Part 7
This Prince still kept a very good Correspondence with the Enemies of _Spain_, his Ports were open to the Fleets of _France_ and _Holland_; he had a Resident at _Barcelona_, and encourag'd the revolting _Catalonians_: in short, he did all he could to weaken _Spain_, not only by increasing the Rage of its Foes, but also by endeavouring to raise up new ones. To this end, he had already inclin'd the Duke _de Medina Sidonia_, his Brother-in-law, to rebel; whom the Marquiss _Daiamonti_, a _Castilian_, and their mutual Confidant, at length entirely seduced. This Nobleman was, as has been before observ'd, nearly related to the Queen of _Portugal_, and the Duke of _Medina_: He was Governour of a Place at the Mouth of the _Guadiano_, and just on the Frontiers of _Portugal_, which made it easy for him to keep a good Correspondence with that Court; nor did he question, but that by being serviceable to two such powerful Families, he should easily make his own Fortune. He was valiant, enterprizing, hated the first Minister, and at the same time did not in the least value his Life; a Quality so very necessary to those who embark themselves in any dangerous Design.
He wrote privately to the Duke, to congratulate him upon the Discovery of the Archbishop's Plot, and the Preservation of the Life of the Queen his Sister, and all the Royal Family; he at the same time observ'd how grateful it must be to him to see the Crown of _Portugal_ one day adorn the Head of his Nephews, which made that Kingdom a sure Refuge for him in time of Distress: which perhaps might be too near at hand, since he could never reckon himself safe while _Olivarez_ was at the head of Affairs, whose only aim was to ruin all the Grandees; nor was it to be suppos'd that the crafty Statesman would long leave him Governour of so large a Province, and in the Neighbourhood of _Portugal_: That he would advise him seriously to reflect on all these things, and let him know his Resolutions; to which end he should send him a Person in whom he could confide, and to whom they both might safely trust their Secret.
The Duke was naturally proud and ambitious, and with Envy had beheld his Brother-in-law raising himself to the Throne; nor would he, on his side, willingly neglect any Opportunity of doing the like. Believing by what the Marquiss said, that he had some very advantageous Proposal of this kind to make him, he sent _Lewis de Castile_, his Confidant, to _Daiamonti_, who seeing his Credentials, at once open'd his Mind, and bid him remember with what ease the Duke of _Braganza_ had made himself Master of the Crown of Portugal; nor could there ever be a more favourable time for the Duke of _Medina Sidonia_ to do the like, and make himself independent of the Crown of _Spain_.
After this he represented the Weakness of that Kingdom, which was exhausted by the Wars which the _French_ and _Dutch_ had continually waged against them: That _Catalonia_ now employ'd all its Forces, nor would the King know how to help himself, should _Andalusia_ rise in Arms against him, and the War be thus carry'd into the very Heart of the Kingdom: That the People would certainly side with him, being always fond of a new Government; besides which, they had reason enough to complain of the old one, which had so oppress'd them with Taxes, and extorted such vast Sums from them: That the Duke of _Medina_ was as well beloved by the _Andalusians_, as the Duke of _Braganza_ was at the time of the Revolution by the _Portuguese_: That the only thing which now remain'd to be done, was to gain all those, who, under him, were Governours of Towns and Forts, without entrusting them with the Secret, which might be done; and to fill all Places of Trust with his surest Friends: That as soon as the Galloons, which were expected from the _Indies_, arriv'd, he should seize them, and the Riches which were on board would defray the Expences of this Enterprize: That the King of _Portugal_, with his Allies, should have a Fleet ready to enter _Cadiz_, and there land a sufficient Number of Forces, to subdue those who would unseasonably shew their Loyalty to _Spain_.
_Lewis de Castile_ being return'd to his Master, gave him a faithful Account of all that had pass'd between him and the Marquiss. The Duke, dazled with the Prospect of a Crown, resolv'd to hazard every thing, rather than fail of obtaining one. He was chief Commander there both by Sea and Land, as Captain-General of the Ocean, and Governour of the Province, in which he also had a very large Estate, and several Towns under his own immediate Jurisdiction. This seem'd very much to facilitate his Design, and made him believe, that it was in his power to put a Crown upon his Head whenever he pleas'd.
