to make the preparatiues for the war hee did suspend him from all his offices and proceeded against him by way of Iustice And although all his faults were restrained to this onely to haue counselled or at least not disswaded the king from the warre of Affricke yet his processe being verified he suffered condemnation by the Iudges to loose all his offices priuiledges and recompences which had beene giuen him in the end of Sebastians life It preuailed not for his iustification to alleage that if the Cardinall himselfe did not perswade the enterprise yet at the least he did consent vnto it and approoue it which fault was greater in him then in any other that his perswasions shoulde be of more importance with the king then all mens seeing that for the preheminence of his place he alone might speake cleerely and force him which others could not doe fearing as subiects and with reason the indignation of a yoong king the which they say he ought not to haue feared both for his qualitie and his age which should neither yeeld to feare nor hope He tooke the same course against Lewes de Silua and many others that came out of Affrick whereby it was apparent the King knew not absolutely how to vse clemencie nor wrath for neither did he pardon as a man of the Church nor reuenge as a displeased Prince This bredde an alteration in all the affaires of the Realme neither was it sufficient that such as were aduanced to these newe offices were men without experience who by their ignorance did mightily trouble such as did treate with them but for that we easily encline to the woorst some of them vnder colour to seeme affectionate seruants to their king not onely prouided for that which passed their charge but examined the actions of their predecessors finding therein a thousand cauils and preferring the appearance of the kings profite before iustice they disannulled conuentions and lawes to the great trouble and damage of many and small honour to themselues and then did they seeme to doe best iustice when they did molest most such as Sebastian had fauoured and wrought quite contrarie to that which had beene formerly done Notwithstanding if any thing were done by them that was absolutely good it was the disannulling of the impost of salt which Sebastian had imposed Whilest these things passed in Portugall the Catholique King hauing sent Christopher de Mora thither Peter de Venegas into Affrick he perfourmed the funerals of Sebastian in the Church of Saint Ierome at Madrill although it was secretly muttered that the Duke of Alua shoulde say the King shoulde haue perfourmed it in Portugall in our Ladies Church of Belem where the other Kings are accustomed to be interred inferring it may be that Philip was successour to Sebastian or at the least shoulde assure himselfe by force of the succession after Henry causing himselfe to be sworne Prince The report of the Dukes words did greatly mooue Ferrant de Silua Embassadour for Portugall and all the Portugals being a speech that did pearce their harts proceeding from a person whom they helde enimie to their nation for the olde grudges betwixt him and Ruigomes de Silua a naturall Portugall in great credite with Philip besides that being a principall man of account they feared least he spake it with participation of the Kinges minde and tooke it as a declaration of his meaning In this time they spake diuersly of these affaires For although amongst the Castillians the Duke himselfe and one or two other principall persons had this consideration yet in generall they did not beleeue it neither had they considered that Philip shoulde inherite this Realme but they supposed it did of right appertaine to the sonne of the Duke of Parma But the Portugals who had better considered thereof and whose lawes were more in fauour of Philip then those of Castill were amongst themselues better resolued neither was the Catholique King long vnsatisfied hauing both in his owne Countries in Portugall and other places caused learned men diligently to examine who was by right equitie the true successour of this Realme he began now to conceiue that after Henry the succession appertained vnto himselfe And nowe he founde that it was not onely the generall opinion of the Doctors but some amongst them yea of the Portugals thēselues did maintaine that the King did preceade the Cardinal and that these Realmes did appertaine to the Crowne of Castill They alleaged but with the authoritie of fewe Doctors that the lawes of Portugall and the Ciuill likewise ordaine that in case of Realmes the inheritance shall goe to the neerest kinsemen of the last possessour prouided alwaies that he be issued from the same stocke That Sebastian being the last the Catholique King was the neerest kinseman he had and of the same race for besides that he was the eldest of the Nephewes of King Emanuel he was brother to the Kings mother deceased and preceaded the Cardinall a degree being brother to his grandfather They did likewise renewe the auncient pretention of the Castillians saying that by right the Realme appertained vnto them for that King Alphonse the sixth coulde not by generall consent nor with any reason disunite it from the Crowne neither Alphonse the tenth giue the Algarues to his daughter in dowry nor free it of the tribute whereunto it was bounde And although this last pretention to preceade Henry seemed to the King and his ministers of force yet he resolued onely to follow the first and to succeede the Cardinall for desiring to enioy the Realme with peace Henry being already proclaimed king with the consent of the people he supposed he coulde not without offence or without forces take possession thereof besides the respect he bare vnto his vncle and the hope of his short life Heere may be noted the hazard if we may so tearme it whereunto the King if he had interest by his affinitie did thrust his heires by the concealing of his right fearing to offende that nation For besides that during the life of Henry the Portugals shoulde haue leisure to prepare against him if they were not disposed to yeelde to his subiection and if he shoulde die before the Cardinall his successors were excluded from this great inheritance and Emanuel Phillibert Duke of Sauoy did preceade all the rest While these things were consulting in Castill the King of Portugall somewhat setled in his Throne and the heate of his first inclination tempered all the States of the Realme entreated him to prouide that before his death a successor were declared that after his decease they might not liue in suspence And therefore the Magistrate of the Chamber of Lisbone being superior to all others of the Realme made great instance vpon this point and one day all the officers being assembled they went to courte where one of them in the name of the rest spake thus vnto the King Your Highnes shall vnderstande with how
great desire and affection his people of Lisbone beseecheth the Lorde to graunt him a long life for thereon depends all our good hoping that in time it may alter many things which nowe holdeth vs in carefull consideration The wounde of afflictions which this Realme hath suffered is yet so greene and so lamentable as we will not at this present make mention thereof It sufficeth they are such as the memorie will neuer be extinct whilest the worlde continueth and although we be bound to lay the fault vpon our owne offences yet may we attribute a parte to the negligence of the people and of such as at that time did gouerne the common wealth But being expedient not to heape error vpon error it seemes we ought with a liuely voice and due humilitie cry vnto your highnes that as a iust and holy king you woulde preuent the miseries that hang ouer vs It cannot enter into our thoughts to mooue you to marriage being no iudges of your conscience and disposition but we may well say if these two cōsiderations do allow it why do you suffer the delay of one day If you be resolued not to marry your Highnes ought with the like care to say vnto such as pretend to the succession that within a time prefixed they shoulde come to deliuer their reasons that if the successor be a naturall borne the people shal haue some breathing from the afflictions they suffer if he shall be a stranger it seemes conuenient they shoulde know it and haue leisure to aduise what to do For if our sinnes permit that the Lorde shall call away your Highnes being in the state we are now what shall become of vs being most apparant that all such as pretend to haue any title do consult arme plot and measure their forces while the people remaines doubtfull not knowing with reason vnto what part to incline Your Highnes dying in this time before the deciding of the cause we beseech you to cōsider the oppressions they shal suffer the spoilings the murthers the dishonoring of women and holy things and all other excesse which is commonly practised in such times the which may be wholie auoided by knowing who shall succeede vnto the crowne We do solicite your Highnes to sweare a Prince for it may be he that at this present hath interest to this Realme God may call him before your Highnes but the contrary hapning we may plainly knowe who shall succeed for heerein consistes the quiet of this Realme if you do it not willingly or that there be any let you ought to consent that the people declare one especially they of the citie of Lisbone vpon whom all Portugall dependes The holie Ghost who is the guide of kings inspire your Highnes that by his merits the anger of God may be pacified the which he powreth downe vpon vs for our offences and grant that we may amend our liues and preserue your Highnes in health for which all his people praie In this manner the officer of the Chamber spake in vaine but forasmuch as it seemed vnto the king ouer ruled in this respect by the diuine power that the remedie was not so easie nor the matter so soone decided as they supposed he made answere that it was a care grauen in his hart the which he woulde effect with all possible speede resoluing to haue regard vnto it But this succession gaue greater cause both to thinke talke secretlie and openlie in Castill then in anie other place for the King resoluing by all possible meanes to vnite Portugall with his other Kingdomes the Nobilitie did not willingly entertaine it but did seeme that the greatest from Charles the fifth forwards had not tasted the greatnes of the King lesse respecting them then had done the auncient Kings of Castill making them march in one degree of equall iustice with their inferiours The other Gentlemen and common people were nothing enclined to this vnion Saying that if this Realme were not separated from the rest of Spaine they shoulde haue no meanes to marrie their Kings daughters but into other prouinces which were dangerous both for that the women did not inherite and for the heresies wherewith the northren Regions bee at this present infected Manie and of all qualities who holding Portugall as the Sanctuarie of Castill were content with the separation remaining as an assured retreate for offenders It seemed to the King that hee shoulde not onely send a sufficient man thither to performe that office but also that it was necessarie that one of the chiefe of Spaine and best acquainted with the affaires of State shoulde goe to propound the cause of succession For this occasion they named as it is said Gasper Quiroga Cardinall and Archbishop of Toledo Ferdinand Aluares of Tolede Duke of Alua Anthony of Toledo Prior of the order of Saint Iohns master of the Kings Horse Frauncis Pacheco Cardinall of Burgos all principall personages Quiroga was thought verie fit by reason of his dignitie and wisedome togither with the experience he had gotten in the court of Rome hauing beene there long Auditor of the Rota The Duke of Alua for his authoritie experience and wisedome was thought the better for beginning to feare they should come to armes it seemed that he best could treate of the succession and withall sounde the Portugals forces and what succours they might drawe vnto them and afterwardes if neede required being a great captaine coulde by his aduise vndertake the warre with greater assurance Manie did approoue Anthony of Tolledo for besides the opinion they had of his wisedome he was accounted godly religious and otherwise vertuous the which they supposed woulde make him more pleasing vnto Henry But in the iudgement of the most aduised they preferred the Cardinall of Burgos for besides those other good parts which he enioied with the rest he was thought most able to treate the matter of State besides that being a priest and a Cardinall they shoulde seeme to sende vnto Henry a companion But notwithstanding there was not in Spaine any greater personages of like experience vnto these to mannage a matter of so great importance being the greatest that euer was presented vnto this crowne yet the preferred Peter Girone Duke of Ossuna and although his qualitie being great among the greatest of the Realme was woorthie of anie charge accompanied with manie vertues and some other particularities that were necessarie for the voiage notwithstanding some did attribute this election to the ordinarie diseases of the court and to the respects which Kings Councels doe commonly vse inferring thereby that therein he was extraordinarily fauoured by Peter Fassardo Marques de los Veles his kinsman at that time fauoured by the king Some said also and it may be not without grounde that it was not conuenient to sende anie personage into Portugall whose wisedome and iudgement were knowne vnto the worlde to the ende the Portugals shoulde not feare to treate freely with him of all
