Chapter II: Preface (1)

_Amongst the Historians of the present Age, none has more justly deserv'd, neither has any acquir'd a greater Reputation than the Abbot ~de Vertot~; not only by this Piece, but also by the ~Revolutions of~ Sweden ~and of~ Rome, which he has since publish'd._

_This small History he has extracted from the[A] Writings of several ~French~, ~Spanish~, ~Portuguese~, and ~Italian~ Authors, as well as from the Testimony of many Persons, who were in ~Lisbon~ at the time of the Revolution. And I believe that it will be no difficult matter to persuade the Reader, that this little Volume is written with much more Politeness and Fidelity than any which has been publish'd on this Subject._

_And indeed there could be no Man fitter to undertake the Work than Monsieur ~de Vertot~; not only as he was Master of an excellent Style, and had all the Opportunities imaginable of informing himself of the Truth, but also as he could have no Interest in speaking partially of either the one or the other Party; and therefore might say much more justly than ~Salust, de Conjuratione, Quam verissime potero, paucis absolvam; eoque magis, quod mihi a Spe, Metu, Partibus Reipublicæ Animus liber est~._

_Would I undertake to prove the Impartiality of my Author, I could easily do it from several little Circumstances of his History. Does he not tell us, that the Inquisition is oftner a Terror to honest Men than to Rogues? Does he not paint the Archbishop of ~Braga~ in all the Colours of a Traitor? And I am fully persuaded, that if a Churchman will own and discover the Frailties, or rather the Enormities of those of his own Cloth, he will tell them in any thing else, and is worthy of being believed._

_There are several Passages in the following Sheets, which really deserve our Attention; we shall see a Nation involv'd in Woe and Ruin, and all their Miseries proceeding from the Bigotry and Superstition of their Monarch, whose Zeal hurries him to inevitable Destruction, and whose Piety makes him sacrifice the Lives of ~13000~ Christians, without so much as having the Satisfaction of converting one obstinate Infidel._

_Such was the Fate of the rash Don ~Sebastian~, who seem'd born to be the Blessing of his People, and Terror of his Foes; who would have made a just, a wise, a truly pious Monarch, had not his Education been entrusted to a Jesuit. Nor is he the only unfortunate Prince, who, govern'd by intriguing and insinuating Churchmen, have prov'd the Ruin of their Kingdom, and in the end lost both their Crown and Life._

_We shall see a People, who, no longer able to bear a heavy Yoke, resolve to shake it off, and venture their Lives and their Fortunes for their Liberty: A Conspiracy prevail, (if an Intent to revolt from an Usurping Tyrant may be call'd a Conspiracy) in which so many Persons, whose Age, Quality and Interest were very different, are engag'd; and by the Courage and Publick Spirit of a few, a happy and glorious Revolution brought about._

_But scarce is the new King settled upon his Throne, and endeavouring to confirm his Authority abroad, when a horrid Conspiracy is forming against him at home; we shall see a Prelate at the head of the Traitors, who, tho a bigotted Churchman, makes no scruple of borrowing the Assistance of the most profess'd Enemies of the Church to deliver her out of Danger, and to assassinate his Lawful King: but the whole Plot is happily discover'd, and those who were engaged in it meet with the just Reward of Treason and Rebellion, the Block and Gallows. Nor is it the first time that our own Nation has seen an Archbishop doing King and Country all the harm he could._

_After the Death of her Husband, we see a Queen of an extraordinary Genius, and uncommon Courage, taking the Regency upon her; and tho at first oppress'd with a Load of Misfortunes, rises against them all, and in the end triumphs over her Enemies._

_Under the next Reign we see the Kingdom almost invaded by the antient Usurper, and sav'd only by the Skill of a Wife and Brave General, who had much ado to keep the Foes out, whilst the People were divided at home, and loudly complain'd of the Riots and Debaucheries of their Monarch, and the Tyrannick Conduct of his Minister. But we find how impossible a thing it is, that so violent a Government should last long; his Brother, a Prince whose Virtues were as famous, as the other's Vices were odious, to preserve the Crown in their Family, is forced to depose him, and take the Government upon himself: ~Ita Imperium semper ad optumum quemq; ab minus bono transfertur~._

THE

REVOLUTION

OF

_PORTUGAL_.

Portugal is part of that vast Tract of Land, known by the Name of _Iberia_ or _Spain_, most of whose Provinces are call'd Kingdoms. It is bounded on the West by the Ocean, on the East by _Castile_. Its Length is about a hundred and ten Leagues, and its Breadth in the very broadest part does not exceed fifty. The Soil is fruitful, the Air wholesome; and tho under such a Climate we might expect excessive Heats, yet here we always find them allay'd with cooling Breezes or refreshing Rains. Its Crown is Hereditary, the King's Power Despotick, nor is the grand Inquisition the most useless means of preserving this absolute Authority. The _Portuguese_ are by Nature proud and haughty, very zealous, but rather superstitious than religious; the most natural Events will amongst them pass for Miracles, and they are firmly persuaded that Heaven is always contriving something or other for their Good.

Who the first Inhabitants of this Country were, is not known, their own Historians indeed tell us that they are sprung from _Tubal_; for my part, I believe them descended from the _Romans_ and _Carthaginians_, who long contended for those Provinces, and who were both at sundry times in actual possession of them. About the beginning of the fifth Century, the _Swedes_, the _Vandals_, and all those other barbarous Nations, generally known by the Name of _Goths_, over-run the Empire; and, amongst other Places, made themselves Masters of the Provinces of _Spain_. _Portugal_ was then made a Kingdom, and was sometimes govern'd by its own Prince, at other times it was reckon'd part of the Dominions of the King of _Castile_.

[Sidenote: 712.]

