6 4 Readings i7i European History the unblushing sycophants, as if you were endeavoring to cut off the opportunity for evil. Where, as you write, you seem to see a chance for them to reply, block the way, so that they cannot reach you to strike back. But whither am I being carried by the zeal of friendship, as if I were your master and laying down rules for you ? Condone my offense, I beg of you. You are not without helpers : Andreas Carlstadt, George Spalatin, John Egranus, and Philip Melanchthon, — the latter a miracle of ability, — to whom, if you communicate your plans, you will publish nothing weak or which can be criticised. But why all this long message from me, except perhaps that it clearly proves my sincere interest in you. . . . Adieu. Yours, Basel, September 4, 1518. Whom you will recognize. 242. Eck's report to Hochstraten concerning the Leipzig disputation. IV. The Disputation at Leipzig (15 19) Eck, Luther's opponent in the Leipzig disputation, gives a good brief account of Luther's conduct in the affair in a letter to Hochstraten, the inquisitor general. 1 Toward two years had elapsed since the posting up of the theses, and it will be readily seen from Eck's letter that Luther had made a good deal of progress on his way toward revolt. It has not escaped you, reverend Father, in what manner I have thus far opposed the rash men of Wittenberg, who despise all the teachers of four hundred years, however saintly and learned, and disseminate many false and erro- neous things among the people, especially the powerful leader in this uproar, who seduces and corrupts the com- mon people through publications in our language. 1 See above, p. 46.
