ccording to his Promise, the Duke of Medina appear'd in the Lists, follow'd by Don John de Garray, Lieutenant-General of the Spanish Cavalry; there the Duke of Braganza was summon'd in a formal manner: But that Prince was too prudent to play a part in this Farce; or had the thing been of a more serious nature, a Sovereign Prince was not to venture his Life against a Subject of his Enemy.
Whilst Olivarez amus'd the People in this manner, he was also taking care to turn the Resentment of the King and People upon the Marquiss Daiamonti, whom he intended to prove the only guilty Person: to this end he flatter'd him with the Hopes of a Pardon, and that, as well as the Duke of Medina, he should taste the Bounties of a merciful Prince, provided he would be open in his Confession; but that Kings, like God, whose Images they were, never forgave any, but those who heartily and sincerely repented them of their Crimes.
The Marquiss trusting to this Promise, which the Duke of Medina's Example gave him no room to doubt of, sign'd a Paper which d'Olivarez brought him, and which he immediately put into the hands of those who were to try him. Upon this Confession of his he was indicted, and condemn'd to be beheaded. When the Judge pass'd Sentence, he heard it without the least Concern, or so much as murmuring at Olivarez or the Duke. That same Night he supp'd as heartily as usual, and when they came to lead him to Execution the next Morning, he was still asleep. He ascended the Block without speaking one word, whilst a Contempt of Death might be read in his Looks, and died with a Courage and Resolution worthy of a better Cause. Such was the end of a Conspiracy, from which the King of Spain escaped meerly by Accident, or rather by a Decree of Providence, which cannot connive at Crimes of this nature, and will seldom suffer Treachery to prevail.
The King of Portugal seeing this Project miscarry, resolv'd to maintain himself on the Throne no longer by such clandestine Means, but by open Force, and the Assistance of his Allies. France seem'd particularly to take the House of Braganza under its Protection, as being the most antient Branch of their own Royal Family.
The foreign War so employ'd the Spanish Forces, that the Portuguese had always the advantage over them, and they drove them still farther from their Frontiers. The King might easily at that time have enter'd into the very Center of Castile, had he had a good General, and disciplin'd Soldiers; but his Army was chiefly compos'd of Militia, fitter to make sudden Incursions into the Enemy's Country, than to bear the Fatigue of a regular Campaign. Another thing that hinder'd his making a greater Progress with his Army, was, that he had not Money enough to pay them, and consequently not Forces enough on foot; for as at his coming to the Crown, he had taken off all Taxes from the People, that they might the better relish his Government, and had only his own Estate to defray the Expences of the War; nor would he ever venture to lay new Taxes upon them. But this Want of his was partly recompens'd by the Necessity of Spain, who at that time had no better Generals than the Portuguese, and whose Treasures, towards the latter end of Philip the Fourth's Reign, were exhausted.
On the sixth of November, 1656. died this Prince: in all the Encomiums and Panegyricks made upon him by the Portuguese, he is celebrated for his Piety and Moderation. Foreign Historians upbraid him with Cowardice, and report, that he always distrusted both himself and others; that it was a difficult point, especially for the Grandees, to get Access to him; and that he was free with no one but his ancient domestick Servants, especially with one that was always in company with his Confessor. In short, from what we can gather of his Life, he was a peaceable and religious Prince, and endow'd with Qualities which would better have became a private Gentleman than a Monarch; so that we can attribute his being rais'd to the Throne only to the inveterate Hate which the Portuguese bore the Castilians, and to the Ambition, Courage, and Counsels of his Queen, whom by his last Will he nam'd Regent of the Kingdom during his Son's Minority; not doubting but that one who could raise herself to a Throne, would not want Courage to preserve it for her Children. He left behind him two Sons and a Daughter; the elder of the Sons was Don Alphonso, of a peevish and melancholy Temper, who had quite lost the Use of one Side, and was at the time of his Father's Death near thirteen Years old: Don Pedro, the younger, was but eight: Donna Catharina their Sister, was older than either of them, and was born before the Revolution.
Don Alphonso was immediately shewn to the People, and proclaim'd King, and the Queen took the Regency upon her. This Princess would willingly have signaliz'd herself by some glorious Action, but the Commanders of the Portuguese Army were fitter for Soldiers than Generals, and there was not an Officer amongst them, who was Engineer enough to know how to fortify a Place, or besiege a Town. Nor was there a Man in the Privy-Council, who could be look'd upon as a Statesman; most of them could indeed make fine Speeches and elaborate Discourses upon the Necessities of the State, and the Misfortunes in which it would probably fall, but never a one of them knew how to prevent or remedy them.
1657.
To these Evils we must attribute the ill Success of her Arms before Olivenza and Badajos, where the Spaniards obliged them to raise the Siege. Besides this, they had fallen out with the Dutch about the Trade to the Indies; and the French, after the Pyrenean Treaty, seem'd to have forgotten them.
The Queen finding herself without any regular Troops, without able Officers or good Counsellors, and without foreign Alliances, was obliged by her Courage, Capacity, and Application, to supply the want of all these; she herself discharg'd the Duty of a Secretary of State, and took care to keep a good Correspondence with all the Courts of Europe, which might be serviceable to her: In short, had she never encounter'd all these Difficulties, she could not have reveal'd all those hidden Vertues, which shun the Day, and lie conceal'd in the smooth Seasons, and the Calms of Life.
By such Care and Diligence for a long time she sav'd Portugal from that Ruin which threaten'd it; but Spain now pouring all its Forces in upon her, she found herself unable to resist them, unless she could procure better Officers. To this end she cast her Eyes upon Frederick Count of Schomberg, whose Name and Valour were already sufficiently known. She would willingly have given him the chief Command of the Army, but was afraid at this juncture of disobliging her Generalissimo; wherefore she order'd the Count de Soure, her Ambassador in France, to treat with the Count de Schomberg about his coming into Portugal, where he should have only the Title of Lieutenant-General; but in case of the Death or Resignation of the present Commander, he should be made Generalissimo of all her Forces.
The Count set out for Lisbon with four-score Officers, and above four hundred Horsemen, all Veterans, who perfectly understood the Discipline of an Army, and would upon occasion make good Leaders.
Before the Count went into Portugal, he made a Voyage into England, where he saw King Charles the Second, who was lately restor'd: He had private Orders from the Regent, to endeavour to discover whether King Charles might be brought to marry the Infanta of Portugal. The Count negotiated this Business with so much Address, that he made both the King and Chancellor Hyde desirous of this Alliance. The Queen, extremely satisfy'd with what he had done, desir'd him to hasten into Portugal, and sent the Marquiss de Sande to conclude the Business.
May 31.
1662.But the King of Spain, foreseeing what might be the consequence of this Match, did all he could to prevent it; he offer'd to give any Protestant Princess Three Millions for her Portion, provided the King would marry her; and by his Ambassador propos'd the Princesses of Denmark, Saxony, or Orange. But the Chancellor represented to the King how nearly it concern'd him to maintain the House of Braganza on the Throne, and not let Philip become Master of all Spain and the Indies. His Speech produc'd the desir'd Effect, and King Charles married the Infanta. Thus did a Protestant Statesman persuade his Sovereign to marry a Catholick Princess, whilst a Prince of the Roman Communion, who valued himself in a particular manner upon the Title of the most Catholick King, offer'd him vast Sums of Money, to engage him to wed a Protestant.
