Chapter VII: Part 7

_Innocentius_ the tenth was so convinced of this truth, that finding himself deprived of those helps which he could not receive from his lawful Kindred by reason of their inabilities; and withal seeing that he was exposed to the unsatiable avarice of a woman, his Sister-in-Law, he was fain to take the young _Astalli_ and declare him Cardinal Nephew, and _Padrone_, giving him the name of _Pamphilio_; and in a word, made him in _Rome_, as _Pharaoh_ was in _Ægypt_, the Governour of all things.

But what hapned? This young Cardinal not being able to comply with the _Pope’s_ humours, and having no tye of Consanguinity upon him, was rather a Traytor to him than a Nephew; for he did reveal to the _Spaniards_, from whom he did secretly receive good Pension, all that passed through his hands, or that could come to his knowledge: caring not how he hazarded and engaged the _Pope’s_ Honour and Reputation.

Particularly, at that time that the _Pope_ and the _Barberins_ together, did consult how they should fall upon the Kingdom of _Naples_ and divide it among themselves, _Astalli_ all day long did set spies, and endeavour himself to discover their Counsels; and then secretly in the night did give the _Spaniards_ notice of all; who, being thus well instructed, did easily prevent their Enemies designs, by taking away all those means which the Pretendants relied upon for the execution of their Enterprize.

Upon this the _Pope_ enraged against _Astalli_, banished him from _Rome_, took away from him all that he had so liberally given him, except the quality of Cardinal; of which he could not be deprived but for great crimes, and that by a fair trial too.

Now if the _Pope Innocent_ could not trust one whom he had raised from nothing; and if the secrets of his Court were revealed and published by a Cardinal so much obliged to him, How can other _Popes_ trust Cardinals that are as it were their enemies by being too much other Princes friends?

These are the reasons that force the _Popes_ to call their Kindred about them, and shew them all demonstrations of kindness; and I think they are such as prove that the _Pope_ cannot govern according to the rules of good Policy, if their Kindred be not with them, and have not a share in their fortune.

And if it be so, Why do we murmur so much against the _Popes_ for spending the Treasure of the Church in maintaining the greatness of their Nephews? since it is certain that their Pomp and State is the Churches. And to what shall its Treasure be useful, except it serve to make the Majesty of the Popedom appear to the eyes of the world? For there is no doubt, that if the _Pope’s_ Spiritual Authority were not held up and maintained by his Temporal Power, it would soon be ruined and despised. For now adaies the reputation of riches and strength is that, which breeds respect for the Popedom; as in the Primitive Ages of the Church it was upheld by holiness of life, and good example.

Poor Church-men are indeed respected still by some devout Women, and the Vulgar: But they are despised in the Courts of Princes; where the Rich are welcome, and honourably received. A poor Church-man must wear a Hair-cloth, Fast, do Penitence, and work Miracles to be known and respected: But a rich one, without more ado, shall immediately be saluted and welcomed even where he is unknown.

Why are the Jesuites so in vogue in the World, and desired in Courts, as if Princes could not be without them. The Vulgar adore them, Noblemen respect them, and Magistrates grant them protection and priviledges. Is it that they serve the Church better than other Church-men? No certainly: For the Orders of Saint _Francis_ and Saint _Dominick_ have spent more bloud in the profession of the Christian Faith in a Day, than the Jesuites in an Age; neither do they live a more exemplary or a stricter life than others. How comes it to pass then, that they are so powerful? I will tell you; Money is the Key which opens all doors to these good Fathers, by which they purchase Credit, Power, and Authority, even amongst Church-men, and in the Court of _Rome_.

The _Popes_ by this, seeing how important a thing Riches are in the hands of Church-men, do very wisely strive to furnish their _Nipotismo_ with them; that as they are to treat and manage the greatest affairs of Christendom: so they may do it with the Pompe and State, that so Eminent an Employment does require.

The SECOND BOOK.

The Contents.

