restricted elections to the College of Cardinals by a two-thirds vote, and gave to the German emperor the right of confirmation.

For almost two centuries there was a struggle for mastery between the cardinal oligarchy and papal absolutism.

The cardinals were willing enough that the pope should be absolute in his foreign rule, but the never failed to attempt, before giving him their votes, to bind him to accord to them a recognized share in the government.

After his election, and before his consecration, he swore to observe certain capitulations, such as a participation of revenues between himself and the cardinals; an obligation that lie would not remove them, but would permit them to assemble twice a year to discuss whether he had kept his oath.

Repeatedly the popes broke their oath.