Part 3

This Discourse had its desir'd effect, by reminding every one of the many Evils which they had suffer'd. Each seem'd earnest to give some instance of _Vasconcellos_'s Cruelty. The Estates of some had been unjustly confiscated, whilst others had Hereditary Places and Governments taken from them; some had been long confin'd in Prisons thro the Jealousy of the _Spanish_ Ministers, and many bewail'd a Father, a Brother, or a Friend, either detain'd at _Madrid_, or sent into _Catalonia_ as Hostages of the Fidelity of their unhappy Countrymen. In short, there was not one of those who were engag'd in this Publick Cause, but what had some private Quarrel to revenge: but nothing provoked them more than the _Catalonian_ Expedition; they plainly saw, that it was not so much the want of their assistance, as the desire of ruining them, which made the _Spanish_ Minister oblige them to that tedious and expensive Voyage. These Considerations, join'd to their own private Animosities, made 'em unanimously resolve to venture Life and Fortune, rather than any longer to bear the heavy Yoke: but the Form of Government which they ought to chuse, caus'd a Division amongst them. Part of the Assembly were for making themselves a Republick, as _Holland_ had lately done; others were for a Monarchy, but could not agree upon the choice of a King: some propos'd the Duke of _Braganza_, some the Marquis de _Villareal_, and others the Duke _d'Aviedo_, (all three Princes of the Royal Blood of _Portugal_,) according as their different Inclinations or Interests byass'd them. But the Archbishop, who was wholly devoted to the House of _Braganza_, assuming the Authority of his Character, set forth with great strength of Reason, That the Choice of a Government was not in their power; that the Oath of Allegiance which they had taken to the King of _Spain_, could not in conscience be broken, unless it was with a design to restore their rightful Sovereign to the Throne of his Fathers, which every one knew to be the Duke of _Braganza_; that they must therefore resolve to proclaim him King, or for ever to continue under the Tyranny of the _Spanish_ Usurper. After this, he made 'em consider the Power and Riches of this Prince, as well as the great number of his Vassals, on whom depended almost a third part of the Kingdom. He shew'd 'em it was impossible for 'em to drive the _Spaniards_ out of _Portugal_, unless he was at their head: that the only way to engage him, would be by making him an Offer of the Crown, which they would be under a Necessity of doing, altho he was not the first Prince of the Royal Blood. Then began he to reckon all those excellent Qualities with which he was endow'd, as his Wisdom, his Prudence; but above all, his affable Behaviour, and inimitable Goodness. In short, his Words prevail'd so well upon every one, that they unanimously declared him their King, and promis'd that they would spare no Pains, no Endeavours to engage him to enter into their Measures: after which, having agreed upon the time and place of a second Meeting, to concert the ways and means of bringing this happy Revolution about, the Assembly broke up.

_Pinto_ observing how well the Minds of the People were dispos'd in favour of his Master, wrote privately to him, to acquaint him with the Success of the first Meeting, and advis'd him to come, as if by chance, to _Lisbon_, that by his Presence he might encourage the Conspirators, and at the same time get some Opportunity of conferring with them. This Man spent his whole time in negotiating this grand Affair, yet did it so artfully, that no one could suspect his having any farther Interest in it, than his Concern for the Publick Welfare. He seemingly doubted whether his Master would ever enter into their Measures, objecting his natural Aversion to any Undertaking which was hazardous and requir'd Application: then would he start some Difficulties, which were of no other use but to destroy all Suspicion of his having any Understanding with his Master, and were so far from being weighty enough to discourage them, that they rather serv'd to excite their Ardour.

Upon the Advice given by _Pinto_, the Duke left _Villa-viciosa_, and came to _Almada_, a Castle near _Lisbon_, on pretence of visiting it as he had done the other Fortifications of that Kingdom. His Equipage was so magnificent, and he had with him such a number of the Nobility and Gentry, as well as of Officers, that he looked more like a King going to take possession of a Kingdom, than like the Governour of a Province, who was viewing the Places and Forts under his Jurisdiction: he was so near _Lisbon_, that he was under an obligation of going to pay his Devoirs to the Vice-Queen. As soon as he enter'd the Palace-yard, he found the Avenues crowded with infinite numbers of People, who press'd forward to see him pass along; and all the Nobility came to wait upon him, and to accompany him to the Vice-Queen's. It was a general Holiday throughout the City, and so great was the Joy of the People, that there seem'd only a Herald wanting to proclaim him King, or Resolution enough in himself to put the Crown upon his Head.

