Part 18
_Odoardo Farnese_, Duke of _Parma_, a Prince truly worthy of a Crown, seeing the business of _Castro_, and his other Affairs with the Church, not to succeed according to his desire, rebuked his Minister who was at _Rome_, believing him a person of very slender experience in the management of the matters committed to his charge.
But when it hapned that his occasions drew himself thither, and consequently oblig’d him to treate personally with the Nephews of _Pope Urban_, he speedily reform’d the ill impression made in his mind against his Ministers, knowing then very well, by his own experience, that all the damages, he sustain’d in that affair, were derived from the ill-will was borne him by the _Barberini_: Whereupon as he went from _Rome_ he let these words fall, _That the Church indeed is a holy body_, _of which the Princes are the Members_, _and the_ Pope _the Head_; _but the Nephews by their ill management do daily discompose the Members_, _not at all regarding how thereby they prejudiced the Head_.
And to say the truth, the _Pope’s_ Nephews cannot oftentimes distinguish, what difference there is betwixt a Prince and his Minister; nor what respect the Court ought to shew to them which come to honour it.
The Church-mens understanding, to accommodate the Church so well to the benefit of their proper interest, makes many believe the subtilty of them in politick affairs to be very great. And truly, the conceipt is not ordinary, which most men have of the politick understanding of the Ecclesiasticks; every one knowing that the City of _Rome_, in the Art of Governing and making others reasons conform to its will, hath ever been in all times and ages the truest School of Policy, and almost, if not altogether, the Mistris of all Nations: as she who, at her birth from the belly of the rest by a special gift of nature, brought with her into the world the most polite Endowments and refined Customs she could bestow upon her.
Such were alwaies the Customs of _Rome_, who for the space of more than twelve Ages past, knew very well to frame conformable maximes to their own designs. But after that the _Nipotismo_ began to take possession of an Authority, not limited otherwise than by their own passions, every thing began to put on a new countenance. And having renounced the true and ancient Rules of Government, and found new methods of deport to those who make addresses to them, the Agents and Ministers of Foraign Princes, who come thither to negotiate their Masters affairs, mistake the way that others use to walk in with so much reputation.
From whence it happens, that there are very few return from their Negotiations there without just occasion of complaint; not only that they have not met with due civilities, but that they have likewise been deluded in all their transactions.
The Court of _Rome_ indeed, whilst the _Popes_ liv’d without the _Nipotismo_, were instrumental in the world to resolve the greatest intricacies of Christendom: but after they were introduced, they served only to confound and entangle the easiest matters; who interposing in things not at all concerning them, they ruin’d others business and affairs, besides their own. For they will do nothing now in _Rome_ without pretence of perfect Zeal unto Religion; and yet that Zeal hath certainly the least shew in any of their concerns. Good serves them only for the shadow, but Evil for the substance. Kindnesses from them, as honey from Bees, being seldom got without the sting of prejudice.
There are some that have fansied the Courting and flattering the _Nipotismo_ to be the only way to arrive at the end of their unbridled designs, but these found themselves deceived; for all the merit or other insinuation in the world is not able to move the obstinacy of those who (except it proceed from some capricious fancie or other inclination of their own) have no regard to remunerate or gratifie either Subject, Prince, or Prelate.
Yet it is more easie to obtain, than keep their favours: But he that doth, had better be without them: since ’tis so hard to judge whether the Tap they draw their favours from be sweet or sower.
’Tis hard to express the difficulties the Ministers of Princes meet with in their treating with the Nephews; which are so great, that some of them have caused an infinitie of Masses to be celebrated to the Holy Ghost, before they began their Negotiations with them. I my self knew one, who vowed to make himself a _Capuchin Frier_, if he could effect a certain business with them; but I believe he had no great intention to put on that habit, because his demand was for his own advantage, and the Nephews are never wont to grant any thing to any one, but what is to their prejudice.
’Tis my opinion, that to be well prepared to treate in _Rome_, one ought to be well provided of that double spirit, which _Elisha_ so earnestly desired of _Elijah_, whilst double dealing and hypocrisie are the chiefest rudiments of their Policy, I will not say that now do, but, for the space of two Ages past, have reigned in _Rome_.
