[Illustration: _London Printed for W. Chetwood at Cato's head in Russel
Street Covent Garden_]
THE
REVOLUTIONS
OF
_PORTUGAL_.
Written in _French_ by the
Abbot _DE VERTOT_,
Of the ROYAL ACADEMY of
INSCRIPTIONS.
Done into _English_ from the last _French_ Edition.
_O think what anxious Moments pass between
The Birth of Plots, and their last fatal Periods!
Oh! 'tis a dreadful Interval of Time,
Fill'd up with Horror all, and big with Death!
Destruction hangs on ev'ry Word we speak,
On ev'ry Thought, till the concluding Stroke
Determines all, and closes our Design._
ADDISON'S Cato.
_LONDON_,
Printed for WILLIAM CHETWOOD, at _Cato_'s-
_Head_, in _Russel-Street, Covent-Garden_. M.DCC.XXI.
[Illustration]
To His GRACE
_PHILIP_
Duke of _Wharton_.
_May it please your Grace_;
I am not ignorant of the Censure I lay my-self open to, in offering so
incorrect a Work to a Person of Your Grace's Judgment; and could not
have had Assurance to do it, if I was unacquainted with Your Grace's
Goodness. As this is not the first time of this Excellent Author's
appearing in _English_, my Undertaking must expose me to abundance of
Cavil and Criticism; and I see my-self reduced to the Necessity of
applying to a Patron who is able to protect me.
Our modern Dedications are meer Daub and Flattery; but 'tis for those
who deserve no better: Your Grace cannot be flatter'd; every body that
knows the Duke of WHARTON, will say there is no praising him, as there
is no loving him more than he deserves. But like other Great Minds, Your
Grace may be blind to your own Merit, and imagine I am complimenting, or
doing something worse, whilst I am only giving your just Character; for
which reason, however fond I am of so noble a Theme, I shall decline
attempting it. Only this I must beg leave to say, Your Grace can't be
enough admir'd for the Universal Learning which you are Master of, for
your Judgment in discerning, your Indulgence in excusing, for the great
Stedfastness of your Soul, for your Contempt of Power and Grandeur, your
Love for your Country, your Passion for Liberty, and (which is the best
Characteristick) your Desire of doing Good to Mankind. I can hardly
leave so agreeable a Subject, but I cannot say more than all the World
knows already.
Your Grace's illustrious Father has left a Name behind Him as glorious
as any Person of the Age: it is unnecessary to enter into the
Particulars of his Character; to mention his Name, is the greatest
Panegyrick: Immediately to succeed that Great Man, must have been
extremely to the Disadvantage of any other Person, but it is far from
being so to Your Grace; it makes your Virtues but the more conspicuous,
and convinces us the Nation is not without one Man worthy of being his
Successor.
I have nothing more to trouble Your Grace with, than only to wish you
the Honours you so well deserve, and to beg you would excuse my
presuming to honour my-self with the Title of,
_May it please your Grace,
Your Grace's most Obedient,
Humble Servant_,
Gabriel Roussillon.
[Illustration]
PREFACE.
_Amongst the Historians of the present Age, none has more justly
deserv'd, neither has any acquir'd a greater Reputation than the Abbot
~de Vertot~; not only by this Piece, but also by the ~Revolutions
of~ Sweden ~and of~ Rome, which he has since publish'd._
_This small History he has extracted from the[A] Writings of several
~French~, ~Spanish~, ~Portuguese~, and ~Italian~ Authors, as
well as from the Testimony of many Persons, who were in ~Lisbon~ at
the time of the Revolution. And I believe that it will be no difficult
matter to persuade the Reader, that this little Volume is written with
much more Politeness and Fidelity than any which has been publish'd on
this Subject._
_And indeed there could be no Man fitter to undertake the Work than
Monsieur ~de Vertot~; not only as he was Master of an excellent Style,
and had all the Opportunities imaginable of informing himself of the
Truth, but also as he could have no Interest in speaking partially of
either the one or the other Party; and therefore might say much more
justly than ~Salust, de Conjuratione, Quam verissime potero, paucis
absolvam; eoque magis, quod mihi a Spe, Metu, Partibus Reipublicæ Animus
liber est~._
_Would I undertake to prove the Impartiality of my Author, I could
easily do it from several little Circumstances of his History. Does he
not tell us, that the Inquisition is oftner a Terror to honest Men than
to Rogues? Does he not paint the Archbishop of ~Braga~ in all the
Colours of a Traitor? And I am fully persuaded, that if a Churchman will
own and discover the Frailties, or rather the Enormities of those of his
own Cloth, he will tell them in any thing else, and is worthy of being
believed._
_There are several Passages in the following Sheets, which really
deserve our Attention; we shall see a Nation involv'd in Woe and Ruin,
and all their Miseries proceeding from the Bigotry and Superstition of
their Monarch, whose Zeal hurries him to inevitable Destruction, and
whose Piety makes him sacrifice the Lives of ~13000~ Christians,
without so much as having the Satisfaction of converting one obstinate
Infidel._
_Such was the Fate of the rash Don ~Sebastian~, who seem'd born to be
the Blessing of his People, and Terror of his Foes; who would have made
a just, a wise, a truly pious Monarch, had not his Education been
entrusted to a Jesuit. Nor is he the only unfortunate Prince, who,
govern'd by intriguing and insinuating Churchmen, have prov'd the Ruin
of their Kingdom, and in the end lost both their Crown and Life._
_We shall see a People, who, no longer able to bear a heavy Yoke, resolve
to shake it off, and venture their Lives and their Fortunes for their
