On the contrary the Silver was raised which drew much out of Spain King Sebastian coined some Pieces of Gold worth 1000 others of the value of 750 Royals for himself to give away with his own Hand CHAP. II. The Life and Reign of Henry the First of the Name and Seventeenth King of Portugal from the Year 1512 till 1580. 1. CArdinal Henry Birth of K. Henry Eighth Son to King Emanuel and Seventh by his Second Wife Queen Mary was Born at Almeyrin on the last day of January 1512. Pope Paul the Third sent him the Cardinal's Cap and he was at once Archbishop of Braga Lisbon and Coimbra Abbot of the Famous Monastery of Alcobaça and twice Governour of the Kingdom tho' unfit for the Crown so fit for the Mitre that upon the Death of Pope Paul he had many Votes in the Conclave to succeed him Whilst Governour he never forbore to Act as a Prelate and tho' a Prince of the Church he performed all the Duties of a private Priest He was at Alcobaça when the News was brought of the loss of the King his Nephew 1578. and his Army The Governours sent him this Advice by D. John Serran Provincial of the Jesuiâ—â— He immediately set out for Lisbon where upon his arrival the publick sorrow was renewed upon the Consideration that the Inheritance of the Crown should fall to him then 67 Years of Age and the last of the Male Line Henry being come to Lisbon called to him the Duke of Bragança and other Persons of Knowledge and Experience and seeing there was yet no certain Account of his Nephew 's being dead or alive the Council and a number of able Lawyers were ordered to Consult what was to be done in that Case They agreed the Cardinal tho' a Priest was capable of Inheriting the Crown Cardinal Henry first declared Protector but it being yet doubtful what was become of the King he should therefore take upon him the Government with the Title of Protector which he accordingly did in the Palace of the Duke of Bragança on the 22d of August 2. Soon after his entring upon the Government He is crowned King the News of the King's Death was brought and his Funeral Obsequies were performed with general Lamentation On the 28th of August after having said Mass the new King and Bishop Henry proceeded to the Church of All-Saints Hospital where he had before received the Mitre now to put on a Crown He was the second Melchisedeck for since the first till him none ever was at once both Priest and King The Ceremony of his Inauguration was performed with no less Lamentation than Pomp and he returned from the Church to the Palace a Temporal as well as Spiritual Prince A few days after his Exaltation came the News that Antony Bastard-Son to Prince Lewis having escaped out of Slavery was at Arzila and tho' much offended at him before he extreamly rejoyced to hear of his Safety Antony by his Affability had gained the Affections of all Men and the People looked upon him to have as good a Title to the Crown as King John the First had almost two Ages before and in Truth the Right was the same for they were both Bastards Antony had fallen into the Hands of a poor Moor who ransomed him for a small matter being told he was a Priest and if not presently redeemed would lose his Benefice and thereby become incapable of paying his Ransom About 16000 Persons remained in Captivity to Redeem whom 20 Trinitarians were sent to Fez and Morocco F. Francis da Costa settled the Ransom of 80 Gentlemen at 400000 Ducats and paid down 300000 remaining himself an Hostage for the rest Ingratitude of certain Gentlemen yet those Gentlemen getting home never thought of releasing him till he was bought offâ—by the Kingdom the Moor refusing to take any thing for him but Pearls F. Amador Rebelo a Jesuit was sent to Argiers to Ransom those that had been sold thither King Philip of Spain obtained of the Moors the Body of King Sebastian which he afterwards brought into Portugal He also redeemed the Duke of Barcelos Son to John Duke of Bragança and afterwards entertained him with all possible expressions of Affection in Castile 3. No sooner was the new King enthroned Several Pretenders to the Succession of the Crown but all those who pretended a Right began to put in their Claims to the Inheritance of the Crown Philip the Second of Spain afterwards the First of Portugal sent D. Christopher de Moura to condole with King Henry for the late Loss and to Congratulate his Accession to the Crown without mentioning his Title to the Succession but with private Instructions to advance his Interest The Candidates were First King Philip of Spain as Son to the Empress Elizabeth Daughter to King Emanuel Secondly the Lady Katherine of Bragança Daughter to Prince Edward who was Brother to the Empress The difference betwixt these two Pretenders was that the Lady tho' a Female claimed the Crown as descended of the Male and the King as being himself the Male tho' descended of a Female Of these the former was the better Title without dispute but neither so good as that of Alexander Prince of Parma in the Right of his Mother who was elder Sister to the Lady Katherine The Duke of Savoy had a Title but not so good by his Wife the Princess Beatrix Daughter to King Emanuel Antony Prior of Crato pretended to be Lawful Son to Prince Lewis Brother to Prince Edward the Empress and Dutchess of Savoy but having never been owned as such by his Father or any other Person that was meer Pretence The People pleaded the Right of Election was in them and shewed Prescription as in the case of their first King of King Alonso the Third and King John the First all which in reality were but Fortunate Usurpers The Pope also would Inherit this Crown as being now devolved to the Church being in the Hands of a Cardinal and urged that it had been Tributary to the See of Rome which was true but a poor Title for Inheritance Katherine of Medicis Queen of France alledged she was descended of King Alonso the Third by his first Wife Maud Countess of Bologne on whom he had a Son but her Title was rejected as over antiquated being above 330 Years standing Savoy and Parma were soon thrown out because too weak to carry on their Pretences not because they wanted a Title The People attempted to carry it by Election but miscarried The Dispute rested betwixt Philip of Spain Katherine of Bragança and Antony Prior of Crato we shall soon see where the Controversie ended 4. Several Methods were proposed to determine these Differences Means proposed to reconcile thaâ— different Pretensions Some would have one of King Philip's Sons Marry the Daughter of the Duke of Bragança Others more inclined to Antony would have that Daughter given to him Others there were who advised the
overthrown and all the Country reduced which done Ramiro leaving good Garrisons in his Conquests returned to Oviedo in his way he visited John the Abbot of the Monastery of Lorvan and bestowed Lands upon the Monastery The principal part of the Gift was the Town of Montemayor the Old a strong place the Garrison whereof the Abbot was obliged to maintain In this Town was one Garcia Yannez a foundling brought up by the Abbot and by him preferred for his Valour This Fellow envying the Honour of D. Bermudo the Abbot's Nephew and Governour of that Territory fled to Abderramen King of Cordova offering not only to renounce the Faith but also to put into his hands Montemayor and the other Conquests of King Ramiro 6. Whilst Garcia Yannez was with the Moorish King the Abbot and his Nephew Bermudo took the two Rebel Counts Alderedus whose Eyes he put out and Pinelus whom with his Seven Sons he put to Death as being more obstinate in their Crime Knowing that Rages of Viseo was joyning in League with other Moorish Commanders he assaulted his City and rased it to the Ground Sebastian Bishop of Salamanca with the Abbot's Consent afterwards repairing of it is said to have found there the Tomb of Roderick the last King of the Goths Garcia Yannez having renounced the Faith and calling himself Zulema had the Command of an Army given him to execute what he had proposed He entred Portugal committing greater Barbarites than the Infidels and laid Siege to Montemayor which was bravely defended by the Abbot and his Men. Hunger beginning to pinch they thought of an Expedient more to be wondered at than imitated which was that they slew all their Women and Children the Abbot beginning with his Sister and Nephews This done they sallied out upon the Enemy with such Fury that they soon put them to flight The Rebel Zulema was killed by the Abbot many of his Men were drowned in the River Mondego and most of them perished by several means so that few returned Home 76000 were destroyed and Night stopped the pursuit of the Victors Morning discovered the Fields covered not only with dead Carcasses but with plenty of rich Booty This was a small comfort to them that had imbrued their hands in the Blood of their Wives An incredible relation Children and Relations but some that had hasted to the Town after the Victory brought back the News that all those they had killed were miraculously restored to life and so all returned joyful with the Victory and Recovery of their Friends The Abbot stayed in the place where he obtained the Victory and there Built a small Hermitage and ended his days in Sanctity His Monks endeavoured it but could not remove his Body and our first King D. Alonso Enriquez Founded a Monastery in that place which was finished by his Son and Successor D. Sancho and given to the Cistercian Order This is what related to Portugal in the Reign of King Ramiro he obtained many other Victories particularly the memorable one called of Clavijo in which St. James the Apostle is said to have been seen fighting for the Christians and was thence called the Patron of Spain 850. The King Married Paterna whose extraction is not known he left the Crown to his Son Ordonno and died at Oviedo where he lies Buried 7. D. Ordono was no way inferior to his Father for Valour King Ordono Rebuilds many Towns and being at full Age when he died was very acceptable to all the States His first care was to repeople the Cities of Leon Astorga Tuy Amaya and others 855. almost left desolate in the late Invasions this done he obtained two notable Victories one over the rebellious Vascones and the other over Muza by extraction a Goth but turned Mahometan This Muza had possessed himself of the greatest part of Spain but was entirely defeated by our King in the Plains of Alvelda or Albayda 857. two Leagues from Logronno Many Moors upon this Defeat sent to Congratulate the Victor He is overthrown by the Moores and others stood to see the Consequences of it Mahomet King of Cordova alarmed at this success of the Christians drew mighty succours out of Africk and with a formidable Army began to conquer the Christian Territories Ordonno met him in Estremadura near the River Tagus and though he killed double the number that he lost was forced to leave the Victory to the Barbarian who recovered much of what the Christians had before taken He took Santarem Irena and Rotas then returning towards Cordova he took and Fortified many Towns betwixt the Rivers Guadiana and Tagus the next Year was not so favourable to him for the best part of his Fleet was cast away on the Coast of Galicia and his Army was overthrown on the Borders of Navarre 859. by the King thereof D. Inigo Ximenez Arista Irena is supposed to be the Town now called Leyria and Rotos Roda near Redina Many Christians at this time obtained the Crown of Martyrdom under the power of the Moors but especially at Cordova King Ordonno was Married to the Lady Munia by whom he had D. Alonso his Successor D. Bermudo D. Nunno Odvarius and Fruela whose Eyes the King their Brother caused to be put out for conspiring against him He had also a Daughter called Aragonta Wife to Sancho Abarca King of Navarre King Ordono was troubled with the Gout and died of it at Oviedo 863. having Reigned Twelve Years his Body was Buried in the Chappel of King Alonso the Chast 8. Authors do not agree upon the Age of King Alonso the III. King Alonso III. called the Great when he came to the Crown some say Nine some Fourteen and some Seventeen Years The most is too little for the great Actions performed by him immediately after his Accession to the Crown his Valour and other Vertues purchased him the Sir-name of the Great only attributed to him among all the Kings of Castile and Leon. Fruela Bermudez a great Man in Galicia rebelled and came down so suddenly to Oviedo that the young King was forced to fly to Alava where haing gathered his Forces the Rebels put to death their Leader and submitted themselves to him Then he repaired the Cities of Oviedo and Leon and built many Castles In the mean while Count Eylon rebelled in Alava but was oppressed by the King's Celerity During this time he was at peace with the Infidels Mahomet King of Cordova and Lot or Lope the Son of Muza King of Toledo being at War among themselves They two being agreed the King of Cordova sent Albucazen and Alemandarin his Generals the one into Biscay the other into Galicia where they made great havock the People flying before them from the Plains to the Mountains But King Alonso marched with such expedition that he oppressed them both before they thought he had been moving towards them this success produced Peace which he employed in rebuilding ruined
St. Michael the Archangel is said to have been seen by his side hewing down the Infidels Hence he went to the Monastery of Alcobaca to return thinks to God for this success and staying there a Month is said to have instituted a new order of Knighthood called that of the Wing for that in the Battle he saw a winged Arm near him fighting against the Moors which the King supposing to be St. Michael or his Guardian Angel he dedicated the order to them both The chief Rules were that the Knights should wear a red Wing embroidered with Gold that none but Gentlemen of Note should be admitted to the Order that in fight they should carry the Royal Standard that they should take the Oath of Allegiance administred by the Prior of Alcobaca who was to be superior of the Order that they should every day say the same Prayers as did the Converts of that Monastery that their Feast should be observed on Michaelmass Day The King and principal Men were enrolled in this Order but it was not lasting 5. At this time there was in the Portuguese Court Gonzalo Hermiguez his actions a Gentleman called Gonzalo Hermiguez much esteemed of the Ladies for his Eloquence and Art in Poetry and no less envied of the Men as well for those Qualities as for that his extraordinary Actions had purchased him the Title of Moor Swallower This Gentleman with a party that used to follow him passed over the River Tagus before it was light on Midsummer Day from Lisbon to Almada and there lay in Ambush The Moors according to their Custom coming out that Morning with their Women to be merry upon the Banks of the River he suddenly rushed out upon them expecting no such Entertainment and made a great slaughter of them The Infidels strove to defend themselves but in vain for he carried off a rich Booty to his Boats Being ready to put off he espied a Moor carrying away a beautiful Woman and leaping again ashore he forced her from him and so made over to Santarem with his Prey Of all the booty he took nothing to himself but the fair Captive whom Baptized he made his Wife She soon after dying he was so afflicted that leaving the World he took upon him the habit of St. Bernard in the Monastery of Alcobaca and out of his own Patrimony having no Children founded the Monastery of St. Mary de Tumarayâ— near Ourem Much about this time it is recorded that the King being near the mouth of the River Mondego found a small Chappel with the Image of our B. Lady which restored to life one of his Servants killed with a fall from his Horse An old Hermit told him it was the same that had preserved all the Women and Children killed by John the Abbot as was said in its place when he sallied out of Montemayor and unexpectedly overthrew a multitude of Infidels This moved the King to erect a Monastery there called at present St. Mary de Seica and the Image being several times removed from the poor Chappel to the magnificent Church of this Monastery is said always of it self to have returned to its own place Peter the King's Bastard Brother ranging abroad met a party of Moors conducting a Beautiful Lady with much Treasure all which having routed them he took Cide Achim a Moor of Silves who courted this Lady begged her of the King or else desired him to keep him also for his slave The King referred him to his Brother Peter who not only restored to him the Lady but all the Treasure taken with her upon condition he should send no succours to Lisbon which it seems was not then taken 6. Peter of Peter Bastard Brother to Alonso Bastard Brother to King Alonso was sent into France to prevail with St. Bernard to use his interest with the Pope for to obtain his investiture and confirmation of the new Kingdom of Portugal To omit what is too Romantick concerning this Peter he is said for his extraordinary valour to have been admitted into the number of the 12 Peers of France and that preparing to accompany that King to Hierusalem he was diswaded by St. Bernard who advised him rather to act against the Moors in Spain He followed his advice and was at the taking of Santarem Lisbon Trancoso Badajoz and other great Actions After this he was chosen Master of the new instituted order of Knight-hood called that of Avis which Honour he obtained of the King that he might not be obliged by him to Marry Returning one day with a party from an Engagement with the Moors he laid down in a Field and fell a Sleep at which time St. Bernard appeared to him in a Dream perswading him to take upon him the Habit of his Order which he accordingly performed and lived 13 Years in the Monastery of Alcobaca with an extraordinary opinion of Sanctity 7. The Dominions of Portugal being now enlarged from a small Dower given by the King of Leon with his Bastard Daughter to the proportion of a considerable Kingdom King Alonso sued to Pope Alexander III. for his invessiture in the same offering to pay to the See of Rome for ever two pound of Gold yearly as an acknowledgment of his holding that Crown of the Pope His Holiness granted his request and accordingly expedited his Bulls to that effect in the Year 1172. 1172. Hereupon the Cortes or Parliament was assembled at Lamego Pope Alexander grants the Investiture of the Kingdom of Portugal to Alonso under a Tribute in which pursuant to these Bulls the King was crowned with a Crown of Gold by the Archbishop of Braga and all the States there assembled unanimously voted their Kingdom independent of the Crown of Leon For the better regulating of the succession it was enacted That the King's Sons should inherit and for want of them his Brothers whose Sons should not succeed them without consent of the People That Daughters might Inherit provided they Married not out of the Kingdom that their Husband should not be called King till the Queen had a Son that he should not wear the Crown on his Head in Parliament that if she Married a Forreign Prince she should not inherit least the Crown should be transferred to Strangers 8. About this time the King made an incursion into Algarve The body of St. Vincent translated to Lisbon as far as the Promontorium Sacrum or Cape St. Vincent desiring to translate the Body of that Saint which he understood to be there but he could not perform it and retired Afterwards the Council of Lisbon sent People to discover it who brought it away to that City where it is kept with great Veneration a number of Crows following the Body from the Mountain to the great Church where it lies and there they also continue to this Day Abenjacob Son to the Miramamolin or Emperor of Morocco with a mighty Army besieged and much streightned the Town of Abrantes but certain
considering the great merit of D. Payo Correa before spoken of made him General for the conquest of Algarve He acted therein with the success that was hoped of his conduct taking several strong holds among which were Estombar and Alvor Garcia Rodrigues who had travelled that Country as a Merchant was his principal Guide having forsaken the pursuit after Riches to purchase Honour with his Sword Paderne was also taken but cost dear the success remaining a long time dubious The Enemy having proposed a Cessation of Arms it was granted because our forces fatigued with so many expeditions required some time of refreshment During this Truce the Commendary Peter Perez with five Gentlemen went out to hunt in the Mountains of the Village of Antas In their passage by Tavira a City belonging to the Moors they were set upon by a greater number of Infidels Garcia Rodriguez the Merchant above mentioned passing that way hasted to their succour and after a brave resistance they were all killed upon the place D. Payo Correa could not come time enough to save their lives though upon the first advice of the accident he hasted thither Seeing his Friends could not be saved he fell upon the Enemy for revenge and they flying to the City he entred it together with them and though he met with a vigorous resistance made himself Master of it King Sancho hearing of the taking of Tavira gave it to the Knights of Santiago 4. The conquest of Silves only was wanting to compleat our General 's Glory Silves again recovered His Policy and Celerity brought it about the Enemy offering him a favourable opportunity The Inhabitants of that place went out to assist King Aben Afan at the Siege of Estombar D. Payo instead of relieving the Besieged attacked Silves then forsaken of its Defendants and easily made himself Master of it The Moorish King hasting to succour the City came late for his design but in time for D. Payo who rushing out of the City put him to flight so precipitately that he was drowned on the Coast which in memory of him is to this day called the Sea of Abenafan Thus all Algarve was brought under the power of King Sancho The Pope about this time having invited all Christian Princes to joyn their Forces against the Tartars 1244. King Sancho provided a Gallant Army for that Expedition but all his Preparations were disappointed for he went not as he had designed Roderick Sanchez Son to King Sancho I. having been long at variance with Giles de Soverosa a powerful Man in those days they met with armed Troops near the City Porto and after a sharp Engagement the dispute ended with the life of Roderick Sanchez who was there slain In this Encounter Roderick Fafes a Man of Note having lost his Horse asked Gonzalo Rodriguez de Abreu to give him his he gave it upon condition the other should give him his Daughter Mencia in Marriage which according to promise Fafes afterwards performed 5. The King continued to bestow liberally most rich Possessions on the Church The subjects ripe for rebellion tho' the King was blameless His goodly Actions deserved no less love of his Subjects than any of his Predecessors but it is not always Merit that gains esteem among Men. Envy towards his Favourites produced Malice against him nor was the fault in his Government or in choosing such Ministers but that all who aspired to it could not be Favourites There never is wanting a pretence to subjects disposed to rebell The King easing himself on his Favourites the Portuguese gave out he was uncapable to Govern and therefore proposed to erect a Lieutenant to manage affairs for him and made application to the Pope hereupon having fixed upon the King's Brother Alonso to fill that place and succeed him It was want of Loyalty in them and not of capacity in him that produced this Resolution One objection raised against King Sancho by his Enemies They cavil at all his Actions was That he had married a Wife below his Quality and was too fond of her Weak motives to a Rebellion especially considering his Queen was the Daughter of D. Lope Diaz de Haro Lord of Biscay and of Vrraca bastard Daughter to Alonso IX King of Leon so that she was equal to him either as being both the Off-spring of the same King's Bastards or as to grandeur her Father wanting nothing but the usurped Title of King to make him as great as he of Portugal It is true the Queen favouring those who had been instrumental in advancing her to the Crown hid some miscarriages from the King which gave occasion to the multitude to commit several insolencies and the King not punishing them whilst he could had not afterwards the power to do it when he would Some would have it that the Queen had given her Husband a Potion the more to secure his love to her and to divert him wholly from the care of the Government 6. The tumultuous Cryes of the People not prevailing The Clergy joins in the Rebellion with the Laity the Clergy took upon them to espouse their Quarel and had recourse to Pope Gregory IX who thundered out Ecclesiastical Censures against the King on account of his being Married to Queen Mencia who was his Kinswoman within the prohibited degree The King making no account of the Spiritual Weapons the People mutinied being headed by Raymund Viegas Portocarreo a Man of quality The Rebels seize the Queen and breaking into the Palace at Coimbra took away the Queen and put her into the Castle of Ourem This exasperated the King to that height that gathering what force he could he endeavoured to recover her but all in vain for the Rebels conveyed her into Castile The King betrayed by all his Ministers Now it plainly appeared that King Sancho was rather Unfortunate than unfit to Govern for even the Ambassadors he employed abroad betrayed him He sent John Egas Archbishop of Braga and Peter and Tiburicus Bishops of Porto and Coimbra to Rome and they forgetting they were sent by their Prince became Sollicitors for the Rebels who held correspondence there Hereupon a Council was held at Lions in France assembled by Pope Innocent IV. and King Sancho having sent thither his Ambassadors Ruy Gomez de Briteiros Gomez Viegas Peter Alonso a Franciscan and Dominick de Braga a Dominican they joyned with the mutinous Prelates Alonso Brother to King Sancho made Vicar of the Kingdom by the Rebels and thereupon Count Alonso Brother to King Sancho then Married in France to Maud Countess of Bolen was at Paris Sworn Vicar of the Kingdom and as such confirmed by the Pope yet so that King Sancho should still retain the Title and Preheminence of King and his Sons if he had any should inherit This new Substitute brought more harm than good to the Kingdom for his followers treated him as a King and he assumed that respect which did not belong to him
of the Nobles contrived that D. John might escape yet the King was so watchful they were disappointed 6. The King of Portugal War betwixt Castile and Portugal impatient of longer Disappointments sent a Challenge to him of Castile grounded upon these Reasons That he treated ill the Queen his Wife that he gave out he would be divorced from her and Marry the Lady Ellenor de Guzman that he designed to declare Peter her Son his Heir and that he hindred the Princess Constance from going into Portugal While his Embassador executed his Commission he made all manner of Warlike Preparations both by Sea and Land He laid Siege to Badajoz and at the same time his Parties ravaged all the Country about Arauna Aroncha and Cortegana The Siege being tedious the King left sufficient Forces to continue it and he with the rest of the Army over-ran a great part of Andaluzia as far as Sevil which done he returned to the Siege His Brother Count Peter did the like in Galicia the Archbishop and other Commanders in vain endeavouring to oppose him Numerous Forces were raising in Castile to relieve Badajoz when the King considering the difficulty of the Enterprize and that Peter Alonso one of his Officers had been defeated raised the Siege and returned dissatisfied to Portugal But whilst he prepared to return thither stronger than before the Queen without his knowledge went away to Badajoz where the King of Castile her Son-in-law then was thinking her Prayers might prevail with him to desist from War and comply with her Husband The King received her with Respect but demanded such Conditions as he knew could not be granted Scarce was she gone from Badajoz when the Castilian followed as far as Elvas ravaging all the Country Two days he spent Plundering that Territory and then laid Siege to Aronchez but understanding that the Portuguese Parties infested the Neighbourhood of Xerez Badajoz Burguillos and Alconchel he removed to meet them Not meeting with them he besieged Olivenca and being taken with an Ague was forced to depart and return to Sevil leaving his Forces to do all the harm they could Some Troops under the Command of the Brothers Ferdinand and John Roiz de Castro pillaged all the Country betwixt the Rivers Duero and Minho till being met by the Archbishop of Braga with 1400 Portugueses D. John de Castro was killed with 300 of his Men and a great Booty recovered At Sea 20 Galleys carrying 2000 Men put into Lepte in Andaluzia where they landed Plundering the Country and being met by D. Nunno Portocarrero there ensued a hot Fight between them in which 26 Portugueses and 80 Castilians were killed Camello the Portuguese General was taken and by the Portugueses two Castilian Commanders for whom he was exchanged The Castilians set out 40 Sail to Revenge this Affront but a Storm dispersed and wrecked both Fleets Another Portuguese Squadron commanded by Misser Emanuel Pissano a Genoese had spoiled the Coast of Galicia and was now again sent against the Spanish Fleet that did no less harm in the Kingdom of Algarve They met about Cape S. Vincent and fought with extraordinary Resolution till the Portuguese Admiral and many more were taken and the Castilian returned Victorious to Sevil. At the same time Ferdinand Arraez lying in Ambush took 70 Portugueses and killed 180. 7. Our King King Alonso enters Castile with an Army leaving an Army to Besiege Salvaterra pierced as far as Orense destroying all before him whilst Peter Fernandez de Castro who commanded on those Frontiers for the King of Castile refused to oppose him on pretence of the Favours he had received from him and his Father The Castilian always ready to take Revenge with 10000 Horse and a number of Foot broke into Algarve and having in vain besieged Castro Marin laid waste without Mercy all the Country along that Coast 1337. Pope Benedict XII sent Bernard Bishop of Rhodes his Nuncio to endeavour to bring these two Kings to some Accommodation Philip the Fourth King of France sent the Archbishop of Rheims upon the same Errand The Castilian turned them over to Portugal and the Portuguese to Castile Both were desirous of Peace but neither would ask it The Portuguese carried himself highest with the Nuncio At length a Truce was concluded for a Year A Truce for a Year After much Debate the Pope was chosen Arbitrator betwixt them but the Castilian fearing the Revolt of his Nobles and an Invasion from Africk required of the Portuguese to send his Embassadors to him and they would agree without going so far as Rome 1340. or Avignon Hereupon three Embassadors were sent from Portugal who meeting with the Commissioners of Castile concluded a Peace upon these Conditions That all Places taken since the War and Prisoners on both sides should be restored That neither without consent of the other should make Peace with the Moorish King Banarin That the Princess Constance should be permitted to go into Portugal That the Princess Blanch being unfit for Wedlock should return into Castile That all former Articles should continue in force That the King of Castile should restore all due State to his Queen and put away the Lady Ellenor Nunnez The Castilian performed all Points except putting away the Lady Ellenor yet he behaved himself better towards the Queen 8. Aliboacem Alonso in Person aids the Castilian against the Moors King of Morocco being about to pass into Spain as being sent for by the Moorish King of Granada the Castilian sent his Queen to ask Succours of her Father the King of Portugal who immediately marched thither in Person with a better disciplined than numerous Army The King of Castile having notice hereof visited him at Jurumenna in Portugal Our King was received at Sevil by the Clergy singing Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini Here a Council of War was held to consult whether it were fit to fight the Moors who besieged Tarifa and were an innumerable Multitude or no. While some were of Opinion to yield Tarifa to them our King's Opinion prevailed that the Place should be relieved All the Mountains and Plains about Tarifa were covered with multitudes of Infidels yet the King of Castile was overjoyed to understand they had resolved to give the Mahometan Battle Both the Christian Kings advanced and passed the River Guadalete Being there joyned by some Troops that were not before come up on Sunday the 27th of October they marched to Penna de Cuervo where they first discovered the Barbarians covering all the Land as far as they could see It was agreed the Castilian should attack the King of Morocco who lay along the Shoar and the Portuguese him of Granada that was at the Foot of the Mountain On Monday the 28th at break of Day the Army heard Mass many received the Sacrament and the Archbishop of Toledo exhorted them to expose their Lives in Defence of the Faith Being come before their Enemies
Interment a Majestick Presence his Forehead large his Eyes black and beautiful his Hair reddish which he wore long his Mouth small his Visage long He somewhat stammered in his Speech was addicted to Poetry and some Verses of his are still extant He Reigned Ten Years wanting Two Months and died in January 1367. 1367. He is buryed by the Lady Agnes de Castro and his Picture to the Life on the Tomb. The Lady Constance his first Wife lies in the Church of S. Francis at Santarem By her he had Issue 1. Lewis who died an Infant 2. Ferdinand who succeeded in the Throne 3. Mary marryed to Ferdinand Prince of Aragon Son to King Alonso the Fourth His Children by the Lady Agnes de Castro were 1. Alonso His Issue who died a Child 2. Denis who refusing to kiss the Hand of Queen Ellenor Wife to King Ferdinand went away to Castile where he marryed Joanna Bastard-Daughter to King Henry 3. John who by the Advice of Queen Ellenor killed the Lady Mary Tellez de Meneses his own Wife and the Queen's Sister He should have succeeded King Ferdinand but that King John of Castile kept him Prisoner and in the mean while his Bastard Brother called also John usurped the Crown In Castile he marryed Constance Bastard Daughter to King Henry 4. Beatrix Wife to D. Sancho Earl of Albuquerque Bastard Son to King Alonso XI of Castile King Peter had one Bastard Son called John Master of the Military Order of Avis who after the Death of King Ferdinand usurped the Crown CHAP. XI The First Part of the Life and Reign of Ferdinand the first of the Name and ninth King of Portugal from the Year 1340. till 1373. 1. FErdinand was the Second Son of King Peter King Ferdinand his Birth and his Wife Constance He was Born in the City Coimbra and succeeded his Father at 27 Years of Age. The Peace and Treasures King Ferdinand inherited 1340. were not at all lasting 1367. for he engaged himself in a War against Castile He engages in a War against Castile pretending a Right to that Crown after the Death of King Peter as Great Grandson to King Sancho Henry the present Possessor being a Bastard and Regicide Many Persons of Note who fled out of Castile encouraged him in this Enterprize and many Towns not admitting Henry offered themselves to Ferdinand He bestowed vast Possessions on several of the Castilians that came over to him as particularly to Ferdinand Earl of Castro Xeres and Brother-in-law to King Henry he gave Fifteen Towns to D. Alvaro Perez de Castro his Brother Eight Towns the Earldom of Arroyolos and the Office of Constable to Ferdinand Alonso de Zamora Nineteen Towns and so to many others too long to recount besides Gifts in Money and Jewels which exhausted the Treasures left by his three Predecessors Many Cities and Towns also of Castile declared for our King where he immediately coined Money bearing the Arms and Titles of both Kingdoms Our King in outward appearance pretended more Zeal to Revenge the Murder of King Peter than Ambition to joyn that Kingdom to his own To inculcate this Opinion he sent Embassadors to the Pope the King of England and other Princes laying before them the heinousness of the Crime as committed by a Brother against his Brother and by a Subject against his Soveraign 2. Whilst the Embassadors were on their way Enters into League with the Moorish King of Granada the King concluded a League with the Moorish King of Granada for Fifty Years during which time they were to assist one another and neither was to pretend any Right to whatsoever Places of Castile were taken by the other nor was either of them if assisted with any Troops by his Confederate to allow them any Pay For farther Security King Ferdinand asked of King Peter the Aragonian his Daughter Ellenor in Marriage and Embassadors were sent on both sides to agree the Articles tho' that Lady was before betrothed to John the Eldest Son of King Henry The Princess was marryed by Proxy to our King at Lisbon the Aragonian Embassador representing her Person The Articles of Marriage were That she should bring 100000 Florins Portion That her Father should make War on Castile two Years That the Husband should give three Months Pay to 3000 Horse in his Father-in-law's Service Some Places in Castile were also allotted to the Aragonian for every Man gives freely of what he has not Soon after the Bridegroom that was to have been but never was sent a Rich Present to Barcelona for the Bride without expecting the Payment of the 100000 Florins He also sent Eighteen hundred weight of Gold to be coined to defray Charges there To Convoy the Bride seven beautiful Galleys were fitted out whereof that which was to carry her had her Sails of Silk wrought with Gold and all that was above Water was gilt The Rowers were cloathed in the King's Livery and many gallant Gentlemen went as Volunteers Among other things of value there was carried a Crown of inestimable price for the Bride D. John Alonso Tello Earl of Barcelos attended by the Bishops of Evora and Silves and the Abbot of Alcobaça went Embassadors and performed the Ceremony of marrying the Princess in his Masters Name But her Father put off the delivering of her till the Pope's Dispensation was obtained and times altering all came to nothing 3. King Ferdinand began the Wars in Galicia with a small Power Coruna and other Places voluntarily submitted to him Monterrey was taken by Force after it had made a vigorous Defence But understanding that King Henry drew near with numerous Forces Ferdinand went away by Sea to Porto leaving D. Nunno Freyre Master of the Military Order of Christ with 400 Horse in Coruna Alonso Gomez de Lira at Tuy and others in other Places 1369. Henry to bring our King to Peace Henry of Castile invades Portugal left them and entered Portugal burning all the Country as far as Braga where Lope Gomez de Lira made a vigorous Defence but was forced to abandon the Place after loosing 48 Men because he was not releived and the Town was not Walled nor Garisoned having Articled to Surrender if not releived by a certain time Henry finding the Place was not Tenable Burnt it and removed to Guemaraens which being better Fortified held out against him Seing he prevailed little by Force he thought to take it by Stratagem and to that purpose James Gonzalez de Castro got into the Place disguished like a Country-Man but being discovered was put to Death and his Body exposed to the Dogs Now it was that Count Ferdinand de Castro Brother-in-Law to King Henry carried about by him as a Prisoner made his Escape into the Town with his Keeper Ramiro Nunez and both went into the Portuguese's Service King Ferdinand who was then at Coimbra with a numerous Army with all speed made towards the Castilian sending before a
the Bridge of Zamora being corrupted by Ferdinand and Elizabeth some advised to build a Wall betwixt them and the Town and they would perish but the Archbishop of Toledo and other great Men perswaded the King to remove to Toro leaving behind in the Castle all his Equipage because he could not then Travel with so much Baggage Ferdinand immediately entred the City and attacked the Castle but without success King Alonso sent him a challenge and he refused any single Combat for which he was again severely reproved by his Wife Elizabeth she being fitter to have been Ferdinand than he was to be Elizabeth 1476. In January the Prince of Portugal came to Toro with some Troops and was there received with great joy except by the Duke of Arevalo and Marquis de Villena who began to incline to King Ferdinand King Alonso however resolved to put all to the issue of a Battle tho the Archbishop of Toledo of all the Castilian Nobility that invited him was the only Person that stood now by him Fifteen Days after the Princes arrival King Alonso marched towards Zamora to meet King Ferdinand leaving his Queen behind at Toro He attacked the Bridge but to no purpose Overtures of Peace were again made without any likelihood of success for it was decreed no Accommodation should be purchased without Blood King Alonso seeing he wasted his Army lying before a Town in the dead of Winter his Enemy lying close returned towards Toro his Forces braving the Castilians by the slowness of their March Ferdinand ashamed to have been so long dared at length sallied out to fall upon the Rear of the Portuguese Army Alonso suspecting no such thing was now marched down a Hill in great disorder as being at the Gates of his own City It was debated among the Castilians whither they ought to pursue their Enemy who they said fled or return to Zamora but the Cardinal Peter Gonzalez de Mendoza having from the top of the Hill taken a view of the Portuguese Army said it would be a shame to return without bidding Battle and thereupon their Army advanced 5. King Alonso perceiving the approach of the Enemy 〈…〉 drew up his Army In the Van he placed the Castilians and his own Houshold He himself â—ed the main Body Prince John the left Wing and the Archbishop of Toledo the Right D. John de Castro Earl of Monsanto brought up the Rear The Sun was now going down and a small Rain began to fall when the tâ—o Armies engaged Prince John gave a vigorous Charge on his side and was received with no less Bravery yet forced the Castilian Wing to retire to the main Body At the same time the King advanced before his Men and the Fight was maintained on both sides for the space of an hour before any gave Ground both Reserves coming up to second their Princes The Portuguese over-powered by the number of their Enemies began to forsake the Royal Standard which was taken after both the bearer's Hands were cut off King Alonso in despair would have cast himself into the midst of his Enemies if not disswaded by some of his Followers The Portuguese Army routeâ— In Conclusion the King and those Gentlemen that could bear him Company fled to Castro Nunho where they were honourably received by Peter de Avendano the Governour Prince John who had defeated the Enemy's Right Wing seeing the rout of the Army with what Forces he could gather stood firm on an Eminence where he continued all the day Most of the other routed Portuguese cast themselves into the River Duero where more perished by Water than had done by the Sword King Ferdinand who never loved Fighting did not lead his Men but stood with a strong Party on a rising Ground to secure his own Escape in case of need and seeing his Right Wing drove by Prince John and the main Body hard put to by King Alonso he with that Body of Guards hasted away towards Zamora without expecting to see the Event of the Battle Thus he came at Night to Zamora in a Consternation not knowing whether he was Victorious or defeated Such was his Cowardize and Precipitation 6. The Prince continued all the Night on that Eminence 〈…〉 we have already mentioned by sound of Trumpets and the light of Fires calling together the Remains of the scattered Army In the Morning when he expected to have been charged by the Castilâ—ans it appeared they were gone after the King to Zâ—mora whereupon he marched away in good Order with Colours flying to Toro Finding no News of his Father there all was in great Confusion â—ill Advice was brought him where 〈◊〉 was They met and together received a courteous Message from King Ferdinand who sent the King all his Equipage which he had taken in the Castle of Zamora The Archbishop of Toledo who only of all the Castilian Nobility adhered to the Portuguese asked leave now to depart to defend his own Lands which were wasted by King Ferdinand's Commanders The Bishop of Evora with his Troops was sent to Conduct him on his way who being come back returned with the Prince to Portugal to defend the Frontiers then much infested by the Enemy King Alonso had sent D. Alvaro de Atayde from Toro into France designing to follow in Person and crave Succour for carrying on the War in case this Embassador found a favourable Reception King Lewis entertained D. Alvaro with such feigned Friendship that he easily perswaded the King his Master to go over into France The King having resolved upon that Journey after settling the Government of those few Places he held in Castile about the beginning of June set forward for Portugal carrying with him his Bride that should have been Queen Joanna now spoiled of her Crown Being come to Miranda 〈◊〉 Alonso Saâ—â—s into â—â—ance she went away to the City Guarda and he to Porto where he intended to Embark for France Thither repaired the Prince Nobility and Clergy disswading him from that Voyage but he was not to be moved from that Resolution He set Sail with 21 Vessels of several sort and in them 500 Gentlemen and 2200 Men at Arms. By the way he touched at Ceuta next at Marseilles and landed at Colivre where he was received with Respect by the Governour At Perpignan in Honour to him the Prison-Gates were set open Thence he sent D. Francisco de Almeyda to King Lewis to appoint the Place where they should meet and great Honour was shewn him all the way he travelled through that Country 7. At Bourges King Lewis met him 〈…〉 and extraordinary Civilities passed between them They agreed that King Alonso should go to the Duke of Burgundy his Cousin to crave Aid of him or in case he could not grant it by reason of the War he was engaged in with â—orrain then to perswade him not to molest King Lewis whilst he assisted King Alonso That to make the King's Title undeniable
with such Brotherly Love The Lominii three Sons of Gerion reign and such perfect Union that they gave occasion to the Fable That Spain was ruled by a King with three Heads Such was the Entrance of their Sway that it seemed they were resolved to preserve with Justice what their Father had gained with Violence But it was not long before it appeared they had rather be thought Sons of such a Father than Fathers of their Subjects They were good no longer than till they had the Power to be wicked which was till Osiris was removed Then remembring the People of Andaluzia Aragon and Valencia had been the Cause of their Father's Death by calling in Osiris they removed towards those parts on pretence of Affection but in reality to wreak their Revenge 2. Osiris being basely Murdered by his Brother Typhon his Son Orus Lybicus succeeded him having slain the Murderer The People of Andaluzia now again oppressed by the Tyranny of the Lominii who upon the departure of Osiris were exercising their revenge on those their Subjects Orus Lybicus or Hercules comes into Spain 〈◊〉 the Lominii 〈◊〉 makes his Son Hispalus King sent for and to Orus Lybicus called also Hercules who speedily came to their relief as his Father had done out of Africk where he had killed the Giant Anteus and marched after the Enemy who were retired to the Fastnesses of Lusitania and there resolutely waited his approach The Lominii had posted themselves in a secure place called formerly Saltus Tercenorum Hercules seeing them in place almost inaccessible resolved to save his Men and avoid the hazard of a Battle by challenging the three Brothers to fight him hand to hand which he did and they accepting of it were all three slain successively 1718. The Portuguese seeing their Princes slain began to move to revenge their Death but Orus making use of perswasions rather than force appeased them and calling the Nobles to him he made a Sacrifice of Thanksgiving This done he advanced as far as the Promontorium Sacrum where he built a magnificent Temple wherein the Aegyptian Ceremonies taught by the Founder were for many Ages after Religiously observed The People in acknowledgment for the Benefits received by Hercules or rather swayed by fear joyfully received his Son Hispalus for their King who continued in Lusitania with many of his Aegyptians 3. Hispalus was installed 42 Years after the Gerions had begun to Reign and being peaceably seated on the Throne his Father Orus Lybicus marched away for Italy The gentle Government of Hispalus was the reviving of the hearts of that People after so many Calamities but Prosperities are not durable for he died the 17th Year of his Reign Among the memorable Customs introduced by him were those of Burying the Dead and wearing Mourning for them what sort of Mourning it was appears not but that which many Ages after was used till the time of King Emanuel of Portugal and Ferdinand of Castile was on the lightest occasions rough Canvass and the deep used for Kings and such like occasions of the coursest Sack-cloth and that always White as is still used in China 4. Hispanus succeeded his Father Hispalus and was Proclaimed in the Temple of Hercules with great Ceremony The Spaniards in those days held it a crime to look upon the setting Sun therefore those that lived upon the Coast used to turn their backs towards it those who lived near the Promontorium Sacrum retreated at Night far off from it believing the Gods spent the Night there in Sport and Pastimes not to be seen by Mortal Eyes Only the Priests and the King on the Night of his inauguration were permitted to stay on that point of Land and look towards the West but as soon as the Sun quite disappeared they prostrated themselves on the Ground and then retired to the Temple where they continued till break of day when the King returned to the same place and continued there till the Sun again spread its Beams over all that part of the Country Then he returned joyfully to the People offered Sacrifice and was thence forward esteemed wiser than all others as being one that had seen Divine Secrets and Hidden Mysteries It is a common Opinion among the vulgar that Hispalis now Sevil was built by Hispalus and that the Name Hispania came from Hispanus 1169. who died when he had Reigned 32 Years leaving no Issue 5. Hercules Hercules Governs Spain and leaves the Crown to Hesperus after the Death of his Grandson Hispanus returned to Spain which he Governed Nineteen Years in Peace with singular Wisdom and Goodness and finding his end draw on he appointed Hesperus one of his Officers his Successor The Funeral Obsequies being performed 1650. Hesperus took upon him the Sovereignty but the giddy People being dissatisfied with his Government revolted from him to his Brother Atlas Italus who came out of Italy pretending a right as being the Elder Brother though neither had any other Title but the choice of Hercules which was of the Younger Hesperus deposed and Atlas set up in his place By this desertion of the Subjects Hesperus was easily deprived of the Crown and flying into Italy outlived not long his Misfortune Italus having Reigned in Portugal the space of Ten Years returned into Italy 1618. leaving the Dominion of Spain to his Son Sic-Orus He leaves the Crown to his Son Sicorus during whose Reign the Noise of Arms was not heard he left his Name to that River of Catalonia that washes the Walls of Lerida and is now called Segre but formerly Sicoris and a great part of that Country was of him long after called Sicoria he Reigned 55 Years 6. Sicanus the Son of Sicorus succeeded his Father Sicanus Succeeds them and Sicceleus him he is reported to have waged War in Italy and thence to have passed over and conquered Sicily which of him our Author will have to take the Name of Sicania and he to have Reigned 31 Years His Son Sicceleus immediately entred upon the Government and of him also is continued that Romantick Story of going into Italy with an Army where also he is said to have died in the 44th Year of his Reign 2453 from the Creation 797 from the Flood and 1509 before the Birth of Christ 1509. 7. After the Death of Sic-Celeus his Son Lusus was proclaimed King Lusus ascends the Throne and for the singular Affection he shewed to the Western part of Spain where he spent the most of his life that Country took his Name being afterwards called Lusitania Under this Name was comprehended all the Country between the Rivers Guadiana and Duero the main Ocean bounded it on the West and its limits on the East were formed by an imaginary line drawn almost straight from the turning of the River Duero near Castrominho down to Guadiana which River divided it from the Province Betica Nothing else is recorded of Lusus but that he
inhabit passed into the Territories between Cerolico and Trancoso but finding it difficult to settle in that wild Country and among 〈◊〉 People so rude Seâ—â—ral People planâ— new Colonies that they scarce understood one another's Language at two Miles distance they waded over the River Coa and there Peopled all that Country building several Towns The Barbarians of the Coast of Setuval understanding that the Turduli wander'd to find new Seats they passed-over the Tagus to possess their Lands Those who were left behind endeavoured to oppose them but in vain and finding they looked not after Towns but lived in the open Fields they desisted But the Barbarians with the same Ease passed on and crossing the River Mondego settled about Viseo stretching by Degrees to the River Duero The Greeks also that inhabited Galicia attempted to pass the River Minho but they were repulsed by the People of the Province with a great Slaughter on both sides It will not be amiss to give an Hint of the Customs of those People 3. Their Idols were Customs of the Inhabitants Mars and Minerva for the obtaining of Valour and Wisdom To them they offer'd the Right Hands and sometimes the Bodies of their Enemies taken in War In the Entrails of the Sacrifices they made their Observations of future Events In their Feasts an He-Goat was a great Dainty and they did eat upon Round Tables Whilst the Dinner lasted some played upon Noisy Instruments and any Guest might rise and dance Their Sports were Wrestling Running and Pitching the Bar. The Young Men sung the Praises of those that died in Battel Their Weapons were Swords and Daggers and they gave Battel drawn up in close Battalions Their Apparel in Times of Peace was long and wide and their Hair long The Women wore Gowns down to the Ground and Mantles on their Shoulders which served them for Beds Their manner of Dancing was in a Ring Marriages were made to please the Bridegroom not the Father or Friends The Portion was a few Goats And the Chastity of the Women was such that Adultery was scarce to be heard of There were no Physicians among them But the Sick were set in a publick Place and all that passed by advised what they thought best for them Criminals were stoned to Death And all Passengers were obliged to cast a Stone to compleat the Burial of the dead Body No Money was used but all dealt by way of Barter They passed Rivers and fished in Boats made of one Tree hollowed like the Indian Canoes 4. The People inhabiting between the Rivers Duero and Minno 480. passed over into Gallicia and having in a bloody Fight wherein the Women as well as the Men shewed exceeding Valour vanquished the Greeks who possessed that Country they setled amongst them Twelve Thousand Spaniards were entertained by the Carthaginians in their Expedition against Gelon King of Sicily but they and all that Fleet perished The Carthaginians then bent their Thoughts upon the Conquest of Spain Sappho the Carthaginian gathers Gold in Spain whither they sent Sappho General who gathering much Gold in the Mines enriched his Country but was forced to return against those Africans who demanded a certain Tribute which they said Queen Dido paid at the Foundation of the City He carried with him 7000 Spanish Foot and 400 Horse who did him good Service and returned home victorious Sappho being called away the Carthaginians sent in his Place Hanno and Himilco Hanno coasting along Spain landed at Cape St. Vincent where he shewed great Reverence to the Place to win the Hearts of the People and having discovered the Country and traded with the Inhabitants returned home Himilco sailed forward to Cape Espichel where some of his Men landing to get fresh Provisions were for the most part cut off by the savage People Thence they continued their Voyage and ran up the River Tagus where being well received and furnished with Pilots they made Cape Cascais and the Berlings The Carthaginians had some Commerce with the Turduli living between the Rivers Tagus and Duero and of them had some Information about the Inland Parts Hamilco continued his Course to the River Mondego and by Stress of Weather was forced to put into the Vouga on whose Banks he found a Colony of Greeks and so continued his Discovery to the River Minho After sounding all the Coast of Lusitania many of his Ships perished in a Storm the rest were put into the Port Gaya so shatter'd that several of them sunk there but the Men were saved Part of them put to Sea again with Himilco who went away to his Brother Gisgo in Andaluzia The rest staid among the Natives The City Braga founded by the Carthaginians and afterwards founded the City Bragâ— in Memory of the River Bragada in Africk running through their Country Some will have this City to be first built and take its Name of the Gaules called Braccasi Hannibal the Elder succeeded Himilco in the Government of the Affairs of Spain He hearing of the new Carthaginian Colony resolved himself to visit the utmost Point of Europe or Cape St. Vincent and there founded a City upon a convenient Bay which was called Hannibal's Port. 5. After this 420 the Lusitanians and Andaluzians fell at Variance Several great Battels for those Turdâ—tani who had settled in that part of the Country endeavouring to extend their Limits to those Plains which afterwards took Name of the Vandals were opposed by the ancient Inhabitants and after much Blood spilt put to Flight leaving behind them a rich Booty But they seeking Revenge gathered a Multitude of the bordering Lusitanians And the Andaluzians to oppose them called Hanibal with his Carthaginians to their Aid These powerful Armies encountring fought most obstinately the whole Day till Night parted them leaving the Field cover'd with 80000 dead Bodies among which was Hannibal himself This so weaken'd the Lusitanians that those barbarous People living along the Sea-Coast durst take Arms against them and overthrew the Celtae who first offered to withstand them The Turdetani retiring out of Andaluzia and joining with the Celtae they fell upon the victorious Barbarians of whom they made such Havock that few returned home to carry the News of their Defeat 6. The Carthaginians 403. in their Wars with the Agrigentines among other Spaniards used the Aid of 3000 Lusitanians by whose Valour they destroyed that City With the like Number they overthrew Dionysius the Tyrant of Sicily But Sickness did what the Sword had not done for none of those Men returned home In the mean while Great Dearth and Storms Spain suffered by the Indignation of Heaven for the Storms and Dearth were so excessive that the Wild Beasts came out of the Desarts to the Towns to look for Shelter and Provender Hanno the Second came from Carthage to govern Andaluzia and landing at Hannibal's Port in Lusitania raised 7000 Lusitanians to subdue the Andaluzians who had revolted provoked
well that he was continued in that Government four Years doing incredible harm in the Country and at last triumphed at Rome 90. The chief service that acquired him that Honour was the War with the People between the Rivers Duero and Minho There he had first knowledge of the Islands called Cassiterides which some imagine to be those of Bayona in Galicia The Islands of Bayona in Galicia and other believe they were swallowed by the Sea they were ten in Number one of them only inhabited the Natives of a swarthy Complexion their cloathing a long Gown down to the Feet girt upon the Breast all of them carried Staves in their hands 87. They traded with other Nations particularly the Carthaginians for Hides and Lead and Tin whereof they had great Plenty still the Proconsul Licinius Crassus by fair means drew them to the Roman Friendship The cruel Wars between Marius and Sylla hindred the Romans from sending Supplies into Spain 85. the Lusitanians took hold of that opportunity and with a numerous Body breaking into the Roman Provinces exercised the utmost Cruelty sparing neither Sex nor Age and this made the Roman Commanders quit the weaker places and retire to those of more safety But in the height of this their prosperity 83. came Caius Annius sent by Sylla after Sertorius who in two great Battles though with much difficulty overthrew the Lusitanians This made them sensible that they only wanted a General and therefore pitched upon Sertorius who was then in Mauritania 7. Sertorius was well known in Spain for the share he had in the War of Numantia Sertorius his Origin he was born in Italy among the Sabini of an indifferent Family neither Great nor Despicable His first Years he spent in the Schools the best and last in the Army Being ill treated at Rome he fled into Spain and then into Africk where in the City of Tangier he found the body of the Gyant Antâ—us and other pieces of Antiquity Here Ambassadors sent from Lusitania found him and in the Name of the People invited him to come and Command them which he immediately accepted and came over with the Ambassadors At his first Arrival he gained the good will of all Men He comes into Lusitania by his Affability and Bounty and chose Evora for a place of Arms when he had taken an Oath of Fidelity of the Lusitanians he visited the Province accompanied with 700 Horse and 4000 Foot and with all possible Diligence provided all Necessaries for War The Neighbouring People perceiving it offered him their Service as did others farther off moved by their Example Among them the City Osca which Tradition will have to be that in Aragon a strong Place where Sertorius settled an University This he did for his own Security rather than the Instruction of the People that he might there have the principal Youth of the Country together as Hostages His Practises for the fixing of this University Professors of all Sciences came from several Countries To strenghten his Enterest the more he made use of another practice which is that having a Hind brought him he made her so tame that she followed him in the Army amidst the Noise of Arms and the People admiring thereat he gave out it was sent him by the Goddess Diana to give him advice how to behave himself in the War When he understood that any of his Captains had gained a Victory he caused the Hind to be Crown'd with Flowers by him he entrusted with the Secret and as soon as let loose she would run to him and he putting his Ear to her Mouth would discover what he had been told before saying Diana gave him that intelligence by the Mouth of the Hind This Fraud made the People follow him as if he were somewhat more than Man 8. Sertorius having thus gained the Affections of the Lusitanians His Warlike Exploits and secured their Children as Hostages at Osca ventured to take the Field against the Romans with only 8000 Men whereof 5000 were Lusitanians the rest Italians and Africans Nine Years he maintained War against Rome and against four of its best Generals who brought over 7000 Horse and 122000 Foot besides the Spanish Auxiliaries His first Exploit was the subduing most part of the Province of Carpentania where he found little or no Resistance Next he defeated Cota the Roman Admiral who kept the Streights of Gibraltar and hinder'd Supplies from coming to him out of Mauritania Sailing victorious up the River Guadalquiver he surprized at Break of Day the Roman Army under the Command of Didius who lay encamped upon the Banks of the River and put the greatest part of it to the Sword Herculeus one of his Captains was sent out by him against Lucius Domitius who by Order of the Consul Quintus Metellus Pius destroyed all the Country between Andaluzia and the Pyrenean Mountains Herculeus pursuing overtook him in Aragon where he overthrew his Army and killed him The Fame of this Defeat moved Manilius Proconsul of Gallia Norbonensis to pass the Mountains with a mighty Army of Romans and Gauls in hopes to gather together the few scatter'd Remnants of Domitius's Army But the Victor flushed with his late Success met him near Lerida where a most bloody Battel was fought and Manilius routed with a terrible Slaughter of the Roman Legions but above all of the French Horse In the mean while Sertorius stuck close to Metellus who perceiving himself to be still upon the Losing Hand resolved to alter his Method of Carrying on the War and laid Seige to Lacobriga now called Lagos in the Kingdom of Algarve Want of Water pressed the Besieged but Sertorius with great Rewards prevailed with 2000 Soldiers to break through the Roman Camp with each of them a Skin-full of Water This Supply encouraged the Lacobrigenses till Sertorius could come to raise the Seige But Metellus hearing of his Preparations marched away and left it Want of Provisions forced him to depart for Sertorius had cut off a Legion that was coming to him with a Convoy Metellus marched into Andaluzia Sertorius keeping close at his Heels and came to Osca where the Lusitanian Youths were designing to take that Place but it was well provided Besides the Lusitanian Army being upon his Back he marched away to Cartagena and Sertorius returned to Evora Thus it appears that Osca where the University was erected was not in Arragon as some will have it but in Andaluzia At Evora Sertorius received Ambassadors from Mithridates King of Pontus He proposed to settle Amity for the subduing of Italy offered Ships and asked some Lusitanian Soldiers Besides he offered to Sertorius the whole Dominion of Asia Sertorius received the Ambassadors with Majesty promised the Supply of Soldiers and afterwards sent it The Ambassadors being dismissed Sertorius employed himself in making Provision for the next Campaign and exercising his Men knowing he could not expect long to enjoy Peace 9. In
Valour At last Ricciarius was utterly overthrown with the Slaughter of all the flower of the Suevians 2. Ricciarius after this rout fled to the Sea-side Ricciarius his end and Embarking thought to have got over into Africk to call the Vandals and Alans to his assistance but by a violent Storm was drove to the River of Porto Those People to gain the Favour of the Conqueror who was now subduing the Province between the Rivers Duero and Minho secured and delivered him up to Theodoricus He Governed by Passion cut off his Head and in him perished the Glory of the Suevian Kingdom so that it never after rose to any Grandeur His Death was the more lamented for that he was a Prince zealous of the true Religion Accordingly in his life-time he assembled a National Synod at Aquae Celenae a Town in Galicia now called St. George of Codesâ—da here several Heresies were Condemned and particularly that of Priscilian The Victorious Theodoricus laid Siege to Braga which was soon Surrendred to him Here he left one Aliulfus Governour whilst he crossing the River Duero went on to conquer all that had been subject to the Suevian King all yielded to him without any opposition except the City Merida the Garrison and Inhabitants of which place were so hardy as to meet the Goths in the Feild which Theodoricus so highly resented that he promised to rase the City but the Virgin St. Eulalia is said to have appeared to him in a Dream and deterred him from putting his design in Execution 3. Theodoricus was upon his return to France Theodoricus having conquered Spain puts it under Governours when he had intelligence that Aliulfus whom he had made Governour of Braga had assumed the Title of King and raised a considerable Army to maintain it But giving Battle to Nepocianus Theodoricus his General lost his life From that time the Suevians remained subject to the Goths All things being thus quieted Theodoricus went away to France leaving Governours over all his Conquests The People considering the oppression they lay under by the ill Administration of these Governours and wanting the power to Revolt had recourse to the Bishops and Clergy praying them to intercede with Theodoricus that he would appoint a King over them whom they might obey and who yet might be subordinate to him The Bishops undertook the Business and Idacius Prelate of Lamego having proposed the matter of the Embassy to Theodoricus in France he tho' an Arrian respecting the Character of the Embassadors not only granted their request but allowed the People to choose a King among themselves to Govern them according to their Ancient Laws only paying some small acknowledgment to the Kings of the Goths Two Kings set up in Lusitania As soon as the Bishops returned to Braga joyning with the Laity they chose for their King one Masdra the Son of Masila This which was intended for the peace of the Country proved its greatest Confusion for some of the Nobility who were not present at the Election set up for their King one Franta who presently possessed himself of all the Lands along the Coast of Galicia with the Cities of Astorga Orense and Iria Flavia. Masdra held all Lusitania and was accounted King of the Suevians he thought by his submission and paying the Tribute to gain the favour of Theodoricus and obtain Aid against his Competitor But the Goth politickly thinking it better the Kingdom should be divided as being thereby the less capable of Rebelling against him accepted of the submission of them both for Franta had sent to pay his obedience with no less speed than the other 4. The Kingdom of the Suevians thus divided 457. fell into those Calamities which commonly attend States that depend between Competitors Two Years the Wars continued very furious during which time so many Towns about the Frontiers were subverted as might well have contented either party but at last both of them grown weary 460. gave over the strife Masdra who had the better Title died and left a Son called Remismundus his Successor he considering how little had been gained on either side by the War not only made Peace but entred into League with his Competitor Thus with their united Forces they conquered several parts of Lusitania which owned neither of them but either followed their own Captains or had again put themselves under the Roman Empire Thus done they both returned home satisfied having enlarged their Dominions which they would have wasted by waging War upon one another A prodigious Birth Two Years Franta enjoyed Peace at the end whereof he died leaving the Crown to his Brother Frumarius At this time hapned a Prodigy in the Territory of Braga which was the Birth of two Children each of them having two heads like one another and of two several Sexes Remismundus and Frumarius falling at variance about Precedency took up Arms by force whereof the latterâ—gained of the other the City Flavia now Chaves in which and all its Territory he spared not even the Stones all the Country was consumed with Fire and Sword Remismundus was satisfied with doing as much harm in his Enemies Country as he received in his own he took by open force the Cities of Orense and Lugo in which he exercised the utmost Efforts of his Fury 5. This Desolation continued for the space of two Years 464. when Death put a stop to it by taking away Frumarius The Suevian Kingdom again united under Remismundus and his subjects having left him for whom before they had forfeited their quiet submitted themselves to Remismundus who thus became absolute and sole King of the Suevians He presently thought of recovering all that remained of Lusitania and passing over the River Duero with his Army marched to the Ancient Coimbra now Condeixa which the Romans had Rebuilt and Fortified It was then a place impregnable and accordingly put a stop for a while to Remismundus but he persisting before it had it at last surrendred upon Honourable Conditions though contrary to his Faith given he broke the Conditions robbing the Garrison and rasing the City Lisbon made such a vigorous Defence that he began to despair of carrying it but a Citizen called Lusidius privately gave him Entrance into it so that he was within before the Townsmen could put themselves in order to oppose him Remismundus thus possessed of all those Dominions before divided fearing least Theodoricus the Goth might grow jealous of his great power sent him an account of his Victories with the best of the spoiles He Marries the Daughter of Theodoricus assuring him of the continuance of his Fidelity to the Gothish Kings Theodoricus overcome with this Generosity sent him his Daughter for Wife with a great Mass of Treasure under the charge of his Ambassador Salanus 6. This was an unhappy Match for Lusitania The Arian Heresie first spread in Lusitania for the Suevians being before true Sons of the
Catholick Church were now infected with the Arian Heresie taught them by one Ajax a Galatian whom the Queen being her self an Arian brought with her The love of the Queen and the perswasions of Ajax wrought upon the King so effectually that he not only gave his Subjects the Example of embracing that Heresie but persecuted those that continued firm in the Faith All the care of the Prelates for repressing of this current was fruitless for it spread it self during the space of 100 Years in which time the Catholicks suffered Oppression Banishment and cruel Deaths There is no further memory of the Actions of Remismundus after his Marriage till his Death nor much of his Successors Theodulus Varamundus Mirus Faramirus and others till Theodomirus during the 100 Years that the Arian Heresie continued 490. In the Year 490 some Fishes were taken in the River Minho which on their Scales had certain Characters expressing that same number of Years 497. Not long after came into Spain Euricus King of the Goths with a design to subdue all the Country and began with Lusitania where having made great havock he returned Victorious into France and died at Arles Amalaricus 530. Grandson to Theodoricus succeeded Euricus he being Married to Crosilda â—he Daughter of Clouis and Sister to â—â—hildebert Clotarius and Clodomirus Kings of France treated her ill because she was a Catholick he being an Arian She complained her Brothers by the means of Ausbertus Archbishop of Braga 531. Childebert hereupon came into Lusitania and having overthrown and slain his Brother-in-law returned into France laden with Booty and carrying away his Sister who died by the Way 7. In the Year 549 549. Agila was Proclaimed King of the Goths he being overthrown at Cordova retired into Lusitania There he raised new Forces to withstand Athanagildus a valiant ambitious Captain who being possessed of Sevil stiled himself King of Spain He was supported by Roman Forces under the Command of Patricius Liberius a General in esteem with the Emperor Justinian 554. Near to Sevil they came to a Battle wherein Agila was otherthrown and afterwards Murthered by his own Subjects at Merida 555. Athanagildus thus became Sovereign of all that part of the Kingdom of the Goths which lies between the Mouth of Tagus and Cape St. Vincent The greatest part of this Dominion was again recovered by the Romans notwithstanding that Athanagildus did all he could to oppose them till he died at Toledo in the Year 567. 567. In these times were famous for Piety and Learning Men famous for Learning the Bishops St. Julian of Evora Lucenius of Coimbra Aprigius of Beja Idacius of Lamego and Ausbertus of Braga a Fleming by Birth Also the famous Orosius born at Tarragona in Catalonia flourished at Braga The Prelates of Spain finding it not only convenient but necessary to consult with St. Augustin then Bishop of Hippo in Africk for the better settling and adjusting of matters of Religion then much perplexed with Doubts and Controversies Baleonius at that time Bishop of Braga made choice of Orosius to be sent to him with this Message The chief point given him in charge was about the means of extirpating the Heresies then spread about Spain St. Augustin having therein given his own Opinion ordered Oresius to pass over into the Holy Land there to take the advice also of the other Pillar of the Church St. Hierome who resided there at that time There Orosius found the Priest Avitus a Lusitanian who for the love he bore his Country sent by Orosius at his return some relicks of the Protomartyr St. Stephen whose body had been about that time miraculousâ—â—â—ound out This may be supposed to be the same that was held in Veneration at Ossel which Town some will have to be in the Territory of Beja and others of Bajadoz CHAP. IV. The Reigns of the Tributary Suevian Kings from the Year 560 till 585 when Lusitania was again subdued by Leovigildus the Goth. And the Government of the Gothish Kings till the Year 672. 1. WE are now come to the End of the 100 Years which Historians pass over without any considerable Mention of our Portuguese or Suevian Kings In Theodemirus 560. the Memory of our Princes is happily renewed Conversion of the Lusitanians from Arianism since through his Means most of the Subjects returned to the true Faith At the Beginning of his Reign he was an Arrian but miraculously converted He removed his Court to the City Braga where his Son being desperately sick and no Medicines availing he asked one Day which had been the Religion of St. Gregory of Tours this Saint being then famous for Miracles It was told him he had been a Catholick Immediately four Gentlemen were sent with as much Gold and Silver as the sick Person weighed besides other Gifts to offer at the Shrine with a Promise That if the Prince recovered he should embrace the Catholick Religion The Sickness hereupon decreased yet the Prince recovered not perfect Health Whereupon the King begged some Relick of the Saint promising to renounce his Heresie The Relick was refused the Ambassadors and they at Night spreading a thin Veil over the Sepulchre said They would reverence it as a Reliok if in the Morning its Weight were considerably increased Accordingly the next Morning they found it as heavy as if it had been made of some weighty Metal This Veil the Ambassadors brought with them and the same Day they landed the Prince perfectly recovered The King performed his Promise embracing the Faith and by his Example and the Preaching of another St. Martin who then came out of France according to some Authors or as others will have it out of Greece most of the People were converted Theodemirus had before erected a Church in Honour of St. Martin of Tours Of this Church he made the other Martin Abbot first and then Bishop whence he was preferred to the Archiepiscopal See of Braga 2. Two Years were spent in the Embassages and other pious Works of the King Several Synods for his Son's Health and all things being now in Peace he ordered Lucrecius Archbishop of Braga to assemble a Synod for the better regulating the Affairs of the Church 563. Eight Bishops being met they again condemned the Heresie of Priscilianus and took Order for the propagating of the Faith 569. Another Synod met after that at Lugo to appoint the Limits of every Diocess which were afterwards confirmed in the general Distribution made throughout Spain 570. by King Wamba Theodemirus dying the Crown came to his Son Ariamirus who with the Approbation of St. Martin now Archbishop of Braga ordered another Synod to meet in that City which was accordingly done two Years after 572. Twelve Prelates assembled there and one of the principal Matters handled was the fixing the due Time of Observing of Easter After settling the Affairs of the Faith the King raised
Forces 577. and invading the People called Rucones now Rieja subdued them Luiva was now King of the Goths and took for his Companion and Successor his Brother Leovigildus Which done he returned into France leaving Leovigildus in Spain to secure his former Conquests and add others to them He victoriously traversed the greatest part of Spain and at last enter'd Galicia Ariamirus in vain striving to put a Stop to his Progress who now perceiving how ineffectual Force proved thought better to try if Fair Means would prevail Therefore he sent Ambassadors to Leovigildus to put him in mind of the Peace and Alliance established betwixt their Predecessors and to desire the Renewing thereof Leovigildus content with this Submission curbed his aspiring Thoughts concluded a Peace and retired 3. Leovigildus had now two Sons Hermenegildus and Recaredus The first was married to Ingunda Daughter of Sigebert King of France and his Wife Brunechilde Upon this Marriage he lived apart from his Father and had the Stile of a King given him at Merida There by the Means of his Wife who was a Catholick and of his Uncle St. Leander Archbishop of Sevilâ— he embraced the Catholick Faith and in Baptism was called John Leovigildus the Goth Wars upon his Son Hermenegildus on Account of Religion His Father being an obstinate Arian was so offended at his Conversion that he deprived him of the Regal Dignity The Prince fled into Portugal and was there protected by King Ariamirus who was a Catholick Hermenegildus raised Forces but his Father coming speedily upon him he fled with 3000 Men to Ossela a Place thought impregnable But Leovigildus for all that enter'd it by Force put all to the Sword burnt the Town and carried away his Son Prisoner to Toledo From thence he made his Escape to Sevil where he fortified himself King Leovigildus laid Siege to that City being assisted by King Ariamirus of Portugal and having forced his Way into it carried away Hermenegildus to Tarragona where he was put to Death in the Year 586. Which Passage is here related to avoid interrupting the Narration 4. Our King Ariamirus died at that Siege 583. and his Son Eburicus then very young succeeded him in the Crown of Portugal under the Protection of Leovigildus the Goth. Endeca usurps the Crown of Portugal Endeca a Noble-man in great Power at the Portuguese Court taking Advantage of the King 's tender Years married Sisegunda the Queen-Dowager and with the Help of his Friends possessed himself of the Government upon pretence of managing it for the young King But having in Process of Time secured his Interest he usurped the Regal Title and put Eburious into Prison at first and soon after obliged him to take the Habit of a Monk that so he might forfeit his Pretensions to the Crown The Tyrant Endeca fearing Leovigildus the Goth who was Protector to the deposed King joined in League with Gunteranus the French King But the Goth whose Courage was not to be shocked sent his Son Recaredus against the French and himself invaded the usurping Suevian He is deposed and shorn a Monk by Leovigildus the Goth He soon took him Prisoner and obliged him to take the same Habit he had before forced upon the Rightful King and to enter into Holy Orders banishing him to the City Beja then possessed by the Goths Yet Leovigildus though he was thought to have conquered that Kingdom for Eluricus kept it for himself adding it to his other Dominions Thus ended the Kingdom of the Suevians after it had with various Turns of Fortune lasted about 180 Years 585. It expired in the Year 585. The People dissatisfied with Leovigildus rose up in Arms and proclaimed a Noble-man called Malaricus King but he being soon overthrown and taken Prisoner by the Forces of the Goth the Kingdom of the Lusitanians or Suevians was entirely brought under the Dominion of the Goths He persecutes the Catholicks but dies one himself The Lusitanians at this time continued firm in the Faith and Leovigildus ceased not to persecute the Professors thereof deposing the Catholick Prelates and filling their Places with Arians who perverted many of the People Leovigildus having raigned 18 Years died at Toledo a Catholick though he had lived an Arian His first Wife was Theodora Daughter of Severianus Governor of Cartagena and his Wife Theodora Daughter to Theodoricus King of the Ostrogoths in Italy and Sister to Isidorus and Leander Archbishops of Sevil and of Fulgentius of Cartagena By her he had Hermenegildus whom he put to death and Flavius Recaredus who succeeded him 5. Recaredus 586. born at Sevil in the Year 566 now in the 20th of his Age Recaredus succeeds inherited his Father's Throne He proved an excellent Prince and having embraced the Catholick Faith restored all those that his Father had expelled He becomes a Catholick His pious Intention of Assembling a National Synod was for some time obstructed by the Treasonable Conspiracies of the Hereticks The first Council was held at Merida under the Direction of Claudius who governed the small Remainder of the Roman Empire along the Sea-Coast of Lusitania Suna the Arian Archbishop being now compelled to resign that See to Mansona the Catholick before expelled by Leovigildus conspired with other Hereticks to murder him and Claudius Witericus who was afterwards King now one of the Conspirators laying his Hand upon his Sword to execute his Purpose he could not draw it whereat being moved he discovered the Treachery and was therefore pardon'd Suna the Heretical Archbishop was banished as were the other Accomplices and their Estates confiscated Amidst this Confusion Gunteranus King of France made War upon Recaredus sending against him an Army under the Command of his General Bossus Claudius a Man fortunate in War marched to oppose him and overthrew him near Carcassonne with a great Slaughter Some will have it that Claudius with only 300 Men defeated Bossus who had 60000 But let every one judge thereof as he pleases 6. Recaredus having thus subdued his Enemies both at home and abroad was at leisure to assemble the Council he had before designed at Toledo 589. Seventy two Prelates met together there A Synoâ— at Toledo St. Leander Archbishop of Sevil presiding The King himself made an Oration at the Opening of the Council Now the Arian Heresie was totally extinguished the Catholick Faith triumphed and Recaredus for his singular Piety had the Title of Catholick or Most Christian King conferred upon him 601. After triumphing over his which were the Enemies of Christ Recaredus dies our Religious King Recaredus died at Toledo He was born at Sevil in the Year 565 reigned 16 and lived 37. His Coin has been seen in our Age at several Places Some at Lisbon with this Inscription on the one side RECAREDUS REX and on the Reverse OLISIBONA PIUS Others at Evora with RECAREDUS REX and on the
Braga not content that he had done 9 Months private Penance accused himself openly in the Synod of committing Incontinency wherefore he was deposed from his Dignity with extraordinary Horrour of all the Prelates who heard the Accusation though from the Mouth of one so penitent So rare was it then to see a Prelate guilty of any Crime So rare now to see them endued with any Vertue CHAP. V. The Succession of the other Gothish Kings in the Monarchy of Spain till Roderick the last of them from the Year of Grace 672 till 711. 1. NOw was the Monarchy of Spain in a dangerous Condition Theodofredus the Son of Recesuindus if there were any such for it is dubious being left so Young that he was wholly incapable of managing the Government the Nobility consulting what was to be done asked advice of the Pope who by Divine Revelation answered It was the Will of God that Wamba should be preferred to the Crown Wamba his strange advancâ—ment to the Crown He being a Man not known many went out in search of him and at last found him near Idanha then a famous City in Portugal he was then busie at Plow with a pair of Oxen. They told him what they came about and he taking it for Jest or believing it impossible answered That when the Goad he held in his hand Blossomed Wamba would be a King The Goad accordingly shooting out Flowers he was immediately carried away and Crown'd at Toledo At the time of Anointing his Head a Vapour like a Cloud was seen to rise from it and in the midst thereof a Bee which ascending into the Air at last vanished This is in short what some Authors relate as to the Election of Wamba Others wholly rejecting all that is miraculous therein say He was a Great Man at Court and others That he was Son to the late King Recesuindus and proclaimed the 3d. day after his Death so that there could not be time to repair to the Pope and the working of the Miracles These latter are the most suitable Opinions to Reason and there is nothing certain in these Antiquities every Man may believe as he pleases 2. Wamba howsoever it was being placed on the Throne His Wars in France and Spain the People of Navarre and other their Neighbours took up Arms to shake off the Gothish Yoak but the New King taking the Field against them soon quelled that Rebellion In the mean while the Count Hilpericus revolted in the City of Nismes which is in Gallia Narbonensis then subject to the Dominion of Spain which made Wamba raise new Forces against that Rebell and gave the Command of them to Paul a Valiant Grecian He being Master of the Field instead of punishing the Count rebelled himself and with him Ranosindus Governour of Tarragona and Hildigisius the Civil Magistrate By these he was Proclaimed King of Spain and Crowned at Narbonne with a rich Crown offered by the Holy King Recaredus at the shrine of St. Felix Martyr of Gironne Hilpericus the first Rebel and all Gallia Norbonensis joned with the others the same did Catalonia and Navarre Paul strengthned with the accession of so many Provinces had the boldness to send a Challange in most insolent Terms to King Wamba He at that time was in War with the People of Navarre and Biscay and having caused the Challenge to be Read in an Assembly of his chief Commanders tho' most of them advised to the contrary he resolved to march with speed against the rebellious Enemy none hesitated to follow the resolute Prince They entred Navarre which they entirely subdued in seven days and being come into Catalonia the King divided his victorious Army into three parts one took the way of Perpignan another that of Ausetania and the third kept along the Sea Coast The King himself stayed behind with certain choice bands to be ready to repair to the place where most Danger was He took Barcelona by Force and was peaceably received into Gironne for the Tyrant believing that Wamba would not have the Courage to come to meet him and that he should soon be there himself had sent to order Amador the Bishop That he should acknowledge as his Prince the first that came to the Walls Wamba being the first the Prelate did as he was ordered and the King said to him Paul has prophesied my coming hither Immediately he advanced to the Pyrenean Hills and at the foot of them took Colibre and other strong places 3. Whilst Wamba reduced the Rebels The Rebells in France subdued by him Paul retired to Nismes leaving all he had provided for his Defence behind him at Narbonne All that was not sufficient to secure that City to Witimerus whom he had left there as his Lieutenantâ— for Wamba to avoid the Effusion of Blood having offered him some good Terms and he obstinately refusing an Assault was given which lasted three hours at the end whereof the City was taken and in it Witimerus with others of his Associates The same hapned at Magalona Agate and other strong holds all taken by force and with much Slaughter Nismes held out longer despair fighting for Paul but at last it submitted to Wamba The French in the Town thinking they were betrayed by the Spaniards in hope of Pardon fell upon them and so they slaughtered one another whilst the Besiegers breaking in put them all indifferently to the Sword 673. Paul quitting the Royal Robes retired to an Amphitheater a strong Roman Work where he stayed two days the Victors only keeping Guard least he should escape thence The King coming to the City Argebatus Archbishop of Narbonne one of the followers of Paul came out to meet him in his Pontifical Robes and casting himself at his Feet begged Pardon for himself and all the rest This action somewhat appeaseth Wamba who Pardoned him and promised to moderate his anger towards the rest He entred the City in Triumph where Paul was brought Prisoner and fell down prostrate before him as others did their lives were granted but they were committed to custody till it were resolved what punishment to inflict upon them all the French were set free and the City ordered to be repaired It was voted that Paul and his Associates should have their Eyes put out their lives being before granted them but Wamba was content they should only remain perpetual Prisoners When he entred Toledo in Triumph they were all carried before him upon Camels and Paul in the midst of them barefooted with a Crown of black Leather on his Head instead of that of Gold he had aspired to all their Beards long and their Heads shaved Penalties usually inflicted on Traitors at that time and thus Peace was restored 4. After this he assembled a National Council 675. wherein the bounds of all the Bishopricks of Spain were determined The Africans invading Spain destroyed which continued in the same form till the Moores conquered Spain The same Year another
Synod was held at Braga to reform Abuses much about this time the Africans with a great Fleet scouring along the Coast of Spain did much harm The King sent his Forces against them by whom they were overthrown their Fleet burnt and all their power both by Sea and Land consumed It is thought that one Count Ervigius a Grecian banished by the Emperor of Constantinople was the cause of their coming he aspiring to the Crown thought that the Goths thus invaded would easily have submitted themselves to him because he had married a Niece of King Recesinudus and that Wamba was then very Aged Failing of his design he gave Wamba a sort of Poison that disturbed his Brain and at the same time prevailed with him to appoint him his Successor Besides these his Contrivances Wamba desirous of himself to lay down the burden of a Crown to him grown unsupportable voluntarily quitted the regal Authority and took the habit of a Monk in the Monastery of Pampliega betwixt Burgos and Valladolid on the Banks of the River Pisuerga where he approved himself as good a Religious Man as he had been a King Eight or more Years he Reigned and lived Seven in the Monastery it is not known that he had any Children nor so much as a Wife he was Buried at Pampliega King Ferdinand the Saint designed to Translate him to Toledo and his Son D. Alonso the Wife put it in Execution There are two Tombs now in the Chappel of St. Leocadia in the Cathedral of that City one supposed to be Wamba 's and the other of King Recesiundus King Philip the II. causing them to be opened in the Year 1575 one of the Bodies was found cloathed in the habit of St. Benedict which was therefore concluded to be that of Wamba because he wearing that Habit whilst living was doubtless Buried in it Some Authors will have him to be Buried at Cinanium or Citania a City in the Mid-way betwixt Braga and Guimaraens 5. Ervigius Successor to Wamba 681. was Son to Ardebastus Ervigius 〈◊〉 Wamba whom Ancient Records call Count who was married to the Daughter of King Chindasuindus Tho' he deserved not the Crown as being an unjust Usurper he afterwards seemed worthy of it for his good Government his ensuing Virtues attoned for his former Crimes One of his first Actions was the assembling of a national Counsel 682. the chief intent whereof was to secure the Crown he had wrongfully got 684. Two Years after he called together another Council which confirmed all the Acts of the former A third also met the following Year to receive the Decrees of the sixth General Council of Constantinople against the Heresy of Apollinarus His Actions Ervigius though well settled in the Throne the better to secure himself married his Daughter Cixilona to Egica Wamba's Nephew being the Son of his Sister Ariberga A great part of Portugal was at this time Governed by Sala a Noble and Valiant Commander He repaired the Walls and Bridge of Merida and other publick Structures King Ervigius himself Built almost from the Ground the Walls of Idaria Ervigius Reigned Seven Years and died at Toledo the same Year as did King Wamba at Pampliega 6. Egica the Nephew of King Wamba 687. the more to express his Aversion to Ervigius King Egica whom he succeeded in the Throne put away his Daughter whom as was said he had Married whereupon her Children were as ill treated as were those of her Father All the Brethren felt the want of right in their Father being cast out and not respected so much as Noble Men. However Egica gave them some ease till such time as a Council could be assembled to order what ought to be done with them 689. This Counsel at length meeting Decreed the King might lawfully prosecute all that were guilty of the Treason whereby Ervigius ascended the Throne Several were punished in different manners Hereupon ensued a Conspiracy against the King in which Segibertus Archbishop of Toledo was the principal Actor This design being discovered Egica called together another Counsel to be the better able to proceed against the Archbishop Sixty Bishops met among whom were Ten Portuguese who gave Sentence against the Archbishop Excommunicating Banishing and Deposing him from his Dignity 693. Some dangerous Commotions happened in Gallia Narbonensis then subject to the Spanish Monarchs fortune therein favouring the Rebels These troubles were followed by Plague and Famine The Jews conspire against the King and are punished The Jews who were then numerous in Spain took occasion herefrom to conspire against the King and for the carrying on their Designs held correspondence with others that lived in Africk and other Foreign parts The King informed thereof called another Counsel at Toledo 694. to punish the Guilty excepting those of Narbonne because of the Plague and Famine that consumed them The Plot being proved the Criminals were Condemned to serve as Slaves throughout all Spain and to have their Children taken from them at Seven Years of Age to be instructed in the Christian Faith 7. About this time Witisa Son to Egica Reigns in Portugal one Count Vitulus rebelled in that part of Galicia that joyns to Portugal His design was to usurp the Monarchy of the Goths but his Power being too small he soon suffered the penalty of his Rashness To prevent the like Practices for the future the King gave the Kingdoms of Portugal and Galicia to his Son Witisa the Grandson of Ervigius being then of Age to Govern To himself he kept the rest of Spain and Gallia Narbonensis Witisa went into Portugal and kept his Court in the City Braga where by his unjust Actions he raised many Troubles and much Blood was spilt his Father having sent him thither to prevent Discord which he seemed rather to sow This Country was eased by his absence for he removed to Tuy in Galicia where he lived till the Death of his Father It is no new thing for a vertuous Father to have wicked Children King Egica besides Witisa had Opas Archbishop of Toledo famous for assisting to the Destruction of Spain he was also Father of Fandina Wife to the unfamous Count Julian and Mother to Florinda the only cause of that lamentable Tragedy 8. Witisa being possessed of the Government of all Spain 701. became so insolent After 〈…〉 Death he is Monarch of all Spain that giving way to all manner of Vice discouraging Vertue and laying open all places of strength in the Kingdom he may well be stiled the Spanish Nero. I will not go about to relate all his Cruelties and leud Practices but must not omit to say he cast off all Obedience to the Pope and gave great Priviledges to the Jews so that they returned to Spain and erected Synagogues The Inhabitants of Braga sent Felix their Archbishop to Toledo to Petition the King that the Walls of their City might not be Demolished as he
