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 inform'd of all and was never able to discover him that betray'd her What happen'd 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 Marquiss 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 Azzolinâ— 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 shews the inconstant Gâ—nius of the Queen For after all who would have believed a little beâ—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 escap'd 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 receiv'd his Picture from the same Lord and made him as magnificent a Reception as if he had been declar'd Ambassador though he never had that Character for it was Conferr'd upon the Lord Castlemain She Regal'd him one Night with fine Musick 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 shew 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 govern'd the Ecclesiastical State as of Cardinal Patron under the Pontificate of Pope Clement X. I say he govern'd the Estate for the good Pope Altieri being come to decrepit Age and fal'n into meer Childhood again had no part in it Which made Pasquin say when Marforius demanded under whose Pontificate they liv'd Sumus sub Pontificatu Alterius We are under the Pontificate of another answer'd 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 Aâ—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 fix'd 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 Mâ—jesty receiv'd 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 entred and told her with his affected Air Madam the Cardinal Altieri is Pope Oh bene bestia said â—he non occorro altro s'attacchi la Carrâ—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 entred 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 miss'd 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 entred 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 hop'd 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 offer'd to joyn Azzolini to the Faction of France for the Election of a Pope but they made so little account of it that they never return'd her an Answer till two Days after the Election of Innocent XI the Queen took it with all the spight 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 her self in a stuff of Goats Hair of a Violet Colour which is made no where but at Naples aud is very dear and the Thing of the World which is the deepest Mourning But that which most augmented the Queens Rage and her Marquisan for so she her self 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 Heresie without making a noise which was so much the more pernicious in that under a shew of Elevating the Mind to a more sublime Contemplation he would not have us stop at the Humanity of the Word Incarnate saying that
THE HISTORY OF THE Intrigues Gallantries OF CHRISTINA Queen of Sweden AND Of her COURT whilst she was at ROME Faithfully Render'd 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 c. My LORD THE Queen of Sweden who travell'd so much and spoke so many Languages being now the Subject of this present History implores your Lordship's Protection having but newly learn'd to speak English She comes not now as formerly in the Pomp and Splendor 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 maintain'd 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 Chymistry 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 her self in this Affair and caus'd her to be led by those wandring Experimentators who being deceiv'd 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 surprizing that there needs more than a common Understanding to make a right Judgment 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 Candor and good Humour together with the Excellency of your Parts and that Exactness of Judgment for which you are so justly celebrated The Author of this History spends a great deal of time in describing the Persons that compos'd her Court and their Adventures are so interwoven with the Queens Affairs that he could not avoid it but both the Characters and Adventures are so pleasant that they make a sufficient Recompence and indeed the History would not have been compleat without it They are fill'd up with a great number of Delightful Intrigues and odd Circumstances and most of the Accidents are so entertaining that I perswade my self 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 my self 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 shewed me some curious Manuscripts which he had obtain'd during his stay in Italy and among others this of the Intrigues and Gallantries of Christina Queen of Sweden and her Court while she staid at Rome I presently became of his Opinion and judg'd them worthy of the Press believing it would be a pleasure to the Publick 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 Publick 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 anâ— 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 her self who committed all to his Eminence without leaving any thing for her Domesticks 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 her self with so agreeable a Demeanor that I believe it will very much contribute to the Diversion of the Publick without shocking the Majesty she always upheld if I give an Idea or Description of her particular Actions and to her Heroick 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 her self a little more liberty The Great Ones have their Frailties as well as the less and when we consider them only in the Splendor wherewith they are surrounded Vice passes oftentimes for Vertue 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 satisfie them History which flatters not renders Justice to all because she speaks nothing but what Truth suggests 'T is Truth which brings all things to
