s. Zwingli's
request, that the proceedings should be written down by secretaries
under oath, and the Latin language used, was declined by the
_landgrave_; likewise the wish of Luther and Melanchton, for the aid of
respectable Papists. Immediately after his arrival, Luther had received
a visit of courtesy from [OE]colampadius, Bucer and Hedio; Zwingli
remained without a greeting from the side of his opponents. Justus
Jonas studied physiognomy and manners. He pretended "to see in Zwingli
a certain tincture of rustic arrogance; in [OE]colampadius a
wonderfully mild nature; in Hedio, no less humanity and liberal
culture; in Bucer, under the mantle of sagacity and penetration,
fox-like cunning."

On the 20th of September, the _landgrave_ first joined his guests at
the supper-table. Here he expressed the wish that on the following
morning Luther would hold a special conversation with [OE]colampadius
and Zwingli with Melanchton. He hoped by thus placing a vehement
character over against a gentle one in each case, to render the after
approach of the chief combatants more easy perhaps. The Saxons were the
complainants. They accused the Swiss of errors in various points. But
everything soon gave way to the doctrine of the Lord's Supper. For
three hours Luther tried his fortune with [OE]colampadius, and
Melanchton with Zwingli for six. Agreement continued impossible. Yet
Luther sent the news in a letter, that the conflict had been carried on
in separate chambers, in a friendly tone.

On the morning of the 2d of October, at six o'clock, the discussion
began in the presence of from 50 to 60 persons, invited or admitted, in
the Hall of the Knights. At a special table, opposite to Zwingli and
[OE]colampadius, sat Luther and Melanchton; in their immediate
neighborhood, the _landgrave_, surrounded by his courtiers; the others
rather behind. Feige, the chancellor of state, opened the Conference in
the name of the Prince, with an address. After unfolding the pure,
successful, grand beginning of the Reformation, he then continued: "but
now, some of the leaders themselves, animated by a schismatic spirit,
have hurried on too rashly, and been so far misled, that they, who were
bound ever to remain faithful at the head of the cause, and, by their
common power and mutual support, sweep away every vestige of error,
have now not only deserted their post, but even attacked each other, to
the great joy and delight of the enemy. Therefore, if the