EPITAPHIUM. WIthin this Marble doth Entombed Lie, Not One, but All a Noble Family: A Pearl of such a Price, that soon about Possession of it, Heaven, and Earth fell out; Both could not have Him, So they did Devise This Fatal Salvo, to divide the Prize: Heaven Share's the Soul, and Earth his Body takes, Thus We lose all, whilst Heaven, and Earth part stakes: But Heaven, not Brooking that the Earth should share In the least Atom, of a Piece so Rare, Intends to Sue Out, by a new Revize His Habeas Corpus, at the Grand Assize. JOHN● FLOWER. A 〈◊〉 ●●COUNT OF THE ●IFE and DEATH OF ●●pe ALEXANDER the VII. ●ith a Description of his Funeral Machin, 〈…〉 Elegies erected in St. Peter's Church: Rome. Together with Exact Relation of the particular ceremonies performed at the Creation and Coronation of this present POPE CLEMENT the IX. With A CATALOGUE of all the CARDINALS. Translated out of the Italian Copies printed at Rome: By P. A. Gent. London, Printed for Moses Pitt at the White Hart in Little Britain. 1667. THE PREFACE TO THE READER. Courteous Reader, IN this small Peice, thou wilt see a true, plain, and lively draught of the Pomp and Grandeur of the Pope; and of his great Council the Conclave of Cardinals: And also meet with a number of the Formalities and Ceremonies of the Romish Church; Some of which I was once in a mind not to have inserted, but that would not well be done without spoiling the Narrative, and falsifying the Translation, which I have closely followed in all, but the Relation of Pope Alexander the Seventh, his last Sickness and Death; and in regard, that it was stuffed up with so much Compliment and Flattery, I chose rather to extract the most material passages and substance of it, and omit the rest: for which, I beg the Reader's Pardon, and favourable Construction of my Intent to serve him, hoping that he will excuse those errors which my haste in finishing hath made me commit; also such literal faults as have escaped the Press. A short Account of the Death of Pope ALEXANDER the VII. HAving out of some Italian Papers undertaken to draw a Succinct Account of the last Sickness and Death of the late Pope Alexander the Seventh, I was afraid that the work would seem but maimed and imperfect, if I should not insert some Passages relating to his first Rise and Advancement to the Papal Dignity. I have therefore given this following Hint to that effect, for satisfaction of such as being unacquainted with his History, desire to have some knowledge of his Beginning, before I come to speak of his Latter end, which is the principal Scope of this short Narrative. Pope Alexander the Seventh was Native of the City of Sienna in Tuscany, and descended of the ancient Family of Ghisi, who in his younger years, growing eminent for his great parts and Learning, was promoted at his riper age to the Bishopric of Imola in the Territories of the Church, and therein behaved himself with so much Prudence and Policy, giving manifest Proofs, upon all occasions, of his great Capacity for public Employments, that he was made Vice-Legat of Ferara; then Inquisitor of Malta; and afterwards sent Nuncio to Cullen and Munster, at the Treaty held there for a General Peace. And having undergone all these Offices, and in them acquired much honour and reputation, he received as a reward of his great merits, a Cardinal's Cap, in the Year 1652, in the Month of February, from Pope Innocent the Tenth, and was admitted into the number of the Purpurati: After which, as a greater Testimony of the Pope's favour to him, he was constituted Secretary of State, and in that Employment continued till the Death of the said Pope, and his own Election to the Papacy, unto which he the rather attained, as was supposed, to cross the Designs of the Faction of the Barbarini. At his first Creation, that he might gain the hearts of the Common-people, he used all means to express his Charity to the Poor, amongst whom he distributed great Sums of money; the like he did for the Deliverance of Prisoners, and for beautifying and building many Churches, and other public Structures, not only in Rome, but also in several places in the Estate of the Church; wherein he exhausted most part of his treasure, and politicly refused all Presents, which were made him by such as intended thereby to insinuate themselves into his favour; as in particular, three rich Coaches, with six Horses apiece, from the Cardinal de Medici, the Cardinal Arach, and the Prince de Pamphilio. And amongst the rest, a Damask Bed embroidered with Gold, from that grand She Statist * See her Life Printed at London. 