had ordered He was not admitted to speak with the King but only with Count Julian then the great Favourite of whom he obtained what he went about This lascivious King killed Favila the Father of Pelayus and Duke of Cantabria thinking by that means the better to enjoy his Wife D. Luz His Cruelties he put out the Eyes of Theodofredus Father to King Roderick and D. Luz thereby to make him incapable of inheriting the Crown but Roderick did the same by him 711. so that he died Blind having Reigned Ten Years There is no Account who was his Wife but it appears he had two Sons which were Evan and Sisebutus who being Banished by King Roderick into Africk fled to the Protection of Requila Commander of Tangier their Father's Friend and thence came over a Commander among the Moores that destroyed Spain and so died Those Calamities require another Chapter CHAP. VI. The Reign of King Roderick from the Year 711 till the coming of the Moores in 714 all Spain subdued by them in Eight Months the Restauration began by Pelagius and his Successors till the Year 783. 1. SOme Writers who have obtained no small Credit 711. name Acosta or Aconsta as Successor to Witisa yet others there are who absolutely exclude him as fabulous If any such was he was Eldest Son to Theodofredus and Brother to King Roderick however it is we have no account of his Actions and if any were being so dubious Roderick last King of the Goths they are scarce worth relating Roderick then may be allowed immediate Successor to Witisa he was Granson to King Chindasuindus and Son to Theodofredus Duke of Cordova by his Wife Recilona Favila Duke of Cantabria was Brother to Theodofredus and had Pelagus or Pelagius by his Wife and Niece to the Lady Luz Thus the Subversion and Restauration of Spain had their Authors proceeding from the same stock for as Roderick was cause of the Destruction so Pelagus was the first that laid his Hand to the Reparation of it Roderick ascended the Throne with no small hopes conceived by his Subjects of a better Government than had been before Count Julian Favorite to Roderick but the event made him more odious than his Predecessor had been Count Julian the great Favorite and prime Master to Witisa continued in the same Post under King Roderick Julian was Father to her whom the vulgar calls Cava and our Historians Florinda of her Roderick became enamoured that so the greatest Desolution might not happen without the help of a Woman Having chosen her for his Wife it fortuned that Egilona or Eilata an African Princess or according to others a Goth was droven by Tempest into a Port of Spain she being brought to the King her Beauty so captivated him that forgetting Florinda he took her to Wife Thus she who thought to have been Queen continued at Court as one of the Queen's Ladies Julian her Father enraged beyond measure immediately contrived how to be Revenged and in order to it perswaded the King to Dismantle all the strong places left standing by Witisa and disarm his Subjects which was accordingly done 2. Soon after the King sent Julian Ambassador to Muza in Africk Julian sent Ambassador into Africk to request of him not to protect Evan and Sisebutus the Sons of Witisa The more to move Muza he thought it proper to send him some considerable Present and being informed that in a Tower near Toledo great Treasures were of Antient time reported to be hid the Doors having many locks upon them because it was a received Opinion that when they were opened great Calamities would ensue the King resolved to enter this place In it was found nothing but a Chest containing only a Picture representing Men a Horse-back in Moorish Apparel with several sorts of Weapons and an Inscription denoting that when those Gates were opened Spain would be Invaded and Conquered by that sort of Men. The King thought the Prediction would be Averted by locking up the place again with what it contained but it proved otherwise Julian being gone upon his Embassage King Roderick relapsed into the love of Florinda and courted her but without receiving any Favour Frandina her Mother perceiving it and desiring to be her self the Mistress of a King caused one Bigamota an attendant of hers to deliver some Messages to the King as from Florinda Roderick ravishes Florinda Daughter to Julian tending to meet him in some convenient place where shrowded with Darkness she might supply the place of her Daughter the King encouraged by those false invitations watched his opportunity and finding Florinda alone ravished her 3. Florinda now doubly wronged first of the Throne and then of her Honour was touched with the highest Resentment her Mother soon discovered the effect being sensible of the cause and changing her love to the King into hatred perswades Florinda to acquaint her Father by Writing with the loss of her Honour 712. Julian hereupon hasts back into Spain Julian meditates Revenge dissembling his Rage and appearing joyful before the King having succeeded in his Embassy obtained fresh Favours He begged the Government of the Towns held in Africk and thither he went with his Wife leaving his Daughter at Court to prevent all suspicion Julian treated with Muza about betraying the Kingdom of the Goths unto the Caliphs and he having received instructions from his Prince agreed upon the Conditions without much difficulty the Traitor not only encouraging the Barbarian to pass over into Spain but drawing over many great Men in his Government to take part with them Having settled these Affairs at Malaga he came to Court and obtained leave to carry away his Daughter with him He brings the Moors into Spain the King nothing mistrusting any Treason Muza in pursuance of what was agreed upon sent over 6000 Arabs under the Command of Tarif Abenzarca to make the first incursion into Spain 713. these being joyned by the like number of the Rebels broke through Andaluzia into Lusitania where nothing being less thought of than War Men Women and Children were seen in droves flying to the Mountains King Roderick alarmed with this invasion sent his Nephew D. Inhigo Sanchez with some number of Men armed only with Staves and Stones yet such as they were they had several rencounters with the Enemy but at last their Commander being slain and they overpowered were put to flight The Victorious Arabs returned into Africk with Booty and many Captives this was the first Scene of the wicked Count's Revenge and of the overthrow of the Spanish Monarchy 4. Whilst Count Julian and the Caliph prepared for a more powerful Expedition King Roderick now awake raised the greatest number of Men he could and with all possible speed provided Arms and Fortified his Towns He thought the Barbarians would have given him more time but they immediately passed over the streights of Gibraltar with a wonderful Fleet 200000 Foot and
it must be in the Reign of Aurelius who governed from the Year 768 till 774 and then Mauregatus did not institute but only continued to pay it Whensoever it began certain it is it continued till the Year 788 which was the last of Mauregatus's Reign 788. He died without Issue and was buried at Pravia 2. Bermudo Bermudo advanced to the Throne overthrows the Moors then in Deacon's Orders Grandson to the Catholick Alonso being Son either to Wimaranus or Fruela his Brother was promoted to the Crown after Mauregatus The first Action of this King was very honourable for Abderramen King of Cordova sending to demand of him the Tribute of the Maids he not only refused to pay it but with a small Number encountring an Army of his of 60000 Men under the Command of Muza overthrew it and so recovered the Honour of Spain delivering it from that heavy Imposition Bermudo though a Deacon was married to Ousenda or Vsenda by whom he had Ramiro afterwards King and a Daughter named Christina He had also a Bastard-Son called D. Nunho Though the Action we have spoken of was great 793. his last was incomparably beyond it He resigns the Crown for he not only resigned the Crown but having Children of his own gave it up to D. Alonso Son to King Fruela from whom it had been wrongfully taken by Mauregatus 795. This done he took the Habit of a Monk in the Monastery of Sahagun where he died and was buried but afterwards translated to Oviedo 3. D. Alonso who was restored to the Crown by Bermudo Alonso the Chaste was born in the Year 758. Though married to the French Lady Berta he had no issue having lived continently with her and therefore he was called The Chaste a Name rare among Princes This Name of Alonso as it was fortunate to Spain in general so was it also to Lisbon in particular 798. for its Recovery Restauration and Defence His Conquests This King took it from the Moors killing a great Number of them in the Assault and in several Battels he fought to come to it Some Authors will have it that Charlemaigne came over out of France in Person to his Assistance Others deny his Personal Presence But all agree his Army was so great that the Infidels could never make Head against it The following Year 799. the King took the Cities of Viseo Lamego Coimbra Braga and other Places about Porto Omar King of Merida with a great Power laid Siege to Benavente but he and the greatest part of his Army were put to the Sword by Bernard del Carpio commanding the Forces of King Alonso In the mean while Aliatan by the Way of Estremadura enter'd Portugal putting all to Fire and Sword with such Success that he took Lisbon the 8th Year after it had been gained by King Alonso Many other Places submitted to the Barbarian and he left Alchama King of Badajoz or Beja to command there This Alchama afterwards making an Expedition out of his Province was killed by Bernard del Carpio 812. at the City Zamora Aliatan to revenge this Loss raised great Forces in Barbary which he divided into two Bodies whereof the one enter'd Castile the other Portugal making great Havock in both Places Both these Armies were cut in pieces one in which Alahaban commanded by the King near the River Cefa the other conducted by Melich by Bernard 813. in the Plain of Narnon Abdalla Governor of Valencia and Mahomet of Merida rebelled at once against King Aliatan He marched against Abdalla but whilst he was there engaged Mahomet joined in League with King Alonso whereby he became powerful enough to conquer a good part of Portugal and Estremadura Aliatan returning with a mighty Army overthrew the Rebel and possessed himself of all which he had conquered betwixt Merida and Lisbon Mahomet thus expelled his Dominion fled with such as would follow him to King Alonso submitting himself to him as his Vassal The King sent him with one Raymund to subdue certain places then in Rebellion in Gallicia they easily overcame the Mutiniers and the King ordered Mahomet to reside in those parts hoping to make his advantage of him against the King of Cordova 814. as he did for some time But Mahomet finding himself powerful thought to recover what he had lost and therefore privately conspiring with Raymond they both Rebelled usurping great part of Galicia The King hasted thither with a considerable Army Raymond presently submitted himself and was not only Pardoned but Married the King's Kinswoman Mahomet though he had then 60000 Men durst not give Battle in open Field but retired to the strong Castle of St. Christina two Leagues from Lugo There the King Besieged and Hunger forced him to come out and give Battle in which his Army was entirely routed and he Slain About this time was found the Sepulcher of St. James the Apostle and Patron of Spain which had been hid almost 800 Years it was discovered by Theodemirus Bishop of Iria King Alonso removed it to Compostela which he made a Bishoprick erecting there a Church capable of so great a Relick Thus Crowned with Victories and loaded with Years for he lived Eighty Five 843. and Reigned Fifty Two he died at Oviedo Tryal by Ordeal in use and lies Buried in the Church of St. Mary de Recasto his own Foundation At this time the old Gothish Law of trying People by Fire was in use in Portugal as appears by the Tryal of Elosinda accused of Adultery by her Husband Ariovigildus she after this manner clearing her self and he being Condemned to be Burnt as she should have been if Convicted Pope Honorius the III. abolished this Custom yet afterwards another worse started up which was that the Woman accused should assign a Champion to fight the Accuser and that party which had the Victory was held innocent 5. King Bermudo by an incomparable Act of Justice had taken the Crown from his own Children to give it to Alonso to whom of right it appertained and God to reward this rare Equity ordained that Alonso should live Chast King Ramiro his Actions and restore it to Ramiro the Son of the same Bermudo Scarce was he seated on the Throne when Count Nepocianus rebelled in Austurias and usurped the regal Title The New King with all the speed he could marched against him and having defeated and taken him Prisoner put out his Eyes and thrust him into a Monastery Soon after he overthrew the Normans who destroyed the Coast of Galicia and the English who had laid Siege to Lisbon Returning to the River Duero he vanquished Mahomet Cid Atauf Lord of the Fort and Town of Gaya and also Muley Achim of Agueda more to the Southward Zuleyma Ibon Muza the tributary King of Lamego and Tarif Iben Rages of Viseo were admitted to grace upon their submission Alhamar King of Coimbra boldly standing upon his Defence was
places among which were Braga Porto Chaves and Viseo all in Portugal The King of Cordova coming down suddenly with an Army took Viseo first and then Salamanca and so returned to Cordova refusing to give our King Battel who thereupon wasted all the Country of Toledo Then turning into Portugal he retook Viseo and had Coimbra yielded to him 9. It appears by a Grant of his to Sisenandus Bishop of Compostela that the Territories betwixt Duero and Minho and that called Tras os Montes or Beyond the Mountains were Desart from the first coming of the Moors till his time when he Peopled and made them fit to with stand the Enemy At this sametime the King continued the Structure of the stately Church of St. James the Apostle The Church of St. James the Apostle in Galicia Dedicated Seventeen Bishops were present at the Dedication of it above half of them were Portuguese Next by Order of Pope John the VIII the King held a National Council at Oviedo to provide for the Bishops that were Expelled from their Diocesses and erect the Bishoprick of Oviedo into an Archbishoprick after which the King again applied himself to Peopling of the Country 903. and was come as far as the River Tagus when he understood his own Sons conspired to depose him being encouraged by their Mother and some of the Nobility He voluntarily performed what they intended to extort from him The Christian Dominions divided betwixt the two Sons of King Alonso to D. Garcia he gave Oviedo Leon and Castile to D. Ordono Gallicia and Portugal Having resigned his Kingdoms he went in Pilgrimage to Santiago and at his return asked of his Son Garcia some Forces to make an incursion into the Moorish Territories which he performed successfully He entred into League with the Kings of France and Navarre to the latter he gave his Sister Vrraca in Marriage and married himself Ximena Daughter either of France or of D. Ynigo Ximenez Arista of Navarre His Sons were Garcia Fruela Ordonno Ramiro and Gonzalo who was Archdeacon of Oviedo He Reigned 48 Years died at Zamora 914 and was Buried at Astorga where his Tomb is still to be seen tho' the Body was translated to the Chappel of King Alonso the Chast in Oviedo where also lies his Wife Ximena 10. D. Garcia having wrested the Scepter out of his Father's hand Garcia has for his part Galicia and the North of Portugal enjoyed it but three Years Tho' he got the Crown by unlawful means he Governed well overcame Ayola Lord of Talavera and is said to have obtained other Victories he died at Zamora was Buried at Recasto of Oviedo and had been Married to the Lady Nunna His Brother Ordonno Succeeds him Daughter to the Count D. Nunno Fernandez de Amaya but left no-Issue His Brother Ordonno in his time Governed so much to the satisfaction of the People that after his Death he was unanimously allowed his Heir He had not only preserved the Conquests on this side Tagus but passing that River took the City Beja putting all the Inhabitants to the Sword which so terrified the Neighbouring People that they abandoned the Towns before he came near them Having received his Brother's Kingdom after some other exploits he returned into Lusitania and wasted all the Country along the River Guadiana Among other places he took the Castle called Alhaje where all the Treasure of the Moorish Kings lay as in a place inpregnable whereby he so humbled all the Infidels throughout Estremadura and as far as Algarve that they submitted themselves as tributaries to him after which he returned to Leon. No sooner was he gone but they encouraged by Abderramen King of Cordova revolted but King Ordonno speedily returning and ravaging the Country they as soon submitted themselves begging Pardon The chief of these were the People of Merida Badajoz and the Territories adjacent then so fruitful and plentiful of all things that thence came the name of Badajoz He twice overthrows the Moors being a corruption of Beled Aiz two Arabick words signifying The Land of Life King Ordonno hearing that Abderramen was marching towards him advanced to meet him and in a Battle near Talavera slew 25000 of his Men. This done he returned to Leon and applied the spoiles of the War to Building the great Church there Mean while Abderramen having drawn vast supplies out of Africk laid Siege to Santistevan de Gormaz but the King surprising him in the Night forced him with great Slaughter to fly back to Cordova Still the Moore recruits his broken Army and having wasted all the Country sits-down before the City Porto which was bravely defended by Count Hermenegildus Our King came to his relief and made a great Slaughter among the Besiegers 920. yet so that he was not assured of the Victory till the next day he found the Enemy had quitted the Field leaving their Tents Baggage and warlike Engines behind them Having obtained this Victory the King returned to Leon. 11. Early the next Year 921. Ambassadors came to Ordonno from the King of Navarre Ordonno vanquished by the Infidels recovers and spoiles their Country to crave aid against a great power of the Infidels He thought not enough to send but went himself in Person and Fortune here forsaking him was overthrown near Valdejunquera many Captives were taken by the Infidels among whom were the Bishops of Salamanca and Tuy and the Kings themselves escaped narrowly Our King grieved at this loss the following Year broke into the Moorish Territories driving all before him even to the Walls of the City Cordova which it was feared he would Besiege Having struck an universal Terror into his Enemies he returned to Zamora He had a Daughter called Ximena who falling in Love with a Courtier ran away with him carrying all her Jewels along with her and he left her on a Mountain having fulfilled his desires She travelled on and took up with a Farmer as his Servant from which he raised her to be his Wife The King long after Hunting that way lost himself and fell into this Cottage where he was entertained his Daughter making a sort of Puff-past she knew he loved and putting a Ring well known to him into it the Ring caused him to suspect somewhat and examining the matter he found that was his Daughter whom he forgave and preferred her Husband whose Name was Tello and the place of his aboad called Meneses Hence some will have the Family of Meneses to proceed others Write that this passage hapned to the Lady Teresa Sanchez bastard Daughter to King Sancho the First and Wife to D. Alonso Tellez de Meneses whom they esteem the Progenitor of this Family King Ordonno had three Wives the first Elvira whose Parentage is unknown by her he had D. Sancho D. Alonso D. Ramiro D. Garcia and D. Ximena The second was Aragonta of Galicia whom he is said to have put away suspecting she knew of the
flight of his Daughter Ximena The third was Sancha Daughter to the King of Navarre by these two he had no Children 923. The last Action of his life darkn'd all the Glory of his former Triumphs He sent for four Counts who governed Castile upon safe Conduct to Carrion and there cut off their Heads Which so incensed the People of Castile that they only wanted an Opportunity to rebell and take Revenge But Death prevented their Designs 924. taking him away at Zamora His Body was buried in the great Church of Leon which City he had so entirely loved that he took its Name for the Title of his Kingdom leaving that of King of Oviedo and Galicia CHAP. VIII The Succession of the Kings of Castile and Leon from the Year 924 till 985 With the Revolt of Count Fernan Gonzalez And the Desolation made in Portugal by Alcoraxis and Almanzor the Moors 1. D. Fruela II. was Successor to his Brother Ordonno Fruela II. usurps the Crown usurping the Crown from his Children who were then very young He was nothing like to his Brother in Valour for he ceased the Prosecution of the War against the Infidels but was not unlike to him in the last Action of his Life for as Ordonno unjustly put to death the fore-mentioned Counts so Fruela wrongfully executed certain Gentlemen called Olmudes He became so odious to the Castilians that the Nobility Castile separates from Leon. and creates a Government under Judges joining together rebelled and separated themselves from the Crown of Leon. To this purpose they chose two Judges to rule them The two first were Nunno Rasura and Lain Calvo They were of the Middle Sort of People neither of the Greatest nor Meanest that so they might neither be too powerful nor become contemptible Yet from them are the Kings of Spain descended At the same time that this Government was instituted in Castile we find Counts governing in some Parts of Portugal as D. Gutierre Arias at Porto and Hufo Hufez at Viseo A Leprosie consumed King Fruela so fast 925. that he died at Leon having reigned scarce a Year and was buried in the Cathedral He had two Wives D. Munia and D. Vrraca By them he had Issue Ordonno Alonso and Ramiro King Ramiro II. put out all their Eyes and thrust them into the Monastery of St. Julian either upon Suspicion or Proof that they conspired against him He had also a fourth Son called Fruela 2. Alonso IV Alonso IV. resigns the Government to his Brother Ramiro Eldest Son of King Ordonno II after the Death of Fruela recovered his Right and Kingdom He was not wicked as his Predecessor but as unprofitable to his Kingdom as he His best Quality was That he was sensible of his own Insufficiency and therefore first sent his Brother Ramiro to govern Portugal and afterwards resigned the Kingdom to him and became himself a Monk Ramiro had chosen the City Viseo for his Residence in Portugal whence he made Inroads into the Frontiers of the Moors and by his gentle Government gained the Affections of the People Here he received Letters from the King his Brother calling him to Court in order to resign the Crown to him for that his Son Prince Ordonno was but an Infant D. Ramiro fearing his Brother's Inconstancy hasted to Zamora that he might not have Time to repent The King immediately put the Crown upon his Head and was the first that did him Homage as his Subject Which done he took the Habit of a Benedictine Monk in the Monastery of Sahagun and is therefore called Alonso the Monk He was married to Ximena the Daughter of King Sancho Abarca of Navarre and had by her Ordonno who came to be King and D. Alonso who died young He died in the Monastery of St. Julian and lies there buried But we shall see him repent and disturb his Brother's Reign 3. King Alonso being become a Monk 928. and repenting Alonso repents and raises a Civil War his Brother Ramiro now possessed of the Crown resolved not to part with it and thus began a Civil War which was the Cause of much Mischief The Moors making their Advantage thereof recovered the Cities of Lamâ—go Braganza and Porto with all the Country lying between the Rivers Tagus and Duero The Castilians also made use of this Opportunity their Judges Nunno and Lain being dead to raise up in their stead the Count Ferran Gonzalez King Ramiro politickly winking at this Affront 932. which he could not revenge upon the Authors invaded the Kingdom of Toledo destroying all before him with Fire and Sword King Alonso the Monk held out two Years in Leon against his Brother Ramiro But then despairing of Success he stirred up Alonso Ordonno and Ramiro the Sons of his Predecessor Fruela to raise a Rebellion in Asturias and Biscay believing that would draw away the King his Brother from attending upon him Nevertheless the King continued the Siege obliged him to surrender and afterwards put him into Prison This done he found Means to apprehend the three Brothers and to prevent future Designs put out theirs and his Brother the Monk's Eyes Two Years Alonso lived blind But the King repenting of this Cruelty used towards his Brother to testifie his Repentance built the Monastery of St. Julian 4. Two Months are said to have passed in the Year 934 934. in which Time the Light of the Sun was scarce seen Prodigies in the Sky at the End whereof a Breach or Yawning appeared in the Sky along which great Flames of Fire were seen to run and the Stars seemed to wander in the Region of the Air. Many Judgments were made upon these Prodigies but most agreed they portended the End of the World to be at hand At last the Sun shined out and whilst the Christians appeased God with Prayers the Moors consulted their Wizards Alfarani of Meca affirmed to King Abderramen that this Prodigy threaten'd the Downfall of Christian Princes if he would take in hand to pull them down Diviners fore-tell what they know is pleasing to Princes and Princes believe that which pleases them Abderramen declares War and makes mighty Preparations for it drawing great Succours out of Africk under the Command of Almanzor With an Army almost innumerable he broke into Portugal bearing down all before him and putting the Christians to most cruel Deaths King Ramiro having gathered the greatest Power he could set forward to meet the Enemy whose Multitude obliged him to retire to the Mountains of Clavijo Ramiro destroys a great Army of Infidels Here the Apostle St. James is said to have appeared to him promising he should obtain a wonderful Victory in that Place In the Fight the Apostle was seen on Horseback making great Slaughter among the 〈◊〉 This Victory some will have to be the Cause of his being taken for Patron of Spain though others say it was that in the Time of King Alonso I. as was
before observed 5. There is a very strange Story about this King A Romantick Story of King Ramiro which because it looks rather Romantick than Historical I will lightly pass over It is as follows King Ramiro was married to the Lady Vrraca but understanding that Alboazar a powerful Moor had a most beautiful Sister called Zara he fell in Love with her by Hear-say He demanded her of Alboazar but being denied had her betrayed to him for Money then putting away his Queen he married her Alboazar to revenge this Wrong surprized and carried away Queen Vrraca who was left at Millor on the other side the River Duero Ramiro hearing hereof filled his Galleys with the choicest of his Men and running up a River near which she was kept he planted the Galleys all covered with Green close under certain Trees that over-shaded the River Then having laid an Ambush and ordered them to lie close till he sounded a Cornet he carried with him he in Disguize approached the Castle where the Queen was kept There he met a Maid belonging to the Queen carrying a Pitcher of Water for her whereof with the Maid's Consent he drank and dropped a Jewel into it well known to the Queen She seeing the Jewel caused him to be brought up to her and having yielded her self up before to the Lust of Alboazar she now betrayed the King into his Hands Ramiro seeing himself taken begged Leave only to sound his Cornet which being granted his Men that lay in Ambush broke into the Castle killed Alboazar and carried away the Queen whom the King caused to be cast into the Sea with a Stone about her Neck because asking of her why she looked so melancholy she answered It was for the Death of the Moor who was a better Man than he To this Relation let every Man give the Credit he thinks it may deserve This King Ramiro had two Wives besides the Moor we have now spoke of The First was the Lady Vrraca and by her he had Ordonno his Successor Sancho and Bermudo The Second was Teresa Daughter to Sancho Abarca King of Navarre Her Issue were Sancho Audonio and Elvira By Artida the Moor he had Alboazar Ramirez and Artiga Ramirez King Ramiro reigned 19 Years 950. he died at Leon and lies in the Monastery of Our Holy Saviour founded by himself and his two Wives Vrraca and Teresa 6. King Ordonno III. was Successor to Ramiro II. King Ordonno III. disturbed by Rebels subdues them The Beginning of his Reign was blessed with Peace which lasted not long for he was soon disturbed by his Brother Sancho who aimed to usurp the Crown assisted by the Count Fernan Gonzalez who took part with him through Malice and contrary to Right and the Tyes of Affinity for Ordonno had married his Daughter Vrraca The Count was guilty of many Enormities besides this notwithstanding the vulgar Opinion of his extraordinary Vertues and Merit D. Garcia Sanchez King of Navarre and Uncle to Sancho as well as Brother to his Mother favoured his Designs With these Aids Sancho presumed to assume the Regal Stile and enter'd the Kingdom of Leon wasting that very Country where he intended to reign King Ordonno soon repulsed the Invaders and the better to be revenged of the Count he was divorced from his Daughter and sent her back to him Some Towns in Galicia had also rebelled but the King reduced them with a great Slaughter of the Rebels No sooner had he quelled the Rebels but he marched through Portugal as far as Lisbon whither no Christian King had reached since D. Alonso the Chaste He takes Lisbon After a fierce Assault he took the City by Storm and gave the Plunder thereof to his Army Which done he returned to his Court laden with Spoils and bestowed them in rewarding those that had deserved best and in Religious Works Conveniency made the King and Count Fernan Gonzalez who had been long at Variance agree and unite their Forces against the King of Cordova They came to a Battel near Gormaz where the Christians obtained a glorious Victory which brought Peace to their Frontiers before subject to continual Incursions This was the Posture of Affairs 955. when Ordonno died at Zamora He lies buried in the Church of Our Blessed Saviour at Leon by his Father with his two Wives Vrraca from whom he was divorced and Elvira whose Parentage is unknown By her he had D. Bermudo and Teresa a Nun in the Monastery of St. Julian in Leon. 7. Sancho Sancho 〈◊〉 Usurper called The Fat. the Brother of King Ordonno usurped the Crown from Bermudo the late King's Son then a Child This Sancho was excessively swelled with the Dropsie and thence though improperly called The Fat He had not long enjoyed the Crown when those very Rebels who had unjustly set it upon his Head 957. took it thence Ordonno Surnamed the Wicked advanced to the Crown to bestow it upon D. Ordonno Surnamed The Wicked Son to King Alonso the Monk The Rebel Count Fernan Gonzalez was the chief Actor in promoting him to the Throne and therefore gave him to Wife his Daughter Vrraca before put away by the other King Ordonno King Sancho fled to Navarre and thence to Cordova Sancho returns and expels him where there were famous Physicians who cured him of his Dropsie Being recovered of his Indisposition he gathered an Army and was so fortunate as to take the Count Fernan Gonzalez and his Son-in-Law Ordonno Though he had them Prisoners he would not presently put them to Death but kept the Count in Custody D. Sancha his Wife coming to see him in Prison changed Clothes with him and by that Means he escaped leaving her in his stead A great Rebellion was raised by the Counts that governed Portugal but the Presence of the King soon reduced them Only Count Gonzalo who governed beyond Duero durst march with an Army to meet his Sovereign yet finding him too strong he made a feigned Submission and was pardoned It was not long before he compassed by Poyson what he had failed of by the Sword The Portuguese Counts being accused of this Treason to clear themselves challenged D. Gonzalo and Count Fruela Vermuiz their Champion overcame him at the Town of Salas near the City of Perto King Sancho perceiving his Death draw near ordered himself to be carried to Leon 96◠but died by the Way at the Monastery of Castrillo where he was buried but was afterwards translated to Leon where his Queen was also interred Queen Teresa was Daughter to Assur Fernandez Count of Monzon By her the King had Issue D. Ramiro III his Successor Vrraca married to Count Nepociano Diaz and Ermesenda by whom the King her Brother is said to have had D. Sancho the Hairy About this time Castile revolted from the Crown of Leon. Authors write that the Cause was because the King could not pay Count Fernan Gonzalez for an Horse and an Hawk he had
sold to him upon Credit But it appears very fabulous that a King should part with a Kingdom upon so slender an Account The true Reason was the Rebellion of the People headed by the wicked Count. 8. King Ramiro III. Ramiro III succeeds under the Tuition of his Mother and Aunt succeeded his Father when he was but six Years of Age his Mother Queen Teresa and his Aunt Elvira the Nun managing the Government with such Prudence during his Minority that there was no Want of him to be perceived Besides there was then a Truce with Hiscen King of Cordova then but 11 Years of Age and under the Tuition of the famous Ahagis Surnamed Almanzor a most cruel Enemy to the Christians The Normans invade Galicia and are cut in pieces This Tranquility was disturbed by the Normans invading Galicia But the Count Gonzalo Sanchez falling upon them with a great Force left not one of them to carry the News of the Defeat At this time the City Coimbra was subject to the Kings of Leon and the Christians about it possessed their Lands in Peace After all things had thus remained quiet 7 or 8 Years 975. Alcoracis supposed to be King of Sevil broke into Lusitania with such a Power that the Christian Counts not able to withstand him fled from the Plains to the inaccessible Mountains The Barbarians destroying all the Country as they went passed even the River Minho and laid Siege to Compostela where the Plague so violently raged in their Army that few of them returned home 978. King Ramiro being come to Age he shewed himself so incapable of the Government Civil Broils that the Counts of Portugal and Galicia took Occasion to proclaim another King which was Bermudo Son to King Ordonno III by his Second Wife Elvira The King awaking at the News of this Rebellion met the Rebels 981. and a Battel was fought between them which lasted the whole Day Night parted the Armies and each returned home neither victorious nor overthrown In this Fight perished the Flower of the Spanish Cavalry that used to withstand the Moors Coimbra was not concerned in this Rebellion it then enjoyed Peace under Portuguese Governors The Chief who commanded all the rest was Count Gonzalo Moniz 9. The Civil Broils we have spoken of 983. encouraged the Moorish General Almanzor spurred on by the Fugitive Count D. Vela who had been expelled his Lands to break the Truce Many Places in Portugal taken and destroyed by the Moors Many notable Places in Portugal were again brought under by the Infidels and among them Coimbra Porto Braga and Britonium which was laid level with the Ground so that only the Memory of its Name remains The same Fate attended Lamego and Viseo in the Province of Beira The King adventuring to give the Moors Battel was overthrown and forced to retire to the Mountains being almost reduced to the miserable Condition that Pelayus or Pelagius had been when first Spain was over-run Count Garcia Fernandez Lord of Castile being persecuted by D. Vela and his Adherents always kept the Field against the Moores but being forsaken by the People of Leon was not able to prevent the Loss of many Places In Portugal only the small Province between the Rivers Duero and Minho and the Mountain-Country of Beira now adhered to D. Bermudo who still called himself King in Galicia To these Parts many great Men who before lived in the Territories of Coimbra withdrew themselves The unfortunate King thus thrust into a Corner by D. Bermudo on the one side 985. and by the Moors on the other died at Leon in the 33th Year of his Age and 28th of his Reign was buried in the Monastery of St. Michael of Distriana founded by his Grandfather King Ramiro II and 200 Years after translated thence by King Ferdinand to the Cathedral of Astorga He was married to the Lady Vrraca of whose Parentage we have no Account nor did she leave any Issue By his own Sister Ermesenda he had incestuously a Son called D. Sancho el Velloso or The Hairy CHAP. IX The Succeeding Kings from the Year 985. till 1037. with the coming of the Gascons into Portugal and their exploits against the Moores many places recovered by them and others from the Infidels 1. KIng Ramiro dying 985. D. Bermudo was left sole Possessor of the Crown Bermudo 〈◊〉 many places and 〈…〉 by Almanzor At the beginning of his Reign he wholly applied himself to the Government but soon after he became so entirely given up to his Vices and especially to incontinency that he was slighted by his Subjects 989. and became contemptible to his Enemies Almanzor laying hold of this opportunity and prompted by the fugitive D. Vela invaded again the Christian Territories and without any considerable opposition subdued all the Towns between the Rivers Dueâ—â— and Ezla Here King Bermudo came upon him so unexpectedly that he put his vast Army to the rout but Almanzor perceiving how disordered the Christians pursued rallying some of his scattered Forces changed the fortune of the Day and drove those that before were victorious to the Gates of Leon. That City had immediately fallen into the hands of the Infidels had not the matchless valour of Count William Gonzalez a Portuguese placed there Governour by the King defended it against the fury of the Infidels tho' the King then lying at Oviedo took no care to relieve the place In the year 996. 996 Almanzor again incamped before the same City resolving not to depart thence till he were Master of it Above a Year the Count held out against all the fury of Almanzor's Assaults and Batteries in so much that the Moore was about quitting the Siege and had certainly done it had the King either come or sent any Succour to the Besieged At length a great part of the Wall shaken with a continual Battery fell down and the Moores gave a furious Assault which obliged the Count tho' then sick in Bed to cause himself to be carried as he was to the Breach to give the necessary Orders and encourage his Soldiers Three whole days did he make good the Breach with great Slaughter of the Assailants till another Breach being made the Infidels broke in overpowering the Defendants All the Inhabitants were put to the Sword the City Plundered and laid level with the Ground The same fate attended Astorga which done Almanzor with his Army loaded with Booty returned to Cordova to Winder 2. Ataulphus Archbishop of Compostelâ— A strange trial of an 〈◊〉 Archbishop being wrongfully accused before the King he ordered him to be exposed to the fury of a wild Bull who coming to him instead of Tossing him upon his Horns left them both in his Hand which was a sufficient Testimony of that Prelates innocence Almanzor again broke out like a Torrent overturning all that the Christians had repaired of the former Ruins and destroying what was before
untouched Montemayor the Old Viseo Lamego Porto and Braga were rased down to the Ground The Barbarian entring Galicia Almanzor again makes great spoil made a Font in the Church of St. James the Apostle serve for a Manger and sent away the Gates and the Bells of the Church upon the shoulders of Christians to Cordova but presuming to prophane the Sepulcher of the Apostle he was drove back by flames which issued out of it Almanzor returning through Protugal heavy with Plunder was overtaken with vengeance from Heaven for profaning the Church of the Apostle A mortal Flux destroying great part of his Army the rest marched leasurely in several Bodies King Bermudo sent some light Troops who made such havock among them that not the 20th part of that great Army returned to Cordova all the Country the way they went being covered with dead Carcasses Count Fruela Vermuiz who as has been said overcame Count Gonzalo that Poisoned King Sancho fell upon Almanzor himself who led the choice of the Army and put him to flight with great Slaughter of his People King Bermudo at length awaking out of his dead Sleep joyned his Forces with the King of Navarre and Count Garci Fernandez They expected the coming of the Enemy near Aleantaroz 999. four Leagues from Osma here they fought from Morning till Night and then at length victory inclined to the Christians who slew of their Enemies 70000 Foot and 40000 Horse Almanzor flying towards Toledo died of Grief near Berlanga soon after his Son Abdel Melich to revenge him invaded the Christian Territories but being met by Count Garci Fernandez was defeated and fled back to Cordova King Bermudo had two Wives the first called Velasquita by whom he had no issue the second Elvira her Children were Alonso Successor to his Father Teresa married to Abdala King of Toledo and afterwards a Nun and Sancha a Nun also The King gave great Scandal by keeping two Sisters at the same time publickly as his Mistreses one of them was Mother to Elvira the other to Ordonno By Velasquita a Peasant the King had a Daughter called Christina he died in the Year 999. at Villabuena in Galicia very penitent for his sins There he lay Buried till his Son King Alonso translated him to Leon where he lies with his Wife in the Church of St. Isidorus 3. Let us look a little back to see the coming of the first Strangers The Gascons come into Portugal and assist the Christians that assisted the Natives of Portugal in expelling the Moores These were the Gascons who came in a mighty Fleet and were Commanded by D. Moninno Viegas There is a great dispute among Authors whether this D. Moninno was a Gascon or a Portuguese and whether he came with those People or only headed them after their coming he being by some supposed to be then a great Man in Portugal All that is said on either part being rather Suppositions than Proofs we will pass by this Dispute leaving it free to every one to believe as he shall be inclined This Fleet cast Anchor in the River Duero on the one side whereof was the Castle of Gaya Demolished by King Ramiro II. when he killed Alboazar and on the other the City Porto destroyed long before by the Moores Here they landed and their first care was to repair the City then only a heap of Rubbish in the highest part of it they built a Castle supposed to be the same that is now the Bishop's Pallace The compass of the Walls was but small and they weak for our times but then considerable some part of them is still to be seen in the midst of the City which being increased has hemmed them in Two of these Ancient Gates are still standing the one called St. Ann's Gate the other our Blessed Ladies over which is an Image of the Blessed Virgin with our Saviour in her Arms which Image between two Towers is the Arms of that City Having Repaired and Fortified this place the Natives and Strangers began joyntly to conquer the Neighbouring Country Men remarkable among them were Sisenandns Brother to D. Moninno and D. Nonego of Vendosme The first that felt their fury were the Moors who possessed the Territories of Resende and Bienviver and all up the River Duero this done thinking their Conquest secure they chose Sisenandus Bishop of the City and yet he ceased not to appear in Arms till he died at Bienviver and was Buried in the Monastery of Villaboa D. Nonego of Vendosme also a Bishop carried on his Conquests on the other side and four Leagues from Porto in the Mountain built a Castle which he called Vendosme and so streightned the Moores that they were forced to abandon all that Neighbourhood The Castle is ruined by time but the name of Vendosme still continues in the Mountain In this exercise he continued till his Death and was Buried in the Monastery of Aviaos The conquered Lands were equally divided as well among the Auxiliary strangers as among the native Portuguese 4. King Alonso V. succeeded his Father Bermudo 999. he is the first of the Alonsos that appears without some Sirname King Alonso V. for the First was called the Catholick the Second the Chast the Third the Great the Fourth the Monk Not that this deserved less Titles for he might have been called the Brave for his Valour the Legislator for giving good Laws to his People the Restorer for repairing Leon and in fine the Desired as being one who left the greatest desire of himself and was most lamented by his People He was Six Years of Age when he began his Reign Under Tuition under the Tuition of Count Mendo Gonzalez and his Wife the Lady Mayor who had great possessions in Galicia and some in Portugal and Governed so well that the King's minority was no prejudice to his Kingdom The Christians in Portugal began to be so powerful that under the conduct of some notable Commanders they repaired many places before ruined and conquered others possessed by the Moores 1000. D. Alboazar Ramirez Son to King Ramiro II. by Zara or Artida Many places recovered from the Moors whom he stole from the Lord of Gaya as was said before wiâ—h many Gentlemen and Forces maintained at his own Charge entred Portugal and drove the Moores out of all the Province betwixt the Rivers Duero and Minho He took St. Roman Gastro de Avioso and Castro de Gondomar Beyond the River Duero he forced them to retire as far as St. Martin de Moras and Lamego making room for the Christians to dilate themselves The lands of Arouca and that Neighbourhood were again Peopled the Year following he overthrew the Moores in many places 1001 took the City Braganza and other considerable Towns in those Mountains and so extended the Christian Dominions that he deserves to be accounted one of the principal Restorers of Portugal His two Sons D. Trastamiro and D. Hermigio or
and laid Siege to it where he continued till July following so that 7 Months were spent in the Siege 1064. And it may be supposed the Moors before unprovided upon Notice of his Coming had prepared to receive him Provisions grew so scarce in the Army towards the latter end of the Siege that the King was about raising it and departing But the Monks of the aforesaid Monastery of Lorvan supplied him plentifully and the City was taken the 8th Day after The King offered the Monks to take what they pleased in requital for their Intelligence and Supplies but they modestly begged only a Church in the City However he gave them many rich Gifts and confirmed all the former Grants made by his Ancestors In token of Gratitude the Monks presented the King with a Golden Crown which Count Gonzalo Moniz Governor of the Province between Duero and Minho had offered to their Church The King restored it with 10 Marks of Silver to make a Cross Roderick de Bivar Surnamed Cid that famous Captain was at this Siege and Knighted by the King in this City Here was also the renowned Portuguese Roderick Frojas Contemporary and not much inferiour to the other for Warlike Exploits 3. The King returning to Leon left Sisnandus a noble and valiant Man Governor of Coimbra He made War upon Abudad a resolute and powerful Moor who had much disturbed the King at the Siege but being subdued became a most loyal Subject Soon after the Moors 1065. under the Command of Benalfagi a great Lord in Estremadura repaired the Fortifications of Montemayor the Old that it might be a Check upon Coimbra This Place was so obnoxious to it that King Ferdinand was forced to come with a powerful Army wherewith he laid Siege to it for many Days 1066. Here Roderick de Bivar took great Pains to supply the Camp with Forage all the Country about being kept by great Multitudes of Moors Montemayor taken and demolished At length the Besieged surrender'd upon Promise of their Lives and the King offended at the Resistance he had found there demolished the Walls The Governor Sisnandus repaired them again in the Reign of King Alonso VI. King Ferdinand was born in the Year 1007 and in 1030 married the Lady Sancha by whom he had the following Children in Order as named Vrraca Elâ—â—â—a Sancho Alonso and Garcia By a Daughter of Raymund Lord of Savoy he had Ferdinand who was a Cardinal and D. Mininno Fernandez of Toro Ferdinand dying divides his Dominions The King finding his End draw near divided his Kingdoms among his Sons To Sancho he gave Castile to Alonso Leon and to Garcia Galicia and Portugal To the Lady Vrraca he left the City Zamora with half the Principality of Leon to the Lady Elvira Garcia is King of Galicia and Portugal the other half â—â—d the City Toro Having thus settled his Affairs King Ferdinand died in the 60th Year of his Age and the 30th of his Reign and was buried in the Church of St. Isidorus 1067. where a Year after his Wife Sancha was also laid 4. King Ferdinand foreseeing that the Division of his Kingdoms could not but produce Discord among his Sons bound them by Oath to stand to this Distribution leaving his Curse upon him that should attempt to alter it But of what Force are Oaths against Ambition The three Brothers fall at Variance None of them was satisfied Sancho the Eldest thought himself wronged as having a Right to all Garcia was grieved that the Cities of Toro and Zamora were given to his Sisters Alonso was offended that Sancho should think he had Right to his Dominions Garcia was the youngest and therefore the last in the Distribution But he proved the first that took up Arms against his Sisters and invaded the Lands of Toro and others along the River Duero which he would have to belong to Portugal D. Sancho soon followed his Example in taking the Field not to defend his Sisters but to strip them all King Sancho before he undertook this Enterprize asked the Advice of all his Noblemen who unanimously disswaded him from the Undertaking for fear of incurring his Father's Curses However finding him not to be moved they counselled him to continue in Amity with King Alonso and ask Leave of him to pass through the Kingdom of Leon into Portugal To this purpose he met his Brother Alonso at the Monastery of Sahagun but could not prevail to have Passage granted him Nevertheless upon second Thoughts they both agreed to conquer Portugal 1069. Our King Garcia taken up with his own ambitious Designs had no Leisure to look into the Practices of his Brothers What was yet worse his Subjects were discontented for that he made Account of none but his Favourite Verna by whose Advice he began the War of Toro unsuccessfully 5. The Portuguese Nobility and Gentry consulted together The Portuguese Nobility insult their King on account of his Favourite how they might remove this mighty Favourite and it was resolved that D. Roderick Frojas a mighty Man in those Days should discourse the King upon that Matter When he had made a long Harangue upon the Subject all the Answer the King made was to turn his Back upon him and go away D. Roderick seeing how little his Words had prevailed soon after killed Verna in the Palace The Death of Verna troubled not the King so much as the News that King Sancho was marching against him and the small Confidence he had in his Subjects especially for the Brothers of that D. Roderick conspired together to oppose his punishing the said D. Roderick Necessity obliged the King to wink at Offences and send for D. Roderick who was fled into Navarre designing for France He immediately returned and came to Coimbra then the Court of Portugal at such time as King Sancho's Forces began to range in Galicia and in the Province of Beira without meeting with any Opposition 1071. The two Earls D. Nunho de Lara and D. Garcia de Cabra advanced to the Walls of Coimbra with some Troops of Horse The King would have gone out to fight them The Forces of Castile overthrown by those of Portugal but D. Roderick Frojas said It was not fit for him to hazard himself where there was no King against him D. Roderick went out with his two Brothers Peter and Vermui to meet the Enemy and in the Field called Agua de Mayas overthrew them killing 600 among whom were many of Note 200 Portuguese were slain and Frojas himself received many Wounds 6. King Garcia was gone to Santarem when King Sancho to revenge the former Loss pierced through Portugal with a numerous Army Some advised to protract the War and not hazard a Battel but D. Roderick Frojaz now recovered of his Wounds was positive for Fighting A Plain not far from Santarem was chose for that Purpose where was fought as bloody a Battel as has been seen in
any Age. The greatest Fury was King Sancho overthrows his Brother Garcia and takes him Prisoner when the Portuguese strove to gain the Standard of the Castilians King Sancho came thither in Person to defend it and being unhorsed by D. Egas Gomez de Sousa was taken Prisoner by D. Roderick Frojaz who delivered him up to King Garcia No sooner had he delivered his Prisoner but he fell down dead of the Wounds he had before received King Garcia put his Brother into the Custody of certain Gentlemen whilst he pursued the flying Enemy But King Sancho making his Escape from them made his Way to join Roderick Diaz de Bivar called Cid who was then coming up with fresh Troops that had not been engaged These charging the Portuguese before tired and now dispersed in the Pursuit changed the Fortune of the Day However the Fight thus renewed lasted till Night D. Peter and D. Vermui Brothers to D. Roderick Frojas were killed and King Garcia was taken by his Brother who not long before had been his Prisoner and who now knew better how to secure him than he had been kept himself Thus the Castilians recovered the Day and the Portuguese before victorious were put to the Rout. King Garcia continued in Prison 10 Years when he was released by Death There are Authors who write that King Sancho enlarged his Brother Garcia contenting himself that he should be Tributary to him and that D. Alonso Brother to both returned him to Prison in the Castle of Luna where he died with Irons on his Legs With those very Fetters at his own Request he was buried in the Church of St. Isidorus at Leon. 7. King Sancho having obtained the Victory over his Brother Garcia all the Kingdom of Portugal and Galicia submitted to him This Kingdom being subdued he turned his victorious Arms against King Alonso of Leon Sancho after subduing Portugal â—onquers Leon and becomes sole Monarch who well deserved it for consenting to the Destruction of his Brother The War continued bloody for some time with various Success till at length King Alonso overthrown was taken Prisoner To deliver himself from that Misery he retired to Sahagun pretending to become a Religious Man Soon after finding a fit Opportunity 1072. by the Advice of Count Peter Anzures King Alonso of Leon flies to the Protection of the Moors he fled to Toledo where the Moorish King Alimaimon entertained him with Royal Magnificence Nothing now remained to disturb King Sancho's ambitious Thoughts but his Sister Vrraca's possessing Zamora He laid Siege to that City and had now reduced it to Extremity but here in this last Act God permitted the Curses of his Father to reach him for in the Height of his Confidence a Traytor called Vellido Dolphes coming out of the City upon pretence of revealing some Secret to him took his Opportunity to strike him through the Body with a Spear whereof he fell down dead King Sancho reigned six Years and was murder'd in 1073. 1073. He was called The Brave and was married to the Lady Blanch Daughter to his Uncle Garcia Sanchez King of Navarre or according to others to Alberta of France His Body lies in the Church of our Blessed Saviour at Onna 8. King Alonso being generously protected by the Moor Alimaimon King of Toledo lived in hopes of better Fortune when Advice was brought him from Zamora by Order of his Sister Vrraca of the Death of his Brother Alonso after his Brother's Death returne and is received by the People aâ— their King King Sancho He immediately came to take Possession of his Kingdoms and was received with general Applause Only Roderick Diaz de Bivar called Cid would not take the Oath of Allegiance to him till he swore he had no Hand in the Death of King Sancho It is strange amidst the universal Satisfaction the King should have need of one Man But he resented this Affront so heinously that he afterwards banished him in which Exile Roderick gained much Honour King Alonso the 6th of that Name being settled in quiet Possession of his Kingdoms approved himself worthy of greater Dominions being one of the most victorious Princes of Spain and that farthest extended his Conquests He seemed rather to have fled to Toledo as a Spy than for Protection for he took that City from the Infidels and valued himself so much upon it that from thenceforwards he stiled himself Emperor 1085. and was the Honour of the Spanish Monarchy 9. King Alonso had six Wives Alonso's Wâ—ves and Issue The First was Agnes her Parentage unknown and she left no Issue The Second was Constance Daughter to Duke Robert II. of Burgundy She had a Daughter called Vrraca afterwards married to Count Raymund of Burgundy and her Portion was the Kinâ—â—â—om of Galicia Her Husband came to Spain with her Mother and they had Issue Sancha and Alonso the Emperor King Alonso's Third Wife was Berta Daughter to Philip I King of France By her he had the Ladies Sancha and Elvira the First married to Count Roderick Gonzalez Giron the Latter to Roger I King of Naples and Sicily The Fourth Wife was Elizabeth Daughter to the Emperor The Fifth Beatrix a French Lady Neither of them had any Children The Sixth was Zaida her Christian-Name Elizabeth Daughter of Almucamuz Aben Hamet King of Sevil She bore him a Son called Sancho killed at Twelve Years of Age in the Battel of Velez in the Year 1100. The King in his Youth had to do with the Lady Ximena Nunez de Gusman Daughter to King Garcia VI of Navarre By her he had three Daughters The First Elvira married to Count Raymund of Toulouse her Portion was a great Summ of Money with which he returned to France The Second Daughter was Teresa Wife to Count Henry the Progenitor of the Kings of Portugal Grandson to Robert I. Duke of Burgundy being the Fourth Son to Henry Eldest Son to the Duke Of the Third Daughter we have no Account unless it was one that was married to Ferdinand Mendez the Elder Son to Mâ—m Alao Lord of Braganza Some Authors would make the Lady Ximena to be lawful Wife to King Alonso but there are undeniable Proofs to the contrary in old Records specifying the Time when each Wife was married to the King wherein none is left for this Lady who doubtless was no other than a Mistress 10. Count Henry Count Henry marries the Bastard Daughter of King Alonso after he had married the Bastard-Daughter of King Alonso served the King in his Wars and was some Times sent Governor into Portugal as were several others from the Year 1072 till 1098. For tho' the Count was married in the Year 1072 the Kingdom of Portugal was not absolutely assigned over to him till after the Birth of his Son Alonso which was in the Year 1094 And we find that from the Year 1099 the Count continued settled in Portugal as absolute Lord and Proprietor thereof whereas
before being only Governor at certain Times he used to follow and serve King Alonso in his Wars This King Alonso was born in Galicia in the Year 1035 was married the first time in 1076 died at Toledo in 1108 having reigned 35 Years and lived 73. His Body lies in the Monastery of Sahagun with that of his Son Prince Sancho There also lie four of his Wives Agnes Constance Beatrix and Zayda the other two Elizabeth and Berta in the Church of St. Isidorus at Leon. Now we shall be almost 500 Years without returning to Castile for now begins to bud the Tree of the most August Kings of Portugal a Tree which has shaded much of the World The End of the Second BOOK THE HISTORY OF PORTUGAL The Third BOOK CHAP. I. The Country Extraction Life and Death of Henry first Earl of Portugal and progenitor of all the Kings thereof Opinions concerning Henry the Progenitor of the Portuguese Kings from the Year 1067 till 1112. 1. HEnry the first Founder of the Portuguese Monarchy is by all Men allowed to have been of noble Extraction but others very much differ both as to his Country and Family As to his Family the Bishops D. Roderick Sanchez and D. Alonso de Cartagena say he was of the House of Lorrain but do not name his Parents Duarte Galvan our Antient Chronologer affirms He was second Son to a King of Hungary which Opinion the famous Poet Camoens in his Lusiads follows Damianus de Goes in the life of King Emanuel says he was Son to William Baron of Joinville and Duke of Lorrain and Abida of Champagne James de Valera and Antony Beuter bring him from Constantinople grounding their Opinion upon the History of Spain writ by King Alonso mistaking a Quotation of the Archbishop D. Roderick who Writes that he was of the Bisontine Province meaning Besancon the Capital of the Dukedom of Burgundy which they take for Bisantium or Constantinople Wolfangus Lazius writes he was of Limburg Duarte Nunnez de Leon endeavours to prove he was Grandson to Reginald Earl of Burgundy by his Son Guido Earl of Verneuille in Normandy Lewis Gollut in his History of that Earldom says he was Brother to Raimund both Sons to Earl William All these doubts are cleared by the Antient Manuscript of Fleury which being a fragment of French History was writ in the time of our Count Henry for the Author of it brings himself as an Eye Witness of the three Suns that were seen at the Town of Scyrs on the Banks of the River Garonne in the Year 1108. It was writ by a famous Benedictin Monk of that Convent and reaches from the Year 897 till the Year 1110. Petrus Piteus a learned Man published it with other like Manuscripts and it was Printed at Francfort in the Year 1596. By this Antient Manuscript it appears that Robert the first Duke of Burgundy younger Brother to King Henry I. of France had by his Wife Hermengarda one onely Son called Henry who died before his Father leaving five Sons by his Wife Sibila Daughter to Reginald Earl of Burgundy These were Hugo who was heir to his Grandfather but being left a Widdower without Children became a Monk of Cluni and so died in the Year 1092. Eudo or Odoa who succeeded his Elder Brother Robert Bishop of Langres Henry our Earl and Reginald an Abbot many other Authors too long to insert have hinted that he was of the House of Burgungy tho' perhaps none specified it so particularly His Family once allowed to be that of Burgundy it will need no further proofs to shew his Country besides that it is more likely he should come out of France which joyns with Spain than from Hungary or Constantinople so remote It is also a sufficient proof of his Country that all his followers were French which could not have been were he a stranger to them 2. The Portuguese strive to clear two points for their Honour A remark upon some Conceits of the Portuguese Authors in which there is great difficulty or rather an imposibility for that all arguments are against them the one is to make out that the Sovereignty of Portugal was granted to Count Henry without any acknowledgment to Castile the other that Teresa was lawful Daughter to King Alonso The Arguments for the first are That no Records are to be found in Castile or Leon to prove the Title to such acknowledgment and that their King Alonso the first was anointed King by Christ himself and therefore owed his Crown to him These proofs are meerly Suppositious for as to the first whether such Record remains or not it is not credible that a King would alienate a Kingdom to a Bastard Daughter so as to reserve no Sovereignty to himself nor if he had is it in the power of a Prince to give away the right of a Legitimate Successor to one Illegitimate The second instance about Christ giving a right to the Crown seems so extravagant a Notion that as it carries no proof it needs no Confutation The other point insisted upon is the Legitimacy of Teresa the Counts Wife but that has been spoke of already no Author of Note has named her otherwise than an unlawfully begotten and the computation of the time her Father was married to and lived with his six Wives makes it impossible to allow of a Seventh There is another doubt about Earl Henry's going to the Holy Land which some Pertuguese Authors insist upon without any sufficient Grounds or rather without any probability but whether he did or not is not easy to decide nor worth the discussing let us go on to his Life or rather to the small fragments that remain of it as of all other things before his time but we begin now by degrees to come into days of more light 3. By what has been said Count Henry of Burgundy it appears that Earl Henry was a Burgundian the Son of Henry Son to Robert the first Duke of that Country and Hermengarda Daughter to Count Reinald of Burgundy There he was Born in the Year 1035. being descended by the Fathers side of the Royal Family of Hugh Capet and by his Mother from the Earls of Burgundy The cause that moved Henry to pass over into Spain was the desire of Glory to be purchased in the continual Wars betwixt the Christians and the Moors Authors do not agree about the time of his coming but it appears by Ancient Records that he Governed Portugal in the Year 1073 His coming into Portugal so that he must have been in Castile when King Ferdinand died and when the fame of Roderick de Bivar's exploits 1067. incited strangers to come from Foreign Parts to imitate his Actions Roderick was then near Fifty Years of Age and Henry about Forty The Author of the Manuscript above mentioned says That succours were sent out of France to King Alonso at his request to King Philip I. being then pressed with the War
made by the Almoravides It is likely that Henry came with the Command of these Troops and having gained esteem had the Government of the Province between the Rivers Duero and Minho committed to him other great Men governing the others at the same time After the death of King Ferdinand who divided his Kingdoms among his three Sons Sancho King of Castile having taken Portugal from his Brother Garcia and Leon from Alonso his other Brother obliged him to fly for safety to the Moors 1071. Henry accompanied him in all misfortunes till Sancho being killed Alonso was not only restored to his own but seated in the Thrones of Castile and Portugal 1073. King Alonso considering that he who follows a Prince Gains the Affection of King Alonso deposed in his misfortunes does something more than Man concluded that Henry was a prodigy among mortals and therefore from that time resolved to suit his reward to his Fidelity 4. Beatrix the second Wife of King Alonso dying 1076. a match was agreed for him with the Lady Constance Alonso marries his Aunt Aunt to Earl Henry and he was sent to France to conduct her into Spain With him went Raymund Earl of Toulouse and with them both came Raymund Earl of Burgundy which is the reason some Authors write they came all together whereas the other two had been long before in Spain Thus Henry became great at Court the King being his Friend and the Queen his Aunt which his power he used with such moderation that he was beloved by all Men. 1081. He accompanied King Alonso at the memorable Seige and taking of Toledo as also at the Battle of Sagulias near Badajoz 1087. where the King was overthrown 1090. To reward all these Services the King at last gave him to Wife his Bastard Daughter Teresa He takes to Wife Teresa Bastard Daughter to Alonso and has in Dower the City Porto and its Territory whom he had by the Lady Ximena Nunnez de Gusman Her Dower was the City Porto with its Territory then the best part of what was gained in Portugal giving him leave to retire thither and live with his Wife His Age was the cause that he died leaving Teresa young to marry a second Husband which much disturbed the publick Peace Soon after the Christian Princes joining in League to conquer the Holy Land Earl Henry was chosen General of the Forces sent by King Alonso in which employ he gained great Honour He returned from this Expedition to Toledo where the Court of Castile was then kept in the Year 1099. King Alonso at this time being of a great Age sent his Son Prince Sancho being but Twelve Years of Age under the direction of D. Garcia Count of Cabra with an Army to oppose Almanzor the Moor. With them went many Persons of Quality among which the chief was Earl Henry they came to a Battle in the Plains of Veles where the Prince was unhorsed and killed 1100. though Henry and Garcia exposed themselves to save him Overthrows the Infidels and takes Almanzor prisoner Earl Henry meditating Revenge met Almanzor again in the Field whom he dismounted and took Prisoner delivering him to James Ordonnez for to carry him to the King this done Henry broke through the Infidels putting them to flight with a mighty slaughter 5. As it is doubtful whether Henry went to Hierusalem with the other Christian Princes so is it also whether he was present at the taking of Lisbon Santarem Sintra and other strong places by King Alonso but that he was at these latter Expeditions as most properly appertaining to him is most likely For his good services he receives other Territories of King Alonso But his great Age requiring some rest the King at last gave him leave to retire to Portugal giving to him for himself and his Heirs all that was conquered there which was the Cities Coimbra and Viseo and the three Provinces that betwixt the Rivers Duero and Minho Beira and Tras os Montes with that part of Galicia as far as the Castle Lobeira and leave to conquer as far as Algarve Earl Henry settled his residence at Guimaraens taking the Title of Earl of Portugal The Portuguese encouraged by the presence of a Prince of their own did much upon the borders of the Province betwixt the Rivers Duero and Minho till then not entirely subdued but we have no particular account of their Actions Hecha Martin King of Lamego being a tributary to Henry rebelled and drawing together a powerful Army did much hurt in the Christian Territories The Earl with Egas Moniz a Gentleman then famous and afterward Tutor to King Alonso marched to recover the Booty he had taken and overtook him in a Valley near the Monastery of Arouca The Moor for greater security in case of any misfortune placed his Wife Queen Axa Anzures and all the Prey on the top of a Mountain he thought unaccessible called Sierra Seca The Christian Army encamped along the River Alarda and Egas Moniz seeing the Enemy advantagiously posted undertook with a good party by Night to go about the Mountains and at break of Day to be ready to fall upon them on the top Another overthrow given by him to the to the Moors whilst the Christian Army charged the Enemy below This was accordingly put in Execution and after a bloody Fight the Queen was taken above and the King below they becoming Christians the Earl bestowed the City Lamego upon them they paying tribute for the same 6. The Moores rebelling against their King for changing his Religion 1103. he fled to Guimaraens to crave aid of Earl Henry A Moorish King restored by him who by force took the City Lamego and restored him He fearing in the Earl's absence his Subjects would again revolt desired of him to leave some Portuguese Gentlemen to secure those Lands which was accordingly done and the Country People with Inhabitants brought from the Province betwixt the Rivers Duero and Minho He performs other great Actions This year some Writers will have it that Earl Henry went to the Holy Land with Guy of Lusignan and other Princes all the likelihood there is thereof is That we have no account of him in Portugal from the Year 1103. till the Year 1109. King Ali Haben Joseph with a numerous Army laid Siege to Coimbra which he furiously battered during a Month. Earl Henry marched to their relief and coming to a Battle overthrew the Infidels with a great Slaughter Cintra and other places revolted and were overcome but rising again they could not easily be subdued Whilst our Earl was diverted in the Wars of Galicia and Leon where he took some Towns Cyrus King of the Arabs taking the opportunity laid Siege to Santarem whither our Forces hasting to relieve the place were by him overthrown and so the Town being distressed Surrendred The Earl took several places in Leon so that King
deliverance and breaks his Faith and having provoked the King of Castile by the late overthrow given him to revenge the Affront that King marched with a Powerful Army and besieged Prince Alonso in the Town of Guimaraens There being no hope of relief nor possibility of holding out Egas Muniz was sent out by the Prince to treat of some accommodation with the King which Business he managed so Dexterously that the King upon Promise and Articles that Prince Alonso should hold that Country of him and do him homage for the same in a certain time prefixed raised his Siege and departed Prince Alonso delivered of that danger thought of nothing less than performing the Articles agreed upon Porteguese Authors will have it that Egas Muniz who managed this Treaty because it was not performed presented himself to the King of Castile with a Halter about his Neck for him to punish that breach of Faith and was pardoned by the King But this is as Romantick as what our Authors writes that the whole treaty was concluded without the privity of Prince Alonso as if the King could be so infatuated to treat with a private Man stolen out of a Town where his Prince was closely Besieged without seeing his Commission or to conclude Articles and depart upon his bare word without the Ratification of the principal Points These Chimerical Notions are better passed by than to interrupt the course of History with them however I would not wholly omit this wild imagination of the Author 4. Albucazan King of Badajoz did great harm in the Province of Beira 1131. and took the Town of Trancoso before Prince Alonso could come to relieve it War with the Moors However our Prince soon retook it and repulsed the Moor who came to have hindred him from fortifying of it In his return from this place Alonso was worsted by the Moors but recovering himself near the Town of Guimaraens he overthrew a great multitude of them and so entred that Town victorious 1135. where he hunged up the Colours taken in the Church Thâ—n with Castile The War broke out again betwixt Castile and Portugal in the Reign of Alonso VII of Castile called the Emperor and much harm was done on both sides though with no great advantage to either 1136. At last our Prince broke into Galicia where King Alonso meeting him was in Battle overthrown and the Earl D. Roderick Vela made Prisoner After this our Alonso valiantly defended Coimbra besieged by the Moor Eujuni so powerful a Prince that he is said to have covered all the plains about the City with an Army of 300000 fighting Men But a violent Plague raging among his Troops forced him to break up and depart much weaker than he came Our Prince thus delivered entred the Territory of Leyria which place tho' strong he took by Escalade putting most of the Defendants to the Sword This being the first of his notable Conquests he offered it up to God delivering it to Theotonius Prior of the Monastery of Santa Cruz whether after the taking of Torres Novas he returned to repose himself in order to prosecute greater Designs 5. Ismar or Ismael 1139. a powerful Moor was Sovereign of all the Country beyond the River Tagus A Fabuâ—ous Relation called Alentejo Our Prince passed that River and made great Havock in the Territories of those Infidels Ismael assembled twenty petty Princes subject to five little Kings who were all under his Dominion Each of those Kings led 80000 Men wherewith they covered all the plains With our Authors leave it is wholly incredible That such inconsiderable Princes as they must be whose Dominions extended not to above half the limits of Portugal should raise so prodigious a Multitude for it amounts to no less than 480000. This may perhaps be added to gain the greater Reputation to those strange miracles he talks of in the Sequel The Christians were not above 13000 and those wholly dismayed as well they might at the sight of such an Army as they could not be capable to number However Prince Alonso reposing his confidence in God ceased not to encourage and animate his fainting Forces They encouraged with his undaunted Contenance and resolute Expressions took heart and offered their ready service It was then Night when the Prince retiring to rest read the History of Gideon and fell asleep in a Dream there appeared to him a venerable Old Man promising him Victory and being awakened was told there was such an one pressed to speak with him being admitted he found it was the same Man he saw in his Dream and that he came to give him the same assurances At break of day he went out of his Tent and looking towards the East saw a mighty Brightness in the midst of which appeared our Saviour on the Cross surrounded with Angels who promised him Victory over the Infidels and commanded him to accept the Title of King if offered to him by his Army Soon after the Portuguese flocked about him Alonso saluted King demanding the signal of Battle and unanimously saluted him King He at first seemed to refuse that Title but it being the consequence of the Vision he had seen soon admitted it Let every one give that credit to this strange relation he shall think fit I have briefly set it down that I might not wholly cut off so extraordinary a passage in my Author yet would I not extend it to that length as he has done because I believe most Men will give as little credit to it as I do 6. Alonso thus encouraged drew up his Army into four Bodies the Enemy making twelve The charge was seconded by a most hideous cry raised by both Armies The Battle of Ourique an incredible clattering of Weapons and such showers of Darts and Arrows as seemed to darken the light of the Sun No Christian sought to save himself all their study was to kill the King encouraged all Men by his example and every Man sought to out-do another Six hours the fight lasted in which time the plain of Ourique where they engaged was all covered with dead Bodies which almost floated in a Pool of Blood At length the Victory fell to the Christians and was one of the greatest ever obtained against Infidels Reflections vpon this Battle It is very hard to reconcile the account of this Battle to any thing of probability for whereas the Author says but a little before there were five lesser Kings and one Sovereign of them all with each 80000 Men which amounts to 480000 now he says they were above 600000. Doubtless there must be willful mistakes in these Numbers to magnifie the Action which would seem great if not rendred incredible Besides he reckons six Kings which are those of Silves Merida Sevil Badajoz Lisbon and Algezira whereas all other Authors agree they were but five and give that for the reason that the Portuguese Arms contain five small Scutcheons within the
Portuguese Gentlemen raising the greatest Power they were able gave him Battle and put him to flight D. Fuas Roupinno commanded in the Castle of Puerto de Mos at such time as Gami King of Merida came to attack it D. Fuas hearing of his approach with a small body went out and lay close in Ambush The Moor giving an Assault to the Castle he fell upon him so unexpected and furiously that most of the Moors being slain Gami and many others were made Prisoners Gami and his Brother were sent for a present to old King Alonso who then reposed himself at Coimbra This same D. Fuas being Admiral at Sea destroyed the Gallies of Mauritania the first time near Cape Espichel 1182. and brought nine of them to Lisbon others he burnt in the Sea of Ceuta Engagements by Sea Returning thither afterwards with 21 Galleys he fought 54 of the Enemy but was totally destroyed and found a Grave where before he had raised Tropheys Joseph Aben Jacob Miramamolin of Morocco Andaluzia Murcia and Valencia with 13 Kings and the mightiest Army that till then had been seen to revenge the harms suffered from the Portuguese passed the River Tagus and having destroyed Torres Vedras 1184. and whatever else stood in his way laid Siege to Santarem where Prince Sancho then was During 6 or 7 days he incessantly Battered the Town and gave several assaults to it so that many of the Defendants were killed the Prince wounded and the Walls shaken At this time King Alonso being 91 years of Age came to relieve the Town but scarce had the occasion to draw his Sword the Infidels flying precipitously at the very sight of him Both the Father and Son pursued the flying Enemy with such Execution that the River was dyed with their Blood The Miramamolin ended his days in the very River being first wounded by the Prince 9. The most glorious King Alonso having Governed 17 Years without the Title of King and 46 with it and having lived 93 at length departed this life in the month of December 1185. and year of our Lord 1185. In his life time he is said to have overthrown 30 Kings The Death of King Alonso besides a number of lesser Princes and inferior Commanders It must be observed that most of these were Kings of particular Cities His Piety appears in the great number of Churches he Erected reported to amount to 150. He instituted two Military Orders that of the Wing before spoken of which for want of Revenues died with the first Knights And that of Avis as our Author will have it tho' I find no other to confirm this Antiquity which continues to this day To the Knights Templers and Hospitallers he assigned considerable Revenues As to his Person he was 11 Spans High a Gigantick Stature his Hair Red a large Mouth long Visage and large sparkling Eyes He lay in the Church of the Holy Cross at Coimbra in a wooden Tomb till King Emanuel erected one more Majestick for him His Sword and Buckler are there still to be seen His Arms the Arms he bore on his Sheild were Argent 19 Scutcheons Arzure 10 of them in the nature of an Orle the other nine in Cross and in Saltire all joined together with twists of Silk running from one to the other each Escutcheon charged with Thirteen Bezants 10. King Alonso was 53 Years of Age when he Married Mafalda His Wife and Issue the most Beautiful Lady of those times and second Daughter to Amadee 5th Earl of Marienne and first of Savoy This Queen followed the example of her Husband in erecting several Churches and Monasteries By her the King had Issue Henry who died young Sancho who inherited the Crown John Malfalda Wife to Alonso the second King of Aragon Vrraca Wife to King Ferdinand the second of Leon from whom she was divorced on account of Consanguinity after she had by him Alonso who inherited that Crown Teresa second Wife to Philip the first Earl of Flanders and Sancha his Bastard Children were Peter Alonso Teresa married to Sancho Nunnez from whom her Father took her and married her to Ferdinand Martinez the brave Lord of Braganza and the Lady Vrraca married to Peter Alonson Viegas the Grandson to Egas Moniz the King's Tutor CHAP. IV. The life and Reign of King Sancho I. from the Year 1154. till 1212 all his Actions in Peace and War his Arms and Issue 1. KIng Alonso had enjoyed the regal Title 15 Years when his Wife Queen Mafalda bore him his second Son and Successor Sancho 1154. He was Born at Coimbra the 11th of December Sancho succeeds his Father Alonso which being St. Martin's Day he had that Name given him together with the other From his very Infancy he was bred in the Field amidst the noise of Arms and surrounded with Dangers His Actions under his Father At the Age of 13 he engaged with the King of Leon in the Plains of Arganal and tho' not Victorious came off with Honour He was the first Christian Prince after the Conquest of Spain by the Moors that advanced to the Walls of Sevil. His Father King Alonso had ordered him to pass the River Tagus to defend that plentiful Country The Moors suffered him to pass undisturbed by Evora and Beja but having passed Sierra Morena he was met by the King of Sevil with a numerous Army in the plain of Axarafe here they came to a Battle which was obstinately fought on both sides till the valour of the Christians overcame the multitude of their Enemies whom they pursued to the Gates of Sevil making that River run Red with the blood of Infidels In his return to Portugal the Prince wasted all the Country carrying a vast Booty without meeting any opposition By the way he laid Siege to Niebla and had now reduced it to great extremity when advice was brought him that the City Beja was distressed by the Moors Thither he hasted and charging the Besiegers put them to the rout and relieved the City The King of Bajadoz had sent Ravadan a famous Commander with an Army to spoil that part of Portugal which he performed as was expected from him being on his return he was overtaken by the Prince and forced to quit the Country and his Booty with more hast than he came This Prince valiantly defended Santarem against the Miramamolin till his Father came to raise the Siege and they both entred the place in Triumph These were his principal Exploits till his Accession to the Crown which was in the Year 1185. 1185. 2. The third day after his Father's Death in the 30th Year of his Age and the 10th after he was married Prince Sancho was Proclaimed King in the same place where he was Born Since this is the first King that died in Portugal we will set down the manner of publick lamentation made for his Death which continues to this day The manner of lamenting the death
〈◊〉 a King leaving the Formalities of the inauguration of the new King for another place The Judges and their Officers walk a foot from the Town-house with long mourning Cloaks with Hoods to them on their head After them the Town Standard Bearer on a Horse with mourning trappings with black colours on his Shoulder the end whereof trails upon the Ground Then follows the Sheriff with two others in Mourning like the others each of them carrying a Bucler over his head Next to them come the Aldermen followed by a multitude of People in this manner they proceed to the great Church where the Sheriff having made a short Speech declaring the King's death and their great loss he lets fall the Buckler from his head upon the Stones and breaks it to pieces at which the People raise a hideous lamentation Then they go to the Mint and so to the great Hospital at both which places they perform the same Ceremony which done they return to the great Church and hear Mass The third day after is performed the Ceremony of inauguration which shall be spoke of in another place This Ceremony was now performed at Coimbra where Martin then Bishop crowned King Sancho and his Queen Dulcis according to the custom of those times 3. The first action of the new King was paying his Obedience to Pope Vrban III. 1186. after which he so much addicted himself to repairing of Towns and Castles and building others anew He repairs and builds many Towns as also to encouraging of Tilling that he was called the Peopler and the Farmer or Tiller To the Military order of Santiago he gave the Towns of Alcazar Palmela Almada and Arruda to that of Avis Alpedriz and Alcanede to the Templars Idanha He repaired the great Town of Covillam to whose jurisdiction 300 Villages are subject and gave a Charter to it as he did to Gouvea Viseo and Braganza Ferdinand King of Leon entred into Portugal 1187. with greater force than success for after several repulses he was defeated in the Country of Cerolico Bebado now called la Vera The Governour of Villota a Town on a Hill near the City Guardia observing the King of Leon's Army dispersed about the Villages for Plunder gatherered all the Forces near him and marching from Trancoso recovered all the Booty killing many and putting the rest to flight A Fleet of English Flemings and Danes consisting of 53 sail 1188. Commanded by Jaques Lord of Avesnes entred the Mouth of the River Tagus being designed for the Holy Land The King supplied them with all they wanted and designing the Conquest of the City Silves the Metropolis of Algarve Silves in Algarve taken with the help of a Foreign Fleet. and refuge of all the Moorish Pyrates he proposed advantagious terms to these Strangers if they would assist him in that Expedition They consented Articling for the Plunder of the City if taken Forty Portuguese Gallies were joined to the Foreign Fleet besides Tenders carrying Provision and warlike Munitions The King marched with his Army by Land whilst the Fleet made the best of its way at Sea Both being come before the City they furiously Battered and gave several Assaults to it for the space of two Months meeting a vigorous resistance in the Defendants At the end of that time the Moors pressed with Hunger and the continual attacks of the Christians delivered up the City capitulating only for their lives 4. This City of Silves taken 1189. as has been said was again lost the ensuing Year Algarve subdued King Sancho adds that Title to Portugal King Sancho soon returned into Algarve and not only recovered it but took also the Town of Albor and Castle of Abenabacci besides other places This Country thus conquered King Sancho stiled himself King of Algarve and to the Royal Arms of Portugal added an Orle of Castles Some of his Coin has been seen which in the Orle has 7 Castles which number is still used in the Armes of Algarve when separated from those of Portugal King Alonso III. added more making the Number uncertain but King John II. long after fixed the Number again at seven Betwixt this Year and that of 1200 were repeopled the Towns of Penamacor Pinel Torres Novas Azambuja Penucova Gondomar Ermelo Covellinas Soto de Panoyas and Povos Mâ—ntemayor the New was now first Built as also the City Guarda on the side of the Mountain formerly called Herminius now Serra da Estrella 1190. King Sancho entred Andaluzia a second time laid Siege to the Town of Serpa overthrew the Moors that came to relieve it and yet was forced to rise without taking it Soon after it was taken by the Knights of the Order of Avis Peter Fernandez de Castro that famous Castilian who taking offence at his King often led the Moors against him being now General for the King of Morocco did great harm in Portugal All the territory of Tomar was wasted and Abrantes plundered As he was retiring loaded with rich Plunder Martin Lopez a famous Commander encountred him and after a most sharp dispute recovered all the Prey and took him Prisoner 5. The Miramamolin again overwhelmed this Kingdom with an Army of 400000 Horse and 500000 Foot I could wish a Cipher were cut off from each Number and it would appear more credible He took Torres Novas without opposition but Tomar was bravely defended by Galdin Paez Master of the Templers who had done notable service in the Holy Land The Moor offered to exchange the places he had taken for the City Silves but this proposition being rejected by King Sancho he in a fury laid Siege to Santarem where the Plague raging in his Army Robert Labril and Richard Cambil Englishmen with a fleet of 63 Ships arrive at Lisbon and assist the Portuguese against the Moors he was forced to break it up and depart 63 Men of War from the Northern parts arrived at Lisbon commanded by two English Men of Note called Robert Labril and Richard Cambil The first ten that came in aided the King at Santarem against the Miramamolin the others being joined to them there arose such contention betwixt them and the Portuguese as might have been the cause of much Bloodshed had not the King prudently prevented it and sent the Strangers away well contented A most terrible Plague and devouring Famine followed all these great successes and not only destroyed Men in their Houses but even the wild Beasts in the Woods or else they ran to the Towns for Prey whilst Men fled to the Mountains for Shelter 1191. The Monks of Alcobaca perceiving they must of necessity Perish Great Famine hid an Image of our Lady in the Mountain which being afterwards found A total Eclipse of the Sun a Church was built there and called Our Lady of Help To be brief a great part of the Kingdom was altogether unpeopled all this was foreshown by a total Solar Eclipse 6. As if
all these Calamities had not been sufficient to humble so small a number of People and so narrow a Country the Miramamolin Abenjoseph Brother to him that besieged Santarem assisted by the Kings of Cordova and Sevil entred Portugal with 400000 Men. The Moors ravage the Country All the open Country was by him miserably wasted and the Towns of Alcazar Almada and Palmela taken with all that the Christians had before gained in Algarve Our King not able oppose so puissant an Enemy concluded a Truce with him for five Years which ended in a wonderful Eclipse of the Sun This was followed by Earthquakes Earthquakes inundations and Storms for 8 Years Floods Storms at Sea and many other Calamities for the space of 8 Years Men laboured under a horrid Distemper for their Entrails consuming they died raving A considerable body of Portuguese was at the famous Battle of Alarcos in Castile against the Moors 1195. commanded by D. Ganzalo Viegas Master of Avis who died honourably in that glorious Action A multitude of Arabs after the Expiration of the Truce overran a great part of Portugal 1196. consuming all that was not before spoiled and putting to the Sword all the Monks of the Monastery of Alcobaza 1197. King Sancho at last provoked by these losses marched out with his Forces took Roca de Palmela and recovered Elvas not long before taken from him Next he made War on the King of Leon his Son-in-law having obtained of Pope Celestin III. 1200. the Croisade for all that fought against him as a favourer of Infidels against Christians He took from him the City Tuy and Towns of Pontevedrâ— and St. Payo de Lombeo and recovered Contrasta now called Valencia before taken by the King of Leon. At length these two Kings were reconciled through the mediation of the King of Aragon who to that effect came to Coimbra 1208. then the Court of Portugal Some time after there ensued Civil Wars in Portugal betwixt certain great Men the most considerable betwixt Peter Rodriguez de Pereyre and his Cousin Peter Mendez de Poyares who coming to a Battle near Valongo two Leagues from Porto the latter was there slain with many other Men of Note 7. The Holy City of Hierusalem being taken by Saladin the Christian Princes made preparations for recovery of it and our King Sancho designed to have gone thither himself but being disswaded sent supplies and encouraged the knights Templers and Hospitallers to proceed vigorously in that religious Enterprize In this King's time was used in Portugal the weight called a Talent A Talent used in Portugal but less than the Roman Greek or Hebrew being worth but four Ducats I have seen silver Coin of this King 's with his Image a Horseback on the one side his Sword held up a cross on his Reines and about it these Words In nomine Patris filij spiritus Sancti On the reverse the Arms of the Kingdom and this Inscription Sanctius Dei Gratia Rex Portugaliae King Sancho fixed not his abode in any one place but often removed that so all might equally enjoy his presence He was a great Patron to the religious and Military Orders careful of rewarding Merit a Friend to the Poor an Enemy to Idleness and true Father of his Country The misfortunes during his Reign and his own bounty might well have exhausted the Treasure yet so well did he manage it that at his death he distributed 7â—8000 Crowns and 1400 Marks of Plate and 100 of Gold His Legacies extended to Rome and Hierusalem The death of King Sancho he was of a middle Stature and strongly set he Reigned 26 Years and lived 57 died in March and lies Buried in the Church of the Holy Cross at Coimbra opposite to his Father whose Tomb is on the right side of the Altar His Tomb being opened by King Emanuel to put him into a new one 400 Years after his Decease the body was found uncorrupted 8. Some Years before the death of his Father His Issue he married Dulcis or Aldonza Daughter to Raymund Berengarius Earl of Barcelona by whom he had issue Alonso his Successor Ferdinand married to Joanna Countess of Flanders Daughter and Heiress to Baldwin Emperor of Constantinople Peter who married the Daughter and Heiress of Earl Armengaud in whose right he had the Earldoms of Vrgel and Segorbe and Island of Majorca Henry that died young and Raymund that lived a short time His Daughters were Teresa married to the King of Leon and parted from him on account of Consanguinity when she had three Children by him she is esteemed a Saint Mafalda married to Henry I. King of Castile and divorced as well as her Sister on the same account of Consanguinity she lies buried in the Monastery of Arouca and is Worshiped as a Saint Sancha who converted her own Pallace at Alenquer into a Franciscan Monastery which was the first in Portugal that holy Man being then alive She also built the Monastery of Celas near Coimbra and lies Buried at Lorvan with the same esteem as her Sisters Blanch Lady of Gaudalajara in Castile where she died but was translated to the Church of the Holy Cross at Coimbra among her Parents Berengaria died young at Lorâ—an and lies there His illegitimate Children were Martin Sanchez Earl of Trastamara Vrraca Sanchez Wife to Laurence Suarez Teresa Sanchez second Wife to Alonso Tello the Elder Giles Sanchez who became a Priest Constance Sanchez finished the Monastery of St. Francis at Coimbra Ruy Sanchez killed in Battle as will appear in the year 1245. Nunno Sanchez and Mayor Sanchez All these the King had before he was Married by a Lady of Quality called Mary Paez 9. King Sancho left out all the small Scutcheons used by his Father in his Arms His Armes only retaining the five principal in form of a Cross with the strings that bind them together In his time the Orders of St. Dominick and St. Francis first founded in Portugal and those of the Holy Trinity and Carmelites were then also admitted CHAP. V. The Life and Reign of King Alonso II. of the Name and third King of Portugal his actions and death from the Year 1183. till 1223. 1. ALonso Eldest Son to King Sancho 1185. and his Wife Queen Dulcis The Birth of King Alonso II. who was the third King of Portugal and second of the Name was Born the 25th of April in the famous City Coimbra He falling desperately sick and being given over by the Physitians his Father had recourse to Heaven for his Health which was obtained through the Prayers of the Holy Nun Sennorina then living in the Mountains of Basto of the Province betwixt Duero and Minho as an acknowledgment for which benefit received the King bestowed Lands and Possessions on that Church as did some of his Successors Soon after his miraculous recovery his Father sent him General against Torres Novas whence the Infidels
