An other good thing which this _Pope_ seem’d to do to the City of _Rome_, was, that there being a great dearth in the State, he caused great plenty of corn to be brought from _Sicily_, and by this means render’d the City very plentifully stored. But ’twas not any affection for the people that induc’d him to it, but he did it out of consideration of great profit to himself; for he sold corn at _Rome_ for double the price it cost in _Sicily_, trading with the Churches money, and putting the gain into the purse of his Bastards. Whence it may be concluded, that he never had any intention to do good to the publick.
_Innocent_ the eighth, of the house of _Cibo_, was as benign and inclin’d to do good, as _Alexander_ was cruel and addicted to do evil. The truth is, _Innocent_, who gave neither Offices nor Riches to his Relations, but with moderation (as I have said in due place) was a _Pope_ worthy of that time, when Christendom seem’d to be threatned with most heavy calamities.
This man studied from morning to night how to procure benefit to the Church, ease to the People, and comfort to the Catholicks; so that no sooner was any thing mention’d to him, but he presently answer’d, _So be that it bring good to the Publick_. From whence it may easily be gather’d, that all his motions tended to do good, and were far from the design of doing evil.
He rewarded all those Cardinals who had nominated and promoted him to the Papal Chair. To the Monastick Orders he granted particular favours and priviledges, especially to that of St. _Dominique_ and St. _Francis_. He lightned the Church, and likewise the Palace and Court of all superfluous expenses. He us’d great charity towards the Poor. He lov’d his Country, and caus’d most ample satisfaction to be given to the _Genoeses_ who had been ill treated during the vacancy of the See. He honour’d, and requir’d others to honour all extraneous Nations of the World; insomuch that the Turk himself sent an Embassadour to him with some Presents, meerly because he had understood this generous demeanour of the _Pope_; amongst which Presents was the Title of the Holy Cross, and the Spear which pierc’d the side of our Saviour. Thus the _Romans_ report and believe; and accordingly I write it.