The Portugal history, or, A relation of the troubles that happened in the court of Portugal in the years 1667 and 1668 in which is to be seen that great transaction of the renunciation of the crown by Alphonso the Sixth, the dissolution of his marriage with the Princess Maria Frances Isabella of Savoy : the marriage of the same princess to the Prince Don Pedro, regent of the realm of Portugal, and the reasons alledged at Rome for the dispensation thereof / by S.P., Esq.

A RELATION OF THE Troubles, that happened in the Court OF PORTUGAL, In the Years, 1667, and 1668.

AFTER the Re-establish∣ment of Don John the * 1.1 Eighth, Duke of Bragan∣sa, in the Throne of his Ancestors, which the Ca∣stilians had taken from them, the Portugals being glad that they had shaken off the yoak of their Domini∣on, began to find the sweetness, which they used to have when they lived under

the Power of their own natural Princes.

This new King had then by his Wife, * 1.2 Donna Lonysa Frances de Gusman, but three Children; the Prince Theodosius, and the Infantas Joan and Catherine. Three * 1.3 years after he increased his Family with the Infante Don Alphonso. Five years after it was further augmented by the birth of Infante Don Pedro. The Birth of these two Infants filled the whole Court and all the Realm with Joy; but this Joy was soon troubled, for the Infant Don Alphonso, who had been taken at the age of three years with a malignant Feaver, and with a Palsie, which had caused a weakness on his right side, in spite of all Remedies, even that of the Baths themselves, having made use of them twice at Obidos, had hardly attained to the age of 7 years, but they perceived his Malady had not only * 1.4 taken away the Vigour of his Body, but also of his Mind: The King who was sen∣sibly touched with this Accident, belie∣ving that there was no Remedy better than that of a good Education, gave him to the Tutelage of Nicholas Monteyro, a person endued with all the qualities requisite for that Employment. * 1.5

A little time after the Prince Theodosius

falling sick dies: His good Inclinations made him be lamented by all the Portugals, Don Alphonso was the only person, who was not touched with this loss, which was the less wondred at, because he was heard to say the first day of his Brothers falling sick, That he should not be much troubled for his Death, if it should happen, since he should thereby get a Crown; Ambition having already filled his young heart with Sentiments of that Nature. Having, according to the Laws of the Realm, called together the States General, to declare the Infante Don Alphonso Prince, some of them had thoughts of preferring to him Don Pedro, but that motion was not followed, either because they feared lest they might fall into the like disorders as happened in the time of the Infante's Don Alphonso and Don Den∣nis, or else that the Custom of the Realm carryed it against all other reason. Don Alphonso was no sooner declared Prince, and presumptive Heir to the Realm of the King his Father, but he began to regard no more the advice of his Tutor, nor the Re∣monstrances of the King and the Queen.

The death of Theodosius was followed a little time after with that of of the In∣fanta

Jane. Those tears which they had poured out for them were not yet dry, when there happened a new occasion to shed them, through the sickness of the King; who dyed in November, a Month fatal to the House of Bragansa. As in * 1.6 the Minority of the Alphonso's they had always had troubles in Portugal, this happening augmented the publick Con∣sternation. In this Conjuncture they re∣flect on the death of Theodosius with regret, as one capable to have filled the Throne: They consider that the Prince Don Alphon∣so was without experience, without un∣derstanding, and uncapable to govern the State. But the King in these last moments of his Life, made appear his Piety by his religious thoughts, and his Wisdom, by the good Order which he took in the Af∣fairs of the Realm, in choosing the Queen Tutoress of her Children, and Regent of the State; for he perswaded himself with very much reason, that she who had ex∣cited him with so much courage to take the Scepter, would be capable to main∣tain it, during the minority of the Prince.

The Ceremonies of the Funeral being over, and the Royal Escutchions being

broken in a thousand publick places, ac∣cording to the ancient Custom; the Prince Don Alphonso was shown to the People, and declared King in the ordinary forms. The same day the Queen took the quality * 1.7 of Regent. She had no sooner ordered the Affairs of the State (which she did with so much prudence, as if she had all her life time governed Kingdoms) but she named (according to the will of the late King) for Governour of Alphonso, Don Francisco de Faro, Count of Odemira. But this Prince, abusing the authority which the Crown gave him, quickly scorn'd the advice of his Governour, as he had also before that of his Tutor; since when no Remonstrance, no Address was able to restrain the Impetuosity of his Desires.

The King having always the most Li∣berty in the Time of the * 1.8 Siesta, used to pass his time in the Galleries, whose Windows looked into the Court of the Chappel, where according to the custom certain little Boys assembled to fight toge∣ther with boughs: He took a very great pleasure in seeing this Exercise, especi∣ally when the party he favoured had the better. Among these petty Merchants,

who were lodged in the Porches, there was one whose name was Antony de Conti Vintimiglia, a Native of Lisbon, and o∣riginally of Vintimiglia, a Town in the Country of Gennes: The King perceiving this Youth ordinarily to take the party for which he had the most Inclination, he let him know how much it pleased him, so that oftentimes he came down to the Door to entertain him; This favour ren∣dred Conti hardy enough to make presents to the King of silken Slings, gilded Knives, and other Toys proportionable to his Age. The Queen seeing that this familiarity passed too far, and that there might fol∣low some trouble therefrom, ordered Con∣ti to come no more to the Palace; how∣ever he did not obey, but did it more cau∣tiously.

The King vexed at this, endeavoured to see Conti with more earnestness than e∣ver, so that they were fain to permit him to see him, thinking that their endeavours to hinder it did but the more provoke him to desire it, and that this permission would weaken his desire. But this Condescen∣tion cost the Realm of Portugal very dear, and was a Spark which afterwards produ∣ced a great Flame.

The King being now of Age to ride the * 1.9 Great Horse, the weakness of his Arm not being so much, as to hinder him from managing the Bridle, nor that of his Leg but that he could stay himself in his Stir∣rops; they resolved then to put the Reins into his hands, which they did with the aid of Don Francisco de Sousa, Count de Prado, Master of the Horse, and of Antony Galvao D' Andrade, the chief Querry; but this exercise instead of putting him off from Conti, did but tye him closer to him.

There was in the Court of Lion, which they had chosen for him to ride the great Horse in, a Gate in a low Gallery, through which they brought the Horses for him to ride. The King was accustomed that way to let in at those extraordinary hours not only Antony de Conti, but also John de Conti his Brother, with other young Boys, both Moors and Negroes, who in his pre∣sence used all sorts of violent exercises. He was not content with this, but he mingled himself among them, some∣times among those who flung the Bar, and sometimes among those who flung Dirt, and sometimes a∣mong those who fell to fisty Cuffs,

without considering that Princes ought not to receive for Companions in their sports any, but such persons, who are illustrious either by their Birth, or by their Merit.

These Testimonies which the King gave of a mean spirit, and of a violent nature, gave to the Queen an excessive trouble. The Count D' Odemira was sensibly touched, knowing that they ordinarily impute the faults of Princes to their Go∣vernours, as it happened to Don John Al∣phonso D' Albuquerque, who was charged with the cruel Actions of Don Pedro, King of Castile; The Count resolved then to withdraw the King, at what price soever he did it, from this shameful conversati∣on. Having one day found in the Court of Lion, the King environ'd by Conti, and all that Gang, he chased them away, he forbad entrance to Conti, with menaces to chastise him if ever he durst return thi∣ther again: The King more troubled than Conti at this Prohibition and Menace, re∣tired himself into his Appartment with excessive trouble.

Some of those who were about him had no sooner known that he was discon∣tented with his Governour, and that he

had an Affection for Conti, but they let him understand, that to subject his own Inclinations to the Sentiments of another, was to consent to the ruine of his Autho∣rity. This had such power on the mind of the King, that after this he rejected whatever advice they would give him; he grew obstinate, even to rage, that he would learn no Lesson, nor eat, nor drink, till they had brought back Conti to him, so that they were obliged to bring him to him.

In the Court of Lyon, they often∣times for his diversion had Dog-fighting, which Combats were at first private, but at last they became publick. These Mastiffs were kept in the great Court of the Palace, where being all sorts of Dogs, and unty'd, they very often fell upon those they found in their way. The diversion of Bough-fighting was brought also from the Court of the Chappel to the same place, and at last became so common in the Suburbs, that what was formerly the sport only of little children, became in a short space to be a bloody Combat. In all these Diversions, those wherein the most Blood was shed, pleased the Kingmost.

These Disorders being come to that ex∣cess, his Governour thought that it was best for him to find out diversions con∣formable to his humour, but that they might not be so publick, so that if any thing should happen that might be any blemish, it might be the less taken notice of. They resolved then to teach him the use of Weapons, and they gave him for his Master therein Diego Gomes de Figue∣redo; but they found it impossible to make him follow any Method; for he would not learn to do any thing skilfully, as he should do, but was all for downright blows. This exercise, handsom and in∣nocent enough, became however very deadly and criminal, through the ill use that he made of it.

That they might cause an emulation in the King, they permitted to enter the Palace certain young men, who under pretext of making a flourish in his pre∣sence, brought with them all sorts of Weapons, every one having a design to let him see his force and skill. But in these exercises there happened almost every day one or other ill accident, es∣pecially when they darted certain Knives purposely made, which many times slip∣ping

from their hands, wounded some or other in the throng of Spectators. John ••e Conti was in all these Exercises, and though his skill was not very great, he was still recompensed by the King, so that he became his Favourite, insomuch that whatever violences he committed in the Palace, were suffered unpunished. This Example was the cause that those Crimes, from which they had abstained before for fear of Justice, were now com∣mitted with Assurance; so that the King hereby drew upon himself the ill-will of all the People, not only by his own Actions, but also by those of o∣thers.

They had lodged the Infante Don Pedro in the Queens Apartment, that his Union with the King might thereby become the more strong, and easy to be compassed, and therefore they had given to them both one Tutor, that they might likewise learn together: But this did no good to the King, and was a notable pre∣judice to the Infante; for when they should have followed their Books, the King would disturb them, and often in∣terrupt his Tutor, in reciting his shame∣ful Divertisements.

The King and the Infante had often∣times differences between them, which be∣ing grounded but on slight matters quickly ceased: However the malice of his Fa∣vourites fomented these petty misunder∣standings, in such sort that the King put himself to oppose the Infante on every occasion.

It was at this time, that the Favour of Conti with the King, who was now six∣teen, began to spread abroad; certain Courtiers perswading themselves that he had perfectly established himself in the Heart of the Prince, for that he had wholly destroy'd his Governour, they grew so shameless, as to make him the object of their respects. After which he had the boldness to vaunt himself to be descended from a Branch of Vintimiglia, an Illustri∣ous Family in the Realm of Sicily, and this was maintained by the testimony of some Flatterers.

For the most part the persons that came near the King were debauch'd in their speeches, and it was no wonder to hear him speak dishonest words even before the La∣dies.

Some of his Councellors offended there∣at, advis'd the Queen that he might be re∣moved

into the new Apartment, called the Fort, where those Persons who Cor∣rupted his Manners, should not have so much liberty to come. To this end, the Queen ordered he should be ser∣ved there by Don John de Silva, Mar∣quess de Govea, grand Master of the House, Garcia de Mello, grand Chamber∣lain, the Count de Padro,, Master of the Horse, Don John de Almeida, Master of the Wardrobe, and by Lewis de Mello, Captain of his Guards. The Count de Padro, being gone to Command the Ar∣my; in his absence, the Charge of first Gentleman of his Chamber, and that of Master of the Horse, were given to Don Diego de Lima, Vicount de Villanova de Cer∣veira; they gave also the Charge of Chief Gentleman of the Chamber, to Lewis de Vasconcelos, and Sousa Count de Castlemelhor.

All these Officers were to serve Week∣ly, and to lie in the Palace, and to the end that some of them might always be about the King; those before mentioned, were to be Relieved in the Day-time by Don Vasco Mascarenhas, Count of Obidos, Nuno de Mendosa, Count de Valdereis, Lewis de Silva Tello, Count de Aveiras,

and Francisco de Sonsa Coutinho, Councel∣lor of State. All these Lords having Keys, to enter in at all times when they pleased.

The Queen ordered this Project to be kept secret, and that they should keep o∣pen the Door, which gave way for a Com∣munication between her Apartment, and that of the King's. But he soon frustra∣ted all these Designs. The Count de Odemira, his Governour, having told him, That the quarter through which he should go out, was made up: He answered him briskly, that he would then go thorow the Hall of the Almane Guards. The Count having told him that there was a great many People in that Hall: He replied, it was no matter, since it could be no bet∣ter.

By these Answers of the King, they judg'd, that all things would be well, and they councelled him to pass by the Anti∣chamber of the Queen, to shew himself to the Nobles, and by the Hall of the Almane Guards, to be seen by the Peo∣ple. This unusual thing made them be∣lieve, that he would soon have the Go∣vernment; and every one conceived ei∣ther hope or fear, according to the state of their Fortunes.

And now, since there were none near the King but those Persons, whose Merits begat them Respect, he for some time ab∣stained from seeing Conti, and those of his Cabal; but this did not last long, for he quickly found ways to bring them to him. The King continued his Exercises, but without any Progress, because he neglected the Lessons of his Masters. He used his Weapons with so much fury, as if he had been in Combat, and he forced his Horse in such a manner, as if he would kill him, or make him break his Neck; choosing always the most furious, and that which had the hardest Mouth.

One Day when he was at Alcantara, a * 1.10 place which he had chosen for his De∣bauches, believing that they would be there less in view than in the City of Lis∣bon, whilst the Gentlemen who wait∣ed on him were at Dinner, he went to go * 1.11 to Azeytaon, followed by a small Com∣pany of Officers. He Encountred upon the way a Bull, which he irritated in such sort, that his Horse having been wound∣ed by that Animal, fell into that fu∣ry and violence, that he flung him to the Ground without sense. His Servants running to his succour, found him cold.

He was five times let Blood for that fall. They made him divers Remonstrances up∣on that Accident, but it was with very much Modesty, because those they had formerly made him were received with Im∣portment. Those who had the most Zeal for the Service of the King, contented themselves not to approve of those Disor∣ders which they had not power to hinder.

He did not only let Beasts feel his Fury, but he also would essay it upon Men. One Night as he was returning from Palha∣vam, where he had been, he got loose from those who followed him, to take up his stand. And having perceived two Men of a good Presence, he put on his Horse with might and main to Ride over them, but his Stirrop being entangled in the Belt of one of them, he could not bring about his Design. Being vext he was not known, he turned about and drew his Sword to kill him. When this Man saw his Sword in his Hand, he also drew his, so that he was ready to Repulse the King; when the Grand Master of the Game came in, and putting himself be∣tween them, he told the King it was not rea∣sonable that his Majesty should kill his Subjects. At the word Majesty, this Man

understanding he had drawn his Sword against his King, with a Respect mingled with Confusion and Fear, withdrew him∣self behind a Wall, whither the King had pursued him, if that Obstacle had not hindred him. After this, he stopp'd in the middle of the Field to Recount this Action, which he praised as one most Heroick.

This Adventure was followed with an∣other, much more dangerous. The King passing before the Noviciat of the Jesu∣ites, they put him in mind that over a∣gainst it there were some lusty brave Coursers, which he presently alighted to see. In the mean time while he waited for some Torches, some-body told him that there were great Mastiffs in the Close of the Noviciate; upon this, forgetting the Horses, he Commanded they should open the Gate. But when he saw it was not very readily done, he fell into a Passion, and gave Order that they should break it open. But as they began to do it, they opened it; and the King negligently entring, got from those that followed him with one Foot-Man, only on Foot.

He had not gone many Paces, but he

Encountered with three Men, and he ve∣ry briskly took his Sword into his Hand, they did the like. The King who was Booted, had entangled himself in such a manner, that at the first Thrust he fell backwards with a Blow he received at the same time. His Gentlemen being come in at the clashing of Swords, and at the Cry of the King, who at first, cry'd out, I am Kill'd; and a little after, I am Wounded. He was presently carried to his Palace in a Coach, but his Wound was not very dangerous. Two of the Men fled, the third was taken, but the Master of the Game hindered them from killing him. When the King had Reco∣vered it, and was something better, the Councel of State Ordered (with the Queens consent) that they should go in a Body together, to make him a Re∣monstrance for the preservation of his Person. Don Nuno Alvares Pereira, Duke de Cadaval, speaking for the rest, told him:

That the Councel of State, who were all there present, to satisfie their Zeal, and the Order that they had received from the Queen his Mother, from the In∣fante his Brother, and from the Infanta

his Sister, and generally from the whole Realm; they were come to Supplicate his Majesty, that he would change that man∣ner of Living, which every day exposed his Life to Danger, and put the State in∣to hazard of a deplorable Ruine. That it was not Reasonable that his Majesty should be so careless of his Life, nor Just, that without Cause he should take away the Life of his Subjects, which would Alienate the Love they have for him, in which principally consists the Art of Reigning. That his Majesty would be pleased now to think of himself, and of all his Subjects, who were ready to pour forth their Blood for his Service. That this was the only way to establish Tran∣quility in the Realm.

The King was Diverted from this Re∣monstrance, by those who foresaw that the Face of their Fortune would be chan∣ged, if he should change his Life. They had so well Confirm'd him in the Opini∣on, that there was nothing like the Liber∣ty of doing what one would; that the Counsel of these Great and Illustrious Ministers, was unprofitable.

His Favourites were not contented to have rendred his Humour violent, but

would further, that he should give himself to naughty Women, hoping that that Passion would render him the more capable to Resist stoutly all those who should go about to Condemn his Licenti∣ousness. And indeed, they had ti'd him to it in such sort, that he observed no measure, insomuch that he would not so much as be thought Chast. He had a Gentle∣man that always lay in his Anti-chamber, who never went to Supper until he was in Bed. In the mean time this Gentleman was absent, the King often times arose, and Arming himself as if to fight a Battle, he went out of his Cham∣ber by a Ladder of Ropes, followed by Antony, and John de Conti, and some o∣ther Braves, all Armed as well as he, who seemed to breath nothing but Blood, and Slaughter. These Braves, the King na∣med * 1.12 the one Fixos, the other Porradas, words invented in favour of this new Mi∣litia. With these People he ran thorow the Streets, and entered those scandalous Places, where they did a thousand Vio∣lences to Women. There was never a Night that they went out thus, but on the Morning were recounted a hun∣dred Tragick Stories: In fine, he was

feared every where, as a Wild Beast. Al∣though he saw these Prostitute Women at their Houses, yet they did not for∣bear to bring them into the Palace to him. He vaunted himself to have to do with them in such Excess, that as it was above all likelihood, so, no Body believed any thing of it.

One Day being put in mind, that he was to meet with a certain fair Gossip, in the Church of our Lady de Rocher; a∣bout one a Clock he went into his Lit∣ter, with John de Conti, and Francis de Sequeira, the Groom of his Wardrobe, to see for her there, but missing of her, she being gone to the Church of our Sa∣viour, he Commanded them to carry him thither; passing through the narrow Street of St. Peter de Alfama, they met the Coach of Martin Correa de Sa Vi∣cout de Asseca.

The King being in great hast, the Conductors of his Litter cried out to the Vicounts People, to get out of the way with such Injurious words, that they not being able to take it, drew, the others doing the like; and the Combat grew so hot, that the Vicount was forced to leave his Coach to help his People, also Francis

de Sequeira did the like from that of the Kings, to help the others. The King might with one word, have made all this Disorder have ceased, but however he would not; but on the contrary, being himself come forth of his Litter with John Conti, he set a Pistol to the Throat of the Vicount, who was already Wound∣ed, and had certainly kill'd him, if the Pistol had taken fire. So soon as the Vi∣count knew the King, he kiss'd his Sword, and falling upon his knees demanded Par∣don; but neither this Submission, nor the Innocency of this Gentleman, could hinder the King from giving him many outragious Speeches. All the People were surprised to see the King was come abroad with so small a Company, and that he would have kill'd one of his Sub∣jects without any Cause, and a Gentle∣man brought up with him in the Palace, at Noon-day, and in a publick place, so that they perceived he took Pleasure to intermingle with these Quarrels, and to Foment them; which made every Body to fear the Danger to be general, and every one to begin to be afraid for himself.

As the King increased in Age, the more he was corrupted, and the disorder

came to that pass, that by his example the more vertuous began to grow loose, they began to quit virtue, to embrace vice, by example and emulation. The Queen was obliged to have recourse to the Protection of Heaven, having no o∣ther Remedy, she was capable of, for these misfortunes with which the Realm was threatned: However she would try one human way more, perswading her self, if she could bring the King to the publick Audiences, which she gave twice a week to the Subjects, to the Councel, and to Business, he might be brought to be capable of governing the Realm; but all was in vain, for he was not able to ap∣ply himself to it for his pleasures.

They had perswaded him, that he was not truly a King, who parted with the Government to another, and so long as the Queen hindred his Liberalities to those he loved, the people believed that it was she who reigned and not he; that he was now of age enough to govern the State himself, for King Dennis had done it at the age of sixteen years, and the Kings, Alphonso at fifteen, and Sebastian at fourteen; and that it was insupport∣able they should refuse the King a thing

that he had power to take himself. By such discourses they filled the mind of the King with troublesom suspitions against the Queen.

The King was no sooner out of the A∣partment they had given him, but he let them know, by what he did, the kind∣ness he had for Conti; for he was not contented to have given him a Command, a House in the Country, and a right of Peerage, but he also made him Gentle∣man of his House, Knight of Christ, and Groom of the Wardrobe, Honours that were never granted but to persons that were illustrious, by Birth, and Me∣rit.

He added at the same time to all these Favours, an Apartment in the Palace, that he might have communication with himself, and the Arch-deaconry de Sobre∣dello, for John de Conti his Brother.

After this, the Courtiers ran in heaps to render homage to Conti, as a new Fa∣vourite; and every one began to seek his Protection, and to commend their most important Affairs to him. The Queen her self was obliged to have recourse to his Credit in some Businesses, which she was not able to effect of her self, which was

the only way to maintain him in that height, to which Fortune had exalted him, for this way he was able to manage the mind of that person, who gave him most jealousy.

As the King was every day sensible of those infirmities, which his sicknesses had caused, the Physicians were of opinion that he should go again to the Baths of O∣bidus; But he instead of bathing himself there, did nothing but divert himself, cau∣sing so much trouble and damage to all the Country about, and committing him∣self such cruel actions, that the people were fain to shut themselves up in their houses, or else to fly and leave them, that they might shun meeting him; so much hor∣ror had they for him.

In the mean time the Queen falling sick, and the Favorites and the King by some discourses having caused a suspition that he would take the Government, they were afraid that this sickness would serve for a pretext to that design; but instead of that he applyed himself to combat a Lion against a Bull, but the Lion being so obstinate as not to be forced out of his Cage, he made them bring so much wood and fire, that they choak'd him with the smoak.

In the beginning of the Year 1661, the * 1.13 Count of Odemira, his Governour dyed, who was very much bewailed by all the people, for the King after his death abandoned himself to all manner of evil Inclinations more than before; although he was not Master of the Kings Spirit, yet his Merit, and his Address made those to stand in aw of him, who had the most power over him.

They had about this time begun to treat of the Marriage of the most serene Infan∣ta Catherine, with his Majesty, Charles the Second, King of England, not long before established in the Throne of his Ancestors. Francisco de Mello de Torres, Embassadour Extraordinary in England, was charged with this Negotiation, which the Spaniards endeavoured to hinder what they could.

The Queen desired ardently to see this Marriage accomplished, the Infante declared Prince, and the Government of the State in the hands of the King, to the end, that she might loose her self from all Affairs of the World, and to retire her self to a Covent, that she might there be at leisure to give her self up to Prayer and Contemplation. For this end she wrote

with her own hand in her Natural Lan∣guage, the Reasons which made her take this Resolution. This she shewed to one of her Ministers, to know his Opinion of her Design.

And for that, this Writing refutes the Calumnies which the Enemies of that Princess made use of to sullie her Repu∣tation, in publishing she would have taken away the Crown from the King, to have given it to the Infante; I have judged it necessary to Report it here.

By reason of the Uncertainty of Life, e∣very one being Obliged to endeavour his Health, I have wished I might be able to find out a way to overcome the great Dif∣ficulties, which have hindred me from Ac∣quitting my self of that Duty, and have filled my Mind with trouble. There is no∣thing more troublesome, nor hard, than this Life of mine, in which I may say there is something Extraordinary, since contrary to the Order and Nature of Monarchy, we are two that Reign. But to say better, I do not Reign but in Appearance, whilst the King Reigns in Effect; for I am Obliged to consent to all his Desires, because he is more than an Infant, and the Kingdom is his.

Besides this, I am perswaded, he would loose the Respects which he owes to me, if •• should contradict his Desires. So though I would have Justice rendred to every one, it is not done because the King doth oppose it, or they who Govern him. After this, what can I do to defend my self from such an Un∣happiness, but to withdraw my self from his presence, and demand that after having made a serious Reflection on my Design, they would give me such Councel as is most proper in the Condition I am in? My Inclination carrys me to enter into a Religious House, not out of Design (because I can bear it no long∣er) to free my self from a Slavery, so long and troublesome as my Regency hath been. I would have nothing to do, and while I should be there, I would not desire many Atten∣dants, only some few necessary, and I would the Abbess should take care of my Re∣venue, and she her self should Sign all things for me, though I have no design to dismiss my Officers, nor my Domesticks. The Reason that makes me desire that the Abbess should have the Administration of my Reve∣nue without my Officers intermedling, pro∣ceeds from the great desire that I have to live in great Retiredness. If I would not at first become a Religious, it is because I

fear to be engaged to follow the Rules of a Superiour in all Obedience, though they are more sweet than those I have prescribed to my self. And if it happen that the King would write to me, or desire to see me, though it would Combat the Resolution of my Re∣treat, what should I then do that I might not offend on this occasion against Decency? I well know the Inclination that I have for a Covent of the Order of St. Teresa, but Donna Maria is an Obstacle to my entering * 1.14 into that of Carnide: It is not that I could not live in the House where she is, without any Repugnancy, but as the manner of Life I would choose, will not suffer me to have Com∣munication with any Body; if I should be in the House where she is, I could not civily dispence with my self from answering the Respects which she would pay me. If by chance I should be Melancholy, as it may ve∣ry well happen, she might be perswaded she was the cause of it, at least I should do to my self some Violence to dissemble it, which would render me unhappy. So that it is easie to judg by this, I should not live in this House with all the Freedom I would. As to that of the Carmelites of St. Albert, I there find this difficulty, the fewness of the Lodgings which they have; for it seems to

me, to make a good choice of a Retreat in which one intends to end their days, or wholly to shut themselves up within the Walls of the Palace, according to the Custome of the Country, one should make Election of a spacious and pleasant Place, and one that had a Prospect towards the Sea, would please me extreamly. If instead of St. Teresa, I should have recourse to St. Dominie, whom I revere as an unfortunate Relation, I find the Covent of Good Success of that Or∣der; which is most Commodious, both because of its fair Situation, and large Extent. Nevertheless it hath an Inconvenience, for as it stands at the Mouth of a River, it will be the first Covent, that will be exposed to the Violences of War. All things well con∣sidered, I think, that I had better be at Lisborn, than in any other place, because it is a City in which there is no want of any Commodity, without speaking of the great number of the Religious, Virtuous, and Learned Men, which are there to be found for the ease of ones Conscience. In the Lands of my Apanage, there is no Place pro∣per for my Design: And as for my Building a Covent, I have not patience enough for such an Enterprise; besides, as I hope that my Retreat will be happy, and finding my

strength decaying, I would very suddenly ex∣ecute my Resolution. Having therefore no further care, than about the manner of execu∣ting my Design: I ask not Counsel about it, because I am assured that it will not be Approved, and that very many will desire me not to Abandon the State and the King; though the most part of them will wish the contrary in their Souls. Being certain that they are capable of such Disguisements, I may fear every day lest they should order me to withdraw; and in this fear, I think it would be much better for me to do it by my own Motion. There is nothing but the In∣fancy of my Children could have kept me in the World, which now will be well enough; my Daughter being Married, it remains that I see the Infante declared Prince, which is a thing I have long desired, it being ne∣cessary to Assemble the States for that Cause. But I must yet wait nevertheless, maugre my Impatience till the departure of the Queen of England; then I shall give Order about it. As for the Peace with Spain, I have no hope I shall be able to conclude it before my Retirement; however I shall do all my endeavours to bring it to pass. Besides, after the departure of the Queen of Eng∣land, there will be Speech of nothing but

War, the report of which, will not penetrate my Retirement; but if I should defer any long time to quit the World, they would have Reason to reproach me, for leaving the State embroiled. They may perhaps Object to me, That I ought to stay, that I may have the Pleasure of having ended all these Affairs of which I speak: But I answer to that, That I shall relish them more sweetly in my Retreat. And if they should pretend, that I may be necessary to the State, and that whatsoever Inquietude, and whatsoever Pain it should cost me, I ought not to Abandon it. I further answer, If all the People were resolved to Die to benefit the State, I would willingly Die with them, but that I should only bear the whole Burthen of all Affairs for the Ease of others, is the thing that I would not do. Would they could find another Remedy, or that God would pro∣vide one; and as I have all my Confidence in him, I am sure he will be fauourable to my Intentions. It seems to me that they will have hence-forward sufficient Abate∣ments. For want of Time, and through abundance of Affairs, I have not Time to declare my self so fully by word of Mouth; Therefore I have wrote these lines, to the end they may be the more leisurely Exami∣ned,

that I may receive good Counsel, in order to my Retreat. If I should Retire secretly, they would believe that I flie a∣way; if I should do it openly, they would imagine, perhaps, that I endeavour to be hindered, and there will be enough found, who will think they are obliged to hinder me. Once again I demand of you sincere Coun∣sel of all these things, and I pray Heaven, he will inlighten the Mind of those who are to give it to me.

In the mean time, while they were considering of these things, all things were disposed for the Embarquement of the new Queen; and on the 23d of April, 1662. those Vessels in which she was to go into England, set Sail under the Con∣duct of Francisco de Melle de Torres, since made Marquess of Sande.

Assoon as she was gone, the Queen Regent resolved to separate the Infante from the King, it not being reasonable he should be without Education, especially in a Time in which the King appeared incapable of Governing the Realm. And as it was the Custome to give to the Princes, and to the Infantes, a House fit for their Quality, she had a mind

the Infante Don Pedro should have one of his own.

When the Queen had begun to pre∣scribe what Officers she would have cho∣sen for him, the Order they should keep, and that she had sought out for him a Governor; they perswaded the King she had grand Designs against him, and that the Governor she would give to his Brother, was a sign she intended to make him King, since they used to be given only to Kings: They en∣deavoured farther to insinuate into him, he had the Right of choosing those who were to serve the Infante, and not the Queen.

Notwithstanding this, they prepared for him the House of Christopher de Mou∣ra, Morquess of Castlerodrigo, situate in a place called Cortreul; and nominated for Gentlemen of his Chamber, Martin Alfonse de Mello, Count of St. Laurence, Don John de Acosta, Count de Soure, Ruy de Moura Telles, Don Rodrigo de Menesses, George de Mello, John Nunes de Achuna, Count of St. Vincent; for his Almoner, Rodrigo D' Acunha de Saldanha, Chaun∣ter of the Cathedral Church in Lisbon, and ••or Secretary, Antony de Tavares.

This Change gave a Jealousie to the King, as if his Mother and his Brother had a Design to have taken away his Crown. For they made him believe, that never any Infante of Portugal had had so great a House, nor had ever been serv'd by Officers so considerable. The distrust of the King was increased the more, by the number of those who continually ren∣dered their respects to the Infante, he found to himself very few, and his Pa∣lace almost a Desert. But the Infante for all that, was not wanting in his Duty, but on the contrary, waited on the King with more diligence than before, in all publick places, and into the Country when he went thither to Divert himself: As he did not imitate his Debauches, his Modesty passed for a Crime in the minds of those who feared that all his good qua∣lities were but reproaches against the King. They endeavoured to perswade him, that the Infante covered much Pride under that seeming Modesty; and all he did was but to make believe, he was more worthy of the Crown than he.

The King becoming every day more disordered, the Queen resolved to execute the Design which she had to quit the Go∣vernment,

ordering for that end Pedro Vieira de Silva, Secretary of State, to fi∣nish all those Dispaches necessary for it. But that Minister full of Zeal, did remon∣strate to her, that this Affair did very well merit a serious Reflection, and that he ought to propose it to the Councel of State; which being done, they answer∣ed.

That it was true, the Age of the King gave him a Right to the Government of the State, but the Malady which he had received when young, had rendered him uncapable. That he did no ways bridle himself at these Years, but shewed only the evil qualities of his Mind, and those Maxims so contrary to those which are necessary for Princes, who will Rule well. That to leave to him the Rule of the Kingdom, would be to Abandon all to the imprudence of his Favorites, for he would infallibly discharge it by them. That if she should execute her resolution, and leave her Son in the midst of the Tempest, she would render unpro∣fitable all the Precautions of the late King, and would not answer that which all the World expected from her Pru∣dence, and her Zeal. When the King

himself should be of more Age, and have more Experience, and more noble Incli∣nations, than he hath, at last, when he shall be capable of reigning, he would still have need of her Councel; and more especialiy then, when he wants all these things, she should not quit the Go∣vernment, if she would not have that Curse fall upon the Realm, which the Scripture mentions of a young King.

These Reasons were far from shaking the Queens Resolutions, and did the ra∣ther confirm them, for they did not a little contribute to the fear she had, to see her Credit diminished; so she thought this Retreat, which would save her from a Discontent, from giving of∣fence to the King, and a scandal to the State, could not be blamed by Persons of good sense. Upon this the Ministers conjure her,

That since she would not change her Re∣solution, yet at least to defer the Execution of it, until they had taken away from about the King, those who corrupted his Mind, and fomented his Debauches, because so long as he should hearken to the Discour∣ses of those People, his Irregularities would

never cease. That she should consider, if they troubled the Government of a Queen, the Mother and Tutress of the King, and Regent of the Realm, she had much reason to believe, they would oppose the Con∣duct of those Ministers, who should be obli∣ged to obey the King as Subjects. If her Majesty should retire, for fear best the King should fail to pay that respect which he ows her, how could the Ministers hope to main∣tain their Authority? That her Majesty should before hand remove from the King those that were about him, and fill up their places with others more capable; that this was the only Remedy to correct his evil Incli∣nations. But if this should not produce the wished for Effect, and Heaven should not second her good Intentions, her Majesty having (at least) let all the World see, it was not her fault that things would be no better, she might after this execute, with more honour, the Resolution, which her Pie∣ty, and those other Considerations had made her to undertake.

