[132]. It was one of the principal allegations of the government, that, although Joan never signed anything for the rebels, her verbal orders were at once taken down in notarial form and acted upon as royal decrees.
[133]. One of her demands was that all her women should be sent away, as they were. Her hatred of her own sex was remarkable.
[134]. The Admiral of Castile and other nobles at the time endeavoured to prevail upon Joan to take the direction of affairs under their guidance; but she refused just as obstinately to give her signature to them as she had to the rebels. Denia writes to the Emperor that the Admiral is very anxious to cure the Queen; but in no case will it be allowed without the Emperor’s permission. ‘Besides, it would be another resurrection of Lazarus.’ The bitterest complaints of Denia and his methods were sent by the great nobles to Charles, whilst Denia could say no good word for them.
[135]. Mr. Bergenroth translated ‘hacerle premia,’ ‘applying torture,’ and it may be so translated. I prefer, however, the wider interpretation; though, no doubt, Denia meant to recommend physical coercion.
[136]. The Emperor ordered her to be taken to Toro in 1527, but Denia was afraid of forcing her to go.
[137]. Denia’s account of the interview with Borgia (confirmed by the latter) is extremely curious. The priestly Duke said, as she would do nothing else, she might recite the ‘General Confession,’ and he would absolve her. ‘Can you absolve?’ she asked. ‘Yes!’ he replied, ‘with the exception of certain cases.’ ‘Then,’ said the Queen, ‘you recite the General Confession.’ This Borgia did, and asked her whether she said the same. ‘Yes,’ she replied; and ‘she then permitted him to absolve her.’ It will be seen that there was not much submission in this. Only a day or so afterwards she appears to have flown into a terrible passion because some new hangings and gold ornaments had been placed on the corridor altar; and she refused to eat until they had been removed, and the altar left plain as before.
[138]. For particulars of this portrait, hitherto unknown, see ‘Calendars of Spanish State Papers,’ vol. viii., edited by Martin Hume.
[139]. Ambassades de Noailles, vol. ii. p. 99.
[140]. Antonio de Guaras to the Duke of Alburquerque. ‘Antonio de Guaras,’ by Dr. R. Garnett. For particulars of this personage, Antonio de Guaras, see ‘Españoles é Ingleses,’ por Martin Hume. Madrid y Londres, 1903.
[141]. Correspondance de Cardinal de Granvelle.