acquâ—inâ— you â—ith the rest by word of Mouth I must own that this confident Tradesman was as fit an Instrument as could be thought oâ— for this Affair provided he â—an not Risque for a Woman is always pleas'd when she is perswaded she is Amiable This Princess whose Curiosity carry'd her to read this Billet believing it to be another thing was Surpriz'd at this new way of hearing her self to be Belov'd and became as a Rose remaining perfectly Silent for some time in a Coâ—fusion which shew'd a strong agitation of her Mind The Duke her Husband entred the Chamber at the same time to see the Stuff the Merchant had brought before they cut it and seeing the Dutchess in a great Trouble ask'd her if she were not satisfied with so fiâ—e a Stuff which appear'd 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 pass'd 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 pray'd 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 desir'd to know of her what effect his Billet had produc'd She sat down upon her Couch and said with a seeming Carelesness that she made no account of it and that she was unwilling to embark her self in an Amour with a young Man who was over Bold that presum'd too much of himself and because he was a fine Youth believ'd himself a Narcissus The Merchant assur'd her that the Prince had an inviolable and inseperable 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 spake for without doubt if his Vigour had answer'd his Presumption he had wherewithal to please the Ladies However he was yet such a Novice that he thought 't was 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 Attack'd 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 Railery That as Beautiful and fine Shap'd as he was he had found the Ladies Cruel that they had hear'd news of his Affairs and were obblig'd 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 resolv'd 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 Dutchess of a Slk Stuff with a blew Ground strip'd 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 Dutchess 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 't was 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 Dutchess 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 surr'd with Ermines with a small Cuffedg'd with Bone-lace and a red Ribban on his Head which was the Signal to make himself known by Diana was in the Balcony as the Train went along and look'd upon him with a sweet and Languishing Eye and they saw one another at Comedies and danc'd together at Balls but this afforded only an opportunity of speaking some few Words by Stealth the Italian Jealousie not permitting a regular Conversation at such times He would willingly have obtain'd some Favour from Diana but she had a mind to make him value the thing however she promis'd that she would find an opportunity in the Lent time to satisfie his Desires The first Week being come the Rendesvouze was agreed upon which was to be in a Garden â—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 Dutchess who came by the great Gate receiv'd him very agreeably while his Confident entertain'd 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 order'd her Follower not to lose sight of her and she oblig'd her though she kept her self 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 desir'd the favour to write to her and the pleasure of Receiving her Answers
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 Marquiss her Spy who lov'd to fish in troubled Waters She Laugh'd and diverted her self with their Dispute without obliging either of them to desist from their Pretentions At last comes a Jew and ended the Strife desiring the Duke to restore him the Damas which he prov'd to be his own or to pay him for the Hire of it The Duke restor'd 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 Dutchess 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 Nâ—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 her self liv'd upon Alms or a Pension which the Pope allow'd 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 Marquiss 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 ruin'd it contributed so much the more to her Preferment So poor Count Vasenau on which Side soever he turn'd him was always Cross'd Nor are we yet at the end of his Misfortunes For Prince Radzevil Ambassador of Poland arriv'd 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 serv'd as Ambassador and she vigorously recommended him to the Queen The Ambassador who was willing to serve the Count also open'd a way to appropriate to him certain Pensions in the Realm of Naples which belong'd to the Jagellons who Reigned so long in Poland of whose Family Count Vasenau was the last The Queen listned to this Overture and writ into Spain to the Duke de Medina Celi first Minister to the Catholick King who was Sovereign of the Realm of Naples She wrote also to the Marquiss Don Velos Vice Roy of Naples and every thing prepared to favour the Count if her Vanity and Inconstancy had not spoil'd all Sometimes she would accept this Obligation from the Spaniards and sometimes she would not have it said she should have begg'd their Favour being perswaded 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 happen'd that the Queen would raise the Marquiss Del Monte to the Charge of Great Master of her Horse and gave him the Title of Excellence pretending this way to Recompence 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 refus'd to give it him The Queen hop'd 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 Marquiss Del Monte did not loose 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 Marquiss look'd 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 Honour'd 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 bestow'd all his Courtship upon a new Mistress which he had without going out of Langara It was the Dutchess 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 Judgment 'T is 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 her self 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 Travell'd the Count to make him an Accomplish'd Prince instructed him in many things shewing 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 Dutchess went Masqued in the Concourse in a Magnificent Chair with those of her Family and Domesticks 