Chapter V: Preface (4)

_Sancho_, who was fully persuaded of the Truth of his Deposition, and fear'd that any of the Criminals should be acquitted, lest he should lose his hoped-for Reward, still maintain'd, that he was well assur'd that there was an horrid Conspiracy form'd against the Government in favour of the Duke, who was also at the head of it; that the Marquiss _Daiamonti_ was the Contriver of the Plot; and that he himself had read several of their Letters, which were shewn him by the _Franciscan_, and was certain, that if _Olivarez_ did not prevent it in time, all _Andalusia_ would be up in Arms, to make their Governour their Monarch.

_Olivarez_, very unwilling that this Business should be too narrowly search'd into, took an opportunity of telling the King, that the Monk's Letters had been decypher'd and examin'd, and that he really believ'd him to be some Wretch who had been bribed to calumniate the Duke; for there was no Letter of his produc'd, nor did _Sancho_ make any formal Deposition against him. However, as it was impossible to be too cautious in such a case as this, his Opinion was, that the Duke must be artfully drawn to Court, for if he had any such Design on foot, it was not safe to arrest him in _Andalusia_; that some Forces must be sent to _Cadiz_, under a new Governour; that the Marquiss _Daiamonti_ must be taken up at the same time, and if they were found guilty, his Majesty might deliver them over to the Severity of the Law.

This haughty Minister's Will was not only generally a Law to the Subjects of _Spain_, but was always one to the King; who told him, that he should manage this Business as he thought fit, for he left it entirely to him. Upon this _Olivarez_ sent his Nephew, Don _Lewis d'Haro_, to the Duke of _Medina_, to tell him what had been depos'd against him, and with Orders, that guilty or not guilty, he should immediately come to Court, which if he did, his Pardon should be granted; but that if he defer'd his Journey, it would no longer be in his power to procure it.

This Message thunder-struck the Duke of _Medina_, and he saw himself under a necessity of obeying, or immediately flying into _Portugal_: but then considering how ignominious it was to spend his days in Indolence, and live a banish'd Man, especially in a Country where there was no Employment worthy of him, and at the same time knowing how great _Olivarez_'s Power was; he resolv'd to trust him: and set out for _Madrid_, and with such diligence did he pursue his Journey, that the King was immediately inclin'd to believe him innocent, or to forgive him, should he be found guilty.

Whilst Don _Lewis d'Haro_ was employ'd in this Business, a Messenger was sent to take up the Marquiss _Daiamonti_; and the Duke of _Ciudad-real_ march'd into _Cadiz_ at the head of 5000 Men.

As soon as the Duke of _Medina_ arriv'd at _Madrid_, he went and alighted at _Olivarez_'s House, to whom he confess'd the Conspiracy, shew'd him the Scheme by which they were to proceed, but cast all the Odium of it upon the Marquiss. _Olivarez_ that instant introduc'd him into the King's Closet, where he threw himself at his Majesty's feet, and with Tears confess'd his Crime, and begg'd his pardon. _Philip_, who was of a soft and compassionate nature, mix'd his Tears with the Duke's, and easily forgave him. But as it would have been very imprudent to have expos'd him to the same Temptation a second time, he was order'd to stay at Court; part of his Estate was also confiscated, the King being sensible, that had he not been too rich, and too powerful, he would never have made an Attempt of this kind: and a Governour and a Garison were plac'd in _Saint Lucar de Barameda_, the Town in which the Dukes of _Medina Sidonia_ generally resided.

_Olivarez_, to persuade the King that his Relation's Repentance was sincere, advis'd him to send a formal Challenge to the Duke of _Braganza_; which he refus'd at first, objecting that both Divine and Human Laws forbad Duels. But _Olivarez_ persisting in his Resolution of having one sent, _Medina_ reply'd, that he could not in Conscience come to this Extremity with his Brother-in-law, unless the King would obtain a Bull from the Pope, which should secure him from the Censure of the Church, which always excommunicated Duelists.

_Olivarez_ answer'd him, that this was not a time for Scruples of Conscience, but that he must now think of satisfying both the King and People of the Sincerity of his Repentance; that in short it was no matter whether he would fight or not, provided he would not disown a Challenge, which he would publish in his Name. The Duke, who now plainly saw that _Olivarez_'s Intent was only to amuse the People, consented to it, and the Minister drew up one himself. Several of them were sent into _Portugal_, as well as into most Courts of _Europe_. A Copy of it may probably not be displeasing to the Reader, who will be surpriz'd to see a Challenge, which by its Length, Formality, and Stile, would better have became a Knight-Errant of old, than such a Prince as the Duke of _Medina Sidonia_ was.

Don _GASPAR ALONCO Perez de Gusman_, Duke of _Medina Sidonia_,
Marquiss, Earl, and Baron of _Saint Lucar de Barameda_, Captain
General of the Ocean, of the Coasts of _Andalusia_, and of the
Armies of _Portugal_, Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber to his Catholick
Majesty;

Whom God Preserve.