Liberty: A Conspiracy prevail, (if an Intent to revolt from an Usurping
Tyrant may be call'd a Conspiracy) in which so many Persons, whose
Age, Quality and Interest were very different, are engag'd; and by the
Courage and Publick Spirit of a few, a happy and glorious Revolution
brought about._
_But scarce is the new King settled upon his Throne, and endeavouring to
confirm his Authority abroad, when a horrid Conspiracy is forming
against him at home; we shall see a Prelate at the head of the Traitors,
who, tho a bigotted Churchman, makes no scruple of borrowing the
Assistance of the most profess'd Enemies of the Church to deliver her
out of Danger, and to assassinate his Lawful King: but the whole Plot is
happily discover'd, and those who were engaged in it meet with the just
Reward of Treason and Rebellion, the Block and Gallows. Nor is it the
first time that our own Nation has seen an Archbishop doing King and
Country all the harm he could._
_After the Death of her Husband, we see a Queen of an extraordinary
Genius, and uncommon Courage, taking the Regency upon her; and tho at
first oppress'd with a Load of Misfortunes, rises against them all, and
in the end triumphs over her Enemies._
_Under the next Reign we see the Kingdom almost invaded by the antient
Usurper, and sav'd only by the Skill of a Wife and Brave General, who
had much ado to keep the Foes out, whilst the People were divided at
home, and loudly complain'd of the Riots and Debaucheries of their
Monarch, and the Tyrannick Conduct of his Minister. But we find how
impossible a thing it is, that so violent a Government should last long;
his Brother, a Prince whose Virtues were as famous, as the other's Vices
were odious, to preserve the Crown in their Family, is forced to depose
him, and take the Government upon himself: ~Ita Imperium semper ad
optumum quemq; ab minus bono transfertur~._
[Illustration]
THE
REVOLUTION
OF
_PORTUGAL_.
Portugal is part of that vast Tract of Land, known by the Name of
_Iberia_ or _Spain_, most of whose Provinces are call'd Kingdoms. It is
bounded on the West by the Ocean, on the East by _Castile_. Its Length
is about a hundred and ten Leagues, and its Breadth in the very broadest
part does not exceed fifty. The Soil is fruitful, the Air wholesome; and
tho under such a Climate we might expect excessive Heats, yet here we
always find them allay'd with cooling Breezes or refreshing Rains. Its
Crown is Hereditary, the King's Power Despotick, nor is the grand
Inquisition the most useless means of preserving this absolute
Authority. The _Portuguese_ are by Nature proud and haughty, very
zealous, but rather superstitious than religious; the most natural
Events will amongst them pass for Miracles, and they are firmly
persuaded that Heaven is always contriving something or other for their
Good.
Who the first Inhabitants of this Country were, is not known, their own
Historians indeed tell us that they are sprung from _Tubal_; for my
part, I believe them descended from the _Romans_ and _Carthaginians_,
who long contended for those Provinces, and who were both at sundry
times in actual possession of them. About the beginning of the fifth
Century, the _Swedes_, the _Vandals_, and all those other barbarous
Nations, generally known by the Name of _Goths_, over-run the Empire;
and, amongst other Places, made themselves Masters of the Provinces of
_Spain_. _Portugal_ was then made a Kingdom, and was sometimes govern'd
by its own Prince, at other times it was reckon'd part of the Dominions
of the King of _Castile_.
[Sidenote: 712.]
About the beginning of the eighth Century, during the Reign of
_Roderick_, the last King of the _Goths_, the _Moors_, or rather the
_Arabians_, _Valid Almanzor_ being their Caliph, enter'd _Spain_. They
were received and assisted by _Julian_, an _Italian_ Nobleman, who made
the Conquest of those Places easy, which might otherwise have proved
difficult, not out of any Affection to the _Arabians_, but from a
Desire of revenging himself on _Roderick_, who had debauched his
Daughter.
[Sidenote: 717.]
The _Arabians_ soon made themselves Masters of all the Country between
the Streights of _Gibraltar_ and the _Pyrenees_, excepting the Mountains
of _Asturia_; where the Christians, commanded by Prince _Pelagus_, fled,
who founded the Kingdom _Oviedo_ or _Leon_.
_Portugal_, with the rest of _Spain_, became subject to the Infidels. In
each respective Province, Governours were appointed, who after the Death
of _Almanzor_ revolted from his Successor, made themselves independent
of any other Power, and took the Title of Sovereign Princes.
They were driven out of _Portugal_ about the beginning of the twelfth
Century, by _Henry_ Count of _Burgundy_, Son to _Robert_ King of
_France_. This Prince, full of the same Zeal which excited so many
others to engage in a holy War, went into _Spain_ on purpose to attack
the Infidels; and such Courage, such Conduct did he show, that
_Alphonso_ VI. King of _Castile_ and _Leon_, made him General of his
Army: and afterwards, that he might for ever engage so brave a Soldier,
he married him to one of his Daughters, named _Teresia_, and gave him
all those Places from which he had driven the _Moors_. The Count, by new
Conquests, extended his Dominions, and founded the Kingdom of
_Portugal_, but never gave himself the Royal Title.
[Sidenote: 1139.]
_Alphonso_, his Son, did not only inherit his Father's Dominions, but
his Virtues also; and not content with what the Count his Father had
left him, he vigorously carried on the War, and encreas'd his
Territories. Having obtained a signal Victory over the _Arabians_, his
Soldiers unanimously proclaimed him King; which Title his Successors
have ever since borne.