1667. Donna Olympia, the Bosom Favourite of his Predecessor Innocent the X. He filled all the vacant and most considerable Offices (so soon as he was established in his Throne) with very eminent and deserving Persons; and amongst others, he conferred on the present Pope, Clement the Ninth, the Place of Secretary of State. To be brief, during his whole reign, which was almost Thirteen years, he gave evident testimony of his Zeal for advancement of the Interest of the See of Rome, showing great moderation and indifferency toward the several Factions, always shunning as much as he could, the adhering to any one of them, in prejudice of another. But that I may not go beyond the limits of my intended brevity, which was only to give you this small Account, for the better understanding of what follows, and that I might not be thought abruptly to begin the subsequent Discourse of his last Sickness and Death; I do therefore now wave further particulars of his Life, and proceed to the intended Relation. The Pope being seized with his old Distemper in the beginning of the last Lent, and foreseeing the Danger which threatened him, without expecting any other advice of his Physicians, was willing to prepare himself for the great passage which he foresaw, that in a short time he was to make, from this Life to another; and intending in thefirst place to dissintangle himself from all external business, that he might be able, with less distraction, to apply himself to the internal Concernments of his Soul; on the 13 day of March, of this present Year 1667 new style, he called a Consistory, whether, being apparelled in the accustomed habit he went in Person, although much cast down by his Infirmity, yet recollecting all the Spirits and Vigour which were left him, he constrained himself to perform that great Function. Wherein he promoted to the Cardinalship eight of those select persons, whom he supposed, for their great worth and labours, bestowed for the good of the Papal See, had merited the advancement to so high Dignity. But his Disease increasing, four days after, he was Assaulted by a grievous fit, from which he concluded that his Sickness was mortal, and notwithstanding, it grew more and more violent daily, yet for all this, he had thoughts of performing the long Ceremonies of Holy Thursday, to prepare himself for Death, as he said, by meditating on the sacred Mysteries of the Passion of Jesus Christ, and would have executed his intentions in despite of his pains, if his Physicians and Surgeons, together with his Confessor had not persuaded him to the contrary; remonstrating to him the Inconveniencies which might arise, from the hard Labours which are inseparable from such prolix Ceremonies. And although he was persuaded by them all that time, yet was he resolved with that little strength he had left him (though much broken and extenuated by his Disease) on Easter-day upon the Gallery of Monte Cavallo, where this Function is used to be performed, with a solemn Benediction in Pontificalibus, to bless the People, which there flocked in exceeding great multitudes, being driven thereunto not only out of Devotion, but also by a desire of seeing their Pastor yet whole and alive. He blessed them, having raised himself up twice according to the Custom, without the help of the Pontifical Seat; and this was the last time that he saw his flock, or they him. But it was not God's will that he should long enjoy this apparent prosperity, for three days after he was assaulted by mortal pains, and such ones, that the former in comparison of these seemed but light Flea-bite; which that he might gain vigour to resist with Patience, he ordained the most Holy Saerament to be exposed in all the principal Churches of Rome. But the Disease growing desperate, and he being assured by the Physicians that he was to die, he received the tidings of Death, not only with a total resignation to God, as he said, but also with rejoicing and cheerfulness, as a message of eternal felicity, which he hoped to enjoy: then called for the Viaticum, which after his confession he received with great Devotion. After this he caused all the Sacred College of Cardinals to be called to him; and though he was by the sharpness of his Disease brought very low and almost reduced to extremity, yet he addressed himself with a steady voice to them, in a most excellent and Eligant Exhortation in the Latin Tongue, which he said, he purposely chose, because he could better express his conceptions in that than in the Italian. In this amongst other things he put them in remembrance of his Election, and their compelling him to accept that high Dignity, which was far from his thoughts, wherein he affirmed that they had made him Sacrafise the Sweetness of his Rest, to their resolutions: he begged their pardon for his frailty, which he might, through his passion, have committed, makes an Appology for expending great sums for promoting the Church Interest. Entreats them to use the sincerity and cleverness in the next Election, which was shortly to be, as they had done in his. Exhortes them against Covetousness, wherein he useth this expression, Consider that from the Church you have received the most honourable part of what you possess; that if you were constrained to leave that which you received from the Church, to the offerings of others, how much more contentedly, (without any other appetite) should you then enjoy that which you do now possess, & c? Lastly, he recommends to their care and protection, his Cardinal Nephew, his Aged Brother, and the rest of his Kindred, and himself to their prayers. This being spoken, he lifted up his hands and Blessed them, and then their Eminencies having made some reflections upon his discourse, approached to the Bed side with tears in their Eyes, and after they had taken pains to comfort him, with great tenderness they Kissed his