_Whereas nothing has been more conspicuous to the whole World, than the treasonable Practices of ~John~ late Duke of ~Braganza~; Be also_ _his damnable Intentions known, of seducing and tainting with Disloyalty the faithful Family of the ~Gusmans~, which ever has been, and for the future ever shall be most true and loyal to the King their Master, in whose Service so many of them have shed their Blood. This Usurper has endeavour'd to insinuate into the Minds of Foreign Princes, as well as of his own Rebel ~Portuguese~, that I would aid and assist him, and enter into his Measures; hoping thereby to keep up the Spirits of those who have join'd with him, and to put me out of favour with the King my Master, (whom God preserve) thinking that by these means he should alienate my Duty and Affection from my Master, and then I should consent to his cursed Designs, without that Repugnance_ _which he has found in me. And the better to accomplish his Design, he has made use of a Monk, who was sent by the Town of ~Daiamonti~ to ~Castro-Marino~ in ~Portugal~, to treat about the Ransom of a prisoner: which Monk being carried to ~Lisbon~, was suborn'd, and persuaded to give out that I was engag'd in the Conspiracy, and that I would permit any Foreign Army to land in ~Andalusia~, to favour their Designs: and to give the better colour to his Story, he shew'd some forg'd Letters, and which he pretended to have receiv'd from me._

_All this was done with a Design to persuade several Princes to send him some Forces, and would to God they had, that I might have shewn my Loyalty, by destroying them and their_ _Ships; which will easily appear to have been my Intent, by the Orders which I left on all the Coasts._

_These things have been a sore Affliction to me; but what grieves me still more, is, that his Wife should be my Sister, whose Blood I would gladly shed, since by Rebellion tainted and corrupted, that I might give an evident Proof of my Loyalty to my King, and efface all those Suspicions, which these Rumours may have imprinted in the Minds of the People._

[Sidenote: 1641.]

_For these Reasons therefore I challenge the said ~John~ late Duke of ~Braganza~, as being a Traitor both to God and his King, and invite him to meet me in Person, and in single Combat try our Fortune, with or without Seconds, and arm'd in_ _what manner he please; the Place shall be near ~Valentia d'Alcantra~, which is on the Frontiers both of ~Castile~ and ~Portugal~, and where I will wait for him four-score Days, from the first of ~October~ to the nineteenth of ~December~ of this present Year. The twenty last Days I will wait for him in Person, and on the time which he shall appoint I will enter the Lists; which time, though it be long, I give him, not only that he the said Tyrant, but also that all ~Europe~, nay, that the whole World may know it. To this end, I will send Ten Chevaliers a League within ~Portugal~; as also, he shall send Ten a League within ~Castile~, as Hostages, and on that day I will shew him the Heinousness and Baseness of his Crime._

_But if he the said ~John~ late Duke of ~Braganza~, should fail meeting me, to give me Gentleman-like Satisfaction, and thereby deprive me of the Opportunity of shewing my Loyalty to the King my Master, and the natural Hatred which our Family has to Traitors; I offer (with Submission to his Catholick Majesty, whom God preserve) my good Town of ~St. Lucar de Barameda~, which always has been the Seat of the Dukes of ~Medina Sidonia~, to any Man who shall kill him. To which end, I beg of his Catholick Majesty, that I may not have any longer the Command of the Army which is to march against him, being so transported with Rage, that I should not be Master of that Sedateness and Conduct, which are so necessary to_ _a General; but that his Majesty would give me leave to be only at the head of a Thousand of my own People, on whose Courage, as well as my own, I may rely, that in case the said Usurper should not accept my Challenge, we may bring him dead or alive to his said Majesty. And that I may not be thought to be wanting in my Duty to my King, I offer one of my best Towns to the first Governour, or other Officer, belonging to the Usurper, who will surrender any Place to the King my Master; never thinking that I can do enough for his Service, since to him, and to his glorious Ancestors, I owe all that I enjoy._

Given at _Toledo_ the 29th of _September_, 1641.

According to his Promise, the Duke of _Medina_ appear'd in the Lists, follow'd by Don _John de Garray_, Lieutenant-General of the _Spanish_ Cavalry; there the Duke of _Braganza_ was summon'd in a formal manner: But that Prince was too prudent to play a part in this Farce; or had the thing been of a more serious nature, a Sovereign Prince was not to venture his Life against a Subject of his Enemy.

Whilst _Olivarez_ amus'd the People in this manner, he was also taking care to turn the Resentment of the King and People upon the Marquiss _Daiamonti_, whom he intended to prove the only guilty Person: to this end he flatter'd him with the Hopes of a Pardon, and that, as well as the Duke of _Medina_, he should taste the Bounties of a merciful Prince, provided he would be open in his Confession; but that Kings, like God, whose Images they were, never forgave any, but those who heartily and sincerely repented them of their Crimes.

The Marquiss trusting to this Promise, which the Duke of _Medina_'s Example gave him no room to doubt of, sign'd a Paper which _d'Olivarez_ brought him, and which he immediately put into the hands of those who were to try him. Upon this Confession of his he was indicted, and condemn'd to be beheaded. When the Judge pass'd Sentence, he heard it without the least Concern, or so much as murmuring at _Olivarez_ or the Duke. That same Night he supp'd as heartily as usual, and when they came to lead him to Execution the next Morning, he was still asleep. He ascended the Block without speaking one word, whilst a Contempt of Death might be read in his Looks, and died with a Courage and Resolution worthy of a better Cause. Such was the end of a Conspiracy, from which the King of _Spain_ escaped meerly by Accident, or rather by a Decree of Providence, which cannot connive at Crimes of this nature, and will seldom suffer Treachery to prevail.

The King of _Portugal_ seeing this Project miscarry, resolv'd to maintain himself on the Throne no longer by such clandestine Means, but by open Force, and the Assistance of his Allies. _France_ seem'd particularly to take the House of _Braganza_ under its Protection, as being the most antient Branch of their own Royal Family.