The Queen approved of this Councel, as profitable to the King, and to the State, and her Resolution gave place to that which they had taken of calling the States,

to see what Remedy they could find for these present Disorders, which might have a very ill Sequel; for the Remonstran∣ces of the Ministers of State, the Advice of a Governour, and of a Tutor, had not made any Impression on the mind of the King, and those cruel mischances, the disgraces which had happened to him at the running at the Bulls, the Perils that he had escaped in a thousand Rencounters, had not rendred him more circumspect.

In sine, That this was not to be want∣ing in any part of Duty to the King, since it was the only means to bring him to himself; that in extream and des∣perate evils violent Remedies are necessa∣ry to be used; and as they had heretofore laboured with so much success for the recovery of the publick Liberty, they ought still to go on with the same vigour, to save the State from the Ruin, with which it was threatned. But as the Con∣vocation of the Estates General would re∣quire a long time, and their Assembling would be retarded by those who feared it, they judged, instead of that it might be supplied by the Assembly of the Coun∣cil of State, and Courts of Justice, and

by a Convocation of the Gentry, and of the Commonalty of Lisbon, as had been ac∣custom'd to be done in pressing necessities.

It was then resolved, that they should have recourse to this Remedy, and whilst the King should be busie in dispatches with the Queeen, they should arrest those whom they should think fit, and all the Assembly should presently go to render an Accompt of it to the King, and to conjure him to approve of the thing, as done for the Service of his Majesty, and the Good of his Realm.

This Project was communicated to the Duke de Cadaval, to the Marquess of Go∣vea, to Don Antony de Meneses, Marquess de Marialva, to Don Francisco soto Mayor, Bishop de Targa, to the Count of St. Lau∣rence, to the Count of Soure, Don Rodri∣gue de Meneses, George de Mello, Doctor Nioholas Monteiro, to the Secretary Pe∣dro Vieira de Sylva, to Father Antony Vi∣eira, the Jesuit, and to many other Per∣sons of the Court.

Antony de Conti was altogether Master of the Kings Mind, and in such sort, that he meddled with the greatest Affairs. Gaspar de Faria, private Secretary, by order of the King, put into his hands of∣tentimes

papers of: greatest Concerns; and they attributed to his direction the Preparatives, that were made for the Mar∣riage of the Queen of England, which Edward Montague, Earl of Sandwich, Am∣bassador for his Majesty of Great Britain, and Admiral of the Fleet which was to convey the Queen, seeing, he made no difficulty to communicate to him Affairs of the greatest Importance, as to a Mi∣nister of State, and to treat him magnifi∣cently aboard his Vessel.

But whether that Conti had received a∣ny advice of what they were contriving against him, or that he mistrusted it, he began never to leave the Palace, unless it were with the King, or with those of whom he was very well assured. This way he sometime averted the design they had upon his person: For to arrest him in the City, they could not find the op∣portunity, neither was that very easie; and to arrest him in the Palace, there it was yet much more difficult, for besides that good manners would not permit it, they knew it would too much provoke the King. Nevertheless they passed over all these scruples, and it was resolved, that he should be arrested in the Palace.

To facilitate the Execution of this Enterprise, the Queen kept the King with her in the Chamber of Dispatches, one Sa∣turday Morning, being the 16th of June, 1662. and whilst they were there toge∣ther, the Duke de Cadaval, Lewis de Mello, Captain of the Port, and his Son Emanuel de Mello, followed by Edward Vas de Orta Osorio, one of the Grand Pro∣vests of the Court, came into the lower Apartment of the King.

Whilst the Duke stayed there to put Guards at the Door, and gave Orders that none might go either in or out, Lewis de Mello, and his Son went up stairs. As∣soon as they were come to the Door, by which they entered into the two Anti-Chambers of the King, they perceived Conti in that next to them. But Lewis de Mello seeing the Duke de Cadaval was not with those that followed him, he asked aloud where he was. Conti having by this, discovered what he before had suspected, flung himself into the se∣cond Anti-Chamber, where he shut himself in. At the same instant the Duke arrived, and would have opened the Door with his seoret key, but he could not do it; for Conti had on his side put his

into the key-hole: So that the Duke and Lewis de Mello having push'd softly, cal∣led to him to open the Door, but he would not answer.

As they were afraid lest Conti should gain the Queens Appartment, by the Door which gave Communication be∣tween the two Apartments, Emanuel de Mello ran with all speed and possest him∣self of that. In the mean time the Duke was got into the Tarrass, which overlookt the Chamber of the Indies, for fear Conti should save himself that way, where finding him putting forth his head be∣tween the Bars of the Window, he seiz'd him by the Hair. Conti seeing himself laid hold on, asked, Wherefore they did that violence to him? The Duke answered him, That the King had given him order to Arrest him, and that he would do well to open the Door. Conti demanded, if he would kill him? To which the Duke replied, No. Whereupon Conti pray'd him to let him go, and he would open the Door; to which the Duke yielded.

But so soon as he saw himself at Li∣berty, he changed his mind: The Duke and Lewis de Mello, knowing the least Retardment was capable of ruining their,

Project, they ordered Andrea de Leiria, the keeper of the Kings Tapestry, to fetch an Ax.

In the mean time the Count de Castle∣melhor having had an inkling of it, either out of design to acquire the Friendship of Conti, or to flatter the King, he would have entered into the Chamber of Dispatches to have given him notice of what had passed.

But that Door according to custome being fast, he went by the Clock-House, which was upon the Tarrass; where ha∣ving found the Duke, he highly condem∣ned his Enterprise, telling him he had lost all respect to the King, whose Palace ought to be a sacred and inviolable Sanctuary; and went so far, as to give the Duke very outragious words. But seeing they had seized on both Pas∣sages, he returned the same way he came, and went to try if he could get in through the Queens Apartment, but he found that also fast; so that with all the dili∣gence he had, it was impossible for him to speak with the King.

An Ax being brought, the Duke told Conti, that if they were compelled to break open the Kings Doors, there was

no hopes of Life for him; but if he would open them, they would do him no hurt; at this Threat he rendred himself, and as he came out of the Chamber, with a grave Countenance, the Grand Provost arrested him, who also presently after took Baltasar Rodrigue de Matos, Groom of the Wardrobe, who exercised the Charge of Lievtenant of the Guard, for his Fa∣ther in Law, Diego Botelho de Sande, and led them both through the Tarass, to the place where they build Ships, and there they made them enter a Shallop, to be carried aboard a Ship, that was ready to set sail for Brasil.

John de Matos, and Francisco Bernar∣do Taveira, were also arrested; the first had been a Groom in the Kings Stable, the second a Clerk to the Covent of Her∣mites of St. Augustin, both of them having gotten into the favour of the King, the one as a brave and skilful Runner at the Bulls, the other for serving him in his secret pleasures. John de Conti was also arrested. Of these five Prisoners, who, according to the order they had given, should have been carried to Brazile, only Antony de Conti, John de Conti, and John de Mattos went; for Baltasar Rodrigue de

Matos, was brought again to Shore, be∣cause they found he was not so guilty; and as for Francisco Bernardo Taviera, he flung himself from his Prison upon the Rocks, where he was taken up so very much bruised, that it was impossible to Embarque him.

The Queen, who waited with great Im∣patience the news of this Execution, which she had no sooner heard, but sent word to the Councellors of State, to the Tribunals, to the Councel of the City, and the Chamber of the Four and Twenty, to the Grandees and Gentry, who were before Assembled, that they should come into the Chamber where the King and she were, to understand what follows; which Speech was made to them by the Secretary of State.

The Obedience, the Queen our Princess owed to the Orders of the de∣ceased * 1.15 King, the kindness she had for the King her Son, and the desire she had to be a Comfort to her Subjects, in ac∣knowledging those great Services which she had received from them, were the Motives that obliged her, maugre the great need she had of Repose, to take upon her the Government. If she hath

not acquitted her self to the content of all, it is not that she hath spar'd her self, nor that she has shun'd any Cares, or Troubles.

This Princess extremely touch'd with the Disorders which trouble this Mo∣narchy, and with the Complaints of the People, did believe it was most fit∣ting to call together to this Place, in this absence of the States General, all those Tribunals which represent them, to the end she might declare to the King in their presence, the Remedy which she hath endeavoured to bring to them, and to receive from them what Counsel she shall need therein; if what she hath done for the good of the State be not sufficient, assuring them that she has no other intention then to follow their Counsels.

All the People complain that Justice, which is a thing that Kings ought to love more than their Eyes, is not Ad∣ministred: As the Queen does not alone Administer it, but there are Judges who take Cognisance of Affairs, Civil and Criminal; she hath resolved to Ex∣amine all the Tribunals, to the end if any one among them, hath given

Cause of Complaint to the People, they might receive the Chastisement their Fault merits, and the People the Satis∣faction they ought to have.

It is a very great Regret to the Queen our Soveraign, that there is heard mur∣muring among the People, who complain that the King our Lord, although he be of Age to take into his own Hand the Government of the State, of which the Queen so vehemently desires to Dis∣charge her self, doth not apply himself however to any Affairs necessary there∣to; but on the contrary, lets himself be carried away by his Courage, in which Exercises of Violence, he hath Exposed his Life so many times to evident Dan∣gers, hazarding to leave the Kingdom without a Successor; instead of giving himself wholly to other Exercises, which should draw upon him the Blessings of Heaven, the Love of his Subjects, and the Esteem of Strangers.

And since we are all here present, the Queen would have us, that we Con∣jure the King to think of himself, and of us; which is the true way to render a King as commendable by his Merits, as he was before by his Birth: He owes

this Consolation to his Subjects, who are assuredly the best Subjects that ever King had, since without thinking of the loss of their Children, which are for the most part Dead in the War; nor of their Goods, which are almost all consu∣med, they yet expose continually all that remains with their Lives, to con∣serve the name of Faithful Subjects to his Majesty.

Sir,

By the the acknowledgment which * 2.1 your Majesty owes to God, who hath made you so Great, by that which you owe to the com∣fort of so good a Mother, and to the services of your good Subjects, who cast themselves at your feet, with Hearts full of Grief, to see your Soul subjected to so many Passions, and burning with desire to see it delivered from that Tyranny; they do Conjure you to quit the way you are in, and deliver us by your Royal Bounty, from those extreme Fears, into which the Love that we have for your Person, doth continually cast us. Your Majesty, Sir, might better employ your Courage, your Generosity, and your other Virtues, in imitating, as it is with great Passion desired, the Example of that Great King the Author of our Liberty, whose Re∣membrance will be eternally engraven in our

Hearts. May then your Majesty suffer us to make you these Remonstrances, which we hope may be no ways offensive, although they may not be altogether conformable to your Thoughts, since there may be occasions in which it is to be unfaithful to Princes, to have Complacency for them: Besides, our Nation, as you know, is naturally an Ene∣my to Flattery; although we have already Sworn, Sir, we Sware again, and we shall Sware a Thousand times humbly prostrate at the Feet of your Majesty, to render you a true Obedience, and to Die for your Ser∣vice.

The Queen as well as the People, is a∣stonished * 2.2 to see that they have introdu∣ced into the Palace near the Person of the King, People of no Account; who, to maintain themselves in the Favour they have acquired by pernicious Artificers, make no scruple to sow Division between the Grandees, and to Corrupt the good Nature of the King. They endeavour by all manner of ways to perswade him that he hath need of their Succour, to gain the Hearts of his Subjects, and to make them respect Authority, for which they would Sacrifice, as they say, a thousand Lives; in the mean time un∣der

this false Zeal, they abuse this Au∣thority, trouble the Order of Govern∣ment, and of Justice, and committing Night and Day those Crimes, which no Body is ignorant of; they cause so much Scandal, that if our Lord the King should have a true knowledg thereof, he would without doubt Chastise them most rigo∣rously; for without any respect for Re∣ligion, they are so Audacious, to make Attempts and Quarrels, even in Sacred Places, and to maintain thereupon dis∣courses so Insolent, that one cannot think on them without Horror.

As this Complaint is the greatest of all, so it is that from which all our evils take their Original; so it is no wonder that People without Religion, should hinder the Administration of Justice, and should help forward the Emportments of the King: This is it that doth trouble, and may yet in time to come, trouble the Publick Tranquility.

All these things have been represent∣ed oftentimes to the Queen, by many of the Ministers who are here present, and by others who had not the power to help it; and also by several Persons very zea∣lous for Religion, and for the good of

the Realm, that it was necessary to ap∣pease the Anger of God, which seem'd to have prepared for us so grievòus a Cha∣stisement, and to turn away the Danger which threatned us, in taking from a∣bout the King the Enemies of the State, who are more to be feared than those on our Frontiers. The Queen to follow the Counsel of her Ministers and her Subjects, hath willed these things should be so executed, to the end that all the Realm might see the Esteem that she had and should always have, of the zeal with which they had counselled her so well, and the desire she has to bring Comfort to the State, so long as she shall be Regent.

Sir,

the substance of this Discourse, as * 3.1 well as the words of which it is Composed, are not only mine, but every one of your Mi∣nisters, and every one of the Subjects, who find themselves obliged by their Conscience, by their Honour, and by the Ardour of their Zeal, to represent to the Queen for the Publick Good, all that this contains. This Discourse is conformable to Reason, and to Justice, which your Majesty will not oppose. It is on the Esteem that you have for Vir∣tue, on the Integrity of your Ministers, and

upon the Aversion you have for Flatte∣ry, the Liberty of this Remonstrance is founded; so that we hope, your Majesty will not only approve that which hath been done by so strong Considerations, but that you will acknowledg the just Intention of those, who gave this Counsel, and of those who Executed it. This is that which we desire of your Majesty, prostrate before you with a profound Respect, and the greatest Humi∣lity.

When this Discourse was finished, all those who were present according to the Custome of the Country, kiss'd the Hand of the King and Queen, and then went forth of the Chamber; but before their Majesties were withdrawn, Lewis de Mello, having acquainted the Secretary it was convenient to hinder the Count of Castle∣melhor, and the Duke of Cadaval from encountring, because of the words they had had between them; he advertised the Queen, who reconciled them. It being the Counts Week, he continued in the Palace, and came in the instant that the Grand Venere had opened the Door to the King, of whom he demanded as if he had understood nothing of all which had been said, if that Concourse of the People

was an Assembly of the States? The Grand Veneur answered him, that so soon as his Majesty was alone, he would inform him of all things, and being entred his Cham∣ber, he told him,

For to satisfy the Complaints, that all the People had made against Antony de Conti, and all those who had diminish∣ed his Authority in exposing every day his Life; the Queen had ordered they should seise on their Persons, and should be carried away far from his Majesty, which thing had been executed by the Councel of his most zealous Sub∣jects, and that she had rendred him an ac∣count of it by that Writing, which he had heard read in the presence of the Tri∣bunals.

The King had no sooner comprehended the sense of this Discourse, but he arose from his Seat, wholly transported with Choler, and went to search for Conti in the withdrawing Chamber, and not find∣ing him there, swore he would find him, in what place soever he were: Whereup∣on the Grand Veneur told him, That his Majesty ought not to be angry for what was

done, and so far from thinking ill of the Queen, and his Ministers, that he ought them thanks, since with so commendable a zeal, they had taken from about his person those men, who were not tyed to him, but for their own Interest, and that their near∣ness would make him lose the Love of all his other Subjects; that if he would be beloved, and rever'd as Father of his Children, there was an indispensable Necessity, this Separa∣tion should be made; it was for that end they had embarqued Conti in a Vessel, that had set Sail for Brazil.

Upon this the King, stopping for some time as if he had been forbid, sent to find out Emanuel Autunes, an intimate Friend, and Confident of Conti's: At the same time he entred the Kings Chamber at the back-door, the Count de Castlemelhor en∣tred at the other, as if it had been by A∣greement and not by Chance. Assoon as the Grand Veneur saw them with the King, he withdrew, after which they had a grand Conference, which lasted till Dinner. And though he dissembled his Discontent, as much as he could, all the while he was at the Table, yet they could not but per∣ceive it in his Countenance, which was more clowdy than usual, nevertheless at

night he failed not to go into the Garden, to ride his Horses.

After this Conference, he had another the same day with a Lady about the Queen, in which they condemned, as they had done in the former, that which the Queen had acted, and counselled the King to be revenged for that affront, whatever came of it. The next day he appeared more calm, so that it was believed he had for∣got all that had passed. Almost every one praised what the Queen had done, and even some of Conti's Partisans also, ac∣comodating themselves to the Time, seem∣ed to approve it, and there one was heard to say, That he should have been of the same mind with others, if they had asked his Advice, but since they had no Confidence in him, he should not approve of this No∣velty.

This day, being the last of Count Castelmelhors waiting Week, the King or∣dered him to wait another. On Monday the King went (as he was wont) to Al∣cantara, but with more Pomp, and At∣tendants than ordinary, being accompa∣nied with the Infante, and the greatest part of the nobility; this day every one stood upon his Guard at the Palace, for

they saw the Count to wait two Weeks one after another, and because he Wrote to the Secretary of State in impe∣perious terms, the King would know if they had given order that Conti should be put to Death assoon as he was out of the Haven, or that Emanuel Autunes should be Imprisoned. The King was no sooner returned, but he went to see the Queen, without shewing any discontent either in word or actions. Tuesday passed without any extraordinary thing happen∣ing. On Wednesday about Noon, the King in his Litter with the Count de Castlemel∣hor, went together secretly to Alcantara, without letting any Body know of it but Don Hieronimo de Ataide, Count de A∣rouguia, whom they found there; from whence all three sent to find out Sebastine Cesar de Meneses, Councellor of State, not long since released out of Prison, where he had been put by King John, and to fetch the Guard of Archers. The King Wrote at the same time to those Persons in whom he had the most Confidence, to call together the Nobility, and to give Advice to the Governours of Places and Provinces, that he had taken the Posses∣sion of the Government of the State.

The Queen being advertised of what had passed, called her Ministers of State for their Counsel, where it was re∣solved she should write to the King to pray him to return to Lisbon, to the end she might put the Government into his Hands, and the Bishop of Targu should carry this Letter; but before it was sent, it was Ordered for some parti∣cular Reasons, that Emanuel Pacheco de Mello, Lieutenant to the Camp-Master General, should go and Post himself near to La Croix, by which place they must pass, who would go to the King at Alcan∣tara, to tell them from the Queen, that for the good of the State, they should come first to receive her Orders. All they who were advertised of it exactly obeyed her, except Alvaro Pires de Castro,, Mar∣quess of Cascaes, and Antony de Sonsa de Macedo. The first said he would go thither to give the Queen an account of all things that passed there, which he did; the o∣the stay'd with the King, in recompence of which, he held him in the Quality of Minister.

When Night approached, and the King saw he was less Accompanied than his Favourites thought, having no other

Militia but the Guard of Archers, some of them were of opinion the King should retire to the Fortress of St. Julian, Situ∣ate at the Mouth of the Tagus, where he might be in Security; but this Counsel was not followed, because there came a great many Gentlemen to waite on the King, besides those who attended him, which reassured the Favourites.

The Queen judging, if she should go in this condition she was in without Troops to the King, she should expose her Au∣thority; and if she should carry them with her, they would accuse her that she had a mind to Retain the Government. She considered of it, and Wrote to the King this Letter, which was carried by the Bishop of Targu.

Most High and most Puissant Prince, I the Queen send to Salute your Majesty, as one whom I Love and Esteem above all my Children: I understand you are gone to Alcantara, with a Design to continue there, and that you have Commanded the Gentle∣men and Officers of your House to come to you thither. As you have done this without Advertising me, some do believe, that you have a desire to Separate your self from me;

but I not having failed even to this present time of doing the Devoirs of a Mother, cannot be perswaded, you will fail of those of a Son: I then Conjure you, to put an end to these Reports which run among the People; that you will presently return to me, assuring you, that not one of those who follow you, hath so tender a Love for you as I, nor desire more your Conservation and Aggran∣disement than I do: If you have no other Design but to take the Government of the Realm, God is my Witness, I desire it as much, or more than you. As for those things that are past, and of which you have had a Resentment; it is with me, that you should Treat of them, without Bustle, or Noise; it is with me, that you should be plain and clear, at least if you would testifie the Obedience which you owe to God, and to your Father and Mother. The Kingdom is yours, and I Govern not but in your Name, if it were mine, it should be only for you that I would keep it: Let us then call together the Realm as we ought to do, to the end they may put the Government into your Hands, as they put it into mine, before any Disunion put us into the Power of our Enemies, who have on foot three puissant Armies; which if there be any Insurrection in the Realm, a

thing much more to be feared than the Enemy, will infallibly destroy it. Be pleased then, in the Name of God, for the Love you bear your People, and which I ought to hope from you. Consider this Affair which merits it so much, and take care to recommend it to God, whom I pray to Conserve your Majesty, most High and most Puissant Prince, and above all my Chil∣dren the most beloved, and most esteemed Son, and Conduct you according to my wishes.

From Lisbon, June 21. 1662.

Your Loving Mother the Queen.

The Bishop of Targu presenting to the King this Letter, assured him in few words, that the Resolution of the Queen was to give him full Satisfaction. The King told him he would return An∣swer the next Day; at which time he sent Thomas de Noronha, Count de Areos, with a Letter conceived in these Terms.

Most High and most Puissant Princess, Queen of Portugal, and Algarves, on this side and beyond the Sea in Affrica, Sove∣raign of Guinny, and of the Conquests made by Navigations and Commerce in Ethiopia,

Arabia, Persia, and the Indies, whom I Esteem above all others. Most beloved, and most dear Lady and Mother, I the King sa∣lute your Majesty; Having regard to the Condition in which the Realm now is by the Neighbourhood of the Enemies Armies, and having a design to bring a Remedy thereunto, as an obedient Son to your Majesty, being touched with the continual Trouble which since the Death of my Lord and Father, you have had in Governing the Realm, which owes its Conservation to the Cares and to the Prudence of your Majesty, I have resol∣ved to give you ease: As according to the Laws of the Realm, I have passed much beyond the Time which renders Princes sub∣ject to Tutors; I hope with the Divine As∣sistance, the Approbation of your Majesty, and the Union which is between me and the Serene Infante Don Pedro, my Brother, I shall satisfie my People, and Triumph over the Enemies of the Crown of Portugal. Most High, and most Puissant Princess, Queen of Portugal, and the Algarves, &c. Who is to me above all others most beloved and most dear Mother and Lady, our Lord have your Majesty in his keeping▪

From Alean∣cantara, the 21st of June 1662.

Your

most Obedient Son, kisses the Royal Hands of your Majesty. The King.

The King Wrote also to the Infante, in Terms of the same nature, which Letter was carried by Antony de Miranda Hen∣riques; the Infante made Answer there∣unto by Rodrigue de Menesses, in which, after he had given him thanks for the Ho∣nour his Majesty had done him, in giving him notice of that Affair, he endeavou∣red to perswade him by very strong Rea∣sons, that he should return to the Queen, where he should with Honour obtain his desire; he hoped his Majesty would grant him permission to wait on him the next Day, to Accompany him in his Return.

The Queen seeing the King was not about to Return, try'd a new to per∣swade him to it; but all her endeavours were maliciously interpreted: For they said the Queen would not bring him back to the Palace, but with a design to con∣tinue her Regency. They who had stir'd the King up to this, feared his Reaccom∣modation with the Queen, and therefore increased his mistrust, the better to resist her perswasions. The Count de Arces,

who brought the Kings Letter, returned with this Answer from the Queen.

Most High and most Puissant Prince, &c. I Wrote to you Yesterday, which was presen∣ted to you by the Bishop of Targu; all that which you demand of me in your Letter, I am disposed to do; to remit into your Hands the Government of the Realm, so soon as you have taken away those Obstacles which hinder that Design: God is my Witness, I never had, nor now have, any other in∣tent. In the mean time, my Son, suffer these things to be done with all necessary Decency, and return to your Apartment, after which you may be assured, I will give you full satisfaction. Do it for a Mothers sake, who hath brought you up with much Affection; and who desires nothing so much as to see you Govern the State happily, which I hope to see by the Mercy of God: And to the end that God may assist your Majesty, you ought to be perswaded, that what I have said in my other Letter, and what I say in this, is that which is most convenient for you. Most High and most Puissant Prince, &c.

The King returned no Answer to this Letter, but sent to the Secretary of State to come to him the next Day; of which he advertised the Queen, believing

it was his duty not to obey the King in this occasion, without advising with her; she approved of his going to present himself to the King, to receive his Or∣ders.

The Infante went also the same Day to see the Queen, who thought it fit he should go to the King, although he had not sent him Permission, to Intreat him that he would submit to her will. But although the King was very Civil to him, and they Dined together, and went to∣gether to the Councel; his Prayers were of no effect. The Secretary was no sooner presented to the King, but he told him he had created six Councellors of State, and ordered him presently to Ex∣pedite all Provisions thereunto, for he would have their Advice in Councel that Day: Upon which the Secretary beseech∣ed him, he would surcease that Creation of Councellors of State, because, al∣though all the Gentlemen he had Chosen were worthy of that Employment, the time was not proper for it; besides, the number would make them be the less esteemed. That whereas his Father, the late King, had employed six years in choosing one Councellor of State, his Majesty had

Created six in one Night; the thing being done with precipitation, without his Ma∣jesty's conferring with the Queen, in whose Hands the Government yet was, and by consequence the Nomination of these Mi∣nisters, they would say, it was but an un∣happy Choice. It was to be feared, the Honour that his Majesty would do those Gentlemen, would draw upon them De∣rision, by a Circumstance which would render the thing Ridiculous, which was Reasonable of it self: That it would then please his Majesty to return to his Mo∣ther, who would Remit into his Hands with the ordinary Ceremonies, that which he went about to obtain, by unjust and vio∣lent means. It was not Congruous or fit for his Majesty to take that as it were by Force, which was his own by Legiti∣mate Succession. This manner of Act∣ing would make People see, that this Precipitation was by the Council given him, and cause a Suspition, as if the Queen through Ambition, had no mind to part with the Government, although she desired nothing more, of which his Majesty ought to be assured, since she had Wrote so to him. For as the Word of a Soveraign is sacred, she could no ways

fail in that, without doing wrong to her self.

The King was as little touched with this Remonstrance, as if he had never heard it. One of the new Counsellors of State seeing he answered nothing, un∣dertook to speak for him, and endeavou∣red to answer all which the Secretary had touched upon, and as the King had more trust in that Councellor, than in the Secretary, he followed his Opinion, ordering the Secretary to make all things ready thereto, according to his place. He had hardly taken the Pen into his hand, when there entred into the Kings Chamber another Minister of State, who asked the Secretary, What he thought of that Affair? Who answered him, He thought very ill of it, to which he replied, He was of the same opinion. But what Remedy can you give for it? said the Mi∣nister of State: Upon which the Secre∣tary gave him a Recital, after what man∣ner the Government ought to be remittted to the King, adding, He would maintain it true in full Councel, if called thereunto, That what the King was about to do, was contrary to the Custom, always observed in Portugal. Upon this, the ancient and

new Councellors of State being met, this Minister told the King, His Majesty should hearken to the advice of the Secretary of State, before others delivered theirs, because after he had instructed them in the ordinary Usage, they would be able to speak with more Solidity. He followed the Councel of this Minister, and the Secre∣tary said,

However Kings claim their Realms by Right of Succession, they do not take upon themselves the Government, but according to the ancient Laws and Ceremonies of each Nation, by a pub∣lick Act: For the Power is not com∣municated to the Successor, until that Act be performed, which gives equally a Title, both in regard of the Present, and of Posterity. That by Virtue of the Te∣stament of the King, the States had given the Government to the Queen, and had put into her hands the Seals, to which is tyed the Royal Power, which if his Majesty should exercise without them, he would do Violence to the Laws, and Justice. That those who should yield him Obedience, would do it rather for fear, than by reason, because although

the Crown did belong unto his Majesty, the Queen his Mother, nevertheless, as Re∣gent, had the Royal Power in her hands, so that if they owe an equal respect to both their Majesty's, they owed only their Obedience to the Queen. That he would not chang a Custom, which had been always inviolably observed. It was not reasonable his Majesty should take the Government by force, since the Queen desired with so much passion to surrender it to him; that besides the Vi∣olence, so contrary to the good hopes they had conceived of his Reign, it would lessen his Reputation; not only in his own Kingdom, but with Strangers. If his Majesty doubted of the Sincerity of the Queen, he should send one of his Gentlemen, to look in the Cabinet be∣longing to the Secretary, where he might see all the Orders, necessary for the for∣malities of that Ceremony. And since these Orders did manifestly make known the Queeens Intention, his Majesty ought to follow his Councel, and to return to the Palace, where the Business should be done, not only with all necessary Congruity, but also with an universal Applause. That that manner of acting

will be beneficial to all the people, and especially to those who are nearest to his Majesties Royal Person, who were obliged above all the rest to give good Councel to his Majesty, which he hoped from all those who were present.

The Ministers of State, touched with the force of these Reasons, all of them became of the Secretaries Opinion, and omitting what they had before said to the contrary, thought of another thing, That the King should send to demand the Seals by the Secretary himself, and having them once in his hands, he might continue his Government, and no body be able to say any thing against it. Upon this the Se∣cretary replied,

That he had not Authority enough to demand them, and the Queen ought not to render them, unless it should be to the King himself, without the interposition of a∣ny Minister. That his Majesty ought not to undertake any thing against Justice, and good Order, he should not (at least) do it, if he would follow his Councel.

As it was not the King, who did decide these things, he would not determine for

either side, but told the Secretary, he should attend, and within a while he should receive an Answer, upon which the Councel broke up. But after that, the King asked the Secretary in private, If he would assure him, that the Queen would in good earnest resign up the Government? To which the Secretary answered, That indeed it was impossible for him to make such a Promise, since he was not able to answer, but for his own proper Actions, however he was perswaded, the Queen would execute what she had promised, provided his Majesty would return to the Palace.

The Favourites did not hold themselves satisfied with what the Secretary had said. The King once again sent for him back, and ordered him, he should go to the Palace, and assoon as he should come thi∣ther, he should write a Letter, signed by the Queen, which should in express terms signify, That she would, the first day he ar∣rived, remit to him the Government, pro∣mising, so soon as he had received that Letter, he would return to the Palace, as the Queen did desire.

So soon as the Assembly was finished, the Infante took leave of the King, and went to the Queen, to whom he rendred

an Accompt of that which passed in his presence. The Secretary also having told her the order he had received from the King, she was resolved to execute it: After which he retired home, to take or∣der in some Affairs, and did not return to his Office till night, to write that Let∣ter which was demanded; He had hardly begun to write, when the Count de Pom∣beiro arrived from Alcantara, with order to know the Queens mind from her own mouth: Being entred into the Secretaries Room, he told him, That the King and Councel doubted the success of that Affair, because of the delay of the Letter, which he had made them hope for, and which they had waited for with much impatience, that all that which he had said was but an Arti∣fice, to engage the King, by his return to the Palace, to perpetuate the Regency of the Queen: That it was absolutely necessary, speedily to carry a Remedy to that Suspition, to put some stop to the Violence of the King, which was almost upon breaking forth. But the Secretary having told him the Reasons, which caused the delay of the Letter, which he complained of, he made an end of writing it, which being signed by the Queen, he put it into the hands of

the Count, who carried it to Alcantara, where being opened, they found these Words.

Most high, and most puissant Prince, &c.

To morrow at ten a clock, the Tri∣bunals shall be advertised to assemble, to the end that in their presence I may re∣mit to you the Seals, and the Govern∣ment of all your States, in the ac∣customed manner. I pray you ear∣nestly, that you will be there, Most High and Mighty Prince, &c.

So soon as this Letter was sent, the Queen gave order for all Preparatives necessary, and sent to advertise all those who ought to assist at this Ceremony, to the end she might do it with all the Authority, and Demonstration of Con∣tent, that so considerable an Action re∣quired. The Reading of that Letter calmed the Spirits a little at Alcantara, and it was resolved by the King, that he would be with the Queen at the time appointed.

The 23d of June, 1662. the King be∣ing within a Month of Nineteen Years

of Age, came from Alcantara to Lisbon, accompanied with all the Nobles, and fol∣lowed by a great Concourse of People. The Infante was yet in his Palace, for he had not got ready his Coach soon enough, which obliged him to send to tell the King as he passed by, that his People were he cause he could not come sooner to him; which he pray'd him to excuse, and not stay, for he would follow him. The King having consulted thereupon those who were about him, ordered that they should pass before the Infante's Palace; which he seeing from the Window, im∣mediately went down to the King, and going into his Coach, they went strait to the Palace by the New-Street, that they might make their entry by the great Place; where being arrived, they went up into the Chamber where the Queen was, and and then being placed, the King at her right, and the Infante at her left Hand; all the Tribunals assembled, with the * 6.1 Ministers of State, the Titulares, Coun∣cellors, Governors of Castles, the Lords of the Realm, Gentlemen, the Ecclesiasticks, and the chief of the Orders; which being done, the Grand Master of the Wardrobe placed before the King, a little Table of

Crimson Velvet with a Cushion of the same; and the Secretary of State put up∣on the Cushion a Purse, in which were the Seals; some time after, having taken them up, he put them into the Queens Hands, and she into the Kings, saying to him these Words.

See here the Seals with which I have been Charged by the States of the Realm, by virtue of the Testament of the King my Lord, who is now with God; I remit them into the Hands of your Majesty, and at the same time the Government, which I have received with them of the same States. God grant that all things may be Prosperous under the Government, as I desire.

The King taking them, put them at the same time into the hands of the Secre∣tary; after which, all the People came to kiss the Hands of these three Royal Per∣sons, and so the Assembly broke up.

The Queen seeing her self Discharged of the Burthen of the Monarchy, had now no other thought, but to execute the Resolution she had taken to Retire, and her self to found a Religious Covent, of the Order of St. Augustine. Being willing to begin to Build, she ordered Doctor Belchoir de Andrade, in the time he was

her Secretary, to visit divers Places, but they raised a thousand difficulties to hin∣der her, so that she found no fit Place: Whereupon her Enemies published, she had hidden Designs, and feigning to seek for a place to Build a Covent, she had no mind the leave the Palace. She had no sooner begun to make a passage of Communication from the Quinte to the * 6.2 Covent of Religious, of the Order of St. Dominic, being situated near it; but they said, the Queen had chosen this House, that she might flie away when she pleased. These malicious Reports, pres∣sed the Queen to execute her Enterprise. Having remembred her self one day, that the Marquess of Sandy had offered her a•• House which he had at Grillo; she spake * 6.3 of it to Garcia de Mello, Son to the Mar∣quess, who having also offered it to her, she accepted it, and presently began to Build there.

