Part 10
The good opinion which the Pope hath of his integrity, is the poison which corrupts all the present Government; for being prepossess’d to his advantage, he lets him do any thing, so he do but maintain plenty of Corn and Meat in _Rome_, and keep the people from murmuring; but things do not go well, nor with any honour to the Pope, for if _Don Mario_ was honest and sincere in _Siena_, he no sooner came to _Rome_, but he chang’d his nature, and made it his business to grow rich by any means whatsoever; though the people send their cryes up to Heaven against him, they come not to the Popes eares, who all this while thinks, that _Don Mario_ of _Rome_ is _Don Mario_ of _Siena_, and there’s the mischeif.
The Cardinal _Flavio Chigi_ his Son deserves neither to be praised, nor blamed for any thing that regards the Government of the Church, in which he is little concern’d; for having the Title of _Padrone_, or _Master_, he exercises his mastership in taking his pleasure, avoiding with all possible means to have any hand in business, least he should perplex his mind, and be diverted from the taste of sensual delights, to which he hath given himself up.
In his Uncles last fit of sickness, that he might not be liable to the imputation of ignorance or incapacity, he bestirr’d himself pretty well, and perform’d the duties belonging to so important a place as his is. His assiduity and care appeared much, and the Embassadours, and people of business were pretty well satisfyed with the goodwill he shewed, being the apter to bear with the smallness of his sufficiency.
But as soon as his Uncle was upon his feet again, the Nephew began to withdraw his neck from the yoke, and not only gave over giving of audience, but feigned himself sick, that no body might trouble him. ’Tis true, that he was really so sometimes out of debauchery, and is forced to keep his bed in good earnest. The Physicians then do never acquaint the Pope with the true cause of his indisposition, though often question’d upon it, because they are afraid of irritating him against his Nephew; who on his side gives them large presents to oblige them to secresie.
He doth not much care to gather riches and treasure, for three reasons. The first is, because his Father is already too much enclin’d that way. The second, because he hath no desire to leave any thing to his Cozen _Don Agostino_. And the third, because he hath no Nephewes to provide for, that branch of his family ending in him. So that he is content with the revenue of his place, which is above 200000 Crowns a year, which he spends nobly amongst his Comerades and Mistresses; it being a common report, that he hath already half a dozen Bastards by divers Courtisans; but for my part I believe they belie him, and lay their children to his charge, as being the ablest to keep them. He would without doubt enjoy his health better then he does if he were temperate, for he is not above five and thirty years old, of a Sanguine temper, with a good mixture of Melancholy, the colour of his beard and haire being the same with his Uncles.
In his Legation in _France_ he got reputation, shewing himself noble and splendid, as also liberal on divers occasions; and certainly he would have been prodigal in his presents, if those Prelates that were with him had not counsel’d him to the contrary; so that he indeed lived after the _French_ fashion, but his dependants after the _Italian_, that is, sparingly.
_Don Agostino_, Son to _Augusto Chigi_, and _Don Sigismond_, his Brother, are much in the Popes favour, and he hath for him much more real love, then for _Don Mario_, or the Cardinal _Flavio_ his Son.
Of _Don Sigismond_ there is little to be said, only that the Pope doth every day bestow upon him some considerable benefice, waiting only till he be of age to make him Cardinal, being now in the year 1667 but 17 years old, which keeps the Pope from admitting him to that honour, though it is thought, that in the first promotion he will not fail to be created Cardinal, and indeed with great deal more reason then Cardinal _Maldachini_ who was promoted for _Donna Olympia’s_ sake, at 18 years old, though much more unworthy of it then _Don Sigismondo_. ’Tis thought, that if the Pope should dye before he were made Cardinal, his inclinations would rather encline him to marriage then to a Batchelors life. But I am not of that opinion, for _Don Agostino_ his Brother hath prevented him in that, by giving, and procuring for him no other but Church Revenues; as Abbyes, and other Benefices, of which, if he should go to marry, he must be devested, and then he would be so poor that he would not meet with a match suitable to his quality.
