Chapter X: Part 10

But what? in the fairest of these Intrigues, after so many watchings and toils, after having understood those whom they understood not before, in the greatest heat of their Negotiations, in the beginning of their joy for having found out the right way of managing Affairs, and whilst they are beginning to lay open their Interests to Persons by this time arriv’d to some capacity, behold the death of the _Pope_ falling out on a sudden, drives from the _Vatican_ and from the Government those Nephews who are now understood and experienc’d, to introduce others ignorant, unexperienc’d, and so void of all Political Knowledge, as never to have seen the Court but on the outside, Consultations but in Sport, nor Publick Ministers save in their Coaches.

In this manner poor Embassadors are forced to turn over a new leaf, and like young Scholars put to a new School, they must learn over again what they had learn’d before, to their no small dissatisfaction, as well as injury to their Affairs.

These so sudden shiftings of the Scene, puts the Ministers all in disorder; and the only satisfaction they find, is to laugh at the new Princes of the Church, who have so suddenly leap’d from the Dunghil to the Throne.

Cardinal _Onofrio_ Brother to _Urban_ the Eighth, who was taken from a Cloister of _Capucines_, and introduc’d into the Affairs of the Court, could never accustom himself to live in any other manner, but in that slovenly way of the _Capucines_; so that when he was to receive any Embassadors, he committed the most ridiculous pieces of clownishness imaginable.

One day speaking about some War of the _Turk_ in _Germany_, with the Imperial Embassador, who desir’d him to prevail with the _Pope_ to succour Christendom, which was endanger’d in that Country; the good Cardinal fetching a great sigh, began to say, _Ah_, _my Lord Embassador_, _those Coleworts_, _those Coleworts in the Capucines Garden_, _make me always remember my former condition_; and so continuing a Discourse of a quarter of an hour, concerning the goodness of Coleworts, the excellence of Turneps, and the manner how the _Capucines_ boil them in good fat broth; seeming to lick his fingers almost at every syllable, and to swallow a Turnep at every word.

Another time going to visit the _Spanish_ Embassador, and forgetting himself to be a Cardinal, and not a Capucine, he ask’d on a sudden, _Of what Covent is your Reverend Fathership a Son_?

The Embassador, perceiving the simplicity of the Person, answer’d him laughing, _Father_, _I am no Son of a Covent_; _but indeed I send Sons to the Covent_, _of whom perhaps your Fathership is one_. The Cardinal finding his error, thought to mend it by replying to the Embassador, _Your Excellence may please to excuse __me_; _for the remembrance of the Capucines is so fresh my mind_, _that I take all for Capucines that speak with me_: The Embassadour laught; and rising up, said, _’Tis well_, _my Lord_, _I will be gone then_, _that I may not be accounted a Capucine by your Eminence_.

Moreover, whilst Ministers of Princes talk’d with him of matters of State, the answers he return’d were about watering of Gardens, sweeping of hutches, ordering of Vestries, rising in the morning, entring into the Choire, begging Alms, and so of all such other things, wherein he was a Master. Nor did he make any difference of persons in his Conferences, but us’d the same Style to every body, _Your Fathership will pardon me_. And in his Complements with Embassadours Royal, he would often say, _I shall accompany you to the door of the Cloister_.

I might relate a thousand such stories, but I will not lengthen the work more than I ought; although there is scarce any Nephew of _Popes_ whose mean and carriage, after their sudden advancement to the degree of Princes, affords me not matter for a long discourse.

’Tis enough that publick Ministers cannot forbear laughter and scorn in their negotiating with them which serve to inform them of their infirmities. Whence the Embassadour _Justiniani_, being ask’d one day, _whether he was goeing to negotiate with_ Astalli? Answer’d, _Not to negotiate with him_, _but to instruct him_. And indeed, such instruction is extreme necessary to the best of them.

But that which displeases them most, is, that after much pains taken to instruct them, they must lose the fruits thereof, and begin all the same course over again with their Successors.

The last difficulty in managing affairs with the Nephews, ariseth from their incomparable Avarice, which is so predominant in them, that they appear meer insensible Statues in every thing else, but in studying the means how to make themselves great.

_Boniface_ the ninth was the most dextrous, subtle, and ingenious _Pope_ for accumulating wealth, that ever sate in the _Vatican_; whence he was wont to say, _That he had rather have a little Fish in hand_, _than a great Dolphin in the main Sea_; And at other times, _That an Egg in the morning is better than a Hen at night_. And accordingly, he was contented to lose the interest of a whole year to anticipate the payment of a day, and he alwaies made his Receivers bring him every night the money they had collected; and sometimes he would sit up till midnight expecting them, in regard he could not sleep otherwise through fear of being undone.

This exorbitant Covetousness wholly withdrew his mind from the care of the Papacy, both in Civil and Ecclesiastical matters; Embassadours could not please him better, than to discourse to him of the means to get money; and when they mentioned other matters pertaining to the publick good, they receiv’d no answer sutable to the question; because his thoughts were not imploy’d about what the Embassadours spoke, but about what the Receivers of Gabels and Taxes had said to him; with whom he entertain’d long conferences, little caring to give audience to Embassadours.

Clement the seventh, who never shew’d himself so extraordinarily covetous, though covetous too, had his mind distracted in the like manner, from what was at any time spoken to him, if it were not about money: Whence being one day requested by the Imperial Embassadour to joyn with the Emperour, and other Princes, in a League against the Turk; the Embassadour perceiving that the _Pope_ gave him no answer, said, _Your Holiness saies nothing to my Proposal_; Whereunto the _Pope_ return’d, _No_, _for you counsel us to spend money_, _and we are thinking on the means to get it_.