Shortly after King Charles, by his Mediation, establish'd a Treaty of Commerce between the States of Holland and the Crown of Portugal; after which he sent a considerable Number of Troops into that Kingdom, commanded by the Earl of Inchequin: but having recall'd him, he order'd that the Forces should stay under the Command of Schomberg; so that the Count shortly saw himself at the head of the chosen Forces of three Kingdoms. Not but that there was a Portuguese Generalissimo, or at least one who had the Title, but the Count had all the Authority, which he made use of to establish an exact and regular Discipline amongst the Portuguese: He taught them the Order of marching, encamping, besieging, and regularly fortifying a Town; so that all those Places on the Frontiers of the Kingdom, which were before naked and defenceless, soon became capable of making a vigorous Defence.
The Regent Queen, proud of having met with such a General, carry'd the War vigorously on, and her Arms were almost every where crown'd with Success; never were the Portuguese Forces better disciplin'd, the People bless'd her Government, the Grandees continu'd in perfect Submission to it through Fear and Respect: but though Fortune favour'd her abroad, she met with domestick Cares and Troubles, which chang'd the face of every thing.
Whilst the Regent was taking care to place the Crown with Surety on her Son's Head, he, on the other hand, endeavour'd to make himself unworthy of it, by his irregular Manner of Living; he was mean-spirited, melancholy, and cruel, could not bear the Authority of his Mother, and despis'd the Advices of his Governours and Ministers; he always refus'd the Company of the Lords of his Houshold, and would divert himself with none but Negroes, Mulattoes, and all the Scum of the Lisbonite Youth: and spite of the Care of his Governours, he had got a little Court compos'd of such like People, whom he call'd his Bravoes, with whom he us'd to scour the Streets at Night, and insult all those who unfortunately fell into his way.
This Disorder of Mind had been first caus'd by a Palsy, which had afflicted him when about four Years of Age, and which had made fatal Impressions not only on his Limbs, but also on his Brain. Whilst he was young, his Faults had been wink'd at by his Tutors, who thought that so infirm a Child could never bear the Fatigues of a severe Education, and hoped that Time would both strengthen his Body, and sweeten his Temper: but this Indulgence ruin'd him. 'Tis true, that by the assistance of Remedies, and help of Time, his Constitution grew stronger, he could fence, ride, and bear any Fatigue; but his Temper never became better. His Passions encreasing with his Age, they soon prevail'd over his Reason, which was but weak, and he gave a loose to Licentiousness and Debauchery. He would bring common Prostitutes into the Palace, fetch them himself from the Stews, and very often spend whole Nights amongst them there.
The Queen, overwhelm'd with Grief, and fearing that the Irregularity of her Son would at once destroy the Labours of her whole Life, resolv'd several times within herself to have him confin'd, and make his Brother reign in his stead; but dreading to excite a Civil War, which would have favour'd the Spanish Arms, she dropp'd the bold Design: sometimes she hoped the King might yet be reclaim'd, especially if he was depriv'd of the Company of Conti, a Merchant's Son, his first Favourite, and Companion of all his Debaucheries. To this end she had Conti privately seiz'd, and carry'd on board a Ship which was bound for Brazil, with Orders that he should never return to Portugal on pain of Death.
The King at first seem'd very much griev'd at the Loss of his Favourite, but comforting himself by little and little, he was at last pacify'd, and seem'd very much alter'd for the better, would hearken to Advice, and paid the Queen an unusual Respect, who was congratulated by the Ministry and the whole Court, upon the extraordinary Success of her Enterprize.
But this apparent Tranquillity and Alteration of the King's, was only a Veil to cover a deep Design, and of which his Mother never thought him capable; so that this Princess, who could read in the very Hearts of the most dissembling Courtiers, was overreach'd by a half-witted Youth.
The King had complain'd of Conti's Banishment to the Count de Castel-Melhor, a Portuguese Nobleman, of an illustrious Birth, subtle and insinuating, but fitter to manage a Court-Intrigue, than a Business of Importance. The Count thought that a fair Opportunity offer'd of supplying Conti's Place in the King's Favour; wherefore to ingratiate himself, he deplor'd the Exile's Misfortune, and promis'd to use his utmost Endeavours to have him recall'd. He told the Prince at the same time, that it was in his own power to remedy this, or any Grievance of the like nature; that he was of Age, and had been so a great while; that he might as soon as he pleased take the Supreme Command upon himself, then recall Conti, and let him triumph over the Queen, and all his other Enemies.
The King was pleas'd with this Advice, and determin'd to follow it; the Count was his sole Confidant and Favourite: however, he desir'd the King that their Intimacy should still be a Secret, that the Queen might not suspect him: but it could not be long conceal'd from this Princess, who meeting him one day in the King's Train, caught him by the Arm, and staring him in the face with that Majestick Air, which made every one tremble; "I am inform'd, Count, said she, that the King is wholly govern'd by your Counsels; take therefore good care of him, for if he does any thing to thwart me, your Life shall answer it."
The Count, without answering, made a submissive Bow, and follow'd the King, who call'd him. As soon as he was alone with him, he gave him an account of what the Queen had said: "I suppose, continued he, that I shall shorty share Conti's Fate, but yet with Joy should I go to Banishment, could I at the same time see my King shake off the Authority of an imperious Mother, who will let him enjoy the Title, but never the Power of a Sovereign."
This artful Discourse threw the Prince into a violent Passion, and he would go immediately and take the Royal Authority from the Queen, by taking the Great Seal, which is the Mark of it; but the Count, who knew too well what the consequence of this would be, advis'd him to retire to Alcantra, and from thence to send Couriers to the Magistrates of Lisbon, and to all the Governours of Provinces, to let them know that he was of Age, and had taken the Government upon himself.
The King approv'd the Counsel, and having that Evening disguis'd himself, he left the Palace, follow'd only by the Count and a few Friends. That Night they arriv'd at Alcantra, from whence he sent Orders to the Secretaries of State, and to the German Guard, to come to him; and at the same time dispatch'd Couriers to every Town of Portugal, to let them know that he was of Age, and by consequence the Regency of the Queen at an end.
Most of the Court set out for Alcantra, and the Queen saw herself in a manner forsaken; notwithstanding which, she resolv'd to lay down her Authority as became her: wherefore she wrote to the King, to ask him the reason why he took possession of the Throne like an Usurper, that had no Right to it; and added, that if he would return to Lisbon, she would lay down her Authority in presence of the Grandees and the Magistrates. The King accordingly return'd, and the Queen having summon'd the Grandees, Magistrates, and others of the Nobility, to attend her, in presence of the Assembly took the Seals out of the Great Purse, and putting them into her Son's Hand, "Here are, said she, the Seals, which, together with the Regency, were entrusted to my Care by the Will of my late Sovereign Lord: I return them to your Majesty with all the Authority, which they are the Emblems of; I heartily pray God that you may make a good use of them, and that your Reign may be as prosperous as I can wish it." The King took the Seals, and gave them to the first Secretary of State; after which the Prince, and all the Grandees, kiss'd his Hand, and acknowledg'd him their Sovereign.
