Chapter III: Part 3

And indeed this interparly was not desired nor procur’d by the Pope, either with a design of appeasing the differences in Religion, or of making a League betwixt the Christian Princes against the Turk, though this were the pretext, but with a purpose to get _Margaret_ of _Austria_, the widdow of _Alexander Medici_, for _Octavio Farneze_ his Grandchild; and following the example of _Clement_ the Seventh, give _Victoria_, afterwards married to _Guido Ubaldo_ Duke of _Urbin_, his Neece, to some Prince of the blood of _France_, having chosen out the Duke of _Vendosme_, who was a young Prince of great merit and hopes: but for this time the Pope was forced to return to _Rome_ without having effected his designs, as the King of _France_ went to his own Kingdome, and the Emperour to _Marseilles_, where he visited the _French_ King.

Some time after the Pope obtained from the Emperour the City of _Novarre_ for his Son _Pietro Luigi_, and made up the match between his Grandchild _Octavio_ and the Princess _Margaret_ Daughter to the Emperour, and widdow of _Alexander Medici_; this done, the Pope undertook the recovery of the City of _Lamerino_, which he pretended to be devoted to the Church by the death of _Giovani Maria Varrano_, who had receiv’d the investiture of that place from _Leo_ the Tenth, and dyed without any male children, and upon this Title made warre against the young _Guido Ubaldo da Feltro_, who by the Womens side pretended a right to it, but not being able to maintain it, was fain to fly and leave the place to the Pope, who having taken it, presently gave the investiture to his Grand-child _Octavio Farneze_, making him Duke of _Camerino_, and Receivour General of the Church, having before made him Prefect of _Rome_ in the place of the Duke of _Urbin_.

But this Popes ambition swell’d much higher, for he went about to buy the Dutchy of _Millan_ of the Emperour with the Churches money, and make an unalienable Patrimony of the Family of the _Farnezes_. But the Emperour, though very necessitous and extreamly sollicited by the Pope with a vast summe of ready mony, was nevertheless so prudent as not to dismember from his Empire so considerable a part of it.

Besides this the Pope gave to his Son _Pietro Luigi_, against the consent of almost all the Cardinals, the noble Cities of _Parma_ and _Placentia_ in _Lombardy_, which were Fiefs of the Church. The said _Pietro Luigi_ was murdered by the principal Citizens of _Placentia_ in a conjuration layed and carried on by the Emperours order; who all along refused to confirm _Pietro Luigi_ in this new Principality, the Pope pretending that the Emperour should acknowledge him for lawful Lord and Master of these Cities; which he was so far from doing, that he endeavour’d to take them from him; whereupon the Pope was forced, that he might support his Son, to side with the _French_, who failed not to settle his Grand-child _Octavio_, though with this condition that he should renounce _Camerino_, and restore it to the Church, and be content with _Parma_ and _Placentia_, for which he should pay every year seven thousand Crowns to the Apostolick Chamber.

Thus the Nipotismo was in great credit and Authority in _Pauls_ time: for this Pope spared nothing to make them great, alienating the Churches Lands, and maintaining them in the possession of their acquisitions with the Churches Mony, which stirr’d the indignation of all Christendome, and made the Hereticks, who by this time were multiplied like Grashoppers, take from them an occasion to deny the Popes authority and primacy.

_Julius_ the third, who succeeded _Paul_, preserv’d his Nipotismo in a handsome condition and rank, but was not so furiously transported with Ambition to settle them in Dukedomes and Principalities. His humour was gay and merry, a good companion, and one that lov’d to eat and drink well with his friends.

And yet though this jovial inclination of his made him little enclin’d to warlike attempts, he nevertheless sent great Succours to the Duke of _Florence_, _Cosino_, in his Warre against the _Sienezes_: and this because the said Duke had promis’d him to make his Brother _Baldwin_ Marquis of _Monte san Sabino_; which thing was not only executed, but besides, the Dukes Daughter was promised in Marriage to _Fabian de monti Baldovin_ his Son; she was afterwards married to _Alfonse_ Duke of _Ferrara_.

_Giulio_ made also five of his Nephews Cardinals, to wit, _Christopher di Monte_, _Fulvio de la Corgna_, _Innocentia de Monte_, _Geronimo Simoncello_, and _Roberto de Monte pulcrano_. To these he was very liberal, but to say true, not prodigal, as his Predecessors had been. ’Tis true, he did what he could, to make his Brother _Baldwin_ Duke of _Camerino_, and deprive the Church of so good a State, but the Cardinals oppos’d him so vigorously, that he was fain to desist from his design.

_Julius_ being dead, the very name of the Nipotismo dyed with him, for in the year 1555 _Marcelius_ the Second was made Pope; who would never endure, that any of his kindred should come neer _Rome_, no not his own Brother. Nay more, he would never suffer that two Nephewes of his, who before his Election liv’d with him, following their Studies in _Rome_ under his care, should receive any visits as his Nephews; and he forbid him to stir out of doors, least in going to School they should be owned in the streets, and receive the Complements of persons of quality.

They that knew much of his mind while he was Cardinal, said after his death, That his intention was altogether bent to apply some remedy to the ambition of the Popes; and that he had particularly resolved to give to his Brother and Kindred but just as much as would maintain them like ordinary Gentlemen; but not so much as a simple Barony, much less Dukedomes and Principalities; and to this he would have the advice and consent of the whole Colledge of Cardinals, having a firme purpose of making most secure decrees, by which the Popes should be bound, and kindred from giving any thing to their Kindred without the consent of all the Cardinals.

