The Pageant of Popes - Containing the Lives of all the Bishops of Rome

S. Peter not bishop of Rome.

F OR so much as the Bishops of Rome have claimed, and do still claim their usurped supremacy by right of inheritance and succession from Peter, because he (as they pretend) was bishop of Rome at the least .xxv. years, and so tied all this dignity and prerogative (which they fight for) to his chair forever: It shall be therefore nedeful to consider, how likely it is to be true, that Peter continued bishop in Rome according to their boasting. This matter shall be the better displayed if these three pointes be laid open to the readers eye: that is the year that Peter came to Rome, the years that Peter sat at Rome, and the death of Peter.

THE FIRST COMPANIE OF ROMAINE BISHOPS being in number to Sylvester the first, xxxij. all which were godly and faithful pastors, far from all worldly pomp and glory, either in pride of attier, as miter and pall, or of hawty and ambitious title of Christ's general vicar, but painful preachers of the Gospel, with all humility and constant martyrs in the ende.

[ 34] 1. Marcus.

M Arcus a Romaine, bestowed a pall upon the bishop of Hostia, who had consecrate the bishop of Rome before other. He also commanded that the people and the clergy should on Sondayes after the Gospel were red, singe the Nicean Crede. He built churches, and gave many gifts unto them & died a confessor in the yere. 335.

2. Julius the first.

IVlius the first a Romaine, appointed that a priest should [ 34] (as they forge of him) not answer his cause anywhere, but before an ecclesiastical judge: and he reprehended the bishops of the east, (unless they slander him) because they had held counsels without his authority, but they scorned him for his pride, he caused churcheyardes to be made, and at the lenghth died a confessor in peace, Anno. 351. Platina saith, that this Pope appointed certain notaries to write the acts of other men, the which office saith he, is yet about the Pope remaining: But these notaries of our time saith he, are such doultes for the moste parte, that for want of learning they cannot write their own name in Latin: of their manners I will not speak, because these offices are bestowed on bauds and flatterers, unmeet to write the acts of other men.

3. Liberius.

LIberius a Romaine, for ambition (as Jerome witnesseth) [ 35] falling into the Arian heresy, forsook the true faith, and subscribed to Arius articles. And yet this man died a confessor also, Anno. 366. though in deed taynted with damnable heresy.

4. Felix the seconde.

Felix the seconde a Romaine, was preferred by the Arians, [ 36] who thrust out Liberius, and advanced him, because they hoped he agreed with them in opinion. But in the seconde year after he was driven from his seat, and Liberius restored: And in the year of our Lord, 359. He with other spiritual persons, was slain in a tumulte. This man saith Isidorus, made laws for the defense of the Clergy. Also Sozomenus, lib. 4. ca. 10. Eccle. histor. saith, that he being bishop, did both admit Arian heretics to the ministry, and also used their communiō, though else he yielded to the counsel of Nice.

5. Damasus.

[ 37] DAmasus a Spanyarde, being made Pope in a certain faction, and vehemently accused of adultery, did condemn Liberius his deeds, he built temples, and beawtified them with jewels, he gave lands, and bathes to the Clergy, he increased strange service in the church, he added Confiteor to the service: he appointed the singing of the Psalms, and allowed Jerome's translation of the Bible: For then the minds of the Prelates began to be more puffed up with ambition. Afterward▪ Damasus (as they say) being a diligent gatherer of things done in times past, wrote the lives and decrees of his predecessors the bishops of Rome, enterlacing them with many open and manifest untruths. And in the yere 384. died a confessor.

Socrates, in the eight book of his ecclesiastical history, and the 24. chapter, saith: that when this Damasus was chosen bishop, one Ursinus a Deacon of the same church, did stand in suite against Damasus, but whē he saw that Damasus was preferred, for anger he began by all endeavor to gather congregations to him self, severed from the church. Also he persuaded certain obscure and abject bishops, to chose him bishop secretly in a corner. And so he was created not in the church, but in a close place of y ^e pallaice called Sicona : Which being done, the people began to wrangle And hereof arose a bitter contention and deadly sedition, not touching religion▪ but whether of these two Prelates should be bishop. Of this grew so many assemblies, and so often brawlinges, that in the end the tumulte was so great that many were slain about it. And therefore Maximinus then liuetenant of the city, did punish sharply a great number, both the Clergy and layetie, & so suppressed Ursinus and his faction. Thus it appeareth that bloody ambition is not a new thing in Rome.

6. Siricius.

SIricius a Romaine, meddling and making decrees in many [ 38] matters, removed those from saying service, that had been twice married, & was the first that admitted monks into orders for pretence of single life, who before, were never reckoned to be as clerks. He mingled y ^• Antiphones with the Psalms, and appointed that orders should be given, some at one time, some at another, he died a confessor, Anno 399.

7. Anastasius.

ANastasius a Romaine, appointed that while the Gospel [ 39] was reading they should stand & not sit. He exempted from the ministry those that were lame, impotēt, or diseased persons, and slept with his forefathers in peace being a confessor. Anno. 404.

8. Innocentius.

INnocentius borne in Albania, advanced the sea of Rome [ 40] above all other, and would have it to be judged by none. He commanded the faithful to fast on the Saturday, to bewail with Mary Magdalene our savior Christ that was buried▪ even as on that day. He devised that at mass time the Pax should be given about in the church, and commanded that the church (a wayghty matter) being ones consecrate should never be consecrate anymore. He made certain decrees concerning Jews, Pagans, & Monks, and made the anoyling of the sick to be a sacrament: And is counted among the dead confessors, Anno. 416. The year before being the year 415. Alaricus king of Goths, ouerranne Italy, wan Rome, wasted, spoiled, and burnt it miserably. And sone after him his cosen Athoulfus, came thither again and spoiled all that he had left.

9. Sozymus.

[ 41] SOzymus a Greke, appointed that tapers should be blessed on the holydaye, and that the Deacons in saying service should have their lefthandes covered. He forbad that clerks should use tippling in opē place, or haunte taverns, and that no bondmen should be admitted to be of the Clergy: And died a confessor. Anno. 420. Also this Sozymus suppressed the Nouacian heretics, which in time past had borne great swaye in Rome. But now they were kept under, for saith Isocrates, the bishop of Rome, as well as the bishop of Alexandria, had stretched his power beyond the limittes of priesthood stepping into temporal authority. Socrat. histor. eccle. lib. 7. cap. 11.

10. Boniface.

[ 42] BOnifacius a Romaine, the son of one Iucundus a priest, was chosen Pope, at such time as there was great sedition among the Clergy. He made decrees that were very necessary, God grant they prove so: as y ^t a woman (yet though she were a hoodded noonne) should not openly touche the altar cloth, nor the holy vessels, nor smell to the incense: And that none should be made priest till he were thirty years old. After he had decreed that saints eueninges should be kept, he died a confessor, Anno. 426.

11. Coelestinus.

Caelestinus borne in Campania, patched the Popish mass up with these things, Introitum, Graduale, [ 43] Responsorium, Tractum, & Offertorium, as his own devices. And gave straight charge that the priests should be perfitte in the Popes decrees. He sent these bishops, Germanus into England, Palladus into Scotland, and Patrick with a certain Segetian into Ireland, to root out the Pelagian heresy. He died Anno. 435. being put in among the number of confessors.

12 Sixtus the third.

SIxtus the third a Romaine, called the enricher of churches, [ 44] he built the church of S. Mary the greater after a miracle of snow: and enriched it with great gifts, and garnished the pallayces with gold. At the persuasion of a woman called Eudoxia, he did hallow Peters chains, and appointed a yearly feast day in honor of them to be kept at Midsommer. He died a confessor. Anno. 440. and was buried in the city.

About the year of our Lord. 456. Genesericus came out of Africa, into Italy with a great army against Rome, and coming thither, he finding the city empty, invaded it. And for the space of xiiii. days continually carried out the spoil of it, and toke away many prysoners.

13 Leo the first.

LEo the first a Thuscane borne, added to the mass these [ 45] words to name it Sanctum sacrificium, Immaculatā hostiam, hanc oblationem, which cannot be without blaspheming God heinously▪ He like an Idolatour, built a pallayce in the honor of Cornelius a bishop, and appointed clerks to keep the Apostles sepulchers. He decreed that men should worship the images of the dead, & allowed the sacrifice of the mass, he died a confessor. Anno. 462.

14 Hilarius.

[ 46] HIlarius borne in Sardinia, a man daily exercised in building and beautifying of churches, decked the post of Christ his cross with gold and precious stones: He made decrees by synodes, proclaiming them to be kept through the whole world. He made a law that every minister should be put from his calling, which married either a widow or deuorced woman, and not a maid: He died a confessor, Anno. 469. In his time Mamertus Claudius, bishop of Vienna, made the Litanies or procession to be said thrice a week whereof Mantuan saith Fast. 4.

In the time of this Pope about the year of Christ 476. Odoacer with an army of Herulās & Turcihugians, came from Panonia and wan Rome and all Italy, and reigned there xiiii. years. About this time Rome was so terriblie shaken with earthquakes, that many houses fell down withal.

15. Simplicius.

SImplicius a Tiburtinian borne, did dedicate Palaces [ 47] and divided the town into five parts for the priests to serve, and appointed the sacrificing priests their weeks: he shown y ^t the Church of Rome was the chief Church of all. He usurped authority upon the people of Rauenna like a tyraunte, and commanded that none of the Clergy should acknowledge, that he held any Ecclesiastical benefice of a lay mā. And this mā died a confessor. Anno. 484.

16. Felix the third,

FOElix the third a Romaine the son of one Felix a [ 48] priest, decreed that only a bishop, and no private priests should dedicate the Churches, and allowed a feast for the dedication of them: He hallowed Agapetus his Pallaice. He decreed that the Clergye being accused of any matter, should have days granted to return their answer, and died in peace a confessor. Anno. 494.

17. Gelasius.

GElasius an Aphrican son to Valerius a bishop, burned the books of the Manichies, he made hymmes, [ 49] prefaces▪ graduals, collects and prayers, he seue • ed y ^e Apocrypha from Canonical Scripture: and allowed married wydowers after they had married their seconde wife to be priests, if they toke his dispensation. He increased y ^• Clergye, he dedicated Pallaices: and decreed that priests orders should be given four times in the year, he added to the Mass the conclusions of the prayers Et te igitur : & at length avouched y ^t he & his successors should be judged by nobody. And died a confessor. Anno. 497.

18. Anastasius the second.

[ 50] ANastasius the seconde a Romaine, leaned to the Eutichians and Nestorians, he did communicate with heretics: he excommunicated the Emperor. And in the yere of our Lord 499. on the stool of easemente his bowels issued out of his belly. He died a confessor, so writeth Volaterranus.

19 Symmachus.

[ 51] SYmmachus borne in Sardinia was chosen bishop with much dissention among the Clergye. He ordained that virgins which had once professed chastitye, should never marry afterward, and that none of the Clergye should keep in house with any woman, but such a one as were his kinswoman: He built many Pallacies even out of y ^e ground. He brought the mass into fashion, he commanded to singe Gloria in excelsis upon the birth days of saints. And if any mā may trust Gregoryes Dialogues, he committed to Purgatorye the stubborn soul of one Paschasius a deacon after his death. And yet this man died a confessor. Anno. 514. Vspergensis saith that whē this Pope was chosen, one Laurence was also chosen by some, whereupon many slaughters both of the people & Clergye were made in Rome during the space of iii. years, but Symachus prevailed.

20. Hormisda.

[ 52] HOrmisda borne in Campania, did set quietness among the Clergy, he appointed that the Psalms should be song by course enterchaungeable: He commanded that the decrees of counsels should be kept, and bestowed many things to y ^• furniture of churches, he left a wedge of silver waying a thousand & forty pounds in saint Peters church: and commanded that no alter should be built without the consent of the bishop. He added ceremonies to public marriages: and excommunicated Anastasius the Emperous, because he said that it was an office dew only to the Emperor to command, and not to be at a bishops commandment: such then was the courage of the spirit of Antichrist. Justinus the Emperor, as Isiodorus writeth, made this Hormisda a Patriarch of Rome being before but an Archebishop: who died a confessor, Anno. 523. From the time of Sylvester, the Romaine prelates were Archebishops, for the space of two hundredth years, that is from the year 320. until this year 520. at what time they were first made Patriarchs by the Emperor Justinus. I declare this more diligently, whereby the attentive reader may know by what degrees the Romain bishops crept up to the Popedom it self, and what craft the devil wrought in them before the great Antechriste came, and was revealed to the full. So that as ye see the bishops of Rome. Here again altered their name the seconde time, to title of greater dignity, that is frō Archbishops to Patriarchs, and so the rest following for a season were called.

21. John the first.

John the first a Thuscane, whom Theodoricus king of [ 53] Italy sent, (for then they were subject to Princes) as his orator, with certain other, unto Justinus the Emperor. This bishop being the worthiest man of all this latter company, gave a testimony of his pure life, by suftring patiently undeserved death. He decreed, and that very godly, that if any man were robbed of anything, he should have all restored again. But I take it to be false that he should restore three churcheyardes, enriched the churches with gifts or decked the altars with gold, silver, or precious stones, as Platina and other write, least he should seem nothing to have increased the kingdom of Antichrist. There is to be seen comfortable Epistles of his to the bishops of Italy, whereby he warneth them, that they should not shrink from their purpose, but stand to it stoutly, although that the said king Theodoricus, foully tainted with the Arian heresy, had threatened to destroy them and all Italy. For the which at the tyrannous commandment of Theodoricus, Anno 527. he perished at Rauenna through famine, stink, & noysomnes in the prison. As touching Arius, thus Mantuan writeth of him.

22. Felix the fourth.

[ 54] Felix the fourth was borne in Samia, being not very careful in his pastoral charge, and casting of the office of preaching, built the church of Cosma and Damianus, he restored Saturninus temple, and repaired other temples of the dead. He commanded that mass should be said only in hallowed places. He made a partition between the Clergy and the people in the church. He excommunicated the Patriarke of Constantinople, misdemed of heresy: he commanded that if a priest died, another should succeade him two days after, and commanded precisely that they that lie a bying, should be annointed, with hallowed oil, and died a confessor, Anno. 530.

23. Boniface the seconde.

BOniface the seconde a Romaine, was made bishop, whē [ 55] the Clergy were at great jar, ready to go together by the ears: He made canons, especially this one, that within three days after one bishop were dead, another should be appointed in his room. He following Felix, did sever the Clergy frō the layetie, by making the quier in the church, and that for double policy, the one was, that by this means he might at length take frō the people both their place, and their voice, which they had in choosing the bishops, & that it might not be lawful for any of them to sewe a bishop, or any of the Clergy in any cause, civil or criminal, before a temporal magistrate. But mark what happened these wretches through their pride, as I think, Whyle even like the Pharisees they will be counted holier then other, with their shaven heads, their annointed fingers, & severed chauncelles, deviding them selves from the faithful, that were redeemed with the blood of Christ.

It is to be feared, least hereby they become the Goats that in the last day shall be divided frō the lambes. Math. 25 as not pertaining to the mystical body of Christ. It is easy to judge howe much these men swerve from Peter the Apostle, of whom they boast so much, to whom it was not lawful in the tenth of the Acts, to decree of Cornelius, that he should be either a layeman, or a profane person: Boniface died a confessor, Anno. 532.

24. John the seconde.

John the seconde was a Romaine, who otherwise for his [ 56] eloquencie was called Mercury or Jupiter, his embassadour. Iustinianus the Emperor, sent unto this man a cup of gold, of six pound waighte beset with precious stones, and two silver cups of seven pound weight, and two silver chalices, waying fiftene pounds, for a present from Constantinople, after he had condemned Athenius the Patriarke of heresy, and the said Emperor commanded his bishops, as ( Crantzius witnesseth) to talk with the bishop in his name, moste friendly under benediction: this bishop died a confessor, Anno. 534. And as Wicelius saith, he did nothing of any valewe.

25. Agapetus the first.

[ 57] AGapetus the first a Romaine, son of a priest, called Cardinal Gordian, was sent by Theodatus king of the Goths, as his Ambassador, to pacify Iustinianus the Emperor, for the cruel murder of Amalasimitha a noble queen, and an excellent learned woman: whose worthy virtues the same Emperor reverenced highly, who also procured his peace with spending saint Peters treasure: He decreed that on the Sunday they should go in procession in the churches: And died a confessor, Anno. 535.

26. Syluerius.

[ 58] SYluerius borne in Cāpania, son of Hormisda a bishop of Rome, when Agapetus was dead, as he went on his voyage to the Emperor, this man by the commandment of Theodatus king of Goths, was placed in his stead without the Emperors consent. Therefore by the provocation of Vigilius a D • acon, who also did accuse him, that he would betray Rome to the Goths, he was banished into the Isle Pontus, by Theodora the Empresse, and Antonina the wife of duke Bellisarius. So that it appeareth, the Popedom at that time was a thing but of small countenance, when they were sent as Ambassadors at the commandment of inferior princes, & could be deprived of their authority, put from their seat by women. At length Syluerius died miserably in his banyshement being an hooded confessor, Anno. 537.

27. Vigilius.

VIgilius a Romaine, the crafty accuser of the said Syluerius, [ 59] compassing the bishopric by subtlety, was advanced into the said place by the forenamed women. Whereby Rome had then two bishops, one made by the Goths, another by the Greeks, or rather by those Grekishe dames. And were used vngently, but not unworthily of them: for either of them received the reward of his rashness, for the one attained the Popedom by craft, the other by might, and yet the Papists will have them both reckoned among martyrs. Theodora did sue Vigilius, because he brake promise with her, and caused him first to be brought to Constantinople, there to be reviled and beaten, and afterward with an halter about his neck to be draw̄ through the streate, and last of all, be driven into banishement. This man made certain lessons of his own for the holy-days to be red in the church. He would have the church of Rome to be taken for the mother of other churches: He appointed Candelmas day to be kept holy day, and that the mass should be said, the priest standing with his face into the East: He died a confessor, in the yere 554. in Cicilia. In these days was one Maurus, who preached and taught the hipocriticall life of monks. Also in his time Anno. 542. there was a terrible earthquake over all the world, as Vspergensis saith.

28. Pelagius.

PElagius a Romaine, aspired to the pontifical dignity, in [ 60] that time when the tyrant Totila, called God's scourge, to the great comfort of the Goathes being their king, invaded Italy, as Procopius writeth. This Pelagius to please Totila and his company, made a public decree, that it was nedeful to have the authority of the prince, and consent of the people in creation of bishops. He in the midst of troubles of that time, having more regard to advance the Popedom, then Christianity: decreed that the Clergy should momble every day seuentimes, the canonical hours. Abbots should be chosen by order, one magistrate should be sufficient to punish an heretic: that in Lent priests might say mass at nine of the clock: and that every Province should contain twelve or ten cities at the least. This man first avouched that the premacie of the church of Rome was fette from Christ himself, and not from men nor gene • all councils. He buried together the bones of the first Martyr Stephen and S. Laurences carcass. He allowed solemnities in remembrance of the dead, and for love of gains he mingled them with the mass. And because he sometime him self was accused in a libel, that he had given occasion why Vigilius his predecessor was troubled, and deprived, therefore he provided that such libelles should not be hard. But it is reported that he purged him self from the infamy of that libel by taking an oathe, and kissing the cross. He lived in the extreme time when Rome was besieged, & died a confessor, Anno. 566.

About the year of our Lord 557. Totila king of Goths, besieged Rome, which being miserably oppressed with extreme famine, was compelled to yield itself to the slavery of the saluage people, under which it continued ten years.

In the time of this Pope, a Pestilence reigned over all Italy, beginning in Liguria so contagiously, that the contreye was almost destroyed of the inhabitours thereby. Vrspergensis.

29. John the third.

John the third a Romaine, was an especial friend to [ 61] Narsetes the Eunuche, governor of Italy, when the Goths were overcome: for he recovered his favor toward Rome, when it was in displeasure, and obtained that he was made consull, for then the bishop had almost all the swa • e in Rome. This man decreed contrary to his predecessor, that none ought to be called chief priest, or universal bishop, Distinctione 99. Nullus. Furthermore, taking away from the bishops chauncelours the laying on of hands, granted it only to bishops, as Isidorus writeth. Afterwarde turning his mind, and taking delight in building, he finished Philip and Jacob's church, which Vigilius had begun, and restored the Saints tombs in the city. Finally being a very old mā, & taking great thought upon occasion of strange tempests he died at Rome, Anno, 577. In his time the Armenians became Christians.

30. Benedict the first.

BEnedict the first a Romain, was bishop when the Lombarde, [ 62] spoiled Italy. And w • s a good bishop, because he did nothing worthy memory: as Barnus and Functius write of him. But yet which is to be noted, for the worthiness of the deed, he forbad that mē should tread on crosses made of marble, stone, or wood: And when there was great dearth in Rome, he or at the least wise Tiberius Augustu • in his stead, brought corn out of Egypt, to succor them withal He died for sorrow to se so many miseries in the city. Anno. 582.

31. Pelagius the second.

[ 63] PElagius the seconde, while the city was besieged, without the Princes commandment, contrary to the custom was made bishop. Therefore to pacify the Emperor, he sent one Gregory a monk, to Constantinople : afterward he made the cloister of Hermes a martyr, and built up S. Laurence pallaice from the foundation. He renewed the Canon for saying the hours, and commanded Subdeacons, either to forsake their wives, or else their ecclesiastical functions, and appointed nine prefaces to be song in the mass before the Canon: Pestis inguinaria, arising of great tempests, and the contagiousnes of the air took away this bishop among many other: This pestilence was cause of many superstitions, for then they first began to think that God's wrath was to be pleased: and the Litany of seven partes was made by Gregory. The occasion hereof saith Vspergensis was, that a great part of Italy was drowned with great flouddes.

32. Gregory the great.

[ 64] GRegorie the great a Romaine, was made bishop being before but a Monk and a Deacon. He was the best mā of all these Romaine Patriarchs, for learning and good life. He succeeded Pelagius, unwillingly refusing it, and in the ende compelled thereunto: he (though otherwise he was learned and Godly) yet because he was a Monk, burdened the church, and religion of God above all other, with more ceremonies, then had the Jews. He turned his parents houses into Monasteries, and dedicated the first of them to S Andrew the Apostle. He made Schools of quiresters, and made certain songs for the church, according to Ambrose manner, which we call Anthems : He appointed one to be chaunter for the day, another for the night. He gathered together the laws of the holy fathers. He did devise the order of masses, & linked the Cannons thereof together, he caused the masses to be begun with pieces of Psalms. He commanded to say Kyriaeleison nine times, and to chaunt Alleluia after the Graduall he joined the same Alleluia, for Easter time to the Offertories. He added three petitions to the Cannons of the mass: That is, Dies nostros in tua pace. &c. He commanded that the Lord's prayer, should be either song or said, with a loud voice over the communion bread. He commauned that mass should be said over the dead carcases of saints: And added to the Canonical hours, Deus in adiutorium, with Gloria patri : He devised Litanies, and processions, & divided thē into these seven orders, Clerks, Monks, Nuns, Boys, Laymen, Widows, and married wives. He suffered the Image of the blessed virgin Mary to be carried about withal, But not to be worshipped: Furthermore this Gregory (as they shamefully imagine) compelled an Angeli to put up his terrible sword into his sheathe. By his indulgences he established certain stacio • s, and pilgrimages unto Images in the city, according to the people's deuocion. He solemnized the feast of the Purification of our Lady with wex candles, (whereof it is called Candelmas day) and appointed the solemnity of Palme Sondaye to be kept with processions. He added iiii. days to Lent fast, and hallowed the beginning thereof with Ashwednisdaye. He forbad those that should fast to eat flesh, milk, butter, chese, or eggs, because they seme to bear a taste of flesh, and suffered them only to eat fish, excepting also the greater sort of fishes, whereof Mantuan saith Fastor. 2.

Gregory gave tapers to the church, and furnished it with quier Psalmodis, Canticles, Oades, Hymnus, and other Heathen ceremonies: He builded six Monasteries of his own cost in Sicilia, and dedicated Agathas church: He forbad that women should resort to abbeyes, or that Monks should resort to Nonneries. Also he would not have Mōkes baptize, neither Nuns to be Godmothers. He forbad him that had been twice married to be made priests: And that priests should give testimony of honest life by taking an oathe: He was an vphoulder of pardons, but not a seller of them. He was the first that gave pardons upon certain days, to such as frequented the church. He entertained strangers at his table. He aided the Mōkes of Jerusalem with necessaries, and gave stipendes to three thousand maids: He allowed by decree the first five counsels: He forbad that saints Images should be brokē, or that one of the Clergy should at the Emperors commandment serve in the wars, or that there should be two Metropolitans in one Province: He would have a bishop to be consecrate but ones, and would have the last will and testament of every man to be ratified. He made four books of Dialogues, to bolster up Purgatory: He allowed hallowing of ashes, washing of feet, worshipping of the cross, and mass • s to be said for the dead, and (wherein the Papists horribly belie him) he delivered Trajan the Emperors soul from hell. He cōtemning the Britain's sent Augustine a Monk, to reclaim the English Saxons to the church of Rome: He reft from London the right of the Archebishoprike, and translated it by the same Augustine's means to Canterbury. Al these things did Gregory as Patriarke of Rome, and died a confessor, Anno. 604. But although he doted in many superstitions, yet more is falsely fathered on him thē ever he did or thought.

33. Sabinianus.

SAbinianus borne in Thusca, was a Prelate of no value, [ 65] who for the hate he bare to his predecessor Gregory, after he had published certain flaunders against him, commanded that his books should be burned. This man being the last of the Romaine Patriarchs, commanded that the hours of the day should be divided by ringing of belles for the ecclesiastical offices: & that they should have continual burning lamps in the church: At length he died an infamous death through fear that he conceived of a terrible vision, which he saw in the night time, An. 606.

The Christian deeds of Gregory.

NOwe to say somewhat touching the Christiā sayings and doings of the foresaid Gregory : he fought stoutly against the supremacy of the Popish kingdom, in the very entrance of the Popedom, and hewde in pieces with sharp taunts the title of universal Patriarkeship, saying that such an one was the foreronner of Antichrist, an hypocrite, a tyraūt, and Lucifer the usurper of God's power. He commanded certain Images that were of wonderful excellent workmanship, to be thrown into the River Tiber, least religion should be corrupted by them. He commanded prayer and fasting for the asswaging of the pestilence. He reclaimed the Goths from the Arians, to the unity of the church. He wrote Homilies in a pleasant style following S. Augustine. He xpounded the moste part of the holy books of the Bible. He by common consent defaced the name of universal bishop. And professed him self in his writings Seruus seruorum Dei, servant to God's servants, whereby he might show, howe far he was from all ambition and desire of sovereignty: This title his posterity hath continued, bearing the name, but forbearing the humility that belongeth thereunto. At the length Gregory did greatly lamente to se that howling and chaūting in the church had so taken place, that preaching of the Gospel was neglected. Behold (quoth he among other sayings) the world is full of priests, & yet in the lords harvest are found few laborers: We have taken upon us the office, but w ^c e do not discharge the office. Brethren, I think that God suffereth dishonor of none more then of priests (for the moste parte). If they se any live in lowly estate, or live continently, they scorn them. Consider therefore what becometh of the flock, when Wolves are made shepeheardes. These take charge of the sheep, who are not afraid to endaunger the lives of the Lord's foulde, but they change the office of their blessed function to the increase of their ambition. We leave God's cause, & run to worldly affairs: we enjoy the place of holiness, and are entangled with earthly matters, so that Baptist Mantuan saith of him in the third book of his Fastor.

Huldricus bishop of A • gusta, showeth a wonderful story of this bishop, in his Epistle to Nicolas the first, the effect whereof is, that this Gregory did first command priests to live single life: but afterward when he perceived, that they were given secretly to fleshly pleasure, and that hereupon many children were murdered, he disanulled that commandment, and said that it was better to mary, thē give occasion of murder: For whē on a time he sent a certain woman unto a fishepoole to take fish, there were found in the same pool six thousand heads of infantes, that had been drowned therein: which he perceiving to proceed of forced single life, with sighing and sorrowing, he revoked that Canon. For as that Huldericus showeth, they accompanied not only with virgins and wives, but also even with their own kindred, with mankind, yea and that which is horrible to be said, with brute beasts. After the time of this Gregory, ensued more blindness thē was before. The purity of doctrine decayed, & the church was darkened maruelously with man's traditions: For Monkery with his manifold superstitions waxed great: Herewithall sprang up sale of masses, and praying to the dead, and the Lord's supper began to be an offering for the dead. Bishops also being deluded with visions of spirits, or rather of devils, began to reuolte from the doctrine of faith to put affiance in good works, and man's satisfactiō, as appeareth of Gregory.

As it is evident of Gregory, who in his Dialogues to Theodolinda, a very superstitious woman, telleth of dead men that appeared and craved to have prayers and suffrages. This while Christianity began to fall to ceremonies forthwith blind superstition, by means of Monkery began to crepe in▪ Gregory as is mentioned before, sent Augustine a Romaine Monk, and other his compaignions, to the Englishemen, Anno. 596. not to preach Christ unto them, whose doctrine the Brytaines had received more sincerely of Joseph & the churches of Asia, But to thrust upon them the Romain religion, patched up with man's diuices and traditions. The Britaynes had always the preaching of the truth, sincere doctrine, and the lively faith and such service as was delivered to the Apostles by God's commandment: They had Christian churches, whereof Godfrey of Munmuthe, in the eight book and fourth chapiter of the acts of the Britain's saith thus: In the country of the Britain's, Christianity flourished hitherto, which never failed among them since the Apostles time. But when Augustine came he found in their province seven bishoprikes, and one Archebishoprike maintained by godly Prelates, and many Abbots living by their handy labor, among whom the Lord's stock kept true way. It appeareth also that there were shepeherdes among thē that were diligent to preserve the purity of doctrine, as was Dionotus, Anonius, and his fellows, who in contempt of the Romaines ceremonies stacke stoutly to it even to the death. Augustine entered the lande not with the Gospel of Christian peace, but with the banner of his Aposticship, with his silver cross, his Litany, his procession, images, painted puppettes, relics, canticles, and books of ceremonies. But when by the authority of the king in the west part of England he summoned the bishops and doctors, that they accepting and communicating the Romaine customs should submit them selves to him, Anno. 602. They going to the synod, did first demand of a certain wise man, that lived solitarely, whether it was laweful to follow his commandment, and forsake those tradi • ions which they had received of their fathers: to whom he answered. If he be a mā of God, follow him. They further asked howe they should prove that. Ye know quoth he, that the Lord commanded saying: Take my yoke vpō you, and learn of me because I am gentle and lowlye of heart. Therefore if this Augustine be such an one, it is credible that he also beareth Christ's burthē, and offereth it to you to bear: but if he be proud and cruel, it is evident tha he is not of God and ye ought not to regard his talk. And howe shall we know that quoth they. Let Augustine (quoth he) and his company go first to the Synod: And if when ye come, he rise up to salute you, know ye that he is Christ his servant, and obey ye him. But if he disdain you, or make small accompt of you, and show no token of courtesy in his countenance, seeing ye are the greater number, do ye likewise contemn him. Therefore when they came to Augustine sitting ambiciously on his stalle, and saw that he gave them no token of friendship, they by and by conceiving displeasure, & noting him to be a proud person, did forthwith overthwart everything that he put forth: For he charged them that they did many things contrary to the custom of the catholic church, especially in keeping their Easter, in ministering of baptism, and in their preaching, and that they regarded not man's tradiciōs: and he commanded that in these and other things they should follow the use of the church of Rome. But they answered that they would do none of these, neither take him for their Archebishop. Whereupon he promised them war should ensewe, and threatened them fiercely to revenge it by death, which immediately ensued. Read Beda in his ecclesiastical history of England, the seconde book, and the second chapter, and likewise the said Godfrey. But I wonder much of this cruelty of Augustine : For Gregory before had so discussed it, and wrote unto him that it was not needful in all churches to have the same order of ceremonies: but that every church might ordain the best for it self. But such was wont to be the tyranny of hypocrites: whereof Mantuan saith.

And to speak in few words, the Romaine bishops were stars even hitherto, yet but falling from Christ's right hand to the ground, from whom the heaven departed, Apocal. 6. and they are prefigured by the red horse, unto whose ryder power was given to take away peace from the earth, and to murder to and fro, whereupon as in the first order the Romaine Prelates called bishops by their true ministering the word of God, and constant faith, were stars abiding in Christ his right hand: so in this second sort under the name of Archebishops and Patriarchs, by the neglecting of the same word, and their earthly affections, they were stars falling to the earth, Apocal. 6. But in the third rank, which shall follow under the name of Popes and Antichrists, for their absolute revolting from Christ, and open idolatries they shall be the stars falling from heaven to the earth. Apoc. 9.

Abadon or the Latin Antichrist.

I N the year of our Lord six hundredth and four, Phocas the tyrant, murdered his sovereign lord Mauricius the Emperor, with his wife, his brother, his children, and many nobles: From this yere adding to it two years to the beginning of the Popedom, established by Phocas, are six hundred sixty six years, from the cōsulship of M. T. Cicero, and Antonius, as Bibliander Funccius, and other do evidently reckon it, at which time the Jews (while their bishops iarred for supremacy) lost their liberty: For Christ (as Bibliander gathers) in his revelation (which by his dearly beloved Apostle John, he delivered to the church) foare told, that a certain tyrannical Empier should afflicte the true church: as Nero and Domician, with others did. And calleth the beast having two horns like a lamb the enemy of Christ, which nevertheless should speak like a Dragon, like an evil spirit, and should rage as unmercifully as the first beast did, which destroyed Peter and Paul, and great companies of fainctes: which with her charms should so bewitche the world, and with monstrous works should grow into such admiration, that none might by or sell, but such as had the seal or the name of the beast in his forehead. But as touching the name of the beast, he shows it mystically by these letters, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . Ch, X, St, & reciteth it to be discussed. This (saith John ) is wisdom, let him that hath understanding accompt the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his mumber is this. 666. Apocal. 13. What mean thief marks but that we should search the time wherein this beast should arise from the earth and the bottomless pit, and should destroy the Christian common wealth? But howe shall a man apply it, if he have not the certain time, when Pompeie toke the scepter from the Jews, according to the notable prophecy of Jacob, & entering the temple, profaned the Sanctum sanctorum. But that was done as Josephus writeth, in the time of Tullius consulship, the 60. year before Christ was borne. To these three score years add six hundred, until after the death of the said Gregory the great, who prophesied that he should be Antechriste, which would be compted universal bishop, or head of all churches. Therefore mark well what kind of times happened in the 666. year after Jerusalem was taken by the Romaines, Pompeie being their general, and you shall se strange matters fall out, at the time that this Phocas was Emperor, of whom William Stantphurdius writeth as followeth.

Furthermore apply this mystical number of 666. containing high wisdom in i • frō the time of Christ's birth, or from the time of his passion, or from the xv. yere of Domician, at which time the revelation was written, and still ye shall find some mōsterous thing wrought in the church. But to return to the matter of England: In the year of Christ 593. Colman, Harding, and Fabian say, that the reign of the seven kings at one time began: whereby 173 • . years after Brutus their first king, the royal estate of the Brytishe king ceased. For as Paulus Diaconus writeth in his fourth book, the Britain's found t • at the Saxons were in stead of succourers, suppressours and cruel enemies, untrusty, warring rigorously upon them, who had entertained them for aid. Anno 596. the foresaid Augustine sent from Gregory, came into England, who at his coming did not reprove, but maintain, and uphold the wicked treasons, the horrible robberies, & the slaughters more cruel then were Nero's, which the Saxons committed. Anno▪ 600. Gregory gave to Augustine his bishops pall. Thereby as was said, London was spoiled of her right without all order, to the destruction both of the commonwealth and of religion, and finally the undoing of the Brytishe kingdom, and thereupon are sumptuous temples built. Before that time the Britain's had their churches dedicated to eternal God the father, and to our savior his son Jesus Christ. But afterward the Saxōs did consecrate their temples to Images, and dead saints▪ Anno. 604. the Christiā Emperor Maurice being slain, Phocas an adulterer and a murderer, obtained the seat imperial, and in him the majesty of the Caesar's, and the moste noble Empire of the Greeks decayed together. As for the Romaine Empire that was weakened and impaired, yea and at length brought to nothing, by means of the Popedom which he had granted and established. Anno 606. in November and December, as Paulus Diaconus writeth in his 18. book, even at the rising and beginning of the Popedom, there appeared a wonderful great blasing star: There were strange sightes and monsters of the Sea, shown them selves to the terror of many. Thus in y ^e time of this Phocas murderer of the Emperor (which is to be noted as a mystery concerning the Popes) Papistry and Mahumets religion began both together at one time, which corrupted, darkened, and weakened the doctrine of the son of God in many regions. For in another year of the same Phocas, as Bibliander writeth, Muhammad recited the Alcoran, so that (saith he) the Egles three heads awaked all at ones, according to the heavenly vision in the fourth book of Esdras : that is to say Phocas him self, Pope Boniface, & Muhammad the Arabian, now followeth the third troupe of Romish Popes, which is divided into five partes.

The first parte of this third troupes of the Popes or Romaine Antechristes, prophesied of by the names of Sodom or Egypt. Apocal. 11. until the time of Pope John the eight.

1. Boniface the third.

[ 66] ABout this time the bishoppers of Constantinople endeavored to abstain the title of universal bishop, and to have their Church called the head of all Churches, using these fond reasons, that because the Emperor being chief of all Princes kept at Constantinople, therefore y ^t should be the chiefest Church, and there the chief bishop: This ambitiō enflamed many to speak and write against it, but especially the late Gregory who in this wise reproved John bishop of Constantinople for the same: Sayinge, None of my predecessors (although the Emperors began first in Rome, and were wont to bide there only, and yet do keep the title thereof) durst take upon them this title of universal bishop. And again Gregory said plainlye that such a one was the forerunner of Antichrist. Yet notwithstanding that the Church of Constantinople with great infamy prevailed not herein, because that Antichrist or the whore of Babylon according to the 13. of the Revelation should be in the Citty built on seven hills, that is Rome it self, For so diverse auctors testify that only Rome is known to be built on vii. hills: and certain it is that when this Revelation was written, Rome was then the greatest City being built on seven hills, as Mantuan testifieth in the life of Sylvester, speaking of S. Blaze at the ende of the first book. And the fullness of y ^t time prophesied of, now drawing nigh, this Boniface the third Anno 607. by the means of Phocas the Emperor an adulterer, traitor, and murderer of his Lord and sovereign Maurice the Emperor with his wife, and children) was advanced to be bishop of Rome with much hurley burley and great tumulte, and in despite of many bishops and Churches standing against it, he is extolled, confirmed and worshipped as Lord and Prince of all bishops: By great suit (but greater bribery) he obtained of the said bloody Emperor, that Rome should be called the head of all Churches, partly by the same reasons that Constantinople used (as Platina saith) y ^t where the head of the Empire was, there should be the head Church, again the Emperors had their beginning in Rome, again though some of them kept at Constantinople, yet ever they bare the name of Rome, as Romaine Emperors: finallye Peter delivered to Rome y ^e keys of heaven and hell, A feeble reason though it had been true. Thus at this time as an adulterer by treason and murder usurped the Empire, so of the same man this ambitious Boniface obtained by briberye to be universal bishop, and consequentlye by the saying of his own predicessour to be the forerunner of Antichrist.

He decreed in a Synod that under the pain of excommunication one Pope being dead, another should not be chosen before y ^e third day after: Also the same penaltye for such as sought to be bishops by favor or briberye, he decreed that a bishop should be chosen by the voices of the clergy and the people together, and y ^e election to be good if it were ratified and allowed first by the Prince or chief parson of the place, and last of all confirmed by the Popes authority, and with these words of his, We will and command. From this time forward the puritye of the Gospel decreased and superstition increased: Likewise y ^• Emp • re was at this time mightily weakened, for France Germany, Lombardye and Spain revolted and forsook the Empire, & beside Cosdroa king of Persia invaded and wan away many countries and Cittyes in the East, and among them Jerusalem. Boniface having enjoyed his authority scante a year died: From this time saith Vspergensis the Romain Empire was never without great trouble, misery and missehap.

2. Boniface the fourth.

[ 67] BOniface the fourth borne in Marcia, obtained of Phocas the Emperor that a Church in Rome called Pantheon, which the heathen had dedicated to all their gods and idols, should be translated from the worshipping of Idols to the service of Christ, and be dedicate to all Saints, and so called all hallowes Church: An ungodly and blasphemous alteratiō, and contrary to S. Paul's doctrine, that Christians should turn that to God's service, which was dedicate to idols. He appointed y ^e feast of alhallowes day, and that the Pope on that doye should say a long mass: he also appointed the corps cloth to be had at mass: he gave moncks leave to baptize and absolve. In this Popes time God punished y ^e wickedness of Phocas, who was reft both of Empire & life, by his successor Heraclius, for having his hands and feet cut of, he was thrown into the sea.

3. Theodatus.

THeodatus the first was a Romaine, the son of one [ 68] Stephen a subdeacon: he devised a new found alliance between the Godfather and y ^e goddaughter, and between the godmother and her godsonne, calling it spiritual cōsanguinitye: and therefore he commanded that neither y ^e godfather nor his godsonne should marry the goddaughter, and so of the godmother likewise: which is one token given to know Antichrist by, forbiddinge and making unlawful (as Tacianus Montanus, and other heretics do) honest marriage, which God hath made lawful. At this time reigned such a strange loathsome kind of leprosye disfiguring men in such sort, that one could not discern another by the face: Theodatus died Anno 618. in y ^e third year of his Popedom. Here note by the way that none of the Popes from this time lived longe, which wrought not some notorious act for the maintenance of the tyranny of the Sea of Rome.

4. Boniface the fifth.

BOniface the fifth was borne in Campania, he decreed y ^e [ 69] holy places should be rescewes and maintenaunc • for thieves, murderers and lewd parsons, making the churches, churchyards, chapels & such others to be sanctuaryes for them, and that no man should draw them away by violence that fled thither. He commanded that none but deacons should handle the relics of Saints: furthermore that a will and testament being made by commandment of the Prince should stand in force, which perogatives his successors did afterward usurp to themselves, that no testament should be good, unless it were allowed by them. He died Anno. 623.

5. Honorius the first.

[ 70] HOnorius borne in Cāpania was a good Pope (as Wicelius saith) for diligence in building Churches, deckīg them with gold & silver, but a neg • igent pastor for ought that is read of him in feeding Christ his flock. Amonge other temples and monasteries that he founded, he honge S. Peters Church w ^t cloth of Tissew, which with y ^e Emperors consent were taken out of Ianus Capitol or Romulus temple: he devised holy rood day, and added to the Letanye the praying unto dead saints, Sancta maria, sancta Gregori &c. and commanded to go about the streets in procession every Sabbath day. This Honorius died Anno 634. in whose time Muhammad arose, the auctor of the Turkishe religion.

6. Seuerinus the second.

[ 71] SEuerinus or Zepherinus the second, was confirmed Pope in the name of Herachu • the Emperor, by Isacius his liuetenaunt in Italy. This Pope also was very careful to build up Churches of dead saints, but careless of buildinge up the Gospel: whereupon Isacius brake into the Church treasurye, and perforce toke away the great heaps of riches, y ^e priests to their power defending the same: for then (even by God's just punishment) the Sarracens wan from the Romaines, Damascus, Arabia, Phoenicia, Egypt, and other kingdoms of the world, Mahumets power increased still against them: and as for the Emperors soldiers they were driven to great poverty and want of all things, and the houge heaps of the Churches hourded treasury increased to no bodies profit. For (saith Platina ) in this danger of Muhammad, the priests looked that the laitye should bear the charge of this, to withstand the enemies of Christendom: again the laitye looked that the clergy for defense of Religion should promise, and give their money for the maintenance of the war, and should not waste their wealth prodigallye to worse purposes, as for the most part they do, spendinge plentifullye their riches gotten by almose deeds and with the blood of martyrs, upon statelye and massye plate of silver and gold • having little care of the world to come, defying God and mā, whom they serve only for luker sake. Plat. in Boniface the 5. This made Isacius with his soldiers to burst into the Churches treasurye. Seuerinus died Anno 636.

7. John the fourth.

John the fourth, learning by his predecessors harms howe to use riches better, did redeem out of captivity [ 72] with that money, which Isacius left in Lateran, his contreimen the Assyrians and Dalmacians, whom the Lombardes had taken prisoners in battle. And yet least the like deed should be attempted against the church any more, even sone after in the beginning of his Popedom, he decreed, that the church goods being so purloined, should be recompensed four times double. He wrote to England concerning the keeping of Easter, and against the Pelagian heresy: He transported from Dalmacia to Rome, the dead bodies of two martyrs, Vincentius and Anastasius, rather to hurt live Christians with committing Idolatry in worshipping them, then that the saluage people should harm the dead bodies. He died ere he had reigned Pope two years, Anno. 638. Platina reporteth that in this man's time, a certain priest robbed the tomb of Rothaeris in S. John Baptists church: for (saith he) they were wont to bury certain precious things with kings bodies. The like thing happened of late time to Cardinal Allouisius, Patriarke of Aquilia, for his grave being burste up, he was robbed by those, whom he from very base estate had advanced to the dignity of priests and better calling.

8. Theodorus.

THeodorus the first was a Grecian borne, the son of [ 73] Theodorus bishop of Jerusalem, he built many churches in Rome, and golden shrines for saints. He • et up the relics of Saints in gold & silver in the church. He forbad that marriage made after a single vow, should be broken. He depryued Pyrrus bishop of Constantinople, for heresy: He appointed that tapers should be hallowed on Easter eve for Easter time: He died, Anno. 646.

9. Martin the first.

MArtin the first a Tuderdinian borne, made laws for [ 74] keeping holy days, and decking of churches, such as the Idolators before were wont to keep: He gave straight charge that priests should shave their polles, and that bishops should make every year as they call it, an holy Chrism, and send it to every church in their Diocese: He burdened the Clergy with vow of single life, and appointed that a couple being married, ere they lay together, the bridegroom & bryde, should have the priests blessing. He commanded also, that priests houses should be built next to the church: That Monks should not go out of the abbies without the Abbots leave: & in a Synod at Rome that bishops should not transpose the church goods to their own private use. He died Anno. 656. Wicelius saith, he was very vehement against certain sects, excommunicating them whom he ought by the scripture to have admonished. He deposed Paul Patriarke of Constantinople, not admonishing him first once or twice, according to S. Paul ; rule: for the which he was bound in chains, and so brought to Constantinople, by the Emperor Constātinus, where in banishment he died in great misery. An. 653.

10. Eugenius the first,

EVgenius the first was a Romaine, commended for his manners. But Wicelius saith, this Pope did never [ 75] any notable deed: but decreed that bishops should have prisons to punish priests. Thus by little and little, they encroched the power of temporal sword: certain letters were sent unto him from Constantinople, containing heresy, which were so detested, that saith Platina, the Clergy it self toke upon them to forbid the Pope to say mass in S. Mary's church, unless he would first burn the letters, then might the Clergy control the Popes slackenes or error in religion.

11. Vitellianus.

VItellianus borne in Campania, being an excellent musician, [ 76] wrote the ecclesiastical Canon, he brought singing and organs into the church. He accused one John minister in a certain church in Crete, unto the bishop of that place, for having a wife. He made the Latin hours, songs, masses, idolatry, and ceremonies, adding and turning all into Latin, about the year of Christ's incarnation. 666. which was the number of the name of the beast spoken of in the 13. of the Apocal.. Here therefore is to be noted, that the mumber of the beast agreeth unto this time, secondly the number of the years contained in the name of the beast, is found out in this word λατεινοσ: as who would say, that Antechriste shall be a Latin, or in the Latin church, who shall come to his perfection in the year. 666. Also the letters of his name shall amounte to this number, and last of all is to be noted how that beside this Lateinos expressed the Latin bishop, and the time of Antechriste, it agreeth with the strange doings of this time, that all things were turned into Latin in the church. And because that this mistery of six hundred sixty six, spoken of in the Revelation, may appear even to the moste simple to agree unto the church of Rome, as in this place is said: it is first to be considered that the ancient father Irenaeus, being immediately after the Apostles, reading this place, and considering of the words of S. John, saying: Let him that hath wisdom count the mumber of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is six hundred sixty six. Irenaeus I say, considering of these words, did at the length find out that this number agreed to this Greek name λατεινοσ and therefore he said, that surely Antechriste should be a Latin and in the Latin church: for the Greeks, in whose tongue the Revelation was written, do express their numbers by their letters, as we do by figures. And in their numbringe this letter λ the first letter of that name, standeth for thirty: the next letter α standeth for one: the third letter τ for three hundred: the iiii. letter ε for five, the fifth letter ι for ten: the sixte letter ν for fifty: the seventh letter ο for threscore and ten: and the eight and last letter, σ standeth for two hundred. So that if these eight numbers, that is: thirty, one, three hundred, five, ten, fifty, seventy, and two hundred, be added together, they make six hundred sixty six • umpe. Again mumber so the letters in this word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Ecclesia Italica, that is the Italian church, and ye shall find it also make iump six hundred sixty six. For in the former word of these two, there are right letters: whereof the first is ε standing for five, the second κ in value twenty, and so the third is κ that is twenty, the fourth λ that is thirty, the fifth η that is eight, the sixth ς that is two hundred, the seventh is ι that is ten, the eight is α and that standeth for one: All which numbers added together, make. 294.

Now to coin to the latter word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Italica, in it are seven letters, the first is ι and is ever set in the Grecian numbers for ten, the seconde τ for three hundred, the third α for one, the fourth λ for thirty, the fifth ι for ten, the sixth κ for twenty, the seventh and last, is α for one: all which seven numbers amounte to three hundred seventy and two, then unto this add the mumber of the former word, which was two hundred ninety four, and the whole some is lump six hundred sixty six. Furthermore, in the same thirtene chapter, and the first verse thereof, S. John speaking of this beast, saith that the beast had seven heads. And in the seuententh of the Revelation, the Angel doth expound this mistery unto John saying: the seven heads were vii. mountains upon which the woman (meaning the forenamed whore of Babylon ) doth sit: and afterward again he saith that the same woman whom John saw sitting on the beast with seven heads, is that great City which hath rule over the kings of the earth: At which time it is manifest to all the world, that Rome had the soueraignitye and Empire of all the world, and that it was then the great City, and none but it of whom this might be said: neither is it known that any other City is, or hath been built upon seven hills. And that Rome is so, it appeareth by diverse writers Romaines and other, that report it as they have seen it: Amonge other Munster in his Topographie doth not only in the descriptiō of Rome testify that there are seven hills but also showeth the names of them everyone which are these: Auentinus, Capitolinus, Palatinus, Cael • us, Exquilinus, Viminalis and Quirinalis hill. Proper • ius the Poet confirmeth it briefly in a verse saying thus of Rome, Septem vrbs alta iugis toti quae presidet orbi : the like hath Virgil in his Georgicks, Septem quae vno sibi muro circundedit arces, speaking it of Rome. Mantuan in his Fast. li. 2. doth in like manner describe Rome, calling it Romuleā septem cū Collibus vrbem. So of the Greeks it is called Heptalophos, wherein Hep • a signifieth 7. and lopho • an hill, head or top.

This Vitellianus commanded shauings and annointings of the clergy to be used, giving under these marks lice • s to buy and sell pardons in the Church, as was prophesied of Antichrist: & after he had choked the Church with much palcry he died. At this time at the fullness of Antichrist, mōkery grew into superstitious estimation. At this time also these two strange things were wrought: Abbeis were first founded for monks, kings were shaved and made monks.

12. Theodatus the second.

[ 77] THeodatus y ^e second a Romaine borne, was made Pope being but a monk: He bestowed great cost to make a sumptuous abbey of that, from whence he came: He gave license to monks to transport Benedict Nursin patriarcke of his own order with a scholesister of theirs from Cassim mount into France. At this time were many strange things as a blasinge star appearing 3. months continually, with great rain & often thonders, with a strange Rainbow and earthquakes, such as the like were never heard of. And some say that the corn being beaten down with these strange tempests of rain, did spring up again and grew to ripeness: For these things Theodatus caused prayers often to be said, and died Anno 675.

