The true maner of electing of popes written by a French gentleman ... ; faithfully translated according to the French copie ; with a list of all the cardinalls therein assisting and others.

A briefe Treatise touching the Election of the Pope.

CHAP. I. Divers maners, wherein heretofore they have proceeded to the Election of the Popes.

THe maner of creating and choo∣sing the Popes at Rome, hath bin divers, according to the diversitie of times.

Some will needes affirme, that at the beginning he that was pre∣sent Pope, designed and ordained his successour: and that Saint Peter after this maner established Saint Clement, to governe and rule the Church after him. But that so resting without an other example, and not being followed afterwards, one can make no rule nor order of it, the same hauing taken no effect: because Saint Clement succeeded not Saint Peter, but Linus, and after him Cletus: and Saint Clement was but the third after Saint Peter: We likewise find it written, that Linus and Cletus were also chosen by Saint Peter; not for successors,

nor to be intentiue on prayer and preaching, nei∣ther to haue pontificall iurisdiction, but onelie for ayde and assistaunce in externall and tem∣porall matters. And that Saint Clement woulde not embrace this establishment, so much in mode∣stie, as by diuine inspiration, for feare lest the example of such a nomination should bee drawne to a custome in succeeding times, and that ther∣by the power and authoritie of the Church might bee diminished in choosing or instituting of a Pastor: As also by the Canon of the Apostles 76. And by the Counsell of Antioch, Chap. 23. it is not lawfull for a Bishop, being at the point of death, to choose and appoint in his place a succes∣sour. By which, it may be gathered, that this cu∣stome was vsurped by some Bishops, of whome there are diuers examples. Certaine it is, that af∣ter Saint Clement, all the Popes were made and cre∣ated by the voyce and suffragation of the Clergie and Christian people of the Cittie of Rome, and by the Bishoppes of other Prouinces that then were there. The which was obserued till the schisme that fell out betweene Damasus and Vrsicinus, a∣bout the yeare of our Lord, 369.

For Damasus being then chosen Pope, by one part of the people and Clergie, and Vrsicinus by another, and both of them supported by their fa∣uorites: they both were desirous to hold and main∣taine this dignitie, which caused great factions and sedition, and went so farre, that they came to hand∣blowes: So that one day, there was an hundred seauen and thirtie dead bodies left in a Church; for which cause, the Emperour afterward interpo∣sed

his authoritie, in case of any such scisme here∣after ordaining him, whom he would haue to be Pope. And in this sort was Damascene established by the authoritie of the Emperour Vaelentinian. And not long after, there occurred the like diui∣sion, betweene Eulalius and Bonifacius, and great sedition was raised within the Cittie of Rome vp∣pon this occasion, and Symmachus the Gouernour not being able to appease or set downe anie order for the same, in the ende by the meere authoritie and power Imperiall of the Emperour Honorius, Boniface was made Pope. This dignitie hauing bene before, as it were sequestred for the time, by the Emperour, and committed to the Bishop of Spoleti, that then was during the feast of Easter. And so there grew then diuision betweene Syma∣chus and Laurentius: the which king Theodorick, making knowne, in an assemblie helde at Rauenna, hee confirmed Symachus.

And afterwardes the cause of scisme ceasing, to preuent the tumult and disorder that might grow thervpon, the Emperour was alwaies wont in such elections to bee present. And it came to this point, that an election of the Pope, made by the people and Cleargie, was not auayleable, ex∣cept it were ratified and confirmed by the Empe∣rour: in that hee elected, durst not proceede to his consecration, without the Princes will and con∣sent, vnto whom, for the right, and prerogatiue of confirmation, a certaine summe of money was giuen.

This maner of proceeding continued, while the daies of the Emperour Constantine, the 3: who bee∣ing mooued by the good and holie life of Pope Be∣nedict, 2. which was in the yeare, 686. he sent vnto him a constitution, by which it was ordained & de∣creed, that whosoeuer afterwards shold be chosen, by the cleargie and people of Rome, he was incon∣tinently to bee reputed for the true Vicar of Iesus Christ, without attending therein the authoritie of the Emperour of Constantinople, or of the Ex∣acque of Italie, resident in Ravenna.

