What moved Slechta to correspond with Erasmus we do not know; possibly a slighting reference in one of the latter’s printed letters to ’those schismatic Bohemians, who have infected most of Europe’.  Slechta’s letter is unhappily lost; but from Erasmus’ reply, dated 23 April 1519 from Louvain, its general tenor may be gathered.  It began, of course, with eulogies of Erasmus and his work; and then, after some account of the writer’s life and fortunes, it proceeded to assure him that there were persons in Bohemia who were not merely interested in good learning but prepared to advance it.  Finally it invited him to come to Prague.  Erasmus’ answer to his unknown correspondent was courteous, but firmly declined the invitation.  ’What I can do at Prague I do not see.  It is considerate of you to offer me an escort for my journey; but I confess I do not like regions where such company is necessary.  In this country one can go about wherever one likes, alone.  I am sure that, as you say, I should find among you plenty of learned and pious men, who are not contaminated with the errors of schism.  But how is it that this division is suffered to remain?  Better unity with some hardship than to hold one’s own at the cost of discord.  I fear it is money that stands in the way.  Paul suffered the loss of all things that he might win Christ.  The world is full of cardinals and princes and bishops; if only one of these would take up this matter in a truly Christian spirit!  If Paul were on the Pope’s throne, I am sure he would allow not only his revenues but his authority to be diminished, if his loss would purchase unity.’  Erasmus concludes cordially:  ’If we cannot meet, at any rate we can write.  I will walk and talk with you sometimes beside your Elbe, you shall come and dwell with me in Brabant.  Friendship can flourish without actual contact.’

This letter was handed to Slechta on 11 September, four and a half months after it was written.  Nearly a year had elapsed since his letter had been dispatched and he had given up hopes of a reply:  so that these amiable and encouraging words were the more welcome, and he at once proceeded to act upon them.  Within a month he had composed a letter of some elegance, in which while subscribing to Erasmus’ prayers for unity, he pointed out the difficulties of the task.  To the remarks about coming to Prague he rejoined regretfully:  ’I can quite see that there is nothing for you to do here.  There are many of us who would have been glad of your coming; but I understand that we must hope to see you at another time and elsewhere.  That travellers in our country need an escort you would not wonder if you could see how the roads run, among lofty mountains shrouded in impenetrable forests.  These give cover to hordes of brigands, who prey upon travellers and merchants, robbing and killing indifferently.  Almost every month there are punitive raids made from the towns, and brigands are captured and put to death.  But the pest seems ineradicable.’