way transfer them to other persons. But in all and each of these particulars, let the penalty be determined either of the loss of the books, or any other, according to the discretion of the same bishops or inquisitors, according to the nature of the contumacy or offence.
But regarding the books which the deputed fathers have examined or expurgated, or have delivered to be expurgated, or have allowed, on certain conditions, to be again printed; whatever appears to have been enacted by them, let book-sellers, as well as others, observe. Let it, however, be optional with bishops or general inquisitors, according to the powers which they possess, to prohibit even those books which seem to be permitted by these rules, if they should judge this to be expedient in their kingdoms, or provinces, or dioceses. But the names as well of the books which have been expurgated by the fathers deputed, as of those to whom they assigned this province, have, by order of our most holy lord, been delivered, copied out by the secretary of the same deputed persons to the notary of the sacred universal Roman inquisition.
Finally, it is enjoined on all the faithful, that no one dare, contrary to the direction of these rules, or to the prohibition of this index, to read or keep any books. But if any one shall read or keep books of heretics, or the writings of any author condemned and prohibited for heresy, or for the suspicion of a false dogma, let him forthwith incur the sentence of excommunication. But, whoever shall read or keep books interdicted on any other pretext besides the guilt of deadly sin, with which he is affected, let him be severely punished at the discretion of the bishops.
THE BULL OF OUR HOLY LORD PIUS IV., BY DIVINE PROVIDENCE POPE.
APPROBATION OF THE INDEX OF PROHIBITED BOOKS, WITH THE RULES CONFIRMED BY THE FATHERS DEPUTED BY THE HOLY COUNCIL OF TRENT, AND THE PROHIBITION TO KEEP OR READ THESE BOOKS.
Pius IV., pope, for the future memory hereof.
Appointed over the protecting the Lord's flock by the disposition of the Lord, like unto a wakeful shepherd, we
