and Jupiter declares this, and that Mars is separated from Jupiter indicates that the cause of the war is just and is moved by prelates and nobles. And this in the first or second half of the year. But in this, as we have said, it is annulled by the death of a ruler, and those of Mars will be the victors. See, Reverend Father, that it may not be a foreign race, and men subject to Mars as are the French and Turks, for in the fourth climate and near the beginning of the fifth there will be great contrarieties of kings, and the war will be transferred from place to place, but the Romans will be safe from these. See how much these are repugnant to each other, which I leave to be weighed by better minds and to fortune.

Concerning the state of men.

¶ The state of men is indicated as various. For Mars in the first half of the year brings tribulations from kings, and a multiplication of captives, amputations of limbs, and many driven to the cross. Mercury, the significator of travelers, on account of its bad disposition, is adverse to merchants and scribes. I do not speak of the grammarians, astrologers, and poets who, already long since rejected by all in the old manner, fare badly. But perhaps in the second half of the year they will fare a little worse; I do not wish to say better, because I scarcely believe that can happen due to the avarice of the rulers. Saturn, however, making the Moon unfortunate, and Mars [making] Venus [unfortunate], are adverse to women, and there will be little faith among men in drawing up contracts. And perhaps there will be the death of great and noble women in Italy.

¶ In the first half of the year, let those who are endowed with great dignity take care of their bodies, and let them fear deadly potions. And perhaps there will be [one] of a great King in the west. Observe the month of March, the 4th of July, the 5th of August, and the 3rd of December. I know that in these there is much repugnant to each other, which then, at its own time, will give faith to this prophecy.

Concerning the prelates.

¶ Concerning the prelates of the Church and the Supreme Pontiff, by the command of Julius the firm,