used to make Excursions and Ravage all the Neighbouring Country The young Prince gave good proof of his Valour at this Siege and became Master of the place by plain force King Sancho perceiving his Son to be worthy to continue the race of Portuguese Kings gave him to Wife Vrraca Daughter to Alonso VIII of Castile The Bride and Bridegroom could not lawfully be Married without a Dispensation being Cousins in the fourth degree of Consanguinity yet without any they had a Son the following Year 1208. 1208. King Sancho lived but four Years after and our Prince succeeded him being then Twenty Six Years of Age. The first thing he did was to give the Town of Avis to the Military Order of that Name Ferdinand Yâ—nez being the Master of it who removed thence from Evora where he had resided till then 2. King Sancho perceiving that his Son Alonso did not well agree with his Brothers and Sisters as he left him the Crown so he provided for them giving the Brothers Money and Jewels and to their Sisters the Towns of Alenquer and Aveiras King Alonso attacks the Towns given by his Father to his Sisters King Alonso not satisfyed with the Crown pretended his Father could not alienate any Towns from it to give to his Sisters The Brothers fearing his Power fled Ferdinand to Castile and Peter to Leon and then to Morocco The Sisters Fortifying the Towns left them by their Father provoked their Brother who by force of Armes took the Town of Aveiras This done he sent Forces to Besiege Alenquer and sat down himself before Montemayor These Sieges lasted four Months the King of Leon who had Married Teresa Sister to our King forced him to quit that Enterprize He marched with Prince Peter through the Province between Duero and Minho wasting all that Country and besieged King Alonso as he lay before Montemayor He is routted by the King of Leon. Much Blood was shed and all the Country ruined but at last coming to a Battle our King was Worsted and the victorious Army in their return took the Towns of Valencia Melgazo Fulgoso and Freixa with other places of less Note which they Plundered and Burnt what they could not carry away The Portuguese in the absence of the King of Leon again provoked him to send his Forces Martin Sanchez Brother to our King but offended at him commanded the Army of Leon being that King's Lieutenant All things being in readiness to give Battle he refused to Fight against his natural Prince in Person who being informed thereof with-drew himself to the City Porto The Army left to Engage Martin Sanchez was commanded by Mendo Gonzalez de Soufa John Perez de Maya and Giles Vasquez de Soverosa The King being gone the Fight began in which singular acts of valour were performed D. John Perez de Maya with his Lance overthrew seven Horsemen Recovering defeats the Army of Leon. in short the Portuguese obtained the Victory in the Plain called Vareza betwixt Duero and Minho The second day they Engaged near Braga and the third hard by Guimaraens with the like success so that the Enemy retired into Galicia These and the like misfortunes moved the Sisters to sollicite Pope Innocent III. to interpose his Apostolical Authority to oblige the King to do them Justice Nevertheless the Power of the Sword prevailed beyond Equity or Spiritual Weapons 3. Ten Years were spent in these Domestick Broiles He is reconciled to his Brethren at the end of which the King was in some measure reconciled to his Brethren and had leasure to attend other Enterprizes from which Civil Discord had diverted him Though he could not go in Person to the famous Battle of Navas in Castile against the Infidels he sent some Forces under the Command of Gemez Ramires Our King being now disposed to advance his Conquests on the Infidels Heaven ordered it so that a Fleet of 100 Sail from the North under the Command of Walter de Avesnes was drove by stress of Weather into the River Tagus The King ordered the Bishop to relieve and cherish them and then both perswaded them to give their helping hand towards the gaining of Alcazar do Sal. The King being hindred by Sickness sent the Bishop General of 20000 Portuguese who marched by Land whilst the Strangers steered the same course at Sea At the first attacks many fell on both sides but the Besieged fearing so great Power sent advice of their distress to the Kings of Badajoz Jaen Sevil and Cordova who came to their relief with 15000 Horse and 40000 Foot besides 10 Gallies well provided Providence ordered it so that at the same time Thirty Sail of French and Flemings arrived at Setuval these immediately moved to aid the Christians who gave the Enemy Battle whilst another part attacked the Town All the first day the Christians had the worst but the next renewing their strength and courage they obtained an absolute Victory with the slaughter of 30000 Infidels and two of the Kings supposed to be those of Badajoz and Cordova because the other two soon after appeared before Elvas A bright Cross carried like the Standard of a Troop of Angels with White Garments crossed with Red is said to have been seen this day in the Air not only by the Christians but by the Infidels themselves several of them confessing it after the Battle The Victors prosecuted the Siege and carried on a Mine which being discovered by the Defendants much Blood was shed under Ground at length the Town was taken on St. Luke's Day and the Governour having seen the strange signs mentioned in the Sky became a Christian 4. The Kings of Sevil and Jaen The Moors vanquished at Elvas with a numerous Army Encamped before the City Elvas confiding they should carry it by their Multitude Our King disappointed their expectation giving them Battle and overthrowing them in open Field after which he entred Andaluzia victorious overruning that Province with Fire and Sword This done he returned home in Triumph and his Army laden with Plunder this Action so daunted the Infidels that they never after invaded that part of the Country Nevertheless Moura and Serpa were soon after Besieged by the Moors but they were forced from both places with great loss by the King in Person Out of the last Engagement he was drawn almost stifled being very corpulent and oppressed with the heat of the Weather and weight of his Armour Afterwards he overthrew the King of Badajoz near Alcozer killing 30000 of his Men. He â—et 〈◊〉 a Fleet to Sea for the War in the Holy Land To be short in all his undertakings he came off with Honour as became the Son and Grandson of such a Father and Grand-father Many other his Warlike Exploits are Buried in Oblivion 5. Of the excellency of his politick Government there are sufficient Testimonies Till his time this Kingdom was Governed according to the private Laws of every Town Laws are
brought of the Death of King Sancho at Toledo The great Freitas demanded a Truce whilst he went to Toledo to be assured of the Truth There he caused the King's Grave to be opened and seeing him Dead delivered to him the Keys of the City he had entrusted him with and asking leave to deliver them to his Brother 1248. took them again Being come to Coimbra he opened the Gates to King Alonso who admiring so unparallelled a Gallantry restored to him the Command without demanding Homage of him for it which favour he extended to his Heirs but he knowing how hard it was to make a return suitable to such a favour refused to accept of it and layed his Curse even to the fourth Generation upon such as should admit of it 4. Alonso now become absolute King by the Death of his Brother resolved to imitate his Predecessors or if it might be to out-doe them by adding to his Dominions the Kingdom of Algarve and not suffering it to be lost again as had happened to them D. Payo Correa with the Forces under his Command had already taken several places in that Kingdom the King joyned him and both together layed Siege to the Town of Faro 1249. The King observing the place might be relieved by Sea King Alonso conquers Algarve placed some Vessels at the Mouth of the River to guard the Passage and then began to batter the place on all sides The Besieged perceiving no hope to hold out began privately to treat of a Surrender with the King he taking only Ten Gentlemen that were privy to the Treaty ventured into the Town so secretly that none of his Army knew it D. Payo Correa missing the King and hearing no account of him furiously assaulted the place the Portuguese fighting like Lions instead of being discouraged at the absence of their Sovereign Many were killed and more had perished but that the King appeared on the Walls holding out the Keys of the Town Thus this place was reduced submitting to pay the same tribute it had before payed to the Miramamolin The Government of it was given to Stephen Perez de Tavares D. Payo Correa was sent before to invest the Town of Albufiera and had signalized his Valour when the King came to second him Both together finished the Conquest of the place which was given to D. Payo for his good Service I guess the motive of the King 's staying behind was the Beauty of the Governour of Faro's Daughter with whom he fell in Love when he received the Keys of the Town for by his Lady he had D. Martin Alonso Chichorro from whom is Descended the Family of Sousa of that Name Fortune now bent upon favouring our King caused other places to submit to him before he could appear before them 1250. Loule surrendred but not without some Bloodshed Algezar Perches and other places were all reduced The King before his departure placed trusty Governours in all the Towns with sufficient Garrisons so as to secure that new conquered Kingdom which never after offered to revolt from him King Alonso having nothing now to employ his Arms within his own limits entred Andaluzia and took the Towns of Arouche and Araâ—na 1251. This Action moved King Alonso the Wife of Castile and Leon to invade the Kingdom of Algarve which he conquered 1252. After much contention betwixt the Crowns of Castile and Portugal Differences betwixt Castile and Portugal 〈◊〉 to Pope Pope Innocent the Fourth composed all Differences so that the King of Castile was to hold Algarve during his Life and he of Portugal to marry his Bastard Daughter Both Kings were so willing to embrace this accommodation that they never considered the Bride was not Twelve Years of Age and the Bridegroom above Forty nor that the Countess of Bolen was still alive It is true Pope Innocent approved of this Match and yet afterwards Pope Alexander would not allow of it All Military Employment now ceasing the King applied himself to the Civil Affairs and held a Parliament at Leiria Next he took a Progress through the Kingdom 1255. repairing the Forts Towns and Churches that had been ruined during the War He spared neither cost nor labour in those publick Works he built from the Ground the Monastery of Santarem the Towns of Estremoz 1258. Odemira Monforte Valencia del Minho then called Contrasta 1259. and Viana de Lima. His whole study was bent upon the good of the Government and knowing how necessary Trade is to support it ordered many Fairs and cleared the Roads of Robbers to secure Commerce 6. In the midst of these Employments came to him two Gentlemen to Freilas The King's cruelty towards his lawful Wife where he then was sent by Maud the Countess his first and lawfull Wife to advertise him that she perceiving he did not send for her to his Kingdom and hearing he was Married again was come of her self to find him out and lay then at Cascais The King who had for the sake of his new Wife regarded neither Divine nor Human Laws sent her such an Answer that she was forced to return to Bolen leaving a Letter for him wherein she taxed himwith Ingratitude and False-hood threatning him with the censures of the Church the Power of Christian Princes and the revenging hand of God Authors add that she brought with her two Children she had by him whom in revenge she left exposed upon the Rocks which are ever since called Cachopos that word in Portuguese signifying Boys That the Countess had Children by him is proved by the authority of Antient Authors and there is no proof but bare surmises to the contrary besides that a Tomb has been seen with an Inscription denoting it contained a Son of theirs that followed him into Portugal and was entirely beloved by him King Alonso of Castile 1260. Father-in-law to our King having composed the difference about Algarve marched into Andaluzia his Son-in-law assisting him both by Sea and Land In return for this kindness the Castillian resigned up to him all his Title to Algarve and delivered the Towns to D. John de Aboin and his Son D. Peter Anes de Portel upon condition the Portuguese should during his life be obliged to assist him with Fifty Lances whensoever he should demand them This obligation was also taken off when his Grandson Prince Denis being Seven Years of Age visited him at Sevil and desired to be knighted by him 1263. Before this time to prevent Broils and Animosites the bounds of the Kingdoms of Leon and Portugal were marked out 7. About this time hapned an unparallelled wonder A strange action of a jealous Woman a Woman perceiving she was not beloved by her Husband acquainted a Jewish Woman therewith desiring her assistance The Jew perswaded her that when she received the Blessed Sacrament she should keep the Host and bring it to her wherewith she would work her relief She tied
the Host in the end of her Head-cloaths and going home the Blood trickled down and she not observing it was told of it by those that met her Being come home she locked the Bloody Hood with the Host in a Closet In the dead of the Night her Husband awaking saw a great light upon the Chest and calling upon his Wife asked whether she saw it not She then declared the truth to him and he rising ran to the Parish Church and to the Dominicans The Friers still preserve the White Hood or Vaile bloody in a Glass Case the Parish keeps the Host and Blood gathered on a Ball of Wax Some Years after the Prior of that Church which is Dedicated to St. Stephen going to show that Relick to the People found it shut up in a Cristalline Pyramidal Case with a hole so small that neither the Host nor Ball could be put in unless it were miraculously The Ball is still to be seen round with drops of Blood on it the Host is bent and Bloody Many Persons of Credit have affirmed That they have there seen our Saviour in several Postures of his Passion Another Miracle is Recorded of a Christian who was slave to a Moor and daily recommended himself to St. Dominick of Sovereira His Master every Night loaded him with Irons and laid him in a Chest upon which he made his own Bed One Night this Chest with the slave in it and the Master upon it was brought to the Door of the Chappel of that Saint in the Town of Penamacor This Miracle so wrought upon the Moor that he imbraced the Faith and the Slave and he lived there as Hermits all the residue of their lives The Chest and Chains are still kept in that little Church 8. No sooner was the King seated on the Throne Alonso resumes his former gifts and opposes the Clergy but he made it appear that what he had before bountifully bestowed was only to secure himself and not to reward those that promoted him He took from the Military Orders what he had before given them neither did he make account of what he swore at Paris in order to be Regent for his Brother 1268. for he so treated the Clergy that several of them had recourse to Rome for Redress of which were the Bishops of Braga Coimbra Guarda Porto and Viseo Pope Clement the Fourth and after him Gregory the Tenth 1272. reproved his oppressing the Clergy and forbidding the Jews and Moors under severe Penalties not to turn Christians The King at first shunned the Pope's Commissioners but when he could no longer do so appointed to hear them before the Cortes or Parliament summoned to meet at Santarem where he shewed some disposition to obey them though at the same time he designed nothing less The Pope offended at his proceedings 1274. issued out Bulls containing the highest Censures and in case the King was not reclaimed within three Months absolving his Subjects from their Allegiance The King continued obstinate and the Nuncio went away leaving him Excommunicated 1175. and the Kingdom under an interdict The Pope died and the King no way relented 1276. Pope John the 20th or 21st Born at Lisbon was promoted to St. Peter's Chair He sent a Spaniard his Nuncio to perswade the King by fair means to comply The Nuncio accompanied by Dominican and Franciscan Fryars of which latter order he was attended the King and found him as obdurate as ever 1277. Sickness made the King begin to relent and Death surmounted all difficulties At his Death the King ordered his Son to perform all he had refused to do 9. During this King's Reign certain devout Women went from Evora to Rome to obtain of the Pope the confirmation of a Monastery of Bernardin Nuns in that City A battle betwixt private Men and their forces There wanted not Civil Broils among the Subjects for Peter Estevas de Tavares and Ferdinand Alonso de Cambra fought a Battle in the Plain of Gouvea in which much Blood was shed and many Persons of note killed the latter obtained the Victory The Holy Laurence Mendez a Dominican of the Province betwixt the Rivers Duero and Minho walking in a Field an Angel appeared to him and gave him a small Box which he said contained many Relicks brought from a City then fallen into the hands of Infidels Which Relicks are still preserved in the Monastery of Guimaraens where the said Laurence placed them 10. King Alonso was of such extraordinary Stature King Alonso described that all Men admired when King Sebastian caused his Tomb to be opened His Countenance was Majestick his Eyes little but Sparkling his Hair black his Complexion fair He died at Lisbon on the 20th of March 1279. 1279. being 64 Years of Age His Death and having Reigned and Governed 34. Ten Years after his Death King Denis his Son translated him to the Monastery of Alcobaza near to his Father and opposite to his second Wife Queen Beatrix whose Tomb being afterwards opened she appeared as Beautiful as if she had been a live His Issue His Issue by the first Wife most Authors agree he had two Sons as they do in calling the second Robert who they say succeeded his Mother in the Country of Bologne About the Elder they vary some calling him Ferdinand others Peter and lastly others say he is the same with Alonso Denis counted among the illegitimate By his second Wife he had Denis who succeeded in the Throne Secondly D. Alonso Lord of Portalegre who lies buried in the Monastery of St. Dominick at Lisbon Thirdly Sancha Fourthly Mary Fifthly Vincent who died young Sixthly Ferdinand who died also in his Infancy all these Buried at Alcobaza Seventhly Blanch Abbess of Lorvan first and then of Huelgas at Burgos Eighthly Constance Buried at Alcobaza Illegimate he had Ferdinand a Knight Templar Giles Alonso Alonso Denis Martin Alonso gotten on the Governour of Faro's Daughter as was said before Ellenor Alonso Vrraca Alonso Elenor for whom her Father built the Monastery of St. Clare at Santarem where she was famous for Sanctity and Roderick Alonso who died Young 11. The Arms of the Kingdom of Algarve His Arms. given by this King were Sanguine Semee of Castles Or. Over these he placed the Arms of Portugal so that the Castles of the former made an Orbe to the latter He also made an alteration in the number of Bezants in each Escutcheon of the Portuguese Arms leaving but Eleven in each whereas before there were Thirteen He was the first that stiled himself King of Portugal and Algarve Men famous in his time Men famous for Sanctity in his time were St. Gonzalo St. Laurence Mendez and St. Giles all three Dominicans at least the two latter without dispute Also St. Walter of the Order of S. Francis Pope John the 21st famous for his Learning and Dignity was Born at Lisbon Many Men were famous for Military Exploits the
chief whereof was D. Payo Perez Correa Master of the Military Order of Santiago CHAP. VIII The Life and Reign of Denis the first of that Name and sixth King of Portugal his Actions and Death from the Year 1261. till 1325. 1. KIng Denis King Denis his Birth and Succession to the Crown Eldest Son to Alonso III. and Queen Beatrix was born at Lisbon on the 9th of October 1261. and was so called from the Saint whose Day that was From his Infancy he was educated in all those Vertues and Accomplishments that make an Excellent Prince In Truth Justice and Liberality he exceeded most of them that had been before him His Father dying when he was but Eighteen Years of Age though he honoured his Mother in all other Respects he would allow her no share in the Government She resenting this as an Affront went away into Castile pretending her Journey was only to pay a Visit to her Father That King desiring to please her took a Journey to Badajoz and sent to desire King Denis to come as far as Elvas Thither the Princes Peter Sancho Jayne and his Brother Emanuel repaired to him by whom the King of Castile desired they might meet at Badajoz King Denis having entertained them magnificently for the space of three Days sent them back saying He would soon be after them but suddenly returned to Lisbon thinking it a better Expedient not to meet his Grand-father than to deny his Request The Queen thus disappointed went away with her Father to Sevil where she continued being convinced her Son would admit no Partner in the Throne 2. The King being Twenty Years of Age He Marries Elizabeth the Daughter of King Peter of Aragon sent his Embassadors to Peter III. King of Aragon to ask his Daughter Elizabeth then but Eleven Years old in Marriage His Request was easily granted and the Bride conducted to Braganza where she was received by Alonso the King's Brother who conveyed her to Trancoso where the best King of Portugal and one of the best Queens in the World were marryed His next Care was â—o compleat what his Father had begun which was to dear the Kingdom of Robbers and Out-laws and to Protect the meaner sort against the Insolencies of Great Men and particularly the Country People whom he called the Sinews of the Commonwealth For this Reason and because he built many Castles he was called the Husbandman and Father of his Country Having at his Entrance into the Government passed many extravagant Grants when he came to the Age of 22 he recalled them all 1283. He had some Difference with his Brother Alonso who refused to make any Acknowledgment for the Towns left him by his Father Has Differences with his Brother Alonso and had some Pretensions to the Crown pleading that Denis was Born before the Death of the Countess of Bologne and consequently must be Illegitimate whereas he was Born after her Death when the Pope had ratified the Match They both took Arms and Alonso was besieged by his Brother in Portalegre yet at last they agreed The chief Articles were That Alonso should be allowed 30000 Crowns a Year out of the King's Revenue and instead of the Towns he possessed should have Sintra and Ourem for that the others were more dangerous to the King as lying on the Borders of Castile Thus ended those Civil Broils 3. A War broke out with King Sancho the Third of Castile War betwixt Castile and Portugal called the Fierce for that he performed not the Covenants about the Marriages of the Princes for Security whereof he had put into Portuguese Hands the Cities of Badajoz and Truxillo as also the Towns of Moura Serpa Caceres Allariz and Aguiar de Neiva All these Places he again suddenly surprized and made several inroads into Algarve and into Portugal by the way of Leon destroying all the Country before him King Denis being then wholly unprovided for War sent Embassadors to adjust Affairs but to no effect King Denis now moved to Wrath challenged King Sancho and at the same time caused his Forces to do much harm in the Enemy's Country Sancho designed to answer the Challenge but was prevented by Death at which time he ordered all that had been before stipulated should be performed Ferdinand the Fourth his Successor not answering what was expected from him King Denis sent his Embassadors to demand the Restitution of the Towns taken by his Predecessor and in case of Refusal to fix the Challenge upon him Restitution being denied the Challenge was accordingly given and the Embassadors withdrew This done King Denis with a Puissant Army marched from the City Guarda and entred Castile committing all manner of Hostilities Prince Henry who was Governour to the young King Ferdinand put a stop to our King 's further Progress making him advantageous Proposals and referring the Conclusion to Cuidad Rodrigo where the two Kings met with the Queen-Mother of Castile and concluded all Articles the Towns demanded by the Portuguese being put into the Hands of Ferdinand Longominhâ— as a Pledge for performing all other parts But this Compliance on the part of Castile being the Product of Fear and not of any Friendly Intention nothing of what had been promised was performed 4. King Denis draws together his Forces again Denis enters Castile the second time and furiously enters Castile and with him Prince John who stiled himself King of Leon as Son to King Alonso the Tenth and John Nunnez de Lara who was in Rebellion against his Prince Our Army being in the Province of Beira near the Frontiers of Castile there came to the King Margaret Daughter to the Earl of Narbonne Wife to Prince Peter the Son of King Alonso and with her her Son Sancho de Ledesma who offered to serve our King being disgusted with his own Yet tho he was much honoured and received great Bounties from King Denis he soon returned to his own Master and served against him of whom he had received such Favours King Ferdinand understanding that King Denis had invaded his Dominions sent his Fleet from Sevil under the Command of that Sancho we last spoke of to Lisbon where he surprized some Portuguese Vessels Our Admiral having gathered what Force he could pursued and overtook the Fleet of Castile without the Bar. The Fleet of Castile worsted by the Portugueses There was fought a most obstinate Battle till the Castillians were worsted and their Commander D. Sancho brought back Prisoner In the mean while K. Denis without Opposition ranged about the Territories of Cuidad Rodrigo and Ledesma where he took the Castle of Torres putting all the Defendants to the Sword He passed by Simancas where King Ferdinand was and laid Siege to Possaldes where neither Sex nor Age was spared nor was any Reverence paid to the Churches where the Altars were stained with Blood nor did their Sacrilegious Hands abstain from Plundering those Holy Places The Castilians were not
idle 1296. for many great Men laid waste our Borders Alonso Perez de Guzman who Commanded on the Frontiers about Guadiana with a good Body of Andaluzians shed much of our Blood and carried away great Spoils The Master of Avis met him with some Portuguese Forces but was overthrown and almost One Thousand Prisoners carried away who were ransomed at an easie rate not to retard the course of their Victory He also recovered the Castle of Torres where he spared no Portuguese and thus Fire and Sword raged in all Parts King Denis understanding hereof committed the greater Cruelties in the Villages about Salamanca where he then was The Inhabitants fled to the Mountains and to the Churches but neither Churches nor Mountains could protect them rage bore down all Divine as well as humane Considerations 5. The Moorish King of Granada laying hold of this advantage Peace concluded betwixt the Kings of Castile and Portugal broke into Andaluzia took Fifteen Castles and retired with a mighty Booty Mary the Queen-Mother and Prince Henry Governours to King Ferdinand now sensible of their Danger offered King Denis all manner of Satisfaction as to the Points before promised which were That King Ferdinand should marry his Daughter Constance and Prince Alonso Beatrix Sister to Ferdinand and for performance they gave him sufficient Hostages King Danis in his return to be in some sort revenged on D. Sancho de Ledesma took from him all the Towns he possessed in the Province of Riba de Coa The King of Castile sent Alonso Perez de Guzman to the Portuguese 1297. to sollicite that they might meet at Alcanizes where this Discord was to have an end There both Kings accordingly met honourably attended A Peace was Concluded for Forty Years and it was Stipulated that whosoever did infringe it should be delivered up to the Party aggreived The Towns of Olivenza Campo-Mayor and S. Felices were delivered up to the Portuguese in lieu of Aroche and Aracena That King Denis should still hold all the Towns of the Province of Riba de Coa and for the Title the King of Castile might claim to them he resigned up to him Valencia Ferreyra Esparragal Ayamonte and other Places in Leon and Gallicia 6. Articles being signed The Peace confirmed with mutual Alliances King Ferdinand presently Married the Portuguese Princess Constance and delivered his Sister Beatrix to her Father-in-Law as Wife to Prince Alonso who expected the event of this interview at Trancoso The Portuguese Princess being left in Castile King Denis with the Castilian returned to Coimbra then the Seat of the Portuguese's Court. Till the Princess came to Age. for Marriage the King assigned her a competent Revenue and appointed Martin Archbishop of Braga and Count Martin de Sousa his Standard-bearer her Governours The Day she was delivered to the Prince the King added to what he had before given her the Towns of Viana Terena Ourem and Armamar King Ferdinand of Castile made this Accomodation in good time being then pressed by the neighbouring Princes in favour of D. Alonso de la Cerda Grand-son to King Alonso X. from whom Sancho Father to Ferdinand and Uncle to the said Alonso had Usurped the Crown so that Alonso de la Cerda was the rightful Prince and Ferdinand then in possession and Usurper The dispossessed Prince gave the Kingdom of Leon to his Unkle John and that of Murcia to Jayme or James King of Aragon upon Condition they should assist him to recover his right Both those Princes endeavoured to possess themselves of what was allotted them before the Injured Prince could be Re-inthroned King Ferdinand overwhelmed with these Enemies craved Aid of our King Denis and that they might meet at Fuente Guinaldo and Badajoz There having declared his wants our King presented him with a great Summ of Money a Cap made of an Emerald of inestimable Value and sent him such supplies of Men as gained him a Superiority over his Enemies 7. Pope Benedict XI sent his Legate to compose these Differences King Denis chosen Mediator betwixt thâ— of Castile and the lawful Heir then Banished and with the general Consent of all Parties concerned our King Denis was appointed Mediator between them It was agreed that all Parties should stand by his Determination to which purpose a solemn Instrument was signed and Cautionary Towns given on all sides King Denis set forward towards the Plain where the Conference was to be held with an Honourable Retinue to the number of One thousand Persons and to avoid all disorders that might happen in Towns lay all the way in Tents 1304. in the open Field King Ferdinand met him at Cuellar they travelled together to Soria and there parted our King proceeding to Torrellas in the Kingdom of Aragon where Jamye or James King of Aragon and Blanch his Queen received him Here King Denis entertained them with such Magnificence as had scarce been seen in Spain The Arbitrators and Parties being come to Taracona the Kingdom of Murcia An unjust Sentence given by King Denis against the rightful Heir was by them divided betwixt the Kings of Castile and Aragon and several Towns were assigned to D. Alonso de la Cerda and he ordered to forbear stiling himself King of Castile This Sentence of King Denis our Author admires for its equity as if it could be any justice to deprive the rightful Prince of Three Kingdoms and give him the Revenue of a few Towns in lieu of them and those Towns to be held of that same Usurper who kept him out of his right Judgment being given they went away to Agreda where King Ferdinand was with his Mother There Kings dined at one Table and Three Queens at another which were those of Castile Aragon and Portugal Hence King Denis went to Valladolid to see his Daughter Queen Constance and so returned to his Kingdom 8. King Ferdinand now at Peace with the Christians resolved to employ his Arms against the Moors of Granada To this effect he craved Succours of King Denis who sent him Seven hundred Horse 1305. Commanded by D. Martin Gil de Sousa his Standard-bearer and lent him Seventeen thousand Marks of Silver for which Badajoz Alconchel and Burguillos were given in pawn This expedition was well begun by the taking of Gibraltar but its Progress was stopped First by want of Provisions and next by the Death of King Ferdinand Phillip the Fair King of France placed Clement V. before Archbishop of Bourdeaux in St. Peters Chair 1309. upon Condition he should remove the Papal Seat to Lions that he should publickly burn the bones of his Predecessor Boniface VIII give him the rents of the Church Revenues The cruel suppression of the Knights Templars for Five Years and suppress the Order of the Knights Templars that he might seize their Revenues This Pope not willing to perform that part touching the burning of his Predecessor thought to make the King amends by falling the
heavier on the Knights Templars To this purpose at the instigation of the King those Knights were charged with most heinous Crimes and their great Master with Sixty Knights were publickly burnt at Paris to the astonishment of all the World The Pope had sent Orders to all Parts that these Knights should every where be apprehended on the same Day but the Kings of Castile Aragon and Portugal obeyed not esteeming the merits of that Noble Order above the unjust Commands of a Byassed Pope Yet after much Debate the Order was wholly suppressed their greatest Crime being their Riches which nevertheless in Spain were for the most part bestowed on the Knights Hospitallers of St. John now called the Knights of Malta But King Denis begged of the Pope that the Revenues of the Knights Templars in Portugal might be given to a new Order of Knighthood he then instituted to serve against the bordering Moors His suit being granted this Year 1310. was erected the Order of Knights of our Saviour Jesus Christ 131◠the King besides the possessions of the Templars bestowing on it several Towns and Churches that were in his gift This from time to time has been so increased that at present the Order enjoys a Revenue of about 500000 Duccats divided into 500 Commendaries to Encourage Gentlemen with this reward to the Conquest of Africk At present those thoughts are quite laid aside and those Revenues are almost become Hereditary Many of the Knights Templars being found innocent were admitted to this New Order and a Master of it created At first these Knights were obliged not to Marry but that vow was abolished in the time of King Emanuel by Pope Alexander VI. 9. King Denis King Denis at 〈◊〉 with his Son in his latter Days had much Contention with his Son Prince Alonso This Prince took for the occasion of his Disgust the great Favour that Duke Alonso Sanchez and Count John Alonso the King's Bastard Sons were in with him Having drawn Peter another Bastard Brother to his Party the Prince presumed to ask of the King to resign to him the Power of the Administration of Justice Being justly denied so unreasonable a Demand he drew over his Mother-in-Law Queen Mary to assist him towards obtaining his desires by Force to which purpose she asked leave of his Father for him to come to her into Castile and being refused the Prince went to her to Cuidad Rodrigo against his Fathers Consent Being returned to Portugal the Queen sent to demand of the King what he had before refused to his Son and now again denied to her This Project failing the Prince contrived by his Servants an Information to be drawn as if left by a Man that died at Magaula containing a Design of the Elder Bastard the King 's chiefest Favourite to Poyson the Prince A Copy of the false Information he sent to the King who having examined the matter found it was a piece of Forgery Being again disappointed he perswaded some of his Followers to Murder Alonso Sanchez saying his Father negotiated with the Pope to exclude him the lawful Heir and leave the Crown to a Bastard but he in this did not succeed neither All these practices failing the Prince betook himself to open Hostility robbing the King 's Loyal Subjects ravishing Women sacrilegiously ransacking Monasteries killing Giraldus Bishop of Evora and committing many other Enormities without the reach of Justice as acted under the Heir of the Crown The Prince proceeds in his Disobedience 10. The King advertised Pope John XX. of his Son's Disobedience and he dispatched his Bulls admonishing him to desist from force and submit to his Father but all to no effect For he gathering a number of Criminals and Out-laws pretended to go in Pilgrimage to the Church of St. Vincent without Lisbon designing to surprize that City The King having timely Advice of it hasted thither to prevent him and the Queen after him to Mediate betwixt the Father and the Son The Prince thus prevented turned away towards Sintra and his Father after him Both Bodies stood as if they designed to give Battle but on a sudden the Son marched off and tho' the King might have overtaken him he persued not Being come to Coimbra the Prince sent away his Princess to Alcanizes in Castile and then gave out that his Father intended to kill him After disabusing the World of the falsehood of that Report his Father declared all such as should adhere to the Son Traitors and knowing that the Inhabitants of Leyria had entertained him he hasted thither where Nine of the chief as Rebels had their Hands and Feet cut off and were afterwards burnt The Prince went away to Santarem and flying thence before his Angry Father possessed himself of the Castle of Coimbra of Monte-Mayor the Old of Feira Gaga and Porto whither came to him his Bastard-Brother Peter out of Castile Guimaraens was defended against him by Mem Rodriguez de Vasconcelos In the mean while the King laid Siege to Coimbra which obliged the Prince to quit Guimaraens and return to relieve that City Here were to be seen all the usual dire effects of Civil Wars The Holy Queen Elizabeth ceased not to pass betwixt the Two Armies mediating for a Reconciliation 1323. which at last she compassed the King giving to the Prince the Cities of Porto and Coimbra and the Old Town of Monte-Mayor with some additional Revenue Pardon was given on both sides and the Prince took an Oath to be Obedient to his Father for the future But notwithstanding this reconciliation the Prince pressed his Father to call the Cortes or Parliament and yet would not be present at it but went from Santarem towards Lisbon with armed Troops The King came out in the like manner commanding him to return which he refusing 1324. the Trumpets sounded and both Parties Engaged Yet the Queen rushing through all dangers came to her Son and upbraiding him with breach of Faith and Obstinacy at length the Battle was parted and the Father and Son once more were Reconciled That this agreement might be the more lasting D. Alonso Sanchez the King's Bastard-Son was sent out of the Kingdom and went to the Town of Albuquerque which he possessed in Castile by that means becoming a Subject to that Crown 11. King Denis fortified many Towns and Cities King Denis his Structures and other Works encompassing them with beautiful Walls as is to be seen at Porto Braga Guimaraens Miranda and other Places He Built from the Ground above Fifty Castles and some Towns besides those he new Peopled Neither did he forget pious Work and therefore he endowed many Churches Pope John XXII granted him the Tenths of Church Revenues for 3 Years to the end he should keep his Gallies in the Streights of Gibraltar to hinder the Moors from passing into the Kingdom of Granada He was addicted to Learning especially to Poetry and it was he that first erected the University at
Princess of Portugal was void by reason of Consanguinity But that Lady considering the danger of aspiring to rise from a Mistress to a Queen slighted his Advice 3. It was now found in Portugal Blanch divorced from the Prince that the Princess Blanch by reason of the Tissick was unfit for Matrimony and the King of Castile having sent his Physitians to examine into it they agreed in the Point This Prince being on this score disengaged from that Bride 1334. it was proposed he should marry the Lady Constance He Contracts with the Lady Constance Daughter to D. John Emanuel Daughter to D. John Emanuel whom the King of Castile had before put away This King was consulted with thereupon but he advised the contrary yet seemed to allow of whatsoever ours should do The Portuguese took this for Consent whilst the Castilian used all possible means to obstruct the Match telling her Father he designed her for the Prince of Navarre Both seemed to mean as they spoke and each designed to deceive the other D. Gonzalo Vaz Master of the Order of Avis and Embassador from Portugal came to D. John to conclude the Match The King of Castile sent D. John Orders to apprehend the Embassador as coming without his leave with armed Men and having committed Extortion on his way D. John doubting the Embassador advised him to conclude their Affair and he would go deliver up himself to the King at Burgos They agreed D. John offered with his Daugter 300000 Doubles The Articles were That the Lady Constance should be absolute over the Lands assigned her in Dower That the Prince should keep no Mistress whilst his Wife was of Age to bear Children or did not appear to be Barren That there should be a League Defensive betwixt the Father and Son-in-Law that he might go visit his Daughter whensoever he pleased and that the Second Son should inherit D. John's Possessions in Castile or else the First should inherit in case she had but one 4. The Embassador went immediately away to Burgos 1335. and presenting himself before the King was satisfied with feigned excuses At this time came one Martin Catina craving leave of the King A single Combat to Combat with Gonzalo Rodriguez Ribeiro one who followeth the Embassador and had killed his Brother The King would have made them Friends but Ribeiro opposing it they were allowed to enter the Lists according to the Custome of those Days where Catina had his Head clove asunder by his Adversary Many other notable Acts were performed by this Ribeiro and Two of his Companions in a solemn Tilting wherein they gained much Reputation to the Portuguese Nation But the King of Castile ceased not all this while underhand to endeavour to break off the Match writing to the King of Portugal by way of Advice That he should not be too hasty herein The King of Castile obstructs the Marriage of the Lady Constance for that D. John was rich and would increase the Portion if he was backward At the same time he blamed D. John for offering so much and lastly with his own Hand he wrote a Letter to the Lady Constance assuring her of his sincere Affection to her and declaring he had been ill advised in marrying the Princess of Portugal but that by Reason of Consanguinity that Marriage was void and he would not fail to be always hers The Lady sent the Letter to her Father who dictated an Answer to this effect That he had much wronged her Innocence having by false insinuations gained her Love That his ill Inclinations did appear by his unjust proceedings towards Queen Mary his present Wife That she had so often found him false that she could now find no Reason to give any Credit to his Words and that she gave Thanks to Almighty God who had delivered her from being his Wife that she might not suffer as the Queen did by his inordinate Affection to the Lady Elenor Nunez de Guzman who had entertained other Lovers before him 5. It was agreed betwixt the King of Portugal and D. John Emanuel that the Lady Constance should be brought into Portugal in June and the Bride and Bridegroom were contracted by Proxy Embassadors were sent to Valladolid where the King of Castile was to be acquainted with the Conclusion of the Match He tho much Displeased expressed great Satisfaction sent Presents to the Embassadors and ordered publick Demonstrations of Joy to be made The Portuguese sent Martin Lopez Machado his Embassador to return thanks for those Courtesies But still the Castilian resolved to hinder the Bride's Journey into Portugal and to that purpose guarded the Roads always pretending other Reasons for so doing The King of Portugal to remove this Obstacle sent another Embassador who being killed about Play at Valladolid his Tutor for he was a Young Man continued his Journey to the Court of Castile where he delivered to that King his Master's Letter containing how evidently he was convinced of his ill Intentions and made great Threats in case he persisted to obstruct the Lady Constance's Journey into Portugal The Castilian shewed that Letter to the Lady Ellinor his Mistress who with that Liberty that is Natural to such Women spared not to blame his unjust Proceedings in that Particular yet he forbore not to stop the Princess tho' he excused himself to the Portuguese Our King already disgusted at this ill Usage was yet farther provoked for his Admiral Stephen Vaz de Barbuda pursuing certain Pirates with five Ships and three Galleys was driven by stress of Weather to Cadiz where instead of a kind Reception his Vessels were taken by the Fleet of Castile under the Command of Peter Ponce de Marchena Our King gave Advice hereof to D. John Emanuel and he making suit to his King that he would suffer his Daughter to depart received no Answer whereupon he openly declared against his Soveraign The Portuguese demanded of the Governours of the Cautionary Towns for Performance of Articles that they should deliver them up to him since the fault lay on the side of Castile They consulting together sent one of their number to the King to represent to him how unjustly he dealt with the Portuguese He answered That if they delivered the Towns they would incur an infamous breach of Fealty and that he would not depart from the Siege he had laid to D. John Nunnez de Lara's Garrison till he had his Head Yet considering the Difficulty of that Design he intimated he would desist if the King of Portugal should request it of him Queen Mary advertised her Father hereof and he immediately wrote to the Castilian desiring him to raise the Siege and promising to make D. John Nunnez submit himself as soon as the Princess was sent into Portugal The Queen her self carried the Letter to the King and he answered angrily that he would raise the Siege for no Man Which made her return disconsolate to Burgos But tho some
both Kings made short Speeches to their Men. This done the Armies engaged with such terrible shouts that the Mountains seemed to shake Nor was the noise of clattering of Arms less hideous Vast numbers of Dead were soon trod under foot and the wounded in that Confusion were scarce sensible of their hurts The two Christian Kings overthrow the Infidels Our King rushing into the midst of the Enemies made such havock that the Moors soon turned their backs and fled to Algezira the Portugueses making a greater slaughter in the Pursuit than they had done in the Fight The King of Castile with no less Bravery thrust himself into the midst of his Enemies till stopp'd in his rash Carreer by the Archbishop of Toledo Yet so did he press Aliboacem that despairing of Success he fled to Algezira and not thinking himself safe there passed the Streights over into Africk Both the Christian Princes followed the Chace as far as the Rivers Britabotellas and Guadamicil which they dyed with the Blood of Infidels 9. Queen Fatima with many other Moorish Ladies were killed by the Soldiers in their Tents Some Princes also died and two were taken The quantity and value of the Booty is not to be expressed The number of the Infidels and greatness of the Booty for they came to divide Spain among them and brought over above 100000 Families besides their innumerable Army all which was so great that they spent five Months in passing the Streights sixty Galleys being continually employ'd in Transporting them and twelve Galleys were fifteen days in carrying back the Remnants of this Overthrow 450000 Infidels are said to have died in this Battle Of the Christians so few were missing that it will be scarce credited if the Number were reported The Victorious Kings entred Sevil in Triumph the chiefest of the Captives dragging the Colours that were taken Many Carts followed laden with Spoil and then a multitude of Moorish Horses with all their Accoutrements Several Colours and Horses were sent for a Present to Pope Benedict The seventh day after the Victory the Portuguese being obliged to return home the Castilian laid all the Booty before him to take what he liked best whereof he only took some Arms one of the Captive Princes 1347. and five Colours The Prince he released without Ransom Eâ—lenor second Daughter to K. Alonso marry'd to Peter King of Aragon and hung up the Colours in the Cathedral of Lisbon 10. King Peter the Fourth of Aragon by his Embassadors demanded of our King his Second Daughter Ellenor in Marriage His Request was granted and her Portion settled at 50000 Doubloons The King of Castile endeavoured to hinder this Marriage but failing of his Design the Princess was carryed to Valencia and there marryed with great Solemnity 1348. The three following Years Portugal was infested with that Universal Pestilence A great Plague which began by the opening of the Earth after a terrible Earthquake in the Eastern Countries whence issued such a destructive stench as infected those Parts and thence diffused it self into these The Princess Constance dying after she had brought forth three Children our King found that Discord at home which had before drawn him thence He thought to Marry the Prince to strengthen the Succession to the Crown but found he was in Love with the Lady Agnes de Castro a Kinswoman and one of the Ladies to the late Princess and that enjoying her Person he refused a second Wife and enquiring farther into it K. Alonso his Eldest Son privately Marries the Lady Agnes de Castro he was informed they were privately marryed by Giles Bishop of Guarda and yet the Prince fearing his Father's Displeasure denyed it tho' he promised if it were really so to treat her as Princess The Nobility envying the Lady Agnes her Happiness perswaded the King to oblige his Son to Marry another Wife or else to kill her alledging that if she came to be Queen her Brothers Ferdinand and Alvaro would destroy the Princeâ—s Son Ferdinand that one of their Nephews might Inherit the Crown They also said the Lady Agnes was not of sufficient Quality to be a Queen but in this they wronged her for she was of Royal Blood and her Sister came to be Queen of Castile Upon these Pretences her Death was contrived and tho' the Prince had notice given him hereof by the Queen his Mother and the Archbishop of Braga yet he thought none durst attempt such an Action whilst he was in the way The King overcome by Perswasions set out from Monte-Mayor and went to Coimbra with a great number of armed Men at such time as the Prince was gone out a Hunting The Lady Agnes was in the Palace called S. Clare The Lady Agnes cruelly murdered and understanding the King came to kill her went out to receive him and falling at his Feet with the three Children she had bathed them with her Tears This sad Spectacle moved the King and he turned back to depart But those who had perswaded him to this Action the chief whereof were Alvaro Gonçalez James Lopez Pacheco and Peter Coello blamed the King's Remissness and so earnestly pressed him to give them leave to execute what they came about that he condescended and they immediately with more than barbarous Inhumanity struck off her Head 11. The Prince returning from Hunting The Prince begins his Revenge for some time was almost distracted with Rage Being come to himself he began to execute his Revenge destroying all the Country betwixt Duero and Minho where those Cruel Executioners had their Estates with Fire and Sword The City Porto he spared for the sake of the Archbishop who had given him notice of the Design Thus King Alonso's Disobedience towards his Father was now with more Reason punished by his own Son The Prince marched to the Town of Canaveses where the Queen his Mother and the Archbishop met and reduced him to submit to his Father and disband his Followers conditioning that both Parties should Pardon all Offences and that in all Places where the Prince was all Acts of Justice should be performed in his Name It was visible enough that the Prince would some time or other be revenged on the Murderers of the Lady The Murderers fly into Castile therefore the King being near his End advised them before his Death to shift for themselves They thereupon fled to Castile and we shall hereafter see what became of them This was the end of King Alonso an Unnatural Son towards his Father The Death of King Alonso and a Barbarous Father towards his Son Yet he was an excellent King either for Peace or War He coined a new sort of Money called Alfonsines worth in English Money about Three Shillings Many wholesom Laws were instituted by him and his Government was equitable and just He had a large Forehead but with wrinkles in it his Visage long a proportionable Nose a large Mouth his
Hair reddish and curled his Beard forked and long his Limbs gross and his Presence Majestick He died at Lisbon in May 1357. being 67 Years of Age 1357. and having Reigned 31 Years and a half His and his Queen's Tombs are to be seen in the Quire of the Cathedral of Lisbon 12. Queen Beatrix 〈…〉 Wife to King Alonso was Daughter to King Sancho the Fierce of Castile and of Queen Mary the Daughter of Prince Alonso de Molina By her the King had Issue 1. Alonso who died Young 2. Denis died much at the same Age. 3. John died in his Infancy 4. Mary who was Queen of Castile Wife to King Alonso XI and Mother to King Peter 5. Peter who Succeeded his Father 6. Elenor Queen of Aragon Second Wife to King Peter IV. This King reduced the number of Castles in the Orle being the Arms of Algarve His Arms. to 8. and the Bezants in each Escutcheon to 10. CHAP. X. The Life and Reign of Peter the First of the Name and the Eighth King of Portugal with his Actions and Death from the Year 1320 till 1367. 1. KING Alonso King Peter the first his Earth and his Queen Beatrix were Unfortunate in their Children who all died Young But Peter the 5th who was Born at Coimbra on the 19th of April 1320. He was by some called the Cruel by others 1320. Executor of Justice and this last Title most properly appertained to him His Accession to the Crown was in the 37th 1358. Year of his Age being twice a Widdower by the Death of his two Wives Constance and Agnes His First care was to secure Peace with his Neighbour 1357. the King of Castile which was accordingly Ratified The following Year it was farther Confirmed Peace concluded with Castile and it was agreed that Ferdinand Prince of Portugal should marry Beatrix Eldest Daughter to King Peter of Castile and the Princesses Constance and Elizabeth should marry John and Denis Sons to the Lady Agnes de Castro That both Kings should Aid each other by Sea and Land That the Portuguese should not joyn with the Aragonian or any other Prince without acquainting the Castilian That he should assist him against the Aragonian with whom he was then at War King Peter having now the Power in his Hands He punisheth the Murderers of his Wife the Lady Agnes de Castro and being at leasure to meditate his Revenge for the Death of his beloved Agnes was grieved at nothing more than that he thought the Lives of the Three Murderers too small an Expiation for the Death of her in whom he had lived Yet for some farther Satisfaction he resolved to make up in Torments what was wanting of Life in them We saw in his Fathers Life time how far he proceeded in his Revenge so as to raise a Civil War But scarce was he now seated on the Throne when the Three Murderers Peter Coello James Lopez and Alvaro Gonzalez were Attainted of Treason and their Estates Confiscated Next he contrived how to get them out of Castile and soon found the means to effect it for Peter Nunnez de Guzman Lieutenant of Leon Mem Roiz Tenorio Ferdinand Gudiel de Toledo and Fortun Sanchez Calderon being fâ—ed from Castile were then in Portugal He knew that King was no less desirous to reach them than he was to have the other Three Therefore he agreed with the Castilian that both should at the same time secure the Fugitives of the other which was accordingly put in Execution 2. James Lopez Pacheco had the good Fortune to be abroad a Hunting the Day the others were taken He being missed Guards were set upon the Gates that none might give him Notice but a Beggar got through unregarded and not only informed him of what had happened The Murderers Racked but changing Cloaths with him he got away with a Carrier to Aragon and thence into France Alvaro Gonzalez and Peter Coello were carried to Portugal as were the Four Castilians taken there conveyed to Sevil. King Peter was at Santarem when the two Prisoners were brought to him He instantly put them to the Rack to force them to discover their Accomplices But they continued silent or else answered far from the purpose which caused the King to lash Coello on the Face to which he returned nothing but reproachful Language The King smiling hereat said to the standers by Bring me Vinegar and Onion for this Rabbet for Coello in Portuguese signifies a Rabbet and that was the Sauce then used giving them thereby to understand he should be Burnt Whilst they were yet Living their Hearts were cut out one at his Breast and the other at his Back Lastly he caused them to be Burnt and the Table he dined at to be set in sight of the Fire Nor did King Peter's Amorous Flame expire here But before we shew what farther Effects it had we must observe in this Place that the Kings of Castile and Aragon being ready to break into War our King sent his Embassadors to the latter 1360. to Mediate a Peace That Prince complained to them that their Master should take part with Castile against him yet offered in regard of the Ancient Friendships betwixt the two Crowns and in respect to the Pope to give ear to Conditions of Peace 3. This was the posture of Affairs when our King discovered the Love he still entertained for the Lady Agnes The Funeral Pomp for the Lady Agnes de Castro by performing her Funeral Obsequies Being in the Town of Cantannede in the Presence of several Persons of Note he solemnly Swore That he had taken to Wife the Lady Agnes de Castro at Bragança Six Years before that time Then he caused the Witnesses of the Marriage which were Giles Bishop of Guarda and Stephen Lobato Master of the Robes to be Examined This done the Bishops of Lisbon Porto and Visco the Prior of Sancta Cruz and other Persons of Note meeting together published the said Marriage and the Causes why it was concealed as also the Dispensation granted by Pope John the 22th in regard that they were within the forbidden Degrees of Consanguinity An authentick Instrument to this purpose being formed several Copies were dispersed and the Original is still preserved among the Records at Lisbon Not content herewith he caused two Tombs of the whitest Marble and most exquisite Workmanship to be erected One of them for himself and the other for the Lady Agnes whose Image stood on the Top with a Crown on her Head that she might appear like a Queen after her Death These Tombs were placed in the famous Church of Alcobaça Then entring the Church of S. Clare at Coimbra he caused the Body to be taken up and being Crowned and Cloathed in Royal Robes placed it on a Chair where his Subjects kissed those Bones that were once beautiful Hands as being the remains of their lawful Queen After this Ceremony being put into a
Herse the Corps was conducted to Alcobaça to be placed in that rich Urn with the noblest Attendance and greatest Grandeur that has been seen vast numbers of Noblemen and Gentlemen in long Mourning Cloaks and Ladies in White Mourning Vailes attended the Funeral From Coimbra to Alcobaça it is 17 Leagues and yet all that Distance was filled with many Thousands of Men in two Rows making a continued Lane with lighted Flambeaus in their Hands 4. The Unfortunate King Peter of Castile being drove out of his Kingdom by his Bastard-Brother Henry assisted by the French King Peter of Castile flying from his Rebellious Subjects is refused Protection in Portugal and flying from Sevil after loosing all the Treasure he had amassed arrived at the Town of Coruche in Portugal with his two Daughters Constance and Elizabeth and thence sent to Advertise our King then at Coimbra of his Arrival That King's Daughter Beatrix was Travelling another way to be Married to the Portuguese Prince her Father not having any fore-thought of what hapned to him This Accident much surprized the Portuguese some were for protecting a rightful King their Neighbour and Confederate others were for more safe than honourable Courses not to embroil themselves in the Quarrels of others This Advice was followed and our King made the best Excuse he could for not entertaining that Unhappy Prince He failing of this Refuge withdrew to Albuquerque but neither was he to be admitted there He sent to ask a Pass of our King to Travel through his Dominions into Galicia and the Earl of Barcelos and Alvaro Perez de Castro were sent to Conduct him But they not only forsook him by the way but stole from him Elenor the Daughter of his Bastard-Brother Henry whom he carried with him From Galicia he passed over into England where he so grievously Complained to the Prince of Wales against the King of Portugal that he was forced to send Embassadors to Vindicate himself In the mean while the New King or rather Usurper Henry Solicited the Friendship of Portugal and Embassadors meetting to that Effect betwixt Badajoz and Elvas a Treaty was Concluded And it was Stipulated That the Castilian should solicite an Accommodation betwixt Aragon and Portugal and also That the Aragonian should suffer the Portuguese Princess Mary Widow of Prince Ferdinand to return to her Country if she thought good 5. About the end of October Prodigiâ—â—â— seen in the Sky almost Three Months before the Death of our King was seen a prodigious Alteration or rather Confusion in the heavenly Luminaries On the 27th Day at Midnight all the Stars in a Body began to run from East to West then suddenly dispersing they wandred through several parts of the Sphere next falling nearer to the Region of the Air the nearness made them appear like vast Globes of Fire so that the whole Heaven seemed to be in a Flame and the Earth threatned to be reduced to Ashes The Sky in many places seemed to gape the Stars being removed This Spectacle lasting a considerable time Men stood amazed expecting the Dissolution of the Universe Three Months after this Prodigy King Peter's Death our King died It will not be amiss to give some Instances of his Justice and Magnificence His Justice and Magnificence He was not as some have called him Cruel but a zealous lover of Justice punishing Crimes with the utmost Severity and rewarding Vertue with Liberality The Punishments he inflicted tho' in appearance terrible were necessary and well applyed A Young Man having struck his supposed Father and the King hearing thereof called the Mother and pressed her to tell him who was the Youth's Father for it was impossible it should be her Husband She confessed in some time a Fryar had got him Thereupon the King went in Person to the Monastery and putting the Fryar into a Case of Cork sawed him in two One of his Favourites lived in Adultery with a Judge's Wife for which the King caused his Privities to be cut off A Priest being suspended for killing a Man he caused him to be put to Death by a Mason saying That the Ecclesiastical Judges condemned a Priest for killing a Man to be suspended from his Office but he in his Tribunal would suspend the Mason from Working for killing the Priest The Bishop of Porto he scourged for having to do with a Citizen's Wife He caused a Gentleman to be beheaded for staving a Country-man's Cask that was full A Clerk of the Treasury was hanged for receiving a small Bribe Hearing a Woman upbraid another with being forced he asked the cause and being told her Husband ravished her before they were marryed he caused him to be hanged Knowing that a Merchant's Wife cuckolded him one day when the Merchant was at some Publick Feast he surprized his Wife with her Gallant and burnt them and then congratulated the Merchant that he was revenged A Bawd having procured a Young Woman for the Admiral Lancelote Pessana the Bawd was burnt and the Admiral hardly obtained Pardon after several Years absence A Country-man complaining that a Gentleman to whom he had lent certain Silver Cups would not restore them the King kept him in hand a Year and then caused the Gentleman to pay him Nine times the value which was then the Penalty of Thieves and farther told him he should be always answerable for the Country-man's Life A Pursivant complaining that in the Execution of his Office a Gentleman had struck him and torn his Beard the Gentleman was immediately beheaded 6. The Laws he instituted Laws established by him were religiously observed One of them condemned Judges who received Bribes to Death To avoid delays in Suits he established there should be no Counsellors Sollicitors nor Attorneys He went about the Kingdom in Person to administer Justice impartially to all Men. Tho' so much subdued himself by the Love of the Lady Agnes de Castro he suffered no Crime of Incontinency to pass unpunished Several new Pieces were coined by him on the one side whereof was his Effigies sitting in a Chair holding a naked Sword on the reverse the Royal Arms with these Inscriptions Peter King of Portugal and Algarve God assist me and make me Victorious over my Enemies He was so Bountiful that like the Emperor Titus he thought himself not a King the day he gave nothing To this purpose he kept always much Plate He was much addicted to Musick and used to go abroad at Nights and dance to the sound of Trumpets Notwithstanding his great Liberality he left a considerable Treasure to his Successor which he gathered without the least dissatisfaction to his Subjects In fine such was his Life that his Death was generally lamented and it was in all mens Mouths That such Ten Years Government never were nor would again be seen in this Kingdom Others said That either he should never have been born or never have died 7. This King was of great Stature His Person and
Herauld to Challenge him but he drew off by the way of Bragança Vinaes and Outeyro which Places he took Miranda was Surprized by certain Castillians who in Carriers Habit were admitted in Cedavin after a vigorous resistance was Betrayed by Vasco Estevez but his Treason tho' not discovered in time to prevent the Loss of the Place was so soon found that he was Hanged for it Henry having secured Bragança hasted to Castile for that the King of Granada was now acting with a great Power in Andaluzia 4. Ferdinand having missed of his Enemy Several Military Expeditions divided his Army under several Commanders Garrisoning all Places he was suspicious of He had recovered most of what was lost but the People not satisfied with his Proceedings complained he only knew the way betwixt Lisbon and Santarem because he often went from the one Place to the other whence it became a Proverb That the Fool goes and comes betwixt Lisbon and Santarem when they would express a Man often does the same thing to no purpose Giles Fernandez with 60 Horse and 400 Foot made an Incursion towards Medellin where he took so great a Booty that fearing to loose it if pursued he caused his Uncle Martin Yannez to feign himself to be Prince John and as such to discharge several Prisoners who reporting his being there with a greater Force than really was deterred the Enemy from following him Gonzalo Mendez being General took this Giles Fernandez with him to make an Inroad to Badajoz The Garrison issued out upon them and both sides fought with great Resolution In this Action a Butcher of Lisbon called Laurence killed several Castilians In the mean while Prince John forcing his way into the Suburbs of Badajoz Burnt them Gomez Lorenço de Avelar on the side of Cuidad Rodrigo took S. Felices Inojosa and Cerralvo Here John Roiz Portocarrero with only 23 Horse killed or took almost 80 of the Enemy from Ledesma This Year ended with a Fire at Lisbon which Burnt down all the then Smiths Street it is now the Confectioners 5. As the Last Year ended in Fire 1370. so this began with storms of Rain and Wind Great Storms which were so Violent that the Gate of the Cathedral tho' fastned with Iron Locks and Bolts was carried into the middle of the Church the Ships in the Harbour being drove from their Anchors were dashed into pieces but the Gallies escaped better by lying in the Mouth of the River Guadalquiâ—ir The great Rains and also the Moors who infested his Frontiers obliged King Henry to quit the Siege of Cuidad Rodrigo The Queen his Wife in Person had distressed Alonso Lopez de Tejada in Carmona so that he agreed to Surrender the Place it not releived by a Day prefixed and gave up his Two Sons as Hostages Misser Gregorio a Campomorâ—o with only 60 Men made his way through the Camp into the Town at the Day prefixed the Queen threatned to execute his Sons he bid her do so for he was able to get others and so he persisting Obstinate they were beheaded all Men calling that Barbarity which he thought would be accounted Magnanimity but it could not be such being a breach of Promise Thirty two Portuguese Galleys had been a Year upon the Coast under the Command of the Admiral Lancelot Pessano a Genoese The Castilians when this Fleet appeared before Barrameda scoffed at our Men for that having refused Aid to King Peter The Portuguese Fleet wastes the Island of Cadiz whilst living they now pretended to Defend him after he was Dead But they in Revenge destroyed the Island of Cadiz and the Shores of the Continent till the severity of the Winter and Diseases almost consumed them The Fleet of Castile coming out of Sevil took a Portuguese Ship that had Money and Provisions on Board and then shut up our Admiral Pessano in the River to oblige him to Fight in that narrow Place He fitted out Two Fireships which dispersed the Enemy and in that time he escaped having lost one Galley 6. Carmona still held out 1371. but fearing the Power of King Henry sent a Gentlemen to our King Ferdinand for Succour according to his promise This being refused the Town was obliged to Surrender There was in it a considerable Treasure of King Peter's and Two of his Bastard-Sons who were cast into Prison Pope Gregory the 11th sent Two Nuncio's to Mediate a Peace betwixt the Two Kings which was concluded at Alcoutin in Algarve upon these Conditions Peace concluded at the instance of the Pope That they should be obliged to assist one another That the Portuguese should be a Friend to Charles King of France that he should take to Wife Ellenor Henry's Daughter That he should have with her Cuidad Rodrigo Valencia de Alcantara Monte-Mayor Alhariz and a Summ of Money That a general Pardon should be granted on both sides Thus our King broke his Word with him of Aragon who in revenge kept all the Treasure that had been sent to his Daughter King Ferdinand finding his Treasures exhasted called in the Old Money and enhanced the Value of the New which did great Harm and much more when he endeavoured afterwards to rectifie that Error The Five Months allowed for the Princess Ellenor to come out of Castile were now expiring when the King falling in Love with the Lady Ellenor Tellez de Meneses forgot his Bride This Lady Ellenor Tellez was Wife to John Lorenço de Cunha Lord of Pombeyro He fell in Love with her at his Sister 's the Princess Beatrix where he was always so assiduous as gave occasion to suspect him guilty of a more than Brotherly Affection This Lady being about to return into the Country whence she came the King ordered her Sister who attended the Princess to stay her in Town for he would marry no other Woman The Sister objected that he was engaged to the Princess of Castile and her Sister Married The First he replyed might be easily put by and as for the latter he said she being Married to a Kinsman without Dispensation the Marriage was void All which gave the Lady Ellenor to understand the King's Affection was not at all Nice 7. Scarce had she consented when her Marriage being called in question The Lady Ellenor being divorced from her First Husband the King marries her and the Husband not opposing it Judgment was easily obtained for the K. Hereupon her Husband went away to Castile and there publickly wore a pair of Golden Horns In fine Ferdinand Married the Lady Ellenor The whole Kingdom was astonished at this Action but Lisbon shewed it self above all other Places Here a Taylor called Ferdinand Vasquez a bold well-spoken Fellow gathered 3000 of the People and with them went to the Pallace nothing being heard but Reproaches against the New Queen A great meeting at Lisbon on account of the Marriage To appease them the King protested he was not Married to her and
promised the next Day to hear them when they were Calmer at the Church of S. Dominick By Day the Multitude was in the broad Place before that Church but the King fearing the popular Fury was already gone away to Santarem When the People understood it they vented their Malice in Reproaches and this made the Queen stir up the King to Revenge The Taylor was apprehended and many of his Followers some whereof had their Hands others their Feet cut off many more fled now too late understanding that Subjects ought to have no other Redress against the Miscarrages of their Sovereigns than by their Prayers to God In the mean while the King traversed the Kingdom with his beloved Consort till being come to the pleasant Monastery of Leça Two Leagues from Porto he then declared what he denied at Lisbon to wit That he was Married to the Lady Ellenor and assigned her a greater Joynture than any Queen before her ever had 8. All the Nobility kissing the Queen's Hand only Prince Denis Son to the late King by the Lady Agnes de Castro refused it for which the King offered to Stab him but was prevented and the Prince fled to Coimbra Tho many of the Multitude were punished the clamours of the People against the King's Marriage ceased not nor were they continued without reason for that Marriage was in reality unlawful she being the true Wife of John Lorenço Ferdinand at last remembring he was contracted to the Princess of Castile sent to inform her Father That tho he could not perform that Article he would fulfil all the rest That Prince did not seem at all to be concerned but Embassadors were sent on both sides to Ratifie the Peace The New Queen gains Friends by her Generosity The New Queen having gained a Crown by her Beauty sought now to gain the Affections of the Nobility by her Bounty and she attained her end in a great Measure for many who before railed having tasted of her Favours began to extol her Generosity Besides the more to bend them to her she married all her Relations among the Nobility 9. King Ferdinand still pursuing his inconstant Humour King Ferdinand joyns in League with John of Ghent against Castile began again to break with Castile taking some Ships of that Crown in the River of Lisbon and entering into a Confederacy with John Duke of Lancaster Third Son to Edward the Third King of England and married to Constance the Eldest Daughter of King Peter of Castile in whose right he stiled himself King It was agreed they should joyntly make War upon the Kings of Castile and Aragon That they should bear an equal part in the expence of the War and that King Ferdinand should have all he could take in Castile excepting Towns and Castles That each should have what he could gain in Aragon King Henry sent an Embassador to Protugal to protest against these proceedings but to no effect Hereupon Henry marched with his Army towards Lisbon his Admiral Misser Ambrosio Bocanegra at the same time entring the River Tagus with 12 Galleys About the middle of September he set forward from Zamora Henry of Castile invades Portugal and by the way took Almeyda Pinnel Linnares Cerolico and Viseo where Prince Denis offended at King Ferdinand offered his Service to him They marched to Coimbra from whence Ferdinand was newly gone to Santarem and here Henry quartered in the Suburbs Our King being less forward to Fight than he had been to give the Occasion 1373. Henry marched without observing much order He Quarters in the Suburbs of Lisbon towards Lisbon about the end of February The King and those that were with him could from the Walls of Santarem discover the Enemy marching towards Lisbon yet had not the Courage to attack them Lisbon being surprized Henry entred at S. Antony's Gate and took up his Quarters in the Monastery of S. Francis the People retired to the stronger parts of the Town Our Fleet had been sent to hinder the Castilian Squadron from entring the Port but our Ships were taken by them and only 4 of our Galleys escaped saving themselves in the Creeks The People of Lisbon understanding there was a design to betray the City dragged one of the Conspirators about the Streets and then cut him in pieces another was exposed to the sails of a Mill which cast him into the River The Franciscan Friars where the King quartered thought to have expelled him thence but their design being discovered he put them into Boats without Sails or Oars and exposed them to the mercy of the Sea yet they got a Shoar The Castilians possessed the Skirts of the Town and many Skirmished dayly hapned In the mean while the Earl of Gijon King Henry's Son took Cascaes at the Mouth of Tagus whilst several Parties wasted the Country Most of the City Burnt The Lisbonians not able to expel the Enemy out of the Suburbs fired the Houses and they in requital set Fire to the Rua-nova or New Street and so the greatest part of the City was Burnt The Country betwixt the Rivers Duero and Minho was no less infested by the Forces of Galicia which routed a Portuguese Body that came to oppose them 10. Such was the posture of Affairs Peace concluded when in the Month of March Guido of Bononia a Cardinal was sent by the Pope to compose these Differences and towards the latter end of that Month the Peace was concluded upon these Conditions That both the Kings should joyn with him of France against the King of England and Duke of Lancaster That the Portuguese should furnish a Fleet for Three Years to be maintained by the Castilians That the English should not be supplied with Ammunition from Portugal That the Portuguese should expel the Castilians that followed him That a general Pardon should be granted on both sides That the Princess Beatrix Sister to King Ferdinand should be married to Sancho Lord of Albuquerque Brother to King Henry The Two Kings meet in friendly manner The two Kings met upon the Banks of the River Tagus and parted in Friendly manner In pursuance of the Treaty of Peace Count Sancho married the Lady Beatrix and the Wedding was kept with great Solemnity A Match was also agreed betwixt Elizabeth Bastard-Daughter to our King and Alonso Earl of Gijon Bastard-Son to King Henry Thus ended the War to the Satisfaction of both Kings but with the Desolation of their Kingdoms CHAP. XII The remaining Part of the Life and Reign of Ferdinand the First of the Name and Ninth King of Portugal from the Year 1373. till 1383. 1. KIng Ferdinand had not yet forgot the Treasure detained from him by the King of Aragon 1374. in return of his Mutability Ferdinand enters into a League with the King of Castile against the King of Aragon He thereupon meditated Revenge but it was hard to compass It happened the King of Castile fell at Variance
with the Aragonian and our King joyned in League with the former against the other But the Castilian knowing the inconstancy of Ferdinand soon came to agreement with the Aragonian The more to bind the Portuguese to him he proposed a Match betwixt our Princess Beatrix and his own Bastard-Son Frederick 1375. This Match being approved of by the Cortes at Leyria they were married by Proxy and the King of Castile Swore to perform the Articles of the Treaty 1376. on the 19th of January 1377. Our King being forsaken by the Castilian Prince John privately marries Mary Sister to Queen Ellenor concluded a League against Aragon with Lewis Duke of Anjou Son to the King of France Prince John of Portugal falling in Love with the Lady Mary Sister to the then Queen Ellenor raised also by her Beauty to the Throne he was privately married to her But Queen Ellenor instead of rejoycing at the Advancement of her Sister fearing that the King dying without Issue she might come to be Queen contrived her Death and to compass her ends she perswaded the Prince she would Marry him to the Princess Beatrix the King 's only Daughter and by that means secure him the Succession of the Crown At the same time she accused her Sister of defiling his Bed He Murders her The Prince moved with Hope and Revenge hasted to Coimbra and breaking in upon the Innocent Lady murdered her as she leaped naked out of Bed and taking Horse fled to secure himself and his followers As soon as the News of this Action came to Court 1378. the Queen went into deep Mourning The Prince easily obtained his Pardon and coming to Court began to sollicit the Conclusion of the Match before proposed to him by the Queen with the Lady Beatrix but finding nothing in her but Deceit he retired to the Province that lies betwixt Duero and Minho and thence fled to Castile where he was kept from the Crown of Portugal which would have fallen to him as we shall see in the next Reign had he not fled for killing his Wife 2. A mighty Solar Eclipse preceded the Death of Henry A great Eclipsâ— of the Sun King of Castile which happened on the 30th of May. Embassadors went immediately from Portugal to propose to John the new King a Match betwixt his Eldest Son Ferdinand then a Year old and Beatrix Princess of Portugal tho' she was before contracted to Frederick 1380. King Henry's Bastard Son The Castilian approving of this Proposal sent his Embassadors to Portugal who concluded upon the Articles of Marriage But notwithstanding this so late Capitulation King Ferdinand underhand treats with the Dukes of Lancaster and York about subduâ—ng of Castile King Ferdinand hoping to gain some Advantage over the Young King resolved upon War John Fernandez Andeyro one of them expelled Portugal upon the Pacification with King Henry was at this time in England to whom private Instructions were sent to treat with the Duke of Lancaster and Edmund Duke of York for Succours They espoused the Cause and Andeyro came away with the News to Portugal where the King being at Estremoz kept him up in a Tower that the Design might not take Air nor he seem to Entertain any of the Fugitives It fell out the Queen spoke sometimes with Andeyro in this Retirement and as Queens are but Women their Familiarity became scandalous for she who had forsaken her Lawful Husband for a King now abandoned that King for a Private Man whom she raised to the honour of an Earl After some time the King ordered him to appear publickly at Leyria as if newly come from England and there as had been agreed he was apprehended for coming into Portugal without leave Within a few days he was again set at Liberty and it was given out he should lose his Head if he stay'd in the Kingdom Under this Pretence he returned to England to sollicite the execution of the Treaty concluded 3. King John understanding that Edmund Duke of York raised Forces in England to Conquer Castile for his Brother the Duke of Lancaster who had a Right to it by his Wife the Daughter of King Peter and that he intended to assist the King of Portugal marched now as far as Zamora fitted out his Fleet at Sevil and sent Ferdinand Osores Master of the Knights of Santiago to secure Badajoz The King of Portugal had already fitted out 22 Galleys at Lisbon and sent Commanders to all the Frontiers The first Action of King Ferdinand was the demolishing the Walls of his own City of Evora which were so strong that three Years were spent in that Work The Portuguese Fleet commanded by the Earl John Alonso Tello the Queen's Brother set out from Lisbon and in the Sea of Algarve met with the Fleet of Castile consisting of 17 Galleys under the Command of Ferdinand Sanchez de Toar He being inferiour in number endeavoured to shun coming to an Engagement But our Admiral pursues and comes up with him off of Saltes All the Portuguese Fleet except one Galley taken by the Castilians having left behind 8 Galleys that went to take in some Fisher-Boats Toar seeing our Galleys dispersed bravely boards and takes 12 of the first that came up and afterwards Seven of the Eight that were behind Only one of our Galleys escaped to bring the News to Lisbon the rest were carryed in Triumph to Sevil. Few were killed in this Engagement but the Prisoners amounted to 6000. In the mean time the Master Ferdinand Osores infested the Frontiers with frequent Excursions from Badajoz Peter Alvarez Pereyra Prior of Crato marched with 1000 Lances and 4000 Cross-bow-Men in quest of him but came too late for he was retired to Badajoz King John streightly besieged the Town of Almeyda thither came to him Prince John who was fled from Portugal on account of killing his Wife and offered with the assistance of some banished Portugueses to cause Lisbon to be delivered up to the King Upon this he appeared before Lisbon with six Galleys but being disappointed of his Design returned back to Sevil. 4. King Ferdinand sent his Chancellor Laurence Yannez Fogaça into England to hasten the promised Succours The Duke of York set Sail from Plymouth with 3000 Men 1381. and entred the River of Lisbon on the 19th of July The Duke of York arrives at Lisbon with 3000 Men With him came the Princess his Wife and many Ladies as also his Son Edward and some of the banished Portugueses among whom was Andeyro who came not so much to serve the King in his Wars as the Queen in her Amours the King's Sickness administring a favourable Opportunity The King went aboard to receive the new Guests who were lodged in the Monastery of S. Dominick where Rich Presents were bestowed upon them and they were sumptuously entertained The King was by the Treaty obliged to furnish the English with Horses and he gave them
more Mules than Horses for there were scarce any in the Kingdom and he gave such as could be had The Duke of York advised our King to adhere to Pope Vrban and disown the Anti-Pope Glement which the King willingly complyed with A Schism in the Church The Duke of York's Son contracted to the Princess Beatrix for there being then a Schism in the Church the English would not hear the Masses said by Portuguese Priests because they acknowledged the Anti-Pope Edward the Duke's Son was solemnly contracted to the Princess Beatrix they being both about six Years of Age. Elvas was at that time besieged by the Castilians who hearing of the Arrival of the English raised the Siege and departed The English committed many Outrages in Lisbon and being ordered to March against Castile did no less harm in the Country as they went which was the cause that many of them were cut off by the Pertugueses D. John Alonso Earl of Ourem and the Queen's Brother dying the Queen gave his Title and Honours to her Gallant John Fernandez Andeyro He was a marryed Man and his Wife in Galicia The King to take him from the Queen caused his Wife to come to Court and the Queen endeavoured to gain her with Gifts which she received yet at the same time openly spoke of the Queen whatsoever her Jealousie dictated 5. This Year another Powerful Fleet of Castile from Biscay entred the River Tagus 1382. and meeting no Opposition destroyed some Vessels The Fleet of Castile again ravages the Coast then Landing they burnt three Royal Palaces and ravaged all that Coast At lengh Peter Alvarez Pereyra Prior of Crato with 200 Horse cut off almost all the Party of the Enemy and recovered the Booty they carryed away which was some check to them for the future Nunno Alvarez Pereyra lay in Ambush with 24 Horse and 30 Foot near the Bridge of Alcantara there he put to flight 20 of the Enemy who fled to the Shoar The Enemy increasing to about 250 his Men refused to Engage at such odds and he to draw them on run upon them alone where his Horse fell upon him but his Men coming to his Rescue brought him off the Castilians at the same time retiring to their Vessels The Queen having in Publick rent a Veil in two and given one half to her Gallant John Fernandez Andeyro and the other to Count Gonçalo for that they were sweaty and had no Handkerchiefs to wipe their Faces for it seems they were not then used in Portugal Gonzalo Vasquez de Azevedo her Cousin reproached her with it and she in Revenge accused him and John Bastard Son to the late King of holding Intelligence with the Spaniards Hereupon they were both committed to Prison She contrived to put them to Death but failing in her Projects set them at Liberty and shewed extraordinary Kindness to them both the better to disguise her Practices against them as also since she had failed to destroy them to bind them to her Interest 6. The Master of the Knights of Avis being now at Liberty The English and Portuguese take Towns in Castile joyned with some English and making together 200 Horse and 4000 Foot they marched to Castile and laid Siege to Loboâ— which they took the English being the first that entred Cortijo fell into their hands and was more hardly used for tho the Priests appeared on the Walls with the Blessed Sacrament the English put all to the Sword in Revenge of one of theirs that was killed The Kings of Castile and Portugal were now at the Head of their Armies the former at Badajoz the latter at Elvas ready to decide their Quarrel by Battle King Ferdinand Knighted 24 of his own People and the English but being told he could not tho' a King confer that Honour because he had not received it himself he caused the Duke of York to Knight him and then repeated the Ceremony to those 24 Knights The whole Day was spent by both Armies looking upon each other and at last the one drew back to Badajoz and the other to Elvas What the cause of parting so should be cannot certainly be assigned but some said The Castilian feared the English who had been before victorious in Castile to which the Duke of Lancaster had a good Title and had been once proclaimed by part of the Army Whatever it was a Treaty of Peace was immediately set a foot none knowing who had first moved for it Embassadors being sent on both Sides the Articles were at length agreed upon without the Knowledge of the English Peace concluded without the Knowledge of the English and were first That the Princess Beatrix lately contracted to Edward Son to the Duke of York should marry Prince Ferdinand King John's second Son having before been promised to the eldest But this Match was better liked to prevent the Union of the Two Crowns Secondly That the Twenty two Galleys taken by the Castilians should be restored Thirdly That a general Pardon should be granted on both sides Fourthly That the King of Castile should furnish Ships to carry the English Home as if he had sent for them When these Articles were to have been ratified the Castilian demurred as to restoring the Gallies and sending Home the English The Embassadors hereupon challenged him in their Master's Name and he scornfully answered I did not think he had so much Courage Nevertheless through the Perswasion of the Master of the Knights of Santiago he ratify'd the Peace 7. The Peace was proclaimed at Elvas which made the English rail After the Peace King Ferdinand again submits to the Antipope for that it was concluded without their Knowledge and the King put them off the best he could At this time came to the Court Cardinal Peter de Luna an Aragonian sent by the Anti-Pope Clement requiring King Ferdinand to acknowledge him again for he had cast him off at the Request of the English The King assembled some learned Men and the worst Advice was followed for he again submitted himself to the Schismatical Pope 1383. In the mean while died Ellenor Queen of Castile The King of Castile marries the Daughter of King Ferdinand and King Ferdinand forgetting he refus'd his Daughter to the eldest Son of Castile to prevent Disputes about the Succession now offered her to the Father His Offer was accepted and this Princess at last found a Husband the fifth time she had been contracted For she was first promised to Dâ—ke Frederick secondly to Henry Prince of Castile thirdly to Ferdinand his Brother fourthly to the Duke of York and now lastly to King John She proved a Pattern of Chastity for her Husband dying whilst she was yet very young and being courted by several Princes she answered That Women of Honour did not marry twice The Archbishop of Santiago came to Portugal to receive the Bride the King being then at Salvatierra upon the River Tagus It was agreed
That in case King Ferdinand died without Heirs his Daughter should inherit and after her her Issue but if she had none then King John should succeed and that if King John his new Queen and the Princess Ellenor Wife to the Prince of Navar died without Heirs before King Ferdinand then he should inherit the Crown of Castile That till the new Queen of Castile had a Son Fourteen Years of Age Queen Ellenor her Mother should govern Portugal Thus it appears the future Pretensions of the King of Castile to the Crown of Portugal were just as were Queen Ellenor's to the Government and that the succeeding King John was an Usurper having no lawful Title to the Crown 8. King Ferdinand being Sick King Ferdinand falls sick his Queen Ellenor conducted the Princess then not full Thirteen Years of Age to Elvas When both Parties had sworn the Performance of Articles the King and his Bride met in Tents near that City Such was Queen Ellenor's Beauty that the Castilians seeing her said King Ferdinand were much to blame had he not loved her having seen her or if having loved her he had not made her a Queen Here the Cardinal of Luna produced a Dispensation for them to marry they being within the prohibited Degrees of Consanguinity after which there was a most splendid Entertainment Then they returned to Elvas where the nuptial Rites were solemnly performed with extraordinary Pomp and after all publick Testimonies of Joy and Demonstrations of Grandeur were over the King of Castile gave rich Presents to all the Portuguese Gentry Queen Ellenor returning to Almada where King Ferdinand lay sick and intimating That she liked not the King of Castile The Master of the Order of Avis commended his Sense and Modesty to which she answered That is true but I would have a Man be more a Man At last King Ferdinand being convinc'd of the extravagant Familiarity that was betwixt the Queen and Count John Fernandez Andeyro and being unwilling by punishing to expose her Weakness or to lose her he so passionately loved he ordered the Master of the Knights of Avis to make him away privately But though he performed not at this time what was enjoyned him yet afterwards he murdered him in the Revolution that happened when the Order was void 9. The King now spent with Sickness removed from Almada to Lisbon 1383. where he died very Penitent on the 24th of October 1383. Ferdinand dies He was almost Forty four Years of Age reigned Seventeen and was buried with Pomp in the Quire of the Monastery of S. Francis at Santarem His Presence was so Graceful and Majestick that through any Disguise he appeared to be a King his Visage was long his Complexion fair as was his Hair and his Eyes sparkling His Character The great Expence of his Wars obliged him to enhance the price of the Money whereof he coined several Sorts but after his Wars ceased all the Coin was restor'd to its intrinsick Value He removed the University erected by King Denis at Coimbra to Lisbon but it afterwards returned to the same Place from whence he brought it He was rather Prodigal than Liberal which may appear by the many Towns we have mentioned he gave to the Castilians that came over to him As to his other Gifts one Instance will serve to demonstrate the rest To John Alonso de Moxica one of the Castilian Gentlemen that came over to Portugal besides Towns and Lands he gave in one Day 50 Horses 30 Mules 3 Suits of Armour 30000 Marks of Plate and 4 Sumptures loaded with rich Tapistry He pulled down the Roman Walls of Ebora to build New And thus though unfortunate in all his Undertakings he secured to himself the Love of all Men. 10. His lawful Issue was His Issue first Beatrix married to King John the first of Castile they wronged her who said she was Daughter to Count Fernandez Andeyro for she was Eight Years of Age when he begun to be familiar with the Queen Secondly A Son who died in his Infancy Thirdly Another in the same nature One Bastard Daughter he had married to Alonso Earl of Gijon Bastard Son to King Henry the second of Castile from whom sprung the Family of the Noronhas The END of THE THIRD BOOK THE HISTORY OF PORTUGAL The Fourth BOOK CHAP. I. The Birth Education and Actions of John Bastard Son to King Peter of Portugal His Promotion to be Protector of the Kingdom and Wars with Castile from the Year 1357. till the end of 1384. 1. JOHN Bastard Son to King Peter by Teresa Alonso of Galicia was born at Lisbon on the 22d of April 1357. 1357. In his Infancy he was kept by Laurence de Lyria John Bastard Son to King Peter aspires to the Crown a noted Citizen then delivered to Nunho Freyre de Andrade Master of the Order of Christ who presented him to the King at the Age of Seven Years asking for him the Mastership of the Order of Avis then vacant by the Death of D. Martin de Avelar This was the first time his Father saw him and having Knighted him gave him that Honour He was sent to receive it at Avis a Convent of that Order and was there educated till of Age to bear Arms. His Actions till the Death of King Ferdinand have been related it now remains to recount what he did afterwards The late King in his Will left the Administration of the Government to his Wife Queen Ellenor in pursuance of what had been Stipulated with King John of Castile upon his marrying the Lady Beatrix lawful Daughter to King Ferdinand tho the unbridled Malice of the Multitude Defamed her with the Name of Count John Fernandez Andeyro his Daughter Queen Ellenor entred upon the Government with Extraordinary tokens of Grief for the Death of the King her Husband The Council of the City of Lisbon advised her not to be so negligent in the Government as her Husband had been and she answered them so graciously that they went away well satisfied The King of Castile immediately sent Embassadors to condole her Loss and at the same time to require himself to be proclaimed King in the Right of his Wife and in pursuance of the late Capitulations Scarce was this mentioned throughout the Kingdom when a general reluctancy appeared in the Countenances of all Men. D. Henry Manuel de Villena Earl of Sea and Unkle to the King Castile was ordered to Proclaim him in Lisbon but was opposed by D. Alvare Perez de Castro in behalf of King Peter's lawful Issue by the Lady Agnes de Castro The same happened at Santarem Elvas and in most Places of the Kingdom King John proposed his Title by his Embassador to the City of Lisbon but it was not favourably received 2. The First contrivance of the Master of Avis Before his Assuming the Crown he Murders Count John Fernandez Andeyro with some others was to Murder the Count John Fernandez