And now this Family had sway'd the Scepter of _Portugal_ for almost the
space of five hundred Years, when Don _Sebastian_ came to the Crown; he
was the posthumous Son of Don _John_, who died some time before his
Father, Don _John_ III. Son of the renowned King _Emanuel_.
[Sidenote: 1557.]
Don _Sebastian_ was not above three Years of Age when the old King died;
his Grandmother _Catherine_, of the House of _Austria_, Daughter to
_Philip_ I. King of _Castile_, and Sister to the Emperor _Charles_ V.
was made Regent of _Portugal_ during his Minority. Don _Alexis de
Menezes_, a Nobleman noted for his singular Piety, was appointed
Governour to the young King, and Don _Lewis de Camara_, a Jesuit, was
named for his Tutor.
From such Teachers as these, what might not be expected? They filled his
Mind with Sentiments of Honour, and his Soul with Devotion. But, (which
may at first appear strange or impossible) these Notions were too often,
and too strongly inculcated in him.
_Menezes_ was always telling the young Prince what Victories his
Predecessors had obtain'd over the _Moors_ in the _Indies_, and in
almost every part of _Africa_. On the other hand, the Jesuit was
perpetually teaching him, that the Crown of Kings was the immediate
Gift of _God_, and that therefore the chiefest Duty of a Prince was to
propagate the Holy Gospel, and to have the Word of the _Lord_ preached
to those Nations, who had never heard of the Name of _Christ_.
These different Ideas of Honour and Religion made a deep impression on
the Heart of Don _Sebastian_, who was naturally pious. Scarce therefore
had he taken the Government of _Portugal_ upon himself, but he thought
of transporting an Army into _Africa_; and to that end he often
conferr'd with his Officers, but oftener with his Missionaries and other
Ecclesiasticks.
A Civil War breaking out about this time in _Morocco_, seem'd very much
to favour his Design. The Occasion was this: _Muley Mahomet_ had caus'd
himself to be proclaim'd King of _Morocco_ after the Death of _Abdalla_,
his Father; _Muley Moluc_, _Abdalla_'s Brother, opposed him, objecting
that he had ascended the Throne contrary to the Law of the Cherifs, by
which it is ordained, That the Crown shall devolve to the King's
Brethren, if he has any, and his Sons be excluded the Succession. This
occasion'd a bloody War between the Uncle and the Nephew; but _Muley
Moluc_, who was as brave a Soldier as he was a wise Commander, defeated
_Mahomet_'s Army in three pitch'd Battles, and drove him out of
_Africa_.
The exil'd Prince fled for Refuge to the Court of _Portugal_, and
finding Access to Don _Sebastian_, told him, that notwithstanding his
Misfortunes, there were still a considerable Number of his Subjects, who
were loyal in their Hearts, and wanted only an Opportunity of declaring
themselves in his favour. That besides this, he was very well assured
that _Moluc_ was afflicted with a lingring Disease, which prey'd upon
his Vitals; that _Hamet_, _Moluc_'s Brother, was not belov'd by the
People; that therefore if Don _Sebastian_ would but send him with a
small Army into _Africa_, so many of his Subjects would come over to
him, that he did not in the least question but that he should soon
re-establish himself in his Father's Dominions: which, if he did recover
by these means, the Kingdom should become tributary to the Crown of
_Portugal_; nay, that he would much rather have Don _Sebastian_ himself
fill the Throne of _Morocco_, than see it in possession of the present
Usurper.
Don _Sebastian_, who was ever entertaining himself with the Ideas of
future Conquests, thought this Opportunity of planting the Christian
Religion in _Morocco_ was not to be neglected; and therefore promis'd
the _Moorish_ King not only his Assistance, but rashly engaged himself
in the Expedition, giving out that he intended to command the Army in
Person. The wisest of his Counsellors in vain endeavour'd to dissuade
him from the dangerous Design. His Zeal, his Courage, an inconsiderate
Rashness, the common Fault of Youth, as well as some Flatterers, the
Bane of Royalty, and Destruction of Princes, all prompted him to
continue fixed in his Resolution, and persuaded him that he needed only
appear in _Africa_ to overcome, and that his Conquests would be both
easy and glorious. To this end he embarked with an Army of Thirteen
Thousand Men, with which he was to drive a powerful Prince out of his
own Dominions.
_Moluc_ had timely notice given him of the _Portuguese_ Expedition, and
of their landing in _Africa_; he had put himself at the head of Forty
Thousand Horsemen, all disciplin'd Soldiers, and who were not so much to
be dreaded for their Number and Courage, as they were for the Conduct of
their General. His Infantry he did not at all value himself upon, not
having above Ten Thousand Regular Men; there was indeed a vast Number of
the Militia, and others of the People who came pouring down to his
Assistance, but these he justly look'd upon as Men who were rather come
to plunder than to fight, and who would at any time side with the
Conqueror.
Several Skirmishes were fought, but _Moluc_'s Officers had private
Orders still to fly before the Foe, hoping thereby to make the
_Portuguese_ leave the Shore, where they had intrench'd themselves. This
Stratagem had its desir'd Effect; for Don _Sebastian_ observing that the
_Moors_ still fled before him, order'd his Army to leave their
Intrenchments, and marched against the Foe as to a certain Victory.