13. Donus the first.

DOnus the first, was made Pope in a miserable time, [ 78] when the fields and the corn were burnt up with though̄der, lightninges and showers: He as (Popes use) beautified S. Peters porche with pillars: And after he had punished certain Nestoria heretics, he scattered thē in diverse abbeis in Italy. He restored certain old churches, he divided the Clergy into diverse orders, and advanced them with several kinds of honor, and dignity. After much controversy he made subject to Rome Rauennas church, Theodorus the Archebishop thereof, agreing to it through the Popes flattery, which church before was called Alliocephalis. After he had done many • uche deeds he died, Anno. 679.

14. Agathon the first.

AGathon the first, as Gratian writeth Distinct. 19. being a Monk of Sicill, commanded that the Popes decrees [ 79] should be taken for as canonical and authentical, as the Apostles writings. So he gave as great authority to the mass, which was clouted together by sundry Popes. But wickedly he condemned the marriage of ministers of the Latin church: He sent one John a Monk and Archedeacon of Rome, into England, Anno 679. to teache them here the manner of their reading, singing, & ceremonies in their churches. And the better to utter his knackes of celebrations and sacrifices, as Beda writeth in his fourth book & 18. chapter, de Gestis Anglorum. He • ent his Orators John bishop of Portua, and John Deacon of the Romaine church to the sixth Sinode of Constantinople, and against the Monothelites he sent one Agathus. In the which Sinode the Clergy of the Greke church, were allowed marriage, and the Latin church forbidden it. Also among other things then done the eight day after Easter, Anno 681. the said John of Portua, did first of all say y ^e Latin mass openly before the Prince and the Patriarke, and people of Constantinople, all men allowing it for novelties sake, as a new found thing, which taking root hereupon, was received in all churches, which held upon the Pope. In this Popes time, after strange Eclipses, both of Sun and Moon, was a Pestilence so contagious in Rome, that the Pope him self died thereof. The seat then was v • yde a year and a half.

15. Leo the second.

[ 81] LEo the seconde was a Monk very learned, as well in Greke as in Latin, and so skillful in Music, that he brought the notes of the Psalms and Hymns to better harmony. He confirmed the sixth Synod partly to establish the mass, partly because by it also the Clergy of the West church, were forbidden marriage. He translated into Latin the ordinance of marriage. He appointed that the Pax should be borne about, and be kissed of the people, while mass was saying: Also y ^t if need did require there should be Christening every day. He would have (for their sake of Rauenna ) no election of any bishop to stand in force, unless he were first confirmed by the bishop of Rome: But (saith Wicelius ) without payinge for his pall, or any other money, which saith Platina I would it were kept still in Rome: for out of this bribing at this day many mischieues arise. For as yet they durst not enterprise wholly such polling, as they did afterward about 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 years after Christ: for in time past the vi. Princes of Italy did confirm the bishops of Italy: yea, and the Pope him self: Afterwarde the Emperor Constantine the fourth, agreing thereunto, the election was again ratified in the hands of the Clergy and the Laity. But the Prelates of Rauenna, being emboldened because that the court of the six states was among thē, would not obey the church of Rome, but avouched that they were egall in dignity. And thus Felix being their bishop after Theodorus, went about to shake of the Popes yoke, and to recover their lost liberty. But the Emperor that was then Justinian, son of the said Constantine, being set on by Leo, with standeth the purpose of Felix, and after he had by assaulte won the town, he bored out the bishops eyes with a hot burning iron. Leo before the ende of his ten months died Anno. 685. in which time the moon was in a mōsterous and strange Eclipse, appearing as red as blood all the night long, diverse nights together.

16 Benedictus the second.

BEnedict the second, whose holiness (they said) moved [ 82] the Emperor Constantine the fourth (if they father not a falsehode on him after his death) to decree, that henceforth the Pope of Rome should have authority over the people without the license of the Emperor, or the six states of Italy, which lasted not long. He reedified diverse temples enriching them with vessels of gold, silver and guilt, with coapes of cloth of tissue, and cloth of gold, and other jewels, according to the Jewish ceremonies: and this Pope was the first that toke upon him to be called Christ's vicar on earth. Out of Vesunius hill in Campania, such abundance of fire spouted, that it burnt up all the countries, men and cattle round about: after which it is evident that there ensued, Anno 686. bloodshed, burning, spoiling, and the death of Princes, and especially of this Benedict a Pope of ten months.

17. John the fifth.

[ 83] John the fifth was borne in Siria, he first of all toke consecration of three bishops, of the bishop of Hostia, Portua, & Veliterne, which custom he appointed to be kept of his successors. And his posterity do keep this use even unto this day in our Saviors church at Lateran. In his Popedom he fell sick, in the which time he wrote a vain and unlearned book, touching the dignity of the pall of an Archebyshop.

18. Conon.

[ 84] COnon a Thracian, was made Pope after much wrangling between the Romaines, who would have elected one Peter an Archebishop, and the host, preferring one John a priest. This Conon being established, fell sick and died, Anno 689. He made one Kilianus being before a Scottishe Monk a bishop, and sent him with other into Germany, to win the East part of France to y ^e church of Rome. But this Kilian & his company, were at the first • layne of their Auditors, and buried at Herbipolis. One Paschal an Archedeacō, and Treasurer to the said Conon, in this Popes life bribed John Platina, one of the six princes of Italy, to make him Pope after the death of Conon. Platina took the money, but he performed not the covenant, neither restored the money.

19. Sergius the first.

[ 85] AT this time was great hurlie burly about the election of the Pope: Some chose Theodorus a priest, some Paschal an Archedeacon. And while everyone did ambitiouslye maintain his own faction, either party with the men of his own side kept possessiō in some part of Late • an pallaice: But when the chief of the clergy, the Romaines, & the army saw, that this sedition would wexe bloody, they agreed to appease this tumult, & rejecting both y ^e other they chose Sergius an Assyrian borne, & brought him to Lateran Church, and brasting up the doors they drive out the seditious electors, and compelled Theodor & Paschal to salute Sergius as Pope. He bestowed great cost in trimming the temples with gilding, images, golden candelsticks, and curious masons work, riche clothes, & such stuff: He (they say) found a piece of Christ his Cross in a brazen cofer: He repaired the images of the Apostles being worn out with continuance: He set a new patche vpō the mass, commanding that Agnus Dei should be song thrice whē the priest is breaking the bread. And on the day of the annuntiation of the virgin to sing procession: He reclaimed the Church of Aquilia which began to decline from Papistrye. He also by his monks allured the Saxons & Frisians to the same superstition: While Aldhelmus an Englishman waited at Rome to be admitted to a bishopric, he hard the Pope accused of adulterye, the child being new borne which was fathered upon him, Aldhelm{us} therefore did secretly admonish the Pope of this wickedness. Sergius died Anno. 701.

20. John the sixth.

John the sixth a Grecian borne, being much delighted in [ 86] vanityes as his predecessors were, was very curious in decking the temples. In the time of famine and war, he nourished a great number of poor men with the treasures of the Church (being in deed the worthiest of all Popes for such alms deeds) also he redeemed diverse prisoners out of bondage: And with threatening caused Gisulphus captain of Beneuent (who then wasted Campania ) to return home. This man (as it appeareth) was because of Sergius adultery elected only Pope, and not confirmed, Sergius being restorde again, and therefore he is not reckoned among the Popes. Peter Premonstratensis saith, that John was thrust out again because of his unlawful entrance, & therefore he is not enrolled among the Popes.

21. John the seventh.

[ 87] John the seventh a Grecian, was delighted in nothing but superstitious garnishinge Churches and images of Saints, for which he is much commended: but not one word spoken of him touching preaching the Gospel. He died Anno. 707.

22. Sisinius the second.

[ 88] SIsinius or Sozymus after great contention with Dioscorus about the Popedom at length obtained it: He was so sore sick of the goute, that he lived Pope but xx. days, being neither able to stir, nor to eat • any thing: Nauclerus writeth that he was poisoned by the said Dioscorus in the same year that John the seventh died.

23 Constantine the first.

[ 89] COnstantine the first being sent for by Iustitian y ^e Emperor to come to Constantinople, was the first that ever offered his sovereign to kiss his feet. At his return home he condemned Philip Burdan of impiety, because he could not abide the abominations of Idols, and toke the Images out of the Church. Furthermore he commanded that the picture of the Emperor (counting the godly Prince a wicked heretic) should not be received, though it were engraven in gold or silver: he cursed all the Emperors coin: And holdinge a counsel at Rome, he decreed that Images should be had in the Church, & should be worshipped with great reverence contrary to all Scripture. After this he moved one Anastasius a mainteyner of images against the said Philippicus, who apprehending him, reft him of his kingdom, and put out his eyes: when the bishop of Ticinum rebelled against his Metropolitan the Archbishop of Mediolan, the Pope would not reconcile him, but falsely made him tributary by stelth to the Sea of Rome, whereby that bishopric hath brought it self to perpetual bondage. Kinredus and Offa two kings of the English Saxons for their pleasures made a voyage to Rome, and when they were there, the Pope made them forsake their kingdoms, & turned them into monks: he died Anno 715. He was the first that gave his feet to be kissed of Emperors.

24. Gregory the seconde.

GRegory the second bestowed his time in repairing and [ 90] building spiritual houses & Churches with great cost: He forbad a nonne, a nouesse, an abbesse, a deaconesse or a spiritual Godmother to marry: He ordained that mass should be said every friday in Lent: and caused prayers often to be said because of straūg sights in y ^e air: He would have mass said nowhere but in an hallowed place: He persecuted even to death, those that would not worship images. By his authority he compelled Luith Prandus king of Italy at the first withstanding it, to ratifye Arithpertus donations being unjust, only to maintain the ro • at of the clergy: He moved the subjects of the Emperor Leo to break into opē rebelliō, because their images were taken away: He caused Spain, Aemilia, Luguria, Italy and other countries to revolt, and defye their obeisance to the Emperor. The Emperor would have no worshipping of images in the Church, and therefore the Pope did both excommunicate him & put him from his kingdom, & threatened him eternal damnation. And thus the Emperors of the East lost their title in Italy. Gregory died Anno 731.

25 Gregory the third.

[ 91] GRegory the third was a stout champion for the Church of Rome and their ambitiō. He did excommunicate his sovereign the Emperor Leo, because he destroyed images. He joined to him Carolus Metellus y ^e bastard lieuetenaunt of the Frenchmen, to maintain the estate of the bishop of Rome against the Lombardes : By help of the Lombardes, he drave the Grecians out of Italy. And afterward oppressed the Lombardes them selves by the help of France, and absolved all Italy from the oath of their dew allegiance sworn to the Empire. He busied him self in taking care, and bestowing costs on churches, abbyes, celles, altars, & Images. In a Synod at Rome, he maintained that the Images of dead saints should be worshipped, decreeing excommunication against those that would do the contrary. He laid up in Peters Pallayce y ^e relics of saints, and commanded that on every day mass should be said there to them. In the Cannons whereof he addinge certain clauses, clowted it with this piece, Quorum solemnitates hodie. &c. He forbad to eat horse flesh. He translated the tuiciō of the church, from the Greeks to the Frenchemen: He set the Apostles Images in churches severally by them selves. He wrote to Boniface an Englisheman, that their priests ought to have shaven crowns, that should pray for the dead at mass, and that they ought to pray, and to offer sacrifice for the dead. After these and like deeds he died, Anno 742.

26. Zacharias a Grecian.

ZAcharias emplied his wit and wealth in pompeous and gorgeous building: Amōg other vain sumptuousnes, [ 92] he was the first that gave golden coapes decked with pearls and stones, to the church for holy uses. He gave a stipende to the church toward the charge of the lamp oil. He devised the manner and fashion of priests apparel: He divided the East church from the West church. He translated out of Latin into Greke, Gregory's four books of Dialogues, to the intent to plant the opinion of Purgatory among the Grecians, which they never received yet. He made it unlawful to mary the vnkles wife, the vnkle being dead, although Gregory the third allowed it. He commanded gosseps (as we call them) in no wise to marry together. He commanded the Venetians (a Godly deed) that upon pain of curse they should not for lucre sel their children of Christians to the Saracenes. Taking upon him the power of God after a sort, he presumed very churlishly and cruelly, to depose kings from their estate, and to make kings. He was the first that attempted to release subjects of their allegiance. For Pipinus son of the bastard Charles Martell, & traitor to his Prince, by his messengers obtained of Pope Zacharye, that he would depose king Childericus from the crown of France, and give it to him and his heirs. The Pope remembering the late deed of Pipinus his father, in y ^e Popes behalf against the Lombardes, & thinking by this means that he should be the better able to encoūter the Emperor of the East, granted this traiterous request. And sent straight charge and high commission to the estates of France, that they should depose their present king Childericus, shave his head, put him into an Abbey, and so make him a Monk: And after this they should acknowledge Pipin being confirmed and annointed by the Archebishop Boniface, to be their sovereign and king. Furthermore he changed Lachis king of Lombardy, Charolomannus, and other from their royal estate, and made them Monks. After ten years reign, he died, Anno 752. One Stephen a Deacō, was chosen to succeed him, who being wakened out of sleep to go about his affairs, being taken with the falling sickness, died presently, and therefore is not accounted Pope.

27. Stephen the second.

STeuen the seconde, immediately stepped in after this other [ 92] Stephen, who for his superstitious and ambitious dealing in their religion, is compted of the Papists a Godly bishop: But note the mystery of his iuggling, he having thus by craft and guyle obtained the Popedom, he immediately subdued to the sea of Rome, all the dominion of Rauenna, which had wrought the Pope so much displeasure, and beside many other countries in Italy, thereby to obtain the kingdom of Italy. He craved of Pipin importunatly to revenge his quarrel against A • stulphus king of Lombardy, for demanding subsidy of him and his Prelates. Pipin to gratify the Pope, in consideration of the kingdom of France gotten by his means, after he had longe besieged, & often assaulted, the dominion of Rauenna, at the length delivering it from the garrison of Lombardy, yielded it as a present to the Pope, with all y ^e towns thereof, evē to the goulph of Venice. And thus they robbed the Emperor of that dominion, and withal pulled down the third part of the strength of the Romaine Empire, empairing thereby the East Empire. And as for the weste Empire, which then was arising, it lost his strength likewise. But Pope Stephen hereupon anointing bastard Pipin and his two sons again • , and giving him a pardon for falsefying his oath of alegeaunce, did more ratify him and his, in the kingdom forever, cursing all those that at any time should speak against him. Also he shaved Childericus again, and made him newely Monk, and so put him afreshe into an Abbey, to make all sure. Pipin for this fell down flat on the ground & kissed the Popes feet, held his stirropes, and toke the bridle in his hand, and played the osteler, an • vowed perpetual fealty to the Pope. The Pope to thank God for this benefit of so great honor, which now began, caused procession to be song through all Rome, and the Apostles tombs and other saints relics to be borne about and shown openly, and him self to be carried triumphantly through the middes of the people on his porters shoulders in his Pontificalibus. Which use of being borne on men's shoulders, his successors have esteemed as a moste holy thing. He confirmed by his authority, that all Popes traditions should be taken for good. He forgave all treasons against Princes: for the hatred he bare the Grecians, he studied to change the Empire frō them into France. He furnished the churches in France with prick song and descant. And whatsoever henceforth could be wrested from the Empire, he commanded it should be S. Peters see, and so dedicated to the church of Rome: he died Anno 757.

28 Paul the first.

PAule the first was brother to the said Stephen : he after [ 93] wrangling and jarring between him and one Theophilact, succeeded: and following the dance that his auncetours had led him, threatningly and fearcely he restored the images, which Constantine Emperor of Constantinople had abrogated: but Constantine standing stoutly in his opinion, and defyinge his vain curses and threats, wythstoode images with all his power even to his death. This Paul honored much the body of one Petronilla y ^e daughter of S. Peter, and toke her karkasse out of the ground, remouinge it to another place, and enlarged and repaired diverse Churches, adding many ceremonies to them: At length he died through the extremity of the heat of summer Anno 767. In his time (as Peter Premonstratensis saith) stars fell from heaven to the earth, according to the 6. of the Apocalypse : And immediately after this Charles the great begā to reign, who built 24. monasteries.

29. Constantine the second.

[ 94] COnstantine the seconde being but a layman, by strong hand was made Pope (though many other stood for it) through the doings of his brother Desiderius king of Lomberdye, and through Totho duke of Nepesia : but this hastiness at length is brought to none effect, because Constantine had not taken Ecclesiastical orders. Herevppon arose great discord among the clergy: in which tumult one Philip was chosen, but because he wanted artilary & power to maintain his parte, he was forced to depose himself again: Constantine obtained the Popedom a year, and that pontificallye: but in the ende a council being gathered of Italian and French bishops, in their great rage & fury they put him out, and with great reproach clapte him in an abbey as in a perpetual prisō, having both the Popedom taken from him and his eyes put out Anno. 708. Some do not count him among the Popes because he was a lay man, and disalowe all his doing, saving Baptism and Chrism: But the next year after, his brother Desiderius coming to Rome under pretence of praying, got those that put his brothers eyes, and rewarded them with the like punishment.

30. Stephen the third.

STeuen the third is commended to be a stout maintayner [ 95] of Romish traditions and authority: for in a Synod in Lateran he did disannul all that his predecessor Constantine had done: The bishops by him created were disgraded, if they had no absolution, he commanded y ^t upon pain of excommunication no lay man should presume to be Pope without ecclesiastical orders. He condemned the seventh council of Constantinople as heretical: And did again establish setting up of Images, which by that counsel was condemned: He taught that images should be worshipped, and increased the worshipping of them, and commanded that they should be hallowed with Frankinsence. He brought to his subjection Mediolan Church, which ever before had been free. He sued to Charles the Emperor, & obtained to depose Desiderius of his kingdom. He appointed those that brake their Canons, to sing Gloria in excelsis on Sōdays: and that in the solemnitye of the masses it should be song on S. Peters altar by seven bishops being Cardinals: He went one time (to counterfaict Christ in his doings) barefooted in procession. He died Anno 772.

31. Hadrian the first.

HAdrian the first was a meet champion to maintain y ^e [ 96] dignity, which his predecessors had encroched: He bestowed cost on altars, dead m • ns tombs, dead men's bones, and Churches: He attributed more worship to images then ever any did, and wrote a book of the honor and profit of them: and pointed them in steed of Scriptures to be layemens books: He condemned in a coūsails those that detested images, as one Felix & other: By the aid of Charles the Emperor, he delivered the Sea of Rome from the peril of all other Princes: He was the first that with his leaden Bull did honor their decrees, dispensations, and privileges. He forbad that any infamous parson should be promoted to priesthood, & that the clergy should not be sued out of their own court: Charlemaine king of France and brother to Charles the Emperor being dead, his wife Bertha came with her two sons unto this Hadrian, suinge to him that he would anoint and establish these her sons in their fathers kingdom: But this holy sier least he should offend their uncle themperour, cast of the orphans, despised their suit, & refused to do it: & finally committed to perpetual slauerye, both the children and their mother, w ^t Desiderius king of Lombardye, his wife, his children and his kingdom, whō Charles carried into France with him, where they lived long in care and misery, until they died. And thus God's vicar useth orphans, widows and poor Princes: To cloak all this he fed in the porche of Lateran pallaice, a hundredth poor folk every day. But Charles in recompense hereof after he had kissed the Popes feet, confirmeth to the Pope his fathers gift, that is the towns pertaynīg to the Dominiō of Rauenna : and like an unjust pyrate, he added to the Popes possessions, Venice, Histria, the dukedome of Fotriiulenia, the dukedome of Spolet, & Beneuēt, and other lands. Also he made Hadrian Prince of Rome & of Italy & ratified y ^e Popes Empire, by spoiling the kingdom of Lombardy, and joining so in league w ^t the Pope, y ^t who so dealt with the one, should be ennemye to both: Agayne Adrian caused Charles and his successors the kings of France, to have the title of most Christian king, and like a subtle fox he gave him power to choose the Pope, and to make bishops through all his dominions, but that lasted not long, and so used him, that in deed he had but the bare name of the Romaine Emperor. This Hadrian clothed the body of S. Peter all in silver, and covered the Altar of S. Paul, with a pall of gold. He died Anno 796.

32. Leo the third.

LEo the third as sone as he cought the Popedom, by & by sent S. Peters keys and the banner of Rome with [ 97] other gifts to Charles the Emperor, desyringe him to bind the Romaines by an oath, to become subject to the bishop of Rome. Charles to pleasure him, sent one Agilbert an Abbot, who compelled the Romaines by his commandment to swear allegeaunce unto the Pope. Hereupon the Pope purchased such deadly hate among the people, that as he was ones going on procession, certain furious parsones fell vpō him, and beat him from his horse, and stripping him stark naked out of his pōtificall robes whipped him very sore: But at length when Charles came, they (knowing his good will toward the Pope) turned their former hatred into love and favor, and durst not auouche the faults laid against him. Therefore when he asked of his conversation, they answered with one voice that the sea Apostolical, ought to be judged by no layman. After the which answer the Pope affirming, and swearing him self to be giltlesse, the Emperor being pacified, doth absolve him, and pronounced him innocent: For with courtesy the Pope desirous to be thankful, with a great voice proclaimed Charles Emperor, & joined him with himself, & set the Diademe on his head, y ^t Romaines in y ^e mean time cried, God grant life & success to Charles our mighty Emperor. Thus was the name of the Romaine Emperor restored, so as the Popes authority should not be impaired. Hereof the custom continued that he who should receive the scepter of the Empire, should be joined in authority in Rome by the Pope. From this time, being in the year. 801. the honor of the Roman Empire, was first translated frō the Greeks to the French men by the Pope, and after at his good pleasure, from thē to the Germans. This Pope also pronounced Pipin of France son to the sa • e Charles, king of the same parte of Italy, which neither he nor any of his predecessors could ever suddu • : which he did for this policy, that the kings of France having y ^e title Emperial, should never suffer him to lose his majesty. For this cause (saith Hieronymus Marius ) y ^e Pope wrought perpetual dissensions between the Emperors of the West, and of the East, to the great spoil of Christian blood. Thus upon condi • ion that Charles and his should swear perpetual homage and fealty to the church of Rome, he made him Emperor. He first appointed to hallow the altar with frankinsense. He made the Popes decrees to be of greater authority then all the writings of the doctors. Also he caused that a certain counterfeit blood made by a conueiaunce to run from a wooden rood, should be taken to be the very & true blood of Christ: And carried it to Mantua where to this day it is preserved, reverenced, and worshipped. He by his authority allowed it to be so, appointing for it yearly a solemn holydaye. Such was the dotage of the time, whereof Mantuan bewitched with this enchauntement, writeth to the Emperor Charles, of the Popes journey.

An abhominable elusion and blasphemy to say, & teache that the glorified blood of Christ should shed it self in a rotten idol, which as the Apostle saith, was ones shed for all, & that out of his precious body. But the Popes authority in this matter, caused this to be believed, almost of all men. But so Paul prophesied the coming of Antichrist, to be in false signs to deceive the unbelieving: Leo died, Anno. 816. Vspergensis saith, that in this time of Leo, the Sun was darkened and lost his light for eightene days, so that the ships often on the sea wandered to and fro: Also that in another year it was twice in the Eclipse, first in June, secondly in December: Likewise the same yere, the Moon was twice in the Eclipse, in July and in January.

33. Stephen the fourth.

STeuen the fourth, the third month after he had taken [ 98] the Popeship upon him, made a voyage into France to Lewis the Emperor, to purge him self of election, whereby he was made Pope, because he was chosen, and confirmed by the Clergy, and the people, contrary to the decree made by Hadrian and Leo. And thus their own decrees which the former predecessor made, the next successor broke. But to flatter and dally with the Emperor for a while, he brought with him a fair crown of Remis, and put it on the Emperors head, & put another on the Empresse head, naming her Augusta. When he had received his reward of the Emperor, & should return, y ^e church of Reata wanted a bishop, and yet Stephen very subtelly would elect none, unless he might first know, whether the Emperor would allow his doing: but note the sequel. As sone as he was returned safe to Rome, he began to consider that the prerogative which was given to Charles and his successors, might be a bridelling to the sea of Rome: being embouldened the more, because Lewis was a gentle person, and a tractable man: he disanulled all that▪ authority and right, and affirmed that it ought to belong to the Clergy, the people, & the senate, to elect the Pope. But to avoid the Emperors displeasure, he used this interpretation, that it was lawful for them to choose him without the Emperors authority, but not to consecrate him, but in the presence of him or his ambassadors. And thus the Emperors were a little shouldered out from the election of these prelates. And beside this because he reigned but eight months, he could not any further enhance the pomp of his seat, dying, Anno. 817.

34. Paschal the first.

[ 99] PAschal the first a Romish monk, was chosen without the consent of the Emperor, according to the gloss devised by Stephen : but when the Emperor complained, y ^t he found himself aggrieved with the election, Paschal very craftelye wrote unto him purging himself thereof. In process of time when he perceived y ^• the Emperor (vpō blind zeal to religion) was a great maintayner of the Church of Rome, he thinking that it were dangerous, if he should delaye the enlarging of his authority: did so craftelye charm and enuegle the Emperor, that he yielded whollye to the Romans all his authority touching the election of the Pope, which was given to Charles, and he confirmed by wrytinge his auncetours presentacions, which they had wrongfully purloined. This did the Emperor confirm with hand and seal, not knowing their craft. But after y ^t when this Emperor Louis minding to have his son Lotharius joined w ^t him in the Empire, and for the more convenient doing thereof sent him to Rome, to be crowned there by the Pope king of Italy: which after y ^t the Pope had done, whiile Lothari{us} (because of a certain tumulte and sedition there arysing) fled to his father for aid to suppress it, leaving behind him one Theodorus and Leo, chief officers about him, who stood stoutlye in their masters quarrel, the Pope secretly and trayterouslye caused certain seditious persons to pul out their eyes, and afterward to strike of their heads. And when he was accused to the Emperor both of the sedition, and of this murder, he picking out for his purpose a counsel of Prelates, purged himself by his oath: notwithstanding he absolved and pardoned those that were giltye and known offenders, he accused them that were slain to be giltye of treason against the Emperor, and finallye avouched, that they were lawfully put to death. This Paschal they say (if they over reach not in the number) did take up ii. thousand saints karkases, that were buried in Churchyards, and bestowed more honorable tombs upon them in other places: He commanded to worship and reverence y ^e relics of Saints: He was beneficial to stone walls, as Churches, and altars diversely. Last of all he gave commandment to the clergy, that they should not take any benefice or Ecclesiastical living at the hands of a layeman. He died Anno. 824.

35. Eugenius the second.

EVgenius gat the Popedom with much brablinge and [ 100] strife among the fathers of the election, for first one Zizimus had it granted him: but the discord being ended Eugenius gat it both for his curtesye & eloquence (as they say) who as Premonstratensis saith, y ^t while he was Cardinal of S. Sabines, bestowed on the Church a silver cup and a stately picture, but now in his Popedom, he so busied himself about corn matters, as if he had been borne to feed many men: and yet some say that his eyes were put out by the Romans, other say by the priests that hated him. In this man's time Lotharius the Emperor appointed magistrates in Italy, to govern and brydel the Romans, because they abused their liberty very much which they had under Charles : which deed as many think hastened the death of Eugenius. Michael y ^e Emperor of Constantinople sent Ambassadors to Louis y ^e Emperor, desyringe to be resolved concerning Images, whether they should be worshipped or abandoned: and Louis sent them to Pope • ugenius to be instructed, but Eugenius answer was never known. He reigned 4. years and then died. Anno. 827.

36. Valentine the first.

[ 101] VAlentine the first being yet but deacon & not full priest, was made Pope, he was a man of a quick wit, able to persuade and dissuade. And some write that there was in him such excellent hope, that he would have reigned more happelye and in better order then the rest, where • y the fathers about, feared the decay of their former holiness, for he never did anything that was not liked. He died the fourth day of his reign, and as some think poisoned.

37. Gregory the fourth.

[ 102] GRegorie the fourth would not take the Popeship upon him (fearing the sequeale) until that y ^e Emperor had allowed the election, and by this man the Emperors had restored to them their right of confirming the Pope, which yet lasted but a while. In this Popes time there was a counsel of bishops held by the commandment of Louis at Aquisgran, where it was decreed ( Gregory being president of the counsel, that every Church should have revenues of his own, whereby the clergy might be maintained, and not be constrained to forsake their cure and office, and give themselves to occupations of lucre. And it was concluded that none of the clergy of whatsoever degree, should wear any precious or purple garments, neither wear any ringes, nor i • wels, unless it were a ring at saying mass. Again that they should not keep a great train and family, neither horses, dysing, nor dishonest women, and that monks should not exceed in glottonye and feasting, and that the clergy should wear neither gold nor silver in their shoes, slippers, nor girdles, which (saith Platina ) are far disagreeing with religion, and most manifest tokens of incō •• nencye. Yet such was their royat then, which continued so that Platina in y ^e lite of this Gregory crieth out in these words.

O Emperor Louis I would thou were living in our time, the Church now wanteth thy holy laws, and thy justice, for Ecclesiastical persons do so wallow in all kind of lust and royat: Ye might now see thē pranked in crymson, with bruchies and Jewels, and that not men only, which perhaps might seem tolerable, but also their horses and beasts. And while our prelates pass abroad, a lustye troupe of youthes, go ietting before them, & a knot of chaplins following behind: and they themselves not ryding on sillye asses, (as Christ the author of our religiō, and only pate • ne of good life in earth did) but upon their neyeng and trampling horses, all betrapped as if they rood in triumph after a conquest of an ennemye Touchinge their silver plate and statelye furniture of houses, and delicate fare, it booteth not to speak: when as their dainty diet excelleth all that ever was in Sicilli, their robes pass all the pomp of Attalus, their vessels stain all the plate of Corinth: but what will come of this intemperancye, I say nothing. Thus complaineth Platina.

But to return to Gregory, he made diverse holy days for saints, as Bartholomew, Gregory, Sebastian & others, he was beneficial to Churches and deadmens bones. By the Emperors help he drave the Moors out of Italy: he procured tenths to be givē to the Churches, and devised solemn erection of Sepulchers. He died Anno. 843.

38. Sergius the second.

[ 103] SErgius the seconde was before called hogs snoute, he being made Pope did first bring up this use y ^t the Popes should change their names. To confirmation of whom y ^t Emperor sent his son with authority Imperial to Rome, and many nobles to attend on him: which kind of confirmation they were wont all to attend upon, until Hadrian the third told the Romaines, that they ought not to loke for the Emperors good will in creatinge the Pope. This Sergius was the first that of himself renounced his Christian name given him in baptism: He appointed y ^t Agnus Dei should be said thrice at mass, & the oste the while to be divided into 3. partes: He bestowed pains as other did on dead men's tombs. He died. Anno 846.

39. Leo the fourth.

LEo the fourth toke the Popeship under Lotharius the [ 104] Emperor, and bestowed many ornaments on Romain cities & churches, for he built a tower in Vatican, he repaired the wall and town gates, and raised about them even from the foundation xv. fortresses, whereof he planted two very well at the ende of the river Tiber, to beat back the force of the ennemye. He built a new S. Mary's Church, and gave an Alter of iiii. crowns for martyrs bones, he repaired the Castell of S. Angel, and made seats of Marble in the porche of Lateran. Hitherto he played the bayliffe of husbandrye, but after this he became a warrior and captain of an army. For when the Sarracens made many a road into Italy and spoiled the country, first he promised them heaven that would fight for the defense of his state, thē mustering the Romaine garrison he making the sign of the Cross, encountereth the enemies, and with this prayer (as they say) O God whose right hand &c. at Hostia gate he put them to flight and overcame them. Afterwarde he summoned to a counsel 47. bishops, wherein he condemned one Marcellus of diverse crimes: But afterward he gave sentence that a bishop should not be condemned without 72. witnesses. He first began (contrary to the counsel of Aquisgran ) to decke the Popes Cross with precious stones, & commanded it to be carried before him: He toke upon him to profer his feet to be kissed, and decreed that none of the laitye should abide in the quier at mass time, but only he which attended on the Alter. He appointed sondrye hollyedayes, and several prayers and solemnityes to them. He was accused of many crimes, but specially that he went about by auctorie of a counsel, to translate the Empire from France into Germany, but he purged himself by his oath. He died Anno. 854. In this Popes time Anno 847. Ethelwolphus being first a monk of single life, having a dispensation from the Pope, left his monkery and became king of England, making his dominion tributarye to the Sea of Rome, appointing a certain tax of money to be levied yearly of every house, and paid to Rome: And thus all England became thrall to Rome, to the fulfillinge of the saying in the 17. of thapocalips concerning the x. kings, These have one counsel and power, and shall give their power unto the beast.

40 John the eight.

IOan the eight, being a woman, was made Pope, and because of her bringing up under a certain English mā [ 105] a Monk of Fulda, (whom she loved tenderly) her name was altered, and she was called John English : She sat as Pope in the pontifical seat at Rome two years, and syxe months: She was a Germain of kindred, and borne in Men's, called at the first Gilberta, who the more to enjoy her lovers company, and the better to avoid suspiciō, dissembled her kind, and put her self into man's apparel, & so travailed with the Monk her peramour to Athens : where after she had profited in all the sciences, her lover being dead, she came to Rome disguising still her self, and counterfeiting to be a man. For through the promptness of her wit and ready tongue, she talked eloquently in public lectours and disputations: And many had her in admiratiō for her learning: She grew into so great credit, & was so well liked of all, that Leo the Pope being dead, they chose her Pope: In which office as other Popes did, she gave orders, made priests and deacons, promoted bishops, made abbots, said masses, hallowed altars and churches, ministered the Sacraments, and gave men her feet to kiss, and did all other things belonging to Popes, & her doings stood in force. But in the time of her Popeship▪ Lotharius the Emperor being an old man became a Monk. And Lewis the seconde came to Rome, and received of • er the scepter and crown of the Empier with Peters blessing: whereby the whore of Babylon shown her self so mighty that she made kings stoop unto her. Apo. 17. Also as Houedenus saith in her time Ethelwolphus king of England gave the tenth part of his kingdom to the Priests and Monks to pray for his soul. And his son Ethelwaldus married Judith a wydow, and lately his own fathers wife and his stepmother. But as touching Pope John, she was gotten with child by one of her familiar chaplaynes a Cardinal, to whom her fleshly appetite caused her to disc • ose her self. As she was going on procession solemly to Lateran church, in the midst of the way, and in y ^e open streate between Colossus & Clement church, she was delivered of child in presence of all y ^e people, and died of her travel in the same place. And for this wickedness she was stripped and spoiled of all pontifical honor, and buried without any pomp or solemnity: Whereof Mantuan writeth describing hell in the third book of Alphonsus thus.

Lo this is that seat that cannot err, being endued with the holy Ghost by succession, or rather an evident argument of the seat of Babylon. But y ^e Popes since that time in their procession do shonne that place, where she was delivered as odious for the hap thereof. Funcius saith boldly that this was suffered by God's especial providence, that this woman should be made Pope being also an harlot, even then when she should bring kings as she did Ethelwolphus and Alphredus in subjection unto her, whereby Antichrist might be known: for then it was the Lord's pleasure, to bewraye the whore of Babylon in a Pope being an whore. Whereof the holy Ghost foretold. Apoc. 17. that the elect might beware of her. But to avoid the like inconvenience of a woman for the time following, they devised that who so ever should be chosen Pope, should be searched very narrowely to be tried a man, shameful to be reported, but used without shame among such shameless shauelinges. But now commonly they need not when they choose them Popes, mistrust them to be women, for while they are Cardinals they play such Carnal partes that they are able to bring forth bastards of their own begetting to prove them selves men, whereof one John Pannonius wrote a merry Epigram in four Latin verses: testifying the truth of this their doing, of the which I omit the two first verses for civility sake, it may be gathered by these latter two what is meant.

41. Benedict the third.

BEnedict the third, being first tried upon the porphyry [ 106] stool to be a man, was made Pope. Massaeus saith he howled out and cried miserably, that he should be promoted to so great dignity, whereof he was unworthy (a rare thing among them.) But some think he did it but of hypocrysie, because (As Platina saith) he offered his feet to be kyssed, and suffered him self to be worshipped like an earthly Idol. Then came Ambassadors from Lewis the Emperor, to confirm the election of him done by the Clergy and people. Among many superstitious and vain ceremonies he appointed that Dirige should be said for the dead, & that the Clergy should go soberly, & honestly. He died Anno, 859. In this time (as Sigebertus and Vincentius testify) in Men's as a certain Priest was casting holy water a certain Devil lurking under his Cap, as if he had been a familiar to him, did accuse him, that he lay with a Proctors daughter that night.

42. Nicolas the first.

[ 107] NIcolas the first was made Pope in the presence of Lewis the seconde Emperor after his father Lotharius. But as sone as Lewis was departed out of Italy, he began to consider howe he might advance the dignity of the Popedom which before (that the Emperor might count him holy) he refused. He put down John Archebishop of Rauenna, for maintaining the old liberty of his byshoprike: and brought that church into perpetual bondage. Among many decrees he concluded, that no secular prince, no not the Emperor him self, should be so hardye as to come in among the Prelates in their counsel, unless they were debaiting matters of belief, then the Emperor should execute those, whom the Pope judged to be heretics. Also he decreed, that the layetie should not take upon them, to judge the life of the Clergy, neither to dispute of y ^e Popes authority & power. Also he decreed that Christian magistrates should have no authority over a prelate, because saith he, y ^e pope is called God, Auton. Tit. 16. He commanded that the Clergy should not be warriors but study, howe to talk, and persuade. He commanded again that divine service should be said in Latin: But yet granted the Sclauonian and Polonians, to have it in their own tongue by dispensation: He added the Sequencias to the mass. He added Gloria in excelsis, to be song to the mass on Maundy thursday. He added the term of Apostolical authority to the Popes decrees: He commanded marriage to be openly solēnised: he allowed that the sacraments might be received of evil ministers: He first bound the Clergy to single life. But Huldericus bishop of Augusta, controlled his wickedness herein by a sharp epistle: he died Anno. 867.

43 Hadrian the second.

HAdrian the seconde, the son of Talaris a bishop, was [ 108] by the people and the Clergy made Pope, before the Emperors Ambassadors could come thither: For then the Romaines did by force take upon them the election of the Pope: which when the Ambassadors took in evil part, they were thus answered, that the will of the multitude could not be bridled in such a tumult. But yet they had done happily, because they had appointed such a good man. The Ambassadors even of compulsion seeing there was no remedy to abrogate the election, did against their willes pronounce him Pope: being confirmed, he bestowed much on the poor. He sent three Legates, bishops all, Leopart, Sylvester, and Dominicus, (that were bred and brought up in his kitchen) to keep the Bulgarians and Dalmacians within his dominion, whom Nicolas had brought to the yoke before. But the Bulgarians having had proof of his tyranny drave out the Italian priests, and received the priests of the Greke church. This enkindled hot coals between the Latins and the Grecians. Hadrian died Anno 873. Before whose death it rained blood three days at Brixia, and all France was miserably troubled with Locusts. Alfredus king of England, toke his crown of this Pope, and was anointed, which never any king of England did before: But afterward he was called the Popes adopted son.

44 John the ninth.

[ 109] John the ninth was excellently learned, both in Latin and in Greke: He in his sovereignty crowned three Emperors, Charle the baald, Charles Balbus, and Charles Crassus. Carolus Caluus understanding that the Emperor was dead, hied him to Rome to Pope John, whom with his bribes he allured to satisfy his desire, and so was made Emperor by him, and received the crown Imperial. But about a year after he was poisoned at Mantua by one Sedechias a Jewish physician & an enchaūter. John hearing of his death, beent all his force to make Charles Balbus to succeed his father, but the Romaine Lord's withstood him, and made Charles Crassus Emperor. The Pope standing obstinately in his froward purpose, was taken of the citezens & put in prison, because he would not relent: but being released by his friends help, he fled into France. And bestowing the imperial crown on Balbus, saluteth him Emperor. In the mean time Crassus having gotten the city of Rome, causeth John with terror to return from France: Who returning to Rome, willeth the Emperor to let him return in safety, & maketh him Emperor, and setteth the crown on his head. John at his being in France, summoned a counsel at Treca, wherein he condemned certain contentious persons, and made many laws to the advancement of Popery. Afterwarde he wrote to Lewis Balbus, that the privileges of the Church of Rome could not be abrogate without a prescription of an hundredth years. Also he made it sacrilege, to take any holy thing of any unholy person, or any unholy thing of an holy person. He excommunicated these that were gilty of sacrilege, but in such sort that for money they might be dispensed withal. He gave to many men saints relics for great jewels. He confyrmed the liberties belonging to ecclesiastical persons, cloisters, church goods, monasteries, and clerks. He prepared an army against the Saracenes, and drove thē out of Italy and Sicil. He died, Anno. 883. At this time the Empier was translated from the Frenchemen to the Germans, by Carolus Crassus.

45 Martin the second.

MArtin the second was a Frencheman, whose father [ 110] was a Necromancier, and conjuring priest, he gate to be Pope, not by honest means, but by craft & ill arts. They say that by this man's subtell enticement, the foresaid John was apprehended, and laid in prison, and so constrained by his friends aid to fly into France, to save his life. At the electiō of this Martin, the Emperors authority was not looked for, nor demanded to his admission. Thus proudly by little and little, the Popes shook of the Emperors power, whereby they might the better tread them under their feet. But he reigned not longe, about a year and certain months, he died Anno. 884.

46 Hadrian the third.

HAdriā the third was of such a proud stomach & hawty [ 111] courage, that as sone as he had gotten into the Popedom, he made a decree, that the Emperors authority should no more take place in creating of Popes: but that the voices of the people and Clergy of Rome, should be ever free to do it. The Emperor at that time warred against the Normans. Thus saith Cranzius, these Prelates and the lewdenesse of the Romaines, durst contemn their Empier, until the force and strength thereof decayed. Whereby this one Pope was now delivered and brought to bed of that monster at ones traveling, whereof so many of his auncetours had traueled: that is to cut clean of the Emperors authority: For Nicolas the f • irst had attempted it, but brought it not to effect. Lo here good reader, howe by this decree all the Emperors right and title which they had over the Pope and city of Rome, is wrest from them, whereby the Pope with great triumph hath gotten the victory, and upper hand: Thou shalt se him yet creep hier, and attempt greater matters, ceasing not until he have advanced him self above all that is called God, or that is worshipped. 2. Tit. 2. Whereby his flatterers may say: Who is like the beast, or who is able to fight with it. Apoc. 13. But after this he lived not longe: he died suddenly, Anno. 886.

47. Stephen the fifth.

[ 112] STeuen the fifth gat to be Pope, at such time as France was invaded by the Normans, England by the Danes, Pannonye by the Huns, and Italy by the Sarracens. He lived in much trouble and anguish of the mind all the time of his being Pope, because Italy was so vexed with war and the Romaines were not at his commandment enough: yet he employed himself to the most of his endeavor, daily to increase their Babilonical trumperye, and that none of his decrees might be defaced: for as Gratian writeth Distinct. 6. Enimuero, he decreed that all the Cānons of the Church of Rome ought of necessity to be kept. The same Pope (saith he) forbad any Christians to condemn any to be put to death with hot iron or scalding water, which was thē used, Cau. 2. quest, 4. He caused a law to be made, howe to order such parents as do either ignorantly smother their children in their beds with thē, or else do choke them, or murder them. He died Anno 892.

48. Formosus the first.

[ 113] FOrmosus the first being bishop of Portua fearing the cruelty of John the ix. forsook Rome, because he was thought to be giltye of John's imprisonmente: this name Formosus signifying beautiful, which being made Pope he choose and toke upon him, showeth (saith Cranzius ) y ^t he was a proud parson. This Formosus for those former causes vowed and sware an oath, that he would never return to his bishopric, nor to Rome, both which he had forsaken: & so he gave over his orders, forsook priestcraft, and became a layeman, but the next that succeeded, did absolve him frō the oath, which he had sworn to Pope John, and for money did restore him. After the death of Stephen this Formosus so monied the matter, that he purchased Peters chair, but as not without bribes, so not without great brauling, by means that one Sergius a deacon wrestled for the same place. For the appeasing whereof he calling Arnulphus son of Carolomannus into Rome made him Emperor, who to gratify him for his curtesy, stroke of the heads of them that were his chiefest adversaries. He reigned vi. years & did almost nothing, he died Anno, 896. And at the length for these quarrels continuing among his successors, his body and bones were taken up by Sergius the third, the ninthe Pope after him and thrown into the river Tiber. After this Formosus, the Popes did so dispatch one another, that within nine years, there were xi. Popes.

49. Boniface the sixth.

BOniface the sixte was Pope but a while after Formosus, [ 114] and therefore he could not show of whether faction he was in such great debate among the Cardinals & the people: He lived but 25. days Pope, & as Anselmus saith to be remembered for nothing, but for his quiet election, & happy in nothing but in reigning but a while.

50. Stephen the sixth.

STeuen the sixth succedinge Boniface was so enflamed against [ 115] Formosus, that at the first he disanulled his decrees, & cancelled his acts. And although Formosus had been beneficial unto him before, in making him bishop of Agnina, yet this curtesye could not cause this unthankful prelate to forbear his malicious purpose: but because that this Formosus had before prevented him in the Popedom, and by getting it disappointed him, & would not suffer him to keep concubines, he conceived such deadly rancor against him, even after his death, that to revenge his quarrel upon the dead body, he sommoninge a counsel first toke the karkasse of Formosus out of his grave, then put all the Popes pontifical robes and attire upon it, and plucked it of again, and so as it were spitefullye to disgrade him, put on layemans apparel upon him, finallye cutting of those two fingers of the right hand wherewith he used to hold the Sacrament, and throwinge them into Tiber, he commanded to burye his body again, but not among spiritual men's bodies, but among lay men. Thus after one years reign he died Anno. 897.

51. Romanus the first.

[ 116] ROmanus a Romaine by name and birth (though some think he were a Spaniard) did nothing worthy of remembrance: but whereas he favored Formosus, he allowed his doings, and did abrogate the decrees & acts of Stephen. But because he lived not longe, he could not proceed far in his factious doings, which tainted the Romaine prelates shamefully at this time especially. He died the third month of his Popeship Anno. 898.

52. Theodorus the second.

[ 117] THeodorus the second even at his entraūce followed the examples that Romanus had set to him. But there is no notorious thing mentioned of him, because he lived but a while, saving that as Stella Venetus saith, he also walked in the seditious paths of his forefathers. He had no regard of God's cause, but was a maintayner and upholder of Formosus quarrel, and cherished those that were of that faction, but his short time prevented his farther doing. He died the xx. day of his Popeship. Anno. 899.

53. John the tenth.

John the tenth succeeded Theodorus as well in manners [ 118] as in place, for whereas these seditions were almost buried, he in his time renewed the scab again, and made it sorer then before. John (saith Barnus ) mindinge to restore Formosus doings whollye, he sturred a great tumult, because the people did resist, and withstand it: and when he saw that it would brast into open war, he got him to Rauenna, and sommoning thither a convocation of 74. bishops, he restored all Formosus his decrees, even to the uttermost, and did openly condemn the acts made by Stephen, because he had done so reprochfullye against the dead carcass. Also he burnt all the writings that were to be gotten of that Synod against Formosus, but he proceeded no further in these broils for want of breath. He died Anno. 901.

54. Benedict the fourth.

BEnedict the fourth is reported to have done no notable [ 119] thing in these jars and braules. In this age saith Stella it happened that as well through the hedds (meaning the Popes) set all on sedition, as by the body addicted to sloth, all virtue withered away: Likewyse saith Platina, when the Church through her wealth wexed wanton and riotous, and none of the head of the clergy cōtrolled vice, then forthwith wickedness having gotten liberty, brought forth and yielded us these Popes, being as it were mōsters and mongrels, which encroche Peters place by ambition and briberye. Benedict died Anno. 904.

55 Leo the fifth.

[ 120] LEo the fifth being made Pope, even in his dignity was taken by strong hand and cast into prison violently by one Christopher, seeking to make him self Pope, being but a priest and chapleine to Leo, & one whom he had brought up in his own house. Which thing saith Platina, could not be done without great seditiō, and the slaughter of many. And of what authority the place was now, it may well appear, when as first harlottes bare sway and ruled the Popes, then a private person durst, and could thus within so short a space as forty days, drive out the other, and keep the place him self. Leo seeing him self reft of the renown, and thus defaced even by his own familiar friend, on whom he had heaped so many benefits, conceived so great thought that immediately he died thereof:

56 Christopher the first.

[ 121] CHristopher the first, was of so base linage, that neither his country, nor his fathers name was known. He having shoued out Leo, and his concubines aiding him thereto, wan the Popeship by strong hand. But as he gate it naughtely, so was he shamefully thrust out again by one Sergius, the peramour of one Marozia, a notable harlotte and beawtifull concubine, who sought to place him self in it. So Christopher was put down the vii. month of his Popeship: And as Platina saith, compelled to be a Mōke, which thing was then become the refuge of all caytiffes. And afterward he was again pulled out of the Monastery by the same Sergius, and caste into a straight prison, where at length in much misery and sorrow he died. Anno. 905.

57 Sergius the third.

SErgius the third, when as he was but a Deacon, gave a [ 122] proud attempt to aspire to the Popedom, and was in deed chosen thereto with great tumult among the people, when Formosus was chosen. But taking the foil, he fled into France, but now espying his opportunity by the aide of Charles Simplex king of France, and Adelbert Marques of Thuscia, he returned by stelth into Rome. And as it is said, he deposed Christopher, apprehended him, and clapte him in prison, & invaded violently the Popes place: Being settled, and remembering his rank malice against Formosus, not withstanding the long time that had since passed, and eight Popes between Formosus and him, yet freshly to revenge his old grudge, He the seconde time toke up the karkasse of the said Formosus out of his grave, after it had lain thus long, & setting it in y ^• Popes chair, did draw him from thence again, and as if he had been a live strake of his head. And where as since his last mangling, he had but three fingers remaining on his right hand, Sergius chopped of those also. After all this, he caused his body and all these pieces thereof to be hurled into the river Tiber, as if he had not been worthy to lie among Christians. And yet not satisfied with this revenge, he defaced, condemned, and disanulled all his acts, so that it was then needful, to admit them a new to their orders, whom he being alive, thought mete to make priests. He compelled the Romaines to subscribe to this, for fear of the French king. This Sergius among other new ceremonies appointed that the people should bear candles on the day of the purification of the Virgin Mary, whereupon it is yet called Candelmasse day, to give their bodies unnecessary light at noon day, because their souls wanted their necessary light at all times. This lascivious Pope begat a bastard, which was afterward Pope John the twelfth, whom he had by the moste shameless harlotte Marozia : So Luthprandus testifieth in the third book, and xii. chapter, De gestis Imperat. This and other like pranks, among harlottes and bauds he practiced, even in his Popeship: At the time of whose death Anno. 913. there were seen in the element great flakes of fire running to and fro.

58 Anastasius the third.

[ 123] ANastasius the third, after Sergius (all their vnclenlye ceremonies being observed) was elected Pope. But some write of him that he did neither good nor evil in his time, and therefore is he more commendable. They write that in his time the body of Pope Formosus was found by certain fyshers in the river Tiber, and so taken up, and with great worship buried in S Peters pallaice, and as some are not a shamed to fain, the Images of the church did salute it, while it was burying: A notorious untruth, and gross blasphemy against God, although in the time of such blindness, God might suffer Satan to move and stir the Idols, before these idolaters, as in times past the devil • hath done when he spake and gave oracles and prophecies out of Idols: Anastasius died Anno. 915.