But while he was intent upon so good a work, he was surprized by death twenty dayes after his election; so that in so short a time he did neither good nor harme to the Church.

To him succeeded _Paul_ the Fourth, of the House and Family of _Caraffa_ in the same year 1555. This Pope was one of the most fantasticall ill humour’d men that all the World could afford. He presently made his Brothers Son _Carlo Caraffa_ Cardinal; and to him he gave so much Authority, that it seemed that the Popes Will depended upon his pleasure. He excommunicated _Mark Antonia Colomna_, _and Ascanio_ his Son, under divers pretexts, but indeed only to take from them those offices and honours which they had in _Rome_, and to seize upon all their Revenues within the Territories of the Church; which was severely executed; the Pope at the same time giving the investiture of all their estates to _Giovani_, Count of _Montorio_ his Brothers Son, giving him the Title of Duke of _Paliano_, which place he immediatly went about to fortifie, that it might hold out against the forces the Colonesses were raising to recover their lands, as at last they did.

A little after he made _Antonio Caraffa_ the Earles brother, Marquess of _Montebello_, a place which he had deprived the right owner, the Earl of _Bagno_, of, as being contumacious, and for having, as the Pope said, ingrossed that money which the King of _France_ had sent for the War in _Italy_.

The Nephewes of this Pope became at last so insolent by their Uncles indulgence, that they did rob, spoyl, ravish, kill, and in a word commit all sorts of crimes with impunity; Exercising so many cheats and frauds upon the poor people, that not only they made all the World cry out against them, but at last moved the indignation of their own Uncle, and provoked him to be severe to them, driving them away out of _Rome_, and depriving them of all honour and dignity.

* * * * *

_Pius_ the Fourth of _Milan_, of the Family of the _Medici_, but of that branch that was then setled in _Milan_, was chosen _Pauls_ Successor; and no sooner had he taken possession of the Popedome, but he fell to frame a process and impeachment against the Nipotismo of his Predecessor, with a design to punish them severely; which he executed, but with an affront to the holy Character of a Pope, for he made as if he had pardon’d them all their misdemeanours, which he confirmed with an Oath; to which the _Caraffas_ trusting, came to _Rome_, but no sooner were they there, but by the Popes order, they were clap’d up in prison, and having undergone a new tryal, were all condemned to die. The Cardinal _Carlo Caraffa_ was strangled, the Earls of _Montorio_ and of _Alife_, and _Leonardo di Cardine_ were beheaded. Thus the City was as it were purged of these abominations which this Nipotismo had defiled it with.

After this the good Pope _Pius_, that he might not come short of the Piety of his Predecessors, introduced a new Nipotismo; for above five and twenty Nephewes, brothers and sisters children, came in upon him, of whom he refus’d none, but raised as high as it was possible for him to do, making them all rich, and allying them with great families; but his kindness did particularly extend to _Giovani Antonio Sarbellone_ his Nephew, who seemed to be born to heap riches together.

* * * * *

But _Pius_ the Fifth, who succeeded _Pius_ the Fourth, was not at all of this Humour, for he was absolutely averse from any such unjust wayes of advancing his kindred, having hardly condescended to make _Michael Bonello_ his Sisters son Cardinal; and certainly he had never done it, if all the Cardinals unanimously had not raised in him a Scruple of Conscience, by saying, That he refused to promote one who was most worthy of that Honour. Therefore at last, and as it were by force, he declar’d him Cardinal, but with a strict Order not to meddle with state affairs without Commission.

* * * * *

_Gregory_ the Thirteenth of the Family of the _Buon Compagni_, who was chosen Pope after the death of _Pius_ in the year 1572. followed not so good a path, but declin’d to a great indulgence for his Relations. First, he presently made _Philippo Buoncompagno_ his Nephew Cardinal, to whom he gave many Abbyes which were vacant in his Predecessors time.

Besides he call’d about him all his Nephewes, and Cozens, to whom he gave Offices, Dignities, Governments and Lordships, enough to make him great. ’Tis true, he shewed no great ambition of making them great Princes, because he saw little posibility of a good success, but he heaped Abbies and Prelatures upon them as many as they pleased.

* * * * *

He dyed 1585 the tenth of _April_, and had for Successor upon the 24th of the same Month _Sixtus_ the Fifth of the poor family of the _Peretti_ having been a Monk of that conventual Order, of which _Sixtus_ the fourth who lov’d his kindred so well was.

In his first beginning he seem’d a little averse from his kindred, not that he despised them, but he shewed no desire of making them Princes; but they that made any foundation upon this exteriour were much deceiv’d, for there never was a Pope that had a greater love for his relations then this; and all well considered, we shall find, that _Sixtus_ the fifth gave away much more to his Nipotismo, then _Sixtus_ the Fourth; for his Family of _La Rovere_, was very Noble, and liv’d splendidly before his assumption to the pontificat, whereas the Family of _Peretti_ was so poor, that they had not bread to eat, being fain to beg here and there.

One of _Sixtus_ the Fifth his Sisters was a Laundress in _Escoli_, and come to see her Brother in _Rome_ upon an Ass, which was led by a Halter by her eldest Son, and with all this he left him all rich and great. He lov’d this Sister of his _Camila_ most tenderly, insomuch that he could never see her enough; and for her sake in the first month of his Popedome, he made one of her Sons Cardinal, giving him his own Cardinals Cap, and calling him by the name of Cardinal _Moncealto_, though he was but one and twenty years old. To him _Sixtus_ gave in Abbyes and Church-lands above five and thirty thousand Duckats a year, which was no small revenue, in the hands of one, who lov’d much to be thrifty.

