Part 11

This is all that hitherto can be said of this _Nipotismo_: But besides these, the Pope hath another _Nipotismo_, of a remoter consanguinity; who are so many, that they are innumerable; and the Pope hath been hitherto averse to their coming to _Rome_, I believe, because he is unwilling to disoblige the nearest _Nipotismo_; but if his Pontificate last, as it is thought it may, the Pope, who is naturally inclin’d to do good, may by little and little give them a share in his good fortune, by Employments, Benefices, or some wayes.

Neither doth the Pope for all this, set aside his own content, which is, to erect noble Buildings and stately Edifices, wherefore he hath doubled the Workmen, in that vast Enterprize of Saint _Peter’s_ Church, being very desirous to see it finished; and having often said to some Cardinals, his Confidents, that he should not dye content, if he dyed before that were ended.

The _Nipotismo_ is strangely displeased at this expensive humour of the Popes, seeing him every day changing and streightning some Street, and mending some publick Edifice, for they would that that money were spared for them and the family of the _Chigi_. Some dayes ago, Don Mario, and Don Agostino, went about to put some other less expensive design into the Popes head, and particularly to oblige him, to give over the Porch of Saint _Peter_, which is of so vast a charge: but the Pope is not to be remov’d from his inclination, and takes it very ill, that they should controul him in his pleasure, he, who not only doth not controul them, but hath given them all the means they have; and he persists in this resolution the rather, because he is resolved to have the glory of this Enterprize, and not leave it to his Successour, who by a little addition would perfect so great a Work, and then place his Armes in the front of it as his.

Of late, _Alexander_ hath been fain to furnish to another expence, which is the Legation of the Cardinal _Padrone_, to meet the Empress at _Milan_; and the _Spaniards_ pretend, that he appear’d in greater Splendour, then he did at the Court of _France_, as well to win their good will, as to please his own ambition, in being seen in such pomp, in a place where most Ambassadours of Princes were to meet, nay, and many Princes themselves.

To say truth, the Pope deserves no small praises for his noble inclination, in honouring sometimes one Prince, sometimes another, but particularly for the zeal and piety he hath shewed, in the choice of those persons that he hath promoted to be Cardinals; for in three or four promotions he hath alwayes picked out those, who were most worthy of this eminent Dignity, having in that little regard to any bodies recommendation, if the Subjects themselves did not answer the expectation conceiv’d of them; and whosoever would enquire into the life of these his Creatures, will be satisfied of their integrity and learning, and confess, that many of them are worthy of the Popedom, and it may be, it may fall upon some of them, after the death of _Alexander_, who now thinks of little less then of dying; for at his first coming to be Pope, he thought so much of it, that now being weary of those thoughts, he thinks of nothing but living.

All his drift now is, to oblige the Cardinals to a good correspondence with _Don Agostino_, but he perpetually disobliging them with his haughty carriage, ’tis thought, that after the Popes death they will little regard his recommendations in the choice of a Successour, if things do not much change.

I would say something of the future Conclave; but I think it is to no purpose, for the Pope doth little think of leaving this world, though the Cardinals pretenders do every day long for his death, that they may bring another _Nipotismo_ in play. And some are very much convinced, that he cannot live long, considering the augmentation of his late indispositions; whereupon those Cardinals, that compose the flying Squadron, have often met in secret, to agree about a Successour; but indeed, I think that we ought to wish, that _Alexander_ may live yet, for in the present conjuncture of affairs, his death would do no less then bring trouble to _Italy_ and all _Christendome_, which God forbid.

The Pope doth every day endeavour to get a protection for his _Nipotismo_, and would fain have the _Spaniards_ declare Cardinal _Chigi_ Protector of that Crown; and the Popes Nuntio in _Spain_ hath made great instances to obtain it, that they, the Family of the _Chigi_, might be strengthened: but I do not think he will obtain it, for the _Spaniards_ are too great lovers of themselves to protect a decaying Power, which will rather be a burden then a help to their Monarchy.

* * * * *

_FINIS_.

* * * * *

The Second Part.

THE PRINTER TO THE READER.

