Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.

Ver. 10. The servant's name was Malchus] A busy fellow belike in surprising our Saviour. But it was a sad omen (saith a noble and renowned writer, Lord Brook) that Peter's sword should cut off the ear of Malchus, which signifies a king or kingly authority. How the pope hath lifted up himself, επι παν σεβασμα, above all that is called Augustus, or emperor, is better known than that it need be here related. And if bishops forbear (saith he) to touch the sceptre (which they strive to sway), it is but as once Mercury spared Jupiter's thunderbolts, which he dared not steal, lest they should roar too loud, or at least burn his fingers.

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