To the other brother, who had led the Asse, he gave the chiefest offices and places of _Rome_, and married him with great pomp and solemnity, to a rich Roman Lady.

He assigned 20 thousand Crowns a year to his said sister _Camilla_, who drawing allwayes before her Eyes, her ancient poor condition, could never be brought to lead a great Ladyes life, but liv’d allwayes like a country Woman.

Her two Daughters were both married, one to _Virginio Urtino_, and the other to the high Constable of the Kingdome of _Naples_; _Colonna_, to one of which he gave for portion, a hundred thousand Crowns, and made a Cardinal of the family of the _Colonna_, together with great Offices and Revenues.

Besides this, he made _Alexander Beretto_ his brothers Son Cardinal, and assign’d him a revenue of twenty thousand Duckats in Offices within _Rome_, and in the Popes Territories, in which he had great number of Benefices.

In a word, _Sixtus_ when he dyed left to his Family the sum of a hundred and fifty thousand Duckats yearly revenue, besides money in specie, and the wonder of this was, that it was all done without any prejudice to the Church, but so much to the contrary; for he surpassed in the stateliness of his edifices in _Rome_, the ancient Romans, and yet left behind him five millions of Crowns to the Church, to the astonishment of all Christendome.

* * * * *

There is little or nothing to be said of _Urban_ the seventh, who succeeded _Sixtus_ in the year 1590, because he liv’d but 13 dayes after his election: But his kindred of the house of _Castagna_, in _Genoa_, having suddenly heard the news of his elevation, hastened to _Rome_; but three dayes journey from _Genoa_, they receiv’d the newes of his death: Whereupon they were forced to return home, and keep close for a great while, to avoyd the derision and mocking of their Enemies. And this was, because that they had gone out of the City in great pompe and state; beginning allready to carry themselves like so many Princes: but their pretensions vanishd with the Popes death.

Nevertheless the Pope in so short a time shewed himself kind, for he left them some considerable Legacies, having given away to the company of the Nuntiata, whose Protector he had been, all that was in his power to distribute.

* * * * *

But that which _Urban_ could not compass in thirteen dayes, _Gregory_ the fourteenth his Successor did in ten months. This Pope was of the family _Sfondrata_ of _Milan_, and very desirous of adding to the greatness of his family. And because that _Paulo Emilio Sfondrato_ was at the time of his creation in _Milan_, the Pope refus’d to dispatch any business before his coming to Rome, where presently he was made Cardinal, and had twelve thousand Crowns a year assigned him the same day, besides a great number of Abbies and Offices which his Uncle gave him a little after.

The Pope was used to pass most part of his time with this Cardinal; no business passing, but what was sifted between them; the Pope often saying to him, Nephew, make a good purse before I die: And the Nephew, who understood the means did not fail to obey him, and out of every hundred take ninety for himself; the rest he left to the Church, and that was alwayes the worst money.

Two moneths after, he made the Count _Sfondrati_, another of his Nephews, General of the holy Church, and sent him to the Wars of _France_, having first married him with the daughter of the Prince of _Massa_, and made him Duke of _Monte Marciano_, which Dutchy the Pope pretended to be devolved to the Church, ever since the death of _Alfonso Picolomini_, Duke of the said place, whom the great Duke of Florence put to death; and the Pope immediately confiscated all that he enjoyed in the Territories of the Church, pretending, that the said _Alfonso_ was a Rebel to the Church: Whereupon he gave his Nephew the investiture of the Dutchy.

* * * * *

_Innocentius_ the ninth succeeded to _Gregory_ the fourteenth, in the year 1509. who lived but two months, and by consequence was not in a capacity of leaving much to his Relations; many of them nevertheless were already come from _Bologne_, the Popes native Country; amongst whom he made one Cardinal, and that was _Antonio Fachinetti_; but he gave him no other Office, then that of a Referendary, there being no other of any consideration vacant. ’Tis true, I believe, that he thought not of dying so soon, for else he would have provided more largely for this Cardinal, and the rest of his kindred; His death was very unwelcome to them, all having begun already to build Castles in the air; but particularly to one of them, who pretended to be General of the Churches Forces, to marry a Princess, and be revenged of all his Enemies; but he came so far short of all, that instead of the equipage of a Gentleman, that he came to _Rome_ in, he returned in a poor plight to _Bologna_.

* * * * *

A month after, _Clement_ the eighth, of the House of _Aldobrandino_ of _Florenee_, was chosen Pope, with an incredible joy of all the people of _Rome_: He himself was born in the City of _Fano_.

This Pope found his Family full of noble and ancient Blood, but as empty of Riches; therefore calling them to him, he began, by his Predecessours example, to give them Offices, Places, and Dignities, but with a certain moderation, and not precipitating his Favours, as the others had done, but giving to day one thing, and to morrow another, he contented them all without scandal.

In his first promotion of Cardinals, he created two of his Nephews, _viz. Pietro Aldobrandino_, his Brothers Son, and _Cintbio Passero di Sinigaglia_, his Sisters Son; and with the help of these two, the Pope did govern all the Church Affairs, desiring every thing should pass by their hands, particularly through Cardinal _Pietro Aldobrandino_, whom he lov’d most cordially, calling him, _the Idol of his heart_; and often, for fear of contradicting him, he would let him do as he listed.

The charge of General of the Church, was given to _Giovanni Francesco Aldobrandino_, another of his Nephews; in which place he enjoyed, not only all of the Prerogatives and Priviledges that had been granted to the other Nephews of Popes, but besides, his Holiness encreased his pay by two thousand Crowns a year, and invented new priviledges for him.

