Part 4

This Business dispatch'd, he consulted with the Dutchess and _Pinto_ about the properest Means of executing their Design: several were propos'd, but at last this was agreed upon, That the Plot must break out at _Lisbon_, whose Example might have a good effect upon the other Towns and Cities of the Kingdom: That the same Day wherein he was proclaim'd King in the Metropolis, he should be also proclaim'd in every Place which was under his Dependance; nay, in every Borough and Village, of which any of the Conspirators were the leading Men, they should raise the People, so that one half of the Kingdom being up, the other of course would fall into their Measures, and the few remaining _Spaniards_ would not know on which side to turn their Arms. His own Regiment he should quarter in _Elvas_, whose Governour was wholly in his Interest. That as for the manner of their making themselves Masters of _Lisbon_, Time and Opportunity would be their best Counsellors; however, the Duke's Opinion was, that they should seize the Palace in the first place, so that by securing the Vice-Queen, and the _Spaniards_ of Note, they would be like so many Hostages in their hands, for the Behaviour of the Governour and Garison of the Citadel, who otherwise might very much annoy 'em when they were Masters of the Town. After this, the Duke having assur'd _Pinto_, that notwithstanding any Change of Fortune, he should still have the same place in his Affection; he sent him to _Lisbon_ with two Letters of Trust, one for _Almeida_, the other for _Mendoza_; wherein he conjur'd 'em to continue faithful to their Promises, and resolutely and courageously to finish what they had begun.

As soon as he arriv'd at _Lisbon_, he deliver'd his Letters to _Almeida_ and _Mendoza_, who instantly sent for _Lemos_ and _Coreo_, whom _Pinto_ had long since engag'd in the Interest of his Master. These were two rich Citizens, who had gone thro all the Offices of the City, and had the People of it very much at their command; as they still carry'd on their Trade, there were a vast Number of poor People daily employ'd by 'em, and whose Hatred to the _Spaniards_ they had still taken care to encrease, by insinuating that there were new Taxes to be laid upon several things at the beginning of the next Year. When they observ'd any one of a fiery Temper, they would take care to discharge him, on pretence that the _Castilians_ had utterly ruin'd their Trade, and that they were no longer able to employ them; but their Aim was to reduce them to Poverty and Want, insomuch that Necessity should oblige them to revolt: but still would they extend their Charity towards them, that they might always have them at their service. Besides this, they had engag'd some of the ablest Merchants and Tradesmen in every part of _Lisbon_, and promis'd, that if the Conspirators would give 'em warning over night of the Hour they intended to rise, punctually at that time they would have half the City up in Arms.

_Pinto_ being thus sure of the Citizens, turn'd his Thoughts to the other Conspirators: he advis'd them to be ready for the Execution of their Plot upon the first notice given them; that mean while he would have them pretend they had some private Quarrel, and engage their Friends to assist them, for many, he observ'd, were not fit to be entrusted with so important a Secret, and others could not in cold Blood behold the Dangers they must go thro, and yet both be very serviceable when Matters were ripe, and only their Swords wanted.

[Sidenote: _Dec. 1. 1640._]

Finding every body firm in their Resolutions, and impatient to revenge themselves upon the _Spaniards_, he conferr'd with _Almeida_, _Mendoza_, _Almada_, and _Mello_, who fix'd upon Saturday, the first of _December_, for the great, the important Day: Notice was immediately given to the Duke of _Braganza_, that he might cause himself to be proclaim'd King the same day in the Province of _Alentejo_, most part of which belong'd to him. After which they agreed upon meeting once more before the time.

On the Twenty-fifth of _November_, according to their Agreement, they met at _Braganza-House_, where mustering their Forces, they found that they could depend upon about One Hundred and Fifty Gentlemen, (most of them Heads of Families) with their Servants and Tenants, and about Two Hundred substantial Citizens, who could bring with them a considerable Number of inferior Workmen.

_Vasconcellos_'s Death was unanimously resolv'd on, as a just Victim, and which would be grateful to the People. Some urg'd, that the Archbishop of _Braga_ deserv'd the same Fate, especially considering the Strength of his Genius, and the Greatness of his Courage; for it was not to be suppos'd that he would be an idle Looker-on, but would probably be more dangerous than the Secretary himself could be, by raising all the _Spaniards_ who were in _Lisbon_, with their Creatures; and that whilst they were busy in making themselves Masters of the Palace, he, at the head of his People, might fling himself into the Citadel, or come to the assistance of the Vice-Queen, to whose Service he was entirely devoted; and that at such a time as this, Pity was unseasonable, and Mercy dangerous.