The Queen Dowager had given out, that she intended in six Months time to retire into a Convent, but that six Months she would spend at Court, to see what Measures the young King would take. But the Favourite Count, who still dreaded that Princess, who knew her tow'ring Genius, and was sensible of the natural Sway which a Mother has over the Mind of her Son, persuaded the King to treat her most inhumanly, that by frequent Affronts he might oblige her to leave the Court much sooner than she intended. The Queen, who was of a haughty Temper, could not bear to be thus us'd, but immediately threw herself into a Convent; where, being fully satisfy'd of the Vanities of human Greatness, she spent the Remainder of her Time, which was scarce a Year, in preparing herself for another World, and died on the eighteenth of February, 1666. lamented by the whole Nation: for never was there a Princess of a more extraordinary Genius, or more amply endow'd with all the Vertues requisite to either the one or the other Sex. Whilst on the Throne, she shew'd a truly great and heroick Soul; when she quitted it for a religious Life, she seem'd entirely to have forgotten what Pomp and Grandeur were, and all her Ambition then was to deserve Heaven.
The King, who now saw himself fully at liberty, and no longer fear'd the prudent Queen's just Reproofs, gave a loose to his Passions, and indulg'd his pernicious Inclinations. He would scour the Streets at Night with his Bravoes, and abuse every one he met with; nor did the Watch fare better than their Neighbours. Never a Night did he ramble, but the next Morning tragical Histories were publish'd, of several who had been wounded or murder'd in the Streets; and People fled before him with greater Fear than they would before a hungry Lion, just broke loose from his Den.
The Count de Castel-Melhor was his first Minister; he was an intriguing, insinuating Courtier, but far from being an able Statesman: haughty in Prosperity, fawning and timorous in Adversity. In his hands were the Reins of the Government, the King reserving no Authority to himself, but that of doing what mischief he pleas'd unpunish'd; nor did the Count ever make it his business to reclaim him, well knowing that the King's Follies and his Authority were inseparable.
The Spaniards flatter'd themselves with the Hopes of easily reducing Portugal, whilst it had such a Monarch as Don Alphonso. To this end they sent a strong Army against it, under the Command of Don John of Austria, natural Son to Philip IV. The King of Portugal sent Schomberg to oppose him, notwithstanding the Count de Villa-Flor had the Title of Generalissimo. And to the Count of Schomberg's Courage and Conduct it was that Don Alphonso ow'd the Preservation of his Crown: He beat the Spaniards several times, notwithstanding what Villa-Flor did; who, jealous of his Glory, endeavour'd all he could to cross his Measures, and had effectually done it, had not Schomberg's Interest been greater both at Court and in the Army, which joyfully obey'd the Commands of their brave Leader, who always led them to a certain Victory.
Castel-Melhor did all he could to persuade the People, that this happy Success was owing to him; though if the Truth had been search'd into, it would have appear'd that all he could justly boast of, was his being the first Man to whom the News was sent. By these means the Minister's Credit encreas'd, and he actually enjoy'd the Sovereign Authority. The King was nothing but a piece of Clock-work, whose Springs he could wind up, and put into what Motion he pleas'd. The Barbarity of his Temper he made use of, to ruin and destroy all those of whom he was jealous; amongst these were the greatest part of the late Queen's Ministry: so that there was a strange Alteration at Court, all Places were fill'd with the Count's Creatures; nor could any one hope for Favour, but those who took care to please the Favourite. Melhor went farther than this, for Conti being recall'd, he got him banish'd a second time; for no sooner was he landed, but the King sent him an Express, to congratulate him upon his safe Arrival, and Melhor, by the same Express, sent him Orders not to come near the Court: such a Sway had this Minister over his Sovereign, that he durst not contradict his Orders, but for fear of dipleasing him, was obliged to see Conti in private. The Count had notice of it, and fearing that should their antient Intimacy be renew'd, there would be no place left for him in the King's Favour, had him accus'd of a Design upon the Prince's Life; and tho there were no Witnesses found, no Proofs, no Probabilities of his Guilt, yet Sentence of Banishment was pass'd upon him.
The Count, no longer apprehensive of Conti, began to consider how he should secure his Interest at Court, in case of any Accident. To this end he endeavour'd to ingratiate himself with Don Pedro, the King's Brother, but a Prince of a quite different Character: His Soul was truly great, and his Inclinations noble; his Actions princely, and his manner of Living regular: the Portuguese admir'd, or rather ador'd him, for he had not his own Vertues only, but his Brother's Vices also, to set him off.
To this end, Melhor plac'd a Brother of his in the Prince's Houshold, and bad him do all he could to insinuate himself into his Master's Favour, as he had into the King's; hoping by these means to govern both the Princes.
Don Pedro us'd him with all the Civility imaginable, and shew'd him more than common Respect; but as for giving him any place in his Favour, or Confidance, he could not; the whole was taken up. The late Queen having always look'd upon her younger Son as the Hopes and Support of her Family, she had taken care to put about him none but those, whose Wisdom, Learning, and Integrity might entitle them to a share of the Prince's Love; such were his Governours, and of such chiefly was his Houshold compos'd. These had taken care to let the Prince know, that he need not despair of one day wearing the Crown of Portugal, for that there was no great likelihood of his Brother's ever having any Children; but at the same time they told him, that there was nothing but Melhor was capable of doing, to keep him from inheriting the Crown, since he was well assur'd that he must never hope for any share in the Ministry, when Don Pedro should ascend the Throne.
By degrees these different Views and Interests divided the Court into two Cabals; the Count indeed had the greatest Number on his side, there being more who love to swim with the Stream, than against it. But the ablest Statesmen, who plainly saw that so violent and arbitrary a Government could not last long, with all the Grandees, and the best of the Nobility, who would not cringe to such a Favourite as the King's was, were always about the Prince, to whom they paid their Respects as to the Heir apparent.
The Count being sensible that the Hope of the adverse Faction was founded upon the Infirmity of the King, determin'd to destroy it at once, by marrying him; and by his Advice a Match was propos'd and concluded between the King and Mary-Elizabeth-Frances of Savoy, Daughter to Charles Duke of Nemours, and Elizabeth de Vendome. Cæsar d'Estrées, a Relation of hers, Bishop and Duke of Laon, and known all over Europe by the Name of the illustrious Cardinal d'Estrées, conducted her into Portugal, accompany'd with the Marquiss de Ruvigni, the French Ambassador, and several other Persons of Quality.
This Marriage was celebrated with all the Pomp and Magnificence imaginable. The whole Court admir'd the young Queen's extraordinary Beauty, but no one was more sensibly affected with it than the Prince. The King was the only Person who seem'd regardless of her Charms, and who by his Indifference soon convinc'd the whole Nation, that he had taken the Name of a Husband, but was not capable of discharging the Duty of one.
Count Melhor had at first flatter'd himself with the Hopes of governing the Queen as well as the King, but soon found that she had too great a Spirit for such a Submission. Enrag'd at this, he resolv'd to lose no Opportunity of revenging himself, all publick Business was carefully hid from her, all her Desires were cross'd; her Recommendation certainly excluded any Person from the Place to which she recommended him. Shortly after, neither the Expences of her Houshold, nor her own Pensions were paid, under pretence that the War and other Necessities of the State had exhausted the Royal Treasury. And so insolent was this haughty Minister to every body, to the Prince himself, but especially to the Queen, that she has been often seen coming out of the King's Apartment bath'd in Tears.
Her Beauty, her Merits, her Misfortunes, and the Complaints of all the Ladies of the Court, and the Officers of the Queen's Houshold, whose Salaries were stopp'd, touch'd the Hearts of all those who had not an immediate Dependence on the Minister; and these form'd a third Party at Court, where nothing now was talk'd of but the Improbability of the Queen's having any Children, tho she had not yet been married a Year.
What encreas'd every one's Suspicion, was the Report which was spread of a private Door, which by the King's Order was made in the Queen's Chamber, and open'd just against her Bed-side, and of which he himself kept the Key. The Queen was alarm'd at the Novelty of the thing, and the Danger to which she saw her Honour expos'd. And many concluded, that this was an Artifice of Melhor's, who, notwithstanding the Infirmity of the King, was nevertheless resolv'd that the Queen should have Children.
The poor unfortunate Princess discover'd her Apprehensions to her Confessor, with Orders to impart them to the Prince's. These two Religious Men advis'd them to unite their Cabals, and go hand in hand together in a Matter so much the Concern of them both. The Count of Schomberg was easily drawn into this Party, and the Prince took care to make himself beloved by the Magistrates of the City, and all those who had any influence over the People.
It would have been a very easy matter to have push'd the King from out his Throne, had he not had a Minister to support him, who was ambitious, could govern the King as he pleas'd, make him do any thing, and who would spare no pains to preserve himself at the head of Affairs; the only way therefore of compassing their Ends, was to remove this Man, which was at last brought about in this manner. One of his Friends was bribed to tell him, that the Prince had swore he would sacrifice him, if he continued any longer at Court. The Count upon this Information doubled the Guards, arm'd all the Officers of the Household, and would have had the King go at the head of them, and seize the Prince. But as furious as the King was in his Midnight-Revels and Debauches, he had not Courage enough to attempt any thing of this nature, justly fearing that he should meet with no small Resistance. Wherefore he only wrote a Letter to the Prince, to order him to come to the Palace. He excus'd himself, objecting that he could not come whilst the Count was at Court, who had spread so many Stories to his disadvantage, and endeavour'd all he could to blast his Reputation; besides which, the Count was Master of the Palace, and that therefore he fear'd he could not be in safety there. Several Letters pass'd between the King and Prince; the former offer'd, that Melhor should come, and on his Knees beg his pardon. But this was not what the Prince wanted, and he openly refus'd to come to Court till Melhor was banish'd from it.
The News of this had put Lisbon into a strange Confusion, and a Civil War was just breaking out; but Melhor with grief perceiv'd that Schomberg favour'd the other Party, and that the Grandees of the Kingdom had all unanimously declar'd themselves in favour of the Prince; who, assisted also by the Queen's Friends, grew too powerful for him. Nay, Melhor's very Relations, and those whom he had rais'd, forsook him, and told him, that if he must sink, he should sink alone. Wherefore disguising himself, he by Night escaped from the Palace, and retired to a Monastery seven Leagues from Lisbon; which he soon after left, to seek a sure Refuge in the Court of Turin.
Upon this the Prince immediately came to the Palace, to pay his Devoirs to the King; every thing fell under his Management, and he soon dispersed all the late Favourite's Creatures. The King, destitute of Counsel, lay at the Prince's mercy, who had a Design upon, but durst not as yet touch his Crown, for fear of being thought an Usurper; but waited with patience till it should be given him by Lawful Authority, that is, by a Decree of the States of the Kingdom.
But then it was in the King's power only to call together this Assembly of the States, which he was often advis'd to do, there being an absolute Necessity of their Meeting, to remedy the present Grievances of the Nation.
The King was not so weak, but he plainly perceiv'd that this Advice was given him, with a design to transfer the Royalty from himself to his Brother; wherefore he long refus'd it, but was at last so press'd to it both by his Council, and by different Petitions from several Parts of the Kingdom, that he call'd them together, and they were order'd to meet on the first of January, 1688.
The Prince having obtain'd this, which he look'd upon as a sure step to the Throne, gave the Queen notice, that it was time for her now to appear, and play her part. Upon which she immediately retired into a Convent, and wrote a Letter to the King, to tell him, that she thought herself in Conscience obliged to quit the Palace, since he was not capable of being her Husband; that he was very sensible that their Marriage was never consummated, and that therefore she begg'd that he would repay her her Portion, and give her leave to return to her Country, and amongst her own Relations.
Upon the Receipt of this Letter, the King in a great Rage flew towards the Convent, to fetch the Queen back to the Palace by force; but the Prince, who foresaw the Effect of her Message, took care to be at the Convent-Door, with all the Nobility, and told his Brother this was a Place too sacred to have any Violence us'd in it, and persuaded, or rather forc'd the King to return to the Palace, who all the way complain'd of being calumniated, and was for bringing half the Prostitutes of Lisbon to prove his Virility, and swore that he would be reveng'd both on the Queen and the Prince.
Nov. 23.
1667.But Don Pedro was not in the least frightned at his Menaces, knowing that the whole Power of the Kingdom was in his own hands; and the next Morning (thinking it unsafe to delay the mighty Work any longer) order'd the Council to assemble, and follow'd by the Nobility, the Magistracy, and a whole Crowd of People, who wanted to see the Event of this Business, he went into the Palace to them; and after a short Debate, an Order was sent by the Prince to arrest the King, who shortly after this sign'd his own Abdication.
Notwithstanding this, the Prince would not take any other Title, but that of Regent; under which Name the States of the Kingdom took the Oath of Allegiance to him.
Febr. 13.
1668.The next thing he did, was to secure a Peace with Spain; the King of England made himself their Mediator, and Spain, by a solemn Treaty, acknowledg'd the Crown of Portugal independent of the Crown of Spain.
Nov. 22.
1667.Mar. 24.
1668.But one thing was still wanting to compleat the Regent's Happiness: he loved his Sister-in-law; who, as soon as she was got into the Convent, had presented a Petition to the Chapter of the Cathedral of Lisbon, to desire them, during the Vacancy of the Holy See, to declare her Marriage void; since, notwithstanding fifteen Months Cohabitation with her Husband, it had not been consummated. The Chapter, without waiting for any farther Proof, immediately declar'd the Marriage void.
March 2.
1668.Dec. 10.
1668.By these means the Regent saw himself at liberty to marry his Sister-in-law; however, he was advis'd, for fear of scandalizing any one, to get a Dispensation from the See of Rome. Just at this time the Cardinal de Vendome, Legate à Latere, was order'd by the See to put on the Papal Dignity, that he might assist as Pope at the Christening of the Dauphin of France; from him was the Dispensation obtain'd, which Mr. Verjus arriv'd with in Portugal about the time that the Chapter pronounced their Sentence. All which Accidents falling out together, made some People imagine that they were premeditated. The Bishop of Targa, Coadjutor to the Archbishop of Lisbon, married them in virtue of this Brief, which was afterwards confirm'd by Pope Innocent IX.
Don Alphonso was banish'd to the Isle of Tercera, which belongs to the Portuguese. This something displeas'd the People, who generally pity the Unfortunate, and who now cry'd out, that it was enough to rob him of his Wife and Crown, without driving him from his Country; but however, no one dar'd speak to the Regent about it. He continued in this Exile till the Year 1675, at which time the Regent recall'd him, being inform'd that there were some discontented People contriving how to fetch him from Tercera, and reinstate him in the Throne. He died not far from Lisbon, 1683, and at his Death Don Pedro was proclaim'd King; a Title he would not, during his Brother's Life, accept, and the only thing of which he had not depriv'd that unfortunate Prince.
