Part 2
By his last Will he had order'd, that a Juncto, or Assembly of the States, should be call'd, to settle the Succession; but King _Philip_ not caring to wait for their Decision, sent a powerful Army into _Portugal_, commanded by the Duke of _Alba_, which ended the Dispute, and put _Philip_ in possession of that Kingdom.
[Sidenote: 1581.]
We cannot find that the Duke of _Braganza_ us'd any Endeavours to assert his Right by force of Arms. The Grand Prior indeed did all he could to oppose the _Castilians_; the Mob had proclaim'd him King, and he took the Title upon him, as if it had been given by the States of _Portugal_: and his Friends rais'd some Forces for him, but they were soon cut in pieces by the Duke of _Alba_, than whom _Spain_ could not have chosen a better General. As much as the _Portuguese_ hate the _Castilians_, yet could they not keep them out, being disunited among themselves, and having no General, nor any Regular Troops on foot. Most of the Towns, for fear of being plunder'd, capitulated, and made each their several Treaty; so that in a short time _Philip_ was acknowledg'd their lawful Sovereign by the whole Nation, as being next Heir Male to his great Uncle, the late King: of such wondrous use is open Force to support a bad Cause!
After him reign'd his Son and Grandson, _Philip_ III. and IV. who us'd the _Portuguese_ not like Subjects, but like a conquer'd People; and the Kingdom of _Portugal_ saw itself dwindle into a Province of _Spain_, and so weaken'd, that there was no hope left of recovering their Liberty: Their Noblemen durst not appear in an Equipage suitable to their Birth, for fear of making the _Spanish_ Ministers jealous of their Greatness or Riches; the Gentry were confin'd to their Country-Seats, and the People oppress'd with Taxes.
The Duke of _Olivarez_, who was then first Minister to _Philip_ IV. King of _Spain_, was firmly persuaded, that all means were to be us'd to exhaust this new Conquest; he was sensible of the natural Antipathy of the _Portuguese_ and _Castilians_, and thought that the former could never calmly behold their chief Posts fill'd with Strangers, or at best with _Portuguese_ of a _Plebeian_ Extraction, who had nothing else to recommend 'em but their Zeal for the Service of _Spain_. He thought therefore, that the surest way of establishing King _Philip_'s Power, was to remove the Nobility of _Portugal_ from all Places of Trust, and so to impoverish the People, that they should never be capable of attempting to shake off the _Spanish_ Yoke. Besides this, he employ'd the _Portuguese_ Youth in foreign Wars, resolving to drain the Kingdom of all those who were capable of bearing Arms.
As politick as this Conduct of _Olivarez_ might appear, yet did he miss his aim; for carrying his Cruelty to too high a pitch, at a time when the Court of _Spain_ was in distress, and seeming rather to plunder an Enemy's Country, than levying Taxes from the _Portuguese_, who daily saw their Miseries encrease, and be the consequence of their Attempt what it would, they could never fare worse; unanimously resolv'd to free themselves from the intolerable Tyranny of Spain.
[Sidenote: 1640.]
_Margaret of Savoy_, Dutchess of _Mantua_, was then in _Portugal_, where she had the Title of Vice-Queen, but was very far from having the Power. _Miguel Vasconcellos_, a _Portuguese_ by Birth, but attach'd to the _Spanish_ Interest, had the Name of Secretary of State, but was indeed an absolute and independent Minister, and dispatch'd, without the knowledge of the Vice-Queen, all the secret Business; his Orders he receiv'd directly from _d'Olivarez_, whose Creature he was, and who found him absolutely necessary for extorting vast Sums of Money from the _Portuguese_. He was so deeply learn'd in the Art of Intriguing, that he could perpetually make the Nobility jealous of one another, then would he foment their Divisions, and encrease their Animosities, whereby the _Spanish_ Government became every day more absolute; for the Duke was assur'd, that whilst the Grandees were engag'd in private Quarrels, they would never think of the Common Cause.