Let the Agents and Ministers of Princes therefore lay their heads together in _Rome_, and say Masses to obtain new waies of managing Political Affairs, let them arm themselves with a double spirit; for the Pontificial Negotiations will try the skill of the most experienced Statesmen.
_Venice_, that with so great prudence in State-affairs foresees the future, never sends any Embassadour to _Rome_, that hath not first been tried, and rendered an incomparable Politician by the experience he hath gotten in the Courts of the chiefest Monarchies of the Universe: yet notwithstanding I my self have heard these words said by an Embassadour sent to _Rome_ from thence: _Sin hora sono stato nell Ambasciate scabrose_, _hora entro nelle pericolose_, _dio me la mandi buona conquel Nipotismo_: Till now I have been in rugged Treaties, now I enter into a dangerous one: God send me good luck with the _Nipotismo_.
He, who can live five years in the Court of _Rome_ without a stumble, will not find it hard to pass an Age or two (if nature would give him leave) in any other place with reputation and credit.
Yet we know very well by every daies experience, that many Politicians and expert Statesmen, who, for many years together in the management of several Treaties, had rendered themselves as it were immortal by the no small reputation obtained in the several Courts they had been formerly employed in, no sooner came to _Rome_, but speedily they lost it. And indeed they all come thither swell’d with the Titles of most eminent and able Statesmen, but depart from thence with very little credit.
And the reason of this is, because as the Sea Coast, which encompasses the Ecclesiastick State, is subject to the usual Tempests of the Ocean; so the _Roman_ Havens are very subject to their sudden variations and changes: From whence it happens, that both without and within _Rome_ is so subject to perils and ship-wracks. They therefore who go for succour to that Climate, that is not understood by those themselves that are born under it, cannot but meet with storms and tempests. Where affairs put on every day a several face and shape, the difficulty must needs be very great; And many Ministers lose themselves in the Court of _Rome_ by this means. For when they believe they Negotiate with a Monarchy, they find they have to do with a Republick; and when they think they treat with a Commonwealth, they find they are ingaged with a Monarchy full of Monarchs, whilst there is not one of the Papal Nephews that doth not expect to be treated, with as a Soveraign.
Yet because the _Pope_ is chosen by the Cardinals, many would believe that these have the same Authority with the _Pope_, not only to treat, but conclude; as the Electors have with the Emperour in Affairs of great importance. And indeed, to hear his Holiness call them Fellows, Companions, and Brethren, makes a strange impression in the Citizens, Strangers, Subjects, and Princes, of I know not what greatness in favour of the Cardinals, every one imagining that they cannot chuse but have a share in the privatest concerns of the Government of the Church.
But for all that things appear quite otherwise, and the _Pope’s_ become absolute Soveraign over those who chuse him; who never know any thing in any affairs untill they are concluded on: He sends Embassadours at his will, treats both of Peace and War at his own pleasure, and in fine, doth whatsoever he hath a mind to, without participating it to any, but those to whom he is guided to by his particular inclinations.
But that, which makes the treating with the Court of _Rome_ more difficult, is, That for the most part the _Pope_ himself neither understands the Negotiations, nor Negotiators of them. And the Ministers of Princes sometimes as little know which is the _Pope_, for frequently he treats as Nephew, and the Nephews treat as _Pope_. A thing indeed enough to confound any ones understanding, to have the Pontificacy so promiscuously made up of _Pope_ and Nephews; He for the Exteriour, and they for the Interiour part of it.
For the _Nipotismo_, which manageth publick affairs, at whose Girdle the Keys of business are tied, Resolves, Negotiates, and concludes any thing without acquainting either the _Pope_ or Consistory.
Let any one judge, how it was possible for any Embassadour to make any honourable result in the management of the interests of his Prince at _Rome_ in the time of _Gregory_ the fifteenth; since he himself was so fearful to displease Cardinal _Ludovisi_, his Nephew, that he suffered him to do whatever he had a mind to: who, finding the power he had over him, did every thing without his knowledge.