When the Queen had rendred the Go∣vernment to the King, the Courtiers be∣gan to change their Discourse, and many of them, who before were still speaking o•• the Incapacity of the King, now extolled the quickness of his Wit, and made him seem more worthy of a greater Kingdom

than his own. To hide their Incon∣••••••stancy, they protested the King was become another Man, and spake of his Change as of a Miracle; but this added nothing of belief in the Case, for his Reason being hurt by his Maladies, it rendred him incapable to conceive either that which they made him say, or that which they said to him. When he was to say something in Publick, they in∣structed him before hand as well as they were able, what he should say; but as they could not instruct him to answer to things that would be spoke on the sudden, he was then mute, or else answered far from the purpose; and if on these occa∣sions it happened that he spake something of good sense, these Flatterers would say more by half than the King had said. But in his good Intervals, if he had made some liberal Discourse, his Favourites * 6.4 would be sure to Preach on it; but this did but serve to render him Ridiculous, for they would render those things which came from him by chance to appear o∣therwise, and that his ordinary Discourse was not the same.

Before the King had taken Possession of the Government, the Earls of Atouguia,

and Castlemelhor, and Sebastian Cesar de Menesses, had taken possession of him. As in policy these three Favourites did praise one another before the King, he was perswaded they were filled with rare Qualities, so that he Reposed on them all the Affairs of State. But at the first, they judged it best for the King, to assist in all Publick Affairs; and though there was nothing more contrary to his Incli∣nations, yet they so brought it about, that he gave Audience, went to Coun∣cel, dispatched Businesses, but this Application lasted not long; whether it were that the King was weary of it, or some of them had perswaded him other∣wise by the Counsel of those who Gover∣ned him. But it is thus, that Favourites inspiring Idleness into Princes, invade their Authority under the pretext of dis∣charging them of the Care of their Af∣fairs.

There is yet another ordinary Artifice of such Favourites to maintain their Cre∣dit, and to hinder any from doing any thing against them, to Banish from Court all those who were not tied to their Inter∣ests, and to introduce in their places, ei∣ther their Creatures or their Friends.

The Count de Castlemelhor, and his two favoured Companions very admirably practised this Maxim, as we shall see in a little time.

Henry Auriquez de Miranda began a∣bout this time to put himself near the King, by the Services which he had ren∣dred him in his Pleasures, and within a while entred into so much Trust, and had so great a share in his most secret Thoughts, that if the Count de Castlemel∣hor had more of Authority about the King than Don Henry Auriquez, yet it might be said, that Don Henry Auriquez de Miranda had more of his Heart, than the Count Castlemelhor.

This new Favourite according to ap∣pearances, ought to have given some trou∣ble to the favour of the Count, however it happened quite contrary, and he so well ••anaged the Spirit of that Gentle∣man, and of the Kings, that he made that a support to his Fortune, which it was thought might have ruin'd him. And indeed, after this he became the most Pu∣issant of the three Favourites, by the consent of his Competitors, having more Facility than the Count de Atouguia, who did not profit by the occasion which was

presented him either by Moderation, or otherwise.

The Count de Castlemelhor being in Italy, whither he had withdrawn himself because of the death of Don Lewis of Por∣tugal, Count de Vimioso, who was there; vaunted, that one Day he would return into that Realm, as its Governour. From these happy beginnings he conceived so much hope, that his Prophesie should not be in vain, he was therefore resolved to push on his Fortune as far as he was able.

So soon as he had found he was Ma∣ster of the Kings Affections, he took the liberty to Lodg in the Apartment of the late Prince Theodosius; as he enterprised to have himself the whole Favour, this was not ill aimed at, to find a means to render himself inseparable to the Person of the King; But it was not enough to establish himself near the King, he must have some Charge which might serve to make his Credit seen and valued. There was then nothing at Court with which he could Accomodate himself, but that of Escrivaon de Puridade, which had not been exercised by any Persons of Quali∣ty, since Pedro de Alcacova Carneiro, Count

de Idayna. He then would have this Of∣fice, and having gotten a grant of it, per∣swading the King it was necessary for his Ease, and to maintain his Authority, and all things ready to the sealing of his Pa∣tent, the King ordered the Secretary to Expedite those Letters for that Charge to the Count; but the Secretary seeing the thing regarded the Publick Interest more than his own particular, he repre∣sented to his Majesty.

That the King his Father had united that Charge to that of the Secretary of State, and that he had the Letters Patents for it. That his Majesty ought not at the entrance into his Government, destroy that which the late King his Father had done, a most Wise and most Experienced Prince, but rather should follow his Examples and Ways, that he might not fall into those Wandrings and No∣velties which ordinarily fling down young Princes, and particularly such who deceive through their fair appearances; and that his Majesty ought not with Justice to augment the Fortune of one particular Man to the prejudice of another.

The King having none of his Council about him, answered nothing to the Secretary. On the Morrow, he ordered

him again to hasten the Counts Patent, which was made ready according to his Command, and therein all those Emolu∣ments and Prerogatives he would have. Some time after, they publickly discour∣sed on this Charge, and would have it thought, that in this was comprised all others, and it was ever possessed by Fa∣vorites.

There yet was wanting to the Count, the Title of Councellor of State, but so soon as they had told the King it was Es∣sential to his new Employment, he gave it him. Almost at the same time, the King gave to Henry Auriquez de Miranda, the Charge of Lieutenant General of the Artillery, vacant by the Death of Ruy * 6.5 Correa Lucas, his Father in Law, to which he united that of Intendant of the Maga∣zine of the Realm, which Lewis Cesar de Meneses possessed.

The King granted, besides many other * 6.6 Graces, to the Friends of these three Fa∣vorites; to Christopher de Mello, who was Governour and Captain General of the Magazine in Africa, the Reversion of Captain of the Port, and to Emanuel de Mello, his Brother, the Reversion of Captain of the Guards, which was

then possessed by Lewis de Mello their Father.

As it was for their Interest, that none but their Creatures should come near the King, they cast out, and banished from his Person, the Gentlemen of his Cham∣ber: They were dispenced with at first from the Service of their Charge, with∣out being hindred the entrance into the Palace, which they did the better to hide their Design, which they insensibly brought about. They ordered it in such a manner, that they could not entertain the King, nor give him any Advice. Al∣so by little and little, they took away the Communication which the King had with the Officers of his House, bringing him to Eat in his Chamber; he was served by those whom they met with by chance, wholly Abrogating those Ancient Cere∣monies with which the King of Portugal used to be served, and confounded the Order they used to keep in all things; for no Body exercised his Charge, but eve∣ry Body exercised all Charges.

The Favourites perswaded themselves, it was for their Interest, that those who were not their Friends should be Banished the Court; so when they wanted a pre∣text,

they made no scruple to awaken those things which should not have been spoken of; imputing Crimes to those People on whom the King bestowed any Favours; they accounting it nothing to have taken the Government from the Queen, if they did not give the King an Aversion to all those who had been of her Party. For this end, they maintained that the Remonstrance which they had made was Insolent, and brought it under a sentence of Condemnation; as if it had not been the Custom of all Nations to make Remonstrances to Kings, when they let themselves be carried away with their Pas∣sions. As it was done to Don Alphonso, the Fourth King of Portugal, because he loved Hunting with so great Ardor, that he quite neglected all Affairs of State: He at first grew into Choler, but being come to himself, afterwards praised that for Zeal, which he would have pu∣nished as a Crime, and moderated there∣upon the Passion that he had for the Chase.

They began the Exilement with that of Father Antony Vicira, which was follow∣ed by that of the Secretary of State, the Duke of Cadaval, the Grand Veneur,

Emanuel de Mello, the Count de Soure, and the Count de Pomlerio; and they sent word to the Captain of the Port, that he should abstain from coming to the Palace. See the Crimes they imputed to them, That Father Antony Vieria had wrote that Remonstrance that had offended the King; that the Secretary had promoted it, and that the rest had Dictated it and Execu∣ted it. These only were Banished as Culpable, though there were many others besides them. Some of them did avoid their Exilement, by Reconciling them∣selves to the Favourites; and none durst speak to another, because they were afraid one of another.

Somtime after, the Marquess de Gouvea, Grand Master of the Kings House, de∣manded Leave to retire himself to Gou∣vea; the Reason was, because they had made him lose a great part of the Rights and Preheminences belonging to his Charge, as much by the Revocations they had made therein, as by the too great Au∣thority of these Favourites. But when in∣spite of all the Oppositions of the Court, he would Prosecute his design; they or∣dered him to keep himself at Gouvea, with a Prohibition not to return to Court,

without an especial Order from the King; so his Retreat which he would have made voluntary, became forc'd.

Nicholas Monteiro, Tutor to the King, retired himself also to his Priory of Cedo∣feila, under pretext of the Indisposition of his great Age, but in truth, it was be∣cause he was not able to endure their man∣ner of Acting at Court. A little after the Count de Castlemelhor, proposed for Confessor to the King and the Infante, Don Pedro de Sousa, his Unkle by the Fathers side, a Religious of St. Bennet, nominated Bishop of Angra; which was agreed to.

They named for Secretary of State in the place of Pedro Vieira de Silva, who was Banished, Antony de Sousa de Macedo. So soon as the King had got the Govern∣ment into his own Hands, he shewed to the Queen, an unequal and capricious Air in all his Actings. Every time he came from Alcantara, he went to render her a Visit, and acquitted himself of all other Devoires which consisted in appear∣ance; he did also the like to the Prince, but he Communicated no part of his Af∣fairs neither to the one, nor the other.

These Favourites having it in their Heads, to bring the Prince to the Palace, they alledged for Reasons, that the King and the presumptive Heir to the Crown, should not live apart: That there was no∣thing more proper to cause their Amity, a thing so necessary for the State, than the Union of their Persons: That if he Lived in his Palace with little Satisfacti∣on, he would have much Content in the King. Besides, That it was too great a Charge to the State, which wanted Mo∣ney to maintain the War.

As this Motion was opposite to those which they had made formerly to appear, it was not very difficult to penetrate into the thoughts of the Favourites, which was, that by this means they might ren∣der themselves Masters of the mind of the Infante, as well as they had of the Kings; but the Infante, who discovered their Cunning, answered, That he was well enough in his Palace, as deserted as it was. So that despairing to be able to make him change his Lodging, they treat∣ed the Prince ruggedly, and accused him, that he did not love the King as he ought. But that which troubled them most, was, That he would not be loosed from the

Queens Interests, who was every day pre∣paring her self to retire, and that she would prevent their Dis-union, which these Fa∣vourites so passionately desired.

Although they had received several re∣pulses from the Infante, they did not leave to continue their endeavours to draw him to their Party, hoping they should be able to do that by Importunity, which they could not do with their Reasons. Whilst they were at Alcantara, the free∣dom of the Country served them to make some progress on his Spirit, chiefly by Henry Auriques. But as much as they gained the Favour of the Infante, they took away from the King the evil Impres∣sions they had given him concerning him, in so much, that the King began to make him dine with him, and to take him a∣broad with him in his Coach, and to give him the divertisement of Fishing in his Pleasure-Boat, which they made by night with lighted Torches; they went to∣gether to Alcantara, to see the Coursing of the Bulls, and the King obliged him to lye at his Country-House, to see these Divertisements. All these things gave birth to a Hope in the Breasts of the Fa∣vourites; that he should not be able to

escape them any more for the time to come: They vaunting already, that they had made peace between the two Brothers, every one of them attributing to himself the Glory to have been the Mediator, par∣ticularly, Henry Anriques de Miranda, for which Consideration, he pretended to have the greatest part in his Favour, and testi∣fied the most zeal for his Service, above all others.

At this Time, most of the Officers which the Queen had given him, had left him: The Count of St. Laurence had quitted him, to exercise his Charge of Superin∣tendant of the Finances; The Count de Soure was banished to the Algarves; Ruy de Moura Telles had retired himself; John Nunes de Acuna was with the Army in the Province between Douro and Minho, whi∣ther he was sent the handsomer to hide his Exilement. In the place of these Officers, they had put, Don Fernando de Meneses, Count de Ericeira, Pedro Gesar de Mene∣ses, Ruy Fernando de Almada, Ruy de Fi∣gueredo D' Alarcaon, Antonio de Miranda Anriquez, and Don Diego de Meneses.

As all these new Officers about the In∣fante were of Kin to the three Favourites, this Change was a very grand help to

them; but this would not suffice, unless they could be able to break the Union, which was between the Infante and the Queen, which was very difficult for them to do. They were willing the Queen should have retired of her self, and after that manner the Separation should have been, because then none could have im∣puted it to them; but their impatience was too great to stay for that. But a∣mong the Artifices which they used to ad∣vance this Separation, there was one, which would scarce be credited, if the Writing had not been found in the hands of one of those Ministers at that time, of which this is a most faithful Copy. It shewed,

That there were two ways to oblige the Queen to quit the Court.

The First is to cause her Displeasure in all those things, of which she would be most sensible; As to order Donna I∣sabella de Castro, to go into her Covent * 6.7 of the Incarnation, and to cause Donna Maria Francisca to go home to the Coun∣tess her Mother, and to prohibit all those Officers of her House, in whom she had most Confidence, to enter the Palace.

The Discontent she will receive there∣by, will oblige her to retire of her self, or else cause her to make her Complaints to our Master with more heat; this will oblige him to declare to her, that a vo∣luntary Retreat will be most handsom for her, to the end she might not be con∣strained to do it after another manner. This way hath more than one Step, be∣cause if she shall shew her self obstinate, and shall not be willing to follow the Councel of the King, she then will ren∣der her self worthy of Chastisement.

The Second way is to have it told her, by her Confessor, or by some other Person of Authority, That it is necessary for her Glory, she should retire her self to the Town of Allenquer, or into that of Cintra, because of the Report she had caused to be spread abroad of her Retiring, and for other Reasons that may be made known to her, and they judged that our Master desired the thing might be executed with all possible sweet∣ness, that other ways might be avoided, which might any ways give him a Vexa∣tion.

That if she should answer, as I be∣lieve she will, that she had changed her

Mind, and would know the Reasons which had obliged the King to take that Resolution; they should in that case put presently into her hands a Billet, which should let her understand, that it was to revenge himself of that insolent Remonstrance, which she had caused to be made to him, in which we may under a Colour bring some Reasons, for our par∣ticular Justification.

Below this Memorial, there was the Billet for the Queen, wrote in the same hand, in which were these Words.

You shall say to the Queen my Mother, * 6.8 that having regard to the Intention, she hath had of retiring into a Covent, and to the Reasons she hath given for it, I find my self obliged to tell her, (maugre the satisfaction which I have to see you neer me in the Pa∣lace) that for the Interest of her Repose, and of her Piety, she ought to execute that Design. If she will then follow the Exam∣ple of many other Princesses, who have done the same thing, she might chuse what Co∣vent she pleased out of the City, where she may live only for her self, and for the me∣mory of the late King, my Lord and Father,

who is with God. I do promise my self from her great Wisdom, that she will take care that the World believe this Resolution comes from herself, and not from me.

This Discourse filled with such hard and inhumane Sentiments, was con∣formable to those which they always had of the Queen, even in presence of the King; for he suffered them not only to attribute to Fortune all the good Success, but they imputed to her, all the evils which had happened in her Government; and they took pleasure to speak of all her Actions before her, with little re∣spect.

These Indignities which they made the Queen to suffer, either by the Order of the King, or by his Consent, went much farther. For some Persons assembling themselves in the Night below under her Windows, at what time they were infor∣med she used to go to her Prayers, broke her Windows, and said so many bitter and injurious Speeches, that no Pen is able to Write them.

To these Misusages which the obscu∣rity of the Night hid in some sort, they added others more openly, and more scan∣dalous.

The Day of the Conception of the Virgin, the King according to his Cu∣stome, being descended into the Chap∣pel of the Palace, where the Solemnity of the Feast had drawn all the Court, passed before the Queen who was in her Seat, without giving her the ordinary Ci∣vility; this Action which surprised eve∣ry Body, let them know very well how much the King was displeased with his Mother, since he failed of the Re∣spect publickly, which he owed her; so that her Maternal Love made her resolve, to take away the Occasions that he might not commit the like Fault, not to return any more into that Seat, but to make use of another.

Upon this, she formed a Design to go and pass away some Days in the Palace of Xabregas, and there to cause a Gallery to be made, to enter the Covent of the Mother of God, in the same place where formerly Queen Catherine had made one when she stay'd there. To this end she sent her Secretary to tell the Count de Castlemelhor, that for very just Causes she would no more assist at the Service in the Chappel of the Palace, and that she had demanded of Donna Francisca de Tavora,

Countess of Ungnaon, the Palace of Xa∣bregas, where she had resolved to stay, until that which she was Building should be in a condition for her to Lodg in, and that he should take care to let the King her Son, understand her Intentions. Two Days after, the Count de Antouguia, the Count de Castlemelhor, Sebastian Cesar de Meneses, came to the Secretary's House, to whom they told for Answer, That the King thought it strange, the Queen would leave his House to go into that of anothers; and that she should be very welcome in the Palace, till that which she was Building was finished. It was not three Days since they had a mind to chase the Queen from the Palace, and now they seem as if they would not have her go forth, so that none could divine the Reason of this Inconstancy.

The Day which the King had accu∣stom'd every Year to go to Salvaterre, be∣ing come, he carried thither the Infante with him. During that Journey, the Favourites took occasion to tell him, that the Queen had a mind to make him King: He answered, That if she had such an in∣tention, he should not consent to it. The Favorites ravished to have some occasion

to Calumniate the Queen, extoll'd the Infante for that answer.

He was as yet at that time under the Tutelage of the Queen, Henry Auriquez de Miranda told him, That he was now of Age enough to Govern his own House, and that he should make Antony Cavide his Secretary, in the place of Antony de Sousa de Taveres; so that he came back Emancipated from Salvaterre. After this, they went about to exalt the refu∣sal which he had made, and to speak of what Advantages the State received by his Emancipation. As they had taken the Government from the King to Reign with him, they had Emancipated the In∣fante to Govern him the more easily, look∣ing upon it to be for their Interest, that he should not depend at all upon the Queen.

The return of the King from Salva∣terre, was in the beginning of Lent, and according to his Custome, he continued his Communication with his Mother, but not so regularly as formerly. For so soon as he had made his Complements, he Treated her with much indifference, ac∣cording to the humours of his Favourites. It happened at that time, that the King

was let Blood, for a fall from his Horse, and the Queen going to visit him, with∣out his being advertised thereof, so as to have time to be instructed in the Civility which he should shew, one might perceive how Nature would carry it away from the Artificers of his Favourites, and those evil Impressions they had given him a∣gainst her, gave place to the strength of Blood; for he received her with so much tenderness, that when she was about to go away, and to take leave of him, he pray'd her to stay, to hear some Musiti∣ans Sing: She would at first have excu∣sed her self, but the King sitting down Embraced her, and Detained her.

So soon as the Favourites had under∣stood the King had received his Mother after that sort, they concluded absolute∣ly to separate them, to hinder their Re∣union. The same Persons, whose Coun∣sel a little before, had caused him to send word to the Queen, that she should not go forth of the Palace; seeing that she obeyed, obliged him now to send her word, that she should leave it within a few Days.

The Queen without the least Resistance in the World to the Kings Order, sent on

the Morning of the Vigil of Palm Sun∣day, to tell the Count of Castlemelhor by her Secretary, that she would depart af∣ter Dinner, that the King should let her know in what manner, provided it was in her Mourning Coach. It was answer∣ed her on the part of the King, That he would go in his own Coach, she in any she would desire, and the Infante in that of the Kings.

On the 17th of March, 1663. The Queen waited for the King and the In∣fante in her Chamber, where they being arrived, the King putting himself on her Right-hand, and the Infante on her Left, they accompanied her after that manner to the Court of the Chappel, where they went into their Coaches as it had been agreed. It is from the Palace to the Quinte, about a Quarter of a League, all which space was filled with an extra∣ordinary Concourse of People of all sorts, who were Assembled to see this Spectacle worthy of Compassion; they being perswaded this Retreat was to a Prison, where the King would secure his Mother. But yet the Serenity in the Countenance of that Princess, testified the contrary, and the Joy which they

saw in that of the Kings, made it belie∣ved so also.

Being arrived at the Quinte, they went up Stairs in the same order they had come from the Palace, the King and the Infante leaving the Queen at the Door of the first Chamber, in which all the No∣bility attended; returned without ren∣dring her any Civility, or testifying any Tenderness towards her, which did ex∣traordinarily surprise every Body: Ne∣vertheless the Infante is not to be accu∣sed of it, but the King only, or rather his Favourites.

After that the Queen had taken her place under a Canopy, all those about her came to kiss her Hand; some of them being sensibly touched with her Retreat, and the other feigning to be so. As for the King, he returned that Night on Horse-back, with a great deal of Gaity, approaching the Litters and Coaches which he met, speaking to the Ladies dishonest and licentious Speeches; which let the People know, that he had accom∣panied the Queen rather to Secure her Person, than to do her Honour; and that his Favourites had taken these Precauti∣ons, for fear the People should Mutiny.

And indeed, although she had Retired voluntarily, yet every one was perswa∣ded she was a Prisoner; for Sir Ri∣chard Fanshaw, the English Embassador, before he returned for London, the Mar∣quess of Sande, who was going to con∣clude the Marriage between the King and the most Serene Marie Frances Isabelle de Savoy, Dutchess de Aumel, and Princess de Nemoars, and Mounsieur Fouche, En∣voy of the Duke of Vendosme, did not dare to go see her, without the permissi∣on of the King.

As the Presence of the Queen did a lit∣tle restrain the King, assoon as she was Retired, he took no more regard to his Carriage. He had first made two Troops, one of Foot, the other of Horse, which he called his high and low Watchmen, which were composed of the most wicked Persons of the Realm, which passed with him for the most brave.

With these Troops he went out every Night, and set upon indifferently all those they met; the Peril being equal for the King as for them, because they would not have him to be known amongst them, he very freely exposed himself with the rest. Those who accompanied him ordi∣narily

carried their Swords without Scab∣bards, that they might be the more rea∣dy to execute his Orders, and that they might the better Surprise the People they found in the Dark, they blacked them, lest their Glittering should discover their Intentions. Those who brought theirs back the most Bloody, received the great∣est praises from the King.

The Watch which made the Round in the City, were not exempt from the As∣saults of these People, which troubled the whole Tranquility of the City; and the more, for the Judges durst not make Search after those who were Culpable. Nay, they were forced, having for this Business drawn so much Hatred on them∣selves, not only to abstain for a long time from the Execution of their Charges, but also to hide the very Marks of their Ma∣gistracy.

The King being perswaded one Day, that the Marquess de Fontes, his great Chamberlain, had offended him, he sought all about to kill him; but not finding him any where, he gave order to his Braves to do it. They having met him in his Litter, shot thorow it in several places with their Musquets; the marks they

found in divers places, shewed the dan∣ger he had been in.

Another time he made them fall upon the Coach of the Count of Ericeira, where were with him his Wife, his Daugh∣ter, and his Brother, but it was without effect, because they, to whom he had gi∣ven the execution of that Commission, had no mind to execute it.

One of his Diversions was to go in the Night to the Gibbet, to see those that were executed, and having taken them down, to observe what wry mouths they made when they expired.

The Night on which every year they made a solemn Procession from our Lady de Grace, to Saint Roch, and in which they represented the Passion, the King was resolved to go thither in his Coach with his Braves: Some of his Gentlemen indeavoured to divert him from it, telling him, the Place and the Ceremony would render the Action too remarkable, but he despised this Advice. He went thither, and ordered two of his Braves to box some of the men as they passed along with their Wives, but they did but justle them, the King observing they did not follow his Orders, commanded them so often, that

one of them drew his Sword to fall upon them, they did the like to defend them∣selves: Assoon as the King saw that, de∣siring no better, he went out of his Coach, his presence put all into disorder, and so much troubled the Procession, that it was broken, and the sacred Images, which re∣presented the Passion, flung down.

This Hurly burly being appeased, the King perceiving that he wanted a pair of his Pistols, and thinking it a point of dishonour, to leave his Arms behind him, gave order they should search among the Croud for them, and in the Confusion of the people, but his Braves demanding briskly the news of them of the first they incountred, the Combat was renewed, and the people were driven tumultuously, as far as the Gate of the Court, belong∣ing to the Marquess de Nisa, and even in∣to his Hall, if the Noblemen who were within had not opposed them, because the King was present, who at last retired himself, leaving very many wounded. This Action, which was against all Hu∣mane and Divine Laws, cast all the Court into an extraordinary consternation.

The night following, Pedro Severim Norogna, Secretary of the Grants, passing

under the Vaut, called the Golden Arch, incountring the Kings Litter, which was invironed with his low Patrovils, he pray∣ed them to make him way a little, but these people being thereat offended, they fell upon him, and beat him off his horse, in such a manner that they left him mor∣tally wounded: As this was not far from the Palace, the Count de Castlemelhor hearing the noise, ran thither, where he found him wounded, and in so ill a con∣dition, that he was not able to be carried to his House, so that he was fain to be put into one of the Chambers of the Kings Apartment, where he died within a few days after. The King was so little con∣cerned at it, that instead of chastising these murtherers, he hindred any from in∣forming against them.

About this time there appeared a Co∣met, the King having heard say, that it presaged the death of Kings, or a change in their States, he got above in his Tarrass, and there used to it a thousand injurious speeches, and called it a thousand infa∣mous names, and shot off his Pistols at it, His Favourites knew not any better Re∣medy for this passion of his, than to as∣sure him, he was a greater King than

his Father, or any of his Predeces∣sors.

His Debauches kept the same pace with his Emportments, for he did not only haunt the Houses of Women of ill Life, but they brought them also to an House in the Country, neer to Alcantara, and his Favourites humoured this Inclination in him, thereby to endeavour to dissipate the Report which ran of his inability. But when they saw this would not suffi∣ciently convince the people, they thought of a thing in the mean time, which decei∣ved very many persons. They bred up in the Palace a little Girl, under the name of Infanta, publishing the King to be her Father. And to render the thing more likely, they made the Mother of the Child to be cruelly whipt, under pretext of infidelity, and a man to be assassinated as one that had caused a Jealousy in the King. He did not leave in the mean time going to her house, or else causing her to be brought to the Palace, and carried her into publick Assemblies, and indeed in appearance he seemed to be desperately in love with her. This Intrigue had de∣ceived the most wary, if the Woman, who knew the Truth better than any body, had

not spoyl'd all by Confessing; That all that which the King shewed towards her was but feigned, and that he was not the Father of that Infant.

He began also to make his Gallantries to the Religious, and to bring about more easily his wicked Design, he made them open their Churches that he might repre∣sent Comedies in them, making the Quire serve for the Theatre, and the Ve∣stry the place for the Tyring Room; but when he saw all these Attempts were in vain, he Scandalised them in his Dis∣courses. He had so little respect for Re∣ligion, that when there was no need for it, she made Mass to be said at the ordi∣nary times in his Chamber, whilst that he was in Bed, or all Undressed. He would never go likewise on Feastival Days into his Seat in the Chappel till after Din∣ner, which was the cause that Mass was not finished there, till the Hour that Vespers were said in other Churches. Since he was not able absolutely to forbear hear∣ing of Sermons, he ordered the Preachers that they should shorten their Sermons; and some of them were Banished, because they did not obey this Order, and others forbore to Preach at all. There were ne∣vertheless,

some who had the boldness to Cry out against these Disorders, but without any effect; for others by the Flatteries with which they composed their Sermons, rendred their Zeal unpro∣fitable.

Hitherto the three Favourites, by the means of the Subordination between them, had Liv'd with good Intelligence; but the Count Castlemelhor perceiving that it was easie for him to Ruine the Favour of the two others, he sought for an occasi∣on to facilitate his Enterprise, he em∣ploy'd against them the same Artificers, which all three had used against those they had in Suspition: He chased first all their Friends from the Palace, and after∣wards themselves: For they had no soon∣er lost his Amity, than they had lost the Favour of the King.

It happened one Day, that the Count de Atouguya drew his Sword at the back Stairs of the Palace, for which the Count de Castlemelhor sought with all diligence possible to Arrest him, and to have made him suffer the Punishment that is ordained in that Case.

Some time after the same Count de Atouguya, went to answer a Challenge

that was sent him, which the Count of Castlemelhor made a matter of very ill Consequence; although it was in a time wherein if Duels were not permitted, at least they were not Punished.

The King at the perswasion of some Body, or of his own mind (for it was sometimes very difficult to penetrate into the secret of his Heart) wrote a Letter to Conti, with an Order for his being brought back from Brazile; the Count de Castlemelhor quickly suspected Sebastine Cesar de Meneses to have writ it. Upon this, he reviv'd against him the ancient Businesses, and stirred up new ones, in∣somuch that he received Orders to with∣draw himself two Leagues from the Court.

As none knew the true Causes of these Disgraces, the Publick Good and Justice being made only the pretext, these things rendred the Count extremely odious, especially that of the Count de Atouguya, by whom he had made his Fortune: But at Court the sentiment of Ambition, ea∣sily blots out those of Acknowledgment.

A little time after, Antony and John de Conti, arrived from Brazile, and were received with the Noise of the Artillery,

and the Sound of Trumpets. But they had Order sent them to retire to a House they had in the Country, at the Mouth of the Tagus, with a Prohibition not to go from thence. There was something surpri∣sing in this Order, for at the same time there was sent them Presents from the King; to the one a very considerable Charge in his House, and five and twenty hundred Livers of Rent; and to the other the Treasureship of St. Michael de Freixo.

It was not without Reason that the Count, who knew the first impressions of Friendship as well as those of Love, are never to be altogether Effaced, neither by Time nor Absence, should be afraid of the Interview of the King and Conti, and that he should oppose it as much as possibly he could; but in spite of all his care, he could not hinder him from doing it. If Conti did not come to the King, the King did not fail to go to find him out. He saw him one Day in an Hermi∣tage, and at another time in the middle of a Field. Some would have perswaded Conti to have followed the King, and to have come back to Court, but he would not, or else he durst not do it.

These secret Interviews gave a suspition

to the Count, that they were Hatching something against him; and as it is the custome of Favourites to interest their Masters in their Conservation, he made the King believe, they went about to take from him his Crown: And at the same time there went a Report, that he had discovered this Conspiracy by a Di∣vine Revelation. He accused the Queen, who was in her Retirement, the Duke de Cadaval, who was at Tentugal, the Count de Atouguia, who was disgraced; Sebastine Cesar de Meneses, who was ab∣sent, and Antony de Conti, who was Ba∣nished.

It was then resolved, that they should take the Informations of this pretended Conspiracy, and a Commission was gi∣ven to John Gabriel de Barros, and to the Register Francisco de Fonseca Sinel, Coun∣cellor of the Chamber Criminal; it was Lewis Correa de Torres, who gave in the first Deposition, being Interrogated by the King, who had his naked Sword in his Hand: After this, they extended it to ve∣ry many other Persons of great Quality.

The Register was charged with a pri∣vate Consultation to give to the Secretary Belchior de Andrade, with a Superscripti∣on

to the Queen 〈…〉〈…〉 King to carry 〈…〉〈…〉 her Answer, the 〈…〉〈…〉 the Queen would not see the Consentrati∣on, and the 〈…〉〈…〉 brought it, to carry it back to those who sent can, 〈◊〉〈◊〉∣out taking any other notice of 〈…〉〈…〉 then ordered 〈…〉〈…〉 ••••••∣ther to the Duke o•• 〈…〉〈…〉 should retire 〈…〉〈…〉 from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Court; and that 〈…〉〈…〉 ••••••••∣neses, should go into the 〈…〉〈…〉 ••••••∣taile, until he 〈…〉〈…〉 to go to the Algarves, and an Order from to 〈…〉〈…〉 Conti, to go to 〈◊〉〈◊〉. After 〈…〉〈…〉 went to kiss the Kings Hand, 〈…〉〈…〉 Deliverance 〈…〉〈…〉.

This Inquest laste•• a long 〈…〉〈…〉 be∣cause they would 〈…〉〈…〉 in Passion, or else 〈…〉〈…〉 the Ter∣ror of the Accused, in 〈…〉〈…〉 that which they feigned to discover 〈…〉〈…〉 They named 〈…〉〈…〉 it, and for Judges John 〈…〉〈…〉 Grand Chancellor of the 〈…〉〈…〉. George de Silva 〈…〉〈…〉 Montiero, Rodrig•••• 〈…〉〈…〉 Councellors of Parliament 〈…〉〈…〉 de Basto, Judg of the Crown, and 〈…〉〈…〉

to the Count, that they were Hatching something against him; and as it is the custome of Favourites to interest their Masters in their Conservation, he made the King believe, they went about to take from him his Crown: And at the same time there went a Report, that he had discovered this Conspiracy by a Di∣vine Revelation. He accused the Queen, who was in her Retirement, the Duke de Cadaval, who was at Tentugal, the Count de Atouguia, who was disgraced; Sebastine Cesar de Meneses, who was ab∣sent, and Antony de Conti, who was Ba∣nished.

It was then resolved, that they should take the Informations of this pretended Conspiracy, and a Commission was gi∣ven to John Gabriel de Barros, and to the Register Francisco de Fonseca Sinel, Coun∣cellor of the Chamber Criminal; it was Lewis Correa de Torres, who gave in the first Deposition, being Interrogated by the King, who had his naked Sword in his Hand: After this, they extended it to ve∣ry many other Persons of great Quality.

The Register was charged with a pri∣vate Consultation to give to the Secretary Belchior de Andrade, with a Superscripti∣on

to the Queen, with an Order from the King to carry it to her, and to let him know her Answer; the Secretary obeyed, but the Queen would not see the Consultati∣on, and she bid them who brought it, to carry it back to those who sent him, with∣out taking any other notice of it. They then ordered Don Theodosius Mello, Bro∣ther to the Duke of Cadaval, that he should retire fifty Leagues from the Court; and that Sebastian Cesar de Me∣neses, should go into the Covent of Bat∣taile, until he should be ready to go to the Algarves, and an Order sent to Antony de Conti, to go to Porto. After this they went to kiss the Kings Hand, for his hap∣py Deliverance and Success.

