City, and have a good effect upon the People every where, where the
Conspirators were not present, was going in haste down stairs, but Don
_Carlos Norogna_ stopp'd her, desiring that she would retire to her own
Apartment, assuring her that she should be treated with as much Respect
as if she still had the supreme Command in the Kingdom; but told her
that it would be dangerous for so great a Princess to expose herself to
the Insults of a furious People, who were jealous of their Liberties,
and enflam'd with Thirst of Revenge. The Queen easily understood the
meaning of his words, and found that she was their Prisoner. Enrag'd at
this, "And what can the People do to me?" _cry'd she_. "Nothing, Madam,
_reply'd_ Norogna _in a passion_, but fling your Highness out of the
Window."
The Archbishop of _Braga_ hearing this Answer, grew furious, and
snatching a Sword from one of the Soldiers who stood next him, he flew
towards _Norogna_, resolving to revenge the Vice-Queen, and had
certainly met with Death, the just Reward of his Rashness, had not Don
_Miguel d'Almeida_ laid hold of him, and embracing him, begg'd him to
consider what Danger he expos'd himself to, telling him that he was
already hated enough by the Conspirators; nor had he found it an easy
Task to obtain a Promise of them that they would spare his Life, why
then would he urge them by an Action, which would not only be
unprofitable to his Cause, but which also so highly misbecame his
Character. The Prelate, convinc'd of the Truth of what his Friend said,
was obliged to dissemble his Anger; however, he hoped that he should
meet with some favourable Opportunity of revenging himself on _Norogna_,
and doing something for the service of _Spain_, to whose Interest he was
entirely devoted.
The rest of the _Spaniards_ who were in the Palace, were made Prisoners
by the other Conspirators: Amongst these were the Marquiss of _Puebla_,
Major-Domo to the Vice-Queen, and elder Brother to the Marquiss _de
Leganez_; Don _Didaco Cardenas_, Lieutenant-General of the Cavalry; Don
_Ferdinand de Castro_, Comptroller of the Navy-Office; the Marquiss _de
Baynetto_, an _Italian_, Gentleman-Usher to the Vice-Queen: with some
Sea-Officers, who lay on shore, and whose Ships were in the Harbour. All
this was done as regularly and as quietly, as if they had been taken up
by an Order from the King of _Spain_, nobody stirring to their
Assistance, and they not being able to defend themselves, most of them
having been seiz'd in their Beds.
This done, Don _Antonio de Salsaigni_, follow'd by a Crowd of Friends,
and an innumerable Multitude of People, went up into the Hall, where the
Court of Justice was then sitting, and in an elegant Speech laid before
them the present Happiness of _Portugal_, who had restor'd their own
lawful King; he told them, that Tyranny was now no more, and that the
Laws, which had been long slighted and neglected, should henceforward
take their regular Course. This Speech was applauded by the whole Court,
and they chang'd the Title of their Decrees, which they no longer made
in the Name of the King of _Spain_, but in the Name of Don _John_, King
of _Portugal_.
Whilst _Salsaigni_ was thus persuading the high Court of Justice to
adhere to the Duke of _Braganza_'s Interest, Don _Gaston Coutingno_ was
taking out of Prison those who had been thrown into it by the Cruelty of
the _Spanish_ Minister. These unhappy Wretches, who had all along been
persuaded, that they should end their Lives in their dismal Dungeons,
unless taken out to be led to a cruel Death; seeing themselves now at
liberty, and their Country in a fair way of being freed, and resolving
to suffer any thing, rather than to return to their dark Prisons, form'd
a Body no less formidable than that of the Conspirators, and who were as
fully resolv'd to set the Duke of _Braganza_ on the Throne.
But in the midst of this general Joy, _Pinto_, with the rest of the
Leaders, were under great Apprehensions: The _Spaniards_ were yet
Masters of the Citadel, from whence they could easily burn and destroy
the Town; besides which, the Port was open to the _Spanish_ Fleet:
therefore thinking that they had done nothing till they had taken that
Place, they went up to the Vice-Queen, and desir'd her to sign a Warrant
to the Governour, by virtue of which he should be oblig'd to give them
possession of the Citadel.
She, far from granting what they ask'd, upbraided them as Rebels and
Traitors, and with Indignation ask'd them, Whether they had a mind to
make her an Accomplice? But _d'Almada_, who knew how dangerous it was to
leave the Enemies any longer in that Fort, and being provok'd at the
Vice-Queen's Denial, his Eyes sparkling with Rage, swore violently, that
if she did not sign the Warrant, he would forthwith put every one of the
_Spaniards_ to death, whom they had taken in the Palace.
