ABSTRACT
A n d the Pope1 replied: “ Godson of Holy Church, all you have said We have heard well, and We answer the four reasons you have put before Us, for which We are bound to help .you. And to the first We reply that it is the truth that We are under covenant with you to assist you in everything We can against all who oppose you, and this We shall do willingly. The other reason, that you say it is Our fault that the King of Aragon went to Sicily, We grant you. When, on that occasion, We said no to him, We acknowledge that Our wish guided Us more than Our reason ; wherefore We acknow ledge the fault and that We are bound to help you in every manner. The third reason, as to the crusade and the interdict, We promise you that it shall be issued and
proclaimed at once, before you depart from Us. The fourth, of the treasure you ask of Us, and that We should admonish the King of France as a great countenancer of Holy Church, We shall comply with willingly and are ready to provide you and the King of France with money. And so be of good cheer and be comforted, for, all you ask, Holy Church will do in full measure.’*
And upon this the cardinals spoke and each con firmed what the Holy Father had said. And thus King Charles was much comforted and content and gave them many thanks for their good answer and begged them to hasten everything on, as he had to go to his nephew, the King of France, to ask him for succour and aid and beg him to go with him to Bordeaux. And so the Pope hastened in such manner that, within a few days, he proclaimed the sentence and the crusade against the King of Aragon and his country and all those who gave him aid, and he absolved from punishment and guilt all those who opposed him. This sentence was given by Pope Martin, who was a Frenchman. And it is said that no sentence has ever issued from the court of Rome that is not just; and so we must all believe, for it is said by the priests who are administrators of Holy Church that, Sententia pastoris justa vel injusta timenda1 est. And so all faithful Christians must believe, and so do I believe. Therefore this help was very great, the greatest Holy Church can give any lord and which should be most feared by every faithful Christian. And then the Pope helped King Charles with the treasure of Saint Peter, as much as he needed for himself and for the King of France.