About the beginning of the eighth Century, during the Reign of _Roderick_, the last King of the _Goths_, the _Moors_, or rather the _Arabians_, _Valid Almanzor_ being their Caliph, enter'd _Spain_. They were received and assisted by _Julian_, an _Italian_ Nobleman, who made the Conquest of those Places easy, which might otherwise have proved difficult, not out of any Affection to the _Arabians_, but from a Desire of revenging himself on _Roderick_, who had debauched his Daughter.

[Sidenote: 717.]

The _Arabians_ soon made themselves Masters of all the Country between the Streights of _Gibraltar_ and the _Pyrenees_, excepting the Mountains of _Asturia_; where the Christians, commanded by Prince _Pelagus_, fled, who founded the Kingdom _Oviedo_ or _Leon_.

_Portugal_, with the rest of _Spain_, became subject to the Infidels. In each respective Province, Governours were appointed, who after the Death of _Almanzor_ revolted from his Successor, made themselves independent of any other Power, and took the Title of Sovereign Princes.

They were driven out of _Portugal_ about the beginning of the twelfth Century, by _Henry_ Count of _Burgundy_, Son to _Robert_ King of _France_. This Prince, full of the same Zeal which excited so many others to engage in a holy War, went into _Spain_ on purpose to attack the Infidels; and such Courage, such Conduct did he show, that _Alphonso_ VI. King of _Castile_ and _Leon_, made him General of his Army: and afterwards, that he might for ever engage so brave a Soldier, he married him to one of his Daughters, named _Teresia_, and gave him all those Places from which he had driven the _Moors_. The Count, by new Conquests, extended his Dominions, and founded the Kingdom of _Portugal_, but never gave himself the Royal Title.

[Sidenote: 1139.]

_Alphonso_, his Son, did not only inherit his Father's Dominions, but his Virtues also; and not content with what the Count his Father had left him, he vigorously carried on the War, and encreas'd his Territories. Having obtained a signal Victory over the _Arabians_, his Soldiers unanimously proclaimed him King; which Title his Successors have ever since borne.

And now this Family had sway'd the Scepter of _Portugal_ for almost the space of five hundred Years, when Don _Sebastian_ came to the Crown; he was the posthumous Son of Don _John_, who died some time before his Father, Don _John_ III. Son of the renowned King _Emanuel_.

[Sidenote: 1557.]

Don _Sebastian_ was not above three Years of Age when the old King died; his Grandmother _Catherine_, of the House of _Austria_, Daughter to _Philip_ I. King of _Castile_, and Sister to the Emperor _Charles_ V. was made Regent of _Portugal_ during his Minority. Don _Alexis de Menezes_, a Nobleman noted for his singular Piety, was appointed Governour to the young King, and Don _Lewis de Camara_, a Jesuit, was named for his Tutor.

From such Teachers as these, what might not be expected? They filled his Mind with Sentiments of Honour, and his Soul with Devotion. But, (which may at first appear strange or impossible) these Notions were too often, and too strongly inculcated in him.

_Menezes_ was always telling the young Prince what Victories his Predecessors had obtain'd over the _Moors_ in the _Indies_, and in almost every part of _Africa_. On the other hand, the Jesuit was perpetually teaching him, that the Crown of Kings was the immediate Gift of _God_, and that therefore the chiefest Duty of a Prince was to propagate the Holy Gospel, and to have the Word of the _Lord_ preached to those Nations, who had never heard of the Name of _Christ_.

These different Ideas of Honour and Religion made a deep impression on the Heart of Don _Sebastian_, who was naturally pious. Scarce therefore had he taken the Government of _Portugal_ upon himself, but he thought of transporting an Army into _Africa_; and to that end he often conferr'd with his Officers, but oftener with his Missionaries and other Ecclesiasticks.

A Civil War breaking out about this time in _Morocco_, seem'd very much to favour his Design. The Occasion was this: _Muley Mahomet_ had caus'd himself to be proclaim'd King of _Morocco_ after the Death of _Abdalla_, his Father; _Muley Moluc_, _Abdalla_'s Brother, opposed him, objecting that he had ascended the Throne contrary to the Law of the Cherifs, by which it is ordained, That the Crown shall devolve to the King's Brethren, if he has any, and his Sons be excluded the Succession. This occasion'd a bloody War between the Uncle and the Nephew; but _Muley Moluc_, who was as brave a Soldier as he was a wise Commander, defeated _Mahomet_'s Army in three pitch'd Battles, and drove him out of _Africa_.

The exil'd Prince fled for Refuge to the Court of _Portugal_, and finding Access to Don _Sebastian_, told him, that notwithstanding his Misfortunes, there were still a considerable Number of his Subjects, who were loyal in their Hearts, and wanted only an Opportunity of declaring themselves in his favour. That besides this, he was very well assured that _Moluc_ was afflicted with a lingring Disease, which prey'd upon his Vitals; that _Hamet_, _Moluc_'s Brother, was not belov'd by the People; that therefore if Don _Sebastian_ would but send him with a small Army into _Africa_, so many of his Subjects would come over to him, that he did not in the least question but that he should soon re-establish himself in his Father's Dominions: which, if he did recover by these means, the Kingdom should become tributary to the Crown of _Portugal_; nay, that he would much rather have Don _Sebastian_ himself fill the Throne of _Morocco_, than see it in possession of the present Usurper.

Don _Sebastian_, who was ever entertaining himself with the Ideas of future Conquests, thought this Opportunity of planting the Christian Religion in _Morocco_ was not to be neglected; and therefore promis'd the _Moorish_ King not only his Assistance, but rashly engaged himself in the Expedition, giving out that he intended to command the Army in Person. The wisest of his Counsellors in vain endeavour'd to dissuade him from the dangerous Design. His Zeal, his Courage, an inconsiderate Rashness, the common Fault of Youth, as well as some Flatterers, the Bane of Royalty, and Destruction of Princes, all prompted him to continue fixed in his Resolution, and persuaded him that he needed only appear in _Africa_ to overcome, and that his Conquests would be both easy and glorious. To this end he embarked with an Army of Thirteen Thousand Men, with which he was to drive a powerful Prince out of his own Dominions.

