The cardinal-bishops so highly exalted by Peter Damianus, are sunk to a level with the rest of the sacred college.] [Footnote 127: Firmiter jurantes, nunquam se papam electuros aut audinaturos, praeter consensum et electionem Othonis et filii sui.
(Liutprand, l.vi.c.6, p.

472.) This important concession may either supply or confirm the decree of the clergy and people of Rome, so fiercely rejected by Baronius, Pagi, and Muratori, (A.D.

964,) and so well defended and explained by St.Marc, (Abrege, tom.ii.p.

808-816, tom.iv.p.

1167-1185.) Consult the historical critic, and the Annals of Muratori, for for the election and confirmation of each pope.] [Footnote 128: The oppression and vices of the Roman church, in the xth century, are strongly painted in the history and legation of Liutprand, (see p.