The Duke of _Braganza_ was the only Man in all _Portugal_, of whom the _Spaniards_ were now jealous. His Humour was agreeable, and the chief thing he consulted was his Ease. He was a Man rather of sound Sense, than quick Wit. He could easily make himself Master of any Business to which he apply'd his Mind, but then he never car'd much for the Trouble on't. Don _Theodosius_, Duke of _Braganza_, his Father, was of a fiery and passionate Temper, and had taken care to infuse in his Son's Mind an Hereditary Aversion to the _Spaniards_, who had usurp'd a Crown, that of Right belonged to him; to swell his Mind with the Ambition of repossessing himself of a Throne, which his Ancestors had been unjustly depriv'd of; and to fill his Soul with all the Courage that would be necessary for the carrying on of so great a Design.
Nor was this Prince's Care wholly lost; Don _John_ had imbib'd as much of the Sentiments of his Father as were consistent with so mild and easy a Temper. He abhorr'd the _Spaniards_, yet was not at all uneasy at his Incapacity of revenging himself. He entertain'd Hopes of ascending the Throne of _Portugal_, yet did he not shew the least Impatience, as Duke _Theodosius_, his Father, had done, but contented himself with a distant Prospect of a Crown; nor would for an Uncertainty venture the Quiet of his Life, and a Fortune which was already greater than what was well consistent with the Condition of a Subject. Had he been precisely what Duke _Theodosius_ wish'd him, he had never been fit for the great Design; for _d'Olivarez_ had him observ'd so strictly, that had his easy and pleasant manner of Living proceeded from any other Cause but a natural Inclination, it had certainly been discover'd, and the Discovery had prov'd fatal both to his Life and Fortune: at least the Court of _Spain_ would never have suffer'd him to live in so splendid a manner in the very Heart of his Country.
Had he been the most refin'd Politician, he could never have liv'd in a manner less capable of giving Suspicion. His Birth, his Riches, his Title to the Crown, were not criminal in themselves, but became so by the Law of Policy. This he was very sensible of, and therefore chose this way of Living, prompted to it as well by Nature as by Reason. It would have been a Crime to be formidable, he must therefore take care not to appear so: At _Villa-Viciosa_, the Seat of the Dukes of _Braganza_, nothing was thought of but Hunting-Matches, and other Rural Diversions; the Brightness of his Parts could not in the least make the _Spaniards_ apprehend any bold Undertaking, but the Solidity of his Understanding made the _Portuguese_ promise themselves the Enjoyment of a mild and easy King, provided they would undertake to raise him to the Throne. But an Accident soon after happen'd, which very much alarm'd _Olivarez_.
Some new Taxes being laid upon the People of _Evora_, which they were not able to pay, reduc'd 'em to Despair; upon which they rose in a tumultuous manner, loudly exclaiming against the _Spanish_ Tyranny, and declaring themselves in favour of the House of _Braganza_. Then, but too late, the Court of _Spain_ began to be sensible of their Error, in leaving so rich and powerful a Prince in the Heart of a Kingdom so lately subdued, and to whose Crown he had such Legal Pretensions.
This made the Council of _Spain_ immediately determine, that it was necessary to secure the Duke of _Braganza_, or at best not to let him make any longer stay in _Portugal_. To this end they nam'd him Governour of _Milan_, which Government he refus'd, alledging the Weakness of his Constitution for an Excuse: besides, he said he was wholly unacquainted with the Affairs of _Italy_, and by consequence not capable of acquitting himself in so weighty a Post.
* * * * *
[Sidenote: 1640.]
The Duke _d'Olivarez_, seem'd to approve of the Excuse, and therefore began to think of some new Expedient to draw him to Court. The King's marching at the head of his Army to the Frontiers of _Arragon_, to suppress the rebelling _Catalonians_, was a very good Pretence; he wrote to the Duke of _Braganza_, "to come at the head of the _Portuguese_ Nobility to serve the King in an Expedition, which could not but be glorious, since his Majesty commanded it in Person." The Duke, who had no great relish for any Favour confer'd by the Court of _Spain_, excus'd himself, upon pretence that "his Birth would oblige him to be at a much greater Expence than what he was at present able to support."