The foreign War so employ'd the _Spanish_ Forces, that the _Portuguese_ had always the advantage over them, and they drove them still farther from their Frontiers. The King might easily at that time have enter'd into the very Center of _Castile_, had he had a good General, and disciplin'd Soldiers; but his Army was chiefly compos'd of Militia, fitter to make sudden Incursions into the Enemy's Country, than to bear the Fatigue of a regular Campaign. Another thing that hinder'd his making a greater Progress with his Army, was, that he had not Money enough to pay them, and consequently not Forces enough on foot; for as at his coming to the Crown, he had taken off all Taxes from the People, that they might the better relish his Government, and had only his own Estate to defray the Expences of the War; nor would he ever venture to lay new Taxes upon them. But this Want of his was partly recompens'd by the Necessity of _Spain_, who at that time had no better Generals than the _Portuguese_, and whose Treasures, towards the latter end of _Philip_ the Fourth's Reign, were exhausted.

On the sixth of _November_, 1656. died this Prince: in all the Encomiums and Panegyricks made upon him by the _Portuguese_, he is celebrated for his Piety and Moderation. Foreign Historians upbraid him with Cowardice, and report, that he always distrusted both himself and others; that it was a difficult point, especially for the Grandees, to get Access to him; and that he was free with no one but his ancient domestick Servants, especially with one that was always in company with his Confessor. In short, from what we can gather of his Life, he was a peaceable and religious Prince, and endow'd with Qualities which would better have became a private Gentleman than a Monarch; so that we can attribute his being rais'd to the Throne only to the inveterate Hate which the _Portuguese_ bore the _Castilians_, and to the Ambition, Courage, and Counsels of his Queen, whom by his last Will he nam'd Regent of the Kingdom during his Son's Minority; not doubting but that one who could raise herself to a Throne, would not want Courage to preserve it for her Children. He left behind him two Sons and a Daughter; the elder of the Sons was Don _Alphonso_, of a peevish and melancholy Temper, who had quite lost the Use of one Side, and was at the time of his Father's Death near thirteen Years old: Don _Pedro_, the younger, was but eight: Donna _Catharina_ their Sister, was older than either of them, and was born before the Revolution.

Don _Alphonso_ was immediately shewn to the People, and proclaim'd King, and the Queen took the Regency upon her. This Princess would willingly have signaliz'd herself by some glorious Action, but the Commanders of the _Portuguese_ Army were fitter for Soldiers than Generals, and there was not an Officer amongst them, who was Engineer enough to know how to fortify a Place, or besiege a Town. Nor was there a Man in the Privy-Council, who could be look'd upon as a Statesman; most of them could indeed make fine Speeches and elaborate Discourses upon the Necessities of the State, and the Misfortunes in which it would probably fall, but never a one of them knew how to prevent or remedy them.

* * * * *

[Sidenote: 1657.]

To these Evils we must attribute the ill Success of her Arms before _Olivenza_ and _Badajos_, where the _Spaniards_ obliged them to raise the Siege. Besides this, they had fallen out with the _Dutch_ about the Trade to the _Indies_; and the _French_, after the _Pyrenean_ Treaty, seem'd to have forgotten them.

The Queen finding herself without any regular Troops, without able Officers or good Counsellors, and without foreign Alliances, was obliged by her Courage, Capacity, and Application, to supply the want of all these; she herself discharg'd the Duty of a Secretary of State, and took care to keep a good Correspondence with all the Courts of _Europe_, which might be serviceable to her: In short, had she never encounter'd all these Difficulties, she could not have reveal'd all those _hidden Vertues, which shun the Day, and lie conceal'd in the smooth Seasons, and the Calms of Life_.

By such Care and Diligence for a long time she sav'd _Portugal_ from that Ruin which threaten'd it; but _Spain_ now pouring all its Forces in upon her, she found herself unable to resist them, unless she could procure better Officers. To this end she cast her Eyes upon _Frederick_ Count of _Schomberg_, whose Name and Valour were already sufficiently known. She would willingly have given him the chief Command of the Army, but was afraid at this juncture of disobliging her Generalissimo; wherefore she order'd the Count _de Soure_, her Ambassador in _France_, to treat with the Count _de Schomberg_ about his coming into _Portugal_, where he should have only the Title of Lieutenant-General; but in case of the Death or Resignation of the present Commander, he should be made Generalissimo of all her Forces.

The Count set out for _Lisbon_ with four-score Officers, and above four hundred Horsemen, all Veterans, who perfectly understood the Discipline of an Army, and would upon occasion make good Leaders.

Before the Count went into _Portugal_, he made a Voyage into _England_, where he saw King _Charles_ the Second, who was lately restor'd: He had private Orders from the Regent, to endeavour to discover whether King _Charles_ might be brought to marry the Infanta of _Portugal_. The Count negotiated this Business with so much Address, that he made both the King and Chancellor _Hyde_ desirous of this Alliance. The Queen, extremely satisfy'd with what he had done, desir'd him to hasten into _Portugal_, and sent the Marquiss _de Sande_ to conclude the Business.

[Sidenote: _May 31. 1662._]

But the King of _Spain_, foreseeing what might be the consequence of this Match, did all he could to prevent it; he offer'd to give any Protestant Princess Three Millions for her Portion, provided the King would marry her; and by his Ambassador propos'd the Princesses of _Denmark_, _Saxony_, or _Orange_. But the Chancellor represented to the King how nearly it concern'd him to maintain the House of _Braganza_ on the Throne, and not let _Philip_ become Master of all _Spain_ and the _Indies_. His Speech produc'd the desir'd Effect, and King _Charles_ married the Infanta. Thus did a Protestant Statesman persuade his Sovereign to marry a Catholick Princess, whilst a Prince of the _Roman_ Communion, who valued himself in a particular manner upon the Title of the most Catholick King, offer'd him vast Sums of Money, to engage him to wed a Protestant.

