Chapter II: Part 2

The Court is to the World, as a furnace to Gold, to purifie, and refine mens wits. Whensoever any bodies ingenuity is under a cloud, and not known, let him come to Court, for there without doubt he will be prest to an exact trial of his skill; and let him use it all in hiding himself, and drawing as it were a vayle over his designs, yet he shall find the Court to be the true Touch-stone of mens actions, and he shall be known, for what he is really, and not for what he would seem to be.

This general discourse is only, that we may descend with more light and instruction to particulars. All other Courts, are streams, and rivers; but the Court of _Rome_ is the head and source of them all; and as ordinarily we find out the head by following the stream, so I thought it fit to say something in general of Courts, before I came to the description of the Court of _Rome_. Among all Nations in the World, the _Italians_ are the most famous for managing State Affairs, and being naturally inclined to be good Politicians. Neither do the Princes of the North deny this advantage to the Courts of our _Italian_ Princes, who in the Government of their States, are masters of so much conduct, and subtilty, that none but very excellent and experienced geniuses can penetrate the depth of their Counsels.

But those maximes and Court slights, which in _Italy_ are ordinary, are as it were natural and inseparable from the Church-men of the Court of _Rome_; which City, upon this score, is become famous in all forreign Countries, not as a place that teaches, and instructs Church-men, but as one that is taught and perfected by them.

He that desires to see politick stratagems, and all that subtilty can compass, let him not forsake _Rome_, where he shall soon learn how State Affairs ought to be managed.

I alwayes had a great opinion of the cunning and abilities of Church-men in matter of Government; but when once I came to _Rome_, and began to know by experience something of their wayes, I must confess, that my imagination was far short of the reality of what I had conceived.

It was no hard matter for _Rome_, both the old, and the new, to be mistress of the World, and give Lawes to Nations, since it hath alwayes been the School of true policies, as having even in its birth drained all the rest of the world of its cunning, and impoverished, it in slights to enrich its self.

For the space of fifteen Ages, the Church-men have already demonstrated to the world their abilities, and subtilty; and that so much the more to the wonder of all, because their beginnings have been so different from the means they have us’d, shifting from one thing to another, and changing upon all occasions, as Seamen do their Sailes with the wind, so that they seem to be born entirely for their own profit.

In the first Ages of the Church, the Court of _Rome_ thought it convenient to comply with the Courts of other Princes, and this slight had its effect, while the Emperours Tyrannised over _Rome_; but their Tyranny being destroyed, the Court of _Rome_ chang’d its way, and desired a compliance from all other Courts to its self.

Yet this proceeding too, having by little and little, intricated, and perplex’d the Court, and Courtiers, they were fain to come back to their first complyance, and by all Arts appease the male-contents, and keep those that were affectionate from being alienated: but now the face of things is so changed, and the nature of transactions so perverted, that they which now command in the Court of _Rome_ have invented new wayes how to carry themselves, and correspond with Princes, very intricate, and different from those that were us’d in past Ages.

Therefore there are very few who having resided in this Court, do at last forsake it to return home, but they have a great deal of reason to complaine and be ill satisfied of its proceedings; not only because they had not found so much favour as they had expected; but because they found that they had been meerly deluded with faire promises, and at last, as it were laughed at for their paines. For the Courtiers of _Rome_ have a particular maxime, either of perplexing, or of jeering those that come to negotiate with them. The truth is, they have been so subtle in providing for their interest, and have brought things to that pass, that they seem to be able to be without those, who can by no means be without them; upon which score the Ministers of some Princes were wont to say; _That Negotiations in the Court of Rome were a mischeif to those that were employed in them_, _but a very necessary one_: And in a word; The Court of _Rome_ cannot be better compared, then to a Labyrinth, out of which, many think they are going, when they do but just enter it.

Many have compared it to the Monky, that hugs its young ones to death; for just so do the Churchmen, who embrace every one with a paternal affection; but in those embraces, they that receive them, find their ruin. Therefore have a Care of _Romes_ kindness. Others do compare it to a Tree laden with fruit, that to look upon, seems ripe and fair, which when you come to taste, you find soure and crabbed.

For my part, I think the Court of _Rome_ is like those pills that Physitians give to their patients, which are all gold without, that they may not displease the sick person by exposing to his view Cassia, or Antimony, &c. and he, poor man, trusting to this glorious exteriour swallowes the Pill, and in the swallowing of it often perceives the bitterness.

So _Rome_, or rather the Church-men in _Rome_, cover every thing with the gold of their inventions and slights, giving thus to Princes and Nations most bitter medicines covered with the zeal of Religion, which they have no sooner swallowed, but they find that there was nothing but an appearance of good in it.

In the Court of _Rome_ it often falls out, that he that makes as if he knew all mens intrigues is altogether ignorant, and he that feigns to know nothing, knowes all. The exterior shew of goodness runs like a stream in the sight of all, but it springs from a head of mischeif, which is seen by few, because there they seldome give the sting without the honey.

Nothing is done in _Rome_ without the zeal of Religion; and yet the zeale of Religion is that which prevailes least in all things. For they make a great distinction between those things that they desire, and those that they ought to do. They employ all their resolution and their prudence towards the compassing of the first, but they seldome performe the last, as not being inclin’d to make their wills stoop to their duty.

These maximes, or the like, are common in all the Princes Courts, both within and without _Italy_; but _Rome_ is the Seminary of these Arts, in which the Church-men are masters.

