As it was now evident to Luther that Ca-
jetan's only object was to obtain a retraction
from him, he requested that he might have
three days to commit his answer to writing.
This was granted to him, and having refused
the offer of a safe conduct to Rome, he retired
for the purpose of preparing his defence against
their next meeting. At this juncture, his old
friend Staupitz arrived at Augsburg, and gave
him counsel and help in framing his reply.
On the 13th of October, the cardinal and
Luther, accompanied by Staupitz and two other
friends, again met. At this interview Luther
read with a firm voice a declaration, by which
he stated his willingness to be instructed and
corrected, if he should be found to be in error ;
that he was ready to answer all charges and
objections, orally or by writing, which Cajetan
might bring against him ; and that he would
submit his propositions to the decision of the
imiversities of Basle, Fribourg, Louvain, and
Paris ; but that he protested against retracting,
until he was shown to be in error. Cajetan
could not conceal his chagrin. He- had an-
ticipated that Luther would yield up all
demanded of him at this interview; being.