_Paul_ the fourth, standing one day in a great musing in the presence of Cardinal _Campeggio_, was ask’d by him, _Why he stood so pensive_? The _Pope_ answer’d, _I am thinking whether you_ (_who perhaps may be my Successour_) _are likely to be richer than my self_.

_Sixtus Quintus_, who was one of the greatest _Popes_ that the _Vatican_ ever saw, had no other fault, but that he spent most hours of the day in devising what might be done to bring money into his Chests. And he seems to have died with the same thoughts in his head; for being ask’d by the _Venetian_ Embassadour, two daies before his death, _How he did_? He answered, _I should be much better_, _if I had more money to spend_.

_Urban_ the eighth, in the war he had with the Duke of _Parma_, and other confederate Princes, lost no little reputation, in attempting the destruction of a Prince so well deserving of the Church, and hazarding the safety of all _Italy_; yet he car’d not so much for the dishonour which the Church receiv’d in his person, nor for the great murmur of the people, as for the money disburs’d in it; lamenting the same often with his Nephews, and reproving them for _having engaged him in a War of so great expence_: as if the loss of money made deeper impression in the _Pope’s_ heart, than the detriment of the Church and of Christendom.

Most of the _Pope’s_ Nephews call the hours wherein they give Audience to Embassadours, _hours of poverty_, _and of misery_; because they cannot at those times think how to advance their Houses: and therefore they strive to shift them off as much as possible, and many times they promise all before ’tis ask’d, only to be at their liberty.

Some will not allow it to be meerly charity in _Alexander_, to assume to himself the load of all Civil Affairs of importance; but only a design to lighten his Nephews of it, and leave them more time to bestow on contrivance to fill their Coffers.

Better perhaps ’twould be for the Church, and the State too, if all _Popes_ would do the like; for to lay the weight of great affairs upon such weak shoulders, is to confound their understandings, and put them in danger of shaming themselves by discovering their addle brains in business: As a good Nephew did in discourse with the French Embassadour about the number of Protestants in _France_; for meaning to say, _How many Hereticks are there in_ France? He mistook, and said, _How many Pistols are there in_ France? Which errour the Embassadour well observing, and knowing the Cardinal Nephew more intent on the money of his Coffers than the benefit of the Church, he answer’d, _The King my Master hath not so many Hereticks in his Kingdom_, _as he hath Pistols in his Exchequer_.

’Tis not 2000 Ages, since a certain _Pope’s_ Nephew said to a familiar friend of his, who brought him notice, that the Spanish Embassadour was coming to negotiate with him: _These Embassadours bring us business_, _and not money_, _talking all day long with us so __tediously_, _as if we were slaves_, _and not_ (Padroni) _Masters of the Church and State_.

The same Cardinal, as often as he return’d to his Chamber from accompanying the publick Ministers (who had visited him) to the door, as the custom is, would fall into a passion, and scornfully say to his Servants: _I have lost two hours time with this pitiful Embassadour_, _and he has gain’d some with me_; _if any other come_, _say I am not at home_.

But worse was that other, (not long since dead) who, as much as he could, avoyded the audience of such Ministers, sometimes pretending indisposition, and sometimes that he was not at home; which the _Pope_ his Uncle understanding ask’d him the reason, _Why he did so_? The Cardinal answer’d plainly, _Whilst I am with Embassadours_, _my Coffers fill with nothing but wind_; _but when I am alone_, _they fill with money_.

The same good Nephew had another custome, that when notice was given of the arrival of an Embassadour at the Gate, he would in displeasure cry, _I would his neck were broke_. But when ’twas told him that an Officer of the Datary (that is, the Exchequer) was at the door, he would cry with joy, _He is welcome_.

A certain Embassadour, knowing this Nephew’s humour, contriv’d how to make his Visits not grievous; and to that purpose, before he desired Audience, or at least at the same time, he thought fit to give him notice; that he desir’d to speak with him for nothing else but the resignation of a certain Benefice, which the Prince his Master intended to make into the hands of his Holiness’s Nephews.

The device took well, for the greedy Nephew believing it true, receiv’d him with a very good countenance: and the Embassadour fail’d not to usher in his publick business with a Preface about resigning the foresaid Benefice or Abbey, although the Prince his Master knew no more of any such thing than I; and so got a fair reception.

’Twere good, that all publick Agents would put the same tricks upon those avaricious Nephews, and not be so scrupulous as they are; since the Nephews make no scruple to slight their addresses, to breake off all Negotiations, and to confound whatsoever is offer’d to them.

Without such inventions they are like to get little good from the visits to the Nephews, who consider nothing but their own Interests, and are indifferent to those of Princes; whence ’tis easie to judge they will do little good in those matters, in which they are engag’d with an ill will.

This may serve concerning the difficulties which Princes Ministers meet with in their affairs with the _Popes_ and their Nephews, and how to avoid the same. Let us now proceed to the Enquiry, _Why the Families of_ Popes _continue not long in Grandeur_.

Some compare the _Nipotismo_ to a Tree which is guarded by all, whilst laden with fruit; but as soon as it happens to be deprived thereof, either by the hands of men, or progress of time, every body forsakes it, and nature her self leaves it barren, dry, and hateful, even to the eye of the beholders.

I do not altogether like this comparison, because Trees bear fruit for others; whereas the good Nephews of _Popes_ take all to themselves: and I should rather compare them to Pismires, which all day long go from place to place, seeking provisions wherewith to fill their Nests, and stop not a moment till they see them full.

