Part 21
There is no body but wonders to behold how the Families of _Popes_ daily decline, there being scarce two found that have continued one intire Age, or which remain in the same splendour wherein they were seen to shine, not only during the Reign of the _Popes_ their Kinsmen, but for some lustres after; and although some may seem at present to be found great, yet my Observation cannot therefore be decry’d as false, in regard of other reasons to be alledged concerning this matter.
There is no doubt, but many Families are found at this day in _Rome_ of good quality and esteem, who have had _Popes_ descended from them before _Sixtus_ the fourth; as the Family of _Conti_ hath had two _Popes_ in the _Vatican_, _Innocent_ the third, and _Gregory_ the ninth; The Family of _Fiesco_, reputed at present the chief Family of _Genoa_, hath likewise afforded two _Popes_, _Innocent_ the fourth, and _Adrian_ the fifth; And so that of _Orsini_, hath had _Nicholas_ the third; That of _Savelli_, _Honorius_ the fourth; _La Gaettana_, hath had _Boniface_ the eighth; _Picolomini_, _Pius_ the Second; _Colonna_, _Martin_ the fifth; not to mention others, that have had their _Popes_ too.
But this is the difference: ’tis one thing for _Popes_ to issue from a Noble Family, and another for Families to rise from the _Popes_. The foresaid Houses received not their Splendour, Nobility, and Wealth from the Papal Grandeur, but it may rather be said, that the Papal Grandeur received splendour from those Families.
Besides, in those daies the Nephews of _Popes_ remain’d at home, and did not come to _Rome_; if they did, they brought not with them that insatiable avarice which Nephews bring (or have brought hitherto) when they enter into possession of the _Vatican_. I mean not therefore to speak of those Families, which have been in great esteem as well since they have had _Popes_ of them, as before. None of these is advanc’d by the Papacy, but remains in the same manner without growth in Ambition, Riches, or Glory.
Particularly, the House of _Colonna_ (which is at present one of the most considerable, not of _Rome_ only, but of all _Italy_) hath so little valu’d the Papal Grandeur in its lot, that they have often persecuted it, only to let the World see that the _Colonneses_ pretended not to glory in the Treasures of the Church, but in the merit of the persons, exemplified in the valour of so many illustrious men, who have spent much of their bloud for the service of the _Popes_ themselves.
’Tis certain, that by two _Popes_ issu’d out of the House of _Colonna_, the _Colonneses_ have had so little advantage, either in dignity or wealth, that they may say that the _Popes_ were taken out of their Family, and that they have the honour to be _Colonneses_ of the House of _Colonna_, but not _Colonneses_ of the House of _Popes_. But there are many other Families, whose glory it is to have had their rise from the fortune given them by _Popes_, without which they would never have been any thing considerable; and these are the Families of which I am to speak.
The Family of _Rovere_, from which _Sixtus_ the fourth was descended, of it self was very noble, and had liv’d so for above two Ages in _Lombardy_, but by various changes and accidents it was declin’d to such a degree that the chief branch was remov’d to _Savona_, and there remain’d many years in a mediocrity of fortune amongst the principal Citizens, till _Sixtus_, being made _Pope_, determin’d to revive it to a greater fortune at the cost of the _Vatican_, and the publick Treasury.
All the glories of this House, though dispersed here and there by _Pope Sixtus_, yet in a little time became confined to the sole possession of the Dutchy of _Urbin_, which indeed the House of _Rovere_ possessed, but not without great persecutions for the space of 150 years and more, beginning from 1475 till 1631. When the said House was extinguished by the death of _Francesco Maria_, the last Duke, or of _Guido Ubaldo_, if I remember right; there remaining no other Heirs save _Donna Vittoria della Rovere_, married to _Ferdinand_ the second great Duke of _Tuscany_.
It may be said, as I shall afterwards prove, that this was the only Family (rais’d by _Popes_) that continued so long together in greatness: and I believe the goodness of the Dukes, who succeeded one after another, contributed not a little to this continuance, which seems to surpass the ordinary measures.
