es me annually a pension of 100 crowns. The King and the Bishop of
Lincoln, who has great influence through the King, make many splendid
promises. There are two universities in England, Oxford and Cambridge,
and both of them want me; at Cambridge I taught Greek and sacred
literature for several months, for nothing, and have resolved always to
do this. There are colleges here so religious, and of such modesty in
living, that you would spurn any other religious life, could you see
them. In London there is John Colet, Dean of St. Paul's, who has
combined great learning with a marvellous piety, a man greatly respected
by all. He is so fond of me, as all know, that he prefers my company
above all others'; I do not mention many others, lest I doubly vex you
with my loquacity as well as my boasting.

Now to say something of my works--I think you have read the
_Enchiridion_,[55] through which not a few confess themselves inspired
to the study of piety; I make no claim for myself, but give thanks to
Christ for any good which has come to pass through me by His giving. I
do not know whether you have seen the _Adagia_,[56] printed by Aldus. It
is not a theological work, but most useful for every branch of learning;
at least it cost me countless labours and sleepless nights. I have
published a work _De rerum verborumque copia_,[57] dedicated to my
friend Colet, very useful for those who desire to speak in public; but
all these are despised by those who despise all good learning. During
the last two years, apart from much else, I have emended the _Letters_
of St. Jerome, obelizing what was false and spurious and explaining the
obscure passages with notes. I have corrected the whole of the New
Testament from collations of the Greek and ancient manuscripts, and have
annotated more than a thousand passages, not without some benefit to
theologians. I have begun commentaries on the _Epistles_ of St. Paul,
which I shall complete when I have published these. For I have resolved
to live and die in the study of the Scriptures. I make these my work and
my leisure. Men of consequence say that I can do what others cannot in
this field; in your mode of life I shall be able to do nothing. Although
I have been intimate with so many grave and learned men, here and in
Italy and France, I have not yet found anyone who advised me to return
to you or thought this the better course. Nay, even Nicholas Werner of
blessed memory, your predecessor, would alwa