his disfauour retaining still the right of armes by reason whereof in this suspence he forbare still to giue the Nuncio his answere vntill that being better assured of the disposition of Henry he made answere that his interest being so apparant and the King so well enclined there needed not any mediation the which if it were requisite he woulde accept of this office of the good zeale of his holines The indisposition of Henry and the disquietnes of his minde did much afflict him so as he resembled a lampe neere extinct the which sometimes yeelds a great light sometimes seemes quite out They feared he shoulde die of an accident which hapned and therefore his Counsell thought good not to attende his death for the declaration of the Gouernours but to put them as it were in possession the which was partly executed For the King being halfe dead they brought vnto him the coffer wherein the Rowle was kept with the names of the Gouernours in the great Church of Lisbone and hauing opened it they founde them to be George Dalmeda archbishop of Lisbone Frauncis de Sada first groome of the Kings chamber Iean Tello Iean Mascaregnas and Diego Lopez de Sosa President of the Counsell of Iustice of the citie who tooke their oathes to gouerne according to the lawes of the Realme and to the limited commission which Henry had particularly set downe This diligence bredde aswell in the peoples mindes as in the Catholique Kings a iealousie of the kings death and the rather for that two daies before they woulde not suffer any to see him supposing they woulde keepe it secret vntill they had taken counsell put the Gouernours in possession and prepared for defence And although it were presently knowne that the King was yet liuing and so amended that he had almost recouered his former health yet the generall opinion being that he coulde not liue long all mens mindes were in suspence in this Realme THE FOVRTH BOOKE The Contents of the fourth Booke The Castillians and Portugals discourse vpon the state of Portugall the vehemencie of the plague the estate of Almerin the death of King Henry the Regency of the Gouernours the practise of Anthonie to be chosen King the Testament of Henry the diligence of the Catholique King to vnderstande if he might with a safe conscience make warre the election of the Duke of Alua as generall of the enterprise and the priuileges the Catholique King offered if they woulde deliuer him the Realme THe Catholique King in the meane time kept his armie togither in Spaine with greater paines and more charge then he had done else where for the countrey being not greatly fertile he was enforced to fetch victuals from other parts being then about the ende of Nouember 1579. there was then no assuraunce of things whereby they might either dismisse their armie or imploy it For although king Henry was yet liuing and well affected yet the Portugals being most obstinate against the Castillians he desired not to liue any longer doubtfull of the succession as well for the charge as for the euent and therefore he ceased not continually to importune Henry to declare him Successor obiecting many reasons why he was bound to do it and propounding many inconueniences which woulde follow not doing it the which was spoken in doubtfull tearmes whereby it seemed he woulde make the equitie of his cause apparant by force And although this entreatie seemed somewhat to threaten yet did it nothing displease Henry suffering it expresly to bee published that the people might beleeue he was forced to this declaration The whole Realme was discontented to see Henry dying the Catholique King armed and the small remainder of time spent in matters of light importance whereof their discourses and opinions were as diuers as they were different in passions The Priors partisans being in a manner all of base qualitie hauing their reason darkned and not setled in opinion saide that he was legitimate and that the Crowne appertained vnto him but that the king of his absolute authoritie hating him woulde depriue him and that all his fauorites did concurre in this resolution For the King hauing alwaies persecuted Anthony by their aduise they feared that he comming to raigne woulde take such reuenge as they deserued and therefore preferring their owne securitie before the libertie of their countrey they woulde take the Realme from him and giue it to a stranger Many others alleaged that although hee were a bastard yet they ought to giue him the Realme being the neerest allied of the bloud royall Others in whom hatred to their neighbours preuailed more then any other inclination saide that whosoeuer had interest to the Realme yet shoulde they by no meanes giue it to the Catholique King but rather come to armes vaunting themselues to be valiant They added moreouer that they woulde demaund aide from Fraunce and England whereof they were assured and hauing them they doubted not to seate a King at their pleasures There were some yet fewe but of iudgement who comparing the forces of Portugall with Castill founde they coulde not flie the yoke of the Catholique King and although with great griefe yet they hoped it might prooue a gentle amitie and that these Realmes vnited togither Portugall might reape great profit by the commerce traffique Many spake after their owne humors saying that Anthony leauing the habite of Saint Iean shoulde marrie with the daughter of the Duke of Bragance and being vnited togither they needed not to feare Others gaue out that the Catholique King woulde be contented to giue his seconde sonne to the Portugals for their king to be brought vp amongst them the which they shoulde accept for were it whosoeuer it were sufficient to haue a King alone And some say that Henry laboured to effect this but Philip soone resolued him saying that he coulde not do it but to preiudice the Prince his eldest sonne fearing by this meanes to leaue a seminarie of diuision in Spaine betwixt his descendents The perswasion of the Catholique Kings Agents with the Nobility were of great effect by reason whereof there were few Gentlemen amidst this diuersitie of opinion but either did willingly encline to the said King or corrupted held their peace and retired themselues from Court auoiding all occasion to declare themselues Of the fiue Gouernours chosen three were drawne to the Catholique Kings deuotion and although we should not be amazed to see the common people who by custome inconstant and without iudgement holde the woorser part yet did it breed a woonder in many that the Portugals in generall euery one according to his qualitie framed in their mindes a resolution contrarie to that which by reason they ought to haue done in a matter of so great importance in the which they should haue taken greater consideration For that some discoursed without passion that the Nobilitie accustomed to be respected of the King shoulde flie the obedience of the Catholique King being
credible that Philip according to his custome woulde with lawes and his power keepe them vnder and contrariwise that the people shoulde embrace him whom he doth equally fauour yeelding them equall iustice And yet notwithstanding the greater part followed the contrarie for the Nobilitie did embrace Philip and the people fled him For satisfaction whereof and to reclaime them from the opinion they held the Agents of the Catholique King were desirous besides the diligence they had vsed to publish throughout the Realme the Kings title and the mildenes of his yoke seeming not sufficient for the content of the common people to haue priuately imparted it to many Their aduersaries amongst the which was the magistrate of the Chamber of Lisbone woulde willingly haue taken occasion to publish vnto the worlde their contrarie reasons whereon they grounded but it was not tolerated neither for the one nor the other to speake publikely in the assemblies of the people for besides that it was prohibited euery one durst not freely discouer his intention For this occasion diuers fell to write the grounds of their partie by discourse and letters And although writings breede not so firme an impression in the minde as the voice yet their discourse published did perswade with greater efficacie then they had done by speaking for that writings came to the hands of more men then wordes could haue done where reading and examining them they wrought great effects There were many of these letters seene without authors and although some were friuolous and without sense yet the better sorte which followed the Catholique kings partie tended to satisfie the people and to terrifie the motiues thereof by the greatnes of the action and the perill of warre They did particularly touch one after another the reasons of the pretendents and refuting them all shewed that the Catholique King did precead They made no small adoo about the processe of Anthony saying that he was a bastard although he had beene declared legitimate and to precead Philip yet shoulde they neuer satisfie the worlde but they woulde surmise some cosinage deuised to take the Crowne from him who ought to enioy it They disprooued the reasons of such as maintained the election of the King to be in the people hauing a lawfull successor bringing in examples of the Popes authoritie in the nomination of Kings as well of Alphonso the first as of the Earle of Bulloigne And if Iohn the first were chosen king it was after a battaile woone the Portugals affirming there were no lawfull successors but bastards illegitimate but by their owne reason they said it was apparant there was now no question of the election seeing there remained a lawful kinseman They laboured to make knowne that God hauing called vnto him two and twentie successors which did all precead the Catholique king that his pleasure was by vniting of Portugall to the Realmes of Castill to fortifie an arme of the Church to resist all the outragious attempts of infidels and heretikes But leauing the iustice and will of God aside they discoursed examining the honors and blames the losses and profits which by the one or other meanes might happen as for honor they shoulde not take for any disgrace and obedience which fell by lawfull succession alleaging that the States of Castill when as king Emanuell did inherite being strong enough to defende themselues if they woulde receiued him curteously And