472 ROCIiK OF W1CND0VF.R, [Λ . ti. 1220. demanded two prebends, one from the abbat and another from the convent ; from the convent lie demanded the share of one monk, when an equal distribution of property was made, as the legate himself interpreted it, and the saine also from the abbat. lie then set forth the advantages which would arise from it, namely, that it would remove from the Roman church, which is the mother of all churches, the charge of avarice which is the root of all evil, as no one would he obliged to offer any presents for transacting business at the court of Rome, and no one would receive presents when offered. The objections of the proctors to the above demands. The proxy of the archbishop of Lyons, in reply to this demand, said, " My lord, we by no means wish to be without friends at your court, or to fail in bestowing of presents." The other proxies in like manner set 1'orth the disadvantages which they would labour under, such as loss of property, advice, assistance, and other attentions, in this way : "For there will be continually in each diocese, or at least in a province, a messenger, a Roman agent, who will live not on his ολν η means, but will make heavy exactions and procurations from the larger churches, and perhaps from the lesser ones, so that no one will remain with impunity, and the person called a proctor will discharge the. duties of the legateship." They also said that disturbances in the chapters would ensue, for perhaps the pope would if he chose, order his proctor or some other person to be present on bis behalf at the elections, who would disturb them ; and thus, in course of time, the election would devolve on the court of Rome, which would appoint Romans, or those wdio were most devoted to them, in all, or at least in most of the churches ; and thus there would be no party of native prelates or chiefs, inasmuch as there were, many ecclesiastics who would pay more regard to the court of Rome than to the king or kingdom. They also added, that if a proportionate distribution of property was to be. made, all that court would become rich, since they would receive more, than the king himself ; and thus the elders would become not only rich hut the richest of men. And since the worm of the rich i pride, the superiors would scarcely listen to complaints, bit