Mention of Clement Marot's metrical versions of the
Psalms--persecutions in France.
GENEVA, _15th March 1545_.
What alone Hector asked, he obtained of me without any difficulty
whatever, that in reference to his smaller pieces we would be guided
by your decision. Certainly you will pardon me for having laid this
charge upon you, for indeed I could not otherwise satisfy both of
you; because you wished him to understand that you had written to
me expressly and anxiously. This, however, was the only method by
which I could make that evident to him, unless I would refuse the
one thing which he pressed. For who can seriously believe, that you
had requested anything on my part which I would not grant? In so
far as regards himself, if I was willing to comply with his wish, it
behoved him to be made aware of that. I have not yet conferred with
Girard. If they can come to an agreement, there shall be no delay
on our part, although I would have certainly preferred that he had
applied himself to the translation of other psalms than to those
which had been rendered by Marot;[479] but neither shall that stand
in the way of the publication. Besides the book which he shewed
me, he mentioned that he had several hymns which he requested me
to submit to you for the same purpose, with a view to publication;
only I have warned him that he must not on all occasions handle the
princes so roughly, because I remembered that seven years since
something of the kind was done by him, but you can easily be upon
your guard should you meet with anything which it may not be fitting
should go farther.
[479] In retirement at Geneva in 1543, the celebrated French poet,
Clement Marot, had been charged, at the request of Calvin, with the
translation of the Psalms in verse. Extracts of _Registers of the
Council_, 15th October: "Calvin offers to engage Clement Marot to
put the Psalms of David in verse." The same year fifty Psalms were
printed at Geneva, with a preface by Calvin, which is found at the
beginning of the subsequent editions of 1551, 1556, 1563. The work
of Clement Marot was finished by Theodore de Bèze.
Of late we have nothing out of Germany. In some parts of France the
disciples of Antichrist rage at will. There has been no further rage
of persecution at Lyons, except that a few are detained in prison.
Many have escaped by flight. May the Lord stretch forth his arm of
might for the safety of the godly. When you shall arrive, we will
converse freely on all subjects. Adieu, my very dear brother; may
the Lord have you in his keeping. Salute Ribitti, Celio, Imbert, and
the others respectfully, together with your own family.--Yours,