who did not know of the reason of it, to exclaim against the Popes
inconstancy: but no sooner was the _Nipotismo_ down, but that _Donna
Olympia_ raised her self upon its ruines; for the Pope a weary of being
alone, call’d his Sister in Law once more to him, and gave her back again
all her former power, and more, if more could be, the true _Nipotismo_
remaining neglected, and despised in all these changes; for except some
Offices and Places which they got, they were little more advanced in the
Popes favour; and in those places, they had, it is true, a liberty of
getting money by all Arts, but still with the condition of dependance
upon _Donna Olympia_.
The avidity of the _Barbarines_ was but a shadow of what this Lady
perform’d in reallity; for under her government, Cardinalships,
Bishopricks, Abbies, Canonicates, and generally, all Church revenues were
sold, as in a Market, to him that bid most: She little cared how full the
Town was of murmurs, if her purse were full of Gold; and that which was
most intollerable was, that not only the meritorious and deserving people
were neglected, but banished from _Rome_.
There was no more talk then of the Pope, all the discourse was of _Donna
Olympia_, many taking occasion to say, _That it were fit likewise to
introduce the women to the administration of the Sacrament_, _since that_
Donna Olympia _was Pope_.
At last it pleased Almighty God to deliver the Church from so great a
scandal, and so unheard of one before this age, which gave so fair an
occasion to the Hereticks of inveighing against the Church of _Rome_,
with a great deal of reason.
_Innocent_ dyed in the year 1655. having reigned ten years, four months,
and some dayes; so that then the Sister in law, and the _Nipotismo_, were
fain to leave the _Vatican_ to the Pope that should be chosen, who was
_Alexander_ the seventh, who now lives and rules the Church.
The Cardinals thought of little less then of making _Alexander Pope_, who
went by the name of _Fabio Chigi_ of _Siena_, not that he was destitute
of those qualities which make a Cardinal worthy of that Elevation, but
because that he was newly made Cardinal, and too young to be a
Competitour for such a place; with all this, after three moneths time
employed in the Conclave, he was at last chosen, when he thought least of
it.
As soon as the news was spread in the Town, people began to discourse
about the new _Nipotismo_, which was to govern the City, the State, and
the Church; and there many began to reckon up such a number of kindred,
that they affirm’d, there would not be room for them in _Rome_ it self,
much less was the Popedom sufficient to enrich such a company of hungry
Relations, and raise a family, which, though of antient Nobility, was
nevertheless very poor.
The ambitious, and those that desir’d to be in favour with these new
Masters, rid post to _Siena_, not only to carry this happy news, but also
to have the priviledge of offering their service first.
_Don Mario_, the Popes brother, as soon as he heard of his exaltation,
immediately, without so much as putting on new clothes, as his Wife would
have had him, caused a Horse to be sadled, and with two servants took his
journey towards _Rome_; having first receiv’d from one and the other a
number of submissive complements, not without the title of Excellence.
He was thus going on, and making Castles in the Air; insomuch that he did
scarce see those that came to meet him on his way, seeming a man in an
extasie, and a body without a soul, which without doubt was gone before
to take possession of his future greatness; when at some miles distance
from _Siena_, he met a Gentleman, from the Pope, with Letters to him, in
which his Holiness did most strictly command, that neither he, nor any of
his Relations should stir from _Siena_ to go towards _Rome_, under pain
of incurring their brothers indignation for ever.
At this news, the poor _Don Mario_ was as if he had been thunder-struck;
so that if at first he seemed a body without a soul, it was almost true
now, for all his blood retired to his heart, and left him pale, like a
Ghost, though otherwise corpulent enough; he was in doubt whether he
should infringe these so severe commands, and continue on his way, or
else obey and go home again; the first seemed dangerous, the second
shameful; but at last, after some reluctancy within himself, he resolv’d
to return by night to _Siena_, being asham’d to enter the City by day.
Being come home he communicated his Letter to all the kindred; and though
it seemed a very severe one to them, yet had they some little glimpse of
hope in the ambiguous sense of these words, _Do not stir from_ Siena, _in
no wise_, _till you receive a new Order from us_: from this they took
occasion, not to despair of their fortune, guessing, that this proceeding
was not a defect of kindness in the Pope, but some new politick trick.
* * * * *
The Great Duke of _Florence_, in the mean time, forgot not to send a
Gentleman to visit _Don Mario_, and to present him with such things, as
he thought they might need in that occasion; and by his example, many
Cardinals and Princes did the same thing; particularly, all the persons
of quality of _Tuscany_ failed not, every one of them, to wait upon the
family of the _Chigi_. ’Tis true, that the Popes Order carried, _that
they should not change their way of living_, _nor receive visits as his
Relations_; but that was too hard to be executed, since it was not in
their power, to hinder those that had a mind to it, from doing them that
honour.
* * * * *
The Republick of _Venice_, whose maxime it is to keep the Popes for
friends (though they often have been so ungrateful, and so little
sensible of the service that this State does to the Church and all
_Christendom_, as to trouble its quiet) having receiv’d the news of the
election, assembled the Senate, to deliberate of the demonstrations of
joy, which they should shew to the Pope.
