As they loudly demanded to be lead against Antichrist, Frundsberg found that his authority was powerless to stop them.

[Sidenote: March 16, 1527] When he died of rage and mortification the French traitor Charles, Constable of Bourbon, was appointed by the emperor in his place, and, finding there was nothing else to do, led the army against Rome and promised the soldiers as much booty as they could take.

Twice, in May and September, the city was put to the horrors of a sack, with all the atrocities of murder, theft and rapine almost inseparable from war.

In addition to plundering, the Lutherans took particular pleasure in desecrating the objects of veneration to the Catholics.

Many an image and shrine was destroyed, while Luther was acclaimed pope by his boisterous champions.