The Talent and Genius of the Spaniards during the fourteenth
and fifteenth Centuries 255
Their Energies and Genius blighted by the Infamy of the
Political Institutions 256
1580. (September.) Birth of Quevedo 256
His Parentage 256
He enters the University of Alcalà 256
A Circumstance occurs which obliges him to quit the Court 257
He takes refuge in Italy 258
Don Pedro Giron Duke of Osuna 258
His Character 258
The Court of Philip III. 258
Quevedo sent as Ambassador to Madrid 259
His Success; a Pension bestowed on him 259
Duke of Osuna advanced to the Viceroyalty of Naples; his
Victories over the Turks 259
The Spanish Power threatens to become omnipotent in Italy 260
Charles Emanuel endeavours to make head against it 260
The Duke of Osuna opposes the Venetians 260
The lawless and dishonourable Means he takes 260
He protects the Uscocchi against the Venetians 260
The Merchants of Naples and the French make Representations
at the Court of Madrid in consequence 260
Osuna ordered to suspend Hostilities 260
1618. The Bedmar Conspiracy 261
Quevedo and Osuna supposed to be implicated in the Plot 262
Quevedo escapes from Venice 262
Osuna continues Viceroy of Naples; he is suspected of
intending to arrogate Power independent of the King 263
He is ordered to return to Madrid 263
Cautious proceedings of the Court with respect to him 264
Cardinal Don Gaspar de Borgia is named his Successor 264
Return of Osuna to Spain 264
1624. His Imprisonment and Death 264
1620. Quevedo, his attachment to Osuna 264
He is suspected of participating in his treasonable Designs 265
His Imprisonment in consequence 265
His Liberation 265
1632. He is made Secretary to the King 266
1634. He leaves the Church, and marries 266
His Wife dies 266
His own Words, alluding to his evil Fate 267
1641. He is suspected of being the Author of certain Libels; is
arrested and imprisoned in Consequence 268
Two Letters of his 269
His Memorial to Count Olivarez 270
His Liberation 271
1647. (September 8th.) His Death 272
His Person 272
His Character 272
His Style 273
A singular Circumstance appertaining to his literary Career 274
Critique on his Prose Writings 275
His "Vision of Calvary" 276
His "Alguazil possessed" 277