Afterwards in the yeare 773. Pope Hadrian the first, in the counsell of Lateran, wherin there was 153. Bishops assembled in the Church of Saint Sa∣uiour in Rome, with their aduise and consent, gaue the power of electing and choosing pope to Char∣lemaine King of France, who was afterwards made Emperour, for driuing the Lombards out of Italie: But this continued no long time, because after that the Emperour Loys the debonaire Sonne to Charlemaine, released this royall prerogatiue, in the dayes of pope Paschall the first, and remysed vnto the Cleargie, and people of Rome, the full and free power of creating and electing of Popes, which continued and tooke place, for a long time after. But pope, Leo S. hauing bin maintained in the seate with armes, by the Emperour Otho the 1. in recom∣pence of his benefit, and being offended with the in constancie & mutability of the people, he trans∣ferred all the authoritie of creating and making popes, vnto the person of the Emperour Otho the 1. about the yeare, 963.

Othos successors vsed this authoritie and priui∣ledge til the time of the Emperour Henry the 4. vn∣der whom pope Gregory the 7. called before Hilde∣brand: who was chosen in the yeare 1073. surren∣dred the same prerogatiue again, vnto the clergie, and people of Rome, and presently after, pope Pa∣schall 2. hauing remised it into the handes of the Emperour, Henry 5. hee incontinently after reuo∣ked the same againe.

In the yeare 1509. Pope Nicholas 2. in the coun∣sell of Latran. 4. made a Decree touching the ele∣ction of Popes, importing thus much: that first the Cardinall Bishops would treate amongst them∣selues of the election, conferring afterwardes with the other Cardinalles about the same, and so the election by them made, to be approoued and con∣sented vnto by all the people, and cleargie of Rome, vsing these words: Vt Cardinalis Episcopi diligentis∣sime simul de electione tractantes, mox Christi clericos Cardinales adhibeant: sic{que} reliquus clerus, & populus ad consensum nouae electionis accedat: And yet for all this, the Emperors would not afterwards giue vp this their right, and pretention, as we haue before declared. And then by little and little this prero∣gatiue came to the hands of so many Cardinalles onelie, as well those that were Bishops, as others, that were Priests and Deacons.

At last, Gregorie 1••, in the Counsell of Lyons, in the yeare 1274. instituted the manner of the Popes election, by the Cardinalles: which were all to bee shutte and enclosed in one place, called the

Conclaue, in the towne where the precedēt pope should depar: so that no body might goe in, nor come out, or conferre, by letters, messengers, or otherwise, with the same Cardinalles, while they had created a Pope, to whome they brought, and deliuered their ordinarie refection at a window: And if in the space of three dayes sithence their entrance, they had not agreed vppon an election, it is said, that for fiue daies after, they were to haue but onely one dishe at dinner, or supper: And af∣ter this, if they yet continued longer without ma∣king an election, they were to haue nothing giuen them, but bread, wine, and water, while they had chosen a Pope: After the decease of the pope, they were to deferre their session for 10. dayes, to expect, and attend for the absent Cardinalles, be∣fore they entred into the Conclaue: Although notwithstanding, entrance was not forbidden thē, so they came afterward, the matter being yet en∣tire, and not treated of. The same was confirmed by Pope Clement the 5: who by his constitution forbad that such a forme should not be corrected, changed, nor altered by the Cardinalls in Sede Va∣cante, and that nothing might be added or taken from it, in any sort whatsoeuer: But by a Bull of Pope Clement the 6. there was some moderation, as wel for the forme of the Conclaue, wherin they were permitted to make separations, & to furnish celles for eache Cardinall, with tapistries onely, as for the meate they were to haue brought them. It remaineth therfore, that wee a little more particu∣larlie touche the forme, and order, which is vsed at

this day, in such an election, and all that which pal∣seth, and is performed in the Conclaue.

CHAP. II. Of the forme, and order, which they vse and pro∣ceede in at this present, to the election of a Pope.

PResently after the Pope is departed, yea and euen when they see, or that they haue aduer∣tisement from the Physitions that hee is at the last cast, the Cardinalls which are then in Rome, assem∣ble together in the priuy Consistory, to consult for the gouernment of the towne, and to prouide for the affaires of the vacancie: & then the seate being vacant, they are apparelled in Coquests Rochettes, & Mozzettes without Copes, in signe of Iurisdiction, the people of the towne all in armes, guarde at the gates of the Cittie, the Cardinalls Pallaces, and in other quarters.

The day after the Cardinalles reassemble toge∣ther in the same place, for the like effect, and to de∣termine of such affaires as then occurre, as also to prouide, for the preparation & adopting of that which is necessarie for the holding of Conclaue.