This Inquest lasted a long time, either be∣cause they would be thought to do nothing in Passion, or else to augment the Ter∣ror of the Accused, in Exaggerating that which they feigned to discover every day. They named Gabriel de Barros to Report it, and for Judges John Velho Barreto, Grand Chancellor of the Realm, George de Silva Mascarenhas, Pedro Fernandes Montiero, Rodrigue Rodriguez de Lemos, Councellors of Parliament; Lewis Gomes de Basto, Judg of the Crown, and Finances

Duarte Vas d'Ossorio, one of the Four grand Provests of the Court; Domingo Autunes, John Lamprea de Vargus, Councellors of Parliament; George Privado de Faria, Procurator of the Crown, was also with them. All these Judges met divers times in the Criminal Chamber: Although the Informations did not Charge the Ac∣cused, some would nevertheless perswade that they were not Innocent, but the In∣tegrity of the Judges was not to be sha∣ken; and almost all of them concluded in the favour of the Innocent. The Ac∣cused often demanded to see what they were accused of; but they would never deliver them any Copy of their Charges. And that Information which ought to have been Cancell'd, because it con∣tained nothing of Proof against the Ac∣cused, was Conserved by the credit of the Favourites, as an armed Hand ready to discharge its Blow on some other Occasion, on the Heads of the Ac∣cused.

After this success, which let all the World see, that the Credit of the Court was not to be Limited; he was not afraid to leave the Apartment he had in the Pa∣lace, and to take one more Splendid, and

answerable to the glory of his Fortune: his Anti-chamber being thronged with Courtiers, whilst the King's was naked and empty.

By these ways, and by others yet less Legitimate, the Count de Castlemelhor had acquired so much power in the Realm, that he lived no longer as a Subject; so that the King who had formerly complain∣ed during the Regency of the Queen, He was but a Statue, of which she was the Organ; might with much more Reason say the same thing of the Count.

About this time, Simon de Vasconcellos, and Sousa, the Favourites Brother, carri∣ed himself so well about the Infante, that when the Prince fell Sick in the Autumn following, he performed about his Per∣son the Functions of all the Gentlemen of his Chamber, which made them, see∣ing him respected before them, to Retire under divers pretexts; but the Count de Castlemelhor, made the King recal them all, except the Count de Ericeira; al∣though he was the most worthy to have been recalled, because of his high Vir∣tues, and the greatness of his Wit. Af∣ter this Re-establishment, Simon de Vas∣concellos was also made Gentleman of the

Chamber to the Infante, and had also be∣sides that, a Brief for Superintendant of the House of the same Infante.

Sometime after, Pedro Cesar de Mene∣ses, George de Mello, Ruy de Figueredo de Alarcon, and Antony de Miranda Anri∣quez, retired themselves, As for Don Diego de Meneses, he took leave publick∣ly, which was thought so strange of by the Favourite, that he menaced him with a Chastisement, although he had for his excuse the Count de Ericeira, who a lit∣tle before had taken leave after the same manner. And the Chastisement had soon followed the Menace, had not an Affair happened, which suspended the Resoluti∣on he had taken thereupon.

Ruy Fernandes de Almada, was retired to execute his Charge of President of the Court in the City, leaving in his place his Son Christopher de Almada, Antony Cavide, Secretary, having also left the Service of the Infante; John de Roxas de Azevedo, who was at that time Coun∣cellor of the Inquests, exercised his Charge.

Things being at this pass, the Marquess de Sande, arrived from France, the 17th of March, 1665. where he had been,

having passed out of England thither with the Articles of the Marriage of the King, with the most Serene Princess de Nemours, and an Order to Treat of a Marriage be∣tween the Infante and Mademoisselle de Bou∣illen, Daughter to the Duke of Bouillen. As this last was but as it were in Agitation, upon a Letter which that Prince had wrote to the Marquess of Sande, by the Impor∣tunity of the Favourites; he declared he did not desire that Negotiation should be continued, which did extreme∣ly surprise them. To make him consent to the Marriage they told him, that this Rupture would trouble the Repose of the Publick; and that the Treaty which had been begun by virtue of his procuration, could not be left off, without breaking off the Kings also, which would be a great prejudice to the State. But the Prince in his own behalf, told them, That the Essence of Marriage consisted in the Consent of the Parties, and that he had never given his to that: And moreover, he had not given his positive Word, as they had made People believe; but if it had been so, before the Treaty should be concluded, he should have the power to break it off. Since there was not any

Realm in the World, but could shew Ex∣amples of the same thing. That in Por∣tugal the King Emanuel had Espoused Madam Leonora, whom his Son John had thought to have Married; that the Infan∣ta Donna Beatrice, Daughter to the King Don Fernand, after she had agreed with Frederick, Duke de Benevent, as also with Duarte, son of D' Aimond, Count de Cambridg, and promised to the Infanta John her Unkle: after that to Ferdinand, Son of John the First, King of Castile, was notwithstanding all this Espoused to the last. That all the World knew that Mary Dutchess of Bourgoyn, who had been promised to John, and to Nicholas, Fa∣ther and Son, Dukes of Anjou; to Charles Duke of Guinne, to the Duke of Savoy, to Frederick, Prince of Tarente, Espoused Maximilian, Arch-Duke of Austria, and Emperor: That they could not after all, maintain with any Reason, that to Con∣summate the Marriage of the King, he must necessarily be Espoused to Madomoiselle de Bouillen. But the Favourites seeing they were not able to change the mind of the Prince, they made him be spoken to about it by the King, determining with him the time and place for him to do it.

They two being together in their Seat, on Good Friday, though it was no place conve∣nient, nor which they had pitched on; the King after he had entertained the Infante of many Indifferent things, spake to him of this Marriage, and reproached him, that he had been willing the King should make the Match, and that the Queen al∣so had used her endeavours for it; but the Infante lookt upon this Accusation but as a Calumny, and justified both himself and the Queen. As to that of his Marriage, since it was not pleasing to God he should Marry contrary to his Affection, his Majesty could not con∣strain him to it, without offending him; but the King not being able to suffer this resistance of the Prince, told him, that he would put him in the Tower: To which he told him, As he was King, he might do it, but yet although he had an absolute power over him, ought not to make use of it, to force his will, or to do him out-rage.

On the next morning, the Infante be∣ing returned to the Seat, the King made new Efforts to perswade him: But seeing he endeavoured it in vain, he made the Secretary of State to tell Rodrigue de

Meneses, Simon de Vasconsellos, and Rodri∣gue de Acunha, that their Services should be no longer acceptable to him, if they did not make his Brother change his Mind. Rodrigue de Meneses would have made a Tryal on the Infante, and ren∣dred him an Accompt of what had passed, but instead of hearing him, he told him, That the King might cut off his Head, as well as of the meanest of his Subjects; but he had not power enough to change his Heart. That they should never make him to resolve upon that Marriage, that not being the way to do it; for in matters of Love, the whole Soul becomes firm against Violence, and the most sweet Spirits are provoked, when they go about to force their Inclinations.

The Marquess de Sande, before he went back into France to conclude the Marri∣age of the King, spake to the Count de Castlemelhor, about the report of his Ina∣bility, but the Count told him it was an Imposture, whether he was so perswaded indeed, or whether he spake for his Inte∣rest against his Conscience, is uncertain.

Whilst every one expected the good success of this Marriage, that was nego∣tiated, and began before hand to tast the Joy of it, there chanced a Subject

of Affliction, which troubled that Joy, by the death of the Queen. Every one was preparing their Habits, to celebrate the Reception of the new Queen, but were forced to turn them into mourning, to honour the Funerals of the old. She fell sick the 25th of February, 1666, of a Disease, that at first put her into ex∣tream Danger, taking from her the liber∣ty of Breathing. She no sooner knew the estate she was in, but she disposed, like a most Christian, and most Pious Princess, of all things that concerned her: after which she wrote to her two Children, who were at Salvater, in these Terms.

For the King,

My Son,

I am in such a Condition, the Physicians doubt of my Life, and I my self am very sensible, that I have not long to live. I have therefore resolved to give ad∣vice to your Majesty, (not knowing that time will permit me to do any thing else) in a moment, in which I ought to think on no∣thing, but the health of my Soul; and be∣cause I find it almost impossible, to discharge it of that which presses it, it is from you

alone I expect this Comfort. I believe I shall say all in saying I am your Mother, and I hope all things of you, if you would but remember your self of the duties of your Birth. I attend Death amidst the Tears of those who have always followed me; and as the loss which they will have by it is one of my greatest Greifs, I demand of you, that after you have acquitted your self of that which you owe to my Soul, you will for my sake recompence the good Services which they rendred me, and that you finish those Foundations which I have begun, for God would have it so, If I dy without seeing you, I leave you my Blessing, which is the only thing I have left me to give you, assuring you, that God will not require an Accompt of me for not at all times treating your Majesty, as my Son.

From Xabregas, the 26 of Feb. 1666

For the Infante.

My Son,

the Time I have to live is so short, that every moment I am ready to ex∣pire; I am your Mother, and seeing I am upon the point of appearing before God, I

would not leave you without my Blessing. I recommend to you always the Fear of God, and the Obedience which you owe to your Bro∣ther, in whom are all your hopes; and in the end, after my death be mindful of my Soul, since you ow all things to my Love.

From Xabregas, &c.

When the Infante heard these sad ti∣dings, he could not but by tears express his Greif, but the King was very far from being touched with it, and rallied his Brother for his tenderness, and opposed his design of going away post. Both of them answered the Letters of the Queen, and sent her Word that they would come speedily to kiss her hand. The Grand Master of the Kings House, and the Su∣per-Intendant of the Infante's, carried their Answers.

The King made this Voyage with a great deal of delay, going in his Brigan∣tine, he made many turns and returns up∣on the Water, to speak words of Railery to the Boats and Barques he met with, so that he arrived at the Quinte, not till Sa∣turday, the 28th of February, 1666, a∣bout eight a clock, and it was not to be

doubted, but that this delay was a thing designed.

The King and the Infante, accompa∣nied with the Favourite and his Brother, found the Queen upon the point of ren∣dring her last Breath. The King asked her Benediction, but the Infante was not able to say any thing, having both his Heart and his Voice seized, and all he could do was to burst into tears. Isabel de Ca∣stro uncovered the Queens Hand; which the King and the Infante kissed, and the Favourite having told the King, it was e∣nough, he went out, saying, Adieu, Adieu, and an hour after the Queen expired.

On the Munday was her Funeral, the King and the Infante casting the holy Wa∣ter upon her Corps, which they accom∣panied to her Litter, in which they carri∣ed her to a Covent of Barefoot White-Friars, to be there Deposited, till that of Religious Women of the same Order, of which she was the Foundress, was finish∣ed, where she had a mind to be Buried.

As this Princess had been in her Life∣time, so she will be after her Death, a perfect Model for all Princesses. She was no sooner Dutchess of Bragansa, but her Address, and her Resolution, put the

Crown upon the Head of her Husband; who had such Confidence in her, that he Communicated the most Important 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the State to her, which had such great Success, that the greatest Politians admired her Conduct. When she was Re∣gent, she yet better manifested the Geni∣•••• she had to Manage the State; for as she was assisted by no Body, and that the Burthen of the Kingdom lay upon her, she expressed an Indefatigable strength both of Body and Mind, and conserved by her Prudence, what she had Conquered by her Co••••age. So soon as she was undecei∣ved of the Vanity of the things of this World, she had a mind to Discharge her self of the Care of those Affairs: If she did not do it, it was because of the diffi∣culty which she found in the executing of her Design; besides, some made it to her a scruple of Conscience. Moreover, as she had always a great deal of Moderati∣on in her Prosperity, so she supported all those Disgraces which Heaven sent her with much Constancy.

They remarked (as a thing rare in ei∣ther Sex, when they have the soveraign Authority in their Hands) that she had so little Resentment for the Persecutions

they had made her suffer, she seemed to take a pleasure in them, so much she fear∣ed to oppose Religion.

But the Infante had not so much Mode∣ration, for he would not Pardon the Fa∣vourites, whom he accused to be the Au∣thors of them, which irritated them in such sort that they confounded all things with the King. They again raised up the ancient Reports, which they had before spread abroad; That he had no affection for the King, and that he aspired to the Crown. They enquired into his Dis∣courses, into his Exercises, and into the Persons that came to him, to endeavour to gain some pretext to censure his Con∣duct. The King witnessed his hatred a∣gainst those who Complemented him, and an affection for them who Estranged them∣selves from him, and forbid at the same time very many from coming into his Palace, and testified to many others, that their Affairs were not Expedited, be∣cause they went thither. What did they not do to take off Don Rodrigue de Meneses first President of the Parliament, from the Infante? How often did they try to enforce on him Impressions against him? How often by offers enough to have sha∣ken

any Man, but he, did they attempt it? All the Presidents of the other Tribunals * 8.1 were continued in their Charges, but he ••••ly was refused that Grace: They would then have sent him in Quality of Vice∣••••y to the East Indies, but he found too many Charms in the Person of the In∣fante to go to exercise that Charge, which was given to John Nunes de Acuntia, who was also ty'd to the Prince.

Don Rodrigue de Meneses, Simon de Vasconcellos, and Sousa, and Christopher de Abnada, were all the Gentlemen that re∣mained to him: But as he had not enough to appear at the Entry of the Queen, he went and demanded of the King permis∣sion to augment their Number; to which he yielded, and told him by Henry Anri∣quez de Miranda, that he gave him power to name them himself. The Infante pre∣sently named Lewis de Silveira, Count de Sarsedas, Don Vasco Labo Baron de Alvito, Michael Carlos de Tavora, General of the Artillery in the Province Tras os Mon∣tes, and Lawrence de Lencastre; but go∣ing to the Palace to thank the King, he found he had changed his mind. In the mean time he heard the Queen had left France, and he thought to serve

himself with the occasion of the good News, to ask of the King these Gentle∣men which he had chosen by his permissi∣on; but the King would not yield to it. Up∣on this, the Infante having said, That he he was astonished to see his Majesty would not approve of the Choice which he had made by his Permission. The King re∣plied, That his Ancient Officers had aban∣doned him, because they were not able to en∣dure his ill Humour. So the Infante find∣ing himself Obliged to let the King see, that they did not Retire for any Cause, but for their own particular Affairs: He would have shewn the King a Billet left by Antony de Miranda Anriquez, when he retired, but he would not see it. It is one of the Injustices of those who are in Authority over others, that they would not have the Truth made manifest to them, when it is not for their Advantage, for fear their Falsity should not continue with them.

But it was supposed, that the King did this because he was constant to his Favou∣rites, who would have the Infante to have taken again his Ancient Gentlemen, who had quitted him because they were their Creatures, nor would they yield to let

him have the other, because they were sus∣pected. At this time the Infante came ve∣ry feldom to Councel, the Favourite how∣ever fail'd not to give him an account of the Affairs of the Realm, but not in truth to ask his Advice, but only to tell him what had been resolved on in Council: But he had oftentimes that from common Report, which they come to communicate to him from the King as a Secret.

The King and the Infante lived together after this manner, when they had advice that that Navy which brought the Queen, appeared at the Cape Rogue, in the Morn∣ing, the 2d of Aug. 1666. The Admiral on which she was aboard, cast Anchor a little above Betlehem, and in the Evening she came to Land in the presence of all the People, who were ravish'd with her Beau¦ty, and her good Grace. The King was the only Person who was not in hast to see her, and in lieu of going to receive her from on Board, he stay'd to do his ordi∣nary Exercises.

The Marquess de Ruvigny, General of the Naval Forces which had conveyed the Queen, went to salute the Infante, whom he found accompanied with none but Don Rodrigue de Meneses, for

Simon de Vasconcellos, Sousa, and Christo∣pher de Almada, were at Lisbon. The Prince took an occasion thereupon, to de∣mand again those Gentlemen which they had refused him, and sent to let the Fa∣vourite know by his Secretary, that he should advertise the King, it was for his Honour, whilst the Court was full of Strangers, he should have a Train answer∣able to his Birth and Quality. The Fa∣vourite return'd an answer so drily to the Infante's Secretary, that he was obliged to tell him, it would be well for him to pacifie him; but he despised that advice.

Before the Infante had known the Kings Answer, they met by chance in the great Place, called Campo Grandee, the King a∣bourding him said, Since he had been wilful, he would take his turn to be so to, The Infante answered him. That his Majesty ought to be as good as his Word, and if he had any reason, wherefore he should not grant him those Gentlemen he had demanded, he ought not to hide it from him, since they were all worthy of the approbation of his Majesty: he had reason to believe, that he had a de∣sign to deprive him of the stisfaction of being neer him. After this, seeing things look so scurvily at the Court, he demanded per∣mission

of the King to retire. The King told him, That he might do it of his own proper motion, if he pleased, but he should not order it.

The Infante took leave of the King, and kissing his Hand, he added to what he had said, That from that moment he should retire himself from the Court, but he believed he ought in good Manners to at∣tend the King, until he had made his en∣trance into Lisbon with the Queen. He went notwithstanding every Day to the Court, where the King Rallying with him, ask'd him why he was not yet gone from Court? He answered, That he stay∣ed only to accompany his Majesty in his Entry, and after that he would finally retire. Among these Rudenesses which the King shewed to his Brother, he min∣gled some Sweetnesses and Caresses; some were perswaded that this Refusal came but from some Counsel, that had been given the King.

The Infante one Day, said to Don Ro∣drigue de Meneses, and to Simon de Vas∣concellos, that he knew well enough, some Body did render him ill Offices about the King, and had diverted him from the Design he had to have kept his word:

He added, That he suspected the Count of Castlemelhor, and if he should find it to be so, he should have a Chastise∣ment as rigorous as his Crime was enor∣mous. Simon de Vasconcellos answered, That if he continued to do such Injustice to his Brother, he should retire him∣self from his Service: And he spoke it with so much Passion, the Infante was obli∣ged to tell him, That he should have a care of what he said, for he would not always find him disposed to receive his Excuses, as he had often done; since he had carried things to that Extremity, and put him besides all Patience, he would make him think of what he had to do, and that he should leave the Palace. Simon de Vas∣concellos, not being to be found about the Infante when he was going forth, and that by his Order they had searched for him on all sides without finding him, he came just as the Infante went into his Coach, who commanded him to take his Place, but he denied it; and the more he was pressed, the more obstinately he refused it, so that the Infante was fain to go with∣out him. This Obstinacy at one blow, broke the Line which ty'd him to the Prince, and since that time, he could never

obtain the Grace he had refused.

The Count de Castlemelhor having un∣derstood that the Infante was angry with him, and his Brother had lost his favour, endeavoured to get for him those Gentle∣men he desired, but he could not bring it about. But having a mind to justify himself however with the Infante, he came to his Palace, to make him great Protestations of his Service, and repre∣sented to him the great Endeavours he had used with the King to render him Ser∣vice, exaggerating the trouble he had had to have a particular Audience of the King, and that he could not obtain it, but under pretext of letting him see some papers of other Concernment.

But the Infante answered him, That he had no faith in those Words, if they were not followed by Effects, and he should by that best judge of them; adding that the evil Treatment he had recei∣ved from the King came from the Counsels that were given him; that as he knew not certainly who they were that gave it him, he had not taken from them their Lives; that for his own particular, if he would justify himself to him, he had nothing

to do but to procure him the good fa∣vour of the King, upon whose Spirit he had an absolute power, and that would be the only mark he could give him of his innocency.

The Favourite returned worse satisfied than before with this Discourse; for he was perswaded that this Contempt, which the Prince shewed he had for him, if he should not revenge himself for it, would draw on him that of all the people.

The Infante dispos'd himself every day to retire, and great quantity of the most con∣siderable Gentlemen of the Kingdom kept themselves about his Person, which gave great Terror to the Favourite, and forced him to stand upon his Guard; for he was not ignorant that they imputed the Dis∣contents of the Infante to none but him, and that they had said publickly, he would not retire, but because they two were incompatible. This was easily believed by the Interest, that Favourites have to estrange from the Court those, whose birth might give them Authority, or for the Hatred they bear to Favourites, which interprets all they do in an evil sence.

After the King had made his En∣•••• into Lisbon, on the 29th of August 1666, the Infante, who stay'd 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for the end of that Ceremony to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 himself, went out of the City that night without any noise, follow'd only by Don Rodrigue de Meneses, (Si∣mon de Vasconcellos not being in his ser∣vice, and Christopher d' Almada being indisposed) and the Nobless who were accustomed to be with him, and went to dye at the Quinte de Quelas, one of his Houses of Pleasure, which is a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and a half from Lisbon.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 did not approve of this 〈◊〉〈◊〉, as if the Infante had done what 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Favourite desired; saying he had better to have taken some great and magnanimous Resolution, and that to evil Extreams they ought to use the same Remedies. Others prais'd it, as a thing necessary and prudent, that after he had unprofitably employ'd all the moderation one could be capable of, he had no other way to take; if by his first absence he had shun'd great persecutions, he would by this secure himself from those which they prepa∣red for him, which according to ap∣pearance

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would become much more violent.

The trouble which this Retreat of the Infante caused in the Court, gave great hopes to the Spaniards to re∣conquer the Realm of Portugal. Fame always adding to the Truth, made simple appearances pass for realities, and publish'd in Countries at a distance, that the Infante had taken Arms a∣gainst the King. That which gave a jealousie to the Favourites chiefly, was their understanding the Infante had order'd to prepare for him a House at Almada, to pass away the Winter * 8.2 in. The Favourites seeing the Love of the People to encrease for the Infante, through the compassion which they had for his disgraces, went about to soli∣cite his return.

At this time the Queen found her self indisposed, and the Prince who who came often to enquire after her health, gave her visits by night; but by the perswasions of the Favourites she was removed to Lisbon during her illness, it being a place better accom∣modated it may be to her contentment, for remedy for her grief. The Infante

let himself be perswaded by the pray∣ers of the Queen, and return'd to his Palace, yet without bringing his Equipage from Quelus, because his design was to return thither again, in case he were not satisfied, and to pass from thence to Almada. The greatest favour they could force from the King was, that he would con∣sent he should take some Gentle∣men; but as for those he had chosen, the more they urg'd, the more he de∣ny'd it, and they could never soften a heart which had so harden'd it self; so that all they could obtain of the King was, that he should renounce his first election, and chuse any whom he would, one only excepted.

As they had fail'd of the first pro∣mise they had given to the Infante, he would not trouble himself again: Ne∣vertheless, after he had made reflecti∣on thereon, that his Complaint would be the more legitimate, and more talk'd on, if the King should break it a second time, as he believ'd he would, he ac∣cepted of this offer, and named Lewis de Silva Tello Count d' Aveiras, Dou John Mascarenhas Count de la Torc,

Lewis Alvares de Tavora Count de St. John, and Emanuel Telles de Silva Count de Vilarmayor.

When the Favourites had heard this news, they deliberated at first if they should approve of the choice; all these Gentlemen being suspected to be too considerable; but yet in the end they feign'd to think well of it. After this the Infante came back to Court, when Christopher d'Almada demanded leave of the King to retire, which was grant∣ed him, with some demonstration of acknowledgment for his Services.

The King every moment exercised so much the Patience of his Brother, that all the world believ'd his hate was im∣placable; insomuch that it was not in the power of those who seem'd to be Master of his Spirit to sweeten him in the least; at least it was so thought by some, who were perswaded that it was the interest of the Favourites ra∣ther to oblige the Prince than to ir∣ritate him. But others judg'd to the contrary, that all this was but feign'd by the Favourites, who despairing ever to be truly reconciled to the Infante, fo∣mented the hatred that the King bore him.

The aversion of the King to the In∣fante running thus into excess, he did nothing but what render'd him Crimi∣nal in the mind of the King. One day there hapning a difference between the Marchioness of Castlemelhor, La∣dy of Honour to the Queen, and Don John Mascorenhas Count de St. Croix, Grand Master of his House, about the Functions of their Charges, the King said, he would accommodate the bu∣siness, and govern his House him∣self; the Infante thinking to Court him, added, that he ought not only to govern his House, but also the Realm, which would give joy to all the peo∣ple, and make all the Complaints of his Subjects cease. But the King imagining the Infante said this in hatred to the Marchioness, an∣swered in fury, that he should not meddle with giving him Councel; and his passion pass'd so far, that he had struck him if the Queen had not di∣verted him. Another time the King, Queen, and the Infante being toge∣ther in a Caroch, seeing the Tilting * 8.3 in the which the Marquess of Mari∣alva and the Count de Castlemelhor

were the Chiefs of the Squadrons; the Infante prais'd the good Grace of the Marquis and his Brother, to Don Ro∣drigue de Meneses, who rod by him; the King imagining that these praises which he had given to the Marquiss de Marialva, did wrong to the Count de Castlemelhor, he told him, if that the Queen had not been present, he would have thrust his Sword into his Guts. The Infante answered, they meri∣ted those praises, and that his Ma∣jesty ought to have equal satisfaction for them all, since they had no other design but to divert him. Besides, he was perswaded that his Majesty would not shed that Blood which he was wil∣ling to pour forth for his service. The Queen try'd to appease the wrath of the one, and the resentment of the other; but the first she could not effect. But that which was most surprising in this was, because this Marquiss was one of those who had most contributed to the re-establishment of the State, and one of those who did yet main∣tain it. And although he had won Bat∣tels, * 8.4 and had recovered places of im∣portance, and that the Count had not

done any services like these; yet he be so well perswaded the King, that it was he that did all things in the State, and that others did but execute his Resolutions, that he carried away all the Rewards; and the better to co∣ver this ingratitude, he rob'd them of a part of their Glory, and debased their fair Actions. So that whilst the great Captains vanquished their Enemies in the Field and on the Frontiers, the Count triumph'd for it in the Court and in the Cabinet.

The King was also so perswaded, his Brother did not love him, and he be∣liev'd he saw marks of his aversion in all his Discourses and in all his Acti∣ons, so much that he took all the Re∣spects he render'd him for Offences. So that it was enough to make the King mortally hate any man, if the In∣fante testified to him any amity; as it happen'd to Joseph de Fonseca, Chap∣lain to the King, and Almoner to the Infante, who had order to withdraw himself; for which the Infante was sen∣sibly touch'd, but dissembled his re∣sentment.

The Infante having named Don Ve∣rissimo

de Lancastre to fulfil the charge of drawing the Screen before the King, by a permission granted him by the King, it being vacant by the Death of Don Rodrigue de Acuntia; they made him acquainted with that choice by the Favourite; but the answer was re∣turn'd, that the King had already him∣self chosen one to serve in that em∣ployment. The Infante seeing he would not cease from giving of him these dis∣gusts, he knew now better remedy to shun them, than to withdraw himself from the Court. To effect this, he sent the King word by his Secretary, that being Constable of the Realm, he ought to permit him to go into the Province of Alentejo, to exercise there the Fun∣ctions of his Charge, which obliged him to defend the State; that his Mo∣ther, the Queen, had given him where he was under Age, the Charge of Cap∣tain General, and made the Marquess of Marialva his Lieutenant; that he did not desire that employment, but to shun the Reproaches of Forreign Princes, who might accuse him of be∣ing unprofitable to the State in a time when he might render it good ser∣vices,

and to draw him out of that lan∣guishing idleness in which he liv'd. This Proposition made those who Govern'd the King to tremble, and oblig'd them more than ever to look after their se∣curity. They perswaded the King, that the Charge of Constable was the step whereby the Infante would mount the Throne; that to put Arms into his Hand, was to put all things under his Discretion; and under the pretence of using them to defend the State against the Spaniards, he would serve him∣self with them to conquer Portugal for himself. For this cause they resolved, the King should not yeild the In∣fante this request; yet however not declaring it so soon, that they might weary his patience. It was also re∣solved, the King should consult up∣on that subject with every one of his Councellors in particular; which was done with so much leisure, that the Infante taking this retardment for a denial, was sensibly touch'd; for they had promised him at another time what they refused him now, so that he could not resolve to stand with his Arms a-cross, whilst he

heard every-where the rumour of War.

In this time two of the Infante's Gentlemen were gone from him, the Count de la Torre and the Count de St. John, under pretence of exerci∣sing their Charges they had in the Army; but indeed it was because they were fear'd by the Favourite. Order was given to the first, to go levy Sol∣diers in the Province of Estremadura, and the other to command the Army in Tras os Montes. As this Order was given in the heart of Winter, the In∣fante knew it was done to cross him; however he sent the King word, that he was very joyful these two Offi∣cers were employ'd in his service. These two Counts parting, the Infante stay'd with the King, continuing to render him an extraordinary submission.

The time came in which the King was accustomed to go every year to Salvaterre, and the Infante demanded of him permission to take with him thither some Gentlemen besides his own; but the King would not grant it. As in the time of the late King the Prince Theodosius had the same liberty,

this refusal was very plain, and had almost made him to shew his resent∣ment.

The Count de la Torre, who was executing his Orders at Santarem, see∣ing himself so near to Salvaterre, be∣liev'd it was his duty to go thi∣ther, as well to render an account of his Commission, as to kiss the hand of the King and the Infante. Those who had removed him from the Court, under the pretence aforesaid, were sur∣pris'd to see him there, and quickly sent him an Order to return to his Employment, &c. to say better, to his Exile; although that day, by reason of ill weather, the River was difficult and dangerous to be pass'd.

The Levies being made at Santarem, he did not receive any Orders to re∣turn to Court; but on the contrary▪ was stayed there, that he might be sent to the Algarves to govern that Realm; and if he would not accept * 8.5 that Employ, they had ordered him to be sent into Exile to Castromarins. The King would they should have given him this Employ as a Punishment, but the Favourites remonstrated to him,

that it were better to give it him un∣der the colour of a Recompence; but the Count d' Aveiras did avert this project, at the entreaty of the Infante. So that the Count de la Torre was per∣mitted to return to Lisbon. So soon as he came thither, he went to kiss the Kings Hand; and in their Discourse it chanc'd that in speaking of the In∣fante, he nam'd him Prince; the King told him, that his Brother was not Prince, only Infante; the Count ha∣ving * 8.6 alleadged some reason to excuse himself, could not however satisfie him. As it was put into his Head, that his Brother aspir'd to the Crown, he ima∣gined that this quality was too near approaching his own, and that it was in some sort to proclaim him King to name him Prince. This apprehension, although it were ill grounded, was the reason the Infante was not so soon declared as he ought. For with less reason they had done it to the In∣fante Ferdinand in the time of King Alphonso the Fifth, and they had done the like to Don Jamie Duke of Bragan∣za in the time of the King Don Emanuel and the Queen Isabella, when they

went for Spain to be declared Princes and Heirs of that Crown.

The Queen going some days after the King to Salvaterre, found his humour more fierce than formerly; as if the rudeness and savageness of that Country had conttibuted to it. He treated her with so much inhumanity, that he made not only her burst forth into tears, but also all those that were present. All the time the King was at Salvaterre, he went but one time to the Chase; which was the more taken notice of, because of the great preparation that was made for that design. His ordinary occupation, or to say better continual, was to go to the Quarters of his Patrovilles, where he pass'd the most part of the days and nights, in Musick, Collations, and o∣ther divertisements according to his humour.

These Excesses which he commit∣ted in this place, and the evil treat∣ments the Queen there received from him, caused such a general dislike with all the people, that there was no body that would take the pains to justifie him. But that which most of

all alarm'd the Favourites at this time was, that very many people began to render their services to the Queen and to the Infante, and to take their parts. To prevent beforehand the mischiefs they saw to menace them, according to the Maxim they had so well practis'd, they order'd Lewis de Souza to go into the Bishoprick of Porto, of which he was Governour, and Don Lewis de Meneses to go raise Troops in the Country of Feira. He having demand∣ed what had been appointed for him, for his Charge of General of the Ar∣tillery, which he had exercised, they refus'd it him, and he could not touch five and twenty hundred Livres which they had consign'd him for that end.

The evil intelligence which they saw between the King and the Queen * 8.7 made them lose all hope of seeing Suc∣cessors, and made them very pressing∣ly demand, that without any delay they should endeavour to marry the Infante, which could not but be most profitable for the State. The Marquesses de Nizu and Sande represented so well the im∣portance of this marriage, that the Favourites pressed with the force of

their Reasons, perswaded the King that it was necessary; whereupon it fol∣low'd, that the Confessor of these two Princes went to the Infante, and told him as from the King, that although God might give him Children, yet it was most profitable to increase as much as was possible the Royal Family, that for this reason he would act with him as a Father and as a King, and desired ardently therefore to see him married. That if he had not hitherto been able to accomplish that desire, he believed that from his prudence and his incli∣nation to the good of the Kingdom, this proposition would be very agree∣able to him; that therefore he should inform himself of the Princesses of Europe, and fix his choice upon her for whom he found the greatest inclination; and also that he should cast his eyes upon those persons which he should judg most capable of that Negotiation; and as for his part, that all which depended upon him to ad∣vance the Conclusion of such a Treaty, should be perform'd.

The Infante having consider'd this Affair according to the importance of

it, sent his answer in writing by the same Confessor to the King; in which he thank'd him for the proposition his Goodness had made unto him; sub∣mitting himself intirely to his will; to follow the order which his Majesty had thereupon made known to him, he should declare his mind, not as a Rule that he should follow, but only as a mark of that Obedience which he would testifie on all occasions. He then made mention of all the Princesses of Europe, representing to him all the cir∣cumstances both of Alliance and Love; telling him also, that the Confidence and Veneration which had united his Majesty with the King and Queen of England, required, that first of all he should send to their Majesties some per∣son to ask their Advice and Consent thereupon; and (having received all necessary instructions) he should pass into France or Italy, to negotiate that Affair; adding, since his Majesty among the cares of his publick Affairs, would be pleased to think of his own particular, he was obliged to let him know, it was impossible after a pro∣position of that nature, but he

would appoint him some Revenues, whereby he might be able to maintain the Expences which that condition would charge him with; hoping his Majesty, without prejudicing the Pub∣lick, which ought to be preferr'd to all things, would act with him according to his ordinary Generosity, which he had made proof of so often: In the end proposing John de Roxas d' Azevedo his Secretary, as a person who was most capable of managing that affair: the King approved of all these sentiments of the Infante, giving him hope that he would satisfy all his desires. But the day be∣ing appointed for his Majesty's Secre∣tary, and that of the Infante to confer about this business, there hapned in the mean time accidents which hindred this Conference, and embroiled all the Court.