Upon this he sent _Lewis de Castile_ back to the Marquiss, that they might together agree upon the properest Measures of accomplishing their Project, and especially of engaging the Crown of _Portugal_ to lend them all the Assistance it possibly could. Mean while, he himself was disposing every thing for the intended Revolution; he put his own Creatures in all those Places where their Assistance would be most serviceable to him; he frequently would pity the Soldiers, who were not paid as they ought to be, and the People, who were over-burden'd with excessive Taxes.
The Marquiss _Daiamonti_ was well pleas'd to see the Duke in that Disposition he had long wish'd to see him in; he wanted to acquaint the King of _Portugal_ with it, but was unwilling to trust to Letters, and fear'd he could not send a Messenger so privately, but that the Court of _Spain_ might discover it, and have just cause to mistrust his Fidelity: However, at last he cast his eyes upon a crafty and intriguing Monk, who for love of Money, or hope of Preferment, would undertake any thing; he was call'd Father _Nicholas de Valasco_, of the Order of _St. Francis_. No one could be fitter for his purpose, since in the Countries where the Inquisition is, this Habit is so much respected, that no one would dare to pry into his Actions, and observe his Steps.
As soon as he had receiv'd his Instructions, he came to _Castro-Marino_, the first Town on the Frontiers of _Portugal_, pretending to ransom some _Castilian_ Prisoners which were detain'd in _Portugal_. The King, who had notice given him of it, by a Letter from the Marquiss _Daiamonti_, was desir'd to seize him, and bring him to Court: This was accordingly done; he was arrested as a Spy, loaded with Chains, and brought to _Lisbon_ as a State-Criminal, whom the Ministry themselves would examine; where he was immediately cast into Prison, and seemingly watch'd very strictly: some time after he was set at liberty, since upon Examination it appear'd, that his only Intent was to ransom some _Castilian_ Prisoners; and partly, to make him amends for his former ill Usage, he was permitted to come to Court, to treat with the proper Officer about it.
The King saw him himself several times, and promis'd him, that as a Reward of his Industry and faithful Service, he would give him a Bishoprick. The Monk, flatter'd with the hopes of the Mitre, would never stir from the Palace; he made his court to the Queen, and was always waiting upon the Ministers: He wanted to be let into all the State-Intrigues, and did all he could to shew what Credit he had at Court; and thus, without directly revealing his Secret, he betray'd it by his Pride and Inconsiderateness. It plainly appear'd, that the Severity of his Prison was only a blind, and the Examination of the Ministry a pretence to introduce him into Court. Many and various were the Conjectures which were made about his real Business there; but at last a _Castilian_, who was Prisoner at _Lisbon_, discover'd the whole Intrigue.
This _Castilian_, nam'd _Sancho_, was a Creature of the Duke of _Medina Sidonia_'s, and, before the late Revolution, Pay-Master of the _Spanish_ Army in _Portugal_. He, with the rest of his Countrymen who were taken up at that time, groan'd in Confinement, nor had they any prospect of Liberty; but hearing of this Monk, and being inform'd of his Country, his extravagant Conduct, his Credit at Court, and several other Circumstances, which made it plain that he was there employ'd in some secret Business; he thought he had now an opportunity of obtaining his Liberty, and with this hope he wrote the Monk a long Letter, full of Expressions fit to sooth his Vanity; in it he complain'd, that the King of _Portugal_ detain'd him in Prison, (with the other _Castilians_) who was a Servant and Creature of the Duke his Brother-in-law: and to confirm it, he sent him several Letters, wrote to him by that Prince himself some little time before the Revolution, in which he treated him as one in whom he repos'd an entire Confidence.
The _Franciscan_ answer'd _Sancho_'s Letter, and assur'd him, that nothing could recommend him more to him, than his belonging to the Duke of _Medina_; that he would use all his endeavour to procure him his Liberty, but in the mean time he must take care not so much as to open his mouth about it. The _Spaniard_ waited some days for the Effect of his Promise, and at last sent him a second Epistle, in which he represented, that seven Months were expir'd since he was cast into Prison; that the _Spanish_ Minister seem'd to have quite forgotten him, since he neither talk'd of ransoming or exchanging him; and that therefore he had no hopes of Liberty left, but what were built upon the Charity and Interest of the Reverend Father.