As for _Don Agostino_, Fortune seems to have espoused his interest; for from his first coming to _Rome_ till this present time, all things have succeeded very Prosperously, and much to his satisfaction, having met with a match according to his desire, and a principality, which was his hearts wish; so he hath nothing left to long for.
This abundance of content hath so taken possession of his Soul, that it hath quite blotted out the remembrance of his former poor condition, insomuch that being puff’d up with pride and insolence, he scornes to take notice of the civilities that the Gentlemen of _Rome_ offer him when he goes through the streets; whereupon he hath contracted the Names of haughty and arrogant, and with them the hatred of almost all the _Romans_.
He never had any inclination to learning; but he hath a good natural disposition for all those exercises which become a Gentleman, and in which he behaves himself very handsomly; he is about 30 years of Age, of a jovial disposition, loving company and mirth, and little troubling himself to purchase riches and treasure, being sure that there are enough to do it for him.
And indeed _Don Mario_, and the rest of the kindred, think of getting what they can every one for themselves; but the Pope takes no care, but for _Don Agostino_, whose purse he has resolv’d to fill as full as he can; and we may conjecture of the Popes tender affection for _Don Agostino_ by three things which he hath done for him since his coming to _Rome_.
The first was, that the Nipotismo had no sooner taken possession of the Vatican, but it pretended to give Lawes, not only to _Rome_, but to the Pope himself, and that in the dispensation of his favours to: and thus it was.
_Don Mario_, the Popes elder brother, being the head of the Family, did pretend, that one being to marry to preserve the Family, it did belong to his Son _Flavio_, and the rather, because his inclination did lead him that way; but the Pope, who had a great affection for the memory of his brother _Augusto_, refused to condescend to _Don Mario’s_ desire, but declared _Flavio_ Cardinal Padrone, and resolved to marry _Don Agostino_, little troubling himself at his elder brothers grumbling.
From hence sprung some dissention, which from day to day encreases between the family of _Don Agostino_, and that of _Don Mario_, to the Popes great discontent, who to sweeten a little the bitterness of this Pill, gave _Don Mario_ leave to call his Daughters, and their husbands to _Rome_; where he desir’d they should be respected as his Relations, and he accorded to _Don Agostino_, that his brother _Sigismond_ might also be sent for, to whom he gave good Church Revenues. This seem’d to have pleased them all, and exteriourly they shewed content and satisfaction, but secretly, and in their hearts, they do like right _Italians_, that is, preserve the memory of their injuries, and a desire to be reveng’d. And to begin; The Cardinal _Flavio_ little cares to get riches; and if he do get, he spends it most prodigally, being resolved to leave _Don Agostino_ as little as he can.
This dissipation which the Cardinal makes of his revenue, cannot choose but displease _Don Agostino_, seeing that it is not so much the Cardinals inclinations, as a desire to offend him that causes this prodigality; whereupon he infers likewise, that that vast heap of treasure which _Don Mario_ hath got together, will not be for him, but for his Daughters, who are married into others Families; and I believe in this he is not mistaken, for _Don Mario’s_ affection to his Daughters is very great.
The Pope in the mean time can scarce show any kindness to any one of them; but it is presently taken ill by the others. _Doth my Cozen_, sayes _Don Agostino_, _think it so inconsiderable a thing to be Cardinal_ Padrone, _and mannage all State affairs_, _to have the disposal of all favours at Court_, _to treat with Embassadours_, _to have the keyes of the Popes Closet_, _to govern the Chancery and Secretary at his pleasure_? _What can he desire more then to be a second Pope_!
But the Cardinal answers all this by saying, that the care of business, and the Title of _Padrone_ are not things given him out of a design to honour him, for they are his perpetual torment, and keep him from rest in the day time, and sleep in the night. _But doth my Cozen_, sayes the Cardinal, _think it little to have been made Prince of a Principality hereditary to his Family_, _to have married a lovely Princess_, _with the enjoyment of all pleasures_, _the applause of the Court_, _and the liberty of living as he pleases_? _are these things to be compared to the weight of a Cardinals employment_, _in whose death all dyes with him_, _and hath not the satisfaction to see himself re-produced in this world_?