A French-man, an Officer of the Queens, returning from the Province of Alemtejo, was killed by a Carrier, who was pursued and taken in the City of Canimbre, and carried to the Limoriro * 8.8 in Lisbon; but being he was taken out of a Church, (which are Sanctuaries in Portugal for all Criminals,) it was for a

while disputed whether it should be a Sanctuary for his life, which was the occasion that his Process was delayed; and the solitude of the place where the Murther was committed, rendred the proofs difficult. At the same time there hapned between the Count de St. Croix grand Master of the Queen's House, and Pedro d' Almeyda her Secretary, a difference about their Charges: both of them wrot their Reasons, and put them into the hands of the Queen, who ordered the Secretary of State to have them examined by two Masters of Re∣quests; but he waving that order, after he had shewed them to all the Parlia∣ment, carried them to the Council of State, without rendring any account of it to her. Some time after the Queen ask'd the Secretary what was done in those two Affairs? he replied, that as to the first, there must be some clearer proof before the accused could be con∣demned; and to the other, it was be∣fore the Council of State, advising her to speak with the Count de Castle∣melhor about it. The Queen surprized with this answer, told him he had not executed her Orders, and that she did

not approve of his councel to speak to the Count de Castle-melhor, having made a resolution, by Oath, never in her life to speak to him about any Affair. That he was always against her, and had re∣duc'd her to so miserable a condition, that it might be called poverty; that for this eight months past she had not so much as to give an Alms; and notwith∣standing all this, he had the credit of acting for her Interests. That they had not consign'd to her the fifty thousand Livres which the King had granted her. That besides, being she was not willing, by reason of the necessity of the Realm, to require presently all those things which she might lay claim to by the Contract of Marriage; they ought not at least to fail of paying her that Sum. That this Refusal would not so sensibly move her, if it were done for the good of the State, and the ease of the Peo∣ple; it not being just, that whilst many persons at the Court overflowed with Riches, they should refuse her the Mo∣ney of that Consignation; and yet they paid not the Souldiers, retaining un∣justly from the Religious, the Orphans, the Widows, and the Nobles, their

dues, feoadal Rents, and Pensions; hi∣ding from her all that passed in the State, as if she had not the most interest next the King: adding further, that they could not but know very well she should have had joy in the Re-establish∣ment of the Duke of Cadaval at the Court, since they had seen her solicit it; but they acted in secret, so that her speaking in the favour of any (al∣though it were with the greatest Justice in the World,) was sufficient cause to beget obstacles, and oppositions against them: That if she testified a desire to any thing, they made it presently seem a thing impossible to be obtained, though before that it had been very easy: that likewise it seem'd as if they endeavour∣ed to let all the World know she had no part in the Government. That, al∣though good manners should teach them otherwise, they had neither respect or regard as they ought to have for her; and that it was so far from being so, that some persons were so forgetful of themselves, as not to forbear the giving her affronts, and treating her with so much contempt, as she could not but think, by their actions, they would

have her to understand she came to Por∣tugal rather to be their Slave than Queen.

The Secretary (to excuse his boldness for shewing the Consultation to the Grand Chamber, and carrying it to the Council of State) urged that the Count of Castlemelhor and his Friends had no other design than to serve her Majesty. As to the poverty which she complain'd of, he was not at all the cause, that bu∣siness not concerning him: that her Majesty had a Revenue, and according to that she should regulate her Expen∣ces: that, being the method of Con∣signing was a new thing, they would in the beginning find some difficulty. He being netled at what the Queen said about the Consignation, and of the Opulency and great Riches of some Persons, he very imprudently said aloud, that She was deceived by some about her, who should communicate to her things of Importance; but having none; they tell her nothing but trifles, which they ought not to do; and for that the Court was full of unreasonable Pre∣tenders, they might fear they would im∣plore the protection of her Majesty.

As for the Return of the Duke, he was not able to render any account, because that was an Affair that the King him∣self had the Conduct of: That though they had not the art of Pleasing, they had that which was sufficient to make them render to the utmost all those Re∣spects and Services they were capable of: That they had treated her with so much Veneration, as no Queen ever had the Authority that she had, and she was abused by whoever told her the contrary: and that she ought to be so far from believing such discourses, as rather to punish those who should make them. But when he answered to the Queen's Complaint, that they had re∣duced her to slavery, leaving speaking French, which he had done hitherto; he said in passion, in his own natural Language, That he was assured her Ma∣jesty had Flatterers about her, by whom she was deceived; she having no cause to complain of the Portugals, by whom she was respected even to Venera∣tion.

The Queen replied, that she knew very well how to distinguish the Por∣tugals; for as there were some of

whom she had cause to complain, so there were others from whom she re∣ceived great Consolation, and that there were not above three or four with whom she was dissatisfied. That she should willingly take direction about her Revenue, without considering that some persons who possess a part of the Apanage of the Queens of Portugal, and who at present draw more profit from their Charges, did not do this in the preceding time of other Queens; and that of late it was a crime to speak to her, her esteem being the cause of persecutions: That by this she did best know the intentions of those who treated her ill. That she knew how to discern between the good and the ill; that even as she never requested any thing contrary to Justice, so she never opposed those favours which they had a mind to obtain for any. After this the Queen commanding the Secretary to speak softly, he answered, that if he spoke aloud, it was that all the World might hear; upon which the Queen bid him hold his peace, and retire; which he not doing, the Queen saw it was not for her Dignity to hearken to him any

longer, and arose up to go away, but he took her by the Robe to stay her; upon which she (turning towards her La∣dies and Maids of Honour, and to ma∣ny other persons who were in the Anti-Chamber) sent forth a Cry with all her force, and said that this was an un∣known thing, and without Example, no King ever treating his Subjects after such a sort: the King coming, she spake to him of it, who promised that for her satisfaction the Secretary should be punished.

Although the Queen, as we have said, had commanded the Secretary of State to shew those Papers concerning the Count de St. Croix to two of the Councellors of the Parliament only, they were seen by the whole Parlia∣ment, and afterwards carried to the Council of State: not contented with this, they would have perswaded her to have spoken of it to the Favourite; but she thought that a baseness unwor∣thy of her self. Besides, it was not for want of that they refused her the Con∣signation which she demanded, for these Favourites were absolute Masters of all Affairs.

The Queen seeing that the King broke his word which he had given her to chastise the Secretary, was troubled at it to as high a degree as such injustice did deserve. The Common Councel of the City of Lis∣bon had a Custom every year to Cele∣brate the Feast of St. Anthony, their Patron, by giving the People the diver∣tisement of running at the Bulls. The Queen desiring to dissemble that trou∣ble, which she could not hinder from appearing if she should assist at that Spectacle, thought it better to deprive her self of that divertisement. The first Courses were already past, and they were preparing to bring forth other Bulls when word was brought that the Queen would not come. For this cause they feign'd an indisposition in the King to put off the Course till the morrow. The next day, and the third day, the Queen not being willing to be there, they were fain to continue the Kings feign'd indisposition. The next day the Queen not being able any longer to endure that her ill treatment by the Se∣cretary should pass unpunished, ask'd of the King that he might absent him∣self

from Court, with so much brisk∣ness that he was not able to refuse her. This Business being canvassed in the Council of State, it was there resolved the Secretary should absent himself the Court for some days, after which he should be recalled. By this means things were in Peace for a little time, they flattering themselves with sweet hopes for the time to come, if Heaven had not chang'd these seeming fair dis∣positions.

For on the second of September, 1667, the Count de Castelmelhor doubled the Guards within and without the Palace, ordering the Cavalry to be lodged neer, and placing the Braves or Foot Patrovils in the Royal Garden, making all the Officers who were there that night arm themselves, and attend neer the Person of the King, and post∣ing his Friends from the King's Apart∣ment even to the Court of the Chap∣pel, he so well ordered and disposed all things that the Count de Villa Flor, and Lewis de Mendoca should no sooner alight to enter the Palace, but they might be fallen upon, and destroyed. The King had consented to all this, up∣on

the account they had given him that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Infante had resolved to massacre the Count de Castelmelhor in the midst of the Palace.

The Infante having heard this news about nine of the Clock that morning, ••••dged himself lost if he destroyed not the Count. To seek for an occasion of complaining to the King, he found it ••••o difficult to be done, the Gates of the Palace being all fast; but if he should come to speak with the King, what as∣surance had he that the King would not use violence to his person? or that he would have his ears open to his com∣plaints? He considered on the other side, if he should any longer endure the injustice of these Favourites, his Honour was likely to suffer thereby; and it might be thought the effect ra∣ther of his cowardice than modesty; for they already began to murmur against him, as if he were not touch'd either with the publick Interest, the Kings, or his own, since he suffered eve∣ry one to groan under the tyranny of the Favourites, who had usurp'd the Sovereign Authority.

In this perplexity the Infante knew not which way to take, but being de∣sirous to try all fair means, he was con∣tented to put himself upon his guard somewhat more than he was accustom∣ed, having had advice a little before that they would imprison him; besides, the Count de Castelmelhors Partisans had said publickly, that if they believed any thing that was violent would be acted against the person of the Count, it would do well to prevent it, on any one that should entertain such a de∣sign.

The day following the Count went forth in his Coach accompanied with some Gentlemen to a Garden which he had at the Calcada de Gloria, a place where he often recreated himself from the fatigues which were already very great upon him, by reason he charged himself with all affairs. This assurance of the Count's confirmed the Infante in that resolution which he had taken of writing to the King this Letter which he sent to him by his Secre∣tary John de Roxas about ten of the Clock.

It is not without extreme regret, that (prostrate at the feet of the Majesty, whom I revere as my King and Lord,) I find my self obliged to inform you of the Count de Castelmelhor's endeavour∣ing for some time since, all manner of ways to destroy me. I cannot doubt of his intention, because I have advised of it by the Ministers of the first Rank, and those who are the most zealous for your service, and the publick good; nor can I say that I should have escaped the dangers of those violent enterprises which they cast me into, but by my own foresight, and that of my friends. His insolence is gone so far as to put the Palace of your Majesty into Arms, un∣der a pretence of my violating a place so sacred. As by his actions past, it cannot but be judged that he is capa∣ble to attempt upon my person; so I hope that your Majesty's Justice will chastise a person so audacious, by re∣moving from about your person so dan∣gerous a subject; that I may not be reduced to the necessity of seeking in the Realms of Strangers for a security which I cannot find in yours, I shall prove without doubt on this occasion,

the love which I have always found, and which I shall eternally deserve from your Majesty in whatever place I shall go. God preserve your Royal Person, as I have always desired, and as I have ever taken my care.

From Lisbon Sept. 2. 1667.

The Secretary had no sooner put this Letter into the King's hands, but it was by him put into those of the Count, who upon reading it put all the Palace once again into Arms; not only enfor∣cing the ordinary Guard, adding to them some of the Citizens, causing all those in whom he had most confidence, to repair to him.

The Council of State was likewise assembled by the King's Order, who as∣sisted there himself: and after the In∣fante's Letter had been read, the Coun∣cellors of State were of two contrary opinions how to find out an expedient to satisfy both the Princes, but they were not able to do it, Justice being al∣together on the one side, and Authority on the other.

The Infante's Gentlemen whom he had sent home to their Houses, being

advertised of what passed at the Palace, came back in haste to him, just as he had understood that the Council of State were separated without having concluded any thing: but he had so much confidence in the justice of his Cause, and Courage, that he dismissed them home again, except the Count de Vilarmayor, whose week it was. In the mean time the Favourite wrote to the King, desiring his permission to retire; but afterwards, having made reflexion on the greatness of his Credit, and on the number of his Friends, and con∣sidered that this Affair might be de∣cided by his advice, he changed his mind, and resolved to try all ways to maintain himself with the King.

The Tuesday following past without any answer from the King, only at night he sent the Marquess de Marial∣va to tell his Brother, that for very just reasons he had caused the Guards of the Palace to be redoubled, with order to ask him, (as from himself,) if it would please him that the Count should come to cast himself at his feet, and kiss his hands.

As the Infante made no answer all that day, his remisness raised in the Fa∣vourite a belief that he was satisfied: divers reflections were made on this Business. Some said, that upon the King's avowing the action of the Fa∣vourite, the Infante was obliged not to take notice of the offence he had re∣ceived: that nothing was more true than that the King made but little reckoning of the Life of his Brother; since he would have him contented to take for satisfaction only a simple dis∣owning and slight submission from him who would have quite destroyed him: but notwithstanding this, he ought to content himself with that accommoda∣tion the King had proposed to him, since it would disengage him from a perplexity, out of which he could ne∣ver get, without putting the Kingdom into a combustion. Others were of the opinion that the Infante could not forego his pretention, which seemed lawful to all the World, that is the Retreat of the Favourite: it being the Proposition he had first made, he should stand to it to the end; lest otherwise the Favourite should draw an advantage from such

an impunity, and all the people an evil consequence of his little stoutness against him, and that they might per∣haps believe he himself had complained without cause, which would much di∣minish his Reputation and Honour.

The Infante then not being able to resist the motion of his Courage, sent word to the King that the Count had put in Arms all the Palace, under a seigned pretence of his coming to kill him in his Apartment, which he hoped from his justice he would not let him∣self be perswaded that he ever had such a thought, that he would proceed against the Count; as an Impostor of that Quality deserved, and would re∣pair the injury he had done to his Ho∣nour. They took time to answer this second Complaint as they had done the former.

The Favourite grown Insolent to see the King took his part so highly against the Infante, resolved in a Conference which he had with his Friends, to ob∣lige the King to go in Person at the Head of all his Councellors of State, Gentlemen, and Officers of the Army to Arrest him in his Palace, with all

those of his House; and to declare that they were more guilty than he was; that upon this pretence they might make the Process against them, to the end that the Infante seeing himself without Followers, might quickly leave off his pursuit.

The day following the Marquess re∣turn'd, with an Order in Writing from the King, which contain'd the same thing with the former, only he had ad∣ded, that he hoped by this second satis∣faction things would be accommoda∣ted, and that the Infante would find he most passionately desired it. But this Billet did not yet satisfy the Infante, because it let him understand that they would bury his Complaint in silence; which obliged him to answer the next day by another Billet, which the same Marquess rendered to the King; the substance of which was;

That as nothing was more evident than that those Arms wherewith he had filled the Palace, were not introduced but upon some secret design of the Count's, he was content however to be∣lieve this was done by order of his Ma∣jesty, since he would have it so; that

however he could not pardon the Count, for having called all his Friends to secure the Person of his Majesty, he had forgot him, although he well knew he was every way more interessed than they were in his conservation. That to see the Count prostrate at his Feet, was not a satisfaction proportionate to his Complaint, since at other times the Count caused to be made most exact search, and had exiled thereupon very Illustrious Persons, upon the only sus∣pition that they had conspired against his favour. It was not just, that for the offence had been done against him, there should not be the same Inquisitions, and the same Punishments; and that an In∣fante, against whose life they had con∣spir'd, should be worse treated than the Count, who had only had a simple thought that they would have opposed his favour. That to give liberty to those that would inform of the Count's Crime, they ought to interdict him from the Functions of his Charges, and remove him from Court, with all the security possible for his Person and Fa∣mily, against whom he had no design, but only to secure himself. Besides,

that he was not able to go to the Pa∣lace to cast himself at the Feet of his Majesty as he had desired, to see that the tye of Blood which he had in the quality of his Brother, had less power over his Spirit than the Amity which he had for a simple Subject who was his Minister.

When this Billet was sent, the City of Lisbon was in a great trouble, and alarm, to see the Regiments embattell'd in the Grand place of the Palace, the Guards redoubled, the Rounds re∣enforc'd, and the rest of the Troops in such an estate, that it seem'd a War was already begun. The Infante in the mean time not knowing whether all these preparations were made to af∣fright the people, or make an assault upon him, under the pretext of hinder∣ing him from executing his pretended Resolution, was in his own Palace with as much tranquility, as if there had been nothing exrraordinary in that of the King's, trusting to his own Innocen∣cy, and the Affection of the people.

But fearing nevertheless that his Complaint should be ill interpreted by any, he resolved to communicate it to

all the Tribunals; to the Court of the City, and that of the Four and Twenty; writing to them upon this subject, and sending them a Copy of his Letter and Billet which he had sent to the King. At the same time he sent to the Coun∣cellors of State, to the Grandees, and Gentlemen of the Realm, that they should repair to him; after all which he so well instructed them in the Causes of his Complaints, that even the Par∣tisans of the Count said, they would themselves be the Executioners of the Counts Chastisement, should he happen to forget that respect which he owed to his Highness.

The justice of the Infante's Com∣plaints by this means became so pub∣lick, that there was not one who did not blame the Favourite, in not being willing to justifie himself; and the King for hindring any from informing against him. At last the King answer'd the In∣fante's Billet with another, and sent it him by the Marquess de Marialva, the Marquess de Sande, and Ruy de Monra Tilles; the substance of which Answer was:

That he desired to know the person

by whom he was informed of the Counts intention to kill him; to the end that the Count might be punish'd, if they were able to prove he had fail'd in his duty; if not, that the Informer might. Desiring also, that he would have the Infante understand, it was ne∣cessary for the conservation of the State and People, that they two should live together in good correspondence.

To which the Infante answered:

That it had pleas'd his Majesty to order him to name the person from whom he had understood the design of the Count against him; but that he was not able to do that, or to go a∣bout to make it clear, until he should be interdicted of his Charges, and re∣moved from the Court so long as it should be judged fit, because whilst he should exercise them, & be at Court, it was impossible they should be able freely to do any thing against him.

This Billet having been read, the King assembled the Councellors of State, the Great Chancellor, the Councellors of Parliament, two Ministers of each of of the other Tribunals, The Judges of the Crown, the Procurator of the Crown,

and that of the Finances, to the end that he might examine with them all the proposition of the Infante; but the night before they assembled, they made most powerful solicitations for the Count, and he himself entertained the Judges before they entred into the Council; at which the Ministers were offended, insomuch that they would not deliberate before him of his busi∣ness, but only in the presence of the King, where this Proposition was read:

My Lord, the Infante having wrot to his Majesty a Letter, in which he complain'd, that he had not been ad∣vertised of the redoublement of the Guards which they had made in the Palace, and that the Count de Castle∣melhor had conspired against his Life, although ineffectually; whereupon he had demanded of his Majesty, that he would remove the Count from his person and service. His Majesty had declared to my Lord the Infante, upon his first Complaint, that it was by his Order they had armed the Palace. And as to the second, that he was ready to cause the Count to be chastised as he deserved for so detestable a Crime, a

greater than which none could ima∣gine; but nevertheless it was first ne∣cessary to have proofs against the ac∣cused, and for that end he should name the person from whom he had received that advice. The Lord the Infante did rest satisfied with what his Majesty had said in reference to his first Complaint; but that did not hinder him from main∣taining what he had urged before in reference to the other; that it was ab∣solutely necessary the Count should be interdicted his Charge, because of the power it gives him, and that he ought to be removed from Court so long as it should be judged fit, to the end that all the people might have liberty to examine that affair.

His Majesty desired that they would tell him upon his Complaint, if he may with Justice exile the Count, and sus∣pend him from his Charge, and not rather consider a more honest part of satisfaction, which may be more con∣venient for my Lord the Infante from a subject of that consequence: On the other side, if there be any likelihood in the accusation against the Count, examining his services, his fidelity, his

zeal, and the injury that this may do to his Honour, and to the Honour of his Family, to the end that no man might say his Majesty hath neglected that Justice and Prudence with which he ought to act in such affairs. Be∣sides, they should consider, if the pub∣lick affairs have received any damage, as well as the Authority of the King; and also of what consequence this No∣velty might be to Strangers, and espe∣cially to the Enemies of the Crown. And in fine, if this be not enough to take away the fear that the presence of the Count might give to the Witnesses, that this affair be examined in the pre∣sence of his Majtsty, who hop'd from the zeal of his Ministers, who ought to consider on this business, that they would do it with such care as they owed to his Service, to the publick Repose, to the administration of his Justice, and to his Glory.

The great regard that this Propo∣sition shew'd for the Count, in exagge∣rating the particular inconveniences of his Banishment, without speaking of those which attended the Refusal of that satisfaction demanded by the In∣fante,

let them see plain enough, that this Proposition was devised by the Counts Friends. But that which was stranger was, that the King who should have at least been indifferent in this affair, appear'd too much interested for the Count against his Brother. In an affair which concerns the Life of a Prince, one ought to proceed against the accused upon his Complaint only, especially when he is a Prince of known integrity; and they ought to banish a Minister, how, considerable soever he should be, when without it they can∣not be able to manifest the Truth; As it hath been always used in every Realm: So in our time, for much less cause, some Ecclesiasticks in Portugal were ordered to retire themselves into certain places, before that any thing could be verified against them, not regarding any thing that might exempt them from exile. Besides, it was not the intention of the Infante, to have the Favourite exiled, but only absent for some days.

They then gave their opinions upon this Proposition; some of the Ministers said, that the Infante was not a Sove∣raign Prince, and that therefore by con∣sequence

his Affirmation was not suf∣ficient Proof. That the Retreat and the Suspension which he demanded, was not only a shameful Chastisement to the Count and his Kindred, but unjust, since his Crime was not yet proved. That it ought not to be suffer'd it should be said in the World, that the Chief Mi∣nister of the Realm should conspire a∣gainst the person of the Infante, and by that give our Enemies and Stran∣ger-Nations abroad, cause to think there is a division among the Portugals. That the King ought himself in person to enquire into this affair, and accor∣ding to that Inquest proceed against the Count. Others judg'd it could never fall into their imagina•••••••• that there should be any Portugal capable of a Crime so hainous as that was of which the Count was questioned. That the Complaint of the Infante was assuredly made on a distrust ill grounded, which might be remedied by admitting him to the Government and to Council.

But Martin Alfonso de Mello, De∣puty of the Inquisition, Pedro Fer∣nandes Monteiro Councellor of Parlia∣ment, and John de Roxas d'Asevedo,

were of opinion, the Favourite ought to be removed; by reason that so long as he should have the Authori∣ty of a Favourite, no one could have the free liberty of acting against him. If he should be found guilty of the Crime of which he was accused, he ought to be chastised; and if he should be innocent, be forthwith sent for, and re-established into his Charges with re∣paration. But the King leaned to the other opinion, under colour that it had the greatest number of Voices.

The Conclusion was drawn in wri∣ting, that it might be signed by the Ministers, but some of them refused it, this not being such an affair where∣in all the Judges ought to sign the Conclusion; so that there ought to be another Assembly, in which every one should separately give his opinion in writing, Those who did this, were Panta∣leon Rodrigues Pacheco, nominated to the Bishoprick of Elvas; Francisco de Miranda Anriquez, Councellor Eccle∣siastick of the Grand Chamber, Pedro Fernandes Monteiro, Martin Alphonso Mello, Matheus Melinho, Procurator of the Crown, and John Roxas d'Asevedo,

who were followed by Duarte Vas d' Osorio, Councellor of the Finances. Domingo Autunes Portugal, and Joseph de Sousa de Castelbrancha, all three Councellors of the Inquests.

The King sent this Conclusion to the Infante by the same Councellors of State, with order to tell him, That to conform himself thereunto, he ought not to banish the Count from his per∣son.

At the same time he made the Gentle∣men about the Infante be sent for, with all the Nobles, and Chiefs of the Re∣ligious Orders, to whom he said, that the Ministers of State, and the highest of them, had given him Councel not to remove the Count, as the Infante demanded of him, and that this affair was not the Counts, but his own; and in order to this which had been deter∣mined in Council, he expresly forbid some Gentlemen's going to the Palace of the Infante without his leave; and to others in covert words, fearing left they should say he would not permit the Noblemen to frequent his House. By which he left them in doubt what to do; if they went to the Infante's

Palace, he had wherewitnall to accuse them, if they went not, he would de∣ny he had forbid them. Some of them desired of the King to know the cause of this prohibition, but he not having been instructed for such a question, made no direct answer, only saying he would have them near his person. The Gentlemen of the Infante, and some o∣thers who were present, answer'd, they knew very well, that the business in which they acted, was truly the affair of his Majesty, in being that of the Infante's, and that the zeal which they both had for the publick, made no dif∣ference in their interests; but the King said, that was not the reason which made that affair to be his own.

Upon these differences the King had sent for the Judg and Recorder of the People, and although they had already wrot in favour of the Favourite, he a∣gain commanded them to use their in∣terests, with menaces in case they con∣tradicted his Order. After which he sent Couriers into all the Provinces, advertising the Governours, that the business of the Infante was not so much for his advantage as they might per∣haps

publish in their Quarters: To the Navies, an Order to withdraw from Lisbon, and wrot to the Count St. John, that neither he nor any other whatso∣ever should go out of his Province without order. This perswaded the Infante, that the design was laid to make war upon him both by Land and Sea; so that having known by all these signs there was no more hopes for him of Justice against the Count: He presented a new Request to the King, supplicating him, that he would once more give order to examine this Affair, which was expressed in these Terms.

It hath pleased your Majesty to let me know by the Councellors of State, the Marquess de Marialva, the Marquess de Sande, & Ruy de Moura Telles; that you have resolved never to consent to the removal of the Count de Castelmel∣hor, which I demanded to facilitate the justification of my Complaint; and this Resolution is grounded upon the advice of Noble persons, whom it hath plea∣sed your Majesty to consult. Your Ma∣jesty desires, that I determine and make my Answer presently, because the State

may not continue in the trouble it is. Although I ought to conform my self to whatever it hath pleased your Ma∣jesty to resolve upon (as I have not been wanting to do in all my actions), there remains nevertheless Liberty to demand of your Majesty, that it will please you to examine my request a second time for good and all, since this hath been done in affairs of less impor∣tance, there is more reason it should be permitted in this, the consequence of which is the loss of an Infante, on∣ly Brother to your Majesty, and your Majesty's most faithful Servant.

I infer Sir, from this Resolution, that the Count will not clear himself but with Arms in his hand, and without depriving himself of that Authority which your Majesty hath given him leave to take, appearing to day with greater lustre than ever he had done before, designing by it to cast a terror on the spirits of the people, & to decide by violence a civil affair; for he cau∣sed an assembly to be where they might collect their opinions by the noise of Drums, and so little attention, that some did not so much as understand

the Proposition that was made to them, as it is easie to be remarked in the de∣clarations that they made. Those also who gave their opinion in favour of the Count, did it on foundations con∣trary to the end and motive of my Re∣quest, because I did not demand that the Count should either retreat or be exiled without security; but only a suspension from his great power, to the end, that if during that time he be found guilty, he might lose both his Honour and Life; and on the contrary, if he justifies himself, he may conserve both the one and the other, with all his Charges. This proceeding, Sir, lets us see with what precipitancy they have acted, who examined the grounds of this affair; there having been more of solidity in the opinions of Martin Alfonsas de Mello, John de Roxas d'Ase∣vedo, and Pedro Ferdinand Monteiro; these last named having seen by the experience of twenty-seven years, a great many Crimes which they have examined of high Treason, being there∣by very intelligent in that matter. Doth not Francisco de Lucena furnish us with an example, against whom the com∣plaint

only of some particular Gentle∣men was found sufficient to put him into Prison; and yet they will not allow mine to be sufficient to gain an Order for the Count to retire for some days, although he should leave for his defence his Kindred, his Friends, his Creatures, and your Majesty himself. He thinking it better to suffer this blot upon his Honour and Reputation, than to expose himself to the danger of the Issue, and engage you to declare that the cause was your own, than to stand to the trial of the truth. By this reso∣lution your Majesty hath let us see the Interests of the Count are inseparable to the Crown, to the prejudice of the only Infante, and the only Successor your Majesty hath at this day, or that you shall have until those shall be born which I expect shall break that or∣der. As if the Interests of an Infan∣te should be different from those of the Crown, when he meddles with those of a Favourite, whose boldness is gone so far, as to perswade your Majesty to order all those Gentlemen whom I use to see at my Palace, to come there no more, because there runs a report, that

I have made my complaint to the peo∣ple. But this pretence which he hath taken, the better to hide his pernicious intentions, is taken away, and ceases by the obedience of these Gentlemen. He would have it believ'd, that your Ma∣jesty cannot be a King, if he should be at any time removed from about your Majesty, although it were but for some days; believing this the best way to lessen my Glory, and that of all the Nobles of the Realm; Arming against me, as he at present doth, Horse and Foot, doth it not justifie my former complaint? And although your Ma∣jesty believes, that what hath pass'd was for another cause, the event will let you know, that it was only a pre∣tence by which he abuses your Majesty. For in fine, it must needs be, that I am the object of all this Tumult, or they have not distinguish'd me from those against whom they Arm. If it be the first, is there any thing more offensive? If the other, it must be, that they have not counted me in the number of those whom they meant to defend; else wherefore did they not advertise me to think of my security? wherefore did they send none

to defend my Palace? wherefore never did they impart to me the cause for which they took up Arms? And lastly, why this precaution of redoubling the Guards? It is against the Infante, Sir, it is against the Infante that the Count de Castelmelhor takes Arms in the eyes of all the Nobles, and of all the people of the Realm; raising trouble in the State, and terror in every spirit, so that none may have liberty to do any thing a∣gainst him. But however it is not Arms that can dismay the Infante Don Pe∣dro; for if they should have the power to affright him, he would tear open his Veins to let out that Blood which was not answering to his Birth, and the Ex∣ample of the Kings his Predecessors. I say this, Sir, for fear that any should believe, if I should retire, I go to look for succour. The Count hath put this business in such terms, that both of us cannot be safe; and it must be, that I perish, or he be removed. That which gives me a most mortal grief is, I too plainly see your Majesty would rather consent to the loss of me than the with∣drawing of the Count; sacrificing to his Violence, my Life, my Officers,

and all those that take my part; en∣forcing me by this pressing necessity (which I have forseen without being able to shun) to go seek for a Retreat, seeing well that this is the only means to restore tranquillity to the publick; for which I would sacrifice all my Inte∣rests, and my own Life if need be; this way the State will be deliver'd from the noise of War, and the Count enjoy in repose, without apprehending the disturbance of that felicity which makes him so insolent.

The Infante had no sooner sent this Letter to the King, but he began to think he should execute the design of his Retreat, & being desirous to serve the State and the Realm in giving proof of his Courage, even when he was con∣strained to abandon it wholly, he dis∣posed himself to depart for the Province of Tras os montes, which he judged most proper to his design; because the Count de St. John, first Gentleman of his Chamber was Governour there, and his two brothers Michael Carlo de Tavora, and Francisco de Tavora, were the one of them General of the Artillery, and the other Serjeant Ma∣jor

of the Field. But fearing equal∣ly least the violence of the King, and the zeal of the People should bring any obstacle to his Voyage, he resolved to go away secretly.

The King let pass two days without making any answer to the Infante, and then sent him this.

My most honoured and most beloved Brother, I the King send to salute you, as him whom I very much love and esteem; I have seen the Letter which which you have wrought to me the 9^th of this Month, which lets me know, that I am obliged to you for confirming your sentiments to mine; this informs me, that you are not ignorant that all the Resolutions I take are advantagious, both for me and you. I love you as my son: and if I should have no o∣ther reason, that were enough to ob∣lige me to a thousand good wishes for you; as to the particular business con∣cerning which you wrote, I have al∣ready sent to let you know, that I was ready to do you Justice, so soon as I shall be instructed which way to do it; as to your design of retiring, I would have you change it, and come to

me; I shall always have my Arms open to receive you with that love which I ought to have for a Brother, upon whom I look as upon my Friend, my Son, and my Successor in the Realm, so long as it shall please God to give me no other; in which case I shall take much Conso∣lation if God permit you to succeed to my Crown, and that when-ever it shall please his Divine Majesty.

This Letter as full of dissimulation as of tenderness increased the Infante's distrust, and the more, because it was not the Kings manner to act thus with him, and obliged him to make this Answer:

Not having the power to obtain of your Majesty, that they should examine my complaint anew, and that upon better informations than the former; although it be of such consequence, that it is not unknown to your Majesty, or to any in the Realm; I conclude from that Resolution of your Majesty, that you would bury in forgetfulness the demand which I have made to you; taking from me, by this means, the li∣berty of ever parting from it. There∣fore I render my most humble thanks

to your Majesty, for the Goodness which you have expressed towards me in the last Letter which you were pleased to write me. If I do not go in person to do it, I have for it an excuse so law∣ful, that I hope your Majesty doth judg it so, since your Majesty hath given such Authority in your Palace to a man who is not only accused to have en∣deavoured the taking away my Life, but who hath made himself guilty in opposing the clearing himself from that accusation. After this, can there be any security for me, although I am the only Infante, and your Majesty's Brother? But I conjure your Majesty, to give credit to the sincerity of my heart, when I assure you, that in whatever place I go, I shall always respect your Majesty as my Father, and serve you as my King and Lord. God conserve your Royal Person, and give to you long and hap∣py years.

Many of the Ministers, among whom some were Friends to the Favourite, re∣solved to try all their force to keep the Infante. The Queen desiring the same thing, sent to know of him by her Confessor, Father Francis de Ville,

if he desired she should be a Me∣diatrix between the King and him; and if he thought good to defer his departure, whilst they should labour for some accommodation. The Infante accepted her offer, and sent to thank her for the Favour she had done him; saying, he would not depart, since she had order'd it so. After this answer of the Infante, which was but by word of mouth, the Queen sent a Billet by Pedro Fernandes Monteiro, which was:

That she was very much obliged to him for accepting her Mediation, and deferring his Voyage. In case the King yeilded the Count should go away from the Court, after what manner his Higeness would have it done, what place of retreat, and what security should be given to him. And as the Infante said, that after the re∣treat of the Count, he would remit his interests into their hands, she desired that he would better explain himself upon that point. To which the Infante answer'd:

That he hop'd by the respect was due to Royal Authority, she would ob∣tain what he had so often aim'd at that

he asked to come only to that point she was arrived at. That his Majesty might chuse a place for retreat of the Count where he pleased, provided it were at a distance, as it ought to be on such occasions; and that he was wholly ready to execute all that which her Majesty should ordain, in respect of assuring to them the person of the Count, submitting himself also so soon as he shall be gone from the Court, to all that it shall please her Majesty.

As the Queen desired to accommo∣date this business, she had no sooner received the Answer of the Infante, but she wrot to him.

That the Resolution of his conform∣ing himself to h•••• sentiments, was ve∣ry agreeable to her; that she demand∣ed of him an assurance signed by him for the person, and for the honour of the Count, so soon as he shall be re∣moved from Court; and that he would never more speak of his complaint. They promising him on their side, that the Count should go away as soon as they should have this assurance; for he desired nothing more than his Favour. And besides, that he might

quit the Court with the less embroile∣men the would of himself lay down the charge of Escrivaon de Puridade.

