Right from the era of Lords and Commons in England, to the times when the clergy was called the first estate while the nobles/politicians were known as the second estate in France, the war between the clergy and nobility/politicians has never ended. Granted, sometimes the two enemies close ranks when they feel their common interest is threatened. Both politicians and clergy ride on the masses, and therefore it is no surprise that they should fight for control of the populace. The first and second estates only unite when they feel their space is being infringed by the third and fourth estates.