There were some Embassadours who in their ordinary Visits would in general terms touch upon business, only to feel his Holiness his Pulse, which way he was enclined. But so soon as ever he perceived them to begin to ask Questions, he would immediately make this Answer; _You speak with us_, _and our Nephew doth all things without either us or you_; _speak with him_, _and what he doth_, _that we do_. And with such like answers he usually entertained those Embassadors that came to him.
From hence it came to pass, that most of the Treaties did not only confound those who managed them; but also the Ministers found themselves obliged to put all their affairs upon Chance, Fineness and Policy standing them in little stead, who were necessitated, as a Ship in an unruly storm, to give themselves up altogether to Fortune.
It was a thing worth the observing, to see how the Embassadours laboured both with bodies and mind, sometimes on this, sometimes on that side; now with the Nephews, then with the _Pope_; from one drawing this Answer, _Speak to our Uncle_: From the other, _Go to our Nephew_. So that very often when they concluded any thing with the Nephew, they were in doubt whether or no the Uncle would be contented: And so it hapned on the other side, if they treated any thing with the Uncle, they were ever fearful least the other, being displeased at it, should cross the whole design; so that though matters were concluded by either of these, they were still uncertain whether the result would be for good or evil.
This Nephew, who did every thing without the knowledge of his Uncle, gave out, he could do nothing without participating to others; and particularly in the beginning the Papacy he alwaies answered, in affairs of greatest concernment, _We will see_, _We will do_, _We will speak_, _We will procure_, _We will consent_, and such like dilatory expressions.
And the Embassadours were most mortified with this manner of proceedings of the _Pope_ and his Nephews, who knew very well how to agree amongst themselves to the prejudice of those who treated with them. And when things did not go on according to their pleasures, or they found themselves unable to resist the perswasions and arguments of the Embassadours, they would both sing in the same tune: The holy Colledge of Cardinals must be acquainted with the affair, without whom there was never any thing concluded.
And yet those Ministers themselves knew very well, that was but a false pretext; for although the Cardinals were in _Rome_, yet they were not in the Court, and never knew of the designs of the _Pope_, nor the Treaties of his Nephew.
In _Urban’s_ time there were other Labyrinths in the Court, although this _Pope_ was a far greater Politician than _Gregory_, and the _Barbarins_ much more expert in Government than the abovesaid Cardinal _Ludovisio_.
At that time, before any thing could be done, all the Nephews favours must be purchased; for he was resolved not to treat with any that was not dependent on his Family. And not only _Francesco_, the Cardinal _Patrone_, was to be courted, but Cardinal _Antonio_, and _Don Tadeo_, and his Wife likewise, who so aspired at the Visits of the Ministers of Princes, that the _Pope_ would not give Audience to any that had not first paid his devoir to that Lady: which was the Reason, why the Duke of _Parma_ had such ill success in all his business.
In the beginning of his Reign the _Pope_, in a manner alone, manag’d all the most important affairs of Christendom, with no small ardency and zeal. But wot you what? The things which he did in the day he undid in the night; for coming to consult with his Nephews, who alwaies found their Uncle’s Opinion contrary to their own, they oftentimes brought him to contradict himself, and reverse what he had formerly granted and concluded.
’Tis true, he did this with great subtlety, not failing to find out some fair and specious excuses wherewith to colour their pretexts, and clear the _Pope_ of levity; by which means Embassadours were perpetually deluded, even when they thought they had the Fish in their hands, which on a sudden slipt away from between their fingers, beyond possibility of recovery.
Hence affairs were protracted _in infinitum_; So that though in _Urban’s_ time many Princes treated of a League with the Church and the _Pope_ himself, nevertheless there was not any considerable one concluded in a Reign of twenty three years; during which time divers Princes concluded a League offensive and defensive against the _Barbarini_.
The reason of this was, for that the _Pope_ was too hard towards others, and too soft towards his own Relations; Cardinal _Francesco_ too soft towards others, (but dissemblingly) and hard towards his Uncle; Cardinal _Antonio_ hard towards _Francesco_, and soft towards the _Pope_; and _Don Thadeo_, who knew not how to do better, was hard towards the soft, and soft towards the hard.
