THE HISTORY OF THE Intrigues & Gallantries OF CHRISTINA, Queen of Sweden.  
AND Of her COURT, whilst she was at ROME.  
Faithfully Rendered into English, from the French Original.  
LONDON, Printed for Richard Baldwin, at the Oxford-Arms in Warwick-Lane, 1697.   

To his Excellency CHARLES EARL OF Dorset and Middlesex, One of the Lords Justices for the Administration of the Government, during the King's Absence. Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, etc.  
My LORD,  
THE Queen of Sweden, who travelled so much, and spoke so many Languages, being now the Subject of this present History, implores your Lordship's Protection, having but newly learned to speak English: She comes not now as formerly, in the Pomp and Splendour of a Crown, but to render an Account of her Actions, which in her Life-time, made so mighty a noise in the World; and which, tho' they cannot be called altogether Innocent, are yet very diverting, and will, I question not, afford a great deal of Pleasure and Delight to the Reader; there being no Tragedy in her whole Life, except that of the Murder of the Marquis Monaldeschi.  
She always maintained the Majesty of a Queen, both in her Person and Character, to the highest Degree; and her Wit and Parts were so very extraordinary, that they raised the Admiration of all. Her Inclinations were nice and curious, and her Passions strong and violent; but the Vanity and Inconstancy of her Temper, would not suffer them to endure long; and she had none of any Continuance, except that which she had for Chemistry, which lasted even to her dying Day. The great Opinion she had conceived of her own Abilities in all things, did very much contribute to the Cheat, she put upon herself in this Affair, and caused her to be led by those wand'ring Experimentators, who being deceived themselves, make no scruple to deceive others. The Author has handled them very severely, and some of them no less than they deserve, and especially such as those, the Queen of Sweden generally met with.  
In short, as she was a Princess of a wonderful mixture, and strange variety, there is something to be found in every turn of her Actions, so great and surprising, that there needs more than a common Understanding, to make a right Judgement concerning her. She cannot therefore be recommended to a fitter Hand than your Lordship's, not only in regard of the Greatness of your Descent and Original, but of your Candour, and good Humour, together with the Excellency of your Parts, and that Exactness of Judgement, for which you are so justly celebrated.  
The Author of this History, spends a great deal of time, in describing the Persons that composed her Court, and their Adventures are so interwoven with the Queen's Affairs, that he could not avoid it; but both the Characters, and Adventures are so pleasant, that they make a sufficient Recompense; and indeed the History would not have been complete without it. They are filled up with a great number of Delightful Intrigues, and odd Circumstances, and most of the Accidents are so entertaining, that I persuade myself that your Lordship, who is so Communicative and Generous upon all Occasions, will permit me to make use of so great a Name, to recommend this Translation to them, who cannot, with your Lordship, discern the Beauties of the Original, and will pardon the Ambition, with which I subscribe myself,  
My LORD, Your Lordship's Most Dutiful and Obedient Servant, Phil. Hollingworth.   

TO THE READER.  
A French Abbot, of great Merit and Understanding, returning from Rome, with the French Cardinals, from the Election of Innocent XII. showed me some curious Manuscripts, which he had obtained during his stay in Italy; and among others, this of the Intrigues and Gallantries, of Christina Queen of Sweden, and her Court, while she stayed at Rome. I presently became of his Opinion, and judged them worthy of the Press, believing it would be a pleasure to the Public, to communicate the particular Circumstances of the Life of this incomparable Queen, which none till this present time have had any knowledge of. If this Work be received well, as I hope it will, I will afterward Print the Maxims and Sentences of this Queen, which have the force and Spirit of those of the Duke de Rochefoucaults, as also the Conclaves of the last Popes, differing very much from those already Printed, and other curious Munuscripts which do well deserve to appear in Public.  
Though I have not seen this Work, but in the French Language, yet the Gentleman who gave it me, assures me, that the Original was Italian, and found among other Papers of the Author, who died at Rome, a little before the Abbot who brought it, came from thence. One may easily see that it is nothing but a Translation, by many Words an● improper Phrases, which are not French; but I hope the Reader, will have the Goodness to excuse it, and content himself with the Truth, seeing he may be sure to find it here, without the least Disguise or Deceit. More time will be requisite, to finish the other Manuscripts which are preparing, and will be published quickly after this Work; whose Author was one of Queen Christina's Officers, and of sufficient Esteem and Credit with her, to have had a share in her Secrets. It will be seen clearly enough in the reading of the History, though he endeavours to persuade us, that he was never in her Service. Flattery has no part in his Writing, as may be found by his Complaints against Cardinal Azzolini, and oftentimes against the Queen herself, who committed all to his Eminence, without leaving any thing, for her Domestics to do. And it may be seen, that the Affection, which he has for his Mistress, makes him often spare her, without revealing all those ill things, which he very well knew; and could easily have given an Account of.   

THE HISTORY OF THE Intrigues and Gallantries OF CHRISTINA Queen of SWEDEN, and of her Court, whilst she was at ROME.  
ROME which is the Centre of Religion, is also the Theatre of the finest Comedies in the World: And there did Queen Christina behave herself with so agreeable a Demeanour, that I believe it will very much contribute to the Diversion of the Public, without shocking the Majesty she always upheld, if I give an Idea or Description of her particular Actions, and to her Heroic ones, add certain little Enjoyments, which are not to be accounted altogether ill, in a Person who had quitted a Throne for a private Life, that she might give herself a little more liberty. The Great Ones have their Frailties as well as the less; and when we consider them only, in the Splendour wherewith they are surrounded, Vice passes oftentimes for Virtue: But when we bring them to a narrower Examination, we shall easily discover those great Passions, which make them set all their Engines at work to satisfy them. History which flatters not, renders Justice to all, because she speaks nothing but what Truth suggests. 'Tis Truth which brings all things to Light, and without it we know nothing certain. She appears in all her Simplicity in the History of the retired Life of Christina Alexandra, Queen of Sweden, and of the Goths and Vandals. There is enough said there to inform the Curious, and show the Frailties which appeared in the private Life of a Princess, who in her public one demonstrated so much Greatness of Soul. Her History is writ by too many Authors of different Nations and Languages to make mention of in this place. They all agree in Matters of Fact, and we may follow them without any scruple. But seeing they have spoke nothing of the secret Intrigues of this Princess, known only to her Domestics, we question not but that it will oblige the Public to communicate these Memoirs; and we shall here find that Princes do easily impose upon us, and what is oftentimes attributed to Policy, is yet nothing else but the Effect of irregular Passion.  
Christina Alexandra has perhaps been the Princess, who has most of all imposed on us, and made herself most talked of in the World. She knew so well to assert a certain Character of Greatness in her whole Personage that she charmed all Mankind. Her Wit caused Admiration in all who were able to comprehend it; and certain Graces sparkled in her Face, which caused Love in all that viewed them: Nevertheless she had more agreeableness in the one than the other; and her extraordinary Qualities hindered People from reflecting upon the real Defects of her Person. She was a little bent, not to say crooked: Her Stature was middle-sized, inclining to be fat●; and yet she was at a reasonable stand as to that Point: Her Complexion was the finest in the World: Her Eyes were beautiful and sparkling; her Lips red; she had good Teeth, and an Aquiline Nose; her Neck and Hands white, tho' she never washed them in any thing but cold Water. Besides these Excellencies of her Sex, which made her a Beauty in her own Nature, she had some of the best Qualities of ours, such as Courage and Undauntedness, with an admirable knowledge of most things; a great dexterity in the Conduct of the weightiest Affairs, as also of the most curious. And in a word, she had almost all the choicest Qualifications of both Sexes. The greatness of her Wilt, the facility of her Genius, the exactness of her Thoughts, the delicacy of her Expressions, and last of all a prodigious Memory, which made things past appear as present: All these rare Talents should I say, or rather all these extraordinary Qualities did so astonish all that approached her, that they were not capable of attending any other thing. And yet those who would not suffer themselves to be so easily led away without a nicer Inspection, could find considerable Faults in her, how great and transcendent soever her Wit were. She so much loved her Pleasure, that she observed no Measures in the taking of it, and would Debase herself so far as to be Familiar with many of her Officers. Her Domestics, who would take all sorts of Liberty with both Sexes, were sometimes Doubtful of their own, and her greatest Favourites have oftentimes found her Light, Inconstant, Contradictory, and always full of herself; things scarce Supportable even in Princes themselves.  
The Greatness of this Princess' Soul manifested itself in the generous laying down of her Crown, and quitting her Kingdoms to Carolus Gustav●s, Prince Palatine of the Rhine. Every Body was Surprised at it, but no one could tell the Causes and Reasons which induced her to it: But the Queen, excellently skilled in the Art of Dissimulation, alleged many, which being very specious, made her th● more ●steem●d. For she having Knowledge in History as well as Languages, ●ad read, that some Princes who had been Crowned with Glory, but ●ired with the noise of Arms, and the trouble of Royalty, chose to retreat towards the end of their Lives, into places separate from the Commerce of Mankind, to live a more easy and quiet Life. But this Example was not the motive of her Retirement; for she was then in the flower of her Age, and had scarce tasted the Pleasure of Reigning: Nor was it want of Success, which has often been the cause of the precipitate Retreat of Princes, fearing to tarnish the glory of their former Actions, by the shame of the ●atter. For Fortune had smiled upon our Queen even till that present time. Her People were Victorious over their Enemies. She was the Refuge of the Princes of Europe, and indeed every thing conspired to make her Feared of the one, and Esteemed by the other. Notwithstanding all this, she took the Resolution of quitting Sweden, and advancing the Prince Palatine of the Rhine, who was next Heir to the Throne. Her Subjects opposed themselves, and represented the miserable Effects of it; and redoubled the Esteem and Respect which they always had for her Majesty.  
It was noised in the World, That she being disgusted with the Lutheran Religion, had a design to make Profession of the Roman Catholic, which was not agreeable to the Laws of the Sweden, and that she had rather follow the motives of her Conscience, than preserve her Crown. For my part, I should believe with others, that this was the true motive of her Abdication, if she had not afterwards given the Lie to those great things she at first had done for God's sake. But being throughly informed in all her Secret Intrigues, I believe that Love, which very often ascends the Throne with Princes, was the cause which made Queen Christina Descend. She Loved Count Magnus of Gardia so desperately, who durst not answer her Passion, that whereas Kings elsewhere make Queens by Marriage, she endeavoured to make a King on the same manner. But not being able to bring the Estates of Sweden to Consent to this, she took so great a despite at it, that she resolved to live for the future in a Melancholy Single State However, she had neither inclination nor disposition to pass the rest of her days in Retirement, being persuaded, as she said, that Virtue did not consist in being Severe or Rough; nor in retiring from Humane Society, to seek God in the Horror of Solitude; And that it was the way to draw and collect a Man to himself, rather than to Unite him to God. Adding, That since there was innocent Diversion to be had in Society, and that Pleasures were permitted to the World, one might find God among Men without refusing them. So that acting upon ●his fine Principle, she took a resolution to quit the troublesome business of a Crown, that she might give herself up the more entirely to her own Fancies. But withal thinking to improve her Wit by enlightening her Reason, she intended to Travel all over Europe, for Rules to perfect her Manners, to be built upon the different Maxims of those People among whom she came. All this (joined with the Secret of making herself universally talked of) was the reason of calling in Prince Carolus Gustavus to Reign in her place. However, she reserved to herself the Revenue of Pomerania, and other Estates of the Crown of Sweden, in Germany. Thus she renounced her Royal Dignity, at 27 Years of Age, Anno Dom. 1654. and a little after left Sweden, going into Germany, which she traversed almost throughout, and when she came to Instruck, abjured her Religion: After which, shen went into Italy, in the Year 1655. You may easily imagne, that she was every where received with the Honour's due to her Quality, without being at the trouble of a particular Recitation. We would willingly have related what passed in her Voyages, if there had been any thiny that would have stirred up the Curiosity of the Reader, but she much have made a longer stay in all Cities, to have entered upon Intrigues, and therefore this was reserved for Rome, where she would be more Easy.  
Pope Alexander the VIIth, who promised himself great Matters from a Queen who was become a new Convert, gave order to receive and treat her Royally through all the Territories of the Ecclesiastical State, and himself gave order for her entry into Rome; which came very near to the magnificence of the Triumphs of the Ancient Romans; but whether it were that she could not find what she sought at Rome, or whether her Inconstancy would not suffer her to stay there for any long time, she departed for France in the Year 1657. From whence she hoped to ●ind an easy Passage for Engiand. But Cromwell believing it to be done out of Policy, and his Affairs being in a Staggering condition, refused to receive into his new Estates, so unquiet and turbulent a Spirit as was that of the Queen of Sweden. However she had ●ound in France wherewith to satisfy herself for the shameful refusal she had met with in England, if she had known how to manage it; for the King, as busy as he was, to make an end of a Civil War, which had almost ruined his Kingdom, omitted nothing that might render France agreeable to the Queen. And all the Princes after his Example, crowded to Visit a Princess who had obtained so great a Reputation among among all Nations. The Men of Letters also made their Court, as well as the Persons of Quality, and both the one and the other always departed well Satisfied in the Witty and Learned Conversations they had with her. There was presently some Talk of her Intrigues with certain Princes, whom she had inspired with Love; but these Amours were only flying Gallantries, and there was none but the Duke of Guise that had any Engagements with her for any considerable length of time.  
This Prince who was as knowing and dextrous in Courtly Qualifications, as skilful in Arms, was chose by the King to go and receive her upon the Frontiers of France. He showed in his Voyage that he had lost nothing of his good Mein in the Revolution of Naples, and that the Edge of his Passions were not quite taken off by the Prison of Segovia; for he knew so well how to turn all things to his own Advantage, that he quickly entered into the Queen's good Graces. She was herself too well skilled in Gallantry, not to see the Duke's Passion through all his Cares, and the great Honours he caused to be paid her in all places where she passed. The particular Distinction which she made of this Prince, did confirm that it was not reported without a probable appearance, that an Intrigue was formed in this Voyage. On the other hand, the coldness which the Queen showed to her grand Usher, whom she had formerly Loved, augmented the Suspicion, and made her Domestics believe that the Duke had insensibly banished the Love of the Marquis Monaldeschi out of the Queen's Heart. They were deceived in these Conjectures, as it often happens to those who judge of every thing, without knowing any thing to the Bottom: For it was no new Engagement the Queen had, which made her neglect him, but the indiscreet Conduct of Monaldeschi. This Italian Gentleman had forgot, it seems, that Policy which makes a particular Character of the People of his Coutry. Some Letters which the Queen had writ to him, fell into his Enemy's hands, who sent them into France to the Queen. The Cardinal was accused of it, and the Suspicion perhaps was not ill founded. But however it were, the Queen Sacrificed this once admired Love, to the Outrage done to her Honour, without any regard either to the delight she had taken in his Person, or the Laws of the Realm where she than was. This lofty Princess believed, that because she was a Queen, she by her own Power, might do herself Justice upon a Person who had discovered her Weakness; and her Resentment was so great, and so much to the Quick, that she passed over all Laws, in erecting a kind of Sovereign Tribunal, where he was Condemned, as himself declared to some, without being guilty of any other Crime, than answering to the first Advances that this Princess made to him. This Assassination committed in the Gallery of Hearts, so called, in the Royal Palace of Fountain Bleau, sounded so ill in the World, that the Court could not but disapprove so Inhuman an Action.  
Our cruel Lover being come to herself, after she had dipped her Hands in the Blood of a Man whom she was often accustomed to Caress, saw that she now had lost herself in the Esteem of one of the most Splendid Courts of the World, and was also constrained to leave France, which was, as the confessed, the finest and most agreeable part of Europe, adding, that Paris was the Seat of Pleasures, and the Centre of fine Wits. That the Court of France was the most Magnificent in all Europe; and that there was more Politeness there, than in any other place of the World. However, the Season then, was not at all proper for Intrigues of Love; for although the Capital City was Free and at Ease, all was yet in Confusion upon the Frontiers, and the Nobles were more employed to follow Mars amidst the dangers of War, than to prosecute the Pleasures of Venus in the Streets of the Ladies of Paris. Well, she went away at last, though with much difficulty, which was very happy for her, had she been able by distance, to extinguish the Reproaches she had justly drawn upon herself, by the violent Death of the Marquis Monaldeschi. And after all, she has not been able to hinder Historians from transmitting to Posterity a Fact which should teach Youth to bridle their Passions, by showing them, that this was only Love changed into Hatred; That offended Love sets every thing at work to Revenge itself, And that such Amours do often end in a fatal Catastrophe.  
After this, Queen Christina took her way towards Rome, with a design to end her Days there, but the Plague, which afflicted it, Anno 1659., kept her along time in the City of Pesaro, and in some other places of the Ecclesiastical State, till this Lash of the Almighty being taken away, she might return in Safety to Rome.  
Though her second Entry into the Capital City of the World, came not near the Pomp of the first, it was however very Magnificent. A great many of the Nobility went to meet her out of the City, and to give her a welcome Reception, and she had the general Acclamations of all sorts of People. Immediately after she came, she put her Court into good Order, taking Persons of the first Quality for Gentlemen and Pages; but had so little Oeconomy in her House, and made so extravagant an Expense, that her Revenue was not able to Maintain so numemerous a Court. And being always in Debt, she was necessitated to Pawn her Plate, as she had done her Jewels, for Money to pay off Bills. All which, the Pope understanding, gave her Cardinal Azzolini to be her Director, and Intendant of her House. This Wise and Prudent Oeconomist, by retrenching part of the foolish and unnecessary Expenses of the Queen's Palace, put things into Order in a little time, and by receiving her Majesty's Effects, instead of being in Debt as before, he so disposed Matters, that she had always a ready Cash.  
This wise and able Politician never opposed himself to the Queen's Will, but on the contrary, gave free consent to what Designs soever she had. And because he knew her Fancy, made her House finer and more sumptuous than ever, advancing Money of his own when the Queen's failed. By this means, he entered so far into the Queen's good Graces, that she could never speak of him without acknowledgement of his Kindness. But the Cardinal, who had more Contrivances in his Head than one at a time, looked upon the Queen as a Person deserving to be Beloved, without daring to declare himself a Lover; therefore studied to gain her altogether by his Merit; And to make his Design take better Effect, he never spoke to her but after he had been taking some great Care, or made some particular Application about her Majesty's Domestic Affairs. The Queen, who stayed some time for nothing but his own Declaration to Surrender herself, at last prevented him, by giving him Signs that he might be happy when he pleased; and he knew well enough how to make use of the occasion, and followed her Inclination, and so they first embarked in the business of an Amour.  
Behold here what ill Will has made public concerning an Intrigue, which had no other Witnesses but the Parties themselves, pretending there are such clear Reasons of this Discovery, as will not suffer us to doubt the Truth of the Matter: However thus it is, that all the World speaks about it.  
This Conquest, supposing it true, dissipated all the Queen's Melancholy, so that laying aside all care, she entertained no Thonght of any thing but her Pleasures, and to inspire Love into her new Favourite. The specious pretence of Business did facilitate their Interviews, so that they might lay their Heads together, when they had a mind to take their fill of Pleasures, without Reflection or Scandal. Nevertheless the Cardinal continued to have a great care of the Queen's Affairs; but took upon him to speak with such Command, and in so lofty a manner to the other Officers, that they concluded he was authorised by the Queen to do it; and looking more narrowly into the Reason of this, they found him to be as well the true Favourite, as the Intendant of the Queen. And it was so managed by him, that no body durst speak of this Familiarity with her. But what the Domestics durst not say then, Monsieur Coulange afterwards expressed in this Song. 
But her dear Azzolini in Rome  
So charmed her with Delight,  
From him she could not live a Day,  
Nor pass a tedious Night.  In these few Words Monsieur Coulange has expressed very much, and withal comprehended the Intrigue of the Cardinal with the Queen: But he says nothing of the Cardinal's Character; which we must take in the Portraiture that follows.  
Cardinal Decio Azzolini, was born at Fermo an Archiepiscopal See in the Marca Anconitana, Anno 1623. He was a handsome Person, tall, and well proportioned, had black Hair, lively and sparkling Eyes; but his Nose was somewhat short, and yet he might be said to have had a pleasant and happy Countenance. The Qualifications of his Mind were extraordinary; He had so great a knowledge in all good Literature, that scarce any of his Nation could equal him; and had a Genius more adapted than any other to penetrate into the Sciences. And as our Cardinal's Sphere wherein he moved was very large, it gave a large scope to his Mind. He had an excellent Gaiety, Briskness, and Strength of Wit, spoke very well on all Subjects, writ exactly, and was admired in Conversation. Which Character agreed well enough with his Years; and though he was not altogether the Person he seemed to be, was yet of great Advantage to him, to insinuate himself into the Queen's Mind. He was not exempt from Faults; for he was of a jealous and deceitful Temper; flexible and patient to excess, when his Affairs required it; also covetous and biased to his own Interest, but of great Ability in the management of the most difficult Matters, and in the discovery of the most secret Intrigues. He owed his Cardinal's Cap to his Abilities this way. For though he was of Quality by Birth, and that there had been a Cardinal of his Name under Sextus V. He could not propose to obtain the Purple by his Merit alone; and besides, he had taken up a ●ort of Life for a long time, which seemed to be against his mind: For having gone through his Studies in the City, where he was born, the necessity of his Affairs obliged him to put himself into the Service of some Prelate of Rome. And for this purpose he employed the Credit of Cardinal Barbarini Patron of the French, and the Pope's Nephew, to whom he was recommended. He got him entered into the Service of the Archbishop Pancirola, Titular Patriarch of Constantinople, whom afterwards the Pope sent his Nuncio into Spain; Azzolini accompanied him in this Voyage, and performed the Office of Secretary, during all the time of his Nunciature. In this place he made it appear to his Patron, that he was capable of being something better than a Scribe; and indeed from thence forward the Patriarch conceived so advantageous an Idea of him, that being promised to be a Cardinal, he made Azzolini his Conclavist, after the Death of Vrban the VIII.  
Azzolini gave new and farther Proofs of his Abilities in this higher Station, insomuch that in this Conclave, Innocent X. being created Pope, he sometime after declared Cardinal Pancirola his prime Minister, in the room of Cardinal Pamphilio his Nephew, who had left his Hat that he might espouse the Princess of Rossano. Azzolini's Protector being thus raised to the highest Charge in the Court of Rome, did not forget a Man whom he knew to be fit for great Employs, and made him Secretary of State. This new Post furnished Azzolini with fair Occasions of making himself known, by the management of his Patron's Favour: But Fortune would not suffer him to enjoy it long, and the Death of this Minister was enough to have shaken any other besides himself. But he had the good luck to please the Pope; and the Holy Father taking him into his Protection, put him immediately into the Prelature, by declaring him Chamberlain of Honour, and permitting him in the Interim to exercise the Charge of Secretary of State. Afterwards he was made Secretary of the Breves of Princes; and he acquitted himself so well in this Office, that the Pope called him his Eagle. These Breves were full of fine Thoughts, and all so nobly expressed, that one might take a great pleasure in reading them several times over. However Azzolini did not limit himself to these Breves; but fearing that his 2d. Protector might fail him in the middle of his Fortune, as the first had done, he endeavoured by all Methods to advance himself; and, in the end found a favourable opportunity of doing it upon the Ruins of another.  
Pope Innocent X. having no Nephew since the Marriage of Prince Pamphilio, adopted Cardinal Castalli his Favourite, and gave him all those Employs and Offices which the Pope's Nephews usually enjoyed; and yet this ungrateful Person ruin'd his Fortunes by his own Fault; for not being content with his Prosperity, be thought to raise his Merit with the Spaniards, who had given him the Protection of the Kingdom of Sicily. And this he endeavoured, by revealing Secrets of State to them, in prejudice of the Rights of the Holy See, because the World believed that the Pope, during Masanello's Rebellion, had a Mind to unite Naples to the Ecclesiastical State. And perhaps Astalli thought to come to the Sovereign Pontificate by the help of the Spaniards, whose Favour he underhand sought by such shameful Methods. Now the Pope coming to the knowledge of the Matter, very much reproved him for it, and forbade him to see the Spanish Ambassador any more. But it was to no purpose, which so angered his Holiness, that he promised the Hat to any one that could discover the Intrigue of Cardinal Astalli with the Spanish Ambassador. Azzolini who lived in the Palace, took his Advantage of this Conjuncture, and observed him very narrowly, till he discovered that every night about twelve of the Clock when the Pope was in Bed, Astalli came came down from his Apartment, in the Palace of Montecavallo, by a little winding pair of Stairs, at the bottom of which there was a Gate, leading out to a narrow Street, through which he passed in disguise; and some paces from thence went into an Hackney Coach, which conveyed him to the Spanish Ambassadors: There he stayed two or three hours, and returned back in the same manner. Azzolini told the Pope of this, who caused Cardinal Astalli to be seized, as he was thus returning one night from the Spanish Ambassadors; and after he had upbraided him with Perfidiousness, discharged him from being of his Family, took from him his Employments, and expelled him his Palace. After which he fled into Sicily, and there died of Grief at his Bishopric of Catanea.  
Presently after this, Azzolini appeared at Rome clothed in Purple, being made a Cardinal for his having made himself a Spy. His Promotion was much talked of, and surprised many People, and this his Vigilancy in discovering Intrigues, hath been observed upon many other occasions, but particularly when he acted in his own Interests; for he would then use all Arts imaginable, till he brought his Designs about; and from hence it was that since that time we always saw him make so great a Figure in the Sacred College. He was Secretary of State under the Pontificate of Clement IX. and in the four Conclaves wherein he was present, he had a good part in the Election of the Popes, Alexander VII. Clement IX. Clement X. and Innocent XI. being one of the most esteemed Cardinals of his Faction, which was called the Flying Squadron: But the best Fortune that ever happened to him, was, that he knew the way so soon to obtain the good Graces of Queen Christina; which he preserved all his Life; and she as religiously kept her Word at her Death, which she had given him at the beginning, that she would make him her Heir-General.  
Gallantry was not the only Business of the Queen; for as she always affected to pass for a great Wit, and pretended to an Understanding of all things, (though some have reported that she had but a superficial knowledge of the Sciences) ●he kept an Academy of good Literature in her Palace; where the most learned Men in Rome came to submit their Works to her Judgement: And she would listen with Pleasure to the immoderate Praises which were given her. Neither was Chemistry one of her least divertisements: For though she were descended from a Throne, she had not utterly cast aside the Love of Riches; and she believed all her Life, that she should obtain immense Treasures by means of this deceitful Art. Count Santarini entertained her with these Visions, and caused her to convert a good part of her Revenue into Smoak. But if he satisfied her in the foolish Passion which she had for Chemistry, he gave her also a great deal of Vexation, by the Violences he was guilty of; for he committed an infinite number of Disorders in Rome, under the Protection of her Majesty. Nor was he the only irregular Person of her Court, for it seemed as if the Queen's Officers thought they were no way obliged to observe the Laws, and that they had a permission to do all manner of Ill, and Affront all the World. They became the Protectors of Assassins and Thiefs; and the Honour both of Wives and Daughters submitted to their Tyranny. The Farmers of the Customs complained that they could not pay their Rent, because the Merchants caused all sorts of Goods to enter the City by the Queen's Coaches and Livery-men, which hindered them from being Visited. Cardinal Farnese, the Governor of Rome, a Person of Integrity, that rendered Justice to all, without respect of Persons, Chastised some of the Queen's Domestics, for committing Crimes in contempt of his Authority. But she who would play the Sovereign in the Dominions of others, took it heinously, yet could have no redress herein from the Pope, who was already tired with the complaints of their perpetual Disorders. So that now he did not look upon her with the same Eye as before, and resolved to retrench the greatest part of the Immunities, Exemptions, and Privileges he had given her, seeing her Domestics did abuse them in so gross a manner. And tho' the Queen was obliged to Cardinal Farnese, who as Major Domo to the Pope, had omitted nothing for the Queen's good Reception, the first time she entered Rome: she notwithstanding did what she could to give him Trouble and Vexation. For this Cardinal being of the Family of the Duke of Parma, had the use of a House of Pleasure belonging to the said Prince, which was situate near the Gate of St. Pancras, a little above the Palace de Riarli, at Langara, which the Queen had bought for her Life. The Cardinal coming often thither for benefit of the Air, took a Pleasure in Beautifying the Garden; and because he wanted Water, agreed with the Fountain-keepers of the Apostolic Chamber, to furnish him with two Cocks of Water from the Fountain of Pope Paul V. which appears so Nobly above St. Peter di Montozio. But at the same time, it seems he diminished the Queen's, which he believed her Servants would not perceive, because the Queen had abundan●● of Water. The Gardiner's nevertheless complained to her Majesty, how th●● had lessened the Current which serula to water their Herbs and other Plan●●● Now, the Queen durst not complain 〈◊〉 the Chamber itself, and therefore thre●● all her Choler at the Cardinal; and b●●cause she would spite him, caused so●● Palisadoes she had in her Garden, a●● held up the Earth of the curious Terra●● which they call La vigna Farnese, to 〈◊〉 pulled up; so that it was ready to tumble into the Queen's Garden, that lay beneath it. His Eminence would willingly have built a Wall, but could not effect it, by reason of this Difference: however, he said pleasantly, That he had bought the Water of the Apostolic Chamber, and that if the Queen had a mind to have more, and would make her Application to the Officers that Rent out those Waters, she might have enough to serve many Mills.  
All these Vexations joined to the Queen's natural Inconstancy, made her resolve to return once more into Germany. She therefore departed from Rome Anno 1666, dismissing Part of her Family, and to defray the Charge of her ●oyage, borrowed Five thousand Crowns ●f Cardinal Antonio Barberini.  
When she Arrived at Trent, the Marquess del Monte who had been Banished ●ut of the Ecclesiastical State, for certain Crimes, came to throw himself at ●er Feet, and desire her Protection. The Queen admitted him into her Service, not for any Merit of his Person, but being a great Boaster, she was glad to have so brave a Champion in her Train. But that which more engaged her to Protect him, was to do a despite to Cardinal Chigi●▪ which was butan ill return for the great Honours and Respects Pope Alexander VII. of the same Family had done her when she came first to Rome.  
Horatio de Bourbon, Marquis del Monte, was of so Noble a Family, that he had the Name and Arms which the Royal Family of France▪ for many Ages, had born with so great Glory. The Bourbons of Ita-derive their Pedigree as high as Charlemaigne: And tho' they do not descend from Robert Count of Clermont in Boauvoisis, fourth Son of the King St. Lewis, from whom Henry the Great came in a direct Line; yet are they come from Archambaud, Sire of Bourbon, that left the Bourbonnois to Prince Robert, who Married his Daughter and sole Heir. And it is supposed this Bourbon Archambaud, was a Prince of the Royal House of France; that he descended from Lewis the Young; and was a Cade●, who in the time of the Crusade, settled himself in Italy. They possessed the Marquisate Delm●nte in the Apennine Mountains, under their Cousins of the Duchy of Vrbino, Tuscany and Romania: 'tis a Fief of the Empire, whose Investiture was given by Charles the V. and as themselves pretend, they have been Masters of it from the Reign of the Emperor Frederick II. However it be, this famous Person having always a round Family, and their Marquisate being very Poor, situate upon the Frontiers, and in inaccessible Places as well by Art as Nature, was always a Retreat for the Banditti, of whom these Gentlemen became the Protectors. And I have spoke with some Ancient People, who assured me, that the Father of Marquis Horatio, and his Uncles devoured more Men for the sake of their wealth, than any of the most famous Bandits in the Kingdom of Naples have ever done. This Marquis Horatio, was a proper Man of a handsome Shape, had a large Face, hollow Eyes, a hook Nose, a large Mouth and a forked Chin; his Complexion was pale, and his Hair of an Ash Colour; he was Nervous, and of a strong Constution, having his Body Hairy, his Knees turning outward, and his Feet inward; he had a precipitate Gate, and nothing great or Majestic in him; he was neither very Fat, nor very Lean, a great Opiniator, and had a Womanish Voice: He had the appearance of a good Man, but was wholly steered by his own Interests; a Person very Sensible, but more inclined to Ill than Good, excessively addicted to Women; Passionate in Play, and knew all the Tricks and Cheats thereof, was a great Dissembler, of a Vicious Mind, Revengeful, and very Cruel.  
In a little time he got such an Ascendant over the Queen, that she adhered to every thing he said: And he spoke with so much Assurance, and was so Positive, that all that heard him were Astonished. As for his Religion, his Manners showed that he had very little, however he confessed and communicated as others do. He knew when to Speak, and when to be Silent; was very brisk among the Ladies, and spent much Money upon them, but 'twas oftentimes at the Expense of Merchants and Tradesmen. Every thing that he could lay hands on, was his own, whether Sacred or Profane; and he used to say, That he would revenge himself without Threatening, for feas of being prevented. He eat well, but without Excess, and if any one had a Secret to excite Luxury, he would have it, though he dearly bought it with his Money. Troufles, Mushrooms, Sellery, Artichoak bottoms, and all things which stir up and provoke, were for his Palate: He drank none but the choicest Wines, and after a Feast, would drink a glass of Greek, or other such sort of Wine, and eat two or three Comfits to help Digestion.  
The Queen Traveled over Germany along with him, but made no stay till she came to Hamburgh, where she Resided a long time, taking sometimes little Journeys to Staden, Verden, Bremen, and other Cities of the Neighbourhood under the Dominion of the Suedes. At last she took a Fancy to re-enter the Kingdom; and upon her Arrival at Nicoping, the Council of State, who had the Administration of all Affairs, during the Minority of this Present King, Charles' the XI, Son of Charles the X. to whom she had resigned the Crown, sent to entreat her to come no farther, for fear of giving occasion to some People of mutinous and unsettl'd Spirits, to believe she had a mind to re-mount the Throne. But the true reason of the Senate's Message was, that they apprehended some danger from her unquiet and embroiling Humour; besides, they believed, that she might possibly have some Party in the Kingdom, and that she repented her Abdication, as Charles the V. had done. The change of her Religion, and the Insolence of her People, was another reason why they refused to permit her Entrance into their Capital City; and especially after the Accident which happened to one of her Almoners, called the Abbot Santoni, a Priest of Tuscany, whom she had carred along with her, contrary to the Counsel of Cardinal Azzolini, who gave her two Priests of the Oratory of the new Church, to direct her Conscience, and to celebrate Mass. These good Fathers were as Prudent and Regular, as the Abbot Santoni was Irregular and unworthy of his Character.  
One day he was like to have Deflowered a Damsel of Nicoping, who came into that City from a Neighbouring Castle, to pay her Duty to Queen Christina as her ancient Sovereign. But during her stay in the City, Santoni got an Acquaintance with her; and because she expressed her Respects with a certain Freedom, which is natural to those Northern People, he thought she used some Compliance, of which he might make his Advantage. in this Imagination, he one day finding an Opportunity, endeavoured to force her Modesty, and had committed an Outrage upon her, if she had not cried out for help. This brought in a great many People, who laid hands on this ●nfamous Person. Which Action of his, gave a great Scandal to the Catholic Religion, the People being usually unjust enough to conclude Generals from Particulars, as if Faults were not Personal, and as if there were not Good and Bad in all Societies. But though the Queen did not turn him away for this shameful thing, the Parents of the Damosel conceiving great Indignation at so impudent a Villainy, Waylaid him, with an intent to bathe their Hands in his Blood, for the Injury he had done their Daughter; which the Queen understanding, was obliged to take him into her own Coach, to shelter him from their Insults; which without doubt he would have received, had it not been for this Precaution.  
The same Santoni had like to have been Killed at Hamburgh for another Frolic. There was a French Protestant, a Merchant of Rochel, who had settled himself, and Married a Wife in that City, with whom Santoni having got an Acquaintance, had the freedom of his House, and Visited his Wise in his Absence, as is usual among Civil People, without any ill Consequence. Now our Italian being born in a Country where Jealousy reigns, and not without cause, and he not being accustomed to such Familiarity, hoped that the Lady would not be Cruel, when any handsome opportunity offered, and therefore to captivate her good Will, was ve●●● Complacent to her upon all occasions; but one day he had a certain Caprice which had like to have cost him very Dear. For the Wife having desired him to tell her how she might Compliment her Husband's and in Italian when he came ho●● he taught her such Words as an honest Woman ought not to have in her Mouth, if she knew what they signified: But as she understood no Italian, she innocently repeated the words she had learned, for he had taught her this sweet Lesson so often, that she had got it by Heart. He did this thinking the Merchant had not understood Italian, but was mistaken, for he had Traveled in his Youth into Italy, and was so Astonished to hear himself saluted with such villainous Words, that in Passion, he gave her a sound Box on the Ear. The poor Woman very much surprised at these new Caresses, fell a Weeping: But the Merchant did not stop there, he would know who taught her these Words. He understood at last, though by Force and threatenings, that 'twas the Abbot Santoni; and she made him so throughly sensible of her Sincerity and Innocence, that the good man could no longer doubt; so that he turned all his Fury upon this unworthy Priest, and went to seek him at the Queen's Lodgings, with an intent to Kill him; but the Rage which transported him, having alarmed those which he met with, they gave advice to Santoni to avoid the Rencounter. How●●●● Santoni durst come no more afterwards to the Merchants.  
