Indeed all that go to the Audience of the Holy Father fare no better than I did, unless they are Princes, and even the Catholics must all kiss the Pope’s Toe. The Prince Regent of _Waldeck_, who was here not long ago, went to an Audience of his Holiness, and was receiv’d in the same manner as the Princes of _Brunswic_ had been formerly: He waited some Moments in the Antichamber, and without being oblig’d to leave his Sword and Hat, as those of his Retinue were, he was introduc’d by the _Major Domo_ to the Pope, who receiv’d him seated on his Throne. The Prince did not kneel as he enter’d, nor did the Pope, who ask’d him several Questions, and was inform’d that he was a _Lutheran_, give him his Blessing: Before he withdrew, the Prince desir’d the Pope, that he would give him leave to introduce his Retinue to him; when one of his Gentlemen, scrupulous to the last Degree, neither kneel’d, nor kiss’d the Pope’s Foot. At _Geneva_ indeed he deserv’d to have his Statue erected, tho’ here his Politeness was call’d in question; but as for the Prince of _Waldeck_, all ROME was charm’d with his obliging and polite Behaviour: He spent four or five Months here, and liv’d handsomely. He apply’d himself to the Knowledge of Antiques, and made a Collection of Stones finely cut, which, tho’ not so large as some are, is not the worse chosen; for he has discover’d a very great Taste and Skill in Curiosities; and happy would it be for _Germany_ if all its Princes were like him.
The Prince of _Waldeck_ leads me to give you an Account of those unfortunate Princes who are here call’d the King and Queen of _England_. Perhaps you will not dislike to know what they are doing, and on what Foot they stand here. That unfortunate Prince, which is a Title I think no body can envy him, lives a very melancholy Life; and I question whether the Pension which the Pope allows him of 12000 Crowns, is enough to make him easy under his Afflictions: He lodges in the Palace of the Marquis _Monti_, and has a great Number of Domestics, but few in his Service that are Persons of Quality. My Lord _Dunbar_ is the chief Man at his Court, since Mr. _Hayes_, to whom the Pretender gave the Title of my Lord _Inverness_, retir’d to _Avignon_: This Gentleman is intrusted with the Education of the young Princes, who are here styl’d the Prince of _Wales_, and the Duke of _York_, and as lovely Children they both are as one shall see.