He deprecates enforcing an oath of allegiance on the clergy, on the ground that "all priests will consent to obey the civil government; but all will not consent to swear allegiance to it, because they consider obedience an involuntary act, and an oath a voluntary act which might compromise their conscience." He finally recommends delay, under present circumstances, till some decisive victory has crushed the hopes of the priest party.

This delay was fatal to the scheme.

After the battle of Wagram, Napoleon resumed the project, and resolved to encrease the Pope's income to two millions of francs.

Then, however, there came unfortunately the protests of Pius VII.

the bull of excommunication hurled against the Emperor, and a whole series of petty insults and annoyances on the part of the Pope; such, for instance, as walling up the doors of his palace, and declaring, like his successor and namesake, his anxiety to be made a martyr.