The emperor himself presided, sustained by his brother, the Archduke Ferdinand.

Six electors, twenty-four dukes, seven margraves, thirty bishops and prelates, and an uncounted number of princes, counts, lords and ambassadors filled the spacious hall.

It was the 18th of April, 1521.

His speech, fearless, dignified, eloquent, unanswerable, occupied two hours.

He closed with the noble words, "Let me be refuted and convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by the clearest arguments; otherwise I can not and will not recant; for it is neither safe nor expedient to act against conscience.