He that goes to negotiate in _Rome_ as a publick Minister from some Prince or State, must first have made some stay in it as a private person; and for my part, I am perswaded, that to have good success in such an employment, one stands in need of that double spirit which _Eliseus_ asked _Elias_ for; since that Church-men are so double-souled, as to use nothing but slights and subtilties in their negotiations.

He that can live four or five years in the Court of _Rome_, without meeting with such impediments as shall make him stumble and go neer to fall, may live a whole Age in any other Princes Court without trouble.

We see every day by experience, that many excellent Politicians, Ministers of Princes, and States, who in other Courts had got a great deal of credit and reputation, by managing business to their Princes content, are no sooner come to _Rome_, but in an instant they lose all that honour that they had taken so much pains for. And indeed many are they that come to the Court of _Rome_ with a great deal of credit, but few come off and leave it with honour and reputation.

In a Climate subject to so many sudden changes, they that live in it must expect thunder and lightning, as well as fair weather. There negotiations must needs be hard, where the face of things is changed every day.

Many publick Ministers lose themselves in _Rome_, because they know well where they are, but not with whom they are: for whilst they think they have to do with a Monarchy, of a sudden they meet with a Republick and a Senate; and when they imagine to be engaged with a commonwealth and a Senate, they find they have to do with a Monarchy: so that like a ball they are tossed from the Monarch to the Senate, and back again: Because indeed, the government of _Rome_ is a Monarchy without a Head, and a Commonwealth without Counsellors. And thus even they that reside long in _Rome_ are often puzzled in such sudden changes.

The Government of the Popes is much different from that of all other Princes; because that they that are raised to this eminent degree do often come to it, so raw and ignorant of Policies, that they are a great while before they can attain to any perfection in their charge, which when they have done at others expences, it is time for them to leave the world and their government to their Successours, who most commonly are of the same past fortune, introducing Church-men to this so high a command, and nature hurrying them away from the throne before they are fit for it.

I do not wonder, that in the Court of _Rome_, through a long experience, even the dullest and rawest Politicians do become at last most expert; since that from all the parts of the World, _Rome_ receives none but the wisest and most able Statesmen to negotiate with her.

One of my friends compares this Court to the Sea; for as it receives in its bosome all the Rivers of the Earth, and being by them filled and swelled, fills them again from whom it received its plenty. So _Rome_ doth as it were suck from the rest of the World, their purest milk of policies, and distributes it again, like a kind mother, to all those that are content with the appellation of its children.

Indeed as for the sucking part, I think my friend is much in the right; for Church-mens lips are so fit for this function, that they lose not one drop; but as for the distributive part, they make it a more difficult thing then he or others would imagine.

Neither do I wonder at it, for when they deal with others, they alwayes propose to them the zeal of Religion, and the interest of Christian Piety: While under the pretext of these, they hide their self-policy, to use it in time and place convenient: Which no body can discover but themselves. The truth is, that a good Politician may receive some benefit, by diving into that which they so much endeavour to hide; but he shall never be advantaged by any thing that they shall willingly reveal to him, their undoubtted maxime being never to discover any thing but such as they need not, or that cannot be beneficial to others.

To give a great proof of what I say; I remember, that an Embassadour of an _Italian_ Prince, a wise and able man, being returned home after seven years stay in his imployment at _Rome_, could give to his master for all account of his Embassy, nothing but ambiguous words, equivocal enigmes, and uncertain answers; whereupon his Prince not understanding him, required a better information at his hands, and was thus answered by him.

Serenissime Prince: _The School of_ Rome _hath furnished me with no other Lectures_, _then what I_ _have already layed open to your Highness_: _Therefore with all due submission_, _I beseech your Highness to have compassion of me_, _if I appear before you so barren and so empty_; _for in seven years time I have not been able to obtain from these Church-men any solid substance_, _to fill my self withal_. This ’tis that befalls most Ambassadors and Agents in _Rome_.

* * * * *

_Innocentius_ the Tenth had brought the Court into such a confusion; that in his time no body knew where to begin any business: For he did so little care to trouble himself with the important affairs of Christendome; that most commonly he refused to meddle, even in those which concerned his pastoral function. His troublesome houres were when he was forced to give audience to a forrain Embassadour, and to be rid of business; his maximes were, To deny all favours, to answer all requests with a negative, and never to come to a final resolution in any thing that might please his enemies; though the thing in its self was very beneficial to the Church and State. If he had any inclination to do good, it appeared only in what he did to his own family, and in the care he took to embellish the City of _Rome_. But the ill he did was not contained in such easie limits, it spread its self over all Christendome, which did lament to see the Church provided of so extravagant a Pastor.

In the beginning of his pontificat, he shewed himself much enclined to be well informed of the state of _Rome_, and the Church Territories; which vigilance of his, at last redounded to the prejudice of all his officers. For they thinking at first, that his proceeding came from the love of justice, and good order, came all to _Rome_ with instructions and memorials, wherein their wants and the necessities of their places were set out: but all in vain; for when they expected answer and satisfaction, they found that the intention of the Pope was, to refuse all, and to resolve nothing; so that then every one avoided, not only the presence of the Pope, but _Rome_ it self, and all business in it.

This is the general disposition of the Court of _Rome_, and of Church-men in common; though the Popes _Nephews_ do often give it another face, according as their designs and thoughts are, which being as different as the humours of one Pope from another; fortune, not merit, raising both Popes and Nephews to this great command; we may say, that things in _Rome_ are rather performed by masked and counterfit persons, then by natural ones: As one of my friends, who lives well, and is one of the best Church-men in the Court of _Rome_, is used to say, that when once he had put on the habit of a Priest, he could hardly discern his own nature, nor know himself with comparison to what he was before. Which shewes evidently, that Church-men have certain close wayes of treating, particular to themselves, that must make those that have to do with them, stand upon their guard, and use all their policy.