There is no body but wonders to behold how the Families of _Popes_ daily decline, there being scarce two found that have continued one intire Age, or which remain in the same splendour wherein they were seen to shine, not only during the Reign of the _Popes_ their Kinsmen, but for some lustres after; and although some may seem at present to be found great, yet my Observation cannot therefore be decry’d as false, in regard of other reasons to be alledged concerning this matter.

There is no doubt, but many Families are found at this day in _Rome_ of good quality and esteem, who have had _Popes_ descended from them before _Sixtus_ the fourth; as the Family of _Conti_ hath had two _Popes_ in the _Vatican_, _Innocent_ the third, and _Gregory_ the ninth; The Family of _Fiesco_, reputed at present the chief Family of _Genoa_, hath likewise afforded two _Popes_, _Innocent_ the fourth, and _Adrian_ the fifth; And so that of _Orsini_, hath had _Nicholas_ the third; That of _Savelli_, _Honorius_ the fourth; _La Gaettana_, hath had _Boniface_ the eighth; _Picolomini_, _Pius_ the Second; _Colonna_, _Martin_ the fifth; not to mention others, that have had their _Popes_ too.

But this is the difference: ’tis one thing for _Popes_ to issue from a Noble Family, and another for Families to rise from the _Popes_. The foresaid Houses received not their Splendour, Nobility, and Wealth from the Papal Grandeur, but it may rather be said, that the Papal Grandeur received splendour from those Families.

Besides, in those daies the Nephews of _Popes_ remain’d at home, and did not come to _Rome_; if they did, they brought not with them that insatiable avarice which Nephews bring (or have brought hitherto) when they enter into possession of the _Vatican_. I mean not therefore to speak of those Families, which have been in great esteem as well since they have had _Popes_ of them, as before. None of these is advanc’d by the Papacy, but remains in the same manner without growth in Ambition, Riches, or Glory.

Particularly, the House of _Colonna_ (which is at present one of the most considerable, not of _Rome_ only, but of all _Italy_) hath so little valu’d the Papal Grandeur in its lot, that they have often persecuted it, only to let the World see that the _Colonneses_ pretended not to glory in the Treasures of the Church, but in the merit of the persons, exemplified in the valour of so many illustrious men, who have spent much of their bloud for the service of the _Popes_ themselves.

’Tis certain, that by two _Popes_ issu’d out of the House of _Colonna_, the _Colonneses_ have had so little advantage, either in dignity or wealth, that they may say that the _Popes_ were taken out of their Family, and that they have the honour to be _Colonneses_ of the House of _Colonna_, but not _Colonneses_ of the House of _Popes_. But there are many other Families, whose glory it is to have had their rise from the fortune given them by _Popes_, without which they would never have been any thing considerable; and these are the Families of which I am to speak.

The Family of _Rovere_, from which _Sixtus_ the fourth was descended, of it self was very noble, and had liv’d so for above two Ages in _Lombardy_, but by various changes and accidents it was declin’d to such a degree that the chief branch was remov’d to _Savona_, and there remain’d many years in a mediocrity of fortune amongst the principal Citizens, till _Sixtus_, being made _Pope_, determin’d to revive it to a greater fortune at the cost of the _Vatican_, and the publick Treasury.

All the glories of this House, though dispersed here and there by _Pope Sixtus_, yet in a little time became confined to the sole possession of the Dutchy of _Urbin_, which indeed the House of _Rovere_ possessed, but not without great persecutions for the space of 150 years and more, beginning from 1475 till 1631. When the said House was extinguished by the death of _Francesco Maria_, the last Duke, or of _Guido Ubaldo_, if I remember right; there remaining no other Heirs save _Donna Vittoria della Rovere_, married to _Ferdinand_ the second great Duke of _Tuscany_.

It may be said, as I shall afterwards prove, that this was the only Family (rais’d by _Popes_) that continued so long together in greatness: and I believe the goodness of the Dukes, who succeeded one after another, contributed not a little to this continuance, which seems to surpass the ordinary measures.

But if we will measure things with the right rule, we shall find that the Family of _Rovere_ liv’d in Grandeur but one Age; for there is no necessity to begin to reckon from the time of _Sixtus_, but from _Julius_ the second, who was of the same House; who seeing it much declin’d by reason of the great persecutions of _Alexander_ the Sixth, determined to succour it, though not by burdening the Church, which was in the year 1510. Neither is it needful to extend the reckoning till 1631. because for above twenty years before the death of the last Duke, the Ecclesiasticks foreseeing the fall of the Dutchy into their own hands, in regard of the great age of the Duke and his want of male Children, they resolv’d to take possession of it by degrees; and accordingly insulted over the poor old Duke, keeping him as if he had been their Subject: wherefore it may reasonably be said, that the House of _Rovere_, rais’d by _Sixtus_ continu’d not in grandeur so much as one full Age.

The Family of _Cibo_ hath alwayes produc’d men eminent both for Learning and Valour; amongst whom there were two _Popes_, _Boniface_ the ninth, and _Innocent_ the eighth; the former in these dayes, when Nephews were not wont to enter into _Rome_ with the _Popes_, and the latter immediately after the death of the abovementioned _Sixtus_. But this Innocent the eighth would not oppress the Church to enrich his Kindred, whom he saw wealthy enough, and of good account amongst the chief Citizens of the Commonwealth of _Genoa_ his Countrey.

