DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.36839#0156
132 COUNT RALDASSARE CASTIGLIONE
' I made them understand/ he wrote, ' all that
Your Excellency has done in this expedition, and the
grave dangers and disorders that may take place if
the payment of V. E/s salary is further delayed.
They agreed that the holy see owed much to V. E.,
and are disposed to satisfy you in all respects. This
afternoon I attended the Congregation held by the
Cardinals in the palace, and was invited to enter. I
spoke to all in one breath, reciting the services of
V. E., who, for the sake of His Holiness, has not
feared to provoke many kings and risk his State,
person, and all that he has in the world. I pointed
out that the late Pope's interests were those of the
whole College, and that I feared the army would
suffer by Monsignore de' Medici's departure, and that
if V. E.'s forces had to be disbanded for lack of pay,
the States of the Church would be exposed to great
peril from these riotous soldiers. The Cardinals sent
me away, and after some consultation among them-
selves recalled me, and Monsignore di Santa Croce
spoke of Y. E. in many long and honourable words,
saying that as Captain of the Holy Church you
deserve the same protection and regard from them
as from Pope Leo, and that they begged you to con-
tinue in office, declaring that your great services will
be recognized by the holy see, and that the new Pope
will not fail to reward your merits.
' As for your salary, the late Pope's debts are so
great and excessive that no one knows how to raise
money. I pointed out how perilous it would be if
V. E. did not receive his salary, and the reverend
lords promised to give me at least half of it now, and
assure me that immediately after the election the new
Pope will not only provide the remainder, but will
reward you liberaily. I will not cease to insist on
this point, most of all with Messer Armellino, who is
really fond of V. E. and will see that you have the
money as soon as possible.'^
i Contin, 20
' I made them understand/ he wrote, ' all that
Your Excellency has done in this expedition, and the
grave dangers and disorders that may take place if
the payment of V. E/s salary is further delayed.
They agreed that the holy see owed much to V. E.,
and are disposed to satisfy you in all respects. This
afternoon I attended the Congregation held by the
Cardinals in the palace, and was invited to enter. I
spoke to all in one breath, reciting the services of
V. E., who, for the sake of His Holiness, has not
feared to provoke many kings and risk his State,
person, and all that he has in the world. I pointed
out that the late Pope's interests were those of the
whole College, and that I feared the army would
suffer by Monsignore de' Medici's departure, and that
if V. E.'s forces had to be disbanded for lack of pay,
the States of the Church would be exposed to great
peril from these riotous soldiers. The Cardinals sent
me away, and after some consultation among them-
selves recalled me, and Monsignore di Santa Croce
spoke of Y. E. in many long and honourable words,
saying that as Captain of the Holy Church you
deserve the same protection and regard from them
as from Pope Leo, and that they begged you to con-
tinue in office, declaring that your great services will
be recognized by the holy see, and that the new Pope
will not fail to reward your merits.
' As for your salary, the late Pope's debts are so
great and excessive that no one knows how to raise
money. I pointed out how perilous it would be if
V. E. did not receive his salary, and the reverend
lords promised to give me at least half of it now, and
assure me that immediately after the election the new
Pope will not only provide the remainder, but will
reward you liberaily. I will not cease to insist on
this point, most of all with Messer Armellino, who is
really fond of V. E. and will see that you have the
money as soon as possible.'^
i Contin, 20