The Diet at Augsburg

The Diet of Augsburg has brought the empire's princes to the city, and Charles has set aside an evening for the scholars among them. Erasmus, who has been trying to hold the middle ground between Rome and the reformers, is there; More, still in the king's service, has come on English business; Copernicus, whose book is nearly finished, has been drawn into the imperial circle.

Charles speaks plainly about the failure of the colloquy: the Lutherans will not yield, the pope will not compromise, and the empire cannot be both. Erasmus pleads for patience and for a faith reduced to essentials; More says little and thinks of the oath he may one day be asked to swear. They eat marinated eel, a herb frittata, mushrooms, and candied fruit, and part without a solution.