_IN which is discoursed_, _of all the good and ill that the_ Pope’s _Nephews have done the Church ever since_ Sixtus _the Fourth_. _Of the Church of Christ_, _compared to a Field_. _Of those that first bestowed Riches upon the Church_. _Of the insatiability of the_ Nipotismo _in general_. _Of the Princes that murmur against the mischiefs caused by the_ Pope’s _Nephews in_ Christendom. _Of the honour that Princes receive in bestowing Revenues upon the Church_. _How the Scandal was first introduced in the Church_. _Of the Complaints made against the_ Popes. _Of the_ Primum movens, _that gives Motion to the Sphere of the_ Nipotismo. _Of a Comparison betwixt the Gospel and the Churchmen_. _Of a Dispute between __a_ Papist _Preacher_, _and a_ Protestant. _Of the Spirit of the_ Nipotismo, _inclined to gather Riches_. _Of the impossibility of serving God and the World_. _Of the Excommunication of the_ Lucheses _by_ Urban _the Eighth_. _Why men are so easily corrupted_. _Of an Accident that befel St_. Francis _of_ Assiza. _Of another that befel St_. Francis _of_ Paola. _Of a false Opinion_, _maintained by some Divines_. _Of a Discourse held by_ Ferdinand, _Great Duke of_ Toscany, _to a Pilgrim that was going to_ Rome. _Of the great number of Decrees that have been made to reform the Church-men_. _Of the People that complain of the_ Nipotismo. _How all_ Christendom _is scandalized by it_. _How the Monks exclaim against it_, _because it starves them_. _How often Princes withdraw from_ Rome _discontented_. _Of the_ Popes _that cannot reform the Abuses of the Church_, _except they begin with their Nephews_. _Of_ Alexander _the Seventh_, _and his austere Life_. _How the good Example he gave in the beginning of his_ Pontificate, _was of great profit to the Church_. _Of some_ Protestants _that went to_ Rome _on purpose_, _upon the noise of his exemplary Life_. _How he left off hating_, _and fell to loving his Kindred_. _Of_ Don Mario, _the Head of this_ Nipotismo. _Of the Disorder that was in_ Rome, _about the Accident that befel the Duke of_ Crequy. _Of the damage done to the Church by it_. _Of_ Don Agostino, _and his high Carriage_. _Of the Cardinal_ Padrone _his inclination to sensual Pleasure_. _Of the Taxes and Oppression of the_ Pope’s _Subjects_. _Of a particular Opinion about the Peoples Vices_. _Of the pitiful condition of the Church in_ Innocentius _the Tenth’s time_. _Of the Renunciation of the Cardinals Cap_, _made by the __Prince_ Pamphilio. _How_ Donna Olympia _did carry her self towards the_ Nipotismo. _Of the Princes_ Ludovisio _and_ Giustiniani. _Of the_ Nipotismo _of_ Urban _the Eighth_. _Of the Praises given to this_ Nipotismo, _by those who have writ the Life of_ Urban. _Of the Policy of the Nephews of the_ Popes. _Of the most remarkable Passages of the Life of_ Urban. _How the Writers did dissemble all the ill done by him_. _Of the_ Barberins _Proceedings towards the Emperour and King of_ Poland. _Of the scandal which the_ Protestants _themselves did receive from their Dealings_. _Of the Designs of_ Gregory _the Fifteenth_, _to destroy the_ Protestants. _How Cardinal_ Ludovisio _his Nephew was of another Opinion_. _Of the pains that_ Gregory _took to get into his hands_ Marc Anthony de Dominis, _who was fled to_ London. _How the Prince Elector’s Library was given to the_ Pope. _Of the Zeal of_ Paul _the Fifth towards the defence of the Ecclesiastick Jurisdiction_. _Of the hatred he bore to the State of_ Venice. _How dangerous the Excommunication of the_ Venetians _was to all_ Italy. _Of the great constance of the_ Venetian _Senate_. _Of the Troubles of the Church in the_ Pontificate _of_ Clement _the Eighth_. _How he opposed himself to_ Henry _the Fourth King of_ France. _Of that King’s Resolution_. _Of the Proceedings of_ Sixtus _the Fifth towards his Kindred_. _How he banished one of his Relations_. _Of his_ Nipotismo, _that did the Church neither good nor harm_. _Of the Resolution of_ Sixtus, _to Excommunicate_ Henry _the Third of_ France. _How the Cardinals opposed it_. _Of that King’s Death_. _How_ Sixtus _did not much care to assist the League in_ France. _Of some Particularities of the_ Nipotismo _of_ Gregory _the Fifteenth_. _Of the great disorder that was in_ Rome _in the time of_ Paul _the Fourth_. _Of the Cardinal_ Caraffa _that died last_: _And of some other Particularities about other_ Popes.

THAT which we have said in the precedent Book, is rather a Panegyrick for the _Popes_ and their Nephews, than a true dis-interessed Relation, becoming a History: Therefore lest our _Nipotismo_ should lose its Soul, and that which will make it live, we must fall into our wonted indifference; and by saying all the ill, and all the good that can be said of the _Nipotismo_, perswade our Reader, as it is true, That we have no other Design, than to relate freely and without interest its concerns.

Thus doing, the _Popes_ will have no reason to complain; since the ill that is said, will be recompensed by the good; and the _Romans_, or my other Readers, will not tax the Author of partiality or flattery, since he so freely writes all that comes to his knowledge for the instruction of the Publick.

Therefore we will treat in this Book, of all the good and all the mischief, that the Nephews of the _Popes_ have done to the Church, ever since _Sixtus_ the Fourth. Their good actions shall be set out, that the Memory of the dead may be revived, and due Honour given to the living that deserve it. And their ill deeds shall not be forgotten, that they may be hated by all Mankind; and that the Nephews of the _Popes_ to come, hearing the blame they undergo, may learn to esteem good actions, and avoid ill ones.

But the greatest difficulty that I find in the execution of this my design, will be, how to separate the good Corn from the Tares: for all that the _Nipotismo_ does, is thought good and just by them, though never so wicked; and the _Romans_, on the contrary, will scarce allow of any of their actions, though never so virtuous.

Christ has often compared in his Gospel the Church to a Field; and indeed it was a very fit Metaphor: for, like a Field, it has always been either sowed, or mowed; and it is a hard matter to know, whether the number of the Sowers does exceed that of the Mowers, though their Employment be very different.

But certainly we may say, That the _Popes_ Nephews have always been the Mowers, and the rest of Christian Princes the Sowers. And as Princes have made no difficulty of taxing themselves and their Subjects, and parting with the dearest fruits of their labours, to give to the Church; so the _Pope’s_ Nephews have made no scruple of dissipating and spending in their Pastimes and Pleasures, that which Princes had spared out of their own Treasure for them.

What would _Constantine_, _Pepin_, _Charlemagne_, the Countess _Mathilda_, and so many other Princes say, if they should come into the World again, to see those Lands and Revenues, which they so charitably gave to the Church, divided, and cast lots for, as his Vestments? Truly I think, that they would now think it as a pious Work, to take from the Church-men by force, that which they had before given so willingly: and this because they would deliver so many People from the intolerable oppression of these _Nipotismo’s_. And indeed their insatiability is such, that the Church and the State, ruined and spoiled as it is by so many hungry _Nipotismo’s_, would scarce suffice for their maintenance, if Forreign Princes did not take a pride in enriching the Church by great Revenues, which are all devoured by the hungry _Nipotismo’s_; who are very justly compared to the _Hydra’s_ Heads, whereof one was no sooner cut off, but there sprung seven worse and more envenomed in the place.