But the Duke was too prudent to trust to the uncertain Sallies of an inconstant People. He knew what a vast difference there was between their vain Shouts, and that Steddiness which is necessary to support so great an Enterprize. Therefore after having paid his respects to the Vice-Queen, and taken leave of her, he return'd to _Almada_, without so much as going to _Braganza-House_, or passing thro the City, lest he should encrease the Jealousy of the _Spaniards_, who already seem'd very uneasy at the Affection which the People had so unanimously express'd for the Duke.

_Pinto_ took care to make his Friends observe the unnecessary Caution which his Master us'd, and that therefore they ought not to neglect this Opportunity, which his Stay at _Almada_ afforded them, to wait upon that Prince, and to persuade, nay, as tho it were to force him to accept the Crown. The Conspirators thought the Counsel good, and deputed him to the Duke to obtain an Audience. He granted them one, but upon condition there should come three of the Conspirators only, not thinking it safe to explain himself before a greater Number.

_Miguel d'Almeida_, _Antonio d'Almada_, and _Pedro Mendoza_, were the three Persons pitched upon; who coming by night to the Prince's, and being introduc'd into his Chamber, _d'Almada_, who was their Spokesman, represented in few words the present unhappy State of _Portugal_, whose Natives, of what Quality or Condition soever, had suffer'd so much from the unjust and cruel _Castilians_: That the Duke himself was as much, if not more expos'd than any other to their Treachery; that he was too discerning not to perceive that _d'Olivarez_'s Aim was his Ruin, and that there was no other Place of Refuge but the Throne; for the restoring him to which, he had Orders to offer him the Services of a considerable Number of People of the first Quality, who would willingly expose their Lives, and sacrifice their Fortunes for his sake, and to revenge themselves upon the oppressing _Spaniards_.

He afterwards told them, that the Times of _Charles_ V. and _Philip_ II. were no more, when _Spain_ held the Ballance of _Europe_ in her hand, and gave the neighbouring Nations Laws: That this Monarchy, which had been once so formidable, could scarce now preserve its antient Territories; that the _French_ and _Dutch_ not only wag'd War against them, but often overcame 'em; that _Catalonia_ itself employ'd the greatest part of their Forces; that they scarce had an Army on foot, the Treasury was exhausted, and that the Kingdom was governed by a weak Prince, who was himself sway'd by a Minister, abhor'd by the whole Nation.

He then observ'd what foreign Protection and Alliances they might depend on, and be assur'd of; most of the Princes of _Europe_ were profess'd Enemies to the House of _Austria_; the Encouragement _Holland_ and _Catalonia_ had met with, sufficiently shew'd what might be expected from that able[B] Statesman, whose mighty Genius seem'd wholly bent upon the Destruction of the _Spanish_ King; that the Sea was now open, and he might have free Communication with whom he pleas'd; that there were scarce any _Spanish_ Garisons left in _Portugal_, they having been drawn out to serve in _Catalonia_; that there could never be a more favourable Opportunity of asserting his Right and Title to the Crown, of securing his Life, his Fortune, and his Liberty, which were at stake, and of delivering his Country from Slavery and Oppression.

We may easily imagine, that there was nothing in this Speech which could displease the Duke of _Braganza_; however, unwilling to let them see his Heart, he answer'd the Deputies in such a manner, as could neither lessen, or encrease their Hopes. He told them, that he was but too sensible of the Miseries to which _Portugal_ was reduc'd by the _Castilians_, nor could he think himself secure from their Treachery; that he very much commended the Zeal which they shew'd for the Welfare of their Country, and was in an especial manner oblig'd to them for the Affection which they bore him in particular; that notwithstanding what they had represented, he fear'd that matters were not ripe for so dangerous an Enterprize, whose Consequence, should they not bring it to a happy Period, would prove so fatal to them all.