In these duels of competition is the present Nipotismo perpetually engaged; depriving themselves of the enjoyment of that happiness which their good fortune hath so liberally bestowed upon them. ’Tis true, that these complaints are made but to their neerest friends and confidents.
_Don Agostino_, to say true, is much more in the right, then the Cardinal, the Pope being much more oblig’d to advance him then any of them; for he is Son to that _Augusto_, brother of the Pope, who maintain’d the Pope at his expenses in the University, supplying him afterwards with good summes of mony from time to time, without which he had undoubtedly been stopt in his course, and never been able to arrive to that pitch of Grandeur he is now in: Therefore _Don Mario_ is unjust, and _Don Agostino_ very just in his complaints; for the kindness which the Pope receiv’d from his Father, can expect no less then a Noble retribution to the Son, whereas all that the Pope doth for _Don Mario_ and his Son, ’tis out of pure favour, without any desert.
These jealousies, however they may be prejudicial to the Popes Family, yet are they very advantagious to the Church; for if they were all agreed, woe would be to _Rome_, and the Church: such would be sucked by them all, like so many Bees; but being divided, they stand in fear of one another, and dare not do unbeseeming actions: for while _Don Mario_ would have all to himself, and leave nothing for his Nephew, and that on the other side, the Nephew would have all for himself, and deprive his Uncle and Cozen of their share, they hinder one another, and _Rome_ and the Church fare the better for it.
The second demonstration of singular affection, which the Pope bears to _Don Agostino_, is his Marriage: for as soon as he saw him, he liked him so well, that he resolv’d to match with the greatest fortune of Rome, which was then the Princess _Borghese_, daughter to the Princess of _Rossano_, very rich, and having but one sickly brother, and therefore looked upon as an heiress; but however, her portion was two hundred thousand crowns in mony, besides the hereditary estate, which was in her brothers hands.
This match did not at first succeed with that easiness that was imagin’d, though the Pope employed in the compassing of it, the Jesuites Rhetorick; for the Prince Uncle, to the young Lady, had a greater inclination for the Son of the Great Constable _Colonna_, an accomplish’d young Gentleman, and already much in the Ladies favour. Therefore to avoid the match, he pretended, that indeed he did take it as a great honour to have his Neece so allyed to his Holiness, but did desire to see _Don Agostino_ better provided for, and in possession of some eminent rank in the world, that his neece might still maintain the degree of Princess she had already. Upon this the Pope did every day straine himself to make his Nephew appear greater and greater, giving places of great profit and honour, and endeavouring to buy him a Principality, which at last he effected; and though it were some disgust to him to see the Prince stand thus upon his termes, and make no other account of the honour of his Alliance; yet seeing that there was not in _Rome_ such another match to be found out, he did continually keep some Irons in the fire. Above all others, Father _Palavicinio_ a Jesuite did bestir himself in it, and as he was one day pressing the Prince, who told him, that _Don Agostino_ was not yet sufficiently provided for; he answer’d, _If the Pope should dye to day_ Don Agostino _would have ready money enough_, _to buy ten Principalities_.
While things were thus treating, the Prince _Borghese_, Tutour to the young Lady, died suddenly, so that she fell into the Tutelage of the Princess her Grandmother, a Lady of incomparable Piety, and one who shames by her good life, even the Nuns themselves, she does so much outdoe them.
The Princess of _Rossano_ is her Daughter, and Mother to the young Lady, and she to get the Popes favour, and have some part in the _Vatican_, which she hath alwayes been ambitious of, accepted the Propositions, and contributed much to the Conclusion of the Match, which was almost broke off, in which _Don Agostino_ hath a great deal of reason to be happy, having a lovely, handsome Lady, with two hundred thousand Crowns to her portion.
The Pope was transported with joy; and being naturally generous, he resolv’d that the wedding should be kept with all the magnificence imaginable, having assigned to _Don Agostino_ a hundred thousand Crowns for the expences of it, which he accordingly layed out most nobly. Besides this summe which was spent in Bals, Feastings, and Banquets, he presented the Bride with Diamonds, Pearls, and the Rose, which every year is given to some Princess to the value of 20000 Crowns, and yet in this very time the Catholick Religion was much endanger’d in _Germany_.
