A remedy must be applied, and you alone can do it, most honoured lords. A fanatical monk, who preaches against pure religion, has offered to enter the lists against every minister of the Gospel you may send us.... Do what he asks.... Grant to us and our brethren one of your preachers. Obtain for him a public place where he may freely declare the Word of God. Let him combat with this dominican in a properly regulated discussion, and thus ensure the triumph of the Gospel.' Maisonneuve knew the risk he incurred by speaking with so much frankness, and he therefore added: 'Perhaps you will also see that this just request does not prevent our returning home and living there in peace.'[706] [Sidenote: THE ENVOY'S DISCOMFITURE.] The syndic and the Genevan councillor, who had not expected such a speech, were embarrassed. Having come as accusers, they found themselves accused. The angry looks of the Bernese councillors disturbed the magistrate of Geneva still more than the words of the protestant ambassador. The avoyer, turning to the syndic, asked him whether he had any answer to make. 'We have no orders on the subject, and, therefore, have nothing to say,' was his reply. 'Well then,' said the lords of Berne, 'we will send a deputation to Geneva shortly, to see what is going on there with regard to religion.'[707] The council rose. It seemed as if a favourable wind was about to blow on the evangelical ship. But a storm was preparing, which might perhaps dash it to pieces. [690] Choupard MS. _Vie de Farel._ [691] Froment, _Gestes_, p. 57. [692] Roset MS. _Chron._ [693] Froment, _Gestes de Genève_, p. 55.—Council Registers, 28th March 1533.—Roset MS. _Chron._ liv. ii. ch. 10. [694] La Sœur J. de Jussie, _Le Levain du Calvinisme_, p. 56.—Council Registers of 28th and 29th March.—Froment, _Gestes de Genève_, p. 56. [695] Froment, _Gestes de Genève_, p. 56. [696] La Sœur J. de Jussie, _Le Levain du Calvinisme_, pp. 55-56. [697] Council Registers, 29th March. [698] Council Registers for the 30th March.—La Sœur J. de Jussie, _Le Levain du Calvinisme_, p. 59.—Gautier MS. [699] Gautier MS. Extracted from the petition presented to Berne by Maisonneuve and Salomon. [700] Council Registers from 2nd to 11th April.—Gautier MS.—Spon, _Hist. Eccl._ pp. 490-492. [701] La Sœur J. de Jussieu, _Le Levain du Calvinisme_, p. 61. [702] Ibid. p. 60. [703] La Sœur J. de Jussie, _Le Levain_, p. 60. [704] Ibid. p. 61. [705] Council Registers of the 2nd and 11th April. Gautier MS.—Spon, _Hist. Eccles._ I. pp. 490-492. [706] Requête de ceux de Genève.—Council Registers of 11th April, 1583.—Gautier MS.—Spon, _Hist. Eccles._, p. 491. [707] Requête de ceux de Genève.—Council Registers of 11th April, 1533.—Gautier MS. CHAPTER XVII SECOND ATTACK, IN WHICH THE LEADER PERISHES. (MAY 4, 1533.)