Shortly after King _Charles_, by his Mediation, establish'd a Treaty of Commerce between the States of _Holland_ and the Crown of _Portugal_; after which he sent a considerable Number of Troops into that Kingdom, commanded by the Earl of _Inchequin_: but having recall'd him, he order'd that the Forces should stay under the Command of _Schomberg_; so that the Count shortly saw himself at the head of the chosen Forces of three Kingdoms. Not but that there was a _Portuguese_ Generalissimo, or at least one who had the Title, but the Count had all the Authority, which he made use of to establish an exact and regular Discipline amongst the _Portuguese_: He taught them the Order of marching, encamping, besieging, and regularly fortifying a Town; so that all those Places on the Frontiers of the Kingdom, which were before naked and defenceless, soon became capable of making a vigorous Defence.

The Regent Queen, proud of having met with such a General, carry'd the War vigorously on, and her Arms were almost every where crown'd with Success; never were the _Portuguese_ Forces better disciplin'd, the People bless'd her Government, the Grandees continu'd in perfect Submission to it through Fear and Respect: but though Fortune favour'd her abroad, she met with domestick Cares and Troubles, which chang'd the face of every thing.

Whilst the Regent was taking care to place the Crown with Surety on her Son's Head, he, on the other hand, endeavour'd to make himself unworthy of it, by his irregular Manner of Living; he was mean-spirited, melancholy, and cruel, could not bear the Authority of his Mother, and despis'd the Advices of his Governours and Ministers; he always refus'd the Company of the Lords of his Houshold, and would divert himself with none but Negroes, Mulattoes, and all the Scum of the _Lisbonite_ Youth: and spite of the Care of his Governours, he had got a little Court compos'd of such like People, whom he call'd his Bravoes, with whom he us'd to scour the Streets at Night, and insult all those who unfortunately fell into his way.

This Disorder of Mind had been first caus'd by a Palsy, which had afflicted him when about four Years of Age, and which had made fatal Impressions not only on his Limbs, but also on his Brain. Whilst he was young, his Faults had been wink'd at by his Tutors, who thought that so infirm a Child could never bear the Fatigues of a severe Education, and hoped that Time would both strengthen his Body, and sweeten his Temper: but this Indulgence ruin'd him. 'Tis true, that by the assistance of Remedies, and help of Time, his Constitution grew stronger, he could fence, ride, and bear any Fatigue; but his Temper never became better. His Passions encreasing with his Age, they soon prevail'd over his Reason, which was but weak, and he gave a loose to Licentiousness and Debauchery. He would bring common Prostitutes into the Palace, fetch them himself from the Stews, and very often spend whole Nights amongst them there.

The Queen, overwhelm'd with Grief, and fearing that the Irregularity of her Son would at once destroy the Labours of her whole Life, resolv'd several times within herself to have him confin'd, and make his Brother reign in his stead; but dreading to excite a Civil War, which would have favour'd the _Spanish_ Arms, she dropp'd the bold Design: sometimes she hoped the King might yet be reclaim'd, especially if he was depriv'd of the Company of _Conti_, a Merchant's Son, his first Favourite, and Companion of all his Debaucheries. To this end she had _Conti_ privately seiz'd, and carry'd on board a Ship which was bound for _Brazil_, with Orders that he should never return to _Portugal_ on pain of Death.

The King at first seem'd very much griev'd at the Loss of his Favourite, but comforting himself by little and little, he was at last pacify'd, and seem'd very much alter'd for the better, would hearken to Advice, and paid the Queen an unusual Respect, who was congratulated by the Ministry and the whole Court, upon the extraordinary Success of her Enterprize.

But this apparent Tranquillity and Alteration of the King's, was only a Veil to cover a deep Design, and of which his Mother never thought him capable; so that this Princess, who could read in the very Hearts of the most dissembling Courtiers, was overreach'd by a half-witted Youth.

The King had complain'd of _Conti_'s Banishment to the Count _de Castel-Melhor_, a _Portuguese_ Nobleman, of an illustrious Birth, subtle and insinuating, but fitter to manage a Court-Intrigue, than a Business of Importance. The Count thought that a fair Opportunity offer'd of supplying _Conti_'s Place in the King's Favour; wherefore to ingratiate himself, he deplor'd the Exile's Misfortune, and promis'd to use his utmost Endeavours to have him recall'd. He told the Prince at the same time, that it was in his own power to remedy this, or any Grievance of the like nature; that he was of Age, and had been so a great while; that he might as soon as he pleased take the Supreme Command upon himself, then recall _Conti_, and let him triumph over the Queen, and all his other Enemies.

The King was pleas'd with this Advice, and determin'd to follow it; the Count was his sole Confidant and Favourite: however, he desir'd the King that their Intimacy should still be a Secret, that the Queen might not suspect him: but it could not be long conceal'd from this Princess, who meeting him one day in the King's Train, caught him by the Arm, and staring him in the face with that Majestick Air, which made every one tremble; "I am inform'd, Count, _said she_, that the King is wholly govern'd by your Counsels; take therefore good care of him, for if he does any thing to thwart me, your Life shall answer it."

