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214 THE PORTRAITS OF JOHN KNOX. little of distinct information, and to most readers of our own, none at all; the result little more than interjectional, a pious emotion towards Heaven and the individual mentioned : result very vague indeed. Wickliffe. — *Let this, England, be thy greatest ' honour forever that thou didst produce John Wick-
- liffe (albeit thou hast since somewhat stained that
- honour) ; the first after so many years that dared to de-
' clare war against the Roman Harlot, who audaciously
- mocked the Kings of Europe, intoxicated with her
- strong drink. This effort was so successful that ever
- since that Wicked One has been mortally wounded
- by the blow which Wickliffe by the sword of the
' Word of God dealt to her. And although for a time ' the wound appeared' to be closed, since then it has
- always burst open again ; and finally, by the grace
- of God, remains incurable. Nothing was wanting
' to thee, excellent champion, except the martyr's ' crown ; which not being able to obtain in thy
- life, thou didst receive forty years after thy death,
' when thy bones were burnt to powder by Antichrist ; ' who by that single act of wickedness has forever
