Firstly, as appears in the [above] display, let b signify the person who was received first into the vacant church, c signifies the second person and so on to k, so that the first person of the vacant church is called b, the second person is called c, and so on with the others in the same way. If, however, there are more than 9 persons in the church, the cells in the figure shown above are increased by adding l. And if there are eleven, m is added. Now if there are more [persons] than there are letters in the alphabet, some other number is taken, that is, someone is called the first brother, another the second, and so on, and all follow in the manner described above.
Initially all take an oath that they will elect the better and more suitable person. Next, those who must elect sit down, and b and c stand on the side near enough so they can hear the words of the electors, and that all see them. Then d inquires of everyone who is sitting whom of b or c he prefers for abbot, prior, or bishop, and likewise of the others. And afterwards the votes of all electors are added. And if b has more votes than c, then c sits down in his place and b remains standing, or vice versa. Then d is set against b and afterwards c stands up and inquires of everybody whom of b or d he prefers for prelate. And if b has more votes, then d sits down, and now e goes up to b, and afterwards c or d or somebody else inquires of everybody and in the presence of all whom he prefers for master, that is, b or e. And if e wins over b, then f goes up to e, or vice versa. And if b is defeated, then c inquires of everybody whom of e or f he prefers for master, and so on, in order, up to k, so that with k the election comes to an end whether k wins or is defeated, and this in the order described above. That is, if there are ten in the chapter then the end is reached with l, and in the order that has just been described.
This electoral method is very useful and secure, since it is far from the secret scrutinium and the election per compromissum wherein more fraud can be committed than in the above method. Those who elect publicly face great disgrace by their colleagues if they elect badly; those who elect secretly do not.
This novel electoral method is also good in that it is as general as [no other] can be. And this is so because in the election a comparison is made between all persons who exist in the chapter. Each of them elects according to his will in each cell of the above figure, and thus is more content with the election.
Moreover, with this electoral method each person in the chapter presumably would strive to be good and honorable, if this method were used in the election of prelates; and [each would] procure friends in the church, bring about peace, and avoid animosity, so that at the time of the [next] election he might be elected. And the brethren would show mutual esteem, so that in an election one would stand for the other. And so the chapter would be enhanced, that is, [it would gain] through the enhancement which the brethren would enjoy through charity, justice, prudence, and other virtues. If now an election of absent persons is to be made, the election should be carried out as described above etc.
This electoral method was devised in Paris, on the first day of July in the year 1299 of the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God.