59 Laudo the first.

[ 124] LAudo the first being a fruytfull Prelate in begetting children, as Petrus Premonstratensis saith, he begat Pope John the xi. in detestable adultrye. This Popes life saith Platina was so obscure that some do not reckon him among the Popes, especially Vincentius. This Laudo as it appeareth, spent the more parte of his chaste life (as chastity went then) among harlottes, till at the length he was destroyed among them: For one Theodora, the Lady that governed Rome, a shameless curtezane, could not longer forbear the company of her lover, John Archbishop of Rauenna, who was apparent son to this Pope Laudo. Rauenna (saith Luthprandus ) was two hundred miles from Rome, whereby Theodora could not so often enjoy the bishop her lover, and therefore she caused him to give over Rauenna, and to usurp the Popes place in despite of the ancients of Rome. Here saith Funcius, a man might demaūde which of all these Popes did err from the truth, seeing they were all called holy fathers, and heads of the universal church. Let the Popes partakers answer if they can.

60 John the eleventh.

John the eleventh borne at Rauenna, the bastard and adulterous [ 125] son of his forefather Laudo, as saith Praemontratensis, he obtained the Popedom by right of inheritance, though whoredom were his aid. For thus writeth Luthprandus in his seconde book, and thirtene chapter of Emperors. Theodora an impudent harlot and the Lady of Rome burning in fleshly lust, was so enflamed with the comlye countenance of this John coming to Rome, that she did not only request him, but compelle him to satisfy her carnal desire. For the which afterward she made him bishop, first of Bononia, secondly Archebishop of Rauenna, and thirdly to obtain her filthy pleasure more conveniently, she made him Pope of Rome. Thus at this time was the holy mother church subject to an harlot, & ruled only by her, and is made an whore, according to the xvii. chapter of the Apocalypse. This John having a warlike courage, played rather the warrior then the bishop: For when the Sarasins wasted Calabria, Apulia, and Italy, he putting him self in armor, stew a number of them in these countries, & drave them clean out. As concerning the ende of this man, thus writeth Luthprandus in his third book and xii. chapter: In the mean time Guido Marques of Thuscia, began to confer earnestly, and diuise with his wife Marozia (the daughter of the said Theodora) howe he might depose this John. Guido had many soldiers gathered together at Rome, the which apprehending Pope John in Lateran pallayce, Anno. 928, cast him in prison, and holding a pillowe to his mouthe, did smother him to death very miserably: After his death they set up John the twelth, the bastard son of this Marozia, whom she had by Pope Sergius. Thus the young harlot Marozia, for the advancement of her misbegotten son, murdered the lover of the old harlot her mother Theodora, by the help of her husbands servants. But because the people of Rome and the Clergy, had not agreed upon the election of this subordined John the xii. the self same year of his election, he was deposed again. And thus the same John of whom (being set up by force, & by and by thrust down again) Carsulan, Platina, Stella and others do make mention, because they knew not the true story of him, which Luthprandus wrote, the ignorance whereof bred much confusion, for some toke these two John's to be both one, and some the one for the other.

61. Leo the sixth.

[ 126] LEo the sixth, after that John the xii. bastard of Marozia the harlot and Sergius the Pope was deposed, obtained to be Pope by the election of the Romaine people and clergy being in great tumult. This Pope did nothing commendable, but the establishing of peace in Italy: after he had reigned vii. months he was poisoned by Marozia, whereby she might establish her son again Anno 930.

62. Stephen the seventh.

STeuen the seventh did as Leo had done, he meddled with [ 127] nothing: for after he had lived Pope ii. years in peace, securitye, and liberty of the flesh at his own ease, having the blind world ready to bend at his beck, he toke his death in a cup, wherewith (as they say) he was poisoned. For saith Crantzius it is a strange thing that so many Popes at this time died so soon in their dignities, which is a great presumption y ^t they were poisoned, as the moste part of them were known to be.

63. John the xii.

John the xii. the bastard imp of Pope Sergius y ^e third, [ 128] and of the famous concubine Marozia, was now again made Pope after much sedition. At this time a fountain in Genua flowed with blood very plentifully, prognosticatinge the wrath of God that immediatlye followed, for the Aphricans, Sarracens and Hungarians, wasted and spoiled all, and slue a houge number of people. There are some writers (as is said before) that make ii. John's of this one, the one going before Leo and Stephen, who they said never enjoyed the Popes Albe or Rochet, & the other this which now was set up after Stephen, of whom (they say) the histories write nothing. Again there are other some, that make this being borne in Rome & the other borne at Rauenna all one: among whom Platina saith, that either of them was son to Pope Sergius, but Anselmus deceived by Platina saith the one was brother to the other: but other writers do make him a several parson from the other two, saying he was not known of the Cronographers, because he did nothing worthy of memory. But Luthprandus in his third book and xii. Chapter writeth thus of the mother of John. Marozia a shameless concubine and mother to Pope John, after the death of her husband Gui, doth send messengers to his brother Hugh king of Italy a Burgundian borne, to desire him to come to her, and to receive of her the noble cittye of Rome: which (she said withal) she could not do, unless he would take her to be his wife. For which her incestious desire Luthprandus wrote thus against her in Verse.

Uppon the said message the king leaving his army aloof, came to Rome who being honourably received passed forth unto the strong hold S. Angels castle, and so into the bed chamber of Marozia. After he was established in vncesteous marriage with her, he began to contemn and despise the Romaines: at which time Marozia had a son named Albericus, brother to Pope John, but begotten by Marques Albericus. While this Albericus at his mothers bidding gave water to king Hugh washinge his hands, the king because he did it not handsomelye, gave him a bl • w on the face: Herevppon Albericus to revenge this injury, calling the Romaines together spake thus unto them. The honor and dignity of Rome is brought to such doultishnes and follye, that it is now controlled even by harlots: For what is more abhominable, what more shameful, then that Rome should be brought to obeysaunce, through the incest of one woman? and that the Burgundians whilom slaves to the Romaines, should now be lords over them? If he being yet especially but a new come gest take upon him to dashe me on the face, being his very son in law, howe think you will he deal with you in process of time? Knowe ye not the pride of a Burgundian &c? This being said, without any delaye the Romans all defyed king Hughe, & chose the same Albericus to be their Prince. King Hughe being driven into this terrible fear, was compelled to forsake Rome, and leauinge Marozia fled to his own company: Then Albericus and his mother Marozia did only enjoy the Monarche of Rome, and his brother the Popedom, who spendinge five years in Popish practices died Anno 937, while the harlotte his mother ruled as well the estate temporal as spiritual in Rome.

64. Leo the seventh.

LEo the seventh succedinge John because he desired to [ 129] live quietlye, meddled with no matters, but as a slothful parson did nothing worthy remembrance. In his time saith Luthprandus, the said king Hugh forsaking his wife Berta loved especially three concubines Bezola, Roze, & Stephana : and because they were such notorious harlots, he gave them the names of three Goddesses, calling Bezola Venus, Roze Juno, and Stephana Semele : by Bezola he had a son called Bozones, whom he made bishop of Placentia, by Stephana he had Theobaldus made Archdeacon of Milan Church, and by Rosa he had another great prelate of the Church, and a daughter beside. In those days many saw blood rain out of the Sun, as Masseus writeth, and after it followed a great pestilence among men. Leo died. An. 941.

65. Stephen the eight.

STeuen the eight a German obtained y ^• Popes chair [ 130] after this Leo, yet this seemeth strange to many, how it should be done, because no Emperor out of Germany procured it. But Stephen being notwithstanding Pope, was so vexed with civil seditions among the Romans, that he could do nothing worthy remembrance: for he was so shamefullye wounded, and foulye mangled and defaced amid the broils, that for shame of his foul disfigurings, he durst never show his face abroad: So little reverence had y ^e Popes at that time, for their little holiness. Stephen died Anno 944.

66. Martin the third.

[ 131] MArtin the third being Pope gave himself only to repair the Church, not in Religion, but in building: not in reforminge ceremonies, but encreasinge the dignity and pomp of the Church. He was very beneficial to the poor, & bestowed plentifully on their bellies. He was diligent in reformation of outward manners. In the first year of this Pope a great blasing star was seen in Italy, after which saith Vspergensis followed an extreme famine: and again saith Masseus the Sun appeared very terrible, threatening the sequeale of God's vengeance. Martin died Anno 947.

67. Agapetus the second.

[ 132] AGapetus the seconde being Pope ruled Popelike in the time of one Berengarius a Marques of Italy, who was the last of that name, that had that dignity after Hughe. This Berengarius is reported to have driven many Monks out of their cloisters, which lived idellye, and gave them selves to the pleasures of the world. The Pope perceiving howe he could not rule Berengarius in these and such other spiritual matters, & that he would not restrain his soueraignitie, according to the will of him and his: He sent for Otho the first king of the Germans, to come into Italy, promising him the kingdom of the Romaines, to fight with Berengarius, and so saith Sabellicus, troubled the estate of that country. And except it were the setting of these princes together by the ears, he did nothing worthy memory till his death, being Anno. 954.

In his time was a counsel holden at Ingelhaim, but such was the negligence of the time, that no man can tell what was done there, or wherefore it was.

68 John the thirtene.

John the thirtene, being the son of the foresaid Albericus [ 133] son to Marozia, obtained to be Pope partly by the bribery, partly by the threatening of his father Albericus, being Prince. He being Pope lived not like a bishop, but altogether like a rank ruffianly roister, giving him self wholly to all kind of pleasure, as to whoredom, adultery, incest, masking & momming, hunting, maygames, plays, robberies, fyring of houses, perjury, dyce, cards, bla • ing, robbing of churches, and other villainies even frō his youth: he misused his cardinalles in cropping their noses, thrusting out their eyes, chopping of their fingers and hands, cutting out their tongues, gelding them, and using diverse diversely. For before the Emperor Otho, in an opē Sinode it was laid to his charge (as Luthprandus writeth) in his sixth book, that he never said Mattins, that in celebrating the mass he him self had not communicated, that he made Deacons in his stable among his horses, that he had committed incest with two harlots being his own sisters: That he played at dice, prayed to the devil to send him good luck, that for money he admitted boys to be bishops: He had ravished virgins, and strange womē: He had made the holy pallaice of Lateran a stews & brothell house: That he had deflowered Stephana his fathers concubine, and one Rainera a widow, beside one Anna another widow and her niece: that he had put out the eyes of Benedict his ghostly father, used common hunts, that he woare armor, and set houses on fire, brast open doors and windows by night: that he took a cup of wyne & drank to the devil, and never blessed him self with the sign of the cross: these and many more odious articles were laid to his charge: Whereupon the Emperor by the consent of the Prelates deposed him. And Leo the eight was set up in his stead. But as sone as the Emperor was gone, those harlottes that had been his companions, inueigled the nobles of Rome, promising thē the treasures of the church to depose Leo, and place John again: which they did out of hand, and so Leo whom the Emperor appointed, was deposed, and John established again. Who in his Popeship decreed that the Emperor should ever be crowned at Rome by the Pope: But as he was solacing himself without Rome on a certain night, with the wife of one that was a valiant man, he was taken by him even in his adultery, and so sore and depely wounded with a dagger, that he died thereof within eight days, in the tenth year of his Popedom, as Mantuan witnesseth. Of this Pope John S. Dunstane a Nicromancier and a conjuring Mōke archbishop of Canterbury in England, received at Rome confirmation and pall to be metropolitan, Anno. 960. This Dunstane did shamefully snaffle king Edgar : For the king had deflowered a certain Noonne, for the which cause Dūstane did so taunte and rate him, that the king fell down flat before him, offering to submit him self to any satisfaction, and obayed this that was commanded him by Dunstane, first because he was yet vncrowned, he charged him that he should not take the crown upon him for seven years, and that during this time he should fast twice in the week, distribute his treasure to y ^e needy, build a Noonnery at Shaftesbury, and last of all, that he should drive out all married ministers, calling them adulterous priests. Cronicon Saxonicū ecclesiae Wigorniensis. But as other stories testify, they were shortly after restored again, & the monks who had encroched their places were deprived. Also he purchased of him for a great some of money, a commission to disanulle and condemn the marriage of the Clergy, and to constrayne them to single life, or else to deprive them of ecclesiastical benefits: So writeth John Capgrave, and Polidor Virgil. in his sixth book of the history of England. Hereupon he being emboldened by the authority of king Edgar, joining to him self in the same commission, Oswalde bishop of York, Ethelwalde bishop of Winchester, and Monks of the like disposition, did violently thrust out of the cathedral churches the Curates and Ministers, which would not forsake their wives: and planted in them Monks with their counterfaited chastity, which they kept until the time of the moste renowned Prince king Henry the eight. But many there were that stoutly stood in defiance of this wicked doing, especially a certain Scot did bitterly speak against it. Of this Pope John came this proverb, As merry as Pope John.

69 Benedict the fifth.

BEnedict the fifth, after the departure of Otho the Emperor [ 134] with his army, and depriving of Leo, being but a Deacon, and Cardinal, was made Pope by John's friends in a tumultuous time. But Otho would not suffer Leo, (whom he had appointed) to take this injury, and therefore returning to Rome with his army, he plonged the Romaines diverse ways, to make them yield this Benedict into his hands, and to restore Leo. Therefore after they had kept the gates locked two months, they yielded Benedict unto the Emperor, and received Leo, and established him solemly in the Popes chair. But when as Otho should return into Germany, he sent Benedict to Hambrough to his Chancelor Adaldag the Archebyshop thereof, where he lived in exile, and for very thought and anguish of mind died, and was buried in the Cathedral church, Anno. 964.

70 Leo the eight.

[ 153] LEo the eight citizen of Rome, and chief secretary of Lateran church, was made Pope by Otho the Emperor, in stead of John deposed for his vilany. Who being established in his Popedom (& Benedict ) deposed because he perceived the leudnes of the Romans, how that with threatenings, with bribes and evil means, they were still advancing their own: He crowned Otho and made him universal Emperor. Afterward by decree of a Synod, he bestowed on Otho the whole and absolute authority, to elect the Pope, taking it from the people and Clergy of Rome, which (saith Gratian ) Charles the great had given unto them. This he did to avoid those seditiōs, which used to arise in the elections. Otho desirous to be thankful for this courtesy, restored to the sea of Rome, all which they forge, that Constantine gave them, or that Charles or Pipin toke from the Lombardes. And had bestowed on them: He restored saith Barns, those things which he neither possessed nor was able to defend. But Leo after he had reigned a year and three months, died Anno. 966.

71 John the. xiv.

John the xiiii. son of one John a bishop (or as some say of Pope John the xii.) obtained the Popedom, as it wer [ 136] by his fathers righte. This Pope was quietlye chosen, which was a rare thing, and yet Peter the Liuetenaunt of Rome with the two consuls and twelve senatours, conspired against him, because he favored the Emperor, they apprehended him in Lateran church, and kept him prysoner in Angel castle the space of eleven months. This being known, the Emperor hasted to Rome with his army, and dealt sharply with the offenders, some he banished, some he made to forfeit their goods▪ some he hanged on the gallows. But the Pope having Peter the president, yielded to his will, delivered him to the hangeman, who according to the Popes commandment, stripped him out of his apparel, shaved his bearde, and hong him up by the hair of the head for the space of an whole day. Afterwarde he commanded that he should be set upon an asse with his face to the tail, and his hands tied under the Ass tail, and to make him a laughing stock to all men, to lead him thus about the city, and withal to scourge him with rods, this being done to drive him out, to be banished into Germany. This Pope John allured y ^e kingdom of Poleland to Popery, and sent thither Giles Cardinal of Thusculan to confirm the people therein, to devide dioceses, to annoynte bishops, and consecrate them, and to account the Pope as supreme head of all churches. After this he died, Anno. 973. At this time they began to Christian belles, and to give them proper names: For this Pope called the great bell of Lateran after his name.

72 Benedict the sixth.

[ 137] BEnedict the sixte succeeded John as well in misery as in place, for he was cast into Angel castel as prisoner (for certain offenses) by Cynthius a Romaine, a man of great power. And within a while after he was strangled to death with a roape in the same prison: or as some say, pyned to death. I cannot but marvel (saith Platina ) that his death was not revenged, neither by the Romaines, nor by Otho the Emperor, who so tendered the estate of the church of Rome: but I fear saith he, that Benedict deserved as Cynthius rewarded him, seeing no mā revenged his death.

73 Donus the second.

[ 138] DOnus the seconde, succeeding Benedict, learned by him to be more wise, and therefore did nothing at all worthy to be written: Only this is mentioned, that when the Polonians desired they might be made a kingdom, and have a crown granted to them, he denied their suit. Crantzius saith, he governed indifferently, deserving neither great praise, nor disprayse, for a year and six months, he died Anno. 975.

74 Boniface the seventh.

[ 139] BOniface the seventh was of so base birth, that neither the name of his stock, nor of his country was known, he getting to be Pope by lewd means lost it leudly again. For having obtained the seat, the magistrates conspired against him, whereby he was compelled to hide him self: But perceiving he could not tarry at Rome safely, he filched and robbed Saint Peters Pallaice of the moste precious and richest treasure and jewels, and so by stelth fled to Constantinople : where after a while selling them all, he made a great some of money, and returned to Rome, knowing that money could obtain anything. But in his absence the Romaines made one John the fifteth Pope in his stead: But he returning enriched the citezins with money, and allured to him every rascal, whereby he toke John, and thrust out his eyes, put him in prison, pined him to death, and so gat his place again, wherein shortly after he died wretchedly of y ^• falling sickness: Whereuppon his body (having a roape tied about his beles) was hailed through the streets, and despitefully stabde in with daggers, pikestaues, iauelinges, and such like things: and at length commanded by the Clergy to be buried in a common place.

75 John the fiftene.

John the fiftene a Lombarde, was made Pope by the citezins [ 140] and the Clergy, while the former Boniface robbing the treasury, fled to Constantinople secretly. This John was a Deacon Cardinal, and of great authority, & favored not Boniface, but (as Platina saith) he with certain other honest citizens stood against Boniface his doings, whereupon (as is above mentioned) he was made Pope, the other being fled, and so continued eight mon • ths, till the other returning, did put out his eyes, imprysoned him and murdered him there, with the • anke stink of the prison, and famine, and grief of mind together. Yet some think that Ferrucius the father of Boniface slew him, because he withstode his son to be Pope: so saith Anselmus.

76 Benedict the seventh.

BEnedict the seventh, after these was made Pope by the [ 141] Layetie and Clergy. He by the Emperors aid, did apprehend a great company of conspirators in the city, and for their heinous offense, he put them in prison, and punished them cruelly▪ He held a counsel at Remes against Lothari{us} king of France, wherein he restored Archebyshop Arnulphus, who was violently deposed, and he deposed & condemned of heresy one Gilbert a Monk, being a conjurer, whom the king for his money and sorcery, had advanced to be Archbishop. This Gilbert notwithstanding, did yet afterward obtain of the Emperor Otho the third, whom he had taught to conjure, that he might be Archebishop of Rauenna, and afterward he was promised by the Devil, that he should at length be Pope of Rome. Whereupon saith Polidor Virgil in his sixth book of his story of England, Monks and priests at this time, declining from the trade of their elders in all places begā, even as it were by their own right to scratche together howge heaps of riches, to compass honor by ill arts, (conjuring and sorcery) and to exercise tyranny. Benedict after he had reigned nine years died, Anno. 894.

77 John the sixtene.

[ 142] John the sixtene, son of one Leo a Prieste, succeeded by election of the people and Clergy. As sone as he was Pope he began to bear deadly hatred against the Clergye, so that he was abhorred not only of them, but of all the people: and chiefelye because he neglecting the dignity of the Romaine Sea, bestowed the riches & treasures there of upon his kindred, his harlots and bastards. Which fault (saith Platina and Stella ) hath continued among the clergy unto our time, for an ill president to the posterity: Then the which custom nothing is more perilous, when our clergy (saith Platina ) shall covet spiritual dignities, not for love of Religion, & to serve God, but to maintain the prodigality, gluttonye & covetousness of their kindred, and friends, their concubines and bastards. Of the like complaineth Mantuan of his time.

At this time appeared a Comet, after which followed both famine & pestilence with terrible earthquakes, which shook both Beneuent and Capua : which plagues moste men judged, were sent for the pride, ambition, greediness & royat of the Popes, and for the contempt of God so great at this time. This John died in the viii. yere of his reign▪ Anno. 985.

78. John the 17.

John the 17. was very experte in feats of cheualrye, he [ 143] was made Pope with the goodwill of the clergy & laitye. He was excellentlye well learned, & published diverse books. He being troubled with the sedition of one Crescentius the Consul, going about to make himself king of the City, gave place unto Crescentius conspiracye, and banished himself into Hetruria : but Crescentius knowing of John's displeasure, and that he went about to call the Emperor with his army into Italy against him, he sent those friends and kinsefolke which John had remaining in the Citye, to entreat him not to send for the Emperor, but himself to return to Rome with his autoritye, and he promised to be obedient to him in all things. John being entreated by his friends, and fearing that the Emperors coming would do more hurt then good to him and his clergy, returned to Rome: Against whose coming Crescentius with all the rest of the cōspiratours came forth to meet him, who with y ^e other people (a great multitude) waited upon him into the Citye, & in y ^e porch of Lateran Church, Crescentius and his company falling down before the Pope, kissed his feet and craved pardon. This John died Anno 995.

79. Gregory the fifth.

[ 144] GRegorie the fifth a German borne, but a Saxons son was first called Bruno : He after wranglinge and iarringe was made Pope by the Emperors authority, because he was his cosen. But after Otho the Emperor was departed, the Romans desyringe change of state, did adua • nce Crescensius to be Consul again, and committed the estate of Rome to his government. This Crescentius and the people of the City toke it grievously, that Gregory being a Dutchman should by the Emperors authority be made Pope, and therefore they deposed Gregory : after which the people and clergy of Rome established one John y ^e xviii. being before bishop of Placentia, an excellent learned man and very well stoared with money. Gregory in fine went to the Emperor to complain of his great injury, the Emperor taking it dispitefully, went into Italy with his army, besieged Rome, assaulted it, and toke Crescensius the Consul and John the new Pope, and as for John he had his eyes put out and so died: Crescensius was put on a vile beasts back with his face to the taylewarde, having his nose and his ears cut of, & to be seen of all men was carried about the City having his members quartered, he was honge up about y ^e walls of the City. Then Gregory (his enemies being punished) was restored, who perceyuing that the estate of kingdoms were fickle and wavering, through the ambition of Princes and covetousness of the clergy, while there followed great wars hard vppō his restoring, he sommoning a coūsails at Rome, made a decree for the election of the Emperor. He decreed that y ^e election of the Emperor should continue from henceforth among the Princes of Germany, that is the Archbishop of Men's, of Treuers & Collen, the Palsgraue of Rhein, the duke of Saxony, and the Marquess of Brandeburge. To these also he added y ^e king of Bohemia, to be an vmpier, if the voices were even: which decree Anno a thousand & ii. the Emperor Otho did allow and confirm, but the kings of France were highly offended that y ^e Germaynes had this prerogative. Gregory died Anno 998. y ^e third year of his Popedom.

80. John the xviij.

John the xviii. a Grecian borne (of whom is spoken in y ^e former Gregory ) obtained the place by bryberye, sedition, [ 145] and hurlye burlye. This mā was before bishop of Placentia, an old man, learned & rich, but proud, covetous, and desirous to be Pope, which wrought his horrible and mischievous ende. For he brought so much money to Rome with him from Constantinople, whereby he was able to draw and tempt unto him as well the wise & wary, as the simple sort, to be of his faction: whereby he corrupted Crescentius the Consul, violently to abuse Pope Gregory, & to drive him out being a German, and so purchased the Popedom and the sequel thereof. But of those things that he and his train set to sale in his Popeshippe Mantuan writeth thus:

I marvel (saith Platina ) that the Chronographers would reck̄ this John among the Popes, seeing he usurped the place while Gregory lived, unless in wrytinge the Popes lives they think to do as they do in a continual history: For the peeuishe deeds of tyrants are set among the great exploites of good Princes, that the readers may discern the good from the evil, and so by the example of good men be moved to virtue, & by the example of the ill terrified frō vice, and so live happilye upon earth, which happiness this John wanted being a thief & a robber even in his Popedom. So much saith Platina of him. At the length this John w ^t his Crescētius perished, having his eyes digged out, and his body foulye mangled: Crescentius for his doing was set upon a vile horse (as is said before) having his nose cut of, and was so led through the Citye, his face being turned to the horse tail, and afterward having his members cut of, he was hanged upon a gibbet. Here will I allege the words of Gualther out of his third homelye as touching Antichrist, and so ende this book. Now (saith he) let any noble heart judge whether so many good men have upon sufficient cause, complained of the tirannye and unjust dealing which the Popes have used: seeing that seat of Rome hath sustaind within so few years so many lewd persons, tyrants, thieves, filchers, robbers, rebels, adulterers, and open purloyners of Church goods. And who in God's name will reverence that as holy, which receiveth so many plagues, but as yet the number of the wicked ones is not fulfilled as shall follow immediatlye &c.

81. Sylvester the second.

[ 146] SYluester the seconde was a Frenchman, in profession a monk, and called Gilbert, before he was Pope. He was of S. Benedicts order in an abbey at Florence, where he being a young man and addicted whollye to deuilishe arts, betoke himself to the devil both body and soul. Afterward forsaking that abbey he went into Spain delightīg much in profane sciences, & came to Hispalis unto a certain Philosopher being a Sarracen and expert in Magic, of whom he learned much both sorcerye and ambitiō, and began to devise howe he might attain to great honor & riches: and thought in deed that coniuringe and Necromancye were the meetest ways to come by his purpose. He had espied before in the house of his host a certain cōiuring book, and did his endeavor to steal it away, but the Magician kept it so deuoutlye, that Gilbert could not come by it: therefore he inueigled the Magiciās daughter, (with whom being in y ^e house he had good acquaintance) • o steal her fathers book, and let him have a sight thereof, y ^e maid fulfilled his request, & so he obtained his purpose. He having y ^e book went about to depart by stealth, but fearing least this might endaunger his life for stealing the book, he gave himself to the devil upon this condition, y ^t he should warrant him to pass safelye into France, and to obtain great dignities. He came into France & taught the liberal Sciences, so as many had him in admiration, whereby he had a number of scholars and auditors, some of great calling that learned y ^e former arts of him, as Constantine abbot of Maximin, Lotharius Archbishop of Seven, Otho the Emperors son, Roberte king of France, with sondrye other bishops, prelates & priests of Rome. By the procurement of these parsons he was made first bishop of Remen, afterward by his lewd arts he obtained to be Archbishop of Rauenna : Last of all he obtained to be Pope of Rome by the help of the devil, whom he w ^t coniuration raised out of hell according to the xx. of the Apocalypse. For Peter Praemonstratensis & other writers say, that he was made Pope in the Thousande year of our Lord's Incarnation: In the which yere saith Masfeus, was a great and terrible earthquake, and a blasinge star horrible to loke upon the xiiii. day of December. In his Popedom he concealed his conjuring, and dissembled that familiarity which he had with the devil: but yet he kept in a certain secrete place a brazen head, of which when he demanded any thing, he received answer of an evil spirit. At the length in his pontificality he would needs demaūde of the devil how longe he should be Pope? the devil answered doubtfullye and misticallye, saying he should not die, until he said Mass in Jerusalem : He therefore conceyuing good hope of longe life began to ware careless, thinking to take heed enough of coming in Jerusalem. But the use was that on a certain day of stations in the Lent time, y ^e Popes should say mass at Rome in the Pallayce of the holy Cross, which was called Jerusalem : whereupon Sylvester not fearinge his life, nor heedefull enough to forecast the devils despite, according to custom said mass in the same Chapel, And by & by, a terrible shyueringe and quakinge came upon him with a great fever, and by the rumbling noise of devils (as Peter Praemōstratensis & Platina say) he perceived his death was at hand, and that he must pay the devil his fee. And thus bewailing & lamenting openly the abuse of his charms, he confessed his fault, til he perished miserablye. And (saith Benno ) he commanded his tongue and his hands to be cut of, wherewith he had blasphemed God in sacrifisinge unto devils: thus he died Anno 1003. The report is that the tomb of this Sylvester doth ever since prognosticate the death of the Pope, by the ratlinge of the bones and the gushing out of water that riseth out of the ground about it: as also (saith Platina ) is testified by y ^e Epitaphe written on his grave.

82. John the 19.

[ 147] John the 19. an Italian, did likewise succeed Sylvester, and gat to be Pope by y ^e devils aid: for (saith Benno ) the scholars of the said Sylvester being conjurers, everyone gaped for the Popedom. This John did take from y ^e people the election of the Pope, saying in behalf of his doing, that the clergy must teache the people, but not follow them: And again, the law which is ruled by God's spirit, is more worthy then that which is man's law. He allowed & commanded to establish in all Churches the feast of all souls, at the motiō of one Odiloe abbot of Clunie : who dreamed that souls were delivered out of Purgatorye by virtue of the mass, and said that he hard the devils howl and roar, while the souls were takē frō them, through dirges & trentalles. After he had reigned 5. months, he was poisoned by his own friends. In his time the name of Cardinals began to grow to estimation, and many strange monsters were seen, and diverse terrible earthquakes.

83. John the 20.

[ 148] John the 20. called Fasanus after y ^t John the 19. was poisoned, by magic & coniuringe gat to be Pope. For from the foresaid Sylvester till Gregory the seventh (a notorious parson) all the Popes were famous enchaunters: by their charming they sturred up walking spirits, bugs, goblins, fierye sightes, & diverse terrible goasts & shapes of things, with howlinges and gro aninges about dead men's graves, perswadinge the simple people y ^t they were dead men's souls. And those spirits being conjured up by priests, deluded men, dessemblinge that they were the souls of the dead, complaing their intolerable pains in Purgatorye fire, and craved to be released by the meritorious deeds of their friends & kindred, bestowinge dirges, masses, and trentalles on them. But to return to this Pope John, he (saith Platina ) being given to idleness, did nothing worthy remembrance. He died after he had been Pope .iiii. years Anno 1009.

84 Sergius the 4.

AFter this John, came Sergius to be Pope by the like [ 149] means, who also in his Popedom exercised the same sorcerye still, by which he obtained the seat: Yet some of the flatterers of Rome do highlye commend him, as one that in all his Popedom did no one thing to be misliked. An unmeet praise for the prelates of that corrupt time, wherein the light of the Gospel was extinct: without the which nothing can be pure and perfect. Amonge other praises this is one that he had, he was a very pleasant, meerye, and familiar companion: In his time was great pestilence and famine in Italy, and in Loraine a fountain turned into blood. He died Anno 1012.

85 Benedict the eight.

BEnedict y ^e eight was borne in Thusca y ^e son of George [ 150] bishop of Portua, brother to Albericus and John, & was a layman: He had a nephew called Theophilactus, which was the scholar of Sylvester, and by the magical charms of this Theophilact, Benedict gatte to be Pope: and obtained the place so longe as Henry Bauarius lived, whose aid defended him, because he had bestowed on Henry the crown Imperial. But after his death the Cardinals enuyinge him, deposed him and set up another: and herevppon arose a cruel debate. Yet afterward he compounded for money with his adversaries, and so the usurping Pope being put out again, Benedict is restored w ^t great pomp: He granted to the foresaid Henry (as Barus testifieth) to make at Bamberg built by Henry a cathedral Church, but with this condition that the same Church should pay to the Pope yearly under the name of tribute, an hundred marks in silver with a white horse furnished with trappings. He died Anno 1023. Peter Damianus cardinal of Hostia showeth, as it is also written by Platina, Carion, and others, that this Benedict (or an evil spirit in his likeness) appeared rydinge on a blackehorse, and came unto a bishop of his familiar acquaintance, who amazed at this sight asked him, Art not thou Pope Benedict whom we know to be dead? He answered I am the same unhappy Benedict : And howe do you said the bishop? I am cruelly tormented, but I may be eased quoth Benedict : And therefore go to my brother John, who now is Pope, and bid him repair to such a place (naming it) and take the treasure that is there hid̄, and distribute it to the poor: And likewise he appeared to Pope John, saying I hope to be delivered, and I would to God that Odilo would pray for me. Thus the devil deluded this age, bearing them in hand that the distribution of money, and not y ^e death of Christ might bring salvation to souls, to the great advancement of Purgatorye and masses.

86 John the xxi.

[ 151] John the xxi brother of the former Benedict, and son of Gregory bishop of Portua being as yet but a lay man, yet likewise by the enchauntmente of his nephewe Theophilact, gat y ^e Popedom, as Benno a Cardinal writeth. For the conjuring and charms of these mē Theophilact, John, Gratian, Laurence, Malsitan, Brazutus and other like, wrought and ruled all things at Rome according to the devils appointmente, the aucthor of their arts: For (saith Benuo, ) Theophilact using to do sacrifice to devils in woods & on mountains, caused women to run after him, whom he with his enchauntments bewitched to love him: And this appeareth to be true by certain books of his, which after his death were found in his chamber. This Pope John crowned Conradus Emperor, and was by him defended from the violence of the Romans, who had longe troubled him: y ^e Emperor threatened to destroy the Romans utterly, if they should practice ought against the Pope, and by this means he continued Pope xi yere. The latin Church doth highly commend him, but show no good works that deserved it: He commanded Princes to keep a solemn kind of giving alms, he appointed priests to say mass, and the people to fast: In his time began the superstitious fasts of S. John the Baptist, & S. Laurence. Of the counsel of Triburia Anno 1030. began in France a sect of fasters, who said that it was revealed to them from heaven, that to fast Saturday with bread and water was sufficient for remission of all sins, if so that they had made a vow to keep it: But the bishop of Camera did overthrow this blasphemy, as derogatorye to the passion of Christ. Pope John died Anno. 1034.

87. Benedict the ix.

BEnedict the ninth who before was called Theophilact, the son of Albericus and nephewe (as is said) to the [ 152] former Pope Benedict & Pope John: as he by conjuring and devilish arts did first advance his vnkles, so now by his magic he brought to pass that he succeeded them. He being Pope did greatly aduaūce evē next to himself as his chief and secret counselors, Laurence, & John Gratiā, for that they were notorious conjurers brought up with him under Pope Sylvester : He with these companions had used before he was Pope according to y ^e cursed ceremonies of their sorcery, to call upon their evil spirits in woods and forests, and to bewitch by his cunning any woman y ^t liked him, to covet his carnal company. But (saith Benno ) as on a time he with these his mates was coming from the woods to the Church, a number of birds being together, a sparowe made a merye and pleasant kind of chirping: This Laurence being both captain conjurer, & also a southsayer, curious in the observation of byrds, was demanded what it was that the birde prated? The byrde (quoth he) calleth other birds to the great gate, where a countreymans carte is broken, and his meal spilte, which was carried in it: and therefore she with her much chattering biddeth them to come thither to eat, and fil themselves. Which being hard, diverse of them y ^t stood by ran in all poast hast to the gate to try the matter, and whē they came there they found it so in deed as Laurence had said. Theyr cunninge in south saying and coniuringe was such, that they knew what was done both East, West, South and North, & in the corners of the world, either touching wars, or the death of Princes, And therefore many had their cunninge in great reverence, and did attempt diligently to learn of them, and gatte their skill, especially one Hildebrand : Who forsaking an abbey where he was placed, did so follow this trade, that he excelled his masters, and was wonderful busy in pestilent practices, by means of his magical arts, as the Church by the fruit thereof did afterward feel, saith Benno. But to return to Benedict, who after the death of Conradus conspired with his former counselors, to disherite his son Henry the third of the Empier, and to plant in his steed Peter king of Hungary, and therefore he sent the crown of the Empier to him with this Verse.

But Henry at the first conflict overcame Peter, and toke him prisoner, and purposed to set forward to Rome, which being heard Benedict being terriblye afraid, soulde his Popeship to his companion John Gratian, who paid for it fiftene hundred pounds, & was afterward called Gregory the sixth. But in the mean time the Romans deposinge Benedict for his negligence and sloth Anno. 1045. did place in his steed John bishop of Saba, calling him Sylvester the third: For this sale (saith Platina ) Benedict was accused of all men, and condemned by divine sentence, and at the length by God's just judgment he was strangled to death by a devil in the woods Anno. 1056. The Historiographers write, y ^t this Benedict or Theophilact, was seen of a certain Hermit in a most ouglye and gastlye shape hard by a Mill, for his body was all rough and hairye like a bear, with head and tail like an asse: And being asked of the Hermit how he was thus trāsfigured? He answered, I wander in this shape because in the time that I was Pope, I lived without reason, without law, without God: and defiled the sea of Rome with all kind of villanye. In his time the Cardinals that began of little, grew to be great in dignity.

88. Sylvester the third.

SYluester y ^e third a Romaine, first called bishop of Saba obtained to be Pope, partly by his own briberye, partly [ 153] by the tumult and uproar of his countrymen after the expulsion of Benedict, as some say, but as it is rather to be thought by the magical sorcerye of his father Laurence y ^e famous conjurer: For thus saith Benno. After Benedict was driven out and y ^t Popeship sold, John Gratian being in the place, John bishop of Saba was thrust in upon him, and called Sylvester the third, and thus these iii. Popes being at once, it rente the Church of Rome a sonder, and divided it into diverse factions: thus with cruel wars and great bloodshed the Church was torn in pieces, foulye mangled with sciesmes, & choked with errors, while under the color of wine it gulled in poison: Thus wrote Benno of that wretched time. But (saith Platina ) Sylvester enjoyed the room but a while, for within xlix. days the friends of Benedict with great tumult restored Benedict to that, which he had first both lost and soulde. The Popeshippe saith ( Platina ) was now brought to this pass, that he that was of greatest wealth, and best able to give bribes and most ambitious, & not most godly or best learned, he only (good men being oppressed and rejected) obtained that dignity: which trade (saith he) I would to God they had not continued even unto our time, but these are but small matters, for we are like to see worse unless God amende it. Thus much doth Platina complain of their lewd lives, who otherwise flattered y ^e Sea of Rome and extolled their doctrine. But as touching Sylvester, the Emperor Henry drave him from the Popeshippe, & caused him to return to his own bishopric, wherein he continued (as before he was,) Cardinal and bishop of Saba. In the time of the foresaid Benedict the sixte day of April Anno 1039. there was seen a mighty beam of fire burninge in the Element, as Masseus writeth in his sixte book. Anno Domini 1041. Pope Benedict made one Cazimirus a monk in Clunace abbey and a deacon, king of Poleland, on this condition, that for every head in Poleland, he should pay yerelye to the Pope and his successors, an ordinary sum of money: And furthermore that they should not let the heir of their head to grow longe, and that they of Poleland should remember forever, howe y ^t this polling had given them a shavē king out of an abbey.

89. Gregory the sixth.

GRegorie y ^e sixth an Italian first called John Gratian, learned [ 154] the magical sciences of Sylvester the seconde: He bought the Popeship of his kinseman Benedict the ix and at the length obtained it. He after sciesmes and sedition being made Pope saith Premonstratensis, perceyuinge y ^t certain filchers purloined the goods of the Church, & that strangers were robbed on all sides, began to have a regard unto the riches, and first admonished them, afterward he excommunicated them, and last of all he warred on them that contemned his threatenings: and thus he did both recover the Church goods with increase, and also executed, and put to death the wasters thereof. The Cardinals being moved with this cruelty called him Simnist, murderer and blood sucker: and on a time while he was sick, they said he was unworthy to be buried in the Church: Whereunto among other things he answered thus: I have warred upon other, that with the damage of the laietye I might purchase glory to the clergy, and thus ye recompense me? and sone after he recovered his health. The troublesome & tragical broils which these Popes wrought at this time, are thus described by Otho, Frisgensis, Godfri Viterbiensis, and other auctors: While (say they) Benedict the ix. was Pope, Sylvester the third, and soon after Gregory the sixth did invade the seat. And in the 7. year of the Emperor Henry the third, these 3. Popes made themselves 3. several seats in Rome: whereby they brought in a detestable sciesme, & everyone endeavored that he might not yield to other in sedition, impietye and villanye. Benedict he sat as Pope in Lateran Pallaice, the rest, the one at S. Peters, y ^e other at S. Mary's made his pontifical throne. While these three Popes did at once (to the peril of the whole estate) possess & comber the Citye, John Gratian a priest came unto them, persuading them everyone to take a piece of money and give over their title of Popeship, and so it came to pass: and for this cause the Romans created Gratian Pope, as one y ^t had saved the commō wealth. Henry the Emperor hearing of these sturres, in haste came to Rome & held a Synod, wherein those three Benedict, Sylvester & Gregory were condemned, and the fourth Pope created in their steed called Clemens the second. And thus saith Benno the Emperor made Theophilact to fly, he put Gregory in prison, and afterward he banished him with Hildebrand into Germany, and compelled the bishop of Saba to return to his bishopric: So Gregory died in Germany, of whose falsehod and money together (saith Benno ) Hildebrand was made heir, who after his death returned to Rome.

90. Clement the second.

[ 155] CLement the seconde was made Pope in a Synod at Rome by the Emperors commandment while the other three Popes were yet living. He caused the Romans to give over to the Emperor their title in electing the Pope, for the auoydinge of those broils which arose there upon: But some say that it was the Emperor who made the Romans swear, that they should never name any to be Pope. But the Emperor being gone into Germany, they forgettinge their oath, did poison this Pope Clement, because he was chosen without their consent, the ninth monthe after his creation: which poison was tampered by Stephen, who succeeded him called Damasus the second, or as some think that Brazutus being commonly practiced in these things, and companion to Theophilact and Hildebrand, was auctor thereof. At this time were great and strange contencions about the Sacrament of the alter, and by the devils doing many wonders and miracles were wrought, but y ^e Pope forbad many to utter their conscience hereof, least it should be prejudicial to the mass: And therefore many of the doctors as appeareth by their writings, wrote doubtfully.

91. Damasus the seconde.

DAmasus the second otherwise called Stephen Bagniarie, [ 156] gate the Popeship by force at the Emperors commandment, with consent of the clergy and laitye: for (saith Platina ) it was now a common thing for every ambitious parson to press into Peters seat violently, but he kept it not long, for the thirtenth day after he was poisoned by the said Brazutus Anno 1049. This Damasus being chaūcelar to Clement his predecessor did poison his master, and therefore drank worthily of the same cup. After this (saith Benno ) Theophilact who before was fled returned to Rome, and there with his old acquaintance Laurence, wrought much mischief, and by the letters of his scholar Hildebrand being then in the Emperors Court and a traitor about him, he knew all the Emperors secretes. While he thus did greatly vex the Romans, they by the counsel of Cardinals sent Ambassadors to the Emperor, desiringe him to assign one to be Pope. And therefore one Bruno, afterward called Leo y ^e ninthe was made Pope, and perforce against his will brought to Rome: In whose company through overmuch gentleness of the Emperor, Hildebrand was suffered to return to Rome, who afterward wrought such mischief in the world, as never was hard of, both against Emperor, Church, clergy, and common wealth under color of religion: meaning not to keep his oath longe sworn to the Emperor, So saith Benno of him.

92. Leo the ninth.

LEo the ninth a German borne of the country of Dasburg, [ 157] being also himself countye Etistheim and bishop of Tulledo he became Pope in this manner. Because the Romans (not for the love of the Emperor) but being wearied with those ambitious and seditious prelates that straue for the Popeship, desired him to appointe one to be Pope: he sent them this Bruno bishop of Tulledo, a man of a simple wit, for none of the other German bishops durst adventure to come among the poisoned cups of Rome. He going on forward in his pontifical robes, had with him in company the abbot of Clunace, & Hildebrand the monk, the clergy of Rome meetinge him & seeing him come on this manner, altered his Popes vesture, did most dispitefullye charge him with apostasye, because he had received his authority from the Emperor, therefore they persuaded him to put of his pōtificals, and to return to Rome in his wonted apparel: Saying, the election of the Pope was not granted to the Emperors, but to the clergy and people of Rome. Bruno obeyed their commandment, and came to Rome in his own private apparel. And through the counsel of Hildebrand did confess openly before the ancients, that he had offended, and therefore because he ascribed the authority to them, they chose him Pope more willingly, and for this deed called him Leo or Liō, whose courage argued him rather to be a sheep. Afterward he made Hildebrand a Cardinal, and partner of his Popeship with him, committing to him the charge of S. Peters Church, whereof Benno writeth thus. As sone as he came to Rome (meaning Hildebrand ) he obtained of Leo to be made one of the keepers of the alter of S. Peters Church, and within a while he filled his cofers: and to the end he might put out his money to some man for dailye enterest, he became familiarlye acquainted with y ^e son of a certain Jew, who though he were latelye become a Christian, yet he left not his Jewish trade of vsurye. And before this he had well acquainted himself with the famous worker of mischief Brazutus friend to Theophilact : who is reported to have poisoned by his cunning these Popes within xiii. years Clement the second, Damasus the second, Leo the ix. Victor the second, and Nicholas the seconde. Pope Leo held a counsel at Vercella, wherein he condemned the doctrine of Berengarius, who held opinion against transubstantiacion, and the real presence of Christ in the Sacrament: Likewise he held a nother counsel at Maguntia wherein was concluded that priests should not keep hounds nor hawks, neither medle with any such profane things: Also y ^e marriage of y ^e clergy was utterly condemned by y ^e procurement of Hildebrand : And it was decreed to be simonye, for a priest to be preferred to an ecclesiastical living by a layman. By the enticement of Hildebrand and Theophilact, this Leo not knowing their disposition, moved war against the Normans, whose power was thē great in Apulia. But Theophilact meaning to work the Pope mischief secretelye (because he durst not openly do it) bewrayed first all his secrete counsel, and finallye with Hildebrands advise, betrayed the Pope himself to the Normans, from whom (his men being slain) he himself escaped narrowly: who yet returninge to Rome was poisoned by Brazutus the fifth year of his Popedom.

93. Victor the second.

VIctor y ^e second a German borne in Bavaria was made [ 158] Pope, not by free election, but because the Romans did so much stand in awe of Henry the Emperor, that they durst do nothing against the oath made to the said Henry in the time of Clement the seconde. And therefore to gratify the Emperor, they sent Hildebrand as Ambassador to him, to know his pleasure in the election, and by this means this Victor being a German came to be Pope: In this Embassage Hildebrand toke upon him by virtue thereof, to make Henry the Emperors son heir to the Empire. This Victor held a great Synod at Florence, wherein he condemned all those priests of Symonie, who had been presented to their spiritual livings by any temporal parsons. Immediatly after the establishmente of this Victor, Brazutus repaired to Rome at the procurement of Hildebrand to poison him, or any other (saith Benno ) that should step into the Popeship before Hildebrand, and so Victor sone after he had reigned two year was poisoned by the same Brazutus. Anno 1057.

94. Stephen the ninth.

STeuen the ninth borne in Loraine, the duke of Loraines [ 159] brother, was made Pope after Victor with general consent of all, but without the Emperors agreemente. This Steuē caused y ^e Church of Milan (which almost 2. hundredth years had defied y ^e supremacye of Rome) to become subject unto it: He also before he came to be Pope, had accused the Emperor Henry of heresy, because he somewhat abridged the usurped authority of Rome. Also he held a counsel in Florence against marriage of priests countinge it fornication, and therein concluded many things against dualities, pluralityes, and totquots. But at y ^e length in the tenth year of his reign Hildebrand caused his old companion Brazutus to give him such a drink, y ^t the Pope died thereof Anno. 1058. At his death Hildebrand was not at Rome, but returned in all hast upon it, and at his coming he commanded all the clergy to appear before him, and bound them with an oath to suffer none to be Pope, but such a one as obtained it with the consent of everyone.

95. Benedict the tenth.

BEnedict the x. borne in Campania was first called Mincius, [ 160] while the Romans were in an uproar and cried out to have one of their own countrymen to be made Pope: this Benedict had the name generally, and so was made Pope, contrary to y ^e oath which y ^e clergy had made to Hildebrand at his departure lately. Hildebrand therefore taking it despitefully thus to be deluded in his absēce, deposing Benedict, was very importune with the clergy, to make one Gerhard bishop of Florence, that came with him, Pope in his presence, as they promised him at his departure. The clergy because they could not with safety chose another in Rome went therefore to Senas, and there they chose this Gerhard Pope, naminge him Nicolas the seconde. Gerhard being Pope held a Synod at Sutrius against Pope Benedict, who understanding of this conspiracye wrought by Hildebrand, was content for quietness sake to forsake Rome, and to live like an outlawe privately in Veltra, after he had been Pope ix. months. Christian Masseus reporteth, that this year a great company of snakes about Tornaie fought cruelly together, until the people beset them with fire and burned them.

96. Nicolas the second.

NIcolas the seconde was made Pope as is mentioned in Benedict. After he had held the council of Spire against [ 161] Benedict, he returned to Rome, and summoned a council at Lateran by y ^e craft of Hildebrand for his own purpose: wherein was decreed, that he should be condemned for an apostata, that should be Pope either by favor or money without the whole consent of the Cardinals. Also he gave the Cardinals, the priests and laitye, power to excommunicate any such Pope, & to hold Synod against him anywhere, and to drive him out. In this Synod Berengarius was forced to recant his opiniō against the real presence: for he had long maintained, that in the bread & wyne was neither the body and blood of Christ really, nor naturally, but a sign and figure thereof, as Platina, Mūclerus and other write of him. This Pope Nicolas established and strēgthened the Popedom, with sondrye and diverse strange forgeryes, fables, and untruths, terrible vizards, and gastlye countenaunces of excommunication, and dreadful threats of cursings. The words of the excommunication and curse are these, in the 23. distinction as Barns testifieth. In the name of God Amen: If any man do break this our sacred decretal sentence, and presumptuously attempt to hurt or disquiet against this statute the Church of Rome, let him be accursed forever, & damned by excommunication: Let him be reputed among the wicked, that shall not rise again to judgment: Let him feel the wrath of the Almightye against him: Let him feel the rage of Peter and Paul upon him in the life to come, that spurneth against their Church in this life: Let his dwelling be in the wilderness, & let his house be left desolate for none to dwell therein: Let his children be orphans, and his wife be a widow: In his trouble let him be troubled: Let his childrē beg their bread, and be cast out, and be vagabounds drivē out of their own houses: Let the usurer rifle all his goods, and let strangers spoil the labor of his hands: Let the whole world fight against him, and let all the Elementes be contrary unto him: Let the merits of all saints confound him: Let him spend this life prisoner fettered in chains: and let the saints pour their open vengeance on him. But our grace defend them that keep this &c.

Such thonderbolts did the Pope shoot abroad to terrifye the world, which yet wrought so in men's hearts, that for fear there of they yielded themselves subject to the Pope, against their own native and Christian Princes. But to return to the history concerning the stir that Hildebrand kept at this time in Rome, Thus writeth Benno: Nicolas being Pope, Hildebrand perceyuing he could not yet get to be Pope, devised to get an archdeacōship by hook or by crook. At the length he set up one Mancius archedeacon of Rome, whom he tossed and disquieted with diverse injuries: who being ouerlayed with the reproachful dealing and craft of Hildebrand, and beguiled w ^t his money, at the length granted him to surrender unto him his archedeacōship. This being granted, Hildebrand cometh to Pope Nicholas ere he were advised, and very impudentlye, partly by unreasonable request, partly by y ^e threatenings of armed soldiers hired for the purpose, who gave him watchworde to yield or to die, he made Hildebrand archdeacon. This being done even immediatlye after Brazutus ministered the same cup to Nicolas, that he had done to the other Popes. Nicolas being thus poisoned, y ^e Cardinals being so well acquainted with the ambition of Hildebrand, besoughte the Emperor earnestly to assist them in the behalf of Cadolus his bishop of Parma, whō they had chosen Pope: which thing so strake Hildebrand to the heart, that from thence forward he professed himself an utter ennemye to the Emperor: He brake his oath of fealtye and allegiance. And making a conspiracy with y ^e Emperors enemies, and with the Normans, he beguiled Anselmus bishop of Lucia, causinge certain Romans to choose him bishop, and call him Alexander the second, as one whom he would set up against Cadolus chosen by the Cardinals. And thus Hildebrand brought trouble as much as he could, both to Anselmus and Cadolus, who in deed waited to succeed them both, &c.