Afterwards they carrie the corps of the decea∣sed Pope ordinarilie into S. Peters Church, except the departed pope, made choice of his sepultur in some other place. Therto all the Cardinalles pre∣sentially assist, which are at the assemblie: the dead body is reuested with Pontifical ornaments, & laid vpon a bedstead in the Church, or some chapell of the same, where the people come & kisse his feete.

In the daies following, the Cardinalls solemnize

the Popes obsequies: and there is a convention in the vestrie of Saint Peters, wherin the Princes Em∣bassadors do vse to enter, making their remonstra∣tions, & motions touching the Election to be per∣formed. During the vacancie, the great Cham∣berlain gouerns Rome. But so ther is no expedition nor dispatch of any thing admitted in the Aposto∣licall Chancerie, while there be a new Pope. And in briefe, as soone as the Pope hath yeelded vp his breath, the Vice-chāceler taketh the Bulls or Seales, causeth thē publiquely to be broken, rased out, & that side to be taken away of them, wheron the de∣ceased Popes name was written, so that they can∣not be sealed withall. And the other side wheron are grauen the heads of Saint Peter and Paule, they wrap within a linnen cloth, which he layeth vp in some casket, with his seale, & cōmitteth them in∣to the hands of the Chamberlaine. Whose office, together, with that of the Penitentiaries, continu∣eth during the vacancy: And if they should chance to die, the Cardinalles might discharge the same, for the time onely of such a Vacancie.

Nine dayes after the Popes death, they cele∣brate the Masse of the Holy Ghost, and beeing fini∣shed with singing the Hymne, Veni sancte Spiritus, they enter into the Conclaue.

The Conclaue at Rome, is in a place ioyning to Saint Peters Churche, within the Popes Pallace, in Sixtus his Chapell, as bigge as a great Church, where is portraied the last Iudgement, and it was the excellent worke-manship of Michael Angelo: which chapell they set forth after the manner of a

Domitorie in Convents, but that there are many great allies, and some more lesse, & narrower, and with the order of celles, or little cabinets, wherin the Cardinalls lie. To the which Conclaue, the chappell of Pauline, & the great Royall Hall abutt, and are adioyning, beeing as it were a part of the same. The gates, lower windows, and all accesses, are so mured, and closed vp, that one cannot talke, or communicate with any of those within.

When they are entred into the Conclaue, they assemble together in the chappell Pauline, where they consult of all things which concerns the go∣uernment of the Conclaue, & the same day, they take the oaths of the Officers, deputed for the guard of the Conclaue, as well of those without, as of them within.

At the beginning, after they are entred, the Cō∣claue remains open, for some little time, and then Princes Ambassadours vse to go in, and make their recommendations, and sollicitations in fauour of him, or them, whom they knowe to be best liked, and affected by their Princes.

After this, the Conclaue is shut, and then no man may any more goe in, nor communicate in any sort, with any one without, neither by letters, messengers, nor otherwise: nor likewise go out, till there be a new Pope created, except some Cardi∣nall chaunce to arriue, who alwayes during the Conclaue, may haue free entrance.

And yet this is to be obserued, that all Cardinalls are not priuiledged to enter in, except they be By∣shops, Priests, or Deacōs, at the least, for Cardinals

Subdeacons, haue no voice therin, nor are admit∣ted any entrance: And yet we finde that the Car∣dinall of Austria, beeing but a Subdeacon, entred into the Conclaue of Sextus 5. by reason of a war∣rant or briefe that hee had from Gregorie. 13. by meanes of which, it was graunted him, and the which hee shewed and presented, when they would haue denyed his entrance.

Euery day the necessarie prouision is brought them, which they giue them in at a window, or by the wicket of the gate, before which there is treble garde, wherof the neerest to the gate, consistes of the Prelates that are in Rome, who looke that none may communicate with those that are inclosed in the Conclaue, and for this cause, they searche the Vessells and platters, to see whether there bee not any letters hidden in the same.

Euery Cardinal within the conclaue, can haue no more, but two men to serue him, whom they call Conclauistes.

The conclaue being closed, the day following the Deane of the Cardinalls after the celebrating of Masse, administreth the holie Communion to all the Cardinalles.

After this the Conclauistes assemble together, in the Chapell Pauline, before the maister of the Cere∣monies, who taketh notice of them, and sees whe∣ther they do not execute their appointed number.

