Melancthon withdrew in sorrow. What a position was his! His conscience bade him go to Paris, and his prince forbade him. Do what he would, he must fail in one of his most important duties. If he departs in defiance of the elector’s prohibition, he will not only offend his prince, but set Germany against himself, and sacrifice the circle of activity which God has given him. If he remains, all hope is lost of bringing France to the light of the Gospel. Hesitating and heart-broken, he went first to Wittemberg, desiring to confer with Luther, and did not conceal from his friend the deep indignation with which he was filled.[738] He was called to raise the standard of the Gospel in an illustrious kingdom, and the elector opposed it on account of certain diplomatic negotiations. He declared to Luther that he would not renounce the important mission, and he was fortified in this opinion by the sentiments which that reformer entertained. The two friends could speak of nothing but France, the king, and Du Bellay. ‘As you have consulted me,’ said Luther, ‘I declare that I should see you depart with pleasure.’[739] He also made a communication to Melancthon which gave the latter some hope. Having been informed of the audience of the 15th, the reformer had just written to the elector. The cries of his brethren in France, delivered to the flames, moved Luther at Wittemberg, as they moved Calvin at Basle. The French reformer addressed an admirable letter to Francis I., and the German reformer endeavored to send Melancthon to him. The two men were thus unsuspectingly ‘conjoint together in opinion and desires.’ ‘I entreat your Grace,’ wrote Luther to John Frederick, in the most pressing manner, ‘to authorize Master Philip to go to France. I am moved by the tearful prayers made to him by pious men, hardly rescued from the stake, entreating him to go and confer with the king, and thus put an end to the murders and burnings. If this consolation be refused them, their enemies, thirsting for blood,[740] will begin to slay and burn with redoubled fury.... Francis I. had written Melancthon an exceedingly kind letter, and envoys have come to solicit him on his behalf.... For the love of God, grant him three months’ leave. Who can tell what God means to do? His thoughts are always higher and better than ours. I should be greatly distressed if so many pious souls, who invite Melancthon with cries of pain, and reckon upon him, should be disappointed and conceive untoward prejudices against us. May God lead your Grace by his Holy Spirit!’ Such was Luther’s affection for his brethren in France. He did more than write. The reformer was not in good health just then; he complained of losing his strength, and of being so _decrepit_ that he was compelled to remain idle half the day.[741] Notwithstanding this, he made the journey from Wittemberg to Torgau, where he had an interview with the prince.[742] Perhaps this journey was anterior to Melancthon’s.