The Author to the READER·

I Should have much to say to thee, and not a few Ceremonies to Complement thee withall, if two Considerations did not make me resolve to hold my peace, and ab∣stain from that courtship, which would be∣come a Preface. The first is, because I will not (as the Proverb sayes) reckon without mine Hoste, and fill thy ears with excuses, before I know whether thy intention be to hear them or no. Secondly, because I think it will not be amiss to forbear Ceremonies in the presence of so many, whose business it hath been to be most accomplish'd in perform∣ing of them. What danger would there be for once, to let a Reader judge of a Book, without all those troublesome informations from the Author: For in a word, either the Reader hath parts and learning, and then his own judgment needs no instruction from the Authors; or he hath none, and is illi∣terate, and then the Author loses his time in Page  [unnumbered] excusing himself to one, whose abilities can∣not reach his subject: But this our age be∣ing so far different from ancient times, wherein little notice was taken of the Au∣thor, though much of the thing written, it will be as just for him to inform his Rea∣der, as for a Suppliant to inform his Judge, though never so learned, and to be recom∣mended to him, though his case be never so just. A Friend of mine, calls the Advice to the Reader, the Sauce of the Book, because it is that part, which gives us a sto∣mach to read the rest. I must confess, it is for his satisfaction that I give you mine; I know not how excellent it may prove to thy Palate: but my intention, is not, at least, to put too much Salt in it; and indeed, with what can I season it, or what Ingredients have I left to compound it withall? If I praise my own work, I shall incur the censure of an interessed Judge; if I dispraise it, I shall do my self an injury. To tell thee that this Book comes from Rome is in vain, be∣cause the very Title of it discovers the place of its birth; and to entreat thee to read it, would be just the way to stifte thy curiosity; for now adayes, every body desires the read∣ing of those Books which are prohibited; and I am certain, that it were a good way, to in•ite the publick curiosity of the world Page  [unnumbered] for any Books, to intreat them that they would be pleased to let them alone, for that, without doubt, would encrease their desire of seeing it. I think I had best do as those Hunters, who for fear of raising the Par∣tridge too soon, talk to one another so soft∣ly, and so low, that they scarce hear them∣selves speak. Therefore, Reader, take no∣tice, this is that famous Nipotismo di Ro∣ma, so much desired and wished for by all the ingenious of Europe, before it was brought forth by the Author. I give thee warning to read it in private, and keep it to thy self; for if the news of thy reading it come to the Inquisitors ears, without doubt thou runnest the hazard of an Excommuni∣cation; for they have sworn, to indure no Books in Italy, but those that shall slatter the Court of Rome. It is indeed a good policy for them, and for those Church men, who having pretensions to the highest Eccle∣siastical Honours, stand all day before the Nipotismo with their Caps in their hands. I know, that in Rome this History will pro∣duce the same effect that our Nails do upon a Sore, that is, the more they scratch it, the worse they make it: Yet the itching pleases every body, and the more we scratch, the more we have a mind to scratch still. Nei∣ther do I doubt, but that there will be some Page  [unnumbered] flatterers and false friends of the Nephews of the Popes, who will express their dislike of this Treatise; but it will be only in ap∣pearance, and not from their hearts, which may be forgiven them, for seldome in Rome do the Tongue and the Heart correspond.

In the dayes of Innocent the eighth, some body made a Book, intituled, The Abuses of the Churchmen, very satyrical, fbr in it were all the Ecclesiasticks Vices, but none of their Vertues, which indeed was somewhat severe: This Book was put into the Popes hands (who by judging things without passion, shewed himself to deserve his elevation to so great a dignity) for ha∣ving read it in the presence of some Pre∣lates of the holy Office, he turned to them, and said, This Book speaks truth; and if we have a mind that the Author should be found a lyar, we had best reform our selves first. I wish to God, that in this our Age, there were many such Innocents, and that all men were of so sound a judgment, as to profit by good things, and laugh only at ill ones, or rather avoid them: For my part, I think, that if ever there hath been a Book in this world free from a flattering design and interest, that this is one of those; for the Church of God will profit by it, the Ro∣mans will draw no small pleasure nor less Page  [unnumbered] advantage from the reading of it; and, I hope, that it will be a kind of Looking-glass to the Nephews that are to come, whereby they may guide their actions, and steer their intentions to a better course then their Pre∣decessors. There passed, not long ago, by this Town, a certain Prelate of Tuscany, to whom I gave a sight of this Manuscript before it was printed; he took such delight in peru∣sing of it, that he entreated me to hasten the publication of it, with these words, For Gods sake, Sir, inrich Rome with so great a Treasure as this is; bestow so good an ex∣ample upon Princes Politicks, and illu∣strate all Christendome with the demon∣stration of so much zeal: This was the o∣pinion of a sincere Prelate. But besides, it is most certain, that the Nephews, as well those that now bear sway, as those that are out of date, and those that are to come, if they will judge without pre-occupation, will find, that this History is of no small concern to the promoting of their interest, consider∣ing, that the good which is said of them doth much surpass the ill, and, that it de∣monstrates how necessary a thing the Nipo∣tismo is to the City of Rome. I do not pretend to any thanks or retribution for the good that shall happen to them; neither would I be content, that the harm, if there Page  [unnumbered] be any, should reflect upon me. As for the Book, Reader, it is in thy hands, and must stand or fall by thy verdict: I therefore on∣ly desire thee to pronounce sincerely, whether it be not as necessary for all Europe as for the City of Rome. I promise thee another Work, much more worthy thy curiosity, and sit for any body that hath a publick Employ∣ment, which is Il Cardinalismo, a Work, which speaking in general only of that Dig∣nity, doth yet nevertheless now and then de∣scend to particulars. In a word, I call the Cardinalismo, and the Nipotismo, Brothers; but the Cardinalismo is the eldest, because first conceived by me; in a moneth it will be Printed; if thou wilt have it, thou may∣est, and I can assure you, it will please you infinitely.