He gave them indeed some Offices, but of so small value, that this _Popes_ Kindred did not think it worth while to leave _Genoa_ for _Rome_, and so, after the death of _Innocent_, they despis’d their Citizenships of _Rome_, and return’d to _Genoa_; where within a short time by the fault of Cardinal _Cibo_, they left the Offices given them by the _Pope_ their Kinsman, and were forc’d to betake themselves to other courses for a livelihood; well knowing that the Riches receiv’d from the Church stay not long in the hands of the receivers. And they did wisely, for had they remain’d at _Rome_, perhaps they would not be at this day in that grandeur, esteem, and wealth as they are in the City of _Genoa_.

Of the Family of _Alexander_ the Sixth, that barbarous Pope, there would be much to say, did not the consideration of bravity oblige me to pass over many reasons of the destruction thereof. This _Alexander_ was descended from the noble Family of _Lenzoli_ in _Spain_, being Son of _Goffredo Lenzoli_; but containing both the name and surname of his family, he took that of _Boria_, which was afterwards turn’d to _Borgia_.

From this Pope sprung the house of _Borgia_, and was by him encreas’d and advanc’d to that grandeur, whereof we have spoken in other places. It was divided into two branches, one whereof remain’d in _Spain_ in possession of its ancient honours, and the other came into _Italy_; where it became so great by the many Principalities conferr’d on it by the Pope, that it seem’d likely to flourish to eternity. But on the contrary, in less than half an Age, it decayed so fast, that ’tis above fifty years since the Family of _Borgia_ became extinct in _Italy_.

’Tis true, the Branch in _Spain_ continues in some splendour, and possesses at present the Principality of _Squillace_, which was given by Pope _Alexander_ to his Family. But this Principality is no great matter, _Don Ferdinando Borgia_, the present Possessor little caring for it, for the same reason, as some think, of being purchas’d with the money of the Church; and glorying only in his possessing what his Ancestors had got by their valour, and himself gets by the good service he performs to the Crown, which reckons him one of the chiefest men of _Spain_.

After the Introduction of _Nipotismo_, the Family of _Picolomini_ had another Pope, to wit, _Pius_ the third, who lived so short a time, that he was fain to leave his Kindred _Picoli huomini_ (small men) indeed; although they have kept themselves in the rank of Nobility, by having receiv’d considerably from the Church, but only for eminent services perform’d to the same.

We have spoken sufficiently of the House of _Rovere_, and though _Julius_ the second, who was of it, might induce us to speak of it here again: yet for brevities sake, we will pass to the Family of the _Medici_, which was indeed amplifi’d by, but not first rais’d by _Popes_, but rather the_ Popes_ rais’d by it.

_Leo_ the tenth did his utmost to render his House potent, not in _Rome_ only, but also in _Florence_; where it was one of the chiefest of that Commonwealth. But what this _Leo_ could not, _Clement_ the seventh (of the same Family) effected, having with the Emperours assistance enthralled his own Countrey to make his Nephews Princes.

This House hath maintain’d it self for above 300 years together in greatness, and I believe will so continue, because it stands not on the same foundation with other Families of _Popes_. First, because (as I said before) it has rather given _Popes_ to the Church, than receiv’d Being from the _Popes_, without need of whom it kept it self long in grandeur. And though at first view the great height of this House may seem to be of right attributed to the force, which _Clement_ the seventh us’d to enslave his Countrey, and render his Kindred Princes: Yet this is not pertinent to the question; for _Clement_ took not from the Church to give to them, but only destroy’d a Republick, which was an obstacle to the eyes of all _Popes_, and where his Family was already in chief command. Besides, the _Medici_ were therein as much oblig’d to the House of _Austria_, by whose Force and Power they undoubtedly receiv’d the Principality which they possess with so much glory. And accordingly _Ferdinand_ the second and his Ancestors have alwayes shewed themselves most grateful for the benefit.

The Family of _Farnese_, which is that of _Paul_ the third, Successor to _Clement_, came out of _Germany_ into _Italy_, in company of the Emperours, who often made this Voyage attended by a great number of _Dutch_ Gentlemen; here the chief of this Family gave in divers cases great proofs of their valour, and were therefore preferr’d by the chief and most Potent Princes of _Italy_ to greater Dignities and Offices than those which they had possess’d at home, as well Civil as Military, whereof they acquitted themselves well.

The _Popes_ especially were ambitious to have them at their service, and by their means obtain’d sundry Victories; without which ’tis likely the Church would have been in great distress. In the Papacy of _Paschal_ the second, in the year 1100. _Pietro Farnese_, Captain of the Cavalry of the Church, did wonders in its service, having obtain’d a most glorious Victory against the _Pope’s_ Enemies on the Coasts of _Tuscany_, restoring to _Costano_ the name of _Orbitello_, a very ancient Colony, and replenishing the same with much people.

_Prudentio_ Son of this _Pietro_ under the Papacy of _Lucius_ the second, and _Pepone_ and _Panuccio_ Sons of _Prudentio_, under the Papacy of _Innocent_ the third, effected great things in defence of the Church, which was greatly afflicted with the Schism of the Emperors.

The Grandfather of _Paul_ the third was _Ramecio Farnese_, who overcame, subdu’d and destroy’d all the Rebels of the Holy Church, which in great numbers molested the State Ecclesiastical, and almost all Christendom, he being Captain of the Papal Army in the time of _Eugenio_ the fourth, who indeed was a very worthy _Pope_, if for nothing else, yet for the good intention he had to reward the valour of this great Captain; and I think he rewarded him abundantly by this testimony which he gave him, _The Church is ours_, _because Farnese hath given it us_.

In short, in the Civil Broils, which continu’d for above four Ages between the _Popes_ and the Emperors, the Family of _Farnese_ with incredible valour and felicity reliev’d the drooping state of the Holy Church.

