Part 5

So great was his fear of Death, which he saw surrounding him on every side, that it prevented his Speech. Don _Roderigo de Saa_, Lord Chamberlain, was the Man who kill'd him, by shooting him through the Head with a Pistol; after which several of the Conspirators stabb'd him, then threw him out of the Window, crying, _Liberty! Liberty! The Tyrant is dead! Long live Don_ John _King of_ Portugal!

The Noise which all this had made, had drawn a vast number of People to the Palace-Court, who seeing the Secretary's Body thrown out, shouted in a most joyful manner; then rushing upon the Carcase, they mangled it, every one being eager to give him a Stab, thinking that, thro his sides, they wounded Tyranny.

Thus perish'd _Miguel Vasconcellos_, a _Portuguese_ by Birth, but by Inclination a _Spaniard_, and an Enemy to his Country. He had an excellent Genius for Business, was crafty, politick, nor could any Man apply himself closer to it than he did. He was always inventing new ways of extorting Money from the People, was unmerciful, inexorable, and cruel, without the least regard to Friend or Relation; so fix'd, that after he had taken a Resolution, no one could byass his Temper; and so harden'd, that he never knew what the Stings of Conscience were. He had a Soul that was not capable of relishing any pleasure, but that of hoarding up Money; so that he left vast Sums behind him, part of which the People plunder'd, being willing to repay themselves, in some measure, that which had been extorted from them.

_Pinto_, without loss of time, march'd directly to join the other Conspirators, who were to make themselves Masters of the Palace, and to seize the Vice-Queen; he found that the Business was already done, and that Success had every where crown'd their Undertakings. Those who were appointed for that Expedition, came directly up to her Chamber, and the furious Mob, who follow'd them, threatning to set her Apartment on fire, if the Door was not immediately open'd; the Vice-Queen thinking by her Presence to pacify the Nobility, and awe the People, came out, attended by her Maids of Honour, and the Archbishop of _Braga_; and addressing herself to the chief Conspirators, "I own, Gentlemen, _said she_, that the Secretary justly deserv'd your Hatred and Indignation; his Cruelty and his haughty Insolence were intolerable, nor can his Death be charg'd upon you as a Crime, since you have only deliver'd yourselves from an oppressing Minister: But cannot his Blood satisfy you? Or what other Victim would you sacrifice to your Resentment? Think seriously, that altho' his illegal Conduct may excuse this Insurrection, yet should you any longer continue in Arms, Rebellion will be laid at your doors, and you will put it out of my power to make your Peace with the King."

Don _Antonio de Menezes_ answer'd, and assur'd her, "That so many Persons of Quality had not taken up Arms to murder a Wretch, who ought to have lost his Life by the hands of the common Hangman; but that their Design was to restore the Crown to the Duke of _Braganza_, to whom it lawfully belong'd, and which the King of _Spain_ had unjustly usurp'd; and that they were all ready to sacrifice their Lives in so glorious a Cause." She was about to reply, and to interpose the King's Authority; but _d'Almeida_, who fear'd that such a Speech might have a dangerous effect upon the People, or at least cool their Courages, interrupted her, saying, "That _Portugal_ acknowledg'd no other King but the Duke of _Braganza_." Upon which the People shouted again, crying, _Long live Don_ John, _King of_ Portugal!

The Vice-Queen believing that her Presence might be of service in the City, and have a good effect upon the People every where, where the Conspirators were not present, was going in haste down stairs, but Don _Carlos Norogna_ stopp'd her, desiring that she would retire to her own Apartment, assuring her that she should be treated with as much Respect as if she still had the supreme Command in the Kingdom; but told her that it would be dangerous for so great a Princess to expose herself to the Insults of a furious People, who were jealous of their Liberties, and enflam'd with Thirst of Revenge. The Queen easily understood the meaning of his words, and found that she was their Prisoner. Enrag'd at this, "And what can the People do to me?" _cry'd she_. "Nothing, Madam, _reply'd_ Norogna _in a passion_, but fling your Highness out of the Window."