Whilst Olivarez amus'd the People in this manner, he was also taking care to turn the Resentment of the King and People upon the Marquiss Daiamonti, whom he intended to prove the only guilty Person: to this end he flatter'd him with the Hopes of a Pardon, and that, as well as the Duke of Medina, he should taste the Bounties of a merciful Prince, provided he would be open in his Confession; but that Kings, like God, whose Images they were, never forgave any, but those who heartily and sincerely repented them of their Crimes.
The Marquiss trusting to this Promise, which the Duke of Medina's Example gave him no room to doubt of, sign'd a Paper which d'Olivarez brought him, and which he immediately put into the hands of those who were to try him. Upon this Confession of his he was indicted, and condemn'd to be beheaded. When the Judge pass'd Sentence, he heard it without the least Concern, or so much as murmuring at Olivarez or the Duke. That same Night he supp'd as heartily as usual, and when they came to lead him to Execution the next Morning, he was still asleep. He ascended the Block without speaking one word, whilst a Contempt of Death might be read in his Looks, and died with a Courage and Resolution worthy of a better Cause. Such was the end of a Conspiracy, from which the King of Spain escaped meerly by Accident, or rather by a Decree of Providence, which cannot connive at Crimes of this nature, and will seldom suffer Treachery to prevail.
The King of Portugal seeing this Project miscarry, resolv'd to maintain himself on the Throne no longer by such clandestine Means, but by open Force, and the Assistance of his Allies. France seem'd particularly to take the House of Braganza under its Protection, as being the most antient Branch of their own Royal Family.
The foreign War so employ'd the Spanish Forces, that the Portuguese had always the advantage over them, and they drove them still farther from their Frontiers. The King might easily at that time have enter'd into the very Center of Castile, had he had a good General, and disciplin'd Soldiers; but his Army was chiefly compos'd of Militia, fitter to make sudden Incursions into the Enemy's Country, than to bear the Fatigue of a regular Campaign. Another thing that hinder'd his making a greater Progress with his Army, was, that he had not Money enough to pay them, and consequently not Forces enough on foot; for as at his coming to the Crown, he had taken off all Taxes from the People, that they might the better relish his Government, and had only his own Estate to defray the Expences of the War; nor would he ever venture to lay new Taxes upon them. But this Want of his was partly recompens'd by the Necessity of Spain, who at that time had no better Generals than the Portuguese, and whose Treasures, towards the latter end of Philip the Fourth's Reign, were exhausted.
On the sixth of November, 1656. died this Prince: in all the Encomiums and Panegyricks made upon him by the Portuguese, he is celebrated for his Piety and Moderation. Foreign Historians upbraid him with Cowardice, and report, that he always distrusted both himself and others; that it was a difficult point, especially for the Grandees, to get Access to him; and that he was free with no one but his ancient domestick Servants, especially with one that was always in company with his Confessor. In short, from what we can gather of his Life, he was a peaceable and religious Prince, and endow'd with Qualities which would better have became a private Gentleman than a Monarch; so that we can attribute his being rais'd to the Throne only to the inveterate Hate which the Portuguese bore the Castilians, and to the Ambition, Courage, and Counsels of his Queen, whom by his last Will he nam'd Regent of the Kingdom during his Son's Minority; not doubting but that one who could raise herself to a Throne, would not want Courage to preserve it for her Children. He left behind him two Sons and a Daughter; the elder of the Sons was Don Alphonso, of a peevish and melancholy Temper, who had quite lost the Use of one Side, and was at the time of his Father's Death near thirteen Years old: Don Pedro, the younger, was but eight: Donna Catharina their Sister, was older than either of them, and was born before the Revolution.
Don Alphonso was immediately shewn to the People, and proclaim'd King, and the Queen took the Regency upon her. This Princess would willingly have signaliz'd herself by some glorious Action, but the Commanders of the Portuguese Army were fitter for Soldiers than Generals, and there was not an Officer amongst them, who was Engineer enough to know how to fortify a Place, or besiege a Town. Nor was there a Man in the Privy-Council, who could be look'd upon as a Statesman; most of them could indeed make fine Speeches and elaborate Discourses upon the Necessities of the State, and the Misfortunes in which it would probably fall, but never a one of them knew how to prevent or remedy them.
1657.
To these Evils we must attribute the ill Success of her Arms before Olivenza and Badajos, where the Spaniards obliged them to raise the Siege. Besides this, they had fallen out with the Dutch about the Trade to the Indies; and the French, after the Pyrenean Treaty, seem'd to have forgotten them.
The Queen finding herself without any regular Troops, without able Officers or good Counsellors, and without foreign Alliances, was obliged by her Courage, Capacity, and Application, to supply the want of all these; she herself discharg'd the Duty of a Secretary of State, and took care to keep a good Correspondence with all the Courts of Europe, which might be serviceable to her: In short, had she never encounter'd all these Difficulties, she could not have reveal'd all those hidden Vertues, which shun the Day, and lie conceal'd in the smooth Seasons, and the Calms of Life.
By such Care and Diligence for a long time she sav'd Portugal from that Ruin which threaten'd it; but Spain now pouring all its Forces in upon her, she found herself unable to resist them, unless she could procure better Officers. To this end she cast her Eyes upon Frederick Count of Schomberg, whose Name and Valour were already sufficiently known. She would willingly have given him the chief Command of the Army, but was afraid at this juncture of disobliging her Generalissimo; wherefore she order'd the Count de Soure, her Ambassador in France, to treat with the Count de Schomberg about his coming into Portugal, where he should have only the Title of Lieutenant-General; but in case of the Death or Resignation of the present Commander, he should be made Generalissimo of all her Forces.
The Count set out for Lisbon with four-score Officers, and above four hundred Horsemen, all Veterans, who perfectly understood the Discipline of an Army, and would upon occasion make good Leaders.
Before the Count went into Portugal, he made a Voyage into England, where he saw King Charles the Second, who was lately restor'd: He had private Orders from the Regent, to endeavour to discover whether King Charles might be brought to marry the Infanta of Portugal. The Count negotiated this Business with so much Address, that he made both the King and Chancellor Hyde desirous of this Alliance. The Queen, extremely satisfy'd with what he had done, desir'd him to hasten into Portugal, and sent the Marquiss de Sande to conclude the Business.
May 31.
1662.But the King of Spain, foreseeing what might be the consequence of this Match, did all he could to prevent it; he offer'd to give any Protestant Princess Three Millions for her Portion, provided the King would marry her; and by his Ambassador propos'd the Princesses of Denmark, Saxony, or Orange. But the Chancellor represented to the King how nearly it concern'd him to maintain the House of Braganza on the Throne, and not let Philip become Master of all Spain and the Indies. His Speech produc'd the desir'd Effect, and King Charles married the Infanta. Thus did a Protestant Statesman persuade his Sovereign to marry a Catholick Princess, whilst a Prince of the Roman Communion, who valued himself in a particular manner upon the Title of the most Catholick King, offer'd him vast Sums of Money, to engage him to wed a Protestant.
