“Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason (for I do not trust either in the pope or his councils alone, since it is well known that they have often erred and contradicted themselves), I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted and by my conscience I am captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, since it is neither safe nor wise to go against conscience.” And then he is reported to have concluded in German, “Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise.