THE ROMAN CONCLAVE. Wherein, by way of HISTORY, exemplified upon the Lives of the Roman Emperors, from CHARLES the Great, to RODULPH now Reigning; The forcible Entries, and Usurpations of the jesuited Statists, successively practised against the sacred Majesty of the said EMPIRE: And so by Application, against the Residue of the CHRISTIAN KINGS, and FREE-STATES are lively Acted, and truly Reported. By IO. VRSINUS Ante-Iesuite.  Io. de Turrecremat. de Illicitis dispensat. Ecclesia iuribus & legibus regitur, sive debet regi; Non talibus actibus, sive exemplis. D. AND. Fol. 46. Dum enim Henrici, Frederici, Lodovici pugnant: Sultani, Chami, Ottomani, miserâ nostrâ magni sunt, ditiones suas perditione nostra dilatârunt. 
LONDON Printed for john jagger, and are to be sold at his Shop in Fleetstreet within Temple Bar. 1609.   

¶ The Names of the Authors out of whose Records, these memorial are Collected.  

Aventine.  
Bartolus.  
Barnus de vitis Pontif.  
Benno.  
Blondus.  
Catal. testium verit.  
Collenutius.  
Cuspinian.  
The Decretals.  
Aeneas Silvius.  
Feronius.  
Functius.  
Gunther.  
Guicciardine.  
Hub. Goltz.  
Helmoldius.  
Hutenus.  
joan. de Cremona.  
iovius.  
Krantzius.  
Gerard Moringus.  
Munster.  
Mutius.  
Nauclerus.  
Otho Frisingensis.  
Pandulfus.  
Paral. Vrsperg.  
Petrus de Vineis.  
Platina.  
Radavicus.  
Sleydan.  
ja. Spigelij Annot.  
Theodore de Nyem.  
Tritemnius.  
Ab. Vrspergensis.  
Wimphelinagus Ger.  
Zeigl. de vir. illust. German.    

¶ To the unresolved Reader, Peace and Profit.  
IN Disputations words multiply words: In tedious Discourses (for the most part) grounded upon the sole Authority of running reason, small satisfaction is afforded to weak consciences. In this Argument, I must confess, matters of weighty consequence are debated; The Romish Prelates are accused of Intrusion and Usurpation: And they again, as stiffly maintain fair and filial usage, with successive divolution. To what purpose were it then, for any man how learned, or zealous soever, to enforce his utmost endeavours, to put end to a Controversied question; If when all hath been said, that Truth and Learning can allege: Every passionate and discontented Humorist may take upon him with colours and cunning distinctions, to oppose and contradict his opposites Assertions. In this case, what conscience can but remain distracted in utramque partem? The Disputants on either side, are men of admirable reputation for their learning. Both of them bring warrant (or at least) seem to bring warrant to maintain their party. Yet oftentimes upon private passion, so impertinently and maliciously, that either they seem not to have read the Authors whom they quote; Or having read them, they do not understand them, or understanding them, they do of purpose misconstrue them. Upon which conceit it should seem, that this our Ante-Iesuite, in assured hope to work more by Example, than Discourse, hath purposely declined these ambiguous Disputations; And in lieu thereof hath brought upon the stage of judgement, Time and Testimony, Veritatis parents, to plead nothing for themselves, but matter on Record. A course that hath seldom in so doubtful a Controversy been presented to Audience. The Remembrancers were men without Exception, and some of them by testimonies on either side, Genere, pietate, & erudition Nobilissimi, atque harum rerum Testes pene oculati: Their names and credits you are acquainted with; your understandings will inform you of their Manners, and the Times, wherein, and under whom they flourished. Nothing then remaineth, but a rectified conscience, to make true use of the Application. Which to effect, behold our Ante-jesuite, hath not only run the truest and plainest Pathway to confidence, but also in old and ancient fashion, hath of purpose thus attired his Actors, that the busiest-headed jesuit that ever put pen to Paper, may rather with impudency cavil at Antiquity, then with his fiery wit, become a stumbling-block to the wavering, by Excepting to his Pen or Person. You yourselves sit judges; and as unpreiudicated Arbitrators examine the Pleas: Both parties are at the Bar, and shall produce their best Titles, even Titles of prescription. Whereunto, however Paul plant, or Apollo water, Let that great God who searcheth the reins, and loveth nothing but Truth, give a plentiful increase to the restoration of his reformed kingdom, Amen.  
Thine in Assurance, C. H.   

A TRUE RELATION BY WAY OF HISTORY, DISCOURSING UPON THE TREACHERIES, INSOLENCIES, AND Tyrannies, which the Roman Popes from time to time have practised, upon, and against the sacred Majesty of the GERMAN Empire: And so by insinuation, upon all Christian Kings, Princes, and free Commonweals.  
AMongst the manifold and infinite choice of Precedents, arguing and proving, God himself, to be both the Parent and Protector of Order: Herein especially appeareth the most evident and remarkable Confirmation thereof; In that all those godly and goodly Conformities (whereby from everlasting, Religion, and the unfeigned zeal thereof, together with the mutual references of human life, and Civil society, have been by due and orderly proceedings maintained and perfected) have tended even from the prime-birth of Mankind, by admirable providence, to advance the Priesthood to govern the Church, and the Temporal Magistrate to take care of the Commonwealth; and Both distinguished by their peculiar Orders and Dignities, without intermeddling one in another's Office.  
For albeit the fathers of the Old Testament, Abel, Seth, Noah, Abraham, and jacob, who lived before the promulgation of the written Law, are registered to be sole Governors aswell of Religion as of Lay-matters: and that in succeeding ages, both amongst the Egyptians, and many other Nations (the precedents no doubt being taken from the examples of the foresaid patriarchs) none by the authority of Plato were chosen to be Kings, but such as formerly had been interessed in the administration of their Religious ceremonies: yet by the written Law of Moses, God manifested his determinate pleasure in distinguishment of either's Authority: The Priests to Teach, to Sacrifice, to Pray: The Princes with the people, to sit in judgement, to observe Discipline, to procure Peace, and that according to Order and Equity.  
In the new Priesthood, in the New Testament (being the very institution of Christ the Son of God, and the Saviour of the world,) Himself, being ordained by the will of his Father, a Prince, and a Priest for ever, utterly refusing to intermeddle in Temporal government, took upon him the charge of Spiritual matters only: For that, his Kingdom was from eternity and celestial, not transitory and political. For he knew, That in his Kingdom, worldly matters, temporary, vain, and passeable, were not to be managed; but blessings heavenly and everlasting to be distributed. Whereupon he gave Pilate, demanding him as concerning his Temporality, this sweet answer, That, His kingdom was not of this world: 
John 18.  Neither that he came to be ministered unto, but to minister; Yea, 
Matth. 20  to lay down his life for the salvation of many. And when the multitude would have created him a King, he avoided it. The judgement, or portion of an offered inheritance, he refused: And not only commanded to give unto Caesar, that which was Caesar's; 
John 6.  but where the tribute money was demanded (lest he should give an evil precedent to others) the Silver being taken out from the Fish's mouth, he delivered it unto the King's Officers. 
Luke 12. Mark 12. Matth. 17.   
Moreover, when he understood that his Disciples distracted through the ambition of superiority, contended for Primacy, he told them; That not they, but Temporal Princes were to affect Sovereignty; hereby putting them in mind of their Calling, as disunited from worldly Government, and human Policies.  
At last, after his glorious resurrection, he sent them to Preach the Gospel over the whole world, but with no other Commission, than what he himself had received from his Father. Intimating by this Mandate, that they were never called, nor chosen for Lordship, but that through the Preaching of the Gospel, and the glad tidings of salvation, they were bound to beget a Congregation to the Father in eternity: That, Him they should love, fear and invocate with all their power: And being astonished with no torments, calumnies nor threats, they should not forbear to confess his holy Name before all men. That, in Prayer, they should carry themselves zealously, faithfully, constantly, modestly, soberly, and chastened: That, upon cause of offences, they should study mildness; compassion towards good men oppressed, and patience amidst their miseries: That, by the bond of peace, they should retain unity of spirit; And finally, that casting away the care of earthly easements, they should meekly endure poverty, and worldly displeasures, that thus by their doctrine, and example of life, Christ might be glorified, the Church increased, and their ministery admired.  
And surely the Apostles, and their successors, in all their travails over the face of the earth, thus undertaken by the commandment of their Master, so behaved themselves in all occurrences, but especially in this observancy of difference between political Government and Ecclesiastical orders, that by this note only they were acknowledged to be the true Disciples and followers of their glorified Master. For they not only Preached with purity the everlasting will of God (without intermingling of human fancies) but also, in all places accustomed to teach; That upon earth Caesars (Kings) were to be acknowledged next unto God, and to be reverenced before all other mortal men; They styled them their Lords, paid them tribute, made intercession unto God for their welfare; And unto such as spoke evil of the Magistrate, they threatened revenge from above. From all worldly affairs, especially from the abuse of Arms, they abhorred; Knowing that the twofold sword of the Church was entrusted to salvation and regeneration, and not for destruction. So far were they even from imagination, to think it lawful to disenthronize any King or Potentate, though a most wicked one; either to absolve his people from their Oaths of Allegiance, or to prove masteries with him about Precedencies. But rather they thought it a work worthy their calling, by the space of two hundred and seventy years, to suffer most bitter and terrible persecutions, and those too rather to be endured by steadfast faith in Christ jesus, by zealous calling upon his Name, and by glorious Martyrdom; then by rebellious impatiency, 
Sanguis martyrum semen Ecclesiae.  and violent Meditation of requital; And all this, not without admirable increase, and good success to the Church of Christ.  
For in what Age was the face of the Church more amiable, or liker the head thereof, even Christ jesus, then when after his ascension, his Disciples (striving to fulfil his Testament; and their successors, treading in the very same footsteps) Preached faithfully and purely the Gospel through judaea, Samaria, and Palestine? After that, when so glorious and conspicuous, as when with their fellow labourers, taking their journeys towards other Nations, but especially towards Rome (at that time the chief Seat of the Empire) and the bordering Regions, they employed their times in dressing, in Planting and in watering the Lords vineyard, viz. From the time of Linus to Silvester, and Caesar Constantine by the space of two hundred and fifty years, under most unsufferable Persecutions, even to the loss of their lives and dearest bloods?  
But assoon as Constantine by the divine providence had given peace to the afflicted Churches, and that the Bishops being delivered from their lurking corners, from Vaults and from dens, wherein during the time of Persecution they had safe conducted their bodies, then, I say, shamed they not to give themselves over to the delights of the world, to unprofitable idleness: to live a pleasurable life; to degenerate from the ways of their predecessors, through neglect of God's word, being wholly seduced with carnal affections. Then began they to give coulorable clothing to the doctrine of Christ and his Apostles, by Canons, Decretals, and Ceremonies: Then began they to devise new appellations of Dignity: To prefer one Church before all other, and finally blushed not to confound all orders both Civil and Ecclesiastical. Whereupon presently followed so universal a confusion of Doctrine, Discipline and Order, that they no longer seemed to represent the late Pastors of the Lords flock, but ravening Wolves; not Priests but blasphemers; not Doctors but deiectors of souls from the sweet aspect of the face of God.  
For surely, they did not only obscure in a wondrous manner the sincerity of the Christian doctrine by their human traditions; gave it so great a scandal by superstitious impiety, and heathenish invocation of Souls departed; and so wickedly polluted it with blasphemous Idolatry; But all honesty and discipline being trodden underfoot, in all seducement and oppression of verity, they spent their whole days in Sodomitical abuses, in Wantonness, in Luxury, in Ribaldry, in Whoring, in Sacrilege, in Contention, in Necromancy, in Charms, in Homicide, and such like transgressions: And that more is, being possessed with a diabolical affectation of Government & pride, clean contrary to the Divine commandment, they began to busy themselves in secular affairs; to withdraw their faiths from the subjection of Kings, to usurp upon other men's patrimonies; to thrust in their crooked Syckles (and that at adventure) into another man's Harvest; to arrogate both Presences; to challenge the jurisdiction of both Swords; to tolerate no equal, much less no Superior; to defraud one of his right, an other of his Honour; to give Law to Kings, and prescribe them ordinances; basely to esteem of Emperors, as if they reigned at will; to accurse them and murder them; To set Princes together by the ears; to sow dissensions; to patronize factions; to absolve Subjects from their Oaths of Allegiance; and finally by their novel and sly Policies, to move them to unlawful Rebellions: So far forth, that after they had once pleaded prescription in their incrochments, they more defaced the Majesty of the Roman Empire, by their dissimulations, slaughters, war, and such varieties of wickednesses, than any foreign or barbarous enemy could have done by the Sword or violence.  
For to let pass the Empire of the East, ruinated by the cunning and sly carriage of the Roman Bishops, the Grecians being first expulsed Italy by the Lombard's, and presently (they again being oppressed by the French) called in against Astulphus King of the Lombard's, for calling upon Steven the second for his Subsidy money: Every man that is any thing seen in History, knoweth (the Roman Empire being by the prows of Charles the Great, transferred from the Grecians to the Germans) how the Emperors of Germany have been harried by the incredible subtleties and combinations of the Roman Bishops; wearied with most lamentable wars, and lastly the goodly and most flourishing forces of the Empire by their ungodliness disvnited, impoverished, and wasted.  
Surely the remembrance of these times are so distasteful and lamentable, that I had rather wash them out with tears, then aggravate them by speech: But sithence our Pen is fallen into repetition thereof, I persuade myself, that it shall prove neither a digression from my project, neither impertinent from the point of our Argument, to Paint out in most lively colours, what hath been the humility, observancy, loyalty & obedience of the Roman Bishops manifested throughout all Ages, sithence the days of the aforesaid Charles towards the most worthy German Emperors, their very good Lords and especial benefactors.  

❧ Charles the Great.  
TO begin therefore with the Frenchmen, who first transferred the Empire from the Grecians to the Germans: who liveth so ignorant, that knoweth not, with what immunities and honourable endowments they adorned the Roman Clergy? First, Charles surnamed the Great, to his eternal renown delivered that Sea, being most grievously laid unto by Desiderius King of the Lombard's, to the utter confusion of his Army. Against Herisigus Duke of Benovent, he likewise defended his frontiers: And presently after that, he restored Leo the third to his Sea, at Baryona, being expulsed from Rome by the faction of his adversaries.   

❧ Lewes surnamed Pius.  
This man was Emperor in the year of Christ eight hundred and fourteen, at what time Egbright governed the West Saxons, and first called our Country Anglia.  
LEWES succeeding his father Charles (as the Roman Chronicles record) with no less liberality, granted unto the Roman Bishops and his successors, the City of Rome together with his Dukedom: and defended the jurisdiction and dignity thereof, even to the imputation of superstition.  
Notwithstanding; neither the remembrance of the good services of the father, nor the virtues of the son, could so far forth weigh with Gregory the third, as to suppress, much less to mitigate his devilish intendments once conceived against this Lewes. For the War being on foot between Lewes and his sons; He (as it behoved an Apostolical Bishop) sought not to quench the fire of this unkindness between father and child, but being sent by Lewes into the Camp of his sons to capitulate the Peace, with condition to return again unto the Emperor; revolting from Lewes, he remained with his sons, and like a true Apostata, abetted and complotted this unnatural dissension; so far forth, that the father was taken, and being committed to most severe imprisonment, with his younger son was finally thrust into the Monastery of Suessons. Behold here a most strange precedent of ingratitude in children against their dearest Parents, and the detestable impiety of a Bishop against a most innocent Emperor; both equally guilty of like perjury and disloyalty.  
From that time, although the Royal Diadem continued for some certain Ages in the posterity of Lewes, nevertheless their hellish humours did no more spare the issue, then in former time it compassionated the Parent. And no marvel, for this was the only mark that they shot at, that having once shaken off the right which the Emperor pretended in the confirmation of Bishops, they might with more security ever after have means to overtop them in greatness. Which their most provident project was long a hatching, neither could it be delivered to discovery, before the year eight hundred ninety five. At what time Charles the Gross departing out of Italy to war upon the Normans, who at that time miserably infested the Sea coasts of France; Hadrian the third laid hold upon this opportunity, and in the very beginning of his Pontificie, made his complaint unto the Senate and people of Rome; That in the Election of Bishops, the Imperial authority was not to be stood upon, but that the Suffrages of the Clergy and the people ought always to be free.  
By this Decree he disseysed the Emperors of their whole right, which but lately they possessed both upon the Bishops and the City; Thereby pointing out to his successors a course how to attempt projects of higher nature in future ages.  
And surely from those times, what upon the deficiency of the issue of Charles the Great, which had most fortunately Governed the Empire for the space of one hundred and odd years: and what in regard of that most horrible Schism proceeding from that Chair of pestilence, managed between the Bishops themselves by mutual Murders, Poysening, and all other kind of enormities, their continued machinations against the Emperors somedeal ceased; until they reassumed a new occasion of plotting & reiterating their former courses against Otho the first, Emperor of Germany.   

❧ Otho the Great.  
He was chosen Emperor in the year nine hundred thirty and six. In England reigned Adelstan.  
FOr at what time, in the Reign of Otho, john the thirteenth, Noble in truth by Birth, but most base in conversation, Governed the Romish Sea, and polluted Peter's Chair with riot, gaming, pandarism and Women, etc. At that very same instant likewise Berengarius Duke of Lombardie, amongst many other Cities, forbore not to press hard upon the City of Rome also. The Cardinals grew discontented, aswell at the Pope's Epicurism, as at Berengarius his Tyranny. Two of them more aggrieved than the rest (whether upon scruple of conscience, or in remembrance of the greatness of the Roman name, or in hatred of the Pope) resolved to pray in aid of Otho, a Prince of that time much celebrated for his virtues amongst the Loraners, the French, the Hungarish, the Danes, and all the other barbarous people, under his obedience throughout that part of the world.  
Whereupon, calling some others to Council, by letters and messages they solicit Otho, that he would vouchsafe to assist the declining estate of the Church and Commonwealth: That he would repress the Tyranny of Berengarius cruelly raging upon the Christian people: And that he would not let, to deliver the Church from so fell and impure a beast. The Bishop coming to the knowledge of these passages, first cut off three of his fingers, that indicted the Letters, and then slit his Chancellor's nose, for giving approbation thereunto. But Otho, who thought it not fit to leave the Church succourless in times of danger, having amassed all necessaries for warfare, marcheth into Italy with fifty thousand Soldiers. Expelleth both Berengarius and his son Adelbert: then speedeth towards Rome. Where arrived, although the inhuman cruelties of the Bishop were not unknown to his Majesty: Yet in reverence of the Apostolic Sea, at first he decreed no hard or unbeseeming censure against him, but causing all things that had been injuriously taken from him to be restored, he presented him moreover with great masses of Gold, Silver and jewels. And appointing him a time of conference; secretly and friendly he repeated what he knew of his forepassed offences, wishing him thereafter to abstain from so gross and foul enormities; To lead a thrifty life; to be an ornament, and not a dishonour to the Church; That integrity of life was no less commendable in a Churchman, than Arts and learning.  
For the present, the Pope protesteth great hopes of amendment: The Emperor rejoiceth thereat, and leaving Rome iournieth towards Papia, there minding to Winter, but withal exacteth a solemn Oath from the Bishop taken upon the body of Saint PETER; THAT IN HIS ABSENCE HE SHOULD NO WAY BE ASSISTING TO BERENGARIUS, NOR HIS SON. The Emperor had scarce left the Gates of Rome, but the Bishop returning to his wont inclination, not only followeth his pleasures, his Whoredoms, his riots, his poysening, and all other mischiefs, of like nature; but also having forgotten his plighted faith to the Emperor, revoketh Adelbert from Fraxineto, whether he had fled out of Italy to the Saracens, and promiseth him his utmost assistance against the Emperor: He dispatcheth also his Legates to make like complaint against him at Constantinople.  
The Emperor, unto whom such gross and wilful perjury seemed more than wonderful, upon the first intelligence thereof, thought it not fit rashly to listen thereunto, but dispatcheth certain of his Servants to Rome to learn the certainty of the business.  
Upon their return, and justification of these, and more vile indignities, the Emperor (not unjustly moved to displeasure) suddenly hasteth towards Rome: where pitching his tents hard under the walls (john and Adelbert being fled into Campania) he is most honourably received into the City by the Inhabitants. Unto him they promise faith and loyalty, and swear thereafter never to elect a Pope without the consent of the Emperor Otho, Caesar, Augustus, and his Son Otho.  
john being thus escaped; and for fear of Caesar lurking in Campania in woods and corners; after three days, at the instance both of the Clergy and the people (desiring a Commission to inquire upon the life and conversation of john) the Emperor agreeth, and proclaimeth a Council; whereunto he calleth all the Bishops and Abbots of Italy, such as he knew to be men of integrity, honest, and zealous.  
Who appearing upon the day prescribed, although his abominable life was such, that even by the general opinion of the Council, it could not but be deciphered by the remotest Nations, yet this most virtuous Emperor, took order that they should not proceed to any rash judgement, but to determine all accusations with mildness of mind and deliberate advice.  
Whereupon with the Archbishops of Liguria, Tuscanie, Saxony and France, he dispatcheth his letters unto john, reciting therein the cause and manner of his accusation: not forbearing to entreat him to make his personal appearance, to say for himself against his accusers.  
But he returning for answer; that it should easily appear, what slight esteem he made of that Council; And that, he would suddenly proceed to Excommunication, in case they presumed to elect Any other: the Emperor in a most solemn Oration intimateth to the Council, his perjuries towards himself, and his dishonest conversation towards the whole Christian world.  
Upon hearing whereof, with one consent the Council declared this Apostata john for his evil life to be worthily deprived: And Leo chief Secretary of the Roman Church was chosen to succeed him.  
In the interim whereof, the Emperor not to be burdensome unto the State of Rome, had dismissed many of those companies of Soldiers which at first he had brought with him into Italy. Which coming unto the understanding of this reprobate Bishop, who full well was acquainted with the disloyal and mutable humours of the Italian Nation, sendeth his espials to Rome, with exhortations to the people to attempt a surprise upon the Emperor and his weak companies; for which their good service he promiseth to reward them with all the Treasures of the Church and Saint Peter.  
The Romans being hereunto encouraged, partly by the weakness of Caesar's army, and partly with the conceit of these Golden mountains, arise, and at the sound of a Trumpet charge upon the Emperor.  
He maketh a stand upon the Bridge of Tiber, and there with his fearless and old Trained companies, valiantly receiveth the charge: The Romans receive the just reward of their treachery: for being routed, and put to flight, neither sanctuary, nor unsanctuary could warrant any one man's life; the fury of the Soldiers slew the perjured, aswell at the Altar, as in the Shambles.  
When this was done, Caesar stood in good hope, that after so great a punishment, the Romans would prove afterwards to be of more quiet and advised dispositions, and in this conceit, he hasteneth to Spoletum, the place of Adelberts rendevou.  
Upon which absence john betaking him to his wits, through the mediation of certain good-wenches, heretofore of his ancient acquaintance, so worketh with many of the Roman gentry, that john is received into the City; and Leo with much labour escaping their hands, flieth unto the Emperor.  
The deposement of Leo, and the cruelty of john, which he had already inflicted upon some few, being known; Caesar repaireth his Army, with intention to be revenged upon the Romans, as well for the injury offered to his own person, as for the wrong in deposing a Bishop of his own institution.  
In midst of which intendment, by the judgement of Almighty God, meaning to make this john an exemplary precedent to the world of his most just indignation, it came to pass, that he died a most strange kind of death.  
For when upon a certain night without the walls of the City, he was sporting himself with an other man's wife, the devil gave him such a knock on the Temples, saith Luitprandus of Ticine, that within eight days he died of the wound.  

Plati. in the life of john xiii.  Other write, that he was wounded by the woman's husband; and so gave up his impure soul to the devil his master, whom he had long served.  
But death gave no surcease to the seditions first occasioned by this monster. For the Romans, in place of the deceased, set up Benedict the fifth, and afterwards required Confirmation from the Emperor, then residing at Spoletum.  
The Emperor disallowing the Election, disdainfully dismissed the Romans, little mistrusting any such welcome: and by fire and sword wasting all things about the City, finally compelled them, that expulsing (or rather yielding up) Benedict, they should accept of Leo: binding them by Oath, that they should not presume to alter any thing, which he had set down for the Church's government.  
Hereupon Leo being restored to his Sea at Barionea, 

Platina in the life of Benedict the fif●.  
See also Krantzius lib. 4. cap. 9   and over wearied with the disloyal humours of the Roman people, retransferred the whole Authority of choosing the Roman Bishops from the Clergy and people of Rome, unto the Emperor; as it is set down. distinct. 6. c. in Synodo.  
And Otho, having in this manner marshaled his affairs, returned into Germany, taking Benedict with him; who not long after through grief of mind, being committed to the safe custody of Adaldag, Othoes' Chancellor, and Archbishop of Hanburg, died at Hamburg, and there lieth buried in the Cathedral Church.   

❧ Otho the third.  
He reigned in the year of Christ 984. about the days of Etheldred.  

Naucler. general 34. Plat. in vita Gregorij V. Cuspinian & Theod. de Nyem in the life of Otho the third.  SOme few years after, as Otho succeeded his Grandfather in the Empire: so did he likewise in the contentions of the Bishops. For when as john the xvij. being dead, by the right of Election, invested upon him by the donation of Leo the viii, to his predecessor Otho the great, he had chosen Gregory the v. for Pope; Crescentius and the people stomacking that a man of the Germane nation should be advanced to be their Bishop, and him also chosen by the sole authority of the Emperor, they resolved to depose him; and in his place they substituted, john the xviij. of that name, first Bishop of Placentia, a man well stored with coin, and a great Scholar.  
Gregory maketh his repair into Germany to the Emperor, and there unfolding his hard usage, so provoked the Emperor, that he besiegeth the City, and pressed it so closely, that the people almost hunger starved opened their Gates, and received his Majesty.  
Being now in possession, and understanding, that like power by warrant of God's word, was bequeathed him over a wicked Bishop, as over a common thief; at first he gave commandment that the eyes of the captive Bishop should be put out, the fingers of both his hands to be cut off, and then clothed in vile attire, with his stumps and feet manacled, to be set upon an Ass, so to be conveyed through the City, and finally to be thrown headlong from the rock Tarpeia.  
Crescentius the Consul he also caused to be mounted upon a base Beast, his face towards his tail, his nose and ears to be cut off, so to be a common spectacle to all beholders, and lastly to be hanged upon the common Gallows in sight of the City walls.  
Thus having wrecked his just indignation upon his adversaries, he not only restored Gregory, the xj. month after his deposal to his pristinate dignity: But also this good and most excellent Emperor, left an example to his successors, that these proud Churchmen were not to be managed by lenity and mildness, but to be kerbed by roughness and severity. For it was the received opinion of that age, that look which of the Caesars showed himself to be of more mild disposition, than some others; so much the more wantonlike would they dally with his lenity, and more basely prosecute him with railings, & foul-mouthed reproaches; As by that which followeth, I will clearly make manifest unto you.   

❧ Henricus Niger.  
He ruled Anno Christi. 1039. In England Harold Harefoot.  
THis severity of Otho, last before spoken off in punishing the treason of john, 
Cardinal Benn● of the l●fe and gests of Hildebrand.  for some certain time so terrified the Bishops, that until the smart was forgotten, openly they attempted nothing against the Majesty of the sacred Empire. But no sooner had Benedict the xj. by Satanical and magical Inchantmentes leapt into the place, but by how much his skill and confidence in that profession was remarkable, by so much the more insolent was his carriage in the Popedom.  
For no sooner was Conradus, (a most faithful steward of the Law and Religion, Emperor of Romans, always Augustus) gathered to his fathers; but this firebrand going to counsel with his minion Laurentius, and other his favourits; bendeth his studies, how he might dispossess Henry the son of Conrade from his hereditary succession to the Crown of the Empire; and disturb the peace of the Church with Schism and dissension.  
To the effecting of which stratagem, he sendeth the Crown of the Roman Empire unto Peter King of Hungary, with this Motto under written. Petra dedit Romam Petro: tibi Papa Coronam. The Rock gave Peter Rome: to thee the Pope this Crown. But the Emperor, under the leading of Godfrey Duke of Lorain, a most excellent Soldier, and faithful servitor, confronted Peter, took him Prisoner; and further, meaning to repay Theophilact the ringleader unto so dangerous a Schism, according to his deserts, set forward for Rome. Upon brute whereof, Theophilact, (alias Benedict the ninth) strooken in remorse of conscience, and amazed with terror, bartered the Papacy to one of his Companions, the Archpriest of Saint john's de Porta latina, the Master of Hildebrand, for the Sum of one thousand and five hundred pounds. Who ascending the Seat by the stairs of such abominable iniquity, by changing his Name, was thenceforth styled, Gregory the sixth.  
Now is the Cup brimful; 
Benno. Plati. in the life of Silvester the third and Gregory the sixth.  and the Papacy so managed, that all good men being either rejected or oppressed, every other party, as he was carried away by ambition, or enabled for bribery, cast to lay holdfast upon this so high a step of Dignity; more entering like thieves and robbers by the window, then by the door. So that in these days (besides the Archpriest john Gratian) ascended also into this Seat of iniquities; john Bishop of Savoy who (changing his Name) was otherwise nominated Silvester the third. Thus was the Roman Church ren tinto divers factions: Three Popes appeared at one instant, viz. Benedict the ninth, Silvester the third, and Gregory the sixth, and every one claimeth lawful succession in Peter's Chair, and pleadeth possession. Where is now the Church? Who is this head? Who shall now stand up to arbitrate so difficult a controversy? None is now to be seen but the Emperor; And him, without question, surnamed Niger, God himself stirred up (having set Germany in good order) with an Army to travail into Italy, where calling a Council, he enforceth Theophilact to fly: He imprisoned Gregory, and afterward with Hildebrand, exiled him into Germany. The Bishop of Savoy he dispatched to his charge; and in their places consecrated Syndoger Bishop of Bamberg, otherwise called Clement the second. Of whom he received the inauguration of the Imperial Crown, and then enforced the Romans to take an Oath: That thereafter they should never presume to meddle with the Election of a Roman Bishop, without express Commission first obtained from the Emperor.  
For his most excellent Majesty did well foresee, that in those times the world was given to so much licentious liberty, that every factious and Potent companion, though most ignoble, would not stick to arrogate unto himself that so eminent a dignity, by corruption and underhand-courses, which by the strict commandment of God, was not to be bestowed upon any living creature, save him who for learning and sanctity of life, ought worthily to be preferred thereunto.  
This usage now grew unto so inveterate a custom, that every seditious and wicked varlet presumed, that he might without scruple of conscience usurp upon Saint Peter's Chair; As did Damasus the second, by birth a Bavarian. This man having gotten poison for his purpose, slew Clement, and laboured by villainy to attain to that promotion, which whilom was accustomed to be bestowed only upon virtue. But God, the most just revenger of such wickedness prevented him, and the three and twenty day after his usurped instalment, sent him to accompany the dead in the place of darkness.   

❧ Henricus quartus.  
He reigned in the year of Christ 1056. in Germany. In England Edward the Confessor.  
ALbeit, that even hitherto, from the days of Charlemagne, the Roman Bishops being generally possessed with the spirit of Supremacy, by sleights and devices, did continually oppose themselves against the Majesty of the Empire, and left no practice unattempted, that might weaken or discountenance the Emperor's sovereignty; that so they might dispose of all things at their pleasures without all fear of controlment: yet was it not the will of Almighty God, to suffer them as yet totally to cast off the yoke of duty, by warrant of Holy writ invested upon Princes and great personages placed in Authority. But what can human wisdom plead in search of God's purposes? perdere quos vult jupiter, & hos dementat: For now the malice, impiety and treason of the Roman Clergy, together with their diabolical ambition, especially under that figurative Dragon (Gregory the seventh) grew like a violent tempest so outrageous and exorbitant, that those times may truly be recorded to be the days, which utterly razed, blemished, and wounded the Majesty of this famous empire with the fatal ruin of glory and honour.  
For this mischievous monster, not contented to have poisoned six Bishops, and to have deposed his Master Alexander, for imploring assistance from the Emperor; Neither mindful of the favours which Henry (surnamed Niger) had afforded him, in courteously dismissing him from perpetual Imprisonment, separated from the company and sight of all mortal creatures, whereinto (as we told you before) he had been condemned with Gregory the sixth: At what time, the Normans raged through Apulia, Calabria and Campania, 
Of this Matilda, whence and what she was, see Krantzius lib. 5. Saxon.  partly relying upon the great wealth of Matilda, a most potent woman in those days, and partly animated to see the Empire distracted with most dangerous wars raised by the warlike Nation of the Saxons against the Emperor, scarce three year seated in his government; together with the revolt of the German Bishops whom the Impostor our perpetual adversary had seduced from the service of their Master: Then I say, this man first of all other, against the custom of his predecessors, absolutely usurped upon the Papacy, without all consent of the Emperor, before that time always accustomed to be mediated in the Election of these Bishops.  
And in future; to prevent the residue of the Bishops and Abbots from seeking their confirmations at the Emperor's hands, 
Formula decreti extat. C. si quis deinceps.  he set forth a decree under pain of Excommunication; That he had not only power in heaven to bind and to loose, but also that he had plenitude of jurisdiction in Earth, to take away, and to give Empires, Kingdoms and Principalities. Then began he impudently to boast: to usurp upon the temporal and Supreme jurisdiction, and that by a law of his own coining: to esteem of Kings and Emperors as tenants at will: to imprison Caesar's Ambassadors opposing against his insolencies, & finally leading them through Rome in ignominious manner, to expel them the city.  
Henry, albeit he were infinitely perplexed with the war of Saxony, yet knowing that this novel and unusual pertinacy of the Bishop, was not to be forgotten, calleth a Council at Worms; wherein, audience being given to the Ambassadors, which came from Rome, and Hildebrands' disloyal Letters being read; besides the Saxons, all the German and French Bishops, made a Decree; That since Pope Hildebrand a fugitive Monk first of all other encroached upon the Papacy without the good liking or privity of the Roman Emperor, constituted of God to be his Sovereign Lord, and that, contrary to the Custom of his Predecessors, contrary to law, and contrary to his oath of installment: And moreover had usurped upon both jurisdictions, the temporal and Ecclesiastical, as the Deccis and worshippers of false Gods were accustomed to do: That ipso facto he was deposed from his Bishopric; for sheep were no longer to be entrusted to the keeping of such a wolvish Shepherd.  
One Rowland a Clerk of Parma, was dispatched to Rome with letters containing the sentence of the Council: In whose Name he was commanded to interdict Gregory from all Ecclesiastical Function; and moreover to enjoin the Cardinals, that making choice of another for Bishop, they should present him to the Emperor.  
In like manner, Caesar himself dateth his Letters unto Hildebrand, to the Clergy, and the Roman people: commanding according to the Injunction of the Council; That himself should return to a private life; and That, they forsaking Hildebrand, according to their accustomed Privileges should proceed to the election of a New Pastor.  
At the receipt of this news, Hildebrand became not so much lenified, as furiously exasperated, and insolently emboldened. For, whereas before he had Excommunicated but some certain of the Emperor's familiars, whose advice he presumed Caesar to have used in these his proceedings: now presumeth he by novel precedent to Excommunicate Caesar himself in a hellish conventicle, against the order of Christian piety, ratified by the sacred Canons of Holy writ; Him, I say he prescribeth, 
Vide formulam abrogationis apud Plate in. in vita Gregorij. 7. Be● no.  depriveth of all kingly Authority, dispoileth of his Kingdom, and absolveth his Subjects from their oaths of obedience.  
Behold, he was no sooner risen from the Seat wherein he sat to Excommunicate Caesar, but the Chair being lately made of strong and new timber, suddenly by the providence of God in most terrible manner was rend into a thousand shatters: manifestly foreshowing, That by that rash and unadvised Excommunication, this cruel Schismatic should prove the Author of a most fearful division in the Church of God.  
And surely these were neither blind nor idle predictions. For the Princes and Germane Bishops, taking notice of the Curse, some upon a vain superstition, some in hope of bettering their estates, and others in remembrance of their ancient hatred against Henry, at the next assembly of the States, threatening a Revolt, unless he would suppliantly desire forgiveness of the Pope (now resolved to come into Germany) brought the controversy unto so narrow a pinch, and his Majesty into such mistrusts of despair, with the dispoiling him of his real possession, That he was fain to promise the Princes, that he would go unto the Pope, and personally crave absolution at his foot.  
Whereupon putting off his regal habiliments, with his wife and young son barefooted, and clothed in canvas, being made a spectacle for Angels and men to admire at, in a most bitter winter, and a most dangerous kind of travel, cometh to Canusium where the Pope then resided: There before the gates of the City fasting and sutorlike from morning till eventide, he danceth attendance: Mean while Hildebrand within, 
Benno. Nauclerus generatione 36. Vrspergensis. Platina in loco ante citato.  amongst whores and shavelings laugheth him to scorn. Three days he patiently endureth this lamentable affliction, desiring admittance. He is denied. At three days end instancing admittance with greater importunacy, It is answered; That his Holiness is not yet at leisure to attend his suit. Henry by patience making a virtue of necessity (In that he could not be admitted into the City) contenteth himself to abide in the Suburbs, but not without many incommodious grievances. For the wether was sharp, and all places appeared hoary with frost.  
At last, after his incessant threedays petitioning, and denial, at the instance of Maud the Countess of Adelaus Earl of Savoie, and the Abbot of Clunois, he is admitted unto presence.  
Upon the fourth day in sign of unfeigned penitency, he resigned his Crown and imperial Ensigns, and maketh a protestation that he were unworthy to enjoy the Title of an Emperor, if he should again commit the like offences against the Roman Sea, as formerly he had done.  
For all this, this inexorable Prelate would neither pardon nor absolve him, unless he would put in good security, that according unto his Popish pleasure he would expiate the offence in a Council, and be forth coming at every day and place appointed, (there the Pope being judge) to answer unto all accusations without once plotting in his thoughts any scruple of revenge.  
2. Yea after his purgation, and reconciliation, either to retain, or forsake his kingdom, if the Pope thought it so fitting 3. thirdly, that before the Examination of his Cause, he should not presume to wear any Kingly habit, neither have borne before him any Imperial ensigns, That he should not meddle in state government, nor exact any oath of allegiance upon his vassals.  
Upon promise of performance, and future obedience, 
The Pope will deal surely.  the atonement is now at length confirmed aswell by Oath as Indenture, and Henry absolved.  
Now observe I beseech you, the restless humours of attainted consciences. The Court of shavelings, deep politicians, men of profound reaches; and admirable well seen in the principles of Machivell, and careful aswell to prevent future blows, as to oppose against present perils, either revolving in their far reaching wits, or suspecting in their seared consciences, that Henry being sure seated in a peaceable estate, could not possibly digest so villainous an indignity, nor the world allow of so base a tyranny; fall again to their old plots, but a new-Counsell; viz. how they might utterly dispossess Henry of his Empire. Rodulph Duke of Swevia, Henry's brother in law, is presented with a golden Crown, thus inscribed. Petra dedit Petro, Petrus diadema Rodulpho: And withal the Bishops of Magunce and Colen are commanded, that (rebelling against Henry) they should set it upon Rodulphs' head, and assist him therein to the utmost of their forces. Was it for Love, or Honour may the world dispute, that the Pope became thus bountiful of an other man's patrimony, to bestow it upon Rodulph? Or doth any History make mention that Rodulph was a more kind Son to the Church, than Henry? Believe me, the Pope did neither upon any such respects, it was far from his imagination. But this was the windlass of all: if Henry must live in peace, Henry must seek revenge: but if the Duke of Swevia find him play on one side, Romandiola shall be secured on the other side. Let Rodulph or Henry sink or swim, mean while res nostrae tutiores redduntur, that is, the Court of Rome may securely swagger; If Henry have the better, yet shall he be much the weaker: if Henry have the worse, than all the care is taken, for Rodulph is infinitely beholding unto us. And be it as be may: neither party (being potent Princes) shall have cause to laugh at their bargain; let time try the sequel; and so it happened. O the blind folly of ambition.  
For albeit that Rodulph was the Emperors sworn liegeman, his brother in law by marriage, endowed with the Dukedom of Swevia after his decease, and honoured with many other favours: notwithstanding being seduced by the fair and false protestations of the Bishops, and borne out by his own greatness and the succours of Saxony, he invadeth the Empire, and rebelliously to his utmost power moveth war against his Sovereign master.  
Caesar by the admonishment of the Bishop of Argentine, seeing the danger arising from all parts, levieth his people, affronteth Rodolph, and setteth all upon the hazard of a battle. The issue whereof was this, That the Pope upon mistrust of the worst, commanded both parties to Peace, and that Henry should expect his sentence at the Synod, which shortly he would proclaim to be held in Germany. Which limitation, when Henry stomached, upon protestation that he would suffer no Assembly to be holden in Germany, unless Rodolph were first removed: The Pope (rather than he would dishearten Rodolph by final Peace) reneweth the Excommunication, and sendeth forth his Mandates full stuffed with hellish fury. 
The form of the Curse is extant in Platina.  Henry is nothing abashed, but the third time giveth the battle at Elistrum of Misia, and there overthroweth his enemy. This came to pass in the year 1080. the Ides of October.  

Vrsperg. fol. 238 doth witness this conference between the King and the Bishops.  Rodolph being grievously wounded, and from the field conveyed to Merseburg, entreateth the Bishops and the Leaders of his people to compear before him. Where being assembled, Rodolph feeling death seizing upon him, stretched forth his right hand and said: My Lords, this is the hand with which I plighted my faith to my Lord Henry. At your entreaties, thus, and thus many times hath it unfortunately fought against him: Return ye, and make good your first Oaths to the King: I am to depart to my fathers.  

See the judgement of God.  Rodolph being vanquished, and Germany by his death reasonably well quieted, Henry neither forgetting Hildebrands' injuries; neither having his spirits so peaceably affected, but that he could call to remembrance, how the Pope had twice Excommunicated him; how for three days space being a most suppliant Petitioner in a very cold season, he could attain no reconciliation; As also, that cunningly he had assisted his enemy, even the competitor of his Kingdom, proclaimeth a Synod of the Bishops of Italy, Lombardy, and Germany, to be celebrated at Brixia a City of Norica.  
Where being assembled, and the Acts of Hildebrand examined, with one consent they promulge this suffrage.  
For that it is apparently known, that Hildebrand was not Elected of God, 
Abbas Vrsperg.  but most impudently by fraud and bribery, made his own way to the Papal dignity: And therein being seated, hath subverted all the Orders of the Church, disquieted the whole Christian world; intended the death both of body and soul, to a most peaceable and Catholic King; defended a perjured Prince, and amongst the peaceable, sowed seeds of discord, etc. We here Congregated by the Grace of God, and assisted by the Legates and letters of nineteen Bishops, assembled against the foresaid Hildebrand at Mognuce the eight day of Pentecost, do canonically give judgement against the said Hildebrand, That he is to be deposed and expelled, for unadvisedly Preaching of Sacrileges and factions, defending Perjuries and Scandals; Abcliever of Dreams and divinations, a notorious Necromancer; a man possessed with an unclean spirit; And therefore an Apostata from the true faith: And unless upon the receipt of this our judgement, he shall voluntarily resign the Seat, we do finally Accurse him.  
These businesses being thus dispatched, and Germany quieted, in the year 1081. the Emperor iournyeth to Rome, and pitching his Camp before the Castle of Saint Peter, he chargeth the Romans with so many assaults, that they are glad to pray for Peace, and to open their Gates. The Bishop with his followers retireth into the Bastile of Adrian: wherein being besieged, he worketh the Emperor more disquiet by craft and subtlety, than the Emperor could do him, by Mine or Engine. For as Henry accustomed frequently to make his Orisons in Saint Maries in Mount Aventine, this Traitor suborned a certain villain, secretly to convey upon the Rafters of the Church, great and massive stones; and so to dispose them, that as the Emperor should kneel at his Prayers, from aloft they should fall upon his head, and dash out his brains.  
As this villainous Regicide, the Minister of Popish iniquity, was hastening his dissiegne, and labouring to fit this massy stone to the execution of his Treason, the stone fell down and drew this villain down withal: So that bruising the Table whereon it fell, supported with strong Trestles, it rested on the Pavement, and there by the judgement of God, dashed in pieces the carkise of this Traitorous workman. The Romans upon notice of the Treason, fastening a cord to one of his legs, for three days space dragged him along through the streets of the City.  
This failing, had the Pope so shallow a pate, as to carry about him but one string to his bow? Or was he so honest a man, that rather than he would spare the blood of Christian people, he would give over his own life, nay his Seat, for the safety of many thousands? Observe what followeth: To be sure, that neither Germany should long breathe in peace, now Rodolph was gone; nor the Emperor be secured in Italy; 
Ab. Vrsperg. Helmoldus in his 30. cap. of the hist. of Salad Krantz. and innumerable others.  he turneth to the Art of diversion (a point of War well known amongst Soldiers) and stirreth up the Saxons in his absence to create Harman Prince of Lucelburg in Lorain, Emperor at Isleb. by Hercinia: Who likewise by the providence of GOD at the siege of a certain Castle, was miserably slain by the fall of a stone cast from the battailement of the Wall by the hand of a siely woman.  
He being gone, (the Romish Religion will still be dealing, rather than lose one jot of their reputes, if they cannot otherwise prevail) this inhuman Tyrant thirdly stirred up Ecbert Marquis of Saxony: and him also God predestinated to suffer condign punishment for his Rebellion. For the fifth year after, he was beset in a Mill near Brunswick by the emperors Guard, and thete miserably slain.  
Once again, Hildebrand flieth to his wits, 
I hope the Romanists of this age are not behind for shifts▪ etc.  and perceiving, that his stake in Germany was clean lost; Himself immured in a Bastill, where he could not always continue, and that he had small reason to fall into the sight of Caesar, he dissembleth a parley, and during the conference judaslike forsaking his company, in disguised habit flieth unto Salerne amongst the Normans.  
Caesar forthwith assembled a Senate of his Nobles and Bishops, according to the custom of his predecessors, giveth order for an Ecclesiastical Diet: Where Hildebrand, as a thief and a robber; a perfidious fugitive, a forsaker of the fold; a Traitor to the flock, a debalker of Christian charity, by the universal consent of the Convocation, is denounced and condemned.  
In his place is promoted Guibert Archbishop of Ravenna, a lover of Peace and Concord; a man learned and religious: By the consent of the Clergy he is Consecrated Bishop by the name of Clement the third, in the year of Christ 1084. This done, he Rein-stalleth Caesar and his spouse Bertha, and saluteth them Augusti, with the universal applause of the people. As for Hildebrand, either through grief, or guiltiness of conscience, he died in exile (as the saying is) Ab aris & focis in the Town of Salerne.  
But this firebrand of War and discord being extinguished, the fury of the Prelates amongst themselves was never the near allayed; howbeit, thereby, the world enjoyed peace; and Germany her pristinate Majesty.  
For Vrban (after Victor the second, a Bishop but of a few days standing) intruded upon the Papacy at Gurstung by the faction of Hildebrand, but especially by the money of Matilda, and the Arms of the Normans. Him the Emperor with the greater part of his Nobility accused of Irreligion, and denounced him in the number of the wicked. This fellow, notwithstanding that he had long wandered sine lare, sine grege, yet he so artificially finished the web begun by Hildebrand, 
Benno.  that instead of Vrbanus, the world styled him Turbanus, yea, he went far beyond his Schoolmaster Hildebrand in wit and villainy.  

A●. Vrsperg, ave i●inus. Naucler.  For, being not able any way to wrong Henry by secret invasion (Papists will do nothing openly, or at least without pretext) he commandeth the Canons of that most pestilent knave Hildebrand, to be confirmed and holden in force against him.  
Then draweth he into Parricide Cunrade the son of Henry, begotten on his first wife, by his father's appointment Viceroy of Italy. Upon him he bestowed Matilda the wife of Roger the Norman, and by him expulseth Clement the third, Installed by the good liking and consent of his father.  
But Vrban and Cunrade being both quickly dispatched, Paschal the second loath to come behind his predecessors in Treachery, and taking it for good Policy, to give Caesar no breathing time to provide against tempests, by the example of urban, in a Synod at Rome reviveth and ratifieth the Curse of Gregory against the Emperor. Bulls are but words, and words are no weapons for Popes. Whereupon a quicker corrosive must be applied: The other Son of Henry (named also Henry) the Princes of Aquisgrane must salute as Caesar, notwithstanding that already he had given his father his Oath of Loyalty and true Leigeman.  
O Lord! where shall not a man find a man for blood, if promotion, or money, or Marriage be offered for recompense; but especially, if the man of blood may resort unto a Churchman, and receive absolution for so cruel and unpardonable mischiefs? Of such persons, and such stratagems, behold in those days the Popes made their especial uses: they may be as bold in these times and in these points to plead universality and antiquity as they did and do for their Mass, and the residue of their trumpery. For young Henry is up in parricidial Rebellion: Papa impellit, saith the History: and being borne out by the Arms of the Saxons, so carried the War, that this most valorous Emperor, and stout revenger of the impeached Majesty of the Empire, being harried with continual conflicts, and weary of his life through the perpetual burden of Popish vexations, as he travailed towards the Diet of Mogunce, 
Krantzius li. 5. c. 22. Vrsperg. 362. Helmold. in the annals of Sclavony. li. 1. ca 32.  by treason upon the high way, and that against a public oath of safe conduct, was taken by his Son Henry: then being degraded most unwillingly of all imperial ensigns, as also of his Crown by the Bishops of Mogunce, Colen and Worms; he was committed to prison in the town of Leyge: where pining to death through grief, he finished his troublesome days in this most lamentable manner.  
Notwithstanding such was the irreconcilable rancour of these charity-preaching fathers, that they not contented with these their most cruel turmoils practised against his life; Hyena-like, with as barbarous bestiality they also preyed upon his lifeless carcase. For the body being already buried in the monastery of Leyge, 
See more hereof D. Barlo 240. at full.  they enforced the Bishop of the place to dig it up again, and without either honour to so great a parsonage, or reverence to holy sepulture, they commanded it to be cast amongst other carcases into a profane place. The reason was grounded upon one of their own Canons: Quibus viris ecclesia non communicate, illis etiam nec mortuis communicare possit. Repentance etiam in novissima hora, and the reward of him that came into the vineyard at the close of the day, equalized to his, that began to work in the dawning, is of no force with them. It is scripture; and scripture, you know, is not sufficient for salvation. I quake in writing. Counsels may control It; the Church, The Counsels; and who is the Church? the Pope; For otherwise it were folly to broche so many positions, as it doth, against law, conscience and sound divinity, if it lay not in their fullness of power to do and undo, say and unsay.  
To conclude, at last, 
See Krantz. lib. 5. Vrsperg. fo. 264 H. Mutius seventeenth of his Chronicles.  the body is conveyed in a coffin of stone from Leyge to Spire, and there also for five years space, it remained without the duties of Christian burial.   

❧ Henry the fifth.  
NOw let us see, if Henry the fifth, seduced by the witchcraft of the false Pope, to usurp upon the Empire of his father, experimented any other allowance of love and fidelity from the Bishops, than did his ancestor.  
Coming unto Rome to be crowned with the imperial Dyadem, he thought it much to concern his honour, to demand restitution of his right in the confirmation of Bishops, Abbots and Prelates. The Pope forgetful of all former favours, doth stoutly deny the motion. From request they fall to blows, insomuch that the Pope with certain of his servants was taken prisoner, and conveyed to Mount Soracte, now called Mount Silvester.  
Paschal seeing no remedy, 
C. Adrian. c. in synodo 63. distinct. c inter vos.  sent unto the City for Notaries, and at length confirmeth and reviveth to the use of the Empire, the ancient prerogatives claimed by the EMPERORS in the Creation and investiture of Popes and Bishops: and in requital is honoured again by the Emperor, with many rich presents.  
But such was the just judgement of God towards this Henry; that as he observed not faith towards his father, no more did others keep towards him. For even those men who for his sake had forsaken his father, rise now in rebellion against the Son. For presently upon his return in the year 1116. into Germany, the Pope congregateth a full Council of his own creatures, and there bewailing his sin, 
A Pretext for Perjury.  which he had committed in surrendering his privileges; after long and solemn debating of the case, undoth all he had done before; confirmeth the Decrees of Gregory the seventh; and upon the custom lately taken up, Excommunicateth Henry.  
Hereupon many the Princes of Germany, and especially the Bishop of Mogunce fall into rebellion. Caesar sendeth unto the Pope, to treat a peace, but by his death that business was determined.  
After his decease the Cardinals create Gelasius Pope, neither calling Caesar to Council, nor once acquainting him with their determinations. Whereat Caesar being aggrieved, flieth to Rome, & consecrateth Mauritius Archbishop of Brachar for Pope.  
Gelasius being deposed, and Maurice confirmed, they both conspire with joint consent to curse the Emperor in his retreat from Rome, dispersing their Ministers through Germany after the precedents of their predecessors to incite the Subjects of the Emperor to rebellion. Henry fearing the sequel, hasteneth into Germany.  
Gelasius being dead, Calixtus the second being his successor, warreth upon the Antipope, whom as we told you the Emperor had consecrated. Henry perceiving the Pope, underborne by the Arms of the Normans, to be too strong for him, and that he began to meat the same measure towards him, as his predecessors had towards his father: In the year 1122. by the special mediation of the Apostolic Legate Lampert, afterward Pope, and called Honorius, he became so devote a Convert to Papacy, that he resigned his whole right of investiture concerning the Ring and the Staff; granted a free Election and Consecration to be thenceforth used in all Churches; and covenanted to restore, or at least, to cause to be restored all Regalities, formerly renounced, or at least as many as remained in his dispose.  
The Pope again covenanted, that the Election of Bishops and Abbots should be done in the Emperor's presence, without violence: so far forth that the Elect should receive his Regalities, by the Sceptre from the Emperor. This Concord bore date at Worms, Nono Cal. Octob. Anno Dom. M.C.XXII.  
But, albeit this Henry utterly discouraged with the Thunderbolts of curses, gave way to all Popish usurpations, and to the everlasting stain and impoverishment of the German Empire, thrust his neck under the yoke of the Romish tyranny, yet, in regard of new tumults and rebellions practised in Belgia and the higher Germany, he could not live out the remainder of his days in affected peace. For appeazement whereof, as he traveled towards Vtrick, he fell sick, and died without issue. This accident, and not injustly, men argued, to have proceeded from the judgement of God, for that contrary to his commandment, he had behaved himself so ungraciously towards a father, that had so well deserved of him his son.   

❧ Lotharius Saxo.  
He reigned in the year 1125. about the five and twenty year of Henry the first.  
HENRY being gone, and Germany still reeking in blood and civil war: The greatest care that the Bishops took, was to provide, that the people should not reunite their forces, and take time to breath from these inhuman and unnatural murders. Whereupon after the death of Henry, when as Cunrade Duke of Swevia, Henry the fifth sister's son, laid claim to the Empire; against him by the cunning of Albert Archbishop of Mogunce, they set up Lotharius Duke of Saxony, the man in truth whose infidelity they had used in the miscarriage of Henry the fifth.  
Cunrade is now in march, and having overtopped mount Septim. is honourably received of the Milanese and crowned by the Archbishop Anselm at Modoecia, the chief Sea of the Kingdom of Italy. Honorius, in favour of Lotharius, and in despite of the House of Henry (which he thirsted utterly to extinguish) deposeth Anselm, 
Otho frising. li. 7. ca 17. Nauclerus gen. 38.  and by the terror of his Curses enforceth Cunrade to post out of Italy: Who finally in despair of the German aid by reason of their factions and dissensions, utterly giveth over his further hopes of enjoying the Empire, and by the mediation of S. Bernard of Clareval, falleth to make his peace with his corrival Lotharius.  
Lotharius being now sole and absolute Lord of the Empire, according to his Saxonish simplicity, honouring the Papal Sea with more than common observancy, ceaseth not to deserve well thereof by all the offices of love and duty, which an obedient son to the Church could possibly imagine to perform. Innocentius the second, the successor of Honorius, expulsed by Anacletus Antipope and Roger Duke of Apulia, flying unto him for succour, to his infinite charge he restored to his Sea at Barionea.  
But believe me, neither these kind offices, 
Navel. gen. praeallegata, saith that this was done at Leyden, before his journey into Italy.  nor any worldly respects, were of ability either to frustrate or to mollify the Popish avarice: for when the Pope had declared Lotharius Emperor, he made show as if he would again seek restitution of the ancient rites, which the Empire claimed in the election of Bishops and Abbots: But the ravenous Pope not only refused to unloosen his talents upon what he had already seized, 
Otho Frising. and Naucler. in the fore-alleged places.  but also re-attaching whatsoever Lotharius himself either by the persuasion of Bernard, or in fear of further sedition, had voluntarily offered to the Romish sea, he laboured by all other means to add more to the former, through his immeasurable avarice.  
For when Lotharius having expulsed Roger the Apulean; would have bestowed the Duchy upon Earl Reignold the general of his army; the Bishop impleded him, as concerning the right of donation, with so vehement a contention, that neither being minded to yield to other, the controversy at last was fain to be thus determined: viz. That both parties should lay their hands upon the Staff of the feodary ensign, then to be delivered to the new Duke of Apulia: Thereby signifying that both of them had equal interest in the transportation of that Dukedom.  
So that, the more humility accompanied with sweet behaviour and moderation, that this all-praise-worthy Emperor showed towards the Papacy: The more the waywardness and malice of the Romanists began to show itself, and that without fear or modesty. For whereas this Emperor in receiving the Diadem had cast himself at the Pope's feet, the Clergy, to use the precedent to the debasement of succeeding Emperors; and to deliver it as a trophy to posterity, as soon as his back was turned, set up in the Lateran palace his protraiture, with this inscription. 
Rex venit ante fores, iurans prius urbis honores:  
Post homo fit Papae, sumit quo dante Coronam.  
The King attends before the gates: and swears the City-rites to keep:  
From Rome's great Pastor takes his Crown, and vows to hold in vassalage.  What was this, but a bewraying first of their frowardness, manifested in despising the Majesty of so high a calling; and secondly of their pride, in that forsooth, they would seem either to overtop, or obscure, the victorious gests of him, who to his immortal commendation had subjecteth under tribute, the Duke of Polonia, 
Cusp. in the life of Lotharius of Saxony.  the Pomeranes and the Russies: who I say, to the no small honour of the Majesty Imperial; had enforced the King of Denmark to bear the sword at his Coronation; had subjugated the states of Cremona, and Papia, 
Naucl. Gen. 38.  and brought the vanquished Bononians and Piemontois into the form of a province: and finally with the conquest of Apulia, had brought under obedience many most noble Cities in that Duchy. Now is he vanquished, and acknowledged the Pope's bondslave. For what other signification doth the Popes (Creature) import, but to be his vassal or servant? 
Hominem fieri.  Such are these admirable servants of servants, whom even Emperors themselves are glad to acknowledge and respect as Lords and Masters.   

❧ Conradus tertius.  
He reigned in the year of Christ 1138. about the third year of King Steven.  
LOtharius, in his second retreat out of Italy, being departed this world not far from Trent, Conrade the same Prince (whom as before we told you) the malice of Honorius had frustrated of the Empire, and banished Italy, now succeed his dead predecessor. But, albeit (after the decease of Lotharius) the Princes of the Empire, and that in the presence of Theodoret the Pope's legate, 
Cuspin. in the life of Conrade.  and with his very good liking, did elect him King of Romans, yet by no means could the Pope's assent be gotten to perfect the Election.  
For whereas he had conferred to Roger Duke of Apulia, that Dukedom, with the titulary dignity of a Kingdom, in lieu of ransom for himself, and his Cardinals taken in battle; and Conrade in prejudice of the Empire would neither ratify, nor hearken unto so unreasonable a motion: Nocentius complotting with Roger, 
Naucler out of Antoninus and Godfridus Gen. 38.  incited Guelfo Duke of Bavaria, to rebel against Conrade, for that he could not obtain at his hands the grant of his brother's Duchy: Herewith, the Emperor had so much to do to defend his own, that he quite forgot to think upon the recovery of Sicil and Apulia. Behold here a precedent of Papal fidelity, 
Nauc. gen. 38. & 32.  if his avarice be not supplied by loss to the State.  
About this time these fatal factions of the Guelphs and Gibellines (whereof others have discoursed) began in Germany.  


Bartolus in a peculiar book of the Guelphs and Gihellines. Panorm. in c. Lucanis & Pisanis de rest. spol.  
Cuspin. in the life of Fred. the second.   For as Nauclerus reporteth out of Hermanus, whilst the battle was fight between Conrade and Guelfo, those of the King's party took for their word or Motto, High Wiebling, which is as much to say, The King: as being nobly descended from a village of that appellation: Those which followed Guelfo, reclaimed, High welf. Where after it came to pass, that those two denomidations of Guelfes and Gibellines, became the original of all the factions in Italy. Which falling out happily for Gregory the ninth to make use of, from thenceforth, he gave them such large entertainment, that no City, town nor people were clear from the infection of so spreading a contagion. For upon no other ground, save the use of these names, even until our days with more than admirable fury, City bandied against City, Province against Province, yea & in a City one part of the people confronted another.  
Not only the factious people continued this dissension amongst themselves: but the Bishops also in this quarrel prosecuted one another to the utmost of their fury.  
Amongst others, that Boniface the eight, 
Plati. in the life of Bonef. the eight. Naucle. gen. 44.  than whom the Roman Sea never endured a more fell monster, persecuted from place to place all those whom he knew to be of the Gibelline faction, ransacking and spoiling all places whereunto they made any repair of abiding. Whereupon some finding no safety in Cities, settled their abodes in woods and forests: many of the Gentry, like wild beasts inhabited the Sea coasts, and at last left Italy to be companions with pirates. For they assured themselves, that the Pirates could not have used them worse, than this Malefacius Nero would have done, if he had once caught them in his clutches.  
As for example: When he heard that certain of the contrary faction were fled to GENOA, he posted after them, with full determination by destroying them all, to have razed their very name from the memory of mankind through the whole world. here likewise it happened upon Ashwednesdaie, as he was casting Ashes according to Custom amongst the people: the Archbishop of the City kneeling upon his Marrowbones with his head uncovered to receive the Ashes; the Pope by chance understanding that he was a Gibelline; where his Holiness should have said, Remember Man that thou art but Ashes, and into Ashes thou shalt return again: Not so (quoth the Pope) Remember Man that thou art a Gibelline, and with the Gibellines thou must be turned to dust: and therewithal in a most furious manner, without once regarding the holiness of the place, the presence of the people, or the regard of Religion, of set purpose (missing his head) he cast great quantities thereof into his eyes: Afterward he deprived him, and then again restored him.  
At last by God's judgement it came to pass, that those Gentlemen, who (as we told you) left Italy with the Pirates, returned again, and gathering together some companies of such as here & there lay lurking in fear of Maleface, breaking open the gates of the place where he lay, mistrusting no such adverse adventure, they took him, and brought him prisoner to Rome: where in the space of five and thirty days, what for grief and greatness of stomach, he breathed out his loathsome soul, overloaded with innumerable mischiefs.   

❧ Frederick Barbarossa.  
He reigned Anno Christ. 1152. about the seventeenth year of King Steven.  
FRederick, for his red Beard, commonly termed Barbarossa, the son of Frederick Duke of Swevia, the brother of Conrade, a Prince of excellent parts both for body and mind, succeeded this Conrade, a Prince also no whit inferior to his successor for his honourable carriage in peace and war.  
To speak little of his Nobility, it is recorded, that the entire right of the most noble Families of the Germane Commonwealth, viz. of the Henry's of Gweiblingen and Gwelforum of Altorff, descended upon him.  
Howsoever; by the consent of all writers, he was reputed to be of an excellent capacity, provident in Council, of a good memory, eloquent, constant and valiant, a good Soldier, and well practised in Arms; To the humble, courteous; To the peaceable, mild. Amongst honest men, virtuous; Amongst proud persons, imcompatible. Very bountiful, and in science of many human ornaments, not immatcheable to any. In regard of which his manifold virtues, by the suffrage of the whole Nobility, he is declared Emperor, not without assured expectation, that through his worthiness, Peace should be maintained through Germany, the disgraced forces of the Empire restored, and Italy now grown insolent through continual rebellion, brought into order and requisite acknowledgement.  
The Romish contentions with the German Emperors, by vile and novel prescription, seemed now so possessionated, that the Bishops, by whose suffrage the Emperors were to be confirmed, began to make small or no account of the Imperial Majesty, which the preposterous ambition, and immatcheable pride of the Romanists, the German Princes (and who can blame them) taking to heart, could hardly digest: but by how much this noble Heros in the greatness of his mind, meditated to abate the insufferable pride of this pernicious rabble: by so much the more found he all things to oppose against him with more and more disadvantage, to the impeachment of all his projects.  
Which his noble exploits albeit they are not unknown to all men; neither is it any part of my mind, nor the project of this pamphlet to set them down punctually (for so they would require an Ilias) yet by patience I will glance briefly at some of them, which in my judgement shall sufficiently inform you, what was the observancy, and what the fidelity of the Bishops of these times, towards the sacred majesty of this most worthy Emperor.  
Observe therefore, that the third year after his election, this Frederic having set Germany in order, and especially through infinite pains taking procured a firm peace between Henry the younger, and Henry, 
Navel, ubisupra. Raaovicus li. 3.  Dukes of Saxony and Ostrich, with a populous army marcheth into Lombardy, now by the long absence of the Emperors, grown confident in ability of resistance, by projecting many infallible signs of insolency and rebellion. By the way, he destroyeth the camp of the Milanese, Rosatum, Gailarda, Treca and Gaira, and setteth the city of Ast on fire: Derthona most strongly fortified by art and nature, he taketh by force: and from thence removing his troops through Romania and Tuscanie, he passeth as far as Sutrium.  
In these times the Roman sea stood encumbered with most dangerous contentions. William King of Sicil, who succeeded Roger (the same that we spoke of in the life of Conrade) had taken from Hadrian the fourth, by birth an English man, the suburbs of Beneuent, Ceperanùm and Bacùm in Campania.  
Moreover, the Romans by the instigation of Arnold of Brixia, redemanding their lost liberties in choosing their senate for the government of their City, maintained the contention so far forth against Hadrian, that as, after his election, he made his progress towards the Lateran to be consecrated, the people meeting the Cardinal of Saint Pudentiana in the via sancta taking his way towards the Court, twice wounded him.  
At this outrage Pope Hadrian grew out of all patience, accurseth the King, releaseth his subjects of their oath of allegiance, & the easier to draw them into rebellion, leaveth them at liberty.  
The Romans sped no better, until upon alteration of their humours, they banished Arnold out of the City, and renouncing their Consular prerogatives, divested the absolute government of the place upon the discretion of his Holiness.  
Who now hearing that Frederic was upon his way towards Rome, the Pope with his Cardinals, neither for love nor in honour, but to mediate revenge against the Romans and Roger, go forth to salute him. 
Funcius li. 10. Chro. Barnus de vitis Pontif.  Frederic rejoicing at the approach of his Holiness, receiveth him with wonderful devotion and majesty; holdeth his left stirrup as he alighteth from horseback, & so conducteth him to the Imperial pavilion. Could more reverence be devised to be done by an Emperor to a Pope? when Christ came to jerusalem upon Palm Sunday, did Herod or Pilate so observe him? or did Near so salute Peter at his first coming to Rome?  
Well, these so great personages being arrived at the imperial pavilion; 
Helmold. in the Cro. of Sclavony ca 81.  The Bishop of Bamberg in the name of the Emperor in the exordium of his oration, began to discourse, with what earnestness of affection his Majesty had desired this long expected conference with his Holiness. And God be blessed (quoth he) that he now is become master of his desires. Humbly and submissively he requesteth your Holiness, that according to the accustomed manner, by the Inauguration of the Imperial diadem, you would declare him chief Prince and defender of the Catholic Commonweal. And herewithal the Bishop concludeth honestly, and elegantly, with the reasons and causes, which could not but enable him most worthy of so reasonable, so just, and so Christianlike a confirmation.  
The Bishop having ended his Oration, the Pope commendeth the speech; but withal replieth; That the contents thereof, and the matter in hand were of far different arguments. For albeit (quoth he) that the matter whereof I mean to speak of, be trivial & passable; yet can it not be denied, but that there is cause of fear, that he, who becometh negligent in small matters, will prove more negligent in greater.  
At this, the company rousing their attentions, and wondering what offence his Holiness should intimate; he goeth on; saying, As I alighted from my horse, he held the left stirrup of my Saddle: and whether he did it in mockage of us, or upon some other like fantasy, we can not guess, for surely if he meant to have honoured us, he knew that the right stirrup, and that with the right hand, aught to have been holden.  
Caesar being nothing moved with this base prattle of the Bishop, smiled and replied; That he had not been brought up to hold a stirrup: you (most Holy father, quoth he) are the first unto whom we have vouchsafed this office: And by and by after his orisons, forgetting his patience; I would know (saith he) whether this office be to be done of duty, or of goodwill. If of goodwill, who would find fault at an escape or oversight? If of duty, than we think amongst friends there is small difference, on which side the party that meaneth to honour his friend, approacheth. Thus bandying a few bitter words, they broke company, but not without stomaching.  
But the Emperor being a most prudent Prince, dissembling what he had heard, and seen to proceed from the hellish heart of this proud prelate, the next day following re-inuiteth the Bishop to a second conference. The Bishop approacheth, the Emperor maketh speed to meet him; and by his former oversight, being now become a better Prentice in his occupation, layeth hold on the right stirrup, and so leadeth his Holiness into his pavilion.  
Being set, thus Hadrian thundereth: 
Barnus in vita. Hadriani, ex Johan. de Cremona.  Thine ancestors (saith he) Princes of the ancient world, who made their holy repair unto this sea to receive the crown at our hands, were accustomed to manifest their loves towards us, by some notable emolument bestowed upon S. Peter's chair; thinking it their duties to prevent us, that so they might call the world to witness, that they obtained our benediction and their inauguration with an eminent gratuity. So Charles, after he had tamed the Lombard's: So Otho, after he had subdued the Beringary; And so Lotharius, after he had repressed the normans, merited the Imperial diadem.  
In like manner, Let your Serenity, restore unto us and the Church, Apulia an appendancie of the Romish sea, now arrogated by the normans, and then shall you, with our very good will, obtain as much as appertaineth unto our loves to perform.  
Upon the reading of this History, can any man call this Prelate servum servorum, who ashamed not to exact from so great an Emperor, his Lord and Master, as from a base and mercenary soldier, the laborious toils, and the extreme expense of warfare gratis? Are conquests of Kingdoms, surrendering of Provinces, and such like passages (let any man tell me) those spiritualia, whereof our modern Papists do hold the Pope capable?  
When the Nobility saw no remedy, but Hadrians' hand was as hard as Pharaos' heart, so that it were folly to expect a Coronation, until at their proper costs and charges they had restored to the Apostatical sea, Apulia (in truth an appendancie of the Imperial right) from William King of Sicil; they thought it fittest to content his holiness with this overture; That since their present forces were wasted through continual labour and indefatigable journeys, that Caesar having levied a new army in Germany, would return, and accomplish his expectation. The Bishop flaming what with indignation against William, & almost half dead to hear, that against his will he must volens nolens give him time of breathing and re-inforcement, showing a countenance as if he liked well of their excuses, allowed thereof, and so dismissed them with promise that he would set the crown upon frederick's head.  

Frising. li. 2. cap. 21.  These businesses thus dispatched; the Emperor with the Bishop departeth from Sutrium, and iournieth towards Rome. Mid way certain Roman Orators, as full swollen with pride, as their Master with disdain, accourt him with this rude welcome: For their theme they begin to extol, even above the skies, the antiquity of their Commonwealth: At conclusion they fall in glorious terms to intimate, That of mere good will the Roman people had called Frederick out of Germany over the Alps, first to create him a citizen, and afterwards a Prince of Rome: but with this per-closse; That the Romans stood ready to receive him; upon condition; That he should confirm the fundamental laws of the City: 
If the Pope can not have Apulia presently, he must have gold without excuse.  That he should bestow upon the Romans who were to bid God save him, in the Capitol, five thousand pound of gold: That he should defend the commonwealth from injuries, even to the hazard of his own life: And finally, that he should confirm all these capitulations with an oath, and thereto set his hand.  
Frederick being beyond mean enraged at these their mad and arrogant motions, roundly taketh them up for their follies in a most pithy oration: and telleth them, That the Empire descended upon him, not by any the least well-wish of the Romans, but by the mere virtue of the Germans. And perceiving their knavery, that under pretext of these demands, they meant to gull him of money; he told them in plain terms: That he came not into Italy, to bring it in, but to carry it out. With which answer when these impudent shavelings were not satisfied, but still urged the Articles, his Majesty disgracefully commanded them to depart.  
And perceiving that their coming unto him was but to put some trick upon him, he caused his men of war to fortify the Church of S. Peter and the bastile of Leo. The day following he entered Rome, the people following him with great applause and being honourably accompanied, was crowned and blessed. 4. Calend. julij. in the fourth year of his reign.  
The Emperor being about his Coronation in the Church of S. Peter, the Romans stomacking the business, and betaking them to their arms, kept the gates of the City shut, under colour, that the Emperor should bring in no forces to the prejudice of the City. And perceiving that frederick's troops had pitched their tents in the Neronean meadows, through the gate of Hadrian they break out into the Vatican, to prevent Caesar's soldiers from entering thereinto.  
Caesar's soldiers made strong resistance, and driving the enraged people from the Vatican into the City, they slew about one thousand, and took sixty prisoners: whom, the ceremonies being ended, at request of the Pope, the Emperor dismissed in safety, and provided for his return into Germany.  
But before his departure, it is reported, that such a like business happened between him and the Pope, which I think not fit here to be pretermitted.  
Innocent the second, he whom a little before Lotharius had restored unto the Papacy, had caused to be painted in a Table, the Pope (as it were) sitting in his chair, and the Emperor with his hands held up together, receiving the Imperial Diadem: where under were written the foresaid two verses, Rex venit ante fores etc. 
Cronicon Hersaugiense in vita Hartuigi abbatis. Radenious li 3. num. 3. & 10.  When this picture with the inscription, was showed unto his Majesty, it did greatly displease him, and casting forth some obiurgatorie word, he instanced the Pope to take it away: which he promised to do, lest so frivolous a spectacle might give matter of discontent to many worthy personages then residing in the City.  
Frederick is departed: and Emanuel Emperor of Constantinople understanding with what desire of revenge the Pope's stomach burned against William King of Apulia, by Palcologus his Orator and Ambassador, he offereth unto the Pope his voluntary service; and withal, to expulse William out of Italy; upon condition, If the business took expected issue, that then, according to the treaty; the Grecian should enjoy three maritime cities in Apulia. Doubt not, I beseech you, but that he who had already deprived William of Apulia, for contemning such religious wares, as are Popish Bulls and Curses, did not strain much courtesy to accept of the Articles. Whereof William taking notice, and withal somewhat fearful, by his Ambassadors moveth his holiness to hearken unto peace; promising not only to restore unto the Church, whatsoever he had taken away, but also that he would add somewhat of his own thereto: Moreover, that he would thenceforth contain the Romans, rebels to the Church, in their due obedience.  
These were honourable conditions, but that the Pope should not accept thereof, the Cardinals dissuaded him, like true men of arms, hoping to reap more crowns by war, then by peace. Whereupon, war is proclaimed against William. He levieth an army throughout Sicily, landeth in Apulia, wasteth the country by sword and fire, and finally routeth Emanuel, who had pitched his Tents not far from Brundisium unto Beneuent, where at that time the Pope with his Cardinals resided, he gave such sharp assaults, that in despair of their lives, he enforced them to sue for peace.  
William acordeth, and is received into favour, and proclaimed king of both kingdoms, on this side and beyond Pharum; but upon oath, that from thenceforth he would never again infested the territories of the Church.  
Thus, as you hear, matters being ignominiously compounded, the Pope riding in visitation through the territories of the Cassinates, Marsi, Reatini, Narnienses and Tudertini, at last arriveth at Ouieta; and there is given to understand, that Rome is in combustion, the Consuls doing their utmost to restore the City to it former liberty.  
Hereupon groundeth He his deadly hatred against Frederick, most grievously complaining, that being in distress between the swords of the Romans and William, that contrary unto his superabundant promises, against all right, he had forsaken him; yea, that he was now so encircled with perils, that he could not live in security at Rome: As if the Emperor were a vessel especially chosen rather to patronize the Pope's wilful errors and oversights, then to defend the innocency of the Christian flock committed unto his tutelage.  
But Frederick taking in evil part many the Pope's actions, but especially the alienation of Apulia, being an appendancy of the imperial dignity, without his consent or knowledge: As also calling to remembrance, That the Pope had wrested from the late Emperors the right of investiture of Prelates: 
Navel. Gen. 39  That by his ministers he had impoverished the subjects of the Empire, and by their subtle dispersions of treasonable practices, had done what in them lay, to raise sedition throughout the Empire: Upon these grounds, I say, the emperors Majesty now thought it high time to put remedy unto these violent intrusions upon the regalties of the Empire.  
Hereupon he exacteth an oath of fidelity of all the Bishops of Germany; The Pope's Legates (such as were not called in by his good pleasure) he commandeth to depart the Teutonick kingdom: prohihiteth his people either to appeal or travail to the Romish Court and in his mandates causeth his name to be inserted before the Popes.  
Upon the proclaiming of this Inhibition, it happened, that a certain Bishop in his way from Rome, 
Radevicus li. 3. ca 9.10.  (whether as a contemner of the Emperor's edict, or upon any other cause, I know not) was taken prisoner, and committed to ward.  
Now hath the Pope found an occasion by the taking of this Bishop, to fulminate his long-conceived displeasure against the Emperor, and by a proud Embassy, seemeth only to be aggrieved, that the Bishop is not delivered from Captivity; but withal interlaceth, both in his letters, as also in the speeches of his legate, many blundering Items; which did abundantly insinuate in what manner he deemed the Emperor to be obliged unto him.  
For by his letters he wished him to re-consider, how from him he had received the confirmation of the Imperial crown; and yet did his Holiness nothing repent it, had the favours which he had bestowed upon him, been far more beneficial.  
Upon the reading of which letters, the nobility falling into discontent; one of the Legates rose up, and resolutely took upon him to broach: That the Roman Empire was transferred from the Grecians to the Almans, not to be called Emperor, but King of the teutonics, until he were confirmed by the Apostolic sea: Before consecration he was a King, after an Emperor: Whence then hath he his Empire, if not of the Pope? By the election of the nobility he hath the name of a king, by consecration of the Pope, the style of an Emperor, and Caesar Augustus, Ergo per Papam imperat. Search Antiquity: Zachary ennobled Charles and gave him the surname of Great, that he mought be Emperor: and ordained that ever after the Teutonic King should be Emperor, and Champion of the Apostolic Sea: That Apulia, by him should be pacified, and restored to the Church, being in truth holden of S. Peter, and not of the Empire.  
Rome is the seat of the Pope, Aquis in Arden is the Emperors: Whatsoever the Emperor possesseth, he holdeth it wholly of the Pope. As Zachary transferred the Empire from the Greeks to the Teutonics: So may the Pope retransfer it from the Almans to the Grecians. Behold, it is in his power to give it to whom he pleaseth, being only constituted of God over Kingdoms and people; to destroy, to pull down, to build and to plant. In conclusion, he termeth the Germane cowards, for that they could neither expulse Roger out of Italy, 
Radevicus ubi supra.  nor would at any time bring the Danes and Frislanders to subjection. Upon the hearing of these scandalous exorbitations, both the Emperor conceived a just displeasure, and the whole nobility so stormed thereat, that Otto of Wittelspach drawing the sword, which he accustomed to bear before the Emperor, had shethed it in the body of the Legate, had not the Emperor thrust between them. Of these abuses the Emperor or ever after made use, pretending that the cause of his so and so doing, took original from these saucy and malapert speeches of the Popish ministers. And thereupon causing the Legates to be safe conducted to their lodging, at break of day he commanded them to be packing; with especial caution, that they should not room hither and thither upon the livings of the Bishops & Abbots: but that they should keep the high way towards the City, without declining therefrom either to the right hand or the left. The especial reason was, that according unto the accustomed dogtrick of the Romanists, they should not disperse their conceived poison of discontent over all the Churches and Parishes of the Kingdom; neither strip the Altars, nor carry away the utensils of God's house, nor fleece the crosses.  
And because that no man should imagine, that this intimation was inflicted above desert, nor any commotion should thereupon arise, Caesar by the council of the wise men of his Kingdom, sendeth his letters through the whole Empire, showing the tenor of the cause. And thereunto adjoineth his most passionate complaints upon the diminution of the honour of the Empire: with a declaration, That by the election of the Princes, under God only, the Empire had devolved to him and his successors. Against which, if any man presumed to affirm that the Emperor ought to hold of the Pope in fee, he was to suffer punishment, as a person guilty of an untruth, & one that maintained an opinion contrary to the divine institution, & the doctrine of Saint Peter.  
The Legates arrive at Rome, where in most calumnious manner aggravating their wrongs and injuries, in the presence of Hadrian, by adding flame to fire, they so incense his holiness already transported with fury and revenge, but to think that Frederick had done, what his ancestors durst not have dreamt of (for of which of the Roman Emperors is it read of, that ever interdicted the Romanists Germany.) That forthwith he addresseth his minitory letters unto Caesar: wherein most bitterly and papally he expostulateth with his Majesty of these and all forepassed grievances. The transcript whereof because they are worth the reading and animadversion, for the benefit of the Reader I will here insert.  
Adrian Bishop, servant unto the servants of God, sendeth greeting and apostolical benediction unto Frederick Emperor of Romans. 
Navel fo. 761. Gen. 39  As the Divine Law assureth long life unto those, that render due obedience unto their parents: So, unto him that disobeyeth his father or mother, it inflicteth the sentence of death, and damnation. The voice of verity doth teach us, that every soul that exalteth itself, shall be humbled. Whereupon (beloved son in the Lord) according unto your wisdom, we are not a little amazed, that you show not that measure of reverence towards Saint Peter, and the Roman Church, as you are bound to do. In your letters dated to our Holiness, you insert your style before Ours. Wherein, you incur the scandal of presumption, I will not say, of Arrogancy. As concerning your fealty avowed and sworn to Saint Peter and us, how is it kept, when you require Homage, exact fealty, and hold the holy hands of those between yours, who are duly dedicated to God, being his most glorious children, viz. the Bishops, showing yourself manifestly rebellious unto us, in denying our Cardinals (directed unto you from our side) not only entrance into the Churches, but also into the Cities of your Kingdom? Repent, repent therefore we advise you, lest that in seeking to deserve a Crown and coronation, at our hands, in affecting things ungranted, you lose not what is already granted. We tender your nobleness.  
What inference of humility or apostolical lenity appeareth (I beseech you) in these letters? nay, rather may not a good Christian without offence term such a pride to be truly Luciferian, that taketh so great a scorn to have the papal style placed behind the Imperial, as if other Emperors in their letters to His Holiness, had not before times done the like? See 97. dist. c. victor. & 63. distinct. c. tibi.  
After the receipt of these blunt and proud-papall mandates, the Emperor according to his excellent sufficiency in Christian sapience, requiteth him; and as the proverb is, driving out one nail with another, he payeth his holiness home in this manner.  
Frederick by the grace of God Emperor of Romans always Augustus, 
Nau. fo. 792.  unto Adrian Bishop of the Catholic congregation. Whatsoever jesus began to do and to teach, in all things ought we that to follow. The Law of justice distributeth unto every man his own. We derogate not from our parents, as long as in this Kingdom we vouchsafe them due Honour, from whom, viz. our progenitors, we have received the dignity and Crown of the Kingdom. I pray you in the time of Constantine was Silvester known to have any interest in the Regalties? By his Piety, the Church obtained liberty and peace: and what ever iura regalia your Papacy can claim, they accrued unto you by the bounty of Princes. Turn over the Chronicles, and if you please not to believe what I write, there shall you find as much as we affirm. What should then let us, that we should not exact homage and oaths of allegiance from them, which are Gods by adoption, yet hold of us in regalty: sithence that He, who was ours and your Master (taking nothing from the King, but distributing all his goods indifferently amongst all persons; paying tribute to Caesar for himself and Peter, and leaving the example behind him for you to follow) hath warranted the precedent, by saying; Learn you of me, for I am meek and humble of heart. Wherefore, let them either resign their regalties, viz. their temporalities; or in the name of God, if they shall judge them profitable, let them give unto God the things that are Gods, and unto Caesar, what belongeth to Caesar. The reason wherefore we interdicted your Cardinals, the Churches, and forbade them our Cities, was because we find them not Preachers, but robbers: not peacemakers but money masters: not converters of the people, but heapers of insatiable treasure. Yet, when we shall find them, such as the Church ordaineth them; messengers of peace, lights to their Country, and impartial assistants to the cause of the Humble, then will we not defer to relieve them with competent stipends, and necessary provisions: mean time you wrong humility, the Princess of virtues, and mightily scandalise your submissiveness, by terrifying the consciences of secular persons, with positions wholly impertinent to religion. Let your fatherhood therefore take heed, lest while you motion points of such nature (whereof we make light account) that you offend not those, who would otherwise even in haste open their ears as willingly unto the words of your mouth, as unto a presage of a joyful accident. These things we can not but answer, sithence so detestable a beast of pride hath crept into S. Peter's Chair. Fare you well always, and God at all times make you careful for the peace of the Church.  
What human spirit can scandalise these the Emperor's letters? What scruple of equity, of piety, or uprightness can any man say is wanting in them? Who can justify, that he wrote otherwise then became a true and a Christian Emperor? He but retorted the Bishop's pride; he maintained but the honour of the Empire; he sought but reason, and that was, Christian humility and modesty in Christian Churchmen; which in those times, as the world then complained, was not to be found in that sort of people.  
What followed? Peace I warrant you: nothing less. For the Pope not contented that by letters he had bandied with the Emperor, but writing unto all the Archbishops and Bishops of Germany, he punctually noteth down the carriage of the cause, 
The Epistle is to be seen in Radevicus li. 3. c. 15.  and aggrevateth the indignity of the fact: Admonishing them, that since the action concerned the whole body of the Church (for they will make us believe that without their intrusions all Christendom must perish) that they should corroborate themselves, as a wall of brass to sustain the declining estate of the house of God. And that they should not only find means to reduce the Emperor into the right way, but also take open and condign satisfaction upon Rainold the Emperor's Chancellor, and Otto Earl of Wittelspach, who forsooth had belched out infinite blasphemies against the Apostolic Legates and the Church of Rome: That as the incivility of their speech had offended the ears of many, 
Notable policy cunning and hypocrisy.  so their penances might be an example to restore as many again into the right path of obedience.  
But for that (as certain of the writers of that age do testify) the then Bishops were not so eagerly addicted to maintain the Pope's usurpations, 
jacob. Spigelius in annotat. ad Ligurinum Gunthori. li. 6. fol. 143.  as many of them are now, they convocated a Council, and thus wrote back unto his fatherhood: That they were not only wonderfully aggrieved at these abuses; 
Epist. extat li. 3. ca 16. in Radevicus. Auent. li. 6. Annal. Boior. so. 636.  but also Arnold of Mogunce and Euerard of Saltzburge by their private letters admonished all Roman Priests, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops and Massemungers, to give over their sauciness, their pride, their avarice, their perfidy, and all other enormities, by which they rob the poor, and disturbed the peace of the Empire. Finally they humbly besought them, that they would put their helping hands to work Adrian to observe peace: undertaking for the Emperor that he should do nothing, but what stood with religion, reason and equity.  
Sure these were bitter pills for Hadrians' stomach: But what remedy? Popes, as they are cursefull, so are they politic, and being well skilled in speculation, they know by the Planets, when it is high time to hold a candle before the Devil. He that now reigneth is not Henry the fourth, but Frederick the first: who is now preparing for Italy; and having sent his honourable Ambassadors, Rainold his Chancellor and Otto of Wittelsbach, before to assemble a convocation of the Princes and Bishops of Italy, prepareth his way in potent and Princelike manner, and meaneth himself in short time to sit in person in Council amongst them.  
Now is it time to fly unto the fox his case; a necromantique spell hath informed us, that the Lion's skin will nothing prevail us: 
Nau. Gen. 39 Auenti. loco prae allegato. Rade. li. 3. cap. 17.  Humble letters are dispatched towards Augusta to lenify the emperors displeasure; and Henry Duke of Saxony and Bavaria with Otho the Frison; made intercessors to reconciliation.  
No long time after, Hadrian betakes himself again to his perspective, where observing that the Cities of Italy (Crema being hardly besieged by Frederick) had enterprised a conspiracy to revindicate their liberty, the Pope having utterly forgotten his yesterdays reconciliation, traitorously adhereth to the faction and animateth the conspiracy upon these conditions. First That neither party should accept of peace without the good leave of the other. Secondly, That if the Bishop chanced to die, that none but one of the same faction, should be created in his stead.  
And then to give the better countenance to the rebellion, 
Nau. Gen. 39 ex Joh. Cremonensi.  for an infinite Mass of money he is corrupted to accurse his Majesty. So saith mine Author; but in these days, I am of opinion, that malice is as powerful in a Papists breast as corruption in the Papal Court.  
But our best and great God, who by the mouth of his servant David, seemeth punctually to cry out against these hired Excommunications of Popes: They curse, and thou blessest: Let those that rise against me be confounded, but thy servant shall rejoice: This good God, I say, inverted this execrable maledict upon the Pope's own head, and miraculously confounded the man, to the terror of all posterity. For being at Anagnia, the place where he had excommunicated Frederick, it chanced that as he walked abroad amongst his familiars to take the air, as he was drinking at a certain fountain, a fly flying into his throat, stuck so fast therein, that no physical experiment could give him ease; and so he died miserably choked.  
Would it not amaze any human flesh, to see so huge a giant in the midst of his armed and rebellious battalions, but even now scorning the Emperor and all his forces, presently to lie dead with the stroke of a fly? Or is there any Priest amongst them so irreligious, that dare but imagine, that this stroke proceeded from casualty, and not from the finger of God, considering that that throat which had but now belched out so injust an execration against a most godly and innocent Emperor, was also appointed the instrument to confound his spirits? Yea this unshamed rabble, being nothing terrified with so miraculous a precedent, could by no means be diverted from their intended conspiracy. For perceiving that they could not have their wills upon his Majesty by force, being strong in soldiery, Lord of Italy, & in divers overthrows putting the Milanese to the worse; they made their recourse to villainy, and by treason laid wait for his life.  
To the execution whereof, by great rewards they cunningly corrupt a fellow of a strong body under the habit of a fool or jester to go unto Landa, the place where the Emperor then resided, and there upon opportunity to offer him violence.  
The traitor wholly animated by their large promises, 
Radevicus li. 4. ca 40. & 4. Guntherus in Ligucinoli 9 circa finem.  resolveth upon the villainy, goeth to Landa; entereth the Camp, and by jests and fooleries maketh his access ever into the Emperor's pavilion: His Tent at that time was pitched upon the very bank of the river Abdua, so steep and sliding, that if any thing fell thereinto, the swift course of the stream would forth with carry it away with violence. Which the foole-villaine observing to be a fit project for his intended treason, assaulteth the Emperor (according to his custom going alone unto his prayers by day dawning) and by struggling and tugging laboureth to carry him to the foresaid steep place. The Emperor playeth the man, so that both parties being entangled with the tackling of the tents, fell to ground; by which time the Gentlemen of the chamber being awaked, by the calling of the Emperor, run to succour, and taking the villain, they threw him headlong into the same place of the river. This stratagem being frustrated, they fall to a second, but will be seen in neither.  
They suborn eight creatures of their own with plenty of crowns, to set Landa on fire. One of them mistaking the night, and laying his trains, was taken by the watch, with an other of his companions a counterfeit Monk, and both hanged.  
Being also deceived in the execution of this Gunpowder plot, they fall to a third; and send forth a certain Mountebank, resolute to death, accompanied with some such fellows as himself, to set to sale in the emperors Camp poisoned rings, bridles and spurs, so deadly envenomed, that if the Emperor had touched any of them, he had surely perished. But his Majesty being forewarned, causeth this Merchant to be watched and apprehended: Commandeth him to be examined, but finding that he scorned both questions and torments, without more ado he sendeth him to the gallows.  
Hadrian (as we told you) being choked with a Fly, 
Ab. ursperg. Plat. in vita Alex. Nauc. Gen. 39 Rad. li. 4. ca 54.  the Cardinals begin to wrangle about the choice of a successor. For two and twenty, being the emperors adversaries, would have chosen Roland of Sienna, one of those Cardinals; whom a little before Hadrian had sent Legate unto Frederick, and Frederick had banished Germany: But nine others adhering to the Emperor, by the suffrages of the Perfect of the City, and the people, created Octavianus a Roman borne, Priest and Cardinal of Saint Clements, and styled him Victor.  
But these rash elections being likely to foster infinite dissensions, It was agreed between the Electors of both parties; that neither of the Elected should be confirmed, before it was agreed upon at all hands who should be the Man, and the contention quite silenced.  
But the Rolanders being the mayor party, falsifying their oaths, proclaimed the election of Roland, and new christened him Alexander the third. From hence arose a mighty Schism. Victor remaineth at Rome, Alexander flieth unto William King of Sicil, and there the twelfth day after his election, is confirmed Pope. And to prevent, 
Behold the Imperial jurisdiction solicited. Radeu. li. 4. cap. 58.  that this dissension should not draw with it the final destruction of the Church of Rome, by his legates, he entreateth the Emperor Frederick, that by interposition of his authority, he would vouchsafe to put end to the Schism. The doubtful issue of a new Schism much troubled Frederick; wherefore, finding that both the Elettos, being orderly consecrated, he could not lawfully determine the strife, without the authority of a Council; after the examples of Constantine, Theodosius, justinian and other Emperors: (knowing that the summoning thereof appertained unto him) he nominateth the day of the Assembly to be held at Papia; and thither he warneth both the Bishops to appear, promising also to be there in person to take cognizance of either's grievances.  
After proclamation whereof, Alexander goeth to Anagnia, 
General counsel ominous to Popes.  whereat the Emperor being angry for his contempt, despatcheth his letters unto him by Daniel and Herman, Bishops of Prage and Verdim, citing him by the name of Bishop, and not of Pope, to appear at the Council.  
Alexander rejecteth Caesar's Ambassadors most contumeliously, 
C. Patet. & canemo 9 q. 3. Item 17. q. 4. ca Si quis suadente in extremo. Item dist. 40. c. si papa. Naucl. gen. 39  and in very arrogant terms telleth them plainly, That the Roman Bishop was to be judged by no mortal creature. They doing no good upon Alexander, retire towards Octavianus, him they salute as Pope, and accompany to Papia. There the Council being assembled, and the cause upon sufficient witness through all circumstances judicially examined, Victor is declared Pope, and so acknowledged by all the Germane Bishops by the commandment of Caesar.  
At which pretended injury Alexander being moved, he accurseth Frederick and Victor: and forthwith dateth his letters of justification unto all Christians Kings and Potentates; That what He did, was done with equity and good reason. But at his return into the City, finding many new upstart adversaries, openly opposing against him, he went to Tarracine: And there going on shipbord, purposely there laid for him by William of Sicil, he retired into France: where by the good leave of Philip, assembling a Conventicle in Claremount, in all hast he proclaimeth his curse against the Emperor and the Antipope.  
His Majesty, albeit he foresaw the mischiefs likely to arise upon this dissension; notwithstanding he continueth his siege against Milan, until enforced by famine and wants, the inhabitants voluntarily surrendered the City at discretion, This dispatched, he sent his Ambassadors to the French King, to desire that he would call a Council at Didion: Whether if he would bring his Pope, then would his Majesty also promise to be there, and with him, to bring his Pope also. What answer these Ambassadors received, 
Nauc. gen. 39  it is not truly known: but so much is recorded to memory, that the Earl of Blois gave the Emperor his faith, that the King his master would not fail to be there. Whereupon, at the prefixed day the Emperor with Victor kept promise, and pitched his tents near Didion: Thither came also Henry the second, and William kings of England and Scotland.  
But Alexander could not only not be persuaded to come; under pretence, that the assembly was congregated by the Emperor, and not by him: but he also so wrought with Philip, that he came unto the place indeed, but before the Emperor; where washing his hands in the river hard by, forthwith by the voice of an Herald he summoned his Majesty (as if herein he had satisfied his oath) and so departed. Wherewith the Emperor, the Kings, & the other Princes being much aggrieved, wished Victor to return to his Popedom, and they retired every man to his own home.  

Naucl. ubi supra.  Victor arrived at Lucca in Hetruria, fell sick, and died: in whose place succeeded Guido Bishop of Cremona, called Paschal the third. And unto him at Goslaria the Emperor, and all the Princes and Bishops of Germany did their reverence.  
Alexander who was yet in France, to keep Rome in obedience, constituted john the Cardinal his Vicar general, and regranted liberty to the Romans to choose their own Consuls; provided that they were such as were favourites of his faction. Then departeth he from France into Sicil, forthwith returneth to Rome, and is willingly received of the Romans, and Guido rejected. Whereupon the cities of Italy, encouraged by the coming of Alexander to hope after liberty, contrary to their oaths sworn before unto the Emperor, they re-edified Milan, but lately razed and subverted by Caesar. Then at the instigation of Alexander, they enter into actual rebellion; they invade the Emperor's ministers and favourits, 
Nauc. gen. 40. Vrspergens.  some of whom they expel, and some they murder. Then using his further council and assistance, they proceed to the building of a new City, called Alexandria, in honour of Alexander and contempt of Frederick, culling out of every City, fifteen thousand men for inhabitation; unto whom they divide the territory, and assign portions whereupon to build their dwellings.  
Upon intelligence of these rebellious combinations, Caesar levieth an army, and prepareth for Italy: where enforcing certain of the rebels to composition, he besiegeth Alexandria; but this siege proved nothing honourable: for Alexandria being continually relieved from the interessed cities, defended itself valiantly. And more than that, Henry Leo Duke of Bavaria and Saxony, corrupted with money contrary to all imagination of the Emperor, neither regarding the bond of kindred, nor the memory of forepassed kindnesses, most traitorously departed with his forces: so that Frederick finding himself too weak to withstand the Italian rebels, dispersed his host, and with great difficulty in the habit of an Ostler fled into Burgundy by the way of Mount jupiter. But Leo escaped not scotfree: for the Emperor having now recovered Germany, and reinforcing his army, limiteth the Duke a day; appeacheth him of treason; and overthrowing his forces, depriveth him of his Lordships & Dukedom.  

Nau gen. 40. Abbas urspergensis.  Some Princes favouring Henry, gave out, that the Emperor could not condemn him, unless the sentence had been given within his own dominions. Which Frederick, who before times had shown himself a severe censurer in inflicting exemplary punishment against rebels and outlaws, little esteemed; but bestowed the Duchy of Noricum upon Otto of Wittelspach, that of Saxony upon Bernard Anhaldin, and the residue, upon other of his servants. Who being reinforced by the assistance of their friends within the space of one month, expulsed Leo almost out of all his livelyhoods; which of any subject of the Empire, were the greatest and goodliest; insomuch that nothing was left him, save only the Duchy of Brunswick: An excellent precedent for gentlemen to look unto, and to learn; that the authority of sovereignty lawfully warranted by Gods own mouth, is not rashly to be vilified, but to be reverenced with fidelity, obedience, and honour, and that for conscience sake.  
And because I make no question, but that the review of this example, may be a motive to bring many a rash spirit into the due consideration of authority, I will be bold here to relate certain other exemplary punishments inflicted by this Emperor upon others of his rebellious subjects.  

Tritemius in Cronico Hiersaug. sub abbate volmaro. so. 175. Nau. ge. 39 fol. 765.  Herman Earl Palatin of the Rhine, and his complices, for that in his Italian absence, he had violated the public peace, by raising arms against Arnold Archbishop of Mogunce, he compelled publicly for satisfaction to lead a dog upon the birth day of the Lord of Worms.  
Gualfag Earl of Angleria, and Prince of Milan, for that after the promulgation of the Curse by the Pope he sided with Alexander, and in his quarrel committed many insolencies in the City, to the derogation of the honour of the Empire; having taken him, three days he tied him as a dog under his table; whipped him with scourges, and at last in chains sent him into Germany. These were the punishments of those days; the like whereof if transgressors in like cases should undergo in these times, there were no doubt, but to find greater tranquillity, and better obedience to the laws through out the Empire. But to our purpose.  
Frederick having thus abated the greatness of Henry, levied a new army in Germany, 
Platin. in vitae Alex. Nau. gen. 41. Blondus & alij.  and again marcheth towards Italy.  
Variable I know, is the opinion of writers about the gests done in Italy in this journey.  
Some report that he fought in such great danger against the Milanese, that his horse being slain, himself had almost miscarried: and that upon the compulsatory threats of the Bishops, he was fain to treat a peace with the Church. Others write, 
Io. Cremonensis. Barnus Author vitae Frederici Germanice scriptae.  that by the persuasion of the Bishop of Brixia, he went into the Holy-land, and that there, after the atchivement of many famous victories, he was betrayed by Alexander to the Sultan, yet at length again restored to liberty by the Pope's liberality.  
Albeit I know that these reports are heaved at by many: notwithstanding sithence they are vouched with the authority of such authors, whose diligence in reporting the life of so worthy an Emperor, may deservedly be tolerated: I am only disposed to relate them as I find them, especially, being such as in likelihood held correspondency, with the papal disposition against Emperors, not altogether impertinent to our Argument: for belief, I leave it to every man's judgement. Then thus at large.  
Frederick being arrived at Brixia, Hartmannus Bishop of the place, and the emperors Secretary, by the secret instructions of the Pope, dealeth with his Majesty rather to turn these arms against Turks and Indels, 
Did not the Bishops of England so by Henry the fifth.  then against the most Holy father and the Christian people. The Holy land (quoth he) which your Grandfather Conrade to his infinite expense recovered from the Turks, is now reconquered by the Egyptian Sultan. I beseech your Majesty even in the name and behalf of the public welfare, that unto the glorious recovery of these Kingdoms, you would divert your whole cogitations. This if you please to entertain, you may assure yourself, that the French King will nobly assist you to expel this Sacracen. This honest-seeming oration (saith the History) the Emperor well liked, and transporteth into Turkey this army, first levied against the Pope, and the Italian rebels. Taking his journey by Hungary, he cometh to Constantinople, transporteth his army, and taketh many cities from the Sultan. He invadeth the lesser Armenia, and coming to jerusalem, he winneth the City, and casteth out the Pagans. But whilst the world goeth thus prosperously forward in the East, Pope Alexander, that most wicked Traitor, imagining it would not be so with him and his complices, if his Majesty should return so powerful into Italy, resolveth to seek his destruction by villainy. He causeth an excellent Painter to draw the protraiture of Frederick, and sendeth it to the Sultan, with this Item; That if he desired to live in peace, There was the emperors counterfeit; make means to destroy him. The Sultan having received the Breve, and the Picture, meditateth how he might gratify the Bishop, pleasure himself, and be revenged on his enemy. Opportunity in the Camp, or in conflict is seldom, or never offered. But as Caesar led back his troops securely from the conquest of jerusalem, he divideth them into Companies, for the better commodiousness in their retreat to provide them of necessaries. In Armenia, what by the heat of the sun, & the tediousness of the journey (imagining that no danger could proceed from those solitary woods) with a few horsemen, & his chaplain he departeth from the Army. Being a little removed, and the horsemen commanded to depart, he prepareth to put off his garments, to wash himself in the river, to assuage the heat of his body. There with his chaplain he is taken, and through the woods brought prisoner to the Sultan. The horsemen in vain expect the return of their Master, yet diligently scoured up and down the country, both that and next day to hear what news. The report goeth that he is drowned. Great is the grief of the Camp, & for a months space they drag for him in the river. But not finding him, they chose new Captains & depart.  
The Emperor being brought before the Sultan, feigneth that he is his Chamberlain. The Sultan by the protracture knoweth him to be the Emperor, and commandeth the picture to be showed, and the Pope's letters to be read. Whereat his Majesty being astonished, and perceiving that there was no further time of denial, confesseth the truth, & asketh honourable usage. The Sultan after many discourses with his Majesty, encloseth him & his chaplain in prison, and according to his calling, entreateth him accordingly. At three months end, they inter-parly again: when the Sultan perceiving by conference, that Frederick was an upright man, in whom no virtue requisite in so great a parsonage was wanting; admiring his wisdom, his carriage his faith and integrity; he fell into imagination with himself, that it would be much for his honour and glory to set at liberty so great & so magnificent a Monarch. Whereupon he sendeth for the Emperor, and proposeth his conditional liberty, viz. That he should give him hostages, and pay for his ransom three hundred thousand sickles. The Emperor answereth, that he is able to do neither; first, that he had no man there to be his pledge, and secondly, that his treasure being exhausted by this long war, he could not pay so excessive a mass of money. The Sultan, well knowing that he spoke nothing but truth, delivered him on condition; That he should ever during his life keep firm peace: pay one hundredth thousand ducats, and leave his chaplain behind him until the money were paid. The covenants are drawn: the Emperor prepareth for his journey: willeth his chaplain to be of good courage: and promiseth him never to give over, until the money were procured, & himself safe returned into Germany. The Sultan bountifully honoureth the Emperor; provideth for his journey, and conducteth him to Brixia by the service of 34. horse, and certain companies of foot.  
The Prince's understanding of the Emperor's return, in frequent assemblies congratulate his safety. Caesar requiteth his convoy with an honourable largesse, and adioyeth some troops unto them to safe conduct them to the frontiers of the Empire. Then proclaimeth he a Diet at Norimberg, and before all the Princes of the Empire he unfoldeth the treason of Alexander; readeth the letter; and declareth in what manner he was taken, and upon what conditions delivered. The Nobility promise to assist him, so that he should keep his day of payment with the Sultan; 
Haec subsequentia Naucl. gen. 40. narrat. ut et alij pontisicij, praecedentibus tamen omissis.  and in anger advow, that they will never forsake him, until they see him revenged on the Traitor Alexander. An Army is enrolled in Italy, no man repining; and Rome approached. Thither he sendeth his Ambassadors, and requireth of the Romans (concealing yet a while his private wrongs) that upon hearing of either Bishop's cause, they would restore concord to the Church, by determining the right of the Papacy to one of the Elected. If thus they would do, he promised to give them peace, as also to restore, what in right they could challenge.  
The Pope perceiving, that by these good courses, the Emperor was become Lord of his desires; by night he flieth to Caietta, afterward to Beneuent, and lastly, in the habit of his Cook to Venice. Where, after he had lain hid certain months in a Monastery, he is at length made known, and in Senatorial habit by the commandment of Duke Sebastian, honourably received, and in his Pontificalibus accompanied to the temple of Saint Mark.  
Frederick being given to understand of this reception, stormeth at the Venetians for receiving their common adversary. He desireth them to send unto him, the destroyer of the Common wealth. The Venetians deny. Frederick sendeth his Son with an Armada to demand the man; but with prohibition at any hand to fight, before himself was come in person. Otho a Prince young, frolic and adventurous, desirous of honour and glory, copeth with his enemies, is taken and made prisoner. Upon whose captivity, Alexander mounted upon the wings of this prosperous success, utterly denieth to treat with Caesar, unless he would suppliantly come to Venice, and there accept the already written conditions of peace. Wherewith Caesar being moved not upon any base conceit, or despair of victory, but partly through his affectionate love towards his child, but more for desire to settle a firm peace in Europe, assented, and impawned his Honour to come upon the day prescribed.  
Where according to promise, appearing, and proceeding to capittulation, Alexander sent him word, That he would not absolve him from the censure of Excommunication until he come into the Temple of S. Mark. 
Naucl. generat. allegata.   
Here is He now arrived, accoutred in humble and religious habiliment: The Pope, before a multitude of people, most papally commandeth him to lie agroofe on his belly, and suppliantly to ask forgiveness. The Emperor, German-like, simply suspecting, that a Bishop, who ought to have been the mirror of modesty, would have abused him with no gross or dishonourable behaviour, obeyeth the Pope word, and so groveleth at his feet. At the sight whereof: He not only insulteth, but that worse is; most tyrannically he treadeth upon his prostrated neck, and then blasphemously yelleth forth this misapplied place of Scripture. Thou shalt tread upon the Asp and the Bosiliskc, and thou shalt bruise down the Lion and the Dragon.  
Did ever History record of so savage a demeanour? Surely some barbarous soldiers, who in battle have taken Princes prisoners, have entreated them more inhumanly, than stood with their estates: Sapores the Persian used to set his foot upon the neck of Valerianus the captivated Emperor, as he mounted his Horse: The Tartarian Tamerlan (the correlative tyranny to this of the Popes) enclosing Bajazeth Emperor of Turks in an iron Cage, carried him so dishonoured through all his journeys. But what is this to a Pope? By how much the disproportion holdeth betwixt a soldier and a Churchman, between a Christian and an Ethnique, by so much is the immatuity of the Pope the more damnable. They being Barbarians, might plead some probability of excuse, in that they misused but their enemies, and those by the law of Nations captivated for servility: But the Pope is a Christian, servus servorum, a peacemaker, and a Priest; whose office is only to pray and to preach: Wherefore I can not blame Bellarmine, if he could make us believe; that this History may be doubted of, when I shall relate unto you in the word of truth; That this mirror of Christian Humility) Cyclopica immanitate, first, with a Giantlike rudeness saith mine Author) most ignominiously with his bestial feet presumed to touch (nay to tread) upon the sacred neck of a mighty Emperor, than (as I said) in peaceable manner lying agroofe, and humbly desiring absolution of an unjust Excommunication.  
But why do I against the Precepts of history, thus lash out, by aggrevating of so barbarous a cruelty, to move the mind of my Reader to compassion, sithence I can never do it, for that the precedent in itself goeth far beyond any delineation that human wit can possibly polish it withal? Vox faucibus haeret, etc.  
Well, Caesar knowing himself, and recalling his generous spirits; to show that he was not a little moved at the indignity, openly calleth unto the Pope; saying, Non tibi, sed Petro: meaning that he became so devout a suppliant, not to this Tyrant, but his Apostolic Calling. But the tyrannical Pope, once again bowing down his reverend neck with his bear-like paws; reclaimeth, Et Mihi & Petro.  
The good Emperor, that had never offended any man, no nor the Pope himself, but his pride; albeit he could not but agrieve at this injurious and base usage, yet in regard of the common quiet (much preferred before his own dignity) held his peace: And after his absolution, thus renewed his grace with the Bishop.   

❧ Henricus VI.  
He reigned in the year 1191. about the second year of Richard the first.  

Platina in the life of Celestin the third.  THe Romanists thinking it no safe policy, too much at one instant to irritate the revengeful spirits of secular Princes, smothered a while their domineering humours, until the days of Celestine the third. Who although he had bestowed upon Henry for wife, Constance the Nun, the daughter of Roger the fourth King of Sicil, taken forth from the Monastery of Panormo, upon condition, that Tancred the base Son of Roger now deposed, (whom Clement the third had before to no purpose laboured also to displant) should hold both kingdoms in fee of the Church: Notwithstanding some there are, who write, 
Bergomensis in supplemento & eum sequens Nau. gen. 40.  that because this Henry punished somewhat severely not only the Apulian and Sicilian laics, for entering into actual rebellion against him, but also proceeded with like rigour against the Clerks and Bishops, being guilty of the same conspiracy; from some pulling their skins over their ears, from other their eyes; impaling some upon stakes, and encircling some of their heads with a flaming Garland; he escaped not Celestines curse, who by this time being weary of peace, intended nothing else but the dispossession of Henry, from the Crown of both Sicils.   

❧ Philip the Swevian.  
He reigned in the year of Christ 1199. about the last year of Richard the first.  
However the world fared in this age, certain it is, that presently after the death of Henry, 
Navel. gen. 40. Cuspinian in vita Henrici & Philippi.  the rage of the Bishop grew fiery hot against his successor. For Henry now lying upon his death bed, had instituted Innocent the 3 (the successor of Celestine) guardian to his young infant, four years of age, yet chosen to the succession of the Empire by the Suffrage of the Princes; To him he also recommended his wife Constance and ordained his own brother Philip Duke of Hetruria and Swevia (during the minority of the child) to be his Lieutenant, through the whole Empire and the Kingdom of Sicil. But the Bishop falsifying his faith of Guardianship, turneth traitor, and by setting all Germany in combustion, sideth with the House of Swevia.  
For as Philip posting towards his sick brother, by the way about Mount Flasco, not far from Viterbium, understood that his brother was departed, tranported with a desire of Sovereignty, he hasteneth as fast to Haganoa, the place of the Assembly of the Princes, and there worketh as many as he can, to favour his proceedings.  
Nocentius, who in show deadly hated the Swevians as persecutors of the Church, but in truth sorely thirsting after the real possession of Sicil, at first (to give Philip to understand, that without his Holiness acted a part in all Princely policies, it were folly to undertake great matters) he excepteth against him by an Excommunication, which stood on Record filled against him, in the days of Celestine. Secondly to show himself a displeased Father, he sendeth the Bishop of Sutrium unto him, to demand at his hand certain Hostages, whose eyes not long ago his brother Henry had caused to be put out. Thirdly, failing, against imagination of his will; for that Philip by confessing and repenting of his fault, had procured absolution from the Legate, and remitted the Hostages: In odium Philippi he showeth the blind pledges to the people, and depriving the Bishop of Sutrium, for that without commission he had absolved Philip, he confineth him into one of the islands: And finally, now to perfect his projects, he recommendeth unto the favours of the Electors Berthold Duke of Zazingia, a Prince strong and valiant, and whom he knew full well to be a deadly enemy to the Swevians, because he had before times been molested by the wars of Conrade, the brother of Philip. The letters of his election written at large, are yet to be seen. C. venerabilem. de Electi potestate.  
But Berthold, being a wise and an Honourable Prince, knowing himself far inferior to Philip, and that he had been already nominated for Emperor by the general goodliking of the Swevians, Saxons, the Bavarians, the Bohemians and the Princes of the Rhine, so affected the favour of his lawful king, that in assurance of obedience, he gave him for pledges his own nephews Crinen and Berthold Earls of Vrach, together with his personal oath of Allegiance. Whereat Innocent took so great an indignation, that he could not refrain, but belched out: That either the Bishop should dispossess Philip of his Crown, or Philip dispossess the Bishop of his Mitre. And forthwith he calleth from England Otho the son of Henry Leo, a proud and harebrained Prince, and by sending him the Imperial Diadem, he setteth him up against Philip; And to withdraw his subjects, he interdicteth him of all honour and authority.  
Hereby arose a most pestiferous disunion in the state of Germany, but a mass of advantages to the Pope and his Clergy. For as long as Philip and Otho by their intestine wars distracted the Empire, there scant fell void any Ecclesiastical dignity, yea almost scant no poor vicarage, but being made litigious by the cunning of Rome, the dicesion of the incumbency was removed into the Pope's Court, and there peradventure compounded; but not without the fleecing of both parties purses. This the Abbot of Vrsperg in the end of one of his Orations doth set down, for one of the tricks, whereby the Popedom is accustomed to trouble Christendom, meanwhile enriching their private coffers. These be his words.  
Rejoice (sayeth he) our mother Rome: for cataracts of treasure are opened upon earth, that rivers and masses of money in great abundance may flow into thy bosom. Rejoice for the iniquity of the sons of men, for that rewards are accumulated upon thee to reconcile mischiefs. Rejoice for thy Adiutresse, Discord; for she is let loose from the bottomless pit, even to break thy back with bags of silver. Now thou enjoyest that, which thou hast long thirsted for: Sing a merry Song, for by the reciprocal malice of men, and not by thy religious works, thou hast got victory over the world. All men flock unto thee, not for devotions sake, or in purity of conscience, but by rewards to compound their contentions, and to redeem their trespasses.  
And albeit that Odoacer King of Bohemia, Herman Landgrave of Thuringe, the Bishop of Argentine, and Adulph Archprelate of Colein, being terrified by the papal curse, had sided with Otho, assisted with the forces of his Uncle Richard, 
Naucl. gen. 41. Vrsperg. fo. 323.  King of England; yet being strong with his Etrurians levied in Italy, and his Swevians raised in Germany, he beginneth with Alsatia, next neighbour to Swevia, and wasteth it: then falling upon the Thuringer, confederated with the Bohemian, he enforceth him to submission, and routeth the Bohemian. This done, through the reconciliation of the Colennois, at Confluence he treateth a league with the Dukes of Brabant & Lotharinge: with whom and his associates descending to Aquisgran, with great solemnity he is there crowned by the foresaid Colennois. Finally, meeting with Otho not far from Colen, he put him to flight, and without his companions enforceth him to fly again into England.  
When the Princes perceived these prosperous successes to attend Philip, being now thoroughly wearied with these civil combustions; by a general consent, they conclude to send an honourable Embassy to his Holiness; who upon restitution of Philip into favour, should entreat his fatherhood to confirm him in the Rights of the Empire.  
He giveth audience, and returneth for answer; that unless Philip will give unto Richard his brother's son (newly created Earl of Thuscanie) Spolet, and Marchia Anconitana, with the daughter of Philip, he will never hearken unto the emperors Embassy. Behold here another trick of Popish discontent: By this match, he only meant and hoped to invest his Nephew in the perpetual inheritance of these goodly Lordships.  
Thus have these Holy father's long since accustomed, under the habit of Saint Peter, 
See Guicciardine.  to fish rather to enrich their Nephews, their kindred, and their Gossips, then to be careful over the Church and the commonweal; yea, in these respects they have often moved wars; so that the means, by which God hath ordained to reconcile families, & to corroborat peace; they have inverted to maintain factions, and to serve their own purposes.  
After the Ambassadors had heard the proposed condition, altogether impertinent to the business, whereabout they had taken so much pains; they took it as a strange motion; That the daughter of a King, should be affianced to the base Nephew of a Pope: Howbeit, not to offend his Holiness, they answered, that they had no commission to treat of any such overture: but desire, that by some people of his own, he would acquaint their Lord and Master with his Holiness request.  
Whereupon, with more heat, then good discretion, he adjoineth unto the Ambassadors of Philip (now upon their return) Hugoline and Leo Cardinals of Hostia, and Saint Crosses in jerusalem. Who arriving at Augusta, were honourably received, and highly feasted, but upon notice of the proud and preposterous message of their Master (nothing ashamed to violate the Constitutions of his Lord Peramount) the King and his Counsel secretly laughing at the Legates discoursing upon matters, nothing tending to Peace and Absolution; from Augusta the Court removed to Spiers and so to Northius. And there after long debatement, the peace was ratified, and the Bishop's Nephew rejected; upon condition, that the daughter of Philip (whom the foole-Bishop eager instanced) should be affianced to Otho; And that he living in private, during the life of Philip, after his death, should succeed in the Empire.  
Not long after this treaty Philip died: for leaving Saxony, and for recreation sake retiring unto Babenberg in Swevia, he was traitorously slain in his Chamber, there solely remaining, after the opening of a vain, by Otho of Wittelsback, Nephew unto him upon whom Frederick (as we told you before) had bestowed Bavaria. The cause of his discontent arose, for that being a suitor to his daughter, in regard of some imputation of disloyalty, he had been repulsed, and the Lady, by the Emperor, her father's good liking, affianced to Otho.  
After this lamentable regicide, Otho by the general consent of the Nobility, assembled at Francofurt, is saluted Emperor.   

❧ Otho the fourth.  
OTho, 
Naucl. gen. 41. Vrsperg. in the life of Otho the 4.  by consent of the Princes being thus installed in the Imperial throne, setteth all things through Germany in good order; and then with a warlike Army marching by the valley of Trent, he passeth by Lombardie, and so cometh to Rome, to receive the Imperial diadem: where, by the Pope, the Clergy, and the people he is heartily welcomed, and honourably received: And so much the rather, the Pope studied to honour and gratify his Majesty, for that he had heretofore always assisted his party, against Philip his predecessor.  
But this extraordinary kindness was of no long continuance between these new friends; but being soon ripe, soon vanished, and turned into hatred. For upon the very day of the Coronation, an affray began between the Dutch and the Romans, about the donatives which the Emperor's accustomed to bestow at this time amongst the soldiers; so that (as report went) about one thousand and one hundred men were slain, and as many wounded. Whereupon Otho being moved at so great an indignity; complained unto the Romans for reparation of amends; which they promised, but performed so slowly, that the Emperor began to enter into suspicion, that the Pope himself became a fautor of the tumult; whereupon he departed, towards Milan, and there laying aside his Imperial ensigns, he infested Tuscanie, Mark Ancona, and Romandiola, vulgo, S. Peter's patrimony. Moreover in warlike manner he invaded Apulia, subdued the Duchy of Capua, and took from Frederick the second many other Cities pertaining to the kingdom of Sicil, at that time mistrusting no such outrage.  
Upon intelligence hereof Innocent admonisheth Otho to restore the feodary possessions of the Church, and to abstain from further violence. But Caesar not only rejecteth his admonitions, but infesteth those possessions, with more and more soldier-like depredations. Innocent flieth to Excommunication, depriveth him of his Imperial titles, and absolveth the Princes of their oath of allegiance towards Otho. And that more is, prohibiteth under pain of damnation, that no man serve, account, or call Otho Lord or Emperor. It is reported, that he caused the Princes anew to swear unto Frederick King of Sicil, being as yet an Infant; and him he made choice of to succeed in his place.  

Naucl. gen.  Whereupon Otho returned into Germany; where, albeit in the Assembly of Noremberg, upon complaint of the Popish tyranny, and the cowardice of the Princes, he had entered a strict bond of alliance with many; and had moreover taken sharp revenge upon Herman Landgrave of Thuringe by wasting his territories, for that at the Pope's commandment he had violated his faith: yet at last being forsaken of his people, he was glad to retire into Saxony, where the fourth day after his royal marriage at Northuis with the daughter of Philip, he fell sick, and died.   

❧ Frederick the second.  
He reigned 1212. About the thirteenth year of King JOHN.  
FRederick the second, by the universal consent of all Writers, a Prince worthy all attributes of honour, as well for his government in peace, as his carriage in war; upon the dejection of Otho, at the commandment of Innocent the third, took upon him the Imperial Crown at Aquisgran. And in the year next following (Otho departing at Perusium) he was crowned at Rome, and honoured with the name of Augustus, 
Cuspinian in vita Frederici. Pandulphus Collomitius.  by Honorius the third. With him he brought many rich gifts into Italy, and amongst the rest, the County of Funda; which with many notable donatives he bestowed upon the Church; And then setting Germany in order, he prepared himself for the journey of jerusalem, according to the custom of his Ancestors: Who being deceived by their false pretexts of Religion, imagined that they were not worthy to merit the Imperial Diadems, but by vows and donatives; First, forgetting that no Pope, but the Princes, and the people, were interessed in the election of the Emperors: And secondly, not fore seeing, that the Priests, who had too sharply felt the arms of the Princes to their extreme loss, were not so careful to recover jerusalem for the Christian good, as they were provident to direct, or distract the forces of stirring Potentates; That mean while they might live at pleasure, and provide for their bellies. For the Princes being sequestered into the farthest parts of the world (this pretext I confess, carried a great show of zeal & honesty) who was left to hinder them, from making free use of their wits at home, and that without restraint or contradiction.  
However Frederick in the beginning carried himself bountiful and obedient towards Honorius; notwithstanding, his virtues could neither safe conduct his life against their subtleties, impieties and clandestine counsels; neither his bounty extenuate or lenify their conceived malices against his person. For, three most wicked Bishops successively succeeding one another, for almost thirty years space, so hardly kept him to it, that his most barbarous enemies, the Turks and Saracens, may be reported to have made fair and gentle wars against this most warlike Emperor, in regard of those tricks and tragedies, which the Romanists played him.  

Pandulfus in vita Frederici. Vrsperg. & Alij.  First, Honorius immediately after the receipt of his Donatives, without any pretence of received displeasure, seditiously maintained and acquitted from their oaths of allegiance the two Earls of Tuscanie, Richard and Thomas, condemned of treason, & the Emperor's public & dangerous enemies. Secondly, that with more facility they might make use of his favour to purpose, and usurp upon the Kingdoms of Sicil and Apulia, he branded the Emperor with the censure of excommunication, and (as far as lay in his power) deprived him of all Imperial sovereignty. After this, he provoked the Lombard's to rebellion; so that they repelled the Princes of Germany, approaching to a diet to be held at Cremona by the Emperor's direction: and had done more, had not God taken him out of this world, to accompany his predecessors in the vale of death.  
Gregory the ninth succeed: He to seem nothing inferior to his predecessor, even in the first step to his Papacy, raged worse than Honorius. He accuseth him, that according to his vow, undertaken in the time of Honorius, to pass unto jerusalem, he had not accomplished it within the prefixed time: and therefore renewing the excommunication, he condemneth him without allowance of defence, unsommoned and unheard; yea, he utterly denieth either to hear, or to admit unto the presence of his council, the honourable Ambassadors of his Majesty, bringing honest & lawful reasons in excuse of their Master; yea, petitioning to be admitted unto satisfaction, in case their Lord had in any thing offended: But the Pope notwithstanding all offer of submission, daily intimateth his fulminations; confirmeth in their rebellions, john King of jerusalem, the Earls of Tuscany, the Emperor's rebels, & the Nobles of Lombardy; And forbiddeth the Emperor's servants to appear at the day of the Assembly, proclaimed by the Emperor, to be held at Ravenna; And spoileth the crossed soldiers, bound for the journey of jerusalem, of all their necessaries. The Emperor observing this passage, to lenify his papal anger, passeth the sea, layeth siege to Acon, and finisheth many glorious attempts to the honour of Christendom and the Christian religion. Mean time, the Pope (O the deep abyss of Popish impiety) taketh his advantage upon the emperors absence, subdueth Apulia, prohibiteth the crossed companies to pass the seas, & committeth infinite such like masteries, not only unbeseeming a Christian Bishop, but much more Christ his Vicar. For first, he slayeth those Ambassadors, whom the Emperor had sent unto him to congratulate his good success against the Sultan, & then to terrify those cities of Apulia, which refused his yoke of subjection, he giveth out public rumours, that the Emperor was departed this world. He also maketh means unto the Sultan (mean time to work his will in Apulia) that he should not capitulate to surrender the Holy land unto Caesar. Here behold the piety of this Holy father: Here behold his study, & conversion of levies of provisions taken up through christendom to be employed against God's enemies. This is his persecution of Infidels, this his Croisado against Turks & Pagans, viz. To invert christian arms against christians, to forsake a christian Emperor warring in a foreign land against the enemies of the Christian faith; and especially (I dare avow) for the safety of Italy, as experience hath since made manifest. For mine own part in the behalf of the whole christian common weal, I can but condole for the general captivity of Israel, but as for the Popes I say to them, as sometime mutata regione Tasso prophetically said of the Greeks upon the very same Argument: 
Tatine their guide, and except Tatine, none  
Of all the Greeks went with the Christian Host:  
O sin! O shame! O Greece accursed alone!  
Did not this fatal war affront thy coast? 
O Rome.   
Yet sattest thou an idle looker on,  
And glad attendedst which side won or lost;  
Now if thou be a bondslave vile become,  
No wrong is that, but Gods most righteous doom.  But, as in another place the same Poet spoke of the Grecian Emperor, so the Germane Monarch might at this time say of the Romish Prelate: 
And for I doubt the Romish prelate sly,  
Will use 'gainst me some of his wont craft  
To stay their passage, or divert awry  
Elsewhere his promised forces, etc.  Necessity will enforce me to return; And so he did, 
Cuspinian in the life of Frederick.  towards Italy. Where, albeit by the way he had intercepted the Pope's letters directed to the Sultan, containing the aforesaid instructions; yet having recovered the losses suffered in his absence; most heroically for the love of Christ he beareth & dissembleth all forepast grievances: And in pure devotion to peace, of his own accord he beseecheth his holiness to receive him into favour, & in requital thereof, he protesteth to become his future true liegeman for the kingdom of Sicil. What say you unto this, you hypocrites? here you see a king, humble, contrite, & studious of peace; through this whole discourse have I yet read of no such Pope. What are then the signs of christianity, and true religion? war or peace? Humility or pride? If you say peace & humility, where then must we seek them? In the breasts commonly of christian Princes. And no marvel, for both the written word of God, and conscience, have warranted their authorities: yours not so, at leastwise, in such worldly manner, as you use it. For being novel, and conversant in pompous habiliments, in Lordly appellations, in rich patrimonies, in commerce, in treaties, investiture of Princes, in maintaining of garrisons, in rigging of galleys, in entertaining of noble men and captains for service, how can it choose but by plots and devices, to maintain these worldly charges, and titulary honours, clean contrary to the example of Christ, the doctrine of the Apostles, and the modesty of the Primitive Church) you shall be constrained to mingle the leaven of the Lord, with the abomination of Baal; and in stead of preaching and prayer (your sole function) to spend your times in perfecting and preventing your own imaginations, and your enemy's designments. For I know the kingdom of heaven is not of this world, neither will flesh and blood respect you as they ought, if as you say, you should carry lowly shows, and truly practice Christian humility: but you know, where your reward is laid up; Imitate this good Emperor, and think with yourselves, that in this he followed your sayings, and not your doings. Imitate you your sayings, but say, and do, and then will the world turn their bitter reprehensions, to sweetest Sonnets in praise and admiration of your lives & Embassies. And here I crave pardon for digression.  

Cuspinian. Platina in the life of Gregory. Naucl. gen. 41. Platina citans.  Again to the History: Albeit, most of the Princes of Germany, Ecclesiastical and secular, namely, Eberhard of Salisburg, Seyfrid of Ratisbone, Sibot of Augusta, Bishops: Leopold of Austria, Otho of Merovia, and Barnard of Carinthia, Dukes with many other Nobles, did to their utmost, labour with the Pope to reconcile his displeasure against Caesar then residing at Capua: yet could not his Majesty obtain promise of pardon, until he had given assurance to pay into the Church's exchequer by the hands of the Master of the Teutonick order, the sum of one hundred and twenty thousand ounces of gold. Is this to forgive thy brother seventy times seven? Or can sin and trespasses be washed away by Masses of money? O impudent merchant, Antichristian impostor! The price being made, pardon followeth, and the Emperor invited to a riotous feast, where amongst many dishes, simulata Amicitia, I assure you, is carried up for a service. For the Emperor was scarce upon his way towards Germany, to repress the son of Henry, who with the Lombard's and Thuscians had rebelled against him, but he is openly given to understand by the Princes, that by messengers in the name of the Bishop, they have strict commandment, not to acknowledge any man of the Emperor's family for King: and moreover, that he had conspired with the states of Italy to disgrade him of all imperial jurisdiction.  
Whereat Caesar, being full of discontent, having tamed his rebels, he plagueth the mutinous Cities of Hetruria and Lombardie. The Pope is now become more than mad, and to disgorge melancholy (for otherwise it will stifle him) again the third time he curseth the Emperor with book, bell and candle. And to be sure at this blow to tumble him quite down from the height of all Imperial dignity; first he treateth a league with the Venetians: Then by the counsel of the Kings of France and England, he summoneth a council to be celebrated at Rome in the Lateran: wherein is a great dispute about the utter abolishment of the regal authority of Frederick. Before the first sitting the heads of the Apostles S. Peter and S. Paul, with due solemnity are carried round about the City. And lastly, 
Collomitius, quem prae caeteris, vide. Platina in vita Gregorij noni.  in the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter, he maketh a sermon full of Commiseration; proclaimeth the Croisado, and promiseth life everlasting to as many, as shall take up arms against his Majesty.  
Frederick being given to understand, that the Croisado was now proclaimed against him, which was never from the days of Adam heard of, to be divulged against any, but Turks and Infidels, waxeth exceeding angry, and directeth his forces to the walls of Rome; combatteth with the Romans, rowteth them with a miserable slaughter, and spareth not a man, marked with the Cross. To some cross-ways he commanded four words to be given. Others had their heads cloven a cross, and the Clergymen he willed to be shaven to the quick, and the sign of the cross to be imprinted upon their bald pates; that so they, who were but said to be signed with the Cross, might be so signed indeed.  
Afterward, by a long and tedious siege, having forced Furentia, and hearing that the Pope had sent forth his Legates, to summon the English and French Prelates to the Council; he shutteth up by sea and by land all passages: and by the service of the Pisans taketh some Cardinals, and many Prelates passing by sea, and committeth them to prison. Two Cardinals he drowneth, and assigneth to the gallows some Abbots and Bishops, but especially the Pope's brother, for their unpardonable treasons.  
Whereupon, this good holy father, sorrowing to see so many of the Lords anointed, for treason to be so sharply used by Frederick, became so moved and distempered at the indignity, that falling into sickness, through grief of mind, he departed the same way, which his beloved Sons, had but lately foregone.  
Celestine the fourth succeed, and intendeth to proceed in the steps of his predecessor against Frederick, had not death summoned him to attend another business in a fitter place. For he sat Bishop but eighteen days, and then was poisoned in drinking.  
Innocentius the third succeeded; 
Petrus de vineis li. 1. ep. 33.  whilom the Emperors devotest friend, but now his most bitter enemy; persecuting his Majesty with more fury, than any of his deceased predecessors. And thus it fell out.  
Baldwin the Grecian Emperor, 
Collenutius & Cuspinian in vita Frederici. Hieron. Martius.  hoping to play the part of a good Christian, in supplying the office of him, who was utterly degenerated from all remembrance of his own function and calling, laboured what he could to set unity between these two mighty monarches: (for so is all Popery in truth, though not in show.) But the Bishop, having no mind to hearken to so Christianlike a motion, dealeth with the Geneois (having a Navy at that time riding at anchor in the Port of Centumcellae) to transport him unto Lions in France, and there illuding both Princes for their kindness and pains-taking, proclaimeth a concionable; causeth Frederick to be cited, yea himself in the end of his Homely, citeth him: and for default of appearance (although his sufficient substitute, Thadeus Suessanus, a most famous Lawyer, humbly desired his Furiousness but to allow him a sufficient return, whereby he might have convenable time for his repair to Lions) he denieth him respite; accurseth him; depriveth him of all Imperial honours; absolveth his subjects, & abetteth them in despite of Frederick, to make choice of some other. Most impudently alleging (so did ever the pharisees by Christ, because otherwise they could not effect their wills) very vile, false and forged suggestions against him, as blasphemies, perjuries, sacrilege, and such like stuff: which see in C. Apostol. de sent. & re iudicata, lib. 6.  
The Emperor hearing hereof, setteth Italy in order, and with a complete army marcheth towards Lions, there face to face to bandy with this insolent Prelate. But think you a Pope to be so silly an Ass, as to deal with his forewarned enemy? no believe it. His conscience can not assure his heart to look him in the face: He must deal altogether upon advantage, civil dissensions, alienations of obedience, treacheries, perjuries, discontents of neighbour-Princes and subjects. At which weapons he now dealeth with the Emperor; and having his scouts, his espials and Intelligencers in every corner through the world, by their services, he worketh the banished gentlemen of Parma, to return to their country, and there to plot out myriads of rebellions against those Cities, which as yet in Italy stood well affected to the Emperor's service. Whereupon before his Majesty could come to Taurinum, 
Cusp. in vita Frederici. Nauc. gen. 42. Epi. extat in epistolis Petri de Vineis. epist. 32.  in fear that the residue of the Italian people would one follow another's example, he quitteth his Lyons-iourny; and by letters, directed both unto the King of France, as also to the prelates there assembled, in most honest terms he refuteth his enemy's objections, discourseth at large upon the insufficiency and nullity of a Popish curse, and withal strongly prepareth by sea to reduce Parma to its former obedience.  
But good Emperor, the greater thy learning, the more their grief: the greater thy courage, the more vigilant is thy divill-like enemy for thy ruin. Thou stayest at Grossetum, about the sea coast of Sienna, there to refresh thy wearied and overwrought spirits, with some disports of hawking; Thou wilt not get thee into Germany, nor repass the mountains: 
De hac coniuratione vide ep. 10. & 52. li. 2. Rursus epi. 19 & 62. li. 3.  Then will thy ghostly father meditate night and day to undo thee; then will he traitorously inveigle thy principal servants, some by wrested sentences of Scripture, and some by corruption of money, to work thy downfall. Thus imitate they Christ in blessing their enemies; Thus honour they Kings according to Saint Peter; But (thank thy God) the conspiracy was detected, and the traitors worthily punished.  
Nocentius being fallen into a desperate fury, for that he had failed in these his most nefarious projects, in seeing the Emperor for this time fully cleared from his devilish intendments, grew yet resolute, not to give over, until he had really dispossessed him of his crown & life. Which to effect, by threats, exhortations, & promises he aweth the Princes of Germany to depose Frederick, and in his place to set up Henry Landgrave of Thuringe. But this gentleman following the service of his master at the siege of ulme's, was deadly wounded the same year wherein he was nominated King. So also his successor William, being employed in other wars, performed nothing in favour of his Furiousness. 
See D. B. 290.  Whereupon the Pope observing his Anathems to be vilified, his rebellious hirelings in Italy to be thoroughly persecuted, & his adversary to be resolute and undaunted, after long and manifold treacheries plotted, and frustrated, at last, he procureth him to be poisoned in the two and thirtieth year of his reign, and the fifty seventh of his age, on the very same day whereon he was declared Emperor, Caesar, Augustus.  
Thus, this most worthy Heros, this Frederick the second, Emperor of Germany, king of both Sicils and Jerusalem, Lord of Sardinia and Italy, & Duke of Swevia, an excellent Prince, adorned with all good gifts dained by God unto man, aswell for the furniture of mind, as body; valiant, honourable, liberal; a great linguist, and excellent well learned, finished his mortal race: who, had he not been diverted, from turning his Christian Arms against the Pagans, by the rebellions of Italy, and the Papal abetments thereto, verily he had merited more praise of the Christian world, than Alexander in due could have exacted of his Macedonian subjects.  
Verily, If this our Age (miserably shaken with this inveterate Papal tyranny) by this precedent would learn, what emolument, peace and plenty would accrue both to the Church and commonweal, by due balancing the temporal and Ecclesiastical Authorities; then would I not doubt, but to behold the Germane Empire most great, most glorious, and the Papal usurpation once again reduced to its pure and primitive integrity. More in commendation of this good Emperor I can not say, but only wish that the Motto, which was once underwritten Brutus his statue, and now due to him (utinam viveres) might at this day be revived in the hearts of all Christian Potentates to revindicate their pristinate prerogatives.  
But who shall recomfort the Laments of Zion? Albeit that this most worthy General was gathered in peace to the bed of his fathers, yet Death had no privilege to give period either to the extinguishment or satiation of these Popes never dying malice. For, against all human belief, and the divine precepts it raged with so inhuman a fervency against this Emperor's posterity, that it never gave over, 
So did it in the powder treason.  until it had deprived his issue both of life and Empire.  
For forthwith from the decease of Frederick, these (three Popish Sultan's) Innocent the third, Alexander and Vrban the fourth, following the continual stream of their proud fortunes, employed the utmost of their means to reinuest the Kingdom of Naples in the Church, and to strip thereof the House of Swevia; but in vain; for Manfred maintained and retained it valiantly as yet against all their violences; until Clement the fifth following the claim of his Predecessor Urbans Intrusion, 
Platina in vita Clementis quarti.  called Charles Earl of Province and Anjou out of France, to take possession thereof: upon condition, that Manfred being expulsed, He should yearly pay unto the Church of Rome in the Name of a Tenure thirty thousand Ducats; And for farther encouragement; Not to accept the investiture thereof, 
Navel. gen. 43.  though freely offered, from the Roman Emperor, he caused him to be styled, King of both Sicils. Which done, in the Lateran Church, he is inaugurated with the Crown of Sicil and Jerusalem. And after many and various conflicts, he not only overthroweth, and slayeth Manfred at Beneuent, betrayed by his people: but also, extinguisheth the sole heir of the noble house of Swevia, the stem of many worthy Emperors, Conrade the son of Conrade, whom he got unto his power by treason near Naples; & there by the wicked dispensatory counsel of the Pope, with more than Phalarian cruelty struck off his head, for going about to recover his own, 
So always Pap. cavil.  but indeed, upon suggestion that he persecuted the Church.  
For Clement, after he had heard the opinion of many wise men, persuading him that Conrade, as being the only branch of the most noble house of Swevia, was to be preferred, and obliged to the Roman sea by favours and affinity, turned himself to Charles, and would needs know of him, what he also deemed: To whom the Traitor made this butcherly Reply. Vita Conradini, mors Caroli: Mors Conradini, vita Coroli. i. The life of Conrade will be death to Charles; The death of Conrade, life to Charles. By which his brutish opinion, he thus whetted on a mind already prepared for murder; by manifest presumptions foreshowing, that he was already acquainted with some plot of treason against Conrade. For after he understood, that Conrade with a puissant army of Germans, was passed Viterbium, where then his Holiness resided, he was heard to prophesy, That he was led as a Lamb to the slaughter.  
Thus, the posterity of Frederick being for many ages turmoiled by this succession of Bishops, after infinite practices at last was utterly ruinated by these bloody monsters: yea, the Princes of Germany were so involued in these fatal oppositions, that none of them either daring or willing to wear a Crown at so dear a reckoning, Alphons of Spain, and Richard of England, by money and the Pope's favour (as the world saith) began to aspire unto that Dignity, which for so many ages past, the Germans alone had enjoyed, and honourably maintained.  
But neither of them, 
Herein let all Christians note the beginning, progress and sequel of all Popish practices.  either in jealousy one of another, or in fear of their predecessors harms, ever came to the real possession thereof, so that for the space almost of 22. years, the Empire became an Anarchy, and so continued, until by the general suffrage of all the Princes, Rodulph of Havespurg was chosen Emperor.   

❧ Rodulphus Habspurgicus.  
He reigned Anno 1273. About the second year of Edward the first.  
AFter these lamentable Tragedies acted upon the person of Frederick & his issue, is Rodulph of Havespurg, elected King of Romans. Who, albeit he had plighted his faith to Gregory the tenth, that he would come to Rome, and there be crowned; as also, had studied to deserve the friendship of him, and other his successors, with extraordinary endeavours; For that, time had taught him, that even against all human reason, this viperous generation had clearly extinguished the two most worthy and glorious families, of France and Svevia; As also, for that, they had transferred the Kingdom of Naples from the race of Frederick, to the house of Anjou; and therefore thought with himself, that such Potentates, as they, were not rashly to be provoked, especially being now shielded with the favours of the French, and the peevishness of the German Bishops; As also, that it was work enough, beseeming the Majesty of a good and gracious Emperor, to tender the welfare of his native Country, now almost ruinated and rend by civil dissensions: Notwithstanding his godliness, his clemency, his devotion, his humanity, his modesty, and his observancy, yet could he deserve no other retribution from these ungrateful Politicians, but intrusions upon his Crown, and taunts against his person.  

Mutius. li. 21. Naucl. gen. 44.  For Honorius the fourth, being Bishop at that season, arrogating unto himself all Regal authority, directly against the good will of Rodulph, constituted Prizivalna Earl of janua, vicar General of the Empire throughout Italy. And after his Majesty for money had quite claimed unto many Cities their liberties, this Honorius most wickedly sealed this scandalous transaction.  

Naucl. ubi supra.  After the decease of Honorius, Nicholas the fourth had utterly dispossessed this Emperor of Romandiola and Ravenna, under the false pretext of an expedition against the Turk, had not Death taken truce with his traitorous intents. By a new creation of two Kings in Italy, the one to govern Lombary, the other Tuscanie, he had plotted, that by the commodiousness of their situations all alongst the Teutonick Alps, from hence by arms he might always have means to curb the French, who now hold Sicil, and the goodly Kingdom of Naples in full possession.  

Paralip. Vrsp.  Whereof Rodulph taking notice, resolving with himself never to be made a stale to an other man's despite, which by affectation of a titulary Crown in Italy, publicly at all times giveth forth, that at some time or other, he would find sufficient occasions of diversion and redress; but in plain terms he intimateth to his friends, that he was wholly deterred from journeying into Italy, for that he had formerly observed, That the entrance of the Caesars thereinto was applauded, honoured, and full of hopes: but their returns awkward, heavy, mournful and miserable. Not impertinently alluding unto Esop's fable of the Wolf; who told the Lion lying sick in his den, That in truth he had no reason to enter, considering that he could well observe the footing of every beast in entrance, going forward, but not of one, returning backward.   

❧ Albertus' Primus.  
He reigned 1298. About the six and twentieth year of Edward the first.  
ALbeit Albert succeeding his father Rodulph, 
Cuspi. in vitae. Alberti.  in the Empire, continued the same observancy towards the Roman Monarchy, 
Paralip. V●sperg.  as his father formerly had done: yet could he by no means escape the bitter quips & taunts of these cloistered asses. For, at what time by his Ambassadors according to custom he prayed of Boneface the eight, the Confirmation of his Election, Boneface having a sword by his side, and the Imperial Crown upon his head, showeth himself in public to the assembly, and with a high voice exclaimeth: Ego sum Caesar & Pontifex: Behold, here is Caesar and the Pope: And in fury (whereas it mought have been done without his privity or authority) he rejecteth the Election as frivolous and of no force; denieth confirmation, and with a full-foule mouth, calleth him Homicide.  
Afterwards, upon a bitter quarrel arising between this Maleface and Philip King of France, for that his Majesty would not acknowledge him for his supreme Lord, he changed his first opinion; aprooved Albert Emperor; by his Breves invested him with the Kingdom of France, and in a full Consistory Excommunicated Philip. Yet again when Albert reanswered, that he would not stir one foot against the King of France, unless his Holiness would confirm him and his heirs in the Kingdom and Empire: The Pope, not able to conceal his imprisoned displeasure, most arrogantly replied: 
Naucl. gen. 44.  Non futurum id Iezabele vivente; That, that should never come to pass, so long as jezabel lived By which abusive name, he pointed at that most noble Dame Elizabeth, the wife of Albert, the daughter of Menihard, Earl of Tirol, and sister by the mother's side to Conrade late Duke of Swevia. In show cavilling at this noble Lady, as an implacable persecutrix of Clergy men against God's commandments, but in truth, most barbarously envying her in memory of her brother and her deceased Ancestors, for their claming and retaining of their hereditary royalties against the usurpations of the former Bishops. Let the world be judge, if they continue not the like, yea the very same stratagems, against all Princes at this day, if they but cross their ambitions. The man that feareth God would think, that a good and a virtuous life, especially in a Prince, should warrant his days from vexation, and his grave from infamy. But here you see the contrary: Albert followeth the steps of his father; he is humble, in offensive, glad to please, yet not well requited: His Lady neither meddleth nor maketh with these contentious persons, and yet in regard that her Ancestors displeased the Roman prelacy, she savoureth; and must be disgraced in most opprobrious manner: 
Doct. B. fo. 68 S. E. H. fo. 48.  yea the depth of the grave can not secure her honourable friends from railing, so furious is the fire of a Popish conscience.  
No marvel: for this is that Boniface the eight, who (like the Devil in the Gospel) censured all principalities and powers to be in his donation; who usurped upon both swords, and would needs have enforced the whole world, to have acknowledged him their Lord Peramount: glorying that to him were committed the keys of Heaven gate: That he ought to be judged of no man, no though he carried a million of souls with him to hell for company.   

❧ Henricus Septimus.  
He reigned Anno 1308. About the second year of Edward the second.  
AFter the decease of Albert, Henry of that name the seventh, 
Mutius lib. 23.  of the House of Lucelburge, by the lawful suffrage of the Electors, is nominated Emperor. Clement the fifth (than Highpriest) living at avignon, (well fare the jar between him and Philip the French King) in odium Philippi, gave so courteous and facile a way unto this election, that sending his Legates through all the quarters of Germany and Italy, he gave strict commandment, that Henry should be acknowledged Emperor, and really confirmed in the election; provided that, within the space of two years, he should come to Rome to be crowned, and personally visit Italy, which now by reason of sixty years absence of the German Emperors, was miserably afflicted with intestine dissensions.  
But the Pope could not long be Master of his own breast, he must needs follow the accustomed knavery of his vafrous predecessors. For when Henry, in satisfaction of his promises, had made his perambulation throughout every Province of Italy; had twice routed Rupert King of Apulia with the Vrsins; approached Rome, and expected his Coronation in the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter: The Pope, repenting him of his forwardness, by calling to mind of Henry's powerfulness, and Ruperts' friendship, at first commandeth the Cardinals not to proceed to Henry's inauguration; and then again upon the emperors serious expostulation, changing his interdiction; he assenteth, conditionally, that he take an oath of fidelity to the sea of Saint Peter.  
Which when his Majesty refused, alleging the precedent to be new, and but lately usurped in the days of some few of his Predecessors, That the chiefest Prince of Christendom should be obliged by an oath of fealty to the servant of servants at last with much ado, but utterly against the Pope's mind, 
Cuspinian.  by the loyal service of Steven of Colonna, he was crowned by the Cardinals. For, Clement himself in deadly hatred against Him, revolted to Rupert King of Apulia, by a lawful trial condemned of high treason; and reversed his sentence of condemnation, 
Vide C. pastoralis, desententia & re judicat. in Clement.  not so much for any defect in Law, but in extreme malice against his Majesty.  
Thus was the quarrel picked against Henry; observe the cause thereof, I beseech you, and tell me if the precedent hold not with their practices at this day. But by the sudden and immature departure of this religious Emperor, nothing was effected.  
For, Henry now being resolved to take upon him the Crown of Sicily, 
Rhithmi de morte Henrici impressi hunc proditorem veneficum Paulinum vocant.  being thereunto nominated by the Sicilians, upon the vigil of the Assumption of our Lady was come as far as Bonconuent: Where, by Bernard the false dominican Monk, who before times had given many hypocritical testimonies of service towards his Majesty, by a new and never heard of example, at Mass mingled poison, and the powder of Adamant (which as men say bringeth speediest death) into the communion cup, and so slew his Lord and sovereign.  
All the wakes, Annals, records, songs, rhythms, verses and Epigrams written in those days, do make ample relation of this tragedy. But the whole Rabble (and blame them not) of the Dominicans do utterly deny it; giving out, that in grief of mind, for that he could not be fully revenged upon his enemies, he gave up the ghost, after he had received letters from his Holiness in testimonial of this aforesaid villains innocency. But however; These fair glosses could not so exempt their Order from the suspicion of this murder, but that many of their Covent, together with their houses were burnt and destroyed by sword and fire in many places throughout Tuscanie and Lombardy.   

❧ Lodovicus Bavarus.  
He reigned Anno 1314. About the seventh year of Edward the second.  
HEnry (last spoken of) being thus dispatched, the tempest which in his life time lay smothered in embers, in hideous manner now breaketh out upon the head of his successors. For Frederick of Austria, and Lewes of Bavaria being both by the discordant suffrages of the Electors, named for Caesar's, john the 22. findeth an occasion to disquiet them both; and first in very ignominious fashion he quarelleth with Frederick. And thus it fared: Conrade the Bishop of Gurcia was sent to Rome by the Austrians, to desire his Holiness in favour of Frederick, to give assent to the election, and to repress Lewes; where, in making his Oration, he chanced to discourse, upon the praises of Frederick his grandfathers and great-grandfathers, concluding, that the Christian world was likely to reap nothing contrary to expectation, considering, That it was always seen, that from good and valiant Parents, descended good and valiant children; yet by your favour, most arrogantly and impertinently replied his Holiness; Of all men living without question Solomon was the wisest, and yet he begot a son most foolish. Not obscurely intimating thereby, that Frederick was degenerated from the virtues of his ancestors, and therefore unworthy of the Imperial diadem.  
Was this displeasure, deem ye, of continuance? no surely; for than had it not been papal. But at that time john had no need of Frederick: Lewes judas-like was saluted King, and the beloved son: But now Mapheus with his sons the Visconti, are up in Italy, and assaulting Genoa. And thereupon must a league of reconciliation be privily contracted with Frederick to the expulsion of Lewes, and the re-ordering of Mapheus.  
Eight years after his election, Frederick was foiled in field, and taken prisoner: Howbeit, 
Cuspin. in vita Ludovici Pulchri. Naucl. gen. 46.  the Pope prosecuteth Lewes with continual malice; denounceth him an Enemy to the Church, a Schismatic, and an Heretic; First, for that immediately upon his Election, without his Holiness permission, he had styled himself Emperor; secondly, for that he presumed to relieve certain of his younger brethren being condemned of heresy, and outlawed after excommunication; and thirdly, for his rash assistance sent to Galeas Visconti of Milan against his holy forces.  
Whereupon Lewes, 
Naucl. gen. 45.  understanding by the best Divines and Lawyers of that age, that the acts and sayings of john were repugnant to Christ his Doctrine: That the Pope in truth ought to be subject to the Emperor, and not the Emperor to him in temporal causes: took thereat such encouragement, that, he appealed from the Pope male informato (as the Lawyers speak) to the Pope meliùs informando, at the next general Council to be held, when he sat at Rome in Peter's chair. Mean time, valiantly and vigilantly he preventeth all injuries, and diuulgeth the Tenor of the Appeal throughout all the Provinces of Germany.  
During these verbal and scribeling contentions, it came to pass, that the Romans being thoroughly tormented with their civil dissensions, sent their submissive Orators to john, with humble supplications to entreat his Holiness; that leaving avignon, he would revisit Rome, and confer the Imperial investiture upon the King of Romans: this if he refused, they certified him in plain terms, that they would renew the ancient Laws and government of the Roman people. john not only denieth their requests, but with threats and minaces, in most ignominious manner dismisseth the Orators: At which his pride the Romans being not a little offended, by letters and embassies call Lewes to Rome as their lawful Emperor.  
Lewes granteth the motion, and with his army taketh his way towards Italy; and at Milan according to the accustomed manner is crowned by the Archbishop. After this, making choice rather by humility, than arms, to assuage the Bishop's wrath, he sendeth messengers unto him, humbly to desire his fatherhood to confer the usual and Imperial honours upon his Majesty. Which when the Bishop not only gainsaid, but despighteously dismissing his Ambassadors, peremptorily cited his Majesty to avignon; As report goeth: Caesar as having full experience of the Papal tyranny, yet willing to preserve the Imperial dignity (collated from above) holy and inviolable, utterly refuseth slave-like to prostrate himself before the Pope, or to appear at avignon. But to avoid the effusion of blood, he is content in peaceable manner by proxy to become a suitor for his collation. But herein finding the Pope as stiff as himself, and his friends the Visconti to his disgrace already accursed, he maketh no more ado; but setting Milan in order, he iournyeth to Rome, where with great applause by the commandment of the people and the Clergy, together with his wife he is Crowned by Cardinal Steven Colonna, the whole Nobility assisting, and crying, GOD save Lodowick Augustus' Emperor of Romans. And forthwith by all their good liking, he createth Peter of Corbar, a Minorit, a man learned and enured to Government, High Priest: He causeth the counterfeit of john to be made in wood, and in the presence of Caesar most ignominiously consumeth it to ashes; pronouncing him an Heretic, a destroyer of the Church, and a public enemy to the peace of Christendom.  
john again, thundereth out cruel process against Lewes, depriveth him of all imperial pre-eminence, and excommunicateth him as a Rebel and Arch-heritique against the Roman Church. Whereupon the Emperor, to whom Italy became displeasant, partly for that he had already determined to make no long abode therein, & partly in fear of poison, wherewith he knew the Romanists were better acquainted, then with arms, made his retreat into Germany. Whether (no sooner arrived) but news was spread abroad of john's departure, to the universal joy of all well-minded Christians, in hope that by the election of a new Bishop, all old quarrels should lie buried with their framer. But not so: For Benedict the twelfth succeeding in the Popedom, 
Plati. in vita Benedict. 12. Cusp. in vita Ludovici.  succeeded also in all Popish qualities against this Emperor; confirming all the censures, and deprivations which his predecessor john had sued out against him.  

Apud. Na Decretum hoc extat gen. 45.  Whereupon, Caesar perceiving that these fiery spirits would never be at peace, until by the utter overthrow and disgrace of all temporal Authority, they had fully and forcibly strengthened their own greatness, at Frankford he assembleth the Princes, with the wisemen of his Kingdom; persons of immatcheable dexterity in divine and human sciences, and there, by the advise of the most zealous and best learned, he publisheth a Decree under his seal against the injurious process of the dead Bishop: therein rendering a most Christianlike account of his faith, plainly & ingenuously confessing, that as it became a true Catholic he believed all the Articles of the Christian verity.  
To these by solemn proclamation he annexeth many notable edicts, to the ancient Constitutions he addeth some new, and corroborateth the old, viz. That the Electors of the Empire, and no man beside, should intermeddle in the election of the King of Romans: Whereunto the Princes and nobility gave their full consent: Ordaining moreover, that who ever was nominated King or Emperor, should be acknowledged for the true, supreme, and indubitate Sovereign of the Empire, being indeed though different in name, yet the same in effect. That without any confirmation or approbation from the Apostolic sea, he might absolutely govern and administer justice throughout the Empire. And that after publication from the Princes, in case of lawful proceeding in the election, the Pope is bound to anoint him: And in default of refusal or denial, that any other catholic Bishop is as capable as the Pope, to proclaim him Emperor, Caesar, Augustus; Considering that these formal and solemn ceremonies, are but things indifferent devised by the Popes, conferring only titles and names, but no matter of substance. For what Roman Bishop consecrated the Constantinopolitan Emperors? what Pope before Charles his time, the ancient Augusti? or who before Constantine the Ethnic Caesar's? And then, the Emperor acknowledged no oath of fidelity, but of observancy and of defending the faith.  
From this point, he proceedeth to prove, that in case of vacancy, the Imperial election divolueth not to the Papacy: and that, the prescription is derogatory to the liberty, dignity, the rites and majesty of the sacred Empire, but in truth by long and aprooved custom from Antiquity, and stl in use, that all judicature, fealties and privileges of conferring and disposing of all rights, interests, & demands, belonged & do belong to the House of the Count Palatine of the Rhine, during the vacancy, notwithstanding the constitutions of the Clementines.  
What pen can be so partial, as not to give due commendation to the prudency of this good Emperor, being seasoned with so plentiful a measure of discretion? who so modestly carried himself between the Princes & the Pope, that the former admired his wisdom, and the later celebrated his goodness? 
Naucl. gen. 45.  For in benedict's prime-entrance into the pontificacy, upon occasion of discontents between his holiness and the French king his Majesty understanding thereof, by means made for reconciliation and absolution, unto which the Bishop, after he had entered into a large field of discourse in praise of Germany and this Emperor, condescended; promising to be mindful of the motion; concluding, That that Noble branch of the Church (meaning Lewes) which now began to be separated, should again be re-ingrafted into the body of the tree.  
Upon another occasion, when the Ambassadors of the kings of France and Apulia, had scandalised his Majesty for plotting of divers indignities against the Court of Rome: his Holiness excused him with great earnestness, openly anouching, that the Clergy had wronged him, and not he the Clergy.  

Naucl. ubi supra.  But however, at this time he acknowledged the innocency of Lewes, yet afterwards, when the king of France in despite of the Emperor & the Pope, had slily prevented the return of certain Cardinals into his kingdom; and that john king of Bohemia, & Henry Duke of Bavaria, had traitorously conspired to elect a new Emperor, he suffered himself with small entreaty to be dissuaded from his former resolution of Absolution: yea, after the king of France & his Majesty had capitulated a peace, full sore against his mind; upon request to have it ratified by his Holiness, he flatly denied it; cavilling, that Lewes being now declared an heretic, ought not again to be accounted a Christian at the king's pleasure.  
Thus may you see how the Popes were accustomed to play fast and loose with the Germane Emperors.  

Cuspin. Marius.  Well, the Absolution by this nicety being adjourned, and the Emperor well observing whereunto these pontifical policies tended, summoneth the Princes and Electors to a Diet at Rensium. There with ease, by his affability, liberality and clemency, he so devoteth their loyalties to his service, that by solemn oath they not only avow to maintain and defend the honour of the Empire: but they also decreed, the Processes of john late Pope of Rome, returned against his Majesty, to be void and of no validity: yea, that a Bishop ought not to entertain any such practices against an Emperor, for that their jurisdictions were merely of distinct natures.  
Benedict dieth, & Clement the 6. succeed: 
Cuspin. & Paralip. Vrsperg.  an effeminate Prelate, extraordinarily ambitious of honour & potency. Who had no sooner seated his foot in the chair of Lucifer, but his furious Genius took such hold of his heart, that in Latin & Dutch libels affixed upon church doors, he summoneth his Majesty under the censure of extreme penance, within three days space to make satisfaction, to God & the church (meaning himself) as also to desist from further meddling in the affairs of the Empire; which limitation being expired, & no appearance recorded, he proceedeth to sentence of contumacy. Afterwards, when his Proctors craved forgiveness, with an offer to perform all injunctions to utmost: he was not ashamed to motion so foul an atonement, as never Pagan demanded of his Captive slave: viz. That he should confess and acknowledge all his errors and heresies. That he should resign the Empire: and simply commit his children, and all his movables into his tuition.  
Where is now become, O Lucifer, thy pastoral humility? where thy fatherly aspect? where thy representative Holiness?  
Notwithstanding, albeit the poorest refuse of the world would not have accepted of these basest conditions, yet this good Emperor, foreseeing, that if he should not bend; war, slaughter & spoils would ensue, he received the pontifical libel; signed it with his seal, and swore to observe it; so far forth humiliating his dejection, that upon relation thereof, the whole College of the scarlet-roabed-fathers' could not choose but receive it with unaccustomed admiration.  
But the Emperor upon sounder advice, considering with himself, that without the consent of the Electors, and of the Princes & the estates of the Empire, it was against the fundamental Law to accept of any such Capitulation, in the next assembly at Frankford, he causeth the tenor of the reconciliation to be read before the whole Assembly. They give sentence, that it tendeth in most points to the prejudice and destruction of the state, and therefore reject it: They promise to stand fast unto his Majesty; in case, as before, he would reassume his courage, and resolutely defend the honour of the Empire. And to conclude, they dispatch an Embassy to the Pope, with intimation, that from thenceforth he should cease from such frivolous conventions, being purposely devised to dishonour the Majesty of the Germane Empire.  
They arrive before his Holiness; they expostulate the rigour of the Articles to the prejudice of the Empire: nothing else they enforce, nothing else they demand: But his Holiness enraged like an illuded Tigress; layeth all the blame upon Lewes, & with deeper hart-burning then before, falleth into treaty with john and Charles Kings of Bohemia, heretofore overthrown by Lewes, and with their uncle Baldwin, Archbishop of Trevers, to destoy Lewes and his whole posterity.  
The bargain agreed upon by these Pseudo Christians, in the year of our Saviour 1346. upon Maundy-Thursday, he is most irreligiously accursed by Benedict; and by the renovation of the Process (sent out by his predecessor john) declared an Heretic and scismatique.  
To aggravate the despite, and by effects to show the solidity of his religion, he commandeth the Electors within a proportioned time, to make choice of another. Lo, the Emperor rather than he will be an instrument of slaughter and faction, disgraceth his high calling by acceptance of basest articles; but the Pope rather than he will want of his will, unico statu (as the proverb is) will depose, set up, commend, dispraise, bless and curse; and without all respects, either of conscience or humanity, set all Christendom on outrage, to be revenged on one creature. Were this the practice but of One, the imputation were excusable, as a defect in manners, but through the whole Legend of every emperors life, you shall observe the one abstinent, yea timorous, for conscience sake to defile even his imaginations with human blood: the other rigorous, wrathful, impatient, and quarrelsome: sometime upon donatives, sometime upon iura imperij, and sometimes upon non augmenting of Saint Peter's patrimony. Which irreligious and Antichristian outrages, albeit they know them in their consciences to be absolutely diabolical, repugnant to Christian Doctrine, and pernicious to all civil society, yet rather than any Pope or Popeling will let fall any one particle of unlawful usurpation, gained by any the wickedest of his predecessors, words and works shall fly at random upon every occasion, so that it would amaze a very Turk to hear with what shifts, with what evasions, and distinctions of spiritualia, they will stuff whole volumes in justifying of their falsifications, in wresting and curtailing of Authors, in denying manifest Records, in railing on their opposites, and pressing men's consciences with miracles, policies, and impostures. Insomuch, that if words will not work, impostures shall seduce; if impostures prove fruitless, swords shall walk, if swords be prevented, than poisons and treasonable practices shall put end to the controversy. Blood must satiate, or the Church cannot be satisfied.  
But to our History: The Electors have a peremptory day given them, against which if they produce not their Anti-emperor, the Pope protesteth by no irreligious relics, that rather than the Church shall want a Lieutenant, an Advocate (Himself must be Captain and chief justice) he will set up One of his sole Election. Well, oaths must be kept inviolable, especially with traitors, and so doth his Holiness. And thus he beginneth his web. Henry of Wittenberg Archbishop of Mogunce, and one of the electors, for his loyal adherency unto his Lord and master, to curry favour with the Bohemians, he depriveth of all his ecclesiastical and temporal capacities, and into his place he intrudeth Gerlace his chaplain, the Nephew of Adolph of Nassaw, once King of Romans. This new Papal Bishop in satisfaction of his Lord and master's expectation, and in requital of like office towards the Bohemians for their choice and election, upon the assembly of the Princes at Rensium, for the nomination of a new Emperor, worketh with Baldwin of Trevers, Walram of Colein, Rodulph Duke of Saxony, and john the father a Bohemian, to nominate and elect Charles King of Bohemia for supreme Lord of the Empire.  
But for all this; 
Paralip. V●sp.  albeit Charles in the life time of Lewes was crowned at Bonna, yet such was his reputation, and such the affection of all the good towns through the Empire towards his service, that upon a convocation of a Diet, and that after the coronation of Charles; No one of the Princes was found, either to second the election, or to regard the Pope's Breves, or to serve from their promised fidelity.  
Had he been a Popelike Prince; that is, If to work his will, he would have hazarded his Title upon war and bloodshed, what could he not have performed. But being of a quite contrary disposition, and guided by the best spirits of unpartial preachers, he never began a war against any man, though provoked, but only for the quiet and honour of his country; And in detestation of slaughter, resolved with himself never to determine a quarrel by war, if any secondary means might finish it by peace; and therefore betaking himself to his quietest dispositions, by the treachery of Clement (as some Author's report) he was poisoned at a merriment, and after as he road on hunting, as soon as by labour and the motion of his beast his blood heated, he fell headlong from horseback. Thus, most unworthily was this Emperor to the grief of all good Christians made away, in the second year after the election of Charles, the fifth of the Ides of October, in the year of Grace 1347. after he had so honourably governed the Empire for the space of thirty and three years, that those good spirits who all his life time had administered unto him true and loyal service against all Papistical malediction, now after his death with like constancy and honesty defended his never dying memory, against all Shemeis posterity; as at this day it is apparently seen, not only by record of history, but also by the particular letters of the Consul of Basil.  

Parap. ursp. Naucl. gen. 45.  And thus it is: the Bishop of Bamberg (by virtue of a commission directed unto him from avignon by the Pope's authority, to absolve as many as adhered unto Lewes) the year following the death of Lewes, journeyed with Charles towards Basil: At his arrival he made a very persuasive speech to induce the Inhabitants, sithence they stood excommunicated in the behalf of Lewes for assisting his party, with all humility to demand absolution: unto whom Conradus of Bernsfield, the Mayor of the City, in the presence of Charles, and the rest of the nobility, as well secular as ecclesiastical, made this resolute reply: Lord of Bamberg, know, that we will neither confess nor believe, that our Sovereign Lord Lewes, Emperor of Romans, was ever an Heretic: But however; whomsoever the Electors shall impose upon us for our Master, him only we acknowledge, without ask leave of the Pope.  
Surely as this Heroic speech of the Consul, showed the Christianlike courage of the man, in attributing due obedience to his lawful Sovereign, and may to future ages be a testimony of innocency protested, and in mere love and admiration of virtue: so without question this noble and worthy Emperor deserved no less, if the whole impartial world were to return a jury upon the passage of his entire life: being doubtless an honest man, unspotted, studious of his country's freedom, and only a severe opugner of the Romish tyranny: so far forth, that without exception, he is to be remembered with all those styles of Honour, which are accustomed to be instiled upon those, who for the love of their countries, have refused to undergo no difficult perils.   

❧ Charles the fourth.  
He reigned in the year 1346. About the twentieth year of Edward the third.  
LEWES being dead, Charles' after he had by diverse means appeased the competitors opposed against him by the electors of Mogunce, the Palatine, the Saxon, and the Brandeburgean, is at last upon promise that he should procure absolution for the free Cities (yet standing excommunicated for their adherence unto Lewes) crowned Emperor, and on his journey towards Italy; but there entertained with more disgrace, than any of his predecessors. For as on foot he entered the City, Behold (quoth a certain Senator) in his Oration before the people in the Capitol) thy King cometh towards thee in great humility; very bitterly taunting him with scoffs and revilements. Insomuch that the Cardinal of Hostia, sent from avignon by Innocent the sixth, would not condescend to Crown him, before he had given security to remain in Rome nor in Italy, no longer than the business imported.  
How base and ignominious this limitation was to the Honour of the Empire, is apparently to be discerned by the Epistles of Francis Petrarch, (that most learned and eloquent Poet) written unto Charles himself in these words. I know not what this promise made and sworn to the Roman Bishop meaneth, as if your majesties entrance into the City, had been gainsaid by some inexpugnable trench, or impassable mountain: what manner of pride is this, that the Roman Prince, the life and fountain of liberty, should himself be deprived of liberty; so far forth, that he who ought to be Lord of all, can not be said to be Lord of himself?  
And in another place, Nerio of Friuli, in his writings, doth not much dissent. All superiority is impatient of corrivalty: whereof, if antiquity can not give us precedents, I fear that late examples will make the case frequent. For now (as fame goeth) the Pope of Rome hath forbidden the Roman Prince, Rome: whom he not only suffereth, but also commandeth, to be contented with the diadem, and sole title of the Roman Empire. Him, whom he suffereth to be Emperor, at no hand will he suffer to enjoy Empery.  
As the cowardice of Charles, in dissembling his grievances against this propagating pride of the prelacy, is with just cause to be complained of. No less are the Pope's worthy of eternal reprehension, who for their proper respects in deposing of good & godly Emperors, substituted in their places such Ministers whose minds they knew were always prepared to satisfy their behests by war and bloodshed, most wickedly & feloniously imposing upon the Empire those losses and disgraces, wherewith at this day we see it weakened and generally taxed.  
For surely this Charles, to enable his projects to appease his Competitors; to dispose of the revenues of the Crown at his pleasure; and freely to bestow them where he thought good, gave unto Gunther Earl of Swatzburg, a valiant and warlike Leader, 
Cuspin. in vitae Guntheri.  and by the Electors saluted for Emperor 22. thousand marks of silver, with two Imperial Cities in Thuringe for the term of his life.  
Unto Frederick Marquis of Misnia, 
Idem in vitae Caroli.  elected in stead of Schwatzburge deceased, he gave ten thousand marks, to resign his nomination; and then prepared for his journey towards Rome.  
From whence escaping, 
Auont. li. 7.  by an excuse of going on hunting, in as dishonourable a manner, as never any of his predecessors before, he returned to Milan, and there created the Visconti (a Potent family in that City) in receipt of a wonderful mass of money, perpetual Vicars of the Empire throughout Lombardy, to the everlasting dishonour and prejudice of Germany.  
For a sumptuous banquet in Ville-nove near avignon, he re-delivered to the King of France, the Kingdom of Arles, acquired to the Empire by Otho the first.  
From Gerlace, Archbishop of Mogunce, 
Theodor. de Nyem.  though by his partiality he gained his election, he wrested the privilege of inaugurating the King of Bohemia, in right belonging to the Church of Mogunce, and by confirmation of Clement the sixth, invested it in the Archbishop of Prage.  

Zeigl. de viris illustribus Germaniae. ca 91.  He ordained by law, that none but Bohemians should be admitted into the College of the Canons regular of Inglehame, 
Krant. li. 1. c. 3. Tritemius in Cron. Hirsang.  being of the Diocese of Mogunce. And presently after to make quick and profitable returns of the profits of the Empire, he retailed unto the adjoining Princes sixteen free Cities of Swevia, all held of the Crown. To Cunon Archbishop of Trevers, he pawned Bopardia and Wesel (Imperial Cities) by statute.  
Lusatia, which time out of mind, had been held in fee of the Imperial diadem by the Archbishops of Magdeburg, 
Aeneas Silvius ca 3. hist. Bohemic.  by the corruption of the then Incumbent, he perpetuated unto the kingdom of Bohemia.  
Against the fundamental Laws of the Country, and the custom of Antiquity, 
De his & aliis quam plurimis prolixè vide Theod. de Nyem in nemore suo iam edito. c. 71.  by novel and subordinate practice, he offered every Elector (a part) one hundred thousand Ducats to nominate for his successor, his son Winceslaus, a man given over to idleness, cowardice, luxury, all wantonness and belly-cheer. For which, when this Phocas had not wherewith to keep his days of payment, he mortgaged for one hundred thousand ducats, to some their Imposts, and to the Palatine (as memory recordeth) Caesarea Luthrea, Oppenham, Odenham, and Ingelham. Whereupon I may be bold to say, that by these diminutions, alienations, and mortgages, the Honourable entradoes of the Crown were so immeasurably wasted, that from that day to this, it hath not been of power to recover or restore this terrible downfall. 
Zeigl. de viris illustribus Ger. ca 83.  For by the sale of these Imposts (the true and essential Patrimony of the Crown) the glorious Eagle hath been so deplumed, that ever since she hath been but a scorn and contemptible to every other living creatures. Which being true (as true it is) what Patriot can but accurse the Roman Bishops, as the sole and prime-authors of all these mischiefs, the children of desolation, and the perpetual disturbers of all Christian welfare?   

❧ Wenceslaus the Coward.  
He reigned Anno Christ. 1379. about the second year of Richard the second.  
AFter the demise of Charles, Wenceslaus his son, during the schism betwixt Vrban the sixth, and Clement the seventh (than the which a more fatal, bestial, durable dissension never befell the Church) governed the Empire, and took part with Vrban. 
Naucl. gen. 47.  To Clement upon occasion he sendeth his Ambassadors; and amongst them, are remembered certain honest and indifferent Prelates to have passed, whom by exquisite tortures he slew most barbarously. And as for Vrban, for that the covetous King had deceived the more covetous Romans, gaping after the treasure raised upon ecclesiastical benefices, in not keeping promise with his personal presence, after he had granted his commission for levying the said ecclesiastical tribute through the whole Empire, towards the defrayment of his charges for his Romane-iourney, he became utterly alienated from his ancient friendship. But what Death prevented by the death of Vrban his successor, Boneface the ninth being sure to have had it, if God had given life, made good in highest measure. For he approving the censure of dejection against Wenceslaus, not so much for his evil and degenerate life, as for that he had beguiled the Romans of their pence, ratified and advanced the Election of Rupert Earl Palatine, preferred unto the Empire by the Bishops of Mogunce, 
Theod. de Nyem. li. 2. ca 14.  Golen, and Trevers.   

❧ Rupertus Caesar.  
He reigned. 1400.  
AS Boneface the ninth, in despite of Wenceslaus, with great facility and readiness approved his deposition: 
Theod. de Nyem. li. 3. ca 53.  so Rupert but now aloft in highest favour of the Pope, at this present is so counterchecked by this weathercock, Alexander the fifth, the third from Boneface (a most malicious Cretusian) that he is very likely to feel the smart of as violent a division in the state, as doth the Church in a present and terrible schism.  
For upon his very instalment at Pisa in the Fisher's chair without any regard either of Ruperts' right, or his present possession upon a just title, he nominateth by his missives for King of Romans, Wenceslaus, the man, whom in a frequent assembly, with one consent the Electors had heretofore removed from imperial government.  
Which Indignity Rupert not being able to digest, he made his grievous complaints thereof unto the Lords of the state; and exceedingly interrupted the obedience of the Church throughout the Empire. And without doubt, he had attempted far greater reformations, had not the sparkles of these smoking substances together with the Prelate, to the general good of Christendom been at one extincted by the Physic of Marsilius a physician of Parma.  
And Rupert applying his labours to redress what had been amiss by the avarice of Charles, and the cowardice of Winceslaus, in the tenth year of his reign departed this world. In whose place succeeded Sigismond, a Prince for his wisdom, learning and integrity, most renowned.   

❧ Sigismond.  
He reigned 1411. About the twelfth year of Henry the fourth.  
SIGISMOND at his entrance upon the Imperial Diadem, finding the Roman Sea miserably distracted by the wicked schism of three Antipopes (john the four and twentieth at Bononia, Gregory the twelfth at Ariminum, and Benedict the 12. in Spain) took such infinite pains to restore it unto its pristinate beauty, 
Naucl. gen. 48. Parap. ursp. Cuspinian.  as few or none of the ancient kings or Emperors ever undertook the like, for the welfare of the Church. For albeit of his own authority divested upon himself, and divolued from his Ancestors, he might, & aught to have cast out these boutefeaus of division; yet made he choice in modesty and trueness of Christian piety, rather to redress these evils by a General Council, then by the violent means of war and bloodshed. Which to effect, to his extreme travail, danger and expenses, he visited almost all the realms of Christendom, France, Spain, and England, and there by his godliness and good counsel so wrought with the Princes of those kingdoms, that they commended his zeal, allowed his course, and promised their best assistance.  

Platinan vita Martini quinti, praeter alios.  This done, he took his journey towards Italy, and dealt with john at Mantua, to come unto the Council at Constance. The Assembly being set, such were his feeling persuasives, such his important motives, as the three Antipopes being condemned to deposition, he caused Otho of Colonna, a Roman patrician, by the name of Martin the fifth, to be preferred to the place by the general suffrage of all the nations there assembled. Yea, and to remove all impediments from retardation of the peace, he suffered john hus and Jerome of Prage, men of exquisite learning and singular piety, to be condemned and burned, against an oath of safeconducte publicly allowed them.  
But now, let us go by examination to learn what thanks this godly, zealous, honourable and Christian Emperor received at the hands of this Holy-seeming Sea, for these their so infinite benefits. Upon which I will not stand to exemplify, for that every weak brain can conceive, what are the blessings of peace, what the fruits of a quieted conscience, what the rewards of unity in religion. But surely their retributions were such, as would absolutely dishearten any wise man, to enable such ingrateful Canonists by benefits. Yet will we take so much pain, as to decipher them to our Reader.  
No long time after (Eugenius the fourth, 
Plat. in vita Eugenij. 4.  then Poping it in Venice) the Emperor took occasion to go into Italy to receive his Inauguration: where by the way it happened that he countenanced somewhat above ordinary, Philip Duke of Milan, at that instant warring against the Venetians and Florentines. They partly fearing, and partly imagining, that their wills were half obtained, if they might work the Pope to their fashion, adventured, and without opposal gained his Fatherhoods good will, to deny the Emperor his lawful request; and more, adjoined his forces, to make good the passage of Aruo about Syenna against his majesties people. This, you must at any hand remember, was the Pope's requital, this their usual remunerations, not unfitly beseeming their double dealing consciences.  
Yet departed his Majesty not uncrowned, but observe I beseech you, by what practices, by what cunning sleights they proceeded in their statehouse. Extraordinary Intercession must be made; Six months he must stay at Sienna, to his infinite expense; who gained by that? And at last, must he leave Rome, doubt you not, but to Eugenius his high content.  
And again, this Neronian bloud-thirsting Bishop, some short time after being deposed, for going about to frustrate the decree of the Council of Constance (whereby it was enacted that every seventh year the Bishops should celebrate a General Council) and to ratify That of Basil, which Martin had summoned, and himself authorized; in the days of Frederick the third, he set all Austria, 
Vuimphelinagus in Epit. rerum Germani carum.  on a miserable, woeful & lamentable combustion, by provoking Lewes the son of Charles king of France, then called the Dauphin, to infest Germany with war, fire, & famine. For this Prince, at the pleasure of Eugenius, endeavouring to make void the Council of Basil, with his Armeniaches and soldiers, by cunning, treason, & protestations, possessed himself of all the plain Country, yea, and of some Cities of Alsatia, miserably wasting that goodly Province, the most fertile mother of grain & wine. That done, he fell to burning the villages, 
Naucl. gen. 49.  the Manors & Mansions of citizens, of orphans and widows, and therein spared neither Gods Churches nor Monasteries. Having put period to waste, but not to cruelty, he returned to Basil with 30. thousand Cumbatants, where by the valiancy of three thousand Heluetians, charging for their Country, he was finally slain, the third part of his lame & maimed Army, scant returning with life into France. Such be the success of all papal entertainment.   

❧ Frederick the third.  
He reigned Anno 1440. about the eighteenth year of Henry the sixth.  
ALbert succeeded Sigismond; but he departing this world within two years after his election, the Imperial diaceme divolued upon Frederick of Austria; who being by nature a Prince of a clement, mild & peaceable disposition, set diligent watch and ward over his thoughts, his words, and his actions, not at all to offend these hereditary disturbers of peace, and perpetual manaclers of Princes. Yet could he not fully avoid their cross, abate their pride, nor escape their plots.  
For as in a public Parliament held at Mogunce, he did what he could to corroborat the council of Basil, held in the year of our Lord 1441. which the Pope laboured tooth and nail to disannul; as also, to diminish the exactions which by Popish injunctions were levied upon the Germane Churches; which to effect, by his letters, he desired the king of France either to assist in person, or by some eminent persons of his Kingdom: 
Epist. extat. infine clemangis in fasciculo rerum repetundarum ante aliquot annos Coloniae impressa.  So the Pope, to countermine against this lawful battery of public trial (for these can no more abide it, than Owls can light) tampereth with the French, neither to go himself, nor to suffer any other (without his privity) to appear as his Deputy. Here behold one Popish trick more for the present to frustrate the intended reformation of a noble & virtuous Emperor. And hereupon followed that woeful Alsatian de-population, whereof we told you but now; 
Work laid out on another frontier by the Court of Rome, when reformation is spoken of.  There is an other trick complotted, to busy his head withal, viz. Diversion. His own house is on fire, how can he then attend the quenching of his neighbours?  
And albeit, that he outlived three successive Bishops, & during their lives, carried himself so modestly and benignly towards them, that nothing was attempted by them against his Dignity; & yet hoped for greater contentments by the rising of Pius the second to the Papacy, his ancient servant and Minister: Notwithstanding, this his trusty friend being once seated, without acquainting the Emperor, made no scruple to accurse his kinsman, Sigismond Archduke of Austria, and to entangle Germany with intestine divisions. As thus.  
Sigismond, after long controversying, and nothing prevailing, being unwilling that the people under his tuition, should still stand exposed to the depraedations of the Romanists, in a bickering of Horsemen, chanced to take prisoner, and imprisoned, Nicholas Cusanus, by the Pope sent into Tirol, to ransack the Bishopric of Brixia: The Bishop censuring him at no less a crime then high treason, committed against one of his creatures, enjoineth him grievous punishments, from which his trustiness could not be wooed to absolve him, no not at the intercession of Caesar, until Pluto himself came a messenger to release him from his papal obstinacy.  
His own Creatures report, that neither the threats, nor the entreaties of Princes or commonalties could any whit terrify him, but in extreme and insatiable prowling for money, he was ready to accurse and prosecute with war, as many as any way offered to gainsay his intendments.  

Vide Paralip. Vrsp. Munster. in Cosmog. Naucl. in ult. gen.  Theodorick Erbach, Archbishop of Mogunce being dead, Diether Erusburg was preferred to his place. This man, for that annates and first fruits had been abolished and condemned in the Council of Basil, refused to pay to Saint Peter for bestowing the Pall upon him, those twenty thousand, six hundred and fifty ducats of the Rhine, which his Holiness by prescription adjudged to be due unto him. Pius was not a little moved at the refusal; denieth him confirmation, and bestowed the incumbency upon Adolph of Nassau (not for love towards the one believe it, nor for especial desert in the other) but for that he was honourably allied, 
Note.  and able by friends to become master of the possession.  
Diether valiantly resisteth his Dejection, & amongst many others, by large and bountiful entertainment draweth Henry the Palatine, and Frederick of Bamberg, to take part in his quarrel: All Germany is up in faction, and the principal personages therein engaged, to their notable loss and consumption. For, Charles Marquis of Baden, George Bishop of meet, & Vlrich Earl of Wittenberg, of the faction of Adolph, in a notable encounter near Sechenham, are routed, slain, captivated, and imprisoned in the Castle of Heydelberge. From whence they could not be delivered, before that Baden had paid one hundred thousand Florins; meet forty five thousand, and Wittenberg as many, as the Marquis. And for further gratuity, they were fain either to add, or to release to the Palatine, other royalties of equal value unto their ransoms.  
At this misfortune of his friends, who maketh any doubt, but that Pius was exceedingly aggrieved? whereupon, as the bruised viper, he addresseth his querimonious letters unto Philip Duke of Burgundy, concerning the miserable estate of his partakers; a Prince as truly wise, as valiant in arms. 
Note again.  Him he nominateth Captain of the War, and entreateth his assistance against the Palatine, Diether, the Earl of Catzenelboge, and their adherents. But Philip in his high wisdom, either misliking the burden of this war, or by the temporising awkwardnes of the Pope too-long deferring his resolve; mean while, by the treason of two Citizens, Mogunce was surprised by Scaludo in the night & by Lodowic Niger Palatin, the Earl of Vold, and other of their complices in the behalf of Adolph. Who put it to sack, and fire; slew five hundred of the Citizens, and reduced it into perpetual servitude. So that this noble Diocese, what by the sales, the alienations, and the mortgages, of the dorps, villages and burroughs, even to this very day feeleth, and smarteth for the outrages of this papal war.  
This was one of Pius his good deeds; Rather than his avaricious Coffers would forbear to in-exhaust Germany of her treasure, he cared not into what distresses he cast the Princes, the people, and the Cities of the kingdom.  
But as this second Impius dealt with the Princes; So did his successor, a Venetian, Paulus the second (and worse) with his Majesty. For after the taking of Constantinople, Frederick made his second journey to Rome, on purpose to deliberate with Paul about an expedition against the Turks, To the accelerating whereof, for that the Princes through their mutual discontents were much dejected in courage, he prayed his Holiness in person to bear him company into Germany. But the Bishop putting off the motion with Courtship and kind protestations, 
Hubertus Golt. & Hutenus.  notwithstanding laid wait for his life. Which he by his providence declining, and in future resolving, to take precise notice of Popish treacheries, first courageously opposed in the Parliament at Noremberg against the Legates of Innocent, deputed through Germany to collect his Holinesses dimes, but dispatched them away again to Rome as penniless, as from thence they departed.  
What man liveth so void of proficiency, that reading these Legends, will hereafter believe this traitorous society; sithence such worthy Emperors, such wise Princes, and such great Potentates, could neither by their own providences, nor the prudency of their counsels, prescribe themselves an assured means, to be fully acquitted from their overreaching inventions?   

❧ Maximilian the first.  
He reigned 1494. About the ninth year of Henry the seventh.  
AFter the decease of Frederick, Maximilian being by the general suffrage of the Electors in the life time of his Father chosen for his Consort in the Empire, was now acknowledged for Emperor. Who although with ease he might have purchased the accustomed solemnities of Caesar, yet being a Prince most deeply in-seene into worldly practices; without question, upon recordation of such inconveniences, which he observed formerly to have fallen upon the preceding Emperors, (alured unto Rome, by the glittering reflex of a golden Crown) he set himself down, and quoted it in his Tables; That the presence of the Popes were ever to be avoided, an infallible presage of ensuing adversity to the Roman Emperors. Notwithstanding his wariest sincerity could not at all times avoid their wickedest cousinages. 
Naucl. gen. 49. Mutius li. 29. Cuspinian in vita Maximil. & Zelemi Othomanni.   
For in the very infancy of his instalment, that most luxurious and covetous Tyrant Alexander the sixth, for money, to the eternal reproach of the Christian name, sold Zezimus heir of Turkey, expulsed by his brother Bajazet, alive and dead within the space of one day. In like thirst of treasure, received from the French, he ratified the Rape of Anne of Britain, before espoused by Proxy unto Maximilian. The solemnized and consummated marriage of the daughter of the said Emperor with Charles of France, he dissolved against the will, entreaty, and real commandment of Caesar her father.  
By Cardinal Raymond he pillaged the chiefest Provinces of Germany with novel and unheard off devices of exaction.  

Mut. li. 3.  By that irregular and incomprehensible power of the keys, for many years to come he gave pardons to all rich-soules departed.  
After him, as second in name, so second in Papacy, julio circumvented this Emperor with as fine fetches, as did any of his predecessors the former Caesars.  
For after he had engaged his majesty in the war of Venice, 
Hubertus Goltz. Paral. Vrsp.  a war of all other the most dangerous & troublesome, and that he had forced the best of their Cities to the pinch of necessity: julius against his faith, most religiously sworn before the states of the Empire at Augusta; and against common honesty, not only received the Venetians, upon request of peace, into favour, but entering with them into League, this most wicked Senacherib turned his arms against his Majesty. Yelling out a speech rather showing evident testimony of an outlaws humour, then of Peter's successor.  
For by records of memory it is certainly reported, that as he passed from the City by the bridge of Tiber, he threw the keys into the River, exclaiming in fury: Since Peter's keys will no longer stead us, welcome Paul's sword. Whereby, if a man would fall to jest, he might well argue, that by this mad trick he deprived himself and his successors of this Clavian Tyranny, claimed from S. Peter, and now transferred to Saint Tiber.  
Upon which translation of julius his keys, one hath played no less truly, then wittily in these verses.  
He that for many Ages long hath sat  
In Peter's chair, new doctrine doth invent,  
For sinful Souls he prays not: but at that,  
Which peaceful Peter him to follow meant,  
He jests: Loves arms and bloody streams of war,  
Paul is his Saint, Peter inferior far.  
Paul hath a sword, but smites not: He not so,  
For many souls have died with his blow.  
A cruel Outlaw sprung from poyso'nd woomb,  
And neither follows Christ, nor Peter's doom.  
But our great and eternal God, 
Hubert. Goltz. Mutius lib. 3. Paralip. Vrsp.  the just revenger of iniquity, suffered not this his never-before-heard-of perjury to die unrevenged.  
For at what time Lewes king of France, according to the conventions of the League with Caesar, persecuted his Holiness, so far overgone in pride through the assistance of the Venetians, as he doubted not to scorn all conditions of peace; yet after the battle of Ravenna, such was the disastrous fortune of him and his, that the peace, which but even now, he scorned, now he humbly seeketh, to his cost experimenting that for all his jesting, Peter's keys at a pinch did him more service, than many thousands of Paul's swords.  
After this overthrow, and some other crosses, he died, and left Leo the tenth, his successor, as well in seat as in treacherous disposition. For in the beginning of his pontificie, estranging himself from the French King, he adhered to Caesar & Sforza the Milanese, against the French, then in March upon an invasion against Milan.  
Upon the slaughter of the Heluetians at Marignan, Frederick and Sforza being reduced into order, he violated his league with Maximilian, and returned again to the friendship of Francis. 
Arnoldus Feronius in vita Francisci Valesijs.  Unto whom, after he had obtained a Grant, that the pragmatical Sanction should be abolished in France, and a new inserted, he conferred the titles of the Constantinopolitan Empire.  
In this donation, whether should a Christian more admire his preposterous liberality, in giving away an other man's right, or abhor his treachery in doing his utmost, to cross Maximilian, so well-deserving an Emperor?  

Catal. testium veritatis.  But Caesar finding himself deceived (whether in this confrontment, or in some other, I am not able to say) is reported to have said in Dutch: That he could well avow, that none of the Popes had kept faith with him: And that Leo should be the last of that rank, unto whom he would give credit. And that he said so, and did so, the sequel proved. For within a few years after falling into a lask, he yielded up his ghost, in the year of Salvation 1519. By whom, by the pleasure of almighty God, it might have come to pass, that he, who had been so often illuded by Popish practices, might have taken some course in so great an alteration and blessed reformation of religion, to have begun primitive restoration to their final destruction. But being prevented by immature death, what was in his mind, he bequeathed to be executed, by the potency of his living successor Charles, his brother's son.   

❧ Charles the fifth.  
He reigned Anno 1519. about the eleventh year of Henry the eighth.  
But what Pen, as it ought, in suiting ornament, is able to delineat to life, the treacheries which from time to time these Patrons of confusion bounded out against this Charles, this potent and thrice honourable Emperor? In so wonderful an alteration of religion, such as since the corruption of the Primitive, never befell the Christian world, who can but wonder at the daring presumption of the Popes, in provoking so happy and so worthy a Potentate? who, taking into notice his singular affection in defending and upholding the Papacy, can choose but accurse the ingratitude of such desperate persons?  

Jovius li. 4. de vita Leonis decimi. The Pope is now French.  For upon the decease of Maximilian, the Electors being assembled at Frankfort, Charles and Francis king of France, became competitors for the diadem. Leo the tenth, being in bonds of strict friendship with Francis, and according to the innated humours of the Church, having received his fee, favoured and pleaded his best plea in bar of Charles, to the preferment of his bountiful client Francis.  
His cautions consisted of three principles; the first imported a considerative fear of his Greatness, being by inheritance a Prince endowed with many spacious and wealthy Kingdoms. The second, was taken from his peculiar and figure-casting imagination; In that, forsooth, this Charles by no obscure and lineamentall predictions of face and disposition, should resemble the man, foretold in certain verses of an ancient Prophet; 
A truer prophesy, than the Pope was aware of.  Who arising in the North, should be the motive of grievous alterations to fall upon all Italy, but especially upon the Romish sea: The third from pretence of equity, by letters signified unto the Lords of the Election; That it stood not with Law for Charles to aspire unto the Empire; for that the Kings of Naples were the Church's liege-men, and time out of mind by oath had capitulated with the Bishops, never to affect the Roman Empire, but to rest contented with their inheritances.  

Appendix ad Plati. Sleid. ubi supra.  But by the integrity of Frederick Duke of Saxony, in manifestation of his loyalty towards Maximilian his deceased Master, unto whom all his life time he stood most devoted; Charles prevailed. Leo now turning Vulpes, 
Now Imperial.  follows the stream; for the present, cleanly falleth off from the French: And finding Grace to attend Charles; there courts he; and thither he dispatcheth his commendatory miseries.  
Charles requireth his Amen to the Election; as also his dispensation, to retain with the Empire the Kingdom of Naples, the Law of investiture in no point gainsaying it. But give a Pope leave, I pray you, to fly to his wits, he must, and doth plot out new devices, to impeach the Greatness of Charles. He sendeth his Breves and messengers throughout Germany, 
Resp. Caesaris ad breve Apostolicum.  to forbid the Diet at Worms: of purpose to put off his Coronation at Aquisgran. But when his pontifical improbity perceived his positive diversions to be illuded; and the resolution of the Electors to be such, as could not be daunted in their proceedings by force, fear, flattery, nor threats, he then fell again, to the renewing of his league, with the late-forsaken French: Amongst other Articles inserting this for one; That, 
Again French.  both the Sicils should be taken from Charles; That the government of Italy should be altered, and the protection of the Cities shared, between the French and his Holiness.  
Now the question is, for how long time this Combination stood immutable: so long doubt you not, as it stood with the welfare of Leo, and the advantage of his sea. And this is an especial note, to be always observed through the whole discourse of these lives.  
For, as soon as the French King, upon confidence of this Popish League, had broken with Caesar, & sent Robert de la March, Charles his rebel, to infest netherlands; yea, and his men of war into Italy, to assay the surprise of Rhegium, a town late belonging to the Church; Leo fearing the potency of the French, and calling their fidelities into suspect: to make sure work for the maintenance of his own stake, and to reduce a restitution to the Church of those towns which the French had usurped; Now again the third time he followeth the Fortunes of Caesar: 
And lastly Imperial.  Desiring of his Majesty (after his most courteous reception) that Parma & Placentia might be restored to the Church; Francis Sforza to the Duchy of Milan; the French expulsed Italy, and the Papacy being settled in a peaceable estate, might thenceforth be secured from all fear of the French.  
But Paul dying; By the succession of Adrian the sixth, a German borne, the Papal Anger for a while lay silenced. 
Gerardus Moringus in vita Hadriani vi. iovius in vita eiusdem.  For during the short time of his Papacy, As a good schoolmaster, he persisted constant in good will towards Caesar; And against the French, he assisted him with treasure, and conjoined him in league with the Florentines, the Siennese, the Luquois, the Roytelets of Italy, the Apostolic sea, with Henry of England, and Lewes of Hungary.  
But Adrian in the second year of his Papacy being departed, not without suspicion of poison, the fatal practices of the Bishops by so much the more eagerness outflamed, by how much they had gathered materials to work upon, during the time of the former respiration.  

Feronius in vita regis Francisci.  For julius of Medici's, otherwise Clement the seventh, after much wrangling being elected Pope, before his installation was, no man more, esteemed of Caesar. From the Church of Toledo, by his bounty he received an annuity of ten thousand ducats. 
Resp. Caesaris ad breve Apostolicum.  He reconciled him so thoroughly into the favour of Adrian, from whence he was fallen, that in all affairs of importance, Adrian made him only of his counsel. But no sooner Pope, no sooner traitor. Against his Lord he complotteth league upon league, discharging his bills of account with acquittances of this nature.  
For Francis the French king being in Italy, 
Feronius.  and after the taking of Milan dispersing his forces throughout Lombardy, Clement worketh the dis-union of the Hadrian confederacy, and forbiddeth the Florentines, the Syennois and the Luccois to pay the money, which by the convention they ought to have sent unto Caesar.  
By Albert Pius Prince of Carpi, 

As Leo: So julius.  
As Leo and julius, so the residue: viz. weathercocks, for advantage. Sleyd. li. 4.   he concluded a Clandestine league with king Francis, mean time cunningly treating with the Imperialists by way of sequestration and Indifferency to impledge the territory of Milan into his discretion.  
But the devise being utterly disliked, and fortune against all imagination so crossing his designments, that in a memorable defeature, Francis was taken prisoner at Paruie, and carried captive into Spain; 
Feronius in vita Francisci. iovius li. 7. in vita F. Davi.  then to his perpetual reproach of levity and inconstancy (to flatter with Caesar) he parted with an infinite mass of money for his soldiers arrearages: yet during these passages in jealousy, that Charles would turn his thoughts to the conquest of Milan, which of all his Italian pretendancies was only left unconquered, he goeth to counsel with Loyesse the Queen mother, Henry king of England, the Venetians and some other Potentates, how to expulse the Imperialists out of Italy, and redeem Francis. To set forward the execution whereof, he dealeth with Ferdinand Davila, a man of eminent place & soldiery in Caesar's Camp: assayeth to draw him to the party, and for a bait offereth him the title of the kingdom of Naples. Davila being of a subtle & close disposition, accepteth, learneth the secrets of the enemy's projects, and acquainteth his master therewith. Caesar laugheth at the man's perjury; who being the principal architect of all injurious & prejudicial proceedings against him, had notwithstanding himself made his enemy privy to counsels, given him very serious cautions in future, how to proceed in his affairs, and how to provide for his own security, with an intimation to become careful to bind the loyalties of his men of war with greater devotion to his service.  
Whereby finding himself overreached by Davila, he giveth not over, but trieth another way to the wood: And thus it was: Francis being set at liberty by Caesar, and unwilling to make good these conventions, whereunto by the treaty of Madril he stood obliged; he takes hold of the occasion, absolveth him of his oath; confederateth anew with the French and some others, and proclaimeth the confederacy by the name of the Most holy League. Inserting amongst the Articles, that Caesar also might be comprehended therein, So that, he would first redeliver upon a competent ransom the children of France, as yet in hostage for their father: restore Milan to Sforza, and enter Italy for his Coronation with no greater troops, than should seem requisite to the discretions of the Pope and the Venetians.  
What indifferent Reader, weighing the original of this league, the time wherein it was concluded: and the occasions whereupon it was broached, can make any other construction to his uprightest censure, but that his Holiness had small intention by these injurious breaches of concluded articles, to further the public peace, but rather to administer matter of implacable heart-burnings and assured wars between the Princes. For by one Apostatical Breve, first, the conditions of the peace are prescribed to so high and mighty an Emperor, by his subject and Vassal Sforza of Milan: secondly, the oath of the French King duly and solemnly taken, is pardoned and frustrated: thirdly Caesar is commanded to redeliver the children of France, as if it were not enough by the releasement of the father's oath, to be once deluded. Fourthly, He is commanded, not to wink at, but to perpetuate the tyranny of the Italian Kinglings. Fiftly, he is commanded to forbear to come unto Italy, unless he proportioned his troops to the shape of the Papal and Venetian limitations. Sixtly, He is commanded to give pardon to Traitors: and for conclusion, in case of not-performance, war is denounced by sea and by land.  
Amidst which dishonourable limitations, what could Caesar do, but in true acknowledgement of the uprightness of his cause, reject these base conditions with as great courage on the one side, as they were insolently propounded by the other, reposing more hope in his innocency, then in the multitude of Horse or shipping?  
And surely, God almighty, the unpartial judge of human actions, so moderated the execution of his divine justice, that whatsoever complots this architect of evil counsel, meant to have thrown down upon the head of Caesar, the very same befell his own person, even when he thought himself to stand upon so sure a ground, as to be an only Spectator of the ensuing troubles.  
For Caesar being awakened at the Report of so famous a Confederacy, 
Sleyd. li. 6. Feronius ubi supra.  dispatched into Italy the Duke of Bourbon & Fronsperg, Captains of admirable reputation for their carriage in the last wars; with warrant to defend Naples, now by the tenor of the league given in prey to war and disunion.  
These Leaders pretending, as if they meant to pass by Florence, now grown proud by the continuance of peace, their mighty Citizen the Pope, and the late league; at last bending their course by the mountains and rocks, upon the sixth day of May, they solemnly entered Rome: drove Clement into the Bastil of Adrian; and upon want of all necessaries (his Bulls, his Breves and execrations, thick and threefold breathed out against the Germans and Spaniards, standing him in no stead) compelled him to yield; but with so servile and base conditions, as upon the like, never did Soldier to this day, give up his fort.  
The insolency of the Spaniard, and the inhumanity of the German, I am not able in apt words to display. See Guicoiardine, and the Histories of those times.  
For besides their horrible pillagings, their spoils, their ravishments, and their wastes, no kind of scorn was left unpractised against the Pope & his Cardinals: All without difference were alike made captives, all alike tortured: He that was ransomed to day by the Spanish, to morrow was again in durance to the Germans.  
Caesar writeth his letters to the Pope and the King of England, that all this happened besides his privity or command; yea, that he would not acknowledge such transgressors for his soldiers, 
Like for like, by Caesar to the Pope.  who durst attempt so wicked a service. Yet sticketh he not to attribute the mishap to the secret judgements of God, who would not suffer so gross an indignity concluded against the Majesty of the sacred Empire, to escape without punishment. Bona verba.  
The Pope being restored to liberty, maketh show of great friendship, but in secret worketh him all possible vexation.  
For either upon hope to possess the Kingdom of Naples (a precise condition in the articles) or else in desire of revenge; he so wrought with the French king to renew the war, that at his direction Lautrick was sent into Italy, for the conquest thereof. But such was the event, that Lautrick died; the pestilence raged through the Camp; and nothing was effected. Whereupon, the French king for the love of his children (as yet captives in Spain) was glad to accept of the proffered conditions. The Bishop, always accustomed to go with the stream, upon the peace perfected at Cambray, between the Emperor, the French, and the other Princes, enstalleth Charles at Bononia, with the Imperial diadem, and aideth him in the siege and conquest of Florence; the people whereof he saw punished most severely. But his Holiness had not forgotten to requite Charles with many like courtesies, if God had bestowed longer life upon him.  
For within three years after, he had complotted a league with Francis the French King at Marseilles, to take Milan from Caesar, & to invade Savoy; bestowing his niece Katherine upon his son Henry, if, to the good of the Christian commonwealth, he had not been by death prevented, and that, not without the suspicion of poison, as some suppose.  
Could a more treacherous man be found living then this Clement, 
If such the men continually, then what their Religion?  who continually being taken into favour and alliance with Caesar, continually betrayed his faith, and of a dissembling friend, evermore proved a professed enemy.  
After the decease of Clement, succeeded Alexander Farnesius, otherwise Paul the third, a man almost spent with age, yet of a far more subtle disposition.  

Haec omnia exposita exstant apud Sleyd. li. 17. usque ad lib. 23.  For upon observation, that the controversies in religion did daily more and more augment, and propagate, with singular affection he studied Caesar's favour; but to no other purpose, then in thirst of the Germane blood, to combine his Majesty and the other Princes, in stricter bonds of perseverance, to take arms against the Lutherans; hypocritically giving out to all persons, and in all places, and that upon his faith, that he would speedily assemble the General counsel, so often petitioned, and promised to the German Nation. And surely so he did, 
To win time.  first proclaiming it to be held at Mantua, then at Verona, and lastly after the expiration of many years at Trent: but not with any intention to salve the grievances of the Christian Commonweal, or the distemperature of the Church: but that by holding the Germans in suspense upon the final determinations of the Council; mean time he might win time to effectuate his secret resolutions; viz. the suppression of the truth, and the restitution of Germany, now through the light of the gospel beginning to shake off Babylonian tyranny, to it pristinat captivity. So in the year of our Lord 1546. he celebrateth the Council at Trent, and maketh all possible fair weather with the Germans. But with what intent? surely to combine the nobility, & to instigate his Majesty to begin the war against the Protestant Princes, and the evangelical Cities. In the beginning whereof, good fortune prognosticated a prosperous progress unto Caesar (by the taking of john Frederick Elector of Saxony; the Landgrave of Hessen; the confiscating of all Wittembergs estates, and the finacing of many confederate Cities) yet, in being too officious to give his Holiness content, in keeping his prisoners more strictly than Honour could warrant, and in coining new articles of religion to the Pope's best liking; such an alteration followed, upon the rising of Maurice Prince Elector, and Albert of Brandenburg, and other new confederates, that (dismissing the captivated Princes, and granting liberty of Conscience through Germany) so disaduantageous were his proofs of papal countenance, that he often wished, that he had preferred the loves of the Princes, before the Pope's surest alliance.  
For although (to confess truth) the proceedings of Paul against his Majesty, were slower and better carried, than those of his predecessors; in regard that he was his Champion, to manage bloody and difficult stratagems against the servants of God: yet upon the death of Peter Aloysius duke of Parma & Placentia (murdered by treason for his tyranny) when Ferdinand Gonzaga, Caesar's General, and Governor of Milan, 
Mamb. Roseus li. 4. appendicis ad Historiam Neapolita. Pandulphi Collenutij haec latè explicat.  was invested in his stead: the Pope presently mistrusteth Caesar for an author of the murder; and in vain requesting the Restitution of Placentia, he straight starteth from Caesar, and bethinketh himself how to join with the French: And had joined in deed, if he had longer lived; the time offering so fit an opportunity.  
For now Henry upon the defeature of the Princes, and the seizing on Placentia (above expectation) growing into jealousy of the powerfulness of Caesar, reneweth his league with the Swissers, and strengtheneth his party with friends on all hands.  
But in midst of these revengeful devices, this miser died, distracted more through grief and anguish, than any infirmity of Age: the tenth day of November. 1549.  

Sleid. li. 21. l. 26.  After long wrangling in the Conclave, 1550. julius the third is saluted Pope: being before his instalment, of the French faction, and after, so given over to belly-cheer and venery, that he died of a Lethargy, and wanted rather leisure than will to attempt against Caesar.  
But Paul the fourth a most devilish Hypocrite, and next succeeding Marcellus the second, (a Pope also of a few days standing) by the packing of the Cardinals wholly devoted to the French service, was consecrated High Priest: This man during his Cardinalship, was Caesar's most malicious enemy: Insomuch that by his provocation, Paul the third was persuaded to invade Naples, 
M. Roseus li. 4. append. ad Hist. Neopolit. Hiero. Rosellus de bello Romano.  as an apourtenant of the Church. But now enjoying fuller means to work fuller despites, he maketh open profession of his late concealed malice, and prosecuteth his followers with indignities of deepest fury. For no sooner was he seated in the Chair of the scarlet Beast, but he casteth into durance Alexander Farnesius Cardinal of Sanflorian, Camillus Collonna, and julianus Caesar with his brother the Archbishop, upon suspicion of a conspiracy complotted against him in favour of the Imperialists. As many the Servants and ministers of Caesar, here and there negotiating his affairs through Italy, as he could lay hands on, he seizeth; and amongst these, Tascis master of the forests to his majesty, and done Garzia Lassus a Duke of no obscure reputation amongst the Spanish.  
Mark Anthony Colonna being absent, he citeth to appear before him within three days space; and in default of appearance, he maketh prize of his goods.  
To john Count of Montorian, he giveth the goods of Ascanius Colonna, together with the titular Earldom of Pallianum.  
In despite of Caesar he recalleth the Outlawed gentlemen of Naples, and endoweth them with offices, and public pre-eminences.  
At the instance of Peter Stroza, he fortifieth Pallianum, and prepareth it for the receipt of the French to the infesting of Naples.  
Finally, by sending his kinsman Cardinal Caraffa into France, most impiously he disturbeth the peace concluded in Belgia, between his most excellent Majesty and the French Monarch.  
And to be especially careful, that no one shot of Popish malice should miss his Majesty, he absolutely denieth his son Philip (unto whom the father had resigned the administration of all his kingdoms) the investiture of the kingdoms of Naples and Sicil, being held of the Church. Whereupon followed such furious and lamentable wars, managed between these mighty potentates of Christendom, that Italy and France being chiefly engaged therein, reeked again in the bloody tragedies of their dearest Citizens. 
Guil. Zenocarus de vita caroli. 5.   
For not Rome only was almost brought unto those extremities by the presence of the Duke of Alva, which once it suffered in the days of Clement, and for the present avoided by accepting of these conditions, which the now-somwhat-lenified Lord General propounded: but the French also in favour of the Papacy, being sent into Italy under the conduct of the Guise, to infest the peaceful estate of the Latian provinces, 
At Saint Quintin's.  underwent the miserable destiny of unfortunate warfare, in their endeavours to thrust in new forces into the chief City of Vermandois, against the squadrons of King Philip, marching out of Belgia to the relief of the said place. In which conflict their whole army was routed by the German Horse, the Constable, the Rhene-grave, and many noble men taken prisoners, and the City forced.  
And not long after being masters of Calays, they suffered a no less disastrous defeature in their return by graveling at Count Egmonds' hands: Terms and Villebon their two most famous leaders being taken prisoners, their army routed, and their people slain.  
Now, what upright conscience can savour a Religion so insatiate of blood? or what Christian can think that Man, who to perfect his own respects, careth not what mischief he worketh, to be the Vicar of Christ?  
Surely, Let them impudently affirm what they list, their works so perspicuously laid open to meanest capacities, may with sufficiency assure us, that through the whole course of their successions, they have ever rather merited the Surnames of Saul, than the least title of Paul. And so to the world's end will they do, rather than by the redeeming of one Christian soul from spoil and blood shed, they will suffer one Acre of Saint Peter's imaginary patrimony, to be wrested from them, if possibility or treacherous policy can any way withstand it.   

❧ Ferdinand Caesar.  
He reigned 1558. About the fifth year of Queen Mary.  
AS soon as Charles had betaken himself to a solitary life in Saint justus in Spain, his brother Ferdinand long before elected King of the Romans, now by the general suffrage of the Electors assembled at Frankford, is preferred unto the Empire. After the ceremonies whereof accomplished, to make manifest his observancy towards the Romish Sea, he dispatcheth to his Holiness Guzman, his chief chamberlain; to signify, that his majesties pleasure was, upon opportunity of first-offered-occasion, to request and receive the imperial Diadem at his Holiness Hands. But such was his fatherhoods arrogant and froward answer: that it may well argue the Relator, not only not to be the successor of Peter, who with the residue of the Apostles, reverenced the authority of the higher powers, as the ordinance of God, with due honour and obedience: no, nor a man willing to do one good turn for another, according to the mutual laws of courtesy and humanity: but in truth, that very Antichrist, whom the warrant of Holy writ doth point out, to be the person, who should arrogate to himself, to prescribe above, and against any thing, that God himself hath commanded to be holy and inviolable.  
For this irregular Beast, would upon no reason acknowledge Ferdinand for Emperor; cavilling that his predecessor Charles, had no ability or capacity to surrender the Empire to no living creature, but to the Romish Sea; Neither that it was lawful for Ferdinand, to take upon him the administration of the State, without the approbation thereof.  
His majesties Ambassador he would at no hand suffer to approach his presence; but having learned out the tenor of his Embassy, he propounded unto the Cardinals and Lawyers certain questions, neither arising from the rudiments of God's word, nor enforced from the grounds of national Laws; but harried from the deepest Abyss, and there discussed by Lucifer the Prince of malice, pride and falsities. Which, as afterward they were libeled out, and dispersed by the Romanists themselves, you shall here receive.  
1 If Guzman, who averreth that He is sent from his Lord Ferdinand, unto the most Holy Lord the Pope, aught by Law to speak what Charles the fifth hath done, about the resignation of the Empire to his brother Ferdinand.  
2 Which being sufficiently understood; whether they, wholly, or in part have done rightfully and lawfully, sithence the Approbation of the most Holy Lord the Pope, and the Apostolic sea, was not interposed therein.  
3 Whether, these difficulties being cleared; nothing for the present may be objected against the person of the most excellent Lord Ferdinand. Whereby, he may be adjudged incapable of the Imperial dignity: As the evil education of his son the king of Bohem, inclinable to manifest heresy. It being promised, that within the kingdoms subject to his authority, heresies are tolerated without punishment; Catholics are oppressed, Monasteries dissolved, Churches avoided, and the Professors of the Augustane reformation, suffered to converse and inhabit promiscuouslie with Romish Catholics.  
As also, that Ferdinand himself did grant a conference at Worms, as touching controversies in Religion, without the consent and good leave of the Holy Apostolic Sea. That, He bound himself by oath in the Diet of Frankford, to observe all the Articles confirmed in the forepassed Sessions; wherein many damnable and Heretical opinions were maintained and allowed. That, He usurped the Name of Emperor by his own Authority. That he suspended the Decree, published against Communicants under both kinds; especially at such a time, wherein severest execution was most requisite: That he had falsified his oath, taken upon his first election of King of Romans (wherein he had bound himself, to be a defender of the Church, and the Catholic faith) schisms, heresies, and the Protestant Religion. That he had faulted in many more points of like kind, against his oath, and the Holy Canons.  
4 What in like manner were to be determined concerning the persons of many the Prince's Electors, who being notoriously known to have forsaken the Romish religion, have agreed to this Resignation: And how all these mischiefs may be prevented and remedied with the least disturbance and breach of tranquillity to the Christian Commonwealth. 
No true Popish motion: but in these days the Turk is grown too near a neighbour.  These were the points to be questioned by the Cardinals.  
Now albeit the Method of the Narration do bind me, to acquaint you with the Resolutions of these Creatures the Cardinals (for surely I know it is a part of my task to dive into the cunning intendments of these proposed questions:) Notwithstanding, the incompatible pride of the Romanists; their tyrannising over all Laws, and the indignity of such base, wicked, and malicious propositions, do wholly divert me from my intended Method, forcibly compelling me against the Rules of History, to walk a long digression from my intended Narration. For which, I beseech thee (Reader) pardon and patience.  
For who upon mature deliberation of such scruples, knowing the Author by whom they were propounded, can refrain from accursing this so fanatical an ambition of Sovereignty in a Bishop, accompanied with such horrible impiety & contempt of his everliving Master's commandment? What conscience can but blush at his impudency, who having by God's permission for our manifold sins tyranized over the Church of Christ for so many years, would yet at this day, in despite of light and truth, reduce Kings and Princes into the ancient estate of their babylon servitude? Not once looking back upon such like narrations as these, (taken out from their own Records) to consider, how their predecessors to work their wills upon mighty Potentates (for hic Aquila non captat muscas, & quicquid delirant Reges, plectuntur Achivi.) have made no more conscience by secret and cunning practices, to imbrue the whole Christian world in blood and desolation; 
Mustipha ac Famagusta.  then a Turkish General by falsifying his faith, hath done against conquered Christians. Yea, I dare avow, (for experientia optima magistra) that by hook or crook, at this day they would as eagerly follow their Canonical precedents, to restore their Entradoes (hinc illae Lachrimae) as ever did any of their Luciferian predecessors. Were it not, but that they apprehend, how the Turkish forces, 
Tunc tua res agitur, etc.  first by land affront the Empire from the Carpathie Mountains to the Ardiatique: Secondly by sea, how at divers times, but especially in the year of our Lord 1534. Barbarussa so scoured alongst the coast of Italy, that if he had descended a little lower to Ostia, actum esset de Roma. His Holiness must have resorted to ancient devices, viz. peradventure have sought a new avignon in Thule or China, whether his Jesuits are already employed to prepare his way. But this is not all the fear, wherewith these merciless fellows have terrified his holy wisdom.  
For the world doth know, that for a whole Winter they have set footing in Italy, and wasted Friuli. Which to prevent, 
Read the Turkish History for the bottom of their enforced lenities.  by the best means, wherewith God hath truly enabled him, and the residue of the Christian Princes, if they be not provident, I can but pray, that his divine Majesty would be pleased, to resume the welfare of his people into his own protection. And so to the Response of the Cardinals.  
Who confessing the weightiness of the questions to be such, as partly in regard of the novelty, partly in regard of the quality of the persons, and lastly in regard of the trouble of the times, and the power of the infidel enemy, they ought to be examined in a full counsel of the choicest and discreetest wisdoms; yet either in wayward affectation to preserve the Papal Authority, or in fear of his bestial furiousness, maliciously powered out on all sorts without difference; they returned an answer rather testifying some such imagination, than any way savouring of truth or integrity.  
And thus it was. That, it ought to be proved by public Evidence, whether it appeared, that the Empire became void by Charles his Resignation, or by some other means. That, it ought to be sifted how Ferdinand could pretend to succeed: mean time that his Ambassador sent to Proxy his obedience, or to negotiate any other public Act, ought not to be admitted. That all things treated of and ratified at Frankford concerning Ferdinand's election, were void, frustrate and of no effect, for that the Sceptre of the Apostolic Sea (unto whom at first the keys of all heavenly and earthly power were given) was not first mediated. That those worthy personages who were assisting and tainted of heretical impiety, had forfeited all the rites and prerogatives, of old granted them, concerning the election of Emperors. As touching the points objected against his Majesty in the third article: That it was of greatest consequence; and had need of penance: which being performed, his Holiness was to proceed according to fatherly clemency. Whereupon a Procurator was to be sent from his popishness, to renounce all the sanctions and decrees ratified at Frankford. After publication whereof, and the Empire now void, a new mandat might be made to petition Confirmation, for that it is apparent, that by virtue of the Election, adjoined to Clement his Confirmation, Ferdinand ought to succeed in the Empire.  
As concerning the impediment procured by his own default, and somewhat hindering him; It ought to be put to Examination: That after absolution obtained, obedience performed, and the ancient oath of fidelity administered, he may fully enjoy the confirmation of the Apostolic Court. Whose only and peculiar property it is, to wide open its Arms, lovingly and half way (as it were) to embrace every living soul coming to be received upon repentance, and flying thereunto with a lively faith.  
O you Romanists! here let me ask you, which of you dare presume to say, that he is more holy, or more religious, then Ferdinand? What is his sin so greatly to be repent of? What manner of repentance is that, which you so much desire? or how. shall he hope to speed, if he stand to your wavering and dispensatory discretions? Here is no fault committed against God: his word doth warrant his proceedings. The fundamental laws of the Empire do avouch that an Emperor being chosen by all the Electors, or the more part of them, 
Vide de hoc constit. Lodovici 4. apud Alberic. de Rosate L. Benè a Zenone C. de quadrien. prescript.  upon the very election, without approbation of Pope, or any other foreign Potentate, is to be received for true and indubitate Emperor. Cardinal Cusanus saith: 
Electores, qui communi consensu omnium Almanorum & aliorum qui imperio subiecti erant, 
Lib. de concord. Cathol. cap. 4.  tempore secundi Henrici constituti sunt, radicalem vim habent ab ipso communi omnium consensu, qui sibi naturali iure Imperatorem constituere poterant: non ab ipso Romano Pontifice, in cuius potestate non est, dare cuicunque provinciae per mundum Regem vel Imperatorem; ipsa non consentiente.  
The Electors who were instituted by the common assent of all the Almains, and others the subjects of the Empire, in the time of Henry the second: by the said general consent have a successive power, by their municipial laws to choose unto themselves an Emperor. Without depending upon the Pope, in whose power it is not, to limit unto any province under the cope of heaven, a King or governor, without its own agreement.   
But admit there were no such law, is not the inauguration of all Princes merely temporal? are not the setting on of a Crown, the girding of a sword, and the delivery of a Sceptre, orders merely ceremonial? where are then your interessed claims? I will leave you to your wits, and proceed to your startingholes of spiritualia; Which I am sure consist in suffering the people to receive the blessed Communion under both kinds. Here is a sin unpardonable. Stay, I beseech you. Did not Paul the third, and he a Pope, send out his Bulls, whereby he gave all the Bishops throughout Germany full authority to communicate unto the people under both kinds? How say ye? 
Strange conclusions in Popery.  shall his Majesty be exempted, and they privileged? will you tolerate an order of your own enacting in every parish, and not suffer the magistrate to see the same by peace and quietness preserved and executed through a whole kingdom? you know upon what points of necessity, that Bull was granted, and now rather than you will fail to make odious his sacred Majesty to the fautors of your passions, you will quarrel him about an act of your own allowance. Woe unto you, you Hypocrites, who in words seem Saints, but in your hearts retain not a grain of piety. Woe unto you, who offer your open breasts to penitentiaries, but having them in your clutches, you tear them in their consciences with more than heathenish foppery. You enjoin penance to others, and perform no such matter yourselves. Amongst yourselves, ye reveal all secrets, and are jovial thereat; but treasons and massacres you conceal, and then your impudent wits must bear you out, (for your faces will not) that it was told under the vail of confession. Thus by impostures you live, you reign, and deceive the world, neither caring to enter heavens gates themselves nor suffering others to enter that would.  
Well, during the Interim of these ponderous machinations against his Majesty by the college of Cardinals, Guzman coming to the understanding thereof, day by day hasteneth his Audience before his Holiness. At last after three months attendance, and earnest begging (but not before he had received a more strict commandment from his Master) either upon audience to execute his commission, or without delay to return from Rome, he is admitted to speak in the presence of seven Cardinals, from whom he rereceiveth this answer. Forasmuch as his demand required the most mature deliberation of the Cardinals, and such like persons learned in the Laws, that, according to his Masters command he might depart at pleasure: mean time his Holiness would recall the whole matter unto full examination.  

Note the Evasion.  Good GOD, what other deliberation could be meant hereby, more than a mere cunning, and dilatory illusion? For the matter had been again and again disputed on, and the confirmation so long delayed, in expectation of some disaster, which Time might produce against Caesar, that before any thing was determined, this politic Impostor was taken out of this world. After whom departed unto the place of eternal bliss this worthy Emperor; but so, that the confirmation which Clement made litigious, Pius the fourth offered willingly, and Ferdinand rejected as constantly, after the examples of Radulph of Habsburge his progenitor, and Maximilian his Grandfather, contenting himself with the orderly election of the Germane Princes.  
I have heard report of as weighty a toleration as this, even in matters of religion, if as virtuous a Princess, as any of these aforenamed, would have condescended to have accepted the approbation at his Holinesses hand. And as the world now standeth, who doubteth but the Pope would do much to be reconciled to some Christian Constantine's.  
And therefore to conclude, I hold it not fit to conceal these worthy remembrances of his godliness and sincerity; That in his reign, in the year 1552. the second day of August, an Edict was obtained, whereby peace was granted to the professors of the Augustan confession.  
That, in the year 1555. that noble Decree followed, wherein it was ordained, that no force, nor offence, directly or indirectly, in case of Religion should be thenceforth used against Prince, Earl, or any imperial City.  
In the year 1559. at Augusta, in a full assembly of the States, the said Decree was revived and confirmed.  
After which Constitutions confirmed by the transaction of Passavia, and confirmed by the Estates (as I said at Ausburg) this good Emperor persuading himself, that men's minds were wrought to Religion, more by preaching and teaching, then by force and bloodshed; was willing, even within his own hereditary possessions, That no subject of his should be troubled for his conscience. Wishing, that some abuses (used by the Romanists) might by lawful and moderate proceedings be reform, and yet the Hierarchy and order of the Ecclesiastical policy, be decently maintained.  
Whereupon, when the Austrians desired the public use of the Lords supper in both kinds; as also other articles of religion, to be freely permitted them, which they had drawn forth in the confession of Ausburg; Ferdinand, not only took the articles, and the reasons of the abuses (deserving reformation) into his own consideration: but also, when he heard the testimony of the Greek Church, concurring with the petition, he sent Vrban Bishop of Gurcia for this cause principally to Venice, that there he should procure instructions, how the greeks accustomed to do in distribution of this part of the Lords supper: as also what was their Opinion concerning this main point of doctrine. And in the Synod of Trent by his Orators, he did most instantly insist and urge; That by leave of the Pope, the people of Austria might use both the parts of the Sacrament.  
Somewhat before his death, he received the Breve, authorizing the Communion to be administered unto the Laity under both kinds, which Pius the fourth sent unto the Archbishop of Salisburge; but interlaced with divers limitation of conditions. 
Inseruiendum est tempori.  Whereat this good Emperor did exceedingly rejoice, and gave thanks that it pleased God, that he had obtained that, which his subjects of Austria, had so often, and so earnestly desired of his Majesty.  
For his carriage towards the Counsel of Trent, which he referred wholly to his Holiness, I hold it not fit to speak. For he adjudged, that he had received an infinite pleasure from the Pope, in that he had granted him that, (though by much entreaty and many restrictions) which Christ commanded unto all Christians, plainly and effectually.   

❧ Maximilian the second.  
He began his reign in the sixth year of Queen Elizabeth.  
BEtter fortunes, than his father and uncle Charles, had not Maximilian the second, from whom concerning the ample promises of Clement the seventh, we have heard this saying to proceed: It is surely Jacob's voice; but his hands denote him to be Esau: vehemently complaining, That evermore these people have violated their faith, and broken their leagues: That against all right and equity, their words are of no validity, nor their oaths of force. And therefore hereafter never to be captivated with security.  
He was created Emperor in the year of our Lord 1564. A Prince of a sincere disposition, especially in matters of religion: which when he perceived to be sorely shaken and rend, with diversity of opinions; he grieved in mind, but showed himself indifferent to the professors thereof, never hindering the course with any severe edict.  
Which his godly moderation, caused the Romanists to offer him some hard measure surely not to be said, to have utterly washed away the contagion of their ancient treachery and malice, in esse divolued upon them from the successive descent of so many their predecessors. But this worthy Prince was nothing moved thereat, neither started one jot from his accustomed lenity. Crato Craftheim his Councillor and Physician, a man beyond all exception, shall witness it in his funeral Oration. The Emperor Maximilian never entered into judgement of another man's Conscience, but always in controversy of Religion forbore by force to settle men's minds. For he confessed in the hearing of many men ten years ago, unto William Prelate of Olomuch: That no sin was more grievous, than the forcing of Consciences, Many are also alive who remember what he said to a Prince flying his kingdom, and in his flight resorting unto him for succour: Surely those that arrogate power over men's consciences, invade the bulwarks of Heaven, and oftentimes loose that Authority, which God here hath given them upon earth.  
Such care and study as Father Ferdinand used in observing the Pacification of Passania, the same the son Maximilian emulated and defended, permitting unto the Austrian Nobility the doctrine of the confession of Ausburg by edict, dated the 18. August 1568.  
For when as many noble men of Austria under the government of Ferdinand, had presented unto Charles the fifth, certain evangelical ministers professing the Confession of Ausburg: and amongst these, many turbulent spirits dismissed upon many occasions from many parts of Germany, had resorted unto his government as to a place of security; And under blind pretences of evangelical liberty had inconsiderately innovated and tumultuously preached many things concerning Church-governement: This Maximilian after the example of his father, thought it not meet to prohibit his subjects the confession of Ausburg; and yet forbore not to restrain that anarchiall temerity of such hot spirits, throughout every several village of the Province, almost teaching and instituting a peculiar form of Doctrine and Ceremonies.  
At last at the earnest entreaty and humble petitions of the Austrian Nobility, he permitted them the free exercise of the Augustan confession, both in Churches and families, so that they would assure him to observe that certain order of doctrine and celebration of the Lords supper, throughout all their Churches, which as then was already used and embraced by the residue of the Protestant Churches, according to the prescript of order of the said confession. For reformation whereof he employed joachim Camerarius and David Chytreus: and the promise once granted, being afterwards Emperor he observed most religiously. Of whose faith and integrity, although to his never dying honour much may be spoken, yet here will we cease, and fall to discourse upon the succession of his Son Rodolph. What further matter the good and well minded Reader may expect, I will leave to his own discretion to be exemplified, by the application of these old verses: 
Tempora mutantur, Papa & mutatur in illis:  
Felix quem faciunt Romana pericula cautum.    

❧ Rodolph the second.  
RODOLPH now only remaineth. Here, whether I should admire at the busy, but now outworn fury, tyranny and ambition of these self-willed Bishops: or rejoice at the restored magnanimity, fortitude, and constancy of our Emperor Rodolph, I confess myself graveled. But to affirm nothing of mine own brain, here behold a witness acting his own part; A man above exception, avouching—  
He is the same, who was Author of the Commentary upon the Coloin Business. These are his words; What (saith he) should I speak of the invincible Emperor Rodolph, who now reigneth. I have seen his Ambassadors at Rome, the most noble and valiant Lord Flacchus, Prior of the Order of Saint john of jerusalem in Germany, and Jerome Turner of his majesties Council: A man of exquisite learning, of high wisdom, faithful and honest. I sojourned with them in the same house; For they lodged with Cardinal Mandrutius (whom for honour's sake I name) my very honourable good Master, and a man of excellent virtues. He for acquaintance sake entertained them kindly, and used them royally: they stayed with us almost one whole summer: of which delay this was the cause.  
The Pope, Gregory the thirteenth was wonderful desirous to have the Emperor perform his obedience to his Popeship. For, that it ought so to be, he pleaded prescription. The Ambassadors, to do more than their Commission warranted, resolutely refused. And their Commission stretched no further, then to promise Obsequium, his humble service to the Pope, but obedience unto the Church.  
Letters hereof were sent unto his Majesty, and mean while Turner was eagerly assaulted by the Cardinals to change opinion; but he was constant. At last, until the Emperor's Majesty could be wrought, to relinquish that form of words, which the worthy and laudable Caesars, Ferdinand his grandfather and Maximilian his father had used, the Ambassador was accepted to do what he was commanded. And so in a full assembly of the Cardinals, the Pope being mounted upon an high Seig, He promised his Holiness his service, and the Church, his obedience. In action whereof he gave good proofs of his learning, wisdom, and admirable boldness.  
To many in the City, this seemed a ridiculous contention, sithence the words obsequium and obedientia do so little differ in substance: but let them laugh; The Pope's rites well understand the meaning thereof, otherwise, let them be assured, that his wisdom would not so stiffly have insisted upon the bare word of obedience.  
As for the Emperor, the world knoweth, that here he made it manifest, that he was not bound to give obedience unto a Bishop, his subject, from whom he expected subjection and fealty: At leastwise he laid an excellent foundation, towards the restitution of the decayed Honour of the Empire, by others to be perfected as God and time shall offer occasion. For what a greater blessing can a Christian man wish, then to see a Bishop praying and preaching, and abhorring to prescribe laws unto a temporal Emperor? What other thing more necessary for peace and human society can the Council of State devise, then to bridle seditious minds, from taking advantage to disquiet the State, upon every sinister seducement of an unconscionable jesuit? Which if they once effect, then shall the Emperors give them their due favours, that is, acknowledge the Lateran Bishops to be venerable fathers. If these passages, I say, were reduced to their pristinate form and integrity, then no longer should we behold the Christian people turmoiled in discords, no Princes murdered, no oaths of allegiance impugned, no equivocation justified, nor Turkish invasions so powerfully maintained.  
But of these abuses, and many more mentioned by mine Author, and still maintained, but not with ancient obstinacy, for want of this implored reformation, let him that hath a stomach to be informed, read the Apology, brought out of Spain, and printed at Antwerp in the year 1527. There in order shall he find as much as followeth, the sum whereof drawn into heads, shall suffice for this present.  
1 The Breves of Clement the seventh, wherein he loadeth Caesar with as many calumniations, as his wit could devise, and those most false and forged.  
2 The answer of the Emperor Charles the fifth unto these forgeries.  
3 The second Breves of the Pope, wherein upon repentance that he had falsely accused Caesar, he sendeth unto his Nuncio, to forbid him the delivery of the former Breves.  
4 The answer of Caesar to these second Breves.  
5 An Epistle of Charles Caesar unto the College of Cardinals, desiring them, that in case his Holiness did continue either to deny, or differ, a general Council, that they themselves would proclaim it.  
Now that we have fully informed you how this halfe-deplumed Estritch hath notwithstanding opposed against the two last Emperors, Ferdinand and Maximilian, and not at this day feareth not to be troublesome unto their successor Rodolph: As also, how his patience hath been nettled by the transaction of Passavia, and the Edicts of peace devised, ratified and proclaimed by these three late worthy Emperors: It shall not for a perclous unto your wearied minds, I hope, prove a loathing service, if I shall in order recite unto you, at what ward his Holiness at this day lieth, considering that he is not able any longer, to set father against son, and son against father in open action; Prince against Prince, and people against Prince, and Prince against people.  
These practices are revealed and absolute, now must they erect (and but once erect) an order to purpose; An order that must commit all villainies, and his Popeship not seen therein: an order that must study Matchiavell, entertain intelligence, and able in itself to negotiate in Prince's affairs, without posting and reposting, to the view of the world, for their dispatches to Rome: an order of all orders that ever were devised, the most cruel and truly bestial; the bane of mankind, and the firebrands of Christendom. Of whom, if any worthy pen would take the pains, to indict a Legend; the world should soon perceive, that they to the underpropping of this declining sea, within these few years, have committed as many forgeries, villainies, 
Witness France, Belgia, and Hungary.  and seducements to war and murder, as their Masters before them have done in many Ages. So furious are their humours, so irregular their consciences to work, pleasing services to their politic Monarch! Bound they are to avert, whatsoever they shall think or know prejudicial to the Romish sea. Bound they are (as much as in them lieth) to hinder the propagation of the Gospel. Then, their call being such, their service such, and such their vows, let us learn amongst many of their actions, by some few, what peace in religion is to be expected, from such persons, that hereafter we may be able to discern the man by his speech, as the Lion by his claws.   

Notes of private passion.  
HE that playeth the Prologue, is Conradus Brunus, attired in his third book. cap. 1. pag 305. oppugning, 
Only because it reform Popery.  railing and annihilating the Transaction of Passavia, and the peace granted thereupon; a peace so religiously ratified by such and so many handwritings, and so solemnly sworn unto by such just, honourable and worthy personages. At his first entrance you shall know him by his brazen face, and now you shall hear him speak. The Edict (saith he) is frivolous, void, and at no hand to be observed: His reason, because a Catholic ought not live peaceably with such Heretics, for so should they never be offended nor abolished. Yea, so much the rather were the association so ordered to be abhorred and abominable, for that a Catholic meeting one of them, should be adjudged to have assented to the peace: But to offend them (with whom there is no communion) can be no breach of peace; as whom the Laws of the Empire do subject under a curse, and expose to offence, without punishment: Finally, whom all divine and human constitutions, would have to be utterly extirpated.  
The next that presenteth himself is Paul Windich, in his book de Haereticis extirpandis pag. 324. And he termeth this religious peace to be nothing but a breathing, a delay, or a toleration. pag. 327. He saith, that, in his mind, he can but wonder at the madness of the Sectaries. For foolishly avouching, and so often babbling out the Decrees of the Diets, for the free exercise of their religion. If I should stand to present you with Melchion, Hosius and Posserinus, who wrote whole discourses unto Henry and Stephan Kings of Polonia, to take into their serious cogitations, the extirpation of the evangelical professors, I should but weary you with words. Two lines shall suffice. With the Protestant (Polonians) the assurance given upon Faith, is at no hand to be observed: for that an oath ought not to be the bond of iniquity.  
james Menochius the Lawyer, Consil. 100 Num. 225. excuseth the Roman Emperor Sigismond, in that he violated his safe conduct. As concerning the which oversight, the impudent assertions of the jesuits of Trevers are worthy the relation, published in a certain book entitled, The Concertation of the Catholic Church, Printed 1583. pag. 4. Husse did require safe conduct of Sigismond: Sigismond signed it: but the Christian world, viz. the fathers of the Council of Constance, being Sigismunds' superiors, did disallow it.  
Simanch a Bishop of Pacia, that lying spirit, blushed not to affirm, in his Catholic Institution Cap. 46. Num. 52. That at no hand, faith was to be kept towards Heretics, no not upon oath. And therefore it was justly decreed; That against the tenor of the oath, hus and Jerome of Prage were burned, and a Canon provided; That an oath made towards an Heretic, was not to be regarded. And at last concludeth, That as warning thereof, ought often to be given, so is it very necessary, that it be often reiterated, and at no time to be silenced, as often as any mention of this peace is objected.  
O! Why should I offend the chaste cares of any good Christian with such infernal stuff? Smally hath he profited in the school of God's word, that in his own conscience is not able to decide controversies, of much more cunning carriage, than any of these. In regard whereof, I will here cease, and affirm, That in knowing of one, you know all: such is their malice in service of the Romish sea, towards Emperor, Kings, Princes, and free States. Let him that hath a mind to be further and fully satisfied, peruse the most excellent treatises printed this present year 1609.  
For Conclusion unto these plain and pregnant precedents of Popish tyranny by time and usurpation practised upon the sacred Majesties of mighty Princes, mine Author, truly to aggravate their immoderate pride, and further to encourage the aggrieved parties to hasten their Reformation, for warrantise out of divers Authors, he hath culled out many irresistible testimonies to prove, That Rome is Babylon, and the Bishop thereof Antichrist. Which for that (in mine opinion) in few words they have been more livelier represented unto your considerative consciences, in his majesties most excellent Premonition, than which nothing can be spoken more fully, truly, and indifferently, without spleen, or ambiguity.  
I will here crave pardon to overpass them, and in am thereof content you, with some few both theoric and practic notes, hatched upon the same grounds, but practised upon other states, of later days in divers parts of Christendom.  
And first of their jesuitical Theoriques', thus collected into order, and eight times printed: as mine Author affirmeth.  

Regulae juris Romani.  
1. The Bishop of Rome hath in himself all manner of power, both spiritual & temporal: Authority to command, to forbid, to curse, & to excommunicate: all power of punishing, right of Election and conferring the lieutenancy of the Empire. Power, to create & depose magistrates, even Emperors, Kings & Princes: so of all other Potentates, & their subjects. These aphorisms are to be received as an article of faith: He that alloweth not, or believeth not so much, is to be reputed a most detestable Heretic.  
2. On the contrary, all Ecclesiastical persons, Bishops, Prelates, Priests, Monks, Nuns, and all their temporal goods, their privileges and estates, are utterly exempted and freed from all obedience of temporal Lords, from their commands, contributions, and superiorities; and that aswell in personal and real impleadings, as in civil and criminal actions. Neither are they bound to obey Emperor, King, or any Lay Magistrate. Yea Caesar, Kings and Princes, aught to instruct his fortresses rather to ecclesiastical persons, then to Lay Captains.  
3. Albeit the Pope be a Man, yet for that he is God's vicar on earth (a reason wherefore divine honour is due to him) he can not err in points concerning Christian doctrine; no although all other ecclesiastical fathers, yea and the Counsels themselves should fall into error. An argument, That from Counsels we must appeal to the Pope; but not e contra, From the Pope, to the Council.  
4. The Validity, interpretations, and power of innovating the sacred Scriptures, resteth in the bosom of the Pope: but his Holiness decrees, as simply necessary to faith and salvation, are immutable, forcible, and obligatory.  
5. The constitutions, Statutes, ordinances, parliaments, edicts, Confederacies, & all letters patents, of Emperor's Kings, Princes, & other estates, which favour any other religion, than the modern Roman ought to be reputed void and of no force, no, although an oath be interposed.  
6. The Edict of religion concluded by the general consent of the Germane Nation, is not obligatory; for that it was procured by force. That, it was granted, but to serve the time, as a Delay, or Toleration: viz. until the publication of the Council of Trent, which followed in the year 1564.  
7. That now the Romanists are to employ their utmost endeavours by fire, sword, poison, powder, war, or any other engine, to suppress all heretics, but especially the Lutherans and Caluinists, with their fautors and the politic catholics, who had rather maintain peace, then adjoin their forces to the Catholic side in extirpation of heresies.  
8. But this rule is not without exception: If they have cause to fear that the project be not likely to second imagination, or that danger or detriment be likely to arise thereof to the Catholic cause: In this case, some regard is to be had to the time, and a better season to be expected. Yet some are again of opinion: That time is not to be respected. For what requital shall a jesuit return to so benign a parent as the Pope, if he stand tampering upon the safety of his conscience, or the security of his life? And therefore without any longer temporising, it were better that in all places these Lutherans and Caluinists were speedily banished, suppressed, or utterly rooted out; so that hereafter not so much as one seed may be left, to restore so much as the remembrance of their Religion.  
9 As soon as the Roman-Catholique subjects in their Conciliables have decreed, That the Emperor, King or Prince under whom they serve, is to be accounted a Tyrant: then is it lawful for them to renounce him, and to hold themselves free from their oath of allegiance. But if they be deemed to hold their assemblies; Then is it granted unto every private subject, yea praiseworthy and meritorious, to murder such a King or Prince: but with proviso, that he proceed not before he have used the counsel of some jesuit, or such like Theologian. Wherein, the Monk james Clement, who slew Henry the third with an envenomed knife, made true use of this Rule. And in those days, he was adjudged to have acted as meritorious an action, that should have played the like part by his successor Henry the fourth.  
10 If subjects have a Lutheran or Caluinist to their King, or Prince, who endeavoureth to bring them into Heresies, (you must always understand what Heresies they mean) they are those subjects quitted of homage & fealty towards their sovereign Masters. To whom it is lawful and granted to renounce, murder or imprison such an anointed and high Magistrate.  
11 That, Emperors, Kings & Princes may be poisoned by their vassals and servants; in case the Theologians, or jesuits, being learned and grave men, do account them for tyrants: provided, that the concluded party to die, do not amend, nor procure his own voluntary destruction.  
12 The Pope hath the free gift of all the kingdoms, principalities, and territories of all heretical and infidel Princes: and such donations shall be firm and available to all constructions and purposes.  
13 It is lawful and granted to jesuits, and all other Catholic Priests, in case they happen to be examined before heretic Magistrates, to use equivocation, mental reservation, false names, and counterfeit apparel: the better to insinuate, and dispatch their treacheries.  
14 That it is lawful for Jesuits and such like Romanists to equivocate to the demands of Magistrates: And that as well by oath, as without. But this is to be understood, when the Respondent doth not account the demandant for a competent judge or Magistrate: Or when, the Respondent doth imagine, that the judge (though competent) hath no lawful pretence of examination: Or when he supposeth his Adversary, hath no just cause of questioning him.  
15 That such Catholics are not bound to answer private Catholics from the heart, and with conscience, but to equivocate, and answer them with double meanings.  
16 That this equivocation is a profitable Art, and good policy. Wherewith Martin Azpileneta, unto whose doctrine Gregory the thirteenth gave the attestation of unanswerable and Holy: And of whom the jesuit Horat. Tursellimus in the life of Laverius affirmeth, That he was a man excellent for his honesty and learning, congratulateth himself, and boasteth, that he commanded unto a certain great Prince the apothegm; Qui nescit dissimulare, nescit vivere; Whereof the said Prince made afterwards great use and profit.   
These were the passions that troubled our foreign Novellists; In am of many, to avoid prolixity, now let us proceed to examine at what mark, the Romanists on this side the sea do also level. And Saunders, for that he will satisfy us by Scripture; is traced by Bellarmine, and magnified by our adversaries to be a man of most eminent learning, shall be speaker for the whole factory. But by the way you must note, that these had their private respects in their hearts, while they held their pens in their hands: So this our Countryman was not destitute of his private passion also, which was either an overhard conceit against his dearest Sovereign Queen Elizabeth, out of whose Kingdom he was banished; or an over-weeing respect, devoted unto the service and gracious aspect of Pope Pius the fifth, unto whom he stood many ways beholden. Otherwise your consciences would assure you, that he would never have broached so manifest a lie. The work whereat he aimed, and the grievances which disquieted his pen, your discretions may judge of, by revoking to mind, the days wherein he lived, and the parsonage that then reigned. Mutato nomine, the positions (you know) as yet are as peremptorily maintained, and therefore above the rest fittest to be spoken unto.  
With a lively suke to corroborat a bad matter, he groundeth his first authority (his reasons & arguments as flowing from the bitterness of his private brain I will overpass) upon the second book of Chronicles the 26. Chapter, where we read;  


For the more credit, you shall have his own words.  Oziam regem, cum sacerdotum officium usurpavit, á Pontifice fuisse de templo eiectum. Et cum propter idem peccatum, lepra a Deo percussus fuisset, coactùm etiam fuisse ex urbe discedere, & regnum filio renunciare.  
Quod non sponte sua, sed ex sententia sacerdotis, urbe, & regni administratione privatus fuerit, patet. Nam legimus Leuit. 13. Quicunque, inquit Lex, maculatus fuerit lepra, & seperatus est ad arbitrium sacerdotis, solus habitabit extra castra.  
Cum ergo, haec fuerit Lex in Israel, & simul legimus 2. Paralip. 26. Regem habitasse extra urbem in domo solitaria; & filium eius in urbe iudicasse populum terrae, cogimur dicere, fuisse cum ad arbitrium sacerdotis separatum, & consequentèr regnandi authoritate privatum.  
Si ergo propter lepram corporalem poterat sacerdos olim regem judicare, & regno privare: quare id non potest modo propter lepram spiritualem, id est, propter haeresim, quae per lepram figurabatur; ut August. decet in questionibus Euangelicis lib. 2. quaest. 40. praesertim cum 1. Cor. 10. Paulus dicat: Contigisse judeis omnia in figuris. Haec ille.   

That Ozias the King, when he usurped upon the office of the Priesthood, was by the Priest cast out of the temple. And when, for the same sin he was strucken by God with leprosy, he was constrained to depart out of the City, & to resign the kingdom to his son.  
That not of his own accord, but by the sentence of the high Priest, he was banished the City, and deprived of the government of the kingdom. It appeareth, Leuit. 13. whosoever (saith the Law) shall be touched with the leprosy, and is separated by the judgement of the Priest, he shall dwell by himself without the tents.  
Since then, this was the Law in Israel: as also that we read 2. Paralip. 26. That the King dwelled without the City in a solitary Mansion; and that his son judged the people of the land within the City: we must of necessity confess, that he was sequestered by the judgement of the Priest, and consequently deprived of all authority of government.  
If then, in respect of corporal leprosy, the Priest of old might dispose of the King and dispossess him of his kingdom.   
Wherefore now may not the Pope do the like, in case of spiritual leprosy, viz. for heresy, figured by Leprosy, as saith S. Augustin, in his evangelical questions lib. 2. quaest. 40. Especially when in the first to the Cor. ca 10. Paul saith: That all things were manifested unto the jews in figures. Hitherto Saunders.  
Take him at his word, and here were learning enough to deceive millions of souls: but examine him by his own authority, and you shall find him in a miserable taking, unless God be merciful.  

Lib. 5. cap. 11.  For to prove it most false, That Ozias was deprived of his regal Authority by the sole judgement of the high Priest: Nothing through the whole History of the Kings is more lively expressed, then that Ozias from the sixteenth year of his age, when he began to reign, to the 60. year, 
See the text.  wherein he died, was perpetual King. Neither was he at any time during his natural life deprived of his kingdom.  
Without question he dwelled in an House apart: And in that respect, for the nature of his Disease, he could not dispatch the office of a King, which is of fact. But that bereaved him not of the right of his kingdom, neither of his Kingly capacity; for so we should deny, that Children being crowned (as in times past joas and josias were) and men of full age (if they had fallen into irrecoverable sicknesses, 
As Lewes the eleventh in France.  either of mind, or body) to be Kings; sithence the one by nonage, the other by sickness are necessarily sequestered from managing the State, which consisteth in action.  
2. But Ozias continued king as long as he lived. 
2. King. 15. 2. Paral. 26.  For the scripture saith: In the seven and twentieth year of jeroboam king of Israel, reigned Azarias (called also Ozias, and Zacharias) the son of Amazias king of juda. Sixteen year old was he, when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty two years in jerusalem.  
Behold our Romanist here plainly detected of an untruth (as I promised gone before) and that by the truest testimony, that human satisfaction can under the concave of the heavens demand.  
But to bewray the true genius of impudence, I will yet go farther, to his and his partakers final confusion. Witness the 2. of Kings. v. 27.  
In the two and fiftieth year of Azarias King of juda, Pekan the son of Romeliah reigned over Israel in Samaria. here is plain dealing, and matter upon record. How shall we here believe this Romanist, when the spirit of truth and Antiquity giveth us assurance, that he continued King thirty six years after his Coronation.  
To the further verifying whereof (if it were possible) josephus recordeth in his 9 book of Antiquities, cap. 11. That Azarias (or Ozias) died in the sixty eight year of his age, and in the two and fiftieth year of his reign: which being most true, that he began his reign at sixteen years, and died at sixty eight; what testimony is objected in the course of his life, whereby we may gather that he was either deposed or deprived from his legal inheritance? That during the time of his visitation, his son was but his deputy, we will prove anon directly, as it is accustomed to be done unto them, who in like cases are not able to attend their affairs themselves. For no less doth the same Text aver: joatham the King's Son was Overseer of the King's Palace, and governed the King's House, and judged the people of the Land.  
Here observe, that joatham is styled but the King's son in the life time, and sickness of his father; Governor of the Court, and as I may properly speak, Lord steward of his Father's house. And why did he sit in judgement amongst the people? because their complaints could not with conveniency be brought unto the king's judicature, by reason of his infirmity, and his separation thereupon by the prescript commandment of Gods Law. Leuit. 13.  
3. For confirmation of which last point, hear what the Text saith: And Ozias slept with his Fathers, and they buried him in the field of the Regal Sepulchres, because he was a leper. And joatham his son reigned in his stead.  
Here again observe, how plainly the scripture leadeth us in the way of truth: Even now, It terms joatham the King's son, the king's steward, or servant: But now, after the decease of his father (and not before) It saith: Regnare caepit: He began to reign.  
Yet Ozias was separated by the command of the high Priest? True: but that was also commanded by the lively voice of the Divine Law▪ But that he was deposed or deprived from his legal inheritance, his kingly authority, or enforced to resign his estate to his son before his death: No man will avouch it, unless a bloody and passionate Romanist. The simple know, that Sovereignty and Government are of no less difference than proprietas and possession, or as I may speak, an estate determinable, and an estate in Fee. Sovereignty is always incorporated unto the person of the King, is as it were the soul of a kingdom, and inseparable from the right thereto: But Government, Lieutenancy, or procuration may be divested upon deputies. As in the nonage of kings; or in times of dangerous sicknesses, those who are assigned to take care of the weighty affairs of the kingdom, are styled Deputies, Protectors, Tutors, Lieutenants, Viceroys, or Governors, neither propounding, dispatching, nor negotiating any public business in their own names, but under the style and seal of the young, or diseased Sovereign.  
His second authority is taken from the second of Chronicles the 23. Chapter, which because in truth it is but impertinent, though most maliciously framed▪ I will recite in our vulgar tongue only.  
At what time Athalia governed the kingdom by tyranny, and maintained the worship of Baal, 
Saunders.  joada the High Priest called unto him the Centurions and soldiers, and commanded them to slay Athalia, And in her stead they crowned joas king.  
That the Priest persuaded not, but commanded, it is apparent by those words in the fourth of Kings, and eleventh Chapter. And the men of war did according unto all that joada the High priest commanded them. Again by those in the second of Chronicles the three and twentieth Chapter. But joada the high Priest going out unto the Centurions & leaders of the Army, said unto them; Bring her forth (Athalia the Queen) from the precinct of the Temple, and let her be slain without by the sword.  
That the cause of the deposition and killing of Athalia, was not only her tyranny, but also her maintenance of the worship of Baal; It is proved by the words immediately placed after her slaughter. Whereupon, saith the Scripture, All the people entered into the house of Baal, and destroyed it, and broke down the Altars and the images thereof. They also slew Mathan the Priest of Baal before the Altar.  
That this example of joada and Athalia, do nothing concern the mark, whereat they so preposterously and maliciously level: or the modern controversy of Papal intrusion over Kings and Princes, we will resolve you forthwith.  
For the Example of Athalia, is of a party, who usurped upon a Kingdom without any lawful pretension, save mere and barbarous tyranny; by force, by wickedness, and the cruel murder of the royal Progeny. In which case, the Precedent was so abominable, that even without the commandment of joada, it might have been lawful for every private Magistrate to have justified her death: but for that such a designment seemed dangerous and difficult to be executed upon her, who was mother to the deceased King Ahaziah; therefore was it needful to have used the counsel and assistance of joada the high Priest. Or at least, of some such eminent person, who for the Honour of his place, or the reputation of uprightness, was of power to assemble and stir up the soldiers and people to so justifiable an action.  
But that the Act was executed as well by persuasion as command; It appeareth by that which was spoken: joada the high Priest sent, 
2. Kings 4.  and took the Centurions and men of war unto him, and caused them to come into the Temple; Pepigitque cum eis faedus: And he covenanted with them. Now I hope that so absolute a Commander, as our Romanists will make this high Priest to be, would have scorned to have capitulated, if he could have commanded. Besides, the words, we will, or command, are accustomably used by those, who in faction, or in any other public business obtain the prime-place of employment.  
What then may be found in this example to enforce joadas, or the Pope's omnipotency, for innovation of States or Kingdoms? What is brought to prove so dangerous an assertion. This is a true precedent to be enforced against a Tirannesse or an usurper. But there is a great dissimilitude between legal Lords, or true proprietaries, and thieves; or the invaders of another man's possession.  
If there were any cause besides tyranny, material to depose, or slay Athalia, what is that to us. Let it be enforced against people guilty of like offences, viz. those that worship, and defend the worship of Baal, and the host of Heaven. It is sufficient, that she was a Tyranness, and an injurious Usurper upon an other man's Kingdom; without that, that upon her part there remained any obstacle, or impediment of Law, but that she might be deposed from her throne, and slain. The like whereof, I hope, no good Christian will affirm concerning any lawful King; whose sacred person (although blemished by many human infirmities) the Right of Inheritance, the Majesty of his Place, and the capacity of his calling, ought always, and that for conscience sake, to protect & defend from injury, infamy, and human controlment. To which, let all true Christians say, Amen.  

Now to their practic.  
NOw that I have epitomized unto your considerations the theorems, rules, and policies of this enforced usurpation: I will also make manifest unto you by true book cases, how they have practised upon these Theorems, throughout all the kingdoms of Christendom.  

Spain. 1568. Chro. Belg.  In Spain, upon suspicion of heresy, they so overawed the conscience of Philip the second, that they caused the uncompassionate father, in a bath to open the veins of Charles his eldest son, a Prince of admirable expectation; there to bleed out his dearest life. Now to explain unto you, what heresy this noble young Prince had committed, let me report unto you (if fame say truth) that it arose forsooth upon his hard usage towards the Clergy; In dismounting them riding upon their pleasures, from their excellent jenets and stately Mules; and sending them home to their studies; bestowing these beasts upon some of his more worthy followers. Or peradventure upon jealousy, that manifesting too much of the Grandfather's spirit, in future times, He might call them to account, as did Charles the fifth. Herman once Archbishop of Colein, to say for himself what he could, against the accusations libeled against Him, by his Clergy, and the University. I assure you, far less sins, than these, are able to cast the best man living into the bottomless pit of their fiery Inquisition, unde nulla redemptio.  
Who were of Council unto Sebastian, the last of house of Portugal, to undertake that woeful, 
Portugal. 1578. Chro. Bel.  but as they termed it, that most meritorious journey into Africa? To understand the true motives whereof, I will say no more, but refer you over to the jesuits Cata. fo. 709.  
Who but the same brood of jesuits made away john of Albret, Queen Dowager of Navarre, 
France. 1572. Hist. Gal.  the very eye of the French Protestants, by empoisoned Pills; which an Italian, the King's Apothecary at Paris, prepared for her?  
Who but the brochets of such impieties, 
Anno. 1572. Hist. G●●  were the instruments of that most infernal resolution; under the colour of so solemn and Princelike a marriage, to contrive the death of the Navarrois, and the massacre of so many brave Princes and Gentlemen, of the Religion through the whole territories of France; And that without any regard or touch of conscience, in abusing and violating the oath of safe conduct, religiously swore unto, by the King himself.  
By what sort of men, I pray you, was Peter Barr. suborned, and obliged by Sacrament, 
Anno. 1589. Chro. Bel.  traitorously to have murdered Henry the fourth? And by whom, let me ask you, is the Auditory at this day admonished, but to make use of some small patience, For within few days, God himself is to make his personal appearance amongst us, to work I know not what, miracles, to the confusion of Heretics.  

Anno. 1594. Cat. Ies. 482. Chro. Belg.  Was not john Chastelius, a young man of nineteen years of age, and a novice in Claremount College, fully satisfied, think you, by the resolutions and encouragements of these persons, and upon the foresaid positions; before he would hazard his portion in heaven, to undertake the slaughter of the said king of France & Navarre? But as God would, he miss his throat, & by the wavering of his hand, struck out but one of his teeth: affirming that he was but as another Ehud, appointed to murder Eglon the wicked king of the Moabites.  

Eug. 1588.1594.1597. Cat Ies. 436. & 448.  By whom were so many and so often treacheries plotted not only to have been executed by strangers against Queen Elizabeth, but also by her own servants, namely Parry, squire, Lopez, York, Williams, and Patrick Cullen: By whom was her sacred Majesty excommunicated, her peace disturbed, her subjects assailed, her Realm betrayed, and her life set at sale to be taken away by any means; by poison, by massive rewards, or any other kind of violence what ever? I will not stand to dilate hereupon. The world I hope is again and again satisfied with the proof hereof. It yet freshly remembreth, what overtures were made, even but yesterday, and by whom, unto the Spanish king for a second Invasion. And as yet, Caelum, non animum mutant, qui trans mare currunt.  

Anno. 1607.  For, it is as clear as day, that none but men moulded and sold over to the worst of wickedness, would ever have imagined or consented to have blown up a Statehouse; And that upon the first day, and first sitting, when in certainty they knew, that of necessity the King and Prince would be present, the assembly fullest, and the massacre bloodiest.  
Who were the instruments, 
Sweveland. 1593.  that Sigismond K. of Polonia and Sweland after the death of his father returned into Sweland, there against the tenor of his oath, 
Or Pol. b. 4. Praef. cat. Ies.  to root out the Lutheran Religion as they term it? who were the authors of the unseasonable commotions in Livonia? who accouncelled him by surprise to invade the kingdom, and almost to have lost his life, as he hath now at last the kingdom? 
Polon.  And by whose seducements hath he attempted so many innovations in Polonia?  
To what shall we attribute, 
Moscovia.  but to their dangerous instigations, that Demetrius being returned out of Poland into Moscovie, in attempting to alter the received Religion of the Moscovites, was himself in one day deprived of life and Empire, with an infinite number of his nobles and followers?  
Whom should we accuse, but these furies, for the murder of the worthy Prince of Orange, 
netherlands.  shot to death by Balthasar Gonhard, before prepared for blood by the assurance of these cunning Garnets'?  
What should I dull your ears with these unpleasant discourses? If you list, yourselves may read at leisure the examinations of Peter de Pens, Michael Renicher, and Peter de Four, against the life of Grave Maurice, the aforesaid Prince his Son, for maintaining the cause of Religion?  
I could also, bring you precedents from Transiluania 1607. from Bohemia, 1608. from Austria 1609. Bavaria, 1592. Argentina 1698. Aquisgran, 1607 Donaverd and Venice 1606. but that I am very unwilling to tyre your patience with the desperate resolutions of these irregular and faithless men. Faithless to God: for they vow religion and humility, but work treachery and affect superiority. And irregular amongst men, for they preach faith, and administer oaths; and yet if any thing displease them, they send souls to desperation, and make port-sale of perjury. And therefore to conclude, I will for your perpetual remembrance, in the person of one, describe the very genius of the whole fraternity in these short remembrances following.  

Seductor Sweco: Gallo Sicarius: Anglo  
Proditor: Imperio Explorator: Daws Ibero:  
Italo Adulator: Dixi tears ore suitam.  
He that hath oft the Sweth-land-Pole seduced:  
Murdered the French: And Englands-King abused:  
A spy for Austria: A cunning knave for Spain,  
And soothes th' Italian States to Popish gain;  
Is All one Man, and jesuit is his name.  
And what ye read of Henry, Frederick,  
Of Otho Great: and their Succession.  
'Gainst 
a By Boniface the eight.  Philip Fair, and the 
b By julius the second.  twelve Lodowic,  
French Kings: 'Gainst 
c By Clement the seventh and Paul the third.  Henry th' eight of Albion,  
And his divinest child 
d By Pius the fist.  Eliza Queen:  
With many more of Nations far and wide,  
Be bold to say: Like measure to have been  
In high proportion meated from That side.      

The Tables to this Book:  

The first declaring how many Emperors have been either Excommunicated, or constrained to kiss his Holiness Feet.  
Emperrours Excommunicated by Otho the fourth. Innocent the third. Henry the fourth. Gregory the 7. Henry the fifth. Paschal the second. Frederick the first Adrian the fifth. Philip the son of Frederick. Alexander the 3. Frederick the second. Innocent the third thrice by Gre. the 9 Conradus the fourth Innocent the fourth Lodowick the Bavarian. john the 22. Benedict the 12. and Clement the VI Emperors Constrained to kiss the feet of 

Charles the great.  
justian Emperor of Constantinople.  
Luit Prandus king of Lomb.  
Crescentius Consul. etc.  
Otho the first.  
Frederick the first.  
Henry the fifth.  
Sigismond.  
Charles the fifth.   

Adrian the Pope.  
Stephen the second.  
john the xvij.  
john the xvij.  
Alexander the third agroofe, etc.  
Paschal the second.  
Of Martin the fifth, and Eugenius the fourth.  
Of Clement the seventh.     

The second, divided into Sections; severally epitomizing the lives of the Popes, with the vices whereunto every one hath in particular been addicted, viz. who have been, 

1 Atheists.  
2 Arrians.  
3 Magicians or Conjurers.  
4 Blasphemers.  
5 Forswearers and equivocators.  
6 Turkish Pensioners.  
7 Madmen and tyrants.  
8 Warriors and bloudsuccours.  
9 Traitors and movers of seditions.  
10 Parricids and empoisoners.  
11 Whoremasters.  
12 Adulterers.  
13 Incestuous persons.  
14 Sodomites.  
15 Panders.  
16 Bawds.  
17 Bastards.  
18 Drunkards.  
19 Covetous persons.  
20 Church-robbers.  
21 Simonianists.  
22 Ambitious persons.  
23 Monsters.  
24 Unlearned persons.    
❧ lives of the Popes.  

1. Atheists.  
Lo the tenth: who hearing Cardinal Bembo speaking to a point concerning, The joyful message of our Lord, answered most dissolutely; It is well known to the world through all ages, in how great stead that fable of Christ hath profited us and our associates. This man neither believed heaven, nor hell, after our departure out of this life.  
And such were Alexander the tenth, Silvester the second, Paul the third, Benedict the nineteenth, john the thirteenth, Clement the seventh, & Gregory the seventh.   

2. Arrians.  
Anastasius, the eleventh: Liberius and Felix.   

3. Magicians and Conjurers.  
ALexander the sixth: this man made a league with the devil, upon promise to procure him the Papacy.  
Paul the 3. obtained the garland in Astrology, and in that kind of speculation, which is assisted by the ministry of devils. He altogether kept familiar acquaintance with necromancers, & such like notable impostures, and starre-gazers, to learn the faults of himself and his children.  
Silvester the second, as well seen in these diabolical Arts, as his Predecessors, gave himself wholly to the devil, upon condition to advance him to the Papacy.  
Benedict the ninth, obtained the same sea by charms, spells & enchantments. Before his installment, in company of his associates, in woods and remote places he was accustomed to invoke evil spirits, and by Necromantic toys to work women to his filthy lust.  
john the thirteenth, at dice would call upon the devil, and in merriment carouse a cup of wine to his divelship.  
Of Clement the seventh, we read that he was a Geomantique and Simonianist.  
Gregory the seventh, laboured the Papacy by the same Arts. He was the first that ever presumed to excommunicate an Emperor. And that was Henry the fourth, unto the end of whose legend, if you please, you may with pleasure and to good purpose add these true and uncontrollable records.  
With the form of his Outlary upon earth, we will not trouble you; but with his impudent presumption in banishing his soul from heaven (a place wherein I fear) such persons have smallest interest, ad perpetuam rei memoriam, I will not fail to inform you. Then thus.  

Agite igitur Apostolorum sanctissimi Principes, & quod dixi vestra authoritate interposita, confirmate, ut omnes nunc demum intelligant, si potestis in caelo ligare & solvere, in terra quoque imperia regna, principatus, & quicquid habere mortales possunt, auferre & dare vos posse. Ediscant nunc Reges huius exemplo, & omnes seculi principes, quid in coelo possitis, quantique apud Deum sitis, ac deinceps timeant sanctae Ecclesiae mandata contemnere. Hoc autem judicium cito in Henricum exercete, ut intelligant omnes, iniquitatis silium non fortuito, sed vestra opera è regno cadere. Hoc tamen à vobis optauerim, ut paenitentia ductus, in die judicij vestro rogatu, gratiam à Domino consequatur. Actum Romae Nonis Martij; indictione tertia.   

Courage than ye most chosen Princes of the Apostles: And what I have thundered by the deputation of your authorities, ratify I beseech you; that now at last all people may understand, that as ye are of power in heaven to bind and to loose: so likewise that you are of no less potency on earth, to give and to take Empires, Kingdoms and Honours, with whatsoever the inhabitants of this world may peculiarly challenge. By the example of this man let Kings and Princes of the earth now learn, what are your prerogatives in heaven, & what your credits with God, that henceforth they may fear to contempe the awards of Holy Church. Execute I beseech you, this sentence with speed upon Henry, that all the world may perceive, that this son of iniquity was disinthronized by your operation, and not by destiny. Yet thus much I request of your clemencies, that after repentance, in the day of judgement, he may obtain pardon of our Lord at your intercession. Given at Rome the Nones of March the third indiction.   
to the rareness and novelty of which precedent, (to avoid exception) and to confound such quarrelsome spirits, let them hear, what the wisdom of that upright Bishop Frisingensis, a man for descent, zeal and learning most eminent, reporteth: and the rather for that he was almost an eyewitness unto those times.  
Lego & relego (saith he) Romanorum regum & Imperatorum gesta, & nusquam invenio quemquam eorum ante hunc a Romano Pontifice Excommunicatum vel regno privatum.  
I read and read again the Chronicles of the Roman kings and Emperors, and in no age can find that ever a Roman Bishop excommunicated or deprived any one of them from his kingdom before this man: meaning Hildebrand.  
And again in his first book of the gests of Frederick: 
Gregorius septimus (saith he) qui tunc urbis Romae Pontificatum tenebat, eundem Imperatorem tanquam a suis destitutum, anathematis gladio feriendum decernit. Cuius rei novitate eò vehementius indignatione motum suscepit Imperium, quò nunquam ante haec tempora huiusmodi sententiam in Principem Romanorum promulgatam cognoverat.  
Gregory the seventh saith he, at that time Pope of Rome resolved to smite with the sword of Excommunication the foresaid Emperor as forsaken of his people. At the novelty whereof the Empire was so much the rather moved with indignation, for that before those times, it never had known such a sentence to have been pronounced against the Prince of the Romans.   
Now with what sequel this Hildebrand strived masteries to arrogate this temporal authority from Henry the fourth. Otto Frisingensis also (whom Bellarmine, not undeservedly, for his parentage, his learning and integrity of life, termeth Most noble) doth relate unto you.  
But what mischiefs, what wars, what hazarding of battles followed hereupon? How often was miserable Rome besieged, taken, and sacked? It grieveth me to record how a Pope was set up against a Pope, a King against a King. Finally the turmoil of this tempestuous season produced so many miseries, so many schisms, so many shipwrecks of souls and bodies, that those times only, what by the massacres of persecution, and what by the perpetuity of mischiefs, gave sufficient arguments to approve the infelicity of human misery. So that, those days were compared by a certain ecclesiastical writer to the palpable and dark mists of Egypt. For the foresaid Bishop Gregory was enforced from the Regal City, and Gibert of Ravenna was thrust into his place.  
Hereunto, saith one of the tender hearted Romanists, that it mought be that Gregory did this upon a good intention of the heart, let God judge; but it can not be defended, that he did it justly, discreetly, or by warrant of his calling; but that he erred foully following the humours and counsels of men, in arrogating that unto himself which was none of his due. Where by the way our adversaries may learn in avoiding of shedding of Christian blood, that notwithstanding all the Pope could do by his excommunications, and curses, for five and twenty years space, a great faction of the Clergy and laity sided with the Emperor, so that Gregory's oversight could be no small fault, in that he called not into his consideration; That it was the office of so eminent a pastor to have studied all the points of christianity, peace and humility, by suffering the faults of one man rather to escape unpunished, then to have engaged the innocent and harmless people through his private desire of revenge, in an Ocean of misfortunes.  
For it is manifest that all which we go about in the fervour of zeal, and to good intents, is not always done to good purpose. Moses in zeal to his countryman slew the Egyptian, yet he sinned. Oza in zeal to uphold the Ark of God touched it, and died. Peter in zeal to our Lord and his master struck off Malchas his ear, and yet he was blamed. An inconsiderate zeal doth oftentimes produce mischief and inconvenience.  
In regard whereof, he ought not to have excommunicated the Emperor, 
Lib. 3. cap. 2. cont. ep. parmenianis.  in participation of whose offence such multitudes of Christian souls were interessed, that without apparent schism, and disunion of unity in the Church and common weal, it could not be remedied. This is but the same Council which for many Ages past, that great light of the Church S. Augustine did religiously and advisedly admonish us of, and proved the warrant thereof out of the writings of S. Paul. Whose opinion the Church from thenceforth held so forcible, 
Can. Non potest. 23. q. 4.  reasonable, and acceptable, that it vouchsafed to avouch it in warrant of their Canons.  
For confirmation whereof let us take notice how Hildebrand behaved himself after the feeling-smart of these monstrous miseries, by his troubled conscience, and the testimony of antiquity, with rejection of bare assertions, and cavils of dubiae fidei.  
Pope Hildebrand (saith our Author) alias Gregory the seventh, 
In Cronograph. Anno. 1085.  died in banishment at Salerne. Of this man I find it thus recorded. Volumus vos scire, etc. We will that you who are to be careful over the Ecclesiastical flock, take notice, that our Apostolical Lord Hildebrand (called also Gregory) now upon the point of death, called unto him one of the twelve Cardinals, whom he best loved. And he confessed to God, to Saint Peter, and before the whole Church, that he had grievously sinned in his pastoral Office, committed unto his charge to govern; and that by the persuasion of the devil he had raised great wrath and hatred amongst the sons of Men. Then at last he sent his foresaid Confessor unto the Emperor and the universal Church, that they would deign to invocate his pardon, for that he perceived that his end drew nigh. And presently he put on the Angelical vestment, and released and reversed unto the Emperor, and all Christian people alive and dead, Clerks and Lay, the Censures of all his Curses. And commanded all his followers to depart from the house of Deodoricus, and the Emperor's friends to approach.  
Such were john the nineteenth twentieth, 
Sig. In Cronograph. Anno. 1085.  and one & twentieth. Sergius the fourth. Benedict the eight. Silvester the third. Gregory the sixth. Clement the second. Damasus the second. Leo the ninth. Victor the second. Stephanus the ninth. Benedict the tenth. Nicholas the second. Alexander the second. For from Silvester the second to the time of that most infamous impostor Gregory the seventh. All the Roman Bishops applied those studies, and therein far excelled the Egyptian sorcerers.   

4. Blasphemers.  
LEO the tenth of whom before.  
julius the third. This man made it his common exercise to reason in contempt of the Deity. Was especially delighted in the flesh of Pork and Peacocks: But when the Physician admonished him to refrain from Hogges-flesh, for that it was an enemy to the gouty disease, wherewith his Holiness was at that time afflicted, and nevertheless would not abstain. His Physician, I say, forbade his Steward to serve up any more Pork. Which when his Holiness observed, he demanded for his dish. His Steward made answer, that his Physician had forbade it. The Bishop replied, All dispetto didio, bring me my Pork.  
Again, when at dinner time, he had espied a Peacock, which was not touched. Keep me (quoth he) this service cold for my supper, and let it be ready by an hour; for I mean to invite certain guests. But at supper perceiving many hot smoking Peacocks, but missing his cold one; all pale with anger he belched out most horrible blasphemy against the divine Majesty. Which when one of the guest-Cardinals observed; Let not your Holiness (quoth he) be so angry for so small a trifle. Where to julius replied: If God were so far forth angry about an Apple, that therefore he spared not to cast our first Parents out of Paradise, shall it not be lawful for me (his Vicar) to be offended for being cozened of my Peacock, sithence a Peacock is of more worth than many Apples.   

5. For swearers and equivocators.  
THe Papal Canons do teach, that the Roman Bishop, may absolve from oaths, dispense with vows, and release a perjured person. Whereupon, it is not to be wondered at, to find so many perjured and faithless Papists, swarming in every corner of the world.  
The Council of Constance overawed the Emperor Sigismond (to the violation of his oath) to deal with john Hus, according to the foresaid Canon, & by that law to burn him: ut supra.  
Gregory the thirteenth, by the Breve wrote unto the Papists of England, that Rebus sic stantibus, they might yield their obedience to the Queen. Which intimateth nothing else; but that for the present they may swear, and upon occasion dally with their oaths as them best seemeth.  
julius the second, according to the testimony of Guicciardine in his eight book, maintained, That the Romish Bishop might violate his plighted faith. And this Maxim he taught as well by example, as manner of life. For he not only by falsifying his faith, cozened the Cardinals of a huge mass of treasure, but also by the treachery and equivocation, engaged the French and Venetians in manifold encumbrances.  
Silverius, against his oath of allegiance sworn unto the Emperor, did his best to betray the City to the Goths.  
Gregory the second, having forgotten his oath given unto the Emperor, caused Italy to revolt, and confederated with his enemies.  
Gregory the seventh, in a moment forgot what he had religiously promised and sworn to effect.  
Pascal the second, after a peace sworn with the Emperor in special & precise terms, as soon as his Popeship had levied his forces, he charged his Majesty.  
Formosus, by breaking his oath, caused most cruel tragedies.  
Alexander the sixth, for his false faith (more infamous than Punic) was most renowned.  
Leo the the tenth, against his sworn promise, banished the house of Ruver out of the Duchy of Vrban.  
Clement the seventh, had small regard of his faith.  
Paul the fourth, and Pius the fifth, excommunicated the English, for not revolting from their oaths of allegiance.  
Gregory the fourteenth, threatens that he would do the like against the subjects of France.  
Remember the battle of Varna.   

6. Turkish Pensioners.  
CLement the sixth, was evermore very careful, to keep the Christian Princes at jars, so that they could never intend to prepare their minds to think upon the Turk.  
Alexander the sixth, being willing to make good his supremacy, called in the Turk to assist him against the King of Erance.  
Alexander the third, betrayed Frederick to the Sultan.  
Gregory the ninth, by his letters requested the Sultan, not to make restitution of the Holy land, but rather to slay the Emperor, than warring in the Eastern parts.   

7. Madmen and Tyrants.  
IOhn the thirteenth, put out the eyes of some of his Cardinals; some he deprived of their tongues; some of their fingers, hands, noses and privities.  
Boniface the seventh, by an ambush took john the fifteenth prisoner; put out his eyes; committed him to prison, starved him, and so became Master of the Popedom.  
Paschal the second, excommunicated Henry the fourth, being a most religious Prince: provoked the Son to rise in arms against the Father. And to put no period to his hellish Nature, so infinite was his rage towards the dead carcase, that he commanded it to be digged up, to be cast out of the Church, and to want Christian burial by the term of five years.  
Histories record, that Nicholas the third was privy, nay, author of that Sicilian massacre, from whence sprung the proverb: vesperae siculae.  
john the fourteenth: This man delivered unto the Hangman, one Peter the Praefect of Rome: Who stripping him to the skin, and shaving his beard, by his fatherhoods commandment, tied him unto a Gallows for a whole days space by the hair of the head. Then setting him on an Ass, with his face reversed, and his hands fastened unto the beasts tail, he commanded him so to be showed in spectacle round about the City; To be scourged, and afterwards banished into Germany.  
Gregory the ninth, his fury against the Emperor was unappeasable, and would as far as in him lay, have utterly confounded him.  
Vrban the sixth, upon a creation of nine new Cardinals, cast seven of the old into prison; sewed five in sacks, and cast them into the sea.  
Boniface the eighth: such (in partiality of his own faction) was the unquenchable flame of his rancour towards the Gibellins, that upon report, how some of the side had seated themselves at Genoa; himself made haste to the place, finally to have destroyed them, and rooted out their race from the memory of man.. Upon Ash-wednesday being according unto custom to minister Ashes unto the people, the Bishop of the place (whom he knew to be a Gibelline) approached him, & upon his knees desired his Benediction. Unto whom his Holiness (notwithstanding the reverence of the place, the frequency of the people, and his religious calling) where he should have sprinkled the Ashes upon his bald pate, he cast them wholly into his eyes: Saying: Remember man that thou art a Gibelline, and with the Gibellines thou shalt be turned into Ashes.  
Innocent the 7. This man took such delight in governing his affairs with tumult and disorder, that when the Roman Citizens desired him to restore unto them their ancient privileges; to surrender the Capitol; to put an end to the Schism; to finish the wars, and to bury all memory of seditions. He in show of friendship requested the petitioners to attend his Resolve at his Nephew Lodowick's house (as good had they been to have gone to the hang man) then dwelling in the Hospital of S. Eskerit. For forthwith he murdered eleven of them, and cast their dead bodies out at the windows, saying: That by any other counsel it was not possible to finish the war and the Schism.  
Innocent the fourth. As full of fanatical frenzy, accursed Frederick; deprived him of all Imperial dignity; absolved his people from their oaths of obedience; insinuated with them to choose another: and to further his vile purposes, devised infinite scandals to work the Commons.  
Clement the sixth that unmannerly presbyter, rather than he would give over his furious and self-willed intendments against the sacred majesty of an anointed Emperor, fastened his libels upon every Church door. Protesting that unless his majesty would within three days take order to satisfy his pleasure, he would impose upon him his most grievous censures. Against what poor groom could he proceed more basely?  
Stephanus the sixth. Such was his malice against the name of Formosus, that presently he abrogated his decrees; frustrated his acts, and continuated his rage so far forth against the dead Bishop; that calling a Synod he caused the body to be digged up, to be disrobed of all Episcopal habit, and clothed in secular raiment, to be delivered to lay burial: From his right hand he cut off two of his fingers, and cast them into Tiber.  
Sergius the third. This man after eight years rest, caused the body of the said Formosus again to be digged up: to be placed upon a papal seig, & to be arraigned & condemned to capital punishment, as if he had been living. From the foresaid hand he caused the other three fingers to be chopped off, and together with the remainder of his body to be thrown into the River, as unworthy of common burial. He condemned all his actions, so that they who by him had been admitted unto his holy orders, were again fain to be readmitted by his present Popeship.   

8. Warriors and Bloodsuckers.  
INnocent the second after his instalment, accounted it his holiest project to season his New and high calling with the destruction of Roger Duke of Sicil. Whereupon he flieth to Arms, marshalleth his forces, and speedily vanquisheth. But by the unexpected coming in of Roger his son, his Popeship is taken, and his Cardinals made prisoners.  
julius the second, in seven years space was the cause of the slaughter of two hundred thousand Christian souls. He limited a reward to any man that could kill a Frenchman. Marching out of the City accoutred with Paul's sword, and other such holy Furniture, to fight against the French and the confederate Princes: He unsheathed the blade, and cast the Keys into Tiber saying: Since Peter's keys can no longer stead us, welcome the sword of good S. Paul.  
Gregory the ninth, receiving news of the recovery of jerusalem, caused the Emperor's Ambassadors to be murdered.  
Clement the sixth to effectuate his proper designs, from time to time sowed occasions of war & discord amongst the Christian Princes: and rather than to fail of his purposes, he would not spare to set them on working by massive promises, by entertainment, by treacheries and many cunning devices.  
Clement the fourth without either formal proceeding or objection of reason, consented that the Noble Emperor Conradus, the last of the house of Swevia, should be publicly beheaded.  
Sixtus the fourth managed many wars, and was the author of the Pactian league, wherein julian de Medici's and many other gentlemen miserably miscarried.  
Innocent the third persecuted Caesar Philip. And is reported to have boasted: That either the Pope should take the Diadem from Philip, or Philip the Apostolic Mitre from Innocent.  
Paul the third was prepared for great Innovations to be practised against the saints of God. For he raised the Germane war. Like unto him was Alexander the sixth, whom the Papists affirm to be most cruel. Of whom they vulgarly repeated these verses. 
If after death Borgia did spew up blood,  
Wonder 'tis none: For his cold stomach could  
Not well digest so great an ingorged flood.  Onuphrius writeth, that even a light word was with him a sufficient colour to put any man to death.  
Upon what terms the tumults of France were first raised, the league instituted, the massacre contrived, and the wars continued, the closerts of Pius the fifth, and Gregory the thirteenth, can best testify.   

9 Traitors and movers of Seditions.  
ALexander the third, manifestly engaged himself in a plot of treason against Frederick. For proof whereof, Frederick summoned a Diet at Norimberge, assembled the Princes of the Empire, and before them caused the Pope's traitorous letter, directed to the Sultan, to be opened, with the means of his delivery.  
Gregory the second procured all Spain, AEmylia, Liguria, Italy & other provinces to revolt from the Empire: Antichristianlike forbidding the people to pay those tributes, which Christ himself had formerly commanded.  
Sixtus the fourth by entertainment of murdering rascals having slain julius of Medici's, was the occasion of great tumults in Florence.  
Gregory the seventh by plotting of infinite practices, studied to take away the life of Henry the fourth, so far forth that he would have murdered him in S. Mary's Church, being at his prayers. He sound buffeted Alexander the second Emperor of the East, and barbarously slew Cincius. Against him (saith Bembo) crieth the Blood of the Church, poured out by his miserable treacheries.  
Paschal the elevent, spent the whole course of his life in war and commotions.  
Gregory the ninth, by his Legates publicly commanded the Princes of Germany to depose Frederick. Guilty of the same treason were julius the second. Hadrian the fourth, and Gregory the third.  
Gregory the thirteenth, the successor of Pius Quintus in impiety and tyranny was the Author, approver and commender of the Parisien massacre: then the which the sun never beheld a more Satanical stratagem, whence rose the proverb; Nuptiae Gallicae.  
By the connivance of Sixtus the fifth, Henry the third, was stabbed to death by a traitorous Monk, and by him the said Murder was exceeding well allowed.   

10. Parricids and empoisoners.  
PAul the 3. empoisoned his mother and Niece, that the whole inheritance of the Farnesian family, might accrue unto himself. His other sister also, whom he carnally knew, upon fancying of others, he slew by poison.  
Alexander the sixth, by poison made away Gemen the brother and competitor of Bajazet, for the hire of 200. thousand crowns. And by the like medicine he purged away the life of many Senators & Cardinals. But preparing the like sauce at a supper for some other, by mistaking of the Bottle, himself drunk off the prepared cup, and died.  
Innocent the fourth, being corrupted by rewards, offered a bowl of the like liquor to the Emperor Conrade. This the said Emperor verified by his public letters.  
Gregory the seventh, by the ministery of his companion Brazatus, slew Nicholas the eleventh with poison. And again, some Authors affirm, that by the service of this wicked villain, he empoisoned six or eight Cardinals, obstacles in his preferment to the Papacy.  
Paul the third, did his best, not only to raise the Christian Princes, against Henry the eight king of England, but also plotted against him some practices of conspiracy.  
Gregory the thirteenth, loaded with his Indulgences, Parry, and others, to have laid violent hands upon Queen Elizabeth.   

11. Whoremongers.  
IOhn the eleventh. This man, Theodora (with the more state and pomp to enjoy her fractique pleasure) made first Bishop of Bononia, secondly, Archbishop of Ravenna, and thirdly, Pope of Rome.  
Christopher the first, who upon the deposition of Leo, had by the assistance of his female acquaintance, invaded the Papacy, was again himself, by one Sergius the Amorite of a gallant whore, named Marozia, deposed and shamefully disgraced.  
john the thirteenth, who lived playerlike, not Pope-like, was addicted to all kind of voluptuous pleasure.  
Gregory the seventh, had secret commerce with the Countess Matilda.  
Clement the fifth, was a public fornicator, and kept for his Leman the Countess of Perigord, a most beautiful Lady, and the daughter of the Earl of Foix.   

12. Adulterers.  
SErgius the third begat john the twelfth, upon that most impudent whore Marozia: and in his Papacy committed infinite abominations amongst light women, as writeth Luitprandus Ticinensis in his third book and 12. chapter de Imperatorum gestis.  
Lando the first: This man in fashion of an anointed Bachelor, according to the custom of those days, consumed the greatest part of his life amongst women; and was himself at last consumed, when he had reigned seven months.  
john the eleventh. Theodora, a famous whore and Lady of Rome, was so vehemently in love with this john (the bastard of Lando, at his coming to Rome) that she not only desired, but enforced him to keep her company. And the freer to enjoy his company, she caused him to translate the Bishop's sea from Rome to Ravenna, as writeth Ticinensis in his second book. Cap. 13.  
john the twelfth, the bastard of that famous whore Marozia, spent the time of his whole Papacy, in most bestial sensuality, of him thus writeth Theodorick Niemensis. Being mounted into the Papacy, he was sometime present at the hunt of wild beasts: the rest of his time he spent wanton and pleasantly, and kept company with suspicious women.  
john the thirteenth. None would serve his turn but virgins, & votaresses. The Lateran Palace he made his stews. He defiled Stephana his father's concubine, the widow Rayner; another widow Hanna; and his own Niece.  
Alexander the sixth, was a most luxurious tyrant: No pen is able to register the rare, beastly and obscene qualities of this most impious Knave. And such were john the 14.15.21.24. Benedist the sixth and ninth. Stephan the eighth.   

13. Incestuous persons.  
PAul the third: He, to be made Cardinal & Bishop of Ostia, gave unto Alexander the sixth, his sister julia Farnese, to be deflowered. Another of his sisters, whom he kept for his own store, for playing false with others, he poisoned. Nicholas Quercaeus taking him and his wife Laura Farnese (though his Niece) together in company, gave him such a stab with his dagger, that the scar remained with him to his dying day. Another of his Nieces (a delicate wench, no less admired for her maydenlike modesty, than her choice beauty) this Goat-like old Knave solicited to incest & unnatural whoredom. And to enjoy his own daughter Constantia, with more liberty, whom he had often heretofore known, he empoisoned her husband Bosius Sfortia.  
Alexander the sixth, was more familiar with his impudent daughter Lucretia, then stood with his honesty.  
john the thirteenth, often times defiled Stephana his father's concubine. Such an other was Benedict the 3.   

14. Sodomites.  
JULIUS the second. This man, as we read in a certain Commentary of the Masters of Paris, abused himself with two young gentlemen (besides others) whom Arm Queen of France had sent unto Robert Cardinal of Nantes, to be brought up and instructed.  
julius the third. Being Legate of Bononia, he used one Innocent, his ancient Minion over familiarly. Being Bishop, against the mind of the College, he admitteth him his household servant, and createth him one of the Cardinals. The report went at Rome, and dispersed by libels, that jove kept Ganymede, but an ill favoured one. At what time his Holiness presented this his darling to the College, and every man denied his consent: for that his presented had neither virtue nor good manners to advance him: It is reported that he should say: What more saw you in me, I beseech you, when you preferred me to this Papacy? Wherefore sithence we are all but fortunes tennis-balls, and by her good favour you have assisted me: so in like manner be you favour able to this my boy, and I will create him a Cardinal. But after that some writers had brandished this Caitiff for his blasphemies and villainies, he procured a fellow as wicked as himself, viz. Jerome Mutius, to defend his actions, and thereto he put his approbation. Virgerius writeth, that he abstained not from the Cardinals themselves. In the time of this incarnate devil lived, and issued from his private closet, that Apostatical Legate johannes à Casa, Archbishop of Beneuent, who in Italian rhythms writ a Poem in commendation of the sin of Sodomy; and Entitled it, Opus divinum: affirming that he took great delight therein, and never knew any other venery.  
Leo the tenth made always very much of his carcase, and gave his mind to all variety of pleasure, but especially to the love of boys.  
Sixtus the fourth built a famous brothel house at Rome, and dedicated it to both Sexes. wessel of groaning reporteth in his treatise of Popish Indulgences, that at the requests of Peter Ruerius (his Fatherhoods Catanut) as also at the instance of S. Sixtus Cardinal and Patriarch of Constantinople, and Jerome his brother; his Holiness granted his faculty to all the household servants of the Cardinal of S, Luce, chief huntsman unto Paul the eleventh (a fearful thing to be spoken) in the hot months of june, julie, and August, to use the masculine sin; signing the Bull with this clause: Fiat quod petitur.  
Petrus Mendoza called Cardinal Valentinian, not contented with a troup of evil women, nor satisfied with the Queen herself; desired and oft obtained of Alexander the sixth to use in holy single-life, as his best beloved spouse, his bastard Son the marquess of Zaneth.  
john the four and twentieth was accused in the Counsel of Constance, to have been a Sodomit, an adulterer, and a whoremonger.  
Clement the seventh. Of him it is recorded in a certain Commentary upon the Articles of the Masters of Paris, that he was, a bastard, a poisoner, a manslayer, a Pander, a Symonianist, a Sodomit, a Perjurer, a deflowrer, a Ravisher, a Geomancer, a Church-robber, and a plotter of all villainies. Such like were Benedict the third, john the thirteenth, fourteenth and Paul the third.  
Hence complaineth Luit prandus, that the Lateran palace became by time and sufferance to be a receptacle of unclean persons.   

15. The Favourites of Whores.  
VICTOR the third obtained the Papacy, neither by the choice of the Cardinals, nor by the suffrages of the people, but was thereunto hoisted by his Mistress Matilda with the assistance of the Normans.  
Vrban the second, and Victor, by the same party and like means, obtained the like preferment.  
john the eleventh, by the wealth of Theodora an impudent gamester, ran the same fortune.  
Paul the third had a roll of forty five thousand whores, of whom he exacted a monthly tribute. And no wonder, for if fame deceive not, I have heard it reported by men of good experience, that Rome is a City consisting of about five thousand souls, whereof a third part were accounted to be light women and Churchmen.  
Sextus the fourth was very bountiful towards their maintenance, and had to spare for his friends and servants. It should seem he augmented their numbers; for their higher proved very advantageous to his Exchequer, every whore being rated to pay weekly to his Holiness behoof, a piece of their Coin, termed a julius. The yearly Entrado whereof many times amounteth to the yearly value of four hundred thousand dukats. And the Officers of the Church do as duly make their accounts for this Entrado, as for any other of the Church's revenues.  
Lucius the third ratified the sacring of whoremongers.  
john the thirteenth being deposed for his enormous villainies, the women of his old acquaintance by promising the Roman nobility their rewards out of the Church's treasure, invited them to Arms, and wrought his restitution.  
john the eight. She was at first called Gilberta; but counterfeiting the virile Sex, and the habit of a young man, went first to Athens with a Monk her sweet heart. Where after her great proficiency in the Arts, and the death of her friend, She returned alone to Rome, but always in her late disguise. Where in all disputations, behaving herself for eloquence and readiness of acute answers with admiration, she so gained the good esteems of all her Auditory, that Leo being dead, she was chosen Pope, and sat in Peter's Chair two years and six months.  
During her Popedom she was gotten with child by a familiar friend, her Chaplain, and in a solemn Procession, between the Colosse and Saint Clement's Church she fell in travail, and in the midst of the City, in the streets, and before all the people, she brought forth a Son, and through pain died in the place. Certainly it can not be doubted, but that God suffered this whore to be Pope, to represent in plain terms that Babylonian creature, spoken of in the 17. of the apocalypse, to the end that of herself, and her enchantments, the Elect might beware.   

16. Bawds.  
PAul the third, surrendered his sister julia Farnese unto Alexander the sixth, to be deflowered.  
Sixtus the fourth, by the testimony of Agrippa, amongst the modern Panders, was the most eminent; As the man who excelled all other builders in the edifying of that most stately brothelhouse, which he dedicated to both sexes.   

17. Bastards.  
MArtin the eleventh, by a common woman, was the son of a Negromantique Priest.  
So was john the eleventh, begotten by Pope Lando.  
Item, john the twelfth, begotten by Sergius the third upon Marozia.  
Item, john the fourteenth, than son of john the twelfth.  
Item, john the sixteenth, the son of Leo a Priest.  
Item, Benedict the eighth, the son of Bishop Gregory.  
Item, john the seventeenth, another son of the same Gregory.  
Item, Silvester the third, the son of the Archpriest Lawrance.  
Item, Adrian the fourth, the son of Monk Robert.  
Item, Eugenius the fourth, the son of Gregory the twelfth, Pope.  
Item, Clement the seventh, the son of Leo the tenth.  
Item, Gregory the ninth, the son of Innocent the third.  
Item, Adrian the fifth, the son of Innocent the fourth.  
Item, Gregory the eleventh, the son of Clement the sixth.   

18. Drunkards.  
Lo the tenth, and Nicholas the fifth were famous for the love of their liquor.   

19 Covetous persons.  
THeodore of Niem, did long ago delineat the Avarice of the Roman Bishops. For he compared the Pope's Exchequer to the Ocean, whereunto all Rivers paid tribute, and yet was it never satisfied.  
Histories do affirm, that at one gleaning the Popes had out of France ninety hundred thousand crowns. Whereupon Lewes the ninth complained, that his Kingdom was miserably exhausted by these Harpies.  
The wealthy Kingdom of England to be miserably impoverished, partly by tithes, partly by procurations of the Apostolic Legates, partly by donatives, and partly by the sale of Benefices, Matthew Paris in his time did much complain. In those days, sayeth he, Pope Gregory either so permitting or procuring; the insatiable avarice of the Roman Clergy, grew to be so fervent, that without any spark of modesty (confounding all law and equity, as a common and brasen-faced-Harlot) set all to sale to all sorts of persons, and reputed Usury as a trifle, and Simony as a matter of no inconvenience.  
Germany was pillaged after the same fashion.  
By war and cunning, the Pope wrested from the Emperor his lawful Patrimonies, some after some, throughout Italy.  
By harlots they make also rich purchases; they put out their money to Interest, and account no gain, base or unlawful   

20. Church-robbers.  
BOniface the seventh, when he saw that it was no longer safe for him to reside at Rome, privily and feloniously he purloined certain rich treasurer's out of the Church of Saint Peter, and fled to Constantinople.  
Clement the seventh, was accused for perjury, sacrilege, and empoisoning, etc.   

21. Simonianists.  
FRom Gregory the ninth, Caesar obtained his absolution for the price of one hundred thousand ounces of gold.  
Benedict the ninth, being strucken with fear; for one thousand and five hundred pounds, sold the Papacy to his Chapman john Gratian, afterward called Gregory the sixth. Hereupon john the Monk complained, that Rome was founded by thieves, and so continued until this day, to live by spoils. And Alan Chartierius, saith, you have made the divine sanctuary a bank of Exchange.  
Alike in conscience were Leo the tenth. Innocent the eighth, Silvester the third, Gregory the sixth, Gregory the twelfth, john the eighteenth, etc. So that Bernhard also complained, That the Holy offices of the Church were become merely questuarie.   

22. Ambitious persons.  
IOhn the four and twentieth, by ambition only affected the Papacy. For by the testimony of Stella, when he lived at Bononia, he carried himself more like a Lord then a Legate; He was governor of a great Army, and unto him the fathers were glad to resort to elect a new Pope; he gave out many under hand-threats, that unless they would present one to the Papacy, whom without exception, himself should very well like of, he should not prevail. Whereupon, many were nominated, of whom he meant never to approve one. Whereupon, the Fathers beseeched him to name the man whom he best fancied. Then give me Peter's cloak (quoth he) and I will bestow it on him that shall be Pope. Which being done, he cast the cloak upon his own shoulders, saying, Behold your Pope. Which stratagem, though it displeased the Fathers, yet they thought it fitter to be silent, then to aggravate displeasure.  
john the three & twentieth, was a man most ambitious, writing unto the greeks, That he only was head of the Church, and Christ his Vicar. Unto whom the Grecians reanswered in as many words. We constantly acknowledge thy high authority over thy subjects: thy high pride we can not endure; thy avarice we are not able to satisfy. The devil be with thee; the Lord is with us.  
So john the two and twentieth, after a long vacation, being made Cardinal by the Council of Naples; being entrusted with the election, elected himself: which by the Canons he could not do.  
So Boniface the third that ambitious beast, in the midst of a tumultuous number, (yet many gainsaying it) was heaved into the Papacy; confirmed, worshipped, and saluted Lord and Prince of all Bishops by that adulterous Emperor, parricide and tyrant, Phocas.  
Afterward by ardent importunity, or rather by his immoderate bribery, he obtained, that Rome should be called the Head of all the christian Churches, upon these idle reasons forsooth: That the Empire first took his origen from Rome, and so Peter gave unto his successors of Rome the Keys, etc. Read the history of Phocas and this Boniface, 
One of the Pope's best benefactors.  to be further satisfied of their mutual knaveries.  
Let Paschal the eleventh rank with these fellows. For when William procurator and Clerk to king Henry, speaking in his masters right, amongst other reasons constantly affirmed: That the King had rather lose his kingdom, than the investiture of Prelates: the Pope made this proud reply. If as thou sayest, thy master will not suffer the Ecclesiastical presentations to be alienated from him, for the loss of his kingdom; then take thou notice precisely, I speak it before God, that neither I without the price of his head will suffer him to enjoy them quietly.  

A good Pope, that would not in those days touch an Emperor before he had become a private person. A Popish miracle.  Clement the sixth answered the Ambassadors of Lewes the Emperor as arrogantly: That he would never pardon his Majesty, before he had resigned his Imperial right, sequestered himself, his children, and all his goods into his custody, and promised never to retake them but by the Bishop's grace and good liking.  
So great was the spirit of Boniface the eight, that almost he disdained all men. For such was his ambition, that he suborned certain companions in am of Angels with a soft voice by night, to sound in the chamber of Pope Celestine, that he should voluntarily resign the Popedom, if he meant to save his life. Which the simple man performed accordingly. But Boniface contrary to Law and equity, stepping into the Popedom, laid violent hands upon Celestine traveling out of Rome, to lead his life in some solitary mansion, and cast him into perpetual prison.  
The same Boniface instituted the jubilee, and celebrated it, in the year of our Lord 1300. promising to all people that would visit the City, full remission of their sins. He rejected an Embassy sent from the Emperor Albert. Upon the first day of the solemnity, he appeared in his Pontificalibus, and bestowed his benedictions upon the people. The next day he came forth accoutred like an Emperor, and commanded a naked sword to be borne before him, with this acclamation: Behold here two swords. This is the right I have to kingdoms and Empire; they are all in my disposition. The kings of the earth, unless they will receive their kingdom from this holy Sea, are to be accursed and deposed▪ Finally he gloried in his pride, that he was the porter of Heaven, and aught to be adjudged by no man.  
Adrian the fourth did grievously chide Frederick the Emperor for holding his left stirrup, as he came from horse. ut supra. fo.  
Alexander the third in more base manner used an other Emperor as before. fo.  
Stephen the second deposed Childerick, and preferred Pippin to his place. He shaved Childericks' crown, and thrust him into a monastery. Pipin lay agroofe upon the earth, kissed the Pope's toe, held his horse by the bridle, 
Note what persons the Pope bindeth to his service.  performed the office of a footman, and gave him his oath of perpetual fidelity.  
Damasus the second. This man was Chancellor to his predecessor; but his ambition not able to stay the death of his master, it is reported, that he gave him a dram to dispatch him.  

Note.  Constantine the first. This man was the first that put his foot to be kissed by an Emperor.  
Benedict the third followed the precedent, and suffered himself to be worshipped as a most holy Father, or rather like a terrene Idol.  
john the seven and twentieth did the like to Crescentius the Roman Consul.  
Martin the fifth to Sigismond Caesar.  
Leo the fourth gave his foot to all comers, and against the Canons of the Aquisgran Council, first advanced a Papal cross, and adorned it with precious stones, commanding it to be carried before him. Of the like stamp were Boniface the first, Symmachus, Boniface the second, Silverius, Martin the second, Formosus the first, Theodorus the second, Benedict the fourth, Sergius the third, john the tenth, Gregory the sixth, etc.   

23. Monsters.  
BEnedict the ninth. Historiographers do write that this Benedict was seen near a certain Mill by an Hermit in a most horrible shape. His body was like a Bear, adjoined thereto the head and tail of an Ass. And being asked by him, how he came to be thus metamorphosed: It is reported, that he answered: In this shape do I wander, for that in my Popedom I lived without reason, without God, and without limitation.  
Nicholas the third begat a son on his Concubine, who had hair and claws like unto a Bear. Vide johannem Noviomagum.   

24. Illiterate persons.  
BEnedict the eleventh was a mere Laique. And so were Benedict the ninth, Sergius the third, Eugenius the fourth, john the ninth, john the one and twentieth, etc.     

OF THE FALL AND DEATH OF certain Roman Bishops.  
ADrian the third flying from Rome, came unto Venice in the Habit of his Cook: where he lurked in a certain monastery, and was made the Gardener of the garden thereof.  
john the five and twentieth traveling towards Constance fell headlong from his litter: a presage of his future deposition. For many faults being objected against him in the Council, he began to fly: but being taken and prevented; he was cast into prison, and there remained for three years.  
Silverius Campanus was banished into Pontus by Theodora the wife of the Emperor justinian. The same Theodora herself impleaded Vigilius for not performing his word: arrested him to Constantinople; there contumeliously disgraced him, whipped him, cast an halter about his neck; caused him to be haled through all the streets of the City, and finally banished him.  
Constantinus the second, was ejected by a Council: and being deprived aswell of his eyes as of his Popedom, he was cast into a monastery, and after into a perpetual prison.  
Benedict the fifth was deprived of his papal dignity, and sent into banishment.  
Stephen the eight was so sorely wounded in a popular tumult, that for the deformity of his wound, he was never after willing to show himself in public.  
Innocent the fourth died miserably. Robert of Lincoln reproved his vile behaviour, his avarice, his pride, and his tyranny, and that as well by word of mouth, as by writing. For which the Pope citeth him to Rome, and injuriously condemneth him. From him Robert appealeth unto Christ as his judge. Upon the death of Lincoln (as writeth Cestriensis lib. 7.) a voice is heard in the Court of Rome, crying; Miserable man, make ready to come to the tribunal of God. Upon the day following the Pope is found dead in his bed, and upon his body appeared a bluish blow, as if he had been strucken with a cudgel.  
Silvester the second being at Mass was attached with a sudden fever; and by the noise of spirits (witness Peter Praemonstratensis) he perceived that his end drew nigh, to pay the devil his due upon composition. He confessed his errors, and (as saith Benno) prevented a miserable and fearful destruction. 
If it were a true confession, no doubt.  Yet in the anguish of death, he desired that his hands, his tongue, and his privities, wherewith even in his single life, he had blasphemed God, by sacrificing to devils, might be cut off.  
Nicholas the third in midst of his greatest imaginations, was taken with an apoplexy, and without one word speaking breathed his last.  
Paul the second having merrily supped, was also taken with the apoplexy, and departed, without sight of any man.  
Paschal the second was taken by the Emperor, and thrust into prison.  
Gelasius the eleventh. One Cinthius a powerful patrician of the City made an assault upon him, took him by the throat, cast him to the earth, spurned him with his feet, and cast him into prison.  
Boniface the eight, Grown desperate with the overwaight of fury, gave up his unhappy ghost laden with an infinite heap of mischievous actions. This is that Pope, of whom it is recorded, That he entered as a wolf, lived as a Lion, and died as a Dog.  
Gregory the sixth was taken prisoner, and sent into banishment.  
Gregory the seventh for his innumerable wickednesses was deposed by the Emperor Henry, and in banishment ended his days.  
Eugenius the fourth privily flying in a monastical cool, together with his friend Arsenius, entered a fisher-boat. Upon report whereof, his enemies followed to seek him with stones and shot.  
Clement the seventh, for his conspiring with the French King against the Emperor, was made prisoner by Charles his Captains, and wonderfully derided by the German soldiers.  
john the eleventh, was taken by the soldiers of Guido, committed to prison, & stifled with a sirplice thrust into his mouth.  
Boniface the eleventh died suddenly.  
john the eighth, not that teeming woman, but a man, died together with his Crescentius, having his eyes first put out, and his whole body mangled.  
Benedict the eleventh, was poisoned at an Abbesses' banquet with a dish of figs.  
Benedict the sixth, no doubt for such like malapert practices, as in these days Popes play with mighty Princes, was taken by one Cinthius, a powerful Roman Citizen, thrust into the Mole of Hadrian, now Saint Angelo, the prison of the basest offenders, and there miserably strangled.  
Hadrian the fourth: Into his mouth slew a fly, which could not be taken out, nor thrust down, by any Art of the Physician: so that it stopped his breath, and choked him.  
Lucius the second, with an armed band, assaulted the Citizens in the Capitol, of purpose utterly to destroy the whole Senate. The news runneth through the City: the people fly to Arms: and a strong fight is managed. Lucius engaging himself in the hottest of his armed troops, is so mauled with stones and shot, that a little while after he surrendered his life.  
john the two and twentieth. At the instant wherein he promised unto himself a long continuance of his life, was suddenly taken away, and was alone found buried amongst timber and rubbish, by the fall of a chamber.  
Clement the sixth was suddenly taken with an Apostume, and died.  
Leo the tenth suddenly died with an astonishing disease.  
Leo the third was so odious unto the people, that in a certain Procession being cast from his horse; they despoiled him of his pontifical ornaments; buffeted him well favouredly, and committed him to prison. And as some report, they deprived him both of his eyes and his tongue.  
Christopher the first being deposed from the Papacy, was constrained to lead a monastical life. Not long after he was taken from the said monastery by Sergius his successor, and committed to a most severe prison, and there ended his days in great misery.  

¶ These under written were poisoned.  
JOHN the sixteenth, nineteenth, & twentieth. Clement the second. Damasus the second. Leo the ninth. Victorinus the second. Nicholas the second. Alexander the second. Victorinus the third. Gregory the eight. Celestine the fourth. Vrban the sixth. Alexander the fifth. Clement the seventh.  
Thus much for their manners: and now to stop the mouths of those who cry out; what is this to Religion? Behold here for a conclusion, not the fruits, but the very points, some few for a taste of these their irreligious documents.    

BLASPHEMIES OF THE canonists.  
THE Bishop of Rome is God. Dist. 96. ca Satis evidenter.  
2. The Pope is not man. Lib. 1. Sexti de electione. tit. 6. ca Fundamenta in Glossatore.  
3. The Pope is neither God, nor man. In prologo clementinarum in glossatore.  
4. It is lawful for no man to imagine or practise to transgress the precepts of the Apostolical Sea. Dist. 20. ca Nulli. Item dist. 12. & 22.  
5. An Heretic is he who is not obedient to the Pope's decrees. ibid. in gloss.  
6. He is guilty of Sacrilege, that belieth the Pope: For he supplieth the place of the living God on earth. De paenit. dist. 1. ca libenter ignosco.  
7. The Pope is the universal Bishop through all parts of the earth. Lib. 5. Sexti. ca faelicis. in gloss.  
8. The Pope is Lord of all principalities upon earth. Li. 3. Sexti. tit. 16. cap. Periculoso.  
9 Let no man dare to say unto the Pope, Lord why dost thou do thus, or thus? In extrau. tom. 22. tit. 5. ca ad Apostolatus in gloss. 2. li. 1. Decretal. tit. 7. ca 5. vide gloss.  
10. The Pope by virtue of these words, Thou art Peter: or, feed my sheep, obtaineth primacy. In praemio Sexti in gloss.  
11. No mortal man may sit in judgement upon the Pope. Caus. 9 quaest. 3. c. nemo. Item aliorum. & dist. 40. ca st Papa. Caus. 12. quaest. 2. ca quisquis. in gl. dist. 40. ca non nos. in gloss.  
12. It is lawful for no creature to call into question the judgement of the Apostolic Sea, or to delay the sentence thereof. Caus. 17. quaest. 4. c. nemini.  
13. The Pope may dispense against the Apostles. dist. 34. collector in gloss. dist. 82. ca presbyter. in gloss. cause. 15. quaest. 6. ca Authoritatem. in gloss.  
14. The Pope hath celestial arbitrement. Li. 1. decr. Greg. tit. 1. ca 5.  
15. The Pope may change the Nature of things. ibid.  
16. The Pope of nothing can make something ibid.  
17. The Pope's will is a Law. ibid.  
18. The Pope may dispense above the law. ibid.  
19 The Pope may cause an unjust decree to be received for just. ibid.  
20. The Pope hath fullness of power. ibid.  
21. As is the difference between the Sun and the Moon. such is the difference between the Pope and a King. Li. 1. decree. Greg. tit. 33. solitae.  
22. Persons unjustly condemned and oppressed aught to seek redress and amends from the Church of Rome. Caus. 2. quaest. 6. c. ideo.  
Last of all,  

By these men's Lives, Manners, and Doctrine new,  
Penned by the travail of my Pen; O you,  
Who read the leazing of this false-mouthed crew,  
Learn these their Lives, Words, Manners to eschew.    

CONTRADICTIONS MORE REAsonable, then canonistical.  

B. De potest. papae. so. 6.  A Learned and noble preacher (if any such be amongst the jesuits) being demanded his judgement concerning the opinion of Bozius (a more peremptory Champion for the Canonists than any of his fellows) Eum vocabat Papalem parasitum, viz. termed him a Papal parasite.  

Li. 10. Hist. Fr. in vita Caroli seven.  Gaguin a learned and religious historiographer, in his time, thus taxeth this their irregular usurpation: Such is (saith he) at this day their haughtiness and Lordship, that having small respect unto Princes, they boast that all things are lawful unto themselves solely. Neither in my Age did any of them ascend the Papacy, but forthwith he enriched his nephews with infinite wealth, and honours.  

Lib. 3. de Consid. ad Eug. In vita Bonisacij.  S. Bernard long before Gaguin: Doth not now ambition more than devotion, possess the Apostolical succession?  
Hereupon said Platina: In this manner died that Boniface, who studied more to terrify, then to teach Kings, Princes, and nations. Who for his pleasure made it a matter of pastime, to give and retake kingdoms, to interdict Nations, and absolve them afterwards. Gaguin again; Such was the end of Boniface, the scorner of all men: 
Li. 7. hist. in vita Philippi Pulchri.  who having no remembrance of his Master Christ, did his utmost, according to his private fancy, to take and to give kingdoms. When mean time, he was not ignorant, that he was his vicegerent upon earth, whose kingdom was not of this world, neither compounded of earthly, but of heavenly perquisits, etc.  
Pius the fifth said unto Martin Aspibeneta; 
Navar. in Com. Can. Non liceat Papae. 12. q. 2.  That the Lawyers (meaning the Canonists) accustomed to attribute plus satis potestatis, more than reasonable supereminency to the Papacy.  
No wonder then, if I. Gers. termed them pusilloes, that is, weak and simple Christians, who being deceived (his own words) by unlearned Glossors, do esteem the Pope only to be God, having all power in heaven and in earth. Certainly, tales adulatores, such Parasites have corrupted the judgement and dispositions of many Popes. As concerning whom, 
In Cano. Coniunctio. 35. q. 2.  johan. de turrecremata thus censureth. It is a wonder (saith he) that the Popes do treat so modestly of their Patent of Power, and yet certain Doctorculi, upstart Doctors without any true ground will, to flatter them, even equalize them to God himself.  
In the same list doth Cardinal Cusanus rank certain other Authors; Who (saith he) endeavouring more than befitteth, or beseemeth holy Church, to make famous the Roman Sea (in truth worthy all commendation) spare not to ground themselves upon Apocryphal writings. Verbum sapienti.   
FINIS.