“‘You do ill, learned Doctor, to cast this in my teeth. I have ever opposed and do now oppose the Bohemian schismatics who have cut themselves off from the Church. Their unbrotherly conduct has violated God’s precept of love: nevertheless as to their doctrines, and those of Hus, their chief, some, I confess, seem to me Christian and Scriptural; as, for example,--that to believe in the supremacy of the Church of Rome is not necessary for salvation.’ “‘Not necessary for salvation?’ reiterated Eck with well-feigned astonishment. ‘Do I hear you, Reverendissime, entirely aright?’ “‘Entirely so.’ Luther spoke as calmly as though he did not realize that absolute silence held the long hall, and every man could hear his own breathing. ‘I repeat, this article seems to me evangelical and unheretical.’ “‘But the learned Doctor forgets,’ pressed the interlocutor blandly. ‘This is not a matter for settlement by the Vatican. Hus’s doctrines were not condemned by the Pope merely. He was banned and anathematized by the famous Council of Constance, the assembly of the piety and wisdom of Christendom.’ “‘I understand that clearly, reverend Sir,’ replied the unmoved Wittenberger dryly. “‘And yet even you have formerly pronounced Councils a fit appeal on matters of faith from the Pope.’ “‘So I have: but I am mortal. I can change.’ “‘Where, then, have you any final authority in matters of faith? For authority one must have--else how may man shun damnation?’ “‘We have authority.’ “‘Will the learned Doctor name it?’ “I saw Luther’s long lean finger go out towards the ponderous book that chanced to lie on the table before Duke George. “‘Behold it, Magister Eck: God’s Word.’ “‘And who shall interpret it, if not Pope or Council?’ “‘You, I, any pure-minded, believing Christian.’ “The retort shook Eck out of his sneering complacence. “‘Saints and angels! Do you say the apostolic Popes and holy Councils of all the prelates of the Church are not to be regarded as against the interpretation _you_ would put upon any utterance of Scripture?’ “‘Yes.’ Luther was still calm, but a visible agitation was running through the assembly. Men leaned forward, tugged at their beards, and felt their hearts beat. “‘And you set _your_ judgment in matters of faith against the mighty and universal Council of Constance? You dare assert that _you_ are right,--that in the matter of the Hussites the Council was wrong?’ “For a good half minute they faced one another in silence. No duel or tourney could have been more tense. Then slowly Luther spoke: his noble voice was not strained, but it rang clearly down the hall.