These Considerations made the greatest part of the Assembly consent to the Prelate's Death; and he had shar'd _Vasconcellos_'s Fate, had not[D] Don _Miguel d'Almeida_ interpos'd. He represented to the Conspirators, that the Death of a Man of the Prelate's Character and Station, would make them odious to the People; that it would infallibly draw the Hatred of the Clergy, and of the Inquisition in particular, (a People who at this Juncture were to be dreaded) upon the Duke of _Braganza_, to whom they would not only give the Names of Tyrant and Usurper, but whom they would also excommunicate; that the Prince himself would be sorely griev'd to have the Day stain'd with so cruel an Action; that he himself would engage to watch him so closely on that Day, that he should not have an Opportunity of doing any thing which might be prejudicial to the common Cause. In short, he urg'd so many things in his behalf, that the Prelate's Life was granted, the Assembly not being able to deny any thing to so worthy an Advocate.

Nothing now remain'd but to regulate the Order of the March and Attack, which was agreed upon in this manner: They should divide into four Companies, which should enter the Palace by four different Ways; so that all the Avenues to it being stopt, the _Spaniards_ might have no Communication with, or be able to assist one another: That Don _Miguel d'Almeida_, with his, should fall on the _German_ Guard, at the Entrance of the Palace: That _Mello_ Lord _Ranger_, his Brother, and Don _Estevan d'Acugna_, should attack the Guard, which was always set at a Place call'd the _Fort_: That the Lord-Chamberlain _Emanuel Saa_, _Teillo de Menezes_, and _Pinto_, should enter _Vasconcellos_'s Apartment, whom they must immediately dispatch: That Don _Antonio d'Almada_, _Mendoza_, Don _Carlos Norogna_, and _Antonio Salsaigni_, should seize the Vice-Queen, and the _Spaniards_ which were with her, to serve for Hostages, in case of need. Mean while, some of the Gentlemen, with a few of the most reputable Citizens, should proclaim Don _John_, Duke of _Braganza_, King of _Portugal_ throughout the City; and that the People being rais'd by their Acclamations, they should make use of them to assist, wherever they found any Opposition. After this they resolv'd to meet on the first of _December_ in the morning, some at _Almeida_'s, some at _Almada_'s, and the rest at _Mendoza_'s House, where every Man should be furnish'd with necessary Arms.

While these things were transacting at _Lisbon_, and that the Duke's Friends were using all their Endeavours for his Re-establishment, he receiv'd an Express from _Olivarez_, (who grew very jealous of his Conduct) with positive Orders to come immediately to _Madrid_; and that he might have nothing to colour his Delay, he remitted him a Bill upon the Royal Treasury for Ten Thousand Ducats.

The Commands laid upon him were so plain and positive, that the Duke could not put off his Journey without justly encreasing his Suspicion. He plainly foresaw, that if he did not obey those Orders, the Court of _Madrid_ would take some such Measures as might prove fatal to him, and wholly destroy their Projection; he would not therefore refuse to obey, but made part of his Houshold immediately set out, and take the _Madrid_ Road. In the presence of the Courier he gave several Orders relating to the Conduct of those he left his Deputy-Governours, and in all respects behav'd himself like a Man who was going a long Journey. He dispatch'd a Gentleman to the Vice-Queen, to give her notice of his Departure, and wrote to _Olivarez_, that he would be at _Madrid_ in eight Days time at farthest; and that he might engage the Courier to report all these things, he made him a considerable Present, under pretence of rewarding him for his expeditious Haste, in bringing him Letters from the King, and his first Ministers. At the same time he let the Conspirators know what new Orders he had receiv'd from Court, that they might see the Danger of deferring the Execution of their Design; but they were scarce in a Capacity of assisting him, an Accident having happen'd, which had almost broken all their Measures.