_Moluc_ had timely notice given him of the _Portuguese_ Expedition, and of their landing in _Africa_; he had put himself at the head of Forty Thousand Horsemen, all disciplin'd Soldiers, and who were not so much to be dreaded for their Number and Courage, as they were for the Conduct of their General. His Infantry he did not at all value himself upon, not having above Ten Thousand Regular Men; there was indeed a vast Number of the Militia, and others of the People who came pouring down to his Assistance, but these he justly look'd upon as Men who were rather come to plunder than to fight, and who would at any time side with the Conqueror.

Several Skirmishes were fought, but _Moluc_'s Officers had private Orders still to fly before the Foe, hoping thereby to make the _Portuguese_ leave the Shore, where they had intrench'd themselves. This Stratagem had its desir'd Effect; for Don _Sebastian_ observing that the _Moors_ still fled before him, order'd his Army to leave their Intrenchments, and marched against the Foe as to a certain Victory. _Moluc_ made his Army retire, as if he did not dare to fight a decisive Battle; nay, sent Messengers to Don _Sebastian_, who pretended they were order'd to treat of Peace. The King of _Portugal_ immediately concluded, that his Adversary was doubtful of the Success of the War, and that 'twould be an easier matter to overcome _Moluc_'s Army, than to join them; he therefore indefatigably pursued them. But the _Moor_ had no sooner drawn him far enough from the Shore, and made it impossible for him to retire to his Fleet, but he halted, faced the _Portuguese_, and put his Army in Battalia; the Horse making a half Circle, with intent, as soon as they engaged, to surround the Enemy on every side. _Moluc_ made _Hamet_, his Brother and Successor, Commander in chief of the Cavalry; but as he doubted his Courage, he came up to him a little before the Engagement, told him that he must either conquer or die, and that should he prove Coward enough to turn his back upon the Foe, he would strangle him with his own hand.

The reason why _Moluc_ did not command the Army himself, was, that he was sensible of the Increase of his lingring Disease, and found that in all probability this Day would be his last, and therefore resolved to make it the most glorious of his Life. He put his Army, as I said before, in Battalia himself, and gave all the necessary Orders with as much Presence of Mind, as if he had enjoy'd the greatest Health. He went farther than this; for foreseeing what a sudden Damp the News of his Death might cast upon the Courage of his Soldiers, he order'd the Officers that were about him, that if during the Heat of the Battle he should die, they should carefully conceal it, and that even after his Death, his _Aides de Camp_ should come up to his Litter, as if to receive fresh Orders. After this he was carried from Rank to Rank, where he exhorted his Soldiers to fight bravely for the Defence of their Religion and their Country.

But now the Combat began, and the great Artillery being discharg'd, the Armies join'd. The _Portuguese_ Infantry soon routed the _Moorish_ Foot-Soldiers, who, as was before mention'd, were raw and undisciplin'd; the Duke _d'Aviedo_ engaged with a Parry of Horse so happily, that they gave ground, and retir'd to the very Center of the Army, where the King was. Enraged at so unexpected a Sight, notwithstanding what his Officers could say or do, he threw himself out of his Litter; Sword in hand he clear'd himself a Passage, rallied his flying Soldiers, and led them back himself to the Engagement. But this Action quite exhausting his remaining Strength and Spirits, he fainted; his Officers put him into his Litter, where he just recover'd Strength enough to put his Finger upon his Mouth once more, to enjoin Secrecy, then died before they could convey him back to his Tent. His Commands were obey'd, and the News of his Death conceal'd.

[Sidenote: _Aug. 4. 1578._]

Hitherto the Christians seem'd to have the Advantage, but the _Moorish_ Horse advancing at last, hemm'd in _Sebastian_'s whole Army, and attack'd them on every side. The Cavalry was drove back upon their Infantry, whom they trampled under foot, and spread every where amongst their own Soldiers, Disorder, Fear, and Confusion. The Infidels seiz'd upon this Advantage, and Sword in hand fell upon the conquer'd Troops; a dreadful Slaughter ensu'd, some on their knees begg'd for quarter, others thought to save themselves by flight, but being surrounded by their Foes, met their Fate in another place. The rash Don _Sebastian_ himself was slain, but whether he fell amidst the Horror and Confusion of the Battle, not being known by the _Moors_, or whether he was resolv'd not to survive the Loss of so many of his Subjects, whom he had led on to a Field of Slaughter, is doubtful. _Muley Mahomet_ got off, but passing the River _Mucazen_, was drown'd. Thus perish'd, in one fatal Day, three Heroick Princes.

The Cardinal, Don Henry, great Uncle to Don _Sebastian_, succeeded him; he was Brother to _John_ III. the late King's Grandfather, and Son to _Emanuel_. During his Reign, his pretended Heirs made all the Interest they could in the Court of _Portugal_, being well assur'd that the present King, who was weak and sickly, and sixty-seven Years old, could not be long-liv'd; nor could he marry, and leave Children behind him, for he was a Cardinal, and in Priest's Orders. The Succession was claim'd by _Philip_ II. King of _Spain_; _Catherine_ of _Portugal_, espous'd to Don _James_, Duke of _Braganza_; by the Duke of _Savoy_; the Duke of _Parma_; and by _Antonio_, Grand Prior of _Crete_: They all publish'd their respective Manifesto's, in which every one declar'd their Pretensions to the Crown.

