many Evils which they had suffer'd. Each seem'd earnest to give some
instance of _Vasconcellos_'s Cruelty. The Estates of some had been
unjustly confiscated, whilst others had Hereditary Places and
Governments taken from them; some had been long confin'd in Prisons
thro the Jealousy of the _Spanish_ Ministers, and many bewail'd a
Father, a Brother, or a Friend, either detain'd at _Madrid_, or sent
into _Catalonia_ as Hostages of the Fidelity of their unhappy
Countrymen. In short, there was not one of those who were engag'd in
this Publick Cause, but what had some private Quarrel to revenge: but
nothing provoked them more than the _Catalonian_ Expedition; they
plainly saw, that it was not so much the want of their assistance, as
the desire of ruining them, which made the _Spanish_ Minister oblige
them to that tedious and expensive Voyage. These Considerations, join'd
to their own private Animosities, made 'em unanimously resolve to
venture Life and Fortune, rather than any longer to bear the heavy Yoke:
but the Form of Government which they ought to chuse, caus'd a Division
amongst them. Part of the Assembly were for making themselves a
Republick, as _Holland_ had lately done; others were for a Monarchy, but
could not agree upon the choice of a King: some propos'd the Duke of
_Braganza_, some the Marquis de _Villareal_, and others the Duke
_d'Aviedo_, (all three Princes of the Royal Blood of _Portugal_,)
according as their different Inclinations or Interests byass'd them. But
the Archbishop, who was wholly devoted to the House of _Braganza_,
assuming the Authority of his Character, set forth with great strength
of Reason, That the Choice of a Government was not in their power; that
the Oath of Allegiance which they had taken to the King of _Spain_,
could not in conscience be broken, unless it was with a design to
restore their rightful Sovereign to the Throne of his Fathers, which
every one knew to be the Duke of _Braganza_; that they must therefore
resolve to proclaim him King, or for ever to continue under the Tyranny
of the _Spanish_ Usurper. After this, he made 'em consider the Power and
Riches of this Prince, as well as the great number of his Vassals, on
whom depended almost a third part of the Kingdom. He shew'd 'em it was
impossible for 'em to drive the _Spaniards_ out of _Portugal_, unless he
was at their head: that the only way to engage him, would be by making
him an Offer of the Crown, which they would be under a Necessity of
doing, altho he was not the first Prince of the Royal Blood. Then began
he to reckon all those excellent Qualities with which he was endow'd, as
his Wisdom, his Prudence; but above all, his affable Behaviour, and
inimitable Goodness. In short, his Words prevail'd so well upon every
one, that they unanimously declared him their King, and promis'd that
they would spare no Pains, no Endeavours to engage him to enter into
their Measures: after which, having agreed upon the time and place of a
second Meeting, to concert the ways and means of bringing this happy
Revolution about, the Assembly broke up.
_Pinto_ observing how well the Minds of the People were dispos'd in
favour of his Master, wrote privately to him, to acquaint him with the
Success of the first Meeting, and advis'd him to come, as if by chance,
to _Lisbon_, that by his Presence he might encourage the Conspirators,
and at the same time get some Opportunity of conferring with them. This
Man spent his whole time in negotiating this grand Affair, yet did it so
artfully, that no one could suspect his having any farther Interest in
it, than his Concern for the Publick Welfare. He seemingly doubted
whether his Master would ever enter into their Measures, objecting his
natural Aversion to any Undertaking which was hazardous and requir'd
Application: then would he start some Difficulties, which were of no
other use but to destroy all Suspicion of his having any Understanding
with his Master, and were so far from being weighty enough to discourage
them, that they rather serv'd to excite their Ardour.
