One inch of joy surmounts of grief a span, Because to laugh is proper to the man.
To the Reader.
Note 1. On the 16th of April, 1521, Luther entered the imperial city [of Worms] . On his approach the Electors chancellor entreated him, in the name of his master, not to enter a town where his death was decided. The answer which Luther returned was simply this.Bunsen: Life of Luther.
I will go, though as many devils aim at me as there are tiles on the roofs of the houses.Ranke: History of the Reformation, vol. i. p. 533 (Mrs. Austins translation). [back]