithful servant and an attentive friend to me.
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