But Savonarola had allowed the favorable moment to pass by.
But while girding on his armor for this singlehanded combat with the Primate of Christendom and the Princes of Italy, the martyrdom to which Savonarola now looked forward fell upon him.

Growing yearly more confident in his visions and more willing to admit his supernatural powers, he had imperceptibly prepared the pit which finally ingulfed him.

Often had he professed his readiness to prove his vocation by fire.
Now came the moment when this defiance to an ordeal was answered.[1] A Franciscan of Apulia offered to meet him in the flames and see whether he were of God or not.

Fra Domenico, Savonarola's devoted friend, took up the gauntlet and proposed himself as champion.

The furnace was prepared: both monks stood ready to enter it: all Florence was assembled in the Piazza to witness what should happen.