But if we will measure things with the right rule, we shall find that the Family of _Rovere_ liv’d in Grandeur but one Age; for there is no necessity to begin to reckon from the time of _Sixtus_, but from _Julius_ the second, who was of the same House; who seeing it much declin’d by reason of the great persecutions of _Alexander_ the Sixth, determined to succour it, though not by burdening the Church, which was in the year 1510. Neither is it needful to extend the reckoning till 1631. because for above twenty years before the death of the last Duke, the Ecclesiasticks foreseeing the fall of the Dutchy into their own hands, in regard of the great age of the Duke and his want of male Children, they resolv’d to take possession of it by degrees; and accordingly insulted over the poor old Duke, keeping him as if he had been their Subject: wherefore it may reasonably be said, that the House of _Rovere_, rais’d by _Sixtus_ continu’d not in grandeur so much as one full Age.
The Family of _Cibo_ hath alwayes produc’d men eminent both for Learning and Valour; amongst whom there were two _Popes_, _Boniface_ the ninth, and _Innocent_ the eighth; the former in these dayes, when Nephews were not wont to enter into _Rome_ with the _Popes_, and the latter immediately after the death of the abovementioned _Sixtus_. But this Innocent the eighth would not oppress the Church to enrich his Kindred, whom he saw wealthy enough, and of good account amongst the chief Citizens of the Commonwealth of _Genoa_ his Countrey.
He gave them indeed some Offices, but of so small value, that this _Popes_ Kindred did not think it worth while to leave _Genoa_ for _Rome_, and so, after the death of _Innocent_, they despis’d their Citizenships of _Rome_, and return’d to _Genoa_; where within a short time by the fault of Cardinal _Cibo_, they left the Offices given them by the _Pope_ their Kinsman, and were forc’d to betake themselves to other courses for a livelihood; well knowing that the Riches receiv’d from the Church stay not long in the hands of the receivers. And they did wisely, for had they remain’d at _Rome_, perhaps they would not be at this day in that grandeur, esteem, and wealth as they are in the City of _Genoa_.
Of the Family of _Alexander_ the Sixth, that barbarous Pope, there would be much to say, did not the consideration of bravity oblige me to pass over many reasons of the destruction thereof. This _Alexander_ was descended from the noble Family of _Lenzoli_ in _Spain_, being Son of _Goffredo Lenzoli_; but containing both the name and surname of his family, he took that of _Boria_, which was afterwards turn’d to _Borgia_.
From this Pope sprung the house of _Borgia_, and was by him encreas’d and advanc’d to that grandeur, whereof we have spoken in other places. It was divided into two branches, one whereof remain’d in _Spain_ in possession of its ancient honours, and the other came into _Italy_; where it became so great by the many Principalities conferr’d on it by the Pope, that it seem’d likely to flourish to eternity. But on the contrary, in less than half an Age, it decayed so fast, that ’tis above fifty years since the Family of _Borgia_ became extinct in _Italy_.
’Tis true, the Branch in _Spain_ continues in some splendour, and possesses at present the Principality of _Squillace_, which was given by Pope _Alexander_ to his Family. But this Principality is no great matter, _Don Ferdinando Borgia_, the present Possessor little caring for it, for the same reason, as some think, of being purchas’d with the money of the Church; and glorying only in his possessing what his Ancestors had got by their valour, and himself gets by the good service he performs to the Crown, which reckons him one of the chiefest men of _Spain_.
After the Introduction of _Nipotismo_, the Family of _Picolomini_ had another Pope, to wit, _Pius_ the third, who lived so short a time, that he was fain to leave his Kindred _Picoli huomini_ (small men) indeed; although they have kept themselves in the rank of Nobility, by having receiv’d considerably from the Church, but only for eminent services perform’d to the same.
We have spoken sufficiently of the House of _Rovere_, and though _Julius_ the second, who was of it, might induce us to speak of it here again: yet for brevities sake, we will pass to the Family of the _Medici_, which was indeed amplifi’d by, but not first rais’d by _Popes_, but rather the_ Popes_ rais’d by it.
_Leo_ the tenth did his utmost to render his House potent, not in _Rome_ only, but also in _Florence_; where it was one of the chiefest of that Commonwealth. But what this _Leo_ could not, _Clement_ the seventh (of the same Family) effected, having with the Emperours assistance enthralled his own Countrey to make his Nephews Princes.