The SECOND BOOK.

The Contents.

_IN which is discoursed_, _of the first bringing the_ Nipotismo _into_ Rome, _which happened under_ Sixtus _the fourth_, _too much inclined to favour his kindred_. _Of the lascivious life_, _and of the death of Cardinal_ Peter _his Nephew_. _Of the government of the Church transferred to_ Jerom Peter’s _brother_. _Of the number of_ Sixtus _his Nephews_. _Of the selling of many Jewels_. _Of the murmurs of the_ Romans _against this Pope_. _Of the succession of_ Innocent _the eighth to the Popedome_. _How he was naturally averse from his kindred_. _What he did for some of his Nephews_. _Of the assumption of_ Alexander _the sixth to the Popedome_. _How he made his Bastards great_. _Of the crimes committed by him_. _Of the family of the_ Sforzas, _being from_ Milan. _Of the actions of Duke_ Valentine. _How the Pope passed his time_. _Of his death_, _caused by poyson_. _How DUKE_ Valentine _carried himself after the death of his Father Pope_ Alexander. _Of the succession of_ Pius _the third to the Popedome_, _and of his short life_. _Of what happened to his kindred_. _Of_ Julius _the second that succeeded_ Pius. _Of his way of carrying himself towards his Nephews_. _Of the Popedome fallen to_ Leo _the tenth_. _Of his mind entirely bent to favour the Family of the_ Medici. _How_ Adrian _the sixth succeeded to_ Leo _the tenth_. _Of the severity he shewed to his kindred_. _Of the election of_ Clement _the seventh for Pope_. _Of his great ambition to raise his Family_. _How_ Paul _the third was chosen Pope_. _How he likewise was inclined to make his kindred great_, _and by what means_. _Of that which_ Julius _the third did in favour of his Family_: _and how his life was inclined to pleasures and delight_. _Of the resolution of_ Marcellus _the second_, _to give nothing to his kindred_. _How_ Paul _the fourth was made Pope_. _Of his kindness to his kindred_. _How_ Pius _the fifth was not naturally inclined to do his kindred good_. _How_ Gregory _the thirteenth was of a quite contrary disposition_. _How_ Sixtus _the fifth was made Pope_, _and how he was inclined to favour his kindred_. _Of the short life of_ Urban _the seventh_, Sixtus _his successour_. _Of the election of_ Gregory _the_ _fourteenth_. _What was his inclination to his Nephews_. _Of the election of_ Innocent _the ninth_. _Of his proceedings and death_. _Of the election of Clement the eighth_: _and of what he did for his kindred_. _Of the desire of_ Leo _the eleventh_, _successour to_ Clement, _to make his family great_. _Of the election of_ Paul _the fifth_. _Of his life and actions_, _and how he advanced his kindred_. _How_ Gregory _the fifteenth succeeded to_ Paul _the fifth_, _and of his great affection to his kindred_.

* * * * *

NOW we must look back, and return to _Sixtus_ the 4th, who first opened a door to the _Nipotismo_, and who by introducing his kindred, brought at the same time ambition and riches into Rome; the riches were for his Nephews, and the ambition he left as an inheritance to all Church-men; and it is now one of the greatest mischiefs that oppresseth the Church.

’Tis not to be wondred at, that I begin the History of the _Nipotismo_, from the time of _Sixtus_ the fourth, since he was the first that delivered up _Rome_ and the Popedom in prey to his Nephews, to the wonder and astonishment of the whole world.

He was then the first introducer of the _Nipotismo_, and so indulgent a one, that to favour his kindreds interest, he had forgot himself, and the Church, thinking of nothing, but of the means how to advance them to their satisfaction, from whence the murmurs of the people were so great in _Rome_, that many Confessors were fain to give over their Function, that they might not hear the peoples complaints against the Pope and his kindred: So that it was spread through _Europe_, that _Rome_ had as many Popes as _Sixtus_ had Nephews.

This Pope, immediately after his election, made two Cardinals; _viz. Peter Riario_, whom many suspected to be his Bastard, having alwayes been educated, with great care by him, in the same Monastery; the other was _Julian_, son of _Raphad de la Rovere_, brother to the Pope, and had been first Bishop of _Carpentras_, then was made Cardinal by his Brother, and at last came to be Pope, under the name of _Julius_ the second, as we shall relate in due place.

_Sixtus_ gave to the Cardinal, _Peter Riario_, all that was in his power to give, adding Abby upon Abby, and revenue upon revenue, till he had made him so rich in Church lands, that he lived most splendidly, and seemed to be born to waste a greater fortune; Plays, Balls, Dances, and such pastimes, were the ornament which he bestowed upon his Ecclesiastical dignity, being perswaded, that pomp and vanity were becoming the majesty of a Cardinal.

He lived but two years in this loose life; in which time ’tis thought he spent, in Treats, and Balls, and such like diversions, above two hundred thousand Duckats of gold, besides seventy thousand which he owed at his death, and which were never payed: He dyed at the age of 28 years, to the great regret of his Uncle, his disease having been caused by his debauchery, as the Physitians testified.

