After a stormy session the estates decided to summon the bold Saxon before them and accordingly a citation, together with a safe-conduct, was sent him.
Though there was some danger in obeying the summons, Luther's journey to Worms, was a triumphal progress.

Brought before the Diet in the late afternoon of April 17, he was asked if a certain number of books, the titles of which were read, were his and if he would recant the heresy contained in them.

The form of the questions took him by surprise, for he had expected to be confronted with definite charges and to be allowed to defend his positions.

He accordingly asked for time, and was granted one more day.

[Sidenote: April 18, 1521] On his second appearance he made a great oration admitting that the books were his and closing with the words: Unless I am convicted by Scripture or by right reason (for I trust neither popes nor councils since they have often erred and contradicted themselves).