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

THE ENEMIES OF THE CARAFA. 14I
Pius IV., and shrewd observers were quick to conclude that
negotiations prejudical to the Carafa were taking place. ^ There
can, indeed, be no doubt that not only the enemies of the
Carafa in Rome, but Philip II. as well, were at that time
inciting the Pope- to take decisive steps against the nephews
of Paul IV., and that their efforts were meeting with success.
Pius IV., however, was careful not to let his altered frame
of mind appear, and he explained this later on by saying
that he wished to prevent the flight of the Carafa. The
latter were able, therefore, to lull themselves with a false
sense of security, indeed, their confidence was so complete
that they even dared to challenge their enemies, for it can
only be so described when the Duke of Paliano commenced a
law-suit in Gallese against Marcantonio Colonna on the
ground of an alleged attempt at poisoning him. Pius IV.
appeared to give sanction to this proceeding by ordering
a commissary to go to Gallese.^
Cardinal Carafa had not the slightest idea at the beginning
of June how near his enemies were to attaining their end,
although the altered state of affairs did not escape the notice
of the diplomatists. That keen observer, the Venetian
ambassador, informed the Doge at that time that Tendilla
was always conferring in secret with the Pope, without the
knowledge of Vargas or the Spanish Cardinals, concerning
the matter of compensation for Pahano, a question which
was developing to the disadvantage of the Carafa ; that
Marcantonio was successfully arranging his sister's marriage
with Annibale Altemps, and that Colonna's mother was
shortly returning to Rome. To this was added the fateful
news that Vargas, the friend of the Carafa, was not in favour
cerning the obeiientia ceremony on May 16, 1560, see *Acta consist.
Cam., IX., 21, in the Consistorial Archives of the Vatican, *reports
of Mula and Mocenigo of May 20, 1560 (Court Library, Vienna),
and Boss, 66.
1 C/. Ancel, Disgrace, 85 seq.
- Cf. HiLLiGER, 15.
' Cf. Ancel, Disgrace, 88, who justly dismisses the statements
of Duruy (p. 318) as fanciful,