hand, and departed. At last, they being all departed, and only his familiar Friends and Ghostly Fathers continuing in the room with him, he altogether applied himself to his Devotion, often repeating these words, Cupio disolvi & esse cum Christo. And those which assisted him he caused continually to read Spiritual Books, & divers Prayers, and Psalms, especially the Penitential Psalms, etc. Now, if his Disease was long and painful in the highest degree, his Patience was then very admirable, and incredible, which he showed in his suffering of those cruel and most grievous torments, as without doubt, those were which he endured, in regard of the many parts of his body, which after his Death, were discovered to be offended; yet was he never observed during all his sickness to have a discomposed countenance. A certain Priest presented him with a Picture, where there were very well drawn some Hearts, behind every one of which was represented one of the Mysteries of the most holy Passion, and he sent him word, that it was not for any pretence he had, that he presented him with that Picture, but only that at the sight of that, he might call to mind, the torments suffered by Jesus Christ, and thereby arm himself with Patience, when his pains were most violent. It is impossible to tell how acceptable this gift was to him, which although it was but simple indeed, he required the Donor of it with much Liberality, and caused it to be put behind the Pillow, in that place exactly where he used to lay his Head, when he was most Tormented with pains, and from time to time he commanded it to be removed to the feet of the Bed, that he might with the more ease and sitting up behold it. After he had received both the Eucharist and the Extreme Unction; he disposed himself for his Transit, with a marvellous undantedness: and had already even lost his Speech, when one of his Religious men standing by exhorted him to do an act of Contrition, and to ask God pardon of his Sins, he collecting his Breath, which was flying away, with a most lanquishing voice, which could hardly be understood, answered Ita. The same added that he should hope in the Mercies of God, who is always ready to shower down his Mercies upon a penitent heart; The Pope answered with the same weakness of Speech, Certe. Which were the last words which proceeded out of his mouth. Although his Agony had lasted long, and above measure painful, nevertheless the great Pontife did not the show least sign of Impatience: and when he perceived himself to decay, he said, Ones Life should decay before ones Death. He desired to have his Indulgence in Articulo Mortis, from the hand and voice of one of the Religiosi that assisted him. He was often visited by the Cardinals, contrary to the former customs, who were willing to be round about his Bed till his End. And on Sunday the 22. of May, about 22. of the Clock, he quietly rendered his Spirits to his Creator, in the 60 Year of his Age, and 13 of his Pontificate; and the same Evening, the usual Ceremony being performed by the Cardinal Lord Chamberlain, the Corpse were arrayed in the accustomed Vestments, put into a Litter of Crimson Velvet open on all sides, compassed round about by the Penitentiary Fathers, with lighted Torches in their hands, accompanied by the Guards and Light Horses, followed by the Artillery, and with the Rear Guard of Curiassiers, being carried to the Vatican, and there the next morning opened, there was found on one part of the Lungs, fastened to one of his sides, a Touch of a black Spot; one of his Kidneys wasted, and some Carnosities or fleshy Kyrnels instead of it, from whence the passage of the Urine was hindered; and an Ulcer of the Reins, which of all his other Diseases was the worst: From thence, being Embalmed and Pontifically Apparelled, he was carried the next day to the Cathedral of St. Peter, and placed in the Chapel of the most Holy Sacrament, where was a Concourse of an infinite number of people, to kiss his feet, and take from him whatsoever they could lay hands on, to preserve to themselves as Holy Relics. FINIS. A Brief Description of the great Funeral Machine builded within the Cathedral of St. Peter in ROME, for the Obsequies of his Holiness Pope ALEXANDER the VII. With a Copy of all the Inscriptions and Elegies put up there in praise of his Holiness. VEry considerable is the Fabric of the Great Mausoleum erected in the Basilica of the Prince of the Apostles, opposite to the Chapel of the most Holy Sacrament, for the Death of of his Holiness Pope ALEXANDER the VII. It consisted of a most high Urn supported by a Pedestal, having a Triple Crown over it, with four Spires, which much exceeded the height of the aforesaid Urn, with four steps or degrees between the four Obelisks, which were all round about full of Coats of Arms, and Impresses born up by very high Pedestals: on the fronts of which were seen the Arms of his Holiness, and some most elegant Inscriptions, which shall be here presented for the satisfaction of such as are curious. On the first Spire from the side of the Epistle over against the Chapel of the most Holy Sacrament were the two following Inscriptions: Vaticani Templi Sanctitatem Maximus Alexander, Ut generi Humano augustiorem