This House hath maintain’d it self for above 300 years together in greatness, and I believe will so continue, because it stands not on the same foundation with other Families of _Popes_. First, because (as I said before) it has rather given _Popes_ to the Church, than receiv’d Being from the _Popes_, without need of whom it kept it self long in grandeur. And though at first view the great height of this House may seem to be of right attributed to the force, which _Clement_ the seventh us’d to enslave his Countrey, and render his Kindred Princes: Yet this is not pertinent to the question; for _Clement_ took not from the Church to give to them, but only destroy’d a Republick, which was an obstacle to the eyes of all _Popes_, and where his Family was already in chief command. Besides, the _Medici_ were therein as much oblig’d to the House of _Austria_, by whose Force and Power they undoubtedly receiv’d the Principality which they possess with so much glory. And accordingly _Ferdinand_ the second and his Ancestors have alwayes shewed themselves most grateful for the benefit.
The Family of _Farnese_, which is that of _Paul_ the third, Successor to _Clement_, came out of _Germany_ into _Italy_, in company of the Emperours, who often made this Voyage attended by a great number of _Dutch_ Gentlemen; here the chief of this Family gave in divers cases great proofs of their valour, and were therefore preferr’d by the chief and most Potent Princes of _Italy_ to greater Dignities and Offices than those which they had possess’d at home, as well Civil as Military, whereof they acquitted themselves well.
The _Popes_ especially were ambitious to have them at their service, and by their means obtain’d sundry Victories; without which ’tis likely the Church would have been in great distress. In the Papacy of _Paschal_ the second, in the year 1100. _Pietro Farnese_, Captain of the Cavalry of the Church, did wonders in its service, having obtain’d a most glorious Victory against the _Pope’s_ Enemies on the Coasts of _Tuscany_, restoring to _Costano_ the name of _Orbitello_, a very ancient Colony, and replenishing the same with much people.
_Prudentio_ Son of this _Pietro_ under the Papacy of _Lucius_ the second, and _Pepone_ and _Panuccio_ Sons of _Prudentio_, under the Papacy of _Innocent_ the third, effected great things in defence of the Church, which was greatly afflicted with the Schism of the Emperors.
The Grandfather of _Paul_ the third was _Ramecio Farnese_, who overcame, subdu’d and destroy’d all the Rebels of the Holy Church, which in great numbers molested the State Ecclesiastical, and almost all Christendom, he being Captain of the Papal Army in the time of _Eugenio_ the fourth, who indeed was a very worthy _Pope_, if for nothing else, yet for the good intention he had to reward the valour of this great Captain; and I think he rewarded him abundantly by this testimony which he gave him, _The Church is ours_, _because Farnese hath given it us_.
In short, in the Civil Broils, which continu’d for above four Ages between the _Popes_ and the Emperors, the Family of _Farnese_ with incredible valour and felicity reliev’d the drooping state of the Holy Church.
Nevertheless the last _Popes Urban_ and _Innocent_, ingrateful for these benefits, went about to ruine this well deserving Family. Now if they persecute those who with their own Blood and Fortunes have serv’d the Church, what man will ever serve it for the future?
These two Cities were indeed separated from the Church, and given to the _Farnesi_, who at first found great opposition, and became Masters of it with great difficulty, and that not before the time of _Pope Julius_ the third, in the year 1550. which _Pope_ gave them investiture in despite of _Charles_ the fifth, (who could never be perswaded to consent) and assigned them a considerable summe of money for the keeping them.
Within this last forty years the _Popes_ have persecuted these innocent Princes in that manner, that without the assistance of Forreign Crowns, and some of the Princes of _Italy_ they had been exterminate before this, and received so notable a loss, that had it been compared with what they had received from _Paulus_ the third, it would doubtless have been found they had received less than they had lost: from whence it may be justly said, they have not enjoyed that Principality which they possest, as a feud of the Church, in that peace and repose, for this last half age, as they ought in reason to have done. For those _Popes_ that gave it them first, gave them also priviledges to enjoy it without molestation: and therefore those _Popes_ that have of late troubled the _Farness_ with so much expense, ought in reason (if there, be any such thing in _Rome_) to have forfeited their feudale Rights.
