It would no doubt have increased the hilarity of Caraffa, as he made his triumphant entry into Paris, could the idea have been suggested to his mind that the sentiments, or the welfare of the people throughout the great states now involved in his meshes, could have any possible bearing upon the question of peace or wax.

The world was governed by other influences.

The wiles of a cardinal--the arts of a concubine--the snipe-shooting of an ambassador--the speculations of a soldier of fortune--the ill temper of a monk--the mutual venom of Italian houses--above all, the perpetual rivalry of the two great historical families who owned the greater part of Europe between them as their private property--such were the wheels on which rolled the destiny of Christendom.

Compared to these, what were great moral and political ideas, the plans of statesmen, the hopes of nations?
Time was soon to show.

Meanwhile, government continued to be administered exclusively for the benefit of the governors.