Upon the Advice given by _Pinto_, the Duke left _Villa-viciosa_, and
came to _Almada_, a Castle near _Lisbon_, on pretence of visiting it as
he had done the other Fortifications of that Kingdom. His Equipage was
so magnificent, and he had with him such a number of the Nobility and
Gentry, as well as of Officers, that he looked more like a King going to
take possession of a Kingdom, than like the Governour of a Province, who
was viewing the Places and Forts under his Jurisdiction: he was so near
_Lisbon_, that he was under an obligation of going to pay his Devoirs to
the Vice-Queen. As soon as he enter'd the Palace-yard, he found the
Avenues crowded with infinite numbers of People, who press'd forward to
see him pass along; and all the Nobility came to wait upon him, and to
accompany him to the Vice-Queen's. It was a general Holiday throughout
the City, and so great was the Joy of the People, that there seem'd only
a Herald wanting to proclaim him King, or Resolution enough in himself
to put the Crown upon his Head.
But the Duke was too prudent to trust to the uncertain Sallies of an
inconstant People. He knew what a vast difference there was between
their vain Shouts, and that Steddiness which is necessary to support so
great an Enterprize. Therefore after having paid his respects to the
Vice-Queen, and taken leave of her, he return'd to _Almada_, without so
much as going to _Braganza-House_, or passing thro the City, lest he
should encrease the Jealousy of the _Spaniards_, who already seem'd very
uneasy at the Affection which the People had so unanimously express'd
for the Duke.
_Pinto_ took care to make his Friends observe the unnecessary Caution
which his Master us'd, and that therefore they ought not to neglect this
Opportunity, which his Stay at _Almada_ afforded them, to wait upon that
Prince, and to persuade, nay, as tho it were to force him to accept the
Crown. The Conspirators thought the Counsel good, and deputed him to the
Duke to obtain an Audience. He granted them one, but upon condition
there should come three of the Conspirators only, not thinking it safe
to explain himself before a greater Number.
_Miguel d'Almeida_, _Antonio d'Almada_, and _Pedro Mendoza_, were the
three Persons pitched upon; who coming by night to the Prince's, and
being introduc'd into his Chamber, _d'Almada_, who was their Spokesman,
represented in few words the present unhappy State of _Portugal_, whose
Natives, of what Quality or Condition soever, had suffer'd so much from
the unjust and cruel _Castilians_: That the Duke himself was as much, if
not more expos'd than any other to their Treachery; that he was too
discerning not to perceive that _d'Olivarez_'s Aim was his Ruin, and
that there was no other Place of Refuge but the Throne; for the
restoring him to which, he had Orders to offer him the Services of a
considerable Number of People of the first Quality, who would willingly
expose their Lives, and sacrifice their Fortunes for his sake, and to
revenge themselves upon the oppressing _Spaniards_.
He afterwards told them, that the Times of _Charles_ V. and _Philip_ II.
were no more, when _Spain_ held the Ballance of _Europe_ in her hand,
and gave the neighbouring Nations Laws: That this Monarchy, which had
been once so formidable, could scarce now preserve its antient
Territories; that the _French_ and _Dutch_ not only wag'd War against
them, but often overcame 'em; that _Catalonia_ itself employ'd the
greatest part of their Forces; that they scarce had an Army on foot, the
Treasury was exhausted, and that the Kingdom was governed by a weak
Prince, who was himself sway'd by a Minister, abhor'd by the whole
Nation.
He then observ'd what foreign Protection and Alliances they might depend
on, and be assur'd of; most of the Princes of _Europe_ were profess'd
Enemies to the House of _Austria_; the Encouragement _Holland_ and
_Catalonia_ had met with, sufficiently shew'd what might be expected
from that able[B] Statesman, whose mighty Genius seem'd wholly bent upon
the Destruction of the _Spanish_ King; that the Sea was now open, and he
might have free Communication with whom he pleas'd; that there were
scarce any _Spanish_ Garisons left in _Portugal_, they having been drawn
out to serve in _Catalonia_; that there could never be a more favourable
Opportunity of asserting his Right and Title to the Crown, of securing
his Life, his Fortune, and his Liberty, which were at stake, and of
delivering his Country from Slavery and Oppression.