There it was resolved unanimously, _That the House of_ Chigi _should be
declared Noble of_ Venice, _with all the Prerogatives that the Senate
uses to bestow on such occasions_; which was done accordingly, and the
Letters Patent were sent to the Pope and his kindred in _Siena_, with the
usual formes, being followed immediately after by a solemn and stately
Embassie.
Thus the Popes kindred did receive continually great honour in _Siena_,
though it were some mortification to them, to see themselves depriv’d of
that command and authority, which they thought did belong to them, _de
jure_, as being a Popes Relations.
In the mean time, this neglect and denial, which the Pope seem’d to make
of his dearest Kindred, got him such a reputation through the world, that
nothing was more discoursed of, then of his holiness and purity of life;
the vulgar did expect no less then miracles from him; and hearing say,
that he had alwayes upon his table a dead mans Scull, and under his bed
his Coffin, they could not choose, but be confirmed in the opinion of his
holiness.
But the wiser sort, and the judicious, were not so easily deceiv’d; but
reckoning, that it was either policy, or a particular melancholy, which
had flown into the Popes head, but had not root in his heart, they
alwayes said, _Let us see what the end will be_.
And indeed, after some time it was observed, that the Pope did as the
Traveller, who being in a small vessel, which was surpriz’d by a terrible
storm at Sea, resolv’d, that he might save his life, to throw all that he
had into the Sea, having then tyed his baggage with a rope, he threw it
over board, but still kept in his hand, the end of the rope to which his
baggage was tyed. Just thus did _Alexander_, for though it seemed to the
eyes of the vulgar, that he had despised and thrown over board his
Kindred, yet from time to time he would hold out his hand, and send them
money, and all other things that were necessary, there passing never a
day, but they had news from him, and he from them.
And once particularly (and this is a thing which I am an eye witness of;
neither do I think, that _Don Mario_ himself can deny it, if he will be
sincere) the Pope feigning to send them some Mules, loaden with Wax for
certain Churches, sent them indeed Mules loaden with money; which cheat
was so great, that the Muletiers themselves perceiv’d it, complaining of
the extraordinary heaviness of their burdens; and indeed, what should
they have done with so much Wax, for there would have been enough, if it
had been really Wax, to have lighted the _French_ Court a whole year.
Another time, he took an occasion of sending some Silver vessels, and
some Silk stuffs, to be employed in Ornaments for Churches, with order,
that they should be recommended to _Don Mario_, to dispose of them
according to the Popes intention; but _Don Mario_, in opening the boxes,
found above four Purses full of Gold, Gold all newly coin’d, with the
Stamp of the Popes-head upon them.
The Embassadours of Princes, and the Cardinals, having perceiv’d, that
all this apparent aversion to his Kindred, was but jugling and
hypocrisie, made it their business, to induce him by prayers and
entreaties to change his resolution; particularly, having observ’d, that
the Popes design was, to be thus urged and pressed, that he might gain
reputation in the world, and be furnished with an excuse, whensoever, at
their request, he should introduce his banished Relations. And indeed,
they had gain’d so much upon him, that he did begin to hearken to their
reasons with a milder countenance, and less reluctancy: Yet there was one
thing which hindred him from coming to the execution of this his design,
which was the Oath he had taken before the Crucifix in the beginning of
his Popedom, not to receive his Kindred in _Rome_; but the Jesuites, who
were his Confessors, and who are as subtle Philosophers as learned
Casuists, found out an evasion, which much pleased his Holiness; for it
gave him leave to comfort his kindred, to yield to the Prayers and
Sollicitations of Princes, and to ease himself of a part of the weight
and cares of government.
They told him then, that indeed it would have been a breach of his Oath,
to receive his kind in _Rome_; but that he might, with a safe conscience,
go and meet them half a dayes journey of _Rome_, and so not at all
endanger his soul: was much liked, and put in execution by the _Pope_,
though it seemed to the Court a ridiculous evasion, which became the
subject of their laughter and drollery for a great while.
The Pope being then at last resolved, Orders were dispatch’d to _Siena_
to the _Nipotismo_, which was there assembled, in expectation of this
news as if they had waited for Manna from Heaven. So _Don Mario_, his
Wife and Children, and _Don Agostino_, with a numerous attendance, left
_Siena_ and took their journey towards _Calstel Gandelfe_, a House of
pleasure of the Popes, where they met his Holiness, who receiv’d them,
and embraced them with the greatest demonstrations affection and kindness
that was possible; and after some short stay there, came back to _Rome_
with them in triumph.
* * * * *
In the interim, it is worth the Readers curiosity, to be inform’d of an
accident that befell _Padre Pallavicino_, the Popes Confessor, a Jesuite,
in hopes of obtaining a Cardinal Cap, which at last he got, had
undertaken to write the Story of the Councel of _Trent_; which indeed may
justly be call’d his, for the greatest part of it is not history and
relation, but an abundance of words, which he endeavours to prove, that
the history of _Fra. Paulo_, upon the same subject, was and is false, but
he stumbles at every step he goes, and is so ill furnish’d with
Arguments, that for my part I must confess, that I never believ’d _Fra.