when as the Archduke of Austria although a Germaine did succeed him they did the like They mocked at such as said that Castill should be vnited to Portugall but not Portugal to Castill proouing that no Portugall euer came neere this Court but he was embraced greatlie honoured many of the principall houses of Castill being issued from Portugall They did contradict with liuely reasons such as feared to be oppressed like to the estates of Flaunders Naples and Millaine saying that in Flaunders they had alwaies vsed the people with great kindnes that they had beene gouerned by their owne nation that the Spaniards had no charge there That many of the principall had rebelled against the church of Rome against their king the which he woulde not suffer that in this enterprise more for that which concerned the good of the Church then for any other respect the King had spent 50. millions of gold and that hauing for enimies both Germany Flaunders England they could not take these countries from the Kings possession but hauing meanes graunting free libertie of Religion to be absolute Lord and to reape thereby great profit he would not accept thereof onely for the remorse of his conscience preferring the seruice of God before all other respects They saide that the Neapolitanes and Millanoyes had beene conquered by force weake of themselues and enuironed with enimies that they were not burdened neither coulde he do lesse then maintaine garrisons inferring thereby that if they were peaceably inherited they shoulde haue libertie like good and faithfull subiects and maintaine with more force that which their fathers had gotten without feare of any thing whatsoeuer but if they suffered themselues to be conquered by armes they should be Neapolitanes Millanoyes and possiblie woorse They commended the Portugals as faithfull obedient and indued with commendable parts blaming the basenes of such as were not ashamed to thinke they coulde be ill intreated of any prince whatsoeuer They said that since Philip was resolute and that hee had written to the cities of the Realme the assurance of his action seeing that in fourteene yeeres hee had neuer abandoned the enterprise in Flaunders being farre off hauing so many kings opposite and the Flemmings suing to be subiect vnder iust conditions that it is not credible he woulde desist from Portugall being so neare so weake without succours and hauing so great an interest they reported with ioy the deeds of the Spaniards saying that when as Spaine takes armes he doth imprison the king of Fraunce and the greatest of Germanie makes the Turke to turne his backe takes from him Malta dissolues his armies maintaines continually in Flaunders an armie sounde and lustie breaking and dispersing his enimies and yet the Noblemen of Spaine remaine quietly in their houses From their valour they came to the consideration how Portugall woulde resist so great a Monarch entreating them with affectionate words to haue regard thereunto They saide that the comfort of men of iudgement was to see the small force of the Portugals for if it were greater they might for a time make some resistance considering their obstinacie iudging that in the beginning of this warre the kings of the Indies woulde presently become Lords of the sea coast the Moores woulde assaile the places of Affricke the French and English woulde attempt the Islands some woulde vsurpe on one side some of another not onely to the losse of the Realme but of all Christendome They brought in the example of King Sebastian shewing that he was lost for not measuring
should call him before eleuen So as being turned on the other side he remained somtime but being called by the Religious he asked againe what it was a clocke being answered that it was eleuen O giue me said he that candell for now my hower is come and taking it in his hand died soone after hauing raigned seuenteene moneths This was the last King of Portugall in whom ended the direct masculine line And as the first Lord of Portugall although vnder the Title of an Earle was called Henrie so doth it seeme the last should be so termed He was thin of bodie small of stature and leane of his face as for his wit it was indifferent indued besides the Latine toong with some knowledge He was alwaies held to be chast and did neuer blemish this angelicall vertue but with the desire of marriage in his latter daies He was accounted sparing giuing rather then denying for he refused seldome but he gaue sparingly he was ambitious of all iurisdiction as well Ecclesiasticall as ciuil zealous in Religion and the faith yet in the reformation of religious persons he was more stricte then was conuenient He was Bishop Gouernour of the Realme Inquisitor Maior legate Apostolique and King But the more he mounted the more he discouered his incapacitie suffering himselfe in greatest matters to be ruled by his ministers not being able to determine the cause of the succession Opinions were grafted in him with great obstinacie retayning a continuall remembrance of wrongs so as iustice was in him but an iniust execution of his owne passions and for this cause a religious man whom he had pressed to take vpon him a most strict course of life said vnto him that he would obey seeing there was no humaine helpe against his commandements seeing he had the wil of a man the authority of a Pope the execution of a king Finally he was indued with great vertues with fewer lesse vices yet were they equal for he had the vertues of an Ecclesiasticall person and the defects of a Prince during his life he was feared of many and beloued of few so as no man lamented his death onely such as were well affected desiring the cause had beene first decided before his decease had some feeling These things happened in Almeryn where suddenly the fiue named Gouernours did assemble to prouide for that which should be necessarie tearming themselues Gouernours and Protectors of the Realme of Portugal But in this beginning after the kings death they feared some mutinie of the people both at Almeryn and at Lisbone neither did the gouernours themselues nor the Catholique Kings Agents thinke themselues secure They hated the assembly of the Deputies of the Realme which were continued at Saint Arem both for that they held it as a superiour councell as also fearing it might cause some insurrection of the people and therefore they did still abuse them with words differing from their meanings for which cause they sent Martin Gonzalues de la Camera a gentleman of the church who in the time of Sebastian held the first place in the gouerument of the Realme which he could not continue for although he were not couetous of riches but full of integritie yet was he seuere and hard to be intreated that they held him inexorable Him they sent being a popular man and contrarie to the Catholike King whose words they thought should be of more credit then any others hauing particularly reported the Kings death hee said that the Gouernours chosen at the last estates began to looke vnto the gouernment and to giue order for things necessarie to the Realme And although the death of King Henrie were a great losse yet being in heauen he would mediate for them and that they should rest assured that with the greatest zeale and loue to their countrey they could they would indeuour to doe iustice as well to those of the Realme in the pretention they had to the election as also to the pretendents to the succession That they would deliuer them all writings whereof they had neede exhorting them to treat with peace and loue without causing of any mutinie were it neuer so small in any mans fauour and for the better ordering of that which concerned the common good they were well pleased they should put them in minde of any thing which they thought necessarie Hauing ended this speech all men keeping silence Phoebus Moniz answered that they were all assured that of the fiue Gouernours three were suspect for when the King laboured to bring the States to make agreement with King Philip they were not onely conformable to the will of Henrie but did vrge them and commended this resolution without respect of the libertie of the Realme seeking onely to please the Kings humour and their owne interest which being it was not reasonable to suffer such suspected Gouernours whom they were not bound to obey and this was the opinion of them all Martin replied that he was not of opinion they should then alter any thing for in steed of helping they should heape danger vpon danger and trouble vpon trouble that for a while they should be lookers on and if in time they should finde the Gouernours not to doe their duety as they ought they might then helpe with the same remedie seeing they had alwaies authoritie to doe it whereunto although Phoebus Moniz answered that this remedie could not alwais be applied for that the councel could not stil be vnited for the great charges they were at yet the reasons of Martin Gonzalues were of such force that they resolued not to alter the Gouernours as a matter scandalous but accepting what they had sent to be said vnto them that they should aduise what they thought necessarie they began suddenly to set downe in writing such Articles as they would haue perfourmed by the Gouernours The which were that leauing the aboade at Almerin they should goe to Saint Arem to be neerer neighbours more in quiet and in greater safetie that for the auoiding of charge and scandall they should discharge the Souldiers as vnnecessarie That presently they should sende Ambassadors to the Catholique King that as Gouernours of the Realme they would do iustice to the pretendents in the cause of succession the which his Maiestie should beleeue not suffering within his Realme any attempt against Portugall That they should presently prouide for the fortresses of the Realme as well vpon the sea as in other places sending trustie Captaines garrisons and necessarie munition and to euerie Prouince men of great authoritie to force men to defend and succour the weaker parts that they should send some vnto his holines giuing him to vnderstand the Kings death their succession to the gouernment of the Realme for the defence thereof against any one that would vsurpe it contrarie to equitie against the sentence which should be pronounced touching the succession beseeching him to write to the Catholique King to rest