The poor Princess, frightened with these Threats, and unwilling to be
the Occasion of the Death of so many Persons of Quality, was obliged to
comply, thinking at the same time that the Governour knew his Duty too
well, to obey an Order, which he might be assur'd was sign'd by
Compulsion; but she was very much mistaken in her Conjecture, for Don
_Lewis del Campo_, the _Spanish_ Governour, was a Man of no Resolution
at all, and seeing the Conspirators coming arm'd towards the Citadel,
and all the People of the Town following them, who threaten'd to cut him
and his Garison in pieces, unless he immediately surrender'd, was glad
to see the Warrant, and have so fair an Excuse for his Cowardice;
wherefore he immediately obey'd the Order, and gave up the Fort.
Proud of having dispatch'd their Business so happily, the Conspirators
forthwith deputed _Mendoza_ and the Lord _Ranger_ to the Duke of
_Braganza_, to acquaint him with their Success, and assure him, that
nothing was now wanting but the Presence of their King, to compleat the
Happiness of his Subjects.
Notwithstanding their Message, his Presence was not equally coveted by
every body. The Grandees of the Kingdom could not see him rais'd to the
Throne, without being inwardly jealous of his Fortune; and those of the
Nobility, who were not let into the Secret, refus'd as yet to declare
themselves; nay, some went so far as to assure the People, that the Duke
would never approve of so rash an Action, and whose consequence might be
so fatal to them all. Those who were in the _Spanish_ Interest, were in
a strange Consternation, and did not dare so much as stir abroad, lest
they should be sacrific'd by the People, whose Rage was not yet
appeas'd: In short, every body seem'd at an uncertainty, and waited
impatiently for the Resolutions of the Duke of _Braganza_.
But his Friends, who were better acquainted with his Intentions, still
pursued what they had so happily began, and assembled in the Palace, to
give the necessary Orders. The Archbishop was unanimously chosen
President of the Council, and Lord-Lieutenant of _Portugal_ till the
King's Arrival. He would at first have refus'd the Office, declaring
that his opinion was, that they had more need of a good General at their
head, than of a Man of his Character. However, being press'd by the
Assembly to accept the Place, he consented to it, on condition that he
might have the Archbishop of _Braga_ for his Collegue; who, he said, was
well acquainted with the Business, and might be very serviceable to him
during the King's Absence.
This cunning Prelate chose his Brother Archbishop sooner than any other
Man, well knowing that if he did accept it, he made himself an
Accomplice in what he call'd Rebellion, and would be accounted criminal
by the _Spanish_ Minister: Besides which, he would have only had the
Title of one of the Lord-Lieutenants, without any share of the Power.
But if, on the other hand, he refus'd it, he should for ever put him out
of the King's Favour, and make him odious to all the People, who
henceforwards would look on him as an open and profess'd Enemy to his
Country.
The Archbishop of _Braga_ was very sensible of the Snare which was laid
for him, but as he was wholly devoted to the Vice-Queen, and firm to the
_Spanish_ Interest, he refus'd having any thing to do with the
Administration; so that the whole Burden of the publick Affairs fell
upon the Archbishop of _Lisbon_: to ease him of part of which, they gave
him for Assistants Don _Miguel d'Almeida_, _Pedro Mendoza_, and Don
_Antonio d'Almada_.
One of the first Orders which the new Governour gave, was to seize upon
the three _Spanish_ Galloons which were then in the Harbour; upon which
they arm'd a few Barks, and in them went most part of the _Lisbon_
Youth, so desirous were they of shewing their Affection to the King: but
the Galloons were taken without Resistance, the Officers, and the
greatest part of the Ships Crew, having been seiz'd in the Morning
ashore.
That very Evening Couriers were dispatch'd to every Province, to exhort
the People to give thanks for the Recovery of their Liberties, and the
Restoration of the Duke of _Braganza_; with Orders at the same time to
all Governours of Towns, and other Magistrates, to have him proclaim'd
King of _Portugal_, and to take all the _Spaniards_, in their respective
Districts, into custody.
And now they began to prepare every thing at _Lisbon_ for the Reception
of the new King, and the Archbishop sent word to the late Vice-Queen,
that she would very much oblige them, in leaving the Palace where she
was, for he thought the King would want her Apartment, and that he had
prepar'd every thing for her Reception at the Palace of _Xabregas_,
which was at the farther end of the Town. This Princess receiv'd the
Order with a scornful Look, and without answering a word, obey'd it. She
went thro the Street, but without the usual Train of Courtiers and Crowd
of People; there was only the Archbishop of _Braga_ with her, who still
gave her manifest Tokens of his Respect, even now when he expos'd his
Life by so doing.