redderet Circumduxit admirandam Porticum, Quam Theatrum dixeris. Ubi gestum facit cum majestate Religio. And because the abovesaid Inscription alludeth to the building of the great Porch of St. Peter's Church, therefore over it was a Medal, wherein was painted to the life the fabric of that Church. On the other side of that Column was the following Inscription, alluding to the Temple of Sta Maria in Portico. caused to be builded as above after the Contagion, with its Medal likewise over it. Extincta pestilenti Lue Optimus Alexander Ex Romani Populi Voto A fundamentis extruxit grande Templum Sanctae Mariae in Porticu. Quasi Romanae Portum securitatis. Over against the Chapel of the Canons, called of the Pieta, on the lower part was engraven upon one of the fronts of the Pedestal of the Spire the following words, alluding to the Cathedral of St. Peter, with its Medal over it. Ferream tempestatem timent Sapiens Alexander, Cathedram Petri Arbitram temporum Opere aureo magnificè ornavit; Sic docuit non nisi per Petri sedem Vigere auream aetatem. In the same Spire, on the other side, alluding to the building of the Church, and the Gate Del Popolo, with its Medal painted over it, were these following Characters: Totam ornaturus Romam Beneficus Alexander; Primam Populi Portam, mox Templum Amplum, ac luculentum exornavit; Sic tantum fausto ingressui tribuit, Quantum studuit, ut Romam faeliciter coleretur. Upon the other front of the Pedestal of the Spire, opposite to the Chapel of Pieta, were these following Verses, alluding to the building of the Sapientia and of the Library there erected with its Medal above. Romanam Academiam Sapientiae Sacram Prudens Alexander Amabiliorem reddidit, ac opportuniorem; Pulcra aedificatione insigni Bibliotheca: Roma potentius regitur Amore sapientiae, quam potentiae metu. On the other side of it alluded an Inscription to the building of the Church Santa Maria Della Pace. Apertum tot annis Jani Templum Pacificus Alexander Ingenios' a pietate tandem clausit; Nobilitato Templo, Quod Virgini, ac Paci dicatum est: Sola Deipara Bellonam fugat. Upon the front of the Obelisk, over against the Chapel of the Sacrament, on the uppermost part, were the following words with their Medal over them alluding to the Restauration and Building made in the Port of Civita Vecciha. Centum Cellas adversum Barbaros Vetus Ecclesiae Romanae propugnaculum Bellico Armamentario instruxit: Tunc vere arcentur hosts Cum parantur vires, quibus arcantur. On the other side of this Spire alluded to the Restauration and Beautifying of the Church and Piazza or Marketplace of Santa Maria della Rotonda. Aedem Agrippe superstitioni superstitionem Pius Alexander, Depressa Platea, repositis Columnis Pristino splendori restituit. Ne in hoc olim Ethnicae impietatis Regno Christiana pietas indecore triumpharet. On the two other fronts of the four Spires there was for each of them another Medal without any Inscription underneath: Other buildings were painted there, made in the life time, and by order, of the memory of the deceased Pope. The Urn was likewise adorned with the Histories of the glorious actions done by his Holiness the Pope: In the lower front was represented the Immaculate Conception, for the which his Holiness some years since had been so much concerned. In another was figured the Coronization of St. Thomas of Villa nova the Augustinian. In the third front was that of St. Francesca di Sales, Bishop of Geneva. And in the fourth, the Beatification of St. Peter de Arbues, the Aragonian Martyr. And near to that were two Pictures of the deceased Pope. All the great Medals, Pictures and Impresses were beautifully adorned with gold, with the Compartments equal and uniform, which gave no little admiration to the great concourse of people, who flocked to behold the symmetry of a Fabric which amidst sadness breathed out so marvellous beauty. And principally was the wonder of the Beholders increased on Monday morning, and the other two days following (wherein the Lords Cardinals performed the last Funeral offices round this Mausoleum) when it appeared lighted by near six hundred Wax-lights, besides a number of great Candles and Torches; and the splendour of the gold triumphing over the black colour with that of the burning Luminaries, it was not to be discerned whether or no the Lights gave a more pleasing variety to the Gildings, or that the Gildings borrowing from them, made the greatest lustre. At this fair and mournful spectacle remained speechless with admiration, four great silvered Statues, representing the four Virtues, Prudence, justice, Fortitude and Temperance, who sat by the sides of the Urn; silent, not only out of admiration, being the Beholders of so fair and vast a Mole, but also for sadness, as having lost so dear a cherisher of theirs, that had known so well how to learn happily their Doctrine. It was admirable in the morning to see the Luminaries burn, with which the whole Machine was ordinarily filled, whilst it flamed round about the four great Spires, by certain windows whereof they were full, and in them did marvellously ascend withinside artificially by certain degrees, which were guided commodiously almost from the extremity of the Obilisk, the work of