Nevertheless the last _Popes Urban_ and _Innocent_, ingrateful for these benefits, went about to ruine this well deserving Family. Now if they persecute those who with their own Blood and Fortunes have serv’d the Church, what man will ever serve it for the future?

These two Cities were indeed separated from the Church, and given to the _Farnesi_, who at first found great opposition, and became Masters of it with great difficulty, and that not before the time of _Pope Julius_ the third, in the year 1550. which _Pope_ gave them investiture in despite of _Charles_ the fifth, (who could never be perswaded to consent) and assigned them a considerable summe of money for the keeping them.

Within this last forty years the _Popes_ have persecuted these innocent Princes in that manner, that without the assistance of Forreign Crowns, and some of the Princes of _Italy_ they had been exterminate before this, and received so notable a loss, that had it been compared with what they had received from _Paulus_ the third, it would doubtless have been found they had received less than they had lost: from whence it may be justly said, they have not enjoyed that Principality which they possest, as a feud of the Church, in that peace and repose, for this last half age, as they ought in reason to have done. For those _Popes_ that gave it them first, gave them also priviledges to enjoy it without molestation: and therefore those _Popes_ that have of late troubled the _Farness_ with so much expense, ought in reason (if there, be any such thing in _Rome_) to have forfeited their feudale Rights.

_Julius_ the third, he also failed not to do his part towards the raising of his Family, which was of the _De Montes_, by giving them several offices, and sums of money, by which means in a short time they became very great; but half an age was not past, but it began by degrees to decay and shrink into that mediocrity it is in at this day: which is but small in respect of the condition it was in after the death of _Julius_, who saw them advanc’d, but did not live to see their declension; it being a general Maxime amongst all the _Popes_ Nephews, that they see them advanc’d but to the highest pitch of honour, but live not to see them fall to the lowest point of disgrace.

But the greatest Family of all was the _Caraffi_, rais’d to that height by _Paul_ the fourth, though of it self for several Ages before, very illustrious: The authority they had in _Rome_, with the command of several Lands and Castles belonging to the Church, made this name like to be eternal, and being fortified with such strong banks, not at all subject to the injury of time.

But if ever any Family of the _Popes_ were in a short time precipitated from the greatest height to the lowest of meanness, it was this of the _Caraffi_ from _Paul_ the fourth, which continued not four year in that Splendour and Eminence the _Pope_ had plac’d it, he himself having laid the foundation of their greatness and ruine.

Notwithstanding _Paul_ the fourth left his Nephews no small store of Riches, although they were banisht from _Rome_: which they enjoyed till _Pius_ the fourth was preferr’d to the Chair; who being _Pope_, and not able to endure their insolencies, he got them into his hands; and forming a Process against them, he hang’d some of them, beheaded others, and sequestred their Estates, destroying in that manner the House of the _Caraffi_, with no small gust to the Romans, who frequently declared their dissatisfaction with the behaviour of the _Caraffi_.

But some will object, that the House of Caraffi, do at this present flourish in _Naples_ in great honour and wealth, and may be reckoned amongst the Principal there as well for Splendour and Magnificence, as Wealth, of which they enjoy not a little.

To this may be answered with the same reason I have alledged before, where I spake of the house of _Borgia_, divided into two Branches, one in _Spain_, the other in _Naples_; for the House of the _Caraffi_, when _Paul_ the fourth was made _Pope_, was divided also into two Branches, one of them remaining in _Rome_ by the acquisition of a new Estate, the other in _Naples_ in possession of what they had got before.

The Lords of the _Caraffi_ enjoy at present in _Naples_ many Signiories, as particularly the Dutchy of _Matalone_, which they had enjoyed a hundred years before _Paul_ the fourth, without interruption, being anciently Dukes from the time of _Ferdinando_ first King of _Naples_, and reckon’d amongst his principal Favourites; and are still esteem’d of very well by the Crown of _Spain_, though in the revolutions of _Naples_, upon I know not what considerations, the affection _Philip_ the fourth had for a long time for the Duke of _Matalone_, was observed to grow cold.

This Branch that remained in _Naples_ received no benefit or advantage by that which was establish’d in _Rome_, which last being extinguish’d by the two _Popes_ aforesaid by the death and sequestration of so many _Caraffi_; the other remained in _Naples_ daily augmenting by the favours and priledges they receive from the Crown of _Spain_.

Neither are the Neopolitan _Caraffi_ of the same condition with the Roman, they having nothing, as many believe, or at least, very little of the Church Lands in their possession, which continued not long to the other House, not so much as to the second Generation; and therefore these Lords are still so considerable in _Naples_, because their Estates sprang rather from the reward of their valour, than the oppression of the poor.

All this notwithstanding, the People of _Naples_ were always disaffected to the House of _Matalone_; for which reason in the Revolution of _Masanello_, _Don Joseph Caraffa_ was slain by the fury of the People, his heart pull’d out of his breast, and his body drawn all about the City, with this Exclamation, _This is he that betray’d the most faithful People of Naples_. Besides, there were several Palaces of the Dukes, full of inestimable Furniture, burnt, without being able to preserve one; and I being then in _Naples_, heard several cry, _We must burn all_, _to purge the House of_ Caraffa _from the Leprosie of the rest of the_ Caraffi; alluding to them who in the time of _Paul_ the Fourth had made themselves odious to all the World, as well as to _Rome_.

The Family of the _Buoncompagni_ was considerable above thirty years after the death of _Gregory_ the Thirteenth, which was the Person rais’d them to that height; for though before they were in some degree of Nobility, yet their Estate was but narrow and small; however in the twelve years of his Papacy he let them get so much, that without any great difficulty, they liv’d like Princes after the death of that _Pope_, who died in _March_ 1585.