_Julius_ the third, he also failed not to do his part towards the raising of his Family, which was of the _De Montes_, by giving them several offices, and sums of money, by which means in a short time they became very great; but half an age was not past, but it began by degrees to decay and shrink into that mediocrity it is in at this day: which is but small in respect of the condition it was in after the death of _Julius_, who saw them advanc’d, but did not live to see their declension; it being a general Maxime amongst all the _Popes_ Nephews, that they see them advanc’d but to the highest pitch of honour, but live not to see them fall to the lowest point of disgrace.
But the greatest Family of all was the _Caraffi_, rais’d to that height by _Paul_ the fourth, though of it self for several Ages before, very illustrious: The authority they had in _Rome_, with the command of several Lands and Castles belonging to the Church, made this name like to be eternal, and being fortified with such strong banks, not at all subject to the injury of time.
But if ever any Family of the _Popes_ were in a short time precipitated from the greatest height to the lowest of meanness, it was this of the _Caraffi_ from _Paul_ the fourth, which continued not four year in that Splendour and Eminence the _Pope_ had plac’d it, he himself having laid the foundation of their greatness and ruine.
Notwithstanding _Paul_ the fourth left his Nephews no small store of Riches, although they were banisht from _Rome_: which they enjoyed till _Pius_ the fourth was preferr’d to the Chair; who being _Pope_, and not able to endure their insolencies, he got them into his hands; and forming a Process against them, he hang’d some of them, beheaded others, and sequestred their Estates, destroying in that manner the House of the _Caraffi_, with no small gust to the Romans, who frequently declared their dissatisfaction with the behaviour of the _Caraffi_.
But some will object, that the House of Caraffi, do at this present flourish in _Naples_ in great honour and wealth, and may be reckoned amongst the Principal there as well for Splendour and Magnificence, as Wealth, of which they enjoy not a little.
To this may be answered with the same reason I have alledged before, where I spake of the house of _Borgia_, divided into two Branches, one in _Spain_, the other in _Naples_; for the House of the _Caraffi_, when _Paul_ the fourth was made _Pope_, was divided also into two Branches, one of them remaining in _Rome_ by the acquisition of a new Estate, the other in _Naples_ in possession of what they had got before.
The Lords of the _Caraffi_ enjoy at present in _Naples_ many Signiories, as particularly the Dutchy of _Matalone_, which they had enjoyed a hundred years before _Paul_ the fourth, without interruption, being anciently Dukes from the time of _Ferdinando_ first King of _Naples_, and reckon’d amongst his principal Favourites; and are still esteem’d of very well by the Crown of _Spain_, though in the revolutions of _Naples_, upon I know not what considerations, the affection _Philip_ the fourth had for a long time for the Duke of _Matalone_, was observed to grow cold.
This Branch that remained in _Naples_ received no benefit or advantage by that which was establish’d in _Rome_, which last being extinguish’d by the two _Popes_ aforesaid by the death and sequestration of so many _Caraffi_; the other remained in _Naples_ daily augmenting by the favours and priledges they receive from the Crown of _Spain_.
Neither are the Neopolitan _Caraffi_ of the same condition with the Roman, they having nothing, as many believe, or at least, very little of the Church Lands in their possession, which continued not long to the other House, not so much as to the second Generation; and therefore these Lords are still so considerable in _Naples_, because their Estates sprang rather from the reward of their valour, than the oppression of the poor.
All this notwithstanding, the People of _Naples_ were always disaffected to the House of _Matalone_; for which reason in the Revolution of _Masanello_, _Don Joseph Caraffa_ was slain by the fury of the People, his heart pull’d out of his breast, and his body drawn all about the City, with this Exclamation, _This is he that betray’d the most faithful People of Naples_. Besides, there were several Palaces of the Dukes, full of inestimable Furniture, burnt, without being able to preserve one; and I being then in _Naples_, heard several cry, _We must burn all_, _to purge the House of_ Caraffa _from the Leprosie of the rest of the_ Caraffi; alluding to them who in the time of _Paul_ the Fourth had made themselves odious to all the World, as well as to _Rome_.