Q. Christina returned by Land from Nicoping to Colmar, where she Embarked for Lubeck, and from thence came into the Duchy of Bremen and Principality of Verden; and as these Estates depended on the Crown of Sweden, they expressed themselves to her with very great Respects; she was well received by the Magistrates, and they presented her their Keys. The Burghers with all the Militia, not only put themselves in Arms, but also drew out the Regular Troops, as well Infantry as Cavalry, to give her all the Honour they could. The Queen was equipped in a Black Velvet Justacore, having an Hat upon her Head, adorned with a Plume of White Feathers, and being Moucted like a Cavalier upon an Excellent Horse, we rid through their Ranks, where she met with many old Officers who had served her in the Army during her Regn, and some that had even served under the Great Gustavus Adolphus her Father. Among others, she knew General Vrangel, to whom she made a thousand Compliments, and would needs exercise the Troops in his Presence. She would undertake to give Directions for the Marches and Counter-Marches of the Infantry, and the like for the Wheelings of the Horse; but it seemed the Management of an Intregue of Love, was more suitable to her, than the ordering of an Army, for she gave very improper Words of Command, which made Vrangel Laugh; and he was forced to assist her by fit Terms, and to explain her Orders, that he might not introduce new Phrases into the Art Military, but this could hinder him afterwards from making pleasant Jests of her among his Friends, and making Reflections on the Queen, as guilty of Folly and Self-conceitedness. And yet for all this, she had so good an Opinion of her own Merit, that she believed herself perfectly Skilled and Knowing in all things: And when once invited at Stade to a Wirschaff, which is a kind of merry Ball, she appeared in an Antique Habit, dancing in Masquerade, Clothed like a Nymph of the Woods, and behaved herself in a most Ridiculous manner.  
In the mean time the Marquis del Monte knew so well how to Insinuate himself into the Queen's Mind, that he became the Arbitrator or Master of the House. But he was as Scandalous as the Abbot Santoni; and it seemed as if these two Men had an absolute Authority to Seduce all the Women they came near. The Queen often heard of their Insolences, but when People complained, did nothing but Laugh, or gave such gentle Reprimands, that they took them as a permission to commit further Disorders.  
The Marquis was not content with his Debauchery only, but plotted and contrived to commit Violence and Rapine; Covetousness having no less the Dominion over him than other Vices. The first proof of his privileged Valour, was to cause a poor Frenchman to be Killed, who not knowing how to moderate his Tongue, was the cause of his own Death: His Office was a Lungs or Bellows-blower, introduced to the Queen's Service in savour of that worthy Science, which her Majesty had in so great Esteem, for she hoped by it to recompense the giving up her Crown, in getting the Philosopher's Stone. And for this purpose, she built a Laboratory in her Lodgings at Hamburgh, where this French Chemist begun his Operations. The Marquis seeing the Queen was so easily persuaded to convert a large Sum of Money into Smoak, thought he might do very well to save one half of that Expense, and so keep as many of the Gold and Silver Pieces for himself, which the Chemist had to calcine, as he could conveniently; ordering him to find out an Invention to make the the Queen believe, that the loss of them happened some other way, and for so doing, assured him both of his Protection, and his future Kindness to him. This lasted for some Months; but the Intendant of her Majesty's House, required at last, to know what was become of all the Money; for the Queen who was only made acquainted with things by Halves, contented herself with some Experiments, trusting to the deceitful Promises of the Chemist, who promised her Mountains of Gold. Well then, this Bellows-blower was obliged to come to an Account, and his inability to answer it, struck him with such Fear, that he was fain to run from Hamburgh, and fly into the Territories of Denmark, which were very near; from whence he wrote to the Queen, that the Marquis del Monte had embezzled and misapplied the greatest part of the Money. The Marquis being a Bold and and Confident Man, cleared himself of this Calumny, and all the Reproach was thrown upon the poor Chemist, to whom the Marquis caused a Letter to be written under a false Name, inviting him to go to a certain Place, where he should find an Employ: The Chemist went readily thither, thinking no harm, and was there Murdered by the Marquis' Orders.  
Our Barbon now wanting this Income, was obliged to find out another way to get Money: He was called Barbon, by a corruption of the word, instead of Bourbon, which is the real Name of his Family. There was at Hamburgh a very rich Jew, a Portuguese by Nation, Named Teixero, who was a famous Merchant, and worth many Millions: This Man having a great deal of ready Money, was the Receiver General of the Queen's Revenue, and used to advance her Money at a large Interest. The Marquis at●their first Acquaintance pretended himself his great Friend, but with an intention some way or other to screw Money out of him. This Jew had a Nephew whose Name was Abraham, a very handsome young Man, to whom the Marquis presented a fine Horse, on which this young Gentleman would sometimes Ride to a Country House belonging to his Uncle, to take the Air, and Divert himself; thither the Marquis would often send him little Presents, and Musicians for him to make Merry with his Mistresses: Which Kindness was continued for some time, till at last one Night the Marquis caused Abraham to be Seized by six Horsemen all Armed, whom they took and lifted up at his whole length, and put him in a great Coffer, which they bored at both ends on purpose to give him Air, threatening to Kill him if he cried out or spoke one word, and so conveyed him into a Wood in the Country of Brunswick. In the mean time Teixero was extremely troubled that he could not see his Nephew return; and after two or three days Absence, he sent to his Countryhouse to inquire News of him; and word was brought back, that the young Gentleman parted from thence the same day he came, with intent to return to the City. The Uncle caused great Search to be made far him every where, and the Marquis del Monte was not a little Officious to serve him in it, making show as if he would rumage every corner of the whole World to find out his dear Friend Abraham. Now, there was one Cleuter a Servant of the Queen's, said to be a shoemaker's Son of Liege, who undertook to make so strict and narrow a Search, that he would not fail to bring some News of him. The Queen promised a considerable Gratuity; and the Jew on his part engaged to give a good Reward to the Person that could bring back his dear Nephew. After five days Search (altogether at the Expense of the good Man) Tidings were brought, that Abraham was found in a Wood, at the Mercy of six Men Masked, who said, They were poor Officers that wanted Money to Re-mount their Companies; and gave the Searchers to understand, that they would not release their Prisoner at a lower Rate than Twenty thousand Rix Dollars; That they had Thirty Comrades more at their Command, and in case they were forced, they would sooner Kill Abraham, than release him for a less Sum. The Jew when he heard this sad News, was driven almost to Despair; and the Queen was so much incensed at it, that she would have sent the whole Suedish Army into the Country of Bremen to have destroyed those Thiefs; but General Wrangel, who had been an old Experienced Officer, and had no mind to undertake the Exploit, could not sorbear Laughing, and represented to her Majesty, that these Troopers contained in the Forest, were a pack of Desperate People, like so many furious Wild Beasts, and that a great many brave Men might be lost before they could be able to hunt them out of the Wood, or get any advantage of them; and that if they should kill Abraham, his Friends would be never a whit the better. To make short the Story, after a great many Treaties and Offers, they were at last forced to carry Ten thousand Rix Dollars, which were divided among these honest People, according to the Distribution of Barbon, who kept the greatest share for himself. Abraham returned presently to Hamburgh, fcom whence he durst not go abroad any more, for fear of such another Accident.  
Our Barbon was no less Gallant in Amours, than other Intrigues. For a French Captain of Foot in the Service of Sueden, coming out of the Duchy of Bremen to Hamburgh, about some Business, brought a pretty Mistress along with him, whom he called his Wife, and was so Jealous of her, that contrary to the Custom and temper of his Country, he kept her up close. But the Marquis happening to see her, was so taken with her Beauty, that he fell into an extreme longing to have an Amorous Correspondence with her. By the power of Money he found means to speak to her, and send a small Present, which she refused with Disdain, and Checked the Messenger very Severely for offering it. But Cleuter to serve the Marquis, went to the Captain like a Blockhead, and after a short Compliment, told him, Captain, you have a very handsome Mistress, sure you will not be so unreasonable to keep her all to yourself. The Captain, who was a Man of very high Courage, being surprised with so blunt a Salute, fiercely answered, that he wondered a Man of his Appearance and Character, durst speak so to a Military Man, who carried that by his Side which would do him reason against any insolent Affront that should be offered him. That the Consideration and Respect he had for the Queen, did hinder him from making a proper return at that Instant, but that he hoped to find both a fitter time and place to make him repent his Rashness. This was great Moderation for a Man of Courage as he was, and who had the Principal Officers in that City to back him, I mean the Body of the Army, which the King Quartered in Bremen, Verden, and Staden, all which had been yielded up to him by the Peace of Munster; for there was a great many French among those Troops. Such of them as were then at Hamburgh seeing the Captain out of Humour, would needs know the Reason, and having understood it, would have humbled Cleuter after another manner. But the Captain intending to revenge himself like a Man of Honour, went first of all to the Quee●● who only Laughed at him, being prepossessed by the Marquis, who was the prime cause of the Difference. This Angered the Frenchman and made him Challenge Cleuter to fight him with Sword and Pistol. Cleuter accepted it with difficulty, being indeed forced to it for fear of passing for a Coward and losing his Reputation; but however took Eight days to prepare himself. The Frenchman generously and readily consented, and the Marquis in vain endeavoured to agree the Matter during that interval of time.  
The day of Combat came, and the People (as is usual there) flocked out of Hamburgh to go and see it. For though the Magistrates had forbidden Duels in the City, yet they could not hinder People from going out and fight in the Lands that were under the Power of Denmark, which was but a League from thence, at a place called Altena; near which, scarce any Week passed, but there was some Duel or other fought, the Custom being grown so general, that even among the very Tradesmen, every one pretended this way to revenge himself of the Injuries done him. Our two Champions being met, went together upon the top of a little rising Ground, near a Meadow, and there wheeling about, they both fired their Pistols at the same time; the Frenchman's failed, but Cleuter's went off, and Shot his Adversary in the Arm, who finding himself Wounded, was the more Enraged, and notwithstanding his Wound, drew out the other Pistol, which also failed as the first did. The Frenchman seeing this immediately Dismounted, and with Sword in hand Attacked Cleuter, but he, though he saw so much Bravery, instead of offering fair Quarter, fired his other Pistol, Shot him into the Belly, and Killed him. After which, the Spectators ran in and parted them; but the Frenchman having lost much Blood, was carried Dead on a Bier into Hamburgh.  
Thus passed this Combat, at which the French were extremely Mortified. And it was said, that Cleuter had a Charm which hindered his Enemy's Pistols from going off: But for my part, I really believe it to be his Misfortune, for Arms do often fail Men on that manner, of which this is not the first Instance. At least Cleuter did not act like a Genteel Cavalier in the Queen's Judgement, who ought, (as she herself confessed) to have given good Quarter, when he saw his Adversary not in a condition of Fight. But he on the contrary, did not show the least Compassion for his Misfortune, nor gave him the least good Word, but always, like a Brute, said an hundred things of the French Nation. But one Clairet, Valet de Chambre to the Queen, who was a Friend of the French Captains, was extremely affected with Grief at it, and had the Generosity to assist his Widow. The Queen also gave her something out of Charity towards her Maintenance. As for Cleuter, he acquired the reputation of a Valiant Person among those of his Gang, which made him more Insolent than ever.  
At that Juncture, a Scotch Colonel made his Court to the Queen, in hopes of obtaining some considerable Employ by her Credit. But as he was coming away from her Majesty, had some Difference, I know not how, with Cleuter, and he without many words, gave him a Wound in the right side with his Sword. The Scotchman had no time to put himself upon his Defence; for Cleuter was assisted by Seven or Eight, who kept Guard at the Gate of the Queen's Palace, and they pursued the Scotchman with Sword in Hand, so that he was fain to fly for fear of worse Mischief.  
The Queen augmenting her Guard, after an Accident which happened to her in Hamburgh, of which we shall speak by and by, made Cleuter a Captain, whom she carried with her afterwards to Rome, and there presented him to Pope Clement, who gave him a Regiment, which he sent to Candia. Cleuter in that Expedition reaped more glorious Laurels than he had done in Germany. And after his return, had a company of the Pope's Guards, even to his Dying day.  
Although the Queen had Reformed one part of her House at Rome, as that of her Pages, Gentlemen, and other Officers, yet for the sake of her Grandeur, the Salaries of the Duke of Poli and other great Officers of her Chamber, were constantly paid. Cardinal Azzolini, who had not been much against the Queen's Journey, believing she would have moderated her Expenses, and by it have cleared herself out of Debt; being very much surprised to hear of the Queen's profuse way of Living, could not forbear Writing to her Majesty, and giving her to understand that he could no longer support her House at Rome, whither she sent nothing since her Departure from thence; That he had Borrowed what Money he was able, and had no further Credit; And that there was a considerable Sum owing to her Domestics for Wages; That he desired she would at least give him permission to put off her Stables, and sel● the Horses, because this was of very great Expense to her there. The Queen who wanted not a quick Apprehension in other things, did not believe that the Life she led Abroad, had been so well known at Rome, and upon the reading this Letter, fell into a very great and fearful transport of Passion. She complained, that she had as many S●●es about her as she had Servants; and her Physician was suspected to have written an Account of his Mistress' Actions to Rome. The poor Man was sent for into her Presence, and she took him by the Collar and would have Strangled him, if he had not been Rescued out of her Hands; and after a Thousand injurious Reproaches, she turned him out of her Service, without giving him leave to Justify himself. The Marquis Del Monte doubting lest he should also be taken to Task, had an extraordinary Curiosity to see the Letters which came from Rome, and importuned Laudini, a she Favourite of the Queen's so much, that she ventured to take some of them out of her Toilet, and others our of her Pocket when we was in Bed. By this means he found what he sought for, and knew that Azzolini was informed of all. From thenceforward he therefore took all those into his Interests who made their Advantage of the Queen's Extravagance; for indeed, almost every one Pillaged her, and was for catching at what he could for himself. But her Intendant, whose Name was Pezze, whom the Cardinal had recommended as a ●●n of Integrity and great skill in the management of Household Affairs, did very often beseech her to look into his Accounts, and to moderate her Expenses: But she always told him she would never Quarrel with him, and that she had rather trust him than any other, and desired him not to trouble her with his Books. This was fine Oeconomy and excellent Order in a Queen's Court, who pretended herself a Philosopher, and Moralised upon all things. But for all this, the Intendant or Steward, contrary to the usual and general Practice and Principles of those of his Profession, was Faithful to her even to his Death, which happened to him not long after in a small Village in Brunwick, as he was returning with the Queen for Rome. The violence of the Convulsions, in which he Expired, did apparently demonstrate that he was Poisoned, and the Marquis was supposed to be the Author; though it was noised Abroad at that time and Printed in some Gazettes, that the Queen had caused him to be Killed, which I am apt to believe, was mere Calumuy, for she could have no Hatred against him, seeing he served her very well. Yet she never made any Inquiries into the manner of his Death; and after she was come back to Rome, when the Brother of this Unhappy Person, came to throw himself at her Feet, and to beg Justice of her with Tears and Sighs, she did nothing but Laugh, and gave not so much as one word of Comfort to the poor Man.  
As for Laudini, she had been a Sempstress at Paris, and her Name was Fancho●. The Queen being at Paris, took her into her Service for her Talkativeness, and because she was tolerably Handsome, and very Handy in whatever she did. Her Majesty made her one of the Women of her Chamber, and a little after Married her to an Italian called Landini, who was one of her Auspessades, and one of them who Killed the Marquis Monaldeschi by her Order. She served the Queen to her dying day, and followed her in all her Travels. Her Husband stayed at Rome by reason of some Indisposition; but the Marquis did so well Comfort her in his Absence, and so efficaciously supplied the want of the Auspe●●●e, that Laudini became ●ig with Child, which put her into a terrible Consternation.  
But the Queen who was good Natured and pitied the weakness of those of her Sex, perceived by her Countenance and Melancholy Behaviour, that 〈◊〉 had some Trouble upon her Spirits, and by the force of Questions understanding the ●ruth of the whole Matter, she bid her be of good Courage, and not Despair, for she would take care to Pacify her Husband. And since the thing was done, she Pardoned her upon the condition she would be wiser for the time to come. But alas, she Preached to an hardened Impenitent, for both before and after this Accident, she gave her s●lf entirely up to the Embraces of the Marquis.  
For whenever she saw the Queen busy in her Chemistry, or in writing Letters, she would go out at the Garden Gate to her Gallant, with a Rinquelet upon her Head, and her Face covered like the Women of Hamburgh when they have no mind to be known. A Rinquelet is a kind of Veil, made of fine black Serge, which being put over the Head, covers both the Arms and Shoulders. Ludini went often thus Disguised to a French Periwig Makers, called La Fortune, whose Wi●e was the Manager of their Intrigue. 'Twas there the Marquis used to m●●t her, and obtain all the Favours he could wish for; but she went so often that at last she became Big, as I 〈◊〉 been saying, and came somewhat before her time, being brought to Bed of a pretty Female Child, which was Baptised and Named Mary. This the Queen took and 〈◊〉 up in her Palace, and there she always liv●d under her Mother's Wing, till her Majesty's Death. The Child having a fine Voice, as she grew up, was taught to Sing and Play on ●●vers Instruments, and became very skilful in Music, insomuch, that one of the Princes of Bruns●ick, who Resided for some time at Rome, immediately after the Queen's Death, carried her back into Germany, where she had the Hononr of being admitted into the Service of the Duchess of Hanover, by means of these Qualifications.  
As for Landini, the Husband, who threatened his Wife by Letters, with nothing less than Murder and Poison, at last did Pardon her, through the instant Prayers and entreaties of the Queen, who also gave him wherewithal to make Atonement for the Injury and Affront his Wife had done him.  
Whilst the Queen was at Hamburgh, Monsieur Pompone, Monsieur Chevalier de Terlon, and Monsieur the Bishop of Beziers, now Cardinal Bonzi, in their return from their several Ambassages of the two Northern Crowns, and to Poland, passing by this Place, Saluted the Queen, who received them with great Respect, according to their Quality; and she forgot not to make mention of her Marquis Del Monte, to boast of his Nobility and of his Honourable Name of Bourbon. But Monsieur Pompone one day told her very calmly, when the Queen would have persuaded him, the Marquis was of the Family of the Kings of France; that he had read and examined over and over the Genealogy of the House of Bourbon, but then he had no where found, that any Branch of it had ever passed into Italy, except one, unless the Constable de Bourbon, who Commanded the Imperial Army, which Sacked Rome in the Year 1527, had left any Bastards in Italy. And at another time, Mo●sieur de Terlin Reproached him before the Prince of Hamburgh, with the Belying his Descent, by his suffering so long the Insolences of Cleuter towards the French; telling him, that he instead of Reproving him, seemed rather to encourage him against them. But the greatest Mortification that ever the Marquis had, was that of Madam the Grand Marshal Sobieski, since Queen, and at this present, Widow of the late King John of Poland, who passing by Hamburgh, the Marquis was sent to Compliment her, and after in a Visit she made the Queen, he would needs have offered her some unbecoming Familiarity, though I do not well know or in what manner it was; but he received for it such a severe Reprimand from that Princess, and she looked upon him with so much Contempt, that he had no further inclination to make the like Attempt again.  
During her stay here, Pope Alexander VII. died at Rome, and the Queen apprehending that Cardinal Farnese might be chose Pope, she presently thought of a Retreat either to Venice or Holland, believing that this Pope would not suffer the Disorders of her Court. But the States of the United Provinces, who some time before had obliged the Swedes to restore to Denmark all they had taken from that Kingdom, sent word to the Queen, That her Royal Character would be slighted in their Republic: And at last she had a mind to have Settled herself in England, which was then quiet enough, but she did not like the People. In the midst of these Thoughts and Projects, she understood by a Letter from Cardinal Antonio, that Cardinal Julio Rospigliosi, was created Pope, by the Name of Clement IX. on the 20th of June 1667.  
There had been some Friendship formerly between them, and she hoped to draw an Advantage from his Pontificate. Now, therefore because this was a Subject that deserved it, she resolved to give a public Testimony of her Joy, notwithstanding the Remonstrances of the Count de Homburg, one of the House of the Lantgraves of Hesse, who advised her against it, for fear the People of so great a City as Hamburgh, should commit some Insolence against Her Majesty. This was also confirmed by one of the Magistrates, but notwithstanding all that could be said, she would follow her own Capricio, and the Counsel of the Marquis, who always pushed her on to Expenses, wherein ●e always found his Account, seeing all things passed through his Hands.  
She gave Order therefore for the preparing a fine Artifical Fire, and illuminated the Front of her Palace, where she caused to be painted a noble Compartment with the Pope's Arms in it, and many curious Figures which represented his Virtues. But above it there was displayed the Picture of the Eucharist in a Cloud, adored by Angels, and below was an Emblem of the Church in a Pontifical Habit, treading Heresy under Foot. One might easily have imagined the Effects which such a Representation would produce in a Protestant City, where the Exercise of the Catholic Religion is not publicly permitted. So a great number of Seamon, both English, Dutch and Danes, joined to the Populace of Hambourgh, crowded into the Space which is before the Palace, being drawn together by the Novelty of the Sight. Where to increase the Misfortune she had made two Fountains of Wine, whose Liquour animated them the more to throw Stones against the Decoration. Some of the Queen's Domestics to repress the Insolence of the People, shot Pistols out at the Windows without Ball, but this instead of dispersing, incited them the more, and made them redouble their Insults, till they within were forced to shut the Palace Gates. The Windows were quickly battered all to pieces, and many of them would have set fire to the Gates with Bundles of Straw. In this Extremity the Queen's Servants had recourse to four Falcons that lay in the Hall, loading them with broken pieces of Brass and Iron, and discharged them against the enraged Populace, of whom they killed some and wounded others. This indeed made them recoil a little, but the Blood and Cries of their wounded Companions animated them afresh; so they returned to the Charge with an Intent to break open the Gates and plunder the Palace. But because they had neither Petards, nor Engines to force them, a Score of Lusty Fellows brought a huge long Body of a Tree, that lay at a Carpenter's Door in the Street to make a Mast for a Ship, which they moving backwards and forwards like the Battering Rams of the Ancients, did many time's essay to break open the Gates.  
It was then the Queen knew, but too late, that she had done ill to follow the Counsel which had been given her; and the fear of falling into the Hands of this Insolent Mob, did so terrify her, that she knew not what to resolve on; for the Place was no longer tenable, and the greatest part of her Domestics were without Doors, and even the Marquis Del Monte from whom she had it.  
At last two of the Servants took the Queen by the Arms, and led her out at a Backdoor, which opened into another Street, and brought her on Foot, in Man's Apparel, to Monsieur le Chevalier de Terlon's Lodgings, who was then at Hambourgh; from whence he was to pass into Denmark and Sueden. He lived in a Quarter of the Town that was at some distance, and the Queen being half dead when she got thither, they put her to Bed, and presently after brought up Supper. When she was come to herself, she began to eat with a good Appetite, and after a while falling into her accustomed Rhodomontades, she affirmed, That if they would but have let her appear at the Windows, she should have Thunderstruck all this Rabble, which had lost the Respect that was due to her.  
The Prince of Homburg being informed of this Uproar, he (accompanied by some other Gentlemen of Note and Reputation) crowding themselves among the Populace▪ endeavoured to appease them with fair Words, swearing they themselves would be revenged on those Dogs the Papists, that had been the Cause of this Scandal; But (said they) the Queen knows nothing of all this, and will be the first that shall Chastise the Inventors, provided you commit no further Outrage, by forcing her Palace. But know, that if we do not make a speedy Reparation for the Injuries done Her Majesty, we shall not only draw upon us the Arms of Sueden and Denmark, but of all the Princes of the Empire, and of the Emperor himself, who will severely revenge it. These few Words pronounced with force, disarmed these Mutineers; to which also the Burghers being in Arms, did not a little contribute. So the Siege was raised, and the next Week after the Magistrates conducted the Queen to her Palace in Triumph. And then this Princess was so bountiful as to disbursed Two thousand Crowns among the Wounded, of which two died; yet after this hot Alarm, she stayed not long in this City, but in a few Days set forward for Rome.  
If I had been a bribed Historian, I should have extolled the undaunted Courage of the Queen upon this Occasion to the very Skies, and assured the World, that the gave the utter most Proofs of an Heroic Courage, but then I should have betrayed the Truth: For it is most certain, that never any Woman was more timorous than she; tho' when the Danger was passed, she played the Braggadocio, and was infinitely pleased when her Sycophants affirmed, That neither Alexander nor Caesar had ever testified so much Bravery in the midst of so many Dangers. So true it is, that Flattery can disguise any thing, and that Princes take a great deal of Pleasure in being imposed upon that way.  
This little Accident makes me remember another which happened a long while after at her Palace of Laugara in Rome, where she expressed every whit as little Courage as here. There was a Linen Cloth put up before the Window in the Lower Court, to keep off the violent Heat of the Sun. A little Boy of the Neighbourhood by chance throwing a Squib happened to set it on fire. This inconsiderable Flame did so distract her, that she ran up and down from place to place like a Mad Woman, crying to the first she met, and beging with her Hands folded together, to rescue her out of the Fire, though there were People more than enough ready to extinguish it, and that it burned nothing but the Linen Cloth, which was not much bigger than an ordinary Tablecloth: But the Danger being over, she played the Gascon again among her Bravoes, as if she herself had saved the whole City of Rome from being burnt.  
Before she went away from Hamburgh, she gave a Magnificent Treat to many great Lords and Ladies which were in the Suedish Interest, and the Marquis Del Monte was the Superintendant or Manager of this Feast. 'Twas prepared in a very spacious Tennis-Court, around the side whereof were high Scaffolds erected as if for the representing a Comedy in a Theatre, on which a vast number of Spectators were placed to behold it. But I shall not endeavour to make a Description thereof, nor speak of the abundance and delicacy of the Meats, which were dressed with excellent Skill, and adorned with the greatest Curiosity imaginable. A more Eloquent Pen than mine would write nothing but truth, if he compared it with the most sumptuous Banquets of the Ancients; and especially when he should introduce the Instruments of Music, with the most Charming Voices, giving an Account of the most harmonious Consorts performed by the skilfullest Hands; and describe the great variety of costly Illuminations, which seemed even to outdo the Sun itself. After all there was a grand Ball, with variety of Dances, wherein the Cavaliers and Ladies acquitted themselves with great Applause; and the Joy was in all respects perfectly complete. But the Marquis Del Monte had more reason than any other, for besides the Share he had of the Banquet, and the Entertainment of his Eyes and Ears, he obtained Favours of some easy Ladies. But above all the forgot not his chief Ends, for Clairet assured me, That above an hundred Pistoles of the Charge of this stuck to his Fingers. And to keep Landini still at his Devotion, he took her by the Hand, and Danced with her as Maid of Honour to the Queen, tho' that Title was not at all her due, for she was a very Contemptible Woman, whose ill Conditions and Scandalous Behaviour, would have driven her out of any Family, ●hat had been but a little more regular than that of Queen Christina's.  
At last Her Majesty came to Rome the third time, never to go away any more from thence. She arrived under the Pontificate of Clement IX. which may be called the Golden Age of our Times, as that of Innocent XI. the Age of Iron. For indeed under the Reign of Rospigli osi, the Court of Rome became so Magnificent, that it surpassed all others in Splendour and Gallantry. New Shows were to be seen every Day; 〈◊〉 while we were diverted with t●● Entry of some Ambassador, another with a promotion of Cardinals; to Day entertained with a Feast, and to Morrow with a Cavalcade. The Divertisements succeeded one another in such sort, that commonly the Morning was spent in Devotion and Business, and after Dinner, which was generally very plentiful, and served up with extraordinary Curiosity (for they begun then to follow the French Mode) they went to a Comedy, or Opera, where the Machine's were very surprising, or else heard some great Master's Composition of excellent Music, performed with variety both of Instruments and Voices. That Holy Father who was naturally Generous, and Beneficent, inspired these good Qualities into his Nephews. Avarice had no Dominion over those young Lords, as in the Reigns of other Popes; but on the contrary, they spent more than their Revenues would well allow, and yet they so well knew how to make their Interests in that Court, that they are now the richest Princes in Rome. The Ladies all dressed very richly, and the French Modes being then it troduced, they appeared so charming in their Habits, that they could never afterwards resolve to leave them, but have retained them to this very Day; so that at this present Luxury excessive at Rome. Nor did Love fail to make his Party, for many enrolled themselves under his Banners, hoping to make an happy Progress under so flourishing a Reign. But this good time did not endure long; for the untimely Death of that Pope blasted many Intrigues which were but just in their Bud, because this Accident changed both the Fortune and Interest of a great many People.  
Clement X. being made Pope Anno 1671. after a Conclave of six Months, they reassumed the same Course of living as before. For Cardinal Altieri, who governed the Ecclesiastical State under his Pontificate, after he had been adopted Nephew by this, did not put himself to the trouble of reforming any thing, provided he could but heap up Riches for himself, of which he was always known to be covetous enough; so that there was a sufficient Liberty for People to ruin themselves by excessive Profusion. Don Gasper, who by his Nise was the Pope's Nephew, tho' he were not of so easy and so generous a Spirit, as they of the Family of Rospigliosi, appeared yet very splendid and magnificent, and the Ladies were more glorious than ever. So that in the beginning of this Reign there was nothing to be seen but rejoicings at Rome; Promotions of Cardinals, and the pompous Entries of Ambassadors. The first was that of Portugal which was very solemn, being performed in a most stately Cavalcade, by reason it was an Ambassade of Obedience; that is to say, it was the first time the King of Portugal sent an Embassy to Rome, since his Family had reascended that Throne; and it was of no small Glory for him to be acknowledged by the Pope among the number of Crowned Heads.  
After this was the Entry of the French Ambassador the Duke D'Etree's, which was no less splendid than the former, though it was only made in Coaches, there being at least five hundred, drawn by six Horses each, attended with very rich Liveries; but above all that of the Ambassador was most glorious, for the Family of the D'etrees took great pleasure to appear magnificent and pompous upon all Occasions which they had to express their Zeal for the Service and Honour of their grand Monarch. Then also the public Comedies were represented at Torra di Nona by the Contrivance of Count Alibert and his Company, during the Carnaval time. A sumptuous Box was there fitted up for the Queen with extraordinary magnificence, whereon neither gilding nor any other Ornaments were spared, and it was hung with Damask, and other rich Stuffs adorned with fine Lace and Fringes of Gold. This Box might contain fifteen or sixteen Persons, and there were always ten or a dozen Cardinals who went to the Comedy to Honour and Accompany the Queen in her Box, as they did also in her glazed Gallery, which was near to the Passage into St. Mark's place, at th●●orner of the Street called St. Remuant where she had hired a Palace to see 〈◊〉 Masqueraders pass by, with wh●●● all that place is usually filled during the Carnaval.  
The Queen tho' she was at that time above forty Years of Age, yet continued very brisk and gay, and so soon as the Theatre was opened and the Comedians acted, as they did very well in the Opinions of all; Her Majesty caused Women Singers to be brought amongst them, which Charmed the Ears of the Auditors by the sweetness of their Voices, as they did their Eyes by the agreeableness of their Persons, and richness of their Habits.  
Among the Cardinals that frequented the Queen's Box, Cardinal Benedetto Odeschalchi never failed so much as one Night being there during all the five Years, the Qu●en maintained her said Box in the 〈◊〉, but after the Elevation of this very Cardinal to the Popedom▪ 〈◊〉 changing his Humour and Conduct both at once, endeavoured to destroy the Play h●●se, werein he had formerly taken 〈◊〉 m●ch pleasure. And to bring it the mo●e effectual, to p●ss, he made a rigorous Edict, which 〈◊〉 remains in force, by which he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Women to Rehearse any P●●t upon 〈◊〉 Stage, he liking rather ●●at young Musicians should play those Parts, and be clothed in their Habits contrary to the express prohibition of the Sacred Scripture, which forbids Men to wear women's Apparel, as being an Abomination before God. The Novelty of this Spectacle drew such vast numbers of People thither, that they had much ado to get Entrance for Money. For at that time was a great Concourse of Strangers of Quality there, who had brought with them the Newest Modes from abroad, which the Roman Cavaliers imitated, and made themselves all fine and gallant.  
There was one among the rest who was of the first Rank, and surpassed them all in richness of clothes, his Stature was middle sized, the Features of his Face rarely composed, his Eyes black and as lively as those of the finest Roman Ladies, he had a happy Physiognomy, and a Head of Hair which made him one of the handsomest Gentlemen in Italy. He Sung and Played rarely well upon divers sorts of Instruments, was a great lover of Poetry, and had also himself composed three fine Pieces. Happy indeed, if with all these Advantages he would have Corresponded with the Lady's Desires, for there was more than one who were willing to have put him to the Proof; but he made no answer to their Attempts, as we shall presently acquianit you. He was then in the Flower of his Youth, being entered into the twenty third Year of his Age, and his Blood boiled in his Veins, which made him appear all Spirit.  
The Queen seeing this young Lord in a Box just over against her, as he was making a profound Bow to her, immediately felt an extraordinary Emotion, by looking upon him, and having learned his Quality and personal Merit, it augmented the Esteem which this Princess began to have for him, and she could not forbear casting her Eyes towards his Box very often. A little while after one of Her Majesty's Valets de Chambre, who had been an old experienced Gamester at Love Intrigues, hearing the Queen one Day speak many kind things of this young Prince, and at the same time say, She had a mind to have her Hair cut, took his opportunity to tell her; Madam (said he) the Prince Don Benigno (for that was the Name of this young Lord) has a Valet de Chambre a Perriwig-maker, who cuts Hair rarely well. The Queen ravished with the Thoughts of having an occasion to speak well of a Person for whom she had so strong an Inclination, sent for the Perrwig-maker, who performing his Office according to her Desire, after having spoken very advantageously of his Master, gave him ten Pistols. One of the Queen's Officers was afterwards with the Prince, who told him, That he was extremely joyful that the Queen had so far honoured him as to make use of one of his Servants; to which the Officer answered in few words, but setting forth the Queen's admirable Qualities in the choicest Expressions he could invent. The Prince mightily extolled her, and Her Majesty was informed of all he said to her Advantage, and was infinitely pleased with it.  
Another time she sent to the Prince to desire him to let her see one of his Periwigs; she tried it on, and made a short one of the same colour, being of a fair and bright colour, which she wore many times afterwards. When the Queen was in private among her Women, there was nothing to be heard but the Praises of Don Benigno, and no other Subject could afford her so much pleasure as that. One of her Maids a great Favourite at that time, who was very handsome and well shaped, called Signora Octavia, hearing her speak so often in the praise of this young Prince, fell in Love with him, but not daring to discover her Affection, she consumed and pined away. The Queen was troubled, and seeing her thus Languish without knowing the Cause, obliged her to go and take the Country Air. Octavia chose to go to Frascati, as being one of the most delicious Places about Rome, where the greatest part of the Cardinals, and Gentlemen of Rome had Vineyards and Houses of Pleasure, which looked like so many Enchanted Palaces. Don Benigno had one there which was none of the least, and he was actually himself there, enjoying the Pleasures of the delicate Season of the Spring. The Queen gave Octavia two Calas●es covered, and two lackeys; and she brought her Mother, Sister, and some other Women along with her, and for Valet de Chambre she would have that Intriguing Purvoyour who had been employed in the Queen's Amours. Arriving at Franscati, they alighted in a private place, because they would incommode no Body, and the Train stayed at the Stables of the delicious Vineyard of Ald●brandina, where they were well received because of the Queen's Liveries, by the Orders of Madam the Princess di Ross●no. Achelmere (for that is the Name of the Purveyor) took care of preparing the Dinner, while the Women went to Mass at the Capuchins, and in the way met Don Benigno by chance. Octavia turned herself aside, that she might hide the Blushes which appeared in her Face, though they rendered her yet more beautiful. There was only a single Salute on either side, and after the walking of a Turn or two, they returned to a slender Dinner at their Lodging; for in Italy People are very Sober, when they live at their own Expenses. However, she eat with a good Appetite, and reproached A●●hemere for being so sparing. While these things were doing a Footman came from the Prince, who brought in a Man that carried a great Vermilion Basin, whose outside was gilded with Gold, full of most exquisite Viands, and desired to speak with the Conductor. Achelm●●e presented himself, and the ●ootn an told him, Tha● the Prince Don Lenigno had sent him t●a small Trisle to make merry with the Company, and to drink his Health; ●nd at the same time another Person appeared, who was loaded with twel●● Bottles of most delicate Wine. The regale was most agreeably received, and they thanked the Prince in most submissive and acknowledging Terms. Octavia cast a glance upon the Conductor, as a sign that the Regale was for her sake; and after having well enjoyed themselves, and reposed for some Hours, they had a Mind to go to the Vineyard of Aldobrandina, or Belvedere, as well for the Walk, as to see the wonderful Cascades, or Falls of Water, which cause so much Admiration to Strangers. Passing by a Vault which leads to the first Tarrass to avoid the Sun, they met Don Benigno, who was walking there in Company Achelmere made him a profound Reverence, and thanked him for his Regale in the Name of the Company, who partook with him in the Obligations they all had to so generous a Lord. The Prince smiled and said, It was only a Trisle, and did not deserve to be mentioned; that he would have offered the Ladies an Apartment in his Palace, with all nece●ssary Conveniences, but that he had not done it, for fear of burdening them with incommodious Civilities, seeing they would think themselves more at Liberty, than either with him, or the Queen, whose Officers should be welcome to him without the least Compliment, whensoever it pleased Her Majesty. Octavia addressing herself to the Conductor, told him, He was very happy to be so much considered by his Excellency. The Prince answered, That he had a Value for them all in general. Do not envy my Happiness, Madam, (says Alchelmere) 'tis only for your sake that his Excellence considers us, never Prince had so great a Regard for the Lady's a● himself, but at this time I am in possession of a great part of his Bounty, having h●● the Honour of being his Servant along time ago. This was spoke only en passant; but the glances of the Eye have a more passionate Language: But the Prince immediately left them, in order to rejoin his Company, who were already got at a considerable distance. After they had seen the Vineyard and the Cascades, they returned to Rome the same Night; and the Queen who would know all the particulars of the Voyage, was extremely pleased with the Prince's Gallantry. She was the best Mistress in the World, when she was in a good Humour, and she seemed to take it ill, that her Maids had not stayed three or four days in the Country. Two days after the Prince came to Rome, and sent to seek Archelmere, to ask him who that Maid was, for whom he already felt so strong an Inclination. Achelmere told him, it was Signora Octavia, That she was one of the Queen's Confidents; adding withal, that she was charmed with the Merit of so Accomplished a Prince. The Glances she often gave him at several other Meetings, caused him perfectly to understand it. Words are seldom made use of in Italy; and they can manage an Intrigue well enough without 'em. But the Prince, who showed so much Ardour at first, relented presently, knowing that Octavia would consent without much Entreaty, though she had taken precautions not to suffer an immediate Shipwreck. However it was, some odd Reflection or other changed the Prince's mind, for he went to the Rendesvouze, and after that, Octavia conceived an implacable Spite against him, whilst her Introducer was Confounded, and gained nothing but Hatred on both sides.  