Six months before he dyed, the Pope, whose continual study it was, how to make him great, declared and proclaim’d him his Legat over all _Italy_; not that any urgent business did require such a Function, but only that he might give him an occasion of shewing his Grandeur, and receiving more pleasure in those triumphs and receptions, he was upon this score to have bestowed upon him by the _Italian_ Princes; who to humour the Pope, forgot no honour they could think of, towards the person of his Legat; and could not indeed have done more to the Pope himself; particularly in _Venice_, _Milan_, and _Padua_, he was received with so extraordinary a pomp, that it was almost incredible.

Great was the delight which he took in these publick honours; but much greater were the pleasures, which he tasted in secret, having ordinarily, amongst his Attendants, five or six Russians, whose business it was to satisfie his appetite, though never so inordinate. Being at last come back to _Rome_, to the possession of his old Mistresses, he ended his dayes amongst them, and went to a new world, whether of pleasure or of pain, God knows.

But the Popes affection to his kindred was not buryed in his grave; for he made his Brother _Jerome_ succeed in his favour and fortune, which he rather increased then diminished; for he made him Lord and Soveraign of _Inola_ and _Forli_; and gave him the government of all the state of the Church, besides other important Offices.

This _Jerome_ was a quite contrary disposition to his Brother; being naturally severe in words and deeds, and averse from all pleasures but hunting. He married _Catharina_, natural daughter to _Galeazzo_, Duke of _Milan_; and _Sixtus_ made _Ascanius_, the son of the said Duke, Cardinal into the bargain, contrary to the young mans inclination, which was rather to marriage, then to a single life.

But the inordinate passion of this Pope did not rest in all this; for his ambition of having kindred to advance was such, that not being content with that great number of true Nephews that he had, he substituted and adopted some, that were no relation to him at all; to whom he gave an infinity of places and commands.

He gave to _Leonard_, his brothers son, a natural daughter of King _Ferdinand_ in marriage, and made him Prefect of _Rome_: And he being dead, he immediately transferred that honour and place to another Nephew, called _John de la Rovere_, brother to the Cardinal _Julian_; giving him besides, the Propriety of the States of _Sora_ and _Sinigaglia_.

This _John_ had by _Giovanna_, daughter to _Frederick_, Duke of _Urbin_, a son, who was _Francesco Maria della Rovere_, who after the death of _Guido Ubaldo_, his Uncle, who dyed without male issue, succeeded by adoption, and in the right of his Wife, to the Dukedom of _Urbin_.

Besides these, _Sixtus_ made Cardinals the two brothers, _Christopher_, and _Dominic_, _de la Rovere_, who lived in _Turin_, under the protection of the Duke of _Savoy_, though they were Soveraigns of _Vico Nuovo_, and other Estates in _Italy_.

Besides, he made _Jerome Batto_, his sisters Son, Cardinal, as likewise _Raphael Samson_, son to a sister of _Pictro Riario_, whom he promoted to that dignity, when he was but seventeen years old, upon condition, that he should change his name, and take that of the Popes Family.

This Pope had so much kindred, and was so inclined to advance them, that he often granted the same thing to two different persons, having forgot that he had granted it to the first.

But amongst all his inventions to enrich them, this was one of the best: In the beginning of his Pontificat, he made, as if he had a design to pay the debts, left upon the Church by the precedent Popes, _Eugenius_, _Nicolas_, _Calistus_, _Pius_, and _Paul_; but pretending want of money to do it, he compassed his design by this means.

_Paul_ the second, his predecessour, had alwayes had a great inclination for the publick pomp and state of the Popedom, and therefore strove to make the Ornaments of the Popes person and head the richest that was possible for him; to which end, in the Miter, which serves at their Coronation, and other publick ceremonies, he had caused above the worth of a million in precious stones to be set, having bought up (all the world over) the best Diamonds, Saphires, Rubyes, Emeraulds, Chrysolites, _&c._ that could be had for money; so that afterwards, when he came out in publick, he looked like another _Aaron_, with a Majesty more divine then humane, being himself very tall, and of a comely port and presence.

_Sixtus_, who having been brought up in the severity of a Monastick life, did little esteem that outward pomp, which _Paul_, his predecessour, so much prized, caused these precious Stones to be sold, under pretence of discharging such debts, as the Church was lyable to for his predecessours.

The Jewels were soon sold, and the money consigned into the hands of his Nephews; but the debts were never payed, though the Jewels had been sold to that end: And that which is worth relating is, that the Pope answered every one, that came to demand any thing due to them; that he had already payed the others, that he was sorry it was not their fortune to come sooner, and that the money had proved short to discharge so many debts: So that the poor Creditors were fain to go away cheated, and yet knew not whom to complain of.

The _Romans_ murmured strangely, against this greediness of the Pope and his kindred, and so much the more, because that they had not yet been accustomed to see a Popes passion; for his kindred make him rob and plunder the Church. They wondred what example _Sixtus_ could have for his proceedings, for none of his predecessours had hitherto shewed so little moderation, but in providing for their kindred, had kept some measures. Neither could his education furnish him with this ambition and covetousness; for he had been brought up in a Convent, amongst Religious persons, who professed voluntary poverty, and to whose principles he seemed to be so inured, as not to be able to forsake them: for all the while he managed publick business, before he was a Cardinal, it was with a great deal of candour and disinteressment that he did it; and when he came to be made Cardinal, he was so far from keeping a Court, and living in that splendour, which others thought became that dignity, that his family and Retinue looked rather like a Convent, then like a train of Attendants. But as soon as he was Pope, he changed of a sudden, and lived like a Prince, never troubling himself at what the world said of him, but cared only to please himself, and make his kindred great.