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 Publick 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 Councellor 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 liv'd with Madam the Constable and though he was well Shap'd his Name did not at all fuit him for he was a Slouch Pur-blind and of mean Regard This fine couple of Lovers serv'd 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 perform'd in the Queen's Chappel and in her Majesty's Presence by a little Prelate of Lucca call'd Monsieur Bottino a Kinsman to the Married Couple He made a very Spiritual Railery and much to the purpose upon the Consent of the Parties requir'd in the word Oui. Yes Saying Though it was but a word compos'd 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 forc'd 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 endeavour'd 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 assum'd a fine Air comb'd 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 Sattin Points set out with a fine Galloon Madam de Beauregard who never had so Magnificent a Lover before answer'd the Count's Desires with all the Ardor 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 liv'd Soberly that she might give no ill Impressions concerning her Person such power had the Queen's Satyr's in rendering her Vertuous 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 procur'd her a Pension of Ten Crowns a Month which the Queen gave her for Life And after the Queen's Death she retir'd to Lucca to her own Relations As for Count Alibert the Queen left him nothing though he deserv'd 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 perform'd 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 Domesticks Nor did he long enjoy the Pay because the War hinder'd 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 us'd to do without bringing any thing to the purpose His great business was at the Theatre of Torre de Nona where he bestow'd 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 deserv'd 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 Lacquay to Monsieur the Marquiss 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 Crown'd But he did not stay there long for having a mind to see the Countries he engag'd 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 Linnen 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 Mask'd takes what Figure he pleaseth Champagne who saw Clairet had very fine Hair had a mind to put him into Women's Cloaths 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 pass'd for a Woman The Queen who knew it took great pleasure in seeing him in this Habit and he Serv'd her afterwards in many Affairs under this Figure There was a court-Court-Lord her Majesty was dissatisfied with and he retir'd 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 favour'd his retreat Clairet knew him at Stockholm and promis'd the Queen to bring News of him And for this purpose Habited himself in Womens Apparrel kept his Hair always close Shav'd and went into the Province whither the Gentleman was retir'd 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
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 manag'd an Amour like a Roman Hero It was only Languishing and Sighs that express'd 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 explain'd by the Marriage Bed But however the Queen had no inclination to give the poor Gentleman any thing though he had serv'd her as a Page from his Youth and her Majesty had bestow'd Favours upon others who had not merited so much as himself Her Caprice cross'd this Amour but his Patience and Assiduity gain'd his Mistresses 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 receiv'd with little Ceremony He was an English Lord of high Birth Son to the Earl of Northumberland but being a younger Broâ—â—er of that Illustrious House which were Persecuted for their Loyalty to their King during the Troubles of England rais'd by Cromwel and the Parliament he was oblig'd 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 Maintain'd by the Bounty of the Grand Duke Count Warwick was of a slender Stature and had an Air of Grandeur which shewed who he was His Complexion was very delicate but his Health seem'd to be ruin'd 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 Marquiss de Mala-Spina being allarmed 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 inspir'd 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 Marquiss 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 Queens Service and caus'd him to desist so that the Marquiss was quickly at Repose on that side Jovannina having lost Count Warwick treated the Marquiss much better for fear he should escape again and these two Lovers manag'd their Interests so well that the Maid by the Ascendant she had over the Queen brought her to consent that the Marquiss 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 turn'd 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 perswade her to hear of a Passion which he begun to have for her To this purpose he employ'd a Woman who was one of the Queens 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 Appartment of the Maids and some part of their Confidence it was easie for her to perswade 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 embrac'd the Motion upon Condition that her Mother approv'd it The good Mother who liv'd 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 deliver'd up her Daughter to this Villainous Baboon whom Vanity and the Difficulty of it stir'd up to so hard an Enterprise To come to him she counterfeited her self 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 return'd to Rome and the Abbot who found her a delicate Morsel invented a way to introduce himself into the Queens Palace by means of his Mistresses Confidents His Liberalities gave him Entrance every where and surmounted all Obstacles but he could not do his Business so â—â—â—retly but that it was found out by the Marquiss Del Monte for he surpriz'd the Lovers in the very flagrant Delight and threatned to destroy