I know that if the _Popes_ would deserve the Title of _Universal Father_, they out to be Universal towards all; and if at any time to be particular, it should be either out of absolute necessity of Reason of State, or some great importance to the honour of the Church. Thus did the Primitive _Popes_, but within these last hundred years things are altogether transform’d; for the waies of the _Popes_ are directed to the advancement of their Families; whence every _Pope_ has often chang’d his thoughts and purposes, and made shew of one thing outwardly, and meant another inwardly; not for that reasons of State (but the reasons of their own Families) so requir’d: which latter are commonly more dear to the _Popes_ than the former. The Ministers of Princes understand what I mean. ’Tis not possible for the most expert Minister at _Rome_ to succeed well, and with his Master’s satisfaction, in the things which he negotiates there. Before I give a reason whereof, I will relate what I read three daies ago in a little book, whether Historical or Fabulous I know not, but much to the purpose. They say, _Pope Paschal_ the second took a conceit to have an Astrologer divine his thoughts. To which end he sent for an Abbot very intelligent in the Art of Astrology, and demanded of him, _What himself thought_? The Abbot surpris’d at this odd-proposal, desir’d time to answer, and returning home fell to study an Answer; but, not being able to find one fit and proper to the Question, he remain’d much troubled and melancholy. His Cook observing it, and understanding the cause, bid his Master take courage, and leave the business to him; for he would effect it with reputation to them both. The Abbot was well pleas’d with this discourse, and being desir’d by the Cook to let him have his Gown and other Habit, gave him it: wherewith the Cook being cloath’d, repair’d to the _Pope’s_ presence, and that with the more confidence, for that he was in person and voyce very like the Abbot. The _Pope_ no sooner beheld him, but taking him for the Abbot, _Well_, (said he) _What do I think_? The bold Cook answer’d without delay, _Your Holiness thinks you speak with the Abbot_, _but ’tis with the Abbots Cook_. Not much different is that which befals Embassadours of Princes who negotiate at _Rome_; where the _Popes_ are wont to do like the _Jackpuddings_ of a Play, who change themselves in a moment from Man to Woman, and from a Physician to a Muleter. When an Embassadour thinks he treats with a Temporal Prince, and about Civil matters, ’tis with a Spiritual Bishop, and about matters Ecclesiastical. Religion serves the _Pope_ to disguise Temporal Dominion, and Temporal Dominion to disguise Religion. Religion precedes Policy, if the Affairs of Embassadours be contrary to the Policy, which the _Popes_ have in their heads: Policy precedes Religion, if the Embassadours Strengthen and confirm the particular Policy of the Popes.