In the year 1595. he bought the Marquisat of _Meldola_, which he bestowed upon _Octavio Aldobrandino_, another of his Nephews, declaring him absolute Soveraign of the said place; but yet made him stay in _Rome_, that he might be at hand, & lose no occasions of getting something else from him: at last _Alfonso d’ Este_, last Duke of Ferrara, happening to dye in the year 1597. the Pope thought to take this Principality for himself, as being devolv’d to the Church, and resolv’d to give the investiture to his Nephew _Octavio_; so having held a publick Consistory, in which he declared, that the Dutchy of _Ferrara_ was become the Churches patrimony; and immediately ordered Cardinal _Aldobrandino_ to raise a powerful Army, and put himself in possession of the said Dutchy, by driving out _Cesar_ of _Este_, who was Heir by the Will of the late Duke, and was actually in possession: But the Pope pretended, that he being a Bastard, was incapable of inheriting.

The Cardinal soon got together a great Army, and so frighted _Don Cesar_, that he was forced to fly to _Modena_, and leave _Ferrara_ to the Pope; and the Cardinal _Aldobrandino_, after some Articles agreed on between his Uncle and _Don Cesar_, entred the place, and took possession of it in the name of the Church, with little joy to the Inhabitants, who lost a good Master to fall into the hands of Church-men, who change every day their Governours.

As soon as the news of the rendition of _Ferrara_ came to the Popes ears, he began, by all means, to procure the investiture for his Nephew _Octavio_, for whom he thought the Marquisat of _Meldola_ but inconsiderable.

But he met with a strange repugnancy in all the Cardinals for his design; they having, by a common consent and union, resolved to oppose the Popes desire, and not endure, that the Church should be depriv’d of so considerable a City, which it had but newly acquired.

The Pope foreseeing, by this reluctancy of the Cardinals, that it was a business hardly to be carried in a publick Consistory, forbore to speak of it there, but took another course; for calling the Cardinals one by one into his chamber, he there signified to them his desire; but they all refused to consent, or be any wayes accessary to the alienating so considerable a piece of the Popedome. So that the Pope thought it was not safe to do it without them, and by force, for fear of leaving his Nephew involv’d in a continual War, against all the succeeding Popes, and _Don Cesar_: and therefore he resolv’d to go in person, and take possession in the name of the Church.

A little after, he made another of his Nephews Cardinal, who was _Silvestro Aldobrandino_, Prior of _Rome_, to whom he gave an infinite number of Benefices. Thus _Clement_ did every day do his endeavour to procure riches for his Family, either in lands or moveables, who of their side were as ready to receive, as their Uncle could be to give, particularly when it was ready money.

* * * * *

_Leo_ the eleventh, who succeeded to _Clement_, had not the same good fortune; for being chosen in the year 1665. he liv’d but five and twenty dayes: In which time he projected much, but executed little; amongst other things, he gave out, that his design was not to advance his kindred, but only to continue them in their quality, and make their Estates plentiful and easie; which is a certain moderation, which most of the Popes do affect to shew in their first administration of the Popedom; for even _Sixtus_ the fourth, who gave with so profuse a hand, did still pretend, that he did nothing but what was lawful, and to the advantage of the Church.

This Pope had many Relations in the Family of the _Medici_, but in that branch which was not come to be Princes; but his Darling amongst them, was _Alexander Medici_, son to his brother _Bernardetto_, which _Alexander_ had a son of twenty years old, called _Octaviano_, which was the Popes Fathers name: Whereupon the Pope sent for him, with an intention to make him Cardinal, and keep him by him: but the very same day that he came to _Rome_, the Pope dyed, without being able to promote him to that degree of honours which was a great affliction to all the kindred.

* * * * *

Now let us speak of _Paul_ the fifth, of the Family of _Borghese_, made Pope in 1605. who in an instant filled _Rome_ with _Borgheses_.

The Pope was of a most kind nature, and particularly to his kindred; amongst whom, while he was Cardinal, he was wont to spend all his Revenue; but his greatest passion was for _Scipion Carafelli_, his Sisters son, whom he had brought up from a child; and him he made Cardinal, as soon as he was made Pope himself, giving him the name of Cardinal _Borghese_; by which name he was ordinarily called, and did subscribe himself.

This Cardinal, was the interpreter of his Uncles mind, the Mediator of his favours, and the Coadjutor in all weighty matters of the State and Church: They that expected any kindnesses from the Pope, were not to purchase them any other way, then by the means of him, who commanded and governed the Pope and all things.

The Pope, desiring to follow his Predecessours steps, and employ his private riches to the publick ornament of the City, took care to provide his Ecclesiastical Nephews of Benefices and Church lands; and his secular Kinsmen of Places and Dignities, as they became vacant.

The plenty, into which this Pope brought his Family, was such, that they themselves did scarce know how to dispose of it, there flowing in upon them, every day, vast sums of money from all parts of the world, to procure, by their means, the Popes favour: Whereupon they, seeing no end of their riches, began, out of a complacence to the Popes humour (who delighted in the ornament of the City) to build certain publick Edifices, so noble and stately, that the King of _France_, who hath a Kingdom so rich, and powerful, and hereditary, would scarce have undertaken the like, at the expence of his whole Kingdom.

The Cardinal begun the Fabrick of that _Palazzo Borghese_, in the _Campo Martio_, which is not yet ended; and to perfect it, according to the first design, it would require the value of half the Churches Territories; nay, it is said, that in the foundation alone, were spent above two hundred thousand Crowns, for they were fain to demolish great numbers of houses, and level hills, before they could bring the ground to that true evenness, which the design required.