To this Billet, which they judged to be dictated by the Favourite, the Infante made this Answer:

That prostrate at the feet of her Majesty, he rendred her a Thousand most humble Thanks for the Honour and the Favour which she had done him, in employing her Royal Autho∣rity for the accommodating that affair; that he had sent her the Assurance in the form it had pleased her Majesty to ordain him: That in respect to what her Majesty had declared to him in her last Billet, he hoped she would act after that manner she should judg most fit for the service of the King her Lord, the conservation of the State, and the repose of his Subjects.

This Billet was accompanied with that of the Assurance, which was ad∣dressed to the Queen in these terms:

So soon as your Majesty was pleased to take notice of this affair, you en∣gaged me straitly to execute all that you should be pleased to prescribe; and to satisfie you of that which your

Majesty demands of me, as to the Assurance for the Person and the Ho∣nour of the Count, I do engage my Faith to your Majesty that I will enter∣prize nothing neither against the one or the other. And to the end the Count may know what the Mediation of your Majesty is able to do, I am willing to bury my Complaint in perpetual silence, as if it had never been thought on. God preserve your Majesty, and grant you many happy years.

In the mean time the Favourite made an attempr to carry the King into Alem∣tejo, where the Army was; this pro∣position pleas'd him at first, but when it came to the execution, he found the King chang'd, he not being able to re∣solve to his divertisements, which ty'd him to Lisbon.

It was very late at night when the Infante sent to the Queen the Billet with the Assurance for the Count, which he no sooner had receiv'd, but he re∣tired, accompanied with the Cavalry, into a Religious Covent in the Province of Arabida, seven Leagues from Lis∣bon. After this Retreat it seem'd that all things would be at peace; but it

it did not happen so, because the Fa∣vourite did still govern the King; which appeared chiefly in that the King did not receive the Infante as he had hoped he would, and as he had made him believe, for he did not so much as an∣swer one word to all his civilities, nor to all his acknowledgments. It was agreed, they should not speak of that which was pass'd, the King did something more, he would not so much as speak of any other thing.

The Infante having demanded of him permission to render his Duty to the Queen, he was contented only to make him a sign with his Head.

As the Infante proposed to himself the going often to the Palace, endea∣vouring to get by his assiduity the fa∣vour of the King. Those whose inte∣rest it was he should not come there at all, broke his measures; so that the Queen (knowing the aversion which the King had for the Infante) sent him word, that he should not present him∣self before the King, fearing lest there should happen any broil between them.

After this the Infante was easily per∣swaded, that they had fram'd some dedly

design against him, especially when he saw that the Souldiers which they had made to come to the Palace, were not sent away, and that they had posted some Companies of Foot near his Pa∣lace. The Company of the Patrovils belonging to the King also saying, that one morning they should see the Heads of those cut off, whom they should arrest over night; made him judg they intended to do so to those who were of his Party, and ty'd to his Interests.

There ran also at that time a report, that there had hapned a very unlucky Accident to Henry Anriquez de Miran∣da, of which he was very ill. Some said he himself had caused this report to be spread; however whether this sickness was true or feigned, for some days the King went every night to con∣sult with him of all things, as with him that had taken the place of the Count; this made them believe it was he who did ill offices betwixt the King and the Infante, making the King so bitter a∣gainst him; and being told, some per∣sons were so transported with choler against him, that they were gone to

search for him, intending his death. The King would have had him come to the Palace, but he thought it better to retire himself and quit the Court, leaving the King in the hands of An∣tonio de Sousa de Macedo, and of Ema∣nuel Autunes.

These two Favourites finding it fit for their purpose to cause the Infante to come to the Palace, made their in∣tentions known to all the Court, with∣out letting the King be seen in it. To this end they sent to tell him, as from the Queen, by the Count de St. Croix, Grand Master of her House, that the Council was to assemble at such a day, and the Queen would be very glad if he would be there. But as he thought upon the Advice which the Queen had given him, this Order which was brought to him in her behalf by the Count, was suspected; he therefore thought best to write to the Queen a Billet, which was carried by the same Count de St. Croix; of which this was the sub∣stance:

That on the 22th of the same Month of September she had sent to him by the Count de St. Croix, an Order to ab∣stain

from coming to the Palace, to the end that there might not arrive any∣thing to displease the King, which might cause an unhappy difference betwixt the King and him. That this Order which was not brought to him but with the Kings consent, had most sensibly touch'd him, seeing that presently af∣ter he had granted him the honour to come and cast himself at his feet, he had forbid him to present himself be∣fore his Majesty, which was to him a most rigorous punishment, not ha∣ving committed any fault that should merit it, except the incertitude where∣in he was, not knowing after what man∣ner he should act to please the King, might be called one. That things be∣ing in these terms, he did supplicate her, that she would please, whilst there was yet time to examine the danger to which he exposed himself, if he should not give satisfaction to the King, since that the last Order which she had sent him did not disengage him from the former, which was general, and of which the cause was not yet ceas'd; at least that he had no intention to treat him as a Councellor of State,

which he could

not comprehend, since that a Councel∣lor of State could not give Councel to a King, he having an aversion for him that gives it. That he hop'd she would seriously consider the two Orders of their Majesties, and that she would not blame his irresolution, which arose from the profound respect he had for them; and that in the end she would know it was necessary the King should give him liberty of going to the Palace, to the end he might be always near their Maje∣sties, which was the only thing that he desired, to be ever in a condition of ser∣ving them, as his Duty engaged him.

Whilst they waited for the Infante's answer, they sent to him several times some of the Pages of the Chamber, to let him know that he should come to the Councel; but as they came not from the King, nor with the ordinary Formalities, he would not go. The Fa∣vourites seeing this Artifice was unpro∣fitable to them, they made use of ano∣ther; they made the King write a Let∣ter to the Infante, which they sent him by Antony de Mendosa Archbishop of Lisbon; containing these words:

Most honoured Infante, my most beloved and most esteemed Bro∣ther; I the King wish you health, &c. I have judg'd it convenient to order you by this Letter to come to speak with me this day; and I shall be glad that it be presently, because I would testifie to you publickly (as being a thing that is but just that all the world should know) that I have your person in that esteem which I ought, as your King, your Brother, and your Father, whose place I hold. Also you may act near me, after the manner that you have demanded by the in∣tercession of the Queen, whom I ho∣nour above all Queens, as my most beloved and most esteemed Wife.

The Infante having reflected on this Letter, doubted yet whether he should go to the Palace, although the King had so order'd him; but having con∣der'd, that after he had declared he did not go to the Council because he was forbid, if he should not now go at this time when he was recall'd with honour, they would say it was his mind to be separated from the King. To hinder this, he went thither, but

was received with the same coldness as formerly.

But even in the middle of the Tem∣pest that was raised against the Infante, there was stirr'd up another more furi∣ous against the Queen. Antoniy de Sousa de Macedo, Secretary of State, solicited his re-establishment, demand∣ing at least that he might be permitted to appear in the Palace, where all the world knew he was hid. The King ha∣ving already made for that some in∣stances, the Queen let him know that it stood not with her Honour he should return so soon; upon this they would not at this time press the matter any further.

Sometime after he spake again of it to the Queen, which made her to an∣swer him, that he might by his abso∣lute power cause him to return, but it should never be by her consent; so that they were obliged to approve of the Repeal of the Secretary by the same Council of State who had order'd his Exile. This was no sooner done, but they sent this Conclusion to the Queen, which seem'd to have been dictated by the Secretary, the discourse being the

same with that of the contestation he had with her. And as all that which hapned afterwards in the State, drew its original from the Complaint of the Queen, it is very convenient to render publick the Conclusion; which was in these terms:

The contestation that the Secre∣tary Antony de Sousa de Macedo hath had with the Queen our Soveraign; having been proposed to the under∣subscribing Ministers, conforming to that which he hath represented, and the Princess remonstiated to us, in that he did forget the Respect he owed to her, it hath seemed to us (altho the Secretary hath justified himself that he had no ill intention to the Queen our Soveraign, and that his intention was but to perswade her Majesty, that the Portugal Nation had no other intention than to ho∣nour her Majesty, and not to treat her as she had complain'd) that the King our Lord, ought to order the Secretary of State to retire himself from Court for ten or twelve days, and that during that time Antonio de Cavide exercise his charge, and

remonstrate to the Queen our Sove∣raign that he doth this only to con∣tent her, on condition however that she henceforward never engage her self in the like contestations, because of the evil sequels which may happen there∣upon in the State, as affairs stand; and that this advice may serve as well for the present as for the time to come.

At Lisbon, Aug. 31. 1667.

This Decree was no sooner seen by the Queen, but for answer she sent this Letter to the King, who was at the Council, by Emanuel de Sousa de Silva, Superintendant of her House.

I have not been able to represent to your Majesty and the Council of State, the just subject of my resent∣ment, no more than the strange mo∣tive of my complaint, because that even to this present they have ma∣liciously concealed from me the Con∣clusion that had been made upon this subject; but having in the end seen it, that which it contains hath cast me into an extraordinary astonishment; had I had sooner notice of it, I had at first represented to your Majesty the injury my Honour hath thereby re∣ceived

in remonstrating the justice of my Complaint. But assoon as I knew what the Councel has determined, notwithstanding all the assurance that I may have as Queen, I complain to your Majesty with all the humility of a Subject; demanding of you that Justice which might be expected by any particular person, against the te∣merity which Anthony de Sousa de Macedo hath calumniated me with, in assuring most maliciously the Councel∣lors of State, that in the Contestation which he had with me, I should speak against the whole. Nation of the Por∣tugues; although he knows very well, as I do also declare unto your Ma∣jesty, who ought to believe the Faith and Word of a Queen, that I did ne∣ver speak to him but most obligeingly of the Sentiments and Interests of the Nation: and that it was only against the proceeding of Anthony de Sousa and two or three of his Friends, who had treated me unworthily, that I shewed any resentment: For, in fine, can any one behold a thing more astonishing, than the boldness of this man, who dares upon a supposition

that has not the least likelihood of Truth; and upon a gross lie, fill'd with Calumny, solicit and obtain secretly a conclusion of the Councel of State so injurious to a Queen; since it is ma∣nifest that my Heart hath not been touch'd with any thing more, than with the marks of Love, Respect, and Compassion, which on all occasions have been paid to me by all the Por∣tugals, whom I esteem and love as my Children; and that it is only the ma∣lice and cruelty of two or three who oblige me by their Insolencies to treat them as my Capital Enemies. After all this, my Lord, after I have decla∣red, and protested, as I do again, that I shall never for the time to come, be able to see a man who hath by arti∣fice, and under colour of a false re∣port, obtained against me a determi∣nation so odious, and from which they have framed an Act so scandalous, full of reprehensions and menaces, hum∣bly prostrate at the feet of your Ma∣jesty, I do demand of you reparation and satisfaction upon my Complaint, and that you will be pleased to ordain Anthony de Sousa de Macedo adjudg'd

and punish'd according to the Rigour of the Laws established against those guilty of High-Treason; and that above all things, that he declare, that what he hath remonstrated to the Councel, is false, and demand pardon; since he hath therein offended God, your Majesty, and Me, and the Coun∣cellors, whom he hath also deceived, as well as Justice, which he hath abu∣sed with divers lies, and malicious sup∣positions; and that there may be an Act made of this beginning of Satis∣faction, and that it be inserted in the place of that detestable Conclusion in the Registry of the Councel of State.

My Lord,

May it please your Ma∣jesty to order that this Crime and my Complaint may be examined, since that there ought to be satisfaction given to an offended Queen to repair her Ho∣nour, which is inseparable with that of your Majesties, as well as of your So∣vereign Authority. I demand Justice, my Lord, against this Decree; which were unjust, had it been given against the least of your Subjects without be∣ing heard; and therefore with more

reason, being given against a Queen oppressed with the Artifices, the Vio∣lence, and the great Credit of her Ene∣mies.

The King put this Letter into his Pocket without reading it, and very un∣becoming his State, publickly soli∣cited the Secretaries Return, which the Queen not being able to consent to, shut her self up in her Apartment, with∣out seeing any one but the King, who gave her nothing but cross and unbe∣coming words. In the mean time the Secretary appears in the Palace with all his Accou••rements, and there went a Report that the King was resolved to leave the City, and to carry with him all the Cavalry, with an order to all the Gentlemen who were about the Infante, to follow him: to which they added, that in case they did not obey that Or∣der, he would come back into the City to cut off the Heads of some of whom he had a List.

Upon this, the same thought, which formerly the Queen had to chase away Anthony de Conti, came into the mind of the Infante, to demand from the King, that he should oblige the Secre∣tary

to retire from about his Person; so that on the 5th. of October 1667 the Infante went to the Palace, followed by the most part of the Nobility, and by a grand concourse of the People.

The King was yet in his Chamber, which obliged the Infante to attend with some Councellors of State, with whom being entred, he spake to the King with very much vehemency; nevertheless without losing the Respect which he owed him; but the King fal∣ling into a rage, cry'd out in a fury that they should give him his Sword; the Infante had no sooner heard that, but he drew his half way out of his Belt, and presenting the Guard to him said, my Lord, if it is against me that your Majesty asks for a Sword, dispose of mine; if it be against any other, suffer me to defend your Majesty. But the King would not take it, only continu∣ed his cries.

The Queen, who knew nothing of this enterprize, ran to the Chamber of the King trying to appease him, by reasons and prayers; but she was not able to gain any thing upon him, being perswaded they had killed the

Secretary, (although they did assure him he was not slain) saying he would not believe it unless he saw him, which obliged the Duke de Cadaval to go fetch him from the Chamber where he had shut himself up, that he him∣self might satisfie the King that they had done him no violence; but how∣ever they had much a-do to keep him safe, for bringing him to the Kings Chamber through the crowd of people, they had kill'd him, if the Duke turn∣ing himself about to those who had that design, had not said to them with an angry countenance and imperious tone, that he was his Conductor.

The presence of the Secretary ha∣ving a little appeased the King, the Queen retired, and also the Infante. Upon this there was heard a Voice that cry'd oftentimes, that all would be well. The same Voice having called on the Queen and the Infante, the King went out of his Antichamber with them, having the Secretary by his side, going to a window which looks into the grand Place of the Palace, where the people seeing him, cry'd out oftentimes, God save the King. After this the King

withdrew thorow the people, who had fill'd the Antichambers, those who went before him saying, he pardon'd all the people, which offended them so much (thinking that they had committed no fault) that John Mascarenhas Count of Sabugal was fain to tell the King, that they would not have a Pardon but Thanks. The King who did not well hear those last words, repented he granted them Pardon; but having at last comprehended that the Count refused it, and that he asked of him only his Thanks, he replied, he grant∣ed both the one and the other. But that which most of all astonish'd the people was, to see him in the midst of this trouble and importment fall to playing upon a Flagelet, it very ill be∣coming so grave a person to do so. This boyish divertisement and his cry∣ing out were remark'd as an unbecom∣ing thing in the mind of a King, and imputed to the default of his Organs.

This success, so different from what they had imagined, made them con∣ceive such an indignation against the King, that they said aloud, they ought to take from him the Crown, and give

it to the Infante: insomuch that one pronounc'd these words, Either take it your self, or we will take it for you; but the Infante growing angry, made him hold his tongue with his look. As it was the design of the Infante to make the Secretary leave the Palace, he resolv'd to lie there that night to finish the Work he had begun; but the Se∣cretary fearing it would be fatal for him, sent to tell the Infante, that if he did not leave the Palace that very moment, it was because he could not do it in se∣curity, and that he would not fail to depart assoon as it was night; for which Laurence de Sousa de Meneses, Count de Santiago & Don Pedro D'Almeida Admiral of the Realm, be∣came Sureties. Emanuel Autunes sent at that time to demand the same Grace, which was likewise granted him, al∣though he had merited a more severe Chastisement. This man, who had been the Son of a Sexton to the Church of Miserecorde de Vilaviciosa, had passed from the Charge of the Repostery to that of Groom of the Chamber; be∣sides that, the King had granted him the Order of St. Jaques, and several

other Favours; it was he that made the secret dispence, but the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and the profusion of it, had rendred this private expence too publick. The near access that he had with the King, came from the service that he rendred him in his secret pleasures, his boldness was such, that at all times he intermedled with the Affairs of the Infante and the King. Upon these assurances the Infante withdrew to his own Palace, followed by the greatest part of the Nobility, and an innumerable concourse of Peo∣ple.

The King the next day seeing neither the Secretary nor Emanuel Autunes, judged well that they were gone away; upon which he demanded to have them chastised, for going away without his consent; sending an Order to all the Superiors of the Covents in the City, to let him know, if they were retired into any of them, and making all the places near to be search'd by Gonsalo de Costa de Menose, and Joseph de Sousa Cid, but they could be no where found. But at last, having heard that Emanuel Autunes was gone into Alemtejo, he sent Diego Lewis Ribeira Soares with

an Order to Dennis de Mello de Castro, Master of the Camp, General of that Province, that he should find him out, and having found him, to remit him into his hands. So soon as Soares was return'd, the King briskly ordered him back again to search again, saying he was resolved to put off the Feast of the Bulls until he returned; so that those Animals staid many days, and the Bar∣ridos stood many Months in the great Place of the Palace, not without con∣siderable loss: the Souldiers that Em∣camp'd there either burning or break∣ing them as they had need of them, or as their fancy took them.

The King was not only in a rage against the Secretary and Emanuel Au∣tunes for going away, but also against all those who contributed to their re∣treat, and particularly against the In∣fante; upon which, having advice, he abstained from going to the Palace. In the mean time the Infante, and the most zealous for the publick good, see∣ing the King's Exchequer emptied by so many profusions, and excessive ex∣pences; and that the raising of Con∣tributions were very difficult, and that

through all this expedition of the Wat was hindred, they were afraid the return of these Favourites, which the King so obstinately desired, would ex∣pose the Realm a Prey to their Ene∣mies. To avoid this therefore, they re∣solved to call together the three Estates of the Realm. The Winter-season be∣ing best for this purpose, because of the ceasing of the War, they judged it not amiss forthwith to cause the Councels of the Cities to act it. That of Lisbon, as it was the most considerable of all others, presented to the King the first Remonstrance; in which, after they had most amply shown their Reasons for assembling the States, they deman∣ded of him their Convocation. As the Name of the States gave an offence to the King, he took this Remonstrance without communicating it to the Coun∣cel, publishing that he would not have them called together; for he knew ve∣ry well wherefore they would have them called, for all along they had per∣swaded him that the Assembly of the People was some lessening the Autho∣rity of Kings: and if the three Estates should joyn with his Brother against

him, how could he be able to help him∣self? And if they should enterprize any thing against his person, how could he avoid it? Foreseeing this, he would give no answer to the Common Coun∣cil of the City, however pressing they were; and for the most part he would not so much as hear them. And if he had appointed them a time to come to re∣ceive his resolution, he would very un∣handsomly hold his peace. Sometimes he would have the States called, and sometimes he would not; so that the Common Council of the City of Lisbon dispairing to obtain any answer from the King, wrote to all the others, and to all the Chapters of the Realm, to give them an account of that which had passed; and represented to them, that it was very convenient for the publick good, to demand from the King the Con∣vocation of the States: But they could do no more with him than they, and the more pressing they were in perswading, the more inflexible he became.

The Council of State being assembled, the King, Queen, and Infante being there, it was unanimously agreed, that without assembling the States General, the dis∣orders

of the Kingdom could not be re∣medied. But the King took this for a Conspiracy against him, and would not yeild to a Remedy that should give him so much fear; and gave ill words and injurious speeches to those who would have given him that Council, which di∣minish'd very much of his Authority.

The Marquess of Sande presented a Memorial to the Council of State, in which he did remonstrate to the King, that he ought to treat with more love and respect than he had hitherto done so illustrious a Princess as his Queen was; and the Infante with that civility and regard, which the Quality of an on∣ly Brother to a King required. That he should suffer them to be near him, who might jointly govern the State with him, and not as he had hitherto done, put it into the hands of a Favourite. That it would be more glorious for him and all the Portugals, that he gouern with the help of Royal Persons, who had as well as his Majesty all qualities necessary for it, than to suffer a Subject to do it, who had not only rais'd himself above all other Subjects, but who would yet raise himself above him. That by consequence

there was an indispensable necessity the Estates of the Realm be Convocated, since they were obliged to give some remedy, how violent soever it might be, being he would not give them any other.

The Councellors of State approv'd this Remonstrance, and having sign'd it to authorize it, they carried it to the King; but he instead of taking notice of their good will, condemn'd it as cri∣minal, and conceiv'd a mortal hate a∣gainst the Author. But the Ministers of the State sacrificing all their resentments to their Countries good, they had so much patience that they brought it a∣bout notwithstanding the wilfulness of the King, who consented at last to assemble the States, on condition it should not be till his return from Salva∣terre, whither he was resolved to go ac∣cording to custom, on the 19^th of Ja∣nuary the year following, and to return on the 14^th of February. Without this they had lost the opportunity of reme∣dying an evil that would admit of no delay. At the same time it was report∣ed the King design'd to leave the City with his Braves of his Pratroville, and to join himself with his Favourites and

their Partisans. This was confirmed by the advice they had, that he had distributed Horses to his Querries, and stop'd many Barques which were in the Harbour before the great place of the Palace, and at a place called Grilo; which gave a suspicion that he had a design to pass into the Province of Alemteijo. But all these projects va∣nish'd, either through the care of the Infante, or by the negligence of the King.

As they had been forc'd to come to a kind of Battel with the King, to make him consent to the Convocation of the States, so it was not without much trou∣ble the Ministers had obtained from him it should begin on the first of January 1668. But then when the Commissioners were expedited for the Council of the City, he would not sign them, although he had solemnly pro∣mised it.

In the mean time the Queen seeing they took no consideration of her Complaints, took a generous resolution not to suffer any longer such contempt. So long as they did not lose the respect they ow'd to her person, she knew how

to dissemble; but so soon as she was perswaded the King did not love her as his Spouse, nor consider her as a Queen, and by his Example the Pa∣vourites despised her; she then had so much resentment, that she resolved to let all the world know that which hi∣therto she had hid with prudence and moderation.

The Queen used oftentimes to visit the Nunneries in the City, and parti∣cularly that of Esperance of the Order of St. Francis, in which were many Ladies of great Quality. The 21th of November 1667, she left the Palace with her ordinary Train to go to this Covent. So soon as she was entred there the first thing she did, was to write this following Billet to the King, which was carried to him by the Count of S. Croix.

I have left my Country, my House, and my Parents, selling all my Goods, that I might be your Majesties Com∣panion; not without a great desire of contributing as much as I was able to your satisfaction. But whatever my en∣deavours have been, I have not been able to compass it, which has given me a mortal displeasure.

I will not

therefore hide from you, that I have resolved (pressed by my Conscience) to return to France, in those Vessel•• of War which are here. I desire o•• your Majesty, that you will do m•• the favour to grant me permission to execute this design, and to ordain that my portion be returned, since your Majesty knows very well I am no•• your Wife. I hope from the Greatness of your Majesty, that you will no only not refuse me any of these Fa∣vours, but that you will add yet a•• those which a Princess and a Strange•• may merit, one that is abandon'd by all in this Realm, & one who hath com•• so far to find your Majesty.

So soon as the Queen had sent thi•• Billet to the King, she sent for the Lad•• of her Attire, and her Maids of Ho∣nour, and those Ladies that accompa∣nied her, to tell them her resolution o•• staying in that Covent; she declared to them, that since she was not married to the King, she was not Queen of Por∣tugal, and that they might retire them∣selves to their own Houses; and sinc•• Fortune did separate them, she would all her life time remember the obliga∣tion

she had to them, and the passion they had testified for her, in being Com∣panions of her misfortune. This reso∣lution extreamly surpriz'd these Ladies, and they could by no means be made to leave her, staying there all that night, and a good part of the next day. At last there stay'd none in the Covent to wait on her but Dona Antonia de Silva, her Lady of Honour, and Dona Antonia Mauricia de Silva, and Dona Isabella Francisca de Silva, her Maids of Ho∣nour. The Ladies however visited her in the Covent, with the same exactness and assiduity as they had done when she was at the Palace.

The King had no sooner heard the Billet read which was sent by the Queen, but he descended from the Palace, and mounting briskly into his Coach, caused them to carry him immediately to the Covent, accompanied with all those who were to go with him on hunt∣ing, for he was going to the Chase when he received this Letter from the Queen. He made them knock at the Gate with fury, when the Infante came thither with some Gentlemen to hinder any dis∣order. The Queen was mightily sur∣priz'd

at the innumerable crowd of all sorts of people who were got together; and when she heard that he called for Harchets to break open the Gates, she fell into a swound. And the King had without doubt broke them open, if the Infante, with some Councellors of State and some Gentlemen, had not divert∣ed Him.

The King was so little concerned at all this, that he forgot it when it was night; for in the morning when he a∣rose, he ask'd as if there had not hap∣pen'd any thing extraordinary, whether they had given Provendor to the Bulls, which he always kept in the grand place of the Palace for sport. The Queen the next day after her retreat, sent to desire the Infante to come to her, which he did with the Kings per∣mission. Having her self told him her resolution, he answer'd her with all the tenderness that her Quality and the de∣plorable Condition which she was redu∣ced to, required: After finding the King, he saw he was extreamly anger'd at the motion of her retreat, and he would maintain with much passion, and in very dishonest terms, that he was

more a man than they thought for.

The Queen having at the same time caused the Councellors of State, and the most considerable Officers of the Crown to be called, she declared to them the cause of her retreat into that Co∣vent, and the resolution she had taken to return into France, after that she had made her Marriage to be declared null by the care of the Duke de Cadaval her Procurator; then she wrot to the Chap∣ter of the Cathedral Church in Lisbon this, which follows.

I am removed from the Company of King, whom God preserve, because that the Marriage which we have contracted together hath not had any effect. I have dissembled hitherto the scruples which have troubled my Conscience, because of the kindness I have for the State, which is most worthy of it. But I cannot lon∣ger support it. I hope that the King, as an irreproachable testimony of that which I have affirm'd, will confirm it, to the end that I may be able to re∣tire into France with freedom: and I pray the Cahpter, to whom it belongs to judg of this matter, that they will do it with all the diligence possible, and to

favour in all that shall be just, a stran∣ger sensibly touch'd with the unhappi∣ness of not being able to stay in a Coun∣trey which she had come so far to seek with an extraordinary contentment; for which the Chapter may assure it self with all imaginable confidence, that in what-ever prrt I shall go, I shall shew my Acknowledgments.

Maria Frances Isabella of Savoy.

This Letter having been read in the Assembly of the Chapter, they made to it this Answer.

Your Majesties Letter of the 22th of this month hath been read in this Chap∣ter with very much grief, because by it we understand the resolution that your Majesty hath taken of retiring your self into a Nunnery, and from thence to re∣turn into France, abandoning Portugal where your Majesty is so much loved and rever'd: and that your Majosty has de∣manded from us an Ecclesiastick Judg∣ment for the dissolving the Marriage contracted between our Lord the King and your Majesty. Madam, the ordi∣nary proceedings of Justice which are granted to private persons may not be refused to your Majesty, when things are

come to a certain point. Nevertheless there are so many circumstances in this business worthy of examination, that we demand permission of your Majesty before we enter upon this examination, to re∣commend it, and to cause it to be recom∣mended to God, that he may be pleased to guide us according to those pious inten∣tions which shall be for the universal good of the State, and for the conserva∣tion of your Majesty, whom we pray the same God to keep, and to whom we all wish long and happy Years.

The Queen sent into France to give notice of the estate of Affairs by Mon∣sicur Verjus Envoy in the Court of Por∣tugal on the part of the Princes of the House of Vendosme, a Gentleman very much esteemed for his Worth, and for his rare Accomplishments. So soon as this Process was begun to be framed, and the King's inability became to be publickly talk'd on, and of which no body doubted, the people began to wish that the Infante might Espouse the Queen. And this desire was grounded vpon very many Reasons, but chiefly on the Virtue and the prudent Conduct of this Princess, which had gained her

the Esteem of all the People. And more∣over this Marriage was not without ex∣ample, since that in Poland, John Casimir had succeeded to the Crown, and to the Wife of Sigismond Casimir his Brother, * 11.1 and the City of Lisbon heretofore de∣sired that the Queen Dona Eleanor Widdow of the King Don Emanuel should be Married to King Joh. the 13^th his Son: so that after the dissolution of the Marriage of the King and Queen, there might be a Marriage between the Infante and the same Queen.

Monsieur Verjus having made known the Estate of this Affair to Monsieur the Cardinal of Vendosm ••ogat in France for Clement the 9^th; he obtained a Dis∣pensation for the Prince Don Pedro and the Queen, in case the first Mar∣riage was adjudged null.

Although the King had knowledg of all these Negotiations, they were not able to make him consider with himself: But on the contrary, he acted, and spake with so much indiscretion, that there was no body who did not believe they ought to employ these last remedies against his ill Conduct.

This so urgent a necessity obliged the

Councellors of Estate, the Nobility and People of Lisbon to conjure the Infante that he would take upon him the Re∣gency, because the Kingdom was in War, and full of Troubles, the King in∣capable to govern, and the Queen re∣tired into a Nunnery; and therefore there was great reason to substitute the Infante in the place of the King.

The Common Council of the City and of the Four and twenty, having sent their Deputies to the Infante to demand of him permission to proclaim him Regent in the Palace; and if he would not yield to it, they would do it against his mind; he answered them, that they should de∣liberate whether it would be convenient they should accompany him to the Pa∣lace.

The Marquess of Cascars thrust on by his Zeal and his Age, went the next morning to the King; when he was in his Antichamber, the Grooms of the Ward∣robe told him he was yet in Bed; but approaching to him, told him it was time for him to awake, and if he did∣not leave that Lethargy, out of which he had awaked him, he would in a very little time lose a Kingdom which he had

already ruined by his negligence and incapacity: that it were better to do that of his own motion, which he would be made to do by force. That he should send to seek for the Infante his Brother, and to put into his hands the Govern∣ment, which was the only way he had to conserve the Crown.

This Remonstrance was immediately followed by that of the Counsellors of State, who made theirs publickly to him, and represented to him, that after he had left the Government of the State to his Favourites who had ruin'd it, he at pre∣sent had abandoned it altogether, there being none that would intermeddle with it, unless he himself would act in it. But he was nothing moved neither with the one nor the other: which obliged the Duke de Cadaval to press the Infante on the part of the Counsellors of State, to go to the Palace to begin his Regency.

Novemb. 23. 1667, the Infante ac∣companied with the Common Council of the City, the Chamber of the Four and Twenty, the Nobility, and an innume∣rable company of people, entred into the Gallery of the Palace; and from thence he entred with the Counsellors

of State into the Antichamber of the King; where, after a short Conference had together, they Arrested the King in his Chamber, by making fast the doors, without touching him any other way.

The Infante presently named for Se∣cretary of State Dr. Pedro Vieira de Sylva, who had been Secretary to the King Don John, and to the Queen Mo∣ther; who having taken his place, the Motives of this change were read, and approv'd of in the first Assembly of the Council of State. The next thing agi∣tated was, in what place they should put the King, and after what manner he should be served: It was then conclu∣ded he should be kept in his Apartment, and serv'd by those persons who should be most agreeable to him; and that he should want nothing either for his ne∣cessity or pleasure, or the Dignity of his Character. But he treated with so much cruelty those who serv'd him, that di∣vers Gentlemen came to excuse them∣selves from the Employment.

But whilst the Infante was yet in the Council of State, Antonio Cavide brought to him this, which was wrote in his own hand, and signed by the King.

Our Lord the King having regard to the Estate in which now the King∣dom is, and to what hath been re∣presented to him by his Ministers, and also to divers other things, and reasons of his own proper motion, and by his Absolute and Royal Authority, and for the advan∣tage of his Realm, doth dismiss him∣self, and resign in favour of the In∣fante; that he may possess the Realms in the same manner as he did, and his Legitimate Descendants after him; declaring, that of all the Revenue be∣longing to his Crown, he reserves to himself two hundred and seventy thousand Livres of yearly Rent, of which he may also dispose for ten years after his death: and moreover he doth reserve to himself the House at Bragansa, with all its dependances. In the Faith of which, and in assurance that what his Majesty hath Ordained shall be executed and observed, he hath enjoyned me to draw up this present Act, which he hath signed.

Antony Cavide,

done at Lisbon this23d November, 1667.

The King.

The Infant having granted to the King all that he demanded, they expe∣dited the Dispatches necessary for it; but he would not accept the Crown, of which the King would have made a Cession. As they had judg'd it conve∣nient that the King should not go out of the Palace, the Infante resolved to stay there also, with those Councellors of State, and a great part of the Nobility and People, who would not leave him. The King as he lay in his Bed, sent to John dos Caes to have a care of his Dogs, which was his ordinary employ, and which griev'd him in such sort, that he could not refrain from Tears. We have re∣ported this, though but little considerable, that you may thereby judge the better of the Spirit of the King, and whether he was capable to govern the State.

When the Infante had made known to all the Realm that which had hapned, he signed the Letters which were writ in the King's Name, to call together the States on the first of January. And be∣cause the Act which the King, since he was arrested, had sent to the Infante, gave him power to take upon him the Quali∣ty of King, which the greatest part of

the Nobles and of the People ardently wish'd he would do; he order'd by this Decree, that they should examine the Cession which the King had made.

Don Rodrigo de Meneses Gentleman of my Chamber and Master of my Horse, Makes known upon my part to Pedro Fernandes Monteiro Councellor of Parliament, to Martin Alphonso de Mel∣lo Deputy of the Council of Consci∣ence, to Joseph Pinhero Councellor of the Finances, to Lewis Fernandes Tei∣xeira Judge of the Pleas of the Crown, to John Lamprea de Vargas one of the Quarter Provosts, and to John de Roxas de Osevedo my Secretary, That I desire that they will assemble themselves in the Chamber which Don Rodrique pos∣sesses in the Palace, to the end that they may let me know, after they have made serious reflexions upon the Estate in which they find the King my Lord, and the Affairs of these Realms, if I ought to demand the Convoca∣tion of the States: and if that after their Assemblies shall be ended, I should continue the Government, with the Title of Curator of his Majesty, and

that of Regent of this Realm, which are those which I have taken at this present; or whether I ought to con∣sent, that they give me that of King, with all the Prerogatives that accom∣pany it. And I also desire to know, if I shall make use of the Renunciation that his Majesty hath made in my fa∣vour, a little after he was arrested, of the Right which he hath to the Crown; or of that which they have given me, through his incapacity of Governing himself. Considering, that though I have accepted the Government of these Realms, it is not through any Ambiti∣on, nor Covetousness, nor for any End which respects my self; but only for the Conservation of the State, and to satisfie the desires which the Portu∣gals have incessantly made to me. Let them put their Opinions in this Busi∣ness in writing, and I declare to them, that I shall follow the greatest num∣ber.