The Monk, who thought he should very much oblige the Duke of _Medina_, by procuring _Sancho_ his Freedom, begg'd it of the King, and obtain'd it. He went to the Prison himself, to fetch him out of it, and offer'd to have him included in a Passport, which was to be given to some of the Dutchess of _Mantua_'s Servants, who were then returning to _Madrid_. But the crafty _Castilian_ answer'd him, that _Madrid_ was a Place to which he could never more return; that he must not pretend to appear at Court, unless he desir'd to be thrown into Prison again, seeing that _Olivarez_ was so severe and unjust, that he would expect his Accounts to be made up, altho in the late Revolution he had been stript not only of his Money, but had had his Books also taken from him: To this he added, that he desir'd nothing more than to be near the Duke of _Medina_, his Patron, who was both able and willing, he did not question, to advance him.
The _Franciscan_ wanting somebody whom he could trust his Secret to, and by whom he might give the Marquiss _Daiamonti_ a strict Account of his Negotiation, cast his eyes upon the _Castilian_, who seem'd very much attach'd to the Interest of the Duke of _Medina_. To this end he detain'd the _Spaniard_ some time, pretending that he could not as yet procure him a Passport, tho his Intent was to observe him, and see whether or not he was a Person fit to be entrusted. Their being frequently together begat an intimate Acquaintance, which they both mutually desir'd; the Monk, that he might engage the _Spaniard_ to serve him; and the _Spaniard_, that he might make himself Master of the Monk's Secret.
This holy Man, like the rest of his Brethren, puff'd up with Vanity, could not forbear one day telling his Friend, that he would not long see him in that Garb in which he was, that he had a Bishoprick promis'd him, and that he did not despair of obtaining the _Roman_ Purple. _Sancho_, to make him prattle the faster, pretended that he did not believe a word of what he said. The Fryar laugh'd at his Incredulity: "And I suppose, _continued he_, you would not believe me neither, if I should tell you, that the Duke of _Medina_ will shortly be a King." The other, to get the Secret quite out of him, urg'd the Impossibility of it; upon which the Monk told him the whole Story: That _Andalusia_ must in a little time acknowledge the Duke for their Sovereign: That the Marquiss _Daiamonti_, who had also discover'd the _Spanish_ Plot to the King of _Portugal_, was the chief Negotiator and Instrument of this intended Revolution: That he should shortly see strange Alterations in _Spain_, and that he had now an opportunity of making his Fortune only by being secret, and taking care to deliver some Letters from him to the Duke and Marquiss.
_Sancho_, well pleas'd at the Discovery of this Secret, which he had long labour'd to get out of him, renew'd his Protestations of Fidelity and Secrecy, and his Offers of Service; and having taken _Velasco_'s Letters, told him, that he should be proud of the Opportunity of serving the Prince, and hoped that he should be thought worthy of the Honour of bringing him an Answer. Upon this the _Castilian_ set out for _Andalusia_, but was no sooner got into the _Spanish_ Territories, than he took the _Madrid_ Road; and as soon as he arriv'd, went strait to the Minister's House, and sent him word that _Sancho_, Pay-Master of the Army in _Portugal_, was just escaped out of Prison, where he had been confin'd by the Usurper, and had some important Business to communicate to him.
It was a very hard matter to gain Access to _Olivarez_, who had his set Hours of granting Audience, and at which time he sent word the Pay-Master must return. Enrag'd at this Refusal, _Sancho_ cry'd he must, he would speak to him; that his Business was no Trifle, but the Safety of the Kingdom depended on its being immediately reveal'd.
This being told _Olivarez_, he order'd him to be admitted: _Sancho_ enter'd the Room, and threw himself at his feet, crying the Kingdom was sav'd from the Ruin which threaten'd it, since he had gain'd Admittance to one, in whose power it was to prevent it; then told the whole Story of the Duke of _Medina_'s Intent, encourag'd in it by the King of _Portugal_, and persuaded to it by the Marquiss _Daiamonti_, his Design of seizing upon the Galloons, and of making the Soldiers of _Andalusia_ turn their Arms against their King: to justify all which, he deliver'd those Letters given him by the _Franciscan_ for the Duke and Marquiss, and which contain'd the Scheme of the Conspiracy.
_Olivarez_, was so surpriz'd at the Strangeness of this News, that he could not for some time utter a word, but at last recovering himself, he prais'd _Sancho_ for his Loyalty, and told him that he deserv'd a double Reward, not only as he had reveal'd the Plot, but also as he had not been afraid to discover it even to the nearest Relation of the chief Conspirator. Then order'd he the _Spaniard_ to be conducted into a private Apartment, and be debarr'd the liberty of speaking to any one.
