You know that he is at the head of an army more numerous and better disciplined than your own.

And you must also clearly foresee that if the Pope--as he certainly will--shall condemn the policy of his legates, your efforts will want the principle of life which alone can bless them with success." "If the prospect now is bad," said Rodolph, solemnly, "delay can only make it worse.

And I believe that, could His Holiness see what is evident to us, he would command me to accept the crown, and place it with his own hands upon my head." "You are mistaken--wofully mistaken, my lord.

While a hope of averting anarchy and civil war remains, Gregory will not adopt the surest means of inflicting both.

Trust in God for the future! Do not pursue what to the mole-blind vision of humanity seems expedient, when certain bloodshed is the result! Humble yourself before Him who alone can exalt and lay low! Confide in the efficacy of prayer! Think not that God will desert His Church or her champions!" "I do trust in the future," answered the duke, "but not until I have embraced what reason dictates for the present." "Do you hold your reason more enlightened than that of His Holiness ?" "He cannot see what I see.