_Giacomo Buoncompagno_, General for the Holy Church, left many Sons all rich, and allied to good Houses; notwithstanding in a short time all was consumed: and though there was not one lavish or profuse person in the Family, though they had several Cardinalships and other Charges in _Rome_, yet could not all prevent their growing worse every day: And had not two Marriages sustained them, and put them into the condition they are in, which yet is but mean in respect of the grandeur they were in before, they had certainly before this been destroy’d.

But the greatest wonder, in the particular of the sudden destruction of the _Popes_ Families, was in the House of _Peretti_ rais’d by _Sixtus_ the Fifth. That _Pope_, to immortalize his Name, and the Grandeur of his House, which was but of very low extraction, married two of his Nephews, or Nephews Sons, I know not which, into the principallest Families in _Rome_; giving each of them considerable Estates in Land, and an infinite quantity of Money: and that it might not meet with any untoward accident to subvert it, he settled their Estates in the surest and best places he could, thinking thereby to secure and establish his Family.

Ten years after the death of _Sixtus_, there were seven Males of the House of _Peretti_ alive, that is, in the year 1600. all of them very rich; but particularly they which had the Inheritance of Cardinal _Montalto_, who left his Nephews an Estate of a hundred thousand Crowns in yearly Rent, besides what they had afore.

Many People conceiv’d this Family was establish’d for ever; and who would not have thought so, considering the number and fertility of the Males, their Alliance with the greatest Families, their Riches, and in short, their enjoyment of all things necessary to the immortalizing a Family? Yet the Name, the Wealth, the Granduer of this House, did all vanish like smoak at the death of Cardinal _Froucesco Peretti_, who died in the beginning of _Innocent_ the Tenth’s Papacy, with no small trouble to the _Romans_, who loved his person exceedingly, having found him full of actions of generosity and nobleness to all that had to do with him.

And so was the House of _Peretti_ extinct, not being able to continue half an Age. Yet notwithstanding, the death of the Cardinal was the rise of another Family from the _Pope_, which is called the _Savelli_, into which one of his Sisters was married, who remained Heir to a vast and inestimable Patrimony. Some People are confident, That if the House of _Peretti_ had continued, the _Savelli_ would have been in an ill condition; so as there was no great hurt done, to lose one Family, and have another rais’d.

The House of the _Sfondrati_ yielded to the Papacy _Gregory_ the Fourteenth, who though sprung from _Milan_ himself, yet nevertheless as to his Original, he may not improperly be styl’d both the Son and the Father of _Cremona_, a Town (considering its Antiquity) amongst the principal of _Italy_, besides that, it has in all times produc’d men very eminent both in Learning and Wars. In this City, amongst the most considerable Citizens, was this House of _Sfondrati_, always enjoying the greatest Office in the Council, which procur’d no small envy in the hearts of many; insomuch as some people excited the _Cambiaghi_ (which was then a Family of great credit and esteem in the City) to oppose themselves against the Ambition of the _Sfondrati_, who at that time appear’d to carry all before them.

The _Cambiaghi_, back’d and supported by other of the Citizens, endeavour’d what they could the diminution of the _Sfondrati_; and from hence arose (not to say Civil Wars) great feuds and animosities between them, which continued till such time as _Girolamo Sfondrati_ was called to _Milan_, where meeting with greater Advancements, he resolved to leave _Cremona_ for ever: And from this Family, now become _Milanese_, _Gregory_ the Fourteenth descended, who would always acknowledge _Cremona_ to be his Country; yet would declare often, whilst he was a young Student there, He would never return to _Cremona_, till he was made Bishop of that place: Afterwards arriving at a competency of years, and other qualifications, he begg’d and obtain’d very readily the Bishoprick of _Pius Quartus_, being a person of great worth: He was also made Cardinal whilst he was in _Cremona_, with no small joy to the whole City, who made great Expressions of their Satisfactions, by Bonfires and other Ceremonies, at the news of his Promotion.

How careful this _Pope_ was of his Relations, we have sufficiently shewed in its proper place: ’tis enough that not contented with the Marriage of two of his Nephews, towards the perpetuation of his Family, and one of them in particular with the Daughter of the Prince of _Massa_; he design’d also to make _Emilius Sfondrato_ his Brothers Son, who was already entred to the Degree of Holy Orders, to resign his Cardinals Cap: but propounding of it to the Consistory, the Cardinals apprehended it a business of so great scandal, they intreated him to content himself, that he had married two Nephews, that were already furnished with Children, to secure the continuance of his Family for ever, without any such hainous and unjustifiable courses.

But all this avail’d not at all; for in a short time after the death of the _Pope_, in a Months time there were three Males of that Family died, as it were by Judgment from Heaven, to mortifie the ambition of those _Popes_ who destroy Heaven it self, to fill the World with their Nephews. And thus by little and little the House of _Sfondrati_ declined, with all the diligence and care they could use to hold out full forty years, though they made another Person take their Name upon him, that had neither Alliance nor Friendship with them.

Of the House of _Aldobrandini_, from whence _Clement_ the Eighth proceeded, who was created _Pope_ in _January_ 1592. we cannot speak without touching the Cardinal _Aldobrandino_ too neerly, who is the only person sustains the Name of a Family, that seem’d, for the Reasons before, impossible to be irradicated; which may notwithstanding be said to be extinct, although the Cardinal bears the Name, and the Princess of _Rossano_ enjoys the Estate, as Heir to the House of _Aldobrandino_; yet the one being a Woman, and the other a Priest, they cannot hope to recover it, unless some By-blow should be produc’d: which, though it would be a neat piece of invention, I cannot imagine, because the Cardinal was not at all scandalous in his Life, but always obsequious and respectful of the Princess; who made him Cardinal, and without which he might have been a _Brandino_ a Jugler, but no _Aldobrandino_.

