From The Lives of the Popes from the Time of our Saviour Jesus Christ to the Accession of Gregory VII. Written Originally in Latin by B. Platina, Native of Cremona, and translated into English (from an anonymous translation, first printed in 1685 by Sir Paul Rycaut), Edited by William Benham, Volume I, London: Griffith, Farran, Okeden & Welsh, [1888, undated in text]; pp. 273-274.
The Lives of the Popes,
BY
B. Platina
Volume I.
DAMASUS II.
A.D. 1048.
DAMASUS the Second, a Bavarian, surnamed Bagnario or Pepone (as some say), seized the papal chair by force, without any consent of the clergy and people. So deep root had this licentious custom taken, that any ambitious fellow durst invade the seat of St Peter. But the just God avenged himself upon this villain, that he might be an example to the rest, who should seek by ambition and simony that which ought to be the reward of virtue; for on the twenty-ninth day of his pontificate he died. Some would not have this man put in the catalogue of Popes, because he came not regularly to that dignity, and admire that the Romans were not moved with the villainy of the action, contrary to their oath to Henry, to compel him to lay down his 274 office; but because he lived so short a time, that the citizens could not so soon bethink themselves what to do, I think they are not to be blamed. We shall then pass to Leo.
Previous Pope: 155. 155-Clement II. 156. Damasus II. Next Pope: 157. Leo IX.