"I fell down on my knees at his feet," says one of them, Anthony Dalaber, "and with tears and sighs besought him that for the tender mercy of God he should not refuse me, saying that I trusted verily that he who had begun this on me would not forsake me, but would give me grace to continue therein to the end.

When he heard me say so he came to me, took me in his arms, and kissed me, saying, 'The Lord God Almighty grant you so to do, and from henceforth ever take me for your father, and I will take you for my son in Christ.'" [Sidenote: Latimer] In 1528 the excitement which followed on this rapid diffusion of Tyndale's works forced Wolsey to more vigorous action; many of the Oxford Brethren were thrown into prison and their books seized.

But in spite of the panic of the Protestants, some of whom fled over sea, little severity was really exercised.

Henry's chief anxiety indeed was lest in the outburst against heresy the interest of the New Learning should suffer harm.

This was remarkably shown in the protection he extended to one who was destined to eclipse even the fame of Colet as a popular preacher.