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.