Mean while the Duke of _Braganza_ continued in the cruel State of
Uncertainty, sometimes flattering himself with the most pleasing Ideas
which a lively Hope can form, and sometimes under the most dismal
Apprehensions which frighten'd Fancy can suggest. The Distance between
_Villa-viciosa_ and _Lisbon_ being thirty Leagues, he could not know
what pass'd in his behalf so soon as he could have wish'd. All that he
knew was, that on this Day his Life and Fortune were at stake. He had at
first resolv'd to have himself proclaim'd at the same time in all the
Towns which were under his Dependance; but his mind chang'd, and he
determin'd to wait for the News of what had pass'd at _Lisbon_, before
he undertook any thing. There still remain'd the Kingdom of _Algarva_,
and the Citadel of _Elvas_, to which he could retire, in case his Party
at _Lisbon_ should fail; nay, he thought he could clear himself of
having any hand in the Conspiracy, especially at a time when the
_Spaniards_ would be glad to believe him innocent.
He had planted several Couriers on the Road to _Lisbon_, and thereby
expected to have an Account of what had pass'd betimes; but he had
waited with impatience all the Day, and the greatest part of the Night,
without hearing any thing, and the next Morning was already near at
hand, when _Mello_ and _Mendoza_, who had rode post from _Lisbon_,
arriv'd. They threw themselves at the Duke's feet, by which Action, as
well as by the Joy which appear'd in their Faces, the Success of their
Undertaking might be better read, than it was possible for them to
express.
They were about to give him an exact Account of every thing, but the
Duke, without hearing a word of what they had to tell him, conducted
them to the Dutchess's Apartment. The two Noblemen saluted her with the
same Respect, as if she had actually been upon the Throne; they assur'd
her of the Good-Wishes and Fidelity of her Subjects: and to shew her
that they acknowledg'd her their Queen, they now gave her the Title of
_Majesty_, whereas the Kings and Queens of _Portugal_ had hitherto been
always call'd their _Highnesses_.
We may easily judge of what pass'd in the Heart of this Royal Pair, if
we consider the Fears and Agitations which they were before in, and to
what Grandeur they were now rais'd. Nothing but Shouts of Joy were heard
throughout the Palace, the happy News soon spread, and the same Morning
the King was proclaim'd in all those Places, where it should have been
done the Day before; _Mello_ and _Alphonso_ also had him proclaim'd at
_Elvas_. The People came in Crouds to pay their Homage to the new King;
which, tho in a confus'd manner, was no less agreeable to him, than what
he afterwards receiv'd in all the formal Pomp of Ceremony.
The King immediately set out for _Lisbon_, with the same Equipage which
had been prepar'd for his setting out for _Madrid_. He was accompany'd
by the Marquiss _de Ferreira_, a Relation of his; the Count _de
Vimioso_; and several other Persons of Quality, who were come to wait
upon him to the Capital.
[Sidenote: _Decem. 6._]
The Queen he left at _Villa-viciosa_, knowing that her Presence was
necessary there, to keep the Provinces in awe. Every where, upon the
Roads to _Lisbon_, they met with infinite Numbers of People, who crouded
forwards to see the King; who had the satisfaction every where of
hearing the People blessing him, and cursing the _Spaniards_. All the
Nobility, with the whole Court, and the Magistrates of the City, met him
at a great distance from _Lisbon_, and he enter'd the Town amidst the
Acclamations of a joyful People.
That Evening there were Illuminations every where, and Fireworks in
every publick Place; each Citizen in particular had a Bonfire before his
door, which made a _Spaniard_ say, "The Duke of _Braganza_ was a happy
Prince, who had got a whole Kingdom for a Bonfire." Nor was it long
indeed before he was Master of the whole Kingdom, every Town follow'd
the Example of their Capital, and seem'd as if they had a Plot ripe for
Execution. Fresh Couriers every day arriv'd, who brought News of Towns,
and sometimes of whole Provinces, which had driven the _Castilians_ out,
and proclaim'd the Duke of _Braganza_. Nor were many of the _Spanish_
Governours more resolute than the Commander of the Citadel of _Lisbon_;
and whether they wanted Soldiers, Ammunition, or Courage, is uncertain,
but most of them surrender'd, without so much as giving the _Portuguese_
the trouble of firing a Gun. In short, they fled the Kingdom like so
many Criminals who had broke out of Prison; each Man dreaded
_Vasconcellos_'s Fate, and trembled at the sight of an incens'd
Multitude: nor was there a _Spaniard_ left in the whole Kingdom, but
those who were taken into Custody, and all this in less than a
Fortnight's time.