This second Refusal alarm'd _d'Olivarez_. Notwithstanding Don _John_'s easy Temper, he began to be afraid that the _Evorians_ had made an impression upon his Thoughts, by reminding him of his Right to the Throne. It was dangerous to leave him any longer in his Country, and equally dangerous to hurry him out of it by force; so great a Love had the _Portuguese_ ever bore to the House of _Braganza_, so great a Respect did they bear to this Duke in particular. He must therefore treacherously be drawn into _Spain_, nor could any properer means be thought of, for compassing this end, than by shewing him all the seeming Tokens of an unfeigned Friendship.
_France_ and _Spain_ were at that time engag'd in War, and the _French_ Fleet had been seen off the Coasts of _Portugal_. This gave the _Spanish_ Minister a fair opportunity of accomplishing his Ends; for it was necessary to have an Army on foot, under the Command of some brave General, to hinder the _French_ from making a Descent, or landing any where in _Portugal_. The Commission was sent to the Duke of _Braganza_, with an absolute Authority over all the Towns and Garisons, as well as a Power over the Maritime Forces; in short, so unlimited was the Command given him, that the Minister seem'd blindly to have deliver'd all _Portugal_ into his power: but this was only the better to colour his Design. Don _Lopez Ozorio_, the _Spanish_ Admiral, had private Orders sent him, that as soon as Don _John_ should visit any of the Ports, he should put in, as if drove by stress of Weather; then artfully invite the General aboard, immediately hoist sail, and with all possible expedition bring him into _Spain_. But propitious Fortune seem'd to have taken him into her Protection; a violent Storm arose, which dispers'd the _Spanish_ Fleet, part of which suffer'd shipwreck, and the rest were so shatter'd, that they could not make _Portugal_.
This ill Success did not in the least discourage _Olivarez_, or make him drop his Project; he attributed the Escape of the Duke of _Braganza_ to meer Chance: he wrote him a Letter, full of Expressions of Friendship, and as if he had with him shar'd the Government of the whole Kingdom, wherein he deplor'd the Loss of the Fleet, and told him, that the King now expected that he would carefully review all the Ports and their respective Fortifications, seeing that the Fleet, which was to defend the Coasts of _Portugal_ from the Insults of the _French_, had miserably perish'd. And that his Villany might not be suspected, he return'd him Forty Thousand Ducats to defray his Expences, and to raise more Troops, in case there should be a necessity of them. At the same time he sent private Orders to all the Governours of Forts and Citadels, (the greatest part whereof were _Spaniards_) that if they should find a favourable occasion of securing the Duke of _Braganza_, they should do it, and forthwith convey him into _Spain_.
This entire Confidence which was repos'd in him, alarm'd the Duke; he plainly saw that there was Treachery intended, and therefore thought it just to return the Treachery. He wrote an Answer to _Olivarez_, wherein he told him, that with Joy he accepted the Honour which the King had confer'd upon him, in naming him his General, and promis'd so to discharge the important Trust, as to deserve the Continuation of his Majesty's Favour.
But now the Duke began to have a nearer Prospect of the Throne; nor did he neglect this opportunity of putting some of his Friends into Places of Trust, that they might be the more able to serve him upon occasion; he also employ'd part of the _Spanish_ Money in making new Creatures, and confirming those in his Interest whom he had already made. And as he partly mistrusted the _Spaniards_ Design, he never visited any Fort, but he was surrounded by such a Number of Friends, that it was impossible for the Governours to execute their Orders.
