[425] See the letter to the brothers Zollieoffre, and the notes
relative to the last intercession of the Seigneurie of Berne in
behalf of the students of Lausanne, p. 396. Viret took the most
lively interest in the captives, and wrote them a beautiful letter a
short while before their martyrdom, full of Christian exhortations,
which may be seen in the _Histoire des Martyrs_, pp. 248, 249.
Extinction of all hope in regard to the prisoners of Lyons.
GENEVA, _22d April 1553_.
When the present messenger left Lyons matters stood thus: the
majority of the judges were disinclined to agree to the condemnation
of the brethren, inasmuch as the king had given no express orders
respecting it. The Constable, however, stood alone in opposing
this.[426] Good men thought accordingly that something would require
to be done. To me indeed their labour appears not only useless, but
absurd. For there is no hope of inducing the Bernese, after their
insolent repulse, to expose themselves to no purpose to the mockery
of the tyrant and his court. Nor in truth would the Lyonnese ask
aught of the kind from us, if a copy of a letter which I received
three days ago were put into their hands. Should you deem it
advisable, you may counsel some of your Bernese friends as to what
should be done there. But good men will understand from our letter
that they need give themselves no farther trouble. Adieu, very
excellent and upright brother, together with your wife and family.
Salute Beza, your colleague Ribet, and the rest of my friends. May
Christ ever watch over you and guide you.--Yours,