Protestantism in Sweden and Denmark - James Aitken Wylie

even of Christianity, menaced with extinction in
the rich and populous kingdoms of Denmark,
Sweden, and Norway. They go on to cite the great
deeds of Curtius and Scipio Africanus, and other
heroes of ancient story, and trust that the man they
address will show not less devotion for the
Christian commonwealth than these did for the
Roman republic. Their hope lay in him alone -- "in
his unrivalled eloquence, in his profound
penetration, in his Divine understanding." In saving
three kingdoms from the pestilence of Luther, he
would win a higher glory and taste a sweeter
pleasure than did those men who had saved the
republic.[20]
This, and a great deal more to the same effect,
was enough, one would have thought, to have
tempted Dr. Eck to leave his quiet retreat, and once
more measure swords with the champions of the
new faith. But the doctor had grown wary. Recent
encounters had thinned his laurels, and what
remained he was not disposed to throw away in
impossible enterprises, he was flattered by the
embassy, doubtless, but not gained by it. He left
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