It is a kind of a Miracle to me, to hear Princes murmur at the disorders the _Nipotismo’s_ commit, in robbing the Church, and perverting the use of its Riches; And yet to see those very same Princes contribute out of their own Revenues, and their Peoples Sweat and Labour, towards the enriching of those that they blame.

I think it would be as great a piece of Justice to punish those that are robb’d, as to chastise him that commits the Theft: For if so, the number of Thieves would diminish infinitely; since every body then would take as much care in preserving, as the Thief could use Art in stealing. Whereas now every one relying upon the surety of the Publick Laws, and the punishment that attends those that violate them, does as it were give an occasion of offending against them; and as the Proverb says, _The Occasion makes the Thief_; which is as much as to say, That they that are negligent in preserving their own, are the cause that others have a mind to it.

If Princes following this Truth, did shut up their Treasures, and stop that Stream of Wealth which flows from their States to _Rome_, while they see that it is all ill us’d, and employed to the ruine of the Church and True Religion; certainly the _Pope’s_ Nephews would not commit so many Scandals: neither would the World have so much reason to murmur against them.

But our Complaints are not like to cease, while Princes shall think it honourable and pious to oppress their Subjects, that they may supply the Court of _Rome_: And, on the other side, the _Nipotismo_ shall make no scruple of taking any thing from the Church and State, and alledge for their excuse, _That they take nothing but what is the superfluous part of the Churches Revenue_.

What do so many Abbies, Pensions, and other Revenues, which Princes bestow upon Church-men, serve for; but to weaken so much their own States, and strengthen another Princes? to make that which is Sacred, Profane? turn Crosses into Swords, and Humility into Pride and Majesty? And when they have bestowed thus their Gifts and Presents upon those that do not need them, they are not only forsaken in their greatest distress by Church-men; but are set upon by them, and brought to their ruin, that the Church may have the Soveraignty over their People, in the Place of the lawful Princes.

All the disorders and scandals of the Church, State, and Church-men, take their rise from their Riches. When the Church was poor, Church-men were holy, having nothing to employ their minds about, but the Rules of a Good Life: but since once Riches came amongst them, farewell Holiness of Life; they have not the leisure; they are too much taken up with telling their Money, buying and selling Estates and Princedoms; they forget those spiritual Riches of the Soul, and mind only those that relate to the Pleasures of the Body.

Riches came in by little and little upon the Church, and by the same degrees Sanctity and Holiness of Life went out. They that read the History of the Church, cannot chuse but have discerned all along the truth of what I say.

And yet every one knowing this, and being so forward to complain and murmur against the _Popes_ avarice, and their Nephews prodigality; no body thinks of blaming those that by continual Gifts do every day supply and furnish them with these Instruments of Wickedness.

Christ has declared definitively, and pronounced with his own mouth, in the sixth Chapter of Saint _Matthew_, _That it is impossible to serve God and Mammon_. Now _Mammon_ being interpreted Riches by most, nay by all, the conclusion is, _That it is impossible to serve God and Riches_.

The _Popes_, on the other side, do by their continual practice prove to the World, in enriching their Families, that they are firmly perswaded, that one may at the same time serve God, and the _Mammon_ or Riches of this World; or else certainly they would give over tormenting themselves, to make their Kindred great.

Riches are that _Primum Movens_ which set the Sphere of the _Nipotismo_ a going; and we may say, That in this Heaven of theirs, they are no less devout than poor simple Women are, to purchase that which is promised them by the Church of_ Rome_: For as the one falls down before a Crucifix, and adores the Altar, to gain Indulgences; so do the _Pope’s_ Nephews prostrate themselves before their Treasures, and believe that they obtain the pardon of all their faults, in worshipping the Coffers in which they have buried the Churches Riches.

Now if Christ has said, _That there is no serving God and Riches_, How can the _Popes_ give their Nephews leave to serve Riches and God? Have the _Popes_ the Power of giving our Saviour the Lie? For what is it else? For either they believe not Christ’s Words to be true, or else they are resolved to contradict them in their Practice; both which are abominable to any rational or serious Christian: though I believe that in _Italy_ there are thousands who, frighted by the Inquisition, would rather answer, _That Christ was mistaken in his Doctrine_, than say, _That the_ Pope _does amiss in his Practice_.

About four years ago I was in _Bagni del Vallé_, a Town so called; where, amongst others, was a Father of the Order of Saint _Augustine_, by name Father _Paolo Segani_, who called himself a Preacher; though for my part I believe he was so far from being a good Divine, that he was scarce Master of the Rules of _Grammar_ in the _Latin_ Tongue.

This good Father was one day engaged in a Dispute with a Protestant Gentleman, about the Infallibility of the _Pope_; and there were many of both Religions present, amongst whom I was one. The _Protestant_ was a _Frenchman_, called _Jean Antony Guerin_, a Doctor of Physick, and a very ingenious Gentleman; but one who excelled in the knowledge of the Holy Scripture, and did so well understand all the hard Passages of it, that the Ministers of his Religion did often take great pleasure to hear him discourse with so much ability about it.

The Dispute on the Catholick’s side was most spent in Words, he being able to answer to all the Protestant’s Reasons with nothing but a Negative, and say, _It is not true_, _That is false_.

But at last, as they grew warm, the Protestant pressing closer upon him, put this Question to him, on purpose because he saw him so ignorant. _Whether or no it were easier for Christ to have err’d in delivering his Gospel_, _than for the_ Pope _to erre in his Decrees_?

