His preponderance in Italy was thereby dangerously augmented.

Paul, following the precedents of policy in which he had been bred, thought it at this crisis necessary to subordinate ecclesiastical to temporal interests.

He interrupted the proceedings of the Council in order to hamper the Emperor in Germany.

He encouraged the Northern Protestants in order that he might maintain an open issue in the loins of his Spanish rival.

Nothing could more delicately illustrate the complications of European politics than the inverted attitude assumed by the Roman Pontiff in his dealings with a Catholic Emperor at this moment of time.[22] [Footnote 21: See Sarpi, p.