* * * * *

_Sixtus_ being dead, _Innocentius_ the eighth was made Pope, in the year 1484. being of the noble Family of _Cibo_, which hath had many eminent persons in it. This Pope, remembring the complaints of the _Romans_ against his predecessour, for being too indulgent to his kindred, resolved to be very cautious in that point, and give no occasion of scandal that way: Which he observed so well, that when any one of his kindred came to _Rome_, and that he had notice of it, he would say, _Our kindred had much better stay in_ Geneva _without us_, _then come to_ Rome _for our sakes_; and indeed he was very reserved to them: For to _Mauritius Cibo_, who was a very accomplish’d Gentleman, he gave nothing, but the Government of the Dutchy _Spoleto_, and made him President of the State of the Church Employments, which in those dayes were not of any great honour or profit, though now they are both rich and honourable.

So he made _Lawrens Cibo_, his Nephew, Cardinal, but with very little authority, forbidding him to meddle with publick business of importance, without being called to it. And yet was he forced, as it were, to honour him thus far; for many whispering about the Court, that he was a Bastard, he was fain to shew the world, that he did own him, as being lawfully born of one of his Cozens; which he proved by a process and strict examination before Cardinal _Balbo_, a _Venetian_, and one, who had no wayes interest to favour the family of _Cibo_.

The greatest advantage that this Pope procured his Family, was, that he married _Francesco Cibo_ with _Magdalen_ of _Medicis_, sister of _Leo_ the tenth that was afterwards, giving him the County of _Anguillara_, which was not of any importance in those dayes, and making him Captain General of the Forces of the Church: And in this he ended all the favours that he ever shewed his Family, which was very noble besides.

* * * * *

_Alexander_ the sixth succeeded _Innocentius_ in the Popedom, who was a barbarous, lascivious Pope, making no difficulty of bringing desolation upon the Church, and imbrewing his hands in innocent bloud, to advance and make great his kindred. In the reign of this Pope, the _Romans_ used to say, _That the Emperours had taught tyranny_, _and the Popes practised it_.

He was cruel, covetous, and insatiable, in heaping riches together: He spent his retired hours all in lascivious pleasures, taking great delight to be embraced and caress’d by fair Ladies; whence the numbers of his Bastards was very great; many taking from thence occasion to say, _That he __had filled_ Rome _with Bastards_, _and_ Spain _with Whores_. ’Tis true, that he declared for his Heirs only, four male children, and two female: And though he used to change Ladies often, for variety and greater pleasure, yet he gave himself up to _Vanoccia_, a Roman Curtizan, whom he loved as his lawful Wife, and with whom he would sport and toy in publick, keeping her at his table, and in his house, as if she had been his true Wife, and this while he was Archbishop and Cardinal.

Being made Pope, in the year 1492. the second of _August_, he introduced into _Rome_, not a _Nipotismo_, but rather a _Filiolismo_, nay indeed, a _Bastardismo_, that is, a company of Bastards, whom he brought with him, in his return from his Legation in _Spain_: And his first way to make him great was, by force of Arms, making league with this Prince, then with that, then with another, but still upon these conditions, to give Principalities, which he nam’d, to his bastard sons.

For this end, he joyned in a Confederacy, which proved fatal to all _Italy_, with _Lewis_ the twelfth of _France_, with the Catholick King, the _Venetians_, and the _Florentines_; the Conditions of which League were, that they should dispossess the true and ancient Owners of the Provinces of _La Romagna_, _La Marca_, and _Umbria_; and that the whole should be made over to _Cesar Borgia_, the Popes son; who to this end had laid aside his Cardinals Cap, and taken in marriage _Charlotte_ of _Albret_, daughter to the King of _Navarre_, and allyed to the French King, and divers other great Princes.

But this design having taken no effect, because of the dispute, that rise between the _French_ and the _Spaniard_, about the dividing of the Kingdom of _Naples_, which at last ended in the utter ruine of the _French_, the _Spaniards_ remaining Masters of the whole Kingdom; the Pope thought it was easier for him to compass his ends, and establish the Grandeur of his Bastards by great and powerful Alliances.

From hence proceeded, that having promised his daughter _Lucretia_, while he was Cardinal, to a certain _Spaniard_; as soon as he was Pope, he took her away from him, and bestow’d her in marriage upon _John Sforza_, Lord of _Pesaro_, with whom being also fallen out, he took her away from him, and bestowed her upon _Lewis_ of _Arragon_, natural son to King _Alfonse_; joyning thus two bastards, that they might not reproach one another: And he likewise dying some months after his marriage, he gave her to _Alfonse d’Este_, Duke of _Ferrare_, with whom she lived and dyed. ’Twas in the pomp of her Wedding, that the Pope caused to be celebrated in _Rome_, Turnaments and Tiltings, together with the representation of a hunting Match; and many say, that in the Ball and Dances the Pope danced every night, masked, with some of his intimate Friends.

Of his sons, he made _Godfrey_, the youngest Prince of _Squillace_, a City in _Ulterior Calabria_, and the Country of Saint _Cassiodorus_: He made _Cesar_, who was the second, Cardinal; and his eldest, named _John_, was by the great entreaties and instances of the Pope, made Duke of _Candia_ in_ Spain_, much against the inclination of the Catholick King; for this _John_ he procured in marriage a bastard daughter of _Alfonse_, King of _Naples_; and thus he filled the _Vatican_ with bastards, whereupon _Pasquin_, with a great deal of reason, call’d it, _Il Bastardismo_.