for the Expence of the War with which and some good Troops they returned The Earl of Gijon Bastard-Brother to the King of Castile and Elizabeth his Wife Bastard-Daughter to the late King of Portugal were both secured in Castile on Account of holding Correspondence in Portugal The King and Queen of Castile removed from Puebla de Montalvan to Toledo where against their being proclaimed Standards were made with the Arms of both Kingdoms And now it was debated in Council whether Portugal ought presently to be invaded The wiser sort were for trying all obliging Methods First but the hotter Youths allowed of nothing but force of Arms and this Advice as followed 6. The King marched to the City Guarda which was delivered to him by the Bishop but Alvaro Gil Governour of the Castle would not Surrender The Towns of Cerolico The King of Castile invades Portugal Bedado and Linhares were also put into his Hands Some other Places submitted conditionally that the King should fulfil the Articles of Marriage Queen Ellenor sent to perswade the King to proceed and meet her at Santarem Several Places submitted themselves to him in his way and being come to Santarem the First Resolution of Queen Ellenor was to request he would revenge the 〈◊〉 done to her The K. answered he could not 〈…〉 quarrel unless she would resign up the 〈…〉 which she accordingly did and then they 〈…〉 Town Here the King took 〈…〉 On the right side of the Royal 〈◊〉 were the Arms of Castile and Leon and on the left those of Portugal The Royal Seal ran thus John King of Castile and Leon of Portugal of Toledo c. Money was also coyned after that manner Many of the Nobility adheared to the King of Castile and he was possest of the best Part of the Kingdom but the Multitude generally was inclined to the Bastard D. John Master of the Order of Avis The King of Castile sent D. Peter Fernandez Cabeça de Vaca with 1000 chosen Horse and a proportionable number of Foot to invest Lisbon These Troops being advanced as far as Lumiar John Fernandez Moreyra engaged them with a small Party but was himself Killed with some others many Prisoners were taken and the rest fled And now D. John the Protector marched out to meet the Enemy but they not expecting his coming fled in great disorder to Alenquer and Tâ—rres Vedras leaving all behind them 7. At First the Castilians behaved themselves modestly at Santarem but after a few Days they turned the Inhabitants out of their Houses pillaged them and abused their Wives and Daughters and there being no redress the Town began to be abandoned The Office or chief Rabbi among the Jews being vacant Queen Ellenor begged it of the King for one Man and he gave it to another recommended by his Wife Queen Beatrix This repulse and their different Humours set Queen Ellenor at Variance with the King The King of Castile and Queen Ellenor at Variaâ—â—â— and she now repented her calling him in and resigning the Government into his Hands in so much that she advised many of her Followers to go over to the Master of Avis telling them he was their Natural Lord. The King and Queen went away to Coimbra which City had promised to receive them yet when the King was Quartered in a Monastery without the City A Conspiracy against the King of Castile discovered they refused to admit him Here a Conspiracy was laid to Convey Queen Ellenor into the City and Murder the King This Design was betrayed by a Jew some of the Conspirators fled and Queen Ellenor was sent Prisoner to the Monastery of Tordesillas near Valladolid As soon as the News of Queen Ellenor's imprisonment was brought the Town of Alenquer revolted to the Protector but the King being Re-inforced marched to Besiege Lisbon At Aruda 40 Portuguese hid themselves in a great Cave and Fire being applied to it most of them died Two hid themselves in the House where the King Quartered designing to Murder him but being discovered were Hanged Many Places in the Province of Alentejo held for the Protector and sent to him for one to Command over them he sent Nâ—nho Alvarez Pereyra with an absolute Power who having visited some Places of his Charge and hearing that a great Body of Castilians was upon their March to Besiege the Town of Frontera he hasted with a much smaller number to releive that Place His Men knowing how much more numerous the Enemy was at First refused to follow him but being encouraged by his Resolution they gave the Charge and put the Castilians to the Rout killing many and among them several Persons of Note This done he took Aronches by Force and Alegrete was surrendred to him 8. The Protector understanding that a mighty Fleet was coming from Castile ordered the Archbishop of Braga to over-see the Equipping of his Vessels Lisbon Besieged by Sea and Land which performed with great industry so that Twelve Galleys some Galliots and Seven Ships were fitted out The King of Castile spread his Army about Lisbon where one of his Parties approaching to S. Augustin's Gate was defeated by 200 Horse that Sallied out of the City About the end of May 13 Galleys and 40 Ships of Castile appeared in the River of Lisbon The King drew nearer to the City and encamping at the Foot of Mount Olivet wasted the Country then encompassing it on all sides resolved to Starve it In the mean while a considerable Fleet was setting out at Porto for the relief of Lisbon and the King having notice thereof with the Advice of his Commanders resolved to give the Enemy Battle in the River The Portuguese Fleet consisted of 17 Galleys and as many Ships which entred the River in this order First 5 Ships then the 17 Galleys and after them the other 12 Ships The Portuguese Fleet stops up the River to Lisbon The Castilians furiously assailed the 5 Ships where they met with a most vigorous Opposition yet they took 3 of them but whilst they were intent upon them the rest of the Portuguese slipped by and got safe up the Harbour Soon after the King's Fleet was re-inforced by several Vessels so that now it consisted of 60 Ships and 17 Galleys besides Carracks which made the Protector lay aside all thoughts of engaging 9. The Fort of Almada opposite to Lisbon after enduring great extremities for want of Water was at length Surrendred to the King who entred into that Place on the 1st of August 1384. At this time Ruy Freyre and others discovered to the Protector a Design of betraying the City to the Castilians carried on by D. Peter de Castro Son to Count Alvaro Perez and his Accomplices who were all apprehended Many also deserted to the King and among them D. Alonso Enriquez who at Coimbra had plotted to convey away Queen Ellenor Hunger now began to pinch in Lisbon and was hard to be remedied but that at the
same time the Plague raged in the Castilian Army Overturâ—â— of Peace rejeâ—â—â—d Overtures of Peace were also made by the King to the Protector but he would hearken to none Nunho Alvarez Pereyra having ventured to pass the River in a Boat through the midst of the Fleet of Castile returned thence to Ebora and had the Town of Portel betrayed to him by 3 Citizens Twice he attempted Villaviciosa but was both times repulsed with Loss The Protector lay before Torres Vedras and Nunho Alvarez understanding that several Parties of the Enemy provided to fall upon him he hasted to his Succour which the Castilians understanding they gave over that Design however the Protector was forced to quit the Siege Nunho returning to his Châ—rge took Monzaraz defeated a Castilian Party near Badajâ—z another before Almada and made himself Master of Roca de Palmela and Couna 10. The Scarcity was now so great at Lisbon that they turned out the Poor and unserviceable People to the Enemy who sent them back well lashed No hopes now remained but that the Plague raged so violently among the Castilians The Siege of Lisbon raised when it had lasted five Months that Two hundred died in a Day and of them very many of Quality But the King no way moved hereat continued the Siege till the Infection touched the Queen and then he raised it having lain Five Months before the City Being come to Santarem he sent Troops to re-inforce the Garrisons of such Places as still held for him but passing by Torres Novas he was not admitted into the Town by Gonçalo Vasquez de Azevedo who before kept that Place for him His Wife went out to visit the Queen and there promised to reduce her Husband and not prevailing she returned to the Camp and the King sent to bid him Farewell for that his Wife was going to Castile He fearing to lose his Wife delivered himself and the Town but the King carried him and his Son away Prisoners leaving their Wives behind and a New Governour in the Place Whilst the King marched home the Protector granted large Immunities to the City of Lisbon in recompence of its Fidelity to him Next he contrived how to recover some places out of the Hands of the Castilians He marched by night to surprize Sintra but was disappointed by a violent Storm and Floods that swelled the Rivers above their Bridges Soon after Almada was surrendred to him notwithstanding that the King had carried away the Children of the principal Inhabitants as Hostages Alcnquer summitted to him also after having made some Defence But Torres Novas held out against all his Attemps and to add to his Grief he understood that Nunho Alvarez had been also repulsed at Vilâ—aviâ—iosa that the Master of the Order of Christ the Prior of Crato and Alvaro Gonzalez Camello were taken Prisoners at Torres Novas and that Two Galleys of Castile stealing into the Port of Lisbon by night had â—urnt Three Vessels there CHAP. II. John the Bastard-Son of King Peter of Protector is declared King he continues the War with Castile successfully from the Year 1384. till 1393. 1. ABout the beginning of the New Year was discovered a Conspiracy against the Protector 138â— Peter Earl of Trastamara A Conspiracy against the Protector discoverâ—â—â— was stirred up by the King of Castile to kill him as he lay at the Siege of Torres Vedras The Count communicated this Affair to D. Peter de Castro John Duque Governour of Torres Vedras John Alonso de Baeza Garcia Gonzales de Valdez and several others of whom only 3 Men were apprehended and one of them burnt In Revenge whereof John Duque sent out six Portuguese he had in Torres Vedras with their Hands and Noses cut off The Protector raised the Siege of Tâ—rres Vedras in order to go to Coimbra to meet the Cortes or Parliament he had caused to be thither Assembled and most of the Inhabitants about Torres Vedras went away with him In his way Leyria refused to admit him but he was well received at Monte-mayor and Coimbra In this City 〈◊〉 about proclaiming the Protector King some were for proclaiming the Protector King and others for the Princes John and Denis lawful Sons to King Peter but all agreed the present Protector should continue as long as Prince John should be Prisoner and in case neither he nor his Brother could come to Portugal then the Protector was to be received as King Dr. John de Regâ—as a famous Civilian made two Harangues on behalf of the Protector casting scandalous Reflections upon Queen Eâ—lenor to incapacitate her Daughter Queen Beatrix from succeeding in the Throne the same he did on the Lady Agnes de Castro Wife to king Peter with an intent to exclude her Sons the Princes John and Denis Some little Opposition was made at first by several of the Nobility but at length they all consented the Protector should be proclaimed King the so much celebrated Nunho Alvarez Pereyra having offered to Murder Martin Vasquez chief of the adverse Party only because he stood up for the lawful Heirs 2. The Protector with a counterfeit Modesty seemed to excuse himself from accepting of their Offers but it was only to heighten their Zeal and so on the 6th of April he complyed with them He immediately shewed great Favour towards the Cities of Lisbon and Porto for having so constantly adhered to him Thus it appears how little hopes of Salvation there can be left for Lawyers who by false Interpretations invert Justice as it appears in the case of this John de Reglas before-mentioned who standered the Queens Beatrix and Ellenor and the Princess Agnes de Castro and excluded the Lawful Heirs the Princes John and Denis only for his own private Interest in promoting the Bastard Protector who could have no Title to the Crown I think it were better to breed up Children Thieves than Lawyers for the former will at least Repent at the Gallows but the latter are never permitted by Worldly Interest to Repent All Parties thus agreed The 〈…〉 the Protector was solemnly Proclaimed King of Portugal and accordingly chose all his Officers of State and of the Houshold Marching into the Field he mustered 6000 Men a small number but resolute and unanimous and Nunho Alvarez Pereyra now made Constable of Portugal was ordered to Sea with a Squadron from Porto to engage the Castisian Fleet before Lisbon Missing of that Enemy he sailed back to the Province betwixt the Rivers Duero and Minho to recover part of that Country then holding for Castile Here he took Neyva and Ponte de Lima by force Villa Nova de Cerveyra and Monçon opened their Gates to him 3. The new-made King went from Coimbra to Porto where he was received with great Joy 〈…〉 the new King Here he consulted with Alonso Lorenzo de Carvallo a Man then Powerful at Guimaraens about betraying that Place to him which was accordingly performed The Castle held
out some time but there being no hopes of Relief at last it surrendred The City Braga mutinying drove their Governour into the Castle and sending to the new King offered to receive him He ordered Nunho Alvarez the Constable to take Possession of the City and force the Castle which was accordingly performed The same happened at Ponte de Lima. The King of Castile now at Cordova having twice sent his Fleet against Lisbon ordered a strong Party to enter Portugal by the way of Cuidad Rodrigo They plundered all the Territory of Trancoso and the City of Viseu but as they returned laden with a Rich Booty they were charged by a Portuguese Body much inferiour to them in Number yet with such Resolution that of all the Castilians only 200 escaped not one Portuguese being lost in the Action if Credit may be given to such a Relation after affirming the Fight was obstinately maintained In the mean while the Fleet of Castile consisting of Forty Ships Ten Galeons The Castilians enter Portugal some Galleys Twelve Barks and other small Vessels rode in the Harbour of Lisbon That King also marched from Cordova with a numerous Army and appeared before Elvas which was resolutely defended and now finding the general Aversion of the Portuguese to him it was debated whether Portugal ought to be invaded at all but at last it was resolved to enter it by the way of the Province of Beyra 4. The new Portuguese King understanding the approach of the Castilians marched out of Guimaraens to give them Battle having drawn together his Forces from Coimbra Porto and other Places On the 14th of August in the Morning he entred the Plain of Aljubarrota where he Knighted several Gentlemen The Castilians designed not to fight intending to march directly to Lisbon Tâ—â— Famâ—â—â— Bâ—â—â—â—â—â— Aâ—jubarâ—â—â— yet after some Consultation they resolved to Engage There was a great disproportion in Numbers for the Castilians are reported to have been 33000 strong and the Portuguese but 6500 besides which Disadvantage they had the Sun and Dust in their Eyes The Sun was going down when these two unequal Armies engaged The Castilians at the first Charge broke through our Vanguard but the new King then coming up not only with Words but with his Example so animated his Men that in less than an hour that multitude of Enemies was put to the rout The King of Castile who began the Fight on a Mule being then troubled with an Ague was forced to take a Horse to save himself Most of the Portuguese who sided with Castile and were in the Front of the Army were put to the Sword for no Quarter was given to them The Royal Standard of Castile was taken but many pretending to the Honour it could not be decided by whom The full Number of the slain is not known but it was very great on the part of Castile of whom about 3000 Horse are reckoned to have perished and very many Men of great Account This is the Famous Battle of Aljubarrota so called for that it was fought near the Village of that Name The Booty was vastly Rich. 5. The Victorious King continued three days in the Field of Battle erecting Trophies it being then the Custom so long to expect the return of the Enemy The King of Castile fled with speed from Aljubarrota to Santarem which is Twelve Leagues and having rested there a short time went down the River to his Fleet then Riding before Lisbon where he continued two days and on the 17th of August left that Port attended by Seventeen Galleys He arrived at Sevil and tired there with the Clamours of the People went away to Carmona Now we have heard what the Portuguese Authors write of this Battle The Account given of this Battle by the Spanish Historians which seems altogether incredible but let us give an hint of what those of Castile write which is much more probable They say the King of Castile advancing towards his Enemy found him posted in an Advantageous Ground betwixt two Morasses out of which Place he could not be drawn because much inferiour in Number That he was above 12000 strong and before the Engagement made Overtures of Peace That the Castilians would not be disswaded from giving Battle in that Place so disadvantageous to them because they exceeded their Enemies in Number and in fine that they lost the Day through their own Pride and Rashness in assailing an Enemy so well posted when they might have ranged all the Country at their own pleasure This I believe to all Impartial Men will appear nearer to the Truth for we must allow all Authors to magnifie the Exploits of their own Country and so let us return to our History The new King coming to Santarem had it delivered to him and finding there many Ladies whose Husbands were in the Service of Castile he gave them all Liberty to go to them which they gladly embraced 6. The Portuguese King 's next care was to Reward those who had signalized themselves in the Battle The Constable of Portugal upon the Frontiers of Castile the chief whereof was the Constable to whom he gave large Possessions and the Title of Count of Ourem He encouraged by this Honour resolved to invade Castile Having gathered 4000 Men he met and defeated the Master of Calatrava D. Martin Yanez de Barbuda who had entred Portugal with a strong Party and pursuing his Success took the strong Town of Villa Garcia Thence he marched to the Plain betwixt Magaçela and Villa Nueva de la Serena where he had a terrible and long as well as doubtful Battle with D. Peter Moniz Master of the Order of Santiago Three several times the Fight was renewed and lasted almost two days with incredible Obstinacy but in the Conclusion the Portuguese obtained a most Glorious Victory This done he went away to aid the King then lying at the Siege of Chaves which was surrendred to him Moving thence they laid Siege to Coria but after having battered it some days with great Fury were forced to rise and depart the Constable to the Province of Alentejo and the King on foot in Pilgrimage to Our Lady's Church at Guimaraens as he had promised before the Battle of Aljubarrota Most of them that held any Fortresses for Castile surrendred themselves now to the new King He laid Siege to the Town of Chaves whereof Martin Gonzalez de Atayde was Governour who held it out till he had no Water left 1386. and then articled to Surrender in Forty days if not relieved from Castile and by consent of that King he at length delivered up the Place 7. The Portuguese Embassadors in England stirred up the Duke of Lancaster to lay hold of this Opportunity to assert his Right to the Crown of Castile The Duke of Lancaster invited by the Portuguese Lands in Galicia with 2000 Horse and 3000 Archers to which he had a most Legal Title by his Wife the Lady
Constance Daughter to King Peter from whom Henry the Bastard had usurped that Kingdom The Duke having this Right to the Crown of Castile set Sail from Plymouth with a numerous Fleet and arrived at Coruna in Galicia on the 25th of July where he landed 2000 Horse and 3000 Archers besides some other Forces and several Persons of Note The Duke was Sixty Years of Age without any grey hairs was tall and well shaped affable modest in Discourse of an excellent Deportment and in all respects answerable to his Royal Extraction With him came his Wife Constance and his two Daughters Philippa by his first Wife and Katherine by the second Scarce was he landed at Coruna when that Place owned him for its Lawful Sovereign as did the City Santiago and the greatest part of this Kingdom of Galicia Our King was at Lamego when the Duke landed in Spain The New King John and Duke of Lancaster meet Thence he removed to Porto and having agreed to meet the Duke at Ponte-Mauro set forward with a numerous Retinue They met upon the First of November in a Plain near Melgazo There it was agreed That if the Duke succeeded he should give the Towns of Ledesma Montilla Melgazo Plazenzia Grimal Canaveral Caceres Mendao Fuente del Maestre Zafra Torres de-Medina Fegenal and other Places with their Territories to the King of Portugal as Dower with his Daughter Philippa The Pope's Dispensation being come whereby the King was loosed from his Vow of Chastity made as Master of the Military Order of Avis and the Princess Philippa being conducted to him they were solemnly married upon Candlemas-Day Immediately the Queen's Household was settled and a plentiful Revenue assigned her 1387. which afterwards some other Queens of Portugal enjoyed 8. The King having spent Two Months with his Queen at Porto went with her to see her Father at Bragança and thence sent her back to Coimbra Many of the English were dead of Diseases With the King were 3000 Lances 2000 Cross-Bow Men and 5000 Foot They entred the Dominions of Castile and took Castro Calvo Mâ—â—tila Râ—sales Valderas and Villalobos Tho' Galicia had received the Duke as lawful King yet no Place in Castile admitted him but by Constraint Hereupon the King told him That to make an absolute Conquest it was requisite he should return to England for greater Forces The Duke approved of his Advice and they returned to Cuidad Rodrigo By the way they defeated a Party of the Enemies consisting of 500 Horse and some Foot Another Skirmish happened near the City upon the Passage of a Brook with the same Success The Duke being now in Portugal Embassadors came to him from the King of Castile Prince Henry of Castile marries the Daughter of the Duke of Lancaster Peace is concluded offering that Prince Henry Heir to the Crown should marry Katherine the Duke's Daughter that so all Pretensions to the Kingdom might cease The Duke assented and Articles being agreed upon and performed the War betwixt him and Castile ended He being with the King at Coimbra a Castilian was there burnt for contriving to Poyson him Soon after he returned to England 9. The King having held the Cortes or Parliament at Braga 1388. set out to recover some Places which still held for Castile Melgazo having held out to the last was then delivered up the Defendants having only leave to depart without Arms. It was remarkable at this Siege that Two Women A combat betwixt two Women one of the Town and the other of the Camp challenged each other and fought the latter was Victorious Hence the King marched to Lisbon and in September to the Province of Alentejo where about the middle of October after a stout Defence the Town and Castle of Campo-Major were taken by force At the beginning of the following Year 1389. the King being at Lisbon one of the Queens Ladies called Beatrix was found to have admitted Ferdinand Alonso one of the King's Bed-Chamber and his Favourite to her Bed Hereupon he was apprehended and having made his Escape from the Officer took Sanctuary in the Church Thence the King himself went to drag him and tho' he urged he was married caused him to be burnt The Lady went away to Castile to her Mother Embassadors came to the King being then in the Province between the Rivers Duero and Minho proposing a Truce for some Months and so Commissioners were appointed to treat with him and in the mean while the King to lose no time Besieged and took the City Tuy in Galicia 139â— At length a Cessation was concluded for Three Years A Cessation of Arms betwixt Spain and Portugal for three Years and some Places restored on both sides but more to the Portuguese Nevertheless the King of Castile ceased not to make mighty preparations for War but his Designs were prevented by Death which happened to him by a fall from his Horse After the expiration of the Three Years the Nobles of Castile 1393. and the Governours to King Henry Son to the late King John by his First Wife the Lady Ellenor advised him to desist from his Pretensions to Portugal since he was not Born of Queen Beatrix on whom that Title was grounded Embassadors were sent to this Effect to Portugal where a Peace was concluded for Fifteen Years all Prisoners on both sides to be released and all Dammages done during the late Cessation to be made good and then Hostages for performance were given on both sides 10. But these Articles were not faithfully performed on the Part of Castile The Truce not duly observed neither as to restitution of Dammages nor releasement of Prisoners wherefore the Portuguese resolved to do himself Justice by taking some Towns and accordingly surprized Badajoz and Albuquerque Embassadors sent from Castile promised performance of Articles upon Restitution of those Places and it was only done to amuse the King for at the same time Vessels were fitting out in Biscay against Portugal and two Portuguese Ships laden with Warlike Stores were taken off of Cape S. Vincent At the same time the Castilians made Incursions wasting all the open Country But the Constable defeated a Party of 400 of them that was returning home with a rich Booty Campo-Mayor was soon after taken by the King Having thus secured themselves against their Enemy the King and Constable gave themselves some Repose The latter distributed most of what the King had bestowed on him for his Services on such Gentlemen as had always adhered to him On the contrary the King now established on the Throne took back to himself much of what he had bestowed on many great Men for their good Service in the War As the Constable had received most this fell heaviest upon him and therefore he resolved to depart the Kingdom but the King returning part of what he had taken from him with difficulty perswaded him to stay The taking of Badajoz and Albuquerque before mentioned
had renewed the War and the Country was now again in Hostile manner wasted on both sides wherein many notable Skirmishes happened CHAP. III. The remaining Part of the Life and Reign of King John the First of the Name and Tenth King of Portugal from the Year 1393. till 1433. 1. MAny great Men disgusted for that the King as was before said Had since his establishment recalled part of the Grants made to them during his Necessity went over to Castile where settling themselves they became the Heads of Noble Families The King having taken Salvatierra layed Siege to Tuy which after a vigorous Defence was surrendred to him In the mean while Denis Son to King Peter enters Portugal with an Army Prince Denis Son to King Peter by Lady Agnes de Castro was by the King of Castile sent into Portugal with an Army and the Title of King At the same time the Castilian Admiral James Hurtado de Mendoza entred the River Tagus with a Fleet of Forty Ships and Fifteen Galleys Nunho Alvarez Pereyra with all the Forces he could make marched to oppose Prince Denis who upon the News of his approach returned to Castile The King had given to the Constable the sole Government of the Province of Alentejo and Algarve which he for some time held but soon after resigned and went away to the King to assist him at the Siege of Tuy but it was taken before he arrived there 1398. Misser Ambrosio Marines a Genoese was sent Embassador from Castile to settle a Peace in order to which a Cessation was agreed upon for Nine Months 1401. This Term expired and nothing was concluded Hereupon the King about the middle of May layed Siege to Alcantara but was forced after some Days to desist from that Enterprize 2. A Treaty of Peace was again set on Foot at Segovia Peace concluded betwixt the Two Crowns where after long Debates it was concluded upon the following Conditions That no Money should be demanded of Castile on account of former Breach of Articles That Towns and Prisoners should be exchanged on both sides That the Castilian Hostages should be restored That the Portugueses who fled to Castile should return to their Estates On these Terms a Truce was concluded for Ten Years Nâ—t observed and Hostages were given on both sides for Performance But this Cessation produced no more quiet than the former continual Hostilities were exercised tho' the Actions seem not very considerable for there is no particular Account of them but the 4th Year after the conclusion of the last Truce a perpetual Peace began to be discoursed of King Henry of Castile was then dead and Queen Katherine Sister to the Queen of Portugal had the tuition of King John the Second not yet a Year Old In her Husband's Life time she had always advised Peace and she now moved That Embassadors from both sides might meet on the Frontiers of the Two Kingdoms who did so accordingly but came to no conclusion because the Castilians Demands ran high After many Messages had passed on both sides and much time spent the Treaty was again set a Foot and now Embassadors employed to manage it who at length agreed upon Articles whereof the chiefest was 1411. That the Subjects of both Crowns who had served against their Princes should be restored to their Countries and Estates Peace now established and the Crown secured Peace at length established application was made to the Pope for Absolution of the Censures laid on the Kingdom upon Account of promoting King John to the Throne he being a Bastard and having professed in the Order of Avis Pope Boniface the 9th granted his Request and Absolved the Kingdom The King had a Bastard-Son called Alonso whom he loved no less than his lawful Issue and therefore gave him to Wife Beatrix the only Daughter of the Constable Nunho Alvarez Pereyra They had a Daughter called Elizabeth who was Wife to Prince John Son to King John the First and two Sons which were Alonso afterwards Earl of Ourem and Ferdinand Earl of Arroyolos and First Duke of the House of Bragança 3. The King now fixed in his Throne The King bent upon publick rejoycings for the Peace had bent his thoughts upon solemn entertainments and publick rejoycings designing to Knight his Five Sons with all imaginable Solemnity But they advised him to expend that Money on some Forreign enterprize since all was quiet at home and it would be more honourable for them to be Knighted in the Field 1412. than in the Court The Design they fixed upon was the taking of Ceuta on the Coast of Africk which they acquainted the King withal and he approving thereof enjoyned them to keep it secret To this end Two Gallyes were sent to view the Place and sound the Port and to conceal what they went about they continued their Voyage to Sicily as had been at First given out Great industry was used in fitting out Vessels at Lisbon and many more of Galicia Biscay England and the Low-Countries were hired The Young Princes at the same time raised Forces in all Parts of the Kingdom Various judgments were made of the Intent of these Preparations Castile began to grow jealous the Aragonian was not well satisfyed and the Moorish King of Granada feared all the Storm would fall upon him The Rumour of these preparations drew many Martial Men from Forreign Parts to gain Honour in this Enterprize The Plague in Lisbon the Queen dies of it At this time the Plagâ—e had spread it self throughout Lisbon and having entred the Pallace Queen Philippa died of it Her Body was found Fifteen Months after not only uncorrupted but yielding a most Fragant smell Her Life was a Pattern of Piety and Vertue her happy Death was on the 18th of July 1415 1415. in the 64th Year of her Age. Many looked upon her Death as an ill Omen to the Enterprize in Hand and therefore advised to desist from it but the King and Princes could not be moved 4. On the last Day of July 1415. the Fleet sailed from Lisbon A great Fleet sails from Lisbon for the Conquest of Ceuta the 7th of August it came to Faro and the 14th the City Ceuta was taken to the Wonder of all Europe and Terror of the Enemies of Portugal The particulars of this Action which are not many the Place being taken in Four Hours are to be found in the Portuguese Affrick The King returning home created his Second Son Peter Duke of Coimbra and his Third Henry Duke of Viseo This done he went to Ebora and was there received in Triumph by the Princes John and Ferdinand and the Princess Elizabeth The Ratification of the perpetual Peace with Castile had been delayed till that King came to the Age of Fourteen and took the Government upon himself 1419. He being at that Age this Year 1419 Embassadors passed to and fro and after much Debate
concluded a Truce for Eleven Years conditionally That both Kings should be obliged if they designed to make War at the expiration thereof to notify the same to the other Party Eighteen Months before Several discoveries had been of late Years attempted through the industry of Prince Henry 1420. and now this Year 1420 the Islands of Puerto Santo and Madera were First found such were the beginnings that gave Encouragment to the Discovery of India and America But of these Discoveries we have writ particular Books 1422. In the Year 1422 the King changed the computation of time till then used in Portugal which was from the Reign of Augustus to that of the Year of our Lord in imitation of King John the First of Castile who had made the like Reformation there before 5. This same Year the Constable Nunho Alvarez Pereyra being 62 Years of Age took upon him the religious Order of the Carmelites 1423. in the Monastery of Lisbon built by himself Peace ratified betwixt Castile and Portugal There he lived a very exemplary Life the space of 9 Years and died aged 71 Years To secure the Peace with Castile the King sent his Embassadors thither but one of them being overthrown and almost killed at the exercise of Tilting the Castilian sent an Embassador to Portugal who exchanged the Ratifications War now ceasing 1424. Prince Peter the Kings Second Son resolved to Travel and setting out with a Train sutable to his Quality he ran through a great Part of Europe Asia and Africk Four Years he spent in this imployment having been nobly entertained in the Courts of all Princes These Travels being then rare especially in such Persons gave occasion to many fabulous Relations thereof afterwards spread abroad which rendred the Truth it self suspected The King in the mean while applying himself to the Civil Government Enacted many good Laws 1428. Prince Edward was now 26 Years of Age and yet unmarried Prince Edward contracted to Ellenor Sister to Alonso King of Aragon therefore a Match was at this time concluded for him with the Princess Ellenor Sister to Alonso King of Aragon and Naples Her Dower was 200000 Florins At the same time also the Lady Elizabeth Daughter to the Earl of Vrgel and Grand-Child to Peter the Fourth King of Aragon was contracted to Prince Peter coming home after his Travels and the following Year she was Conducted to Portugal This same Year Philip of Burgundy 1429. Earl of Flanders being the second time a Widower sent to ask the Princess Elizabeth in Marriage which was granted and she sent into Flanders with a Portion of 150000 Crowns 6. The King sent two Embassadors to mediate a Peace betwixt the Crowns of Castile 1430. Arragon and Navarre the two latter whereof were hard pressed by the other The Castilian also that he might not seem to proceed upon unjust Grounds dispatched an Embassador to the Portuguese to acquaint him with the righteousness of his Proceedings 1431. Now at last came the final Conclusion of the long-desired perpetual Peace with Castile for the ratifying whereof Peter Gonzalez Malafaya being sent thither he accompanied that King in his Expedition against the Moors of Granada At their return from that War the Peace was proclaimed in Castile and an Embassador came thence into Portugal to see the same performed there This was the end of those Pretensions which had alarmed these two Kingdoms for the space of almost Fifty Years The victorious King John at length overcome with Age King John falls sick fell sick of his last Malady He was removed to Alcouchete to try whether the Air would do him good but perceiving his Death draw on he caused himself to be carried back to Lisbon There on the Fourteenth of August 1433. 1433. having performed all the Parts of a good Christian His Death he gave up his Ghost Yet with the Authors leave I cannot conceive with what Piety an Usurper can die not having made Restitution The News of his Death being spread through the City it is impossible to express the Sorrow the City was filled with His Body was carried to the Cathedral on the Shoulders of his Sons the Nobility the whole Multitude of both Sexes and all Ages following 7. He had a pleasing Aspect His Character his Stature large and his Strength proportionable for his Helmet kept to this Day is too large for any Head and his Battle-Ax too weighty for any Arm. Prosperity and Adversity he bore equally was Constant Magnanimous Merciful Bountiful and Religious His Buildings were fair and sumptuous as appears by the Monasteries of Peâ—â—longa and Carnota and the Palaces of Lisbon and Santarem and above all the prodigious Structure of the Church of our Blessed Lady of Batalla or of the Battle erected in Memory of the famous Victory obtained at Aljubarrota To describe this wonderful Pile would take up too much room in the small compass of this short History therefore we shall pasâ— it by To this Place was the deceased King with mighty Pomp translated by his Son King Edward just the Day 12 Months after his Death that is on the 14th of August 1434. 8. King John had Eight Children by his Wife Philippa His Wife and Issueâ— Daughter to John Duke of Lancaster 1st Blanch who died in her Infancy 2dly Alonso Born at Santarem and lived but 10 Years 3dly Edward who succeeded him in the Throne 4thly Peter Duke of Coimbra a Man so learned that he wrote several Books he also travelled a great Part of the then known World as was said before and married Elizabeth the Daughter of the Earl of Vrgel which also has been above intimated Being Governour of the Kingdom during the Minority of his Nephew King Alonso he gained many Enemies and was at their instigation put to Death by that King 5thly Henry Duke of Viseo and Master of the Order of Christ who being studious in the Mathematicks fitted out Ships at his own cost to discover the Coasts of Africk wherein he made a great Progress and occasioned the Discovery of India To the end he might wholly addict himself to these Affairs he settled his abode at Sagres near Câ—pe S. Vincent in the Kingdom of Algarve where he died 6thly John Master of the Order of Santiago in Portugal and Constable 7thly Ferdinand Master of the Order of Avis accounted a Martyr for his great Sufferings and Death in slavery among the Moors of Africk 8thly Elizabeth married to Philip the third Earl of Flanders and Duke of Burgundy This King's Bastard-Children were Alonso Earl of Barcelos and first Duke of Bragança and Beatrix married to Thomas Earl of Arundel in England 9. This King reduced the ten Bezants His Arms. before used in each of the five Scutcheons of the Arms of Portugal to five the Cross of Avis appearing underneath in Memory that he had been Master of that Order and because he received the
English Order of the Garter which is of S. George he used for his Crest the Head of a winged Dragon and from that time forward the Portuguese use to call upon S. George in the time of Battle 10. Discoveries in this King's time were made by John Gonzalez Zarco Discoveries made in his time Tristan Vaz Teixeira and Bartholomew Perestrello who being drove they knew not whither by a storm found the Island they called Puerto Santo in the Year 1418 and two Years after that of Madera where they found a little Oratory and Inscription declaring that one Machin an English-Man had been there before Giles Yanez attempting what none durst before him passed beyond Cape Bojador and there planted a Cross CHAP. IV. The Life and Reign of Edward the First of the Name and Eleventh King of Portugal his Actions and Death from the Year 1391 till 1438. 1. KIng Edward was Born at Viseo Birth of King Edward in the Year 1391. He was with his Father at the taking of Ceuta and married Ellenor Daughter to King Ferdinaâ—d the first of Aragon 1391. in the Year 1428. The Body of King John being deposited in the Cathedral of Lisbon 1428. on the 14th of August the next Day his Eldest Son Edward was proclaimed King 1433. An Astrologer advised him to pass by that unfortunate Day An Astrological Prediction for that all the Constellations were Conspired against him But he religiously â—lighting these Predictions went on with the Solemnity and was Crowned that very Day Then began the Astrologer publickly as he had before done in private to denounce that his Reign would be short as to time but tedious for the Misfortunes which would happen in it The New King went to divert himself at Sintra where his Son Alonsâ— not full 20 Months Old was Sworn Heir to the Crown by the Nobility This was the only time the like Ceremony was performed without the Concurrence of the Commonalty by their Representatives He was also the first that had the Title of Prince given him in Portugal Alonso Son to King Edward the first that 〈◊〉 the Title of Prince in Portugal his Father following the example of the other Courts of Christendom The first that used it was that of England where the Heir of the Crown was called Prince of Wales From Sintra the King sent his Summons to all the Prelates and Nobles for them to meet in order to attend the Translation of his Father's Body to a noble Sepulchre designed for it in the Church of Batalla belonging to the Dominicans and of the invocation of the Assumption of our Blessed Lady built by that King in Memory of the Victory obtained in that Place 2. It will not here be amiss The Funeral of King John in short to say something of his Funeral which may shew the Custom of those times All the Nobility and Clergy Assembled at Lisbon The Mourning then used was either white Sack-Cloath or raw Canvas Such was the Apparel of all the Nobility and their Families The Pallace was all Hung with Black On the 25th of October all the Company marched in orderly Procession from the Pallace to the Church with great silence the Bells of all the Churches ringing At the Church after a short Sermon the Body was placed on a Mausoleum and then the Divine Office for the dead performed with great Solemnity Prince Peter and many other great men stay'd in the Church all Night with the Body and next Day after Mass and Sermon a costly Offering was made of Gold Silver and rich Brocados This done the Body was placed on a Triumphant Charriot which was drawn through the Streets by the King his Brothers and the Nobility In the New Street and in the great Place called Recio Scaffolds were erected on which Learned Men made Funeral Orations suitable to the Occasion At S. Vincent's Gate Four Horses were put to the Charriot Four times the Funeral halted betwixt Lisbon and the Church of Batalla at Odivellas Villafranca Alcoentre and Alcobaça The Fifth Day it came to the Church of Batalla whither the Cortes or Parliament was summoned and there all that great Assembly assisted at Mass and the other Funeral Rites 3. The King hasted away to Leyria King Edward holds a Parliament flying from the Plague for here began his Misfortunes The Cortes or Parliament was held at Santarem where the King gave general Satisfaction Then he applied himself to the cares of the Government He caused also the Laws to be epitomized and reduced to one Volume taking special care that they should be put in Execution His next care was to moderate excess in Apparel and Diet and then he Ordered That only one of the Princes and such of the Nobility as were named should attend at Court at one time the rest being sent away to their Estates and they to relieve the others in their turns 1434. Thus the ensuing Year was spent A general Council Pope Martin had before this time summoned a general Council to meet at Basle for Uniting the Greek and Latin Churches 1435. To this Council were sent Six Embassadors from Portugal The Union of the Two Churches took Effect but was not lasting for the Greeks not finding those Supplies they expected from the Pope against the Turks soon fell off The Portuguese Embassadors obtained a Grant of the then Pope Eugenius That the Kings of Portugal might be Crowned and Anointed in the same manner as those of England and France This same Year the King designed his Sons should receive the Sacrament of Confirmation with great Pomp and Solemnity but News being then brought that the Kings of Naples and Navarre Prince Henry and above 100 Persons of great Note were taken Prisoners in a Sea Fight by Philip Duke of Milan all publick Joy ceased and the Court was filled with Mourning nevertheless the Young Princes were confirmed 4. This same Year also it was An Expedition against Tangier that the Princes Henry and Ferdinand having first gained the Queen to their Party perswaded the King to take in Hand an Expedition against Tangier in Africk It was long before they could prevail upon him but at last overcome by their importunities he took the Fatal Resoluton A Tax was laid upon the Kingdom for the Expence of this War and all the Preparations for such an Expedition diligently made On the 17th of August the Princes Embarked and the 22th they sailed from Belem 1437. The particulars of this Unhappy Undertaking belong properly to the Portuguese Africk where they are to be seen at large but the even was The Portuguese Army destroyed by the Moors and the King's Brother taken That most of the Portuguese Army perished and Prince Ferdinand remained in Captivity he being left as an Hostage for restoring Ceuta to the Moors upon their suffering the Relicks of the Portuguese to return home Prince Henry the Adviser of this Enterprize sent Notice to
the King how he left his Brother in Servitude and tho he was the chief Cause of his falling into that Misfortune yet advised not to Ransom him at so dear a rate as by restoring Ceuta to the Infidels Those many Portuguese who escaped out of Africk most Wounded Naked and Starved Landing on the Coast of Spain in the dead of Winter found such extraordinary Charity in the Towns of Castile The Charity of the Spaniâ—â—ds 〈…〉 through which they travelled that I dare avouch they had not met the like in their own Country They were all bountifully Cloathed their Wounds dressed and Money liberallâ— bestowed upon them In every House they had the 〈◊〉 Beds given them and being well recovered were supplied with all they could desire to carry them home The King informed by these People of the charitable Entertainment they had found ceased not to extol the goodness of those who had shown such Favour to his Subjects and to express his Gratitude he sent Letters to Sevil and other Places of Andaluzia where his Subjects had been received full of Acknowledgments and Commendations and offering himself and his Kingdom ready to require them 5. The King before the News came of this Disaster was removed from Lisbon to Santarem flying from the Plague that then raged in that City The Plague at Lisbon Having Advice there of the danger his Forces were in at Tangier he made all possible Preparations to relieve them but too late for before any could set out part of the vanquished Fleet returned 14â—8 The following Year the King summoned the Cortes or Parliament to meet at Leyria He gave them in Charge to consider what was to be done concerning Prince Ferdinand left an Hostage to the Moors for the delivery of Ceuta Differences in the Cortes about the ransoming of Prince Ferdinand He produced a Paper written by that Prince signifying that Ceuta could not be maintained and therefore it was better to give it up then suffer it to be taken The Princes Peter and John with all the Commons voted that the Place should be delivered but the Archbishop of Braga said That a Christian Town could not be given away to the Infidels for one Man without the consent of the Pope Others were for deferring the Exchange for some time and in the mean while to offer a Summ of Money and all the Moors in Portugal which were many for the Prince and in Case this were not received that the Pope and Christian Princes should unite their Forces against Africk which if it could not be effected then Ceuta should be delivered 6. The King stood dubious amidst such variety of Opinions At length he resolved to have recourse to the Pope and all the Christian Princes believing they would all together assist him to ransom his Brother From them he received nothing but words of Comfort and Advice not to surrender Ceuta The Plague was now so diffused throughout the Kingdom that the King wandred from Town to Town Being on the way to Tomar a Letter was given him which he no sooner opened but the infection it brought seized him 14â—â— In that Town he diâ—â— on the 9th of September King Edward 〈◊〉 of the Plague in the 47th Year of his Age having reigned Five Years and near a Month. In his Will he ordained his Brother should be ransomed with Money but in Case that were refused then Ceuta should be given for him That his Wife Queen Ellenor should Govern the Kingdom and the Prince his Son He was well Shaped Strong his Visage round his Beard thin his Hair black his Eyes heavy but taken altogether his Countenance was graceful He loved gay Apparel and always appeard in Publick with Splendour As to his Inclinations he was Merciful and a lover of Truth and Justice For outward Accomplishments he was an excellent Horseman loved Wrestling and was much addicted to Hunting He writ some Treatises in Latin favoured learned Men and was very Religious Several New sorts of Money were coined by him and considering how prodigal his Predecessors had been in giving away the Revenues of the Crown he confirmed a Law invented by his Father That no Female should inherit any Gift of the Crown 7. His lawful Issue as he had no other was as follows His Issue 1st D. Alonso his Successor 2dly Ferdinand Duke of Viseo Master of the Military Orders of Christ and Santiago and Constable of Portugal and also Father to Emanuel who was afterwards King 3dly Philippa who died of the Plague at 12 Years of Age. 4thly Ellenor married to the Emperor Maximilian who was Grand-Father to the ever-renowned Charles the 5th D. John de Silva and Meneses fell passionately in Love with this Princess and followed her till he saw her married after which he became a Franciscan Fryar and led a very exemplary Life at Montorio near Rome 5thly Katherine contracted in England and Navarre yet never married 6thly Joanna Born after the Death of her Father and married afterwards to King Henry the 4th of Castile CHAP. V. The First Part of the Life 〈◊〉 Reign of King Alonso the Fifth of the Name and Twelfth King of Portugal from the Year 1432. till 1469. 1. KIng Alonso the 5th The Birth of King Alonso Succeeded his Father being but Six Years of Age. He was born at the Palace of Sintra in the Year 1432. His Father in his Will ordained 1432. That the Queen should have the Government of the Young King and Kingdom His Accession to the Crown and Differâ—â—â— between the Qâ—â—â—n and Nobility but every Nobleman striving to draw the Power into his own Hands caused all to run into Confusion whence ensued greater Destruction than had been produced by the preceding Plague They blamed the King for committing the care of the Realm to a Woman she a Forreigner and what they most resented a Castilian as they termed her tho' she was Daughter to the King of Aragon The Princes Brothers to the late King were the Heads of these Factions and particularly Prince Peter who was always an Enemy to the Queen Prince Alonso being proclaimed King in the Sixth Year of his Age on the Tenth of September in the Town of Tomar the Second Day after his Father's Death Queen Ellenor took upon her the Government as had been ordained by her Husband's Will and so far laid aside all former Animosity with Prince Peter that they did nothing without his Advice and desired him joyntly with her to Sign the Writs of Summons for the Cortes or Parliament Before the Cortes could meet Prince Peter upon pretence of Zeal to secure the Succession in Case the Young King should die before he was Marriageable caused his younger Brother Ferdinand to be Sworn Heir to the Crown conditionally if the other died without Issue The Queen pleased with these outward shows of Loyalty in Prince Peter discovered to him That the King her Husband had declared to his Confessor
it was his Will that the present King Alonso should marry Elizabeth Daughter of the said Prince Peter to which she willingly consented and desired it might be immediatly performed The Prince tho' astonished at so great a favour accepted the offer No sooner was this noised abroad but Alonso Earl of Barcelos Bastard-Brother to Prince Peter designing to marry the King to his own Grand Daughter prevailed with the Archbishop of Lisbon the Queen's Favâ—â—rite to diswade her from that Resolution Prince Petâ—â— understanding the Design asked the Queen to confirm her Promise to him under her Hand which she tho her mind was altered easily granted 2. The Cortes being met at Torres Novas The Cortes meet and instead of settling Peace widen the Breach where Peace ought to have been established there Discord broke out The Nobility envying Prince Peter the Honour of marrying his Daughter to the King Conspired against him However it was carried in this Parliament That the Queen should have the Education of the King and Prince Peter the Power of the Government She was content but his Adversaries stickled against this Resolution so that they came to be divided the Nobility affirming the Queen ought to Govern and the Commons asserting it was their Right to nominate the Prince a Protector Prince Henry mediated between them allotting the Queen the Charge of the King and the Revenue appointing the Prince to Defend the Kingdom and allowing Earl Alonso to take Charge of the Administration of Justice with the Advice of the Council and Approbation of the Queen and Prince directing the Cortes to meet Yearly to settle all greater Matters Prince Peter tho' nothing was left him but the bare Title of Protector submitted rather than embroil the Kingdom Earl Alonso tho' he had more than he could have demanded was dissatisfied and the Queen pushed on by the Prince's Adversaries would part with nothing The mutinous People obliged the Queen to accept of what was allotted her Earl Alonso sent his Son to demand of Prince Peter the Note the Queen had given him for Security of the King 's Marrying his Daughter he in scorn tore it in pieces and so returned it 3. Embassadors from Castile had been some time in Portugal Embassadors of Castile sent away without an Answer and could not be heard by reason of the present Disorders At length they had Audience of the Queen at Lisbon where they proposed in the Name of King John the Second of Castile That the Bishops expelled during the Schism should be restored That the Military Orders of Avis and Santiago in Portugal should submit themselves as they had been before to those of Calatrava and Avis in Castile That some Portuguese Bishopricks formerly subject to the Archiepiscopal See of Sevil should return to its Obedience After some Debate they were sent away without any Answer which was to be given by Portuguese Embassadors appointed to follow them The People were not at all pleased with the Queen's Administration and pressed Prince Peter to take it upon himself She flying from the Plague then in the City retired to Mount Olivet where she was delivered of the Princess Joanna afterwards Queen of Castile and received Letters from the Pope condoling the Death of the King and advising her not to deliver Ceuta for Prince Ferdinand Prince Peter stirred up by the People to take upon him the Government and advised to it by his Brother Prince John to prevent a Civil War delayed the time At length the People wholly averse to the Queen The People averse to 〈◊〉 Queen ran in multitudes to oblige the Prince to enter upon the Administration of the Publick Affairs and he tho' displeased with the Queen pacified the Multitude perswading them to put off that Design till the Meeting of the Cortes or Parliament 4. The Queen privately writ to all the Members of Parliament to come armed Tumults against the Queen that they might suppress the Rabble But Prince Peter understanding it as Protector charged them to be ready to obey his Orders This done he took leave of the Queen in a course manner which President made her the more slighted she being sensible of it speedily removed to Alenquer The Citizens of Lisbon elected a Standard-bearer and held Seditious Meetings in contempt of the Queen's Letters The Archbishop fortified himself against the Citizens they stopped his Revenue sent Complaints against him to Rome and he was forced to fly to Castile The Multitude headed by a Cooper declared Prince Peter should Govern and a Taylor ratify'd this Decree Thus the Kingdom was disposed of by a Cooper and a Taylor The Governour of the Castle of Lisbon held for the Queen but being sore pressed by the People was forced to surrender it to Prince John Prince Peter sent to Summons the Queen to the Parliament she replyed she would not go unless he resigned all Claim to the Government but he rather chose to stand to the Election made of him by the Cooper and the Taylor Prince Peter made Regent by a Cooper and a Taylor Heads of the Rabble The Prince coming from Coimbra to Lisbon accepted the Government at the hands of the Multitude which was afterwards confirmed to him by the Cortes or Parliament to which the Young King was brought after sufficient Security given his Mother that he should be restored to her Nevertheless he was forcibly taken from her and she retired to Sintra Thence she craved Assistance of her Brothers the Princes of Aragon who sent Embassadors to intercede for her but they were dismissed without any Answer She ceased not to make Friends in Navarre and Aragon and the Prince secured Castile to his Party The Queen in order to make her Escape sent away her Plate and Jewels which were of a great Value to be kept in the Castle of Albuquerque Embassadors came from Castile to require she might either be restored to the Government or have leave to depart the Kingdom But no satisfactory Answer being given them she hereupon made her Escape with her Daughter Joanna born after the Death of the King 5. The Queen being missing Civil War in Portugal all was in Confusion Crato and all the Castles subject to that Priory held for her and thus the Civil War commenced Some Places were taken by the Prince and he resolved to Besiege the Queen in the Town of Crato but she having called some Castilian Troops to her Assistance after making much havock withdrew into Castile Alonso Earl of Barcelos still held out for the Queen but his Son following the Prince brought him over to that Party tho' not without difficulty Thus for some time all Storms seemed to be blown over About this time was brought from Rome a Dispensation for the Young King to Marry Prince Peter's Eldest Daughter Elizabeth as also the Orders of Santiago and Avis in Portugal were exempted from any Subjection to the Orders in Castile The Dispensation being come the King
was marryed by the Consent of the Cortes then sitting to the Regent's Daughter 1441. at Obidos on the 15th of August 1441. The Bridegroom was then Ten Years of Age The Young King marries the Regent's Daughter and the Bride Seven or Eight The Queen Dowager still pressed to be restored to the Government and the King of Castile sent several Embassages in her behalf which nothing availing it was feared a War would ensue but that King dying all that Negotiation fell to nothing Thus the Queen Dowager being forsaken on all hands and having spent her Treasure in solliciting to make War upon Portugal went away at last to Toledo where she lived upon Charity and there died as was suspected poisoned by the Regent tho others say by D. Alvaro de Luna then Favourite to the King of Castile 6. The King of Castile being jealous of the Aragonian asked some Supplies of Men out of Portugal They were accordingly sent him under the Command of the Constable Peter Son to the Regent but there being no use for them they returned home However the Constable while he was in Castile concluded a Match betwixt that King and the Lady Elizabeth Daughter to Prince John 144◠King Alonso of Portugal being now Fourteen Years of Age King Alonso take◠upon him the Government and confirms all that had been done by the Regent according to the Custom of Spain took upon him the Government in the Assembly of the Cortes or Parliament thanked Prince Peter for his good Administration till that time and desired him to continue in it till he were of riper Years Next he ratified his Marriage with that Prince's Daughter and then went away to Alcaçaras where the Embassador of Castile was Proxy for his Master in the Ceremony of Contracting the Lady Elizabeth Daughter to Prince John to that King There also the Lady Beatrix Sister to Elizabeth was contracted to Prince Ferdinand Brother to that King Prince Peter by this time thought he had wholly gained over all his Enemies that opposed his Advancement to the Government but now it appeared it was but a counterfeit Reconciliation The Duke of Braganza the Earl of Ourem and the Archbishop of Lisbon prevailed with the King to remove him from the Government laying Disloyalty to his Charge and they at the same time displaced all Officers as well Civil as Military that had been preferred by him Not so content they accused him of aspiring to the Crown and so far prevailed as to have him banished the Court which done several Libels were dispersed abroad fraught with nothing but Reflections upon him and many Articles laid to his charge were Judicially examined Prince Henry came from Algarve to Court to vindicate his Brother's Honour but to little purpose because he was look'd upon to be no less guilty than the other and both of them were charged with poisoning King Edward Queen Ellenor and Prince John D. Alvaro de Almada Earl of Abranchez in the King's Presence challenged any Man that should lay blemish on the Prince's Reputation but the King was carryed away to Sintra by his Favourites that he might not give ear to those that favoured Prince Peter 7. The King from Sintra issued out his Orders Prince Peter the late Regent in Arms and declared Rebel forbidding all Persons to Converse and hold Correspondence with the Prince also Summoning all the Queen his Mother's Servants who had been discarded to appear and put in their Claims and Commanding the Prince not to depart from his own Lands without the King's leave He was also commanded to deliver up all the Arms that were in Coimbra which he refused to do The Duke of Braganza being called to Court was to pass through the Prince's Lands and therefore intended to Travel well attended but the Prince marched out with Forces to oppose him and tho' several times Orders were brought him from the King to return to Coimbra he still advanced towards the Duke who was forced privately to fly 1449. and make his escape to Santarem where the Court then was Hereupon he was declared a Rebel and Traytor and Forces were raised with Expedition against him D. Sancho de Noronha Earl of Odemira was sent with Forces against the Constable Prince Peter's Son who fled to Castile where he found not such kind Entertainment as he expected Queen Elizabeth being the Prince's Daughter studied how to save her Father and gave him Advice that the Fifth of May was the day appointed to Besiege him Then she went to the King to beg Pardon for him which the King said he would grant provided the Prince himself would beg it acknowledging his Faults He did so in a Letter to the King but the Queen shewing him her Letter wherein the Prince vindicated himself and said he complyed so far only to satisfie her the King said since he did not really acknowledge his faults he merited no Pardon The Prince's Enemies to prevent the Queen's interceding for him kept him as much from her as they could and imprisoned D. Alvaro de Castro a Man of a most beautiful Person and excellent Behaviour as standing accused of too much Familiarity with the Queen but the King knowing well her Vertue caused D. Alvaro to be set at Liberty and did him great Honour 8. The King had now gathered a numerous Army but could not set forward for want of Provisions and Carriages The King comes to a Battle with the Rebels But the Prince on his part set forward from Coimbra with 1000 Horse and 5000 Foot and came within five Leagues of Santarem without meeting any Opposition There he was advised to return to Coimbra but he chose to advance towards Lisbon and by the way put to Death about fifty Horse of the King 's that at a distance called him Traytor Being come to a Brook called Alfarreveira he there chose a convenient Ground for a small Body to oppose a greater for he had not yet 8000 Men and the King's Army consisted of above 30000. By that Multitude he found himself encompassed on the 20th of May. Proclamation was made declaring all Traytors that should thenceforth adhere to the Prince yet none forsook him but some of the King's Army deserted to him Some Shot of Musquets and Cross-bows flying from the King's Camp to the Prince's he answered with some Cannon one of the Bullets whereof falling near the King's Tent so enraged his Army that they immediately without Orders fell on and in a moment broke and put to flight the Prince's Forces He himself fighting resolutely Prince Peter killed was shot through with an Arrow and died His inseparable Friend the Earl of Abranchez having sworn not to forsake him in Death after having performed incredible Acts of Bravery was there also slain Most of the Prince's followers were either taken or killed His Body was left three days in the Field and then being laid upon a Ladder four Country men carryed it to the poor
Church of Alverca where it was buried The King was received at Lisbon in Triumphant manner Many Persons were executed on Account of these Troubles and their Heirs to the Fourth Generation declared Infamous The Prince's Enemies fearing the Queen might some time or other Revenge the Death of her Father advised the King to be divorced from her but he received her with all the marks of True Love and Affection They begged of him some Towns that had belonged to the Prince which he freely gave them but the Cities of Porto and Portalegre would not submit to be given away to any Body and were therefore annexed to the Crown 9. The Princess Ellenor during this time was contracted to the Emperor Frederick the Third The Princess Ellenor contracted to the Emperor Frederick the Third and was now delivered in the Month of August to his Embassadors They embarked at Lisbon and landed at Leghorn whence she was conducted to Sienna where the Bridegroom met her attended by Ladislaus King of Hungary his Brother Albertus the Arch-Duke and other Princes Hence they travelled together to Rome where they were crowned with the usual Solemnity 1451. Prince Ferdinand who was marryed to the Lady Beatrix 1452. Daughter to Prince John privately built a Caravel and went away in it to Ceuta to employ himself against the Moors but the King soon sent for him home and to settle his Mind gave him the Towns of Beja 1453. Moura and Serpa The great Monarch of the Turks Mahomet having taken Constantinople Pope Calixtus stirred up the Christian Princes to unite their Forces against the Common Enemy Our King offered to serve in Person one Year with 12000 Men but all these Projects fell to nothing Our Queen had before this time brought forth a Son and a Daughter whereof the former died 1455. and now on the third of May she was delivered at Lisbon of another Son whom she called John as the first had been for the special Devotion she had to that Name He was sworn Prince being but a Month old with great Solemnity The Queen upon this Occasion obtained leave of the King that the Body of her Father Prince Peter might be placed in the Tomb he had built for himself at the Famous Monastery of Batalla At this time also a Match was concluded betwixt the Princess Joanna King Alonso's Daughter and Henry the Fourth King of Castile She was Seventeen Years of Age and very beautiful which was all her Portion and she was conducted to Castile by Count Alvaro Gonzalez de Atayde Elizabeth our Queen died on the Second of December following The Queen's Death not without suspicion of Poison given her by her Father's Enemies fearing she might prevail with the King to Revenge his Death She was carried to the Church of Batalla with the greatest Pomp that had been used at the Funeral of any Queen For Beauty Patience Obedience and Piety she was inferior to none The Monastery of Xabregas of the religious of S. Eloy was founded by her 1456. The King ordered the Body of his Mother Queen Ellenor to be brought from Toledo to be buried at the Church of Batalla As far as Elvas it was conducted by the King and Queen of Castile and there they were met by our King 10. The Bishop of Silves brought the Croisade from Rome 1457. granted to Encourage Christian Princes to joyn their Forces against the Turks The Croisade brought into Portugal Our King made Preparations for that Expedition and recalled Peter the Constable and Master of Avis Son to Prince Peter who was Banished to Castile He also coined a New sort of pieces called Cruzadoes from the Croisade and the Cross on them These were of pure Gold and great Weight that they might pass in Forreign Countries but the other Christian Princes not answering on their Part he bent his Mind upon Prosecuting the Conquest of Africk Tangier was first aimed at 1458. but this Resolution was changed for Alcaçer Alcazer on the Coast of Africk taken by King Alonso Twenty thousand Landmen were appointed for this Service who set sail from Setuval the 12th of October in Two hundred Sail of Ships They no sooner arrived than that they were Victorious and reduced that Place the Particulars of which Action are in the Portuguese Africk A Peace was now established with the Duke of Britany 1459. whose Subjects had taken many Portuguese Ships which was repaid them in the same kind 1460. The following Year died Prince Henry who first gave Encouragement and promoted the Discoveries on the Coast of Africk A Year after he was followed by Alonso Duke of Bragança Bastard-Son to King John the First 1461. The King being advertised That it would be easie to surprize Tangier Tangier taken set sail from Lisbon in November and tho he met with many difficulties he became Master of that Place The Catalonians rebelling against their lawful Sovereign King John of Aragâ—n sent to invite Peter Son to the Unfortunate Prince Peter to that Principality as being descended of the Ancient Earls of Barcelona He hasted thither from Ceuta but lived not long there and lies buried in the Cathedral King Alonso went over from Ceuta to Gibraltar to meet the King of Castile who craved Aid of him against his Nobility that not content with staining his Honour sought to deprive him of the Crown 1464. Here it was agreed King Alonso should marry Elizabeth Sister to the Castilian and his Son Prince John the Princess Joanna but all this took no effect 1466. Queen Joanna of Castile on whom those People cast all their Reproaches accusing her of Adultery only in malice to D. Beltran de la Cueva the King's Favourite whom she treated with Courtesie came to the City Guarda to crave Aid of the King her Brother against the Rebels who called her Daughter a Bastard and had opprobriously used a Statue they had erected to the King her Husband King Alonso intended to have succoured her but was prevented by the Death of Prince Alonso of Castile who had been proclaim'd King in opposition to the King his Brother whereupon ensued some tranquility in the Affairs of Castile King John of Aragon made great Interest that his Son Ferdinand might marry Elizabeth Sister to the King of Castile Our King Alonso also sent Embassadors to demand her according to the Articles concluded at Gibraltar But these Embassadors could not prevail for she was already engaged to Ferdinand and much more to those who advised that Match in opposition to her Brother that she might the better with their assistance deprive him of the Crown That Match was concluded in February 1469. 1469. This is that Elizabeth so much admired by the Spaniards for Sanctity and yet by this it appears she aimed to Usurp the Crown from her Brother and actually did it from his only Daughter CHAP. VI. The remaining Part of the Life and
Reign of King Alonso the Fifth of the Name and Twelfth King of Portugal and his Death from the Year 1470 till 1481. 1. ON the 18th of September 14â—â— died at Setubal Prince Ferdinand Brother to King Alonso and Father to many Children whereof one was Emanuâ—l afterwards King Soon after his Death his Daughter Ellenor was married to Prince John he being Fourteen Years of Age and she Thirteen Twelve Portuguese Ships now coming from Flanders were taken by the English whereupon our King ordered Reprisals to be made and sent Embassadors to complain of it which was followed by a lasting Peace In the mean while Persons were sent to discover the Port of Arzila on the Coast of Africk who brought an Account that 30000 Men were requisite for that Expedition 24000 Landmen besides the Seamen were shipped on Board 308 Sail of all sorts 14â—1 The King sailed to Lagos in Algarve King Aloâ—so 〈…〉 and Tangier before he discovered his Design then passing over to Arzila took that Place as he did Tangier forsaken by the Inhabitants upon the first News of his approach He changeâ— his 〈◊〉 Upon this Conquest the King changed his Titles which before were King of Portugal Algarve and Ceutâ—â— for those of King of Portugal and both Algarves that on this side and that on the other in Africk Prince Ferdinand after he was taken in the former Expedition against Tangier lived Six Years in Slavery and his Body remained Twenty more among the Infidels But the King gave now in exchange for his Bones Two Wives and a Daughter of 〈…〉 Lord of that Place 14â—â— and afterwards King of Fiâ— Thâ— Bones were brought over and buried in the Famous Church of Batalla King Hâ—â—ry of Castâ—â—e and our King Alonso had an interview between Badâ—â—â—z and Elvas about a Match for the Prince of Portugal with 〈◊〉 Princess of Castile but it had no Effect for the rebellious Castilians openly declared her a Bastard and Elizabeth that Kingâ—â— Sister was married to Ferdinand 〈◊〉 Aragon by the Name of Princess of Castile It it horrid to think with what Impudence they durst Declare that Princess a Bastard seeing she was Born in Wedlock and for what they pretended of the King's Impotency it was contrary to Reason since it is notorious the Queen was Jealous of him and she could have no occasion for jealousie had she found the King unfit for the Company of Women But the World is sufficiently convinced there can be no true Reason given to justifie Rebellion yet Rebels never want pretences to Colour their Villany 2. King Henry of Castile met his Sister Elizabeth at Segovia Affairs of Castile and he dying on the 11th of December following it was generally believed he was poisoned In his Will he appointed his Daughter Joanna to succeed him and desired the King of Portugal to take her to Wife At the Hour of his Death his Confessor pressed him to declare who was his lawful Heir and he answered his Daughter Joanna Nothing more could have been done to prove her Legitimate but nothing will suffice against hardned Rebels Scarce was the Princess Elizabeth assured of the King's Death when she caused her self to be proclaimed Queen at Segovia In the mean while the Marquis de Villena the Earl of Benavente and the Bishop of Siguenza appointed by King Henry to see his Will executed sent to the King of Portugal praying him to set forward with all possible speed and that not only they but many more Nobles and the principal Cities of Castile would declare for him The King was then at Estremoz where having consulted his Council he resolved to accept of what was offered and in order thereunto sent his Lord Chamberlain Lope de Albuquerque to Castile who returned to him with fresh Assurances in the Month of January the King being then at Evora Elizabeth the New Queen sent some religious Men to advise our King not to engage in an unjust War as she termed it and to offer him another Joanna Sister to her Husband Ferdinand Alonso 〈◊〉 War with Castile in 〈◊〉 of the 〈…〉 in Marriage He answered he was resolved to stand by his Niece being obliged to it as an Unkle as a King and as a Gentleman 3. Whilst he made Preparations for War he sent an Embassador to Ferdinand and Elizabeth to demand that Crown who returning with such an Answer as he had expected he immediately advances to Castile by the way of Aronches with 5600 Horse and 14000 Foot With this Army he came to Plasencia and was there joyfully received by many of the Nobility There he found the true Queen and was contracted to her those there present and many absent by Proxy swore Allegiance to him The King then stiled himself King of Castile and Portugal and nothing was wanting for Bedding with the Queen but the Dispensation from Rome which Ferdinand and Elizabeth with all their might opposed No sooner was this known to the Castilian King and Queen but they also took the stile of Castile and Portugul and sent Forces to invade that Kingdom which having made some spoil returned without any opposition Queen Joanna sent her Letters to all the Towns of Castile exhorting them to return to her Obedience since they had twice sworn her lawful Heiress to the Crown The King marched to Arevalo and thence to Toro which City held for him and the Castle he took by force Zamora was delivered to him and thither he conducted his Bride Thence they returned to Toro where Queen Joanna Mother to the Bride and Sister to the Bridegroom died on the 13. of June Ferdinand and Elizabeth raised all the Forces they could and had now gathered together 12000 Horse and 30000 Foot With this Force Ferdinand marched and encamped before Toro where feigning Friendship he sent to advise King Alonso to depart or to decide the matter by single Combat neither whereof he well knew could as circumstances stood be accepted However Peter de Avendanho so cut off the Castillian's Provisions that he was forced to draw off his Army to Medina del Campo Thither came Elizabeth to Ferdinand reproaching him that he had not accepted of a single Combat on such terms as the Portuguese allowed of But Money beginning now to fail them and they fearing to tax the People had recourse to the Clergy who gave them half the Plate of the Churches 4. Some Overtures of Peace were now made 〈…〉 but came not to any head Our King marching to relieve Burgâ—s was recalled by the revolt of Zamora which Elizabeth of Castile laying hold of gave out that he fled which drew many to her Party The Portuguese now grew weary of being abroad and the King wanting Money his Subjects refused to furnish him upon that Account so that all his Affairs went backwards King Alonso thus streightned discharged many of his Army and many more went away without expecting a Discharge The Governour of the Castles on
the Pope's Dispensation should be immediately obtained for him to Marry Queen Joanna true Heiress of Castile That each of them should appoint four Persons to adjust what Army and Treasure was requisite for carrying on their Design King Lewis readily offered a good Sum of Money to Bribe all such Governours of Towns as could by that means be drawn to their Party Embassadors were immediately dispatch'd to Rome to obtain the Dispensation and King Alonso set out to meet the Duke of Burgundy who then lay at the Siege of Nancy in Lorrain They met upon the River then frozen over and the King being conducted to the Army with all possible marks of Honour and Respect the Duke there shewed him how little Confidence was to be reposed in the Promises of the King of France who the next day appeared with an Army in favour of the Lorrainer The day after the Burgundian was killed and King Lewis being bent upon the Conquest of Burgundy sent King Alonso to Paris where he was received with the greatest Magnificence imaginable All the Embassadors could obtain of the Pope was that if the King of France would furnish King Alonso with a sufficient Force to reduce Castile he would then grant the Dispensation Hereupon the two Kings met at Arras where Alonso plainly discovered he could repose no Trust in Lewis He went away to Roan and there spent a great part of the Summer waiting till his Fleet was fitted out to return home He went down the River to his Fleet then at Harfleur but fearing to be stayed by the King of France and ashamed to return home after that unfortunate Journey K. Alonâ—â— resolves 〈…〉 his 〈◊〉 at Hierusalem he resolved to go spend the rest of his Days in Hierusalem On the 24th of September before Day he went out to a Chappel near the City with only four Servants having ordered his Chaplain Stephen Martinez to expect him half a League further There he dismissed one of the four giving him the Key of a Cabinet in which were found four Letters one for the King of France giving him an Account of his Design and desiring him to favour those Servants he left in his Kingdom Another for Prince John his Son charging him upon his Blessing immediately to cause himself to be Proclaimed King Another to the Kingdom in general Commanding the People to receive him as such The last was to those left at Harfleur directing them to be Obedient to the Earl of Faâ—â— till their return to Portugal 8. Monsieur de Labret by the King of France his Order attended upon King Alonso who sent out every way to find him and having met with him the second day stopped him but with all imaginable Respect There he received a Letter from King Lewis by which he was perswaded to alter his Resolution and to return to Portugal where on the Tenth of November his Son was Proclaimed King in the Town of Santarem 〈…〉 pursuant to the Letters he had sent to that effect Only four days had he worn the Crown when his Father arrived and he in Confusion asking how he should receive him The Duke of Braganza answered As your Father and as your King The Prince accordingly met him at Oeyras where kneeling he kissed his â—ands and resigned the Government up 〈…〉 Alonso would have contented himself with the 〈◊〉 of King Algarve but the Prince persisted he would accept of nothing during his Life Whilst the King was abroad Queen Elizabeth laid Siege to Toro which was bravely defended till one Bartholomew a Shepherd discovered to the Castilian Generals a Place which being thought unaccessible was left unguarded Wherefore Six Hundred Men in the Night conducted by the Shepherd surmounâ—ed all those difficult Passes and got into the Town The Count de Marialva who was Governour quitting the Castle fled to Castro Nunho yet the Lady Mary Sarmiento Widow of John de Vlloa who had been Constable of that Fort defended that Place till seeing no hopes of Relief she was obliged to surrender it upon most Honourable Articles Presently after Queen Elizabeth caused the other Places that held for Portugal to be besieged and had them surrendred to her In the mean while the Portuguese Forces wasted the Country about Badâ—â—oz and Cuidad Rodrigo and Alonso de Carâ—â—â—as Master of Santiago did the same on the Portuguese Borders both Parties executing the utmost Cruelâ—â—es usual in War 9. Upon the return of King Alonso out of France 14â—3 the War was revived 〈…〉 and he thought of Marrying the Lady Joanna having obtained a Dispensation but Prince John his Son used his utmost Endeavours to obstruct it The Bishop of Evora going into Castile with 700 Horse and 〈◊〉 Number of Foot to assist the Countess of Mâ—â—ellin 〈…〉 followed the Portuguâ—se Interest was met by the Master of Santiago routed and taken Prisoner yet bribing his Keeper he escaped to Merida and ever after did the Castilians much harm till the Peace was concluded Both Parties being sufficiently exhausted easily condescended to Treat of a Peace which was concluded at Alcaçovas on the Fourth of September 1479. excluding the unfortunate Princess Joanna Peace concluded betwixt the two Crowns who against her will was forced to become a Nun. Yet she lived to see God's Judgments fall upon them that drove her to that Necessity for Prince John who hoped to Marry his Son to the Princess Elizabeth of Castile and by that means to make him Heir to that Crown saw that same Son dragged to Death by a Horse and none of his Race ascended the Throne of Portugal King Ferdinand and Queen Elizabeth outlived their only Son John and had only a Daughter left who conveyed that Crown to the House of Austria 1480. Nor was the Plague that began the following Year at Lisbon and lasted Fourteen Years less to be accounted of than Heavenly Vengeance The Castilians contrary to the last Articles of Peace sent a Fleet to Trade on the Coast of Guinea Our King sent a Squadron under the Command of George Correa to obstruct them 1481. He met with 30 Ships of Castile upon the Coast called Mina and after a sharp Engagement obtained a compleat Victory bringing several of them to Lisbon 10. King Alonso ever since the Lady Joanna of Castile was constrained to take upon her a Religious Habit fell into an extraordinary Melancholy and had resolved himself to turn a Monk but returning from acquainting his Son with his Design to Cintra he there fell sick of a violent Fever which in a few days carryed him off His Death was upon the Eighth of August The Death of King Alonso in the 49th Year of his Age and 43d of his Reign He was oâ— a Graceful Presence somewhat bulky had a thick Beard his Hair dark-brown and of Condition extreamly courteous In War he was active in Peace negligent a Lover of Learning learned himself and was the first King that collected a
Library in the Palace It was said of him That he was a better Man than a King and on the contrary of his Son That he was a better King than a Man He was Bountiful to Prodigality temperate in Eating and Sleeping and of such Continence that becoming a Widower at 〈◊〉 Years of Age he is said never after to have known Woman His Issue His Lawful Issue and he had no other was first John who died in his Infancy Secondly Joanna who being contracted to several Princes they all died before she could be marryed and she became a Dominican Nun at Aveyro Thirdly John who succeeded his Father 11. The Discoveries in this King's Reign were as follows Discoveries during his Reign Nunho Tristan and Antony Gonzalez sailed as far as Cape Blanco in 20 Degrees of North Latitude whence they brought some Moors and also Blacks then a Rarity in Spain Nunho returned and proceeded as far as the Islands of Arguin Lanzarote and Yanez found the Island of Garças whence they brought 200 Slaves Antony Gonzalez returning pierced as far as the Island Tider Alvaro Fernandez discovered Cape Matos and going 100 Leagues farther slew the Lord of that Country Gonzalo de Sintra at Angra lost six Men which was the first Loss sustained in these Discoveries Denis Fernandez reached as far as the River Sanaga in 16 Degrees of North Latitude and discovered the Islands of Cabo Verde Buenavista Santiago and S. Philip. Vincent de Lagos and Lewis Cadamusto a Genâ—ese found the Islands Terceras being Eleven in number The Islands of S. Thomas and Principe the Kingdom of Beni as far as Cape Catherine and Sierra Leona were also discovered John de Santarem and John de Escobar found the Couâ—try called Mina Ferdinand Po that which bears his Name The Islands Azores were now first known so called from the many Hawks seen there and are Nine in number lying due West of the Rock of Sintra In one of these on the top of a Mountain called Del Cuervo or of the Crow was found a Statue of a Man on Horseback his Head bare his Left Hand on the Horse's Main the Right pointing to the West It stood upon a stone Pedestal which together with the whole Statue was all of one piece and under it were certain Characters cut in the Rock but could never be understood CHAP. VII The First Part of the Life and Reign of John the Second of the Name and Thirteenth King of Portugal from the Year of our Lord 1455. till 1491. 1. IN the renowned City Lisbon Birth of King John the Second on the Third of May 1455. was born the most excellent Prince John the Second King of Portugal sirnamed the Perfect and the Great 1455. He was baptized in the Cathedral with the greatest pomp and solemnity that had till then been seen This Prince was educated and instructed in all Arts that can accomplish a Person of that Character This and his personal Worth moved King Henry the 4th of Castile to propose a Match between him and his only Daughter the Lady Joanna However the King his Father gave him to Wife the Lady Ellenor of Lancaster eldest Daughter to his Brother Ferdinand having obtained the Pope's Dispensation for it and they were accordingly married on the 22th of January 1470. 1470. Soon after his Marriage the King preparing for his Voyage into Africk the Prince asked and obtained leave of him to bear him company where he behaved himself with such bravery that his Father Knighted him in the Mâ—sque of Arzila then converted into a Christian Church on the 24th of August 1471. 147â— Alonso the Prince's only Son being born on the 18th of May at such time as King Alonso was marching into Castile to marry the Lady Joanna 1475. rightful Heiress of that Crown he ordained that in case he had Issue by her and his Son should die before him then his Grand-Son should be sworn his Heir which was done and Prince John was left to govern the Kingdom 1476. How he marched with Forces to the assistance of his Father then at Toro in Castile and how he behaved himself in the Battle between that Place and Zamora has been said in the Life of that King 1477. Upon his return into Portugal he recovered Alegretâ— taken by the Castilians Having been as was said in the last Chapter proclaimed King in his Father's life time and by his order upon his return out of France he restored to him the Regal Authority by the advice of the Duke of Bragança and yet he thought to have put that great Man to Death afterwards upon that same Account 2. King Alonso having revived the War with Castile 1478. Lope Vaz de Castel-Branco seized the Town of Moura and called himself Earl thereof The Prince resenting this Insolence sent Six Men who being admitted into his company slew him as he was Hunting which done the Prince secured the Town and gave it to the Princess Beatrix his Mother-in-Law to whom it property appertained The King lying on his Death Bed at Sintra the Prince hasted thither to see him and his Father dying on the Three and twentieth of August 1481. he was the second time proclaimed King the last Day of that Month. King John proclaimed Nunho Pereyra immediately upon the New King's Acession to the Crown presented him with a Note he had given him under his Hand in his Minority promising to make him an Earl whensoever he ascended the Throne The King considering he had obtained that Note in his Infancy when he had not judgment to know on whom he ought to bestow Honours tore it telling him it was a sufficient Favour he did not punish him for having used sinister means to obtain it He had resolved to build a Town and Fort on the Coast of Africk called Mina to this purpose he fitted out a Fleet commanded by James de Azambuja who had with him 500 fighting Men and 100 Masons with all materials for the Work so fitted that at their landing there was nothing to do but to put them together Azambuja landing caused Mass to be said on the Shoar under a Tree Fort of St. George on the Coast of Africâ—◠〈◊〉 whither the King called Caramansa came to him with a great Retinue and was converted The Fort was built and called S. George which done Azambuja sent home his Caraveâ—s with a great quantity of Gold 3. Before this Fleet sailed the Cortes or Parliament had met at Ebora where the Form of Obligation that Lords and Governours of Places were to enter into with the King was settled because till then the Nobility and Commanders exercised a despotick Power in their Juridiâ—cions independent of the Kings and by their tyrannied Proceedings were grown burdensome to the People and dangerous to the Sovereign who had little more left him but the Name King John being now at Peace abroad ordered that no Lord should exercise a judicial
Power in Cases Criminal This pleased the People but made him odious to the Nobility Soon after he made a Law That his Judges and other Officers of Justice should execute their employments throughout all the Territories of great Men that pretended exemption from them All the Grandees opposed these New Ordinances but the King was not so jealous of any as of Ferdinand Duke of Bragança a Servant of whom presented to the King certain Letters from the King of Castile to the said Duke which much increased the King's suspition 1482. and caused him to decree his Death In the mean while The Plague at Lisbon the Plague beginning to diffuse it self at Lisbon King John removed his Court to Monte-Mayor a more healthy Place An Embassador was sent into England to confirm the established Friendship with that King Another was also dispatch'd to Castile about concluding the Match designed betwixt Prince Alonso of Portugal and the Princess Elizabeth of Castile which was not effected till afterwards Embassadors came thence to Portugal on that Account By his Embassadors that had been in Castile the King had farther information concerning the Duke of Bragança his holding Correspondence with that King The Duke was warned by the King to forbear any farther proceeding in that Correspondence yet he desisted not but on the contrary proposed to unnaturalize himself in order to be at liberty to withstand his Sovereign The King understanding that the Duke accompanied his Son Prince Alonso in his Journey from Moura to Evora he resolved to apprehend him After the Solemnity of the Princes Reception was over the Duke coming to take his leave of the King was by his order secured 4. The Duke being now in Custody the King called his Council and laid before them the Copies of his Letters of Correspondence with Castile Judges were appointed for his Trial before whom he appeared twice but refused to come the third time The Duke of Braganca beheaded for High-Treason They thereupon past Sentence of Death upon him which was publickly executed upon a Scaffold by severing his Head from his Body D. Alvaro de Portugal one of the Duke's Brothers was banished and found such Favour in Castile that he was made President of the Council The Marquis of Monte-Mayor his other Brother having made his escape was executed in Effigy This done the King and Queen took a Progress through the Provinces betwixt Duero and Minho and behind the Mountains In February they returned to Santarem 1484. where they found the Death of the Duke of Bragança instead of security to them The Duke of Viseo Conspires against the King's Life was like to produce greater danger The Duke of Viseo Brother to the Queen had conspired to Murder the King in hopes to Succeed him as he would have done had he not endeavoured to anticipate the time His Associates were the Bishop of Evora and several other Persons of Note This Treason was discovered to the King by Antony de Faria who had it from James Tinoco Brother to a Servant-Maid of the Bishop that gave him the first information James Tinoco gave the King a particular Account of the Design but found not entire Credit till D. Vasco Coutino confirmed all he had said Three times the King escaped the Danger being provided against it since the information given him and yet none of the Conspirators perceived he knew any thing of it On the 22d of August being at Setuval he sent for the Duke and having taken him aside asked of him what he would do to the Man that designed to kill him The Duke answered The Duke stabbed by the King I would kill him first if I could Then replied the King You have given judgment against your self At the same Instant he stabbed him so that he fell down dead at his Feet 5. Late at Night Proclamation was made for apprehending the rest of the Conspirators The other Conspirators punished and the next Morning the Duke's Carcass was exposed to publick view upon the Scaffold Most of the Traitors were apprehended The Bishop of Evora being put into a Cestern was there eaten alive by Worms His Brother Ferdinand was beheaded the same end had Peter de Albuquerque D. Gutiere Coutino died in Prison and D. Alvaro de Atayde fled to Castile and was afterwards pardoned by King Emanuel The Count de Pena-Macor died at Sevil and Ferdinand de Sylveyra was killed in France D. Vasco Coutinho one of the discoverers for his loyalty was created an Earl and Tinoco the other being of less Quality had 5000 Crowns down given him and a Church Revenue worth 1500 a Year This done the King bestowed all that had belonged to the Duke of Viseo upon his Brother Emanuel and with it the hopes of Succeeding to the Crown as also of the Empire of Asia for at this time Burtholomew Diaz by the King's order discovered the Cape of Good Hope which he then called Tormentoso or Stormy because of the ill Weather he met with there 6. Whilst these things passed in Portugal the City S. George in Guinea increased and the Christian Religion diffused it self whereupon the King this Year first stiled himself Lord of Guinea 1485. Several sorts of new Coin King John stiles himself Lord of Guinea as well of Gold and Silver as of Copper were now also spread abroad in Portugal The King had sent D. Peter de Noronha his Embassador to Rome to pay his Obedience to the Pope and obtain of him the Croisade in order to prosecute his Conquests in Africk for which he made Preparations throughout the Kingdom 1486. Four Venetian Galleys being taken by the French and the Men put ashoar almost naked at Cascaes the King not only relieved them with Cloaths and other Necessaries but gave them such a Sum of Money as redeemed their Galleys wherewith they returned home Whereupon that Republick sent a Solemn Embassy with Presents to return him Thanks for that extraordinary Act of Hospitality Azamor in Africk submits to the King The Town of Azamor in Africk sent this Year to submit it self to our King and was taken into Protection The way to India by Sea beginning to be laid open after the Discovery of the Cape of Good Hope the King sent Alonso de Payva and John de Cubillan to take a Journey into India by Land Others followed them but the particulars of those Actions belong to the Portuguese Asia where they may be found The Catholick King and Queen falling short of Ammunition at the Siege of Granada sent to desire a Supply of King John which was speedily and plentifully conveyed to them John Alonso de Aveyro discovered the Coast of Beni and brought thence the first Pepper that was ever brought from those Parts as also an Embassador from that King who was honourably entertained and sent back loaded with Presents James de Almeyda a Knight of Malta Sailing for Africk with 30 Sail in which