Having return'd this Answer, (for a more positive one he would not return) he caress'd the Deputies, and thank'd them in so obliging a manner, that they left him, well satisfy'd that their Message was gratefully receiv'd; but at the same time persuaded, that the Prince would be no farther concerned in their Design, than giving his content to the Execution of it, as soon as their Plot should be ripe.

After their Departure, the Duke confer'd with _Pinto_ about the new Measures which they must take, and then return'd to _Villa-viciosa_; but not with that inward Satisfaction of Mind which he had hitherto enjoy'd, but with a Restlessness of Thought, the too common Companion of Princes.

As soon as he arriv'd, he communicated those Proportions, which had been made him, to the Dutchess his Wife. She was of a _Castilian_ Family, Sister to the Duke of _Medina Sidonia_, a Grandee of _Spain_, and Governor of _Andalusia_. During her Childhood, her Mind was great and heroick, and as she grew up, became passionately fond of Honour and Glory. The Duke, her Father, who perceived this natural Inclination of hers, took care to cultivate it betimes, and gave the Care of her Education to Persons who would swell her Breast with[C] Ambition, and represent it as the chiefest Virtue of Princes. She apply'd herself betimes to the Study of the different Tempers and Inclinations of Mankind, and would by the Looks of a Person judge of his Heart; so that the most dissembling Courtier could scarce hide his Thoughts from her discerning Eye. She neither wanted Courage to undertake, nor Conduct to carry on the most difficult things, provided their End was glorious and honourable. Her Actions were free and easy, and at the same time noble and majestick; her Air at once inspir'd Love, and commanded Respect. She took the _Portuguese_ Air with so much ease, that it seem'd natural to her. She made it her chief Study to deserve the Love and Esteem of her Husband; nor could the Austerity of her Life, a solid Devotion, and a perfect Complaisance to all his Actions, fail of doing it. She neglected all those Pleasures, which Persons of her Age and Quality usually relish; and the greatest part of her time was employ'd in Studies, which might adorn her Mind, and improve her Understanding.

The Duke thought himself compleatly happy in the possession of so accomplish'd a Lady; his Love could scarce be parallel'd, and his Confidence in her was entire: He never undertook any thing without her Advice, nor would he engage himself any farther in a matter of such consequence, without first consulting with her. He therefore shew'd her the Scheme of the Revolution; the Names of the Conspirators, and acquainted her with what had pass'd as well in the Assembly held at _Lisbon_, as in the Conference he had had with them at _Almada_, and the Warmth which every one had shown upon this occasion. He told her, That the Expedition of _Catalonia_ had so incens'd the Nobility, that they were all resolv'd to revolt, rather than to leave their native Country; he dreaded, that if he should refuse to lead them on, they would forsake him, and chuse themselves another Leader. Yet he confess'd, that the Greatness of the Danger made him dread the Event; that whilst he view'd the Throne at a distance, the flattering Idea of Royalty was most agreeable to his Mind, but that now having a nearer Prospect of it, and of the intervening Obstacles, he was startled; nor could he calmly behold those Dangers into which he must inevitably plunge himself and his whole Family, in case of a Discovery: That the People, on whom they must chiefly depend for the Success, were inconstant, and disheartned by the least Difficulty: That the Number of Nobility and Gentry which he had on his side, was not sufficient, unless supported by the Grandees of the Kingdom; who doubtless, jealous of his Fortune, would oppose it, as not being able to submit to the Government of one, whom they had all along look'd upon as their Equal. That these Considerations, as well as the little Dependance he could make on foreign Assistance, overrul'd his Ambition, and made him forget the hopes of reigning. But the Dutchess, whose Soul was truly great, and Ambition her ruling Passion, immediately declar'd herself in favour of the Conspiracy. She ask'd the Duke, "Whether in case the _Portuguese_, accepting his Denial, should resolve to make themselves a Republick, he would side with them, or with the King of _Spain_?" "With his Countrymen undoubtedly, _he reply'd_; for whose Liberty he would willingly venture his Life." "And why can you not do for your own sake, _answer'd she_, what you would do as a Member of the Commonwealth? The Throne belongs to you, and should you perish in attempting to recover it, your Fate would be glorious, and rather to be envy'd than pity'd." After this she urg'd "his undoubted Right to the Crown; that _Portugal_ was reduc'd to such a miserable State by the _Castilians_, that it was inconsistent with the Honour of a Person of his Quality to be an idle Looker-on; that his Children would reproach, and their Posterity curse his Memory, for neglecting so fair an Opportunity of restoring them what they ought in justice to have had." Then she represented the difference between a Sovereign and a Subject, and the pleasure of ruling, instead of obeying in a servile manner. She made him sensible, that it would be no such difficult matter to re-possess himself of the Crown; that tho he could not hope for foreign Assistance, yet were the _Portuguese_ of themselves able to drive the _Spaniards_ out of their Country, especially at such a favourable Juncture as this. In short, so great was her persuasive Art, that she prevailed upon the Duke to accept the Offer made him, but at the same time confess'd his Prudence, in letting the Number of the Conspirators encrease before he join'd with them; nor would she advise him to appear openly in it, till the Plot was ripe.