But to return to _Pope Clement_, I will affirm, That he, not having fail’d in any thing might furnish _Rome_ with the Family of the _Aldobrandini_, was not in arrear to his Name. In the time that he was _Pope_, there were eighteen Males of the Name of _Aldobrandini_, the greater part of which were married; and it was no small satisfaction to him, to have so great a number of his Relations: upon which score he us’d to say, _He was_ Pope _of_ Rome, _and Prince or Chief of the_ Aldobrandini.

That which was most observable was, He took great pleasure in caressing his Relations; for when any of his Brothers or Nephews that were married came to him, he would tell them, _Let it be your business to provide Children_, _and it shall be mine to provide them Estates_.

His good Kindred did not neglect to make their advantage of the Counsel of _Clement_, nor he to maintain their Honours; by which means, there was scarce any other Family taken notice of in _Rome_; but the reputation of this, made a noise in every corner.

This House of the _Aldobrandini_ was well founded in the _Papacy_ of _Urban_ the Eighth, by the assistance of seven Brothers, Grand-children to _Clement_; all of them of so strong and lusty complexions, the Physicians by common consent did assert, there could not be any defect of Posterity. Nevertheless, it has fail’d; and which is very considerable, there is not now one Male remaining of the Name.

The House of _Borghese_ descended from _Paul_ the Fifth, who succeeded _Clement_ (though _Leo_ the Eleventh, who liv’d but five and twenty days, was betwixt them) ran the same fortune; but being of a later Plantation in _Rome_, it conserves still some weak and decrepit Branches. One of the principal designs _Alexander_ had, to marry _Don Agostin_ with the young Princess _Borghosa_, was to unite the Estate and Patrimony of that tottering and declining House, with the House of _Chigi_, which at that time was rising to great Emminence, though for a while they came not to _Rome_.

There was but one sprig left of the House of the _Borghesi_, and which was worse, even that of a weak temper, and much subject to infirmities: which _Alexander_ considering, and what accidents the vicissitudes of the world might bring upon the house of the _Borghesi_, he applyed all his endeavours to make a match (which succeeded well) with his Nephew, and gave him fair hopes of seeing the Patrimony of the _Borghesi_ in his own house.

And this is the state of the _Borghesi_ at present, who in the time of _Paul_ the fifth, had above a dozen males of that name, of which there were not above six married; which was very considerable. But I return to speak how squares go in the world.

The Families of the _Ludovisi_, _Barbarini_, _Panfili_, and _Chigi_, who yielded the four last _Popes_, I shall speak nothing of; because they have not enjoy’d the Benefits of the Papacy full out thirty years: so as it behoving us to let them rest in peace, I shall leave the observations of their Catastrophe to them which come after us.

One thing only I shall insert, that the _Aldobrandini_ had at one time many more males alive, than are at present left of all these four houses together.

God Almighty bless them according to their own desire; which I do heartily pray, as having no animosity against those that are good.

Some have observ’d, and not with much difficulty, that the greatest part of the _Popes_ Families were, before their advancement to the Papacy, of great antiquity and grandeur; but for many that rais’d themselves by the treasure of the Triple Crown, it is not so easie to finde; for instead of attaining to a perpetuation of their Families, they have not been prolifique enough to defend them against a perpetual annihilation.

The house of the _Medici_ in _Milan_ was of above two hundred years antiquity, maintaining it self in great Honour and Magnificence: But after _Pius_ the fourth was elected _Pope_ out of it, it grew worse and worse, declining with much more speed than it was rais’d, and that after so extravagant a manner, they could discern themselves rise, but could not perceive their decay.

So the house of _Gregory_ the fourteenth, who was born as I have said of the ancient Family of the _Sfondrati_, who had made themselves, as it were, immortal in _Milan_, not only in respect of the greatness of their Authority, but in the multitude of their Issue; yet in less than forty years after _Pope Gregory_, its leaves fell, and the whole Tree of the _Sfondrati_ withered.

The House of _Aldobrandini_ also, from which _Clement_ the eight was descended, from the time of the _Lombards_ to the said _Pope_, continued so eminent in _Florence_; there was at several times three and twenty of that name chief Standard-bearers, and all elected by the people: Nevertheless as soon as there was a _Pope_ of this Family (which was _Clement_) it began to decay, and is now at that pass, there is but one sprig left of all the branches, and that infertile and incapable of recovering them, though he should be made a _Pope_.

In short, a thousand other examples might be produc’d to evince what I have asserted; which examples though I have describ’d in History, yet are they enough to demonstrate the _Popes_ and their dependents, that all the care, contentions, and designs they go through for advancement of their particular Families, are not blessed by the Lord; because he suffers them not to prosper: it being more then certain, That when he keeps not the City, the Watchmen wake but in vain.

God Almighty not suffering those who have rais’d themselves to that greatness, out of the Bowels of those that are in Purgatory, themselves to remain long without punishment for their faults. He will not permit those Families that are elated and grown insolent with the wealth and blood of those poor carkases that are buried in their Churchyards, to continue long in this world themselves. Heaven is offended to behold sacred things transformed into profane, Churches into Palaces, Alms into Thefts, Crosses into Swords, Altars into Lordships, Holy things into Comedy and Sport, Divine Worship into an adoration of Riches, or rather adoration into Riches.