land the places were thus deuided The Italians had three coronels Prosper Colonna Vincent Caraffa and Charles Spinelli hauing for Generall Peter de Medicy brother to Frauncis the great Duke of Tuscaine with whom was sent by the saide great Duke Lewes d'Ouara whom the King had made one of his Councellers at warre Sanches d'Auila was Lord Marshall of the field There was no commaunder of the horse the Captaines being all Noblemen and men of account they could not conueniently make them subiect to any one of their companions the place requiring a man of such qualitie as he coulde not be inferior to the Duke and superior to the saide Captaines although after in time of necessitie Ferrant of Tolledo sonne to the saide Duke was made their leader Count Ierome of Lodron commaunded the Germaines Frauncis d'Allaua had his ordinarie charge as Generall of the artillerie but although the preparations were brought to this point yet the King daily protested by his ministers to the Gouernors of the inconueniences of the warre if they deliuered not the realme in peace vnto him neither did they cease to treate many things in Portugall concerning an agreement for that the King rather desired to shew his forces then to vse them to conquer by gentlenes then by rigor he offred vnto the realme many graces and priuileges deliuering him peaceable possession and the Gouernors the greatest part whereof enclined thereunto had alreadie debated with the Agents of the Catholique King what conditions the King shoulde graunt vnto the realme the which were published by the Duke of Ossuna and signed with his hand offring that the King should graunt them in giuing him the crowne and they were these That the King should take a formall oath to obserue all the customes priuileges and liberties graunted to these realmes by the Kings his predecessors That when there shall be neede to assemble the States for the affaires of Portugall it shall be done within the realme and that in no other assemblie of States whatsoeuer They shall neither propound nor resolue vpon any matter concerning these realmes That appointing a Viceroy to gouerne or any persons with what title soeuer they shall be Portugals The like is to be vnderstood in sending of a Visitor or Iudge with this condition notwithstanding for as much as concernes the authoritie of the realmes and to do them a greater fauour his maiestie and his successors may send for Viceroy or Gouernour one of the bloud royall be he sonne vncle brother cosen or nephew to the King Besides that all superior officers or inferior belonging either to iustice or to the reuenewes of the crowne shall be distributed to Portugals and not to strangers That all offices which haue beene in the times of former kings both of the court and of the realme shall be bestowed vpon the naturall borne such as shall deserue the same when as his Maiestie or his successors shall enter into the realme And the like is to be vnderstood of all other dignities of what qualitie soeuer either at sea or lande which are at this present or shall be heereafter created The garrisons which shall remaine in any forts shall be Portugals Moreouer they saide that the traffike of the Indies Ethiopia and other places appertaining to these realmes being discouered or to discouer shall not be dismembred from the same neither shall there be any other alteration made then is at this present And that the officers and their ships which shall be emploied in these traffikes shall be Portugals and shall saile in the ships of Portugall That the golde and siluer which shall be coined in these realmes and their dependancies and all that which shall come from those prouinces shall be coined with the armes of Portugall without any other addition That all Bishopricks abbeies benefices and pensions shall be giuen to Portugals And the like is to be vnderstoode of the office of Inquisitor Maior of commaunderies of the offices of militarie orders of the Priorie of Crato and finally of all other ecclesiasticall liuings as hath beene formerly spoken of the temporall He did yeelde there shoulde be no thirds exacted of ecclesiasticall goods neither subsidies nor croysades and that for any of these causes they should procure no buls That they shoulde not giue either citie towne place iurisdiction nor roiall prerogatiue to other then to Portugals And falling any vacancie of the liuings of the crowne his Maiestie nor his successors should not reteine them for themselues but giue them to the kinseman of him that did enioy him or to other Portugals that shall deserue them Prouided alwaies that the Castillians and strangers which now liue in these realmes and haue beene seruitors to the Kings deceased shall not be excluded That in militarie orders nothing shal be altered of the state it now stands in That gentlemen shall be paide their pensions amounting to twelue yeeres and that his Maiestie and his successors shall yeerely entertaine into his seruice two hundreth Portugals to whom he shal giue that paie which they call Moradia and those which haue no title of gentlemen shall serue in the warres of the realme That when his Maiestie or his successors shall come into those realmes they shall not take vp their lodgings as they vse in Castill but shall obserue the custome of Portugall Moreouer his Maiestie in what place soeuer he shall be shall carrie with him a man of the Church a Superintendent of the reuenewes of the crowne a high Chauncellor and two Disambarcadours of the court which iointly shall be called the Councell of Portugall by whose meanes all matters shall be dispatched with them shall go to clarkes of the reuenewes and two of the chamber for all occasions incident two their charge all shall bee written in the Portugall toong and all shall be Portugals And when his Maiestie or his successors shall come into Portugall he shall retaine the saide Councell and officers which shall be vnited to such as shall treate of the gouernment of the realme That all correctors and other officers of iustice with all other inferior offices shall in the Kings absence be disposed of in the realme as they be at this present the like shall be vnderstood of the officers of purueyors auditors of the reckonings and others of the like qualitie concerning the reuenewes of the crowne He declared likewise that all causes and charges appertaining to iustice of what qualitie or summe soeuer should be definitiuely ended and executed in these realmes as they be at this present That his Maiestie and his successors shall entertaine a chappell in manner and forme as the kings of these realmes haue formerly done the which shall be resident at Lisbone that the diuine seruice may be continually celebrated with the accustomed ceremonies except the Kings person or in his absence the Viceroy or gouernour shall make his residence in some other part of the realme and woulde haue there the saide chappell remaine
two chanels by a shelfe which they call Cacippo That which lieth betwixt the right banke and the shelfe is defended by the rocke or castell of Saint Iulian the other which is betwixt the shelfe and the sandie hill which they terme La Carriera d'Alcasoua is not defended by any forte neither can the artillerie of Saint Iulian reach so farre Emanuell woulde builde a forte in the Iland to defend this passage And although hauing digged deepe in the sand he coulde finde no firme ground to settle his foundation yet woulde not Emanuell desist from his opinion but hauing no meanes to builde it of stone he raised it of woode filling it with earth the which he supplied with artillerie and many other things necessarie yet coulde he hardly furnish it with water for that his caske burnt with the sunne and the reuerberation of the sands which is vehement in those partes although they were couered with sailes did breake and woulde holde no water At that time the Gouernours did an acte of great consideration to animate men to the defence of the Realme for by a newe and dangerous example they vsed religious men as instruments to execute their intention commaunding all religious houses that they should not onely in their sermons but also in their confessions commaund their preachers and confessors to animate the people to defence in that sort as they preach the Croisado against infidels And for that the Portugals are too ambitious of honor they commaunded them to vse this encouragement that such should be most honoured who did most readily prepare for resistance so as their preachings which should haue beene religious were become furious orations of soldiers This was greatly blamed by the good and wise and was the cause of great hurt to the whole Realme for besides the imploying of priestes in a prophaned action they did animate the poore people to this defence the which afterwardes did thrust them rashly into armes It was likewise very hurtfull to the religious houses for as it is dangerous to stirre vp the mindes of religious persons these being by the death of king Henry growne more then before adding thereunto this other libertie to speake publikely whilest they did animate others it bred in themselues warlike affections so as hauing passed the limits of their profession in a manner all the Ecclesiasticall state ran into mightie abuses and disorders as we shall hereafter see There wanted money to furnish the charge for this defence and therefore they desired to borrowe one hundreth thousand duckats of the marchants the which although they would not agree vnto they were forced to pay These things were practised at Lisbone more then in any other parts of the Realme In the meane time the Gouernours were in diuision and irresolute loosing still of their reputation For the Prior continuing still in the cause of his legitimation and seeming daily a more obstinate pretendent threatned such as shoulde contradict him The ministers of iustice began to decline from their accustomed authoritie and euery man presumed to speake and do what he pleased shewing well that it was a realme without a king the which was remarkable in two points which then hapned as well amongst the religious as the secular The one was that the religious of the order of Saint Ierome in our Ladies monasterie of Belem being desirous to recouer their libertie which the king had taken from them who with consent of the Pope and of his authoritie had bound them notwithstanding the rules of this religion to chuse superior officers at his pleasure that is one of the fower or fiue religious men that he should name to euerie office Frier Emanuel d'Euora being then Prouinciall all the Religious went vnto him saying That he was not iudicially chosen to that charge and therefore he shoulde renounce his office and they would choose another according to the Statutes The Frier to whom this seemed of harde digestion opposed himselfe to their demaund with many reasons and multiplying many words both of the one side and of the other they did forceably put the Prouinciall prisoner in a Seller vsing him something hardly in their choler The kinsmen to the Prouinciall hearing of this disorder ranne for remedie to Alexander Formento then Nuncio for his Holinesse in that Realme who vnderstanding the reasons of both parties although the Religious protested he was not their Iudge yet he commaunded the Prouinciall should be deliuered and restored to his charge citing some of the Religious men of the Monasterie before him as seditious The Friers to whome this sentence was signified by a publike Notarie would not obey So as the kinsmen of the Religious prisoner crauing aide from the secular power the Gouernours sent the officers of iustice of the citie of Lisbone to the Couent with three Ensignes of soldiers to see this sentence put in execution by force who being come to Belem the Friers shut their gates leauing the Church open where notwithstanding the grate of wood which shuts vp the great Chappell and the Sepulchres of kings was close they went into the quire singing their Letanies But after the officers of iustice had knocked a while at the Couent gate and no man opening it entering into the Church they burst downe the grate of wood so as the soldiers comming into the Cloister of Friers they laide hold of such Religious persons as they met with small respect of their priestly order And although the elders came with their Crosses Buls and excommunications it nothing preuailed for they must of force deliuer the Religious man and restore him to his former estate the which they did protesting they had vsed violence and that they woulde complaine to the Apostolique seate The other case was that Fernand de Pina a Doctor and Citizen being chosen in the place of Diego Salema whome Henry had deposed Vereador of the Chamber which is the highest degree of magistrate that hath charge of the citie he was at noone day in the market place wounded in the head with a Curtelax by Anthony Soarez whereof he died soone after the which the Prior had caused to be done for that Pyna in his office had not onely spoken ill against him but also laboured to draw the officers and all the Councell of the Chamber to the Catholique Kings deuotion Anthonie desired to reuenge himselfe in this manner and the offender who knew better how to strike then to flie being hurt by the Sergeants and retired into a Church without the citie was taken prisoner by the Iustice and after some daies of imprisonment was hanged and quartered the which execution was done with trouble and feare least the people shoulde deliuer him For the authoritie of the Gouernours declining the ministers of iustice were not respected And for that they knew this murther was committed by the commaundement of Anthonie the people were inclined to saue him The Religious for the like respect alleaging that the