Don _Ferdinand de la Cueva_, Commander of the Citadel of _St. Juan_, at
the Mouth of the _Tagus_, was the only Man who offer'd to make any
resistance, and to preserve the Place for the King his Master. The
Garison was wholly compos'd of _Spaniards_, the Officers brave, and
resolv'd to hold it out to the last; and therefore, as soon as the
_Portuguese_ approach'd them, made a vigorous Defence. They were oblig'd
to besiege it in form; to that end they brought Cannon from _Lisbon_,
and open'd the Trenches before it, which they carry'd as far as the
Counterscarp, spite of the Besieged's continual Fire, and their frequent
Sallies. But the King, who knew that treating with the Commander would
be not only the safest, but the shortest way, made him such advantageous
Proposals, that the Governour could not resist the Temptation; but
dazled with the Prospect of the vast Sum which was offer'd, besides a
Commandry of the _Order of Christ_, and pretending that his Garison was
not strong enough to hold out a Siege, he surrender'd upon Terms, spite
of the chief Officers, who refus'd to sign the Capitulation.
This done, the King thought it best not to defer his Coronation, that he
might thereby confirm his Royalty, and consecrate his Majesty. The
Ceremony was perform'd on the Fifteenth of _December_ with all the
Magnificence imaginable; the Duke _d'Aveiro_, the Marquiss _de
Villareal_, the Duke _de Carmino_, his Son, the Count _de Monsano_, and
all the other Grandees of the Kingdom, being present. The Archbishop of
_Lisbon_, at the head of all the Clergy of his Diocese, and accompany'd
by several other Bishops, met him at the Door of the Cathedral; there he
was solemnly acknowledg'd by the States of the Kingdom their Rightful
and Lawful King: after which every one of them took the Oath of
Allegiance.
Some few Days after the Coronation, the Queen arriv'd at _Lisbon_ with a
sumptuous Equipage and numerous Retinue. All the Court went out of Town
to meet her, and she already had with her all the Officers of her
Houshold. The King himself met her at some distance from the Town. This
Prince omitted nothing which might make her Entry appear magnificent,
and convince the People that he believ'd she had very much contributed
to the placing the Crown upon his Head. Every one observ'd, that
notwithstanding her Fortune was alter'd, yet was not the Queen in the
least chang'd, but behav'd herself as majestically, as if she had been
born to, and was educated for the Possession of a Throne.
* * * * *
Such was the Success of this great Enterprize, as happily finish'd, as
it was prudently begun; which may be reckon'd a sort of Miracle,
considering the vast Number of Persons, and the different Quality and
Inclinations of those who were let into the Secret: Nor can it be
accounted for, but from the natural Hatred which the _Portuguese_ had to
a _Spanish_ Government; a Hatred! which took its first Rise from the
frequent Wars which these neighbouring Nations waged against one
another, ever since they had been Monarchies; as well as from their
being both concern'd in the Discovery of the _Indies_, and the frequent
Debates which they had concerning their Commerce; these at last grew
into an inveterate Hatred, which was now encreas'd by the Tyranny of
_Spain_.
The News of the Revolution soon reach'd the Court of _Spain_.
_D'Olivarez_ was almost driven to Despair at the hearing it; he saw his
own Project miscarry, and Ruin threatning his Country, which might have
been easily prevented, but could not now be remedy'd. Nor had _Spain_
any need of acquiring new Enemies, the _French_ and _Dutch_ Troops
already employ'd their utmost Forces, with much ado they resisted their
combin'd Strength; and the Revolt of _Catalonia_, he fear'd, might
invite other Provinces to do the like.
There was no one now in the Court of _Madrid_ ignorant of the News, but
the King himself; every one thought that he ought to be inform'd of it,
yet no one dar'd undertake the ungrateful Task, for fear of incurring
the Minister's Displeasure, whose implacable Temper they knew too well,
to hope that he would ever forgive an Offence of this nature. At last
the Duke, seeing that the Story was too well known to be any longer
conceal'd from the King, and fearing that some of his Enemies, either to
ingratiate or revenge themselves, should tell it in such a manner, that
the whole Fault would seem to fall upon him, he resolv'd to be himself
the Messenger, and coming up to the King, with a serene Look, and a Face
on which a dissembled Joy sat confess'd, "I wish your Majesty Joy," _said
he_, "of a noble Dutchy, and a fine Estate, which are lately fallen to
you." "How _Olivarez!" answer'd the King_; "what do you mean?" "Mean!"