At this the Monk smiled, and thinking to hit the nail on the head, answer’d him boldly, _That he believed that Christ_, _as Man_, _might have erred_; _but that the_ Pope, _as God_, _could not erre_.

At this Answer the Protestant burst out a laughing, and so did some _Swisser_ Ladies, who without doubt had more wit and discernment in matters of Religion, than this impertinent Monk. And thus the Dispute ceased; the Protestant contenting himself to have shewed the others Ignorance, and the Monk thinking he had answer’d most invincibly.

And indeed, in what Soul or Mind can this Opinion be receiv’d, That the _Pope_ is more infallible than Christ; That God should fail in his Words, and a _Pope_ be infallible in His Decrees? O Blasphemy, and horrible Error in the poor abus’d People! who give more credit to the _Pope’s_ words, than to Christ’s own Gospel.

It has been observed, that in the _Popes_ Families there has been Saints, even amongst their inferiour rank of their Servants; and yet there never was any of their Nephews Saints. I have turned over great Volumes of the Church-History, a purpose to see if amongst that great number of men, who are said to has performed Miracles, there were any one of a Nipotismo to be found amongst them: But truly I lost my pains; for the _Popes_, who have filled up the _Roman_ Kalendar with thousands of Saints, have not yet been able to place one of their Nephews there. And indeed, how is it possible that they, that live in delight and greatness, should have room amongst those that have purchased their place in heaven by sufferings and poverty?

And me-thinks, it is a sad thing to observe for the Nephews, that all the harm the Church has received was from those amongst them that shewed the strongest Propension to Riches and Power: whereas all the good that has been done by them comes from those amongst them that have been moderate, and contented with ordinary riches. And now if we measure the good by these moderate men, and the ill by the insatiable, the number of the last being much greater than that of the first, will demonstrate to us that the damage the Church receives from the _Nipotismo_ is much greater then the good they ever did or will do to it.

In the time that _Urban_ the eighth Excommunicated the _Lucheses_ for going about to repress the Insolence of Church-men in their State; all the _Italian_ Princes sided with them, not out of any particular affection to them, but out of a politick reason, they being all concern’d in the loss of _Lucca_, for thereby the Ecclesiastick State and the pride of the _Nipotismo_ would have been encreased. And yet no body for all this durst say any thing against the _Pope’s_ Person or Authority, but lay all the fault upon the _Nipotismo_; As one day I heard a Senator of _Venice_ discoursing in these words:

_Italy has little reason to complain of the_ Popes, _but it has a great deal to murmur against their Nephews_. Urban _would be good and holy if_ Francesco Antonio _and_ Tadeo Barberini _were not devils_; _but as his affection blinds him to them_, _so does their pride blind them in their conduct towards Princes_. _Because they __have a Vail drawn over their eyes_, _they think that all the world must be one colour_. _And they are so busied from morning to night in disposing of that vast Treasure which they have already gathered_, _and in inventing new waies to purchase more_, _that they think not of getting the favour of those Princes who will remain such when the_ Barberins _shall cease to be Lords and Masters_. _If their Interest had not so great an Empire over them they would govern the Church better_; _and in a word_, _the Church would be in them_, _and not they in the Church_.

But what a strange Sacrilegious opinion is that which is maintained by the Divines of the Church of _Rome_? viz. _That one who has got his riches by Extortions_, _and oppressing of the poor_, _and any wicked way_, _is not obliged to a restitution to the poor_: _But it is enough if when he dies he leaves his Estate to some Church_, _founds a Monastery_, _or an Hospital_; as if it were lawful to transgress the Law of God, and bring ones self into a state of damnation to satisfie that covetous and insatiable humour of the Church-men.

If the Walls of _Rome_ could speak, and the Fabricks of so many stately Cloysters had mouths to make themselves heard; if those vast Palaces of the _Nipotismos_ were animated; Oh! How many tender-hearted Christians would be fain to forsake the City, and retire into desarts, that they might not hear the stones complain for the poor, and lament their misfortune?

_Ferdinand_, Second Duke of _Toscany_, having a great deal of reason to complain of the _Barberins_ proceedings towards him, said one day to one who was about to go in Pilgrimage to _Rome_: _That the holiest Temple __that he should see there would be the_ Barberins _Palace_, _for that it was cemented and built with the bloud of many Martyrs_.

If any body in _Rome_ should steal but the value of six pence in his greatest necessity from a Priest, without doubt the _Nipotismo_, who has the Government of the City in their hands, would cause him to be hang’d immediately: and yet they that rob and spoyl the Church go off free, and without any punishment.

Every day there comes out some new Order from the Datary-Office for the reformation of the abuses committed by Church-men in their employments; and the _Popes_ do give often particular Commissions to This and That Cardinal to enquire into the lives of the Monks, and take away those Scandals which do every day encrease: And yet for all this the _Romans_ observe, that the more the Decrees of Reformation are, the more are the Vices multiplied; the disease being so stabborn and inveterate, that it grows worse when the Physician goes about to apply remedies to it.

The _Pope’s_ subjects curse the _Nipotismo_ for their Tyranny and Extortions. Christendom is scandalized to see that they little believe that Religion of which they make so great Profession. The Church weeps and sheds tears to see its bowels gnawn and torn by the _Nipotismo_. The State, weakned by so many Taxes and Oppressions, sends its cries to Heaven against them. The Monks exclaim, seeing that the _Nipotismo’s_ Avarice deprives them of their Profit, and makes them contribute towards the maintenance of their Grandeur. Princes and Embassadours retire discontented from _Rome_, not being able to endure the _Nipotismo’s_ insolence. The Altars themselves are often forsaken and stand empty, the Nephews refusing to grant Indulgences without money.