_TO satisfie the curiosity of an infinite number of Persons_, _who_, _having seen scarce any thing else of the_ Nipotismo _besides the Title_, _do enquire after the Book with much earnestness_, _I have made hast to Print this Second Part_, _that so you might have it compleat_; _and I doubt not but you will be infinitely pleased with it_. _It is true_, _my intention was_, _in conformity to the Authors_, _to have waited yet a little longer_; _because that Affairs in_ Rome _seem inclinable to a change_: _But it was beyond my power to keep the Rain_, _which was already in the air_, _from falling to the ground_; _and I was forced to yield to the curiosity of so many Inquisitive persons_. _To which the Author was the more willing_, _because he had a desire to be rid of this_ Nipotismo, _that he might give himself up to the composing of some other Books of no less curiosity_: _And I_, _on my side_, _have been desirous to free my Press_, _that I might set __it on work again for a Book_, _which no doubt will be very welcome to you_.

_It is Intituled_, Europa Morta, _and comes from an Author who is a sworn Enemy of Flattery_. _The Subject of the Book is all Politicks_, _and very sharply handled_, _shewing the defects of all the Kingdoms and Republicks of_ Europe, _which they are now subject to for want of men of that worth and vertue_, _in whom it was anciently so abounding_.

_Divers Persons_, _that have read the_ Manuscript, _are very pressing for the publishing of it_; _which I hope will be done within this two months at least_. _And I doubt not but I shall satisfie that expectation which I now raise in you_; _for there you shall meet with the relation of some Accidents which hitherto have been kept close from the ears of the Vulgar_. _In it Praises are dispensed with measure_, _and blame with justice_; _and so I hope this_ Nipotismo _will custom you to the Lecture of such Books_, _and make your pleasure the greater when you shall meet with the_ Europa Morta, _which is Universal_.

Farewel.

The FIRST BOOK.

The Contents.

_IN which is treated_, _of the mischief which the Popedome brings upon the_ Popes. _Of two particular Examples about that_. _Of two Protestant Gentlemen that went to_ Rome _to see the Court_, _and the Church-mens way of living_, _and what came of it_. _Of the scandal which the Hereticks receive from the_ Popes _Kindred_. _Of the particular reasons which move the_ Popes _to the advancement of their Kindred_: _which are the love they bear to their own Bloud_, _the conservation of their Persons_, _and the Policy of their Government_. _Of the aime of those_ Popes _that introduc’d the title of Cardinal_ Padrone. _Of the difficulties which the Princes find in having access and treating with the_ Pope. _Of a particular case in_ Sixtus _the fifth’s time_. _Of the care the_ Popes _take to prevent their being poysoned_. _Of the miseries of the Ecclesiastick State_. _Of the mischief the Church endures because the_ Popedom _is not Hereditary_. _Of the_ Popes Nephews, _who look upon the_ Popedom _as their own_. _Of the principal reasons which oblige the_ Popes _to call their Kindred about them_. _Of the difficulty the_ Popes _would meet with in diving into Princes Secrets without the assistance of their_ Nephews. _How_ Urban _did instruct his_ Nephews. _How Cardinal_ Astalli _was introduced into the_ Nipotismo. _Of the opinion of Cardinal_ Mazarine _about that business_. _Of the great Authority which_ Gregory _the_ 15th. _gave to Cardinal_ Ludovisio _his_ Nephew. _Of the Republick of_ Venice, _which obliges the Kindred of their dead Duke to satisfie by Fines for those Errors which the Duke did commit while he was alive_. _Of some particularities about the Accident that befel the Duke of_ Crequy. _Of a Discourse held to_ Monsignor Rasponi _by the_ Pope. _Of the way that the_ Popes _have to conceal the Secrets of their Court_. _Of the reasons why the said Court is so Magnificent_. _Of the Friendships of the Cardinals towards Princes_, _and of the Correspondence of Princes with the said Cardinals_. _Of the passage of a certain Cardinal from the Spanish Faction to the French_. _Of the Spiritual Power of the_ Pope, _and how it is upheld by the Temporal_; _and Of the nature of Money in Church-mens hands_.