On the other hand, the Queen, who as yet knew not the Prince's cold temper, gave him him sufficient Hints, both by Signs and dark Speeches, as she found Opportunity, that himself was the cause if he were not Happy. They h●d much ado to assure him, that he m●ght dispose of the Queen's Person, seeing he possessed her Heart already; but he would never pass the bounds of the most innocent Gallantry. The more the Obstacles were br●ke, the more reserved he became, though afar off out of Danger, he testified a great deal of Ardour to meet the Queen's Flame, who despaired to make any thing of him, by reason of his Fearfulness and over great Respect. He was offered what Security he pleased, that the Queen herself should come incognito to what Place he pleased, and that she should be at his Disposal; but the very conceit made him Abhor it. At last the Queen was perfectly ashamed to explain herself too clearly; and the Rage to find herself Slighted, converted her Love into implacable Hate; and if she did not take a solemn Revenge, it was to be looked upon only as an effect of her Goodness: So dangerous a thing it is to be either Loved or Hated by Great Persons.  
If the Prince had refused the Queen only, it might have been said, That the fear of falling into the same Misfortune with the Marquis Monaldeschi, had hindered him. But he has also despised the Fires of many other Ladies, who have accused him of Impotence, or a Timidity unworthy of his Rank: for the World does not esteem a Person who contains himself within a Principle of Religion. We have seen how his Courage failed him in his Intrigues with Octavia; and we shall find presently, that he showed no greater, in the case of a fair Duchess, who had all the Qualities requisite to make a Lady Beloved. 'Twas said, that Prince Columbieri had Loved her a little before Don Benigno had settled his Affections there, and that he was very well satisfied. Don Benigno finding the place vacant when he enterprised the Conquest of Diana's Heart, for that was the Name of the Duchess; first made use of a Porter to a numerous Community, who had Victory for their Arms, but not finding him fit for Management, employed a French Merchant that lived near to St. Augustin's, because he Served the Duchess, and was very capable to manage an Amorous Intrigue. After a thousand Caresses, he opened his Design to him, and promised him Mountains and Wonders as Lovers used to do, and put the conduct of his Affairs into his Hand.  
As soon as this Confident came to the Duchess, under pretence of bringing her a new French Stuff, he fell on the reading of a Billet while her Back was turned, but suffered himself to be Surprised. The Duchess asked what it was? The Merchnat, who was Familiar with her, told her it was the Pleasantest Paper in the World, and that it was a Billet of Love in behalf of the Person he Esteemed most. I'm resolved I will see it, said Diana. Hold, Madam, answers this rare Merchant, or otherwise you will be my Confident. She snatched it from him, and read these Words. Madam, the Prince Don Benigno Adores you, and has charged me to let you understand it; I could wish that for the repose of his Love, you would hear it from himself; I am 〈◊〉 you would take Pity of him, if you know the Torment 〈◊〉 es for you, and if you will give me the liberty I will acqu●in● you ●ith the rest by word of Mouth. I must own that this confident Tradesman was as fit an Instrument as could be thought o● for this Affair, provided he ●an not Risque; for a Woman is always pleased when she is persuaded she is Amiable. This Princess, whose Curiosity carried her to read this Billet, believing it to be another thing, was Surprised at this new way of hearing herself to be Beloved, and became as a Rose, remaining perfectly Silent for some time in a Confusion, which showed a strong agitation of her Mind.  
The Duke her Husband entered the Chamber at the same time, to see the Stuff the Merchant had brought before they cut it, and seeing the Duchess in a great Trouble, asked her if she were not satisfied with so fi●e a Stuff, which appeared to him to be very Rich. She testified her Content, but said she would willingly have it all, because the Princess of Sonino had a Mantua and Petticoat very like that which she had before. The Secret, saith the Merchant, is to take whole Piece, for I assure you there is no more such in Rome. Claude has Reason, says the Duke, and I would counsel you to buy the whole Piece, if it be not too Dear; as to the rest, I believe he will be Faithful. Yes Monsigneur, says the Merchant, Madam may reckon that I will be Secret in that, and every other thing, and at the foot of the Account 30 Pistols, more or less ought not to hinder her Excellence from taking a Stuff which is the most in Mode, and especially when there will be none like it for a long time. See what an Admirable Fellow this is, says the good Husband, buy it Madam, but take care to see the Stuff well Measured.  
There was nothing else worthy of Remark which passed in this first Interview; and the Merchant went immediately to give Don Benigno an account of his Negotiation. The Prince finding his Declaration very Ingenious, Embraced the Merchant, and told him, that he had begun very well, and prayed him to continue it till such time as he was Happy. Two days after, he came again to bring her the Lining of her Garment, and she had been impatient to see him; but by a Slyness peculiar to Ladies, when they have a regard to Decency, she expected when he would begin. Being then alone with her, he desired to know of her, what effect his Billet had produced; She sat down upon her Couch, and said, with a seeming Carelessness, that she made no account of it; and that she was unwilling to embark herself in an Amour with a young Man who was over Bold, that presumed too much of himself, and because he was a fine Youth, believed himself a Narcissus. The Merchant assured her, that the Prince had an inviolable and inseparable Affection for her; and that as his Passion could not be greater, so his Respect and Fidelity would not be the less. Upon these assurances, she told the Merchant, Monsieur Claude, said she, I beg of you not to Flatter me with any hope, till I have made Trial, for under pretence of guarding all the measures that are necessary, I shall find whether he will persevere or no She then confessed to the Merchant, that she had some inclination for him, and that he should not be unhappy upon her Account.  
I believe she had reason to say this, for she perfectly knew the Person of whom she spoke; for without doubt, if his Vigour had answered his Presumption, he had wherewithal to please the Ladies. However, he was yet such a Novice, that he thought 'twas sufficient to tell a Lady he was Amorous of her, to oblige her to have the same Passion for him. But he found in the Person of Diana, a Woman that knew how to teach People Manners, and instruct him how to Live.  
One day Don Benigno being at Frescati, was Attacked by three Ladies, who believing themselves Handsome, set with their Tongues very briskly upon him. One of them was the Marchioness Nari, who told him in Raillery, That as Beautiful and fine Shaped as he was, he had found the Ladies Cruel; that they had heard news of his Affairs, and were obbliged to that beautiful Person to whom he paid his Vows, for preserving in him a respect for the Sex. He was stung with these Words, but kept still to his Indifference for the Ladies; nevertheless his vanity being excited, he was resolved to make use of all things to make himself Beloved of Diana. And he did very well at first, for after he had given some Signs of Perseverance, he made a Present to the Duchess, of a Slk Stuff with a blue Ground, stripped with Silver Columns, interwoven with most beautiful Leaves Flowers both of Gold and Silver, to a great Value. To conceal this from the Duke, the Duchess made him believe that the Merchant was content with the third part in Money, and for the rest he would take Wheat and Wine, at so much per Month, till 'twas all paid. The Duke was very glad of it; for in Rome the Great Lords have oftentimes but little Money, because they Farm a great part of their Estates themselves, and have but few Tenants that pay them in ready Money.  
The Duchess after this, became a little more Familiar with Don Benigno; and the Carneval being come, the Prince often went out in Masquerade, wearing a short Cloak surred with Ermines, with a small Cuffedged with Bonelace, and a red Ribbon on his Head, which was the Signal to make himself known by. Diana was in the Balcony as the Train went along, and looked upon him with a sweet and Languishing Eye; and they saw one another at Comedies, and danced together at Balls; but this afforded only an opportunity of speaking some few Words by Stealth, the Italian Jealousy not permitting a regular Conversation at such times. He would willingly have obtained some Favour from Diana, but she had a mind to make him value the thing, however, she promised that she would find an opportunity in the Lent time to satisfy his Desires.  
The first Week being come, the Rendesvouze was agreed upon, which was to be in a Garden ●ear St. Sabina, upon Mount Aventine, into which there is an entrance at two different Gates. Don Benigno came there in a close Coach, which was left about Fifty 〈◊〉 from the Privy Gate. The Duchess who came by the great Gate, received him very agreeably, while his Confident entertained her Associate, till such time they had insensibly got a good distance from them. Diana who for this time had a mind only to Amuse the Prince, ordered her Follower not to lose sight of her; and she obliged her, though she kept herself out of Call. The Conversation lasted about half an Hour with equal Satisfaction. Don Benigno was very well content with this first Interview; but as in Italy they have but little liberty of seeing one another, he desired the favour to write to her, and the pleasure of Receiving her Answers. Diana made a great difficulty of this, and said, there was less danger in satisfying a Lover, by yielding the last Favours, than to write to him and receive his Letters; because if a Lover should boast of Privacies with his Mistress, (as it often happened) she had power to deny it all; but as for Letters, the Characters being once known, they were certain and undeniable Testimonies. At last, by the means of Prayers and Entreaties, he obtained so far as to have Billets, upon condition he sent them back in his Answers. All these Difficulties being Surmounted, the conclusion of some twenty Letters were made by a Rendesvouz with Diana at a certain Hour, at which Don Benigno did not fail.  
He came very late at Night with his Confident, and they entered by the Back-Gate of the Lady's Palace. They wrapped their Faces in their Cloaks, and mounted a pair of Stairs without seeing any Body, till they came to the uttermost Lantern, where they found a Gentleman, Don Arimatheia, Brother to Diana, who looking upon them a little, went away, and said Laughing, God send you good Luck, my Friends. Being come into a little Gallery, which led into Clarice's Chamber, Diana's Follower: They were not yet at the end of their Troubles; for having shut up their dark Lanterns, they knew not where they went. The Merchant, who knew the Passages, went first, groping the way, but thought he should have been Strangled by the Prince, because he pulled him so hard by the Cloak. At last, after a Labyrinth of turnings, they entered into a little Chamber, where the first thing they saw, was the Head of a Bed, and a Crucifix upon it Ten Foot high. Above It was a small Picture of St. Francis, encompassed with a Chaplet about an Ell long, and the Bed w● not above two Foot high from the Ground.  
Don Benigno had put on a black Periwig instead of the light Haired one, which he always wore, and Combing it, expected when the Nymph would arrive, assuring himself, that he was prepared for the Combat, and carried good Arms to attack and batter the Fort in a most regular manner. A little after, the Duchess appeared at the further end of the Gallery, and came brighter and more sparkling than the Moon; she had a Wax Candle in her hand, her Habit loose and white, and her Head dressed very advantageously. She had a fine Knot of red Ribbons on her Breast, which being but half discovered, gave a great lustre to one of the finest Necks in the World. Don Benigno was somewhat in a Maze at her Approach, till after the first Compliments were over: Then the Merchant retired, leaving the Lovers at full liberty to do what they pleased. But all passed in Ceremonies, Don Benigno knew not how to say any other thing to Diana, than that he died for Love of her, and that though she left him at liberty to enterprise any thing, yet he durst not attempt what he most desired. So going away without doing what was expected. He was afterwards ashamed of his Bashfulness, and had a great mind to repair his fault: But a second Audience which was agreed to, did nothing but divulge the Secret; so that Prince Columbiere having got the Wind of it, procured six Fellows to wait for Don Benigno under the Portal of the Palace D'Estre; where presenting a dark Lantern to his Face, that they might know him, they retired presently, as if they had been the Round, though one of them followed him at a distance, as far as Diana's Palace. There Don Benigno got admittance, but was on purpose Baffled as before: From which the Prince Columbiere did not fail upon the first occasion to congratulate him upon the number of his Mistresses, which he told him, hindered his being able to satisfy them all.  
This joined to the Advice he had that the Prince Columbieri saw Diana again, renewed his Passion, Jealousy working a more powerful Effect upon him than Love. He complained of Diana that she preferred an old Man before a Youth full of Vigour, and ready to satisfy the Ladies at all times, whereas the Prince Colombieri must have eight Days to prepare himself. These Complaints were carried to the Duchess by the Merchant, word for word; to whom she answered, that Don Benigno was worse than the Prince Columbieri; for, said she, if he must have eight Days to prepare himself, I have given that Poltroon more than three Months, and he has always failed me in the occasion. Madam, replied the Merchant, that may happen through too much Ardour, as it did in France to the Count de Guiche. Fie, fie, answered Diana, that's a mere Trifle; for though it may once happen so, yet a Man of Vigour is never more distinguished then upon such occasions. The Merchant knew not what to answer in defence of so ill a cause. Believe me honest Claud (pursued she) your Friend is not like the Scorpions which sting with their Tail; for he stings only with his Tongue; and we ought to distrust those great Boasters, which make a fair Appearance, and are good for nothing. The Merchant then to divert her, said, Madam, a Man of an indifferent Stature, large Shoulders, brawny Limbs, and full of Muscles, that has black Hair, a brown Visage, and full of Vigour, is 35 Years old, with Eyes sparkling and filled with Fire: And as to the rest, though the Man be not handsome, is he good for nothing? Very good, said she, that is as we love; 'tis for Women to be fair, and for Men to be brisk, and methinks you do very much resemble that Man. She lay then upon her fine downy Couch, with her Breasts naked, in a very tempting posture, when at that instant one came and scratched at the door to give notice that Cardinal Colonna was below and come to make her a Visit. She arose in haste, took her Coif, and went to the Cardinal, while the Merchant slipped into a Closet, and from thence into the Wardrobe, and afterwards went his way by a private pair of Stairs. He went then to Don Benigno to tell him that if he did not use Diana better, it would oblige her to renew her Friendship with Prince Colombieri; but he took the thing wrong, and made use of this pretence to break off with Diana. He said he would not have the Leave of Prince Colombieri, who was the Town-Bull of Rome, and had certain Distempers which he should be sorry to contract; yet the Prince Colombieri was very well and in perfect Health; so was the Duchess also fresh, and sound as a Roach.  
To be short, Don Benigno went to the Duchess no more, and, to spite her, kept one of her Letters, which he was resolved never to restore. All the Revenge she could take, was to laugh at him with the Queen, with whom she was very great: When they spoke of him together, it was with the uttermost Contempt; they treated him as the most wretched Man living, and ever loaded him with all the Jeers and Affronts they could invent. And the Queen who took a great liberty of Speech, had certain Expressions for him in French, which she was ashamed to speak there in the Italian Language, because those Terms do not make such an Impression in a strange Language as in our own, told Diana one day she had found a Nickname which agreed with him best of any, which was Limberham or Fumbler. The Duchess applauded it, and both in concert cried, Let the Devil take the Fumbler.  
Don Benigno durst come no more to the Queen's, though he used to go thither very often, and particularly when she kept her Academy, whither also the finest Wits in Rome resorted; and he took the pretence of being unwilling to have any Conversation with the Marquis del Monte, whom the Queen had made great Master of her Horse; and, to spite her Majesty, he obliged his Sister the Princess Altamira, to turn away the Page she had, who was Brother to Seignora Octavia, and which she had taken out of respect to the Queen.  
But Love was not the only amusement of this Royal Lady; Chemistry was her more serious business, though she had lost considerable Sums of Money by it at Hamburgh; and particularly with one Borry a Chemist of Milan, who is now condemned to perpetual Imprisonment for Heresy in the Castle of St. Angelo, and who returned her only Cinders and Smoke for 2 or 3 thousand Crowns. The unfortunate Experiments she had often made, excited her to go forward in the search of the Philosopher's Stone. As soon as she arrived at Rome, she built a great Laboratory in her Palace, and consumed the best part of her ready Cash, not so much in Coals and Ingredients, as the Roguery of the People she employed in this miserable Trade; for 'tis ordinary with great People to be robbed by those they put the most Confidence in. Cardinal Azzolini, who would not openly oppose himself to this her predominant Passion, presented a Chemist to her, who was named Bandiere the Son of an Apothecary, in a little City of Romagina near to Bologne, thinking that by this means he had sufficiently engaged her to keep within some reasonable bounds, himself pretending to follow the Queen's Inclination for Chemistry. But though this Man rendered an exact Account of all things to appearance, the Cardinal easily found out a great deal of Roguery, seeing there was scarce a Month passed, wherein the Expense upon Chemistry, which they called Distillation, did not amount to three, and sometimes four thousand Livres. And notwithstanding his Pretences, he had only some Secrets in Chemistry of little use, and sustained himself upon nothing but incoherent Tattle, and fabulous Receipts of fine Experiments, which he had never made. In a little time he had the Artifice to insinuate himself very much into the Queen's Favour, by his unreasonable Complaisance, so easy was she to be governed by People of no Account. But this way of Proceeding did not always succeed; for sometimes she beat him, and handled him very ill more ways than one. 'Tis impossible to reckon up all the Rogueries he had done in his Life; but above all, while he was supported by the Queen: And yet notwithstanding the ill Treatment he sometimes met with, he made bold with all Mankind, except the Queen whom he was forced to flatter, and such as durst show their Teeth; for to these he was very humble, being the greatest Coward in the World, though he always went armed with Pistols and Bayonnets. He was a Liar to the utter-Point, and a Traitor to that did him good, as well as those that hurt him; very much addicted to Women, and almost always drunk when he had no business with the Queen.  
After the Heat of this Princess was a little abated; (that is to say, after three or four Years,) she was willing to content the Cardinal, and bargain with Bandiere to undertake this Distillation at two hundred Pistols per Month, which he was obliged to accept of; for besides this he got clothes, with fifteen Crowns wages per Month, and many other little Profits; but he committed so many Rogueries, that he must have a good memory that is able to reckon them. Those who understand any thing of Chemistry, know what abundance of Utensils and Instruments are requisite to such Undertake, not only in Coals and Furnaces, but in divers pieces of Earth and Glass, Vials, Alembics, Mortars, and other Vessels of Earth and Metal. But the greatest Expense is in Drugs, Quicksilver, lethargy, Led, and a thousand other Ingredients which they pretend to convert into Gold. The Queen would always go herself, to calcine, filter, distil, and to find out that which was never found. The miserable Bandiere was the Jest of the Queen and Cardinal, who being willing to put the Queen into a disgust of this Trade, was very glad to see all things go cross: So that Bondiere passed his Days with trouble enough, but the Nights brought an heap of Miseries upon him; for then the Queen being at leisure, would keep him locked for six or seven hours together at his Furnaces; and because she could never meet with what she sought for, she would throw at his head any thing that came next to her Hand, and sometimes would give him good rough blows with a Faggot-stick.  
At last the Queen perceived that the Cardinal only laughed at these her Fancies; yet because she would not break with Bandiere, but keep some measures with him, she ordered him to make Bills of what he wanted for Manual Operation, imagining she should save something, when he had no more the management of the Money: So Bandiere went for his Powders and other Drugs to the Druggist: But at the Year's end the Cardinal discovered that it came all to the same Expense. Well the Queen left off Chemistry for a time, because her Rents from Sweden came not so current as formerly, by reason of the War. Nevertheless she pleased herself with making little Experiments, and to draw Salts from many things. I have seen Bandiere bring her little Bits of Glass found in the digging of Caves, and in the Channels of Rome, and other like Trinkets, and the Queen would sometimes commend him, and sometimes again reward him with a Box on the Ear. This miserable Wretch was sometimes so vexed, that he would call her a thousand Fools, and yet no body durst tell the Queen of it, because she thought they bore Malice against him; and that the Reports which were told of him were nothing but ill Will, on purpose to destroy him. But after all this unhappy Man's Sufferings, he made all others suffer in their turns, because he would be always whispering Stories to the Queen, having the Privilege at all times to enter into any place where she was. Thus he became the Protector of all the Villainies that were committed in her Majesty's Quarter; and being in League with the Marquis D●l Monte, would discover to him all that passed between this Princess and the Cardinal; which was easy for him to do, knowing all corners of the Palace where he might hide himself to hearken. The Cardinal being enraged against him, and grown almost desperate, showed him a Trick of Kindness on purpose to destroy him. He begun to caress him afresh, and insinuated into the Queen to put into his Hands the Alms of an hundred Crowns a Months, which she caused to be distributed to the poor Families of Rome. He was transported with this pious Office; but he composed himself after such a manner in the doing of it, that the Cardinal had quickly an Opportunity to revenge himself of the Vexations he had given him. For this Rogue in distributing the Alms, instead of giving it to honest Families according to the Queen's Intention, gave it to People of an ill Life to satiate his infamous Passions. And because he was obliged to show Certificates of Poverty signed by the Parish-Priests, he counterfeited them, or else applied himself to Women and Maids of Reputation to procure true Certificates from them; and he so ordered it that he suborned the greater part of them at the 2d. or 3d. Visit of Charity, to give them an Alms in secret. Those who would not abandon themselves to his Lusts, were deprived of the Alms; and he gave in his Report that they were People of a scandalous Reputation, and did not deserve the Queen's Charity. They murmured and complained to the Cardinal, but he would take no Cognizance of the Matter, craftily sending both the poor People and the Parish-Priests to make their Complaint to the Queen. A zealous Curate, one of those whom they call the Pope's Barboni, went boldly one Day to find her Majesty; but whether it was that the Priest did not play his part well, or that the Queen would not take notice of his weakness, and her ill choice of Bandiere for her private Almoner, the Barboni was child, and Bandie●e denying his ill Actions was believed upon his Word. But as he was a Wretch whom no Politics could make wise, he went on at such a rate, that Pope Innocent XI. had Complaints against him from all sides.  
Cardinal Azzolini going to an Audience of the Holy Father, found that he was angry, and he told him of it in such a manner, that the Cardinal could not forbear writing a Letter to the Queen about those Complaints which were made against Bandiere. The Letter was brought unhappily at a time when the Queen was embroiled with the Cardinal about other Affairs, insomuch that it was not well received; nay, on the contrary, she gave it to Bandiere out of spite to the Cardinal, saying, Bandiere these wicked Priests would ruin thee with me; but laugh at both of them, for I will always take care of thee.  
Bandiere kneeling down before the Queen, with Crocodiles Tears implored her protection, and afterwards showed the Cardinal's Letter to all the World, and gave him all the ill Language imaginable. The poor Cardinal seeing the Queen had thus sacrificed him, made as if he never minded it; and because of his Heirship to the Queen, suffered both this and a great deal more from others, as well as Bandiere. But the Cardinal's Heirs were well revenged upon this Wretch, and reduced him to that pass that he perished for want, after having been the reproach and scorn of all that knew him. For as he had a wicked Tongue, and had offended every body, he found no Friend in time of need, neither ought it to be at all wondered at, if seeing he had dishonoured so many honest Families, God permitted the same to fall upon his.  
He had a Daughter tolerably handsome, but very ambitious, who was not contented with the clothes her Father would bring her, because being covetous, she often wanted what was necessary: She therefore contrived to have them another way than from him. For a certain Abbot happened to fall in Love with her, who was an Italian Gentleman descended from an honourable Family, and was called the Abbot Vannini; which Man became notorious for his Extravagancies, as you will find in the progress of this History. For this our Prelate always loving a sweet Bit, and never valuing the Expense of it, his Propositions were quickly listened to; and the Conclusion was made betwixt them without any great Preliminaries: For in Italy they come presently to the Point in these kind of Affairs, because Opportunities are more scarce there than elsewhere; and when such are presented, Lovers never fail to take their Advantage.  
One Night, though very late, as Bandiere according to his Custom came from the Queen, he found a Guard at the Door of his Lodging, who would not suffer him to enter; and because Bandiere used to say he could lie when he would at the Queen's, where he had a Bed, our Lovers did not expect he would have come to interrupt their Pleasures, and trouble the Merriment. Bandiere being thus kept out of his House, laid his hand upon his Pistol; but whether it were that it did not take Fire, or that he knew not how to make use of it, two Men took hold of his clothes and drubbed him sound, but did not kill him. These troublesome Companions went along with him as far as his good Friend the Marquis Del Monte's House, where he got in, and sheltered himself, passing the rest of the Night very ill. And, after all this, his Daughter's Lover marched off at his own leisure; but the next Day this Story was spread through the whole City. Bandiere complained of it to the Queen, who as she sometimes paid him home, told him, that he ought not to think it strange, if the same measure were meted to him that he himself measured to others. Cardinal Azzolini laughed with all his Heart; and the Marquis Del Monte having had his part of the Concern, would fain have persuaded the Queen to put this young Woman into a Monastery for some time. But she was only a Young Thing, who had married herself without her Parent's Consent to one who was better Acquainted with the Daughter, than the Father: But the poor Wretch died in Childbed of her first Child.  
Now the Queen did not only search after the Art of making Gold, but pretended to find out the Universal Medicine, and the Secret of living an hundred Years. As she was very easy of belief, having read a Secret of this kind in the Mercury Gallant, so she would try it upon her own Person, without any Precaution; but she quickly began to swell so much that she was ready to burst, and had been in a very ill condition, if she had not received a speedy Remedy. This Experiment not succeeding, she suffered herself to be deluded afterwards by an English Chemist, who having entertained her one Day with a great many things which were very curious, assured that he had had a Secret to prolong Life, and that by it Persons being of about fifty or sixty Years of Age, might maintain themselves in the same Vigour to Sixscore Years, and much further. He said he had made the Application upon himself, and being 70 Years old as he pretended, he had yet a good Appetite, slept well, and had all the Functions of Life as a Man of fifty Years old. And for a proof of his Knowledge, he showed her Certificates from a great number of Persons, whom he had not only cured of strange Distempers, but had made Young again, and given them Vigour. He said he had tried the Experiment upon the Marquis Del Monte, who showed thereupon anextream Vigour in the Combat of Love, and assured the Queen, that the Marquis (tho' he were 60 Years old) had never more Vigour than at that time. He needed say no more to set the Queen on fire. This English Mountebank, knew so well how to persuade her, that she would have this Secret at any rate. He professed that he would never teach it to any Person, but that he would furnish her with a Dose which should be sufficient to keep by her without revealing his Secret, because Her Majesty being the most Generous Queen in the World, would make no difficulty of teaching it to a great many People, and for his part this Arcanum was all the Treasure he had. At last the Queen being eager, promised him ten thousand Crowns for his Secret, upon Condition he should go immediately out of Italy, and come thither no more. But he every Day raised his Price higher and higher, and the Marquis Del Monte who intended to have his Share herein, persuaded the Queen by any means not to let this Secret escape, and the thing was carried so far, that he was offered thirty thousand Crowns. But Cardinal Azzolini having understood it, was all over in a cold Sweat at so great a Sum; for the Queen was ready to have given him a Bill upon the Bank of Santo Spirito, which was engaged for Payment, or would have put her Jewels into his Hands for Security.  
One Day being among her Maids, as they were combing her Head, she said, I will put myself into the Mode now more than ever; my Secret will be uhemently desired by some People, and rejoice others. I hope in God to live yet longer than I have lived, to a large extent of Years, and to see a dozen Popes more. Then I shall tell them a great many things which I can assure them I have seen, tho' Cardinal Ricci said of me, The Queen of Sweden eats a great deal, and digests but little, because she does not chew it well; and this will hasten her Death. And now the old Fool is dead himself, but as for me I shall live a long time; and other such like things. But all these fine Hopes presently vanished; for Cardinal Azzolini, with an hundred Pistols, sent this English Man out of Rome, tho' himself afterward showed a Weakness of the like kind, in his last Sickness, where he would have given two thousand Crowns for a Pill composed by the Marquis Santanell.  
The Marquis Del Monte lost a Gudgeon, by the English flight, but he had many other Supplies, being accustomed to live upon Rapine. The Charge of Captain of the Queen's Quarter or Barrier, furnished him continually with new Means of getting Money; But Play swallowed up all. When he was in Debt he would appear before the Queen with a Melancholy Air, and she demanding the reason of his Sadness, he would tell her with admirable Address, That he had lost at Play. She saw him thus oftener than he really had Played, and would give him Bills from thirty to forty Pistols, more or less, according as it happened. For the Queen reserved a certain Sum per Month, for small Uses, and sometimes she had certain Funds out of Sweden, which she kept in private to be liberal with, upon occasion. But she did not so often distribute them according to People's Merits, and in proportion to the Services done her, but almost always by Fancy, and without distinction. The Marquis had caused his Wife and Children to come to Rome, with the Marquis Mario his Brother, and he would have found a great difficulty to maintain so numerous a Family, without his Industry, because he had but very small Funds from his own Patrimony, and no more than thirty Crowns a Month from the Queen. 'Tis true that the other Advantages which he had from this Princess came to as much more, for she paid the Hire of his Lodgings, kept him a Coach, gave him also many Privileges and Exemptions of Customs of Goods, and many other things.  
This Marquis who had a mind to furnish his House at the Expense of such as retired into the Queen's Quarter, had a thousand Intrigues with the Jews; and it would be tedious to reckon up all the Stories of the Cheats he put upon them.  
I will only mention one, whereby he got a great many good Pictures, without disbursting one Farthing. He had a Tailor, whom they called the Liegeois, as being of the Country of Liege, who had not much Wit, though he was a Man of Substance. He had an Acquaintance with some Flemish Painters, who were able Men at their Art., from whom he had very valuable Pictures, because they were Originals, for clothes, the Hire of his House, and a little ready Money. He had bought a little House at Langara, within the Queen's Jurisdiction, or Franchises, and it had a little Garden well Cultivated, full of Flowers and Fruits; and among other things, with fine Oranges and Lemons in Vessels of Earth, which were the Delight of this poor Man. The Marquis went to him, and demanded this House in the Queen's Name, to lodge a Swedish Gentleman in, who was one of the Queen's Receivers, and was then at Rome. The Liegeois at first refused this Demand; but being threatened with ill Treatment, he presented a Petition to the Queen, who had no regard at all to it, but on the contrary, forced him to give the Swede the best Room in his House. The Marquis went to see him often, and the Flowers and Fruits in his Garden.  
This pierced the poor Proprietor to the Quick; and to redeem himself out of this Vexation, he threw himself at the Marquis' Feet, who promised him to Dislodge the Swede, provided he would lend him four of his best Pictures to take Copies of. You shall not only Copy them, said the Tailor, but I will give you the Originals with all my heart, provided you will grant me your Protection The Marquis Embracing him, promised him he would, and Dislodged the Suede, who was however just upon his departure out of the Country. By this Trick, the Marquis got four Original Pictures, which might be worth about 12 or 14 Pistols a piece; and sometime after, he desired four more, only to Copy, which he promised to restore, without performance, deferring it so long till the Liegeois Died; and his Heirs could never regain them: For not long after, the Marquis Del Monte made a Voyage into Sueden, where he stayed a long time, and at his retnrn alleged Prescription, and would never hear them talked of any more.  
At the same time he was preparing his Chambers for the tailor's Pictures, he contrived to fill his Cellar with good Wine for nothing. There was a cheating Rogue named Gaspar, a Joiner by Trade, who wanted the Marquis' Protection, which he bought to the Price of 80 Barrels of excellent Wine, and it cost nothing either to the one or the other. He had a Friend, one of the Queen's Swisses, called Melchior, who was a Sergeant, and kept a Cabaret or place to sell Wine at Langara, where he had a good Trade by the Refugees and other wicked People, who retired into the Queen's Franchises, because they would not pay their Debts, or to avoid Punishment for their Crimes. Melchior, who was as great a Cheat as Gaspar, went with his Comrade, into the Villages about Rome, where the best Wines in the Country grow, as at Frescati, Albano, Gensano, Tivoli, and others, where they bought 300 Barrels of Wine, at half a Pistol a Piece to be paid in Rome, paying only a little Money in Earnest, to cover the Cheat. The Marquis, as we have said before, had 80 Barrels of the best Wine Albano afforded; Gaspar had twenty Barrels, and Melchior the rest to sell by Retail. And the Merchants doubted nothing for three or four Months, but afterward came to Rome to demand Payment. At first they gave them good words, to draw the thing at length, and hoped to tyre them by sending them so often back without doing any thing. They Addressed themselves to Cardinal Azzolini, who shrugged up his Shoulders, and advised them to present a Petition to the Queen, which they did, but they lost a great deal of time, because the Queen was very often not to be seen. The Cardinal, who was willing to have Justice done, favoured them all he could with the Queen. She sent the Petition to the Marquis Del Monte, and ordered him, as Captain of the Queen's Quarter, to see Satisfaction given to these poor Merchants. This was to make him Judge of his own Cause; and he ordered it accordingly, for he gave them nothing but good Words, and appointed several days of Payment, one after another: At last for Form sake, he called the Debtors before him, in the presence of the Creditors; sometimes they denied the Debt, and sometimes quarrelled with the Price and the Quality of the Wine, pretending they had been Cheated. At last, one of the boldest of the Merchants presented a Petition to the Pope; and the Marquis understanding it, persuaded the Queen not to hear them, because they had Affronted him, in recurring to another Justice besides his own. Upon a second Petition to the Pope, his Holiness ordered the Governor of Rome to see good Justice done; and thereupon the Joiner was taken out of the Queen's Quarter, and put into Prison, but being insolvent, he came out at three months' end, by listing himself for a Soldier. The Goods of the Swiss were Seized in Execution, and sold by the Queeen's Permission; and he was obliged to serve a Year without Wages. So that with this and some Money the Queen gave in Charity, the Merchants were paid some well, some ill, and some scarce any at all.  
The Marquis being got out of this untoward Business, thought of nothing else but Diverting himself; and the Franchises of the Queen's Quarter furnished him every day with an opportunity of satisfying his irregular Passion for Women. For those whom Debauchery had caused to retire thither, were obliged to abandon themselves to him, that they might have permission to prostitute themselves to others. When they were afraid of Danger, or too great in Number, he was contented with a Present, to let them stay in the Queen's Quarter. And you might frequently see Maids, who run away thither from their Father's Houses; and Wives that forsook their Husband's Beds, to live publicly in a Crime, without fear of being Punished, so that our Barbon got Money by them, and might produce them to his Friends. He ordinarily kept Company with Prince Columberi, who was the Town-Bull of Rome, and let him know the fine things, and pleasant Recreations of the Queen's Quarter. This great Prince, who was very Accomplished, had no other fault, but that he was addicted to Women: But having too great a Soul to approve the Cheats of the Marquis, he was yet very glad to see by his means, fresh Women as often as he pleased, to amuse himself withal. For indeed, the Great Lords do not know for the most part how to spend their time, when they are neither exercised in War or Hunting. Though he was far from being Liberal, he never Cheated any body▪ no not so much as one single Person; and if he did not pay them in Money, furnished them with Wine, Wheat and Coals. For having a great deal of Land in and about Rome, he did not always receive his Rents in ready Cash, and therefore it was more commodious for him to pay rather in Provisions than Money; reserving the latter, only for new Acquaintance. To these he would give only a Testoon of about the value of Eighteen pence, never more nor less; for he was not of their Humour, who ruin themselves by Women, as the Spaniards often do. And indeed, the great number of those he dealt withal, made him put a low Price upon them, and he found his Account much better among the Lesser, than with the Great Ladies, who are not to be enjoyed without great Expenses; for he was not so blind to sacrifice his Interests to his Pleasures. As the Princess his Wife had forsaken him, he was not of a Complexion to forsake the Sex, but therefore gave himself up to Pleasure, and would taste of all, without setting any Bounds to himself. No Woman 'scap'd him that had any Dealings of that kind, and he was welcome every wher● by reason of his Birth and the Charms of his Person; For● he was well made, and very well provided with the Talents of Nature, and principally those appropriated to the Pleasures of Venus.  
Although his Prince would see many Women, yet he had but one which he constantly kept; to this he paid his Respects, and no body durst touch her for fear of being Murdered upon the least Signal, by some of his Bravoes, of which he had always twenty at command. She I am going to speak of, was Daughter to a certain Widow named Manchol. Prince Columbieri did as many of the long Robe do at Rome, who not being able to Contain, are obliged to make a fair Appearance, and choose out a poor Maid, such as they like best, both for Beauty and other Respects, and keep her at a distance from them, paying her Lodging with a Salary of nine or ten Crowns a Month, where they recreate and themselves as often as they please, without permitting her to see any other Company. And this management having lasted some Years, or till such such time as the Vestal begins to grow Old, they put her off to some Vltra montain, Artificer, or ●●adesman newly come thither, who Marries her for a Virgin. After this, some of them live Virtuously. But they that cannot forsake their vicious Courses, live with their Husbands till such time as their Debaucheries are discovered, and then they withdraw into the Franchises of the Queen, or some Ambassador, and there live freely, according to their former manner of life, till such time as Sickness or old Age, disorders or quite break it off. There happened one time a villainous case of this Nature, which cries out for Vengeance. One of these sorts of Maids having Married an Artisan who was a Stranger, and excellent in his Art; She left him at three Weeks end, because he would force her to live in Order; and therefore she contrived with her Mother, to destroy her Husband; and the Measures being taken accordingly, one day as the Mother did entertain her Son-in-law in a Chamber with a long Discourse, her Daughter brought in a Man at another door, where on a sudden they were Surprised by the Sbirries, who were hired and let in on purpose, to carry them all to Prison. And there was immediately a Criminal Process formed against the Husband, at the request of the Fiscal, who was also gained, and the poor Man was condemned to the Galleys for five Years, for a contented Cuckold, or such a one as will suffer his Wife to be Kissed in his Presence for Money, and died in Misery at Civita Veccia, while his Wife in the mean time prostituted herself to all the People in Rome.  