Certainly these abuses, these disorders, these scandals should drive the _Popes_ out of _Rome_. That Gardener that does only cut the top of the Weeds, and not root them out, is but an ill Gardener. But how can the _Popes_ reform the abuses of the Church, if they do not begin with their Nephews? For it would also else be a very preposterous Reformation that should begin with the Effect, and leave the Cause untouched. Some say, that the _Popes_ are holy in the Reformations of the Breviary, and the chastizing of the _Romans_ for their faults: But they are devils in leaving the crimes of their Nephews unpunished; for they trusting to their Uncles Indulgence, do slack the Reins, which should curb the natural inclination which we all have to do ill.

But it is now time to enter into a particular Narration of the good and hurt the Church has received from the _Nipotismo_; and as we begun their History at _Sixtus_ the fourth, and continued it down to _Alexander_ the seventh now reigning: So we will now begin at _Alexander_, and trace it backwards up to _Sixtus_ the fourth.

The first mischief, and indeed the most considerable one, caused by the _Nipotismo_ of _Alexander_, was the change made by them in the _Pope_; whom from godly, pious, and inclin’d to mortification, they have made sensual and ambitious.

_Alexander_ in the first months of his elevation to the Popedom had so taken upon him the profession of an Evangelical life, that he was wont to season his meat with ashes, to sleep upon a hard Couch, to hate Riches, Glory, and Pomp; taking a great pleasure to give audience to Embassadours in a Chamber full of dead mens skuls, and in the sight of his Coffin, which stood there to put him in mind of his death.

The Cardinals, the Princes, the Prelates, the _Romans_ were all touched with so pious an Example, and did begin to think of reforming their lives. The Hereticks themselves did bear that respect to his Holiness, as to prostrate themselves in the streets, when he went through _Rome_, not so much in fear of his Majesty, as in honour of his Vertue. Divers French Protestants came on purpose to _Rome_ to know whether his words did answer his reputation, and if he did really lead the life he was said to lead. The noyse of his Sanctity being so great in _France_, that it was almost impossible to believe all that was said of it.

Thus lived _Alexander_, while he lived without a _Nipotismo_: But no sooner had they set their feet in _Rome_ but the _Pope_ changed his nature, or rather came to himself; for instead of Humility, succeeded Vanity; his Mortification vanished, and his hard Couch, was changed into a soft Feather-bed; his dead-mens skuls, into so many Jewels; and his thoughts of death, into eternal designs of Ambition and Grandeur: Filling up his empty Coffin with Money, as if he had a design to corrupt death, and purchase life with Riches.

Hereupon a publick Minister, returning from his Audience the very same day that the _Nipotismo_ came to _Rome_; and having felicitated his Holiness upon their arrival, said, as soon as he came home, to one of his friends these very words: _He is not of the same humour he was wont to be_; _he was us’d to stand with __his eyes fixed upon the ground_, _and now he does nothing but fix them upon_ Don Agostino; _Heretofore we did hear him sigh_ often, _and now he is as inclined to laugh_. _I am afraid the_ Nipotismo _has already spoyled him_.

This is the first harm that they have done the Church. I do not know what good they may do hereafter, but hitherto they have done so little that it is invisible; whereas the mischief they are Authors of, is obvious to all eyes. _Don Mario_, who is the _Pope’s_ Brother, and the Head of the _Nipotismo_, does exercise his place of Governour of _Rome_ with so much Tyranny, that the City it self is become odious to many Families of quality, who have left and removed to other Towns, that they might not be any longer subject to one who gives occasion of complaint to the People, the Gentry, and Strangers; For he is not only averse from doing curtesies, and inexorable in punishments; but he is inclin’d to disgust all those who, having to do with him, do not appease his angry genius with money.

Besides, assuming to himself, in the Government of the _Borgo_, a greater Authority than does belong to him of right, he does, as it were eclipse and stifle the jurisdiction of the Governour of _Rome_; who often is forced to own those faults of which he is innocent, _Don Mario_ laying upon him all the miscarriages, and taking to himself all the profit of both places. For proof of this I will bring an example which will never be forgot by Posterity.

In the time that the Duke of _Crequy_ received that affront to see his Coach assaulted and fired upon by the _Pope’s_ Guards; the _Cardinal Imperiale_, who was then Governour of _Rome_, was so innocent of this accident, that he did not so much as know of it till it was past, and then he found that _Don Mario_ had so engag’d him in it, that there was no retiring; and indeed though he have since made a Journey into _France_ to justifie himself: nevertheless the French Court, who cannot forget the affront done the King and Nation, can less avoid remembring of Cardinal _Imperiale_, who was charged as the Author of it.

And yet they are very well informed that the design was laid by _Don Mario_, and the execution only charged upon Cardinal _Imperiale_, who has been fain to endure that humiliation and punishment which did belong to the other.

Indeed if the _Pope_ had not in good time made satisfaction for the Injury, the _French_ King was resolved to seek his reparation by his Sword; not against the _Pope_, who knew nothing of the business till after it was brought about; but against his Brother, who had set _Imperiale_ upon the execution of it.

But in the reparation, the Church was the most endammaged; for besides the loss of its honour, and that respect which was wont to be borne to it, it received a very great blow in its strength and riches: for not only the _Pope’s Nuncio_ was immediately sent away from the French Court, but also his Vice-Legat was driven from _Avignon_, and the Court of _Rome_ was forced to entertain an Army all the time of the Treaty, and before, for fear of being surpriz’d by the Kings Forces; and when it did come to an agreement, it was concluded in a dishonourable and shameful way for _Rome_, and for the Church. This is the good and profit that the Signor _Don Mario_ has brought to the Church; and yet in the Articles of Peace there was little or no mention made of his person.