The Popes brothers began two Country houses of pleasure at the same time, one hard by _Rome_, and a little without the _Porta Ponciana_; the other at _Frascati_, in the little hills called _Mendragone_: and we may easily conclude what treasure was expended in these, by what the _Spanish_ Ambassadour said one day to a Gentleman of the Family of _Borghese_, who waited upon him thither; for the Gentleman having shewed one of these houses, asked his opinion of it? and had for answer these words, _My King would not have undertaken in such calamitous times as these are_, _so great a fabrick for his diversion in_ Madrid.

His Holiness was so overjoyed, to see such princely inclinations in his kindred, that he did nothing but study night and day, how he should enrich them more and more. ’Tis true, he needed not to trouble himself much; for his Cardinal _Borghese_; who had the Popedom at his disposition, took all the incomes for himself, and the Family of the _Borgheses_, allowing the Pope a small matter, to please himself with the mending of a Street, or a Church, or some publick Edifice; this Pope having surpassed all his Predecessors, in erecting new Edifices, and procuring by all wayes the ornament of the City.

In those dayes the _Nipotismo_ was most triumphant, all the former Popes Nephews having never been invested with so absolute an authority, as that of the Cardinal _Borghese_, and the rest of his Nephews.

_Paul_ lived sixteen years in the Chair of the Popes, so that the _Nipotismo_ had time to give root and foundation to their greatness, as indeed they did, but forgot to strike a nail into the Wheel of Fortune, to hinder it from turning about; and therefore not long after, it began to slide downwards, as we shall declare in time and place.

At last, in the year 1621. _Paul_ dyed, to the great grief of the _Romans_, who lamented very much his loss; and indeed he was a very good Pastour, though he were a little too liberal of the Wool of his Flock to his Kindred; for he left to the Prince of _Salmona_ alone his Nephew, above a hundred thousand Crowns yearly revenue; to the Cardinal as much, besides the vast sums of money layed out in those Buildings we have mentioned; they were thought also, to have vast sums of ready money, unknown to their Uncle; the Cardinal alone being supposed to have above a million in _specie_: So that _Paul_ left not a farthing to the Church.

* * * * *

His Successour was _Gregory_ the fifteenth, of _Bologna_, of the noble Family _Ludovisio_, pretty rich, but very abundant in Relations and Kindred.

This Pope, before he began to mannage the publick Affairs of _Christendom_, resolved first to establish the particular Interest of his House and Family; therefore having seen the example of _Leo_ the tenth, who by reason of the shortness of his life, could not bestow the dignity of Cardinal upon any of his Relations; three dayes after his creation, he made _Ludovico Ludovisio_, his brothers son, Cardinal; and the same day he made _Ocatio Ludovisio_, his brother, General of the Church, though he were absent; and as soon as he came to _Rome_, he made him Duke of _Fiano_, and assigned him other Lands bought with the Churches money.

The same day he distributed amongst some other Nephews, many considerable Offices, both within and without _Rome_, though most of those, upon whom they were conferred were absent, so that it may be said of the _Nipotismo_ of this Pope that it was great almost before it was born, or at least in its cradle, entring into power and command before it entred into _Rome_.

The Cardinal _Ludovisio_ was he that governed the weighty Affairs, his Uncle depending upon him most absolutely; so that often of Negotiations, and Court business, he would communicate little or nothing to the Pope; and when his Uncle, out of curiosity, would sometimes go about to inform himself how things stood; his Nephew would presumptuously answer him, and say, _What need you trouble your head_, _eat and drink_, _and let me alone to serve you_.

Every step of this Cardinal was towards the advancement of his Family; and the Pope, not only did let him alone, but would often exhort him to make hast, least of a sudden he should be depriv’d of the means: which fell out; for the Pope liv’d but seven and twenty moneths; in which time, the _Ludovisi_ minded their business so well, that at their Uncles decease they had amongst them, two hundred and fifty thousand Crowns yearly revenue, besides ready money, and that which they spent in publick buildings: So that this _Nipotismo_ does deserve the title, of the most subtle & diligent of all the precedent _Nipotismo’s_, if we consider the proportion of their riches, and measure the shortness of the time that they were purchased in.

With all this they much studied publick applause, and to gain to themselves the good will of the people, and _Roman_ Nobility; shewing great respect for them, and offering their service willingly upon all occasions. ’Tis true, there was not much credit given to these demonstrations, because that the _Romans_ were already accustomed to see such Scenes of dissimulation: But nevertheless, their Uncle, neither alive nor dead was not prosecuted with _Pasquinades_; his government, or rather his Nephews, having not been so tyrannical as covetous. And since the _Romans_ leave them in peace, so will we too, and conclude this book with the death of _Gregory_ the fifteenth.

The THIRD BOOK.

The Contents.

