Before long the people grew tired of jests and suppositions, and circulated extraordinary stories. Many prophesied that Melancthon would be assassinated, even before he had crossed the Rhine. It was reported that the papists had killed the real ambassador on the road, that they had substituted De la Fosse for him, and given him forged letters with a view to influence Melancthon, for whom they had prepared an ambuscade. ‘If he departs, he is a dead man.’[745] Albert of Mayence, the ecclesiastical elector, in particular gave umbrage to the protestants. When these rumors reached Luther, he said: ‘In this I clearly recognize that bishop and his colleagues; of all the devil’s instruments, they are the worst; my fears for Philip increase. Alas! the world belongs to Satan, and Satan to the world.’ Then, remembering an anecdote, he continued: ‘The Archbishop of Mayence, after reading Melancthon’s commentary on the Epistle to the Romans, exclaimed: “The man is possessed!” and throwing the volume on the ground, trampled upon it.’ If the prince, through whose states Melancthon would probably have to pass, treated the book thus, what would he do to the author? Luther was shaken. In 1527, George Winckler, the pious pastor of Halle, having been summoned before this very Archbishop Albert, had been murdered by some horsemen as he was returning by the road Melancthon must take. The great reformer began to change his mind. The elector, perceiving this, put more solid arguments before him: ‘I fear,’ he said, ‘that if Melancthon goes to France, he will concede to the papists far more than what you, doctor, and the other theologians would grant, and hence there would arise a disunion between you and him that would scandalize Christians and injure the Gospel. Those who invite him are more the disciples of Erasmus than of the Bible. Melancthon will infallibly incur the greatest danger at Paris—danger both to body and soul. I would rather see God take him to himself than permit him to go to France. That is my firm resolve.’[746]