the Mole remaining so admirable and undefaced until this present, to the end that each curious Eye may be sufficiently satisfied with beholding it. FINIS. A true Relation of the Ceremonies performed within and without the Conclave for the Creation of CLEMENT the IX. Elected the 20 th'. of June, 1667. With an Account of the joys of ROME. AMongst the fair and curious functions which are usually performed in the Roman Court, one, is that of the Creation of the Sovereign Bishop (or Pope) whereof the relation of one Ceremony ought not to be omitted; and which is so much the more admirable, by how much it happeneth but seldom, and that not all those, who being curious, desire to see the like novelty, can feed their Eye in beholding it. The Spirit of Pope Alexander the Seventh being flown up into heaven the two and twentieth of the Month of May of this present Year 1667, and his Obsequies performed by the holy College of St. Peter, the nine following days the Lords Cardinals, to the number of Sixty two, entered into the Conclave on Thursday Evening the second day of june, there being absent from the Court four Lords Cardinals, Aragona, Viscounti, and Moncada in Spain: and Tun in Germany; and four more of their Eminencies lying sick at their Palaces in Rome, two of which after some days entered into the Conclave (to wit) Ludovisio, and Santa Croce, and the other two Pallavicino and Bandinello past a small time after to a better life. The Lords Cardinals were then in the Conclave, to the number of Sixty four, and the first morning, the Third of june, his Eminency the Lord Cardinal Barbarino the Deacon, having in the Chapel celebrated the Low Mass of the Holy Ghost, he himself admininistred the Communion to the rest of their Eminencies, to whom he afterwards made a Succinct Oration, exhorting them to be prepared for the receiving into their hearts the Divine Fire of the Holy Ghost, to the end that being filled with that Celestial heat, they might zealously bring forth the Election of a Pope, which might be an excellent Shepherd to govern the Christian Flock. In the following Days, when they had with mature consideration, made many Scrutinies and Accesses for divers Subjects, finally after the Supreme Papal Sea had been vacant for the space of Twenty eight days, was the most Eminent Lord Cardinal Giulio Rospigliosi created, with sufficient Votes for Supreme Pastor; who noble bud and ancient Stock, was produced in the pleasant Garden of one of the famous Cities of our Great Tuscany. Pistoia it was that hath had the fortune to bring forth him, who with his experienced Prudence, maturity of Council, and Sanctity of Life, hath always made himself remarkable, and will render himself more so in his high Throne, even to the people most remote and barbarous. My Pen is not a fit Pencil in the least to rough-draw the great Jubily with which the hearts of the people of Rome were filled, when on Monday morning the Twentieth of june it began to be whispered about the City, that so Deserving a Prelate had been created the Sacred Monarch of Christendom, and every one desiring by manifest Signs to be certified of it, left their own houses, running hither and thither, and like distracted people find no quiet whethersoever they range, all congratulating with their friends their being favoured by heaven with so Holy a Pastor. In the mean time, the last Scrutiny and Access being finished in the Chapel called Diego Sisto, wherein the Supreme Bishop was created, and the Door of it set open, there were seen to appear the Illustrious Lord Sexton, the Masters of the Ceremonies, and the Secretary; and after the Schedules were burned, as it is the Custom to do every day, the Lords Cardinals Francisco Barbarino as Deacon of the Holy College, and Arach as first Priest made the accustomed entreaty to his Eminency the Lord Giulio Rospigliosi, that he would accept the Popedom, to the which by agreeing Votes he had been elected by the Lords Cardinals; and his Eminency having accepted that sublime Charge, chose to himself the Name of Clement the Ninth, and it is hoped that the Acts of his Clemency shall not prove, but correspond to his Name. The Masters of the Ceremonies were called at that Act, and he being then conducted by some of their Eminencies behind the Altar of the said Chapel, was by the Assistance of the Lord Sexton, and the Masters of the Ceremonies, disrobed of his Cardinal Vestments, and Clothed Pontifically, that is, with a White Cassack, a Rochet, a Mozet, and a Red Sattin-Cap, also with a Pair of Shoes embroidered with the the Sign of the Cross. Being Clothed in this manner, he was set down in the Pontifical Chair before the Altar of the said Chapel, where all their Eminencies, the Cardinals, came one by one to worship him on their bended Knees, for the first time, acknowledging him the chief Pastor. At which Adoration, first appeared the Lord Cardinal Barbarino the Deacon, who (with his knees on the ground) kissed his foot and his right hand, and was suddenly caused to rise upon his feet by his Holiness, who kissed him on either Cheek. At this instant was heard to resound with sweet Echoes by the harmonious Voices of the Musicians of the Chapel the Ecce Sacerdos magnus, and amidst this