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.