_IN which is treated_, _of the election of_ Urban _the eighth to the Popedome_. _Of the creation and disposition of Cardinal_ Barbarino _a_ Capucin. _Of the Places and Offices given to_ Don Tadeo. _Of the promotion of the two Brothers_, Francesco _and_ Antonio Barbarini, _to be Cardinals_. _Of their avidity in getting money_. _Of some Prelates offended and moved to indignation_, _to see that their services were so little recompenced by the Pope_. _Of the Cardinal_ Filomarini, _made __Arch-Bishop_ of Naples. _Of the inclination of the_ Barbarini, _to carry all things with a high hand_. _Of some Pasquins made against them_. _Of the great hatred the_ Romans _did bear them_. _Of the design of the_ Barbarini _to make themselves great Princes_. _Of the Title of Cardinal_ Padrone _given to_ Francesco Barbarino. _Of the Duke of_ Parma _his journey to_ Rome. _Of the title of Eminency given to the Cardinal_. _Of the great riches the_ Barbarini _were in possession of after the death of_ Urban. _Of the reasons_, _why Cardinal_ Francesco Barbarini _might hope to be Pope_. _Of there being three Cardinals of this name all at a time_. _How_ Innocentius _the tenth was_ Urban’s _Successour_. _Of all that passed about the Cardinalship_, _marriage and banishment of the Prince_ Pamphilio, _the Popes Nephew_. _Of the authority and government of_ Donna Olympya: _and of her may treating affairs_. _Of_ Innocentius’s _nearest Relatives_. _Of the promotion of_ Astalli _to the Cardinalship_. _Of the Railleries_, _Pasquins_, _and Discourses_, _that were held about this promotion_. _Of_ Astalli his banishment, and _the promotion of_ Azzolini. _Of_ Innocentius, _and the assumption of_ Alexander _to the Popedome_. _Of Don_ Mario’s _journey towards Rome_, _stopped by an express order from the Pope_. _Of the affront that_ Don Mario _received_, _in being forced to return to_ Siena. _Of the honour that the Popes kindred did receive in Siena_. _Of the respect showed them by the State of_ Venice, _and the great Duke of_ Tuscany. _Of the Popes resolution to receive none of his kindred in_ Rome. _Of some presents sent to_ Don Mario _and_ Don Agostino, _in_ Siena. _Of the Popes design and purpose to call all his Relations to_ Rome: _and of all that past in the execution of it_. _Of an Event full of curiosity_, _about the History of the Council of_ Trent, _made by Father_ Palavicino, _a Jesuite_. _Of the murmurs and Pasquins of the_ Romans _too_, _when they saw the_ Nipotismo _in possession of the Church and City_. _Of the number of the Popes Relations_. _Of the Offices_, _charges and places that they possess_, _and by what means they grow rich_. _Of the jealousie that is between them_. _Of_ Don Agostino _his marriage_. _Of the great affection the Pope bears him_. _And of some other particularities full of curiosity and policy_.

ALL that we have hitherto related, is nothing but the Vigil or Eve of the _Nipotismo_; now begins the Festival day, in the time of _Urban_ the eighth, of the Family of the _Barbarini_, who succeeded _Gregory the_ fifteenth, contrary to every bodies expectation, in the year 1623. in the month of _August_.

As soon as the news of his Elevation came to _Florence_, those few remnants of the Family, who were then under the protection of the great Duke, flew, like so many Bees to _Rome_ (and the Bees are the _Barbarini’s_ Coat of Armes) to suck the Honey of the Church, but they left not behind them their Stings, wherewithall in sucking it, they stung it most bitterly.

_Urban_ in the beginning, shewed not much tenderness for his kindred, though he did openly own, that he would call them about him: And indeed, in this his beginning, and as it were the blossom of his Popedom, he did one of the worthiest actions of his life, which was the giving of a Cardinals Cap to _Francesco Barbarini_, his Nephew, a Personage truly worthy so great an honour being endowed with the singular qualities of an exemplary life and integrity, which made him worthy, and more then worthy, of the Popedom it self.

The year after, which was 1624. he made Cardinal, his brother, that was a _Capucin_, and went by the name of brother _Antony Barbarin_, whom the Pope loved entirely; he gave him the title of Cardinal of Saint _Oposrius_, but he had been so accustomed to the strictness of a _Capucines_ life, that being raised to this great dignity, he demeaned himself with the same meanness as before; he had much ado to custom himself to that great Cope which the Cardinals wear; neither would their wide large Sleeves agree with him, and he had given order to have them made close and streight, after the _Capucins_ fashion: But that that was most ridiculous was, that when he saluted any body, instead of putting off his Hat, he would only put it back with a nod, as the Monks do their Hoods; so that once, in the presence of the Venetian Ambassadour it fell backwards; to the ground, with no small laughter of the Assistants: Thus he was the diversion of the whole Colledge of Cardinals.

_Don Tadeo_, the Popes other brother, was made General of the Churches Forces, Prefect of _Rome_ and in the long reign of his brother, had so many Civil and Military Offices conferr’d upon him, that he could not remember them himself; the rather, because that he never car’d to exercise the functions of them, so he might receive the revenue, which he forgot not to put up carefully; that is, in a word, he took a good account of the profit, but could give none of the satisfying the obligation those Offices laid upon him.

In the year 1668. the seventh of _February_, the Pope, that he might more and more fortifie the Family of the _Barbarines_, created another Cardinal of that name, _viz. Antonio Barbarino_, _Francesco’s_ brother, under the title of _Santa Maria in Aquino_.

These two brothers, though elevated to the same dignity, were nevertheless of a different humour; for one made it his business, to edifie the publick by good actions; and the other, did nothing but scandalize all the world by his vicious deportments; insomuch, that whosoever will weigh the vertues of the one against the vices of the other, shall see, that the ill actions of Cardinal _Antonio_, are far heavier then the good ones of his brother, though his brothers piety be very great.

’Tis true, that when once Cardinal _Antonio_ began to frequent the _French_, that he changed, as it were his nature, for of a covetous hater of Learning, he became a generous promoter of Ingenuity, and very officious to all sorts of persons; so that now we may say, that he is a noble Prince, and a good Cardinal, whereas before he was esteemed an ill bred Gentleman, and a wicked Cardinal, and as much blame and dishonour as he contracted then, so much reputation and credit hath he now gained.