Mean while the Court of _Spain_ loudly murmur'd at the Trust which was repos'd in Don _John_, they were ignorant of the Prime Minister's Aim, and therefore some did not stick to tell the King, that his near Alliance to the House of _Braganza_ made him overlook his Master's Interest; seeing that it was the highest Imprudence to put so absolute an Authority into the hands of one who had such Pretensions to the Crown, and to entrust the Army to the Command of one, who in all probability might make the Soldiers turn their Arms against their lawful Sovereign. But the more they complain'd, the better was the King pleas'd, being persuaded that the Plot was artfully laid, since no one could unravel the dark Design. Thus _Braganza_ not only had the liberty, but was oblig'd to visit all _Portugal_, and by that means laid the Foundation of his future Fortune. The Eyes of the Many were every where drawn by his magnificent Equipage, all that came to him, he mildly, and with unequal'd Goodness heard; the Soldiers were not suffer'd to commit the least Disorders, and he laid hold of all Opportunities of praising the Conduct of the Officers, and by frequent Recompences bestow'd upon them, won their Hearts. The Nobility were charm'd with his free Deportment, he receiv'd every one of them in the most obliging manner, and paid each the Respect due to his Quality. In short, such was his Carriage, that the People began to think there could be no greater Happiness for them upon Earth, than the Restoration of the Prince to the Throne of his Ancestors.
Mean while his Party omitted nothing that they thought might contribute to the establishing of his Reputation. Amongst others, _Pinto Ribeiro_, Comptroller of his Household, particularly distinguish'd himself, and was the first who form'd an exact Scheme for the Advancement of his Master. There was no Man more experienc'd in Business, who at the same time was so careful, diligent, and watchful: he was firm to the Interest of the Duke, not doubting but that if he could raise him to the Throne, he should raise himself to some considerable Post. His Master had often privately assur'd him, that he would willingly lay hold of any fair Opportunity for his Restoration, yet would not rashly declare himself, as a Man who had nothing to lose; that notwithstanding he might endeavour to gain the Minds of the People, and to make new Creatures, yet he must do it with that Caution, that it might appear his own Work, and done without the Consent and Knowledge of the Duke.
_Pinto_ had spar'd no pains in discovering who were, and the Number of the Disaffected, which he daily endeavoured to encrease; he rail'd against the present Government sometimes with Heat, at other times with Caution, always accommodating himself to the Humour of the Company which he was in: tho indeed so great was the Hatred which the _Portuguese_ bore the _Spaniards_, that there was no need of Reserve in complaining of them. He would often remind the Nobility what honourable Employments their Forefathers had borne, when _Portugal_ was govern'd by its own Kings. Then would he mention the Summons which had so much exasperated the Nobility, and by which they were commanded to attend the King in _Catalonia_. _Pinto_ us'd to complain of this Hardship as of a kind of Banishment, from which they would scarce find it possible to return; that the Pride of the _Spaniards_, who would command them, was insufferable, and the Expence they should be at intolerable; that this was only a plausible Pretence to drain _Portugal_ of its bravest Men, that in all their Expeditions they might be assur'd of being expos'd where the greatest Danger was, but that they must never hope to share the least part of the Glory.
When he was amongst the Merchants and other Citizens, he would bewail the Misery of his Country, which was ruin'd by the Injustice of the _Spaniard_, who had transfer'd the Trade, which _Portugal_ carried on with the _Indies_, to _Cadiz_. Then would he remind them of the Felicity which the _Dutch_ and _Catalonians_ enjoy'd, who had shaken off the _Spanish_ Yoke. As for the Clergy, he did not in the least question but that he should engage 'em in his Interest, and exasperate 'em most irreconcileably against the _Castilians_; he told them, that the Immunities and Privileges of the Church were violated, their Orders contemn'd and neglected, and that all the best Preferments and fattest Livings were possess'd by foreign Incumbents.
When he was with those, of whose Disaffection he was already convinc'd, he would take care to turn his Discourse to his Master, and talk of his manner of Living. He would often complain, that that Prince shew'd too little Affection for the Good of his Country, and Concern for his own Interest; and that at a time when it was in his power to assert his Title to the Crown, he should seem so regardless of his own Right, and lead so idle a Life. Finding that these Insinuations made an impression upon the People, he went still farther: To those who were publick-spirited, he represented what a glorious thing it would be for them to lay the Foundations of a Revolution, and to deserve the Name of _Deliverers of their Country_. Those who had been injur'd and ill-treated by the _Spaniards_, he would excite to the Desire of Revenge; and the Ambitious he flatter'd with a Prospect of the Grandeurs and Preferments they might expect from the new King, would they once raise him to the Throne. In short, he manag'd every thing with so much Art, that being privately assur'd of the unshaken Affection of many to his Master, he procur'd a Meeting of a considerable Number of the Nobility, with the Archbishop of _Lisbon_ at the head of them.
