And in effect, as soon as the news of the adoption of Cardinal _Astalli_ was spread abroad, there were many that laid great wagers, that he would not conserve himself in his post long; and the grounds they went upon, was the unconstant humour of the Pope, which no body could trust to. Cardinal _Mazarine_ himself being weary of so many extravagant changes in the _Nipotismo_ of _Innocentius_, and seeing _Astalli_ fallen out of his favour, and the _Barberins_ in his place, said to one of his Confidents, in the presence of a French Protestant, these words, _I have never relyed much upon the Cardinal_ Astalli; _and I shall now scarce rely upon the Pope himself_. Many Princes both of _Italy_ and _Germany_ were of Cardinal _Mazarine’s_ minde in this, and became very cautious in all their negotiations; avoiding all occasions of treating with his Holiness, as knowing that nothing could be well managed in such divisions, and changes. Thus we see, that not only the _Popes_ must have near them those that have the title of Nephews; but they must be really such, as by consanguinity may be obliged to the same interest with the _Pope_, if he means that others should trust them. This is the only way to make the _Popes_ appear Sovereigns, as really they desire to be; and any other way they will seem rather to be the Heads of a Commonwealth than absolute Princes. It is fit therefore, that they should be allowed a _Nipotismo_ for their own and others safety; but it is not just that they should so indulge this _Nipotismo_, as to set it above themselves, and become its slaves. Let them treat with Princes, but let them not become so themselves, and usurp the _Pope’s_ Authority, so far as to use it without his knowledge, and often contrary to the Interests of the Church and State. Let them not do as _Gregory_ the 15th. who had given to the Cardinal _Ludovisio_ his Nephew, so great an Authority of doing and saying what he pleased, without so much as consulting his Uncle, that he was really become _Pope_, and the _Pope_ as if he had been the Nephew; and if ever he come and give him part of any secret negotiation, it was because the thing was so intricate, that he either could not, or durst not undertake to come to execution, without being first fortified with his Uncle’s advice and approbation. But the best was, that the _Pope_ himself did not dare to ask him any questions about business, or inform himself otherwise; but sometimes would be whole weeks together without so much as seeing the face of an Ambassadour, or publick Minister: his Nephew in the mean time giving Audience, and concluding all business with them.