From Lisbon10 Jan. 1668.

The Infante.

These Ministers assembled themselves according to the Infante's Order, and some days after they wrote their Conclu∣sion. When it was read in the Presence of the Infante, of his Gentlemen, and some other Persons of Quality, whom he had most Confidence in, they found that the greatest part of the Voices were, That he should not make use of the Re∣nunciation, and that he should not take upon him the Title nor the Quality of King; which gave him a very great Contentment, because this Conclu∣sion was according to his Desires; and moreover, this delivered him from the Importunities, which he suffer'd under every day, upon this Subject.

The Procurators of the Chapters, and those of the Greater and Lesser Cities of the Realm being arrived, the three Estates assembled themselves in the Great Hall of the Guards, where the Infante was solemnly declared Prince, by a pub∣lick and Authentick Act, conceived in these Terms:

We Swear, and Declare upon the Holy Evangelists, which we touch with our Hands, That we do acknowledge and receive for our

true and natural Prince and Lord, the most High and most Excellent Prince Don Pedro, the Legitimate Son of the King Don John the Fourth, and the Queen Dona Louysa his Wife, and Brother to the most Great and most Puissant King Don Alphonso the sixth our Lord, his True and Natural Suc∣cessor to these Realms; and as his true and natural Subjects, and Vassals as we are, we render him Faith and Homage, and pro∣mise him, That his Majesty hapning to die without Legitimate Children, we will ac∣knowledge and receive him for our True and Natural King and Soveraign of the Realms of Portugal, and the Algarves on this side, and beyond the Sea, Lord of Guinny, and of the Countries conquer'd by our Naviga∣tions, through the Commerce of Ethiopia, Arabia, Persia, and the Indies, &c. And that we will obey thorowly and wholly all his Orders and Judgements, Soveraign and others, making for him War, and enter∣taining Peace with his Allies; and that we will not obey any other King, nor acknow∣ledge any other than Him. And all this which is above said, we swear and protest to God, and to this Holy Cross, and to the Ho∣ly Evangelists, upon which we lay our hands, we will observe and keep fully and wholly;

and in sign of our Obedience, and of our Ac∣knowledgement of this Royal Soveraignty, we Kiss the Hand of his Highness here present.

After this Oath had been made to the Prince, every one of the three Estates began to assemble themselves in particu∣lar: That of the Nobles, in the Colledg of St. Roch; that of the Commons, in the Covent of the Religious of the Or∣der of St. Francis; and that of the Cler∣gy, in the Covent of St. Dominick. The first day of their Assembling, the Prince sent to each of the States the substance of this Act, with the Dismission of the King.

I desire that you may see in the Assembly of the People, the dismission of the King, where'tis inserted, and that it should be ex∣amined by you, as well what hath been pass'd, when I took upon me the Government, as the Reasons that mov'd me to do it, and to take upon me the Quality of Curator of my Lord the King, and that of Regent of these Realms, by vertue of which I have caused his Royal Person to be arrested. And because these two things might be justified by

this Act, I pray this Assembly to approve them, and to Declare whether I shall conti∣nue the Government with this Title, or whether you think good that I should take any other; and in that Case what it ought to be. If your Conclusion be found conformable to that of the other Assemblies, as I hope it will, I shall after that swear to maintain the Laws and the Priviledges of the Realm, in the accustomed manner; after which also you shall make to me an Oath of Fidelity and Obedience, during the time I shall have the Government.

The Body of the Nobless is composed of Thirty Great Lords, Councellors of the King, Lords of Castles, Lands and Territories, the chiefest of their Rank. That of the People, is of Two Procura∣tors or Burgesses, from every City of the Realm, who have a deliberative Voice, which they call definitive; and that of the Ecclesiasticks, of the Bishops, and Prelates of the Realm: And in default of those who fail at such a time, of the Procurators or Deputies of their Chap∣ters.

The Decree of the Prince was read in all the Chambers of the States. In that of the People, almost all the Deputies declar'd him King; in that of the No∣bility, and that of the Ecclesiasticks, there was nothing Concluded. But when these two last were assembled a se∣cond time, after they had examined the Conclusion of the People, which had been carried to them by the Marquess of Marialva, and Pedro Monteiro Fernan∣des, Proctors for the City of Lisbon, they approved of the Regency in the Cham∣ber Ecclesiastick, conformable to the Decree; and they demurred upon it in that of the Nobility, for that they would consider it, and it being not only an Af∣fair of State, but also a Matter of Right, they would first of all hear the Opinion of those that were better vers'd in the Law, before they should be capable to resolve. That which was carried to the other two Chambers, by the Duke of Cadaval, and the Count de Prado, were both cast out; but it being done at first tumultuarily by that of the People, they presently proclaimed Don Pedro King.

The Prince having understood the Conclusion of the Assembly of the No∣bles, and that the Learned Persons who were to be Consulted with about it, were Father Nuno de Acunha the Jesuit, Fa∣ther Valerius de St. Raymond, of the Or∣der of the Preaching Friars, Father Francis Ferdinand Sueiro, of the same Order, Friar John de Mello, of the Or∣der of the Hermites of St. Augustin, Pro∣vincial of that Order, John Vello Baretto, Grand Chancellor of the Realm, Emanuel Delgado de Matos, Doctor in Law, Lewis Gomes de Basto, and Duarte vas a'orta Osorio, Councellors of the Finances, and Christopher Pinto de Paira: He sent to tell them by Francisco Correa de la Cerda, his Tutor, That it was not his Intention to be King, but only that he might give some Comfort to the Realm, which he did believe he might do with the Title only of Regent; that they should give their Opinions upon that Question, with all the Liberty that an Affair of that Con∣sequence demanded.

All but Emanuel de Matos, and Duar∣te d'Osorio, who could not be there to give their Opinions, because they were

sick; and the Great Chancellor, whose Opinion was, that Don Pedro should be declared King, gave their Opinions, that he should let alone the Title of King to Don Alphonso, so long as he should Live.

After that these Learned Persons had declared their Opinions, the three Estates deliberated apart; and it was Conclu∣ded in the Assembly of the Ecclesiasticks, & in that of the Nobility, that the Prince should not take the Quality of King: But that of the People Concluded, that he should take it, not only for the Ho∣nour of it, but also for the Security of the State.

The Prince was equally satisfied with them Both, and witnessed to them his Acknowledgments. But the Answer of the Prince was not enough to make them silent, who adjudg'd to him the Crown; and they maintained their Sentiments so much, and opposed that of the others, with so strong Reasons, that the Questi∣on became very difficult to be decided, by those who should Judg of it without passion. The Contestation pass'd so far,

that the Prince fearing lest they should Declare him King by a publick Procla∣mation, was forced to hinder the ac∣clamations of the People when he went abroad, to imploy all the Persons of Au∣thority, who accompanied him. Most Princes use to solicit the People to be Kings, but this Prince on the contrary solicits them that he may not be one; which is a moderation, which made him be yet more worthy of that Title.

In the beginning of the Summer, 1667. there was made a League offensive and defensive, between France and Por∣tugal, against Spain. The French by their means assuring them of a diversion in their Favour, enterprising a War against Spain in Flanders, whose pro∣gress was very surprising; and it had been very advantagious, if the Prince's Allies to either Crown, had not put a stop to the swiftness of their Arms. Monsieur de St. Romain, Abbot of Cor∣bigny, who had been Envoy in Portugal, for the negotiating that League, having had Order to let the Prince Regent know of the Accommodation that was propo∣sed, and that he should send some one to

assist therein, he consulted his Ministers of State what was best to be done in this Business.

They were ready to name for that purpose a Plenipotentiary, when the Count d'Olivares, who had been Priso∣ner ever since the Battle of Canal in the Castle of St. George, gave notice, That he had power from the Queen of Spain, to accommodate the differences between Spain and Portugal. This was a great Obstacle to that Negotiation of the League, which was concluded betwixt Portugal and France. If Monsieur de St. Romain turn'd all his thoughts to en∣deavour to perswade the Portugals to en∣tertain a new Alliance against Spain; the Ministers of Spain on the other side forgot nothing that might hinder it, to the end not to lose so fair an occasion of making one Peace that might produce another, and render the Conditions more advantagious. So that having obtained by their Importunities, and the new Advantages which they offer'd the Portugals, so much, that they brought it about, that the King of England of∣fer'd his Mediation, and Edward Mon∣tague Earl of Sandwich his Embassadour

Extraordinary in the Court of Spain, passed thence into Portugal.

But as in this Incounter there was a necessity of one of these two things, ei∣ther to content France at the Charge of Portugal, or to manage the Interests of Portugal to the prejudice of France; the Portugals chose the last. The consi∣deration of their repose was more strongly pressing on their minds, than any other thing; and the more, for that the Realm had need of rest after a disturbance of five and twenty years. The Three States, the Common Coun∣cil of the City of Lisbon, and that of the Four and Twenty, made their Re∣monstrances to the Prince so pressing, that he could not resist them. He na∣med then for to act in this Negotiati∣on the Duke of Cadaval, Vasco Lewis de Gama Marquis de Nisa, the Marquesses of Gonrea and Marialva, Henry de Sousa de Tavares de Sylva Count de Miranda, all of them Councellours of State, and Pedro Vieira de Sylva Secre∣tary of State. All these Plenipotentia∣ries, being assembled with the Mar∣quess d'Eliche, and the Earl of Sandwich, who had power, one of them to make

the Treaty, and the other to be the Mediator; after many Conferences, it was at last concluded, the 13 Febr. 1668, and published the 10th of March following.

Although this Peace, so glorious for the Prince, had encreased the love that the Portugals had for him, yet he was not seen to grow proud with these Ad∣vantages, nor would use this occasion to get the Kingdom, as he might have done. But on the contrary, it was at this time that his modesty more apparent∣ly shew'd it self; for seeing that the People redoubled their importunity to make him accept of the Scepter, he re∣doubled his resolution to refuse it. And indeed, if under the Reign of the King Alphonso the Portugals had gained a Battle at Elvas, another at Mount Ela∣ros, a third at Canal, & a fourth at Castle Rodrigo, all the part that he had in it, was under the Fortune of his Generals; for the Marquess of Marialva, the Count de Villaflor, and Pedro Jaques de Magel∣lanes had all that Glory. But the Peace which was better than all these Vi∣ctories, since that it rendred to the Realm that Calm it had so long breath'd

after, was the work of the Prince Don Pedro, more than of any of his Mini∣sters.

In the mean time they went about to make the Marriage void before Francisco de Soto Major Bishop of Targa Coadjutor of the Arch-bishoprick of Lisbon, the Doctors Valentine Fejo de Motta Vicar-General of the same Arch-bishoprick, Pantaleon Rodrigue Pacheco, nominated to the Bishoprick of Elvas, in whose place, after his decease, they subroga∣ted Antanio de Faria de Sylva, Canon of the same Metropolitain, Sebastian De∣nis Velho being Register to this Assem∣bly. After that upon the Report of the Coadjutor, they had examined this Bu∣siness according to the Laws, they took the Voyces of those we have named pub∣lickly, with those of Emanuel de Sal∣dunha, nominated to the Bishoprick of Visen, Francisco Baretto, nominated to that of the Algarves, Pedro de Alaide de Castro Inquisitor of Conimbra, Nuno de Acunha d'Eca, Canon of the Metropo∣litan of Lisbon, Gonzalo Peixoto de Syl∣va, Canon of the said Cathedral, Gaspar Barata de Mendosa, Prior of the Church of St. Gracia, John de Pasos Magelhans,

Prior of that of St. Julian, and John Seraon Prior of that of St. Thomas, all of them Judges named by the Chap∣ter: the Affair having been examined before them in private, with much care, and mature deliberation, they pro∣nounc'd this Sentence the 24th of Morch 1668.

Upon the Report which hath been made in the presence of the Chapter, in which there assisted besides the ordinary Ministers who compose it, the Judges named by them to deliberate of the cause &c. Having view'd the Acts, and the Request of the Queen our Soveraign Mary Frances of Savoy, which hath been here received, and the Contestation by the Negotiation of the Promotor in de∣fault of the party in Form and stile, the proofs having been verified, the said Princess, hath let us know that she was Contracted in Marriage in the Face of the Church, with the most SerenePrince Don Alphonso the Sixth, King of Por∣tugal, on the 27th of June 1668. in the City of Rochel, in the Kingdom of France, from whence the said Princess being come into this City, she hath here lived

in the Palace Royal with the King her Spouse, for the space of six Months, lead∣ing with him a Conjugal life; but dure∣ing this time it appear'd they two having tryed to Consummate the Marriage, they could not effect it, although they had used all their Care and diligence requi∣site thereto; and this because of the Ina∣bility of the Prince, which proceeded from an Infirmity which he had in his In∣fancy, and which is at present altogether incurable. Which doth more than suf∣ficiently justifie them, by those means approved of by the Canon Law, so that the Impediment is held at least to be mo∣rally assured, after which there is no need of Inspection, nor of greater proofs, as that of three years, or of any other Ar∣bitrary Term. All this having been examined, by all the Acts Conformable to the Laws it is Judged, That the Mar∣riage between the said most Serene Prince and Princess was Contracted in Fact, and not in Law, and that it is de∣clared Nul; and that the said Prince and Princess may dispose of their persons as to them shall seem good, and make a di∣vision of their goods according to the form of their Contracts.

This Sentence having been pronoun∣ced the Saturday before Palm-Sunday, the Queen sent to declare to the 3 States the Resolution she had taken to return into France, demanding at the same time that they would restore to her the dowry she had brought with her. The 3 States having understood this News with much trouble, and considered that this Prin∣cess for the Rare perfections of Mind and Body, which Heaven had bestow'd up∣on her, and for other considerations was most worthy of the Prince Don Pedro, each of the States made a Memorial, which they sent to him representing the Reasons which made them desire this Marriage. The Common Councel of the City of Lisbon having done the same thing the Prince answer'd to them all, That, he was ready to do what should be Judg'd best for the Interest of the Realm.

After that the ThreeStates had received this Answer, they and the Common Councel of the City went to make the same Petition to the Queen, that since the Nullity of her Marriage, the Portu∣gals did desire she would espouse the Prince, and they hop'd the felicity of

this second Marriage would repair the misfortune of the first, in giving them Successors to the Crown. This Princess being touch'd with the violent passion of the People of the Realm, and not be∣ing able to resist their pressing desires, was willing to Content them by re∣nouncing her own Country. After this the Prince gave Notice of this Proposi∣tion to the Councel of State, who not onely approv'd of the Marriage, but they besought him that he would instantly ac∣complish it. For this end the Marquess of Nisa and Don Rodrigo de Meneses were named Proctors for the Prince, and the Duke of Cadaval and the Marques of Marialva for the Princess, who drew up the Articles of Contract between them.

But when this Marriage was divulged, there began to arise a doubt, if with Re∣putation this Contract might be lawfully and effectually made and consummated without a dispensation. But as they had chosen a great many Learned persons, to resolve this Question, Monsieur Verjus arrived from France with the Brief of Dispense, which took away all doubt and scruple that they might have about it. So that the Marquess de Marialva as Proc∣tor

for the Prince, and the Duke de Ca∣daval as Proctor for the Princess, were by vertue of the Brief, and their Procu∣rations espoused by the Bishop of Targa in the Oratory of the Palace; and on the second of April, which was the next day after Easter, a little after Noon the Prince accompanied with his Grandees, and all the Lords and Noblemen of the Court, went to the Queen in the Covent of Esperance, from whence they went to the Quinte of Alcantara followed by innume∣rable multitude of People, who witnes∣sed their good Will to this Marriage, where they received the Nuptial Bene∣diction by the hand of the same Bishop.

After this, those who had been of the Opinion for the Crowning the Prince, made once more an attempt upon him; but he was no more to be shaken now than he was at other times, he only let the Three States know, that on the 9th of June 1668, He would take his Oath to main∣tain the Laws of the Realm, and he would then receive from them theirs of Fidelity. This day being come, they all Assembled in the Great Hall of the Guards, where that Ceremony was done with all the Pomp requisite thereunto,

and the Prince took his Oath in these Terms.

I do swear and promise, the Grace of God assisting, to rule and govern well and Equi∣tably, and to administer to you Justice in all Cases, as far as the frailty of Humane Na∣ture will permit, and to keep and preserve your good Customes, Priviledges, Graces, Re∣compenses, Liberties, and Franchises which hath been given, granted, and Confirmed by the Kings my Predecessors.

And the Three States of the Realm took theirs in these Terms.

We swear upon the holy Evangelists which we touch with our hands, that we do acknowledge and receive for our Governour and Regent of these Realms because of the perpetual Impuissance of his Majesty, as we have adjudg'd, the most High and most Ex∣cellent Prince, Don Pedro, Legitimate Son of the King Don John the Fourth, and of the Queen Dona Lewysa his Wife, Brother and Curator of the most high and most ex∣cellent King Don Alphonso the sixth, and his True and Natural Successor to these Realms. And as the True and Natural Sub∣jects

as we are of the Prince Don Pedro we make to him Faith and Homage in the same manner as we have made to the King Don John the Fourth his Father, and to the King Don Alphonso the Sixth his Brother, (whom we do at this present de∣prive of his Government because of his In∣capacity) with the same Jurisdiction, Power and Authority, that any of the Kings and Lords of this Crown have ever had: and wee will obey fully and wholly all his Orders and Judgments be they high or be they low Jurisdictions, and we will make War with his Enemies for him, and entertain Peace with his Allies as it shall please him, without obeying any other King but him. All this abovesaid we swear to before God, by this Cross, and by the Holy Evangelists which we touch with our Hands to observe on our parts fully, and wholly. And as a Mark of our Submission and Obedience; and of our acknow∣ledging his Royal, & Soveraign Jurisdiction, we kiss the Hand of his Highness here pre∣sent.

These Oaths being made, all the Dispat∣ches began to be expedited in the Name of the Prince as Governour & Regent of the Realm, in the same form as had been formerly done when the Infante Don Al∣phonso Count de Bologn was made Go¦vernour

of this same Realm because of the Incapacity of his Brother, having been acknowledg'd for such by the Kings of France, Spain and England, at whose Courts his Embassadors and En∣voys had been received with all the prerogatives which they had given to Kings.

After this Act the Three States conti∣nued to deliberate about the Affairs of the Realm until the First day of August, 1668. when they separated.

This change was approved of by all the People, excepting some persons who had no reason to approve of it, because of their Interest. In truth, the deposing the King Don Alphonso was maintained not only by those Reasons which have been re∣hearsed, but for many others which they were willing to have Concealed; besides, the same thing hath happened hereto∣fore in Portugal in the Person of Don San∣che the Second. In France, in that of Chil∣derick, Philip and Theoderick. In England, in that of King Edward. In Germany in that of Charles le Gross. In Denmark, in that of Christian. In the Realm of Naples, in that of Charles, and in many other Kingdoms.

As soon as the Prince and the Princess had Consummated their Marriage in good earnest, which they had made by Virtue of the Dispensation which they had obtained of Monsieur the Cardinal of Vendosme Legat a Latere in France, to the end that there might remain no scru∣ple, they sent Father Francis de Ville Je∣suit to Clement the 9th, to supplicate on their part, that he would Confirm this Dispensation. His Holiness having re∣ceived this Request as a Testimony of re∣spect render'd to the Holy Sea, he ordain∣ed with his Paternal Love, That they should expedite this Brief with this Su∣perscription.

To Our Well-Beloved Sons Deigo de Sousa, Chief Inquisitor in the Inquisition against the Hereticks in the Realms of Por∣tugal and Algarves, Antony de Mendo∣sa Commissary-General of the Bull of the Croisaide, and Deputy of the Inquisition. Martin Alphonso de Mello, Dean of the Metropolitan Church of Evora, also De∣puty of the Inquisition. Lewis de Sousa Dean of the Church of Porto, and Ema∣nuel de Meneses Arch-deacon of the Me∣tropolitan of Evora.

Clement the 9th Pope,

Sends Health and Apostolick Benediction to Our Well-beloved Sons. The Charge of Pastor which God hath given to us, Com∣mands us, that according to the understand∣ing which he hath granted us, we should pro∣vide according to the Laws of Justice and Prudence, repose to all the faithful Ser∣vants of Jesus Christ, and chiefly to the Great Ones. And because we have under∣stood by the tenour of a Request which hath been presented to us a little while since, on the part of our Son in Jesus Christ, the most Beloved, and most Noble Don Pedro Prince of Portugal, and of our Daughter in Je∣sus Christ, the most Beloved, and most No∣ble Maria Isabella de Savoy, Dutchess of Nemours, That the said Princess after she had contracted a Marriage with our most Dear Son in Jesus Christ, Alphonso the Illustrious King of Portugal and Algar∣ves, and lived with him about the space of six months as his Wife, during which time she perceived his perpetual inability to con∣summ•••• the said Marriage being pressed in her Conscience, she hath been obliged to cause the said Marriage to be adjudged

Null, beginning her Process (the Sea of the Archbishoprick being vacant) before our Well beloved Sons, the Vicar of the Chapter of the Metropolitan Church of Lisbon, lawfully deputed, and the Chapter and the Cannons of the same Church; who hold, by reason of the said vacancy, an or∣dinary Jurisdiction; and before several other Judges named by the same Chapter, joyntly with the said Grand Vicar of the Chapter, to the end that they might be the better instructed in that Affair, and that they might deliberate thereon more mature∣ly: by whom there was given a Sentence that declared the said Marriage Nul, because of the aforesaid Impotence; which Sentence having been read and shewed to the King Al∣phonso, was approved by him by word of Mouth, and by Writing. Moreover, the aforesaid Princes Mary Isabel, and the a∣foresaid Don Pedro, Brother of the aforesaid King Alphonso, being willing to Contract a Marriage together at the Requests of the States of the Realm, who were at that time assembled at Lisbon, to the end that they might give Repose and Tranquillity to the Realm; and being in doubt, if from the first Marriage there might not arise some hin∣derance to it, because of the publique Ho∣nesty,

they had recourse to our Well beloved Son Lewis de Vendosm Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, who at that time was our legat a Latere, and of the Holy Apo∣stolick See, with our most dear Son in Je∣sus Christ, the most Christian King of France, who granted to them a Brief of Dispense which they demanded of him upon that Impediment, and it being addressed to the Grand Vicar, and to the Official at Lis∣bon to either of them or both together, the said Prince and the said Princess, were by Virtue of the said Dispensation Contracted, in Good earnest in the Face of the Church in Marriage, after the manner that was ordain∣ed by the Sacred Councel of Trent, and after they Consummated the said Marriage in hope of having soon Successors. But because in the same request it hath been remonstrated to us, that the said Prince and the said Prin∣cess as our most respectful, and most devout Children, and of the Holy Apostolick See, do most ardently desire that we should pro∣vide for the security of their Conscience, and for the tranquility of the Realm: After having maturely considered and Examined all things with some of our Venerable Brothers the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, and with other great prudent Persons and most

knowing and Skilful in the Sacred Canons, and in Theology, and very well vers'd in these Affairs, and being also willing as far as God shall enable as, to be benignly favour∣able to the said Prince Don Pedro, and the said Princess Maria Isabella, we do absolve them, and hold them absolved by Virtue of these present Letters from all Excommuni∣cations, Interdicts, Suspensions, and all Ec∣clesiastick Sentences, Censures, and pains, a jure vel ab homine, that they may have in∣curr'd, upon any occasion or cause whatsoe∣ver, (and so often as by it they shall have in∣curred any) to the end that by Virtue of these presents only they may obtain what they de∣sire.

And being desirous to satisfie the Request, which hath been humbly presented in their Name, upon the Confidence that God hath given us of you, and of your Fidelity to∣wards us and the Apostolique See, of your Learning, Prudence and Integrity: And besides, for that we have no certain Know∣ledge, of all that which hath been declared to us thereupon, we do Ordain and Command you by these presents, to make, with all pos∣sible discretion, all together, or at least three of you, (if that some of you cannot be there to assist, by any lawful Impediment)

a diligent research, and an exact Informa∣tion, of all that which hath been averr'd thereupon. And if by this search, and this Information, you find the truth of those things, which have been represented to us, to hold good, and particularly, that the first Marriage Contracted, as hath been said, between the King Alphonso, and the afore∣said Princess Maria Isabella, was never Consummated, (with which we very strongly charge the Conscience of every one of you) that you break asunder, and dissolve, by and under oùr Apostolique Authority, in all that shall be necessary, even against the Will of the said King Don Alphonso, the tye of the said first Marriage, Contracted, as aforesaid, between the said Princess, and the said King Don Alphonso, and which hath been declared null and not Consumma∣ted, notwithstanding that which hath pass d from the beginning, and what might have now pass'd for good, and notwithstanding, if in time yet to come, it should appear good and firm, and that it is, hath been, and should be good and valuable. And further, we do order you to dispence with under the same Authority the said Prince Don Pedro, and the said Princess Maria Isabella, as to the Impediment of publick Honesty in such sort

that they may freely and lawfully continue the aforesaid second Marriage notwith∣standing the said Impediment, and all that hath been reported thereupon, and from any other Impediment that they may have there∣in of what Nature soever it be, that may a∣rise or appear, at what time soever: not∣withstanding also all Apostolick Constitu∣tions of General Councels, Provincials and Synods, or any other whatsoever. We will also, that you declare under, and by the same Authority, that you make, grant and devise by vertue of these present Letters, that all what hath been abovesaid may profit and serve in all and in every part fully and wholly to the said Prince Don Pedro, and to the said Princess, even from the day of the se∣cond Marriage, which hath been Contracted by them, as if these present Letters had been granted before the Contract of Marriage, and put in execution by you according to their form and tenure: Declaring, Pronouncing, and assuring for Successors lawful those In∣fants born, and to be born of the said Second Marriage, as hath been said, Contracted in good earnest in the Face of the Church; because by the plenitude of our Apostolick Power, we give & grant you the power by Virtue of these present Letters, to do all these things injoyn∣ed.

Moreover, we decree farther, That nei∣ther the aforesaid King Alphonso, nor any other persons which ought to be expressed, and especially and particularly nominated, to have any Interest in the things herein above expressed, or to pretend to have any, in any manner whatsoever, not having consented, or having been appealed Cited or heard; and that the causes for which these present Let∣ters have been granted, were not sufficient∣ly verified, and justified, or for any other legitimate cause, Right or Priviledg, either under any Colour or pretence whatsoever, or also any Clause of Right, shall never at any time blame, retract, violate, our Counsel as surreptitious, or attained by fraud nor make Nul, neither for any fault of our Intention, or by the consent of those who have, or ought to have interest therein, or for any other de∣fault how great or Essential soever it be, or that might be in a particular Declaration, these our present Letters: And that no body may be able to obtain or Commence any thing of Right, of Fact or of Grace, nor to get nor prevail in Judicio vel extra illud against these Letters had, obtained, and granted of our own proper motion, and with the same plenitude of Apostolick Power. Further we will and declare, that these present Letters

continue for ever firm, valid and Efficacious, and that they have and obtain their full and entire Effect: And lastly, that they serve fully and wholly without any Limitation to the aforesaid Prince Don Pedro, and to the aforesaid Princess Maria Isabella, and to all others either at present or to come, to whom they may any ways appertain. And also that after this manner only, and no otherwise we will that it be judg'd and decreed in this Affair by all the Judges in Ordinary, or Dele∣gates; be they either Auditors in causes of the Apostolick Courts, or Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, or also Legats à La∣terè, Nuncio's of the Apostolick See, or others who have or may have any prehemi∣nence or power, from all and every one of whom we take away all power and Authority to Judge and Interpret after any other sort. And wee declare Nul and Voyd, all that shall be enterprised against what hath been here above reported. The Rule of our Chan∣cery Apostolick de jure quaesito non tol∣lendo, and that of Boniface the Eighth of Happy Memory our Predecessor de una dicta, and that of the General Councel de duabus dictis, and all other Constitu∣tions and Ordinances Apostolick Speci∣al or General, made in general Coun∣cels,

Provincials, or Synods, or any other thing whatsoever to the contrary notwith∣standing.

Given at Rome from St. Mary Ma∣jor, under the Seal of the Fisher, the 10th of Decemb. 1668. in the 2d year of our Papacy.

Signed, J. G. Slusius.

The Judges to whom this Brief was directed, having approv'd the Deeds contain'd in the Request, gave Sentence, which follows:

Christi Nomine Invocato.

Having seen the Brief of his Holi∣ness, which hath committed to us the Judgment of the Impediment publicae honestatis, upon the Dispensation which it makes mention of, and the Articles of Justification, and the proofs which hath been given thereto, as well as all the Instructions & Certificates which have been joyntly made thereupon, it appears That, the most Serene Lord, Don Alphonso the Sixth, King of Por∣tugal

and Algarves, being married to Maria Frances Isabella de Savoy, the said Princess press'd in Conscience, to pursue in Justice the Nullity of the said Marriage which she had contract∣ed in Fact with the said most Serene King, because of the perpetual Inabi∣bility which was in his Person to con∣summate the said Marriage, and that indeed he had not consummated it du∣ring the Sixteen Months that they had lived together as Man and Wife. Which Cause was pleaded before the Vicar-General of the Archbishoprick of Lis∣bon, and other Judges nominated by the Chapter of the said Archbishoprick, before whom it in right lay, in the va∣cancy of the said Sea. It appears, that the Cause was prosecuted, even to a definitive Sentence, by which the said Marriage contracted between the said King and the said Princess was decla∣red Null, because of the aforesaid per∣petual Inability of the said Lord and King Don Alphonso, to consummate the said Marriage with the said most Serene Princess Maria Frances Isabella de Savoy. It appears, that this Sen∣tence was publish'd, and judiciously

signified to the said Lord the King Don Alphonso, who declared in Terms, repor∣ted by the Register of those Acts, That he was willing it should be executed, and that he did not at all desire to ap∣peal; which Declaration hath been signed by the King himself. It appears, that the three Estates of the Realms of Portugal and the Algarves, who were at that time assembled at Lisbon, did propose to the most Serene Prince Don Pedro Regent of the Realm, and did supplicate him to Espouse the most Se∣rene Princess Maria Frances Isabella de Savoy, to give repose to the State, and to secure the Royal Succession; and that also they did make the same Propositi∣on and the same Prayer to the said most Serene Princess. It appears, that for the Impediment publicae Honestatis, the most Serene Prince Don Pedro not be∣being able to Contract this Marriage with the said Princess, they had re∣course to the most eminent Cardinal de Vendosme, Legat à Latere to his Ho∣liness, and of the Holy Apostolique Sea with the most Christian King of France, to the end that he might di∣spense

with that Impediment publicae Honestatis. It appears, that this Brief of Dispence was directed to the Vicar-General, or to the Official of the Arch∣bishoprick of Lisbon, and that it was presented to the Bishop of Targa, who at that time officiated the Functions of the said Archbishoprick; who con∣formable to the Power therein given him, and with all the accustomed For∣malities, did dispense with the said Im∣pediment publicae Honestatis of the said Prince & of the said Princess. It appears, that by vertue of this Dispensation, and with the Trust and Confidence thereof, the Lord Prince Don Pedro was marri∣ed, according to the Rule of the Holy Council of Trent, to the said most Se∣rene Princess Mary Frances Isabel of Savoy, and that they did Consummate the Marriage, of which there already is born one Daughter. It appears, that the said Prince and the said Princess be∣ing married in good earnest, and in the face of the Church, and living toge∣ther in a Conjugal Life, for the greater security of their Conscience, to the end to deliver it from scruple, and the

State from trouble, they had recourse to his Holiness, that he might approve, confirm and ratifie the said Marriage, and take from them all Scruples that might arise; which Grace his Holiness afforded them, by the Brief above re∣ported, recommending this Affair to Judges, who are therein named, to the end that they finding just the Request of the said Prince and Princess, they might, after they had made full in∣quest, and all necessary Informations, to discover the Truth of the Facts, up∣on which it was founded, dispence with the said Impediment publicae Ho∣nestatis, of the said Prince and Prin∣cess, and of all other Impediments that might happen, cancelling, abro∣gating, and declaring null the Tye and Bond of the former Marriage, Con∣tracted between the most Serene Lord, the King Don Alphonso, and the said most Serene Princess, Dona Maria Frances Isabella de Savoy. The whole being seen and considered, and chiefly in consideration of the Brief hereunto annexed, by the Apostolick Authority to us committed, we do hold our selves

bound faithfully, at the Request of the said Prince and Princess, to justifie them. So that conformable to the said Brief, we do dispence with the said Prince, and most Serene Princess, to the end that they may continue and abide in the said Marriage, which they have well and lawfully Contracted, without having regard to the said Im∣pediment publicae Honestatis, which re∣sulted from the first annulled Marriage. And we Declare for Legitimate, and born in lawful Marriage, the Infanta, which through the Will of our Lord God, has been born of this second Mar∣riage, and for Legitimate, and born in lawful Marriage, all other Children, which shall hereafter be born, without any lett or trouble from any Ordinan∣ces, and Apostolick Constitutions to the contrary.

From Lisbon, 18 Feb. 1669.

• Diego de Sousa,
• Antonie de Mendosa,
• Martin Alphonso de Mello,
• Lewis de Sousa,
• Emanuel de Magalhans de Meneses.

The Prince having rendred Thanks to his Holiness, for his Benignity and Paternal Love, which he had witness'd both to him and the Kingdom, some time after he received this Brief,

To our dearly beloved Son in Jesus Christ, the Prince Don Pedro, Brother to the King of Portugal and Al∣garves.

Clement the IX.

OUR dearly beloved Son in Jesus Christ, Health and Apostolick Benediction, &c.

