Nor was the Sorbonne alone agitated: all the city was in commotion, some being against the decree, others for it. The bigots, in their compassion for 'the excellent Beda,'[324] exclaimed: 'What an indignity, to expose so profound a divine, so high-born a man, to such a harsh punishment!'[325] But, on the other hand, the friends of learning leapt for joy.[326] A great movement seemed to be accomplishing; it was a solemn time. Some of the most intelligent men imagined that France was about to be regenerated and transformed.... Sturm in his college was delighted. What news to send to Germany, to Bucer, to Melanchthon!... He ran to his study, took up his pen, and wrote in his transport: 'Things are changing, the hinges are turning.... It is true there still remain here and there a few aged Priams, surrounded by servile creatures, who cling to the things that are passing away.... But, with the exception of this small number of belated men, no one any longer defends the cause of the Phrygian priests.'[327] The classic Sturm could only compare the spirit of the ultramontanists to the superstition and fanaticism of the priests of Phrygia, so notorious for those qualities in ancient times. But the friends of the Reform and of the Renaissance were indulging in most exaggerated illusions. A few old folks, mumbling their _Ave-Marias_ and _Pater-nosters_, seemed to them to constitute the whole strength of the papacy. They had great hopes of the new generation: 'The young priests,' they said, 'are rushing into the shining paths of wisdom.'[328] Francis I. having shown an angry face to the Sorbonne, every Frenchman was about to follow his example, according to the belief of the friends of letters. They indulged in transports of joy, and, as it were, a universal shout welcomed the opening of a new era. But alas! France was still far distant from it; she was not judged worthy of such happiness. Instead of seeing the triple banner of the Gospel, morality, and liberty raised upon her walls, that great and mighty nation was destined, owing to Romish influence, to pass through centuries of despotism and wild democracy, frivolity and licentiousness, superstition and unbelief. [Sidenote: THE FOUR DOCTORS EXILED.]