_Moluc_ made his Army retire, as if he did not dare to fight a decisive
Battle; nay, sent Messengers to Don _Sebastian_, who pretended they were
order'd to treat of Peace. The King of _Portugal_ immediately concluded,
that his Adversary was doubtful of the Success of the War, and that
'twould be an easier matter to overcome _Moluc_'s Army, than to join
them; he therefore indefatigably pursued them. But the _Moor_ had no
sooner drawn him far enough from the Shore, and made it impossible for
him to retire to his Fleet, but he halted, faced the _Portuguese_, and
put his Army in Battalia; the Horse making a half Circle, with intent,
as soon as they engaged, to surround the Enemy on every side. _Moluc_
made _Hamet_, his Brother and Successor, Commander in chief of the
Cavalry; but as he doubted his Courage, he came up to him a little
before the Engagement, told him that he must either conquer or die, and
that should he prove Coward enough to turn his back upon the Foe, he
would strangle him with his own hand.
The reason why _Moluc_ did not command the Army himself, was, that he
was sensible of the Increase of his lingring Disease, and found that in
all probability this Day would be his last, and therefore resolved to
make it the most glorious of his Life. He put his Army, as I said
before, in Battalia himself, and gave all the necessary Orders with as
much Presence of Mind, as if he had enjoy'd the greatest Health. He went
farther than this; for foreseeing what a sudden Damp the News of his
Death might cast upon the Courage of his Soldiers, he order'd the
Officers that were about him, that if during the Heat of the Battle he
should die, they should carefully conceal it, and that even after his
Death, his _Aides de Camp_ should come up to his Litter, as if to
receive fresh Orders. After this he was carried from Rank to Rank, where
he exhorted his Soldiers to fight bravely for the Defence of their
Religion and their Country.
But now the Combat began, and the great Artillery being discharg'd, the
Armies join'd. The _Portuguese_ Infantry soon routed the _Moorish_
Foot-Soldiers, who, as was before mention'd, were raw and undisciplin'd;
the Duke _d'Aviedo_ engaged with a Parry of Horse so happily, that they
gave ground, and retir'd to the very Center of the Army, where the King
was. Enraged at so unexpected a Sight, notwithstanding what his Officers
could say or do, he threw himself out of his Litter; Sword in hand he
clear'd himself a Passage, rallied his flying Soldiers, and led them
back himself to the Engagement. But this Action quite exhausting his
remaining Strength and Spirits, he fainted; his Officers put him into
his Litter, where he just recover'd Strength enough to put his Finger
upon his Mouth once more, to enjoin Secrecy, then died before they could
convey him back to his Tent. His Commands were obey'd, and the News of
his Death conceal'd.
[Sidenote: _Aug. 4. 1578._]
Hitherto the Christians seem'd to have the Advantage, but the _Moorish_
Horse advancing at last, hemm'd in _Sebastian_'s whole Army, and
attack'd them on every side. The Cavalry was drove back upon their
Infantry, whom they trampled under foot, and spread every where amongst
their own Soldiers, Disorder, Fear, and Confusion. The Infidels seiz'd
upon this Advantage, and Sword in hand fell upon the conquer'd Troops; a
dreadful Slaughter ensu'd, some on their knees begg'd for quarter,
others thought to save themselves by flight, but being surrounded by
their Foes, met their Fate in another place. The rash Don _Sebastian_
himself was slain, but whether he fell amidst the Horror and Confusion
of the Battle, not being known by the _Moors_, or whether he was
resolv'd not to survive the Loss of so many of his Subjects, whom he had
led on to a Field of Slaughter, is doubtful. _Muley Mahomet_ got off,
but passing the River _Mucazen_, was drown'd. Thus perish'd, in one
fatal Day, three Heroick Princes.
The Cardinal, Don Henry, great Uncle to Don _Sebastian_, succeeded him;
he was Brother to _John_ III. the late King's Grandfather, and Son to
_Emanuel_. During his Reign, his pretended Heirs made all the Interest
they could in the Court of _Portugal_, being well assur'd that the
present King, who was weak and sickly, and sixty-seven Years old, could
not be long-liv'd; nor could he marry, and leave Children behind him,
for he was a Cardinal, and in Priest's Orders. The Succession was
claim'd by _Philip_ II. King of _Spain_; _Catherine_ of _Portugal_,
espous'd to Don _James_, Duke of _Braganza_; by the Duke of _Savoy_; the
Duke of _Parma_; and by _Antonio_, Grand Prior of _Crete_: They all
publish'd their respective Manifesto's, in which every one declar'd
their Pretensions to the Crown.
_Philip_ was Son to the Infanta _Isabella_, eldest Daughter of King
_Emanuel_. The Dutchess of _Braganza_ was Granddaughter to the same King
_Emanuel_, by _Edward_ his second Son. The Duke of _Savoy_'s Mother was
the Princess _Beatrix_, a younger Sister of the Empress _Isabella_. The
Duke of _Parma_ was Son to _Mary_ of _Portugal_, the second Daughter of
Prince _Edward_, and Sister to the Dutchess of _Braganza_. Don _Lewis_,
Duke of _Beja_, was second Son to King _Emanuel_ by _Violenta_, the
finest Lady of that Age, whom he had debauch'd, but whom the Grand Prior
pretended to have been privately married to that Prince. _Catherine de
Medicis_, amongst the rest, made her Claim, as being descended from
_Alphonso_ III. King of _Portugal_, and _Maud_ Countess of _Bolonia_.
The _Pope_ too put in his Claim; he would have it, that after the Reign
of the _Cardinal_, _Portugal_ must be look'd upon as a fat Living in his
Gift, and to which, like many a modern Patron, he would willingly have
presented himself.
