[507] See the two preceding letters.
Pressing entreaty in behalf of the Waldenses of Provence.
GENEVA, _24th July 1545_.
Now is the time for vigorous measures, so that we may not have
expended in vain so much labour in behalf of our unfortunate
brethren; and now, if never before, they themselves, though silent,
implore our aid. For, though I have learned from Germany, the King
pretends that he will exercise some degree of moderation, for that
a commissary had already been despatched to inquire into their
affairs, yet no relief could be expected from that quarter. Their
most bitter enemies, they say, will take part in the inquiry. No
one dare utter a word for the truth. Our unfortunate brethren,
either are confined in chains in the holds of vessels and in
subterranean dungeons, or are dispersed in scattered flight, or are
in concealment among their friends. The King will therefore have to
be asked first to set free those who are in confinement, and to give
them all full restitution. Then to send as commissioners just and
humane men, who may take the inquiry out of the hands of the furious
men who now carry it on. Do you strain every nerve to attain this
end; see that the accusation which is laid upon them do not harm
them. For it is an impudent fabrication, and I have some suspicion
of the authors of it. I only wonder that any trust at all is reposed
in worthless men, to whose falsehoods the ears of your people must
have long since grown callous. They pretend that this rumour was
brought hither by merchants. But their enemies have never dared
to allege that, for they would have to do so without a colour of
reason. The King's legate, Grignan, who by his treachery caused this
massacre which took place, does not employ this futile pretext. As
far as you can, therefore, prevent the minds of good men from being
diverted by false information from their efforts to aid them.
Farewell, my brother and honoured friend; may the Lord preserve
you with your colleagues, whom remember to salute in my name. My
colleagues also respectfully salute you.