[Footnote 128: The oppression and vices of the Roman church,
in the xth century, are strongly painted in the history and
legation of Liutprand, (see p. 440, 450, 471 - 476, 479,
&c.;) and it is whimsical enough to observe Muratori
tempering the invectives of Baronius against the popes. But
these popes had been chosen, not by the cardinals, but by
lay-patrons.]