The _Pope_, for all this, is so pre-possessed with a good opinion of him, that he does give him thereby an occasion, and almost an invitation of committing more _mischief_, than he would do otherwise.

But if _Don Mario_ has been useless, or rather prejudicial to the Church, certainly _Don Agostino_, his Nephew, has been little better: He is one that would seem to be born to an Empire; and were it _Alexander’s_ or _Cæsar’s_ he did enjoy, he would not show a more lofty carriage, nor affect a greater insolence.

When he goes through the City, he does so little regard any body, that he is scarce induced to salute those Gentlemen that civilly do prevent him by pulling off their hats first: but he never begins to any body, no not to a Prince; which is so odious, that for that only pleasure of seeing his pride abated, the Romans do wish the _Pope’s_ death.

He did, what lay in his power, to make an eternal Enemy of the Family of the _Colonna’s_; which is the noblest and best beloved of _Rome_, and countenanced by the greatest Monarchs of Christendom; and if the _Pope_ had not wisely caused satisfaction to be made for the affront done to the _Colonnas_ at the Theatre, the Family of the _Chigi_ would have incurred the enmity of a House, which in time might have been revenged, or at least in the quarrel the City of _Rome_ would have been divided, and in a kinde of War within its self.

The Cardinal _Padrone_ too on his side giving himself too much up to sensual pleasures, is the cause of great disorders in the Court and Church; for all the Congregations of Cardinals, of which he is the head, are much puzled how to deal with, and humour a man, who cares for nothing less than that which is committed to his care. Some of the Cardinals and Prelates take example by him, and do commit great scandals; for which they excuse themselves by saying, _That the Cardinal_ Padrone _does commit greater_. And thus betwixt them the poor Church is ill serv’d in both its Temporal and Spiritual.

I have nothing to say of the other Nephews and Kindred of the _Pope_; for supposed they had good inclinations, they have little or no occasion to bring them to effect for the publick good, they being not admitted to any publick employment. And indeed it would be but loss of time for any body to summe up the good this _Nipotismo_ has done the Church; for it is so little, and their ill actions are so many, that it would be stifled by them, like good Corn by Tares.

The people is more oppressed than ever, the City is ill provided, and all things are dear and scarce; the Prelates are discontented, and the money it self is condemned to a perpetual confinement in _Don Mario’s_, and the _Nipotismo’s_ Coffers.

It is a strange thing to see, that the _Popes_ should have the power to perswade others to renounce their fortunes, to run into Monasteries, to embrace Pilgrimages, and Mortifications; and yet not be able to perswade a little moderation to their Nephews, and make them content themselves with that lawful encrease of their Fortunes, which every body is well pleased to allow them: but they must still be laying taxes upon the people, and discontent upon Princes and States.

I have a friend that is of opinion, that by the means of Indulgences, the peoples vices do daily diminish. I know not whether it be true or no, but I am sure that the _Nipotismos_ do daily increase, they little caring for Indulgences, and being of opinion, that the _Pope_ is obliged to open them the door of Paradise by force. And though this may be taken as a facetious conceit, yet I am certain that the _Nipotismos_ in good earnest do little frequent Churches, but are more employed in getting of money, and taking their pleasure.

But now it is time to speak of _Innocentius_ the 10th. his _Nipotismo_, of which it may be said, that it did a little good, and no hurt; because it was alwayes under the _Popes_ disgrace, and _Donna Olympia’s_ oppression; so that none of it were able to show either their malice or their bounty, if they had any: for that good which they did do, may be as well interpreted to proceed from a design of winning the peoples favour, to whom only they could have recourse in their disgrace, as from any good Principles of their own.

But however it were, the poor Church was never the better; for what between _Innocentio’s Capriccios_, and _Donna Olympia’s_ tyranny, it was most miserably governed; and the Court brought into such a disorder, that the like was never seen before, nor I hope will not be hereafter: since the impression and mark of those blows which it received then are still to be seen in the face of the Church, and will appear to fright all those that should go about to bring a like scandal upon it.

And first the renunciation of the Cardinals Cap made by Prince _Pamphilio_, though it were in it self a very necessary action, for the preservation of the _Pamphilian_ Family, was nevertheless scandalous and injurious to the Churches reputation; the more because being made without his Uncle’s consent, it so looked as if this eminent Dignity of Cardinal were a thing to make sport with, and a profession as easily cast off without shame, as it is ordinarily conferred without merit.

But this had been but an inconsiderable fault, which would have been forgiven without pain in this disorderly age, if all Christendom had not been offended by the tyrannical government of the proud _Donna Olympia_; who having usurped that power which the _Popes_ do ordinarily confer on the _Nipotismo_, had brought them to such a desperate case, that they did almost revolt against their Uncle; whose humorsome fancy did make such work by displacing one, and putting in another, sometimes a true, sometimes a false Nephew, and sometimes governing without any at all, that the most patient and unconcern’d spectator could not behold so capricious a Prince without indignation.

_The Nipotismo_ being by _Donna Olympia’s_ means depriv’d of the power of doing good, had nevertheless the faculty of doing mischief left them; and the Lady would have been well pleased with it, for she did seek after all occasions of making them odious to the _Pope_, and to every body else: but they perceiving her design, became good, or at least innocent, out of spight, that the imputation of all the miscarriages might fall upon her alone, they being not disposed to bear a part of the pain, who had none in the pleasure.