The Count, without answering, made a submissive Bow, and follow'd the King, who call'd him. As soon as he was alone with him, he gave him an account of what the Queen had said: "I suppose, _continued he_, that I shall shorty share _Conti_'s Fate, but yet with Joy should I go to Banishment, could I at the same time see my King shake off the Authority of an imperious Mother, who will let him enjoy the Title, but never the Power of a Sovereign."

This artful Discourse threw the Prince into a violent Passion, and he would go immediately and take the Royal Authority from the Queen, by taking the Great Seal, which is the Mark of it; but the Count, who knew too well what the consequence of this would be, advis'd him to retire to _Alcantra_, and from thence to send Couriers to the Magistrates of _Lisbon_, and to all the Governours of Provinces, to let them know that he was of Age, and had taken the Government upon himself.

The King approv'd the Counsel, and having that Evening disguis'd himself, he left the Palace, follow'd only by the Count and a few Friends. That Night they arriv'd at _Alcantra_, from whence he sent Orders to the Secretaries of State, and to the _German_ Guard, to come to him; and at the same time dispatch'd Couriers to every Town of _Portugal_, to let them know that he was of Age, and by consequence the Regency of the Queen at an end.

Most of the Court set out for _Alcantra_, and the Queen saw herself in a manner forsaken; notwithstanding which, she resolv'd to lay down her Authority as became her: wherefore she wrote to the King, to ask him the reason why he took possession of the Throne like an Usurper, that had no Right to it; and added, that if he would return to _Lisbon_, she would lay down her Authority in presence of the Grandees and the Magistrates. The King accordingly return'd, and the Queen having summon'd the Grandees, Magistrates, and others of the Nobility, to attend her, in presence of the Assembly took the Seals out of the Great Purse, and putting them into her Son's Hand, "Here are, _said she_, the Seals, which, together with the Regency, were entrusted to my Care by the Will of my late Sovereign Lord: I return them to your Majesty with all the Authority, which they are the Emblems of; I heartily pray God that you may make a good use of them, and that your Reign may be as prosperous as I can wish it." The King took the Seals, and gave them to the first Secretary of State; after which the Prince, and all the Grandees, kiss'd his Hand, and acknowledg'd him their Sovereign.

The Queen Dowager had given out, that she intended in six Months time to retire into a Convent, but that six Months she would spend at Court, to see what Measures the young King would take. But the Favourite Count, who still dreaded that Princess, who knew her tow'ring Genius, and was sensible of the natural Sway which a Mother has over the Mind of her Son, persuaded the King to treat her most inhumanly, that by frequent Affronts he might oblige her to leave the Court much sooner than she intended. The Queen, who was of a haughty Temper, could not bear to be thus us'd, but immediately threw herself into a Convent; where, being fully satisfy'd of the Vanities of human Greatness, she spent the Remainder of her Time, which was scarce a Year, in preparing herself for another World, and died on the eighteenth of _February_, 1666. lamented by the whole Nation: for never was there a Princess of a more extraordinary Genius, or more amply endow'd with all the Vertues requisite to either the one or the other Sex. Whilst on the Throne, she shew'd a truly great and heroick Soul; when she quitted it for a religious Life, she seem'd entirely to have forgotten what Pomp and Grandeur were, and all her Ambition then was to deserve Heaven.

The King, who now saw himself fully at liberty, and no longer fear'd the prudent Queen's just Reproofs, gave a loose to his Passions, and indulg'd his pernicious Inclinations. He would scour the Streets at Night with his Bravoes, and abuse every one he met with; nor did the Watch fare better than their Neighbours. Never a Night did he ramble, but the next Morning tragical Histories were publish'd, of several who had been wounded or murder'd in the Streets; and People fled before him with greater Fear than they would before a hungry Lion, just broke loose from his Den.

The Count _de Castel-Melhor_ was his first Minister; he was an intriguing, insinuating Courtier, but far from being an able Statesman: haughty in Prosperity, fawning and timorous in Adversity. In his hands were the Reins of the Government, the King reserving no Authority to himself, but that of doing what mischief he pleas'd unpunish'd; nor did the Count ever make it his business to reclaim him, well knowing that the King's Follies and his Authority were inseparable.

The _Spaniards_ flatter'd themselves with the Hopes of easily reducing _Portugal_, whilst it had such a Monarch as Don _Alphonso_. To this end they sent a strong Army against it, under the Command of Don _John_ of _Austria_, natural Son to _Philip_ IV. The King of _Portugal_ sent _Schomberg_ to oppose him, notwithstanding the Count _de Villa-Flor_ had the Title of Generalissimo. And to the Count of _Schomberg_'s Courage and Conduct it was that Don _Alphonso_ ow'd the Preservation of his Crown: He beat the _Spaniards_ several times, notwithstanding what _Villa-Flor_ did; who, jealous of his Glory, endeavour'd all he could to cross his Measures, and had effectually done it, had not _Schomberg_'s Interest been greater both at Court and in the Army, which joyfully obey'd the Commands of their brave Leader, who always led them to a certain Victory.