_Cesar_, his second son, being troubled to see his brother _John_ above him, and more beloved by his Father, resolved to take him out of the way; so one night, as _John_ was going in _Rome_ about some business, he caused him to be set upon by some of his Confidents, who having stabb’d him, cast him half alive headlong into the _Tyber_; and the same evening (a barbarous action) they had supped together, very brotherly, at their Mother _Vanoccias_ house.

The Pope, who was afraid of incurring the same danger from his son, whose temper he knew to be wicked enough for such an undertaking, was forced to dissemble this inhumane action of the Cardinal, and to make no pursuits nor informations about the death of his eldest son.

_Cesar_, being thus delivered of his brother, began to give himself up to the life of a Souldier, and the practise of Arms, without any consideration of his being a Cardinal: for his great motive in murdering his brother was, that he might attain to the dignity of _Gonfalonier_, or Standard-bearer of the Church, and Captain General of the Popes Armies; so that a little after his Fratricide, he layed off his Cardinals Habit, and the Pope invested him with all the honours of his dead brother.

Thus being made General of the Popes Army, he united with the _French_, and married _Charlotte_ of _Albret_, and had for her portion the Dutchy of _Valenza_, from whence he was called over, after Duke _Valentine_, as being a particular acquisition of his own.

With the help of _Lewis_ the twelfth, and of his Father the Pope, he gained a great estate in _Italy_; his Father being still ready to supply him with vast sums of money, which he spent to purchase greatness.

Having driven the Family of the _Sforza’s_ out of _Milan_, and put them in prison; by the help of the _French_ King, he made himself Master, with great cruelty, of all the Cities of _La Romagna_, except _Bologna_, banishing and murdering the ancient and true Lords and Masters of them.

The first seized upon _Forli_ and _Imola_, causing the poor young _Riarri_, who were Lords of those places, to fly for safety; and taking prisoner their Mother _Catharine_, whom he carried in triumph to _Rome_; exposing to the eyes of the _Romans_ his barbarous cruelties.

From _Forli_ he passed to _Faenza_, which City he took by force, putting to death _Astorre Manfredi_, who was Lord of it.

He did the same by _Arimino_ and _Pesaro_, forcing _Nulatesta_, and _John Sforza_, to avoid by flight, the infamy and cruelty of the death they were sure to undergo, if they fell into his hands.

After this, he besieged _Sinigaglia_, and took it by force, committing infinite acts of inhumanity in it.

With the same course of Victory, though with craft and deceit mingled with force, he deprived _Guido Ubaldo di Feltro_ of his Dutchy of _Urbin_, making him fly to _Mantua_, not without danger of falling into his net by the way.

After this, he lead his Army against the City of _Camerino_, which he took by force, and put to a cruel death _Giulio Cesare_, and _Venantio Varrani_, who were, and had been, long in possession of it. And with the same ardour and ambition, he fell to persecuting all the neighbouring Princes, in hopes to deprive them of their States.

At last, he turned his rage upon the chiefest Families of _Rome_, beginning with the noble Family of the _Gaetani_, who were in possession of great Estates in the Country of the _Volai_, putting to death _Honorato_ and _Cola Gaetani_.

Next, he fell upon the _Colonna’s_ Family, and having dispossessed them of their Lands, forced them to fly to _Apulia_, and _Sicily_, where they were extremely pitied by that people, who had a perfect knowledge of their rare deserts.

But while he thought to do the same to the _Ursins_, they having leagued themselves with other Princes, raised an Army in their defence; and having at last encountred his, defeated it, and forced him to fly to _Imola_, or, as some say, to _Rome_, where the Pope, being frightned with this sudden blow, had recourse to craft and dissimulation; he treats with the Confederates; gives them such Conditions, that they themselves, even triumphant, could hardly expect: And having thus lull’d them asleep, and made them lay down Armes; in the mean while, _Borgia_ having recovered himself, and got a new Army, fell upon them most cruelly; and persecuting them separately, put to death some, banish’d others; and in a word, used all barbarous means to compass their ruine.

All this while the Pope was taking his delight in the _Vatican_, in _Vanoccia’s_ armes; receiving every day, with new joy and satisfaction, the news of his Sons crimes.

The Revenue of the Church being not sufficient to maintain such an Army as _Cesar Borgia’s_ was, and withall, to supply the expence of his Court, which was truly Royal and Prince-like; _Alexander_ made a new Colledge of fourscore Writers of Briefs, selling every place for two hundred and fifty Crowns of Gold; receiving besides into _Rome_ those _Moors_, that the King of _Spain_ had driven out of his Dominions, who to enjoy their liberty, gave him great sums of money: And yet all this seeming inconsiderable, he sold divers Cardinals Caps, and at last, for fear of being unprovided of money in some urgent necessity, he resolved to dispatch with poyson, the richest Prelates of the Court, and amongst them some very rich Cardinals, whose Estates he intended to make himself heir to, and so satiate the barbarous greediness of his son.

But Divine Providence, taking compassion of the innocency of so many persons, disappointed this barbarous design most miraculously; for just in the execution of it, the Pope himself was, by the mistake of his Cup-bearer, sent out of the World, and his son _Cesar_ in extreme danger: And thus it happened.

_Alexander_ invited to a Treat, in his Garden of _Belocdere_, all the richest Cardinals and Prelates, under pretence of honouring them; and had secretly given order to mingle some poyson with most exquisite Wines that they were to drink. But the Cup-bearer, in pouring out his Wine into Glasses, mistook, and poysoned the Pope and his Son _Cesar_. ’Tis true, that some do believe, that the Cup-bearer did it on purpose, being glad to be the Instrument, that should deliver the State and Church from so much misery, in which they were involved under this Popes tyranny.