For this reason the Prince _Pamphilio_ was alwayes most obliging and ready to serve the Church, and those that requir’d his assistance; giving therein demonstrations of his good nature, and hopes that he might one day rule better with his natural simplicity and equity, then _Donna Olympia_ with her refin’d, but wicked policies.

So the two Princes _Ludovisio_, and _Giustiniani_ did behave themselves with all care and circumspection, out of a design of pleasing the vulgar; since they could not be admitted to please their Uncle, whose affections they had lost, without having any thing laid to their charge that might deserve so severe a punishment. Let us therefore conclude the innocence of this _Nipotismo_, who never had the power of doing any good, nor the convenience of doing any harm to the Church; which nevertheless was severely handled by that impudent and covetous _Donna Olympia_.

Now let us go a step higher, and come to the _Nipotismo_, of _Urban_, or the reign of the _Barberins_; who seemed to be born for the Empire of the world: and of them indeed there is much to be said. For in the space of three and twenty years, there was occasion for every one of them to show his parts and inclinations, and make the world acquainted with their temper.

They that have writ the life of _Urban_, having proposed to themselves no other design than that of pleasing the _Barberins_, do make perpetual Encomiums of his good actions, but pass silently all his ill ones, that they might not lose that favour, which to purchase they had undertaken to transmit such gross flatteries to posterity.

There is no doubt but _Urban_ did very much advantage the Church and State, enriching them with a great number of Hospitals, Churches, Colledges, Libraries, Castles, Forts, Altars, Temples, Canonizations, and Beatifications: but if we consider the greatness of his visible Revenue, for the space of three and twenty year, we shall finde that his expences are inconsiderable compared to it.

I am acquainted with a Roman, who had the curiosity for two years together to inform himself of all the expences of the _Barberins_ in the Pontificate of their Uncle, that is, of all the money they had laid out both for the Church and their own Family, and found by computation, that the publick expense consisted in nine millions and a half of Crowns; and their visible private one in twelve.

Let it not seem strange to any one, if I say visible, for every body knows, that the great policy of the _Nipotismo_ consists in hiding their own expenses, and publishing those that they are at for the Church; whose rotten Walls they ordinarily plaister over with a little Lime and Water, while they build new ones for themselves, covering them with some sad colour that they may hide the expense.

They that will please themselves, let them read the Life of _Urban_, which has been inserted among the rest of the Lives of the _Popes_, composed by _Platina_, and there they will meet with such a quantity of his good works, that they cannot chuse but esteem him as one of the holiest _Popes_ that ever was; but they that are otherwise inform’d, are mov’d to laugh both at the _Pope_ and the Author.

There you shall meet with nothing but, that the _Pope_ visited such a Church, confirmed such a Decree of his Predecessor, gave the people his Benediction from the Church of St. _Jean_ of _Lateran_, visited the Hospital of the Trinity, made a great exhortation to the Bishops, excited the Monks to reform, beautified St. _Andrè Avellino_, received Ambassadors with great state, opened the Holy Year with Magnificence, consecrated the Church of the _Vatican_, gave the title of Cardinalate to the Church of St. _Charles_, re-built the Colledge of the Grecians, _&c._

But all this while not a word of the Progress of _Gustave Adolfe_ in _Germany_, of the Turk in the other parts of Christendom (while the _Pope_ lets them both alone) of the excommunication of the Duke of _Parma_, of that of the State of _Lucca_, of the affront done to the State of _Venice_, of the disrespect show’d to the Crown of _France_ in divers occasions, of the War begun in _Italy_, of the Catholick Religion declining in _Poland_, of the Artifices used in the War of the _Valtolina_, and in a word, of so many miscarriages, and offences given to _Rome_, the State, and all Christendom, by the extravagant passions of the _Barberins_: Of all this I say there is not a syllable, nor the least mention.

Every one knows that _Germany_, the Empire, and the Catholick Religion were upon the brim of their ruine, for want of succour; and yet at that very time the _Barberins_, did make War upon the Princes of _Italy_, with the treasure of the Church; their minde being more bent upon the raising of their Family, than upon the conservation of Christendom.

And the mischief was, that they did so besiege the _Pope_, that there was no means of informing him of the deplorable state of the Affairs of Christendom; for neither the Emperour, nor the King of _Poland_ could ever obtain any answer to their demands, which I believe never came to the knowledge of the _Pope_, no more than their dangers. The _Nipotismo_ answering their Ambassadors conformably to their own interest, without any regard to the Fatherly and Pastoral care, to which their Uncle was bound by the duty of his place.

But that which was worst of all, was, that they did not openly refuse their help, but by delayes and promises keeping still the Emperour and King of _Poland_ in hopes, they made them neglect to make peace with their Enemies, and refuse those conditions, which else they would have accepted, had not the _Barberins_ entertain’d them with the hopes now of an Army, then of a great summe of Money; and at last disappointed them of all.

However the people of the State belonging to the Church were the worse for it; for the _Barberins_ taking occasion from the obligation the _Pope_ was in, to assist these Princes, did thereupon lay most heavy Taxes and Impositions upon both Church-men and Layes: The simple people stirred up by the exhortations of some Preachers who made it their business to declare in their Sermons, That God could not be better pleased then by that assistance given to the distressed Catholicks, did sell all their Jewels and preciousest Houshold-stuff to give away to those that had the Commission of gathering their Benevolence.

Out of these summes which were thus raised, the _Barberins_ did send it may be one or two in the hundred, and this after so long waiting, and by such chargeable wayes, that half of the money was absorbed in the exchange: which the Emperour and King of _Poland_ having perceived, they were fain to give over their soliciting the _Barberins_, and defend themselves as well as they could.

