Apology Against the Calumnies of the Louvain Theologians

I was not ignorant of the danger in which I lived in that multitude, especially since an eternal war had been undertaken against me, particularly when there is such impunity for their tyranny. But the masters of the schools who used to be accustomed to announce disputations now, confused by the conscience of their own ignorance, abhor them and pretend to condemn with violence what they ought to overcome with reason. I know upon whose judgment the Caesar depends, and what kind of theologians are present with him; I know how odious and how dangerous the truth is. But it will prevail under a just judge, and the innocent person will not be terrified by a charge. But it is a grave matter to plead a case before those against whom I have written. If the Caesar knew the circumstances of the whole affair, and the injuries I have suffered, and what I have written were laid open to him, perhaps his mind would be more inclined toward me, and he would not number me among the worst, unless in the courts of kings the wickedness of detractors often carries more weight than the favor of good men. But since not only he is guilty who utters a falsehood about another, but also he who quickly lends an ear to accusations. Those calumnies would not have hurt me much, nor would those evil tongues have persuaded anyone, if they had not found ears similar to themselves. But I trust in my innocence, which results in me not being confounded, and I desire nothing other than a just and intelligent judge, such as you are alone. Therefore, now again and again I pray to your highness that you will not burden your mind, although it is very busy with many and most serious matters, to accommodate me for a little while, and that you might be willing to weigh our writings and responses until you learn the whole case. And do not take it amiss if (as many will perhaps say) I appoint you as the patron of such an odious argument. For I do not think that those things are troublesome or odious to you, which defend the causes of faith and piety against perfidious forgers and impious sycophants. May God bring it about that His church, purged from all the impiety of heretics and the shadows of the sophists, may be restored to its pristine splendor, He who prospers you and preserves you safe, and fills and refills you with all good things. Farewell most happily.