^Q LANGUEDOC. Despite this single exhibition of hesitation and weakness, the Order was not lacking in men whose eager fanaticism rendered them fully prepared to accept the perilous post. The peril, in- deed, was apparent rather than real — it had passed away in the revulsion which followed the useless bloodshed of Avignonet and the failure of Kaymond's rebeUion. There was a rising tide in favor of orthodoxy. A confraternity organized in October, 1243, by Durand, Bishop of Albi, is probably only the expression of what was going on in many places. Organized under the pro- tection of St. Cecilia, the members of the association pledged themselves not only to mutual protection, but to aid the bishop to execute justice on heretics, Yaudois and their fautors, and to defend inquisitors as they would their own bodies. Any member suspected of heresy was to be incontinently ejected, and a reward of a silver mark was offered for every heretic captured and deliv- ered to the association. The new pope had, moreover, spoken in no uncertain tone. His refusal to reMeve the Dominicans was ac- companied with a peremptory command to all the prelates of the region to extend favor, assistance, and protection to the inquisitors in their toils and tribulations. Any slackness in this was freely threatened with the papal vengeance, while favor was significantly promised as the reward of zeal. The Dominicans were urged to fresh exertion to overcome the threatened recrudescence of heresy. A new legate, Zoen, Bishop-elect of Avignon, was also despatched to Languedoc, with instructions to act vigorously. His predeces- sor had been complained of by the inquisitors for having, in spite of their remonstrances, released many of their prisoners and remit- ted penances indiscriminately. AU such acts of misplaced mercy were pronounced void, and Zoen was ordered to reimpose all such penalties without appeal.* Still more menacing to the heretic cause was the reconcihation at last effected between Eaymond and the papacy. In Septem- ber, 1243, the count visited Italy, where he had an interview with Frederic 11. in Apuha, and with Innocent in Eome. For ten years 1243, within a fortnight after his election. The deputation had evidently been ■ sent to Celestin IV., and the bull had been prepared in advance, awaiting the election of a successor.
- Archives de r:&vgchM'Albi (Doat, XXXI. 47).-Archives de Tlnq. de Carcas-
sonne (Boat, XXXI. 63, 65, 97).— Berger, Registres d'Innocent IV. No. 31, 102.