The Protestants themselves, though much rejoycing at the decaying state of the Catholick Religion in _Germany_, were nevertheless infinitely scandalized at the _Pope’s_ proceedings, saying, as it was true, _That the_ Barberins _did the Catholicks more mischief by denying them succour with such dilatory wayes_, _than the Protestants by the force of Arms_.

In a word, I think it is not a hard thing to perswade that the _Barberins_ in the time of their reign did the Church a great deal of mischief; it would be much a harder to convince any body of the good they have done: and it is so difficult a business, that for my part I shall not undertake it; only I will give the _Barberins_ this good counsel, which is, that if they desire to make posterity lose the memory of their ill conduct under their Uncle, they endeavour to get Cardinal _Francesco Barberino_ made _Pope_ after the death of _Alexander_; for so it may be, that as in their Uncle’s time they did much more hurt then good, they will under Cardinal _Francesco_, who is pious and vertuous do more good than hurt.

There is an example of this already in the two _Popes_ of the Family of _la Rovere_; _Sixtus_ the 4th. and _Julius_ the second; for in the time of _Sixtus_ the _Nipotismo_ was most highly guilty towards the Church, and did much harm, and little good; but under _Julius_ it did much good, and little harm: so the same thing may happen for the _Barberins_, if _Francesco_ be made _Pope_.

_Gregory_ the 15th. who was _Urban’s_ Predecessor, lived to do mischief enough, but it seems had no time to do good: of the four parts of the Popedom his Nephew had three, and he one.

All this Popes thoughts were bent upon the Protestants ruine, particularly, he had a spight to _Geneva_, calling it the nest of the Devil; and therefore he pressed the Duke of _Savoy_ to besiege it, promising him great succors of men and money. He likewise assisted with all might and main the Emperour in his War against the Protestants of _Germany_. He failed not to solicit the King of _France_ to torment and molest the _Huguenots_ of his Kingdom, and prevailed with him to do it: which cost him dear, and had like to have proved fatal to his Monarchy, though at last he remained victorious.

The Cardinal _Ludovisio_ his Nephew, quite contrary, did what lay in his power, to quell in his Uncle, this unmeasurable desire of ruining the Protestants, and engaging all Christendom into bloody Wars; but the _Pope_ would never hearken to any thing that he could say about that particular, answering him alwayes in these words, _’Tis enough that I let you do what you will with the Catholicks_; _pray let me have the liberty of doing what I please against the Hereticks our enemies_.

His Remonstrances to Ambassadors upon this Subject, were so frequent at every audience that they were tired with them; and when sometimes the Cardinal _Ludovisio_ would interpose, and say something to qualifie the heat of the _Pope’s_ exaggerations, he would command him to hold his tongue; and sometimes say to him, you have a touch of an Heritick in you.

He did all his endeavours by a thousand plots and Artifices, to reduce _England_ again under the obedience of the Church of _Rome_, but all to no purpose: at last, seeing himself disappointed in this his main design after such pains and expense, he resolved to get back to _Rome_. _Marc Antony de Dominis_, who in the time of _Paul_ the fifth _Gregories_ Predecessor, had left _Italy_, and was fled into England; where, having declared himself Protestant, he did write many shrewd books against the _Pope_, and the Court of _Rome_, as one who was well informed of all its disorders.

The _Pope_, the better to compass his intention, sent to _London_ certain Prelates disguised, who had been heretofore intimate with _Marc Antony_. These, coming to him secretly, promised him not only the _Pope’s_ and the Churches pardon; but also assured him, that he should be made Cardinal at the next promotion. The Archbishop, trusting to the Oaths and Engagement of these Prelates, left _England_, and return’d once more to _Rome_, where he made a recantation of all his Errours, as they call’d them; But a little after, being carefully watched by the _Pope’s_ Spies, they took hold of some words that he said; and having clapt him up in the Inquisition Prison, began to question him for Heresie; and without doubt he had undergone the dreadful fire of the _Roman_ Purgatory, if timely death had not prevented the _Pope’s_ revenge.

In a word, this _Pope_ had undertaken the ruine of all Protestant Princes; wherefore he sent great Succours to the Emperour in his war against the Prince _Palatine_ of _Rhine_, who after some resistance was driven out of his Country, and proclaimed Traytor to the Empire: whereupon his dignity of Prince Elector was conferred upon _Maximilian_, Duke of _Baviere_, a Catholick Prince, much protected by the _Pope_.

And the Emperour, in acknowledgment of the _Pope’s_ zeal and affection, presented him with the Prince _Palatines_ Library, esteemed, for the great number of Manuscripts in all Tongues, one of the most famous of all _Europe_: The _Pope_, having thanked his Imperial Majesty, caused the Library to be transported to _Rome_ with great charge and expence; and as soon as it came, he solemnly sanctified it with his blessing, and so laid it up.

_Paul_ the fifth was almost of the same humour, though he did not undertake things so rashly, but would wisely consider the good and evil that might come of them. It is believed, that in his time an infinite number of Hereticks return’d to the Church of _Rome_; but I am sure, that above a hundred _Italian_ Families forsook their Country, and withdrew into Protestant Princes Territories, where they might freely follow the Rites of their Religion. Particularly, they went to _Geneva_, where great numbers resorted every day, and above all many _Lucheses_, of which some are now aggregated amongst the principal Families of that City.

This _Pope_, though so zealous for the Church, was nevertheless very Indulgent to his Family, who did usurp a power and authority, as prejudicial to the Church as it was offensive to Princes; with whom the _Borgheses_, as well as the _Barberins_, would often enter into contest.