The Family of the _Buoncompagni_ was considerable above thirty years after the death of _Gregory_ the Thirteenth, which was the Person rais’d them to that height; for though before they were in some degree of Nobility, yet their Estate was but narrow and small; however in the twelve years of his Papacy he let them get so much, that without any great difficulty, they liv’d like Princes after the death of that _Pope_, who died in _March_ 1585.
_Giacomo Buoncompagno_, General for the Holy Church, left many Sons all rich, and allied to good Houses; notwithstanding in a short time all was consumed: and though there was not one lavish or profuse person in the Family, though they had several Cardinalships and other Charges in _Rome_, yet could not all prevent their growing worse every day: And had not two Marriages sustained them, and put them into the condition they are in, which yet is but mean in respect of the grandeur they were in before, they had certainly before this been destroy’d.
But the greatest wonder, in the particular of the sudden destruction of the _Popes_ Families, was in the House of _Peretti_ rais’d by _Sixtus_ the Fifth. That _Pope_, to immortalize his Name, and the Grandeur of his House, which was but of very low extraction, married two of his Nephews, or Nephews Sons, I know not which, into the principallest Families in _Rome_; giving each of them considerable Estates in Land, and an infinite quantity of Money: and that it might not meet with any untoward accident to subvert it, he settled their Estates in the surest and best places he could, thinking thereby to secure and establish his Family.
Ten years after the death of _Sixtus_, there were seven Males of the House of _Peretti_ alive, that is, in the year 1600. all of them very rich; but particularly they which had the Inheritance of Cardinal _Montalto_, who left his Nephews an Estate of a hundred thousand Crowns in yearly Rent, besides what they had afore.
Many People conceiv’d this Family was establish’d for ever; and who would not have thought so, considering the number and fertility of the Males, their Alliance with the greatest Families, their Riches, and in short, their enjoyment of all things necessary to the immortalizing a Family? Yet the Name, the Wealth, the Granduer of this House, did all vanish like smoak at the death of Cardinal _Froucesco Peretti_, who died in the beginning of _Innocent_ the Tenth’s Papacy, with no small trouble to the _Romans_, who loved his person exceedingly, having found him full of actions of generosity and nobleness to all that had to do with him.
And so was the House of _Peretti_ extinct, not being able to continue half an Age. Yet notwithstanding, the death of the Cardinal was the rise of another Family from the _Pope_, which is called the _Savelli_, into which one of his Sisters was married, who remained Heir to a vast and inestimable Patrimony. Some People are confident, That if the House of _Peretti_ had continued, the _Savelli_ would have been in an ill condition; so as there was no great hurt done, to lose one Family, and have another rais’d.
The House of the _Sfondrati_ yielded to the Papacy _Gregory_ the Fourteenth, who though sprung from _Milan_ himself, yet nevertheless as to his Original, he may not improperly be styl’d both the Son and the Father of _Cremona_, a Town (considering its Antiquity) amongst the principal of _Italy_, besides that, it has in all times produc’d men very eminent both in Learning and Wars. In this City, amongst the most considerable Citizens, was this House of _Sfondrati_, always enjoying the greatest Office in the Council, which procur’d no small envy in the hearts of many; insomuch as some people excited the _Cambiaghi_ (which was then a Family of great credit and esteem in the City) to oppose themselves against the Ambition of the _Sfondrati_, who at that time appear’d to carry all before them.
The _Cambiaghi_, back’d and supported by other of the Citizens, endeavour’d what they could the diminution of the _Sfondrati_; and from hence arose (not to say Civil Wars) great feuds and animosities between them, which continued till such time as _Girolamo Sfondrati_ was called to _Milan_, where meeting with greater Advancements, he resolved to leave _Cremona_ for ever: And from this Family, now become _Milanese_, _Gregory_ the Fourteenth descended, who would always acknowledge _Cremona_ to be his Country; yet would declare often, whilst he was a young Student there, He would never return to _Cremona_, till he was made Bishop of that place: Afterwards arriving at a competency of years, and other qualifications, he begg’d and obtain’d very readily the Bishoprick of _Pius Quartus_, being a person of great worth: He was also made Cardinal whilst he was in _Cremona_, with no small joy to the whole City, who made great Expressions of their Satisfactions, by Bonfires and other Ceremonies, at the news of his Promotion.