The monks, too, have bloated wealth, while churches are allowed to fall into decay.

"The only hope is in the Holy Father," who should appoint an episcopal commission of visitation.

For about forty years prelates have been alienating Church lands illegally, and churches and monasteries, by the avarice of those placed in charge, are crumbling to decay.

Bishops are the chief dealers in cattle, fish, and hides, though we have, in fact, good evidence that their dealings were very limited, "sma' sums." Not only the clergy, but the nobles and people were lawless.

"They are more difficult to manage than ever," writes Mary of Guise (Jan.