Also at the beginning the maister of the ceremo∣nies reades the Bull of Pius 4. wherein it is expres∣sed, that the Cardinalls entring into the Conclaue, should bee sworne.

Euery daye in Paules Chappell, one of the Cardi∣nalls

celebrates the Masse of the Holy Ghost, and so they proceede to the election of the Pope: which for the most part also is performed after two man∣ners, one by Scrutinie, & the other by Adoration.

The scrutenie is held after this sort: euery Car∣dinall writes within a certaine billet of paper, his voice and choice, and at the end of Masse, he put∣teth it into the great challice of Gold, which stan∣deth vpon the Altar: Then al the billets are pow∣red forth vpon a little table, which for this pur∣pose is set before the Altar: There are three of the Cardinalls, which in the sight, and presence of all the rest, vnfold these little rulles, or billets, pro∣nouncing aloude his name, who hath subscribed to euery of them, and the Cardinalls write & set downe in a sheet of paper, the nūber of the voices which euery one hath, to know who hath most.

Where by the way we must note, that to choose, & create a Pope, there must cōcurre two thirds of al the Cardinals voices in the cōclaue by the con∣stitutiō of Pope Alexāder, 3. set down in the Chap. Licet de vitāda de electione, in the Decretals: For if in such a scrutenie, ther is not any one, with whō the two thirds accur; at the same instāt they cast al the billets into the fire, & by this means the affaire is referred ouer to some other time, whē they make and recommence an other scrutenie in the same forme: the which, by reason of this, vseth to be re∣peated & reiterated many times, while these two thirds occurre in one person. The which falls out very seldome, by way of scrutenie: so as they are vrged to haue recourse to adoratiō. Notwithstan∣ding,

the want of voices in scrutenie is sometimes supplied by the Accessi, so called: which is, when those that gaue their suffragation & voice by billet to some other, they now giue it to him whom they see to haue most voices, & sing these wordes; Accedo ad Cardinalem talem: from whence that word of Accessi came. And to the ende that no fraud may be committed herein, he that giues his voice by such Accession, sayes; Let them looke on my billet, which hath on the toppe such a deuise: And that by this, on may know that he had nomi∣nated an other: And this is for feare, least it should happen, that he which had giuen his voice by bil∣let to one, might giue it again by this forme of Ac∣cesse to an other: which would be two voices in one mans person, instead of one.

The billets they vse, are made after his fashion: The Cardinall that giues his voice, takes a leafe of paper, folded into diuers plightes, and vpon the last he writes his owne name: and in the two first, he causeth the Cardinalls name to whom he will giue his voice to be written by his Conclauise, in this maner: Ego Eligo in summum pontisicem Reue∣rendiss. Dominum meum Cardinalem. N. Afterwards they choose the billet at both endes: vpon which they also set some deuise at the Cardinalls plea∣sure, that without vnfolding the same, it may bee known, by the external deuise.

There is yet an other kind of scrutenie, which they call open, or apertis vocibus, which is, when the Cardinalls being assembled together, declare aloude him, whom they choose.

The other maner, which is Adoration: is, when the Cardinalles being assembled together in the Chappell, turne towardes him, whom they desire to be made Pope, doing reuerence vnto him, and bending the knees very lowe, and when they see that the two thirds are gone to this maner of A∣doration, The Cardinall thus adored, is made Pope.

And though this maner of Election, be refer∣red to that which is called by the auncients, and in the cannon law, per inspirationem, and that they say, it is the way of the holy Ghost, which was, whē all with one voice without any treatie, or pre∣cedent scruteny, and without any formalitie, con∣curre, as it were by diuine inspiration, to say, that such a one must bee made Pope, it being thus e∣qually designed by euery one.

Notwithstanding this forme of Adoration is not esteemed by many, so lawfull, and auaileable as scrutenie: because by meanes of contentions, and partialities, there may be some fraude or vio∣lence committed therein, in that the weaker side may be drawne to Adoration by the example of those more mightie, and those fearful, induced by them more resolute. And oftentimes it hapneth, that those who would haue consented to the E∣lectiō of some one, by free voice, seeing this gene∣rall and violent concurrance in Adoration, they suffer themselues to be caried away with the vio∣lence of this streame. That by this they may demonstrate, how they haue a part in such an E∣lection, and they will not bee the last herein, for

feare of displeasing and incurring his displeasure who should be chosen.