_Castel-Melhor_ did all he could to persuade the People, that this happy Success was owing to him; though if the Truth had been search'd into, it would have appear'd that all he could justly boast of, was his being the first Man to whom the News was sent. By these means the Minister's Credit encreas'd, and he actually enjoy'd the Sovereign Authority. The King was nothing but a piece of Clock-work, whose Springs he could wind up, and put into what Motion he pleas'd. The Barbarity of his Temper he made use of, to ruin and destroy all those of whom he was jealous; amongst these were the greatest part of the late Queen's Ministry: so that there was a strange Alteration at Court, all Places were fill'd with the Count's Creatures; nor could any one hope for Favour, but those who took care to please the Favourite. _Melhor_ went farther than this, for _Conti_ being recall'd, he got him banish'd a second time; for no sooner was he landed, but the King sent him an Express, to congratulate him upon his safe Arrival, and _Melhor_, by the same Express, sent him Orders not to come near the Court: such a Sway had this Minister over his Sovereign, that he durst not contradict his Orders, but for fear of dipleasing him, was obliged to see _Conti_ in private. The Count had notice of it, and fearing that should their antient Intimacy be renew'd, there would be no place left for him in the King's Favour, had him accus'd of a Design upon the Prince's Life; and tho there were no Witnesses found, no Proofs, no Probabilities of his Guilt, yet Sentence of Banishment was pass'd upon him.

The Count, no longer apprehensive of _Conti_, began to consider how he should secure his Interest at Court, in case of any Accident. To this end he endeavour'd to ingratiate himself with Don _Pedro_, the King's Brother, but a Prince of a quite different Character: His Soul was truly great, and his Inclinations noble; his Actions princely, and his manner of Living regular: the _Portuguese_ admir'd, or rather ador'd him, for he had not his own Vertues only, but his Brother's Vices also, to set him off.

To this end, _Melhor_ plac'd a Brother of his in the Prince's Houshold, and bad him do all he could to insinuate himself into his Master's Favour, as he had into the King's; hoping by these means to govern both the Princes.

Don _Pedro_ us'd him with all the Civility imaginable, and shew'd him more than common Respect; but as for giving him any place in his Favour, or Confidance, he could not; the whole was taken up. The late Queen having always look'd upon her younger Son as the Hopes and Support of her Family, she had taken care to put about him none but those, whose Wisdom, Learning, and Integrity might entitle them to a share of the Prince's Love; such were his Governours, and of such chiefly was his Houshold compos'd. These had taken care to let the Prince know, that he need not despair of one day wearing the Crown of _Portugal_, for that there was no great likelihood of his Brother's ever having any Children; but at the same time they told him, that there was nothing but _Melhor_ was capable of doing, to keep him from inheriting the Crown, since he was well assur'd that he must never hope for any share in the Ministry, when Don _Pedro_ should ascend the Throne.

By degrees these different Views and Interests divided the Court into two Cabals; the Count indeed had the greatest Number on his side, there being more who love to swim with the Stream, than against it. But the ablest Statesmen, who plainly saw that so violent and arbitrary a Government could not last long, with all the Grandees, and the best of the Nobility, who would not cringe to such a Favourite as the King's was, were always about the Prince, to whom they paid their Respects as to the Heir apparent.

The Count being sensible that the Hope of the adverse Faction was founded upon the Infirmity of the King, determin'd to destroy it at once, by marrying him; and by his Advice a Match was propos'd and concluded between the King and _Mary-Elizabeth-Frances_ of _Savoy_, Daughter to _Charles_ Duke of _Nemours_, and _Elizabeth de Vendome_. _Cæsar d'Estrées_, a Relation of hers, Bishop and Duke of _Laon_, and known all over _Europe_ by the Name of the illustrious Cardinal _d'Estrées_, conducted her into _Portugal_, accompany'd with the Marquiss _de Ruvigni_, the _French_ Ambassador, and several other Persons of Quality.

This Marriage was celebrated with all the Pomp and Magnificence imaginable. The whole Court admir'd the young Queen's extraordinary Beauty, but no one was more sensibly affected with it than the Prince. The King was the only Person who seem'd regardless of her Charms, and who by his Indifference soon convinc'd the whole Nation, that he had taken the Name of a Husband, but was not capable of discharging the Duty of one.

Count _Melhor_ had at first flatter'd himself with the Hopes of governing the Queen as well as the King, but soon found that she had too great a Spirit for such a Submission. Enrag'd at this, he resolv'd to lose no Opportunity of revenging himself, all publick Business was carefully hid from her, all her Desires were cross'd; her Recommendation certainly excluded any Person from the Place to which she recommended him. Shortly after, neither the Expences of her Houshold, nor her own Pensions were paid, under pretence that the War and other Necessities of the State had exhausted the Royal Treasury. And so insolent was this haughty Minister to every body, to the Prince himself, but especially to the Queen, that she has been often seen coming out of the King's Apartment bath'd in Tears.

Her Beauty, her Merits, her Misfortunes, and the Complaints of all the Ladies of the Court, and the Officers of the Queen's Houshold, whose Salaries were stopp'd, touch'd the Hearts of all those who had not an immediate Dependence on the Minister; and these form'd a third Party at Court, where nothing now was talk'd of but the Improbability of the Queen's having any Children, tho she had not yet been married a Year.

What encreas'd every one's Suspicion, was the Report which was spread of a private Door, which by the King's Order was made in the Queen's Chamber, and open'd just against her Bed-side, and of which he himself kept the Key. The Queen was alarm'd at the Novelty of the thing, and the Danger to which she saw her Honour expos'd. And many concluded, that this was an Artifice of _Melhor_'s, who, notwithstanding the Infirmity of the King, was nevertheless resolv'd that the Queen should have Children.

The poor unfortunate Princess discover'd her Apprehensions to her Confessor, with Orders to impart them to the Prince's. These two Religious Men advis'd them to unite their Cabals, and go hand in hand together in a Matter so much the Concern of them both. The Count of _Schomberg_ was easily drawn into this Party, and the Prince took care to make himself beloved by the Magistrates of the City, and all those who had any influence over the People.