_Urban_ in the beginning shew’d a most exact diligence, in the government of the Church; and in truth, Cardinal _Francesco_, and he, did take no small pains in reforming the abuses, as well of the Clergy and Monks, as of the Court and temporal administration; so that forraign Princes and Nations were very much edified, by the Popes zeal, and Cardinal _Francesco_ his sincerity, by which he did endeavour to please every body.

But after five or six years time passed thus in the continual cares of the Pontificat, he began to grow weary, not of doing good, but of doing it so often; therefore leaving the mannagement of the most important Affairs to his Nephews, he began to take his ease, and they taking possession of business, did at the same time engross their Uncles inclinations and intentions, that they did, as it were, bind his will to theirs.

Then the desire of growing rich did so blind them, that night and day they did think of nothing else, but of the means to make themselves Princes eternize their family, and fill their Coffers with treasure.

As soon as any Abbey was vacant, it was immediately conferr’d upon one of them, and then as soon as any other good Benifice fell out, it was presented to the other; so that between them, they had all that was rich and worth speaking of, at last both Cardinals, being so full that they could hold no more, would bestow vacant Benifices upon their little Nephews: nay, to above five or six of _Urban’s_ little Cozens, were given Benefices while they were yet in their Cradles; the precedent Popes Decrees being despised, and by these proceedings, the very bread taken out of the mouths of those Prelates, that had served the Church with zeal and care; which was enough almost to make them desperate, seeing little children, scarce born, preferred to them, who had so much deserts. More then this, I think it may be said, that some Benefices were disposed of to those that were not yet born; for in the Articles of marriage of one of the _Barbarines_ with a Lady of the family of _Colonna_, one was, _That a certain Abby should be given to the first-born_; so that in the time of this good Pope, Church lands were bestowed on those, who were not yet in the world, but by imagination; and those that had really, and with great pains, serv’d the Church, were altogether depriv’d of their reward.

A certain Prelate of _Bologne_, who with great zeal had bestirred him in his Ecclesiastical employment, went to _Rome_ to receive his recompence, and having presented himself to the _Barbarines_, was desired to stay a little while: This little while proved the space of eight years, in which an infinity of Benefices were vacant, but the good Prelate could get none of them, because that the _Barbarines_ divided all amongst themselves, he seeing this, resolved to return home empty as he came; and as he was going out of _Rome_, some body from the _Barbarines_ told him, that he ought to expect a little longer, and take a little more patience: To whom, with tears in his eyes, he answered, _They must be Saints_, _and not men_, _who can see the bread eaten from their mouths by the_ Barbarines, _and not be cast into despair_.

Another, who had stayed as long to no purpose resolved at last to be gone; and being importun’d by his friend to stay a little longer, answered him thus, _If the Church_, _dear friend_, _had as many Popedomes_, _as the Pope hath Nephews and Cozens_, _and that there one that did not see some where_, _I might have some hopes_; _but since there is but one Popedom_, _I should be a fool to expect any part of it from those_, _who do not think it enough to divide among themselves_.

Of these examples, I believe, I could make half a dozen Volumes in folio, and all of persons that are now living; but I will not weary the Reader with the Lecture of them; Let it suffice for him to know, that _Urban_ never gave any thing for a recompence, to those that had served the Church except his Nephews had first refused it; and they refused so little, that in the end, all _Urban’s_ rewards amounted to nothing.

If any body could brag of a considerable fortune made under the _Barbarini_, it was a sign, that such a one had serv’d them, and not the Church.

Thus in the year 1641. the Pope made _Ascanio Filomarino_ Cardinal, and Archbishop of _Naples_, though the service he had done the Church, did scarce deserve him a simple Canonicat, so far was he from meriting an Archbishoprick, yet _Urbin_ promoted him, because he had done most eminent service to the _Barbarines_ family: And indeed, in this _Urban_ cannot but be thanked, for enriching the Church (though his design were not such) with a person adorned with so many excellent qualities, which made him worthy of the Popedom it self, having, since this his elevation, edified, not only his Flock, but all _Christendome_, and rendred most singular service to the House of _Austria_, in the revolt of _Naples_, and the business of _Massinello_, in the year 1647.

If the _Barbarines_ pretend to the contrary, that they have advanced and promoted those who had a true zeal for the Church, they will do well to produce their names: But I desire my Reader to take this precaution, and observe, that if any body was rewarded, under pretence of having served the Church, there was the Cheat; for they that pretended most to serve the Church, were they, that in effect did work the _Barbarines_ designs and interests to an issue: Upon this account, in one promotion, were made Cardinals the following Prelates, _Gio. Baptista Pamphilio_, who was since _Innocentius_ the tenth, _Gio. Francesco Palotta_, and _Gio. Francesco de Contiguidii da Bagno_; the first, because he had been Nuntio in _Spain_, the second in _Germany_, and the third in _France_; yet the Pope could never be brought to make _Monsignor Visconti_, who was Nuntio in _Polonia_, Cardinal, for all the great instances of that King, though the said _Visconti_ was a most worthy Prelate, and one who had done the Church more service in his Employment, then all the other three together; and yet for all that, he remained excluded, while the others were admitted to that honour.

Why then was this affront done to _Visconti_? I’le tell you; while he was in _Polonia_, he serv’d the Church, and not the _Barbarines_; and the others, in their Nuntiatures, did the quite contrary.

Naturally _Urban_ was averse from making of Cardinals; and if some urgent necessity did not force him, could hardly be brought to it; and yet for his family, he made no difficulty of breaking the precedent Popes Decrees, and the Laws of the Church, which forbid to make two brothers Cardinals, while they are both alive: but he did this only to satisfie his Nephews; and at last, was brought by them to make great numbers of other Cardinals; for they, being towards the end of the Pontificat weary of heaping together, began to think, how they should preserve their treasure and power; and therefore, to fortifie their party, they obliged their Uncle, to make a numerous promotion of their Creatures.