were 1500 Horse and 1000 Foot and being put by his Port landed near the City Anafe where encountring a multitude of Moors he killed 900 and carryed away 400 Prisoners The King improved this Accident by giving out he had chastised those Moors for their Disobedience to their Prince Mâ—ley Belâ—abe which that Prince believed and ever accounted himself much obliged to King John 7. Barraxe a Valiant Moor with a Party of 400 Horse and as many Foot took a great Booty about Tangier but the Governour of that Place D. John de Meneses instantly pursued him took him Prisoner and recovered all the Prey The Jews who in great Numbers lived in Castile seeing themselves condemned to the Flames by the erecting the Inquisition in that Country The Jews fly out of Castile into Portugal swarmed into Portugal King John at first entertained them but afterwards being sensible of their wicked Practices for that pretending to be Christians they ceased not to Judaize he sent out his Officers who burnt some chastised others and filled all the Prisons with them This made many of them fly over into Africk where they professed themselves openly Jews whereupon the King forbid any more passing over thither upon pain of Death giving them Liberty at the same time to remove to any Christian Country But tho' it happened some Years latter let us here relate what was done in this case In the Year 1492. vast multitudes of Jews came out of Castile into Portugal engaging to pay the King a certain number of Ducats for each Head and only desiring to be permitted to pass through the Kingdom Eight Months were allotted them to stay and certain Ports assigned them to Embark The Term expiring many went over to the Coast of Fez where they were plundered and abused by the Moors having been little better treated by the Portuguese Many returned to Castile pretending they were converted and many stay'd in Portugal under the same colour The King the following Year finding them obstinate in their wicked Practices made all that could be found Slaves and taking their Children away sent them to the Island of S. Thomas to be there brought up Christians Thus the Jews came first to mix their Race with that of the Ancient Portuguese 8. The King notwithstanding it was a time of Peace ceased not to lay up Magazines in all his Garrisons 1488. and fortified the Town of Olivença which alarmed the King and Queen of Castile but he satisfied them and went on with what he had begun In Africk D. Vasco Coutinho Earl of Borba with only 70 Horse defeated 450 Moors and took their Commander who lay in wait to have surprized him Upon the receipt of this News the King sent over 150 Horse and some Foot to encourage his Forces there They passed the Bridge of Alcacerquibir that had never before been passed by the Portuguese and returned with Slaves and Cattle In the Month of October arrived at Lisbon Bemoy an African King 〈◊〉 into Portugal Bemoy King of Jalof in Africk who being expelled his Kingdom came to ask Succours for recovering of it He had Audience of the King at Setuval and having proposed the Motive of his coming was answered That nothing could obstruct the assisting him but his being an Infidel for that it was not allowed Christian Princes to give Aid to Pagans He replyed he was ready to receive the Faith and only sorry that it might be thought he was moved to it by any Temporal Interest On the Third of November he and six of his principal Followers were baptized the King Prince and Duke Emanuel being Godfathers On the seventh the King Knighted him and gave him for his Arms Gules a Cross Or within an Orle of Portugal Next he did Homage to the King and promised Obedience to the Pope This done the King sent him home with 20 Caravels well manned and provided under the Command of Peter Vaz da Cunha with Orders to erect a Fort at the Mouth of the River Zanaga He is 〈…〉 Peter 〈…〉 This Expedition succeeded not for Cunha fearing to venture himself in that unhealthy Country murdered the unfortunate Bemoy and so returned home with the Fleet and the King unjustly connived at this Villany 9. At the beginning of the Year the King went into Algarve 〈…〉 and thence sent over some Forces with Masons and Materials to build a Fort at the Mouth of the River Larache ordering it to be called Graciosa Muley King of Fez in whose Territory it was understanding how the Work advanced set down before it with 40000 Horse and a vast multitude of Foot King John sent Succours to the besieged but all too weak to withstand so great a Force He thought of going over in Person but the Moors offering to suffer the Christians to depart the offer was accepted and the Place abandoned Barraxe that Moor who had been taken Prisoner by D. Vasco Coutinho being ransomed now held Correspondence with a Gentleman called Lope Sanchez about betraying the City Ceuta to him Sanchez held him in hand and gave Advice to the King who sent to secure that Place 50 Sail from Algarve well manned and stored under the Command of D. Ferdinand de Meneses He and his Brother Antony that was before at Ceuta marched out with 150 Horse and 1000 Foot and falling upon the Town of Targa easily took it as being abandoned The Town they utterly destroyed took some Ships Cannon and Ammunition and released some Christian Captives This Action cost not one drop of Blood D. Ferdinand marched away to Alcaçar and joyning with the Governours of that Place and Tangier he again set out with 400 Horse and 1200 Foot towards Camice which the Moors call the Inchanted because it was thought inaccessible standing upon a craggy Hill Now the Inchantment ceased for the Place was taken by Assault and razed down to the Ground 400 of the Defendants who hid themselves in the Mountain being put to the Sword But this Victory was not so cheaply purchased as the other for it cost the Lives of 70 Men. 10. Prince Alonso was now going into his Fifteenth Year 1490. an Age fit to Marry and he was already contracted to the Princess Elizabeth Eldest Daughter to King Ferdinand and Queen Elizabeth of Castile The News of her being affianced to him by Proxy at Sevil being brought to Evora where the King then was that City was filled with all publick Demonstrations of Joy From thence soon after it was diffused throughout the whole Kingdom The Plague in Portugal The Plague then raging a Lisbon and spreading as far as Evora as also the News brought of the Death of the Princess Joanna the King's Sister in the Monastery at Aveyro might have been looked upon as ill Omens forboding the evil Success of this Marriage The publick Joy was turned for some time into Mourning but soon after resumed again Nor did the Preparations for the Wedding cease all that time and
they were the greatest that had ever been seen in Portugal The Palace at Evora being thought too little to Entertain the Bride Prince Alonso marries Elizabeth Daughter to the King and Quein of Castile and Aragon was much enlarged On the 22d of November the Bride was brought to the Borders of the two Kingdoms and on the Bridge of the River Caya the Cardinal D. Gonzalo Perez de Mendâ—ça Archbishop of Toledo delivered her to Emanuel Duke of Beja sent to receive her Betwixt Eâ—vas and Estremoz the King and Prince met her At the Church of our Lady of Espineiro which is without the Walls of Eâ—ora they were marryed by the Archbishop of Braga and in that Monastery the Prince bedded her November the 27th they made their Solemn Publick Entry into the City with such Grandeur as is not easily to be expressed no more than can the infinite Rarities that were served up that Night at Supper Besides the Balls Musick and other extraordinary Divertisements the King appointed a Solemn Tilting in which he deservedly carryed away the Honour from all that ran In May the King Queen and Princes removed to Santarem the Divertisements never ceasing 149â— till upon Tuesday the 12th of July The Prince killed by 〈◊〉 fall of his Horse the Prince riding abroad after Dinner and being upon a Full-speed his Horse fell upon and Mortally bruised him He was past all Remedy and died the next day at the same hour he had fallen Thus was that Scene of Joy converted into a horrid Spectacle of Sadness The Prince was magnificently Interred in the Church of Batalla The Princess was sent back to Castile all clad in the deepest Mourning and in a Horse-Litter covered with Sackcloath CHAP. VIII The remaining Part of the Life and Reign of King John the Second of the Name and Thirteenth King of Portugal from the Year 1492 till 1495. 1. ON the 25th of May 1492. 1492 King John laid the Foundation of the Magnificent Church and Hospital of All-Saints in the beautifullest Square or Market-Place of Lisbon scattering some Money under the first Stones laid having obtained leave of the Pope to incorporate all other Hospitals into this The French then at Peace with Portugal had taken a Caravel bringing Gold from Guinea whereupon the King seized all the Vessels of that Kingdom within his Ports which caused the Caravel to be restored untouch'd King John in the Year 1485 had sent James Cano with a Fleet to Guinea Further Dâ—sâ—â—veries in Guinea He came to an Anchor at the Mouth of the River Manicongo lying in Seven Degrees of South Latitude and understanding that King was far off in the In-land Parts he sent some Portuguese to him with a Present who not returning he seized some Blacks and brought them away to Portugal assuring the People they should be restored whereupon King John sent them back loaded with Gifts which so obliged the Black King that he said That must be the true God whom a Prince of so much Honour adored He sent an Embassador to him offering Submission to his Authority and desiring Priests to Instruct the People and Workmen to build Churches and a Fleet returned with all that had been desired The King and a great number of his Subjects were baptized as also the Queen and Prince The King soon fell off again because Christianity obliged him to adhere to only one Wife and therefore he resolved to declare his Second Son Panso Aquitimo who continued an Idolater his Heir Alonso the eldest Brother the Lawful Heir and a Christian was absent when his Father died but hasting to Court was proclaimed King His Brother Aquitimo thought to surprize him but failed for his great Army was overthrown by a handful of Portuguese and Blacks that followed Alonso Many of the Prisoners declared they were overthrown by a glittering Army led by a Commander that carryed a white Cross Alonso being secured in his Throne became the Apostle of that People in which good Work most of his Successors have followed his Example 2. In the Month of March 1493. Christopher Columbus after discovering the Islands of America Columbus after discovering of America â—â—rives at Lisbon entred the Port of Lisbon to Revenge himself by shewing what he had found to King John who had before rejected him when he came to offer his Service and whom he thought it would now grieve to see what he had lost Some Gentlemen offered the King to Murder him which he not only refused but calling Columbus to him honoured and made him Presents This Discovery alarmed all Spain the Castilians fearing to be disturbed in their Conquests there and the Portuguese pretending it appertained to them Many Messengers and Embassadors passed between the two Kings Spain and Portugal divide the World 〈◊〉 them at last their Ministers meeting at Tordesillas divided the World betwixt them To the Portuguese was allotted from 370 Leagues to the Westward of Cabo Verdâ— all to the Eastward and all to the West from that Place to the Castilians drawing a Line there from North to South so that commencing from that Point one half of the Globe remained to each Crown Many Persons of Note came about this time from Foreign Parts to see and some to serve King John Among them was a French Prince whom the Portuguese call Monsieur de Lion who offered to serve in Africk with 300 Horse at his own cost The King of Naples also sent his Embassador with Rich Presents 3. This Year and part of the next the King spent in taking a Progress through his Kingdom 14â—4 and settling the Affairs of greatest Importance for being grown sickly he could not apply himself to Business of less moment He also fitted out the Ships in the River of Lisbon that were to Sail to discover the way to India by the Ocean and gave the Command of them to Vasco de Gama with Instructions how to proceed His Distemper increased and not only cost him his Life but laid a lasting stain upon the Good Name of his Subjects Some of those who designed to have murdered him by the Sword King John poisoned now executed their Design with Poison A Woman held in Esteem for her Sanctity warned him to have a care of Poison which nevertheless he drank out of a Spring near Evora which Water he liked best That this was true appeared by that two Gentlemen who drank with him at the same time died as well as he His Distemper seemed to turn to a Dropsie and the Physicians advised him to go to the hot Baths at Alvor in Algarve One of them opposed the rest affirming this would shorten his Days but he was a Jew and therefore found no Credit The King fell into a Flux which being stopped he became wholly Lethargick Coming a little to himself he asked how the Tide was and being told said he should die within two hours 〈…〉 Just at Sun setting he gave
up the Ghost on the 25th of October 〈…〉 Being sensible he must die he commanded the Plate furnished by the Churches for the late Wars to be restored He ordered Duke Emanuel should Succeed him having first used all possible means to leave the Crown to his Bastard-Son George which was the greatest Act of Injustice he was 〈…〉 indeed that could be Having 〈◊〉 the Queen Princess Beatrix and the Clergy in his Life time he now begged Pardon of them 4. Tho' the King earnestly desired to see Duke Emanuel before his Death he could not compass it some Persons perswading that Prince his Design was to kill him There was a small Box whereof he always kept the Key which was generally supposed to contain nothing but Poison 〈…〉 Saint But this Box being opened after his Death there was found in it a Book of Instructions for to make a good Confession a Hair-cloath and a Discipline stained with Blood Hence the People took occasion 〈◊〉 call him a Saint as many before accounted him a Tyrant In his Will the King ordered 3000 Masses should be said for his Soul that 41 Orphans should be marryed that the like number of Captives should be redeemed that the great â—ospital of Lisbon should be finished that half the Plate taken from Churches by his Father for the War against Castile should be restored that Duke Emanuel should Succeed him in the Throne that his Bastard-Son George should have the City Coimbra with all the Royalties wherewith Prince Peter had it before that in case Duke Emanuel died without Issue the aforesaid George should Inherit the Crown and that none of the Persons banished the Kingdom by him should be restored After his Death he had the Commendations of his very Enemies His Body was conducted with great State from the Cathedral of Silves to the Monastery of Batalla where it is said to have been found long after uncorrupted which increased the Opinion of his Sanctity He marryed his Cousin-German Ellenor Daughter to Prince Ferdinand Duke of Viseo and the Lady Beatrix Daughter to Prince John She was a Princess endued with singular Beauty Wit and Vertue and lies buried in the Monastery of the Mother of God at Lisbon founded by her self in the Cloister among the Nuns is her Grave without any distinction 5. Let us now give some Specimen of the many Vertues that adorned this King 〈◊〉 Vertues First for his great Zeal in Matters of Religion Pope Innocent VII publickly called him The Eldest Son of the Church Daily he performed several Devotions upon his bare Knees and in the Holy Week spent whole Nights in mourning before the Sepulchre He forbid the use of Mules and because the Clergy said they would have recourse to the Pope on that account he made it Death for any Body to 〈◊〉 them and so that Dispute 〈…〉 Justice was such that he rewarded some Judges before whom he was Cast in Law Suits and hearing a Man was condemned to Death who had been Fourteen Years in Prison he pardoned him saying They better deserved to die who had kept him so long to Condemn him at last Few ever exceeded him in Liberality and Gratitude for having borrowed 1500 Ducats of Peter Pantoja and kept them but five days he then sent him his Money and 250 Ducats for the Use of it Pantoja complaining that the Interest was too great he ordered him as much more and said He would do so as often as he complained James Fernandez Correa his Factor in Flanders having lent Maximilian the King of the Romans 30000 Ducats without his Order he sent him Thanks for so doing and gave him 1000 Crowns Edward del Casal a Man of Worth having employed another to beg some Favour for him the King seeing him said Since you have Hands to serve me with why have not you a Tongue to speak to me 6. There was nothing that daunted him More of his good Qualities in so much that others fearing to go aboard the Fleet because of the Plague he went himself and is said to have spoke unconcerned with the Ghost of a Gentleman that was dead and came to warn him of the Conspiracy of the Duke of Viseo Favourites he never had any and was such an Enemy to those sort of Ministers that the Cardinal George da Costa who had entire influence over his Father fled to Rome before his Accession to the Crown None that deserved well passed unrewarded for he carryed about him a Table-Book in which were the Names and Services of all those that merited of him All Men had access to him their Business was heard and answered Truth was so much admired by him that he made D. John de Meneses his Lord Steward only because he said He always spoke the Truth 〈◊〉 it were displeasing to him As for Learning he understood Philosophy was skilled in Mathematicks well versed in History and a great admirer of Poetry Tho' his Countenance represented much of Gravity and his Carriage had much of Majesty yet at times he was pleasant and facetious To conclude his Government was inferiour to none of the best Kings that preceded him and may be a Pattern to all those that come after him Scarce any excelled him in all sorts of Vertues and foâ— his Zeal to Religion he was the first that propagated it in the Torrid Zone In short he was a Father of his People Bountiful Just Merciful Generous Brave a lover of Truth and sure rewarder of Merit 7. King John had only one Lawfully Begotten Son His Issue which was Prince Alonso born at Lisbon in the Year 1475. and who died as has been said unfortunately by a Fall off his Horse in the Year 1491. being newly married to the Princess Elizabeth Daughter to King Ferdinand and Queen Elizabeth of Castile This King had also One Bastard-Son called George created Duke of Coimbra Marquis of Torres Novas Master of the Military Orders of Santiago and Avis and Lord of the Lands that had belonged to Prince Peter He had also the Town of Aveiro and of him are descended the Dukes of that Title who keep the sirname of Lancaster taken by them in Memory of Queen Philippa Daughter to the Duke of Lancaster King John at length fixed the Arms of the Kingdom in the manner they are used at this Day reducing the Castles in the Orle to the certain Number of Seven and setâ—ing the Five middle Escutcheons upright 8. Discoveries in the Reign of King John were as follow 〈…〉 James Cano sailed to the River and Kingdom of Manicongo James Alonso de Aveiro to that of Beni and brought thence the first Pepper that came from those Parts Bartâ—â—â—â—mew Diaz to the Cape of Good Hope and passed beyond it to the River called Del Infante Peter Covillam and Alonso de Paiva Men versed in many Languages went to Grand Cairo in Egypt then embarking on the Red Sea saw the City Adem where parting Paiva went into Ethiopia
Covillan to Cananor Calicut Goa Sofala Mozambique Quiloa Mombara and Melinde then returned to Adem and Grand Caire where his Companion and he had appointed to meet but the other being dead he returned again to Adem thence to Ormus and then traversed Abissinia being the first Man that ever performed those Travels Christopher Columbus offer'd his Service to King John but not being encouraged by him he discovered the West Indies for King Ferdinand and Queen Elizabeth of Castile and Aragon CHAP. IX The first Part of the Life and Reign of Emanuel the First of the Name and Fourteenth King of Portugal from the Year of our Lord 1469 till 1509. 1. THough the late King John laboured all that in him was to have left the Crown to his Bastard-Son George yet neither the Queen nor the Subjects would consent because Duke Emanuel had a most undoubted Title to it King Emanuel his Birth and Descent This Emanuel was Son to Prince Ferdinand Grandson to King Edward and Great Grandson to King Alonso V. and Cousen German to his Predecessor King John whose undoubted Heir he was that King leaving no lawful Issue He was born in the Town of Alconchete 1469. in the Province of Riba Tejo upon Thursday the last Day of May being the Feast of Corpus Christi His Mother being in Labour was delivered of him just at the time that the Blessed Sacrament passed by her Door and therefore she called him Emanuel the proper Name of Christ which signifies God is with us During his Infancy Emanuel was one of the Hostages between the King of Castile and King John the Second The very Day King John killed James Brother to this Emanuel 1â—â—4 he gave him all the other's Estate only changing the Title from Duke of Viseo to that of Beja He also constituted him Master of the Order of Christ Constable of the Kingdom and General of the Frontiers betwixt the Rivers Tagus and Guadiana so that his Revenue amounted to above 70000 Crowns per Annum which was very great in that Age and that Kingdom 〈◊〉 His Family was encreased when he went the second time into Castile to conduct the Princess Elizabeth Wife to Prince Alonso into Portugal King John as is said King Emanuel 〈…〉 dying without any lawful Issue and not able to prevail for his Bastard-Son George Emanuel was proclaimed King with the usual Solemnity upon 〈◊〉 the 27th of October 1495 and in the 26th Year of his Age. 2. The New King went away to 〈…〉 â—uevo where James 〈…〉 Prior of Crato presented to him George King John's Bastard-Son whom he received favourably and treated as if he had been his own Here the Cortes or Parliament met but did little Business as well by reason of the Plague as for that King John had left all Things in good Order After sending Embassadors to Rome and Castile the King gave the Tenth of all his Revenues in Africk to the Churches there and reinforced those Garrisons At Setuval came to him the Sons of the late Duke of Bragança 1496. executed by King John their Unkle D. Alvaro and D. Sancho Son to Alonso another of that Duke's Brothers who were all restored to their Estates He now sent another Embassador to Rome to obtain the Pope's Dispensation for Knights of the Military Orders to marry which was granted At Torres Vedras whither he fled from the Plague he received Embassadors from the State of Venice Jewâ— banished the Kingdom The Jews whom King John had made Slaves in great Numbers had now Liberty to depart the Kingdom and though they offer'd the King a Present of a considerable Summ of Money he would not accept it A time was set for them all to depart and it was order'd that they should leave behind them all their Children that were under Fourteen Years of Age. Many of them rather than deliver their Children to be bred up Christians 14â—7 murdered them and some there were that killed themselves as well as their Children The time of their Departure being put off they offer'd if their Children were restor'd them and Twenty Years allowed them in which they could not be punished for Offences against Religion that they would become Christians This granted the greatest part of them was Baptized the rest were sent over into Africk together with the Moors then also expelled but these were allowed to carry their Children with them Those that remained in Portugal committed many Enormities in contempt of the Christian Religion and becoming Rich had the Opportunity of corrupting all the Nobility of the Kingdom by mixing their Families 3. At 〈◊〉 the King had it debated in Council 〈…〉 whether the Discovery of India ought to be prosecuted or not and after much contesting it was resolv'd in the Affirmative Vasco de Gama was thereupon piâ—ched upon to command Four Ships designed for that Voyage The Particulars of his Success may be seen in the first Vol. of the Portuguese Asia The King by his Embassadors having concluded a Match for himself with Elizabeth Emanuel marries Elizabeth Widow of the late Prince Alonso Princess of Castile Widdow of the Late Prince Alonso of Portugal in the Month of October she was brought to Valencia de Alcantara where King Emanuel waited for her Presently after the King and Queen were married came the News of the Death of John Prince of Castile Brother to the new Queen and Heir of that Kingdom New Charters were now given to all the Cities and Towns of Portugal which were all contained in Five Books One of each Province About the end of the Year the Queen being with Child Embassadors came from Castile to induce the King and her to go into Castile to be sworn Heirs to that Crown The King took the Advice of the Cortes or Parliament therein 1498. and it was resolved he should go On the 29th of March they set forwards with a small Retinue not exceeding 300 Horse All this Company was in Mourning for the Prince of Castile The Duke of Medina Sidonia met them at Badajoz with a Retinue somewhat less Soon after the Duke of Alva and Count de Feria with a like Number King Ferdinand came out of Toledo to receive them and they were entertained with extraordinary Magnificence On the 28th of April King Emanuel and his Queen were sworn Heirs of Castile in the Cathedral Church This Ceremony being over they travelled towards Zaragosa to be there sworn to the Succession of Aragon They entred that City on the first of June where many Disputes arose concerning the Privileges of that Kingdom On the 24th of August the Queen of Portugal was delivered of a Son and died before she could be laid in her Bed She was buried in the Church of St. Hierome without any Pomp because she had so ordered it in her Will 4. King Emanuel returned to Portugal 〈…〉 Aragonâ— and Portugal and was received at Lisbon with great Joy in
〈◊〉 Hâ— now understanding that his Son Michael born of 〈…〉 Queen had been sworn Heir of the Crowns of 〈◊〉 and Aragon resolvâ—d to have him sworn in like manner in Portugal To this purpose he assembled the 〈◊〉 or Parliament at Lisbon on the 7th of March where all the Representatives took an Oath to him as lawful Successor 〈◊〉 the King confirming his former Grant that no Castilians should at any time be admitted to Places of Honour and Trust in Portugal About the end of this Year which was the 4th of his Reign the King resolved to translate the Body of King John his Predecessor from Silves where he was buried to the stately Church of Batalla the burial Place of the Portuguese Princes He went in Person to Silves and found the Body whole as it was seen Fifteen Years after by the Cardinal Henry and others which confirmed the Opinion of Sanctity that was conceiv'd of him The Body was honourably conducted to the Church of Batalla and there laid in a Marble Tomb. This Year also the King dispersed several sorts of new Coins of Silver and Gold as he did again in the Years 1504 and 1517. He had before given large Revenues to George the late King's Bastard-Son and this Year 1500 gave him the City Coimbra with the Title of Duke made him Lord of Montemayor â—l Viejo and bestowed on him the Mastership of the Military Orders of Santiago and Avis Next he married him to the Lady Beatrix de Villena Daughter to D. Alvaro the Brother of Ferdinand Duke of Bragança Beheaded by King John 5. Now came the News that Prince Michael 〈…〉 King Emanuel's Son and sworn Heir of all the Kingdoms of Spain had departed this Life at Granada being not yet Two Years of Age. It was requisite the King should marry again 〈…〉 and a Match was accordingly concluded with Mary Daughter to King Ferdinand and Sister to King Emanuel's late Queen Her Portion was 200000 Crowns down and 10000 a Year settled upon the Revenue of Sevil. The Archbishop D. James Hurtado de Mâ—raâ—za conducted her to the Borders where the Duke of Bragança attended by several of the Nobility 〈◊〉 her The Marriage was solemnized at Alcacer 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 on the 30th of October No sooner was the King married but he resolved to make an Expedition into 〈◊〉 in Person 〈…〉 and to that effect had assembled an Army of 26000 Men. The Venetians at this time hard 〈◊〉 by the Turks made use of the Pope's Mediation to obtain of our King to desist from the Enterpize he had in Hand and to employ his Forces in their Assistance The King consented and sent them Thirty Saâ—l under the Command of D. John de Meneses Son to the Earl 〈…〉 and for his Encouragement before his Departure he was created Earl of â—â—rouça In this Squadron were 3500 fighting Men. Another Squadron followed being designed for the Coast of Oran in order to attempt taking the Fort of Mazalquivir They sailed from Lisbon about the middle of June and having assaulted that Place in July with the loss of 20 Men and no prospect of Success the Squadron provided for that Expedition returned to Lisbon D. John de Meneses with his 30 Sail off of Tunez took 3 Genoese Ships full of Turks Moors and Jews the Genoese he set at liberty Near Corfu he was met by Twenty five Venetian Galleys and five Galleons where both Fleets saluted each other with great Joy The Turks understanding the Fleets were joyned retired to their Ports and the Portuguese Squadron returned home 6. The King had yet reaped no Advantage from India 〈…〉 but the bare Discovery of it by Vasco de Gama and yet as if the Treasures of that Empire had been brought him he in Thanksgiving laid the Foundation of that wonderful Structure of the Church and Monastery called Bâ—â—eâ— or Betâ—lem on the Banks of Tagus about a League from Lisbon This Fabrick is Magnificent for its Greatness and Workmanship but above all for the largeness of the Arch above the Chancel where after the manner of all Cathedrals it opens into a Cross which Arch tho vastly spacious has no Pillar to support it This Monastery was given to the Fryars of the Order of S. Hierome and is plentifully endowed Opposite to the Monastery in the very River the King erected a Fort which tho not large is Beautiful and Commands the River serving at the same time for a Rampart to the Church it is called the Fort of S. Vincent D. Jayme or James Duke of Bragança who was restored to that Honour by King Emanuel laboured under such a deep melancholy that he sometimes forbore taking his natural Sustenance Nevertheless through the King's Perswasions he married the Lady 〈◊〉 Daughter to D. John de Guzman third Duke of Mâ—diâ—â— Sidonia But no sooner was he married than he absented himself with only one Servant leaving a Letter for the King in which he begged of him to bestow all his Possessions upon his Brother Denis because he was resolved to spend his days at the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem Messengers were sent several ways with orders to bring him back Some of them found him at Calatayud in the Kingdom of Aragon and prevailed upon him to return Being brought back he had by his Wife a Son called Theodosius who succeeded him and a Daughter named Elizabeth married to Prince Edward Son to King Emanuel His first Wife dying he fell in Love with the Lady Joanna de Mendoza Daughter to the Governour of Mouram and having obtained leave of the King married her and by her had Four Sons and as many Daughters 7. Queen Mary 1502. second Wife to King Emanuel was delivered of her first Son on the 6th of June 1502. The Queen delivered of a Son At the time of his Birth happened a violent Storm of Rain and when he was Baptized a Fire broke out in the Palace we shall see in his Life what these Prodigies portended A Fleet sailed from Lisbon under the Command of George de Melo and Gaspar de Aguilar designing to take the City Targa on the Coast of Africk but returned having sustained Loss and effected nothing The King for the Success of his Fleet undertook a Pilgrimage to Santiago in Galicia presented that Church with a rich Silver Lamp made in the Form of a Castle and gave Bountiful Alms. In his return at Coimbra he resolved to erect a stately Tomb for Alonso the first King of Portugal whose Body lay there in a very mean Sepulchre At Porto he finished the Silver Shrine of S. Pantaleo 1503. Patron of that City The King had now a second time resolved to pass over into Africk A Famine in Portugal and had all things in readiness for the Expedition when he was again prevented being obliged to attend to the Relief of his own Kingdom labouring under a Famine He remedied this Evil by bringing in Plenty of Corn from all the
Northern Countries Discoveries in North America In the Year 1500 sailed from Lisbon Gaspar Cortereal to attempt some Discovery in the Northern Seas He discovered a Country which by Reason of its delightful Groves he called Verde that is Green The People were but Barbarous of a middle Stature very Swift expert at shooting with the Bow and skilful at casting Darts whose Points are hardned in the Fire cloathed in Skins living in Caves and Cottages and having no Religion but believing in Auguries and very jealous of their Women The following Year he returned thither to make some farther Discovery but he staying long his Brother Michael went out in Quest of him with two Ships in May 1502 and neither returning another Brother prepared to seek them but was hindred by the King It being believed both these Brothers were lost in that Country discovered by the first the Name of it was changed to that of Tierra de Cortereales About the middle of this Year the Cortes being Assembled the King caused his Son to be sworn Heir to the Crown The Country tho Poor gave the King 50000 Duccats to carry on the War in Africk On the 4th of October was born at Lisbon the Princess Elizabeth her Birth being attended with the same Prodigies of Storms as her Brother 's was she was afterwards married to the Emperor Charles the Fifth her Dower above a Million of Ducats 900000 in Money and the rest in Jewels 8. Elizabeth 1504. Queen of Castile and Aragon died this Year 1504 at Medina del Campo Her Death was concealed from Elizabeth Queen of Portugal her Daughter because she was near her time of Delivery and accordingly on the last Day of December was brought to Bed of a Daughter called Beatrix after Dutchess of Savoy There followed upon it such Terrible Earthquakes that whole Towns being swallowed up 15â—5 the People fled Distractedly to the Mountains The 〈◊〉 of Egypt threatens Jerusalem The New Year began with Threats from the Soldan of Egypt that he would destroy the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem unless the Portuguese desisted from their Conquests in India where Edward Pacheco was now doing Wonders and King Ferdinand of Castile from invading the Moors An Account of the Portuguese Conquestâ— in India But these Menaces were little regarded both Kings proceeding in what they had undertaken Now returned the King's Embassadors sent to Pope Julius and with them came a Merchant Ship which being infected with the Plague spread it throughout all Spain Edward Pacheco returned at this time from India leaving that Part of the World astonished at his Actions King Emanuel himself went out to receive him at landing with a numerous Train he walked under a Canopy with the King his Actions were set out in the Church by the Bishop of Viseo An Account of them was also given to all Forreign Princes and they were made known to all the Kingdom After all this Honour the same Pacheco was cast into Prison loaded with Irons and tho he cleared himself of all that could be laid to his Charge he was only turned out of Goal and left to live upon Charity as did his Son and Grand-Son after him till in the time of King Sebastian the prime Minister Giles Yanez de Costa obtained him the grant of a Commendary and because none was then Vacant gave him that he had obtained for his own Son 9. On the third of March 1506. 1506. at Abrantes was born the King's fourth Son Birth of the King 's fourth Son Lewis an admirable Prince for his Judgment Learning and Valour So addicted to Warlike Affairs that a Fleet of 60 Sail was provided for him to go into India but the Design was disappointed He served under the Emperor Charles the Fifth at the taking of Tunis and gained Honour He was never married but had a Bastard-Son by the Lady Violante Gomez this was Antony who afterwards upon the Death of Henry the King and Cardinal aspired to the Crown Upon the 6th of April A great Mutiny on Account of a supposed Miracle it being Sunday certain Persons in the Church of S. Dominick fancied a Crucifix in one of the Chappels cast forth a miraculous Light a New Convert that had been a Jew said it was the Reflection of the Sun from a Window Hereupon without farther Examination they dragged him out of the Church and burnt him The Rabble assembled about the Fire one of the Friars with vehement Speeches Encouraging them Two other Friars ran about the Streets crying out Heresie Heresie with Crucifixes in their Hands Above 500 Men gathered in Arms who slew as many of the New Converts burning their Bodies The number increasing upon Monday Morning they murdered Men Women and Children dragging them from the very Altars whither they fled for Sanctuary so that this Day above 1000 perished This was continued the third Day to the number of 400 being destroyed so that in all they amounted to 2000 murdered among them many that were not New Converts for the desire of Plunder was more than the Zeal of Religion as it is in all Mutinies whatever the Pretences be The King then at Avis was highly offended at this Insolency He took away the City Charter and sent thither the Prior of Crato and Baron of Alvito to punish the offenders Some were hanged others had their Goods confiscated and the two Friars burnt all that belonged to the Monastery were banished 10. James de Azambuja was sent to erect a Fort on a Point of Land in Africk 1507. opposite to the Island Magador Birth of the King 's fifth Son it was called Fort Royal. July the 5th the King and Queen being at Abrantes was born their fifth Son whom they called Ferdinand 1508. He was a great lover of History and no less addicted to Warlike Affairs The following Year the Limits of the Conquests on the Coast of Africk were settled betwixt the two Crowns of Spain and Portugal All Eastward of Belez de la Gomera was assigned to the Spaniards thence Westward was allowed to the Portuguese This Year 1509 was born the Prince of Portuguese Poets 1509 Luis de Camoens On the twenty third of April Birth of Camoens the great Portuguese Poet the Queen was delivered at Evora of her sixth Son called Alonso At Seven Years of Age Pope Leo the Tenth sent him a Cardinal's Cap afterwards he had both the Archbishopricks of Lisbon and Evora and the Abby of Alcobaça all at one time This Year also the Work continued from the time of King John the First and Founder of the famous Church and Monastery of Batalla which ought to have been finished was interrupted and nothing done to it since so that ever after that mighty Fabrick remains Imperfect Mondragon a French Pirate having the foregoing Year taken a Rich Ship coming from India had now fitted out Four great Galleons upon the same Design The King sent out some Ships
against him under the Command of the Renowned Edward Pacheco who after a sharp dispute near Cape Finisterre sunk one of the Pirate's Galleons and took the other three Mondragon was presented to the King who freely forgave him CHAP. X. The remaining Part of the Life and Reign of Emanuel the First of the Name and Fourteenth King of Portugal from the Year of our Lord 1510 till 1521. 1. NOthing remarkable happened the Year 1510 1510. but that many Moors and Hords of Arabs along the Coast of Africk submitted themselves to King Emanuel 1511. and became his Tributaries The following Year threatned a Breach between Castile and Portugal because King Ferdinand fitted out a Fleet at Malaga with Design to invade the Portuguese Conquests The Pope calling upon him for Succour against the French obliged him to desist from that Enterprize Nevertheless that Faithless King as if his Designs had not been known solicited King Emanuel to joyn with him against France and highly resented that he Courteously entertained a French Squadron in his Ports Henry the 8th King of England who had married Katherine Sister to the Queen of Portugal King Emanuel receives the Order of the Garter from King Henry the Eighth of England now sent King Emanuel the Garter having received him into that most Noble Order On the last Day of January was born at Lisbon Prince Henry the King 's Seventh Son a mighty Snow falling just before his Birth which is a thing rarely seen in Lisbon We shall have more occasion to speak of him hereafter when he ascends the Throne Alonso King and Apostle of Congo this Year sent his Son Henry and his Brother Emanuel 1512. with many Young Noblemen into Portugal to be instructed in the Christian Faith Henry Son to the King of Congo comes into Portugal With them came Peter that King's Cousin whom he sent as his Embassador to Rome to submit him and his Kingdom to the Pope King Emanuel sent the Black Prince Henry with the Embassador they arrived at Rome the following Year where they were courteously received and dismissed by Leo the Tenth 1513. then sitting in 8. Peter's Chair 2. D. Alvaro de Castro The King punishes his Lord Steward for his cruelty to a Servant was Lord Steward of the Houshold and in great Favour He finding a Servant of his own whom he had turned away talking with a Slave in his House caused him to be so cruelly lashed that all his Body was but one continued Sore The Servant putting nothing on but his Cloak came into the King's Presence where letting it fall he said Ecce Homo Your Lord Steward has done this to me only for talking to one of his Slaves The King astonished at this Barbarity immediately sent Andrew Perez Landin his Clerk of the Closet to acquaint D. Alvaro that he deprived him of his Charge ordered he should remain a Prisoner in his House till farther order and pay 500 Crowns to that Man D. Alvaro's Kindred came to the King to intercede for him but finding the King implacable they went away Discontented and returned not to Court whereupon the King ordered the Two Sons of D. Alvaro to be struck out of his Books At last upon the humble Application of D. Alvaro's Wife he was sent for to Court severely reprimanded and then pardoned Last Year began the Preparations and now was fitted out a Fleet of above 400 Sail 1514. carrying 18000 Foot and 2600 Horse all under the Command of Jayme or James Duke of Bracança He sailed from Lisbon about the middle of August and landing on the 28th of the same Month in Africk Azamor on the Coast of Africk taken took the City Azamor Those of Tite and Almedina being abandoned by the Inhabitants he also possessed himself of with ease Then having ravaged the Country without any opposition he returned to Lisbon The Particulars of this Expedition properly belong to the Portuguese Africk 3. King Emanuel resolving to Dedicate to God Presents of the First Fruits of India sent to the Pope the First Fruits of India thought the shortest way was to present them to the Pope his Vicegerent With this Present he sent Three Embassadors the chief whereof was Tristan da Cunha with a most magnificent Retinue The Present consisted of an Elephant covered with Cloth of Gold and governed by an Indian a Persian Horse with rich Furniture a Panther that would Hunt and was at Command like a Dog and a whole Suit of Vestments for all occasions all of Cloth of Gold so thick Embroidered with Pearls and precious Stones that the Ground of it could not be discerned The whole was valued at 500000 Crowns Bernardin Freyre and Francis Pereyra Pestana arriving now from India the King caused them to be cast into Prison being informed how unworthily they had treated Mathew Embassador from Ellen Grand-Mother of David Emperor of Ethiopia and Regent of that Empire during her Grand-Son's Minority There they remained till the said Embassador interceded for them He was an Armenian Christian Judicious Learned and Bold The King received him with Respect and by him a Letter from the Empress Five Medals of Gold and a great Cross made of the Wood of that our Saviour suffered upon and kept in a Gold Case In her Letter the Empress offered her assistance towards forwarding the King's undertakings in Asia and desired since they were both Christians that their Families might be allyed by mutual Marriages that so they might be the better enabled to destroy the Turks 1515. and Moors The King 's Eighth Son born in those Parts On the 7th of September 1515 was born at Lisbon Edward the King 's 8th Son of whom more at the end of this Chapter Embassadors were sent to Castile 1516 to condole with Queen Germana upon the Death of her Husband King Ferdinand and to Flanders to Charles afterwards the 5th of that Name Emperor to offer him Elizabeth Daughter to King Emanuel in Marriage and ask his Sister Ellenor for Prince John This Year ended with the Birth and Death of Mary Emanuel's Ninth Child 4. Prince Antony 1517. the King 's Tenth Child was born at Lisbon Birth of the King 's tenth Child on the 9th Day of September He lived but a few Days and left his Mother so Weak that she died the 7th of March following of an Impostume in her Bowels The Queen dies being but 35 Years of Age. She was generally lamented being extreamly beloved for her Fruitfulness her great Love to the King her liberality to the Poor her Devotion Affability Modesty Piety Industriousness in the good spending her Time and special care of Instructing her Children As to Features she was neither beautiful nor deformed She founded the Monastery of S. Hierome in the Berlings and lies buried in the Church of Belem Before the Queen's Death the King put an Elephant and a Rhinoceros together to see the manner of their
Fight being naturally Enemies but the Elephant being young was frighted and forcing his way through a Place that was barred ran about the City overturning all he met The Rhinoceros was afterwards sent as a Present to the Pope but the Ship was cast away however the dead Rhinoceros being cast a Shoar was taken up and the Skin stuffed and carried to Rome John Diaz Golez a Portuguese Pilot flying from Justice escaped into Castile where he perswaded certain Merchants to fit out Two Ships and Trade into Brasil King Emanuel complaining to the Young King Charles these Encroachers were punished John Wallop an English Gentleman of Worth afterwards Governour of Callis came into Portugal offering to serve in Africk upon his own Expence He served Two Years at Tangier honourably and then returned home having received the Order of Knighthood of Christ and other considerable Favours and continued always a great Favourer of the Affairs of Portugal 5. Soliman the great Emperor of the Turks having taken Grand Cairo and all the Dominions of the Egyptian Soldans King Emanuel pressed the Pope to excite all the Christian Princes to joyn their Forces against him but without success The Body of S. Auta one of the 11000 Virgins was now brought to Lisbon and placed in the Monastery of the Mother of God where it is held in great Veneration The King being extreamly afflicted for the Loss of his Queen had thoughts of retiring to Algarve contenting himself with that little Portion of his Kingdom and leaving the rest to the Prince his Son But the Prince led away by his Favourites being too forward and dropping some disrespectful words of his Father moved him to change that Resolution and not only to retain the Power in his own Hands but to marry the Wife he had designed for him 1518. To this purpose The King marries again D. Alvaro da Costa was sent Embassador into Castile and the Treaty so privately managed that the Bride was contracted to the King by Proxy before the Design of the Embassador was known in Portugal Her Portion was 200000 Crowns down and 5000 per Annum during her Life She was conducted to the Borders of the two Kingdoms by several Noblemen of Spain and there received by Jayme or James Duke of Bragança accompanied by a great Train of Persons of Quality on the Twenty third of November At Crato the next Day she was married by the Archbishop of Lisbon Thence they went to Almeyrin because the Plague was brief at Lisbon Here the King on St. Andrew's Day received the Order of the Golden Fleece sent him by his Brother-in-law King Charles 6. Ferdinand Magellanes a Gentleman of Worth who had served well in India and Africk being refused some small Addition to the Pension he enjoyed for his good Services some envious Persons disswading the King from showing him any Favour discontented at this hard Usage solemnly Unnaturalized himself as the Custome was then and went over to Castile at such time as the Molucco Islands were thought to appertain to the Conquests of that Crown He there offered to find out a New way to those Islands 1519. and being furnished with Five Ships sailed from Sevil about the beginning of August Magellan discovers the Streights of his Name and discovered those Streights which will Eternize his Name being of him called the Streights of Magellan The Particulars of this Voyage as more properly appertaining to that History are to be seen in the Portuguese Asia The King laid a Duty upon Corn to which imposition some Places consented John Mendez Cecâ—oso Mayor of Evora opposed it The King sent for and promised to reward him if he would comply but he persisting obstinately was confined to his House Soon after he commended him for his Resolution and remitted that Tax The Commonalty of Castile now rising in Rebellion against their King 1520. who was gone into Germany being chosen Emperor upon the Death of Maximilian sent the Dean of Avila to offer the Crowns of Castile and Leon to King Emanuel He believing no Confidence could be reposed in those that were Rebels to their Lawful Sovereign not only advised them to return to their Obedience but sent Supplies of Ammunition and Money to the Cardinal Adrian afterwards Pope the Constable and Admiral then Governours during the King's Absence 7. Ellenor the new Queen of Portugal was the last Year at Evora on the 18th of February delivered of a Prince called Charles who lived but Fifteen Months This Year on the 18th of June 1521. at Lisbon she brought forth the Princess Mary Many Matches were proposed for this Lady but none took Effect so that she died a Maid at the Age of 57 Years After long Debates and Three several Embassies sent by Charles Duke of Savoy to obtain Beatrix King Emanuel's second Daughter for his Wife Beatrix Daughter to King Emanuel married to the Duke of Savoy the Match was concluded She had 150000 Crowns Portion and was conducted to Savoy with extraordinary Expence Eighteen Sail were fitted out to transport the Princess and a most splendid Retinue accompanied her In fine she embarked on the 5th of August lay Five Days a Board on the River and then set Sail on the Day of the Feast of S. Laurence By this Princess the Duke of Savoy had his Son Emanuel Filibertus from whom the Dukes of that House are descended Bernardin Ribeyro a Man well born and an ingenious Poet was in love with the Princess and she favoured him for his Wit Seeing her depart he became a Hermit at Sintra thence he went a Pilgrim into Italy and returning through Savoy he received Charity of the Dutchess who knowing him ordered he should not stay in the City He returned Home and ended his Life with his Pilgrimage The Venetians who had for many Years enjoyed all the Trade of Spice being now depriv'd of it by the Portuguese having discovered India sent an Embassador to pray they might be allowed all that was above what the Kingdom consumed at a certain Rate This Embassador was honourably entertained but received not a satisfactory Answer 8. Such was now the flourishing Estate of Lisbon that it was thronged with Forreign Embassadors and Merchants from all Parts In the height of this Prosperity and Grandeur King Emanuel fell sick of a Lethargy then the epidemical Distemper reigning Perceiving his End draw nigh he performed all the Acts of a good Christian King Emanuel dies and died the 13th of December 1521. the Ninth day of his Sickness the 53d Year of his Age and 27th of his Reign His Body was Interred in his Church of Belem where his Son built him a stately Tomb. Before his Death happened a most cruel Famine and after that a terrible Plague The Pestilence continued the following Year and such prodigious Earthquakes shook the Island of S. Michael that Mountains fell upon some Villages and others were overturned into the Sea with great slaughter of the
Inhabitants King Emanuel as to Stature was tall somewhat lean his Hair dark-brown his Forehead high his Eyes green and pleasant his Arms so long that when hanging down his Fingers reached below his knees He was much addicted to all Sports as Riding Dancing Musick and Feasting very Devout and therefore on Holy-days went to several Churches extraordinary Charitable a lover of Astrologers and Jesters He reformed several Religious Houses that lived not regularly 9. His Structures were so many His Structures and other Work and so great it would swell to a Volume to particularize them in short they were Thirteen Monasteries in Portugal besides all those in Asia Africk and America and besides Repairs in other Places Eight great Churches the great Hospital of Lisbon Five Palaces Custom-houses Store-houses many Magazines plentifully stored and above Twenty Forts of considerable Magnitude besides many of less note Also several Bridges Moles Fountains and other Works were begun and finished by him To encourage Gentlemen to serve in Africk he instituted new Commendaries to Reward those that deserved well and allowed Wages to an Hundred Knights for their Entertainment there He first gave the hundredth Penny of his Revenue to Pious Uses By him the Laws of the Kingdom were digested into Method and Registers made of all Estates and Foundations as also a Book of the Arms of the Nobility Kings at Arms and Rules of Blazon were of his introducing into Portugal Antony Rodriguez the first Master of that Science here being sent to most Courts of Christendom to inform himself perfectly therein The Chronicles down to his own days he caused to be corrected Rewarding Edward Galvam and Ruy de Pina who laboured in that Affair He had three Wives the first Elizabeth Widow of Prince Alonso in her Right he was at Toledo sworn Heir to the Crowns of Castile and Leon. The second was Mary Sister to the former both Daughters to King Ferdinand and Queen Elizabeth of Castile and Aragon The third was Ellenor Daughter to King Philip the First of Spain Sister to the Emperor Charles the Fifth and Niece to both his former Wives 10. By his First Wife he had Issue His Wives and Issue Prince Michael who died at Zaragoça not quite Two Years of Age having been Sworn Heir to all the Kingdoms of Spain By the Second Wife he had First John his Successor Secondly Elizabeth Wife to Charles the Fifth and Mother to King Philip the Second Thirdly Beatrix Wife to Charles the Third Duke of Savoy Fourthly Lewis Duke of Beja and Constable of Portugal Father to Antony Prior of Crato who tho a Bastard aspired to the Crown Fifthly Ferdinand Duke of Guarda who left no Issue Sixthly Alonso the Cardinal and Archbishop of Lisbon Seventhly Henry the Cardinal and Archbishop of Braga Lisbon and Evora who afterwards was King Eighthly Edward Duke of Guimaraens who married Elizabeth Daughter and Heiress of James Duke of Bragança by whom he had two Daughters Mary the eldest married to Alexander Farnesius Duke of Parma and Katherine Dutchess of Bragança from whom tho the younger are Descended the late Kings of Portugal Ninthly Mary Tenthly Antony who both died in their Infancy By the Third Wife First Charles who died in Infant Secondly Mary who died a Maid at the Age of 57 Years having been disappointed of several Matches that were proposed for her CHAP. XI The First Part of the Life and Reign of John the Third of the Name and Fifteenth King of Portugal from the Year of our Lord 1502. till 1543. 1. KIng John the Third King John the Third his Birth was Second Son to King Emanuel and the First by his Second Wife born at Lisbon on the 6th of June 1502 about Two in the Morning It was observable that this being the midst of Summer when the Weather is usually settled fair just at that time there arose such a terrible Storm of Wind Rain Thunder and Lightning that none living had ever seen the like Whilst this Prince was Baptizing there broke out such a Fire in the Palace as alarmed the whole Court and gave occasion to various Conjectures on what it might Prognosticate 150â— The Prince was just a Year old when his Father Assembling the Cortes or Parliament at Lisbon caused him to be sworn Heir to the Crown At three Years of Age he was weaned Being come out of his Infancy he was given in charge to Gonzalo Figueyra a Noble Citizen of Lisbon the Queen his Mother still overseeing his Education The Bishop of Tangier taught him his Grammar and Lewis Teyxeyra instructed him in the Laws yet he profited little in either never thoroughly understanding any Book that belonged to them Nor was he more successful in Astrology taught him by Thomas de Torres then Famous in that Science and Physick In short at the end of his Studies the Prince was found very ignorant for tho' he had an excellent Memory he never applyed himself to Learning and his Masters feared disobliging him In the Year 1512. the Prince fell down from a Gallery in the Palace 1512. so that for 24 hours the Doctors despaired of his Life After that he came to himself and recovered a small scar of a hurt received in the fall remaining on his forehead Next he had a violent Fit of Sickness which once passed he continued healthy all the remaining part of his Life At this Age the King began to make himself acquainted with Business to which he applyed himself better than to his Book 2. The King 1515. later than had been expected settled the Prince's Family and appointed all the Officers of his Houshold among which his principal Favourites were D. Lewis de Silveyra and D. Antony de Ataide D. Lewis de Silveyra was suspected to incense the King against his Father after his marrying Queen Ellenor Sister to Charles the Fifth once designed for the Prince as was said in the forgoing Chapter 1519. Hereupon D. Lewis was banished the Court but as soon as ever King John came to the Crown he was recalled It being the Custom to Proclaim the new King the third day after the Death of his Predecessor 1521. this Solemnity was for several urgent Reasons King John proclaim'd deferred till the sixth day when it was performed with the usual Ceremonies The new King understanding that a Fleet was fitting in France in order to make new Discoveries in India and Brasil and that several French Pirates infested the Portuguese Seas sent D. John de Silveyra to put that King in mind of the Ancient Friendship betwixt those two Crowns and require redress of those Wrongs This Embassador had an Honourable Reception but no Success in his Business Ayres â—e Sousa went Embassador to the new Pope Adrian 1522. then at Zaragoça in his way to Rome to Complement him upon his Promotion to S. Peter's Chair 1523. D. Lewis de Silveyra King John's Favourite was sent to the Emperor Charles
the Fifth to offer him Elizabeth the King 's Eldest Sister in Marriage Yet of a sudden his Instructions were altered and he ordered only to Complement that Prince upon his happy Arrival in Spain The cause of this sudden change was this The Ship called the Victory the first that sailed round the World and the only one that escaped of those that discovered the Streights of Magellan arriving at the Islands of Cabo Verdâ— the Inhabitants understanding she came from the Molucco Islands designed to secure her but they on board having some Jealousie of it immediately set Sail leaving behind their long Boat with thirteen Men who were sent away Prisoners to Lisbon whilst the Ship made her Voyage and arrived safe at Sevil. The Emperor complained hereof to the King and he again that the Emperor's Ships invaded his Conquests demanding the Lading of the Ship Victory D. Lewis de Silveyra spent Eight Months in his Embassy at the Emperor's Court without dispatching any Business and then returning to Portugal found the King at Almeirin where at his first access forgetting or neglecting to kiss his Hand he found himself quite out of favour for D. Antony de Atayde making his Advantage of the others absence had quite worked him out of his Master's Affections Nevertheless D. Lewis continued at Court without ever expressing the least Resentment for his Fall 3. D. Antony de Atayde The Character of D. Antony de Atayde the King's Favourite now the only Favourite was a Person well deserving that high Honour for his singular Prudence and Moderation There are sufficient Testimonies of the former and I will bring one that may fully evince the latter The Lord of Azambuja Head of one of the ancientest Families in Portugal designed to sell that Town to supply his present wants The King told D. Antony it would be proper for him to buy it because it joyned to his Estate He answered It was more for his Highness's Reputation to supply the wants of so Ancient and Honourable a Family than to suffer it to fall to nothing by selling an Estate of that Antiquity The King took his Advice and so generously relieved that Gentleman that he was enabled to preserve his Patrimony This is a good Remark for those who to advance their own Fortunes are so far from regarding any Private Person that they stick not to ruin Kings and overturn Kingdoms It was now thought time that the King should Marry and James Duke of Bragança proposed to him Queen Ellenor his Mother-in-law as Wife to the late King who was vastly Rich. This Proposal being noised abroad was so well liked that the Council of Lisbon addressed him in behalf of themselves and the whole Kingdom praying he would condescend to it The King could not approve of Marrying his Father's Wife and was freed from their Importunities by the Emperor's desiring he would suffer his Sister to return to Castile which was accordingly performed 4. A March being proposed for the King with Katherine 15â—â— Sister to the Emperor Charles the Fifth King John Marries Katherine Sister to the Emperor Charles the Fifth Embassadors were sent to Burgos where that Prince then kept his Court to treat about it The Articles agreed upon were That the Bridegroom should pay the Charge of the Dispensation the Emperor should be at the Expence of her Journey That she should have 200000 Ducats down and 5000 a Year for her Portion besides Jewels and other Necessaries That the third part should be given to her at her Marriage and that her Joynture should be 10000 Ducats a Year with all the Lands and Towns the Queens used to possess The former Peace was confirmed and Supplies promised reciprocally in case of need About the end of the Year she was conducted to the Borders by the Bishop of Siguença and Duke of Vejar and there delivered to the Princes Lewis and Ferdinand sent to attend her The King received her at Crato and she proved one of the best Queens in the World She was happy in bringing forth many Children but unfortunate in the shortness of their Lives which gave occasion to the Multitude to say It was a Judgment of God on the King for the Familiarity he was suspected to have with the Queen his Mother-in-law 1525. At the beginning of the Year a motion was made of a Match betwixt the Emperor and our King's Sister The Emperor Charles the Fifth Marries Elizabeth Sister to King John the Princess Elizabeth Embassadors of the Emperor and the King's Commissioners meeting upon this Subject agreed That the Emperor should be at the Expence of the Dispensation and the King defray the Charge of her Journey as had been done in the Marriage of the Emperor's Sister but the Portion now given with this Princess far exceeded that for it amounted almost to a Million of Crowns In November the Emperor's Embassador was contracted for the Emperor to the Princess and the day after they set forward with the King and Princes 5. The Empress's Journey into Spain was delayed till the Dispensation came from Rome 1526. and then being attended to the Frontiers by many of the Nobility she was there delivered to the Spanish Noblemen sent to receive her She was conducted to Sevil and there received with Pomp suitable to so great a Princess Soon after came the Emperor and in March the Marriage was solemnized We must now pass over seven Years without mentioning any thing of the Affairs of this Kingdom because we find nothing Remarkable except that in the Year 1531. there happened a most terrible Earthquake 1531. which overthrew many Buildings A great Earthquake but chiefly at Lisbon and round about it where whole Towns were overwhelmed About this time also the Tribunal of the Inquisition was erected for suppressing of the Jews Muley Hazen 1534. expelled the Kingdom of Tunis by the Famous Pirate Hariaden Barbarossa fled to the Emperor Charles the Fifth for Succour The Emperor undertook his Protection and in order to it desired Assistance of King John particularly praying him to send an extraordinary Galeon then Famous for its greatness called the S. John 1535. The King sent him that and two others of great Bulk King John sends Succours to the Emperor besides 20 smaller ones loaded with store of Ammunition and bravely manned The Command of this Squadron was given to Antony de Saldana who had served well in India At Barcelona he joyned the Emperor and was by him Honourably received Prince Lewis stole away from Court to serve under the Emperor Charles the Fifth but of this we spoke at the time of his Birth in the Reign of King Emanuel The King sent him 100000 Crowns and the Emperor received him at Barcelona with all possible marks of Honour They set out with 400 Sail and made themselves Masters of Guletta and Tunis 6. From the Year 1535. we find nothing worthy of Memory till 1539. a Year
Remarkable for the Death 1539. first Death of Prince Philip and of the Empress of Prince Philip who was scarce Six Years of Age who departed this Life at Lisbon and then of the Empress Elizabeth who ended her days at Toledo Nor was the following Year less fatal 1540. since in it were snatch'd away And of others first Antony the King's Son being but Eleven Months old then the Cardinal Alonso and lastly Prince Edward both Brothers to the King D. Michael de Silva 1541. Bishop of Portalegre and Clerk of the Closet at this time fled privately to Rome where he had before negotiated for a Cardinal's Cap which was given him immediately upon his arrival at that Court 1542. The King was so highly offended at this Contempt that he disclaimed him as a Subject and deprived him of all the Benefices and Honours he enjoyed in the Kingdom All Persons that should presume to hold Correspondence with him were subjected to the same Penalties yet the Cardinal's Brother D. George transgressed against this Decree and was therefore committed Prisoner to the Fort of Belem to answer that Misdemeanor The Princess Mary the King's Daughter at the time of her departure to Castile to Marry Prince Philip begged and obtained of her Father that the said D. George might be pardoned only upon the Penalty of going to serve at Arzila 1543. where he behaved himself in such a manner as gained him great Reputation 7. The Match betwixt Prince Philip of Spain and the Princess Mary of Portugal was concluded by the Spanish Embassador Prince Philip of Spain Marries Mary Princess of Portugal Lewis Sarmiento de Mendoza who stood Proxy for the Prince at the Ceremony of Contracting the Princess to him which was performed by Prince Henry About the middle of October the Princess set forward towards Castile with a most Splendid and Honourable Retinue consisting of 5000 Horse and 2700 Sumpture Mules Francis King of France hearing of this Match whereof the King had given him no Account was highly offended and expressed his Resentment to D. Francis de Noronha the Portuguese Embassador at his Court That Gentleman tho' unacquainted with the Affair so mitigated that King and soothed him with such convincing Reasons that he appeared wholly satisfied and by his Prudence a Breach that might have happened between the two Crowns so strictly allied for many Years was prevented In August Edward the King's Bastard-Son came to Lisbon and was received with general Applause by the King Queen and all the Court He was Born in the Year 1525. and brought up in the Royal Monastery of S. Hierome da Costa He was a promising Youth but cut off in his Prime for he lived not much above two Months after his coming to Court and died in the 22d Year of his Age. CHAP. XII The remaining Part of the Life and Reign of John the Third of the Name and Fifteenth King of Portugal from the Year 1544 till 1557. 1. THE Years 1544 and 1545 passed without any thing Remarkable 1546. or at least Historians do not give us Account of any Passages in them King John receives the Golden Fleece Nor is there any thing of more note in the Year 1546 besides that King John received the Order of the Golden Fleece sent him by the Emperor Charles the Fifth In March following the King being at Almeyrin King Henry of France sent Monsieur de Biron to him desiring he would stand Godfather to a Son he had newly born which the King granted and D. Constantine of Bragança Brother to that Duke went to represent his Person It was found necessary for the security of the Conquests in Africk to erect a Fort over the Bay of Alcaçar The King ordered his Embassadors residing at Brussels with the Emperor and with Prince Maximilian then Governing Spain to encline them both to send some Auxiliary Galleys for carrying on that Work the particulars of it may be seen in the Portuguese Africk 1548. Prince John was now Twelve Years of Age and still continued under the Government of Women when the King began to think of settling his Family which was accordingly done in February following 1549. Antony de Pesquera had some Years since set out a Ship at S. Lucar and traded in the Portuguese Conquests of Guinea and Brasil and was now returning to those Parts King John sent out Vasco Lorenço with Orders not to take him unless in the Conquests but he over-hastily seized him in the Canary Islands whereof Prince Maximilian who then governed Spain complaining he was released and Vasco Lorenço for a time confined to the Castle of Ovidos but soon discharged George Bastard-Son to King John the Second who had absented himself from Court all the time of his Youth came now to it at 70 Years of Age and fell in Love with one of the Queen's Ladies not above 16. They were privately contracted yet never married the King obstructing it and so the Young Lady was left under some Scandal 2. The King considering long Peace had disarmed the Kingdom Ordinances 〈◊〉 by the King ordered all People should furnish themselves with Arms. Such as had 2500 Royals per Annum were obliged to keep compleat Armour a Sword and Spear every Man that had double this Yearly Income to keep a Musqueteer and so forward for every time that Revenue was doubled Because Horses were scarce he forbid Mares engendring with Asses for Mules The Wolves being numerous and destroying much Cattle general Huntings were appointed upon certain days and Rewards assigned to such as brought in the Skin of a Wolf The King weary of multiplicity of Business remitted a great part of his Care to the Council and from this time the Kingdom began to decline Pope Paul III. dying about the end of this Year Dr. Baltasar Faria the Portuguese Embassador at Rome used all his Interest for Prince Henry of Portugal but on the 17th of February 1550. Cardinal John Maria was declared Pope by the Name of Julius the Third and King John sent D. Alonso de Lancastre to Complement him upon his Promotion to S. Peter's Chair Most of the Copper Coin of the Kingdom having been carryed out because the Metal was worth more than it was coined for the King new coined other Pieces New Coin which being much under the value the Kingdom was soon filled with it counterfeit from other Parts Tho' Prince John had his Family settled before yet he kept not House apart from his Father till this Year 1551. 1551. Certain French and Turkish Pirates infesting the Coasts of Spain and Portugal the King prevailed with the Emperor to fit out some Ships to scour those Seas 1552. he did the same himself and they were appointed their several Stations with Orders upon occasion to joyn and assist one another 3. A Match being concluded for Prince John with the Princess Joanna 1553. Daughter to Charles the
Adem George de Albuquerque with only 80 Men held out a Siege against the King of Bintam who had 12000. D. Simon de Meneses burnt the City Braçalor Peter de Silva defended Malaca against the Power of Five Confederate Kings Thus many others in Asia and Africk and even the Portuguese Women at Zafin shewed their Valour helping to defend that Place against the Moors The Particulars of these Actions belong to the Books of the Portuguese Asia and Africk to which we refer the Readers our intent here being to Treat only of the Portuguese Affairs in Europe The END of the FOURTH BOOK THE HISTORY OF PROTUGAL The Fifth BOOK CHAP. I. The Life and Reign of Sebastian the First of the Name and Sixteenth King of Portugal with the total Destruction of him and his whole Army in Africk from the Year 1554. till 1578. 1. PPrince John â—he Birth of King Sebastian Son to King John the Third dying left his Wife the Princess Joanna Daughter to the Emperor Charles the Fifth with Child On the 18th Day of her Widowhood she was delivered of Prince Sebastian at Lisbon it being the 20th of January 1554. This Prince's Birth cleared up the Clouds of Sorrow contracted by the Death of his Father and all the Kingdom resounded with Expressions of Joy On Account of his Name Pope Paul the 4th sent him one of the Arrows taken out of the Body of S. Sebastian which this Prince took for his device and instituted the Military Order of the Arrow which lasted not long He was Three Years of Age when by the Death of his Grand-Father he inherited the Crown being left under the Government of his Grand-Mother Queen Katherine 1557. a Princess extraordinarily qualifyed for that Charge His Accession to the Crown Yet the Queen thinking it a dangerous Employ quitted it when she had held it little above Two Years From her the Government was transferred to the Cardinal Henry Cardinal Henry Regent the King's Unkle who was judged to undertake it with a willing Mind He being much affected to the Jesuits sent for F. Lewis Gonzalez de Camara from Rome to be the King's Preceptor and joyned with him F. Amador Rabelo and F. Maurice D. Alexius de Meneses was appointed his Governour 1563. He took upon him the Government on the Day of S. Sebastian which was his Birth Day he being then just Fourteen Years of Age and was warned by Peter Nunez the famous Mathematician that it was an Unhappy Day 2. King Sebastian Odd Actions of King Sebastian tho he shewed great Zeal in matters of Religion yet had some actions so Extravagant as seemed to foreshew his Destruction After going to Bed he would rise at Midnight and go out with D. Alvaro de Meneses his Page whom also he would leave behind and spend an Hour or Two by himself on the Shoar after which he returned home Other times he would cross the River Tagus in a Boat with Sancho de Toar at the same time of Night where landing a Boat was seen to bring another Man from towards Belâ—m they two would walk together two Hours and no Body could tell who the Man was or what they discoursed about Near Sintra there is a thick Wood where he used to spend two Hours at Night alone At Almeirin he lay in wait on a Tree for a wild Boar and hearing the Boughs shake he discovered a Bulk which he ran at and laid hold of it some of his Company coming in found him Wrestling with a wild Black who having fled from his Master had lived long on the Mountain Having ordered that none should be suffered to pass by the Forts of 〈◊〉 and S. Julian without being obliged to come in and give an Account of themselves To see if his orders were observed he went into a Boat passing both these Forts through showers of Bullets sent after him and returned without discovering himself He would put out to Sea in a Galley when the Weather was most Stormy and laughed at the Danger D. Alvaro de Castro his Favourite dying he went some Nights to his Grave where he was heard to talk and returned with Tears in his Eyes Most of his time he spent among the wild Beasts in the Woods seldom applying himself to Business for the dispatch whereof by the Advice of Cardinal Henry he made choice of two Gentlemen which were D. Martin Pereyra and Martin Gonzalez de Camara a Priest These two discharged that Trust with much Honour but Martin Gonzales wholly Monopolized all the King's Favour to himself 3. Tho the Kingdom was miserably exhausted The King prepares for an Expedition into Africk the King who had fixed his Mind upon the Conquest of Africk ceased not to make vast Preparations for that Enterprize All that Flattered him upon this score were advanced to his Favour but such as more prudently represented the mighty difficulties and dangers of that Enterprize were soon removed from his Presence Even his Grand-Mother for giving Advice against this undertaking became so irksome to him that she was upon departing to Castile yet he was again reconciled to her Whilst the Kingdom was thus tossed with various agitations at home Exploits in India several Fleets arrived from India and brought Advice of the Progress the Portuguese made in those Parts D. Constantine Son to James Duke of Bragança had taken the City Damam D. Lewis de Ataide made Braçalor Tributary and with 600 Portuguese defended the City Goa against Hidalcan who Besieged it with 100000 Indians 2000 Elephants and 400 pieces of Cannon D. Francis Mascarenhas held out nine Months in Chaul against Nizamaluco who Besieged it with 150000 Men. George de Moura and Antony Chale raised the Siege of Onor the same was done at the Town of Chale D. Leonis Pereyra defended Malaca against the King of Achem. D. James de Meneses destroyed many Places on the Coast of Malabar and all the Kingdom of Maâ—galor These and many other such notable Victories which may be seen at large in the Portuguese Asia excited the young unadvised but ambitious King to attempt the Conquest of Africk that he might not be outrun in glory by any of his Subjects 4. Inflamed with these aspiring Thoughts he went the first time into Africk at twenty Years of Age. To this purpose he sent D. James de Sousa 1574. Governour into the Kingdom of Algarve Sebastian passes over into Africk with Orders to Ship off the Forces raised for that Expedition Antony Bastard-Son to Prince Lewis was sent before to Tangier many Gentlemen followed him so that he made up a Body of 800 Horse The King was resolved for Africk and yet had no Fleet and all his Friends disswaded that Voyage He feigning he went to divert himself at Sintra ordered D. Alvaro de Noronha with Three Galleys to meet him at Cascais where on a sudden he Embarked ordering Simon de Vega who guarded the Coast with one
Galley and five Ships to follow him All that followed him seeing themselves shipped just in their Hunting Apparel stood amazed From Cape S. Vincent the King sent Messengers with Letters to all Cities Towns and the Gentry informing them with his Designs that they might follow him Many from all Parts resorted to him both by Sea and Land The Cardinal Prince Henry was left Governour of the Kingdom The King was received in Africk with great Joy by his Subjects but not with much Terror of his Enemies for they perceived his Preparations were not suitable to the Undertaking He hunted there as if he had been at home and made several Inroads into the Country which provoked the Moors in great numbers under the Command of the Alcayde Cid Admubenania Viceroy of Mequines to draw together to oppose him The Multitude was great and advanced Confidently seeing the small number of Christians Our Cannon plaied upon them and the Infidels gave the first Onset in which many of them that were foremost fled The King was always in the Front and with his Example so encouraged his Men He defeats the Moors and returns to Lisbon that they cleared the Field of the Enemy Next Day the King expected the Enemy in the same Place but they thought not good to attack him nor did he prosecute his Victory saying He came not to make War but to visit his Garrisons He returned to Lisbon in November at such time as it was feared he was lost for News was brought of his embarking at Tangier and a violent Storm had long â—osted him at Sea 5. Before this time a Match had been proposed for King Sebastian with Margaret second Daughter to Henry the second King of France And Embassador was sent to King Philip the second of Spain by King Sebastian at his return out of Africk to incline him to give him his Daughter Clara Eugenia to wife she was afterwards married to the Archduke Albertus and the result of the Embassy was 1576. That the two Kings should meet at Guadalupe He has an interview with the King of Spain To save expence King Sebastian travelled by the Post with several Persons of Quality and assoon as he came into the Borders of Castile was Magnificently Entertained at the Cost of King Philip who had also ordered all the Keys of the Towns he passed through to be delivered to him Nine Days after the King's Departure the great Warehouses of Merchant Goods next to the King's Palace were accidentally Blown up with such force that the Noise was heard at Santarem which is fourteen Leagues distant and great Stones and pieces of Timber were cast far from the Place and many remote Buildings were shaken King Philip met our Sebastian the Day before Christmas-Eve half a League from Guadalupe They embraced friendly and then Philip saluted the Portuguese Noblemen Sebastian as the Stranger went first into the Coach Fifteen Days they staied at Guadalupe Philip endeavoured to disswade the Portuguese from his designs upon Africk but not prevailing promised to assist him with 50 Galleys and 5000 Men and contracted at his return from that Expedition to deliver to him his Daughter 1577. After this they parted with the same expressions of Love and Affections as they had met and King Sebastian in his return home presented the Spanish Gentry and Officers that attended him 6. Being come to Lisbon Preparations for a second Voyage into Africk he hasted his Preparations for a second Voyage into Africk to which he was the more encouraged by Muley Hamet who was at War with his Unkle Muley Maluco for the sovereignty of Morocco and being worsted offered to remain Tributary to Portugal if enthroned by the King Cid Adelcherim Lord of Arzila having sided with Hamet delivered up Arzila to Edward de Meneses Governour of Tangier who sending for Succours to the King there was scarce enough found in the Magazines to furnish him whereby King Sebastian perceived how impossible it was for him to fit out a Royal Fleet that Year Nevertheless he ceased not to use all possible means for forwarding his Design To this effect he had a free Gift of 15000 Duccats from the Clergy The Croisade was set on foot to 〈◊〉 Money a Tax laid upon Salt Donatives required of the People Money borrowed of rich Men the Revenues of the Crown anticipated and a great Summ raised of the Convert Jews on Account of a general Pardon granted them Besides this they listed none but the basest sort of People that had no Money to buy themselves off Several Prodigies and were carried away by force King John the Third's Ghost is said to have appeared to F. Lewis de Moura foretelling the ill success of this Enterprize About the same time a vast number of Fishes called Espada's or Sword-fish were cast a Shoar one whereof of an extraordinary Bigness had upon it a Cross from the Arms of which hung two Scourges and the number of that Year 1578. which was 1578. Armies were seen fighting in the Air in the Province bewixt Duero and Minho Colonel Vasco de Silveira always heard a doleful Voice following of him and one Night in the Field of Almeyria saw a great Fantome it proceeded from which being by him asked the cause of its Groans answered I bewail my self and you seeing you and those I always loved engaged in so great a Disaster This same Hobgoblin was seen by him near the King's Tent in the Field of Alcacer the Night before the Battle 7. Notwithstanding all these Preparations The King not to be moved from his Resolution there wanted not some who urged the King ought not to expose his Person but he to divert them caused Edward de Meneses Governour of Tangier to signifie by Letters to him that the Moors were wholly unprovided These he shewed in Council and because D. John Mascarenhas persisted to contradict him he caused a Consult of Physitians to declare That tho a Man had been brave in his Youth he might become a Coward in his old Age. D. Lewis de Ataide known for his brave Exploits in India he sent thither again after having chosen him General of his Army and this because he advised him to be very circumspect in this Affair The Citizens of 〈◊〉 protested to the King that if he persisted in his Resolution they would detain him by force The King of Morocco tho he were well provided against this Invasion failed not to exhort King Sebastian to Peace but neither these Motives nor King Philip of Spain his failing to send the promised Supplies of 50 Galleys and 5000 Men could stop this unfortunate Prince from runing headlong to his Ruin All things being in readiness for his Departure the King would have appointed Henry the Prince Cardinal to Govern the Kingdom in his Absence but he refusing Five Governours were appointed viz. D. George de Almeyda Archbishop of Lisbon Peter de Alcaçova Surveyor of the Revenue Francis
de Sâ—a D. John Mascarenhas and the Secretary Michael de Moura 8. On the 14th of June The King and Nobility Embark King Sebastian attended by all the Nobility and Gentry rode to the Cathedral where his Standard was Blessed on which was the Figure of our Saviour Crucifyed He returned not to Court but to expedite what was yet wanting A Fleet of 1000 Sail. went directly aboard his Galley The River was covered with 1000 Sail all filled with such gaudy but ill disciplined Forces that they seemed rather to carry a rich Prey to the Enemy than Weapons to Fight On the 24th of June the Fleet sailed from Lisbon Landmen The Land Forces made up the number of 18000. 18000 At Cadiz the King staied Seven Days to gather all his Fleet and sailing thence anchored before Tangier on the 6th of July about Midnight The Moor Hamet sent his Son Muley Xeque that Night to visit the King and came himself in the Morning Hence the King removed to Arzila where the Moors that were of his Party joyned him Larache is Five Leagues distant from this Place Thither he was first designed to go by Sea and now the Resolution was taken to March by Land The Army lands at Arzila The Forces landed and numerous Troops of the Enemy approaching to discover the King threw himself into all Dangers envying others every opportunity of gaining Honour Here he staied longer than he ought to have done and Provisions began to grow scarce Having given all necessary Orders and taking five Days Provision the King advanced on the 25th of July towards Larache and continued his marches till the 4th of August when he encamped between the Rivers Haiuad Macharim and Lucus and where he was informed that the King of Morocco was himself at hand which was not then expected The Enemy immediately passed the River Lucus covering the Hills and Plain with 150000 Men most of them Horse 9. The Christians had marched Seven Days with only Five Days Provision The Christian and Moorish Armies engage and therefore it was thought necessary not to delay the Fight till next Day The Enemy perceiving it advanced in the Form of a Half Moon to enclose the Portuguese Army which was drawn up in the best manner time would permit Both Kings having with their Presence in all Parts encouraged their Men the signal of Battle was given on both sides Having well nigh encompassed the Christians the Infidels began to play their Cannon which disordered those that had charge of it in the Portuguese Army After a short pause the King gave the Charge others following his Example great slaughter was in a short time made among the Moors Yet the Multitude began to prevail when the Castilians Italians and Germans falling on routed a multitude of Barbarians so that the Christians in the heat of the Action began to cry Victory On a sudden a Voice was heard to cry Halt Halt which most Men obeyed till seeing the Enemy return upon them they renewed the Fight with almost as great Success as before the King in Person doing Wonders He of Morocco thinking all lost advanced a Horseback to Encourage his Men The King of Morrocco slain but soon fell down dead Hamet Taba a Renegado put him into a Litter and feigned he gave out Orders from him Halican a Renegado Portuguese Encouraged the Infidels and was by some taken for the King himself The Germans did Wonders but the Portuguese Foot being undisciplined was disordered by the Enemies Cannon The Rout of the Christians Now all began to be in Confusion which the King perceiving he performed Actions beyond belief rushing into the midst of his Enemies not as a General but as the bravest of Soldiers George de Albuquerque meeting him gave him his Horse to carry him off but he mounting Charged again into the thick of the Enemy D. Antony Bastard-Son to Prince Lewis was much wounded and the King offered him his Horse as did Christopher de Tavora King Sebastian meeting Lewis de Brito with the Royal Standard stripped and wrapped about him cried out Hold it fast and let us die upon it Christopher de Tavora advised the King to suffer himself to be taken but he being offended at the Advice fell in again among the Moors where being seized Brito rescued him and was himself made Prisoner and with him the Standard was taken which afterwards certain Portuguese bought at Fez for a small matter Brito taken saw the King at distance no Enemy pursuing him and afterwards D. Lewis de Lima met him making towards the River This is the last time he was seen by any of his People tho others say he was found dead after the Battle and others more â—ondly expect his return to this Day but where he died only God knows Hamet the Moor that sided with him was drowned in passing the River 10. To reckon what Men of Note were slain Of 18000 Men only 50 escape were tedious and needless since of 18000 Combatants that composed that Army only 50 escaped being killed or taken The Body of Hamet the Moor being carryed to the new King of Morocco he caused it to be flea'd and hung on the Walls of Fez his Son Muley was brought to Portugal and became a Christian Some will have it that the Body of King Sebastian was also found but others deny it A rumour of this Disaster was spread abroad at Lisbon before any body brought the News till at last D. James de Sousa the Admiral returned home after having waited two days at Larache to take up any that escaped and chiefly in hopes of the King who was not known to be dead Some would have it that he came in the Fleet but Landing had absconded for shame However there being no tidings of him till an Account was brought from Africk that his Body was found it was resolved that the Cardinal Prince Henry should succeed him in the Crown Come Counterfeits Personate King Sebastian Nevertheless upon the vain Rumour of King Sebastian's being still alive four or five base Fellows had afterwards the Impudence to Personate him causing thereby no small Troubles Many other Prodigies are reported to have happened besides what we before related but being very dubious it will be needless to repeat more of them 11. King Sebastian The Character of King Sebastian as to his Inclinations was Religious Merciful a Lover of Justice and no less Bountiful than any of his Predecessors As to Stature he was of the largest size and well proportioned fair of Complexion his Eyes blue his Countenance Majestick his Strength more than ordinary and his Heart undaunted He died in the 25th Year of his Age and 21st of his Reign but the 11th after he took the Government into his own Hands and lies buried in the Monastery of Belem In his Time the value of Copper Money was abated to prevent the Importation of it from Foreign Parts
Cardinal tho' old and a Priest should Marry Many Pamphlets were spread abroad some of them against King Philip and others for him which last were so well penned that they seem to have inclined King Henry to his Interest as they did many others throughout the Kingdom But the City of Lisbon openly declared its aversion to him offering to raise 20000 Men and threatning to burn the Houses of those that favoured him Antony Grand Prior of Crato that is of the Knights of Malta in Portugal laboured in vain to prove himself Legitimate and King Henry seeing him persist obstinately in that Design banished him the Court. The City of Lisbon now again pressed King Henry to obtain a Dispensation of the Pope to Marry he excused himself on account of his Ecclesiastical Dignity rather than his Age or Infirmities No Excuses availing D. Duarte de Castello-Branco and Dr. Ruy de Castanheda were appointed to go Embassadors to Rome but they went not for the King still urging his Inability and his Infirmities being apparent his Excuses were at last received 5. Since there were no hopes of Issue in King Henry Five Persons appointed to Govern after the King's Death he was pressed to declare who ought to Succeed him which he refused leaving it to Governours and Judges to determine after his Death For appointing of them he presently summoned the Cortes or Parliament who named Fifteen Persons for Governours of whom the King chose five which were D. George de Almeyda Archbishop of Lisbon D. John Mascarenhas Francis de Sa James Lopez de Sousa and D. John Tello de Meneses Also 24 Lawyers were nominated and of them 11 elected to be Judges and the Names of them all to be kept close till the Death of the King All swore to stand by these Decrees The substance of the Oath was The same appointed to decide the Controversie concerning the Succession That the King dying they would obey the Governours appointed and would acknowledge him for their Lawful Sovereign that should be declared such by them The Duke of Bragança as one of the Candidates swore to stand to their Determination the same did Antony the Grand Prior yet afterwards he recanted before the Pope's Nuncio alledging he had sworn for fear of his Unkle King Philip's Embassadors refused to take the Oath for their Master pleading he was Lawful Heir of the Crown and therefore not obliged to allow of that Decision The Cortes being broke up each of the Candidates which were now but three viz. King Philip the Duke of Bragança and the Grand Prior began to speak their Thoughts more boldly The two latter were soon banished the Court by King Henry who perceiving that Antony grew haughty having obtained a surreptitious Judgment of his Legitimacy got leave of Pope Gregory XIII to inspect into and determine that Affair After some time spent in enquiring into it he at length positively declared him Illegitimate The Grand Prior dismayed at this Sentence and the great Power of his Adversary proposed to King Philip's Embassadors that he would be content with the Kingdom of Algarve and Title of King or else that he might have the Government of the Kingdom for Life with a Revenue of 300000 Ducats half of them to remain to his Heirs King Philip answered That Kingdom was too small for so many Kings 6. King Henry ceased not to prosecute the Grand Prior and sent Orders to Apprehend him at Coimbra where he then was but he made his Escape and lurked about in the Province between the Rivers Duero and Minho Next he issued out his Proclamation Summoning him to Surrender himself but he obeyed not The King was now at Almeyrin The Plague at Lisbon whither he fled from the Plague that raged at Lisbon and spread it self throughout the Kingdom There he summoned before him the Principal Members of the Cortes or Parliament and the Embassadors before whom he declared himself for King Philip ordering them to Capitulate with him The Lords Spiritual and Temporal were easily brought to approve of the King's Proposition but the Commons opposed it Soon after the King Assembles the Cortes intending to put an end to this Controversie but all he or the Nobility could do availed not so that the Division ran as high as ever it had been The King's Death now drawing on apace Katherine Dutchess of Bragança came from Villa Viciosa 1580 to try if she could prevail with him to declare her his Heiress K. Henry dies He heard her and soon after without returning any Answer gave up the Ghost 7. King Henry was of a middle Stature His 〈◊〉 in shape like his Father of a lively Spirit patient of Labour and in his Youth trained in all the Exercises that belong to a Prince Damianus de Goes says he understood Latin Greek and Hebrew and was well read in Mathematicks Philosophy and Divinity He says further of him That he had an absolute Command over his Passions was temperate in Speech a great lover of Truth a notable keeper of Secrets an Enemy to Detraction an admirer of Justice free in giving Advice averse to Favourites and inclinable to all Vertue Notwithstanding all these Qualities he was a better Priest than King His first Spiritual Promotion was to the Priorship of Sancta Cruz which Monastery he reformed and increased its Revenue Next he had the Archbishoprick of Braga where he spent his Revenue relieving the Poor in time of Famine The same he did at Evora He maintained many Foundlings gave Portions to Young Maids redeemed Captives and performed himself all the Duties of a private Priest At Braga he assembled a Synod endowed Schools in that City repaired the Monastery of S. Fructuosus punished severely all Crimes in the Clergy especially Incontinency The See of Evora being added to his other of Braga he did the same good Offices there and founded the University under the Jurisdiction of the Jesuits Many other notable Works he performed and being created Cardinal and Legate to the Pope still increased in Works of Piety 8. In this Henry expired the Kingdom Observations on the Rise and Fail of Portugal erected by another of the same Name the first died in the Year 1112. and the latter was born in 1512. So that the Name of Henry and Number 12 were the beginning and end of this Monarchy Thus the Seventeenth was the last Native King of Portugal The Moon laboured under a great Eclipse when he died 15â—â— in the 68th Year of his Age and second of his Reign His Body was deposited at Almeyrin where he died till King Philip translated it to the Monastery of Belem CHAP. III. The short Administration of the Five Governours Antony Grand Prior of Crato or the Order of Malta proclaimed King by the Multitude the short time of his Vsurpation 1. NO sooner was King Henry dead at Almeyrâ—â— but the Five Governours began to exercise 〈…〉 Power 〈…〉 The Commons held their
