[354] Zum kreutz kriechen werden.--(Mathesius Pred. p. 91.) The allusion is to the cross embroidered on the Pope's slipper. Charles did not think so. He was, on the contrary, astonished to see what power the Reformation had gained. He momentarily even entertained the idea of leaving Augsburg alone, and of going straight to Cologne, and there proclaiming his brother King of the Romans.[355] Thus, religious interests would have given way to dynastic interests, at least so ran the report. But Charles the Fifth did not stop at this idea. The question of the Reformation was there before him, increasing hourly in strength, and it could not be eluded. [355] Iter Coloniam versus decrevisse.--(Epp. Zw. May 13.) [Sidenote: SENTIMENTS OF GATTINARA.] Two parties divided the imperial court. The one, numerous and active, called upon the Emperor to revive simply the edict of Worms, and, without hearing the Protestants, condemn their cause.[356] The legate was at the head of this party. "Do not hesitate," said he to Charles; "confiscate their property, establish the inquisition, and punish these obstinate heretics with fire and sword."[357] The Spaniards, who strongly seconded these exhortations, gave way to their accustomed debauchery, so that many of them were arrested for seduction.[358] This was a sad specimen of the faith that they wished to impose on Germany. Rome has always thought lightly of morality. [356] Alii censent Cæsarem debere, edicto proposito, sine ulla cogitatione damnare causam nostrum.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 57.) [357] _Instructio data Cæsari_ dal Reverendissimo Campeggio.--(Ranke, iii. p. 288.) [358] Sich die Spanier zu Inspruck unfläthig gehalten.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 56.) Gattinara, although sick, had painfully followed in Charles's train to neutralize the influence of the legate. A determined adversary of the Roman policy, he thought that the Protestants might render important services to Christendom. "There is nothing I desire so much," said he, "as to see the Elector of Saxony and his allies persevere courageously in the profession of the Gospel, and call for a free religious council. If they allow themselves to be checked by promises or threats, I hesitate myself, I stagger, and I doubt of the means of salvation."[359] The enlightened and honest members of the Papal Church (and of whom there is always a small number) necessarily sympathize with the Reformation. [359] Semper vacillaturum de vera et certa salutis adipiscendæ ratione.--(Seck. ii. p. 57.) Charles V., exposed to these contrary influences, desired to restore Germany to religious unity by his personal intervention: for a moment he thought himself on the eve of success. [Sidenote: PIETY OF THE ELECTOR.]