Luther recommends M. Johannes Dotschel to him. News from the Imperial Diet at Regensburg, from Henry of Brunswick and from the Turk.
From Faber's collection of letters, p.35, in De Wette, vol. V, p. 344 f. and in the Erlangen edition, vol. 55, p. 301.
G. u. F. Serene, highborn prince, gracious lord! After M. Johannes Dot
1) The book "Dialogus" 2c. published by Johann Lening, pastor at Melsingen, under the pseudonym Huldrichus Neobulus towards the end of March 1541, in which he defends double marriage. See No. 2712.
2) Nebulo, so Luther calls him with reference to the name Neobulus chosen by the latter.
3) This is to be taken ironically, if otherwise the reading is correct. Aurifaber reads horrenda (terrifying) instead of: bona.
4) Virgil. Aen., lib. IV, V. 653 8H., modified by Luther.
5) Luther here plays with the words in a way that cannot be rendered in German: Salutant vos omnes nostri et nostrae, salvi, salvae etc..
I have committed myself to serve your F. G. for two years, as he has set out and is coming to fulfill his promise. But humbly ask that your F. G. graciously command him; 6) for there is a shortage of people here as well. As it stands out here, your majesty will hear from him. The Emperor is so gracious at the Imperial Diet in Regensburg that it may break the hearts of the papists. The Emperor is to name several princes and doctors who are to negotiate all articles of religion in a friendly manner, and the papists reserve the right to reject those that do not please them, which the Emperor is to disdain. 7) The Emperor knows what will happen. What will become, the dear God knows, he makes it all good, amen.
Heinz von Braunschweig is now convinced that he is an arch-assassin and the greatest villain that the sun has shone upon. God grant the bloodhound and bearwolf his reward, amen.
The Turk is coming with force over Austria, his advance raids have already torn a spot in Hungary miserably to Ferdinand's, and strangled everything.
Hiemit dem lieben GOtte befohlen, Amen. Midweek in Easter [April 20] 1541.
E.F.G.
willing Martinus Luther.
No. 2774.