Page:On papal conclaves (IA a549801700cartuoft).djvu/38

 event of the decease happening in the city which was the seat of the Papal Court, the Cardinals were enjoined that they might be accompanied only by one attendant each, unless for particular reasons in individual cases a special permission for two were conceded; they were to inhabit one hall in common, without any division in the shape of wall or hanging, and so closed on all sides that no one could get in or out; excommunication was to be incurred by who- ever should presume to look in upon the Cardinals while engaged in their electoral labours, although it was lawful, by general consent of all the assembled Cardinals, to confer with a person outside, whom it might be deemed necessary to see in reference to matters appertaining to the election. One window alone should be opened upon this hall of assembly, of sufficient size to admit the necessaries of life, it being expressly prohibited under the aforesaid pain of excommunication, that this aperture be ever used to admit any human being. Should it happen, 'which God forefend,' that no Pope were chosen within three days, the Cardinals should then be restricted to one dish each at dinner and supper during the