Mean while the Minister went into the King's Apartment, and told him all that _Sancho_ had related, and shew'd him the Letters which he had deliver'd him.
Never was Prince in a greater Consternation than _Philip_ was, long had he observ'd and dreaded the haughty Carriage of the _Gusmans_; and as the Loss of _Portugal_, which he thought was owing to the Dutchess of _Braganza_, was still fresh in his Memory, he could not forbear telling _Olivarez_, in a reproachful manner, that all the Misfortunes which the _Spaniards_ had lately suffer'd, they were beholden to his Family for. This Prince wanted neither Wit or Judgment, but he was so addicted to Pleasure, that he would never apply himself to any thing that carry'd the face of Business, but would rather have lost half his Dominions, than be oblig'd to quit his indolent and effeminate manner of Living: Wherefore having vented his Passion in this Reproach, he gave the _Franciscan_'s Letters back to _Olivarez_, without so much as opening them; ordering him to have them examin'd by a Committee, compos'd of three Members of his Privy-Council, who should make their Report to him.
This was all that _Olivarez_ desir'd, for now he could give the Business what Turn he pleas'd. He chose three of his own Creatures for the Commissioners, into whose hands the Letters were put, and by whom _Sancho_ was examin'd several times; all their Aim was to acquit the Duke of _Medina_, to which end _Olivarez_, himself came to _Sancho_, and affecting an affable Behaviour, and an extraordinary Kindness for the Man; "How, my dear _Sancho, said_ he, shall we contrive to acquit the Duke of _Medina_ of a Crime, which is testify'd only by the Letters of an unknown Monk, and who probably was bribed by the Duke's Enemies to lay this to his charge; for certain it is, that never Governour of _Andalusia_ discharg'd his Duty better, both towards the King and his Province."
_Sancho_, who was fully persuaded of the Truth of his Deposition, and fear'd that any of the Criminals should be acquitted, lest he should lose his hoped-for Reward, still maintain'd, that he was well assur'd that there was an horrid Conspiracy form'd against the Government in favour of the Duke, who was also at the head of it; that the Marquiss _Daiamonti_ was the Contriver of the Plot; and that he himself had read several of their Letters, which were shewn him by the _Franciscan_, and was certain, that if _Olivarez_ did not prevent it in time, all _Andalusia_ would be up in Arms, to make their Governour their Monarch.
_Olivarez_, very unwilling that this Business should be too narrowly search'd into, took an opportunity of telling the King, that the Monk's Letters had been decypher'd and examin'd, and that he really believ'd him to be some Wretch who had been bribed to calumniate the Duke; for there was no Letter of his produc'd, nor did _Sancho_ make any formal Deposition against him. However, as it was impossible to be too cautious in such a case as this, his Opinion was, that the Duke must be artfully drawn to Court, for if he had any such Design on foot, it was not safe to arrest him in _Andalusia_; that some Forces must be sent to _Cadiz_, under a new Governour; that the Marquiss _Daiamonti_ must be taken up at the same time, and if they were found guilty, his Majesty might deliver them over to the Severity of the Law.
This haughty Minister's Will was not only generally a Law to the Subjects of _Spain_, but was always one to the King; who told him, that he should manage this Business as he thought fit, for he left it entirely to him. Upon this _Olivarez_ sent his Nephew, Don _Lewis d'Haro_, to the Duke of _Medina_, to tell him what had been depos'd against him, and with Orders, that guilty or not guilty, he should immediately come to Court, which if he did, his Pardon should be granted; but that if he defer'd his Journey, it would no longer be in his power to procure it.
This Message thunder-struck the Duke of _Medina_, and he saw himself under a necessity of obeying, or immediately flying into _Portugal_: but then considering how ignominious it was to spend his days in Indolence, and live a banish'd Man, especially in a Country where there was no Employment worthy of him, and at the same time knowing how great _Olivarez_'s Power was; he resolv'd to trust him: and set out for _Madrid_, and with such diligence did he pursue his Journey, that the King was immediately inclin'd to believe him innocent, or to forgive him, should he be found guilty.
Whilst Don _Lewis d'Haro_ was employ'd in this Business, a Messenger was sent to take up the Marquiss _Daiamonti_; and the Duke of _Ciudad-real_ march'd into _Cadiz_ at the head of 5000 Men.
