The Elector of Saxony was already preparing to sign, when Melancthon stopped him: he feared giving too political a colouring to this religious business. In his idea it was the Church that should appear, and not the State. "It is for the theologians and ministers to propose these things," said he;[514] "let us reserve for other matters the authority of the mighty ones of the earth."--"God forbid that you should exclude me," replied the Elector; "I am resolved to do what is right without troubling myself about my crown. I desire to confess the Lord. My electoral hat and my ermine are not so precious to me as the cross of Jesus Christ. I shall leave on earth these marks of my greatness; but my Master's cross will accompany me to heaven." [514] Non principum nomine edi sed decentium qui theologi vocantur.--(Camer. p. 120.) How resist such Christian language! Melancthon gave way. The Elector then approached, signed, and handed the pen to the Landgrave, who at first made some objections; however the enemy was at the door; was this the time for disunion? At last he signed, but with a declaration that the doctrine of the Eucharist did not please him.[515] [515] Landgravius subscribit nobiscum, sed tamen dicit sibi, de sacramento, a nostris non satisfieri.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 155.) [Sidenote: COURAGE OF THE PRINCES.] The Margrave and Luneburg having joyfully subscribed their names, Anhalt took the pen in his turn, and said, "I have tilted more than once to please others; now, if the honour of my Lord Jesus Christ requires it, I am ready to saddle my horse, to leave my goods and my life behind, and to rush into eternity, towards an everlasting crown." Then, having signed, this youthful prince said, turning to the theologians: "Rather renounce my subjects and my states, rather quit the country of my fathers staff in hand, rather gain my bread by cleaning the shoes of the foreigner, than receive any other doctrine than that which is contained in this Confession." Nuremberg and Reutlingen alone of the cities subscribed their signatures;[516] and all resolved on demanding of the Emperor that the Confession should be read publicly.[517] [516] Confessioni tantum subscripserunt Nuremberga et Reutlingen.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 155.) [517] Decretum est ut publicæ recitandæ concessio ab Imperatore peteretur.--(Seck. ii. p. 169.)