Guimond and his companions, faithful to their instructions, replied: "It were far better to await the arrival of His Holiness"; but they added, imprudently, "that they did not wish to oppose their advice to the wisdom of the princes, who knew much better than they what was most conducive to the interests of the State." Assuming an implied permission to act from these words of courtesy, the nobles proceeded at once to cast their votes.

A scene of confusion ensued, created by the jarring of private interests.

These were finally quelled by the interposition of the Papal legates, and the balloting proceeded without interruption.

The vote of the bishops alone remained to be taken.

The Archbishop of Mayence rose, and exercising his prescriptive title, gave the first voice for Rodolph of Suabia.