We may easily imagine, that there was nothing in this Speech which could
displease the Duke of _Braganza_; however, unwilling to let them see his
Heart, he answer'd the Deputies in such a manner, as could neither
lessen, or encrease their Hopes. He told them, that he was but too
sensible of the Miseries to which _Portugal_ was reduc'd by the
_Castilians_, nor could he think himself secure from their Treachery;
that he very much commended the Zeal which they shew'd for the Welfare
of their Country, and was in an especial manner oblig'd to them for the
Affection which they bore him in particular; that notwithstanding what
they had represented, he fear'd that matters were not ripe for so
dangerous an Enterprize, whose Consequence, should they not bring it to
a happy Period, would prove so fatal to them all.
Having return'd this Answer, (for a more positive one he would not
return) he caress'd the Deputies, and thank'd them in so obliging a
manner, that they left him, well satisfy'd that their Message was
gratefully receiv'd; but at the same time persuaded, that the Prince
would be no farther concerned in their Design, than giving his content
to the Execution of it, as soon as their Plot should be ripe.
After their Departure, the Duke confer'd with _Pinto_ about the new
Measures which they must take, and then return'd to _Villa-viciosa_; but
not with that inward Satisfaction of Mind which he had hitherto enjoy'd,
but with a Restlessness of Thought, the too common Companion of Princes.
As soon as he arriv'd, he communicated those Proportions, which had been
made him, to the Dutchess his Wife. She was of a _Castilian_ Family,
Sister to the Duke of _Medina Sidonia_, a Grandee of _Spain_, and
Governor of _Andalusia_. During her Childhood, her Mind was great and
heroick, and as she grew up, became passionately fond of Honour and
Glory. The Duke, her Father, who perceived this natural Inclination of
hers, took care to cultivate it betimes, and gave the Care of her
Education to Persons who would swell her Breast with[C] Ambition, and
represent it as the chiefest Virtue of Princes. She apply'd herself
betimes to the Study of the different Tempers and Inclinations of
Mankind, and would by the Looks of a Person judge of his Heart; so that
the most dissembling Courtier could scarce hide his Thoughts from her
discerning Eye. She neither wanted Courage to undertake, nor Conduct to
carry on the most difficult things, provided their End was glorious and
honourable. Her Actions were free and easy, and at the same time noble
and majestick; her Air at once inspir'd Love, and commanded Respect. She
took the _Portuguese_ Air with so much ease, that it seem'd natural to
her. She made it her chief Study to deserve the Love and Esteem of her
Husband; nor could the Austerity of her Life, a solid Devotion, and a
perfect Complaisance to all his Actions, fail of doing it. She neglected
all those Pleasures, which Persons of her Age and Quality usually
relish; and the greatest part of her time was employ'd in Studies, which
might adorn her Mind, and improve her Understanding.
The Duke thought himself compleatly happy in the possession of so
accomplish'd a Lady; his Love could scarce be parallel'd, and his
Confidence in her was entire: He never undertook any thing without her
Advice, nor would he engage himself any farther in a matter of such
consequence, without first consulting with her. He therefore shew'd her
the Scheme of the Revolution; the Names of the Conspirators, and
acquainted her with what had pass'd as well in the Assembly held at
_Lisbon_, as in the Conference he had had with them at _Almada_, and the
Warmth which every one had shown upon this occasion. He told her, That
the Expedition of _Catalonia_ had so incens'd the Nobility, that they
were all resolv'd to revolt, rather than to leave their native Country;
he dreaded, that if he should refuse to lead them on, they would forsake
him, and chuse themselves another Leader. Yet he confess'd, that the
Greatness of the Danger made him dread the Event; that whilst he view'd
the Throne at a distance, the flattering Idea of Royalty was most
agreeable to his Mind, but that now having a nearer Prospect of it, and
of the intervening Obstacles, he was startled; nor could he calmly
behold those Dangers into which he must inevitably plunge himself and