97. Alexander the second.

ALexander the seconde was as ye read made Pope [ 162] by Hildebrands craft, for his own purpose against the Emperors mind: and therefore y ^e Lombards by the Emperors consent, did set up another against him called Cadolus, (as is before mentioned) who came to Rome and besieged it with a great army, and after one or two battles was with his company put to flight. The Emperor willing to ende this sciesme, sent to Rome Otho archbishop of Collen with his authority, to debate the matter: who coming to Rome began with a sharp oration to reprove the intrusion of Alexander, & to amplifye the Emperors authority in the election of the Pope. But the mischievous Hildebrand puffed up with his late victory, did interrupt Otho, and stoutly defended the Popes doing, avouching that the election belonged only to the clergy: whereunto Otho the bishop in this case more favoring y ^e Pope, then his master, did easily give place, and desired to have a council at Mantua to appease y ^e matter. Wherein was decreed that a man ought not to hear mass of a priest y ^t lay with a concubine: that married priests should leese their livings: And yet their children with the Popes dispensation might take orders: That the Pope should be chosen only by Cardinals. But this Alexander perceyuinge at the length (saith Benno ) y ^t it was but for a pollicye of Hildebrand, that he was made Pope by the Emperors enemies to spite him withal, began to mislyke of it with himself: and on a time as he was preaching to the people, he told them that he would not any longer enjoy the Apostolical seat without the Emperors good will, and professed openlie that he would send letters to the Emperor for the same purpose. Hildebrand hearing this was forthwith so enraged, y ^t presentlye he began to mumble, curse, and fret, and could scant keep his hand from y ^e Pope till mass were done: Mass being done, he toke the Pope, and with a troupe of armed soldiers he led him into his chamber, where with his fistes he buffeted and bepomelled him shamefullye, rating and taunting him with railing and reviling words, because he would go about to seek the Emperors favor. And from that time forward Hildebrand (because he saw him so simple) allowed him but five shillinges a day to spend, and the rest of the revenues he retained to himself, and casting Alexander into prison he purloined a great mass of money. Alexander being thus in the miserable bondage of Hildebrand, in an eueninge died God knoweth whereof, and the same hour Hildebrand was enstalled Pope by his garrison of soldiers, without consent of the people or clergy: because he feared y ^t if he had delayed it, another should have been chosen. None of the Cardinals subscribed to his election, unto the which when the abbot of Cassia came, Brother (quoth Hildebrand ) ye have lingered over longe, & you quoth the abbot have hied you over fast, who ere your master the Pope be yet buried, have usurped his place contrary to y ^e Canons. Hildebrand being thus chosen, how he lived, howe he drave the Cardinals from him, howe he tormented them miserablye, how he poisoned the world w ^t heresies, how often he committed periurye, howe great & many conspiracyes he raised, it is hard for many men to utter: But most of all, the blood of many Christians which by him and his means have been miserablye shed, do cry out vengeance on him. Thus and much more doth Benno the Cardinal write of him.

98. Gregory the seventh.

GRegorie the seventh was first called Hildebrand borne [ 163] in Hetruria, a notable cōiurer and great Magician, he gat to be Pope by his saluage sorcerye, & bloody means. He forsaking y ^e abbey where he was monk, gat to one Laurence an archpriest of whom he learned his notorious enchauntments, which y ^e said Laurence had learned of Pope Sylvester the seconde. There was great familiaritye between this Laurence, Theophylact, John Gratian & Hildebrand, being archpriests or Cardinals of Rome: whereby this Hildebrand by his subtiltye bare all the swaye w ^t Theophylact, while he was bishop under the name of Benedict the ninth, and so he continued in his factious dealing in all other Popes times, till he came to the place himself. Benno Cardinal writeth of him, that when he listed, he would caste of his sleeves, and skip and dance in form of sparkles, or flames of fire, and with these miracles he deluded the eyes of the simple people, bearing them in hand it was a sign of his great holiness. And (saith Benno ) because the devil could not openly persecute Christians by Pagans, he practiced craftelye to overthrow the name of Christ by this counterfeit monk, under the color of religion. Divers auctors do write that this Hildebrand or hellybrand rather, by the help of his companiō Gerard{us} Brazutus poisoned vi. or vii. Popes, so to open himself a gap to come to be Pope: and yet he in these broils behaved himself so subtellye, that no man could charge him therewithal, y ^t it was rather thought he sought to shonne the Popeship. And yet when in name he was not Pope, yet was he the only instrument, and contriuer of all their doings and devises: and began to work by little and little under other, which he brought to perfectiō in his own time. Under color of religion and godliness, he practiced all treachery and mischief. He accused Pope Alexander his master, because he had craved the Emperors assistaūce against his adversaries: His accusatiō was this, y ^t he was unmeet to be Pope according to the Canons, who contrary to the Canons had craved aid of a profane Prince: & cast him into prison, where he wrought his death, & forthwith ere he was buried usurped his place: He imparted his treasure (saith Benno ) to Brazutus and to a certain Jew, that were his companions, and by their means he purchased the voices of diverse, who ere that Alexander was buried cried out amayne: Peter y ^e Apostle hath chosen Hildebrand to be Pope, & so they set him in the Popes throne calling him Gregory the seventh. And this was done in the thousand year after the destruction of Jerusalem, in the which year the Popes began to challenge & take upon them the name, office, and power of Christ: for it was proclaimed at the enstalling of this Gregory, y ^t he was created y ^e true vicar of Christ, & Gregory applied unto himself those things that are spoken in y ^e 7. Psalm of Christ: He altered the laws of God, for where the Scripture licēceth all estates to marry, he barred y ^e clergy thereof, forcing thē to vow single life above their abilitye. Now was y ^e Scripture in him fulfilled prophesyinge of the war of Gog and Magog, which this Gregory broached so perillouslye to all Christendom, as the like never happened, which his companion Urban the second did execute. Gregory at the first entrye to his Popeship began to urge such canons, as he had in his ancestors time procured against priests marriage, and the bestowinge of benefices by temporal men, which he did not of purpose to take away the abuse of byinge and sellinge of ecclesiastical lyuings, but with a fair show to abridge Princes and other estates, of their preeminence in that matter, whereby he might bind all the bishops and clergy to be more subject to Rome, who now depended more on their Princes, because of the bestowīg of the lyuings, whereby the Popes strength increased, & the temporal Princes were weakened, and neglected of their clergy. And the better to achieve his purpose, because Henry the Emperor was chief of temporal Princes, he attempted it first against him: for this matter he summoned a council at Rome, whereto the Emperor could have no regard, because of his warlike affairs then present. And yet this matter so delighted y ^e Pope, that for compassing it he spared neither treason nor murder, but in many places he procured civil war, & sedition, with all kind of mischief that might be. For first seekinge y ^e Emperors death he attempted it diverse ways, as thus among other even in y ^e Church: The Emperor (saith Benno ) used to go to prayers to S. Mary's Church in Auentine hill. Hildebrand therefore having his false espyes caused the place to be well noted, where the Emperor used to kneel or sit in the Church all service time: & hired one to go and lay certain great stones secretelye in the roof of the Church righte over the same place, in such sort as he might throw them down upon y ^e Emperors head, and so slay him: which as this fellow went about and was busy with a great stone, the waighte thereof overwhelmed him, so as he fell down to the pavement and the stone upon him, which bruised him so as he died of y ^t , which he had provided to slay the Emperor withal. This thing being known, the Romans bound his heels to a roape, and drew the dead carcass through Rome streats three days together for an example. Again (saith Benno ) John bishop of Portua who was of Hildebrands priuye council, said in his preaching before the people & clergy in S. Peters Church: what meaned Hildebrand and we to do this thing whereby we should be burned alive? (meaning that violence which they had used toward the Sacrament of Christ's body:) Because Hildebrand demanding of it (as y ^e heathen used to do of their idols) what success he should have against the Emperor, & because the Sacrament spake not and gave him no answer, he threw it into the fire, maugre all the Cardinals that were about him, and said to the Sacrament most blasphemouslye: Could the idol God's of the heathens give them answer of their success, and cannot thou tell me? He excommunicated the Emperor being a conformable Prince, without lawful accusation, without canonical citacion, or iudicial order: and caused his peers to revolt frō him, and sought by secrete traitors to murder him. Also he caused the bishops to swear them selves utter enemies against him, wresting & wringinge places of the Scripture to make a show to maintain his purpose, But (saith Benno ) as sone as he roose up from his chair being newly framed of wood, by God's working it clave in pieces & was rente terriblye into diverse partes.

When he saw that his secrete treasons toke not effect, he brast out into open outrage and enmitye: he excommunicated the Emperor, and discharged all his subjects of their allegeaūce, & gave his crown unto Rodolpho duke of Sueuia, which he sent to him with this poesye.

This moved the Emperor very sore, in so much that he stripped himself out of his royal robes, and puttinge on woolen apparel, came with his wife and his son a little child in the depth of winter, a cruel and perilous iourneye to Canusius, and stood barefooted at the gates of the City, fasting from morning to night, suing humbly for pardō at Hildebrands hand, and for three days suffered with lamentable misery to be laughed at, and flowted by Hildebrand among his paragons and monks. He desired often to be let in to come to the Pope, but he was still answered for three days together, that y ^e Pope was not yet at leisure to speak with him. The good and gentle Emperor toke it patiently to be thus delayed, and because he could not be let into the Citye, he abode in the suburbs w ^t his great inconvenience, for the frost was very extreme more then ordinarye: and yet he endured it continually 3. days, least by taking his ease he should have offended my Lord bishops grace, and still he sued to be pardoned. At the length the fourth day by the intercession of the Countess Mathilda, who for love, not for honesty was in favor with the Pope, & the abbot of Cluny, and Adelaus Earl of Savoy he was admitted to come in. And though he craved pardon on his knees, & offered up his Crown, yet would the Pope neither pardon him nor absolve him, unless he would promise that according to the Popes appointment he would purge him of his fault in the council, with other unlawful conditions. All which he promised and confirmed with hand & seal, and yet was not restored to his estate. This being known, the Princes & Lord's of Italy were highlye offended that the Emperor Henry in such manner with so great dishonor, and so shamefullye had submitted himself to recover the favor of this Hildebrand, who by treachery purloined the Popedom, and defiled all things with slaughter and harlotrye. But the Pope and his Cardinals being puffed up with this y ^t they had brought the Emperor to this servile yoke, began to attempt further matters: but Henry revenged this dishonor sone after by the sword, and after sharp battelles he overcame Rodolpho, who having his hand cut of commanded to bring unto him the bishops and auctors of his rebellion, before whom he said thus having his hand laid before them. I am (quoth he) iustye plagued, lo this is the hand wherewith I pleighted my allegeaunce to my sovereign Lord Henry, and by your enticements I have often time fought against him to my loss, and falsifyed my faith, and therefore have received the reward due to my periurye: Consider therefore whether ye have guided me righte or no: Go ye therefore, and stand to your first faith vowed to your king, for I must go to my father: this being said, he died. After his death at the Popes commandment they set up another to be Emperor, one Harman a Saxō County of Lucelburg : who while he was assaulting a certain Castell in Germany, was slain by a certain great stone, which a woman hurled down upon him. And yet the Popes malice ceased not, but he raised up a third traitor against the Emperor evē his kinsmā Egbertus a Marquess, who also being taken in a Mill by the Emperors friends, was miserably slain. In the mean time the Pope did solace himself with the company of Mathilda, who forsaking her husband Azon Marquess of Esta kept continually by the Popes dear side, whereby she was called S. Peters daughter: and so of one ieast another sprāg, for (as Lambert Hirswaldēsis saith) the talk was how S. Peters daughter lived in secret incest w ^t S Peters heir, and that he that had deuorced other men from their wives and honest matrimonye, lived in whoredom with another man's wife. Also this Gregory judged to death three men before they were convict or confessed their crime, without the sentence of any secular Judge, and caused them to be hanged forthwith. Another time he cast Centius the son of a Senator into prison being his especial friend, & caused him to be tormented & rolled in a barrel of sharp nails till he was almost dead: But Centius escaping apprehended the said Hildebrand and might have quitted his quarrel, yet the people disappointed him, but the Pope ere he were delivered sware openly y ^t he would forgive him, and the rest y ^t had apprehended him. But being at liberty contrary to his oath he revenged it, causing Centius and ix. of his company to be hanged for it, y ^e other he condemned to banishment, and among them the son of a widow, who after the year of his vanishment was expyred did return & was led with an halter about his neck by his mother to Gregory, whō y ^e mother for full satisfaction desired to take her son and deliver him again as a new purged mā: But Gregory had hanged him but y ^t the Iu • tices▪ considering the penance that he had done were more just and wise, and refused to do it, and therefore Gregory in a rage commanded one of his feet to be cut of, whereof the yongmā died within five days, to the great grief of the poor widow his mother. Abbas Vspergensis & other write thus: It is manifest (say they) that this Hildebrand was not chosen by God, but intruded himself by money & guile, who tossed the ecclesiastical estate upside down, and troubled the kingdom of Christian Empier, practiced to murder the quiet Prince, defended oath breakers, fostred debate, sowed discentiō, raised offenses, made deuorcemēts, and disordered everything that seemed to be well among the godly. He was the first that put the ministers of the Church from their wives by excommunicatiō: He moved broils through France, Germany and England, tedious to be told. This deuorcement of ministers wives, did offend a great number of learned men at that time: for in Germany and France there were yet xxiiii. and more bishops, who with the clergy of their Diocese were then married, and did stoutly maintain their marriage still, beside those that were in England & Italy. Amonge other things Gregory commanded the Saturday to be fasted. He canonized Pope Liberius sainte, who was an Arriā heriticke, also he appointed an holy day in reverence of him. He toke away the Crown from the king of Poland. He condemned Berengarius opinion against real presence, & was the first that is noted to have established the doctrine of transubstantiatiō. He condemned a layman of sacrilege, that should reap the commoditye of tenths as of impropriat parsonages, but condemned him of heresy, that invested a priest, and him of Idolatry that should take a benefice of a layman. These and other like attempts gave Hildebrand, whereby he made the Popes leaden blade, to hew asonder almost the Emperors iron sword. Many of y ^e clergy as 14. Cardinals beside diverse bishops & other, did so abhor y ^e detestable treachery of this conjurer Gregory, y ^t they forsook him for shame, his villanyes were so many, and so monstrous encreasinge dailye: In steed • of God he served the devil, & of Princes whom he should honor he made worse then slaves: finallye as his name was Hildebrand so in deed he was an helly brande to all Christendom, tormoyled by his means with rebellions, treasons, murders &c. But at the length Henry y ^e Emperor began to set himself against the Popes practices, and in the year of Christ 1083. in a Synod at Brixia, laying his treacheryes to his charge he did deprive him of his place, and appointed another in his steed, whom he called Clement the third. He sent his army to Rome to drive out Gregory, and to establish this Clement, and by his longe siege he brought Rome to so great penurye, that they were compelled to sue for peace. But Hildebrand because he would not come in the Emperors sight, being rejected & forsaken of the Romans fled to Salerne, where he ended his wretched life in great misery Anno 1086, Antonius and Vincentius show that this Hildebrand even at the latter gasp called to him a certain Cardinal, and confessed to him y ^t he had haynouslye offended, because at the devils enticemēts he had sturred up hurlye burlies, hatred, and wars among many, and bad the cardinal go to desire the Emperor to pardon him. Divers mē wrote against him & his vile life, as Cādidus a Cardinal, Walramus bishop of Niemburg, Venericus bishop of Vercellen, Rowland priest of Parmen, Sigebertus Gemblacensis. Also of this Gregory it is said that he never went without a book of conjuring about him.

99. Victor the third.

VIctor the third abbot of Cassa was made Pope, not by [ 164] the election of the Romans or Cardinals, but was thrust in by the aid of his harlot Mathilda, and the Normans that were of his faction. He being established began to defend Gregory's pranks against the Emperor, and Clement appointed by him, but the hastiness of his death shortened his malice: who as Hermannus, Contractus, Carsulanus, Praemonstratensis and sondrye other testify, was poisoned by his deacō, who at mass time put the poison into the challice, against y ^t Pope should receive it. Divers wonders are reported to have happened at that time, as of tame birds, geese, cockes, hennes, pigions, & pecocks flewe into the mountains and became wild, houge store of fish died in the Sea: diverse Cities were so shaken w ^t earthquakes, so as the greater Pallas at Syracuse falling down, did slay all that were then in the Church, saving a couple.

100. Urban the second.

[ 165] VRban the seconde an Hetrurian borne called Otho before, was made Pope by the harlot Mathilda, and the Norman Lord's in Apulia in despite of y ^e Emperor. This is a scholar of Hildebrand, whom for following his masters steppes, Benno calleth a blind guide, a sciesmaticke, an heriticke, and companion of Liberius the Arian heretic: He watered those graftes of mischief which Gregory had planted, and was therefore called the turmoyler of the world, by descantinge of his name and in steed of Urban calling him Turban. He excommunicated Clement y ^e seconde established by the Emperor, and also the Emperor for establishinge of him, & procured many forsworn rebels both nobles and commoners, to conspire against him: and likewise the same Clement as being Pope, did again excommunicate him as an usurper, whereupon it moved many reasonings among both spiritual & temporal, who should be right Pope: And these controuersyes were tossed both in Germany and other countries. But when Urban would absolve none, whom Gregory had excommunicated, he was fain for fear of his life, to fly by stealth from Rome. He held five councils in sondrye places, and all for the establishing of Gregory's decrees, and to cōfirm that authority which the Church had gotten. Amonge many other enormities he concluded that no priests son should be capable of orders. He made y ^e archbishop of Toledo primate of Spain, upon condition y ^t he should swear fealtye to y ^e Pope, & so by that means he brought Spain under his wing. He cursed the king of France for imprisoning a bishop. He caused all that should take order to swear with this clause, So God help me and the holy Evangelists : finally he standing in awe of one John Pagan a Romaine, did hide himself for two years in the house of one Peter Lion, where he died Anno 1099. And his body was conveyed by night over Tiber for fear of his foes, the same year also died Clement the third, who had seen in his time the death of three Popes.

Of the former Hildebrand and this Urban his scholar, Theodor Bibliander writeth thus to Princes of all estates: Hildebrand (saith he) by sturringe up the Greek Emperor against the Turks, did sow the seed of the voyage of Gog & Magog, upon-whom the blood of the Church crieth vengeance, that was shed with the sword of his tongue. But this Urban by causinge Christians to go war upon Pagans, with vain color of fighting for y ^e holy Lande, & for Christ's Sepulcher, hath caused more Christian blood to be shed of all Nations, then can be esteemed: and did it only to oppress Clement the second and his faction, the while to restore himself to be Pope. In the time of this Vrbā, William Rufus king of England was sore combred with the proud prelate Anselmus archbishop of Canterbury, who whē he was commanded to answer to his misbehavior, did avoid it in appealinge to the Courte of Rome, both against the liking of all the bishops in England, and in spite of the kings heart went to complain to the Pope.

101. Paschal the second.

[ 166] PAschal the seconde was an Italian called before Rainerus, he was made Cardinal of S. Clements by Hildebrand his Scholemaister, & succeeded Urban. He when he saw he should be chosen, would not take the place upon him until the people had cried three times S. Peter choseth thee worthy man Raynarde : Then having a purple roabe upon him, and a Miter on his head, he was brought upon a white horse unto Lateran, where he received the Popes Scepter, and had the gyrdle put about him, whereon are hanged seven keys, and as many Seals. All the time he reigned he was continually busyed in wars, and • editio • s, attemptinge by all means possible to advance yet hier the estate of the Popedom. He drave out furiouslye from their places all those bishops and abbots, y ^t were established by the Emperor. At this time there was a certain prelate called Fluentinus, who seeing the great enormityes that presently choked the Christian Church, held opinion that Antichrist was incarnate and borne, and that he was revealed herein. And therefore (saith Sabellicus ) the Pope held a council against him, with the bishops of Italy and France, in Rome: among other canons he concluded it heresy to deny obedience to the Pope, and made a canon for paying of tenths to priests, concluding it siane against the holy Ghoste to sell the tenths. He renewed and published the excommunication against the Emperor, and caused the bishop of Mainz, of Collen, and of Wormes, to thrust him frō his estate, taking his Crown from him with all princelye title, dignity and honor. Yea and which is horrible to be heard, not content with this he did provoke and arm his only son Henry the fifth, to rebel against him being his natural father: A lamentable and pitiful case, to see the only child of so good & noble a father, not being provoked by any injury on the fathers part, not only to despise, to forsake and revolt from his father, denying to aid him, but also to assault him by force of arms, & to enclose him with his army as he did, and toke him entrapped by treason, spoiled & robbed him of his royal estate, and forced the wretched and miserable man captive to his own child, to die a double and doleful death. Thus could the Pope put the sword in the sons hand, forsing him to sheath it in his fathers bowels: Neither could this unnatural death of y ^e good old man, cause the unnatural rancor to die in the Popes breast, but for further revenge he commanded that the Emperors carcass should not be buried, but first be cast out of y ^e Church and be carried from Leodos to Spira, where it rotted five years without any Christian burial. But lo what a wonder God wrought in the mean time. To testify (saith Abbas Vspergensis ) the Popes tyranny, it rained blood at Spira. It were a lamentable thing to tell at large the manner of the Popes unmerciful dealing with this good Emperor. For first the forenamed bishops coming to him to Hilgeshem, they commanded him to deliver up his Diademe, his Purple robes, his Signet and other like ornaments belonging to the Empire. Whē he required a reason thereof, they answered partly for sellinge spiritual livings, but chiefly for the Popes pleasure. Wyth that the good Emperor sighing said: Ye know you received your bishoprickes at my hand, that I gave them freelye and am giltye of no such crime, and yet do you thus quite my curtesye? But the unthankful prelates moved neither with allegeaunce, oath, nor benefit, prosecuted their purpose: and first yielding him no reverence, they plucked frō him (sitting in his place of estate) his Crown Emperial, and his Purple roabe, and his Scepter. He being thus stripped out of his royaltye and forsaken, said pacientlye Let God see and judge. They leaving him, bestowed these things upon the son creating him, & causing him forthwith to pursue his father, forcing him to fly but with ix. parsons to the Dukedom of Limborough, where y ^e duke being his deadly ennemye did also make speed to apprehend him. The Emperor perceyuing himself thus entrapped and fearing death, submitted himself to the duke, beseaching him rather to show mercy then vengeance: Herevpon the noble hearted duke, though the Emperor had whilom displaced him of his Dukedom, yet pityinge his misery he both forgave him & entertained him courteously in his Castel, and w ^t an army conducted him to Collen, where he was well received. But the son hearing thereof besieged the Citye, but the father fled by night to Leodium, where so many loving hearts resorted to him, that he bad his son a battle and overthrew him, and still desired that if his son were taken, he should be saved harmless. Yet the son ceased not, but renuinge the battle prevailed and so dispossessed his father: who in the ende was brougth to such penurye, that he craved of the bishop of Spire to give him but a prebende to live upon in y ^e Church: But the earle forgetting the benefits received of him in his prosperity, denied him flatlye and said, by ladye ye get none here. Thus after he had reigned 50 year in his life he lacked living, and after death he wanted a grave through malice of the Pope.

Pope Paschal held a council of Princes and bishops about matter of gains, as homages and fealtyes due unto him, also he spoiled the bishop of Rauenna of his lands, and toke them into his own hands: But afterward because he refused to confirm certain bishops appointed by the Emperor Henry the fifth, the Emperor (though la • e before he had kissed the Popes feet) apprehended him, and cast him into prison, where he continued until he had confirmed them all, and should by his Seal restore the privilege of ratifying a bishop, which was granted to Charles the great, and confirm him to be Emperor. While (saith Masseus ) the Pope sat in his chair after Mass, behold the soldiers cried unto him and his clergy, Give unto Caesar that which is Caesar's : and forthwith apprehended both him and all his clergy, and carried them out, and stripped them out of their apparel so naked, that they left them not their breeches on, and led them thus handled to Soractis mount, where they put them in prison &c. This broyle being ceased, and Henry being crowned Emperor, Paschal renewed unto him the authority of appointing bishops, and pronounced openly in the Church, that they were all held accursed, who soever would disannul the preuiledge which he had granted: Then thy sange Gloria in excelsis, because of this peace between y ^e Emperor and the Pope. But as sone as the Emperor (this being done) was departed into Germany, the Pope brake all his oaths, and went from his word in every thing, saying y ^t he did it not freelye and of his own accord, but that for fear he yielded to the Emperors desire. Then was the privilege condemned, and the Emperor excommunicated, and terrible tragedyes sturred, which were all blazed through diverse countries. Also he by a council diuorsed the clergy of France from their wives, as Gregory had done in Germany, and drave diverse bishops frō their Seas, because they would not leave their wives. Again to increase the regiment of Rome, he revived the strife for the bestowīg of bishoprickes, which wrought great slaughter and bloodshed in all countries of Europe. Anselm{us} archbishop of Canterbury, with sophistrye and cauillinge upheld this Popes doing, as he did Pope V • banus being both their coūcelour at Rome, & their Uicar here in England. This Anselmus did deprive king Henry the first of all authority in Ecclesiastical causes, and denied to do homage to the king, thinking and avouching it to be vnlawfall, because it was due in the clergy unto the successors of S. Peter. Also he condemned in England the marriage of ministers: Pope Paschal died Anno 1118.

Matthaeus Pa • siensis writeth in his Chronicle, y ^t when Anselmus accused his sovereign king Henry the first of England, before the Pope at Rome for meddling with the appointing of bishops and ministers, William Warelwarst the kings Proctor did answer stoutlye in his Princes behalf, and among other things said, that the king would not for the loss of his kingdom lese his authority in appointing of prelates▪ Whereto the Pope said: If as thou sayest thy king to hazarde his crown, will not forgo his giving of Ecclesiastical lyuinges, know thou preciselye, I speak it before God, y ^t I will not suffer him without punishment, no not for the price of his head. Which being heard, Anselmus besought the Pope, to lay hands in despite of the king on those whom he had disgraded, & so (saith Mattheus ) the holy seat ready to yield favor to all, restored them to their former dignities by the intercession of White and red. But king Henry did deprive Anselmus of all his goods, and confiscated his Archbishopric and defyed the Popes authority. Anno 1110. the Moon was darkened, as if she had lost her light, the year following it rained blood at Rauenna in Italy, & at Parma in the month of Iulye. Anno 1114. in December the Heaven appeared suddenly of a very fierye and ruddye color, as if it had burned, and the Moon suffered an Eclipse. The same year the river of Thames was dry for two days. Anno 1▪ 17. there were thonders, hail, great winds, horrible dreadful and houge earthquakes, that overthrew Churches, Towers, walls, buildings, and destroyed men.

102. Gelasius the second.

GElasius the second called before John Caietanus of a noble house, was sometime a monk, he succeeded Paschal [ 167] but not without great discention. For because he was chosen without the consent of the Emperor, one Cincius a mā of great power in Rome would not suffer this injury, but went with a troupe of soldiers to Palladiā minster, where the Cardinals were gathered together: and breakinge the gates open he rushed in upon them, and stroke at everyone that he met. And as for the Pope with his neck wrongde awrye he threw him on the ground, stamped on him with his feet, and cast him into prison: and as the Cardinals were running away, he hoysed them of their Mules and horses to the ground, and used all the despite he could toward them. But y ^e Romans would not suffer this, and therefore by the aid of the Normans they delivered the Pope, & made his enemies to submit themselves, and to ask pardon with kissinge his feet. The Emperor hearing this sent a great ar •• ye out of Germany to Rome, which Gelasius fearing, fled by ship with his company to Caieta, and there was made a priest, for he was made Pope before being but a deacon. Henry the Emperor coming to Rome in the absence of Gelasius, created Maurice Burdinus archbishop of Bracharie Pope, and called him Gregory the eight, and thē he returned frō Rome. Gelasius hearing thereof returneth priuilye to Rome, and taking heart to him he cometh into Praxis Church to say mass, where he was so hindered by the contrary side, that he scant saved himself by running away: From thence he fled into France, where at the length he was entertained by an abbot, in whose house he died of a pleuresye in the seconde year of his reign. In his life by a Legat that he sent, he held a council in Collen, where he excommunicated the Emperor, and decreed y ^t the Popes of Rome should be judged by none.

103. Calixtus the seconde.

[ 168] CAlixtus the second being before called Guido of Burgundy came of the kings of France and England, he succeeded Gelasius. And after he was confirmed at Rome, he sent a messenger to the said Conon in Germany, to continue the excommunication of his predecessor against the Emperor. Hereupon y ^e Emperor was compelled to summon a council of Princes and bishops at Tybur, to make peace between him & the Pope: and least the Popes part should have spoiled his dominions, he toke peace upon unequal conditions. He confirmed to his great dishonor the electiō of this Calixtus, who was chosen Pope at Cluny in France by a few Cardinals, whom Gelasius had brought with him: and yet was the other Pope Gregory alive, whom y ^e Emperor himself had first created. And when the Popes Legates demanded of the Emperor to give over his authority in Ecclesiastical causes, and bestowing spiritual livings: he desired respite to deliberate thereon with the Princes of Germany, who counseled him to seek for the favor of the Pope, (to such puissancye was y ^e Pope then start up over the mighty Monarchs.) Finallye Ambassadors meetinge at Wormes in Germany for either parte to debate the matter, after great controuersyes and sharp reasoninges on either side, the Pope bare away the victory: for the Emperors Proctors were the bishop of Spire and the abbot of Fulda, by their calling bound to favor the Popes part, who persuaded the Emperor to yield over his righte for fear of the excomunication, which would cause his subjects to revolt from him: And so he obeyed. This being done the Popes Legates did absolve him, and gave him license to repair to service in the Church, which Gelasius had denied him. These compositions were drawn in writing for both sydes, and therefore the Popes part even to triumph of their victory, and show how the Emperor was vanquished, caused theirs to be read with open Proclamation, and hanged them up at Lateran to be seen openly. Calixtus after he had thus maistred the Emperor, persecuted Pope Gregory his adversary that stood against him for the Popedom, by the Emperors means: Gregory hearing of this fled from Rome to Sturium, where Calixtus caught him, and to make him a laughing game even to the Emperors reproach, he caused Gregory to be set upon a Camel with his face toward the Camels tail, & so to be brought to Rome: afterward he caused his head to be shaven, & so sent him into a Monasterye. Amonge many Canons that Calixtus made, one was, that it should be adulterye if a man in his life time should forsake his bishopric or Church, wresting this place of Paul unto it: The wife is bound to the law of her husband, while he liveth &c.. He appointed to fast four times in the year, whereas before it was but thrice, and said it was not lawful to fast any otherwise then according as the Church of Rome did, addinge this reason: For (saith he) as the son came to do the will of his father, so must Christians do the will of their mother the Church of Rome. He died of a fever which he toke by the travel of a great iorneye, Anno 1125. One Simeon an Englishman borne in Duresme in the 2. book of his history of the Kings of England writeth, that this Calixtus held a general council in France, wherein he forbad priests, deacons, or subdeacons to have wives: and first to leese their benefices, secondlye the Communion if they would not yeilde herein. Wherevppon one in England wrote a sharp Epigram against him, thus in effect.

104. Honorius the seconde.

HOnorius the second before called Lambert being but of [ 169] base birth, was first made bishop of Hostia for his learning, and so came to be Pope. But (saith Platina ) his entrance into Peters place is not to be commonded, because he came in rather by the ambition of a few, then the consent of good men: for he was made Pope with great debate by the policy of one Leo Frangepain y ^e chiefest Citizen, who persuaded that they should not chose y ^e Pope, before they knew all the Canons concerning the electiō. While they stayed about this, Leo practiced to serve this Popes turn by such fetches as he could devise: but the Cardinals perceyuinge his policye did create one Theobaldus (a Cardinal) Pope, calling him Celestine, but the people stood earnestly vrginge for another Cardinal that was a Saxō, which Leo seemed to like of, only to defeat the election of the Cardinals: and when by this means he had y ^e people somewhat indifferent to be ruled by him, he brought to pass by them to make Lambert Pope, and called him Honorius. This Honorius (saith Mattheus Parisiensis ) sent out a Legat one John Cremensis a riotous Cardinal, to fil the Popes bags: He coming into England Anno 1125. with the kings favor passed from one Religious house to another, still fillinge his pouches with money and his panche with delicate cheare. And when he had even loaden himself meetely well, he held a Synod in London, where he condemned all the clergy of adultery which had wives, and even the self same day at night my Lord Legat himself even his own parson was taken in adultery. And yet Pope Honorius wrote in his behalf to y ^e clergy of England thus: We desire you, charge you, and command you, that ye receive this John as the Uicar of S. Peter w ^t reverence, hear him with humilitye and at his commandment be assistant at his Synods &c. The like for him wrote Honorius to David king of Scots. There is a certain statute made by the same John, in y ^e said Synod held at London to this effect: We by our Apostolical authority command that priests, deacons, subdeacons, and canonists, shall not come in company with their wives, concubines, yea or any other women, except their mother, sister or aunte, or such womē as may altogether give no suspicion, and who so shall break this, shall forfeit his orders. We command that no marriage shall be made between kindred, or affinitye to the seventh degree. Honorius died Anno 1130. Platina saith that in the time of this Honorius, one Arnulphus an Englishmā and a noble preacher of y ^e Christian Religion, was murdered at Rome by the treacherye of the clergy, because he did sharpelye reprove their royat and wantonness, and rebuked their pomp, and greediness in gathering riches. Manye of the nobles of Rome did follow this man as a true disciple & Prophet of Christ, and only preacher of the truth.

105. Innocentius the second.

INnocentius the second after he was made Pope, could [ 170] devise no more charitable deed then to suppress Roger Duke of Sicilia, for saying that he was king of Italy. The Pope brought out his army, and marched forward stoutlye and manfullye overthrew his ennemye: but the dukes son coming upon his back with an army toke the Pope, and his Cardinals, and so Roger obtained all beside the title of Sicilia. In the mean time the Romans created one Peter Leo his son Pope, and called him Anacletus, which being heard Innocentius desired to be set at liberty and obtained it, and purposed to return to Rome: but because he saw all was in an uproar at Rome, he turned frō thence, trauayling till he came into France. In the mean time Anacletus sought with spendinge and brybinge, to win and confirm all men's good wills toward him, that any way seemed to favor him: He made Roger king of both Sicils to be his freinde. Innocentius was busy on the other side, to recover the Popedom, & therefore held a council in France and condemned Anacletus for an ennemye of the Church. Afterward he went to Philip king of France, and crowned his son Louis, then he went to Carnotus, where he met with Henry the first, king of England, persuading with him to send an army against the Sarracens that kept the holy lande, but his purpose was to have used that army for the recovering of his Popedom. From him he went to Lotharius king of Germany desyringe him to see him restored: Lotharius gyuinge his oath to the Pope, prepared an army to conducte Innocent safe to Rome. So Lotharius entered into Italy with a puissante army to restore Innocent to his place, and coming to Rome divided his host, and entered into the Citye, overthrew Anacletus with duke Roger, and set Innocētius safe in Lateran. Innocentius therefore to show himself thanckfull, crowned Lotharius Emperor, and gave to Reginold his chiefest Captayne the Dukedom of Apulia, y ^t was none of his own to bestow, and all that Roger possessed in Italy▪ But Reginold died soon after, and then Roger claimed his right again, and because y ^e Pope withstood him, he toke him again, & his Cardinals suddenly ere y ^t they wist, & would never let them depart until they had granted him his whole desire: yea to make him king of both Sicils, and so since that time the kingdom of Sicill is called S. Peters patrimonye. But (saith Nauclerus ) much mischief arose up hereof, because the Pope would thus take upon him the bestowinge of Princelye titles, robbinge the Emperors of that righte, which they had gotten by the sword. Innocentius made a law, that whosoever should strike an anointed priest or shaven clarke, should be excommunicated, to be absolved only by the Pope: after this he died Anno 1143. In this Popes time Stephen Kinge of England Anno 1136. kept to himself and used in his own power the inuesture of prelates. And Lotharius the Emperor would have reclaimed that to himself, which the Pope toke from Henry the Emperor, but that S. Bernard being then of great credit dissuaded him About this time was William bishop of York called S. William of York, who was poisoned in his challice by his Chapleynes.

106. Celestine the second.

CElestine the second a Thuscan succeeded Innocent by y ^e [ 171] commandment of Conradus : his life was so short that he could not play the Pope like other. At this time was a great contagious plague through out all Italy. Celestine died in the sixth month of his Popeship. In his time the bishop of Winchester in England held a council, where was concluded y ^t if any man abused either Church or Churchyard or laid hand on an Ecclesiastical person, he should be excommunicate, to be absolved only by the Pope.

107. Lucius the second.

LVcius the second borne in Bononia succeeded Celestine. [ 172] He was the cause & auctor of much discension in Rome, for deposing and disanullinge a kind of office called Patricianship, which the Romans being weary of the Popes yoke had made in the time of Innocentius, because the Popes toke upon them all swaye within the Citye & abroad likewise. But this Pope Lucius because he was not able to depose the Patrician alone, craved aid of y ^e Emperor Conradus, who being otherwise busied could not assiste him. Lucius therefore sought to attain his purpose another way: for when the Patrician & the Senators were all gathered together close in the Capitol, Lucius toke his oportunitye and came thither with a bande of soldiers in armor, meaning either to destroy the Capitol, or to drive them out. The Cityzēs hearing hereof armed them selves forthwith, and ran to succor their officer, whervppon roose a very bloody fraye: Pope Lucius being in the midst of the broyle was so pelted with stones and other lumps, that sone after he died thereof Anno 1145 ere he had reigned a year.

108. Eugenius the third.

EVgenius y ^e third sometime an abbot, was made Pope [ 173] by this means w ^t the consent of the Cardinals. This Eugenius was scholar to S. Barnard, who for his learning was then in great reverence, and considering the time how the Romans wrangled to have authority in the electiō of the Pope, they thought it safest and surest for the maintenance of the Popes authority, to chose none of the College of Cardinals but this Eugenius, that it might be a cause why his schoolmaster Barnarde should advance y ^e Sea of Rome in his writings: and so it fell out as it appeareth in his 2. book of Considerations. Eugenius at his first creation perceived the Romans would be importunate, to have the election of their Senators ratified, and therefore he fled with his Cardinals from Rome by night to Viterbium, where he excommunicated all the Romans, which caused y ^e Citizens to obey Jordan chosen Patrician : then he joined his army with the host of the Tiburtines, old enemies to Rome, & so compelled y ^e Romans to sue for peace: which he granted at length upon condition that they should fully abolish the principalitye of the Patrician, and should restore his deputye to his former place, and for hereafter should be content to take such Senators, as he by his Papal authority would assign them. Peace being thus concluded he returned into Rome, but perceyuing afterward that falsehood was mente toward him, he slipped again to Tiburie : the Romans pursued him forthwith, with bows and bills, and drave him from Tiburie into France. And at length he returned to Rome and there died Anno 1152.

109. Anastasius the fourth.

ANastasius of a Cardinal became Pope, wherein he [ 174] did nothing worthy memory, but that he bestowed upon Lateran a riche and massye Chalice, and bestowed cost in repayringe S. Mary's Church, and so died the seconde year of his Popeship Anno 1154. This Anastasius after the death of one Henry Mordachus a proud monk whom Pope Eugenius intruded. restored S. Williā archbishop of York, which William was afterward poisoned in the Challice coming to receive the Communion, as Mattheus Parisius saith. In this Popes time y ^• Thames at London was so frozen, y ^e cartes and waynes passed over the ise, and a little before were two Eclipses, one of the Sun, and the other of the Moon, after which followed terrible tempests, storms, thonder, lightninges, rain and wind.

110. Hadrian the fourth.

HAdrian the fourth was an Englishmā borne called Nicolas [ 175] Breakespeare, y ^e son of one Dan Robert a monk of S. Albanes: he was first a reguler priest, & afterward a bishop, then a Cardinal, and finallye Pope of Rome. He being chosen by the clergy at Rome, would not ascend & take the place until they had consented unto him, that one Arnold bishop of Brixia whom he counted an heretic, should be banished out of Rome. This Arnold persuaded the Romans to recover their liberty of choosinge their Maiestrates: and when the people withstood the presumption of the Pope, it wrought gre • te strife. This Hadrian a man of loftye courage forthwith did excommunicate the Romans, until they should drive out Arnold, and compel their Consulles to leave their offices, & yield the government of the Citye freelye unto him. In the mean time Frederick y ^e Emperor hasted him to Rome with an army, to put down the rebels: the Pope and his clergy went out to meet him, whereby y ^e Pope thought to get oportunitye to be revenged by the Emperors aid vppō his enemies. The Emperor meeting with y ^e Pope alighted from his horse and went on foot, and attendinge on the Popes parson when he should alight, y ^e Emperor held the left stirope, for the which the Pope scorned him for mistakinge the stirope, and said unto him: Ye should have held me the right stirope. The Emperor taking it patiently answered him smilingly, I have not (quoth he) learned to hold a stirope, and you holy father are the first, to whom I ever did this service: And (quoth y ^e Emperor, because he saw the Pope angry that he answered) I would know of you whether this be my duty to do it, of force, or of my own curtesye: If a man offer it of curtesye, how will you rebuke him for negligence? If it be not of duty, what need ye care on which side he come unto you, that cometh to do you worship? Such sharp talk passinge between them, they departed both full of wrath. But on the morrow the Emperor being a man of wisdom, neglected all that he had heard and seen touching the Popes statelye and proud mind, and sent for him desiringe him to come to his pauilion. The Pope came and y ^e Emperor went forth to meet him, and as he was tought the day before against the Pope should alight, he held the right stirope, and so conducted the Pope in. As they sat together, Pope Hadrian began to talk in this manner. Princes (quoth he) in old time which came to crave the Crown, were wont to recompense the curtesye of the Church of Rome with some excellent benefit, that as it were preventing the Popes blessing and the crown, that they should receive by their dutifulnes, might notifye thenselves to all men by their noble deed: For so Charles deserved his Crown by conqueringe the Lombardes, Otho his by asswaging the Berengarians, Lotharius his by suppressinge the Normans. Therefore your worthiness may restore Apulia to be territorye to Rome, which now the Normans withhold, & then will we afterward sone do y ^• which is our duty. The Princes therefore perceyuing y ^t the Pope would not crown Frederick, unless he should first win Apulia from William king of Sicill by his own cost & charge, they promised it should be performed with a new army out of Germany, as sone as the other army were grown out, if so be he would crown y ^e Emperor. Thereupon the next day he was crowned with y ^e Crown Imperial, by the Pope in S. Peters Pallaice: and afterward having executed above a thousand of the rebellious Citizens, he prepared to return into Germany. After the Emperors departure, y ^e Pope being disappointed of his aid, purposed to set upon Apulia to win it frō the king of Sicill, with such force as as he could make: first he excommunicated the king because he would not yield it up, and discharged his subjects of their alleageaunce, to make them to rebel against him. But because these things prevailed but little against king William, he set Immanuel the Emperor of Greece upon him, because he knew that he had been a mortal ennemye to king Williams father. William fearinge this sought for peace, & promised to yield all to the Pope, but the Pope by the council of certain Cardinals (hopinge to gain more by the war then peace) refused the offer, & proclaimed war against him. King William perceyuinge this to prevent the danger in time, gathered an army in haste out of all Sicill and sailed to Apulia where he fought with Immanuel and overthrew him. Afterwarde he assaulted the town Beneuent (where the Pope and his Cardinals wear) in such sort y ^t they dispayring to escape craved peace: William granted it, and so was reconciled to the Pope, who then pronounced him king of both Sicils, making him first to swear that he should hurt nothing that belonged to y ^e Church of Rome. Thus the Pope returned to Rome w ^t foul shame, where contrary to his expectation he was troubled with civil discention, for the Consuls began to reclayme their liberty and authority which he had taken away: and because he could not prevail with his vain thonderboltes of excommunication, he departed to Arminy.

While these things were doing, the Emperor abydinge at home, remembered with himself howe the Pope had taken from the Emperors the former right of inuestinge of prelates, and by his Legates had summoned all nations together, & had sowed y ^e seed of rebellion through all his Empire, taken homage & fealtye of all the bishops in Germany. Hereupon he commanded, that if the Popes Legates came into Germany without his commandment, they should be kept out. He forbad that any of his subjects should appeal to Rome, he set his own name in wryt • nge before the Popes: whereupon the Pope was so wroth, that he sent letters to the Emperor rebuking him sharpelye for it. The copy whereof for the better understanding of it, it thus.

Here may you discern somewhat the dealing and spirit of the Romain bishops, which I leave to every ones own indifferent consideration. To return to the matter, hereuppon this Pope Hadrian did excommunicate y ^e Emperor, and by his Legates sent from Rome provoked rebellions against him in Italy and other places: and brought it secretly to pass, that the conspiracye of the rebels should be made the stronger, by these laws confirmed among them by oath, that none of them should take peace with him, w ^t out the whole consent of all the rest. And again, that if this Pope Hadrian should die, they should choose none to be Pope, but one of those Cardinals that were of the conspiracye against the Emperor. But shortly after God punished this Hadrian very straungelye for (saith Abbas Vspergensis in Frederico primo ) it came to pass that this Pope Hadrian the fourth, going to Agnania to denounce the excommunication against the Emperor, after he had tarried there a few days, walked forth with some of his company, to cool him self: And when he came to a certain springe of water he drancke thereof, and forthwith a fly did enter into his mouth, and did cleave to his throat in such sort, that no art of the Phisitiōs could get it away, and so he was choked through ^t , and died thereof Anno 1159. in the fifth year of his Popeship. But the Italians being thus set on by the Pope, devised continually treasons against y ^e Emperor, among other, practiced to have murdered him by a certain counterfeit fool, being in deed an excellent Musician, who had surely slain him, but y ^t the Emperor driven to his shift leaped out at y ^e fifth window down into a river, which ran under y ^e place where he was: The fool being taken was also thrown down out of the same window, and so he brake his neck. After this they hired an enchanter of Arabia, who poisoned his bridle, his spurs, his ringes, and his stirope, and such other things, that with y ^e only touching thereof he should have been slain: But he was bewrayed and hanged up. This Pope Hadrian made king Henry y ^e second of England, Lord of Ireland. Carion in his Chronicle wrytinge of Conradus the third, Emperor of Germany saith, that it is found written that this Pope Hadrian y ^e fourth even a little before his death should say: that there is no kind of life upon earth more wretched thē to be Pope, and to get the Popedom by blood is not to succeed Peter, but Romulus who for the kingdom slue his own brother.

III. Alexander the third.

[ 176] ALexander the third was borne in Hetruria called first Rolland Chancellor. After Hadrian y ^e fourth had his breath stopped, and was choked with a fly, this man succeeded him being far worse then the other. But because that all parties could not agree to elect him, nine of the Cardinals that held on the Emperors part, did choose another Pope called Octauianus a citizen of Rome, being a priest and Cardinal of S. Clements, whom they called Victor the fourth. And after the death of this Victor the sciesme and discention being continued, three Popes succeeded in order, Paschalis, Calixtus, and Innocentius, all which withstood this Pope Alexander and made great turmoyles in the Church of Rome, and all perished, he yet living. But when the Emperor summoned a council at Papia whereby the strife might be ended, and the matter debated, that he might be confirmed Pope that had y ^e better right: this Alexander defyinge the Emperors Ambassadors, answered proudlye that the Pope (as he toke himself to be) is to be judged by no man, and thus sent away the Ambassadors with great contempt: and sendinge his letters through all Christendom, he plagued both the Emperor and this Victor with excommunications. And because he might assure Rome to himself, he sent letters forthwith to John Cardinal of saint Peters Church, who supplied his room there, who by briberye and flatterye so curried favor with the people, that he allured the most parte of the Citye to favor Alexander, and to make those Consuls that did most lean to his part. In the mean time Alexander coming out of France into Italy returned forth with to Rome, and was courteously received: and y ^e Cities of Italy being emboldened by his coming, to shake of their allegiance to the Emperor contrary to their oath, did forthwith reuolte from him, king Philip of France favoring their part. The Emperor knowing of these rebellions & conspiracies against him, did forthwith gather a new army and went into Italy: but when he came to Brixia, one Hartman y ^e bishop thereof being of the Emperors priuye council, (but a false hypocrite) did dissuade him from y ^e war. And persuaded him (by the Popes secrete council) to make war rather against the • urkes enemies to Christian faith, then against the holy father and Christian men, addinge withal y ^t now the Soldan oppressed & enjoyed Jerusalem, and all y ^e holy land, which his uncle had whilom conquered with great power & charges. He prayed him to try the force of his army upon the Agarens & Saracens, and to recover these lands therewith: furthermore he promised the Emperor to perform this, that y ^e king of France likewise should leuye an army to aid to conquer the Soldan king of Egypt. At his supplication the Emperor led his army against the Pagans, which he had prepared against the Pope & his rebels. He traueyled through Hungary to Constantinople, and sendinge over his army he wan many towns from the Turk, as among other Philomenia and Ionicus, & passed into Armenia the less, conquering all: yea God so prospered his victoryes, that y ^e Soldan him self feared the loss of his kingdom. At the length he came to Jerusalem, where he suffered the Pagans to pass with life out of the Citye. At length having gotten great victories in Jewry, he considered how he might defend from the Turks that which he had won, and repair that which was wasted. But while he was thus busy here in the East, Pope Alexander was not yet quieted, but both he and his conspirators still feared him, if he should ever return into Italy, and therefore Alexander still devised how to have him destroyed. He sent a cunning painter to go to the place where the Emperor was, who (the Emperor not knowing thereof) should draw his picture: this being perfectly done, he commanded a secret messenger to convey it to the Soldan, & wrote a letter w ^t all to the Soldan certefying him that it was the Emperors picture, and tellinge him that if he would live quietlye, he must work the seat to have him destroyed by some train. The Soldan having received these letters & y ^e Emperors lively picture, devised howe to gratifye the Pope, and to slay his ennemye: but he could never get oportunitye, neither in battle nor in his tents to have him slain. But when the Emperor having won Jerusalem retired with his army homeward, he having no fear of himself did devide his army into diverse partes, whereby they might return the more conuenientlye for vittaile and lodginge one after another. But in Armenia being on a time in a great heat and sweatinge, partly with travel, partly with the heat of the Sun, mistrusting no danger in y ^e saluage country full of woddes, he taking a few horsemē with him & his chaplein, did step frō his army. Beinge a little gone a side he alighted from his horse, and was about to put of his apparel at a rivers side, where commanding his horsemen to depart he purposed by himself & his chaplen alone to baath himself, because he was exceeding hot: where it so happened that the Soldanes which had lain in wait for him as he traveled negligentlye, came and toke him, and led the noble Emperor prisoner through the woods to the Soldan : his horsemen not knowing thereof attending for him in vain, at length came and sought diligently for him till the next day. The rumour was brought to the army that he was drowned, whereupon all the host lamented, wepte, and mourned heauilye, and sought him alonge the flood almost the space of an whole month: but when they could not find him they chose them new Captains, and so marched homeward.

