100/118 Their example was followed by the Pope and petty princes. of Ferrara, for instance, levied a tenth on all produce which passed his city gates, and on the capital engaged in every contract. He monopolized the sale of salt, flour, bread; and imposed a heavy tax on oil. Sixtus V.by exactions of a like description and by the sale of numberless offices, accumulated a vast sum of money, much of which bore heavy interest. |