We having diligent∣ly travell'd in your Affair, with all the Favour the Sacred Canons would permit, we have received from you a Letter, wherein you very much ac∣knowledg this Pontifical Grace. This Testimony which we receive from you, gives us a very great Satisfaction; ne∣vertheless,

this Favour for which you thank us, with as much piety as affecti∣on, according as the importance of the thing deserves, we do demand of you with Justice, that as you do chiefly owe it to the Goodness of the Holy See, you would acknowledg, that it is from her that you have received it; which if you testifie, as in truth you ought to do, it is by having always more and more care and affection, for those things which respect the Holy See and the Ca∣tholick Religion, imitating in that the ancient Devotion of the Princes of Por∣tugal, who made it their Glory to obey the same See: For if heretofore it hath been necessary in your State, to en∣deavour the re-establishment of the things, which concern the Church and Divine Worship, and to reduce them to their Primitive Splendor, at this pre∣sent there is more reason, through the want of the Pastors, and the length of the War, to do the same thing. But we hope all these Mis∣chiefs will be soon repaired, by your Zeal, and by your Prudence, in joyn∣ing your Cares to ours, as well in the

choice of the Bishops, as for all other things. As to that of your Embassador of Obedience, which you propose to us; when he shall arrive, we shall willingly receive him, and yield him all the Ho∣nours that are justly due to him. In the mean time, our most beloved Son we do give you, with the most sincere Affection, that we are capable of, our Apostolick Benediction.

From Rome, near Saint Peters, under the Seal of the Fisher, 2 April, 1669. the Second Year of our Popedom.

R. Florentin.

As they had search'd for a Retreat for the King Alphonso, where he might live in some sort at liberty, without troubling the Repose of the Realm, they made him many Propositions; but it was a

long time before he would resolve, not knowing what place to choose; till at last he pitch'd upon the Isle of Tercera, which was very easily granted him, for that he might there find all Convenien∣cies, and all sort of Divertisements, ac∣cording to his humour. He departed then, being accompanied with all the Magnificence, that was requisite on such an occasion, and of which the present Condition of the Realm was capable. The Count de Prado, with the Royal Na∣vy, carried him into that Island, where he remains to this day.

The Dispensation granted by the Cardinal de Vendosm, Legat à Latere for Clement the 9th in France.

For the Marriage of the Prince Don Pe∣dro of Portugal with the Princess Ma∣ria Frances Isabella of Savoy.

LEwis Cardinal-Deacon of St. Mary in Porticu, named of Vendosme Legat à Latere of his Holiness, Clement by the Providence of God Pope, the Ninth of that Name, and of the Holy Sea Apostolique, with Lewis the most Serene, and most Christian King of France and Navar, in all his Realms, Provinces, Seignories, Cities and Lands, and in all places dependant on him, or that are adjacent thereunto, and in all other places whither we shall go: To our Well-beloved in Jesus Christ, the Official, or the Vicars Generals of the Church of Lisbon, Deputies of its Chapter during the vacancy of the

Archiepiscopal Sea, and to every one of you in particular, Eternal Health in our Lord. Having received a Re∣quest which hath been presented to us on the part of the most Serene Prince Don Pedro Infante of Portugal, Regent of the Realm, and of the most Serene Princess Mary Frances Isabella of Sa∣voy, by which they have shewn us, that it being necessary for the Publique Good of the Realm of Portugal, and the satisfaction of all the People, who passionately desire it also, that the said most Serene Prince and Prin∣cess should marry together; and that doubting they may not be able to do it without an Apostolique Dispensa∣tion, because the said Princess hath been before Contracted in Marri∣age with the most Serene and Puissant Prince Alphonso King of Portugal, Bro∣ther to the said most Serene Prince Don Pedro; and that it was Solemnized in the Face of the Church; but that it never had at any time been consummated, be∣cause of the Inability of the said King, for which cause it had been declared Nul by course of Law; from which

Marriage, lest there might arise some Impediment to this, because of the pub∣lick Honesty, they have humbly suppli∣cated us to provide for it, according to our Benignity. And as we are furnish'd sufficiently with Power, to do what is desired, by the Letters of the Holy See, which we are not obliged to insert here; and that we are able, by vertue of the Apostolick Legation committed to us, to provide for the Necessities of all those, who shall address themselves to us, from what part soever they shall come, or where soever they shall dwell, or from what place soever they shall send, being willing to give them all, the Marks of our Favour and Benigni∣ty; and particularly to those who are of Royal Blood, we do absolve them, and hold them, both and each of them apart, absolved from all Excommunica∣tions, Suspensions, Interdicts, and other Sentences, Ecclesiastick Censures & pains of Law, either Divine or Humane, which they may have incurred for any Occa∣sion or Cause whatsoever, if so be they may have incurr'd them; and not having a certain knowledge of that

which is above-said, being willing ne∣vertheless to satisfie their Supplicati∣ons, by vertue of the Apostolique Au∣thority which we have here, we com∣mit to your discretion, of which we have in our Lord a particular confi∣dence in this Point: And we ordain you by these Presents, That without hope of any Present or Salary, though it should be given you freely, from which we do enjoyn you wholly to ab∣stain; you do inform your selves ex∣actly of all that is above affirmed, and if by that Information you find that these Requests are founded upon the Truth, with which we charge your Consciences, provided that they be not forced thereto, that you dispence with them by the same Authority for the Impediment of Publique Honesty, in such sort that they may be publickly married according to the Form of the Council of Trent & Solemnly make it in the Face of the Church, and that it may stay, be, and continue thenceforth Free and Legitimate, notwithstanding the said Impediment, and all Apostolique Constitutions of Councils, General,

Provincial, or Synodical, or any other thing whatsoever: Declaring and pro∣nouncing those Legitimate Children that shall therein be born. And we will, and intend, if that despising this Ad∣monition, you shall have the boldness to take any Salary, Present, or Recom∣pence, for, or concernining this mat∣ter, although the same should be of∣fer'd you, that you incur the pains of Excommunication, from which you shall not be absolved but by the Pope, or by us, or by some other, who have a particular Power thereto from the Ho∣ly Sea.

Given at Paris in the Year of our Lord 1667, the 17th of the Calends of April, in the First Year of the Pa∣pacy of our Father the Pope.

Lewis Cardinal de Vendosm, Legat.

De Lione Protonotary and Datary Apostolique.

The Reasons of the Nullity of the Mar∣riage of Don Alphonso the VI. King of Portugal, and the Validity of that of Don Pedro's Prince of the Realm, presented to Pope Cle∣ment the IX.

THere are Three things to be Con∣sidered in this Business of the King and the Queen of Portugal.

I. That which passed in the first Marri∣age with the King Alphonso.

II. The Nullity of that Marriage.

III. The Queens second Marriage with the Prince Don Pedro.

In the First it is to be Considered as follows.

1. That the Marquess of Sande, who was sent Ambassador into France, to Treat of the Marriage of the King Don Alphonso, his Master; having before he went from Portugal, told the Count de

Castlemelhor, the Chief Minister of State, the scruple of his Conscience, and the Politique Consideration that he had, to go Treat of a Marriage for a Prince, who was commonly said through all the King∣dom, not to be capable ever of having any Children; unless that he should have before-hand some assurance to the contra∣ry, that he might deceive, said he, nei∣ther his own Conscience, nor the King∣dom, nor the Princess, who should take his word. The Count answered him rudely, in these Terms, as the Marquess declared since, and as it appears by the Depositions. I am astonished, Sir, said he, at the Doubt that you make, and I am surprised that you do not know, that the Girl which is bred up at my House, is the Natural Daughter of the King. Which the Marquess believed, but it was found to be false since, by the De∣position of the Mother of the Girl, who being called to declare upon Oath in Court; though the same Count had done all that he could possibly, to oblige her to say, that she had that Child by the King: Yet moved by the Truth, and by the re∣morse of Conscience, she declared that it was false, and that the Girl was one of

his Cousins, whom she named to the Judges. And besides, in all the Conver∣sation she had with the King, she never found that he was capable of doing the Venereal Act; and that by Consequence, he was unable for Marriage, and un∣capable ever of having Children.

2. That seeing the Incapacity and In∣ability of the King Alphonso, the Queen his Mother, who knew the thing well e∣nough, having made a secret Consultati∣on with his Physitians, (as may be seen by the Papers and Depositions) was re∣solved to let the Scepter fall into the hands of the Infante her second Son, at this time Prince Regent; to the end, lest in default of a Successor, it should fall again a second time into the power of the Spani∣ards; but this she had not been able to Execute.

3. That the King Alphonso himself, when they went about to Treat secretly of his Marriage, and to send for that end an Ambassador into France, he was very hardly brought to resolve upon it, and avowed to his most intimate Friends, that he never had any intention to Marry, and should never consent to it; but because the Count and his Friends had

represented to him, that the People see∣ing themselves deprived of the Hope of seeing him ever to have any Lawful Suc∣cessor, would not suffer him any long time upon the Throne; and that they would soon make the Prince his Brother, to Marry and to Reign in his Place. But although they might attribute this Aver∣sion which the King had for Marriage, to the Liberty in which he had been brought up, and to the continual Practises which he had with the most loose and debauched Women, from whom one might say, he would not be obliged to separate, by Espousing so Chast and Honest a Princess, as the Queen. It is however much more probable, that it should be attributed to the knowledg he had of his own Impuis∣sance and Inability for Marriage, which would make him pass the rest of his Days in a continual Repentance, as he hath since said to one of his Domesticks; bla∣ming the Count and his Friends, for ha∣ving forced him contrary to his Will to Marry, and by consequence to be expo∣sed to the Affront which he hath received, by the Sentence of the Nullity of his Marriage.

4. That the first time the King lay with the Queen, which was three or four Days after she arrived in Portugal, his Impotence was well known to that Prin∣cess; notwithstanding her Innocency, and although she was Ignorant of things of that nature, so that her Confessor who saw her extremly Melancholly, and who feared with reason, the truth of that which they had talkt of, having taken the liberty to ask her in the time of Con∣fession with all the Modesty, and Hone∣sty, and Trust, which his Charge per∣mitted him, if that which had been re∣ported had any Ground or Appearance of truth; or if she had any hopes to see soon any Fruits of her Marriage. She gave him such an Answer, as may be seen in those Papers, but it was after such a manner, that she let him know, she judged already of the Condition of her Marriage, and of the Inability of the King, to get Children.

5. That although the Queen, since her Arrival in Portugal, had been conti∣nually Reproached by the King, and his chief Ministers, and that she had always received very ill Treatments, as all the World knows, and which is not necessary

to be put here in Writing, Her Majesty nevertheless had never made any Com∣plaint, and had never witnessed any Re∣sentment, being on the contrary resol∣ved to Live with the King her Spouse, as if he had been the most Accomplished, and the best Husband in the World; if that she had not believed, for three sorts of indispensible Necessities, that she ought to make a Declaration of it, and to separate her self from his Company. To wit,

1. For her Conscience sake, which without ceasing, strongly perswaded her Majesty, and urged her, that after an Ex∣perience of Sixteen Months, which was long enough, and troublesome enough, she might separate from the King, with∣out making any greater Trial; her self knowing very well in this time, his incu∣rable Inability. And having divers times consulted with her Confessor, that she might Act with the more security in an Affair of so great Importance: The same Confessor, after he had maturely thought upon it, and considered what she should do to satisfie her Duty, declared before God, That he knew nothing more, but that her Majesty seeing that which

had passed, should no longer do Violence to her Consclence, in Inhabiting any longer time with the King.

2. For the necessity of the State, and safety of the Realm, which otherways was absolutely Lost; and which her Con∣science, as well as the Affection that the Kingdom bore to her, and which she ought to have for the Kingdom, obliged her to provide for, as much as possibly she could; since that on the one side, she was most strongly perswaded of the Im∣puissance of the King, and that he never could have any Children: And on the other side, she knew for certain, by the Kings own Confession, and also by the Count of Castlemelhor, who had intrusted her with it, that although they did seem as if they would Marry the Prince to content him and the Realm, who very earnestly desired it, and they did feign to find out ways the most fit thereto, the King nevertheless was resolved to hin∣der it by all ways imaginable, being far from permitting it; Because, as they said, and as it was true enough, it would be his Ruine, and the Power of the Prince would infinitely increase, by the consideration of his Marriage, and

of the Children that should proceed therefrom, despairing to see any from the King, so that he would get the Love of all the People, and have all the Realm at his Devotion, to render him Master of all, when he had a mind to Revenge himself of the Count, without running any Risque.

3. For the necessity of her Repose, and of her Honour. Of her Repose, because she had never in all those Sixteen Months found it, neither in her Consci∣ence, nor in her Mind, nor in her Body, neither Day nor Night, although she had tried by her Patience, and by her pru∣dent Dissimulation, to do all she could possible to get it; and though she saw things to go from bad to worse every day, by the ill Government of the Count, and by the evil Impressions that he and his Friends had given, and continually did give the King against her, which would infallibly draw upon her a more rude Op∣pression, than that which she had hitherto undergone. And that she should put into danger her Honour for the time to come, which was ever infinitely more dear to her than the Crown, or her own Life, and that she saw it exposed to great Dangers, upon great and lawful Grounds; of

which what ever necessity there is to speak, yet honesty and modesty will not permit it here; but by this only, which cannot be absolutely passed over in silence, you may judg.

One is, That the King knowing very well that he was never able to get any Children, he notwithstanding testified an extreme passion to have them, by the means of that Opinion to establish himself upon the Throne, and to make forceless the contrary Opinion, which was com∣monly talked of and known to all the World of his Inability, which tormented him more than the Inability it self. So that the more sensible he was of his Inabi∣lity, the more eager he was to shew the contrary, abandoning himself to all sorts of Women, and believing by that means to maintain the Crown upon his Head, and to kill with Grief the Prince his Bro∣ther, whom he hated to the death, because he said, and knew for certain, that his Majesty should never have Children be∣cause of his Inability.

The other is, That the Queen was not ignorant of that which was done private∣ly, and which the Judges knew since by the declaration of the interested Persons,

which was, That when the King had a mind to sport himself with a certain Maid, and not being able to do it by reason of his Inability, he made her lye in his Chamber, with one of his Favourites in his presence, to provoke him thereto, though in vain, as appeared by the Deposi∣tions which were made by those Persons that were present, and which they had sworn to upon the Holy Evangelists.

And what yet gave to the Queen a great∣er fear was, That the King, who had no Government over himself, but through his own licentiousness, and that vain thought of feigning himself able, without regard either to his Honour or his Consci∣ence, seemed to have some design upon her, by the continual Sollicitations which he made her, about the end of April, 1667, by his most intimate Favourites, Henry Anriquez de Miranda, and the Count de Castelmelhor, with the Marchioness his Mother, Lady of Honour to the Queen, that she would go pass a night in his A∣partment, when there was no difficulty for the King to come to hers to lie with her there, and which was contrary to the ancient and ordinary Customs of the Pa∣lace,

and without any necessity, or the least appearance thereof; And because the Queen excused her self divers times, and the most sweetly that possibly she could, alledging for reasons, not that which gave her so much apprehension in her mind, for she was willing to sacrifice this new Trouble to the will of the King, by an effect of that submission which that Princess always had for him, but that the apprehension of modesty it self was capa∣ble enough to hinder all Women of Ho∣nour, and more especially a Queen, as she was, to make without any necessity so extraordinary a Change, which would without doubt make them discourse of her Reputation, and also of his Majesty's. The King fell into so much passion, and with so much Violence, that the very same night he would have made her gone out of her Bed, to have followed him in∣to his Apartment; but after very many menaces and rude words, holding a Poni∣yard in his hand, he said that he gave her 24 Hours to consider of it, which passed, if she did not the night after what he would have her do, he swore he would draw her by force, or make her be drawn by four of his Grooms. This gave the Queen a most

sensible Grief. Of this she made most just complaints to the Count on the morrow, by the mouth of her Confessor, that he might pray him to remedy it, protesting that she would sooner dy, than do that which the King would have her do, or any thing else that was unworthy of her.

This joyned with the fear, which was besides very strongly impressed on the mind of the Queen, was the cause, that since that time she did not believe her self in any security, neither should she be, so long as she should stay there exposed as she had been, and should be more for the time to come, to a danger that she had once so much trouble to get out of so happily as she had done, and seeing also, that she whom her Majesty should most trust on such occasions, to wit her Lady of Honour, was she whom she had the most reason to dis∣trust, because of the Counsel she had gi∣ven her, because she was Mother to the Count, the Favourite of the King, and who had declared openly, that she was ve∣ry passionatly desirous, that the King should have Children by the Queen, after what manner soever it might be, by that means to establish the Fortune of her Son, ha∣ving said expresly to her Confessor, in

a Conference they had together about this Matter, to endeavour to induce him on the Kings part and her own, to make the Queen consent to the change of her Bed and Apartment, that it should be but for five or six nights, after which she pro∣mised, that she would cause the King to return to the Queen, after the same man∣ner as before.

Things being in these terms, and the Queen seeing no Remedy for these evils, and dangers, to which she exposed her self more and more every day, believed, that she could no ways save her Consci∣ence, her Estate, her Repose, nor her Ho∣nour, but by declaring this, which she had so carefully hid hitherto, for the ma∣king null her Marriage. And this is the Second Point, which I have said is to be considered in the Dissolving of this Marri∣age, being the manner in which they pro∣ceeded, which we shall clearly and faith∣fully make known by these following Articles.

I. The Queen, that she might with∣draw her self out of the fear of those dan∣gers which I have already spoken of, and which were inevitable, so long as she should continue in the Palace, and

being willing to make her Declaration with the security of her Liberty and her Life, was resolved to leave it, and to re∣tire her self into the Covent of St. Claire, called Esperance, which is the most con∣siderable, and the best regulated in Lisbon, and indeed she did as secretly retire her self thither as she could, the 22 d of No∣vember, 1667.

2. This Retreat of the Queen, and the Declaration, which she made the next Morning, of the Motives she had thereto, both to the Clergy, Nobles and People, which her Majesty had made to be called together for that purpose, instead of sur∣prising them, as one might have imagined, made them to make all at the same time one Answer, believing very much that she had stayed there long enough, and that they had long expected such a Resolution, and they were not less informed than sur∣prised at what her Majesty had so long suf∣fered, and had so long deferred, that they approved of all she had done, and intreat∣ed her, that she would declare the Nulli∣ty of her Marriage, which was so import∣ant and so necessary to the Health of the State; but they would never approve of that which her Majesty spake of at the

same time of returning into France, be∣cause her Person and her Assistance would now be more necessary to them, and more profitable than ever for the Realm, and to save it from the dangers which threat∣ned it, when she was at Liberty: And that all the City of Lisbon would testify the same general Approbation, which they had given of her Retreat.

3. The Queen, the same day of her Retreat, sent to the King by the Count de St. Croix, Master of her House, and a little after by the Bishop of Targa, a so∣lemn Declaration of that which she was obliged in her Conscience to say, which was of the Nullity of her Marriage, and most humbly to intreat his Majesty, to permit that Affair, so necessary to the Health of their Souls, and to that of the Realm, to be judged according to the Forms and Canons Ecclesiastique, to the end, that being free, she might return in∣to France, with the good will of his Ma∣jesty, and without losing his Favour. To which the King answered by Writing, signed with his own Hand, and confirmed by Oath upon the Evangelists, as may be seen in the Papers of the Process, after he had consulted the Doctors and Divines,

whom he had called together for that pur∣pose, that he would Acquiess; that by the sole motive of his Will, and by the duty of his Conscience, he declared by the Advice of the Theologists, which were two Dominicans, and one Jesuite, that he did believe his Marriage with the Queen was Null; because she being a Virgin, he had never been able to Consummate the Marriage with her.

It is very true that the King was Ar∣rested, before he had made his Answer and Declaration to that of the Queens; but it ought to be taken notice of,

First, That he had before done it Verbally, some time before his Deten∣tion, in talking familiarly to one of his Domesticks, who Deposed it afterwards.

Secondly, That his Majesty was not yet Arrested, when the Queen demanded that Declaration; but after he had re∣ceived that of the Queens, he took two or three Days time to consult with the Doctors and Divines, about what he should be obliged by his Conscience to answer: It happened that the Night fol∣lowing he was Arrested, by an Arrest from his own Council.

Thirdly, That this Detention was nei∣ther Resolved, nor made upon the Queens Retreat, nor upon her Declaration, no otherwise than if that had never been, but for a necessity far different and more urgent than that; so that the Declara∣tion the King made, some Days af∣ter that of the Queens, and after he had taken time enough to think thereon, and to satisfie his Conscience, and to know the Thoughts and Resolutions of those Divines, ought not to be reputed Invalid for want of Liberty, or that he was Ar∣rested for that Cause.

Fourthly, That these Divines which his Majesty had Assembled, did declare after they had heard him, that he was ob∣liged in Conscience, to Answer as if he were at full Liberty; and that there was nothing that should oblige him to conceal the truth, as may be seen by their Depo∣positions.

Fifthly, That since that, when they had demanded of the King in divers Meetings, if he Approved, or Disapproved the Declaration he had made: He always roundly affirmed it, and with an Oath, he Approved and Ratified it, both

for the discharge of his own Conscience, and of the Queens.

And Lastly, When the Judges Depu∣ted by the Chapter to go to his Majesty, to signifie the Sentence which they had gi∣ven, and which was pronounced for the Nullity of his Marriage, did demand of him if he would Acquiess therein, or whe∣ther he would Appeal. He answered without Hesitation, that he would Ac∣quiess, acknowledging they acted ac∣cording to Justice; as may be seen by the Acts of the Process.

4. After so universal an Approbation given to the Retreat of the Queen, the Council of State attending for the As∣sembly of the States of the Realm, which should have been called together a Month before, contrary to the mind of the King, to remedy the Disorders of the Realm, and of his Government; seeing they were not able to Assemble so soon as those Affairs required, and foreseeing otherwise all Portugal would be lost, it they did not apply some speedy Remedy. It was secretly resolved, that the King should be Locked up in his Apartment, with all the Civility that could be, and to put the Regency and the Government

of the Realm into the hands of the Prince, until they should see what the States Ge∣neral would resolve of, which was Exe∣cuted without any Noise at Night, on the 22d, or 23d; and the end of this Detention, was to hinder the King from Flying away with the Count to the Fron∣teirs, or elsewhere out of the Realm, as they had understood he had Premeditated to do a Month before: Or else, seeing for the space of several Years, the Mis∣government of his Majesty, and since he was Incapable of holding the Reins, being Married to so fair and virtuous a Princess, he was not Capable of giving them Successors to the Crown, as he had evidently himself acknowledged by his own Declaration, and by that of the Queens. And seeing him fit neither for the one, or the other, and by Conse∣quence, it was necessary very suddenly to give a Remedy to these Evils. They had permitted it, giving way by the means of this Detention, to make the Proofs as to the preparation of the Pro∣cess, upon the Nullity of his Marriage, which else could not have been done.

5. If the Queen at that time, and in that condition, had been able to have

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had Recourse to the holy See, to have judged of the Nullity of her Marriage, she had undoubtedly done it; she having at divers times declared the same thing; And doth yet declare it, that it was her Intention, as much for the grand Impor∣tance of the Business, as for the great Respect and infinite Reverence, which she always hath had for the holy See: And also, because she is fully perswaded of the Equity and Justice of one of the best and most worthy Popes, who hath ever sat in the Chair of St. Peter; but not then being able to do it, to her great Regret, not having so easily Recourse thither, for those Causes which all the World knows of, and which have made all the Realm of Portugal to Groan, for the space of Thirty Years continually, without ha∣ving the power to be able to cast themselves at the Feet of the Popes, nor to be heard in their greatest Spiritual Necessities; the Peace with Spain not being as yet fini∣shed, from whence all these Obstacles came. Her Majesty was obliged to have Recourse to the Ordinary, and to the nearest Judge, which was the Chapter of Lisbon, when the Episcopal See was va∣cant.

6. That in the choice of the Judges, which were Eleven in Number, the Chap∣ter had had all the Liberty, and all the Regard possible, to name for that Busi∣ness, the most considerable of that Illu∣strious Body, as well for their Quality and their Learning, as their Virtue and their Honesty.

7. That in the Judgment, which last∣ed more than Four Months, there was observed all the necessary Forms, even as if it had been done for Persons of ordi∣nary, or the meanest Condition.

8. That as to the Proofs in Law, up∣on which they had declared the King In∣capable, and his Marriage Nul, they were so strong and evidently manifest, and so very certain, that the Judges, after they had a long time, and most maturely Exa∣mined all, declared in their Sentence, that they were not only sufficient, but more than enough; and there was no need either of Inspection, nor of the Ex∣perience of Three Years.

9. Then when it was made known to the King, the Sentence that the Eleven Judges had pronounced, as abovesaid, before all the Chapter of Lisbon, upon the Nullity of the Marriage; and one

of the Judges, to wit, the Grand Vicar, signified it to him by the Secretary, of the Relation, being Interrogaeed, whether he would Acquiess therein, or whether he would Appeal? He Answered of his own good will, that he was willing to Acquiess, and that he would not Appeal; and his Majesty signed the same Declaration.

This is in truth, and in few words, what hath passed about the Nullity of the first Marriage of the Queen; so that there only remains the Third Consideration to be Examined, which is concerning the manner in which she hath made the Se∣cond, with the most Serene Prince Don Pedro; which we shall clearly shew in few words, in these following Articles.

1. The Queen having received the Sen∣tence of the nullity of her Marriage, and seeing her self free, she thought of nothing but of returning into France; and for that end, she would take the Opportunity of the Fleet, which the most Christian King had sent into Portugal, to carry back his Troops. Therefore she quickly let the Three States know her Resolution, pray∣ing them very earnestly to Approve of it, and to Order it so, that she might carry back with her the Portion she brought,

that she returning for France, might have wherewithal to maintain her according to her Quality. But the States who had so highly Approved of her Retreat, and witnessed infinite Joy for the Sentence of the Nullity of the Marriage, did strong∣ly oppose themselves to the Resolution which she had taken of going away; and came all of them in a Body to the Covent, to Supplicate her with Tears in their Eyes, not to abandon the Realm: And having already found some ease by her Declaration, that she would once more yield to their Wishes, in consenting to the Marriage which they would propose to her with their Prince; and the rather, because they were neither able nor wil∣ling, to return her Portion. To which, the Queen having Answered what her Modesty, and the Quality of her Birth would permit her on that Occasion, with∣out engaging her self, or denying it. They went at the same instant in a Body to the Prince, to entreat him to save the Realm, by Espousing the Queen; protesting to him, that they would never suffer him (as they said) to think on any other Marriage.

The Prince who ever had a particular Esteem for the Queen, because of her rare qualities, and ever since they had designed to have espoused her to him for∣merly, when they designed to have mar∣ried the King Alphonso to Mademoiselle de Nemours, at this time the Dutchess Roy∣al of Savoy, did receive this Petition of the States with very great satisfaction, saying, That he most willingly consented to to it, provided, they could bring it about that the Queen would consent to it likewise. Being returned for this end to her Majesty, they supplicated her divers times, that she would give her consent thereto, so that in the end, being vanquished by the powerful Reasons, which they alledged concerning the necessity of the State, and by those Motives which they urged to make this Marriage speedily, she gave them the Liberty, to do that which they should think most convenient for the Pub∣lick Good. So that this Marriage was solemnly concluded, and all things dis∣posed to consummate it very soon, to prevent and dissipate the practices, which some of the Enemies of the publick Repose were making with the Ministers of Spain to hinder it, and to conclude a∣nother

with the Princess of Austria and the same Prince, by which they would make him hope for great advantages, to make him consent.

2. The principal Divines and Doctors of the University of Portugal, as well Re∣gulars as Seculars, having consulted upon the necessity of a Dispensation, for the first degree of publick Honesty, to effect this Marriage; they were all of the same Opinion, and of the same Sentiment, saying unanimously that there was no need of having it in the Case in Question, and they made divers Writings thereupon: There was also more than thirty, who signed a Treatise, which was expresly made by one of them, to take away from her Majesty and the Prince all those scru∣ples of Conscience, that they might have in marrying without demanding it. Be∣sides, they had considered the time, and the difficulty, which would be in obtain∣ing it from the Court of Rome, although contrary to the Will of his Holiness, which might endanger the Repose and Health of the State, which could not be able to get out of its forepast miseries, but in putting it self in a Condition to

give Successors to the Crown, which was the only way to do it.

3. Notwithstanding all these Resoluti∣ons of these Doctors, and the politick Instances given them by the most conside∣rable Persons of the Realm, to oblige the Queen and the Prince to consent to their will; yet they had nevertheless so much Respect, so much Reverence, and so much Submission to the Authority of the Holy See, that they belie∣ved their Marriage would neither be fully blest, nor approved of by God, if first it were not so by him who was in his stead and place upon Earth; and in this Con∣sideration they employed all their Care, and all their Diligence possible, to get with speed a Dispensation.

4. It is most certain that as the Queen had not recourse to the Holy See the first time, that it might judge of the Nullity of the Marriage, for no other reason, but that aforesaid, doubting the way would not be found so easily open as the Case required: So the second time also the way seemed open, since the peace made between Portugal and Spain, the Prince and she had a passionate Desire, and full of sincerity, and they would not

have failed to have had recourse then for right, if it might have been so easily had as the urgent necessity required, and the length of the Voyage and the una∣voidable Factions of those Persons, who would not have failed to have opposed it at Rome, as they had tried to do at Lis∣bon, had not made them fear, that it would be too great a Delay, and that the least ill that attended it, would be the putting into danger the Quiet and Safe∣ty of the State, which depended upon the sudden and speedy Consummation of this Marriage.

5. This is the Reason wherefore they had Recourse to Mounsieur the Cardinal de Vendosm, Legat a Latere in France: believing also, besides the nearness of Places, and the facility of Access that in addressing themselves to his Eminency, they had Recourse to the Pope himself; and not being able to go to Drink at the Fountain Head, it would suffice that they Drank at a Stream which they saw, to pro∣ceed immediately from its Source.

6. And seeing that the Legat gave them the Dispensation which they required,

believing he had Power so to do. The Queen and the Prince received it, as not being able to imagine (as they ought not to do) that a Cardinal so Illustrious and so Wise, in whom the Pope had so much Confidence, and whom he Esteemed so much, and who was his Legat a Latere, did not know how far his Power extend∣ed, or what he did in granting their Re∣quest.

7. It followed then, that from this Dis∣pensation sought for, Received, Exami∣ned, Approved, and Registred by the Official of Lisbon, to whom it was Dire∣cted, that the Marriage was Made and was Celebrated in the face of the holy Church with all the Formalities requisite, by the Bishop of Targa, in presence of the Cu∣rate of the Palace where it was done, and of Four Gentlemen of the Chamber of the Prince, commonly called Chamber∣lains; the Duke de Cadaval's Proctor Espousing for the Queen, and the Mar∣quess de Marialva for the Prince.

8. All the People also Approved of it, by the most extraordinary marks of Con∣tentment that ever were seen; and the

King Alphonso would shew that which he had in particular, by the Complements which he sent to the Prince his Brother. And Heaven was not backward, to let us plainly see, that God did give his Bles∣sing to this Royal Marriage, by the hap∣py Pregnancy of the Queen, which was perceived within a Month after; and is now at this time gone half her Time. So that all the People hope, his Holiness will not refuse them his; and that he will have the goodness to have regard

First, To the most humble Petitions of these two Great and Religious Princes, which they make with other Crowned Heads.

Secondly, To the particular Respect, and to the sincerity of the Reverence which they have had, and which they still have to the holy See, in having Re∣course to it.

Thirdly, To the great Submission which the Realm of Portugal, hath Witnessed at all times to the Will of the Popes, and particularly within this Thirty Years, whilst it hath Laboured under very great

Calamities, and which hath Laboured so much as all the World knows, for the Propagation of the Faith, without so much as Estranging it self so much as in one Point, notwithstanding all the Dis∣graces it had suffered under the Pa∣pacy, of his Predecessors, with so much Patience.

Fourthly, To the perfect and respect∣ful Confidence which it still at present hath for him, who hath so worthily Suc∣ceeded, and who doth surpass them all in Bounty, Justice, and Wisdom; that he will repair all its past Losses, and will, to render them intirely happy, do them the favour to Establish the Repose, and the Spiritual and Temporal Peace of these poor People, who have Groaned so many Years; which depends absolutely on the Approbation and Benediction, which he shall have the goodness to give to this Marriage.

Fifthly, And lastly, To the Immortal glory that his Holiness, and the holy See shall receive, after they have by their Ap∣plications, and their Paternal Cares, so happily extinguished the Fire of a War,

that Consumed all Europe, by the means of the Peace made between the two Crowns, who are as it were the two Poles of it: It shall yet please them to take away the Subject, and the Occasion, which may be soon able to Rekindle it, and to render it more Hot than ever.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  1640.
• * 1.2

  Aug. 28. 1643.
• * 1.3

  April 26. 1648.
• * 1.4

  1650.
• * 1.5

  May 15. 1653.
• * 1.6

  Nov. 6. 1656.
• * 1.7

  Nov. 15. 1656.
• * 1.8

  That is, in the time of repose af∣ter dinner, which they all use in those Countrys.
• * 1.9

  1657.
• * 1.10

  A Palace Royal, a League from Lis∣bon.
• * 1.11

  A House of the Duke d' A••ei••o's 4 Leagues from Lis∣bon, on this side of the Tagus.
• * 1.12

  Stout n••er∣••y Compa∣nions.
• * 1.13

  1661.
• * 1.14

  This Dona Maria is a natural Daughter of the late King Don John.
• * 1.15

  This Dis∣course was addrest to the Assem∣bly.
• * 2.1

  This to the King.
• * 2.2

  This to the Assembly.
• * 3.1

  To the King.
• * 6.1

  These were the Lords of the Realm.
• * 6.2

  Houses of Pleasure are called Quintes in Portu∣gal.
• * 6.3

  That is one of the Extream∣est Quar∣ters of Lisbon.
• * 6.4

  Because of the Palsie that had enfeebled one side.
• * 6.5

  This Charge an∣swers to that of Master of the Ord∣nance.
• * 6.6

  This Charge an∣swers to that of Superin∣tendant of the Sea Affairs.
• * 6.7

  The Queen loved these two Per∣sons.
• * 6.8

  This is the manner of writing such Bil∣lets.
• * 8.1

  These Im∣ploys are Triennial in Portu∣gal.
• * 8.2

  A Town on the o∣ther side the Tagus, over a∣gainst Lis∣bon.
• * 8.3

  This is one kind of the Ca∣rouses.
• * 8.4

  Which were Monte Claros & Evota.
• * 8.5

  A little Village at the mouth of the Guadi, and in the uttermost parts of Algarves.
• * 8.6

  The younger Sons of the Kings of Portu∣gal are not Princes but by Declara∣tion.
• * 8.7

  The true cause which they da∣red not yet to speak of, was the Impuis∣sance of the King.
• * 8.8

  That is the pub∣lick Pri∣son.
• * 11.1

  Lewisa Marie de Gonzague.