But notwithstanding all their Pretensions, it plainly appear'd that the
Succession belong'd either to _Philip_ King of _Spain_, or to the
Dutchess of _Braganza_, a Lady of an extraordinary Merit, and belov'd by
the whole Nation. The Duke, her Spouse, was descended, tho not in a
direct Line, from the Royal Blood, and she herself was sprung from
Prince _Edward_; whereas the King of _Spain_ was Son to _Edward_'s
Sister: besides, by the Fundamental Laws of the Kingdom, all Strangers
were excluded the Succession. This _Philip_ own'd, since thereby the
Pretensions of _Savoy_ and _Parma_ vanish'd; but he would by no means
acknowledge himself a Stranger in _Portugal_, which he said had often
been part of the Dominions of the King of _Castile_. Each had their
several Parties at Court, and the _Cardinal_ King was daily press'd to
decide the Difference, but always evaded it; he could not bear to hear
of his Successors, and would willingly have liv'd to have bury'd all his
pretended Heirs: however, his Reign lasted but 17 Months, and by his
Death _Portugal_ became the unhappy Theatre of Civil Wars.
[Sidenote: 1580.]
By his last Will he had order'd, that a Juncto, or Assembly of the
States, should be call'd, to settle the Succession; but King _Philip_
not caring to wait for their Decision, sent a powerful Army into
_Portugal_, commanded by the Duke of _Alba_, which ended the Dispute,
and put _Philip_ in possession of that Kingdom.
[Sidenote: 1581.]
We cannot find that the Duke of _Braganza_ us'd any Endeavours to assert
his Right by force of Arms. The Grand Prior indeed did all he could to
oppose the _Castilians_; the Mob had proclaim'd him King, and he took
the Title upon him, as if it had been given by the States of _Portugal_:
and his Friends rais'd some Forces for him, but they were soon cut in
pieces by the Duke of _Alba_, than whom _Spain_ could not have chosen a
better General. As much as the _Portuguese_ hate the _Castilians_, yet
could they not keep them out, being disunited among themselves, and
having no General, nor any Regular Troops on foot. Most of the Towns,
for fear of being plunder'd, capitulated, and made each their several
Treaty; so that in a short time _Philip_ was acknowledg'd their lawful
Sovereign by the whole Nation, as being next Heir Male to his great
Uncle, the late King: of such wondrous use is open Force to support a
bad Cause!
After him reign'd his Son and Grandson, _Philip_ III. and IV. who us'd
the _Portuguese_ not like Subjects, but like a conquer'd People; and the
Kingdom of _Portugal_ saw itself dwindle into a Province of _Spain_, and
so weaken'd, that there was no hope left of recovering their Liberty:
Their Noblemen durst not appear in an Equipage suitable to their Birth,
for fear of making the _Spanish_ Ministers jealous of their Greatness or
Riches; the Gentry were confin'd to their Country-Seats, and the People
oppress'd with Taxes.
The Duke of _Olivarez_, who was then first Minister to _Philip_ IV. King
of _Spain_, was firmly persuaded, that all means were to be us'd to
exhaust this new Conquest; he was sensible of the natural Antipathy of
the _Portuguese_ and _Castilians_, and thought that the former could
never calmly behold their chief Posts fill'd with Strangers, or at best
with _Portuguese_ of a _Plebeian_ Extraction, who had nothing else to
recommend 'em but their Zeal for the Service of _Spain_. He thought
therefore, that the surest way of establishing King _Philip_'s Power,
was to remove the Nobility of _Portugal_ from all Places of Trust, and
so to impoverish the People, that they should never be capable of
attempting to shake off the _Spanish_ Yoke. Besides this, he employ'd
the _Portuguese_ Youth in foreign Wars, resolving to drain the Kingdom
of all those who were capable of bearing Arms.
As politick as this Conduct of _Olivarez_ might appear, yet did he miss
his aim; for carrying his Cruelty to too high a pitch, at a time when
the Court of _Spain_ was in distress, and seeming rather to plunder an
Enemy's Country, than levying Taxes from the _Portuguese_, who daily saw
their Miseries encrease, and be the consequence of their Attempt what it
would, they could never fare worse; unanimously resolv'd to free
themselves from the intolerable Tyranny of Spain.
[Sidenote: 1640.]
_Margaret of Savoy_, Dutchess of _Mantua_, was then in _Portugal_, where
she had the Title of Vice-Queen, but was very far from having the Power.
_Miguel Vasconcellos_, a _Portuguese_ by Birth, but attach'd to the
_Spanish_ Interest, had the Name of Secretary of State, but was indeed
an absolute and independent Minister, and dispatch'd, without the
knowledge of the Vice-Queen, all the secret Business; his Orders he
receiv'd directly from _d'Olivarez_, whose Creature he was, and who
found him absolutely necessary for extorting vast Sums of Money from the
_Portuguese_. He was so deeply learn'd in the Art of Intriguing, that he
could perpetually make the Nobility jealous of one another, then would
he foment their Divisions, and encrease their Animosities, whereby the
_Spanish_ Government became every day more absolute; for the Duke was
assur'd, that whilst the Grandees were engag'd in private Quarrels, they
would never think of the Common Cause.