Catholique king vpon the frontiers where being better aduised they returned into the realme putting themselues in Castromarin with great discontentment There they made a decree repeating the deedes of Anthony from the time of king Henry vnto that day confirming the sentences which the said Henry had pronounced against him calling him rebell and troubler of the publique quiet They declared giuing testimonie of the intention of King Henry that king Philip was the true succussor They commaunded all cities places Noblemen and ministers of iustice to obey him resigning all their authoritie vnto him And although it seemed that all Iustice was now reduced to armes and that the King had no neede of this decree yet was it of great importance both to iustifie his cause with the people as also for that it made many cities to yeeld But Anthony made no reckoning of this sentence preparing for defence vpon the right side of the riuer of Tagus hee had yet no other nation but Portugals and such as he coulde gather togither where with he could not frame a campe vpon any necessitie for that the peasants and the people which were not entertained for the warre coulde not abandon their trades to goe to fielde and therefore he desired to haue mercenarie soldiers and finding that Frauncis Baretto staied long to bring any from Fraunce he dispatched Peter Dora then Consul of the French in that realme into Fraunce giuing him money to leuie two thousand men he named Diego de Meneses his Lieutenant generall and gaue the charge of his armie at sea to George de Meneses He vnderstoode well the course of the Catholique armie but trusting as well in the people as to the passage of the riuer he seemed to be well able to defend himselfe Hee grewe doubtfull being ill aduertised that whilest the Duke marched by small iourneies towardes Settuuall seeming to go thither he should take the way to Saint Arem as some would suppose there to passe the riuer of Tagus with more ease being narrow and after to march by land against Lisbone without regard of smaller towns Hauing therefore grounded a great part of his hopes vpon the defence of the passage of the riuer being amazed with this newes he sent to furnish it with men and armes But vnderstanding afterwards that the Duke was in truth approched to Settuual that he had taken Alcazar which is neere vnto it he called back the men which he had sent to Saint Arem and with some others which hee had forceablie gathered togither he sent them to Settuual forcing the Gentlemen one after an other and all in generall to go thither sometimes with punishments sometimes with entreaties and sometimes with promises of exemptions and priuiledges But for all this no man went willingly and such as were forced complained greatly The Nobilitie was small in number and such as were there nothing resolute the people easie to change vpon euery light occasion were slothful hauing conceiued an opinion that it was not lawfull to fight against Christians so as some fled some hidde themselues and some complained The kings ministers being newe men ill affected and not fashioned to commaund as those which had the reines at libertie did tyrannize with absolute authoritie forcing al men with an vnaccustomed rigor to fight against their wils At that time they did tollerate within the citie infinite disorders and thefts to draw money from the marchants they imprisoned some which woulde not presently paie that which was demaunded of them If any tooke horse to goe out of the citie about their busines sodainly they saide they fledde into Castill and with this slander they seased vpon their persons and goods Hee was vnhappie that did commend the Catholique kings forces for he was either stoned imprisoned or condemned in a great summe of money they tooke from all men by force their horse and armes who so had little credite or no acquaintance with these new officers were ill assured Such as had reckonings to make with the Courte were in ill case for they were forced to paie what they did owe without compensation of what was due vnto them For this cause and for that they seemed friends to quietnes some of great meanes and verie honorable were imprisoned The barbarous decrees the commaundements that were made to surcease the paiments and rents to binde euerie man to retire into the citie and stande to the defence the opening and spoiling of houses that were shut vp were infinite there was nothing but rigour and rudenes and all was executed by men who with their ignorance bad inclination expresly to cause disorders made commaundements inobseruable the crosses of militarie orders especially those which carrie the title of knights of Christ sometime held in reputation were now giuen to many base and vnwoorthie persons by the intercession of one or other The new Christians who were neuer admitted to these orders nor to the degree of Nobilitie nor to any royall offices were sodainely by the fauour of this man mounted to what degree they pleased not for that he was beholding to anie that had succoured him in the time of his necessities but for that he was easily perswaded by whōsoeuer The black Negroes to whom for the great number there is of them in the citie of Lisbone armes were defended were sodainely all armed and as it were free commaundement being made that all such as woulde serue in this warre vnder captaines likewise Moores assigned for that purpose might do it against the will of their masters and without paying for which cause all the slaues being assembled and conceiuing the Kings commaundement to be more in their fauour then it was shaking off the yoke leauing their patrons they ranne vnto the citie where taking horse and armes by force where they found them they committed a thousand insolencies They coined money in the name of Anthony a quarter lesse then it was woont to be the reuenew of the crowne was wasted for besides that he extorted from the treasurers what he coulde he laide handes vpon the iewels of the crowne and vpon that most renowmed by the Portugals saddle and furniture for a horse inriched with stones brought from the Indies which was of great value The money which Henry had gathered togither for the raunsome of the Portugals which were slaues in Affricke was consumed and wholy spent And this liberty proceeded so farre that they sought into religious houses for the money which they thought had beene there laide in guard and hauing founde some although it appertained to friendes and faithfull persons to orphans and pupils yet was it seased on without number or weight togither with the siluer vessels of the same churches the which was violently carried away in some places and in other places with the consent of the religious men themselues Neither were the iewels and treasure which Marie the cousen of the said Anthonie left more assured being giuen to godly vses for the good
the entrie of the Parliament the ceremonie of swearing the King was perfourmed and soone after of the Prince in the monasterie of religious men of the order of Christ a religion which is not any where else where he was lodged in the same sorte as was saide of King Henry but with more pompe being in an assemblie of estates and with lesse noise being done with lesse loue yet was it woorth the sight both for the great number of the Nobilitie and the goodly representation of the King in his habite of cloth of gold which Henry had not being a Cardinall There he graunted the pardon expected with so great desire the which although it had the name of generall yet was it helde by the Portugals to be limited artificiall and conditionall It did pardon generally all such as had beene imploied for the Prior against him but particularly he did except many and namely two and fiftie the chiefe whereof was the Prior himselfe the Counte of Vimiosa and the Bishop of Guarda hee pardoned no religious man he made all such as had serued the Prior receiued honor from him profite charge or office whatsoeuer vncapable euer after to beare office or to exercise those they had enioied before so as they saide this pardon serued none but such as had made light faults or had nothing to loose This did much incense the mindes of the Portugals who found themselues deceiued of the hope they had conceiued by this pardon all to remaine freed the which although they much disliked yet could they not get it refourmed but soone after all such were cited by proclamation as were not pardoned to the end their processe might be made The Deputies of the realme being now assembled the Estates began the xix day of Aprill where Anthony Pignero Bishop of Leira made an oration before the king saying First that the Estates seeming to haue the assistance of the holie Ghost by the profite which shoulde redounde to the subiects that Philip following the custome of former Kings had assembled them to the end that with wisedome loue and fide litie they should represent vnto him what they thought conuenient for the generall good of these realmes He did greatly amplifie the graces done by his pardon terming it the fruits of his clemencie he did shew it was a ground of hope of greater good he concludes noting the greatnes of the Kings loue goodnes promising to encrease al their honors recompences fauours conformable to the loialtie and obedience they shoulde carrie to his seruice Whereunto was briefly answered by Damian d'Aguiar Doctor one of the Deputies of the citie of Lisbone saying That in the cities behalfe and of the whole realme he did thanke his Maiestie both for the grace of his pardon as for assembling the Estates offering him obedience All the Deputies both in generall and particular demaunded what they pleased to whom they graunted many things as titles of knighthoode rents for life offices and to some present money there were eight or tenne of the meanest gentlemen chosen of the order and enobled with such other like things the which was done rather according to the vse of Castill then after the manner of Portugall for in this realme it is not the custome to giue any thing to Deputies He gaue greater recompences to the whole realme in generall graunting in a manner al those former things mentioned which the Duke of Ossuna had promised the Gouernors in the Kings name if the realme shoulde yeelde peaceably except it were to the garrisons libertie to saile to America and the west Indies and to participate with the affaires of Castill as if they were borne there saying that it was conuenient before hee shoulde graunt them to impart them to the Estates being preiudiciall vnto them The Deputies deliuered vnto the King a liste of what they demaunded and aduised touching the gouernment whereof the principall were that the King shoulde take a Portugall borne to wife that he shoulde sende the yoong prince to bee brought vp within the realme that the States of Portugall shoulde be separate from them of Castill with their coine apart and many things touching the abatement of impostes the displacing of garrisons the ordering of iustice and such like whereof fewe were graunted at that time of any importance and to all the rest they made answere with doubtfull hopes The Nobilitie the greatest part whereof not hauing borne armes against the King supposed to haue deserued much appointed thirtie amongst them to make petition vnto the King for manie things in the name of the whole Nobilitie First that hee shoulde graunt them iurisdiction ouer their subiects That such Doctors as had beene imploied in matters of iustice shoulde not bee censured but by gentlemen That the King should make no man noble but for the good deserts of some notable seruice and that it should not passe vnto his heires but vpon speciall grace That the chiefe offices of the realme as the chiefe Captaine-ships the three Purueiors of the Arcinall the store-house of the Indies and of the custome