them if he did not come in for a share And as he was Almighty with the Queen so he had a Talent to make himself fear'd Thus he obtain'd his Wishes and the Abbot always paid the Expence of the Feast But after all these Pleasures poor Jovannina found her self with Child which affrighted her and made her perfectly desolate à nd her Mother became the most sorrowful of all Women but the Queens Goodness supply'd all Defects and she had Remedies given her to take it away but they had so ill success that she died and was interr'd in the Habit of a Carmelite Crown'd 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 Domesticks that she would have left them all Rich at her Death if they would have permitted her to do it 'T is Time that wipes away Tears and Her Majesty comforted her self for the loss of Jovannima by 〈◊〉 Acquisition of another call'd Georgina who surpass'd 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 joy'd that a Sovereign Prince came to visit her for
by their Liberality Catherine manag'd 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 discover'd them and they were much amaz'd to meet one another in the same Chace for they were both Comrades and Allies Things being so they were forc'd to accommodate themselves to the Season and each endeavour'd to prefer himself to his Mistresses 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 hindred For one who was call'd 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 sigh'd only for her dear Theodon The frequent Importunities of these two great Lords forc'd Angelica to have recourse to her Father for so they call'd 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 dispos'd her self to enter into a Nunnery comforting her self 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 forc'd to accommodate her self to her Humour she must then take up again the Trade of Singing as before A Cardinal of the first Rank in the Sacred Colledge 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 Charm'd 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 suffer'd as well as the Guilty for her Mother was more to blame than she seeing she receiv'd 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 Marquiss 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 bestow'd upon her Mother engag'd her to promise a consent to his Will but Angelica who saw no Security for her self 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 her self 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 her self to be confin'd in a Monastery ordain'd 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 joy'd that his Mistress had escap'd so many and powerful Rivals and it gave him courage to continue his Pursuit To this end he address'd himself to one of the Queen's Valet de Chambres who was his Friend to get a sight of her and easily obtain'd his Request But as Lovers are never contented Theodon importun'd him so much that he promis'd him that he should come to the Speech of her One day the Queen kept an Academy of Musick 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 slipt down an Alley with her Sister and entred into a little Banquetting-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 Marquiss de Lavardin being posted upon a little Hill in the same Garden sounded the same Tune The Eccho's repeated the last Words All the World Sung it and the Qeeen her self sung Flon Flon The Joy was universal and the Wine made our Lovers become Poets For after they had drank plentifully they propos'd to make every one a Couplet to this new Air and Angelica taking her Guitarre began and did it very well for an Extempory Effort and was follow'd by Theodon's Friend A thousand sits of Laughter accompanied the Musick 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 â—â—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 her self and promis'd 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 deliver'd her up to be Dishonour'd by an infamous wretch in the Queen's Palace It was to the Abbot Vannini whom I have mention'd before the same that abus'd Signora Giovannini and was the cause of her Death This Prelate who was ambitious to make himself Talk'd of had gain'd 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
then Indispos'd and in Bed but shew'd a great deal of Joy that I had begun so well and giving me his Hand which I respectfully Kissing he promis'd me he would not be Ungrateful if the Affair succeeded I was perfectly overjoy'd and fill'd with the finest Hopes in the World but they quickly vanish'd for the Sickness of this poor Lord did so encrease 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 't was out of Policy because he would not be oblig'd to go up Cardinal Azzolini being advertiz'd that Monsieur Cardinal D'Estrees scop'd his Coach at the Gate to Enquire how he did either Rejoyc'd 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 my self 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 answer'd 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 perswade 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 believ'd it And because Dissimulation cannot be carried so far in such a Conjuncture I am verily perswaded that it was Sincere and that Policy had no hand in it my self being very much Edified by such a Proceeding I am c. Who would ever have believ'd 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 happen'd 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 dispos'd of the Succession after another manner because she did not love this Nephew at all The Cardinal put him into the number of her Majesties Gentlemen but it was to be a Spy upon her Conduct And one day she gave him very ill Language because he discover'd to his Uncle that the Queen went out in the Night with the Marquiss 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 Moveables 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 Setts in all sorts of Metals The Pictures are engag'd 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 Domesticks who have Served her so long remain in Misery FINIS