All this is performed in Paules Chappell, in the ordained place, for the Popes Election. Ther was heretofore a third manner of the Popes Election, by forme of comprimise: & this was, when all the Cardinalls vppon some amongst them, to whom they wholy referred themselues, for the choosing and Electing of him, whom they should iudge most capable: but this fashion, though it be one of the three manners of Election approued of in the Chap: Quia propter, de Electione, in the Decretalls, is more vsed at Rome: wherof some giue this rea∣son, because this power of nominating a Pope af∣ter the death of Alexander the 5. being giuen to Baltasar Cossa, then Cardinall of S. Eustachio, hee made himselfe Pope, saying: Ego sum papa. And he was called Iohn, the 23.

CHAP. III. What is obserued, when the Elestion is performed, and after.

VVHen the two thirds of the voices concur in one persō, be it by scrutenie secret, or open, by meanes of Accesse, or by way of Adora∣tion, he out of doubt is truly Pope. Notwithstan∣ding the other Cardinalls also, vse to giue their consent thereunto. And then the chiefe Cardinal Bishop, all the other being set, pronounceth, and declareth in the name of all the Colledge, that he chooseth such an one for Pope. And demādeth of him how he is affected, and willing to vndertake the same, which he hauing declared, and accep∣ting of the Election, all rise vp to gratifie him: and at the same instant, putting on his Rochet, they cause him to sit downe in a prepared seate, which is placed before the table, neere the Altar, they giue him the fishers ring, & cause him to deliuer and make knowne, by what name he wil be cal∣led.

This forme of changing name, was brought in, receiued and vsed, since the time of Pope Iohn the 12. who was chosen in the yeare, 155: he being before called Octauian: yet diuers ascribe this insti∣tution to Pope Sergius, 2. who was in the yeare, 844.

Hauing therfore declared what name he wil take vpon him, he vseth to subscribe to the constituti∣ons,

which had bene agreed vppon, and sworne vnto, by all the Cardinalls, before the election, & to signe certaine supplications, and requests.

In the mean while, the chiefest of the Cardinal Deacons, opening a little windowe, from whence the people which attend, may see, and be seene, he shewes forth a Crosse, pronouncing these words, with a loud voice; Annuncio vobis gandiū magnū: Papam habemus. Reuerēdiss. Cardinalis E••orētinus ele∣ctus est in summū Pontificē, & elegit sibi nomen, Leo 2.

This being done, he is disvested of his common garments, which belong to the clearks of the Ce∣remonies, and revested with all the habits Pontifi∣call, and causing him to sit vpon the Aultar, all the Cardinalls a rowe doe him reuerence, in kissing his feete, hands, and mouth.

During this entercourse of Ceremonie, all the gates of the Conclaue are opened, the barres, and walls which closed and mured the passages, gates, and windows, are broken down, & ouerthrowen: & the Souldiers entering confusedly, as it were by force, take & pill whatsoeuer they meete withal in their way. And this is the reasō, that when any one is declared Pope, the Conclauistes do all they can, to ramasse, & lay close vp, and get together, all the best things that belong to their Cardinall: And in in like maner the people vse to rush into his house that is chosen, & to pillage the same.

At the same time, the newe Pope is carryed into Saint Peters Churche, followed with the Channons and Singing men of the same Churche, which sing; Ecce Sacerdos Magnus?

And after hee hath prostrated himselfe on the earth, and made his prayer, hee is placed vpon the great & high Pontificall Chayre, where, Te Deum laudamus is said: There againe before the holy as∣semblie, & multitude of people, which come thi∣ther in great preasse, hee is adored by the Cardi∣nalls, Bishops, Prelates, and others. And then hee giueth generall Absolution, and his Benediction to euery one, with much Solemnitie, & Ceremo∣nies; which graunt full Indulgence: and inconti∣nently after he is carryed into Saint Peters Pallace, highly reuerenced by euery one, and whereof hee receiues such contentment, as euery one may ea∣silie iudge.

Some daies after, with great Pomp, and Magni∣ficence, the new Pope is solemnely Crowned, in an eminent place, which is before the Porche of Saint Peters, vpon a scaffolde, richly adorned and set forth, and there is put vpon his head, the Hara, or triple Crowne, called Regnum.

