cil, which was to meet in Constance, in 1413. Sigmund therefore sent an invitation to Hus to appear before the Council and defend his cause, promising him his imperial safe-conduct, so that he might come and go with perfect safety. Hus was not only willing, but eager, to obey the summons, and immediately repaired to Prague to prepare for the journey. He presented himself for examination before the papal inquisitor, who, hearing his case in the presence of several nobles and prelates, declared him free from every suspicion of heresy, and gave him a written statement to that effect. Moved by this example, the archbishop gave him a similar testimonial.
Hus started on his journey for Constance, October 11, 1414. Before leaving his native land he exhorted the people to be steadfast in maintaining God’s truth, and to pray for him that he might have grace and wisdom for the coming ordeal. King Václav gave Hus an escort of three noblemen—Sir Václav of Duba, Knight John of Chlum, and Sir Henry of Chlum. The imperial safe-conduct was secured before the party reached Constance.
Although Hus had been warned while still in Prague that, once in the power of the angry prelates, he would never return to Bohemia, he had so much confidence in the justness of his cause that he had no fear; and he was reassured in this by the kind reception given him by the Pope. He soon found that this confidence was entirely misplaced. Without any explanation, he was seized and cast into prison. Sir Chlum at once went to the Council, and said to the Pope in the presence of the cardinals: “Holy father, this is not the promise made by your Holiness to me
