LETTER

An ornate woodcut initial 'D' is decorated with floral and vine motifs.

The vryborstigheid frankness or openness that your Honor translated from the formal "U E" shows in your whole being and conduct, and which I have always loved in you, is also not hidden in your writing—published against me yesterday—despite the use of Hebrew and Greek names. I did not have to ask anyone who the Author of that book was, but noticed immediately from the style and content of the writing that its true name is Everhardus van der Hooght. Yet it was not necessary to guess your identity from that alone; for even without it, I would have soon learned who wrote this, as I am informed it was brought to light with the knowledge of friends here in the city. Meanwhile, it would not concern me much who writes something against me, but only what they write, if the manner of writing your Honor uses did not seem more troubling to me than the matters themselves. Now, I wish to tell you here that I will always be very pleased, from whatever hand it may come, if one approaches me with reasons that can make me doubt, or give me the opportunity to further explain my own writings where it might be necessary. But if it is true—as your Honor shows yourself to believe completely—that I exceed the bounds of sachtmoedigheid gentleness or meekness and sedigheid modesty or decorum when I deal somewhat more sharply with other writers (whether they be interpreters, translators, theologians, or linguists who have no more authority in the Church than you and I), then it would be advisable for you, Brother, not to follow me in that, much less to far exceed me. For if I am such a fool as your Honor describes me throughout the entire letter, then you knew Solomon’s lesson: Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him; and yet again, Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his... Bekker is quoting Proverbs 26:4-5 to point out the hypocrisy in Van der Hooght's aggressive tone.