el's periodical exalts to the seventh
heaven the tyrant Henry VIII. of England. You extol him as a
conscientious man who was compelled by scruples of conscience to
separate from his wife. You commend him for having but one mistress.
You say that the sensualities of princes are only of 'anecdotal
interest.' Naturally," added the doctor contemptuously, "a school that
cuts loose from Christian principles cannot consistently condemn
adultery. Fie! fie! Debauchees and men of gross sensuality might sit in
Sybel's enlightened school. Progress overthrows the cross, and erects
the crescent. We may yet live to see every wealthy man of the new
enlightenment have his harem. Whether society can withstand the
detestable consequences of this teaching of licentiousness and contempt
for Christian morality, is a consideration on which these progressive
gentlemen do not reflect."

"I admit, doctor," said Lutz, "that the clear light of free, impartial
science must needs hurt the eyes of a pious believer. According to the
opinions of the ultramontanes, Henry VIII. was a terrible tyrant and
bloodhound. Sybel's periodical deserves the credit of having done
justice to that great king."

"Do you say so?" cried the doctor, with flaming eyes. "You, a professor
of history in the university! You, who are appointed to teach our young
men the truth! Shame on you! What you say is nothing but stark
hypocrisy. I appeal to the heathen. You may consider religion from the
stand-point of an ape, for what I care; your cynicism, which is not
ashamed to equalize itself with the brute, may also pass. But this
hypocrisy, this fallacious representation of historical facts and
persons, this hypocrisy before my eyes--this I cannot stand; this must
be corrected."

The doctor actually doubled up his fists. Lutz saw it and saw also the
wild fire in the eyes of his opponent, and was filled with apprehension
and anxiety.

Erect and silent, fiery indignation in his flushed countenance, stood
Klingenberg before the frightened professor. As Lutz still held his
tongue, the doctor continued,

"You call Henry VIII. a 'great king,' you extol and defend this 'great
king' in Sybel's periodical. I say Henry VIII. was a great scoundrel, a
blackguard without a conscience, and a bloodthirsty tyrant. I prove my
assertion. Henry VIII. caused to be executed two queens who were his
wives--two cardinals, twelve dukes and marquises, eighteen barons and
knights, seventy-seven abbots