_Philip_ was Son to the Infanta _Isabella_, eldest Daughter of King _Emanuel_. The Dutchess of _Braganza_ was Granddaughter to the same King _Emanuel_, by _Edward_ his second Son. The Duke of _Savoy_'s Mother was the Princess _Beatrix_, a younger Sister of the Empress _Isabella_. The Duke of _Parma_ was Son to _Mary_ of _Portugal_, the second Daughter of Prince _Edward_, and Sister to the Dutchess of _Braganza_. Don _Lewis_, Duke of _Beja_, was second Son to King _Emanuel_ by _Violenta_, the finest Lady of that Age, whom he had debauch'd, but whom the Grand Prior pretended to have been privately married to that Prince. _Catherine de Medicis_, amongst the rest, made her Claim, as being descended from _Alphonso_ III. King of _Portugal_, and _Maud_ Countess of _Bolonia_. The _Pope_ too put in his Claim; he would have it, that after the Reign of the _Cardinal_, _Portugal_ must be look'd upon as a fat Living in his Gift, and to which, like many a modern Patron, he would willingly have presented himself.

But notwithstanding all their Pretensions, it plainly appear'd that the Succession belong'd either to _Philip_ King of _Spain_, or to the Dutchess of _Braganza_, a Lady of an extraordinary Merit, and belov'd by the whole Nation. The Duke, her Spouse, was descended, tho not in a direct Line, from the Royal Blood, and she herself was sprung from Prince _Edward_; whereas the King of _Spain_ was Son to _Edward_'s Sister: besides, by the Fundamental Laws of the Kingdom, all Strangers were excluded the Succession. This _Philip_ own'd, since thereby the Pretensions of _Savoy_ and _Parma_ vanish'd; but he would by no means acknowledge himself a Stranger in _Portugal_, which he said had often been part of the Dominions of the King of _Castile_. Each had their several Parties at Court, and the _Cardinal_ King was daily press'd to decide the Difference, but always evaded it; he could not bear to hear of his Successors, and would willingly have liv'd to have bury'd all his pretended Heirs: however, his Reign lasted but 17 Months, and by his Death _Portugal_ became the unhappy Theatre of Civil Wars.

[Sidenote: 1580.]

By his last Will he had order'd, that a Juncto, or Assembly of the States, should be call'd, to settle the Succession; but King _Philip_ not caring to wait for their Decision, sent a powerful Army into _Portugal_, commanded by the Duke of _Alba_, which ended the Dispute, and put _Philip_ in possession of that Kingdom.

[Sidenote: 1581.]

We cannot find that the Duke of _Braganza_ us'd any Endeavours to assert his Right by force of Arms. The Grand Prior indeed did all he could to oppose the _Castilians_; the Mob had proclaim'd him King, and he took the Title upon him, as if it had been given by the States of _Portugal_: and his Friends rais'd some Forces for him, but they were soon cut in pieces by the Duke of _Alba_, than whom _Spain_ could not have chosen a better General. As much as the _Portuguese_ hate the _Castilians_, yet could they not keep them out, being disunited among themselves, and having no General, nor any Regular Troops on foot. Most of the Towns, for fear of being plunder'd, capitulated, and made each their several Treaty; so that in a short time _Philip_ was acknowledg'd their lawful Sovereign by the whole Nation, as being next Heir Male to his great Uncle, the late King: of such wondrous use is open Force to support a bad Cause!

After him reign'd his Son and Grandson, _Philip_ III. and IV. who us'd the _Portuguese_ not like Subjects, but like a conquer'd People; and the Kingdom of _Portugal_ saw itself dwindle into a Province of _Spain_, and so weaken'd, that there was no hope left of recovering their Liberty: Their Noblemen durst not appear in an Equipage suitable to their Birth, for fear of making the _Spanish_ Ministers jealous of their Greatness or Riches; the Gentry were confin'd to their Country-Seats, and the People oppress'd with Taxes.

The Duke of _Olivarez_, who was then first Minister to _Philip_ IV. King of _Spain_, was firmly persuaded, that all means were to be us'd to exhaust this new Conquest; he was sensible of the natural Antipathy of the _Portuguese_ and _Castilians_, and thought that the former could never calmly behold their chief Posts fill'd with Strangers, or at best with _Portuguese_ of a _Plebeian_ Extraction, who had nothing else to recommend 'em but their Zeal for the Service of _Spain_. He thought therefore, that the surest way of establishing King _Philip_'s Power, was to remove the Nobility of _Portugal_ from all Places of Trust, and so to impoverish the People, that they should never be capable of attempting to shake off the _Spanish_ Yoke. Besides this, he employ'd the _Portuguese_ Youth in foreign Wars, resolving to drain the Kingdom of all those who were capable of bearing Arms.

As politick as this Conduct of _Olivarez_ might appear, yet did he miss his aim; for carrying his Cruelty to too high a pitch, at a time when the Court of _Spain_ was in distress, and seeming rather to plunder an Enemy's Country, than levying Taxes from the _Portuguese_, who daily saw their Miseries encrease, and be the consequence of their Attempt what it would, they could never fare worse; unanimously resolv'd to free themselves from the intolerable Tyranny of Spain.

[Sidenote: 1640.]

_Margaret of Savoy_, Dutchess of _Mantua_, was then in _Portugal_, where she had the Title of Vice-Queen, but was very far from having the Power. _Miguel Vasconcellos_, a _Portuguese_ by Birth, but attach'd to the _Spanish_ Interest, had the Name of Secretary of State, but was indeed an absolute and independent Minister, and dispatch'd, without the knowledge of the Vice-Queen, all the secret Business; his Orders he receiv'd directly from _d'Olivarez_, whose Creature he was, and who found him absolutely necessary for extorting vast Sums of Money from the _Portuguese_. He was so deeply learn'd in the Art of Intriguing, that he could perpetually make the Nobility jealous of one another, then would he foment their Divisions, and encrease their Animosities, whereby the _Spanish_ Government became every day more absolute; for the Duke was assur'd, that whilst the Grandees were engag'd in private Quarrels, they would never think of the Common Cause.

