the Word of God. We live in evil times, and the
world grows worse instead of better. I am the more
sorry therefore for the ill-treatment which you have
met with, and which is a misfortune to Christianity it-
self. Your welfare is precious to us all. If you are
taken away nothing can then stop the spread of heresy
and impiety. I propose therefore that you abandon
the thought of settling elsewhere. Come to England,
and assure yourself of a hearty welcome. You shall
name your own terms; they shall be as liberal and
honourable as you please. I recollect that you once
said that when you were tired of wandering you would
make this country the home of your old age. I be-
seech you by all that is holy and good, carry out this
purpose of yours. We have not now to learn the value
either of your acquirements or your advice. We shall
regard your presence among us as the most precious
possession that we have. Nowhere in the world will
you find safer shelter from anxiety or persecution;
and you and we together, with our joint counsels and
resources, will build again the Gospel of Christ. You
will not be without friends; you have many already
here. Our highest nobles know and appreciate you;
I will myself introduce you among them. You re-
quire your leisure for yourself. We shall ask nothing
of you save to make our Realm your home. You
shall do as you like, your time shall be your own.
Everything shall be provided for you which will
ensure your comfort or assist your studies. Come to
us, therefore, my dear Erasmus, and let your presence
be your answer to my invitation.

The situation which the young Henry intended for
Erasmus when he wrote this letter was evidently some
office close about his own person. The passage about
advice pointed to the Privy Council. At any rate, he
was to be associated with the King, in the most inter-
esting and important duties. No wonder that so in-
vited he needed no wings, as Mountjoy said, to fly to
a court where honour and leisure seemed to be wait-
ing for him.

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