Shortly after King Charles, by his Mediation, establish'd a Treaty of Commerce between the States of Holland and the Crown of Portugal; after which he sent a considerable Number of Troops into that Kingdom, commanded by the Earl of Inchequin: but having recall'd him, he order'd that the Forces should stay under the Command of Schomberg; so that the Count shortly saw himself at the head of the chosen Forces of three Kingdoms. Not but that there was a Portuguese Generalissimo, or at least one who had the Title, but the Count had all the Authority, which he made use of to establish an exact and regular Discipline amongst the Portuguese: He taught them the Order of marching, encamping, besieging, and regularly fortifying a Town; so that all those Places on the Frontiers of the Kingdom, which were before naked and defenceless, soon became capable of making a vigorous Defence.
The Regent Queen, proud of having met with such a General, carry'd the War vigorously on, and her Arms were almost every where crown'd with Success; never were the Portuguese Forces better disciplin'd, the People bless'd her Government, the Grandees continu'd in perfect Submission to it through Fear and Respect: but though Fortune favour'd her abroad, she met with domestick Cares and Troubles, which chang'd the face of every thing.
Whilst the Regent was taking care to place the Crown with Surety on her Son's Head, he, on the other hand, endeavour'd to make himself unworthy of it, by his irregular Manner of Living; he was mean-spirited, melancholy, and cruel, could not bear the Authority of his Mother, and despis'd the Advices of his Governours and Ministers; he always refus'd the Company of the Lords of his Houshold, and would divert himself with none but Negroes, Mulattoes, and all the Scum of the Lisbonite Youth: and spite of the Care of his Governours, he had got a little Court compos'd of such like People, whom he call'd his Bravoes, with whom he us'd to scour the Streets at Night, and insult all those who unfortunately fell into his way.
This Disorder of Mind had been first caus'd by a Palsy, which had afflicted him when about four Years of Age, and which had made fatal Impressions not only on his Limbs, but also on his Brain. Whilst he was young, his Faults had been wink'd at by his Tutors, who thought that so infirm a Child could never bear the Fatigues of a severe Education, and hoped that Time would both strengthen his Body, and sweeten his Temper: but this Indulgence ruin'd him. 'Tis true, that by the assistance of Remedies, and help of Time, his Constitution grew stronger, he could fence, ride, and bear any Fatigue; but his Temper never became better. His Passions encreasing with his Age, they soon prevail'd over his Reason, which was but weak, and he gave a loose to Licentiousness and Debauchery. He would bring common Prostitutes into the Palace, fetch them himself from the Stews, and very often spend whole Nights amongst them there.
The Queen, overwhelm'd with Grief, and fearing that the Irregularity of her Son would at once destroy the Labours of her whole Life, resolv'd several times within herself to have him confin'd, and make his Brother reign in his stead; but dreading to excite a Civil War, which would have favour'd the Spanish Arms, she dropp'd the bold Design: sometimes she hoped the King might yet be reclaim'd, especially if he was depriv'd of the Company of Conti, a Merchant's Son, his first Favourite, and Companion of all his Debaucheries. To this end she had Conti privately seiz'd, and carry'd on board a Ship which was bound for Brazil, with Orders that he should never return to Portugal on pain of Death.
The King at first seem'd very much griev'd at the Loss of his Favourite, but comforting himself by little and little, he was at last pacify'd, and seem'd very much alter'd for the better, would hearken to Advice, and paid the Queen an unusual Respect, who was congratulated by the Ministry and the whole Court, upon the extraordinary Success of her Enterprize.
But this apparent Tranquillity and Alteration of the King's, was only a Veil to cover a deep Design, and of which his Mother never thought him capable; so that this Princess, who could read in the very Hearts of the most dissembling Courtiers, was overreach'd by a half-witted Youth.
The King had complain'd of Conti's Banishment to the Count de Castel-Melhor, a Portuguese Nobleman, of an illustrious Birth, subtle and insinuating, but fitter to manage a Court-Intrigue, than a Business of Importance. The Count thought that a fair Opportunity offer'd of supplying Conti's Place in the King's Favour; wherefore to ingratiate himself, he deplor'd the Exile's Misfortune, and promis'd to use his utmost Endeavours to have him recall'd. He told the Prince at the same time, that it was in his own power to remedy this, or any Grievance of the like nature; that he was of Age, and had been so a great while; that he might as soon as he pleased take the Supreme Command upon himself, then recall Conti, and let him triumph over the Queen, and all his other Enemies.
The King was pleas'd with this Advice, and determin'd to follow it; the Count was his sole Confidant and Favourite: however, he desir'd the King that their Intimacy should still be a Secret, that the Queen might not suspect him: but it could not be long conceal'd from this Princess, who meeting him one day in the King's Train, caught him by the Arm, and staring him in the face with that Majestick Air, which made every one tremble; "I am inform'd, Count, said she, that the King is wholly govern'd by your Counsels; take therefore good care of him, for if he does any thing to thwart me, your Life shall answer it."
The Count, without answering, made a submissive Bow, and follow'd the King, who call'd him. As soon as he was alone with him, he gave him an account of what the Queen had said: "I suppose, continued he, that I shall shorty share Conti's Fate, but yet with Joy should I go to Banishment, could I at the same time see my King shake off the Authority of an imperious Mother, who will let him enjoy the Title, but never the Power of a Sovereign."
This artful Discourse threw the Prince into a violent Passion, and he would go immediately and take the Royal Authority from the Queen, by taking the Great Seal, which is the Mark of it; but the Count, who knew too well what the consequence of this would be, advis'd him to retire to Alcantra, and from thence to send Couriers to the Magistrates of Lisbon, and to all the Governours of Provinces, to let them know that he was of Age, and had taken the Government upon himself.
The King approv'd the Counsel, and having that Evening disguis'd himself, he left the Palace, follow'd only by the Count and a few Friends. That Night they arriv'd at Alcantra, from whence he sent Orders to the Secretaries of State, and to the German Guard, to come to him; and at the same time dispatch'd Couriers to every Town of Portugal, to let them know that he was of Age, and by consequence the Regency of the Queen at an end.
Most of the Court set out for Alcantra, and the Queen saw herself in a manner forsaken; notwithstanding which, she resolv'd to lay down her Authority as became her: wherefore she wrote to the King, to ask him the reason why he took possession of the Throne like an Usurper, that had no Right to it; and added, that if he would return to Lisbon, she would lay down her Authority in presence of the Grandees and the Magistrates. The King accordingly return'd, and the Queen having summon'd the Grandees, Magistrates, and others of the Nobility, to attend her, in presence of the Assembly took the Seals out of the Great Purse, and putting them into her Son's Hand, "Here are, said she, the Seals, which, together with the Regency, were entrusted to my Care by the Will of my late Sovereign Lord: I return them to your Majesty with all the Authority, which they are the Emblems of; I heartily pray God that you may make a good use of them, and that your Reign may be as prosperous as I can wish it." The King took the Seals, and gave them to the first Secretary of State; after which the Prince, and all the Grandees, kiss'd his Hand, and acknowledg'd him their Sovereign.