_Cesar_ perceiving himself to be poysoned, presently had recourse to Remedies, and with vomiting, being strong, and in the flower of his age, freed himself from the poyson, though very violent: ’Tis true, that he remained impotent, and unfit for action, so that his Army immediately crumbled away, for want of his personal assistance to keep them together.

But the Pope, who was already seventy two years old, was not able to resist the strength of the poyson, though all the Remedies imaginable, were put in use to save him. So he dyed in the _Vatican_, in the year one thousand five hundred and three.

As soon as the Pope was dead, _Cesar_, his son, caused himself, and all the Popes Treasure, to be transported to the _Vatican_, under the guard of twelve thousand Souldiers, with an intention, to force the Cardinals to make a Pope of his liking: But he failed in his design; for the Cardinals met in the Convent of _La Minerva_: And _Cesar_ having set _Michrelletto Correglia_, his great Captain, to besiege them, the people of _Rome_, moved with indignation against such a violence offered to the Cardinals, rose in Armes for their defence; whereupon _Borgia_ resolved to retire to _Nepe_ with his Army, and leave the Cardinals their liberty: Who being free, and having celebrated the Popes Obsequies, went into the Conclave to choose his Successor; and after some dispute, agreed in the Person of Cardinal _Picolomini_, one of the eminentest Prelates of the Court, who took the name of _Pius_ the third.

* * * * *

The news of this Election being come to _Siena_, which was the Popes native Country, _Pandolfo Petrucci_, who was Tyrant of this City, was extremely troubled at it, doubting not, but that the Pope would soon drive him away, and set his Country at liberty; so that to be rid of his fear, he procur’d a Chirurgion to poyson a Sore that the Pope had in one of his Legs; which was done, and the poor Pope dyed, some seven and twenty dayes after his creation.

The _Picolomini_ Nephews and Relations to his Holiness, were already flown to _Rome_, like so many Bees, but before they could get within the gates, they receiv’d the sad news of their Uncles death; so that they were fain to return to _Siena_ upon the same Horses, upon which they came to _Rome_. ’Twas certainly believed, that this Pope would have made another _Nipotismo_ in _Rome_, for he was very tender hearted and kind to his kindred.

To _Pius_ succeeded _Jules_, the second brother to _Sixtus_ the fourth, who was chosen with so publick a consent and applause, that he was almost proclaim’d Pope before he went into the Conclave; the people receiv’d the news of his Election, with extraordinary demonstration of joy, because of the great esteem they had for his person, _Alexander_ having kept him in banishment from _Rome_, for the space of ten years together, to the displeasure of the whole Court of _Rome_.

_Jules_ proved a man of a great Soul, and a noble and constant Defender of the Church, and little inclin’d to make his kindred great. ’Tis true, he did own a great deal of kindness for his Relations, but much more for the Church: And did say, _That he would have bestowed upon them all that he had_, _if all that he had were not the Churches_. Therefore he would never give them any State belonging to the Church; and if _Francesco Maria_, his brothers son, did obtain the Dutchy of _Urbin_, it was, because that _Guido Ubaldo da Feltra_, his Kinsman, did adopt him. Some say, that it was by the Popes perswasions, that _Guido Ubaldo_ did this; which though it were true, yet it did not any wayes prejudice the Church: And if he did bestow _Pesaro_ on the same _Francesco Maria_, which State was lately fallen to the Church by the death of _Gio. Sforza_, who dyed without Heirs, it was to pay to the said _Francesco Maria_ certain debts, which he pretended due to him from the Church.

Besides, he never gave any extraordinary Authority to four Cardinals of his own kindred and creating; who were very much displeased and discontented at this his severity.

He answered one day two of his Relations, who were very pressing for an Office, which he would not grant; _You ought to be content with what my Brother did_, _who lov’d the house of_ La Rovere _better then the Church_.

In his time Rome was almost without a _Nipotismo_: but no sooner was _Leo_ the tenth raised to this great honour, but things began to run in another stream; for this Pope, though otherwise very worthy of such an Elevation, yet was he no sooner settled in his Dignity, but he began to project the greatness and advancement of the house of the _Medicis_. And first he bestowed upon _Julian_, his Brother, the Office of _Gonfaloniero_, or Standard-bearer to the Church, together with other charges and places: Then he called most of his kindred to _Rome_, making them Cardinals, and bestowing Dignities upon them. So that the _Nipotismo_ began to take a new possession of _Rome_ and the Church.

_Leo_ undertook, by the means of the Emperour _Maximilian_, to make his brother _Julian_ Lord of _Siena_ and _Lucca_, pretending to add to his Domination the Dutchies of _Urbino_ and _Ferrara_: But _Julian_ dying in the interim, the Pope transferred his kindness upon his brother _Lawrens_, and attempted the execution of this his design in his favour, by the means of the Emperour _Charles_ the fifth, who was newly come to the Empire. Besides, he put into his hands the government of the City of _Florence_, with this condition, that he should undertake nothing, without the advice and consent of the Citizens.

Then he enriched him with all the Honours and Offices his brother had enjoyed in the Church-State; and yet desirous every day to make him greater, and to satisfie the instant prayers of his Mother _Alfonsina_. He made war with _Francesco Maria della Rovere_, Duke of _Urbin_; and having sent an Army against him, under the command of _Renzo di Lere_, he took his Dutchy from him, and invested with the title of Duke of _Urbin Lawrens_ his Nephew; the poor Duke and his Lady being constrained to fly to _Mantua_ for refuge.