_Don Agostino_ after his wedding was over became so arrogant, that not being able to contain his passion, he was heard to say these words, _That he had a greater joy to have got the better of his Rival_ Colonna, _then to have obtain’d so great a Princess for Wife_: which coming to the _Colonnesses_ Ears, the Constable the Father made answer, That _his Son had reason to have desir’d the Princess_, _because he had merit enough to obtain her_; _but that_ Don Agostino _was beholding to his Uncles authority_, _without which he had never had her_.
And indeed the young _Colonna_ lost nothing by staying; three or four year after he married Cardinal _Mazarines_ Neece, the Princess _Maria Mancini_, a most accomplish’d Lady, and one who brought him above a hundred thousand Crowns to her portion.
As for the third demonstration of the Popes love to _Don Agostino_, it appear’d in the great ardour and desire he showed to make him a Prince; ’tis true, that the articles of Marriage carried, that out of the Ladies portion there should be bought a Principality, as if _Don Agostino_ had not so much deserv’d the Princess as the Popes Nephew, as in the consideration of his being a Prince which was a little infamous to the Pope.
And yet for all this the Pope would not suffer that the Principality should be bought out of the Princesse’s portion, but with a new generosity gave to _Don Agostino_ seventy thousand Crowns, with which he bought the Principality of _Farneze_, in the Patrimony of St. _Peter_, and was declared Prince, not only by the Pope, but by the Emperour, the said Principality being a feef of the Empire.
To these three effects of kindness adde the desire that the Pope hath to gather riches for _Don Agostino_, for whom he knowes that none of the rest will provide, and certainly you will conclude him to be a very loving Uncle.
The other two Nephews are, as I have said, Sons to one of the Popes sisters, married in the Family of _Bichi_; one of whom is Cardinal and Bishop of _Osimo_; and the other Knight of _Malta_, and General of the Popes Gallies.
The Cardinal at his first coming to _Rome_ was not very acceptable to the Pope; as well because he thought he had done enough in promoting him to the dignity of Cardinal, as, because he wanted capacity for any high employment. ’Tis true, that he had not been long at Court, but he began to lay aside a certain simplicity, which seemed natural to him, and with which he govern’d very well his Bishoprick, and endeavour’d to learn the Arts of Government and Negotiation, whereupon his Cozen _Floro_ gave a good Character of him to the Pope, not out of any design to oblige him, but out of a lazy principle which made him glad to find out any body upon whom he might lay a part of his burden, and this recommendation was not without good effects for Cardinal _Bichi_, for since that time the Pope hath admitted him into divers particular Congregations, and does make use of him in some occurrences, but very seldome the said Cardinal, being not in truth a man of any great wisdome.
The other Brother, who is Prior of his Order, and General of the Popes Galleys seems to be more favourably looked upon for the Pope; often calls him to him, and grants him many more favours then to the other.
This Gentleman hath got a great reputation in the World of a very ingenious person, and well versed in all Sciences, but for my part I could never find out the root, whence did spring so much desert, for he never did any thing in the world worthy an applause: he hath been sent above four times with his Galleys to the help of the _Venetians_ in _Candia_, where he never did any thing like a Knight of _Malta_; for he was alwayes afraid of fighting, even when he was cover’d by the _Venetian_ Galleys, who alwayes were the first that engaged their lives and honour.
And all this proceeded, because he did not trust his people that he had aboard; and he did not trust them, because he knew they had reason to hate him, as having defrauded them of their pay; for he did appropriate to himself most of that mony which the Pope allowed for the entertaining of his Soldiers and Stewes, who never were worse provided for then under this Noble Gentlemans command.
But I think that it is the complements which the prior _Bichi_ makes to every body that deceives them, and they are so taken with his Civility as naturally the _Romans_ are, that they in revenge give him those qualities which he is far from possessing.