Mean while the Court of _Spain_ grew very jealous or him. Those extraordinary Marks of Joy, which the _Lisbonites_ had shewn at his coming thither, had very much alarm'd _d'Olivarez_. It was also whisper'd about, that there were nightly Meetings and secret Assemblies held at _Lisbon_: So impossible it is, that a Business of such a consequence should be wholly conceal'd.

[Sidenote: _Octob. 20. 1640._]

Upon this several Councils were held at _Madrid_, in which it was resolv'd, that the only way to prevent the _Portuguese_ from revolting, was by taking from them their Leader, in favour of whom it was suppos'd they intended to revolt. Wherefore _d'Olivarez_ immediately dispatch'd a Courier to the Duke of _Braganza_, to acquaint him, that the King desir'd to be inform'd, by his own mouth, of the Strength of every Fort and Citadel, the Condition of the Sea-Ports, and what Garisons were plac'd in each of them: to this he added, that his Friends at Court were overjoy'd at the thoughts of seeing him so soon, and that every one of them were preparing to receive him with the Respect due to his Quality and Deserts.

This News thunder-struck the unhappy Prince; he was well assur'd, that since so many Pretences were made use of to get him into _Spain_, his Destruction was resolv'd on, and nothing less than his Life could satisfy them. They had left off Caresses and Invitations, and had now sent positive Orders, which either must be obey'd, or probably open Force would be made use of. He concluded, that he was betray'd. Such is the Fear of those, whose Thoughts are taken up with great Designs, and who always imagine that the inquisitive World is prying into their Actions, and observing all their Steps. Thus did the Duke, whose Conduct had been always greater than his Courage, dread that he had plung'd himself into inevitable Destruction.

But to gain time enough to give the Conspirators notice of his Danger, by the Advice of the Dutchess, he sent a Gentleman, whose Capacity and Fidelity he was before assur'd of, to the Court of _Madrid_, to assure the _Spanish_ Minister, that he would suddenly wait on the King; but had at the same time given him private Orders to find out all the Pretences imaginable for the delaying his Journey, hoping in the mean time to bring the Conspiracy to Ripeness, and thereby to shelter himself from the impending Storm.

As soon as this Gentleman arriv'd at _Madrid_, he assur'd the King and the Duke _d'Olivarez_, that his Master follow'd him. To make his Story the more plausible, he took a large House, which he furnish'd very sumptuously, then hir'd a considerable Number of Servants, to whom he before-hand gave Liveries. In short, he spar'd no Cost to persuade the _Spaniards_ that his Master would be in a very little time at Court, and that he intended to appear with an Equipage suitable to his Birth.