With the same intention, though not with the same success, he strove to pick a quarrel with _Alfonse_, Duke of _Ferrara_; but he being a Prince experienced in war, and under the protection of a strong City, easily defeated the Popes design and artifices.

_Lawrens_ being dead, the Pope sent the Cardinal of _Medicis_ to _Florence_, to govern that City; and in him first began to relent that great ardour, with which he had hitherto pursued the advancement of his Family, giving himself over to other Employments, much more necessary, and more becoming a Prelate, whose care was not only to be bounded within the walls of _Rome_, but over all _Christendome_.

* * * * *

_Adrian_ the sixth was _Leo’s_ Successour, he had been the Emperour _Charles_ the fifth his Tutor, and was created Pope the year of our Lord 1529. being then in _Victoria_, a City of _Spain_: As soon as he received the news of his Election, he embarqued at _Terracona_, and came to _Genoa_; where having received the Complements of Ambassadours of all parts, he came in great triumph to _Rome_.

This Pope was indeed too severe with his kindred; and under him, the Court of _Rome_ pass’d from one extremity to another: for his Predecessours gave all to their Nephews, and he refus’d to give them even that which they deserved; and for this reason he was blam’d, not only by the Court, and forraign Ambassadours, but also by the common people, as being unnatural and clownish.

There was in _Siena_ one of his Cozens sons, maintained there in his studies by the Pope; who being moved with the ambition of rising under his Uncles Pontificat, came to _Rome_ without order; but the Pope no sooner had notice of it, but he commanded (without being prevail’d upon to see him) that he should instantly be carried back again upon a hackney Horse; giving order to his Confessor, to tutor him sharply for being so bold; and bidding him remember to take from his Uncle, an example of modesty and temperance, and apply himself strongly to his study, and the practise of vertue, which would advance him without help of his kindred, or at least very little.

Many others of his kindred, even his Nephews, came from _Germany_ to _Rome_, with a design to enrich their fortunes, as other Popes Relations had done; but they soon found they had abus’d themselves, for the Pope, angry at their journey, sent them all back, with no other Present, then each of them a woollen Sute, and just as much money as would suffice to bear their charges. Nay, even to one, who out of necessity was come a foot, he refused to give any more then would just defray his expences on foot back again. ’Tis true, that some Cardinals were very Noble to them. This Pope was continually blaming the Prodigality of those who had bestowed such great riches upon the Church. In the year that this Pope liv’d, _Rome_ was so afflicted and visited with Warre, Famine, and Plague, that it cannot be remembred without tears, and the people very unjustly laid all the fault upon the Pope, all mouths being open to clamour against him, and sing the Latin Verse:

_Semper de Sextis diruta Roma fuit_.

To _Adrian_ succeeded _Clement_ the Seventh of the Family of the _Medici_, who conserving the wonted ambition of this Family encreased their revenues and power with all his industry, insomuch that after he had been imprison’d and extraordinarily ill us’d by the Emperour _Charles_ the Fifth, he nevertheless entred into a confederacy with him, upon condition that he should give his bastard Daughter _Margaret_ in Marriage to _Alexander_ of _Medici_, _Lawrens_ his Son, and by force of Arms oblige the _Florentines_ to acknowledge him for their Lawful Prince. All this was accordingly executed, the Emperor having sent the Prince of _Orange_ with a very great Army to settle the _Medici_ in their new principality.

And _Clement_ not content with this; as soon as the Emperour was gone into _Spain_, made a new league with _Francis_ the First of _France_, and to strengthen it, _Henry_ the Second, the Daulphin of _France_, married _Catharina_ of _Medicis_ Daughter to _Laurens_; the wedding was kept at _Marseillis_, where the King and the Pope were both present.

The Pope having thus happily setled his family, returned to _Rome_, and there died: In _September_ 1534. and in the same year, in the Month of _October_, _Paul_ the Third was chosen to fill his place, with great joy and applause of the people of _Rome_. He was _Alexander Farnese_ Cardinal, and one who shewed himself worthy of so eminent a dignity.

His first work was to find out means to advance his Family; and therefore in _December_ following he created two of his Nephews Cardinals; one _Alexander Fernese_, Son to _Pietro luigi Farnese_ his own Son, for the Pope had been married before he was Cardinal; and the other _Guido ascanso Forza Costanza_ his daughters Son. _Alexander_ being suddenly dead, the Cardinal _Hippolito Medici_ was made Vice-Chancellour of the Church, and Vice-Chamberlain after the death of Cardinal _Spinola_. Thus from day to day, as places and offices became vacant, the Popes Nephews were sure to have them.

_Paul_ was very desirous to procure a meeting between the Emperour and the King of _France_, where he desir’d to be present in person also; which thing being carried on by his Legat, Cardinal _Carpi_ was well accepted and agreed of by both _Princes_, the Town of _Nizza_ in _Provence_, but belonging to the Duke of _Savoy_: was chosen for the place of meeting, as being conveniently situated upon the Sea side.

The Pope, though old, was the first that came to the place appointed, having endured very great inconveniencies in his journey; and yet he was disappointed at last of his desires; for these two Princes having penetrated into the Popes design, found that it was not out of any love to Christendome, but only out of a fond affection to his family that he had desir’d their company. So they refused to see one another in his presence, but came separatly, and kiss’d the Popes feet with no small mortification to his Holiness, being thus deluded and almost derided.