_Leo_ the tenth did his utmost to render his House potent, not in _Rome_ only, but also in _Florence_; where it was one of the chiefest of that Commonwealth. But what this _Leo_ could not, _Clement_ the seventh (of the same Family) effected, having with the Emperours assistance enthralled his own Countrey to make his Nephews Princes.
This House hath maintain’d it self for above 300 years together in greatness, and I believe will so continue, because it stands not on the same foundation with other Families of _Popes_. First, because (as I said before) it has rather given _Popes_ to the Church, than receiv’d Being from the _Popes_, without need of whom it kept it self long in grandeur. And though at first view the great height of this House may seem to be of right attributed to the force, which _Clement_ the seventh us’d to enslave his Countrey, and render his Kindred Princes: Yet this is not pertinent to the question; for _Clement_ took not from the Church to give to them, but only destroy’d a Republick, which was an obstacle to the eyes of all _Popes_, and where his Family was already in chief command. Besides, the _Medici_ were therein as much oblig’d to the House of _Austria_, by whose Force and Power they undoubtedly receiv’d the Principality which they possess with so much glory. And accordingly _Ferdinand_ the second and his Ancestors have alwayes shewed themselves most grateful for the benefit.
The Family of _Farnese_, which is that of _Paul_ the third, Successor to _Clement_, came out of _Germany_ into _Italy_, in company of the Emperours, who often made this Voyage attended by a great number of _Dutch_ Gentlemen; here the chief of this Family gave in divers cases great proofs of their valour, and were therefore preferr’d by the chief and most Potent Princes of _Italy_ to greater Dignities and Offices than those which they had possess’d at home, as well Civil as Military, whereof they acquitted themselves well.
The _Popes_ especially were ambitious to have them at their service, and by their means obtain’d sundry Victories; without which ’tis likely the Church would have been in great distress. In the Papacy of _Paschal_ the second, in the year 1100. _Pietro Farnese_, Captain of the Cavalry of the Church, did wonders in its service, having obtain’d a most glorious Victory against the _Pope’s_ Enemies on the Coasts of _Tuscany_, restoring to _Costano_ the name of _Orbitello_, a very ancient Colony, and replenishing the same with much people.