The Archbishop of _Braga_ hearing this Answer, grew furious, and snatching a Sword from one of the Soldiers who stood next him, he flew towards _Norogna_, resolving to revenge the Vice-Queen, and had certainly met with Death, the just Reward of his Rashness, had not Don _Miguel d'Almeida_ laid hold of him, and embracing him, begg'd him to consider what Danger he expos'd himself to, telling him that he was already hated enough by the Conspirators; nor had he found it an easy Task to obtain a Promise of them that they would spare his Life, why then would he urge them by an Action, which would not only be unprofitable to his Cause, but which also so highly misbecame his Character. The Prelate, convinc'd of the Truth of what his Friend said, was obliged to dissemble his Anger; however, he hoped that he should meet with some favourable Opportunity of revenging himself on _Norogna_, and doing something for the service of _Spain_, to whose Interest he was entirely devoted.

The rest of the _Spaniards_ who were in the Palace, were made Prisoners by the other Conspirators: Amongst these were the Marquiss of _Puebla_, Major-Domo to the Vice-Queen, and elder Brother to the Marquiss _de Leganez_; Don _Didaco Cardenas_, Lieutenant-General of the Cavalry; Don _Ferdinand de Castro_, Comptroller of the Navy-Office; the Marquiss _de Baynetto_, an _Italian_, Gentleman-Usher to the Vice-Queen: with some Sea-Officers, who lay on shore, and whose Ships were in the Harbour. All this was done as regularly and as quietly, as if they had been taken up by an Order from the King of _Spain_, nobody stirring to their Assistance, and they not being able to defend themselves, most of them having been seiz'd in their Beds.

This done, Don _Antonio de Salsaigni_, follow'd by a Crowd of Friends, and an innumerable Multitude of People, went up into the Hall, where the Court of Justice was then sitting, and in an elegant Speech laid before them the present Happiness of _Portugal_, who had restor'd their own lawful King; he told them, that Tyranny was now no more, and that the Laws, which had been long slighted and neglected, should henceforward take their regular Course. This Speech was applauded by the whole Court, and they chang'd the Title of their Decrees, which they no longer made in the Name of the King of _Spain_, but in the Name of Don _John_, King of _Portugal_.

Whilst _Salsaigni_ was thus persuading the high Court of Justice to adhere to the Duke of _Braganza_'s Interest, Don _Gaston Coutingno_ was taking out of Prison those who had been thrown into it by the Cruelty of the _Spanish_ Minister. These unhappy Wretches, who had all along been persuaded, that they should end their Lives in their dismal Dungeons, unless taken out to be led to a cruel Death; seeing themselves now at liberty, and their Country in a fair way of being freed, and resolving to suffer any thing, rather than to return to their dark Prisons, form'd a Body no less formidable than that of the Conspirators, and who were as fully resolv'd to set the Duke of _Braganza_ on the Throne.

But in the midst of this general Joy, _Pinto_, with the rest of the Leaders, were under great Apprehensions: The _Spaniards_ were yet Masters of the Citadel, from whence they could easily burn and destroy the Town; besides which, the Port was open to the _Spanish_ Fleet: therefore thinking that they had done nothing till they had taken that Place, they went up to the Vice-Queen, and desir'd her to sign a Warrant to the Governour, by virtue of which he should be oblig'd to give them possession of the Citadel.

She, far from granting what they ask'd, upbraided them as Rebels and Traitors, and with Indignation ask'd them, Whether they had a mind to make her an Accomplice? But _d'Almada_, who knew how dangerous it was to leave the Enemies any longer in that Fort, and being provok'd at the Vice-Queen's Denial, his Eyes sparkling with Rage, swore violently, that if she did not sign the Warrant, he would forthwith put every one of the _Spaniards_ to death, whom they had taken in the Palace.

The poor Princess, frightened with these Threats, and unwilling to be the Occasion of the Death of so many Persons of Quality, was obliged to comply, thinking at the same time that the Governour knew his Duty too well, to obey an Order, which he might be assur'd was sign'd by Compulsion; but she was very much mistaken in her Conjecture, for Don _Lewis del Campo_, the _Spanish_ Governour, was a Man of no Resolution at all, and seeing the Conspirators coming arm'd towards the Citadel, and all the People of the Town following them, who threaten'd to cut him and his Garison in pieces, unless he immediately surrender'd, was glad to see the Warrant, and have so fair an Excuse for his Cowardice; wherefore he immediately obey'd the Order, and gave up the Fort.

Proud of having dispatch'd their Business so happily, the Conspirators forthwith deputed _Mendoza_ and the Lord _Ranger_ to the Duke of _Braganza_, to acquaint him with their Success, and assure him, that nothing was now wanting but the Presence of their King, to compleat the Happiness of his Subjects.

