Probably the 13th of May 1523.
God's grace and peace before. Most gracious Lord!
The Mulman reports to me that the Herald of England has had great difficulty that Duke George of Saxony 2c. has delayed him so long.
He has always praised Ew. Churf. Gn. as a praiseworthy prince and said that Ew. Churf. Gn. is a much greater prince, a prince of the German nation, yes, a prince, and has dispatched him graciously, well and quickly.
And he said that he would not let Ew. He said that he would not let his gold and silver coins come from him for the rest of his life and that he would give them to the church after his life.
He disdained him very much that Duke George did not let him come before him, and let himself be heard that His Grace and her brother and cousin had heard and dispatched him themselves.
He stayed in the inn and talked with Gabriel and Mulman about wars and the like.
He has never been worshipped from the castle, except that he has been redeemed.
Has no one invited nor wanted to have as a guest, because once to a night feast his compatriot
from his city Caleß 1) a priest, for it Mulman holds, whom perhaps the Schösser found here in the market to Leipzig. Mulman said, however, that he did not note from his Latin speeches that he was particularly learned, as he is said to be.
Thomas von der Heyde, Duke George's secretary, ate with him once or twice.
Since he once told him by order that he should splurge, be in good spirits and not be challenged until he was dispatched, he then spoke to Mulman and Gabriel: What to show off, what to be in good spirits! I am not here for the sake of boasting and roasting apples. I am here to deliver my lord the king's things. For the while has been almost long for him and has steadily promised Ew. Gn. and her brother on account of their gracious assistance and ready immediate dispatch and said: O the pious, O the wise Elector of Saxony!
Finally, Doctor Kuchler and the captain at Leipzig gave him his clearance quite late on Monday 2) next past.
1) Maybe "Calais" because he also spoke French well.
2) May 11.
2) This letter is found in Cyprian's "Nützliche Urkunden zur Reformation-Geschichte", Theil II, p. 271. - The determination of the time is according to the words of this letter: "am Montag nächstvergangen. Duke George's letter is dated May 9; on the following Monday, May 11, the herald received his dispatch. Shortly thereafter, probably May 13 (cf. the last note to this writing), this letter was written.
378 De Wette in, 24. xIII Luther's dispute with Henry VIII. W. XIX, 467 f. 379
Doctor Kuchler took the floor and after Duke George's answer had been handed over, he gave him thirty-five silver coins, one of which is worth one guilder, for worship. And the herald had such reverence well complained and said to Mulman afterwards: He holds it for it, the prince had made him more and half of it had come.
He also said: What the captain here! What a man he is! He never touched his biret against me. He has never really looked at me; although I am not here for myself and for my own sake, but for the sake of my king. I still praise the Elector of Saxony, who knows how to keep people. As soon as I spoke with his Lordship, she took off her biretta. Likewise her Lord Privy Cousin. brother and cousin.
So he left Leipzig yesterday and,
1) Probably already on Tuesday, May 12, because he was eagerly waiting for an early dispatch. If this assumption is correct, May 13 is the date of this letter.
After it rained a lot, he kindly dismissed Mulman again. He took him in his arms and asked him to thank Ew. Churf. Gn. and her brother and cousin for his sake, besides expressing his sincere thanks, and especially to inform my gracious young master that he would soon send the promised book to his princely grace. For he has it in his house in Caleß and may not look for it long.
The herald's servant, a Flemming, praises Ew. Churf. Gn. as much as his lord and is said to have said: The pious prince! I will not forget him all my life. I will pray for him all my life. I want to serve him all my life.
So Mulman thinks that the herald came to Erfurt today. In the humble opinion of Your Honor, I do not want to keep this up any longer.
Ew. Churf. Gn.
menial servant
Spalatinus.