loud reverberation, his Eminency the Lord Cardinal D'Este, one of the Masters of the Ceremonies, bearing along the Cross, accompanying him, was conducted to the accustomed Tower of the Benediction, over the great Portch of the Church of St. Peter, and there they had but just opened, when his Eminency, and the said Master of the Ceremonies, with the Cross, could scarcely crowd in; they showed this most holy Banner to the people, who stayed in the Piazza eager to behold it, esteeming it a certain Sign that afterwards by the said Lord Cardinal would be proclaimed those words which clearly were heard to be pronounced, that is to say, Annuncio vobis gaudium magnum; habemus Pontificem, Eminentissimum, & Reverendissimum Dominum Cardinalem julium, Rospiliosum, qui sibi nomen imposuit Clementem nonum. Unexpressible was the Content which the people showed when these words were published; and no less was the Desire of the Nobility, who without the Bridge (which was shut up with Portcullesses) stayed with a multitude of Coaches, wherewith all the neighbouring ways were crowded: neither was the eagerness of the numerous people inferior, every one expecting with extreme impatience that they should open to them those grates which hindered them from being able to run into the Piazza of St. Peter, to hear the Election of the Pope published, and to see the other Functions. It had already struck three and twenty of the clock, when after the publication abovesaid was finished, there sounded unexpectedly in every one's ears the thunderings of the loud Artillery, an inanimate Instrument to rouse up in the hearts of Mortals, Jubily and Mirth; the Shot went alternately from the Muskets, Cannons, and Mortar-pieces for half an hours space. The grates were set open, the chains thrown down, the Coaches ran about, the people flew; nothing was heard but Voices of Acclamation and noises of Mirth, every one desiring to get into the Cathedral of St. Peter, where it was hoped that they might behold the new Pastor; all the Bells rang, neither was there a corner in Rome wherein was not discerned an excessive Joy and unexpressible Contentment in all men's countenances; nor stood the Drums and Trumpets idle, whose hollow Metals sweetly invited the Squadrons of Soldiers, which ordinarily stayed in the Piazza of St. Peter, to answer them with a Doubled Salve of Musket Shot, who betwixt mirth and Jubily had already appropriated to themselves the Cardinal Coach, with the Horses of the Sovereign Pastor, from whose Coachman they had also taken away his Cloak, and these are the accustomed Spoils belonging to the said Soldiers. In this interim many Mason's un-walled the Conclave, their Eminencies the Cardinals being already brought to the second Adoration in the said Chapel, the most eminent Barbarino the Deacon beginning as above, and the other Cardinals following all in order with purple Coats, and this Function being ended the Musicians of the Chapel preceding, who sang certain Mottets; the Cross, and their Eminencies the Lords Cardnials following, his Holiness was carried in a Pontifical Seat into the Basilica, where he was by all the sacred College adored the third time: the aforesaid Musicians singing at the same instant the Te Deum Laudamus▪ etc. the adoration being finished, and the Te Deum, the Lord Cardinal Deacon was conducted to the side of the Epistle, where some Prayers and Verses were said over the new Pope, who was set down upon the Altar, from which when he had descended, the Mitre being first reached to him by one of the Assistant Deacons, and having the Cross standing before him, he turned to the people, and gave them his Benediction; and after his Mitre was again put on by one of the Deacons, he ascended with the said most Eminent Cardinals the Steps of the Altar, and gave his Benediction to the sacred College, on both sides of him where he stood; then being disrobed of his holy Pontifical Embroidered Mantle, and his Mitre carried to him, he was put in a close Seat, and carried to the Pope's Lodgings in the Vatican Palace, with a great Train of Followers; St. Peter's Church, and the Portches of it, resounding with the continual Voices, Long live Pope Clement the Ninth, his Holiness imparting his Pontifical Blessing unto the numerous people, at his ascending into the Palace. Every one was satisfied to see the Supreme Pastor, who with his Majestical gravity (by which he forced all hearts to reverend veneration, and to prostrate themselves on their Knees) was observed to discover a pleasing affability. Rome celebrating these Festivals, was seen that same night, and the other two following, all light, by a number of Bonfires in the public ways, and by many Torches and other Luminaries, at the Windows of Palaces, and particular Houses; and each of these nights, this Castle of St. Angelo hath with multiplied Volleys of Shot roused the courage of every one to renew the Joy for the Election of Pope Clement the Ninth, registered from Eternity with the Pen of the uncreated Providence, in the Leaves of Immortality, by the Sovereign Mover, who hath granted to us this holy Shepherd, to the end he may rightly guide his Flock, and rescue them from the Teeth of the infernal Wolf, with an holy