The rumours as to the dangerous condition of the Pope's
health are acquiring great consistence. He still continues occa- sionally to see a few visitors, but he is always carried in his chair, and each ceremonial leaves him weaker. He has again become subject to epileptic attacks, and all business is transacted by Cardinal Simeoni, who is not popular with a large party among the Cardinals. It seems certain that the great ecclesiastics and ambassadors in Rome expect a speedy vacancy in the Holy Chair, and that combinations are forming ; and it is rumoured that Germany offers, if a moderate Pope is elected, to renew her rela- tions with the Papacy. The method of election, however, makes even the subtlest calculation extremely uncertain, and the Pope, ill as he is, comes of a family with a tendency to keep alive.
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