If ever the _Romans_ murmured and made Pasquins, it was in the time of his _Nipotismo_; for when the _Barbarines_ took away from the Church called the _Rotunda_, that excellent piece of workmanship of _Bronze_, (for which we have no name but Bell-metal) to make that piece of Architecture and Pillars, which adorns the Altar in Saint _Peters_ Church, which is one of the most noble and magnificent Works that ever was undertook, all the people cryed in the streets, _Quod non fecerunt Barbari_, _secerunt Barbarini_; and they thought they had a great deal of reason to exclaim thus against them, because it was certainly affirmed, that the _Barbarines_ had diverted above half the metal to their private use in their Palace; and some say, that they made racks for their Chimneys of it, but I scarce believe it.

But that Pasquin, which was made in the time that _Gustave Adolse_, King of _Swede_, invaded _Germany_, was fuller of curiosity; for there were certain Images in paper, that represented the Church of God, all naked upon a little bed, and full of the wounds she had received from _Gustave_, and covered over with Flies or Bees, which were the _Barbarines_ Armes; near the bed, was the Emperour upon his knees, craving aid from the Church, that he might fight for the Church; from whom he did receive this answer; _I have nothing to give thee_, _O my Defender_, _for the Flies have sucked me even to the very bones_, making allusion to the _Barbarines_ Armes.

Another time were found in the streets of _Rome_, a great quantity of Pictures; in every one of which was drawn a poor Prelate, asking Alms from the Church to content himself withall; to whom the Church made answer, _For my part_, _I have not a farthing_, _the_ Barbarines _have taken all from me_.

Almost at the same time, was seen a Medal, which represented _Pasquin_, loaden with Swords, Musquets, Daggers, and other Weapons, with an inscription that said,

_To drive away the Flies_;

which thing displeased the Barbarines beyond measure, conceiving that all this was nothing but a design to make the people rise in Armes against them; so that though they set a good face upon it, yet secretly they disposed things to their defence, in case of a sedition.

And certainly had it not been, that the _Romans_ did every day look for the Popes death, there would have happened some revolution, for the hatred of the people to the _Barbarines_ encreased more and more the longer the Pope lived; one thing particularly exciting publick envy and jealousie, which was, that the _Barbariens_ did every day plant their Armes in some place or another of the City, to eternize their Name and Family.

One of my friends had the curiosity, to reckon all the Bees (that is, the _Barbarines_ Armes) that the _Barbarines_ had placed here and there, as well in the City, as in the State of the Church, and found their number to be above ten thousand, in Painting, Stone and Marble.

The _Barbarines_ tryed to make themselves great Princes; and trusting to the great sums of money which they had got together, thought they might make themselves Masters of a good part of _Italy_: Their first design was, to put themselves in possession of the Dutchy of _Urbin_, which in the year 1631. was fallen to the Church, by the death of _Francisco Maria della Rovere_; but they found the Cardinals very averse, and resolved not to consent to the alienation of so considerable a part of the Popedom; they thought therefore that it was better to let it alone, considering the injuries they had already done to _Venice_, and the great Duke of _Tuscany_, who without doubt would have crossed their design.

But to be at once revenged of their Enemies, and draw respect from their Friends, they fram’d a design of driving the _Spaniards_ out of the Kingdom of _Naples_, and giving the Crown of that Kingdom to _Don Tadeo_; this they thought, by reason of the decaying State that the House of _Austria_ was then in, that they might bring to pass with little or no trouble; but when the business came to be weighed, and discussed, in the presence of a Prelate, of great esteem and credit, of their party, he told them, _That the_ Neapolitans _had received such ill impressions of the Pope and his Family_, _that they would sooner give themselves to the_ Turk, _then to the Barbarines_.

After this, they began to molest _Odoardo Farneze_, Duke of _Parma_, a Prince who had deserved better from the Church; and their design was, to deprive him absolutely of _Parma and Placentia_, and give them to _Don Tadeo_; but they met with greater obstacles then they expected, for the _Italian_ Princes, his Neighbours, being allarm’d at the _Barbarines_ greatness, opposed them smartly; and the Duke himself, being a noble couragious Prince, not only made a stout resistance, but drove them and their Army back to _Rome_; from which place he might have chased and expelled the _Barbarines_ themselves, if he had been as malicious as they.

This Enterprise having thus failed, they fell to courting the Republick of _Luca_; but in their courtship they were a little preposterous, by shewing their desire of Empire, before they had gained their Mistresses affections; for having excommunicated her, the _Lucheses_, being advertised of their good intentions, prevented, by timely remedies, the execution of them: And thus the _Barbarines_ were, fain to give over with shame that which they had begun with rashness.

Perceiving at last, that none of these Ambitious plots would hit, and that all Princes and the Cardinals themselves began to be weary of their long tyranny; they conceived a thought of making the Popedome hereditary in their family, which thing seemed at first feasible, because that most of the Cardinals that had been created at their recommendation, had a very good opinion of Cardinal _Francisco_; and besides, they had a secret way of compassing this their design, which, though very wicked, was yet well enough invented; and that was, to give to every Cardinal of their creatures, who were much above the two thirds of the Colledge; some one City of the Popedome, which they should enjoy for their lifetime, as Soveraign Princes, and so make as many Princes as Cardinals, but above all, they had resolved to present Cardinal _Richelieu_, with the whole state of _Avignon_, that they might have assistance from the _French_, in the rest of their enterprize.