Pattern, and an exemplary Life, that may serve as a Mirror or Looking-glass to all the World, and a Spur to every one to drive them to the way of perfection, and to enrich them with some of those many Virtues which are marvellously resplendent in his Holiness. FINIS. At the Election of the Supreme Bishop Clement the IX. were present Sixty four Lords Cardinals; that is to say, Barberino Ginetti Antonio Barberino Pallotto Brancaccio Carpegna Harach Durazzo Gabrielle Orsino Facchinetti Grimaldi Rossetti Ludovisio Cibo Sforza Odescalco Raggi De Retz Homodei Ottobono Imperiale Borromeo Santacroce Spada Albici Acquaviua Chigi Elci Farnese ROSPIGLIOSI Bonuisio Bichi Vidone Barbarigo Boncompagno Litta Corsino Donelli Piccolomini Caraffa Paluzzi Rasponi Conti Nini Roberto Spinola Caraccioli Delfino Este Donghi Rondanino Maildachino Hassia Carlo Barberino Pio Gualtieri Azzolino Vecchiarelli Franzone Mancino Celsi Savelli Vandomo. A true Relation of the Ceremonies performed at the Solemn Coronation of his Holiness Pope CLEMENT the IX. Dedicated to the Illustrious and Reverend Father Fr. Giacinto Libelli, Master of the sacred Apostolical Palace. Reverend and Illustrious Father, THE Functions of public demonstrations which are wont to be made, either at the Promotions of Princes, or at other happy successes, deserve not the title of Festival, if the applauses of the People disagree from the inward resentments of their minds; but those wherein the joys of the heart, and acclamations of the tongue are united with excellent harmony, are rendered more worthy than others of being by means of the Press transmitted to the knowledge of Posterity. Such was the Coronation of Clement the IX. lately Cardinal Rospigliosi; and for this reason I took the courage to write it, and dedicate it to the name of your most Reverend Fatherhood: I doubt not of its acceptance, because that you sustaining under Him (with so much praise) one of the most principal Charges of the Pontifical Palace, never conferred but on Subjects of eminent merit, cannot reject a labour which is diffused into the Glory of those who fill the precinct of this holy place above any other part of Christendom, it even comes to (point out) itself, amongst the very same persons. Betimes on Sunday morning the 28. of June, were made ready the things necessary for the person of his Holiness, in the Chamber of the Vatican Palace, called of the Paramenti, whither the Pope at the appointed hour was carried from his own Lodgings. There by the most eminent Cardinal's Deacons, Este and Rondinino, and other Ministers designed to that office, he was clothed with an Amicte, a Surplice, a Girdle, a Stole or long Vesture, a Rochet and a precious Mitre; the sacred College of their Eminencies clothed also in their accustomed Purple Cloaks, making a Majestical Crown round about him. In their appointed places stood the other Prelates, every one with his Cope over his Surplice, and the Officers wearing their Cloaks. The Pope prepared as in the like solemnity is usual, the Procession began towards St. Peter's Church. The Cross-bearer going first with a Crucifix, between two assistant Ministers; then the other Prelates and Officers; and in their places, according to the order of precedency, went their Eminencies, the Cardinals, two by two: His Holiness followed clothed as abovesaid, under a Canopy of state, carried in a Pontifical Seat by his Stable Grooms wearing long red Gowns, and the Staves of the Canopy of State were carried up by Knights of St. Peter. The new Pope being arrived at the Portch of St. Peter, sat down in a Pontifical Chair, set there on a Throne, raised but little from the Floor, and under a Cloth of State, and then the Lord Cardinal Barbarino (Archpriest of that Cathedral) did beseech his Holiness, that he would admit the most Reverend, the Canons of the Chapterhouse, to the kissing of his Foot; when which Function was ended he entered by the middle gate into the Church, carried as aforesaid, and making his adoration to the most Holy Sacrament, he went towards the Clementine Chapel all ready prepared for this purpose, and received the most eminent Cardinals to the kiss of his knee, and the other Prelates to that of his Foot. This Ceremony finished, and the Mitre being laid aside, the Pope rose up, and standing as the Custom is, blessed the People: And whilst the Sub-Deacon who was to sing the Epistle, clothed himself in his accustomed Vestments, his Holiness tuned the Deus in Auditiorium, etc. of the Prime. Whilst the Prime was singing by one of the Assistant Lord Bishops, another of the Assistant Lord Bishops stood forward with a Book, wherein the new Pope read the Preparatory to the Mass. By this time, the Apostolical Sub-Deacon had dressed himself in his accustomed Garments, and the Sandals were taken up by the hand of the Lord Sexton, who by the help of one of the Chamberlains put them upon the feet of his Holiness, who at the end of the Prime, laying down his Mitre, and standing upon his Feet, sang the Corrent Oration, the most Eminent Cardinal Barbarino the Deacon holding the Book before him. The Prayer ended, and the Benedicamus, etc. said by the Singers, the most Eminent Cardinal Barbarino returned to his place, and his