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. How careful this _Pope_ was of his Relations, we have sufficiently shewed in its proper place: ’tis enough that not contented with the Marriage of two of his Nephews, towards the perpetuation of his Family, and one of them in particular with the Daughter of the Prince of _Massa_; he design’d also to make _Emilius Sfondrato_ his Brothers Son, who was already entred to the Degree of Holy Orders, to resign his Cardinals Cap: but propounding of it to the Consistory, the Cardinals apprehended it a business of so great scandal, they intreated him to content himself, that he had married two Nephews, that were already furnished with Children, to secure the continuance of his Family for ever, without any such hainous and unjustifiable courses.