Notwithstanding their Message, his Presence was not equally coveted by every body. The Grandees of the Kingdom could not see him rais'd to the Throne, without being inwardly jealous of his Fortune; and those of the Nobility, who were not let into the Secret, refus'd as yet to declare themselves; nay, some went so far as to assure the People, that the Duke would never approve of so rash an Action, and whose consequence might be so fatal to them all. Those who were in the _Spanish_ Interest, were in a strange Consternation, and did not dare so much as stir abroad, lest they should be sacrific'd by the People, whose Rage was not yet appeas'd: In short, every body seem'd at an uncertainty, and waited impatiently for the Resolutions of the Duke of _Braganza_.

But his Friends, who were better acquainted with his Intentions, still pursued what they had so happily began, and assembled in the Palace, to give the necessary Orders. The Archbishop was unanimously chosen President of the Council, and Lord-Lieutenant of _Portugal_ till the King's Arrival. He would at first have refus'd the Office, declaring that his opinion was, that they had more need of a good General at their head, than of a Man of his Character. However, being press'd by the Assembly to accept the Place, he consented to it, on condition that he might have the Archbishop of _Braga_ for his Collegue; who, he said, was well acquainted with the Business, and might be very serviceable to him during the King's Absence.

This cunning Prelate chose his Brother Archbishop sooner than any other Man, well knowing that if he did accept it, he made himself an Accomplice in what he call'd Rebellion, and would be accounted criminal by the _Spanish_ Minister: Besides which, he would have only had the Title of one of the Lord-Lieutenants, without any share of the Power. But if, on the other hand, he refus'd it, he should for ever put him out of the King's Favour, and make him odious to all the People, who henceforwards would look on him as an open and profess'd Enemy to his Country.

The Archbishop of _Braga_ was very sensible of the Snare which was laid for him, but as he was wholly devoted to the Vice-Queen, and firm to the _Spanish_ Interest, he refus'd having any thing to do with the Administration; so that the whole Burden of the publick Affairs fell upon the Archbishop of _Lisbon_: to ease him of part of which, they gave him for Assistants Don _Miguel d'Almeida_, _Pedro Mendoza_, and Don _Antonio d'Almada_.

One of the first Orders which the new Governour gave, was to seize upon the three _Spanish_ Galloons which were then in the Harbour; upon which they arm'd a few Barks, and in them went most part of the _Lisbon_ Youth, so desirous were they of shewing their Affection to the King: but the Galloons were taken without Resistance, the Officers, and the greatest part of the Ships Crew, having been seiz'd in the Morning ashore.

That very Evening Couriers were dispatch'd to every Province, to exhort the People to give thanks for the Recovery of their Liberties, and the Restoration of the Duke of _Braganza_; with Orders at the same time to all Governours of Towns, and other Magistrates, to have him proclaim'd King of _Portugal_, and to take all the _Spaniards_, in their respective Districts, into custody.

And now they began to prepare every thing at _Lisbon_ for the Reception of the new King, and the Archbishop sent word to the late Vice-Queen, that she would very much oblige them, in leaving the Palace where she was, for he thought the King would want her Apartment, and that he had prepar'd every thing for her Reception at the Palace of _Xabregas_, which was at the farther end of the Town. This Princess receiv'd the Order with a scornful Look, and without answering a word, obey'd it. She went thro the Street, but without the usual Train of Courtiers and Crowd of People; there was only the Archbishop of _Braga_ with her, who still gave her manifest Tokens of his Respect, even now when he expos'd his Life by so doing.

Mean while the Duke of _Braganza_ continued in the cruel State of Uncertainty, sometimes flattering himself with the most pleasing Ideas which a lively Hope can form, and sometimes under the most dismal Apprehensions which frighten'd Fancy can suggest. The Distance between _Villa-viciosa_ and _Lisbon_ being thirty Leagues, he could not know what pass'd in his behalf so soon as he could have wish'd. All that he knew was, that on this Day his Life and Fortune were at stake. He had at first resolv'd to have himself proclaim'd at the same time in all the Towns which were under his Dependance; but his mind chang'd, and he determin'd to wait for the News of what had pass'd at _Lisbon_, before he undertook any thing. There still remain'd the Kingdom of _Algarva_, and the Citadel of _Elvas_, to which he could retire, in case his Party at _Lisbon_ should fail; nay, he thought he could clear himself of having any hand in the Conspiracy, especially at a time when the _Spaniards_ would be glad to believe him innocent.

