a Council here. But I do
not see how it is to meet in the midst of such dissension between
princes and lands. The whole of Lower Germany is astonishingly infected
with Anabaptists: in Upper Germany they pretend not to notice them. They
are pouring in here in droves; some are on their way to Italy. The
Emperor is besieging Goletta; in my opinion there is more danger from
the Anabaptists.

I do not think that France is entirely free of this plague; but they are
silent there for fear of the cudgel....

Now I must tell you something about my position which will amuse you. I
had written to Paul III at the instance of Louis Ber, the distinguished
theologian. Before unsealing the letter he spoke of me with great
respect. And as he had to make several scholars cardinals for the coming
Council, the name of Erasmus was proposed among others. But obstacles
were mentioned, my health, not strong enough for the duties, and my low
income; for they say there is a decree which excludes from this office
those whose annual income is less than 3,000 ducats. Now they are busy
heaping benefices on me, so that I can acquire the proper income from
these and receive the red hat. The proverbial cat in court-dress. I have
a friend in Rome who is particularly active in the business; in vain
have I warned him more than once by letter that I want no cures or
pensions, that I am a man who lives from day to day, and every day
expecting death, often longing for it, so horrible sometimes are the
pains. It is hardly safe for me to put a foot outside my bedroom, and
even the merest trifle upsets me.[121] With my peculiar, emaciated body
I can only stand warm air. And in this condition they want to push me
forward as a candidate for benefices and cardinals' hats! But meanwhile
I am gratified by the Supreme Pontiff's delusions about me and his
feelings towards me. But I am being more wordy than I intended. I should
easily forgive your somewhat lengthy letter, if you were to repeat that
fault often.... Farewell.

FOOTNOTES:

[21] Servatius Roger (d. 1540), whom Erasmus came to know as a young
monk soon after his entry into Steyn, became eighth Prior of Steyn; it
was as Prior that he wrote to Erasmus in 1514 to urge him to return to
the monastery, see pp. 11, 87 f., 212 ff.

[22] Juvenal, ix. 18-20.

[23] N. Werner (d. 5 September 1504), later Prior of Steyn.

[24] Probably James Stuart, brother of James IV of Scotland, Archbishop
of St. Andrews, 14