Some days after he pretended to have receiv'd Advice that his Master was fallen sick. When this Pretence was grown stale, he presented a Memorial to _d'Olivarez_, in which he desir'd that his Master's Precedence in the Court might be adjusted. He did not in the least question but that this would gain a considerable time, hoping that the Grandees, by maintaining their Rights, would oppose his Claims. But these Delays beginning to be suspected, the first Minister had the thing soon decided, and always in favour of the Duke of _Braganza_; so earnestly did he desire to see him once out of _Portugal_, and to have him safe at _Madrid_.

The Conspirators no sooner heard of the Orders which the Duke had receiv'd, but fearing that he might obey them, deputed _Mendoza_ to know what he intended to do, and to engage him firmly, if possible, to their Party. This Gentleman was chosen preferably to any other, because he was Governor of a Town near _Villa-viciosa_; so that he could hide the real Intent of his Journey from the _Spaniards_, under the specious Pretence of Business. He did not dare to go directly to the Prince's House, but took an opportunity of meeting him in a Forest one morning as he was hunting; they retir'd together into the thickest part of the Wood, where _Mendoza_ shew'd him what Danger he expos'd himself to, by going to a place where all were his Enemies: That by this inconsiderate Action the Hopes of the Nobility, as well as of the People, were utterly destroy'd: That a sufficient Number of Gentlemen, who were as able to serve him, as they were willing to do it, or to sacrifice their Lives for his sake, only waited for his Consent to declare themselves in his favour: That now was the very Crisis of his Fate, and that he must this instant resolve to be _Cæsar_ or nothing: That the Business would admit of no longer Delay, lest the Secret being divulg'd, their Designs should prove abortive. The Duke, convinc'd of the Truth of what was said to him, told him that he was of his mind, and that he might assure his Friends, that as soon as their Plot should be ripe, he would put himself at the head of them.

This Conference ended, _Mendoza_ immediately return'd home, for fear of being suspected, and wrote to some of the Conspirators that he had been hunting; "We had almost, _continued he_, lost our Game in the Pursuit, but at last the Day prov'd a Day of good Sport." Some few Days after _Mendoza_ return'd to _Lisbon_, and acquainted _Pinto_ that his Master wanted him, who set out as soon as they had together drawn out a shorter Scheme to proceed upon. Coming to _Villa-viciosa_, the first thing he acquainted the Duke with, was the Difference which had lately happen'd at the Court of _Lisbon_, the Vice-Queen loudly complaining of the haughty Pride and Insolence of _Vasconcellos_; nor could she any longer bear that all Business should be transacted by him, whilst she enjoy'd an empty Title, without any the least Authority. What made her Complaints the juster, was, that she was really a deferring Princess, and capable of discharging the Trust which was committed to her Secretary. But it was the Greatness of her Genius, and her other extraordinary Deserts, which made the Court of _Spain_ unwilling to let her have a greater share in the Government. _Pinto_ observ'd, that this Difference could never have happen'd in a better time, seeing that the Ministers of _Spain_ being taken up with this Business, would not be at leisure to pry into his Actions, or to observe the Steps he should take.

The Duke of _Braganza_, since _Mendoza_'s Departure, was fallen into his wonted Irresolution, and the nearer the Business came to a Crisis, the more he dreaded the Event: _Pinto_ made use of all his Rhetorick to excite his Master's Courage, and to draw him into his former Resolution. Nay, to his Persuasions he added Threatnings; he told him, in spite of himself, the Conspirators would proclaim him King, and what Dangers must he run then, when the Crown should be fix'd upon his Head, at a time when, only for want of necessary Preparation, he was not capable of preserving it. The Dutchess join'd with this faithful Servant, and convinc'd the Duke of the Baseness of preferring Life to Honour: he, charm'd with her Courage, yet asham'd to see it greater than his own, yielded to their Persuasions.

Mean while, the Gentleman whom he had sent to _Madrid_, wrote daily to let him know, that he could no longer defer his Journey on any pretence whatsoever, and that _Olivarez_ refus'd to hear the Excuses which he would have made. The Duke, to gain a little longer time, order'd the Gentleman to acquaint the _Spanish_ Minister, that he had long since been at _Madrid_, had he had Money enough to defray the Expence of his Journey, and to appear at Court in a manner suitable to his Quality: That as soon as he could receive a sufficient Sum, he would immediately set out.