But to return to Manchol, Prince Columbieri had Lodged her in a Private House, but pleasant, with a fine Garden, towards St. Mary Majeure, where he furnished her with all things necessary. She had two Daughters, one of which was called Menica, and the other Antonia. The first was that which the Prince Loved: She was one of the finest Women in Rome, of a curious Stature, the turn of her Visage well made, fine Eyes, and the finest Teeth in the World, an admirable Neck, and Sung well: In short, there was no Defect in her Person, except that her left Arm was a little shorter than the right, with a little Hand, which was something dry. Her Sister was a great fat Woman, and of a Swarthy Complexion. The Prince Charmed with his Menica, had a fancy to show her to the Marquis Del Monte, to challenge him to show any Woman in the Queen's Quarter that was comparable to her.  
All these three made a bargain to bring these Girls to walk to the Banqueting House of Farnese, at the Gate of St. Pancrass. The Marquis also promised to bring his Damosel, who was then a small Remblant, or the Leave of the Queen's Tailor; yet she was very Handsome and full of Play, and was called Rosina. They came pretty early to the Banqueting-House, in Coaches with the Windows shut, and in company of their Mothers. Our three Palad●nes came later, every one in his Coach. The Marquis Del Monte, brought a course Dinner, which he had made ready at the Cabarets of the Gate Settignana. But our Nymphs gave notice to their old Sweethearts, that if they had sufficient Dexterity, to come into the Banqueting-House without being seen, they would steal from them a Moment to entertain them in Private. The World is always full of Waggery, for though these Gentlemen Treated their Damosels well, they were mad that they had been Faithful so long, and almost died with longing to Betray them, so true it is, that there is little stress to be laid upon these kind of Animals. The three Favourites, were the Queen's Tailor, a Valet de Chambre of her Majesty, and another Tailor of the Place, d'Espagne, called Picard, a very Debauched Fellow, no Novices in the Court of Venus, and who failed not to be there according to the Assignation. In the enclosure of the Vineyard of Furnese, there is a great and a little Banqueting-House; in the great one is a large Hall, marvellously built, from whence you may see the Fields as far as the Sea. 'Twas there the Feast was made, and the two Mothers of these two Girls Dined with the Housekeeper, and our People diverted themselves together, each one embracing his Cloris. The cunning Jades counterfeited with admirable Dissimulation, and one would have sworn it was the first time they had been with Men. For the Romans do know so well how to make themselves Grave, that the most Debauched would pass for Lucretia's by their mein and outward appearance, unless they chance to mistake when they are heated with Wine and good Cheer. When the Chevalier had Dined, he took a Guitar and Played, to which they Danced and Capered; and when they had heated themselves sufficiently, our Seniors went to Sleep, as it is the Custom of Italy after Dinner, and gave liberty to the Girls to walk in the Porch. But they impatient to see their ancient Gallants again, Detatched themselves out one after another, and went to find them in the little Banqueting-House, carrying some remainders of the Dinner, and some Bottles of Wine half empty along with them. These new Comers had some Advantage of the Regale, while their good Mothers stood Sentry. This was not the first time they had been at the same Rendezvouse; for they were so well acquainted, that they knew every Creek and Corner, and nicked their Opportunity, because the Moment's are there Precious.  
But in the midst of all the Joy, our Seniors awaked and demanded their Nymphs. Their Mothers called them, but that did not avail, for they were so impatient, that they could not forbear to Search after them. But in the interim, the Valet de Chambre and the two Tailors slipped away cunningly, and leaped over the Wall into the Queen's Garden below, going as softly as they could through the Thickets and Brushes. The Girls were found Blood-red and all in an Heat; and our Seniors, who were old experienced Gamesters, got Ladders and looked over the Wall, to see if they could perceive the Tracts of any Body. The Marquis Del Monte, who knew the place best, discovered the Matter by some prints of their Feet, but had the Discretion to say nothing, and to tell them on the contrary, that it was a false Alarm. They Diverted themselves to the full●till the Evening, or rather the Night came; and they had no sooner retired, but the Marquis told all to the Queen, who was ready to die with Laughing, and said there was no trusting to Beasts without Tails: Those were her very words.  
Love and Debauchery though they were a great part, were not the only business of the Marquis Del Monte, for at the same time he had a regard to his Interests; for his Affairs being but in an untoward posture, he took all occasions to better them, and therefore demanded his Tribute from those who sheltered themselves in the Queen's Quarter. He helped the Merchants as much as he could to Cheat the Customhouse of all sorts of Merchandise. A Cashier of the Mount of Piety, run away into the Queen's Quarter with a Strumpet called Isabel, and three Thousand Crowns he had Robbed the Bank of, was sent away some days after in the Queen's Coach, as far as the Confines of the Realm of Naples, by the means of a Present of two Hundred Pistols he made the Marquis. Some time after, one of the Cashiers of the Bank de Spirito Santa, named Paterno, fled into the Queen's Quarter with ten Thousand Crowns in Gold and Silver, which he had Cheated the Bank of; the Marquis conducted him in the Queen's Coach, as far as Mantua, for the Sum of 2000 Crowns. This Wretch went to Hamburgh to Teixere, upon the Marquis' Recommendation, where he died in the Flower of his Age, having shortened his Life by Debaucheries and vicious Courses.  
When the Debauched Monks had a mind to divert themselves with Public Women, they commonly came to the Caberets of Port Settignana, where they were covered from Justice and the Censure of their Superiors. The Marquis always found a Seat at their Table, and perhaps something else at the end of the Feast. And indeed he let no opportunity slip, to make his Advantages upon the Chapter of Interest and Love. But however, he was sometimes mistaken, as may be seen in the following Instance.  
A Piemontois Lady, the Wife of a Marquis in that Country, I know not for what reason, went away from her Husband, and came to the Queen, disguised under a false Name. Her Husband being angry that his Wife had left him, or rather her Parents complained to the Duke of the ill Usage of her Husband, and moved his Royal Highness to send after her to Stop her. This was done, but it proved too late; for having always the wind of the Pursuers, she came to Rome without any Obstacle, and went directly into the Queen's Quarter. The Marquis Del Monte having Notice of it, did not fail to Introduce himself, and went readily to wait upon her. She was one of the finest of a brown Complexion, the Court of Savoy had. This Lady seeing herself under the necessity of having a Protector, recommended herself to the Marquis Del Monte, who brought her to the Queen. Her Majesty seeing a Woman so fine, well Shaped, and of considerable Quality, had all the consideration and regard for her possible. But in the interim, the Duke of Savoy had wrote to the Pope, and Cardinal Francis Barberini, Dean of the Sacred College. The Pope at that time would take no cognizance of it himself, but spoke to Cardinal Barberini to Address himself to the Queen about it; which was difficult, because this Princess was angry that the Duke of Savoy had not sent to her. The Savoyard Lady seeing so many Powerful People at work to force her back to her Husband, cast herself at the Queen's Feet, humbly begging her to take Compassion of her, because her Husband was the Cruelest of Men; and if she should be constrained to return to him again, he would certainly make an end of her Life. Cardinal Barberini came to the Queen under pretence of a Visit, and falling into Talk about the Piemontois Lady, he exhorted the Queen to restore her to her Parents. The Queen who knew that Cardinal Barberini had received a Letter from the Duke of Savoy, desired to know, herself seeming ignorant of the Matter, why he concerned himself about this Lady, seeing nobody had as yet addressed themselves to her upon that account. The Cardinal answered, that the Duke of Savoy doing him the Honour to Write about certain Affairs, had desired him in the same Letter, that if he knew the Lady was at Rome, as he was assured she was, he would oblige her to retrrn to her Husband, and had given his word upon the Faith of a Prince, that her Husband should treat her with all sort of good Usage, and would take the trouble upon himself to compose the Difference betwixt them. The Queen Answered him, that when she had the same Assurances, she would restore her, and that in the mean time, she has promised her Protection, and that she would deliver her to no Body, but such Hands wherein the Lady might trust her▪ self with all manner of Security. Hereupon the Cardinal replied, that he thought her Majesty would have been satisfied upon his single word; that delay in a thing of this Nature, would but exasperate her Husband; that he would entreat the Queen to consider that the Lady's being in a particular House, looked a little strange; and if her Majesty would acquiesce either in his Opinion, or most humble Request, he would take care to put her into a Convent. Hereupon the Queen began to be hot, and demanded whether he would put her into the Sculetta, or St. Jaques, in the company of Whores; for 'tis there Married Women are shut up who are Surprised in those kinds of Gallantries. Barberini was hot also in his Turn, for being every whit as Passionate as the Queen, he could not forbear telling her, that he knew he had given her Majesty good Counsel, and that perhaps they would make but a bad bargain of the Matter. Upon this, the Queen was downright angry, and after many words and a great deal of course Language between them, called Barberini Vecchio Matto, Old Fool, and conducted him quite out of hearing with those words. Barberini made no other Answer, but Vecchiosi, ma matto no. I am Old, 'tis true, but I am no Fool for all that. But afterwards Azzolini interposed himself, the Pope made a Noise, the Lady was Restored, and at last of all, the Marquis Del Monte got nothing for his Pains.  
The Marquis was not the only Officer that diverted himself, but others managed their Intrigues with greater secrely, and did not give so great a Scandal: But above all, there was none that managed their Affairs with so much privacy as Count Boccabella the Queen's Groom. He was a Man of a fine Stature, but gross, deformed, stuffed up, of a very amorous Complexion, and one that slipped no occasion of satisfying his Sensuality. Instead of dividing his Love, as formerly, among many Persons of different Humours and Tempers, he resolved, in the Instance I am now speaking of, to reunite his wand'ring Affections, and fix them all upon a single Object; but instead of a Maid, who had been at perfect Liberty to dispose of herself, he took away a Married Wife, and carried her off in this manner:  
The Climate of Italy, and particularly Rome, is so hot, that 'tis no wonder if all the People there are inclined to Love: The Women, above all, when they follow their own Inclination, and suffer themselves to be guided by the Dictates of corrupt Nature, are most addicted to it. Their Diet contributes not a little thereunto: For, because they pretend that Water is crude and unwholesome, the Women and Maids drink as much, nay, more Wine than the Men, without making any Ceremony upon the matter, and especially the Vulgar. Besides this, they eat very often Leeks, Onions, and Garlic, which they swallow down like Sweetmeats: Cellery, Feunel, Artichokes, Mushrooms, Trousles, Spiceries, and, in a word, all sorts of Aliments which are hot and provocative, are their Delight; and there are but very few to be found there, that have any extraordinary Appetite for things tending to Mortification. 'Tis true, they are kept up very close; but because things forbidden make us long after them the more, this constraint is not at all proper to inspire Continence; nay, on the contrary, they believe for the most part, that they are not accountable for the Honour which Men dare vot trust in their hands. But to speak the truth, there is never so much reason to keep them up, as when Ambassadors enjoy the Franchises of Quarters; for when they fly thither, a Person cannot recall his Child, nor an Husband his Wife; nay, further, when a Maid is Marriageable, that is to say, above Twenty Years old, and runs away from her Father's House, and goes to the Governor or Register, and declares that seeing her Father and Mother have not Married her, she will turn Courtesan; he gives her his Protection, and her Parents cannot afterwards keep her up; on the contrary, they often exercise this infamous Trade before their Eyes, and they are not able to hinder them.  
It happened ill to a Coachman of Burgundy, Servant to Cardinal Altieri, who knew not this Custom, though he had lived Twenty four Years in Rome. His Daughter being unfortunately run away from him, to set up this hopeful Occupation, he found out the Place where she was, and brought her back to his House, where he lashed her stoutly; but this was looked upon as a Breach of the Public Liberty, and Justice took her away again; and if he had not had good Friends, he had been publicly chastised. This is hard to believe of so Holy a City as Rome; but it happens sometimes, and they obliged to tolerate such Abuses, for fear of Spite, and some other Reasons, which the Reader will find in the sequel of this History.  
This is certain, that when a Woman addicts herself to Ill, she always finds some way or other to satisfy her Passion: To instance ●n what happened here some Years ago in a Merchant of Terre-Sanguina, who had a Wife, believed to be the Mirror of Chastity; and he watched her narrowly; for as the Italian Nation is very distrustful, he locked her up when he went abroad, and never lost sight of her when she went out, going along with her both to the Church and to walk; and yet notwithstanding all the care he could take, she fell in Love with a Young Man that passed often that way, and made Love to her by Signs, which is a Language well understood by the Italians. She found a way to let him know, That if he came upon a certain Saturday at night, he should find the Gate open at an Hour she told him of; and to deceive her Husband, stayed while he was in bed. She was no sooner come to bed also, but she cried out, O God Husband, I have no Cravat nor Sleeves for you to wear to morrow, and I never thought on't; I must rise again to wash and iron them quickly. The Husband, who believed she spoke truth, let her do it, and slept sound, having been at work all day by himself; for the Women there never put their foot into the Shop. In the mean time, the Merchant's Wife comes down, and opens the Door to her Lover, to whom she prostituted herself, and then returned to her Husband, as if she had but just ironed the small Linen. Next Morning the Merchant went to trim himself at the Barber's, where was usually good store of Company; his Wife's Lover was there also, who not knowing the Merchant, old all the story of his Adventure with the Merchant's Wife, whom he had the Indiscretion to name: But it cost him his Life; for he was Poniarded the same Night are he went home. Neither did his Wife stay long for the Punishment of her Crime; for as Men dare, and attempt all things in Italy, her Husband brought her Fruit to eat, which he had poisoned beforehand; and she perceived nothing till the Poison began to work its Effect; and then he reproached her with Unfaithfulness, Injustice, and Baseness, and exhorted her to prepare for Death, acknowledging that he had poisoned her. He sent for the Curate, and in the mean time fled away, taking with him all the Money and Jewels, and what he could conveniently carry besides, and was never more heard of.  
But to return to Count Boccabella: He having an Intrigue with a Tradesman's Wife, was resolved to carry her off; and they agreed together, that it should be upon a Wednesday in March, when her Husband went to St. Peter's Church, where there was great Devotion, and a grand concourse of People, because of the Indulgences given at that time. As she was going under the Columns of the broad Passage, called St. Peter's Place, she set up a cry, O my God I have lost my Chaplet of Beads; but it must be fallen near this place; for I had it as I passed by the Penitentiary. In Italy the Women always wear a Chaplet in their Hands when they walk in the Streets, and are incessantly mumbling over their Pater-Noster's. Hers was of Coral, or Granat, with great Silver Medals. Stay here, says the poor Novice of a Husband, I will return by and by, and perhaps I may find it. This sweet Beast of a Wife desired him to make haste; but as soon as ever his back was turned, she advanced three or four steps forward, and on the other side of the Columns, she found one of the Queen's Coaches, into which she stepped, and was carried to Longara to Count Boccabella, where she stayed as long as he lived, the Count's Domestics knowing not one word of it. They only wondered that their Master eat all alone; that he served himself, and carefully locked the Door after him; that he consumed as much Meat as would serve two; and, that there was no body entered into his Apartment, which was called The Noble, because he kept his Fair One enclosed there. But when the thing was once become customary, they took it for Fancy, which caused the Admiration in some measure to cease.  
It is surprising that this Woman should live so many Years in Adultery, without speaking to any body, and without the least sense of Religion. Count Boccabella died suddenly of an Apoplexy, at a time when he thought least of it, and some say in the very Act, and that he was drawn off by force: A fit End for such a Life! But one would never have imagined such a thing of a Man that pretended to be a Devotee, and was a Member of one of the Principal Fraternities of Rome, I mean that which wears a particular Mark upon their Garments, and practise all manner of Spiritual Exercises. But howsoever the thing were, never was Woman in so great a Perplexity; for as soon as it was known he was dead in that manner, there was a great Alarm in the House, and the Woman was in such a confusion and consternation she knew not what to do: But when she had recovered herself a little, she sent to find out the Marquis Del Monte, and falling upon her knees, with Tears trickling down, besought him to procure the Queen's Protection for her.  
This Princess being informed of the Accident, hindered Justice from taking cognisance of the matter, and the rather, because he was one of her Domestics, and dead in her Quarter. The Corpse of the Count was carried to the Parish-Church of St. Dorothy, and there interred without any Ceremonies. And as for this miserable Woman, the Queen put her among the Penitents, where she entered voluntarily, choosing to be shut up there, rather than return to her Husband, from whom she had no reason to expect a kind Reception, after such an injury to his Bed. The Marquis, who would do nothing but upon Interest, pretended to obtain some Favours for his Pains; but she was so afflicted, she could not so much as hear him, and so he passed it by, having otherwise wherewithal to recompense himself: But he did so many Exploits and injurious things, and the Complaints against him came so fast to the Queen, that she was obliged to turn him out, at least in appearance, from being Captain of her Quarter, and to give it to Count Vasenau, who was Captain of her Suiss Guards.  
Count Vasenau was Natural Son to Ladislaus King of Poland, and a Polish Damosel: He had a delicate and forcible Wit, a Soul filled with Greatness and Integrity; and you might see something Noble in all his Manners, which corresponded to the Nobility of his Birth; but he had nothing handsome in his Face; which however is no mighty Fault in a Man's Physiognomy. He clothed so fine (for he followed none but the Modes of France, of which he had generally the first notice) that the most Genteel Persons did always imitate him; but commonly adding something of their own, spoiled what was good in the Inventions of the others. He had a Germane Gate, and was a little heavy on Horseback, which made some People difficult to believe that he was so perfect at the Exercises of the Body as he was reported to be. I should easily agree to his Bravery; and there are none but those who are either malicious or misinformed, and have been at Madrid or Holland, that can dispute it; and there is none of them perhaps will say they had measured Swords with him, as the Gascon Captain, who was in the Spanish Service, did. His great Patience in suffering Affronts, which passed for Insensibility and Cowardice, has given occasion to some to form injurious Sentiments concerning him: But however, it is not always insensibility in a Man to suffer; it is Prudence to dissemble that, which the necessity of Affairs will not sometimes permit him to revenge. If Fortune had not been addicted to persecute the Count, without doubt he had took fire as soon as another upon the least Injury done him. If he was at any time complaisant towards a Person, it was rather out of Policy than Baseness of Mind: Nor was it that he loved the making of his Fortune more than his Fame; for we do not see that he made any great Business of the Queen's Service, which he might have done perhaps, if he had not had so nice a Conscience. 'Tis well known what Temptations were offered him by a Jew of Hamburgh, who was gained by the Marquis Del Monte, to corrrupt him when he went into Sweden to receive the Queen's Revenues, as we shall find in the ensuing History.  
Having lost the King his Father, when as yet he had done nothing for him, he took a Fancy to travel to the Northern Parts by his own Natural Inclination; but they persuaded him, and that with Reason, that he might find that elsewhere which was not to be found amongst them. He passed first into England, where he had the Honour to insinuate himself into the Favour of King Charles the II. and received several Obligations from him; but he was not long there; for he happened into some Quarrels, which obliged him to repass suddenly into Holland, where Fortune did not declare herself in his Favour: So he went into Spain, and had good Success at the first; for his Air and Manners being very agreeable, gave him an Entrance into all Places; and his way of Address pleased many, and particularly Don John of Austria declared himself in his Favour. But a certain Gallantry he had with a Spanish Lady, brought him into fresh Trouble, so that he was constrained for his own Safety to depart out of the Estates of the Crown of Spain. From thence he came into France, where he found a good Establishment, and a Fortune worthy of himself.  
Casimir King of Poland after his Abdication, chose France preferably to all others to pass the rest of his days in. This Religious Prince took Count Vasenau near his Person, and bestowed so many Kindnesses upon him that he was quickly envied. And some, even among the Rank of Princes, would have supplanted him at the same time the King of Poland thought to advance him. And for this purpose, because the King would go upon sure grounds, he proposed to acknowledge him for his Nephew in the Parliament of Paris; but however it was not difficult to turn this inconstant Prince from his Design, or at least to cause him to defer the Execution of it.  
And it was deferred so long, that in the Interim the King died in the Abbey of St. german de pre, so that these good Projects quickly vanished; and instead of an Establishment, he was forced to be content with a small Matter the Prince of Conde gave him, of what the King left at his Death. Afterwards he came to Rome to Queen Christina, who owned him for one of her Family, and put him into the number of her Domestics. Cardinal Azzolini and the Marquis, who were afraid of these Marks of Distinction, would willingly have seen him far enough of, suspecting that this Kinsman and New-comer would become the chief Favourite, and obtain the highest Reward.  
However they made fair Wether to him at first, though in the mean time they thought of nothing more than how to get rid of him. The Queen made him Captain of her Swiss Guards, and a little while after Captain of her Quarter. But he had this last Charge only in appearance; for the Marquis performed all the Functions of the Office, so that we ought not to impute those disorders to the Count, which afterwards happened in the Queen's Quarter.  
He spent his first two or three Years in great Tranquillity, and without any thing remarkable except some small petty Amours: Madam de Chalais was the first of his Inclinations; but seeing she was enclosed in a Convent of Nuns of St. Mary, or of the Visitation at Langara, this was only an Amour of an Iron-Gate. I have seen him often in a Moonshine Night playing upon a Violin, which he had in his Pocket, round about the Walls of the Cloister; and at the sound of certain Airs, Madam de Chalais would show a small Light in her Apartment on the Gardenside, where the Count having found a way to enter, made Love to her afterward by Signs. They had seen one another in Spain, when the Prince of Chalais retired thither by reason of the Troubles he had in France; and the Count had a Company of the Regiment of Chalais in the Spanish Service. The Duke de Poli entered into a stricter Tie of Friendship with him than any other, and they made a little League between themselves to uphold one another with the Queen; nevertheless the Count diligently made his Court to Cardinal Azolini, who treated him with a great deal of Civility, Ceremonies of which the Italians, and above all the Courtiers are no way sparing.  
This Union of the Count with the Duke lasted continually, and so much the more agreeably on the Count's part, for that the Duke of Poli had a Daughter married to another Duke, who passed for one of the finest and most charming Ladies of the Age. She was rarely well shaped, and of a stature good enough: Her Complexion was fine, the Lineaments of her Face were agreeable, and she had the whitest Teeth in the World. Her Mouth was a little large, her Eyes black, lively, and well defended; Her Complexion was very beautiful and uniform; Her Hair curled and brown, a fine Neck, and indeed her whole Person had an Air of Quality. She sung divinely well, and understood Music perfectly, and touched all sorts of Instruments most excellently. She was then in the Flower of her Youth, about 20 or 22 Years of Age, and as she was often in the Conversation of the Duke her Father, the Count had seen her a long time before he fell in Love with her. She charmed all the Company that heard her play upon the Base Viol, as much as any Master of Music could do; which did facilitate the Conquest of his Heart to so rare and beautiful a Person as the Duchess was, so that in a little time he became desperately in Love. His Air, his Manners, and his Eyes did all denote him in a strong Passion, but a certain Respect, and Timerousness, hindered him from declaring himself. He therefore endeavoured to do that by another, which he durst not do by himself. And to this purpose he cast his Eyes upon a Tailor which made the Duchess' clothes, and he was a Man proper for a Confident. He was Discreet and Bold, Prudent and Ingenious, Qualities necessary to the Conduct of an Amorous Intrigue. He did it with Success, and as these sort of Tradesmen find an Entrance every where, he made no great difficulty to acquit himself of his Commission, and in the consequence rendered himself necessary, both to the one and the other, without being suspected.  
He then saw the Duchess the same Day, and gave her an Account of some Love-Matters, without telling her from whence they came, and she heard him so favourably, that he did not conceal the Name of the Count de Vasenau: The Lady had already observed his Mysterious and Studied Arts, and did easily believe that he was in Love; so she voluntarily heard the Declaration made to her by a Person well known, and whom she knew to be in the Count's Interests. She returned as agreeable an Answer as the Count could wish; but added, That she had Measures to guard, for that she had a Severe Father, and a Jealous Husband, who looked strictly after her. And thus the Introducer concluded the Matter without much difficulty.  
All the Secret then was deposed into these Hands, and he made so faithful a Report to the Count, that he became more Amorous than before. He sought for an opportunity to speak to her without his Introducer, but it was very difficult to find one, at least to come Head to Head, or enjoy one of those happy Moment's where he might find her alone. All that could be done was within the Circles of the Ladies of Italy, that is to say, in casting some Glances by Stealth, which did not satisfy our Passionate Lover, who believed, that the Duchess as well as himself, did not intend only the Language of the Eyes. But fearing that she did not see one half of his Passion, he desired to explain himself by Billets Deux: However, the Duchess being of Opinion that these Letters did often discover Intrigues, which otherwise had been concealed, would never receive any, for fear they should fall into a strange Hand. And indeed she had Supervisors in the Country, and Spies set over her by others, as well as the Duke of Aqua Sparta her Husband. And Ambassador who had all the Qualities to please Ladies, even to Old Age, and had lost almost nothing of the Beauties and agreeableness of Youth, set all Hands at work to enter into an Intrigue with the Duchess, and he handled the Matter so neatly, that, he was with her at the Baptising of a Child of a French Bookseller, who lived in the Place Navona. The Honest and Engaging Compliments of this Ceremony, were renewed every time they saw one another, with abundance of Sweetness and Reciprocal Pleasure. The Duke D'Etree, for 'tis easy to see that 'tis he I speak of, made a most innocent Amusement to please the Duchess, but withal spared no cost to obtain her favour, and he was so liberal upon all Occasions, that even Daphne herself would have turned back again, if she had been flying away: It cannot be thought strange therefore, if the Duchess did not hate him; but tho' she was very reserved, ill Tongues did so envenome all things, that this Princess was banished Rome, and sometime after confined by her Husband to one of his Estates; and he was assisted in it by Cardinal Baromeo, and the Princess Corboniano who were Related to the Duke. In the mean time the Count's Affair advanced nothing at all, although his Confident was not asleep; for he let slip no Opportunity to make the Duchess sensible of the Count's Torments. This expert Introducer would speak his things so agreeably, that she would hear him with Pleasure, and as he always mingled some pleasant things in his Discourse, he would make her Laugh; so that the Confident had more Pleasure than the Lover himself. For there was never a Day in the Week wherein he did not go to see the Duchess under some Pretext or other. The Count would often go and ride about her Palace mounted upon an excellent Horse, Calashes being then not so common, for Cardinal Chigi first used them in imitation of the French Mode. One Night the Count's Confident ventured to introduce him into the Duchess' Palace, wrapped in a Cloak, under pretence of an Address to a Damsel who was the Lady's Confident, but they were greatly astonished to find the Duke in his Entertaining Chamber. They strove to hide themselves in a corner to avoid meeting him, but to no purpose, for he discovered them as they were retiring, and was very much surprised to see two Men in his Palace at such an Hour, and in such a place. But the Tailor who had both Courage and Dexterity, came up to him, and told the Duke, That the Duchess h●d ordered him to come to speak with Madamosel Palma, for so was the Maid's Name, to take the Body of a Gown to make fit, and that the other Man was his S●rvant. The good Duke searched no further into this Affair, but permitted them to enter where Palma was. She was Astonished to see the Count, but did promise and assure to serve him to the uttermost; nevertheless, for want of being Liberal, his Affairs advanced but slowly. Some time after he was in the Conversation of the Duke of Po●, and there was Singing, with a Symphony, and Consort of Musical Instruments, and a Comedy with Marrionnets. That Night the Count thought he should have died of Love, for the Duchess was as Lovely and Fine as an Angel. But while these things were transacting, the Queen's Affairs being Embroiled in Sueden, her Majesty sent Count Vesenan to receive her Rents, and put things into better Order. 'Twas then he must forsake her for a long time, and his Sighs and Tears gave the Duchess an Account of his Despair; and they promised each other to Love eternally: But the Count's Back was no sooner turned, but she forgot him. Being arrived in Sueden, his Confident wrote to him every Post, and sent him News of the Duchess; but he was not Faithful, because he was employed in another Intrigue between the Duchess and a Roman Prince of great Merit. However he was useful, in giving him notice of all the Traps and Machinations against him, which came to his Knowledge: For the poor Gentleman had a great deal of Persecution from the Marquis Del Monte, who was enraged that he was not sent in his Place.  
Cardinal Azzolini did what he could to calm the Queen's Mind, but the Marquis' Cabal aggravated it, and Landini always entertained the Queen with this Discourse, when she was in an ill Humour. The Queen of Sueden, the young King's Mother, did him all the Service she could with Queen Christina; but the famous Jew at Hamburgh, called Teixere, who was in the Interests of the Marquis Del Monte, because he had confirmed his Commission to receive the Queen's Rents in Pomerania, and in the Duchy of Bremen, which he always remitted to the Queen by the way of Venice, at great Interest. This Perfidious Man, gained by the Marquis, made all things go Cross, on purpose to ruin and destroy the Count 'Tis true that he had some complaisance for this Jew, but if they had Robbed the Queen together, his Affairs had gone better; but he had too Generous a Soul, and a Heart too well fixed; and in all his Voyage and stay at Stockholme, he comported himself as a Man of Probity, which in part was the cause of his Ruin; for the Receivers forsook him, because he made too strict an Examination of their Accounts. But that which completed his Ruin, was a Letter he writ to the Queen, wherein he gave her an Account, that he had found a way to save a great deal of Money in Exchanges, by returning her Subsidies by the way of France, and exchanging with the Pensions the King of France gave the Suedes; so that whereas she paid Nine per Cent by way of Venice, he reckoned not above Two or three to make it come by France. This vexed the Queen afresh, because it should seem by this Letter that she had a Commerce with the Minister of France in Sueden. But he knew not she would take it ill. After all, the Count returned to Rome, and went to the Queen with Boots and Spurs on, but she gave him a very brisk reception, for she would scarce suffer him to speak, and when he did, he was not heard. He ran to Cardinal Azzolini, to beg of him to interceded with the Queen on his behalf, alleging, that he was obliged to Protect him, because of the good intelligence that had always been betwixt them. But his Persecutor the Marquis, represented that the Count was more careful to give the Cardinal an account of Affairs, than he was to her Majesty herself. She who had a Domineering mind, and would play the Sovereign in all things, took Umbrage at the Count's Proceedings, and treated him ill upon all occasions. Nay, she proceeded to that Excess, that having one day sent for him into her Presence, and charging him with Injuries▪ She in great rage gave him three or four Blows over the Head with a Cane she had in her Hand. This poor and much afflicted Lord went to bed with a Fever, and perfectly despaired to see himself treated in this sort; but he must have Patience, for what could be done with a Fool that had neither Rhyme nor Reason? Neither is he the only Person who has been thus treated, for the World is full of the Extravagancies of this Princess. But that which gave him most Affliction of all, was the Cheating and Mockery of the Marquis Del Monte, who came to Comfort him, and that was the cause of all the Mischief that befell him. The poor Duchess of Aqua Sparta Wept for Grief, and the Count's Confident was witness to her Sorrow: For notwithstanding the Count had not seen the Duchess, she had yet some consideration for him. His ingenious Confident obliged her to write a word or two, to testify that she took a share in his Disgraces; And this she did, upon condition that he would restore the Letter, as he punctually did, after he had kissed it very often wi●● 〈◊〉 Transport. It was matter of great consolation to him, that so lovely a Person was touched with his Disgrace. The Duke of Poli scent to Visit him often, and they saw one another incognito; and at last Cardinal Azzolini reconciled him to the Queen, who made him Satisfaction. After the Count had respited a while, he would willingly have renewed with the Duchess; but besides that, he was engaged, in some measure, with the Prince I have spoken of already, and would give him no occasion of Jealousy: An unforeseen Accident broke all the measures of their ancient Correspondence. The Queen at the Count's first coming to her, had hung two of his Chambers with Damas', and at his departure for Sueden, had deputed the Duke of Poli to serve in his Place, till his Return. The Duke appropriated these Hangings to himself, as coming to him from the Queen. And the Master of the Hotel had put him into some hopes of them, which embroiled the Matter further. At last the Count peremptorily demanded the Damas' from the Duke, who refnsed to restore it, alleging Prescription and Possession. Neither of them durst complain to the Queen, and the Master of the Hotel would disoblige neither of them. So they took Cardinal Azzolini for Arbitrator betwixt them, and he counselled the Duke to restore them; but he was Obstinate, and would keep them. The Queen came to understand it by means of the Marquis her Spy, who loved to fish in troubled Waters. She Laughed and diverted herself with their Dispute, without obliging either of them to desist from their Pretensions. At last comes a Jew and ended the Strife, desiring the Duke to restore him the Damas', which he proved to be his own, or to pay him for the Hire of it. The Duke restored him the Damas' before the Count, and neither of them had it. So the Count lost both his Damas' and the favour of his Lady. So that we see Interest is sometimes stronger than Love. The Duchess expected, that at his return from Sueden and the Low-Countries, the Count would have brought her some piece of Holland, or some fine Flanders-Lace: But he gave her nothing but Gugaws, small works of Ivory, and some other things made at N●remburgh, which though artificially done, were nevertheless but of small Value.  
no such great matter of mingling Blood, as they do in France and Germany. At last the Business was made up by Donua Maria Candida, a Religious of St. Cecily, and the Abbot de Cabannes, Gentleman to Cardinal Altieri. It is Suprizing, that at a time when the Queen herself lived upon Alms, or a Pension which the Pope allowed her, her Rents not coming from Sueden because of the War, that Cardinal Azzolini should find Ten Thousand Crowns in ready Money, to Marry Octavia to the Marquis Caponi. This she had, without reckoning what she got from the Queen both before and after this Marriage, which amounted to more than double the Sum. Fortune was very favourable to this Girl; seeing that they, who would otherwise have ruined it, contributed so much the more to her Preferment. So poor Count Vasenau, on which Side soever he turned him, was always Crossed.  
Nor are we yet at the end of his Misfortunes. For Prince Radzevil, Ambassador of Poland, arrived at Rome in the Year 1680, and visited the Queen in form: And Madam the Ambassadress went also to see the Queen, who gave her a favourable Reception, not only in quality of Ambassadress, but as one of the Family of the King of Poland. Count Vasenau served as Ambassador, and she vigorously recommended him to the Queen. The Ambassador, who was willing to serve the Count also, opened a way to appropriate to him certain Pensions in the Realm of Naples, which belonged to the Jagellons, who Reigned so long in Poland, of whose Family Count Vasenau was the last. The Queen listened to this Overture, and writ into Spain to the Duke de Medina Celi, first Minister to the Catholic King, who was Sovereign of the Realm of Naples. She wrote also to the Marquis Don Velos, Vice Roy of Naples; and every thing prepared to favour the Count, if her Vanity and Inconstancy, had not spoiled all. Sometimes she would accept this Obligation from the Spaniards; and sometimes she would not have it said she should have begged their Favour, being persuaded they would find some sly trick or other not to keep their Words; as indeed they did, when they had penetrated the Queen's Intentions: And so Count Vasenau was frustrated of his fine hopes.  
Sometime after, it happened, that the Queen would raise the Marquis Del Monte to the Charge of Great Master of her Horse, and gave him the Title of Excellence, pretending this way to Recompense him for the Services he had done her in Sueden, whither he had accompanied her in her last Voyage, and whither he went afterwards upon the Queen's Business; but the Ambassadors and Cardinals, except Azzolini, refused to give it him. The Queen hoped, that at least the Duke of Poli would obey her Will; but though he was but a poor Lord, and drew great Subsidies out of the Queen's House, he chose rather to quit her Service than stoop to so mean a thing. But the Marquis Del Monte did not lose it, for besides the Charge of great Master, he was made Major Domo of the Queen's House, and had the profit of both Charges. As for Count Vasenau, he not only gave him the Title of Excellence without Scruple, but would likewise have given him that of Highness, if they would have let him alone. Upon this, the Marquis looked upon him with a better Eye, and protested he would serve him upon all Occasions. The Queen also made him more than ordinary Caresses, because of his Obedience, and ordered him a Coach for himself all alone, augmenting the number of his Liveries, which were not much different from the Queen's; an Honour the Queen did to no body but himself, as being one of her own Family.  
