Ornate floral and scrollwork border framing the text.

WHEEL OF THE BLESSED

IVDOCHUS PALMERIUS,

who, being near death on Mount of the Virgin Montevergine

In the fourth year of the Pontificate of Julius III, on the 8th day

of February, regarding the 16 future Pontiffs,

prophesied thus.

FIRST.

After the gates of jubilation are opened, a Stag shall come forth from the Rigid Mountain, who because of the malice of men shall quickly waste away.

II.

As a Lion he shall arise, who shall sit on the throne of Peter, in which, striking the wicked with a sword, his star shall be eclipsed in many ways.

III.

Doves on the summit of the scent of Lilies nourish the Pastor, who with serpentine wisdom shall gladden the Church, and shall scatter the iniquitous with gryphons.

IIII.

By the omen of the heavens, the Lion shall rest with a happy course under the cloak of Saint Peter.

A virtuous man shall come from the grove original: "nemore" for the salvation of the nations; and the Church of God shall be exalted with peace, the piety of justice, and religion.

VI.

Around your table, they shall rejoice under the stag-like cross, and to them the flock of Christ shall be commended, so that it may feed in the odor of sweetness on the life-giving elements of both.

VII.

From the Insubrians people of Lombardy/Milan shall come a Pastor, who with the strength of towers shall surround his seat, shall save the cross, and close off the dangers of the Church.

VIII.

In the widowhood of the Church, from the fount of Jacob, he shall draw water with a sieve original: "cribro" for the salvation of all nations.

IX.

Under the shadow of the tiara the Sun shall shine, and then the mild of heart and the just shall reach the peak in the midst of the Church.

When the Dragon has been exalted above the fortress of the Tiber, many wonders and many subversions shall be seen in the world.

XI.

An Eagle proceeding from the tower shall plant his crown in the Vatican, so that the swine may grow fat in the pastures of the Church.

XII.

As a Lily of the valleys giving an odor of sweetness, he shall be raised up beneath the flowers.

XIII.

Under the Siren the world shall be troubled, and Spain shall be harmed by him who prepared ruin for his own.

XIIII.

From Africa shall arise the grain by which the flock of Christ, growing fat, shall be exalted in the church of God.

XV.

The sheep of Peter shall eat the fruit of your highness while you are in the midst of the church.

XVI.

The Bear shall feed the sheep and the lambs, while the little boat of Peter shall be tossed in the Albula the Tiber River.

ANNOTATION.

IN this Wheel of the Blessed Iudochus, starting from Marcellus II, you will find, Reader, sixteen Pontiffs numbered; whereas from the Blessed John and Egidius, there are only thirteen. Do not let this be a wonder to you, because as those fathers knew, so they indicated to us; nor did God himself wish to reveal everything to anyone except to his only-begotten son.

An ornamental woodcut depicts a central face or mask flanked by scrolls and foliage.