The Duke of _Braganza_ was the only Man in all _Portugal_, of whom the _Spaniards_ were now jealous. His Humour was agreeable, and the chief thing he consulted was his Ease. He was a Man rather of sound Sense, than quick Wit. He could easily make himself Master of any Business to which he apply'd his Mind, but then he never car'd much for the Trouble on't. Don _Theodosius_, Duke of _Braganza_, his Father, was of a fiery and passionate Temper, and had taken care to infuse in his Son's Mind an Hereditary Aversion to the _Spaniards_, who had usurp'd a Crown, that of Right belonged to him; to swell his Mind with the Ambition of repossessing himself of a Throne, which his Ancestors had been unjustly depriv'd of; and to fill his Soul with all the Courage that would be necessary for the carrying on of so great a Design.

Nor was this Prince's Care wholly lost; Don _John_ had imbib'd as much of the Sentiments of his Father as were consistent with so mild and easy a Temper. He abhorr'd the _Spaniards_, yet was not at all uneasy at his Incapacity of revenging himself. He entertain'd Hopes of ascending the Throne of _Portugal_, yet did he not shew the least Impatience, as Duke _Theodosius_, his Father, had done, but contented himself with a distant Prospect of a Crown; nor would for an Uncertainty venture the Quiet of his Life, and a Fortune which was already greater than what was well consistent with the Condition of a Subject. Had he been precisely what Duke _Theodosius_ wish'd him, he had never been fit for the great Design; for _d'Olivarez_ had him observ'd so strictly, that had his easy and pleasant manner of Living proceeded from any other Cause but a natural Inclination, it had certainly been discover'd, and the Discovery had prov'd fatal both to his Life and Fortune: at least the Court of _Spain_ would never have suffer'd him to live in so splendid a manner in the very Heart of his Country.

Had he been the most refin'd Politician, he could never have liv'd in a manner less capable of giving Suspicion. His Birth, his Riches, his Title to the Crown, were not criminal in themselves, but became so by the Law of Policy. This he was very sensible of, and therefore chose this way of Living, prompted to it as well by Nature as by Reason. It would have been a Crime to be formidable, he must therefore take care not to appear so: At _Villa-Viciosa_, the Seat of the Dukes of _Braganza_, nothing was thought of but Hunting-Matches, and other Rural Diversions; the Brightness of his Parts could not in the least make the _Spaniards_ apprehend any bold Undertaking, but the Solidity of his Understanding made the _Portuguese_ promise themselves the Enjoyment of a mild and easy King, provided they would undertake to raise him to the Throne. But an Accident soon after happen'd, which very much alarm'd _Olivarez_.

Some new Taxes being laid upon the People of _Evora_, which they were not able to pay, reduc'd 'em to Despair; upon which they rose in a tumultuous manner, loudly exclaiming against the _Spanish_ Tyranny, and declaring themselves in favour of the House of _Braganza_. Then, but too late, the Court of _Spain_ began to be sensible of their Error, in leaving so rich and powerful a Prince in the Heart of a Kingdom so lately subdued, and to whose Crown he had such Legal Pretensions.

This made the Council of _Spain_ immediately determine, that it was necessary to secure the Duke of _Braganza_, or at best not to let him make any longer stay in _Portugal_. To this end they nam'd him Governour of _Milan_, which Government he refus'd, alledging the Weakness of his Constitution for an Excuse: besides, he said he was wholly unacquainted with the Affairs of _Italy_, and by consequence not capable of acquitting himself in so weighty a Post.

* * * * *

[Sidenote: 1640.]

The Duke _d'Olivarez_, seem'd to approve of the Excuse, and therefore began to think of some new Expedient to draw him to Court. The King's marching at the head of his Army to the Frontiers of _Arragon_, to suppress the rebelling _Catalonians_, was a very good Pretence; he wrote to the Duke of _Braganza_, "to come at the head of the _Portuguese_ Nobility to serve the King in an Expedition, which could not but be glorious, since his Majesty commanded it in Person." The Duke, who had no great relish for any Favour confer'd by the Court of _Spain_, excus'd himself, upon pretence that "his Birth would oblige him to be at a much greater Expence than what he was at present able to support."

This second Refusal alarm'd _d'Olivarez_. Notwithstanding Don _John_'s easy Temper, he began to be afraid that the _Evorians_ had made an impression upon his Thoughts, by reminding him of his Right to the Throne. It was dangerous to leave him any longer in his Country, and equally dangerous to hurry him out of it by force; so great a Love had the _Portuguese_ ever bore to the House of _Braganza_, so great a Respect did they bear to this Duke in particular. He must therefore treacherously be drawn into _Spain_, nor could any properer means be thought of, for compassing this end, than by shewing him all the seeming Tokens of an unfeigned Friendship.

_France_ and _Spain_ were at that time engag'd in War, and the _French_ Fleet had been seen off the Coasts of _Portugal_. This gave the _Spanish_ Minister a fair opportunity of accomplishing his Ends; for it was necessary to have an Army on foot, under the Command of some brave General, to hinder the _French_ from making a Descent, or landing any where in _Portugal_. The Commission was sent to the Duke of _Braganza_, with an absolute Authority over all the Towns and Garisons, as well as a Power over the Maritime Forces; in short, so unlimited was the Command given him, that the Minister seem'd blindly to have deliver'd all _Portugal_ into his power: but this was only the better to colour his Design. Don _Lopez Ozorio_, the _Spanish_ Admiral, had private Orders sent him, that as soon as Don _John_ should visit any of the Ports, he should put in, as if drove by stress of Weather; then artfully invite the General aboard, immediately hoist sail, and with all possible expedition bring him into _Spain_. But propitious Fortune seem'd to have taken him into her Protection; a violent Storm arose, which dispers'd the _Spanish_ Fleet, part of which suffer'd shipwreck, and the rest were so shatter'd, that they could not make _Portugal_.