The Count now finding himself a little at Repose, and more Honoured than before, fell into an amorous Intrigue, being content to sweeten his Misfortunes with Madam Beauregard, whom he saw every day. But then he left her in the Lurch, and bestowed all his Courtship upon a new Mistress which he had, without going out of Langara. It was the Duchess of Salviati with whom he was Smitten, and she was of the first Quality, and Allied to the greatest Houses in Rome. She was a very Handsome Person; and when you look upon her altogether, she was not more agreeable in Beauty, than in a sprightly and charming Wit; for she had great Accomplishments in Conversation, and you would never be weary with hearing her Discourse, for she reasoned with a great deal of Exactness and Judgement. 'Tis true, she was subject to some little Discontents, which took her now and then, but that did not hinder her in her Lucid Intervals, from being brisk and sparkling, and to Charm all those which had the happiness to approach her. This I say, because she communicated herself only to Persons of her own Genius, who knew how to bear her Conversation, but besides they must have the gift of managing her, for she had a Briskness that was able to dash even those of the best Assurance. She was Sister to Don Frederick Scorza, now Duke of Caesarini, by his Wife's Title. Count Vasenau found a way to insinuate himself by honest means. For she had a young Son who was a Comely Youth, and of great Hope, but because he had not Travelled; the Count to make him an Accomplished Prince, instructed him in many things, showing him how to Tread well, and take upon him an Air of Greatness, conformable to his Birth, and to appear Gallant in the Streets. During the whole Carnaval, he never left the young Lord; and at the same time, the Duchess went Masked in the Concourse, in a Magnificent Chair, with those of her Family and Domestics. The young Prince and the Count were always at the sides of them with Masks on, mounted upon excellent Barbs, which they made to wheel and Prance with a Grace. As for the Duke her Husband, he is a Solitary Prince, and does not love to appear in Public. The Night after, having accompanied the Duchess home, the Count and the young Prince were at a Ball together all Night, and passed the time very pleasantly. Thus the Count comported himself in this new Intrigue, which nevertheless, he must quickly break off: For the old Duchess Dowager, the Duke's Mother, a very Severe Princess, of great Virtue, and admirable Conduct, who was afraid any Body should speak to speak to her, obliged the Count to retire by degrees, though they showed him great Respect. This old Lady was Sister to Cardinal Cibo, and so great an Enemy to all sorts of Intrigues, that when she was young, she broke the Skull of a pretty Girl with a Plate, whom her Husband entertained, and used to serve at the Table. After which she retired into a Convent at Florence, and there remained till her Husband's Death. Afterwards she returned to Rome to her Sons, where she took care to see every body live in order, and according to their several Duties. The Count had other Amorous Intrigues, besides those already mentioned, with which I am not willing to tyre the Reader; but however we may say something perhaps in another place, if an occasion present itself. I shall make an end of this Article with the telling you, That after the Death of Pope Alexander VIII. he was made one of the Knights of Honour, to Pope Innocent XI. where he subsists by the Pope's Bounty, and a Pension of 500 Crowns which the Queen left him for his Life, payable by the Heirs of Cardinal Azzolini. But the Count is not now the same he was heretofore, for having renounced the Vanities of the World, he practiseth great Devotion, and lives a very Exemplary Life, and worthy of a true Christian.  
Since we have begun to note the Characters of the Queen's Principal Officers, who have so great a part in her History, it will not be amiss to see here the Portraiture of the Duke of Poli, who made the finest Figure with this Princess next to Cardinal Azzolini; and afterwards we shall speak a word or two concerning Count d' Alibert, whom she honoured with her Confidence, tho' she did not much esteem him at first.  
The Duke of Poli was of the Family of Conti, which is one of the Noblest and most Ancient in Rome, out of which there has been Eleven Popes. He was a big Man, very gross, whose Age made him grow stooping. He was certainly a Lord of Merit, full of Honour, and incorruptible Probity, reserved in Discourse, and Phlegmatic to the uttermost point: He would always say, that every thing was brought to pass with Patience▪ He was as severe as Cato; and as to his Oeconomy, it would have been called sparing in another, who had not been charged with so great a number of Children. Pope Alexander VII. proposed him to the Queen to be her Majordomo, or First Gentleman of her Chamber; and she accepted it so much the more readily, because she was ambitious of having one of the First Gentlemen of Rome in her Service. He behaved himself there with a great deal of Prudence, but he could not forbear to testify his Displeasure when he saw things done disorderly. He was adored by all the Queen's Officers, and respected as much as herself, because of his Probity. Crowned Heads did much look upon him, and their Ambassadors came to visit him, not so much for his Birth, as the Esteem they had for his Person. He had the good Fortune to marry his Eldest Son, who had been one of the Queen's Pages, with the Sister of the Constable Colonna, Widow to the Duke de Bazianello. This Alliance did much displease the Constable, who crossed it as much as he could, but could not prevent it. The Widow was endowed in Fifteen Thousand Crowns in Rent, and the Duke supposed that both the Goods and Estate, would come into his Family with the augmentation of her Dowry, because she had no Children by her first Husband. But she was happier in this second Marriage, for she had a fair Lineage from the Duke the Guadagnoli.  
The Profits the Queen gave to the Duke of Poli were great. She paid the Hire of his Palace which was near the Queens, and she kept three Coaches and Liveries for him. This joined to the number of Privileges, Exemptions, Rights of Entries, and 180 Crowns per Month, made him up 4000 Crowns per Annum, comprising therein 600 Crowns for the Duchess of Poli, who was first Lady of Honour to the Queen, tho' she very seldom performed her Function. For besides that, Her Majesty had other Ladies and Damsels, she had so little inclination for her Sex, at least in the beginning, that Women were seldom seen with her; and when she went abroad, she had never any followed her. So that the Duchess of Poli went only to the Queen at good Feasts, to receive Ambassadors, Princesses, and Nieces of Popes that came to visit Her Majesty. As for other Roman Princesses and Duchess', as the Queen could give them nothing but a Cushion, without transgressing the Law of Ceremonies. So they never came to see her, because they pretended to greater Honours. The other Visits which the Queen received were from Ambassadors and Cardinals, who when they came to Rome were obliged first to visit the Pope, next St. Peter's Church; afterwards the Dean and Cardinals, and immediately after the Queen, and if they made any other Visit before, she would not give them Audience. She came to the Top of the Stairs to receive Ambassadors, Cardinals, Princesses, Ambassadresses, and concucted them back again to the same place, and sent her Gentlemen to accompany them to their Coaches; but she came to the Bottom of the Stairs to receive the Pope, and conducted him back again also. For all the four Popes which Reigned in her time, came very often to visit her, and she kept a Chamber for them alone; and seated them under a Cloth of State, embroidered with Gold. She visited also the Pope, and never failed twice a Year, to wit, at the Nativity of our Saviour, and St. Peter's Day.  
The Duke of Poli had a Brother a Cardinal, who is yet living, and called Cardinal Conti; he was Bishop of Ancona, and made his ordinary Residence there; and as he was in a Possibility of being Pope, the Queen was very glad to be in the Interests of that Family, that she might obtain some Credit under his Pontificate, in case he happened to be chose. This Incomparable Queen, who pretended to surpass all the World, one Day as the Cardinal took leave of her to enter into the Conclave, after the Death of Innocent IX. Embraced him and said, Monsieur Cardinal, Remember Queen Christina, if you become Pope, as I believe you will. The Cardinal smiled at this Discourse, and said, He was her very humble Servant, without any such hopes; but in what Estate soever God should put him, he would always remember the Obligations that both himself and all his Family had to her. This Discourse being reported to the Duchess of Aqua Sparta the Duke of Poli's Daughter, the said, That if the Queen had no better a Method to obtain Authority, then in her Uncle's being chose Pope, she was much deceived; for mine Uncle (said she) will have enough to do, to provide for so numerous a Family, and such a multitude of Kindred. As to the rest, tho' the Incomes of the Duke of Poli were well paid, and that he was in great Necessity, yet he quitted the Queen's Service some time before her Death upon a point of Honour. The Queen took a fancy to declare the Marquis Del Monte her Grand Master, and in this Quality would oblige all the Family to treat him with the Title of Excellence. Cardinal Azzolini who had reasons not to displease her, obeyed without Contradiction. But tho' the Marquis was of most Nobl● Blood, as his Surname of Bourbon made it appear, he never had this Title in Rome, and the Duke of Poli, having consulted the Duke de Bracciano, the Constable Colonna, and other Princes of Rome, to know whether they thought it convenient he should give this Title to the Marquis Del Monte, they were all against it, and concluded they would keep no further Society with him, if he gave the Title of Excellence to the Marquis. This made the Duke resolve to desire his Congee of the Queen, under pretext, That his great Age of 75 Years obliged him to retire, and prepare himself for Death. And he had another reason as specious as the former; for the Queen would have him give place to the Marquis Del Monte out of the Palace, when they went with her abroad; tho' she consented, that the Duke should have the Preference within. This Proposition being injurious to the Duke, he chose rather to forsake her Service and retire, as we have said.  
Count Alibert Son to one of the Intendants of the House of Monsieur Gaston Duke of Orleans, Uncle to the French King, was Originally from Orleans, 〈◊〉 born at Paris. After his Father's Death he was sought after, for some Miscarriages committed in his Charge; but be was so nimble, that he saved himself at Rome with above 50000 Livres in ready Money. At first he had a magnificent Equipage, for he prepared himself a Coach, four Lackeys, and a Valet de Chambre; went with a fine Air, and had the Ambition to play with great Lords, and among others with the Princes of Brunswick at the Constable Colonna's, and other Ladies and Gentlemen, who tho' they often plucked away some of his Feathers, yet he had enough to sustain himself still. In the Carneval-time he had one of the proudest Chariots of all, representing Mount Parnassus, with Apollo and the Nine Muses, which sung in Music; and this joined with a Consort of Instruments, made a fine Symphony. He passed with this Magnificent Train before the Queen's Palace, and she came to know him by this means. She permitted him afterwards in her Antichamber, and had some consideration for him, till at last she took him into her Service in Quality of Secretary of Embassies. He was of a middle Stature, and neither well nor ill made, except that he was a little flat Nosed; a great Talker, and spoke nothing to the purpose; Sparkling enough, but of no Solidity; Intriguing and Curious, but a little fearful; full of Activity, and made abundance of Motions, which tended to no purpose. When he would compose a Letter, he sometimes did it well, but it was after he had pillaged Balzac and Voiture. He affected in his speaking, to declaim and gesticulate like a Comedian; and with all these fine Qualities he entertained the Queen every Day after Dinner for two or three hours. She often corrected him, but he suffered it very patiently; and above all, when he brought her the News of the Pope's Palace, or the City, which were often invented, because he knew not what to say. I remember one Day the Queen ask his Opinion of some black Laces which she had in her Hand, demanded, Whether they were not Violet colour? Yes, Madam, (says he) they are Violet. You are a Sot (saith the Queen) they are a Dark Grace. 'Tis true, Madam, (says the Count:) You're a Beast (says the Queen) they are an obscure Blue. That is the Term (says he) that I could not find out. In fine, he said what she would; but after her Back was turned, addressed himself to the Valet de Chambre, and said, What Folly is this? But I must say as she does. Another time, having a mind to flatter the Queen upon the Whiteness of her Hands, as she was washing with her Arms naked as high as her Elbow; I must own, Madam, that your Skin is perfectly fine, and very white; 'tis admirable, for 'tis all pure Nature, and Art has no share in it. thou'rt a pleasant Jack F— (said she) to speak to me after this manner? Dost thou think I am thy Wife that paints as low as her Breech? He bore all these Reflections without Regret; and she would often say to him, Qui vive? And would take Pleasure in making him deny his Country, and to say, Let France be Damned, and even worse than that, tho' he was always a good Frenchman in his Heart. One Day he demeaned himself, laying by his Cloak, and took Nails and an Hammer to tack and untack a Picture against the Wall; where being mounted upon a Chair which fell backward, he had like to have broke his Neck. All these Debasements of himself, made the other Gentlemen of the Queen's Chamber, to have but a very low esteem of him; till such time as being one Day in Her Majesty's Antichamber, speaking about the News of the War with Count Caprara, whose Brother was in the Emperor's Service, and had been engaged in a Fight against the Viscount Turenne; Caprara would needs prefer his Brother before this great Captain, which Alibert could not suffer with Reason. But one word drew in another, till they came to gross Injuries; and Count Caprara without respect of the Queen's Palace, or her Domestics, threatened to Battoon him; and did it to the purpose. The noise coming to the Queen's Ears, inftead of taking the Part of poor Alibert, to enrage him the more, applauded Count Caprara, and told him that he ought to be served so. One Day as Count Alibert reasoned before the Queen in the Presence of the Messieurs de Vendome, he said so many silly things, that these Princes as they were going out, said to their Governor; Is it posfible that the Queen of Sueden, who hath so much Wit, should hear with Patience all the Fopperies which Alibert utters every Day, in so troublesome a Manner? The Queen knew very well they were nothing else, but did it only for her Divertisement. And it is impossible for a Man that talks two hours a Day, without a Subject, but he must be very impertinent.  
After he had stayed some Years in the Queen's Service, he had a mind to Marry, and made choice of the Niece of Col. Ornano, who had commanded the Militia in Corsica, before he was suppressed for an Insult made upon the Family of the D. of Crequi. The Baron Ornano Father of the Lady, was very hot upon this Match, believing that his Son in Law, that was to be, was very rich, because he had been brought up with Monsieur the Duke of Orleans; where one Ornano had made his Fortune, and came to be Marshal of France. But when the Business was done, Count Alibert could not have the Considerable Portion promised him. And as he had imposed upon his Wife's Parents, by his Pride and Boasting, was himself shamed in his imaginary Possessions, which he thought lay in the Isle of Corsica, which made the Queen say, That both the Parties were equally deceived. And to add to the Misfortune of Count Alibert, he lost a great deal at Play. But to make up his Losses he had recourse to Inventions; for under the Pontificate of Clement X. he set up a Lottery in the Hall of the College de Sapienza, where being assisted by some Friends, he put in some odd Baubles, Looking Glasses, and other little things. He obliged many Tradesmen to whom he owed Money, to take Billets of his Lottery in Payment; but almost all these Unhappy People lost their Debts, being paid only with a little Paper; for when they came to Draw, they met with nothing but Blanks.  
After this he essayed with some of the Altieri's to make a Theatre for Comedies at the Tour de None, which was formerly the Prison of Rome; and in this he had the Address to get a considerable Sum from the Queen to assist him towards the Expense. The Altieri's contributed too; and the Chevalier Acciajoli, who is admirable at fine Decorations, and to rectify the Order of the Theatre, had the Conduct of the Enterprise. It would have succeeded very well, if Count Alibert could have abstained from Gaming: Not that he took any great Pleasure in Play, but engaged in it out of hopes of Winning; wherein he was always deceived, for he had neither good Fortune to befriend him, nor sufficient Understanding and Skill to manage such an Affair; so that it is no wonder, if the Chevalier Acciajoli often called upon him to discharge the Expenses of the Habits, as also the Salaries of the Actors, and Musicians. Acciajoli complained to the Queen, and she was angry with him, but that could not restore what was already lost, and therefore he must have Patience, and stay till the Carneval was passed, before he could have the Money which he expected from the Hire of Lodgings and Gardens. At last the Design was carried on, and the Business completed, but he was never the Richer soes it. He also found out an Invention to play with Marionnets at his own House, and made a Traffic of it. And for some time he kept Playing in his House, under the Queen's Protection, otherwise he durst not do it, because it was forbidden in Rome; where to entertain the Gamesters so much the better, he had from time to time Consorts of Music, whose Symphony Charmed the Ear, while their Pockets were emptying.  
He set up a Tennis Court, near the place d● Espaign, towards the Garden Di Napoli; and 〈◊〉 time made a Trade of hiring Chambers ready Furnished. When he put his Men into liveries, he had a thousand Inventions for that with the Jews, and always without ready Money, for sometimes he would Truck one thing, and sometimes another. And after all, no Knight of Industry, knew more Tricks than he; And he that would undertake to write the Particulars of his Life, might make a large Volume of it. During the War in Pomerania, the Queen not receiving her former Rents, was forced to reform her House, and to throw off the greatest part of Domestics. The Count, with many others, having lost his Service, was resolved to try his Fortune in another Court, and went to Turin to offer his Services to Madam Royal, who then governed the Estate during the Minority of the D. of Savoy, who now Reings. He was well looked upon in the beginning, but when he was once throughly known, they set but little by him: And so he, who thought to have business only with the Allobroges, found in that little Court People so Spiritual and of so great Sense, that it does not give place to the Court of France itself, except in Number. At last, Count Alibert being weary of the Court of Savoy, or the Court of Savoy of him, returned to Rome, where he found his Countess, who did not expect him with any great Impatience: For this Lady had found an opportunity of enjoying herself with a Young Man, who lived over her in the same House. As for the Young Man, he was a Roman Gentleman, a Beau and Gallant, who seeing the Conveniency the Neighbourhood afforded, had no mind to run further abroad, if you will believe the Scandalous Chronicle. And as for the Countess, she was none of those Beauties that would engage a Man in spite of his Teeth; but the facility of seeing her every day, or at least at the Window, engaged them in a Commerce of Gallantry, as much as the Italian Severity would permit. She was of a gross Stature, a fault very common among the Romans. The turn of her Visage Irregular, black Eyes, but well defended: And as for her Complexion, she was never satisfied, borrowing from Art what Nature had refused. She always daubed over her Face, as the Queen reproachfully told her Husband, which made it shine like a Looking-glass, or a Bottle of Oil, and caused her to lose all her Teeth at Forty years old. Her Mind was as ill composed as her Body; 〈◊〉. notwithstanding all this, 'tis pretend used but without Ground, that she did not want Adorers.  
After the Peace of Nimmeghen, the Queen enjoyed her Revenues again, put her Court into its former Splendour, and re-established Count Alibert in his Charge. This did easily comfort him, for his past Disgraces, and to sweeten his Discontents, he would make Love to Madam Beauregard, Daughter of a Confederate of France, that made his Fortune with Mazarine. But fled into Italy after Monsieur Fouquets Disgrace, for he was Taxed by the Chamber of Justice; but had the good luck to carry off the best part of his Effects. He was Originally from Lucca, and was called Diodati; so being a Refugee at Rome, he put himself under the Protection of the Constable Colonna, but did not live long. His Widow was introduced by little and little to the Queen; and she had an only Daughter, which was called Madamosel Diodati. This young Creature was very Tall, and had the Air and Visage of a Musketeer: The lineaments of her Face were irregular, and she had the finest Nose in the World to carry a 〈◊〉 of Spectacles. But in all the rest, she he● well and hondsome enough. As ●on her Wit, she thought she had enough, because she had got all Clelia by Heart; Cyrus and Cleopatra were her Delight, and by the help of Romances, she was become a precious Jewel of the first Order. A sturdy young Fellow, who was the only Son of a Councillor of the Parliament of Grenoble, called Monsieur de Beauregard, was come to Rome unknown to his Father, and became Amorous of so Charming a Person. He lived with Madam the Constable, and though he was well Shaped, his Name did not at all fuit him, for he was a Slouch, Purblind, and of mean Regard. This fine couple of Lovers served to divert all that came to the House of Colonna. Nevertheless, Love did so well play his own Game, that they must needs be Married, without the consent of the young Man's Father. The Ceremony of this Marriage was performed in the Queen's Chapel, and in her Majesty's Presence, by a little Prelate of Lucca, called Monsieur Bottino, a Kinsman to the Married Couple. He made a very Spiritual Raillery, and much to the purpose, upon the Consent of the Parties, required in the word Oui. Yes. Saying, Though it was but a word composed only of three Letters, it made many People Repent. This was but too true in regard of the Espoused: For the young Man not being able to get any succour or help from his Father, was forced to return into France to Plead against him. He made two or three Journeys to no purpose, and died in Misery at Marseilles, leaving his Wife and three Children behind him. Count Alibert endeavoured to Console her; but Compassion quickly gave place to Love, and to break it to her, he studied the finest Common-place Books of the Romans, to make a Speech according to his Fancy. But none of them pleasing him, he wrote one of the most Elegant Letters that was to be found in the Secretary a-la-mode, which he got by Heart. Upon this, the Count assumed a fine Air, combed his Periwig, and tied his Stockings about his Legs better than ordinary, and his Cloak did not hang on the left side, as in time past; And for a Livery, he made a red Serge Breeches, with white Satin Points, set out with a fine galoon. Madam de Beauregard who never had so Magnificent a Lover before, answered the Count's Desires with all the Ardour he could wish. All that discontented the Count was, that she came too fast upon him, for he would have conducted his Amours like a Roman, that is to say, with one Adventure upon another. But Madam de Beauregard had a good Appetitite, and did not care for Procrastination. Count Alibert was apparently at a Stand, seeing he must for Decency sake furnish his Countess with things necessary, who then lived Soberly, that she might give no ill Impressions concerning her Person, such power had the Queen's Satyr's in rendering her Virtuous. Madam de Beauregard, who had her Ends, which she would not speak of, was stark mad that he was so cold. But he found a way to content her; For he knew so well how to take the Queen in a good Humour; that he procured her a Pension of Ten Crowns a Month, which the Queen gave her for Life: And after the Queen's Death, she retired to Lucca to her own Relations. As for Count Alibert, the Queen left him nothing, though he deserved it better than most of them that had. Monsieur the Duke of Chaunes, gave him the Office of Secretary of the Chamber of Ambassies to France, but he performed no Function of it, after Cardinal Janson came to have the charge of the Affairs of France in Rome, his Eminence using his own Priests and Domestics. Nor did he long enjoy the Pay, because the War hindered it; For many more necessary to the State than himself, found a great deal of trouble in getting their Salaries. However, he went up and down to procure News, as he used to do, without bringing any thing to the purpose. His great business was at the Theatre of Torre de Nona, where he bestowed his Cares, and subsisted most of all by the Profit which he drew from thence.  
If the Queen made Count Alibert her Sport, who had Birth, and some Merit, she made a Minister, of her Favourite, Valet de Chambre, called Claret, who had neither Birth nor Education. We will relate some Circumstances of his Life, to see if he deserved so great a distinction from so clear sighted a Queen.  
Clairet Poissonnet, Son to a Man that kept a Cabbaret at Triere, a Village between Pontoise and Poissi, was first Lackey to Monsieur the Marquis de Valancay, who brought him to Rome, when he was Ambassador from France. The young Boy could neither Write nor Read, but addicted himself to Comfiture, and perhaps did not ill understand a Kitchen. Having lost his Master, a Polish Lord brought him into Poland, where he got into the Service of King Casimir, before he was Crowned. But he did not stay there long, for having a mind to see the Countries, he engaged himself in Service to the Suedish Ambassador, who was then at Warsaw. He came then with his Master into Sueden, and being very Active and Handy, had the Honour to enter into the Service of Christiana Queen of Sueden, by means of one Bourdelot, a French Physician, whom the Queen had drawn, by several Gifts and Advantages to Stockholm, to be near her Person. The first Employ he had in the Queen's House, was to be Comfiter and keep the Linen. But in a little time he had the good Fortune to make himsel known upon this occasion. Her Majesty had sent for one Champagne a French Head-dresser, out of France, who knew the Art in Perfection, and therefore was much sought after by the fair Sex; and he came to be known to her upon this occasion. One day as they were making a Wirchaff, which is a sort of Masquerade in Sueden, where every one, without being entirely Masked, takes what Figure he pleaseth. Champagne who saw Clairet had very fine Hair, had a mind to put him into Woman's clothes, and dress up his Head a-la mode. The Caprice had good Success; For Clairet being then very Young, and had a very fresh and lively Colour, passed for a Woman. The Queen, who knew it, took great pleasure in seeing him in this Habit; and he Served her afterwards in many Affairs under this Figure. There was a Court-Lord her Majesty was dissatisfied with, and he retired into one of the most distant Provinces of the Realm, to hide and conceal himself, and by that means to avoid the effects of her Wrath. She had much ado to discover him, because there was a great many Nobles in his Interests, and favoured his retreat. Clairet knew him at Stockholm, and promised the Queen to bring News of him. And for this purpose, Habited himself in women's Apparel, kept his Hair always close Shaved, and went into the Province whither the Gentleman was retired, under pretence of being a Chambermaid to Lady of that Country, who kept Intelligence with, and was the Queen's Friend to assist Clairet to discover him. The poor Gentleman had a Valet de Chambre, who was a Piemontois and spoke French: Clairet under this habit, got Acquaintance with him, and seeing Love mixed itself in the Conversation, it was easy enough for Clairet, by means of her Lover, to discover where the Gentleman hid himself: Who although he kept upon his Guard, and apprehended Ambuscades and Traps to be laid for him, could not hinder a Discovery through such a Disguise. Clairet being sure of his Blow, took Post and went to Stockholm to advertise the Queen, while the pretended Damosel passed for a Sick Woman upon the Piemontois, who Prayed heartily, and made Vows for her Recovery, with a great deal of Zeal. In the mean time, his Master was Seized, and drank exceeding deep of the Cup of the Queen's Resentments. Clairet having succeeded so well, was made Valet de Chambre to her Majesty: But it is surprising, that this Man, who knew neither how to Write nor Read, and who never spoke any Language tolerably, (for he confounded them all together) should have the Fortune to succeed so well in those things the Queen employed him. This Princess seeing the Nobles Discontented at her Government, was desirous to establish herself with France. And to keep her Affairs secret, could find no better an Expedient, than to make use of Clairet. After he had received his Instructions, and a Letter of Credence put between the Sols of his Boots, he took his Leave of the Queen, upon pretence that the Climate was too cold for him; and the favour was granted him with difficulty to all appearance.  
Upon his Arrival at Paris, he gave his Letter to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and having given in his Instructions by word of Mouth, and received his Answer, he returned into Suedon, pretending he had repent himself, and was sorry he had left the Queen's Service. She took him again with great difficulty, upon the pressing and earnest Solicitations of the Marquis of Gardia and the Physician Bourdelot, so well was the Play acted. One Night as he went to drink with a Friend of his, he was set upon by four Armed Men, he drew a Pistol, and had the good luck to Wound one, but having made head for some time, he was forced to give way to Number, seeing he was already Wounded himself; and they had certainly done his Business, if one of the Counts of Coningsmark, had not passed by accidentally, with four stout Footmen, carrying of Flambeaux, and given him a timely, and seasonable Assistance. This Rencounter coming to the Queen's Ears. She gave Orders to the Officers of her Regiment of Guards, to send two of the best and stoutest Soldiers along with Clairet, when he had a mind to go abroad in the Night. It was never known from whence this Blow came, but it was supposed to be from the Relations of the Gentleman that was Arrested by Clairet's means. One of the chief Senators of Sueden having found that Clairet loved Drink, would have forced him by Wine and Caresses, to discover the Queen's Secrets but to no purpose, for he could never Surprise him. And it is Astonishing, that he should be more reserved when he was Drunk, than otherwise, for when he was in that condition, he would do nothing but Sing, Laugh, and play Monkey tricks. At first he was Secret for his own Interest, but became more reserved afterwards, and at last got such an habit of it, that all the World admired it. Nevertheless, he was extremely Curious, and pressed very much to know the Secrets of others. The Queen, who made use of him for a Spy, was very glad to find in him these good Qualities, and never suffered him to be without good store of Money. With these helps he would discover any thing he had a mind to, insomuch that the Count de Chanut, Ambassador of France in Sueden, forbade his Domestics to keep Company or have any Converse with him, because when he had made them Drunk, he would lead them by the Nose, and get from them the most Secret Words and Actions of their Master. He had a prodigious Memory, and never lost one word that he heard.  
After the Queen had Abdicated the Kingdom, he accompanied her in all her Voyages, and was Marshal of her Lodgings; and when the Queen Travelled into France, he went before, and had Order with the Abbot Bourdelot, to make an hundred Embroidered Cassocks, and as many Boots, Holsters, and Arms, for an hundred Horse Guards, that were to accompany her at her entry into Paris.  
When the King was with his Army in Flanders, and the Court at La Fere in Tartenois, There came an Order for an hundred thousand Franks, to help her to support the charge of her Voyage. Clairet had a Commission to receive this Money, and he carried it to Monsieur Basiniere, who told him, he had also three thousand Franks for himself, but desired him to write a Receipt for both the Sums at the bottom of the Ordonnance. He answered, that being a Gentleman, he would give no Receipt, but would commit it to one of his Lacquays. But he was told that those that receive Money at the Royal Treasury, even as high as a General himself, wrote a Receipt with their own Hands, below their Ordonnance, and that it would not all derogate from his Nobility. He found himself then in a great Distress; For as on the one side he was not willing to renounce so advantageous a Commission, and on the other, ashamed to look like an Ass. He said, to excuse himself, that he had been in a small Skirmish, and was Wounded in the right Hand, so that he could not use it at present. So they made up a Receipt for him, that he might subscribe his Name at the bottom; but they were very much surprised when they saw him make nothing but a Cross, and that he knew not how to hold his Pen. This made them Laugh, and it was sent to be Signed by the Queen's Intendant.  
Clairet went afterwards to Triere his place of Birth, to see his Parents, and he treated them Magnificently, together with the chief Inhabitants of the Village, for he ordered Tables to be prepared for above an hundred Persons. The Meat was the most delicate that could be got; and as Triere is a place that abounds in delicious Wine, they drank to Excess. It was pretty to see and hear the good People drink the King and Queen Christina's Health; the Feast was so Splendid, that it made a kind of Wake in the Village, and the Gazett made mention of it. What a loss it is, that the Mercury Gallant was not then Invented, that Posterity might learn the Circumstances of it! This Feast increased his Reputation; and Cardinal Mazarine one day demanding News from the Queen, she gave Clairet a very advantageous Character, exaggerating his Fidelity and Zeal for her Service. His Eminency was astonished to hear that a Man without Birth, Education, or Study, should be fit for every thing the Queen would have him. The Queen knew well enough, that she was not deceived in putting Confidence in him, and therefore when she designed to Murder the Marquis Monaldeschi at Fountainbleau; 'twas Clairet that was the first Conductor of the whole Intrigue, and none truly knew but himself who they were that Assassinated the poor Gentleman.  
If Clairet was useful to the Queen in her Voyage to France, he was not less in that which she made first to Rome, and particularly in riding Post with a Letter to Cardinal Antonio Barberini, to know beforehand how she should be received and treated both at her first Entry, and during her abode there. He never left the Queen in her Voyages, whether into Italy or Germany. And while this Princess was at Hamburgh, upon the Election of Clement IX. she sent Clairet Post to Rome to Congratulate his Exaltation, and to beg permission of him to return to Rome. The Pope received him very well, and by him as the Queen's Envoy, invited her to return, and promised to give her Eminent Marks of his Paternal Friendship. And because he kuew Clairet when he was but a Prelate, he Caressed him greatly, and gave him a Medal of Gold, of the value of Ten Pistols. Clairet begged of him the grant of some Indulgences to the Chapel of his Village; and he gave him an entire Saints Body over and above; and the Prelate which distributed the Pope's Graces, presented him with a Prayer that would keep him from all Evils, provided he recited it every Morning. He demanded, whether it would not have the same effect, if it was said by another, and he was answered, that it was better to recite it himself: Give me then a Schoolmaster, said he, which shall teach me to Read. This quick Answer, made the Pope Laugh, and he discharged him from the reading on't, which would have the same effect, carried in his Pocket. But Clairet was no great sayer of his Prayers, a Bottle of good Wine went a great deal nearer his Heart. His business every Morning was to go into the place d'Espain, or into the best Inns of the City, and when any Stranger of Note arrived, he made himself acquainted with his Followers or Domestics, and from them learned the Adventures of their Master, the Subject of their Voyage, and gave an account of all to the Queen. He ransacked every where among the Ambassadors and Ministers of Princes, and made his Advantage of all that he heard. And he went also to the Post, and took from thence the Letters which belonged to Gentlemen of Quality of other Countries, and after the Queen had read them, Sealed them up again, and carried them back to the Post. But as these things made him serviceable to the Queen's pleasure, it drew upon him a great number of Enemies, and sometimes he was in danger of being knocked in the Head with Stones, or else severely Battooned. Though he knew neither how to Write nor Read, yet he received Letters every Post, and made an Answer regularly thereunto, without ever revealing his own Secrets. In fine, after he had lived till the 77th year of his Age, he died almost suddenly at Rome, upon the same day that Monsieur the Duke d'Estrees Deceased, and had the Impudence to make the Queen his Heir, though he did not leave one Farthing; nay so far from it, that her Majesty was forced to Bury him; and afterwards had the goodness to pay 500 Crowns that he was Indebted to several People.  
Some time after, the Queen lost her brave Marquis Del Monte, at a time when she had most need of him to maintain the Franchises of her Quarter, which the Pope now began to Dispute. He died as he had lived, that is to say, in Disorder, having no time to Repent in. The Circumstances are terrible to relate, but is however necessary, were it only for Example sake. How happy are they who know how to profit by the Faults of others! But for the Coherence of the Story, we must take it a little higher.  
After the Peace of Nimeguen, the Queen who had been some Years without her Rents, by reason of the War, sent the Marquis Del Monte into Sueden, where he stayed above a Year, to put her Affairs into order, and give an account of her Majesty's Receivers, who pretended they were not able to pay her. The King of Sueden was so favourable ●o the Queen, that he caused her Receiv●● General to use such diligence in p●tting things into good Order, that the Queen's Affairs went according to the Marquis' Mind.  
The Court of Sueden began to respire after so many Losses, and the Marquis passed under the Figure of the Queen's Envoy. Where when he had a little settled Matters, he began to call those to an Account who had fingered the Queen's Revenues, and he found many who had been fishing in troubled Waters. The Marquis wrote to the Queen, and insinuated his Thoughts, and desired her Majesty te have some Compassion upon the People, representing that the Wars had put them out of a condition to perform the Obligations of their Leases. The Queen either out of Generosity or Compassion, that she might not beregretted by her ancient Subjects, discharged them of many things; but the Marquis never discovered this Nobleness of the Queen, till he had accommodated Matters according to his own Interests; for he always minded himself first, and the Queen afterwards. He got new Tenants to some parts of her Estates, and it availed him in such sort, that the ancient Tenants made him Presents, which he greedily took with both hands, and preferred them that gave most. After he had continued a long while at Stockholm, he went into Pomerania, which was the Province from whence most of the Queen's Rents came, where coming into a City of that Country, he Lodged at one of the Queen's Receiver's, who had great Effects in his Hands, and he treated him with all the Kindness imaginable, to lay an obligation upon him to confirm him in his Place. He promised to serve him effectually, but it was after he had drawn a good Present from him; and he stayed a great while in that House, expecting as he said, the Queen's Answer. But the true reason was, the Receiver had Married a very pretty Wife a little before that, and the Marquis devoured her Eyes, and delayed the time, in hopes to make himself Beloved. The Receiver's Business obliged him to be frequently absent from his House, which gave Barbon an occasion to let her know how much he was in Love. He was Bold, and she Timorous, so that he would easily have brought his purposes about, if the Receiver's Brother, who did not like the Marquis' Proceedings, had not got an inkling of the Matter. The Marquis seeing this Rub in his way, feigned that he had received Letters from the Queen, and that she had sent him a Blank, desiring him therefore to get on Horseback quickly, and go two days Journey from thence, to find out his Brother, who must come to him, that they might compose their Affairs. This Man being doubtful of the Marquis' Design, dissembled an Obedience. He got on Horseback, but returned the same Night, and having left his Horse with a Friend, put himself into an Ambuscade in a Place where he knew the Marquis would pass to his Fair Sister. Not long after, the Marquis came, and without any other Weapon but a Sword. He was all in the dark, and walked very softly, for fear of Discovery. In the mean while, the young Man, who could not discern Objects, let fly a Pistol in the dark, charged with three Bullets, but missed the Marquis on purpose, who fell, and rolled down the length of a pair of Stairs, which bruised his whole Body, and made a dangerous Contusion in his Head. The House was presentld in an Uproar, and the Domestics run together from every side, and found the Marquis all in his Blood. None of them knew what to think of such an Accident, but after he had recovered his Spirit, and the Surgeon laid the first dressing to his Wound, though yet full of Confusion and Fear, he said, That he was coming in at the noise of the Pistol, but taking a false step, had fallen all along. In the mean time the young Man got away without being perceived, and went to find his Brother as fast as he could, telling him that the Marquis was too dangerous a Guest in his House, but told him nothing at all of what had happened. At their return, which was next day at Night, the Receiver was amazed to understand what had happened, but the Marquis dissembled it Wisely, and after they had finished their Affairs, he returned, for Stockholm, to take leave of the King of Sueden in order to return for Rome.  
Being arrived at Hamburgh, he found there Teixere the famous Jew, who expected him to regulate the first payment of the Queen's Revenues, which was Ten thousand Rix Dollars, and Five thousand more which the Farmer-General had sent upon the Queen's Account. At last the Marquis arrived at Rome full of Glory and Riches; for he made his Journey worth thirty or forty thousand Crowns, where he was received both by the Queen and Cardinal with great Applause, and the Queen's House was put into a good posture, not forgetting that of the Marquis. And the Queen proclaiming every where that the Marquis had done her good Service, some time after raised him to the Charge of Grand Master of her Horse, which had been vacant since the Murder of the Marquis Monaldeschi, ordering all her Domestics to give him the Title of Excellence; which though the Duke of Poli refused, the rest Obeyed.  
The Marquis after his return to Rome, followed the same course of Life; but not to trouble the Reader with his Debauches, I shall say only one word of his disrespect both for the Palace and the Queen's Domestics; for he spared neither of them when they came in his way. 'Tis true, he found a free Passage in the Instance I speak of; but he ought to have stopped the Scandal, rather than increase it by his own Example. But to come to the particulars.  