ALL that we have said hitherto, is but the Foundation of what we have to say: For to what end would it be to have seen the _Nipotismo_ in Rome, if we did not see _Rome_ in the _Nipotismo_? And we have been curious to pry into that which the _Popes_ have done for their Kindred, we may much more justly examine that which the Kindred does for the _Popes_.

A _German_ Prelate, who now lives, and has some Opinions very different from the profession he makes of a Church-man; That is, Who is more Heretick than Catholick, does upon all occasions, and whensoever he happens into any company, where there is a liberty of talking, profess his mind in few words, and without any ambiguity, by saying, _That the_ Popes _Kindred acquire this world by their Uncles Indulgence_; _and that the Uncle loses the other world by his Nephews Vices_.

This opinion, which by many Catholicks would be condemned as Heretick, has nevertheless a great foundation in reason; and I am sure that the most able and ingenious men of the Court of _Rome_ do allow of it, and maintain it, as being a Prelate’s opinion.

_David_, who was King, Priest, and Prophet, was continually in fear of being damned for others sins; and, as we see, did every day desire of God to be delivered from that imputation: And yet the _Popes_ not only do not apprehend that they may be damned for their Kindreds sins, but do furnish them with the means of offending his Divine Majesty. Certainly, the _Pope’s_ Relations would take another course if they thought they were out of the way to Heaven; neither would they be so covetous in heaping riches together, if they knew that the treasure of the Church is but in trust, and not in propriety to the _Popes_.

The Duke _Valentine_, Son to _Alexander_ the 6th. did commit all sort of crimes imaginable, breaking both Divine and Humane Laws without any regard or consideration. But that which was worst of all, was, that he covered his Vices with the Cloak of the _Popes_ Authority; Saying, whensoever he was about to commit a crime: _That he did very well know what he was about to do was just_; _for his Father_, _who did give him leave to do it_, _had the Holy Ghost_.

This is the mischief that the Popedom does to the _Popes_; or rather, that the _Popes_ do to the Popedom. For to say true, the Popedom would be holy if the _Popes_ were so too: But they do not desire it, or they cannot desire it, being governed by their Relations: if not as Popes, at least as private persons.

To this purpose I remember a Story which hapned about twenty years ago, and to which I give the greater credit; because I have it from a worthy Person, and one who heard the words which were said.

A _Swedish_ Gentleman had left _Stockholm_, the Capital of the Kingdom, with a design to travel over all _Europe_, as Gentry uses to do: But his principle aim was to be instructed in the way of Worship of the Church of _Rome_, and be well informed of the difference between the Protestant and Catholick Religion, with a resolution to follow that which he should like best; and he thought no place fitter for his design than _Rome_, as being the City which gives the rule to others, having in it the Head of the Church, and an infinity of Church-men and Prelates.

In his way thither he met with another _German_, a Protestant, who had the same design; whereupon having contracted a great Friendship together, they continued their journey, and hapned to come to _Rome_ in the beginning of the holy Week, which is the week before _Easter_.

Being lodged, they began by little and little to frequent the Churches, see the Ceremonies, enquire into the _Pope’s_ Power, into his Court, and a thousand other particularities, all relating to the same end. The Magnificence of the _Pope’s_ Habit, the rich Ornaments of the Altars, the variety of Ceremonies, the Majesty of the Cardinals, and Prelates, the Devotion of the Monks and Fryars, and the great concourse of people to the Churches, did at first surprize these young Gentlemen; and inflame in them that desire which curiosity had already kindled.

Having observed all these things with great care and exactness, they began to inform themselves of the Civil Power of the _Pope_; of the Entrigues of the Court; of the Government of the City and State. And in their exact Inquisition they found that indeed all that Policy and Humane Wit could produce was to be seen in the Church-Government, and did not much disapprove of it: But no sooner had they (following still their first curiosity) pryed into the business of the _Nipotismo_, and discovered the interests of the Nephew towards the Uncle, and the Uncle towards the Nephew; but they presently resolved to return home, and live and die in the Protestant Religion.

The _German_, whether it was that he had dived into the secret of the _Nipotismo_, or for some other reason, was not altogether averse from changing his Religion; though by no means he would not remain in _Rome_: But the _Swede_ was so scandalized at the Church-mens lives, that having conceived a perfect hatred for them, he said to the _German_, _That he would never be the Subject of a Bishop who should be the Slave of his own Relations_.