There was at _Lisbon_ a Nobleman, who on all Occasions had shewn an immortal Hatred to the _Spanish_ Government; he never call'd them any thing but Tyrants and Usurpers, and would openly rail at their unjust Proceedings, but nothing anger'd him more than the Expedition of _Catalonia_: _d'Almada_ having taken care to fall often into his Company, thought there was not a truer-hearted _Portuguese_ in the whole Kingdom, and that no one would more strenuously labour for their Liberty. But oh Heaven! how great was his Surprize! when having taken him aside, and discover'd the whole Conspiracy to him, this base, this cowardly Wretch, whose whole Courage was plac'd in his Tongue, refus'd to have any hand in the Business, or to engage himself with the Conspirators, pretending that their Plot had no solid Foundation: Bold and adventrous where no Danger was, but fearful and daunted as soon as it appear'd. "Have you, _said he to_ Almada, Forces enough to undertake so great a thing? Where is your Army to oppose the Troops of _Spain_, who upon the first News of the Revolt will enter the Kingdom? What Grandees have you at your head? Can they furnish you with Money sufficient to defray the Expence of a Civil War? I fear, _continued he_, that instead of revenging yourselves on the _Spaniards_, and freeing _Portugal_ from Slavery, you will utterly ruin it, by giving the _Spaniards_ a specious Pretence for doing what they have been so long endeavouring at."

_D'Almada_, who expected nothing less than such an Answer, and being very much troubled at his having entrusted the Secret to a Man, who in all probability would betray it, without replying drew his Sword, and coming up to the other, his Eyes sparkling with Rage; "Base Wretch, _said he_, by thy deceitful Words thou hast drawn a Secret from me, with which thou must take my Life, or by the Loss of thine atone for thy Treachery." The other, who had always thought it safest to avoid the nearest Danger, at the sight of _d'Almada_'s naked Sword, promis'd to do any thing. He offer'd to sign the Conspiracy, and found weighty Reasons to destroy his former Objections; he swore that he would bury the Secret in his Heart, and endeavour'd all he could to persuade _Almada_, that it was neither want of Courage, or Hatred to the _Spaniards_, which had at first made him averse to what he had propos'd.

Notwithstanding his Oaths and Promises, _d'Almada_ could not be thoroughly satisfy'd of this Man's Fidelity; he took care, without losing sight of him, to let the others know what had happen'd. A general Consternation immediately spread itself amongst them, and they fear'd, that the Prospect of the Danger which he must share, or the Hope of a Reward, would make this Wretch betray them. Upon this they resolv'd to defer the Execution of their Project, and forc'd _Pinto_ to write to his Master, to put off his being proclaim'd in his Country, till he should hear further from them. But _Pinto_, who knew how dangerous it was to defer such a thing, tho but for a Day, at the same time sent him another Letter, in which he desir'd him to take no notice of his first, seeing that it was only the Effect of a panick Fear, which had seiz'd the Conspirators, and which would be over long before the Express arriv'd.

Nor was this crafty Man at all deceiv'd; for the next Day finding every thing still and quiet, and the Person who caus'd the Alarm making fresh Promises of Secrecy, they concluded that either he had arm'd his Mind with a generous Resolution of assisting them, or was afraid of impeaching so many Persons of Quality; and therefore they determin'd to proceed to Execution on the appointed Day. But another Adventure happen'd, which disquieted 'em as much as the former.

There were always in the Palace several of the Conspirators, walking up and down like Courtiers out of Place, whose Business it was to observe what was done within; but on the Evening of the last of _November_, they came in a Fright to their Companions, to tell them that _Vasconcellos_ (by whose Death they were to begin the mighty Work) was just gone on board a Yacht, and had cross'd the _Tagus_. Who but Conspirators would have taken notice of so indifferent a thing? For a thousand Reasons, in which they were not concern'd, might have made him go on the other side of the Water; but they immediately concluded, that this artful Statesman, who had always his Spies abroad, had discover'd their Plot, and was about to bring into _Lisbon_ those Soldiers which were quarter'd in the Villages on the other side of the River. Death, in its most ghastly Shape, appear'd to them, and they fancy'd that they already felt the cruellest Torments which could be inflicted. Some were resolving to fly into _Africa_, others into _England_; and all of them spent the first part of the Night in the greatest Disquiet imaginable, between the Hopes of Life and Fear of Death. But about the middle of the Night their Apprehensions vanish'd; for some who had been sauntring about the Port, to endeavour to discover the Secretary's Design, came and brought them the welcome News, that _Vasconcellos_ had been only diverting himself upon the Water, and that he was return'd, with the Musick playing before him. A sudden Joy succeeded to their Grief, and about an hour after, being inform'd that every thing was quiet in the Palace, and every body bury'd in a profound Sleep, they return'd home to enjoy a little Rest; that they might be fitter for the Morning's Work.

