arguments that could be alleged in its behalf were neither few nor
insignificant. The Huguenots had acquired a new position in the eyes of
the court; that was certain. They were not a few seditious persons, who
must be put down. They were not a handful of enthusiasts, whom it were
folly to attempt to reason with. The child had become a full-grown man,
whose prejudices--if prejudices they were--must be overcome by calm
argument, rather than removed by chastisement.[1129] If the studied
arrangement of the bar at the Colloquy of Poissy had been employed by
the petty malice of their opponents in order to give them the aspect of
convicted culprits, public opinion, unbiassed by such solemn trifling,
regarded the disputants as equals in the eye of the law, and attempted
to derive from the bearing of the champions some impression concerning
the justice of their respective positions.

The change in the basis for the settlement of the controversy was not
less apparent. For an entire generation the advocates of Protestantism
had been pressing the claims of the Holy Scriptures as the ultimate
authority for the decision of all doubtful questions. The only reply was
a reference to the dogmas of the Church, and the demand of an
unconditional submission to them. Beza had only reiterated the offer,
made a thousand times by his fellow-reformers, to surrender at once his
religious position should it be rendered untenable by means of proofs
drawn from the Scriptures. Cardinal Tournon had again made the trite
rejoinder of the clergy; but sensible persons were tired of the
unsatisfactory repetition. Catharine had given expression to the
peremptory requisition of all enlightened France when she announced the
sole appeal as lying to the "simple Word of God."

[Sidenote: Brilliant success of Beza.]

From this exhibition of his brilliant oratorical powers, and from those
displays that shortly followed, Theodore Beza acquired the highest
reputation both with friend and foe. Even those who would have it that
"he deceived the people," that his acquirements were superficial, that
he lacked good judgment, and, on the whole, had "a very hideous soul,"
could not help admitting that he was of a fine presence, ready wit, and
keen intellect, and that his excellent choice of language and ready
utterance entitled him to the credit of eloquence.[1130] On the other
hand, nothing could exceed the admiration and love excited by his ardent
espousal of their ca