Holiness was clothed in his wont Robes for the solemn celebration of the Mass, and after they were quite dressed, the Procession began towards the Altar of the Holy Apostles St. Peter and St. Paul, in this order. First went the Household Servants of his Holiness, and his Chamberlains. Next followed the Barons, the Conservators, and the Orators of Princes, the Secretaries and Consistorial Advocates, confusedly one amongst another, and without order, but two being the most ancient of each order led in the worthiest place; Then the Assistants, the Clerks of the Chamber, the Auditors of the Rola, the Accolito Turiferario, with the Candlestick-Bearers, the Sub-Deacon with the Papal-Cross, and with him the other Subdeacons; the Subdeacons, the one Greek, and the other Latin, each of them with his Book; then the Abbots, the Bishops, and the Archbishops followed after the Bishops that were Assistant to the Pope, and according to the order of precedency the most eminent Cardinals; betwixt two Assistant Deacons, who were the Lords Cardinals Este and Rondinino, went his Eminency the Lord Cardinal Maldachino, that was to sing the Gospel in the Papal Mass. Lastly, followed the Pope as aforesaid. Afterwards between the two priory Chamberlains, came the Lord Cerri Deacon of the Rola, with the Mitre, and the Prothonotaries and Overseers of the Pope's Court not dressed. Immediately before his Holiness the Seign. Fulvio Servantio Master of the Ceremonies, carrying in his hand two Canes, in the top of one of which was a little Flax, and in the other a lighted Candle, and at the Pope's going out of the Chapel of St. Gregorio, the Master of the Ceremonies turning, gave fire to the Flax and kneeling before the Pope, said with a loud Voice, Sancte Pater, sic transit Gloria Mundi. And so it was done two other times before he came to the Altar of the Holy Apostles. The People being come into the Chancel of the Chapel, the last three Cardinal Priests presented themselves before him, & kissed him on the Breast and Face. Then standing at the Altar, the Mitre being laid aside, and the accustomed Prayers made at the Desk, the Mass began, and immediately after the Confession was made, he went mitred into the Throne, and there sat down, and was accosted by the most eminent Cardinal Antonio Barbarino, as youngest Deacon, who standing betwixt the other two Bishops sang the first Prayer; and the most eminent Cardinal Ginetti, the second Bishop, sang the second; and his Eminency Cardinal Barbarino as first Bishop the third, each of whom when he sang, standing between the other two. When these Prayers were ended, his Holiness without the Mitre, went up to the Altar, and his Eminency the first Deacon, by the help of his Eminency Rondinino the second Deacon, taking the Mantle from the Altar, put it upon his Holiness, saying the accustomed words at the doing such a Function; coming from the Altar, it being perfumed with Incense as the use is, he withdrew to the throne of the Epistola, and standing up with his Mitre on was Incensed by the most Eminent Cardinal Maldachino the Deacon, without admitting him to kiss his hand, as it was the Custom at other times; but immediately returning to his throne, he received him to his wont reverence, and the other Prelates. After the Prayers were said, the usual Litanies sung, and the Mass ended, so prepared as he was, the Pope went up unto the Throne that was prepared upon the broad place on the top of the Stairs, before the entrance of the Cathedral of St. Peter's, where sitting down, he gave time to all the People to go out of the Church to see the Act of his Coronation. Then the most eminent Cardinal Rondinino the second Deacon, took off from his head the Mitre, and his Eminency the first Deacon standing on his right side, pu 〈…〉 the head of the Pope the Triple Crown, saying, Recipe Tyaram tribus coronis ornatam, & sci 〈…〉 te esse Patrem, Principum, & Regum: Rectorem orbis: in terra vicarium salvatoris nostri, Cui est Honour, & Gloria, etc. At this time was the Artillery of the Castle of St. Angelo shot off, the people, with Voices of mirth and contentment, accompanying the loud noise of the Cannons. The insolent clamours of the Multitude being some what assuaged, the Indulgencies as the custom is were published. The Crowned Pope after he had blessed the People, was carried without a Canopy of State, to the said Dressing Chamber, or Camera de Paramenti, where being disrobed, the said Cardinal, Deacon in few words congratulated with him, in the name of all the sacred College. From hence he was conducted to his Lo●●●●gs▪ amidst the applauses of the People, who seeing in the person of so worthy a Pope, to triumph, both merit, bounty, and piety, promised to themselves a Golden Age. For three whole nights, all the City, and the Lords Ambassadors, Cardinals, Princes, and Barons, gave Signs of their Contentedness with Luminaries, Artificial fires, and burning great quantities of Pitched Barrels: but it was then most pleasant to behold the Castle of St. Angelo, all surrounded with fire in a most exquisite order, distinguished with the Girandola, and a number of Chambers and other Fireworks. Your Reverend, and most Illustrious Fatherhoods Servant STEPHANO CAVALLI. FINIS.