But the outcry against him had been so violent and excessive as to provoke a reaction.

Froude might be an "infidel," he was not a criminal, and in resigning his Fellowship he had shown more honesty than prudence.

His position excited the sympathy of influential persons.

Crabb Robinson, though an entire stranger to him, wrote a public protest against Froude's treatment.

Other men, not less distinguished, went farther.