The Duke of _Braganza_ was the only Man in all _Portugal_, of whom the
_Spaniards_ were now jealous. His Humour was agreeable, and the chief
thing he consulted was his Ease. He was a Man rather of sound Sense,
than quick Wit. He could easily make himself Master of any Business to
which he apply'd his Mind, but then he never car'd much for the Trouble
on't. Don _Theodosius_, Duke of _Braganza_, his Father, was of a fiery
and passionate Temper, and had taken care to infuse in his Son's Mind an
Hereditary Aversion to the _Spaniards_, who had usurp'd a Crown, that of
Right belonged to him; to swell his Mind with the Ambition of
repossessing himself of a Throne, which his Ancestors had been unjustly
depriv'd of; and to fill his Soul with all the Courage that would be
necessary for the carrying on of so great a Design.
Nor was this Prince's Care wholly lost; Don _John_ had imbib'd as much
of the Sentiments of his Father as were consistent with so mild and easy
a Temper. He abhorr'd the _Spaniards_, yet was not at all uneasy at his
Incapacity of revenging himself. He entertain'd Hopes of ascending the
Throne of _Portugal_, yet did he not shew the least Impatience, as Duke
_Theodosius_, his Father, had done, but contented himself with a distant
Prospect of a Crown; nor would for an Uncertainty venture the Quiet of
his Life, and a Fortune which was already greater than what was well
consistent with the Condition of a Subject. Had he been precisely what
Duke _Theodosius_ wish'd him, he had never been fit for the great
Design; for _d'Olivarez_ had him observ'd so strictly, that had his easy
and pleasant manner of Living proceeded from any other Cause but a
natural Inclination, it had certainly been discover'd, and the Discovery
had prov'd fatal both to his Life and Fortune: at least the Court of
_Spain_ would never have suffer'd him to live in so splendid a manner in
the very Heart of his Country.
Had he been the most refin'd Politician, he could never have liv'd in a
manner less capable of giving Suspicion. His Birth, his Riches, his
Title to the Crown, were not criminal in themselves, but became so by
the Law of Policy. This he was very sensible of, and therefore chose
this way of Living, prompted to it as well by Nature as by Reason. It
would have been a Crime to be formidable, he must therefore take care
not to appear so: At _Villa-Viciosa_, the Seat of the Dukes of
_Braganza_, nothing was thought of but Hunting-Matches, and other Rural
Diversions; the Brightness of his Parts could not in the least make the
_Spaniards_ apprehend any bold Undertaking, but the Solidity of his
Understanding made the _Portuguese_ promise themselves the Enjoyment of
a mild and easy King, provided they would undertake to raise him to the
Throne. But an Accident soon after happen'd, which very much alarm'd
_Olivarez_.
Some new Taxes being laid upon the People of _Evora_, which they were
not able to pay, reduc'd 'em to Despair; upon which they rose in a
tumultuous manner, loudly exclaiming against the _Spanish_ Tyranny, and
declaring themselves in favour of the House of _Braganza_. Then, but too
late, the Court of _Spain_ began to be sensible of their Error, in
leaving so rich and powerful a Prince in the Heart of a Kingdom so
lately subdued, and to whose Crown he had such Legal Pretensions.
This made the Council of _Spain_ immediately determine, that it was
necessary to secure the Duke of _Braganza_, or at best not to let him
make any longer stay in _Portugal_. To this end they nam'd him Governour
of _Milan_, which Government he refus'd, alledging the Weakness of his
Constitution for an Excuse: besides, he said he was wholly unacquainted
with the Affairs of _Italy_, and by consequence not capable of
acquitting himself in so weighty a Post.
* * * * *
[Sidenote: 1640.]
The Duke _d'Olivarez_, seem'd to approve of the Excuse, and therefore
began to think of some new Expedient to draw him to Court. The King's
marching at the head of his Army to the Frontiers of _Arragon_, to
suppress the rebelling _Catalonians_, was a very good Pretence; he wrote
to the Duke of _Braganza_, "to come at the head of the _Portuguese_
Nobility to serve the King in an Expedition, which could not but be
glorious, since his Majesty commanded it in Person." The Duke, who had
no great relish for any Favour confer'd by the Court of _Spain_, excus'd
himself, upon pretence that "his Birth would oblige him to be at a much
greater Expence than what he was at present able to support."
This second Refusal alarm'd _d'Olivarez_. Notwithstanding Don _John_'s
easy Temper, he began to be afraid that the _Evorians_ had made an
impression upon his Thoughts, by reminding him of his Right to the
Throne. It was dangerous to leave him any longer in his Country, and
equally dangerous to hurry him out of it by force; so great a Love had
the _Portuguese_ ever bore to the House of _Braganza_, so great a
Respect did they bear to this Duke in particular. He must therefore
treacherously be drawn into _Spain_, nor could any properer means be
thought of, for compassing this end, than by shewing him all the seeming
Tokens of an unfeigned Friendship.
_France_ and _Spain_ were at that time engag'd in War, and the _French_
Fleet had been seen off the Coasts of _Portugal_. This gave the
_Spanish_ Minister a fair opportunity of accomplishing his Ends; for it
was necessary to have an Army on foot, under the Command of some brave
General, to hinder the _French_ from making a Descent, or landing any
where in _Portugal_. The Commission was sent to the Duke of _Braganza_,
with an absolute Authority over all the Towns and Garisons, as well as a
Power over the Maritime Forces; in short, so unlimited was the Command
given him, that the Minister seem'd blindly to have deliver'd all
_Portugal_ into his power: but this was only the better to colour his
Design. Don _Lopez Ozorio_, the _Spanish_ Admiral, had private Orders
sent him, that as soon as Don _John_ should visit any of the Ports, he
should put in, as if drove by stress of Weather; then artfully invite
the General aboard, immediately hoist sail, and with all possible
expedition bring him into _Spain_. But propitious Fortune seem'd to have
taken him into her Protection; a violent Storm arose, which dispers'd
the _Spanish_ Fleet, part of which suffer'd shipwreck, and the rest
were so shatter'd, that they could not make _Portugal_.