Assemblâ—◠〈…〉 and appeared inflexible Martin 〈…〉 Camara was sent to appease them and promise they should have all the Records relating to the Succession It was proposed the Governours should remove to Santarem and disband the Forces they entertained The Prior of Crato drew near to Lisbon thinking the City would receive him they ordered him to remove farther yet he approached nearer and at last was admitted The Governours and Commons were at variance and could agree upon no one Point King Philip wrote to the Governours Parliament and chief Cities admonishing them to Proclaim him King Philip of Spain Arms to secure the Crown 〈◊〉 Portugal and at the same time suspecting them gathered his Forces He chose Ferdinand Alvarez de Toledo Duke of Alva then a Prisoner at Vzeda for Miscarriages in Flanders to be General of this Expedition Philip removed to Guadalupe on Pretence of Devotion thither came to him the Portuguese Embassadors desiring him to forbear Force and stand to the Determination of the Judges But he told them he could not lay down Arms till he was proclaimed King The Governours weary of the Commons sent them word they were dissolved and might depart They doubted at first but soon after obeyed This done the Governours to rid themselves of such as opposed King Philip sent them away to the Frontiers and other Parts on pretence of securing the Kingdom 2. King Philip now at Merida spread his Forces along the Borders of the Kingdom ordering the Commanders to treat such Portuguese as resorted to them courteously Preparations in Portugal to oppose Philip The Portuguese tho' they knew of these Preparations yet because the King courted them they thought he was weak Such of the Governours as favoured him were afraid to discover it and therefore Francis Barreto was sent into France to obtain 6000 Foot of that King which done he was to go to Rome to move the Pope to Mediate that King Philip might stand to Judgment D. Elisio de Portugal was sent to the Emperor The Fleet was also ordered to be fitted out D. Emanuel de Portugal erected a Wooden Fort on a Bank of Sand at the Mouth of the River to secure the Harbour There being great want of Men the Fryars from the Pulpits encouraged them to take up Arms and became more insolent when they incensed the Rabble to Rescue Antony Suarez who was hanged for murdering Ferdinand de Pâ—ca an Ancient Grave Man and Alderman of the City for that he opposed Antony the Grand Prior by whose order he was assassinated and he now pressed the Governours to declare him Legitimate D. John Tello one of the Governours was sent to Belem with absolute Power and there joyned with D. Emanuel de Portugal both of them being Mortal Enemies to Castile These Two wanting Money designed to sell the Crown Jewels but Christopher de Moura deterred any from buying affirming They would lose their Money for that the King would take them from them and their Persons would be in Danger 3. The Portuguese Embassadors followed the King to Badajoz where he dismissed them with the same Answer as before The Governours still remained irresolute but resolved to secure themselves and therefore removed to Setuval that being a stronger Place The Duke of Bragança and Spanish Embassador followed them and they began to talk of summoning the Cortes or Parliament as if the Duke of Alva were not now upon his March Elvas and other places delivered to King Philip. In the mean while the City Elvas was delivered up to King Philip there being Two Parties in the Place and Sixty Horse appearing before it and cutting off its Water The same happened at Olivenza Serpa Mâ—ura Campo-Mayor Aronches and Portalegre did the same Antony the Grand Prior at Santarem was by the Rabble proclaimed Protector of the Kingdom Antony the Bastard declared Protector by the Rabble and he going to lay the Foundation of a Fort a Base Fellow called Antony Baracho flourishing a Clout on the point of his Sword cried out Antony Antony King of Portugal All the Multitude took the word and pursued it so that none durst contradict them Only he made some seeming Opposition which was but to heighten their Desires Mounting on Horseback he was conducted to the Church and thence to the Town-Hall where all present swore Allegiance to him This done he resolved to set forward for Lisbon believing himself secure if received there This News was soon carried to the Governours at Setuval But before we proceed let us give some further Account of this Mob King 4. Antony Prior of Crato that is of the Order of Malta was born at Lisbon in the Year 1531 being Bastard-Son to Prince Lewis the Son of King Emanuel by Vâ—â—lante Gomez yet he made efforts to prove himself Legitimate but all unsuccessfully He was bred to Learning but made but little progress 1531. only understood Latin and had some rudiments of other Sciences The Birth and Education of Antony Prior of Crato His Particular Talent was a smooth Tongue which was very Attractive Incontinency was so predominant in him that in the depth of his Misfortunes he could not refrain from it Upon some Distast given him at Court he went into Castile and was kindly Entertained by King Philip. 1560. At Tangieâ— he served against the Moors and gained Reputation 1568. and Accompanied King Sebastian in both his Voyages to Africk where as we have seen he remained in Captivity Being ransomed he returned to Portugal and soon began to aspire to the Throne Finding King Philip so powerful an Enemy he offered to Compound but his Proposals were rejected What followed till his being proclaimed King at Santarem we have seen above The Governours hearing thereof and fearing he would soon be upon them Fortifyed themselves At Lisbon all things were in the greatest Confusion imaginable King Philip was at Badajâ—z and the power of his Army much extolled which spurred all Antony's Followers to press the Kingdom to Declare for him that so united they might the better oppose the Spaniards The Council of Lisbon refused to admit Antony as King but would receive him as Protector which he refusing they prepared to oppose him 5. Antony advanced to Lisbon Antony enters Lisbon 〈…〉 and tho but slenderly attended entered the City all that saw him saluting him as King He went to the Town-House and being there proclaimed all that were present swore Allegiance to him which done he immediately sent to acquaint the Duke of Bragança the Governours and other Noblemen of his Exaltation His next care was to raise Men and dispatch Expresses to England and France to crave Succours Having gathered 1500 Men he set forward for Setuval where the Governours were sending before the young Count de 〈◊〉 his great Favourite with a Letter admonishing them to submit They thought to have defended themselves but the Gount being possessed of the Gates they fled away privately and met again at 〈◊〉
where they gave their definitive Sentence in Favour of King Philip. Antony hasted to Setuval and having secured the City returned to Lisbon where the Forts of S. Julian and 〈…〉 The Duke of 〈◊〉 who had retired to his Town of Portel sent thence to King Philip offering to come to Composition but it was now too late for that Prince was too far advanced The Duke aâ— Alva had passed the River Caya in June which parts the two Kingdoms with 20000 Men 6000 Carts and 25 pieces of Cannon He marched peaceably as if it had been through a Country subject to his Master all Places submitting themselves as far as Estremoz This Town was soon perswaded by D. Christopher de Moura to surrender but D. John de Azevedo held out in the Castle till seeing the Cannon planted against him he endeavoured to escape and being taken was sent Prisoner to Villa Viciosa the Duke of Alva declaring he spared his Life in regard to his want of Experience Hence the Army moved and took in Evora and Monte-Mayor and so proceeded to Setuval without committing any wasâ— in all the Country 6. The grand Prior provided for his Defence but wanting Men and no Succours coming from France he sent the French Consul residing at Lisbon to hasten them and he went to spend the Money he carried The Spanish Forces 〈◊〉 Duke 〈◊〉 Alva 〈◊〉 near to Lisbon Now perceiving the Duke approached having taken Alcaçer do sal near Setuval and being wholly unprovided to oppose him he suffered his Officers to commit many Extortions to raise Money Slaves had their Freedom given them to take Arms Money was coined of less Weight than usual all the Jewels of the Crown were sold the Money designed for Redemption of Captives seized Convents were searched for Money deposited in them and the Plate of the Churches was seized The Fryars took Arms and went about the Streets exciting others to do the like Setuval was soon surrendred to the Duke of Alva and only a Tower held out that secures the Haven under which lay Three Galleons D. Alvaro Bazan Marquess of Santa Cruz coming up now with 60 Galleys and 25 Ships and some Cannon being planted on an Eminency at the first shot the Galeons surrendred and soon after the Tower The Grand Prior seeing the best Part of the Kingdom in the Power of King Philip and the Nobility daily resort to him began now to suspect his own Followers Duke de Alva passâ—â— the River Tagus The Duke of Alva after long consulting where to pass the River Tagus at length took the Advice of the Portuguese that adhered to him which was to go over in the Galleys to Cascais D. James de Mâ—â—â—es lying with some Men behind a Mountain did not hinder the landing and was therefore accused of Cowardize The Grand Prior marched out to Belem with some few ill armed Troops but soon retired The Duke took and plundered Cascais where D. James de Meneses being taken had his Head cut off This put Lisbon and the Grand Prior into a great Consternation and he gathered about 8000 undisciplined Men with which he marched towards Belem on the 5th of August On the 4th Day after he removed and posted himself on an Advantageous rising Ground over against the Bridge of Alcantara In the mean while the Duke advanced to batter the Fort of S. Julian 7. D. James de Cazamo a Spaniard who had served the Grand Prior came now to him and prevailed with him to submit himself to King Philip but the King remitted the whole Affair to the Duke of Alva who broke off that Negotiation The Fâ—â—ts upon the River taken by the Spaniards The Castle of S. Julian after being Two Days battered was delivered up to him The Wooden Fort at the Bar was abandoned by the Defendants and the Spaniards possessed themselves of it King Philip now published his general Pardon to all Persons whatsoever concerned in these Broiles except the Grand Prior and some other of the Heads conditionally that they submitted by a Day appointed Lisbon was willing enough to embrace this offer but feared as much to be plundered by its armed Rabble as by the Enemy Eight Days the Two Armies lay close by each other without doing any thing At length the Duke sent Sanchâ— de Avila with 15 Horse and some Foot to discover which way the Tower of Belâ—m might be attacked A greater number of Portuguese met them and a Skirmish 〈◊〉 tho not considerable the Spaniards retiring That 〈◊〉 they planted their Cannon and the next Day the Tower was delivered to them The Duke perceiving the Ground Prior kept his Ground which prevented the City 〈◊〉 from surrendring he went in Person to take a view 〈◊〉 his Camp and found it well seated but not fortifyed He resolved to attack it at Midnight and have strict Ordere that the City should not be plundred King Philip having given it him particularly in Charge At the tâ—mâ— appointed he marched the Spanish Shâ—ps and 〈◊〉 then riding in the River The Grand Prior encourageâ— his Mâ—n which were now but a small number and 〈…〉 disciplined The Spanish Army consisted of 20000 Men the Portuguese were not above 4000. The Cannon having played on both sides Antony's Army routted the Spaniards assaulted the Bridge where was a sharp dispute but that once gained the Portuguese soon fled to the City where Antony opened the Prisons and then with some few that would follow him shifted for himself 8. Notwithstanding the contrary Orders the Spaniards during Three Days plundered Lisbon Lisbon plundered by the Spaniards which so displeased King Philip that he threatned to punish all the Officers and so severely reproved the Duke that he is thought to have died of Grief Antony having staied at Sacavem near Lisbon removed to Santarem which Place tho the first that declared him King refused now to admit him Thence he fled to Coimbra where he fortifyed himself and having gathered 5000 Men sent Orders to the Province betwixt Duero and Minho to own him King and entered Aveyro by force The Towns in Africk immediately submitted Antony forced to fly 〈◊〉 abscond but the Tercera Islands stood by Antony Sancho de Avila set out from Lisbon with 400 Horse and 6000 Foot to pursue Antony Coimbra opened her Gates to him and Antony removed to Porto which Place refusing him admittance he began to batter and thereupon it was surrendred to him Sancho de Avila followed the Grand Prior close and coming to Porto battered it from the same Place the other had done and entring plundered it Antony escaping thence and being forsaken of all Men absoncded for a long time in the Mountains Being close pursued at the River Lima he had certainly been taken but that one Thomas Cacheyro who still followed him Swam over the River with him on his Back In this manner he fled from Place to Place narrowly escaping in several Disguises King Philip offered 80000
Crowns in Gold to any that could discover him and the many poor People were concerned in his Escape none ever offered to betray him Antony came in disguise to Lisbon and thence to Setuval where a Woman assisted to hire a small Vessel for him which carried him into England whence he passed into France and was there favourably entertained by the Queen Mother Katherine of Medicis and her Son the Duke of Alenson who aspired to a Crown and hoped if he could get Forces into Portugal to secure that to himself 9. The Tercera Islands still held for Antony 〈◊〉 and at the same time expected King Sebastian who was killed in Africk The Tercera Islands for Antony and many pretended to prophecy the Day he would come to them King Philip being about to make his Entry into Lisbon received this News from the Islands and therefore sent thither Peter Valdez with 600 Men and some Cannon to reduce them He found a very ill Reception and therefore kept at Sea not knowing what to do Advice was brought him That D. Lope de Figueroa was preparing at Lisbon to follow him with a greater Force and he that the other might not have any share in the Honour of subduing those Islands rashly adventured to land With much difficulty he got ashoar upon S. James his Day and at First took some pieces of Cannon from the Portuguese But Cyprian de Figueyredo the Governour coming out of the City with all the Force he could make drove before a Herd of Oxen which being pricked forwards upon the Spaniards put them into disorder and he then falling on drove them into the Sea where 450 of them perished Many Barbarities were committed towards the Dead some being cut in Pieces and others dragged about the Streets Valdez was in this miserable Condition when D. Lope de Figueroa came to be a Witness of his rashness for he could do nothing after that Loss Upon the News that Levies were making in England France and Flanders to bring Antony into Portugal the King sent the Prior of Malta to secure the Province betwixt Duero and Minho Ambrose de Aguiar and Peter Peixoto were sent to the Terceras The Marquis de Santa Cruz returned from Sevil with Twelve Galleys and Twenty Galleons and found there Thirty Vessels gathered from Portugal Biscay and other Places With this Force he sailed towards the Islands in July Antony arrives at the Terceraâ— with a Fleet from France Antony at the same time sailed from France with Fifty eight Sail in which were above Seven thousand Men commanded by Philip Strozi and Monsieur de Brisâ—â— He arrived at the Island of S. Michael before the Spaniards and plundered the Town of Laguna The Inhabitants of Punta Delgada the chief Town of the Island fled to the Mountains Ambrose de Aguiar who had been Governour was dead and now Peter Peixoto and Laurâ—â—â—e Nogueyra commanded They marched out with about Three thousand Spaniards and Portuguese to meet the French by whom they were defeated and Nogueyra flying to the Fort died there of his Wounds Antony after summoning the Fort in vain prepared to batter it when the Spanish Fleet appearing diverted him from that Design 10. After several Essays made 1582. the Two Fleets joyned Battle on the 26th of July Antony's Fleet destroyed by the Spanish The Engagement lasted Five Hours in which the French Admiral and Vice-Admiral being taken Two great Ships sunk and about Two thousand of their Men slain the rest fled Philip Strozi being taken died of his Wounds as did D. Francis de Portugal Earl of Vimioso John de Jaen Chaplain to the Major General frighted by the Cannon ran down into the Hold where he died with fear Anthony thinking some of his Commanders had not done their Duty as being corrupted by the Spaniards cut off D. Duarte de Castro's Head on suspition that he was one of them He was not himself in the Fight being then received ashoar in the Island Tercera where he was received as King Some of the French Ships returned to France others plundered the Island of Fayal The Marquess after his Victory having Twenty eight Lords Fifty Gentlemen and a great number of Marriners and Soldiers Prisoners beheaded all the former and hanged the latter This done he returned to Lisbon carrying with him Two India Ships he met in the way Antony coined Money much under Weight wracked the People to raise more incited the religious Men to take Arms and forbore not too in the midst of his Misery to endeavour to corrupt Nuns He sailed thence in November with Thirty Sail for France but some of them forsook him by the way 〈◊〉 About the middle of February King Philip returned to Castile As soon as the Season was fit for sailing Monsieur de Chartes a Knight of Malta came from France with 1200 Men to secure the Islands to 〈◊〉 In July arrived there the Spanish Fleet consisting of Sixty Sail and among them Twelve Galleys which caused admiration for that those Vessels had never before been used in the Ocean but for Coasters In this Fleet were One thousand two hundred Men commanded by the Marquess de Santa Cruz. On the 24th of this Month the Admiral would have proclaimed a general Pardon but could not be heard He landed at 〈◊〉 Mole The 〈…〉 and after Three Days resistance became absolute Master of the 〈◊〉 the Defendants flying to the Mountains Monsieur de Chartes articled to depart with the French leaving their Colours D. Emanuel de Silva the Governour after absconding some time was betrayed by a Slave taken and beheaded His Head was put up where he had set up that of Belchior Alfonso for finding with King Philip and it is remarkable he had said it should be taken down when his were fixed in the Place Some were beheaded others hanged and all that had any Honours or Employments conferred by Antony were deprived of them All the other Islands were easily reduced 11. Antony having left all he possessed in the Seas Antony flies into England and having no hopes of Succour in France went over into England the differences betwixt King Philip and Queen Elizabeth encouraging him to hope for assistance there The Queen was easily perswaded to embrace this Enterprize and offered her Ships and Two thousand Men that had served in Holland but upon very hard Terms which were granted and are these That the Queen should furnish 120 Sail 15000 Landmen and 5000 Marriners for which Antony within Two Months after he was in possession of Lisbon should pay down Five Millions and 300000 Duccats a Year for ever That the English should Traffick freely in Portugal and India That the Queen might bring her Fleet into Lisbon River and Antony should be obliged to assist her against King Philip. That the Garrisons in Portugal should alwalys be in the hands of English maintained by the Kingdom That Bishopricks should be conferred on English Catholicks and
so others too tedious to relate Sir Francis Drake had the Command of the Fleet and Sir John Norris of the Land Forces which were 22000 Men. They sailed from Plimouth and arrived at Coruna the 4th of May where they landed and having spent Five Days before the Place without any success returned to their Ships with loss In the mean while King Philip sent Advice to Lisbon That the Cardinâ—â— Alvertus who was Governour and the Count de 〈◊〉 who was General might be in readiness The English landed some Horse and 12000 Foot at Peniche which Place they took and thence coasting along entered thâ— River of Liâ—bâ—â— The Count de Fuentes with some Troops of Horse endeavoured to secure the Country â—et Norris marched with a great Body of Troops 〈◊〉 wards Lisbon and fortyfied himself close to the City There he lay some time but still finding that not one Portuguese came over to him nor that Drake did not come up the River he marched back and embarked his Forces Many of his Men died by the way of the Plague which was got among them in Portugal and the rest arriving at Plimouth spread it through all England 12. Antony seemed now only to have come to take his last Farewel of his Country for ever after he resided in France He dies in France tho' never quitting his claim to this Crown till he died at Paris in great Poverty and the 64th Year of his Age. His Body was buried in the Church of the Nuns of Ave Maria and the Inscription on his Tomb calls him King He was endued with several good Qualities his Person was comly and his Countenance pleasing He was not unlearned especially in Divinity and wrote a Paraphrase upon the Penitential Psalms He could not marry as being of the Military Order of Malta but by several Women had the following Bastard Children First D. Emanuel de Portugal who married Emilia Daughter to William Prince of Orange Secondly Christopher who died in France Thirdly Peter who became a Franciscan Friar and was called of the Desart remarkable for Piety and Learning Fourthly Denis who took the Habit of S. Bernard in the Monastery of Valbuena Fifthly Alonso who served in the Galleys of Naples where he died Sixthly John who died very Young Seventhly Philippa a Bernardin Nun. Eightly Luisa a Franciscan Nun. Ninthly and Tenthly Two Daughters whose Names are not extant but they were both kept in the Monastery of Huelgas near Burgos by King Philip the Second CHAP. VII The Reign of Philip the Second of Spain and First of Portugal and Eigthteenth King from the Year 1580 till 1598. 1. PHilip the Second of Spain Birth of King Philip and First of Portugal Son to the Emperor Charles the Fifth and the Empress Elizabeth Daughter of King Emanuel of Portugal was born at Valladolid on the 23th of March 1527. After the loss of King Sebastian in Africk he sent Don Christopher de Moura to condole with the New King and Cardinal Henry offering his assistance in reestablishing the Kingdom in its former Splendor and Money for the redemption of Captives The First he ransomed was the Duke of Barcelos Son to him of Bragança and with him several Gentlemen King Henry dying and the Kingdom being in a Confusion for that the Governours feared to declare who was the next Heir and the Multitude began to declare for Antony the Grand Prior King Philip came to Badajoz hoping his approach would induce the Portuguese to declare for him but being deceived of his Expectation he sent the Duke of Alva who reduced all the Country with much ease as we have seen in the foregoing Chapter At the time the King intended to enter the Kingdom in Person he fell so dangerously Sick that he was given over He suddenly recovered and Ann his Queen who was with him died Being restored to his Health he was received at Elvas He enters Portugal D. Christopher de Moura and Nunho Alvarez Pereyra attending upon him as Ministers of State for this Kingdom Lisbon was not yet quite clear of the Plague and therefore he ordered the Cortes or Parliament to meet at Tomar on the 15th of April In his way thither he met the Dutchess of Bragança and they were long together tho' their Discourse was not over pleasant for the King treated her not with all the Complement she expected and she never gave him the stile of Majesty Being come to Tomar before the opening of the Parliament he caused himself to be Sworn King according to the Portuguese manner and his Son Prince James Heir of the Crown An Amnâ—sty Next he granted a general Pardon to all that had sided with Antony the Grand Prior only excepting Fifty two Persons and excluding all religious Men that espoused his Quarrel from Spiritual Promotions 2. The Parliament was opened the 19th of April He holds a Parliament the King sitting on his Throne The King bountifully bestowed his Favours upon all there and yet there were more discontented than pleased It was proposed to suppress the University of Coimbra because it had supported the Grand Prior but the King would not suffer it to be done What the King granted of his own will to the Kingdom in general Priviledges granted to Portugal was as follows That he will keep all their Ancient Priviledges and Immunities That the Parliament shall always meet within the Kingdom That none shall be Governour of Portugal but a Native unless it be a Prince of the Blood That all Places of Trust and Honour shall be given to Natives That all the Officers of the Houshould shall be kept up and none but Natives shall be such That the same be observed in India and America and none but Portuguese Ships shall be allowed to Trade thither That all the Money coined in the Kingdom shall be stamped with only the Portuguese Arms. That all Church Preferments and Commendaries of Military Orders shall be given to Natives That no New Imposition shall be laid upon the Church That there shall be always a Portuguese Council with his Majesty for the Affairs of the Kingdom These are the Principal Heads the others being much of the same Purport or less Material I omit for brevity sake They were in all Twenty five Articles King Philip bound himself by Oath to perform them left his Blessing to such of his Heirs as preserved and his Curse to those that violated them 3. The Cortes being broke up Philip's publick Entry into Lisbon King Philip resolved to make his solemn Entry into Lisbon but because the City had not yet finished the Works designed for his Reception he staid some Days at Almada a Town on the opposite side of the River On the 29th of June he entered the City attended by all the Nobility with the greatest Splendor and Majesty imaginable Thus ended the Calamities of this Kingdom which had lasted Two Years during which short time there may be reckoned Five several
Reigns which were that of Sebastian of Henry of the Five Governours of Antony and now of Philip. For the easier dispatch of Business the King ordered there should be but Two prime Minister viz. Antony Pineyro Bishop of Leyria and D. Christopher de Moura the former because he had no Kindred and the latter because he made no Account of them for Moura was never known to prefer any of his tho' he had many Nunho Alvarez Pereyra was made Secretary and was equal in Power to them tho' not in Title The King had appointed to return to Castile in November but Prince James dying 〈◊〉 he was forced to call a Parliament to cause his Second So◠〈…〉 sworn Heir to the Crown 1583. The Parliament met the beginning of the New Year Another Parliament held and swore the Prince and among other things the King granted leave for wearing of Silks Mary the Empress Sister to King Philip and her Daughter Margaret came to meet the King at Lisbon The Portuguese expected the former would have been left to govern them Philip returns to Castile but the King made choise of her Son the Cardinal Albertus Archduke of Austria On the 11th of February the King set forward for Castile carrying with him the Lady Juliana de Lancastro Heiress of the Noble House of Aveiro 4. All Men began to observe how the Cardinal Albertus was qualified Cardinal Albertus Governour of Portugal and they found his Inclinations were good Only two things remarkable happened during the time of his Government One was the English Invasion under Antony the Grand Prior before spoken of The other the counterfeit Sanctity of a Nun. The Hipocrisie of a Nun. She pretended to live without eating and indeed had no other Sustenance but what she got out of artificial Candles she pretended to burn in her Oratory She also imprinted on her Body the Five Wounds of our Saviour so artificially that the cheat was scarce to be discerned even after she was discovered During the short time this Hypocritical Scene was acted she wrought some Miracles Being at last examined she was punished and from thenceforth led so Godly a Life as almost purchased her the Opinion of Sanctity she before endeavoured to gain by Hypocrisie The King tho' he left the Cardinal in Portugal governed the Kingdom himself with the assistance of his Portuguese Council composed of very worthy Persons in the choice of which he never erred The conceit some People entertained that King Sebastian was yet living 15â—â— gave Occasion to some Persons to take upon them his Name and Character 〈◊〉 Sebastian The Son of a Tiler born at Alcobaza who had been Apprentice to a small Turner of Heads in Lisbon and expelled the Order of Carmelites in his Noviceship went away and lived like a Hermit on the Borders of the Kingdom near Aâ—â—â—querque After some time the People censuring his course of Life he left it and putting on good Apparel he travelled about that Country well mounted Some presently gave out he was King Sebastian which he at first denied but finding them positive at last complied with their Humour and suffered two of his Followers to call themselves the one Christopher 〈…〉 and the other the Bishop of Guarda both which had been slain with the King in Africk Some few days they lived well among their Adherents and gathered Money but being apprehended by Order of the Arch-Duke Albertus the Counterfeit Sebastian after having been shewed at Lisbon was sent to the Galleys and his Companion the pretended Bishop hanged 5. Scarce was the last Impostor punished when another started up in his place This was one Gonzalo Alvarez the Son of a Mason who like the other became an Eremite and did much seeming Penance lashing himself and then crying out where he might be heard O unhappy Sebastian all thy Penance is but little in respect of thy Crimes A Rich Farmer called Peter Alfonso joyned with him and concealed him giving out Orders in his Name At length he gathered 800 Men calling himself Earl of Torresnovas Lord of Cascais and Governour of Lisbon None saw the pretended King but the Daughter of the false Earl she being designed Queen and also the Wife of Antony Simoens a Rich Man Whensoever this Pageant King was forced to appear abroad he wore a great pair of Spectacles which covered most part of his Face He sent a Son of Simoens to the Governour Albertus to Order him to quit the Palace for that he was coming to undeceive the People This Messenger being taken and then let go increased the Opinion of the People that it was King Sebastian because Antony Simoens having known him would not otherwise have suffered his Son to go on that Message The Judge of Torresvedras was ordered to Apprehend them but he attempting it was together with his Clerk cast headlong from a High Place and killed Gasper Pereira for reproving them was also murdered with his Son and Nephew and his House plundered Antony Fonseca an Alcalde de Corte went next with 400 Spaniards The false Sebastian executed commanded by Captain Calderon who after killing a few of the Mutiniers took the Upstart King At Lisbon he was hanged and quartered as was the false Earl Peter Alfonso with others Some were sent to the Galleys and the Towns of Ericeyra Carbonero and Mafra were left almost desolate the Inhabitants flying for fear of Punishment Yet after all this many thought King Sebastian must come out from the Desart and there was scarce any that lived an Eremitical Life in Portugal who was not imagined to be that King 6. Elizabeth Queen Elizabeth's Provocations and King Philip's Design against her Queen of England not regarding that she owed her Life to King Philip joyned with the Rebels of Holland against him She sent over to then Assistance Robert Earl of Leicester with 3000 Men. Sir Francis Drake also sailed from Plymouth in August and Landing at Bayona was beaten off thence Next he fell upon the Islands of Caboverde where he took a considerable Booty and all the Cannon of the Fortifications along the Sea-coast Thence he sailed to Sancto Domingo in the West-Indies 1586. which City he â—â—ok and plundered The same he did at Cartagena and then passed over to Florida About the beginning of this Year King Philip set out the Proclamation for regulating the Stile to be used in Letters which till then caused much Confusion every one aspiring to greater Titles than belonged to them King Philip provoked by the many Wrongs done him by Queen Elizabeth resolved upon the Conquest of England and to that purpose gathered a Mighty Fleet in the vast Port of Lisbon It contained 130 Sail most of them very large under the Command of D. Alonso Perez de Guzman Duke of Medina Sidonia and Generalissimo The Land Forces amounted to 20000 1588. the Mariners above 11000. They sailed from Lisbon the 27th of May and
after being dispersed by a Terrible Storm met again at Corâ—na Sailing thence the greatest part of this Mighty Fleet was destroyed either by the English or by violent Storms which drove it round Scotland and Ireland so that the Duke of Medina Sidonia with a very few returned to Santander In Revenge of this Attempt Queen Elizabeth sent the Fleet we before spoke of in the Life of Antony the Grand Prior to Invade Portugal The Disappointment she met there made her think of Intercepting our India Fleet. To this purpose she fitted out 50 Sail 1591. commanded by the Earl of Essex who sailed directly to the Islands Azores King Philâ—â— sent out his Fleet under the Command of D. Alonso Bazan against him Near the Island Flores the two Fleets engaged with so much Advantage on the part of the Spaniards that they took the English Vice-Admiral yet presently after some of the Spanish Fleet perished in a Storm However the English took the Flag-Ship of three that came from India in the Year 1593. 1593. tho D. Alonso Bazan sailed from Lisbon to prevent them He found seven English Ships in the Island Flores waiting for the other two that came from India and he took them 7. The Arch-Duke 1594. Cardinal Albertus being called away to Madrid Portugal governed by Commissioners to receive the Archbishoprick of Toledo the Government of Portugal was committed to D. Michael de Castro Archbishop of Lisbon the Counts D. John de Sylva of Portalegre D. Francis Mascarenhas of Sancta Cruz D. Duarte de Castelobranco of Sabugal and Michael de Moura Secretary The English Fleet again appeared before the Tercera Islands hoping to meet with the Ships from India The Earl of Essex was Admiral he destroyed Fayal and Pico then Landing upon S. Michael plundered Villafranca Lastly one of the India Ships falling into his Fleet he thought to have carryed it off but was disappointed by her being fired This done he sailed from the Islands Prince Charles Son to King Philip was naturally of a turbulent Spirit and is said to have held Correspondence with his Father's Enemies and to have practised against him Hereupon he was cast into Prison and Judges appointed to inspect into the Cause who passed Sentence of Death against him His Father allowed him no other Favour than to choose what Death he would die and he said they might kill him as they pleased Being prepared for it four Slaves strangled him with a Silken Rope D. John of Austria tho' a Bastard was no less haughty and aspired first to the Kingdom of Tunis then to that of England but the King lowered all his haughty thoughts and he is believed to have died a violent Death King Philip having been some time sick at last was confined to his Bed as well by reason of Weakness as that the Gout was broke out in Sores upon his Hand Foot and Knee Fifty three days he lay in such condition that his Bed could not be made and on the last of them he died His Patience in his Sufferings was wonderful for he pityed those that attended him more than he did himself Having performed all Offices of a good Christian he gave up the Ghost the 13th day of September being Sunday 1599. at Five in the Morning in the Year 1599 in the Famous Monastery of the Escurial King Philip dies the 71st Year of his Age the 18th of his Reign over Portugal and 41st over the rest of Spain He was the first King since the Goths that possessed all this Monarchy entire 8. King Philip was of a middle Stature His Description an awful Presence had a high Forehead blue and beautiful Eyes a handsom Nose thick Lips the lower somewhat fallen as is usual to the House of Austria fair Hair and taken altogether his Person was Majestick He wanted the Sense of Smelling or at least had very little of it He had four Wives First Mary Daughter to King John the Third of Portugal His Wives and Issue Secondly Mary Queen of England Daughter to Henry the Eighth by whom he had no Issue Thirdly Elizabeth Daughter to Henry the Second King of France Fourthly Ann Daughter to the Emperor Maximilian By the first he had Charles whom he put to Death as has been said By the third Elizabeth Clare Eugenia Countess of Flanders Wife to the Arch-Duke Albertus Also Katherine Wife to Charles Emanuel Duke of Savoy By the fourth first Ferdinand secondly Charles Lawrence thirdly James all three died young fourthly Philip who succeeded his Father fifthly Mary who died an Infant CHAP. V. The Reign of Philip the Third of Spain and Second of Portugal and Nineteenth King from the Year 1578. till 1621. 1. SIngular was the Wisdom of the late King and consequently the loss of him was extraordinarily lamented by all his People Their Sorrow was much mitigated by the great hopes conceived that his Successor Philip would prove no less capable to wield the Sceptre than his Father had been Birth of Philip the Third This Prince being the Seventh Child of his Father and Fourth of his Mother Queen Ann was Born in the renowned Town of Madrid 1578. on the 14th of April 1578. and was the Second of the Name in Portugal and Third in Spain He was sworn Heir of Portugal on the first of February 1583. 158â— and afterwards of his other Kingdoms 1598. this being the first of them that took an Oath to him The many Embassages he received with singular Grandeur the Fleets he set out the great Supplies he sent to Pope Paul the Fifth and the Emperor Ferdinand and many other particulars of his Reign as appertaining more properly to the History of Spain where he resided are purposely omitted here because we design only to adhere to what particularly belongs to Portugal His Resolution was wonderful in banishing the Moriscoes The Moriscoes banished Spain or those that were descended of the Race of the Moors who pretending to become Christians committed many Villanies and Sacriledges at the same time underhand holding Correspondence in Africk and Turky in order to bring over the Moors into Spain again Charles the Fifth Ferdinand and Philip the Second had all of them entertained thoughts of putting this same Design in execution but the many Inconveniences that attended it still deterred them 400000 of these base People were dispersed throughout the Kingdom who all upon the King's Edict departed the Kingdom having liberty to carry away with them all they were worth Upon the Birth-day of this King a Preacher Prophetically foretold the Banishment of the Moriscoes threatning them with the New-born Prince 2. Often did this King promise to Visit his Realm of Portugal in Person but still failed being put by his Resolution by his Favourites who for their private Ends disswaded this Journey not regarding how much a King loss the Affections of his People who never suffers himself to be seen by them 1619.
the Air representing Men Fires and Battles The Holy Man F. Bartholomew of the Martyrs Archbishop of Braga was beatified his Body is in the Town of Viana Margaret de Chaves now flourished in Sanctity and made a miraculous end CHAP. VI. The Reign of Philip the Fourth of Spain and Third of Portugal and the Twentieth King from the Year of our Lord 1605 till 1628. 1. KIng Philip the Third of Spain Birth of Philip the Fourth of Spain and Third of Portugal and Second of Portugal being at Valladolid with his Wife Queen Margaret their Son Philip the Fourth of Spain and Third of Portugal was born upon Good-Friday which fell then upon the 8th day of April in the Year 1605. His Birth was celebrated with the greatest Demonstrations of Joy and most of Expence 1625. that had ever till then been seen His Father dying he retired to the Royal Monastery of S. Hierome 1621. whence a few days after he returned to take Possession of his Crowns left him by his Ancestors his Magnificent Entry dispelling the Clouds of Sorrow that hung over the Heads of the Subjects and filling their Hearts with Joy He entred upon the Government giving ample Testimonies of a more pregnant Judgment than could have been expected at those tender Years His Accession to the Crown for he reformed the Councils established wholsom Laws punished evil Ministers and ordered that all those who were in Office should give in true Estimates of what they were worth that it might afterwards appear how their Estates were advanced in his Service K. Charles the First of England then Prince of Wales in Spain On the 16th of May Charles Prince of Wales afterwards King of England came incognito by the Post to Madrid and went to Lodge at the English Embassador's House and by him made known the design of his coming The Catholick King made a Publick Entry with him from the Escurial with that Solemnity that is only used at the Reception of the Spanish Kings giving him the Right Hand under the Canopy and attended by all his Court every Man thâ—â— day vying to out do the rest in Splendor and in testifying his Joy Afterwards several Sports were made to Entertain the Prince the King himself at the Riding used with Canes instead of Spears signalized his Dexterity The Match betwixt the Prince and Princess Mary being proposed learned Men were consulted and agreed upon the Conclusion but not the Formalities It was hoped it would have succeeded but Providence had ordered otherwise 2. The Arms of Spain were at this time employed in several Parts The Dutch in Brasil in all which many Portuguese served with singular Reputation The Rebel Hollanders having Intelligence of the evil Posture of Affairs in Brasil resolved to attempt the Conquest of that Country and to that effect moved several of the Northern Princes grown envious of the Power of Spain to assist them in the Enterprize They fitted out a Fleet in Holland and Zealand it consisting of 35 Sail under the Command of Admiral John Vandort and carryed 3000 chosen Men a good Train of Artillery with all other Necessaries The Design was kept very private In December the Fleet set Sail and having passed the Line in 6 Degrees of South Latitude according to the Orders given the Admiral opened his Instructions and found he was commanded to invade Baya de Todos Santos or the Bay of All-Saints This Bay is thought to be the greatest in the World and is the sort to the City S. Salvador seated on a rising Ground along that Mountainous Shoar extending out in length from North to South It has a Cathedral Church and had once a Court of Chancery which has been taken away with good cause for the greatest Injustice that can be in a State is to be pestered with too many Officers of Justice This City is the Metropolis of all that vast Province of Brasil in America and on the East side of that Continent stretching forth 1200 Leagues along the Coast being a Delightful Rich and Pleasant Soil 3. The Fleet entred this Bay and began to batter the Suburb next the Sea The Dutch Land and take the Capital City of all Brasil called Baia. where was begun a Fort in the Water in which Antony de Mendoza Son to the Governour James de Mendoza commanded but was forced to abandon it because in no condition then to withstand the fury of the Enemy's Cannon In the mean while 1000 Musqueteers landed and advanced towards the City without any Opposition They halted in the Suburb of S. Benedict Night came on and all the Inhabitants fled out of the City which the Enemy took Possession of in the Morning The Governour staid 〈◊〉 his House and was thence carried away aboard the Admiral All the People had forsaken their Houses leaving an inestimable Booty to the Rebels who polluted the Churches and committed all manner of Sacrilegious Outrages D. Mark Teyxeira the Bishop with his Clergy had offered to withstand the Enemy but none adhering to him he retired to a Village Mathias de Albuquerque who was next in Command to the Governour then a Prisoner was 100 Leagues off at Pernambuco He sent an Account of what had happened into Portugal where the Advice arrived in July The King writ to the Governours of Portugal a Letter with his own Hand in which he expressed how much he valued the Portuguese Loyalty and what returns he expected from them upon such an Exigency A Fleet sent against the Dutch The Portuguese to answer their King's Expectation speedily resorted from all Parts of the Kingdom to Lisbon and in the space of three Months fitted out a Fleet of 26 Sail in which was most of the Gentry of the Kingdom all at their own Cost without putting the King to any charge D. Emanuel de Moura Corte Real Marquess of Castel Rodrigo gave the Example to others raising a sightly Company of Musquetiers which he sent upon this Expedition at his own Expence This stirred up others to do the like for among the Portuguese Emulation is more prevalent than Vertue D. Alonso de Noronha tho' old that had been Governour of India listed himself and many Gentlemen of Quality followed his Example I shall not name them because among the Portuguese every one had rather his Name should be omitted than that his Neighbours should be inserted with him 4. The Portuguese not being a sufficient Power to recover Brasil a Spanish Fleet was at the same time fitting out but not so soon ready for the former stay'd a Month for the other in the Port of Lisbon and sailing thence in November expected it at the Island of Santiago the chief of those of Cabo Verde till February which delay proved not a little advantageous to the Enemy The Portuguese Squadron consisted of 26 Ships 1625. and in them 4000 Men in the Spanish were more Ships and 8000 Men the former commanded by D. Emanuel
absolute Ascendant over her Husband who never undertook any thing of moment without her Advice and therefore could not proceed farther in this Affair without consulting her To her he revealed the whole Conspiracy the Parties concerned their Zeal in carrying it on and all that had happened to him at Lisbon and at Almada in the Conference He told her how much the Nobility were offended at the Expedition against Catalonia That nevertheless the greatness of the Danger discouraged him as did the fear that the Great Ones out of Envy would oppose him that the Power of the King of Spain was formidable and little Confidence to be reposed in Foreign Princes These Considerations weighed more with the Duke than the desire he had of a Crown But the Dutches whose Aâ—â—â—ion was more rooted presently embraced the horâ—â— of a Crown and used all the Arguments her Rhetorick could furnish her with to perswade him yet so as that he should see a greater Number of Conspirators engagâ—â— and never openly espouse the Cause till the moment it should be put in execution 10. The Court at this time was not free from Care The Prime Minister of Spain resolves to draw the Duke out of Portugal The extraordinary Joy the People express'd at Lisbon at the sight of the Duke alarmed the Prime Minister He suspected there were Private Cabals held at Lisbon and certain groundless Reports which are commonly the fore-runners of great Revolutions increased his Jealousie Several Councils were held hereupon and it was finally resolved to call the Duke of Bragança to Madrid that so the Portuguese wanting a Head might have no hopes left of succeeding in their intended Revolt On the 20th of October 1640. the Count Duke de Olivares sent an Express to the Duke of Bragança 1640. to acquaint him the King expected him at Court to be informed by him of the Posture of Affairs in Portugal assuring him he should receive all marks of Honour that were due to his Birth and Quality This Positive Command strangly surprized him as knowing should he refuse to Obey the next Orders would be for carrying him away by force and thinking he was betrayed concluded himself fallen into the depth of all Misfortunes The Duke's Arts in refusing Nevertheless that he might gain time and advertise the Conspirators of his Danger by the Advice of his Dutchess he sent a Gentleman to Madrid to assure the Prime Minister of his Resolution to appear suddenly before the King This Gentleman had private Instructions to find some counterfeit Excuses for his delay from time to time Being come to Madrid he assured the King that his Master followed him He hired a great House bought Rich Furniture hired Servants and lay'd out much Money as if he daily expected his Master Soon after he pretended he had received Advice that his Master was sick and finding this Fraud would not last long presented a Memorial to the Prime Minister desiring that the King would ascertain in what manner his Master should be received at Court This was done in hopes that the Grandees opposing him the Dispute might be held on foot some considerable time But the Count Duke to avoid all delays perswaded the King to decide the Controversie in favour of the Duke of Bragança so that he could 〈◊〉 longer doubt of as Honourable a Reception as he cou 〈◊〉 himself desire 11. As soon as the Conspirators understood what Orders the Duke had received from Court they sent Mendoza to assure him of their stedfastness and to perswade him openly to joyn with them They met a Hunting and being withdrawn into a Wood Mendoza made use of the most preâ—ing Arguments to engage him to espouse his own Quarrel The Duke answered He approved of their Proceedings and was fully resolved to Head them Mendoza returning to Lisbon informed the Conspirators how he had sped and that the Duke would have Pinto repair to him He was sent and with him the whole Scheme of their intended Proceedings Pinto acquainted his Master how great a Misunderstanding there was betwixt the Vice-Queen and the Secretary Vasconcellos and withal told him nothing could have fallen out more advantageously for advancing his Affairs The Duke who was fully convinced of the force of his Reasons found himself more pressed forward by the Gentleman he had sent to Madrid for he writ that the Prime Minister would admit of no longer delays This made him resolve to lose no time However he writ to that Gentleman that he should acquaint the Count Duke de Olivares that he would have been at Madrid long since but for want of Money to support his Dignityâ— which as soon as it could be raised he would set out towards the Court. The Duke carryed Pinto to the Dutchess's Apartment where several Methods were proposed about the Execution of their Design At length the Duke concluded that Lisbon should be secured for that being the Capital City would shake the whole Kingdom and that the same day it was done he would cause himself to be proclaimed King in all the Towns that depended on him That such of his Friends as were Governours of Towns should do the like where they commanded and that the People should be made to rise even in the Villages that were subject to any of the Conspirators to the end that the Conflagration being general throughout the Kingdom those few Spaniards that were in it might not know which part to have recourse to first That he would march his own Regiment into Elvas the Governour of which Place was wholly at his Devotion That as to the securing of Lisbon he must leave it to them to Act as Opportunity should offer Nevertheless his Advice was that their first â—â—â—rts should be made against the Palace that having seized the Vice-Queen and all the Spaniards they might serve as Hostages to oblige the Citadel to Surrender which might otherwise incommode the City He gave Pinto two Letters of Credence directed to Almeida and Mendoza only requiring them to give entire Credit to the Bearer and to be faithful and couragious in putting what they had promised in execution 12. Being come to Lisbon Pinto delivered his Credentials to Almeida and Mendoza Then they sent for Lemos and Correa The Conspirators contrive how to incense the Citizens of Lisbon against the Spaniards two Citizens of the Duke's Faction who employing many Workmen and having gone through all the Offices of the City were in great Reputation among the People They had before made it their business to incense the Citizens against the Spaniards by spreading Reports of new Taxes to be raised and had designedly discharged many of their Workmen pretending that the Trade being lost they had no Business for them but in truth that Want might make them the readier to rise and yet from time to time they relieved them that they might be entirely at their Devotion Besides they held Intelligence with the chief Men of every Quarter so
Andaluzia of great Courage and Colonel of a Regiment who offered to hold out three Weeks longer to expect the Succours from Spain which they heard to be at Sea under the Conduct of the Duke of Maqueda The King thought it not fit longer to delay his Coronation that his Royal Authority might become the more Sacred and his Person more respected among the People This Ceremony was performed on the 15th of December with all possible Magnificence The Duke of Aveiro the Marquess of Villareal the Duke de Caminha his Son the Count de Monsanto and all the Nobility of the Kingdom assisted at the Ceremony The Archbishop of Lisbon at the head of his Clergy and attended by several other Bishops received the King at the Gate of the Cathedral and there all the Three Estates took the Oath of Fidelity to him A few Days after the Queen came to Lisbon having been received at a distance by the whole Court and the King himself 19. The News of this Revolution being soon carried to the Court of Spain How the News of his revoltâ— was received in Spain struck to the Heart of the Prime-Minister yet making the best of that Disaster he accosted the King with a Countenance chearful and full of Assurance saying Sir I bring you happy News your Majesty has just now gained a great Dutchy and a considerable parâ—el of Lands The King in a surprize asked in what manner Sir replied the Minister the Duke of Braganza is run mad he has suffered himself to be deluded by the Multitude who have proclaimed him King of Portugal now all his Lands are forfeited to the Crown and that Family being extirpated your Majesty will for the future possess that Kingdom in Peace The King was not much taken with these plausible Words and only told him That Care must be taken to suppress a Rebellion that might prove of dangerous Consequence Anno 1641. 1. THE new King of Portugal omitted nothing that might conduce to his Establishment on the Throne After his Arrival at Lisbon New Governours placed in the Frontiers he presently appointed Governours for all the Frontier Towns choosing for that purpose Men of Fidelity Valour and Experience who immediately went away to their Posts with what Forces they could gather and used all possible diligence to put the places committed to them into a posture of defence Commissions were given out to raise Forces and immediately after the Coronation the Cortes or Parliament was Summon'd They met the 28th of January and by a solemn Act acknowledg'd King John to be their lawful and rightful Soveraign as descended by the Princess his Mother from Prince Edward Son to King Emanuel In this Assembly of the three Estates the King declared that for the support of his Houshold he would content himself with his own private Revenue and would lay apart all those of the Crown to supply the necessities of the Kingdom and that the people might relish the sweetness of his Government he abolished all new Taxes imposed by the Spaniards The most considerable employments he gave to such of the Conspirators as had best deserved yet Pinto had no share in this promotion but nevertheless had so great an influence over the King that though he had not the Title of a Minister of State nothing of moment was done without him Having settled all things at home the King next bent his thoughts towards Foreign Princes Ambassadors sent to all the Courts of Europe He dispatched Ambassadors to all the Courts of Europe to move them to own him and at the same time to gain Allies and raise new Enemies to the House of Austria A League offensive and defensive was concluded with the Hollanders and Catalonians both at that time in Rebellion against the King of Spain That Monarch nor being in a condition to use immediate force for the reducing of Portugal still hop'd he might by fair means or threats work upon the new King and to that end writ a Letter to him in the Stile of a Sovereign but in most affectionate terms The Answer was such as no less touched the King of Spain than the News of the Revolt had done before He had his hands full in Flanders Italy Roussillon and Catalonia and yet rather than seem to abate any thing of his Royal Grandeur resolved to hazard all rather than suffer this Affront to pass unrevenged The Duke of Medina Sidonia was order'd to raise Forces in Andaluzia the Count de Monterey in the two Castiles and the Marquess de Valparaiso in Leon and Galicia And because a Fleet was the most absolutely necessary the Duke de Maqueda Admiral of the Ocean had Orders to gather all the Vessels that were fit for Service and to infest the Coast whilst the others acted by Land 2. Of all the Ambassadors sent by the King of Portugal to the Christian Princes The Bishâ—p of Lamego going Ambassadorâ— to Rome 〈◊〉 by the Spaniards only the Bishop of Lamego designed for Rome miscarried The Master of the Vessel that carried him put into Cartagena a Port of the Kingdom of Murcia and delivered him up to the Spaniards for which Treachery he received a Reward of 2000 Crowns That Prelate's Life was in great danger for he had certainly been Executed but that the King was put in mind that the Marquess de la Pueblâ— and five or six other persons of Quality were Prisoners at Lisbon This Consideration mov'd him to order the Bishop should be civilly Treated least the Prisoners at Lisbon might suffer for his sake Fortune which the Year before had so highly favoured the new King still seemed wholly devoted to his Party All the Forts on the Coast of Africk except Ceuta and Tangier which at last afterwards submitted upon the first News of what had hapned in Portugal withdrew themselves from their Obedience to the Spaniards and sent to acknowledge King John and assure him of their utmost Fidelity Nor was this all for the Vice-Roy of Brasil having Intelligence of the Revolution sent his Son to Lisbon to take the Oath of Allegiance to the new King in his Name and in the Name of all the Inhabitants oâ— that Coast who testified an extraordinary satisfaction for that Change The Islands Azores resolved not to be the last that declared for the King and to give him some proof of their Fidelity at the very beginning of his Reign they seized 10 Ships coming from India that knew nothing of the Revolution and sent them to Lisbon after having taken off all the Soldiers that were aboard them In May also this Year a 〈◊〉 dispatched Express from India by John de Sylva Tello the Vice-Roy brought the News that the King had been Proclaimed in all his Dominions in Asia King John Proclaimed in India and as far as the Coast of China The Hollanders at this time were very powerful in those Seas and being at War with Spain did all the harm they could in the
Portuguese Colonies and Factories endeavouring with the assistance of the Indians utterly to extirpate all others that they might themselves ingross that Trade To this purpose they omitted not any manner of Villainies that might conduce to their advantage and particularly though they had afterwards certain Intelligence of King John's being Proclaimed and being in amity with their State yet they ceased not to prosecute their ends in those remote parts as shall appear in the Sequel of this History However before the Revolution reached India they had got footing in Ceylon laid Siege to Malaca which they took and had their designs against Goâ— and all other the Portuguese Conquests in India In America also they were possessed of Pernambuco Paraiba Rio Grande Ciara the Islands of Tamaraca and Ferdinand de Noronha and towards the South of Porto Calvo and Segeripe all places appertaining to the Crown of Portugal But after they had information of the Truce concluded betwixt Portugal and Holland they perfidiously made themselves Masters of Angola and the Island of St. Thomas in Africk of Maranhao in America and of Malaca in India To compleat this Prince's Happiness though before there was a mortal Enmity betwixt the Portuguese and the Hollanders yet now on the 12th of June a Cessation of Arms betwixt the two Nations was agreed upon and concluded A Cessation of Arms with the Dutch at the Hague for 10 Years and soon after the States sent an Ambassador to Congratulate the King upon his Accession to the Crown The Portugal Ambassador returning brought with him Two Regiments of Horse and considerable supplies of Arms and Ammunition The Catalonians also sent the Lord Sala on the same Account and to Ratifie the League before concluded by the Portuguese Ambassador 3. All new erected Monarchyes are subject to a thousand accidents A Conspiracy against the New King discovered and unless protected by some Heavenly power can scarce continue long in their full splendor The King of Portugal was raised to the Throne of his Ancestors in a manner almost miraculous he mounted without any opposition 600 Towns and 15000 Villages submitted to him in less than eight days and all the people of the Kingdom declared they were never happy till his Accession to the Crown Nevertheless no sooner was he seated on the Throne but he found many Enemies and among them some of those who had helped to raise him to that Grandeur About 100 of the Greatest Men in his Kingdom Conspired to destroy him and if Heaven had not protected him there had been but a short space betwixt the Birth and Grave of his Sovereignty The Arch-Bishop of Braga the chief Inquisitor two other Bishops the Marquess of Villareal and his Son the Duke de Caminha were the principal Conspirators D. Lorenzo Pidez de Carvallo the Count de Armamar and D. Augustin Manuel were brought in as Associates the Jews of Lisbon were concerned in the Design and there was a party in the Fleet then lying at Belem one Man being aboard every Ship in order to Fire it upon a signal given Laurence Pidez de Carvallo was to break into the Queens Apartment with 100 Men to secure all there It was given in Charge to the Jews to fire the City in 8 or 10 places that the people being busied there they might have time to force the Palace The Inquisitor General sent Letters into Spain to acquaint the King with the Design that the Forces on the Frontiers might be ready to March to Lisbon upon the first Advice and the Duke de Maqueda to enter the Port with the Fleet of Spain Concerning the manner of discovering this Conspiracy there are three several Accounts One is that the Letters being directed to the Marquess de Ayamonte who was Governour of the Spanish Frontiers he broke them open and sent them back to the King of Portugal when he had seen the Contents which is most probable he being afterwards Convicted of High-Treason and put to Death at Segovia for Conspiring against his King with the Duke of Medina Sidonia and the new King of Portugal Another says that a Spy employed by the King to go often into Spain meeting a Bohemian who was employed to carry the said Letters and suspecting something by his Discourse made him Drunk then Stabbing him and having taken the Packet brought it to the King but this seems not to have any thing of probability or consequently of Truth The third is that D. Alfonso de Portugal Count de Vimioso being deprived of his Command on the Frontiers and grievously resenting that Affront the Arch-Bishop of Braga conceived the desire of revenge would easily engage him to enter into the Conspiracy He therefore discover'd the whole design to him and the Count seeming to embrace the proposition acquainted the King with the whole matter The Conspiracy being discovered the King so ordered the Affair that most of those persons therein concerned were apprehended without the least noise or confusion The 5th of August at 11 at Night was the time appointed for putting the Conspiracy in execution That very morning the King caused all the Troops that Quartered in the neighbouring Villages to march into Lisbon upon pretence of a review to be taken in the large place before the Palace He with his own hand gave several Billets Sealed up to persons he could confide in with positive Orders to every one not to open his Billet till 12 at Noon and then punctually to obey what it directed Then having sent for the Arch-Bishop of Braga and Marquess of Villareal under colour of communicating some important Affairs The principal Conspirators seized and punished they were both seized in the King's Lodgings about Noon without any noise At the same time a Captain of the Guards publickly apprehended the Duke of Caminha in the place before the Palace Those who had received the Billets having opened them found each an Order to take up one of the Conspirators and secure him in such a Prison till further order which was so punctually executed that 47 were taken without any difficulty none endeavouring to escape When the News of the Conspiracy was noised abroad it is not possible to express the rage conceived by the multitude against those that were the fomenters of it every Man desiring to be the Executioner of them as is the nature of the Rabble wherever they conceive a hatred The Wrack forced a Confession from many of the Criminals and the Arch-Bishop the Inquisitor the Marquess of Villareal and Duke de Caminha to save themselves that misery owned the whole Design The Marquess the Duke the Count de Armamar and D. Augustin Manuel were sentenced to be Beheaded The Arch-Bishop and Inquisitor because of their Character the King Condemned to perpetual Imprisonment All the others were adjudged to be Drawn Hanged and Quartered and they all suffered according to the Sentence pronounced against them upon the 29th day of August It is remarkable that when
Portugal Others are of Opinion that the Duke knowing himself to be in some measure guilty published the said Declaration and Challenge of his own accord to blot out the ill Opinion conceived of him Whatsoever the grounds were that moved him to it Certain it is he published and dispersed throughout Spain and Portugal a Cartell in Vindication of his Honour charging the new King with the Crime of Rebellion and challenging him to single Combat with all the Formalities used in those Cases This Cartel was dated at Toledo the 29th day of September 1641. and is too long to trouble the Reader with in this place nor is it significant since as it happens to most things of that Nature no Notice was taken of it 7. The Bishop of Lamego betrayed to the Spaniards The Portuguese Ambassador at Rome as has been said above being now exchanged for certain Spaniards of Quality continued his Journey to Rome on his Embassy to his Holiness Upon his Arrival the Spanish Embassador protested that he would immediately return to Spain in case the Pope received him as Embassadour from Portugal Hereupon the Pope to prevent Disorders that might happen ordered he should come to Town by Night but suffered him to be visited as an Embassador He of France sent his Coach to fetch him from Civita Vecchia with a Guard of all the Portugese and Catalonians that were then at Rome Being come thither he took up his Lodging at the French Embassadors who received him at his Door with all possible marks of Respect We shall see what became of this Embassy in its proper place On the 27th of September arrived at Lisbon a Fleet of 18 Sail from Angola richly laden two days after came in another from Rio de Janeiro of no less value in sundry sorts of Commodities Anno 1642. THE Island Terzera was the only Place which had refused to submit to the new King of Portugal The Island Terzera reduced the Governour thereof proving more faithful then the rest to the King of Spain He began to want Provisions and Ammunition which being known in Spain two Ships were sent to him loaden with all Necessaries for his Relief These Vessels were taken by the Ships of Portugal which lay about this Island on purpose to intercept all Succours D. Alvaro de Viveiro who commanded in the Fort being now reduced to great streights and seeing no likelihood of being reliev'd capitulated and march'd out with 263 Men two pieces of Canon and all other marks of Honour leaving behind 800 sick Men who according to Articles were to be taken care of and sent away as soon as well D. Emanuel de Souza Pacheco was sent to govern that Island The Portuguese Fleet consisting of 13 Sail sailed together with the Dutch designing to intercept the Spanish Galeons but the Dutch treacherously forsook the Portuguese who in a Storm lost their Admiral and Vice-Admiral the other Ships being much shatter'd 2. Soon after the Surrender of the Island Forreign Alliances concluded News was brought that the Portuguese Ambassador in Sweden had concluded an Alliance betwixt the two Crowns which the King for the satisfaction of his People caused to be proclaimed by his Heraulds To confirm which in a few Days there arrived at Lisbon four Swedish Ships laden with Naval and Warlike Stores sent by the Ambassador and Letters were brought from the Queen of Sweden in which she gave their Portuguese Majesties assurances of her firm Adherence to them in all that should be for their Service Tristan de Medoza had in like manner established a firm Friendship and Alliance with the Hollanders However the Dutch Fleet that was upon the Coast of Goa in India took some Portuguese Ships commanded by Sancho Faria de Silva who was kill'd in the Action with 50 of his Men. At the same time they took several places in Brasil driving out the Portuguese D. George Mascarenhas who was Vice-Roy there sent Advice to the King and he immediately writ to Francis de Andrade Leitan his Ambassador in England ordering him instantly to go over to complain to the States of the taking of those Places The States considering how uncapable the King was at that time to do himself right made small account of his Ambassador demanding restitution Goa was at the same time Besieg'd by the same Fleet which not being strong enough for such an Enterprize begged the assistance of a Neighbouring King That Prince blocked it up by Land but as soon as he understood of the Revolution of Portugal he rais'd the Siege joyn'd in League with the Portuguese Vice-Roy and by this Means the Dutch Fleet was forc'd to retire 3. All this while the Frontiers of Castile and Portugal were full of Soldiers The Progress of the War in the Province of Alentejo The Garrison of Campo Mayor often broke into Estremadura Parties of Horse from Badajoz appeared frequently at the Gates of Elvas and the Governor of this last Place as often drove Cattel from about Badajoz Though these inroads were not very considerable yet they were not performed without Bloodshed Time heightning the hatred betwixt the two Nations both Parties encreased their Troops The King of Portugal erected six places of Arms on his Frontiers and put 5000 Men into each of them The Spaniards assembled on all sides and four or five Armies appeared in as many places to oppose and infest the Portuguese Hereupon daily Action ensued sometimes the one and sometimes the other being superior Ferdinand Tellez de Meneses Governor of the Province of Beira was one of the first that gained upon the Spaniards He made an inroad into Old Castile where he took and burnt the Towns of S. Martin and Elgas with the Castle of the latter which commands all the Territory of Gata Having made himself Master of Valverde and finding it conveniently seated to annoy the Enemy he left in it a Garrison well provided A small Body of 2500 Spaniards endeavouring to give a check to his Proceedings was put into Disorder at the first Charge and the Portuguese using their Advantage cut in pieces most of their Enemies Martin Alphonso de Melo Governor of Elvas was no less successful about the same time For having received intelligence that a party of 300 Spanish Horse ravaged the Country betwixt Badajoz and Valverde he sent out a good Body of Horse with 150 Musqueteers ordering them to attack the Enemy wherever they met them This was so couragiously performed that most of the Spanish Horse being slain upon the place the rest quitted their Horses to save themselves in a small Wood hard by so that 274 Horses became a prey to the Victors These were yet but small Advantages D. Francis de Melo General of the Portuguese Horse in the Province of Alentejo entred Estremadura where finding no Forces to oppose him he took Aroches Villar del Rey Codissera and Ancinasola defeated some Troops that adventured to oppose him took a vast Booty and so
many Prisoners that the King of Portugal ordered many of the least considerable to be set at Liberty D. John de Garay Governor of Badajoz sent out 800 Horse and 2000 Foot with design to surprize Olivenza but D. Francis de Melo charging them by the way put them to flight with the slaughter of 300 Men. 4. These continual Incursions kept the Spaniards always upon their Guard Other Military Actions and made them think of securing themselves To this purpose they began to fortifie Aldea del Obispo but Ferdinand Tellez de Meneses being unwilling to suffer that Work to go forward marched with 500 Foot and four Squadrons of Horse attacked the Place and carryed it though obstinately defended 140 Spaniards were kill'd in the Assault and 116 taken and all the Works as well Old as New were levelled with the Ground Then passing on he did the same to the Town of Castillejo which was no less offensive to the Portuguese Frontiers then the other would have been The King to shew he was no less formidable by Sea then by Land even in the first rise of his Greatness fitted out 13 great Men of War under the command of Antony Tellez ordering him to seek out the Spanish Fleet or in case he found it not to attempt some Sea-port Town the Spaniards though weak omitted not to make their utmost efforts and infest their Enemies Country as much as in them was Chelas a considerable Town of Estremadura and seated near the Frontiers of Alentejo did often send out Parties which did incredible damage in that part of the plain Country subject to Portugal Francis de Melo who had the charge of those Frontiers incensed hereat marched with all the Force he could gather with a resolution to carry that Place nor did he fail of his Design altogether for meeting a Squadron of Spanish Horse he cut them off and then applying his Scaling Ladders after a Dispute of five Hours entred the Town His Men immediately fell to the Plunder which lost them the opportunity they might have had of entring the Castle with the flying Enemy Francis de Melo seeing nothing more could be done then plundering the Town returned leaving the Streets full of dead Bodies and having lost but 16 of his own Men. 5. Whilst the War continued in this manner betwixt these two Neighbouring Nations Alliances in Africa and Asia those of a greater distance sought the Friâ—ndship of the new King of Portugal That King near Goa whom we mentioned before was the first that moved for this Friendship when he rais'd his Siege from before the City The King of Morocco was not long behind him for he understanding how fast the Crown was settl'd by the unanimous approbation of the whole Kingdom and so many Alliances with most Princes of Europe except those that were devoted to Spain sent now into Portugal to desire leave of the King that an Ambassador might come to put an end to the Animosities which had been produced by the violent procedure of the Spaniards 6. The ill Fortune of the Spaniards raised in them an implacable desire of Revenge Military Action in the Province of Tralos Montes They assembled 1500 Foot and 300 Horse to take a Fort that Ferdinand Tellez de Meneses had built in Val de Mula on the Frontiers of the Province Tralos Montes and marcâ—â—â— till they came in sight of the Fort there discovering 〈◊〉 Portuguese Horse and 400 Foot they halted to consult what was to be done D. Sancho Manuel the Portuguese Camp-Master having obtained Leave of Ferdinand Tellez though so unequal in Number charged the Enemy so vigorously that at the first shock the Foot fled and the Horse seeing the Rout durst not come up to support them Having with such ease overthrown those Troops the Portuguese General resolved to make use of the Advantage being informed they were retired to Fuentes in Castile where some Fortifications were begun to be thrown up Being too weak to attack them there he stayed till 500 Foot more had joyn'd him and then advanced he planted some Canon against the Place and began to batter it but seeing no effect thought of sending for more Troops to carry it by Escalade when he was told the Spaniards assembled in great Numbers from all parts to cut off his Retreat His danger drew D. Alonso Furtado de Mendoza to his Assistance but being still much inferiour to the Enemies they retired with Speed and unmolested by the Spaniards Nor was there any more quiet on the Frontiers of Galicia for D. Martin Daradin the Governour of that Kingdom not being in a condition to oppose two Portuguese Armies that broke in upon him at once they burnt 150 Villages in that Country and returned home with a considerable Booty 7. It was now but reasonable the Forces should have been put into their Winter Quarters nevertheless the Duke d'Alva having gather'd all the Power he could sent them under the Conduct of his Son to wast the Province of Beira In the Province of Beira Ferdinand Tellez de Meneses having Notice hereof formed a Body of 7000 Foot and 2700 Horse resolving to prevent the Spaniards whose Forces were no less Considerable he marched to Val de Mula and encamped before the Town of Guardan which he Summoned and finding no Disposition in the Governor to surrender batter'd it with two pieces of Canon The Battery was of little effect and therefore Ferdinand Tellez commanded Peter Sousa de Castro to attack the Out-works with all the Musqueteers and Gaspar de Seixas with some other Battalions to sustain him The Attack was begun with great Resolution and continued for three Hours at the end whereof the Besieged put 〈◊〉 a white Flag and sent a Drum to offer to Capitulateâ— The Garrison marched out upon sorry Terms the Governor and Officers being only allowed to carry their Swords and all the Souldiers to the number of 340 being sent Prisoners to Lisbon The Booty was great besides much store of Provision and Ammunition found in the Place but the main Consequence of taking this place was that it secured the Portuguese Frontiers and laid those of Castile open to Incursions Whilst this was doing about the Province of Beira without the Spanish General who had taken the Field his attempting to succour the Town D. Antony Mascarenhes commander of Valladores took Quintas and Corgra D. Sancho Manuel plunder'd and burnt the Towns of Sorvo Avilar and Chalenga the Captains Edward Miranda and Emanuel de Andras did the same to those of Basquilha Villar del Puerto and Saranitho and so did others all along the Frontiers D. Francis de Melo General of the Cavalry in Allentejo being abroad with 300 Men the Governour of Badajoz upon Notice of it marched out with 700 and leaving half of them in Ambush with the other half advanced to draw on the Portuguese Melo thinking he had no more Enemies to deal with but what were in sight charged them
and they as soon retired till they drew him into the ambush He was at first surprized seeing himself Attacked by that fresh body but recovering himself divided his men and sent one part to charge those that had drawn him on whilst the other engaged those that lay in ambush In this manner the Fight continued a considerable time after which fresh Troops appeared coming from Badajoz to the assistance of the Spaniards and others from Elvas to sustain the Portuguese These last were 1600 Foot and four Squadrons of Horse under the Conduct of the Count de Obidos Now the face of Affairs was changed for the Portuguese obtained a Compleat Victory The first of the Spanish Troops were cut in pieces and the last retired with the loss of 176 Horse Of the Portuguese 37 were killed in the ambush and 16 in the Engagement after it 8. The Assembly of the States The Cortes or Parliament held or Parliament of Portugal being the only Authority that could establish the Crown and raise such supplies as were necessary for the support of it the King fixt their Meeting for the 18th of September and that day the Session was commenced with all the Ceremonies usual upon such occasions The Bishop of Elvas performed the Office of Chancellor acquainting that Assembly in the King's Name with the causes of their being convened He represented the great Blessing of Liberty the King 's extraordinary Care to repair the Harms done by the Spaniards the mighty Power he had as well by Sea as Land the Alliances he had made Abroad and put them in mind how he had never lay'd any Impositions upon his People but maintained the expence of his House upon the private Patrimony of his Family and that being now much exhausted he recommended it to them to find out means to support so great a Charge assuring them of his Royal Protection and that their Liberties and Privileges should be religiously preserved Great was the expectation the King had conceived of this Assembly nor was he disappointed for they gave such Testimonies of their Duty as exceeded even his Hopes They returned Thanks for his Care in asserting their Liberties for delivering them from the Yoke of Spain for the Alliances he had made Abroad and for all his good Intentions offering him their Lives and Fortunes and sending him a Blank Paper that he might dispose of their Estates as he thought fit for the support of the State and purchasing his Brother's Liberty who was kept Prisoner by the Spaniards ever since the beginning of the War having been put into their hands by the King of Hungary in whose service he had been nine Years The King returned the blank as it was sent to him and had more plentiful supplies granted him than he himself would have demanded The Parliament settled two Funds the one for Land the other for Sea-Service All other expences were to be supplied out of the Patrimony of the House of Braganza 9. D. John Rodriguez de Souza y Vasconcellos Count of Castelmelhor A Conspiracy to seize Carthagena discovered and the Portugueses secured went over to Brazil in the Spanish Fleet in the Year 1639. In 1641. he was sent by his General to the Spanish Plantations in the West-Indies The News of the Revolution of Portugal being then brought to the Fleet the Spaniards cryed down the New King's Title and exclaimed against the Portugueses as Rebels This sensibly touched the Count de Castelmelhor yet he was forced to bear with it being in no condition to make his resentment appear without his certain destruction There were seven Portuguese Gallions in the Fleet and in them 3000 Men. With the Officers of these Ships he conspired to seize the Fleet as also the Town and Cittadel of Cartagena in new Spain before which they were then at Anchor Most of the Officers were already engaged in this Design and all disposed for putting of it in execution but the Count having communicated it to Antony Tenezedo a Portuguese in whom he confided as having done him many signal favours he discovered the whole matter to the Governour of the Cittadel who immediately apprehended the Count and had him Condemned to Death This Sentence had been executed within two days had not the Count appealed to the Court of Madrid and the Admiral of the Fleet having had the Sentence confirmed by the Council there no hopes remained for his deliverance but in God Whilst the Admiral sent into Spain to have the Sentence confirmed the King of Portugal got intelligence of what had hapned He immediately sent away a Caravel Commanded by a Captain in whose Conduct he had great confidence ordering him to sail for Cartagena and use all possible means to deliver the Prisoner The Weather proved favourable to the Design the Captain Arrived safe and found means to let the Count know he was come to rescue him To this purpose he agreed with a Dutch Captain who Commanded a Frigat in that Port for the Caravel being so leaky that it could not be put to Sea again he burnt it In the mean while the Count with ready Money and large promises corrupted a Corporal and two Spanish Soldiers that had the keeping of him and they altogether got aboard the Dutch Frigat which carried them safe to the Island of Tortuga where they were favourably received by the French Governour Thence they went over to the Island Tercera and lastly arrived at Lisbon where they were bountifully rewarded by the King Anno 1643. 1. THE hatred the Spaniards and Portugueses bore to one another was too great to suffer them to lie still Though the Season was not yet fit for Action the Frontiers were never free from incursions D. Sancho Manuel a Portuguese Major-General thinking no difficulties too great to be surmounted marched out with 150 Horse judging that a sufficient number to plunder the Town of Fituro in Castile four Leagues from the Frontiers of Portugal His Design being divulged and the Spaniards believing his Forces greater than they were they abandoned the Town leaving it to be ransacked by the Soldiers without the least opposition But the retreat proved not without danger for the Spaniards of the neighbouring places assembling to the number of 200 Horse Charged them before they could recover their own Frontiers and that with such resolution that the Portugueses were at first forced to give ground But having quitted all the Booty which encombred them they rallied and giving a fresh Charge worsted those by whom before they had been drove Night coming on put an end to the Battle The number of the Dead was equal and the Victory had been dubious but that the Spaniards got away in the dark leaving the Booty and the Field to the Portugueses This small Action was the cause of a greater for the Marquess de Elecha General of the Spanish Horse resolving to revenge that loss entred Portugal with 500 Horse and 300 Musketiers surprized the Town of Sabugal fired 13
Houses killed seven of the Inhabitants he found in Arms and drove away all the Cattle he found Not content with this he returned by the way of Alfayates to brave the Garrison but this boldness cost him dear Ferdinand Tellez de Menezes the General who was within two Leagues of that place gathering 200 Horse and three Companies of Foot sent to the Governour of Alfayates to joyn him with the best men he had which was accordingly performed that Governour bringing with him 200 Men. With this force they pursued the Spaniards and having overtaken fell upon them The Fight was bravely maintained for the Spaniards and Portugueses gave three several Charges in such a manner that it was not discernable who had the better being now fallen in after the Fire with Sword in hand and the Marquess de Elecha the Spanish General and D. Francis de Erasso who was next in Command to him being both Slain Victory began to incline to the Portugueses for the Spaniards dismayed at the loss of their Commanders fled leaving the Field strewed with Dead Bodies Arms and Plunder which they quitted to save their Lives The Portugueses were forward enough to have pursued them but Ferdinand Tellez held them in fearing to fall into some ambush being to pass before the Enemy The Duke of Alva's Enterprize redounded more to the honour of the Spaniards He being desirous of doing something considerable in Portugal drew together 8000 Foot and 900 Horse with which he entred Portugal burnt four open Towns put many of the Inhabitants to the Sword and finding a vigorous resistance at Eschallam which place he had caused to be Attacked at the same time he retired again to avoid meeting all the Troops of the Frontiers drawn together to oppose him 2. It was not only the success on the Frontiers that rendred the King of Portugal fortunate Two Jesuits being procurators for the Provinces of Cochin and Goa in India arriving at this time brought him an Account how well affected the people in those distant Provinces were to his interest This happy News was a great addition to the joy of his success in War for they assured him that most of those Eastern Princes had joyned in League with his Vice-Roy as soon as they understood he was restored to the Crown of his Ancestors The King who omitted nothing that might encourage his faithful Servants and gain him new Friends sent away two Gallions and six other Vessels with all necessaries to the former and with assurances to the latter that they should always find in him a brotherly return of affection as long as they continued their friendship towards him 3. Francis de Lucena The Secretary Francis Lucena put to Death upon account of a supposed Conspiracy Secretary of State ever since the Revolution had upon complaints preferred against him by his Enemies been committed Prisoner to the Castle of St. Julian but nothing being proved against him after a long Imprisonment the King had resolved to restore him to his Honour when an unfortunate accident on a sudden brought him to an untimely end The Count de Obidos General of the Province of Aleitejo hapned to take a fellow coming from Badajoz who proved to be Servant to Peter Bonete Adjutant to the Major-General Upon examination this Man declared that his Master held Correspondence with the Spaniards and he being thereupon Apprehended and put upon the Rack made a Confession which at his Death he declared to be false but wherein he accused D. Joseph de Meneses Governour of Fort St. Julian of a Design of betraying it to the Spaniards Francis de Lucena the Secretary of holding Correspondence with them and several others of joyning with them in these Treasonable practices All the persons accused being put to Torture some of them to the last denied their knowledge of any such Treason but others to be eased of their misery owned all that was laid to their Charge Upon this weak evidence several were put to Death D. Joseph de Meneses endured the Rack constantly denying it and being cured the King offered him again a Command but he refused it saying He was now resolved to serve him who knew how to Reward services and punish Offences The unfortunate Secretary Francis de Lucena being put upon the Rack and being weak with Age fainted away without Confessing Nevertheless though all had recanted that accused him he was Condemned to Death as a Traytor and suffered accordingly positively denying any guilt in the matter he was accused of to the last minute of his Life The Rabble would have torn him in pieces when he was brought Prisoner from the Castle of St. Julian for in all Countries they are ready to devour the innocent buâ— he was then preserved by the Guards to be made a Sacrifice to that many headed Monster in a more solemn manner being publickly beheaded upon a Scaffold 4. Whilst due Examination was making into this piece of Treachery King John rewards those that suffered for the Conspiracy at Carthageâ—â— the King of Portugal made generous acknowledgments to the Count de Castelmelhor on account of his good Endeavours and Sufferings before-mentioned The post of General of the Frontiers betwixt the Rivers Duero and Minho given him as the first Reward of his Fidelity in the West-Indies seeming too small a Recompence for a Service of such Consequence he added to it a present of a considerable Sum of Money a Commendary of the Military Order of Christ worth 2000 Crowns a Year gave the reversion of it to his Children and confirmed that Earldom to his third Generation To Father Ambrose a Benedictin concerned in the Counts Escape he gave a Benefice To Antony de Abien Captain of the Caravel that went for him a considerable Commendary And because Dominick de Sylva Antony Rodiguez the Spanish Corporal two Souldiers that were upon the Guard and the Dutch Captain that lent his Vessel to forward the undertaking had all contributed to the Earl's Deliverance they also were made parâ—â—kers of the King's Bounty The Dutch Captain had 2000 Crowns Dominick de Sylva was Knighted and had a Company in a Marine Regiment with a Pension The Spanish Corporal had also a Company in the Land-Service with a Pension as the other The two Souldiers were likewise made Captains but without any other addition of Honour or Pension These Acts of Generosity in the King redounded much to his Honour as did no less his Prudence in placing good Commanders upon the Frontiers George de Melo General of the Galleys was put into the Fort of St. Julian to secure that Place whilst D. Joseph de Mâ—nezes the former Goververnour was proceeded against D. Francis de Sousa Coutinho returning from his Embassy of Sweden had the Government of the Island Tercera conferred on him D. Alvaro de Abranchez was appointed General of the Frontiers of Beira aâ—d D. John de Sousa of those of the Province Tralos Montes 5. About this time News was
of Badajoz thought to have surprized that place and in order to it marched with 5500 Foot and 1200 Horse two Petards and eight pieces of Canon which last being useless for a surprize were the cause he failed of his design for the Carriages breaking by the way as was thought rather through the malice of those who had them in charge than neglect so much time was spent in fixing them again that it was day before he could reach the Fort of Telena which being a League from the City he was forced to return without attempting any thing to Elvas 2. The King having certain intelligence that the Spanish Army daily increased at Badajoz gave out all the necessary Orders for his Troops to Rendesvouz at Elvas and to be himself the more at hand went over to Aldea Gallega which was the cause that many of the Nobility and Gentry repaired to the Army The Spanish Army on the Portuguese Frontiers On the 25th day of October the Marquess de Leganez marched from Badajoz with 12000 Foot 3000 Horse 10 pieces of Cannon and a Train proportionable and halted in sight of the Bridge of Olivenza and Fort St. Antony In two days he took the said Fort and another at the foot of the Bridge both which he demolished and broke several Arches of the Bridge to cut off the Communication of Olivenza Whilst the Spaniards were busie at this work a Party of 600 of their Horse meeting 400 of our Foot under the Command of Major John da Fonseca Barreta within two Leagues of Estremoz cut most of them off the Major being the first that Fled whereas he might have easily drawn his Men within an Inclosure which was by and have thereby secured them against any Horse The King of the Maldivy Islands in India being now come to Portugal to crave Aid of the King against a Brother who had Usurped the Crown served in the Army this Campaign and was treated with all imaginable respect Count Castelmelhor having drawn together all the Force he could and being yet Inferiour to the Enemy kept himself still within the Olive-Gardens at Elvas but continually sent out Parties to Alarm the Enemy D. Roderick de Castro with 1000 Horse and 500 Musketiers sustaining one of those Parties the Enemy Charged it and pursuing too far he cut off 90 of their Horse Another of our Parties being beyond Badajoz took the Count de Izinguen who came to be Lieutenant-General of Horse in the Spanish Army and being sent to Lisbon continued a long time Prisoner in the Castle of Belem The Marquess de Leganez having done nothing more than break the Bridge and demolish the two Forts returned towards Badajoz and in 12 days erected a new Fort at Telena near that City destroying at the same time a Tower in which was an Ensign and 15 of our Men a League from Elvas This is all that was done of moment in the Province of Alentejo and both Armies went into Winter-Quarters 3. In the Province betwixt Duero and Minho The War in the Provinces betwixt Duero and Minho and Tralos Montes there was no memorable Action only small inroads made on both sides But the Province Tralos Montes enjoyed perfect Peace both Parties lying still each fearing to provoke the other D. Ferdinand Mascarenhas Count de Serem Governed Beira At his first coming thither the Spaniards drove a Prey from about Villa Tropim and Malpartida but Captain Ruy Tavarez de Brito overtaking them with 100 Horse recovered all though at the cost of his own Life Soon after the Enemy layed Siege to Salvaterra but without success for the Count having drawn together all the Force he could make to relieve it and being reinforced from Alentejo they broke up the Siege and departed They being gone the Count fortified the Frontier places and obliged the Countrey People to retire farther from the borders because he was inferiour to the Enemy in Forces 4. We left John Fernandez Vieyra Actions of John Fernandez Vieyra in Brazil against the Dutch the last Year in the Mountains of Pernambuco expecting succours from Bahia to make War upon the Hollanders They laid several designs to take him but he having timely notice still escaped their hands They promised 1000 Florins Reward for his Head and he on the other side offered 8000 Crusados for any of the Heads of those of their supream Council Henry Hus was sent with 1500 Dutch and 800 Indians into the Mountains to cut him off with all his Party but he having gathered 1200 men whereof only 200 had Fire-Arms posted himself so advantageously and received them with such resolution that after a dispute of several hours they were totally routed with much slaughter and had not the Night sheltered them none had returned to carry the News The Arms taken in this Action were the principal part of the Booty because of the great want of them there was among the Portugueses John Hus revenged himself upon the innocent Inhabitants of the Towns of St. Laurence and Apopucos who lived under the protection of the Dutch robbing and putting them to the rack Soon after Antony Philip Camarao and Henry Dias with the Blacks and Indians under their Command joyned John Fernandez Vieyra Andrew Vidall also sent with some Foot by Antony Tellez Governour of Bahia to apprehend John Fernandez for breaking the Truce with the Dutch took part with him against them Advice being brought them that the Hollanders plundered Varzea and carried away the Women that were there they marched with all speed and defeating them in the Field obliged those that retired into a House to surrender themselves Though the Hollanders complained that Andrew Vidal being sent to their assistance had joyned their Enemies yet they as soon as he was landed had burnt the Ships that brought him from Bahia 5. The Dutch going about to disarm the Portuguese Inhabitants of the Town of Sirinhaem Faithless proceedings of the Dutch in Brazil they were so incensed that gathering together under Hypolito de Vercoza they drove them not only out of the Town but out of the Fort whither they had fled for safety At Pontal de Nazareth our Men had also Besieged the Dutch in the Fort and Martin Sourez Moreno with his Regiment coming to the assistance of the Besiegers Theodosius Straet the Governour underhand contrived how to deliver it up to them and he with most of his Men entred into their Service Andrew Vidal who had been in this last Action having again joyned John Fernandez Vieyra they resolved to block up the place called Arrecife and the City Mauricea which was immediately put in execution all the Forces being posted in the most convenient places to cut off the Enemy from all relief by Land They Attacked and took the Fort St. Cruz seated betwixt the Arrecife and the Town of Olinda the Commander with 60 Men taking Service among the Portugueses The Fort of Porto Calvo was also taken by Christopher Lins the
