The trial commenced, and the Ipswich monks gave their evidence. ‘He said,’ deposed William Cade, ‘that the Jews and Saracens would have been converted long since, if the idolatry of the Christians had not disgusted them with Christianity.’—‘I heard him say,’ added Richard Neale: ‘“down with your gods of gold, silver, and stone.”’—‘He stated,’ resumed Cade, ‘that the priests take away the offerings from the saints, and hang them about their women’s necks; and then, if the offerings do not prove fine enough, they are put upon the images again.’[151] Every one foresaw the end of this piteous trial. One of Bilney’s friends endeavored to save him. Latimer took the matter into the pulpit, and conjured the judges to decide according to justice. Although Bilney’s name was not uttered, they all knew who was meant. The Bishop of London went and complained to the king that his chaplain had the audacity to defend the heretic against the bishop and his judges.[152] ‘There is not a preacher in the world,’ said Latimer, ‘who would not have spoken as I have done, although Bilney had never existed.’ The chaplain escaped once more, thanks to the favor he enjoyed with Henry. Bilney was condemned, and, after being degraded by the priests, was handed over to the sheriff, who, having great respect for his virtues, begged pardon for discharging his duty. The prudent bishop wrote to the chancellor, asking for an order to burn the heretic. ‘Burn him first,’ rudely answered More, ‘and then ask me for a bill of indemnity.’[153] [Sidenote: Bilney With His Friends.]