The history of the popes, from the close of the middle ages : drawn ...

24
HISTORY OF THE POPES.
from France, and see to it that Borromeo is involved in endless
delays. In spite of the support of Cosimo, Dolera can hardly
become Pope, and the sam.e is true of Scotti, in spite of
Farnese's favour, since before his death Pius IV. recommended
the Cardinal nephews not to elect a Theatine, which Scotti is,
and still less any of the Cardinals of Paul IV. Mula would
certainly have the support of Borromeo, but he is by no means
in favour with the whole of the Sacred CoUege. The Duke
of Florence favours Ricci, Dolera and Niccolini ;
he is working
for Ricci because he has the best prospects, though he himself
prefers Niccolini ; he will have nothing to do with Morone
and Farnese. In order to exclude those not acceptable to
the house of Gonzaga, an attempt wiU be made to support
one of Borromeo's candidates, either Boncompagni, Com-
mendone, or CriveUi. Borromeo prefers Commendone, but
Boncompagni would be better for the house of Gonzaga ; the
Duke of Florence also wishes for him. Ricci could be Pope
if Borrom.eo were wiUing, but the latter detests him like the
plague.
" In a word," the report ends, " everything is upside
down, and nobody knows which party to support."
It appears that Gonzaga was right in thinking that an
attempt Vv'ould be made to elect Morone suddenly, and without
formal voting ; even before the conclave began rumours of
this had been current. ^ On December 19th, and during the
following night Cardinal Simonetta went in secret to the fol-
lowers of Borromeo and proposed to them that on the follovv^ing
morning, and therefore before the formal closure of the con-
clave, there should be an assembly in the chapel in order to
pay homage to Morone as Pope. He got together thirty votes,
but Ghislieri discovered the plan, Ippolito d'Este, Farnese
and the Cardinals of Paul IV. declared themselves against it,
while the French ambassador entered a strong protest, and thus
Borrom.eo's intentions were frustrated. Deliino in particular
had supported Morone ; he claimed that in passing through
Florence he had won over the Duke to his cause, and had
1 *Avviso di Roma of December 22, 1565, Urb. 1040, p. 156b,
Vatican Library.