The Cardinal _Ludovisio_ was he that governed the weighty Affairs, his Uncle depending upon him most absolutely; so that often of Negotiations, and Court business, he would communicate little or nothing to the Pope; and when his Uncle, out of curiosity, would sometimes go about to inform himself how things stood; his Nephew would presumptuously answer him, and say, _What need you trouble your head_, _eat and drink_, _and let me alone to serve you_. Every step of this Cardinal was towards the advancement of his Family; and the Pope, not only did let him alone, but would often exhort him to make hast, least of a sudden he should be depriv’d of the means: which fell out; for the Pope liv’d but seven and twenty moneths; in which time, the _Ludovisi_ minded their business so well, that at their Uncles decease they had amongst them, two hundred and fifty thousand Crowns yearly revenue, besides ready money, and that which they spent in publick buildings: So that this _Nipotismo_ does deserve the title, of the most subtle & diligent of all the precedent _Nipotismo’s_, if we consider the proportion of their riches, and measure the shortness of the time that they were purchased in. With all this they much studied publick applause, and to gain to themselves the good will of the people, and _Roman_ Nobility; shewing great respect for them, and offering their service willingly upon all occasions. ’Tis true, there was not much credit given to these demonstrations, because that the _Romans_ were already accustomed to see such Scenes of dissimulation: But nevertheless, their Uncle, neither alive nor dead was not prosecuted with _Pasquinades_; his government, or rather his Nephews, having not been so tyrannical as covetous. And since the _Romans_ leave them in peace, so will we too, and conclude this book with the death of _Gregory_ the fifteenth. The THIRD BOOK. The Contents.