He had planted several Couriers on the Road to _Lisbon_, and thereby expected to have an Account of what had pass'd betimes; but he had waited with impatience all the Day, and the greatest part of the Night, without hearing any thing, and the next Morning was already near at hand, when _Mello_ and _Mendoza_, who had rode post from _Lisbon_, arriv'd. They threw themselves at the Duke's feet, by which Action, as well as by the Joy which appear'd in their Faces, the Success of their Undertaking might be better read, than it was possible for them to express.

They were about to give him an exact Account of every thing, but the Duke, without hearing a word of what they had to tell him, conducted them to the Dutchess's Apartment. The two Noblemen saluted her with the same Respect, as if she had actually been upon the Throne; they assur'd her of the Good-Wishes and Fidelity of her Subjects: and to shew her that they acknowledg'd her their Queen, they now gave her the Title of _Majesty_, whereas the Kings and Queens of _Portugal_ had hitherto been always call'd their _Highnesses_.

We may easily judge of what pass'd in the Heart of this Royal Pair, if we consider the Fears and Agitations which they were before in, and to what Grandeur they were now rais'd. Nothing but Shouts of Joy were heard throughout the Palace, the happy News soon spread, and the same Morning the King was proclaim'd in all those Places, where it should have been done the Day before; _Mello_ and _Alphonso_ also had him proclaim'd at _Elvas_. The People came in Crouds to pay their Homage to the new King; which, tho in a confus'd manner, was no less agreeable to him, than what he afterwards receiv'd in all the formal Pomp of Ceremony.

The King immediately set out for _Lisbon_, with the same Equipage which had been prepar'd for his setting out for _Madrid_. He was accompany'd by the Marquiss _de Ferreira_, a Relation of his; the Count _de Vimioso_; and several other Persons of Quality, who were come to wait upon him to the Capital.

[Sidenote: _Decem. 6._]

The Queen he left at _Villa-viciosa_, knowing that her Presence was necessary there, to keep the Provinces in awe. Every where, upon the Roads to _Lisbon_, they met with infinite Numbers of People, who crouded forwards to see the King; who had the satisfaction every where of hearing the People blessing him, and cursing the _Spaniards_. All the Nobility, with the whole Court, and the Magistrates of the City, met him at a great distance from _Lisbon_, and he enter'd the Town amidst the Acclamations of a joyful People.

That Evening there were Illuminations every where, and Fireworks in every publick Place; each Citizen in particular had a Bonfire before his door, which made a _Spaniard_ say, "The Duke of _Braganza_ was a happy Prince, who had got a whole Kingdom for a Bonfire." Nor was it long indeed before he was Master of the whole Kingdom, every Town follow'd the Example of their Capital, and seem'd as if they had a Plot ripe for Execution. Fresh Couriers every day arriv'd, who brought News of Towns, and sometimes of whole Provinces, which had driven the _Castilians_ out, and proclaim'd the Duke of _Braganza_. Nor were many of the _Spanish_ Governours more resolute than the Commander of the Citadel of _Lisbon_; and whether they wanted Soldiers, Ammunition, or Courage, is uncertain, but most of them surrender'd, without so much as giving the _Portuguese_ the trouble of firing a Gun. In short, they fled the Kingdom like so many Criminals who had broke out of Prison; each Man dreaded _Vasconcellos_'s Fate, and trembled at the sight of an incens'd Multitude: nor was there a _Spaniard_ left in the whole Kingdom, but those who were taken into Custody, and all this in less than a Fortnight's time.

Don _Ferdinand de la Cueva_, Commander of the Citadel of _St. Juan_, at the Mouth of the _Tagus_, was the only Man who offer'd to make any resistance, and to preserve the Place for the King his Master. The Garison was wholly compos'd of _Spaniards_, the Officers brave, and resolv'd to hold it out to the last; and therefore, as soon as the _Portuguese_ approach'd them, made a vigorous Defence. They were oblig'd to besiege it in form; to that end they brought Cannon from _Lisbon_, and open'd the Trenches before it, which they carry'd as far as the Counterscarp, spite of the Besieged's continual Fire, and their frequent Sallies. But the King, who knew that treating with the Commander would be not only the safest, but the shortest way, made him such advantageous Proposals, that the Governour could not resist the Temptation; but dazled with the Prospect of the vast Sum which was offer'd, besides a Commandry of the _Order of Christ_, and pretending that his Garison was not strong enough to hold out a Siege, he surrender'd upon Terms, spite of the chief Officers, who refus'd to sign the Capitulation.

