[204] Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, and leader in the ecclesiastical affairs of England during the latter part of Henry VIII. and Edward VI.'s reign, was, on the accession of Mary Tudor, committed to the Tower, tried on charges of heresy, and condemned. He recanted his opinions, but was nevertheless condemned to die. He then recanted his recantation. "They brought him to the spot where Latimer and Ridley had suffered. After a short prayer, he put off his clothes with a cheerful countenance and a willing mind. His feet were bare; his head appeared perfectly bald. Called to abide by his recantation, he stretched forth his right arm, and replied, 'This is the hand that wrote it, and therefore it shall suffer punishment first.' Firm to his purpose, as soon as the flame rose, he held his hand out to meet it, and retained it there steadfastly, so that all the people saw it sensibly burning before the fire reached any other part of his body; and after he repeated with a loud and firm voice, 'This hand hath offended, this unworthy right hand.' Never did martyr endure the fire with more invincible resolution; no cry was heard from him, save the exclamation of the protomartyr Stephen, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!' The fire did its work soon--and his heart was found unconsumed amid the ashes." (Southey's _Book of the Church_, vol. ii. pp. 240, 241.)--ED. [205] 1827. ... upbraiding ... 1822. [206] 1837. ... head, the victory complete; 1822. [207] 1837. Answering ... 1822. [208] 1827. Now wrapt in flames--and now in smoke embowered-- 'Till self-reproach and panting aspirations Are, with the heart that held them, all devoured; The Spirit set free, and crown'd with joyful acclamations! 1822. [209] For the belief in this fact, see the contemporary Historians.--W. W. 1827. XXXVI GENERAL VIEW OF THE TROUBLES OF THE REFORMATION Aid, glorious Martyrs, from your fields of light, Our mortal ken! Inspire a perfect trust (While we look round) that Heaven's decrees are just: Which few can hold committed to a fight That shows, ev'n on its better side, the might 5 Of proud Self-will, Rapacity, and Lust, 'Mid clouds enveloped of polemic dust, Which showers of blood seem rather to incite Than to allay. Anathemas are hurled From both sides; veteran thunders (the brute test 10 Of truth) are met by fulminations new-- Tartarean flags are caught at, and unfurled-- Friends strike at friends--the flying shall pursue-- And Victory sickens, ignorant where to rest! XXXVII ENGLISH REFORMERS IN EXILE[210]