This ill Success did not in the least discourage _Olivarez_, or make him drop his Project; he attributed the Escape of the Duke of _Braganza_ to meer Chance: he wrote him a Letter, full of Expressions of Friendship, and as if he had with him shar'd the Government of the whole Kingdom, wherein he deplor'd the Loss of the Fleet, and told him, that the King now expected that he would carefully review all the Ports and their respective Fortifications, seeing that the Fleet, which was to defend the Coasts of _Portugal_ from the Insults of the _French_, had miserably perish'd. And that his Villany might not be suspected, he return'd him Forty Thousand Ducats to defray his Expences, and to raise more Troops, in case there should be a necessity of them. At the same time he sent private Orders to all the Governours of Forts and Citadels, (the greatest part whereof were _Spaniards_) that if they should find a favourable occasion of securing the Duke of _Braganza_, they should do it, and forthwith convey him into _Spain_.

This entire Confidence which was repos'd in him, alarm'd the Duke; he plainly saw that there was Treachery intended, and therefore thought it just to return the Treachery. He wrote an Answer to _Olivarez_, wherein he told him, that with Joy he accepted the Honour which the King had confer'd upon him, in naming him his General, and promis'd so to discharge the important Trust, as to deserve the Continuation of his Majesty's Favour.

But now the Duke began to have a nearer Prospect of the Throne; nor did he neglect this opportunity of putting some of his Friends into Places of Trust, that they might be the more able to serve him upon occasion; he also employ'd part of the _Spanish_ Money in making new Creatures, and confirming those in his Interest whom he had already made. And as he partly mistrusted the _Spaniards_ Design, he never visited any Fort, but he was surrounded by such a Number of Friends, that it was impossible for the Governours to execute their Orders.

Mean while the Court of _Spain_ loudly murmur'd at the Trust which was repos'd in Don _John_, they were ignorant of the Prime Minister's Aim, and therefore some did not stick to tell the King, that his near Alliance to the House of _Braganza_ made him overlook his Master's Interest; seeing that it was the highest Imprudence to put so absolute an Authority into the hands of one who had such Pretensions to the Crown, and to entrust the Army to the Command of one, who in all probability might make the Soldiers turn their Arms against their lawful Sovereign. But the more they complain'd, the better was the King pleas'd, being persuaded that the Plot was artfully laid, since no one could unravel the dark Design. Thus _Braganza_ not only had the liberty, but was oblig'd to visit all _Portugal_, and by that means laid the Foundation of his future Fortune. The Eyes of the Many were every where drawn by his magnificent Equipage, all that came to him, he mildly, and with unequal'd Goodness heard; the Soldiers were not suffer'd to commit the least Disorders, and he laid hold of all Opportunities of praising the Conduct of the Officers, and by frequent Recompences bestow'd upon them, won their Hearts. The Nobility were charm'd with his free Deportment, he receiv'd every one of them in the most obliging manner, and paid each the Respect due to his Quality. In short, such was his Carriage, that the People began to think there could be no greater Happiness for them upon Earth, than the Restoration of the Prince to the Throne of his Ancestors.

Mean while his Party omitted nothing that they thought might contribute to the establishing of his Reputation. Amongst others, _Pinto Ribeiro_, Comptroller of his Household, particularly distinguish'd himself, and was the first who form'd an exact Scheme for the Advancement of his Master. There was no Man more experienc'd in Business, who at the same time was so careful, diligent, and watchful: he was firm to the Interest of the Duke, not doubting but that if he could raise him to the Throne, he should raise himself to some considerable Post. His Master had often privately assur'd him, that he would willingly lay hold of any fair Opportunity for his Restoration, yet would not rashly declare himself, as a Man who had nothing to lose; that notwithstanding he might endeavour to gain the Minds of the People, and to make new Creatures, yet he must do it with that Caution, that it might appear his own Work, and done without the Consent and Knowledge of the Duke.

_Pinto_ had spar'd no pains in discovering who were, and the Number of the Disaffected, which he daily endeavoured to encrease; he rail'd against the present Government sometimes with Heat, at other times with Caution, always accommodating himself to the Humour of the Company which he was in: tho indeed so great was the Hatred which the _Portuguese_ bore the _Spaniards_, that there was no need of Reserve in complaining of them. He would often remind the Nobility what honourable Employments their Forefathers had borne, when _Portugal_ was govern'd by its own Kings. Then would he mention the Summons which had so much exasperated the Nobility, and by which they were commanded to attend the King in _Catalonia_. _Pinto_ us'd to complain of this Hardship as of a kind of Banishment, from which they would scarce find it possible to return; that the Pride of the _Spaniards_, who would command them, was insufferable, and the Expence they should be at intolerable; that this was only a plausible Pretence to drain _Portugal_ of its bravest Men, that in all their Expeditions they might be assur'd of being expos'd where the greatest Danger was, but that they must never hope to share the least part of the Glory.

When he was amongst the Merchants and other Citizens, he would bewail the Misery of his Country, which was ruin'd by the Injustice of the _Spaniard_, who had transfer'd the Trade, which _Portugal_ carried on with the _Indies_, to _Cadiz_. Then would he remind them of the Felicity which the _Dutch_ and _Catalonians_ enjoy'd, who had shaken off the _Spanish_ Yoke. As for the Clergy, he did not in the least question but that he should engage 'em in his Interest, and exasperate 'em most irreconcileably against the _Castilians_; he told them, that the Immunities and Privileges of the Church were violated, their Orders contemn'd and neglected, and that all the best Preferments and fattest Livings were possess'd by foreign Incumbents.

