OR, THE DAYS OF MARTIN LUTHER. BY JOSEPH SORTAIN, A.B., OF TRINITY COLLEGE, DUBLIN. R. FOLTHORP, NORTH STREET. LONGMAN AND CO., LONDON. 1853. 250. f. 326. COUNT ARENSBERG; OR, THE DAYS OF MARTIN LUTHER. CHAPTER I. IMMEDIATELY upon that elevation of their master to the Imperial throne to which the Elector had contributed so mainly, the ministers of Charles V., who were in the neighbourhood of the Diet, adopted every possible mode of showing Frederick of Saxony both gratitude and deference. At first, and at the suggestion of their own mercenary souls, they begged his acceptance of 100,000 florins-the payment for a vote that had been given out of the purest patriotism. And when it was scornfully declined, they sought leave to distribute it among his court! This also was refused, and even more indignantly; nay, with the added threat, that whosoever of his servants received aught of it should be instantly dismissed. VOL. II. B |