that, whichever way the sentence might lean, a greater conflagration was
sure to arise; for he was seeking, not after truth, but after his own
credit. In this case too I omitted nothing which it was right that I
should do.

I confess that on this occasion no small part of the corruptions of Rome
came to light; but, if there was any offence in this, it was the fault
of Eccius, who, in taking on him a burden beyond his strength, and in
furiously aiming at credit for himself, unveiled to the whole world the
disgrace of Rome.

Here is that enemy of yours, Leo, or rather of your Court; by his
example alone we may learn that an enemy is not more baneful than a
flatterer. For what did he bring about by his flattery, except evils
which no king could have brought about? At this day the name of the
Court of Rome stinks in the nostrils of the world, the papal authority
is growing weak, and its notorious ignorance is evil spoken of. We
should hear none of these things, if Eccius had not disturbed the plans
of Miltitz and myself for peace. He feels this clearly enough himself in
the indignation he shows, too late and in vain, against the publication
of my books. He ought to have reflected on this at the time when he was
all mad for renown, and was seeking in your cause nothing but his own
objects, and that with the greatest peril to you. The foolish man hoped
that, from fear of your name, I should yield and keep silence; for I
do not think he presumed on his talents and learning. Now, when he sees
that I am very confident and speak aloud, he repents too late of his
rashness, and sees--if indeed he does see it--that there is One in
heaven who resists the proud, and humbles the presumptuous.

Since then we were bringing about by this disputation nothing but the