When he was with those, of whose Disaffection he was already convinc'd, he would take care to turn his Discourse to his Master, and talk of his manner of Living. He would often complain, that that Prince shew'd too little Affection for the Good of his Country, and Concern for his own Interest; and that at a time when it was in his power to assert his Title to the Crown, he should seem so regardless of his own Right, and lead so idle a Life. Finding that these Insinuations made an impression upon the People, he went still farther: To those who were publick-spirited, he represented what a glorious thing it would be for them to lay the Foundations of a Revolution, and to deserve the Name of _Deliverers of their Country_. Those who had been injur'd and ill-treated by the _Spaniards_, he would excite to the Desire of Revenge; and the Ambitious he flatter'd with a Prospect of the Grandeurs and Preferments they might expect from the new King, would they once raise him to the Throne. In short, he manag'd every thing with so much Art, that being privately assur'd of the unshaken Affection of many to his Master, he procur'd a Meeting of a considerable Number of the Nobility, with the Archbishop of _Lisbon_ at the head of them.

This Prelate was of the House of _Acugna_, one of the best Families of all _Portugal_; he was a Man of Learning, and an excellent Politician, belov'd by the People, but hated by the _Spaniards_, and whom he had also just cause to hate, since they had made Don _Sebastian Maltos de Norognia_, Archbishop of Braga, President of the Chamber of _Opaco_, whom they had all along prefer'd to him, and to whom they had given a great share in the Administration of Affairs.

Another of the most considerable Members of this Assembly, was Don _Miguel d'Almeida_, a venerable old Man, and who deserv'd, and had the Esteem of every body; he was very publick-spirited, and was not so much griev'd at his own private Misfortunes, as at those of his Country, whose Inhabitants were become the Slaves of an usurping Tyrant. In these Sentiments he had been educated, and to these with undaunted Courage and Resolution he still adher'd; nor could the Entreaties of his Relations, nor the repeated Advices of his Friends, ever make him go to Court, or cringe to the _Spanish_ Ministers. This Carriage of his had made them jealous of him. This therefore was the Man whom _Pinto_ first cast his eyes upon, being well assur'd that he might safely entrust him with the Secret; besides which, no one could be more useful in carrying on their Design, his Interest with the Nobility being so great, that he could easily bring over a considerable Number of them to his Party.

There were, besides these two, at this first Meeting, Don _Antonio d'Almada_, an intimate Friend of the Archbishop's, with Don _Lewis_, his Son; Don _Lewis d'Acugna_, Nephew to that Prelate, and who had married Don _Antonio d'Almada_'s Daughter; _Mello_ Lord _Ranger_, Don _George_ his Brother; _Pedro Mendoza_; Don _Rodrigo de Saa_, Lord-Chamberlain: with several other Officers of the Houshold, whose Places were nothing now but empty Titles, since _Portugal_ had lost her own natural Kings.

[Sidenote: Conostagio.]

The Archbishop, who was naturally a good Rhetorician, broke the Ice in this Assembly; he made an eloquent Speech, in which he set forth the many Grievances _Portugal_ had labour'd under since it had been subject to the Domination of _Spain_. He reminded them of the Number of Nobility which _Philip_ II. had butchered to secure his Conquest; nor had he been more favourable to the Church, witness the famous Brief of Absolution, which he had obtain'd from the Pope for the Murder of Two Thousand Priests, or others of Religious Orders, whom he had barbarously put to death, on no other account but to secure his Usurpation: And since that unhappy time the _Spaniards_ had not chang'd their inhuman Policy; how many had fallen for no other Crime but their unshaken Love to their Country! That none of those who were there present, could call their Lives or their Estates their own: That the Nobility were slighted and remov'd from all Places of Trust, Profit, or Power: That the Church was fill'd with a scandalous Clergy, since _Vasconcellos_ had dispos'd of all the Livings, and to which he had prefer'd his own Creatures only: That the People were oppress'd with excessive Taxes, whilst the Earth remain'd untill'd for want of hands, their Labourers being all sent away by force, for Soldiers to _Catalonia_: That this last Summons for the Nobility to attend the King, was only a specious Pretence to force them out of their own Country, lest their Presence might prove an Obstacle to some cruel Design, which was doubtless on foot: That the mildest Fate they could hope for, was a tedious, if not a perpetual Banishment; and that whilst they were ill-treated by the _Castilians_ abroad, Strangers should enjoy their Estates, and new Colonies take possession of their Habitations. He concluded by assuring them, that so great were the Miseries of his Country, that he would rather chuse to die ten thousand Deaths, than be obliged to see the Encrease of them; nor would he now entertain one thought of Life, did he not hope that so many Persons of Quality were not met together in vain.

This Discourse had its desir'd effect, by reminding every one of the many Evils which they had suffer'd. Each seem'd earnest to give some instance of _Vasconcellos_'s Cruelty. The Estates of some had been unjustly confiscated, whilst others had Hereditary Places and Governments taken from them; some had been long confin'd in Prisons thro the Jealousy of the _Spanish_ Ministers, and many bewail'd a Father, a Brother, or a Friend, either detain'd at _Madrid_, or sent into _Catalonia_ as Hostages of the Fidelity of their unhappy Countrymen. In short, there was not one of those who were engag'd in this Publick Cause, but what had some private Quarrel to revenge: but nothing provoked them more than the _Catalonian_ Expedition; they plainly saw, that it was not so much the want of their assistance, as the desire of ruining them, which made the _Spanish_ Minister oblige them to that tedious and expensive Voyage. These Considerations, join'd to their own private Animosities, made 'em unanimously resolve to venture Life and Fortune, rather than any longer to bear the heavy Yoke: but the Form of Government which they ought to chuse, caus'd a Division amongst them. Part of the Assembly were for making themselves a Republick, as _Holland_ had lately done; others were for a Monarchy, but could not agree upon the choice of a King: some propos'd the Duke of _Braganza_, some the Marquis de _Villareal_, and others the Duke _d'Aviedo_, (all three Princes of the Royal Blood of _Portugal_,) according as their different Inclinations or Interests byass'd them. But the Archbishop, who was wholly devoted to the House of _Braganza_, assuming the Authority of his Character, set forth with great strength of Reason, That the Choice of a Government was not in their power; that the Oath of Allegiance which they had taken to the King of _Spain_, could not in conscience be broken, unless it was with a design to restore their rightful Sovereign to the Throne of his Fathers, which every one knew to be the Duke of _Braganza_; that they must therefore resolve to proclaim him King, or for ever to continue under the Tyranny of the _Spanish_ Usurper. After this, he made 'em consider the Power and Riches of this Prince, as well as the great number of his Vassals, on whom depended almost a third part of the Kingdom. He shew'd 'em it was impossible for 'em to drive the _Spaniards_ out of _Portugal_, unless he was at their head: that the only way to engage him, would be by making him an Offer of the Crown, which they would be under a Necessity of doing, altho he was not the first Prince of the Royal Blood. Then began he to reckon all those excellent Qualities with which he was endow'd, as his Wisdom, his Prudence; but above all, his affable Behaviour, and inimitable Goodness. In short, his Words prevail'd so well upon every one, that they unanimously declared him their King, and promis'd that they would spare no Pains, no Endeavours to engage him to enter into their Measures: after which, having agreed upon the time and place of a second Meeting, to concert the ways and means of bringing this happy Revolution about, the Assembly broke up.