This ill Success did not in the least discourage _Olivarez_, or make him
drop his Project; he attributed the Escape of the Duke of _Braganza_ to
meer Chance: he wrote him a Letter, full of Expressions of Friendship,
and as if he had with him shar'd the Government of the whole Kingdom,
wherein he deplor'd the Loss of the Fleet, and told him, that the King
now expected that he would carefully review all the Ports and their
respective Fortifications, seeing that the Fleet, which was to defend
the Coasts of _Portugal_ from the Insults of the _French_, had miserably
perish'd. And that his Villany might not be suspected, he return'd him
Forty Thousand Ducats to defray his Expences, and to raise more Troops,
in case there should be a necessity of them. At the same time he sent
private Orders to all the Governours of Forts and Citadels, (the
greatest part whereof were _Spaniards_) that if they should find a
favourable occasion of securing the Duke of _Braganza_, they should do
it, and forthwith convey him into _Spain_.
This entire Confidence which was repos'd in him, alarm'd the Duke; he
plainly saw that there was Treachery intended, and therefore thought it
just to return the Treachery. He wrote an Answer to _Olivarez_, wherein
he told him, that with Joy he accepted the Honour which the King had
confer'd upon him, in naming him his General, and promis'd so to
discharge the important Trust, as to deserve the Continuation of his
Majesty's Favour.
But now the Duke began to have a nearer Prospect of the Throne; nor did
he neglect this opportunity of putting some of his Friends into Places
of Trust, that they might be the more able to serve him upon occasion;
he also employ'd part of the _Spanish_ Money in making new Creatures,
and confirming those in his Interest whom he had already made. And as he
partly mistrusted the _Spaniards_ Design, he never visited any Fort, but
he was surrounded by such a Number of Friends, that it was impossible
for the Governours to execute their Orders.
Mean while the Court of _Spain_ loudly murmur'd at the Trust which was
repos'd in Don _John_, they were ignorant of the Prime Minister's Aim,
and therefore some did not stick to tell the King, that his near
Alliance to the House of _Braganza_ made him overlook his Master's
Interest; seeing that it was the highest Imprudence to put so absolute
an Authority into the hands of one who had such Pretensions to the
Crown, and to entrust the Army to the Command of one, who in all
probability might make the Soldiers turn their Arms against their lawful
Sovereign. But the more they complain'd, the better was the King
pleas'd, being persuaded that the Plot was artfully laid, since no one
could unravel the dark Design. Thus _Braganza_ not only had the liberty,
but was oblig'd to visit all _Portugal_, and by that means laid the
Foundation of his future Fortune. The Eyes of the Many were every where
drawn by his magnificent Equipage, all that came to him, he mildly, and
with unequal'd Goodness heard; the Soldiers were not suffer'd to commit
the least Disorders, and he laid hold of all Opportunities of praising
the Conduct of the Officers, and by frequent Recompences bestow'd upon
them, won their Hearts. The Nobility were charm'd with his free
Deportment, he receiv'd every one of them in the most obliging manner,
and paid each the Respect due to his Quality. In short, such was his
Carriage, that the People began to think there could be no greater
Happiness for them upon Earth, than the Restoration of the Prince to the
Throne of his Ancestors.
Mean while his Party omitted nothing that they thought might contribute
to the establishing of his Reputation. Amongst others, _Pinto Ribeiro_,
Comptroller of his Household, particularly distinguish'd himself, and
was the first who form'd an exact Scheme for the Advancement of his
Master. There was no Man more experienc'd in Business, who at the same
time was so careful, diligent, and watchful: he was firm to the Interest
of the Duke, not doubting but that if he could raise him to the Throne,
he should raise himself to some considerable Post. His Master had often
privately assur'd him, that he would willingly lay hold of any fair
Opportunity for his Restoration, yet would not rashly declare himself,
as a Man who had nothing to lose; that notwithstanding he might
endeavour to gain the Minds of the People, and to make new Creatures,
yet he must do it with that Caution, that it might appear his own Work,
and done without the Consent and Knowledge of the Duke.
_Pinto_ had spar'd no pains in discovering who were, and the Number of
the Disaffected, which he daily endeavoured to encrease; he rail'd
against the present Government sometimes with Heat, at other times with
Caution, always accommodating himself to the Humour of the Company which
he was in: tho indeed so great was the Hatred which the _Portuguese_
bore the _Spaniards_, that there was no need of Reserve in complaining
of them. He would often remind the Nobility what honourable Employments
their Forefathers had borne, when _Portugal_ was govern'd by its own
Kings. Then would he mention the Summons which had so much exasperated
the Nobility, and by which they were commanded to attend the King in
_Catalonia_. _Pinto_ us'd to complain of this Hardship as of a kind of
Banishment, from which they would scarce find it possible to return;
that the Pride of the _Spaniards_, who would command them, was
insufferable, and the Expence they should be at intolerable; that this
was only a plausible Pretence to drain _Portugal_ of its bravest Men,
that in all their Expeditions they might be assur'd of being expos'd
where the greatest Danger was, but that they must never hope to share
the least part of the Glory.