Cardinal _Francesco_ fear’d to disgust _Antonio_, and delighted to displease the _Pope_; Cardinal _Antonio_ fear’d the _Pope_, but caus’d _Francesco_ fear himself; _Don Thadeo_ sided with him that was most obstinate in his opinion; And the _Pope_ deny’d to one what he could not grant to the other, granted to this what the other desired, becoming obstinate where there was need of pliableness, and pliable where it behoved him to be obstinate.
Now a Court of this humour afforded work enough to the Ministers of Princes, who were alwaies receiv’d by the _Pope_ with ambiguous expressions, by Cardinal _Francesco_ with abundance of faire promises, and by Cardinal _Antonio_ with a long train of exquisite complements. But when the Ministers press’d to come to a conclusion of any important business, Cardinal _Antonio_ sent them to his brother _Francesco_, who at the appointed hour of Audience us’d to go his visits to the seven Churches, and the _Pope_ himself pretended indisposition of body. And thus the effecting of all urgent business was rendred impossible.
In _Urban’s_ time ’twas hard for Princes Ministers to find the streight gate to enter into publick Negotiations, and when they were in, they found themselves in a Labyrinth, out of which they could scarce extricate themselves after a thousand turnings and windings.
_Monsieur de Lionne_, a person of great Abilities, being employ’d Embassadour to _Rome_ by the most Christian Crown, one day ask’d a familiar friend of his (pleasantly) _What kind of person himself had_? To which his Friend answered. _That he had the person of a man worthy of this Age_. Monsieur _de Lionne_ reply’d to him, _That he took himself to be like a Tennis-ball bandi’d to and fro by foul-players_; alluding hereby to the Artifices and tricks put upon him by the _Barbarini_ in his negotiating with them concerning the affair of _Castro_.
The truth is, any other Minister but Monsieur _de Lionne_ would have shewed much anger in _Rome_, in the time of the War of the Duke of _Parma_ with the confederate Princes. This great Man, who was dispatch’d on purpose to procure the appeasing of the rising tumults, knew not which way to turn his wits to invent projects and artifices enough to oppose those of the _Barbarini_, who continually promis’d what they never intended to perform.
He was sent from _Herod_ to _Pilate_, and from _Pilate_ to _Caiphas_: The one answer’d, _Yea_: The other, _No_. But what was most important, the _Pope_ had granted him leave to treat with the two Cardinals his Nephews, with a promise to confirm what should be by them concluded. Hereupon having one day by the power of perswasions reduc’d the said two Lords to reason, he repair’d to the _Pope_ to beseech him to confirm the Treaties agreed upon with his Nephews; but he receiv’d for answer, _That ’twas expedient to consider upon the matter_; which consideration never had an end.
All the Policy of the _Barbarini_ lay in drawing out affairs in length, and concluding nothing; so that when ever these Nephews concluded any thing with the Ministers of Princes, they presently sent word to the _Pope_, that he should deny to confirm what they had done, and at the same time gave out that such denial was contrary to their wills.
The Republick of _Venice_, when they saw that ancient Monument remov’d out of the _Vatican_, which represented the Benefits done by St. _Mark_ to the Church, sent an Express to carry their just complaints to the _Pope_, but he could never obtain any kind of satisfaction, not so much as in words, the _Pope_ turning the matter from himself to his Nephews, and the Nephews from themselves to the _Pope_.
In the mean time great affront was done to the honour of a Republick so well deserving of the Church, without which one may say perhaps there would not be now a _Pope_ in _Rome_, if any where else.
In like manner the Commonwealth of _Lucca_ sent an Embassadour to _Rome_ to complain of the injury done to them by the _Pope’s_ sending to them the Lord _Recagna_ with the title of Commissary, (which was a thing not a little derogatory from the Soveraignty of that State) and the more, in that this good Prelate, sent from the _Barbarini_, had something of the Barbarian.
But this Embassage had no effect, besides a return of Plenary Indulgency, which the Embassadour carried home, who seeing himself so often baffled at the _Vatican_, fell into the humour of negotiating with the Saints, and made his business to receive the Stations sometimes of one Church, and sometimes of another.