his whole Family, in case of a Discovery: That the People, on whom they
must chiefly depend for the Success, were inconstant, and disheartned by
the least Difficulty: That the Number of Nobility and Gentry which he
had on his side, was not sufficient, unless supported by the Grandees of
the Kingdom; who doubtless, jealous of his Fortune, would oppose it, as
not being able to submit to the Government of one, whom they had all
along look'd upon as their Equal. That these Considerations, as well as
the little Dependance he could make on foreign Assistance, overrul'd his
Ambition, and made him forget the hopes of reigning. But the Dutchess,
whose Soul was truly great, and Ambition her ruling Passion, immediately
declar'd herself in favour of the Conspiracy. She ask'd the Duke,
"Whether in case the _Portuguese_, accepting his Denial, should resolve
to make themselves a Republick, he would side with them, or with the
King of _Spain_?" "With his Countrymen undoubtedly, _he reply'd_; for
whose Liberty he would willingly venture his Life." "And why can you not
do for your own sake, _answer'd she_, what you would do as a Member of
the Commonwealth? The Throne belongs to you, and should you perish in
attempting to recover it, your Fate would be glorious, and rather to be
envy'd than pity'd." After this she urg'd "his undoubted Right to the
Crown; that _Portugal_ was reduc'd to such a miserable State by the
_Castilians_, that it was inconsistent with the Honour of a Person of
his Quality to be an idle Looker-on; that his Children would reproach,
and their Posterity curse his Memory, for neglecting so fair an
Opportunity of restoring them what they ought in justice to have had."
Then she represented the difference between a Sovereign and a Subject,
and the pleasure of ruling, instead of obeying in a servile manner. She
made him sensible, that it would be no such difficult matter to
re-possess himself of the Crown; that tho he could not hope for foreign
Assistance, yet were the _Portuguese_ of themselves able to drive the
_Spaniards_ out of their Country, especially at such a favourable
Juncture as this. In short, so great was her persuasive Art, that she
prevailed upon the Duke to accept the Offer made him, but at the same
time confess'd his Prudence, in letting the Number of the Conspirators
encrease before he join'd with them; nor would she advise him to appear
openly in it, till the Plot was ripe.
Mean while the Court of _Spain_ grew very jealous or him. Those
extraordinary Marks of Joy, which the _Lisbonites_ had shewn at his
coming thither, had very much alarm'd _d'Olivarez_. It was also
whisper'd about, that there were nightly Meetings and secret Assemblies
held at _Lisbon_: So impossible it is, that a Business of such a
consequence should be wholly conceal'd.
[Sidenote: _Octob. 20. 1640._]
Upon this several Councils were held at _Madrid_, in which it was
resolv'd, that the only way to prevent the _Portuguese_ from revolting,
was by taking from them their Leader, in favour of whom it was suppos'd
they intended to revolt. Wherefore _d'Olivarez_ immediately dispatch'd a
Courier to the Duke of _Braganza_, to acquaint him, that the King
desir'd to be inform'd, by his own mouth, of the Strength of every Fort
and Citadel, the Condition of the Sea-Ports, and what Garisons were
plac'd in each of them: to this he added, that his Friends at Court were
overjoy'd at the thoughts of seeing him so soon, and that every one of
them were preparing to receive him with the Respect due to his Quality
and Deserts.
This News thunder-struck the unhappy Prince; he was well assur'd, that
since so many Pretences were made use of to get him into _Spain_, his
Destruction was resolv'd on, and nothing less than his Life could
satisfy them. They had left off Caresses and Invitations, and had now
sent positive Orders, which either must be obey'd, or probably open
Force would be made use of. He concluded, that he was betray'd. Such is
the Fear of those, whose Thoughts are taken up with great Designs, and
who always imagine that the inquisitive World is prying into their
Actions, and observing all their Steps. Thus did the Duke, whose Conduct
had been always greater than his Courage, dread that he had plung'd
himself into inevitable Destruction.