Of this Gentleman’s opinion there are many, not only in Protestant Countries, but in the middle of _Italy_ it self; and I wish to God, that many of those sins, which lie so heavy upon the _Romans_ consciences, had not been occasioned by the scandal which they continually receive from the _Nipotismo_.

That which I have related of a _Swede_ is not much different from what I have to say of an English or Scottish man, I know not well which; but I am a very fit person to relate the Story, for I was present at the dispute which he had with a French Bishop: which was thus:

This Stranger had been two years in _Rome_, in which time he had had divers occasions of being known to the _Pope_ and his Nephews, as likewise of knowing them; and had been infinitely scandalized to see the small care the _Pope_ did take to correct his Nephews extravagancies both in Morals and Polities: But above all, he was much grieved to see that the _Pope_ had taken out of the Treasure of the Church the richest Jewels to bestow them upon his Nephews; and that they made no scruple of robbing the Church to enrich themselves. Having met in _France_ with this French Bishop, they fell upon the discourse of Religion. The Bishop perceiving the ill impressions he had received at _Rome_, thought it was a part of his duty to endeavour to blot them out of this Gentleman’s mind, by telling him, _That it was impossible to be saved out of the Church of_ Rome. But all that he could say was to no purpose, for the Protestant could scarce afford him audience, but impatiently interrupting him, told him, _That it was a hard matter that the_ Pope _could save others_, _since he did give his own Nephews a most inevitable occasion of damnation_.

Every day the Casuists are disputing, _whether or no a Thief may be saved without restitution of his theft if he be in a possibility to do it_? And they all agree, that he must either make amends by restitution, or be damned. If this be so, how is it possible for the _Pope’s_ Nephews, if the greatest part of their Revenues are the spoils of the Church, and got by unlawful means, the _Popes_ having raised that very money, which they are so proud of, either out of dead mens graves, or the veines of the living.

Though this be true, and that the mischief, which the _Popes_ receive from their Kindred be very great; yet it is a necessary one, and so necessary, that many are of opinion, that those _Popes_ who do forbear advancing their Relations are but small Politicians.

Three Reasons do particularly move the _Popes_ to call their Relations to them: First, The affection which naturally we bear to our bloud and kindred, The conservation of their Persons, and the Policy of their Government.

For the first, I hold him little better than a Beast, that has no tye of Consanguinity upon him, having many Relations that need his help; none but barbarous people are ignorant of those Laws of nature, and are not altogether deprived of the use of them neither.

This love to ones Relations encreases as the Relations themselves do multiply. And we may say, that love naturally descends; for in old people their love is greatest to their Grand-children, and the fifth generation still carry the old mans affections from the third and fourth. From hence proceeds, that the _Popes_, who ordinarily are old, are so passionate for the advancement of their Nephews, for whom often they hazard their reputations in this world, and their souls in the next.

With our Kindred there is no _Medium_ to be observed; we must either love them tenderly, and do for them all that lies in our power: Or we must hate them perfectly, and become cruel. It is not possible to be indifferent, and do them neither good nor evil; that would be to be neither man nor beast, which is impossible.

There has been some _Popes_, who in the beginning of their Reign, out of Zeal and Piety, have shewed themselves averse from their Kindred; not only refusing to favour them, but seeking out all occasions of mortifying them. But what folly, what devillish policy, what false hypocrisie is this? For my part, I call such a disposition a vicious humour, which soon passes out of them, or destroys them, Nature it self being offended at this so unnatural a proceeding.

_Adrian_ the sixth, _Marcel_ the second, _Urban_ the seventh, _Leo_ the tenth, were all _Popes_ very severe to their kindred, having all sworn solemnly at their Election never to admit their Kindred into _Rome_. And _Adrian_ the sixth was so extravagant that he persecuted them: For he refused to give a recompense to one of his Relations who had done the Church very good service, only because he was his Relation.

But Divine Providence, which delights not to see Nature despis’d, reveng’d this indiscreet Zeal upon these _Popes_; for they all liv’d but a very little after their Creation. _Adrian_ liv’d but one year: _Marcello_, _Urban_, and _Leo_ liv’d all three together, not two Months compleat.