The Crown of _Poland_ for six years together solicited by its Embassadour to have a Cardinal’s Hat for the Lord _Visconti_, according to his just Priviledges; but in all that time he not only could not obtain his intent; but moreover the Popish Embassadour at his return knew not what cause to tell his Master of the denial; for they all gave him good words, and bad deeds. Cardinal _Antonio_ excus’d himself by saying, _That he had no authority to effect it_; Cardinal _Francesco_, _That his desire was to serve his Majesty_, _but his Holiness did not think the Person worthy_; And the _Pope_ pretended, _That he could not make a man Cardinal who was an enemy to his Nephews_.
The same was the case of the Citizens of _Bononia_, who dispatch’d an Agent to _Rome_, to supplicate his Holiness, that he would please to remove the Commissary _Della Grascia_, whose being there mightily intrench’d upon their Priviledges, but they receiv’d the same Answer with those of _Lucca_; their Envoy returning laden with fair words, but not with Indulgences, as he of _Lucca_; for out of displeasure to have miss’d his intent he would not visit the holy places, but said to a Friend that moved him to go and receive the Stations of St. _Mary Maggiore_, (rather like a Protestant than a Catholick) _My Friend_, _If there be no treating with the_ Barbarini _who can speak_, _there is less with the Saints who cannot_. _To what purpose is it to solicite the dead_, _if it be so hard to address to the living_?
The two Crowns of _France_ and _Spain_ are manifestly imposed upon every day, the _Spanish_ Policy little availing with the _Barbarini_, whilst they stir not a hairs breadth from their ordinary Maxime, which is to perplex the understanding of Embassadours, one of them denying as much as the other promis’d. Which gave occasion to a certain _Florentine_ of the great Duke’s Court to say, _That the greatest miracle of_ Rome _was to see all the Ministers of Princes tantaliz’d with the ambiguous and confus’d treating of the_ Barbarini, _to so great prejudice of all Christendom_.
But if ever any Prince was tantalized by them, ’twas the King of _Portugal_, who by the advice of _France_, and upon hopes given by the fair words of the _Barbarini_, sent the Bishop of _Lamego_ with the title of Embassadour Royal to _Rome_, where he was receiv’d with great honour and respect. But in substance ’twas all but smoke, the Embassadour being unable to obtain either a favourable Yea, or a flat No; that I say not that he obtain’d sometimes the one, and sometimes the other.
This intricate procedure in so important a matter was the cause of great disorders, the _Spaniards_ distrusting the words of the _Barbarini_, and the _French_ giving little or no credit to the offers made by them. For Cardinal _Antonio_ never ceas’d to assure _France_, _That_ Lamego _should not fail to be receiv’d as a publick Embassadour_; and Cardinal _Francesco_ continually promis’d _Spain_, _That his Holiness would never admit a Portugal Embassadour_.
And accordingly by this course the _Barbarini_ wholly disgusted the _Portugal_, little satisfied the _Spaniard_, and nothing at all the _French_, and brought the City it self into danger by that fray which happen’d between the two Embassadours, with the death of some Courtiers on both sides, and the declaring _Lamego_ irregular and depriv’d of all Ecclesiastical Benefices, according to the usual penalty of Homicide.
A thousand other Examples might be brought of like nature, but I must omit them to pass on to the actions of _Innocent_ the tenth, who had reduc’d the Court to such a confus’d state, that no body knew where, nor how, to begin any Negotiation; whereupon a Minister of the Duke of _Parma_ said one day, _That ’twas easier to make a bed for a dog_, _than to understand the humour of_ Innocent.
The Government of _Urban_ was the best in the World in comparison of that of _Innocent_; for _Urban_ delighted to negotiate with Embassadours, but the other avoided their presence as much as possible he could; and when he receiv’d them, ’twas after so disobliging careless manner, that few car’d to confer with him.
No hours were so tedious to him, as those wherein he was to give Audience to a publick Embassadour; for he little car’d to be troubled with the important affairs of Christendom, or those of the Papacy it self.
His particular Maximes were to deny all favours, to answer all sutes with a Negative, and never to resolve upon any thing that might advantage the Church, or weaken its Enemies.