I have heard whispers of terrible corruption in high places even at Rome itself.
I try not to hear or to think too much, but I cannot help my burning desire to know more of what passes in the world.

It was but a short year ago that a godly man coming from foreign lands told us fearful tales of the corruption even of the papal court.

O my father, I fear to whisper it even to thee; but I cannot but ask in my heart, can the popes be truly apostles?
And if not, can we say that the channel of grace once given to men is open yet for us to drink from?
Ah, pardon me if I err! I will do penance for my evil thoughts.

But where may we find now those four life-giving streams by which Christ purposed to keep His body, the Church, nourished and sustained?
Prophets there be none, save here and there a spark of the old fire.

Those travelling friars are sometimes holy men; but, alas! they are bitter foes of the very Church from which they profess to be sent out, and are oft laid under the papal ban.