The Emperor being brought to the Soldan did dissemble that he was one of y ^e Emperors chamberlaynes, but the Soldan perceyuinge by the picture which he had from the Pope, resembling his face that he was the Emperor, commanded the picture to be brought forth, and the le • ters to be read before him. The Emperor being astonished at this treason, saw that it auayled not to deny himself, he confessed the truth, and besought the Soldan humbly to have compassion on him. After the Soldan had talked much with him, and saw both by his words & deeds, that he was a worthy and noble gentlemā, in whom there was no virtue meet for so princely a parsonage wanting, and having him in great estimation for his wisdom, his good demeanour, his faythfulnes and upright dealing, thought he should purchase himself great glory and renown to deliver him. Therefore afterward he called the Emperor unto him, offered him liberty upon conditions, and curteouslye proffered him that he should lay in hostages for his ransom paying. And on this condition he let him go, that he should make a perpetual league of peace with him, and should pay an hundred thousand ducates, & should leave his chaplen that was takē prisoner with him, to lie in pledge till it were paid: so writings were drawn of the conditions, and the Emperor prepared his journey, and bad his chaplen be of good courage, promisinge him y ^t he would not take his rest in Germany, until the money were sent and that he saw him returned thither. Then the Soldā bestowed gifts on the Emperor, provided for his voyage, and with xxxiiii. horses & certain soldiers conducted him to Brixia, and stayed there. The Princes understanding of the Emperors return, for joy resorted fast unto him. The Emperor loadinge the Soldanes men with diverse rewards sent them back again, and other with them to conduct them to the coast of the Empire. Afterward he held a Parliament at Norimberg, calling together all the Princes of the Empire, to whō he detected the treason of Pope Alexander, and read the traitors Epistle which he sent to the Soldan, and told them by what means he escaped. The Princes promised to assist him to perform his promise to the Soldan, and in great disdain against Pope Alexander traitor to the Empire, they offered to aid him. The army was gathered, he came to Rome, and not a man through out Italy withstood him: and sending his Ambassadors into the Citye, he demanded of the Romans (concealing his own injury) that the Church might be brought to quietness by hearing both the Popes causes heard: and that the right bishop might have his place, whereby the Church might be governed by one. If they would do this, he promised that he would grant them not only peace, but would restore them all their righte. Pope Alexander perceyuinge that by this means the Emperor might obtain his purpose to be revenged on him, fled by night to Caieta, afterward to Beneuent : last of all in the 17 year of his Popeship, he came to Venice disguised in the apparel of one that was his cook, where lurking in an abbey he became a Gardener. A while after he was bewrayed and known, and there upon calling a council by the commandment of duke Sebastian, he was received with great honor, and brought into S. Mary's Church w ^t pontifical pomp. The Emperor hearing that the Pope was at Venice, desired the Venetians to yield to him his ennemye, being likewise the ennemye of the common wealth. The Venetians denied to do it: therefore y ^e Emperor sent his son Otho with a nauye of soldiers to demand Alexander of them, but he charged him withal that he should attempt nothing in any case, till he himself were come unto him. But Otho being a lustye young Prince full of courage and desirous of renown, neglecting his fathers commandment, would needs encounter the Venetians, whereby he was overcome, taken prisoner, bound & brought to Venice. Herevpon Alexander began to set up his crest and put out his horns, and would not take peace with the Emperor in any case, unless the Emperor would come to Venice, & take such conditions of peace, as he would offer him. Whereuppon the good and careful father to provide for the infortunate misery of his son, promised he would come at the time appointed: and so came where they commoned upon conditions of peace. But the Pope would not absolve the Emperor of excommunication, till he came to S. Markes Church, where before all the people, Pope Alexander commanded the Emperor to prostrate himself on the ground, and to crave pardon. The Emperor did as he commanded him: then the Pope trode on the Emperors neck with his foot, saying it is written: Thou shalt walk upon the serpent and adder, and shalt tread down under rhy feet the Lion and dragon. The Emperor disdayninge this reproach answered: It was not said to thee but to Peter. The Pope then treadinge down his neck again said: Both to me and to Peter. The Emperor then fearing some danger, durst say no more, & so the peace was concluded. The conditions whereof are these, that the Emperor should uphold Alexander to be true Pope, that he should restore all that did belong to the Church of Rome, which had been taken away in y ^e wars: Thus the Emperor departed with his son. The Pope to show himself thankful to Venice, bestowed of his liberality gifts upon duke Sebastian & y ^e Senate. First he gave them a white Taper which only the Popes used to Bear. Secondly he lycensed them to seal their letters with lead: and he granted their Duke the third seat in the Popes Theatre. Fourthly he granted that on Ascension day, they should have whole and perfect pardons forever at S. Markes Church. Fifthly he gave the Duke viii. banners of silk, and an attier for the head like an hat. Afterward Alexander deprived the bishop of Papia of his Pall, & exempted him of the dignity of caryinge y ^e Cross, because he toke the Emperors part. He made many Canons in a council at Lateran, as that an archbishop should not receive his Pall, unless he had sworn first to be true and obedient to the Pope. And that a man should not marry his brothers wife being widow, that they that toke orders should vow chastetye, that a bastard should not be made a bishop, that the canonizinge of Saints belonged only to the Pope, & that such saints should have divine honor. Amonge other he made Thomas Becket archbishop of Canterbury, & a rank traitor to his prince (but stoutlye upheld therein by the Pope) a saint. He bound king Henry the seconde, of England (excusing himself of the death of Thomas ) y ^t his subjects should franklye & freely appeal frō him to the Court of Rome, & that afterward none should be king of England, unless he were first called king by the Pope. This arose upon the quarrel between the king and Thomas Becket, who so vexed and disquieted his sovereign prince, with all the nobles and prelates of this Realm, with cursinges, excommunications, interditinges, threatenings, moving both French king & Pope to moleste the king in his behalf: and finallye as then Pope Alexander played the incarnate devil against the Emperor, so did Becket rage like a subdeuill against the king in England, till certain not able to endure his arrogante, seditious and traiterous doings, in great despite thereof slue him at Canterbury. He decreed that a mā should not be deuorced frō his wife, though she had y ^e Leprosye. Also that those y ^t could be proved userers, should neither be admitted to the Communion, nor buried in the Church: after these & other like deeds he died Anno 1181. Robert Montēsis Chronicle hath, y ^t Louis king of France and Henry king of England, waited on Pope Alexander as his gentlemē vsshers and footmen, the one leading his horse by the bridle on the right side, and the other on y ^e left, through the whole City Taciacū to Legeris. In this Popes time the Sun was Eclipsed, and earthquakes were everywhere. Also there were certain called Waldenses who defended many articles against the Pope and his doctrine, as transubstantiation, Purgatorye &c.

112. Lucius the third.

LVcius the third borne in Thuscia of an honorable stock, succeeded by consent of all the Cardinals. But [ 177] the Romans so vexed him that he was driven out of the Citye, and many of his friends and company taken by the Romans, some were set upon Asses with their faces towards the tail, and Miters on their heads, and so led through the Citye in mockadge, some used despitefullye otherwise: Some had their eyes put out by the Romans in a madness, othersome murdered: & for this cause only, that he went about to take away the name of Consuls in the Citye. The Pope sufferinge this great shame went to Verona, where in a council he condemned the Romans doings, and even then when the Christians were persecuted in Asia (which pretence of holiness wrought the peril of many) that they might be succoured, because the enemies were emboldened to wast the bolye lande under their Captain Saladinus, presuminge for that our Princes were at discētion. This Pope being mindful of his coūtry Thuscia bestowed large gifts upon it, and obtained of the Emperor that the Hetruriās should have the self same coin that the Lucēsians among them had, even as the Lombards had only the money of Papia with the Emperors coin. Valerius Anselmus writeth that this Pope contrary to other, allowed the Sacraments that were done by whoremaister chapleins, he died in Verona Anno 1185. In his time were great earthquakes which did destroy diverse notable Cities, & in Sicil were destroyed thereby five and twentye thousand parsons. The Armenians being at this time at great debate with the Greek Church, did for hatred thereof become subject to the Church of Rome.

113. Urbanus the third.

[ 178] VRbanus who because of his troublesome dealings was nicknamed Turbanus, was borne in Millen. He as sone as he was made Pope, was careful at the first to set the Christian Princes at concord, least while they were divided the Pagās should destroy them: but lo how it fell out, for saith Crantzius because the Emperor would not in all pointes follow his mind, he purposed forthwith to draw out his blade of excommunication against the Emperor, whereby he made the matter worse, but death toke him away in time and prevented him. As some think he died for grief, because he heard dailye increase of the misery among the Christians, & how Saladinus triumphed in victory against them, with their great slaughters, Jerusalem being taken again, and king Guido also, as he was going to Venice to repair his army. In this Popes time on Midsōmer day at vi. of the clock in the morning was an Eclipse of the Sun, after which ensued a great pestilence in Polonia, Russia, and other countries. By the bolstring up of this Pope the monks of Canterbury did in matter of cōtrouersye out swaye both the archbishop and king their Prince Henry the second, who were glad to yield to the monks their desire for fear of the Popes threatening.

114 Gregory the eight.

GRegorie the viii. borne in Apulia succeeded Urban. At this time the Popes seemed very careful for the recovery [ 179] of the holy land, Judea and Jerusalem, being but a vain and false color of them to weaken the Princes of Christiandome, whereby they might the better master them one by one: and by this means also being so holy a show, they so occupied the minds of Christian Princes, y ^t they could entende to have no regard to the Popes doings, who in the mean time while they had no eye unto him, wrought his feats to the great enriching & aduauncinge of his own dignity. For so this Pope Gregory, even at his first entrance did send letters to the Princes of Christendom, to raise their armyes to go to recover Jerusalem, and to spend their blood in a vain quarrel: but as he was going to stir up the Pisans & Genuans in this matter, he was poisoned, and so died before he had reigned two months.

115. Clemens the third.

CLemens the third a Romaine son of one John Scholar. [ 180] He at his first entrance sent out commandment to make war vppō the Sarracens : wheruppon the Princes raised their armyes, the chief whereof are these, Frederick the Emperor, Philip king of France, Richard king of England, and Otho duke of Burgundye, and diverse bishops and archbishops, with sundry people of Denmark, Fryzeland and Flaunders, but yet they did almost nothing at all. King Richard of England coming nigh to Rome in his iourneye, met with one Octamanus bishop of Hostia, to whom he complained much of the vnsaciable and shameful simony used by the Pope and his court, for taking vii. hundred marks for consecrating the bishop Cenomanensis, also fifteen hundred marks of William bishop of Eli for his office of Legatship, beside an houge some of money of the bishop of Burdeaux for absoluinge him, whē he should have been deposed for a crime urged against him by his clergy. Anno 1188. William king of Sicil died, and left no heir, and therefore the Pope by and by would needs claim it to be tributarye to the Church of Rome, and belonging to it. But the peers of the Isle chose Tancred bastard to king Williā. The Pope therefore determined to challenge and try his right by the dinte of the sword, whereby he filled the world full of • poylings, and slaughter, and yet he obtained not his purpose, and so left of. He made diverse Canons and among other this one, that none but the Pope might remove a bishop from one sea to another, or to an hyer dignity. Also he decreed that bishops should be preferred in dignity above Princes. He commanded to celebrate the Mass with unleavened bread and wyne mingled with water, with many other ceremonies. He sent a Cardinal into Poland to reform y ^e clergy, who among other matters in a Synod there held, forbad them to have wives, and because the Danes decreed marriage lawful to their clergy, they were excomunicated by y ^e Pope, who died Anno 1191.

116. Celestine the third.

CElestine the third was borne in Rome, he being an old [ 181] man at Easter time after the death of Clement, was made Pope by the bishops and Cardinals, the next day he crowned Henry the sixth Emperor. This Celestine grudging that Tancred did enjoy the kingdom of Sicilia, married unto the said Emperor a Nonne out of Panormitā Nonnery called Constance, the daughter of Roger, upon this condition, that he should challenge the kingdom of both Sicils for a dowrye, and should drive out Tancred and possess it himself, always provided, that y ^e Pope should have his yearelye tribute out of it. And thus the Sueuian Captains became Lord's of Sicill, but thereupon ensued bloody wars. After y ^e death of this Henry through the great division in the Empire, there arose such debate through all Germany (while the Pope was at defiaunce w ^t the Sueuians for y ^e soueraignitye of Sicill which he sought ambitiouslye) so that one parish was not at amitye with another: whereby the Popes purse was excessively fed to appease the sciesme among those spiritual men. Such were the practices of these holy fathers, while they set the Princes of the world on work to conquer the holy land. Of the atonement of this strife Abbas Vspergensis writeth thus, which is worthy to be noted, thereby to discern the holiness of Rome, and how it grew to this riche estate. There was scāt (saith he) one bishopric or Ecclesiastical dignity or parish Church which was not at a braul, & the matter was brought to Rome to be determined, but not w ^t emptye hands. Rejoice O mother Rome because the conduites of all treasures on the earth are opened, y ^e mountains and whole rivers of money might flowe into thy hands: Rejoice upon the iniquity of the sons of men, because thou art rewarded for so many mischiefs: Rejoice upon thine assistante companion Lady Discention, who hath burst loose frō the pit of bottomless hell, that she might heap upon thee many gubs of goulde. Thou hast that which thou doest thirst after: because thou hast daunted the world by the malice of mankind, not by holy religiō. Men are hailed and drawn unto thee, not by deuocion or pure conscience, but by treachery and working mischiefs manifold, and the deciding of controversies gotten with blood. Thus saith that abbot even in those times when & where the Popes pride flourished ranckly even in his ruffe. Pope Celestine perceyuing the advantage hereof for his estate, was still urgent to send out the Christian Princes to fright for the holy lande, while he at home with their treasures built for his ease & pleasure (as Platina mentioneth) diverse stately Pallacies and Temples. Amonge many decrees he made that an oath made by fear and compulsion, should be of none effect. It is said before that this Pope Celestine did crown the Emperor Henry y ^e sixte, which because it was done after so strange a sort as hath not been heard, it shall not be amiss briefly to declare y ^e manner of it as it is reported by Rogerus Houedenus, Ranulphus, Rogerus Cestrensis and other, of whom the first lived at that time, reportinge it as followeth. The Pope was going frō Lateran to S. Peters Church, where the Emperor and his wife Constantia met him in the way: but the Romans did shut the gates against the Emperor & Empresse, coming with a great troupe of armed soldiers. And Celestine standing upon the stairs of S. Peters Church, toke an oath of the Emperor (his army being shut out) that he should defend and restore the liberties and patrimonye of the Church to the uttermost, yeldinge to Rome y ^e Citye Tuscalanum. After this he did annoynte him Emperor and her Empresse in the Church: while he sitting in his pontifical chair and holding the Imperial crown between his feet, caused the Emperor to stoop and bow down his head to his feet, & so put the crown on: And it being thus put on, he caused the Emperor still to hold down his head, while he with his foot did spurn y ^e Crown of his head again, saying: I have power to make and vnmake Emperors at my pleasure: Then the Cardinals toke it up and set it upon the Emperors head. And in like manner the Empresse was both crowned and vncrowned with the Popes foot. Celestine died Anno. 1198. In his time one Cyril an Hermit had a strange vision revealed unto him as he was at mass, as Mantuā writeth Fastorum. lib. 5. (if a man will believe every vain fantasye.)

But touching the truth of this fantastical dream, it shall follow in Gregory the ix. for that age toke into credit three strange & monstrous miracles, so y ^t then the world did greatly esteem of y ^e sect of begginge fryers, while Satan wrought in Antichrist the full mistery of his iniquity. The miracles are these, first the upholding of Lateran Church revealed in a vision to a Dominic Friar at Rome, the five Seraphical wounds of S. Francis in a certain hill of Lauernia, and the Oracle of this Cyril.

117. Innocentius the third.

AFter Celestine was Innocētius y ^e third, who so boiled [ 182] in anger against Philip the Emperor, because he was made Emperor by the Germaynes contrary to his will, that he brast out into these words: Either shall the Pope spoil Philip of his Crown and Empire, or else shall Philip take frō the Pope his Apostolical dignity. After this he sturred up against y ^e Emperor, one Otho a duke both boulde and rash, so that by this holy fathers help there grew cruel bloodshed and foul slaughter infinite, until that this Philip the Emperor was traytecouslye and vilanously slain by another Otho, and this Otho whom the Pope had set on against Philip posted to Rome, and of him was made Emperor. But this bloody league did not last long between them: for as sone as Otho began to reclaim & recover such things as of right belōged to the Empire, (which y ^e Popes by subtle practices had purloined many years) he was excommunicated by the Pope himself, and spoiled of all his royal estate: furthermore he discharged all his Princes of their alledgeaunce, which by oath they ought to Otho, and commanded upon pain of his cruel curse, that no man should take Otho to be Emperor, nor call him so, and caused the Princes to make Frederick king of Sicill Emperor. Also this Innocent Anno 1212. sought to compass three hard matters, that is the deposing of Otho, a voyage to Jerusalem, and a general council. Also the same year (saith Vlricus Mutius certain noble men of Alsatia did condemn this Pope of impietye, because he would not suffer the clergy to keep their wives, & the bishops burned an hundred in one day, because they taught that Christians might lawfullye eat flesh, and marry at any time.

This mischievous Innocent did mischeuouslye contrive many cruel tragedyes against king John of England: he even in despite and defiance of the king, did thrust (an enemy to the Realm called Stephen Langton a Cardinal) into the bishopric of Canterbury, and encouraged threescore and four monks to work several treasons against him. Because the king would not suffer these treacheryes, he condemned him to be an enemy of the Church, excommunicated him from the company of all Christians, interdicted his kingdom vi. years and three months, deposed him from government, toke from him the Crown and y ^e Scepter, discharged his subjects of their allegeaunce, gave his Realm to Louis the French kings son, commanded to spoil him both of goods and life, with diverse other tyrannous dealings. Kinge John being dismayed with these storms being otherwise a noble and valiant Prince, yet because he was forsaken of his nobilitye, his bishops and commonaltye, submitted himself full sore against his heart to y ^e Popes obeysaunce: compelled to acknowledge the Pope to be supreme head over all Christendom, and God upon earth, and bound himself with a solempne oath to stand to the Popes arbitrement, and y ^t his posteritye should do the like, to acknowledge themselves perpetual tributaryes to the Popes of Rome. Also he kneeling upon his knees to Pandulphus, yielded up his Crown in the presence of all his nobilitye, saying: Here I resign up the Crown of England to Pope Innocent the third &c. Which Pandulphus kept for five days, during which time the king was as a private person: & then being bound to pay the Pope for his Crown a thousand marks a year, with other shameful conditions, he received his Crown at the hands of Pandulphus, pardoning and restoring to full estate all those that had rebelled, conspired and wrought treason against him. And yet by the procuremente of Stephen Langton Archbishop of York, & other of the clergy and priests of England, he was myserablye vexed with treasons and rebellions continually, for certain of the nobilitye and priests, had chosen Lodowicke to be their king, son to Louis king of France: who entered the Realm and toke the estate upon him by their maintenance against king John, to the great heart breaking of the noble Prince, the spoiling of the Realm, and oppression of themselves, while this foreign Prince bestowed all things upon his own countrymen, accomptinge the English nobles that assisted him to be but traitors. In the ende after much misery and sorrow a certain monk (as Caxton saith) named Simō, of Swinested abbey in Lincolnshire did there temper a cup of wyne with the poison of a toad, & drinking thereof to the king both he and the king were poisoned and died: For which doing the said monk had a certain mass song for his soul confirmed by the abbots procurement forever.

This Innocentius under the color of recovering Jerusalem, held a council at Lateran Anno 1215 against the Emperor to excommunicate him, & depose him, because he had invaded certain Cities of y ^e Popes. In this council the Pope first wrested out Auricular confession, and robbed the laitye of the Cōmunion cup. He condemned one Almericus a learned man for an heretic, & commanded his bones to be burned w ^t the rest of his sect at Paris: this he did (saith Dominicus Soto in a certain Sermon) because he preached that Images should be put out of the Church. Amonge many other dotinge decrees, he disanulled the marriage of the clergy forever, he required priuye tithes to be paid, and to maintain war in Asia, he commanded the fourtye part of all revenues to be paid. He toke from many Partriarkes, archbishops, & bishops, their ordinarye authority in many things. He commanded that the quarrels of Princes should be brought before the Pope to be determined by him: and if the electiō of the Emperor could not be agreed upon, then it should belong only to the Pope. He devised that the Communion cake should be kept in a box in the Church, and that when the priest should visit the sick, he should go with a burninge Taper and a bell before him: He made the Canon of the mass to be equal in authority with the Scripture, and that the Pope should have power to correct and control Princes, that none should be Emperor, unless he were crowned by the Pope, finally he died Anno 1216. In his time Liuonia first recovered papistrye, & Peter king of the Arrogons was inueigled to yield his kingdom & all his dominions tributarye to Rome, to purchase his salvation. A certain noble man in England hearing that this Pope had again condemned priests marriage in Lateran council, did make a certain rime thereof the year following, which one John Pullan found in an old book at Oxeforde as followeth.

118. Honorius the third.

HOnorius the third a Romaine borne was made Pope [ 183] at Prusium, at what time the Cardinals distressed for want of food, did there dispatch the election of him. Who byinge to Rome as fast as he could, toke order about the war in Asia, to maintain it still, knowīg how auaylable it was to their matters wrought hear at home in Christendom: forth with John Columna a Cardinal of Rome was appointed to proceed as ambassador with y ^t army, which Innocentius had provided for y ^t purpose: He crowned Frederick the seconde son of Constance the Nonne Emperor against Otho the fourth, whom notwithstanding afterward for vsinge his own right in the coasts of Sicil & Apulia the Pope excommunicated. Yea this Honorius (saith Marius ) was so enflamed against this Emperor Frederick y ^t he did trayterouslye maintain Thomas and Matthew Earls of Thuscia with other rebels that put themselves in armoure against the Emperors majesty, whereby the Emperor could not punish them as they deserved: which (saith Vspergensis ) caused him much to complain that the Sea of Rome did ever maintain traitors and rebels, which presumed upon that refuge. Also he discharged his barons of their fealty to their Lord: which mischief was yet for a while stayed by the means of Hermannus, master of the flemings of Zealand. He confirmed the orders of Dominican & Franciscan friers devised in the time of Innocentius. He maintained the white fryers and Augustinian fryers, that they should uphold transubstantiation against the Valdenses, who then began to defye the Church of Rome in many matters: for the Dominicans forged that Pope Innocentius a little before his death had a vision, wherein was revealed unto him that Lateran Church should fall, unless their patron Dominicus should bolster it upon his shoulders: whereof Mantuan deluded with such fansyes maketh mention. Al. so he writeth of another dream for the Franciscan fryers, of which though they dreamed as necessary, yet I omit as vain and fond. In this Popes time while these things were doing, there were seen in the air straūg sights, testifying the horror of Antichrist increasing in his members as shall appear by the Popes following.

While the Christiā estates were turmoiled abroad fighting for Jerusalem, the Pope in pomp and ease at home, was at leisure to build sondrye sumptuous Palaces and gorgeous Temples, dedicating them to diverse Saints. He published Epistles decretal: and decreed that unlearned parsons should not be made priests. He commanded that when the singinge cake was heaued and lifted up, the people should fall down on their knees: and that it should be carried in comlye order to the sick, with a burning Taper before it. He granted Archbishops power to give pardons, faculties, dispensations, dualities, & pluralities w ^t in their diocese. Anno 1223 one Adam Cathanēsis a bishop in Scotland (as Boethius writeth) was burned of his own neighbors in his own kitchen, because he had excommunicated certain of them for with holding their tithes: the Pope knowing of this murder never ceased, till to revenge the same four hundred of these men were hanged, and their children gelded by king Alexander : A sufficient revenge for the death of one man. Furthermore this Pope warred upon the Emperor in Apulia : and condemned the Earl of Tholos for an heretic, giving his lands to the French king, and finallye would not suffer his body to be buried like a Christian. At length the Pope died Anno 1227. of whom Mattheus Parisius in the 8. book of his Chronicle writeth thus. Pope Honorius sent his Legate Otho to require to have Prebendes given unto him through all England: For (saith the Pope) the natural children must assist their mother in poverty. Therefore he required ii. prebends of every Cathedral Church, one of the bishops stipende, and the other from the charter. And so he • raued diverse porciōs out of the religious houses. At this time the Pope was sick of the spiritual dropsye, so that by his Legat he drancke up the treasures of the clergy, and cloystermongers, and used strange tyranny among them: for Hugh Wells bishop of Lincoln to recover his bishopric paid an hundred marks to the Popes Legat, and a thousand marks to the Pope. At this time it rained blood for the space of three days in Rome: whereupon one wrote these two Verses.

119. Gregory the ninth.

[ 184] GRegorie the ninth borne in Campania, was nephew to Innocentius the third. He maintained the quarrel of his predecessor Honorius, against the Emperor. This Gregory (as Marius writeth) was more maliciouslye disposed toward y ^e said Frederick : for he accused him because he would not fulfill that vain promise, to the needless sheddinge of Christian blood, which he made to Honorius for the unprofitable recoueringe of Jerusalem. And therefore this Gregory did excommunicate him, before the Emperor could be heard to speak, or were convicted by reason: neither would he suffer the Emperors Ambassadors to come to his presence, nor hear them in the council which came to allege good and reasonable excuses in y ^e Emperors behalf, as his own sickness at his setting forward caused him to stay, besides the death of the Lautgraue. Therefore (saith Vspergensis ) this Pope like a proud man, began in his first year to excommunicate and curse the Emperor for certain foolish and false causes, neglectinge all order of judgment, as the Emperor showeth in excusinge himself in his epistle to the Princes of Almanye: opening to them (because the Pope refused to hear it) his innocencye and upright dealing. And therefore certain noblemen in Rome, namely of the house called Frangentes panem, when the Pope did the second time excommunicate Frederick, they caused the Pope to be driven out of the Citye with foul shame, so that he ran away byding at Peruse all that year, & the year following. Yet no means could asswage his fury: but he provoked John king of Jerusalem, & the foresaid Earls of Thuscia rebels to the Emperor, and many other Princes to trouble him. The Emperor appointed a day of assembly for diverse Christian Princes at Rauenna, and the Princes were making speed thither to obey him, but by the Popes commandment they went back again: and certain soldiers wearing y ^e Cross by the Emperors appointment for the voyage to Jerusalem, were robbed and spoiled of all their prouisiō. The Emperor seeing this sought to appease the Popes fury, and to get his goodwil prepared his journey according to his promise to Jerusalem : he took ship and sailed into Cyprus, and afterward to Acon, and strived much against the Soldan for the Christian faith, with great pain and travel. In the mean time y ^e Pope (seeing the Emperors absence seruinge his turn) gat Apulia to be under his obeisance: and forbad that the soldiers wearing crosses should pass over to assist the Emperor, but he drave them out of Apulia, & Lombardye, showing himself a wicked and mischievous man by many other means, in slaying those Germaynes that returned from the Emperor, moste cruelly. Thus while the good Emperor defended the flock of Christ with y ^e sword abroad, the Pope devoured and spoiled them at home. After the Emperor had won from the Soldā, Jerusalem, Nazereth, & Joppa, he toke a truce with him for ten years, whereof he certifyed the Pope by his letters, looking that the Pope would have shown himself joyful thereof, and all Christians likewise: But the Pope despysing and rejecting the letters, commanded the messengers that brought them to be put to death, lease they should make report of the Emperors noble success. Also he spread this rumour that the Emperor was dead, to this ende, to make such Cities in Apulia to shrincke for fear, as had with stood to submit themselves to him. And both to stop the Emperors return, and to obtain Apulia at his pleasure, he wrote to the Soldan desyring him not to yield the Holy lande to the Emperor, as he was about to do. But the Emperor finishing his matters with the Soldan, returned into Italy, whereupon the slaughter of his men done by the Pope as they returned stayed: and within a while he drave the Popes power out of Apulia, and by the help of God recovered all his own from him. Hereupon the Pope did excommunicate him, and curse him a new, and conspired with the Lombards and Thuscans to rebel against him, because he had made a league with the Soldan. But in the ende many Princes seekinge to set them at unity, the Emperor had absolution of the Pope, paying to him for it, ere (as Platina saith) he could obtain it, an hundred thousand ounces of gold. For (saith Vspergensis ) notwithstanding all these injuries, yet so often as the Pope did excommunicate him, he craved and sued for the benefit of absolution humbly, with all obedience, deuocion & yielding of justice. Soone after the Emperor prepared to go into Germany, to redress certain disorders done by his eldest son Henry : the Pope hearing thereof wrote to the estates of Germany, commaundinge that they should make none of the Emperors family king of the Romans, because the king of the Romaines is heir apparent to the Empire. Frederick understanding this treachery, and that the Pope had conspired a fresh w ^t many Princes of Italy against him, did forthwith invade Italy, suppressed the rebellious Lombards, wan diverse towns in Vmbria and Hetruria, subdued to the Empire Lomberdie, Viterbie, Peruse, Fauentia, Cremona, Vicentia & Patauy, all which had conspired with the Pope. The Pope seeing this, cursed him again. The Emperor hearing of it, because the Popes covetousness, ambition, tyranny and pride grew so great, that it was no longer to be suffered, thought good to reveal the same to all Christians, to reclayme them from their error and false Religion: and therefore he lying in Patauy, commanded a certain learned mā well studied in the Scriptures to preach before him, concerning the Popes curse, & of the Church of Rome. After the preacher had disclosed all the abuses of the Pope and his Church, the Emperor moved thereby wrote these 2. Uerses to the Pope.

Thus was the Emperor now the third time excommunicated by the Pope, and pronounced not Emperor: but at this time there were many Cardinals y ^t disallowed the Popes doing, so that the Emperor had many friends in Italy, because he still sued and sought for the Popes favor, and could not have it, and now therefore he set all at defiance in manner afore shown. Of this Gregory ( Mattheus Parisius saith further) calling him blood sucker & covetous Pope, that he held a council at Rome to depose the Emperor, who had married Isabel daughter to king John of England: and ere the council began, he caused y ^e Apostles heads to be borne about the Citye in a solemn procession, that the sight thereof might astonishe men's minds, and draw their hearts from the Emperor. Also he gave free pardon to everyone that would fight against him. The Emperor understanding it, stopped all passages both by Sea and lande, and taking many Cardinals & other prelates as they were sailing away, he put them in prison: he drowned ii. Cardinals in the Sea, & of the rest some bishops, abbots and chaplins, and among them the Popes brother for their notorious and heinous treasons were hanged. The first excommunication y ^t was sent out against this Emperor arose of this ground: because themperour would not at the Popes commandment danger himself and many Christians with him, to go out to fight for the holy land. For y ^e Pope as it appeared by his acts, coveted to encroch the kingdom of both Sicils, Apulia, & other lands, so that he sought means how to destroy the Emperor being inheritor thereof, which he might see come to pass by the chance of the war: or else while the Emperor should there have been busy against the infidels, he in the mean time as chief prelate (having Christendom committed to his credit) might the more easily disposses y ^e Emperor. Furthermore this Gregory was the cause of sedition in Rome for banishing one Hannibal out of y ^e Senate, because he sued to recover the ancient Romaine liberties. Also he provoked the Poloniās to destroy the Prutenians being his foes. He made that cursed division in Italy, which to the great confusion of Christiā blood, lasteth to this day between the Guelphes and Gibelines : for these being two of the most noble and famous houses in Italy, whereof the one name whollye (that is the Gibelines ) toke part with the Emperor, & the Guelphe w ^t the Pope, and this quarrel hath & doth last to this day, between all of the one name against all of the other w ^t continual revenge, as oportunitye serveth from time to time. Amonge diverse other his superstitious deeds these were some, he canonized S. Dominick, S, Fraūcis, S. Anthony of Padua and others, thereby to advance the credit of the begging fryers, & of their holiness. He decreed that the white fryers should possess nothing but male Asses, and such food as coms of certain birds and beasts as eggs & milk, and all other things they should beg from door to door, as Paleonydorus saith. He granted the Jews to be enfranchised for money in spite of all Christian Princes. He forbad any man to have above one benefice. He commanded out of England the fifth part, & out of low Germany the twenteth part of all Church revenues. He appointed that to Ave Maria should be song Salue regina, and the sacringe bell to be ronge then and at elevation time. He decreed that no lay man should preach, and that no custom should take place, which leadeth to • inne. And finallye he died for thought because the Emperors power prevailed so mightily against him An. 1241. In his time Tiber in Rome braste out so hye, that many were destroyed by it, after which ensued such a pestilence, that (saith Platina ) the tenth parson was scant left alive: In his time also a certain hill in Burgundy cleaved in twain, and swallowed up an houge multitude of people, and a little before the Pope died, was such an Eclipse of the Sun as hath not been seen before.

Of the Oracle of Cyril at Mass.

IN the time of this Gregory Anno 1234. Cyril{us} a Grecian the third president general of y ^e white fryers died by report. They say that this man (according as Moses & John the Evangelist did) received Anno domini 1192. a revelation from heaven written in Tables of silver with God's own finger in Greek, concerning the estate of the Church to come: and with this new delusion certain caytifes went about to put away and whollye to destroy the Revelation of S John in that time of deep darkness. Because at y ^t time in Italy, Germany, England & France, many (through the doctrine of the Waldēses and y ^e preachers of Frederick themperour, prouinge it out of the Reuelatiō of John ) believed that Rome was Babylon y ^t great strompet, and y ^t the Pope was Antichrist himself: which opinion the uncle of Petrus Veronensis held, as his Legēd and Fasciculus temporū testify. To such shifts was y ^e totteringe estate of y ^e Pope then driven as to abrogate the old Scripture and to forge new: for then Princes began to pluck from y ^e Church their temporalities, which maintained their excessive pride and pomp: Also they began to defye their transubstantiacion in the mass, and to work diverse things that pinched the bellies of the clergy, and made them keep leaner kitchins. In moste things this revelation of Cyril, is clean contrary to the Revelation of John : many monks and fryers have written great cōmentaryes and fantastical interpretacions upon it, as Ioachimus Abbas, Guilihelmus Cisterciensis, & John de rupe scissa. But who so ever preacheth any other Gospel &c, let him be accursed. Gallathians. 1.

120. Celestine the fourth.

CElestine the fourth borne of the house of Castilians, being [ 185] a learned, aged and crasyed mā succeeded Gregory : who likewise purposed to pursue the quarrel against Frederick, but that he was disappointed by a cup of poison, whereof it is reported he died the xviii. day of his reign. One Thomas Egleston in his book of the entrance of y ^e Minorits into England, writeth of an Englishmā called Robert Somerton Cardinal of Rome, who likewise was poisoned hard before the election of this Celestine least he should have succeeded Gregory : of the same Robert Somerton and his death, writeth Mattheus Parisius commending him as a man who for the love he had of all was worthy to be Pope. The same Mattheus writeth of the behavior of Legates at the same time saying, two of the Popes mess̄gers remained in England to gather up his money, whose extorsion was so odious & shameful, that it is better (saith he) to let it pass not to offend men's ears, then to defile the air with the filthy report thereof. This Celestine used this saying commonly: It is harder to keep moderation in prosperity, then in aduersitye. After his death the Popedom was void xxi. weeks, till the Emperor at the request of Baldwine Emperor of Constantinople, and Raimond Earl of Tholos, delivered those Cardinals which he had in captiuitye.

121 Innocentius the fourth.

[ 186] A Fter the Cardinals had long wrangled being reproved for it sharpelye by the Emperor, they agreed to chose this mā calling him Innocent the fourth borne in Genua, whose name before was Cynebaldus of the house of Flisci and the countyes of Lauauy : who being in time paste the Emperors especial freinde, became forth with his deadly ennemye, and did more annoye the noble Prince then any other before had done. Marius reporteth thus of him, this Pope (saith he) for hate he bare to Frederick, did forth with summon a council at Lions whither he cited Frederick, purposinge himself to have preached there: but the Ambassador of Frederick desired he might have a reasonable day granted him that he might conuenientlye come to Lions, which the Pope did not only deny to grant, but forthwith enflamed with wrath and rage did curse themperour, deprive him of his estate Emperial, release all his Princes of their allegiance and faith to him, and doth move them to choose another to be Emperor. He charged y ^e godly Emperor with diverse false matters, as periurye, sacrilege, emprisoninge certain of the clergy and such like, whereof though the Emperor had by writing sent to the Princes very honourablye purged himself: yet this malicious man continued so importunate w ^t the Princes with great promises, that they choose the Landsgraue of Thuringe : and rewarded all men with crosses and pardons, given by Proclamation against the Emperor as again a Turk or infidel. Furthermore he commanded all bishops and archbishops to publish everywhere, how he had cursed, excommunicated, and deprived the Emperor: which was boldly done in England, France, and Denmark, but the bishops of Germany fearing the Emperors displeasure, besoughte the Pope it might not be done. Which the Emperor hearing did valiantlye set himself against the Pope and all his tyrannous rebels, til he could not escape the Popes snares in Apulia. For the addition to Vspergensis saith: After the Pope had deprived and excommunicated both Frederick & his son Cōradus, Frederick did so shake and worrye the Pope and the Church of Rome, that some marked w ^t crosses set themselves in battle against him, when he came to batter down the gates and walls of Rome, where he encountered with a mighty army of these crossed fellows. But over coming them and taking them prisoners, some of them he hewed a fonder w ^t four square wounds in form of a Cross, of some he cleft their sculs a cross in 4. parts, some he marked on the forhed with a cross cut: and as for the clergy he caused their shaved crowns to be pared a cross. When the said Henry Landsgraue of Thuringe was chosen king of the Romans, and Frederick deposed by this fourth excommunication, then the bishop of Strosborough like a peaceable prelate of y ^t time, to gratifye the Pope took part with the Landsgraue, and assisted him with such power & strength as he could, both against the father and Conradus the son: for he assaulted & wan diverse towns, some he sacked and razed to the ground, some he burnt with fire, which towns and Cities themperour had recovered to the Empire in Alsatia. On the other side Conradus y ^e son of Frederick gathered an army against Henry, but was easily overthrown and many of his army being slain, diverse of his nobilitye were taken prisoners. But soon after this Henry being thus foisted into the Empire by the clergy, grew into contempt with them that liked not his election, whereupon he was in mockadge termed King of clerks & Prince of priests: but the Pope did straitly charge by his Legates all the Almaine Princes to obey Henry as their sovereign, and to defye Frederick & his son. In the mean time this Henry died, and yet the Pope ceased not but sent a Legate into Germany, one Peter Caputius a Cardinal, who summoninge the Princes at Collen, caused them to elect one William Earl of Holland, a ready man to maintain any quarrel by the sword. In the ende the Emperor being in Apulia, one hired by the Pope gave him poison by means whereof he was daungerouslye sick, but seemed to recover it: but was smothered to death with a pillowe by Manfredus his bastard son, who as some think was allured by bryberye and fair promises of the Pope to do it. The truth hereof is written in six books of Epistles, written by Peter of the Uine.

Anno 1250. Frederick died, and as some write in his last will and testament he gave a sum of money for satisfaction to the Church of Rome, and bequeathed his estate and the order of all things to his son Conradus. This Will was brought to the Pope to be approved, but y ^e Pope did whollye disannul and frustrate the Will, saying that the Prince whom he had deposed, could make no Will and so it was void. Within a while after a young Prince to whom the Emperor by his son Kinge Henry was graūdfather was murdered, but by whō no mā could tell.

About this time before y ^e death of Frederick, there were certain preachers in Sweueland who stoutlye and openly preached against the Pope and his Cardinals, & justified the doing of Frederick and his son Conradus, saying boldly that the Pope, his bishops and Cardinals, had no authority, because they were all stained with that one blot of simony, and y ^t their power depended not upon Christ: & that a priest committing deadly sin, could neither bind nor loose, nor consecrate: that no man in the world might forbid a Christian to execute divine functions, & that they should be heard & celebrated without any difference. And in the ende of their Sermons this pardon (quoth they) which we do pronounce unto you, we do not declare it to you as forged by the Pope and his prelates, but procedinge from Almightye God. These preachers were maintained by Conradus, and therefore he incurred almost danger of his life.

In the former council held at Lions it was decreed that the Cardinals should ride on their trapped Gennets through the streets, and wear red hattes and crimsen robes: to signify (saith Parisius ) that they are ready to spend their blood for the Catholic faith and the safety of the people: but as ( Platina saith) for the honor of their estate. Also in that council Innocentius decreed among many matters that the Pope might depose the Emperor. He did greatly favor the order of begging fryers, and bestowed on them many privileges and benefittes. He preferred the Dominicans to dignities Ecclesiastical: and advanced the Franciscās to be the Popes confessors: He adopted the White fryers and Augustine friers to be his sons: where as they lived before in deserts he brought them into Cities, teaching them to beg their bread w ^t idleness. By the help of the Dominicans he reformed the rule of the Whitefryers, mitigated it, and finallye with his blessing confirmed it that (as the said rule showeth) they should hope to be saved not only by Christ: He granted these & the begging fryers lycence to preach, to dispute, and to shriue people. Also he exempted them from all power & jurisdiction of kings and bishops: whereupon they crammed the world full, and chaoked it with their glosses upon Sentences, decretals, cannons, wich their commentaries upon Aristotle, their Sophisms, Repertories, Sūmaries, Tables, Trinies, Quatrinies, Conclusions, Questions, Distinctions, Quidities, Quodlibets, Miracles of the dead, Legendaryes, Saints lives, Martyrdoms, Uisions, Dreams, Reuelatiōs, Exorsisms, Concordances, Discordāces, Marials, perspectiues, Aphorisms, with a thousand vain and combrous pamphlets, full of gross & deceitful heresies: and then nothing was counted deuinitye nor law, but their fansyes and canons. And in these days the world was fallen into such gross blindness, ignorance, and barbarousness, that not only knowledge in divinity, but also other learning was almost decayed, the knowledge of the tongues as Greek and Hebrew buried in ignorance, & though some rubbishe of the latin tongue were left, yet it was rustye, corrupt, and broken stuff, as appeareth yet by their writings, y ^t the like barbarousness is not in any tongue. But to return to Pope Innocent : he canonized diverse, making them saints that for his aduauncemente had played the traitors and rebels against their own Princes, as one Edmond Archbishop of Canterbury, and other of sondrye places.

Till the time of this Innocentius the 4. (saith Bibliander ) it was not an article of faith, nor a law of the Church that men should worship the bread and the wyne in y ^e Sacrament: therefore (saith he) y ^e Pope as a creator brought forth a new God Mauzis by transubstantiation. This Pope offered to sell to king Henry the third of England, y ^e kingdom of both Sicils to the use of his son Prince Edmond, and yet Conradus king thereof was living. He vexed and polled the Churches of England with miserable exactions: for money he maintained and licensed any wickedness among the clergy, suffering worser matters in his bastards whereof he had diverse, especially one called William. One Robert Capito bishop of Lincoln, had a great controuersye with this Pope, for he detested & defyed both in preaching and wrytinge, the Popes covetousness, pride and tyranny. He would not admit one of y ^e Popes bastards because he was unlearned and but a boy of years, to a canonship of Lincoln, but rebuked y ^e Pope for it in a letter, and withstood the Popes pollinge & • obbinge the Realm: and therefore the Pope receyuinge the sharp letter from this Robert Grosted, for anger railed not only on the bishop, but also brast into these arrogante words against his Prince king Henry the third, saying (as Mattheus Parisius testifieth): Is not y ^e king of England our vassel, our slave, & our page, who may at our pleasure to hamper him, put him in prison, & to utter shame? And finallye because he could not tell howe otherwise to ease his rank stomach against the bishop he excommunicated him: but he constantlye defyed and despised his excommunication even to the death. He defended in disputation that y ^e Pope could do nothing against justice & truth, and that he was worse then Lucifer and Antichrist: at the length being cited to appear in y ^e court, and condemned by the Pope wrongfullye, he appealed to the judgment of Christ. This good bishop after he had detected much of the Popes treachery, before his death uttered these two Uerses applying them against the Pope.

Also this bishop by diligent search tried it that this Pope and his clerks had in revenues out of England above iii. score and ten thousand marks, where as the revenues of the Crown came not to 30. thousand. Cestrensis in his seventh book writeth, that when this bishop of Lincoln died, a voice was heard in y ^e Popes court saying Veni miser in iudiciū dei, that is Come thou wretch to be judged of God. And that the Pope was found dead in his bed the next day, and a blue stroke in his body as if he had been beaten with a staff. This was done Anno 1253. he being at Naples and looking soon after to have enjoyed the whole kingdom of Sicill, where he lieth buried. Thaddition to Vspergensis showeth, that the year before, as the Pope was going from Lions to Millen, these strange tokens happened: certain bloody clouds were seen in the air, & streams of blood gusshed out of bread as out of wounded bodies. After his death the seat was void two years.

124 Alexander the fourth.

[ 189] ALexander the fourth borne in Campania, being Cardinal of Hostia succeeded Innocent. He persecuted Ecelinus of Runcan, and Manfred king of Sicill, because they had been enemies to the former Popes: thus he began his reign. And first he craftelye admonished them not to stand against the dignity of the Church in any point, & before he gave them this charge, he had provided his army in a readiness meaning to course them if they should seek to prevent him and his Cardinals of the kingdom of Sicill : yet these Princes very couragiouslye with an oast of Saracens and other, fearinge not the Popes threats, did set upon his army at unawares even in a trench ere they wist, and partly slue them, partly toke them prisoners. In the mean while Pope Alexander going to Anagnia excommunicated Manfred, and sent a Cardinal called Octauian to Naples, to make the Neapolitans to stand faithful to him against Manfred, promysing speedily to bring aid to all Campania and to the Neapolitans: but Manfred not pacifyed with troubling Naples did also move factions in Hetruria, but chiefly in Florence, where he brought in the Guelphis again, whoever were at deadly food with the Gibelines. Thus was all Italy in a miserable uproar, torn in sonder with cruel and saluage war. But Manfred having poisoned Conrad king of Sicill, was proclaimed king at Panorme, and with an army of hired soldiers, he overthrew the Popes Legat with great slaughter. This Pope sent one Rustand Legate into England Anno 1255. to gather up the tenths in England, Scotland, & Irelād, to war against Manfred. And saith Mattheus Parisius ) many mischiefs detestable, issued from y ^e burning fountain of Rome in those days, to the destruction of many: for after the begginge fryers had preached the power of y ^e Cross, he required infinite sommes of money, the exaction of the Pope was such (saith he) that the like hath not been heard. Whereupon Fulck bishop of London said with great grief: Ere I give my consent to oppress the Church with such injury, servitude and bondage, surely I will first loose my head: for although that Courte hath often in times past pinched even to the bone the faithful flock of Christ, yet it never wounded in such deadly sort all, and everyone of Christ's servants, as it did this year and the year following &c. The money y ^e was gathered for the holy land was transposed into Apulia against Christians, and (saith Mattheus ) unmeet mē are made governors of noble Churches, the prelates are sold as oxen and asses, this is the extreme point of servitude &c. About this time the said Rustand the Popes Legate being Prebēdary of Paul's Church in London died beyond the sea, king Henry the third hearing thereof gave the same prebend to one John Crakehale his chaplein, but after the said Crakehale had full possession thereof, came one John Grass from Rome, with the Popes embulled letter to challenge the said living: Hereupon the matter being in controuersye, it was brought before Boniface bishop of Canterbury, who finding that the Popes gift was dated before the kings, dispossessed the Englishman and invested the Popes man, which was taken so in despite by certain repyning to see the Pope and his Italian priests in this and all such cases to bear more sway then y ^e king, and to reap all commodyties from the king and his subjects, that the said Italiā and a companion of his were murdered in a thronge, by whom no man knew.

Rustand in a convocation at London, alleged that all Churches were y ^e Popes, to whom one Leonard an Englishman answered modestly: yea sir in tuition, not in fruition, to defend not to expende. Seuell bishop of York by y ^e example of the former bishop of Lincoln, did likewise w ^t stand this Pope Alexander, and desired him by letter to leave of his wonted polling, & according to Peters example to feed the sheep, not to flece them, not to flea them, not vnbowel them, neither as a wolf devour them. Further it followeth in the said Mattheus, that the Pope sent yet other Legates into England, namely Arlot & Mansuet minorite fryers, who had power to pardon for money either liars, forswearerers, vowbreakers, adulterers, and Sodomites, traitors, poysoners, murderers, and all such: Whereuppon a certain woman an anchoresse in S. Albons abbey had this terrible visiion, she heard an old man of grave countenance cry three times Woe, woe, to all that dwell on the earth, and then faded away again.

Anno 1258. Richard Earl of Cornewall son to king John of England was chosē king of Almany for his great treasure, and the Pope procured that he was chosen Emperor, but he did that closely, because he had likewise for the same matter, taken a bribe of Alphonsus king of Spain: Whereupon a certain Poet made this Verse.

Beside these shifts made for money, this Pope Alexander used another notorious knacke, he abusing & deluding the simplicitye of the king of England, made him believe that he would make his son Edmond king of Apulia, if he would sustain the charges thereof to maintain the wars appertaining to it: whereupon the king caused his son forthwith to be proclaimed king of Apulia, and sent to the Pope all the treasure and riches that he could make in his Realm. And thus was the king and his son deluded, and the Realm wonderfullye impoverished by the Popes craft. It were to long to discover all the superstitious & wicked devises of this Pope, who at length going to Viterbium Anno 1262. to make peace between the Genewaies & Venetians according to his own fansye, and because he could not have his will therein, he died there for anger.

125. Urban the fourth.

VRban the fourth borne in France, and as some say [ 190] was first called Pantaleon being patriarch of Jerusalem. As sone as he was Pope by and by he commanded soldiers out of France to subdue Manfred the enemy of the Church: & for the furtherance thereof he requested Louis king of France to send his brother Charles & the Earl of Anteganor w ^t an oast into Italy, and made him king of both Sicils. After many conflicts y ^e said Charles overcame and slue Manfred at Beneuent, and received of y ^e Pope against all law and right the kingdom of Sicill w ^t the dukedome of Calabrie and Apulia, whereupon arose many great slaughters. While this Pope was frō Rome at Pruse, y ^e Romans coveting their old liberties made a new kind of officers, calling them Branderesies, who had power of life and death in their hands: they chose one Brācaleo a private parsō of Bononia to be Senator, whō banished late before they restored. But touching Urban it was not much more then this that he did, saving that he ordained an holy day, namely Corpus Christi day, the fifth day after Trinitye Sunday, upon this occasion as some (and most likely) do write, namely Arnold Bostro, & Petrus Praemonstratensis. Anno 1264. (as they say) a certain woman called Eve in a Religious house in Leodia, with whom the Pope in time past had been well acquainted, had a revelation which she signified by writing to the Pope, beseeching him that the said day might be kept holy in the honor of the Sacrament of the altar, to whom the Pope according to her desire, returned his answer with this Bull to confirm the holy day,

This Vrhan sat more then three years between the Guelphes & Gibelines, and provoked their quarrels to be tried by the edge of the sword, to the confusion of many through Italy. He being on a time vpbrayed that he was of base linage, answered that no mā was noble by birth, but that to be made noble by virtue is true nobility: finallye being at Pruse because in great attempts he had not his desired success, he died for grief. Masseus saith that a blazing star appeared three nights before the death of this Pope, and ceased the same night that he died.

126 Clemens the fourth.

CLemens y ^e fourth called before Gui Fulcodius borne in [ 191] Narbonie, ere he came to be Pope was a married man, and had 3. children by his wife, a son & two daughters. He (as his predecessor began) continued in sheddinge of blood: he sent for Charles Earl of Angeow to bring an army into Italy where he slew Manfred, and was made king of Sicill and Jerusalem, but upon this condition that he should pay yearelye to the Pope fortye thousand Crowns. This bargain being made between them, great slaughter & bloodshed was committed in diverse places, for the said Pope betrayed Conradinus son to Conradus king of Sicill, and inheritor of the kingdoms to y ^e former Charles, so that as he passed through the fields of Viterbie with an oast of Germaynes, where his abode was at that time, the Pope by report said: that the said Conradinus was as a lamb brought to the slaughter, showing thereby that he was of council to the treason. Afterward when he foughte with Charles about Naples, & at the first conflict had sufficient victory, yet then the treason revealing it self, Conradinus & Frederick duke of Austria were taken: & being myserablye used in their captiuitye mocked and flouted, were in the ende beheaded by the Popes commandment, because Conradinus claimed the kingdom which his auncetours possessed. Thus the kingdom of Naples came into the hand of the Frenchmen, and y ^e dukedome of Sweuia decayed and came to naught by y ^e wickedness of y ^e Pope. In the time of this Clemens one Octobon{us} a Legate of his coming into England, enrolled to perpetual memory the valuation of all Churches in the Realm so narrowly as he could possiblye gather the certaintye. Clemens died at Viterbium Anno 1270. & was buried among the Dominickes, and the seat was void two years.

127. Gregory the tenth.

GRegorie the tenth borne in Placentia in Lombardye, of [ 192] the house of the countesse of Millen, was first called Theobaldus. He being an archdeacō, after the Cardinals discention (which had lasted almost two years) was ended, was chosen Pope: of whose election John Cardinal of Portua wrote these Verses.