_Pinto_ observing how well the Minds of the People were dispos'd in favour of his Master, wrote privately to him, to acquaint him with the Success of the first Meeting, and advis'd him to come, as if by chance, to _Lisbon_, that by his Presence he might encourage the Conspirators, and at the same time get some Opportunity of conferring with them. This Man spent his whole time in negotiating this grand Affair, yet did it so artfully, that no one could suspect his having any farther Interest in it, than his Concern for the Publick Welfare. He seemingly doubted whether his Master would ever enter into their Measures, objecting his natural Aversion to any Undertaking which was hazardous and requir'd Application: then would he start some Difficulties, which were of no other use but to destroy all Suspicion of his having any Understanding with his Master, and were so far from being weighty enough to discourage them, that they rather serv'd to excite their Ardour.

Upon the Advice given by _Pinto_, the Duke left _Villa-viciosa_, and came to _Almada_, a Castle near _Lisbon_, on pretence of visiting it as he had done the other Fortifications of that Kingdom. His Equipage was so magnificent, and he had with him such a number of the Nobility and Gentry, as well as of Officers, that he looked more like a King going to take possession of a Kingdom, than like the Governour of a Province, who was viewing the Places and Forts under his Jurisdiction: he was so near _Lisbon_, that he was under an obligation of going to pay his Devoirs to the Vice-Queen. As soon as he enter'd the Palace-yard, he found the Avenues crowded with infinite numbers of People, who press'd forward to see him pass along; and all the Nobility came to wait upon him, and to accompany him to the Vice-Queen's. It was a general Holiday throughout the City, and so great was the Joy of the People, that there seem'd only a Herald wanting to proclaim him King, or Resolution enough in himself to put the Crown upon his Head.

But the Duke was too prudent to trust to the uncertain Sallies of an inconstant People. He knew what a vast difference there was between their vain Shouts, and that Steddiness which is necessary to support so great an Enterprize. Therefore after having paid his respects to the Vice-Queen, and taken leave of her, he return'd to _Almada_, without so much as going to _Braganza-House_, or passing thro the City, lest he should encrease the Jealousy of the _Spaniards_, who already seem'd very uneasy at the Affection which the People had so unanimously express'd for the Duke.

_Pinto_ took care to make his Friends observe the unnecessary Caution which his Master us'd, and that therefore they ought not to neglect this Opportunity, which his Stay at _Almada_ afforded them, to wait upon that Prince, and to persuade, nay, as tho it were to force him to accept the Crown. The Conspirators thought the Counsel good, and deputed him to the Duke to obtain an Audience. He granted them one, but upon condition there should come three of the Conspirators only, not thinking it safe to explain himself before a greater Number.

_Miguel d'Almeida_, _Antonio d'Almada_, and _Pedro Mendoza_, were the three Persons pitched upon; who coming by night to the Prince's, and being introduc'd into his Chamber, _d'Almada_, who was their Spokesman, represented in few words the present unhappy State of _Portugal_, whose Natives, of what Quality or Condition soever, had suffer'd so much from the unjust and cruel _Castilians_: That the Duke himself was as much, if not more expos'd than any other to their Treachery; that he was too discerning not to perceive that _d'Olivarez_'s Aim was his Ruin, and that there was no other Place of Refuge but the Throne; for the restoring him to which, he had Orders to offer him the Services of a considerable Number of People of the first Quality, who would willingly expose their Lives, and sacrifice their Fortunes for his sake, and to revenge themselves upon the oppressing _Spaniards_.

He afterwards told them, that the Times of _Charles_ V. and _Philip_ II. were no more, when _Spain_ held the Ballance of _Europe_ in her hand, and gave the neighbouring Nations Laws: That this Monarchy, which had been once so formidable, could scarce now preserve its antient Territories; that the _French_ and _Dutch_ not only wag'd War against them, but often overcame 'em; that _Catalonia_ itself employ'd the greatest part of their Forces; that they scarce had an Army on foot, the Treasury was exhausted, and that the Kingdom was governed by a weak Prince, who was himself sway'd by a Minister, abhor'd by the whole Nation.

He then observ'd what foreign Protection and Alliances they might depend on, and be assur'd of; most of the Princes of _Europe_ were profess'd Enemies to the House of _Austria_; the Encouragement _Holland_ and _Catalonia_ had met with, sufficiently shew'd what might be expected from that able[B] Statesman, whose mighty Genius seem'd wholly bent upon the Destruction of the _Spanish_ King; that the Sea was now open, and he might have free Communication with whom he pleas'd; that there were scarce any _Spanish_ Garisons left in _Portugal_, they having been drawn out to serve in _Catalonia_; that there could never be a more favourable Opportunity of asserting his Right and Title to the Crown, of securing his Life, his Fortune, and his Liberty, which were at stake, and of delivering his Country from Slavery and Oppression.