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ESSAYS ON LIBERTY

He exposed the hollow pretence of the plot. He announced that its existence would be established by formalities of law, but added that it was so notoriously false that none but an idiot could believe in it. 1 Gregory gave no countenance to the official falsehood. At the reception of the French ambassador, Ram- bouillet, on the 23rd of December, Muretus made his famous speech. He said that there could not have been a happier beginning for a new pontificate, and alluded to the fabulous plot in the tone exacted of French officials. The Secretary, Boccapaduli, replying in behalf of the Pope, thanked the King for destroying the enemies of Christ; but strictly avoided the con- ventional fable. 2 Cardinal Orsini went as Legate to France. He had been appointed in August, and he was to try to turn the King's course into that line of policy from which he had strayed under Protestant guidance. He had not left Rome when the events occurred which altered the whole situation. Orsini was now charged with felicitations, and was to urge Charles not to stop half-way.3 An ancient and obsolete ceremonial was suddenly revived; and the Cardinals accompanied him to the Flaminian gate. 4 This journey of Orsini, and the pomp with \vhich it \vas surrounded, \vere exceedingly unwelcome at Paris. It was likely to be taken as proof of that secret understand- ing with Rome which threatened to rend the delicate web in which Charles was striving to hold the confidence of

1 Desp. Sept, 2, 157 2 , 2 The reply of Boccapaduli is printed in French. with the translation of the oration of :Muretus. Paris, 1573' 3 Troverà Ie cose cosi ben disposte. che durarà poca fattica in oUener quel tanto si desidera per Sua Beatitudine. anzi haverà più presto da ringratiar quella Maestà Christianissima di cosi buona et sant' opera, ha fatto far, che da durare moIta fatica in persuaderli l' unione con la Santa Chiesa Romana (Cusano to the Emperor, Rome. Sept. 6), Sereno (Comment. dellaguerra di Ciþro. p. 329) under- stands the mission in the same light. 4 Omnes mulas ascendentes cappis et galeris pontificalibus induti associarunt Rwum D, Cardinalem Ursinum Legatum usque ad portam Flaminiam et extra earn ubi factis rnultis reverentiis eum ibi reliquerunt, juxta ritum antiquum in ceremoniali libro descriptum qui longo tempore intermissus fuerat, ita Pontifice iubente in Concistorio hodierno (Mucantii Diaria), Ista associatio fuit determinata in Concistorio vocatis X, Cardinalibus et ex improviso exequuti fuimus (C. Firmani Diaria. B. M. Add. :MSS. 8448),