This done, the King thought it best not to defer his Coronation, that he might thereby confirm his Royalty, and consecrate his Majesty. The Ceremony was perform'd on the Fifteenth of _December_ with all the Magnificence imaginable; the Duke _d'Aveiro_, the Marquiss _de Villareal_, the Duke _de Carmino_, his Son, the Count _de Monsano_, and all the other Grandees of the Kingdom, being present. The Archbishop of _Lisbon_, at the head of all the Clergy of his Diocese, and accompany'd by several other Bishops, met him at the Door of the Cathedral; there he was solemnly acknowledg'd by the States of the Kingdom their Rightful and Lawful King: after which every one of them took the Oath of Allegiance.

Some few Days after the Coronation, the Queen arriv'd at _Lisbon_ with a sumptuous Equipage and numerous Retinue. All the Court went out of Town to meet her, and she already had with her all the Officers of her Houshold. The King himself met her at some distance from the Town. This Prince omitted nothing which might make her Entry appear magnificent, and convince the People that he believ'd she had very much contributed to the placing the Crown upon his Head. Every one observ'd, that notwithstanding her Fortune was alter'd, yet was not the Queen in the least chang'd, but behav'd herself as majestically, as if she had been born to, and was educated for the Possession of a Throne.

* * * * *

Such was the Success of this great Enterprize, as happily finish'd, as it was prudently begun; which may be reckon'd a sort of Miracle, considering the vast Number of Persons, and the different Quality and Inclinations of those who were let into the Secret: Nor can it be accounted for, but from the natural Hatred which the _Portuguese_ had to a _Spanish_ Government; a Hatred! which took its first Rise from the frequent Wars which these neighbouring Nations waged against one another, ever since they had been Monarchies; as well as from their being both concern'd in the Discovery of the _Indies_, and the frequent Debates which they had concerning their Commerce; these at last grew into an inveterate Hatred, which was now encreas'd by the Tyranny of _Spain_.

The News of the Revolution soon reach'd the Court of _Spain_. _D'Olivarez_ was almost driven to Despair at the hearing it; he saw his own Project miscarry, and Ruin threatning his Country, which might have been easily prevented, but could not now be remedy'd. Nor had _Spain_ any need of acquiring new Enemies, the _French_ and _Dutch_ Troops already employ'd their utmost Forces, with much ado they resisted their combin'd Strength; and the Revolt of _Catalonia_, he fear'd, might invite other Provinces to do the like.

There was no one now in the Court of _Madrid_ ignorant of the News, but the King himself; every one thought that he ought to be inform'd of it, yet no one dar'd undertake the ungrateful Task, for fear of incurring the Minister's Displeasure, whose implacable Temper they knew too well, to hope that he would ever forgive an Offence of this nature. At last the Duke, seeing that the Story was too well known to be any longer conceal'd from the King, and fearing that some of his Enemies, either to ingratiate or revenge themselves, should tell it in such a manner, that the whole Fault would seem to fall upon him, he resolv'd to be himself the Messenger, and coming up to the King, with a serene Look, and a Face on which a dissembled Joy sat confess'd, "I wish your Majesty Joy," _said he_, "of a noble Dutchy, and a fine Estate, which are lately fallen to you." "How _Olivarez!" answer'd the King_; "what do you mean?" "Mean!" _reply'd the Minister_; "why the Duke of _Braganza_ is run mad, the Mob have proclaimed him King of _Portugal_, and he has accepted the Title; so that now all he has is confiscated, and you have a good Pretence to rid yourself of the whole Family: Henceforwards you may reign King of _Portugal_, nor fear that any one will dispute your Title to that Kingdom."

As weak a Prince as _Philip_ was, he easily comprehended the meaning of these words; but as he could no longer see but thro his Minister's Eyes, he only told him, That he must take care betimes to put an end to a Rebellion, whose Consequence might otherwise prove dangerous.

[Sidenote: _Jan. 28. 1644._]