It would have been a very easy matter to have push'd the King from out his Throne, had he not had a Minister to support him, who was ambitious, could govern the King as he pleas'd, make him do any thing, and who would spare no pains to preserve himself at the head of Affairs; the only way therefore of compassing their Ends, was to remove this Man, which was at last brought about in this manner. One of his Friends was bribed to tell him, that the Prince had swore he would sacrifice him, if he continued any longer at Court. The Count upon this Information doubled the Guards, arm'd all the Officers of the Household, and would have had the King go at the head of them, and seize the Prince. But as furious as the King was in his Midnight-Revels and Debauches, he had not Courage enough to attempt any thing of this nature, justly fearing that he should meet with no small Resistance. Wherefore he only wrote a Letter to the Prince, to order him to come to the Palace. He excus'd himself, objecting that he could not come whilst the Count was at Court, who had spread so many Stories to his disadvantage, and endeavour'd all he could to blast his Reputation; besides which, the Count was Master of the Palace, and that therefore he fear'd he could not be in safety there. Several Letters pass'd between the King and Prince; the former offer'd, that _Melhor_ should come, and on his Knees beg his pardon. But this was not what the Prince wanted, and he openly refus'd to come to Court till _Melhor_ was banish'd from it.

The News of this had put _Lisbon_ into a strange Confusion, and a Civil War was just breaking out; but _Melhor_ with grief perceiv'd that _Schomberg_ favour'd the other Party, and that the Grandees of the Kingdom had all unanimously declar'd themselves in favour of the Prince; who, assisted also by the Queen's Friends, grew too powerful for him. Nay, _Melhor_'s very Relations, and those whom he had rais'd, forsook him, and told him, that if he must sink, he should sink alone. Wherefore disguising himself, he by Night escaped from the Palace, and retired to a Monastery seven Leagues from _Lisbon_; which he soon after left, to seek a sure Refuge in the Court of _Turin_.

Upon this the Prince immediately came to the Palace, to pay his Devoirs to the King; every thing fell under his Management, and he soon dispersed all the late Favourite's Creatures. The King, destitute of Counsel, lay at the Prince's mercy, who had a Design upon, but durst not as yet touch his Crown, for fear of being thought an Usurper; but waited with patience till it should be given him by Lawful Authority, that is, by a Decree of the States of the Kingdom.

But then it was in the King's power only to call together this Assembly of the States, which he was often advis'd to do, there being an absolute Necessity of their Meeting, to remedy the present Grievances of the Nation.

The King was not so weak, but he plainly perceiv'd that this Advice was given him, with a design to transfer the Royalty from himself to his Brother; wherefore he long refus'd it, but was at last so press'd to it both by his Council, and by different Petitions from several Parts of the Kingdom, that he call'd them together, and they were order'd to meet on the first of _January_, 1688.

The Prince having obtain'd this, which he look'd upon as a sure step to the Throne, gave the Queen notice, that it was time for her now to appear, and play her part. Upon which she immediately retired into a Convent, and wrote a Letter to the King, to tell him, that she thought herself in Conscience obliged to quit the Palace, since he was not capable of being her Husband; that he was very sensible that their Marriage was never consummated, and that therefore she begg'd that he would repay her her Portion, and give her leave to return to her Country, and amongst her own Relations.

Upon the Receipt of this Letter, the King in a great Rage flew towards the Convent, to fetch the Queen back to the Palace by force; but the Prince, who foresaw the Effect of her Message, took care to be at the Convent-Door, with all the Nobility, and told his Brother this was a Place too sacred to have any Violence us'd in it, and persuaded, or rather forc'd the King to return to the Palace, who all the way complain'd of being calumniated, and was for bringing half the Prostitutes of _Lisbon_ to prove his Virility, and swore that he would be reveng'd both on the Queen and the Prince.

[Sidenote: _Nov. 23. 1667._]

But Don _Pedro_ was not in the least frightned at his Menaces, knowing that the whole Power of the Kingdom was in his own hands; and the next Morning (thinking it unsafe to delay the mighty Work any longer) order'd the Council to assemble, and follow'd by the Nobility, the Magistracy, and a whole Crowd of People, who wanted to see the Event of this Business, he went into the Palace to them; and after a short Debate, an Order was sent by the Prince to arrest the King, who shortly after this sign'd his own Abdication.

Notwithstanding this, the Prince would not take any other Title, but that of Regent; under which Name the States of the Kingdom took the Oath of Allegiance to him.

[Sidenote: _Febr. 13. 1668._]

The next thing he did, was to secure a Peace with _Spain_; the King of _England_ made himself their Mediator, and _Spain_, by a solemn Treaty, acknowledg'd the Crown of _Portugal_ independent of the Crown of _Spain_.

[Sidenote: _Nov. 22. 1667._]

[Sidenote: _Mar. 24. 1668._]

But one thing was still wanting to compleat the Regent's Happiness: he loved his Sister-in-law; who, as soon as she was got into the Convent, had presented a Petition to the Chapter of the Cathedral of _Lisbon_, to desire them, during the Vacancy of the Holy See, to declare her Marriage void; since, notwithstanding fifteen Months Cohabitation with her Husband, it had not been consummated. The Chapter, without waiting for any farther Proof, immediately declar'd the Marriage void.