The Queen's Court being then become finer than ever, every one fell into som● Amour or other. Seignora Giovannia Giustiniani, younger Sister to Signora Octavia, was a very lovely Maid, a little brown, but having all the Ligeaments of her Visage excellently form: A fine Stature, together with so ●ine a Neck, that the like was no where to be sound. At first when the Queen brought her from her own Village, she was simple enough, but the Court Air quickly refined her, and she was not very long in taking the humour of being Talkative and Proud; Manners, to which the most elevated of that Sex find so strong an Inclination. Her Majesty had a great kindness for her, but she abused her good will, and became so presumptuous, that she would not acknowledge her Birth. A Page of the Duke d'Estre's Ambassador of France was the first that offered Incense at her Altar. He was a young Italian Gentleman, well Shaped, Fair and Gallant, and and had every thing requisite to create Affection. The Palace Farnese where the Ambassador lived, was over against the Queen's at Langara. The Tiber was betwixt them, with a double range of Houses, but the two Palaces were so ●o●ty, that our two Lovers could easily see one another upon the Terraces, and make Signs of Intelligence. At last they found a way to send Billets, and the Queen being no way prepossessed, took pleasure in this Foolery. One day the Queen Surprised Signora Giovannina, as she was writing a Billet-deux; and she was so attentive to answer her Lover, that she did not perceive the Queen when she seized upon her Letter. The poor Girl believed she was utterly Ruined, for sometimes the Queen, at least to appearance, would make a show as if she were Severe. Giovannina then cast herself at her Feet, apprehending that she should have been ill treated, but she was quickly rid of her fear, for the Queen Smiled, and was so complasant, that having forbidden her to speak of it, she made a Billet for her after her own fashion, which was the most spiritual in the World. Tre Page ravished with joy to receive the marks of so obliging a Tenderness, from his Mistress, was so little Master of himself, that either through Vanity, or Indiscretion, he showed the Billet to a Gentleman of of the House, who made it known to the Ambassador; but he only Laughed, and would see what course and Method these Lovers would take. In the beginning of the Spring, another of the Queen's Maids, named Portia, under the pretence of being Indisposed, got leave of the Queen to take the Air of the Fields every morning with her Kinswoman Giovannina, in their Mother's Company. They went out of the Gate of St. Pancras, and going along the Ramparts, re-entered by the Gate of the Light-Horse, on St. Peter's side. By this means, our Lovers saw one another often, but they must do it with Secrecy for fear of Argus', I mean the Old Women, who would no more leave them than their Shadows, according to the Custom of Italy. But Love found them out a way to see one another more easily. For the Page being bold and hardy, got into the Queen's Garden, which was of large Extent, where there was great Walks, shaded with fine Greene's, and there these Virgins came to take the fresh Air every Morning; and they were both agreed to serve one another upon such Occasions. There the Page and his Mistress were hid together, and without as Witness, declared their Loves, and spoke the tenderest things in the World. The Pleasure continued for some time, to the great satisfaction of both; but their Interview being discovered, she was obliged to be more retired. The Page, whom these Obstacles made the more ardent, invented new ways to see his Mistress; but some small difference happening between the Queen and the Ambassador, he was to keep at a distance for some time.  
The Marquis de Mala Spina was the next, who was Gentleman of the Chamber to her Majesty. He was Young, and well Made, extraordinary Handsome, and had a Bon Grace in all that he did: But he was an universal Lover, and managed an Amour like a Roman Hero. It was only Languishing and Sighs, that expressed his Flame at the first, and he was diligent both Night and day, to make her see and understand it. She gave him some Hopes which made it stronger, which were fully to be explained by the Marriage Bed. But however the Queen had no inclination to give the poor Gentleman any thing, though he had served her as a Page from his Youth; and her Majesty had bestowed Favours upon others who had not merited so much as himself. Her Caprice crossed this Amour, but his Patience and Assiduity gained his Mistress' Heart, insomuch, that she gave him to understand, that if he was not Happy, it would be his own fault. But however, these fair hopes were of no long continuance, for the Count of Warwick came in to Traverse 'em, by declaring himself a Lover, and was received with little Ceremony. He was an English Lord of high Birth, Son to the Earl of Northumberland, but being a younger Bro●●er of that Illustrious House, which were Persecuted for their Loyalty to their King, during the Troubles of England, raised by Cromwell and the Parliament, he was obliged to seek his Fortune in Foreign Courts; and was at last recommended to the Queen, who made him Major Domo, after the Death of the Marquis Del Monte. The Earl of Northumberland died at Florence, where both himself and Family, were Maintained by the Bounty of the Grand Duke. Count Warwick was of a slender Stature, and had an Air of Grandeur, which showed who he was. His Complexion was very delicate, but his Health seemed to be ruined, by the paleness of his Face, whether it came from his Temperament, or Debaucheries. As to the rest, his Carriage was the most agreeable in the World; and if his Health had been perfectly entire, he had been one of the finest Gentlemen in Italy.  
The Marquis de Mala-Spina being alarmed at so redoubtable a Rival, did not know what to do, daring neither to conceal nor publish it, because of the Antipathy of the Queen against him: But his good Genius inspired him to go to a Lady of Quality who was Married to a Roman Lord, (Captain of a Troop of Light-Horse in the Pope's Guards) called the Marquis Cavallieri, his Lady being Sister to Count Warwick. He entreated her to do him the Favour, to represent to her Brother, that his Intention in addressing himself to Jovannina, being not to Marry her, he would not cross a Passion, which tended to that Holy Sacrament. The Marchioness readily undertook it, for fear her Brother should fall into any Trouble in the Queen's Service, and caused him to desist; so that the Marquis was quickly at Repose on that side.  
Jovannina having lost Count Warwick, treated the Marquis much better, for fear he should escape again; and these two Lovers managed their Interests so well, that the Maid (by the Ascendant she had over the Queen) brought her to consent that the Marquis should make Love to her in the way of Marriage. But Cardinal Azzolini, who was afraid the Queen would execute this Project, and spend as much Money upon her, as she had done upon Octavia her Elder Sister, turned the Queen against it, and broke all the Measures of these poor Lovers, and at last to comfort her said, The Marquis was impotent, and no way fit for Marriage. The poor Girl afflicted with so many Crosses, fell sick, and must take the Air again to dissipate her Sorrows. And she had scarce begun to take Breath, when a certain Italian Abbot of some Birth, but little Merit, and full of Vanity, thought it a seasonable time to persuade her to hear of a Passion which he begun to have for her. To this purpose he employed a Woman, who was one of the Queen's Guardrobe, who had not been Cruel in her Youth, and was very proper to tie an Amorous Noose. And as she had an Entrance into the Apartment of the Maids, and some part of their Confidence, it was easy for her to persuade Jovannina to have some Complaisance for the Abbot Vannini, the same Person that had already dishonoured Bandiere's Daughter  
This Maid being dejected at the ill success of her Amours, and the Disgrace of being cast off by so many Lovers, embraced the Motion, upon Condition that her Mother approved it. The good Mother who lived upon nothing but the Wages of the Daughter, and had other Children besides, and an Husband to maintain, yielded to the Temptation of a Thousand Crowns which he gave her, and delivered up her Daughter to this Villainous Baboon, whom Vanity, and the Difficulty of it, stirred up to so hard an Enterprise. To come to him, she counterfeited herself sick once more, and the Queen out of Complaisance sent her to Albani, where not to lengthen out the Story, the Abbot was satisfied.  
After fifteen or twenty Days absence, she returned to Rome, and the Abbot (who found her a delicate Morsel) invented a way to introduce himself into the Queen's Palace, by means of his Mistress' Confidents. His Liberalities gave him Entrance every where, and surmounted all Obstacles, but he could not do his Business so secretly, but that it was found out by the Marquis Del Monte, for he surprised the Lovers in the very flagrant Delight, and threatened to destroy them, if he did not come in for a share. And as he was Almighty with the Queen, so he had a Talon to make himself feared: Thus he obtained his Wishes, and the Abbot always paid the Expense of the Feast.  
But after all these Pleasures, poor Jovannina found herself with Child, which affrighted her, and made her perfectly desolate, ànd her Mother became the most sorrowful of all Women; but the Queen's Goodness supplied all Defects, and she had Remedies given her to take it away, but they had so ill success that she died, and was interred in the Habit of a Carmelite Crowned, and set round with Flowers, for a mark of her Virginity. The Queen wept as much as if she had been a Relation; so good was this Princess, and so full of Tenderness for her Domestics, that she would have left them all Rich at her Death if they would have permitted her to do it. 'Tis Time that wipes away Tears, and Her Majesty comforted herself for the loss of Jovannimas, by 〈◊〉 Acquisition of another, called Georgina, who surpassed her in all things, but was the innocent cause of her Death, as shall be related afterwards.  
At this time the Duke of Mantua being come to Rome, the Queen did him so great Honours, as none ever received from her before, and the Duke on his side would not be behind her in Civility; but at last the Ceremonies abated both of one and the other side. The Queen was over joyed that a Sovereign Prince came to visit her, for no Body would visit her, since she had caused the Marquis Del Monte to be Treated with the Title of Excellence; and she was well enough pleased, that the Duke of Mantua spoke to him by a third Person, as is usual at Rome to avoid Disputes, without giving him any Title. Afterward the Marquis never quitted the Duke all the time he stayed at Rome, who though he came in cognitio, had the finest number of Followers that any Prince ever had. For almost all the Nobles of his Estates accompanied him, and the Roman Cavaliers thronged in to add to the Number of his Train, but he had the Moderation to hinder his Guards du Corpse to accompany him on Horseback, giving order that some of them only should follow him on Foot. He Lodged at the Palace Des Vrsins in Monte Giordiano, and the Queen sent him every Morning not only her best Coach, but two more of the House-Choaches, and one part of her Pages, with Men that bore Staves.  
The Duke d'Estrees Ambassador of France did the same, to augment his Train, and there came with him Monsieur Gambaul the Envoy of France to his Highness. I shall say nothing of the Public Honours done him at Rome, the Gazettes have spoken enough of it, and therefore I shall rather choose to make mention of the Private Divertisements, in which the Marquis Del Monte was his Procurer, because they are known to very few.  
He brought him acquainted with Georgina, the Famous Singer, and he was exceedingly Charmed to hear her Sing one Evening at the Vineyard of Corsini, without the Gate of St. Pancras, whether he brought her without the Queen's Knowledge. He saw her often afterwards with the Queen herself, and agreed with her to carry her off, and bring her into his own Estates, but she did not keep her Word. Another time he Regaled the Duke with one Fani in the same place. She was so fine a Widow that she made herself the common Topick of Discourse; insomuch that her Parents shut her up in a Convent, but she found a way to escape, and retire into the Queen's Quarter.  
This angered the Pope very much, so that having now understood she was gone out of the Queen's Franchise, to meet the Duke of Mantua at the Vineyard Corsini, gave order for a Bariseel to seize and carry her off, as she returned from thence. But having timely notice, she was put into one of the Queen's Coaches, with her Sister La Mosca, and by this means reentered the Franchises in spite of the Pope's Arrest.  
These two Sisters were Daughters to a rich Banker, who had given them Twenty Thousand Crowns apiece to their Portions, and had Married them to the most Eminent Nobles of Italy. Fani was of a middle Stature; the turn of her Visage was very agreeable, Blue Eyes, a fair Skin, and in good Health, fine Teeth, a little Mouth, and very pretty, had not Laughing spoiled it: But her Mind was Foolish, and she had little Judgement, and less Conduct. Her Sister, who was called La Mosca, was not quite so sparkling, but all things considered, was more esteemed then Fani. Nevertheless she was a well shaped Person, of a solid Wit, and had the Conduct to appear Fair in the Eye of the World, so that her Freaks were known but to few. Fani's first Amours were with the Marquis Mari) who went with her to Comedies all the Carneval, and every Night to a Ball. She had afterwards a great many Lovers, of which many Stories might be made, but this would drive us too far from our Subject.  
The Young Marquis Matthew Del Monte, Son to Barbon, became Amorous of her, though he was Married; but to speak the Truth, she was rather Amorous of him; for the Young Marquis had all Exterior Qualities that were fit to render him amiable. He was of a Stature something above the ordinary height, a well made Person, and had the Air of a Man of Quality; but Presumptuous, despising his Equals, and so conceited of his Birth, that his Vanity made him insupportable, which yet notwithstanding proceeded only from his Youth.  
After his Return from France, his Father would Marry him to the Niece of the Marquis Monaldeschi, the same whom the Queen had Sacrificed to her Resentment in the Gallery of Fontainbleau: Her Majesty being desired to give her Consent, did it accordingly, and it was a great Advantage to the Marquis, for she was an only Daughter, very Rich, and yet more accomplished by her Virtues, but the poorest Lady in Italy for Beauty, though she had a fine Stature and an Air good enough, when she was Masked. The Young Marquis having understood this last Quality, would not Marry her, though he esteemed her other Perfections, being passionately in Love with Gabrieli Niece to a Cardinal of the same Name, who was very handsome. But the Marquis his Father being more tied to his own Interest than his Son's Satisfaction, would be obeyed. The Son resisted, but the Father outrageous with Choler, and mad that his Son contemned so great Advantages, and the Opportunity of making his Fortune, set a Poniard to his Throat to compel him to resolve upon't. The Queen, when she came to her Presence, knew so well how to flatter her, that she gave herself up to her Reasons, and so the Marriage was concluded by Her Majesty's means: By which we may know that Hatred is not Immortal; for she was willing upon this occasion, to give satisfaction to the Memory of her Uncle, by the Honours she would do to his Niece. The Nuptial Benediction was performed in the Queen's Chapel, and in her Presence, where she often told the Husband leaning upon his Shoulder, Ah how well shaped and Charming is your Bride! But he turning aside his Head, because he would not give a disrespect to Her Majesty, always answered, That he knew the contrary but too well. The Young Marquis contained himself for some time within the Duties of Marriage, but at last flew off, and embarked himself with Fani, who became Foolish, and passed eight times a Week in a Coach by Langara, to ●ee and be seen of the Young Marquis. Every Body laughed in the Palace-Windows, but as on the one hand Love cannot be altogether restrained, so on the other, she ought to have managed things better, both to avoid Scandal, and for her own Interests. For the Prince of Belleville who Maintained her at that time, could not endure this Commerce, and threatened to forsake her, if she did not break off this new Intrigue. She would not lose him, not so much for his Merit, as Liberalities to her, and therefore constrained herself for some time. The Marquis who was of an hot Temper, and Transported of a sudden, threatened to destroy all things, if she did not regard him better, as if the Lady could Live upon his good Mein and Vigour, for that was all he paid her.  
One Day as she passed by his House tell in a Coach, being Transported with Choler, he came immediately down Stairs, cut the Harness of her Coach, and gave her many Blows on the Face, speaking all the Vile and most Infamous Things, that could be said to Common Whores. Poor La Mosea, who was in the Coach with her, thought she should have died for fear. Fani suffered herself to be thus abused, and did nothing but cry; but the Spectators were like Stocks, immovable at the Sight of the Tragedy, for there was never any Example before of so criminal an Insolence. So the Pope, who was a great Enemy to these Scandals, caused them both to be Arrested, and would have sent the Marquis to the Castle of St. Angelo, if he could have got him out of the Queen's Quarter: But at last Cardinal Colonna did remonstrate to the Pope, that the two Sisters being Widows, were not obliged to live with the same Circumspection as if their Husbands were living.  
The good Prince Belleville, employed all his Interest to obtain her Liberty, believing that after so public an Affront, she would have broke entirely with him. But he was very much mistaken, for she was no sooner out of Hold, but she immediately fled into the Queen's Quarter, who received her very well, and was mightily overjoyed she had got this Celebrated Fani, who was every where talked of as one of the most perfect and exact Beauties. She kept her continually afterwards, till in the Young Marquis' Absence, who was sent into Sweden, the Father got her sent away, and would not permit her to return any more.  
After the Departure of the Duke of Mantua, and the Death of the Prince Col●●bier, the old Marquis who ought to have retired by reason of his great Age, begun to make Love more than ever. The Marquis Cincinnatus, who drew his Nobility from the ancient Romans of this famous Name, as 'tis thought, but whose Riches did not answer his Quality, had Married one of the finest Women of Italy, who was of mean Birth, but Rich, and though she had brought him many Children, had not yet lost that lustre which sparkled in all her Person. Her Stature was of a middle size, but slender, her Complexion fine and united; her Eyes, Mouth and Teeth in a rare Perfection; and besides had a Wit that was lively, pleasant and agreeable. The Marquis who had a numerous Family upon his Hands, had a mind to enter into the Queen's Service, in Quality of a Gentleman of her Chamber, which was easy for him to obtain by the Credit of the Marquis Del Monte, who procured it more for his Wife's sake than his own. The Tie that was between the two Marquess', being now both in the Queen's Service, gave Barbon a free access to the Fair Riga, Wife to Cocles, for so was Cincinnatus called, because he had but a short sight. The Queen that knew all that passed, (for Barbon, to divert her, told her all his good Fortune) said, speaking of Cocles, That he had an happy ignorance of what was done at his House; for his short sight hindered him from seeing many things which otherwise would terribly vex him. He seemed to do what he could not understand when himself was spoken of; and yet he was perpetually at the Queens, where he passed his time in telling of News with the other Courtiers. The Marquis Del Monte was so charmed with his Mistress the Fair Riga, that he resolved from henceforward to fix all his Love upon her; so that he did all that he could to make himself agreeable; he spent more than ordinary, Regaled his Mistress often, took care to inform himself in the New Modes, that he might bring her News of it, and was very liberal towards the Lady's Domestics, and others who assisted him in his Amour. And whereas when he was threescore Years of Age, he endeavoured to support his Vigour by Art. But one Day being more than ordinarily heated, he slept upon his Mistress' Bed till Dinner time; and as it happened, the Abbot Cincinnatus the Marquess' his Brother came in unawares, without being perceived, and saluting his Fair Sister, was extremely surprised to see Barbon sleeping upon the Bed: He demanded of the Fair Riga from whence this Sottishness proceeded? She presently answered, That the Marquis being come to see Cincinnatus, was taken with a Faintness, which obliged him to lie upon the Bed. That's all Trifle, (replied the Abbot) 'tis you have put him out of Breath. Riga fell into Tears, and answered, Alas Monsieur, I hope you will not kill him? No, Madam, (answered the Prelate) you will much oblige me to kill him yourself. The Marquis awaked with the Noise, and being much surprised to find himself in such a place with so good Company, said in his own excuse, That he came thither to seek for Cincinnatus from the Queen, and being taken with a Faintness and Stupidity of Brain, he was constrained to lay himself down upon the first Bed he found. This Prelate who was very wise, and did not think it convenient to make a noise of it, left the Guilty to their Remorse, and pretended to change the Discourse, but could not hinder himself from saying, Marquis have a care of yourself, and manage it so with her, that you remember you are no more Young; Reflect upon what I have said, and turn it as you please: And so being a little more pleasant he retired; but Riga all in confusion shut herself up in her Closet, and the Marquis went away in all haste.  
In the mean time the Pope was perfectly oppressed with the Complaints daily made of the Disorders committed in the Franchises, and particularly in the Queen's Quarter. He lamented that he was the only Sovereign that could not be Master of his Capital City, and could not hinder the greatest Disorders. This at last confirmed him in the Resolution, to execute the Design he had long before conceived of abolishing these Franchises of Quarters, and he did it a while after with a Courage that was not to be shaken. He was always of this Mind, that it would put Tranquillity and Calmness among Families, honest and fair Dealing into Trade and Commerce, and would make the City secure. And it is so true that the fear of Punishment is necessary to Mankind, and Nature without Grace so corrupt, that the hope of Impunity carries Men on insensibly to commit the greatest Crimes. 'Tis certain, that if this Affair had been well brought about, it would have Immortalised the Pope who began the Enterprise. In truth he had all the Zeal that was necessary upon such an occasion; but being encompassed by People who were declared Enemies to a Crown he ought to have the greatest respect for, he was carried on to those Excesses that everlastingly sullied the high Reputation which he had acquired by his Innocence and Holy Life. But before we enter into a Discussion of his great Affair, where the Queen had a considerable share, we must make an end of the History of the Marquis Del Monte.  
In the time the Queen united her Interests with those of the Marquis Lavardin Ambassador of France, to obtain satisfaction of the Pope, for the Violence of his Ministers concerning the Quarters. Barbon persuaded the Queen to make a Serenade to spite the Pope, and so much the rather seeing the Season was proper for it: And accordingly Couplets and Songs were made, and recited with Consorts of Instruments; the most famous Musicians in Rome being of the Party, with two of the finest Singers the Queen had, Georgina or Angelica, and Mariouche or Maronte Daughter of Barbon and Landini. They made also an Amphitheatre in a little Garden of Jessamy, which was towards the Street, at the Apartment of Marquis Del Monte, over against the Queen's Palace, where there was great preparation; for there was a number of Galleries built for the Ladies, and he failed not to put the Fair Riga in full view, by building a Place on purpose for her and her Friends. There was also many Repetitions in the Queen's great Hall, the last of which was extraordinary, by Illuminations and an hundred sort of Instruments and fine Voices which answered the Harmony, which was most Charming. That which was most extraordinary, was to see Marquis Del Monte bestir himself to put all things in order, and command every one to his Duty. The Fair Riga, with other Ladies, whose Husbands had any Charge under the Queen, sat in little Boxes on the upper part of the Hall, and there was nothing to be heard, but the yauling of the Feminine Voice of the Marquis. He was all on fire through the Vehemence of the Action, and after all was done, thrust himself forward to re-conduct the Ladies, and do the Honours of the House; the last Caresses which he made, were to Mariouche his dear Daughter, applauding her that she had Sung so well this Night. The Queen was pleased to the highest point, that her Opera succeeded so well, commended the Marquis before his Face, and withdrew very late; and the Scandalous Chronicle saith, That she went to abandon herself with the Fair Riga. Being retired at last to his own House, he drank a great deal of Soup, and Supped well, and among other things eat a Salad of Cellery well prepared.  
Afterwards he went to Bed, and rose next Morning about eleven of the Clock, to shave himself, and at the same time was taken with an heaviness in his Head, and palpitation of his Heart: Quickly after he fell into a kind of Convulsion Fit, which made him lean his Head on the Back of his Chair; he fell a foaming at the Mouth, his Face was swelled and discoloured, and his Eyes stared. All the House was in an Alarm, and the Cries and Tears came to the Queen's Ears, who ran thither presently; but seeing him stiff and in this Condition, was struck with such an Horror that she returned all in Confusion, and had not the Courage to speak one word of Comfort to any. To make short, he never came out of his Fit, but died suddenly without Sense, and his Enemies spread it abroad, that the Devil strangled him; and others said, that having set at naught, both the Pope's Remonstrances and threatenings, God had visibly punished him. But 'tis most probable, that his continual Debauches having exhausted him, together with his great Age, were the occasion of his Immature Death.  
By the Consequence of this History, showing the irregular Conduct of the greatest part of the Queen's Officers, it is easy to judge of the great Disorders which reigned in her Quarter. This was one of the specious Pretences of Pope Innocent XI. to abrogate the Franchises of the Queens, and Ambassadors Quarters; as if there had been no way to stop the Disorders of particular Persons, but by taking away the Rights of Sovereigns. But the Pope found more difficulty in the Execution, than he had foreseen in the Project. He renewed the Bulls of the Popes his Predecessors about the Revocation of Franchises, but no Body desisted; he remonstrated to Ambassadors, That the Dissorders committed in Rome, came from the Immunities of Quarters; and that they had authorised the Fault by protecting the Criminals. But seeing they gave no heed to him, he spoke to the Princes of Europe by his Nuncio's, in which they succeeded no better than the Pope had done. For the Ambassadors wrote to their Masters, and they took the Remonstrances to come as from Persons suspected to act in favour of their own Interests.  
In the mean time, if the Princes themselves had faithfully understood the Disorders committed in these Quarters, it is not to be imagined they would have much insisted upon those Immunities, for no Body can persuade himself that any Prince has pretended by maintaining the Franchises of their Ambassadors, to make them a Retreat to Thiefs, Assassins', and Debauched Women. They would without doubt give orders to remit them into the Hands of Justice, though refuged in their Quarters, or their Palaces themselves. But seeing the Affair advanced not, the Pope was forced with displeasure to expect that from Time which he could not obtain by Force. He reserved himself therefore for a better Opportunity, resolving that when Princes should recall their Ambassadors, he would receive no others, till such time as they had renounced these Franchises. This way was easier, though longer about, and it succeeded better than the violent Courses he had took. Spain by and by recalled the Marquis Del Carpio her Ambassador, to send thither the Viceroy of Naples, in the beginning of the Year 1683. The Pope immediately after his Departure, sent all his Sbirries to take possession of his Quarter, in the Place d'Espaign, and scoured it of all the Malefactors that were retired thither. The Quarters of the Ambassadors of Venice and Portugal were recovered in the same manner; that is to say, by the Departure of those that possessed them. Prince Radzeville the Ambassador of Poland, who made his Entry in the Year 1680. and the Lord Castlemain Ambassador of England, in the Year 1686, were neither of them acknowledged in this Quality, till they had declared that they would not pretend to Franchises, or Quarters. The Pope would never receive the Marquis Cogliudo Son of the Duke of Medina Caeli, new Ambassador from Spain, but upon the Assurances of the Marquis de les Balbazes, that this Ambassador should pretend neither to Franchise nor Quarter, in case other Ambassadors did likewise renounce them.  
There was none now at Rome which enjoyed either Franchises or Quarters, but the French Ambassador, which gave occasion for a Song which was then in fashion, whose Ends sounded like one another in two Syllables.  

SONG.  

DAns Rome qui n'est plus la terr●ur de— l'Afrique  
Depuis que ses Soldats chantent none au— Bivach  
Que ses Elections se forment par— Micmac  
Et que ses Senateurs sont Maitres de— Music.   

Ceux là cedans, la France a tort dans son— Refus  
Les Cadets a l'ainé doivent fair le— Planche  
Selon le resultat de Conseil de— Bibus:  
Là nul Ambassadeur par belle— Politic  
Ne sera non pluus franc qu'un Merchand de— Tabac  
Et sans aucun respect nec ab hoc nec— Ab hac  
Les Sbirres passeront par son palais de— Brique.   

Les Jurisdictions n'iront pas plus— Vltra  
Portugal, Angleterre, Venise, &— Caetera  
Méme l'Ambassadeur du pais Don— Sanche.    
No sooner was the Duke d'Estrees Dead, towards the end of Jan. 1687. but the Sbirries came presently and appeared at the Palace of Farnese, and took Possession of the Quarter. Monsieur the Cardinal d'Estrees who received this Loss of his Illustrious Brother, like a true Christian, with the Sentiments of an enlightened Soul, did not think of maintaining the Right of the Franchises, believing that there was no prescription in the case, and that the King being better established in the Enjoyment of Quarters than any other Prince, would have time enough to repress those who pretended to take them away; and so his Eminence immediately left the Palace Farnese, and went to Lodge at the Vineyard of Pamphilio.  
In the mean time the Queen of Sweden was the only Person remaining, who had any Possession of Quarters; and they presently became the most frequented in Rome, and Langara which was the most desert, became now the most populous part of the City. So that all Lewd People being retired thither, there was every Day new Stories, and nothing in Rome was more talked of, than the Adventures of Langara. The Pope who was very sensible of it, sometimes spoke to Cardinal Azzolini and sometimes to the Queen, expressing his Resentments, but it was all to no purpose.  
After all, he saw plain enough that notwithstanding all his Endeavours, he had done nothing, as long as there was any Asylum, or place of Refuge, left for Criminals to fly to. But at last the Queen by the Measures of ill concerted Politics, remitted her Right of Franchises into the Pope's Hand, of which she was not long before she repented. She knew well enough that her Title to these Immunities was not over well founded; nor durst she pretend to them, in either of the Voyages which she made to Rome, in the Year 1655. and 1659. and yet she showed afterwards as great a difficulty to part with them, than if they had been the Rights of her Crown. Neither had she overdone it at all, if the unfetled State of her Affairs had not engaged her to endeavour to manage the Pope in favour of her own Interests. See here the Contents of a Letter which she writ to him after the Death of the Duke D'Estrees Ambassador of France.  
Most Holy Father,  
TO second the Just Intentions of your Holiness, in abolishing the Franchises of Qnarters, I come to offer you to resign for ever mine, which the Justice and Courtesy of your Holiness, and your Predecessors have permitted me to enjoy without disturbance till this present, reserving nevertheless the Respects due both to my Habitation and Domestics. I acknowledge that I offer nothing to your Holiness, but what is your own; and can we offer any thing to God Almighty but what is his already? But yet the Offer is not only acceptable, but recompenc●d by the immense Bonnty, with unspeakable and eternal good things. As for myself, I neither pretend to, nor desire any thing of your Holiness, I only pray you to accept this my Example, which perhaps may not be unuseful in the present Conjuncture of Affairs. I protest that I am with a profound Veneration,  
Your Holinesses Most Devote, and most Obedient Daughter, Christina Alexandra.  
This good Princess did believe she should bring the Princes of Europe to agree; and that her Example would cause even France to give up her Franchises; but she was mistaken, for the Most Christian King while these things were in doing sent the Marquis de Lavardin his Ambassador to the Pope. This Minister entered Rome the 16th of Novembor 1687. and went to live at the Palace Farnese, where he reestablished the Franchises of his Quarter, during all the time of his Abode, upon the same foot his Predecessors had enjoyed them time out of mind.  
To speak the truth, the Pope's Predecessors had never contravened the Rights of France; for they knew too well from whom they had the Patrimony of St. Peter. They acknowledged the Kings of France as the only Pro●ectors of the Holy See; Pepin and Charlemain having highly declared themselves against the Enemies of the Popes, and made it their proper business to enter into War in their behalf: They themselves bestowed on them the Exarchal of Ravenna, and the other Provinces of the Patrimony of the Holy Foundation of the Church of Rome, after the Defeat of all their Enemies: So that all this, and an infinite number of other Services which the Kings of France had rendered the Church, made Popes to distinguish them from all the Princes of Europe. 'Tis true, that notwithstanding all this, the Ingratitude of Priests is so great, that there is no Statue of Pepin or Charlemain to be found in Rome, nor the least Inscription in their Honour. If Pope Innocent XI. had no mind to hear the recital of all these Donations, nor search into Antiquity unknown to him, he might at least have called to Memory the Treaty of Pisa, concluded in these Days, wherein the Possession of the Franchises were confirmed to the French. But the Spirit of Partiality, which ought never to reign in the Common Father of Christians, hindered Innocent XI. from entering into these Reasons, and made him push on things to a Scandalous Extremity. If he had as soon given Audience to the Marquis de Lavardin, or Monsieur Chanelay Envoy of France; as to the Envoy of the Prince of Orange, he had known the true Sentiments of France. All the World knows that this Minister had order to remit the Franchises, if the Pope would have given him a present Audience, but not being able to obtain that, which was yet accorded to a Protestant, he would not yield up his incontestable Rights. But this drives us off ●oo far from our Subject; we will therefore return to see the Consequences of the Queen's dismission of her Franchises, which cost her so much Displeasure and Uneasiness. We shall understand it best from the following Relation which was sent me from Leghorn, by a French Officer of the Queen's, who went thither to seek for an Employ. As he was Her Majesty's Confident after Clairet's Death, no Body knew the Queen's Secrets better than himself; and therefore having desired him to instruct me, as to what passed upon that occasion, I shall relate it according to the Words of his own Writing.  
The Queen of Sweden having promised, and afterwards written an eloquent Letter to Pope Innocent the XI. (wherein she makes the Resignation with a great deal of Zeal to please his Holiness) quickly saw her Error, and the Injury she had thereby done to herself. For whether it were that she had not used all the Precautions that were necessary to make this Action valuable, or pretended that the Pope ought to have given her thanks, or rather because her People were accustomed to an insupportable Liberty, and could not be contained within Bounds; but so it was, that the Session of the Franchise did not last above two Months, before the Queen received Discontent and Vexation from it every way.  
The first thing that was seen was a battalion of Sbirries, with their Bariseil at the Head of them, to take possession of the Quarter with insupportable Pride. The Pope made these Scoundrels insolent by the Power given them, and it was the reason that we looked upon them with Contempt; and it did so much the more mortify all the Domestics, in that they were not used to be vexed with such Rogues with whom they had never any thing to do before.  
At last happened an Accident which was the Cause of all the Mischief that might be foreseen. A Valet of one of the Queen's Anspessades, had cheated a Banker of some Barrels of Brandy; and the Sbirri's, whether of their own Motion, or excited by some of the Queen's Enemies, took him Prisoner upon Easter-Day, near the Queen's Palace, and dragged him as far as the Steps of the Church de Regina Coeli, which is at Longara. Many Footmen, and others of the Queen's Domestics, who went to St. Peter's for their Devotion, cried out to the Sbirri's as they went along, that it was a shame to take him upon Easter-Day, without regard to the Sanctity of the Festival.  
This did not terrify them at all; for they brought their Prisoner to a Cabaret, keeping him by main force, though they remonstrated to them that he belonged to her Majesty. The Queen having understood it, sent to disengage him, being angry that they had not asked her permission to take him. He was taken away by force, out of the hands of these Rascals, and brought back in Triumph to Langara, the People crying out Vivat to the Queen, and Hooting at the Sbirri's. But this caused a great Noise; for the Pope taking Offence, that they had committed Violence to the Ministers of his Justice, and enterprised upon his Authority, made a Criminal Process against all those that had a share in this business, and condemned them all as seditious.  
The Queen being stark mad to see the Placards, stuck upon the Walls of her Palace, wherein the pretended Criminals were condemned to Death for Contumacy, and their Heads set at a Price, kept no farther measures with the Pope; and to brave him, took the occasion of a Feast which the Jesuits made, whishe went with a magnificent Train, accompanied by all her Domestics, armed like so many St. George's under their Habits: The Condemned had order to follow her Majesty at the sides of her Coach, with the three accused Auspessades, and nine others, which made up the number of a dozen all well-armed, and resolute to the uttermost.  
I remember poor Captain Landini who had before passed for a Man of Courage, considering the danger, fell a trembling when he went out of the Port Settignana; and whereas he should have followed the Queen at the Head of the Auspessades, was forced to be put into one of the Queen's Coaches, being as pale as a dead Man. However they seemed to take no notice of it at the Apostolic Palace, but on the contrary, the Pope regaled her Majesty with some Basins of Fruit, the first of which, I remember, was green Raisins, a Rarity for the Month of May, as than it was. A Chamberlain of Honour presented them to the Queen, who gave him no more than ordinary Thanks; but after he was gone, looked upon me, and said, What does Mingon mean with his Raisins? She spoke of the Pope; who, being of an austere Temper, refused almost every Favour asked of him, with this Word Minga; which is as much as to say, No, or not at all, in the Milanese Language, or in the Country of Spain, from whence the Queen gave him the Nickname of Mingon.  
Does he think, said she, we are asleep, No, I will vex him in my turn. She than gave Orders, that as many Sbirries as passed by her Quarter. should be taken up. One Merula, a Neapolitan Bandit, whom the Queen had taken from Justice, which would have punished him for some Crimes committed in the Realm of Naples, was her Bravo. And indeed this Man, though but of few Words, was a wicked Devil; for he would Kill a Man upon the least occasion, or for Money, if you pleased. There was then a Corporal of the Sbirries, who had Insolence enough to speak some ill things of the Queen, and to boast an Exploit which he had done in her Quarter; but he did not live long after this Temerity, for he was Killed by Merula, at Noon day, as he was going out of his House, near the Governor's of Rome. The Pope enraged at the Death of this Man, redoubled his Edicts against the Queen's People; and and came to such a point of Choler, that he proposed in a Consistory to Excommunicate the Queen. But Monsieur the Cardinal D'Estrees so strongly represented to his Holiness, that he must have more circumspection in regard of Crowned Heads; and that it could not be proved that the Queen was the cause of it, that it hindered his Holiness from coming to this Extremity. And 'tis remarkable, that the Queen, who had often vexed his Eminence upon many occasions, found no body but him to maintain her Interests, for I think Cardinal Azzolini was then Sick. In the mean time, things grew worse and worse, insomuch, that the Queen having understood that the Pope would send all the Sbirries to carry away the Condemned by force out of her Palace, ordered the Marquis Del Monte to give Notice to all her Household to be in her Palace on Sunday after Mass. All the Domestics were there, and above all, the Gentlemen were the first that heard the Queen's Speech.  
She said,  
gentlemans, and all you others my Domestics, I have brought you hither to tell you, That the Pope is coming to the Sword's Point with me, by forcing my Domestics, your Comerades, into the hands of Justice; I am resolved not to forsake them, and therefore those that are in my Service, must prepare themselves to run the same Fortune with me, and to repulse couragiosly those Violences that will be offered; I will be at your Head, and exposed to the same Perils with all of you. You know me, and understand by some Actions of my Life, that I am not Fearful; let those that have not Courage to serve me, declare it, for I will force no body. I know the Pope is your Sovereign, and if any Interest oblige you to retire, those that have a mind, may do it freely; I had rather have ten Courageous Men, who are willing, and will be Faithful, than a thousand timorous Persons and Cowards, who for fear of prejudicing their Affairs, are not willing to run the same Fortune with me.  
They all applauded the Speech, but you might see by their Faces, that one half of them could have wished themselves far enough off. I was a Filecloser, or the last Man that brings up the Ranks, and cast myself at the Queen's Feet, assuring her, that any Interest of the Family, should make my spend the last drop of my Blood in her Service. Go my poor N. said she to me, I know thou speakest from thy Heart, and one time or other, I will take an opportunity to let thee know, that I am fully persuaded of it. Not I alone, Madam, (said I) but all the French that are in Rome, will take it for a Glory, to die in your Majesty's Service. I know said she, the French Nation loves me, and as I always Esteem them, I shall freely receive their Service. The good Princess in a Transport, fell into a Panegyric upon the French Nation, exalting to the Skies, their Fidelity and Love to their King, and for all the Princes they took an inclination to Serve.  
The Pope, when he understood the Queen's Resolutions, fell a Laughing, as he had reason. Nevertheless, some of the Court-Prelates took the liberty to represent to the Pope, that if he pushed things to extremity, he would cause a Mutiny among the People, and especially by the French, who were not well satisfied about the Proceedings of the Court of Rome, and having but the least Pretence, such as that of the Queen's was, would blindly follow her Will. 'Tis certain that these Reflections did a little slacken the Court-Resolutions. But while these things were doing, the Queen called to me after Dinner. At first when I came, I fell on my Knees before her, as she was sitting on a Couch. I send for you now, said she, because I would be seen by no body else, for now every one is at Rest, because of the Heat. And indeed there was no body about her. I remember (pursued her Majesty) what you said to me some days ago: The Pope continues his Anger, and though he be Pope, I will make him remember I am Queen. You know all the French which are in this City; manage them, for I shall have occasion, and I esteem an hundred French, more than a thousand Italians. I have already provided (said I, Madam) the gre●ter passed of the French, which I esteem the most Brave, and who have no settlement in Rome, but seek for some Business, or an occasion to show their Bravery. Your Majesty knows, that as the French Nation is Persecuted at Rome under this Pontificate, because of the Differences between the two Courts, upon the Subject of the Regalia, and the four Propositions of the Clergy of France; So, Madam, the profound Veneration which the French have for your Majesty, and Hatred to the Pope, will make them enterprise all things. If your Majesty will be so kind to permit me to do it, I will bring you Fifty, all good Men, who shall pass under your View, without their knowing of it.  