This Prelate was of the House of _Acugna_, one of the best Families of all _Portugal_; he was a Man of Learning, and an excellent Politician, belov'd by the People, but hated by the _Spaniards_, and whom he had also just cause to hate, since they had made Don _Sebastian Maltos de Norognia_, Archbishop of Braga, President of the Chamber of _Opaco_, whom they had all along prefer'd to him, and to whom they had given a great share in the Administration of Affairs.
Another of the most considerable Members of this Assembly, was Don _Miguel d'Almeida_, a venerable old Man, and who deserv'd, and had the Esteem of every body; he was very publick-spirited, and was not so much griev'd at his own private Misfortunes, as at those of his Country, whose Inhabitants were become the Slaves of an usurping Tyrant. In these Sentiments he had been educated, and to these with undaunted Courage and Resolution he still adher'd; nor could the Entreaties of his Relations, nor the repeated Advices of his Friends, ever make him go to Court, or cringe to the _Spanish_ Ministers. This Carriage of his had made them jealous of him. This therefore was the Man whom _Pinto_ first cast his eyes upon, being well assur'd that he might safely entrust him with the Secret; besides which, no one could be more useful in carrying on their Design, his Interest with the Nobility being so great, that he could easily bring over a considerable Number of them to his Party.
There were, besides these two, at this first Meeting, Don _Antonio d'Almada_, an intimate Friend of the Archbishop's, with Don _Lewis_, his Son; Don _Lewis d'Acugna_, Nephew to that Prelate, and who had married Don _Antonio d'Almada_'s Daughter; _Mello_ Lord _Ranger_, Don _George_ his Brother; _Pedro Mendoza_; Don _Rodrigo de Saa_, Lord-Chamberlain: with several other Officers of the Houshold, whose Places were nothing now but empty Titles, since _Portugal_ had lost her own natural Kings.
[Sidenote: Conostagio.]
The Archbishop, who was naturally a good Rhetorician, broke the Ice in this Assembly; he made an eloquent Speech, in which he set forth the many Grievances _Portugal_ had labour'd under since it had been subject to the Domination of _Spain_. He reminded them of the Number of Nobility which _Philip_ II. had butchered to secure his Conquest; nor had he been more favourable to the Church, witness the famous Brief of Absolution, which he had obtain'd from the Pope for the Murder of Two Thousand Priests, or others of Religious Orders, whom he had barbarously put to death, on no other account but to secure his Usurpation: And since that unhappy time the _Spaniards_ had not chang'd their inhuman Policy; how many had fallen for no other Crime but their unshaken Love to their Country! That none of those who were there present, could call their Lives or their Estates their own: That the Nobility were slighted and remov'd from all Places of Trust, Profit, or Power: That the Church was fill'd with a scandalous Clergy, since _Vasconcellos_ had dispos'd of all the Livings, and to which he had prefer'd his own Creatures only: That the People were oppress'd with excessive Taxes, whilst the Earth remain'd untill'd for want of hands, their Labourers being all sent away by force, for Soldiers to _Catalonia_: That this last Summons for the Nobility to attend the King, was only a specious Pretence to force them out of their own Country, lest their Presence might prove an Obstacle to some cruel Design, which was doubtless on foot: That the mildest Fate they could hope for, was a tedious, if not a perpetual Banishment; and that whilst they were ill-treated by the _Castilians_ abroad, Strangers should enjoy their Estates, and new Colonies take possession of their Habitations. He concluded by assuring them, that so great were the Miseries of his Country, that he would rather chuse to die ten thousand Deaths, than be obliged to see the Encrease of them; nor would he now entertain one thought of Life, did he not hope that so many Persons of Quality were not met together in vain.