CALVIN'S PERSECUTION-DEATH OF GRUET.



383



  Of a similar character was the prosecution, curnnienced at
the instance of Calvin, against Francis Favre, a veteran
soldier of the replblic, and a counselor of the city.  He
had been at a wedding where they had danced all the even-
ing, and where lie was accused by one of Calvin's spies of
having used seditious language. Among the ten specifications
alleged against him, were several things lie had said against
Calvin; and the last and most grievous was, that he had, on
being conducted to prison, cried out: "LIBERiYW! LBERTY!!
I would give a thousand dollars to have a general cmncil !"
(of the burgomasters.)  He was sentenced to beg pardon
publicly. The veteran refused; lie was sent to priisn for
three weeks, and was then liberated only at the instance of a
deputation from Berne.
  Calvin also sought the life of Ami Perrin, the captain-
general of Geneva. Perrin's wife had been guilty of dancing
on the territory of Berne. Calvin sought to entrap Perrin
by means of Megret, one of his hired spies. This miscreant
denounced Perrin before the council; and he was in conse-
quence thrown into prison. Calvin thirsted for his blood.
But the people loved Perrin. The council of the two hundred
assembled to try him for his life. A reaction took place;
Perrin was about to be liberated, and Megret was openly
denounced.   At this juncture, Calvin entered the council
hall. The people received him with cries of "death to Cal-
vin!" Calvin waved his hand, addressed them, and calmed
their fury; but he barely succeeded by his eloquence in
saving his own life! t
  In reading these details, we are almost reminded of Marat
and Robespierre haranguing the Jacobin clubs during the
reign of terror. In fact, Calvin's reign in Geneva was truly
a reign of terror; and if during it, as much blood did not
   Audin, vol. ii, p. 189, seq.
  t Ibid., p. 196, seq. By his overweening influence, Calvin however suc-
ceeded in having Perrin afterwards tried, when, though his life was spared,
he was deprived of the place of captain-general; ibid., p. 197, seq.