So _Innocent_ the Eighth, _Julius_ the Second, _Pius_ the Fifth, and our _Alexander_ that now reigns, were at first strangely averse from their Kindred, which was interpreted by the People for nothing but Hypocrisie and Policy, that they might acquire the Title of Saints and Holy Men; for, a little after they were setled in their Kingdom, and in the Opinion of the Vulgar, they all found out some excuse or another to authorize their change; and particularly our _Alexander_, who is now as kind as he was severe at first. And for my part I must confess, that I always laughed at _Alexander_, for his pretended zeale, in keeping his Relations at a distance; and I never began to have a true respect for him, and believe him really a Saint, till he had brought them to _Rome_.

And if Christ himself has left us written in the Gospel, _That we ought not to despise our own Flesh_, how can any _Pope_ justifie an aversion to his Kindred?

Therefore I do not like that Answer of our _Pope Alexander_ to the Cardinal _Medicis_, who did make it his business to oblige the _Pope_ to call _Don Mario_ to _Rome_; for he answered this Cardinal’s Prayers and Entreaties with these words of Christ, _They are our Brothers and Sisters that do the Will of the Lord_; as if his Brother had done the Will of the Devil. And in the Example of Christ he was mistaken; for he did not despise his Brothers, as having never had any; wherefore his Words were mystical, and contained some more secret sense. But we see that Christ himself did shew particular favour to his Relations, as to the two _Johns_, the _Baptist_, and the _Apostle_; declaring one to be the greatest of Prophets, and giving to the other the liberty of laying his head in his lap. But more than that, he recommended his proper Mother the Blessed Virgin, to the Apostle _John_; and all the Evangelists own, that he was Christ’s Favourite, and his Beloved.

After this Example, we need no other; and no body can be so bold as to pretend, That it is Piety not to own ones Relations, if Christ himself lov’d his so dearly.

But the _Popes_ are not so much to blame, as those that blame the _Popes_ for their affections to their Kindred: For, alas! the _Popes_ are Men, as we are; and, as such, ought to be allowed something of our fragility. But in what a _Labyrinth_ are they engaged? For if they are really averse and cruel to their own Blood, then Nature, Heaven, the Example of Christ, and all the Reason of the World, does condemn them for inhumane, ungrateful, and barbarous.

And if they are kind, and do receive them into _Rome_, advance them, give them Places and Honours, then Pasquins, Murmurs, Raileries, Affronts, and a thousand Tales of them, are the recompense they are to expect from the Vulgar, who send their Cries to Heaven, and their Complaints about the World against them.

Those _Popes_ that first invented the Title of _Cardinal Padrone_, had it may be a mind to imitate our Saviour, who declared _John_ the Evangelist his Cosin, to be his Favorite and beloved Disciple: For _Gregory_ the Fifteenth was wont to call his Nephew _Ludovisio_, his beloved _John_, though his Name was _Lewis_; and he did so to shew, That since Christ declared in favour of his Cosin, the _Popes_ might also declare in favour of their Nephews.

For my part, I am of opinion, that let them do what they will, it is not in their power not to love their Relations, and to abstain from doing of them all the good imaginable. And we have seen the experience of this in _Alexander_ the Seventh, who made as if he had had no affection for them; but Nature soon made him lay aside this Mask, and profess himself a Man, as the rest.

This is then one of the Reasons that move the _Popes_ to be so tender of their Kindreds Advantages: But there is a second, which is not any ways inferiour to this, which is the preservation of their proper Person.

One of the greatest misfortunes of a Princely Life, is the perpetual care and sollicitude they are in, of preserving themselves. Their Goodness is often the subject of their Neighbours Envy. If they be wicked, they are hated by their own Subjects. So that often they are in doubt which they shall chuse to be, Good or Bad.

Was there a greater Prince than _Henry_ the Third of _France_? Was there ever any thing more magnanimous and good, than _Henry_ the Fourth his Successor? And yet their Greatness, their Bounty, and their Generosity, could not preserve their Persons, but saw their blood shed most miserably by the hands of barbarous Murderers.