The Queen approved my Design; and the way I took was th●s. Whereas, her Majesty's Palace was adorned with precious Movables, fine Pictures, and excellent Statues, which were inviting to Strangers. It was not difficult for me to bring whole shoals t● see these Rarities at certain Hours. A Valet de Chambre, who was a Confident, had order to leave all Open; So I brought in every time Nine or Ten Persons; and when I had introduced them into the Chamber of the Mirroir of Time, where all the fine Paintings were; She could see them without being seen herself, by means of certain Windows which were above, near the Ceiling. One day above the rest, I brought in a certain French Grenadier, who had Deserted; he looked upon the Queen's Picture very earnestly, and cried, Oh, how great a Queen is this! God's Zd●, Why is she not at the head of her Armies, as heretofore, I would Serve her willingly. I said to him, Monsieur, If there should be an occasion, you would hardly be of the same mind. Yes by G. answers my Brave, I have h●lf a Dozen Comerades besides, which shall be at her Service. Well, said I, Gentlemen, you have seen all, let us go and drink her Majesty's Health. Judge you whether I did not do my business to effect, for she sent for me again, and as soon as she saw me, said, Oh, how well things go! these are the People I must have: Get in besides, some Trades-People if you can, for they are, for the most part, as good as Soldiers. So I went to her Shoemaker and her Tailor, who had got ten Boys a piece, all Merry Lads. I declared myself to their Masters, and as I could trust them with the Secret, I told the Lads, that the Queen had given me a Pistol to make them Drink. Her Majesty, who would see all, made me bring them into a great Cabbaret, at the Port Settignana, over against one of her Apartments, where she could both see and hear us. We were there in the Afternoon under a Tree, which cast a great Shade: There was an Arbour in the Branches, and Banks round about, into the Apartments of which Places you must enter by a Wooden Bridge, where there was Conveniencies for 20 Men, without incommoding one another. These Merry Blades began to Sing and drink the Queen's Health: She heard all, and took a great deal of Pleasure in the Applauses given her: so that she sent a Footman, who gave order to the Landlord, to distribute a dozen Bottles of Wine, to redouble her Healths. This Surprised me, because I would have conducted this Affair with all the Secrecy imaginable, till such time as I had brought the Train to Perfection. I saw her Majesty next day, and she told me all went well. Madam, said I to her, I manage my People, and do not declare myself, but to those that I am sure will make no noise, till the time comes, according to your Majesty's Orders; But if I durst, I would ask, on whose behalf it was, that we were Yesterday Regaled with a dozen Bottles of Wine, because I am apprehensive lest it should discover my intrigue. The Queen, whose intention it was to make a noise, fell a L●ghing, and told me, she was very well pleased with my Conduct. And to make short, in three or four days time I was assured of four or five Hundred Men. The Pope, who had Notice given him, that the Queen Fortified herself, and knew very well that the French were ill satisfied with their hard Usage, began to fear some Rising; but his Humour being severe and inflexible, he did not come to any terms of Accommodation. Yet at last, by the means of Monsieur Albani, Secretary of the Briefs, who Succeeded Cardinal Siusius, and wore the Purple by his proper Merit, who was of great Credit with the Queen, and to whom the Pope always listened, and the Endeavours of Cardinal Azzolini, things began to sweeten and come into a better temper. Albani went to ulsit the Queen as from himself, and at first talked about things indifferent, but insensibly fell into the Quarrel between the Pope and the Queen. She complained, that the Pope treated her with Rigour; and the Prelate assured her Majesty, that his intentions were good, but complained that her Majesty suffered herself to be possessed by certain People of her Court, who proceeded contrary to his Interests. Then we are both equal in the matter, saith the Queen briskly, for he is more possessed than I, seeing his Ministers create Trouble to all People. Monsieur Albani sweetened the matter as well as he could, representing to her Majesty, that what angered the Pope most, was, that it seemed to him as if the Queen had a mind to make a Sedition in Rome, by raising the People. I had no such thought (said she) for I know too well my Duty towards His Holiness to do any thing of that nature; But I would take such measures that may put him in mind who I am. I own, that among Strangers and the People of Rome, I find some whose Minds are more inclinable to me, than the present Government; nor does it belong to me to reform it; But however, I will at least take care, that my Domestics be not taken away from me, and my Palace Rifled before my Face, as I have been threatened, and know not how soon it may be executed. Monsieur Albani concluded, that the Pope could not retract what he had done; but if her Majesty would permit the formalities of Justice to be done, it were not difficult to find such a Temper, that no body might receive any harm, and that the culpable being condemned by Justice, might be Pardoned again, because the Pope's Authority would suffer damage, if he acted otherwise. And my Honour (said the Queen) would be wounded if I should act in any other manner; and if I were to begin again, the Pope should not have so free Acknowledgements and Condescensions, seeing I have made myself Enemies to please him; But now Crowned Heads are well agreed, it is in his power to give me a Disturbance. But (said she to conclude) things are not yet past remedy, for my own part, if an Expedient can be found to save my Reputation, I will give him both my hands to what he pleases.  
Nevertheless, things continued in this posture till the coming of the Marquis Lavardin, Ambassador of France, with whom she found it convenient to unite her Interests, because he was the Minister of a Potent Prince, who was ill satisfied in the Court of Rome. She said a thousand good things by way of Advance, and spoke of him always in the most Obliging terms. As for Instance, That the King of France could not have made a better choice, than to have employed a Person of so much Understanding as himself. That being most intelligent in the business of Ambassages, he would cause the respect due to his Character to be easily paid him, and other things of the like nature. Her main end was to join herself to him, to obtain Satisfaction of the Pope, supposing she could not make her own Accommodation apart; For notwithstanding these apparent Unions, they would easily separate and forsake one another, to better their own Affairs. But the Pope, who did not like this Ambassage, and would never acknowledge him, made Lavardin (seeing himself forsaken by all) very glad to unite with the Queen, who was also in the same Circumstances.  
The day that this Ambassador made his Entry into Rome, the Queen under most rigorous Penalties, forbade all her Officers and Domestics to see it. But I who knew by her Eyes, that she made this Prohibition contrary to her Inclinations, asked leave by the Marquis Caponi, as being a Frenchman, to go and see this Entry: She granted it in the Presence of the Marquis Del Monte, with this condition, that I should observe very well all that passed, and give her an Account as soon as it was done. After I had seen all, I came to give a relation of the Particulars as well as I could; and remaining alone with her Majesty, she said to me, Look you, this is a matter of Consequence, act with all the address you can, a●d do not fail to get Acquaintance with some Favourite Valet de Chambre, to discover as much as 'tis possible, what passes at the Marquis de Lavardin's.  
At the beginning every one managed the matter so as to serve themselves with most advantage in the Court of Rome. The Ambassador and the Cardinal D' Estrees, did not fail to manage all their Intrigues either to bend or terrify the Pope. At last the Ministers of his Holiness having renversed all the Projects of the French, and the Pope having refused to receive a Letter written with the King's own hand, brought Express by Monsieur Chanelay, Gentleman in ordinary of his Chamber. Things broke without return, and made the Ambassador resolve at last, to unite with the Queen. They who desire a thing, do easily believe it, or seem so to do. Two or three days were scarce passed, but there run a Report, that the Courts of France and Rome were just upon agreeing; and at the same time arrived a Courier from France, as 'twas said, about the Vacancy of Benefices, but no Body knew what the Letters imported. The Queen being in suspense, and not knowing what to believe, desired me to bring her the Courier, whom I was Acquainted with. I pretended to show him all the Rarities of the Queen's Apartment. He came, and I conducted him through all Places, till we came to the Chamber of Mirroir, where the Queen Surprised us, at it were by chance; She questioned the Courier very much, but being one of the Cabinet, and a Man of Wit, she could only draw from him some general things.  
In the mean time, she never left to speak a thousand good things of the Ambassador, and the Ambassador of the Queen, and I found out an Invention to bring them a little nearer one to another. I told her Majesty, that Madam the Ambassadress had brought the finest Habits in the World along with her: And she let me know that she was very desirous to have a sight of them I made the Ambassadress acquainted with it, and she failed not to send them to the Queen, and she said, she was much pleased with them, but should have been better to see them upon the Person for whom they were made. Madam de Laverdin understood this, and was mightily pleased with the Esteem the Queen had for her. For the poor Lady, in the Mis-intelligence between the Court of Rome and her Husband, saw no body which gave her the Title of Excellence, out of her own Palace, nor treated her as Ambassadress, and therefore died with longing to see herself Honoured with these Titles by so great a Queen. I Dined at the Ambassadors some time after, and by way of Entertainment, it was asked me how her Majesty would treat Monsieur the Ambassador if he should do her the Honour of a Visit. I answered that I knew not the Queen's Secrets, but yet I durst promise, that her Majesty would treat him according to his Character. The same Night I saw the Queen, and said, Madam, dare I inquire of your Majesty, how you will treat Monsieur de Laverdin, if he gives you the Honour of rendering his Devoirs. I would treat him (said she) as all other Ambassadors of France; or in short, how he pleases.; She let him know it also by other means; and the same Night I went to tell the Ambassador's Confident what the Queen had said: And after some few days, a Valet de Chambre of Monsieur the Cardinal D'Estrees, called Constant, met me going over the Bridge of Ponte Sista, and told me, that the next day Monsieur the Ambassador of France would come to Visit her Majesty. I flew presently to tell her, and as soon as she saw me, asked me: Well, what News? Madam, (said I, speaking very low to her) Monsieur the Ambassador will come to Morrow to Visit you. She was much surprised at these words, and said, Ah N— the Affection you have for me, makes you desire these things. No, Madam, (answered I) there's nothing so true, I have seen the Preparations, and was told it by a Friend. My Child, (said she) I have no News of all this, and I believe the Orders of the Court are changed; but say nothing, to Morrow we shall know all. I could not Sleep all that Night, and the next Day went to the Queens Levee, and she cast so many Glances at me, that I was quite put out of Countenance; but she was scarce clothed before Monsieur de la Brussiere Master of Monsieur de Lavardin's Chamber, came to tell Her Majesty, that Monsieur the Ambassador desired the Honour of paying his Respects to her, and doing his Devoirs.  
One may easily believe that the Queen gave a good Answer to this agreeable Message, saying that Monsieur the Ambassador was perfectly Master to come when he pleased, and that he should be received, according both to his Character and his Merit. The Visit was great and magnificent, and they spoke an hundred obliging things, and full of esteem one for another, and in the praise of that great Monarch Monsieur Lavardin represented. This Visit entertained all the City with Discourse for some time, and all the Queen's Courtiers became good French Men. Madam the Ambassadress came also to see the Queen, and was well received; and after this, there was nothing so frequent as the Coaches of the Ambassador and his Lady in the Queen's Court.  
I had forgot one Circumstance, which is, that while this Interview was treating, Her Majesty went one Day to the College of St. Clement, to hear some Academical Discourses, in Prose and Verse, with a recitation in Music, and it was at the time of the Carneval, Anno 1688. when all rejoicings were forbidden by the Pope's Authority. I told the Confident of Monsieur the Ambassador, that the Queen in returning home, would pass by the Palace farnese; which Monsieur de Lavardin understanding, assembled all his Guards Marine, together with his whole Household, and made a double Hedge, in the middle of which the Queen passed with all her Train, with Flambeaus lighted. Monsieur the Ambassador, Madam the Ambassadress, Madamosel their Daughter, and a little Child a Daughter of theirs, were upon the Balcony, where they made a profound Reverence to the Queen; she resaluted them with her Hand, and all the Nobles with their Hats off accompanied Her Majesty as far as Ponte-Sisto.  
In short, the whole Carriage of the Thing was Agreeable and Magnificent on both sides; for the Queen had one of the finest Coaches in Rome, and a Chair of the same, all her Footmen and twelve Anspessades at the back of them, and all illuminated by twenty six Flambeaus in White Wax.  
It was again enquired, how Madamosel Lavardin should be treated if she came to kiss Her Majesty's Hands. The Queen asked me from whom I brought that Question, and whether Monsieur the Ambassador made this Demand? No, Madam, (I answered) it is a Damsel that waits upon Madamosel Lavardin. They are not very knowing in the Ceremonial Law, (said the Queen;) If Madamosel Lavardin comes to see me, I must stand upon Niceties; but because we will not come to that, I will go abroad for her sake, and we will meet one another in a Church or Religious Monastery, and I will carry her to see the finest Convents in Rome, that I will treat her with all Civility, and make her sit in my Presence next myself. This was done, and the Young Lady was entirely satisfied in Her Majesty's Goodness.  
One Day the Queen would have me to watch when the Ambassador passed by Longara, to go to the fine Garden of Cardinal Barberini, which is near the Gate de Spirito Santo. After I knew, I gave notice to Cardinal Azzolini on Her Majesty's part, who was to come to meet him as it were by Chance, and they met one another over-against the Monastery called Regina Celi, where there passed a great many Civilities between them, and the Cardinal treated the Marquis de Lavardin with the Title of Excellence and Ambassador, in the Presence of a great number of People who waited on purpose to see how they would Salute one another. I caused the Ambassador's Trumpets to come afterwards into the Queen's Garden, where they Played most excellently, and were gratified with ten Pistols from the Queen, and Monsieur the Ambassador extolled this Liberality to the Skies.  
The Queen being desirous to compose the Difference that was between the Cardinals Azzolini and D'Estrees, could not bring it about, and was so angry at it, that to be revenged she straightway remonstrated to the Ambassador, That the hot Councils of Cardinal D'Estrees had exasperated Matters, and would cause him to make false steps; that such a Man as he had no need either of Counsellor or Pedant, and that the Pope was irritated against him for Cardinal D'Estree's sake; that Azzolini was certainly a good Servant of the King's; and though decried in the Court of France, had always maintained a great Respect for the King; and that if his Excellence would confide in him, he would manage things to his Satisfaction.  
Monsieur de Lavardin gave Ear to it, and looked coldly upon Cardinal D'Estrees; but this incomparable Cardinal, who had faithful Spies over the Queen, was immediately informed of all, and so with his winning Manners prevented the Ambassador, and said to him; Monsieur, the Queen of Sweden is so Inconstant, and Cardinal Azzolini so great a Deceiver, that if the Pope do but make the least show of giving them some slight satisfaction, you will find the Queen turn her Back of you. I know, Monsieur, she has told you, that you may lay aside my Counsels, and that you have no need of a Pedant: But since the King has done me the Honour to communicate his Affairs to me as, well as yourself, I will always speak my Thoughts, where the Interests of his Estates are transacted. But Monsieur Lavardin, who was of Opinion, that the Court of Rome, was not very fond of the Queen of Sweden, was well satisfied with this Remonstrance; but the Queen gave D'Estrees to the Devil, knowing he had been informed of all, and was never able to discover him that betrayed her. What happened after the Discovery of all these Intrigues? The Pope was always obstinate, and would hear no body. The Queen died the 13th of April, 1689. The Marquis de Lavardin parted from Rome into France from whence he came, without seeing the Pope, who died the 12th of August in the same Year: And as to Cardinal Azzolin●, he died on the 9th of June, going before that of the Pope.  
This Relation, though a little long, 〈◊〉 us in many curious Circumstances, and shows the inconstant Genius of the Queen. For after all, who would have believed a little be●ore, that she would have made so strict an Union with the French Ambassador, after she had spoken so much ill of this Crown, and concerning which, she pretended to be dissatisfied. Witness what escaped from her as she was talking to the Envoy of England, who was at Rome a little after James II. came to the Crown of those Realms.  
She received his Picture from the same Lord, and made him as magnificent a Reception, as if he had been declared Ambassador, though he never had that Character; for it was Conferred upon the Lord Castlemain. She Regaled him one Night with fine Music and Verse in the Praise of King James, a quantity of Liquors, and other Refreshments, and holding his Picture in her Hand: This is a great King, and (said she) I hope I shall not die, till I see the English again in France, as they have been heretofore, to humble that Light and Ambitious Nation. If the Pope would believe me, I could show him a way to penetrate into the Bowels of France: The true way to abate the Pride of the French, (who would not acknowledge the Holy See, except for Interest) is to make a firm League with the King of England.  
To know the Original of that Aversion which the Queen and Cardinal had for Cardinal D'Estrees, we must go a step higher; for it is certain that this Misintelligence begun before the Ambassadors of the four Crowns were discontented with Cardinal Altieri, who governed the Ecclesiastical State, as of Cardinal Patron, under the Pontificate of Pope Clement X. I say he governed the Estate, for the good Pope Altieri being come to decrepit Age, and fallen into mere Childhood again, had no part in it: Which made Pasquin say, when Marforius demanded under whose Pontificate they lived? Sumus sub Pontificatu Alterius. We are under the Pontificate of another, (answered he) alluding to the Pope's Name, and the small share he had in the Government.  
Another time Pasquin said no less ingeniously upon this Subject, that Clement X did only Benedicere & Sanctificare, whereas Cardinal A●tieri did for his part Regere & gubernare.  
The Pope was Elected 22th of April, 1679. in spite of the Queen and Cardinal Azzolini's Mind, who had an hundred Juggles and Contrivances, to make Cardinal Vidoni Pope; this Princess hoping that under his Pontificate she should have the same Respects and Conveniences that she had under Clement IX. But Fortune was not so favourable to Vidoni, as Pasquin also had foretold: For during the Conclave, there was found a Writing fixed upon the Gate of the Pontifical Palace at Monte Cavallo, where was written, Qui non intrano, ne Facchini, ne Guidoni. Alluding to the Names of the Cardinals Facchenetti, and Guidoni, or Vidoni; the last of which signifies a Beggar, or a Rogue, and the other a Porter.  
Azzolini who hoped to be Secretary of State under Vidoni, as he was under Clement IX. was satisfied no more than the Queen, so that when Her Majesty received the News of his Elevation, she would not believe it, and treated all them that brought it as Beasts, saying, they did not understand themselves.  
In the mean time Count Alibert entered, and told her with his affected Air, Madam, the Cardinal Altieri is Pope: Oh bene bestia (said ●he) non occorro altro, s'attacchi la Carr●zzo. She went out with all her House by the Garden Gate, which opens towards the Gate of St. Pancras, to avoid the Crowd, and entered into the Bourg of St. Peter, by the Gate of the Light-horse, from whence she went directly to the Vatican; but she had no heart to receive him at the bottom of the Stairs, she was only in the Hall, where some Prelates were come before her. After her Compliment made to the new Pope, which was very brief, she went back as she came, but so melancholy, that we easily knew she was not content, Azzolini having missed his Blow, quickly found means to adjust his Affairs to the new Regent.  
At this time the House of the D'Estrees pretending to an Hat for the Bishop and Duke of Laon at the Solicitation of Portugal, entered into Cabals with one another; but the Queen being of a restless Spirit, and always an Enemy to France, because they would not yield to her Sentiments, would with Azzolini cross as much as they could the promotion of the D'Estrees; and this illustrious Prelate waited a long time, because he would be a Cardinal by his own Merit, and not put on his Hat at a price, as was hoped for by the devouring Avarice of the Regent. From hence began at first the Antipathy for the D'Estrees, which augmented afterwards by divers Accidents.  
After the Death of Clement X. the Queen out of Policy writ a Letter to the Most Christian King, by which she offered to join Azzolini to the Faction of France, for the Election of a Pope; but they made so little account of it, that they never returned her an Answer, till two Days after the Election of Innocent XI. the Queen took it with all the spite that could be thought of, and had the Injustice to believe that Cardinal D'Estrees was the Cause of this Contempt. She was angry besides that they did not give her timely notice of the Queen of France ' Death, and for that reason would not wear Mourning; but afterwards changing her Opinion, in favour of so Pious and Holy a Queen, she habited herself in a stuff of Goat's Hair of a Violet Colour, which is made no where but at Naples, and is very dear, and the Thing of the World, which is the deepest Mourning.  
But that which most augmented the Queen's Rage and her Marquisan, for so she herself used to call Azzolini, because he was of the Marca de Anchona, was the Affair of Molinos. He was a Secular Spanish Priest, and undertook the direction of Consciences for twenty Years in Rome, and under this Pretext brought in a new Heresy without making a noise, which was so much the more pernicious in that, under a show of Elevating the Mind, to a more sublime Contemplation, he would not have us stop at the Humanity of the Word Incarnate saying, that we ought always to consider it in the Bosom of the Eternal Father. This made some to believe him to be a concealed Jew, of which there was a great deal of likelihood. In effect all his Discourses tended to destroy as much as possibly he could the Ineffable Mysteries of the Holy Trinity, and the Incarnation of the Son of God. He was against all Images, and renewed all the Dreams of the Ancient Iconoclasticks, condemned by so many Orthodox Councils. His Manners were as corrupt as his Faith, and he would abuse the finest Women and Maids to whom he had access, by persuading them that Whoredom was no Sin, when it was not Scandalous. According to him, Confession was no way necessary, and that Prayer of Quietude abolished all sorts of Sin; so the Tribunal of Penitence, was no more frequented, and the most Devout to outward appearance, whom he had seduced, approached the Holy Table, as soon as ever they came to Church, without putting themselves to the trouble of an Absolution; this abominable Rogue, all the while rejoicing at the horrible Sacrileges he committed.  
But there is no need I should enlarge myself any further in things which are known to all the World, nor upon the Important Service Cardinal D'Estrees ●ender'd the Church, in advertising the Holy Office of this Infamous Heretic, who had infatuated all the principal Personages in Rome, as far as the Queen of Sweden, nay even as far as Pope Innocent XI. who believed him a Saint, and would have made him a Cardinal in a few Days. The Method Cardinal D'Estrees took to Arrest Molinos, was a piece of consummate Prudence, and any other Person but himself, who should have declared it, would have suffered him to escape. It was upon a Thursday that the Congregation of the Holy Office was held before the Pope, where after they had expedited the Affairs which lay upon the Table, Monsieur the Cardinal D'Estrees demanded and obtained Audience of the Pope, and the Sacred College, about a thing of the greatest importance; and every one being silent, said, That one of the most pernicious of Heresies was formed in Rome, and if a prompt Remedy were not applied, there was an end of all Religion. But that he who was the Author, had so great Credit even in the Sacred College, (meaning Azzolini without naming him) that he would escape as soon as the Congregation was ended, if sufficient precautions were not taken thereupon. And therefore he required the Pope's Order to seize the Person he would name, and bring him to the Prisons of the Holy Office, before the Assembly should separate.  
This being agreed to, Monsieur the Cardinal D'Estrees, named Molinos, as the most detestable of Heretics, summoning the Pope to keep his Word, and cause him to be Arrested, and immediately to conduct him to the Prisons of the Holy Office. The Pope had a mind to take his part, and to justify his Innocence before hand: But the Cardinal protested, that if he intended to act for the Glory of God, he ought not to lose one Moment; and when they were assured of his Person, he might give him time enough to justify himself.  
Upon these Remonstrances the Pope sent for a Ba●iseel, and commanded him to go with all his Sbirries, and Arrest Doctor Molinos, who lived near St. Laurence in Panisperna, and to bring him immediately into the Prisons of the Holy Office, telling him, That he lost his own Head if he missed his Blow.  
In the mean time the Cardinal D'Estrees kept Azzolini always in his Eye, for fear he should go away, and give notice to Molinos, and retained the Cardinals locked up with the Pope, till two of the Clock, after Dinner, notwithstanding the great Heat of Summer, till the Bariseel had brought a Scroll of his Imprisonment, who after three Months Juridical Proceedings, made a Public Recantation of Errors, at the Minerva. He Detested, Abjured, Anathematised them, and after he had received Absolution, he had the Penance inflicted on him, of being confined all his Life, in the Prisons of the Holy Office.  
This wicked Person had the address to insinuate himself into the most considerable Persons in Rome, among whom he spread his Venom more or less, according as he found the Subjects disposed. He had seduced and infected almost all the City of Rome, where they looked upon him as a Saint, even as far as the Queen herself, who gave him Audience for three Hours every Monday. 'Tis certain that the Queen's House received a great deal of ease by his means, in that he moderated her violent Transports, which would become sometimes so excessive, that no Body durst come near her. She treated her House in so rude a manner, and committed such insupportable Extravagancies, that if they did not forsake her, pure Necessity was the reason. For the greatest number of Servants, serve their Masters out of Interest, and not Duty or Conscience; and if they honour them by one Motive, contemn them by another. Count Alibert who studied to know her so well, had his Hands full, for sometimes when he would come to her after his Flattering and Complaisant way, thinking to find her in an happy Hour, it was then oftentimes she was most untoward.  
I remember one Day he came to the Queen with a pleasant Air, and told her, Madam, your Majesty may be pleased to understand that this Morning Cardinal D'Estrees has been ill satisfied with the Pope▪ and that the Affairs of Fran●● are more embroiled than ever: And afterwards made a very troublesome Narration of all that he had heard or invented, as 'twas ordinary with him. But he had not always the good luck to succeed, and particularly at that time; for the Queen who had no more reason than others to be satisfied, treated him with Sot and Beast, that would make 〈◊〉 believe any thing; that he studied nothing but Lies to amuse her, and that she would cause him to be thrown out of the Windows: And so the poor Eternal Flatterer finding himself thus terribly repulsed, came out with Tears in his Eyes.  
But to return to Molinos: Never Woman appeared more transported than the Queen at the taking of this Impostor; she spoke all that Choler could inspire with Infernal Fury, and among other things, that she wondered that so Learned and Judicious a Congregation as that of the Holy Office, in which the Pope presided, should suffer themselves to be led by the Sophistical Discourse of Cardinal D'Estrees, whom she called Rattle-Head twenty times. I shall say nothing of the Applications made Pope to save Molinos, to which he 〈◊〉 but too much inclination; but that which is of most concern is, that this Impostor should give her a Confessor to cheat her, (a Portuguese by Nation) and made her dismiss a Reverend Capuchin Father, a Man of an Holy Life, and a better Director than himself, under pretence that he was not learned enough, because he would innovate nothing in Religion.  
As long as the Process of Molinos lasted, she sent to him Fruits and Comfitures, and obstinately continued so to do for two or three Months after his Condemnation, against the Advice of Azzolini himself.  
Cardinal D'Estrees only laughed at these Transports, and upon all occasions served this Princess afterward with the best Grace in the World: But there was always a Coldness between the Cardinal and Azzolini, and yet they saw one another in Chapels, Consistories, Congregations, and other Functions of the Court of Rome, where they could not avoid speaking without Scandal, but they were very reserved, and had no Confidence one in another. The Queen would have had them have gone to it briskly, but they were too wise to make a Noise, which made the Queen say aloud one day, when she saw Azzolini discoursing with D'Estrees, in the Presence of many other Cardinals, at the Theatre of the Tour de None. Politica delli miei coglioni mar chiginacccio.  
It is time to finish this History by the Death of Queen Christina, but it is so interwoven with the Adventures of Georgina, or Signora Angelica, that we cannot describe the one without making mention of the other. For though this Charming Virgin was the innocent cause of her Death, it had been better she had never entered into the Queen's Service, for this Princess perhaps might have been yet Alive, had she not died of spite that she could not revenge herself of an Outrage done in her Family, to Signora Angelica. It must be acknowledged that Beauty is a dangerous thing in a young Virgin, but above all when she has other Talents, which inflame no less, seeing the Palace of a great Queen was not able to protect her from the Ambushes laid for this fair Singer, by which she became a Prey to a Wretch, after she had triumphed over the Pursuit of the greatest Lords in Rome.  
Angelica was a Virgin, incomparable both for Beauty and Wit; her Stature was something above the ordinary size, well taken and slender; her Visage a perfect Oval, her Eyes Sparkling, her Hair of a bright Flaxen colour, but inclining to White, an Aquiline Nose, white Teeth, vermilion Lips, and her Neck excellently Shaped; Her Wit was full and exact, her Conception easy, of a complaisant Humour, and such an agreement in her whole Person as made her Beloved by great and small, for it may be said, that from the Sceptre to the Spade, all Estates and Conditions of Men have done Homage to her Merit. In fine to make a just Portraiture of her, one must take a Muse for a Model, for to all her Perfections, she would sing so rarely, that it would Ravish all that heard her, and touched Instruments to a Miracle. Her putative Father was controller of the Mount of Piety 〈◊〉 and because he was called Georgino, she acquired the Name of Georgina. Her Mother who was very Intriguing, some time before her Marriage, had a Knight of the Order of Melchisadec●. And ill Tongues, who are never idle, would let themselves loose against this excellent Virgin, as if she had a fault in her Birth, and that the Religious would have her, because ecclesiastics have there sometimes a Commerce of Gallantry, as if they were not like other Men. Love is the most Violent of all the Passions, and there are none but are sensible of its Effects. A peaceable and sedentary Life, is more susceptible of it than any other, and to sum up the Account, a Man with a long Gown, both in Italy and Spain, though he be obliged to live in Gaelibate, does not lose his Reputation among Men, because he has had an Amorous Intrigue. I know, that before God it is a Sin without Excuse: But however it be, when the Fact is done, the Laws oblige Priests who have Children, to breed them up well, and to furnish Necessaries for their Subsistence and Education.  
Monsieur Z●chary performed this to excess, in favour of Georgina; For never any Father took greater care in the Breeding and Instruction of a Child, than he of her, without sparing of Expenses; so well did he love her, and with reason, for as much a Child as she was, she had so many Agreements, that she Charmed the most Insensible. As she had Naturally a most admirable Voice, and an inclination to Music, he gave her the best Masters in Rome, to teach her to Sing, and touch all sorts of Instruments, which she learned so easily, that she surpassed all her Masters without taking pains; and to this day she has not any equal at the Lute, Theorboe, Harpsicord, or Virginals. She had besides the finest Voice in Italy. For though there be excellent Musicians at Rome, who are most of them Castrated to preserve their Voices, there was found in hers a certain Harmony with such force and sweetness, as there was nothing like it. These rare Qualities made her sought after by the greatest Princes in Europe, and it was Force only that withheld her from going to the Emperor's Court, or that of France, where she was much desired. But those who gave Life to her, could never resolve to lose her out of Sight, through the Affection they bore her, judging besides that she would not fail to make her Fortune in her own Country by her Merit, without exposing her to the danger of Travel. Signora Caterina, her Mother, who had other Children to provide for, was very fond of Angelica's Merit, who had a great mind to Travel, and above all, into France, Because the Modes and Gallantries of that Court, run strongly in her Mind; but not being Mistress of her own Will, she had no other part to take, but that of Obedience. Her Beauty and her Talents increased with her Age, and at the same time, the number of her Admirers augmented every day. The first who enterprised the Conquest of her Heart, were young Men of a suitable Condition to her own. For she always passed for the Daughter of a little Commissioner of the Mount of Piety, of a very indifferent Fortune, but yet one who was a civil Person, and maintained his Family Honestly npon the Revenue of his Employ, and some Assistances which Monseignieur Zachary furnished them with Privately upon the account of Angelica. Georgino had not Married the Mother of Angelica, but in view of a better Dowry than she would have had without her Gallantries with the Prelate, and in hope of being assisted for their Care in the Education of his Daughter. And that as he was none of those Commodious Husbands which suffer their Wives to live in Disorder, provided it bring Water to the Mill; so on the other hand, he was not so scrupulous about the Gallantries his Wife had done before Marriage. He lived very Privately, according to the Custom and Genius of the Italians, keeping almost no Company, and therefore lived in a Quarter that was distant from Noise, and Great People, in which also good Husbandry might have a share, as well as the love of Ease. For in the Quarter of Trastevera, Houses are very Cheap, though Spacious enough, and he had there the convenience of a Fountain and a Garden, being near the Monastery of St. Cecilia, over against the Working-Shop of the French Academy. Every body knows, that the French King maintains an Academy in Rome, for Twelve French Youths, who there learn fine Arts, with intention to become capable of the better Service of their Country, when they come home. This Academy is composed of six Painters, four Gravers, and two Architects, whose Business it is to Copy and imitate the finest Paintings and Sculptures in Rome, and to Measure the finest Palaces and other Edifices, both Ancient and Modern. Monsieur Errard, Director of the Academy, lived with his Pupils, in the old Palace, near St. Andre de la Valle; but because he had not room enough for Marble and other Materials for Sculpture; he had a Working-Shop, as I said before in Trastevera, near St. Cecilia, where the Gravers of the Academy Wrought, and Dined every day for their greater Convenience. A young French Graver called Theodon, who was already very skilful in his Art, and besides a well Shaped Person, having upon occasion seen Angelica at a Window, and and as she went to Church, became Charmed with her Merit, and endeavoured to make her understand it by Signs. His Perseverance touched her at last, and she permitted him to see her sometimes, which pleased him extremely; but he was so often crossed by other Pretenders, that it gave him mortal Alarms, fearing one or other of them would ravish away his Mistress' Heart. The Fame of Angelica increased daily, as well as her Voice and Beauty. Her Mother often brought her among the Religious and Ladies of the first Quality, where she Charmed them all by her Singing, and her address in toving of Instruments. This increased the multitude of her Lovers, among which were many Persons of high Birth; this obliged her Mother to keep her shut up closer than usual, and to watch her Conduct more narrowly. This proceeding did nothing but augment the crowd of her Adorers, and their Quarter was more frequented than ever, to have the pleasure of seeing her at her Window, which she kept open more than ordinary, to cross the Jealousy of her Mother, and above all, in Carnival time, where the finest Masquerades would forsake their Course to come and walk up and down about her House. Her Mother being Cunning and Intriguing, made a great advantage of the Presents made her, in giving some hopes to all People, without engaging herself too much, and obtained what Favours she pleased from the Great ones, who Sighed and Languished for her Daughter. Prince Columbiere proposed to Marry her to one of his Gentlemen, to get her into his House. But her Mother discovering the Intrigue, would hear of it by no means, and besides, expected a more considerable Match for her Daughter Angelica, whose proper Merit, was her Misfortune, desired to match with one of an equal Condition with herself, out of fear that if she Married above herself, her Husband should come to Despise her, if a fit of Sickness, or any other Accident, should cause her to lose her Beauty, or her Voice. Among all that sought after her, none pleased her so well as Theodon the Graver. He was a well shaped Person, and they had a Sympany in their Humours. He excelled in his Art, and did the Office of Director of the Academy, instead of Monsieur Errard, whose decrepit Age, had made him unfit for Business. Catherine, who was more ambitious than her Daughter, would hear nothing of it; and in the mean time making advantage of the Gifts, which the greatest Lords in Rome Presented her, to obtain the promise of hearing Angelica Sing, though they did not end their Pretensions there. But she not seeming to penetrate their Thoughts, and agreeing to their Demands, was contented to keep her Daughter in her Sight, fearing otherwise there might happen some Accident which might lose her Reputation and ruin her Fortune. Angelica, who did not like this Management, and could not find poor Theodon in all the Crowd, became so Melancholy that she fell Sick, and was in danger of Death. Her Parents were much Alarmed, and the Prelate told her Mother, that if she did not drive away this Multitude that Besieged his Daughter, he would take her out of her Hands, and put her into a Convent. As he was a severe Man and had Authority, they must obey him, and so they sent her into the Country, where the Air quickly re-established her Health.  
Being returned to Rome, some time afterwards, she was invisible to all the World, except Theodon, who saw her at a Window, and spoke to her by Signs: Signora Caterina sent Angelica to the first Mass upon Sundays and holidays, and made her keep within all the rest of the Day.  
But this constraint being very uneasy to Theodon, he spoke to a Friend of his who was the Father of Inventions, and he promised him to find out some way or other, to have a sight of his Beloved. He searched round about the House, and sound a small House just by it, which had a Court yard well stored with Fowls; he got acquainted with the good Woman that kept them, and under the pretence of buying of Eggs, and a Present, obtained Permission to come into the Court-yard every Night with his Friend Theodon, because a back Window of Angelica's Chamber looked into it.  
They advertised the Fair one of this Discovery, and she promised at a certain Signal to appear at that Window; but she was so high they could not hear her, unless she spoke aloud, which she durst not do, for fear of a Discovery: Then they tied Billets deux to the end of a Packthread, and she drew them up, and some time after sent back an Answer the same way. Her Billets were so Spiritual and Tender, that one might see, that her Heart and Love dictated them; but besides these, she had something in store for the happy Theodon, that was more Charming.  
Whereas in Rome other Lovers Serenade their Mistresses at their Windows in the Night, and endeavour to express their Torments in tender and passionate Airs; here on the contrary, this Charming Virgin would Sing to her Harpsical, pieces of an Opera, which agreed so well to the Subject of Love, that one would think they were made on purpose. You may believe that Theodon and his Friend did not fail to be at the Rendezvouse, where they always found new Pleasures, and they carried also little Collations, and served her always with the best things, which they put into a little Basket, and the Lovely Prisoner drew it to herself, and so participated of the Feast, telling them that she eat these Fruits and other Trifles with more appetite than a Hawker, or those Solider Viands her Mother was so often Regaled with; for she could not hinder herself from receiving part of that which the most illustrious of her Pursuers, would privately bring into their House.  
