It may be observed, that the _quick_ Introduction and _Arrangement_
of any former Conquest of _Italy_ by the _French_, with the Expedition
then threaten'd, would have exhibited WIT; whatever the Issue had been
of such former Conquest; But in this Instance, there sits couched
under the WIT, a very _severe Rebuke_ upon the _French_ Monarch.
2.
_Alexander_ the VIth was very busily questioning the Ambassador of
_Venice_, Of whom his Masters held their Customs and Prerogatives of
the Sea? To which the Ambassador readily answer'd; _If your_ HOLINESS
_will only please to examine your Charter of St._ PETER's _Patrimony,
you will find upon the Back of it, the Grant made to the_ VENETIANS
_of the_ ADRIATIC.
The Authority of the _Grant_ to the _Venetians_ is in this Instance
the _original_ Subject, which is thus suddenly _elucidated_ to the
_Pope_, by _arranging_, and connecting it with the holy _Charter_ of
St. _Peter_'s Patrimony; There is a peculiar Happiness in the Address
of this Answer to the _Pope_, as he was obliged to receive it as a
satisfactory Account of the Truth of the _Grant_, and a clear
_Elucidation_ of its sacred Authority.
In this Instance, besides the WIT which shines forth, the _Pope_ is
severely expos'd to your _Raillery_, from the Scrape into which he has
brought the _Charter_ of St.
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