The Wicked Prelate

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Clergé Romain l'an mil six cens & neuf,
Au chef de l'an fera élection
D'vn gris & noir de la Compagne yssu,
Qui onc ne fut si maling.


In the year 1609, Roman clergy,
At the beginning of the year you will hold an election:
Of one gray and black issued from Campania,
Never was there one so wicked as he.


On January 12, 1609 the Spanish Jesuit Fernando Mendoza was named bishop of Cuzco, Peru by Paul V.  He was the confessor to the viceroy of Naples, which is in the Campania region of Italy.  Compagne also refers to Company of Jesus, an alternative name for the Jesuits.  The Spanish Inquisition was active in southern Italy during this time.