This visit spread alarm in the camp of his enemies. Several priests were urged to apply for the vacancy. A Suabian, named Laurent Fable, even preached as a candidate, and the rumour went that he was elected. "It is then quite true," said Zuinglius, on learning it, "that a prophet has no honour in his own country, since a Suabian is preferred to a Swiss. I know what value to set on popular applause."[687] Zuinglius immediately after received a letter from the secretary of Cardinal Schinner, informing him, that the election had not taken place. But the false news which he had at first received nettled the curate of Einsidlen. Knowing that a person so unworthy as this Fable aspired to the place, he was more desirous to obtain it for himself, and wrote about it to Myconius, who next day replied, "Fable will always continue fable: my masters have learned that he is already the father of six boys, and possesses I know not how many benefices."[688] [687] Scio vulgi acclamationes et illud blandum Euge! Euge! (Zw. Ep. p. 53.) I know the acclamations of the vulgar, and their flattering Bravo! Bravo! [688] Fabula manebit fabula; quem domini mei acceperunt sex pueris esse patrem ... (Ibid.) The enemies of Zuinglius did not abandon their opposition. All, it is true, agreed in extolling his learning to the skies;[689] but said some, "He is too fond of music;" others, "He loves the world and pleasure;" others again, "In early life he was too closely connected with giddy companions." There was even one individual who charged him with an instance of seduction. Zuinglius was not without blemish. Though superior to the ecclesiastics of his time he more than once, in the first years of his ministry, gave way to youthful propensities. It is difficult to estimate the influence of an impure atmosphere on those who live in it. There were in the papacy certain established irregularities, allowed and sanctioned as conformable to the laws of nature. A saying of Æneas Sylvius, afterwards pope under the name of Pius II, gives an idea of the sad state of public morals at this period. We give it in a note.[690] Disorder had become the rule, order the exception. [689] Neminem tamen, qui tuam doctrinam non ad cœlum ferat ... (Ibid.) [690] Non esse qui vigesimum annum excessit, nec virginem tetigerit. (Ibid. p. 57.) [Sidenote: CONFESSION BY ZUINGLIUS.]