Henry was certainly a learned man, who had a respect for knowledge,
but he had a savage nature which he tried to tame with the scourge
of religion, though without success.
The clank of armour and tramp of horses was now audible, and the
Treasurer hastened, cap in hand, to the garden gate.
The King had already dismounted from his horse, and hastened towards
his friend, carrying a portfolio in his hand.
"Thomas," he said without any preface, "take and read! He has
answered me! Who? Luther, of course! He--the man whose mind reeks
like carrion, and whose practices are damnable--has answered my
book, _The Babylonish Captivity_. Take and read what he says, and
tell me if you have ever seen anything like it."
He gave the Treasurer a printed pamphlet. "And then this devil of a
liar says I have not written my book myself. Take and read it, and
give me your advice."
More began to read Luther's answer to Henry's attack. He read it to
himself, and often found it hard to remain serious, although the
King kept his eyes fixed on his face in order to read his thoughts.
Among other things, Luther had written: "It matters nothing to me
whether King Heinz or Kunz, the Devil or Hell itself, has composed
this book. He who lies is a liar--therefore I fear him not.
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