They asked magistrates and sheriffs how far they would go in their defence before God's tribunal for the slaughter of his creatures, if they could only answer the divine arraignment by appealing to the edict of 1550.

On the other hand, the inquisitors were clamorous in abuse of the languor and the cowardice of the secular authorities.

They wearied the ear of the Duchess with complaints of the difficulties which they encountered in the execution of their functions--of the slight alacrity on the part of the various officials to assist them in the discharge of their duties.
Notwithstanding the express command of his Majesty to that effect, they experienced, they said, a constant deficiency of that cheerful co-operation which they had the right to claim, and there was perpetual discord in consequence.

They had been empowered by papal and by royal decree to make use of the gaols, the constables, the whole penal machinery of each province; yet the officers often refused to act, and had even dared to close the prisons.

Nevertheless, it had been intended, as fully appeared by the imperial and royal instructions to the inquisitors, that their action through the medium of the provincial authorities should be unrestrained.