The Queen Dowager had given out, that she intended in six Months time to retire into a Convent, but that six Months she would spend at Court, to see what Measures the young King would take. But the Favourite Count, who still dreaded that Princess, who knew her tow'ring Genius, and was sensible of the natural Sway which a Mother has over the Mind of her Son, persuaded the King to treat her most inhumanly, that by frequent Affronts he might oblige her to leave the Court much sooner than she intended. The Queen, who was of a haughty Temper, could not bear to be thus us'd, but immediately threw herself into a Convent; where, being fully satisfy'd of the Vanities of human Greatness, she spent the Remainder of her Time, which was scarce a Year, in preparing herself for another World, and died on the eighteenth of February, 1666. lamented by the whole Nation: for never was there a Princess of a more extraordinary Genius, or more amply endow'd with all the Vertues requisite to either the one or the other Sex. Whilst on the Throne, she shew'd a truly great and heroick Soul; when she quitted it for a religious Life, she seem'd entirely to have forgotten what Pomp and Grandeur were, and all her Ambition then was to deserve Heaven.
The King, who now saw himself fully at liberty, and no longer fear'd the prudent Queen's just Reproofs, gave a loose to his Passions, and indulg'd his pernicious Inclinations. He would scour the Streets at Night with his Bravoes, and abuse every one he met with; nor did the Watch fare better than their Neighbours. Never a Night did he ramble, but the next Morning tragical Histories were publish'd, of several who had been wounded or murder'd in the Streets; and People fled before him with greater Fear than they would before a hungry Lion, just broke loose from his Den.
The Count de Castel-Melhor was his first Minister; he was an intriguing, insinuating Courtier, but far from being an able Statesman: haughty in Prosperity, fawning and timorous in Adversity. In his hands were the Reins of the Government, the King reserving no Authority to himself, but that of doing what mischief he pleas'd unpunish'd; nor did the Count ever make it his business to reclaim him, well knowing that the King's Follies and his Authority were inseparable.
The Spaniards flatter'd themselves with the Hopes of easily reducing Portugal, whilst it had such a Monarch as Don Alphonso. To this end they sent a strong Army against it, under the Command of Don John of Austria, natural Son to Philip IV. The King of Portugal sent Schomberg to oppose him, notwithstanding the Count de Villa-Flor had the Title of Generalissimo. And to the Count of Schomberg's Courage and Conduct it was that Don Alphonso ow'd the Preservation of his Crown: He beat the Spaniards several times, notwithstanding what Villa-Flor did; who, jealous of his Glory, endeavour'd all he could to cross his Measures, and had effectually done it, had not Schomberg's Interest been greater both at Court and in the Army, which joyfully obey'd the Commands of their brave Leader, who always led them to a certain Victory.
Castel-Melhor did all he could to persuade the People, that this happy Success was owing to him; though if the Truth had been search'd into, it would have appear'd that all he could justly boast of, was his being the first Man to whom the News was sent. By these means the Minister's Credit encreas'd, and he actually enjoy'd the Sovereign Authority. The King was nothing but a piece of Clock-work, whose Springs he could wind up, and put into what Motion he pleas'd. The Barbarity of his Temper he made use of, to ruin and destroy all those of whom he was jealous; amongst these were the greatest part of the late Queen's Ministry: so that there was a strange Alteration at Court, all Places were fill'd with the Count's Creatures; nor could any one hope for Favour, but those who took care to please the Favourite. Melhor went farther than this, for Conti being recall'd, he got him banish'd a second time; for no sooner was he landed, but the King sent him an Express, to congratulate him upon his safe Arrival, and Melhor, by the same Express, sent him Orders not to come near the Court: such a Sway had this Minister over his Sovereign, that he durst not contradict his Orders, but for fear of dipleasing him, was obliged to see Conti in private. The Count had notice of it, and fearing that should their antient Intimacy be renew'd, there would be no place left for him in the King's Favour, had him accus'd of a Design upon the Prince's Life; and tho there were no Witnesses found, no Proofs, no Probabilities of his Guilt, yet Sentence of Banishment was pass'd upon him.
The Count, no longer apprehensive of Conti, began to consider how he should secure his Interest at Court, in case of any Accident. To this end he endeavour'd to ingratiate himself with Don Pedro, the King's Brother, but a Prince of a quite different Character: His Soul was truly great, and his Inclinations noble; his Actions princely, and his manner of Living regular: the Portuguese admir'd, or rather ador'd him, for he had not his own Vertues only, but his Brother's Vices also, to set him off.
To this end, Melhor plac'd a Brother of his in the Prince's Houshold, and bad him do all he could to insinuate himself into his Master's Favour, as he had into the King's; hoping by these means to govern both the Princes.
Don Pedro us'd him with all the Civility imaginable, and shew'd him more than common Respect; but as for giving him any place in his Favour, or Confidance, he could not; the whole was taken up. The late Queen having always look'd upon her younger Son as the Hopes and Support of her Family, she had taken care to put about him none but those, whose Wisdom, Learning, and Integrity might entitle them to a share of the Prince's Love; such were his Governours, and of such chiefly was his Houshold compos'd. These had taken care to let the Prince know, that he need not despair of one day wearing the Crown of Portugal, for that there was no great likelihood of his Brother's ever having any Children; but at the same time they told him, that there was nothing but Melhor was capable of doing, to keep him from inheriting the Crown, since he was well assur'd that he must never hope for any share in the Ministry, when Don Pedro should ascend the Throne.
By degrees these different Views and Interests divided the Court into two Cabals; the Count indeed had the greatest Number on his side, there being more who love to swim with the Stream, than against it. But the ablest Statesmen, who plainly saw that so violent and arbitrary a Government could not last long, with all the Grandees, and the best of the Nobility, who would not cringe to such a Favourite as the King's was, were always about the Prince, to whom they paid their Respects as to the Heir apparent.
The Count being sensible that the Hope of the adverse Faction was founded upon the Infirmity of the King, determin'd to destroy it at once, by marrying him; and by his Advice a Match was propos'd and concluded between the King and Mary-Elizabeth-Frances of Savoy, Daughter to Charles Duke of Nemours, and Elizabeth de Vendome. Cæsar d'Estrées, a Relation of hers, Bishop and Duke of Laon, and known all over Europe by the Name of the illustrious Cardinal d'Estrées, conducted her into Portugal, accompany'd with the Marquiss de Ruvigni, the French Ambassador, and several other Persons of Quality.
This Marriage was celebrated with all the Pomp and Magnificence imaginable. The whole Court admir'd the young Queen's extraordinary Beauty, but no one was more sensibly affected with it than the Prince. The King was the only Person who seem'd regardless of her Charms, and who by his Indifference soon convinc'd the whole Nation, that he had taken the Name of a Husband, but was not capable of discharging the Duty of one.
Count Melhor had at first flatter'd himself with the Hopes of governing the Queen as well as the King, but soon found that she had too great a Spirit for such a Submission. Enrag'd at this, he resolv'd to lose no Opportunity of revenging himself, all publick Business was carefully hid from her, all her Desires were cross'd; her Recommendation certainly excluded any Person from the Place to which she recommended him. Shortly after, neither the Expences of her Houshold, nor her own Pensions were paid, under pretence that the War and other Necessities of the State had exhausted the Royal Treasury. And so insolent was this haughty Minister to every body, to the Prince himself, but especially to the Queen, that she has been often seen coming out of the King's Apartment bath'd in Tears.
Her Beauty, her Merits, her Misfortunes, and the Complaints of all the Ladies of the Court, and the Officers of the Queen's Houshold, whose Salaries were stopp'd, touch'd the Hearts of all those who had not an immediate Dependence on the Minister; and these form'd a third Party at Court, where nothing now was talk'd of but the Improbability of the Queen's having any Children, tho she had not yet been married a Year.