He that shall be pleas’d to run over the actions of all the _Popes_, that is, the History wherein all the Families that have afforded any _Popes_ to the world, Shall finde this for an infallible truth, that they are either all as it were extinct, or the small remainder that is left reduc’d to a very mean and inconsiderable condition: As if heaven could not endure the Patrimony of Saint _Peter_ should be made an universal scandal to the world, and be an occasion of eternizing the memory of the Sacriledge they have committed.

I had lately an opportunity of discourse with an Abbot born in _Rome_, and experienc’d in their transactions: falling into some speech about the Nephews, and finding their vices, or at least errors by him, with more vehemence reprehended, than by me, I took the courage to accost him in this manner, _How is it possible_, _Sir_, _that the Nephews of the Popes that are living_, _reading the lives of their Predecessors that are dead_, _that their Blood should not freeze in their veins to finde them extinct_, _some one way_, _some another_, _in spight of all their care to eternize themselves_? _how is it possible but some gripes of Conscience must torment them when they remember all their wealth belongs to the Church_?

The Abbot would suffer me to go on no further, but cutting me off in the middle, he reply’d, _Sir_, _He which has too much money_, _has no time to read over the lives of them that are dead_; _money puts thoughts alwayes into their heads of eternizing themselves_, _sometimes by acquiring_, _sometimes by contriving_: _The_ Popes _Nephews do read Books_, _but it is only when they want money_, _and then ’tis too late_.

And who is there now, would not be amaz’d at such an answer? For my part I believe all the Romans are of the same opinion, and are in much doubt of the salvation of the Nephews. And accordingly another of them of judgement little differing from the Abbot, told his friend; _That the Popes Nephews must of necessity go to Purgatory_, _for they would be asham’d to go into Paradise_, _where Christ was_, _whom they had so wickedly despoil’d in this world_.

These expressions perhaps may seem but raillery, and appear but satyrical reflections at first sight; however they come from the very heart, though those that speak them may force themselves into a smile to dissemble it, as the Apothecary conceals the nauseousness of his pills by covering them with silver.

A great part of the sober men in _Rome_ have been very serious in discovering the cause, why the _Popes_ Families are of so little duration, seeing their riches so vast.

Some are of opinion, it proceeds from the reasons abovesaid, that is, that God Almighty takes them out of the world as a punishment for the injuries they have done the Church, in robbing it of the greatest part of its treasure, to make their own house insolent and high.

Others are of opinion the Curses and Execrations of the people do pierce the Divine Ears in such manner, that the Divine Justice seems as it were oblig’d to take them away so immaturely, to give an account of the vileness of their behaviour towards the subjects of the Church.

And indeed the people of the Ecclesiastical State are so ill satisfied, and so ill treated by the ill Government of _Rome_, that is by the _Popes_ Nephews who domineer and lord it over them, that from morning to night they fill the air with their exclamations, from one corner, _When will there be an end of their Extortions_? from another, _O God revenge the cruelties of these Nephews_, _who have ruin’d us_. Nor do the curses thrown out against the Nephews rest at the people only: The very Priests and Ecclesiasticks themselves do daily sacrifice upon their Altars for the destruction of them, who devouring all they can get, leave not the good people so much as will pay for the celebration of a Mass.

In the time the Duke of _Parma_ was in Arms against the State Ecclesiastick, then in the possession of the _Barberini_, the Cardinal _Francesco_ gave order for the performing the forty hours prayers in his Cathedrals to incourage the People, and to oblige them to pray to God for the extirpation of the enemies of the Church. But whilst the _Letany_ of the Saints was singing, a certain _Roman_ Gentleman, at the pronounciation of these words, _Ut inimicos Sanctæ Ecclesiæ humiliare digneris_, told a Friend of his that was by, _The Church has no greater Enemies than the_ Barbarini, _who molest it both at home and abroad_, _so that our Prayers to heaven ought to be_, _to be delivered from them and their Arms_.

From hence it may be argu’d, That they who bear a secret hatred and detestation of the Nephews, retain it even in the Church, and the place where they ought to pardon all, and are still contriving revenge; and because they find there is no sure way of freeing themselves from their tyranny in this World, they send up their Prayers privately to Heaven: As if they were afraid of the correction of their _Popes_, who would by no means suffer the Faithful to appeal against their enormity to the Divine Tribunal, but for all that they do not desist.

Others apply the small durance of the _Popes_ Families to that Philosophical saying, _Nullum violentum durabile_, as if the great haste and violence they use to make themselves great were that that precipitated them: Like Plants, that by a thousand Arts may be forc’d to bear fruit, and that out of season: But how? Those Artifices, that do offer violence, as it were, to Nature, do not conserve it long; but, weakened by the supernatural force, it loses in a short time its native vigour and is not afterwards to be recovered by all the operations of Art.

’Tis indeed a fine sight to see a Tree bear good fruit in Winter, if it could be made to produce for several years; but if the water they use about the Root be but a little hotter than it ought, ’tis enough to ruine both fruit and tree; So as the heedlesness of the Gardener may destroy all that he thought to have done by Art contrary to Nature; for it is necessary the Root be watered with water warm’d to a just proportion to secure against the frosts in the nights, and that all convenient cultivation be us’d: Otherwise all will be spoil’d, and it will be impossible to preserve a Tree that is by Art constrain’d beyond its own nature.

In the same manner it happens to the _Pope’s_ Nephews, who grow up on a sudden by a violence they themselves offer to their reason; and marching on towards their own greatness by unusual waies, they seem horrid and uneasie, as not being trodden or known by other people.