The blunt man may seem even rude in manner, and
yet, at heart, be honest, kind, and gentle.
John Knox and Martin Luther were by no means distinguished for
their urbanity. They had work to do which needed strong and
determined rather than well-mannered men. Indeed, they were both
thought to be unnecessarily harsh and violent in their manner.
"And who art thou," said Mary Queen of Scots to Knox, "that
presumest to school the nobles and sovereign of this realm?"--
"Madam," replied Knox, "a subject born within the same." It is
said that his boldness, or roughness, more than once made Queen
Mary weep. When Regent Morton heard of this, he said, "Well, 'tis
better that women should weep than bearded men."
As Knox was retiring from the Queen's presence on one occasion, he
overheard one of the royal attendants say to another, "He is not
afraid!" Turning round upon them, he said: "And why should the
pleasing face of a gentleman frighten me? I have looked on the
faces of angry men, and yet have not been afraid beyond measure."
When the Reformer, worn-out by excess of labour and anxiety, was
at length laid to his rest, the Regent, looking down into the open
grave, exclaimed, in words which made a strong impression from
their aptness and truth--"There lies he who never feared the
face of man!"
Luther also was thought by some to be a mere compound of violence
and ruggedness.
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