What encreas'd every one's Suspicion, was the Report which was spread of a private Door, which by the King's Order was made in the Queen's Chamber, and open'd just against her Bed-side, and of which he himself kept the Key. The Queen was alarm'd at the Novelty of the thing, and the Danger to which she saw her Honour expos'd. And many concluded, that this was an Artifice of Melhor's, who, notwithstanding the Infirmity of the King, was nevertheless resolv'd that the Queen should have Children.
The poor unfortunate Princess discover'd her Apprehensions to her Confessor, with Orders to impart them to the Prince's. These two Religious Men advis'd them to unite their Cabals, and go hand in hand together in a Matter so much the Concern of them both. The Count of Schomberg was easily drawn into this Party, and the Prince took care to make himself beloved by the Magistrates of the City, and all those who had any influence over the People.
It would have been a very easy matter to have push'd the King from out his Throne, had he not had a Minister to support him, who was ambitious, could govern the King as he pleas'd, make him do any thing, and who would spare no pains to preserve himself at the head of Affairs; the only way therefore of compassing their Ends, was to remove this Man, which was at last brought about in this manner. One of his Friends was bribed to tell him, that the Prince had swore he would sacrifice him, if he continued any longer at Court. The Count upon this Information doubled the Guards, arm'd all the Officers of the Household, and would have had the King go at the head of them, and seize the Prince. But as furious as the King was in his Midnight-Revels and Debauches, he had not Courage enough to attempt any thing of this nature, justly fearing that he should meet with no small Resistance. Wherefore he only wrote a Letter to the Prince, to order him to come to the Palace. He excus'd himself, objecting that he could not come whilst the Count was at Court, who had spread so many Stories to his disadvantage, and endeavour'd all he could to blast his Reputation; besides which, the Count was Master of the Palace, and that therefore he fear'd he could not be in safety there. Several Letters pass'd between the King and Prince; the former offer'd, that Melhor should come, and on his Knees beg his pardon. But this was not what the Prince wanted, and he openly refus'd to come to Court till Melhor was banish'd from it.
The News of this had put Lisbon into a strange Confusion, and a Civil War was just breaking out; but Melhor with grief perceiv'd that Schomberg favour'd the other Party, and that the Grandees of the Kingdom had all unanimously declar'd themselves in favour of the Prince; who, assisted also by the Queen's Friends, grew too powerful for him. Nay, Melhor's very Relations, and those whom he had rais'd, forsook him, and told him, that if he must sink, he should sink alone. Wherefore disguising himself, he by Night escaped from the Palace, and retired to a Monastery seven Leagues from Lisbon; which he soon after left, to seek a sure Refuge in the Court of Turin.
Upon this the Prince immediately came to the Palace, to pay his Devoirs to the King; every thing fell under his Management, and he soon dispersed all the late Favourite's Creatures. The King, destitute of Counsel, lay at the Prince's mercy, who had a Design upon, but durst not as yet touch his Crown, for fear of being thought an Usurper; but waited with patience till it should be given him by Lawful Authority, that is, by a Decree of the States of the Kingdom.
But then it was in the King's power only to call together this Assembly of the States, which he was often advis'd to do, there being an absolute Necessity of their Meeting, to remedy the present Grievances of the Nation.
The King was not so weak, but he plainly perceiv'd that this Advice was given him, with a design to transfer the Royalty from himself to his Brother; wherefore he long refus'd it, but was at last so press'd to it both by his Council, and by different Petitions from several Parts of the Kingdom, that he call'd them together, and they were order'd to meet on the first of January, 1688.
The Prince having obtain'd this, which he look'd upon as a sure step to the Throne, gave the Queen notice, that it was time for her now to appear, and play her part. Upon which she immediately retired into a Convent, and wrote a Letter to the King, to tell him, that she thought herself in Conscience obliged to quit the Palace, since he was not capable of being her Husband; that he was very sensible that their Marriage was never consummated, and that therefore she begg'd that he would repay her her Portion, and give her leave to return to her Country, and amongst her own Relations.
Upon the Receipt of this Letter, the King in a great Rage flew towards the Convent, to fetch the Queen back to the Palace by force; but the Prince, who foresaw the Effect of her Message, took care to be at the Convent-Door, with all the Nobility, and told his Brother this was a Place too sacred to have any Violence us'd in it, and persuaded, or rather forc'd the King to return to the Palace, who all the way complain'd of being calumniated, and was for bringing half the Prostitutes of Lisbon to prove his Virility, and swore that he would be reveng'd both on the Queen and the Prince.
Nov. 23.
1667.But Don Pedro was not in the least frightned at his Menaces, knowing that the whole Power of the Kingdom was in his own hands; and the next Morning (thinking it unsafe to delay the mighty Work any longer) order'd the Council to assemble, and follow'd by the Nobility, the Magistracy, and a whole Crowd of People, who wanted to see the Event of this Business, he went into the Palace to them; and after a short Debate, an Order was sent by the Prince to arrest the King, who shortly after this sign'd his own Abdication.
Notwithstanding this, the Prince would not take any other Title, but that of Regent; under which Name the States of the Kingdom took the Oath of Allegiance to him.
Febr. 13.
1668.The next thing he did, was to secure a Peace with Spain; the King of England made himself their Mediator, and Spain, by a solemn Treaty, acknowledg'd the Crown of Portugal independent of the Crown of Spain.
Nov. 22.
1667.Mar. 24.
1668.But one thing was still wanting to compleat the Regent's Happiness: he loved his Sister-in-law; who, as soon as she was got into the Convent, had presented a Petition to the Chapter of the Cathedral of Lisbon, to desire them, during the Vacancy of the Holy See, to declare her Marriage void; since, notwithstanding fifteen Months Cohabitation with her Husband, it had not been consummated. The Chapter, without waiting for any farther Proof, immediately declar'd the Marriage void.
March 2.
1668.Dec. 10.
1668.By these means the Regent saw himself at liberty to marry his Sister-in-law; however, he was advis'd, for fear of scandalizing any one, to get a Dispensation from the See of Rome. Just at this time the Cardinal de Vendome, Legate à Latere, was order'd by the See to put on the Papal Dignity, that he might assist as Pope at the Christening of the Dauphin of France; from him was the Dispensation obtain'd, which Mr. Verjus arriv'd with in Portugal about the time that the Chapter pronounced their Sentence. All which Accidents falling out together, made some People imagine that they were premeditated. The Bishop of Targa, Coadjutor to the Archbishop of Lisbon, married them in virtue of this Brief, which was afterwards confirm'd by Pope Innocent IX.
Don Alphonso was banish'd to the Isle of Tercera, which belongs to the Portuguese. This something displeas'd the People, who generally pity the Unfortunate, and who now cry'd out, that it was enough to rob him of his Wife and Crown, without driving him from his Country; but however, no one dar'd speak to the Regent about it. He continued in this Exile till the Year 1675, at which time the Regent recall'd him, being inform'd that there were some discontented People contriving how to fetch him from Tercera, and reinstate him in the Throne. He died not far from Lisbon, 1683, and at his Death Don Pedro was proclaim'd King; a Title he would not, during his Brother's Life, accept, and the only thing of which he had not depriv'd that unfortunate Prince.
FINIS.