house with such other like shoulde not bee giuen but vnto Noble men whereof nothing was graunted Many did not attribute this refusall of their demaunds vnto the kings owne nature nor vnto the iniustice of their requests but most complained of those Portugall fauorites which gouerned Many were of opinion the King shoulde suppresse the Vniuersitie of Coimbra and thought it necessarie by all reason of state saying that it was not safe in a realme newly incorporate to suffer an assemblie of three or fowre thousand yoong men in a manner exempte from the iurisdiction royall the which might wel be called a Seminarie of seditions and Anthony his disciplined soldiers readie to follow any other naturall rebell of the realme whatsoeuer That the auoiding of this euill shoulde cause a greate benefite that the Portugals shoulde go studie in the Vniuersities of Castill where passing the heate of their youth and growing familiar with the Castillians they shoulde returne into Portugall more roially affected and more sufficient to administer iustice then they were They alleaged moreouer that those lawyers had both by wordes and writings wilfully opposed themselues against the Kings right chiefly when as Henry was enclined to the Dutchesse of Bragance that some of them transported with this passion had in their publike letters wrested against Philip not onely the imperiall lawes but also the holie canons interpreting them contrarie to their true sence and contradicting themselues and therefore they were woorthie of punishment But although this opinion seemed grounded and confirmed by many Portugals yet the King either by his bountie or the assurance of his iustice or of his absolute authoritie or else withhelde by the naturall inclination hee seemed to beare to the Portugall nation not onely preserued this Vniuersitie but also tooke it into his protection confirming their liberties and priuileges hee not onely receiued
fauour him it seemed the Portugals woulde be pleased to haue a yoong king whom they might breede vp after their owne manner But Anthony Prior of Crato sonne of Lewes who was brother to the saide Henrie sought the Crowne but with more vehemencie saying he was legitimate and no bastard as it was supposed And although he were without lands and disgraced by Henry yet being fauoured by the people he supposed that Henry dying he shoulde in despight of all the rest be crowned Emanuel Philibert Duke of Sauoy although sonne to Beatrice yoongest sister to the Catholique Kings Mother and yoonger then the saide King did not yet leaue off his pretentions but with greater modestie And for that amongst the pretendants straungers the Portugals were more inclined to him then to anie other it was supposed he woulde not let slippe the occasion And this inclination proceeded from the opinion they had that in regarde of the qualitie of his person he shoulde be fitter then anie other to defende them from their enimies and if neede were hee might vigorously resist King Philip if he shoulde stirre both by reason of his valour and for the meanes he had to molest him in his Duchie of Millaine ioyning vnto Piedmont vsing chiefly the alliance and neighbourhoode he had with Fraunce The peoples pretention was not vnconsidered for that the issue male of their Kings failing they pretended the election to belong to them they grounded it that women did neuer succeed but in an interreigne a woman was excluded and Iohn the first the tenth king of this Realme chosen by the people It seemed that this pretention shoulde not onely be contrarie to all pretendant strangers but also might breed a diuision within the Realme Katherine of Medecy widdowe to Henry the second King of Fraunce did likewise pretende saying that she was before all others by an action fetched a farre off but fortified with liuely reasons by her Embassadors The ground was That when as Sanches the second raigned in Portugall whom they called Cappello of the habite which he did vse Alphons his brother married with Matilda then Countesse of Bulloigne in Picardie And that after by the weakenes of Sanches the people with the consent of Pope Honorius the thirde then raigning called in Alphonse to be as tutor and gouernour of the Realme a testimony of the auncient Religion of this nation who euen in temporall matters did flie vnto the Pope And although at his cōming he did but vsurpe yet soone after the King dying without heires the Earle did lawfully inherite the Crowne hauing had before by his French wife some children who vnderstanding her husband to be King and not to returne any more to Bulloigne hauing prepared certaine ships she went to him into Portugall But for that Alphonse being now King did treat a marriage in Castill to haue the Kingdome of Algarues in dower as he after had without the consent of the Pope she was neither seene nor receiued by him So as all the other Portugall Kings which haue succeeded haue drawen their originall from this Alphonse and the children of his Castillian wife The Queenes Embassadours said That all the Kings which had succeeded him and his children had as Bastards vniustly inherited and that the kingdome ought to returne by direct line to the heires of the lawfull children of the said Alphonse and the Countesse of Bulloigne whom they said to be Queene Katherine of Medicy mother to King Henry the third daughter to Laurence of Medicy and of Magdalen of Bulloigne the onely remainder in direct line of that house and heire to that County the which although shee did not then possesse being incorporate by the Kings of Fraunce as a matter of importance seated vpon the limits of Flaunders and England yet they gaue vnto the Queene in recompence the Earledom of Lorangueil which shee now inioyeth They did likewise affirme but with small reason that the Pope did pretend alleadging that the Realme was not onely the spoile of the Cardinall but when as Alphonse who was the second Earle of Portugall obtained of the church the Title of a King hee bound himselfe to pay certaine markes of gold for a Tribute But heere of they made small reckoning These pretentions did much afflict the mindes of Princes and made the people feare some broyles vnderstanding that both the Queene of England was displeased against the Catholike King for the affaires of Ireland and that the King of Fraunce and the Turke were not contented to see King Philip become so mightie conquering a kingdome of so great importance On the other side Philip would not indure that any other but himselfe should become Lord for the neighbourhood of their countries supposing the least inconuenience that could happen was the ciuill warre betwixt the Duke of Bragrance and the Prior. But returning to the Cardinall Henrie being seated in the royall throne although he were of 67. yeeres of age and not healthful yet he looked about him and as it were determined from aboue that Portugall should fall by degrees to his declining hee did not prouide for the state according to the opinion that was conceiued of him but the Realme by reason of their miseries passed remayning as a bodie emptie and afflicted which needed a wise Phisition to restore it But as one mischiefe comes not alone the new King did more torment it for although many supposed that hee being olde a priest and of an exemplarie life hee should lay all passions aside and be more carefull to settle the state of the common wealth then he had found it yet notwithstanding he could not temper himselfe with such disposition as was fit for his yeeres and degree But as it often happens to such as haue beene oppressed who comming to rule seeke reuenge of their enimies euen so did he not imitating the example of Lewis the 12. King of Fraunce who disdained to requite the wrongs done him being Duke of Orleance hee resolued to reuenge the iniuries done him being Cardinal if they may be wel termed iniuries when as Princes be not respected of their inferiors as they ought For being not greatly fauoured by the King his predecessor the ministers and fauorites of his nephewe did not respect him as was fit not conceiuing being so old and Sebastian so yoong that euer he should haue attained to the Crowne By reason whereof he depriued almost all the officers of the court and some of them that did mannage the Kings Treasure of their offices and aduanced his owne seruants The first on whom he discharged the heat of his choler was Peter d' Alcasoua for that he did detest him from the time he was Secretorie and he Gouernor of the Realme during the nonage of Sebastian as also for that he thought to haue reason to punish him hauing beene an actor in these warres and seconded the Kings will and as one of his Chamberlaines had had the greatest charge
incensed against his Nephew he proceeded still against him So as within short time he pronounced a newe sentence not as a Iudge substitute by his holines but as an absolute king that it might not be subiect to any appeale supposing by this meanes seeing hee coulde not cast him into prison he shoulde banish him the Realme Wherin repeating his faults his absence his contumacy his disobedience with the premisses as was that he had made to drawe the Nobilitie people to follow his faction he depriued him of all his iurisdictions preheminences honors prerogatiues liberties graces and what other recompence soeuer he had from the kings his predecessors commaunding he shoulde be rased out of the bookes and not paide any thing not holding him for a naturall borne but a forraine to these Realmes He pronounced the like against such as shoulde aide him lodge him or any way treate with him He commaunded him to depart the Realme within fifteene daies saying it was expedient for the seruice of God of him and the peoples quiet But notwithstanding this sentence so seuere yet was it not of force to expell the Prior for being wel beloued of his friendes and common people he remained safely in secret And although for a shew onely he had retired him selfe into a monasterie of Castill yet he staied not long there onely to procure a certificate as he did of his departure whereof king Philip being aduertised he was aduised by some to take him prisoner both to be assured of him to please Henry but he thought it not then conuenient whereof after he repented him for Anthonie being returned againe into Portugall it was generally thought that he was ill affected and grieued with the king for the sentence he had pronounced against him Henry grew fearefull he shoulde attempt something against his person which so encreased that besides his ordinarie guard he raised certaine cōmpanies of souldiers for the assurance of himselfe and his Courte a thing at any time vnseene in that Realme At this time the Embassadors of Philip had made Henry capable of his title hauing laide before him both the good and euill which might ensue by giuing and taking from him the crowne who being enclined to do iustice mooued therewithall with the feare of war hauing wel considered the matter and laid aside all affection which made him inclinable to Katherine he resolued with all his power to giue it vnto Philip by the best meanes he coulde deuise And hauing imparted this his meaning to the Duke of Ossuna and Christopher de Mora he said he woulde ende the cause by way of composition betwixt Philip and the Realme without proceeding vnto sentence Prouided alwaies that the Catholique king shoulde graunt certaine priuileges not dispose the offices of gouernment and iustice but vnto the naturall Portugals and giue certaine graces exemptions to the generall good of the Realme Heere plainly appeered the errour of Henry who hauing cited all the pretendents and brought the matters to tearmes of iustice thought it after wards more conuenient to come to composition with Philip which shoulde haue beene formerly done if it were to be done These capitulations were sent vnto Philip to Madrill whom Henry entreated to keepe them secret as one that feared a contrarie disposition in the people And although hee were