But to gain time enough to give the Conspirators notice of his Danger,
by the Advice of the Dutchess, he sent a Gentleman, whose Capacity and
Fidelity he was before assur'd of, to the Court of _Madrid_, to assure
the _Spanish_ Minister, that he would suddenly wait on the King; but had
at the same time given him private Orders to find out all the Pretences
imaginable for the delaying his Journey, hoping in the mean time to
bring the Conspiracy to Ripeness, and thereby to shelter himself from
the impending Storm.
As soon as this Gentleman arriv'd at _Madrid_, he assur'd the King and
the Duke _d'Olivarez_, that his Master follow'd him. To make his Story
the more plausible, he took a large House, which he furnish'd very
sumptuously, then hir'd a considerable Number of Servants, to whom he
before-hand gave Liveries. In short, he spar'd no Cost to persuade the
_Spaniards_ that his Master would be in a very little time at Court, and
that he intended to appear with an Equipage suitable to his Birth.
Some days after he pretended to have receiv'd Advice that his Master was
fallen sick. When this Pretence was grown stale, he presented a Memorial
to _d'Olivarez_, in which he desir'd that his Master's Precedence in the
Court might be adjusted. He did not in the least question but that this
would gain a considerable time, hoping that the Grandees, by maintaining
their Rights, would oppose his Claims. But these Delays beginning to be
suspected, the first Minister had the thing soon decided, and always in
favour of the Duke of _Braganza_; so earnestly did he desire to see him
once out of _Portugal_, and to have him safe at _Madrid_.
The Conspirators no sooner heard of the Orders which the Duke had
receiv'd, but fearing that he might obey them, deputed _Mendoza_ to know
what he intended to do, and to engage him firmly, if possible, to their
Party. This Gentleman was chosen preferably to any other, because he was
Governor of a Town near _Villa-viciosa_; so that he could hide the real
Intent of his Journey from the _Spaniards_, under the specious Pretence
of Business. He did not dare to go directly to the Prince's House, but
took an opportunity of meeting him in a Forest one morning as he was
hunting; they retir'd together into the thickest part of the Wood, where
_Mendoza_ shew'd him what Danger he expos'd himself to, by going to a
place where all were his Enemies: That by this inconsiderate Action the
Hopes of the Nobility, as well as of the People, were utterly
destroy'd: That a sufficient Number of Gentlemen, who were as able to
serve him, as they were willing to do it, or to sacrifice their Lives
for his sake, only waited for his Consent to declare themselves in his
favour: That now was the very Crisis of his Fate, and that he must this
instant resolve to be _Cæsar_ or nothing: That the Business would admit
of no longer Delay, lest the Secret being divulg'd, their Designs should
prove abortive. The Duke, convinc'd of the Truth of what was said to
him, told him that he was of his mind, and that he might assure his
Friends, that as soon as their Plot should be ripe, he would put himself
at the head of them.
This Conference ended, _Mendoza_ immediately return'd home, for fear of
being suspected, and wrote to some of the Conspirators that he had been
hunting; "We had almost, _continued he_, lost our Game in the Pursuit,
but at last the Day prov'd a Day of good Sport." Some few Days after
_Mendoza_ return'd to _Lisbon_, and acquainted _Pinto_ that his Master
wanted him, who set out as soon as they had together drawn out a shorter
Scheme to proceed upon. Coming to _Villa-viciosa_, the first thing he
acquainted the Duke with, was the Difference which had lately happen'd
at the Court of _Lisbon_, the Vice-Queen loudly complaining of the
haughty Pride and Insolence of _Vasconcellos_; nor could she any longer
bear that all Business should be transacted by him, whilst she enjoy'd
an empty Title, without any the least Authority. What made her
Complaints the juster, was, that she was really a deferring Princess,
and capable of discharging the Trust which was committed to her
Secretary. But it was the Greatness of her Genius, and her other
extraordinary Deserts, which made the Court of _Spain_ unwilling to let
her have a greater share in the Government. _Pinto_ observ'd, that this
Difference could never have happen'd in a better time, seeing that the
Ministers of _Spain_ being taken up with this Business, would not be at
leisure to pry into his Actions, or to observe the Steps he should take.