[Sidenote: _March 2. 1668._]

[Sidenote: _Dec. 10. 1668._]

By these means the Regent saw himself at liberty to marry his Sister-in-law; however, he was advis'd, for fear of scandalizing any one, to get a Dispensation from the See of _Rome_. Just at this time the Cardinal _de Vendome_, Legate _à Latere_, was order'd by the See to put on the Papal Dignity, that he might assist as Pope at the Christening of the Dauphin of _France_; from him was the Dispensation obtain'd, which Mr. _Verjus_ arriv'd with in _Portugal_ about the time that the Chapter pronounced their Sentence. All which Accidents falling out together, made some People imagine that they were premeditated. The Bishop of _Targa_, Coadjutor to the Archbishop of Lisbon, married them in virtue of this Brief, which was afterwards confirm'd by Pope _Innocent_ IX.

Don _Alphonso_ was banish'd to the Isle of _Tercera_, which belongs to the _Portuguese_. This something displeas'd the People, who generally pity the Unfortunate, and who now cry'd out, that it was enough to rob him of his Wife and Crown, without driving him from his Country; but however, no one dar'd speak to the Regent about it. He continued in this Exile till the Year 1675, at which time the Regent recall'd him, being inform'd that there were some discontented People contriving how to fetch him from _Tercera_, and reinstate him in the Throne. He died not far from _Lisbon_, 1683, and at his Death Don _Pedro_ was proclaim'd King; a Title he would not, during his Brother's Life, accept, and the only thing of which he had not depriv'd that unfortunate Prince.

_=FINIS=._

INDEX.

A.

Abdalla, _King of ~Morocco~_, 5.

Acugna, _Archbishop of ~Lisbon~, his Character_, 24.
_His Speech to the Confederate Nobility_, 25.
_Is made Lord-Lieutenant of ~Portugal~ after the Revolution_, 65.

Aiamonti, _a ~Castilian~ Nobleman, related to the Queen of
~Portugal~_, 76.
_Negotiates a Business between the King of ~Portugal~ and the
Governour of ~Andalusia~_, ibid.
_Discovers the ~Spanish~ Plot_, 85.
_His Character_, 91.
_Writes to the Duke of ~Medina Sidonia~, to persuade him to
revolt_, 92.
_Is seiz'd as a Traitor_, 104.
_Deceiv'd by ~Olivarez~_, 114.
_His Courage when led to Execution_, 115.

Alba, _the Duke of, General to ~Philip II.~ King of ~Spain~,
conquers ~Portugal~_, 12

Almada, _a Castle near ~Lisbon~_, 29

Almada, _~Antonio~ and ~Lewis~, two of the Conspirators_, 25

Almanzor, _the Caliph, conquers ~Spain~_, 2

Almeida, _one of the chief Conspirators, his Character_, 24.
_Is deputed with two more to confer with the Duke of
~Braganza~_, 30

Alphonso VI. _King of ~Castile~ and ~Leon~, gives ~Portugal~
in Dowry with his Daughter to ~Henry~ Count of ~Burgundy~_, 3

Alphonso, _Son to the former, first King of ~Portugal~_, 4

Alphonso VI. _King of ~Portugal~, is but thirteen Years old when
his Father dies_, 117.
_His Character_, 121.
_Debaucheries_, 122.
_Retires to ~Alcantra~_, 124.
_Takes the Government upon himself_, 125.
_Marries ~Mary-Elizabeth-Frances~ of ~Savoy~, Princess of
~Nemours~_, 130.
_Signs his Abdication_, 136.
_Is banish'd to ~Tercera~_, 137.
_Recall'd, and dies near ~Lisbon~_, 138

Antonio, _Grand-Prior of ~Crato~, pretends to the Crown of
~Portugal~_, 10.
_Is proclaim'd King by the People, and defeated by the Duke of
~Alba~_, 12

Aviedo, _the Duke of, an Officer in ~Africa~ under ~Don
Sebastian~_, 9

B.

Baeze, _a rich ~Jew~ of ~Lisbon~, drawn into the Conspiracy against
the King of ~Portugal~_, 84.
_Sends Letters for the other Conspirators_
_into Castile_, ibid.
_Is examin'd, and confesses_, 88

Baynetto, _an ~Italian~ Nobleman, arrested at ~Lisbon~_, 62

Braganza, _Don ~James~ Duke of, claims the Crown of ~Portugal~ at
the Death of the Cardinal King_, 10.
_But does not assert his Right by Force of Arms_, 12

Braganza, _~Theodossus~, Son to the former, his Character_, 15

Braganza, _Don ~John~, Grandson to Don ~James~, his Character_, 15.
_Stratagems us'd to draw him out of ~Portugal~_, 17.
_Is made Governour of that Kingdom, and General of the ~Spanish~
Forces in it_, 18.
_~Olivarez~'s Design to arrest him when on board the Admiral's
Ship_, ibid.
_All Governours of Forts and strong Places order'd to seize him_, 19.
_He disappoints them_, 20.
_Comes to ~Lisbon~_, 29.
_His Answer to the Confederate Nobility_, 32.
_Is proclaim'd King_, 56.
_Endeavours to make the Governour of ~Andalusia~ rebel against the
King of ~Spain~_, 76.
_His Death and Character_, 116

Braganza, _~Louisa de Gusman~, married to Don ~John~, her
Character_, 33.
_Her Answers to the Duke when he talk'd about his Restoration_, 36.
_Her Answer to the Archbishop of ~Lisbon~, when he begg'd the Life
of a Traitor_, 90.
_Is made Regent_, 117.
_Engages the Earl of ~Schomberg~ to come and command her Forces_,
118.
_Marries her Daughter to King ~Charles II.~ of England_, 119.
_Her Speech to the Count ~de Castel-Melhor~_, 124.
_To her Son when she resign'd the Regency_, 125.
_Retires into a Convent, and dies_, 126