It was very late, or rather very early, when they parted, and within some few hours of their appointed time, and yet an Accident happen'd within those few hours, which had almost betray'd them; so dangerous and uncertain are Enterprizes of this nature, whilst there are Men, whom Hopes of Gain, or Fear of Punishment, can work upon to betray their Fellows. Don _George Mello_, Brother to the Lord _Ranger_, lodg'd at a Relation's House, in the furthest Suburbs of _Lisbon_. This Gentleman thought, that now the time was come in which the Conspiracy would break out, and there was no necessity of hiding it any longer from this Relation, whom he had reason to believe was his Friend, as also one that might be serviceable to them, and who otherwise would for ever reproach him with having distrusted him as one not true to the Interest of his Country. Wherefore as soon as he came home, he went into his Chamber, and there reveal'd the Secret, desiring him to join in the Enterprize with so many Persons of Quality, and to behave himself as a _Portuguese_ ought to do upon such an occasion. The other, surpriz'd at the Strangeness of this News, affected a seeming Joy for the approaching Liberty of his Country, thank'd _Mello_ for the Confidence he repos'd in him, and assur'd him, that he accounted himself happy in having an opportunity of exposing his Life in so just and glorious a Cause.

Upon this _Mello_ retir'd to his Chamber, to lay himself down to sleep, but scarce was he got thither, when he began seriously to reflect upon what he had been doing, and could not but think himself guilty of a very inconsiderate Action, in putting the Lives of so many Persons of Quality in the power of one, of whose Principles he was not overwell assur'd; then began he to fancy, that he had observ'd something of Fear in the Countenance of the Person, at the time when he was advising him to share the Danger of the Undertaking.

Full of these Reflections, he could not lay him down to rest, but was walking in great Disorder about his Chamber, when he thought he over-heard a kind of whispering Noise. Opening his Window softly, to see if any body was in the Street, he could perceive a Servant holding his Relation's Horse, and himself ready to mount. Enrag'd at this, he snatch'd his Sword, and hastening down stairs, seiz'd his Kinsman, and ask'd him whither he was going at this unseasonable time. The other would have forg'd an Excuse, and was hammering out a Lye, but _Mello_ holding his Point to his Breast, threaten'd to kill him, if he did not immediately go in again; then order'd he the Keys of the House to be brought him, and having fasten'd all the Doors himself, he retir'd with his Kinsman, nor would he lose sight of him till it was time to go to the Rendevouz, to which he carried him.

But now the Morning dawn'd, that was to decide whether the Duke of _Braganza_ should be the King and Deliverer of his Country, or be accounted a Rebel and Traitor.

Betimes in the Morning the Conspirators met at the appointed Places, where they were to be furnish'd with Arms. They all appear'd with so much Resolution and Courage, that they rather seem'd marching to a certain Victory, than to an uncertain Enterprize. But what is very much to be admir'd at, is, that amongst such a Number of Nobility, Gentry, Citizens, nay Priests, not one should falsify his Word, or break his Promise, tho their Interests in the Event were very different; but they all seem'd as impatient for the important Moment, as if each there had been the Contriver of the Scheme, or at the Head of the Enterprize; or rather, as if the Crown was to have been the Reward of each individual Man's Labour. Several Ladies also made themselves famous on that Day. But the noble Behaviour of Donna _Philippa de Villenes_ ought never to be forgotten, who with her own hands arm'd both her Sons; and giving them their Swords, "Go, my Children, _said she_, put an end to a Tyrant's Power, revenge yourselves on your Enemies, free your Country, and be assur'd, that if Success does not crown your Undertaking, your Mother never will live to see the cruel Fate of so many brave and deserving Patriots."