The Duke of _Braganza_, since _Mendoza_'s Departure, was fallen into his
wonted Irresolution, and the nearer the Business came to a Crisis, the
more he dreaded the Event: _Pinto_ made use of all his Rhetorick to
excite his Master's Courage, and to draw him into his former Resolution.
Nay, to his Persuasions he added Threatnings; he told him, in spite of
himself, the Conspirators would proclaim him King, and what Dangers must
he run then, when the Crown should be fix'd upon his Head, at a time
when, only for want of necessary Preparation, he was not capable of
preserving it. The Dutchess join'd with this faithful Servant, and
convinc'd the Duke of the Baseness of preferring Life to Honour: he,
charm'd with her Courage, yet asham'd to see it greater than his own,
yielded to their Persuasions.
Mean while, the Gentleman whom he had sent to _Madrid_, wrote daily to
let him know, that he could no longer defer his Journey on any pretence
whatsoever, and that _Olivarez_ refus'd to hear the Excuses which he
would have made. The Duke, to gain a little longer time, order'd the
Gentleman to acquaint the _Spanish_ Minister, that he had long since
been at _Madrid_, had he had Money enough to defray the Expence of his
Journey, and to appear at Court in a manner suitable to his Quality:
That as soon as he could receive a sufficient Sum, he would immediately
set out.
This Business dispatch'd, he consulted with the Dutchess and _Pinto_
about the properest Means of executing their Design: several were
propos'd, but at last this was agreed upon, That the Plot must break out
at _Lisbon_, whose Example might have a good effect upon the other Towns
and Cities of the Kingdom: That the same Day wherein he was proclaim'd
King in the Metropolis, he should be also proclaim'd in every Place
which was under his Dependance; nay, in every Borough and Village, of
which any of the Conspirators were the leading Men, they should raise
the People, so that one half of the Kingdom being up, the other of
course would fall into their Measures, and the few remaining _Spaniards_
would not know on which side to turn their Arms. His own Regiment he
should quarter in _Elvas_, whose Governour was wholly in his Interest.
That as for the manner of their making themselves Masters of _Lisbon_,
Time and Opportunity would be their best Counsellors; however, the
Duke's Opinion was, that they should seize the Palace in the first
place, so that by securing the Vice-Queen, and the _Spaniards_ of Note,
they would be like so many Hostages in their hands, for the Behaviour of
the Governour and Garison of the Citadel, who otherwise might very much
annoy 'em when they were Masters of the Town. After this, the Duke
having assur'd _Pinto_, that notwithstanding any Change of Fortune, he
should still have the same place in his Affection; he sent him to
_Lisbon_ with two Letters of Trust, one for _Almeida_, the other for
_Mendoza_; wherein he conjur'd 'em to continue faithful to their
Promises, and resolutely and courageously to finish what they had begun.
As soon as he arriv'd at _Lisbon_, he deliver'd his Letters to _Almeida_
and _Mendoza_, who instantly sent for _Lemos_ and _Coreo_, whom _Pinto_
had long since engag'd in the Interest of his Master. These were two
rich Citizens, who had gone thro all the Offices of the City, and had
the People of it very much at their command; as they still carry'd on
their Trade, there were a vast Number of poor People daily employ'd by
'em, and whose Hatred to the _Spaniards_ they had still taken care to
encrease, by insinuating that there were new Taxes to be laid upon
several things at the beginning of the next Year. When they observ'd any
one of a fiery Temper, they would take care to discharge him, on
pretence that the _Castilians_ had utterly ruin'd their Trade, and that
they were no longer able to employ them; but their Aim was to reduce
them to Poverty and Want, insomuch that Necessity should oblige them to
revolt: but still would they extend their Charity towards them, that
they might always have them at their service. Besides this, they had
engag'd some of the ablest Merchants and Tradesmen in every part of
_Lisbon_, and promis'd, that if the Conspirators would give 'em warning
over night of the Hour they intended to rise, punctually at that time
they would have half the City up in Arms.