Hus Before the Council.
Though the Bohemians and Moravians earnestly protested against the harsh
treatment of Hus and demanded his release, he was not released. On June
5, he was brought to the Franciscan cloister, between the Cathedral and
St. Stephen's Church, where he spent his last days on earth.
[Illustration: CATHEDRAL OF CONSTANCE]
In the afternoon, bearing his chains, he was brought before the Council.
He admitted the authorship of his books and declared himself ready to
retract every expression that could be proved wrong.
The first article was then read. When Hus tried to reply, he was
bellowed into silence. When he was silent, they said, Silence gives
consent.
Socrates was allowed to make a long defence before his heathen judges;
Hus was overwhelmed with angry outcries by the representatives of all
Christendom!
Luther commented: "All worked themselves into a rage like wild boars.
The bristles of their backs stood on end; they bent their brows and
gnashed their teeth against John Hus."
Hus protested: "I supposed that there would have been more fairness,
kindness, and order in the Council." Hus asked wherein he had erred.
"Recant first, and then you will be informed!" Thus ended the first
hearing.