Granvelle was, however, most resolute in carrying out the intentions of his master.  We have seen how vigorously he had already set himself to the inauguration of the new bishoprics, despite of opposition and obloquy.  He was now encouraging or rebuking the inquisitors in their “pious office” throughout all the provinces.  Notwithstanding his exertions, however, heresy continued to spread.  In the Walloon provinces the infection was most prevalent, while judges and executioners were appalled by the mutinous demonstrations which each successive sacrifice provoked.  The victims were cheered on their way to the scaffold.  The hymns of Marot were sung in the very faces of the inquisitors.  Two ministers, Faveau and Mallart, were particularly conspicuous at this moment at Valenciennes.  The governor of the province, Marquis Berghen, was constantly absent, for he hated with his whole soul the system of persecution.  For this negligence Granvelle denounced him secretly and perpetually to Philip, “The Marquis says openly,” said the Cardinal, “that ’tis not right to shed blood for matters of faith.  With such men to aid us, your Majesty can judge how much progress we can make.”  It was, however, important, in Granvelle’s opinion, that these two ministers at Valenciennes should be at once put to death.  They were avowed heretics, and they preached to their disciples, although they certainly were not doctors of divinity.  Moreover, they were accused, most absurdly, no doubt, of pretending to work miracles.  It was said that, in presence of several witnesses, they had undertaken to cast out devils; and they had been apprehended on an accusation of this nature.

["Histoire des choses les plus memorables qui se sent passees en la ville et Compte de Valenciennes depuis le commencement des troubles des Pays-Bas sons le regne de Phil.  II., jusqu’ a l’annee 1621.”—­ Ms. (Collect.  Gerard).—­This is a contemporary manuscript belonging to the Gerard collection in the Royal Library at the Hague.  Its author was a citizen of Valenciennes, and a personal witness of most of the events which he describes.  He appears to have attained to a great age, as he minutely narrates, from personal observation, many scenes which occurred before 1566, and his work is continued till the year 1621.  It is a mere sketch, without much literary merit, but containing many local anecdotes of interest.  Its anonymous author was a very sincere Catholic.]

Their offence really consisted in reading the Bible to a few of their friends.  Granvelle sent Philibert de Bruxelles to Valenciennes to procure their immediate condemnation and execution.  He rebuked the judges and inquisitors, he sent express orders to Marquis Berghen to repair at once to the scene of his duties.  The prisoners were condemned in the autumn of 1561.  The magistrates were, however, afraid to carry the sentence into effect.  Granvelle did not cease to censure them for their pusillanimity, and wrote