[480] Oswald Myconius had written on the 6th March to thank Calvin
for sending him the book intituled, "Supplex Exhortatio ad Cæsarem
Carolum V. et Illustriss. Principes aliosque ordines Spiræ nunc
Imperii Conventum Agentes, ut Restituendæ Ecclesiæ curam serio
suscipere velint, Genevæ, 1543." Translated into French in 1544; a
writing much praised by Bucer and Beza. See the Letter of Myconius
to Calvin.--Calv. _Opera_, p. 34.
Discovery of a conspiracy for the spreading of the Plague at
Geneva.--punishment of the conspirators.
GENEVA, _27th March 1545_.
Accept my best thanks for your communication about what you had
heard concerning the Emperor and the Imperial Diet;[481] with
regard to your opening my letter by mistake, I do not forgive you
for that, since you have been no way to blame. The Lord is sorely
trying us in this quarter.[482] A conspiracy of men and women has
lately been discovered, who, for the space of three years, had
spread the plague through the city, by what mischievous device I
know not.[483] After fifteen women have been burnt; some men have
even been punished more severely; some have committed suicide
in prison; and while twenty-five are still kept prisoners;--the
conspirators do not cease, notwithstanding, to smear the door-locks
of the dwelling-houses with their poisonous ointment. You see in the
midst of what perils we are tossed about. The Lord hath hitherto
preserved our dwelling, though it has more than once been attempted.
It is well that we know ourselves to be under his care.--Adieu, most
accomplished sir, and my much respected brother.
[481] The Imperial Diet was then met at Worms. The Roman prelates
were preparing for the celebration of the approaching Council by
a life of gaiety and dissipation:--"Larvati ut non cognoscantur
domos intrant civium; ibi edunt, bibunt, ludunt, saltant,
libidinantur, &c., præparationes dignæ sive ad comitia, sive ad
Concilium."--_Myconius Calvino_, 6th March 1545.
[482] The plague had then broken out afresh and was raging at Geneva.
[483] See Spon, _Hist. de Genève_, tom. i. p. 283;--the details
relating to that fearful conspiracy.
* * * * *
This nobleman who is not unknown to you, will explain the great
straits and difficulties with which at present our brethren of
Provence are oppressed.[484] Because I am aware that, as one might
expect, you have their welfare at heart, I only ask that when the
time for assisting them shall arrive you will be ready prepared,
as we hitherto always found you. But, in the first instance, as
seemed right, I have stated the case to Bucer, that he may consider
maturely whether any seasonable or likely access will be practicable
to the King. Salute particularly your wife and friends.--Yours,