Orleans which the Cardinal seemed to approve of yet it took no effect no more than the League at that time However King John sent three Men of War to joyn the French Fleet. At Rome F. Nunho da Cunha presented a long memorial to the Pope pressing him to Confirm the Bishops Elected by the King because of the great want of Prelates there was in all the Portuguese Dominions but without any success for three Popes successively absolutely persisted in the denial Francis de Souja Coutinho who was Ambassador in Holland after having interposed all the delays that could be admitted to hinder the States sending a Fleet to Pernambuco finding they had now 30 Sail ready to put to Sea boldly made use of certain blanks he had of the King 's to assure them that Parnambuco should be restored which done he immediately gave the King an Account thereof desiring he would order him to be secured and if it were necessary to take off his Head to satisfie the States rather than the fraud should be imputed to His Majesty By this wile the Fleet was kept back from June till December when it was put out three times and was still beat back by unseasonable weather to the great advantage of the Portugueses in Pernambuco The King on the other hand always pretended he had ordered his Subjects in that Province to lay down their Arms that they maintained the War in Contempt of his Commands and that the succours they had from Bahia were all by stealth Several proposals were made for buying those places the Dutch possessed there but they all came to nothing 5. We left Sigismund Vanscop Prosecution of the War in Brazil the Dutch Commander at Pernambuco preparing his Fleet to attempt the Conquest of Bahia All things being in readiness he set sail from the Coast of Pernambuco called Arrecifâ— about the end of January steering his course for the River of St. Francis the better to conceal his Design upon Bahia There he took in what necessaries he wanted and being joyned by Anderson's Squadron sent thither before put to Sea again and soon appeared before Bahia Fearing to attempt the City â—e Anchored at the Island Taparica opposite to it and three Leagues distant where he speedily erected a Forâ— and four redoubts on as many Hills that Command it then stretched out his Fleet so that all the Shoar lay exposed to his Cannon Antony Tellez the Governour of Bahia fortified the passage from the Island to the City but adventuring contrary to the advice of the Council of War to Attack the Hollanders in their strength was repulsed with great loss This done he immediately sent advice to the King of the Condition he was in who ordered him speedy relief Twelve Ships were fitted out under the Command of Antony Tellez de Menezes Count de Villa-Pouca with Orders that after relieving Bahia five of them should be delivered to Salvador Correa de Sá and Benavides appointed Governour of the Province of Rio de Janeyro and Captain-General for the Kingdom of Angola His instructions were to endeavour the recovery of that Kingdom basely usurped by the Dutch after they had overthrown Peter Cesar de Meneses under colour of friendship as was said before The Fleet set sail and the Dutch at Pernambuco having intelligence of it and fearing it was designed against them earnestly pressed Sigismund Vanscope to quit Bahia and come to their assistance for they were much pressed by the Besiegers The Portuguese Governours at Pernambuco perceiving that the Dutch about Rio Grande improved that Countrey which was a great relief to the Besieged sent Major Antony Dias Cardoso with 300 Men who destroyed all he found there driving away 200 Prisoners and a vast number of Cattle After this Andrew Vidal marched with 800 Men to Ceará Merim on the North of Rio Grande and wasted all that Territory killing 70 Hollanders and bringing away many Prisoners and as much Cattle as supplied the want of Provisions there was before in the Camp Whilst these 800 Men were abroad the Besieged made several Sallies but without any success and John Fâ—rnandez Vieyra to curb them ordered that several Parties should continually keep the Enemy in alarm Then the more to streighten them he raised a Fort opposite to one the Dutch had built to cover the City Mauricia which he managed with such dexterity keeping them always upon their guard that though it was begun about the beginning of October they never perceived the work till the 6th of November when our Artillery began to play upon the City the Shoar and the bar for all those places were within reach We also Attacked and carried the Palace of Count Nasau guarded by two Companies which having Plundered our Men returned without any loss At this time Sigismund Vanscop returned with his Fleet having abandoned his Fort at the Island Taparica before the Arrival of our Fleet. The Count de Villapouca Arrived at Bahia eight days after the Enemy had abandoned the Fort but eight of their Ships again appeared upon the Coast Some Ships went out to receive them and after a long dispute two Portugueses and as many Dutch were burnt and sunk The Count took possession of the Government of Bahia and Antony Tellez de Silva the former Governour remained there about his private Affairs but with ill success as will hereafter appear The five Ships designed for Angola went away in December to joyn Salvador Correa at Rio de Janeyro what they did we shall see in its place 6. D. Gaston Continho How things stood in Africk and India Governour of Tangier never ceased to infest the Moors and overthrew some parties of theirs that came to ravage the Territories of Tangier This Year the Fleet of Spain consisting of 47 Ships and several small Vessels and Commanded by D. John of Austria appeared before that City as if it were designed to Land Men but after some Hours Canonading on both sides put to Sea again D. John Luis de Vasconcellos who Commanded at Marzagam sent Presents to the Alcayde of Azamor and the King of Morocco to purchase their friendship yet the Alcayde with 300 Horse made an Incursion to the Walls of Marzagam and though D. John fought with him from nine in the Morning till three in the Afternoon he was forced to retire being overpowered by the number of the Infidels In India the King of Marava commonly called Yeveré trusting to the strength of the Island Ramanancor revolted from the Nayque of Madure to whom he was tributary The Nayque asked the assistance of the Portugueses for conveying his Forces into the Island They sent a Fleet to his aid and by their means the Rebel was reduced and they received the Reward promised for their assistance Four Ships sailed this Year from Lisbon to India two whereof perished in the Latitude of Mozambique Anno 1648. 1. THE Count de St. Lorenzo The Spaniards Besiege Olivenza without success govern'd Alentejo and with
great industry disposed all things for the defence of that Province D. James Mexia Marquess of Leganes came the second time to Badajoz to Command the Spanish Forces His coming was the cause that all the Portuguese preparations were redoubled new Forces raised and the Frontiers fortified Whilst the main Bodies were gathering on both sides the Marquess de Leganes sent 600 Horse by the way of Albuquerque to plunder the Countrey as far as Marvao The Count St. Lorenzo having timely notice of it sent Achim de Tamericourt the Commissary-General with 400 Horse and Orders to fight wheresoever he should meet him Tamericourt executed his Orders with so much bravery that meeting the Enemy near Portalegre he soon routed them took 200 Prisoners and recovered all the prey This disaster provoked the Marquess de Leganez to hasten putting in execution his Design upon Olivenza which place the Ingenier Cosmander who before we said was won by the Spaniards had ingaged to put into the Catholick King 's hands without much difficulty On the 20th of June he appeared at break of day before Olivenza with 8000 Foot and 3000 Horse Cosmander who had the directing of the Attack divided these Troops into four parts ordering them to give the Assault in as many places reserving to himself a barrier of the covered way where the Soldiers used to come out to work The Spaniards advanced with resolution and mounted two Bulwarks before the Centinels gave the Alarm The Soldiers of the next Guards and some of the Inhabitants hasting to the places where the danger was maintained the Fight till the rest of the Garrison came to their relief D. John de Menezes the Governour at the first Alarm ran half Naked with his Sword in his hand into the Street and with his example so encouraged the Soldiers that they drove the Enemy forcing many to cast themselves down headlong from the Bullwarks Yet the danger was not over for in other places the Spaniards had turned some Cannon of the other Bullwarks upon the City and many fell on both sides D. John though he had received three wounds ceased not to act as well as give out Orders The danger lasted till it was clear day when Cosmander thinking to force the barrier of the covered way was shot dead from the Wall His death put an end to the dispute for though the Marquess de Leganez dismounted his Horse to carry on the Assault those that were drove out so discouraged the others that were to come on that the Marquess was forced to sound a retreat and immediately returned to Badajoz After this in several small rencounters the Portugueses were successful against the Spaniards took a considerable Convoy from them near Albuquerque and the Count de St. Lozenco made an Incursion as far as Talavera whence he returned with a great Booty passing in sight of Badajoz in hopes the Marquess de Leganez might be drawn out but he stirred not Some difference arising betwixt the Count and John Mendes de Vasconcellos who had governed that Province before the King sent the latter Prisoner to the Old-Tower where he remained till the time we shall speak of him hereafter In all the other parts of the Kingdom there was no Action of any consideration this Year 2. On the 26th of April was Born the King's third Son Prince Peter now King and was Baptized by the Bishop of Elvas Birth of King John's Son Peter now Reigning Negociations in France and Rome with all Solemnity and publick Demonstration of Joy The Marquess de Niza who was Ambassador in France ceased not to sollicite the conclusion of a League betwixt the two Crowns but all his endeavours proved successless whereupon in February of the following Year he left Paris and returned home F. Nunho da Cunha was still at Rome solliciting the Affairs of Portugal Two Capucins came to Rome with the Title of Ambassadors from the King of Congo to give his Obedience to the Pope and obtain of him Bishops and Missioners for propagating of the Faith The Pope gave them publick Audience and appointed an Arch-Bishop two Bishops and 3◠Missioners Spaniards and Italians giving them a Summ of Money and ordering them to imbark in 〈◊〉 port of Spain F. Nunho da Cunha opposed the sending of these Bishops and Missioners because that the Kingdom of Congo appertained to the Conquest of Portugal and Dr. Emanuel Alvarez Corrillo was sent from Lisbon by the King to second him as well in that as solliciting the Expediting of Bulls for the Bishops of Portugal but all they could effect was only to stop the Voyage of the Bishops and Missioners of Congo 3. Whilst these things happened in Europe Success of the Portugueses against the Dutch in Brazil the Dutch continued blocked up on the Coast of Pernambuco In January the Portuguese Governors of that Province received Intelligence that the Fleet under the Count de Villa Pouca was arrived at Bahia but that no Succour was to be expected from thence They were no ways dismayed at this News but resolved to proceed more vigorously than before Accordingly they sent Henry Dias with his own Regiment and some Companies of D. Antony Philip Camarao to Rio Grande He march'd with such Secresie and Expedition that the Enemy knew nothing of it till they felt the effects of his Arrival for he Burnt and destroyed all before him Such as could escape retired to Gurairas a fortifyed place in a Lake but he attacked and carryed that also by Night putting all within to the Sword without sparing Sex or Age. Thence he marched to Cunhau which was also fortified yet was deliver'd up those within only compounding for their Lives The King at last considering of how great Consequence it was to expell the Dutch out of America sent Francis Barreto de Menezes with two small Vessels and 300 Men to command there as Camp-Master General By the way he met a Dutch Squadron by whom he was taken and carryed Prisoner to Arrecife where he was kept in Custody 9 Months and at last made his Escape with one Francis Bra Son to the Officer that had him in keeping Being come into the Portuguese Quarters he joyned with John Fernandez Vieyra and Andrew Vidal being positively set down to endure the utmost Extremities rather then forsake the Enterprize they had in hand They sent Captain Paul de Cunha to sollicit some Succours from the Count de Villa Pouca at Bahia but he returned without any at such time as a Fleet was arrived from Holland which consisted of 44 Sail with 9000 Land-Men aboard it besides Sea-Men when it came out but some had perished in a Storm Upon the Arrival of this great Power the Portugueses gather'd all their Forces quitting the most distant and least advantagious Posts and yet after all they could make up but 2200 Men fit for Service Sigismund Vanscop who commanded the Dutch proclaimed a Pardon to all Slaves or Portugueses that should come over to
Accordingly at break of Day the assault was given and though bravely carryed on he was forc'd to retire leaving 163 Men killed and carrying off 160 wounded However he resolved upon a second attack but the Enemy prevented him by hanging out a white Flag and surrendring the Forts Five days after the Surrender the Dutch that were abroad in the Country being 250 with 2000 Blacks upon Advice that the Forts were besieged came to relieve them but finding them lost agreed to be sent away with the rest notwithstanding the Queen Ginga and the King of Congos Officers encouraged them to continue the War The Fort of Benguela hearing what had happened at Loanda was immediately surrendred by the Dutch that held it Salvador Correa having gathered all the Portugueses that were dispersed about the Mountains repeopl'd the City Loanda and sent some Vessels to recover the Island St. Thomas But those Dutch that he sent away passing by that Island and giving an account of their ill success their Country Men there went away with them leaving behind their Artillery and most of their Ammunition which the Portuguese Inhabitants soon made themselves Masters of Not content with this Salvador Correa sent all along that Coast to all places where the Dutch had factories and in two Months wholly cleared the Country of them Being now rid of the Dutch Salvador Correa resolved to take Revenge of Queen Ginga the King of Congo and their Confederates who had assisted them He gave the Charge of this Expedition to Bartholomew de Vasconcellos with whom joyned the King of Dongo and the Jaga of Ambaca who had always been faithful to the Portugueses Vasconcellos soon reduced the King of Congo and other lesser Princes the Island of Loando being taken from the former and new Tributes imposed on him as a Punishment of his Infidelity Queen Ginga fled 300 Leagues up the Country This Queen was Daughter to a King of Angola who was beheaded by the Portugueses in revenge whereof she gathered all the Youth she could killing the old People and Children wherever she came and continued a savage Life in the Mountains with these Robbers always watching all Opportunities of doing harm to the Portugueses Now at length being driven up the Country she sent an Ambassador and concluded Peace with Salvador Correa who so well settled that Kingdom that it continues ever since under the Dominion of Portugal 5. D. Gaston Coutinho continued in the Government of Tangier Africk and India making many inroads into the Country in which he gained much Honour but the Forces in that City being but small he could not make so great advantages as might otherwise be expected of his Valor and Conduct De Philip Mascarenhas the Vice-Roy of India sent D. Alvaro de Ataide with a Squadron to the Coast of Coromandel to fortifie the Town of Negapatam which the Portugueses had lately built The Nayque of Tanjaor in whose Territory it stood sent an Army to hinder the Work D. Alvaro landed 500 Men and after a sharp Dispute put the Indians to flight with much slaughter This done he saw the Fortifications finished and returned to Goa nothing more of Note happened in India during the Government of D. Philip Mascarenhas which lasted till the Year 1651. The War in Portugal being prosecuted with small Force on both sides and the Campaign being often spent in small Incursions do not afford much matter worthy an History which is the Reason the Relations of Affairs at home are so short and the Actions abroad being very considerable though I endeavour to reduce them to as small Compass as may be yet because I would omit nothing that is remarkable they often swell to a greater Bulk than the Domestick and force me to insist longer upon them then I had designed Anno 1649. 1. WE left the Count de S. Lorenzo Count St. Lorenzo his Actions in Alentejo governing the Province of Alentejo with good success This Year knowing that some Troops of Forreign Horse were come to Badajoz he promised Rewards to all Soldiers or Officers that should come over to him performing his Promise to the full with the first that deserted so that in a short time the greatest part of them quitted the Spanish Service At this time all Prisoners on both sides as well Soldiers as Officers not above the Degree of a Captain were set at liberty on both sides In April 600 Spanish Horse driving the Cattle betwixt Fronteyra and Cabeza de Vide were resolutely Charged by the Commissary Generall Tamericourt with 16 Troops and utterly defeated 120 of them killed and double the Number taken The Baron de Molinguen the Spanish Camp-Master Generall after this defeat quitted his Post and D. Francis de Tutavilla Duke of S. German succeeded him At the Request of the Count de S. Lorenzo the Commissary Generall Tamericourt was made Lieutenant Generall of Horse and a Commendary given to the other Commissary Du Quesne There being also great want of Horse King John sold Crown-Lands to the value of 4000 Cruzodoes per Ann to buy Horses to Mount the Cavalry rather than impose new Taxes upon the People The Horse being recruited their Generall Andrew de Albuquerque Marched with the whole Body and the Foot of Elvas Olivenza and Campo Mayor thinking to reduce Albuquerque He plundered and burnt the suburbs but was repulsed by the Town and Castle and returned with loss Neither had John Homem Cardoso sent out by him with 100 Horse to surprize a Spanish Troop better success for Meeting 15 Spanish Horse he charged them and they kept him in play till 7 Troops came up and took John Homem and 60 of of his party Tamericourt now Lieutenant General Marched with 900 Horse to Revenge this loss and having drawn out the Enemy from Badajoz and Talavera tho' they were more Numerous than he put them to flight killing 250 with the loss of 40 of his own These are the most Remarkable actions of this Year in the Province of Altentejo 2. Count Castello Melhor who till now Governed the Province betwixt Duero and Minho was called away to go Governour of Brasil and the Viscount D. James de Lima succeeded him in his former Post D. James de Lima Governour of the Province betwixt Duero and Minho That Province scarce felt any effects of War except Two or 3 inconsiderable incursions after which both Parties again rested as if it were in Time of Peace D. Hierome de Ataide Count de Atouguâ—a was now sent to Command in the Province Tralos Montes where finding the Standing-Forces very weak he Endeavoured to secure the Country the best he could with the Militia Whilst he went to provide for the Safety of Braganza the Commissary General of Horse La Morle Commanded at Chaves but had positive Orders only to stand upon the Defensive Nevertheless he marched with 220 Foot and 90 Horse to plunder the Town of Vmbra which having performed and returned with the booty he
was set upon by 1500 Foot and 350 Spanish Horse who cut in pieces 140 of his Men and made the rest prisoners except some few Horse with whom he fled to Chaves where he Dyed of the Wounds he had received 3. D. Roderick de Castro D. Roderick de Castro in the Province of Beira who by reason of sickness had been absent Returning to his Government of part of the Province of Beira sent Captain Francis Naper with 100 Horse and Orders to lay himself close in ambush Two Leagues from Cuidad Rodrigo whence he was to detatch a small party to drive the cattle about that City that so 4 Troops which were in Garrison there might be drawn into the Snare He Executed his Orders so successfully that the Spaniards disorderly pursuing the detached Party he fell in and cut off 30 of them putting the rest to flight The Enemy revenged this misfortune upon the poor Country People killing many unarmed in return for which cruelty D. Roderick with 600 Foot and 200 Horse marched to Sabugo a Town Two Leagues from Cuidad Rodrigo of about 300 Houses which he plundered and burnt down to the ground The Spaniards assembling a good Body pursued him retreating but he drawing up at their approach they marched off After this D. Roderick joyning his Forces with D. Sancho Manueâ— who Governed the other part of the Province they both together burnt many open Towns in the Territory of Cuidad Rodrigo and returned with a considerable booty That part of the Province which was subject to D. Sancho Manuel was this Year free from any acts of hostility 4. The affairs of Portugal both at Rome and in France continued in the same posture we left them the last Year Francis de Sousâ— Coutinho still continued in Holland much hated by that People The Dutch prepare to make War upon Portugal who looked upon him as a Faithless man for the many assurances he had given them of the Kings quitting Pernambuco which they saw took no Effect Nor was the King and Councill better satisfied with him because of the great Expence he made and small Success of his Negotiation At length the States Ordered Francis de Sousa to depart being resolved to declare War against Portugal to which purpose they fitted up 25 Sail in Zealand sent supplies to Pernambuco and ordered 12 Ships carrying 2800 Souldiers for that Coast Not long after they directed Francis Coutinho to obtain a new Commission from the King for that they had important matters to Treat with him about He Acquainted the King with it and D. John de Menezes who was appointed to succeed him dying he continued there till the following Year Antony de Sousa de Macedo at this time Embassador in England was Ordered to withdraw from that Court that he might not be a witness to the most infamous act that ever subjects committed against their lawfull Sovereign in the unparalelled Murder of King Charles the I. 5. Whilst these things hapned in Europe Progress of the Portuguese A 〈…〉 s in Brazil the Forces at Pernambuco were not idle Sigismund Vanscop as has been said was Arrived at Arrecife and now the Besieged began to think of some Enterprize On the other side Francis Barreto though weak still lived in hopes for he had promise of succours from Bahia and was informed from Lisbon that the King had settled a West-India Company like that of Holland Francis Barreto omitted nothing on his part that could tend to the compassing of his Design Collonel Brink Commanded the Dutch under Vanscop and some Italians that deserted from the Portugueses informing him how weak they were he obtained leave to march into the Field to undertake some considerable Enterprize and dâ—sposed all things in order to it Barreto having notice thereof gathered all his Men that were dispersed repaired his Works ordered the Bridge of St. Bartholomew to be fortified and all the people that attended their Plantations to be ready upon the first Alarm On the 18th of February Collonel Brink marched out with 5000 Foot 700 Pioniers and six pieces of Cannon guarded by 300 Sea-men and advanced towards the Fort Barreta whence without halting they departed towards the Mountains Gararapes upon advice hereof Barreto called a Council of War in which it was resolved to follow and give them Battle and accordingly he set out with 2600 Portugueses Blacks and Indians About four in the Afternoon they reached the Mountains Gararapes and found the Enemy posted on some of them with Guards in the Valleys Some were for Charging them immediately but because the Men were weary it was put off till the next day That Night many of the Inhabitants that were dispersed about the Countrey reinforced the Camp Morning discovered the Enemy in the same posts as the day before and Francis Barreto was resolved to expect they should Attack him Thus they continued till about One in the Afternoon when the Dutch beginning to move Barreto sent Collonel Andrew Vidal along the side of a Hill to possess himself of the Top. John Fernandez Vieyra with 800 Men advanced along the plain betwixt the Hills Both of them met with vigorous opposition but their example animating the Men they put the Enemy to flight in both places Thence they marched at the same time to beat the Enemy from the Top of a Hill which Collonel Brink himself maintained in which place they advanced not much till Brink being shot dead his Men were dismayed and then all fled outright The Portugueses pursued as far as the Fort Barreta the dispute having lasted from two of Clock till eight at Night Of the victors 47 were killed and above 200 were wounded of the Dutch above 2000 were left dead in the Field and among them Collonel Brink the Prisoners and wounded Men were yet more numerous The Dutch Standard 10 Colours six pieces of Cannon and a great quantity of Arms Ammunition and Provisions were taken Francis Barreto having no more Men than just sufficed to carry on the Siege undertook no other Action this Year On the 4th of November sailed from Lisbon to Bahia the first Fleet set out by the new Company The Count de Castello Melhor appointed Governour of Brazil Commanded it and Peter Jaques de Magallaens was to bring it back 6. D. Gaston Coutinho Tangier and India still continued Governour of Tangier and had some small rencounters with the Moors but no Action hapned of moment He repaired the Walls of the City cleared the ditch and settled there the Redemption of Captives which till then was managed at Ceuta In November he resigned the Government to D. Luis Lâ—bo da Sylveyra Baron of Alvito and returned to Lisbon At Marzagao there was nothing remarkable this Year except the death of the Governour The King appointed Nunho da Cunha da Costa to succeed him Neither doth India afford us any thing because the Truce continued with the Dutch and D. Philip Mascarenhas the Vice-Roy was in
amity with the Indian Kings Anno 1650. 1. THE Province of Alentejo still continued under the Government of the Count de St. Lorenzo Whilst he made the necessary preparations to oppose the Enemy The Princes Rupert and Maurice fly to Lisbon from the English and are protected It hapned that the Princes Rupert and Maurice Sons to the Count Palatin put into Lisbon flying before the Fleet of the English which Anchored before the Bar. King John generously resolving to protect the two Princes ordered the Count de St. Lorenzo to send to Lisbon three Regiments of Foot and 200 Horse The want of these Troops in the Province was supplied by the Militia The Spaniards understanding that the Frontier Garrisons were weakned sent all their Horse to lie in wait for the Garrison of Olivenza who by Night without being discovered posted themselves in the Olive-Gardens about the place John Homem Cardâ—so going out in the Morning with his Troop to discover on a sudden perceived his retreat was cut off However he was no way dismayed but closing his Ranks and joyning Captain William Lanier a French-Man who supported him he resolutely forced his way through the Enemies Squadrons and recovered the Town without any considerable loss The Spaniards returned to Badajoz Some days after the Count de St. Lorenzo sent Tamericourt with 800 Horse to attempt somewhat against the Garrison of that City Giles Vaz Lobo who led the Van with 50 Horse Attacked the discoverers that came from the Town and pursued them to the Gates taking 20 of them which done they drew off and the next day Tamericourt routed two Troops between Badajoz and Albuquerque Winter drawing on the Count de St. Lorenzo procured leave to return to Court and the Camp-Master-General D. John de Costa governed the Province in his absence He received intelligence that the Spaniards assembled their Troops and threatned the Territory of Castello de Vide and Portalegre Andrew de Albuquerque General of Horse was sent to oppose them who laying himself close in ambush at Melrisso sent out 40 Horse to Charge the advanced Parties of the Spaniards which they did and retired to their Body But the Spaniards suspecting the Design would not pursue them and the Portugues Troops rising out of their ambush the Enemy thought not fit to encounter them but retired leaving their prey which was restored to the Countrey people Of the Spaniards in the pursuit 124 were taken and among them a Captain of Horse and some sutlers Not content with this D. John de Costa marched with 2000 Foot and 1800 Horse sending Tamericourt before with 600 Horse to plunder the Towns of Arroyo and Malpartida ordering him to make his Retreat so leasurely that the Enemy might assemble their Forces He executed it according to his Orders and was pursued by a great Body of Horse and Foot and under the Command of D. Alvaro de Viveros General of the Spanish Horse who perceiving Tamericourt was supported by D. John de Costa with so strong a Party retired without doing any thing D. John de Costa pursued him for some space but to no effect and Winter being now advanced he had not the opportunity of undertaking any considerable Enterprize 2. The Province between the Rivers Duero and Minho Small incursions made by the Spaniards afforded not any matter for History That of Tras os Montes governed by the Count de Atouguia had not any considerable Action Only the Count de St. Estevan who Commanded the Spaniards on those Frontiers gathered his Forces as if he designed some considerable Enterprize but understanding the Count de Atouguia was in a good posture to receive him he contented himself with burning two small Towns and dismissed his Troops to their several Garrisons After this a Party of the Enemy consisting of 1000 Men made an incursion from Monterey and ravaged a part of the neighbouring Countrey driving away a considerable booty The Count de Atouguia upon the first notice hereof marched out with a small number and meeting a Party of the Spaniards easily put them to the root the rest retired with precipitation to Monterey D. Roderick de Castro and D. Sancho Manuel betwixt whom the Government of the Province of Beira was divided as we have seen before were both this Year employed in raising Forces the former for Alentejo to make up for those that had been sent thence to Lisbon to oppose the English and the latter to secure the Conquests in India Both of them had some reincounters with the Spaniards who broke into their Territories and they also made some incursions upon the Enemy for the most part with success But all these Actions being performed by small Parties and much alike to what have been already related to particularize them all would swell to a Volume and will only serve to tire the Reader wherefore I have thought fit to pass by most of them The last expedition of D. Sancho this Year was the taking and burning the Town of Huelga abandoned by the Inhabitants who secured themselves in a Tower Hence he returned home with a considerable booty which he had gathered in the neighbouring Countrey without meeting the least opposition 3. This Year proved unfortunate at Sea Antony Tellez de Menezes Count de Villapouca having resigned the Government of Brazil to the Count de Castello Melhor set sail for Lisbon with the Men of War that had carried the latter Peter Jaques de Magalhaens Admiral of the West-India Company Fleet set out at the same time with 18 Men of War and 80 Merchant-men Having made the length of the Tercera Islands such a Storm arose that four of the King's Ships were cast away and in them Antony Tellez de Sylva with most of the Men. The Count de Villapouca and Peter Jaques with the Ships under his Command arrived safe in Lisbon and brought a considerable return for the great expences the Company had been at The Princes Rupert and Maurice as was said at the beginning of this Year having put into the River of Lisbon and Blake Admiral of the English in pursuit of them coming to an Anchor at Cascaes it was debated in Council The Princes Rupert and Maurice with a Portuguese Squadron put to Sea and return without fighting whether the Princes should be protected and after hearing all that could be said on bothsides the King generously resolved on the Affirmative Blake resolving to Attack them in the Port the King fitted out 13 Men of War under the Command of Antony de Siqueira Varajao an old Soldier The two Princes joyning this Squadron they put to Sea to meet the Enemy having Orders to Fight betwixt the two Capes but the Enemy upon their approach standing to Sea they returned into the Port without engaging Antony de Siqueira wanted not Enemies to blame him for not Fighting and the King hearkning to them gave his Command to George de Melo who had the Title of General of the Galleys
A few days after he sailed out and the Enemy again standing to Sea they were surprized by so terrible a Storm that all the Fleet was dispersed some Ships drove to Algarve and one falling into the English Fleet was taken The Tempest ceasing the English discovered the Brazil Fleet of which they took 15 sail and Winter coming on returned home This gave the two Princes an opportunity of putting to Sea again after acknowledging the many favours they had received of the King and particularly that of protecting them though contrary to his own interest and the Maxims of State Policy 4. Since the departure of the Marquess de Niza Christipher Soares de Abreu continued at the Court of France Proceedings of several Ambassadors where by reason of the troubles of that Kingdom no further progress was made as to the Affairs of Portugal but the Friendship before Established continued firm All his sollicitations at Rome having proved ineffectual the King now resolved not to trouble the Pope further so that nothing new hapned at that Court Francis de Sousa Coutinho was still Embassador in Holland and dexterously diverted those People from sending supplies to Brasil The States having Endeavoured to corrupt his Secretary that they might see the Kings Letters he improved their artifice to his own Advantage For his Secretary having acquainted him with the overtures made to him he ordered him to consent to them and having filled up several blanks he had under the Kings hand as he thought convenient delivered them to the Secretary who conveyed them to the States and they supposing them to have been the Kings Letters were thereby induced to deferr sending a Fleet they had designed for Brazil It was not long after this when a Servant of his having accidentally Shot a Coachman the Rabble rose and made 3 Assaults upon his House and had certainly Murdered him and his whole Family had he not been relieved by the Prince of Orange his Guards In September Antony de Sousa de Macedo who had been Embassador in England came to the Hague and Francis de Sousa went away to Resâ—â—e as Embassador at the French Court. Since the departure of Antony de Sousa from London there was no Portugues Minister there that whole Kingdom being then in confusion 5. We left Francis Barreto the Portugues General in Brazil Twice Victorious over the Dutch The War in Brazil prosecuted in the Mountains Gararapes Sigismund Vanscop the Dutch Commander thinking this success had rendred the Portugueses less vigilant made a sally at break of Day upon the quarter of Captain Antony Borges Vchoa who having Notice of his approach received him so warmly without his works that he was soon Forced to retire leaving many of his Men dead behind him The Dutch General made many other Sallies both before and after this but none considerable till the 7th of October when he attempted the quarter of Captain Emanuel de Aguiar with all the Foot in the Garrison but neither here was his Success any better than in the former Attempt On the 15th of December they again Marched out and lay close in ambush near the Salt-pits but the Portugueses having intimation of the Place they lay in attacked them there and after a Vigorous resistance put them to flight with considerable Slaughter In these and the like attempts the Year was Spent the Enemy still decreasing in power as receiving no supplies from Holland our Embassador Francis de Sousa artificially diverting all that were designed for them 6. The Baron de Alvito who governed Tangier knowing the chief support of that place consisted in the booties brought in from the Countrey Tangier and India ceased not to surprize the Moors in several parts and brought home considerable preys which was a great relief to the Garrison Nunho da Cunha did the same at Marzagao and in one incursion killed 300 Infidels and brought away 47 Captives D. Francis de Noronha succeeded him in that post and entred upon his Command with no less success than his Predecessor went off In India D. Philip Mascarenhas was still Vice-Roy and this being the last Year of the Truce with the Hollanders they seemed inclined to attempt the Kingdom of Jafanapatan before it was expired This obliged the Vice-Roy to send a Fleet under the Command of D. Roderick de Monsanto to the relief of that place but the Dutch attempting nothing the Fleet returned to Goa The Count de Aveyras sailed from Lisbon this Year to be the second time Vice-Roy of India but he died by the way Four Ships and two Caravels were sent this Year for India Anno 1651. 1. D. John da Costa governed the Province of Alentejo Enterprizes on the Frontiers of Alentejo as was said the last Year during the absence of the Count de St. Lorenzo which continued till the Year 1657. Through the negligence of the Commissaries of the stores Forrage grew so scarce on the Frontiers that several Troops of Horse were forced to retire from Elvas and Campo Mayor farther into the Countrey The Spaniards made their advantage of this opportunity for a Party of 1200 Horse and 600 Foot from Badajoz carried away a great booty from the Territory of Villaboim there being no Troops in readiness to oppose them To revenge this loss D. John da Costa ordered Andrew de Albuquerque General of the Horse with 1000 of them and 800 Foot to make himself Master of Salvatierra which is six Leagues from Olivenza and where the Spanish Commissary-General John de Rozales then was with some Troops Andrew de Albuquerque assembled his Troops at Olivenza and marched with such secrecy to Salvatiera that he had secured all the avenues before the Enemy heard of his approach The Foot broke into the Town with little opposition and with as little took the Castle where they made 100 Horse Prisoners The booty was very considerable the Town consisting of 400 Houses Andrew de Albuquerque returned to Olivenza having lost but three Men in this Action for certain Troops of the Enemy that appeared served only to be Witnesses of the burning of the Town Some few days after D. John da Costa lay in ambush to cut off the Troops of Badajoz that used to come out to Forrage between the Rivers Guadiana and Caya but they not going out that day his Design was disappointed His Horse being now much out of Case for want of Forrage the scarcity till continuing he studied all means how to disable the Enemies Troops Being informed that they had turned 400 Horses to grass near Medellen which is 16 Leagues from Campo Mayor he gave charge to Captain Emanuel de Saldanha to endeavour to destroy them Saldanha committed this Enterprize to his Lieutenant Francis Lobo who set forward twice with only 10 Men to put this in Execution but discovering parties of the Enemy both times he was forced to return The third time he went through and having defeated 15 Men that guarded the
Horses kill'd most of them and returned in safety The Enemy now making great Preparations to enter upon Action D. John da Costa who had neither a Force to oppose them in the Field nor Provisions in the Frontier Towns to hold out a Siege acquainted the King with his wants who sent large supplies of Mony whereby the Province was put into such a Posture of Defence that the Spaniards thought not fit to attempt any thing on that side But D. John da Costa being thus supplyed ceased not to molest them with continual Incursions Not to speak of other small Parties one of 30 Men commanded by the Cornet Stephen de Rocha came off with more Honour then Success Being advanced in the Enemies Country he found his retreat was cut off by 7 Squadrons whereupon he retired to an old ruined House he found in the Field The Spaniards surrounded it and offered him quarter which he refusing they attacked it and were repulsed After endeavouring in Vain to burn it they went away carrying with them the Horses of those in the House and the Cornet returned to Moura a Foot having lost two of his Men. About the beginning of November Prince Theodosius the King 's eldest Son having privately stole away from Court without his Fathers Knowledge appeared at Elvas and was there received with all the Respect due to his Person The King was not a little disturbed at this Accident being jealous of the Prince's Designs and therefore used all gentle Means to draw him back to Lisbon but that which at last prevailed with him was want of Money which forced him back to Court about the end of December He positively resolved to return to the Frontiers but was detained for some time by the King till Death put an end to his Designs as we shall see in its Place 2. The Province between Duero and Minho The Viscount de Villa Pouca burns two Towns in Galicia seemed to spare it self all this while that it might be the better able to sustain the heavy burthen of the War which fell upon it the ensuing Years The Viscount de Villa Pouca was still Governour there who perceiving that the Towns of Portela and Vieyra were the Rendesvouz for the Troops of Galicia when they joyned those of Monterey he caused both those places to be burnt down to the Ground The Garrisons of certain Forts the Spaniards had raised on the Frontiers of Galicia perswading the Country People to rebuild several Places that had been destroyed on the Borders during the War they began to assemble in order to restore those Towns Twice they attempted to rebuild them but they were as often totally demolished by order of the Viscount whereupon the Country desisted The Count de Atouguia who governed the Province Tras os Montes lived this Year free from Action both sides as if it had been by Agreement forbearing to infest one another Nor was there any considerable Action in that part of the Province of Beyra which was under the direction of D. Roderick de Castro most of the Year being spent in Incursions of no great Moment In November when the Prince as has been said appeared at Elvas D. Roderick that it might be said he had infused new Courage into the Army marched with 1500 Men and entring the Town of Bodon plundered and burnt it D. Sancho Manuel who governed the other part of the Province ceased not all the Summer to infest the Frontiers of the Enemy and to repulse such of them as made inroads into the Country subject to his Command By agreement this Summer the Prisoners on both sides were set at Liberty without Ransom 3. Francis de Sousa Coutinho Negotiations in Forreign Courts having left the Ambassy of Holland as has been said according to the Orders he had received from the King removed to Paris where he had Audience of Cardinal Mazarine but nothing was concluded betwixt them by reason of the civil Broils then prevailing in France At Rome the Portuguese Affairs continued in the same Posture notwithstanding the Sollicitation of the Cardinal d'Este Antony de Sousa de Macedo who had succeeded Francis de Sousa Coutinho in the Ambassy of Holland followed the Footsteps of his Predecessor entertaining the States with hopes of an Accommodation to gain time whilst the Dutch might be expelled Brazil Having in some measure settled those Affairs he laboured to enter upon a Treaty with the Parliament of England which was forwarded by D. Emanuel Perâ—yra sent over to that effect and afterwards commenced by the Envoy John de Guimaraens 4. Francis Barreto Francis Barreto prosecutes the War in Brazil with unparalleled Resolution and Constancy continued the War in Pernambuco About the beginning of March he layed 300 Men in Ambush betwixt the Forts of Sinco Pontas Affogados and Barreta hoping to cut off the Communication between those Places and Arrecife Twelve of these Men discovering a Boat of the Enemies swam to it and took it and the Dutch that came to succour their Boat discovering the Ambush retired in time so that the Portugueses had not the Opportunity of making any further Advantage on them The Hollanders of the Fort Affogados made a sally upon the quarter of Mendoza but were soon repulsed with the loss of 6 Men besides those that were wounded Francis Barreto understanding that the Dutch had great quantities of Sugar Canes at Rio Grande whereof they expected very soon to make their Advantage he sent thither Captain John Barboza Pinto with 300 Men who after destroying all the Country and taking 18 of the Enemy returned with a great number of Cattel Sigismund Van Scop the Dutch Commander desiring to perform some Action which might encourage the Besieged resolved to destroy the Thicket which covered the quarter of Aguiar from the Fort Affogados To put this in Execution he marched out with the greatest part of his Strength but Emanuel de Aguiar who commanded there being in a readiness received him so roughly that for six Months after he never offered to sally again Continual Success put Francis Barreto out of doubt of Success and therefore he ceased not perpetually to sollicit the King and Count Castello Melhor then Governor of Brazil for Succour that he might with speed put an end to that War before the Dutch now at Peace with all the World had the leasure to send supplies thither which might much retard if not wholly destroy the success of his Labours 5. The Baron de Alvito still governing Tangier Tangier and India it happened that certain Vessels laden with Corn from Lisbon and the Islands sailing for that City were cast away which caused so great a Famine in that place that the Inhabitants were forc'd to feed on Herbs and Roots they could gather in the Fields The Baron generously at his own Expence maintained the Sick and a multitude of Children which would otherwise inevitably have perished This Calamity reached the Horses who could not be
maintained upon Grass alone so that it was difficult to make Excursions which added much to the great scarcity of Provisions D. Francis de Noronha Governor of Mazagam sent an Ambassy and Presents to the King of Morocco which was by him honourably received and generously returned D. Francis continued in this Command till the Year 1654 during which time nothing remarkable happened there so that we shall not have occasion to make any mention of him This was the last Year of D. Philip Mascarenhas his Vice-Royship in India and in it there was little remarkable only the Chendarraos a vagabond sort of People in the Country of Hidalcan possessed themselves of the Mount or Promontory of Chaul whence they were drove by the Vice-Roy's Order by D. Alvaro de Atayde This Year two Galeons and a Pink sailed from Portugal to India and the Galeon S. Philip built there arrived at Lisbon Anno 1652. 1. THE Prince who as was said returned to Lisbon the latter end of the last Year The Prince made Captain General of all the Forces in Portugal used all possible means to perswade his Father to send him again to the Frontiers but the King jealous of him could not be worked upon At length to conceal his own Jealousie and disappoint that Design of his Son he appointed him Captain General of all the Forces in the Kingdom thaâ— having the Charge of all he might not apply himself to command in any one Province D. John de Costa neveâ— ceased to harrass the Enemies Frontiers bringing iâ— thence considerable Booty In revenge the Spaniardâ— drove a great Prey from the Territory of Telena and though Lieutenant General Tamericourt marched after them with the Troops of Olivenza they being far beforâ— him got safe into Barcarota Before that place was 〈◊〉 large Field encompassed with a Ditch and lying undeâ— the Cannon and small shot of the Town which the Spaâ—niards believed would secure their Prey However Tamaricourt coming to Barcarota dismounted part of hâ—â— Horse and breaking into the Field before day droâ— away all the Cattel without receiving any considerablâ— Loss The Spaniards sallyed out upon him but suddeâ—â—ly retired and he marching off with the Booty restâ—â—red it to the Country People Neither was he less suâ—â—cessful a few days after when engaging the Troops of Badajoz he took the Spanish Lieutenant General of Horse D. Francis Hibarra with other Officers and 120 Horses The Prince being now Generalissimo sent his Orders to all the Provinces of the Kingdom absolutely forbidding any Incursions to be made for the future into the Spanish Frontiers D. John de Costa upon receipt of this Order replyed to it shewing how disadvantagious it was to the Kingdom by reason of the great Benefit reaped by those inroads for he in the space of two Years had destroyed above 1400 of the Spanish Horse having scarce lost 100 of his own Besides he looked upon this as so great a check to his Authority that he desired leave to lay down his Command The Prince being well satisfyed of D. John's Zeal and Fidelity recalled his Order and the King gave him the Title of Earl of Soure He to appear worthy of this Honour endeavoured to make amends by his Conduct for what he wanted in Strength To this purpose he secretly gathered 1500 Horse from the Neighbouring Garrisons which Lieutenant General Tamericour and Commissary General Duquesne divided betwixt them With these Troops they passed the River Guadiana and lay close in the Wood near Badajoz In the Morning a Squadron of Horse issuing out of the Town according to Custom they were drove back by some of our Troops Fresh Troops seconded the Enemy from the City and they kept in play till D. Alvaro de Viveros took the Field with all the Horse of that place and having drawn them up advanced further then was thought convenient for the safety of the Town Duquesne who was nearest thinking it now time moved towards him with more Courage than Order The Spanish General halted and bravely stood the Charge in which Duquesne received three Wounds and Captain Sancho Dias was kill'd with several Soldiers the rest of the Troops missing their Commander retired with Precipitation Tamericour perceiving this Disorder charged furiously with his formost Troops which being too open in their Ranks made but little Impression but those in the Rear coming up behaved themselves with such Bravery that after a long Dispute they broke the Enemy The Troops of Duquesne and part of those with Tamericour being wholly blinded by the Dust fled to Olivenza believing the rest were cut off Tamericour rallyed the rest marched off with above 200 Horses he had taken from the Prisoners among whom was a Captain of Horse and other Officers The Count de Soure being a strict observer of Discipline commended those that had behaved themselves well and severely checked those that had fled giving the King also a particular Account of the Merits of the former and Demerits of the latter 2. The Viscount de Villa Nova Governor of the Province betwixt Duero and Minho still continued in perfect Tranquility nothing happening in his Command but that Captain Labar a valiant French-Man disorderly with a party of Horse charging another of the Enemy was himself killed and most of his Men wounded The Province Tras os Montes governed by the Count de Antouguia by consent of both Parties was for several Months free from Action Some small Incursions were afterwards made on both sides but none of Note The King having now chose the Count de Penaguiao his Lord Chamberlain to go Ambassador into England appointed the Count de Atouguia to execute his Office and John Mendez de Vasconcellos was sent in his place to govern the Province The most remarkable Action performed this Year by D. Roderick de Castro in his Division of the Province of Beyra was the burning of the Town of Martiago Some Actions in Beira which contained 300 Houses the other Enterprizes were too small to merit any place here D. Sancho Manuel who commanded in the other part of Beyra understanding that a Troop of the Enemies was quartered at Lobeyros and had twice repulsed parties of the Portuguese Militia that ravaged the Country thereabouts ordered the Cornet Dominick Homen with 40 chosen Men to lye in wait for them He sent before some of the Militia to drive the Cattel the Spanish Troop backed by a company of Foot immediately rushed out upon them but the Ensign who was at hand furiously falling in upon the Foot broke them and with the same Success routed the Horse killing many and taking several Prisoners This Success was soon ballanced by a greater disaster for D. Sancho being informed that the Spaniards gathered a great Power in order to break into his Province and not being in a condition to oppose them he thought to divert them by making at the same time an inroad into their Frontiers hoping he might retire to places of safety
before they could intercept him With this Design he gathered 350 Foot and 200 Horse and marching to Segura sent before Captain Gaspar de Tavora with 140 Horse to drive the Cattle about Sacravim which done he had orders ro retire to Collonel John Fialho who should expect him with 60 Horse and the rest of the Foot at a place called Salto near the River Lagao Gaspar de Tavora executed his Orders with such expedition that by Noon he had joyned John Fiallo But the Spaniards having notice of D. Sancho's March no sooner entred Portugal then they turned back and marching towards their Town of Carza by which the Portugueses must of necessity pass appeared before John Fialho when least he expected it with 600 Horse and as many Foot He covering his Horse with the Foot retired in good order for above a League till coming to a Pass the Enemy drew up before him Necessity now obliging him to charge them he fell with such Bravery upon the 600 Foot that he absolutely broke them but in the mean while the 600 Spanish Horse charging his 200 now divided from their Foot after some short dispute overpowered and totally routed them The Enemy pursued their Advantage and John Fialho rallying his Foot recovered an advantagious Post to defend himself The Enemy ceased their pursuit in care for their Foot which had been overthrown and return'd to compleat their Victory by destroying John Fialho and his party He had as was said gained an advantagious post but having spent all his Ammunition was made Prisoner with all the Officers of Horse and Foot 140 Horse escaped the rest with all the Foot were either killed or taken After this Disaster D. Sancho Manuel retired to Idanha Nova and garrisoned the Frontiers with the Militia writing to the Prince for supplies which were soon sent him Being recruited and joyning his Forces with those of D. Roderick de Castro he resolved to revenge the late Affront by surpising the City Coria They marched with 1500 Foot and 700 Horse some Petards and other necessaries for such an Enterprize but the distance being great they could not come before the City till after day However having divided their Foot they attacked the Suburbs in two places which they entered plunder'd and burnt which done seeing no possibility of forcing the City they retired and each returned to his Province 3. The troubles of France increasing rendred all Foreign Negotiations so uncertain at that Court that Francis de Sousa Coutinho having obtained leave of the King came to Portugal leaving D. Felicianus Dourado Secretary of the Embassy to Reside there during his absence At this time there was held at Paris a Synod of Bishops Endeavours used for obtaining Bishops but in vain to whose Consideration King John recommended the finding of some expedient for prevailing with the Pope to precognize the Bishops of Portugal They used their utmost endeavours but the Spanish Interest still prevailing nothing could be done at this time Antony de Sousa de Macedo having obtained leave of the King to quit the Embassy of Holland D. Antony Rapozo Succeeded him in that employ He made it his business to heighten the misunderstanding betwixt the English and Dutch because the latter having sustained great losses by the War they were engaged in with the former were thereby disabled from sending succours to Pernambuco The King at the same time considering how advantageous the Friendship of England might prove to his Affairs resolved to send an Ambassador thither and pitched upon the Count de Penaguiao for that employ as we have said before 4. Francis Barreto Francis Barreto his further Actions in Brazil the General of Pernambuco continued the Siege of Arrecife with considerable resolution hoping at length to reduce the Besieged whose only hope consisted in the succours they expected from Holland The first part of the Year passed without any memorable Action In May Francis Barreto ordered Major Antony Diaz Cardozo with 400 Men to lie close in ambush and send out parties to endeavour to draw the Garrisons of the Forts Barreta and Affogados into the snare The Major posset himself of the post assigned him without being discovered and sending out certain small Parties drew out the Enemy as he had designed but the number of the Hollanders being greater than had been expected the Fight continued doubtful for above an hour at length the Dutch were routed and fled to their Forts leaving the Field covered with dead Bodies After this Barreto being informed that the Enemy had laid up great store of Brazil-Wood and other Commodities at Rio Grande in order to be transported into Holland he sent thither the Collonel Andrew Vidal with 300 Men who burnt their wood wasted all the Countrey and returned with a great booty and many Prisoners The Dutch had in those Seas 50 sail of Ships from 20 to 30 Guns but so ill Manned and Equipped for want of supplies from Holland that tho' they met the Portuguese Brazil-Fleet and fought it yet after a short dispute they were forced to retire without any Prize and the Fleet arrived safe at Lisbon on the 26th of October 5. We left the Baron de Alvito The Spaniards try the Governour of Tangier without success Governour of Tangier labouring under great scarcity of Provisions the last Year He had not as yet received any relief from Lisbon which being known at Ceuta D. John Soares who Commanded there for the Spaniards hoping their wants might reduce that Garrison to revolt from their King sent two Brigantines and a Bark thither ordering the Commander of the Bark to enter the Port and convey the Letters he had writ for that purpose to the Baron and other Men of note This being put in execution the Baron read the Letters which were to perswade him to submit himself to the King of Spain with promise of great Rewards or else to offer him safe passage to Lisbon The Baron whose Loyalty was not shaken having in vain endeavoured to draw those in the Bark a-shoar caused another to be fitted out in which went several resolute Gentlemen with Fire-Arms and Orders to Attack the Enemies Bark when they should approach to receive the Letter they expected The Barks coming together they fired killed three of the Spaniards and carried the rest Prisoners to the City This Action so exasperated the Spaniards that they sent three Ships to interrupt any relief that might be designed for Tangier but the Baron ordering the Vessels that came from Lisbon to be detained in Algarve till further advice from him the Enemy quitted their station and gave way to five Caravels with Provisions to relieve that City The Baron being informed that certain Captive Moors in the Town had by intelligence with those abroad agreed to let themselves down the Wall of the old Town near which the others were to lie hid in order to receive them he ordered three Soldiers habited like Moors to be let down and when
the Infidels came on to succour them they were received with such a volley of great and small shot as laid many dead before the Town the rest flying with more speed than they came on 6. D. Philip Mascarenhas having ended his Vice-Roy-ship in India and obtained leave of the King to return home The Affairs of India imbarked for Lisbon and died by the way The Count de Aveyras sent by the King to succeed him dying also in the Voyage as was said before the Sealed Patents which are always laid up to provide for such exigencies being opened it was found that the care of the Government was committed to D. F. Francis dos Reys Primate of India Francis de Melo de Castro and Antony de Sousa Coutinho Having entred upon the Government they fitted out a Fleet of 22 Sail Commanded by Antony de Sousa Coutinho one of the Governours This Fleet set sail in order to recover Mascate some of them entred that Bay but receiving much harm from the Cannon of the Town they stood out again and came to Anchor in the River Lafette 100 Leagues from Mascate They had lain there but a few days before they discovered a mighty Fleet of Arabs Commanded by one Hali a Moor. Antony de Sousa received them with such gallantry that after the Battle had lasted many Hours he obtained a Compleat Victory killing above 5000 of the Infidels Captain Antony Lobo in this Action being boarded by two of the Enemies Vessels set fire to his own Powder and blew himself up and both them Antony de Sousa returned to Goa where he found D. Vasco Mascarenhas Count de Obidos whom the King had appointed Vice-Roy upon the News of the Death of the Count de Aveyras Within a very few days the whole City running into Mutiny offered the Government to Antony de Sousa who rejected their offer then they pitched upon D. Bras de Castro a Turbulent Man who presently accepted of it which done they seized upon the person of the Count and kept him Prisoner But God shewed how displeasing to him this Rebellious Government was by the Judgments that immediately attended the beginning of it for the Dutch before the expiration of the Truce began a War which proved the most fatal to the Portugueses of any they ever had since the Conquest of that Countrey The Hollandrs resolving to break the Truce fitted out 10 Ships under the Command of John Mansucar who coming to Tutocorim seized all the Money laid up there to buy Pearl and at the same time took a Ship bound from Cochim to China D. Bras de Castro immediately prepared to oppose them Ceylon was the place next to danger as being that they had always aimed at Emanuel Mascarenhas Homem was Governour there who hearing of the preparations of the Dutch sent four Companies to secure Calaturé the safety of Columbo depending on that Port. This reinforcement not coming in time the place fell into the hands of the Enemy and for Columbo all the people of the Countrey flocking thither could not hold out long for want of Provisions The News of this loss being carried to Manicravare where Lope Barriga Commanded the whole Garrison mutinied because according to the Orders received from Mascarenhas he designed to march them to Columbo and killing some that opposed them sent him away and took the Field The King of Candia thinking to make his advantage of this disorder marched a good body of Forces towards them and offered them large terms if they would come over to his Service They answered him with their Weapons and after a fight which lasted many hours retitired to Columbo Emanuel Mascarenhas the Governour having gathered what Forces he could into the City designed to oppose the mutiniers and fired three pieces of Cannon They resolved to be revenged being reinforced by two Companies of Foot which deserted to them from the City but the Religious and Inhabitants to prevent the mischief they saw impending opened one of the Gates and let them in Emanuel Mascarenhas took Sanctuary in a Monastery and the City chose for their Governours Gaspar de Araujo Pereyra D. Francis Rolim and Francis de Barros da Silva and to Command in the Field Gaspar Figueyra da Serpa an experienced Soldier He hearing the Dutch with some Natives were abroad gathering Cinnamon marched to cut them off but they having intelligence of his march were gone before so having reduced some Towns that had revolted he returned to Columbo The Governours receiving advice that the Dutch were raising a Fort at Angratota which would Command all the Countrey about Columbo sent Gaspar Figueyra with 500 Foot to drive them thence Gaspar Figueyra marched with expedition and having secured all the Avenues by which the Enemies might receive any relief carried on a Trench so close to their work that having raised a Platform and planted thereon one piece of Cannon he so incommoded them that after 10 days the Dutch surrendred upon discretion 110 of them were taken 40 Jaos and 300 Chingalas who were severely punished as being for the most part Subjects to the King of Portugal At the same time John Botado who was in the Inland with a Company of Portugueses and some Blacks was set upon by an Officer of the King of Candia with 3000 Men and though the Blacks forsook him the Portugueses fought so desperately that they put the Indians to flight leaving so many dead that those who saw them could not be perswaded they had been killed by so few John Botado with his Men retired to Columbo Four Ships and one Caravel sailed this Year from Lisbon for India and two Ships from thence arrived in Portugal Anno 1653. 1. KIng John had resolved not to make any great Efforts to carry the War far into the Spanish Territories The War proceeds coldly on both sides concluding it his securest course to fill his exchequer fortify his Towns and build Ships whilst the Spaniards wasted themselves with their Wars in Italy and Flanders were diverted from putting Portugal into any danger This was the reason that he kept no more Forces afoot in Alentejo then served to secure the Frontiers and consequently the actions there were of small moment and few of them worth relating The most considerable was a party of 950 Horse and 100 Musketiers Commanded by Andrew de Albuquerque Generall of the Horse which defeated 1300 Spaniards killing 200 of them among whom was their Lieutenant Generall of Horse the Count de Amarante and taking above 400 Prisoners Neither did this Year produce any Exploits of note in the other Provinces which continued in full Peace bating some small Alarms given on bothsides which only served to keep the Garrisons upon their Guard without any damage done on either side 2. In the midst of all his fortunate Successes the King received one Fatal blow which outbalanced many of his former prosperities This was the death of his Eldest Son Prince Theodosius Prince Theodosi-the
put into it Hence Francis Barreto marched to the Fort Altanar which after some short resistance was delivered upon the same conditions as the other Before the taking of this Fort the Dutch had abandoned 3 others and now quitted 3 more with the same precipitation Barreto designing next to attack the Fort of Sinco Pontas was informed that the Enemy had secured a Post he thought to have lodged his Men upon whereupon he sent Collonel Andrew Vidal with 1000 Men to dislodge them which he did and Fortifyed himself in the same Place Next Morning the Canon was conveyed thither and the Trenches were opened against the Fort Sinco Pontas The Dutch perceiving the danger to approach made overtures for a Surrender which were easily admitted and after some days Spent in adjusting all differences they finally agreed upon the following Articles That the Dutch should remain possest of all their moveables That they should have some of their own Ships with Iron Guns to Transport them to Holland That such as would might stay there and be Treated in point of Religion as they were in Portugal That all the Out-Forts be put into the hands of the Portugueses with their Artillery and Ammunition That a Garrison be immediately received into Arrecife and the City Mauricea where the Dutch might continue 3 Months but without any Sort of Armes That all Ships coming from Holland for Four months to come have the Liberty of all those Ports That the Dutch give hostages to secure the Surrender of all other places they possest belonging to Portugal on that Coast That the Indians Mulattos and Blacks who served be pardoned These were the principall Articles signed on both sides the 26th of January Next day the Portugueses took possession of all the Posts where they found 121 brass Guns 170 of Iron Ammunition and provision for a Year and great quantity of Stores The same Night that Arrecife was delivered a Dutch Lieutenant Collonel fled over to the Island Itamaraca and perswading the People there that the Portugueses spared neither Sex nor Age they Shipt themselves and goods on board two Frigats and Sailing to Paraiba spread the same Terror there obliging Collonel Autin who Commanded against his will to Embark on a Ship that arrived there from India and leaving the Fort in possession of 50 Portugueses who were prisoners there All other places in Brazil were recovered with the same ease to the great honour of Francis Barreto after the Dutch had Tyrannically possest themselves of them for the Space of 30 years reckoning from their first coming thither which was in the Year 1624. The recovery of Pernambuco hapned 8 days after D. Hirome de Ataide Count de Altouguia had taken possession of the Government of Brazil at Bahia being successor to the Count de Castello Melhor Collonel Andrew Vidal was sent to carry this good News to the King who rewarded him and all the cheif Officers according to their Merit 4. Our Affairs in India were not so successful as in America The War in India unsuccessfull to Portugal D. Bras de Castro continued in the Government no Vice-Roy being yet come to call him to account for his Usurpation Francis de Mello who commanded in Ceilon sent out Antony Mendez Aranha with 400 Portugueses and some Chingalas to endeavour to fight the Dutch but they avoided coming to blows as much as could be knowing that want of Provisions would in time ruine us He marched and in the way to Calature found an Entrenchment guarded by some Blacks whom he defeated Then advancing to Diagao a place where he must pass the River he found it Guarded by two Companies of Dutch and a Number of Chingalas upon whom he kept Firing for the Space of 10 days and having provided boats to waft his Men over the Dutch quitted the Post and he possessed himself of it He continued 30 days about Calature hoping to draw out the Dutch and then finding his Design succeeded not marched through the Country of Alicaao then subject to the Enemy destroying all that stood in his way Here he received orders to march up the Country in order to furnish Columbo with provisions whereof there was great scarcity and when he had Spent 20 days without finding any so that his Men were consumed with Labour and want 700 Dutch with a great Number of Chingalas lay in the way he was to pass at Tebuna to intercept him Antony Mendez drew up his Men under cover and keeping a continual fire upon the Enemy who were on a rising ground drove them thence After this Action he received advice from Columbo that Five Galeons were arrived there with relief from Goa yet they left the City in no better condition then they found it for having in an Engagement near Gale lost their two Commadores the other Captains fell at odds about the cheif command and putting to Sea met 11 Dutch men of War by whom they were all destroyed The Dutch now wanting men in other places abandoned Calature which Antony Mendez possessed himself of as also of the Port Alicao three Leagues from Gale His good Services being mis-represented by his Enemies he was call'd away and his Command given to Gaspar de Araujo Pereyra who being soon found incapable of it Antony Mendes was again restored The Dutch repenting they had quitted Araujo and Calature had battered the former the space of 15 days and passed the River to attack it the same day that Antony Mendez arrived there He seeing no possibility of maintaining it resolved to march off his Men to Columbo but the Enemy having wholly cut off his Retreat he was forced to engage them having chose an advantagious Post which his Men maintained with incredible Bravery till a chance Bullet flying into the Enemies Powder blew up all their Ammunition killing above 50 of them whereupon the rest fled leaving 200 of their Companions dead upon the spot this was the end of this Years Actions there Three Ships sailed from Lisbon for India one whereof was cast away upon the Bar of Goa Anno 1655. 1. THE War in all parts of Portugal Very small matter this Year of martial Exploits was this Year carryed on with so little Vigour that it is scarce worth the mentioning but that something must be said to carry on the Series of the History The Provinces of Alentejo and Entre Duero and Minho afford us no matter at all John Mendez de Vasconcellos who governed that of Tros os Montes and the foregoing Years had continued in perfect Peace had now received Orders from the King as had all the other Governors to infest the Enemies Frontiers with Incursions which he put in Execution The Spaniards in revenge drove all the Cattle about Miranda but Antony Jaques de Payva who commanded in that Town sent out a party which defeating the Enemy recovered all the Prey and brought away all the Cattle of the Spaniards that grazed about Samil This done Antony Jaques with
250 Horse and 200 Foot marched to Caravajales and passing by that place without Opposition burnt the Town of Tavora and 19 Villages returning with a great Booty Soon after 500 Spanish Foot and 150 Horse having gathered all the Cattle about Ifanes Antony Jaques set upon them with a lesser number yet with such Valour that few of the 500 Foot escaped being kill'd or taken The People of Gallicia offered John Mendez a Cessation of Arms which he accepted of but the King not approving of it it was of no Continuance 2. John de Mello Feyo Small incursions in Beâ—â—â—a governing that part of Beira which was before subject to D. Roderick de Castro resolved not to be idle Having borrowed 150 Horse of Nuno da Cunha who Commanded in the other part of the Province and joyned them to Six Troops of his own and a Regiment of Foot he marched to Villa Vieja Nine Leagues from the Frontiers towards Cuidad Rodrigo After plundering Villa Vieja he charged a body of 300 Spanish Horse and as many Foot that was gathered to oppose him and after a Vigorous resistance made by them in so much that at the first his party seemed to decline he put them to flight pursuing them as far as S. Felices Antony Soares da Costa Governour of the Castle of Salvaterra held a friendly correspondence which is allowed of in time of War between Gentlemen A doâ—ble piâ—ce of Treachery tho' serving in opposite parties with D. Alfonso de Sande a Spanish Officer This familiarity increasing D. Alfonso took occasion to make proposals to Antony Soares for delivering up that Castle to the King of Spain promising him large rewards for that Service Antony Soares pretending an Inclination to comply carryed on the Negotiation till he obtained a Letter from D. Lewis de Haro prime Minister of Spain with a scedule under that Kings hand containing Large promises if he delivered the place Having received these assurances he resolved to Revenge the wrong done to his Reputation in attempting his Fidelity He agreed with D. Alfonso to receive him with 30 more into the Castle of Salvaterra in disguize as if they came thither to Trade leaving the rest of the Troops belonging to Alcantara ready in a Wood hard by The day being appointed D. Alfonso came according to agreement and a small wicket of the Castle was opened at which the 30 entred one at a time the entrance not being capable of admitting more at once As every one was let in Antony Soarez caused his brains to be dashed out with a Club and in this manner cruelly butchered all the 30 reserving only D. Alfonso de Sande whom after sending an account to the King of his barbarity he inhumanly tyed to the mouth of a Canon and giving fire to it shattered his body into atoms Antony Soarez might have been faithfull to his King without committing an act so full of horror which he himself could not but have abominated if committed by the most barbarous Infidels and which cannot but appear execrable in the sight of all that profess the name of Christians 3. The Portuguese Affairs in other parts of Europe continued much in the same posture we left them For the several proposalls made in France for concluding a League offensive and defensive all came to nothing Nothing of moment done in forreign courts or at Tangier Nor could there any thing be done at Rome the Pope being fully bent against passing the Bulls for the Portuguese Bishops The Dutch had resolved to revenge the Loss of Pernambuco upon the Trade of Portugal but the plague which raged amongst them disappointed their designs In England the Peace was concluded and ratifyed with the Usurper America yield us no subject for History since the Expulsion of the Hollanders out of Brazil where the Count de Atouguia was supream governour Neither is there much to be said of Africk where D. Roderick de Alencastre still Governed Tangier which was this year Three days beset by 10000 Moors under the Command of Gaylan who did no other harm save the spoiling of some gardens D. Francis de Noronha Governour of Mazagao having obtained leave to return home left that Command to Nuno da Cunha who had held it before and he dying the King sent Alexander de Sousa Freyre to succeed him 4. The Count de Sarzedas was sent this Year Vice-Roy into India Considerable losses of the Portugueses in India who arriving at Goa secured D. Bras de Castro and all those that had any hand in the imprisonment of the Count de Obides sending them to Portugal there to receive the punishment due to their crimes He next applyed himself with great care to regulating all disorders in that government and to releive Ceilon then in distress but death cut him off in the midst of his progress which we may conclude to be the principall cause of the loss of that Island the manner whereof we are now to declare tho' the surrender was not tilâ— the following year 1656. At the beginning of this Year Gaspar Figuegra de Serpa had waged War so successfully upon the King of Candia that he had reduced him to Peace The Dutch layed siege to Calature and continued before it 10 days at the End whereof finding themselves too weak to carry it they departed Before D. Bras de Castro was deposed from the government of India he sent Antony de Sousa to succeed Francis de Mello in the Government of Ceilon with Six Galliots and Two pinks laden with provisions and other necessaries Meeting Two Dutch Men of War these small Vessels were dispersed Two of them ran ashore two made their way to Columbo and Antony de Sousa with Two more got into Jafanapatan Thence he went by Sea to the Port Putelao 15 Leagues from Columbo where Antony Mendez Aranha met and conducted him safe by Land to that City into which he was received with great joy and Francis de Mello put him in possession of the government Twelve Dutch Men of War arrived at Ceilon from Batavia Six of them lay before the Barr of Columbo the other Six made their way to Calature where Landing their men they layed Seige to it and the place being very ill provided after the Garrison had endured the utmost Extremities it was at last surrendred upon honourable Termes Gaspar Figueyra de Serpa not knowing that Calature was lost advanced with 500 Portugueses to endeavour to put some succour into it but being attacked by 1600 Dutch was totally routed and many of his men killed The Hollanders pursuing their Victory came and sate down before Columbo raised Four batteries and playing continually with 12 peices of heavy Canon ruined not only the houses but the works of the Town and gave a furious assault to the Fort Sancta Cruz yet without success for they were repulsed with considerable Loss At the same time severall other attacks were carryed on with great obstinacy insomuch that at last
the Governour The Porguese generall endeavours to draw away the Spanish Army from Olivenza by giving a diversion with false promises of speedy relief At length the Count seing no possibility of Forcing the Enemy without hazarding his whole Army thought it better to endeavour to draw them from the Seige by a diversion In order to it he marched to Badajoz hoping to surprize that important place in the Night by sending 3000 men who by the likeness of their habit and Language might be admitted as if sent from the Spanish Army These being near the gate were discovered and the Garrison and Townsmen running to Arms were put to flight after leaving about 300 dead behind besides several Officers of Note This Enterprize proving so unsuccessful the Count de St. Lorenzo marched towards Albuquerque burning and destroying all the Country in hopes by that means to draw the Spanish Army from Olivenza and at last sits down before Valencia pressing that place day and Night but with great loss on his side for it was no less bravely defended by Sebastian Granero the Governour an old Souldier of known Valour In the mean while the Duke of St. German had plyed Olivenca so hotly that the works of the place were all ruined and the greater Fort almost demolished by the mines he had sprung Emanuel de Saldanha the Governour seeing the ruin of his works and that the Army which ought to have relieved him was marched away obtained a truce of the Duke conditioning to deliver up the place if not relieved by a day appointed The Count de St. Lorenzo having received this advice before Valencia immediately raised his Siege and marching first to Portalegre came thence and incamped at Jurumenha from which place he writ to the Governour of Olivenza in hard Terms commanding him at the peril of his Life to defend the place to the last extremity and promising to come to his relief as soon as he had received some recruits he expected Saldanha the Governour being sensible of his own weakness and the vainness of the Counts promises resolved to perform the Articles he had agreed upon with the Spanish Generall and accordingly on the day appointed delivered up the Town to him marching out himself with about 2500 Foot and near 600 Horse Not one Townsman remained behind him such was their hatred to the Spaniards It was generally agreed the Town could have held out some days longer and the Governour being accused of not having performed his duty but to have made a hasty and dishonourable surrender was first kept prisoner at Lisbon and afterwards banished the Kingdom for ever The breaches of the Town being repaired and a good Garrison put into the place the Duke marched towards his Enemy burning and wasting all the Country before him by this means intending to draw the Count to a battle but perceiving this nothing moved him he sits down with his Army before Moron This Town is seaâ—ed upon the River Guadiana secures the passage of that River and covers Olivenza About the Town there was only an old wall but the Castle was of greater strength The inhabitants terrifyed by the fate of Olivenza no sooner saw the Cannon begin to play upon their Walls but they abandoned the Town and retired into the Castle which was well fortifyed This success caused the Duke to alter his resolution of fighting and now he resolved to make himself Master of the Castle before he would come to a battle On the other side the Count de St. Lorenzo who before carefully shunned hazarding his Army seeing now the ill consequence of suffering the Enemy to encroach so far upon him was wholly bent upon engaging but the River being betwixt him and the Enemy who carefully guarded all the Fords and some Skirmishes being unsuccessfull to the Portugueses still the generall dreaded to expose his whole Army to the fury of the Enemy and of the River at once John Ferreira the Governour of the Castle being now sore pressed by the besiegers and no less by want of provisions and seeing no likelihood of releif on the Eleventh day after the Castle was invested Moron surrendred delivered it up all the inhabitants marching out with the garrison After this success the Victorious Duke marched back to Badajoz intending to return and besiege Jurumenha but the excessive heats made him defer that enterprize for a more favourable Season Nothing more of moment passed this year but that the Portugueses rased the Fort of Oliva which before they had taken from the Spaniards as not tenable after the loss of Olivenza Anno 1658. QUeen Luisa a Woman naturally ambitious and haughty The Queen prepares to invade Castile was extreamly perplexed to see her great designs against Spain miscarry and her Enemies triumphant in the taking of Olivenza and daring of her Army the last Summer She feared the unconstant multitude who always judge of things according to the success and when that fails immediately flye at the government To strike a Terror therefore into her Enemies and to still the murmuring of the People she resolved once more to carry the War into the Borders of Castile To this purpose she renewed the Alliance concluded by the late King with France and England and having sent to both for Supplies of Men caused 13000 Foot and near 4000 Horse to be speedily drawn together The command of these Forces she gave to John Mendez de Vasconcellos an old Soldier who had served under the Catholick King in the low Countries This done it was decreed in Council in complyance to her Will that Badajoz should be Besieged because that Place if taken would add much Reputation to her Government and would be as a Bridle upon the Spanish Garrison in Olivenza The Duke of St. German who was then at Badajoz having by his Spies received Intelligence of these great Preparations and the design of them immediately dispatch'd an Express to acquaint D. Luis de Haro the prime Minister of Spain therewith as also to inform him of the weakness of the Garrison of Badajoz and the ill posture of defence of the Place Whilst Relief was expected he lost no time but drew together all the Forces he could and gather'd such stores of Ammunition and Provisions as the time and his Exigencies would permit Few days were passed before the Portuguese Army appeared on the further side of the River Guadiana near which Badajoz is seated The River in Summer is fordable in many Places and is joyned to the Town by a good Stone-Bridge at the Foot whereof is the strong Fort of St. Christophers On the top of the Hill on whose side the Town lies stands the Castle but the Walls of the Town were at this time decayed and unfit for Defence The Duke not being as yet provided for a Siege sent out his Horse to give some stop to the Enemies sudden approach The Portuguese Army lays Siege to Fort St. Christopher near Badajoz But the
Horse had the boldness to appear about the Bridge of Badajoz as it were provoking the whole Force of the Spanish Army which then lay in and about that place to revenge this excess D. John immediately sent out D. John Pacheco Lieutenant General of the Horse who attacked the Portugueses with a small handfull of men at first yet with such resolution that they gained no advantage till he was shot dead upon the place but then fresh Supplies still comming from the Town at last the Portugueses were overpowered many of them slain many taken and the rest Forced to save themselves by Flight This success was the less pleasing to the Spaniards because of the Loss of D. John Pacheco who was a person of tryed Valour and Conduct D. John being informed that much dammage was done on the Frontiers of Castile D. John of Austria takes Alconchel by the excursions of the garrison of Alconchel sent D. James Cavallero with the best part of the Army to invest it and himself followed soon after him Alconchel is near the River Guadiana has a Castle and had been lately fortifyed by the Portugueses The Seige was carryed on but coldly either to draw the Portugues Army to attempt the relief of the place or else because the inhabitants being divided in factions it was not doubted but they must speedily surrender Nor was D. John deceived in his expectation for the Governour perceiving the heats within to increase and the Enemy without to threaten the utmost extremity if he proved obstinate was forced to submit and accept of honourable conditions The Fortifications were speedily repaired and a Spanish Garrison put into the place This done D. John returned to Badajoz and put his Army into Winter-Quarters Anno 1662. 1. THe Last years losses and the present preparations of the Spaniards had sufficiently alarmed Portugal to oblige the Queen to use her utmost industry to be in a condition to oppose her Enemy In order to it the Treasury being exhausted heavy Taxes were imposed upon the People which they did not pay without much murmuring Catherine Infanta of Portugal married to King Ch. the II of England and reluctancy To strengthen her self by foreign allyances she had concluded a match for her daughter the Princess Catherine with his Majesty Charles the Second King of Great Britain The Queen had Entertained hopes of Marrying this Princess to the King of France but he having chosen the Infanta of Spain her next recourse was by that affinity to secure the Friendship of the King of England The new Queens portion was a considerable Sum of Money the City of Tangier upon the mouth of the Streights in Barbary and the Island of Bombain in the East-Indies On the other side the King of England was to assist the Portugueses with a body of Foot to serve as auxiliaries under the Command of Count Schomberg The Earl of Sandwich with the Royal-Navy conveyed the Queen into England Upon the News of this match and that Tangier was to be delivered up to the English the King of Spain once more attempted the fidelity of the governour of that City D. Lewis de Almeida endeavouring to perswade him rather to betray the place to him upon hopes of a considerable Reward than to put it into the hands of the English but the governour was not to be moved who rather fearing that the inhabitants and Garrison would never be brought to consent to their Kings orders of delivering up the place as soon as the English Fleet appeared in sight to take possession of it he sent out the greatest part of the garrison and many of the inhabitants upon pretence to repell the Moors who appeared then in bodies about the Town and whilst they were abroad ingaging and pursuing the Infidels gave possession of the City to the English 2. Notwithstanding all the Queens care and diligence the Spaniards were first in the field and much superiour the Portugueses in Strength D. John of Austria burns and plunders the Country D. John of Austria took the field at the beginning of May with 13000 Foot and 5000 Horse all old Troops His first design was to lay Siege to Estremoz but the Count de Castaneda the Portugues General prevented him by planting himself before the place with his whole Army which then consisted of 8000 Foot and 3000 Horse Hereupon D. John turned away as if he intended to march directly to Lisbon which put that City into a consternation and no less surprized the Count de Castaneda fearing least the Capitall of the kingdom should fall into the hands of the Enemy and had the Spanish Army held on their march as they began in all likelihood they must have made themselves masters of it without any opposition But D. John spent his time in plundering and burning the Country and having made a halt near a brook called Zapateros he sent then D. James Cavallero with Two Regiments of Foot and most of the Horse to attack the Town of Villabuim a place considerable both for it's Riches and Strength nevertheless the Governour who was a French man upon the first approach of the Spaniards resolved to Surrender having privately Articled with the Spanish General that for the saving of his Reputation he might be permitted to fire his Cannon for an hour without ball that so he might be thought to have made some defence Yet the Surrender was not without blood for some of the inhabitants encouraged by a Parish-Priest He takes and raises Villabuim endeavoured to make some opposition but were soon quelled by the Spaniards The Town and Castle were raised down to the Ground for a Terror to other places Hence the Army moved towards Villaviciosa and having taken an express that was going to Elvas and Jurumenha to encourage those governours to defend themselves couragiously upon promise of speedy relief D. John sent him back to the Count de Castaneda to let him know he would be with him the next day He performed his word but the Count who was much inferiour to him in numbers kept himself close in his Camp under the Walls of Estremoz D. John intending to attack him in his Camp was diswaded by the Duke of St. German and marched away to Borba a place of small Strength but that had a Castle and the governour Roderick da Cunha being a desperate man had perswaded the Townsmen to joyn with the Garrison to defend it Such was his Folly or rashness that he reproached and fired upon the Trumpet that came to bring him the Summons to Surrender whereupon the Town was assaulted on all sides and taken The governour with a few men retired into the Castle which having for a while stood the shock of the Canon and beginning now to give way to it's fury Acunha's heat being somewhat allayed he sent out to beg he might be admitted to conditions No intreating could prevail with D. John who being incensed would admit of nothing but that they
be master of so weak a place before the Portuguese General could gather a sufficient Force to attempt the relief of it However the Trenches were opened against the Town and Batteries raised but the first that gained a post were the Italians who with much bravery stormed and took the Monastery of the Carmelites whence planting their Cannon they made a great havock in the Town The Spaniards ashamed to be outdone by the Italians carryed on their Works with great diligence and having with much slaughter repulsed the Besieged who sallyed upon them made themselves master of the Church of St. Dominick which overlooking the Town they planted their Cannon upon it to the great Damage of the Besieged D. John seeing the miserable condition of the Place sent another Summons offering honourable Conditions if they surrendred in time which all the Officers of the Garrisons seeing no possibility of holding the Place or likelyhood of Relief thought it time to accept of but Lewis de Sousa Elect Bishop of Porto and Administrator of the Church of Ebora a Man fitter for the Army than the Church crossed their design raising Factions among the People and Garrison and by this means obstructed the surrender that and the following day The Clergy and Laiety Women and Children flocked to the Works and endeavoured to make up the Breaches but all in Vain for more was already ruined than could be retrieved and the continual Fire of the Enemies Cannon rendred all their efforts unsuccessful This Fury being spent and the People coming to themselves at length they capitulated and delivered up the City upon such Conditions as could be obtained which were not very Honourable On the 9th day after it waâ— invested Ebora delivered to D. John the City was surrendred There marched out 2000 Foot and 300 Horse of the Garrison who according to Articles were to be conducted into Castile and there to remain Prisoners of War during the Summer 4. The News of the Siege of Ebora being brought to Lisbon The Portuguese General Count de Villaflor ordered to relieve Ebora caused mighty commotions and tumults in that City whereupon the Young King by the advice of his Counsel sent orders to the Count de Villaflor to releive Evora at any rate and at the same time commanded the Count de Castaneda with what Troops he had and could raise to suppress all Seditions in Lisbon The Count de Villaflor received his orders the very day that Evora was Surrendred of which as yet he had no notice and therefore having called a Council of War the advice of the Count Sabugal was followed which was not to hazard a battle at any disadvantage but to cut off the Enemies Provisions In order hereto the Army being now 12000 Foot and 4000 Horse and having received intelligence of the Surrender of Evora marched and incamped at Laondil where they had plenty of Provisions and streightned the Enemy In the mean while the News of the Surrender of Evora being brought to bon A mutiny at Lisbon for the loss of Ebora the multitude ran headlong into all Sorts of Licentiousness and not only the vulgar rabble appeared in the sedition but great Numbers of the more substantial sort joyned with them The First effort of their fury fell upon the Arch-Bishops Pallace which they plundered burning and carrying away all that was in it the Arch-Bishop himself having before made his escape to Court Thence they turned their rage against the Count of Castaneda whose house they ransacked as they had done the Arch-Bishops he himself being also fled and after him they exercised the same barbarity towards the principal Magistrates and other great Men of the City Whilst this passed in the City the King consulted with the Arch-Bishop the Count de Castaneda and other great Men about the means of quelling this Sedition The Count advised to fall upon the raging Multitude with such Forces as were in the Town whereof the greatest part were Forreigners and therefore would be faithful in the performance of their duty But the Arch-Bishop's opinion prevailed which was to let the fury of the multitude pass over and then of themselves they would Return to their Duty The Rabble having raged all about the Towâ— came at last to the Kings Pallace where many being weary and coming to themselves began to slink away and at last the King Looking out of the Window and telling them that his Army now besieged those who had before layed Siege to Evora they all retired with confusion to their houses blaming one another for what they had all done No Notice was for the present taken of what had hapned but some time after several of the Ring-leaders were punished under other pretences 5. During these Transactions D. John marches out of Ebora to give the Portugueses battle D. John of Austria repaired the Fortifications of Evora and finding Provisions began to grow short having left a small garrison in the City marched out to give the Portugueses battle tho' contrary to the advise of the Duke of St. German who was utterly against hazarding a battle till the Forces they dayly expected from Castile were arrived and for the subsistance of the Army advised the turning out of the inhabitants upon whose stores the Souldiers might live many days The Portugues Army lay within half a League of Evora having a small River before it Thither D. John marched thinking either the Portugueseâ— would give him battle upon equal Terms or else that he should remove them from their advantagious Posts by 17 pieces of Canon which he planted upon an Eminence But the Count de Villaflor resolving not to quit his Advantage and the Canon which was ill planted doing as much Execution among his own as among the Enemies men D. John drew back and encamped without Canon Shot of the River Thus both Armies continued all Night ready for Action At break of Day D. John moved in order of battle to force the passage of the River where a bloudy dispute ensued till after a considerable Loss on both sides the Portugueses standing their ground the Spaniards who fought at great disadvantage were forced to give way and retire into the plain of Ebora D. John discouraged at this repulse put 3000 Foot and 600 Horse under the Command of Francis Gattinara Count of Sartirane into Ebora resolving to march back into Castile without coming to a battle if possible to avoid it by marching over the Mountains His first days march met with no obstruction because the Count de Villaflor was marched before in order to choose an advantageous Post to give battle in where the Horse might be of small use in which the Spaniards were much Superior to him Some there were who advised to march on all Night but D. John thinking that would look too like flying refused that wholesom advice In the Morning he was informed that the Portugues Army was at hand being covered from him by the tops of the
