3o6 LETTERS OF MARTIN LUTHER 1534 deeply insult us. It would not be easy anywhere to find such superior men as those in Torgau, and it would be a disgrace to us, merely because of their weak voices, to exchange such excellence for what is so much worse, especially when they do so much good by their faithful teaching and reading of the Scriptures. The others through their loud tones tickle the ears of the mob, but really do less good, or only benefit themselves. The Lord be with you, my Spalatin. Martin Luther. (SchQtze.) ^535 The Conference at Cassel took place in January between Melanchthon and Biicer, etc. The Pope sent his legate, Vergerius, to confer with Luther about a Council. Thirteen years later Vergerius became Protestant, gave up his bishopric, and took refuge with Herzog Christopher of Wurtemburg, where he circulated the Bible. In December the Elector John Frederick renewed the treaty with the Evangelical Princes at Schmalkalden for ten years, even England and France sending their repre- sentatives. cccxx To A Composer January i8, 1535. Grace and peace in Christ ! Certainly, my dear, good friend, I have been slow in thanking you for the song you sent and the Vorsdorf apples. But Hieronymus is my witness how often I intended writing, but could get no one to take a letter. Therefore I beg you to forgive me, for I know you wish me well from your heart, and I feel the same towards you, although it is not always easy to express it. We sing as well as we can at table, and continue afterwards. If we make some mistakes it is not our fault, but that of our skill, which is still very limited, even after going over the air three or four times. But Virgil sings we are not all alike, and we would rather sing it correctly than incorrectly. And even if composers make it first-class, our ideas transcend even that, so we hope you will not take offence if we do our best. My