When he was amongst the Merchants and other Citizens, he would bewail
the Misery of his Country, which was ruin'd by the Injustice of the
_Spaniard_, who had transfer'd the Trade, which _Portugal_ carried on
with the _Indies_, to _Cadiz_. Then would he remind them of the Felicity
which the _Dutch_ and _Catalonians_ enjoy'd, who had shaken off the
_Spanish_ Yoke. As for the Clergy, he did not in the least question but
that he should engage 'em in his Interest, and exasperate 'em most
irreconcileably against the _Castilians_; he told them, that the
Immunities and Privileges of the Church were violated, their Orders
contemn'd and neglected, and that all the best Preferments and fattest
Livings were possess'd by foreign Incumbents.
When he was with those, of whose Disaffection he was already convinc'd,
he would take care to turn his Discourse to his Master, and talk of his
manner of Living. He would often complain, that that Prince shew'd too
little Affection for the Good of his Country, and Concern for his own
Interest; and that at a time when it was in his power to assert his
Title to the Crown, he should seem so regardless of his own Right, and
lead so idle a Life. Finding that these Insinuations made an impression
upon the People, he went still farther: To those who were
publick-spirited, he represented what a glorious thing it would be for
them to lay the Foundations of a Revolution, and to deserve the Name of
_Deliverers of their Country_. Those who had been injur'd and
ill-treated by the _Spaniards_, he would excite to the Desire of
Revenge; and the Ambitious he flatter'd with a Prospect of the Grandeurs
and Preferments they might expect from the new King, would they once
raise him to the Throne. In short, he manag'd every thing with so much
Art, that being privately assur'd of the unshaken Affection of many to
his Master, he procur'd a Meeting of a considerable Number of the
Nobility, with the Archbishop of _Lisbon_ at the head of them.
This Prelate was of the House of _Acugna_, one of the best Families of
all _Portugal_; he was a Man of Learning, and an excellent Politician,
belov'd by the People, but hated by the _Spaniards_, and whom he had
also just cause to hate, since they had made Don _Sebastian Maltos de
Norognia_, Archbishop of Braga, President of the Chamber of _Opaco_,
whom they had all along prefer'd to him, and to whom they had given a
great share in the Administration of Affairs.
Another of the most considerable Members of this Assembly, was Don
_Miguel d'Almeida_, a venerable old Man, and who deserv'd, and had the
Esteem of every body; he was very publick-spirited, and was not so much
griev'd at his own private Misfortunes, as at those of his Country,
whose Inhabitants were become the Slaves of an usurping Tyrant. In these
Sentiments he had been educated, and to these with undaunted Courage and
Resolution he still adher'd; nor could the Entreaties of his Relations,
nor the repeated Advices of his Friends, ever make him go to Court, or
cringe to the _Spanish_ Ministers. This Carriage of his had made them
jealous of him. This therefore was the Man whom _Pinto_ first cast his
eyes upon, being well assur'd that he might safely entrust him with the
Secret; besides which, no one could be more useful in carrying on their
Design, his Interest with the Nobility being so great, that he could
easily bring over a considerable Number of them to his Party.
There were, besides these two, at this first Meeting, Don _Antonio
d'Almada_, an intimate Friend of the Archbishop's, with Don _Lewis_, his
Son; Don _Lewis d'Acugna_, Nephew to that Prelate, and who had married
Don _Antonio d'Almada_'s Daughter; _Mello_ Lord _Ranger_, Don _George_
his Brother; _Pedro Mendoza_; Don _Rodrigo de Saa_, Lord-Chamberlain:
with several other Officers of the Houshold, whose Places were nothing
now but empty Titles, since _Portugal_ had lost her own natural Kings.
[Sidenote: Conostagio.]
The Archbishop, who was naturally a good Rhetorician, broke the Ice in
this Assembly; he made an eloquent Speech, in which he set forth the
many Grievances _Portugal_ had labour'd under since it had been subject
to the Domination of _Spain_. He reminded them of the Number of Nobility
which _Philip_ II. had butchered to secure his Conquest; nor had he been
more favourable to the Church, witness the famous Brief of Absolution,
which he had obtain'd from the Pope for the Murder of Two Thousand
Priests, or others of Religious Orders, whom he had barbarously put to
death, on no other account but to secure his Usurpation: And since that
unhappy time the _Spaniards_ had not chang'd their inhuman Policy; how
many had fallen for no other Crime but their unshaken Love to their
Country! That none of those who were there present, could call their
Lives or their Estates their own: That the Nobility were slighted and
remov'd from all Places of Trust, Profit, or Power: That the Church was
fill'd with a scandalous Clergy, since _Vasconcellos_ had dispos'd of
all the Livings, and to which he had prefer'd his own Creatures only:
That the People were oppress'd with excessive Taxes, whilst the Earth
remain'd untill'd for want of hands, their Labourers being all sent away
by force, for Soldiers to _Catalonia_: That this last Summons for the
Nobility to attend the King, was only a specious Pretence to force them
out of their own Country, lest their Presence might prove an Obstacle to
some cruel Design, which was doubtless on foot: That the mildest Fate
they could hope for, was a tedious, if not a perpetual Banishment; and
that whilst they were ill-treated by the _Castilians_ abroad, Strangers
should enjoy their Estates, and new Colonies take possession of their
Habitations. He concluded by assuring them, that so great were the
Miseries of his Country, that he would rather chuse to die ten thousand
Deaths, than be obliged to see the Encrease of them; nor would he now
entertain one thought of Life, did he not hope that so many Persons of
Quality were not met together in vain.