Every one being arm'd, they made the best of their way towards the Palace, most of them in Litters, that they might conceal their Number and their Arms. There they divided into four Companies, and waited with impatience till the Palace-Clock struck Eight; that, and the firing of a Pistol, being the appointed Signal. Never did time seem so long; they fear'd that their being at that Place so early, and in such a Number, might make the Secretary jealous of their Design: but at last the long-expected Hour struck, and _Pinto_ firing a Pistol, they rush'd forward to execute their bold Design.

Don _Miguel d'Almeida_, with those that accompany'd him, fell upon the _German_ Guard, who were so far from expecting any Attack, that they were sitting very carelessly, few of them having their Arms in hand; so that they were cut to pieces, without scarce making any resistance.

The Lord _Ranger_, with his Brother _Mello_, and Don _Estevan d'Acugna_, fell on the _Spaniards_ who kept Guard at a Place before the Palace, call'd the _Fort_. These Nobles, followed by most of the Citizens who were engag'd in the Conspiracy, fell upon the _Castilians_ Sword in hand, and fought most resolutely; but no one behav'd himself more bravely than one of the City Priests: this Reverend Man, with a Crucifix in one hand, and a Sword in the other, appear'd at the head of his Party, and encourag'd the People, both by his Words and his Example, to cut their Enemies in pieces. The _Spaniards_, aw'd at the sight of so religious an Object, neither durst offend him, nor defend themselves, but fled before him. In short, after some small Resistance, the Officer of the Guard, willing to save his own Life, was forc'd to cry out with the rest, _Long live the Duke of_ Braganza, _King of_ Portugal!

_Pinto_ having forced his way into the Palace, march'd at the head of those, who were to enter _Vasconcellos_'s Apartment, so undauntedly, and with so little concern, that meeting with an Acquaintance, who, surpriz'd and frighted, ask'd him, whither he was going with such a Number of arm'd Men, and what they design'd to do; "Nothing, _said he smiling_, but change our Master, rid you of a Tyrant, and give _Portugal_ their rightful King."

Entring the Secretary's Apartment, the first Person they met with was the[E] _Civil Corregidor_; who, thinking that the Noise he heard proceeded from some private Quarrel, would have interpos'd his Authority, but hearing a Cry of _Long live the Duke of_ Braganza, _&c._ thought he was in honour oblig'd to cry out _Long live the King of_ Spain _and_ Portugal: but he lost his Life for his ill-tim'd Loyalty, one of the Conspirators immediately shooting him thro the Head.

_Antonio Correa_, first Clerk of the Secretary's Office, ran out to know the Occasion of this Tumult. This was the Man who was employ'd in oppressing the People, and who, after the Example of his Master, treated the Nobility of the Kingdom with Scorn and Contempt; therefore as soon as he appear'd, Don _Antonio de Menezes_ plung'd his Sword into his Bosom. But the Blow not ending either his Life or Pride, and thinking that they had mistaken him, he turn'd towards _Menezes_, his Eyes sparkling with Rage and Indignation, and, in a passionate manner, cry'd out, _Villain! darest thou strike me?_ But _Menezes_, without answering, redoubled his Blows; and the other, having receiv'd four or five Stabs, fell down: However, none of the Wounds prov'd mortal, and he escap'd at that time, to lose his Life afterwards in an ignominious manner, by the hands of the common Hangman.

This Business had stop'd the Conspirators, but as soon as _Correa_ fell, they all rush'd forwards towards _Vasconcellos_'s Apartment. There was with him, at that time, Don _Garcez Palleia_, a Captain of Foot; who seeing so many arm'd Men, immediately concluded, that their Design was to butcher the Secretary. And altho' he was under no manner of Obligation to that Minister, yet he thought himself in honour oblig'd to lend him what Assistance he could; wherefore standing at the Door, with his Sword in hand, he barr'd that Passage: but one of the Conspirators running him thro' the Arm, and several, who were unwilling to give him fair play, pressing forward, he was glad to make his Escape, by leaping out of a Window.

Upon this all the Company, that was with _Pinto_, enter'd the Chamber at once, and sought _Vasconcellos_; they overturn'd the Bed and Tables, broke open the Trunks, and every one was desirous of giving him the first Blow; yet, spite of their Endeavour, they could not find him, and they began to fear that he had made his Escape: but at last an old Maid-Servant being threaten'd with Death, unless she would tell where her Master was; and seeing the uplifted Swords, pointed to a Press which was made within the Wall, and in which they found the Secretary bury'd under a heap of Papers.