There was two among the rest who were very considerable, both in their Quality being Princes, and by their Liberality. Catherine managed them both, and assigned them different Hours, for fear they should meet one another; but but this Precaution was all to no purpose, for their Grisons discovered them, and they were much amazed to meet one another in the same Chase, for they were both Comrades, and Allies.  
Things being so, they were forced to accommodate themselves to the Season, and each endeavoured to prefer himself to his Mistress' Favour, living as yet in a good Understanding with one another; but the Coldness and Indifference of Angelica towards them, made each of them believe his Comrade happy to his prejudice. They fell out upon this Imagination, and would have made a noise, if they had not been hindered. For one who was called the Abbot of St. Marc, was Violent, Imperious, and of an high Hand; but the other, who is at present Lord de la Mouche Erithree, was more Tractable. Angelica hated them equally, and being a Person no way suitable to either of them, sighed only for her dear Theodon.  
The frequent Importunities of these two great Lords, forced Angelica to have recourse to her Father, (for so they called Monseigneur Zachary) exaggerating the Tyrannies of her Mother. This Prelate to encourage his Daughter, to enter into a Convent, gave her a Dowry of eight thousand Crowns, which were put into the Bank of the Mount of Piety in a borrowed Name. Angelica not being able to do any better, disposed herself to enter into a Nunnery, comforting herself with this, That she should however be near her Lover, and that she might see him in his Working-Shop, by the Ballistrades of the Clock, which at the same time denotes her Innocence.  
While these things were a doing, the Prelate dies, leaving this fine and desolate Daughter to the Discretion of her Mother, who dissuaded her from going into a Convent for the Interests of her Family, and the poor Daughter was forced to accommodate herself to her Humour; she must then take up again the Trade of Singing as before.  
A Cardinal of the first Rank in the Sacred College, and perhaps one of the handsomest, who had sometime before made an Ambassadress of France, in Love with him, hearing so many fine Things spoken of Angelica, would see whether they were true: His Authority and Liberality found every where a free Access; and he was Charmed with the Voice and Manners of Angelica, but he went so often, that the noise came as far as the Ears of Pope Innocent XI. As he was a very severe and angry Pope, and would let no Body be at quiet, he took a resolution to cause Angelica to be taken up and put into a Convent, as Scandalous, and of ill Reputation. So true is it, that in his Time, the Innocent suffered as well as the Guilty; for her Mother was more to blame than she, seeing she received no visit but out of Obedience.  
At that time, the Duke of Mantua was at Rome, and they boasted to him of Angelica, as one of the Singularities, or finest thing that was to be seen in Rome. The Marquis Del Monte brought her to his Highness, as we have said before; and he found her so well to answer her Character, that he made her very considerable Offers to come to his Court. The great Liberalities he bestowed upon her Mother, engaged her to promise a consent to his Will; but Angelica, who saw no Security for herself, when she was in the hands of so puissant a Prince, was not able to resolve what to do. She had notice given her quickly after, to have a care of herself, because the Pope was going to take her up and put her in a Convent, and this put her into a terrible Fright; for tho' she had no repugnance to enter into Religion, she could not suffer herself to be confined in a Monastery, ordained only for Women of ill Reputation. There was then no remedy, but in all the haste imaginable, to implore the Protection of Queen Christina. She did it, and this Generous Princess, who had a great value for her, because she had heard her Sing often, not only permitted her a Refuge in her Quarter, but took her into her Service, with a Sister of hers named Barbara, who was also a most Beautiful Virgin, but had not so great a faculty of Singing.  
Theodon was over joyed that his Mistress had escaped so many and powerful Rivals, and it gave him courage to continue his Pursuit. To this end, he addressed himself to one of the Queen's Valet de Chambres, who was his Friend, to get a sight of her, and easily obtained his Request. But as Lovers are never contented, Theodon importuned him so much, that he promised him, that he should come to the Speech of her.  
One day the Queen kept an Academy of Music in her Garden, and there was a great many Ladies, Knights and Gentlemen, under the shady Grove, where was a fine breeze of Air: Angelica, when she had sung her Roll, slipped down an Alley with her Sister, and entered into a little Banqueting-house, where Theodon had made a magnificent Collation to present her with in his Friend's Company, of the best Wines that were to be had. It was about the time that the Song of Flon, Flon, was in request; and the Trumpets of the Marquis de Lavardin, being posted upon a little Hill in the same Garden, sounded the same Tune. The Echoes repeated the last Words; All the World Sung it, and the queen herself sung Flon, Flon. The Joy was universal, and the Wine made our Lovers become Poets; For after they had drank plentifully, they proposed to make every one a Couplet to this new Air, and Angelica taking her Guitarre, began, and did it very well for an Extempore Effort, and was followed by Theodon's Friend. A thousand sits of Laughter accompanied the Music, insomuch, that others of the Queen's Maids walking in the Garden, were drawn thither by the Noise. They presented them Fruits, and they sat down on Angelica's side, and drank their Healths over and over, and the Sport ●●sted till almost Night, when a Footman came to give her notice, that she must wait upon the Queen, the Company being now gone. She broke off therefore this sweet Conversation, but with Violence to herself, and promised to see him again as often as she could.  
But this happy Season did not last long; for a little after the Queen fell Sick, and so all sorts of Divertisements ended. This Sickness was fatal to Angelica, for her own Mother delivered her up to be Dishonoured by an infamous wretch in the Queen's Palace. It was to the Abbot Vannini, (whom I have mentioned before) the same that abused Signora Giovannini, and was the cause of her Death. This Prelate, who was ambitious to make himself Talked of, had gained Signora Caterina, with a Present of Silver, of above the value of a thousand Crowns; Angelica having all sorts of Liberty of going out with her Mother; was carried to walk among Women, where she always met the Abbot Vannini, who perpetually courted her, but to no purpose; For she was extremely angry, that her own Mother should so often expose her to the Outrages of this rash Man, insomuch, that she protested, she would no more go out of her Majesty's Palace, whose Sickness increased daily, and at the same time, the Fears of the House.  
The Abbot, notwithstanding all the Disdain of Angelica, was neither ashamed, nor dejected, but thought to obtain that by Presents and Importunity which he could not by Personal Merit; but he advanced nothing at all that way; for all his Presents were rejected, and his Sighs despised.  
At last being provoked by such a Resistance as he expected not to find, he undertook one of the rashest and most dangerous Actions that could fall into the Imagination, of so contemptible a Person as himself, which was to do Violence to the Honour of Angelica, even in the Palace of the Queen herself. To this end and purpose he gained a Neapolitan, who was one of the Queens Valet de Chambres, with his Brother an Anspassade, and they brought him privately into Angelica's Chamber, with the consent of her Mother. Angelica was then with the Queen, scarcely ever forsaking her, because her Sickness was very dangerous; But coming into her Chamber by chance to do something, she was extremely surprised to find a great Collation, and the Abbot Vannini, who invited her to eat, with her Mother, and those honest People, that were of the Plot. But she, seeing herself Betrayed by her Mother, was perfectly Astonished, and set up a great Cry. The Abbot threw himself upon his Knees, and endeavoured to assure her, by good Words, but in the mean time they all slipped out of the Chamber, and left them alone, and one may easily imagine that the Abbot being Master, did not loose time. The Chamber was so high that Angelica's Cries could not be heard; but there was other Signs of the resistance of this Generous young Woman, for the Table and Chairs were all overturned, and at last so great a noise was made, her (Chamber being just over the Queen's) that her Majesty complained they had lost their Respect.  
One of the Gentlemen run up and saw this fine Farce, and cried out for help to some Auspessades and Foot men, who were upon the Guard. Her Friend Theodon ran up at the Noise, and she Embracing him, begged that he would have Compassion of her; He presently took him by the Throat, and would have Strangled him, if he had not been forced out of his hands. They then sent to seek out Monsieur Pompey Azzolini, the Cardinal's Nephew, to know what they must do with this impudent Person. His first thought was, that he should be hewed in Pieces; and in so doing, he had followed the Queen's Genius, and highly revenged the Injury done to her Majesty. But considering that the Queen was Sick and the Abbot well Allied, he thought it convenient, (for fear of making himself Enemies) to suffer him to Escape. He saved himself at the Cardinal D'Estes, and the two Neapolitans Fled, and were never heard of since.  
They told the Queen, that the noise came from Cats, who had overturned the Utensils of the Chamber, and caused this Alarm.  
Poor Angelica, after so bloody an Affront, abandoned herself to Despair, and was a long time in a Swoon, and amazed, not knowing what to do. Her Sister coming up at the Noise, put her to bed, for the Traitress her Mother. was as invisible as the rest, and Angelica was seized with a Fever, and sick of Grief for a long time?  
In the mean time, the Queen began to be better, and all People rejoiced for her Recovery. For she was well Beloved in Rome, because she gave much in Charity towards the Subsistance of the Poor, and Maintained a great many People. The Nation of the Marca d' Ancona, made a fine Feast at the Church of St. Saviour du Lau●ier, in honour of the Queen, and fine Illuminations in the Street of Coronari, which is near it, with Bonfires and other Rejoices of Drums and Trumpets.  
Count Alibert also made a very Magnificent Feast at Jesus, where a Votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin, was Sung in a Thanksgiving for the Queen's Health, and he had the most excellent Musicians in Rome, and the Church was hanged with the richest Tapestry her Majesty had, and all People crowded into testifies their joy. But at last she perceived that Angelica failed in her Duty, and asked for her very often, but they always told her she was Sick.  
Cardinal Azzolini had forbidden any body to speak of this Scandal which had happened in the Queen's Palace. But a certain Woman who helped Bandiere in his Operations of Chemistry, whom they called Sibyl, for the reasons we shall afterwards mention, told the Queen either by Accident, or out of Malice, that Angelica was Well. The Queen sent presently to call her in all haste, and the poor Girl being frighted, because she was forced to appear before her, whom she believed to be informed of all the Affair, cast herself at her Feet, pouring out abundance of Tears, and could not speak for Grief. The Queen pressed her to tell the reason of her Tears, and she answered, that her Misfortune was but too public. Her Majesty ordered her to Explain herself; but Sobs interrupted her every Moment; and therefore the Queen desired Cardinal Azzolini who was then come to her, to inform her of all the Affair Azzolini being troubled at the unseasonableness of the time, palliated the Matter, and told her only what he thought convenient to discover, for fear she should fall into an excessive Passion, which might make her relapse.  
But this did not satisfy her, for she saw well enough, that he hid the greatest part of the Circumstances from her, and therefore could not be quiet till she had learned the whole Story from her Domestics, by Questions and Threatening. What he had foreseen, fell out, for the Queen presently fell into an horrible Passion against this infamous Abbot, and against all those that suffered him to Escape. After she had comforted Angelica, about the Disgrace she was no way guilty of, sent for Captain Merula her Bravo, and commanded him to bring her the Head of the Abbot Vannini, and to observe him so narrowly, that he did not Escape; and because she would be sure of her Blow, she ordered what Men and Money he had need of, promising him a good Reward and protection against all his Enemies.  
It is not known whether this Assassin by Profession, did himself discover her Orders, or that it came to be known some other way; But Vannini fled from Rome, to Subjacco an Abbey of Cardinal Charles Barberini in one of his Eminence's Coaches, but absconded often by the way, and at last when he came there, looked more like Dead, than Alive, so true it is, that Vice is its own Executioner. He passed from thence into Abruzzo, a Province of the Realm of Naples, where he remained till the Queen's Death. In the mean time, Merula sought him every where, or pretended so to do; for 'tis believed, that the two Cardinals who were the Abbot's Protectors, presented him with a thousand Crowns, to hold his Hand. Besides that, he might fear their resentment if the Queen should Die quickly, of which there was great likelihood. The Queen being impatient, often demanded from Merula the effects of his Promises. But one day he owned, without thinking on't, that the Criminal had scaped out of his Hands, and had refuged himself within the Realm of Naples. At these words, the Queen was in such a Rage, that she Scratched him in the Face, and gave him twenty blows with her Fist, reproaching him with Perfidiousness, and had certainly Strangled him, if she had not wanted Strength. But she killed herself in the Effort which she made; for this Agitation brought her Fever on her again, and sent her into her Grave in a little time, to the great damage of the Domestics, for whom she had no time to provide.  
No body got more by her Death than Angelica; For if the Queen had lived a a little longer, she had been confined in a Convent all her Life, as Scandalous, though she had more misfortune, than fault in her Conduct. For the Queen had promised the Pope (who was irritated by the frequent Stories brought him concerning her) that she would put her among the Religious of St. Ruffinus in Trastevera.  
The best way Angelica could take in this unhappy Conjuncture, was to put herself under the Protection of the Duke of Medina Celi, Ambassador of Spain; And he came to take her at the Queen's Palace Gate, just as she was Expiring, before they had forced her into a Convent. He placed her under the Duchess his Lady, where she lives yet at this present time, in Quality of her first Lady of Honour, being equally dear both to the Husband and the Wife, who know very well, by long Experience, that she has given no occasion for those false Reports, which have almost tarnished her Reputation; and that her Merit only has been the cause of all her Persecutions. There run a Report, that Monsieur the Ambassador, had Married her to a Spanish Gentleman in his Service; but it is not true, for she is not yet engaged in that Sacrament, no more than her Sister Barbara, who is also Maid of Honour to Madam the Ambassadress of Spain.  
The Sieur Theodon being convinced, that Angelica was not ordained for him, has Married another, who has neither the Gifts nor Reputation of Angelica, yet notwithstanding is not inferior to her in Wisdom. She brought him a considerable Portion, and he lives with her like an honest Man, and has obtained by Merit, to be Director of the Works of Architecture, and Painting of the Basilique of St. Peter at the Vatican, which is very Gainful.  
We must not forget, before we finish this History, that the Duke of Mantua made another Voyage to Rome incognito, towards the end of the Queen's last Sickness, (and as the common Vogue goes) to carry away Angelica, with her Mother's Consent; but being prevented by the Spanish Ambassador, he was so angry, that he had been twice cheated by that Interested Woman, that he slit both her Husband's, and afterwards her Son's Nose, who is a Glazier, and keeps a Shop in the Bouchi. They are so disfigured, that they will carry the Marks, as long as they live; which will testify to all the World, that Georgina having Perfections enough to Charm many Princes, and great Lords, had not yet the happiness to please them all.  
The Queen had some Pre-sentiments of her Death, which made her apprehensive, she should not live long. Six Months before her Sickness, or thereabout, she made her a Habit of Satin, white Ground, stitched with Flowers, and other works of Gold, garnished with Lace, and Buttons set in Gold, and Fringe of the same below. This Habit was Invented by herself, and served for a Manteau and Body together. It was close before, without a Tail, and round at the bottom, and the Queen tried it on upon Christmas Eve, and took many turns in her Closet, without speaking a Word: She looked upon herself often, both before and behind, in a couple of Looking-glasses, which were set opposite one to another, and then walked again, in profound Silence. Her Tailor, who thought he had done better than ordinary, rejoiced within himself; And there was none but him, the Marquis Caponi, and two Maids there, when Sibyl entered. This Sibyl was a Woman well skilled in Chemical Operations, and had served the Queen for some time. Cardinal Azzolini brought her in to countercheck Bandiere. Her Name was Julia, and she was Daughter to an Apothecary, a good Simpler, who taught her his Trade, which she improved, by the Invention of a certain number of fine Secrets. She had something Marvellous in her Person, and her Birth was Extraordinary. For when her Mother Lay in of her, which was upon the 3d. of November, 1665, she was seven Hours in Travel, with great Pains, and was not Delivered, but by an horrible Clap of Thunder: The Lightning that accompanied it, made her Chamber seem all on Fire; and the Fright made such an Impression upon her, that it threw out the Child.  
Her Sex was doubtful at first, and though time made it appear she was a Girl, yet she always had the inclinations of Men, flying Girls Company, and seeking after Boys; She would throw Stones as they did, and fight with her Fists, and showed a Masculine Spirit in all things. She learned Latin, and made a a great Progress not only in Pharmacy, but Chemistry; besides this, she touched Instruments well. But she had yet a Quality beyond these, which pleased the Queen better than all, which was that of the foretelling of things to come, and for this reason, the Queen gave her the name of Sybil. I have been informed, she had once an Husband a Distiller, but he died after he had been Married about six Months.  
The Queen, who was foolish in the belief of all vain and curious Sciences, as Chemistry, Astrology, the Divining-Rod, and loved those who pretended to possess them believed all that Astrologers said, and particularly the Abbot Massoni, who used to flatter her with the promise of living Fourscore Years, and by these deceitful hopes, he drew a good deal of Money from this credulous Princess, and afterwards Laughed at her.  
I could tell you a great many Stories of this nature, if this Book were not too big already.  
Sibyl coming to congratulate the Queen upon her fine Garment, exaggerated the fineness of the Stuff, its Beauty and Fashion, which very well suited her Majesty's Person.  
Well, Sibyl, (says the Queen) does this Habit please you?  
Yes, Madam, (repled she) it is perfectly well made.  
Upon this, the Marquis Caponi took up the Discourse, and said, you are come very luckily, for we are here acting the Comedy of the Mutes.  
It is true, says the Queen, that no body has said any thing, nor I myself, but this Habit which you see, makes me think of some things of great Consequence, and I believe it will serve me in a little time, in one of the greatest Functions that can be; but Sibyl, thou art not able to Divine what Function this should be.  
Pardon me, Madam, (answered she) looking attentively on the Queen, your Majesty thinks this Habit will serve; Shall I speak it, Madam?  
Yes, saith the Queen.  
The thought afflicts me, saith Sibyl, Your Majesty thinks, you shall be Buried in this Habit in a little time.  
And I, saith the Marquis, interrupting hastily, believe the Queen thinks it will serve her to wish the Pope an happy New Year in.  
Sibyl has spoke the Truth, replied the Queen, that was it I thought on, but we must put all into the Hand of God, for we are all Mortal, and I as well as another.  
The Tailor, to divert this sorrowful Discourse, addressing himself to the Queen, said,  
Will your Majesty have a Cover made for this Habit?  
Why a Cover, great Beast, says the Queen?  
To keep it twenty Years, and above, saith the Tailor; For if it be designed for the use your Majesty speaks, you must take care the Worms do not eat it.  
She fell a Laughing, and was well pleased with the Repartee. After some Discourse of this nature, they separated, and the Marquis grumbled at Sibyl, for her ill Augury.  
You mistake, quoth Sibyl, I have not foretold the Queen's Death, I only found out her Thought.  
This odd Apprehension did so possess the Queen's Mind, that the Tailor Congratulating her upon the recovery of her Health, as others did, said,  
Madam, the Habit is the Cover, and may, if it please God, be so a long time.  
God grant it, says the Queen, but I am of Opinion it will serve me ere long for the use I believe 'tis designed.  
This thought made too strong an Impression upon her Spirits, to believe the Sibyl Divined it merely by chance.  
It is strange, says the Marquis Caponi, your Majesty should think so much upon the words of a Fool; And will your Majesty be always abused?  
Cardinal Azzolini coming in, he desired him to assist, to take off the ill Impressions the Queen had received; which he endeavouring to do, the Queen seemed to believe, only for this reason, that he might no farther trouble her Head about it.  
The Cardinal meeting the Sibyl afterwards, gave her a smart Reprimand, for entertaining the Queen with Melancholy Visions. But she excused herself, That she had done nothing with an ill intent; That she wished not the Queen's Death, for her own sake; for, said she, there will no body lose more than myself, for I foresee the Crosses and Persecutions that will happen to me. God preserve us, for your Eminence will not be long after the Queen, when God shall call her.  
Azzolini, who heard the first words of the Sibyl, without Emotion, was troubled at the last, and turned his Back all in Confusion.  
She repented that she had said so much, for her Predictions were but too true, whether it were that she was effectually Inspired from Heaven, or Chance and Conjecture, that made her to advance things, I know not, but the Event confirmed them.  
She had also told the Queen, that the Pope would die the same Year, in the Canicular days, and he Deceased the 13th of August next following.  
He was informed of these Predictions of the Sibyl, and was so displeased, that as soon as ever the Queen's Eyes were closed, he caused her to be taken up, and Imprisoned in the Castle of St. Angelo, where she remained till her dying-day.  
She said something also of Alexander VIII. but he changed her Prison into a Conservatory, where she consumed and pined away for Grief.  
At a time when the Queen did not think of Death, she had a mind to Bespeak a magnificent Tomb. She sent for for her Graver, called Francis Marie Anconitano, and ordered divers Models, without telling him of any Place where it should be set up. The Graver being busy, and not having his Measures ready to extend his Figures and Bas Reliefs there, the Queen was forced to tell him she would have it made round, like the Pantheon of Agrippa in old time. At the same time she forbade him to speak a Syllable to any Person about it, but above all, enjoined him, that Cardinal Azzolini should know nothing of it. However, the thing was so long in Agitation, that Cardinal Azzolini came to know of it, and was affrighted at the vast Expense of bringing it to Perfection, but however durst say nothing of it to the Queen.  
This had pleasant Consequences, for when the Intrigue came to be known, the Graver was turned off, though he represented to her Majesty, that he could not make his Models with so much caution, but that Cardinal Azzolini might get an inkling of it.  
The Queen having asked him, what the Expense of the whole might amount to, he told her ingenuously, that an hundred thousand Crowns would not finish it.  
You're a Rogue, said she to him, an hundred thousand Crowns, I would spend a Million upon't. The Cardinal hearing this, fell a Laughing, knowing that all her Estate, did not amount to half a Million. And after all, she was poorly Interred in a Cave of the Sacrasty of St. Peter.  
This shows the Genius of the Queen, who would do every thing extraordinary; and with the Magnificence due to her Character.  
But finally, it must be said in Praise of this Generous Princess, that she died with an Intrepidity worthy of the Daughter of the Great Gustavus Adolphus.  
Her Relapse having taken from her all hope of Cure, she very early took care of her Soul; She Confessed with great Sentiments of Contrition; and received the Holy Sacrament with profound respect, and unspeakable Comfort. Finding her Strength to diminish, she sent to desire the Pope's Benediction; praying him to forgive all the Differences, that had been between them, which yet had not hindered her from being inviolably fixed to the Interests of the Holy See; and that she had always a great respect and esteem for the Person of Innocent 11th.  
Afterwards, she Signed her last Will and Testament, and presented it to Cardinal Azzolini, which he told her, was advantageous to her Majesty's Household, though he made it only according to his own Interest.  
Father Sclavata, a famous Discalceat Bohemian Carmelite, exhorted her to prepare for Death; sometimes speaking Latin, and sometimes German, or French.  
At last the Queen Died, April 19th. 1689, at Six of the Clock in the Morning; and her Body was carried next day, towards Night, to the New Church of the Fathers of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri, being Embalmed and Clothed in the same Habit, which was designed for her Funeral Solemnity. It was carried in a Coach, accompanied by the Cardinal's Chaplains, and the Curate of St. Dorothy's Parish.  
The day following, the Queen's Body was exposed upon a Bed of Parade, with a Royal Crown upon her Head, and a Sceptre in her Hand, in the Body of the Church, and round about her 300 Flambeaux of white Wax. The Church was hung with Mourning, with Escutcheons of her Majesty's Arms, and with Counterfeit Bas-reliefs of Black Marble, which alluded to the Vanity of Life, and certainty of Death.  
Her Obsequies were very Magnificent, and the whole College of Cardinals assisted, and Azzolini appeared in deepest Mourning, with the greatest Lowliness and Dejection. Towards Night, the Queen's Body was transported upon the same Bed of Parade, with her Face discovered, to the Church of St. Peter, at the Vatican, the Con-fraternities of the Regular and Secular Clergy, the Canons of St. Peter, and her Domestics in Mourning, going before; The Counts of Warwick, Vasenau, and two other Lords of Note, holding the four Corners of the Pall. The Pope accompanied the Body, by the Officers of the Papal House, as is done when the Dean of the Cardinals, and the Ambassadors of Crowned Heads die at Rome.  
She was Inhumed in the Sacristi of St. Peter's, an Honour done to no body but Cardinals, and Archpriests of St. Peter; for in the Church itself, none are Interred, but Pope's only. And 'tis said, that the Pope would have erected a magnificent Tomb for her, if he had lived any time longer.  
Thus did Queen Christina Alexandra of Sueden, testify all along more Firmness and Grandeur of Soul at her Death, than she had showed Constancy in her Life: Her Inequalities, Ambition, and vain Occupations, had much diminished the Esteem which the Public had of her Magnanimity. She always loved Change except in Religion, which when once she had found to be true, she embraced it so firmly, that nothing could Separate her. In all other things, she showed herself a true Woman, that is to say changeable. She affected to pass for a Maid, and the word Woman offended her horribly. So that for fear of Offending her, you must say for Example, Your Majesty has most excellent Maidenhair, and not Woman's; and so of the rest.  
She had Eloquence, Spoke well, and Wrote better, even in many Languages; but above all in French and Italian. The Learned do yet admire her Letters to the King of Poland, upon the raising the Siege of Vienna, and the Battle of Barcan, to the Chevalier Terlon, upon the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, and to Cardinal Azzolini, upon the retrenchment of the Pope's Pension, and others.  
One day hearing of the Death of Casimir King of Poland, in the Abbey of St. german de Pre, at Paris. She said, I am very glad to hear that he is Dead among Men, for if he had stayed in his own Country, he had died among Beasts.  
She loved neither Bigots in Religion, nor Atheists. She had a true regard to Piety, though in her Youth, the Abbot Bourdelot and other Libertines, shook her Religion. She participated of the Holy Sacraments, and after she understood the Impostures of Molinos, who would have Seduced her, she was the more confirmed in the true Faith. She trok care that her Domestics should practise all the Duties Religion requires, and go to the Communion in general three times a Year, as the Cardinal did. She heard Mass every day, unless some Indisposition hindered her; and sometimes she had so tender a sense in Religion, that one could not wish more even in a Capucin. One day looking upon the Picture of the Great Gustavus her Father, she said, Ah poor Gustavus! What great things hast thou done in thy Life! But what hast thou done for thy Soul? I thank God for his favour in making me to understand the Truth, and causing me to enter into the good way of Salvation.  
She said, that of all the Sacraments, she held that of Confession to be the most useful. That in truth the Lutherans did practise it, though not in Form, and that a good Confession was the Bridle of Vice.  
One day as she went to an Audience of the Pope, she said to the Women which Dressed her, Cover my Breasts well, for fear Mingon should be angry. For he stood upon the most minute things, which are so much the more indecent, in that they are not Evils he rebukes.  
To what purpose should the Women of the World, wear the Habit of Beguines? Put them under what Habit you will, they will always find some agreement to please the Men.  
Another time when she went to the Pope, to show her Obedience, she dressed herself and all the Ladies of her Court, in a sort of a Robe which they call Innocentian, being long Vests which trail upon the Ground, close before, and straight Sleeves which come as far as the Wrists, and so close at the Neck, you could scarce see her Collar of Pearl. To this fine Habit, she likewise added some few knots of Ribbons. None of her Woman could hardly forbear Laughing. But other Roman Ladies Laughed at them outright, and said, The Queen might make as many Apes as she pleased, but she should not make them Monkeys, by imitating her Fashion.  
This Princess hated, or pretended to hate Marriage; insomuch, that at her first coming to Rome, she could not endure any Married People in her Service. When Landini was big with Child, she would not see her, and if she had occasion for her, she would say, Bring the Cow hither, and send her away again as soon as she has done.  
When she had made the Marriage of Beauregard, she said to the Husband, God send thee the Signs of the Zodiac; and to you Beauregard, (says she to the woman) If you come to show like a Cow, do not come to see me in that condition.  
But she was quite otherwise in regard of the Marquis Caponi, for she would cause his first Child to be brought to her, Caress it, and sometimes hold it in her Arms; and when the little Child began to go, and came to the Table to Embrace her Feet, she would fill his little Apron with Fruits and Comfitures.  
Though she was a huge Eater, as the Northern People are, she drank almost no Wine. She loved rather Colliflowers, or boiled Chestnuts with her Maids, for which she would slip into their Chambers on purpose, rather than eat the delicate Morsels which were prepared for her with royal Magnificence. The Sieur Romulus Spoziola, her Physician, Remonstrating to her, that it was not good for her Health, she called him Drunkard and Beast, and said he knew no more than her Cap.  
Her Tailor trying on a Coat one day when she had been let Blood, prayed her not to force her Arm; but she gave him a Box on the Ear, with the same Hand, which filled the poor Advice-monger with Confusion.  
She was often at Difference with the Ambassador D'Estrees; But as she had no Gall, she was very glad to make Peace with him. One day as he was at the Vineyard of Pamphilio, she coming thither by chance, and perceiving him there, ran to him and made him an hundred Civilities, insomuch that she mounted a little Horse of Monsieur the Ambassador, and made him turn and Prance in his Presence, above half an Hour, with a very good Grace.  
Another time as she was driving a Calash in the Alley's of her Garden, she asked one of the Ambassador's Domestics, that she found there by chance, whether ste did not Drive well? He told her, that there was no body but herself and the King of France that knew how to drive a Coach well. She was stung with this Answer, and run like a Fool up and down the Field: But the Calash Overturned, and her Majesty came to the Ground with her Coats upwards, and cried out for Help. And because no Man durst come near her in this condition, she Laughed at their foolish Shame, saying, I am not sorry I am seen by this Accident, to the end it may be known that I am neither Male nor Hermaphrodite, as some People in the World have passed me for.  
As the Queen had an infinite deal of Wit, she believed therefore that she ought to have a proportionable Prudence and Policy; but she took little care to show it, and would not take the trouble upon her to be so much upon her Guard, as to make a decent appearance.  
She freely followed her own Genius in all things, and cared not what any body said. She maintained all her Life an Emulation and secret Envy against the King and French Nation, though otherwise she infinitely esteemed that Monarch, and took him for the Model of her Conduct, saying, She would make a little Queen of France in Rome; yet she let slip no opportunity to speak evil of the French Nation, either to lessen their Advantages, or magnify their Faults.  
'Twas in in this mind, that being one Night at a Comedy at the Theatre Tour de None, in Company with the Cardinals Rospigliosi, and Altieri. She said to the first, Is it true then that the Army of Marshal Turenne is entirely Defeated in Germany.  
I know not Madam, (anwered Rospigliosi coldly, but we have this Night a new Musician in the Opera will advance the lustre of the Theatre; 'tis Feed, who knows so well how to Charm the Ear, that your Majesty will not be uneasy to hear the Singing, as you were Yesternight. This enraged the Queen, who turned her Back upon him, to speak to Cardinal Altieri, concerning the Consequences of this pretended Defeat, ask him if General Montcuculi would find resistance, if he Sacked all, even as far as Paris? He answered, That he had never been in War, and that he did not know how the matter would go. She than spoke to him against Cardinal D'Estrees, with whom he had some Misunderstanding. But as Altieri was a refined Politician, who knew how to hide his Sentiments, for fear of prejudicing his Interests, turned off the Discourse with such a presence of Mind, that the Queen could draw no Advantage against D'Estrees, with whom she would fall out, and was Reconciled as often, and had occasion to make use of him at that present.  
After the Queen's Death, Cardinal Azzolini was very willing to be reconciled, and enter into the favour of Cardinal D'Estrees; but he lived so little a time after, that he had not leisure. However it is certain, it was not long of him, and to prove this, I will insert here a Letter, written to me from Leghorn, from the same Person, who sent me a Relation touching the Affair of the Quarters. See here the Contents.  
I should fear the Relation would want something, If I should not inform you of the last Sentiments of Monsieur Cardinal Azzolini, for Monsieur Cardinal E'Estrees. Some time be fore the Death of Queen Christina, Monsieur Cardinal Azzolini sent for me, and said.  
MY little Compeer (for he had done me the Honour to be Godfather to my Child) I would communicate to to you an Affair of greatest Importance. 'Tis believed, that I have been an Enemy to the Crown of France. It was never true, for I esteem my King as much as any of his Subjects. I say, my King, for I have always had a strong Affection for this great Monarch. And many of my Letters show, that this Disgrace has happened to me from being too much engaged in the Queen's Interests. And notwithstanding the Differences I have had with Monsieur Cardinal D'Estrees, I am his Servant and Friend. In short, my Compeer, the Queen is Dead, and had made me her Heir, as you know very well. She has left me very precious things of all sorts, and there is none but my King to whom these things deserve to be Presented. And know that no Interest moves me to do this; I contend only for the Honour, that he would accept these Testimonies of my good Will.  
But Monsigneur, said to him, If you will permit me to speak my Thoughts to your Eminence; I do not believe the King will accept these things as a pure Gift.  
All the World knows, (Answered he, that the King of France, is the most Generous of all Princes, but we do not act with Kings as we do with Merchants; All that I wish is, that he will do me the Honour to accept them. You are a good Frenchman, and have a love for your Country; I have known you a long time, and I confide in you, because I am persuaded I shall find you Faithful. You know I have opened my Design to Monsieur Alibert, and he would be overjoyed to have it done by his Means. But some Reasons oblige me to Prefer you. You have some Acquaintance with Monsieur Cardinal D'Estrees. Endeavour to insinuate to his Eminence, as from yourself, that he ought not to let this occasion slip; and that if he will undertake it, he shall be Master of all. I know your Conduct in Affairs, and it will make your Fortunes, if you bring this about.  
After so fair an Instruction, I took leave of his Eminence, and the same day, I made it my business to see the Cardinal, under pretence of thanking him for the Protection he had generously given me, upon the occasion of a Quarrel I had with a Suede, who had spoken ill things of the Queen. The Discourse fell afterwards insensibly upon the fine Movables the Queen had left to Cardinal Azzolini: And I Remonstrated to his Eminence, that the Medals and Manuscripts of her Majesty, and above all, the Pictures of Paul Varonese and Cortege, were Originals of an inestimable Value, and fit to be presented to the King.  
Monsieur the Cardinal was of the same mind; and I told him in few words the Intentions of Cardinal Azzolini, giving him an Account of the Conversation I had with him. His Eminence took it well that I had freely discovered the Truth to him, and ordered me to see the Cardinal often, and to tell him directly, that he himself was in the fault, if the Rarities of the Queen's Palace did not come into the King's Hands; and that assuredly he would lose nothing by it.  
Two days after I went to Cardinal Azzolini, and gave him an account of my Negotiation, assuring him, that Cardinal D'Estrees had writ to Court about it. He was then Indisposed and in Bed, but showed a great deal of Joy that I had begun so well, and giving me his Hand, which I respectfully Kissing, he promised me he would not be Ungrateful, if the Affair succeeded. I was perfectly overjoyed and filled with the finest Hopes in the World, but they quickly vanished, for the Sickness of this poor Lord did so increase, that there was no speaking with him. However, I did not stir from his Palace, and gave an exact account of his Sickness to Cardinal D'Estrees.  
The same day that Cardinal Azzolini was given over by his Physicians; his Eminence went himself to know the State of his Health, just at Twelve a Clock, and came thither from the Congregation of the holy Office. It was in June, and in the hottest time of the day, which made me think 'twas out of Policy, because he would not be obliged to go up.  
Cardinal Azzolini being advertized, that Monsieur Cardinal D'Estrees scoped his Coach at the Gate, to Inquire how he did, either Rejoiced so much, or so well dissembled it, that his Expressions melted those that heard him. Is it possible, says he, that his Eminence should come to Visit such a poor Sick Person as myself? I shall reckon this day the happiest in all my Life, and I wish its prolongation for no other reason but to embrace so good a Lord. Desire him nevertheless not to incommode himself by coming up, for fear the great Heat should do an injury to his Health, for the preservation of which, I would Sacrifice my own.  
Cardinal D'Estrees answered this Discourse with such Expressions as were yet more Obliging, and said to his Master of the Chamber, all that the most tender Friendship conld think of, to persuade a sincere Reconciliation between two Friends, who had lived some time in a Misintelligence one with another. The Master of the Chamber went many times up and down between them, each of their Eminencies being desirous to have the last word.  
If I had not been present at all these Discourses, I should never have believed it. And because Dissimulation cannot be carried so far in such a Conjuncture, I am verily persuaded, that it was Sincere, and that Policy had no hand in it; myself being very much Edified by such a Proceeding.  
I am, etc.  
Who would ever have believed that a little Gentleman of Marca d' Ancona should become Heir to the Daughter of the Great Gustavus Adolphus the Terror of Germany: And yet it has happened to Pompey Azzolini, Nephew to the Cardinal of that Name, by which he is become Master of that Rich Possession, by the greatest Fortune in the World. If his Uncle had died before the Queen, as he died immediately after, she would have disposed of the Succession after another manner, because she did not love this Nephew at all. The Cardinal put him into the number of her Majesty's Gentlemen, but it was to be a Spy upon her Conduct. And one day she gave him very ill Language, because he discovered to his Uncle, that the Queen went out in the Night with the Marquis Caponi in a Close Coach, to go to a Ball, stopping afterwards at Monsieur Monfronio's, where she spent the Night very Pleasantly.  
Pompey Azzolini did not quietly enjoy his Inheritance; and the ready Money went for the most part to pay the Charges and Legacies of the Will. The rest consisted in fine Movables, which were bought upon Credit, by divers great Lords, who as to all appearance, will not Pay in a long time, because they are above the pursuit of Justice. Pope Alexander VIII. bought the Queen's fine Library, which was so rich in Manuscripst, for a piece of Bread. Don Livio Odescalchi, Nephew of Innocent XI. had the Cabinet of Medals, of which there was so fine Sets in all sorts of Metals. The Pictures are engaged here and there; and so the rest: So that there is no great matter remains now to Pompey Azzolini: and seeing he took no Pains to get it, it is not reasonable he should enjoy alone the Spoils of so great a Princess, while her Domestics, who have Served her so long, remain in Misery.  
FINIS.