This Pope among other things made peace between the Genewaies and Venetians : He excommunicated the Florentines for inuadinge such towns as belonged to the Popeship. Afterward he held a council at Lions in France to the which came Michael Palaeologus Emperor of Greece, to reason of the opinions of the Church of Rome, for xii. of his auncetours had in times past conferred with them, and ever departed dissentinge from them. In this council was decreed that the Pope being dead, the Cardinals should be shut up in a certain closet without meat or drink, till with one consent they should agree upon choice of another. He made many decrees for the helping of the Holy land, and the maintayninge of Religious mē. Many noble and great parsonages both kings & Earls, made themselves apparel with the Cross on it, to go the voyage to Jerusalem, to whom the Pope very craftily, to further their purpose promised to come visit them there. He advanced diverse of the begging fryers to great Ecclesiastical dignities, as to bishoprickes, archbishoprickes and Cardinalships. After the Empire had been void a long time, at y ^e length he made Rodolph Earl of Hamboroughe Emperor, because he should maintain civil discention: and after y ^t Alphonsus king of Castile had bestowed houge sums of money in hope to be Emperor, (especially the duke of Cornewall being dead) y ^e Pope appeased him with words enough, but no recompense in money toward his charges. This Rodolph after he was chosen was charged by the electours that he should go to Rome within a year to receive the Crown of the Pope, yet he never did it, excusing himself with pretence of private affairs: & used to say oftentimes among his friends, that the footinge of the Emperors going into Italy seemed glorious & triūphant: but in their return out of Italy wretched, miserable, & full of sorrow. Alluding to the fable of the Fox, who being sent for to come to visit the sick Lion, made answer that he perceived y ^e footsteps of many beasts going into the Lions den, but he could find few or none coming from it. But Rodolph sent his vicegerent into Italy whom the Cities for the most part received: but the Pope returning to Rome & journeying hard by the Florentines, would not yet absolve them of their excommunication which had lasted almost 3. years. At length he came to Aretium Anno 1275. & died in his journey in the fifth year of his Popeship & is buried there, and never came to Rome nor saw it.

128. Innocentius the fifth.

[ 193] INnocentius the fifth borne in Burgundy a dominican in profession, was cho • en by the Cardinals at Aretiū : who being chosen Pope and crowned in S. Peters Church, went about to establish peace in Italy. Therefore he sent great Ambassadors, who should compel the He • rurians (entendinge to destroy the Pisans ) to take peace: also the Venetians and Genewaies being at deadly enmitye, to fall to unity upon peril of his curse. Also he procured y ^e Ambassadors of Charles king of Sicill to be present at y ^e peace making, the better to countenance his doings: the Hetrurians obeyed, and especially the Florentines, and therefore the Pope did absolve them from the excommuni • atiō of Gregory : But the Genewaies and Venetians continued notwithstanding the slaughter of each other, whom yet Innocentius had brought to his purpose if he had lived, he purposed it so earnestly. He died the same year that Gregory died, in the second day after he had reigned vi. months. This Pope (saith Platina ) did not a little offend secular priests, because at Viterbium he did determine the dominicās should enjoy the tomb of Clemens the fourth, for which they and the secular priests had longe been at sharp debate.

129. Hadrian the fifth.

HAdrian the fifth a Genewaie borne before called Othobonus, [ 194] was made Pope in Lateran porche: this mā was nephewe to Innocentius the fourth, and made Cardinal of S. Hadrian by him, and sent into England as Legate to gather up the Popes money. But while he went about to appease strife between the king & his barons, thereby to work his own matters more quietly, he was put into prison by the Citizens of London, and at length delivered again. Anno 1266. w ^t a great trayne of bishops and priests, he held one council at Northampton and another at London: where after he had dispatched his matters touching papistrye according to his own mind, he made laws whereby England did longe after maintain Papistrye. Also he denounced all those bishops to be wicked, who had taken parte with the Princes against king Henry the third, and yet those same bishops were partly absolved by him for money, partly compelled to go for absolution to the Pope. This Hadrian as sone as he was made Pope went forthwith to Viterbium, & sent for Rodolphe the Emperor into Italy, to break the power of Charles king of Sicill : this Charles is he whom against law and righte he had advanced before, who then ruled all at Rome according to his lust. But Rodolph being troubled with the Bohemian war, could not satisfy the Popes desire: but Charles meaning to eschew the malice, transported all the power of his army into Achaia, purposinge to make a way to attain to the Empire of Constantinople. Hadrian (saith Platina ) purposed to make the government of the Church to be safer from oppressors, & to alter the constitutiō of Gregory his predecessor, touching the restraint of the Cardinals for the election of the Pope. He died at Viterbium ere he were consecrate Pope 40. days after his election.

130. John the xxij.

John the xxii. a Portingale borne & a Physician by profession [ 195] called before Peter Portingale, was made Pope being first bishop of Tusculan. This man although he were counted very well learned, yet for want of skill in government, & infirmitye in his manners (saith Platina ) did more hurt and dishonor to the Popeship then good. For he did many things that seemed to be both of a foolish and light mind: and was to be praised in this thing only, that he • uccoured with money and Ecclesiastical lyuinges young men that were toward in learning, & especially the poorest. At this time the Venetians spoiled the Anconitās, because they vsinge trafique into Dalmatia would pay them no tribute: & yet the Pope would not defend them as he ought to do, being tributaryes to the Church: and though in words he were hasty, yet in his doings a slouggarde and dastard. The Anconitans therefore being destitute of the Popes aid, gathering themselves together, brast out of the Citye upon the Venetians besieging it, & drave them away with great damage. But the Pope vsinge the advise of John Cajetan who thē ruled all, because by his aid he came to be Pope, he sent his Ambassadors both to Michael Paleologus, & the kings of the West, to move them in his name to make peace among themselves, and to provide to send their powers against the Sarracens : which if Paleologus would not do & keep the unity promised, he would give his Empire from him to Charles king of Sicill. He prophesied by the course of the stars that he him self should live longe, and told this to every man in his vanity, as one whose want of discretion was evident to every man. But behold while he thus vaunted his cunninge in prophecyinge and constellations, openly in a certain chamber which for his pleasure he had built in his Pallaice at Viterbium the fourth day after fell down sodainlye. Anno 1277. After this ruin wherein he perished myserablye, he was found the seventh day after having reigned viii. months. Valerius called the place which fell down Gamesters hall, and Stella calleth it the precious Chamber, for the Pope had built it so gorgeouslye for his pleasure. After his death the seat was void through great contention vi. months.

129. Nicolas the third.

NIcolas the third a Romaine, called first John Cajetan, after vi. months with great discention and brauling [ 194] of the Cardinals obtained the seat. Charles king of Sicil was as Senator president in their consistorye, who was very urgent to choose some Frenchman Pope: and therefore this Nicolas having gotten the place, purposinge to abate the power of Charles toke from him the Vicarship of Hetruria, & filled Italy full of broils. And for his own lucre he persuaded Peter king of Aragon to claim the kingdom of Sicill, saying that it belonged to him, by the inheritance of his wife Constance, which liked Peter : but note the sequeale. Peter with a great nauye went to Sardinia, and there waited whē some motions should arise in Sicill, for the Sicillians making a conspiracy against Charles and the Frenchmen, appointed a day that as soon as at eueninge a bell should be told, the Frenchmen should be forthwith murdered both man woman & child, wherein they were so cruel y ^t they slue even women with child. But this horrible deed was not done under Pope Nicolas, but in the time of his successor Martin the fourth. Also this Nicolas toke to himself y ^e Senatourship, which Clement the fourth had bestowed on Charles : and forbad forever that any Prince or king should be so hardy to desire or take upon him that dignity. By his falsehood it came to pass that Flaunders, & Bononia, & the royaltye of Rauenna, which longe time were under the Emperor, became subject to the Pope. Amonge other buildings y ^t he made about Rome, he enclosed a warrant of hares w ^t hye walls, wherein even in his Popeship he used often to hunt. He bestowed silver cases for the Apostles heads: he was reproved of many for making his nephewe Berthold Earl of Romundiala, & for another of his nephews being a Dominican & Cardinal because he sent him Ambassador into Hetruria. For Platina and Stella and other complain that he loved his kindred to well, so that he bestowed without law on them that which he had filched frō other: for he toke perforce from some nobles of Rome, certain Castels and bestowed them on his friends. He made the Gibelines being seditious mē magistrates at his own lust in Florence and else where, to defend and maintain his tyranny. Also he purposed to make two kings of the stock of Vrsines, the one in Lombardye the other in Hetrury, but while he purposed this he died suddenly of an Apoplexye, without speaking any word Anno 1281. in the fourth year of his Popeship, and yet it was thought by his goed complexion he should have lived much longer. Some say that one foretold the death of this Pope by y ^e rysinge of the river Tiber, which then happened. The report is that of a concubine he begat a son that had hair and claws like a bear: it is written in John Noueomagus in illustrationibus Bedae.

130. Martin the fourth.

MArtin the fourth a Frenchman called before Simon, was next made Pope by the Cardinals of France, [ 195] who then were the greater number. He would not be Crowned at Viterbium, because he thought that Citye was excommunicated, because they had made a tumult against the Cardinals, for the Viterbians entering into the consistorye apprehended the Cardinals, and put them in prison, dryuinge out and contemninge the house of Vrsins : therefore Martin going to an old town called Oruietus, did there kept all his solemnitye, & made viii. Cardinals the same day to strengthen his power. Also he did not only entertain curteouslye king Charles coming to him, but also restored to him the dignity of Senatorship which Pope Nicolas had taken frō him: which thing displeased many, because it should make seditiō in the Citye, the Vrsine being now returned and their enemies drivē out: for Charles for the hatred conceived against Nicolas, was sore bente against the Vrsines. But Pope Martin meaning to work warelye, did much set by Matthew de Aquisporta a Franciscā, of the house of y ^e Vrsines, a Cardinal & bishop of Portua. He excommunicated Peter king of Aragon, who went about to invade y ^e kingdom of Sicil w ^t his nauy against Charles : also he gave his kingdom for a • ooty to one that did desire to enjoy it: He released his subjects from their allegeaunce, calling him an usurper of Church goods. But Peter defyinge all this did by the help of Paleologus obtain the kingdom of Sicill : the Sicilians also being able no longer to sustain the pride & Just of the Frenchmē, at the persuasion of John Prochita, conspired against Charles, and ringinge the belles, did at once without any regard murder all the Frenchmen. Pope Martin among other things granted to the Romans liberty to chose two Senators of the nobilitye, and excommunicated Paleologus. He made war against the Forolinians. He bestowed great pryuiledges upon the begging fryers: and as he was taking his accustomed recreation with his chapleins (as Carsulan testifieth) a certain secrete disease came upon him, which after he had said it panged him extreamlye, he died Anno 128 • . and yet the Phisicions could find no token of death in him. Some write that this Pope in the first year of his Popeship, received into his familiarity the concubine of his predecessor Nicolas : but to avoid the like chance that his child (if he should have any by her) might not be like a bear, he commanded all bears which were painted in his Pallaice by a Pope that was of Vrsine house, to be taken away or blotted out, to avoid in his concubine the sight thereof, which he thought wrought great effect in conception.

131. Honorius the fourth.

HOnorius the fourth a Romaine of a noble family was [ 196] afore called Jacob, was next made Pope. He had a brother called Pandulphus a worthy man who at that time was Senator in Rome, who did sharply execute laws against fensers, thieves, and murderers. Honorius excommunicated Peter king of Aragon, because he held at that time the kingdom of Sicill against Charles, & confirmed the curses and edict of Pope Martin, because for y ^e Popes lucre he would not leave the kingdom. Also he raised terrible war against Gui Feltro who held the town Flaminia, and ouercomminge him, against all law and righte by tyranny subdued the town to Rome. Also he confirmed the sect of Augustine fryers which was refused at Paris, but withstood by many. Also he appointed to the Carmelites, that puttinge of their riche robes, they should wear white weeds, and commanded they should be called our Ladies brethren. After which he died quicklye Anno 1288. in the second year of his Popeship. The seat after this was void x. months for pestilences and earthquakes. This Pope was much troubled with the goute, both in his hands and his feet, so that he was fain to make certain instruments fit for the purpose to say mass. The Grecians in his time forsakinge papistrye returned to their old faith.

132. Nicolas the fourth.

NIcolas the fourth a Franciscane fryer borne in Picene, [ 197] after ten months was chosen Pope, at which time the Cardinals did not yet agree upon one. This Pope (saith Platina ) loved all men a like, and thought that he ought no more duty to his kindred then to other. He did nothing of any great weight, but busyed himself in erectinge superstitious buildings, and making new ceremonies about fryers and monks, which are not worth the mencioning: finallye he seeing Rome sore tormoyled in his time with civil discentions, burnings, slaughters & spoylinges, died for very grief and sorrow thereof Anno 1291. He being dead the Cardinals went to Peruse, that they might use the more liberty in choosing a new Pope: and yet they iarred so bitterly among them selves two years and 3. months, that they could never agree in y ^t election.

133. Celestine the fifth.

[ 198] CElestine the fifth borne at Esernia beside Sulmo, by profession an Anchore called before Peter Moronens, after the Cardinals had scoulded two years, he by the procurement of Charles the seconde king of Naples and the latin Cardinals was chosen Pope, who as sone as he was created went to Apulia, & calling all the Cardinals thither, he created xii. new Cardinals whereof two were Eremites. Ptolomeus Lucensis writeth, that at his Coronation were two hundred Thousande men: because (saith Massaeus ) at the first time he sat in Consistory, he went about exactly to reform the Church of Rome y ^• the clergy might be an example to other, he purchased such hatred that he doated & was a fool. Thereupon one of the clergy called Benedict, hired one to set through an hoole in y ^e wall of the Popes chamber a great hollow troncke, and through the same should make an hydeous noise many nights together, (as if it had been the voice of an Angel frō heaven) saying in the night time: Celestine, Celestine, give over thy charge, for it is above thy habilitye. Beside this diverse persuaded him to give over for his own safety. Kinge Charles understanding of this spake with the Pope, desiringe him as earnestly as he could, not to forsake that dignity, which came to him by the grace of God. But he gave this answer: I will do as it pleaseth God • And returning from Naples from the king, & perceyuing he could not be quiet, he gave over the Popeship on S. Luke's eve, and made haste to go live an Eremites life in y ^e desert, saith Massaeus : but first of all he made a decree with the consent of all, that the Pope might yield up his dignity. But Boniface who had thus beguiled the simple man, and now gat to be his successor, fearing least y ^e people would follow the same Celestine as Pope, & defye him, he therefore put Celestine in close prison till he died, Anno 1292. the x. day of Maye after he had reigned one year and five months. Of this Celestine sprange a sect of monks called Celestinians.

134. Boniface the eight.

BOniface the eight borne in Campania called before Benedict [ 199] Cajetan being chief councellour to Celestine, was set up in his stead by a strange kind of treason at Naples. This Boniface while he was Cardinal of S. Martines in the mount, did so hunger after the Popeship that he spared no falsehood nor ambitious means y ^t might further his desire. He was so proud that he did almost disdain all men. And boiling thus with heat of ambition, he suborned (as is said before) certain who should come in the night time, and with a still and strange voice in the Chamber of Celestine as it were from heaven persuade him (being a very simple man of himself) to yield up the Popeship if he would be saved: which in the ende was brought to pass. But Boniface usurping by craft against all right the Popeship, apprehending the sillye man Celestine (who was departing from Rome to some wilderness there to ende his life) put him in perpetual prison: and yet (as Marius witnesseth) he professed he did it not for hatred against Celestine, but lea • t the auctours of sedition should make him their head, to trouble & disquiet the peace of the Church. And thus this vnthanckeful Boniface was not contented only to delude poor Celestine, and to beguile him of his dignity, but furthermore to cause the simple soul as if he had been a malefactor, to die for thought in prison. After this Boniface began to exercise such cruelty & he seemed to be another Nero : he sent for certain Cardinals to come unto him, but they being terrified w ^t his falsehod and rigor, durst not come to him, and thereupon they were proclaimed scismatickes by him, and depryued not only of their benefices and such dignities as they had received of Popes, but also were berefte of all their lands, towns and goods which they had by inheritance. Furthermore he gathered an army, and pursued them with the Columnians and as many of the Gibelines as he met withal in any place. He destroyed & spoiled all men's places whether soever they fled: whereupon many of them seeing they might be safe in no place, fled into woods • nd forestes and tarried there, other some of the most noble houses of Italy, after they had even in manner of wild beasts ranged longe about the Sea shore, did at length depart from Italy with saluage Pirates and rouers: for they trusted more the barbarous Pirates then this churlishe Boniface. He hated y ^e Gibelines with such rancor, that in persecuting them he heard say that some of them were fled to the Genewaies, & thereupon he posted thither to destroy them utterly, & to root out y ^e very name of them upon earth. And when upon Ash wednesdaye he should according to the superstitious use cross all comme • s on the forheade with ashes, and say unto them thus: Remember man that thou art ashes, and to ashes thou shalt return. Upon the same day & for the same cause, the archbishop of Porchet (who was a Gibeline ) came unto him, & kneelinge down unto the Pope put of his cap, to have the ashes put on his head, whō when Boniface had espied, being neither ashamed for the time, nor the place, nor the people present, uttered his rancor toward the bishop most shamefullye. For taking up an handful of ashes, he threw them spitefullye in the eyes of the bishop, saying reprochfullye with malicious change of words: Remember man thou art a Gibeline, and to the Gibelines thou shalt return. And beside this deprived him of his archbishopricke, though in the ende he restored it.

In his time were great and cruel wars between the Sicilians and Robert duke of Calabria, which wrought much mischief to all Italy, and yet the Pope being oftentimes requested thereunto, would never with his authority step in between them to pacifye the matter. But by the providence of God, they that before fled out of Italy with the rouers, arrived in Italy again, and gathering together a few (who fled and lurked here & there for fear of the rage of Boniface ) came to Anagnia, & ere the Pope mistrusted any such matter, they brast open the gates vpō him, apprehended him, and brought him to Rome, where frettinge and raginge in a great agonye most desperatlye for the space of xxx. days, through the extremitye of his malady, he died myserablye Anno 1304.

This Pope sent a commandment to the king of England, charging him not to molest Scotland (as he did then) any longer, because the Scots were a privileged people belonging to his Chapel: but the king stood stoutlye in the defense of his righte and quarrel, and claimed it as his right & not the Popes. After this the Pope moved king Edward to war upon the French king because he had offended the Pope, but the king would not be so abused by him. After this when the king had bestowed the bishopric of Canterbury upon Robert Burnel bishop of Bathe, the Pope in spite of his teeth did not only place another called John Peccam, but also sent down his Bull to the spiritual men of England, for their discharge, not to pay one penye tribute to the king in any case, to his no small trouble: for upon this the most of them were at defiaunce with the king and his Parliamente, especially the bishop of Canterburye. This is that Pope of whom it was cōmonlye said: He entered like a fox, he reigned like a Lion, he died like a dog. He thinking that kingdoms and Empires were all in his own hand, did usurp the authority of both swords, & would be counted the Lord of all the world. He gave sentence y ^e unless kings would receive their kingdoms at his hand, they should be accursed, and ought to be deposed. He excommunicated Philip king of France, because he would not suffer the treasure of his Realm to be transported out to Rome: he cursed both him and his to the fourth generation. Also he would not confirm Albertus to be Emperor (whom before he had three or four times rejected) until he would invade France, and depose king Philip. He maintained the discord that was in Italy, and purposed to nourish them continually. He forbad that the clergy should pay any tribute to their Princes without his commandment. He boasted that he bare the keys of heavē, and published this Canon that he ought to be judged of none, although he should draw thousands of souls to hell with him. He was the first that devised the Iubelye, according to the Jewish tradition. He gave full remission of sins and pardons to all that should come on pilgrimage to Rome. At the first day of Iubelei he prancked himself gorgeouslye in his pontificalibus. The seconde day he being arrayed most royallye, with Imperial insignes, commanded a naked sword to be carried before him, and said with a loud voice: Ecce potestatem vtrius{que} gladij : Lo here is the power of both swords. Finallye he being (as is said) apprehended, and offering rather his head to be cut of then he would yield up his Papacy, those conditions being put to him: his house was first spoiled of so much treasure, y ^t as it is reported all the kings of the earth together were not able to make so much out of their treasurye, as was carried out of his Pallaice, and from three Cardinals and a Marquess that were with him. Then afterward he was set upon an unbroken coult with his face to the horse tail, and so caused to ride a gallop & iaunted til he were breathless, and then was he imprisoned and there almost pined, by king Philip's soldiers of France, till the people of the town of Aragon where he was did releue him, and yet nevertheless for thought of this misery and loss, he died.

He bestowed on S. Peters Pallaice a chayme of belles making a sweet and pleasant noise, and increased the reuennues thereof: he yet increased very much y ^t privileges of the begginge fryers. He doubled y ^e idolatrous honor of the Apostles, the 4, Evangelists, and the four doctors of the Church. He gave authority to y ^e Ecclesiastical parsons generally in England, to excommunicate the people twice in the year. He caused one Hermanus of Ferraria to be taken out of his grave, and burned xxx. years after he had been buried. He said that to be subject to the Church of Rome is of the necessity to saluatiō. He deposed diverse Cardinals: he deuested diverse kings of their estate: he fostered harlots, • e begat diverse bastards, beside sondrye other l • ude pranckes. He summoned king Edward the first to Rome upon the complaint of Robarte Winchelsey bishop of Canterbury after y ^e death of John Peccam, both which Archbishops troubled the king, as almost all their auncetours from the time of Hildebrand had done to the Princes in their time: for so William Rufus and Henry the first, were troubled with Anselmus Archbishop of Canterbury: Henry the second also with Thomas Becket : King Richard and all England with William bishop of Eli the Popes Legate: King John with Stephen Langtō bishop of Canterburye: Henry the third with Edmonde Archbishop, and now this king Edward with these two. The king being cited to Rome, was there suspended till he had purchased full dearly his absolution: but of the said Peccam this one thing is to be noted, that he caused to be ordained y ^t no spiritual minister should have anymore benefices thē one, which was also decreed by Octo and Octogonus, the Popes Legates in England at that time.

What effect this letter wrought in them, to whom it was directed, is not in story expressed. This by the sequeal may be conjectured, that no reason nor perswasiō could prevail, but that the Pope retained here still his exactions, whatsoever was said or written to the contrary notwithstanding.

135. Benedict the xi.

[ 200] BEnedict the xi. borne in Lombardy called Nicolas, a dominican by profession of obscure parentage (whose father was a shepherd,) he after he had been Cardinal and bishop of Hostia came to be Pope. He was of stature but a dwarf, and at length waxed ba • ld, but of an excellent wit and very eloquent, and therefore in high favor with Pope Boniface : who as soon as he was created, applied his mind diligently to asswage all those broils and seditious factions that wasted Italy. Leander Albertus reporteth, that when he was made Pope, his mother came to Peruse to see her son so exalted, & was appareled by the Senate that she might come in seemly order to salute him: but he did reprochfullye disdain and would not acknowledge her to be his mother, til she had put on her former apparel again. Then (quoth he) I know this matron, for she is my mother. He offered to S. Estorge Church in Millen a challice of silver of great weight, also a senser and a box of frankinsence, silver candlesticks, & a silken curtein of y ^e price of an hundred Crowns, & gave iii. hundred pounds out of the Popes treasurye to make another curtein about the Sepulcher of one Peter of Verona a dominican fryer. All that he gave, cost viii. Thousand pound according to their computacion at Millein. He excommunicated all those that were the apprehenders of Boniface, until they had paid for absolution. He received into favor John and James Cardinals of Columna, whom Boniface persecuted. He absolved Philip king of France who was excommunicated. He made three Cardinals Nicolas Pratensis of Hetruria, William Macklesfild & Gwalther Winterburne, being Englishmen. After he had appeased those braules which his predecessor had procured, he died Anno 1305. in y ^e fifth month of his Popeship. The report is that he died of poison which was givē him in a fig: Of this Benedict were made these two Uerses.

136. Clement the fifth.

CLement the fifth was borne in Vasco, his father was one Bernard a noble knight, he was first called Bertrad [ 201] Goth, and was chosen Pope by the Cardinals after much strife at Peruse, he himself not being there. He agreeing to the election went from Burdigall to Lions, and sent for all the Cardinals, whither they came out of hand: where the Pope translatinge the court of Rome hither into France Anno 1305. continued still there threscore and ten years, to the great damage of the Romans. Philip king of France, and his brother Charles, & John duke of Britain, were at this Popes Coronation, where duke John & xii. other mayned w ^t a wall that was overthrown by the wonderful press of people, died out of hand. Also King Philip was somewhat wounded with the fall thereof. And the Pope himself in so great an hurly burly being thrust beside his horse, lost a Carbunckle stone out of his Miter, valued at six Thousande Florences. The pomp & triumph being ended, he made many Cardinals of the Frenchmen, but none of the Italians, saving that he restored to John and James of Columna their Cardinalships. He sent three Cardinals with Senators authority to Rome, to govern it and Italy. He granted to Frederick king of Sicill, the Isle Sardinia (inhabited of the Saracens ) upon this condition, y ^t as sone as he could he should drive out the enemies and recover it, but to the use of the Pope. To these words of Platina, Marius hath added this: Clement the fifth (saith he) because he desired not to serve other as Christ commanded his Apostles, but to have Emperors serve him, decreed by Canon, y ^t the Emperors appointed in Germany (although they bare y ^e name of y ^e king of Romans) should yet receive of the Pope y ^e title, right, and name of Empire: and that the Emperor being dead, all the time the Empire should be void, the Pope should have jurisdiction over those towns in Italy that are tributaryes to the Emperor. So much of Marius. Clement being an open whoremōger and maintayner of harlots, appointed the Popes Courte to be at Auenio for his own pleasure. He rooted out y ^e Jews called Templars, in a council at Vienna Anno 1311. In the same council be decreed that all religious orders exempted should be subject under the commō laws as other were, but the Cistercian monks did purchase of him to be privileged, and gave large bribes to him for it. Also the Franciscan friers offered him fortye Thousande Florences of gold beside other silver, that they might against their rule have a dispensation for lands and possessions: the Pope thereupon willed them to bring the money, & having taken assurance for it of certain marchaunts which they brought, he both toke the money & told y ^e fryers y ^t he would not nor could not break S. Francis rule for any money, & thus he beguiled y ^e fryers. He advanced S. John's knights▪ called y ^e knights of the Roades, because they had won y ^e Roades frō the Saracens. He commanded the master of the Tēplars to be burned w ^t one of his fellows at Paris in presence of y ^e Cardinals, and made certain decrees to bridle the disorder of the Jews confiscating their goods. He appointed punishment for such of the clergy as should busy themselves in secular affairs, or be costlye appareled: and deprived monks of hunting and hawking. He excommunicated the Venetians, the Florentines and Lucians, and confirmed Corpus Christi day for an holy day. He commanded y ^t the relics of Saints should be reuerentlye honored. He governed Italy by his deputyes two Cardinals: he made Celestine the fifth a confessor Saint: finally after diverse decrees of superstition, he died of the bloody flixe, panged and pained sometime with a collicke, sometime payned in the guts, the sides and the stomach, at Rocca Maura a tent upon Rodanus Anno 1314. His body was carried to Carpentorate in Vascony : the seat was void 3. years. This same year also died Henry Lutsenburg the Emperor, poisoned by a monk called Bernad by the cōspiracy of the Guelphes, because he went about to take vpō him by force the kingdom of Sicill, being moved thereto by the Sicilians : for this cause the said monk (who had long dissembled friendship & good will to the Emperor) wrought his destruction in most sinful and blasphemous manner: For against the good & godly Emperor should come to receive the Sacrament of the body of Christ, the cursed monk had provided & tempered one hoaste w ^t such rank poison, y ^t the Emperor perceived forthwith the horrible treason: and yet the godly Prince as soon as he felt himself poisoned, gave the traiterous monk warning to escape away with these words: Sir, conuaye yourself away, for if the Dutchmen perceive this and our godly friends, ye shall die the death. The monk therefore going to Sene, received y ^e reward which was promised him, and yet he did not by this treason deliver his fryerlye brethren, for many of them in Thuscia, Lombardy and other places, both men & houses perished with fire and sword. This Pope Clement toke displeasure with the Venetiās, and furiouslye yielded them as a pray and spoil to all that would make havoc of them and theirs. They therefore sent to him a noble man of Venice called Dandalus, to sue for favor and for the safety of their Citye: and to obtain pardon this noble Francis Dandalus was fain to yield himself bound in a chain about the neck, and to couch at the Popes feet under his table, and there like a dog to feed of the scrappes & bones that the Pope did cast unto him, ere he could asswage the Popes fury, as Sabelicus declareth Enned. 9. lib. 7.

137. John the xxiii.

[ 202] John the xxiii. a Frenchman borne, called Jacob Caturcensis bishop and Cardinal of Portua, after y ^e seat had been void through y ^e discord of 23. Cardinals ii. years, was chosen Pope at Lions : from thence remouinge his Court to Auenio he created viii. Cardinals, among whō was Jacob Caturcensis the younger his sisters son, and John Cajetan of the house of Vrsine. He delivered Hugh Gerard bishop of Caturcia, to a secular Courte being disgraded and spoiled of his pontifical array to be tormented, his skin fleed from his body & then to be burned to death, because he had (as he said) conspired against his parson. He was so new fangled that he made much chopping and chaunginge, erecting and supplanting of bishoprickes, abbeyes, and such like dignities. He made two Thomasses Saints, the one bishop of Hertford in England, y ^e other Thomas Aquinas a dominican, beside sondrye other. He ordained that belles should be ronge thrice in the day, that the people fallinge on their knees even as they go in their way, should say Ave Maria thrice. He condemned them for obstinate heretics, that defended that Christ and his Apostles possessed nothing privately, and sent commandment to the Universities that no scholars should presume to dispute thereof. He condemned the writing of one Peter a franciscan fryer, who went about to encourage men to follow the poverty of Christ, for the which thing many were condemned & burnt. He exempted the white fryers from all jurisdiction, reserving them only to S. Peters authority his dear children, and made diverse of them bishops: for (by the suggestion of Satan, as surely it may be well thought) he had a wonderful strange vision before he came to be Pope, as he him self testifieth in a certain bull, that is this: That the Virgin Mary delivered him from his enemies among great debate of the Cardinals, and made him Pope, but upon this condition that he should save from Purgatorye these his bretheren. This Pope John taught certain errors, namely that y ^e souls departed from the body do not see God till the day of Iudgemente: for so (saith Massaeus ) his father taught him, being deluded with the false visiō of one Tundalus an Irishman. He sent to Paris twain, the one a dominicke y ^e other a franciscan, to preach y ^e same heresy: but one Thomas Walleis an English fryer dominick, withstood the Pope in his heresy, whom the Pope committed to prison. Durand of S. Porcian, William of Calais, and other w ^t stood the Pope likewise. Touching the error & gross heresy of this Pope John, he was charged with it in the council of Constance by these words: Pope John said and stubbornly believed, that the soul of man dieth together with the body, & is consumed to nothing like the soul of brute beasts: whereof he never would purge him self. Furthermore because that Thomas Walleis an Englishman was imprisoned by the Pope for reprouinge his heresy, the king of France summoned a council into his Pallaice in Viciana sylua, where the whole assembly subscribed against the Popes heresy: and therefore the king sent to Pope John, willing him both to reform his heresy, and also to deliver the prysoner, & so the said Thomas was set at liberty. This Pope reformed and transposed the orders & decrees of the Church at his own pleasure, & made Colleges of Scribes according to the number of the Apostles, who receiving their fee, should write such letters as he should appoint. He condemned John Poliacus a divine, because he taught that mē should not trust the begging fryers. He compelled certain Nuns called Biginae to marry, and detested pictures. He held it for a grounded article that Christ gave none other rule of godliness to his Apostles then to other Christians, and that y ^e Apostles never vowed poverty. John Mandeuil in his first book and seventh Chapter, showeth that this Pope wrote at large to the Greeks that there is but only one Christian Church, and that he was head thereof and vicar of Christ, to whō the Greeks answered briefly: We do assuredly acknowledge your high power over your subjects, but we cannot abide your high pride, we cannot stanch your greedye covetousness: the devil is with you but God is with us. Thus briefly in a word they revealed the Popes estate. This Pope condemned Lewis Bauare a noble Emperor, to be a rebel to the Church, a scismaticke and heretic, because he toke upon him by the Electors choice the government of y ^e Empire, not vowing any fealtye to the Pope. Thus writeth John Marius of this Emperor Lewis : Pope John (saith he) hated unto death Lewis Bauare, partly because he being chosen by the estates of Germany king of the Romans, did disdain to receive at the Popes hand (according to y ^e Canon of Pope Clement the fifth) the name and title Imperial, partly again because he defended from the Popes power certain monks whom he had condemned for heretics: therefore Pope John avouched Lewis to be an heretic. Lewis coming into Italy, appointed his deputies in every City and came to Millen : and because he desired to qualifye the Popes displeasure, he sent Ambassadors to him kepinge his court then at Auenio in France, to require of him the ornaments belonging to the estate imperial, with freindlye affection as his ancestors had done: the Pope did not only deny the suit, but sent away the Ambassadors with great reproach, and cited the Emperor him self peremptory wise (as they term it) to come to Auenio, & submit himself to the Canons of y ^e Church. The Emperor knowing the Popes tyranny used in his Church, & understanding that he had his estate given him from God, desired to keep and defend the same holy and undefiled: and therefore would not submit himself like a slave unto Popes, and so denied to come to Auenio. And yet being desirous of peace, he besought the Pope by Ambassadors once again, to bestow on him with curtesye y ^e ornaments of the Empire: the Pope stood peuishlye in his willfulness, vaunting and boasting in his writings, y ^t he had power to play make & mar w ^t Princes, and y ^t at his pleasure he might set up and depose whom he listed: and y ^t the Empire being void, the Pope is full Emperor: And for malice against Lewis he excommunicated the Uicounts, whom the Emperor had appointed to govern Millen. The Emperor perceyuinge the Popes obstinate mind, taking with him many Princes of Italy came to Rome, and was honourablye received of all the people, and required according to the custom to receive the solemnityes of the Empire. The Romaine peers and all the people sent Ambassadors to Pope John in France, and humbly besought him to come to visit his City Rome, & to bestow upon the king of the Romans the imperial rites: which if he would not do, they said plainly that they them selves would keep the old law & privilege of the Romans. John having heard the Ambassadors, using great threats and terrors drave them away with foul rebuke frō him. The Romans, seeing this decreed to yield to the noble Lewis his lawful request: and so by the commandment of the clergy and people, both he and his wife together were crowned by Steuē & Nicolas being Senators, in the mean time the nobilitye shouted out, saying: God save Lewis Augustus Emperor of the Romans. The Pope hearing this (though the Emperor did nothing but that was lawful and godly) did accuse him for a traitor, and an heretic: he published sore process against him, put him frō his estate imperial, deprived him of his kingdom, condemned him by vile and cruel curse of excommunication, as a rebel and Captain heretic against the Church of Rome, by means whereof he enflamed all Christendom with such discord & deadly wars, as could not afterward be quenched in thirty years. Thus far writeth Marius.

Thus the Pope had nothing to defend his forged supremacye and authority, but the dreadful boultes of his excommunication. But there were certain at this time as well deuines as lawyers, which preached that Christ and his Apostles did possess nothing properly, and that the Emperor in temporal cases was not subject to y ^e Pope: Amonge these men were Michael Coesenus & William Occam minorites, Marsilius of Padua & John of Iandane lawyers, with diverse other. Lewis the Emperor was so comforted by these, that he did stoutly withstand the Popes ententes, and published this his appellation about the coasts of his Empire.

Thus when Lewis and the peers of Rome perceived well the iniquity of Pope John, and the people of Rome from the hyest to the lowest, did take it in evil part that y ^e Ambassadors whō they had sent were so mocked of him, they all agreed together that the old custom of choosing the Pope should be brought into the Church: that is, that he being chosen by the people of Rome, should be admitted and allowed by y ^e Emperor. Therefore one Peter of Corbaria a minorite was made Pope, and was called Nicolas the fifth: and as for John they concluded of him that he was an heretic, and a tyrant of the Church, not a pastour but a breaker of the common peace of Christians. In the mean time Pope John Anno 1335. in the fourscore & x. years of his age died at Auenio. About y ^e year of our Lord 1326. in y ^e time of this Pope John, the prelates of England played a stout prancke: for the bishop of Hertford was by the kings commandment w ^t other mo impeached of treason, & finally arrested in the Parliament house to answer to his endightmēts. Whereunto after long pauze he answered (claiming the privilege of the Church) saying thus: I am humble minister of the holy Church &c. and cannot neither ought to answer to such matters, without y ^e authority of the bishop of Canterbury my direct judge next under the Pope &c. whereupon the other bishops stepped up and sued to the king for this their fellow. But when y ^e king would not yield, the said bishops together w ^t the archbishops and the clergy coming with their crosses, toke him away perforce, chalenginge him to the Church w ^t out any other answer: charging moreover under y ^e censure of terrible excommunication, none to presume to lay any further hands upon him. And yet the king encouraged herewith commanded law to pass upon him, and he being found gilty his goods to be confiscate: but yet the partye remained safe under protection of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

This Pope left more abundance of treasure then ever any other did, namely five and twenty thousand thousand Crowns in gold, and yet but latelye before he joined in war with Robert king of Apulia to defend Genua, in which war (saith Antonius Florentinus ) either side spente as much treasure as would have boughte a good kingdom.

138. Benedict the xii.

[ 203] BEnedict y ^e xii. borne in Tholos, in profession a white fryer (saith Paleonidorus ) called Jacob or James of Furne, the sixtenth day after y ^e death of John he was enstalled Pope. This man (saith Marius ) was as uncourteous to the Emperor as ever was Pope John : he renewed the curses against him, he reft him of all regal dignity, & by his sentence deprived him of the dukedome of Bauary. The noble Emperor went into Germany, and called together (behoulde his virtue and wisdom) all the Princes electours, Dukes, Counties, bishops and the best learned, either in diuinitye or humanity. And in presence of them all with open and solemn proclamatiō, he added and established his late confirmatiō with old laws: and very wiselye proved that only the Princes electours & no man else, ought to medle w ^t the election of y ^e king of y ^e Romans, so that he that had most voices among them was to be accepted berely, be it either king or Emperor, which in effect are all one though in name they differ. Because that he that is Emperor may take upon him the government belonging to his estate, without the confirmatiō of the Sea of Rome: and he being lawfullye chosen, ought after aduisemente given by the Princes to be anointed by the Pope. Which if the Pope refused to do, he might be proclaimed Emperor by any Catholic prelate as the use hath long been, for these ceremonies enjoyed by the Pope, are but imagined toys and solemnityes devised by the prelates of Rome, who only have but the giving of the name, & not the thing, for a sign of unity and mutual help and succoure between the Empire and the Church. For the Emperor vowed to the Pope not an oath of allegiance and fealtye, but of defendinge the Christian faith, for as much as the taking of this oath maketh not greater dignity in temporal things. Furthermore the Emperor shown how that the estate being void, the righte thereof should not belong unto the Pope, and y ^t to have it so was against the liberty, righte, honor and majesty of the Empire: but by longe and allowable custom notwithstanding the Clementine Canon, and by decree unmovable hitherto kept by his a • ncetours, in the time the Empire is void, y ^e right of governing the Empire, the bestowing of fealtyes and ordering of other affairs, belongeth to y ^e Palsgraue of Rhene. Afterward for his own defense, he made proof of his upright and trusty dealing before them all, & plainlye confessed that he (as a Christiā man ought to do) did believe the Articles of Christian faith, even as the Church taught: and purged himself of all those accusations which Pope John the xxiii. and Benedict the xii. had laid to his charge. Thus did the godly Emperor of his own good motion, when as if he had not pitied the shedding Christiā blood, he might have tried the matter with the Pope, by the dint of the sword. At the length Pope Benedict began to consider of the goodness of this Emperor: for whē a certain grudge happened between this Lewis & Philip king of France, by and by peace was made between the Emperor and the Pope. And the Pope loved the Emperor so entirelye, that he defended him against the Ambassadors of the French king (which ever spake sharply against the Emperor) & stoutlye defended the Emperors innocencye. So that it came to pass that the Pope was by them called defēder of an heretic, whose words although Benedict for a while did much fear, for they threatened to set upon him with all their powers if he absolved the Emperor, yet in the end he absolved him. And commanded to proclaim through Germany, that all the processes of John whatsoever they were should void and of no effect: and that it did not become Pope John thus to deal with the Emperor, seeing their two functions as diverse, & testified openly that Lewis had in all things behaved himself, as might best beseem so noble & Christian an Emperor. Yet it is to be noted that the Pope did not this of hartye good will to the Emperor, but upon pollicye: for whē he perceived the king of France (within whose precinct he was then abiding) dealt vnfreindlye with him, he feared y ^t if he should also have the Emperor his enemy, he should have no succor left, if the French king should go about to do him displeasure. And for this cause Benedict thought it stood with his commoditye to have the favor of the Emperor, hoping it would so fall out that he durst attempt nothing against the Pope. Such from time to time hath been the policy of these prelates, to maintain their estate. But to return to the purpose (and leave these words of Marius ) Pope Benedict avouched the judgment of his predecessor against Lewis. He appointed deputies in those towns of Italy that belong to the Empire: and toke to himself from the Emperor, the Senatourship of Rome. He devised that everything did belong to the Court of Apostolical penitēciary. He appointing subsidyes, gathered houge sommes of money out of every nation. He first toke upon him to usurp the presentments of all bishopricks, prelatships and benefices. He abridged unlearned men of priesthood. He reformed many sects of monckes. He commanded that all his chapleins should lie in one dormitorye together, and should have none other revenues then for their diet and apparel. He with a great some of money bought for his carnal desire, the sister of Francis Petrarcha a beautiful woman, of her brother Gerard : he denied that the Pope had any kindred: he published certain acts (as Leander testifieth) against the dominicans: he left to the Church great store of treasure: he kept diverse concubines: he died of an ague while he was hyring one Zotus a conning painter, to por • rature the stories of martyrs in his new buildings Anno 1342. Of whom these Uerses were made.

About this time John Stratford being bishop of Canterbury, did greatly abuse king Edward the third, both in defraudinge him of his treasure when he needed it most in his wars in France, and refusing obstinately afterward to come at the kings commandment to answer, until time & place served according to his own pleasure.

Benedicts common sayings were these to be noted: Be thou such a son as thou desirest to have cosens. The evil ma • dreadeth death: but y ^e good man feareth him more. Those things that thou hast learned keep by reading, and get by learning those things that thou wantest. It is as great shame to have no friends as to change them oft. It is more dishonor to a Prince to be overcome with benefits, then by force of arms.

139. Clement the sixth.

CLement the sixth borne in Lemonia by professiō a Benedictine, called before Peter Rogers being abbot of Phisca, [ 204] succeeded Benedict at Auenio. This mā with his faction troubled the Romaine Empire above measure: for he excommunicated (saith Naucler ) all the Princes, lords and bishops, that consented to the doings of Lewis. To deface the Emperor he created Uicountes and made them Uicares of the Empire: & Lewis on y ^e other side appointed other Uicares to govern the Church. Jerome Marius in his book called Eusebius Captiuus, doth thus set out the rigor of Pope Clement: Clement y ^e sixth (saith he) much given to women, honor and authority, provoked with devilish fury, set up bills in wrytinge upon Church doares wherein he threatened the Emperor to be punished w ^t more cruel torments, unless he would obey the Popes mind and that within three days, and would give up his right of the estate imperial. Great was the cruelty of this Clement void of clemency. The Emperor cometh to Frankeforde, and preparing with all diligence to do all that was commanded, besought the Pope by his Ambassadors, to pardon him and to receive him to favor. But the Pope answered the Ambassadors, that he would never pardon Lewis, unless he would first confess all his errors and heresies and yield up the Empire, and put into the Popes hand both himself, his children, goods & possessions, to dispose them at his pleasure, & would promise that he would never more enjoy any part thereof without the favor of the Pope, & delivered a certain form of of these articles in writing to the Ambassadors, cōmaūding them to carry the same to Lewis. The good Emperor least if he did not thus submit himself it might be cause of slaughter and sedition, received the order taken by the Pope, and looking upon it was content in such wife to save Christian blood, and therefore he did not only set his seal to it, but gave his oath to perform all. Which when the Pope heard he waxed angry. But note whether he toke the Emperor to favor, and whether he shown any token of good will, by that which followeth. Lewis shown that order to the Princes electours, and oratours. The Princes detested and abhorred certain of y ^e articles, because they were devised by the Pope to the confusion of the Empire: and therefore they promised sufficient aid to the Emperor if as he did before, he would maintain the liberty and honor of the Empire. They sense Ambassadors desiringe the Pope not to exact those articles y ^t tended to the utter subversion of the Empire: and y ^e oratours crauinge and doing nothing else came away again. But Clement blaming Lewis only for all, did purpose the destruction of him and his children: he cursed him cruelly even at consecrating the Sacrament. He renewed all the extreme processes which Pope John had given out against him, he pronounced him to be an heretic and scismatick. He charged the Princes electours to choose another Emperor. He deposed the Archbishop of Men's both of his bishopric and authority of electorship, because he knowing the Emperors innocencye and vngiltiues, would not abuse his majesty. But the other electours being brybed with money by John king of Bohemia, as the bishop of Colen who toke viii. Thousande marks, & the duke of Saxonye two Thousande marks) did appoint his son Charles to be king of the Romans : whō this uncourteous Clement did allow afterward in open consistorye. But who is able to report the horrible bloodshed and war that arose in the Empire by means of this mischief wrought by Clement : for king Edward the third of England slue xx. Thousande Frenchmen, and John king of Bohemia father to Charles was slain with many nobles. But Lewis yet taking thought because of the Popes processes, & not meddling with the government of the Empire, was by the Popes procurement poisoned in a cup whereof he died. Thus writeth Marius : Lo by these kind of treacheryes have the prelates of Rome brought the Empire to y ^e low ebb and poor estate, that it is at this day: for the said Charles whom they against all law created, to make his son to succeed him, did so corrupt the electours with bribes and fair promises, that he mortgaged to them the common revenues of the Empire, which they enjoy to this day, and therefore the Romaine Empire cannot aduaūce it self again. For then the Electors compelled Charles to take an oath, y ^t these pledges should never be reclaimed: whereby at length it came to pass that the Empire being thus decayed, the Turk invaded the Church of Christ, & destroyed it wonderfullye, and it is by the especial grace of God, that Muhammad's blasphemy doth not with fire and sword rage over all Christendom &c.

This Pope Clement now at the fiftye year renewed the Iubelie, & being absent caused it to be celebrated at Rome Anno 1350. for his advantage: and (saith Premonstratēsis ) there were five Thousande strangers coming in & going out at Rome, as might well be counted dailye within the said year. He made at several times xii. Cardinals whereof some were monks, some his nephews and kinsmen: beside he promoted diverse other to dignities, & bestowed cost on diverse buildings. He gave license to the bishop of Bamberge to absolve those that toke parte with Lewis, but upon these conditions: first that they should swear fealty to him as to the Uicar of Christ: secondly, that they should believe that the Emperor hath no power neither to make nor mar the Pope: thirdlye that they should acknowledge none to be Emperor whō the Pope had not confirmed. While his companions and servants went to dinner leaving only his chamberlayne with him, he fell down sodeinly & died of an impostume Anno 1352. This Clement (saith Marius ) toke vpō him so prodigally in his Popedom, y ^t he gave to his Cardinals in Rome, bishoprickes and benefices being then void in England: wherewith the king was offended and undid all the provisions of the Pope within his Realm, commaūding upon pain of imprisonmente and life, that no man should be so hardy as to bring in any such provisions of the Pope within his Realm anymore, and under the same punishment charged y ^e 2. Cardinals forthwith to avoid the Realm, Anno 1343.

Against these heretical blasphemies, the Uniuersitye of Paris did then openly detest and reprove.

There were an hundred Thousand poor men of y ^e clergy in that year resorted to Auenio to obtain pardons out of all countries, and to be hired confessors.

140. Innocent the sixth.

INnocent the sixte borne in Lenomia called Stephen, doctor [ 205] of both laws being of an advocate made bishop of Claromont, and of the Cardinal of Hostia and chief penitenciary to the Pope, was made Pope him self. He was a man that in his Popedom was a cunning lawyer, but of haughty courage, willful mind, very rigorous, and one that frāckly bestowed benefices on such as would pay for them. After he was established, he did wisely abrogate certain reseruatiōs made by Pope Clement, because it made more for his cōmoditye in time to come so to do. And forthw ^t he decreed y ^t all Ecclesiastical parsons, as many as had any benefices should go forthw ^t to their charge: for he said y ^t the flock ought to be kept by their own sheapeheard, and not • y an hyrelinge. He like a covetous niggarde diminished his house keeping, reducing & stinting the parsons of his family to a certin (but as Petrarcha saith) not an honest noneber: Neither would he have any to wait on him at home, but such as should in all pointes feed his own humor: he gave strait charge to the Cardinals so to do, saying y ^t • e & all other Ecclesiastical parsons ought to be an example of life to other. And for the more sparing he made cellars in his house for his auditor & clerks of the kitchen to lock up all things. For his table diet the writers report of him that he was a great pincher, but for the maintenance of wars very prodigal. He sent one Giles a Spaniarde Cardinal of Saba from his side into Italy, to persecute certain robbers and thieves: and to assure the better to the Pope Ecclesiastical jurisdiction. By Peter Thomas of Aquine a white fryer this Popes Legat, Bononia became subject to the Pope, which Peter did first plant there the doctrine of the Sorbonits: therefore the Pope bestowed on him y ^e bishopricks of Pacte, Mileto, Coranie, the archbishoprick of Crete, and at length the patriarckship of Constantinople. At the commandment of this Innocent, Charles y ^e fourth was crowned Emperor by two Cardinals at Rome, but upon this condition that he should stay no longer neither in Rome nor in Italy: he notwithstanding as soon as he returned home, warned y ^e archbishop of Men's to reform the clergy in their apparel, shoes, hair, and all the order of their life, upon penaltye of forfeytinge all his benefices. Richard archbishop of Armachane in Ireland, did publish before this Pope ix. articles against the begging fryers.

In the first year of his reign this Pope commanded that John Rochdal a franciscan fryer should be burned, for speaking certain words against the clergy. The said John (saith Premonstratensis ) did prophecy many things to come of Antichrist and of the Popes, and therefore was suspected of heresy: for he begā to prophecy Anno 1354. in the time of Clement the sixte, and many of his prophecies were found to come to pass. A certain priest having had a bull of this Pope the space of three years, came in the ende and did caste it down at the Popes feet saying: Lo take your bull unto you for it doth me no good, for the which cause the Pope commanded him to be apprehended and whipped, and afterward committed to prison.

This Pope made an holy day for the spear and hammers wherewith Christ was pierced and nailed. He built walls about Auenio, and founded an house of Carthusian monks without the Citye. While he was preparing an army against the Turks Anno 1362. he died for grief understanding that the Romaines were at civil discentiō. There appeared so great an Eclipse of the Sun before the death of this Pope as hath not been seen. In his time also (saith Masseus ) a certain flame brandishing in the air, after the going down of the Sun gave a terrible light in the sky: afterward houge swarms of Locusts destroying and eating up the fruits of the earth, did also feed upon the very stalkes.