His intention is to be Cardinal, whereupon every time he goes to see his brother he puts on his Brothers red Hat, and tryes it, to see how it sits upon his head. But I am afraid he will loose his longing; for the Nipotismo of the _Chigi_ are much against it; and the Pope himself hath declar’d that he will not make two Brothers Cardinals at the same time. Withall this the Prior Courts his Cozens with the profoundest respect, and the greatest submission that the lowest Courtier in _Rome_ would employ, and all to no purpose; for they all see that he aimes at the red Cap, which they are resolv’d to hinder him from attaining. And the reason why they are so averse to his promotion is, because they know him to be humorous, and apt to sow discord and dissention amongst them, which I believe he would go neer to do, if he had the liberty of talking, which a Cardinal hath.
Now if we will say something of the Women, who also serve to make up the Nipotismo, we must begin with the Lady _Berenice Don Mario’s_ Wife.
This Lady is of the Noble Family of _La Civia_, one of the considerablest of the City of _Siena_, but ill provided for by Fortune. Her husband loves her, and indeed she hath qualities that do deserve his love, being very witty, and civil, she had not been two year in _Rome_, but she was mistress of all the Court Arts, and way of living, to the great satisfaction of Embassadors, and Princes; who according to the custome of the Court go to wait upon her sometimes, where they are not a little surpriz’d to hear her discourse so well and easily of things which they only which have been bred all their life amongst Queens and Princesses can talk of, and they are the more pleased, because she does shew amidst all this capacity a great deal of modesty, which gaines the affection and respect of those that have occasion to treat with her.
_Don Mario_ her Husband is above eighteen years older then she, who is not above three and fifty, and is so fresh at that age, that one would scarce give her forty, she being subject to no infirmity at all. At her first coming to _Rome_, the Pope declar’d, that he would see her very seldome, giving her leave to demand any favour by her Husbands means, but nothing by word of mouth; and he did this to show, what a horrour he had for that impudence, with which _Donna Olympia_ used the Pope _Innocent_, to his great dishonour, and is thought, that one of the great reasons, that made this Pope keep his Kindred at such a distance for a great while, was, because he was afraid of bringing his Brothers Wife into the _Vatican_ with his Brother, the very name of a Sister in law being a most odious thing to the _Romans_, for _Donna Olympia’s_ sake; but indeed, _Donna Berenice_ is another sort of woman, and one who shews modesty and reservedness in all her carriage, being unwilling to meddle with any thing to which she is not call’d.
There is nothing to be said of this Ladies Daughters, except that the Popedom is come in good time into the Family of the _Chigi_, for else they and their Husbands had been brought very low; for when they were married they had nothing, and their Husbands but very little, which was almost consum’d by the charge of children coming on every day.
The Pope, to content the Father and Mother, gave these Ladies leave to appear in _Rome_, where they were receiv’d and treated very obligingly, by their brother the Cardinal _Padrone_, and were also visited by all the _Roman_ Nobility, and by the Ambassadours and Princes.
_Don Agostino_ was also very kind to them, though with reserve, being somewhat jealous to see them so near the Pope, whose benevolence and good will he would fain ingross for the Masculine line of the Family: And in publick the Pope did not give any demonstrations of particular favour to them, that he might not increase _Don Agostino’s_ jealousies, and the Courts murmurs; but in private he bestowed upon each of them three thousand Crowns; and in giving them this money, he said two or three times, That _what he did was out of charity_; _and that it was not his design to dissipate and spend the Churches Revenue upon his Kindred_: And these Ladies, who were born in _Siena_, and not in _Spain_, were not so scrupulously addicted to preserve the honour of their Gentility, as to refuse such Almes, as a _Spaniard_ would have done: And I believe, Reader, that you would be of the same mind, and be well pleased, if any body would give you a good sum of money, for the love of God, and out of pure charity.
Besides this, _Don Mario_, and his Lady, have without doubt, been liberal to them out of that heap of Treasure, which they so well know how to get together; so that these Ladies journey to _Rome_, hath been, no doubt, a golden journey for them, which we may conjecture, by the state they live in now at _Siena_, having bought divers Lands and Houses.