THE WORLD'S FAMOUS ORATIONS
to their own ruin than when, by measures in appearances most prudent, they thought to establish their authority! "God removeth the mountains and they know not" (Job ix:5).
In speaking thus, I do not suppose that such noble princes have need of my poor judgment; but I wish to acquit myself of a duty that Germany has a right to expect from her children. And so commending myself to your august majesty, and your most serene highnesses, I beseech you in all humility, not to permit the hatred of my enemies to rain upon me an indignation I have not deserved.[1]
Since your most serene majesty and your high mightinesses require of me a simple, clear and direct answer, I will give one, and it is this: I can not submit my faith either to the pope or to the council, because it is as clear as noonday that they have fallen into error and even into glaring inconsistency with themselves.
- ↑ D'Aubigny says that after Luther had pronounced these words in German, "with modesty, yet with much earnestness and resolution, he was desired to repeat them in Latin," the emperor being not fond of German. The splendid assembly which surrounded Luther, its noise and excitement, had exhausted him. ("I was bathed in sweat," said he, "and standing in the center of the princes.") But having taken a moment's breathing time, Luther began again "and repeated his address in Latin, with undiminished power." The chancellor spokesman of the Diet, then said, "You have not given any answer to the inquiry put to you. You are not to question the decisions of the councils—you are required to return a clear and distinct answer. Will you or will you not retract?" Luther then proceeded with the answer given in the final paragraph.
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