Sigisbert, and Aimoinus write, that this crowne being enriched with many precious stones, and o∣ther beautifull ornaments, and being sent to Clouis King of France, by the Emperour Anastace, Clouis sent it againe, for a present and gift, to the Church of Saint Peters in Rome.

This Crowne is set on the Popes head, by the chiefest of the Cardinall Deacons, to whom this office is appropriate, and then many other notable Ceremonies are performed: and amongst others, some putting fire to towe, cryeth out aloude: Pa∣ter sancte, sic transit gloria Mundi; Omnis caro saevum,

& omnis gloria eius sicut flos agri. From thence hee goes on Procession to Saint Iohn Laterans, accom∣panied with all the Cardinalls, and Prelates which are in Rome, with all his Officers, and with manie others, Lordes and Gentlemen, and this Proces∣sion is on horsebacke, after the manner of a mag∣nificent entrie, with great Pomp and Solemnitie: the Order, Forme, and Magnificence whereof, would bee to long here to represent. At the ende of this Procession, the Pope vseth to feast all the Cardinalls.

There is an other thing about Consecration, which is performed, when the chosen Pope, had not before bene consecrated Byshop, in which case there are also many other Solemnities vsed, about this Consecration.

The election of Pope Leo the 11. placed at this pre∣sent in the Cathedrall seate.

With a list of such Cardinals as were there, and assisted at this solemnitie, and of all the rest that haue place in Rome Conclaue.

POpe Clement the 8. called be∣fore Hippolitus Aldobrandin, Cardinall of Saint Pancrace, & great Penetentiarie, was af∣ter the decease of Innocent the ninth chosen Pope, the thirtie day of Ianuarie, 1592. He held the seate for the space of thir∣teene yeeres, one Moneth, and fiue dayes. A father verie memorable, and recommendable for his great piety, deuotion, and charity, with other high and rare vertues, as also for his singular prudence in the management of affaires: He departed the third day of March about ten a clock at night.

After his decease, all ceremonies and solemni∣ties requisite in such a case, as well for his buriall, as others, were obserued, with many assemblies, and congregations in the vsuall places.

The Conclaue was so prepared, that there was no Celles in Sixtus the fourth his Chappell, as be∣fore there was woont to bee: but all the Celles and Chambrets were addressed and prepared in the greatest part of Saint Peters Pallace: That is to say, in the first, second, and third hall, within the

hall of the Consistorie, Leonine, and Gregorian, and in the most of the chambers of the Pallace.

The Cardinals entred into the Conclaue, the fourteenth of the same Moneth of March, and there was of them to the number of three-score and one. The Scrutenie was diuerse times set on foote, and many Cardinals propounded. And a∣mongst others, my Lord Cardinall Baronius, who at the beginning had thirtie voices, and in the daies following, they amounted to the number of se∣uen or eight and thirtie, which was not yet a suffi∣cient number to make the two thirds: although it was a thing which he no wayes contended after, but on the contrarie estranged himselfe from it as much as might be, doing whatsoeuer hee could to hinder this proceeding. There was also some o∣thers propounded, against whom, exclusions and oppositions were made: But the first day of Aprill, when they came to mention my Lord Cardinall of Florence, there was presently such a concur∣rence, & consent on all parts, that without making any scruple or doubt in the matter, they being in Paules Chappell, the place ordained for such electi∣ons euery one ran to adoration, and it was begun by my Lord Cardinall of Ioyeuse.

And at so great a promptitude, alacritie, and harmonie of all willes, that we neede not to doubt but it was a verie diuine inspiration: euen they themselues, who (as was supposed) would haue beene some obstacle, and that had attempted and made shew of some such matter, concurring there∣in with their full consent, because there was no

bodie, that would either heare or adheere vnto them. And thus the same day, being the first of Aprill, about seuen a clocke in the dawning, my Lord Cardinall of Florence, or de Medices, was cho∣sen Pope, and tooke vpon him the name of Leo the eleuenth.

SInce the publishing of this Relation, newes is come by diuerse letters of the death of this Leo: and of an other Election in hand: who (as it is sup∣posed) was made away by poyson: but because there is yet no vndoubted certaintie of the same, I would bee loath to publish any priuate aduertise∣ments, or to set that for infallible truth, which is onely grounded vpon surmises: wherefore it will bee better to attend some further aduertisement, when I wil be readie (curteous Reader) to acquaint thee withall. In the meane while be satisfied with this which hath beene deliuered by an eye witnesse.

FINIS.