not ignorant howe hard the quiet execution of this his will woulde be by reason of the people and some Gentlemen of contrary faction yet commaunded he it shoulde be propounded to the states with all the mildenes it might be Some hold that father Leon Anriquez of the order of Iesuits the kings Confessour was rather the cause of this his vnexpected resolution then the practises of the Catholique kings ministers and that from him in whom the King did greatly trust proceeded his first inclination to the Dutchesse of Bragance but fearing the indignation of Philip he turned the thoughts of Henry to fauour his title By means whereof in October 1579. he called againe the deputies of the Cities and other estates vpon colour to impart vnto them a matter of importance Philip disallowed this resolution of Henry to assemble the States for being assured of the small affection the Portugals bare him he was most assured that assembling them togither they woulde neuer agree to yeelde him the Crowne and therefore hee aduised the King without any other assembly to declare a successor seeing in the last Estates held at Lisbone the whole Realme had giuen him full power the which if he would vse in this controuersie of the Realme and not make any new conuocation of Deputies he shoulde write to euery citie in particular his intention and aduise thinking it more easie to perswade them deuided then vnited in one body But Henry not daring effect it did sollicite the comming of the Deputies In Italy seeing the Catholique King a little before assemble so great forces they made diuers coniectures thereof they furnished the places of ordinarie suspect with newe garrisons some beleeued he that had entred league with the Cheriffe Mulei Hamet that both iointly togither would attempt Alger supposing the Moores had propounded this enterprise for feare of the Turkes and that the king with his aide woulde expell them from thence being so necre neighbour vnto Spaine The Pope vnderstanding the contrarietie in Portugall seeing the Catholique King prepare so greatly to armes he commaunded Philip Sega his Nuncio in Castillia to say vnto him that although he knewe these preparatiues of warres were against Infidels yet seeing the estate wherein Portugall stoode it might bee supposed it was intended against that Realme and being dangerous to come to armes and to stirre vppe the humours which cannot be setled at pleasure hee offred himselfe to be a mediatour betwixt him and Henry and to settle this busines peaceablie The king accepted the Popes offer in generall words entertaining his Nuncio with delaies without giuing him any resolute answer for that as it was saide many things did trouble his minde concerning this action He considered of the one side that being of good yeeres and his heires but yoong enioying except the state of Flaunders all his countries quietly it was not fitte to stirre vp humours in Spaine besides being fearefull to other nations they woulde not willingly see him augment his dominions he doubted that in busying himselfe in Portugall some woulde then take occasion to breede some alteration in his territories and therefore hee willingly gaue eare to any treatie of peace On the otherside he was not well assured of the Popes disposition seeming he shoulde preiudice his title to put it to compremise besides that to former presidents he woulde not willingly adde this of new to acknowledge the Apostolike seate as a iudge of Realmes He thought it lesse danger to attend the sentence of Henry then of any other for pronouncing it hauing not acknowledged him for iudge he was not bounde to obey if it were in
he should preuaile in recompence of the discontentment he had to be drawen from Italy Many beleeued the King would goe to this war in person both for the inclination they see in him as for some other signes which were apparant for he not only caused his armes and pauillions to be readie but also commaunded Ferrant de Silua Conte de Cifuentes Guidon Maior of Castill with the Standard Royall to furnish himself the which in that Realme is not accustomed to be carried but in the Squadron where the King is in person but in this case it behooued him to remaine irresolute and to gouerne himselfe according to the necessitie and occasions which time should discouer In this hope of things the King commaunded a Secretarie of the councell of warre to write to the Duke of Alua demaunding of him if he were able to serue in this enterprise whereunto making answere that in that which concerned his Maiestie he neuer made reckoning of his health hee was commaunded to prepare himselfe within three daies and to goe to the campe the which he putting in execution he went to Barrazas a village ten miles from the court which was at Madrill hauing no leaue to come thither but that which caused admiration the king hauing at the same time caused the Prince Diego his sonne to be sworne by all the estates in a Chappell although with ordinarie ceremonies yet with lesse pompe then of custome did not admit the saide Duke to the oath being so neere and so great a personage He did neither write vnto him nor treated with him concerning these warres but long after So as the Duke marching with the armie finding himselfe not fully released from the prison wherein he had beene saide that the King had sent him to conquer Realmes drawing after him chaines and fetters such was the seueritie of Philip and the obedience of so great a minister All Spaine was pleased with this election for besides the deliuery of the Duke which followed they esteemed not the valour of their soldiers without a Commaunder to their mindes and in the Dukes person they helde any armie good The Generall being dispatched the King prouided all things for his iourney into Portugall he caused a daughter borne at that time to be secretly baptized and hauing made the saide prince of Castill to be sworne without calling or the presence of Ferrant de Sylua to his great discontentment the King went to Guadalupa being now the time of Lent vnder colour to performe the obsequies of King Henry there and so to draw neere vnto Portugall to giue encouragement to his affaires and thus did he write to all the principall cities in Spaine He departed from Madrill in coach almost all alone without giuing order for the Queenes departure or for the officers of his Courte notwithstanding cherishing her dearely After he had passed two daies seeming conuenient and a great signe of amitie that being now to enter into Portugall he shoulde be accompanied with his Queene he called her vnto him The Duke was now gone to Glierena where a part of his armie lay being in farre lesser numbers then had beene leuied for that discommodities and sicknesse had consumed many and many places were voide by the Captaines pollicie being in all but fower thousand fiue hundreth Italians three thousand fiue hundreth Germaines and three thousand Spaniards come out of Italy and other seauen thousand newly raised with fifteene hundreth horse which being a body long before prepared for a matter so well foreseene seemed to him but small But the Duke trusting more to the qualitie then the quantitie of his soldiers desired to haue them fewer and of more experience and these seemed in a manner all without knowledge and therefore the King at his entreatie commanded that all the soldiers which were come out of Flaunders into Italy should passe into Spaine being such whom he knew and had tried in the warres yet they arriued not in time but returned backe The Duke saide that surmounting the enimie in horse he would vndertake this warre with twelue thousand foote well experienced neither did he value the great number of the Portugals which assembled as it was giuen out making reckoning to waste them by policie to conquer them without battaile The King being come to Guadalupa there arriued the Bishop of Coimbra and Emanuel de Melo Embassadors from the Gouernours of Portugall The King with his Councell were doubtfull in what sort to honor them some would haue them treated like subiects without respecting them as Embassadors Others would not haue any thing altered of the ordinarie course obserued in those causes yet not to discourage them it was resolued they should be heard as Embassadors with their heads couered and that the King should put off his hat yet the King had written before to the Gouernors that he would treat with their Commissaries as with subiects These laboured by a long speech to perswade the King to lay aside armes they saide that King Henry had greatly desired to end the question of succession by the ordinarie course of iustice but that death had preuented him he had in the States held at Lisbone in the yeere 1579. not onely chosen Gouernors and defenders of the Realme but the States had also named fower twentie Iudges whereof the King had chosen eleuen to iudge definitiuely the cause of succession if he died before the effecting it the which after hapned and that the matter being brought to that passe the realme remained quiet and peaceable resolute to obey and acknowledge for their Lord and King him in whose fauour sentence should be giuen conformable to the oath which the whole Realme had taken in the said estates the which was after ministred to the same Gouernors in the great church at Lisbone when as the coffer which contained the nomination was opened and therefore they were readie to administer iustice and to acknowledge for King him vnto whom the realme shoulde be iudged by right to appertaine and being thus affected they beseeched his maiesty to command his embassadors to assist iudicially to the cause in the conclusion thereof But the King being assured of his right prouided of forces and seeming no blot to his conscience made answere that he was well pleased with the shew of zeale to the publike good of these realmes and that he was perswaded that what they had propounded proceeded from a good inclination that he would haue bin glad their demand had bin such as he might haue satisfied them the which he wil do alwaies in matter that shall be iust tending to the generall or particular good of these realmes But the equitie of his cause being so apparant to the world remaining no lawfull or competent iudge they neither ought nor could performe the oath which they saide they had taken seeing it were an apparant preiudice to his title and a domage to his owne realmes and therefore he