141. Urban the fifth.

VRban the fifth was also borne in Lemonia called before [ 206] Grymold Grison, son of one William a Physician and an Englishman, in profession he was a Benedictine monk, and in the ende he being absent in an Embassage was chosen Pope. Being therefore called to Auenio and saluted Pope, he did forthwith addict his mind to maintain the prerogative of the Church in covetousness, riot & pomp, with great diligence, vsinge herein the assistance of such as were proane to this purpose, especially one Giles a Spaniard whom he sent Legate in the behalf thereof, who scoured Italy and oppressed the Uicountes, and other governors with great calamities and slaughters, and compelled them all to submit themselves for fear to the Church of Rome. Pope Urban himself in the fourth year of his reign coming to Rome with his Cardinals, bestowed superstitious cost vpō idols & ruinous Churches. He covered the sculs of the Apostles (as he thought, which they had long sought for ere they could find them, and ye missed of them also in the ende) in cofers of gold & silver, valued at xxx. Thousand Florences, & set them in the place where they are yet seen. He repaired diverse houses of the Popes: he commanded to preach the Cross against the Turks: he commanded that the Nicene creed should be song on S. John Baptists day: he yielded soueraignity to the sea of Rome: he built schools for those that should study Physic and the Decretals. Briget a woman of Sweaueland came to him to Rome, because of a vow that she had made, and procured that there should be Religious parsons both men & women of the order of S. Briget. Afterward be returning into France, made one John Hawcuth an Englishmā liefetenaunt of his army, in the stead of Giles that was dead, that he might still defend the Ecclesiastical jurisdiction until he should return: for he purposed not to return to Italy. But while he went into France hopinge to return to his court in Rome, Anno 1371. he died at Massilia, poisoned as it is thought. Sabellicus writeth that he made great war in Italy, yea evē with the Princes y ^t his auncetours had set up against the Emperor, & he slue many of them. In this Popes time (saith Premonstratensis ) the archbishop of Collen had a wife. In his time also the order of the Jesuits & Scopetines orders first began, as John Palionedorus testifieth in the third book and second Chapter of his tripartite history.

142. Gregory the xi.

GRegorie the eleventh borne in Lenomony called before [ 207] Peter Belfortius, was Cardinal of new S. Mary's and nephewe to Pope Clement, he succeeded Urban. This Gregory (saith Platina ) was made Cardinal when he was scante xvii. years old by his uncle Clement, and least he should seem to have more regard to his kindred then to the Church, he sent him to the best learned doctors in Italy, to be brought up in learning, especially to one Baldus who then read the Popes decretals at Peruse, where he profited in all kind of such learning as Baldus could teache him: so much that the said Baldus for the assurance of his own affairs being in danger, used his authority for his own safety. Gregory being Pope sent a Cardinal into Italy to oversee according to custom, the estate of the Church. But because (as Volaterain saith) almost all the Cities revolted frō him (by the council of Katherine a Nonne of Scene, which afterward became a saint, & of Baldus his scholemaster) he returned from France unto Rome with xii. galleyes. Or (as Sabellicus saith) because that he reproving a certain bishop for being nonresident, was by the same bishop reproved again, that he being the chief bishop did yet lie so far and so long from the place of his Church. Anno 1376. he excommunicated out of the Church the Florentines, who were the auctours of the revolting, and had taken to their use all the Popes towns lying about them: and because they despised and defyed the terror and vain boults of his excommunication, he warred upon them. Some other say he returned into Italy for other causes. Masseus saith, that one Briget a woman returned from Jerusalem to Rome, wrote to Pope Gregory that it was the Lord's pleasure that the Popes court should return to Rome. Crantzius saith, it was because a certain bishop did sharpelye rebuke him that he would leave his Church and follow the Courte: Of whom the Pope received this answer: And thou (quoth he) being Pope of Rome that ought to be an example to other, doest not return to this bishopric. And therefore he did again translate his seat from France to Rome, by the persuasion of two women and one bishop, in the 70. year after the translation thereof. This Gregory demanded tenths throughout the whole Empire, and repaired the walls of the City and old buildings with great pompous cost. He added the eve to the holy day of the birth of the blessed virgin Mary. In y ^e time of this Pope, king Edward the third of England made many profitable laws abridginge the Popes pilladge, usurpation and ambition, within the Realm. Also certain soldiers of this Pope Gregory lying in a Citye called Cesenata, did not only take things as victuals and other necessaryes, refusinge to pay for it, but also did beat like slaves the Citizens, & upon further stir they murdered them pityfully • , sparing neither man woman nor child though they were sucking babes, so that they filled all pittes in the Citye with dead karcasses, for in a few hours upon one day they slue in the Citye of all ages viii. Thousande, and then robbed & spoiled the town, and so left it desolate & emptye. Theodoricus lib. 3. Cap. 2.

At the length Anno 1378. he died of extreme pain of the bladder. Even at the hour of the Popes death the report is that y ^e Pallaice of Auenio was set on fire, & could not be quenched till the greater part thereof were burnt. Afterwarde ensued the greatest sciesme and division that ever happened in the Popedom. Then (saith Massaeus ) the clergy and people of Rome complaing to the Cardinals, besought them to choose an Italian & not a French man Pope, that the Courte might not go into France again. But when they began to make an election, suddenly a controversy began, for the Italians were but four, and the French Cardinals were xiii. who might easily have prevailed but they durst not, for the Romans stood ready in armor, and made a tumult. Therefore on Saturdaye being the ix. day of April, they choose Urban the sixth to be Pope, who was Crowned on Easter day being the xviii. day of the said month. Praemonstratensis saith that in the time of this Urban the sixte, began a new and strange sect of bedlams both of men and womē, who used to skip and dance against all modestye: who Anno 1375. came (saith he) from Aquisgran into Hannonia and so into France, which might prognosticate y ^e return of Pope Gregory and his Cardinals to Rome. This sect of Daūcers imagined with themselves that they daūced in rivers of blood, but they y ^t stood by could perceive no such thing. The people thought that these dancers were evil baptized by priests keepinge harlots, and therefore the people thought to have risen against the clergy to slay them, & to spoil them of their goods, unless God had withstood it (saith he) by certain coniurations.

143. Urban the vi.

VRban the sixth being but a poor man and very obscure [ 208] borne in Naples, called otherwise Barthelmew and at length archbishop of Bare but never Cardinal, and absent (the Romans urging it very sore) was chosen Pope. He being chosen Pope, Jane Queen of Sicill bestowed great cost in triumphing for joy, and sent to him for presents forty thousand dukates in gold & silver, besides wynes, victuals and other things, yielding also to him her kingdom and all that she had, to be at his commandment. Likewise her husband the noble Otto duke of Brunswick and Prince of Tarentum offered him the like curtesy But (saith Theodoricus of Nyem. lib. 1. cap. 7.) sone after Otto after dinner among many great estates and Cardinals drancke to the Pope, but Urban was so proud that he suffered the noble Prince to kneel before him a great while, ere he would take the cup out of his hand, in so much that one of the Cardinals moved withal said unto him: Most holy father, it is time for you to take the cup & drink. Whereby he fulfilled the old sayings: Asperius misero nihil est qui surgit in altū. And again: Corde stat inflato pauper honor dato. Claw a churl &c. But greater unkindness he shown in the ende both unto this duke & Queen Jane his wife, for by his means Otto was taken and murdered, and Jane also committed to prison, and therein miserablye strangled to death by one duke Charles, who contrary to his oath by procurement of this Urban, violently wrested from them that had brought him up, y ^• kingdom of Sicill with their lives: for furtherance whereof Urban sold the proprieties and lands of Churches and Monasteryes in Rome, beside great store of silver and golden challecies, crosses, images and such like monuments turned into wyne, and given to Charles to the sum of fourscore Thousand Florēces to maintain his war against the foresaid Princes, in recompense whereof Charles should bestow upon a cowardlye wretch Francis Butillus nephewe to Urban, the dukedomes of Capuan and Amalsitan, and many noble Earledomes in the kingdom of Sicil. Urban being enstalled, warned y ^e clergy of their duty, he charged all the bishops with periurye, because they were not residēt lying in the Court of Rome, and not in their bishoprickes, saith Theodericus of Nyem, and seemed that he would purge his Court of idle parsons. He warned the Cardinals diverse times to take heed of simonye, and to content themselves with their porcions: he commanded them to ride with fewer horses, y ^t (quoth he) we may even from our hearts be a pattern to the people: and (quoth he) as touching that ye speak of returninge into France, ye know that I will continue still in Rome. Then viii. of them being Frenchmen went first to Anagnia and afterward to Fundum because they feared his seueritye, where they conspiring among themselves & affirming that he was not true Pope, but violently thrust in by y ^e Romans, they chose to themselves another Pope the xx. day of Septēber called Clement the seventh, whereupon arose a sciesme which was more perilous and lasted longer then ever did any, for it lasted almost xl. years. Theodoricus saith lib. 1. cap. 11. that Clement being chosen, many prelates, offieials & courtiers, did on all sides fly to him frō Vrbā so y ^t he was left alone almost, & as for those y ^• tarried w ^t him or resorted to him in hope of preferment, or about any suetes, yet they misdoubted the estate thereof and murmured dailye, still doubting what to do: which when Urban saw, he wept bitterlye repenting his roughe regimente the cause of all, and to salve his sore, and to allure the favor of men for his own strength, he made xxvi. new Cardinals out of all sort of men, and gave other offices and lyuinges frankly, by means whereof many begā to repair to him from diverse places, hoping to speed well in being partakers with him in this division.

Theodoricus in the 33. Chapter of his first book, reporteth that Francis Butillus nephewe to this Pope Urban, did rauishe a virgin being a Nun in Naples keeping her perforce certain days in his lodging: but what marvel is it (saith he) seeing the filthy will still be filthy, for he was ever given to glotony, leachery, sloth and royat. And yet the Pope would not rebuke his nephewe for this villanye, but being told thereof and of his licentious life, he used to answer: Tushe he is a young man. And yet saith Theodoricus, Butillus was at this time forty years old. But upon this fact there was a great murmuring among the people, saying y ^e like prancke was never played before in Naples. And yet the Pope did not only defend his nephewe being for it condemned to death by the king, but also with crackes & threats made the king glad to bestow a noble virgin of his own blood upon the said Butillus, & threscore and ten thousand Florences yearly, with the castle of Luceria.

This Pope Urban (as Stella saith) was a crafty man, & one that would remember an injury and seek to revenge: Crantzius saith he was a churlishe, cruel and unmerciful man, who taking upon him the Popedom, sought not to make peace (as he should have done) among Christians, but rather bent himself to revenge the injuries of his Cardinals and of Jane Queen of Sicill, and therefore to make the Florentines to take his part, he absolved them from y ^e excommunication of Pope Gregory, and sent John Hawcuth an Englishmā captain of them against the Queen. Furthermore he being of nature given to wrāgling, strife, & cruelty, creating certain new Cardinals at Nuceria, he cast vii. of y ^e old Cardinals into prison because they had conspired with Clement the seventh against him: and five of those vii. he laid upon great stones, and in despite of Clement drowned them, which kind of death also one Adam an Englishman being a Cardinal did hardly escape at the same time. And of those new Cardinals being xxix. they were all Neapolitans and his cosens, saving three. This Pope proclaimed war against Charles of Hungary king of Naples, because he would not make a nephewe of his Prince of Campania : he governed the Church with all tyranny that might be, and to show his rigorous rage more openly, thus writeth his friend Platina of him: Urban (saith he) being delivered from the terror of France & gone to Naples, desireth the king to make his nephew king of Campania, which whē he could not obtain, this fellow under pretence of a just and honest man, being one whom no man neither loved nor liked, began forthwith to threat and crake the king, whereby he so offended the king that for a while he committed him to the charge of certain parsons, and suffered him not to come abroad. But the Pope dissembling his malice for the time, departing with y ^e kings good will to Nuceria (because of the heat of the weather as he feigned) and fortifying the Citye sufficiently, he doth both make new Cardinals and imprysoneth seven of the old, because as he said they had conspired with the king and Pope Clement against him. Furthermore he sent out a process against the king, and a citacion according to the custom: the king answered that he would shortly come to Nuceria, and answer his accusations both by word and by sword. So he came to Nuceria with a great army and besieged the Citye, Ramond Balsian being moved with this discurtesye, being Prince of Tarent presuming of his power, and conveying Urban w ^t all his Court to the next shoore, he put them into three Galleyes of Genewaies provided for that purpose: whereby while the Pope is transported to Genua, he drowned five Cardinals fastened to rocks, of those seven which he toke at Nuceria. Furthermore in the yere after the death of Charles, he passed to Ferentine (to see Naples as he said) but in deed of this mind, to deprive of their inheritance y ^e young Princes Ladislaus & John being but a child, y ^e sons of Charles. This Urban granted to the sect of begging fryers, that they might change their vows to commit another dishonest act, and challenge as it were to restore to righte unlawful goods being in controversy. He died in Rome Anno 1390. poisoned as some think, after he had misgouerned the Popedom x. years, and few or none were sorry of his death. The year before his death his Mule fell under him as he was rydinge, where withal he was soore hurt and brosed, so as he did never recover it til his death: he being dead, his nephewe Francis was thrust from all his living, and came to Rome poor and despised no man showing him good countenance, according to y ^e old saying:

And so this Francis with sorrow and anguish forsook Rome at length and went to Sicill. This same year (saith Funcius ) this covetous miser Urban brought up the year of Iubelye, because he saw it would prove gaineful to him and to the Romans. He also appointed annuities to be paid out of priests lands, under pretence of waginge an army against the Pagans: the Englishmen withstanding this constitution, calling a Parliamente did decree y ^t the Pope should have no jurisdiction beyond the limits of the Ocian Sea: but the bishops & prelates like traitors to their country, did take upon them afterward to pay y ^• pention.

It would ask a great volume to touche every vilanous practice of this Pope Urban. Certain coming to meet him on a time did first kiss the ground three times, & then his feet with all humility. He had given him by a certain Lady, a precious Miter and certain garments valued at more then xx. Thousand Florences. He caused a Cardinal in one day to depose, to rack, to tormente, to spoil & imprison, all the prelates of Sicilia, because they did not mauger their Prince assist him against Clement, and made in their steed 32. new bishops and archbishops: and (saith Theodoricus ) there was not a clarke in all Naples so deltishe and beggarly, but that he was made either a bishop, archbishop, abbot, prior, or some prelate, if he would take it upon him to take part with Urban. He used the service of Charles king of Sicill on a time going before him as his vssher, and bearinge the Popes target following with his army into a town called Auersa. He put six Cardinals in a dongion with their feet set in the stocks, and caused them to be myserably tormented and racked, only for suspicion of falsehood against him, and so kept them in prisō where they pined through famine, thirst and cold, having also worms and life breedinge in their bodies: & yet they stood stoutly in their innocencye. But no humble and importunate suit neither of them nor any other, could ever move y ^e stonye heart of Urban to pitye their cases, but (saith Theodoricus ) the more he was entreated the more wrathful he was, so that his eyes would sparkle, his face burn and glow, his throat wax dry for anger. And after sundry examinations he sent unto them again Theodoricus (the writer of this history) & other to examine them in a vaute of the castle where they lay, then (saith Theodoricus ) the Cardinal of Sanger was first brought up unto us, with a pair of iron shakles on his feet and a short mantel about him, because it was a cold and windy prison. Who when he came to the ende of the cellar and saw above him y ^e roapes hanging wherewith he should be racked, and was by y ^• waiters striped out of his apparel, leaving him scarcelye his shirt on, and bound very hard to the rack, Francis y ^e Popes nephewe stood by and laughed at this miserable sight without all measure: but I that loved this Cardinal of old was sore grieved thereat, but I could not depart the place. But to be short, the said Cardinal was an aged man of a corpulent body, comlye and taule of stature, and being bound he was thrice lifted from the ground by the strong pulling of those that racked him, so that he waxed very feeble, which when I beheld, when he was let go to the ground again I said to him softly: O dear father do you not see how your blood is sought for: I beseech you for God's cause confess something to deliver yourselves for this time from these tormentors? He answered, I cannot tell what I shall say. And when they would have • acked him again, I bad them cease for he hath satisfied me as I will certifye the Pope in wrytinge, & so they lose • him & carried him out to take air: who coming to himself said unto us heauilye. Behould my brethren the time hath been as ye know, that I lived in the pomp and royaltye of this world, but now I am become a moste miserable caytife and despised wretch. And I would to God this were granted to me as a singular benefit, that I having nothing might beg my bread from place to place: but out alas, this trouble & sorrow are justly by God's judgment fallen upon me, because even in this kingdom of Sicil I was so cruel an executor of the Popes commandment, in deposing without favor the archbishops, bishops, abbots, and other of the clergy without respect of age or degree, hoping herein to have pleased his mind. The next day after this Pope Urban called unto him one Basilius to be chief tormentor of these Cardinals, which liked him very well for he was a malicious man and hated the clergy naturallye, and was a persecutor of God and his servants, a notable pirate, and a plaguer of Christians whom he used to take captive from his youth: at the first he lived by theft and robbery, but when that failed and he became a beggar, he sought succor of Pope Urban, who not for devotion but to obtain a priorship of an hospital in Tinacria made him a fryer. To this fellow, Urban gave charge to torment on the next day, y ^e Cardinal of Venice, and to continue rackinge him until such time as Urban himself might hear him cry for pain: So when Basilius and we came to the prison where the Cardinal of Venice was, Basilius taking him out & bringing him to a certain hall in the Castle did stripe of his apparel, and having the roapes fastened aloft & hanging down to the ground he tied him hard to them. And although y ^e Cardinal were an old man, brokē and diseased, and weak of complexiō, yet he tormented him upon the rack most cruelly from morning till dinner time continually, but the sillye man ever as he was hailed up cried still & said: Christ hath suffered for us, &c. In the mean time Pope Urban walked in a garden below, and read on a book so loud that we might hear him, which he did to this ende that Basilius might the better loke to his charge to plong the Cardinal the mere. But as for me (saith Theodoricus ) I could abide this woeful sight no longer, and therefore dissembling myself to be sick I gat leave to depart. And in like manner was the other Cardinals used afterward. Finally Vrbā removing from Naples commanded that these Cardinals and their fellow prisoner the bishop of Aquilo, should follow him and ride next after him, assigninge to everyone his garde to keep them that they should not escape by the way. But the bishop partly because he road upon a iade, partly because his body was yet after his racking so sore and feeble that he was not able to endure fast riding, but as the Pope galloped he came lagging after as fast as he might. And yet the Pope thinking that helingred to have stolen away, in a great rage commanded his villains to kill him, and so they slew him mangling him with many wounds, and left his dead carcass unburied in the way. Afterward at the suit of king Richard of England, Pope Urban did partly release to the custody of a certain priest one of the Cardinals called Adam Cardinal of Sicil : but he toke from him all that ever he had, and left him in case of a vagabounde till Boniface his successor restored him. But as for the other five he kept miserablye in prison in an abbey in a town of Ianua, being next to y ^e Church where he lay: and if that he saw any man resort to that Church at extraordinary hours, he thought that he resorted thither to deliver the Cardinals by stealth: and therefore he committed to prison & tormented many of his own Court only upon suspicion thereof. And notwithstanding y ^e duke & citizens of Ianua sued for those prisoners, yet he would never show them any mercy, but in the end caused them to be put to death, as some say beheaded, other say drowned, but how so ever it were sure it is they perished. Furthermore Charles king of Sicil being at variance with Urban, and having his nephew Fraūcis prisoner died at length. Then came Margaret the wife of the said Charles, humbly suing to Urban to be gracious to her and to her children, and to grant that her husbands body might be buried, in which suit many nobles of Florence and other Cities joined w ^t her, and yet his hard heart would nothing pittye her suit, nor grant her so much as a grave for the king her husband, though she had freely released his nephewe to him, yet he added process to process, and heaped condemnation upon condemnation against her and her poor children, because he did from his heart detest the name of the said Charles. Thus reporteth Theodoricus word for word as he is alleged, who being Secretarye to Pope Urban wrote that which he saw with a sorrowful heart. The cause why that the Pope did dispatche those Cardinals was this: he was suddenly forced to remove from one place to another, and therefore thinking that those Cardinals if he should carry them with him would hinder and comber him on the one side, & on the other side he was loath to leave them behind least they should escape, and therefore flying from Nuceria to Ienua (as is said) it is thought that by the way he tied them fast to the rocks, & so lef • them to be drowned. It is said that this year one Bertholdus Swart or otherwise Schuuartz an Alchemist and a monk, in the North parte of Germany devised first and contryued Gunnes to the spoil of mankind.

144. Clement the 7.

[ 209] CLement the seventh was a Frenchman, and by birth Earl of Gebenny called in time past Robert, he being first a Cardinal was made Pope by the Cardinals. These Cardinals after the third month of the election of Urban, perceyuinge bow he was given to tyranny, and that he would not return into France, they stale away & fled from Rome to Fundus. But first they besoughte him to give them lycence with his favor to go to Anagnia, to change the air for the Summer time, but they fearinge his melancholy mode and frantic fits, went away. These Cardinals were gotten together John Preuestin, William of S. Stevens in Coeli hill, Bertrandus of S. Cicill, Robert aforesaid, Hugh of the 4. holy Crowns, Gui of the holy Cross in Jerusalem, John of S. Marcellus, Peter of S. Laurencis in Lucine, Gerard of S. Clements, Peter of S. Eustace, William of S. Angel, Peter of S. Mary's immaculate, and Peter of S. Mary's of Cosmidin. These saith Platina did pilfer out the treasure of the Church at the death of the Pope, and did every thing as liked them best. Who as sone as they fled to Fundus, railed upon Urban as an usurper of the Popedom, saying y ^t he was creat perforce, and perforce received the Crown of the Pope ship, because that election was made for fear in a place of great danger, in y ^e which men ought to have had liberty to do and speak their minds francke & free, and yet they were compelled by the people contrariwise, to choose rather an Italian then a Frenchman. For these causes (they said) the seat being void and Jane Queen of Sicill favoring their purpose, they choose the foresaid Robert to be Pope, and called him Clement the seventh. Because (saith Theodoricus ) they knew him to be ambitious, nedye and yet very prodigal, of a large conscience but of noble birth, well be frended and of great power, having a strong troupe waiting upon him: whereby (saith he lib. 1. cap. 10.) it may be judged that this election proceeded not of the holy ghost nor of good consciences. Herevpon arose a great discord among Christian Churches, while some Princes favored Pope Urban, some favored Pope Clement, and some there were that meddled with neither of them, and they were called neuters. Clement going to Auenio was worshipped of the Spaniards & Frenchmen, who did welcome him thither. He continued fiftene years making diverse laws, whom beside the French king, the king of Aragon, of Castile & Nauar obeyed. In the mean time a council was held at Paris to take up the strife for the Popedom, which council yielded to Clement as Tillius writeth. In his time about the year 1387. arose a controversy between the students of Paris and the dominick fryers, concerning the conception of the virgin Mary. Pope Clement died Anno 1392. being buried at Auenio. These two Popes scattered about y ^e world in diverse quarters their terrible and fearful bulls, and spread abroad railing books full of infamy, and defacing, backbytinge and excommunicating one another, calling each other w ^t sharp despite and bitter reproach, Antichrist, scismatick, heretic, tyrant, thief, traitor, unjust, wic • ed sower of darnel in God's Harvest, and the cursed son of Belial. John of Lignia doctor of both Laws, set out a book in the behalf of Urban, and the abbot of S. Vedast councellour to the French king, did publish another for Clement against Urban.

Amonge other broils wrought between these 2. fyrebrands, it shall be sufficient to declare but some of the least, Theodoricus lib 1. cap. 14. saith, that Clement with his Cardinals being in Campania, sent for their Captayne Bernard de Cazala with other men of war out of Gascony and Britany, who should pass over a certain bridge upon Tiber nigh Rome, but they that kept the bridge w ^t stood them, whereupon all the Citye was in an uproar, & many ran out disordered to defend the bridge against Bernard and his Brytaines who entered perforce, and in this conflict there were slain as some think 8. hundred Romans, and the rest beaten back into the City, whereof arose great howling, crying, & lamenting through Rome. But y ^e Romans to revenge themselves, fell upon all such as might seem in the Citye to favor Pope Clement, as all those that were borne beyond the Alps, both Frenchmen and Spaniards that were weak and vnweaponed in the Citye: they spared neither man, womā nor child, parson nor degree, some they murdered, some they chained in prison, the women they used vilanouslye without all shame, bishops and noble men they spoiled, robbed and long imprysoned with great misery: This hurly burly continued long. Yea I saw then (saith Theodoricus ) certain matrones of Rome desirous to enflame the Romaine Citizens against the courtiers & strangers, to iastle them ruffiantly in the streets, and without all honestye to spit and slauer in the faces of the courtiers both of men and women. But while the friends of Pope Urban did thus within the Citye molest the friends of Clement, a certain Frenchman being Captain of Angel Castel, and keeping it to the use of his countryman Clement and his Cardinals: did leuel a certain engine out of the Castle against y ^e Citye, discharging and shooting arrows & pellets violently into Rome among the Romaines and courtiers, and with this shot he overthrew, shook down and fyred many houses. Thus was the Citye in a miserable broyle, and in these tumults were slain diverse noble men. John Vrsine, Rainolde his brother and one Honoratus, with Angelus lieuetenant of Rome & diverse other estates, stepped up in arms in the quarrel of Clement assaulting y ^e Citye round about: Reynold laid siege against it at S. Agnes gate a whole month, so y ^t the Romans were robbed of their cattle, and durst not peep out of the Citye to follow their husbandrye during this storm. Whereupon Charles the Emperor and Lewis king of Hungary at the humble suit of Pope Urban, sent to Clement their Ambassadors, desiring him to yield up his Papacy for the ending of these sturres tending to y ^e ruin of the Church and Christian estate: but Pope Clement and his Cardinals in steed of reasonable answers used the Legates vilanously, keeping some of them in prison, some they racked cruelly, and by this means all Christiandome was divided, some (as Almany, Bohemia, Thuscia, Lombardy, England, Polony, Denmark, Sweueland, Norwaie, Prusia, Frizland, with diverse other countries) toke part with Urban: and likewise many countries with Clement. Urban made Charles king of Sicil, and Clement set up Louis of Andegana against him for it, to the spoil of much blood. Manye other notable histories are written of this Clement, which for tediousness are overpassed, only I note that which Theodoricus saith, that he being Cardinal under Gregory the xi. was cause of the destruction and lamentable spoiling of the Citye Cesanate, having charge of the soldiers that did it as is shown in the said Gregory. Also at the same time he sold the Citye Vercels unto a couple of tyrants, to the great confusion of the same Citye in like manner, but those tyrants Caleatius and Barnabonis having full possession thereof, robbed this Cardinal again of all the treasure which they had paid him. But when he sat in the Papacy he was so prodigal in spendinge the Church goods, that he granted to every man especially noble men, large pentions, farms & lands at an easy rent.

145. Boniface the ix.

BOniface the ix. borne in Naples, was first called Peter [ 210] Thomacell being but a yonker scant xx. years old, but a toughe and sturdy fellow, he was made Pope by consent of those Cardinals y ^t remained in Rome. Theodoricus saith that he could neither write nor singe, and that when he was chosen he knew not what belonged to the great charge of the Papacy, and when supplications were offered him, he handled them so untowardly as if he had never been brought up in the Court of Rome, neither could he understand the contents thereof. When any advocates during his government moved any matter debated in his consistorye, he never understood them, but would bolte out an indiscreet answer to their demands. At the first during the lives of certain good Cardinals he durst not openly commit simonye, though priuilye he used his brokers therein: but they being dead after vii. years he used it openly. First he toke the first fruictes of all abbeyes and great Churches void, and ere the living were bestowed the money must be paid: yea often he was heard to wish, that the money being paid the party might not enjoy it, that he might be paid new first fruictes again by another. This was the chiefest of those xxvi. Neapolitans, whō being of his alleance Pope Urban made Cardinals at Nuceria : who (as Crantzius saith) being confirmed & established, did forthwith confirm those things which Urban had decreed touching the Iubely to be kept every xiii. year, the feast of the visitation of the virgin Mary, and indulgences & pardons for the worshipping of Christ's body. But by his covetousness and simonye, because all benefices were sold for money, vsurye waxed so rank in Rome, that it was counted no sin (saith Theodoricus ) in his time: yea oftentimes vsurye was required openly, even in the presence of the judges and officials. And again there was no suit made to the Pope for any matter, but that bribes must be given for speaking. The fifth day of November in the first year of his reign, he, his Secretaryes, and his chamberlaynes set benefices to sale so impudently, offering and trying who would give most, so that all men laughed it to scorn. At which time he gave under seal any benefice where soever, were it in his disposition or no, his gift to take place vpō y ^e death of the incumbente: and this kind of sale lasted longe in the Courte of Rome, so that many poachers ran up and down y ^e country to espy where were any old or sick prelate, & thereupon poas • ed to Rome to purchase a grant of his living: so that sometime the Pope sold one benefice to diverse parties, and used to set down in the dating of it that the second third or the fourth grant should stand above and before the rest: and therefore after diverse grauntes of one benefice yet some purchased one after all with this clause, to defeat the rest notwithstanding all former or after grants, and for more assurance the last should be antedated. Thus the Pope played pollage so long till all men being weary of his mockery, his market decayed.

A thousand other practices were put in ure by him and his clergy as appeareth at large in Theodoricus, and yet because the Pope did it, is was no sin, for so they said generallye. He sent abroad his collectours into diverse coūtries with pardons, who thereby purloined great treasures from the simple people, so that they brought out of someone province an hundred thousand Florences: but y ^e Pope calling these his officers to account, and findinge y ^t some of them defrauded him, he put them in prison, some he put to death, some murdered themselves, some were he wed in pieces by the people for their cruel exactions. When these and the former shifts waxed stale, then the Pope and his complices devised new. They made new grauntes of benefices which did disannul all the old: but they were very dear, for they were sold for fifty dukates a piece, and they to whom the Pope granted them, sold them with condition that the sellar should have portion of the commoditye. And if one man had a benefice granted him & the grant were written and sealed, yet if another came in the deed doing ere it were delivered and would give more, the former seal was broken, the wrytinge cancelled, and the grant void, and so as often as the price was enhaunsed, y ^e gift was changed: yea they that made the former offers were railed on, and rebuked bitterly by Boniface, charging them that they went about to beguile him in bargayning, offering not so much as y ^e benefice was worth. At this time a contagious plague reigned in Rome where of men died so fast, that (saith Theodoricus ) I have seen one benefice sold to many men in one week, everyone paying the price for it and dying immediately, another came by and by and gave money for it, and so he dying y ^e third did likewise. Then might a doult get a living better cheap then a learned man, for the Pope being ignorant loved those best that were likest to himself. Whē money wanted, yet rather then Boniface would leese his market, he was content to take other stuff, as hogs, horses, grain, wheat, neat, sheep or anything else. Thus were all the Popes courtiers become bargainers, brokers, userers and simonistes: and he that could devise the most crafty shifts, was counted wisest & most esteemed. Some having then a grant to take for himself perhaps ii. iii. or iiii. of the benefices that he could espy next void, would by means of this commission cease upon xx. and keep the commoditye of them in his hands: they that used these shifts were the Popes auditors, & by this means they disappointed other men that had the like graūtes, and thus they might do with pretence of law, because they had perogatives being chaplaines and officers unto Pope Boniface. Hereupon a rose many suetes and controuersyes in law, so that the clients being wonderfully increased in number, the proctours and lawyers would not plead but have unreasonable fees. The Pope also for every seal that he granted had his • ee of all men except his Cardinals: thus was Rome on all sides fleeced, filched and flayed. And yet in all this simony and briberye, everyone that received a benefice had an oath ministered to him that he came by it w ^t out any unlawful conditions of bying or sellinge. Afterward the said Boniface decreed that every archbishop, bishop, abbot or such like, if within a year after the receiving of his living he had not fully satisfied y ^e Popes trea • urye, the living to be void immediately: and in this snare many prelates of all degrees was suddenly trapped, so that of archbishops, bishops and abbots they became my Lord's quondam, & of rich men, beggars. Many fugitive friers, hedge priests, roages, rascals, verlets and pezaunts seeing this, ran thick to the Popes court offering themselves to serve him as his slaves, on whō he bestowed y ^e lyuinges whereof other were deprived: so that some y ^t today were ruffians, beggars & lackeyes, as tomorrow were become bishops, archbishops, abbots and priors: thus on all sides the miser Boniface made a miserable clergy for greediness of money. Beside this many monks and fryers did purchase license of him to dwell aloof out of their religious houses and cloisters: priests boughte lycences to have as many benefices and dignities as they could get, to sel their old and to buy new, and to be nonresident at their pleasure. Neither (saith Theodoricus ) could anything be demanded so unjust and absurd, but for money it might be gotten. And as Boniface did, so his covetous mother and two of his brethren being in his court with him, obtained grauntes of him at their pleasure, and sold them for double the price. If any noble men came to y ^e court with fair horses, then the mother and her sons would be sure to have them or the most part of them: for no man durst deny them anything that they craved. This Boniface had also a sister whom he gave in marriage to the Earl of S. Flauiā, and made him duke of Adria, giving him w ^t his sister 17. Thousand Florences, but at length the said duke in a fraye slue her with a knife, for the which y ^t duke was afterward trayterouslye murdered. Manye tumults were made & procured by this Boniface in diverse places, and especially one bloody sedition which lasted longe in Peruse. Also he entertained very courteously a certain abbot, who to gratifye him had murdered Beordus governor of Peruse in his bed chamber, suffering him upon especial good will and amitye to come into him. In the xi. yere of this Boniface one Nicolas de Columna made a conspiracye to have come in the night upon the said Pope, to have deprived him of his temporal jurisdiction, but he giving the attempt and cōminge with his men in armor to the Popes gate, was yet disappointed and fled: but the next day xxxi. of his servants that by commandment waited upon him were apprehended, and though one word of the Popes mouth mighe have saved their lives, yet they were all hanged but one, who being but a striplin for want of an hangmā was promised pardon if he would hang the rest: who pausing there at a while (because his own father and brother were of the same company) did yet at the last for saving of his own life do the execution both on his father, brother and the rest, weeping tenderlye at this hard hap. And yet he also should afterward have been hanged, but at y ^e people moved with compassion, sued for his life.

This Boniface received to favor master Adam an English Cardinal being skillful in the Hebrew tongue. He banished utterly the Earl of Fundus, who at the first procured the discord. He reigned over the Romans not like a bishop, but like a saluage tyrant Nero or Caligula. He suspectinge diverse Romans of treason against him, did cause them to be put to death. He repaired and fortified y ^e Pallaice Vatican, the Capitol Angel Castel. There was never Pope that bare such rough sway over the Romans saith Crantzius. He had no learning, but coveted to increase the pomp of his estate, and therefore devised a law whereby he purloined the soueraintye of the world, that is, that it should not be lawful for any of the clergy to enter on a benefice which he should obtain, unless he paid the first fruits to the Apostolical excheaker or the Popes Chamber. He put down the Banderesians a noble estate among the Romans: also he compelled the Romans by a cruel law, to fetch home their foreign Senator Malatesta of Pisauria. He strengthened the Citye for his own purpose with fortresses and bulwarks: but making wars with the Uicountes he lost Bononie. He caused Ladislaus a young gentleman son to Charles king of Naples, to be Crowned king in his fathers Realm by the Cardinal of Florence : whereupon Sigismunde king of Hungary thinkinge himself greatly injured, great wars ensued to the miserable slaughter of Thousands, burning and spoiling of Cittyes, towns, monasteryes & castels in Hungarye : So great a thing it is to dispossess a king. Boniface also canonized S. Brigit borne in Sweueland. He gave to his cosens and kindred the advantage and commoditye of the Iubelye. He offended and sinned much in parcialitye, and because he subscribed & granted certain abhominable indulgences and pardons, he ran into great infamy. He kept the Iubelye at Rome Anno 1400. where many strangers were robbed, and great Ladies ravished by the pezantes of the Popes court: Finallye Anno 1404. he died of the collicke and stone. The Summer before that Boniface died, there happened horrible tempests, boisterous winds, hail, thonder & lightninges. And in the night a certain house (new built by Boniface ) of square stone very costlye (wherein for the time he used to bless the people) had y ^e roof of it blown down by the violence of the storm, and the timber hurled to the earth. Also the strong pinnacles of Angel castle were thrown to the ground with much other mischief and ruin. Also another night appeared such terrible and vehements lightning and thonder all night long, that all men being in a desperate fear, thought surely the Citye would have been overwhelmed withal. Another time also there was in Rome an earthquake, which though it did no hurt yet it amazed all men. Theodoricus lib. 2. cap. 33.

This Pope rooted out a superstitious sect called Albes, and burnt a priest of them who came with a great train of that sect both men and women down from the Alps into Italy: for Boniface seeing him come thus with his company all in white (for y ^t which cause they were called Albes ) was afraid as some write, least his Popeship should be taken from him by the said priest. But some (saith Platina ) say that the man did purpose no harm, but that the Pope did imagine this to put away the rumour that went, how the priest was for spite and malice taken and put to death.

146. Benedict the xiii.

BEnedict the xiii was a Catalan borne and called Peter of the Moon: this mā even in the time of the sciesme duringe [ 211] was chosen Pope to succeed Clement by those Cardinals which continued at Auenio. This fellow while he was but Peter of y ^e Moon & not Benedict Pope of Rome, did dispute against the authority of the Pope and of his clergy, and said that it was not to be feared: and for this his true saying notwithstanding he became Pope, yet afterward he was and is still condemned by his successors for an heretic. While he was but Cardinal being sent by Pope Clement Ambassador to Paris and other places, he used often to boast that if he might be chosen to succeed Clement, he would spare no means to procure that this longe sciesme might cease. And therefore the Cardinals abused with his great protestations, did chose him in deed to succeed the other, but before the election they sware all and he among them, y ^t whosoever should be chosen Pope should be content at any time to resign & give it up again, if the Cardinals thinkinge it meet would require it. But afterward whē it came to trial, he defying his oath would not yield one jot, no though y ^e Cardinals & diverse Princes did exhort him to it, and chargde him with his oath: and councils conclude against him that he was no Pope. But certain estates of France moved with his troublesome obstinacy, did set upon him by force of arms: toke him priner and kept him so three years, and yet could not make him give over, but that he would first die ere he would deminishe his dignity: so that they being wearye of him, delivered him again at the end of the three years.

By his laws it appeareth that being Pope he would that even the wrong sentence of condemnation uttered by him and his sons should be feared. He abode in his place (saith Crantzius ) till the time of the council of Constance, and he swerved much in the auctorizinge of it: finally he began to be hardened being cast of in that council. He continued in his obstinacye with his Cardinals, who also after his death endeavored to continue and maintain this strife by putting up another to be Pope, but they were forbidden. Amonge other things this Pope gave to the king of France ( Charles the vi.) the tenths of y ^e Church, partly to hire the king to maintain him in his quarrel, partly that he might take part of this great lucre, and (saith Theodoricus ) he saw it stood him upon. He at length followed Boniface his practice in bestowing benefices, giving dispensations, tolleratiōs, exemptiōs, totquots, pardons and such like enormityes, according to the saying: If thou sawest a thief run thou did dest run with him. This he did to allure men from the obedience of Boniface to himself, y ^e better to maintain his quarrel against him. Whē this Pope Benedict abode & planted himself strongly in his country, and avouched that he himself was y ^e true vicar of Christ, he was shamefullye reproved by the authority of the said general council. And yet he summoned and held a Synod in Perpinian, and created many Cardinals. At the length he dyinge at Paeniscula Anno 1424. commanded these his Cardinals to choose another in his steed forthwith: and they forthwith choose Giles Munyos canon of Barchynony, calling him Clement the eight, who out of hand at the motion of king Olphonsus did both create new Cardinals, and toke upon him to do those things that appertained to the Pope. But when Pope Martin the fifth came in favor with king Olphōsus, this Giles at his commandment yielded up all the righte and estate of the Popedom being appointed bishop of Maiory : and in like manner they whom he had made Cardinals, did likewise give over their Cardinalship.

147. Innocent the seventh.

INnocent the seventh was borne at Sulmo & called Cosmarus [ 212] of Peruse : he being Cardinal of the holy Cross, while all Italy was in an uproar he was made Pope to succeed Boniface y ^e ix. While this Innocēt was but Cardinal (as Plat. saith) he purposed to reprove y ^e dastardlines & negligence of the former Popes, saying y ^t their s • oath was the cause y ^t the sciesme of xl. years in the Church of Rome and the destructiō of the common wealth was not redressed. But he having gotten the Popedom, and following the fashions of Boniface & Urban in diverse things (which being but a Cardinal he had reproved) he did not only that which in other he had so much condemned, but also would be highly offended if any man should have mentioned it unto him. He governed all things so disorderly, y ^t when the Romans required to have the Capitol, their liberty, kight bridge, and Adrian castel to be restorde unto them, and were very earnest that he should take away this dangerous division in y ^e Church, pacify the wars, and qualify the seditions, whereunto the French king promised his aid, & Peter Moon denied not to take peace: then the Pope sent the Romans to Lewis his nephewe (dwelling in the hospital called the holy ghostes hospital) as to an hangmā for the purpose, who forthwith murdered xi. of the Citizens, which came to procure redress for their country, which by the malicioiusness and negligence of the Pope was brought almost to confusion. The said Lewis first stripped them naked, then he murdered them, and last of all threw them gasping for breath out at a window saying: We cannot cast out sedition by any other means then this, Where their bodies lay mangled in the streets till it was night. By the which cruelty the Romans being much enraged seeking assistance of Ladislaus king of Apulia, they range a larum bell and put themselves in armor, to revenge the villainy upon Lewis. But the Pope to shonne the fury of the people fled in all post hast with his nephew the murderer to Viterbium, in the extreme heat of the day, so that he and some Cardinals that fled with him being sore heated were almost choked and dead for want of drink, but xxx. of his company perished out right. Also one of the pezantes killed the abbot of Peruse by the way hard beside the Pope, & another pezant killed one of the court for greediness of a pot of drink before the Popes face: and all their bodies that died by y ^t way were left vnburyed. Also after the Pope was come to Viterbium, many of his court died with drinkinge suddenly cold wyne. Then the people for anger that they could not ease their stomachs upon the woorkers of this treacherye, turned their rage upon the courtiers, whose goods for the most part was spoiled and taken away, but some courtiers by report were saved in Cardinals houses. Afterwarde they having taken the Capitol and won Right bridge, attempting in vain to assault Adriā castel. In this broyle John Columna Earl of Troye, and other noble Captains of great bands, with Ladislaus his furtherance, joined with the Romans. And hereof arose a bloody conflict joined with much villanye (saith Theodoricus ) between the Guelphes and Gibelines, these fightinge for the Citye, the other joined with the Vrsines for the Clergye lasted many days in the Citye w ^t murder, ravishing of womē, robbing & spoiling w ^t out cōtrolmēt. Many Cardinals were used unreverantly, taken & led to y ^e Capitol and there beaten w ^t coodgels, some prelates had their garments torn of their backs and lay long in cruel prison, the Popes treasury was robbed and pilfred, many of his bulls and pardons with other such writings were rente and torn. And (saith Theodoricus ) who can tell all the vile touches used in the Citye. The pictures of Pope Innocent were in all places daubed with dirt and greater despites done against him. But in the ende all things being appeased, because it was thought that Innocentius much misliked this murder done by his nephew as he dissembled it, the Pope returned to Rome and choose more Cardinals, among whom were Angel Corrarius a Venetian, Peter Philargus borne in Candy, and Otho Columna a noble Romaine. He having thus fortified his Popeship, created his bloody nephewe Lewis Marques of Picene, and also appointed him afterward Prince of Firma. He commanding the half of Ecclesiastical livings both in France and England, toke the foil in this matter for it was denied him (saith Gaguinus ) after the which he lived not longe but died Anno 1407. at Rome. Theoricus showeth how y ^t whē these sturres were hot in Rome, on a night in Auguste such tempests happened that two Nuns standing together, were slain with a flashe of lightninge, and diverse houses, walls and towers were beaten down. Also he reporteth y ^t this Innocentius refusing contrary to his oath at his election, to come to agreement with Peter Moon (the other Pope y ^t stood against him) was straungelye touched by the hand of God y ^e same time: for having hired his friends to be a means that he should never be more moved to give up his estate, he was sodeinly taken with a strange Palsy in the face, all men saying it was God's judgment for his dissembling, But he was recovered of this ere he returned to Rome.

148. Gregory the xii.

GRegorie y ^e xii. a Venetian borne was first called Angel [ 213] Corrarius, he being Patriarke of Constantinople, and S. Markes Cardinal was chosen to succeed Innocent. But he was chosen at Rome upon this condition, that if it should be needful for y ^e behoove of the Church he should depose himself of his Popeship, because that Benedict the xiii▪ called Peter Moon, who at Auenio was chosē to succeed Clement the vii. Gregory being enstalled Pope, did confirm his promise by wrytinge before notaryes and witnesses, upon condition that the other who also claimed the Popedom should do in like manner, and yield up his estate. But when Benedict would not but stood stiflye to claim his right, and fled from Auenio into Spain, this Gregory likewise would not give place. But in the beginning they notwithstanding exhorting ech other by Legates, & offering on either side to yield up their titles, appointed to meet in Sauona to make peace. But by their conference used by Legates, they so mocked and disappointed one another (which caused many Christians to speak evil of them) they sturred a greater strife, and therefore a great council was held at Pise Anno 1410. wherein these dalyers and deluders were both brought before the Cardinals of either faction, who with one consent deprived them both of the Popedom. In this Sinode were 124. deuines, & almost 300. Lawyers which deposed them both, & choose forthwith one Alexander borne in Candy. This deed was allowed by all Nations, saving the Spaniards, the Scots, & the Earl of Armenia, who whollye clave to Peter Moon: nevertheless Gregory & Benedict defying this council, toke upon them still the estate as they did both before. But fearing least they should be apprehended, the one of them fled to Ariminus with Leonarde Aretine Secretarye, the other with his companions fled into Catalony. And thus at one time three Suns (for so the Pope calleth himself the Sun of the world) did shine at one time in the Popedom, and yet none of them all shoane in heaven. Gregory after the degree of y ^e council, was curteouslye entertained by Charles Malatest Prince of Arminus. And while he stayed at Luca by the consent of y ^e Cardinals that hitherto forsaked him not, he created Gabriel Condelmerius his sisters son Cardinal. He drew by the ears one Nicolas of Luca a white fryer & doctor of diuinitye, out of the pulpit, because in his Sermon he moved and persuaded him to seek for peace and unity to the profit of all Christendom: beside that he used him so violently in the Church, he afterward also sent him to prison to terrifye other that they should not talk of this matter. In the ende the fathers of the general council of Constance sent unto him, that either he should come thither or send his messenger, and thereupon he sent Charles Malatest to be his proctor, who seeing them thus to be minded to put him from the Popedom, he stepped up into y ^e Popes trone (being there for the purpose prepared) and coming down from it again, francklye gave over the fourth day of Iulye Anno 1415. for the which free yielding the whole assemble made him Legate of Picene, which as soon as Gregory understood within a few days for anger, grief and anguish of mind, he died suddenly. But Peter Moon stood stiffly in his dignity, of whom John Gerson doctor of diuinitye of Paris did (being present in the said Synod) speak of y ^t lunatic Pope Peter Moon saying, y ^e Church shall never be at peace until the Moon be quite eclipsed. But he would not yield neither for entreating, persuasion, nor threatening of any man. Thomas Walden doth make larger discourse hereof in his Sermon preached before king Henry the fifth of England.

Because that the doings of these two Popes reigning both at ons, that is Gregory the ix. & Peter of the Moon are so notorious that it were worthy to be known, but so longe that it were tedious here to be shown, only this may suffice to signify their treacheryes, which Theodoricus hath written as a preface to the rest of their story cōpiled by him at large. I come now (saith Theodoricus ) to Gregory who succeeded the former Pope Innocentius. A man should scante find incke and paper sufficient, and should be tediouslye occupied to declare by what craft, guile, deceit, juggling, caueling, hypocrysies & subtleties this Gregory was chosen by the College of Cardinals, with whom he and Peter Moon afterward delayed to agree for the quietness of the universal Church: promisinge and not performing: and excused themselves for not agreeing, mocking and deluding with naughtye pranckes all Christendom: using shifts, excuses, false forgeryes, & frumpinges on both partes by their messengers to & fro. But it is euidente that they have their consciences seared, saying that they are plain and simple men, when as they are in deed full fraughte with devilish delusions. And because it should be a godly deed, they have said and do say y ^t they would yield to unity, which yet in their malicious hearts they neither do nor ever did purpose as by their deeds shall appear, as I will reveal to the world forever, not only in this book, but also in my other work called Nemus vnionis. Although alas there be many kings & princes, and many inferior secular powers, Cities, boroughes, towns, villages and castels, and the most part of Ecclesiastical prelates of all sortes, beside clerks and Ecclesiastical parsons both secular and regular in sondrye countries, nat • ons and lands walkinge & wandering in deserts of darkness, and many of them not desiringe the common profit of the catholic faith, but being divided into sondrye factions for their sundry affections, do yet cleave to the said Gregory & Peter, upholding and cherishing them most dampnably in their obstinacye, sciesme and heresy, and lifting them up as their idols, like the foolish Egyptians &c. What ende therefore is like to come of this lamentable sciesme which they foster which are Lord's of this world, not to procure peace but greater discord, and to be feared if God help not to the destructiō of lower powers, who being perilouslye bewitched & charmed with the vain promises & sleights of these two Popes & their adherents, do uphold them in the pride of their ranckour, mischief and error, as if there were no God in heaven, but that the salvation of souls and bodies did only depend upon these two priests of Babylon: from whom more mischief hath spronge and flowed over all the face of the earth, then ever proceeded from any that fought for the Papacy, from the beginning to this our time. And out alas these biles and soars are so brast out in the eyes of all the world that there is no shift to deny or cover the same: whereupon the Catholic faith is darkened w ^t clouds of ignorance, all religion hath suffered shipwreck: Christians being at jar among themselves do devour one another: Gonnes and other instruments of mischief and murder are put in practice: fear of God, honesty and virtue have departed far from kings and governors and from the people of all sortes, and vice hath stepte into their places: and finallye the whole & universal Church is sick frō the Crown of y ^e head to y ^e sole of the foot. &c. Much more to the like effect complaineth Theodoricus, being then Secretarye to the said Gregory when these uproars were thus raised by these prelates, whose particular doings as they are many and diverse, so are they strange, monstrous, horrible, and to be wondered at that any man though he did but suspect that there were a God, would so delude both the world & him, but y ^t the spirit of God hath said y ^t they should be blinded in their sins. And thus was all the world troubled with this Gregory on the one side the Sun of darkness, and with Petrus Luna the mā of the Moon on the other side.

149. Alexander the fifth.

[ 214] ALexander the fifth was borne in Crete, a franciscan fryer in profession, called Peter Philargus or of Candy. He succeeded the foresaid Gregory in his Popeship, for the former prelates Gregory and Benedict being deposed in the council of Pice as is said, this Alexander was chosen Pope by general consent of all that were there present. Which dignity being bestowed upon him (saith Platina ) he was worthelye called Alexander, because he being before but a beggarly and begging fryer, might now be matched with the proudest Prince in Europe, for excessive prodigalitye & hautye courage. Wherupon he used to ieast merelye oftentimes saying: I am a rich bishop, a poor Cardinal, and a beggarly Pope. This Pope was of so stout a stomach y ^t he cast out of his kingdom Ladislaus then most mighty king of Naples & Apulia, who did convert to his use more conuenientlye the lordships of the Church being evil gotten. To this wicked deposition of the Prince agreed all y ^t clergy and priests of the council of Pise. This being done, the Pope did most vnlawfullye bestow it on Louis duke of Andegania. The council of Pice being dissolved this Pope went to Bononia, where Balthazar Cossa Cardinal of S. Eustace was president, being a moste sinful Sodomite & filthy baude. This man was confirmed Legate by Pope Alexander, because that council was summoned by his political devise, and because he was the man who might best encounter and deal against such as durst at any time go about to govern the Ecclesiastical estate. And this Pope (saith Platina ) was more wild in manners, more saluage, more bold and more laymanlike then became his profession. His life was counted almost a warfare: he thought that soldiers and warrelicke prancks, and many other wanton toys which are not to be named, became him well enough. Amonge other decrees this Pope made bulls for S. Francis marks y ^t they should be counted among the articles of Christian faith, & made a solemn holy day that they should be worshipped of all believers▪ because he had been a franciscan fryer. When this Pope began to be very sore sick of a poisoned medicine which was ministered to him by his Physician Marcillius Parmensis, receiving of Balthazar a great bribe to do it, (as Baptista Panaetius showeth in his six and fiftye Sermon) whereby Alexander perceived y ^t his death drue nye, he exhorted the Cardinals that came to him to mutual concord, and to maintain the honor of the clergy. And being now at the last gasp, he said Anno 1411. in the viii. month of his Popedom: I protest by this death which I see to be at hand, all that was done at the council of Pise was good and lawful. After he had said this the company weeping and mourning, he breathed out very feebelye this saying of our savior: I give you my peace, I leave my peace with you. Thus presumptuouslye durst he being even at deaths doare, take upon him the power of Christ to give y ^e peace of Christ (being peace of conscience though he did not so understand it) which he could never do. And thus he gane up the ghost in his sin never asking mercy of God for it.