_reply'd the Minister_; "why the Duke of _Braganza_ is run mad, the Mob
have proclaimed him King of _Portugal_, and he has accepted the Title;
so that now all he has is confiscated, and you have a good Pretence to
rid yourself of the whole Family: Henceforwards you may reign King of
_Portugal_, nor fear that any one will dispute your Title to that
Kingdom."
As weak a Prince as _Philip_ was, he easily comprehended the meaning of
these words; but as he could no longer see but thro his Minister's Eyes,
he only told him, That he must take care betimes to put an end to a
Rebellion, whose Consequence might otherwise prove dangerous.
[Sidenote: _Jan. 28. 1644._]
Mean while the King of _Portugal_ took all the necessary Measures to
confirm his new Authority. As soon as he came to _Lisbon_, he nam'd
Governours for every Town of _Portugal_, as much distinguish'd for
their Fidelity to him, as for their Experience and approv'd Valour; who
immediately, with what Soldiers they could get together, went to take
possession of their Command, and to put the Place in a posture of
Defence. At the same time recruiting Commissions were given out; and the
Solemnity of his Coronation being over, he call'd together the States of
the Kingdom: in which, to prevent all the Doubts and Scruples which
might rise in the Minds of the People, his Pretensions to the Crown were
examin'd, and by a solemn Decree of the States he was acknowledg'd
Rightful and Lawful King, as being descended from Prince _Edward_, Son
to King _Emanuel_; whereas the King of _Spain_ was only descended from a
Daughter of the same King _Emanuel_, who also by the Fundamental Laws of
_Portugal_ was excluded the Succession, having espous'd a foreign
Prince.
In this Assembly the King declar'd, that he would content himself with
his own Estate, and that the usual Royal Revenue should be apply'd to
the defraying of the extraordinary Expences, and paying the Debts of the
Kingdom. And the better to ingratiate himself with the People, he took
off all the Taxes which the oppressing _Spaniards_ had laid upon them.
To all the considerable Offices and Employments he promoted those of the
Conspirators, whose Birth and Capacity might give them just Pretensions
to it, and who had shewn the greatest Desire of raising him to the
Throne. In this Promotion no notice was taken of _Pinto_; the King did
not think his Royalty sufficiently confirm'd, to venture at raising one
of his Servants, and whose Extraction was but mean. However, the Prince
was not in the least unmindful of his Service, and without having the
Title of a Minister of State, he had the Authority of one; so great was
his Influence over his Master, and such entire Confidence did he repose
in him.
Having given all the necessary Orders within the Kingdom, he resolv'd to
assure himself of some foreign Assistance in case of necessity, as well
by making strict Alliances with all the Enemies of _Spain_, as by
raising them new ones. To this end he endeavour'd to persuade the Duke
of _Medina Sidonia_, Governour of _Andalusia_, and his Brother-in-law,
to follow his Example, shake off the _Spanish_ Yoke, and make himself an
independent Prince. The Marquiss _Daiamonti_, a _Spanish_ Nobleman, and
related to the Queen of _Portugal_, was to negotiate this Business, the
Success of which will be seen in the Sequel of this History.
The King of _Portugal_ made a League offensive and defensive with the
_Dutch_; _France_ promis'd him its Protection, and he sent Ambassadors
to all the Courts of _Europe_, that his Title might be acknowledg'd by
their Princes. But the King of _Spain_ was so destitute of Men,
_Catalonia_ employing all his Forces, that he did very little all that
Campaign for the Recovery of _Portugal_, and even what he did undertake
met with no Success.
Some little time after this, News was brought that _Goa_, and all those
other Places which belong'd to _Portugal_, whether in the _Indies_,
_Africa_, or in _Peru_, had follow'd the Example of their _European_
Masters, and revolted from the _Spaniards_. Thus was the King flatter'd
with the Prospect of a happy Reign, and rejoic'd to see Peace and
Tranquillity preserv'd within his Kingdom, whilst his Arms met with
Success abroad; little suspecting the Danger which threaten'd his Life
and Crown, both which he had almost lost by a cursed Conspiracy, which
was form'd even in the midst of that Prince's Court.