the Doctors which had read and writ against him with great mildenes but also with a noble resolution confirmed them in their lectures and preferred others to them that were voide In the meane time the Pope discouering the Priors weakenesse to maintaine Portugall and that there was no meanes of agreement hauing called home his Legate he seemed well content with Philips successe saying that his onely intention was to auoid wars so as hauing obtained great rewardes for his sonne or at the least assured hopes he graunted vnto the king that George de Taida bishop of Viseu who was his first chaplaine shoulde be iugde without appeale of all causes concerning the Ecclesiasticall rebels and of the proces of their confiscations so as the Prior in a manner doomed to sentence of death with the Bishop of Guarda and others were againe cited by edicts to be depriued by iustice of all spirituall liuings they held within the realme There was yet no newes of him notwithstanding the reward promised and the great care the Castilians vsed through the realme to finde him yet were they daily lesse certaine for that disguised in a base habite hee went vnknowne oftentimes amongst those that sought for him He had intelligence that the Counte of Vimioso was come by land into Fraunce labouring to mooue the French to warre against the Catholique King promising great succours by the people in the matters of Portugal By reason whereof and for the Priors concealement the King kept in a manner his whole armie dispersed in the fortresses and cities of the realme and although hee had dismissed the Italians and sent the greatest part of his galleies into Italy yet they gaue out that he after repented the realme seeming daily lesse peaceable and that the French in those parts might arme a good number of ships of warre and more conueniently in that sea then the galleies whereof fowre being in Algarues had taken a French pirate with great slaughter who being a knight of Malta had fought valiantly By reason of these garrisons of the rigor of officers of the smal recompence that was giuen them and of the conceite that the Prior was yet within the realme the Portugals harts beganne to turne some of them assembled at times lamented the miserie wherein they seemed to be by their not agreeing to defend themselues or not yeelding in time yet the greatest part held opinion that vnited togither they might haue made resistance They could not endure that the Castillian officers shoulde intermeddle in matters of iustice as they pretēded to do neither was the Portugals disdaine appeased in saying that the King hauing commaunded Iohn Andrew Doria Prince of Melfy to conduct the Empresse his sister into Spaine whom he had caused to come out of Germany was for no other cause but to leaue her Gouernesse in Portugall and so returne into Castill and that as a woman she shoulde raigne with greater mildenes then the kings of Portugall had done for although this was the common discourse yet many helde opinion that the king should not depart being constrained to keepe garrisons the which he would not dismisse vntill he were better assured of the Prior of whom they spake diuersly for some helde that he was dead and spoiled by the Castilians who for that they woulde yeelde no account of the iewels he had about him kept it secret Others saide that he had sent into Fraunce and England from whence hee expected great armies at whose arriuall he would discouer himselfe Many supposed that he shoulde keepe himselfe secret within the realme vntill the death of Philip who according to their discourse coulde not liue long and yet was there small difference betwixt their ages at what time shewing himselfe as hee did vpon the death of king Henry hee shoulde againe take possession of the realme the kingdomes of Castill remaining in the handes of pupilles And although some beleeued that he was departed the realme yet the greatest part helde that he was there yet labouring to escape as couertly as he coulde fearing to be taken prisoner the which was true indeede as it appeared by some of his friends that were taken in the porte of Lisbone who sought to imbarke with some prouision of victuals they had made who confessed vpon the racke that he was in the realme amongst which was Peter d'Alpoe Doctor of the lawes who since for that cause and others of high treason lost his head at Lisbone The Estates were now ended and the king desirous to goe to Lisbone but for that the preparations and triumphs which the citie pretended were not yet ready he went to Almada which is directly against the citie vpon the other banke of Tagus to giue them time to finish their preparations At what time the King hauing intelligence that those of the Ilands of Terceraes notwithstanding the letters which Ambrose d'Aguiar had carried stoode firme in their first resolution of defence hee sent Peter Baldes with fower ships sixe hundreth Spanish foote and some cannon with commandement to assure himselfe fully of the Iland of Saint Michaell which was obediēt to spoile the ships which should come from the Indies not to attēpt any thing by land vntill he had sent a greater supply of men The Court was ill appointed at Almada and the needfull ministers for dispatches could not all bee lodged there The King desirous to enter the citie would not attende after Saint Peters day when passing the water with his galleies he lāded in the city vpon a bridge of wood framed for that purpose without giuing them time to finish their arches statues prepared for his entry But the sloth and ignorance of the workemen was in parte cause yet did they make a sumptuous preparation Vpon the bridge he was met by the Magistrate of the chamber where Doctor Hector de Pyna one of them spake thus in the behalfe of the citie shewing the ioy they had conceiued of his entrie That as this citie was the greatest in the worlde so God had deseruedly giuen them conformeable to their owne desires a great monarch to bee their Lorde Hee excused the people saying That if they had no sooner obeied it was done rather by errour then their owne free will and that remaining in their owne power to choose a king they woulde haue made election of no other then himselfe And touching the death of Ferrant de Pyna hee saide that this citie had first of all shedde bloude for his seruice seeing that the saide Ferrant when as Anthony caused him to bee wounded was a member of this Magistrate He excused likewise the sleightnes of their ioyes by the afflictions of the warre the spoile of the citie and the plague remembring their losses of Affricke concluding that they hoped by his Maiesties fauours this realme shoulde not bee saide vnited vnto Castill but that all the other realmes were ioyned vnto Portugall Hee then went on horsebacke vnder a canopie of
secular power could not iudge him being taken in the Church came running likewise to the place of execution to succour him And had not Damain D' Aguiar a seuere and resolute officer had the charge thereof who suddenly put this sentence in execution there was so great a concourse of people crying and of religious men with their crosses and excommunications that the offender had been easily rescued These disorders displeased the louers of religion and quietnes who blaming somewhat the Friers for not suffering their Prouinciall quietly to ende the terme of his charge yet did they attribute more fault vnto the gouernours for suffering in such a season so publike and rigorous an execution against the religious and chiefly vpon a Monasterie seated vpon the banks of Tagus saying that if for no other reason yet shoulde they haue forborne in respect that many English and French ships anchored there whose men infected with heresie would reioyce to see the religious in the hands of Sergeants The death of Pina was held for an indiscreet and cruell resolution of Anthony for being but a matter of small moment to be reuenged by so foule an example vpon an olde man alawyer and of meane condition he had thrust himselfe into an exigent either to be held vnthankfull in suffering of Soarez to die as he did or else to doe violence vnto iustice But for that princes hate the executioners of their follies for in their life doth liue the remembrance of their errors euen so the Prior hated this man after the offence committed neither did he labour to saue him although his death made him contemptible to the people The said prior was thē at Almerin laboring the cause of his legitimation solliciting the iudges to decide the same who excused themselues that they could not do it obseruing the lawes of the realme if he retired not himselfe 25. miles from the Court that in so doing they would looke into the cause But for that the Duke of Bragance and the Ambassadors of other princes were there present he would not depart for this reason the matter surceased at this time Emanuel of Portugall who remained at Belem laboured ambitiously that Iohn Teglio one of the gouernours his brother in lawe conformable to himself in opinion principally in the exclusion of Philip should be sent to Belem with authoritie from the other gouernours to prouide by his presence for all things necessarie seeming a matter hard to effect at Almeryn The other gouernours desirous to be rid of his companie and not daring to contradict any thing that seemed to concerne the defence gaue him authoritie and suffered him to goe to Belem There he consulted with Emanuel and receiuing with some difficultie the money borrowed of the merchants he resolued for the gathering together of a greater summe to sell the iewels of the Crowne the which were there and therefore causing them to be brought foorth he dealt with some merchants vpon the price The Duke of Ossuna was then returned into Castill leauing Mora in Portugall with the other Ambassadours that were Lawyers who vnderstanding the iewels were vpon sale the saide Mora in the name of the Catholique King required the said gouernours not to sell them as appertaining to the King protesting both against them and the buiers that they should be bounde to restore the price at their owne charge so as they found not any that woulde deale with them Philip being at Merrida as it was saide hauing by a long protestation required the gouernors to deliuer him the possession of the Realme The Bishop of Coimbra and Emanuel de Melo returned the second time making the like proposition to the King as they had done at Guadalupa offering to put the cause to arbitrement and complaining he had giuen them too short a time to resolue But Philip being now well resolued what he would doe and infourmed of the aide the Portugals demaunded from other princes he made them the like answere as before Many iudged the proposition of those Ambassadours to be ill grounded saying it was an vnseemely thing to require the King to make himselfe subiect to the iudgement of nominated iudges seeing that King Henry himselfe who with more appearance of reason might pretend to be lawfull iudge in this cause did neuer require the King to acknowledge him for iudge neither did he euer declare him contumax in the cause debated with the pretendents for not acknowledging him The Catholique King came to Badagios the 20. of May where the Portugall Ambassadours laboured to perswade him making suite that before the taking of armes he should admit an assemblie to the estates but they were no more admitted to audience the king resolued to send his answere vnto the gouernors and to publish it throughout the whole realme in the name of his Councell the which he did as followeth That experience had taught that by two examples of the estates last held at Lisbone and at Almerin they wrought no good effect in fauour of the apparant right of his Maiestie but in the one and the other they had still laboured to trouble it seeking lets and delaies which might haue bred the losse thereof and therefore it seemed a treble error to attend againe a new assemblie of these estates That they haue no reason to complaine that his Maiestie had giuen them too short a time to resolue accounting from the day of the receipt of his letters the xiij of March by the which he required them to sweare him saying they made no good computation if they supposed he were dispossessed of the realme but from the time that he demaunded it appertaining vnto him from the hower of King Henries death but that his Maiestie had expressely contained himselfe a moneth and a halfe without making of any motion to the ende they should not loose the thanks by calling him to the succession whom God had called and might haue leisure amongst themselues to make cleere this bond by which they were tied and giue satisfaction making the pretendents capable of reason to the ende they should not hinder the publike quiet and that they might be intercessors for them and for the realme which course the king himselfe had taught them That their excuse might be taken in two senses saying they coulde not receiue his Maiestie but in a generall assemblie of estates their meaning is either that they cannot doe it by right or that they may not doe it for that they dare not In the first case they are deceiued for there needes no assemblie of estates when a king makes his entrie vnto the realme although he succeede not to his father but to his kinseman neither were they necessarie when as Henry succeeded to his nephew In the other case that they cannot doe it because they dare not the excuse is good but not to binde the king neither in iustice nor conscience to desist from taking the possession of his goods if the delaies make the