After this Pope had thus at his departure bestowed his charitable blessing, there followed both dearth and pestilence, as if that God had turned his blessing into cursing.

150. John the xxiiij.

John the xxiiii. was borne in Naples, called Balthazar [ 215] Cossa Cardinal of S. Eustace, a canonist, and yet most given to warlike feats. He having caused Alexander to be poisoned gat to be Pope. And some say that by scuffling and manhood he wan the Popedom, and not by free election. For (saith Stella ) while he behaved himself in Bononia, more like a Prince then an Ambassador, and was liefetenaunt over a great army, the elders meeting there to choose a new Pope, he threatened to trounce them terriblye, unless they would choose him a Pope according to his mind, and thereupon many were brought forth to him to be approved, but he would allow none of them. Therefore he was entreated to signify and appointe whō he would have to be Pope, hereupon give me (quoth he) S. Peters roabe, and I will bestow it on him that shall be Pope, to the which they consented. He then taking it put it vpō him self, & having it on his shoulders said thus (as it is used in pronouncinge him that is elected: In the name of God Amen, I Balthazar Cossa am Pope. This thing being done contrary to all their expectacion they durst not yet reprove it, notw ^t standing they much mislyked it. And thus Pope John beguiled the foolish Cardinals, and bestowed liberallye the Popedom upon his own parson. He being crowned Pope did forthwith send into Germany to will them to make Sigismond Emperor according to the custom: he having obtained his purpose, held a council at Rome to crown Sigismond Emperor there. In the first session or sitting of the said council, the mass of the holy Ghoste being done as the Pope sat aloft in his throne, by and by an owl came in, which sitting upon a beam of the Temple and fastening her eyes steadfastly vpō the Popes grim countenance, did with her irksome shriking and horrible noise salute the Pope. The by standers were much amazed thereat, and some of them said in their whispering: Lo the holy ghost is come, to whō our Pope prayed so earnestly to aid him according to his hope: Othersome lookinge one upon another & upon the Pope, fell to grinning & laughing. But Pope John good man was in a sore perplexitye, for he blushed very red, he sweat, he freated, his greace melted within him, and he chafed inwardlye above measure, & at the length because he could not devise how to remedy this his foul confusiō, he brake up the council and went away. Then followed another sitting, in the which he was in the like agonye again, and that with more distress. For the saucye owl without any sūmoning presumed to come into the council place again, and could not be desired away with hysshing, whopping, and hallowinge, neither scarred nor terrified with coodgiels and bats, so that in that Sinode likewise nothing was done but chasing of the owl, and not y ^t . Hereupon many said that such spiritual doves had long time been the chief birds in the Church. This history is written by one Nicolas Clemanges in an Epistle of his. Furthermore for the mutenyes & debate that was among the Italians, whereof he was author, Sigismond and his train could not come safelye to Rome. He therefore being cited (as Massaeus saith) by all nations almost to appointe another place for the assemble, he choose Constance a City in the province of Men's, & appointed the day to be the Ralendes of Nouēber Anno 1414. Some in y ^e mean time persuaded him not to go thither, least perhaps he should be vnpoped ere he returned. Notw ^t standing he went thither with y ^e most subtle advocates & lawyers, to answer all objections y ^t might come. But in y ^e midst of his voyage he tombled headlong out of his chariot, which he toke to be a token of ill luck to ensue. Whē this Pope John came to Constance, he began the general council w ^t the consent of y ^e Emperor and other Christian Princes Anno 1414. The Emperor Sigismond came thither upon Christmas eve, and as sone as after the first mass of the said night a deacon had song the Gospel beginning thus: There went forth an edict from the Emperor Augustus &c. and they being set in council in the presence of Sigismond, every man having liberty granted to him to speak freelye, there were above fourtye heinous articles put up and proved against Pope John. As that he conspired the death of his predecessor Alexander, in byringe his Physician Marcilius to poison him. &c. Therefore he was compelled by the voice of the council to give up his Popeship, because he was an heretic, a simonist, a liar, an hypocrite, a poysoner, a dycer, an adulterer, a Sodomite, & of all kind of trecherye shamefullye attainted. Therefore he changing his apparel, began to steal away the xxi. day of Marche following to Scafuse a town in Austria, and from thence to Friborow. But the council provided so that the xxix. day of May in the v. year of his Popedom, he was uncased of all offices, sought out, found, and committed to prison in a strong hold in Germany: where he was locked up three years and had none that assisted him, but only the Germaynes, who to their great domage did not understand neither the Latin nor the Italian tongue. It it also noted in the story of Albanus, that this Pope John was spoiled of all his riches at his deposinge, which amounted to 75. Thousand Florēces of gold & silver. In the meanetime (saith Massaeus the presidents of y ^e Sinode published a decree, wherein they shown that a general council being lawfullye gathered together, is above the Pope, & that it hath power and authority from Christ (who is y ^e head of the Church.)

In this council whereas many things might have been done, both for the glory of Christ and for the common wealth, yet nothing was done but canons devised against those that sought to revive the light of the Gospel, to suppress both it and them. In this council John Wycliffe a famous, godly and learned man was excommunicated and condemned for an heretic, because he by the Scripture in preaching and writing, detected the delusions of the Pope, and his monks, fryers, nunnes, and such other, and many years after his death, his b • dnes were taken out of his grave here in England (where he was buried) and were burnt. Also John Hus and Jerome Prague having a safeconduct to come safe and go safe, were cited to this council, & when they were come because they had inveighed against the Church of Rome (notwithstanding their warrant granted and sealed with the Popes bull,) yet they were taken and cruelly burnt. Platina saith they were burnt partly because they avouched that the clergy ought according to the example of Christ and of the Apostles live poorelye. Such is the liberty which the Pope granteth those that come to his councils, such is the warrant that he giveth for safety, and thus he keepeth his faith. Amonge other Popelike pageants played by this Pope John, he also broached and stirred most cruel & bloody war against Ladislaus, and held a conspiracye at Rome to drive him out of his kingdom. He commanded y ^t they should say service w ^t S. John Baptists head set out in show the whilst, the which he did for this pollicye, because he purposed to sell it to the Florentines.

While Martin the fifth who did succeed him & supplied his room was at Florence, this Pope John being delivered out of prison against all men's hope, to the great marvel of the people he came thither to him, and kissing the feet of Pope Martin he did acknowledge him to be his Pope, to be Peters successor, and honored him like a worldly God. Pope Martin being moved with this his great humilitye, did make him Cardinal within a few days after and made him bishop of Tusculan, but within a few months after he ended his doleful life, through sorrow and grief of mind Anno 1419. where his Physician Cosmus that did ever love him hartelye, caused him to be buried in S. John Baptists Church with great solemnitye, where this Epitaphe was made on him in Latin Verse.

151. Martin the fifth.

[ 216] MArtin the fifth was borne in Rome & called Otho Columna Cardinal of S. George: he was made Pope by the decree of y ^e council of Constance, which to establish him did deprive three other, that is Benedict, Gregory & John. He being brought up by his parents in learning from his youth, when he grew to years attended upon y ^e Popeship still at Peruse in such order as he might creep forward toward it. He returning to Rome was made Rememberer unto Urban the sixth, which office he discharged with so great show of humilitye and courteous nature, that Innocent the seventh made him Cardinal. For in all controuersyes he would agree to neither parte, no not to the truer, but so keep in a mean y ^t he pleased all, & offended none. For this cause he was so in favor with the Emperor and Cardinals, that in the foresaid council he was made Pope. At whose election the Emperor Sigismond was so joyful of it that he thanked them all for chusinge such a Pope, & humbling himself to him kissed his feet. The Pope again embrasing him like a brother did thank him on the other side, because his diligence had at y ^e length restored y ^e peace to y ^e Church. After this salutaciō y ^e Pope moūted on his palfreye, his coronation being also ended w ^t great triumph he passed pompously (from the place where he was crowned) through the Citye of Constance with his horse trapped in scarlet, and all his abbottes and bishops in robes and miters rydinge after him, & his Cardinals with their horses trapped in white silk. But the Emperor on the one side of the Popes horse, and the prince Electour on y ^e other side waited on foot upon him through the Citye. And yet soon after he conveyed himself away, and as ( Volateranus saith) maugre y ^e Emperors head, he returned in all poast hast into Italy. He passed through Millen, Mantua, Ferraria, Rauenna, and other towns til he came to Florence : but mistrusting danger he shonned Bononia. He abode at Florence two years living in all fleshly pleasures, pomp and idleness, and preached not the Gospel so much as once. Furthermore while he was before at Constance, when the Emperor & other Princes made often complaints to him of naughty behavior, and detestable manners of the clergy, he deferred the time to redress it, saying y ^t it was a matter that required both leisure and good advise. For (quoth he as Jerome saith) Euerye province hath his fashions and customs, which cannot be altered without much hurlye burlye. And now because it was feared, that the general councils authority should be takē to be above the Popes, he made this decree concerning councils, y ^t none should be summoned again till five years were expired, and then from that time it should be continued for ten years, and so from ten years to ten years the general council should be kept. Therefore Pope Martin having spent in his iourneing (as is said) two years, after he had been much desired & longed for, he came to Rome and repaired y ^e Citye in outward buildings and Popish traditions. He demanded the Church inheritance w ^t cruel war. He established Lewis son to Alouicius in the kingdom of Naples, & deposed Alphōsus Arrogan : he appeased certain sciesmes in y ^e Church: he caused the Germaynes to war upon the Bohemians, for heresy (as they call it). He hired Waldenus an English Cardinal, to write against those that defended the doctrine of Hus & Wycliffe. He made more Cardinals, and condemned all those decrees which the Popes had made in the time of the sciesme. He had a nephewe (as they call their sons) called Prosperus Columna, and caused him to succeed him in his Cardinalship of S. George. He published a certain form for bargeninge, byinge and selling. He heaped up store of treasure: he entering into Rome and finding it all ruinous, did repair not only y ^e houses, streets and Churches, but the walls also with great & sumptuous cost and gorgeous work diuerslye. Beside he bestowed much cost upon Churches and cloisters: and repaired old ruinous houses dedicated to the xii. Apostles. He held two Sinodes one at Sene, and another at Papia : & confirmed by his decree that the next council after ten years should be held at Basel. Finallye he died of the falling sickness at Rome Anno 1431. and was buried in a bras • n tomb in Lateran.

152. Eugenius the fourth.

[ 217] EVgenius the fourth was a Venetian borne and a Coelestinian canon, called before Gabriel Condelmerius : his fathers name was Angel. He being a Cardinal gatte the Popedom by this means (as Platina saith) For whē Gregory the xii a Venetian was made Pope, his nephew Antony Corrarius a canon of the order of Coelestines going to Rome, toke this Gabriel with him being of y ^e same profession. Whom Gregory liking well did first make his treasurer and afterward bishop of Sene, and made Antonye prelate to the Bononians. Afterward he mistrustinge his estate, and departing from Rome to Luca minding to augmente the number of Cardinals, he made both his nephews Cardinals. For first Pope Gregory and afterward Pope Martin were much ruled by the council of Gabriel, especially in embassages: whereby he succedinge them did trouble all the world. Certain cauiling parsons were very busy about him to put into his head that Pope Martin his predecessor being a great hourder up of treasure, had left great abundance thereof: whereby they brought him to this point, that he commanded that his kinsmen, friends, and vicechauncelour, should be taken, and their goods be confiscat. Hereupon the Romaines mindful of their liberties, raised a main cry, and put themselves in armor, and dryuing out all the magistrates of Eugenius, and taking Francis Candelmerius his nephew prisoner, they choose new officers whereof vii. were Citizens of Rome whom they called governors, who had power of life and death. In the mean time Eugenius amazed in this stir devised to run away. And therefore disguising himself in his apparel and puttinge on a monks weed, he entering into a fisher boot with one Arcenius a certain monk beguiled his keepers, and was transported to Hostia. But the Romans understanding thereof did pursue him with arrows and stoanes. But he gat from thence to Pisa, and from thence to Florence, having his galleyes ready for the purpose: where he dwellinge for the space of certain years, made xvi Cardinals. Afterwarde he went to Bononia and there built certain sumptuous houses. He refused to come to the council at Basil Anno. 1432. because it was said that a council was above the Pope, and again because he being cited should have been called to answer such faults as were laid against him. And therefore he was deposed and condemned for an heretic, and Amadeus Duke of Sabaudia and an heremite was placed in his steed. In this council were condemned they that kept concubines, and walkers in the Church in service time. Also the communion was allowed under both kinds in the xxx. session. They y ^t were cosins to the Pope or Cardinals, were depryued from being Cardinals. The feast of our Ladies cōception (as they term it) was then decreed. But Pope Eugenius to overthrow this council of Basel, did summon another at Ferrara, and afterward at Florence. There were at Florence the Ambassadors of the Gretians, Ethiopians, Asians, Armenians, Indians, Danes, & other Legates out of the East, who did there give their consent to many things of the Popes religion, because they were (as Stella saith) all maintained upon the Popes charge. But the Legates being returned home especially the Danes, were not allowed of their country for that wherein they had yielded to the Pope as the chronicles of Polonia do testify.

It is worthy here to be mentioned what a miserable destruction fell upon Ladislaus king of Hungary. Pope Eugenius compelled this king being a young mā, to break his oath and not keep the league which he had sworn unto Amurithes the great Turk. But while this young Prince Ladislaus being xxii. years old, doth vnwarelye seek to obey the Pope as his most holy father, he was worthelye plagued by Amurithes. For while Amurithes bringing an houge host warred vpō him, he having his army slain, at the length being beguiled by Eugenius was also slain.

They say that this Pope Eugenius was maruelouslye delighted in wars, and that he being moved with great grudge, did stir up Lewis the Dolphin of France son to Charles the vii. against the Basilians. Whereof great mischief ensued. And afterward whē he came to Rome he bestowed many things on the Citye, as buildings and reparations, with diverse superstitious works, to the enriching and pleasuring of monks, fryers, and such like. He first tormented cruelly Thomas Redonensis & William Estonteuill, and afterward did burn them most terriblye: for Thomas said that there were many abominations in Rome, and that the Church had need of great reformation. Furthermore he said that the Popes curse for the quarrel of Christ is not to be feared. This Eugenius canonized one Cyril that wrote many fantastical visions under the name of Revelations. Touching the foresaid Thomas, Il • iricus saith thus in his Catalog: Thomas Redonius a white fryer borne in France in y ^e Dukedom of Britain was a famous preacher flourishing (saith Antonius) Anno 1430. He in his preaching tought through France & Italy y ^t great abominations was used in Rome, that the Church wanted great reformation, and that the prelates forsakinge their pomp and royat, ought to live more modestlye, according to the example of Christ and his Apostles: and that the Popes unjust curses are not to be feared. For these opinions Pope Eugenius caused him to be burned at Rome Anno 1436. This Thomas also thought reuerentlye of the marriage of the clergy, for he wrote that it was against the safety of many souls, if they were not suffered to marry according to the manner of the Greek Church, who ha • not the gift of cōtinencye. Because at that time they were dishonest and blotted with unlawful conjunction. Of this Thomas Mantuan saith thus: A certain Frenchman called Thomas, who as yet fostred in heart the zeal of old faith went into Italy accompanied with a few. For so it pleased God y ^t the same countreye which in all things excelleth other, should also enjoy this parson being a mirror among men. But God provided not only for Italy, but also for this holy man: for he gave to Italy such an one whose life it might follow, and to the said man he gave a crimsen crown of martyrdom. For while he lived well and in godly order, he was accused unto the Pope of heinous treacherye by certain spiteful fellows, and after he had suffered prison, torments, vexation, at the length when they could find nothing in him worthy of death, they sifted him more narrowlye, and armed themselves stoutlye with iniquity to fulfill that which by equitye they could not do. And so committed him to the cursed fire. Of this man were many Uerses and Epitaphs written to his great praise, & bewailing of the tyranny used toward his innocent body. Furthermore Eugenius ere he were Pope, did repair S. Agnes Church at Ancon, and the gate of the Citye, and in his Popedom he Crowned Sigismond Emperor at Rome. He also after Boniface confirmed the annuities of all benefices. At length he died at Rome Anno 1446. and was buried at S. Peters. He carried the Miter of S. Sylvester (being brought from Auenion to Rome) out of Vatican to Lateran, with great worship and a procession. He punished certain priests that had pilfred certain precious stones out of Peters and Paul's head. One Lewis Cardinal of Aquilegia was the first of his order that began first to maintain houndes and horses, in steed of the poor.

153. Felix the fifth.

[ 218] Felix the fifth borne in France was an heremite called Amadeus before his Popeship, He being first Duke of Savoy, having a wife and two children (Pope Eugenius being deposed) was advanced to the seat by the voices of xxvi. Electors. And notwithstanding he were chosen & by the authority of Basil Synod confirmed in the Papal chair, yet he being hindered by the faction of the said Eugenius, could never set foot in y ^e Romaine seat, which they call Peters chair. A sciesme rose hereupon that lasted • years, and many tumults sprange in the kingdoms of Christendom, because some would obey Eugenius, some Felix and other some would be counted neuters. And in this sciesme it made much controuersye, because some held opinion that the Pope was under the jurisdiction of the general council, and othersome maintained the contrary. And of this arose another waightye and bitter controuersye whether the Pope were head of y ^e Church or no, which continueth to this day. This Felix being an aged man ere he came to be Pope lived to see the day, that the sons of his sons matched in marriage with kings daughters. And in the end giving over all worldly charge, • e purposed to go into a wilderness to lead an heremites life with 6. knights. But as sone as he understood that he was chosen Pope by the authority of the general council, he shaved himself both crown and chin and came thither with a trayne of noble men, and being consecrate Pope toke the function upon him, and did all things that belonged to the Pope to do, to give orders, minister Sacraments, excommunicate &c. and played the Pope x. years. He was so bountiful to the poor, that being demanded whether he kept any houndes and to show them: he answered that he would show them another day. But when they that asked this question were with him the next day, he shown them a great company of poor & needye people that sat down together at dinner: saying, these are my houndes which I feed dailye, with the which I hope to hunt for the glory of heaven.

It liked this mā at y ^e length for unity sake Anno 1447. to vnpope himself, and give place to Nicolas the fifth: whō he therefore made Legate of all Germany and France, and also Cardinal of Sabin, but he died sone after.

154. Nicolas the fifth.

NIcolas the fifth was a Genewaie borne of a base stock, [ 219] his father was a Chirurgeon called Barthelmew Sarzan : and so this Nicolas was first called Thomas Sarzan. In this one year he gatte to be bishop of Bononia, Cardinal, & Pope of Rome. This Nicolas being made Pope after the death of Eugenius, did hange up on the walls of Angel Casteli, Stephen Porcarius a Romaine knight, w ^t other conspirators raising a tumult for the liberty of y ^e Citye. He celebrated y ^e Iub • lie for lucre sake Anno 1450.

At the time of this Iubelie while they chanced once w ^t the crucifix to return from Vatican to the Citye, it is very certain to be true that y ^e preace of people following was so great, that the Mule of one Peter Bardus a Cardinal could not pass by, because of those that came to & fro: so that the people also were so thronged that there was no passage, but in the ende they fell upon the Mule first one & then another, til the beast was even perforce borne down with the crowd, and ere it was ceased two hundred parsons were trodden to death and smothered upon Adrian bridge: & many fallinge beside the bridge were drowned, which were about 136. men. The Pope whose pompous superstitious & idolatrous Iubelie had caused this misery to fall upon the fond people, did in this manner redress y ^e case: He was sorry (saith Platina ) for the death of them y ^t were slain, and therefore he removed certain cotages that made the way to be strait and narrow entringe to the bridge. For the enryching of his cofers he spent all that whole year in this kind of solemnitye, & he himself with his troupe of Cardinals did vewe the stages. He provided both by curse and waiters, that roages and vagaboundes coming to the Citye, should not misuse strangers and rob them of their money. In this Popes time y ^e Turk wan Constantinople, to the great grief of all Europe. This Pope crowned Frederick the third Emperor, and his wife Leonor He built a sumptuous library in Vatican. And revived with great dilligēce learning and knowledge, which was then almost drowned with grossenes & barbarous sophistrye. He appointed stipendes for learned men. But among these his virtuous doings and good affection towards learning, he had his vices withal and those notorious, namely he was greatly given to drunkenness, and so much delighted therein, that he sought for all kind of wynes from every place. He bestowed great cost upon buildings both of y ^e town walls, Churches, Palaces & Castels. Concerning his building ( Platina saith) he began to fortifye with strong walls the gates and towers of the Citye, the Capitol and Angel Castell. He built sumptuouslye & magnificentlye both in the town and at Vatican, as in the town the Popes house: also he repaired the house of S. Stephen in Celius hill. He raised even from the ground S. Theodors Church. He covered w ^t lead an old Church in Rome called Panthion He transported the Popes house in Vatican, & brought it to a statelye form. He began to lay the walls of Vatican with greater foundation. He restored Right bridge, and built a great and large house beside Vi • erby bathes. He aided diverse with money, that built in the City. And at his commandment almost all the streets in the Citye were strowed. There are yet remayninge certain Uessels of gold and of silver, crosses beset with Pearls & precious stones, certain priests robes gorgeouslye decked w ^t golden owches and pearls: also certain coueringes & hanginges woven of gold and silver, beside a certain pontifical Miter, which remain as monuments of his plentiful pomp and magnificencye &c. Finallye he being troubled with an agewe and the goute, died Anno 1455.

155. Calixtus the third.

CAlixtus the third a Spaniarde borne in Valentia called [ 220] first Alphonsus Borgia, his father was called John and his mother Francis : Pope Nicolas being dead, this Alphonsus being an old impotent man was chosen in his steed. This Pope as writers do testify of him was very • unning in the Popes canon law, but whollye ignorant in the Scripture as it appeareth by his deeds. He was first Secretarye to Alphonsus king of Aragon, and made bishop of Valentia by Pope Martin the fifth, and Cardinal by Eugenius the fourth. As sone as he was Pope he forthwith provided and addicted himself (not to preach to nations) but to follow wars against the Turk, proclaiming it out of hand as he had vowed before. And to further this purpose he sent out a rabble of fryers with bulls and pardons, to encourage the Christian nations against the Turk. Among these Johannes Capistranus and Robartus Licius were of moste renown, being both minorite fryers and notorious hypocrites: who to draw the more fish to their net, and to the greater filling of their purses, used many shameful shifts deluding men with dissembled and counterfeit holiness, Litanies, penance, fasting, false merits, shryuings, relics, images, crosses, songs, canticles, notes, ringing of belles, & singing cakes. The Pope also for his part was busy to stir up all Princes by his letters to take the quarrel in hand, as a matter very needful and godly. Also he commanded the priests every day at noon to ringe the sacringe bell, and at night with an Ave Maria : that (saith Stella ) they might by this holy prayer, help them that foughte against the Turk. Certain sillye countrymen seeing this folly in y ^e Pope laughed thereat, whereupon y ^e Pope caused them to be hanged for it. He decreed that no man should appeal from the Pope to a general council. He suffered his nephews and bastards to live licenciouslye. He poured out (saith Valerius ) his letters of pardon in pure fashion, whe • by selling them then for five ducates which now are sold for cryfles, he left to his successor in treasure, an hundred mill • ns & fiftene thousand ducates. At the length he died for age Anno 1458. and was buried in Peters Pallaice, or the round Church.

156. Pius the second.

PIus the second borne in Hetruria called first AEneas Picothomineus, [ 221] having his breast boiling long with ambition, did at length obtain the Papacy. He of a poor boy became so worthy a man, as all writers do testify of him that among the learned Popes he was the best learned, and most diligente writer. In the council of Basil he was the Popesscribe, and did with his Epistles and orations stand against y ^e authority of Eugenius. Afterward he was made Poet Lawreat of the Emperor Frederick the third, and being called to attend in his Court, his first promotion was that he was made councellour and Secretarye. Afterward he being sent Ambassador to diverse Princes, was first made bishop of Tergest by Pope Nicolas, then of Scene, and finally Cardinal by Pope Calixtus. In the end he attaining to the Papacy did as his elders, he begā to proclaim y ^e wars against y ^e Turk, but he died ere he could proceed in his purpose. He sought still to enlarge the dominion of the Church, for y ^e which (saith Stella ) it appeared that he feared neither king, nor prince, nor duke. If any man offended him he would sore molest him with war and taxes, till he made him satisfaction. And therefore he was an heavy ennemye to king Lewis the xi. of France, because he went about to abridge y ^e licentious liberty of the clergy in his Realm. He warred upon Borsius duke of Mutina, because he did favor Sigismond Mala • esta, and the estate of France against Frederick : for he set Ferdinandus bastard of king Alphonsus in y ^e kingdom of Naples violently with authority and men of arms, against John of Angewe son of king Renatus. He cursed Sigismond duke of Austria even to the pit of hell, because he bridled the polling of Cardinal Cusan : furthermore he did even as an angry Uiper (saith Wolphamus Wissemburgius ) spit out the poison of his curse vpō his Ambassador George Haimburg a worthy lawyer, and did so persecute him with his thondringe letters, y ^t he was fain to fly into Bohemia, and live there. He chased Deitherus Archebishop of Maguntia like a mad man out of his diocese, and planted another in his steed: whereupon great discord arose between Frederick the Palatine and duke of Wittenburg, with other in Germany, by means whereof ensued great slaughter and bloodshed, and the City of Mainz being before a free Citye lost his freedom then. The cause of the Popes displeasure against Deitherus was, first because that Deitherus would not consent that the Pope should charge his country with certain great taxes & tallenges: secondly because y ^t he would not be bound unto the Pope, that he being Prince Electour should not as the Pope required without his lycence, call the other Electors together: Thirdly because he would not suffer the Popes Legate to call together the clergy within the diocese of Mainz as the Legate listed: but as he being bishop thought best. For these causes the Pope disquieted both him and Germany. Also he removed the Archbishop of Beneuent for making new orders against his will. He commanded George king of Bohemia to answer upon an appointed day touching his faith, vpō peril of le • sing his kingdom, because he favored the opinions of Hus. He deposed many bishops for his own lucre. He subdued many towns of Campania, and increased maruelouslye the revenues of the Church. He was very beneficial to his friends & kindred. He caused an head to be translated from Peloponesus, which was said to be S. Andrew's head, beside he wrought diverse other Popish pranckes. He poured out riches upon diverse vain, sumptuous and prodigal buildings. He made Corsian the town where he was borne to be a Citye, calling it after his own name Pientia, buildinge a statelye Church of wrought stone in it. In the ende he died of an agew at Ancona, going thither about his wars. He was much troubled with diseases while he lived, as with the coughe, the stone, and the goute. Volateranus saith that ambition did overwhelm many virtues in him: for he was ever greedye of promocion, and therefore he toke great pains and sought the favor of Princes.

This Epitaphe was found written of him in an old book.

Platina and Sabellicus do testify, that among other his proverbial sentences he left this in writing: There is a great cause why the clergy should be deprived of marriage, but greater cause why they should be suffered to marry. He hath the same saying also in his seconde book of Coūsails: Perhaps (saith he) it should not be worse if most priests were wedded: because that in married priesthood many should be saved, that in vnwedded priesthood are dampened. This Pius the second (saith Coelius secundus ) did break up diverse nooneryes, cōmaūding them to come out of their cloister and to burn no longer in cōcupiscēce, and not to play the strompets secretelye under pretence of Religion. John Maria Polutianus saith y ^t in these days the Minorites and Bullistes in Italy fell out bitterlye, stryuing whether of them should visit, keep and rule the nunnes.

157. Paul the second.

[ 222] PAule the second was borne in Venice called first Peter Ba • bus, nephewe to Eugenius the fourth: he being Cardinal of S. Mark succeeded Pope Pius. He before his Papacy purposed to fall to the trade of merchandise, but when he heard that his • nckle Gabriel was created Pope, he began to apply his mind to his book: and so arose from one degree to another, till in the end he gat the Papacy. He was a man of a goodlye parsonage, but of a hautye mind: he was very covetous and bestowed benefices for rewards. Touchinge his pontif • call pomp, ye need not doubt (saith Platina ) that he furnished it in such sort as he excelled all his predecessors, especially in his royal kingdom. Touching his Miter he bestowed infinite treasure thereon, procurin • e to have brought to him frō every place of great price, Diamants, Saphyrs, Carbuncles, Chrysolits, Iasperstones, Pearls and all other kind of precious stones. He being thus royallye attyred like Aaron with Jewels, shown himself abroad in such a majesty, as never did any earthly creature. Then his desire was to be gazed on & to be worshipped: and for this cause he stayed strangers often in the Citye, showing his handkerchiffe in the streate, that the greater company might behold him. He commanded also that none should presume to wear a scarlet hat but the Cardinals, on whom he bestowed much cloth of the same color in the first year of his Popeship, to make them trappinges for their horses and Mules saith Platina. He practisinge both by word & by sword to advance the majesty of his seat, did nothing all his life time but move war in Italy suddenly when he spied his aduaūtage. Amonge diverse others Cities he assaulted Arminium, and caused both Suburbes and Citye to be myserablye shaken, rente and torn, with force of gunneshotte and other engines. He abhorred even from his heart the decrees and deeds of his predecessor Pius. He restored the regular Canons whom Calixtus had expulsed out of Lateran abbey: and bestowed great buildings at S. Markes & at Vatican. He condemned all chose to be heretics that should make any mention of vniuersityes, for he was a very doult and of gross capacitye, and therefore he loved neither learning nor virtue. He being whollye addicted to ambition, royotousnes and pleasure, spent the whole day either in feasting (as Volateranus saith) or in taking up his money, or else in searching out and vewing of old coins, images or Jewels. His greatest care was that the Citye should never lack victuals. Finallye after he had created ten Cardinals whereof Francis Ruerius was one, and assured himself to live longe, Anno 1470. he died of an Apoplexy suddenly by him self alone, after he had supped meerelye. After his death his cosins the Cardinals bestowed on him a wonderful riche and costlye tomb.

From this time forward the estate of the Papacy begā to impair and decay. Stanislaus Ruthenus reporteth this one notable thing of this Pope Paul in these words:

When Pope Paul had seen certain latin Verses written against him and his daughter, it is reported that he wept, and cried out against the hardness of the law of single life among his friends. Because that he who ought to be not only the head of the Church but also of chastlife, should see his daughter live in the face and countenance of the Citye, with great shame and disdain: who although she were very beautiful, yet it grieved his heart that it should be said he begat her in whoredom, because he knew that there was a law of God, whereby she might have been borne in wedlock, unless this law of single life had disanulled it. They say therefore that he toke council how he might restore again the marriage of the clergy: but being prevented by death he could not attain to his purpose.

158. Sixtus the fourth.

[ 223] SIxtus the fourth was borne at Sauona in Liguria called Francis Ruerius before, and general minister of the Franciscans, succeeded Pope Paul. He being at a time of solemnitye carried in an horselitter to Lateran, there arose a sodein tumult, so that the Pope was in great danger of loosing his life being so pelted with stones, so that the dryuers did almost forsake him in the Litter. This Pope used to grant one benefice to diverse and sundry parsons. He loved his friends so well, that to gratifye them he did many things against all law and equitye. He promoted his companion Peter Ruerius both of his own order and coūtry, whom with his brother Jerome he brought up for purpose to be a Cardinal, a man otherwise borne to wast riches: for within the space of two years after (then which time he lived not longer) he spent of himself alone by his royotous living▪ two hundredth thousand Crowns, beside this he indebted himself three score Thousand, and spent in silver three hundred pounds. He died being wasted through his incontinent life, when he was but xxviii. years old Anno 1474. His death was most hinderance to handicraft men, for he ever filled their shoppes with store of knackes. John Textor in his officine saith thus: Peter a priest and Cardinal in the time of Sixtus the fourth, wasted about vanityes & luxuriousnes, three hundred Thousand Crowns within y ^e space of two years. Again John Riueus in his book De erroribus pontisiciorum saith, y ^e Fulgosus reporteth of the incredible prodigality of the said partye. It were to longe to rehearse all his words for breuitye sake these few may suffice, which I think is the least to be spoken of: namely that he ware golden robes at home in his house, that he had his couerlets of gold for his beds, his Chamber stools and pots of silver: Also he provided for his concubine Tyresia, shoes covered with Pearls. By this a man may guess the rest of his immeasurable pomp and prodigalitye.

But Jerome brother to the said Peter, being made chief of Liuius court and Cornelius court, after him did rule and order the matters of the Church: being a man of more severe nature and less lascivious, saving one way not to be named. After these Sixtus advanced the childrē of his bretheren and sisterne, among whom he made one Julian Cardinal and his brother John President of the Citye, and Prince of Sora & Seuogallia. He loved (saith Platina his kindred above measure, bestowing and lauisshing on them that which belōged both to man and God against all justice. And by the judgment of many he plonged all Italy with bloody broils, & that without cause. Therefore saith Volateranus, when he was driven to necessity having wasted his wealth upon these tumults, he was the first that began to practice this shift: He devised to pick out certain Colleges. Again Agrippa saith of him thus: among the bauds of late years that set up and built stews, Pope Sixtus y ^e fourth was most famous, who built a notable stews at Rome and (as he saith in his declamatiō to the Louanians he showeth at large) not only for harlots, but otherwise horrible to be thought upon. He following y ^e example of Heliogabalus, did maintain his train of harlots, and bestowed them on his friends and servants. Beside he had his fee coming into his treasure of that money, which the harlots earned by their misdemeanor, to the enrychinge of his cofers: for y ^e strompets of Rome do yet pay their July tribute (as it is termed) every week to the Pope, which in yearly revenues hath oftentimes amounted to xx. Thousand ducates, and now by report ariseth to fourtye Thousande. And so y ^e treasurers of the Church are bound to make account as well of harlots tribute, as of the Church lands.

Wesselus Groningensis (called the light of the world) in the discourse of the Popes indulgences writeth of this Pope Sixtus, that at y ^e suit of the foresaid Peter then Cardinal of S. Sixtus, and Patriarke of Constantinople, and of his brother Jerome, he granted the whole family of the Cardinal of S. Lucia (who in his former young years had in like manner yielded himself to the detestable lust of Pope Paul the second) to file their bodies lawfullye, in most unlawful, unnatural and unspeakable manner for 3. hot months June Iulye and August, which he granted with this clause: Fiat vt petitur, Do according to your request. O horrible and monstrons men, more saluage then brute beasts, wear it not but that malice of Antichrist and the devil (sparing no blasphemy to slander y ^e Church of Christ) dryueth me to detecte their loathsome treacherye and nakedness, I would rather help to burye these villanyes in silence then to utter these their filthiness, which I cannot but with blushing remember. Loath were I to pluck of the sheet of their shame, & to reveal their ribaldrye, but that under such robes lurketh hid̄ so many foul soars enfecting Christian souls, and deceauing their simplicitye with an outward visard of innocencye. And yet while I for bear even for honesty & ciuilitye sake, to discover their filthy commedyes and stewishe pranckes at large, as they themselves are not ashamed to do, sportinge thereat with ballades, songs and sonets, and other vnhoneste ways. Mantuan and other have spoken and uttered thereof enough, & to much, writing of this Pope Sixtus and his nephew, & of Alphonsus. But as touching Sixtus (saith Volateran ) he being disposed to exercise him self in warfare, whereunto he was of nature more inclined then to religiō, moved quarrels of war as he might right or wrong. He invaded without any cause Vitelius Tiphernates, the Florentines, the Venetians, the Columnians, Ferdinand king of Sicilia, the duke of Calabria, and other nations and Princes. It was his chief delight to have Christian Princes at commandment, whom at his pleasure he did both set up and put down: He set his confederates the Heluetians with fire and sword upon the Lombardes whom he had cursed, and gave the Heluetians a pardon and an ensign, to encourage them to the slaughter of the Lombardes. He advanced his cosins & bastards (to the shame of the Church) to all that he might: for he made two of his nephews Leonarde & John to be Presidents of the Citye by course one after another, beside other dignities diverse and many y ^t he bestowed on sondrye of his kindred, & among other one Raphael his sisters son was made Cardinal. But one Laurence Medices honge up the said Raphael and Saluatus Pisanus and diverse other, because they had murdered his brother. He was very beneficial to the begging sect of religious roages, graūting them revenues in this life, and heaven in the life to come. He is counted as it were a new builder of Rome. He bestowed cost of pauinge the streets & repairing the ways, appointing skauingers to loke to y ^e streets: beside diverse other less necessary & more vain and superstitious deeds about Churches, Chapels, and Palaces. In the xv. year he celebrated the Iubelie for the increase of his lucre and gains, and to pleasure his friends. He diuised many polling & bribing offices of scribes, abridgers, sollicitours, waighters, and notaryes of the escheaker, to enriche his cofers, which offices are to be bought of y ^e Pope. He made diverse new holly days, and diverse Saints, and many decrees to enriche the clergy. He excommunicated and cursed to hell Laurence Medices of Florence, for hanging his nephew Raphael. In the ende he being sick of y ^e goute died through rancor and malice, the sooner because the duke of Ferraria had takē peace with the Venetians against his will, Anno 1484. And therefore diverse men made these Epitaphs of him.

By these Uerses which were made upon Pope Sixtu : after his death, it may appear what opinion men had of his holiness in his life. But to proceed, Leander & Tritemius say that about the year of our Lord 1470. Alanus de rupe a dominican, after he had seen certain devilish visions and illusions, contrived his work called Rosariū out of our Ladies Psalter, and preached it in steed of the Gospel: which James Sprenger did advance with counterfaited miracles, and at the length Pope Sixtus did cōfirm it to be holy and autenticall with his bulls and indulgences. Whereupon a certain book was published, in the beginning whereof it is written that upon a time the blessed Virgin came into the Cell of the said Alan it being shut, and made him a ring of her own hair, and betrouthed her self to y ^e monk, that she kissed him, giving him leave to handle and milk her breasts: and finally to be as pleasant and familiar with him as a woman would be w ^t her husband. And these gross monkishe miracles are yet defended by the Popish priesthood. Of this Alan came the order of religious loiterers called after his name.

159. Innocentius the eight,

INnocentius y ^e eight was a Genewaie borne, his fathers [ 224] name was Aaron, and his name before was John the Baptist Cibo : he being Cardinal of S. Cicilia was chosen Pope after the death of Sixtus. He was sometime a poor boy but of excellent beautye: and brought up among those that waighted upon Alphonsus king of Sicill, where he learned perfectly courtly fashions. Afterward he coming to Rome, continued a long season in the company of Philip Cardinal of Bononia. In time he was made prelate of Sauon then of Melphit, afterward Secretarye by Sixtus and so came to be Cardinal, and last of all Pope. He was tall of stature, fair of complexion and of a comely parsonage: but of a gross and dull wit, void of learning, and so heavy headed that sometime even when he sat busy about public affairs, he would take a nap and fall a sleep. He was well-beloved of Sixtus for his comlye behavior and curtesye, wherein he excelled all other. But verily he fawned upon all men with flatteringe face, but was friend to no man in deed: and being of nature addicted to covetousness, yet he would shift it and color it with mirth and pleasant ieaftes. Even at his entrye almost to his Papacy, he conspired with the Princes of Sicill against their king Ferdinand, sending for Robart Seuerinates to be Captain of the enterprise: So well doth the Pope requite his bringing up in the king of Sicils house. He said that a man ought to make war for the dignity of the Church, for the defense of subjects, and for procuremente of peace to ensue, contrary to the Apostle saying: Do not evil that good may come thereof. But at length he seeing himself disappointed toke peace perforce, and yet with these conditions: that a tribute should be paid due unto him, and that the rebels should have no harm. But yet y ^e wise Prince king Ferdinand kept neither of the conditions: though the Pope sent thither his stout champion Peter Vincent to challenge them, and his Secretarye with him. Also he deposed George Boebracius king of Bohemia from his kingdom, for favoring John Hus, & bestowed it upon Mathias : but because the Emperor Frederick would not plant this Mathias therein, great war ensued thereof to the subversion almost of the said Emperor. After this, Innocentius being wearied with wars, gave him self to pretensed peace: and applied him self whollye to ease and idleness, which breedeth all wickedness. He following the example of Sixtus, did erect a College of s • cretaryes for his greater gain, increasing the number of them. He beutifyed the Papacy with a new Pallaice. He did openly lauishe out re • hes and treasures upon his bastards, giving them honors without all shame: for he bestowed upon one Fraūcis his bastard certain towns adjoining to the Citye, & gave a great dowrye w ^t his bastard daughter Theodorina, married to an exceeding wealthy Genewaie. He made his base begotten children his chamberlaynes, & his companions Cardinals. He sold pardons for y ^e quick and the dead. He bestowed great treasures superstitiously on diverse Churches in Italy, and on religious houses. He granted leave by his bul to those of Norway, to say mass w ^t out wyne. He diuising a new trade to fish for money, because y ^t neither y ^e aduaūtages of his pardons, nor of his Iubelie, nor the tax against the Turk could suffice him, he found out the title that was set up over y ^e Cross of Christ by Pilate, written in three tongues Jesus Nazarenus rex Iudeorum, which was hidden within a wall: also he found out the iron head of the spear where withal the side of our Savior was wounded, and ere a man might see or kiss these Jewels he must pay well for it. But after long sickness this Pope died Anno 1492. Of whom this Epitaph was made.

About the year of our Lord 1464. Baptist Mantuan being then xviii. years old wrote his ix. Eglog calling it Post religions ingressum, entreating of the corrupt manners of the court of Rome: & his tenth Eglog of the controuersye of y ^e fryers Obseruants and not Obseruants. Also he wrote a Diolog in praise of the blessed life. In his ix. Eglog he painteth out y ^e treacheryes of Rome, saying that all kind of naughtye parsons are had in honor and are promoted at Rome: and that none are there advanced but such villains as deserve rather to be imprisoned and driven out. His sayings are partly thus:

And after he addeth.

160. Alexander the sixth.

ALexander the sixth was a Spaniard borne in Valentia, [ 225] called first Rodericus Borgia, succeeded Innocentius : his deeds were so opprobrious and wicked, as hath been seldom heard. He was a very royotous tyraūt & in league with the devil to obtain the Papacy. He being long vice-chauncelour in his Cardinalship, did search and boult out all the estate and trade of the Court of Rome, and all the councils and secretes of all the Princes and encorporations of Italy. And therefore being Pope by the help of of his bastard Valentinus (whom of a Cardinal he made captain calling him Caesarius ) he did almost destroy them all: and rooted out and banished the most mighty and honorable houses of Rome, so that afterward he stood not in awe of any of them. Iu • the which bickeringe (saith Valerius ) the garrison of Frenchmen and Heluetians being murdered both man and woman, this proud Captain Caesarius being by means of his wife duke of Valentia, purposing to get a bootye of money, gave to certain Cardinals a pociō of Aconita whereof his father also drancke, so that he fell a sleep with the rest, and then y ^e son with the stroke of a weapon quenched the undeserved honor of both. This Alexander held y ^e Iubelie at Rome Anno 1500. whither infinite multitudes of people resorted: but for those that either would not or could not come, y ^e Pope by his bull imparted to them the blessing and benefit of y ^e Iubelie if they would give money for it. He spared no shameful shift to make money withal: and therefore he did found yet another new college for clerks of briefes (for so were they called that write the abridgements of all matters) & these were in number four score, of the which everyone paid for his place vii. hundred crowns. He cited all Princes by authority of his bull to come to the Iubelie, and appointed standings in every country in the streets, whither the people should resort to send their money thither. By his Legate John Borgia he crowned Alphonsus king of Naples, and (saith Platina ) made him swear to be true to Rome in paying his yearly tribute faithfullye. He bestowed infinite riches in repayringe and garnishing Churches, Castels, towers, hyewayes and houses in Rome. Volateranus saith that he murdered many virtues by his notorious vices which are not to be named, only (saith he) I will touche those that were known in the eyes of the people. If he were at any time at leisure, he had no regard what kind of recreation he used without respect of his estate. He flitted often to Adrian castle because he might the better come out openly to behold such shows and delights, as maskers, mommers, daunters, harlots and strompets, and other worse kind of people using these braueryes upon hollydayes and other times: he delighted much to see the lascivious cōmedyes of Plautus and other like interludes played. At the marriage of one of his daughters he procured extraordinarily to have it solemnized with running at the tilt and hunting. Fensers & roisters were never so suffered in Rome, neither the Citizens so bridled as in his time. Beside, the Citye was much encumbered with vagaboundes so that men could neither walk safe in the Citye by night, nor without the Citye by day. Now was Rome become a slaughterhouse, which hath sometime been a refuge and defense for men. All these (saith Volateran ) he suffered for his bastards sake, to whō he granted all things at pleasure &c. But as ye have heard before he died in y ^e ende of the same poison which he caused his son to provide for other: farther of his doīges and of his sons wars by him procured & maintained, Volateran writeth at large.

Platina saith howe that when Charles the eight king of France should pass through Italy to Naples with an army to challenge it as his enheritaunce, this Pope Alexander fearing the puissāce of that noble king, did for fear of him make a league with Alphonsus king of Naples against the French king, & planted a garrison of soldiers in Rome least the king should invade it. For it is engrafted in the Italians that they enuieng the prosperity of the Frenchmē, do always detest even y ^e very name of France • so that they swearing and vowing friendship with them, are not nothing abasshed in despite of God and justice, to break their leagues. And yet notwithstanding this the Popes power, yet king Charles prevailed in his purpose maugre their hearts and came to Rome, where for fear least he should by violence break away from himself to their greater damage, the Pope commanded that he should be curteouslye let in, and that none of the Romaine soldiers upon pain of death should make any stir, and so did Charles likewise command his army. And yet the cowardlye Pope with a bande of men fled dastardlye into Angel castle: but after he perceived that quietness was kept in the Citye, he maketh a league with Charles, sending home to Alphonsus his soldiers again. But after this when Charles had been in Apulia and conquered it, he prepared to return home into France: but the Pope forgetting or neglecting his league & oath, thought to cut him short of his purpose and to take the advantage of Charles while he trustinge to the league, should not mistrust any such falsehood. And therefore the Pope making another league with the Vetenians, Maximilian the Emperor, Ferdinand king of Aragon, and Lewis Sfortia, prouidinge an army lay in wait for Charles his coming at Fornonium not far from Parma, even in the way where he should pass. But notw ^t standing this ambush were fourtye Thousande men, and Charles had with him but vii. Thousand trained soldiers, wearied with traueling and want of necessaryes, yet the bickering continued sharp & doubtful a long time with great slaughter of the Popes army, and in the ende Charles with little loss of his part gat the victory. Thus reporteth Platina or rather the author that continueth the history of Platina where he ended it, who wrote but to the time of Paul the seconde, though yet he heareth y ^e name of y ^e whole work for those y ^t follow are added by other. In the time of this Pope an Angel y ^t was placed aloft in Angel castle, was thrown down by the violente force of thonder and lightninges, which as some think might well prognosticate the fall of the Popes estate. John Tisseranus a Minorite founded at Paris an order of harlots, as if Christian religiō were to be edifyed by such orders.

Divers other like ill favored verses according to his il favored manners were made of him, which for modesty sake are partly to be suppressed, because it is not to be doubted but that chaste ears would be ashamed to hear those things, which Pope Alexander was not ashamed to do. But among other John Functius reporteth of him out of Volatera • , that the Cardinals which chose him did first find him vnthāckfull: for he plagued them all with diverse myseryes, thrusting some into prison and punishing some with imprysonmente. He warred upon the Vrsins and conqueringe them laid them in irons and fetters. His greatest care was (as Innocentius did) to bestow great honors on his bastards. He made one of his youngest sons Prince of Sicilia, and another called Caesareus a Cardinal, and his eldest son a duke in Spain, who w ^t in a while after was murdered in the night & tumbled into Tiber. His other son the Cardinal after the death of his brother, renounced priestcraft & ran into France with a mighty mass of gold, where he married a kinsewoman of king Lewis, having with her the town of Valentia : then by the aid of the king being at perpetual league with him, he purloined to himself great dominion in Italy, being therein much furthered by the Pope his father. The daughter of this Pope Alexander called Lucretia, with whom the monstrous father had used carnal company, was married to 3. Princes one after another. First to John Sfortia duke of Pisauria, then she being deuorced was matched w ^t Alosius of Aragon bastard of king Alphonsus : he being slain she was wedded to Alphōsu • duke of Ferraria. What her honestye, religion, and modestye was in the Court of Rome during her fathers estate, it may be gathered sufficiently by these two Uerses made upon her death, by John Iouianus Pontanus.

Jerome Marius in his book Eusebius Captiuus speaking of this Pope Alexander hath these words: What should I disclose y ^e detestable treachery of Alexander the 6. whereof the like hath not been heard? He making a league w ^t the devils of hell, bequeathed him self body & soul unto them if by their help he might attain • to the Papacy: which when the devils had performed, Pope Alexander began so to refourme his life, that he never went about any business, but that he did first take council of the devil.

Other pranckes of this Pope Alexander were partly written in these Uerses compendiouslye.

In the time of this Pope the pall of the bishop of Mainz was enhaunsed, to be paid for it forever hereafter unto the Popes Chamber xxxv. Thousand Florences. Among other enormities wherewith this Alexander swarmed, he poisoned Gemen brother to Baiazetes the great Turk & prisoner at Rome, receiving for the same deed wherewith he was hired by Baiazetes two hundred Thousand Crowns. Furthermore to maintain his tyranny he joined league with the Turk against the French king and craved his assistance, using both the kingdom of Naples & Rome it self for his own royat sake: as the fortresses to y ^e Empire of Ottomannus. Beside he commanded y ^e tongue of Antonius Mancinellus and both his hands to be cut of, because he in a learned and eloquente oration reproved his licentious and loathsome demeanour. But as he lived wickedlye so he died myserablye, for he preparinge a feast for diverse Senators and Cardinals, purposing to poysō them with the same bane, that he poisoned Cemen : but by the providence of God one of the waiters ignorantly gave the Pope the same bottle wherein the poison was, whereof he drinking died with the rest. Finallye in one thing this Alexander matched y ^e wickedness of his predicessours in granting leave to a Spaniard Petrus Mendoza Cardinal of Valentia, to use his bastard son Marquess Zanatensis otherwise then becometh vowed chastitye: but hereof enough. And beside this Mendoza was well known greatly to dishonor y ^e spowsall bed of his sovereign king Ferdinand.

Anno 1499. one Jerome Sauonarola a dominicā monk with other his fellows were burned at Florence, for defending the communion under both kinds, condemninge the Popes pardons, and for reproving the loose life & negligence of the clergy generallye. They denied also y ^e Popes supremacye: saying that the keys were given to the whole Church, and not to Peter. Again y ^t the Pope followed Christ neither in life nor doctrine, because he attributed more to his own pardons & traditions then to y ^e merits of Christ: & y ^t his cursinges & excōmunicaiōs are not to be feared. He prophesied also of certain things to come as of the destruction of Florence and of Rome, and the restoring of the true Church at length: for the which Picus Mirandula calleth him an holy Prophet, and defendeth him in his writing against the Pope. Also one Marsilius his neighbor, and Cominoeus in his French history, do attribute to him the spirit of prophesyinge: and diverse other learned men do defend that he died an innocent.