Paulo’s_ History to be real, sincere and true, but since I read the
Jesuites: and he that will profit by them let him read them both with an
equal disinteressment.
Now in this History, Father _Palavicino_ had taken occasion to praise the
Pope _Alexander_ in divers places, and extoll him to the Skyes, as an
Angel rather then a man, for denying his own blood and relations, and
keeping them at such a distance from him.
The sheets were printed, and the book was coming out, when the Pope went
to receive his kindred at Castle Gandolfe, and had brought them to
_Rome_: This cast the Father into a strange perplexity; and the rather,
because that the Pope, before he undertook his journey, had asked him his
advice about the business as being his Confessour; seeing himself in a
strange Labyrinth, he was mightily confounded; for if he councelled him
to receive them, that was to give his book the lye; and if he exhorted
him to continue in his first resolution, that was the way to offend the
Pope and his Kindred, and lose all his own fortune.
At last he resolved:
Which he did, by counselling the Pope to receive his kindred, and by
printing over again those sheets which made mention of the Popes
alienation from all humane affections. But the Printer refused to do it
at his expences; so that the good Father was fain to have recourse to
some of his devout Children, who out of charity payed for the reprinting
of about twenty sheets.
* * * * *
No sooner had this new _Nipotismo_ taken possession of the _Vatican_, but
the people began to murmur against the Pope, making Pasquins, and setting
them up in every street. Thus he, who before was a Saint and an Angel,
was now become an Hypocrite and a Devil; and the belief of the _Romans_,
concerning the Popes infallibility, was much changed, from that which
they had receiv’d before from the Divines; for now they believ’d at
least, that if the Pope could not erre by himself, yet his Nephews could
make him erre: The Pope, who was before ador’d by the common people,
became now contemptible, insomuch, that going one day to consecrate the
Church of the _Peace_, which had been rebuilt by him he receiv’d a vile
affront; for the Curate of that Church, having rais’d a triumphal Arch
before it, over which was the Popes Picture, with this Inscription,
_Orietur in diebus nistris justitia & abundantia pacis_, some bold
persons had the conscience to put an _M_ before _orietur_, and change the
_C_ of _pacis_ into an _N_; so that then there was, _Monrictur __in
diebus nostris justitia & abundantia ranis_. In the Academy of the Wits,
they did recite and show Epigrams, which were very offensive to the Popes
and his Families reputation, though all were allegorically veil’d over:
In a word, they were counted the most ingenious, who could invent the
sharpest sayings upon the introduction of the _Nipotismo_.
But before we go any further, it will not be amiss, to see in what
persons, and how qualified, the _Nipotismo_ did consist: And I consider
it in two wayes, that which is nearest in consanguinity, and another,
which is related at a greater distance, and we will omit the women, that
we may not be mistaken by so great a number as there would be with them.
Six Males from that _Nipotismo_, which is of a very near consanguinity to
the Pope, that is, speaking of those that have at this present part in
the government of _Rome_, and omitting the little children.
These are then first, _Don Mario_, the Popes eldest brother; the Cardinal
_Flavio Chigi_, who is, _Don Mario’s_ Son; _Don Agostino_, and _Don
Sigismond_, who are Brothers, and Sons of another of the Popes Brothers,
who dyed before _Alexander’s_ exaltation to the Popedom; and two other
Brothers, who are Sons to one of the Popes Sisters that was married in
the family of the _Bichi_; so that in all, there are one Brother, and
five Nephews, which make a pretty compleat _Nipotismo_.
_Don Mario_ is five years older then the Pope, and though by consequence
he be threescore and ten, yet he is strong and lusty. The Pope and he
are very different in their constitution, humour, and actions; for the
first is tall, the other low; the Pope is inclin’d to learning, _Don
Mario_ is strangely ignorant; the Pope is lean, and _Don Mario_ is fat;
the Pope is noble and generous, and _Don Mario_ is covetous and
miserable, thinking of nothing, but of gathering and heaping together of
money, little troubling himself at the peoples murmurings; and yet they
cry out more against him, then ever they did against _Don Tadeo_, nay,
more then they did against _Donna Olympia_ her self; he hath invented so
many new subtleties to get money out of those Offices which are
ordinarily bestowed upon the Popes nearest Relations, that the
_Barbarines_, who thought themselves masters in that Craft, do remain
astonish’d to see themselves outdone by a new beginner.
The Pope shewes him the respect due to an elder Brother, and that is all;
’tis true, that of late he hath afforded him more liberty, and a greater
share in the Government then he was wont to have, and he uses it to his
advantage, missing no occasion to improve his fortune; nay, he is so
passionately bent to getting, that he ordinarily uses to say of a thing
he does not like, _There is nothing to be got there_.
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.