Pagina 891 de 1118

This change, also, in addition to other reasons, secured him from

public retribution at the instigation of those in authority. His

rank and family, which had always been a species of defence to

him, still prevailed in his favour; and to his name, already

famous, was joined the personal esteem which was now due to him.

The magistrates and nobility had rejoiced at his conversion, as

well as the people; as this conversion produced compensations

that they were neither accustomed to ask nor obtain. Probably,

also, the name of the Cardinal Frederick, whose interest in his

conversion, and subsequent friendship for him, were well known,

served him as an impenetrable shield.