[34] Viret was at that time plunged into the deepest affliction. He
had just lost, after a long illness, his wife, Elizabeth Turtaz,
of Orbe, with whom he had lived for many years in a godly union.
The grief which he felt on that occasion is expressed, in a very
touching manner, in a letter written many years afterwards to
Calvin:--"I was so completely dispirited and prostrated by that
arrow of affliction, that the whole world appeared to me nothing but
a burden. There was nothing pleasant, nothing that could mitigate
my grief of mind."--_Calv. Epist. et Resp._, p. 53. The friends of
Viret, and especially Farel and Calvin, lavished upon him, during
that trial, marks of the tenderest and most brotherly affection.
The familiar correspondence of Calvin furnishes us with precious
revelations in this respect.
Calvin invites his friend to repair to Geneva after the death of
his wife.
GENEVA, _8th March 1546_.
Come, on this condition, that you disengage your mind not only
from grief, but also from every annoyance. Do not fear that I
will impose any burden upon you, for through my means you will be
allowed to take whatever rest is agreeable to you. If any one prove
troublesome to you, I will interpose. The brethren, also, make the
same promise to you as I do. I will also be surety that the citizens
do not interfere with your wishes.
I know not what I ought to imprecate on the wretches who had spread
a report of your death. Never did a letter from you arrive more
opportunely. Although your death was announced, yet as mention was
made of poison, Textor was already in the midst of preparations
for the journey, that he might speed to Orbe on fleet horses. A
great part of the brethren were present, all overwhelmed with deep
affliction. Shortly afterward your letter made its appearance, and
such exultation instantly broke forth, that we were hardly masters
of our senses. It was fortunate that we did not pass a night of
sorrow, else I should not have borne it without danger. But why do
I detain you, and not rather incite you to hasten hither as quickly
as possible? Adieu, brother and most agreeable friend. Salute
respectfully the brethren James, Ribitti, Hubert, Cordier, Celio,
Francis, Merlin. The Lord protect you and the remainder of your
family.--Yours,