hills It was no time now to think of avoiding a battle and therefore D. John drew up his Army and being possessed of a high hill thought good to remove and make himself master of two others that lay in the way to Estremoz At the same time the Portugueses not knowing any thing of the Enemies design had resolved to possess himself of the same place Hereupon the Count de Villaflor advancing with the Horse fell upon the rear of the Spaniards whose Horse were upon the Plain their Foot having already gained the hill D. James Cavallero facing about with his Horse received the charge and made good his ground so that the Portugueses having spent half the day and gained no advantage began now to faint under the toil and heat which D. John perceiving he speedily possessed himself of the two hills he aimed at drew up his Horse in four bodies upon the Plain placed his baggage in their Rear and planted his Canon upon the hills On the other side the Portugueses seizes the hill which D. John had quitted looking upon it as part of Victory The battle of Ebora to possess the ground the Enemy had designedly abandoned About three hours both Armies continued in these Posts refreshing their wearied men when D. John thinking he had given them the slip began to continue his march but the Count de Villaflor perceiving it resolved not to suffer him to go off without hazarding a battle The signal being given he advances and the Portugues Left wing of Horse first charged the Right of the Spanish who recieved them with such Resolution that the Fight continued a long time doubtful till Emanuel Freire one of the Portugues Generals of Horse wheeling about with some Squadrons he had reserved set upon the Enemies flank and broke through them whereupon the whole wing was soon put to flight as was the reserve coming to their relief and the Left wing which was ordered to relieve the Right by reason of the distance and badness of the way could never be brought to ingage Mean while Count Schomberg who commanded the Portugues Foot resolved to attack the Enemy upon the hill This being an Action rather rash than valiant the English auxiliaries undertook climbing the hill upon their hands and feet and tho' many of them fell yet the greater part gained the top which encouraged three Regiments of Portugues Foot to ascend a farther way about which was much easier This extravagant rashness of the English so terrifyed the Spanish Foot that they immediately without sense of shame betook themselves to flight In a moment their whole infantry was put to the rout notwithstanding D. John alighting from his Horse performed all that man could do to make them rally and face the Enemy But now the victorious Portugues Horse comming in to second their Foot there ensued a terrible slaughter for it was no longer a Fight The Duke of St. German who had been sent before to mark out a Camp hearing the noise of the Canon hasted back and finding the whole Army dispersed and routed with much difficulty perswaded D. John to save himself by flight So both the Generals hasted away to Aronches D. James Mazacan whose squadron had not been broke gathering as many of the Horse as he could made the last effort against the victors but being overpowered he was forced to give way to the stronger side D. John of Austria defeated Of the Spaniards were slain in this Fight about 4000 the wounded were more and above 3000 taken and among them the Marquess del Carpio Eldest Son to D. Lewis de Haro Of the Portugueses above 1000 were killed and many wounded All the Enemies Canon and baggage as also D. John's most splendid Equipage was taken 6. The Prisoners taken in Fight were all sent to Lisbon where the joy of the multitude was as extravagant as their rage had been for the loss of Evora The King therefore finding all was secure at home sent those Trooâ—â—he had kept at Lisbon to bridle the Rabble under the Command of the Count de Castanheda to join the Count de Villaflor The Count de Villaflor recovers Ebora with orders to lay Siege to Evora These two Generals put their orders in Execution and fâ—â—mally besieged that City yet knowing no Enemy could come to it's relief forbore any assaults to spare their Men. The Count de Sartirane who as has been said was made Governour of that City by the Spaniards defended it with much bravery the Space of Eleven days being ignorant what was become of the Spanish Army but being then informed of it's defeat by a Letter from D. John in which he ordered him to provide for the safety of his garrison he then Surrendred the place upon honourable conditions 7. D. John having gathered the remains of his broken Army D. John atttempts Elvas but is represed and received some recruits out of Gallicia sent D. James Cavallero with a good body of Horse and Foot to endeavour to Surprize Elvas but the garrison having taken the Alarm he was repulsed and forced to retire without effecting any thing To add to the misfortunes of the Spaniards their great Magazine of powder which they had layed up at Aronches was accidentally blown up which ruined many of the new works they had made about the Town since they took it and killed above 2000 of the garrison and inhabitants 8. Winter put not an end to Action The Duke of Ossuna builds a Fort not far from Almeida for the Duke of Ossuna who Commanded upon the Spanish Frontiers about Cuidad Rodrigo tho' he could gather but a small Force yet being ambitious of Fame he resolved to 〈◊〉 a Royal-Fort not far from Almeida the Portugues Frontier He marched to the place he had pitched upon with what strength he could make and began the work which was extreamly difficult by reason of the unseasonableness of the weather and the danger from the Enemy to oppose whom he incamped before the work with all his Force to cover the Labourers Peter Jaques de Magallaens who commanded upon those Frontiers was then sick and Alfonso Furtado de Mendoza was substituted in his place D John of Austria who was now returned to Bajadoz from Court where he had been to answer to what was objected against him upon account of his late defeat hearing of this undertaking of the Duke de Ossuna sent him large Supplies under the Command of the Count Bouette with which accession the Duke was now increased to about 7000 Foâ—â— and about 2000 Horse Not above a Canon shot from him lay the Portugues Army consisting of a like Force Mendoza perceiving the Duke was not to be drawn to a battle his only design being to cover his work and it being a rashness to attack him in his Camp thought the only way to draw him thence would be to enter the borders of Castile and put all things to Fire and Sword To this intent
audience with his Mother and to assist in Council and was not at all averse to it so that tho' he did not quite forsake his vices yet he had not so much leisure to indulge them Conti was not at all displeased at these proceedings hoping this would be the means for advancing his Fortune and therefore lost no time or opportunity but plyed the King with immoderate suits for himself and his companions The first thing the King asked for him of his Mother was that he might be admitted into the order of Knighthood called of Christ which as she durst not absolutely refuse for fear of provoking her Son so she delayed granting it still putting him off from time to time with seveal excuses Conti perceiving her subtilty sailed not to press the King urging how unworthy his grandeur it was to be refused that which was in his power to take and by these and other insinuations so fiered his mind that at length he forced the Queen to condescend to all that was asked for him Being thus raised from the degree of a Merchant to that of a Minister of State not only the meaner sort made application to him in their Suits but even the Nobility had recourse to him in matters of moment least his interest should thwart their designs nay even the Queen herself tho' contrary to her haughty inclination refused not to truckle to his greatness fearing she could not maintain her Authority by opposing him But he knowing all this Courtship was Feigned used Art against Art shewing a good countenance to all yet at the same time arming himself against all Emergencies To this purpose he began to make a party in the Court introducing instead of the experienced Nobility all the youth into places of honour and preferring some of mean parentage till the Queen fearing least the increase of his party should prove her downful began openly to oppose him Thus the Court was divided into factions some siding with the King others with the Queen and others adhering to Neither Conti ceased not to blow the Coles but his chief aim was to perswade the King to take upon himself the Government urging as the truth was Denis Alphonso the 5th and Sebastian Kings of Portugal took upon them the administration being yet younger than he That which most moved the King was that his Mother falling sick at this time the whole Court was made to him which gave him to understand what a diminution it was to his splendor and therefore he began to be inflamed with a desire of absolute command The Queen recovering and reasuming the care of the government found the King more intractable than he had been before as being wholly bent upon wresting the power from her by force if she should refuse to resign This was a deadly stroke to her ambitious Spirit which abhorred the thought of falling from that height wherein she had upheld herself for so many Years nor could she be without some care for the Kingdom if it were wholly left at the disposal of a wilful and unexperienced Youth beset with a croud of dangerous and unskilful favourites and Councellors Being perplexed and tormented with these thoughts she resolved to set up her Younger Son Peter against the King The Queen sets up the Infante against the King that so he in hopes of attaining the Crown through her means might be wholly at her devotion and at the same time Alphonso fearing to lose his right might be kept in awe Therefore to prepare the Infante who of himself was willing enough she perswaded him he ought to be declared Prince and Heir to the Crown alledging that his Brother was impotent and consequently the Kingdom must devolve to him For the Executing of this design she tampered with all the Nobility and Magistrates intending to call the Cortes or Parliament to confirm her resolution but finding it a matter of greater difficulty than she had expected most men abhorring to set up two Brothers as it were two King's to rend the Kingdom and destroy themselves and thinking it a rashness to condemn Alphonso as impotent before any proof were made of his Ability she desisted from the method but not from the design Her next practice then was to set out the Infante in the most splendid apparel to cause him to show himself often to the People to give him a Family composed of all such as were disaffected to his Brother and to put him into a house the best in Lisbon built by Christopher de Moura Marquess of Castelrodrigo Having thus set up the Infante in opposition to his Brother and secured him to herself her next artifice was to counterfeit a desire of quitting the regency and retiring into a Monastery of Nuns For this purpose she drew up a subtle writing intimating her pretended desire and yet so worded it that the great men and principal Ministers to whom she sent it for their advice soon saw into the depth of it which was that she desired to be as it were constrained to continue the Regency yet so as she must be drawn to condescend by the removal of Antony Conti and the rest of his party from about the King Those to whom the writing had been communicated being all her creatures The Council combine with the Queen and fearing least if she were suffered to abandon the government they should by the King be deprived of the preferments they enjoyned resolved not to forsake her least they should be involved in her fall Therefore by writing they gave her to understand that tho' she were resolved to lay down the administration of the Kingdom it was not yet time to do it till she had removed from the Person of the King those that seduced and led him into ill courses Nothing could be more pleasing to the Queen than this answer so pat to her purpose since they had fulfilled all her wishes without obliging her to express them However that all might seem to be carried by the advice of the Council knowing they were all resolved to perform her will she would have nothing done but what should be there discussed and given under their hands The Councel met accordingly and tho' some of the gravest among them opposed the design as too visible an affront to the King yet it was carried The faction seize Conti the Kings favourite in the King's appartment and send him to Brazil that Conti and his adherents should be seized and sent into banishment contrary to the will of the King for this Council sat not to serve him but his Mother In pursuance to this resolution the Queen having secured the King in her Lodgings upon pretence of business the Duke of Cadaval with his Party Entred the King's apartment where Conti then was He seeing a Throng and suspecting some danger locked himself in but the Duke without respect to the Sacredness of the place or to the Remonstrances of the Count de Castellomelhor who would have
diverted him from that Action offered to break open the door whereupon Conti seeing no hopes of escaping and the Count not able to relieve him or acquaint the King delivered himself up to the Duke upon promise of Life At the same time some some others of Conti's partizans were secured partly in the pallace and partly in the Town all which were immediately put aboard a Ship that lay ready to Sail in the River and sent away to Brazil The Queen being informed that all she had commanded was put in Execution led the King forth into the great Hall whither she had assembled all the Nobility Ministers of State and Magistrates of the City the better to appease and terrify the King Here a Remonstrance was made to him in the Name of the Kingdom full of grievous complaints against his Conduct and against his Favourites whom to prevent any farther ill consequences they declared they had been obliged to send into banishment This done having kissed his hand they departed It was no small surprize to the King to be brought so unexpectedly into that assembly and therefore not rightly conceiving the drift of what had been said he began to ask the meaning of it Garcia de Melo told him that to satisfy the complaints of his People they had sent Conti and his adherents into banishment He scarce believing they durst offer him such an indignity began loudly and in a rage to call upon Conti and running to seek for him threatned to follow him wheresoever they had sent him Melo told him his search would be in vain for that he was now under Sail for Brazil that as the case stood he must have either parted with Conti or his Crown At this answer he seemed somewhat to compose himself Then calling for Emanuel Antunes who only had escaped of all his former Favourites he shut himself up with him and the Count of Castellomelhor These two gave him a full Relation of what had passed and here were layed the first Foundations of the Counts ensuing greatness After this meeting the King appeared unconcerned at what had hapned and rid according to custom that Afternoon but he had learned to Counterfeit and had other thoughts within his breast than what appeared by his countneance This mighty act of policy which the Queen had contrived to perpetuate her Regency Count Castelmelhor succeeds in the King's Favour was the very cause of her speedy falling from it Count Castelmelhor a Man above exception for his Birth and Parts had now succeeded in the Kings Favour in the place of Conti and omitted not to encourage him in the resolution of taking upon him the Government Besides a young Lady belonging to the Queen for whom the King had a more then ordinary Affection made him the more earnest discovering to him all his Mothers private Discourses For the better carrying on his Design the King ordered the Count whose waiting Week was expired to wait on another least one might succeed him whom he could not so well confide in This done he retired according to custom to Alcantara a House near Lisbon carrying with him his Brother and a great Train That same day he returned to Lisbon and visited his Mother discoursing so lovingly with her that all resentment seemed to be passed but on a sudden without acquainting her he went back to Alcantara accompanyed only by the Count de Castelmelhor and the Count de Antouguia From thence he dispersed Letters into all parts of the Kingdom to the Officers of the Army and Governors of Towns acquainting them that being now at Age he had taken upon him the Government The King resolves to take the Government upon him Then he ordered all the Nobility and Ministers of State that were at Lisbon to repair to him to Alcantara The Queen astonished at this News and fearing to be cast down from her Regency assembles the Council of State where it was resolved that Emanuel Pacheco should be placed upon the Road to stop all those that should offer to repair to the King that the Queen should write a Letter to him in soft Terms desiring him either to delay some time his taking the Government upon him or at least to admit her to bear a great part with him and that in case perswasions failed she should then use Force to constrain him Accordingly Pacheco turned back those that were going to Alcantara the Guards and all the Queens Adherents were ordered to be ready in Arms to support her and a Letter was sent to the King from her full of alluring and soft but all deceitful Expressions But before the sending of the Letter the People of Lisbon perceiving that the Court armed against the King began to run into tumult for his Defence fearing least any violence might be offered him This zeal of the Multitude was what humbled the Queen and therefore seeing no hope left of prevailing by open force she had recourse to Artifice and Entreaty and therefore as has been said sent a submissive Letter by the Bishop of Targa In this Letter among other things the Queen urged to have the Cortes or Parliament call'd that she might there resign the Government but the King and the Count perceiving this was only a contrivance to gain time an answer was sent her by the same Bishop The purport of this Answer was that the King considering the great Burthen of care that attended the Government was willing to ease his Mother who had long laboured under it of that Toil and to take it upon himself She now plainly perceiving that there was no longer hope either by Force or Art of retaining the Government resolved at length to quit it least it should be violently taken from her However she wished it might be done in the Pallace that the World might believe it had been freely resigned and not to be forcibly extorted from her Those who were acquainted with her Subtilties advised the King not to trust himself to her Power which made him delay some time at Alcantara However at length finding himself secured on all sides and the Queens Interest declining since the People of Lisbon had declared for him he repaired to the Pallace where in the presence of the Nobility Ministers of State and Magistrates of the City She is at length forced to resign the Queen delivered up the Seals into his Hands which is the usual Ceremony in Portugal when a King takes upon him the Government This Ceremony was perform'd on the 23d of June 1662 the King then wanting but one Month of 19 Years of Age whereas according to the antient custom of Portugal their Kings were always reputed of Age at 14 and accordingly at those Years the Regency ought to cease The Queen Mother thus discharged of the care of Government She pretends to retire but stays at Court in hopes to wrest the Power from her Son began again to talk of retiring but that after such a manner that no Body
believ'd she truly meant it For first she talked of building a new Monastery but could never find out a convenient Place then of erecting an Apartment for her self near some of the old ones but none would admit her And this it was believed was her desire only to protract time and to continue in the Pallace till some new emergency might again call her to the Government But now all the Court was made to the King all the Nobility attended him and there wanted not crouds of Flatteers and Sycophants to fawn on him His principal Ministers and Favourites were the Counts of Castelmelhor and Atouguia and Sebastian Caesar de Meneses These managed all principal matters of State and on their Counsel he chiefly relyed His Enemies however never ceased to slander him spreading it abroad that being wholly void of Sense he only spoke such Words as they put into his Mouth Count Castelmelhor endeavouring to establish himself absolutely in the King's Favour eased him asmuch as was possible of the publick cares indulging his Inclination to Horses Arms and even to Women but without any publick Scandal At this time the Count delivered out of Prison Henry Enriquez de Miranda who had been confined by the Queen and he being now brought to Court became one of the King 's greatest Favourites and yet though he was raised to this Degree there never happened the least Disorder betwixt the Count of Castelmelhor and him Much otherwise was it with the Count of Atouguia Caesar de Meneses and Count Castelmelhor but the latter not thinking himself yet thoroughly established would not attempt so soon to cast them down Count Castelmelhor rises At length having wholly gained the ascendant over the King and having all things as prime Minister at his disposal he lodged himself in the Apartment that had belonged to Prince Theodosius the King's eldest Brother He only wanted now some charge that might always keep him about the King's Person and there being none at that time vacant he thought of one that of late had been suppressed or incorporated into that of the Secretary of State in Portuguese it is called Escrivao da Puridade that is the private Secretary This employment he begged of the King who readily granted it and though the Secretary of State insolently enough disputed it caused him immediately to settle him in the possession thereof By this charge he also obtained the right to a Seat in the Counsel of State Being thus raised to the highest pitch of Favour he began to bestow preferments without measure upon all his Friends and Adherents and at the same time omitted not to crush and terrifie his Enemies that the power of the one party and the dread of the other might be a sure stay to his greatness Those that affronted the King in the Person of Conti banished In the next place he advised the King to shew some resentment for the Affronts done to his Person during the Queen's Regency as particularly in the forcing away of Conti out of his Apartment and other the like Insolencies which if not punished might draw him into contempt In pursuance of this Advice the Duke of Cadaval Garcia and Emanuel de Melo the Counts of Soure Pombeiro Peter Vieira Secretary of State who had often audaciously reprov'd the King and some others all guilty enough were sent into Banishment This proceeding against so many persons of Note though but an act of Justice The Queen Infante and their party hold Consultations against the King ministred occasion to their partizans to revile anew the King and his Government And now the Queen seeing her self excluded from all publick Affairs began again to cherish the Infante and to hold frequent and private Consultations with him wherein it was always inculcated that the King was stupid and unfit for Rule Count Castelmelhor who was not ignorant of all their Machinations contrived all ways he could to separate them but all in vain For the Infante building upon the notion of his Brothers Incapacity had more mind to be himself a King then to be next to a King Therefore he carryed himself with profound Dissimulation studying all ways to elude the Arts of the Favourite But the Count seeing he could not otherwise prevail upon him to desist from his Cabals perswaded the King to change all his Servants putting in their places such as he could confide in that so he should have the less opportunity of carrying on his Designs The next thing was to perswade the Queen at length to retire from Court as she had so often pretended to desire though by her proceedings it plainly appeared nothing was more distastful to her than the thoughts of a private Life Yet seeing the King so inclinable to have her retire she again has recourse to her Dissimulation and sends to ask leave to withdraw to some private House because the Apartment she had begun to build was not yet finished The King's Answer was that it became not her Granedur to quit the Palace for a private House but that if she were so desirous of a retreat she might cause more Diligence to be used in finishing her Structure which till then had gone on very slowly Soon after Alfonso being informed that his Mother never ceased to use all Arts to advance his Brother Peter to the Throne being terrifyed with the danger of his Crown which yet at last by these same Practices was ravished from him he sent an absolute Order for her to depart from the Palace This positive command pressing and fearing to be forced away she at length resolved to depart and accordingly on the 17th of March 1663 withdrew to the new Apartment she had built at a small distance from Lisbon being attended thither by the King The Queen at last forced to retire the Infante and all the Nobility The Queen Mother being thus removed the Infante seemed now wholly devoted to please the King except in one only thing which he knew to be offensive to him and that was in frequently visiting his Mother and entertaining private Discourses with her Nor was she wanting often in publick to warn him of the danger of this his assiduousness towards her whether she really meant it as dangerous to him or rather did it artificially to make the King the more odious and procure themselves the greater Commiseration Thus with great difficulty Queen Luisa was at the last not only put out of the Regency but even out of the Palace Alphonso to whom the nearness of his Mother had been a curb The King grows more loose in his Life being now delivered from that restraint ran more licentiously into all the Vices of Youth Count Castelmelhor fearing a disorderly Life might hasten his fall in whose Ruine he must himself be involved studyed several means to reclaim him or at least to conceal his Extravagancies but it is a work of great difficulty to correct the vicious Inclinations of Youth especially when
supported by the lustre of a Crown In short his Vices were too visible to be excused but to lay to his Charge all the Villanies his Adversaries have aspersed him withal were too much to wrong his Memory for it is certain that no insolence was committed during his Reign which the malice of his Enemies has not reproached him withal However so certainly it was that the King indulging his Appetites and Vicious desires the whole burthen of the Government was in a manner devolved upon the three Favourites that is the Counts of Castelmelhor and Antouguia and Sebastian Caesar de Meneses Castelmelhor had long meditated to overthrow the other two but as long as the Queen continued at Court durst not attempt it least they having lost the King should become an accession to and strengthen her party Now she being removed there remained no other obstacle to the fulfilling his desire and therefore by often buzzingâ— false informations into the King's Ears he first caused the Count de Atouguia to be expelled the Court and soon after to be banished the City None remained now to cope with him but Meneses Conti recalled from Brazil who to support himself perswaded the King to recall Antony Conti from Brazil hoping that he being returned and restored to his former Favour would not in gratitude omit to stand by the man that had been the cause of bringing him back from banishment The Count could not be long ignorant of this practice and therefore immediately so worked the King that Meneses was banished before Antony Conti could arrive to support him Soon after Conti arrives from Brazil the Ship that brought him being received into the port of Lisbon with sound of Trumpets firing of Cannon and all other demonstrations of joy as if it had been the reception of some Soveraign Prince Yet all this was but a glimmering of happiness to Conti for Count Castelmelhor having perswaded the King that as it was a Vindication of his Royal Authority to recal him from banishment whither he had been sent in contempt of Majesty so to entertain him at Court would only serve to provoke the Nobility But banished the Court. to whom the very name of Conti was odious for these reasons without suffering him to Land at Lisbon he was sent away into the Country with express Command not to presume to come near the Court. Nevertheless to the End it might be thought this exile was not the effect of his jealousie but rather of his care both for the safety of the King and Conti he omitted not to caress him at that distance sending him frequent presents and a considerable employment at Court falling he caused it to be conferred upon him tho' absent and bestowed a Rich Benefice upon John Conti Brother to Antony who was in orders Conti was not so dull but he could Easily see through these Artifices Therefore he used all his endeavours to obtain an interview with the King Conti privately meets the King not doubting but if he once saw him he should be restored to his former favour Such industry was used to compass his design that at length he had a private meeting with Alphonso at Alcantara the Count being then absent At this conference the King 's former affection was so revived that he offered to carry him immediately to Court But Conti fearing his sudden and unexpected return might prove dangerous desired it might be put off for the present only praying the King that he would recal from banishment those Noblemen who had been exiled for adhering to his Mother This interview and the proposal made by Conti being made known to the Count by one that had overheard their discourse he soon discovered the design was to make a party to ruin him To the End then to prevent his Enemy and turn that destruction upon himself he employed several Spies to observe all his words and Actions not sparing any expence for intelligence By these means at length he discovered that Conti had conspired with the Noblemen to restore the Queen to the regency A conspiracy against the King discovered and mercifully puninished leaving the King nothing but the empty name and Title without any power or Authority Having got knowledge of this Treasonable practice and found witnesses to prove it he instantly acquaints the King who appointed judges to examine the matter Upon a full hearing and sufficient proof several of the conspirators were convicted and yet tho' by his Enemies the King had always been accused of excessive cruelty not one of the Criminals suffered death only D. Theodosius de Melo Brother to the Duke de Cadaval was banished Five Leagues from Lisbon Sebastian Cesar de Meneses into Algarve and Antony de Conti to O Potro The General depositions involved the Queen Mother in the common guilt whereupon a Secretary was sent to examine her but she refusing to answer the King let that fall Count Castelmelhor puffed up with this success removed from the apartment he was in before to another nearer the King where it being observed by such as envied him that more Court was made to him than to the King himself his name was thereby rendred the more odious and he being now arrived to the highest pitch of his greatness and capable of no increase began soon after to decline Simon Vasconcellos Brother to Count Castelmelhor The Counts brother favourite to thâ— Infante after serving in the Army several Years with great Reputatation coming now to Court so gained the ascendant over the Infante that it was observed as very remarkable to see the two Royal Brothers so vastly differing otherwise in inclinations yet so addicted to these two Brothers that they seemed not to move without them Soon after the Infante falling sick Vasconcellos attended him with such dilligence that he not only confirmed himself in his favour but incurred the ill will of all his other principal Servants who upon this disgust quitted the Infante's Service but very few days past before they were all recalled by the King except only the Count de Ericeira All things being thus restored the King preferred Vasconcellos not only to be Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber to his Brother but also constituted him Superintendant of his House This his preferment again displeasing the Family they all quitted their Employments and it being too great a condescention to recal them again others were put into their places for the most part creatures of Count Castelmelhor and therefore not acceptable to the Infante He thereupon thinking himself beset with so many Spies resolved to alter his course of Life so as he might become less suspitious to his Brother and at the same time more popular The Infante counterfeits a Religious Life to gain followers Nothing could be more fit for these designs than Religion to that therefore he seemed wholly addicted being sedulous at Prayers visiting Churches reading pious Books conversing with Religious Persons and employing the rest of his
time in other Studies Being thus taken up he seldom visited the King as if he had been wholly bent upon Heavenly Affairs Some thought his change of Life to proceed from a Disaster which hapned and was that Augustin de Ceuta fell suddenly dead at his and the King's Feet but those who pretended to see farther thought it only a politick device to gain applause and get the Crown from his Brother Whilst these things were in agitation A match concluded for the King on the 1â—th of March 1665 arrived at Lisbon the Marquess de Sande from France where he had concluded a Match for the King with the Princess of Nemours and by the Infante's order had made overtures on his behalf to the Duke of Bouillons daughter which also had taken effect so far as they were agreed in words tho' the Articles were not signed This Marrige was proposed in order to secure the succession of the Crown in case the King as had been given out should be incapable of getting Children But now the Infante having changed his mind upon what account is uncertain could by no perswasions be prevailed upon to consent to this marriage although the King himself pressed it very home This match being thus broke off the Marquess de Sande having in order to conclude for the King first enquired whether the report that went of the King's impotency were true was assured by the Count Castelmelhor that the King had already several illegitimate Children which was a sufficient evidence against that imputation All things being then disposed for the comming of the Royal-Bride the Marquess returned to France to Conduct her to Lisbon On the 25th of February 1666 The Queen motherdyes the Queen Mother falling sick and perceiving her End to approach sent to both her Sons who according to custom were then at their diversion of Hunting at Salvaterra to come and take their last Farewel of her They came not till the 3d day after when having kissed her hand and received her blessing they departed and within an Hour after she expired making a very Pious and Religious End She was a woman of a wonderful resolution a great Soul and singular wisdom which appear'd in the administration of the government both in Peace and War It was she that pushed her husband to take the Crown she helped to keep it on his head and she by her industry and care secured it to his posterity Her skill in matters of government was above the capacity of a woman and she was so sensible of the danger of discord betwixt brothers that she obstructed Edward brother to her husband King John from making his escape when he was confined by the Emperor least returning home he should not brook the greatness of the King his Brother But what appeared most rare in her was that being a Spaniard a name odious to the Portugueses yet she knew so to carry herself that she gained the Love and esteem of the whole Country Yet all these good Qualities were somewhat sullied by her unbounded ambition and insatiable desire of rule which were the cause she would never quit the government or Court till forced from them both and that she increased the hatred betwixt her two Sons by setting up the younger in opposition to the Elder In fine to give her her due her Verrues far surpassed her vices and it may justly be said of her that she was the glory of her Family the deliverer of Portugal and the honour of Spain The Queen Mother being dead the King believed himself more safe and on the contrary the Infante deprived of her support thought himself more exposed Count Castelmelhor who till then had stood in some awe of him because of her power acted now with more freedom Thus the Infante growing more discontented The Infante grows discontented and the King jealous the King at the same time grew the more jealous of his reservedness and consequently averse to all those he saw him favour or cherish Upon these discontents some of his Servants fearing to offend quitted him and others were removed from him so that his retinue was much below the dignity of the Brother of a King Some days he bore with this hardship till the News of the New Queens being set forward obliged him to press the King that he might appear like himself at her reception The King ordered him to give the Names of such as he desired should attend him but not approving of those he made choice off nothing was concluded upon tho' many debates passed betwixt them on that account At length on the 2d of August 1666 the Fleet which brought the Queen entred the River of Lisbon the News whereof being brought to the King he is reported to have received without the least demonstration of joy or satisfaction which was then looked upon as an ill omen of the future success of that Marriage The Marquess de Ruvigny who Commanded the French Fleet having sent to the Infante to beg leave to pay his respects to him he layed hold of this opportunity to put the King in mind how dishonourable it was to them both that the Admiral should find him so ill attended What could be done in so sudden an Emergency was that the King sent his own Servants to attend his Brother during that Ceremony This was no way pleasing to the Infante who being highly incensed against Count Castelmelhor The Infante enraged against Count Castelmelhor as the only man that had obstructed his having those Servants he desired forbore not openly to revile and threaten him with the severest punishment when occasion should offer which Vasconcellos the Counts Brother who was present resenting went away and quitted his Service So now there remained with him but two Servants of any Note or Quality whereupon he sent a message to the King to desire he would give him leave to retire from Court since he would not allow him to live in that Splendor that was due to him Nothing could have more incensed the mind of the King than this message did insomuch that thoâ— Count Castelmelhor fearing least the discord betwixt the two brothers should run too high used all his interest to obtain of the King for the Infante those Servants he desired he could never prevail Therefore the Infante perceiving the King's obstinacy was not to be overcome since it had not yielded to the intreaties and power of the Count when he had amidst the rest of the crowd hid his want of attendance at the Queens solemn entry into Lisbon he withdrew himself to Quelas a League and a half from the City accompanied only by Roderick de Meneses Fame having immediately spread abroad not only through the City but through the whole Kingdom the News of his retreat the universal report was that all things were preparing for a Civil War At Lisbon Peter's party was already more numerous than Alphonso's the vertues of the former were every where extolled and
India or some other remote parts of the World yet so that if he should make resistance or attempt to escape then he should be killed Many days passed not before the Count had intire Information of the whole Conspiracy against him and having layed it before the King he was by him impowered to use such means for their common Security as he should think most effectual He presently doubles the Guards at the Palace arms all his own Creatures set his Spies and stirs not out of the Palace without a sufficient Train and Guard for his Security This sudden change at Court alarm'd the City so that the People ran in heaps to the Palace for Information but finding that there was no interruption of publick Affairs nor any thing but the increase of the Guards they soon dispersed and returned to their Houses The Infante finding his project defeated to avoid all Suspition retired to his Country-House at Quelas Whilst he was there almost in despair for the great disappointment he had received a Discovery was made or pretended to be made for the certainty of it could never appear that the Count had hired People to poison him Hereupon his Partizans advise him to be very circumspect in securing himself and they on their part were not wanting in spreading abroad the danger they pretended him to be in Having thus prepared the Multitude and being sensible that the Count could not but study to secure himself by his downfal the Infante made instant application to the King to punish him according to the hainousness of the Offence he alledged To this effect he wrote to the King acquainting him that he was convinced the Count practised against his Life that therefore he demanded he should be banished from the Court or else that he himself should be forced to fly into Foreign parts for Safety Both the King and Count having read this Letter referred the whole matter to the Council of State There it was fully discussed one party affirming that it was a Presumption at one time to accuse the King's Favourite and assign his Punishment in such a manner as seemed to threaten the King himself that if the Count were justly accused he ought to be tryed according to the known Laws of the Kingdom and if convicted to be punished but that if it should appear he was wronged care ought to be taken least the Prince's aspiring practices should not be prejudicial to the King The other side on the contrary being devoted to the Infante's Interest urged all the plausible Reasons they could gather to shew that he ought to be complyed with Right or Wrong either in regard he was the King's Brother or for fear he might effect that by force which he could not obtain by Entreaty After conferring both Opinions they came to this Resolution That it should be put to the Tryal The King offers the Infante Satisfaction whether the Infante could be appeased by Submission and all manner of humble Application To this effect the Marquess of Marialva was sent by the King to acquaint the Infante that the Count was â—â—ady to come and beg his Pardon upon his Knees But he considering that to accept of this Submission would no way forward his End for that the Count would still remain at Court after two days delay sent back the Marquess with his Answer signifying that nothing but the Banishment of the Earl could satisfie him Alphonso hoping his Brother's Fury might abate in time delayed sending to him again for the present whereat he being the more enraged caused a Letter to be deliver'd to the King among other things threatning not to appear at Court as long as Coâ—nt Castelmelhor continued in it A Cabinet Council being called upon this second Billet some were for apprehending the Infante himself as now grown too dangerous others more moderate were only for securing his Family and Adherents and so leaving him naked This latter Advice was approved off but the Execution being delayed and Peter having received Intelligence thereof he stood upon his Guard arming all his Followers and promising to live and dye by them Next he summons the Counsellors of State The Council and Magistrates of Lisbon combine with the Infante and Magistrates of Lisbon who being met at his House he inveighed before them against the King his Brother and Count Castelmelhor impeaching him of Practices against his Life and desiring their assistance to be revenged of him since the King would not consent to his Banishment After having spoken to this effect he gave them the same in Writing to which they unanimously answer'd they would stand by him and support his Dignity to their utmost It is easie to conceive how much King and Count were concerned at this audacious proceeding The King fearing the faction offers to compound with the Infante which was an absolute usurpation upon the regal Authority for it was no less in the Infante to summon the Tribunals and in them it was not much less than Treason to obey the Summons but above all to ingage to stand by him Finding by this Tryal how great the strength of his Party was they resolved if possible to mollifie him and therefore the King sent to him to discover who were the Count's Accusers that so he might be proceeded against in due form of Law The Infante positively refused to discover the Evidence unless the Count were first removed from Court Alphonso put it to the Council and ablest Lawyers whether it were legal and beseeming the King's Dignity that the Count should be removed before the Witnesses were known and it was carryed by the Majority that the demand was unjust and unreasonable This their result under their Hands the King sent to his Brother at the same time sending away Expresses to the Commanders on the Frontiers and Sea-ports to suffer no Man to depart the Kingdom By these means the expectation of a Civil War which till then had gone no farther then Lisbon was spread abroad throughout the whole Kingdom The Infante advising with his Friends upon the result of the Council sent him by the King they came to this Resolution that in case his Majesty persisted in protecting the Count then Peter without his consent should speed into the Province beyond the Mountains where the Count of St. John had the command of the Forces which he should march to Lisbon and joyning with the multitude by open Force should constrain the King to comply with all his demands Having fixed this Resolution he sent the King a long Letter full of invectives against the Count and complaints that he could not obtain Justice concluding that his Majesty made more account of the Earl then of him and seeing both could not live together he had resolved to quit the Court. Upon what Account he intended to withdraw we have seen but just before not to submit to the King's Will but to force him to comply with his And though he pretended privately
to withdraw himself yet the preparations for his Journey were so publick that there was none so blind who could not discover it Nor was this done without cause for the report of his removal being spread abroad and that it was in the nature of a Flight from the Favourite the whole City began in a moment to rise in mutiny several of the Nobility openly fomenting it and declaring that was the day on which according to an antient Propheâ—ie Lisbon mutinies at the instigation of the Nobility the Streets of Lisbon were to run with human Blood Seven Thousand Men are reckoned to have appeared that day in Arms to stop the Infante's Journey and to decide the Controversie betwixt the Count and him This popular Fury being made known to the King and Count they both perceiving themselves too weak to withstand the violence of that Storm resolved instead of that lofty Course they had followed before to stoop to Necessity and try what good Words could work upon the Infante To this purpose the King sent him a Letter full of most loving Expressions desiring him to suppress that Tumult which had been raised on his Account and to come to Court where all things should be disposed to his Satisfaction The Answer to this Letter was in no less obliging Terms only in the Conclusion the Infante again intimated that the King must resolve either to part with the Count or him and must take his choice before things came to Extremity Count Castelmelhor perceiving that neither Threats nor Intreaties prevailed upon the Infante and that the mutiny in the City was grown to such a head it would endanger both the King and himself resolved at last to consent to leave the Court the King promising him that as soon as that Storm were blown over he would take a progress on pretence of visiting the Frontiers and in his return would restore him to the Court The Queen assists the Infante and to his Favour But least his Banishment should seem wholly extorted by the Infante he perswaded the Queen to interest her self in that affair and beg it of the King that he so might rather seem to have condescended to her intreaty than to the necessity imposed upon him by his brother She fearing to disoblige the Infante or thwart his designs would not intermeddle in it till by a messenger sent to him she had his direction how to proceed Nor was she satisfyed with one message but sent again for more particular instructions so great was her concern for him and so little for her husband Being now fully informed of his will she concludes the business with the King and Count who submitted to withdraw himself upon faith given for the safety of his person But before he departed he would have articled that the Infante upon his removal should clear him from the imputation of the design of poisoning him Whether his conscience accused him of any such practice or whether he feared being once cast down his innocence could not protect him against the malice of his Enemies is uncertain Thus the Count being assaulted on all fides by the Infante by the Queen by the Nobility and by the multitude and not able to stand the shock of so many Enemies at length withdrew from the Court The Count withdraws and lodged himself in a Monastery about Seven Leagues from the City But as his expulsion was not the End but rather the means to compass the designs then carryed on so the divisions and distractions at Court instead of ceasing increased for as long as the ambition of the Infante and the King's neglect of the Government lasted only the pretence but not the cause of these troubles was removed Nothing could be more grievous to the King The King in great perplexity than to consider that upon all occasions his brother being backed by the multitude extorted from him whatever he desired which made it plain to him that at last he would not forbear to aim at or fail of wresting from him the Crown His violent nature made him more open when he should have been most circumspect and therefore his thoughts being filled with the hatred his Brother bore him the jealousy he had of his Wife the perfidiousness of the People and the disloyalty of the Nobility he could not forbear inveighing against his Brother in publick and even before the Queen who he knew gave the Infante a particular account of all his words and Actions In this perplexity he caused the extraordinary companies that had been raised by Count Castelmelhor to be filled up for the security of the pallace The Infante resolves to proceed On the other side the Infante flushed with success resolved wholly to root out all that was left of the Favourites party about the King for tho' the Count himself was removed yet his creatures remained at Court and nothing of moment was Transacted without his advice had by messengers betwixt them Before the Infante could put his designs in practice he was advertized by the Queen of all the words the King daily let fall against him The King betrayed by the Queen and perhaps of more than ever had been spoken This intelligence caused him to hasten the Execution of his projects The principal men at that time remaining near the King of Count Castelmelhor's faction were Henry Enriquez de Miranda Emanuel Antunez and Antony de Sousa de Macedo the Secretary of State Of these the chiefest was Miranda whom therefore the Infante resolved first to destroy and to that end sent some privately to warn him to depart the Court before he run himself into greater danger Despair so seized the unfortunate man considering the expulsion of the Count that he attempted to kill himself but being prevented he fled fearing to be torn in pieces by the Rabble Count Castelmelhor having received information hereof instantly advised the King to be circumspect in all his words and Actions for that it was easier by fair means to supplant his Brother than by open Force His advice being approved by the King upon the next occasion that offered he summoned his Brother to appear in Council where some important matter was to be debated but no kind messages or Letters were of any Force to move him to come till the Queen sent for him when he appeared with a great Train of followers and full of dissimulation The King received him not so coldly as before but being no Master of the Art of Counterfeiting could not so well hide his just displeasure as the other However this feigned reconciliation might have produced some good Effects The King makes choice of Antony de Sousa de Macedo in the place of the Count. had it not been decreed by fate that the unhappy King must perish To hasten his ruin it fell out that Alphonso who was not used to that continual burden of business seeking on whom he might lay that weight pitched upon Antony de
Souza de Macedo one of the Counts creatures who for some words spoken to the Queen had been ordered into banishment but unknown to her lay concealed at Court In order to raise him to the Honour of prime Minister the King begged of the Queen that she would forgive his offence and consent that his banishment should be remitted but notwithstanding his repeated instances and submissive intreaties she remained implacable Alphonso thinking to Conquer her obstinacy by extenuating the crime put into her hands the order of Council for his banishment wherein it was expresly set down that rather for to satissfy her resentment than for that his fault deserved such punishment they had for some days thought fit to send him into exile This which should have been a motive to appease so enraged her that she flew out into many extravagant speeches unbeseeming a private woman and much more a Queen The Queen 's undecent behaviour towards the King and after venting her fury in this undecent manner without any regard to the King's presence she flung into another Room whence she sent a billet to him demanding to have Antony de Souza severely punished The King hoping her passion would fall by degrees and that she might be brought to reason shewed not her billet according to custom to the Council of State but she on the contrary becomming dayly more intractable and he not able long to hide his resentment their animosities swelled to such a pitch that the Court was almost empty all men shunning him as declining and she admitting none to her presence being wholly Transported with the desire of Revenge Mean while Antony de Souza appeared more openly in the pallace than he had done before being always well attended to prevent danger But there wanted not those who soon spread it among the People that he threatned the City in case he were expelled the Court that he would repair to the Army with the which he would return to punish their Rebellion with fire and Sword Many such like discourses were framed and given out on purpose to incense the People against the King and fix their affections upon his brother as their deliverer from Tyranny and oppression Things being thus disposed the Infante to requite the Queens Favours and raise himself one step nearer to the Crown resolved by open Force if other means failed to expel Antony de Sousa from the Court. In order hereto on the 5th of October 1667 he went from his House to the Pallace accompanyed by a great Number of the Nobility The Infante heads the Rabble and all the Rabble of the City following in a most Tumultuous manner Being come to the Pallace he stayed till all the Councellors of State summoned by him the day before were come that the foulness of the Action might be somewhat disguized by their presence They being all come he enters with them the King's Bed-Chamber before he was awake who was not a little surprized to see such a croud Rush in upon him at so unseasonable an hour Then the Infante told him that his Crown and Person were in extream danger the multitude being in Arms about the Pallace demanding Antony de Souza should be delivered to them to receive condign punnishment for the affront he had done to the Queen To these words he added more threats in the name of the People but as he would have run on the King in a rage interrupted him calling aloud for his Sword The Infante according to his usual dissimulation calmly offered him his which he would not accept The Noise of the Multitude filling the Pallace brought the Queen to the King's apartment where she found him in a violent passion and enquiring as if she had not known what the matter was he told her that Antony de Souza in malice and despight to his Authority had been murdered and that now they came in Tumultuous manner to force him to pardon the murderers But she who knew better replyed that Souza was living which the King would not believe till the Duke of Cadaval having dragged him from his lurking place brought him into his presence At his sight he was somewhat appeased and then the Queen Infante and the rest of their followers left him abruptly When they were gone the King said he forgave them who had so undecently urged the expulsion of Antony de Souza to which the Count de Sabugal then present insolently answered they stood not in need of pardon but deserved praise and this he repeated till the King told him he would bestow pardon and praise where each was requisite So much is regal Authority depressed when faction prevails Antony de Souza this Tumult being over continued still in the Pallace which the Infante observing consulted with his Friends what was next to be done One among them hotter than the rest said the next thing was to assume the Crown whilst the Peoples affection stood for him but he took him up very short being unwilling as yet to have the secrets of his heart pryed into as fearing an Action done in that Tumultuous manner could not be durable Antony de Sousa and Emanuel Antunes the remaining Friends of the King forced to fly It was resolved that Antony de Souza and Emanuel Antunes should be threatned with death unless they departed the Pallace They perceiving no power was left in the King or their friends to protect them stole away privately without the King's knowledge by Night Next Morning the King missing them ordered search to be made for them The King abandoned by all Men. but in vain for his orders were wholly neglected In this Condition finding himself forsaken by his Friends and oppressed by his Enemies he knew not which way to turn himself or of whom to ask Advice His Council sided with the Infante his Queen favoured him the People followed and the Nobility adhered to him Thus all things being in extream Confusion even the moderate party began to think no way was left to settle Peace and restore Tranquility but the assembling of the Cortes or Parliament The Magistrates of Lisbon and the Common Council were the first that petitioned the King to summon the three Estates but he being sensible the only design was to dethrone him put them off from day to day without any positive Answer Whereupon they took the boldness to write to all the principal Towns of the Kingdom exhorting them by importunate petitioning to extort the King's Consent A few days after the Council of State at which were present the King Queen and Infante unanimously made their Application to him to the same effect but he being the more convinced it was a design lay'd against his Person became the more obstinate in refusing so that nothing was done for that day But the next day the Council meeting again and sending him a most audacious remonstrance full of invectives against his Conduct and urging the necessity of assembling the three Estates and
besides not only the Magistrates and multitude of Lisbon but generally of the whole Country pressing upon him with Threats and open Violence he was at last constrained contrary to his Inclination to comply with their demands For it was now come to that pass that the Council did not advise but command him wheresoever he went the clamours of a Parliament followed him and from all parts Letters were brought urging the same thing It was now equally dangerous to him to refuse or to call the Cortes for the intent was not to do justice by calling them The King forced by his Enemies to call the Assembly of the States but to palliate disloyal practices under that Name Not content to have extorted a complyance to the meeting of the States though the King desired it might be delayed till his return from Salvaterra which would be about the middle of February they obliged him to send out the Writs of Summons for the first of January 1668 so impatient is the desire of Rule After this Violence committed upon him the King finding himself beset on all â—ides by his Enemies and no hope left of safety among them his Crown Liberty and Life being all in eminent danger he resolved to fly to some other place To this purpose he caused Horses to be provided and Boats upon the River He designs to fly to the Armâ— but is prevented by his Brother thinking to try his Fortune in the Province of Alentejo but his Brother who wanted not Intelligence having all the Power prevented his Design The time appointed for the meeting of the Cortes or Parliament being come the Queen who well knew the King would be deposed by them The Queen knowing the King would be deposed flies to a Monastery disdaining to appear her self in a less Sphere than that she had been raised to resolved before Hand to separate her self from him Accordingly on the 21st of November 1667. she retired to the Monastery of Franciscan Nuns called Esperanca into which when she was entred she gave out she was a Maid as being untouched by the King and that she came thither for refuge amidst those Confusions that embroiled the Kingdom Presently after she sent the King a Billet writ with her own Hand to this effect That she had left her Country and Friends to become his Wife but finding she was not acceptable to him and fearing the dangers that threatned on all sides she had resolved to return into France That she desired his leave and the restitution of her Dower since the Marriage was void for want of Consummation Having read this Billet the King was so enraged that he immediately took Coach with a resolution to force her from the Monastery but the Infante who was privy to the whole matter was there before him with a vast Company and withstood him so that he was forced to return without doing any thing Amidst all his Misfortunes and the Affronts put upon him nothing so nearly touched Alphonso as this last offered him by the Queen As soon as setled she sent for the Infante and conferred with him in private as was then given out about her return into France but the more received Opinion and approved by the Event was that there they agreed to be Marryed as soon as her Marriage with the King could be made void Her next Care was to send to the Chapter of the Cathedral Church of Lisbon to desire their Judgment for the dissolution of the Marriage then she sent for all the Nobility who being come into her Presence she demanded their Assistance and Protection and lastly she sent an Express into France to acquaint the King and her Kindred with what she had done Mean while King Alphonso overwhelmed with such a continual stream of disasters following one upon the Neck of another being insulted by the Commonalty contemned by the Nobility deluded by his Brother and forsaken by his Wife stood as one amazed and almost stupified not knowing what course to take Nor was there any left to extricate himself out of this Labyrinth of Confusions and Miseries But now approached the last act of this Tragedy and all that had been before acted under a mask must appear bare-fac'd to the World Therefore the Council of State being assembled together with the Magistrates of the City it was resolved the King should be layed aside and the Government put into the hands of his Brother Yet that the Action might appear the more justifiable they agreed to endeavour to perswade the King to resign up the Government to his Brother but in case he refus'd then it was concluded he should not only be deposed but imprisoned However that it should be left to the determination of the Parliament whether the Infante should be enthroned as King or the King restored to his Liberty This Decree being passed in the morning by break of day the whole Council went without the Infante to acquaint the King with their Resolution Amongst them the Marquess of Cascaes more insolent then the rest being told by the King's Servants that he was still asleep bid them awake him at the same time fell himself a knocking rudely at his Door Insolent words of the Marquess de Cascae◠〈…〉 The King being thus disturbed ordered the Council to be admitted Then the Marquess of Cascaes with a loud Voice accosted the King in these very Words without the least respect or common Civility Thou lyest wallowing in Sloath and Pleasures when the ruin of the Kingdom threatens thee and us through thy Fault Therefore since thou art unfit to Rule or get Children pass from thy Self willingly that Burthen which thou art not able to bear to thy Brother Peter least the Kingdom be deprived of a King and the Royal Family of an Heir and least thou be forced to that against thy Will which thou wilt not freely consent to The rest of the Council spoke to the same effect though not altogether in such audacious Language The King tho' surprized at so trayterous a Proposition answered That he was a lawful King and brought to that pass by the Malice and Perfidiousness of his Enemies Alphonso resolutely denies to resign the Crown but that however no Fear or Danger should force him to resign the Crown as long as he had Breath to draw yet if they would use Violence to him that then he would appeal for Justice to the supream Tribunal which is above all Kings against those that violated his Authority and wrongfully snatched his Crown Being thus disappointed of their first attempt the Council repaired to the Infante where they protracted their Debates till late at Night for being resolved to use force they feared least the People who before took their part against the Favourites should be of another Mind when the matter came to touch the King's Person However after much time spent in fruitless projects they came to this Resolution That the King should be forcibly deposed and
imprisoned that for the better palliating that odious Action and involving the People as a party in it the Infante himself accompanyed by all the Nobility and Magistrates should put it in Execution that the King's confinement should be at first concealed till by spreading abroad several rumours the People were prepared to allow of it and lastly that either by Art or Threats the King should be obliged to sign an Act of Renunciation The Infante heads the multitude and sets upon the King and exâ—orts from him an instrument of Resignation to the end it might be thought the King had voluntarily given up the Government to his Brother All things being thus disposed at break of day the Infante repairs to the Palace attended by an infinite multitude There he set a Guard upon the King and having locked all the Doors that led to his Apartment he sent Antony Cavide to notifie to him that by the general consent of the Kingdom he was deprived of the Government and his Liberty and also by the most terrible Threats to extort from him the signing of the Instrument of Resignation prepared for him The unfortunate King seeing himself wholly in the power of his Enemies and fearing the utmost effects of their Malice signed the Instrument which was immediately made publick as a justification of the Treasonable Practice It contained in substance that he freely resigned the Government to his Brother Peter and his Heirs reserving only to himself Three Hundred Thousand Cruzados a Year with the Mansion House of the Family of Braganza A Cruzado is Four Hundred Reis of Portuguese Money and Three Thousand Reis is just Twenty Shillings English so that 300000 Cruzados makes the just Sum of 37500 l. Sterling But how well even this miserable Composition for a Crown was observed may appear by his being kept ever after a Prisoner with only a few Servants of no Note such as his Brother thought fit to allow him so that in all probability his Expence could not amount to the tenth part of that Summ. The unhappy King being thus dethroned The Cortes meet and made Prisoner the Cortes or Parliament summoned by him met soon after at Lisbon about the beginning of February 1668 to destroy him by his own Authority At first there were great Debates amongst them whether it were at all lawful to take an Oath to Peter as Regent and next Heir to the Crown or whether the Crown should also be transferred to him some doubting whether the first were justifyable and others more violent urging the latter ought to be done At last the Majority agreed to the setling the Regency and Succession upon Peter but were generally averse to his usurping the style of King thinking it enough that he who was judged unfit for Government was removed from the Helm Peter after having put it to the Vote whether he should assume the Crown finding his Pretension rejected endeavoured to have it believed he was averse from it But the Queen who intended to make him her Husband and could not endure to think of losign any part of her Title The Queen presses to have Peter declared King He is received as Regent or abating any thing of her Pride and being a Woman that knew not how to dissemble her Vanity urged the matter more home to the States who nevertheless decreed that he should exercise all the regal Power without assuming the stile The Controversie being decided there arose another which was whether the King should be allowed his Liberty or confined but in Conclusion it was determined he should undergo perpetual Imprisonment There had been a League offensive and defensive 1668. concluded betwixt France and Portugal Peace with Spain at the beginning of the Year 1667 against Spain by which the French were obliged to give the Spaniards a powerful diversion in Flanders which they performed with great Success After that some Overtures of Peace being made by the Spaniards the Portugueses began readily to give ear to them and though the French Ambassador pressed that the Negotiation might be in common with his Master as in justice according to the League betwixt them it ought to have been yet the Prince who now haâ—â— the Government more mindful of the peculiar Interest which was to secure the Power he had newly gotten then of what in Honour was due to France entered upon a separte Treaty of Peace with Spain His Majesty of Great Britain was the Mediator and in his Name the Earl of Sandwich assisted at the Conferences At length the Peace was concluded betwixt the two Crowns on the 13th of February 1668 and published 10th of March following This Peace was highly cryed up among the Rabble as an effect of the Government of the Prince when all Men plainly saw and were sensible that in reality the victories obtained by King Alphonso were the only motives that obliged the Spaniards to propose it and that the Overtures had been made while he was yet at the Helm which must have had as good a success had he remained time enough in the Throne to bring things to Perfection and perhaps he might have done it without the dishonour of abandoning his Confederates the French On the 13th of February 1668. the Chapter of the Cathredal of Lisbon with others they had culled out all prepared for the design pronounced the Marriage betwixt King Alphonso The Marriage of the King and Queen declared null and the Princess Mary Francis Elizabeth of Savoy null and that therefore both of them were left at Liberty to dispose of themselves Then the three Estates and Magistrates of Lisbon as they had been before directed moved the Prince and Princess that since the former Marriage was declared null they would consent to match together on pretence it was for the good of the Kingdom This they were moved to in regard they were unwilling to restore her Dower and the Parties were no less ready to consent to what themselves had before contrived and agreed betwixt themselves However tho' there had been care taken for the disanulling the former marriage by such persons as were wholly in the interest of the cause there was yet started a scruple that it was not Lawful to proceed to a new match especially with the Brother of the former husband without a dispension But the Prince though pretending only to comply with the Cortes had not been negligent in that Affair for not long after the Publication of the nullity arrived in Portugal the dispensation from the Cardinal of Vendosme the Popes Legate a Latere in France by which it appears the dispensation was granted by one that was a party interessed in the Affair and precedent to the sentence of nullity The Infante marries the Queen Upon these grounds they made no difficulty to proceed to the Nuptials the Ceremony whereof was performed at Alcantara by the Bishop of Targa Administrator of the Arch-Bishoprick of Lisbon on the 2d of April 1668. After
the marriage fresh instances were made that the Prince might be declared King by the Cortes but this attempt also proving ineffectual he notifyed to them that on the 9th of June following he would take his Oath to maintain the Laws of the Realm and receive from them theirs of fidelity which was accordingly performed The three Estates continued their Session after this till the first day of August 1668 when they broke up Several months being passed after the consummation of this marriage when the thing done was not to be retrieved without horrid scandal and embroiling the whole State of the Church then at last the Prince bethought himself of sending to the Pope to confirm the Cardinal's dispensation Pope Clement the 9th who sate in St. Peter's chair seeing no possibility of recalling what was past and relying upon the information of the Chapter of Lisbon did expedite a Brief directed to James de Sousa Chief Inquisitor Antony de Mendâ—za commissary for the Bull of the Croisade Martin Alphonso de Melo Dean of Evora Lewis de Sousa Dean of Porto and Emanuel de Meneses Arch-Deacon of Evora impowering them to dispense in his name with the said marriage This Brief was dated December the 10th 1668. These persons so authorised accordingly in the Popes name delared the marriage of King Alphonso null that of his Queen with the Prince to be good and valid and all the Children that were or should be gotten between them to be Legitimate which sentence they pronounced upon the 18th of February 1669. When the unfortunate King had been detained a considerable time Prisoner in the Pallace of Lisbon 1669. it was thought necessary to remove him King Alphonso sent prisoner to the Island Tercera least the People comming to themselves and commiserating the sufferings of their Sovereign should make some commotion that might endanger the present government It was therefore resolved to send him into the Island Terecera whether he was conveyed by the Count de Prado then Commanding the Portuguese Fleet and there continued several years under a strict Guard At length not only the People of Lisbon but throughout all Portugal understanding by those who came from that Island that he led a most miserable Life in that remote Island and was almost reduced to the last extremity through sufferings and anguish of mind there was cause to apprehend they would in time be moved to resent his calamities and perhaps be stirred up to revenge them upon those who were the cause thereof Besides it fell out that the King of Spain at the same time fitted out a Navy at Cadiz without declaring for what intent which being known at Lisbon those who dreaded the Return of the King as having been the promoters of his Ruin presently imagined it was to take him from his banishment For these reasons he was sent for with all possible speed and brought back into Portugal He is brought back and confined to the Castle of Cintra where he was lodged in the Castle of Cintra upon the Sea Coast not far from Lisbon In this place he was not only observed and Guarded but as closely confined as if he had been a common Malefactor the very Windows of his lodgings being made up so that he could not look out but that what Light he had came from above his height This account of his usage in that place I received from Dr. Reis a Phisitian at Lisbon whose Son was Phisitian to the King and who had several times the opportunity of seing him being sent for by his said Son to assist his Majesty when indisposed for scarce any body else was admitted to see him In this deplorable condition the wretched King continued till his death But before we give an account of his End it will be fit to set down those few matters of moment that preceded it And indeed there are but few things that can furnish matter for History Portugal ever since the conclusion of the Peace with Spain having been ingaged in no War nor furnished any other important subject to treat of Warlike Kings and turbulent governments are the properest for swelling of Histories the great accidents and Councels then occurring giving great variety to dilate upon but in a peaceable and quiet State there is little to be found more then the settled and regular proceedings which being always in a manner the same are not worth the writing because they neither delight nor instruct in the reading Some few things remain which being of no mighty consequence shall briefly be set down that we may at length put an End to this History The new Prince regent as has been said Birth of the Infante Mary Frances was Marryed to his brothers Wife Mary Frances Elizabeth of Savoy on the 2d of April By her he had before the End of the same year a daughter named Mary Frances the only fruit of that surprizing marriage And tho' at first it was looked upon as a great token that God approved of their proceedings by giving them issue so suddenly yet afterwards those very persons who cryed up this providence could not but be undeceived when they perceived that these Princes living together about 16 years never had any other Child and even she dyed without being marryed All things having succeeded prosperously to that Prince as he that had established himself in the government secured his Brother gained his Wife and now got a Daughter his only care was how to continue in amity with all the World that so he might firmly Establish his new attained power He preserved Peace both at home and abroad in such Tranquility that for several years there will remain nothing else memorable of him to posterity In the Year 1677 1677. the Portugueses of the continent of Brazil in America seeeking to extend their borders A Portuguese Colony at Rio de la Plata in America destroyed by the Spaniards which reached to the great River called de la Plata passed over the said River and Planted a Colony at Buenos Aires which the Spaniards looking upon as an incroachment upon them they gathered to a body in those parts and falling upon the Portuguese Planters put them all to the Sword Advice hereof being brought into Portugal the Prince Regent expressed his resentment by his Embassadour at the Court of Madrid demanding Reparation of dammages The thing was long in debate both parties arguing for their Right to the place and protracting time At length the Portuguese weary of delay began to let fall some threats of a War but with so little preparation to it that the Effects were not to be feared However the Spaniards being more inclinable to compose the difference amicably than to enter upon a War on so slight an occasion The difference adjusted sent into Portugal the Duke of Giovenazzo their Embassadour extraordinary who after several conferences with the Portuguese Ministers concluded the matteâ— to the satisfaction of both Parties
K. John III. p. 332 K Charles I. of England then Prince of Wales in Spain p. 367 Chindasuindus possesses himself of the Kingdom by force p. 100 K. Chintila holds two Synods p. 100 Christian and Moorish Armies Engage p. 346 Christian Dominions in Spain divided betwixt the two Sons of K. Alonso p. 123 Church setled p. 80 Church of St. James the Apostle in Galicia Dedicated p. 123 Cincinnatus succeeds Caesar p. 60 City Braga founded by the Carthaginians p. 19 City Mirtiry built by the Tyrians p. 21 Civil Broils p. 132 Civil War in Portugal p. 282 Citadel taken from the Spaniards p. 397 Conspirators incense the People against the Spaniards p. 392 Resolve to put their designs in Execution p. 387 Meet and execute their design p. 395 Their Deputies confer with the Duke at Almada p. 388 Claudius and Aurelianus Emperors p. 80 Claudius and Nero Emperors p. 75 Clergy joyns in Rebellion with the Laity p. 189 Cneus and Sextus the two Sons of Pompey in Spain p. 62. Coimbra taken by the Advice and Assistance of the Monks of Lorvan p. 144 Columbus after discovering America arrives at Lisbon p. 308 Combat betwixt two Women p. 267 Common complaints when subjects will rebel p. 186 Complaints made to the Pope and all things adjusted p. 186 Condition of Portugal p. 381 Considerable losses of the Portuguese in India p. 485 Conspiracy against the King of Castile discovered p. 258 Against the Protector p. 261 Against the New King John p. 403 To seize Cartagena p. 416 Against King Alonso VI. p. 544 Constantine the Great p. 80 Conti seized by the faction and sent to Brazil p. 536 Is recalled from Brazil but Banished the Court privately Meets the King p. 543 Conversion of Lusitanians from Arianism p. 94 Corocoâ—a a famous Robber p. 71 Cortes meet and instead of settling Peace widen the breach p. 280 Meet again p. 415 436 and 563. First Council of Braga p. 83 Council and magistrates of Lisbon combine with the Infante p. 553 Counterfeits personate King Sebastian p. 348 and 367 Count S. Lorerco his Actions in Alentejo p. 452 Crassus destroys near 40000 Spaniards p. 61 Croisade brought into Portugal p. 287 Customs of the Inhabitants p. 17 D. DEath of Prince Philip the Empress and others p. 333 Debates about proclaiming the Protector p. 261 K. Denis his Birth and Succession to the Crown He marries Elizabeth Daughter of Peter King of Aragon p. 209 Has differences with his Brother Alonso p. 210 Enters Castile the second time p. 211 Is chosen mediator betwixt the King of Castile and the lawful Heir then banished p. 213 An unjust sentence given by him against the rightful Heir p. 214 He is at variance with his Son p. 215 His structure and other Works p. 217 His Wife and Issue p. 218 Denis Son to K. Peter enters Portugal with an Army p. 269 Design to murder K. John p. 441 Differences betwixt Castile and Portugal composed by the Pope p. 195 In the Cortes about ransoming Prince Ferdinand p. 278 Adjusted p. 568 Discoveries in North America p. 319 Dolabella again subdues the Lusitanians p. 44 Double Treachery p. 484 Duke de Alva with the Spanish Forces draws near to Lisbon He passes the River Tagus p. 358 The Forts upon the River taken by him p. 359 Duke of Braganza refuses to go into Castile Is made General p. 364 Duke of Lancaster invited by the Portuguese Lands in Galicia with 2000 Horse and 3000 Archers p. 269 He meets K. John P. Henry of Castile marries his Daughter p. 266 Duke of Medina Sidonia being suspected in Spain Challenges K. John p. 408 Dutch contrary to Faith given take several places in India p. 425 In Brazil receive succours p. 437 Beaten out of Angola in Africk p. 449 Prepare to make War upon Portugal p. 454 In Brazil p. 376 They take the Capital City called Baja. p. 377 Other Actions of theirs after taking Baja. p. 378 E. EArthquakes p. 57 and 332 Earthquakes Inundations and Storms for 8 years p. 178 Eclipse of the Sun p. 245 K. Edw. holds a Parliament His Expedition to Tangier p. 276 He dies of the Plague p. 278 His issue p. 279 P. Edward his Birth p. 274 P. Edw. contracted to Ellenor Sister to Alonso K. of Aragon p. 272 Edward Brother to K. John IV. p. 435 Effects of love p. 142 Egica King p. 106 Q. Elizabeth's provocations and K. Philip's design against her p. 369 Ellenor II. Daughter to King Alonso married to Peter King of Aragon p. 227 Q. Ellenor flies to Castile p. 256 Princess Ellenor contracted to the Emperor Frederick III. p. 286 Elvas and other places delivered to K. Philip. p. 356 K. Emanuel his Birth and descent He is proclaimed King p. 313 Marries Elizabeth Widow of the late Prince Alonso p. 315 Then Marries the Sister of his last Queen Sends succours to the Venetians against the Turks p. 316 Founds the Monastery of Belem p. 317 His Queen delivered of a Son p. 318 He receives the Order of the Garter from K. Henry VIII of England Punishes his Lord Steward for his Cruelty to a Servant p. 322 His Eighth Son Born p. 323 Birth of his Tenth Child and Death of his Queen p. 324 He Marries again p. 325 His Death His Structures and other Works p. 327 His Wives and Issue p. 328 Embassadors sent to all Courts of Europe p. 401 Embassadors of Castile sent away without Answer p. 281 Emerita Augusta now Merida Founded by Augustus p. 69 Endeavours used for obtaining of Bishops but in vain p. 470 Endeca Usurps the Crown of Portugal p. 96 He is Deposed and shorn a Monk by Leovigildus the Goth. p. 97 Engagements by Sea p. 172 and 337 English and Portugueses take Towns in Castile p. 248 Enterprizes on the Frontiers of Alentejo p. 462 C. Ericeira succeeds D. Roderick de Castro in the Government of Tangier p. 489 Ervigius succeeds Wamba p. 105 His Actions p. 106 Exploits in India p. 342 F. FAbius Maximus defeats the Spanish Army and kills Curius their General p 38 Fabulous's relation p. 161 Faction levelled against the Favourite p. 551 Faithless proceedings of the Dutch in Brazil p. 429 False Sebastian executed p. 368 Famine in Portugal p. 318 Famous Battle of Aljubarata p. 263 The Account given of it by the Spanish Historians p. 264 Favila succeeds Pelagius p. 114 K. Ferdinand of Navarre kills K. Bermudo and becomes sole Monarch of Castile Leon Portugal Galicia and Navarre p. 141 He is called the Great His Conquests over the Infidels p. 143 Dying divides his Dominions p. 145 Ferdinand King of Portugal his Birth He engages in War against Castile p. 236 Enters into League with the Moorish King of Granada p. 237 Marries the Lady Ellenor divorced from her Husband p. 241 Joyns in League with John of Gaunt against Castile p. 242 Enters into League with the King of Castile against him of Aragon p. 244 Underhand treats with the Dukes of
Lancaster and York about subduing Castile p. 245 After the Peace he again submits to the Antipope p. 249 He falls sick p. 250 He dies His Character and Issue p. 251 Fifteen Thousand Spaniards slain by Mummius p. 30 Five persons appointed to govern after the Death of the King and Cardinal Henry the same to decide the Controversie concerning the succession p. 352 They rule Portugal p. 354 Flavius Gundemarus Reigns p. 99 Flavius Suintila Reigns He utterly expels the Romans p. 100 Fleet of Castile worsted by the Portugueses p. 211 Fleet of Castile ravages the Coast p. 248 Fleet of French at Porto p. 163 Fleet of English French and Flemmings in the River of Lisbon p. 164 Fleet sent against the Dutch p. 377 Forces of Castile overthrown by those of Portugal p. 146 Foreign Alliances concluded p. 410 Fort S. George on the Coasts of Africk p. 300 Francis Barreto prosecutes the War in Brazil p. 465 His further Actions in Brazil p. 470 He bolds the Dutch close Besieged in Brazil p. 476 Turns his blockade at Arrecife into a formal Siege p. 480 Francis de Lucena the Secretary put to Death upon account of a supposed Conspiracy p. 419 Froila a Portuguese Count rebels His submission p. 138 K. Fruela kills 60000 Moors p 115 Fruela II. Usurps the Crown p. 126 Fulvius overthrows the Spaniards p. 29 Funeral Pomp of the Lady Agnes de Castro p. 232 Further Discoveries in Guinea p. 307 G. GAlba governs the Province p. 32 Galba Emperor p. 76 Galicians overun the most part of Lusitania p. 66 Galienus Emperor p. 79 Garzia has for his part Galicia and the North of Portugal p. 124 Gargoris finds the use of Honey p. 12 Gascons come into Portugal and assist the Christians p. 136 General Council p. 276 Gerion comes into Portugal p. 5 He becomes King Introduces Idolatry p. 6 S. German Duke Besieges Olivenca p. 492 Goa Besieged by the Indians The Siege raised p. 571 Gonzalo Hermigues his Actions p. 169 Goths who they were p. 82 They enter Spain p. 85 Great and bloody Battle p. 111 Dearths and Storms p. 20 Famine p. 177 Fleet from Lisbon for the Conquest of Ceuta p. 271 Floods Storms and Sickness in Spain p. 65 Preparations in Spain and Portugal p. 422 Guimaraens betrayed to the New King p. 262 H. HAmilcar subdues all Spain p. 22 Hannibal settles in Spain p. 23 Marches into Italy p. 25 Henry the Count marries the Bastard Daughter of King Alonso of Castile p. 149 Opinions concerning him p. 151 His Original of Burgundy p. 153 His coming into Portugal He gains the Affection of King Alonso who marries his Aunt He takes to Wife Teresa the said King's Bastard Daughter and has in Dower the City Porto and its Territory p. 154 Overthrows the Infidels and takes Almanzor Prisoner For his good Services receives other Territories of King Alonso p. 155 Another Overthrow given by him to the Moors A Moorish King restored by him He performs other great Actions p. 156 His Death Character and Issue p. 157 Henry K. of Castile in Portugal p. 238 He invades Portugal p. 242 Quarters in the Suburbs of Lisbon p. 243 Henry Prince of Portugal marries Blanch Aunt to the King of Castile p. 220 He contracts with the Lady Constance Daughter to D. John Emanuel p. 221 Henry the Cardinal Regent p. 341 His Birth He is declared Protector and crowned King p. 349 His Death His Eulogy p. 353 Henry Son to the King of Congo comes into Portugal p. 322 Hercules governs Spain and leaves the Crown to Hesperus p. 10 Hercules the Theban in Spain â—verthrows Cacus p. 12 Hesperus deposed and Atlas set up in his pâ—ace p. 10 Hostilius Mancinus overthrows 30000 Spaniards p. 37 How things stood in Africk and India p. 444 Hypocrisie of a Nun. p. 367 I. S. James the Apostle in Spain p. 74 D. James de Lima Governor of the Province betwixt Duero and Minho p. 453 Iberus II. King of Spain p. 4 Jews conspire against the King and are punished p. 106 Fly out of Castile into Portugal p. 304 Banished the Kingdom p. 314 Ingratitude of certain Gentlemen p. 350 Inhuman Murder p. 140 Insolent Words of the Marquess de Cascais to the King p. 561 Interregnum of an Hundred Years p. 11 John Bastard Son to K. Peter aspires to the Crown p. 252 Before assuming the Crown he murders Count John Fernandez Andâ—yro p. 253 He is declared Protector of the Kingdom p. 254 The Castle of Lisbon taken by him p. 255 His Contrivances to usurp the Crown p. 256 He fails Sick p. 272 He dyes his Character Wife and Issue p. 273 His Arms discoveries in his time p. 274 His Funeral p. 275 John II. proclaimed King his Father arrives 4 days after p. 296 His Birth p. 299 He is again proclaimed King p. 300 Stiles himself Lord of Guinea p. 303 Is poysoned His Death p. 309 Is reputed a Saint his Virtues p. 310 More of his good Qualities p. 311 His Issue Discoveries during his Reign p. 312 John the III. King his Birth p. 329 He is proclaimed King p. 330 Marries Catherine Sister to the Emperour Ch. the V. p. 331 Sends Succors to the Emperour p. 333 Ordinances made by him p. 335 He dies p. 338 Actions abroad during his Reign p. 339 John the IV. proclaimed King in India p. 403 He rewards those that suffered for the Conspiracy at Carthagena p. 420 His last Sickness and Death p. 489 His Wiâ—e and Issue p. 490 John Prince of Portugal privately marries Mary Sister to Q. Elenor. p. 244 He murders her p. 245 John Prince of Portugal marries Joanna Daughter to Charles the V. He dies His Princess delivered of a Son p. 336 D. John of Austria with the Spanish Army invades Portugal Takes Aronches p. 501 Takes Alconchel p. 502 Burns and plunders the Country p. 503 Takes Villabuim and Borba Besieges Jurumenha p. 504 Takes Jurumenha p. 506 Enters Crato p. 507 Comes again into Portugal with an Army of 21000 Men. p. 509 Besieges Evora p. 510 Evora is delivered to him p. 511 Marches out of Evora to give the Portugueses Bartle p. 512 Is defeared Attempts Elvas and is repulsed p. 515 Islands of Bayona in Galicia p. 45 Jubelus III. King of Spain p. 4 Julian the Count Favourite to King Roderick p. 108 Is sent Ambassador into Africk p. 109 Meditates Revenge Brings the Moors into Spain p. 110 K. KIngs of the Alans and Suevians p. 83 King of Castile obstructs the Marriage of the Lady Constance p. 222 King of Castile marries the Daughter of K. Ferdinand p. 249 King of Castile invades Portugal Is at variance with Queen Ellenor p. 257 Kings of France and Portugal meet p. 294 King of Spain's Favourite disgraced p. 421 King bent upon publick Rejoycing for Peace p. 270 Kingdom of the Suevians united under Remismundus p 91 L. LEovigildus the Goth wars upon his Son Herminigildus on account of Religion p. 96 He
29 They try the Governor of Tangier without success p. 417 They carry off a great Booty p. 479 They besiegâ—â— Olivenza without success p. 445 Overthrown p. 11â— Spanish Army advances to relieve Badajoz p. 497 Spanish and Portuguese Fleets arrive at Brazil p. 379 Spanish Forces defeated p. 424 Spanish Army on the Frontiers of Portugal p. 427 Storms p. 239 Strange Action of a jealous Woman p. 197 Strange tryal of â—n innocent Bishop p. 135 Stratagem of the Christians against the Moors p. 141 Success of the Portuguese against the Dutch in Brazil p. 447 Suevians Vandals Alans Burgundians and Selingi p. 82 Suevians incorporate with the ancient Lusitanians p. 86 Suevians Alans and Selingi joyn in League against the Romans p. 87 Suppression of the Knights Templers p. 214 Synod at Toledo p. 98 T. TAgus V. King of Spain p. 5 Taking of Santarem p. 164 Talent used in Portugal p. 178 Tangier and India p. 456 461 465 Tantalus commands the Lusitanians p. 41 Tercera Islands for Antony the Bastard p. 361 They are reduced p. 362 Theodoricus having Conquered Spain puts it under Governors p. 90 Theodosius Prince of Portugal made Captain-General of all the Forces in the Kingdom p. 466 He dies p. 475 Three Brothers fall at variance p. â—45 Three Spanish Galeons secured in the River of Lisbon p. 39â— Tiberius succeeds Augustus in the Empire p. 74 Titus and Domitian p. 76 Total Eclipse p. 177 Trajan Emperor p. 77 He reduces the Lusitanians revolting p. 78 Truce for a year p. 225 Truce not duly observed p. 267 Tryal of Ordeal in use p. 119 Tubal Lands in Portugal p. 3â— He is first King of Spaâ—â— p. 〈◊〉 Tâ—lga succeeds p. 〈◊〉 Tumults against the Queen p. 〈◊〉 Two great losses to Portugal p. 380 Two Kings set up in Lusitania p. 90 Two Kings meet in friendly manner p. 244 Two Synods held by Recesuindus p. 101 V. VAlencia de Alcantara taken by the Portuguese Gener. p. 518 Vasco de Gama sent to discover India p. 314 Very small matter of martial exploits in the year 1655. p. 483 Vespasian Emperor p. 76 Vice Queen and others seized p. 396 Villaflor Count and Portuguese General marches to relieve Evora p. 511 Recovers Evora p. 155 Viriatus his Original p. 33 He is worsted by Metellus p. 34 Routs Vetilius defeats Plancius and overthrows Cl. Vnimaâ—us p. 35 Worsts Nigidius p. 36 Is obliged to retire by Fabius Emilianus p. 37 Rotus â—opilius and is himself put to flight by Pompey p. 38 He again defeats the Romans makes Peace with them The Peace broken p. 39 He is killed by Treachery His Funeral Pomp. p. 40 Viscount de Villa Pouca burns two Towns in Galicia p. 463 Visâ—o Duke conspires against the King's Life Is stabbed by the King himself p. 302 Vitellius Emperor p. 67 Vlysses in Portugal p. 13. W. WAmba his strange advancement to the Crown His Wars in France and Spain p. 102 Rebels in France subdued by him p. 103 War betwixt the people of Braga and Porto p. 76 Betwixt Castile and Portugal p. 210 224 In the Provinces betwixt Duero and Minho and Tarlos Montes p. 428 In Brazil p. 436. Betwixt the Romans and Suevians p. 87 Prosecuted in Brasil p. 461 Betwixt the Christian Kings of Spain p. 140 In India with the Dutch p. 477 In India unsuccessful to Portugal p. 482 Proceeds coldly on both sides p. 474 Renewed with Castile p. 296 Wetericus Usurps p. 99 Witisa Son to Egica Reigns in Portugal After his Fathers Death he is Monarch of all Spain His cruelties p. 107 Wonderful Dearth p. 14 Y. YOrk Duke arrives at Lisbon with 3000 Men. His Son contracted to the Princess Beatrix p. 247 The End of the Table