As soon as the Duke of _Medina_ arriv'd at _Madrid_, he went and alighted at _Olivarez_'s House, to whom he confess'd the Conspiracy, shew'd him the Scheme by which they were to proceed, but cast all the Odium of it upon the Marquiss. _Olivarez_ that instant introduc'd him into the King's Closet, where he threw himself at his Majesty's feet, and with Tears confess'd his Crime, and begg'd his pardon. _Philip_, who was of a soft and compassionate nature, mix'd his Tears with the Duke's, and easily forgave him. But as it would have been very imprudent to have expos'd him to the same Temptation a second time, he was order'd to stay at Court; part of his Estate was also confiscated, the King being sensible, that had he not been too rich, and too powerful, he would never have made an Attempt of this kind: and a Governour and a Garison were plac'd in _Saint Lucar de Barameda_, the Town in which the Dukes of _Medina Sidonia_ generally resided.
_Olivarez_, to persuade the King that his Relation's Repentance was sincere, advis'd him to send a formal Challenge to the Duke of _Braganza_; which he refus'd at first, objecting that both Divine and Human Laws forbad Duels. But _Olivarez_ persisting in his Resolution of having one sent, _Medina_ reply'd, that he could not in Conscience come to this Extremity with his Brother-in-law, unless the King would obtain a Bull from the Pope, which should secure him from the Censure of the Church, which always excommunicated Duelists.
_Olivarez_ answer'd him, that this was not a time for Scruples of Conscience, but that he must now think of satisfying both the King and People of the Sincerity of his Repentance; that in short it was no matter whether he would fight or not, provided he would not disown a Challenge, which he would publish in his Name. The Duke, who now plainly saw that _Olivarez_'s Intent was only to amuse the People, consented to it, and the Minister drew up one himself. Several of them were sent into _Portugal_, as well as into most Courts of _Europe_. A Copy of it may probably not be displeasing to the Reader, who will be surpriz'd to see a Challenge, which by its Length, Formality, and Stile, would better have became a Knight-Errant of old, than such a Prince as the Duke of _Medina Sidonia_ was.
Don _GASPAR ALONCO Perez de Gusman_, Duke of _Medina Sidonia_, Marquiss, Earl, and Baron of _Saint Lucar de Barameda_, Captain General of the Ocean, of the Coasts of _Andalusia_, and of the Armies of _Portugal_, Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber to his Catholick Majesty;
Whom God Preserve.
_Whereas nothing has been more conspicuous to the whole World, than the treasonable Practices of ~John~ late Duke of ~Braganza~; Be also_ _his damnable Intentions known, of seducing and tainting with Disloyalty the faithful Family of the ~Gusmans~, which ever has been, and for the future ever shall be most true and loyal to the King their Master, in whose Service so many of them have shed their Blood. This Usurper has endeavour'd to insinuate into the Minds of Foreign Princes, as well as of his own Rebel ~Portuguese~, that I would aid and assist him, and enter into his Measures; hoping thereby to keep up the Spirits of those who have join'd with him, and to put me out of favour with the King my Master, (whom God preserve) thinking that by these means he should alienate my Duty and Affection from my Master, and then I should consent to his cursed Designs, without that Repugnance_ _which he has found in me. And the better to accomplish his Design, he has made use of a Monk, who was sent by the Town of ~Daiamonti~ to ~Castro-Marino~ in ~Portugal~, to treat about the Ransom of a prisoner: which Monk being carried to ~Lisbon~, was suborn'd, and persuaded to give out that I was engag'd in the Conspiracy, and that I would permit any Foreign Army to land in ~Andalusia~, to favour their Designs: and to give the better colour to his Story, he shew'd some forg'd Letters, and which he pretended to have receiv'd from me._
_All this was done with a Design to persuade several Princes to send him some Forces, and would to God they had, that I might have shewn my Loyalty, by destroying them and their_ _Ships; which will easily appear to have been my Intent, by the Orders which I left on all the Coasts._
_These things have been a sore Affliction to me; but what grieves me still more, is, that his Wife should be my Sister, whose Blood I would gladly shed, since by Rebellion tainted and corrupted, that I might give an evident Proof of my Loyalty to my King, and efface all those Suspicions, which these Rumours may have imprinted in the Minds of the People._